Tucsonans: are you interested in chess but never had the opportunity to learn how to play? Curious about trying out the game but nervous you don’t know the rules? No more excuses!!! Do not miss this amazing opportunity to learn how to play at the 9 Queens 3rd Annual Chess Fest from 3-5 pm on April 10 at the Hotel Congress!

This year’s Chess Fest will not only feature free chess lessons, but also provide participants with "chess passports" from Bookmans! Anyone, regardless of age, can come by the Chess Fest, pick up a "passport," and visit each of the six stations to learn how the pieces move. The first 500 participants to go through all the stations and learn how to play chess will receive a $5 gift certificate from Bookmans!

The Bookmans Chess Passport is just one example of how 9 Queens and Bookmans have partnered to promote chess literacy in Tucson. 9 Queens is also partnering with the Hotel Congress to host the 3rd Annual Chess Fest. This year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever including:

Human chess match with costumes provided by the Youth Volunteer Corps of Southern Arizona

*Speed chess tournament

*Free chess lessons from members of the Catalina Foothills chess team using the Bookmans "chess literacy passport"

*Face-painting

*Blindfold chess exhibition from National Master and Arizona Scorpion Leo Martinez

*Live music from the Awkward Moments

*Silent auction chess board featuring gift certificates and chess themed art donated from artists and local businesses.