ONLY small prizes are at stake. But the online chess tourney organized by the Brother of the Knights on Square Table has attracted the names considered as who's who in Mindanao Chess.
Billed as "1st Mindanao Online Blitz Chess960 Championship," it will be held on May 31 at Lichess Arena.
The Fischerandom format, which gained popularity when Filipino chess whiz Wesley So of the United States defeated Classical World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in 2019, will have a time control of 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment.
"We really want to promote random chess which is wholly different from standard chess. This way, ma minimize nato ang chances of cheating via online chess," said Square Table's founding head Ronaldo Banaag of Cagayan de Oro.
International Master Richelieu Salcedo and his fellow Airforce Lennon Hart Salgados lead the cast of early registrants that include Oro compatriots Johnnel Balquin, Christian Arroyo and Antonio Chavez Jr. of the Philippine Army.
Also in the list are Joey Florendo and Wilhelm Ardiente of Zamboanga, Henry Lopez, James Infiesto and Jimmy Dano of Davao and Jones Maghuyop and Jovy Edades of Pagadian.
Banaag said also competing are WFM Jia Allaney Doroy of Agusan.
The eleven-round Swiss System event will have cash prizes of P500, P300, P200 and P100 for the top four finishers.
Best lady and best top 1900 and 1800 below performers will also receive P100 each.