New Jersey State Chess Championship

The 2009 New Jersey State Chess Championship celebrates its 63rd year on Labor Day weekend, September 5 - 7, 2009 at the Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset NJ (Exit 12 off I-287). It looks like it will be a very competitive event, thanks in part to the low entry fee for former champions. According to Ken Thomas's website, advance entries include former NJ champs IM Dean Ippolito (2001 & 2002), FM Tommy Bartell (2004, 2005, & 2007), IM Mikhail Zlotnikov (1994 & 2007), FM Steve Stoyko (1973, 1983, and 1988), and Steve Pozarek (1979). As always, I will be dropping by to see old friends and browse Fred Wilson's book table. I am also curious to meet one participant, Max Zavanelli, who is probably the world's best known practitioner of the Urusov Gambit (whereas I may be the Urusov's most devoted analyst). Advanced entries are still accepted through September 1st by mail and September 4th online.