11.17.18 The snows came early this year in Maine. A nor'easter blew into eastern Maine and prevented quite a few players from getting to the Houlton Open on Saturday, November 17th. Four hearty locals had to take up the slack and play a three-round quad. When the smoke (and snow) had cleared, Roger Morin and Ray Haines shared first with 2.0 points and Lance Beloungie and Roger Hardison finished in equal third with a point apiece..

Thanks to Roger Morin for contributing to this report.

US Chess crosstable of this event

A G/60, d5 quad can be a nice way to spend a pre-winter's day in Houlton, Maine. Six hours of chess with good competition and camaraderie and a chance to get home before it's too late.

Roger Morin won two of his three games for a share of first place. He dropped his only game to the other co-champion Ray Haines who also notched 2.0 points.

Tied for third were Lance Beloungie with losses to the leaders and a win vs Roger Hardison and Hardison himself who took down Ray Haines in the first round but couldn't keep up his winning pace.

Thanks to all who participated (an attempted to participate) in this event.

Co-champion roger Morin (right) plays Ray Haines in round three.

Who is that looking over Lance Beloungie's shoulder?