Are you a Chess player in Arkansas? If so, you’re in the right place. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article.
- Chess in Arkansas
- How Many Chess Players Are There In Arkansas
- Grandmasters In Arkansas
- Arkansas Chess Clubs
- Arkansas Chess Tournaments
- Arkansas Chess Shops
- Conclusion
Chess in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a vibrant chess community where you will find all the necessary resources and players to connect with and grow together. Fellowship in chess is stressed here as many enthusiasts come together to share their love of the game from different backgrounds and sometimes forge chess connections that blossom into new friendships outside the game. There are local clubs, shops, and tournaments to consider in Arkansas, and you’re always at home when you find a fellow chess player of any level!
How Many Chess Players Are There In Arkansas
Within Arkansas, you will find the top 100 players who are more dedicated than the rest, and their ranking proves it. Among the champions in the state, you will find players like
- Bill Orton
- Tony Davis
- Chris Niggel
- James Long
and many others who are wholly dedicated to chess. You will also find the top rankings among lower divisions of grade school, high school, and college where younger people are striving to progress and succeed in the chess world. Not only that but there are a couple of thousand casual players who can still give you a surprising challenge! Each game at every level has something to teach you!
Grandmasters In Arkansas
William R. Orton is the only GM in the state of Arkansas currently with a 2200 rating, but there are still players in the area that can challenge him.
Overall, grandmasters are very rare to come across because it takes a considerable amount of skill to achieve this rating. Before you aspire to become one, you should note that you will need to climb the rankings and achieve the level of master first.
Arkansas Chess Clubs
Joining a social chess group is important for developing skills in the game and also sharpening communication skills surrounding chess theory. Arkansas has many groups and clubs to consider visiting or joining including:
- Arkansas Chess Association
- Benton Chess club
- NWA chess
- Weston Chess club & Academy
- Westark Chess club
- Ace Chess club
- Knightlife club
These are great for making new friends and taking on challenges that don’t have much pressure on winning. It’s a great place to bring a notebook to record your games for studying.
Arkansas Chess Tournaments
When you’re polished and feeling confident in your openings, mid-game, and end-game tactics then it’s time to put it to the test. Suggested tournaments in Arkansas include:
- C.A.A.S. Regional Tournament
- Arkansas State Championship
- QSS Fall Tournament.
Arkansas Chess Shops
As a chess player, you need to stay well-versed and thoroughly equipped to handle intense study with reliable pieces and a high-quality board. Some advantageous chess shops to consider in Arkansas include:
- Fort Zinderneuf games & HBBS
- Dragon’s keep card and gaming store
- Dave Letsch shop
- Gamealot
I hope this post on Arkansas Chess helped you. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in reading more about Chess in the United States or a specific state like Texas or California.
