SMBCC Tournaments
Current Standings
Savielly Tartakower Tournament
Four Tuesday evenings starting February 3rd at 7PM, G/90 + 10 increment. Classical USCF rated. Cash prizes based on entries.
Savielly Tartakower (1887 to 1956) :was a leading grandmaster of the early 20th century, known for both his playing strength and his brilliant mind. Born in 1887, he represented Poland and later France, competing against legends like Capablanca, Alekhine, and Lasker. He made lasting contributions to opening theory, including the Tartakower Defense, and was admired for his balance of solid strategy and creative play.
Tartakower was also famous for his wit and philosophy of chess. His aphorisms, such as “The blunders are all there on the board, waiting to be made,” captured the psychological side of the game. Through his writing and ideas, he helped shape modern chess thinking and remains an influential figure today.
Pre-tournament Presentation: Club member Brian Glover will present a game by Tartakower on February 3rd.
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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.