Play begins at 9 a.m., with

separate pairings for 4th through 5th grades, 6th through 8th grades,

and 9th through 12th grades competitors. Rounds last up to one hour each,

with progressive pairings after each round, according to standard tournament

ranking. Final rounds will be held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Organizers of the tournament

say that no previous tournament of chess club experience is required,

only a love of the game of chess.

Snacks will be provided, but

students should make arrangements for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Students

are encouraged to bring their lunch.)

Awards ceremony will begin

shortly after the final round. Prizes will be awarded to elementary, middle

school, and high school placers.

Annual chess tournaments are

sponsored by the Coweta County school chess clubs and the Newnan Rotary

Club. Middle school chess programs grew and county-wide chess competitions

began about 4 years ago when Newnan Rotarian Bob Tumperi approached Smokey

Road Middle teacher Mitch Davis and others. Tumperi and the Rotary Club

have supported the chess clubs ever since.

Tumperi said his support comes

because of his love of the game, because play and tournaments emphasize

good sportsmanship and courtesy, and because a wealth of studies demonstrate

that mastery of the game improves student academic performance.