Right about now, USCF Members are pulling out their cell phones and address books to search for a first or fourth board for their local U.S. Amateur Team. (There are four concurrent U.S. Amateur Teams events:East, North, West and South; Each four player team must have an average rating below 2200). The Amateur Teams award prizes for the biggest upset, best team name and costume, highest scoring mixed double and family teams, among many more. The focus at the Amateur Teams is on fun, not cut-throat competition. Many otherwise inactive players dip back into the chess world just for the Teams!

Adding to this season of team spirit is the U.S. Chess League's call for applications for two new teams. (There are currently ten U.S. Chess League teams; each team has an eight player roster. The playing team of four must have an average rating under 2400 USCF.) Deadline for applications is February 1,2007. The USCL is not only looking for teams with high rating averages and star players, but also for commitment to the league, a fan-base and team spirit.Read more guidelines on how to apply for an open spot in the U.S. Chess League.

Amateur Team Details

The online playoffs between the four teams who won at the 2007 U.S. Amateur Team Championships (South, East, North, West) will take place Saturday, March 24, 2007, online at ICC (Internet Chess Club).

U.S. Amateur Team East 2/17-19, 2007

Parsippany Hilton
1 Hilton Ct.
Parsippany, NJ 07054
973-267-7373 or 1-800-HILTONS
Tournament details

U.S. Amateur Team North 2/17-18, 2007
Fairfield Inn & Suites
645 W. North Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 629-1500
Room rate: King/Queen $79; King Suite $99
Email Chris Merli, Event Organizer

U.S. Amateur Team South 2/16-18 or 2/17-18, 2007
Travelodge Hotel Main Gate East
5711 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (US 192)
Kissimmee, FL
Chess rate: $69 (plus taxes) 800-317-1128 or 321-401-1033
CODE: G/CFCC/0216
Tournament details

U.S. Amateur Team West 2/17-19, 2007
Marina Hotel San Pedro
2800 Via Cabrillo Marina
San Pedro, CA 90731
Single/double room rate: $89 (310) 514-3344
Tournament details