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Chessville
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(See the Proclamation by the Governor of Alabama) His lecture featured his inimitable Four Tips for Junior Players. He also had two demonstration boards set up – one marked “The Immortal Player” and the other marked “The Perfect Game.” The scholastic chess players were held spellbound for nearly 45 minutes as Acers went through his tour de force of instruction. Many visitors and parents took notes as dozens of the scholastic players sat in front of the venerable chess teacher wide eyed with excitement. "I have never seen anything like this," said one parent to me!
Jude regaled the youngsters with tales of Russia’s legendary Mikhail Tchigorin, his rise against all odds and his world championship matches against Steinitz. He easily explained the mighty Tchigorin’s contributions to world chess and the legacy of astounding games he played. Studying the classics and knowing the games of the chess greats will improve your game as Jude remarked “Those that stand on the shoulders of giants stand tall and know all.” Jude focused his attention on the following position:
Jude moved on to “the perfect game” as a way to illustrate some of the basics of sound opening play, coordination of pieces, control of the center and how to exploit mistakes in the opening. The game is a miniature and Jude carefully selected this game to maximize instruction, keep players interest, and generate enthusiasm. Jude’s extensive comments cannot be replicated here – so I have only given a snippet of his remarks.
If 11…Kf8 can
you find White’s 3-move mate? Highlight the space between the
asterisks for the solution: Jude’s colorful commentary and points of instruction are invaluable even for expert adult chessplayers. As a chess coach, Jude always told me never to hide an exhibition – “Hispanic, Black, Asians, handicapped, blind players can play late if necessary! An Acers’ exhibition is for EVERYONE!” Jude would exclaim. Another Acers’ maxim is “Remember – absolute beginners must know they are welcome, particularly children, or your exhibition is a failure before it begins.” After the lecture and another round of applause the players braced themselves for Jude’s opening moves. Unlike others who give simultaneous exhibitions, Jude has his exhibition monitors and directors have the players choose for colors before he arrives. So he had black pieces in some of the games and white in others. The children were delighted beyond measure when he started. The moves bolted out.
Jude was constantly asked for his autograph as copies of his book The Italian Gambit was available. The electronic and print media also followed his every move with interest and interviewed him extensively. He was featured with a color photo and full length story in Alabama’s largest daily The Birmingham News and was on several evening television newscasts. “He is awesome,” exclaimed David Kwong who ventured an ill-fated Blackmar Diemer Gambit against Jude. David said Jude did so much to encourage and instill a genuine love of chess. “I can’t wait till he comes next year!” Another promising talent, Stephen Adams, simply said “He is the greatest!” Jude was much impressed with Ria Bennett, a 12 year old girl who had a drawn bishop of same color endgame. “He taught me something about endgames that I never will forget,” Ria exclaimed. “She played exceptional – this is the game of the day!” Ben Goodman, another very good scholastic player mused, “I have learned not to be hasty in the opening and I let Mr. Acers roll me in the center. While I lost the game – it really helped me learn new things.”
Jude was tested by some very good talent and after nearly 4 hours handily won all 37 games. Jude, ever gracious thanked all those who made this event possible. They are: Geri Beck, Matt Adams, Caroline Clark, Mark Ciamarra. The man in the red beret is waiting to come to your town. Jude likes to schedule his events a year out…so what are you waiting for? He is a legend and one of the most unforgettable people you will every meet! He packs more chess in a couple of hours than you could get in years of study and play!
See even more photos from this event at Jude Acers On Tour!
Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Alabama
WHEREAS, chess has
been played for centuries by millions of people around the world and is the
greatest of games; and
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The
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