We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg. 

The 2008 Florida State Championship weekend (Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2008) is going to be historic.  EIGHTY-THREE cash prizes and eight individual trophies will be given away during our weekend, 54 in the main event alone.  As a comparison, the After-Memorial Open will have a total of 16 cash prizes; the Southern Open 24 cash prizes; and the Summer Solstice Open 15 cash prizes.  They are all excellent events.  With 55 cash prizes between them.  We have 83 in just one weekend.  If you like a great shot at winning money, we’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg. 

Do you like class prizes?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  there are class prizes every 100 rating points!

Do you lke playing fast?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  the Florida State Blitz championship and the U.S. G/15 and the 29-minus are here.

Do you like well-run, fairly officiated events?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  Our experienced staff is led by Chief TD Gary Sanders whose 30 years of directing chess events in Florida have earned him an impeccable reputation. 

Do you lke playing slow?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  the main event is G/120.  Gaaaaaammmmmeee Onnnnnee Twennnnnnttttttttyyyyyyy.  Ennnnjoy. 

 Do you like winning titles as well as money?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  Six state titles and a National title will be awarded.

Do you like nice hotels?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  The Radisson is gorgeous, and $99 is a very reasonable rate. 

Do you like paying for parking?  Neither do we.  We’ve got free parking for you at the Radisson in St. Petersburg.

Do you like the idea of playing on a team?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  Any three players (or more) may play on a team.  We’ll still pair you individually, but we will calculate team scores (your top three) from all divisions from all events (main event counts double) and you can win one of five team trophies.  Play on a team with your father, your child, your fellow club member, your buddy.  Invent a team name that will embarrass and annoy people.  You’ll be glad you did.

 Do you like creative chess events where you have a great chance to beat a grandmaster?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  In the 29-minus, your rating is rounded off to the nearest hundred, divided by a hundred, and subtracted from 29.  That’s what your clock is set at each game.  So, if you’re 1741, that rounds to 1700, divides to 17, and subtracts from 29 to 12.  You play with 12 minutes.   When and if Gata Kamsky shows up, rated at a mere 2757,  that rounds to 2800, divides to 28, and subtracts to 1 minute.  You have 12 minutes.  He gets 1.  Beat him like a rented mule.  Where else can you do that?

Do you like winning money?  We’ve got it for you in St. Petersburg:  83 cash prizes.  I know I said that already but at these prices it bears repeating. 

 Sign up now for tremendous savings on package deals.  Bring your team. 

ANDY  SCHERMAN