Charlotte players:

If you would like to see an amazing chess event, check out the 37^th N.C. State Scholastic Championship this weekend at the Blake Hotel in uptown Charlotte, 555 S. McDowell St. There is no larger tournament in North Carolina.

About 500 players will be playing (with 500 parents to go along with them). Many of the top adult players will be there – working on last-minute strategies for their young players.

In our top section, the K-12 Open, players will be fighting it out for a $1,500 cash scholarship and the right to represent North Carolina in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions this summer in Indianapolis.

There is plenty of room to wander. Chess books, equipment and concessions will be for sale. Rounds starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday but come a little later to avoid the early-round chaos.

Randy Wheeless