Pioneer Wins at the 2011 Interscholastic Chess League Playoffs!

18 teams representing schools from all over the Western New York area convened at The Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts to conclude the 2010-2011 Interscholastic Chess League season with a championship playoff.

After 4 rounds, Pioneer's "A" team, consisting of Ryan Madden, Nathan Palmisano, Austin Kossow, Chris Darling, Ryan Palmisano and Carl Raymore defeated last year's champions, Bishop Timon, to emerge as the winners.

Trophies were awarded to the top 8 teams:

1st Place - Pioneer "A" - 4 pts.

2nd Place - Bishop Timon - 3 pts.

3rd Place - Nichols "A"- 3 pts.

4th Place - Sweethome - 3 pts.

5th Place - Homeschool "A" - 3 pts.

6th Place - Niagara Falls - 2.5 pts.

7th Place - Starpoint - 2 pts.

8th Place - Pioneer "B" - 2 pts.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the league this year and and to all the coaches and parents for their hard work too!

In addition, a special thanks goes out to the Rochester Chess Center for hosting and organizing the league!

Complete results from the event can be viewed here at.... 2011 Buffalo Area Interscholastic Chess Playoffs

USCF National K-12 Day One Results

Finally, we have arrived in Nashville, TN. Very warm temperatures and a HUGE Gaylord Resort arena awaits the Dark Knights from East High.

Karl D. White had to change to the U1200 section because his rating had moved above 800. In Round 1, Joshua and James Hampton scored the first points for the team. New comers were somewhat nervous for their first time in a Huge setting with over 1100 players and 218 players in the U800 section.

In Round 2, the new comers have made adjustments and performed better. Only Justin, still playing competitive games and so close but no points. Jonathan and Karl both now have earned a point each. The East High Dark Knights are in 17th Place out of 37 teams.

Todays theme for the team is "Moving Up Day" - Build Your House! Circle and Soar like Eagles! Games will start today at 9am, CST, yes we found an extra hour of sleep instead of pillow fighting in Columbus, OH the night before. Later this afternoon, we will be interview by Chess Life for Kids Magazine for a future article. GM, Maurice Ashley will be hosting a lecture today at 9:30am.

A last minute addition to the National K-12 Scholastic Coaching staff was National Master, Barry Davis who has been reviewing each player games for development and more insight. Pre - Championship preparations were provided by Lionel L. Davis, National Master and Dr James J. Paul.

All the players except for Karl and Justin will be playing the white pieces in Round 3.

Updates will follow later tonight! Keep us all in your thoughts!

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Happy Easter

Happy Easter

to all

who celebrate! God's graces to everyone!

Marijan

P.S. I just read on S. Polgar's Blog: "Did you know that in 1985, Garry Kasparov became the youngest World Champion ever at only 22 years 210 days?" Does that have anything to do with Magnus not playing for the world champion. Just wonder...

NASHVILLE, TN OR BUST TOURNAMENT 2011

This will be a "Bon Voyage" fundraiser party and tournament, USCF Open rated, 3 Rounds, Swiss, Game 60. Saturday, April 23, 2011 in the Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo NY. Please bring chess sets, chess boards and digital chess clocks.

All players must report no later than 9:30am.

Tournament Schedule: Round 1 at 9:45am, Round 2 at Noon and Round 3 at 2:15pm.

Prizes will be based on entries. Remember this is a fundraiser.

Come out and help support the East High Dark Knights Chess Team, traveling to participate in the 2011 USCF National Scholastic K-12 Championships in Nashville, TN.

Pictured with the Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield Jr and their first 2010 USCF National Team Trophy from Columbus, Ohio, will be using this event to help with Time management where the games in Nashville are all Game 120.

The Dark Knights will have Raffle Tickets available for $5.00 each, Grand Prize is $150 Gas Card, 2nd Prize is $100 GameStop Gift card and 3rd Prize is $50 CASH. The drawing will be on May 4, 2011.

Please invite any other chess players to play in the Unrated Section, Swiss, 3 Rounds. The other two sections are Open and U1500. Sections may be combined depending on the number of entries. Either way, USCF members can get another 3 games in for the month of April and help out a local chess team.

Business donors of $100 or more will receive a 1/4 quarter page ad in the 2011 Mayor's Cup FIDE International Championships on June 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2011.

Please register in advance by friday, April 22, 2011 with full name, USCF Id number, section of play and telephone number.

Thanks in advance for all your help and support! if you would like to make a donation to the East High Dark Knights, please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221, checks must be received no later than Monday, April 25, 2011.

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

BUFFALO FIRE COMMISSIONER RESULTS

Crosstable
A very respectful thirty five chess players turned out for the Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. Chess Tournament on April 16, 2011, at Main Place Mall in Buffalo, NY.

The Buffalo Fire Commissioner got a chance to speak and shake hands with the parents, students in the Scholastic K-12 (Willie Mays#42 Section) and the Urban Queens - (Mary B. Talbert Section). He first applauded them for participating in the Royal game of Chess, encouraged them to continue to get better and to stay with the game. He also applauded the Buffalo Niagara Chess community for their active participation of working and being mentors for the scholastic players. Finally, the Commissioner took time to encourage and lift the spirits of the East High Dark Knights Chess team in their quest for a second national team trophy when they travel to Nashville, TN.

Pictured L-R front are Joshua Hampton, Jonathan Boone, James Hampton, Karl White and Justin Arrington, Back are Miles Glenn, Mc Duffie(Chess Ambassador), James Lyon, Ruby Soundant, Commissioner Whitfield, Jr., Isabelle Longfellow and Demetrius Jenkins. Not pictured but participated were Ariana Johnson and Imari Johnson.

WELCOME! TO The Buffalo Niagara Chess Community: Please welcome Ariana Johnson, Imari Johnson, Demetrius Jenkins, Miles Glenn, Brian Sayers, returning unrated players were Howard Patton, III and Nicole Capodagli.

The results of the Urban Queens - Mary B. Talbert Section, had 6 players participate. The Mary B. Talbert Champion - Ruby Z. Soudant, 2nd Place - Isabelle W. Longfellow, 3rd Place - Miles S. Glenn, 4th Place - Imari R. Johnson. Earning their first chess trophies were Isabelle, Miles and Imari, CONGRATULATIONS! Ruby Soudant and Isabelle Longfellow were members of the Buffalo Golden Knight Chess team who were 2011 K-12 Champions at the Fabius Pompey Upstate New York Scholastic Championships in Fabius New York earlier this month.

In the Urban Knights K-12, Willie Mays #42 Section had 6 players participate. The Willie Mays #42 Champion was Justin D. Arrington, earning his first personal trophy and is a member of the East High Dark Knights Chess team. 2nd Place - Jonathan J. Boone, 3rd Place - James W. Lyon, 4th Place - Joshua A. Hampton. Others were Karl D. White and James Hampton. James W. Lyon took 2nd place at the NYS Scholastic Championships in Saratoga Springs, NY and at the Fabius Pompey Upstate NY Scholastic K-6 section, also a member of the Buffalo Golden Knights Chess Team.

In the G.W. Whitfield Jr. U1500 Section had 9 players participate. Buffalo Fire Champion - James P. Davis, Esq., he has had a lock on the U1500 section for several months now. 2nd Place - Kevin N. Roulhac, a K-12 scholastic player who has earned a trophy in 3 of his last 4 tournaments and wanted to tests his talents in the higher bracket. Kevin was also a Buffalo Golden Knight Chess team member in Fabius, NY and he is the first Urban Knight Chess club member to arrive every wednesday night chess session at the Frank Merriweather Branch library. Congratulations Kevin!

In the U1500 Upset Leaderboard only had Kevin N. Roulhac (685) defeating Michael P. Skok(1162) for 477 points.

The G.W. Whitfield Jr. Open Section had an impressive 14 players. I was able to get in one game before the scholastic section started. Thanks for the new growth. Special Thanks to Mark Clark who drives to visit us and is a welcome member and friend from Jamestown, NY. Mark also host tournaments in the Jamestown area, if you get a chance drop down and "represent Buffalo. Welcome to the Open section for their first games are Justin Craddock, from the UB Chess Club which meets every thursday nights, Brian Sayers.

Back are the Open section Co-Champions - National Master Lionel L. Davis and National Master Barry Davis. We had the full complement of the Davis Chess team and none are related, Barry Davis, Charles L. Davis, Esq., James P. Davis, Esq. and Lionel L. Davis. The U1900 prize winners were Glenn Westcott and Harish Srinivasan.

Special thanks to Jethro Soudant, James J. Paul, OD., Diane Ruminski and Robert Simpson, Esq. for their continued support with hosting lunch, taking pictures and bringing healthy snacks.

Our next monthly tournament will be a "BON VOYAGE" Chess Party Tournament, Saturday, April 23, 2011. A USCF open rated tournament, Swiss, 3 Rounds, Game 60. Three sections of play are Open, U1500 and Unrated. The UNRATED section is for any chess player who wants to play but isnt a current member of the US Chess Federation. The entry fee is $10 and all the proceeds will go to the East High School Dark Knights Chess Team for Nashville, TN. There will be an Easter Basket Raffle and The Dark Knights $5.00 raffle available. We are accepting personal donations of $20 and Business donations of $100. Business donors of $100 or more will receive a quarter page ad in the souvenir journal of the 5th Annual Mayor's Cup FIDE International Chess Championships.
The 5th Annual Mayor's Cup FIDE International Chess Championships., June 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2011 held at Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY. This championships is FIDE and US Chess Federation rated. 30 Enhanced USCF Grand Prix points. The defending 2008 & 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion, International Master, Kenneth Regan, Ph.D has confirmed his entry and will be taking on all challengers. May the force be with you!

Those USCF rated U1500 (Jeff White Memorial Section), will play 5 rounds, Swiss, Game 90 only on Sat. June 4th and Sunday, June 5th, 2011. The Mayor's Cup Scholastic K-12 Championships will only be on Saturday, June 4, 2011, Swiss, 5 Rounds, Game 30. Chess teams of 3 players are also elgible to win a MAYOR'S CUP TEAM TROPHY!

Mayor's Cup 2011 FIDE Championship sponsors are Buffalo State College, Sudent Affairs Department, Simpson and Simpson, LLC., and Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Clinics. Business sponsorship opportunities are limited but still available.

If you have any questions, please email arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Check out our new FACEBOOK page for The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Pictures and other highlights will be featured only to those who are Facebook Friends. So join us and stay in touch. Give us your thoughts and comments on any ideas for facebook and chess. All comments and suggestion will be reviewed and considered.

Reminder to continue to "Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend" referral program to help us grow the Buffalo Niagara Community Monthly Chess Tournament. The Buffalo Niagara Community Monthly Chess Tournament is an affilate of The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, under the supervision and direction of Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and USCF Chief Tournament Director.

Report submitted by,

Mc Duffie, USCF Chief Tournament Director and Chess Ambassador

BUFFALO FIRE COMMISSIONER, GARNELL W. WHITFIELD JR., CHESS TOURNAMENT 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011, Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., will host inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, a USCF open rated chess tournament for players of all ages and all levels.

Garnell Whitfield Jr., a chess player and chess supporter of scholastic chess in the Buffalo Niagara region will be present for pictures and award trophies to the Top scholastic chess players.

The Buffalo Fire Commissioner will be present to help the East High "Dark Knights" Chess Team raise funds for the upcoming 2011 USCF National K-12 Scholastic Chess Championships. Please help support the Dark Knights by buying a $5.00 Raffle ticket, 1st Prize is a $150 Gascard, 2nd Prize - $100 Gamestop Gift Card and 3rd Prize - $50 Cash. Individual donations of $20 and Business donations of $100. The Drawing will be on May 4, 2011. The Dark Knights will travel to Nashville, TN on April 29th to May 1, 2011 for a 3 day, 7 rounds, Game 120 Championship. The East High Dark Knights won their first USCF National Scholastic K - 12 Trophy in Columbus Ohio in April 2010 with only three players. The 2011 East High Dark Knights now have five players, Joshua Hampton, James Hampton, Jonathan Boone, Karl White and Justin Arrington.

The tournament format will be 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 50 for the Open and U1500. In the K-12 Scholastic and Urban Queens(Unrated), the format will be 5 Rounds, Game 30, Swiss.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES $415.00: OPEN - $150 & $80, U1500 - $60 & $50. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 5 players in the Scholastic section.

Advance Entry Fees: Open & U1500 are $25 or $35 Cash at the door. Scholastic K-12 section Advance Entry Fees: $10 or $15 Cash at the door.

Mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 no later than wednesday, april 13, 2011 with full name, uscf id number, section of play and telephone number. Advance registration with reply no later than friday at midnight on April 15, 2011 to Arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

PIZZA and Refreshments provided to all tournament players.

Pictured are the New 2011 Fabius Pompey Upstate New York Scholastic K-12 Champions! Congratulations goes out to the 12 members of the Buffalo Golden Knights Chess Team. Top K-12 trophy honors were awarded to Joshua Hampton, who had a 4 - 0 perfect score, but lost in a 5 minute blitz playoff, 3rd place - Trevor D. Cohn, In the K-4 section the Golden Knights won 3rd Place with players Anna Nilsson, Ethan P. Robinson both from the Lockport Knights Chess Club and Ruby Soudant and Laura E. Cohn. Top Medal honors was awarded to Ethan P Robinson. In the K - 6 section, Top honors was awarded to James W. Lyon, student at St. Peter and Paul School in Hamburg NY. Other Golden Knights were Kevin N. Roulhac, James W. Hampton, Karin Nilsson, Isabelle W. Longfellow and Corey K. Spencer.

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

Madden wins in Sardina

Ryan Madden won all 3 games to win the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. Ryan was in good form as he defeated Luke Grisanti and Chris Darling before beating Pat Patterson in the final game. Patterson bested the Palmisano brothers (Ryan and Nathan) in round 1 and 2 before losing to Madden. Also competing in the adult section were Wes Darling and Max Peters. In the scholastic section Wes Darling of Pioneer and James Lyon of Hamburg tied for 1st with 5 out of 6 possible points. Max Tell of Orchard Park along with Max Peters, Luke Grisanti, Zach Madden, and Anderson Miles of Pioneer also competed. Next tournament May 7th. See you there!