A Class Player's Dream Come True

Re-posted from the IASCA website.
by: Hank Anzis

Sam Smith, Jackson Open organizer & Southwest Minnesota Chess President,
contemplating his next move at Okoboji Open - picture taken by Hank Anzis

Last month I had a dream where I was playing in a chess tournament with a $300 top prize like the Okoboji Open, Ames Chess Festival or Iowa Open, but instead of setting my sights on a class prize, I had a shot at some big money for a change.

I woke up and forgot about my dream, but I found out dreams can come true when I heard about the 2012 Jackson Open on August 17th and 18th; 20 miles north of Okoboji in Jackson, Minnesota. Tournament organizer Sam Smith (president of Southwest Minnesota Chess, and a long time Iowa chess supporter) has created a class players dream tournament. This tournament is restricted to players rated under 2000 and has a $700 prize fund with a first prize of $300. The entry fee is $25 and best of all, the prize fund is 100% guaranteed.

The tournament starts with a Friday night round 1 and concludes with 3 rounds on Saturday. You can view a tournament flyer by clicking here or email Sam Smith at paladinjackson@hotmail.com for more information. I'll be heading up to the tournament and if you need a ride, let me know.