Closed Championship Looms

The State of Maine Closed Championship is scheduled for April 21-22 in Waterville. It will be held at the Best Western Plus across from Governor's Restaurant where the Holiday Inn used to be. MECA is excited to have secured this convenient location, and the hotel rate is very reasonable. It is $65 if secured by April 1.

The format is the same as last year with Game/120 minutes/5 second delay and five rounds. The rounds are Saturday 9:15, 2:00, and 6:45 and Sunday 9:15 and 2:00. Half point byes are available on Saturday. Please check chessmaine.net events page for further details.

MECA is committed to making the Closed Championship a consistent occurrence in April. In 2013 the proposed dates are April 13-14, while in 2014 the proposed dates are April 12-13. We are also hoping to secure the same venue as this year if it works to everyone's liking. We would love to make this event the biggest two-day event in Maine and are hoping that we can get over forty entrants this year. Early entry (by 4/18) saves $10.

Another enticement this year is the Maine Chess Player of the Year competition. This year's competition is player friendly as one has twelve tournaments to gain points from. Players will take their best eight results (or fewer) to put toward the competition. More details are on the website. The Closed Championship is worth more potential points than the others (10) and all participants are automatic entrants into the competition. We had a close race last year between Roger Morin and Lance Beloungie that came down to the final event, and they are off to good starts in this year's competition.

Secure your hotel room, enter the tourney, and get ready for a great weekend of chess in Waterville, April 21-22.