Day One Results - NY State Scholastic Championships 2010

Here are a few snap shots of the Buffalo Boys with Paul Shaffer from the David Lettermans Show!

The Day One Final Results are as follows, starting with the Primary Championship Section (K - 3), Samuel Santora (1200), Chess Club of Buffalo, had 1 Win, 1 Loss and 1 Draw. Sam was seeded 10th out of 44 total players, finished 23rd out of 45 total players.

In the Elementary Novice Section, U800, Trevor Cohn (764), Urban Knights and Kenmore Middle School, is tied for 2nd Place out of 72 players, undefeated with 3 wins, Pioneer Middle Team - 23rd - Sam Tillinghast, and 31st - Zachary Madden, Sean Mc Donough (Unr), Urban Knights and Kenmore Middle School, finished 32nd place.

In the Elementary Championships Open Section has 65 total players, Team Pioneer is currently 8th out of 12 teams. Players who chose to play up were Chris Darling 47th place, 49th Nathan Palmisano, 51st - Ryan Palmisano, 57th - Austin Kossow, and 61st Carl Raymore.

For the Junior High School Section after 3 rounds of play has, players Benjamin Havey (1727), Kenmore Middle, had a record of 2 wins and 1 loss, ranked 11th place after 3 rounds. Ryan Madden, Pioneer Middle (1661) in 17th place with 2 wins and 1 loss, John Osborn (1052), Chess Club of Buffalo and Colden NY, finished the day with 1 win and 2 losses, puts him at 40th place, Wes Darling (935), Pioneer Middle is 48th place, and Robert Becker (762) is 52nd out of 60 players. Pioneer Middle Team is currently 6th place.

In the High School Section, Bishop Timon Team is currently ranked 7th place out of 14 schools. Detailed results to follow for the Bishop Timon players.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Blindfold Knight Route

Here is a possible fun application that I created. This was suggested to me for improving board visualization and hence I created this app. Download the zip file from this link http://www.harishsrinivasan.com/knightroute/knightroute.zip.

1. Unzip the file
2. Inside the folder, you will find an application named knightroute
3. Start it up
4. You are to answer 10 random questions on knight hops. for eg. d5 d1? , one of the correct answer is d5 e3 d1
5. For fast answering, just type in the answer and hit enter and it will go to the next question...and so on
6. When you are done with 10 questions, it will give you a score.
7. Max score is 100 and is obtained if all 10 questions are answered within 7 seconds
8. Beware, there is negative points for incorrect answer.
9. If you take more than 20 seconds for every correct answer, then the score is 1 pt for each correct answer making it 10
10. So for all correct answers, your score can range anywhere between 10 and 100
11. Post your best score in the comments!!!

The app is very primitive. I am thinking of adding more capabilities for training in future. Any suggestions for improvements are most welcome.

URBAN QUEENS CHESS CLUB

The Urban Queens Chess Club will be hosting Beginners Classes for females of all ages during the month of March 2010.

The chess sets, chess instruction and materials are provided by The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, Garnell W Whitfield Jr, Buffalo Fire Commissioner and Michael A. Mc Duffie, Kellogg Fellow, Kellogg Leadership for Community Change.

Classes will be held at the Frank E Merriweather Jr Branch Library, located at East Utica and Jefferson Ave, Buffalo NY, off street parking available, every Wednesdays on March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 2010, classes start from 6pm until 8:30pm.

Students should register with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, eith full name, email and telephone number.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

NYS Scholastic Chess Championships Candidates

The will be at least five players representing the Buffalo-Niagara area at the New York State Scholastic Chess Championships being held in Saratoga Springs, New York this weekend. (Bishop Timon and Pioneer Chess Team Players may also be playing.)

Trevor Cohn, Sean Mc Donough, John Osborn, Samuel Santora, and Benjamin Havey will play a total of 6 games each against other players from across the state in his grade level. They will play 3 matches each day.

These players , in the past, all have played in our monthly chess "Grand prix" tournaments at the Main Place Mall. Trevor, Sean, John and Sam are representing members of the Urban Knights Chess Club and The Chess Club of Buffalo, which are directed by Michael A. Mc Duffie aka Chess Ambassador.

Trevor Cohn and Sean Mc Donough (pictured above) were featured this weekend in an article in the Tonawanda News and The Niagara Gazette Newspapers as well as online at http://www.niagara-gazette.com/archivesearch/local_story_047183117.html

I'm still looking to get a paper copy for my records.

WGRZ-TV also is scheduled to interview these players upon their return for their comments of the experience of playing in their first scholastic state championship.

Some families will be leaving tonight. If you have any questions or comments please send with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com .

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Warner Wins at 32nd Marchand!

WNY chess "legend" Tom Warner once again wins away from home. Just like his recent Cleveland triumph, Tom went undefeated to take top prize in the U1800 section of the prestigious 32nd Marchand Memorial Tournament in Rochester, NY this past weekend.

The cross table for the event is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201002211281.0

You can congratulate Tom in person at his next Sardinia event next weekend. Perhaps he will let you rub his pate for good luck?

2nd ANNUAL OBAMA PRESIDENT'S DAY GRAND PRIX RESULTS

Twenty six players came out to participate in our monthy grand prix. The cross table is available at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201002130291

In the Scholastic Section which is dedicated in memory of Flight #3407, John Osborn, member of the Chess Club of Buffalo took top honors as the undefeated Champion. John is scheduled to play in the upcoming NYS Scholastic Championships at Saratoga Springs,NY on Feb 27 & 28th. We wish him well! 2nd Place - Matthew Leahy, Bishop Timon, 3rd Place Tie - Miles A. James, Urban Knights Chess Club, Julius Spencer, returning Urban Knights, Cole H. Ammons, Charlotte North Carolina visiting his grandmother in Buffalo. Another high turnout for the scholastic players.

In memory of the Haitian Earthquake Relief U1500 Section, had a new member Amanda Paul, visiting from New York City, inspired her Dad Dr James J Paul as the U1500 Champion, 2nd Place Tie - James P. Davis, Attorney, Robert Simpson, Attorney and David Gluchowski.

Upset Leaderboard - David Gluchowski(798pts), James P Davis(136) and James J Paul(18), David Gluchowski(1042) earned 445pts by defeating Mike Jocko(1487), James P Davis(1351) earned 136pts by defeating Mike Jocko(1487) and James J Paul draws James P Davis in the finals.

In the Barack Obama Grand Prix Section only attracted six players, all the top guns were tucked away getting ready for the Marchand Open, Rochester NY. Fireworks were still the order of the day. Benjamin W. Havey earned top honors as Champion, 2nd Place David Biddle. Upset Leaderboard had David Biddle knocked off highest rated Alanna Katz(1859)a University of Buffalo college student from New York City in round one for 289 points, Michael A. Mc Duffie defeated Partho Bhattacharya, City Honors for 77 points, and Benjamin W. Havey, Kenmore Middle draws Alanna Katz for 66 points.

We want to give a special thanks to Michael Dunn, James Paul and Robert Simpson who made contributions to the Pizza, fruit and refreshments. Top Kudos and thanks again to Lorena James, 5th grader from Nichols and Chess Mom Cathy Cummings who loves the business side of chess, plays hostess of our Pizza Lunch.

Our next Buffalo Monthly Chess Grand Prix will be Saturday, March 20, 2010, 4 Rounds, Swiss, USCF open rated tournament, Upper Level at the Main Place Mall, Advance registration $20 vs. $35 Cash only at the door, must be posted marked no later than wednesday, March 17, 2010, mail and make checks payable to Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221. Online advance registration with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Tell a Friend! Bring a Friend! Good Luck and safe travels to all playing in the Marchand Open. Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and USCF Tournament Director

Reopening of North Tonawanda chess club

The North Tonawanda Public Library is reopening it's chess club at 505 Meadow Drive in North Tonawanda this Sunday from 1pm-4pm all are welcome. We especially encourage our young players to participate. Local Expert Douglas Dubose will provide young players will tips to improve. Contact Douglas Dubose at zugzwang92857@yahoo.com

2nd ANNUAL OBAMA PRESIDENT'S DAY GRAND PRIX REMINDER

Hosted by The Kellogg Leadership for Community Change in conjunction with Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., Buffalo Fire Department and the Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

Saturday, February 13, 2010 Main Place Mall - Upper Level, FREE PARKING UNDER MALL, 390 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14201.

Four Rounds, Swiss, Game 50, USCF membership required.

PIZZA and Refreshments are provided to all tournament players. Tournament players must bring Chess Set, Chess Board and Chess Clock (Digital preferred).

Advanced entry fee $20 v $35 CASH ONLY at the door.

Guaranteed Cash Prizes, Open $120 & $80, U1900 $75, U1500 $80 & $50.

Schedule:Reg closes at 9:30am, Round 1 at 9:45am, Rd 2 at 11:30am, Rd 3 at 1:15pm and Rd 4 at 3pm.

Online advance registration to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, no later than midnight Friday, February 12, 2010. Please include full name, uscf id number, telephone number and Section of play.

Thanks for your continued support. Our schedule changed because of the Marchand Open. Our next Grand Prix will be Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director

Chess movie

Just in case you are tired to go every Wednesday to Wegman, as this past Wednesday, February 10, you can watch the following movie. Where we can find those pieces. Popcorn anyone? http://vimeo.com/9086558

Katz wins in Sardinia

Alanna Katz (1850) gave the boys a lesson last Saturday in Sardinia, defeating the chess ambassador Mike Mcduffie, veteran John Mauer, and Pat Patterson to win the 3 round swiss event. Great job Alanna! This tournament saw the return of John Mauer (2044), who was once a near master and Jamestown City Champion,and who played for many years at the Queen City chess club. Mauer, Don Hoak (1799), and Patterson (1690) tied for 2nd-4th. Mcduffie, Austin Kossow, Ryan and Nathan Palmisano, and Carl Raymore all tied for the u1500 prize. In the scholastic section we had a good turnout with 11 entries! Pioneer Middle school 5th grader Chris Darling went 9-0 to win 1st. Its time for this kid to move up! John Osborne, Sam Tillinghast, and newcomer Francis Kilcoyne from Hornell tied for 2nd with 7.5. Also competing were Mike Pinzel,Bob Mahiques,Todd Thompson,Zach Madden,Nick Brennan,Brandan LaMont, and Wesley Darling. The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201002066841.0 Next tournament March 6th. See you there!

East High School Chess Club Forms

Guest speaker Dr. James J. Paul, a USCF member, is seen giving tips to some of the new members of The East High School Chess Club-Maynard Vanever (10th grader), Joshua Hampton (10th grader), William Green, Jr. (12th grader), and James Hampton (10th grader)

This is to announce a new after school chess club at East High School in Buffalo, New York. The program is directed by Michael A. Mc Duffie, certified Chess Coach. The team meets every Monday and Tuesday for one hour afterschool.

If you would like to establish a chess club at your school, church, or community center, please email arcangel8chess@yahoo.com .

URBAN QUEENS CHESS CLUB

On Wednesday, February 3rd, The Urban Queens Chess Club had its initial meeting. The Urban Queens Chess Club is a program to help identify and promote young girls and females of all ages, learn how to play chess, chess tactics and strategies. The group will meet at the Frank E Merriweather Jr Branch Library every wednesday from 6pm until 7:45pm.

Pictured are the founding club players, Coach Mc Duffie, Diane Vosburgh, April Frazier, Teneva Dennis, Tomescia Weissinger, Lafranee Daniel and Janae Baker. We invite any and all to come out and join us in this new venture for 2010. Anyone interesed please email arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Results from January Quads

• 23 Players participated in the January Quads held on January 3o.
• Robert Cousins (2180) took first place in Quad #1 with 2 1/2 out of 3 , defeating Barry Davis (2117), Tom Warner (1803) and drawing Alanna Katz (1859).
• In Quad #2 Ryan Madden continued his success winning 3 of 3.
• Quad #3 saw a tie between Mike Dupere and Daniel John Schieber with 2 points each.
• Quad #4 also saw 2 players tie for first Sean Ian Jones and Chris Darling shared the honors.
• The quad cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201001307251
• The January round robin was won by Wes Darling with a 6-0 score !
• The cross table is available at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201001307261
• Thank you to all that supported this event and thank you for the patience shown by those that endured the security guard fiasco at E.O.C. The remaining events scheduled at E.O.C. have been cancelled. My sincerest apologies for any inconvience.
• Anyone who has a suggestion for a new venue for future events can contact me at zugzwang92857@yahoo.com

Sardinia Tournament This Saturday

• It's back and now with lower entry fees too! The monthly Sardinia tournaments return this Saurday February 6, 2010 with $10 entry fees for adults and $5 for Scholastics.

• Sat. Feb 6
• Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY
• 2 sections: Open: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. Prizes based on entries Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize!
• For info call Tom Warner 716-496-5230 or E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Artificial Intelligence and the Human Mind

Just in case you missed this article where the Great Garry Kasparov opines at length about chess and computers: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/23592