Tarrant Tops Waco 10-8

     The Tarrant County Chess Team, captained by Adam Hart, fell behind early and trailed at halftime against the Waco Chess Team 5-4.  However, a strong second half surge, led by Tarrant Ace Helen Jamison, ensured the victory.  Helen Jamison achieved the honor of being the first BRAZOS “Ace” with her sweep of Board 9.  Her two points proved to be the exact margin of victory in this hard fought match.  Jason Lund paced the Waco Chess Team with his 2-0 sweep of Board 5.

    John De Vries, Waco Chess Team Captain, was co-organizer of this first annual event, called BRAZOS, along with Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth.  The Honorable Edith Turner Omberg, Mayor of the City of Hillsboro, Texas, officiated the opening ceremonies at Hill College.  She also issued an official proclamation declaring Saturday, October 29, 2016, “BRAZOS Chess Day.”

     Many of the players donned Halloween costumes in support of local Hillsboro traditions.  Russ Heath won first prize with his "Mad Chess Hatter" outfit.  His prize was a return of his $10 entrance fee.  After the match, both teams enjoyed Victory Dinner festivities at Frenkie's Pasta & Pizza Italian Restaurant.  Adam Hart received a signed certificate, on behalf of the Tarrant Chess Team, from Chief Tournament Director Jim Hollingsworth.

     BRAZOS is modeled after the Red River Shootout (RRSO), the annual team match between the most fanatical chess players in Oklahoma and Texas.  A key difference between BRAZOS and RRSO is all BRAZOS boards are decided and announced at least three weeks prior to give all players an opportunity to prepare.  As the games show, the players put their preparation time to good use.  All 17 games were hard fought and exciting.

     Adam Hart, Helen Jamison, John De Vries, Danny Dunn, Tom Crane, and Jim Hollingsworth are all members of the Texas Chess Team.