(CROSSVILLE, TN)The United States Chess Federation, (USCF), will hold its 2006 U. S. Blind Chess Championship again this year at the Hampton Inn in Buckhannon, West Virginia, June 23-24, 2006. The event will be a four round Swiss with a time control of G/120, (each players gets two hours on their clock for each game). Rounds on June 23 and 24 will be at 9 AM and 3 PM thereby giving each player two games per day. Special chess rate at the Hampton Inn is $62 per night. Opening ceremony will be a picnic on June 22 at 6 PM. Two lunches and three dinners at $55 per person are available.

Entry fee for players is $25 and make check payable to Elkins Lions Club; c/o Richard Varchetto; P. O. Box 1002; Elkins, WV 26241.

Minimum prizes $300--$200--$100 U1800, U1600, U1400, Unr. = $100 each. Phone number of the Hampton Inn is (304) 473-0900 or contact event organizer Richard Varchetto at (304) 636-4034 or (304) 614-4034.

If you would like to make a donation to this event, please make checks payable to Elkins Lions Club; c/o Richard Varchetto; P. O. Box 1002; Elkins, WV 26241.

Past champions: 1977: James Slagle; 1982: Albert Sandrin; 1983: Joseph Kennedy; 1984: Ted Bullockus; 1985: Joseph Kennedy; 1986: Albert Sandrin; 1987: Joseph Kennedy; 1988: William Gibson; 1991: Joseph Kennedy and William Pete Gibson; 1982: Joseph Kennedy; 1993: Alex Barrasso and William Pete Gibson; 1994: Joseph Kennedy; 1995: Don Beaulieu; 1996: Alex Barrasso; 1997: Alex Barrasso; 1998: Alex Barrasso; 1999: Henry Olynik; 2000: Jeffrey Siebrandt; Jay Leventhal; 2001: Jeffrey Sibrandt; 2002: Jeffrey Siebrandt, Jay Leventhal; 2003: Alex Barrasso; 2004: Michael Davis; 2005: Jeffrey Siebrandt.

Participants must be members of the USCF and also must be legally blind. Media and spectators are welcome.

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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.