Young players plot their next move at a previous year’s Queen’s Quest Chess Tournament, . (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Registration is now open for the Queen’s Quest Scholastic Chess Tournament, the first major competition in the local chess season.

Queen’s Quest will be held Nov. 22 at Columbia Elementary School and is rated for students, who must be members of the United States Chess Federation (USCF).

“We expect a good turnout this year with students from across Madison County participating,” Ranae Bartlett, director of Madison City Chess League, said. “Last year, students from as far away as Tuscaloosa competed.”

For 2014, tournament organizers already have received registration forms from students in Madison and Trussville.

“This 5-Round Swiss tournament is USCF-rated. Four sections (are divided) by grade for primary, grades K-3; elementary, K-6; junior high, K-9; and open, K-12,” Bartlett said.

Both individuals and teams will receive awards in four categories: primary, K-3; elementary, K-6; junior high, K-9; and open, K-12.

“Players are encouraged to play in the lowest section (youngest age category) for which they are eligible, but they can play in a higher section,” Bartlett said. For example, a kindergartner should play in K-3, but the tournament will allow the student to compete in a higher category.

The director may opt to merge sections, but a merge will not affect prize eligibility. Players must report to a mandatory meeting at 9:45 a.m. The first round will start at 10 a.m.

Players may join or renew memberships online at uschess.org. Click “Join/Renew” at the top right of the page.

Queen’s Quest registration forms are available at madisoncitychessleague.weebly.com/upcoming-tournaments.html. If students pre-register by Nov. 18, the entry fee is $20; after Nov. 18, the fee is $40.

Players can mail entry forms to Ranae Bartlett, Madison City Chess League, c/o Rainbow Elementary School, 50 Nance Road, Madison, AL 35758. On-site registration will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. On-site or late registration requires a first-round, half-point bye.

Concessions will be provided. For more information, email to rbartlett@madisoncity.k12.al.us.