President Obama Day Classic 2012 Results

Forty one players participated at the Main Place Mall on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in four sections; The Whitney Houston Memorial Open, Presidental U1500, President Obama Scholastics USCF rated and Buffalo Stars Unrated Scholastic.

The Buffalo Stars winners were undefeated Champion - James Shippens, Olmsted Golden Knights Chess Club, 2nd Place - Mu-ath Kinsey, Gloria J Parks Chess Club and Liberty Wendt from the Lockport Knights Chess Club. Pictured from l-r are Liberty Wendt, James Shippens and Mu-ath Kinsey.

In the President Obama Stars K-2 section was Champion Ashton William from the Stars of India Chess Club and Heim Elementary. In the President Obama Stars 3-8section, undefeated Champion Maxwell Peters, Pioneer Middle School Chess Club, coached by Thomas A. Warner, USCF Chess Coach, 2nd place tie, tie breaks as follows were awarded trophies in order, Dylan Teague, Lockport Knights Chess Club, Trevor D. Cohn, Urban Knights Chess Club, Todd Thompson, Pionner Chess Club, Lucas Grisanti, Pioneer Chess Club and Bradley Schrock, Pionner Chess Club. Medals were awarded to Maxwell Peters, Lucas Grisanti and Bradley Schrock for their added efforts in the U1500 section. Pictured l-r seated are Lucas Grisanti, Tevor Cohn, Maxwell Peters, Dylan Teague and Bradley Schrock, l-r back are Todd Thompson, Dekayla S. Dubose, James W. Lyon and Zach Madden.

The results in the President Obama U1500 section are undefeated Champion Glenn Conlin, 2nd place tie was David Curtis and Charles L. Davis. Upset leaders were Charles L Davis defeated Trevor D. Cohn(1157) for 158 pts, Bradley Schrock defeated James W. Lyon(986) for 112 pts, Lucas Grisanti draws Trevor D. Cohn(1157) for 92pts, Maxwell Peters draws Trevor D. Cohn(1157) for 22 pts, Dylan Teague draws Maxwell Peters for 10.5 pts, and Glenn Conlin defeated James J. Paul(1442) for 5pts.

The Open section was dedicated in loving memory of Whitney Houston for her musical talents and the music she gave to us. I happened to be backstage at the concert she gave at the Buffalo Aud and the performance was outstanding. We should all live our lives, because life is too short. Keep her family, especially her daughter in your thoughts and prayers.

The Whitney Houston Memorial Co Champions were Lionel L. Davis, National Master and Barry Davis, National Master, U2000 winner was shared by Thomas A. Warner and Lucas Seybold from Fredonia, New York. Upset leaders were Lucas Seybold - 259pts, Thomas A. Warner - 170 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac - 106 pts, and Barry Davis - 32.5 pts. Upsets were as follows, Lucas Seybold defeated James P. Davis, Esq.(1521), Lucas Seybold defeated Gary A. Boye(1600), Kevin N. Roulhac defeated James P. Davis, Esq., Thomas A. Warner defeated Glenn Westcott(1934), and Barry Davis draws Lionel L. Davis(2245).

Special "Good Luck" wishes goes out to all the western new york players who will be playing in the 45th Annual New York State Scholastic Championships on March 3rd and 4th in Saratoga Springs, New York. I will report to the blog from Saratoga Springs to keep everyone updated on the progress.

Please save the date for our next tournament on Sunday, February 26th at the Buffalo Central Library, Lafayette Court in Buffalo, NY, players are to report by Noon and games will conclude by 4:30pm in the Fables Cafe.

Please SAVE THE DATE for our next Monthly March tournaments on Saturday, March 10, and Saturday, March 17 (St Patrick's Day) in the Main Place Mall. For more information, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Lastly, SAVE THE DATE for the 6th Annual Buffalo International (FIDE) Chess Championships 2012, Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd, 2012 to be held at a new location The Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, Buffalo, NY. Please check your Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids magazine issues in April and May. Advance discounted registrations are greatly appreciated. Added New Sections, a Women's FIDE Championships, Game 120;d5 in honor of American Heart Association and Breast Cancer Awareness and Saturday ONLY - The William Zachary Memorial U1900 Section, Game 60;d5, other sections are Mayor's Cup FIDE Open featuring International Master Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D, three time Mayor's Cup Champion. Saturday ONLY - Jeff White Memorial U1500 Section, Game 60;d5 and Buffalo Scholastic Team K-12 Championships, sections K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, Team Discounts for 4 or more players are available.

Mayor's Cup Championships Hotel Headquarters is Comfort Inn and Suites, located at 475 Dingens Street, Buffalo, NY, phone 716-869-2800, Hotel rates are $119.99 per night are available for both nights. Canadians and FIDE rated players will get a $10 less on the entry fees if payable by May 19, 2012. For details, reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Mayor's Cup International Championships 2012 Sponsors are Buffalo State College Student Affairs Department, Niagara University Multiucultural Association, Old First Ward Community Center, Simpson and Simpson, LLC and Willie Hutch Jones Educational programs and Sports Clinics. Other partnerships are available upon request.

Reported by Michael A. Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director

SCHOLASTIC CHESS BOOTCAMP - FEB 21 - 23RD

The Lockport Youth Recreation Center will host a Scholastic Chess Workshop with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy located at 201 Willow Street in Lockport, NY. Located at the corner of Transit and Willow! This is our second Scholastic Bootcamp.

The workshop will present to students various chess puzzles, chess tactics and a chess tournament Game 30 with trophies and Pizza party on wednesday, feb 23. Chess sets and boards available but are limited. Chess instructions are provided by Michael A. Mc Duffie, US Chess Coach and Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Counselor. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are required to wear their uniform and can complete their 3 games towards their merit badge.

Classes will start on Tuesday, Feb 21 at 9:30am until 4pm. All checks or money orders should be made payable in the amount of $30 per student to the City of Lockport or call 716 434-3071.

Advance registrations are greatly appreciated by midnight on Monday, Feb 20th with full name, grade, school and telephone to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, US Chess Coach and Tournament Director

BLACK HISTORY GAME 60 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

In celebration of Black History month was enjoyed by 19 Chess Lovers and Chess players in the Main Place Mall, Buffalo, NY on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

Kudos to the following scholastic players, Kevin N. Roulhac, James W. Lyon and Ruby Z. Soudant who are dedicated to upgrading and preparing themselves for the 45th Annual New York State Scholastic Championships in Saratoga Springs, NY on March 3 - 4, 2012.

Results of the Harold S. Wiles and Frank K. Harney Memorial K - 6 Scholastic Medals Section was James W. Lyon, 2nd place - Dekayla S. Dubose and 3rd place - Shaka E. Davis. Pictured l-r are Shaka E. Davis, James W. Lyon and Dekayla S. Dubose.

Results in the Angelo Dundee Memorial U1500 Section were James J. Paul, MD and James W. Lyon were Co Champions. Upset leaders were Steve L. Baer with 263 pts defeating Jerome J Green(1330) and James W. Lyon with 6 pts defeated Vic Bahl(974).

Results in the Whitney Houston Remembered Open Section, attracted 4 top USCF rated players, National Master Lionel L. Davis - 2245, National Master Barry Davis - 2180, Sam S. Copeland - 2154 and Marijan Procyk - 2059. The field is very competitive, if you really are interested in playing Buffalo's best USCF rated players and your presence is Mandatory for the growth of Chess.

New Co Champions are Samuel S. Copeland and National Master Lionel L. Davis. Upset leaders were Kevin N. Roulhac finished with 179 pts defeated Gary A. Boye(1600), and Samuel S. Copeland with 71.5pts draws against National Master Lionel L. Davis. Others earning tournament 2 out of 3 points were National Master Barry Davis, Marijan Procyk, Kevin N. Roulhac and Harish Srinivasan.

There are other local chess players, who are on the sidelines waiting for higher talent, more cash prize money, lower entry fees, etc., when the talent is playing in the Buffalo Niagara Falls Chess Community monthly tournaments which has been organized for over 10 years and growing. If you are sitting at home or playing in another tournament hosted on the same day for a small chess community, this can't help the growth and think of how you can inspire the next young talent who may go on to be a Grandmaster. Chess Life Magazine features a quote from Adisa Banjoko, "Chess unifies people from multiple cultural, religious and social backgrounds. These black and white squares do not care what color you are or if you are rich or poor. The only thing they ask is show me your strategy, your patience, your skills." Thomas A. Warner, TD for Sardinia, NY Tournaments and I both share this statement and we appreciate those who have been supportive as well.

Kudos to the 2011 World Youth Championships held in Caldas Nnovas, Brazil where the USA Team had 30 students competing in Under 8 Open, Under 10 Girls, Under 10 Open, Under 12 Girls, Under 12 Open, Under 14 Girls, Under 14 Open, Under 16 Girls, Under 16 Open, Under 18 Girls and Under 18 Open sections, along with 10 coaches who were responsible for 6 players each, gave at least 30 minutes of review and pre tournament preparation time. The WNY area should work together and work towards getting our players exposed to the next highest level available and make our tournaments competive to all.

Our next tournament will be the PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY CLASSIC on Saturday, February 18, 2012, held at the Main Place Mall, Upper level, Free Parking under the mall, Pizza and refreshments for all paid tournament players, ADVANCE ENTRY FEE IS $25 OR $35, Scholastics $20 for players playing in the U1500. Payment must be received by Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012. Cash prizes are based upon 25 players. Buffalo Scholastic Stars K-12 Section, EF is $10 advance or $20 at the door. Trophies awarded to players in K-3, 4-6 and 7-8.

For more information or to preregister online for discounted entry fee to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, uscf number, section and telephone.

Special thanks to Simpson and Simpson for their in-kind support, The Main Place Mall and Shasti Soudant for capturing our photo memories.

Respectfully submitted by Michael A. Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director

Blizzard Bowl & Valentines Day results

“THEY CAME, THEY SAW, THEY CONQUERED”. CONGRADULATIONS PIONEER CENTRAL FOR WINNING THE 2012 BLIZZARD BOWL IN ALL 3 SECTIONS.

In the U1400 section Pioneer had 10.5pts to Global’s 10pts.

In the U700 section Pioneer had 10pts to Global’s 9 pts.

In the Unrated section (new this year) Pioneer had 5pts to Global’s 3pts.

The 2012 Valentine’s Day Tournament was a big success. Thank You Mr. Warner for the floor assistance provided during the tournament. The kids enjoyed themselves and received a good level of practice for The NY State Championship next month.

The 32 players who participated fought long and hard in 4 sections, and this is how it played out in the end.

The UNRATED section:

1.       KEEGAN KEMPF (4PTS)

2.       ALEXIS BURGOS (2PTS)

3.       MARIANA CORDOVA

4.       VICKY SLAGHT

The U700 section:

1.       TODD THOMPSON (4PTS)

2.       MAXWELL PETERS (3PTS)

3.       JEREMY ORTEGA (3PTS)

4.       ANDERSON MILES

5.       MATHEW SCHLAAK

The U1400 section:

1.       NATHAN PALMISANO (3.5PTS)

2.       CHRIS DARLING (3PTS)

3.       SAMUEL SANTORA (3PTS)

4.       JOHN BLUM

5.       ZACHARY MADDEN

The OPEN:

1. Ryan Madden

2. Donald Hoak

3. John Mauer

4. Antonio Cirillo

Our next HOME tournament is on:

MARCH 17^th, THE ST. PATRICKS DAY TOURNAMENT.

For more information and photos go to our blog at

http://gccschess.blogspot.com/

WILLIAM J. O'LEARY MEMORIAL CLASSIC RESULTS

Twenty eight players helped celebrate the loving memories with the Soudant-O'Leary family in the Main Place Mall on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

The results from the Soudant-O'Leary K-6 Stars Section crowned new USCF member Dekayala S. Dubose, undefeated Champion in her first scholastic chess tournament. 2nd place was Ashton William, Heim Elementary for his first scholastic tournament trophy, 3rd place was Ruby Z. Soudant, William J. O'Leary's granddaughter, 4th place was James Shippens and 5th place was Logan Wendt from The Lockport Knights Chess Club located in Lockport, NY.

Trophies were awarded to Top Female - Robin F. Quinney from the Gloria J Parks Chess Club, Liberty Wendt from the Lockport Knights Chess Club, Brandon C. Laury from the Enterprise Charter School Chess Club, Danielle Spencer from the Lockport Knights Chess Club, Robert Mann from the Olmstead Golden Knights Chess Club.

In the Soudant U1500 Section Champion was Steve L. Baer, 2nd place tie were James J. Paul, MD, Michael Skok and Adam Chelpinski. Top Upset leaders were Michael Skok with 424 pts defeating James J. Paul, MD(1489) and Steve L. Baer with 180 pts defeated Canadian player Vinay Sharma(1384).

In the William J. O'Leary Memorial Open Section Co Champions were National Master Barry Davis and National Master Lionel L. Davis, U2000 Class Champion was Erik W. Lubas. Welcome returning USCF member William R. Tallmadge.

Top Upset leaders were Brian W. Sayers with 748 points, Kevin N. Roulhac with 492 pts, Gary A. Boye with 313 pts, Lucas Seybold with 116 pts, Emory Parish 76 pts and National Master Barry Davis with 33.5 pts.

Remember to Tell a Friend, and Bring a Friend to help grow the Buffalo Niagara Falls Chess community. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please send your information to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Special thanks to the Soudant-O'Leary Family for their continued support to the promotion and growth of The Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

Submitted by Michael A. Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director

Patterson, Palmisano, Lyon win in Sardinia

Veteran Albert (Pat) Patterson surprised Ryan Madden with an Evans Gambit in round 4 and ended up tied for 1st at the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. Nathan Palmisano, who drew Patterson in rd 1, had a fine tournament and tied Pat for 1st. Both had 3.5/4.

Madden and Drew Tuck tied for 3rd with 3pts while Nathan's brother Ryan won the u1250 prize with 2. Lucas Grisanti also played well, getting 3 pts and winning the u1000 prize.

Other players were Garrett Thompson, Chris and Wes Darling, Austin Kossow, Carl Raymore,Zach Madden, James Lyon, Max Peters, Todd Thompson, and Austen Harris.

James Lyon won the trophy in the 8 player Scholastic section. Other participants were Garrett Thompson, Carl Raymore, Lucas Grisanti, Zach Madden, Max Peters, Todd Thompson, Austen Harris, and Jeff Schalberg.

No tournament next month. Pioneer's chess team will be heading to Saratoga Springs for the NYS Scholastic Championships March 4-5. Wish us luck!

USCF CHESS AT BUFFALO CENTRAL LIBRARY

Hosted by the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy have an official arrangement to host a series of USCF tournaments Game 30 in the Fables Cafe on the last sunday of each month until May 2012. The Buffalo Central Libray is located at the Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo, New York.

Tournaments are sponsored by The Archangel 8 Chess Academy and directed by Certifed US Chess Coach and USCF Tournament Director Michael A. Mc Duffie. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is celebrating 12 years of Educational Enrichment Youth Chess programs in the Buffalo Niagara Falls area.

The Tournaments will be held from Noon until 4:30pm on Sundays, February 26th, March 25th and April 29, 2012. Players of all ages and skill levels are invited and should expect to play three to four games. There is a USCF rated section for its members to play 3 games, game 30, USCF rated, section for Non USCF players and Scholastic K-12 players. Players should bring a chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Advance registrations are greatly appreciated with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, section, uscf number and telephone by midnight before the tournament game dates. These educational enrichment class series is designed to make chess visible and add to the quality of life in downtown Buffalo, welcome back former chess players to visit and support the libraries.

Pictured are the Stars of India Chess Club which meets weekly on thursday nights. Ashton William just became the 1st grade Champion at the 5th Annual India Communnity Center Scholastic Tournament on Saturday January 28, 2012 in Rochester NY. Ashton is scheduled to play in the New York State Scholastic K-1 Championships in Saratoga Springs, NY on March 4, 2012.

If you would like to join us please email to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELBRATION TOURNAMENT

Hosted by Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, an affilitate with the United States Chess Federation. Celebrating 12 years of Educational Enrichment Youth Chess programs.

This monthly USCF tournament is held every third saturday of each month held at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Free Parking under the Mall. $620 GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES BASED ON 25 TOTAL PAID PLAYERS!

Saturday, February 18, 2012. The format is Four games, Swiss, Game 50 with 5 second delay, USCF rated, USCF membership is required! PIZZA and refeshments are provided to all paid tournament players!

All players must report by 9:30am, Games start at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm. All players must leave the mall by 5:30pm. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock. USCF memberships can be renewed at the door.

USCF Sections: Open, U1500 and Buffalo Scholastic K-12. Cash prizes for Open and U1500 are Open - 1st place $175, 2nd $125, U2000 - $100 & $60, U1500 - 1st place $100 and $60. Advance entry fee is $30, USCF Scholastic -$20, U1500 is $30.00 OR $35.00 USD Cash at the door. No checks!

Buffalo Scholastic Stars K-12, Four games, Swiss, Game 30, must report by 11am, Games start at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm, Trophies awarded to Top winners in each section. Sections are K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Sections maybe combined depending on number of players.

Checks are to be received by Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 with full name, section, uscf number and telephone. Online advance registraions to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by midnight, friday, February 17, 2012 with cash payments at the door by 9:30am. Family discounts are available upon request with parent and 2children or more participating in tournament play.

The next March Game 45 Tournament will be on Saturday, March 17, 2012! Canadians, FIDE rated and Pennsylvania players are welcome to join us! Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend and help us grow the Buffalo Niagara Falls Chess Community. Replies to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and USCF Tournament Director

U.S.C.F. GAME 60 MONTHLY TOURNAMENT - FEB. 11TH

The monthly tournament schedule is designed to help those preparing for the NYS Scholastic Championships and the USCF National Scholastic Championships, hosted by Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy celebrating 12 years of Educational Enrichment Youth Chess Programs.

Tournament Champions in January 2012 were James W. Lyon, Norwich Scholastic K-6 Section, Redtail Airmen U1500 Section Champion was Tamas Gemes and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Open Section CoChampions were National Master, Lionel L. Davis and National Master Barry Davis.

Event Date is Saturday, February 11, 2012, Main Place Mall, Free Parking under the mall, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY. All players must report by 9:30am, games will start at 10am, Noon and 2pm. PIZA and Refreshemnts will be provided to all paid tournament players! USCF membership is required! Advance Entry fee is $10 or $20 Cash at the door!

In celebration of Black history month, we will honor the memories of two Buffalo Firefighters, Harold S. Wiles and Frank K. Harney. Harold S. Wiles was one of the first African American firefighters hired by the Buffalo Fire Department, was one of three African Americans to pass the firefighters exam in 1950's and was appointed the first African American to the position of Lieutenant in the Arson division. He was also a World War II Navy veteran stationed in the Phillippines.

Frank K. Hartney, was a retired Buffalo Fire Lieutenant, a member of the Canisius High School Sports Hall of Fame, served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II, received an Officers Heroism Award from the Fire Department in 1976. Keep them and their families in their prayers!

The format will be three games, Swiss, Game 60, USCF membership is required!

Guaranteed Cash prizes based on 20 total paid players in the Open and U1500 sections. Cash prizes are Open section $100 and $60, U2000 - $50 and $30, U1500 - $100 and $50 based upon 20 total paid players. Online Advance registrations are greatly appreciated by midnight on Friday, Februrary 10, 2012 with full name, uscf number, section and telephone to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. All checks must be mailed and made payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 by Feb. 8, 2012.

Buffalo Scholastic Stars K-12 Section, Game 30, Four games, Swiss, USCF rules enforced, Chess notations scoresheets will be collected for review. Advance entry fee is $10 vs $20 cash at the door. Games will start at 10am, 11am, Noon and 1pm. Medals are awarded to Top players. Sections are K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. USCF rated games if enough USCF players participate. Family discount with paid parent and children are available with advance notice.

New York State Scholastic Championships are in Saratoga Springs, New York on Sat March 3 and 4, 2012. Buffalo players registered are Ruby Z. Soudant, Alexis Schlaak, Matthew Schlaak, Ashton William and I will be in the K-2 and K-3 Scholastic Sections. If anyone else would like to join us, feel free to let me know and we are preparing our players now.

Help us grow the Buffalo Niagara Chess Community and join us! Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend!

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

Sardinia Tournament Sat. Feb. 4th At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, ( may be changed to 4SS, G/30 depending on # of entries) Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! 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