A few simple rules ... limitless possibilities

The London Open is the UK's biggest tournament. It is always held at the new year period: 28th - 31st December. ** 2020 edition cancelled ** It first ran at new year 1974/75 (2nd - 5th January) and has run every new year since.

Previously, over 100 players have taken part - even up to 150 - but current event is limited to 100. Players battle over 4 days in 7 rounds, with long time limits. Many come from continental Europe and further away too, and usually several top European players take part. The top player gets to hold the London Open Trophy with cash prizes for the top players and prizes for other good results too. Prizes are also given for the Lightning Tournament, held one evening, and Rengo on the final afternoon.

Another evening event is the London Pair Go. Around a dozen male-female pairs compete for the best pair title. For more details see the London Pair Go Page.

There is usually a professional teacher, the most frequent one being Guo Juan from the Netherlands and Ali Jabarin from Israel. They give lectures and analyse games. Other teachers have come from Japan, Korea and China. In 2019 the teacher will be Catalin Taranu from Romania.

The venue from 2018 on is the London Go Centre. It is supported by the T Mark Hall Foundation and Nippon Club UK.

History

In the winners list the year shown is the old year of the new year period: