WV Governor Justice has strongly urged groups to cancel events that involve large gatherings. He aimed this comment initially at extra-curricular activities and Friday, March 13 closed secondary schools indefinitely. Subsequently the State Superintendent of Schools banned all scholastic extra-curricular activity until at least April 10.

Therefore, I am postponing the 51st WV State Scholastic Chess Championship that was scheduled for March 28 in Bridgeport, WV. Here is the contingency plan:

(1) If able, we will reschedule by May.

(2) If we cannot hold the event, we will consider holding it in conjunction with the Clarksburg Open on June 6.

(3) If that is not possible, we will hold an invitational event with the top-rated players for each section, K-12, K-8, and K-5.

(4) If that is not possible, we will select participants based on rating and number of events participated in this year to determine the invites to the US Chess invitationals (Denker, Barber, Haring, and Rockefeller) in August.

I am sorry for the inconvenience, but the safety and health of our youth chess players is important. Those who have registered will remain registered, if you would like to withdraw and reregister later please email the TD (greerlaw@aol.com) and request your refund of the entry fee.

Bob Greer