2010 U.S. Championship

Running Chess Tournaments
1

Hi,

Last week, I viewed with extreme disappointment that the U.S. Championship dates have been moved to May 13th - May 25th. I understand the rationale of moving the dates as to not conflict with the Anand/Topalov World Championship match. I also understand that one does not want to conflict with Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend.

However, the local demographics were ignored. St. Louis’s 2 major universities have their graduation ceremonies during this time, and this will cause the lodging expense to increase due to this. Also, lodging in general during this time, may be limited as interested chess players that would consider going to St. Louis to watch some rounds of the championship, may not be able to.

As a former St. Louis area resident, I view this news critically and want to express my thoughts. One of the participants asked me to look into arranging inexpensive lodging, and the hotel that I have had talks with, agreed to a certain rate. Now that the dates have changed, this hotel cannot honor that rate.

I can foresee seeing these dates change again to have this event in June, so it won’t conflict with Memorial Day and Father’s Day. Any thoughts?

David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ

2

I would notify the sponsor of the event. No need to post it here. With a donated prize fund of $170,000 for the players, I’d let the sponsor hold it whenever he wants. The players wouldn’t have the opportunity without him.

All the best, Joe Lux
New Jersey Delegate

3

Hi Joe,

I did notify the sponsor last week when I noticed these changes, and it has been met with no response, and has fallen on deaf ears. I thought this would be proper protocal to post this concern on the Forum. Thanks.

David A. Cole

4

It is difficult for me to believe that the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis ignored the local demographics when making the decision to reschedule this event. Your points are valid, and I’m sure rescheduling was not an easy decision to make, but sometimes decisions have to be made that don’t appease everyone.

It would have been nice of the CCSCSL replied to your e-mail inquiry to explain their reasoning. I wouldn’t expect them to change the date for this year’s Championship again.

Respectfully,

  • Enrique