Air Force Chess

Your Move: Base chess tournament courts players for worldwide contest

by Chief Master Sgt. Paula A. Paige
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center public affairs
2/19/2009 – McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. —

If you like to play “Halo 3” or “Gears of War,” then consider the original war game of chess. Better yet, compete in the “ultimate war game” by signing up for McGuire’s free Chess Tournament next month, said Senior Master Sgt.

Philip Gaudette, 305th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant. Even if you don’t play any of those video games, but you’re a skilled chess player, Sergeant Gaudette hopes you’ll participate in the tournament March 7-8, 7:30 a.m., at The Club. Structured round-robin style, the first game will begin promptly at 8 a.m.

The first sergeant said all casual chess players are encouraged to participate and those who own a tournament-grade chess set or a chess clock are asked to bring it to the event. But chess clocks and sets aside, Sergeant Gaudette said the event is a feeder tournament for a higher level of competition.

The next level, Air Mobility Command, isn’t having one this year, so “whoever wins here will go straight to the Air Force level,” he said.

“The more players we have, the shorter the games will be.” The winner of the Air Force-level tournament, scheduled at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, will go on to the DoD level.

Six winners from that contest will comprise the Air Force Team and compete against NATO Europeans. Known as a resourceful organizer, Sergeant Gaudette admits he isn’t a strong player, but saw a need to coordinate a tournament at McGuire.

“Playing on a computer is boring, and in some cases predictable,” he said. All McGuire military personnel, civilians and family members are eligible to participate.

The deadline to register for the tournament is March 6. For more information, contact Sergeant Gaudette at (609) 754-2348.