MADISON –Mystery and masquerade will prevail at the 2021 Halloween Chess Tournament on the field of Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive.

The Halloween tournament will open at 10 a.m. on Oct. 30. This unique contest assembled super heroes, medieval damsels and movie monsters for its debut in 2020, coordinated by Madison City Chess League or MCCL.

“We have seen explosive growth in chess this past year, and the chance to play over-the-board is drawing even more people to the game,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said. “The Halloween Tournament, sponsored by Sullins Eye Care, will likely be the most popular chess event of the year.”

Contestants will play chess outside on the stadium’s turf field “We will have a Halloween costume contest. The kids will wear their Halloween Costumes while they play,” Bartlett said.

Prize categories for the costume contest are “Best Mask,” “Scariest Gloves,” “Best Chess-Themed Costume” and “Most Creative Costume.”

During the tournament, rated sections will be open for grade K-3, K-5, K-8 and K-12. For the non-rated section, grades K-2 and K-5 will compete.

Approximate round times will 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Time Control will be Game 20/d5. The league will provide chess sets and clocks.

Registration fee is $20 for MCCL members. Players who are not MCCL members will pay $25. To register online, visit madisonchess.com.

For awards, players in the rated sections will receive honors for first through tenth place. In the non-rated sections, players will be recognized for first through fifth place. Membership in the U.S. Chess Federation is required only for the rated section.

Parents and relatives can watch the chess games from the stadium stands.

In case of rain, the event will move inside Horizon Elementary School, 7855 Old Madison Pike in Madison. “So, rain or shine, we will hold the Halloween Chess Tournament, although we hope we can hold it at the stadium,” Bartlett said.