Costumed players to compete on field at Halloween Chess Tournament

MADISON – Goblins, ghouls and maybe a Grandmaster wannabe will be on the field for the 2023 Halloween Chess Tournament.

Madison City Chess League or MCCL will present the Halloween tournament on Oct. 28 at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive. Games will start at 10 a.m.

“The kids will play chess outside on the turf field,” Nicole Wall said. Wall recently accepted the position of MCCL Marketing and Communications Manager.

“For the Halloween Costume Contest, the kids can wear their Halloween costumes while they play,” Wall said. The bright colors of the masquerade outfits against the monotone turf in the stadium will give an outstanding backdrop for parents to take photographs.

The Halloween Costume Contest will have five prize categories: “Best Mask,” “Scariest Gloves” (which always have quite eye-catching designs), “Best Chess-Themed Costume” and “Most Creative Costume.”

The round times for the tourney will be 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The four rounds will use G/20; d5.

Rated sections for the Halloween Chess Tournament will be K-3 or kindergarten through third grade; K-5 or kindergarten through fifth grade; K-8 or kindergarten through eighth grade; and K-12 or kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Non-rated sections will include K-2 or kindergarten through second grade and K-5 or kindergarten through fifth grade.

Membership with US Chess Federation is required only for rated sections. Only unrated players can register for the non-rated sections.

Registration fee is $20 for MCCL members or $25 for players who aren’t members.

For a snack or beverage, Park and Perk will offer coffee. Forever Grateful Food Truck will sell lunch selections.

Sullins Eye Care Center is the sponsor for the 2023 Halloween Chess Tournament.

Players should register online at madisonchess.com. Registration deadline is Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.

Players in Rated sections in places 1 through 10 will receive awards, along with Non-Rated sections for places 1-5.

In case of rain, the tournament will move to Journey Middle School.

To register, visit madisonchess.com, and click the “Events” menu. Next, click “Upcoming Events,” and scroll and click “2023 Halloween Chess Tournament.” Complete the registration form.

For more information, visit madisonchess.com.