♟️ Hobsons Bay Juniors Rapid Championship 2026 (proudly sponsored by Kumon Education Williamstown and Altona Meadows) Date: Saturday, 18th July 2026 Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club 108 Queen Street, Altona 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/yT8Qbgu9ZGP1KjcW9 Early Bird Deadline: 29th June 2026 Rating: FIDE Rapid & ACF Quick Rated 1. Entry Fees Early Bird (by 29th June 2026): HBCC Members: $50 HBCC Titled Members (CM/WCM/ FM/ WFM/ IM/ WIM/ GM/ WGM): Free if entry received before 10th April Non-Members: $60 Late Entry (after 29th June 2026): Members & Non-Members: $70 2. Tournament Format 9-Round Swiss System Time Control: 12 minutes +3 seconds One combined playing pool Age categories apply for prizes only 3. Byes Players may request up to one (1) half-point bye No half-point byes permitted in the final two rounds (Rounds 8–9) Bye requests must be submitted to the Chief Arbiter at 📧 major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com before pairings are generated for the next round 4. Entry Eligibility & Age Divisions (for prizes only) Eligibility Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, OR Holder of a valid FIDE ID registered with their home country federation Non-citizens or non-PR holders must register a FIDE ID with their home federation (No exceptions) Age Eligibility Maximum junior age: Under 18 Age Categories U8: Born 2018 or later U10: Born 2016 or later U12: Born 2014 or later U14: Born 2012 or later U16: Born 2010 or later U18: Born 2008 or later 5. Prizes Cash Prizes (regardless of age group) 1st Open: $500 2nd Open: $250 3rd Open: $100 Guaranteed Best Girl: $300 Best Girl prize is stackable (e.g. 3rd Open + Best Girl) Additional Prizes 30+ trophies & medals across age categories (subject to number of entries) 6. Ratings & Eligibility Tournament is FIDE Rapid Rated and ACF Quick Rated A valid FIDE ID is required for FIDE rating submission Non-citizen or non-PR players without a FIDE ID must apply through their national federation before the event Players without a valid FIDE ID may be excluded from FIDE rating submission 7. Indicative Schedule Time Control: 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment (12+3) Time | Event 9:15 AM — Arrival & Registration 10:00 AM — Round 1 10:40 AM — Round 2 11:20 AM — Round 3 12:00 PM — Round 4 12:40 PM — Round 5 1:20 PM — Lunch (45 mins) 2:05 PM — Round 6 2:45 PM — Round 7 3:25 PM — Round 8 4:05 PM — Round 9 ASAP after R9 — Prize Giving   8. Withdrawals Withdrawals notified to the organiser at 📧 major_tournaments@hobsonsbaychess.com at least 72 hours before the event will be eligible for a full refund No refunds will be issued for withdrawals received after this deadline Tournament Rules can be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H5i2ejDnQkCP-oEqVjyWojg5-kp_GnVi/view?usp=sharing

Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Format: Players commence with a fixed number of points based on ACF quick rating. Players lose a full point for a loss, half a point for a draw and keep points for a win. Players are eliminated when reduced to 0 points. Starting Points as follows: 1000 or lower - 4.5 points 1001 to 1150 - 4.0 points 1151 to 1300 - 3.5 points 1301 to 1450 - 3.0 points 1451 to 1600 - 2.5 points 1601 to 1750 - 2.0 points 1751 and above - 1.5 points Rating: Unrated Contact: NA Steven Hogan hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: NA Steven Hogan Deputy Chief Arbiter: TBC Entry: $Free (members only price) $25 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Schedule: 7:30 PM - Tournament starts Format: Games are 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move. See above. Tournament ends when one player is left standing  

♟️ HBCC Social Night – Movie Night! 🎬🍕🍿 Looking for a light, free, and relaxing evening with your chess friends and family? Come along for a casual HBCC Movie Night! 🍿 Free popcorn 🍕 Pizza provided 😌 No pressure — just fun social community vibes This time, we’ll be screening one of the most beloved chess films ever made: 🎥 Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) Based on the true story of chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, this acclaimed film follows a young boy discovering his extraordinary chess talent while navigating the pressures of competition, expectations, and finding his own path in the chess world. More than just a movie about winning, it explores: ♟️ The beauty and artistry of chess 🧠 Talent vs hard work 👨‍👩‍👦 Family support, expectations, and pressure 🏆 Sportsmanship, character, and personal growth Widely regarded as one of the greatest chess movies ever made, Searching for Bobby Fischer is heartfelt, inspiring, and enjoyable whether you’re a serious tournament player or simply love the game. 🛋️ Bring your quilts, bean bags, camping chairs — whatever makes you comfy! Come relax, enjoy a great movie, good food, and wonderful company with the HBCC community. Good movie. Great company. Wonderful memories. #HBCC #MovieNight #ChessCommunity #SearchingForBobbyFischer #ChessLife

Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Rating: FIDE Blitz / ACF Quick Rating Contact: NA Steven Hogan hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: TBC Deputy Chief Arbiter: TBC Entry: $Free (members only price) $25 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Schedule: 7:30 PM - Tournament starts Format: 9 rounds, 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move Eligibility:  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. 

♟️ Western Juniors Rapid Championship 2026 Date: Saturday, 2 May 2026 Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club 108 Queen Street, Altona 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/yT8Qbgu9ZGP1KjcW9 Early Bird Deadline: 10 April 2026 Rating: FIDE Rapid & ACF Quick Rated 1. Entry Fees Early Bird (by 10 April 2026): HBCC Members: $50 HBCC Titled Members (CM/WCM/ FM/ WFM/ IM/ WIM/ GM/ WGM): Free if entry received before 10th April Non-Members: $60 Late Entry (after 10 April 2026): Members & Non-Members: $70 2. Tournament Format 9-Round Swiss System One combined playing pool Age categories apply for prizes only 3. Byes Players may request up to one (1) half-point bye No half-point byes permitted in the final two rounds (Rounds 8–9) Bye requests must be submitted to the Chief Arbiter at 📧 hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com before pairings are generated for the next round 4. Entry Eligibility & Age Divisions (for prizes only) Eligibility Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, OR Holder of a valid FIDE ID registered with their home country federation Non-citizens or non-PR holders must register a FIDE ID with their home federation (No exceptions) Age Eligibility Maximum junior age: Under 18 Age Categories U8: Born 2018 or later U10: Born 2016 or later U12: Born 2014 or later U14: Born 2012 or later U16: Born 2010 or later U18: Born 2008 or later 5. Prizes Cash Prizes (regardless of age group) 1st Open: $500 2nd Open: $250 3rd Open: $100 Guaranteed Best Girl: $300 Best Girl prize is stackable (e.g. 3rd Open + Best Girl) Additional Prizes 30+ trophies & medals across age categories (subject to number of entries) 6. Ratings & Eligibility Tournament is FIDE Rapid Rated and ACF Quick Rated A valid FIDE ID is required for FIDE rating submission Non-citizen or non-PR players without a FIDE ID must apply through their national federation before the event Players without a valid FIDE ID may be excluded from FIDE rating submission 7. Indicative Schedule Time Control: 12 minutes + 3 seconds increment (12+3) Time Event 8:30 AM Arrival & Registration 9:00 AM Round 1 9:40 AM Round 2 10:20 AM Round 3 11:00 AM Round 4 11:40 AM Round 5 12:20 PM Lunch Break 1:00 PM Round 6 1:40 PM Round 7 2:20 PM Round 8 3:00 PM Round 9 ASAP after Round 9 Prize Giving Schedule may be adjusted slightly at the arbiter’s discretion. 8. Withdrawals Withdrawals notified to the organiser at 📧 hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com at least 72 hours before the event will be eligible for a full refund No refunds will be issued for withdrawals received after this deadline   Tournament Rules can be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/13lTerNO3w6YsJq_4toZiucGdqqls-jUc/view?usp=sharing

Entry: $30 (members) $50 (non-members). Add $15 late fee for entries after Tuesday 14 April. Free entry for titled players (includes GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM/CM/WCM). Must enter by Tuesday 14 April. Format: 3 separate 6 player round robins (Western Masters, Western Major, Western Minor). Remaining players play 5 round swiss. Players allocated based on ACF rating (FIDE rating if not ACF rated) as at the March rating list. 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: 5 rounds. 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week). See above for allocation of players to events. Notation is mandatory for all moves. No byes available in the round robin events.  One half point bye is available in the swiss event between rounds 1 to 3. Must be notified to the Chief Arbiter by 5pm Wednesday following the previous round. Trophies & Cash Prizes Cash Prizes below $1,000 Prize Pool Western Masters - $250 Western Major - $250 Western Minor - $250 Western Swiss - $250 Tropies for winners of each event.   Tournament Rules: Click Here

♟️🌊 HBCC presents: Chess by the Beach! 🌊♟️ From the Board to the Boardwalk Street Chess Edition We’re taking chess outdoors for our very first Social Street Chess Afternoon! 🗓️ Date: 18th April ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: In front of 135 Esplanade, Altona VIC 3018, Australia. Do not go inside the house.  Think: ♟️ Fast blitz battles 🌅 Beach vibes 🍿 Snacks provided 😄 Plenty of laughs and fun 🕒 Format: Blitz 3+2 📊 Unrated – zero pressure, maximum fun 🎟️ FREE for HBCC members 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All levels welcome ⚠️ First in, best dressed! Due to venue space limitations, spots are limited — sign up early to secure your seat. We’ll be playing in a sheltered area, so light rain won’t stop us. If the weather gets wild 🌧️, we’ll relocate back to HBCC. No ratings. No stress. Just chess, community, and good vibes by the beach. From the Board to the Boardwalk — let’s make it iconic. ♟️🌊🔥

Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Rating: FIDE Rapid / ACF Quick Rating Contact: NA Steven Hogan hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: FA Matthew Whitford Deputy Chief Arbiter: NA Truong Nguyen Entry: $Free (members only price) $25 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Schedule: 7:30 PM - Tournament starts Format: 5 rounds, 13 minutes + 2 seconds per move Eligibility:    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.   

  Venue: Hobsons Bay Chess Club, 108 Queen Street Altona Rating: FIDE Blitz / ACF Quick Rating Contact: NA Steven Hogan hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: FA Matthew Whitford Deputy Chief Arbiter: NA Truong Nguyen Entry: $Free (members only price) $25 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Schedule: 7:30 PM - Tournament starts Format: 9 rounds, 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move Eligibility:  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.   

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: NA 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: 7th MAR 2026 (SATURDAY), Late Entry $75 with no exceptions.  Last Day to Register: 12th MAR 2026 (THURSDAY), preliminary R1 pairings to be distributed on 13th MAR (Friday) Schedule: 6:00 PM - Tournament starts Format: 5 rounds, 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week), with 3 weeks' break in April (holidays) Notation is mandatory One Half Point bye available per player between Rounds 1 to 3. 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 24 February. Free entry for titled players (includes GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM/CM/WCM). Must enter by Tuesday 24 February. 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: 5 rounds. 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week). Notation is mandatory for all moves. One half point bye is available between rounds 1 to 3. 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 Best Female $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: Click Here  

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: NA Kuaynsh Batyrbekov hobsonbaychessclub@gmail.com  Chief Arbiter: NA Joemar Lacson Deputy Chief Arbiter: Uma Ramalingam Entry: $45 (members only price) $65 (non-members) To register as member: https://portal.hobsonsbaychess.com/member/memberships Early Bird ends: 25th JAN 2026 (THURSDAY), Late Entry add $10.  Last Day to Register: 30th JAN 2026 (FRIDAY) Schedule: 6:00 PM- Tournament starts Format: 5 rounds, 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move (1 round per week) Notation is mandatory One Half Point bye available per players between rounds 1 to 3. Must be notified one week in advance. 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 Rule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kQ5KOiYAfaTlMUoREe8a6dTaC64lsqeZ/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=100196353676468704912&rtpof=true&sd=true