The organizers of the 2000 US Open Chess Tournament announced today that attendance for this premier tournament has exceeded their earlier prediction. Over 500 chess players representing 46 States, the District of Columbia, and four foreign countries are currently involved in this annual nine day, round-robin event. Among the attendees at this year's event are eight Grandmasters and five International Masters. This year marks the 101st running of this event with Chief Tournament Organizer David Kuhns and the Minnesota State Chess Association giving more than a modest nod to the original for their inspiration. In tribute, a separate series of prizes in this year's event reflects this heritage.
Awards go to players who are leading their class after six rounds, before they move into the finals.
This event also marks the inauguration of US Chess Live, a new online chess-playing service. It's a full-featured, comprehensive site that appeals to all types of chess players. Developed in co-operation with GamesParlor, the USCF has demonstrated the value of this service as a new benefit for nearly 90,000 members. The United States Chess Federation, founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society.