The Mount Maunganui RSA Chess club are holding the annual one-day Bay of Plenty Rapid Chess Tournament, a national level event, this Saturday.

The tournament is being held at the Mount Bible Chapel, 2 Bedford Place, Arataki, from 9am – 5pm.

“This event attracts players from around the country from young to old,” said Mount Maunganui RSA Chess club tournament organiser Caleb Wright.

“We are expecting between fifty and sixty players.”

Wright said anyone is welcome to compete, with players expected from around the North Island.

“Any age is welcome. Anyone who knows how to play chess can play.”

The tournament will have two graded sections – A grade and B grade depending on participants’ skill level.

Wright, who has been playing chess since about 1988, said the one-day rapid chess event was started by the Mount Maunganui RSA Chess Club in 2006. The club itself was formed about 25 years ago in 1999.

“We meet every Monday evening at the Mount RSA, building the club and welcoming new members.”

One of the club’s youngest members, 11-year-old Alex Carter, is excited to compete. Alex placed third in last year’s Bay of Plenty tournament and has previously competed twice at the national level.

His mother, Kirsty Green, shared that Alex, who has been playing chess for three years, earned fourth place at the national championships in Wellington last year.

Wright said this Saturday there will be over $1300 of prize money.

“To join in on the day players need to arrive at 8.30am,” Wright said.

The Bay of Plenty Rapid Chess Tournament will be held at Mount Bible Chapel, 2 Bedford Place, Arataki, from 9am – 5pm on Saturday February 22.