MPCC Surfeit of Blitz Marathon: 5+3

The Menlo Park Chess Club seeks to answer a simple question: How much blitz chess is too much? Over four consecutive Wednesday evenings in July we will hold four separate unrated blitz tournaments of ever-shortening time controls (5+3, 5+0, 3+2, 3+0), each with free entry and modest cash prizes. Where this event differs from most, however, is that players may optionally contribute $5 to an overall prize fund, to be awarded based on one’s performance through all four individual blitz tournaments (the marathon).

Every dollar contributed to the overall prize fund will be returned in marathon prizes. Additionally, any ties for cash prizes in the individual tournaments will see that money placed in the overall/marathon prize fund, to bolster existing and add new place prizes. For example, if two people score a perfect 4-0 to tie for first in the 5+3 event and one person takes sole third with 3.5-0.5, $40 will be added to the overall prize fund (the 1st-2nd tie, $25 + $15) while the person in 3rd place would take home $10 (see Prizes, below). If three or more people tie for first place then the entire $50 (1st-3rd prizes) will be added to the overall/marathon prize fund. The same applies to the under-17 prizes.

Note that each individual tournament is a standalone event and you may play in 1, 2, 3 or 4 of these tourneys as you please, with no obligation to chip in $5 unless you wish to take part in the marathon. Details follow:

• Format: Four separate Swiss-system tournaments in one section over four consecutive Wednesday evenings
• Dates: July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th — games begin at 7:00pm
• Control: July 6th, 5+3; July 13th, 5+0; July 20th, 3+2; July 27th, 3+0
• Rounds (#): July 6th, 4; July 13th, 4; July 20th, 5; July 27th, 5
• Entry Fee: $0 (MPCC will sponsor the prizes)
• Prizes: Each event will offer 1st, $25; 2nd, $15; 3rd, $10; Under-17 1st, $15, 2nd, $10
• Ties: If there is a tie for any cash prize the associated funds will be rolled into the overall purse mentioned above (yes, this is unusual but we think it may prove interesting and, given the entry fee is $0, there should be little complaint)
• Byes: We don’t need no stinkin’ byes (zero-point byes available any round)!
• Register: Click the Register button, above
• Boards, sets and clocks will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
• U.S. Chess Rules for Blitz Chess will be followed for all play in this event
• For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club or tweet @MenloParkChess
• Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events