The Tel Aviv Scrabble® Club

Divisions
There will be a single division in the event, all games will be internationally rated and played according to WESPA rules. The pairings system (see below) ensures that players will be playing opponents with a similar record in the event.

Ratings
The tournament qualifies for international ratings and for ABSP ratings. Players' international ratings will be updated accordingly.

Pairings
The first games will be paired according to players' pre-tournament ratings. If players do not have an international rating, their Israeli, ABSP, or other available rating (in that order) will be used instead. The overall system will be Chew pairings, minimising repeats with 4 rounds of KOTH, all depending on the number of participants. The pairings and standings will all be done using internationally used software.

Prizes
The estimated prize fund will be about NIS10000 (2500 Euros). The winner will receive a cash prize, in addition to being the Eleventh Israeli Open Champion. The first and second runners-up will also receive cash prizes. In addition, there will be at least two very substantial ratings prizes, and other prizes for special achievements will also be awarded. The prize fund depends on the number of participants and the estimate is based on a field of 36 players. 

Lexicon
CSW15 (a.k.a. SOWPODS, the international Scrabble dictionary) will be the official word source.

Challenges
A player may challenge any number of words played by his/her opponent. If all the words are acceptable, the opponent will get an additional 5 points added to his/her score. No turn loss for the challenging player. If one or more of the words are unacceptable, the move will be removed and the opponent will lose a turn. Players, supervised by the tournament director, will take their own challenges (self-adjudication). 

Registration fee
There is a registration fee of NIS250 (~50Euros) for players who have fully registered (i.e. submitted booking form) before 1.11.2018. Thereafter, the registration fee is NIS300. The registration fee must be paid in cash, either in advance or on the day of the tournament.  

Registration is only finalised after reserving a hotel room.

Accommodation
Person in double room (sharing): NIS1180 (Foreign players: NIS1030 due to VAT exemption).
Person in single room: NIS1790 (Foreign players: NIS1570 due to VAT exemption).
Prices include:
* Two nights
* Half-board (a full Israeli breakfast + one main meal).
* Drinks (hot and cold) throughout the event in the playing room.
* Full use of the hotel facilities.
* Additional nights (before/after the event) can be arranged.
Prices do not include the registration fee.

All booking for the tournament must be done via Mona Tours.   

All applications (hotel and tournament) must be made by filling out the linked form (above). All relevant information is on the form. The hotel booking has to be sent directly to Mona Tours, while the tournament booking has to be done via the organisers.

Note: The organisers reserve the right to refuse entries.

Contact organisers for further information.