09.20.20 Jarod Bryan and Wyatt Hendrix are the 2020 Maine State Chess Champions. Jarod Bryan claimed a share of the championship with 4.0/5. With this championship win, Jarod achieved the feat of a Maine Championship in each of the last five decades (1980s, 90s, 2000s, 10s, and 20s). Wyatt Hendrix also earned 4.0/5 to repeat as a co-champion. Congratulations to both of our Maine champions! Here is the illustrated tournament report with images and US Chess crosstables.

US Chess Crosstable of this event

Thanks to Mike Dudley and Nita Patel for contributing to this report.

Fifteen participants from Maine, New Hampshire, and New York, participated in the Maine State Championship on September 11-13 in Waterville, Maine, the first to open its doors to out-of-state participants. With two schedules to choose from and a strong entering field of highly rated players, this tournament proved that the strength of over-the-board chess in Maine lives on even through the global pandemic. The Maine residents in the field competed for the chance to take home "Stuart", the new colloquial nickname for the C. Stuart Laughlin trophy, commemorated by Downeast Chess to honor the Chess Champions of Maine.

This year, the tournament crowned two winners of completely different stripes. Jarod Bryan claimed a share of the championship with 4.0/5. With this championship win, Jarod achieved the feat of a Maine Championship in each of the last five decades (1980s, 90s, 2000s, 10s, and 20s). Wyatt Hendrix also earned 4.0/5 to repeat as a co-champion. Congratulations to both of our Maine champions!

Tying with the two champions is NM Ted Belanoff, who traveled from New York for the event and also scored 4.0/5 to share first place. Daniel Hayes and Tommy Owen followed closely behind the leaders at 3.5/5. Elijah Slaughter and Michael Dudley tied for the top U1800 and U1600 prizes at 3.0/5. Aaron Spencer, Alex Relyea, Benjamin Mock, and Tristan Cousineau held the middle of the pack with 2.5/5. Zach Brislin and Harry Hayes scored 2.0/5, and rounding out the crosstable was Nathan Gates scoring 1.0/5.

As always, the Maine Chess Association takes pride in hosting an exciting and fun state championship for all comers; this year was no exception, even with a lower turnout and pathogen spread guidelines in place. It is our hope that we can hold the 2021 Maine State Championship during its normal weekend in April at the Waterville Grand Hotel. We hope to see you all over the board next year! We graciously thank Nita Patel for her work as the tournament director and FIDE Arbiter for the tournament, and the Waterville Grand Hotel for hosting in a safe and clean venue!

Co-champion Jarod Bryan (left) plays Ted Belanoff (who also tied for first with 4.0 points but was ineligible for the title as an out-of-state resident) on Board 1 at the 2020 Maine State Chess Championship.

Co-champion Wyatt Hendrix (right) plays Aaron Spencer in the final round.

Evan Smith (left) plays Harry Hayes

International Arbiter Alex Relyea (left) makes a move in his game vs Nathan Gates.

Maine Chess Association president Michael Dudley (right) tangles with Zachary Brislin.

Ben Mock (right) plays Tommy Owen. Mock lost this encounter but was able to score the full point vs Bryan in the first round.

The tournament room at the Waterville Grand Hotel in Waterville provided ample space for players to appropriately socially distance. Thanks to all who participated and congratulations to the 2020 Maine Champions!