VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

 
Dates of Event
Rapid Chess Tournaments:
Monday, 2 August, 2010  (9:00  - 16:00)
Tuesday, 3 August, 2010  (9:30 - 15:00)

Blitz Chess Tournament (optional):
Wednesday, 4 August, 2010 (9:30 - 12:30) 
 
Venue
Deutsches Sport & Olympia Museum, Im Zollhafen 1 (Rheinauhafen), 50678 Cologne (1.9 km from Neumarkt) www.sportmuseum.info 

Transportation
Take tram 1 (direction: Bensberg) or tram 9 (direction: Koenigsforst) to station "Heumarkt", then 10 mins. on foot.
Arriving by car:  The Museum sits on top Cologne's largest parking garage at the Rheinauhafen. 
for more detailed directions click here.

Categories and Divisions of Participation
Rapid chess and blitz chess tournaments will be played in according to the Swiss system.  Rapid chess tournaments will be played in 30 mins., blitz chess tournaments will be played in 5 mins. 

Divisions
Women and men play in both tournaments together. If required, additional women's rapid chess tournament will be played. 

Participation
All participants may play in both the rapid chess and blitz chess tournaments.  The number of rounds played is dependent upon the number of registered players: no more than 40 players in 7 rounds; 40-79 players in 9 rounds; more than 79 players in 11 rounds.  In the case that less than 15 players register, each player will compete in a system against every other player.  Women may play either in the mixed tournament or in a women-only tournament.  A separate women's tournament will only be organised if more than 10 female players register.  In the case of fewer than 15 female players register, each player will compete in a system against every other player.  With more than 15 female players, the tournament will be played according to the Swiss system. Handicapped players may also compete in both rapid and blitz chess tournaments.  If necessary, assistance will be provided.  Visually impaired players may bring their own specialized chess materials.  Because of extreme time constraints, only players who can handle their own pieces and operate their own clock may participate in the blitz chess tournament.

Rules of Play
The chess tournaments will be played according to the rules of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) (http://www.fide.com/official/handbook.asp). In the Swiss system, players will be assessed and classified according to their international ELO-ranking or national ranking number.  Players with both international and national ranking will be classified according to the international ranking number. 

Equipment
Chessboards, pieces and clocks will be provided. 

Services 
Restaurants can be found in the German Sport & Olympic Museum or the neighbouring Chocolate Museum. 

First-Aid
First-aid stations and paramedics will be available.

Tickets
Entrance to tournaments is free, however there is a fee required to enter the museum. http://www.sportmuseum.info 

All information subject to change. All rights reserved. Currently valid stipulations and conditions for sports events and tournaments can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please consult our FAQs. If you don't find the answer there, you may contact us using the e-mail function on our website. If you would like to get the newsletters on a regular base, please feel free to sign in for this service here.