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. It first ran at new year 1974/75 (2nd - 5th January) and has run every new year since.

Usually over 100 players take part - even up to 150. 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 Catalin Taranu from Romania. They give lectures and analyse games. Other teachers have come from Japan, Korea and China. In 2018 the teacher will be Ali Jabarin 2p.

The venue for 2018 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: