The Bethune International Open


Every year since 1980 the Bethune International Open has been organised from the 26th to the 30th December. Henri KUC, founding president of our club the A.E.B. created this tournament between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Since his death, the tournament has been bearing his name: Henri KUC's challenge.

The 26th tournament in December 2005 was again very succesful welcoming more than 190 players from everywhere in France and from many different countries.

In Tournament A (ELO > or =1600) Russian Andrei Shchekachev (GM) won the event and the 1st prize with 7.5 points.

HERE you can find the American grid of 2005 Tournament A.

In Tournament B (ELO <1800) Belgian Dirk FLAMEE won the 1st prize.

HERE you can find the American grid of 2005 Tournament B.

The following photos have been reduced on purpose so as to speed up their downloads but if you want to see them in their original size just click on them.

Here are the photos of some of the greatest players taking part to the previous Bethune Open: (to see their names just let your mouse point on their pictures without moving)

GMI ArbakovGMI ChuchelovGMI DegraeveGMI Ivanov
GMI KomarovGMI LegkyGMI LupuGMI Prié
GMI RöederGMI ShchekachevGMI WinantsGMI MiezisMI Shirazi
GM Spiridonov GM GolubevMI SprengerMI VanderweideGM Safranska

Playing conditions during the Bethune International Open are renowned to be perfect for the players mainly thanks to the Olof Palme room which welcomes the Bethune Open every year. You can judge by yourself with these photos :

Salle Olof Palme during the OpenSalle Olof Palme before the Opensalle Olof Palme before the Open
Archives of the Bethune Open 2005

The Bethune Chess club is currently preparing the
27th Bethune International Open from the 26th to the 30th December 2006
Salle Olof Palme, Commercial center La Rotonde, 62400 Bethune, FRANCE
9 rounds within 5 days !
Accelerated appariements, possibility to obtain a FIDE rating.

2 tounaments by ELO categories formula so that everyone can play interesting games:
- tournament A only for players whose ELO rating is above or equals 1700 (> or =1700), playing rhythm: 1h30+30s/move KO.

- tournament B only for players whose ELO rating is strictly under 1900 (<1900), playing rhythm: 1h30+30s/move KO.

Only the players whose ELO rating is between 1700 and 1899 can choose between tournament A or B

Both tournaments will take place in the same room and in the same conditions !

At least 6000 € prize
1st prize tournament A : 1500 €
1st prize tournament B : 500 €
General standing and ELO-category prizes for both tournaments
Inscription cost : 40 € (adults) 20 € (youngsters under 20)
GM, IM and FIDE Masters : Free
(for information 1 $ (US dollar) = 0.75 € (euros))

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR IM AND GM, contact Mr Chemali at the address below

A map of the city is available right HERE

For more information, you can join us at :
open@bethunechess.com