11th Annual Broome County Chess Championship Offers $500 in Cash Prizes
Also known as the Francis Cordsico Memorial, the Broome County Chess Championship is taking place today and tomorrow at Cordisco's Corner Store and Chess Center in Binghamton.
John Cordisco, a former Binghamton City Councilman, hosts the championship in his store each year in remembrance of his late brother Francis. This weekend will include six rounds -- three games on Saturday, Jan. 25, and three on Sunday, Jan. 26. To participate in the annual championship, players must have U.S. Chess Federation membership and pay an entry fee of $40 to $45. Registration began on site Saturday morning an hour before the games began.
"It isn't like sports -- there's no elimination," Cordisco said. "You can win one and lose five, you can win all six. If you lose, you're not out, you can continue to play all six games. At the end whoever has the highest score we split up the prize money first through third in each section, with trophies in each section first through third."
The championship is free for anyone who wants to stop by and watch.