Mississippi Chess News

MORTON – A record number of players from across Mississippi gathered Saturday at Roosevelt State Park to compete in the centuries-old game of chess. The third annual Bienville Chess Classic was held April 20 at the park’s Alfreda-Harris Lodge where 58 players battled for prizes, improved ratings, and earned bragging rights. This is an increase from last year’s 45 players and up from 32 in 2022 in this tournament series, one of two hosted by the Scott County Chess Club. This event brought the combined turnout to 309 players who have visited Scott County for six chess tournaments since the club started hosting in November 2021, holding one tournament in the spring and one in the fall. Chris Allen Baker, club founder and coordinator, said players reported having a great experience as many of them have played in the club’s past tournaments, but there were new first-time players. One player came from Mobile, Ala., to participate.   “We were blessed to have a wonderful turnout and de

The first Senior Championship in Mississippi was held April 6-7 in Canton at the Nissan Training Center. David Mooney went 3.5-0.5 to win 1st place. The US Chess Federation has held the  John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions is an annual invitational since 2018. Each state affiliate (such as the Mississippi Chess Association) may nominate 1 player to represent its residents 50+ years old as of the first day of the Irwin. Previously the MCA has selected its representative as the highest finishing 50+ player in the state championship, or if necessary the highest rated 50+ player willing to go. In 2024 that changed. The 2024 Mississippi Senior State Championship - an Inaugural Event With your author turning 50 this year, I had significant interest in forming an over the board senior state championship in Mississippi. The whole was to have good conditions and generous time controls that would attract senior players, including perhaps some players who have been inactiv

Read about the results of the Mississippi Scholastic Chess Championships - Individual Championship, Girls Championship, and Team Championship The Mississippi Chess Scholastic Championships are a series of tournaments organized by the Mississippi Chess Association each year. The winners of each tournament are recognized as the official scholastic chess State Champions in Mississippi. We use this tournaments to determine the nominees to national invitational tournaments. These tournaments are operated under the regulations of the US Chess Federation and also offer players the chance to obtain or improve a rating. Individual Championship - January 13-14, 2024 - St. Andrews The individual scholastic chess championship was a 2-day weekend event held on the weekend leading into Martin Luther King Jr. Day. With a generous time control that mirrors our open state championship, this tournament allows players plenty of time to consider their next move. We awarded places 1st through 3rd in the