The Asheboro Open Returneth!
A light-hearted look at the history of a NC tournament

By Tom Hales

When I finally decided to pull the trigger in June 2005, it wasn�t exactly a spur of the moment decision�

The idea of a chess tournament in Asheboro had been rattling around in my head for years, and we had discussed it at club meetings on numerous occasions.  Our geographic location in the center of North Carolina seemed like a perfect spot for a monthly event.  So as I got back into serious competition in early 2005, the �hole� in Triad area chess glared at me, and dared me to jump.

I got my feet wet as a tournament director at The Ricochet 1, a quick rated event held at the Asheboro Public Library in February 2005.  It was fairly successful for a Tuesday night, drawing twelve eager players.  Scholastic powerhouse Jordan Wood made his debut there at the tender age of ten.  It�s hard to imagine, but this was before the advent of current scholastic champion Jonathon McNeill, who came along about one year later.  How time flies when you�re having fun!

The Asheboro Open 1 was held a few months later, in June 2005.  Our first event drew a huge crowd of 45 players from across the state.  To be quite honest, I wasn�t completely prepared for such a deluge!  Assistant TD Robin Johnston helped handle logistics, along with Mark Stout and John Davis.  I vaguely remember getting advice and help from Chris Mabe as well.  Suffice it to say, the round started a bit late!  This was much to my chagrin, since starting rounds on time is a pet peeve of mine.

My other pet peeve?  People with pet peeves�

The Asheboro Open II went a bit smoother with 36 in attendance.  Once again, I got by with a little help from my friends, and Craig Jones assisted  me to quickly make necessary changes in pairings.  I decided then and there to familiarize myself more completely with SwissSys, and to practice using all of its bells and whistles.  I also decided to re-read the USCF Official Rules of Chess with more eager eyes, and perhaps a more open mind.  It�s one of the best decisions I�ve made as a tournament director.

The years that ensued have been filled with highs and a few lows.  I felt like quitting early on, when we drew just 13 players in November 2005.  This was due to a rookie mistake on my part:  we scheduled our tournament for the weekend after Thanksgiving!  It seems a lot of players quit chess �cold turkey� that particular weekend! 

There have been numerous problems with management at Days Inn.  We have dealt with noise issues, poor heating and cooling, and on occasion even some sanitation issues in the restroom.  Yikes!  I worked hard to correct the problems, which became at times an absolute embarrassment to me.  New management did improve our situation somewhat, but never to my satisfaction.

Still, we persevered thanks to many longsuffering chess players who have continued to support the tournament.  I�m proud of the continuing success of The Asheboro Open, and to be a part of the resurgence of chess in North Carolina.  Nonetheless, I believe our best days may be ahead of us.

Days Inn pulled the plug on us in September of this year, despite a contract which ran through December 2008.  This was done to remodel their meeting space, knocking out walls, and replacing everything from top to bottom.  To date, though, it appears that the knocking out was much easier than the putting back.  I still do not know when their project will be completed, but after two months of missed tournaments, the area remains a gutted mess.  My initial intent was to wait things out patiently, but the time came for us to jump ship.    

The Asheboro Open will be back January 3^rd, 2009, at our new location in Randolph Mall on Hwy 64 in Asheboro.  Chess in a mall?  The idea sounds a bit strange at first, but consider this:  we will have our own large playing room complete with a private entrance and bathroom.  The Hospitality Room is well lit, clean, and comfortable.  I doubt noise will pose any significant issue at all. 

Players will enjoy the convenience of a short walk to many restaurants, including Chic-Fil-A, Wendy�s, The China Bowl, The Press Box Sports Grille, Sagebrush Steak House, and more.  The Books-A-Million also has a coffee shop with Wi-Fi.  Randolph Mall features many fine shopping opportunities, and even a movie theater.  The site is family friendly, with world class mall security in case any players get rowdy (hah!).

While there is no separate room for analysis, we have permission to set up  tables outside of the main room.  There are also many available tables in the food court.  I�m not sure about the extent of Wi-Fi access, but it is definitely available at certain locations within the mall.

This could be our best year ever with your continued support.  I�m excited about our new location, and we look forward to a great year with your continued support.  Join us January 3^rd, 2009 for the return of The Asheboro Open.  Don�t miss the boat!