2022 Cairns Cup

For the third time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the Cairns Cup, an elite level female chess tournament. After a one year hiatus, the tournament is returning in full force, with ten of the world's best female chess players. Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to females, the Chess Club aptly chose the name Cairns Cup in honor of co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield’s maiden name. This exciting nine-round classical event will be the strongest female tournament ever held in the world, with an astounding $180,000 prize fund.

At A Glance
Dates TBD
Location Saint Louis Chess Club 
Format 10-Player Round Robin
Prize Fund $180,000


Date Time* Event
February 8 6:00 PM Opening Ceremony
February 9 1:00 PM Round 1
February 10 1:00 PM Round 2
February 11 1:00 PM Round 3
February 12 1:00 PM Round 4
February 13 1:00 PM Round 5
February 14 Rest Day Rest Day
February 15 1:00 PM Round 6
February 16 1:00 PM Round 7
February 17 1:00 PM Round 8
February 18 1:00 PM Round 9
February 19  1:00 PM Playoffs (if necessary)
6:00 PM Closing Ceremony

*All times are Central Time (GMT-6)*

Place Prize Place Prize
1st $45,000 6th $10,000
2nd $35,000 7th $9,000
3rd $25,000 8th $8,000
4th $20,000 9th $7,000
5th $15,000 10th $6,000
Total Prize Fund $180,000