COVID19

by Jiten Patel
Food, Shelter, Income, Health.  Things often mentioned as things taken for granted,  Along with other things, Human Interaction can safely be added to this list.  The excited part of me looks forward to the time when this will all come to pass, and perhaps some kind of “Welcome Back” event will take place.  At the present time, things carry a different meaning, and take on a whole new perspective.  I’d be hard pressed to tell you what day of the week it is, as they all seem to meld into one.  

However, that are options for the chess minded individual, and highly encouraged options.  It starts with creating an account on LiChess.com (link Below) and an internet connection.  Members of the Minnesota Chess community have been hosting their own online tournaments.  

March 19th, (less than 24 hours away!!) Stuart Strack will be hosting a Blitz tournament from 1:00-2:30pm.  Username: ZebraGM123
Link: https://lichess.org/tournament/Relkrvn6     Password: Nationwide Pandemic

March 20th, Andrew Titus will be hosting a Blitz tournament from 3:30-5:00pm.  Username: Titus369
Link: https://lichess.org/tournament/pdWhlw43     Password: my coach said no

March 21, for those seeking a format longer than a five minute control, I will host one that is 15 min from 12:00-2:00pm,  Username: MNchessTD
Link: https://lichess.org/tournament/pWMibHKq     Password: mnchess

A plan is, as more and more people play and sign up in these events, that tournaments will be created with rating caps in place so that there can be sections like Under 1600, Under 1400, ect…but it starts with you signing up, playing, and getting a rating established.  These ratings are different than your actual chess rating, but the formula tends to be comparable.  Online chess is different than playing in person, but is something that will take an adjustment while maintaining your chess prowess in these times.

Opinions expressed in this communication are solely my own and do not necessarily express the direct views or opinions of the MSCA Board of Directors