Do many of the members play in tournements?

I just wondered how many people in this group play in tournaments, or otb in leagues or anything. Do you?

I would but I'm in college and thus too poor to afford joining USCF or my local club.

I used to back in the day, but now I don't have the time to spend all day (or weekend) at an OTB tournament.  Internet chess is just the right speed for me -- I can take an hour here and there to play at my convenience.

I used to play OTB tournaments all of the time. I played in the British Championships and even played in France, Greece and Spain. Since going to University i have not played OTB much but in the last few months i have gotten back into playing OTB. I played my first tournament since 2002 two months ago. It brought back good memories and i had a blast at it.

At the moment i am playing league matchs for my chess club. Playing OTB is far far better than internet chess in my opinion.

i agree OTB is a lot more satisfying and can take on so many different aspects!

i don't really play tournaments anymore. takes up so much time away from family. i'll probably play in 1 event next year.

but you used to?

yeah thats the problem; if ypu have to travel there and back, and think for hours for a day or two, its exhausting, and school the next day doesn't help.

I've not played in any OTB tournaments. It sounds like fun. I have played in two different simultaneous exhibitions - one against a National Master and the other against a player at "Expert" level. Yes, I lost both times!

evie, it is worth it...cant wait 2 see you at torquay lol :)! I am entering about 4 different events....you should do the rapidplay on the first day cus dat does nt clash with U14 or anything you would be doing!

I've been playing chess for about 10 years but all of it online.  I would like to get a USCF rating one of these days and start playing OTB but the closest chess clubs are about 100 miles away from me so that has been a bit of an obstacle.  I'll probably get around to it one of these days though.

I did 2 years ago. The last tournament I played in was the state championship as a 14 year old and I came in second with 4 wins and 2 draws (one of them to the #1 seed and the other to the 10th place player). My rating shot up to 1583 and then highschool came around and I had no time to do chess playing 3 sports, taking ap classes, and playing varsity baseball over the summer. Only recently have I gotten back into chess and I'm going to be playing in an open tournament this weekend at a chess club that houses some very strong players. I am hoping to win 1st place for under 1700 and to elevate my rating back onto the top 100 list for players my age. 

I have been playing in OTB tourn. for about 30 years now and will continue to do so until the day i die Much more satisfying form of chess for me i play online to try out new ideas and to try and keep sharp between tourn. I play about 6 times a year but have in the past played as many as 15 tourn. in a year The only thing that keeps me from playing more is work.