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94th Massachusetts Open
Massachusetts State Championship
Tournament Details Revised: 2/17/2026 4:23:44 PM
General Information
Event Organizer: The Massachusetts Chess Association  Visit Organizer Website
Event Location: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, MA 01752   [ Directions ]
Hotel Info: Event rate: $225/night, reserve by 4/21. Use this reservation link.
Hotel direct number: (508) 460-0700.
Event Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Time Control: 6SS, 40/120, SD/30, d10 (2-day schedule, G/40, d10 in rounds 1-3)
Rounds Time: 3-day: Sat. 10:30 & 5, Sun. 10:30 & 5, Mon. 10 & 4. 2-day: Sun. 10:30, 1, 3 & 5, Mon. 10 & 4. No 2-day Championship section schedule.
Byes: Byes in rounds 1-5 in Championship section, 1-6 in others, limit 2, rounds 4-6 must commit before round 3.
Prize Info: $7,500 guaranteed. 
Inquiry: info@masschess.org    Bob Messenger 603-891-2484. May 23-25 call 603-557-1732.
Registration Information
Entry Fee: $90 for 3-day, $89 for 2-day if mailed by 5/18 or online by 5/20, $110 online by 5/21 or at site.$30 discount to players in U1200 section. GMs and IMs free.
Registration - Onsite: 3-day Schedule: Sat. 5/23, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. 2-day Schedule (U2100 to U1200 only): Sun. 5/24, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Registration - Mail: Payable: MACA. Mail entry to: Bob Messenger, 4 Hamlett Dr. Apt. 12, Nashua NH 03062
Membership Requirement: USCF membership required. MACA membership required for Mass. residents.
Sections Information
Tournament Sections: Championship $1,000-500, top U2300 $500.
Under 2100 $800-400, top U1900 $400.
Under 1800 $800-400, top U1600 $400.
Under 1500 $700-350, top U1300 $350.
Under 1200 $400-250, top U1000 $250.
Tournament Rules and Other Information
  • We are using NAChessHub registration. When registering please use a gmail account. You can see everyone who has already registered for this tournament by clicking Roster.
  • State championship title to high scoring Mass. resident or student, and possession of newly refurbished & renamed John Curdo Memorial Trophy until 95th Mass. Open in 2027.
  • May play up by a maximum of 200 rating points.
  • Unrated can play in Under 2100 or below, with these prize limits: $400 in U2100, $300 in U1800, $200 in U1500, $100 in U1200.
  • Championship section is FIDE rated, and FIDE rules are used.
  • Bring chess set and clock.
  • Payment at site must be by cash or check. No credit cards.
  • Mass Chess Association Annual Meeting: Monday 5/25 at 9 a.m. Open to all Mass Chess members.
  • Mass Blitz Championship: Sun 5/24, 5SS(dbl), G/5 d0 Blitz rated but higher of blitz+regular ratings used for pairings+prizes. EF:$10 if playing in main event-else $15. 75% EFs returned as prizes. Reg ends 9:15PM,Rd 1 9:30PM,next rds ASAP
  • MACA provides tournament listing for all as a service to the chess community. For question, comments, or dispute regarding events that are not organized by MACA, please contact the tournament organizer directly.
  • Remember that each player is responsible for bringing and setting up their clock. Please refer to the Metrowest Chess Club Digital Clock Guide for instructions on how to set digital clocks.
  • MACA does not recommend but allows US Chess approved electronic scorekeeping devices. Please note that some national tournaments held by US Chess ban electronic scorekeeping, so be sure to know how to keep score without aid of electronics.
  • If online registration is enabled on this event, you can Join/Renew your USCF and MACA membership at the online registration page. If online registration is not available, you can join MACA (The Massachusetts Chess Association) at our Online Membership Form and USCF (United States Chess Federation) at USCF Membership Page.