2nd Annual Smiths Falls Open

An EOCA Grand Prix Event

The opening event of the 2018-2019 Eastern Ontario Grand Prix takes place at the Smiths Falls Lions Club, in the middle of sensational Smiths Falls. Enjoy a weekend of chess in a town with a rich history, situated about halfway between Kingston and Ottawa, on the historic Rideau Canal. Between rounds you could visit the Heritage House Museum, The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, or enjoy a walk along the Rideau Canal and adjacent parks.

Event Date: Saturday August 18 to Sunday August 19, 2018.

Place: Smiths Falls Lions Club, 19 Abbott Street South, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 4S1.

Type: Regular Swiss Open, pairings in single section, with class prizes.

Rounds: 5 rounds — Saturday @ 9am, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday @ 9am and 2pm.

Time Control: Game in 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move, starting from Move 1.

Prizes: Sections and prizes are based on entries and may change.

Entry Fee: $50 if pre-registered, $60 at site. Amateur entry is $30. Cash ONLY. Amateur entrants are not eligible for cash prizes. Free entry for GMs/WGMs & IMs/WIMs, if pre-registered by August 9, 2018.

CFC or FQE membership is required. If you do not have a regular CFC membership, Tournament Memberships will be available for $20. All games will be CFC rated.

A limited number of clocks and sets will be provided, so please bring your own equipment if possible.

Requesting byes: A maximum of two ½ point byes can be given in the first three rounds, which must be requested before Round 1.

Organizer: Jeremy Sztuka Tournament Director: Jeremy Sztuka

Registration options:

1. Register in person at the RA Chess Club, August 2, August 9, or August 16, from 7:00-7:30 PM.
2. Send an email to jsztukachess at gmail dot com. Please note in your email if any byes will be needed (or not).
3. Register on-site on Saturday August 18th between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM.

Please note in regard to all 3 Options above – in order to finalise registration, payment of entry fee (cash) is due by 8:30am on August 18 in order to ensure eligibility for a pairing in Round 1. Alternatively, email-money transfers are okay instead of cash. No cheques.

About the Venue: The room at the Lions Club has ample space, including air conditioning plus a refrigerator, kitchenette, and coffee maker on site. Coffee, tea, and bottled water will be available to all players.  

Additional Information

Directions From Ottawa: Follow the 417 West to exit 145, Highway 7. Take Highway 7 into Carleton Place, go straight through first light, turn left at second light on to Highway 15 (just past Esso on left hand side). Stay on Highway 15 until get into Smiths Falls (about 27km). When you get to the end you will have the option to turn left or right – turn right. Stay on about 0.5km until get to a traffic light. Go straight through this light for another 0.5km or so, where you will get to a second traffic light. Turn left here on to William Street West (which will turn into Abbott Street North) – about 1.4km total. You will pass over a bridge over the Rideau River, and come up to another traffic light once passing over the bridge. Go straight at this light (on to Abbott Street South), Lions Club (also called Lions Den) will be on your left.

Directions from Kingston: Take Highway 15 North into Smiths Falls where this road turns into Lombard Street. You will see a McDonald’s on your right hand side. Shortly after that, you will come to a traffic light, turn right on to Abbott Street South, and the destination will be on your left hand side.

Where to Stay:

I recommend The Best Western in town (88 Lombard Street) as it is a 5 minute walk away. Phone # 613-284-0001. Website: http://www.smithsfallshotel.com

There is also an Econolodge in town, approximately a 5 minute drive away, phone # 613-283-5150 and their website is: http://www.choicehotels.ca/en/econo-...ls-hotel-cn454

There are other various smaller motels available as well

*I would recommend booking a hotel sooner rather than later as during the summer they tend to fill up fast!

Where to Eat:

I highly recommend Matty O’Shea’s (Irish) Pub for lunch and/or supper. They are located at 12 Chambers Street in Smiths Falls.

Within walking distance of the Lions Club, there is also a Subway, Tim Hortons, Harvey’s, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s.