Denker Tournament of High School Champions

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The Denker Tournament of High School Champions is a chess tournament that occurs annually in the United States alongside the US Open and Polgar Tournament of Champions for Girls. The tournament is named for the founder, Arnold Denker and is usually referred to as "The Denker".

Contents

[edit] History

The Denker Tournament of High School Champions was started by Arnold Denker in 1984[1].

[edit] Qualifying

This is an invitation only tournament. Each state, and Washington, D.C., is limited to sending one player. However, if there is an odd number of players the host state may allow another player to compete without winning any prizes[2].

Each United States Chess Federation sanctioned state affiliate can pick a player to go, using any method they choose. Many state affiliates have chosen to hold one tournament, usually the state championship tournament, as the qualifier. The winner, and state champion for the high school division, is then chosen as the state representative. If no player is chosen, or for some reason cannot attend, the United States Chess Federation will contact the highest rated players within the state that are eligible to determine if they wish to attempt.

[edit] Prizes

The tournament has multiple sponsors. University of Texas at Dallas provides a full 4-year scholarship to the winner. The US Chess Trust also provides scholarship money for the top players; based upon final rank. Mitchell Denker, son of Arnold Denker, provides $100 to meet travel expenses.

Players under the age of 14 are, also, eligible to win another scholarship. The Ursula Foster Scholarship provides $500 to the best finish by a competitor under 14. If there are no players under 14, it goes to the best finish by a player under 15[3].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chessbase (May 01 2005). GM Arnold Denker, 1914–2005. Chessbase. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
  2. ^ U.S. Chess Trust. U.S. Chess Trust: Denker Tournament. U.S. Chess Trust. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
  3. ^ U.S. Chess Trust. U.S. Chess Trust: Denker Tournament. U.S. Chess Trust. Retrieved on 2008-01-14.

[edit] External links

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