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) Pairing: We will be using Baku accelerated pairing if we exceed 100 players.  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 Community Bank, Laverton and Altona - tie breaker will be used to decide the prize Best Ladies: $300 (female may win more than 1 prize, ACF by-law (Open or rating group and female) 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 (except Best Junior $1000 sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank- Laverton and Altona) Players may win one prize only (highest value prize applies). Female players may win more than one prize, as per ACF by-law (Open or rating group and female) 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

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

♟️ 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. 

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 

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

♟️ 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

♟️ 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. ♟️🌊🔥