USCF to hold 26th U.S. Blind Chess Championship in West Virginia June 12-13, 2009
For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2009
Contact: Rick Varchetto
(304) 614-4034

(Crossville, TN) The U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) is pleased to announce its 26th U.S. Blind Chess Championship will be held June 12-13, 2009 at the Baymont Inn, 1 Amerihost Dr., Weirton, West Virginia. Room nights are $105 (+ 6% city tax). Room nights include breakfast. The hotel phone number is: (304) 723-0500, website: http://local.yahoo.com/info-30678795-baymont-inn-weirton.

This USCF National Titled event is open to all legally blind players (proof may be required). All participants must also be current members of the USCF. 

This National championship is a four Round Swiss System event with games Friday at 9 am and 2 pm, and again Saturday at 9 am and 2 pm.  Each player will have 135 minutes per game (round times and time control are subject to change based on attendance and meal schedule).  The entry fee: $25 with a guaranteed minimum prize fund of $1,000, sponsored by the U.S. Chess Trust. The prize fund may increase based on attendance.

A catered four meal (lunch-dinner) plan is available from the organizer: The estimated meal plan cost is $70.

Chess players who are blind frequently use Braille chess boards/pieces. The black squares on the board are slightly raised so one can feel which square is which. In order to make the pieces recognizable, at the top of each black piece there is usually a small pin post. Players are allowed to have a scorekeeper, many use tape recorders. Unlike chess between two sighted players, blind players must announce their move which must be repeated by the opponent. Time limits are required for all national events; players can use a chess clock made especially for the visually-impaired or disabled player.

Contact Tournament Organizer Rick Varchetto at (304) 614-4034 for tournament details, Meal Plan  inquiries and tournament shuttle information.  You can mail your entry to: Rick Varchetto, PO Box 1002, 11 Spruce St., Elkins, WV 26241, but they MUST be received no later than June 10th.

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The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.