The 24th North American Masters kicks off today with a new format and 2 new sponsors.

After experimenting with with formats over the past few years, we have decided to settle in on the double round robin format and splitting the event over 2 weekends, 1 weekend per month. This allows us to focus our efforts to bring more spectators in over the weekend.

To start the year off with our first double round robin, we are fortunate to have Vince W Berry Real Estate Services provide sponsorship for the event. Additionally DGT Projects and DGT North America had provided technology sponsorship to us by providing us with 3 DGT electronic chess boards. Once again the Holiday Inn North Shore Hotel, site of the World Amateur Chess Championships in March, has extended their site sponsorships.

In the first round we have the following pairings:

Jon L Burgess - IM Arjun Vishnuvardhan
IM Mehmed Pasalic - FM Robby Adamson
IM Florin Felecan - FM Gauri Shankar

Check out our website and the US Chess Federation website for updates throughout the tournament. On Saturday night we will also be having a special dinner for the players, the sponsor, and other guests.

Good Chess to All,

Sevan A. Muradian, Founder
North American Chess Association
International Arbiter and International Organizer