Ranae Bartlett, director of Madison City Chess League, instructs players about the Fall Scholars Chess Tournament on Sept. 20 at Rainbow Elementary School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison City Schools’ first annual Fall Scholars Chess Tournament will be held on Sept. 20 at Rainbow Elementary School.

This tournament is open only to Madison City Schools students or members of chess club in the Madison school district.

“The Fall Scholars Chess Tournament is designed to help Madison students get ready for the big Queen’s Quest tournament on Nov. 22 at Columbia Elementary School,” Ranae Bartlett said. Bartlett is director of Madison City Chess League.

At the scholars tournament, students will play in sections by their ability and experience, not by grade level. Pre-registration deadline is Sept. 15.

This tournament will have a United States Chess Federation (USCF) rated section. The two divisions will be “U800” for students rated under 800 in grades K-12 and “Championship” for students rated 800 and above in grades K-12.

“In addition to trophies and medals, we have a special prize in the championship section. The top two elementary students will be invited to train with the middle school competition chess teams and Coach Don Maddox each week on Friday at 5:30 p.m.,” Bartlett said.

All competitors in the USCF-rated section must have current USCF memberships and record their moves.

For new players of the game, a non-rated section will not require USCF membership. The non-rated section’s divisions will be for students in grades K-12 and for students in K-6.

“Middle school and high school students who have never played in a rated tournament should register for the K-12 section,” Bartlett said. “This will be a great first tournament for any student who may be interested in trying competitive chess.”

For registration forms for upcoming tournaments, visit the Madison City Chess League website at madisoncitychessleague.weebly.com/upcoming-tournaments.html. Bartlett recommends the page for any youth who want to know about chess tournaments in the Madison area.

For more information, visit Facebook/Madison City Chess League or Twitter #/rbartlett14.