Is there a re-entry option?
Players not participating in the Open section can drop out of the 5-day schedule and re-enter the 4-day schedule by paying $200 before the close of registration at 8:00 a.m. EST on October 7, 2016. However, the Open section follows FIDE norms and rules, which means there is no re-entry option available in that section.
What is the Redemption Jackpot?
The Redemption Jackpot is designed to give players who are having a tough start to the tournament a chance to win additional prizes. Players with 50% (2.0 points) or less after 4 rounds can pay $100 to enter the jackpot. The top scorers in the last three rounds will receive prizes. The winnings are based only on the last three rounds (maximum of 3 points). The jackpot prize pool is distributed as follows:
- 1st place: 25% of the pool
- 2nd place: 20% of the pool
- 3rd place: 15% of the pool
- 4th place: 10% of the pool
- 5th place: 5% of the pool
For example, if 200 players enter, the total prize pool would be $20,000, with the top prize of $5,000.
What is the Millionaire Chess Open’s sandbagging and security policy?
To ensure fairness, the Millionaire Chess Open has implemented several security measures. These include extra staff, security cameras, and plainclothes security personnel. The tournament will also use a strong ratings policy to prevent sandbagging and cheating.
Cheating Policy: Any player caught using electronic devices, speaking to unauthorized individuals, or engaging in any form of cheating will be immediately disqualified from the tournament and barred from future events. There will be no refund of entry fees for disqualified players.
Ratings Policy: To prevent sandbagging, the tournament will use a player’s highest post-event rating from events between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2016. Provisional ratings or ratings from non-verified foreign systems may result in a player being assigned to a higher section, and failure to disclose a rating could lead to disqualification.
Foreign Players: Players must provide proof of their rating from the past year to play in sections other than the Open. Players without a valid rating will be required to play in the Open section.
Provisional Ratings and Unrated Players: Players with provisional ratings or unrated status must participate in the Open section. To be considered non-provisional, a player must have completed at least 60 rated tournament games before August 31, 2016.
If I win a prize at the tournament, when will I receive my money?
Prize winnings will be distributed at the conclusion of the tournament. Winners must present two forms of identification: a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and a Social Security card. Players without the required IDs will have their prizes mailed after identity verification. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian with appropriate identification.
For quicker prize distribution, players can complete a W-9 form (for U.S. players) or W-8 form (for foreign players) prior to the event and submit it at registration.
These guidelines ensure that the tournament is fair, transparent, and rewarding for all participants. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out to the tournament organizers.