Hobsons Bay Rookies and Juniors Cup 2026

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: Venkat Ganesan

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