FARMINGTON — The second Farmington Open Chess Tournament, held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Farmington Community Center drew ranked players from across New England.

Saturday was National Chess Day [always the second Saturday in October], Rachel McClellan, assistant tournament director, said. There were 32 players, numbers were larger last year when a group came from Colby College, she noted.

Competitors ranged in age from 10 to 78, Glenn Miller, tournament director said.

“Four former state champions and two masters [determined by rankings] are playing today,” McClellan noted. “Two students from Fryeburg Academy are here, one is a master. This is serious competition.”

“This 13-year old just beat me,” Mark Stofan of Farmington exclaimed. “I thought, “he’s a little shrimp. I am going to destroy him.” He is from Yarmouth, is a good player. From the first move I knew it was not going to be as easy as I thought.”

Stofan admitted his hopes were up a little bit with his competitor just a kid. “I ate some humble pie,” he said. “Everybody is very nice. Cordial and friendly, win or lose.”

Lucy Olsen of Dresden was competing in her third tournament. “I like playing chess, it is really strategic,” she said.

Edwin Hatch of Palermo was at the Farmington tournament for the first time, had competed in others. When asked what he likes about playing chess, he said that was a hard question. “A lot has to do with the camaraderie, the relationships you get across the board,” he stated. “It is intellectually stimulating.”

Paul Carr of Solon has been playing chess for about 48 years, since he was 12. “It’s challenging,” he said. “It helps keep your mind sharp as you get older.”

Carr and Hatch tied in their match. It was a speed match with not a lot of time, Carr noted. “I like at least an  hour, an hour and a half,” he added.

Players were split into one of three categories based on their rank – moose, puffin or lobster. Four rounds were played in each category.

Matches were set based on a player’s ranking, not their age or gender, McClellan said. Only one female was competing, she said, adding that she hoped to draw more women and girls to next year’s tournament.

A player’s rank would change based on results in Farmington, McClellan said.

Over $1,000 in prizes was awarded, along with five impressive trophies.

Miller provided the following results on Monday.

In the top-ranked moose division [US Chess rating 1500+], 16-year-old Alimzhan Amirkul, a FIDE chess master from Fryeburg Academy earned the title of Farmington Open Champion and a $150 prize. Charlie Creswell, last year’s champion drew against Amirkul in the final round, but it was Aaron Spencer, last year’s co-champion, who finished in second place.

In the puffin division, 10-year-old Dimitri Smalley from North Yarmouth took home $175 for his win and for the honor of being the top scholastic player. The lobster division was secured by Sam Lewis, a scholastic player whose crucial last-round win over Tobias Coffey earned him $150.

The tournament was sponsored by the Farmington Parks and Recreation Department. “The support from the department was exceptional, with Charity Sargood ensuring the venue was perfectly arranged, and Assistant Director Jen Savage working tirelessly to promote the event,” Miller said.

Matt Foster, Parks & Rec director, has been a perennial champion of this tournament, recognizing the benefits of sportsmanship and community it represents, Miller noted. “Local businesses, including Orange Cat Café, saw marked increases in patronage as this event drew participants and their families to charming downtown Farmington,” he stated.

“We’re fortunate to have such amazing community support,” Miller said. “This event is growing each year and we’re already excited for next year’s tournament.”

The Community Center proved to be a perfect venue, receiving praise from participants for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities, Miller said. “As the chess community in Farmington continues to thrive, the future looks bright for this growing annual event,” he added.

The Farmington Chess Club meets every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Center. It had a booth at Farmington Summer Fest the last two years.

For more information, visit the website at www.farmingtonchess.org.