The BC Open 2027 takes place on February 13–15, 2027, at Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Richmond Chess Champions (RCC) organizes the event near Vancouver International Airport. Moreover, the playing hotel offers meeting rooms and convenient access to Richmond’s restaurants and transport.

The championship features six classical Swiss rounds across four sections: Open, U2000, U1500 and U1000. All competitors receive 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. In addition, the Open and U2000 sections are both FIDE Standard- and nationally rated, while U1500 and U1000 count toward CFC ratings.

The classical cash awards total CAD $5,000 (approximately US$3,540). Separate blitz prizes and RCC tournament credits bring the entire festival’s advertised prize value to CAD $6,200. The guide below covers verified playing rules, the six-round schedule, eligibility, accommodation and practical travel.

📌 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Each of the four groups plays six Swiss-system rounds at G/90+30. The clock gives each player 90 minutes plus 30 seconds after every move. Therefore, players should allow plenty of time for long endgames and arrange travel around each round’s scheduled start.

The Open and U2000 groups count toward FIDE Standard and CFC ratings. Meanwhile, U1500 and U1000 games count toward CFC ratings. The organizer uses the most recent applicable current CFC or FIDE rating when determining a player’s section, and players must follow the published play-up rules.

Competitors may request at most two half-point byes in Rounds 1–3; voluntary byes in Rounds 4–6 score zero. However, the organizer must receive bye requests before the next round’s pairings appear, and the director may refuse them. The main-event forfeit time is one hour. Tie-breaks follow direct encounter, individual cumulative score and cumulative opponents’ score.

🏆 Prize Fund

The main competition lists CAD $2,700 for Open, CAD $1,700 for U2000 and CAD $600 for U1500. Together, the verified cash awards equal CAD $5,000, approximately US$3,540 using the November 2026 USD/CAD rate. The Under 1000 group offers trophies instead of cash placement prizes.

The wider festival publishes CAD $5,600 in cash prizes because its separate blitz tournament adds CAD $600. Furthermore, it advertises CAD $600 in RCC tournament credits, giving a combined festival value of CAD $6,200. Neither the blitz awards nor the credits belong in the classical cash-prize field.

The organizer plans to transfer main-event cash awards electronically within a week after play ends. In addition, winners receive trophies during the February 15 award ceremony, and eligible RCC credits can be used toward its competitions later in 2027.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The competition has four distinct playing groups. Therefore, class awards such as Best U2200 and Best U1800 do not create additional sections.

Unrated competitors normally enter U1000. However, the director may admit an unrated player to U1500 if the player provides credible evidence of playing strength. Eligible rated participants may play up for CAD $30 within 50 points or CAD $50 within 100 points of the relevant threshold.

📅 Schedule

The festival runs from Saturday to Monday, with two classical rounds each day. All dates and times use local Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8). Moreover, the table distinguishes optional side competitions from the main event.

A puzzle-solving event is also planned for Sunday afternoon, while bughouse takes place Monday. However, the core classical competition starts at 11:00 AM on Feb 13 and finishes with a 3:00 PM final round on Feb 15. Allow extra time for that game and the awards before traveling.

📝 Registration

Register through the organizer’s official BC Open page in Event Details. The tournament accepts online entries only; consequently, on-site registration for the main classical event is not permitted. Players should verify the correct group and current membership/rating requirements.

The organizer grants full entry-fee refunds through January 1 and half refunds through January 31. After January 31, the regulations provide no entry-fee refund. In addition, titled-player benefits require timely registration, so confirm their full conditions before arranging travel.

Side competitions have independent entry fees and award rules. The MyChess.Events sidebar registration destination remains unchanged; the external official registration information appears only within this description.

🏛️ Organizer

Richmond Chess Champions offers chess instruction, youth development, regular rated tournaments and larger chess competitions across the Vancouver region. Moreover, its 2027 program includes several chess formats for players of different skill levels.

RCC’s teaching center is at Bridgeport Road, whereas this tournament takes place at the airport hotel in central Richmond. For more background, see the Richmond Chess Champions organizer profile on MyChess.Events.

📍 Venue

The main tournament takes place at Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 7311 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3, Canada. The hotel provides accommodation, restaurant facilities and conference rooms close to Richmond Centre and the regional transit network.

The hotel’s mapped coordinates are approximately 49.17042, −123.14531. These indicate the playing hotel rather than the organizer’s separate training center. In addition, the hotel advertises airport shuttle services and parking; travelers should confirm current hours and charges.

Nearby Restaurants and Cafés

The hotel and neighboring Westminster Highway properties provide several dining options. For example, these establishments are in the hotel complex or nearby; however, players should confirm February weekend hours before choosing a meal between rounds.

🏨 Accommodation

The Executive Hotel offers the simplest stay because its meeting rooms host the chess tournament. Nevertheless, two other full-service airport hotels occupy the same Westminster Highway area.

Players may prefer to arrive on February 12 and depart on February 16, especially for international flights. However, these are travel suggestions rather than an official hotel package, and visitors should compare availability, fees and cancellation policies directly.

🚆 How to Get There

The tournament hotel lies close to Vancouver International Airport in central Richmond. Therefore, visitors can approach by airport shuttle, SkyTrain, local transit or road.

For current public transport, consult TransLink’s schedule and map service. Furthermore, leave time after Monday’s 3:00 PM classical game and evening award ceremony for any transfer.

ℹ️ Other Information

The BC Open weekend features separate blitz, Chess960, puzzle-solving and bughouse events. These activities use their own time controls, participation rules and prize arrangements; consequently, they do not contribute to the classical tournament’s CAD $5,000 cash fund.

Participants should follow RCC’s fair-play requirements, including rules for electronic devices, late arrival and supervision of children under 13. Moreover, the tournament director controls pairings and withdrawal procedures, and players should consult the official regulations before traveling.