2020 Cairns Cup

For the second time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the Cairns Cup, an elite level tournament for the top female players from around the world. 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. Fans can look forward to a chess tournament similar in style to the prestigious Sinquefield Cup with the ten best female players from around the world competing in the Chess Club’s world-renowned facility for a $180,000 prize fund. 

This Tournament, a nine-round classical event, will not only be one of the largest prize funds for a women's tournament, it promises to be the strongest female tournament ever held in the world. The top three finishers will receive $45,000, $35,000, and $25,000 respectively.


At A Glance
Dates February 6-17, 2020
Location Saint Louis Chess Club 
Format 10-Player Round Robin
Prize Fund $180,000
Spectators Purchase Tickets Here!
DAY DATE TIME EVENT
Thursday6-Feb6:00 PMPrivate Opening Ceremony
Friday7-Feb1:00 PMRound 1
Saturday8-Feb1:00 PMRound 2
Sunday9-Feb1:00 PMRound 3
Monday10-Feb1:00 PMRound 4
Tuesday11-Feb1:00 PMRound 5
Wednesday12-Feb Rest Day/Community Day: Scouts BSA All-Girls Chess Merit Badge Workshop
Thursday13-Feb1:00 PMRound 6
Friday14-Feb1:00 PMRound 7
Saturday15-Feb1:00 PMRound 8
Sunday16-Feb1:00 PMRound 9
Monday 17-Feb1:00 PMPlayoff
6:00 PMPrivate Closing Ceremony

 

Cairns Cup Prize Fund

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

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies and rounds will be streamed live daily from Feb. 6-17 at 1 p.m. Central Time with an expert commentary team including WGM Jennifer Shahade, GM Yasser Seirawan and GM Alejandro Ramirez, as well as a Russian language broadcast with IM Almira Skripchenko and WGM Anastasiya Karlovich on www.uschesschamps.com

Tournament Tickets will include: 

  • Access to theater style seating in the main lobby to view commentary of the event and refreshments provided.

  • Access to watch the players live on the second floor (no cell phones permitted).

  • Live commentary and group discussion by WGM Tatev Abrahamyan and GM Cristian Chirila next door at Kingside Diner

  • Kingside Diner will be open until 6 p.m. during the tournament schedule and a 50% off menu items from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for spectators with ticket purchase.

  • Complimentary valet parking available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during tournament rounds.

The Chess Club has special hotel rates with the following establishments. Please make sure to ask for the "chess rate" when making reservations. PURCHASE CAIRNS CUP TICKETS HERE! 

Chase Park Plaza Hotel

Holiday Inn Express

Hampton Inn & SuitesParkway Hotel

212 N. Kingshighway 
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(877)-587-2427

Chess rate:
$159/night, $179/suite      

4630 Lindell Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314) 361-4900

Chess rate:
$114/night, parking $10/night, 
breakfast included

5650 Oakland Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63110

(314) 655-3994

Chess Rate:
10% off, call 314-655-3993

4550 Forest Park Ave. 
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314) 256-7777

Chess Rate: 
$126 king and $136 doubles
(plus tax that applies)