Catchup

Last week's event at Ellsworth drew 11 characters. We had a good time. I was a little miffed by a person touching my piece and then deciding not to take it. It was in a three person game that was short, so I shouldn't complain.

The cross tables for the Houlton event are up; no report on ChessMaine.net as of yet.

Sorel Edes is holding her own at the Polgar with 1.5 points in four rounds including a draw against Ananya Roy who is 600 points higher than her. Good luck to Sorel in her final two rounds. Maggie scored 2.5 points in her Polgar while Lily Briggs scored 2.0 last year.

The St. Croix International in Perry will be the next big event in Eastern Maine on August 16. Come enjoy the great competition and setting.

Tomorrow evening should be another fun affair in Ellsworth. Check it out!

Houlton Reminder

I know that it is late, but there is a chess tournament tomorrow in Houlton. Check chessmaine.net for the details under the Events page.

I'd like to go, but we have a road race to attend!

Good luck for a great tournament!

Another Fun Evening in Ellsworth

Our Thursday journey to the Ellsworth chess club saw 10 players show up. We divided into two teams and played two rounds of G/30. I was on the winning team along with Mark, Isaac, Dick, and Matt. In my first game I played very well until I took my opponent's last pawn on the board; that resulted in a stalemate. I think I learned my lesson - what a giveaway!

Anna was the only member of the other team to register two wins. We look forward to next week's event. Dick has done a great job of getting some publicity for the group; we're even thinking of a new venue to hold our growing group.

Thursday Night Team Blitz

At Ellsworth tonight the mini-tournament was a team affair with 10 minute games. The father-daughter duo took the title in a sudden death 3 minute battle with Matt and Isaac. The flag fell with only 6 seconds remaining on the Bryan duo's clock. Checkmate was imminent on both sides.

Dick and Anna played Mark and Jeremy for the third place position. All teams found the victory column, but Maggie and Andy brought home bragging rights. As Dick commented, the Bryans were bound to win sometime.

Also saw Hampden coach Ben Johnson at the USATF track meet today. We talked about tactics. He reiterated his stance that tactics will boost your play. It helped me tonight!

Chess Tactics

Most chess coaches that I have talked to suggest that practicing tactics will increase your over the board play immediately. I've decided to give it a try. I've found an excellent site http://chess.emrald.net/ that works well for me. Now let's see if I'll get results :)

Chess Tournaments in Maine

Maine does not have many big Chess events, but August 16 seems to be a popular day. Two of the biggest events of the year are on the same day. Yes, one is in Portland while the other is near Calais, but pure chess aficionados would go to both if the opportunity was available. Let's hope that next year the Downeast Open will be on its traditional time schedule.

The Krohn Center in Perry is a terrific venue for the 2nd Annual St. Croix Invitational. If it is within driving distance, we suggest that you support this tournament this year.

Before that think about driving north to God's country and The County to support Roger Morin and his effort to stir up interest in USCF tournaments in Houlton. Alba Briggs and the WCCF are running this July 19th tournament. Meanwhile come to Ellsworth on Thursday evenings!

Ellsworth Chess Club Is Where The Summer Action Is

Thursday evening I again went to Mr. Paperback in Ellsworth to try and hone my "skills"(?). We had a total of eight players for the second straight week. Dick Powell again organized a tournament that had the cream rising to the top.

The club starts heating up by 6:45 on Thursday evenings, and players are booted out when the store closes at 9:00. Newcomers are welcome. Don't be intimidated by the veterans!

The ability levels are of all sorts from newcomers to 1700+ rated players.

Best of all the atmosphere is spirited and friendly!

Great Tournament ChessMaine.net!

The 2nd Annual ChessMaine.net championship was a success. 40 players played four rounds of G/75 at a great venue in Waterville, the Robins Room at Colby College.

Dan DeLuca ran a great tournament. The atmosphere was terrific and everybody was ready to return for the third edition in '09.

I played to my ranking and received one point for my efforts. The competition was stiff as accelerated pairings were used to help determine one winner.

The high schoolers held their own with very strong showings.