GM Axel Bachmann

“Probably no tournament in U.S. history was handled with more regard for the comfort and convenience of the players than the first National Open”, wrote Chess Life editor J.F. Reinhardt in 1965. We are proud to continue that tradition with the premier USCF National Championship and the Las Vegas Chess Festival which has grown around it.

This year former World Champion Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov will give a Simultaneous Exhibition Thursday evening. He will also give a free lecture and hold an autograph session during the festival.

The festival begins the day before the NATIONAL OPEN with the International Chess Camp. Full or half day sessions in small groups for players of all ages with instructors GM Melik Khachiyan, GM Ron Henley, GM Ben Finegold and others. The U.S. Game/10 Championship and other GM Simuls round out the activities for Thursday.

Grandmaster Karpov will host this year's International Youth Championship on Saturday and Sunday. Kids will also enjoy the Friday Trophy Tournament, the Youth Blitz and the Puzzle Solving Competition.

The Las Vegas International Chess Festival returns to THE STRIP and the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Newly Remodeled Garden Fresh Buffet

Over $20 million in remodeling has turned the Riv into a brand new hotel with a familiar face. New restaurants, refurbished guest rooms, a new lobby and an expanded casino welcome us back. The $59 chess rate ($89 Friday and Saturday) guarantees you a Signature or remodeled room with new furniture, flat screen TV and more.

The complimentary resort package includes access to the Fitness Center, free WI-FI, 800 calls from your room, half off beverages at Le Bistro Lounge,half off selected show tickets and more – all with no additional resort fee for Chess Festival guests.

Grandmasters Ron Henley and Melik Khachiyan will analyze your games after each round and will also give a series of free lectures on how to improve your game. You may also benefit from 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.