Do you call yourself a fan of chess…or would it be something more sophisticated like a chess enthusiast?  Either way, if you enjoy you may be interested in this.  The 2009 U.S. Chess championship will be held in St. Louis at the new Chess Club and Scholastic Center

The tournament dates all the way back to 1845 and the purse will be more than $130,000 in prize money…that’s a good chunk of change for a check mate. 

The championship will be a 9-round event, using the Swiss system with one round per day and a rest day between rounds 5 and 6.  Time controls will be the classical 40 moves in two hours, with one hour allowed for all remaining moves.  Guest commentary will be provided by two world-class Grand Masters throughout the event.  

Spectators are welcome to watch.  For more information you can visit saintlouischessclub.org or call 314-361-CHESS.



I’m not sure about the whole Swiss system, but two hours to make 40 moves, then
 
"We are delighted to host the prestigious U.S. Chess Championship in our first full year of operation," said Tony Rich, executive director of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis.  "It is exciting and gratifying for us to bring together the nation’s best players at our first-class facility."
 
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization.  The club, which has welcomed nearly 500 members since its July 2008 opening, offers free classes for beginners, discounted tournament entry fees and discounted merchandise for club members.  For more information, please visit www.saintlouischessclub.org or call 314-361-CHESS.
 
The United States Chess Federation is the official, not-for-profit U.S. membership organization for chess players and chess supporters of all ages and strengths, from beginners to grand masters.  Founded in 1939 with the merger of the American Chess Federation and the National Chess Federation, USCF has grown to more than 80,000 members and nearly 1,200 affiliated chess clubs and organizations.  USCF sanctions 25 national championships award titles to both amateurs and professionals, ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens.  For more information, visit