Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How To Host a Really Bad Chess Tournament

Chess in the US in the eyes of the English. Read on, click red at L. Nightmare in Las Vegas?

Start of instructive article:
'Report from Las Vegas by Sabrina Chevannes.

'The 21st Annual North American Open was held at Bally’s Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Nevada, from December 26-29, 2011. I had heard lots of stories about American chess events, but never experienced them myself. Even at a junior stage, their tournaments are bigger and better than the English events. Having read “Kings of New York” by Michael Weinreb, I had a good image of the dedication of teachers and trainers in America, taking them to several National tournaments a year and thereby producing stronger players.

'This year’s tournament was held in Bally’s Casino right on the Las Vegas Strip

'The building was huge, like every building in Vegas!

'It was difficult to find where the chess was actually being held, as there were no signs anywhere, just hundreds of slot machines and gaming tables. The staff had no idea either! When I stumbled upon the Pacific Ballroom, I assumed I had found the correct place, as it was set out in the format for a chess tournament – but no other evidence. This is when I realised, the players bring their own chess sets, boards and clocks! I started to think, this was a genius idea for the organisers – all they had to do was to put out the board numbers, minimal set up required.'

See link above for continuation of longer article. Not boring.

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