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Chess tournaments in Maryland: Where to look for the best ones?

In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the chess clubs and institutions that organize chess tournaments in Maryland, USA. We will also provide you with some information about the types, dates, locations, and ratings of these tournaments. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will surely find a chess tournament that suits your level and interest.


If you'd like to up your game before attending one of these tournaments make sure to take a trial lesson with one of our master-titled coaches.



Chess tournaments in Baltimore, Silver Spring & Columbia


The U.S. Chess Center is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-confidence, social skills, and academic success for all by teaching chess. They provide students from throughout the Washington metropolitan area opportunities to meet as friends and equals over the chessboard at their after-school programs, weekend classes, tournaments, and special events. They teach kids to think; they learn a skill for life!


Some of the chess tournaments that the U.S. Chess Center offers are:

  • Saturday Open Play: Held at the Chess Center offices on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play.  All ages and abilities are welcome.

  • Metro Area Chess League: A new season of the Metro Area Chess League (MACL), the high school chess league they ran from 1985 through 2012, and from 2021 to the present.  A previous incarnation of the league ran from 1950 through 1975.  The league is open to all interested high schools in the Washington Metropolitan Area.  The 2023-2024 season will start in November 2023 and conclude with playoffs in late March or April 2024.

  • Potomac Youth Chess League: A new, upcoming season of the Potomac Youth Chess League (PYCL), the middle school chess league ran from 1997 through 2010.  The league is open to all interested middle schools in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The 2023-2024 season will kickoff in January 2024.



For further information visit their website and check out their event calendar


The Maryland Chess Association (MCA) is the official affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) for the state of Maryland. It organizes and supports various chess events, such as open tournaments, scholastic tournaments, and state championships. The MCA also publishes a newsletter and maintains a website with information and resources for chess players in Maryland.


Some of the chess tournaments that the MCA offers regularly are:

  • Major Open Tournaments: These are open to all USCF members and have multiple sections based on rating. The prizes are based on score and are guaranteed. The time control is game/90 with 30 seconds increment for the top five sections and game/45 or game/90 with 5 seconds delay for the lower two sections. 

  • Scholastic Tournaments: These are open to students in grades K-12 and have various sections based on grade level and rating. The prizes are trophies and medals. The time control is game/30 with 5 seconds delay for most sections and game/60 with 5 seconds delay for the top section.

  • Local Open Tournaments: These are open to all USCF members and have one or two sections based on rating. The prizes are based on entries and are not guaranteed. The time control is game/45 or game/90 with 5 seconds delay. 


For more information and tournaments visit their website.


Magnus Chess Academy is a chess school that offers chess lessons, camps, and tournaments for players of all ages and levels. It has locations in Rockville, MD and Fairfax, VA. It also provides online classes and coaching. Magnus Chess Academy aims to foster a love of chess and develop critical thinking skills among its students.


Some of the chess tournaments that Magnus Chess Academy offers regularly are:

  • Rockville Quads: These are held on selected Saturdays at the Rockville Hilton in Rockville, MD. They are open to players in grades K-12 and have four sections based on rating: U1000, U1200, U1400, and U1600. The prizes are trophies and medals. The time control is game/45 with 5 seconds delay.

  • Maryland State Scholastic Championships: A tournament for middle and high school students that takes place on April 16th. The registration fee is $80.00. The tournament is currently sold out.


Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and Magnus Chess Academy offers more tournaments throughout the year. For more information, please visit their website here.



Conclusion

As you can see, there are many chess tournaments in Maryland that you can participate in. Whether you are looking for a major open tournament, a round-robin tournament, or a local club tournament, you will find something that matches your level and interest. Chess tournaments are a great way to improve your skills, meet new friends, and have fun. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your chess set and join the chess community in Maryland!


Talking about the right places. Are you looking for the right place to improve your skills? Learn from our Masters online either in private lessons or group lessons.


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