If you love chess and live in Maine, you’re in luck! There are many chess tournaments happening throughout the year in the Pine State, where you can test your skills, meet new friends, and have fun. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best chess events in Maine, how to register, and what to expect. Whether you’re a beginner or a master, there’s a tournament for you!
The Maine Chess Association (MECA) is the official state affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) and the main promoter of chess activities in Maine. MECA is a non-profit organization that supports chess at all levels, from scholastic to adult, and hosts various rated tournaments, match play, and championships throughout the year. MECA also offers discounted entry fees and membership benefits for its members.
Some of the tournaments that MECA organizes or sponsors are:
Maine Chess Championship: This is the annual state championship that determines the best chess player in Maine. It is usually held in March and consists of five rounds of Swiss system play. The winner qualifies for the National State Champion of Champions tournament.
Maine Scholastic Girls’ Championship & Maine Women’s Championship: These are two separate events that aim to encourage and celebrate female chess players in Maine. They are usually held in April and consist of four rounds of Swiss system play. The winners qualify for the National Girls Tournament of Champions and the National Women’s Open, respectively.
Bob Solinger Memorial Tournament: This is a memorial tournament in honor of Bob Solinger, a former MECA president and a prominent chess figure in Maine. It is usually held in May and consists of four rounds of Swiss system play. The tournament has three sections: Open, U1800, and U1400.
Maine Scholastic Grand Prix: This is a series of scholastic tournaments that run from September to May and are open to students from kindergarten to grade 12. The tournaments are held at various locations across the state and have different formats and time controls. The top players in each grade level earn points and prizes based on their performance.
ChessMaine is a website that provides news, information, and resources for chess players and enthusiasts in Maine. It covers local, national, and international chess events, as well as features articles, interviews, puzzles, and reviews.
ChessMaine also organizes and supports various chess tournaments in Maine, such as:
Cobscook Institute Winter Classic Chess Tournament: This is a fun and friendly chess tournament for players of all ages and skill levels, held at the Cobscook Institute in Lubec. The tournament is US Chess rated, and also counts for the Maine Grand Prix. The tournament is usually held in February, and the entry fee is $20 for adults and $10 for students. The prize is a trophy for the top three players in each section, and a medal for the top female player in each section. The time control is G/45 +:05.
Maine Scholastic Girls’ Championship & Maine Women’s Championship: This is a chess tournament for female players only, held at the Foxcroft Academy in Dover Foxcroft. The tournament is US Chess rated, and also counts for the Maine Scholastic Grand Prix and the Maine Grand Prix. The tournament is usually held in February, and the entry fee is $15 for the Scholastic section and $20 for the Women’s section. The prize is a trophy for the top three players in each section, and a medal for the top female player in each section. The time control is G/45 +:05.
Winter Warm Up Tournament: This is a chess tournament for players of all ages and skill levels, held at the Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden. The tournament is US Chess rated, and also counts for the Maine Grand Prix. The tournament is usually held in February, and the entry fee is $20 for adults and $10 for students. The prize is a trophy for the top three players in each section, and a medal for the top female player in each section. The time control is G/45 +:05.
The Cobscook Institute is a non-profit organization that provides educational and cultural opportunities for the people of eastern Maine and beyond. The institute has a chess program that offers classes, workshops, and tournaments for students and adults. The chess program is led by FIDE Master Jarod Bryan, who is also the director of the Maine Scholastic Chess Association. Some of the tournaments that the Cobscook Institute hosts are:
Cobscook Institute MLK Jr. Day Chess Tournament: This is a one-day tournament that is held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has four sections: Open, U1600, U1200, and U800. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 25 minutes per player per game.
Cobscook Institute Winter Classic Chess Tournament: This is a two-day tournament that is held in February. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has four sections: Open, U1800, U1400, and U1000. The tournament has five rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 40 minutes per player per game with a 5-second increment.
You can find more info about the Cobscook Institute chess program and events at their website and Facebook page.
Chess tournaments in Portland
The Portland Chess Club (PCC) is the oldest and largest chess club in Maine. PCC is a non-profit organization that promotes chess at all levels, from scholastic to adult, and hosts various rated and unrated tournaments, match play, and championships throughout the year. PCC also offers discounted entry fees and membership benefits for its members.
Some of the tournaments that PCC organizes or sponsors are:
Portland Amateur Championship: This is the annual city championship that determines the best chess player in Portland. It is usually held in February and consists of four rounds of Swiss system play. The tournament is open to players rated below 2200 and has a $1000 prize fund based on 40 paid entries.
Portland Spring Open: This is a two-day tournament that is held in March. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has three sections: Open, U1800, and U1400. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a $1000 prize fund based on 40 paid entries.
GM Arthur Dake Memorial Open: This is a memorial tournament in honor of GM Arthur Dake, a former US champion and a Portland native. It is held in April and consists of five rounds of Swiss system play. The tournament is open to players of all ages and levels and has a $1000 prize fund based on 40 paid entries.
Portland Sunday Quads: This is a monthly tournament that is held on the third Sunday of every month. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has four-player round-robin sections based on rating. The tournament has three rounds of games in 90 minutes with a 30-second increment.
Portland Game in 60: This is a monthly tournament that is held on the last Saturday of every month. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has a single section. The tournament has four rounds of games in 60 minutes with a 5-second delay.
MSCA: Maine Scholastic Chess Association
The Maine Scholastic Chess Association (MSCA) is a non-profit organization that supports and coordinates chess activities for students in Maine. MSCA is affiliated with the US Chess Federation and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation and organizes various scholastic tournaments, camps, and clinics throughout the year. MSCA also offers scholarships and awards for its members. Some of the tournaments that MSCA organizes or sponsors are:
Maine Scholastic Team Chess Championship: This is the annual state team championship that is held in April. It is open to teams of four players from grades K to 12 and has four sections: High School, Middle School, Elementary, and Primary. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 25 minutes per player per game.
Maine Scholastic Individual Chess Championship: This is the annual state individual championship that is held in May. It is open to students from grades K to 12 and has four sections: High School, Middle School, Elementary, and Primary. The tournament has five rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 25 minutes per player per game.
Maine Scholastic Girls’ Championship & Maine Women’s Championship: These are two separate events that aim to encourage and celebrate female chess players in Maine. They are usually held in April and consist of four rounds of Swiss system play. The winners qualify for the National Girls Tournament of Champions and the National Women’s Open, respectively.
Maine Scholastic Grand Prix: This is a series of scholastic tournaments that run from September to May and are open to students from kindergarten to grade 12. The tournaments are held at various locations across the state and have different formats and time controls. The top players in each grade level earn points and prizes based on their performance.
You can find the info about MSCA events at the PPC website.
Roshen’s Chess Academy (RCA) is a chess school that provides chess education and training for students and adults in Portland and surrounding areas. RCA is led by FIDE Master Roshen Nair, who is also the president of the MSCA and a former state champion. RCA offers classes, workshops, and tournaments for players of all levels and ages. RCA also hosts the Portland Chess Club’s scholastic tournaments and camps. Some of the tournaments that RCA hosts are:
Roshen’s Chess Academy Scholastic Tournament: This is a fundraiser for the MSCA, PCC, and HECSA. It is held in March and is open to students from grades K to 12. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 25 minutes per player per game.
Roshen’s Chess Academy Summer Camp Tournament: This is a tournament that is held at the end of the RCA summer camp in August. It is open to campers and non-campers alike and has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 25 minutes per player per game.
You can find the info about MSCA events at the PPC website.
Baxter Academy is a public charter school in Portland, Maine, that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Baxter Academy also has a chess club that hosts a winter chess tournament every Saturday from January to March. The tournament is open to players of all ages and skill levels, and offers three sections: Open, U1400, and U800. The time control is G/30, d5, and the entry fee is $10. The top three players in each section receive medals, and there are also special prizes for best female player, best unrated player, and best Baxter student.
You can also find more info about Baxter Academy’s tournaments at their Facebook page.
Chess tournaments in Farmington
The Farmington Chess Club (FCC) is a chess club that is based in Farmington, Maine. The club is open to players of all ages and levels and meets every Friday evening at the Farmington Community Center. The club offers chess lessons, casual play, and tournaments for its members and guests. Some of the tournaments that the FCC hosts are:
Farmington Open Chess Tournament: This is a one-day tournament that is held in October. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has four sections: Open, U1800, U1400, and U1000. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 40 minutes per player per game with a 5-second increment.
Farmington Blitz Chess Tournament: This is a one-day tournament that is held in December. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has a single section. The tournament has seven rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 5 minutes per player per game with a 2-second increment.
Chess tournaments in Bangor
Bangor Chess Club
The Bangor Chess Club (BCC) is a chess club that is based in Bangor, Maine. The club is open to players of all ages and levels and meets every Tuesday evening at the Bangor Public Library.
The club offers chess lessons, casual play, and tournaments for its members and guests. Some of the tournaments that the BCC hosts are:
Bangor Open Chess Tournament: This is a one-day tournament that is held in January. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has four sections: Open, U1800, U1400, and U1000. The tournament has four rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 40 minutes per player per game with a 5-second increment.
Bangor Blitz Chess Tournament: This is a one-day tournament that is held in March. It is open to players of all ages and levels and has a single section. The tournament has seven rounds of Swiss system play and a time control of 5 minutes per player per game with a 2-second increment.
You can find the info about MSCA events at the MECA website.
Chess tournaments in South Portland
Weekend Anime is a fan-owned and run anime and gaming store in Westbrook, Maine that first opened in July 2003. It offers a variety of games and activities for anime and gaming enthusiasts, including chess. Every Saturday, from 12:00 to 20:00, Weekend Anime hosts a chess club where players can meet, play, and learn from each other. The club is open to anyone who wants to join, regardless of skill level or age. There is no entry fee or membership required. Just bring your own chess set or borrow one from the store.
The South Portland High School Chess Club is a student-run club that aims to foster a love of chess among the school community. The club meets every Wednesday after school in room 101, from 14:15 to 15:15. The club welcomes students of all grades and abilities, as well as teachers and staff who want to join. The club organizes friendly matches, tournaments, and chess puzzles for its members. It also participates in the Maine Scholastic Grand Prix, a series of tournaments for school teams across the state. The club’s coach is Mr. Smith, a math teacher and an avid chess player.
Chess tournaments in Biddeford
The Biddeford Chess Club is a local chess club that meets every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the McArthur Public Library in Biddeford. The club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, and offers free chess lessons, casual games, and friendly tournaments. Some of the chess tournaments that the Biddeford Chess Club organizes regularly are:
Biddeford Blitz Tournament: This is a six-round Swiss tournament with a time control of 5 minutes per player per game. The tournament is held on the first Wednesday of every month at the McArthur Public Library. The entry fee is $5 per player. The prizes are $25/$15/$10 for the top three scorers.
Biddeford Rapid Tournament: This is a four-round Swiss tournament with a time control of 15 minutes per player per game. The tournament is held on the third Wednesday of every month at the McArthur Public Library. The entry fee is $5 per player. The prizes are $25/$15/$10 for the top three scorers.
Biddeford Quads Tournament: This is a three-round round-robin tournament with four players in each group. The groups are formed by rating, and the time control is 30 minutes per player per game. The tournament is held on the fifth Wednesday of every month (if there is one) at the McArthur Public Library. The entry fee is $10 per player. The prizes are $20 for the winner of each group.
Chess tournaments in Sanford
The Sanford Knights Chess Club is a group of chess enthusiasts that meets on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at various locations in Sanford, Maine US. The club has a Facebook group where you can join and get updates on the events and activities. The club also has a Chess.com page where you can play online games and join tournaments. The club welcomes players of all ages and playing levels and offers a friendly and supportive environment.
Some of the chess tournaments that the Sanford Knights Chess Club organizes or sponsors are:
Sanford Knights Chess Club Championship: This is a six-round Swiss tournament that takes place on the first six Tuesdays of every year at 5 p.m. at the club’s meeting place. The entry fee is $10 and the prize fund is based on the number of entries. The tournament is open to club members only and the winner will be the club champion for the year.
Sanford Knights Chess Club Rapid Tournament: This is a four-round Swiss tournament that takes place on the third Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. at the club’s meeting place. The entry fee is $5 and the prize fund is based on the number of entries. The time control is 15 minutes per player with no increment. The tournament is open to club members and guests.
Other options:
The Waterville Chess Club is a group of chess enthusiasts that has been in existence for over 30 years in one form or another. The club welcomes players of any level from skilled to beginners and provides boards, pieces, and sometimes clocks. The club also has a website where you can find chess puzzles, videos, books, and games. The club meets at various locations in Waterville, Maine US on different days of the week. Some of the places and times are:
Muskie Community Center: The club plays at the Spectrum Generations’ Muskie Community Center, at 38 Gold Street, on Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the solarium. The fee is $2 per session and you can play as many games as you want. The club members are willing to help you get started if you are new to the game or want to learn more.
Dunkin in Oakland: The club plays at the Dunkin in Oakland, at 57 Main Street, on Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m.. The club members enjoy playing casual games and having friendly conversations over coffee and donuts.
Five Guys in Waterville: The club plays at the Five Guys in Waterville, at 345 Main Street, on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.. The club members like to challenge themselves with more competitive games and sometimes use clocks and ratings.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this guide and learned something new about chess in Maine. Now that you know some of the options available, why not give it a try and join a tournament? You’ll have a great time, improve your game, and support the Maine Chess Association. Chess is more than just a game, it’s a community. See you on the board!