Results from the Thanksgiving Weekend Classic

James Davis making his move against scholastic winner Partho Bhattacharya at The Thanksgiving Classic while spectators David Biddle, Vic Bahl, Rev. Davis, and some Dallas supporter look on.

NM Barry Davis (2163) won the Thankgiving Weekend Classic held 11-29-08 at the Educational Opportunity Center with a perfect 4-0 score. Second place was taken by Vince Woodard (1835) with 3 points. David Biddle (1496) took the C prize with 2 points and George Barton (1066) took top Class D with 2 points. Partho Bhattacharya (1118) took the Scholastic prize. Congratulations to all!

The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200811299961

E.O.C. Christmas Open

E.O.C. CHRISTMAS OPEN E.O.C. 465 WASHINGTON ST.BUFFALO,NY 14215 6th Floor DECEMBER 27,2008 5-swiss system,G/45 Open , Reserve ,Scholastic sections Open:open to all Reserve:open to under 1600 Entry fee for open and reserve sections $15.00 if received by 12-22-08 $7.00 more at the site all prizes based on 20 entries Entry fee for the Scholastic section $8.00, trophies for 1st and 2nd Registration:9-9:45 rounds 10:00,12:00,2:00,4:00 Send entries to Old School Chess Enterprises;3587 Harlem Road,Buffalo,NY 14215 ContactDouglas Dubose at (716)836-4364 or e mail at douglasdubose@gmail.com for more information

Welcome to the BRONZE Age!

Well that is more like it. Both the men's and women's teams from the USA finished third in this year's Chess Olympiad. A fantastic accomplishment indeed. I hope this continues to inspire the chess players in the US to continue to compete at a high level. Hopefully it will also cause more in this country to take notice and thus increase the interest (and sponsorship money) to chess.

Now if GM Gata Kamsky-USA's Board One were to beat Topalov in the World Championship semifinals, wow what a thing that would be!

A new blog

This new site has been created not to compete with the Buffalo Niagara Chess Corner, but to offer players some variety and to provide instruction and another tool to improve their game.

Contributors will be IM Dr. Ken Regan, Expert Barry Davis, and Expert Douglas Dubose. If you have a question, or would like a game annotated, or have a contribution please contact Douglas Dubose at zugzwang92857@yahoo.com . The new blog is http://www.chessactivityinwny.blogspot.com/ Your comments are welcome.

Happy Thanksgiving! Support Chess-Support Wegmans

Does anybody plan to prepare for Thanksgiving by playing chess at the Niagara Falls Wegmans this Wednesday- the day before Thanksgiving, and then go and shop for the next day's meal?

As for me - I will stop and see who is there.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Marijan

Results of the 9th Southern Tier Scholastic

45 Scholastic players participated in the 9th Edition of the Unrated Southern Tier Scholastic Tournament in Olean, NY this past weekend It was once again run by "the old woodpusher," Garry Reynolds, who can be seen in the picture at left. (Just kidding.)

• Pioneer Chess swept the top five spots in the K-6 section as Ryan Palmisano was first with an undefeated 5-0. Sharing 2nd -4th were Chris Darling, Austin Will, and Austin Kossow with a 4-1 score. 5th place was Nathan Palmisano who went 3.5-1.5.
• In the 7-12 grade section, first place was once again captured by Olean High School senior Holden Berstein with a perfect 5-0. Tying for 2nd-4th with a 4-1 score were Bradford, PA seventh grader Leah Swineford, Cody Hennard a sixth grader from Bradford who "played up," and Pioneer's eighth grader Wesley Darling.
• Mr. Reynolds wished to send out "Much thanks to the chess coaches: Ray Valeri (Olean), Tom Warner (Pioneer), Robert Ferguson (Bradford), Lyn Van Tassel (Genesee Valley), Karen Insley (Scio), Vong Boussa (Wellsville) and all the parents that accompanied their students to this event. We had a pretty fair turnout for this event, although I would hope that more of our western New York schools would become more involved with promoting this event to their students."

Reminder Thanksgiving Weekend Classic

Aside from the traditional thanksgiving turkey leftovers sandwich, I can think of little else as good as playing chess after the holiday.

Thanksgiving Weekend Classic

Saturday, November 29, 2009

465 Washington Street, Buffalo N.Y. 14203 6th floor auditorium 4 Round Swiss G/45

Open, Reserve, and Scholastic sections

1st round 9:30 AM

½ point bye available if requested prior to round 1.

Unpaid late entries must take a ½ point bye in round 1.

• Open section open to all EF:$15, if received by 11/22/08 or $7 more at site. Prizes based on 20 entries, 1st place, 2nd place, and class C and class D.
• Reserve section U1800 and under EF:$15, if received by 11/22/08 or $7 more at site. Prizes based on 20 entries, 1st place, 2nd place and class C and class D.
• Scholastic section EF: $8. If received by 11/22/08 or $2 more at site. Time control G/30 cash and trophies based on 20 entries.
• Direct all enquiries to Douglas Dubose at zugzwang92857@yahoo.com or call (716) 848-0779. Send all advanced entries to Old School Chess Enterprises 3587 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14215.

BORDERS NOVEMBER SCHOLASTIC CHESS LEAGUE REMINDER

Saturday, November 22, 2008

BORDERS BOOKSTORE - ORCHARD PARK RT 219 and MILESTRIP ORCHARD PARK, NY

Register from 12:30pm and 1pm. Entry Fee:$5.00 per player.

Games start at 1pm until 4:30pm. You can find the chess players at the Cafe area.

Please bring your chess set, chess board and pencil for written notations. Swiss format, Game 30, next round will start when all games are completed.

Please RSVP ASAP to reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF ID number, Expiration Date and contact number no later than Friday, November 21, 2008 by 6pm.

Thanksgiving Classic

Thanksgiving Weekend Classic Sat. 11/29/2008 Four Rd SS:G/45, 1st Rd 9:30 am for all sections. ½ point bye available if requested prior to round 1, Unpaid late entries must take a ½ point bye in round 1. Please bring your own sets ,boards and clocks none will be provided. Open section : open to all EF : $15.00 if received by 11-22-08 $7.00 more at the site .All prizes based on 20 entries 1st ,2nd ,and class A and B. Reserve section 1800 and under EF : $15.00 , if received by 11-22-08 $7.00 more at the site. Prizes based on 20 entries 1st 2nd and class C and D. Scholastic section EF: $8.00 if received by 11-22-08 $2.00 more at the site. Time control G/30 cash and trophies based on 20 entries. Send all advance entries to Old School Chess Enterprises 3587 Harlem Rd. Cheektowaga, NY 14215. Direct all inquiries to Douglas Dubose at zugzwang928572@yahoo.com or call (716)836-4364.

Can anyone name the chess player pictured who could carve you up at the board as easily as this turkey?

CLARENCE "FREE" CHESS TOURNAMENT

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Clarence Public Library, Three Town Place, Clarence NY 716 - 741 - 2650

ENTRY FEE: 3 CAN GOODS TO BE DONATED TO THE FOOD BANK OF WNY. THINKING OF THOSE LESS FORTUNATE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

This is a FREE Tournament for USCF members. Games every 40 minutes. Can join/renew USCF memberships on site, cash only.

Registration: 5:30pm until 6pm. Public Library closes at 9pm.

Games start at 6pm and every 40 minutes or as games are completed.

Four/Five games, possible Quad play (play those with same ratings) or SWISS FORMAT.

Please bring Chess board, Chess set and Chess Clock. Notations are Optional.

Please RSVP by reply to Arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, no later than 4pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 with full name, USCF ID number and USCF Rating. USCF membership must be current.

Now you can help an IM!

IM Dr. Ken Regan just put out a request to the chess community. He is in need for the older version of Junior from Chessbase. It is version 9 (not the current version 10) that he needs for a research issue. If you can help him please comment below.

KWRegan said... Does anyone have a Junior 9 CD? I own a Junior 10 CD and would be happy to swap. I have a particular need for that version, and have been unable to obtain one by other means.---Ken Regan (contact info)

KLCC NOVEMBER GRAND PRIX RESULTS 2008

Turnout has improved indeed as 32 total players participated this month!

In honor of our new President Elect, the top section was named the BARACK OBAMA OPEN GRAND PRIX SECTION. It was an interesting (some might say crazy) section as it ended with a three way tie for first as National Master Lionel L. Davis (2242), 13 year old Canadanian Aquino Inigo (2038p), and scholastic up and comer Meghesh Pansari (1626) all had 3 points out of 4. Upsets were the order of the day. In Round 3, Aquino Inigo defeated NM Lionel L. Davis and appeared to be on his way to the title only to himself be upset in the last round by Meghesh! Other upsets were Josh Rofrano (1602) defeating Thomas A Warner (1775), Meghesh Pansari defeating Daniel Johnston (1659), and David Miller (1576) defeating Daniel Johnston. New to the section were three members of the Rochester Chess Center-Josh Rofrano, Meghesh Pansari, and Daniel Johnston (age 11).

A new attendance record of 24 players (of which 14 were had ratings under 1000) competed in the LT COLONEL MATT LOUIS URBAN U1600 SECTION. LTC Urban, a World War II veteran , was a graduate of East High School and remains Buffalo's most highly decorated veteran. This section's champion was David Biddle (1421) who went undefeated. A five player tie for 2nd place occurred between Benjamin W. Havey (1503), Ryan Madden (1330), Erik W. Lubas (1316), Thomas C Callea ( 1304p) and Terrence Adams (1189p). The newcomers to this section were: Terrence Adams who recently relocated to Rochester, NY from Syracuse, NY; William J. Deuschle - Nardin Academy; Austin Will - Pioneer; Shakyle E. Topps - Buffalo United Charter School; and from coach Tom Warner's Pioneer Chess Team-Samuel F. Tillinghast, Robert Becker, and Christopher A. Darling. Upset winners (who were given a Dove Chocolate Bar for their efforts) included-in Round 2- Steve Baer (1065) drawing against William Rich (1377), in Round 3- Dr. James J. Paul (1332) revenging a past defeat against William Rich, in Round 4, Deacon James E. Gibson (1089) defeated William Rich.

The DAVID EVANS JR MEMORIAL U1000 SECTION also had a three way for 1st PLACE. The November Champions were George P. Barton (1078), unrated William J. Deuschle of Nardin Academy, and Austin Kossow (693) from Pioneer School.

Our next Chess Event will be Saturday, November 22, 2008 at the Orchard Park Borders for our monthly Scholastic Chess League. Games start at 1pm until 4:30pm.

Thanks to all of you who continue to help us grow our Buffalo Niagara Chess Community. 14 players joined us this month and their rating were U1000. Nice Job!

Results for the Ron Cozzi Old Editions Bookshop

On October 25th, fifteen players in two sections competed in the Ron Cozzi Old Editions Bookshop Chess Tournamnet in the fine playing hall of the downtown Educational Opportunity Center. The tournament was directed by Doug DuBose.

• NM Barry Davis (2153) won the Open section with a perfect 4/4. Tying for 2nd-4th with 2.5/4 were Tom Warner (1772), Albert "Pat" Patterson (1721), and Mark Mieth (1312). Upset winners were Josh Rofrano (1601) over Marijan Procyk (2094), James Paul (1287) over Rofrano, Mark Mieth over David Miller (1589), and James Davis (1376) over David Biddle (1449).
• The U1400 section title was shared by unrated Rayford Pearson (>>>1447p) and Ryan Madden(1280) both with undefeated 3.5/4 scores. Third place went to Partho Bhattacharya (1118). Upsets in this section were: Partho and later George Barton (1067) both over Steven Baer (1122).
• See http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200810254701

RESULTS FROM 1ST ANNUAL WNY FALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Twenty nine (29) scholastic players turned out for the Championship held at the Main Place Mall, in Downtown Buffalo New York. USCF memberships made up 62% of the players in the tournament.

BISHOP TIMON HIGH SCHOOL AND PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOLS TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES!

Bishop Timon High School Chess Team are WNY FALL SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONS 2008, of the Lt. Colonel Matt Louis Urban (7th - 12th Grades) Section. In honor of Veterans Day the section was named after the most highest decorated World War II veteran, a graduate of East High School and native of Buffalo New York. Second Place went to Pioneer High School from Arcade New York.

Pioneer Middle School Chess Team are WNY FALL SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONS 2008, of the Demone A. Smith (K - 6th Grades) Section. Demone A. Smith, Councilman of the Masten District in the City of Buffalo New York. Second Place went to Community School #53 from the Buffalo Public School District.

INDIVIDUAL HONORS for the DEMONE A. SMITH (K - 6th Grades) Section:

1st Place and Undefeated - AUSTIN WILL, PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

2nd Place - NATHAN PALMISANO, PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

3rd Place - AUSTIN KOSSOW, PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

4th Place - CHRISTOPHER DARLING, PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

INDIVIDUAL HONORS for the LT. COLONEL MATT LOUIS URBAN (7th - 12th Grades) Section.

1ST PLACE and Undefeated - PARTHO A. BHATTACHARYA, CITY HONORS SCHOOL

2nd Place - BENJAMIN W. HAVEY, KENMORE WEST HIGH SCHOOL

3rd Place - WILLIAM W. DEUSCHLE, NARDIN ACADEMY

4th Place - DANIEL T. HUZINEC, BISHOP TIMON HIGH SCHOOL

A Special Thank You goes to Buffalo Councilman Demone A. Smith for being our Chess Trophy Sponsor. Also Thanks to Willie "Hutch" Jones Educational and Sports Programs, Thomas A. Warner and Coach Bowers for all their help and support. I wish to personally thank all the parents, friends, and players who chose to participate in this event. With your continued support "WE CAN" grow a stronger and dedicated chess community one move at a time.

Our next chess event is Saturday, November 15th, 2008, KLCC NOVEMBER GRAND PRIX, Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo New York, Free Parking Under Mall, Food Court Open during the tournament. Four Rounds, SWISS, Game 45, Rounds start at 9:30am. Unpaid late entries must take on half point bye.

Three Sections - KLCC OPEN Section - Entry Fee -$40 ADVANCE OR $50 AT THE DOOR.

U1600 - Entry fee $10.00, CASH PRIZES AND TROPHIES, based upon 20 entries.

Demone A. Smith Scholastics - Entry Fee $8.00, TROPHIES. UNRATED PLAYERS.

To register please email to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, section, USCF ID Number, USCF October Supplement Rating.

Josh Waitzkin

If you have an hour to spare go to the following link. Scroll down to - You Tube - to listen to an interview with Josh Waitzkin from the Authors@Google series. It is definitely interesting. http://www.chess.com/members/view/SonofPearl

First Annual Fall Scholastic Reminder

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2008

MAIN PLACE MALL - UPPER LEVEL

390 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO, NEW YORK

REGISTRATION: 9 AM UNTIL 10AM, GAMES START AT 10:30AM.

ENTRY FEE $10.00 PER PLAYER, 4 PLAYERS PER TEAM

TWO SECTIONS: K - 6TH GRADE AND 7TH - 12TH GRADE

5 ROUNDS, UNRATED, GAME 30, NO ELIMINATION

TEAM TROPHIES FOR 1ST PLACE FINISHERS (ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL) SPONSORED BY DEMONE A. SMITH, MASTEN DISTRICT - CITY OF BUFFALO COUNCILMAN

INDIVIUAL TROPHIES FOR 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PLACE IN EACH SECTION

Email Advance registration are greatly appreciated with full names, school, grade, (USCF ID Number and USCF Rating if member),

USCF Tournament Directors: Thomas A. Warner and Michael A. Mc Duffie

White to move

White is piece down. What can he do? Is he lost? or can he draw or win?

Mark Clark wins in Sardinia

Mark Clark (on left)

Expert Mark Clark from Jamestown won all three games to win the Sardinia Quick adult section last saturday. He had little trouble in dispatching Ryan(Mad Dog) Madden, Tom Warner, and Pat Patterson. Warner won 2 games to finish 2nd while Madden won the u1500 prize with 1.5.

In the Scholastic section, Ryan Palmisano won with 6pts. Robert Becker took second with 5.5 while 4th grader Chris Darling, in his first tournament, stole the show with 4.5. Trust me - we will be hearing more from this kid!

Many thanks to Doug Bowers for bringing his Bishop Timon team from Buffalo. He tells me he will be coming to the Scholastic tournament at the Main Place Mall next Sat Nov 8. Pioneer will be there also. Coaches get your teams together and lets make this a fun tournament!

Alekhine: Happy Birthday

The following link gives interesting trivia about one of the greatest players to ever play chess. http://www.chess.com/article/view/happy-birthday-alekhine