Escape Winter for the 2009 Bermuda Open
By IA Carol Jarecki   
November 11, 2008
The 25th Anniversary of the Bermuda International Open will take place at the Fairmont Resort and Country Club in Southampton, Bermuda from 29th January through 1st February.  This is the tournament that won FIDE’s “World’s Best Tournament” award, and most players who have attended over the years would concur.

The event really begins on the 29th with a cocktail reception at a local home, a good way to meet and greet old friends and new acquaintances.  Those who haven’t had too much wine, some who have, then head off to the hotel playing hall for the Bermuda Blitz.  The organizers actually ADD money to the prize fun to double the entry fee receipts.  Where else does that ever happen?

Friday is a day to rest, explore, swim, play tennis, shop or whatever and the first round begins at 8 PM.  Saturday and Sunday each have two rounds with a coffee, tea and pastry buffet offered during each.  Sunday evening the sumptuous dinner buffet and open bar at the Somerset Squire Restaurant and Pub ends the festivities with camaraderie and prize awards.  In case of a tie for the two return trips to Bermuda for the following year there is a blitz playoff, often a highlight of the evening.

This is a true open tournament with players ranging from GMs to youngsters from various countries.  It is FIDE rated and, since just about all the Bermudians are rated, it is quite easy for players to get a notch on their road to a FIDE rating.

Check out the USCF TLA.
Read a CLO article on the 2008 event. Contact Nigel Freeman, [email protected] or Carol Jarecki, IA [email protected] for more details.