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December 12, 2003
Seasons Greetings Chess Players,
Sorry for the delay in reporting more thoroughly on the recent Alaska State Chess Championship. Rick is still laid up and healing, and has not been able to post so I will endeavor to fill in as best I can.
The weekend greeted us with the states largest snow fall this year. In spite of the weather, 20 players turned out for the 2003/4, state championship. Ken Arnoult from Fairbanks, the Parshalls, George Lombardi, Dylan Tucker and Mike Beck from the peninsula and a host of Anchorage competitors all braved the weather and showed their metal by competing in this year's event. We did have some no shows due to weather and family complications and we would like to take time out to express our condolences to our secretary treasurer of the USCF Affiliate offices, Travis Norman and family, for their recent loss of a family member. Travis and Artem Ratchkovski from Fairbanks had intended to compete this year and were surely missed, however, family matters come first, and we hope all will be well with them during the coming holidays.
I would like to add a special thanks to those youth and scholastic competitors who showed up for the competition, Alaska can be proud of the fierce fighters developing in the junior ranks. Ryan Cassidy leads the pack this year with an outstanding performance, winning the open championship against the like of Jesse Holganza, Jesse Viscocho, Dick Clendaniel, Mike Beck and fellow youth competitor Nicholas Wells who all tied in the third position. Nickolas Wells, also took the Junior Champions award with an excellent, hard working, performance that is certainly a fine example of the chessic abilities apparent within the Wells family, whose father competed in the Open section. Jesse Viscocho won the U1400 section and has shown recent signs of brilliance bearing fair warning to players of all strengths in the future. Dylan Tucker, whose vast improvements over the board, won the scholastic award, on tie breaks over fellow scholastic competitor Michael Brooks, who was hot on his heals, winning the U1200 award. Congratulations to our youth competitors for such a fine, combined result, no doubt we will soon see them competing in the Closed section soon.
Speaking of the closed section, Ron Campbell, Andy Duren, Doug Koch, Ben Hoback, Tim Wells and Bryan Smith brought real fire to this section with exceptional fighting play during all rounds on all boards. Despite Ron's finish, his play, his attitude and his combativeness gave Bryan Smith one of his toughest games of the tournament. We hope to post some of the more interesting games over the weekend and will certainly include this one. Despite Tim Wells slow start, his come back in the 4th and 5th round, showed just how tough the bottom half was. Tim can surely take pride in his son Nicholas' performance in the open and we hope to see all three of the Wells family in the Fur Rondy. Doug Koch and Ben Hoback finished in the middle with strong steady play that just fell short of reward. Andy Duren took second place honors with Bryan Smith winning the championship and a handsome check to go with. Congratulations to all the above for qualifying for the Closed Section.
Rick and I hope all of you enjoyed yourselves, we certainly enjoyed watching you compete. (Rick, of course, as time and convalescence would allow.) Certainly entertaining was watching young Dylan Tucker making Dick Clendaniel do a magicians impression to escape with a draw in the first round and the two Jesses play almost three quarters of a game without any exchanges! Michael Brooks showed exceptional talent in reaching winning positions, however, his advantage slipping mainly due to lack of experience toward the ending. Look out all, young Michael will be taking scalps soon. His work at the game is starting to show with solid play and great positional feel. Enough cannot be said about this years' Open champion, Ryan Cassidy, and his approach to the game. Ryan is not scared to mix it up and has recently shown a fine feel for combination play. His triumph in the Open Section, while unexpected, was not a surprise given his hard work and dedication to chess. Ryan consistently finishes well in tournament play, and is obviously one of the top juniors in Alaska. Congratulations to you, Ryan! I do owe you one! (Ryan defeated me in our last encounter)
Well, tis the end of my blathering but I would like to add that, Rick and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Fur Rondy later this winter and hope that you all enjoy a splendid holiday season. As Rick and I have been recently challenged, by other obligations and developments, we will probably have to take a break until then, but you never know. Please be extra safe in all you do during the coming holidays and stay in touch. We enjoy your letters and comments and would like to hear from you during the break. Feel free to use the readers opinion board or our e-mail link to post your messages and suggestions, we value your input.
See you soon, Chuck Sherwood / Tournament director
Thanks Chuck for filling in during this down and out period for me. I'm on the mend and should hopefully be back to 100% within the next couple of weeks. For a look at this years photo album for the "Alaska State Championship Tournament" please click here.
Chess Players take note the Fur Rondy Tournament will be here before you know it. Make plans now!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Rick Everett - Your humble reporter (YHR)
November 12, 2003
Happy Holidays to all, the Alaska State Championship is almost upon us. With just a couple of weeks to wait anticipation is running high. Almost 100 adult announcements were mailed out for this event with only 6 coming back as undeliverable. Let's hope this bodes well for a good turnout. With 9 (perhaps more) master and expert class players residing in the state, it'll be interesting to see how many show up and "throw down" for the coveted Alaska State Champion title. The combatants for the Alaska Open Championship will have their work cut out for them as well. Several players I've talked with have been preparing their own version of a chessic "smack down" for this event. The Alaska Open was once an excellent, hard fought tournament for Alaska's mid to lower rated players. It was a stepping stone for many a player to achieve deserved respect amongst his peers and a higher rating to boot. So folks be a part of it and get involved in Alaska's toughest chess competition. Good luck and good chess to all. P.S. If you are an adult chess player residing in Alaska and didn't receive an announcement in the mail for this event, you may want to consider sending in your mailing address, as discounted entry fees may be available with future announcements.
There will be another VORTEKX 5 minute Blitz Tournament this Saturday evening starting at 6:30. I'm probably not going to make it myself but hopefully someone will fill in.
The 2004 Fur Rondezvous Tournament is at 99% completion for its planning stage. With the "priceless" contributions of individual and corporate sponsorship, this years event will hopefully blow the lid off the tournament attendance record for the Rondy. The $1,500 guaranteed prize fund for this years event will undoubtedly entice a few more attendees. Plan now for the weekend of February 20-22, 2004 and the classic Fur Rondezvous Chess Tournament!
The Free Chess Lessons for Kids series has ended. Although we didn't break any attendance records here, everyone involved had some fun and learned some things about our Royal game of Chess and that indeed was worthwhile. Thanks again to Bryan Smith for donating his time and knowledge to this program and Mr. Peterson of the Fairview Recreation Center for having us. For a look at some photos click here.
Chuck Sherwood sends in a couple of impressive wins against much higher caliber competition, a National Master and a Grand Master! Somebody needs to keep an eye on this guy, he's full of surprises!? :o)
In closing I thought you might like a very small sample of what's been going on at the Border's Chess Club this year. Click here for a few photos.
Drive safe people it's winter time!!
October 20, 2003
Hi Guys, Chuck Sherwood provides us with the update for the recently completed "Interior Fall Tournament" in Fairbanks:
"Greetings Chess Players,
The Alaska Interior Fall Tournament played over the weekend of 10/10/03 - 10/12/03, was a large success. Thirteen antagonists turned out for a weekend of fun and camaraderie rarely seen at your average chess tournament. However, notable were some missing participants, all hoped would play. USCF expert and powerhouse (#3 active Alaska) Travis Norman was in Anchorage over the same weekend-of all things-and missed his opportunity to challenge for the crown. Paul Austin visited but did not compete. Nothing was heard of long time resident and, powerhouse in his own right, Russ Riddlington -hope we see you guys soon. Number 2 rated on the active Alaska players list, Artem Ratchkovski did compete and championed the hopes of the interior chess players. Combatants from Homer, Palmer, Anchorage, and Fairbanks comprised the manifest proving this tournament to be a truly statewide attraction.
The first round actually started reasonably on time and extended the entire playing interval as flag drops would decide more than one game at this tournament. Everyone came out of the hack fighting for first place as this contest witnessed only one draw, throughout the entire competition! Unrated players Alex Strawn, Brentwood Reid, and Joseph Thompson, all gave good accounts of themselves finishing with respectable scores. Brentwood and Joseph actually tied with Lloyd Hilling for the third position with 3-points! Our youngest player also Unrated, Harry Hansen, was awarded the Official Alaska USCF Chess Player honors, taking home his first, "real" chess clock, (donated by Lance Roberts) roloflex board, and official tournament players' set. Harry beat an adult on his way to his first rated win - congratulations Harry!
The middle rounds on Saturday, saw 2 upsets in the third round, with Lloyd Hilling defeating Richard Clendaniel (small upset) and yours truly taking advantage of a mistake by USCF Master, Artem Ratchkovski, and converting it into a full point (large upset.) What was nice to see during the Saturday rounds however, was Artem making himself available to analyze other players' games even after a hard fought loss. A master's insights and suggestions are always appreciated, as many of us in the Anchorage area are well aware, having enjoyed Brian Smith's comments during local tournaments. Artem is truly a sportsman and all about chess. Ratchkovski travels to the Western Class Championships in Reno starting October 17th, and mentioned this was a nice warm-up for him - good luck.
Sunday brought more excitement to the table as other clubs gathered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, nearby our tournament room. I believe all the competitors were humored when a couple of versus of "It's a small world after all" sounded throughout the halls as a most enthusiastic group of students sang in a nearby classroom. Everyone took it well - there wasn't one Knucklehead in the crowd to pitch a fit over this short-lived entertainment. The rounds continued even after a drum cadence erupted, once again in a nearby class room, and woke everybody up in the 5th round.
All in all, this was a great bunch of guys at the tournament; a finer group of competitors would be hard to assemble. I enjoyed meeting all of them and hope I get a chance to meet those I may have missed in a future tournament. Rick Everett, myself and Travis Norman, your officers representing the offices of the Alaska Chess League and the USCF Alaska State Affiliate, extend our personal invitation to compete at the Alaska State Championships following Thanksgiving next month in Anchorage. If you can't make that, set time aside for the Fur Rendezvous in February, we'd all love to see you there.
By the way, any of you interested in traveling to Fairbanks during the off season will find accommodations at the Wedgewood Resorts facility an extraordinary deal for the money. Dick and I, the only players to travel from Anchorage, spent a very pleasant evening in a two bedroom (spacious bedrooms by the way with three double beds) condo like apartment for only $75.00 a night. Dick had his own TV in his room! The second night of our stay was with the Ratchkovski family and a most enjoyable evening as well. Our thanks go out to Artem, and Harry Karmun, for a fine tournament and a pleasant stay. The two of them plan to hold another tournament soon and I hope many of you reading this report will find the time to travel and compete over the board with some of the finest players in Alaska.
Thanks for a great time, Chuck."
tournament results, photo album
Thanks to all the players and organizers of the Interior Fall Tournament for your support of Chess in the Great Land!
The next chance for serious Chess tournament competition is the Alaska State Championship in November. This will be a mighty fine event, provided that Alaska's Chess Players do the most important part and that is PLAY! Please make arrangements in advance, as several folks in the Anchorage community are willing to share their homes during the tournament with out of town players. enquiries
The Free Chess Lessons for Kid's get together last Saturday, October 18th at the Fairview Recreation Center saw a modest but enthusiastic crowd. The kids were eager to show that they too could solve chess combinations! FM Bryan Smith gave a great lesson and is a natural at working with Children and Chess. The next lesson covering King and Pawn Endgames will begin at 1:00pm October 25th, same location. Some of the children wanted to know if they could bring their Chess friends for the next lesson? ABSOLUTELY!! See you guys Saturday, maybe we can get in some more "bughouse", eh?
In closing, I thought I would pass on some recent correspondence.
"Hi Rick, You might remember me, Bill McGeary. I am living in Seattle now. Saw your site and it looks very good, better than most pages for states organizations... Thanks, Bill McGeary" Bill was the reigning Chess Master in Fairbanks a few years back.
"Hello everybody! I've been living in Santa Barbara California about 20 of the last 35 years, on and off. This summer I drove up and down the east coast and then across the country this summer. Some things I do - - free-lance indexing for publishers; - lecture-note taking for student publishing service; - radio talk-show host (unpaid) about books. I've played in a few small tournaments lately, but I haven't played seriously and continuously since around 1986. Now that I have a reliable car for a change (first time in last 15 years) I hope to get down to some Los Angeles area tournaments. Roland (my brother who also played in Alaska) got his Master-rating back in the 80s. For the last 30 years or so he has been living in Ventura California, working as a investor/manager of apartment buildings. Richard Harper" Richard and Roland Harper lived and played Chess in Alaska many years ago, before monikers like "whiner" and "old timer" (alas, no "puppet masters") were thrown about. It's good to hear that they are both doing well.
"Hey Rick! I'm in my Junior year at California State University, Sacramento. I plan on graduating in the Spring of 2005, then earning a Teaching Credential by the Spring of 2006. After that, LaVerne and I are relocating and Anchorage is on the very short list of locations ... maybe I'll get to direct and play in the Rondy again! Just so you know, I check out the Alaska Chess League web site on a pretty regular basis ... you guys are doing great! John McCumiskey" John is my Chess mentor as far as organizing and directing goes. John's "fee" for directing chess tournaments in those past days was a "value meal" at McDonalds. After John's departure from Alaska it wasn't all that long before "tournament directors" began skimming from tournament entry fees to meet there own greedy designs. There were actually tournaments played in Anchorage where said "tournament directors" pocketed more cash than the winner of the tournament?!
My, my, how far we've come! Until next time...
October 7, 2003
Greetings Chess Fans, in the top of the news this week is the Alaska Interior Fall Tournament. For those looking for tournament competition, Fairbanks is the place to be this coming weekend, October 10-12. Thanks to the "guys" in Fairbanks for providing another opportunity for Alaska's Chess Players to compete!! Several players from the Anchorage area are at least going to try and make it. If you're interested in car pooling with someone please use the "contact" link above to request further information.
Next on the agenda is the continuation of the FREE Chess for Kid's program. Free Chess Lessons will be offered for three consecutive Saturdays commencing October 18th. Thanks to Mr. Anonymous for providing a new demonstration board for these lessons! The demo board is a nice one with 4" squares and I assure you it wasn't cheap, Thanks again Mr. Anonymous!! Kids you should pester your Mom's and Dad's if necessary to make sure you get in on this Chess fun! (sorry parents!) :o)
On the night of October 18th there will be another VORTEKX 5 minute Blitz Tournament starting at 6:30. I must add that there wasn't a Blitz Tourney last Saturday, instead we played "bughouse chess" until the youngsters had to get home. It was a blast and took some of us "Old Timers" back to memories of our youth and going to school early so we could play "bughouse" in the school cafeteria. It was great to see Mr. Brooks and crew, Kevin, Coach P. and all you guys from Diamond High School. Stop by the VORTEKX Chess Club when you get the chance, we're having a ball!!
The Alaska State Championship is right around the corner! The format for this event is a fallback on the "day's of old", when it took more than just a weekend swiss for a player to win the State Championship. In those days the top 10 entrants played a round robin over two consecutive weekends, and let me assure you, every champion of that era was worthy of the title, as practically all competitors were either master or expert class players!! Unfortunately, at this time players are scattered state wide and a two weekend schedule just isn't practical. The Alaska Open Champion should also be held in high regard as some of you are sure to find out. If some of you are discouraged by this format because you feel that you deserve to play in the "closed section" regardless of your rating, then you simply need to win the Alaska Open and then my friends you'll indeed have something to "crow" about! This format was voted on and the "two section format" was accepted by a two thirds majority.
An interesting factoid: Adult USCF members are out numbered by Junior/Scholastic USCF members in Alaska by a margin of 30%!! Go Kid's!!
Until next time, Good Chess!!
P.S. We have $1,350 pledged for the Fur Rondy prize fund!
September 18, 2003
Hi Guys, Please don't forget the VORTEKX 5 minute Blitz Tournament this coming Saturday. These tournaments will be held every other Saturday evening until further notice. There wasn't a tourney on September 6th, those that showed preferring instead to play some offhand games and chit-chat. It was nice to meet all of the new people that have been showing up at VORTEKX and Border's respectively.
We should all give a big THANKS to Dean Barnes of Integrity Solutions Inc. "Intelligent Solutions for the Information Age", for granting us a very nice site for tournament competition. Mr. Barnes has offered 3 adjacent suites at his business site in the Quest Business Park. Two of the suites could seat up to 24 players with the 3rd seating up to 10 in a pinch.
There seems to be a lot of recent interest in team competition in Anchorage and out lying areas. I was asked to promote the idea and excepted. The real hinge pin is players, we need a group of willing and committed Chess Players to make this happen. If history is any indication (and it always is!) we can all have a blast and perhaps let some by-gone's be by-gone's. The absolute best and funnest chess times that I can remember in the last 35 years, were those days back in the 1980's when old time Alaskan Ed Sawyer organized this type of event. We played at UAA in those days and had 50+ players on various teams competing regularly! So what say thee? Anyone out there willing to be a team captain? If so please e-mail the Alaska Chess League HERE and we can iron out some details. Please vote in the Team Chess poll above, it will come up randomly as you visit the site, but don't over do it! :o)
Unfortunately we've had to nix the idea, for now, of FIDE Master Bryan Smith's chess lecture we had planned to air on the internet. A lot more to it than I had originally thought (sorry). Preferring instead to have a Simul and a USCF beginners tournament when the new chess club opens downtown......last week computer installation, this week pizza ovens!? These folks are very excited about Chess and I hope everyone will share in the enthusiasm when business opens!
I hope you've made plans for the Alaska Interior Fall Tournament in Fairbanks. It's gonna be fun!!
In closing I would like too again thank the Anchorage Daily News and local Channel 13 ABC News for their continued support and interest for Chess in Alaska - the Great Land!!
September 3, 2003
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, the results are up for the 3rd Annual Labor Day Open. FM Bryan Smith won the tournament with a perfect 5-0 score. Congrat's Bryan! Ben Hoback finished 2nd with a strong showing of 4-1! Good job Ben and keep up the good work! Ryan Cassidy, Chuck Sherwood and Brian Moore finished tied at 3-2 and 3rd place. Winning the Scholastic Section was Alison Parshall of Kenai. Check out the Labor Day 2003 Photo Album. Thanks all, it was my pleasure!
There is another VORTEKX 5 minute Blitz Tournament this coming Saturday. These are fun events and you should try and make it if possible!
Several irons in the fire here at the ACL. One is a Beginners Chess Lecture being planned for later this month. The lecture will be given by FM Bryan Smith and will be aired on the Internet.
Second, we've been contacted again by a local business owner that is remodeling a cyber cafe in the downtown Anchorage area. The owner wishes to have a Chess Club gathering there soon. Most likely on Tuesday nights. This Cafe has 2,700 sf of space available shared between two floors. The owner(s) are thinking of offering a tournament site if possible.
Third as you have noticed is the new home of the Alaska Chess League website (alaskachessleague.com). This is our permanent home, at least until we have over 500mbs of chess stuff crammed into it! All services offered on this website are now administered solely by the ACL and it's constituents. No more pop-up adds etc.!!!! Please enjoy the new polling system, Readers Forum and guest book. (P.S. YHR pays the annual fees associated with the website as has always been the case!) Don't forget to update your "bookmarks" and "favorites".
Well Guys, I'm probably forgetting something, but I'll post it when it comes to me! Until next time, I'll see you either at Borders tonight or VORTEKX on Saturday night! Have a great day!!
August 21, 2003
Hi Guys, The results are posted for the VORTEKX Blitz Tourney, held last Saturday night. FIDE Master Bryan Smith won the event with a perfect score of 14-0! Sherm Reynolds finished 2nd with a mighty impressive score of 12-2, losing only to Bryan!! Also impressive was the performance of new comer, Anthony Boyscout. Despite being unrated Anthony won half his games, finishing 4th and winning the unrated prize! Those not finishing at the top vowed to "study up" for next time. Congrat's to all for participating and good luck in future events. A club rating ladder will be maintained for all of the blitz tournaments held at VORTEKX. There was quite a crowd of onlookers and some of these people were very interested in participating in the next event. This was a very enjoyable Tourney and more players are expected for the next VORTEKX Blitz Tourney. The venue for this Chess Club is very nice, the "management" accommodates the number of players as they arrive with more tables and chairs and are some of the nicest people one could meet. Thank You, VORTEKX for giving Alaska's Chess Players a place to congregate and enjoy the Royal Game!!
The next USCF rated event will be the Labor Day Open, scheduled for August 29th - 30th. Please don't miss out on this annual event that kicks off the "Winter Chess Season". Last year we had 20 players for this event and would like to see that number grow this year. I'll try not to crash and burn this year! (YHR fell last year and received a skull fracture for his efforts, resulting in a 3 day visit with Providence Hospital :o)
Plans are in the works for the Alaska State Championship this year. The plan is to offer the six highest USCF rated, entrants the opportunity to compete in a closed round robin event. There will of course be an Open event paralleling the round robin for all others. A venue has been offered by a local business for this event. The site consist of two rooms and would accommodate this scenario nicely. I'll check out the site tomorrow and let you know what's up. The idea with an open and closed tournament is to draw out Alaska's higher rated players and give them an opportunity to compete amongst themselves, some of whom have requested that such an event be held. In all honesty however there's more "lower" rated players requesting this than "higher" rated. Alaska's "lower" rated players would simply like to see the "Big Boys" swinging for the fences this coming November! Please vote in the poll above and let us know what you think!!
In closing I would like to inform you that we have $1,000 pledged for the Fur Rondy prize fund this year!!
People, Fall is in the air and Chess is beginning to crackle in Alaska once more. Be a part of it!!!!!
August 2, 2003
Hello Chess World, Good news is here. There is a new Chess Club in Anchorage, meeting on Saturday nights at 7 o'clock. Please welcome VORTEKX, Internet, Gaming, Coffee and Computer Center. They are located at 8225 Old Seward Highway, next to Papa Johns Pizza, same building. VORTEKX is welcoming the Alaska Chess Community by hosting a 5 minute Speed Chess Tournament on August 16th, please click here for details. A club rating ladder will be established and maintained for this type of event. VORTEKX has a very friendly, hospitable atmosphere, much like the Borders Chess Club, no memberships or affiliations implied or required! So make plans to stop by on any Saturday night and join in. Finally we can start having regular Speed Chess competition again!
There are presently two Scholastic Chess Clubs meeting in Anchorage also. The Fairview Community Recreation Center Chess Club and the Mountain View Boys and Girls Chess Club. With all these opportunities the "Kids" will undoubtedly be improving!!
Before any rumors should get started, the new VORTEKX Chess Club is not replacing the Borders Books Chess Club that meets every Wednesday evening at 7:00. Although I haven't been able to attend the Wednesday night meetings with much consistency this summer, there has always been a crowd when I did have the time to stop in. The last meeting I attended on July 23rd had a dozen players there all at the same time and I'm not sure exactly how many showed up throughout the night, as I was busy playing and analyzing chess positions with others until past closing time! All Chess players are welcome at both the Borders Books and VORTEKX Chess Clubs, but remember to bring your Chess set, board and clock, that way you'll be recognized and welcomed as a Chess player!
We welcome FIDE Master Bryan Smith upon his return to Anchorage! Bryan is once again available for lessons, etc. Please click here for contact information.
The photo album is posted for the recently completed Kenai Chess Challenge, enjoy! Thanks to Jeff Tucker for being the shutter bug for this event. Great job Jeff!!
Make plans now for the Labor Day Open, your participation promises a great tournament!
And don't forget the Alaska Interior Fall Tournament in Fairbanks. This tournament should be advertised in Chess Life in September's issue, for those of you that are USCF members. It's great to see tournaments being offered statewide. Thanks Guys!!
Until next time, Good Chess!
July 17 , 2003
Greetings Chess Fans, Finally found some time to update our website. It's been a busy summer for yours truly with a lot of different "irons in the fire". I want boar you with all the details but one of those "irons" has been Chess. The cross-tables for the Scholastic Championships are posted. For 2nd through 6th grade click here. For 7th through 12th grade click here. For individual performances please reference the April 29th update.
The Summer Chess Bash for Kid's was a fun tournament with a dozen Kids competing. Ryan Cassidy won the tournament with Chiquima Speed finishing 2nd and Zahkia Jones and Donte Nelson tying for 3rd, Zahkia won 3rd place on tie breaks Congratulations to all the competitors, your great to be around! For a look at the cross-table click here.
The recently completed Kenai Chess Challenge saw a rather surprising outcome with George Lombardi finishing 1st on tie-break over Rick Everett, your humble reporter (YHR). George and I drew our third round game after I dropped my bishop (ouch) :o). George tells us that this was his first draw versus an expert and perhaps more importantly his first tournament win! Congratulations George you are truly deserving and may you have many more successes! Dylan Tucker continues to impress, finishing 3rd in this tournament and winning the junior/unrated prize. Congrat's Dylan, keep it up! Please click here for the cross-table. The Chess class for beginners on Friday saw folks of all ages participating as we worked on major piece and minor piece checkmates as well as pawn promotions, etc. The fruits of our labors revealed themselves as one of the kids checkmated another in the tourney with king and queen versus king. No mindless checks and no stalemates!! The Old Town Village Restaurant was absolutely one of our best playing environments to date. The lunches were huge and tasty and the playing site was quite with the small, one time exception of a waffle iron letting us all know that someone's waffle was definitely done (hehe). The sock-eye salmon were also thick in the lower Kenai River and some players fished in the evenings after the games were done. One competitor filled his dip net permit in one night! As always the Kenai Chess Challenge was a blast with chess and good people surrounding it, don't miss out next year!?
Two upcoming events are scheduled. The Labor Day Open and the Interior Fall Tournament. Don't miss out!
Rumor has it that another Chess Club may start up shortly on Saturday nights. I hope that this happens so we can start having blitz tournaments regularly like we used to at Border's. We simply ran out of room at Border's and have had to put the blitz tournaments on the back burner until now. Wish us luck!
Until next time, good chess!
June 6 , 2003
Hi Guys, Just a quick note to let every one know that there are two tournaments on the horizon. First we have the Summer Chess Bash for Kid's slated for June 28th, please take note as I previously informed some interested parties that this tournament would be held on the 21st. Sorry, my mistake. Looking forward to seeing all the kids and parents again!
Next we have the Kenai Chess Challenge on July 11th, 12th and 13th. If this years tournament in Kenai is half as enjoyable as last years, you can't miss it!
Well folks, I must be going as I've got an early real estate class in the mourning, but I promise I'll be seeing you all again soon.
April 29, 2003
Greetings Folks, The Alaska K-12 Scholastic Championship has been completed. The Tournament was a great one with 34 children competing in the various categories offered. Competition was stiff and all the kid's displayed good sportsmanship both in victory and defeat. The age of competitors ranged from kindergarten to High School seniors and all are Champions in their on right. We proudly present the prize winners:
In the "Kindergarten & 1st Grade" section Alex Morse (1st grade) won the Champions Plaque and Chendall Brooks (kindergarten) won the Gold Medal. Both of these fine young gentleman battled like titans and deserve our complete admiration. Congratulations Guys!
In the 2nd through 6th grade "Elementary School Section" Dylan Tucker of Soldotna, AK won the Champions Plaque with a perfect 5-0 score! Dylan has competed in virtually all the major tournaments in Alaska within the last couple of years and has played many games versus adult competitors. This steady competition undoubtedly helped Dylan on his way to the winners circle. Great job!
2nd Grade Medal winners are Will Brooks (Gold), Antonio John (Silver) and Aaron Warta (Bronze)
3rd Grade Medal winner is Riley Chien (Gold)
4th Grade Medal winners are Joshua Piltz (Gold) and Scott Phan (Silver)
5th Grade Medal winners are Chad Speer (Gold), Donte Nelson (Silver) and Andrejs Prostakovs (Bronze)
6th Grade Medal winners are Michael Brooks (Gold), Nick Brotherton (Silver) and Christian Warta (Bronze)
In the "2nd through 6th Grade Unrated" division Medal winners are Scott Green (Gold), Tiffany Chuitt (Silver) and Tevin Timerlake (Bronze)
The Elementary School Section was the largest group of players within the tournament. This group wasted no time in getting their games done, it was sometimes difficult to tell by the sound of things if they were playing blitz chess or competing in a wood chopping festival! You guys were great and congratulations to all!
In the "7th through 12th Grade" section Manog Vongxay won the Champions Plaque for the Junior High School division.
7th Grade Medal winners are Autumn Brooks (Gold), Kevin Saeteurn (Silver) and Rob Miller (Bronze)
8th Grade Medal winners are Joe Alaelva (Gold), Devin Mathews (Silver) and Abraham Castro (Bronze)
In the "7th through 12th Grade Unrated" division Medal winners are Ashley Nyswaner (Gold), Quima Speed (Silver) and Kao Saeteurn (Bronze)
The High School division saw an incredible struggle for top honors. Finishing in a three way tie at 5-1 were Cameron Leslie, Ryan Cassidy and Justin Collins. After tie-break calculations, Cameron won the Champions Plaque for the High School division with Ryan taking the Gold medal and Justin taking Silver. These young men dueled amongst themselves and others throughout their playing schedules and it was absolutely impossible to tell who would prevail until Cameron bounced back like "Hercules" from a queen down position in the last round to win! Kudos to all!
The Simultaneous Chess Exhibition given by FIDE Master Bryan Smith on Sunday, April 27th saw a maxed out house. Despite having seventeen chess sets and boards available, that wasn't enough! This turned out to be a minor problem as Bryan played virtually everyone twice as well as analyze the games and no one was left out. Although exact numbers aren't available Bryan had to have played at least 35 games during the Simul, he won them all. All the competitors were impressed with the play of a Chess Master, as for many this was their first exposure. Thanks Bryan for supporting Alaska's Chess Youth, you set a fine example!!
The list of contributors for this Tournament is long. Number one on the list has to be Charles Peterson, Recreation Specialist with the Fairview Community Recreation Center who allowed this Tournament to be held in this facility. Mr. Peterson is due much thanks and praise not only for this years Scholastic Chess Championships but next years too! Mr. Peterson has pledged his facility for several tournaments and matches being scheduled between now and then as well. The Fairview Recreation Center is starting up their Chess Club this Saturday, May 3rd, between 1:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon, the Club will meet each Saturday during these hours. Thank You, Charles Peterson, you truly support Alaska's Youth. Donald Brooks was instrumental with the Tournament as well. Mr. Brooks volunteered above and beyond the call of duty and not only answered questions from parents, coaches and onlookers throughout the registration process, he also helped supervise the Kids throughout the event, as well as contributed towards the cost of prizes. Thank You, Mr. Brooks! Phillip Stevens (Coach P.) with the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club was also a delight to have involved with the event. Coach P. has been holding a Chess Club for Kids at the Mountain View facility for quite some time and brought almost a third of the competitors to this event and helped with the supervision of all the competitors. His Kids meet at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club, Monday through Friday starting at 4:00 in the afternoon. Thanks Coach P. Thanks to Kean and Associates for their help with posters as well as prizes. Thanks to Robert Stoller, Attorney at Law, for his contribution towards the cost of prizes as well. Bush Landscaping also helped with the cost of prizes, Thanks Sherman. Thanks to the local news media, the Anchorage Daily News, Channels 2, 11 and 13, who carried the tournament daily throughout the weekend. Thanks specifically to Ty Hardt of Channel 13 News for his interest in this event as well as the Bryan Smith story that has been airing on their evening news cast. Thanks to all the parents that not only brought their own children to this event but in some cases their neighborhood kids as well. And last but certainly not least, Thanks to all the Kids that competed, your youthful exuberance was infectious and it is with total pleasure that the Alaska Chess League presented this Tournament. Cross tables and photos will be posted shortly for this event so stay tuned!
Don't forget about the Thunderbird Open coming this weekend, there is another Chess tradition in the making here!
All for now Folks, see you soon.
April 17, 2003
Hi Chess Fans, Don't forget Bryan Smith's Simultaneous Chess Exhibition at Title Wave Books, 1360 West Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage. This Friday, starting at 7:00 p.m. Entry fee is $15. Seating for 20 players. There will be gift certificates for players that win or draw. This may very well be Bryan's last Chess Event in Alaska, for at least a while, as he heads off into the world for adventure and fortune. We wish you the best Bryan and have thoroughly enjoyed having you on the Alaska Chess Scene! Stay in touch and send us a game sometime.
The Thunderbird Open is definitely going to take place. The participants in this tournament will have a chance to help decide when the new Chess Club at Elmendorf will meet. Mr. Kroft would like to see a good crowd as he would like to support the Alaska Chess Community at large. Thanks Mr. Kroft for your support!
Brian Bezenek of Juneau has started up the Chess Club there again. Thanks Brian, this is good news and let us know if we can help in any way.
The Alaska K-12 Scholastic Championship is continuing to build up a head of steam. I hope everyone is encouraging the kids to play. This is going to be their tournament! The Boys and Girls Club in Mountain View (Anchorage) is having Chess Club meetings after school Monday through Friday. There will be a Scholastic Chess Page incorporated into this website soon with details for all the "Kids Chess Clubs" in Alaska. If you have such a club, please contact us so we can get your Club listed.
In closing I provide you with an e-mail that was received from the President of the USCF today. This e-mail is in regard to the agreement that was worked out between Far North Chess and the Alaska Chess League during last years State Affiliate election process. I hope that all the issues and turmoil of the "elections" can finally be completely laid to rest and that everyone in the Alaska Chess Community can now participate with a clear conscience.
"To Mr. Rick Everett:
To confirm our conversation earlier today, please note that the USCF does feel that we are owed the $300 in question. That is because that $300 was a state assistance grant which was not used for its stated purpose. However, the USCF is not interested in collection of such debt as long as the money was used for promotion of chess in Alaska, as we feel sure that it was. Our main concern is that this issue not prove divisive in Alaska, at a time when reconciliation of past differences is of paramount importance. We hope that everyone in Alaska will work together for the enjoyment of chess in your state and put all past matters aside.
Regards, John McCrary, USCF President"
You probably thought I would leave you without some new chess games, but wrong again! :o) This update I came across a collection of 50 Modern Brilliancies. We'll have to take the term "modern" loosely as most of these games are from the 70's and 80's, but there are some real "sparklers" in this collection. Please enjoy and spread the word, "Chess is Happening"
April 10, 2003
Hi Guys, The Thunderbird Open has been postponed until May 3rd and 4th. This is unfortunate, but is due to circumstances beyond anyone's control.
The Scholastic Chess Championship is still gaining momentum, with volunteers stepping forward to help with the creation of a Chessic Festival for Alaska's Youth. Thanks to all of you! We plan to have concessions available for the event.
Alas, finally some more Chess to checkout. First we have 1132 Wins in 10 or less moves. Although some of these examples may seem somewhat lame to the more advanced players among us, there are many opening traps in this series of games that can win quickly, if your opponent is caught unaware! Next we have 110 Tactical Miniatures. This series of games last, for the most part, less than twenty moves each. You might find it hard to believe that Grandmaster's can lose this quickly, but check out some of the names scattered throughout the game list. Please enjoy these game collections and if there are any problems don't forget to file a bug report.
In closing it needs to be noted that both Chuck and myself will be out of town during Memorial Day weekend this year. If anyone is interested in organizing the Memorial Day Open, I'm sure Alaska's Chess Players would more than appreciate it. Of course the A.C.L. would assist those interested parties in any way possible with our meager resources.
Until next time, Good Chess
April 3 , 2003
Hello Everyone, It was brought to my attention yesterday that the internet browser, Netscape Navigator 7.0 or 7.2, has some unresolved issues concerning viewing web pages that have "shockwave-flash" movies incorporated into them. Our Upcoming Events page isn't viewable thru this browser, without the required "plug-ins" that Netscape is known for. However, try as I might the issue remains unresolved at this time. Are there any Netscape surfers out there that could offer some guidance to our unfortunate viewer(s)? If so, please e-mail us and I will gladly pass the information on. Thanks to our faithful reader for this "bug report", they are essential. If you find any "bugs" please report them!? As some of our reader's have also mentioned our "Geocities" Guest book got obliterated for some unfortunate reason, so please take the time to sign our New Guest Book if you so desire.
For details of the upcoming Thunderbird Open please click here. If you've missed the deadline for submitting your Social Security number, send it in anyway, you may be pleasantly surprised.
For details of the upcoming Alaska K-12 Scholastic Chess Championship, please click here. This tournament seems to be coming along nicely with no wrinkles at this point, please pass the word!
And don't forget the Simultaneous Chess Exhibition being given by FIDE Master Bryan Smith at Title Wave Books, 1360 West Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage. April 18th, starting at 7:00 p.m. Entry fee is $15. Seating for 20 players. There will be gift certificates for players that win or draw.
Wednesday night club meetings at Border's Books and Music have been interesting recently with several new people showing up. It's nice to meet all of you and please do come again! A new Photo Album will be published fairly soon, so if I don't have your picture, definitely come back to the Club and say "cheese"!
P.S.
I almost forgot to mention that Andy Duren's game versus Chuck Sherwood from the Rondy has been posted. Sorry Andy for taking so long to "get around" to this, nice game.
March 27, 2003
Greetings Chess Fans, It looks like April will be a pretty large month for Chess in Alaska.
The Thunderbird Open is coming up on April 12th & 13th at Elmendorf, AFB.
On April 18th there's a Simultaneous Chess Exhibition at Title Wave Books.
The Alaska K-12 Scholastic Championship will be held on April 26th & 27th. We're officially accepting Sponsorships and volunteers to help with this great opportunity for the Kids. Please, be generous!
Well Guys, again its been a long day. Hope to see you soon.
March 21 , 2003
Hi Guys, A quick note. FIDE Master Bryan Smith has requested that we inform you of his Simultaneous Chess Exhibition at Title Wave Books on April 18th. Please click HERE for details.
March 18-19, 2003
Hi Guys, Sorry for taking a little longer to get an update to you than expected. Always on a quest for good Chess news to bring to you, perhaps we're just a "wee" bit short this time, more on this later.
The next available competition will be the Thunderbird Open held on April 12th and 13th at Elmendorf, Air Force Base. There is a requirement at this time that civilians (that's most of us) wishing to participate must provide their names and Social Security numbers by March 28th to Karl Croft, Program Director, Community Center, Elmendorf, AFB.
Mr. Croft writes:
"...if people come to the gate who don't have access to the base they can get a pass but they have to be escorted. I will escort yourself and anyone you are bringing but we will need to get everyone else's name and social security number two weeks prior so they can get on base."
As the A.C.L. will be assisting Mr. Croft in his Chessic endeavors, we encourage everyone interested to go the "extra mile" and enjoy the first, of what appears to be many Chess Tournaments, that Alaska's Military Installations shall be providing. In addition these security restrictions may change at any given time (perhaps for the better). We'll keep you posted.
NM Artem Ratchkovski of Fairbanks sends us this delightful news.
"Rick, hi
I am sending you the photos from the recent simul that I gave at the Pearl Creek Elementary School in Fairbanks on 02/17/03, the next day after returning from Fur Rondy. About 30 kids of 10-14 age group played from the class of teacher Tim Dow, plus visiting were Randy Smith Middle School kids from class of Mr. Parker. The exhibition lasted for 2.5 hours and it was fun. Some games were finished rather quickly and there were no shortage of kids who wanted to do it again. I won all the games in the end. My toughest opponents were two girls (!). One of them, Willy, was able to maintain equality well into the endgame before making a decisive mistake. It was kind of challenging for me to play on red and black boards where it's hard to see things clearly. Harry Karmun accompanied me and helped with setting up tables and organizing. Thanks, Harry!"
Thanks to both Artem, Harry, Mr. Dow and Mr. Parker!! For photos of the event click HERE
There appears to be an opportunity coming in mid April to try ones luck at Simultaneous Play against FIDE Master Bryan Smith. More information will be provided on this subject soon.
Now it's time for the "Best News of All". First a little background info, when this update started late on Monday night, things weren't looking very good for the upcoming Alaska Scholastic Championships. Hence, the "wee" bit short, comment in the heading of this update. Namely we still hadn't found a playing site that didn't have exorbitant fees attached to it. However, throughout the search for a site, we discovered that there are children playing Chess throughout the City of Anchorage and beyond, apparently lots of them. To make what could be a very long story short, come Tuesday morning I received a return call from the Municipality of Anchorage from someone I hadn't left a message for on Monday. Brenda's call turned out to be the "god send" we had been, by this time, fighting for. She gave me two phone numbers and when the phone conversations ended the "Alaska Scholastic Championships" were no longer a "dream" but instead an "Annual Event". Yes, you read that right, an Annual Event, complete with plans for inner city competition throughout the next school year. The Alaska Scholastic Championships will be held on the weekend of April 26th and 27th at the Fairview Recreation Center in Anchorage. Roughly on a 10:00-6:00 time frame. More details on this event will become available within a week. I hope that all can agree that this is indeed the most worthwhile effort that the Alaska Chess League has started since our beginning. Well folks, it's the middle of the night again, gotta get some rest. There's lots of work ahead!
I leave you with a thought:
"There is no shame in defeat, so long as the spirit is not broken - Tassadar"
February 20 , 2003
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, The headlines this week concern the results of the Fur Rondezvous Tournament.
"Alaska's Classic Chess Gathering" drew 33 players this year. Twenty-eight players competed in the Open Section and five competed in the various Youth/Scholastic Events. Congratulations to the overall winner of the tournament, NM Artem Ratchkovski (2237) of Fairbanks. Tying for 2nd and 3rd Place were Floyd Stretch (2078) and Andy Duren (1664!), with Floyd placing 2nd on tie break. Fine job Andy!
In the hotly contested Under 1800 Section Mike Stabenow, who recently returned to Alaska after many years in the states, won 1st place and was in contention to win the entire tournament until he finally succumbed to Artem, mentioned above. Congrat's Mike! Ron Campbell and Sherman Reynolds finished 2nd and 3rd respectively to round out the U1800 section.
Next came the Under 1600 Section, which had almost half the total number of players in the tourney participating. Tying at 3.5 points were Russell Thomas and Eric Bohlen, with Russell finishing 1st on tie-break. Dick Clendaniel rounded out the group with a 3rd place finish.
Winning the Under 1400 prize was youngster Ryan Cassidy who chose to play in the Open section instead of the Junior/Scholastic. Congrat's Ryan, you deserve your rewards for the work you put into your chess game.
Finishing 1st in the Under 1200 class was Keith Shuman of Indiana, 2nd place was earned by everyone's favorite Scott Thebodeau of Wasilla, Alaska. The Top-Unrated prize winner was new comer Karl Cava. Welcome Karl! For a look at the Open Section Final Standings click here
The Youth/Scholastic Section of this years Rondy saw four of Alaska's finest squaring off in the "Kids Quad". Winning all his games and 1st place in the Youth (teenage) category was Jake Lawson. Congrat's Jake! Placing 2nd in Youth was Eric Bohlen Jr. Good job Eric! 1st place in the Scholastic category goes to Dylan Tucker and 2nd goes to Aaron Warta, both from Soldotna, Alaska. Right on guys! For the Final Standings of the Kids Quad click here
Last but certainly not least comes the "Coffee House Section - 10 Minute Quick Chess for Kids". We had zero entrants in the "Coffee House Section" this year and consequently extra prizes. The "kids" were finished with their "quad" on Saturday evening and were still hungry for more Chess so we decided to have a quick chess event on Sunday. This event proved to be very interesting and quite humorous at times as the "kids" have certainly "mastered" the skill of "smack-talking" over blitz games! Eric Bohlen Jr. and Dylan Tucker finished tied with 6.5 out of a possible 8. Dylan won the play-off game winning 1st place and Eric finished 2nd. Tying for 3rd with 3 points out of the possible 8 were Aaron Warta and Jake Lawson, with Jake winning the play-off game. Andrejs Prostakovs won the "Honorable Mention" prize for this event. For the Final Standings of the Coffee House Section - 10 Minute Quick Chess for Kids click here
The "kids" are a lot of fun to "hang out with" and I thoroughly enjoyed myself with them. They are the future of Chess as we know it and should be treated thusly. Perhaps we can get a "Bug House Tournament" going soon guys!
The Rondy's youngest competitor prize was won by Aaron Warta at 8 years old with Bob Kean winning the oldest competitor prize. Bob is "old enough" :o)
The final list of Sponsor's for this years event were NECA/IBEW,
Preston Gates and Ellis, Bush Landscaping, Kean and Associates, Robert Stoller-Attorney at Law, Potelcom Supply and Borders Books and Music. We also had an anonymous contribution of a new chess clock. I can't stress enough how thankful we are for such Sponsor's and contributors, you are truly the life blood of the Fur Rondezvous Chess Tournament, "Alaska's Classic Chess Gathering"!
For Photographs of this years event click here
Well folks, I gotta go for now, enjoy!
February 4 , 2003
Hi Guys and Gals, The main topic of this update is to let everyone know that the Fur Rondezvous Tournament has been finalized. A couple of people contacted me concerning the Rondy Events Schedule that came out in last Sundays paper (Feb. 2). The Schedule erroneously noted that registration was on February 15th. Registration for the Fur Rondy Tournament is on February 14th, between 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. At the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust, NECA/IBEW Training Center, 5800 B St, Anchorage. See tournament link above for further details.
A special note of THANKS to NECA/IBEW, Bush Landscaping, Kean and Associates, Robert Stoller-Attorney at Law, Potelcom Supply & Borders Books and Music for their contributions and sponsorship of the Fur Rondy Chess Tourney in particular and Alaska Chess in general. If anyone "out there" would like to participate in sponsoring or contributing to the Rondy Tourney, please contact the ACL.
Also, THANKS are due to Mike Stabenow (Welcome back Mike, it's great to have you in the mix!), Dick Clendaniel and Ron Campbell for volunteering with setup and take down duties at the playing site. If anyone else is interested please e-mail us.
For those planning to participate this year, please register early if possible. Early registration is a big help to us, Thanks in advance. Lets all get together and make this years Rondy Tournament bigger and better than ever!!
This update we have all the games of the recently completed
US Championship and Corus Wijk aan Zee Tournaments. Over 250 games for you to check out in anticipation of the Fur Rondy Tournament. Brush up on your game and please enjoy.
Soon there will be a Chess Club meeting at Elmendorf Air Force Base. The Department of Defense has mandated that a program be provided for "additional opportunities for families, youth, and other community members to participate in a recreational/educational activity. Also, the purpose is to establish policies and operational procedures for selection of a 6-person Air Force Chess team to participate in the inter service and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) chess tournaments....Only active duty USAF members are eligible for advancement to the inter service chess tournaments and the NATO chess tournament." I think this bodes well for our local chess community! More on this subject as it develops..
The election results for the offices of the USCF State Affiliate to the USCF are in. The results are Chuck Sherwood/President, Rick Everett/Vice-President and Travis Norman/Secretary-Treasurer. I look forward to working with Chuck and Travis as well as the Alaska Chess Community at large! Let us please ALL work together for a brighter and more prosperous Alaska Chess Future.
In closing, Thanks again to Dick Clendaniel for providing most of the Photos for the recently completed Anchorage City Championship. Sorry Dick, I forgot to thank you earlier.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE, LET'S RONDY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 16, 2003
Greetings Chess Fans, The Anchorage City Championship is complete. There were ten feisty, ready, willing and able combatants that participated. The results were perhaps a little surprising. YHR finally managed to win a tournament game against Chuck Sherwood, only one win in three tries by yours truly. However, that certainly didn't put the "icing on the cake" as Daniel Callahan served me a large slice of humble pie, winning our individual game in the next round! Needless to say, that win by Dan opened the door for others to have a shot at first place. Don Osorio pushed the envelope in our last round encounter, but the win wasn't quite there for him, despite a valiant effort. Ryan Cassidy almost flagged Dan Callahan in there last round game, despite a huge material advantage for Dan, Dano pulled it out! The overall winner was up in the air until Chuck and Dick Clendaniel finally reached a drawn endgame position, through a mad time scramble, in the last game to finish. Had Chuck won, he would've tied for first with Dan and I. The results of the Open Section, after tie break calculations were, 1st Rick Everett, 2nd Dan Callahan. Chuck Sherwood placed 3rd.
The Class Prize Winners were in a similar "pickle" at the start of the final round. Triumph in their game and win a prize!? Dick Clendaniel's hard fought draw with Chuck resulted in his winning the under 1600 class prize. George Lombardi and James Hudson squared off and found themselves in a twisted and knotted position that George figured out how to untangle, which allowed him to win the under 1500 class prize. Alaska's ever present and most active Chess playing youth, Ryan Cassidy won the under 1400 class prize. For those that chose to watch the NFL play-off games instead of play in the tournament, you could have done both! We had a nice television set up in the hallway and several folks played and watched between moves. Thanks to Tom Lucas for setting us up with one of the best playing venues so far. The Anchorage City Championship see's our first photo album of 2003. Let us all hope that 2003 brings us all more and better Chess!! A great tournament! Thanks Guys!
The Fur Rondy Tournament is next!! Make plans now because The Rondy is less than a month away!
We've received several interesting correspondences lately. First we have news that Sarah Hurst's book has been published.
"Hi Rick,
My book has now been published. Here is the information: http://store.yahoo.com/chesscafe/1453.html. If anyone in Anchorage orders a book online they can contact me and get it signed. I would appreciate it if you would send let the chess list know about this. Also, perhaps they would like to come to the following event:
Please welcome Sarah Hurst, author of Curse of Kirsan: Adventures in the Chess Underworld, as we unveil the thrill, glory, and mental madness of chess. CHESS MANIA is scheduled for Wednesday February 12th from 5:00-7:00pm at the UAA Campus Bookstore."
Sarah Hurst
Editorial Associate
University of Alaska Anchorage
Advancement Administration Bldg, Suite 236
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Tel: (907) 786-1013
E-mail Sarah
We wish Sarah the best of luck!!
Next we have an interesting opportunity for Alaska's Chess Playing Youth. The following was sent to us from Venera Niyazova of Russia!
"Dear Mr. Everett,
Sorry to disturb you with yesterday late night call. I guess there is a sense for the 5 person to come over here and participate. That would be an experience for them. Moreover we are in the process of preparing an interesting culture and sports programs which after approval we will e-mail to you. I do hope it'll happen next week. As for the culture program we anticipate to hold a national folk program like songs presentation, national dances. Plus we are planning to hold a kind of a national handicrafts exhibition-so the the teams can bring over any booklets, handicraft, pictures,paintings or whatever that might be of interest for the juniors).Plus dancing, sports(basketball, volleyball) and stuff like that.
So what I am saying is the the guys will not be spending the whole day sitting at the tables and playing chess until they fall down:). They will have entertainment. They will have a chance to sightseeing and to buy local souvenirs. We have here staff to see, you know:) As for funding - they will have to pay the way to Moscow plus hotel and food in Moscow. The rest of the way, I mean the way from Moscow-Salekhard and back plus hotel and food - is at our cost.
So, this is it.
Feel free to e-mail any questions.
Regards, Venera Niyazova"
"Dear Rick,
Please find attached information regarding the Chess Tournament to be held in Salekhard (Russia) on March 2003.
If you are interested in this event please let us know ASAP.
Thank you very much for understanding and cooperation in this matter,
Regards,
Venera Niyazova
Department of international relations
Administration of
Yamalo-Nenetski
autonomous district
-- Best regards, ved"
Rules of Procedure
"Venue and preliminary time schedule
The International Junior Chess Competition (Cup of the Arctic countries) will take place in the city of Salekhard (Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district, Russia) from March 22, 2003 (check-in date) till March 30, 2003. The venue is the Exhibition Center.
Opening Ceremony will take place 10 a.m. March 23, 2003. The first round commences at 3 p.m. March 23, 2003.
Participants
Each delegation must consist of 3 males (two participants born 1986 or younger and the other born 1990 or younger), 1 female (born 1986 or younger) accompanied by one coach. About 20 delegations are invited to participate.
Regulations
As per the Rules of the International Chess Federation Competition will be held on the basis of personal and team participation. Participants of the competition will play Swiss chess system. Members of one delegation will not compete with each other. Each participant is given 1,5 hours for 40 moves plus 30 minutes to end the game of chess.
Winners
The winners among each male and female age group are the ones with the highest sum scores. In case of equal scores, the winner is chosen in terms of the coefficient system. The team winner is the one with the highest sum score of all the members of the delegation. In case of the equal score among the teams, the winner is the one with the least sum of positions taken. If the numbers are the same, the winner is chosen according to the results on the first, fourth board.
Rewarding
The team winner is rewarded with the Cup of the Governor. The first, second and third team winners are rewarded with gifts and diplomas. Champions and prize-winners in personal records are rewarded with diplomas, medals and gifts. All participants of the competition will be presented with souvenirs and badges.
Funding
The Sport Committee of Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district, Karpov's Regional Polar Chess School and sponsors cover travel expenses Moscow-Salekhard-Moscow and as well as hotel and food costs in Salekhard.
Application Forms
Application forms should include:
1) Country and region
2) First name and last name
3) Date of birth
4) Title (class) ELO
5) Home address
6) Medical approval
Application forms are accepted by March, 1, 2003
to the following address:
Karpov's Regional Polar Chess School
K.Marks Street, 8,
629008, Salekhard
RUSSIA
fax: +34922 47394
e-mail: JamalchessKM@ru
OR
International Department
Administration of Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district
tel. +34922 45165
fax + 34922 46069
e-mail: ved@gov.yamal.ru
Important:
The charter flight is scheduled for March 22, 2003 so the participants should arrive Moscow no later than March 21, 2003. The participants will be met at the international airport and will be transferred to a hotel. The hotel costs in Moscow to be covered by the participants. Within the period of the tournament a culture and sports program will be provided. For the sports events please bring the sports gear with you(shorts, T-shirts and sports shoes). The details on these events will be provided within the next couple of weeks.
All interested in the event are welcome to fax by January 20, 2003 the list of participants and copy of the passports for visa support as well as the flight #s if possible to the following fax#: 7 (34922) 4 60 69."
We're constantly receiving request for links on our site. Here's a couple.
"Dear chess friends!
Perhaps you find the following WWW-URL worth linking or mentioning: http://www-user.rhrk.uni-kl.de/~balzer/chessgames.html
It is a collection of links which link to WWW-pages all around the world where you can download chess games in various formats (pgn, cbf, cbv, nic,...) for free!
Or perhaps you know some other WWW-pages which I can put in my link-collection? Best regards
Lars Balzer"
"Hello,
I just started a chess site called - "Chess Visualization Training"
http://www.janmatthies.info/chess/cvt/cvt.htm
Description: Online step-by-step exercises which help you to increase your chess visualization. It's FREE!
Maybe you can add a link to your chess links or use it in any other way. Would be great !
The website is about: People tend to loose "sight" when calculating the moves in their heads. When making a search for "blindfold chess" on the internet you soon find information that one of the most important advances in your chess life is to master the art of visualization. That's why there is this website.
As an attachment you find a banner for the page in case you can use it.
Best regards from Hamburg in Germany,
Jan Matthies"
Both worthy links IMHO.
I received a call from Elmendorf Air Force Base yesterday. They are interested in holding a tournament in March, for both adult and junior players. I hope that the security issues that are part of all our lives these days don't hamper this proposed event. More information will be made available ASAP.
Club meetings at Borders Books and Music have been averaging twenty participants or more each week. Join in the fun and play! There will be a 5 - Minute Blitz Tournament on January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Well folks that's all for this news update. Don't Forget to Vote, only four days left!
Until next time, Good Chess
December 20, 2002
Hi Chess Fans, In the top of the News this week is the announcement of the Candidates for the offices of the Alaska State Affiliate to the United States Chess Federation. The nominees are:
President |
Chuck Sherwood |
Bob Curry |
Vice-President |
Rick Everett (myself) |
Robert Pearson |
Secretary/Treasurer |
Travis Norman |
Tom Hindermann |
Ballots will be mailed by 11:59 pm December 20, 2002 (today). Only current USCF Adult members will receive ballots. YOU MUST RETURN YOUR BALLOT WITHIN 30 DAYS. PLEASE VOTE! Good luck to all.
Thank You, Robert Stoller, Attorney at Law, and Donna :o) for volunteering at my request, to participate in the counting of said ballots in this electoral process. Your credentials are impeccable.
Good news on the Tournament front. The Anchorage City Championship has been finalized! What say we start the New Year off right with another Chess Tournament! The Fur Rondezvous Tournament in February is 99% finalized and promises to be a virtual crusade of Chess Players!! Rumor has it that John McCumiskey may even come up from California to play. For those of you that know John, I'm sure you look forward to his visit, as I do. The Alaska Junior State Championship is tentatively planned for April. No details have been confirmed at this time, but as I'm finding out more and more each day, there are lots of Junior Players in our local communities and they want to compete against one another! It shall be so. :o)
There are a few December Christmas Photo's available for your enjoyment from the Wednesday Night Club meetings at Border's Books on Dimond. The Club will be closing next Wednesday at 7:00pm. Speaking of photos, does anyone have any photographs from the recently completed State Championship, that they are willing to share with us? If you do then please contact me HERE.
I've updated our Tournament Calendar with a new look. If anyone in our Statewide Chess Community would like to hold one or more of these tournaments, that aren't already confirmed, please contact the ACL so that everyone can join in and join together! Any one wishing to add another tournament for one of the available months please, for God sake, do so! There are only 4 months currently available!
Two links are added this update, The Mechanics Institute Chess Room and Jeremy Silman's home page.
The current Reader's Opinion Message Board postings will be erased January 1, 2003.
Borrowed from a "Daily Moment of Zen"
10. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
20. The most wasted day of all is one in which we have not laughed.
Until next time folks, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Don't forget to vote!!
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