My last OTB tournament was over 20 years ago, a bitter experience where financial pressures, sleep and family issues combined for a pathetic performance. This was 100% my fault - using chess as a temporary escape from one's problems may work for some, but not for me. It's taken a long time to get over this, but feel I'm ready to dip my toe back in the OTB world again after 2 decades of correspondence chess, so after some research there are 2 choices:
1. $60.00 / month for membership to my local chess club, 1 round of tournament play every Friday + casual play on Tuesday. Competition is 15-20 middle aged all male duffers (like me) strength range from 1200-2200 (USCF)
2. $300.00 - $600.00 each for 2-3 large swiss tournaments each year i.e. State class championships, regional and large city wide tournaments (prices include tournament fees, travel, hotel and food) Competition is a wide variety of young and old M and F. Strength range from beginner to I.M. (Occasional G.M.)
So - should one go with the cheaper, stable (but sometimes dull) option #1, or the more thrilling but expensive option #2.
Thoughts?
@mchill
Wow $60 per month for your chess club?? 😳 Can't imagine they have many members!
Leaving money aside, i would say that playing for a chess club is a real joy. Being a member of a team, having other players to discuss games / ideas / etc has had a hugely positive effect on my play and how i feel about the game. I am lucky to be a member of a large club, which has a lot of opportunities for games. This isn't always the case, but If i had to choose between playing for a club or just entering tournaments, i would definitely choose the club option without any question.
@marinkatomb saidWow $60 per month for your chess club??
@mchill
Wow $60 per month for your chess club?? 😳 Can't imagine they have many members!
Leaving money aside, i would say that playing for a chess club is a real joy. Being a member of a team, having other players to discuss games / ideas / etc has had a hugely positive effect on my play and how i feel about the game. I am lucky to be a member of a large club, which ...[text shortened]... a club or just entering tournaments, i would definitely choose the club option without any question.
NO - I was supposed to write 60 per year, but it was too late to edit when I discovered my error. I had a feeling someone would jump on that.
@mchill
Yeh that sounds more like it! Tbh, why don't you do both? Play one less swiss and you get the best of both worlds.
@marinkatomb saidThank You - Good advice.
@mchill
Wow $60 per month for your chess club?? 😳 Can't imagine they have many members!
Leaving money aside, i would say that playing for a chess club is a real joy. Being a member of a team, having other players to discuss games / ideas / etc has had a hugely positive effect on my play and how i feel about the game. I am lucky to be a member of a large club, which ...[text shortened]... a club or just entering tournaments, i would definitely choose the club option without any question.