Think you’re the Sultan of the Stalemate? The King of Castling? The Emperor of en passant? Prepare to have your illusions shattered as the North Carolina Chess Association presents their 2007 U.S. Masters Championship. This event brings top-rated players from around the nation to Hendersonville for nine days of fierce competition. With a $5,000 Grand Prize and a minimum rating of 2200 (or “National Master” level of play), expect the ballrooms at the Quality Inn & Suites to be filled with the kind of quiet, tangible tension that only high-level chess can provide. And, if you have the minimum rating and a $170 for the entrance fee, you just might be able to take home some of the glory for yourself.
Just in case you’re still working on your game, the N.C. Sub-Masters tournament takes place concurrent with the U.S. Masters Championship, allowing players with scores from 1600 and 2200 to compete for points and winner’s plaques. The entrance fee is $25.
But what if you’d like to brush up on your skills before you make a grab for all those glorious checkmates? The WNC Chess Association holds weekly meetings at the North Asheville Community Center (37 Larchmont Lane, behind the Asheville Pizza Company on Merrimon Ave.) on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Or, if you live in Hendersonville, it might be worth paying a visit to the Hendersonville Chess Club, which meets each Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on King Street.
— Steve Shanafelt, A&E reporter
