Are you a Chess player in New Mexico? If so, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find helpful resources with links so you can connect with other Chess players around you.
Chess in New Mexico
The following information is designed to assist anyone that wants to find out more about playing chess in New Mexico. The state has a chess scene that continues to grow. Players of all age groups and backgrounds love playing chess in New Mexico. These resources will help you to link up with the chess clubs, organizations, and tournaments that are active in the state of New Mexico.
Chess Players In New Mexico
So what’s the Chess Scene like in the State of New Mexico? Whether the game of chess is the initial thing that comes to mind when you think of New Mexico or not, the reality is that the state’s chess scene is steadily growing and it enjoys a significant amount of diversity.
The leading group that promotes the cause of chess in New Mexico is the New Mexico Chess Organization. The organization maintains resources related to chess tournaments, clubs, and scholastic chess activities across New Mexico. Chess players who head to the official website of the New Mexico Chess Organization can also participate in the forum. It is a great place for the state’s chess enthusiasts to connect.
Grandmasters In New Mexico
Perhaps the best-known chess player who hails from the state of New Mexico is Grandmaster Jesse Kraai. He currently resides in the state of Maryland but is originally from New Mexico. Kraai has been a Grandmasters since 2007.
In terms of current New Mexico residents that are ranked by the U.S. Chess Federation, some of the standouts include National Masters such as Robert W. Haines and Benjamin Coraretti. New Mexico is also home to Candidate Masters such as Corbin Gustafson, and Matthew M. Grinberg. Overall, there are 118 New Mexico chess players that are ranked by the U.S. Chess Federation at the current time.
New Mexico Chess Clubs
There are multiple Chess clubs where players in the state can connect with one another. Remember, one of the reasons why Russians are so good at Chess is because they work together. These are a few of the leading groups and clubs that actively promote the cause of chess in New Mexico.
The Alamogordo Chess Club – The Alamogordo Chess Club’s meetings take place from 4 to 7 pm on Mondays. They are held at Plateau Espresso in Alamogordo. Those who want to find out more about the chess club can email Matt Grinberg at matt.grinberg@erols.com.
Hub City Chess – Hub City Chess meets at the Belen Public Library. More information about the club can be found on their official website.
The Santa Fe Rooks – The Santa Fe Rooks chess club holds tournaments on a monthly basis in the Santa Fe region of New Mexico.
New Mexico Chess Tournaments
If you are a chess player who lives for competition against your peers, these are some of the best New Mexico tournaments that you should check out.
John Michael Baca Memorial & Senior Championship – This chess championship is generally held on the 29th of August. It takes place at Meadowlark Senior Center in Rio Rancho, NM.
The Empire Chess Open – This event is held at the Ramada in Albuquerque, NM. It is generally held on the 4th of September.
New Mexico Chess Shops
Check out these great gaming shops the next time that you need to find a quality chess set in the state of New Mexico.
Borderlands Gaming LLC – If you are looking for your next chess set in the Las Cruces area, one of the most recommended shops is Borderlands Gaming LLC.
Ettin Games ABQ – Ettin Games ABQ is one of the most highly recommended destinations in the Albuquerque are for those looking for quality board games such as chess sets.
Moon Rabbit Toys LLC – Moon Rabbit Toys LLC is a toy and gaming shop in Santa Fe. The shop has a large selection of board games that include some great chess options.
Old Town Hobbies and Games – Old Town Hobbies and Games is another one of the most highly recommended Albuquerque area game shops where you can grab your next chess set.
Further Resources
These are some additional resources that are valuable for those who want to play chess in New Mexico or wish to find out more about the worldwide chess community.
- Chess.com
- FIDE – The International Chess Federation
- The New Mexico Chess Organization
- The Official Facebook Page of the New Mexico Chess Organization
- The United States Chess Federation
If this post on New Mexico Chess helped you, you might also be interested in reading more about Chess in the United States or a specific state like Iowa or New York.
