2019 Cairns Cup

For the first time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the Cairns Cup, an elite level tournament for the top female players from around the world. Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to women and girls, the Chess Club aptly chose the name Cairns Cup in honor of co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield’s maiden name. Fans can look forward to a chess tournament similar in style to the prestigious Sinquefield Cup with the ten best female players from around the world competing in the Chess Club’s world-renowned facility for the $150,000 prize fund.

This tournament, a nine-round classical event, will not only be one of the largest prize funds for a woman’s tournaments, it promises to be the strongest tournament ever held in the world.  The top three finishers will will receive $40,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively.

 

At A Glance
Dates February 5-16, 2019
Location Saint Louis Chess Club 
Format 10-Player Round Robin
Prize Fund $150,000
Commentators GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Maurice Ashley, and WGM Jennifer Shahade
Spectators Purchase Tickets Here!




DAY DATE TIME EVENT

Sunday

3-Feb


Community Day: Scouts BSA All-Girls Chess Merit Badge Workshop

Tuesday 5-Feb

6:00 PM

Opening Ceremony

Wednesday

6-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 1

Thursday

7-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 2

Friday

8-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 3

Saturday

9-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 4

Sunday

10-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 5

Monday

11-Feb


Rest Day

Tuesday

12-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 6

Wednesday

13-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 7

Thursday

14-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 8

Friday

15-Feb

1:00 PM

Round 9

Saturday

16-Feb

1:00 PM

Playoff

 

 

Cairns Cup Prize Fund

PLACE PRIZE PLACE PRIZE
1st $40,000 6th $9,000
2nd $30,000 7th $8,000
3rd $20,000 8th $7,000
4th $15,000 9th $6,000
5th $10,000 10th $5,000
Total Prize Fund $150,000


Live Spectator Accommodations

The Chess Club has special hotel rates with the following establishments. Please make sure to ask for the "chess rate" when making reservations. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE! 

Tickets will include: 

  • Access to theater style seating in the main lobby to view commentary of the event

  • Access to watch the players live on the second floor (no cell phones permitted)

  • Live commentary and group discussion with Grandmasters next door at Kingside Diner

  • Kingside Diner will be open until 6 p.m. during the tournament schedule and a 50% off menu items from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for spectators with ticket purchase.

  • Complimentary valet parking available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during tournament rounds

Chase Park Plaza Hotel
212 N. Kingshighway
Saint Louis, MO 63108
(877)-587-2427

Chess rate: $159/night, $179/suite

Holiday Inn Express
4630 Lindell Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-4900

Chess rate: $114/night, parking $10/night,
breakfast included 

Hampton Inn & Suites
5650 Oakland Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63110
(314) 655-3994

Chess Rate: 10% off, call 314-655-3993

Parkway Hotel
4550 Forest Park Ave. 
Saint Louis, MO 63108
(314) 256-7777

Chess Rate: $115/King, $119/Double,
ask for CHESS TARIFF RATE

 

Get excited for the Cairns Cup by watching our female led lectures!