Here is the “Scoop” behind the 2010  Farewell  Bobby  Fischer Chess Tournament !   Why 6 rounds?   Because 7 would be too many.   Just kidding !   The real reasons are as follows:   Back not too many years ago, when the path to the World Chess Championship was a bit more “consistently structured”, a contender who wanted their chance to play the champion, had to jump more than a few hurdles to have their shot at the title.  A very long process of Zonal, and Interzonal tournaments were held to determine who the “candidates” would be.  These candidates would then hold a series of “knock-out” matches, with the eventual winner qualifying as the challenger for the World Chess Championship.   (Important information will be purposely withheld so that some effort will be required on your part to readily prepare for the trivia contest that will be held after round 4)   Regardless of how Bobby Fischer happened to find himself in the 1970 Interzonal (see note above), he easily became a candidate. It is his performance as a candidate,  that provides the main incentive for making the Farewell Bobby Fischer chess tournament a 6 round tournament.   Not once, but TWICE, Mr. Fischer defeated his worthy opponents by the unheard of score of 6 – 0 !!! In modern day chess, that feat had never happened before, and has not happened since.    You now, gentle chess-player, have the opportunity to duplicate Bobby Fischer’s amazing achievement.   Any player in the Open Section that finishes the 2010 Farewell Bobby Fischer chess tournament with a perfect score of 6 – 0, will be handsomely rewarded with an extra $ 203,,, yes,,,, TWO hundred and three bucks!  (U-1200 Section winner will earn an additional $50 for a perfect score of  6 - 0)   The finances are a bit different for 2010, compared to last year.  Two days of space rental at Westminster College plus prizes for almost every 100 point rating group in BOTH sections, have had an effect on entry fees.  See below for more financial information.  Also, see the "New and Improved" page for more tournament information.       Why the different time controls?   This is a desperate attempt to force you to learn how to change the settings on your chess clock !   Just kidding of course.     As mentioned on the flyer, each time control in the Open Section has a particular connection to Bobby Fischer’s life or career.   Keeping in mind that we are honoring the 11th World Chess Champion, it was decided to do something just a bit out of the ordinary.    Concerning the changing of the time on your clock every couple of rounds,,,,,anything that can be done prior to the tournament to already have your clocks pre-set will be helpful.     What's "The Scoop" on the 2010 Entry Fees and Prizes?   Two days of space rental at Westminster College, including insurance costs will be approximately $500.  Add $150 in trophies, $100 for Grand Prix obligations, and an estimated $75 in USCF Rating Fees, and you can see that your humble Tournament Organizer is predestined to break even at best.  (That doesn't even include the very real possibility of forking out, once again, an extra TWO hundred and fifty bucks, if we have two undefeated players.  That money comes directly from my pocket, and not from any tournament entry fees.)      This tournament is my way of giving back to the Local Chess Community, in spite of the financial aspect of it.  However, I am in no way able to "sponsor" this event entirely,,, so the entry fees, and the prize structure are a reflection of what is necessary for the tournament to take place. Any questions/concerns/comments/ideas/complaints/compliments, can be sent to Morry Holland at Mochess@comcast.net       Anything else to pass along?     “If you really want to capture someone’s attention,,,,,,just whisper.” I would like to offer a gentle reminder to chess players, both young and old.  Mr. Fischer was a stickler for optimal playing conditions at a tournament.  If your game has ended, and the goodbyes and congratulations are now turning into a debate about why your opponent's mistake on move 17 led to your brilliant idea on move 20,,, as a courtesy to those who are still playing, please take your whispered conversation outside the playing area.  While we are on the subject; please, please, please, make sure your cell phones are turned off.     A poll will soon be up and running to take your suggestions and get your ideas about how to make the 2011 Farewell Bobby Fischer chess tournament even better !!!