2026 Best in the West (Hobsons Bay Chess Club)
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Details
The flagship chess weekend in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs returns! A premier classical weekend tournament attracting strong players from across Victoria and beyond. It is a 5-Round Swiss, FIDE & ACF Rated, with a maximum of 120 players recommended for ratings ≥ 1000 ACF or FIDE.
No tiebreaks – prizes are shared equally. Players may win one prize only. Rating groups will be published by Round 2. One ½-point bye available in Rounds 1–3, Round 1 bye must be requested in advance.
Saturday – 29 August 2026: Registration & Player Briefing: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Round 1: 9:30 AM, Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Round 2: 1:30 PM, Round 3: 5:30 PM. Sunday – 30 August 2026: Round 4: 9:30 AM, Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Round 5: 1:30 PM.
Format
5-Round Swiss (no tiebreaks). Time Control: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move (Scoresheet required). Rating: FIDE & ACF Rated. Maximum Entries: 120 players.
Fees
Early Bird: $80 (by 14th August 2026), Early Bird Concession (Pensioners & Juniors): $60 (by 14th August 2026), Free Entry for GM / WGM / IM / WIM / FM / WFM / CM / WCM (by 14th August 2026), Late Entry Fee: +$15 for entries received after Friday 14th August 2026.
Prizes
Guaranteed 1st Place: $1,200, 2nd Place: $600, 3rd Place: $300. Best Juniors (Guaranteed): $1,000 (sponsored by Bendigo Bank). Best Ladies: $300. Rating Group 1 Winner: $200. Rating Group 2 Winner: $200. Best Unrated Player: $200. Biggest Upset: $100.
Eligibility
Recommended Rating: ≥ 1000 ACF or FIDE. Free Entry for GM / WGM / IM / WIM / FM / WFM / CM / WCM.
Contact
FA/ CM Tony Davis – Tournament Director 📞 [hidden]. IA Casey Goh- Chief Organiser ✉️ [email protected]