08.15.22 Two Mainers, MECA President Michael Dudley and Lance Beloungie, joined six International Masters and two Grandmasters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to play in Pawn Wise: The Atlantic All Ages Chess Festival from 29 July to 2 August 2022.

Like many of us, the organizers had planned this for summer 2020 but were forced to reschedule, and then reschedule again, so the planning had been three years running by the time the event went off.

The festival included the Canadian 65+ Senior Championship, the Canadian 50+ Senior Championship, and the Mayflower Open. The two Championship events were open to all appropriately aged foreigners rated under 2000, and the Mayflower was open to everyone. There was also a lecture on Healthy Aging by a York University Ph.D. Candidate, and a banquet as a part of the closing ceremonies. The tournament was opened by the mayor of Halifax and a member of the Nova Scotia provincial Assembly helped to award the prizes.

More about the festival can be found HERE

CFC crosstable for the Mayflower Open

CFC crosstable for the Canadian Senior Championship 65+

Michael Dudley, foreground White plays Alex Sanford. Dudley scored 4/6 for a share of the 2nd U1800 prize.

Lance Beloungie, background Black, plays Lloyd Lombard. Beloungie scored 3/6 in a very strong field.

The festival was organized by

Roger Langen, foreground White,

Ken Cashin, foreground White,

and NA Chris Felix behind the computer where he also served as deputy arbiter to IA Alex Relyea. The organizers did an amazing job and deserve even more credit than usual for the success of the tournament.

There was a number of extremely original and attractive trophies to be won.

Very special thanks to Saint Mary's University for hosting the Festival in beautiful McNally Auditorium.

Thanks to Alex Relyea for contributing to this report.