Blitzard Warning CANCELLED!!!

Sorry Guys and Gals the Blitz tournament will not take place due to lack of numbers. Perhaps another time. Why not go to Wegmans for the regular Saturday friendly session? See:http://buffalochess.blogspot.com/2008/07/wegmans-saturday-signup-sheet.html The original post is below:

No, there will not be a blizzard tomorrow, just maybe a little snow. But since it is a rarity now in Erie and Niagara Counties that there is no tournament this Saturday, is anyone interested in having a rated Blitz tournament? My thought is instead of the Saturday Niagara Falls Chess Club Wegmans Meeting tomorrow, we could do a rated Blitz tournament at my Niagara Falls office. Say Game/10 starting at 630-7 PM and would we play as many rounds as we can get in between food and drink. I'll buy the pizza and wings, serve as TD, and submit the ratings report. If we can get at least 6 players, I'll make it a go. If interested in doing this comment below with name and phone# or email address. We only need 5 more to commit. Stay tuned!

It's Over-Topalov is Tops!

American Gata Kamsky, on the black side of a Tarrasch French defense today, lost game 7 of the match to determine the opponent to challenge World Champion Viswanathan Anand. The win sealed the match for former World Champion Veselin Topalov. The final score was 4.5-2.5. It appears Kamsky's strategy of playing static positions with black backfired while Topalov's strategy of avoiding the Sicilian was excellent inasmuch as it seemed to avoid Kamsky's preparation against the Najdorf . It seems the French against Topalov was not a good choice as it gave him no chances to get real counterplay vs. the Tarrasch variation. Any comments or opinions?

Only 2 More Chances Remain

Another draw occurred in the World Championship Semi-Final today. American Gata Kamsky only has two more games to make up the 1 point that he is behind former World Champion Veselin Topalov. The game is at : http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game6.html

Feeling all Isolated in Bulgaria

GM Gata Kamsky lost again in the World Championship Semi-Final Match with Bulgarian Veselin Topalov in Sophia, Bulgaria today. This game was a good demonstration of the difficulties in defending an "isolani." With only 3 regular games remaining in the match the "Isolated American" is really up against it now. To view the game go to http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game5.html

Kamsky Comes Back!

GM Gata Kamsky won today and it is now all tied up at 2-2 in the World Championship Semifinals. The game can be replayed at http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game4.html

Game 3- Another Draw

American Gata Kamsky was able to hold a draw with the black pieces today in the semifinals of the World Chess Championship. Hopefully, he will have an even better result with white tomorrow. The score after three rounds is now 2-1 Topalov. Game 3 is available at http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game3.html

BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENT'S DAY TOURNAMENT LAST CALL!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009

MAIN PLACE MALL - UPPER LEVEL

390 MAIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 14201 FREE PARKING UNDER THE MALL & FOOD COURT EATERIES ARE OPEN DURING TOURNAMENT PLAY!

Four Rounds, Swiss System, Game/45, USCF Open Rated Tournament. USCF Membership REQUIRED! Please bring chess sets, chess clocks and chess boards, NONE PROVIDED!

Sections/Entry fees/Prizes:

• President Obama Open: $40 at the door. Cash prizes based upon 15 entries. 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $60, Class prize U1700 $50.
• U1450 Sen. Antoine M Thompson: $35 at the door. Cash prizes based upon 15 entries. 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $50.
• David Evans, Jr. Memorial Scholastic: $15 at the door. Trophies for the top 3 winners, Medals for those who earn at least 2 points.

Please come early so we can start on time at 9:45am for Round 1. Registration ends at 915AM!

Roster of paid participants:

1. Mark Clark(2004)
2. Patrick Robinson(1725)
3. Evan Ashton(1700)
4. David Miller(1665)
5. Pierce Cummings(1600)
6. Francis Grabowski(1509)
7. Dr James Paul(1300)
8. William Deushle (1145)
9. Shakyle Topps (614)
10. Christopher Smith (295)

Roster of players who indicated an intent to play:

1. Lionel Davis (2234)
2. Tom Warner (1767)
3. Josh Rofrano (1654)
4. David Biddle (1568)
5. Tom Callea (1445)
6. Chris Sherry (1358)
7. Dr. Mark Mieth (1348)
8. Vic Bahl (688)

In order to help us start on time, please reply with full name, USCF ID number, USCF Rating and Section of play. Then I will add your name in advance to the section, this will give me added time to match the pairings and collect the fees.

Thanks for your continued support! Mc Duffie, WNY Chess Ambassador, Fellow of WK Kellogg Foundation

Rest today after loss yesterday

GM Gata Kamsky, as white, lost yesterday in the World Championship Semifinal match in a crazy Berlin defense to a Spanish Opening. Stuff was "hanging" all over the place. The game is at http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game2.html

Craig Hadrych news

I recently heard from my friend Craig Hadrych from Eden who is in the Air Force stationed in England. Some of you will remember him as a regular at "The Spot" and many local tournaments. He just got back safely from a tour in the Middle East and wanted me to say hello to his friends in WNY, especially Lionel,Pat Robinson,and Glenn Westcott.

The picture at left is him playing in a tournament in Gilbraltar where he played Ellen Carlsen, the sister of the worlds highest rated player Magnus Carlsen(he lost!). Some of the other players were Peter Svidler(who won), Milov, Akopian, and Nakamura. He said in the evenings he would party with all the GMs and WGMs in the local bar. Must be nice! Unfortunately his duties kept him from playing in the entire tournament but he said he had a great time anyway.

I'm sure he would like to hear from some of you. If you want to drop him a a line, his e-mail is chadrych@yahoo.com

Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania Club Championships

No, you will not be playing these guys, but you do have the opportunity to play against high level players on Saturday March 21st at the Sardinia Community Center (Town Offices) 12320 Savage Rd. Sardinia, NY. This tournament is a 4 round swiss, but you only will play non team members, with time control of Game/60. No limit to number of players on team, but only top 4 scores will count for team total and you can have more than 1 team per club. The roundtimes are: 10,12:30,2:30, 4:30 EF: $10 per person includes free lunch! Prizes:Trophies for top team and individuals USCF membership required but you can join on site Entries & Info: Tom Warner 496-5230 Warner689@roadrunner.com

Game One DRAW!

The first game of the semi-final match for the World Championship between American Gata Kamsky vs. former World Champion Vaselin Topalov of Bulgaria was a draw. This is not a bad result for Kamsky as he was black today and the match is being held in Bulgaria.

To replay the game go to: http://www.wccc2009.com/en/game1.html

A series of monthly chess tournaments with fun and information in mind!

"By any means necessary"... or "The Rumble in the Jungle!" Who: Anyone who is unrated or has a rating 1799 and below is welcome! USCF membership is not required for this event! When: Sunday Feb 22, 2009 Registration: 2:00 pm-2:20 pm Round 1 2:30 pm Round 2 3:30 pm Round 3 4:30 pm Where: 2335 Main St Buffalo NY Entry fee:$20.00 Format: 3 rounds game 30 time/control Sudden death (Quads- 4 player sections) Prizes: $60.00 1st prize per player section! All 2nd place finishers will receive a complimentary private lesson from 3 time Buffalo City Champion Barry Davis! Please submit game scores for the Strategy and Tactics Newsletter! Spectators are welcome! For more information contact Tournament Director Barry Davis at (716)563-7087

24th USA Jr Chess Olympics

24TH USA JR. CHESS OLYMPICS

Sat. March 7, 2009

At Pioneer Middle School (cafeteria) 12132 Old Olean Rd., Yorkshire,NY 14173

5SS, G/30, EF $5 includes free pizza for lunch! Rds. 10,11,12:30,1:30,2:30 2 Sections: K-6 and 7-12

Prizes: Olympic style medals to 1st,2nd,and 3rd place winners to individuals and teams in each section

USCF membership required,can join at tournament

No limit to number of players on team, but only top 4 scores will count for team total. Can have more than 1 team per school.

Entries & info: Tom Warner 496-5230 warner689@roadrunner.com

Unrated Chess Tournament

A non-rated chess tournament for children will be held at the Riverside Public Library at 820 Tonawanda St. Buffalo,NY on Friday, March 6,2009. This event is only open to unrated children of all ages, admission is free. There will be 4 rounds and trophies will be given to the top three finishers. Preregistration is required and only 20 players can participate. Registration must be received by February 27,2009, players may register by phone by contacting Mr. Luba at the Riverside library at 875-0562 or by contacting the tournament director Douglas Dubose at 836-4364. Refreshments will be served!

Clark wins in Sardinia

Mark Clark (left in photo) won all three games to win the Sardinia Quick chess tournament last saturday. He defeated Ryan Madden, Pat Robinson, and Tom Warner to win the title. Ryan(mad dog) Madden continued his steady improvement by beating his teacher(?)Tom Warner in the second round and finishing tied for 2nd with Pat Robinson. Also competing were Ryan and Nathan Palmisano.

In the Scholastic section Carl Raymore won with a total of 6.5 pts. Following closely with 6pts were Wesley and Chris Darling. Nathan Palmisano, Austin Will, and Sam Tillinghast also participated.

There will be no quick tournament next month due to the USA Jr Chess Olympics being held March 7 at the Pioneer Middle Sclool. Details for the tournament will be on the blog in a couple of days.

Results from Jim Griffin/Tim Russert Memorial

• Twenty three players participated in the Jimmy Griffin/Tim Russert Memorial held January 31, 2009 at the Educational Opportunity Center. The crosstable is available at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200901310791
• The Open section was won by undefeated NM Lionel Davis (2212) with 4.0 who defeated Marijan Procyk (2055) in the last round. Second place was taken by Marijan Procyk with 3.0. Upsets were: in the open section David Miller (1663) over Barry Davis (2166) 503.pts. Ben Havey (1468) over Albert Patterson (1731) 263. pts. David Biddle (1504) over Brian Hurley (1977) 248. pts.
• The U1450 section was won by my student Tom Callea (1324) with 3.5, second was taken by Buffalo attorney James P. Davis (1398) with 3.0. In the U1450 section upsets were : William Deuschle (1042) over Joshua Dunsworth (1336) 294. pts. and Tom Callea (1324) over James Davis (1398) 74. pts.
• The Scholastic Quad first place trophy was won by Ryan Palmisano with a perfect 3.0 score, second place trophy was won by Nathan Palmisano with 2.0 and the third place trophy was won by Christopher Dunsworth, congratulations to all!
• New participants to the EOC tournaments were Raymond Dunsworth, Joshua Dunsworth, Susan Dunsworth and Christopher Dunsworth from Erie, PA, Brian Hurley from Hamburg,NY and William Deuschle from Nardin Academy.
• Thank you all for your participation in this event, -Douglas W. Dubose Old School Chess Enterprises.

Sardinia Quick Chess Tournament

Sardinia Tournament Sat. Feb 7, 1-4pm At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY

2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G29,EF $20, Rds 1,2,3 pm. Prizes based on entries

Scholastic: Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF $10,Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize!

For info call Tom Warner 716-496-5230 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENT'S DAY TOURNAMENT

• Saturday, February 21, 2009
• Main Place Mall, Upper Level 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14201 FREE PARKING UNDER MALL, FOOD COURT OPEN
• Four rounds, Swiss system, Game 45. USCF rules enforced
• Three sections: Open, U1450, and Scholastic
• Registration from 8:30am until 9:25am. Late comers after 9:25am must take one half point bye and wait until Round 2. No Checks on site - CASH ONLY!
• US Chess Federation Membership required. Can join USCF membership on site for additional yearly membership fee.
• Round times: 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, 3:00pm.

Entry fees and Prizes:

• President Obama/King Open: Advance entry fee $30 or $40 at the door. Cash prizes based upon 15 entries. 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $60, Class prize U1700 $50.
• U1450 Sen. Antoine M Thompson: Advance entry fee $25 or $35 at the door. Cash prizes based upon 15 entries. 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $50.
• David Evans Jr Memorial Scholastic: Advance entry $10 or $15 at the door. Trophies for the top 3 winners, Medals for those who earn at least 2 points.
• Special RAFFE: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PUZZLES, Tickets are $5.00 for arms length. Drawing will be after the third round.

As we want to start on time, please register in advance by mail or register online at http://www.buffalonians.com/ or by commentting below no later than Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. with full name, USCF ID number, USCF rating and section of play. Please mail checks to: Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 postmarked no later than Tuesday Feb.17, 2009.

Thanks for all of your continued support and dedication in growing the Buffalo - Niagara Falls Chess Community.

Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador, Fellow of WK Kellogg Foundation

CHESS GAMES FOR BEGINNERS!

Clarence Public Library 3 Town Place Clarence, NY

Every Thursday night from 6pm until 8:30pm. Upcoming dates are Feb.12th, Feb.19th and Feb.26th, 2009. Register between 5:30pm and 6pm. Rounds will start at 6:15pm.

Two sections: Scholastic- 5 Rounds, Swiss format, Game 10. Students in grades Kindergarten through Eighth grades are eligible. Girls are encouraged to participate. Awards will be handed out after the finals on Feb 26, 2009. Adults: quad format. Three rounds each week, Game 20.

This is an unrated tournament but US Chess Federation rules will be used. Please bring chess board and set, and chess clock (if you have one). If, however, all players are members of the USCF, we will submit the results for rating to the USCF. Advance registration only at http://www.buffalonians.com/ and sign up no later than Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

Thanks for your continued support, Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Fellow of The WK Kellogg Foundation

New Chess Club in the Southern Tier

I just received an email announcement from Mr. Charles Ferraro regarding a new chess club that was just started in Westfield ( a small town north west of Jamestown and southeast of Dunkirk just off exit 60 of the NYS Thruway). The following is a blog article about the club from wholesalechess's blog:

New Chess Club Blossoms in New York Friday, January 16th, 2009 There’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting down with a good chess set and playing a great game of chess with friends. For the small village of Westfield in New York - the forming of the Westfield Chess Club has just made it easier to enjoy chess with others. The new chess club met for the first time not too long ago, shares one of the chess club organizers, Charles Ferraro. “Despite typically horrendous Western, NY winter weather, we drew ten players last Wednesday at our initial meeting at Sapore (which is at 7 East Main Street),” said Ferraro. “A 12-year-old newcomer to the game drew himself a pair of lessons from two good players, one of whom (1700+ rated ) will be bringing what he believes are a few good beginners chess books to this next Wednesday’s get-together for the newbie.” It’s nice to know that in a time of economic difficulties and struggling business and organizations - chess continues to grow and maintain it’s popularity. Ferraro said it well when he said “What has struck me most during this process of getting a chess club started has been the spirit of the chess people involved: Good-heartedness and generosity have shown through. We’ve had donations of chess sets, chess clocks, chess books, and lessons willingly and thoughtfully given to new players.” Membership in the Westfield Chess Club is open to anyone over the age of six. The club’s intent is to encourage people to play chess - and to play well, in addition to further chess club members enjoyment of the game. At this time, there are no dues required to be a member of the club.

For more information about the Chess Club, call Charles Ferraro at 326-2815 or David O’Connor at 326-3859.