♟️ 54th Annual Cumberland County Scholastic Chess Championship Comes to Crossville

Cumberland County students have a chance to compete for trophies, medals, and a $1,000 scholarship at a free scholastic chess tournament this Saturday. The event, hosted by the Cumberland County Chess Club since 1973, draws young players across four grade divisions to test their strategy and skill on the board.

📍 Event Details & Registration

The 54th Annual Cumberland County Scholastic Chess Championship takes place Saturday, November 14, at Martin Elementary, 1362 Miller Ave, Crossville, TN 38555. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with onsite sign-ups available until 8:45 a.m. The first round begins at 9 a.m., followed by rounds at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. ⏰

Students can also register by email at cumberlandcountychessclub@gmail.com or by contacting William Flynn at (931) 200-0875. The tournament is open to Cumberland County students only.

🏆 Four Divisions & Prize Structure

The championship features four grade-level sections: Primary (grades 3 and below), Elementary (grades 4-6), Junior High (grades 7-8), and High School (grades 9-12). All competitors in the top 10 of their section earn medals, and the top 3 in each division receive trophies. 🥇

High school competitors have an additional incentive: the champion in that division wins a $1,000 Clinton H. Pearson, Jr. Scholarship, awarded upon admission to college (a minimum of 3 high school players must participate for the scholarship to be awarded). 💰

💡 Tournament Format & What to Know

The tournament uses a five-round Swiss format with a time control of Game/30 (30 minutes per side). If champions are tied after the five rounds, a 10-minute-per-side tiebreaker will determine the winner. Entry is completely free. 🎯

The event is sponsored by Highland Federal and RE/MAX Finest, reflecting strong community support for youth competition and intellectual development in Cumberland County.