What are the benefits of membership in the US Chess Federation?

The U.S. Chess Federation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the study of the game of chess in a number of ways. The group strives to provide information, knowledge and support to all chess players regardless of age or skill level, from novices to professional players. They view chess as an enjoyable pastime, as an art form, and as a means of improving society.
The USCF supervises a number of chess tournaments every year, including the US Chess Championship and other national events. The group also participates in international events, linking US chess players with players from around the world.
One of the most visible benefits of membership in the U.S. Chess Federation is a subscription to their monthly magazine, “Chess Life.” The organization also publishes a bi-monthly magazine called “Chess for Kids.” In both publications, the USCF offers current articles and information which are of interest to chess players. The 110th US Open was held in Indianapolis in early August; so the current edition of “Chess Life” contains stories about the competition, the players, and the winners as well as upcoming events and articles about improving your own chess play.
According to the organization’s website, there are over 80,000 current memberships, and about half of their members attend some kind of school. So the USCF is very interested in supporting chess programs in schools, from pre-school programs to college level. The group encourages the proliferation of the game, with thousands of affiliated local clubs and organizations across the U.S. The USCF website offers official rules of the game, a glossary of chess terms and a brief chess history available to all, as well as various books and services for their members.
The organization also offers to pair members for correspondence chess matches, either by mail or email. To get started, players are asked to rate themselves into the following scale:
Class D / Novice (rating of 1399 and below)
Class C / Intermediate (rating of 1400 to 1599)
Class B / Strong (rating of 1600 - 1799)
Class A / Very Strong (rating of 1800 - 1999)
Of course, the more honest the self-assessment, the better the group can match up an opponent of similar skill levels. Through playing in rated matches, a chess player may increase his rating to:
Candidate Master (rating of 2000 - 2199)
Master (rating of 2200 - 2399)
Senior Master (rating of 2400 or higher)

Chess Right Chess Store is offering a number of free memberships in the USCF with qualifying purchases. Please look for these great premium offers on selected chess sets in our store. We are also offering a great price on the US Chess Federation Official Rule Book (look in category “Books, etc.” for the yellow king piece on the cover).

Chess Quote

Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the Chess player, not the Chess piece.

** Ralph Charell **

Beautiful designer chess set!

This is the "Alice" set by designer Yasmin Sethi.

See more about this chess set on the designer's website.

It does not appear to be available for sale. My guess is it is just a prototype. So admire it from the pictures ... then cruise over to www.ChessRight.com to find a beautiful chess set to own.

Here's another chess reference

For those of you who aren't familiar with the "Have Gun Will Travel" classic 1958 TV series, the lead character is Palladin, played by a young Richard Boone; not really a bad guy, or let's just say he is working for the good team, mostly. The chess symbol on his holster is also on his calling card - the knight.

Richard Boone is best loved around here for his role as Smaug the Dragon in the animated movie of "The Hobbit." More on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien here!

Chess, like classic TV, can be enjoyed year after year. Visit www.ChessRight.com for your heirloom chess set!