Amateur Time

AM flying to Mallorca today for the annual Calvià tournament in the coastal resort of Palmanova (also written Palma Nova).

In recent years the event has been restricted to around 100 entries because of covid fears.

That does not apply this time, resulting in 144 players from more than 20 countries, including eight from England.

The first seven rounds, including tomorrow's opener, are at 20:00, followed by round eight at 15:30 and round nine at 10:00

The time limit is 40 moves in 90 minutes, with 15 minutes to finish, and a 30-second increment throughout.

There is a prize fund of 5,720 euros, which is pretty good for an avowedly "amateur" event that is restricted to players rated under 2350 who do not have a GM or IM title.