26th USA Jr Chess Olympics

It is that time of the year again. Scholastic chess players and teams from all around the region are reading themselves for the 26th USA Jr Chess Olympics! Last year 55 players competed. How many will there be this year? Sat. Dec 4 , 2010 At Pioneer Middle School 12132 Old Olean Rd., Yorkshire NY 14173 5SS, G/30, EF $7 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 for individual and the top four playes of the top three teams in each section. (As seen above: On the right- the participation medal for each player, while on the left is one of the winner's medals which must be earned.) USCF membership required for rated sections, but can join at the tournament. No limit to number of players on any team, but only the top 4 scorers for each team will count for the team total. Nor is there any minimum number to field a team. There will also be a non-rated tournament for non-rated players and those rated u500 with an entry fee of $5 with trophies given out to the top 3 in the unrated section. Just announced: There also will be an extra adult open rated tournament section with an EF of $5 with a cash prize based on the number who enter. For entries & information contact Tom Warner at 716-560-4160 or warner689@roadrunner.com Teams from Bishop Timon, East High School of Buffalo, Global Concepts Charter School of Lackawanna, Cattaragus/Little Valley, Wilson, Rochester area, Springville,and Pioneer have commited to sending teams. Individuals also welcome. If you don't have enough players to make a team, you may combine with others or be a team of One!

Happy Thanksgiving

To everyone who remembers to be thankful for all things we receive in our lives from the ONE and from anyone: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Marijan

HOLIDAY GRAND PRIX 2010

Presented and hosted by Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

$415 GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES! PIZZA and Refreshments for all paid tournament players!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2010

Four rounds, Swiss, Game 50, USCF membership required!

Sections of play: Open, U1500 and Scholastic. EF$35, $25 if received by wednesday, December 15, 2010.

Game schedules:Registration closes at 9:25am, Games start at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

STAR SCHOLASTICS:Registration closes at 10:30am. EF $15, $10 if received by wednesday, December 15, 2010. Games start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Awards to follow! Trophies to the Top 5 winners!

NEW! Guaranteed Cash Prizes: Open $150 and $80, U1500 $60 & $50.

Online Registration:Must be received by friday, December 17, 2010 with full name, USCF Id number, and telephone, to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 with full name, USCF Id number and telephone. Must be received no later than wednesday, December 15, 2010. No checks onsite,US dollars, Cash only onsite. Late entries must take one half point. Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Chief Tournament Director

ARMED FORCES - 761ST TANK BATTALION GRAND PRIX OPEN 2010 RESULTS

Update Crosstable http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201011205921-13247130

A big "SALUTE" to all the veterans and their family members. We really appreciate all you have and all you will do for the United States of America.

A special note, George Barton stopped by, in improved health and wanted me to wish everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving". It was George Barton's idea to host an Armed Forces Tournament. Im glad he got to witness the thirty six players who came and supported his idea. George has been under the weather but stopped by for a brief moment, played several casual games against Joshua Hampton, East High Dark Knights and hopes to return to tournament play in 2011.

With the recent passing of Grand Master Larry Evans, member of the Manhattan Chess Club in New York City, died in Reno, Nevada on Friday, November 19, 2010, helped Bobby Fischer win the US Championship in 1972 and also Dr. Rawle Farley, Rochester Chess Center member also passed away. In rembererance of both members of the Chess Community, we named the Scholastic Section in their memory. Keep their familes and friends in your prayers.

The results in the Evans - Farley Memorial Scholastic Section was Undefeated Champion, Vinay Sharma from Ontario, Canada. Our first international scholastic champion, earning 2nd Place - Jonathan Boone, East High Dark Knights, 3rd Place - Wes Darling, Pioneer Chess Club and 4th Place - James W. Hampton, East High Dark Knights. We want to welcome to the US Chess Federation and the Buffalo Chess community, Justin Arrington, a new recruit from East High Dark Knights and Zachary Bodeck, Bishop Timon.

The Korean War Veteran Section, are celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year. There were 18 players and a big "Salute" goes to Chris Darling, Austin Kossow, Nathan Palmisano, Ryan Palmisano and Carl Raymore who are now stepping up to the next challenge from the Scholastic Section and into the U1500. Welcome newcomers, Daniel S. Thompson, Amherst, NY and Riyath A. Mallahi, Bishop Timon to the U1500 section.

The results of the Korean War Section - Undefeated Champion, Yogesh Bedekar, tied for 2nd place - John T. Nelson, Bishop Timon and Vinay Sharma, Ontario, Canada.

The Upset Leaders were as follows; John T. Nelson - 1317 pts., Justin Craddock - 767 pts., Matt Leahy - 526 pts., Chris Darling - 318 pts., Ryan Palmisano - 282.5 pts., Carl Raymore - 101 pts.,Daniel S. Thompson - 86 pts., and Austin Kossow - 69pts.

The results of the Armed Forces - 761st Tank Battalion Section were; Co-Champions - Barry Davis(2076), National Master and Lionel L. Davis(2236), National Master. The U1900 winner was Albert Patterson, Pioneer Chess Club.

Upset Leaders were; Riyath A. Mallahi - 349 pts., David M. Biddle - 161 pts., Albert Patterson - 136 pts., David S. Miller - 123 pts., Barry Davis - 80 pts., and Ryan Madden - 22 pts.

A special thanks to Diane Ruminski who helped volunteered with the pizza, chocolate and refreshements, Dr. James Paul for his contribution for the "healthy choice" fruit basket and Robert Simpson, Esq. for his contributions for pizza and photographs.

We want to personally wish to you and your families a "HAPPY THANKSGIVING"!.

Our next Holiday Grand Prix tournament will be Saturday, December 18, 2010, Advanced entries must be received no later than Wednesday, December 15, 2010 and mailed to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221. Online registration no later than Friday, December 17, 2010 with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF Id number and telephone. Help us continue to grow our Buffalo Chess community, Tell a Friend! and Bring a Friend! recruitment program.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and U.S. Chess Federation, Tournament Director.

FIRST ANNUAL DUAL SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBTION REPORT

Yogesh Bedecker-the only challenger to win in the Dual Simul Pictured above from left to right are Mr. Michal McDuffie "WNY Chess Ambassador", Dr. Ken Regan International Master, and Mr. Barry Davis-National Master.

The WNY Chess Ambassador - Michael A. Mc Duffie, has done it again. He has visibly placed chess on the map in Buffalo, New York and the surrounding areas.

On Sunday, October 17, 2010, he and Borders Bookstore combined their efforts and sponsored the First Dual Annual Simultaneous Chess Exhibition in Western New York.

The Exhibitors, International Master- Dr. Kenneth Regan and National Master- Barry Davis, played 15 opponents simultaneously, with each Exhibitor alternating moves at each chess board against each challenger. In that way, one player would make a move and the other Exhibitor would make the next move on the very same chess board.

There were 15 challengers:One woman, two 10 year boys, and 12 men. The two Exhibitors won 14 games. They were not infallible, however, as they did lose one game. The giant slayer was Yogesh Bedeker, an unrated chess player. The other challengers were: Diane Ruminski, Ian Castro and Bryan Castro, James P. Davis, Benjamin Rummell, Miles James, Justin Craddock, Glenn Westcott, Matthew Newarett, Joshua Graf, Joe Tornambe, Garrett Thomas, Ronald O'Mara and Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador.

Chess activity is not new at Borders Bookstore. It is one of the venues where the Chess Ambassador sponsors activities one night a week, and where chess amateurs go to find a chess game.

Our collective hats are tipped to enthuiastically thank the Chess Ambassador Mc Duffie for his continuning and sincere commitment to local chess. Why? Because chess is one of those board games that reguires logic, planning, strategy, tactics and problem solving. Also, it is excellent for our youth and seniors because it "beats the streets" and can help to prevent Alzheimers.

Respectfully submitted by James P. Davis, Esq.

To see more photos from this event click the link on the upper right hand side of this blog or by clicking http://picasaweb.google.com/buffaloniagarachess/DualSimul##

2010 WNY FALL SCHOLASTIC FALL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

Thirty five scholastic players participated in the Third Annual WNY Scholastic Fall Team Chess Championships, held yesterday at the Main Place Mall in Buffalo, NY. Twenty six of the thirty five players are members of the United States Chess Federation. It has made the news and here is a video published at WIVB.

The fall classic was hosted by The Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Clinics, Simpson & Simpson, LLC., in conjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Tournament directors were Thomas Warner and Michael A. Mc Duffie.

Trophy sponsor Willie Hutch Jones, a former NBA player of the Los Angeles Lakers and The LA Clippers (formerly The Buffalo Braves), spoke to the participants, signed autographs, took pictures with the teams and the individual awardees.

The TOP STAR AWARD was won by Serenity Austin, 3rd grader from the Lydia T Wright School and member of the Gloria J Parks Chess Club for her performance in the K-3 section. Grandson, Ethen Warner, grandson of Thomas A. Warner, participated in his first chess championship and earned his first STAR Medal. Welcome Ethen!

The results in the K - 3 Veterans Day Section, The newly formed Olmstead #64 Chess Club are 2010 Scholastic Team Champions. Individual Top Honors went to Ruby Soudant, 2nd grader at Olmstead #64 was Champion and TOP FEMALE Chess Player, 2nd Place went to Jonathan Motten, 3rd grader at St. Christopher Catholic Chess Club, Urban Knights Chess Club and Gloria J Parks Chess Club member and 3rd Place - Serenity Austin, 3rd grader at Lydia T Wright School of Excellence.

The K - 8th Korean War Veterans Section: The 2010 Scholastic Team Champions - Pioneer Chess Club, Arcade, NY, Coached by Thomas Warner. 2nd Place Team - The Knights of the Homeschool Table and 3rd Place Team - Olmstead #64.

The 2010 Scholastic Champion was Undefeated - Ryan Palmisano, grandson of Thomas A. Warner and The Pioneer Chess Team, 2nd Place - Austin Kossow, grandson of Thomas A. Warner and The Pioneer Chess Team, 3rd Place - Kevin Lyle, Chess Club of Buffalo,4th Place - Samuel Santora, Chess Club of Buffalo and member of the Niagara Falls - Wegmans Chess Wednesday night group, and 5th Place - Todd Thompson, The Pioneer Chess Club.

Upset K - 8 Leaders were Mike Penzel, Pioneer Chess Club, John Blum, Zach Madden - Pioneer Chess Club, Ryan Palmisano, Pioneer Chess Club and Austin Kossow, Pioneer Chess Club.

The 2010 WNY Scholastic Fall Team K - 12 Section Champions - The Pioneer Chess Team, Coached by Thomas A. Warner, 2nd Place Team - East High School Dark Knights.

Undefeated 2010 WNY Scholastic K-12 Champion - Ryan Madden, 9th grader at Pioneer Chess Club, 2nd Place - Nathan Palmisano, 7th grader, grandson of Thomas A. Warner, Pioneer Chess Club, 3rd Place - Newcomer Karl White, 11th grader at East High, 4th Place - Joshua Hampton, 11th grader at East High, 5th Place - Wes Darling, 10th grader at Pioneer Chess Club.

Upset Leaders were Jonathan Boone and Joshua Hampton both students at East High.

Special thanks to all the parents, moms and dads who helped serve Pizza and refreshments. We have pictures to be sent that I will add later.

Sincerely, Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Patterson repeats in Sardinia

For the second month in a row Albert (Pat) Patterson won the Sardinia quick tournament last Saturday. He beat Todd Thompson, Ryan Madden, and Carl Raymore to take 1st place. Ryan Madden finished 2nd while Ryan Palmisano won the u1200 prize. Also competing were Tom Warner, Nathan Palmisano, and Zach Madden.

Every game in this tournament was very hard fought, which bodes well for the future of chess in our area. These kids are starting to get good!

In the Scholastic section James Lyon of Hamburg won the trophy by winning a playoff over Zach Madden. Todd Thompson, Anderson Miles, Lucas Grisanti, Carl Raymore, and Ryan Palmisano also competed.

The next tournament is the USA Jr Chess Olympics which will be held Dec 4 at the Pioneer Middle School,Yorkshire NY. Team and individual prizes will be given. Cost is $7 per student which includes pizza for lunch! More details will be coming

ARMED FORCES GRAND PRIX OPEN TOURNAMENT 2010

Hosted by The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, to honor those veterans who have served and are servicing the United States of America. Highlighted are those who served in the Korean War, celebrating their 60th Anniversary, The 761st Tank Battalion, known as the Black Panthers, an all black miltary battalion who aided General Patton in WWII. Jackie Robinson was a member of the "Black Panthers" but was kept home because of a racial incident on a bus. The Black Panthers were awarded Presidental and Congressional Medals of Honor. We will also pay tribute to Anand Viswanathan with a special "Festival of Lights" Indian dance troupe for defending his Championship Title.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, FREE PARKING UNDER MALL.

All players must report no later than 9:25am.

Four rounds, Swiss, Game 50. PIZZA and Refreshments for all paid tournament players. USCF membership is required!

Game schedule:Rd 1 at 9:45am, Rd.2 at 11:30am, Rd.3 at 1:15pm & Rd.4 at 3pm.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES: Open - $120 & $80, Class Prizes; U1900 $75, U1500 - $60 & $50.

Advance Entry Fee:$25 or $35 CASH ONLY. If received by Wednesday, November 17, 2010.

STAR SCHOLASTIC K-12 SECTION: 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 30.

Trophies to the TOP 4 winners.

Entry Fee:$10 vs. $15 CASH At the door. Registration closes at 10:30am.

SCHOLASTIC SCHEDULE:Rd One at 11AM, Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221, with full name, section, USCF Id number and telephone number. If you have any questions, please email reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Online registrations must be received by friday, November 19, 2010.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Buffalo-Niagara Wins First Place!

This past Saturday at St. Bonaventure University, "The Thundering Herd" Team from Buffalo-Niagara won The Second Annual Robert Johnson Memorial Chess Team Tournament.

They narrowly beat the team from Bradford, PA, while finishing third was the Southtowns Team. Jamestown Chess Club also competed in the event.

"The Thundering Herd" featured NM Barry Davis who tied for first in the Open Section with 2.5/3. Top scorer for the team, however, was Robert Simpson who captured the full three points in winning the U1600 Section out right. Also performing well were expert Rev. Marijan Procyk with 2 points in the Open,Tom Callea who garnered 1.5 points playing in both sections, and Vic Bahl who collected 1.5 points in the U1600. In non scoring positions but rounding out the team were Samuel Santora and Mark Mieth.

The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201010308721

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

Sat. Nov. 6 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 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 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

THIRD ANNUAL WNY SCHOLASTIC K-12 FALL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hosted and presented by Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Programs, Simpson & Simpson, LLC. and Main Liberty Group in conjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

Saturday, November 13, 2010, Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14201. FREE Parking under the Mall, FOOD COURT open during tournament play.

This Scholastic K - 12 Team Championships are open to homeschool, club and school teams. Five members make a team. Schools may have more than one team or more than five players but only the top five scores count towards the team score.

FORMAT:Five Rounds, Swiss, Game 30, USCF rules enforced. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Advance Entry Team Fee:$50 per team, deadline by Wednesday, November 10, 2010 or $75 CASH ONLY at the Door.

SECTIONS OF PLAY: PRIMARY - (K - 3), MIDDLE - (K-8) and HIGH SCHOOL (K-12).

REGISTRATION:On site closes at 10:15am. ADVANCE ONLINE REGISTRATION to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, Team name, School, Age, Grade, Section and Telephone, no later than midnight on friday, Novemeber 12, 2010.

GAME SCHEDULE:RD 1 at 11am, RD 2 at Noon, RD 3 at 1pm, RD 4 at 2pm and FINALS at 3pm, Trophy presentation to follow immediately!

TROPHY Sponsor:The Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Programs. Team Trophies to the TOP 3 Teams in each section. Individual Trophies awarded to the TOP 5 players in each section. TOP FEMALE AWARD!

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 no later than Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

PIZZA and REFRESHMENTS provided to all paid tournament chess players.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador