by Adam Porth

President Gerald Ford set October 9th, 1976 aside as a day "To give special recognition to a game that generates challenge, intellectual stimulation, and enjoyment for citizens of all ages." For the 2010 ICA Wood River Weekend Progressive, it was exactly that. The 2nd annual Wood River Weekend was held on October 9 on National Chess Day. The tournament attracted 8th grade scholastic players up to the usual, and much older ICA Crowd. There were challenges for the players and the TD. Not to mention the intellectual stimulation provided by the games and the contestants.

The tournament boasted a unique time control that "progressively" got longer as the day wore on. Round 1 was G/30, Round 2 was G/60, Round 3 was G/90, and Round 4 was G/120. After trying to figure out how to upload the tournament for rating with the USCF, it was decided that this would be the last rated time control of the sort. The weather and views were beautiful on Saturday and as players gathered at Wood River High School, players were reminded of the other activities available in between rounds - the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. It certainly seemed like fall as the games started!

Wood River Progressive results: 1st place $50-Jeff Baggett(4.0), 2nd place $38-Sean Manross, 3rd place $25-Fred Bartell, 1st place trophy Nick Bruck, 2nd place trophy Katie Patterson, 3rd place trophy Desmond Porth. Congratulations to all!