The last weekend in April was the 14th Annual Space Coast Open and I was lucky enough to participate in this great event. It was held at the Crowne plaza resort in Melbourne Florida. The location was absolutely stunning and the weather was beautiful. I can't imagine a better location for a tournament.

Let's get to the reason you're reading this and find out how I did. Well I was very pleased with my results. I only played one person rated below me the entire event, and I was able to scrape together three draws and two wins. I don't think I've ever played a tournament where it didn't lose at least one game. The format of the tournament was five rounds with each game having a time control of 30 moves in 90 minutes and a one hour sudden death. Most of my games seem to come down to the wire with regards to time control. (I need to work on my clock management.) The good news is that I was able to surpass my old high rating mark of 1537 and came out of the tournament with a 1553 USCF rating. The hard work is starting to pay off.

I plan on posting all my games for this tournament in a future post so please stay tuned and check back. Below are several pitchers of the tournament. If you have a chance I highly recommend that you keep your calendar clear in late a April or early May so you to can attend this tournament.


View from My hotel room.

Empty hall before tournament

I'm the first one in the playing hall

The mental combat begins

A game for all ages

The guy in the blue shirt has beating me in my last three tournament. This time I got a draw WOOOHOOO!

Masters at work.