National tourney for blind chess players begins today in Pa.

ROBINSON, Pa. (AP) — The U.S. Blind Chess Championship is today and Saturday near Pittsburgh.

The tournament, for legally blind U.S. Chess Federation members, consists of four games for each player, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Players can range in age from 14 to 80. Opponents bring their own boards and sets and announce moves to each other, chess master Bruce Leverett of Mount Lebanon told the paper. Volunteers make sure they play opponents’ moves correctly.

Players will compete for the title of 2011 Blind Chess Champion and cash prizes. First place this year will be $500 to $600.