Pioneer finishes 5th at States

Yep Paul Shaffer was at the state Tournament again this year. You may recognize Bruce Pandolofini in the other photo.

Pioneer's Jr High team (k-9) finished 5th this year. A good result considering we had mostly 7th graders on the team. The Middle School Reserve team also finished 5th and the High School Reserve team finished 7th.

Others from WNY there were Ben Havey and Trevor Kohn from Ken West and the Bishop Timon team. Also Congrats to James Lyon from Hamburg who finished 2nd in the Elementary Reserve section! The trophy he was carring around was almost as big as he is!

A good time was had by all and hopefully next year we can get a few more from WNY to attend!

Patterson, Santora win in Sardinia

Is it possible to win 2 chess tournaments in the same day?

The answer is yes!

3rd grader Sam Santora did it last Saturday at Sardinia, tying Pat Patterson for first in the adult section and winning the Scholastic section outright.

Patterson was nicked for a draw by Nathan Palmisano in the first round while Santora took a half point bye. Both won their next two games to split first place.

Ryan Madden, Chris and Wes Darling, Ryan Palmisano, Todd Thompson, and Lucas Grisanti also participated.

In the scholastic section Sam edged out Chris Darling, Todd Thompson, and James Lyon of Hamburg to win the trophy. Max Peters, Zach Madden, Wes Darling, Brad Schrock, Luke Grisanti, and newcomer James Ruppert also participated.

Congrats to Sam for his fine performance! also to Luke Grisanti, Todd Thompson, and Wes and Chris Darling who also played in both adult and scholastic sections.

Next tournament March 5. See you then!

VALENTINE CHESS TOURNAMENT

The Valentine Chess Tournament is presented and hosted in conjunction with Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is celebrating 10 years of Coaching, Teaching and Educating.

On Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011 at the Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Four Rounds, Game 50, Swiss, USCF Membership is REQUIRED!

$415.00 Guaranteed Cash Prizes! Sections of Play are Open - $150 & $80, U1900 $75, U1500 - $60 and $50. Advance entry fee is $25 or $35, Cash only at the door.

In the Star Scholastic Section, Advance Entry Fee is $10 or $15, Five games, Game 30, USCF membership required. All Scholastic players must report no later than 10:30am. Games start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. PIZZA and Refreshments provided for all paid tournament players only. Trophies for the Top 5 players.

In the Urban Queens Unrated Section, Advance Entry fee is $10 or $15, Five games, Game 30. All players will follow the Star Scholastic Schedule. This section is for all females and non members of the US Chess Federation designed to help train players for future USCF tournament play. Trophies to the TOP 3 players.

SAVE THE DATE! June 3rd, 4th and 5th, MAYOR'S CUP 2011 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS,The Gateway to International Chess, featuring Defending 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion, International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D. Two Schedules, 3 day event - 7 Rounds, FIDE Rated, Enhanced Grand Prix points, Swiss, Game 120, Projected Cash Prizes $1000 - $500 - $300, U2200 - $300 & $150, U2000 - $300 & $150. In the 2 day event - 5 Rounds, USCF Rated, Swiss, Game 90. STAR SCHOLASTIC K-12 SECTION, 5 Games, USCF Rated, Game 50, Swiss, Medals for all scholastic players. More details to follow, please watch for Chess Life magazine, Under TLA Grand Prix Section.

All checks must be mailed and made payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, no later than Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 2011 with full name, USCF Id number, Section of play and telephone number to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221. All players must report by 9:30am for us to start promptly at 9:45am. Late entries must accept one half point non playing Bye! Online Discount advance entry fee by Wed Feb. 16th, OTHER - Online registration with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by friday midnight, Feb. 18th, 2011.

Help us grow our Buffalo Chess Community, Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend referral program.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Chief USCF Tournament Director