Chess Tournaments in North Dakota: Where to find the best ones
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Chess Tournaments in North Dakota: Where to find the best ones

Are you a chess enthusiast in North Dakota? Do you want to challenge yourself and have fun with other chess players? If so, then this is for you. Here we’ll tell you all about the chess tournaments in North Dakota, where you can find them, and how to join them. If you want to play chess in North Dakota, you’ll find a chess tournament that fits your needs and preferences in this guide.


The North Dakota Chess Association (NDCA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the learning and playing of chess in the state. Each year, the NDCA sponsors a statewide tournament with prizes and recognition of a state champion. Local chess tournaments, club listings, and related events are updated frequently to their website. Some of the upcoming NDCA events are:

  • North Dakota State Scholastic Chess Tournament: This tournament is for students in grades K-12 The tournament has four sections: K-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The time control is G/30, d/5 for grades 6-12 only. The awards include trophies for the first and second place team and individual for each section, and medals for the first, second, and third place individual for each grade K-5.

  • North Dakota State Chess Championship: This tournament is open to all players. The prizes include trophies for the first and second place and class winners, and cash prizes based on entries. Out of state players are eligible for cash prizes but not for trophies. The tournament will have six rounds with a time control of G/75, d/5.


University of North Dakota Chess Club

The University of North Dakota Chess Club is a student organization that provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for playing chess. The club is open to all students, faculty, staff, and members of the public. The club welcomes players of all skill levels and offers opportunities to learn and improve. The club meets every week on campus and occasionally organizes tournaments and other events. Some of the chess tournaments that the University of North Dakota Chess Club offers regularly are:

  • UND Chess Club Tournament: This tournament is open to all members of the club and anyone who wants to join. It is held once a semester, usually in November and April. The tournament has four rounds and the time control is G/25, d/5. The fee is $5 for club members and $10 for non-members. The prizes include gift cards and chess books for the top three finishers and the best unrated player.

  • UND Chess Club Blitz Tournament: This tournament is a fun and fast-paced event that tests the players’ skills and nerves. It is held once a month, usually on a Friday night. The tournament has 10 rounds and the time control is G/5. The fee is $2 for club members and $5 for non-members. The prizes include cash prizes for the top three finishers and the best unrated player.


You can find more info about the UND Chess Club at the NDCA website.


Other options: 

North Dakota Chess Clubs

There are several chess clubs in North Dakota that offer regular meetings, casual games, and friendly tournaments for chess enthusiasts. You can find a list of chess clubs on the NDCA website. Some of the active chess clubs in North Dakota are:


Bismarck Chess Club: This club meets every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bismarck Public Library. The club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. The club also hosts monthly tournaments and special events throughout the year. You can contact Todd Wolf at wolfpack@bis.midco.net or 701-426-3768 for more information.

Fargo Chess Club: This club meets every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Fargo Public Library. The club is open to anyone who enjoys playing chess. The club also organizes occasional tournaments and lectures. You can contact John Bartholomew at johnbartholomewchess@gmail.com or 701-306-8340 for more information.

Grand Forks Chess Club: This club meets every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Grand Forks Public Library. The club is open to players of all levels and ages. The club also hosts tournaments and other chess activities. You can contact Mark Fick at markfick@gra.midco.net or 701-775-3397 for more information.


Conclusion

Chess is a game that can bring you many rewards. It can sharpen your mind, unleash your imagination, and strengthen your personality. It can also help you make friends, have fun, and achieve your goals. If you want to play chess in North Dakota, you have a lot of choices. You can check out the North Dakota Chess Association website to see the list of chess clubs and tournaments in the state. You can also like their Facebook page to get the latest updates and announcements. We hope you enjoyed this guide and we wish you good luck and have fun!


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