Success at the MS Championships!

We held the MS Championships this year at the same time as the Elementary Championships with amazing success! Everyone had a great time in an upscale and relaxed environment. We had 3 sections (OPEN, RESERVE (U1400) and a U1000). Ratings of players ranged from 400 to over 1900! Despite the difference in skill, the separated rating sections allowed every player to get a great, balanced and challenging game. The winners of each section are:

• OPEN – Alec Ho and Peter Marriott (4.0) Co-Champions
• RESERVE – Heather Young (4.0)
• U-1000 – Ian Convy (4.0)

The event boasted over 70 players from around the State. We made a number of changes to prior year formats that everyone truly appreciated. We plan to do the same next year.

One change we are planning for the OPEN Section at the request of the parents and players – This will be a 2-day Game/90 Event. We are still working out the schedule but it is clear that players of the caliber Washington State is generating, our players demand longer games and the time necessary to play them. Our current thinking is to make all games G/90 (so that players do not need to “shift” between different time controls during the event). We are still working out the schedule. When determined, we will post it here for community feedback.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all that supported the event!

A link to the final standings can be found HERE

February Events for Middle School Chess Players

February has few events for Middle School this year – but there ARE events! Here are two you should consider….

• The Northwest Grade Level at Bryant Elementary (Seattle) on 2/6 has a special 7-8 section. Let’s bring a BUNCH of us and show everyone that we have a strong community that supports Middle School!
• The Mountlake Terrace BUGHOUSE in Lynnwood on 2/13 is a fun event for all, with a K-12 section for older kids. No need to have a partner, we will match you up with someone at registration.

Both events can be found at www.chess4life.com