Confirm that they have arrived and will be participating in the event. This will allow the Tournament Director to feel comfortable pairing all pre-registered players. Players will get their name checked off the pre-registrant list and will need proof of ID (valid US license, passport etc.) For those who cannot make it to the check in area in time, please email ahead at generationchess@aol.com and confirm your intention to participate.

Pick up their player bags. These will contain a tournament booklet with key details about the event, coupons for discount shopping at stores in the area and various goodies that have been generously provided by sponsors.

Sign the various consent forms. Copies of these forms can be found at
http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/resources/LiabilityReleaseParentalConsent.doc

Get player badges. No player will be allowed in the tournament hall at the start of each round without a player badge. If you forget your badge, you will be asked to get a temporary replacement at the HB Foundation booth. You must have proof of ID in order to get a replacement badge.

On site registrations
On site registrations hours are:
For 5 day schedule - Wednesday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
For 3 day schedule - Thursday, May 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. No new registrations will be accepted on Friday, May 20!!
Players who choose to register on site should carry out the following procedures:

Show proof of ID (valid US license, passport etc.) and a USCF card or number. Those who are not members of the USCF or have seen their memberships expire will be required to reapply for membership on site.

Fill out a New Registration form which will include relevant personal information in addition to the section you wish to play in.

Have your USCF rating and information checked by the Tournament Directors on staff. If your rating matches your chosen section, you can continue with the registration process. If not, you may be assigned a rating by the Tournament Director. This decision is final! Please check the Tournament Policies for rules regarding ratings. http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/resources/TournamentPolicies.doc.

Proceed to pay. Cash or credit cards will be accepted. No personal checks will be accepted at the site.
Pick up their player bags. These will contain a tournament booklet with key details about the event, coupons for discount shopping at stores in the area and various goodies that have been generously provided by sponsors.

Sign the various consent forms. Copies of these forms can be found at http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/faq.shtml
Get player badges. No player will be allowed in the tournament hall at the start of each round without a player badge. If you forget your badge, you will be asked to get a temporary replacement at the HB Foundation booth. You must have proof of ID in order to get a replacement badge.

Free massage
At check-in, there will be free back and neck massages available to all players courtesy of Lite Spa. Feel free to enjoy this delightful amenity!

Tournament rules
Copies of the official tournament rules will be readily available at the site. Players should be careful to read all rules, particular the rules regarding draws and silence in the tournament hall. Complete information about the official tournament rules can be found at: http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/resources/TournamentPolicies.doc.

Please also note the following:

Pairing sheets may be found outside of the Merchandise Area, room 101. Pairings will be posted approximately 15 minutes before the start of each round. Due to the size of the convention center, it is advisable that players give themselves 10 to 15 minutes to arrive at the playing site (Do not forget your badges!!).

At the conclusion of all games, players should report their results to the Result Taker’s Table, which will be located near the entrance to the tournament hall (Hall C). Players in the Open section are required to hand in a copy of their scoresheets. Players in lower sections may choose to do so if the game seems publishable.

The Chief Tournament Director is Carol Jarecki. She has put together a world class staff to ensure that all the rules of the tournament are properly executed and followed. Their decision on all matters is final.

Schedule
In addition to the games, there will be many other activities in which players can participate. Plan your trip accordingly.

Round times   

5-Day Schedule                 
        Round 1:        Wednesday, May 18 @ 6:00 p.m.  
        Round 2:        Thursday, May 19 @ 11:00 a.m.  
        Round 3:        Thursday, May 19 @ 5:00 p.m.   
        Round 4:        Friday, May 20 @ 11:00 a.m.    
        Round 5:        Friday, May 20 @ 5:00 p.m.     
        Round 6:        Saturday, May 21 @ 11:00 a.m.  
        Round 7:        Saturday, May 21 @ 5:00 p.m.   
        Round 8:        Sunday, May 22 @ 10:00 a.m.    
        Round 9:        Sunday, May 22 @ 4:00 p.m.     

3-day schedule                 
        Round 1:        Friday, May 20 @ 10:00 a.m.    
        Round 2:        Friday, May 20 @ 12:30 p.m.    
        Round 3:        Friday, May 20 @ 3:00 p.m.     
        Round 4:        Friday, May 20 @ 5:30 p.m.     
        Round 5:        Friday, May 20 @ 8:00 p.m.     

Merge with 5-day and compete for same prizes                   
        Round 6:        Saturday, May 21 @ 11:00 a.m.  
        Round 7:        Saturday, May 21 @ 5:00 p.m.   
        Round 8:        Sunday, May 22 @ 10:00 a.m.    
        Round 9:        Sunday, May 22 @ 4:00 p.m.

See the full Schedule of events at: http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/resources/HBGlobalChessChallenge-TournamentSchedule.pdf

Layout
Click to view Floor Plan Layout for the Minneapolis Convention Center
http://www.generationchess.com/hb_floorplan.pdf

Below is an explanation of the different rooms:

Hall C - The sole playing hall for all schedules as well as the area where most ceremonial events will take place.

Simulcast Room - This is commentary central. GM’s Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov will often be found in this room providing exciting and insightful analysis of the key games of the day. Other activities such as lectures and simultaneous exhibitions will take place in this room unless otherwise indicated.

Skittles Room - Open to all players for post-game analysis or just to unwind. We request that players refrain from undignified behavior in respect to others who may be trying to relax.

Merchandise Area - Tons of the latest chess merchandise will be available for your buying pleasure. Larry Rust of Four Star Chess is running the shop.

Silent Auction Area - For those interested in collectibles, several cool items will be up for auction. With the HB Global Chess Challenge taking its place in chess history, these may be potentially valuable commodities in years to come.

Tournament Directors’ Room - Carol Jarecki and her team will be camped out here.
Media Room - Available to members of the press. For those interested in gaining press access, please call Roy or Sherie Wallace of The Wallace Group at (651) 452-8360.

Grandmaster/VIP Suite - Open to all GMs (must show badges) and special invitees.

Prizes
The Top 3 winners in each section will receive their checks on stage in Hall C at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday May 22. Checks for all winners will be processed and ready at the end of the tournament. For anyone winning any prize money, you must present 2 forms of identification to claim your prize, a valid driver's license, passport or other official picture ID and a Social Security Card to collect your prize money. Those without a Social Security Number will have 30% deducted from the prize for income tax withholding purposes. Winners who do not have those two forms of identification will have their prize winnings mailed to them after their identity can be verified. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with the appropriate identification.

The HB Foundation is required to withhold 30% of the prize money if you are not a U.S. citizen and you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number. The HB Foundation must then report the prize to the tax authorities (IRS) and send the withheld money to the IRS as income tax on the prize. The international player can subsequently, on his or her own, apply to the IRS for reimbursement if the player's native country has a tax treaty with the U.S. More information on U.S. tax laws and treaties can be found at IRS.gov.

Players who have to leave before the prizes are awarded will have their check mailed. Please leave your mailing address before you depart.

Re-entrants
All players may drop out of the 5 day schedule and reenter into the 3 day section, except for those playing in the Open Section. Players may reenter on Thursday May 19 between 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $125.

Casino Night
Mystic Lake, the biggest casino in Minneapolis, is offering a free bus ride to their casino on Friday night if at least 35 players sign up. If you are interested, please email us at info@generationchess.com The bus will leave at 9:30 and will leave the casino to bring you back to the Convention Center at 1:30 a.m.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the tournament!

Register Today for the HB Global Chess Challenge
http://www.hbfoundation.org/gcc/index.shtml