Welcome

One of our signature major events is the Roosevelt Chess Classic which is held on a Saturday in November at Alfreda-Harris Lodge at Roosevelt State Park in Morton, Miss. It features individual and team participation whereas players can compete for prizes and bragging rights as well as strengthen their ratings. 

(Click HERE for information about the venue.) 

The tournament includes four rounds using the Swiss pairing system with game control time of 45 minutes with 5 second increments. All games are rated and players must use a clock and notation and have active membership in the U.S. Chess Federation. 

Individuals compete in three sections including Open, U1200, and U800. Individuals may also form teams with any number of players, but the top four players' scores in the sections will determine team scores. 

Prizes include cash for first, second, and third place in the Open. Winners in the Open also receive a trophy for first place and medals go to second and third places respectively. The U1200 and U800 winners receive trophies and medals in similar fashion. 

In the team competition, players register for the section according to their rating and their scores are calculated for their teams. Medals go to the top four players of the winning team.

The tournament is named for the state park where it is held.    

Our other signature major event is the Bienville Chess Classic which is held in April at Alfreda-Harris Lodge at Roosevelt State Park in Morton, Miss. It features individuals only whereas players can compete for prizes and bragging rights as well as strengthen their ratings. 

(Click HERE  for information about the venue.)

The Bienville Classic includes four rounds using the Swiss pairing system with game control time of 45 minutes with 5 second increments.  

Individuals compete in three rated sections including Open, U1200, and U800. In these three sections, all games are rated and players must use a clock and notation. Players participating in these sections must have active membership in the U.S. Chess Federation.

An unrated section is offered where players may gain experience in tournament action without the pressure of ratings, but the rules of the U.S. Chess Federation will apply. 

Membership in the Federation is not required for this section only. 

Players are strongly encouraged to use notation, but must use a clock.  

Prizes include cash for first, second, and third place in the Open only. Winners in the Open also receive a plaque for first place and medals go to second and third places respectively. The U1200 and U800 winners receive trophies and medals. 

* The plaque awarded to the grand champion in the Open section is named the Beverly Jo Rhodes Memorial Award in recognition of a former gifted teacher in Scott County who taught chess in local schools. (Click HERE for information about Mrs. Rhodes.)

This tournament is named for the Bienville National Forest which includes the state park where the tournament is held and covers most of Scott County. 

Many chess players are content to just play casually whenever an opportunity arises. This may include accepting a spontaneous invitation from a fellow chess player or attending a local chess club. However, there is another level to the game of chess - tournaments.

Tournaments are great ways to see how much progress a player is making in learning and growing in the game by discovering how they stack up against other players. It is also an opportunity to learn from other players in seeing a variety of strategies and styles of play. Like any other competitive activity, it is good to keep a healthy attitude and perspective, but playing in tournaments can reap many rewards. Remember, the #1 rule in Chess is to HAVE FUN! 

Some players enjoy just playing in a random tournament for fun and experiencing the opportunity to learn and grow. Other players are more competitive and really get into tournaments, seeking to win and advance as far as they can go. They may have aspirations for earning master, grandmaster status within the U.S. Chess Federation through their rating. It is up to each individual to determine what kind of chess life they wish to have.

In Mississippi, there are many opportunities to participate in tournaments. The Mississippi Chess Association sponsors a state tournament each fall for adults and youth. Youth may also participate in the annual scholastic tournaments. These events are precursors to representing the state on the national level at many events.

Tournaments usually include registration fees and players choose what sections they wish to participate in, based on their skill level as determined by their U.S. Chess Federation rating. Tournaments may also include team play where individual players' scores are combined and calculated for overall scores. Prizes may include cash, trophies, plaques, medals, ribbons, and certificates.