Funchal Chess Open

Funchal is getting its own international chess open. From 26 November to 2 December the Madeira Chess Association, with the help of the Portuguese Chess Federation, runs the first Funchal Chess Open: nine rounds of classical, FIDE-rated chess at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds a move, a €13,000 prize fund and, alongside it, a tournament for players rated under 1900.

We are cheering for this one, and not only from the sidelines. Paulo Áureo, who edits this blog, will be at the board with his son. If you spot a father and son with a scoresheet each and slightly too much coffee, come and say hello.

Two tournaments

• Funchal Chess Open. A nine-round Swiss on FIDE standard ratings. Prizes run from €3,700 for first place to €300 for tenth, with extra prizes for the best woman, the best veterans over 50 and over 65, and the best junior under 18. Grandmasters, international masters and players rated over 2300 play without an entry fee.
• Funchal Chess Open U1900. For players rated below 1900, on the same days and with the same time control, with its own prizes (€400 for first). It is played at the sports complex of the Fundação Princesa Dona Maria Amélia in Funchal. The Open’s playing hall will be announced soon.

Schedule

• Thursday 26 November: opening ceremony and round 1 (17:00)
• Friday 27: rounds 2 and 3 (10:00 and 16:00)
• Saturday 28: round 4 (16:00)
• Sunday 29: rounds 5 and 6 (10:00 and 16:00)
• Monday 30 and Tuesday 1 December: rounds 7 and 8 (16:00)
• Wednesday 2 December: round 9 (10:00) and closing ceremony (15:00)

The times are those of the U1900 regulations, and the Open plays on the same days. A gala dinner and masterclasses are planned around the tournament. Spectators are welcome, but phones stay out of the playing area.

How to enter

Entry is €60 until 25 November, and residents of Madeira get 30% off. Send your name, FIDE ID and proof of payment by bank transfer to [email protected]. The payment details and the full regulations are on the tournament website. Phone: +351 931 962 025.

Coming from abroad

Late November is a good time for a chess trip to Madeira: the days are mild, usually around 20°C, and on 1 December, the day of round 8, the Christmas lights go on in downtown Funchal. For the free hours between rounds, see things to do in Funchal, and to plan the trip, getting to Madeira and where to stay.