Event Information

Tournament: Canadian Online Chess Open
Organizer: Northern Chess Club (NCC)
Platform: Lichess.org
Rating Type: CFC Quick Rated
Time Control: 25+5
Format: Multi-day Swiss tournament
Event Dates: To be announced in mid-November
Expected Month of Play: December 2026

Prize Fund

The Canadian Online Chess Open is expected to feature a prize fund of approximately $500 CAD or more, all depending on the final number of registered players.

The official prize breakdown will be announced once registration numbers are clearer.

Prizes may increase if participation exceeds expectations.

Registration & Entry Fees

Registration information, entry fees, and all payment details will be released in mid-November.

Players are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.

Schedule

The exact schedule, including the tournament dates, round times, and number of rounds, will be announced closer to mid-November.

This tournament will take place over multiple days, and players should be prepared for a larger event than NCC’s usual one-day tournaments.

Tournament Rules

By registering for the Canadian Online Chess Open, players agree to follow all Northern Chess Club tournament rules, as well as all applicable Lichess and CFC rules and fair-play requirements.

General Rules

• The tournament will be hosted online on Lichess.org.

• The tournament will be CFC Quick Rated.

• Pairings will be run using a Swiss system.

• The official number of rounds will be announced with the full event details.

• Players are expected to participate in all scheduled rounds unless they notify NCC of a withdrawal.

• Players must have a valid CFC membership or any required CFC participation status in order to play in the event.

Fair Play Rules

Northern Chess Club (NCC) takes fair play very seriously and is committed to maintaining a fair and competitive tournament environment for all participants.

Players may not use:

• Chess engines

• Computer assistance

• Outside analysis

• Opening databases during games

• Help from another person

• Any other prohibited outside assistance

Lichess may use its fair-play systems to review games and accounts. NCC also reserves the right to review games, results, and player activity if there is a fair-play concern.

Additional Fair Play Monitoring – Google Meet / Zoom

For certain games on higher boards, an official NCC tournament arbiter may require players to join a Google Meet or Zoom meeting for additional fair-play monitoring.

IMPORTANT: This requirement does NOT apply to all participants.

Additional monitoring will only be requested when an arbiter identifies a specific fair-play concern or has reasonable grounds for suspicion.

• Only selected players may be asked to join a meeting.

• The arbiter will provide the necessary meeting information and instructions.

• Players who receive an official monitoring request are expected to cooperate.

• A request for additional monitoring does not automatically mean that a player has violated fair-play rules.

• Failure to comply with a reasonable official arbiter request may result in further review or disciplinary action, subject to tournament rules.

Fair Play Violations & Penalties

Violations may result in:

• Game forfeitures

• Removal from the tournament

• Loss of prizes

• Disqualification from final standings

• Suspension from future NCC events

• Chess Federation of Canada (CFC) Suspension.

By registering for the Canadian Online Chess Open, players acknowledge and agree to follow all NCC, Lichess, and applicable CFC fair-play regulations, including reasonable requests for additional fair-play monitoring.

Technical Issues

Because the event is played online, internet or platform issues may occasionally occur.

Players are responsible for having a stable internet connection and a working device for tournament play.

If a major Lichess-wide issue or significant technical problem affects the tournament, NCC may make reasonable adjustments to the schedule, pairings, or round structure if necessary to complete the event fairly.

Withdrawals

If a player needs to withdraw from the event, they should contact NCC as early as possible.

Specific withdrawal and refund policies will be announced once registration opens.

Prize Eligibility

To receive prizes, players must remain eligible under all tournament rules and fair-play policies.

Final standings and prizes may remain subject to review before prizes are issued.

Important Notes

• This is a planned upcoming event, and some details are still being finalized.

• Full information will be released closer to mid-November.

• Registration, entry fees, prize breakdown, and the official tournament schedule will all be announced at that time.

• Players should wait for the official registration announcement before sending payment.

Contact Us!

For questions about the Canadian Online Chess Open, please contact:

Northern Chess Club
Email: northernchessofficial@gmail.com