Chess is a game that has fascinated millions of people for centuries. It is a game that requires skill, strategy, and creativity. It is also a game that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Chess can also be a great way to travel, explore, and experience new places and cultures. One of the places that chess lovers should visit is South Carolina, a state that has a lot of chess activities and events. In this guide, we will show you some of the most exciting and rewarding chess tournaments in South Carolina, and how to participate in them and have fun.
SC Chess is the official website of the South Carolina Chess Association, the governing body of chess in the state. It provides information about chess events, clubs, players, and ratings in South Carolina. It also organizes and sponsors several state-level tournaments, such as:
SC State Championship: This is the most prestigious tournament in the state, where the best players compete for the title of SC State Champion. It is usually held in September, and has two sections: Open and U1800. The time control is G/90, +30 sec increment, and the prize fund is $2,000 (based on 50 players).
SC Scholastic Championship: This is the largest tournament for scholastic players in the state, where the winners qualify for the national scholastic events. It is held in March, and has several sections based on grade level: K-12, K-8, K-5, K-3, and K-1. The time control is G/30, d5, and the prize fund is $1,000 (based on 200 players).
SC Border Battle: This is a team tournament where SC players face off against NC players in a friendly but fierce rivalry. It is held in November, and has four sections based on rating: Open, U2000, U1600, and U1200. The time control is G/60, d5, and the prize fund is $1,000 (based on 100 players).
Chess tournaments in Charleston
The Charleston Chess Club is the oldest and largest chess club in the city, founded in 1973. It meets every Monday at 7 pm at the Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street, downtown Charleston. The club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, and offers free chess lessons, casual games, and rated tournaments. Some of the tournaments that the club hosts regularly are:
Snowstorm Chess Tournament: This is an annual event that started in 1973, when a snowstorm hit Charleston and the club decided to hold a tournament despite the weather. It is now one of the most prestigious and well-attended tournaments in the state, attracting players from all over the region. The tournament is held in February, and has two sections: Championship (1500+) and U1500. The time control is G/45, +5 sec increment, and the prize fund is $1,500 (based on 50 players).
Thunderstorm Tournament: This is another annual event that the club organizes in August, as a counterpart to the Snowstorm Tournament. It also has two sections: Championship (1500+) and U1500, and the same time control and prize fund as the Snowstorm Tournament.
Grandmaster Simultaneous: Occasionally, the club invites a grandmaster to play a simultaneous exhibition against the club members and guests. This is a great opportunity to test your skills against a world-class player and learn from their moves. The fee is usually $10 per board, and the proceeds go to the club to purchase needed chess equipment.
Chess tournaments in MidlandsColumbia
The Columbia Chess Club is the largest chess community in the Midlands. It welcomes players of all ages and skill levels to join its weekly meetings, special events, and tournaments. The club also offers chess lessons, online activities, and a newsletter. Some of the regular tournaments hosted by the club are:
Columbia Tunnelvision: A one-day event with four rounds of G/45;d5. It is held on the third Saturday of every month at the First Church of the Nazarene in Columbia. The entry fee is $25 and the prizes are based on entries.
Snowstorm Chess Tournament: An annual event with four rounds of G/60;d5. It is held in February at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston. The entry fee is $35 and the prizes are $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place in the open section.
Columbia Open: A two-day event with five rounds of G/90+30. It is held in June at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia. The entry fee is $60 and the prizes are $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place in the open section.
Chess tournaments in Fort Mill
CHESS KLUB is a knowledge-based value-driven community of chess lovers and enthusiasts. It conducts chess coaching classes, tournaments, mentorship programs, chess events, summer camps, and much more. At CHESS KLUB, you can meet like-minded individuals who share your love for the game and improve your skills by playing against others with similar abilities. Some of the tournaments offered by CHESS KLUB are:
CHESS KLUB Monthly Swiss: A one-day event with four rounds of G/30;d5. It is held on the last Saturday of every month at the CHESS KLUB in Fort Mill. The entry fee is $20 and the prizes are gift cards for the top three players in each section.
CHESS KLUB Blitz Championship: A one-day event with nine rounds of G/5. It is held on the second Saturday of every month at the CHESS KLUB in Fort Mill. The entry fee is $10 and the prizes are cash for the top three players in the open section.
CHESS KLUB Scholastic Championship: A one-day event with four sections: K-12, K-8, K-5, and K-3. It is held on the first Saturday of every month at the CHESS KLUB in Fort Mill. The entry fee is $25 and the prizes are medals for the top three individuals and teams in each section.
Courtesy of: Chess Klub Fort Mill
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide and learning more about chess tournaments in South Carolina. Chess is a game that can bring you many benefits, such as improving your thinking skills, developing your creativity, and increasing your confidence. Chess tournaments are a great way to experience the beauty and joy of chess, as well as to compete and have fun with other players. Whether you are a novice or a master, you can find a tournament that fits your needs and goals in South Carolina. So, what are you waiting for? Find a tournament that appeals to you, and start your chess journey in South Carolina!