Oregon High School Chess Team Association championships is the premier team chess event of the year. This year’s version was held in Myrtle Creek–about four hours south of Portland. Despite being so far from the big population centers of the state, thirty chess teams and 149 players (mostly HS students) converged on South Umpqua High School to battle it out for state team titles in three divisions: Varsity, JV, and Open. Another 22 players played in the individuals’ section. Results and stories to come…

NEWS
Next year OHSCTA is adding a middle school section. This is a tremendous opportunity for middle school players to compete in a spectacular event with their friends and win a title for their school. The event will be held in the Portland area, probably in March. Details TBA.

NEWS
The Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions is the most prestigious tournament in the country for junior high school aged players. Each state may nominate only ONE player, so even getting an invitation to play in the tournament is a great honor. The winner of this year’s Middle School Elite section at the OSCF State championship in Seaside in April will be chosen to represent Oregon at this national event. As a bonus, this year’s event will be held in Vancouver, Washington in August. There is zero entry fee for the tournament, players are provided travel expenses by the organizer, and scholarships are offered to winners. In addition, Barber players are invited to play in the US Open (also in Vancouver at the same time) for 1/2 off the entry fee. Expect to see representatives from at least 45 different states at the Barber.