11 Sep '19 09:08>1 edit
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?
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?