After my last class tomorrow I will hop into the Jasonmobile, spend some quality time on I-81 and the Pennsy Turnpike, say hello to the 'rents in central New Jersey, and then wander up to Parsippany for the annual chess extravaganza known as the U.S. Amateur Team East. I first played in this event back in 1986 and have only missed a handful of them since then.
Alas, this will be my first over the board chess tournament since this tournament last year, so I fear I'm pretty rusty. Whatever. This is hands down the most enjoyable tournament of the year. With something like 1500 players, small entry fees and no cash prizes, it tends to be a pretty mellow event.
Oh, and why I am filing this in the Technology channel? Because everyone knows that nowadays the world's best chessplayers are computers. The war against the machines is coming folks. Ignore me at your peril.
See you when I get back!
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i grew up by parsippany. random things are based there, though nothing more exciting than this tournament. so enjoy, and relax knowing there is not much outside worth seeing. i do like how the town whippany is nearby though.
If you need a new game - or a new use for your chess set - check this out: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Arimaa/Overview
dg -
There are a couple of nice restaurants right near the hotel where the tournament is taking placed. There's a good kosher deli, and a truly magnificent Japanese buffet.
Dave M -
Thanks for the link. I had not heard of Arimaa previously. It looks like an interesting game.
Chess suffers from poor PR. Perhaps if events like this featured a few of the Solid Gold Dancers it might start to get the respect it deserves.
I'd like to play you a game of chess. My handle at zone.msn.com is HappyPawn8.
There are a couple of nice restaurants right near the hotel where the tournament is taking placed.