Events

Tournament is catered for beginners, juniors and rookies (including adults) below ACF 1500 or FIDE 1700.  Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Rating: FIDE/ ACF Classical Rating Contact: FA Kuanysh Batyrbekov hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: FA Myiesha Maunders Deputy Chief Arbiter: NA Hemanth Gajula Entry: $45 (members only price) $65 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Early Bird ends strictly 1 week in advance: 9th MAY 2026 (SATURDAY), Late Entry $75 with no exceptions.  Last Day to Register: 14th MAY 2026 (THURSDAY), preliminary R1 pairings to be distributed on 15th MAY (Friday) Schedule: 6:00 PM - Tournament starts Format: 7 rounds, 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week), with 3 weeks' break in July (school holidays) Notation is mandatory Two Half Point byes available per player between Rounds 1 to 5. Must be notified at least one day in advance of the round. Eligibility:  Unrated  (rating by Close of tournament registration) or ACF below 1500 (rating by Close of tournament registration) or  FIDE rating below 1700 (rating by Close of tournament registration) Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident OR FIDE ID (registered with home country chess federation) Non Citizen or PR holder are required to register your FIDE ID with your home country. No exception on this.  Trophies/ Medals + Cash Prizes Cash prizes are as below First Prize Rating Group 1: $200 Second Prize Group 1: $100 Third Prize Group 1: $50 Rating Group 2 Winner: $50 Rating Group 3 Winner: $50 (based on number of entries) Rating Group 4 Winner: $50 (based on number of entries) Tournament Rules - please view here

Entry: $30 (members) $50 (non-members). Add $15 late fee for entries after Tuesday 26 May. Free entry for titled players (includes GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM/CM/WCM). Must enter by Tuesday 26 May. Rating: FIDE / ACF Classical Rating Eligibility: Australian Citizens or Permanent Resident OR FIDE ID for players registered with a non-Australian Federation. Contact: NA Steven Hogan hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com Chief Arbiter: FA Myiesha Maunders hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com Schedule: Tuesdays 7:30 PM. Round schedule provided below. Format: 7 rounds. 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week). Notation is mandatory for all moves. Two half point byes are available between rounds 1 to 5. Must be notified to the Chief Arbiter by 5pm Wednesday following the previous round. Trophies & Cash Prizes Cash Prizes below $1,000 Prize Pool Overall 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 Rating prizes Rating Group 1 $100 Rating Group 2 $100 Rating Group 3 $100 Rating Groups will be decided on ACF rating, with field split into four event groups. Rating Groups will be published ahead of round 2. Cash Prize Rules: Eligibility rating is as at start of Round 1 One prize per player (highest value) Ties split prize money equally Rating prizes are “Under” cut-offs (e.g., U1600 means <1600) Tournament Rules: Here 

♟️ Technical Arbiter Training Program – Full Syllabus Chess Victoria is launching a Technical Arbiter Training Program to develop practical, hands-on skills required to run modern ACF and FIDE-rated tournaments.   🎯 Program Overview With increasing tournament size and complexity, arbiters and organisers are expected to be proficient in: Vega pairing software DGT board operations Rating file management Live results and broadcasting This program is designed to build technical capability, improve tournament standards, and reduce reliance on a small pool of experts.   📚 Training Syllabus 🔹 Vega & Tournament Management I & II (Instructor: IA Dr Peter Tsai)- select only 1 Tournament Setup Creating tournaments in Vega Managing players with multiple ratings (ACF Classical / Quick / Blitz / FIDE) Importing rating files and handling provisional ratings Pairings & Control Automatic and manual pairings Handling late entries and latecomers Managing byes and withdrawals Special pairing scenarios Tournament Operations Prize configuration (rating groups, age prizes, upset prizes) Printing pairings and results Managing changes after registration closure Efficiency & Best Practice Time-saving workflows Common errors and how to avoid them Real tournament case scenarios   🔹 Advanced Vega & DGT Training (IA Walter Wolffs) Module 1 – DGT Boards & Troubleshooting (1.5 hours) Physical setup and cabling Board configuration Common issues and troubleshooting Real-time problem solving Module 2 – DGT Integration & Broadcasting (1 hour) Live game broadcasting setup Broadcast delay and fair-play considerations Integration with online platforms Module 3 – Online Results & Publishing (1 hour) Uploading pairings and results FTP and Vega online tools QR-code pairing systems Publishing to ChessChat and other platforms   🧪 Practical Assessment Participants will complete a 1-hour practical assessment, covering: Tournament setup in Vega Importing ratings Managing pairings, byes, and entries Publishing results ✅ Successful participants will receive a Chess Victoria Technical Arbiter Certificate   📅 Training Sessions Vega & Tournament Management II 📍 Ballarat (Anglers Hall, 114C Wendouree Parade, Ballarat on the corner of Devon Street) 📅 Saturday, 9 May 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Vega & Tournament Management I 📍 Glen Waverley Secondary College 📅 Saturday, 30 May 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Advanced Vega + DGT Training 📍 Melbourne Chess Club 📅 Sunday, 16 August 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM   💰 Fee $25 per participant   👥 Who Should Attend? Arbiters (NA, FA, IA) Aspiring arbiters Tournament organisers Club officials and volunteers   📌 Key Notes Hands-on practical training (bring your laptop recommended) Limited to ~10–15 participants per session Strong demand — early registration encouraged   👥 Questions? Email: IA Casey Goh major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com

The flagship chess weekend in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs returns! The Hobsons Bay Best in the West is back for 2026 — a premier classical weekend tournament attracting strong players from across Victoria and beyond. 📅 Dates Saturday 29 August – Sunday 30 August 2026 📍 Venue Finnish Hall, 119 Pier St, Altona   🏆 Tournament Details Format: 5-Round Swiss (no tiebreaks) Time Control: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move (Scoresheet required) Rating: FIDE & ACF Rated Maximum Entries: 120 players Recommended Rating: ≥ 1000 ACF or FIDE  Schedule Saturday – 29 August 2026 Registration & Player Briefing: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Round 1: 9:30 AM Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Round 2: 1:30 PM Round 3: 5:30 PM Sunday – 30 August 2026 Round 4: 9:30 AM Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Round 5: 1:30 PM 💰 Entry Fees Early Bird: $80 (Entries must be received by 14th August 2026) Early Bird Concession (Pensioners & Juniors): $60 (Entries must be received by 14th August 2026) Free Entry for GM / WGM / IM / WIM / FM / WFM / CM / WCM (Entries must be received by 14th August 2026) Late Entry Fee: +$15 for entries received after Friday 14th August 2026   🏅 Prize Pool –Guaranteed 1st Place: $1,200 (Guaranteed) 2nd Place: $600 3rd Place: $300 Best Juniors (Guaranteed): $1,000 -Proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank Best Ladies: $300 Rating Group 1 Winner: $200 Rating Group 2 Winner: $200 Best Unrated Player: $200 Biggest Upset: $100 📜 Prize Rules No tiebreaks — prizes are shared equally between players on the same score. Players may win one prize only (highest value prize applies). Players with an ACF Classical rating will be divided into three equal rating groups: Top group: not eligible for rating prizes Middle group: Rating Group 1 Bottom group: Rating Group 2 Players without an ACF rating but with a FIDE Classical rating will be placed at the Chief Arbiter’s discretion. Best Unrated prize is only for players without ACF or FIDE ratings. Biggest Upset is awarded for the largest upward rating differential win. Rating groups will be published by Round 2. ➕ Byes & Withdraws One ½-point bye available in Rounds 1–3 Round 1 bye must be requested in advance of tournament commencement Any Withdraw/ refund request must be received latest by 25th August 2026. No withdraw/ refund would be entertained after this date.  📩 Enquiries FA/ CM Tony Davis – Tournament Director 📞 0408 306 063 IA Casey Goh- Chief Organiser major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com

We’re excited to announce that registrations for HBCC Junior Chess Coaching is now open for 2026 Term 3! Since the start of the year, we have re-designed our coaching framework and introduced a new coaching team, with five top-performing players from HBCC Open section (more details here). These experienced competitors bring strong playing credentials, modern training methods and firsthand tournament experience, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction that connects theory with practical play. Reminder: our venue for Chess coaching is now Hobson’s Bay Chess Club @Altona (not Laverton). As you'd have seen in previous terms, this helps coaching students participate in ongoing Rookies and Junior tournaments. We welcome existing Term 2 students and new students to come join our chess coaching in Term 3 2026!   PS: Timings mentioned are indicative only. Class timings will differ based on the group timing or coach availability for one-on-one.   See our Coaching Terms and Conditions here.  

Entry: $30 (members) $50 (non-members). Add $15 late fee for entries after Tuesday 28 July Free entry for titled players (includes GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM/CM/WCM). Must enter by Tuesday 28 July Rating: FIDE / ACF Classical Rating Eligibility: Australian Citizens or Permanent Resident OR FIDE ID for players registered with a non-Australian Federation. Contact: NA Steven Hogan tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com Chief Arbiter: TBC Schedule: Tuesdays 7:30 PM. Round schedule provided below. Format: 7 rounds. 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week). Notation is mandatory for all moves. Two half point byes are available between rounds 1 to 5. Must be notified to the Chief Arbiter by 5pm Wednesday following the previous round to bye@hobsonsbaychess.com. Trophies & Cash Prizes Cash Prizes below $1,000 Prize Pool Overall 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 Rating prizes Rating Group 1 $100 Rating Group 2 $100 Rating Group 3 $100 Rating Groups will be decided on ACF rating, with field split into four event groups. Rating Groups will be published ahead of round 2. Cash Prize Rules: Eligibility rating is as at start of Round 1 One prize per player (highest value) Ties split prize money equally Rating prizes are “Under” cut-offs (e.g., U1600 means <1600) Tournament Rules: here

♟️ Victorian Women’s Championship 2026 Hobsons Bay Chess Club, in partnership with Geelong Chess Club, is proud to host the Victorian Women’s Championship 2026 — a premier classical event celebrating female chess talent across Victoria. Under the Patronage of Chess Victoria (FIDE & ACF Rated Classical Event) 📅 Dates: Saturday 12 September 2026 Saturday 19 September 2026 📍 Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen St, Altona VIC 🏆 Event Details Format: 5 Round Swiss Time Control: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment (from move 1) Rated: FIDE Classical & ACF Standard Rated Tie-breaks: Buchholz Cut 1 (BH-C1), Buchholz (BH), Sonneborn-Berger (SB) 👩 Sections Open Women’s Championship Junior Girls Section (subject to sufficient entries) Additional sections may be introduced subject to entries and Chess Victoria approval 🗓️ Schedule Week 1 – Saturday 12 September 2026 8:45 – 9:30 Registration 9:30 – 9:45 Opening Ceremony 9:45 – 12:45 Round 1 12:45 – 1:30 Lunch Break 1:30 – 4:30 Round 2 Week 2 – Saturday 19 September 2026 9:00 – 12:00 Round 3 12:00 – 12:45 Lunch Break 12:45 – 3:45 Round 4 4:00 – 7:00 Round 5 7:15 – 7:45 Prize Presentation 💰 Prizes Total Cash Prize Pool: $1500 Trophies for Top 3 Overall (official title) Best Age Group (number of age groups depends on players registered) Best Unrated (Unofficial title) Best Upset (both players must be rated) Best Geelong Chess Club/ Hobsons Bay Chess Club player 🚆 Getting There Ample street parking available Walking distance to Altona Train Station and local bus routes ⏰ Registration Early Bird closes: 1st September Final Registration: 11 September 2026 Final Date for Withdrawal Request (eligible for refund): 4th September 2026 Early Bird (Seniors) $97.85 Early Bird (Juniors) $87.55 Early Bird FM/ WFM $66.95 Early Bird WIM/IM/GM/WGM $0.00 Late Entry (All categories) $113.30 Tournament Rules https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rloaKWMKFEQ1rtShkFxQ27I2nQ5lVK2u&usp=drive_fs Spots are limited — secure your place early for this flagship women’s event! 🌟 Why Play? Official Victorian Women’s Championship title Dual rated (FIDE & ACF) Plenty of prizes including total cash prizes $2100 High-quality playing conditions Welcoming and supportive competitive environment DGT Boards Live Twitch coverage Any questions, please email us major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com

♟️ Victorian Junior Rapid & Blitz Championships 2026 📅 Dates Saturday, 3 October 2026 – State Juniors Rapid Championship (Note: Registering for Rapid does NOT include Blitz — separate registration required)   Sunday, 4 October 2026 – State Juniors Blitz Championship (Note: Registering for Blitz does NOT include Rapid — separate registration required)   📍 Venue Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Maddingley Campus 37 South Maddingley Rd, Maddingley VIC 3340   🚀 Event Highlights 🌟 First time held in Melbourne’s West ⚡ First-ever Victorian Junior Blitz Championship ♟️ FIDE Rated for U12–U18 sections 📡 DGT live boards for featured games 🛍️ Vendor showcase: ChessNut & ChessLife 🏛️ Attendance by Members of Parliament and media coverage   🧭 Getting There   🚗 By Car (Recommended) ~40 mins from Melbourne CBD via Western Freeway (M8) ~25 mins from Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit, Caroline Springs ✅ Ample on-site parking with easy drop-off zones ✅ Minimal congestion compared to metro venues   🚆 By Public Transport V/Line (Ballarat Line) 🚉 Bacchus Marsh Station (~5 min walk) ~35–45 mins from Southern Cross Station   🚸 Junior Drop-off Information Plenty of street parking available Entry via Gate 1, S Maddingley Rd, Maddingley VIC 3340 Parents/visitors permitted inside Players will be guided to playing rooms Parents may collect children after each round   ♟️ Event Format (Swiss System) Section Format Rating Date U8 & U10 Rapid 9 rounds · 13+2 ACF Quick 3 Oct U12–U18 Rapid 9 rounds · 13+2 FIDE Rapid ACF Quick 3 Oct U8 & U10 Blitz 11 rounds · 3+2 ACF Quick 4 Oct U12–U18 Blitz 11 rounds · 3+2 FIDE Blitz + ACF Quick 4 Oct       🕒 Schedule (Indicative – subject to change)   ⚡ Rapid – Saturday, 3 October 2026 Time Activity 8:45 – 9:30 Registration & Check-in 9:30 – 10:00 Opening Ceremony 10:00 – 10:10 Arbiter Briefing 10:10 – 10:50 Round 1 11:00 – 11:40 Round 2 11:50 – 12:30 Round 3 12:30 – 1:10 Round 4 1:10 – 1:50 Lunch Break 1:50 – 2:30 Round 5 2:40 – 3:20 Round 6 3:30 – 4:10 Round 7 4:20 – 5:00 Round 8 5:10 – 5:50 Round 9 ~6:00 Prize Giving       ⚡ Blitz – Sunday, 4 October 2026 Time Activity 8:45 – 9:30 Registration & Check-in 9:30 – 9:40 Arbiter Briefing 9:45 – 11:15 Rounds 1–6 11:15 – 11:45 Break 11:45 – 1:00 Rounds 7–11 1:40 Prize Giving       ⚙️ Tournament Details Rapid: 9 rounds · 13+2 Blitz: 11 rounds · 3+2 Seeding: ACF Quick → FIDE rating → Arbiter’s discretion   Rating U8 & U10: ACF Quick Rated only U12+: Rapid: FIDE Rapid + ACF Quick Blitz: FIDE Blitz + ACF Quick   FIDE ID for U12- U18 Valid FIDE ID required for FIDE rating. If you have no FIDE ID and you are Non-citizen/non-PR players/ NZ citizens- You must obtain FIDE ID via home federation be eligible to play you are citizen/ PR players- we will register you with Australian Chess Federation If you are not sure, immediately email use at major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com.    🏆 Titles & Divisions   Divisions Open: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 Girls: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18   Key Notes Girls may play Open OR Girls (not both) Players may play up in higher age groups   Additional Prizes 🎖️ Non-title medals (e.g. odd age group categories) 🏅 Up to 72 total prizes 📜 Certificates of participation available   📅 Age Eligibility (2026) U18: Born 2008 or later U16: Born 2010 or later U14: Born 2012 or later U12: Born 2014 or later U10: Born 2016 or later U8: Born 2018 or later   👨‍👩‍👧 Important Notes U8 & U10 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian Sections may be merged if required (ACF rules) Titles/trophies awarded per ACF regulations   🎟️ Registration Early Bird: Closes 1st September 2026 Final Entry: 2 October 2026 (12:00 PM) ❌ No entries after deadline   👉 Register here: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/public/schedule/events/83487-victorian-junior-rapid-blitz-championship-2026   💰 Refund Policy Full refund (less fees) before 25 September 2026 No refunds from 26 September onwards   📩 Enquiries 📧 major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com

Tournament is catered for beginners, juniors and rookies (including adults) below ACF 1500 or FIDE 1700.  Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Rating: FIDE/ ACF Classical Rating Contact: FA Kuanysh Batyrbekov tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com  Chief Arbiter: TBC Deputy Chief Arbiter: TBC Entry: $45 (members only price) $65 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Early Bird ends strictly 1 week in advance: 25th JULY 2026 (SATURDAY), Late Entry $75 with no exceptions.  Last Day to Register: 30th JULY 2026 (THURSDAY), preliminary R1 pairings to be distributed on 31st JULY (Friday) Schedule: 6:00 PM - Tournament starts Format: 7 rounds, 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week), with 2 weeks' break in September (school holidays) Notation is mandatory Two Half Point byes available per player between Rounds 1 to 5. Must be notified at least one day in advance of the round. Eligibility:  Unrated  (rating by Close of tournament registration) or ACF below 1500 (rating by Close of tournament registration) or  FIDE rating below 1700 (rating by Close of tournament registration) Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident OR FIDE ID (registered with home country chess federation) Non Citizen or PR holder are required to register your FIDE ID with your home country. No exception on this.  Trophies/ Medals + Cash Prizes Cash prizes are as below First Prize Rating Group 1: $200 Second Prize Group 1: $100 Third Prize Group 1: $50 Rating Group 2 Winner: $50 Rating Group 3 Winner: $50 (based on number of entries) Rating Group 4 Winner: $50 (based on number of entries) Tournament Rules - please view here