„And so an end has come to a wonderful tournament, or rather, festival, in “chess city” Reykjavik. The closing ceremony was organized in a way that one normally only sees at super tournaments: in the reception area of the town hall, with free champagne and hors-d’oeuvres. The organizers are ambitious: they are planning to grow further for the 49th and 50th edition which will also take place in Harpa and for which more private sponsorship has already been secured. Besides, for 2015 they hope to get the European Team Championship to Reykjavik. “
www.chessvibes.com.
“A perfect tournament for amateurs too. It’s always a highlight if you beat a 250-points higher rated player at a playing venue with fantastic sea views. 2017 will be my 5th consecutive participation in Reykjavik. I already threatened the organizers not to stop visiting before my 50th visit. A secret info from my side. there is a restaurant where Bobby Fischer used to enjoy his dinner. The seat is easy to identify by a picture hanging at the wall. Which restaurant? Ask google or Gunnar. “
“The Reykjavik Open is one of the strongest and most innovative open tournaments in the world, played in the magnificent Harpa building – think a black Sydney Opera House with plenty of side-events plus, of course, the chance to see amazing Iceland. Not surprisingly a steady stream of US players makes a February pilgrimage to Iceland – home to the famous 1972 world title match as well as Bobby Fischer’s home for his final years (and his final resting place).”
US Chess Life


















