Friday, September 05, 2008 7th non-master chess tilt slated By Roderick Osis
CHESS enthusiasts are set to converge anew at the staging of the seventh Baguio Centermall Non-Masters Chess Tournament on September 18 to 20 at the Baguio Center Mall (BCM) Chess Gallery, which will also highlight the first Scrabble Open Tournament.
Two categories will be played in the Swiss system format with a P5,000 in cash and trophy awaiting the winner in the open division while the champion in the kiddie division will bring home P1,500 cash and a trophy.
The Swiss system, which pairs players with similar scores, has been the leading format in chess tournaments since the 1940s. The Soviet Chess Federation preferred round robins, but is now also adopting the Swiss system.
The basic rule is for players with the same score to be ranked according to rating. Then the top half is paired with the bottom half. For instance, if there are eight players in a score group, number 1 is paired with number 5; number 2 is paired with number 6 and so on. Modifications are then made to balance colors and prevent players from meeting each other twice.
The open category will be open to those aged 13 years old and above while the kiddie category will pit children who are twelve years old and below. Early registrants will be charged with P120 registration for the open category and kiddie category while those players who opt to register during the game proper will be charged P200 for the open and 150 for the kiddie category.
Arnie Ignacio, the event's coordinator said the purpose of the event is to promote the board games of chess and Scrabble especially among the youth while facilitating the development of the talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.
"Their skills and strategies will surely be highly-tested in these tournaments with a chance of bringing home cash prizes and trophies but will have the privilege of representing our community," Ignacio said.
Registration forms are currently available at the BCM Chess Gallery located at the fourth floor; and for inquiries, participants may call Ignacio at 444-9346 or 4449712.
