The St. Clair County Country Knights Chess Club will be hosting a local Chess tournament in Odenville on Saturday, December 12.

“I believe this to be a first in St. Clair County and we intend to challenge all the local schools to poll their students and see if there is enough interest to have at least a team of two sent to this event. Our ultimate goal is to have scholastic chess become an additional event that can be added to their curriculum,” County Knights Chess Club President Pedro M. Pino said.

The first Chess Challenge will be held at the Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant on Highway 411 in Odenville. The entry fee is $15 and must be postmarked by December 4. The entry fee will be $20 the day of the event. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and roll call will follow at 8:45 a.m. The first round will begin at 9 a.m. According to Pino, all participants should expect to play at least four rounds of chess.

“This event is not an elimination tournament, so plan to stay for the whole day,” Pino said.

The Chess Challenge will be run in three phases:

* Phase one from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. (registration, roll call, rounds 1-2)

* Phase two from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (lunch is free to registered players)

* Phase three from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (rounds 3-4 and the awards presentation)

All players must bring their own chess sets. The Country Knights Chess Club has a limited supply.

Every participant will receive a certificate and trophies will be awarded to the top individual performers per bracket.

The brackets will be divided up as follows: K-3rd, K-5th, K-8th, K-12th, Adults and Team (two or more). The brackets will be combined if there are not enough players.

In order to participate, complete a registration form and return it with the $15 fee to the Country Knights Chess Club at 149 Solar Shield Boulevard, Odenville, Alabama 35120. For more information or where to pick up a registration form please call the Country Knights Chess Club at (205) 629-3822 or email pmpino@hotmail.com.

Proper attire is required at the Chess Challenge. Cell phones are not allowed at the playing tables and gum is not allowed at any Country Knights Chess Club function.