The Icelandic Chess Federation, in co-operation with the Reykjavik Chess Academy, welcomes you to the Reykjavik Chess Festival on March 6 to March 13 2012.
* Total prizes of €15000
* World-class playing conditions
* Extraordinary depth and width of chess talent
* Many side events: sightseeing, Fischer-Spassky exhibit, soccer and pub quiz
An Even Better Playing Venue for the 27th Edition
The Reykjavik Open 2012 will be held for the 27th time from March 6 to March 13, 2012 in a spectacular new venue í Reykjavik, which will be announced in September. The 2012 tournament is expected to be very strong. In 2011, 166 players from 30 countries participated, including 27 grandmasters, 11 of which with a ELO rating of 2600 and higher. Total prizes in 2012 will be €15000, including many special prizes for various age and rating categories, in addition to the traditional top women prize.
The 2011 Reykjavik Open saw six joint winners, Kurzubov (2627), Baklan (2602) and Nyzhnik (2563), all of Ukraine, Mamil Miton (2600) of Poland, Jon Ludwig Hammer (2606) of Norway and tournament regular Ivan Sokolov (2643) of Bosnia.
Join the Legends and Be Part of Chess History
The City of Reykjavík has sponsored the tournament since its inception in 1964, when Mikhail Tal won it with a record 12½ points out of 13. The tournament was initially held every two years, but has since 2008 taken place every year. It was closed in its early years, but has been an open event since the 1980s. Throughout its history the Reykjavik Open has featured many of the strongest chess players in the world at the time, including Mikhail Tal, Nona Gaprindashvili, David Bronstein, Vassily Smyslov, Bent Larsen, Friðrik Ólafsson, Mark Taimanov, Lev Polugaevsky, Ulf Andersson, Jan Timman, Victor Korchnoi, Samuel Reshevsky, Anthony Miles, Nigel Short, Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk.
Much More than a Chess Tournament
As in earlier years, several chess-related events will take place at the same time as the tournament, including the now famous the Reykjavík Open Chess Pub Quiz and the Golden Circle sightseeing tour that includes stops at Geysir and Bobby Fischer’s final resting place in the southern part of Iceland. And given the favorable exchange rate of the Icelandic króna, Iceland is one of the most attractive places in the world to visit and play in chess tournaments.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky “Match of the Century”
During the Reykjavik Open in 2012, there will be an exhibition in the National Museum of Iceland commemorating the 40th anniversary of “The Match of the Century” between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. The museum is within a 5-minute walking distance from the playing venue. The exhibition will feature, among others, the board and chess sets from the match, and of course much more.
Still Thinking About Your Next Move? This is What Last Year´s Participants Said
Ivan Sokolov (The Netherlands)
Reykjavik City Hall as an Open tournament venue, is probably one of the best venues of any Open tournament in the World. It has its advantages that go beyond regular good playing conditions.
During the game, players can relax watching over frozen small lake, swans and ducks swimming in the hot spots, adults and kids skating on the ice.
After the game, stepping out of the playing hall, either being happy with your win or annoyed/distressed with your blunder, you are in the middle of the renowned Reykjavik night life to be enjoyed.
This year organizer is moving from the City Hall, but is promising at least equally good venue (and is still candid about it).
Reykjavik Open has also in recent years become more like a festival, with organizers taking care to invite young, old, boys, girls, different countries, strong GMs, keeping the mix tournament is already recognized for and creating a unique atmosphere.
Reykjavik Open is definitely an experience for itself, an event worth visiting and returning!
GM Luke McShane (England):
„Thanks again for a very enjoyable tournament in Reykjavik. Personally, I’m really glad I got another opportunity to visit Iceland after so many years, and it’s great to see the tournament getting tougher every year!“
IM Leon Piasetski (Canada):
„I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the tournament. Your group did a great job ! I liked the playing hall, the top board display and the site overlooking the pond.“
Alan Byron (England)
„I just wanted to thank you for an excellent event. I really enjoyed it and will definitely enter again next year.“
Website: www.chess.is.
On behalf of Reykjavik Open 2012 tournament committee
Gunnar Bjornsson,
President of the Icelandic Chess Federation
Great event.