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BAHAMAS NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024
TOURNAMENT NOTICE AND REGULATIONS OVERVIEW The 2024 Bahamas Championship returns as an elite over-the-board national championship event, featuring 7 of the strongest chess players in The Bahamas. Over the course of 6 rounds, these competitors will battle for $2,000 in prize money and the coveted title of 2024 Bahamas National Chess Champion. Thursday, January 11th will kick off the chess festivities with the public opening ceremony and there will be a public Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 21st, following round six (6). Fans can watch the rounds daily online at the scheduled time at bahamaschessfederation.org. AT A GLANCE Date: January 11th – 21st, 2024 Location: MYSC Conference Room Format: 7-Player Round Robin Prize Fund:$2000 
SCHEDULE
Opening Ceremony: Thursday, January 11 - 6:00 pm -7:30 pm Round 1: Friday, January 12 - 6:00 pm until Round 2: Saturday, January 13 - 2:00 pm until Round 3: Sunday, January 14 - 2:00 pm until Round 4: Friday, January 19 - 6:00 pm until Round 5: Saturday, January 20 - 2:00 pm until Round 6: Sunday, January 21 - 2:00 pm until Awards Ceremony: Sunday, January 21 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PRIZES The winner is awarded:
Total Prize Fund is $2000 1st - $1000 2nd - $500 3rd - $300 4th - $200 5th - Gift 6th - Gift 7th - Gift Format – The tournament is a closed, FIDE-rated event with a time control of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment after each move. To participate, players must be current BCF members. All game moves must be recorded.
Notation: Due to the 30-second increment, Players are required to maintain an accurate and legible score sheet at all times during all games, and are required to keep their notation up-to-date Registration – Only qualified players may enter. Drawing of Lots will be held on Thursday 11th January, 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Absent Player's lot will be drawn by the Chief Arbiter. Entry Fee – $40; this fee must be paid in full by Thursday 11th January at 7:30 pm. Pairing Software – Swiss Manager Tournament Director: Curtis Pride, Sr. Arbiters – IA Andre White, FA Angel Pride, FA Elton Joseph Tie-break System:
Prompt Arrival: Players are expected to arrive promptly for their games. Players not at their board at the beginning of each round may receive a fine of $50 to be deducted from their prize for each occurrence. 30-minute default time: Players more than 30 (thirty) minutes late for a round shall forfeit that round. Players who withdraw or forfeit a game may not receive any prize money. No draws: A “no draw” rule will be in effect throughout the event, including any playoff games. Players may not mutually agree to a draw. In the event of a claim for a draw under Article 9.2 of the FIDE Laws of Chess (three-fold repetition) or under Article 9.3 of the Laws (50-move rule), one of the event Arbiters must be asked by the players to verify the claim. No electronic devices: No electronic devices shall be allowed in the tournament area. Mobile phones, laptops, and communication devices must be switched off and turned in to the Arbiter. Any violation of this policy shall result in forfeiture of that game. No communication: Communication by players with other players other than their opponent or with bystanders is strictly prohibited and failure to comply may result in the game being lost because of cheating. Playing area closed after 5 minutes: Spectators, anyone who is not a player, Arbiter, or Organizer will not be allowed in the playing area after the 5-minute media period. All FIDE regulations will be enforced including the 2 illegal moves. Please review the FIDE laws of chess. Notes:
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THE FIELD
National Master Valentine Cox is the defending National Champion. His victory in 2023 earned him his 4th title as the Bahamian National Champion. He is vying to win his 5th title, a feat achieved by only 2 other Bahamian players in 55 years. Mr. Cox is a very experienced player with the skills to win again, if he has the will and stamina to endure the long battles over the board.
Shawn Barker is a former Mathematics and Physics instructor at Langston University in Oklahoma. He has over 25 years of experience playing chess. Since returning back home, he is making his second appearance at the National Championship and hopes to improve on his previous performance and add his first National Chess title to his resume.
Chika Pride is an eight (8) grade Home Schooled student. Although only 13 years old, she is a very experienced player with the skills to upset any competitor. She represented the Bahamas at the 44th Olympiad in 2022, and more recently at the CAC Youth Festival in August of 2023. She is the current National Junior Female Champion.
Dr. Kenville Lockhart, is a practicing Physician. Despite his demanding career he makes time to compete in tournaments because he loves it! He represented the Bahamas at the 44th Olympiad in 2022 and is returning to contest for the National title after a strong showing in 2023. Don't be surprised if he wins the title! Dr. Lockhart is a fierce competitor on the Board.
Avian Pride is an 11th grade Home-Schooled student. For him, 2023 was a stellar year! It started with him placing 4th in the National Championship. He then placed 2nd in the U1700 rated section of the Orjan Lindroth Memorial Tournament. He won the Scholastic Junior Championship and the Junior National Championship. He is consistent, confident and very competitive and will challenge for the title.
Dr. Joseph Ferguson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mathematics, Physics and Technology at the University of The Bahamas. He is a former President of Bahamas Chess Federation and Coach of Team Bahamas at the 44th chess Olympiad. He's a former Junior National Champion hoping to add the open title to his resume and has the skills and experience to do it.
Curtis Pride, Jr. is a university student pursuing a degree in IT at BTVI. He is the 2022 Junior National Champion. He placed 7th in the National Championship last year and gained valuable experience. This will be his second appearance in this tournament, He is a top contender and motivated to add his name to the list of Bahamian National Champions.
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