SMBCC Tournaments
Current Tournament
Boris Spassky Tournament
Three Tuesday evenings starting January 13th at 7PM. 3 rounds: G/90 + 10 increment. Classical USCF rated. Cash prizes based on entries.
Boris Spassky (1937–2025) was a Russian chess grandmaster and World Champion from 1969 to 1972. He learned chess as a child after being evacuated from Leningrad (today’s St. Petersburg) during World War II and quickly rose to prominence, becoming World Junior Champion and an international grandmaster in 1955. A two-time Soviet Champion (1961, 1973), Spassky was a World Championship Candidate seven times.
Spassky challenged for the world title three times: he lost to Tigran Petrosian in 1966, defeated Petrosian in 1969 to become World Champion, and famously lost to Bobby Fischer in 1972.
Pre-tournament Presentation: Brian Glover will present a game by Spassky on January 13th.

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Tournament Details
Dates: Tuesday evenings, starting January 13th. Registration at 7PM. Rounds start at 7:10 pm.
Time Control: 3 rounds of G90 +10 Increment.
Pairings are made according to the Swiss System. The top half of each score group plays the bottom half in rating order. Exceptions are made to avoid a repeat of opponents or 2 consecutive repeats of colors. If a score group has an odd number, the bottom rated player plays the top rated player of the next lower score group. Email smbchess@yahoo.com with questions.
No-Show Forfeit
- Players who do not show up for their game will be forfeited for that round and the next round.
- You will not be paired in subsequent rounds without first speaking with the tournament director.
- A player who incurs two no-show forfeits will be dropped from that month’s tournament.
If you have to miss a game, here’s how to request a bye
- If you can’t make it to the game you must email the tournament director at: smbchess@yahoo.com before 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The earlier the better.
- In the 1st and 2nd rounds you may receive a half-point bye. Byes can be requested for later rounds but they are 0 point byes. Players are not guaranteed a half-point unless their request is confirmed by email.
- If you are withdrawing from the tournament entirely for all remaining rounds email the TD at smbchess@yahoo.com.
- Failure to inform the TD that you aren’t coming will be considered a forfeit.
About SMB Chess Tournaments
Each month we host a new four game tournament. Most months incorporate classical time controls with a bonus increment. Chess sets and clocks are available to use or bring your own. Entry fee: $20 for members, $35 for non-members. Club Membership: Adults $75 / year, Juniors $20 / year. Come anytime to check it out. Games are rated by United States Chess Federation.

Become a Member
Playing a lot? Join the Santa Monica Bay Chess Club and save 25% annually on tournament entry fees.