• Random draw to be made by the IOMCA Chairman, 15 minutes before the start of Round 1.

Winners of the Open & Major

• All players can win the Open title. Players zoned in the Open cannot win the Major. No player can win more than one title. If players tie for first place in either zone a tie break will be held to determine the champion.

• All players can win the Open title. Players zoned in the Open cannot win the Major. No player can win more than one title. If players tie for first place in either zone a tie break will be held to determine the champion.

• In the event of two players tying for first place , the winner will be decided by a play-off after the completion of all 7th round games. The play-off will consist of two blitz games with a rate of play of 5 minutes plus an increment of 2 seconds a move, with  alternative colours, first game colours to be determined by the toss of a coin.
• If the blitz match finishes equal then the winner will be determined by Armageddon with 5
  minutes for White and 4 minutes for Black, plus an increment of 2 seconds a move, 61, Black having draw odds. A toss of a coin will determine colours.
• In the event of three or more players tying for first place, the top two will be determined by
  tie-break, in the following order of priority, and will enter the play-off described above:
• The results between the players involved in the tie.
  Sum of progressive score.
  Sum of opponents’ scores (Buchholz).
  Sonneborn-Berger.
  Number of won games.

• Mobile phones must be switched off and left on the table in plain view until the end of the game.

• No eating in the playing hall, including sweets. Drinks are allowed at the board, if consumed quietly.

• The name of the controller will be confirmed prior to the tournament. FA Brian Towers is the chief arbiter, to be assisted by up to four other arbiters, the name of which will be announced before the tournament. If his assistance is required during play, Brian has the right to stop his own clock until the issue is resolved. If Brian is unavailable or directly involved in the issue as a player, one of the other arbiters will be available to deal with the matter in question.

• Any player under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian for the duration of the tournament.