Chess tournament offers device-free day for kids

Like the pony express, Orange’s traditional school holidays chess tournament, always seems to get through.

 Tournament organiser, Bevan Clouston may or may-not be able to attend, but the event is still going ahead this Saturday July 10, Bevan confirmed.

 “I'm still hoping to be there. I am just putting backups in place. It depends on what the Government decides.” Bevan said from Sydney.

 The tournament offers one of the few local events where tournament rules apply to junior players, offering valuable experience for school-aged players in the region. Ohh, and it’s the perfect chance to get your kids off their electronic devices for one-day!

 “In April we had 33 players, and everyone had a fantastic day! The time control for the tournament is 15 minutes per game plus five 5seconds per move. There will be trophies for first, second, and third and age prizes,” Bevan said.

 Cost for the tournament is $22 for one child, $40 for two, with each additional child $15.

 As usual, St Barnabas Anglican Church Parish Hall on the corner of Dora and McLachlan Streets, east Orange is the venue with the games starting at 9.30am and finishing at 3.30pm.

 Special feature of the event is that players are carefully matched with opponents of similar standards with almost all games close and exciting affairs.

 “You don’t have to be good, this is a fun tournament,” Bevan said.

 “But a knowledge of the rules is required, and tournament conditions will be applied.

 “The games will be timed with chess clocks, but don’t worry if you have never played with clocks,” Bevan said.

 “You’ll be told how they work. The results will be sent to the NSW Junior Chess League for ratings,” Bevan added.

For more information or to register, contact Bevan Clouston on 0415 828 613, or email: bkclouston@gmail.com Late entries will also be accepted on the day, Saturday, July 10, and will cost $25 per player.