Tournament Format

General

There will be two phases to the tournament. The Preliminary Phase will consist of a set number of Swiss rounds, depending upon the number of entrants: four if there are 17-32 entrants, five if there are 33-64 entrants, six if there are 65-128 entrants, and so on. The top six qualifiers at the conclusion of the Swiss phase will advance to the Elimination Phase: #3 plays #6 and #4 plays #5 in the quarterfinals, with #1 and #2 playing the lower-ranked and higher-ranked player remaining, respectively, in the semifinals. (For background information about what a Swiss tournament format entails, click here.)

 

[Added note: in the event of a tie in an Elimination Phase match, the player with the better Preliminary Phase record will be declared the winner.]

 

Participation

All BPA members for 2007 are eligible to enter the tournament; non-BPA members for 2007 must join the BPA at least Associate level of membership (see above). The GM will ask all players to re-register their intent to participate at the start of every Swiss round during the Preliminary Phase.

Players must have internet access and a valid e-mail address. Important: Changes in your e-mail address must be forwarded to the GM, or you may miss out on important notifications (including the call to participate in the next Swiss round).

Schedule/Time Limits

The first Swiss round began on 1 April 2007. Each Swiss Round and elimination game will last for 11-12 weeks