Tucson Open is January 25-27

Hello All!

One of Tucson's premier events is just 2 weeks away. The Tucson Open is a 3-day event (2-day schedule available) open to all USCF players. There are 3 sections in the main event; Open, Reserve (U1800), and Booster (U1400).

SCHEDULE: (3-day) 5/SS, 40/2, SD/1; Reg: 1/25 5:30-6:30 PM; Rds: 7, 10-5, 9-4. (2-day) 5/SS, Rds 1-2 G/90; Rds. 3-5 40/2, SD/1; Reg: 1/26 8:30-9:30 AM; Rds: 10-1:30-5, 9-4.

PRIZES: (Open) $$G: $500(plaque)-400-300; $$b/4 X, A, B/below $150 ea. Trophy Top Jr. U20, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+; (Reserve) $$b/38: $250(plaque)-150(plaque); $$b/4 C, D/below $100 ea. Trophy to Top UNR, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+; (Booster) Trophy and clock to 1st Place, Trophy to 2nd - 5th Place, Top E, U1000/Unr and Jr. U11.

ENTRY FEE: GM/IM are FREE! prizes to be reduced. (Open) $60; (Reserve) $45; (Booster) $30. LATE FEE: Additional $10 if entry received after 1/23. DISCOUNT: $10 off EF for Juniors (under age 20) and Seniors (age 50+) in Open and Reserve. 

There are also two 1-day scholastic events, open to players in 6th grade or younger who are also rated below 1000 USCF. There are two sections in each scholastic event: K-6/U1000 and K-3/U600. Entry fee is $15 (or $25 is you play both Saturday and Sunday). Prizes: Trophy 1-5 Place each section, each day.

For more information see the SACA website and flier.

Please note that a previous flier incorrectly listed the special hotel rates. The correct hotel rates are $89 for a single/double room and $109 for the suite. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and hope to see you at the event.

National Chess Day

Many of you may not know it, but today is "National Chess Day".

On October 9, 1976 President Gerald Ford declared a National Chess Day. As we approach that anniversary date, we encourage state and local clubs to commemorate the day in some way, perhaps with a tournament or an educational program about chess in their communities.

National Chess Day began in South Carolina. It was created by the late Bill Dodgen, who was president of the South Carolina Chess Association for a number of years. It was originally a state chess day in South Carolina, but Bill quickly expanded it to a nationwide effort and was appointed National Chess Day chairman.

I would like to thank all on our chess community for your participation in the game that we love. And I encourage (challenge) you to go out this weekend and play some chess! Teach someone how to play or play with someone who hasn't played in a long time. But remember, you don't have to just play chess on National Chess Day!

If you haven't been following along, the US Women's Championship is currently taking place in St. Louis, MO. Ten of the best females in the country are competing for a $64,000 ($15,000 for first) prize fund. Currently, current US Woman's Champion, Anna Zatonskih, leads with 4.5 points out of 5.

Chess in our community:

• October 10 - Arizona Chess in Schools is hosting the Green Fields Open
• October 14 - Arizona Scorpions vs. San Francisco Mechanics in the US Chess League
• October 14 - Eastside Chess Club meets every Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center
  
• October 17 - League Match #1 at St. Cyril School
• October 18 - 9 Queens will host the All Queens Chess Day

Arizona Scorpions are moving!

The banner on their former blog says is all, "Our blog has moved."

The new season of the United States Chess League (USCL) begins next week. The Scorpions, in their second season, are sporting a new look. Not only in their new blog, but also in roster. Currently the top story is an interview with manager/player Leo Martinez about who's on this year's team.

The first match is Wednesday, September 2 against the Chicago Blaze. Come out and support Arizona's team taking on the some of the country's top players!

The Arizona Scorpions are a SACA special project for the promotion of high-level, adult chess in our community. Tax-deductible donations to SACA in support of the Scorpions are accepted on the Scorpions website.