Sacramento Championship on July 4th Weekend

(Photos from 2005 Sacramento Chess Championship on my website.)

If you're looking for some serious chess action and a mini family vacation, then I suggest the 2008 Sacramento Chess Championship on 4th of July weekend (July 4-6). The kid-friendly venue at the Best Western Expo Inn and experienced tournament director John McCumiskey (photo at upper right) are merely two reasons why this tournament is one of the largest annual adult events in Northern California, with a peak turnout over 100. Actually, there will be two McCumiskey's at this event--expect twice the laughter! I would have to be out of country to miss this tournament (yes, it happened a few years ago).

• two sections: Master/Expert (2000+) and Reserve (U2000)
• 3-day schedule = all six rounds at 30/90, SD/60 starting on Friday
  
• 2-day schedule = first three games at G/60 on Saturday, then merge
  
• 1-day schedule = play in 2-day on Saturday with byes for rounds 5 and 6
  
• $325 + trophy for 1st place in both sections
• prize fund of about $2,600 based on about 85 entries
• mail in entry fee by June 27 or pay on site for $5/$10 more
• click here for the entry form
• check out the advance entries
• defending champion IM Ricardo DeGuzman (see last year's crosstable)
  
• Cal Expo fireworks show on Friday night after the round concludes

I recommend the 3-day schedule for my students to play serious tournament games at a long time control, but the 2-day option may work better for some players and their parents. Juniors rated between 1800 and 1999 should consider playing up, depending on whether they seek experience against stronger opponents or an opportunity to win money.