The Land O’ Sky chess weekend will be held Jan. 25 to 27 at the Crowne Plaza Resort, in Asheville.

For chess players not playing in the main tournament, there are still lots of chess things to do for little or no money. USCF membership is not required for these. Everyone is invited to join in these events:

• A “skittles” room for casual games; free and continuous.

• Free lectures at 4 and10 p.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday.

• A chess store selling sets, books, DVDs and T-shirts.

• Opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, with free seating for watching the top board.

• A “960” chess tournament at 8 p.m. Friday. This is free with Game 30 — three rounds.

• A blitz tourney at 10 a.m. Saturday; cost $20. All is paid back in prize money.

• Play a grandmaster for $5 (this is $25 in most places). Those ...