Directions to venue
Roosevelt State Park is located in Morton, Miss., at exit 77 east of Jackson and west of Meridian. Take the exit and proceed north on Highway 13 following signs and the park entrance is on your left.
Tournament setup
Four (4) rounds of Swiss system pairing (no elimination) with game control of 45:00 with three (3) second increments.
All sections are rated. Active U.S. Chess Federation membership and notation is required.
Sections include Open, U1200, U800, U400.
Prizes
Open (Cash - $200 and plaque for 1st, $100 and medal for 2nd; $50 and medal for 3rd)
U1200 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)
U800 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)
U400 ($50, Trophy for 1st and medals for 2nd and 3rd)
•The plaque commemorates the Beverly Jo Rhodes Memorial Award.
Entry Fees
Early Bird discount - $35 - in effect now until 11:59 p.m., April 11.
Regular registration - $40 - begins at midnight, April 12.
Late and on-site registration - $45 - begins at 6 p.m., April 17.
No new registrations after 9 a.m. on the day of tournament.
Registration
Online registration preferred at
https://www.kingregistration.com/event/Bienville2026
For other registration options, if absolutely necessary, send email request for more information and instructions.
Tournament schedule
On-site Registration/Check-in - 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Players should plan to arrive by 9 a.m. so tournament can start on time.
*Park $2 entry fee is waived. Tell gatekeeper at entrance that you are there for the chess tournament.
Welcome and Briefing of Rules - 9:15 a.m.
Round 1 – 9:30 a.m.
Round 2 – 11:30 a.m.
Round 3 - 2 p.m.
Round 4 - 3:30 p.m. *This round may start earlier than posted if everyone is ready.
Awards – To be presented after final round
Important Notes
•Byes due to inability to pair will be granted with a full point (1.0) awarded to player.
•Byes may be granted upon request, and player will be awarded a half point (0.5).
•Requested byes must be submitted before start of desired round.
•Players receiving byes in same round may request to play extra rated game.
•Tiebreakers - Ties will be resolved by computer for trophies and medals. Cash prizes will be split per USCF rules.
•No electronic notation may be used during the games. Players must use handwritten notation scoresheets brought with them, or ones provided by the tournament. Players may keep their scoresheets after each game. Players may record their notation on electronic devices and use game analysis programs after their game is completed.
•Cell phones must be turned off and not kept in the playing area. *For medical purposes, if cell phones must be kept close for monitoring a player's health conditions, the phone may be kept in the playing area placed face down in clear view of their opponent.
•Skittles rooms will be available.
•Touch move will be in effect.
•Spectators - There is no charge by the tournament to watch the games. Coaches, families, and friends are encouraged to bring portable chairs as seating in the lobby areas is limited. An outdoor patio is available.
•Food - Concessions will be available at the tournament venue and everyone is encouraged to patronize this resource, however, other options are available.
•A pre-event briefing will be emailed to registered players - within three days prior to the tournament. Please make sure the email address you enter at registration is active and that you check it regularly.
•The tournament is named for the Bienville National Forest which includes the park and covers most of Scott County.
Special Note: The Bienville Chess Classic is one of three tournaments held annually (April) by the Scott County Chess Club. Others include the Forest Chess Challenge Quick and Blitz (August) and the Roosevelt Chess Classic (November) which includes individuals and teams. The Scott County Chess Club has hosted 11 tournaments overall since 2021 which included 507 players cumulative total.
The tournaments are made possible with the support and appreciation from our local business community through donations primarily for prizes.
For more information, please visit our website at scottcountychessclub.org
Also check out other Sports events in Morton, Contests in Morton.
