Chess Returns to Dillsburg

The Calvary United Methodist Church in Dillsburg opened its doors once again for chess addicts all across the state. Pastor Mike Koplitz hosted the event, while tournament director Sam Lamonto and his wife Diana kept everything running smoothly, as they always do.




Several well-known Pennsylvania players attended: former state champions Peter Minear and Rodion Rubenchik, to name a few. Changes this year included a reduced time control of 60/5, so that a forth round could be included.

Meatball subs, fruit salad, cookies, donuts, chips, soda, and coffee were provided free to all attendees. Certainly a benefit to many players, since most of them were not familiar with the area, and there were no food places within walking distance. Players finishing their games late were able to avoid the pressure of finding lunch before the start of the next round.

The book sale served as an excellent way to pass time between rounds. Both popular as well as hard to find titles were stacked across a table, along with chess merchandise (boards, clocks, wooden sets, and novelty items). Minear added some items from his own collection to top it off. Several items were given away free as door prizes before the start of the third round.

Prizes were not only paid out as they had been advertised, but in fact they were increased by more than $100 due to a strong turn out of players. A few additional prize categories were added so that even more players could be rewarded for playing well. I believe that increased prizes is a good indicator that a tournament is operating under superb management, and on behalf of all attendees, I’d like to extend my gratitude to Sam Lamonto, Diana Lamonto, and Mike Koplitz for their part in putting it all together. Overall, it was a pleasant tournament and an excellent way to spend a Saturday.

PRIZES

Rodion Rubenchik, Joe Mucerino, and Chris Pumarejo split 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, each receiving $70.

Mike Koplitz and Joe Kennedy split 1st and 2nd U1800, each receiving $35 cash and $13 in merchandise.

Joe Sackey, Winn Jones, and Ludis Sics split 1st and 2nd U1500, each receiving $17 cash and $7 in merchandise.

Dave Fuller took 1st U1200, receiving a new Saitek Competition Chess Clock.

Coming Soon

The following tournaments will also be directed by Sam Lamonto, with details to be posted shortly on this website.

Silver Lake Quads – October 30, 2010 in Lewisberry, PA.
Tournament Details
Harrisburg Open – TBA in Harrisburg, PA.

Author: Ryan Cook, September 19th, 2010