Front Row (left to right): Wayne Hatcher; Fisher Smith; Elizabeth Braddy; Phil Stegall; Zion Wright; Bruce Wells; Bill Sparks; Second Row (left to right): Anna Boevers; Paul Hodgden; Larry Deputy; Mike Tubbs; Jayden Dewbre; Eric Jones; Third Row (left to right): Logan Zachare; Shaun Graham-Bowcaster; Curtis Williams; Jim Berry; Jimmy Nazario; Ishmael Kissinger; Leon Toliver; Jake Williams; Harold Brown; Missing are Roy Cram, Jake Ferguson and Rubin Wells. Photo by Josie Brady.

Front Row (left to right): Cole Blakeman; Austen Green; Carmen Chairez; Chris Wood; Randy Dixon; Jim Anderau; Second Row (left to right): Sheryl McBroom; Rafael Llanos; Mario Cabello; Ahmad Nazib; Jedwayne Bowser; Nicole Niemi; Jim Hollingsworth; Carol Heise; Russ Heise; Third Row (left to right): Jim Kirk; Dean Marks; Troy Gillispie; Doug Schwetke; Dean Cullen; Bob Curtis; Tom Crane; Rick Gran. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

The sign says it all.

Chess Expert Logan Zachare (left) and US Chess Original Life Master Austen Green are ready to do their part and make RRSO XVII the best ever. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Welcome to RRSO.

Treasure Valley Hotel Manager Connie Dunn created this display, located in the lobby, to celebrate twelve years of RRSO matches. For next year's team match (RRSO XVIII) please make plans to stay at the hotel Friday evening. We are planning a Texas Hold'em Championship (w/chips) on Friday night and may add more activities (depending upon how many early arrivals we have). Special no-tax discount rates are offered ($89.10 for singles w/1 Queen bed and $116.10 for doubles w/2 Queen beds). Be sure to tell the Front Desk you are with the Chess Tournament by March 17, 2020 (cutoff date for the discount). Photo by Jim Hollingsworth.

Leading by example.

Oklahoma Chess Team Captain Phil Stegall arrived early and was raring to go. His team followed his lead and checked in quickly so he could say first, "Chief TD, our team is ready to go!" His recommendation to have the players pay their Captain during check-in saved a tremendous amount of time, making RRSO XVII the smoothest running RRSO ever. Well played, Phil. Well played! Photo by Mike Tubbs.

To the Winner goes the Spoils.

On the left is the original famous "Traveling Trophy" donated by the Wichita Falls Chess Club at RRSO II. Little room remains for additional engraved plates. This momento is safeguarded by the Tarrant County Chess Club year round. On the right is the Frank Kim Berry RRSO Trophy which stays with the winning team. The front plate has plenty of room for engraved scores extending well past 2027 (our "Heritage" year). Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Discussing Oklahoma's chances for victory.

Josie Braddy (left), Mother of Elizabeth Braddy, and Dr. Alexis Thompson-Wright (right), Mother of Zion Wright, talk about why RRSO is so special. "I really appreciate Josie Braddy for being such a tremendous help at RRSO XVII." Said Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth. "She is incredibly organized, collected all score sheets, and helped ensure all results were recorded accurately on the spread sheet. I gave her the title of 'Director of Quality Control', but really she was so valuable I could have called her 'Vice President of Operations.'" Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Everybody smile!

Sheryl McBroom was one of three photographers providing magnificent RRSO XVII photos. Sheryl is a Veteran and full-time student studying art and photography. She is a familiar face taking photos at many Texas tournaments. The Texas Chess Association Facebook page is filled with her chess photos. One of her most recent works "Ribbon Girl" is a 2019 Chess Journalists of America entry (winners announced at the U.S. Open). Good luck, Sheryl! Photo by Mike Tubbs.

This is Sparta!

Randy Dixon, from Ennis, Texas, is a member of the Arlington Chess Club, the Tarrant County Chess Club, Waco Chess Club, Waco Chess Team, and the Texas Military Auxiliary All Stars. He loves studying online using Chess-dot-com. The entire Dixon household is fanatical about chess. When he was ready to leave for RRSO his wife handed him his chess equipment and said, "With this board or on it!" Randy swept his RRSO opponent 2-0. Coincidence? Photo by Josie Braddy.

The Texas Gate Keeper.

Tammy Anderau, from Waco, capably handled check-in duties for Texas. She was a tremendous help for the Chief TD and Texas Chess Team Captain. Tammy is a loyal supporter of the Texas and Waco Chess teams. She is a frequent and welcome guest at RRSO and BRAZOS. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

All checked in and relaxing before Round One.

This was the third RRSO for Paul Hodgen (left) and Chess Expert Logan Zachare (middle). Paul played on Oklahoma's Board 3 and Logan played on Oklahoma's Board 1. Playing on Board 1 for Texas and in his fifth RRSO was National Chess Master Austen Green (right). Behind them is Rookie Harold Brown (Oklahoma's Board 4). Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Put me in Coach!

Rookie Jake Williams (left) checks in with Oklahoma Chess Team Captain Phil Stegall. Jake hails from Oklahoma City and played on Board 16 for Oklahoma. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Ardmore Chess Mafia.

Eric Jones (left) was promoted from the Murray County Open to Oklahoma's Board 14. This was his fifth RRSO. Bruce Wells (right) is universally recognized as the most fanatical chess player in Oklahoma and Texas due to playing in every RRSO. Bruce played on Oklahoma's Board 10. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Best of Friends

Chess Expert Shaun Graham-Bowcaster (left) played on Board 6 in his 12th RRSO. After scoring Oklahoma's match-deciding 24th point he moved up to hold or share four RRSO record categories: Aces (tied with seven players for three 2-0 Shutouts); Gladiators (tied for first with 12 Match Game Wins); Top Terminator (9 Match Wins); and Top Warrior (16.5 Match Points). He is also in second place on the Diplomats list with 9 Drawn Games, which is surprising because Shaun doesn't seek draws at RRSO. Curtis Williams (right) played on Oklahoma's Board 8 in his 4th RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Waited all year to play in RRSO.

Wayne Hatcher (left) played on Oklahoma's Board 2 and in his 4th RRSO. Army Veteran Leon Toliver (right) played on Oklahoma's Board 12 and in his 2nd RRSO. Back in the day, Leon was one of the toughest Army chess players in Europe and at Fort Sill. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

RRSO's happiest Rookie.

Rookie Elizabeth Braddy, playing in only her fourth rated tournament, contributed to Oklahoma's victory by sweeping her Board 22 opponent. Later she had a great time at the Bug House tournament. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Welcome to RRSO.

Phil Stegall (left) and Chris Wood (right) exchanged sincere wishes that each would enjoy a top-two finish. By the end of the day both sported lifetime 1-1 records as Team Captain. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Before the Battle.

Closest to the camera is Oklahoma's Bill Sparks. Directly behind him is Jake Ferguson. Seated are Texans Ahmad Nazib (wearing black) and Jedwayne Bowser (wearing green). Standing behind them are Chess Expert Jim Berry (wearing Oklahoma State orange) and Harold Brown (wearing cyan). Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Rules Review.

Texas Team Captain Chris Wood (left) and Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (right) review Bug House rules. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

2019 Fort Worth Veterans Champion.

Rookie Troy Gillispie is a Local Tournament Director and Director of Outreach for the Arlington Chess Club. He is also a Veteran and on the Planning Committee for the 2021 US Armed Forces Open Chess Championship to be held at Grapevine's Great Wolf Lodge. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Good Chess Players make Good Neighbors.

Ardmore's Eric Jones (left) and Lawton's Mike Tubbs (right) talk about the good old days of RRSO VI. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Ready to Rumble!

Texan Jim Anderau is a member of the Waco Chess Club, Waco Chess Team, and Texas Military Chess Auxiliary All Stars. Last year he played in the Murray County Open. This year he looked forward to playing in the match section where every move, capture and result counts. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Early Bird gets the Win.

Texans Russ Heise (left) and Jim Kirk (right) arrived early. Not pictured is Carol Heise who rode with them. Russ is a Tarrant Chess Team member and Captain of the Texas Military Chess Auxiliary All Stars. This is his 4th RRSO. This is Jim Kirk's 2nd RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Wondering what will be in the Rule Book's 7th Edition?

Oklahoma Chess Foundation President and Chess Expert Jim Berry (left) has extensive organizing and directing experience for both US Chess and FIDE. Rookie Harold Brown (right) is a Club Director and retired Army Officer. In 1972 he won the Little Rock Air Force Base Chess Championship. Both are US Chess Life Members. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Two-time Fort Worth Open Veterans Chess Champion.

In March, Carmen Chairez (left) won his second straight Fort Worth Open Veterans Chess Championship. In all the excitement both he and Troy Gillispie, the 2019 Fort Worth Veterans Chess Champion, went home with each other's trophy. Jim Hollingsworth (right) was Chief TD of that event, too. RRSO XVII was a great opportunity to exchange and marry the right trophy up with the right Veteran. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Six-time Lawton City Chess Champion.

Chess Expert Mike Tubbs is no stranger to winning against tough competition. In this, his 12th RRSO, he made sure the Lawton Chess Club brought plenty of its strongest players. Photo by Jose Braddy.

Calm before the Storm.

After the last game was decided a total of 706 tough chess games had been contested by a total of 307 players in seventeen matches and other RRSO events. Photo by Josie Braddy.

2018 Texas Armed Forces Air Force Chess Champion.

This was Jimmy Nazario's second RRSO. He hails from Lawton and is a Veteran. In 2018 he was crowned Air Force Champion at the Texas Armed Forces and Military Veterans Open Chess Championships. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Every RRSO is a Reunion.

Texans Chris Wood (left) and Carmen Chairez (middle) relax and have fun telling RRSO stories. Okie Mike Tubbs (right) seeks out another subject for his camera. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Question on Everybody's Mind.

Lisa Boevers (left), Anna Boever's Mother, asks Oklahoma Team Captain Phil Stegall "What happens if RRSO ends in a tie?" Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Don't play Chess without your Wingman.

Chess Expert Logan Zachare (left) and Wayne Hatcher (right) showed up ready to lead Oklahoma on Boards One and Two. This is Logan's third and Wayne's fourth RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Signing up for the Murray County Open.

Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (left) registers Jayden Dewbre, (right) for his second Murray County Open. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Ready for a Great Time.

Okie Roy Cram (left), Texan Randy Dixon (middle) and Texan Nicole Niemi (right) eagerly waited for Round One. This was Roy's third RRSO. Randy and Nicole were both Rookies. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Board 2 for Texas.

Fort Worth's Jim Kirk is ranked in the 95th Percentile for all USA chess players and in the 97th Percentile for all Texas chess players. He is also ranked in the 91st Percentile for all Senior chess players. A US Chess Life Member, this was his second RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Setting up Board 13.

Rookie Dean Marks, a Texan, gets things ready. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Excited about Bug House.

RRSO may be fun, but Rookies Cole Blakeman (left) and Mario Cabello (right) made plans and developed Bug House strategies almost as soon as they walked through the door. Both are Texans and Arlington Chess Club members. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Loves it when a Plan comes together.

Chief Organizer and TD Jim Hollingsworth began working on RRSO XVII well before last year's RRSO. On January 30, 2018, the playing date was confirmed with Hotel Manager Connie Dunn and posted on the OCF and RRSO websites. On February 4, 2018, he asked Lori Balkum, the TCA Tournament Clearing House Administrator, to post on the TCA Tournament Calendar. He coordinated rule changes and obtained approval from the heads of both sponsoring organizations by May 8, 2018. Finally, on January 15, 2019, Recruiting Season and the real work began! This was his 12th RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Responsibilities of Command.

Oklahoma Team Captain Phil Stegall moved about and checked his players to ensure all were ready. Phil is a Club Tournament Director from Oklahoma City. This was his third RRSO (second as Team Captain). Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Time to get this Show on the Road.

Both Team Captains huddle with Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (second from left) to determine which Murray County Open players are available to fill two match section slots (one for each team). Oklahoma Captain Phil Stegall (far left) ponders the "Jim Hollingsworth Solution" as Texas Captain Chris Wood (third from left) points out an adjustment for Boards 10 and 14 to better align the ratings. Texan Sheryl McBroom (fourth from left) looks on. In the background is Texan Troy Gillispie. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

"See why I like this Guy?"

Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth readily accepts Team Captain Chris Woods' brilliant recommendation to ensure ratings are as close as possible on two boards needing fillers. Trying to avoid being overwhelmed by the sudden burst of accolades, Chris nonchalantly looks away. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Jim loves his Pairing Cards.

With all Match Section pairings decided, Captain Phil Stegall, Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth and Captain Chris Wood review the Murray County Open pairing cards to ensure no player plays with the Black pieces twice-in-a-row. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Pick a Hand — Any Hand.

In accordance with tradition, Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (left) extends both hands with a different colored pawn in each. As the highest ranked player in the Murray County Open, Roy Cram (right) has the honor of drawing for colors while Jayden Dewbre (middle) looks on. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Birthday Celebration — AGAIN!

By coincidence Carmen Chairez's (left) 39th birthday always seems to happen around the same time as RRSO. Jim Hollingsworth (second from left), Bob Curtis (third from left) and Josie Braddy (fourth from left) lead both teams in singing birthday wishes. The organizers look forward to our Heritage Year (2025) when we can finally celebrate Carmen's 40th. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Waiting for the Word to Begin.

Immediately after the team photos it didn't take long for everyone to find their board and be seated. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

The announcements went quickly and Round One started on time. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Roy Cram waits in the Murray County Open. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Announcements.

Okie Leon Toliver, from Lawton, waits on Board 12. This was his second RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Three-time Tarrant County Chess Champion.

US Chess Original Life Master Austen Green waits on Board 1. This was his fifth RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Rookie Nicole Niemi waits on Board 8. She is the 2016 Texas Amateur Co-Champion and a Tarrant Chess Team member. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Chess Expert Jim Berry is a US Chess Life Member, US Chess Senior Tournament Director, FIDE Arbiter and International Organizer, and Oklahoma Chess Foundation President since 2003. In the past he served, at his own expense, as a US Chess Executive Board member (2007-2013), US Chess Vice President (2009-2010), and US Chess President (2010-2011). This was his 12th RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Rookie Harold Brown hails from Tulsa and waits on Board 8. He is a US Chess Life Member, Club Director, retired Army officer, and the 1972 Little Rock Air Force Base Chess Champion. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Jayden Dewbre, from Lawton, eagerly waits to play in his second Murray County Open. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Paul Hodgen hails from Stillwater and waits on Board 3. He is a Club Director and this is his third RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Chess Expert Logan Zachare, from Chickasha and playing in his third RRSO, waits on Board One. He is ranked in the 95th Percentile for all USA chess players and 92nd Percentile for all Texas players. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

2018 Fort Worth Veterans Champion.

Senior Tournament Director Tom Crane hails from Arlington and has been Tarrant County Chess Club President since 2005. He was elected Texas Chess Association (TCA) President in 2018 and has been TCA Region Director twice (2004-2007 and 2010-present). 2018 was an especially meaningful year for him; Recipient, National Chess Master Bill Wall Texas Legacy Award, Fort Worth Veterans Chess Champion, and Texas Armed Forces Navy Chess Champion. This is his 15th RRSO. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Playing in his second RRSO, Jimmy Nazario waits on Board 17. Mr. Nazario is ranked in the 76th Percentile for all USA chess players. In Oklahoma he is ranked in the Top 100 at Number 89. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Announcements.

Bill Sparks, from Tulsa was playing in his 4th RRSO. He is ranked in the 84th Percentile for all USA chess players and in the 50th Percentile for all USA Seniors. In Oklahoma he is ranked Number 62. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

The Battle Begins.

On Board One, Chess Expert Logan Zachare (left) valiantly battled, in what had to be the toughest match of his career, against US Chess Original Life Chess Master Austen Green (right). LM Green prevailed with a 2-0 sweep to help keep Texas close. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Pride of Oklahoma.

Zion Wright, from Oklahoma City, swept his opponent 2-0 to help propel the Okies to an incredible 20 to 10 lead. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Board 12's Hard Battle.

Lawton's Leon Toliver split his match with a very determined Texas opponent. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Board 22 Success Story.

Oklahoma City's Elizabeth Braddy also swept her opponent to pace an Okie 20 to 10 surge. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Board 14 Clash.

Ardmore's Eric Jones battled valiantly against an old Texas rival. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Number One Okie Chess Fan.

Santos Nazario (right) quietly watched his Father split his Board 17 match with a tough Texan opponent. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Tit for Tat.

Shaun Graham-Bowcaster (left) and Nicole Niemi (right) shared much in common at RRSO XVII; both swept their opponents 2-0 to keep the match close for both teams. Mr. Graham-Bowcaster scored the decisive 24th point for Oklahoma and set several RRSO records. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Setting the Standard.

Oklahoma Team Captain Phil Stegall swept his tough Texas opponent on Board 22. This was his 3rd RRSO (2nd as Captain). Photo by Mike Tubbs.

The Move.

Russ Heise is ranked in the 95th Percentile for all Texas chess players. He and his wife Carol Heise own a successful Fort Worth window shades business, San Pedro Blinds and Shades. His schedule is quite busy and he didn't play in his first rated tournament until six years ago. Since then he's played over 400 rated games in 106 tournaments. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

RRSO Terminator.

In his sixth RRSO, Rafael Llanos scored a 1-1/2 to 1/2 victory for Texas on Board 3. He hails from Sherman and is ranked in the 97th Percentile for all Texas chess players.

Mr. Llanos also distinguished himself in the RRSO record books: tied for 1st in Aces (2-0 shutouts against match opponents from the other state); tied for 3rd in Gladiators (games won in matches with an opponent from the other state); and tied for 4th in Terminators (match victories over an opponent from the other state by a 2.0 or 1.5 score). Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Board 11 Split.

Larry Deputy is a US Chess Life Member and has an 1838 FIDE rating. He is ranked in the 86th Percentile for all USA chess players and in the 56th Percentile for all USA seniors. He is ranked Number 56 in Oklahoma. In RRSO XVII, his second RRSO, he split his match against a very tough Texan. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

1977 Oklahoma City Chess Champion.

In his sevententh RRSO, Bruce Wells played a close match against a determined Texan. He won the Oklahoma City Championship in 1977. He is ranked in the 82nd Percentile for all USA chess players and ranked Number 70 in Oklahoma. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Round One Action.

Oklahoma surged to a 14 to 9 halftime lead despite playing with all Black pieces. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Round One Action.

Wayne Hatcher (left) and Jim Kirk (right) on Board 2. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Counting the Money.

Director of Quality Control Josie Braddy (left) worked through lunch ensuring the money was straight, the score sheets were organized and the results were captured correctly. She was a huge help to Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (right). Photo by Mike Tubbs.

The Playing Chief TD.

In the old days Jim Hollingsworth figured out the best way to play a lot of chess was to also be a Director and an Organizer at the same time. His system involved a lot of interruptions while studying critical positions. Today he would rather play or direct, but not both. At RRSO XVII he was the only option available to fill a vacancy and ensure as many people as possible play in the Match Section. "Whenever I am the TD I always win!" he often says. RRSO was a double-win for him because he also did well on Board 14. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

1972 Little Rock Air Force Base Chess Champion.

Rookie Harold Brown played a close match on Board 4. He is a Club Tournament Director, US Chess Life Member and hails from Tulsa. He is ranked in the 94th Percentile for all USA chess players and in the 87th Percentile for USA Seniors. He is ranked Number 23 in Oklahoma. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

2009 Arizona Senior Open Champion.

Wayne Hatcher (wearing the orange hat) split his match on Board 2. He is ranked in the 95th Percentile for all USA players and in the 90th Percentile for all USA Seniors. He is ranked 54th in Blitz for all USA Seniors. He is ranked Number 19 for all Oklahoma players. In 2009 he won the 26-player Arizona Senior Open with a 4.5/5.0 score. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Starting his RRSO Career with a Bang.

Rookie Ishmael Kissinger hails from Oklahoma City and is a fast rising star for Oklahoma chess. He played in his first rated tournament only a year ago and sports a solid 55.6 win percentage. His 2-0 sweep over a tough opponent on Board 18 caught everybody's attention. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Grabbing Rating Points.

Lawton's Jayden Dewbre played in the Murray County Open and then played a couple of Extra Rated games with a G/30 time control. By the end of the day he had scored 2.5/4.0 and gained 22 rating points. He is ranked in the 73rd Percentile for all USA chess players and in the 87th Percentile for all USA Juniors Photo by Mike Tubbs.

1993 Carter County Chess Champion.

Ardmore's Rubin Wells played valiently on Board 15 for Oklahoma. He was Oklahoma Chess Association (OCA) President from 1991 to 1994. The players at the Coney Island hotdogs restaurant in downtown Oklahoma City remember him well. On a Saturday morning in early 1994 he made a surprise visit and presented a special award, a Wall Plaque (paid for 50/50 by OCA and the Lawton Chess Club) to the owner, Bill Mihas. The plaque reads "To Bill Mihas in Appreciation for Feeding Hungry Chess Players." Mr. Wells is ranked in the 82nd Percentile for all USA chess players and is tied for Number 72 in Oklahoma. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Board 5 Battle.

Jim Berry (left) and Nicole Niemi (right) played an epic match at RRSO XVII. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Murray County Open Round Two.

Lawton's Jayden Dewbre (left) and Tishmingo's Roy Cram (a US Chess Life Member) do battle. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Going down to the Wire.

More than one person glanced at Oklahoma's huge lead and stepped outside confident in an Oklahoma victory. The Okies led at one point 20 to 10 so who could blame them? However the shock on their faces was real when they returned to discover Texas getting closer and closer to stealing this one away. Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth had a good chuckle at seeing one astonished person do this three times. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Rookie Ace.

Oklahoma City's Anna Boevers scored a 2-0 sweep on Board 20 and contributed greatly to Oklahoma's victory. She is ranked in the 87th Percentile for all USA Juniors and in the 90th Percentile for all USA Females. She is also ranked Number 59 for all USA girls age 15. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Extra Rated Game.

Some players finished early and eagerly sought rating points by playing extra rated games. A total of nine G/30 games were played, such as this one between Carol Heise (left) and Sheryl McBroom (right). Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Skittles Chess.

Fisher Smith (left) and Anna Boevers (right) are both from Oklahoma City. Photo by Josie Braddy.

Skittles Chess.

Fisher Smith (left) and Zion Wright (right) are both from Oklahoma City. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

Only Three Games to Go.

Oklahoma led at Halftime 14 to 9. Very quickly they increased that to 15 to 9. Six Oklahoma Rookies swept their lower-tier opponents for 12 crucial points. This had the makings of huge blowout. But the Texans kept fighting back. Had they won their final three games, Texas would have retained the title, trophy and bragging rights for another year. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

The "Ultimate Weapon".

Shaun Graham-Bowcaster made RRSO History by scoring Oklahoma's 24th point. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

"Veni, vidi, vici."

Bruce Wells (left) stands triumpantly while soaking in Oklahoma's success. With only two remaining games the question now is "How big the Victory?" For Chief Organizer Jim Hollingsworth a close barn burner like this means he and his Recruiting Team did things right, regardless of which team prevails. "I'm the TD. I always win!" he says. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

"An Okie, a Texan and a Giraffe walk into a bar and the Bar Tender says . . . ".

US Chess Original Life Master Austen Green (left) and Director of Quality Control Josie braddy (right) exchange Okie and Texan jokes while Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (background) covertly listens for new material. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Board 8.

Dean Cullen (seated left) and Curtis Williams seated (right) battle in the next-to-last game. Rick Gran (standing left), Josie Braddy (standing center) and Bruce Wells (standing right) create the "fishbowl" effect as they surround the game. It was a Texas Victory narrowing the score to 24–21. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Board 2 — Last Game.

Jim Kirk (seated and facing camera) and Wayne Hatcher (seated with back to camera) battle to the end while a "Fishbowl" of spectators anxiously watch. It was a Texas Victory. Final score: 24–22 and Oklahoma's 7th win in the Series. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

24–22 Final Score.

46 players played a total of 57 rated games during RRSO XVII. 46 of those games were in the Match Section where every move, capture and result counts. Photo by Mike Tubbs.

In Appreciation.

Texas Chess Association President Tom Crane (left) and Sheryl McBroom (center) present Chief Organizer/TD Jim Hollingsworth (right) with a surpise gift signed by all the players and Staff. The hand-crafted hat holder now hangs in Jim's home bringing order to the chaos of his large hat collection (and he definitely has a lot of hats). Photo by Josie Braddy.

Bug House.

After a hard day of Serious Chess the real fun begins! Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Subliminal Message.

The previously unbeaten team of Tubbs–Hollingsworth continue a tradition established at the 1986 Lawton City Chess Championship; Turning the Knights so their rears face the Opponent. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Championship Round.

It all came down to a battle between two undefeated teams; Blakeman–Cabello and Zachare–Green. It was a glorious Zachare–Green victory. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

To the Victors go the Spoils.

2019 RRSO Bug House Champions Logan Zachare (left) and Austen Green (right) split the Grand prize. Each made enough buy a Candy Bar and Soda to enjoy during their long rides home. Photo by Sheryl McBroom.

Bragging Rights for One Year.

Chief TD Jim Hollingsworth (left) holds the original "Famous Traveling Trophy" which, by tradition is safeguarded South of the Red River 364 days a year. Team Captain Phil Stegall (right) claims the "Frank Kim Berry RRSO Trophy" on behalf the Oklahoma Chess Team.

The original trophy was donated by the Wichita Falls Chess Club during RRSO II. The Frank Berry trophy first arrived at RRSO XV and was fully paid for by generous donations from the players.

Congratulations to Oklahoma for winning and to both teams for an awesome match. Well played. Well played. Photo by Mike Tubbs.