Bienville Chess Classic attracts high turnout

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 decent weather to allow chess players across Mississippi and beyond to enjoy a great experience at one of our nation’s best state parks,” Baker said. “It is another sign that Scott County is a popular destination for chess in our state. We are building something special here.”

The event had support from the business community which donated funds toward prizes and resources. Five businesses contributed to Saturday’s tournament as sponsors, and five others regularly support the club’s Roosevelt Chess Classic in the fall. Partners provide additional support for both events.

“We could not do this without the support of our sponsors and partners. I appreciate every business who stepped up to help us make all our tournaments possible,” Baker said.

The club appreciated assistance from the Friends of Roosevelt State Park who provided food for the players and spectators as a fundraiser for their own activities that support the park.

“Their partnership and contributions provided lunch, so players did not have to leave the park to find something to eat between rounds. It was great food and by all accounts available was much appreciated,” Baker said. “It was a win-win situation for our players and the Friends group, and we look forward to working with them for future tournaments.”

The tournament also featured a new online system, King Registration, that allowed for easy and efficient recruitment of players. “This system is a God-send tool that improved our tournament’s management and organizational activities. It’s no surprise why many of our chess tournaments around the state are using it now,” Baker said.

Champions were announced after four rounds during the day-long event. Four rated sections included the Open, U1200, U800 and U400. Players were grouped according to their skill levels reflected through ratings issued by the U.S. Chess Federation. The Open section is considered the most competitive of the divisions.

The Beverly Jo Rhodes Memorial Award plaque goes to the first-place winner of the Open section. Rhodes was a gifted class teacher who started the WINGS program at Forest, and supported chess activities. Other first, second, and third place winners received trophies and medals for their achievements.

Vincent Sun, of Flowood, received the championship plaque Saturday at the conclusion of the 3^rd annual Bienville Chess Classic tournament held at Alfreda-Harris Lodge at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. Sun tied with Ojash Bhushan, score-wise, but won the title on the tiebreaker. The award is named for the late Beverly Jo Rhodes, a gifted class teacher who started the WINGS program at Forest High School, and supported chess activities.

Everyone is welcome to compete in the tournaments and participate in other club activities.

“I am so excited that so many people from across the state regularly want to be a part of what we are doing here,” Baker said. “It would be great to see more local faces around these chess boards. The potential is there, and the invitation is extended. It is never too late to learn chess.”

The Bienville Chess Classic is named for the national forest that covers much of Scott County and the fall tournament is named for the state park.

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Malcolm Johnson, of Newton, participated Saturday in the 3^rd annual Bienville Chess Classic tournament held at Alfreda-Harris Lodge at Roosevelt State Park in Morton. Johnson is a regular chess participant in the Scott County Chess Club in Forest. This was his second tournament to participate in with his first being in Kemper County earlier this year.

The club meets monthly on the first Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Forest Public Library and the next meeting is set for May 4. More information is available on the club’s website at scottcountychessclub.org.