The Williams Lake Chess Club is hosting the first-ever Lakecity Chess Open.
“We have it all,” said Scott Richardson, one of the tournament’s organizers. “A great playing room, a bit of cash and product prizes.”
Scott is local chess sensation Kai Richardson’s dad. Kai played in last year’s World Youth Chess Championships. “Kai’s homeschooling program, SelfDesign, has donated five deluxe tournament chess sets for prizes for students and 10 coaching boards and sets to Kai so that he can teach and give simuls [simultaneous exhibitions].
“We just need people to come and play.”
Scott said he hopes to get around 20 to 30 people participating in the tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Williams Lake Library.
“This will be the first chess tournament for the lakecity,” he said. “It could be the only chess tournament in the Interior of B.C.”
He added the tournament is for all levels and all ages.
“If you enjoy playing chess and it’s been a while or if you just know how the pieces move and want some experience we have a section for you [called] the casual section,” he said. “For those more advanced, the open section.”
Refreshments and snacks will be provided during the tournament by Safeway and prizes include sport bike equipment from Red Shred’s and Barking Spider, plus gift certificates from the Gecko Tree and the Open Book.
The tournament will be six rounds and a Williams Lake club-rated tournament with a $250 cash prize and another $400 in prizes from sponsors.
For more information vist lakecitychess.homestead.com.
