On the weekend of May 6 and 7, 2023, the town of Arras will host the 1st International Chess Open, an event organized by the association Le Cavalier Noir d’Arras. This tournament promises to be a not-to-be-missed event for all chess enthusiasts, with rapid and blitz game competitions. It will take place in the Salle des Orfèvres et des Tisserands, on avenue du Général Leclercq.
How the Arras Open works
On Saturday, May 6, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in rapid games, where each player will have 12 minutes, with an additional 3 seconds per move played (!). This formula offers a thrilling challenge for chess enthusiasts, who will need to combine reflection and speed to emerge victorious from this competition. The following day, Sunday May 7, the tournament takes on an even more frenetic rhythm with the Blitz games. In this event, players have just 4 minutes, increased by 2 seconds per move (!), to try and knock down the opponent’s king. Blitz games are renowned for their intensity and suspense, and this promises to be an exciting day for competitors and spectators looking for entertainment in Arras on this date.
What the wood pushers of Arras are waiting for
The organizers of the 1st Arras International Chess Open are emphasizing the quality of the playing conditions and the conviviality of the event. Numerous prizes will be offered to the winners of the various competitions, and the atmosphere promises to be warm and friendly. Please note, however, that places to take part in this event are limited: only the first 200 registrants will be able to try their luck and take on the other competitors. So don’t delay in registering if you’d like to take part in this major event for chess enthusiasts. Find out more here.
Location of the Salle des Tiserands in Arras :
(near the train station)
About the Arras Chess Club
Le Cavalier Noir chess club is located near the Crinchon parking lot: Address: Foyer Jean Lammoureux 3 rue du Crinchon 62000 Arras This club welcomes chess enthusiasts of all levels and regularly organizes events, competitions and training sessions for its members on Saturday afternoons in particular. If you’re interested in chess and live in the Arras area, don’t hesitate to find out more about the activities offered by Le Cavalier Noir and join them to share your passion for the game.
What are the famous opens in the Hauts de France region?
There are several beautiful opens for fans of the game that can be found on the FFE website, but let’s mention the most famous ones here:
Cappelle la Grande International Open
TheOpen International de Cappelle-la-Grande is an annual tournament usually held in February, in the town of Cappelle-la-Grande, near Dunkirk. Created in 1985, it has become one of the most important chess events in France and Europe, attracting many players of different levels each year, including international grandmasters. The tournament is renowned for its conviviality and impeccable organization. The event includes a main tournament, where players compete over 9 rounds, as well as parallel activities such as conferences, workshops and entertainment for all ages. The Cappelle-la-Grande Open is a not-to-be-missed event for chess enthusiasts, and its reputation extends beyond the borders of the Hauts-de-France region.
Grande-Synthe International Open
The tournament welcomes players of all levels, from amateurs to international grandmasters. It contributes to enriching the chess scene in the region and offers an excellent opportunity for participants to improve their skills and measure themselves against opponents from diverse backgrounds. Precise information on dates, prizes and organization may vary from one edition to the next. We recommend consulting the organizer’s website or social networks for up-to-date information on registration procedures, round schedules and prizes on offer.
The Open International de Grande-Synthe is an excellent opportunity for chess enthusiasts from the Hauts-de-France region and beyond to get together, share their passion for the game and experience unforgettable moments around the chessboards.
Fenain International Open
Recently, from Saturday February 11 to Tuesday February 14, 2023, the town of Fenain hosted an exciting chess tournament for players of all levels. Organized by Grégory Accettone and refereed by Stéphane Renard, the event took place at the Salle Polyvalente Gauche de la Mairie Fenain, located at 59179. The tournament was homologated by the French Chess Federation (FFE) and took into account Elo FIDE rankings for March 2023. Participants competed in a 7-round tournament, with a cadence of 1h30 per player, plus 30 minutes increment per move played. Pairings were made using the Haley method. The tournament offered a total of €1,500 in prizes, divided as follows: €500 for first prize, €350 for second prize and €200 for third prize. The entry fee for seniors was €40, rising to €50 on the day of the tournament, while for youngsters the entry fee was €20, rising to €25 on the day of the tournament.
E.M.
