Deadline for the Schein – Friedman Scholastic Project is Approaching (Sept. 30, 2010)

Schein – Friedman Scholastic Project

By FM Aviv Friedman and Mark Schein

Mark Schein and Aviv Friedman, in cooperation with the US Chess Trust, are happy to announce their third annual scholastic recognition project.

The project is designed to help some of our younger champions continue to improve and dedicate themselves to chess while offsetting some of the financial expense. The project is designed to reward some top-rated youngsters, and help them become tomorrow’s best players and eventual Grandmasters. These youngsters will be serving as role models and inspiration to the entire scholastic community.

The program is generally designed for youngsters age 7-17. Occasionally, in cases of unusual excellence (considerably exceeding the program’s criterions), applications by players up to age 20 would be considered, but in a lower priority to applicants under age 17.

The scholarships for 2010 are:

The top recipient will get $4000; the second recipient will get $3000; and the third $2000.

Applicants must have been US citizens or permanent legal residents for a minimum of 18 months prior to the deadline date (September 30th for 2010). They must show dedication to chess, talent and accomplishment. They also must exhibit a will to work hard and improve, as well as good sportsmanship and a positive attitude. Applicants must be active tournament players.

The minimum ratings qualification formula is as follows:

  • Ages 7-14: age * 100 + 1000 for boys, and age * 100 + 800 for girls.
  • Ages 15-16: age * 100 + 900 for boys, and age * 100 + 700 for girls.
  • Age 17: 2500 for boys, 2300 for girls.

All applications should be in the form of an essay, describing the applicant’s chess accomplishments, and why he or she should receive a scholarship. They should be sent via e-mail to Aviv Friedman at avivster@hotmail.com .

Also for the second year in a row, the Schein – Friedman Project will co-sponsor with the US Chess School, a free camp for 8-12 leading US juniors. This camp as well as all the other USCS camps, provides intensive, weeklong instruction by titled instructors. See www.USChessSchool.com for more info.

GM Arnold Denker: The Legacy

The Denker Tournament of High School Champions turned twenty-five years old this last August. I paused to reflect on how this event has evolved because at the start there wasn’t even a site picked. GM Denker simply said to me when he called one evening many years ago, “I want to do something for the kids.” At first, I thought he was simply going donate his time to do a simultaneous exhibition or volunteer to pass out trophies at one of the Nationals. But as it turned out, it was a whole lot more than I expected.

First, it was the idea of selecting deserving players who would want to travel to an event. He then provided an idea or two suggesting an event that brought together every state high school champion. But, would it be the highest rated player who qualified? Would it be based on age or something else?

As it turned out the decision we agreed upon was to invite the champions from the high school tournaments of each state to play. But, when? Since I was acquainted with the scholastic schedule, I knew that many of the months that might be considered would be out. The fall was the start of school year, the winter would present problems with travel, and the spring was devoted to competing in state events and the Scholastic Nationals. The end result was a decision by both of us that the summer would work. But, where? There were few scholastic events in the summer available, and most families were on summer vacation. This would mean starting a new event with no support. Arnold suggested the US Open as a possible site. He had been US Champion and had played in the US Open for many years so it seemed a possibility. The US Open was a very prestigious event with many strong players at all levels and ages wanting to compete so the fundamental question was, “Would the US Chess Federation accept a bunch of high school kids playing at their event?” Maybe yes, maybe no.

I mentioned to GM Denker that there were several committees that needed to review this, and any one of them could say no. As it turned out there was moderate interest in the idea, but I sensed it would take more than moderate interest to get it passed by the USCF Delegates and accepted. I had truly forgotten that I was dealing with one of the most charismatic and dynamic persons to ever push a pawn. GM Denker stepped forward and made the case with many of his long time friends that this event would be good for the kids and good for chess. The case was made and the vote was to approve.

That was all good and fine, but what were the rules and who would decide when it came to the issue of qualifications. I mentioned to GM Denker that I would try to write some rules and he stated he would provide a stipend of $100 to each participant.

The early years saw just over half of the states attending with many states not even bothering to return messages to the USCF Scholastic Director. I wondered if this event was ever going to get at least two-thirds of the states and maybe help support a young man who wanted to become a GM.

Several times I would contact a high school state champion and the word was, “The Denker event does not have any strong players and I have other things to do during the summer.”

At this point, it was very much like the film about baseball: “If you build it they will come.” And sure enough they did, and the state count began to rise because GM Denker kept up the positive enthusiasm needed to move this event forward. He always had a smile and a kind word to say to the players with interesting stories and a sense of humor flowing through the conversation. The man was magnetic, had the joy of living, and funny chess stories that kept the gathering alive.

He gained support from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) who provided a scholarship. Texas Tech has also supported the event and so has the U.S. Chess Trust.

One time he said to me, a few years before his death, that that he was going to change the name of the event. I was surprised at the thought, but he said, “Let’s change it.”

I said, “No, absolutely not. You have created a legacy that will be continued and appreciated by all the chess players who see the event, follow the results, and cheer on their champions.” I knew he was just kidding, but I am happy for what has been accomplished and that Mitchell Denker, his son, came on board a short time ago when GM Denker passed away and has continued that same enthusiasm.

It is with great pleasure and reverence that I say it has been an honor to meet and greet the young people who can proudly say, “I played in the Denker!” It is a legacy that the entire chess community can be proud of. As we move into the next quarter century, it will continue to shine as an example of the best we can offer from Alaska to Maine, Michigan to Texas, Florida to Hawaii and from California to Virginia. I say from the deepest part of my heart: “Thank you, Arnold, for the legacy you have bestowed upon the chess community.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT “The Denker Tournament of High School Champions”

2010 Scholar-Chessplayer Award Recipients Announced

April 20, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2010 Scholar-Chessplayer Award Recipients are:

  • Rohan Agarwal, CA
  • Richard Herbst, CO
  • Abby Marshall, VA
  • Jake Miller, NY
  • Victor Shen, NJ

Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding achievement!

These annual scholarships awarded by the U.S. Chess Trust, the National Scholastic Chess Foundation, and the USCF, are “intended to recognize and encourage high school junior or senior students who promote a positive image of chess.”

High School students who have shown outstanding merits in academics, sportsmanship and chess were eligible to apply to these scholarships. Five awards of $1,500.00 each (total of $7,500) in scholarship money are awarded.

Thanks to the generosity of it’s long-time supporters, the U.S. Chess Trust continues to fund many wonderful programs including the Scholar-Chessplayer Awards.

Please spread the word to potential donors to “Say Yes to Chess!” Donations to the U.S. Chess Trust are tax-deductible.

Special thanks to the National Scholastic Chess Foundation for their contribution to this program.

The U.S. Chess Trust is an independent 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.

Created in 1967, the Trust was organized to promote, stimulate and encourage the study and play of the game of chess as a means of intellectual development. The Trust uses its resources for charitable purposes, including social, educational, scientific, historical endeavors. The U.S. Chess Trust takes an active role in supporting chess education programs across the nation. Our Trustees act without compensation, and are dedicated to the U.S. Chess Trust’s mission.
For more information about the U.S. Chess Trust see: www.uschesstrust.org.

The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members.
For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.

The National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) is a non-profit foundation organized for educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The NSCF was created in 1991 as a merger between the Westchester Chess Foundation (founded in 1985) and the Fairfield County Chess Foundation. The Executive Director of the NSCF is FIDE Master Sunil Weeramantry.
For additional information on the NSCF see: www.nscfchess.org.

2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship

2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship

April 9 – 11, 2010 · Minneapolis, MN (April 8th – Bughouse & Blitz)

Location:
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
$125 Chess Rate: Until 17 March 2010 – Then regular rates apply!!
Reservations: 1.800.233.1234; Local Number: 1.612.370.1234

Overflow Hotel:
Millennium Hotel
1313 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
1.800.522.8856 or 1.612.332.6000
$125 Single/Double/Triple/Quad – Rooms must be reserved by 31 March 2010!!
Reserve your room online: Register on-line
Hotel Guest Overnight Parking:
$15.00 with ‘in and out’ privileges.

7SS, G/120. A Junior Grand Prix (JGP) event.

6 sections:

  • K-9 Championship
  • K-9 Under 1250
  • K-9 Unrated
  • K-8 Championship
  • K-8 Under 1000
  • K-8 Under 750

EF: $$50 if p/m by 14 March, $70 if by 28 March, $85 after 28 March or $90 at site.

  • Players registering late (after 10 AM Friday) will not be paired for round 1, will receive a 1/2 bye, and will begin play with round 2.
  • $5.00 extra for all phone registrations.
  • $20 change fee for roster or section changes after 28 March or on site.

Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score. All players on a team must come from the same school.

Round Times:
Friday 1 pm, 7pm;
Saturday 9 am, 2 pm, 7 pm;
Sunday 9 am, 2 pm.

Opening Ceremony: 12:30 pm Friday.

Awards: 7 pm (approximate) Sunday.

Prizes:

  • Section: K-9 Championship
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 10 [plus ties for 10th place]
  • Section: K-9 Under 1250
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 15 [plus ties for 15th place]
  • Section: K-9 Unrated
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 10 [plus ties for 10th place]
  • Section: K-8 Championship
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 20 [plus ties for 20th place]
  • Section: K-8 Under 1000
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 20 [plus ties for 20th place]
  • Section: K-8 Under 750
    Team Trophies to Top 25
    Individual Trophies to Top 20 [plus ties for 20th place]

Top five teams receive plaques [five plaques per place].

Class trophies to the top three in the following classes:

K-9 Championship: 1400-1599; 1200-1399; 1000-1199; Under 1000; Unrated.
K-8 Championship: 1500-1599; 1400-1499; 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; Under 1000; Unrated.

All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final round.
First place individual and team in the K-9 Championship section, including ties, will be the National Junior High Champion.

Special Events:

Play:

  • National Junior High Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11 am. Bughouse entries on site only. $25 per team. Registration ends at 10 AM on Thursday.
  • National Junior High Blitz Championship: Thursday 5 pm. Blitz EF: $15 per player/$20 on site or if after 28 March.
  • Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, Saturday 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, $20 on-site registration only. Rated and unrated sections. Trophies for parent and child combined results.

Meetings:

  • Coaches and Parents meeting: 11 am Friday.
  • Scholastic meeting: 3 pm Saturday.
  • Coaches Forum: 7:00 pm Saturday.
  • Tournament Feedback meeting: 9:30 am Sunday.

Click Here for Paper Entry Form (mail-in entries)

Blitz Entry Forms

Click Here for Paper Entry Form for the Blitz tournament (mail-in entries)

Do not mail after 4 May 2010 or the entry will not be received!!

Notes:

  • For a complete list of all rules and regulations please see the current Scholastic Regulations.
  • Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided.
  • USCF membership through April 2010 is required.
  • Any roster changes made after 28 March 2010 or on site will incur a $20 change fee.
  • Unrated players may play in the Championship Sections or Unrated Sections only!!!
  • 1/2 pt bye any round except seven if requested in advance of Round One (limit one).
  • March 2010 rating supplement will be used in compliance with the guidelines for National Scholastic Events.
  • Mail-in entries must be postmarked by 3 April 2010.

Team rooms available: Contact Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234 ext. 147 or cbruce@uschess.org.

Questions: Contact Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234 ext. 147 or cbruce@uschess.org.

Register on-line or send your entry to: U. S. Chess Federation, Attn: 2010 Junior High, P. O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. [Mail-in entries must be postmarked by 3 April 2010.]

Robert Hess Wins the 2010 Samford Fellowship


Photos: (Center) by WIM Beatriz Marinello; (L, R) by Betsy Dynako

Frank P. Samford, Jr. Chess Fellowship
ROBERT HESS CHOSEN 2010 SAMFORD FELLOW
Contact: Allen Kaufman (718) 544-5036 AllenKauf@aol.com

The twenty-fifth annual FRANK P. SAMFORD, JR. CHESS FELLOWSHIP was won by Robert L. Hess II of New York City.

Though only eighteen years old, the youthful grandmaster has had considerable success in a variety of chess competitions. Robert was National Champion in the Kindergarten-through-third-grade division (2001), he participated in the 2003 World Youth under-age-12 Championship and the 2004 World Youth under-age-14 Championship. His best finish was 5th in the boys U-14 section in 2005.

Other notable achievements include winning the 2006 U.S. Junior Championship, the 2009 Spice Spring Invitational, and the 2009 SuperNational High School Championship. He also competed in that year’s U.S. Chess Championship, tying for second place.

Robert will graduate from Stuyvesant High School in New York City in June and plans to attend college in the fall. He is also a sports enthusiast having played soccer, baseball and football. Math, history and writing are his favorite school subjects.

The young winner credits his coach, Grandmaster Miron Sher, with providing the training necessary for his success. Regular lessons cover openings, endgames and tactics and homework consists of nine problems weekly.

Robert says, “Miron is far and away the best coach I could have asked for and his dedication and hard work never cease to amaze me.”

The Samford Chess Fellowship was created by the late Frank P. Samford, Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Samford was a distinguished attorney and CEO of Liberty National Life Insurance Company (now Torchmark). He was active in civic, business, political, educational and cultural affairs. Mr. Samford was also an enthusiastic competitor in chess tournaments.

The purpose of the Samford Fellowship is to identify and assist the best young American chessmasters by providing top-level coaching, strong competition and access to study materials. The Fellowship also provides a monthly stipend for living expenses so that the winners may devote themselves to chess without having financial worries.

The winner was chosen by the Samford Fellowship Committee, consisting of Frank P. Samford III (son of Samford Fellowship founder Frank P. Samford, Jr.), former U.S. Chess Champion Grandmaster Arthur Bisguier and International Master John Donaldson. The winner was chosen based on his chess talent, work ethic, dedication and accomplishments.

Robert’s term as Samford Fellow will begin on July 1, 2010. The Fellowship is administered by the U.S. Chess Trust with invaluable administrative services provided by Barbara DeMaro.

Generous contributions from Mrs. Virginia Samford and Torchmark Corporation support the Fellowship.

The Samford Fellowship is a fitting memorial to an extraordinary man. The dedication, creativity and achievement that marked Mr. Frank P. Samford, Jr.’s life are examples for all chessplayers to admire and emulate.

Here is a recent win by the new Samford Fellow against an experienced grandmaster.

Robert Hess (FIDE rating 2545) vs. Jaan Ehlvest (FIDE rating 2649) from the 2009 Foxwoods Open.


Play chess online

2010 Scholar-Chessplayer Awards

February 8, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chuck Lovingood clovingood@uschess.org

The applications for the Scholar-Chessplayer Awards are due on March 1st 2010.

These annual scholarships are awarded by the U.S. Chess Federation and the U.S. Chess Trust to recognize outstanding achievements in chess and academics by High School students (juniors or seniors). High School students who have shown outstanding merits in academics, sportsmanship and chess are eligible to apply to these scholarships. Five awards of $1,500.00 each (total of $7,500) in scholarship money are available.

To apply for the Scholar-Chessplayer Award, you must be a current U.S. Chess Federation member and submit five copies of a completed application form, high school transcript showing all courses and grades, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, a letter of recommendation from a chess coach, an essay of no more than 500 words describing the positive influence that chess has had on your life, and a recent photograph.

Important Note for Electronic Submissions: Documents should be converted to PDF format. In the event that this isn’t possible, documents must be in Word Format (for Windows), Pages Format (for Apple). Photographs should be in JPG format.

Thanks to the generosity of it’s long-time supporters, the U.S. Chess Trust continues to fund many wonderful programs including the Scholar-Chessplayer Awards.

Please spread the word to potential donors to “Say Yes to Chess!” Donations to the U.S. Chess Trust are tax-deductible. The U.S. Chess Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Special thanks to the National Scholastic Chess Foundation for their contribution to this program.

The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members.
For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.

Good luck to all the chessplayers!

Last Year’s (2009) Scholar-Chessplayer Award Recipients were:

  • Adithya Balasubramanian, VA
  • Robert Lau, HI
  • Haotian Zheng, CT
  • Michael Thaler, NY
  • Troy Daly, FL

2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions

The Denker Tournament of High School Champions (July 31, 2010 to August 3, 2010)

The U.S. Chess Trust is a Proud Sponsor of this tournament!!

The 2009 Denker Tournament held in August 2009 was a huge success!

CLICK HERE to find out more about last year’s winner!

We look forward to this years tournament!

Below are the complete details for the 2010 Denker Tournament.

The 2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions

General Information

The tournament shall be played during the 2010 U.S. Open in Irvine, California from July 31, 2010 to August 3, 2010. The Denker Tournament of High School Champions fields High School State Champions from across the United States.

The “Denker” is considered a prestigious event held in memory of Grandmaster Arnold Denker who helped found it and who helped support it financially for over 20 years. Scholarships totaling $2,200 are now awarded to the top five finishers, through the generosity of GM Denker’s son, Mitchell, the U.S. Chess Trust and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation.

Eligibility

Each state shall be allowed one Representative as determined by the USCF State Affiliate. Alternates may be substituted as the official Representative. If there are an uneven number of entrants in the tournament, the Chairman of the Denker Committee will allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player. The additional player may not receive any prize monies, but is eligible for expense monies and the UTD Scholarship. Should the USCF state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament by June 15, the Denker Chairman may determine the candidate from that state. Representatives must be residents of the state they are representing. Only first Denker state qualifier will be used.

All players including home schooled students must be under the age of 20 on September 1 of the year in which the tournament is held. They must have been enrolled in high school courses, during the previous spring using the 9th through 12th grade curriculum. The Representative may not be listed as a full-time student at any college. Proof of eligibility shall be the responsibility of the players and the USCF state official certifying the Representative or Alternate.

It is the goal of the Denker Committee to have all fifty states and the District of Columbia represented. Consequently, we strongly encourage each USCF state affiliate and the District of Columbia to hold a High School Championship tournament to determine its champion. Failing this, rating or some other criteria may be acceptable.

Playing Schedule

The Opening Ceremony and 6-round Swiss will consist of the following dates and times:

Opening Ceremony-4 PM Saturday, July 31, 2010 (REQUIRED ATTENDANCE AND CHECK-IN). All participants are required to attend for awarding of Medallions, introduction of dignitaries and photo session.

  • Round 1-Saturday, July 31, 2010. Same time as evening round of the US Open.
  • Round 2-Sunday, August 1, 2010- 11AM,
  • Round 3-Same starting time as evening round of the US Open.
  • Round 4-Monday, August 2, 2010- 11 AM.
  • Round 5-Same starting time as evening round of the US Open.
  • Round 6-Tuesday, August 3, 2010- 11 AM, Denker Awards Ceremony- 4 PM.

This playing schedule is especially convenient, because it allows players an opportunity to participate in the US Open. This is possible because you can now enter the US Open upon completion of the Denker. Please note that the USCF Delegates voted to provide a 50% entry fee for all Denker participants who choose to enter the US Open after the Denker is concluded.

Rules

  1. Players shall be required to play all six rounds of the tournament. Failure to do so, without notifying the TD personally, will result in a forfeiture of expense monies.
  2. Player shall be required to furnish the TD with a legible and complete score sheet at the conclusion of each round.
  3. The time control will be 90 minutes per player with 30 second increment added per move. This is the approved FIDE time control.

Scholarship Details

The Denker Tournament of High School Champions is proud to announce that a 4 year Academic Distinction Scholarship will be awarded by the University of Texas, Dallas. The scholarship is valued at $68,000 for an out-of-state student. UTD has been a leader in the promotion of Scholastic Chess for many years. You can see their campus and chess program at the following locations: www.utdallas.edu and www.chess.utdallas.edu.

In addition, the “new” video of the UTD chess team has been uploaded to YouTube.

Note:  Find it on the U.S. Chess Trust’s video sidebar.

It is about UTD (University of Texas at Dallas) which is the sponsor of the scholarship that will be given at the 2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions. This will give you a look into what UTD is all about and what players can expect when they attend UTD. Eligible winners must meet UTD entry requirements and have been in grades 9-11 during the previous spring.

The U.S. Chess Trust, Mitchell Denker and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation will award $2200 in Scholarships (1st place: $800, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $300, 4th place $300 and 5th place $300). Scholarships are designated for college expenses and will be sent to winners only upon proof of college enrollment (copies of paid bills, or official letters, etc.) by the Chess Trust. In some cases, prizes will be held in escrow pending receipt of paper documentation.

There will also be a $500 Ursula Foster scholarship awarded by the Chess Trust to the highest finisher who is under the age of 16 on the first day of the tournament. If less than two participants are under 16, then the scholarship will go to the top participant under 17. Two or more players must be in the lowest age qualified group.

The winner of the tournament shall receive the title of Denker High School Champion of Champions. In case of ties, co-champions shall be recognized.

Expense money: Through the generosity of Mitchell Denker, each participant will receive a minimum of $100 to help defray travel expenses, plus a share of the remaining funds after tournament expenses. Expense money will be paid in check or cash at the conclusion of the event. A proportion of a player’s expense money will be withheld for each forfeited game. Players expelled from the tournament, or who withdraw without contacting the Tournament Director forfeit all expense money.

Travel & Accommodations: Players are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Players sharing rooms should make their arrangements carefully, as neither the USCF nor the tournament are responsible for any consequences arising from such arrangements. Please note that registration in a hotel room will require a person 18 years of age or older to be present.

Contact Information: Each player must provide the Denker Chairman with a phone number of a parent or other responsible adult in case of an emergency.

Denker Chairman: Dewain Barber, 524 S. Avenida Faro, Anaheim CA 92807 (714) 998-5508. FAX (714) 998-1160 E-Mail: AmChessEq@aol.com .

2009 National K-12 Championships (Results)

Nationalk-12champ09usctbpss

The National K-12 Championships are over and the results are in (see the list below)!

REPLAY a few of the games here and even more on Monroi.com (click here).

The U.S. Chess Trust would like to congratulate all of the players as well as their families, schools and coaches that help support chess across the nation!

RESULTS:

CLICK HERE for COMPLETE RESULTS

  • Kindergarten
    Individual Champion: Joaquin Perkins
    Team Champions: The Village School, Houston, Texas
  • 1st Grade
    Individual Champion: Awonder Liang
    Team Champions: Dalton, New York
  • 2nd Grade
    Individual Champion : Rayan Taghizadeh
    Team Champions: NEST School, New York
  • 3rd Grade
    Individual Champion : Ruifeng Li
    Team Champions: Hunter College Campus School, New York
  • 4th Grade
    Individual Champion: Jeffrey Xiong (sp)
    Team Champions: The Village School, Houston, Texas
  • 5th Grade
    Individual Champion: Christopher Wu
    Team Champions: Horace Mann, New York
  • 6th Grade
    Individual Champion: James Black
    Team Champions: IS 318, Brooklyn, New York
  • 7th Grade
    Individual Champion: Jarod Pamatmat
    Team Champions: IS 318, Brooklyn, New York
  • 8th Grade
    Individual Champion: Vincent Zhang
    Team Champions: Canyon Vista Middle School, Austin, Texas
  • 9th Grade
    Individual Champion: Michael Chiang and Justin Karp
    Team Champions: Horace Mann, New York
  • 10th Grade
    Individual Champion: Matthew Liu
    Team Champions: Westwood, Austin, Texas
  • 11th Grade
    Individual Champion: Marc Arnold
    Team: Bronx High School of Science, New York
  • 12th Grade
    Individual Champion: William Ong
    Team: Bellaire High School, Houston, Texas

National K-12 Scholastic Championship (Dec. 11-13)

Nationalk-12champ09usctbpss

December 11-13, 2009 · Dallas, TX

Hilton Anatole · 2201 Stemmons Freeway · Dallas, TX 75207 · 1.214.748.1200 or 1.800.955.4281 · Ask for the Chess Rate $120 · Web Site · Groups of 10 or more must call the above number to make reservations.

Click Here for Players & Results

13 Sections Play only in your Grade.
December rating supplement will be used in compliance with the guidelines for National Scholastic Events.
1/2 point bye available any round except 7 if requested before round 1.
Players registering late (after 10 AM Friday) will not be paired for round 1, will receive a 1/2 bye, and will begin play with round 2.
Team score is total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade.
First place individual and team, including ties, will be National Champion for their grade.

Time Control: Game/90.

Entry Fee: $50 by Nov. 15, $70 by Nov. 29, $85 later, $90 on site.
$5.00 extra for all phone registrations.
$20 change fee for roster or section changes after Nov. 13 or on site.

Schedule:
Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 pm.
Rounds: Fri. 1 pm-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm-6 pm, Sun. 9 am-1 pm.
Awards Ceremony: Sunday 5 pm (approximately)
Special round times for K-1 sections:
Fri. 1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sun. 9:30 am-1:30 pm.
K-1 Awards Ceremony 4:30 pm (approximately)

Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk Simul

GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, the FIDE Women’s World Champion, will be conducting a Simul on Friday 11 December 2009 at 10:00 AM.

Ten more boards have been added! Register on site only! Registration for the final thirteen spots will begin at 9 AM on Thursday at Chess Control.

CLICK HERE for more details on Alexandra’s visit and the earlier CLO article with analysis, links and an interview with Kosteniuk.

Trophies:

Top 10 individuals & top five teams (minimum) in each grade.
Class Awards: 1st-3rd place
K-3: 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr.
4-6: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr.
7-9: 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr.
9-12: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr.
Every player receives a commemorative item!

Blitz Tournament: Thursday 5 pm, entry fee $15 by 11/29, $20 after 11/29 or on site. Registration closes at 4 pm.
Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections.
Individual: TBA,
Team: TBA.
K-6 Class: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr.;
K-12 Class: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr.
Blitz Rules

Bughouse Tournament: Thursday 11 am, $25 per 2-player team on site only. Registration 9-10 am.
Trophies: TBA. One section K-12.
Bughouse Rules

Team Rooms:
Team rooms are limited! Contact Cheryle Bruce 931.787.1234 ext 147 cbruce@uschess.org

If you are interested in volunteering for this event take a look at the information on our volunteer letter.

Mail your entries to: US Chess, Attn: 2009 K12, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or fax to: 931-787-1200.

Contact: Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234 ext.147 cbruce@uschess.org

2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships (Dec. 27-30)

panamintercollegusctbps

December 27-30, 2009 (South Padre Island, Texas)

Team Format:
4 player Teams, up to 2 Alternates, Traditional 6 round Fix Roster Swiss Tournament
Open to College and Universities teams (at least two players) from North and South America, including the Caribbean

Time Control:
Game/90 with a 30-second increment per move
Notation is required throughout the games
MonRoi Units (Electronic Scoresheets may be provided and must be used)

This tournament is FIDE and USCF rated, but uses United States Chess Federation Rules. All U.S. players must have current USCF memberships.

Championships to be awarded in 4 divisions (according to average team rating)

Teams must supply letter from University stating that the players meet eligibility requirements. (Please refer to Registration Information for more details.)

Round Times (for all):

  • Check In: 12/27 4pm
  • Reception: 12/27 5pm
  • Round 1: 12/27 6pm
  • Round 2: 12/28 10am
  • Round 3: 12/28 5pm
  • Round 4: 12/29 10am
  • Round 5: 12/29 5pm
  • Round 6: 12/30 9am
  • Award Ceremony: 12/30 2-3pm

Coach/Captain must hand in proposed team roster changes one hour before the beginning of the Round.

There will be a reception for all participants at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Prizes:

  • 1st Team; $1250, Trophy
  • 2nd Team; $750, Trophy
  • 3rd Team; $600, Trophy
  • 4th Team; $400, Trophy
  • 5th Team; $250, Trophy
  • Top International Team; $500, Trophy
  • 2nd International Team; Trophy
  • 3rd International Team; Trophy
  • Division I Champ (Team rated 2200 or above); Trophy
  • Division II Champ (Team rated 2000-2199); Trophy
  • Division III Champ (Team rated 1800-1999); Trophy
  • Division IV Champ (Team rated below 1800); Trophy
  • Top Board 1; $100, Plaque
  • Top Board 2; $100, Plaque
  • Top Board 3; $100, Plaque
  • Top Board 4; $100, Plaque
  • Top Alternate

Chess sets will be provided for tournament use, but please be sure to bring your chess clocks!

Eligibility Requirements

Please see the complete College Chess Eligibility Requirements.Click here

Eligibility Letters will be required for every team, from respective University, stating that the players meet eligibility requirements.

Letters should be faxed to Rusty Harwood by December 24, 2009:
Attn: Russell Harwood
(956)882-5763 – Fax

Please note: Original eligibility letters must be presented at the tournament before the competition begins.

Entry Fee
$200 per team – Priority Registration by December 1, 2009
$225 per team – After December 1, 2009

Please make checks payable to/mail to:
UTB/TSC
Attn: Chess Program Office SU 2.28
80 Fort Brown
Brownsville, TX 78520

For additional information please contact Rusty Harwood.
russell.harwood@utb.edu
(956) 882-5762 or (956) 551-0303

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

CLICK HERE FOR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE