Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club hosts, what is believed to be, the first-ever U.S. Chess Federation-rated tournament in Edgefield County on Saturday, May 9th at the Merriwether Middle School.

The scholastic (K-12) tournament will feature three sections, elementary, middle and high school.  Individual trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded in each section, and the first place team in each category will also receive a trophy.  This new tournament is the cumulative effort of local educators, parent volunteers, and the leadership of the South Carolina Chess Association.

Registration begins at 8:30AM and the first round will begin at 9:00AM.  The five-round Swiss-style tournament is open to all K-12 students who want to participate. 

"Any team, any school, any individual can play," says Coach David Whatley.  "You don't have to be a member of any chess club at all. The only requirement is that you be a member of the U.S. Chess Federation.” 

The cost for federation membership ranges from $16-$27 per depending on age.