IM Anna Zatonskih

The National Open is a unique chess experience, featuring a $100,000 Prize Fund with $70,000 guaranteed. Fred Gruenberg brought this tournament to Las Vegas in 1983 and the tournament retains his traditions of fun and excitement. Don't miss the National Open Experience!

The festival starts the day before the National Open with the Susan Polgar International Chess Camp. Full or half day sessions in small groups for players of all ages are led by chief instructor GM Susan Polgar, GM Dmitry Gurevich, GM Ben Finegold and others. Also on Thursday the U.S. Game/10 Championship, will be held on Thursday evening. Defending National Open co-champion, GM Varuzhan Akobian and U.S. Women's Champion IM Anna Zatonskih will each give a simultaneous exhibition on Thursday afternoon.

The Susan Polgar World Championships for Girls and Boys has it's own playing area. Players in the championships will be eligible for Scholarships and prizes. In addition to several Polgar side events, participants in these tournaments may also wish to participate in some of the open side events, such as the Scholastic Trophy Tournament.

Our new home at South Point Hotel Casino Spa.

The Las Vegas International Chess Festival returns to its new home at one of the newest luxury hotels on the strip. Just 4 miles south of the airport, South Point combines world class gaming with a family-friendly atmosphere including a 16-screen Century Theatre movie complex, 64-lane bowling center and eight restaurants that cater to all appetites and tastes. The South Point is offering $65 hotel rates for festival participants.

The Dean of American Chess, GM Arthur Bisguier, will be on hand to analyze player games. IM Anna Zatonskih will give a series of free lectures on how to improve your game. You can also fill your time with Rule Book Tactics by NTD Tim Just and more.

There will be live broadcast of games from the National Open, and possibly other events here and on the MonRoi web site.

Thank you to our many loyal players who keep coming back year after year, for the Chess Event of the Year: the Las Vegas International Chess Festival.