Time to light the candles

Registration for the most beautiful chess tournament of the year in the Netherlands started this morning. It almost feels like trying to get a concert ticket from a popular band, registering. There are three different amateur tournaments that take place during the main tournament for the world's top players. In total, there is room for around 500 players per tournament, and everyone can only register for 1 of these tournaments to give as many people as possible a chance to participate. The places are really gone in no time. But: it worked again! E and five friends will be there again in January!
E will not only play the tournament for 10 days himself, but will also be there for 8 days as mental support for his friend S, who can participate in the main tournament this year by winning the highest amateur group. We are going to have a special January.