Chessplayers from K-12th grades, of all abilities, are invited to the....

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Lessons and Grand Prix 2009!

Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix Final Standings

Play in one, or play in all three:
Hot Summer Chess I --- Thursday, July 30
Hot Summer Chess II -- Thursday, August 6
Hot Summer Chess III - Thursday, August 13 -- WHSCA Rated Results

Where: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave, Bellingham
What time: Registration is from 6:00 - 6:10pm on the above dates


Two Sections:
Total Beginner Section: - For those who don't know how to play chess (and beginners), we'll teach you how to play. Then we'll play casual practice games.
Tourney Section: For those who know how to play, want to compete in a tournament, and are able to write down their moves (or willing to learn on the spot), we have three rated Grand Prix tournaments.


Hello Chessplayers!
Get ready for some hot chess! The Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix 2009 series of tournaments will be held July 30, August 6 and August 13 at the Bellingham Public Library, downstairs in the meeting room. Registration is from 6:00 to 6:10 pm sharp. These events are free and open to K-12th grade players of all abilities, beginner to experienced, so bring a friend!

Event Format:
Beginner Section: After registration closes at 6:10, rank beginners and those who do not know how to play chess will learn chess! Then they'll play friendly casual chess games with each other.

Grand Prix Tourney Section: The most popular section. Beginners can play in this section if they choose. Players are placed in different playing groups of approximately equal playing ability based on grade and the latest NWSRS ratings. Players rated 900 or higher will play in 4-player "Quad" sections, two games, each player getting 45 minutes on the chess clock. The remainder (most) will play in 8-player (usually) "Octagonal" sections. These feature three games, no elimination, with 30 minutes per player on the clock. Top players are not eliminated from Grand Prix award eligibility -- those playing in the two-round Quad sections will receive a compensating half-point bye for Grand Prix scoring purposes. Hot Pawn

The tournaments are rated by the Washington State H.S. Chess Association, so tournament rules are in effect: if you touch a piece, you must move it. Bring a pen or pencil, since you will be required to write down your moves. (Instruction on how to do this is available at the event, and online here.) Scoresheets and boards/sets provided, but bring a clock if you have one. It's a no elimination tournament, each player plays two or three games, and thus games will be done by 9:45pm each evening at the very latest (often we're done by 9:00).

Win the Grand Prix!
In addition to small prizes for tourney section winners each evening, the five players who accumulate the most points overall in all three Hot Summer Chess tourneys will be declared Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix Champions, and will receive trophies! The Grand Prix formula rewards players who are improving, so you could win if you put your mind to it! The current, updated NWSRS ratings will be used in each Hot Summer Chess tourney.

Schedule for each HSC Grand Prix:
6:00 pm - Registration opens, help with setup please, thank you!
Registration closes at 6:10 pm sharp
Beginners Class - 6:15
GP Round 1 - 6:35 pm or asap
GP Round 2 - 7:40 pm or asap (Round 2 at 8:00 for Quad sections)
GP Round 3 - 8:45 pm or asap
Afterwards, help with room takedown, thank you everybody!

Cost?
The Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix events are offered free. We will have a donation jar present at check-in to help cover the expenses of NWSRS rating fees, trophies, scoresheets and other supplies. Suggested donation is $2 per player per tourney.

Endgame Contest Position High Score Engame Contest!
Who can post the High Score on the leaderboard we'll be keeping throughout the summer? The High Score is the fastest time to checkmate from the following 3-piece endgame position (shown at right): Kings on b1 and b8, White pawn on b2, White's move. White can win this position every time, even against Kasparov, with correct technique. But beware the stalemate! You are White -- GO!

Rules: Players are allowed only one attempt at each tourney. Attempts may be made anytime after the completion of your second round game. Digital clock will be used. Black will be played by TD's appointee only. When queening, player must put a new queen on the board before hitting the clock. Must move piece and hit clock with same hand. If you knock a piece over or make an illegal move, your attempt is over, no score.

Don't be late!
In order to get the tournament going promptly, and concluded on time, registration will close at 6:10 sharp. Or, if there's a line, as soon as the line ends after 6:10. So please don't be late, as the sectional format is not conducive to late entries, and we'd have to turn you away. Thanks!

Lend a Hand:
These events exist because of volunteer power. If you do come, we would appreciate assistance setting up the room. We also need some parents to assist in the Beginner division with teaching the rules and helping kids find a playing partner. And for those who can stay afterwards, do help with taking down tables, resetting the chairs and returning the room to its original condition after the event. Thank you one and all!

The tourneys are organized by Randy Kaech, co-directed by Randy Walther, and sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library. If further information needed, email Randy Kaech.

*Note: Just graduated H.S. seniors are welcome to play.

Map and Directions to the Bellingham Public Library

Bellingham Public Library Logo and Link





2009 Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix Final Standings:
1st:  Jesse Nutting, 7.5, Grand Champion
2nd:  Tremayne Burdsal, 6.5  
3rd:  Robyn Lesh, 6.0
4th:  Kevin Sun, 5.5
5th:  Lucy Sun, 5.5   



Hot Summer Chess Grand Prix Champions

2008 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2007 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2006 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2005 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2004 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2003 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2002 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results
2001 Grand Prix - Full Crosstables and Results

The view from last year's Hot Summer Chess III

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