US Masters Chess Returns to N Carolina Labor Day Weekend

Hello chess blog friends, here's Gary Newsom writing on the US Masters for the US Chess Federation website: The US Masters is set to make its third consecutive appearance in North Carolina. This year's edition will again be held over Labor Day weekend at the same venue as the previous two years; The Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro, NC.

Tournament organizers Dr Walter High and Gary Newsom have built up a big-time tournament atmosphere in the Tar Heel state, taking over the North Carolina Open in 2010 and doubling attendance to 200+ the first year. Taking on the US Masters in 2012 was a natural progression after the success of the state event. The event has continued to grow and it looks to be even bigger and better this year.

The US Masters is the feature event of The Greensboro International Chess Festival, as the total event is called. The festival also includes the North Carolina Open and the Saturday Scholastics. Last year over 400 players competed.

The 2014 US Masters hopes to build even further on last year's version, which was a super swiss featuring 21 GM and a slew of lesser titled players. A total of 8 norms were achieved.

There is something for everyone here. A big time international event for title seekers. A large event for the weekend warrior. A Saturday scholastic for the kiddies. All this and a $30,000 unconditionally guaranteed prize fund.

With a comfortable hotel at a discount rate, low EF proportional to prize fund, book vendors, GM lectures, simuls and all the chess excitement you can stand, the US Masters/North Carolina Open is perfect for a Labor Day weekend chess getaway!
Find tournament details here.

Remember to submit your own Labor Day chess stories from the US Masters or around the US to jshahade@uschess.org.

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