Whidbey students can put their gambit to the test at a tournament in the new year.

The regional High School Chess Championships will be held Saturday, Jan. 11 at Anacortes High School, along with the concurrent regional Middle School Championships.

The tournaments are open to all students in 6th to 12th grades who reside in San Juan, Island and Skagit counties.

The event is an individual tournament that also includes team scoring. As a Regional Qualifier, winning high school teams qualify to compete in the 59th annual Washington State High School Chess Team Championships.

New players are welcome. The tournament is beginner-friendly, using no-elimination “Swiss” pairings.

Free entry. Advance registration required. Sponsored by the Anacortes High School Math Club, with assistance from the Washington High School Chess Association. Details are at whsca.org or http://northwestchess.info/island2025.html.