Welcome to my new blog as president of the Maine Chess Association. I'm excited to help promote chess in an official capacity over the next two years.

The new year has already seen successful events in different parts of the state, success from Maine players across the border at the Portsmouth Open, and the announcement of a Grand Prix event to be held in Freeport. The events in Bangor and Old Town had decent turnouts despite weather playing a part in their schedules. Different players captured top honors and there were a number of upsets which made for good theatre as well as fun chess. I'm looking forward to similar reports in February from the scheduled events.

On another note, I'm looking for a tournament director or two who might be interested in running a tournament in southern Maine. I would be willing to assist if someone is looking for help. It would be nice if there was a rated tournament before the Freeport Open in April. It may be difficult at this juncture with the State Scholastics in March to pull it off, but, if anyone is willing to give it a shot, please let me know.

Right now I feel that a regular schedule of events would help tournament chess players set their schedules. I would like to have the State Closed Championship to return to its old cycle and occur in April, but that won't happen this year with the Freeport Open happening then and last year's happening so late.

I hope to meet with the executive board within the next month to discuss the direction of MECA. I am pleased to be taking leadership at a time when Maine affiliates rank among the top in the nation in the small state category and our website has been cited as one of the best in the country. I look forward to strengthening local clubs and having tournaments in new venues and different areas of the state during my term. Please contact me with any ideas that you think will help promote chess in Maine.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve Maine chess in official capacity.

Andy