2020 (28th) David Zofchak Memorial Open

Saturday & Sunday, Nov 21-22, 2020

5 Rounds of USCF-rated Chess

$1,750 in prizes based on 50 paid entries.

Open Section: $400, $275, $150
Top U1800: $100

U1600 Section: $275, $175, $100
Top Class D, Top E, and Top U1000: $90 each

A VCF andVCF Cup Event.

ALL PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE MASKS
We will have masks available for $2.00 each -- so bring your own!!

How to Register for the Wait List	Due to the Governor's new COVID restrictions, we will be playing in 3 rooms at the hotel. There is PLENTY OF SPACE for social distancing. THe number of players is limited to sixty (60). Credit Cards, Cash or Check accepted on-site. *Re-Entry Fee is $30* ... which means if you lose in Round 1 you have the option to "Re-enter" the tournament in Round 2 with a 1/2-point Bye for Round 1. VCF will retain $5 from any withdrawn entries.
Tournament Site & Hotel Information	Sleep Inn Lake Wright, 1521 Premium Outlets Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. Chess Rate for Sthe leep Inn is $55+tax, or at the adjacent Quality Inn for $65+tax per night. "Adjacent" means "in the same building, you do not need to exit the Sleep Inn to enter the Quality Inn. You must BOOK YOUR ROOM by Friday, November 13th, or this room rate will no longer be available. To make your Reservation: Call the hotel at 757-461-6251 and mention the "*Chess Tournament*".
On-Site Registration	For $65 from 6-9PM on Friday evening, Nov 20th, and 8:00-9:15AM Saturday morning at the hotel. Players not registered and paid by 9:15AM Saturday risk not being paired for Round 1
Round Times / Schedule	Players play in one of two Sections: Open or Under 1600. The Open Section is for the strongest players, it is not for beginners. Everyone plays 5 rounds -- this is NOT an Elimination Event. Start times for each Round: * Saturday: Round 1 @ 10AM Rd 2 @ 1:30 PM Rd 3 @ 6 PM * Sunday: Round 4 @ 10 AM Rd 5 (Final round) @ 3 PM Time Control: * Round 1 is Game/75 with 10-second time increment * Rounds 2-5 are Game/90 with 10-second increment
Byes	*One* half-point bye is available--it is optional. Byes can be requested as part of your entry/registration, but must be locked-in 30 minutes before the start of Round 2 (by 1 PM Saturday). The only Bye changes allowed after the 1 PM cut-off time are to change your half-point bye to a zero-point bye. *Zero-point Byes in Round 5 are the same as withdrawing from the tournament.*
COVID-19 Precautions	- *SETS and CLOCKS will be provided for all players. You will not be allowed to use your own set or clock. Clocks and sets will be sanitized by the Tournament Staff in-between each round. - NO SPECTATORS* are allowed inside the playing hall ... NONE, so don't ask. - *ALL* *PLAYERS MUST WEAR FACE MASKS. Bring one and a couple of extras for yourself! - NO FOOD* allowed in the Playing Room. *Bottled drinks with caps, including personal water bottles, will be allowed, this includes water, soda, energy drinks, etc. Drinks in cups will not be allowed, even if the cup has a lid.* - *ALL PLAYERS will have their forehead temperature* checked at the start of each round and will be asked a set of Screening Questions at the start of both days of the tournament. *A forehead temperatture over 99.5 ... means you will not be allowed to play*. If you don't agree with this policy and procedures, then don't show up.
Membership Requirements	Current USCF membership is required. Check your USCF membership here. VCF Membership is required for all Virginia residents. $15 adult. $8 for players age 17 and under. Out-of-state Players not required to be VCF members. Click here to check your VCF Membership status.
For More Information	Contact the Chief TD, Cheryl Havens, at dancewhiz@gmail.com