4th annual Bienville Chess Classic

Directions to venue  

Roosevelt State Park is located in Morton, Miss., at exit 77 east of Jackson and west of Meridian. Take the exit and proceed north on Highway 13 following signs and the park entrance is on your left.

Tournament setup

Four (4) rounds of Swiss system pairing (no elimination) with game control of 45:00 with three (3) second increments.

All sections are rated. Active U.S. Chess Federation membership and notation is required.

Sections include Open, U1200, U800, U400.

Prizes

Open (Cash - $200 and plaque for 1st, $100 and medal for 2nd; $50 and medal for 3rd)

U1200 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)

U800 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)

U400 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)

• The plaque commemorates the Beverly Jo Rhodes Memorial Award.

Entry Fees

Early Bird discount  - $35 - in effect now until  11:59 p.m., April 5.

Regular registration - $40 - begins at midnight, April 6.

Late and on site registration - $45 - begins at 6 p.m., April 11.

No new registrations after 9 a.m. on day of tournament.

*Roosevelt charges $2 per person entry fee payable at gate.

Registration

Online registration preferred at https://www.kingregistration.com/event/Bienville2025

For other registration options, if absolutely necessary, send email request for more information and instructions.

Tournament schedule

On-site Registration/Check-in - 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.

Players should plan to arrive by 9 a.m. so tournament can start on time.

Welcome and Briefing of Rules - 9:15 a.m.

Round 1 – 9:30 a.m.

Round 2 – 11:30 a.m.

Round 3 - 2 p.m.

Round 4 - 3:45 p.m. *This round may start earlier than posted if everyone is ready.

Awards – To be presented after final round 

Important Notes

• Byes due to inability to pair will be granted with a full point (1.0) awarded to player.
• Byes may be granted upon request and player will be awarded a half point (0.5).
• Requested byes must be submitted before start of desired round.
• Players receiving byes in same round may request to play extra rated game.
• Tiebreakers - Ties will be resolved by computer (SwissSys program) for trophies and medals. Cash prizes will be split per USCF rules.
• No electronic notation may be used during the games. Players must use handwritten notation scoresheets brought with them or ones provided by the tournament. Players may keep their scoresheets after each game. Players may record their notation on electronic devices and use game analysis programs after their game is completed.
• Cell phones must be turned off and not kept in the playing area. *For medical purposes, if cell phones must be kept close for monitoring a player's health conditions, the phone may be kept in the playing area placed face down in clear view of their opponent.
• Skittles rooms will be available.
• Touch move and en passant will be in effect.
• Spectators - There is no charge by the tournament to watch the games, however the $2 park admission fee at the gate applies. Coaches, families, and friends are encouraged to bring portable chairs as seating in the lobby areas is limited. An outdoor patio is available.
• Food -  Concessions will be available at the tournament venue and everyone is encouraged to patronize this resource, however, other options are available.
• A pre-event briefing will be emailed to registered players - within three days prior to the tournament. Please make sure the email address you enter at registration is active and that you check it regularly.
• The tournament is named for the Bienville National Forest which includes the park and covers most of Scott County.

Special Note: The Bienville Chess Classic is one of three tournaments held annually (April) by the Scott County Chess Club. Others include the Forest Chess Challenge Quick and Blitz (August) and the Roosevelt Chess Classic (November) which includes individuals and teams. The Scott County Chess Club has hosted eight tournaments overall since 2021 which included 399 players cumulative total.  Our recent tournament in November 2024 attracted 75 players including an International Master from New York. The tournaments are made possible with the support and appreciation from our local business community through donations primarily for prizes.

For more information, please visit our website.