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Isolani's Blog
New Mexico Chess Organization's
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7-4-08 Tourney Prizes
I'd just like to say that I think that sacrificing 1st place money to give as intermediate prizes probably does not benefit that section. By doing this, you promote lower rated players to play up. This can be unfair to the higher rated players who joined the tourney to play other highly rated players and have little to gain from playing a lower rated opponent, both rating-wise and possibly learning-wise. By putting the bulk of the prize money into 1st, 2nd, and sometimes 3rd place you promote players to play with in the suggested section for them.
However, I think we should still give players the flexibility to play up because sometimes players of low levels can surprise us and play extremely well.
Congrats Dante
--Zach Stuart
stylegambit@gmail.com
7-4-08 Lets Play Poker
The 2007 New Mexico Open had 21 players, no masters and only two experts in the top section. The next section began at U/1800. So if you distribute prizes in an egalitarian distribution according to the number of entries, as suggested on the Forum (and as done in the Albuq. Open), then there would be little available for the top section. How then can you reward excellence and attract strong players and how can you try to meet the USCF recommendations for first place prize? You can’t always depend on donations as in the past few years.
Well have a look at our upcoming 2008 championship tournament. It also has four sections and even worse there is only a 300 point spread between 1100 and 1400 (an overgrown class!). I wonder what the prize distribution will be there? Six prizes again for 300 points and maybe everyone also gets a trophy! Afterall, every kid gets a ribbon for participation. Will masters play?
And while I’m finding fault, I might as well mention the fact that there are many lower rated adults who would enjoy a slower game than the posted G/60 for the lower two sections. So must a 1100 rated person play in the U/1800 in order to enjoy a game of chess and play all their games against players most likely rated over 400 points higher?
Because a few players, young and old, move quickly (and probably entice their opponent to do so) is that a reason for the above tournament design? Remember, there are plenty of scholastic and one day tournaments with G/60 time controls.
Legislators feed on the pork. Which members of the ‘board’ play fast and who plays slow? Watch their games at the next event.
Personally, I do not like algorithms chiseled in stone to determine prize distribution for all events. Experienced organizers using good judgment should vary prizes based on many factors (including bank account) for each individual tournament and section therein.
Idea: Prizes for the 2008 New Mexico Open mentioned above have not yet been set or advertised. The organizers already know what the fixed overhead is and advertised $1000 based on the number of expected entries. Let's all have fun with numbers, play with our calculators and everyone try for a ‘straight flush’ and post your results here. My distribution next time (don't want to tip my hand).
Art Glassman,
oldster, slowpoke, and one time organizer
7-4-08 More On Tournament Structure And Time Controls
I agree with Jeff on his prize structure and that a $1000 prize fund is stretched too thin with 4 sections. We want to attract more players to tournaments and bigger payouts would help do that. I remember competing in tournaments in the past when there were 2 sections: Open and Reserve (under 1600). Fewer sections of course means more money for class prizes, upsets,etc...I think the 3 section format that Jeff suggested is excellent.
I think the time control structure for the New Mexico Open is a great idea. I prefer faster time controls but slower time controls (especially in the open section) will draw more class A, Expert, and Master players to this event.
But I think I can speak for many chessplayers that the thrill of competition is most important and the more different tournaments to play in the better.
Keep up the good work Tournament Organizers and Directors!
Leroy Q. a.k.a. "Redd Dogg"
Reddog_317@msn.com
7-4-08 Prize money distribution
At the NMCO Executive Board meeting to be held on July 16 , 6:30 P.M. at the Frontier, the subject of prize money is going to have a thorough discussion and, hopefully, a decision will be made to be put in effect for the two Santa Fe tournaments (Sep. 13 & 14) and the New mexico Open on Nov. 1 & 2.
Board meetings are open to anyone who has played in a NMCO tournament in the past 12 months. President Silas Perry has asked for "feedback". Please attend and give us your ideas.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
7-3-08 Too Many Sections
The recommendation from Silas on Prize structure still does not meet the
USCF recommended payout for serious chess tournaments as mentioned by Art
Glassman -- a 10:1 ratio between 1st place and the entry fee. On the other
hand, it seems more important to have a larger distribution of prizes
in the lower sections. It does seem like a stretch for a tournament based
on a $1000 prize fund to support 4 sections. In the spirit of designing
some kind of tournament structure to meet these ideals, how about this:
Open: 1st $350 2nd $125 ($35 entry fee / 35 entries)
U1600: 1st $225 2nd $100 U1300 $50 ($30 entry fee / 25 entries)
U1000: 1st $80 2nd $40 U800/Unrated $30 ($25 entry fee / 15 entries)
This structure has the following features:
- 1st prize in the top section is 10x the entry fee
- 1st prize in the second section is 7.5x the entry fee
- A total of 8 mutually exclusive prizes overall
- At least 20% of the players in the U1000 section get a prize
I'm primarily proposing this structure to try and satisfy the ideas other
people have presented. I enjoy playing in the tournaments regardless of the
prize structure. The important aspect of the prize structure for me is
simply to draw more players. Do most players want a bigger prize to shoot
for? Or a better chance at at least getting something? It just seems
like the top section should have the bigger prize and the bottom section
should have better chances for at least getting something. Please share
your ideas!
Thanks,
Jeff Sallade
jeff@xwallc.com
7-2-08 Would-Have-Been Prizes
Since it seems that there was a general dissatisfaction with the prize
distribution, I would like to propose "A would-have-been" prizes. This is of
course not to reminisce, but determine how our members would like to see
prizes distributed in the future. As I stated in an earlier post addressing
Leroy's concern, I still think that a section's percentage of total entry
fees should reflect total prizes. The respective percentages are listed
below. Since the prize fund is based off 1000, the open will be based off
$375, the U1800 $250, the U1400 $250, and the U100 $125. I will leave out
discussion of the Nouveau sponsor prizes since these may or may not be a
factor in future tournaments. Gabe and Art both make the point that having
so many prizes when there is already several sections is illogical. I have
reflected this in the "proposed prizes" below.
Open 37.5%
U1800 23.4%
U1400 23.4%
U1000 15.6%
Open: 1st $175 2nd $125 3rd $75
U1800: 1st $125 2nd $75 3rd $50
U1400: 1st $125 2nd $75 3rd $50
U1000: 1st $75 2nd $45 3rd $30
Along with your feedback to this payout structure below, let us know where
you would like to see additional prizes if prize fund was bigger. Class
prizes? 4th or 5th places? Best game?
Feedback please!
Thanks
Silas
siperry@gmail.com
7-2-08 Run for Office
Y'know what? I just might do that. In fact, I'd like to do that. Except, I quote article 3, section 1 of the NMCO constitution, "All officers must be 18 years of age at the date of election." Looks like I can't!
Gabe Ewing
gabe.ewing@gmail.com
7-2-08 A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS
Finally someone has offered up a public opinion regarding the current (and last few years) tournament design structures. Well said Mr. Ewing and Mr. Quintanna. All we need now are a few 'unpaid' lobbyists to show up at the NMCO meetings to 'bribe' the politicians for some changes. To many sections (almost like a Class tournament) and to many prizes (1st, 2nd, 3rd, U/1600, U/1500 all in one small section -- phew!). Balance is possible without mediocrity. Most tournaments listed in Chess Life have as few sections as necessary to insure winners. Perhaps two sections and possibly an U/1000 to encourage beginners in five round tournaments of the size we have in Albuquerque (a four round event obviously requires more sections). The Pikes Peak Open which I will attend the first weekend in August has only one open section. One current board member was 'offended' that there would be a mismatch in the first round of a large section. (excused for lack tournament experience). But that is exactly what the Swiss System is designed to do. It provides variety and excitement and still allows players to gravitate to their level in subsequent rounds.
In response to Mr. Perry, NMCO president, regarding prize distribution by the current board for the Albuquerque Open: Reference 33A of current rule book; "A ratio of about ten to one between first prize and the entry fee is typical for serious tournaments as opposed to club events...." And in another section when the entire concept of prize distribution is discussed: "to reward the relative excellence of the chess played...".
But a chess organization is entitled to offer what they would like. So perhaps run for office next time along with a few like minded friends (almost a guaranteed win) and provide some relief. But be sure and have a look at a few hundred TLA's, which I do not think most organizers have done. Remember that our events are not 'big money' with many hundreds of entrants which necessitate an entirely different structure.
Art Glassman
6-30-08 More on Tournament Prizes
This is somewhat related to Leroy's comment/ question about the sections. I think that one major flaw of the otherwise excellent ABQ Open (strong, well run) was that while we had a sponsor (another good thing), those prizes given by Nouveau were not taken into account when creating the rest of the prize fund. This meant that the first prizes were: Open, $150; U1800, $80; U1400, $75 (I didn't see what it was for the U1000). In previous "Big Three" tournaments the prize for the Open has usually exceeded $200, and the U1800 has gone as high as $150. In both of these sections, there were two class prizes, the lower (rating) one given by Nouveau. In the Open, it was a U2000 and a U1900. In the U1800, it was a U1600 and a U1500. I think that the higher ones, the NMCO prizes, should be rolled into first place. Any player above 1900 in the Open or above 1500 in the U1800 has a reasonable chance of winning, and the 100 points between the class prizes in each section is not that much, realistically. Another thing is the $5 gap between the U1800 and the U1400. I use as an example my brother Isaac; if, in a few months, he can steamroll a U1400, why should he want to move up to the U1800 where he can bust his balls to try to tie for first and win $10 less than he could have gotten in the U1400? It only increases the incentive to sandbag to have equal or similar prizes. Yes, players that have good tournaments in the U1800, U1400 and U1000 should be amply rewarded. However, there should be a noticeable increase in rewards as one moves up in the ranks. Were my statements here reflective of my 2-way, $65 tie for first in the U1800 (At the Memorial/ Senior in January, a similar tie yielded about $80)? Almost certainly. However, I think that my points are still valid. Lastly, I would also like to congratulate Dante on his three 500-point upsets, and Jeff Sallade on getting 3.5/5 in the U1800. Both far exceeded what Professor Elo had in store for them.
Gabe Ewing
gabe.ewing@gmail.com
6-30-08 Response to Leroy on Prizes
It has been this board's policy to more closely base prizes as per how much
money each section brings in. I think this way is the most fair. There are
of course many differing opinions on how the prizes should be distributed.
Past boards have frequently 'subsidized' the top section with entry fees
from the lower sections, which is precisely what would have been done to
increase the prizes of the U1800 this weekend. Additionally your point that
many players that may have otherwise played in the U1800 section played in
the open or the U1400 due to this tournament's format is certainly valid.
However, your format suggestion is one that we did use just recently at the
NMCO Memorial and since you cannot please all with just one format, I think
a variety is still best.
As always we appreciate suggestions and will perhaps discuss this at our
next board meeting, which NMCO members are always welcome to attend.
Silas
siperry@gmail.com
6-30-08 Open Challenge
I challenge anyone 1500-1800 to a match of 7 games. To make the match interesting , a $10 bet per game is part of the challenge. I would like the games to be rated so if anyone accepts my challenge I will look for a TD to rate the games.
There are no tournaments in July so don't be afraid!
Leroy Q. a.k.a "Red Dogg"
Reddog_317@msn.com
6-30-08 Tournament Suggestions
Question: Should a lower turnout for a section constitute less prize money for that section?
The "Under 1800" section should boast the most active, competitive players in the state. .....
But because there are no section restrictions most of the 1700, 1600, (and soon 1500), players
play in the open sections of most tournaments. to distribute the money prizes more evenly in future
tournaments why not have 3 sections instead of 4? Example: Open(restricted to over 1600),Under
1600(restricted for 1200 to 1599), and under 1200. With 3 sections instead of 4 more money can be
distributed amongst the sections.
Leroy Q. a.k.a "Red Dogg"
Reddog_317@msn.com
6-30-08 Congratulations To Dante
Oye Homie, Congratulations on your birthday! It's in 3 days amigo! On a lighter note, Awesome tournament Bro!
Your performance gives inspiration to others and shows that "Ratings" Don't make the player, performance does!
Leroy Q. a.k.a "Red Dogg"
Reddog_317@msn.com
6-28-08 Chess match at Hummingbird
Paul Morton of the Chess Group (Meets at the Rio Rancho Meadowlark Sr. Center) has arranged for a chess match
with the students at the Hummingbird camp on July 24th. A passenger van will be leaving the Meadowlark Lane Center
at about 9 A.M. If U R interested, contact Paul at p.morton@att.net.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
6-25-08 Event Questionnaire
Joey Troy & Dale Gibbs of the Valencia County Chess Club are looking
to host a 1 day, $10, 3 G90 rated Chess Tournament in Belen New Mexico
in the last weeks of August 2008. We are looking to see if anyone
would be interested in participating. We have an online "yes or no"
questionnaire. Please check out http://hubcity.vcchess.net/
Thanks,
Joey Troy
http://vcchess.net
6-23-08 Volunteers needed
We will be Setting up the tables and chairs for the Albuquerque Open late Friday Afternoon, 6/27, starting at about 5:30. The more volunteers, the less time it will take. If you can spare an hour, please show up to help.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
6-16-08 Cross at the cross tables
After the Albuquerque Open Warmup tournament, I received an inquiry from a participant asking why he was shown on the USCF web site cross table, of the section in which he played, below a player he had beaten even though they had equal final total scores.
The answer is very plain if we read the top header of the cross tables: "Crosstable data is NOT SHOWN in tiebreak order and does not reflect any distribution of trophies or prize monies." TD’s have no control of how the USCF lists the tables.
Yes, it would be pleasant if the cross tables were in order of finish but I have no idea of what would be involved or what it would cost to modify the USCF software to do so.
Tie breaks were in the computer used at the "Warmup" and the final computer wall chart for the person’s section did show him above his opponent. However, except as tie breaks may influence prizes, (Money, title or trophy), my personal opinion is that they they are not of any really meaningful importance for the balance of the player list.
Art Byers, TD 2008 Albuquerque Warmup.
6-12-08 Do it for the system and the players!
The primary benefit that I saw in becoming a TD was to submit rating reports as soon as possible.
There is so much to gain in doing this from player satisfaction to a more efficient overall system.
The key that I have found in making timely submissions is to be prepared -- make sure you know how
to use your pairing software and get all advance entries entered into it. After that, verify the
data as you go. Even if you want to double or triple check the results, do it right away. If you
have more than 1 TD, go ahead and have all the TDs check the results entered into the pairing
software from the pairing sheets turned in. This approach will improve the accuracy of your pairings for the next round as well.
When you know the data is accurate every step of the way, it will be much easier to get the rating report
formatted for USCF and submitted at the end of the event. I know that large tournaments can get crazy
with the number of players around your desk and the number
of last minute changes they request. Aside from that, it just helps out tremendously to be prepared.
If you don't use pairing software and prefer to do it by hand, it might be a good idea to find
some one as an assistant that will enter the data into pairing software. This gives the assistant
a great learning experience in terms of understanding both approaches to pairing while reconciling any
differences that come up. The assistant should have plenty of time during rounds to make sure the
computer pairings match the official ones done manually.
From one TD to another, please just do what you can and ask for help when you need it. Delays are
understandable, but do what you can to prevent them. Thanks.
Jeff Sallade
Local TD
jeff@xwallc.com
6-9-08 Response to 6-8-08 Prize Money Woulda,...
You're totally correct, Art. If the P.M. ratings had been used for this tournament, I would have been placed in the next higher section. In fact, using current ratings (post P.M.), I was higher-rated than 3 of the 4 in the quad above me. The player that won the "Bishop" quad (the one above mine) also would have been placed in the next higher had current ratings been used. By my count, this occurred in 4 groups out of 9. I would much rather have played in the "Bishop" group and not necessarily won all of them than beat up on three (still very tough) players rated 30-60 points below me to win $55.
Gabe Ewing
6-8-08 Community Person
I have take a few small bumps on the forum.
Although Art Glassman lashed me with a wet spaghetti and Scott Kerns also had his informative view, both are much more experienced TD's than I - so I was glad their comments were signed as then I knew I should be willing to learn, for the future, from their expertise.
However, I do disagree with anonymous postings. It would never cross my mind to request that my name be left off a message submitted for posting on the forum - be it a simple announcement or something controversial. Of what are these anonymous persons afraid?
Anonymous comments, as far as I am concerned, are cowardly trash.
Art Byers
secretarynmco@msn.com
6-8-08 Prize money Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda been different
Fortunately, the NMCO chess playing venues in Albuquerque, such as the rooms at UNM and the Days Inn, do have Wi-Fi access.
However, at the recent Foothills Chess Club Quads by Knight, there was no internet access. The rating data on my laptop was the latest updated supplement available from the USCF. Those were the ratings used to assign players, who registered on-site, to quad sections.
After the Quads were posted, with printed ratings, not one player came up to Wayne or me and said that their actual rating, based upon rated tournaments not included in the most recent USCF supplement, should be different and, therefore, they should have been placed up or down in a different Quad. If a player had come forth with a claim of rating difference, could we have changed a section assignment lacking any way of verifying the claim on the USCF web site? I think not.
Still, one player in the QBK would definitely have been assigned to a different section had the Pir Maleki results reached the USCF before the close of business hours on the the deadline and been published in the supplement. There is a reasonable chance that the winner of prize money in one or two sections might well have been different with this reassignment.
Art Byers, local TD
secretarynmco@msn.com
6-7-08 Re: TD Submissions and Public Floggings
TD reports need to be submited within 7 days, the TD is not under the obligation to
ensure that the report is received within the rating office within 7 days,
correct? The 2008 Pir Mileki was received within 7 days (4/26 - 5/3) by USCF
this year. It was received by USCF in 4 days in 2007 (4/21 - 4/25). The 2006 Pir
Mileki obviously had some sort of glitch in it... 28 days to be received.. maybe
illness or technical difficulties occurred. The 2005 Pir Mileki was received within
14 days - submit in 7, 4-5 days for snail mail..... that is 11-12 days there, +/-
2 days extra cause of late TD submission OR because of processing time to be
received within USCF offices (weren't they moving from NY to TN at that time
period?). Sure, you want the info to be submitted the first time as cleanly as
possible, and it is great to be able to submit online as a TD rather than via snail
mail to USCF... But, it still seems that it is really
too close a cut off (have to be received by USCF office, and rated by that Friday
afternoon to ensure being in the new Ratings Supplement ) to bank on it working
every time, to try to affect the new ratings for a tournament the following month.
That is my point.
Community Person
6-7-08 Anybody interested in Chess960?
Is there anybody out there who is interested in organizing a Chess960
(a.k.a Fischer random chess) club? Are there other people out there
who are far more interested in the spontaneity that Chess960 affords
than in the endless memorization of openings that orthodox chess
requires?
Alternatively, are any of the TDs who are posting here interested in
organizing a Chess960 tournament? It wouldn't be rated, of course, but
it should be quite fun.
Please let me know.
Or Amit or.amit@gmail.com
6-6-08 Seven Days Versus the 11th Hour
Anonymous Community Person wrote, "Six days was not the main
issue but rather that a more important deadline was looming at the 11th
hour". Well said. The seven day time frame as discussed by TD Kerns in his post
was not the problem. But repeatedly not submitting in time for the following
month’s deadline for inclusion in the new Rating Supplement and the problems
created thereby is the main issue. I do not think USCF was making corrections
to ID’s, etc. at 11pm on a Fri. night. Therefore I assumed that if the TD was
waiting on corrections that he already had them in hand because he submitted an
acceptable report Fri. night. My claim was that extra effort should have been
made to correct any problems early because of the importance of "11pm First Friday
of the Month".
I did not feel you gave this very important issue coverage
in your excellent TD post. Hence it needs to be mentioned again.
Art Glassman
6-6-08 More on TD Organization and Submitting Rating Reports
As a tournament director, my job is to make pairings, make rulings, and get the tournament started on time. Making pairings and rulings is relatively easy. Getting a tournament started on time can be unbelievably hard sometimes. I take that duty seriously because the majority of players rely on the rounds to be on time. This is very apparent at Chessfest. Parents often schedule bye rounds for their children so they can do something else during the day, like play in a soccer game. If I postpone rounds, then I have to make announcements for all sections, post the new round times, and hope everyone got the message. Players might have to rearrange their bye requests, make different arrangements for transportation, and it just adds more chaos to the tournament.
It's no surprise to me that a lot of players will register on site if given the option. They like being able to decide the day before whether or not they will play. If on-site entries are allowed, the TD should make sure he has plenty of time between registration cutoff and the first round start time. At NMCO tournaments, we usually cut off on-site registration 20-30 minutes before the first round. That's sufficient to enter the on-sites into the computer and pair the first round. If a player wants to register after the cutoff, and I can't squeeze him in and get things started on time, I might give him a bye for the first round, then put him in the field for the second round. Don't know if that would work for a quad tournament, but it's an option. As for the idea that advance entries are for the players, not the TD, I would say that it's for both. The more advance entries there are, the better chance that the first round starts on time. That benefits everyone.
I do remember the Westside quads. Quads are nice because they are pre-paired for all rounds. I didn't use a computer at all for those quads. Just a quad results sheet and a pairings sheet to show pairings by round. All you need for quads is a name and a rating, then sort the field by rating and divide into quads, as Art Glassman suggested. Just a trick of the trade, I guess. As for the last non-quad section, it should be easy enough to pair that by hand, since the field is small and there shouldn't be a lot of rounds. I suppose you could swiss pair the first round by hand, post pairings, and then enter it into the computer once the first round started.
Another trick is that it is usually possible to make up for a late start somewhere later in the day in order to get the rest of the rounds started on time. I prefer this option to postponing rounds. Again, as Art Glassman pointed out, most games don't last the full time allotment. The TD has discretion to make sure those players whose games do last the limit have a reasonable break before their next round. He can do so while starting other games on time. If the tournament got off to a late start and is small enough to get a consensus from the players on what they prefer, cutting breaks short or postponing rounds, then the director has the discretion to do so. However, with a big field of players, it's not practical to get a vote on what the players would prefer. As a player and a TD, I like rounds to start on time. So I go with that as much as I can.
As for another recent forum topic, regarding timely rating submissions. I have been accused before of not submitting a tournament in a timely fashion. Three or four days after one of my tournaments, a player sent out a broadcast e-mail asking why I hadn't submitted the tournament yet. I was surprised to say the least, because per USCF guidelines, "reports should be submitted no later than seven (7) days after the ending date of the tournament." It's even at the top of the submission form. Sure, it's nice to get your games rated quickly, and online submission is quite an improvement over how things used to be with USCF. However, remember that the TD has seven days to make his initial submission, which I think is reasonable. If there are errors in the report which prevent the event from being rated (incorrect ID's, etc.), it may take more time to correct those errors and get the tournament rated.
Even so, a TD has the discretion to use a different rating than what is published if he feels that a player's published rating is not reflective of his current playing strength. He also has the discretion to change a player's rating during a tournament. If you register for a tournament and they use a rating that doesn't include your most recent results, you can always ask the TD to consider using your unofficial rating from the USCF website. I have adjusted ratings up and down a few times based on unofficial ratings. It gets tricky when the adjustment disqualifies a player for the section he is playing in, but there are remedies for that as well. I wouldn't expect a TD for a large event to consider using anything but the most recent official supplement, though.
Scott Kerns
6-5-08 Response to previous Post: 6-5-08 Response to 6-1-08 Its Not USCF’s Fault and 6-2-08 TD Organization Please
If a Forum only posts announcements, etc. It would not need to exist. The Front Page can easily take care of that. Open letters invite open response, ‘nice or not nice’, as long as opinion and factual matters are brought forward and there is no ‘hate mail’. A moderated Forum was discussed in detail a few years ago and guidelines posted. ‘Complaints’ were not excluded.
From my reading and interpretation, 'Its Not USCF’s Fault' mentions that this has been an ongoing problem and reference to ratings affecting future prize winnings in upcoming tournaments is only one problem caused by ‘lazy’ submissions. Six days was not the main issue but rather that a more important deadline was looming at the 11th hour. New TD, Art Byers, can submit a Saturday tournament on line and still have time to read the Sunday morning paper. Delayed submissions certainly affected me and several others who have expressed the same opinion currently and in the past. If talking to the TD does not help, then I’m glad someone posted it publicly.
The second post containing the ‘Pay Attention’ was certainly ‘not nice’ but perhaps there was additional interaction that could not be brought forward. After all, Mr. Glassman’s name was part of the original post. Perhaps that is why he responded? Perhaps the original poster was using delayed starting times as an excuse for increasing ‘late fees’ (mentioned at the conclusion of the post) and Mr. Glassman used this as a dramatic way of responding. I don’t know. Send him an email. If Art Glassman, aka, ‘nolosingchances’ wants to be ‘not nice’ that’s his problem. Open letters on blog sites are not ‘op ed’ journalism. Hence let’s ask why the critique or let the recipient of the ‘public lashing’ respond.
TD’s tell me they are used to this in the chess community and it has not stopped them from volunteering, nor will it stop me from playing no matter what section or what time controls an organizer or TD dreams up. But not having my new rating for the following month will cause me to vote with my dollars (entry fees)!
Another anonymous ‘Community Person’
6-5-08 Response to previous Post: 6-5-08 Response to 6-1-08 Its Not USCF’s Fault and 6-2-08 TD Organization Please
RESPONSE: I felt it was poor form for TD Byers to entirely blame the late-rounds problem on the players. Given this, a bit of chiding seems appropriate. And the suggestions that followed the chiding were constructive.
RESPONSE: The TD was the one who made the issue public in the first place. It is hardly 'lashing' to make justified criticisms in this case. How else will the new TD learn to avoid these 'glitches' in the future? And where's the bit of humility that comes with being 'new' at something? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to examine the registration process and attempt to speed it up, rather than just blaming the players?
RESPONSE: You might have missed the rest of Art G.'s argument. 6 days, in this case, meant that the MONTHLY deadline for rating was missed. That means, from a ratings standpoint, 6 days expands to 36 days [The monthly supplement rating is the 'official' rating used to pair people].
-Ryan McCracken
6-5-08 Response to 6-1-08 Its Not USCF’s Fault and 6-2-08 TD Organization Please
I'd like the chess forum to share worthy chess news and info. It feels like public
bashing when someone is told to "Pay Attention" and given a list of everything that
should've been done differently. People won't want to stay in TDing if they have to
get a very public lashing for various glitches. Six days to get the PirMileki
rated? So what. TDs work too and have reasons... 6 days is not excessive....
The online ratings certainly speeds it up, but you can't bank on it for a purse in
the next tourney. Be nice!
Community Person
6-5-08 Response to 6-2-08 TD Organization Please
I feel advanced entries are for the players not the TD's. Anyone who wants to show up late and see there clock running should be able to do so.
It seems to me the argument being put forth is meaningless trivia that ignores the feelings of the players who show up and participate.
Granted, not many players voice opinions at tournament events for a variety of reasons but when tournament directors do not explore or flatly ignore what the majority has to say then chess play in this state will be greatly diminished.
I also need to point out the disappointment of seeing no delegates from NM for which I can vote.
Douglas Field
6-3-08 Anyone going to the US Open?
Is anyone else going to the US Open in Dallas in August? If so, please give me a call or email me.
Gabe Ewing, 331-5334, gabe.ewing@gmail.com
6-2-08 TD Organization Please (in response to the previous post)
13 on site entries should not have caused any delay (requiring one hour from start of registration until start of tournament). It is quite normal for players to arrive at the last minute. And makes sense since they have traveled and also do not wish to wait for late starting tournaments. See my explanation below as to how to start on time.
Some prefer the shorter lunch rather than finishing late.Since games do not take the complete time most have time for lunch. Opinion is divided on this issue, however you can always take a quick straw poll of what players would prefer.
When we had 10 quads at the old Westside club it only took me (or TD Scot Kerns) 15-20 minutes at most.
Now Pay Attention!
I will bet $100 I can accomplish this in the allotted 30 minutes from close of registration until start of first round, and with time for announcements, and a sip of coffee! And I ain’t no blitz playing young’n, either.
Note that in round robin you don’t have to have the exact rating just as long as they belong in the proper quad. Hence don’t have to verify exactly before start. So don’t waste to much time trying to find the exact rating during registration. Also note that quads are not required to fall within the 200 point range guidline you mention above. In fact most times that will not happen.
This can all be done from start with a computer if properly set up. However, any glitches and you wind up in the situation that you experienced. I can shuffle cards and use my ‘eraser’ faster than fixing section files and reorganizing the program etc.
Yes, however they could fill out whatever information you required while you register other players. From experience, you will never get all players to come prepared with entry form/check or exact cash/magazine label, etc. Not to mention equipment.
Excellent suggestion for reduced on-site fee for those who bring the requested information. However small events should not require large ‘one-site’ fees. Large tournaments where they require notice of hotel reservations for logistic preparation usually require higher on-site fees. Large on-site fees will definitely turn away players. I know it has prevented me from entering such events in the past.
If you are the TD for an event it is obvious that you are the 'Chief'.
Art Glassman nolosingchances@yahoo.com
6-2-08 Advance Entries Please
Starting the first round of chess tournaments close to "On Time"
The importance of advance entries in helping tournament directors begin chess tournaments on time cannot be underestimated. Just as important is that on-site registrants arrive as early as possible within the advertised window of time for on-site signup.
In the recent Quads by Knight event held in Albuquerque by the Foothills Chess Club, Wayne Hatcher and I, the two TD's, were surprised by fact that 37% of the final total of paid entries were "on-site" AND that many players arrived in the last minutes of the advertised on-site entry time period. Because we turned no player away who was on line at the deadline, the first round began a half an hour late.
Although we did not hear too much in the way of complaints, We both considered this a poor way to begin. Rather than take time off the allotted "Lunch Hour", we chose to push the second and third rounds back by 1/2 an hour. This meant that some players, and parents of younger players, had to make adjustments in their plans for supper etc.
Obviously, it takes time to move all entries from the initial registration section into set of 8 Quad and one small Swiss sections, keeping as much as possible within the USCF guidelines of about a 200 point range. The delay was increased as we had already began to assign players to quads when a few late entries were delivered to the computer desk. That meant considerable reshuffling and increased the delay.
If all but a few of the entrants had pre-registered, We would have had no more than a trivial delay.
It would have sped up the on-site registration if those who chose to do so had been better prepared by down loading an entry form off the internet and having it filled out in full.
My viewpoint has changed! When I was a only a player I thought the added fee for on-site was, perhaps, unfair. Now as a TD, I wonder if it should not be increased to push players into advance registration. A suggestion would be to offer a few dollars discount off the late entry charge to those who arrive with a completed entry form and proof of current USCF membership.
Art Byers, Chief TD for Quads by Knight.
secretarynmco@msn.com
6-1-08 Its Not USCF’s Fault
The cutoff deadline for rating report submissions is 11pm Central Time the first Friday of the previous month. Therefore May 2nd at 10pm Mountain Time was the cutoff for the June 2008 ratings. This fact is well published and every TD who submits tournaments is supposed to be aware of it.
The Pir Maleki tournament was held on Saturday, April 26th. Six days should certainly be plenty of time to submit, especially with today’s current electronic submissions. It was not submitted until late Fri evening 6 days after the event, apparently to close, or past, the deadline for the June ratings. And if it was submitted just before the deadline but not rated until the following morning, then it is incumbent upon the TD to check on his tournament the following day and make sure USCF corrects the situation. Most TD’s submit within one or two days of their event!
Why is this so important?
Players whose ratings have changed considerably and perhaps have made hotel reservations for the National Open in Las Vegas (not to mention other important June tournaments such as our Albuquerque Open) may now be in the wrong rating ‘class’ and obviously their prize possibilities greatly distorted. Players many times base their entries to large expensive tournaments based on what they expect their current rating to be.
The same situation occurred two years ago when the Pir Maleki was not submitted until way, way, past the deadline -- a player whose rating fell to a lower category was planning on entering a large expensive June tournament with increased possibilities of large prize money. Fortunately USCF returns advance entry cancellations. Well, hotels and airlines charge for last minute cancelled reservations.
Furthermore, several young players whose ratings have increased substantially will now play in our Albuquerque Open at their previous lower rating (in possibly lower ‘sections’) and thereby probably take away prize money (and self-worth) from established players who may choose their strategy based on what they view on the wall chart.
Perhaps there were extraneous circumstances but the above scenario has happened more times than in the above two mentioned events.
So don’t automatically blame USCF.
‘Ratings’ have been solved for some time now with the new updated technology.
Voice your opinion for timely tournament result submissions!
nolosingchances@yahoo.com
5-26-08 Congrats on Simul Performance (Updated 5/27)
Congratulations to the following Chess Players for their excellent
results at the Simul vs IM John Donaldson Thursday May 22nd.
Winners: Holly McRoberts, Silas Perry, Chris Saunders, Jeff Sundell.
Drawn Games: John Flores, John Baca, John Arthur, Wayne Hatcher, Gabriel Ewing.
(Note: please let us know if we've missed any other wins or draws.)
Along with the excellent lecture and simul, we were also treated to a
brief visit with traveling chess luminaries, GM Jesse Kraai, IM David
Pruess and 2007 US Women's champion IM Irina Krush.
This was the best attended Lecture/Simul we have had in some years - no
doubt due to the efforts of NMCO VP John Baxter who obtained excellent
pre-event publicity in the Journal and in the Alibi.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
5-25-08 Changes in Durango
There are some big changes happening at the Durango Chess Club. Damian Nash is moving back to Moab, Utah, so he won't be running the monthly quick tournaments at the club or the monthly tournaments at the Recreation Center. However, Patrick Reilly and Anna Hopkins-Arnold will be stepping up to take over. Patrick is the new President of the Durango Chess Club and will be sending you emails from the address durangochessclub@gmail.com. Anna will be running youth tournaments with the help of Harry Bruell and other local parents.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
5-25-08 Searching for Michael Landolfi
I used to play chess many years ago on Cibola High School's chess team. Looking at this site, I noticed that there is a Michael Landolfi listed, and I am wondering if you are the same Mike Landolfi that was head of that school's chess team. If so I'd like to get in touch with you again.
My maiden name was Darlene Lawry.
Thanks.
Dar
5-20-08 Summer Chess Nights
All Ages Chess is back for the Summer 2008
@ the Loma Colorado Main Library in Rio Rancho
at the study tables in the adult & children's sections
Play a game of chess Tuesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm. June 3rd - August 5th
The library closes promptly at 8:00pm so please take notation on any game you would like to continue at another time.
Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Please bring your board if you have one.
Please note that this is not a chess class. Participants must know how to move the pieces, and play a relatively
quiet game of chess. Players are welcome to converse quietly across the board as needed.
Questions? Contact Janet Phillips, Youth Services Librarian, 891-5013 x3032
4-9-08 2008 Bobby Fischer Memorial 1st Prize Update
This is a Special Report....What you do not know and must now be told is that I, Joe Fromme, am not a reporter but
the Supreme Commander of the Rebel Forces against cultural depravity. We are victorious, all political leadership
and the Officer Corps of the culturally depraved have been terminated with extreme prejudice, and all enlisted persons
are now under elevated interrogation. My Generals have assured me that our methods are not torture. They are merely
watching 23/7 episodes of Blossom and Whos the Boss, and when that does not work then constant audio of Mariachi and
the rap music. With all the spoils in my possession, of course, I am happy to announce the guaranteed 1st Prize of the
Bobby Fischer Memorial Chess Tournament is now $600!!
Carry On my brave Chess Soilders...
Best Regards...
Commander Fromme, Manitou Springs Colorado.
4-9-08 Valencia County Chess
Valencia County Chess will have it's very first meeting this Saturday
the 12th, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm located at the Belen Public Library.
For more information please come and check out http://vcchess.net.
Thanks,
Joey Troy & Dale Gibbs
4-4-08 NM Polgar
The NM Polgar Playoff results are posted on the USCF site
-Ron Kensek
4-3-08 Results from Polgar, Denker and Team Championships
Hi,
Have these results been posted on any chess site yet? I have been unable to find those results.
Can you provide me with a link? I understand one of our students, Rebecca Deland, won the Polgar and
will represent New Mexico.
Thanks.
Mike Fallon
Bosque School Chess coach
4-1-08 Congrats Jesse!
Congratulations to Jesse Kraai on qualifying for the U.S. Championships from your first place tie
in Tulsa last weekend. The U.S. Championship will be held in Tulsa this May. Also, Steve Harrington
posted an extremely fine 3.0 score against strong competition.
3-26-08 2008 Bobby Fischer Memorial Chess Tournament May 3-4, Manitou Springs, CO
This is your reporter Joe Fromme speaking LIVE in the midst of an intense firefight...dont know
if you can hear me...chaos all around, our casualties are heavy but we have inflicted devestating
losses on the culturally depraved. Figures are sketchy however our official 1st Prize has risen to $500
with many officers expecting an even higher figure to come.
...arrghh...must leave now...
Joe Fromme on the Western Front...
3-26-08 Chess Club in Belen
I have talked with Joey Troy about the possibility of starting a chess club in the Belen area. Joey has
started a Domain and we are looking for possible players in the area.If interested please check out
www.vcchess.net/
I will be at the Frontier Restaurant on Wednesdays if anyone wants to talk to me
about this proposed club.
Dale Gibbs
3-13-08 2008 Bobby Fischer Memorial Chess Tournament May 3-4, Manitou Springs, CO
This is Joe Fromme reporting LIVE from the front in the war against cultural depravity at the
western front in Manitou Springs Colorado. The monetary tight wad insurgency is entrenched and
motivated, however the forces of good are making progress on a daily basis. I am proud to report
the guaranteed 1st Prize is now $400 as of March 13th...Please stay tuned for further developments...
Joe Fromme...joeychess08 News on the western front.
3-4-08 Thanks from UNM Chess Club
+++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks to everyone who came to the University of New Mexico Chess Club Octagon tournament. The tournament was held March 1 in the UNM Student Union Building.
Special thanks to Art Byers for directing the tournament. Great job, Mr. Byers! Thanks also to everyone who helped with the preparations and running of the tournament. Congratulations to the winners and all competitors. A special thanks to Mr. Byers and John Baxter for their donations to the UNM Chess Club.
We hope to host additional events and want everyone to feel welcome to attend. Also, a reminder that the UNM Chess Club meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 upstairs in the S.U.B. and guests are always invited.
Anthony Chen
President, UNM Chess Club
+++++++++++++++++++++
Dean Brunton
PNM Resources, Inc.
Alvarado Square MS 2812
Albuquerque, NM 87158
(505) 241-2618
dbrunto@pnm.com
3-4-08 Tournament Cancelled
There will not be a tournament March 29-30, 2008 in Socorro, NM
2-20-08 2008 Bobby Fischer Memorial May 3-4
BREAKING NEWS...February 20th...1st Prize is guaranteed at least $300 with donations continuing to roll in to the first prize. Free perks at the tournament site. Please stay tuned to the Colorado Site Event for further late breaking developments...this is Joe Fromme...Colorado Chess..reporting LIVE from Manitou Springs Colorado
1-30-08 Guest Chess Mentors Wanted
Dear NM Chess Players:
I am looking for players who enjoy mentoring teens to "guest coach" at the Saint Michael's High School Chess Club in Santa Fe. The club is able to pay for the mentoring. I'm open to suggestions - the mentor could guest teach at just one meeting, hold a simul, work out a series of lectures - as he/she chooses. Call or email me for more information and to share your ideas. The club usually meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
Melissa Lewis
SMHS Chess
phone 505-501-6477
email mlewisfamily@mac.com
1-28-08 Lost and Found from Monta Vista K12
LOST at Monte Vista K12 on 1/26 - A clear iPOD with white headphones. No questions asked; $20 reward. It has a code in it that is needed to activate, so no use without that code but desperately wanted back! Contact Marcelo Rosales at 897-CHES.
FOUND at Monte Vista K12: One child's coat with hood; a second child's warm-up jacket. Write laurablalock@yahoo.com, or 877-1067 with questions.
Laura Blalock
1-28-08 Back Issues of Desert Knight Available
NMCO has in storage some excess back issues of Desert Knight. They are available for $1.00 each (to cover the cost of a mailing envelope and postage) on a first come first served basis.
Send your requests payable to NMCO, to P O Box 4215 Albuquerque NM 87196. PLEASE PRINT your name and address on a separate piece of paper as it will be used as a label to mail the copies to you.
Available: October 2004 4 copies; October 2005 27 copies; January 2006 26 copies; Oct 2006 12 copies; January 2007 11 copies; ; June 2007 5 copies; September 2007 15 copies.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
1-18-08 R.I.P Robert James Fischer
R.I.P Robert James Fischer, 1943-2008
No matter how you chose to spend your later life, your games inspire us all.
Gabe Ewing
1-18-08 Bobby Fischer RIP
Have just seen from a number of news sources that Bobby Fischer passed away in Reykjavik
He was 64 -- one year of life for each square of the chessboard. Somehow strangely fitting.
|
Dr J (Dr Jeffrey Neil Burch) jeffrey.burch@lmco.com |  |
877/365-5491 (pager)
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Company
Advanced Development Projects
Marietta, Georgia 30063
1-14-08 Memoriam -- Pamela Minzner, A Supporter of NM Chess
Pamela Minzner, who was the first female Chief Justice of the NM Supreme Court, passed away this fall. Justice Minzner was also a supporter of NM Chess. Her sons Carl and Max were accomplished players, including a state high school championship. Husband Richard has been a longstanding club and tournament player.
Along with other support to the chess community, Justice Minzner served on the organizing committee for the 1988 National High School Chess Tournament held in Albuquerque. The 1988 tournament was a remarkable achievement for NM scholastic chess. It drew over 800 players, easily the largest turnout that tournament had seen. Tournament Director Andy Nowak has cited the tireless work of Pam and the other organizers as essential to that success.
At this week's Memorial Tournament, NMCO hopes to remember those who have contributed to NM chess as players and supporters. If you would like to share memories of Justice Minzner or others, please join us at the tournament or respond to this Forum.
Dean Brunton
1-10-08 Welcome Wayne!
The NMCO Executive Board is very pleased to announced that at the business meeting of January 9th, WAYNE HATCHER was the unanimous choice to be the new Tournament Organizer. Accordingly, Wayne - by filling this vacancy - is now a voting Board member.
Wayne's initial task will be to visit the Days Inn to finalize all details in preparation for the January 19/20 Memorial Senior tournament.
Welcome Wayne, we are glad to have you on the Board.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
1-2-08 Weather is Great for this Saturday's third annual Al Ufer Memorial tournament
Warm up for the New Mexico Sr/Memorial by playing in the Third Annual Al Ufer Memorial (4-SS, G/60) in the Colorado Spring's suburb of Manitou Springs.
The weather for the 6-hr trip from Albuquerque is expected to be great including over Raton Pass; fill up the car, share gas expenses and make it a beautiful end-of-the holidays roadtrip.
As always, if you need a floor to lay your sleeping bag down or a backyard to set up your tent for the tournament, drop me an email: Dean Brown at browndw1@mindspring.com.
Dean Brown
browndw1@mindspring.com
12-30-07 2008 Memorial Tournament and Senior Championship
The 2008 Memorial Tournament will be held on January 19-20, 2008, at the Days Inn in Albuquerque at 2120 Menaul NE. The Memorial is open to all players (USCF membership required). In conjunction with the Memorial, the 2008 New Mexico Senior Champion will be determined as the top section's highest scoring NM resident over the age of 50.
Advance registration saves you $10 on the entry fee and helps ease the registration process for us. The Days Inn is conveniently located near the I-40 and I-25 interchange in central Albuquerque. Hope to see you there.
The Memorial is designed to honor members of the NM community who have passed away. The tournament sections this year have been named in honor of Tom Keffer, Randall Greenup and Robert Zing. However, we wish to remember all members of NM Chess. If you have someone that you would like to see mentioned at the tournament, please forward any names or information to this Forum or to NMCO.
Dean Brunton
PNM Resources, Inc.
Alvarado Square MS 2812
Albuquerque, NM 87158
(505) 241-2618
dbrunto@pnm.com
12-08-07 Also Missing
Players at the Balloon Museum Quick Challenge -Please check your equipment!
Someone took Chris Candelario's Zaitec Clock by mistake. If you find you have it, please post a reply on the forum so Chris can get it back.
There were a few "Coaches" at the tournament - perhaps one of them, in a hurry to leave, packed it up with all the stuff they brought for their students who played. Again, please check your equipment.
We recommend marking the bottom of your chess pieces, with a laundry marker, with your initials and taping your name and telephone to your clocks.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
12-08-07 Attendance
The NMCO officers are very pleased to report that the Balloon Museum Quick Challenge was a big success. The room could only hold 40 players and 40 we had! We were treated like royalty by Toni Fleischer, who is the development coordinator for the Museum. Toni gave us the impressive conference room so players who were finished could talk without disturbing the ongoing games.
At the next NMCO Executive Board meeting, we will discuss holding additional events at the museum - hopefully in larger quarters.
Everyone seemed to have a fine time. We were very pleased to see a few "Scholastic Coaches" at the tournament and doubly pleased that they brought some of their students with them.
There were a few pleasant surprises - Six unrated newcomers to official USCF chess played and all did respectably in their first "Quick" tournament. The best of the unrated was Sam Dooley, finishing 9th overall out of 40 players.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
12-08-07 Lost and Found at Balloon Museum
The Lost and Found strikes again!
Left behind at the Balloon Museum.
One chess piece: Name the piece, color and weighted or not weighted and you get it back.
One chess book: "Winning with the Scotch" - by Gary Lane. There is an inscription on the inside that the owner should know.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
12-06-07 Quick Chess Challenge
Just letting you know that at about 9:50 A.M. on Saturday Dec 8th, a NMCO volunteer will be at the front entrance to give chess players an entry pass to the museum. The Chess player Museum entry fee is included in the $10 you will pay to play. Registration starts at 10 A.M. We expect to begin play at about 10:40.
At the door you will also get an entry form to fill out for the Quick Chess.
Parent or guardian of youngsters - please pay your entrance fee at the ticket window.
Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Make a left turn and go down the hall to the playing room.
Remember, there is no food allowed in the playing site and no food facility in the museum. You may bring bottled water and small snacks like a granola bar or candy bar. There will be a one hour lunch break - Route #528, within a short drive, has places where food is available.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
12-05-07 Re: Susan Polgar Blog Article
Thanks, Dr. J!
I did a little Googling, and I believe the story was originally published in the November 29th issue of the Albuquerque Tribune:
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/nov/29/passionate-students-face--10th-annual-chess-fest/
John Baxter
12-05-07 Susan Polgar Blog Article
For those who haven't seen it already, there is an article on GM Susan Polgar's
chess blog site at susanpolgarblog.com. The
article is about Albuquerque school children playing chess, from an on-line
publication called Education Week. Scroll down about 1/4 of the way down from
the top to find it (it's entitled "Albuquerque kids compete").
Dr J
(Dr Jeffrey Neil Burch)
doctor.j@mindspring.com
11-20-07 NM Tech Retains Title
On Monday (11/19), the UNM Chess Club traveled to Socorro to play a match with the NM Institute of Mining and Technology team. NM Tech retained their NM State Collegiate Team Champion title for 2007 by defeating UNM 9-3. NM Tech and UNM tied for the "title" in 2005 and NM Tech won outright last year.
The Tech Club was a gracious host, providing snacks and a nice playing site. The Tech team consisted of Alexander Kornienko, Alexander Mikhalin, Brock Romero, Charles Florance and Vineet Patel. UNM club members were Holly McRoberts, Jules Carter, Claire Jarmosevich, Anthony Chen, Rosy Gallegos and Dean Brunton.
The Tech Club is hoping to sponsor a USCF tournament in the spring in Socorro on campus. It's a short drive from Albuquerque and a nice campus; should be a good tournament.
-Dean Brunton
11-19-07 Congrats to Douglas Thigpen
Congrats to Douglas Thigpen on his 9-0 first place victory at the All-American Cup held in Scottsdale. Especially nice was his 8th round victory over a cocky 1800 Arizona player.
Well done.
-Dennis Hedges
11-15-07 Albuquerque's hidden chess scene
Have you been to the Coronado Chess Club?
You might want to check it out -- taka a look at this week's
review in the Alibi.
The NMCO Board
11-12-07 Barony of al-Barran
Greetings:
We've had some preliminary conversations with members of the local
Albuquerque Chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism
(more formally known as the
Barony of al-Barran,
located within the
Kingdom of the Outlands)
about joining forces for some
entertaining chess events this winter and next year. If you have
any connection with the Barony of al-Barran -- or any chapter of
the SCA -- please contact me at your convenience.
John Baxter
chessnm@yahoo.com
10-21-07 UNM Class Tournament
The UNM Chess Club invites you to the UNM Class Tournament this coming
weekend, October 27-28. There is still time to register early. Details
and a registration form are at www.nmchess.org. Early registration
saves $5 on your entry fee and helps the organizers get started on
time. And you can sleep in an extra hour on Saturday morning.
The tournament will be held in the UNM Student Union Building, on
campus at 117 Cornell NE (one block north of Central). The tournament
will be in SUB Ballroom C; a very spacious room with excellent lighting
and acoustics. The SUB has plenty of room for skittles and analysis
and also has food vendors in the building.
Hope to see you there.
Anthony Chen
10-21-07 Volunteer Chess Mentor
We're looking for a strong chess player who wants to mentor chess to an interested group of learners (Jefferson Middle's A team) on Mondays betw. 3-4 pm. You don't need fingerprints or a long application process since you'd only be working with 5-6 players in the club, while the Jefferson Chess Coach worked with the other players. This is strictly volunteer for someone who wants to share their knowledge of chess and strategy to a small group of interested and competent players. Thanks! laurablalock@yahoo.com
10-10-07 Special thanks to KOB-TV
If you missed the Columbus Day news coverage of National Chess Day on
KOB-TV Channel 4, here is a link to the segment that ran during their
5 p.m. newcast:
http://kob.com/article/stories/S220496.shtml
Special thanks to KOB-TV and KOB.com for permission to reproduce the link.
John Baxter
9-21-07 WOW! Congratulations to both the 'winner' and 'designer'
[Refer to 2007 Series with Jeff Sundell at the top; compiled by Jeff Sallade]
I would like to recommend a retroactive prize (perhaps a free tournament entry) for
the winner. And that NMCO quickly vote to decide on making additional prizes for all
the class winners for the following season to begin with the 2007 'class' tourn.
I'm sure everyone will enjoy this piece of work. Thanks Jeff.
Art Glassman
9-17-07
Is there anybody out there who wants a free entry to the next big ABQ tourney? All you have to do is to show off how much you know about chess in New Mexico. No stress. Last Monday, after his Border's lecture, I quizzed GM Kraai about the Jesse questions and he missed a couple! and NOBODY knows who beat Kraai at the '85 Santa Fe Open. So here's your chance to outsmart a Grandmaster!!! Email your answers to me cuanto antes... that means rapido.. if there is a tie then the 1st answers received are the winners. Don't be afraid to guess the ones you can't find. Regular contestant and last year's winner, Jeff Burch, has moved out of state. Previous winner,Ron Kensek, is too busy to give his time to chess! Another past winner,Ryan double exclam, is winding down from his editorial strains...So... are you going to let yet another out of state player come and win our NM competitions like they did in the last few NM tourneys? Who will take up the challenge? PLEASE email me your answers no matter how manyquestions you were guessing..you could win. The questions are in the latest DK magazine which is also readable on this website. Good luck. Google well, Jim Johnston
9-13-07
Jefferson Middle Needs a Chess Coach - Jefferson Middle, located blocks from UNM,
is seeking a Chess Coach for its Chess Club. The Club meets twice per week, Monday and Wednesday, and currently has 12 eager and able players. Duties would be twice per week chess instruction to streamline and improve play, maintain a ladder, and prep for and attend six ASCL evening meets. Times of coaching are 3-4 pm Mondays/Wednesdays. Pay is $18/hr for licensed APS staff, or a higher rate for an independent contractor (must do fingerprints and standard APS job clearance). If interested, please contact: laurablalock@yahoo.com, or cell: 379-3764.
9-13-07
Chess Team/Chess Club Instructor needed for local elementary school
(Monte Vista) near UNM for Fall, 2007.
One afternoon per week, traditionally Mondays from 4-5pm, with
occasional extra hours to prime for meets and tourneys.
Will attend six evening scholastic meets with the team during Oct-March time frame.
Moderate (1200/1300 USCF rated) chess skills needed, as well as good classroom management/communication skills.
Approximately 8 children currently on team, waiting to play chess!
Expectations: some teaching, coaching, pairing of kids, maintaining a chess ladder,
and general oversight of
the students to keep kids engaged in chess-related activities (1st-5th graders).
Standard APS fingerprinting/screening needed.
(One parent attends each team/club practice after school to help the coach and
to bring nutritious snack and assist players).
Pay - Bi-weekly:$18 per hour for a licensed teacher, or $10 per hour for
non-licensed staff.
Other option: Can negotiate a contractor rate ($20 per hour), but this only pays
twice per year.
Questions? Contact: Julie McIntyre at julmc@unm.edu or 573-4556.
Many thanks.
8-19-07
Check out the September Issue of New Mexico Magazine. Good article on Jesse Kraai
written by Susan Koenig.
Great job Susan
Dale Gibbs
[ *** Thanks for your supportive comments. However, I'm a little embarrassed by
editorial changes
that made parts of the article incorrect (such as Foxwoods and
the paragraph about FIDE). Perhaps the magazine was
just trying
to make chess
more user-friendly for casual readers.
And that can't be so bad. I am happy, though,
to see
our GM-Elect
featured
as one of
New Mexico's great artists. - Susan ]
. . . here's that article before the rag's rewrite
7-31-07
All Ages Chess Night at Loma Colorado Library is coming to an end with the end of
summer vacation.
Thank you to all who attended - we hope you enjoyed the time at the library! We also hope to
revive the chess night
next summer. Please remember that players are always welcome to use the library as a place
to play a quiet game
of chess. There are study tables in all the areas - children, teen, adult - which you are welcome
to use for chess.
If you have any comments or questions please contact Janet Phillips, Youth Services
Librarian, email:
JPhillips@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
7-27-07
Congratulations, Jeff.
I've enjoyed playing in two events where you were TD or Assistant TD, and I think you're doing
a
great job.
John Baxter
7-24-07 NM's newest TD
I just got the news from Larry Pond that I passed the local
TD test with a grade of 95%.
Special thanks to
Art Glassman
for his coaching and perspective. Thanks to the rest of you
for welcoming me as a TD
in recent NMCO events.
7-21-07 Synergy versus Alchemy
Early Saturday morning, a team from all around NM crowded into my van and carpooled to Socorro
for fun, food and chess,
hosted by Alex Kornienko's very hospitable Chemistry Department at NM Tech.
Long games between a dozen closely-matched opponents made for dynamic rated chess.
Battling on board one, former Master
Steve Harrington
brought out the
creative side of Expert Luke Calhoun. Luke is back from college to dazzle
the
NM chess scene this summer before going back
to Harvard Divinity School to complete his master's degree.
But these guys were just warming up! Most of them play again next week at the Team Tournament in Albuquerque.
We will try to post some of their games here shortly. Oh, and thanks to Art Glassman for organizing these events!
Susan Koenig
7-19-07 Interesting news on chess' close cousin checkers
I just saw this on Yahoo! News: "Computer program can't lose at checkers"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070719/ap_on_hi_te/solving_checkers
I've seen the Chinook program in action before, although I'm not enough of a checkers player to really appreciate it.
I think the interesting question is: how long until chess is "solved," if ever. I've read at least one chess author
(Hans Berliner) who thinks it will be about 30 to 40 years.
John Baxter
7-19-07
Did anyone else not get their Chess Life this month? I think I'm having a mail delivery problem, but wanted to check
to see if anyone else failed to get the Jesse Kraai issue of Chess Life.
John Baxter
6-26-07
be read correctly and messages came back ast not able to be delivered.
please send a message to Secretarynmco@msn.com
6-26-07
FOUND !! At the Memorial Senior closing cleanup. one Sweatshirt. Call or Email with accurate description to
prove it is yours 505-323-2433
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
6-26-07
Edward Lu (current rate 1660) is looking for a first team for the upcoming team tournament July 28.
Please reply to pinglu@nmt.edu or 730-0078.
6-21-07
House Player(s) wanted (rating 1000-1799) for Memorial/Senior Tournament this weekend (June 23-24).
Play one or more rated games for free if there is an odd number in one of the sections.
You must be present before pairings for any round(s) and let TD know.
Your odds of playing are better than 50-50.
contact TD or any NMCO officer when your arrive.
6-16-07
Competitors Needed
Three horsemen have come together to form the first team of the 2007 team competition. Advertising on our
FORUM works. Start preparing your favorite strategy (will board three try and copy board one moves?) against
"N-KB3, White or Black, every board - every game".
nolosingchances@yahoo.com
6-12-07
Knight Riders,
If you are a capable equestrian then you are welcome to apply to join my team, "1. N-KB3, White or Black,
every board -
every game" for the upcoming team tournament July 28th. My rating is 1893 and goal is
team average 1799.
nolosingchances@yahoo.com
6-09-07
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone found a black chess case at the Frontier last Wednesday. My son accidently left it.
Please email me at mspace2@comcast.net if you found it, or call me at 350-4924. Thanks!
Mike
6-07-07
Announcement: Hummingbird Chess Camp held July 22- 28 2007 will be on the campus of Hummingbird Music Camp.
Brian Wall, Life Master of Colorado and Anthea Carson of Colorado Springs and Robert Haines of Albuquerque
will
make up the Chess Faculty this Summer.
Information on Brian Wall can be found on the internet at several sites. Additional information : Write Elliott Higgins at Ehig@zianet.com.
5-27-07 (author of this post has withdrawn it)
5-25-07
Re: The Donaldson Event
It was great. John is a very pleasant fellow, he did a nice lecture on the accelerated dragon and talked about other chess
related topics.
He played a simul against 19 good tournament players (like Silas, Brad Peterson, Robert Hampton, Dean, myself,....)
and gave a choice of color to the players which was very generous and courageous of him. The simul resulted in 16 wins
and 3 draws with John Flores, Dale Gibbs, and
Rodelio Ronquillo. Donaldson played fast and viciously.
I took some pictures. I will post them tonight.
Ramzi
5-23-07
All Ages Chess Night is coming to the Loma Colorado Public Library in Rio Rancho this summer!
Every Tuesday
evening, starting on 5 June, chess players of all ages are invited to come and play chess
at the library from
6:00-7:30pm.
Please bring your own board. If you are able to come early or stay late to help move tables & chairs - great! Pairings will
be informal, and game results will not be recorded. There are vending machines in the library with water, coffee, and sodas.
The library is located at 755 Loma Colorado Dr NE (in between Rio Rancho High School and Blades Ice-Skating Arena).
For further information, or to volunteer to assist with pairings & answering questions at the event, please contact
Janet Phillips, Youth Services Librarian, email: JPhillips@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
5-20-07
chess group that will meet once per week for 1-1/2 hrs at Frontier during June and July. Need 1 month commitment at a
time to attend. Write laurablalock@yahoo.com with ?s,
5-15-07
Sorry for the question... have a 10 year old boy who is looking for a chess club in ALB. Please help!
Lisa Grover
5-10-07 In response to: Chess 960 (Fischer Random Chess)
that would ease things as no USCF membership w/b required. Since it is a novelty, perhaps other regular players would like
to try a 960 tournament once. .
president, Munir Hammad, we have set a record for number and variety of events - and (2) finding a playing venue. I will
check with Dean Brunton, the NMCO mentor of the UNM Chess club. Maybe it could be arranged at the UNM chess club
in the Fall. Perhaps, two sessions a week apart (the club meets on Tuesday eve's but will not start again until the Fall as
exams are on.) would be sufficient.
5-10-07 Blitz
The NMCO chess calendar has set a record, in 2007, for the number and variety of chess tournaments offered - AND -
we now have one additional tournament.
The kindly powers that be in Rio Rancho have generously offered us a free playing venue at the R/R Meadowlark Senior
Center for Saturday November 17th. Since we did not schedule a New Mexico Blitz Championship for the Summer, this
will be it!!. Details will be forthcoming after the Executive Board has a chance to decide on such things as entry fees,
sections etc.
We've had one successful Blitz event at that senior center. Those who took part know there is plenty of room for 50, 60
or more players. Because there is no fee for the hall, prize money should be very good. - especially if we can fill the hall.
Incidently, if you want to be on our Email broadcast list, send your e-address to: secretarynmco@msn.com.
We don't give our broadcast list to any other organization or outside person. We send it via "Blind Carbon Copy", known
as BCC, so that no other recipient sees your Email address. We use the list to announce chess tournaments, chess events
or all types such as picnics and simultaneous chess exhibitions, directions to tournament sites, etc.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
secretarynmco@msn.com
5-08-07 Chess960
I was wondering if the NMCO had any future plans to host a Chess960 tournament, and if there is small,
but loyal group following using this particular format when coming together and playing chess locally?
Don Lubin
5-07-07
Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26 is the annual NMCO fund raising Yard sale.
Place: 10400 Arvilla Avenue NE. The SE corner house of Arvilla & Morris, two short blocks South of Comanche.
Time: 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. both days
Last year we raised over $400 - and that helped everything we do to support chess in New Mexico, including our prize
funds. Remember, NMCO is run by completely unpaid elected volunteers.
100% of the net proceeds goes to support Chess.
If you have good useable stuff to contribute (no clothing please) contact me at secretarynmco@msn.com or
505-323-2433.
Oh Yes, this year we will have some very nice Chess items to offer at very sharp prices, sets and boards,
a chess table, and a beautiful real marble chess board with an Onyx chess set.
Art Byers
Secretary NMCO
P O Box 4215
Albuquerque NM 87196
5-05-07
IM John Donaldson is coming to Albuquerque May 24 to lecture and give a simultaneous display. John and I had a mutual chess expert friend (David Collyer) whom passed away about 15 years ago and players in Spokane Washington gather each year for a memorial tournament in his honor. John has flown from his home in San Francisco to Spokane playing in many of these. To help pay for his trip he does a simul and lecture the Friday night before the weekend tournament. I have been to two of these and have thoroughly enjoyed John's incredible lecture playing him in these simuls once. The New Mexico chess community is in for a real treat when John comes to town later this month. Readers may enjoy this game I played at the simul he gave on 2/20/04 in Spokane WA. John lectured and began the simul making the first 28 moves until Eric arrived after his flight delay from Tacoma Washington at move 29 in the shared simul. Eric made a questionable bishop move on move 38. Eric touched his bishop, began to move it then placed it back on its original square asking me if this was touch move. The organizer said we were playing under touch moves therefore his Bishop unfortunately had to move.
Best of luck to those whom play in the upcoming simultaneous. Most likely you will be playing black. It is hard to prepare for a player of International Master John Donaldson's caliber. John said at the 2004 lecture that he used to begin with d4 but in recent years has been making the transformation to an e4 player. Even though this game begins as a d4 opening John is clever to transpose in to an e4 opening. Best you prepare to play against either d4 or e4 opening.
-wayne hatcher
approx. 30 Board Simutaneous Display at Aunties Bookstore in Spokane Washington February 20, 2004
White: IM John Donaldson (thru move 28) and IM Eric Tangborn (move 29 onward)
Black: Wayne Hatcher
1. d4.....Nf6
2. Nf3...g6
3. Nc3...Bg7
4. e4.....d6
5. Be2...0-0
6. 0-0...c6
7. a4....Bg4
8. Be3...Qc7
9. Qd2...Re8
10. Rfd1...Nbd7
11. a5.....Rad8
12. h3.....B:f3
13. B:f3...b5
14. ab (e.p.)...ab
15. d5.....c5
16. Nb5....Qc8
17. Na7...Qb7
18. Nc6...Ra8
19. c3.....Nb8
20. Ra8...Qa8
21. e5.....Nfd7
22. e6.....Ne5
23. ef.....Kf7
24. Ne5...Be5
25. Bg4...Qa4
26. Be6...Kg7
27. f4.....Bf6
28. f5.....Nd7
29. b3....Q:b3
30. B:d7...Ra8
31. Bh6....Kh8
32. Rf1....Ra2
33. Qd1...Q:c3
34. fg.....hg
35. Qg4...Bd4
36. Kh1...Ra1
37. Qf4...Bf6
38. Bg5...R:f1
39. Qf1...B:g5
40. Be6...Qc1
41. Q:c1...B:c1
42. Bd7....Be3
43. Kh2...Kg7
44. Kg3...Kf6
45. Kf3...Bd4
46. Ke4...Be5
47. Bb5...e6
48. Ke4...ed
49. Kd5...Bg3
50. Kc6...Ke5
51. Kb6...Kd4
52. Bf7...g5
53. Kb5...Kd3
54. Be6...Kd4
55. Bf7...d5
56. Ka4...c4
57. Ka3...Kc5
58. Kb2...d4
59. Bg6...d3
60. Bd3...cd
61. Kc3...d2
62. Kd2...Kd4
63. Ke2...Ke4
64. Kf1...Bh2
65. Kf2...Kf4
66. e2...Bg1
67. h4....g4
68. Kd3...Kg3
69. h5...Bc5
70. Resigns
0-1
5-1-07
When I first heard of the news that Jesse Kraai had achieved the title of Grandmaster, I wanted to post my congratulations like others had done. But I realized that a simple congratulations was not good enough for this extraordinary achievement, and I was for a loss of words! So I had to ponder my thoughts a while for the right things to say.
I do not know how many people realize what a profound and difficult achievement this really is! It is a great tribute to his skill, perseverance, and strong will. First of all, I would like to say what a gentleman he really is at the board; I played him twice and he treated me like a professional. He is very kind, respectful, and well mannered -- a model person.
His achievement is truly extraordinary, monumental! To go from a class player to an expert is no easy task, and to go from an expert to master level player is even much more difficult. But to go from a master to an IM and finally to a GM level player - that is truly remarkable! Most players will not even come close.
Mr. Kraai is a remarkably gifted player. He is dedicated to his profession and has worked tirelessly for this achievement. It means much more to him than I believe most people truly realize! Chess is an extremely hard game to play at his level. As an expert chessplayer, I truly appreciate this achievement and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
I know that the New Mexico chess community is proud of Mr. Kraai's achievement. On behalf of myself and my father I would like to offer my most sincere and profound congratulations to Grandmaster Jesse Kraai!
Sincerely yours,
Benjamin Coraretti
4-22-07
Soren Andersen of Denmark won the Pir Maleki Memorial in a 15 minute playoff with Jeffrey Sundell
of Albuquerque. Each won $175. Soren is a visiting graduate student in civil engineering at UNM. He has no
USCF rating but played under his Elo rating of 2046. We are sorry he is leaving for his home country later this summer.
It was the largest ever Pir Maleki Memorial, drawing 126 players from northern NM, including a few from CO and TX.
TDs Andy Nowak, Tom Blog, Dennis Hedges and co-organizer Alan Wicks of the UWC were up late on Friday scrambling
for extra tables and processing last minute entries. About three quarters of the participants were under age 20. The annual
tourney is jointly sponsored by the United World College and the Northern Schools Chess League.
The large turnout allowed the overall prizes to be increased from the advertised $1300 to $1800. In addition, the proceeds
were used to help the state's Denker High School representative, Derick Arellano, and the state's Polgar girls representative, Deanna Kristek,
towards their expenses to the US Open in New Jersey this summer. They received $200 and $100
respectively.
Other winners were:
Tutor Section - Kyle Leeds-Tilley. Sophomore Section - Claire Jarmosevich and Michael Martinson. Scholastic Section -
Yunhao Yang. Youth U/Age 19 - Arjun Bhakta, Sam Goin, and Francisco Guevara. Youth U/Age 14 - Emma Thompson.
Full results here
Andy Nowak
4-22-07
Trying to form a group of Albuq scholastic chess players to meet once per week during the summer, early evening,
for chess instruction and chess games. Likely time of chess lesson plus chess play = 1-1/2 - 2 hours one evening per week.
Would look to split cost of chess instructor among a group of players, with players paying instructor up front for four weekly
chess sessions per month, to equitably cover chess instructor costs. Players pay this cost whether or not they attend all the
sessions that month. Prefer players in the 850+ range, but also understand there are excellent chess players who are not rated.
Am trying to set up this group instruction for 6-10 players, on either Monday or Wednesday early evening (4:30 to 6:30?
5 pm - 7 pm?), to meet probably at the Frontier restaurant. . Still need to finalize if M or W night, and the times, based upon
chess instructor preference and player preferences, but need a group of interested scholastic players or parents to share
their interest in joining group.. If insterested, please write me, laurablalock@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Laura Blalock
4-15-07
Yesterday's Polgar Playoff in Santa Fe was exciting. At the end of four games we had a four way tie -
Deanna Kristek, Sarah Blog, Rebecca Deland and Jera Davis. There was a three game round robin. Deanna Kristek
was the winner. Seven games in seven hours - there were four very exhausted girls. Deanna will be representing NM
in the Polgar championship in Cherry Hills NJ July 29 to August 3. There is a small article in the www.freenewmexican.com
and on Susan Polgar's blog (see the NMSCO link).
Mike Kristek
4-15-07
Look in today's (Sunday April 15) Santa Fe New Mexican and the New York Times for articles on Jesse Kraai!
Pam Albin
4-10-07
Fantastic run, Jesse!
I remember a quiet post several years ago on Al William's Forum where Jesse said something like "I'm beginning to take
this IM thing seriously" (before he achieved his IM title). The steady, rapid improvement was (and is!) just amazing.
Kudos!
-ron kensek
4-09-07
Congratulations to Jesse for his overdue GM title. Thanks Jesse for putting NM on the chess map!!
NMCO President
Munir Hammad
4-09-07
Congratulations to Jesse for making his final norm and becoming New Mexico's first resident GM.
Now make sure the director and the USCF do the paperwork, Jesse. Fifteen years ago Tom Keffer told me
you'd make it to GM. Wherever Tom is, I'm sure he's smiling now.
Robert Haines
4-08-07
Thanks for all of your support. It looks like I made it! I crossed the 2500 fide mark and got the final norm.
- from GM-elect Kraai!
4-08-07
Go Jesse!! Jesse Kraai has followed up his win against top rated US player GM Hikaru Nakamura (rated 2755!)
with another win over GM Shabalov. (6.5/8) He plays his last game this afternoon at the Foxwoods Tourney
beginning at 2:30? Follow it live on Monroi.com. Good luck Jesse!!
-Dennis Hedges
4-02-07
Congratulations to NM's scholastic junior high school players who represented NM so well at this weekend's
K9 Nationals in Sacramento CA.
Gabe Ewing, an 8th grader from Bosque Prep, , WON the National K9 U1250 section
with 6.5 out of 7.0, drawing only with NM's own Tiange Peter Li. Tiange Peter Li, a 7th grader from Academy, took
25th place in the U1250 section with 4.5 wins. John Flores, a 9th grader from the Southwest Secondary Learning Center,
took 5.0 in the K9 Open section, placing at 22nd place. And Isaac Ewing, a 6th grader from Bosque Prep, placed near the
top 100 players in the K9 U1250 section. . Congratulations to these fine players for their outstanding accomplishments at
the
2007 National Jr. HIgh School Championships!
Results at: http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2007/jhs/ 
3-25-07
The UNM Chess Team defeated a team from Public Service Co. of NM at the Tuesday night meeting this week.
The final result of five wins and a draw was very impressive. My PNM team did give a good battle -- almost all the games
were close and most not decided until near the end. Thanks to PNM for the match and also for the contribution to the Club.
Next week we will have a regular meeting. We expect to have Jeff (Dr. J) Burch visit.
Dr. J has been a long-time
supporter
of the club and is past-president of the New Mexico Chess Organization.
We have reserved the Alumni Room on Tuesday evening for the remainder of the semester. The Alumni room is at the
south end of the upper floor of the S.U.B. We have the room from 6:00-9:00 PM each Tuesday.
Guests are invited to come anytime.
3-20-07
Wow! An actual 40/2 SD/1 tournament in New Mexico! And I thought that I had a lot of time to think at the Winter Matchups.
I applaud the EB for finding time for such a tournament in the midst of all of our hectic schedules. I hope that this adds to the
strength of NM chess and also attracts some out-of-state participants.
Gabe Ewing
3-19-07
Jesse Wins in Chicago
See detail at
http://beta.uschess.org/frontend/news_7_300.php
3-16-07
3-14-07
Summer Chess Opportunities
Is there a single site that lists all the opportunities for kids to practice chess during the summer? Or a list of summer
chess camps? Several parents have asked me how their kids can continue to play chess during the summer. I and other
parents
would appreciate
any information you can give us regarding summer chess for kids. Thank you.
Marie Maestas
St. Mary's School, Albuquerque
3-14-07
ASCL K-5 Results
Congratulations to the Dennis Chavez Panthers for winning the ASCL K-5 League with a perfect 6-0 score.
The Manzano Day School Knights finished second at 5-1 and the Monte Vista Penguins third at 4.5-1.5.
Full standings will be posted later.
Thanks,
-ron
3-01-07
We are looking for a tutor for our chess club at Gonzales Elementary School in Santa Fe. Our chess club meets every
Thursday at 3:15 pm at the school for an hour. We are looking for someone to help us every other week until summer break.
Please contact Sibylle Rossetti at sibylleros@aol.com for more information.
Thank you.
Sibylle Rossetti
2-23-07
Is there a leadership crises in NMCO's future ?
I sincerely believe that 2007, under the excellent overall guidance of President Munir Hammad, will be one of the best in
New Mexico Chess History. The sheer number and quality of our chess events will probably set a record.
NMCO has been fortunate in recent years to have devoted, hardworking, officers. Our new president has real leadership
ability
and has energetically given freely of his time. We have a fine web site run by webmasters Susan and Ed Koenig.
We have secured new playing sites found by tournament organizer Scout Veitch. Desert Knight, with the skill of
editor/publisher Ryan McCracken is one of the best state chess publications in our nation. Our finances are stable under
the careful supervision of Treasurer, Dean Brunton. We have a great USCF TD in Vice President Dale Gibbs - who is a
former NMCO President.
Remember, all NMCO officers are unpaid volunteers.
Yet, there is potential for a coming serious leadership vacuum. Both, Munir and Dale have expressed a desire not to accept
office in the elections that will take place during September’s Labor Day Weekend New Mexico Open Tournament.
Dean Brunton, our excellent treasurer, has hinted that the time pressures of business and family make it difficult for him to
continue to devote the needed time to NMCO.
NMCO needs an influx of new blood in its officer crew to replace those who will be leaving. In addition, I believe that
because we are the official USCF affiliate for the whole state of New Mexico, NMCO needs more input from members
outside of the Albuquerque area.
Without some of you stepping up to help, the future success of NMCO will be in doubt.
If you are interested in serving on the Board of the New Mexico Chess organization, please contact any of the officers -
at any tournament, by Email, telephone or via this forum. We will welcome you to any of our monthly meetings so that
you can see what makes NMCO tick so well.
Arthur Byers
NMCO Secretary
2-16-07
Congratulations to the Albuquerque Academy HS Chargers for winning the ASCL A League with a 6-0 team score,
thereby capturing the rotating trophy - still the original from school year 1961-1962. Del Norte HS Knights came in another
heart-breaking second place at 5-1.
Congratulations also to the Albuquerque Academy MS Chargers for winning the ASCL B League also with a 6-0 score,
thereby capturing the new rotating trophy which now includes winners since its creation in 1975 (though with 6 yrs of missing data).
The Bosque Bobcats came in 2nd at 5-1, and the Jefferson Jets were third at 4.5-1.5.
Full standings will be posted later (first ron