USCF Spring Nationals

In the spring of each year, the USCF hosts three major National Scholastic Championships. Usually they are spread out around the country; last year's events were in Sacramento, Kansas City and Nashville. These tournaments are intensely competitive and it is an experience unlike any that you can achieve from local events. Yet it isn't all about winning, because only a few will become national champions. The Nationals represent a unique opportunity to meet chess players near your age from New York, Texas, Illinois, Florida and other states. Hence, I think the time and cost of the trip is worthwhile for serious scholastic chess players.

It is now high time to begin serious planning if you wish to attend this year's nationals.

• National Junior High (K-9) (April 4-6 at Hyatt Regency DFW, Dallas TX) Website
• National High School (K-12) (April 18-20 at Hyatt Regency Atlanta GA) Website
• National Elementary (K-6) (May 9-11 at Westin Hotel, Pittsburgh PA) Website

The fpawn has attended at least one of the Nationals for several years and he is interested in going to one again this year. But which one? It depends mostly on where the most students go and who would be interested in having me available for coaching between the rounds. Any of my students who are planning to attend Nationals, please send me an email note soon so that I can consider my own travel options.

As a final note, this year's CalChess State Scholastics will be on held the weekend after the National Elementary. Make sure to add these dates to your calendar as well.

• CalChess Scholastic Champs (May 17-18 at Hilton Hotel, San Jose CA) Website