`MOTOR CITY OPENTHANKSGIVING WEEKEND: NOV 28^TH  – NOV 30^TH 2025

ORGANIZED AND RUN BY MANDELL CHESS CLUB

VENUE: CROWN PLAZA at 1500 Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

PLAYING SECTIONS and FORMATS: 

3-Day & 2-Day Upper (after the merge) will be USCF and FIDE rated.  All sections are 6-SS.                                          3-Day & 2-Day Reserve (U1800) & Booster (U1400) will be USCF rated only.  All sections are 6-SS.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND = $8500 [60% GUARANTEED]

b/42 & MIN 8 PER PRIZE SECTION.      Also available: 30 Enhanced GRAND PRIX POINTS

UPPER SECTION = $3500 (60% Guarantee)    b/42 & MINIMUM 8 PER PRIZE SECTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1^ST, 2^ND, 3^RD  --  $1400, $700, $400.   TOP 2000-2299, 1800-1999, 1600-1799, UNR-1599 -- $250 each.

U1800 SECTION = $2700 (60% Guarantee)      b/42 & MINIMUM 8 PER PRIZE SECTION                                                                                          1^ST, 2^ND, 3^RD --  $900, $450, $300.          1^ST, 2^ND –  1500-1699, 1300-1499, UNR-1299 -- $225, $125, RESP.

U1400 SECTION = $2300 (60% Guarantee)      b/42 & MINIMUM 8 PER PRIZE SECTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1^ST, 2^ND, 3^RD  --  $700, $350, $250.         1^ST, 2^ND –  1100-1299, 900-1099, 700-899, UNR-699 -- $150, $100, RESP.

Time Controls:

3-Day Sections: All Rounds = G/90; inc 10.

2-Day Sections: Rds 1-3 = G/40;d5. Rds 4-6 = G/90; inc 10.

Round Times:

ALL 3-Day Sections -> Fri, 11/28 R1-R2: 12:00p & 6:00p.  Sat, 11/29 R3-R4: 11:00a, & 6:00p.                                  Sun, 11/30 R5-R6: 10:00a & 6:00p.

ALL 2-Day Sections -> Sat, 11/29 R1-R2-R3-R4: 10:30a, 12:30p, 2:30p & 6:00p.                                                               Sun, 11/30 R5-R6: 10:00a & 6:00p.                        

ALL SECTIONS will be USCF rated; BUT only the 3-day UPPER & rounds 4-6 of the 2-day UPPER will be FIDE rated.

Each Player’s USCF rating will be used for pairing and prize eligibility.  For those with only a FIDE rating, the USCF rating will be FIDE+100; if Canadian only, the USCF will be same as Canadian [28D1a].

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SECURE REGISTRATION:

3-DAY EVENTS:        https://onlineregistration.cc/EMCC/2025-1128_MOTOR-CITY-OPEN-3DAY

2-DAY EVENTS:        https://onlineregistration.cc/EMCC/2025-1129_MOTOR-CITY-OPEN-2DAY

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT

The onsite bookseller will have all the necessary materials, such as boards, pieces, clocks, scorebooks, pens/pencils, etc.

THERE IS A $20 SURCHARGE FOR PLAYERS RATED U1750 TO PLAY IN THE UPPER SECTION

Re-entries are allowed in the RESERVE & BOOSTER Sections ONLY. The fees are $100 and $70, RESP.

Up to TWO ½-point byes are available. Must be requested at least 30 minutes before start of Round 4

On-site registration:                FRIDAY,           11/28, from 9:30a – 11:00a                                                                                                                                         SATURDAY,     11/29, from 7:45a –  9:00a                                                                     

SUNDAY BUFFET. The Buffet is included with tournament registration [$8 per person for family, friends, coaches, spectators, etc. $5 for under age 10]. Food service begins at 3:45 pm; ends at 4:40 pm.

FREE LECTURE. by an IM or GM  on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, FROM 4:50p – 5:35p; DONATIONS APPRECIATED.

KING or DBL bed $124 + tax, valid through November 15. A full breakfast is included with each paid guest room. The Hotel offers several additional perks, including a swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, whirlpool, sauna, ample parking. Go here for more information: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/auburn-hills/dttah/hoteldetail

Tournament Personnel:

Chief TD: BRAD ROGERS, FIDE Arbiter (FA), Associate National Tournament Director (ANTD): USCF 12317970; FIDE 2019922

Assistant TD:                                       JACK KAHN, Local TD, USCF 12814041.

Assistant TD:                                       SCOTT FAUST, Local TD, USCF 12545526

Tournament Organizer:                                       DR. ED MANDELL  Affiliate A7334996.

Administrative Assistant:      MARCIE KAHN, USCF 13562668, MOBILE 248-890-9029