With players lined up on either side of a table inside the school’s cafetorium, the Newtown High School Chess Club started its annual Open Chess Tournament on Thursday, May 14.

Chess Club Advisor Steve Malary explained the rules of the tournament ahead of the tournament’s start. Dr Malary also shared the possible prizes, which were all donated by local businesses, before the tournament began.

Prizes included a $25 gift certificate to Carminuccio’s Pizza, a $25 gift certificate to Gamer’s Gambit in Danbury, gift certificates to Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop, a gift certificate for a milkshake at Burgerittoville, and two sets of Magic: The Gathering cards from Cave Comics.

The Open Chess Tournament was open to the entire NHS community.

According to Dr Malary, each player had 20 minutes to complete all moves in each round.

Participants in the 2015 Open Chess Tournament were William LeMay, Thomas Stanczyk, Hannah Bartlett, Joe Elliott, James Barden, Jack Whelan, Scott Alexander, Brendan Gregory, Zach Weiland, and Dr Malary.

After multiple rounds, Brendan Gregory had earned the top overall score, James Barden was named as the top freshman competitor, Hannah Bartlett earned a prize for being the only female competitor, and other prizes were given out by a raffle, according to Dr Malary.