Net-Chess.Com 2004 Open Tournament

Yep, it only took three years to get the second "annual" tournament ready. To join, you must be registered as a net-chess user, and logged in. Simply click this button: . Unlike the 2000 tournament, there will be no cash prize for the winner, so there's no need to collect names and addresses.

The rules are basically the same as those for the 2000 tournament:

• There is no entry fee.
• Players may register only once (duplicate entries will be ignored if you accidently sign up twice).
• The games will be correspondence games.
• Computers may not be used to evaluate moves, board possitions, etc.
• Each round will consist of several six-player, two-game matches. (That means, you'll be playing 10 games simultaneously. Two games against each player, one as black, one as white). The number of players per match may change based on the number of participants in the tournament.
• Assignment in matches will be totally at random, the player's rating will play no role in match assignment.
• Time may or may not be added due to system outages. Any time added is at the descretion of the tournament director.
• Players may register until November 6, 2004.
• Round 1 of the tournament will start on November 7 2004.
• Each player will be given exactly 80 days of think time (this is the equivelant of 80d+0d). Time may be added to finish a long game if needed, but is at the descretion of the tournament director. (Typically this rule will only be invoked for games which go on to 50+ moves, but will not be invoked because you had to go on vacation for a week.) Rounds two and three will use time controls of 60d+0d.
• The game clock will begin ticking immediatley at midnight. Players should log in to view their games wether or not an e-mail notification is received.
• Players must make their first move within 10 days of the game beginning where they play as white. When playing black, players must make their first move within 10 days after white makes his first move.
• Round 1 winners will be selected based on:
  • Number of games won.
  • Number of games won due to a time-out.
  • Playing strength.
  • Strength of opponents.
• Round two will begin about 30 days after round 1 ends. Those selected to proceed to round two will have their names listed on the 2004 Tournament page.
• Further rounds will follow the same guidlines. Further rounds will continue until a final winner can be determined. (A good effort will be made to determine a winner within three rounds).
• The rules may be changed to help the tournament proceed more smoothly.