Chess A2Z Inaugural Puzzle Competition

Join us for an over-the-board puzzle competition where speed, calculation, and pattern recognition are put to the test. Expect forks, pins, sacrifices, and combinations—the kind of tactics that actually win games. (Free entry for girls.)

Event Details

• Date: February 21

• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Venue: Portland Chess Club (2025 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR 97232)

• Capacity: Limited to 50 players (first come, first served)

Schedule

• 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Puzzle Competition
  Each player will receive puzzles to solve. Final scores will be based on accuracy first, then time used.

• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Master Class with WGM Zoey Tang
  Zoey will break down the puzzles from the competition, focusing on:

  • How to sense tactics in real game positions

  • Why strong puzzle results don’t always translate to tournament success

• 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM | “Is There a Tactic in This Position?” Interactive Tactics Lab with National Master Austin Tang
  Join Austin for a fast-paced, interactive tactics lab. Through a Kahoot-style format, players will vote, discuss, and analyze positions together to reinforce the ideas from the master class.

• 4:40 PM – 5:00 PM | Award Ceremony
  Players will be divided into five groups based on published USCF ratings. Trophies will be awarded to first place finishers in each group.

To register and learn more, go to: https://chessa2z.org/event/inaugural-puzzle-competition/