Buffalo Niagara Chess Corner

Patterson, Palmisano, Lyon win in Sardinia

2012-02-05T16:05:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

USCF CHESS AT BUFFALO CENTRAL LIBRARY

2012-02-02T13:23:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELBRATION TOURNAMENT

2012-02-02T12:21:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and USCF Tournament Director

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

2012-02-02T11:01:00.004-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2012-02-01T21:23:00.002-05:00

Sardinia Tournament Sat. Feb. 4th At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, ( may be changed to 4SS, G/30 depending on # of entries) Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

VALENTINES DAY CHESS TOURNAMENT

2012-01-31T19:44:00.000-05:00

The Valentine’s Day Tournament (Blizzard Bowl)

If you love chess come on down and join us on

February 11^th, from 10am to 3pm at Global Concepts Charter School.

6 sections to choose from:

(3 scholastic):U1400, U700, unrated, all times G/30. Medals for top 3 in each scholastic section.

(3 adult sections): Open, U1600, adult unrated all times G/45,d5.

EF: $5 all sections. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH.

There will be baskets to raffle.

To register send your Name, USCF#, and Section you wish to play in to Mr. Cirillo at cirilloav@yahoo.com

SUNDAY CHESS AT BUFFALO CENTRAL LIBRARY 2012

2012-01-29T22:56:00.002-05:00

The Buffalo and Erie County Public Central Library inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy will host "Sunday Chess" Tournaments in the Fables Cafe on the first floor, directed by Michael A. Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director and Chess Ambassador in downtown Buffalo, NY on the last sunday of each month until May 2012.

Chess players of all ages and levels will play 3 to 4 games, Swiss, Game 30, will start from 12:15pm until 4:30pm. Players must report by Noon, please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock, US Chess Federation rules will be enforced. Unrated section for players not members of the USCF, USCF Rated section and Scholastic section will be available for friendly competitive play.

Results from our first Sunday Chess event attracted over 12 players of which, 3 were females, 3 Scholastic players, 3 were USCF members and 8 were Unrated players. The January 2012 Sunday Chess undefeated Champion was Richard Hennessey, 2nd place - Kevin N. Roulhac and Glenn Conlin. Kevin Roulhac defeated James Lesniak and PUSH Buffalo, Shawn Davis. Sunday Chess Scholastic Champion was Shaka Davis, 2nd place James Shippens. Shaka Davis defeated Joseph Young and Draws Blair Johnson.

If you are interested in joining our Sunday Chess event, please email your advance registration to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by midnight the saturday before each event with full name, grade, uscf number and telephone.

Sunday Chess 2012 Schedule will be January 29th, February 26th, March 25th, April 29th and May 27th.

Sunday Chess Group pictured are l-r seated are Shaka Davis, Kevin N. Roulhac, Diane Ruminski and James Shippens, l-r back are Shawn Davis, Joseph Young, Anne Conable, James Lesniak, Mia Moore, Richard Hennessey, Kellie Moore and Glenn Conlin.

Repectfully reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

BUFFALO GOLDEN KNIGHTS TEAM EARNS 4TH PLACE

2012-01-29T00:15:00.004-05:00

The Buffalo Golden Knights Travel Chess team participated in the 5th Annual India Community Scholastic Championship in Macedon, New York on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.

The five members were lead by Partho Bhattarcharya, Chinmayi Krishnan, Arnav Roy Patra, Benjamin Rummell, and Ashton William participated in a 24 player Scholastic Championship earning 4th Place Team finish in the 3rd - 5th grade section.

The 5th Annual India Community Scholastic K-2 Scholastic 2012 Champion was awarded to Ashton William, first grader and member of the Stars of India Chess Club defeated the two time winning K-2 2011 Champion and the 5th Annual India Community Scholastic 2012 Champion in the 9-12 section was Partho Bhattacharya.

If you are interested in playing a more competitive tournament play with a team, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, school, grade and telephone. USCF membership is not required and their are several upcoming scholastic chess tournaments in Rochester, Geneva and the New York State USCF Scholastic Championships in Saratoga Springs, NY.

I want to thank all the parents who took time to drive their child to play in the tournament. A special thanks to each of the players for their collective efforts by representing the Buffalo Scholastic Chess community.

Reported by Mc Duffie, US Chess Coach

Blizzard Challenge...RESULTS...

2012-01-23T21:03:00.001-05:00

First we would like to give a Huge Thanks to “SONWIL” Distribution, and Mr. P. Wilson, for sponsoring such a wonderful and successful chess tournament this past Saturday. The “Blizzard Challenge” as it was called brought together players from near and far; as far as Erie PA, all 59 players came to do battle and see who had the better chess teams.

The USCF affiliate “QueensKnight Scholastic Chess” organized the players into 5 sections. The scholastic players which formed a K-5, K-8, and a K-12 grouping formed their respective teams in each section. The other two sections were a rated “Open” section and an “Unrated Adult” section.

The results were as follows:

K-5 Teams:

1. Global Concepts Chess Club “Champions” (10pts)

2. Homeschoolers “2^nd place” (6pts)

3. Erie PA “3^rd place” (5pts)

K-5 Individuals:

1. Christopher Dunsworth “Champion” (4pts)

2. Roman Castle (3pts)

3. Benjamin Rummell (3pts)

4. Kamal Ali (3pts)

5. Megan Meloon (2pts)

K-8 Teams:

1. Homeschoolers “Champions” (13.5pts)

2. Pioneer “2^nd place” (8.5pts)

3. Global Concepts Chess Club “3^rd place” (6.5pts)

K-8 Individuals:

1. Reagan Lyle “Champion” (4pts)

2. Kevin Lyle (4pts)

3. Thomas Blum (3pts)

4. Chris Darling (2.5pts)

5. Jacob Meloon (2.5pts)

K-12 Teams:

1. Pioneer “Champions” (11.5pts)

2. Bishop Timon “2^nd place” (9.5pts)

K-12 Individuals:

1. Ryan Madden “Champion” (4pts)

2. Nathan Palmisano (3pts)

3. Kyle Kostek (3pts)

4. Matthew Rzeznik (2.5pts)

5. Austin Kossow (2.5)

The Open:

1. Donald Hoak (2pts)

2. Raymond Dunsworth

3. Thomas Warner

Adult Unrated:

1. Robert Simpson (3pts)

2. Mr. Blum

3. Gus Klasse

Finally we had a 3 round BLITZ which was a first for many, and disappointing to some. All top three players went undefeated but….

…the winners by tiebreak were…

1. SAMUEL SANTORA “Champion”

2. CHRIS DARLING

3. RYAN MADDEN

WILLIAM J O'LEARY MEMORIAL CLASSIC 2012

2012-01-20T14:13:00.005-05:00

We are extending the advance entry fee of $30 for the William J O'Leary Memorial Classic, HOSTED by the O'Leary - Soudant Family and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, to be held on Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at the Main Place Mall, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY. Pictured is Ruby Soudant, granddaughter of William J. O'Leary! She is the Olmsted Elementary Chess Champion 2012 and she finished 3rd in the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Tournament last week. Come out and help us celebrate!

Please send your information to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by midnight, friday, Jan 20th.

We will have two sections, Open and U1500 for Guaranteed Cash prizes based upon 25 total paid players. Cash prizes are Open section - $175, $125, U2000 - $100 and $60. U1500 Cash prizes are $100 and $60. All players must report by 9:30am, Games start at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

Format is 4 games, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 50 with a 5 second delay. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clocks are preferred.

Buffalo Scholastic Stars K-8 will play 4 games, Game 30 with advance entry fee of $10.00 or $20 cash at the door. Sections are K-3, 4-6 and 7-8. All players must report by 11am, Games start at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Pictures and trophies awarded after.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL RESULTS

2012-01-15T09:20:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! 2012 begins with exciting chess in the Main Place Mall for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honoring the first african american airmen, "the Tuskegee Airmen" who did the impossible with the Redtail planes in World WarII.

Welcome new USCF members and renewed USCF members are Lionel L. Davis, National Master with son Shaka Davis, Miles A. James and Owen E. Miller. We need your help, we need to know any dates or years when Owen Miller played when he was a member of the Queen City Chess Club. The US Chess Federation cant seem to find his information, so I know there are some from the Buffalo area who may remember and would get his information back to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Twenty one players participated in the tournament and upsets were plenty. In the Norwich Scholastic section, Undefeated Champion - James W. Lyon, student from St Peter and Paul School, 2nd place - Miles A. James, Nichols School and 3rd place - Ruby Z. Soudant, Olmsted 64. Other players were Brandon Laury from Enterprise Charter and Shaka Davis from Performing Arts.

Results in the Retail U1500 Section were Undefeated Champion Tamas Gemes, gradutate student from Niagara University, native of Hungary. 2nd place were Steve L. Baer and Vinay Sharma from Canada. Upset Leaders were Steve L. Baer defeated Glenn Conlin(1437), Vinay Sharma defeated Glenn Conlin(1437) and Tamas Gemes defeated Vinay Sharma(1384). Upset leader was Steve L. Baer with 233 points, Vinay Sharma 53 points, Tamas Gemes with 36 points.

Results from the Retails Open Section were Undefeated Co Champions National Master Lionel L. Davis and National Master Barry Davis, the U2000 winners were Kevin N. Roulhac, Attorney James P. Davis and Harish Srinisvan.

Upsets Leaders were plenty starting with Kevin N. Roulhac finished with 708 points, Barry Davis with 33.5 points and Owen E. Miller. Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Harish Srinisvan(1950) and he also defeated Gary Boye(1600), Owen E. Miller defeated James P. Davis(1521) and National Master Barry Davis welcomes back National Master Lionel L. Davis(2245) with a draw.

Pictured are Urban Knighs and Queens Chess Club members, Miles James from Nichols and Ruby Soudant from Olmsted 64 show off their medals, Kevin N. Roulhac, Tamas Gemes and Owen E. Miller.

Special Thanks to Simpson and Simpson, LLC for their contributions for the refeshments and camera, the Main Place Mall and to all the supporters who came out, faced the harsh winter weather but had fun, friendship and fellowship.

Our next chess event will be Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Main Place Mall, 390 Main Street,Buffalo, NY. The Soudant - O'Leary Family has sponsored the first annual William J. O'Leary Memorial Classic. Guaranteed Cash prizes $620 based upon 25 total paid players! 4 Games, USCF Open rated, Game 50 with 5 second delay, Two USCF sections of play - Open and U1500, also Scholastic K-12 Section. Advanced Entries are greatly appreciated! Reported by Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director, Chess Ambassador

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Tournament

2012-01-10T15:12:00.005-05:00

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

In 2012 we will host two USCF rated tournaments each month to help those students who will be competing in the NYS Scholastic Championships and USCF National Scholastic Championships.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 held at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. There is FREE Parking under the Mall.

The MLK Jr Tournament will be three games, Game 60 with 5 second delay, Swiss and USCF rated. Two sections of play are Open and U1500.

The Advance entry fee will be $10.00 per player if preregisters online with full name, USCF number, section and telephone with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com no later than midnight on friday, Jan 13, 2012. All others must pay $20 USD Cash only at the door.

PIZZA AND REFRESHMENTS ARE PROVIDED FOR ALL PAID TOURNAMENT PLAYERS!

All players must report by 9:30am, Games will start at 10am, Noon and 2pm. All games will be finished by 4pm.

Cash Prizes are based upon 20 total paid players. Open section $100 and $60, U2000 $50 and $30, U1500 Section $100 and $50.

Buffalo Scholastic Section (K-12), 3 games, Swiss, Game 30, USCF rated, Advance entry fee is $5.00 or $15 Cash at the door. Awards; Medals to the Top 5 winners! Scholastic Schedule: All players must report by 9:30am, Games start at 10am, 11am and Noon. Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and USCF Tournament Director

Copeland, Darling win in Sardinia

2012-01-09T13:32:00.004-05:00

Sam Copeland won all 4 games to win the adult section at Sardinia last Saturday.

Sam played well in beating Drew Tuck, Chris Darling, Ryan Madden and Pat Patterson. Madden and Patterson split the 2nd-3rd place money, while Garrett Thompson won the u1500 prize and Zach Madden the u1000.

Also participating were Lucas Seybolt, Ryan Palmisano, Paul Kielich, Max Peters, Luke Grisanti, Wes Darling, Todd Thompson, and Austen Harris.

Wes Darling won the scholastic section with 4 wins. Nathan Palmisano, Garrett Thompson, Max Peters, Luke Grisanti, Zach Madden, Todd Thompson, and Austen Harris also played.

Next tournament Feb4th. See you then!

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2012-01-03T09:51:00.002-05:00

Sat. Jan 7 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY

2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed!

Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize!

For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

2011 HOLIDAY CLASSIC RESULTS

2011-12-18T00:18:00.003-05:00

The 2011 Holiday Classic attracted 33 players in the Open, U1500 and Scholastic sections on December 17, 2011 at the Main Place Mall. New USCF members were Dylan Teague, a scholastic player from The Lockport Knights Chess Club, Quinn H. Caya, and Sandipan Kundu from the University of Buffalo Chess Club referred by Scott Zdunczyk also from the University of Buffalo Chess Club.

Kudos goes out to Dylan Teague, 7th grader defeated Steve L. Baer, USCF rated 1283 in his first opening game. James W. Lyon, 6th grader who played in both U1500 and Scholastic sections in preparation for the NY State Championships. Three girls participated in the Scholastic section. Liberty Wendt, 3rd grader from Lockport Knights Chess Club completed her first tournament. The other two girls were Ruby Z. Soudant and Laura E. Cohn both are 3rd graders and Urban Queens Chess Club members. Ashton Williams, 1st grader from The Stars of India, completed another tournament in the Main Place Mall.

The 2011 Buffalo Stars Scholastic Undefeated Champion is James W. Lyon, 2nd place - Corey K. Spencer from Lockport Knights, 3rd place - James A. Shippens from Olmsted Golden Knights, 4th place - Ruby Z. Soudant from Olmsted Golden Knights. The Top Female Award which goes to the highest performing female in the section is Laura E. Cohn, Urban Queens Chess Club.

The 2011 Holiday Classic U1500 Undefeated Champion is Adam Chelpinski, 2nd place finisher was newcomer Sandipan Kundu from the University of Buffalo.

U1500 UPSET LEADERS; Lucas Grisanti, Pioneer Chess Club draws Ryan Palmisano, Pionner Chess Club for 149.5 pts, Vic Bahl defeated James W. Lyon for 91 pts, Adam Chelpinski defeated Kevin N. Roulhac for 41 pts, Scott Zdunczyk draws Glenn Conlin for 20 pts, Ryan Palmisano defeated Steve L. Baer for 5pts.

The 2011 Holiday Classic Open Champion is National Master Barry Davis, 2nd place was Thomas A. Warner, U2000 Class Prize winner was Erik W. Lubas, Senior at Kenmore West.

Holiday Classic UPSET LEADERS; Emory Parish defeated Albert Patterson for 193 pts, Brian W. Sayers defeated Dr. James J. Paul for 174 pts, Lucas A. Seybold from Fredonia defeated Dr. James J. Paul for 164 pts, Erik W. Lubas defeated Douglas W. Dubose for 153 pts, Albert Patterson draws Erik W. Lubas for 116.5 pts, Douglas W. Dubose draws National Master Barry Davis for 66.5 pts, and Justin Craddock defeated Albert Patterson for 55 pts. We want to wish Justin "GOOD LUCK", as he travels to New York City to play in a Holiday tournament at the Marshall Chess Club. The Marshall Chess Club was visited by Alexis and Matthew Schlaak from the Chess Club of Buffalo over the summer and gifted me a Marshall Chess Club Polo Shirt. The Marshall Chess Club is where famous Grandmasters and GM Bobby Fischer played on a regular basis.

SAVE THE DATE; We will host 2 USCF tournaments in January 2012. Our next tournament will be on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in the Main Place Mall, 3 games, Game 60, USCF Rated, Entry fee $15 or $20 Cash at the door. PIZZA and Refreshments Provided! CASH PRIZES BASED ON NUMBER OF ENTRIES! Players must report by 9:30am, Games will start at 10am, Noon and 2pm. Online registrations are greatly appreciated with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Please include full name, USCF number and telephone number no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221. Then the second USCF rated tournament will be on Saturday, January 21, 2012, The First Annual William J. O'Leary Memorial Classic 2012 hosted by the O'Leary - Soudant Family!

Thanks to all the parents who helped served pizza, refreshments, Dr James Paul for the chocolate desserts. There wasnt the Canon Digital professional camera due to an holiday office party, so I want to give a special thanks to the parents, our Freelance photographers who will be sending me camera photos for facebook, which Im still learning.

Have a safe, warm MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Resptfully submitted by Mc Duffie, USCF Tournament Director and Chess Ambassador

WILLIAM J. O'LEARY MEMORIAL CLASSIC 2012

2011-12-17T04:38:00.009-05:00

Presented and hosted in loving memory by The O'Leary - Soudant Family, Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr. and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, Main Place Mall, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is celebrating 12 years of Educational Enrichment Youth Chess Programs.

Pictured are Ruby and Jethro Soudant whose family who wanted to host a Chess event in loving memory of Ruby's Grandfather who was an avid chess player. Ruby, recently became the first Olmsted Elementary 2011 Scholastic K-4 Chess Champion. Her accomplishment is highlighted on the Buffalo School District webpage BuffaloSchools.org.

The First Annual William J. O'Leary Memorial Classic 2012 will be an US Chess Federation Open Rated Chess Tournament. United States Chess Federation annual membership is REQUIRED!

The format is Four Games, Swiss, Game 50, Four sections of play OPEN, U1500, USCF rated Scholastic K-12 and Urban Queens K-12 Unrated.

PIZZA AND REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED TO ALL PAID TOURNAMENT PLAYERS!

Advance discount Entry Fees vs Cash at the door; OPEN and U1500 Sections - $30 vs $35, Scholastic Section - $10 vs $15.

CASH PRIZES based upon 25 total paid players; $175, $125, U2000 - $100 & $60, U1500 - $100 and $60. Advance online registrations are greatly appreciated with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by wednesday at midnight on January 18, 2012 for the discounted Entry fee. Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, New York 14221, checks must be received no later than Wednesday, January 18, 2012 with full name, USCF number, Section and telephone number.

Game Schedule: All OPEN and U1500 players must report no later than 9:30am, so we can start promptly Round One at 9:45am, Round 2 at 11:30am, Round 3 at 1:15pm and Round 4 at 3:00pm.

Scholastic Format and Schedule; USCF rated provided we have enough USCF registrations, Advance Entry fee is $10 or $15 Cash at the door. 4 Games, Game 30, Swiss. All Scholastic players must report by 11am, Games will start at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Trophies will be awarded to Top 5 players in K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 sections of play. Souvenir Medals for all tournament players!

Come join us and the O'Leary - Soudant Family in this special chess event to honor their loved one. We want to wish every one a SAFE, HAPPY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012! Thanks for all your continued help and support!

SAVE THE DATE 2012 - MAYORS CUP 2012 - BUFFALO's 6th Annual FIDE Chess Championships, featuring 2010 Mayors Cup Champion - International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D on Saturday, June 2nd and June 3rd, 2012, NEW Venue - Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, Buffalo, NY. This will be a two day, 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 120, FIDE Rated Tournament. Check your USCF Chess Life Magazine TLA listing for more details.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Global Concepts Holiday Chess Tournament

2011-12-13T21:50:00.005-05:00

Come on out and join us for the 2011 Holiday Chess Tournamment!

Date: Saturday, December 17th

Location: Global Concepts Charter School, 1001 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY

Time: 9:45 - 3:00

Entry Fee: $5.00 non-refundable, bring a lunch, baskets of goodies will be raffled as well :)

4 sections: Unrated, U700, U1400 and U1600 Adults (This section will be G/45, will play 3 rounds and will have medals, not trophies)

Time Control: Unrated, U700 and U1400 will play 4SS rounds, G/30. 1/2 point byes are available for rounds 1, 2 or 3 only

If you'd like to register or have any questions, please contact tournament director, Mr. Cirillo at cirilloav@yahoo.com.

Advance registrations greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you there!

Recovering from a loss

2011-12-13T16:48:00.001-05:00

I like the following article. Important. Recovering from a loss

BUFFALO HOLIDAY CHESS TOURNAMENT 2011

2011-12-13T04:53:00.003-05:00

Presented by Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is an US Chess Federation affiliate which host USCF rated Chess Tournaments.

Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main St, Buffalo, New York. There is FREE Parking under the Mall.

NEW FORMAT! There will be PIZZA and Refreshments for all paid Tournament players.

NEW FORMAT FOR CASH PRIZES! Cash prizes will be based on 25 total paid players. Sections may be combined if less players are registered. I hope this eliminates any confusions!

Two sections are OPEN and U1500. OPEN Cash Prizes; $175 and $125, U2000 $100 and $60. U1500 Cash Prizes; $100 and $60.

Game Schedule; Players must report by 9:30am, Games start at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Advance discounted entries are greatly appreciated by Midnight on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 with full name, section of play, USCF number and telephone sent to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. All other advance registrations which help us start promptly must be sent by midnight on Friday, December 16, 2011. Advanced Entries are $30 or $35 Cash at the door.

Buffalo Star Scholastics K-12 Section; 4 games, Swiss, Game 30, Awards to the Top 3 winners and Top Female. Scholastic players must report by 11am, Games start at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Advance discounted Entry fee is $10 or $15 Cash at the door.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Acadmey, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY postmarked by Midnight, Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

Pictured above on the left is the 2011 1st Annual Olmsted Elementary Chess Championship winners held on December 10, 2011 and on the right are the 16 scholastic players from the Buffalo November Veterans Day Memorial honoring The Montford Point Marines.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy wishes the Buffalo Niagara Chess Community a Safe, Warm and Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012. If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve the chess environment, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, all comments are read and taking under consideration.

27th USA Jr Chess Olympics

2011-12-05T15:25:00.004-05:00

Owen Shriver of 12 Corners School in Rochester won all 5 games to win the grade 7-12 section of the USA Jr Chess Olympics held at Pioneer Middle School last Saturday. Shriver beat Ethan Yung in round 4 and Abe Glasser in round 5 ( both rated over 200 pts higher than Owen) to win the Trophy and gold medal. Yung finished 2nd and Glasser 3rd.

Shriver, Yung and Glasser (all from 12 corners school) also combined to win the team gold medal, edging out Pioneer central by one half point. Keshequa Central from Nunda,NY got the bronze.

In the k-6 section Jacob Chen, another Rochester player, dominated going 5-0 to win the gold. Andy He, who got up early and traveled for 2 hours from Horseheads,NY to play, won the silver. Andy, playing in his first tournament, lost his first game but then won 4 in a row. Sam Santora from Kenmore got the bronze in a tie-break over Anoop Sankara.

It was a 3 way for first in the team competition with the Home School from the Buffalo area winning on tiebreaks. French Road school and Mendon school, both from Rochester got the silver and bronze.

Nageeb Umar, Kamal Ali, both of Global Concepts charter school of Lackawanna, and Jeff Schalberg from Pioneer tied for 1st in the unrated section. After an exciting blitz playoff, Umar came away with the Gold, Ali the silver and Schalberg the bronze.

Mark Clark won the Adult section, going undefeated 4-0.

80 kids participated in the event this year, and a lot of interesting and excellent chess was played.

Thanks to Mark Mieth and all the chess moms who helped with the pizza and pop. Thanks also to Tony Cirillo and Sam Copeland for their assistance and to Barry Davis for analyzing. Also to Mike McDuffie for the pictures. Lets do this again next year!

27th USA JR. CHESS OLYMPICS

2011-11-26T18:34:00.002-05:00

27TH USA JR. CHESS OLYMPICS

Sat. Dec 3 , 2011

At Pioneer Middle School 12132 Old Olean Rd., Yorkshire NY 14173

5SS, G/30, EF $10 includes free pizza for lunch! Rds. 10, 11, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 2 Sections: K-6 and 7-12

Prizes: Trophies and Olympic style medals to 1st,2nd,and 3rd place winners to individuals and teams in each section

USCF membership required, can join at tournament No limit to number of players on team, but only top 4 scores will count for team total.

There will also be a non-rated tournament with an entry fee of $5 with Trophies to top 3, and an adult tournament EF $5, Prizes per entries.

Entries & info: Tom Warner 716-560-4160 warner689@roadrunner.com

Advanced entries will be greatly appreciated!

Copeland wins in Sardinia

2011-11-10T11:16:00.003-05:00

Sam Copeland defeated Ryan Madden in a tough battle to win the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. Sam won a pawn early and made the advantage stand to win over the Pioneer 10th grader. Sam also beat Sam Santora and Paul Kielich in rds 1 and 2.

Madden ,Kelich, and Pat Patterson tied for 2nd with 2pts. while Mike McDuffie won the u1600 class prize, also with 2 pts. Other participants were Chris Darling, Max Peters, Sam Santora, Wes Darling, Lucas Grisanti, and Todd Thompson.

In the Scholastic section Max Peters had a fine tournament and won with 3.5 pts. Zach Madden, Todd Thompson, Wes Darling, Brad Schrock, Sam Santora, and Lucas Grisanti also participated.

The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201111057111

Don't forget the 27th USA Jr Chess Olympics scholastic tournament next month (Dec 3) at the Pioneer Middle School, Yorkshire,NY. EF $10 includes pizza for lunch! Prizes will be team and individual trophies and olympic style medals. G/30, Rds 10,11,12:30,1:30,2:30. There will also be an adult and unrated section. More details will be coming next week.

Lockport Knights Make Front Page News!

2011-11-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

The Lockport Knights Youth Chess Club was featured on the front page of the Lockport Union - Sun & Journal on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. It can be found on the website Lockportjournal.com. Pictured above is Jean Luke Pencille, son of Lucy Pencille. This program was the result of a joint brainstorming idea with Mrs. Pencille and Coach Mc Duffie. Andrew Pencille her older son, played in the 2010 USCF National Scholastic Championships in Columbus, Ohio and was honored by James Williams, PhD former Buffalo School District Superintendent. This is the 4th session now and we will start another soon. Some of the the Lockport Knights were members of the 2010 Scholastic Champions Team where we travelled to Central New York this past April. Girls are very much in attendance and show a love for the game.

Featured are Alexis Schlaak, Kevin Kovach, Liberty Wendt and a full picture of the chess room.

Students are paired up every monday night at the Lockport Youth Center located on Willow and Transit from 6pm until 8pm. The pre - registration is now taking application for the Winter session that will start in December.

Chess lessons, matches and instructions are directed by The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, an affiliate with the US Chess Federation.

Join us to Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Session at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY for 4 USCF Rated games and Scholastic chess on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Details and flyer available with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Congratulations to the Lockport Knights Chess Club!

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

2011 Global Concepts Fall Chess Festival

2011-11-07T15:31:00.005-05:00

Come on out and join us for the 2011 Global Concepts Fall Chess Festival! We are excited to announce the addition of a new U1600 adult section for adults looking to play and scholastic players looking to challenge their game! More details on this newly added section are included below.

2011 Global Concepts Fall Chess Festival
Date: Saturday, November 19th
Location: Global Concepts Charter School, 1001 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna 14218
Time: Check in by 9:45, first round for all sections begins at 10:00am

There are three scholastic sections to choose from. Unrated, U700 and U1400. 4ss rounds, G/30. The U700 and U1400 sections are USCF rated. Entry fee for scholastic sections is $5.00.

Our new U1600 adult section has no entrance fee. This section will NOT BE RATED by the USCF and will be open to all rated USCF and non-rated players who wish to play friendly games with other adults. Future events in this section (U1600) will be rated depending on the level of interest and participation. Game time for all sections will be G/30, but the new U1600 section will have a delay of 5 sec. added. If you're intending to play in the new U1600 section, please confirm your intended attendance by posting in the comments section below.

Medals will be rewarded to top five in the Urated, U700, U1400 scholastic sections. The U1600 will have certificates for the Top Three.

If you have any questions, or would like to register, please contact Mr. Cirillo at cirilloav@yahoo.com.

We're looking forward to seeing you there and thank you in advance for your support and participation!

Global Concepts "Halloween Tournament" Results!

2011-11-02T13:31:00.011-04:00

GCCS and QueensKnight hosted their fourth successful annual “Halloween Chess Tournament”. 36 chess players came out to haunt the school. There were 11 “Vampires”, 15 “Werewolves”, and 10 “Zombies” and they were all out for fresh blood. They fought hard for every drop they could squeeze out of their victims. In the end nobody got hurt except the T.D. who with help from the witches barely escaped the onslaught of vampires, werewolves, and hungry zombies. Although, the T.D. still managed to get the last word in… of the results… and this is how it all finished…

First and foremost, the trophy for "Best Costume 2011" was awarded to Enya Cirillo for her Little Red Riding Hood costume.

“The Vampires” (U1400) were led by:
1. SAMUEL SANTORA
2. KEVIN LYLE
3. JAMES LYON
4. ALEX SHAMROCK
5. JOHN BLUM

“The Werewolves” (U700) ended up like this:
1. NICHOLAS IVON
2. HANNAH CRAWFORD
3. JEREMY ORTEGA
4. MATHEW FRANCE
5. MIGUEL MERCADO

And finally the walking “Zombies” (Unrated) went like this:
1. DANIELLE DOERING
2. SAVANNAH IVON
3. NAGEEB UMAR
4. BRYCE WESTON
5. BROOK WROBLEWSKI

Finally they were all happy, since it was so close to HALLOWEEN…or was it the candy? Well it doesn’t matter the next tournament will be on NOVEMBER 19TH, same place, same time. We're excited to announce the addition of a new U1600 section for adults and scholastic players looking for a challenge. More details to come soon!

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-11-01T18:44:00.004-04:00

Sardinia Tournament Sat. Nov. 5 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY

2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed!

Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize!

For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Also coaches get your teams ready for the 27th USA Jr Chess Opympics on Dec 3 at the Pioneer Middle School, Yorkshire NY. This event will feature some of the best scholastic players in WNY, Pa, and Canada. There will also be an adult section. Last year we had 88 entries, this year lets make it 100!

5SS, G/30, trophies and medals to top teams and individuals. EF $10 which includes pizza for lunch!

4th Annual Global Concepts Halloween Tournament

2011-10-27T15:49:00.003-04:00

Want to have fun during Halloween weekend playing chess in your costume? Then come down on October 29th to Global Concepts Charter School for the 4th annual Halloween Chess Tournament!

This scholastic tournament will be 4 rounds, Game/30 with 3 sections to choose from: Unrated, U700 and U1400. Rounds begin at 10am. Top 3 in each section receive a trophy.

Entry Fee: $5.00. Bring your own lunch.

Trick-or-Treat bags will be available for all participants. There will also be fun baskets filled with goodies available for raffle.

Global Concepts Charter School is located at 1001 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY 14218.

Please contact tournament director Antonio Cirillo @ cirilloav@yahoo.com if you have any questions or would like to register.

US ARMED FORCES DAY MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

2011-10-27T08:08:00.003-04:00

Presented by Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr, City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Celebrating 11 years of Educational Enrichment Youth Chess Programs around the Buffalo Niagara Falls, New York area.

The Buffalo Niagara Falls Chess Community returns home to a new 2011 - 2012 Winter Chess Season in the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.

Each third saturday of the month, The Archangel 8 Chess Academy will host a USCF Open rated Chess Tournament for Scholastics, Females and USCF members.

On Saturday, November 19, 2011 we dedicate the tournament in memory to all the men, women and family members of the US Armed Forces for their efforts to protect us.

The Maritime Charter All Girls Colour Guard will help us with the Opening Ceremony with Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr.

PIZZA and Refreshments will be provided for all paid tournament players. Advance registration is greatly appreciated!

Monthly Tournament format will be 4 games, Swiss, Game 50(45 with a 5 second delay) for digital clocks and USCF rated games. Advance Discount Online registration must be received by Midnight, Wednesday prior to the Tournament. Other Online registrations for tournament entry must be received by Midnight on Fridays prior to the tournament with full name, USCF number, Section of play and telephone number.

USCF members must have a current membership. Advance Discount Entry fee will be $30 and must be received no later than the Wednesday, November 16, 2011 or $35 USD Cash at the door. No CREDIT CARDS OR CHECKS at the door.

NOVEMBER GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES are $100 - $95, U1900 -$60, U1500 -$45.00.

USCF Open players must report by 9:30am, Games start at 9:45am, Late Unpaid players will take a one half point BYE and wait for the next round. Games Schedule is Rd 1 at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

Scholastic and Urban Queens Sections are designed to help new and existing players ready for State and National USCF tournament play. Advance discount entry fee is $10.00 or $15.00 at the door.

Trophies to the Top Female and Top 3 winners. Scholastic is USCF rated section where The Urban Queens is UNRATED! Each section will play 4 games, Game 30, Swiss. All Scholastic K-12 players must report by 11am, Games start at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Trophies awarded immediately. after.

All checks must be made payable and mailed to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221, must be received by Wednesday, November 16, 2011. If you have any comments or other suggestions to help improve the chess friendly environment, please send your suggestions to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Special Thanks to all the chess players for their continued support and help! Invite your friends or other chess players to join us every month.

Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

HALLOWEEN USCF FREE TOURNAMENT

2011-10-25T12:56:00.003-04:00

Hosted by the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Buffalo Central Library in the Fables Cafe, located at 1 Lafayette Court, Buffalo, New York on Sunday, October 30, 2011, registration starts at Noon, Games start promptly at 12:30pm until 4:30pm.

Scholastic players are strongly encouraged to wear their Halloween Costumes and/or Face paint for this special occassion.

Three sections of play are USCF OPEN, SPOOKY SCHOLASTICS and Unrated Sections.

The tournament format will be 3 to 4 games, USCF rated, Swiss, Game 30 with a 5 sec delay. This is a FREE Special Event to Celebrate National Chess Month at the Buffalo Central Library. Please bring your chess set, board and digital chess clock if available, LIMITED! Chess sets and boards will be available.

USCF OPEN section players must be a current USCF member or join at site to play in the USCF section.

This is the third and last chance to invite other chess players who want to play in a formal tournament. Unrated and Scholastic players are not required to be USCF members. Adults will play Adults and Scholastics will play Scholastics.

Advance registration is greatly appreciated with full name, USCF number, Section and telephone number by Midnight, Saturday, October 29, 2011 replies to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

The West Room will be available for the Halloween guest to relax and enjoy the Buffalo Bills on Television.

Special Thanks to Simpson and Simpson, LLC., The Lockport Recreational Staff and the Lockport parents for their continued help and support.

Pictured are the Fall Session Chess Players from Lockport Knights Chess Club which meets every Monday Nights from 6pm until 8pm at the Lockport Youth Center, 401 Willow at the corner of Transit Rd and Willow. The Fall session ends on November 21, 2011. Guest Scholastic Chess players must bring chess sets and boards, all the chess sets and boards are being used by current members and we have added an extra table.

USCF FREE Tournament - Buffalo Central Library

2011-10-23T22:22:00.003-04:00

In celebration of National Chess Month, 18 players came out to support the chess tournament in downtown Buffalo, New York. Two sections were held for Unrated players and USCF members on the first floor of the Central Library from 12:30pm until 4:30pm.

12 players participated in the Unrated section, including our youngest female player Clare Rados, a first grader, Shaka Davis, 6th grader, and Oren Forgette, 5th grader. Pictured are scholastic players working on Grandmaster Maurice Ashley's Pawn Mower Chess Puzzles. After 4 games, the Unrated Champion was Richard Hennessey, 2nd Place - Owen Miller and 3rd Place tie was Oren Forgette, Howard Lippes, MD and Tony Kimbrough.

The field of 6 players in the USCF section crowned Mike Jocko(1473) USCF Champion, 2nd Place - David S. Miller(1647) and 3rd Place - James P. Davis, Esq.(1481). Scholastic USCF members were James W. Lyon and Nathaniel Spencer. James J. Paul, MD(1505), brought a friend Howard Lippes, MD. National Master, Lionel L Davis came out to support the tournament and Shaka Davis.

We will meet on Sunday, October 30th for our final Halloween Chess Tournament of National Chess Month, Buffalo Central Library, One Lafayette Court, Buffalo, NY on the 1st floor at the Fables Cafe. Everyone is encouraged to wear Halloween Costumes or Face paint for this special event. This is a FREE USCF Tournament for current USCF members. The format is 3 to 4 games, Swiss, Game 30, USCF rated. Unrated players can play 3 to 4 games in the UNRATED section. Advance registration is greatly appreciated by Midnight on Saturday, October 29, 2011 with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Report submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Robert C. Johnson Memorial Team Tournament Results

2011-10-23T09:55:00.005-04:00

Forty players on seven teams participated in the Robert C. Johnson 2011 Memorial Team Tournament hosted by Erie PA Chess Club. Robert C. Johnson was from Bemus Point, New York and his friends now host 3rd Annual USCF rated Team Tournament that bears is name. Buffalo Thundering Herd was the 2010 Team Champions and in the first year of the tournament Team Bradford were the 2009 Team Champions.

The Team results are as follows, 2011 Team Champions - Chautauqua with 10 pts, Second Place with 9 points was Buffalo "B" Team, 3rd Place - Bradford with 8pts, 4th Place - Shenango with 7.5 pts, 5th Place - Buffalo "A" Team with 7pts, 6th Place - Southtowns with 6pts and North East Erie, PA with 4.5pts.

Buffalo had 10 players and Team Captain Robert Simpson was asked to split the teams. Members from Buffalo were Captain Robert Simpson(1428), Barry Davis(2172), Marijan Procyk(2047), Douglas Dubose(2023), Harish Srinivasan(1953), Samuel Santora(1262), Brian Sayers(1302), Vic Bahl(964), Justin Craddock(1542) and Mc Duffie(1219), Chess Ambassador. Buffalo B Team members were Captain Robert Simpson, Esq., finished with 2.5 pts, Marijan Procyk with 2.5 pts, Vic Bahl with 1pt, Harish Srinivasan with 2 pts and Mc Duffie with 2 pts,Chess Ambassador, Buffalo A Team members were lead by Barry Davis with 2 pts, Douglas Dubose with 2.5 pts, Samuel Santora with 1.5 pts, Justin Craddock 1/2 pts and Brian Sayers with 2pts. Both Open and U1600 Section Champions won with 3pts.

Special Thanks to Captain Robert Simpson for organizing and supporting the team. Thanks for all the players who took time to make the journey to represent Buffalo - Niagara Falls, New York. Pictures will be posted later and others will be on Facebook.

Save The DATE - Saturday, November 19, 2011, for the 2011 - 2012 Winter Chess Season, every third Saturday at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The format is 4 games, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 50. Advance registration is greatly appreciated with online registration by the midnight on wednesday before each tournament. Early discount payments must be paid by the Saturday prior to the tournament. Online registrations with full name, USCF number, Section and telephone to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Report Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

WORLD CHESS FEDERATION FIDE FALL FESTIVAL 2011 RESULTS

2011-10-16T21:09:00.002-04:00

The World Chess Federation Fall Chess Festival was very encouraging and entertaining for all who participated. Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D, International Master was The undefeated 2011 Champion with 4.5 points out of 5 games. Full payouts were paid to Kenneth W. Regan, tied 2nd Place finishers Samuel Copeland, University of Buffalo Grad student and Erik W. Lubas, Sr at Kenmore West High School. Welcome greetings to Yevgeni Nahutin, FIDE rated, Canadian - Russian player drove down from Toronto, Canada. Kudos to Samuel Santora, 3rd grader, 2011 Mayor's Cup K-12 Champion, improving his game by playing up this weekend.

Highlight in The Scholastic K - 6th Section Overall winners were undefeated Champion, James Lyon,2011 Mayor's Cup K-6th Buffalo Champion and Top Catholic School Champion, 2nd place - Colton Kuzdzal visiting from Fredonia, NY, 3rd place - Alexis J. Schlaak and 4th place - Benjamin Rummell, Chess Club of Buffalo.

Trophies were awarded by class, Top First grader - Alexis J. Schlaak from Chess Club of Buffalo, Top 4th grader - Colton Kuzdzal, and Top 6th grader - James Lyon, Hamburg, NY. Welcome to Ashton William, 1st grader from the Stars of India Chess Club pictured with Alexis J. Schlaak. Medals were awarded to Matthew S. Schlaak, Chess Club of Buffalo and Benjamin Rummell, Chess Club of Buffalo.

Co - Champions in the World Chess Federation - U1500 Section were Kevin N. Roulhac from the Urban Knights Chess Club and Lucas Seybold from Fredonia, NY. Third place winner was Adam Chelpinski. Welcome new USCF member Tamas Gemes, Niagara University Graduate visiting from Hungary and a new member of the Urban Knights Chess Club.

Upset Leaders - U1500 Section were as follows; Round One Lucas Seybold defeated Steve L. Baer for 307 points, Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Adam Chelpinski for 200 points, Round Three Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Steve L. Baer for 83 points, Round Four Lucas Seybold defeated Adam Chelpinski for 424 points, Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Samuel Santora for 79 points, and Round Five Lucas Seybold defeated Samuel Santora for 303 points.

At the end of Day One, Samuel Copeland, University of Buffalo was the Festival Leader with 3 points out of 3 games, International Master Kenneth W. Regan, PhD. placed second with 2.5 points and have to take a Bye for Family Time, Barry Davis, National Master, Erik W. Lubas, and Mark Clark, National Master earned 2 points and in the hunt for the title, Others with Day Two potential were Brian Sayers, Toronto, Canada - Yevgeni Nahutin and Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador all with 1.5 points.

Upset Leaders - Opening Day were Brian Sayers draw against Yevgeni Nahutin(FIDE Rated) for 380 points, Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador defeated James P. Davis, Esq. for 160 points, Samuel Copeland, University of Buffalo defeated National Master, Barry Davis for 66 points and James P. Davis, Esq. draws with Dr. James J. Paul for 12 points.

Finals - Day Two Upset Leaders in Round 4 were Emory Parish defeated David S. Miller for 228 points, Erik W. Lubas defeated Yevgeni Nahutin(Toronto)for 183 points, Dr. James J. Paul defeated Justin Craddock for 108 points and Brian Sayers defeated Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador for 83 points. Round Five Erik W. Lubas defeated National Master Mark J. Clark, Jamestown, NY for 219 points.

Special thanks to all the parents, chess players, International Master Kenneth W. Regan, PhD., Simpson and Simpson, LLC., Vic Bahl and The Gloria J Park Community Center and its Staff for providing a well clean and organized environment.

Submitted by World Chess Federation, International Organizer and Chief Arbiter, Mc Duffie

Anand Interview

2011-10-10T22:09:00.001-04:00

You might like this: (wish there is Anand - Ivanchuk match in the future) Anand's Interview

REGISTER FOR THE BUFFALO FALL FIDE CHESS FESTIVAL 2011

2011-10-09T22:18:00.004-04:00

This is a last chance to register for the upcoming World Chess Federation Buffalo Fall FIDE Chess Festival on Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.

International Master, Kenneth Regan, Ph.D, 2010 and 2011 Mayor's Cup FIDE undefeated Champion, has asked me to invite all the Open and FIDE rated chess player to join us this weekend for this two day special event which kick-offs the Fall Chess season and National Chess Month. US Chess Federation membership is REQUIRED! If you register in advance by Midnight on Wednesday, October 12th with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, the advance reduced entry fee is $60.00 vs $75.00 Cash at the door.

The FIDE Schedule is Saturday at 10am, 2:30pm and 7pm, Sunday at 9:30am and 2pm. FIDE Cash Prizes are $400, $150, $100, U2100 - $125 and U1800 - $100. Format for the FIDE Open is 10 Enhanced Grand Prix points, 5 Rounds, Swiss, FIDE and USCF rated, Game 120.

The U1500 advance reduced entry fee of $$30 v $35 Cash at the door. The U1500 section only plays on Saturday, October 15th Only! The format for the U1500 is 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 50, Games start at 10am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Cash prizes are $100, $80 and $60.00.

Fall Youth Chess Festival will be on Saturday, October 15th ONLY! 4 Games, Swiss, Game 30. Two sections are The Urban Queens (Non USCF players) and USCF Scholastic Open players. Players must register in advance by Midnight, Wednesday, October 12th with full name, USCF number and telephone number to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Games start at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm.

All Chess players must bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chief Arbiter and Chess Ambassador

2011 INTERNATIONAL CHESS DAY CELEBRATION RESULTS

2011-10-09T21:00:00.004-04:00

The International Chess Day Celebration Tournament attracted over twenty persons to the special event at the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library in downtown Buffalo, New York. Pictured are the USCF Open section players, Kevin Roulhac, Lucas Seybold, Richard Hennessey, James P. Davis, Esq. and Dr. James J. Paul. The International Youth Section pictured are l-r sitting are Brandon Laury, Kevin Keil and Dustin Folts. In the back are Ruby Soudant, Hudson Salman, Chaitanya Ratnakaram, Kalyan Ratnakaram and Frank Uschold, back rear are Kurt Uschold, Shaka Davis and Vamsikrishna Ratnakaram.

Also pictured is Ruby Soudant, Urban Queens & Knights Chess Club defeats Kevin Keil for the Award of Top Elementary Student and Top Female Champion. Kevin Keil, Our Lady of Blackrock was awarded The Top Catholic School Student, The International Chess Day Youth undefeated Champion was Vamsikrishna Ratnakaram, member of the Stars of India Chess Club, 2011 Mayor's Cup Team Champions. The Top Middle School player was Frank Uschold, Springville, New York, Top 4th Grader was Chaitanya Ratnakaram, Maple East and Top Junior High student was Kurt Uschold from Springville, NY. Participants in the Beginners Chess Challenge were Brandon Laury, Enterprise Charter School, Hudson Salman, William Street School and Dustin Folts, Springville Elementary. In the USCF National Chess Day Champion was Lucas A. Seybold visiting from Fredonia, NY. The Top High School USCF Student was Kevin N. Roulhac, member of the Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club and the Gloria J Parks Chess Club. 2nd Place USCF winners were James P. Davis, Esq.

A special thanks to the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library staff who helped with the organization and arrangements, posted graphic flyers that helped direct the players to the tournament meeting room. Also read the Monday, October 10th, Buffalo News paper for an Chess article coverage of the Chess Day Celebration.

On Sunday, October 23rd and October 30th, 2011 we will have another FREE USCF Tournament for Scholastic and Adult players. Format will be 3 Rounds, Swiss, USCF Open rated and Game 30. Games will start at 12:30pm until 4:30pm. All players must register between Noon and 12:30pm. Advance registration is greatly appreciated with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, section and telephone number by Midnight, Saturday, October 22nd, 2011.

Report submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

NATIONAL CHESS DAY CELEBRATION 2011

2011-10-08T18:23:00.002-04:00

Presented by Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr, City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy will host a National USCF Chess Day Celebration at the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library, 2ND Floor, located on Lafayette Street in downtown Buffalo, NY on Sunday, October 9th, 2011.

This tournament is for ALL CHESS PLAYERS, USCF RATED AND NON Members! THIS IS A FREE OPEN RATED TOURNAMENT. Come and place 3 to 4 games, Swiss, USCF Rated, Game 30. All players must be registered by 12:30pm and all games will start at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm and 3pm.

Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock. USCF memberships must be current for rated games.

Awards will be presented to the TOP ADULT USCF MEMBER, TOP YOUTH GIRL CHAMPION, TOP CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHAMPION, TOP ELEMENTARY CHAMPION, TOP MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAMPION, TOP HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPION, TOP SENIOR 65+ CHAMPION, TOP FEMALE CHAMPION AND TOP COLLEGIATE CHAMPION.

Advance registration is greatly appreciated with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF number, telephone number and section of play by Midnight, October 8, 2011.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

HERSCHELL CARROUSEL NATIONAL CHESS DAY CLASSIC 2011

2011-10-08T17:54:00.003-04:00

The first Annual Herschell Carrousel National Chess Day Classic 2011 held at the Factory Museum in North Tonawanda, New York, had 19 scholastic chess players participate in three games, three sections and held the first All Girls Scholastic Championship.

Special thanks to the Herschell Carrousel Educational Staff who helped send out over 5000 flyers and press announcements. The Pioneer Chess Club and Coach Thomas A. Warner for all his help and support.

The Herschell Carrousel Classic Final Results are as follows: The 2011 Herschell Carrousel All Girls undefeated Champion is Laura E. Cohn, 3rd grader, from the Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club and member of the Gloria J Parks Chess Club. 2nd Place winner was Samiyah Kinsey, 5th grader, new member to the Chess Club of Buffalo.

The Herschell Carrousel Classic Youth Champion was Jeffrey Schalberg, 5th grader and team member of the Pioneer Chess Club in Yorkshire, NY. 2nd Place winner was Muath Kinsey, 4th grader, new member of the Chess Club of Buffalo.

The Herschell Carrousel Classic USCF Youth undfeated Champion was Nathan Palmisano, (Grandson - Thomas A. Warner) at Pioneer Chess Club. 2nd Place winner was tied with Chris Darling(Pioneer Chess Club) and James W. Lyon from St. Peter and Paul School.

All the students will receive a special Herschell Carrousel Certificate for their participation and for their performance as its first players of the annual classic. Other pictures are posted on the Herschell Carrousel facebook page. Please SAVE THE DATE, Saturday, October 6, 2012 for the 2nd Annual Herschell Carrousel Classic 2012.If you have any comments or suggestions about the Classic please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Ivanchuk mugged

2011-10-06T00:21:00.005-04:00

Ivanchuk mugged in Sao Paolo. What's next? and you might also reaed the following Ivanchuk has great possibilities to win Bilbao. Unless someone wins at least 3 games and Ivanchuk does not win any, which might be possible but unlikly.

Robert Johnson Memorial Team Chess Tournament

2011-10-03T11:10:00.006-04:00

Location: Sweetwater Banquet Room, 2nd floor, 15 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428
Format: Three round Swiss Style. FREE - No entry fee.
Sections: Under 1600 and Open categories, plus an Unrated Section. Players in the rated sections must be current USCF members or renew at the tournament. "Top Team" will be determined by the top 4 or 5 scorers combined from the open and U1600 sections. Unrated section players will NOT count towards top team points.
Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2011.
Rounds: 10--1:30--5 (in case of a tie for top team, there will be a speed chess head-to-head playoff)
Time control: G/90 with a 5 second delay, if you are using a digital clock.
Contact: craigers518@msn.com Important: There will be NO onsite registration!

Arkport Open this Saturday

2011-09-27T09:39:00.002-04:00

4 Round Swiss System, Rounds 1 & 2 G/60, rounds 3 & 4 G/90 at Arkport Village Hall, 6 Park Ave., Arkport, NY 14807

PRIZES: $$ GTD : $200 – 100, B/25: (otherwise in proportion) U1800 $100 – 50, U1600 $100 – 50.

ENTRY FEE $30 CASH only at site. Open to all USCF members or join at site.

REGISTRATION: 9 – 9:45 a.m., Saturday, 10/1/11

ROUNDS: 10, 12, 2:15, 5:30

BRING SET, BOARD, AND CLOCK. NONE PROVIDED.

DIRECTOR: RON LOHRMAN of ROCHESTER CHESS CENTER

ADVANCE ENTRIES: make checks payable to F. K. Harris, 1 N. Ridge Dr., Arkport, NY 14807. Info: (607) 295 9858 Directions. Arkport is 5 miles north of Hornell, NY on NY36. From Rochester area take I390 south to Exit 4 at Dansville, follow NY36 south to Arkport. From Buffalo area take I90 to Batavia, NY63 to Geneseo, then I390 as above. From west: I86 to Exit 34N onto NY36 and north to Arkport. From east: I86 to Exit 34N and as from the west. At traffic light on NY36 in Arkport turn east onto East Ave., immediate right onto Main St., first left onto Park St. by U.S. Post Office, and look for Village Hall (fire station) on right. Tournament is in Village Hall Community Room in rear (east end) of Village Hall, NOT in Hornellsville Town Hall (brick building). Food: Cy’s Grocery on Main St., has deli, other restaurants nearby. Motels: Sunshine Motel (good value) (607) 324-4565 about 2 miles south of Arkport. Other motels in area. NO SMOKING, NO COMPUTERS, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE

12th Annual Freedom Trail Festival 2011

2011-09-25T08:03:00.003-04:00

The Archangel 8 Chess Academy and The Multicultural and International Student Affairs Office at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York, hosted a drop in Chess outing on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Earl W. Brydges Library located at 1425 Main street from Noon until 6pm.

Pictures dont show all the activites but the chess tables were active during the entire Freedom Trail Festival, which celebrates the history of the "underground railroad".

Canadian visitors from Niagara Falls and Toronto, Ontario along with New York City players stopped by for at least two trash talking games. It was fun to watch and play.

Pictured is Lanise who played 5th grader - Jillian, who finished her first chess lessons, arrange the pieces on the board, play a modified game and she was able to solve several Pawn Mower Rook exercises from International Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley's Pawn Mower Book, Volume 1.

We will have a USCF Open Chess Tournament over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holday on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Please save the date!

Report submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

EAST HIGH DARK KNIGHTS SPECIAL RECOGNITION DAY

2011-09-23T11:03:00.004-04:00

On September 1, 2011, Dr James Williams, Superintendent of the Buffalo Public School District awarded the Dark Knights Chess Team for their successful performance at the 2011 United States Chess Federation National High School Championships held on May 1, 2011 in Nashville, TN.

The five EHS Dark Knights team members (l-r front) are Justin D. Arrington, Jonathan J. Boone and Joshua A. Hampton, Standing are James W. Hampton, Michael A. Mc Duffie, US Chess Coach and Superintendent of the Buffalo School District, James A. Williams, Ph.D. Other members not present were Karl. D. White, Dr. James J. Paul, National Master Barry Davis and National Master Lionel L. Davis.

After returning home, all the team members were interviewed on the local Buffalo Cable TV at the Apollo building, offered summer jobs, Karl D. White wasn't able to attend because he was working at his summer job at TOPS Markets, Inc., but I was able to speak with his supervisors and TOPS Markets was able to give Karl special recognition at the grocery store.

Classmates hearing of their success at the 2011 USCF National HS Championships, elected their new 2012 Class Officers. Newly elected were President - Joshua Hampton, Vice President - Jonathan Boone and Secretary - James Hampton.

For those who aren't familiar with East High School in Buffalo, it was on the list of underperforming academic schools in the Buffalo School District, located in the Masten district area, where a majority of the students are enrolled in the National Free Lunch program due to its high poverty rate in the district and three out of four African American males dont graduate! Just proves how one successful event can motivate and trigger another. How a positive group of males working together can make a difference and change the vision and lives of others.

The 2012 East High Dark Knights, all in their senior year, will ask for your help and support from the Buffalo Niagara community as they attempt to earn a third national championship team trophy at the 2012 National High School K-12 Championships held on April 13 -15 in Minneapoliis, Minnesota. If you would like to help obtain and secure expenses from corporations and private companies around the area for airfare, hotel accomodations, entry fees and Team Polo Shirts, please email arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with your suggestions or comments.

I want to say "THANK YOU", to the Dark Knights who made a commitment and completed the journey, to all those who contributed behind the scenes in their support and efforts to raise funds, donated funds and resources, other players who were opponents to the Dark Knights in tournament competition, everything and everyone helped make this happen.

SAVE THE DATE - NATIONAL CHESS DAY CELEBRATION TOURNAMENT will be held at the Buffalo & Erie County Main Branch Library, located on Lafayette in Downtown Buffalo, NY on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Games will start at Noon until 4pm. This is a FREE Chess event where the players of all ages and levels are invited! Players will be placed in either Adult or Scholastic sections. There will be an USCF Open rated section (USCF membership is required), 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 30. This will also feature an All Girls K-12 Scholastic Championship (Unrated). If you are interested in participating, please email reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com no later than midnight on Friday, October 7, 2011, with full name, Grade, USCF number and telephone.

Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Women's FIDE Master Undefeated CHAMPION - Buffalo FIDE Summer Chess Festival 2011

2011-09-18T19:29:00.006-04:00

The Buffalo FIDE Summer Chess Festival has its first female undefeated Champion, Anna V. Levina, Womens FIDE Master. Anna came in from Cornell University, Ithaca New York to claim the new crown with a total of 4.5 pts out of 5 pts.

International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.d, 2011 and 2010 Mayor's Cup FIDE Champion, Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Founder of The Archangel 8 Chess Academy both welcome and congratulate the new 2011 Buffalo FIDE Summer Chess Festival Champion, Anna V.Levina. International Master, Brian M. Hartman from Toronto, Ontario Canada placed second with 4 points out of 5 games. There was a three way tie for third place with 3 pts were Mark J Clark, Jamestown New York, John N. Zilliox, Buffalo New York and Daniel F. Johnston, Rochester New York.

Upset Leaders for the festival were; Anna V. Levina with 363 pts, John N. Zilliox with 164 pts, James P. Davis with 120 pts, Daniel F. Johnston with 32 pts and Erik W. Lubas with 27.5 points.

Highlighted matches were as follows; Anna V. Levina, Womens FIDE Master defeated Brian M. Hartman, International Master for 363 pts, John N. Zilliox defeated Mark J. Clark, National Master for 164 pts, James P. Davis, Esq. draws David S. Miller for 120 pts, Daniel F. Johnston defeated David S. Miller for 32 pts and Erik W. Lubas draws John N. Zilliox for 27.5 pts. Mark J. Johnson from University of Buffalo had to withdraw for personal reasons.

We are looking forward to the Buffalo FIDE Fall Chess Festival 2011 which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 15th and 16th, 2011 at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. The "anticipated" short list of 10 Open section players who are scheduled to appear are International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.d, 2011 Buffalo "Mayor's Cup" FIDE Champion, 2011 Buffalo FIDE Summer Chess Festival Champion and Women's FIDE Master, Anna V. Levina(Cornell University), International Master, Brian M. Hartman(Toronto Canada), John N. Zilliox, Erik W. Lubas, James P. Davis, Esq., David S. Miller, Harish Srinvasan, Bryan Castro and Douglas Dubose. Online advance discount early entries are due by October 8, 2011 where the entry fee is $55 or $75 USD Cash at the door with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

We hope you will mark your calendars for the Kickoff of the Fall/Winter Chess season and remember starting in November 2011, we will be at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY, every third Saturday of each month for 4 Rounds, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 50 tournaments. Help us to continue to grow the Buffalo Niagara Chess Community Chess Club, with the Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend Chess referral program.

Thank you to everyone who helped us in making this Summer Chess Festival 2011 an historic and successful event. Special "Thanks" to Vic Bahl, Douglas Dubose, Bryan Castro, Robert Simpson, Simpson & Simpson, LLC, Tony Kimbrough, Glenn Westcott, Emory Parrish, James J Paul, OD, James Gibson and Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.d, who came as spectators to view some of the matches.

Final report submitted by Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chief Arbiter and USCF Tournament Director.

Day One - Buffalo September FIDE Chess Festival 2011

2011-09-18T04:29:00.005-04:00

An exciting day is now in the historical archives for Day One of the Buffalo September FIDE Chess Festival. Some of the historical stats are visiting Chess players from Ithaca NY, Toronto Ontario, Welland Ontario, Jamestown NY, Fredonia NY, and Rochester NY, the first Woman FIDE Master, first Canadian International Master and 4 FIDE rated players, brought excitement to the Gloria J Parks Community Center, Buffalo New York, The Gateway to the World Chess Federation - FIDE.

Results of the Buffalo September U1500 Section, hosted 10 players in a 5 rounds, Swiss, USCF Rated, Game 50 format. We want to first welcome returnee Canadian Vinay Sharma(1419) from Welland, Ontario who was the highest rated player of the section, Scott Zdunczyk and Mark J Johnson from University of Buffalo Chess Club, Lucas A. Seybold who drove in from Fredonia NY, Trevor D. Cohn, Urban Knights Chess Club, 8th grader playing up from the Scholastic K-12 and Diane M. Ruminski from The Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club member, our only female in the U1500 section.

The Champion of the Buffalo September U1500 Chess Festival was Kevin N. Roulhac, Urban Knights Chess Club member posted 4 out of 5 to win the section and top prize. Tied for second was Vinay Sharma and Adam Chelpinski with 3.5pts.

Top U1500 Upset Leaders were Lucas A. Seybold (1024) with 687 pts, Trevor D. Cohn(1146) with 241 pts , Jerome J. Green(1138) with 188 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac(1240) with 176 pts and Adam Chelpinski(1416) with 1.5 pts. Highlight Upsets were Lucas A. Seybold defeated Canadian Vinay Sharma(1419)for 395 pts, Jerome J Green defeated Glenn Conlin(1326) for 188 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Adam Chelpinski(1416) for 176 pts, Trevor D. Cohn defeated Michael A. Mc Duffie(1297) for 151 pts and Adam Chelpinski draws Vinay Sharma(1419) for 1.5pts.

Highlights in the Buffalo Open FIDE Section where 10 players are competing for the Top Cash prizes. There is a three way tie for first place and all have 2.5pts out of 3 are Womens FIDE Master Anna Levina(2087), returnee John N. Zilliox(1870), and Erik W. Lubas(1815), from Kenmore NY.

Russian born, Womens FIDE Master Anna V. Levina defeated Brian M. Hartman(2450), International Master from Toronto Canada, John N. Zilliox defeated National Master Mark Clark(2034) from Jamestown, NY and Erik W. Lubas draws John N. Zilliox(1870). Other players with 2pts are International Master Brian M. Hartman and Mark J. Clark.

Welcome to James P. Davis, Esq., Urban Knights Chess Club, our monthly U1500 Champion at the Main Place Mall, returning to the USCF is Mark J Johnson(1785) and John N. Zilliox(1870), Womens FIDE Master Anna Levina(2087) from Central New York, and Daniel F Johnston(1660) from the Rochester Chess Center, Rochester NY.

The FIDE Final Rounds 4 and 5 starts today at 9:30am and 2pm, come and join us and see who our World Chess Federation FIDE Buffalo Champion will be?

Special Thanks goes to Simpson and Simpson, LLC for the pictures of this special event. James Lyon and Laura Cohn were the only 2 players to show for the Scholastic K-12 but that section was cancelled due to lack of players.

Please SAVE the DATE for the Buffalo October FIDE Fall Chess Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 15th and October 16, 2011, Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214, a two day Special Event, 5 Rounds, FIDE and USCF Open rated, Swiss, Game 2 hours. Advance discounted entry fee is $55 or $75 USD Cash Only, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chief Arbiter, FIDE - World Chess Federation

REMIINDER - Buffalo Summer FIDE Chess Festival 2011

2011-09-15T14:00:00.002-04:00

The Buffalo FIDE Summer Chess Festival is still accepting registrations for the Tournament on Saturday, Sept 17th and Sunday, Sept. 18th, held at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. There was a confusing email that some misread about the Main Place Mall. We will return to the Main Place Mall in November 2011 - 2012 winter season.

Please register online with full name, USCF number, section and telephone with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com no later than midnight on Friday, Sept. 16th, 2011 for the advance discount entry fee.

There is limited offstreet lighted parking on Heath Street behind the community center.

All chess players in the Open and U1500 sections must report no later than 9:30am. All games will start promptly at 10am. Open section scheduled games are 10am, 2:30pm and 7pm on Saturday. Sunday Open scheduled games are 9:30am and 2pm.

The U1500 section games will start at 10am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.

There will be a Scholastic K-12 section, 4 rounds, Swiss, Game 30. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 4 players. All scholastic players are to report by 10:30am and games will start at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm.

We still have room for more chess players in all sections to participate.

Sorry for any confusion regarding this special event.

All Ukrainian finals as in 2002?

2011-09-11T22:13:00.002-04:00

or it will be all Russian finals? Or mixed one? What is your prediction? And who will be unlucky 4th? see semi-finals

Copeland, Davis tie for 1st in Sardinia

2011-09-05T12:33:00.003-04:00

Barry Davis and Sam Copeland drew against each other in round 3 and ended up tied for 1st in the Sardinia tournament last Saturday.

Due to the large turnout (thanks everyone!) the tournament was extended from 3 to 4 rounds. Even though the time control was lowered to G/30, there were some excellent games played

Ryan Madden won his first 3 games but hung a rook against Barry in the endgame in Rd 4 and finished 3rd. Sam beat Glenn Westcott in Rd 4.

Pat Patterson and Bob Simpson finished with 2.5, while Justin Craddock, Chris Darling, and Steve Baer had 2pts.

Bob Simpson won the u1500 class prize with Chris Darling and Steve Baer tying for 2nd.

In the scholastic section James Lyon from Hamburg won with 4pts. Max Peters and Zach Madden had 3.5 and Wes darling finished with 3pts. Also participating were Todd Thompson and in his first tournament Sean Taggart.

Due to the Arkport( located near Hornell,NY) tournament Oct 1, there will be no tournament next month. see you in November!

Women's FIDE Master Joins Chess Festival

2011-09-04T14:04:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th, 2011, the Buffalo September FIDE Chess Festival has an historic moment, its first Womans FIDE Master, rated 2087, Anna Levina, who will challenge the Toronto, Canadian International Master, Brian Hartman. Thanks for spreading the word to all FIDE rated Chess players to join us. There is still time for you to make your reservation. Pictured is Anna Levina who grew up in the U.S.S.R., was trained by her father, was the only woman on the Duke University Chess Team for the Pan American Intercollegiate Tournament that was held in Miami, Fl and has competed at the United States Chess Championships in Las Vegas, NY in 2003.

The Buffalo September FIDE Chess Festival is a two day special event, 5 Rounds,Swiss, 10 Enhanced Grand Prix Points, FIDE and USCF rated, Game 120.

The advance discount entry fee deadline has been extended until Saturday, September 10th, in light of the New York State Chess Championships are completing this weekend. The Advance discount entry fee is $55 or $75 Cash at the door.

Guaranteed Cash Prizes are Open section - $400, $150, $100, U2100 - $125, U1800 -$100. Game Schedule: Saturday, September 17 at 10am, 2:30pm and 7pm, Sunday, September 18th at 9:30am and 2pm.

The U1500 Section which will be held only on Saturday, September 17th, will be a 5 Rounds, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 50. Games will begin at 10am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Cash Prizes are $100, $80 and $60, Advance discounted entry fee $25 v $35 Cash at the door.

Star K-12 Scholastic Section will host a 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 30 with Trophies to the Top 4 players.

Advance discount online registrations with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by Saturday, September 10th, entries after Septemeber 10th will be $75 Cash at the door.

Thanks for all your help and support making Buffalo, New York the gateway to International Chess!

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Kramnik on chess, Anand, Topalov...

2011-09-01T00:48:00.008-04:00

About Anand: I always considered him to be a colossal talent, one of the greatest in the whole history of chess. Each champion has had some sort of speciality, and his is creating counterplay in any position out of absolutely nowhere. He’s got an amazing ability to constantly stretch himself so that even in some kind of Exchange Slav he nevertheless manages to attack something and create something. He also plays absolutely brilliantly with knights, even better than Morozevich – if his knights start to jump around, particularly towards the king, then that’s that, it’s impossible to play against and they’ll just sweep away everything in their path. I noticed it’s better to get rid of them when you’re playing against him. =============================================================== In general, he’s improved a great deal in recent years, at some point after 2002. He’s a chess player of genius, but previously he didn’t work enough, by and large. ========================================================== Q. What’s going on with Topalov just now? ==== I don’t know. It’s not even a matter of his having a bad period. I don’t understand why he’s not playing just now. After all, you usually get out of that by playing, and if you play only one tournament every 6 months it’s very hard to get back into the rhythm. Of course he’s a phenomenal player, but it’s clear that he’s out of form and has suffered a real decline of late. His main problem, I think, is that for some reason he doesn’t want to play. If you do want to play then you can always find an option. ============================================================= For 1st part of the Tkachiev's interview with Kramnik click here: http://whychess.org/en/node/1605

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-08-30T13:49:00.004-04:00

Sat. Sept 3 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize!

Shown above is the WNY Champion Pioneer Chess team at the State tournament in Saratoga last Feb. (We finished 5th in the Jr High section!) For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Can this be a draw

2011-08-28T21:23:00.013-04:00

What should be white's next move, what squares should he avoid?

(The game is procyk-jongers from a match)

Back to School Scholastic Chess Tournament

2011-08-26T09:38:00.002-04:00

Presented by Garnell W. Whhitfield, Jr, City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy will host a Scholastic K-12 Chess Tournament at the Audubon Branch Library, 350 John James Audubon Parkway in East Amherst, NY on Saturday, September 3, 2011.

The this is a free event to help promote National Chess Day at the Buffalo and Erie County Main Libray on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Scholastic chess players must understand and recognize "Check" and "Checkmate" to participate. Limited Chess sets and boards are available. Please bring your chess set and board. United States Chess Federation rules are enforced ie."Touch move".

Advance and Online registrations will be accepted by friday, September 1, 2011 at midnight with full name, grade, school and telephone with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. All players will be paired to play others in their same grades.

Scholastic players must report to the Community Meeting room no later than 12:30pm and will play three to five games, Swiss, Game 25. Games will start promptly at 1pm until 5pm.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Canadian, FIDE International Master for September FIDE Chess Festival

2011-08-24T12:40:00.006-04:00

We have received written confirmation that Brian M. Hartman, an International Master and FIDE Master, USCF rated 2450 and FIDE Rating 2388, will be playing in the Buffalo International FIDE Chess Festival on September 17th and 18th at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St., Buffalo, NY. This is a FIDE and USCF rated, 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 120, Two day event.

This will be Mr. Hartman return to International Chess since he last played in the Buffalo Chess tournament in December 2008. He has allowed us to post his picture and he extends an invitation out to FIDE rated players to join him at the Buffalo International FIDE Chess Festivals.

Feel free to make comments and send Brian a welcome back message. He will read any and all comments. He has allowed us to show his bio picture from the canadian chess archives for his friends in the United States.

Guaranteed Cash prizes are $400 - $150 - $100, U2100 -$125, U1800 -$100, U1500 -$100 -$80 and $60. The FIDE Open Section games will start at 10am, 2:30pm, and 7pm on Saturday, Sept.17th and on Sunday, Sept 18th the games will start at 9:30am and 2pm.

The September FIDE Chess Festival, has a early registration by September 1, 2011. All advance registrations are to be made payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Details to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

U1500 section will only play on Saturday, September 17th, 5 Rounds,Swiss, Game 50 with a game schedule starting at 10am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm, Advance discount entry fee is $25 vs $35 Cash at the door.

If you know of any FIDE rated players who would like a chance to meet and greet Brian, please let them know of his participation. New York State has the most FIDE rated players in the United States of America.

Reported by,

Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

August Summer Chess Festival 2011 Results

2011-08-20T23:29:00.005-04:00

Update ***Crosstable***
Twenty nine chess players supported the August Summer Chess Festival held at Gloria J. Parks Community Center in Buffalo, New York.

Scholastic Stars K-7 had four new players participate in a 5 rounds, Swiss, Game 30. We want to WELCOME, Noah Powley from Warren, PA and a new USCF member, Stars of India members were Kareena Cheruvu, Neel Cheruvu and Suraj Chetty.

The Scholastic Stars K-7 Undefeated Champion was Samuel E. Santora, Top Catholic Scholastic player was James W. Lyon, Top Female was Anna E. Nilsson, 2nd Place was DaRon C. Lipscomb(not pictured), 3rd Place was Alexis J. Schlaak and 4th Place was Matthew C. Schlaak.

In the August Open Section Co Champions was Harish Srinivasan and National Master Barry Davis, 3rd Place went to Erik W. Lubas, James P. Davis and Adam Chelpinski.

The Upset Leaderboard has five players knocking off higher rated players. Topping the list was newcomer Jerome J. Green scored 693 pts., in his second tournament for the year, Brian W. Sayers with 580 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac with 484 pts., Tournament Director and Chess Ambassador Michael A. Mc Duffie with 263 pts., and Harish Srinivasan with 113.5 pts.

Brian W. Sayers defeated David S. Miller(1700) for 580 pts, Jerome J. Green defeated David S. Miller(1700) for 562 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Matthew G. Peck(1592) for 484 pts, Michael A. Mc Duffie defeated Emory K. Parish(1434) for 263 pts and Harish Srinivasan draws National Master Barry Davis(2172) for 113.5 pts.

We want to say THANKS for all the continued support and growth, we get from the Buffalo Niagara region. A special thanks for all the parental support they give to the Scholastic Stars Section, for their help with pictures and keeping a watchful eye on our young developing students.

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!!!!!On September 17th and 18th at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, we will host a two day, Five rounds, Swiss, Game 120, USCF and FIDE rated, International FIDE Summer Chess Festival, please mail and make your checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221, with full name, USCF Id number, Section and telephone. Or email registrations to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, USCF Chief Tournament Director

STARS OF INDIA CHESS CLUB GROWS!

2011-08-19T04:26:00.003-04:00

The Stars of India Chess Club which meets every thursday night at the Audubon library in Amherst New York has had its largest class which met on Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Fourteen players participate in the Topic of The Endgame. We also have seen other girls in numbers participate. Some of these players have given indications that they will participate in the August Summer Chess Festival 2011.

The August Chess Festival has also some reservations from players coming from Pennsylvania in the Scholastic and U1500 sections.

You can still make your reservation by midnight tonight with full name, USCF number, telephone number and Section of play by email to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Dr Mark Mieth and Ron Lohrman are both up for election with the New York State Chess Association, Inc., as Upstate Directors which have term limits of one year and must be in good standing and live in a zip code above 12000. You must register to vote by going to www.nysca.net. The New York State Chess Association, Inc. America's oldest chess organization, is a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting chess in New York State at all levels. As the State Affiliate of the United States Chess Federation, its Directors also serve as USCF Voting Members and Delegates.We should support our upstate Board of Directors! GET OUT THE VOTE! Support Dr. Mark Mieth and Ron Lohrman.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Online Chess Match!

2011-08-17T14:04:00.006-04:00

Hello All! I hope everyone has been having a great summer. I was recently in the Buffalo area doing a chess camp at Nardin Academy. It was great to be back in the area with two National Chess Masters who were in Buffalo for the first time. I've recently been working with an online interface called "Shindig Chess". Shindigchess.com allows you to play online against opponents using video chat to make you feel just like you are sitting across from them. The site is built up for up to three people to be in the same room, which allows tournament directors to monitor the games and coaches to give shared lessons. Now coaches and players around the world can teach and compete in a friendly environment that is completely free! Our goal is to organize a nationwide online tournament. I coach chess in NYC and have over 500 students in the NYC Public schools. It would be great to get a friendly "training match" session going before major Scholastic Tournaments, Such as NYS Scholastics and of course the Nationals. Please let me know if you are interested in arranging a demo game with me, using the Shindigchess.com interface. It will consist of a game where we will be able to see each other, and then we will go over the game after wards. I am available any time. All you need is a web cam and a computer with internet access and it will work! I accept all challenges and it's a lot of fun. If interested, either comment on this post with your name, e-mail and time available or send an e-mail to alanna@shindigevents.com Thanks! I hope to get some great training matches going!

www.shindigchess.com

BUFFALO SUMMER CHESS FESTIVAL 2011

2011-08-01T05:22:00.005-04:00

The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is Celebrating over 10 years of Educational Enrichment Chess Programs for Young Students.

The August Summer Chess Festival is presented by Garnell W. Whitfield Jr, City of Buffalo, Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214.

USCF membership is required for this 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 60 with $915.00 in Guaranteed Cash Prizes. Please bring your chess set, chess board and digital chess clock.

Guaranteed Cash Prizes are as follows; Open section $200 - $150 - $100, U2100 - $125 and U1800 - $100. Star Scholastics awarded Trophies to Top Female, Top Catholic and Top 5 winners. Urban Queens Section - Not USCF members.

Chess Schedules - Registration from 9am to 9:30am, Games start at 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 5:30pm. Scholastic players will play 4 Games, Swiss, Game 30, starts at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm.

Discounted Entry Fees are Open - $40 v $55, U1500 - $25 v $35, Scholastics $10 v $15 Cash USD at the door.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 with full name, USCF number, Section of play and telephone by August 17, 2011.

Please continue our Tell A Friend, Bring A Friend Referral program to help us grow the Buffalo Niagara Chess Club Community. All online registrations with replies to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by August 17, 2011.

Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Summer Chess Festival - Learn to Play Chess Workshop!

2011-07-29T06:53:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, The Archangel 8 Chess Academy will host a Learn to Play Chess Workshop at the Audubon Branch Library located at 350 John James Audubon Parkway in Amherst from 11am until 4pm.

If you would like to learn the "Chess Basics", please join us by registering reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by midnight tonight with full name, grade and telephone number.

This program is open to students of all ages, who would like to learn how to play chess.

This is a FREE Workshop where the chess instructions will be provided by The Archangel 8 Chess Academy with United States Chess Federation, Certified Chess Coach, Michael A. Mc Duffie.

Limited chess sets and boards are provided.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

WGRZ TV 2 Highlights Chess Kids

2011-07-24T21:14:00.003-04:00

On Monday, July 25, 2011 Please watch the morning show between 5am and 6am and evening telecast between 6pm and 7pm on WGRZ - TV 2 with Reporter Kevin Oneil who has highlighted The Archangel 8 Chess Academy and its chess players pictured above are 2011 Mayor's Cup, K-12 Scholastic Champion - Samuel E. Santora, 2011 Mayor's Cup, K-6th Scholastic Champion - James W. Lyon, The Urban Queens Chess Team, Laura E. Cohn, Ruby Z. Soudant, Isabelle Longfellow and Alexis Schlaak all participated in a chess challenge as well as educating the public on how girls and students learn to play.

We would like your input and comments with reply to the WGRZ TV 2 facebook and let us know how yoe feel about the scholastic chess story and reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

SAVE THE DATE, Saturday, July 30, 2011 join us for Learn to play chess at the Audubon Branch Library located on Audubon Parkway in Amherst, NY. Students of all ages will learn how to better themselves in chess. This is all part of the National Chess Day Chess Tournament coing to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on Sunday, October9, 2011 featuring an All Girls/Female Chess Tournament.

Thanks for all your help, support and cooperation.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Chess Festival Results 2011

2011-07-19T02:55:00.002-04:00

The second part of the Summer Chess Festival attracted 21 players at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center on Saturday, July 16th. Upsets were plenty and the young scholastic players were making their mark in the July Chess Festival.

The new 2011 Summer Chess Festival Undefeated Champion was Ryan Madden, 2nd Place National Master Barry Davis. The U2100 section was dominated by scholastic players Benjamin W. Havey, Erik W. Lubas, Partho Bhattacharya, and Kevin N. Roulhac. The U1800 Section was won by James J. Paul, OD.

The Upset Leaderboard was won by Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chief Tournament Director with 874 points, Partho Bhattacharya - 816 pts., Ryan Palmisano - 673 pts., Brian Sayers - 575 pts., Kevin N. Roulhac - 405 pts., James J. Paul - 203 pts., and Benjamin W. Havey - 171 pts.

Individual Upsets were as follows; Michael A. Mc Duffie defeated Albert Patterson(1721) for 539 pts, Partho Bhattacharya defeated Albert Patterson(1721) for 510 pts, Ryan Palmisano defeated Matthew G. Peck(1549) for 417 pts, Kevin N. Roulhac defeated Matthew G. Peck(1549) for 405 pts, Brian W. Sayers defeated James P. Davis(1517) for 397 pts, James J. Paul draws Benjamin W. Havey(1821) for 203 pts, Benjamin W. Havey draws National Master Barry Davis(2163) for 171 pts, Partho Bhattacharya defeated James P. Davis(1517) for 306 pts, Ryan Palmisano defeated Adam Chelpinski(1388) for 256 pts, Brian W. Sayers defeated Glenn Conlin(1298) for 178 pts, and Michael A. Mc Duffie defeated James P. Davis(1517) for 335 pts.

Welcome goes out to Jerome J. Green who is a new USCF member from the Gloria J Parks Chess Club which meets on Friday evenings at 7pm. Welcome back goes to the maturing scholastic players Benjamin W. Havey (growth of beard) and Partho Bhattacharya (growing much taller).

The third part of the Summer Chess Festival will continue on Saturday August 20, 2011 at the Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Four Rounds, Game 60, Swiss, USCF open rated format and $915 Guaranteed Cash prizes.

Thanks for everyone who continues to invite and bring chess players to the Chess Festival events. Advance registrations for discounted entry fees, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, section and telephone.

If you have any other media outlets or other forms of marketing our chess events, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

SAVE THE DATE: National Chess Day in Buffalo, Sunday October 9th at the Main Branch Erie County Library, located on Main Street in Buffalo, a 3 Round, Swiss Tournament and an All Girls/Female Chess Championship section.

Thanks for everyone for your continued support!

Report submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Chief Tournament Director

Buffalo July Chess Festival 2011

2011-07-11T15:55:00.002-04:00

Presented by Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Gloria J Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

This is a US Chess Federation, 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 60 Open rated tournament. Please bring chess sets, chess board and digital chess clock. Discounted Online registration will be accepted no later than July 15, 2011, please include full name, USCF Id number and section of play with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Sections are Open, U1500 and Star Scholastics, all USCF rated.

Discounted entry fees: Open $40 v $55 Cash at the door, U1500 $25 v $35 Cash at the door and Star Scholastic K-12 $10 or $15 Cash at the door.

Game schedules are Open and U1500 start at 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 5:30pm. Scholastics will start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm with Trophies awarded to the Top 4 players.

Guaranteed Cash Prizes: Open - $200, $150, $100, U2100 - $125, U1800 - $100. In the U1500 Section Cash Pries are $100 - $80 - $60.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY, postmarked no later than wednesday, July 13, 2011.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chief Tournament Director

Schoenacker wins in Sardinia

2011-07-05T11:45:00.004-04:00

Life member and current Keshequa Central (located in Nunda,NY) chess coach Irving Schoenacker won all 3 games to win the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. Irving, who is also a retired corrections officer, defeated Max Tell, Pat Patterson, and Adam Chelpinski to take first. Adam is getting back into chess after about a 6 year layoff - good to see you back! Glen Conlin and Max Tell tied for 2nd with 2 wins. Also competing were Ryan and Nathan Palmisano, and Drew Tuck- also a chess teacher at Keshequa.

In the scholastic section Hunter Witt beat Zach Madden in the last game to take the trophy. Also competing were Nate and Ryan Palmisano, Max Peters, Max Tell, and Max's twin brothers Alex and Zach Tell- both playing in their first tournament! Its good to see some new people playing in the tournaments. I hope they continue to come!

The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201107023761 No tournament next month, I'm going to try my luck in Cleveland again! See you in September.

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-06-28T15:58:00.004-04:00

Sat. July 2 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

BUFFALO SUMMER FIDE CHESS FESTIVAL 2011

2011-06-23T15:58:00.003-04:00

The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is celebrating 10 years of Educational enrichment chess programs for young students. We are proud to host and present the 2011 Buffalo Summer Chess Festival with Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr.

The following chess events will be held at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. There is limited off street parking in the back of the center. Please bring chess set, chess board and digitial chess clock, USCF membership is required, US Chess Federation rules are enforced.

All online registrations with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF number, section and telephone will be accepted no later than Wed. July 13th, Aug. 17th, Sept. 14th and Oct. 12th. Discounted advance entry fee payments must be postmarked no later than July 1, August 1, September 1 and October 1st, 2011.

The first summer games on July 16th and August 20th will be Four Rounds, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 60 for Open and U1500 sections. Scholastic K-12 will play 4 rounds, Swiss, Game 30, USCF rated.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES: Open - $200, $150, $100, U2100 - $125, U1800 - $100, U1500 - $100, $80 and $60. Scholastics - Trophies awarded to the Top 4 players.

Discounted advance entry fees are Open $40, U1500 $25, Scholastic $10.00.

Game Schedules: OPEN and U1500 - Start at 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 5:30pm. Scholastics:Start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

The Buffalo Summer FIDE Grand Prix Festival will be on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th, October 15th and October 16th, 2011. These are two day, FIDE and USCF Open rated, 10 Enhanced USCF Grand Prix points, 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 120. The U1500 section will be 5 Rounds, Swiss, USCF rated, Saturday only, Game 50. Scholastics K-12 will play 4 games, Swiss, USCF rated, Game 30, Saturday only.

Game Schedules: FIDE GP Open starts Saturday at 10am, 2:30pm and 7pm, Sunday at 9:30am and 2pm. U1500 - 10am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Scholastics - 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Discounted advance entry fees: FIDE GP $55, U1500 $25, Scholastic $10.00.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES; FIDE Open - $400, $150, $100, U2100 - $125, 1800 - $100, U1500 - $100, $80 and $60. Scholastic are awarded Trophies to the Top 4 winners.

Please mail and make checks payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 by the stated above deadline.

Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend and help us to continue to grow the Buffalo Niagara Chess Community. If you have any questions or comments, please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador and Chief Arbiter

FATHER'S DAY APPRECIATION TOURNAMENT

2011-06-08T06:24:00.004-04:00

Final results: cross table available at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201106188681 Presented by Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr. and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. This tournament event is rated by US Chess Federation, Swiss, 4 Rounds, Game 50. Held at the Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Please bring chess set, chess board and digital chess clock. Pizza and refreshments for all paid tournament chess players.

Advance discounted entry fee $25 payment must be received by Wednesday, June 15, 2011 $35 cash only at the door, no checks accepted at the door.

Registration:9am to 9:25am. All late non payment registrations must take a one half non playing point and must wait for the next round. Please report early, so we can start on time. Games start at 9;45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES: 1st Place - $150, 2nd Place $80, U1900 - $75, U1500 - $60 & $50.00.

Four sections: Open, U1500, Scholastic K-12 and Urban Queens(not USCF rated)

Fathers and child will receive a $5.00 additional discount.

Scholastic and Urban Queens entry fee is $10 advance or $15 Cash only at the door. Five games, Game 30, Swiss. All scholastic players must report by 10:30am, Games start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Trophies to the Top 4 players in each section.

Please mail and make checks payable to Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 with full name, section, USCF id number, email and telephone number. All check payments must be received by wednesday, June 15, 2011 to receive discount entry. Advance Online discount registration must be posted and paid by Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Thanks for all your help and support. Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend to help us continue to grow our Buffalo Niagara Chess Community. If you have any questions or advance registration, please post or arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Mayor's Cup FIDE Championship - Day One Results

2011-06-03T22:52:00.004-04:00

The final cross table is here http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201106054241.0-13247130

The 5th Annual Mayor's Cup Chess Championship Day one is now in the books. Fourteen players are participating in the FIDE open rated section for the Mayor's Cup Trophy. Visiting players from Nevada and Illinois have come to join in the summer festival kickoff.

Day on results have defending 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion, International Master Kenneth W Regan, tied for the lead with International Master Mladen Vucic with two points each. Visitor Samuel Copeland is tied for third with 1.5 points with Kevin Gafni from Nevada.

Half the field has strong USCF ratings over 2000. I wanna thank all those that came out and supported the 5th Annual Championships. Last minute registrations didnt permit us to disclose those participating.

Day Two will be packed with the Jeff White U1500 Memorial, Game 90 section will start at 10am, 2:30pm and 6pm. The FIDE schedule will start at 9am, 1:30pm and 6pm.

The Mayors Cup Scholastic Team Championships will start at Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm with awards and trophies provided by The Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Clinics and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy.

If you can come out and join us, please do. If you have any suggestions for the 6th annual or other Chess festival activities, please respond to arcangel8chess@yahoo.comThanks again!

Report by Michael A. Mc Duffie, Chief Arbiter and Chief Tournament Director

2011 MAYOR'S CUP INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011-06-02T22:50:00.002-04:00

Presented by the Buffalo State College Student Affairs Department inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, Simpson & Simpson, Willie Hutch Jones Educational and Sports Clinics and Ashley Parr, LLC.(Maurice Ashley and Dr. Teresa Parr, Authors of "Pawn Mowers").

This is the Kick-off, of the Summer Chess Festival 2011. The 2011 Championships will have three schedules. The FIDE Grandmaster Open Section, will feature the 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup defending Champion, International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D. This will be a three day, 7 Rounds, Swiss, FIDE & USCF rated, Game 120, 30 Enhanced USCF GrandPrix points. Projected Cash prizes are as follows; 2011 Mayor's Cup Championship Trophy, Title and $1000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $350, U2200 Class $300 & $150, U1800 Class $300 & $150. GUARANTEE CASH PRIZES ARE $500 - $250 - $175. FIDE SCHEDULE:Registration closes on Friday, June 3rd at Noon, Games will start at 1pm and Rd 2 at 6pm, Sat Rd 3 at 9am, Rd 4 at 1:30pm, Rd 5 at 6pm, Sunday at 9:30am and Finals at 2:30pm. Advance entry fee $120 vs $150 with reply by 10am on Friday, June 3rd to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, with full name, USCF ID number, Section and telephone number. Byes are available. Mayors Cup title is restricted only WNY residents. Cash prizes will be awarded.

In the 2011 Mayor's Cup U1500 Championships will be a two day event, 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 90, USCF rated. Registration closes on Sat morning at 9am, Games start at 10am, Rd 2 at 2:30pm, Rd 3 at 6pm, Sunday at 9:30am and Finals at 2:30pm. Cash prizes are 2011 Championship Title, Jeff White Memorial Trophy and $200, 2nd place $100 and $80. Advance entry fee $45 or $60 Cash only at the door, if registration is received by Midnight Friday, June 3rd with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF Id number, Section and telephone number. Byes are available upon request prior to the rounds.

The 2011 Mayor's Cup Scholastic Team Championships will only be held on Saturday, June 4th. This will be a 5 rounds, Swiss, Game 30, Non USCF event. Teams of 3 students make a team, top 4 scores count towards team score. All players must be from the same school and play in the same section. Team trophies to the Top 3 teams, Top 5 Individual Trophies, Top Scholastic Catholic Player and Top Female in each section. Sections are K - 6th and K - 12th. Registrations closes at 11am, Games will start at Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Awards to follow immediately after. Advance entry fee is $25 vs $40 Cash at the door, if register by Friday, Midnight, June 3rd with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, please include full name, section, team name, school, grade and telephone number, If USCF player, include USCF Id number.TROPHY SPONSOR: WILLIE HUTCH JONES EDUCATIONAL AND SPORTS CLINICS.

I apologize for any inconvenice. I have sent flyers, posted flyers around, posted on facebook, and other print media as well as USCF Tla Chess Life magazine. If you have any questions, please reply to email arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Zachary Memorial Classic 2011

2011-05-21T23:43:00.005-04:00

The results from the 2011 Bill Zachary Memorial Classic are (available at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201105218741 ) and are as follows: But first we want you to keep Jonathan J. Boone and IM Kenneth W. Regan and their familes in your thoughts and prayers. Jonathan's grandfather passed away this week after he was elected class officer at East High School and Dr. Regan's father passed away in New Jersey.

The results of the Urban Queens section playing in honor of Armed Forces Day, had 8 players participate. The Champion was Ruby Z. Soudant, 2nd place - Corey K. Spencer, 3rd place - Alexis Schlaak and 4th place - Da'Ron C. Lipscomb. Highlights from tournament play was Kindergartener Alexis Schlaak defeated Champion Ruby with a discovered check move and also won her queen. Champion Ruby defeated 7th grader Corey, Matthew Schlaak defeated Corey Edwards, 6th grader, Rachel Bartlett defeated C. Edward, 6th grader, Nathan Lange defeated Rachel, 3rd grader. The Top Upset leaders were Ruby Soudant, Matthew Schlaak, Alexis Schlaak, Rachel Bartlett and Nathan Lange.

In the Zachary K-12 section had 7 players participate. Congratulations and Kudos to Joshua Hampton, Jonathan Boone and James Hampton who were elected Class officers at East High School following their accomplishment of being awarded their 2nd National Team Trophy in Nashville, TN. The results are undefeated Champion - Karl White, 2nd place - Kevin Roulhac, 3rd place - James Lyon, 4th place - James Hampton. Top Upset leaders were Justin Arrington with 363 pts, Kevin Roulhac with 331 pts, and Karl White with 25 pts.

Results of the Zachary U1500 section had 6 players, undefeated Champion - James P. Davis, Esq. who continues to keep his winning ways, 2nd place - James J. Paul, MD. Top Upset Leaderboard is Steve L. Baer.

In the Zachary Open section where 12 players participated has a new Champion, Barry Davis takes the new crown by himself, 2nd place - Lionel L. Davis, U1900 winners were Thomas A. Warner and Justin Craddock. Top upset leaderboard had Justin Craddock defeating Albert Patterson(1754), Sam Copeland draws with Lionel Davis(2241), Thomas A. Warner defeated Erik Lubas(1827), Marijan Proczyk defeated Sam Copeland(2088).

We want to give a special thanks to the volunteer parents who helped with lunch and taking pictures for our chess archives. James Lyon earned 3pts at the USCF National Elementary Championships in Dallas, Texas last week. There is still time to reserve your place in the 5th Annual Mayor's Cup International Chess Championships on June 3rd, 4th and 5th at Buffalo State College, Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York. Online advance registrations can be made by May 31, 2011 with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Please encourage others to come out and support our efforts in making Buffalo "the gateway to international chess".

All tournament players will be awarded a special gift negotiated with Ashley Parr, LLC and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Ashley Parr, LLC is a collaborative effort between Grand Master Maurice Ashley and Dr. Teresa Parr. Their programs and products are based on Grand Master Ashley's unique method for developing visualization skills, focus, concentration and coolness under pressure agumened by Dr. Parr's expertise in psychology and education. Challenge your mind by visiting www.Pawnmower.com. You can check out more picture from today's event at Facebook/Archangel 8 Chess Academy. Please leave a comment and lets us know about your thoughts.

Reported by Mc Duffie, Chief USCF Tournament Director

Copeland Conquers Sardinia

2011-05-08T19:16:00.001-04:00

In his first time in Sardinia, expert Sam Copeland (2088) won all 3 games in a strong field to win the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. Sam defeated Ryan Madden, Don Hoak, and Chris Darling, who had upset Pat Patterson in round 1. There were 15 players in this tournament, of which 7 were rated over 1700! This was the strongest tournament ever held in Sardinia. Thanks to all who attended, especially to Irving Schoenaker, Drew Tuck, and Garrett Thompson from Nunda,NY in their first trip to Sardinia. In the 9 player Scholastic section, Wes Darling won 6 games to take the trophy.Max Tell finished 2nd with 5 wins. Due to the Mayors Cup there will be no Sardinia tournament next month. we will be back in July. See you then!

WILLIAM "BILL" ZACHARY MEMORIAL CLASSIC 2011

2011-05-04T10:21:00.006-04:00

With the historical success of the East High Dark Knights Chess Team winning their second consecutive National High School Championship Team Trophy at the 2011 USCF National High School Championships in Nashville TN, along with their opportunity to meet the only African American GrandMaster, Maurice Ashley. As National Master, Barry Davis and I were reflecting on what we had experienced in Nashville, TN, the next thing would be to honor others who help develop chess in Buffalo. William Zachary was also known as the "Godfather of Chess", had established the "Chess House" in Buffalo, NY, encouraged and inspired other african - american males to take up and learn the royal game of chess.

Presented by Barry Davis and James P. Davis, Esq., inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, every year in the month of May, we will celebrate the life of Bill Zachary with a four round, Swiss, Game 50, USCF rated tournament called The Bill Zachary Memorial Classic. Please announce this to other Bill Zachary friends to come out and share this special event with the Buffalo Niagara Community Chess players.

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. An Unrated Quad Section for other adult, non USCF members will be available to encourage other chess members of the Buffalo Niagara community to come out and play three over-the-board chess games under USCF rules.

ALL PLAYERS MUST REPORT BY 9:15am, if paying ENTRY Fee by cash at the door. All games will start at 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

Sections:OPEN and U1500 - EF$25 v $35 at the door.

Schedule for K-12 Scholastics, Urban Queens and Unrated - EF $10 or $15 Cash at the door, all players must report by 10:30am, Games will start at 11am.

Please bring Chess set, chess board, digital chess clock!

Advance entries along with payment must be made payable and mailed to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 no later than Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Please include full name, USCF Id number, section of play and telephone number.

Online discount entries with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com no later than friday, May 20, 2011 with full name, section, USCF Id number and telephone number.

Respectfully submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-05-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

Sardinia Tournament Sat. May 7 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Dark Knights Tour the USCF National Office

2011-05-03T07:50:00.003-04:00

The East High Dark Knights was given a tour of the US Chess Federation National office. They met the CFO who had a friend from Buffalo who had a refrieration business in the Lovejoy area called Loyjoy Refrigeration. Next you see the Knights playing on a chess table in the office, a quick board meeting in the confrence room and library with National Master Barry Davis. We have stayed overnight for safety, rest and will head out today to complete our National Championship trip. Currently, the Knights are putting a big dent in the Continental breakfast, ie waffles and Im sure others wont have much left. Keep us in your thoughts! Checkout www.blackwny.com, where the Dark Knights are the featured story thanks to former Senator Antoine Thompson new website. The weekly newspaper The Buffalo Challenger which comes out on Wednesday is to have an article as well. Reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

3rd Annual Mother's Day Scholastic Tournament - Saturday, May 7th

2011-05-02T20:12:00.008-04:00

Come on out to the Global Concepts Charter School and join us for the 3rd Annual Mother's Day Scholastic Tournament!

The tournament will be held in the Global Concepts Charter School gymnasium located at 1001 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, 14218.

For early registrations, entry fee is $5.00. If registering on the day of, entry fee is $10.00. To pre-register please contact tournament director Antonio Cirillo at cirilloav@yahoo.com .

The tournament features three sections, Unrated, U700 and U1400. May published ratings will be used. Top 5 in each section receive medals.

Rounds begin promptly at 10am and will conclude at approximately 3pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to confirm your participation.

Please bring a lunch, as lunch will not be provided.

For more information about the Global Concepts Chess Club check out the Global Concepts Chess Blog

DARK KNIGHTS WIN 2ND NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC HS TEAM TROPHY

2011-05-02T02:29:00.004-04:00

The East High School Dark Knights Chess team were successful and earned their second National High School Championship U800 Trophy. The Dark Knights finished 20th in the nation out of 37 teams, only the Top 25 teams earn a trophy.

The 5 team members results were as follows; James Hampton finished with 3.5pts, final standing was 117th out of 213 players, Karl D. White finished with 3pts in the U1200 section, final standing was 191st out of 284 players, Joshua Hampton finished with 3pts, final standing was 127th out of 213, Jonathan Boone finished with 3pts with final standing of 149th and Justin Arrington finished with 2pts, with final standings of 186 out of 213 players.

The USCF staff interviewed all the Dark Knights and invited them to visit the National Office before heading back to Buffalo.

The Dark Knights now set their sights for the 5th Annual Mayor's Cup Scholastic Championships on June 4, 2011 at Buffalo State College, Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY and The USCF National Scholastic High School Championships, November 18 - 20th, at the Hilton Anatole Dallas in Dallas, TX.

The Bon Voyage Raffle drawing will be on May 4 2011. The Dark Knights and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy want to thank everyone who supported their efforts to take advantage of this special opportunity.

Reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

GM Maurice Ashley Meets the Dark Knights at Nationals 2011

2011-05-01T03:23:00.004-04:00

On "Moving Up" Day on Day 2 of the 2011 National Scholastic K-12 Championships proved very challenging to the Dark Knights. The team was only able to score a total of 5 points vs a potential 12 points. The major 3 points came in the last round of the day as the Dark Knights, had to stop the decline in the team standings and give themselves a better chance for sunday. In Round 5, the Dark Knights scored a remarkable 3 pts out of 4pts., raising their team score to 8 points, placing the Dark Knights in the U800 Section to 20th Place out of 37 team. Only the Top 25 teams earn a National Trophy!

In the afternoon, GrandMaster Maurice Ashley, stopped by the Analysis Room where he observed the Dark Knights Chess Team reviewing their games with Barry Davis, shook hands with the first and only African - American Grandmaster in the United States, posed for a picture with the Dark Knights Chess Team, gave them each some encouraging words, signed autographed chess boards, programs and welcomed them to the Royal Game. Missing was Karl White who was playing in the U1200. For those of you who dont know but Maurice Ashley has been to Buffalo and was impressed with the talent in the area when he play a Simul Exhibition with 20 local participants Douglas Dubose and James Baldwin (Daquan)were the only two winners as National Master Barry Davis recalled. Chess Ambassador Mc Duffie, had visited the Knights of Valor Chess Club in Baltimore Maryland a few years ago and witnessed Grandmaster Ashley defeat 3 scholastic members while playing "BlindFolded Chess" and PawnMaster, David W. Mc Duffie was the last sitting player at the K.O.V. Simul Exhibition. On Sunday, May 1st, the Dark Knights will meet early to take a team photo with all of its members with Maurice Ashley, GrandMaster before the 6th Round.

Also pictured are the Dark Knights being interviewed for a future article that features the East High School Dark Knights and the new development and growth of chess activities in the Buffalo Niagara region. Staff members of the US Chess Federation travelled 2 hours from Crossville, TN to meet and talk with each member of the Dark Knights Chess team along with Barry Davis, National Master and USCF Chess Coach Mc Duffie. The staff was impressed and extended an invitation to have the Dark Knights stop by the USCF National Office on Monday morning, see pictured with Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador are Susan Houston, Alan Kantor attend the Maurice Ashley booksigning.

Keep the Dark Knights in your hearts and minds, as they are fast asleep but very encouraged to wake up to a brighter future. Barry Davis and Coach Mc Duffie discussed their progress in the afternoon, added some changes that should bring forth the desired points in the final rounds. The USCF National Team Trophy presentation will be at 7pm CST on May 1, 2011. Dont forget to checkout the Facebook page for The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. The Dark Knights Chess team should be at the Sardina Tournament on Saturday May 7th, to celebrate and share their National Scholastic experiences.

Reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Pioneer Wins at the 2011 Interscholastic Chess League Playoffs!

2011-04-30T13:49:00.004-04:00

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

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

Trophies were awarded to the top 8 teams:

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

2nd Place - Bishop Timon - 3 pts.

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

4th Place - Sweethome - 3 pts.

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

6th Place - Niagara Falls - 2.5 pts.

7th Place - Starpoint - 2 pts.

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

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

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

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

USCF National K-12 Day One Results

2011-04-30T09:00:00.006-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T21:19:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter

to all

who celebrate! God's graces to everyone!

Marijan

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

NASHVILLE, TN OR BUST TOURNAMENT 2011

2011-04-19T15:59:00.003-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUFFALO FIRE COMMISSIONER RESULTS

2011-04-17T08:32:00.004-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report submitted by,

Mc Duffie, USCF Chief Tournament Director and Chess Ambassador

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

2011-04-07T06:25:00.007-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PIZZA and Refreshments provided to all tournament players.

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

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

Madden wins in Sardina

2011-04-04T12:48:00.002-04:00

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

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-03-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

Sardinia Tournament Sat. April 2 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

ST. PAT'S SHAMROCK OPEN 2011 RESULTS

2011-03-21T06:21:00.006-04:00

Update ..... Crosstable
The Shamrock Open, a USCF open rated chess tournament hosted a total of 46 players and we still continued to attract new players. Former Senator Antoine Thompson has launched a new website - www.blackwny.com and they have asked The Archangel 8 Chess Academy to contribute Chess information and Chess news of interest. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy wants to say a special thanks to the volunteer parents, who helped with serving lunch to the chess players.

The results of the Urban Queens Section, unrated for females and new tournament players hosted 10 chess players. We want to welcome new comers Corey Spencer from the Lockport Knights Chess Club, Nicole Thompson and Quentin T. Johnson from the Gloria J Parks Chess Club.

The results are Champion - DaRon Lipscomb, member of the Gloria J Parks Chess Club and cousin to Joshua and James Hampton, from the East High Dark Knights Chess Team, 2nd Place - Dylan Teague, December 2010 Champion, Lockport Knights Chess Club, 3rd Place - Laura E. Cohn and 4th Place Ruby Soudant both are members of the Urban Knights and Gloria J Parks Chess Club. There was a three way tie for 3rd Place with Laura E. Cohn, Ruby Soudant and Corey Spencer. Kudos to Laura Cohn, 2nd grader had a draw against DaRon Lipscomb in the final game where she traded off his Queen, Rook and captured his Bishop with her lone King. Also Alexis Schlaak, Kindergartener defeated her brother Matthew Schlaak, 2nd grader both are members of The Chess Club of Buffalo, checkmated him with a Rook, King and Queen in the middle of the chess board to claim the family title. If you remember from January, Ruby Soudant, Mattew Schlaak, Alexis Schlaak and Laura E. Cohn, traveled to Pittsford, New York and claimed the title of the 2011 K-2nd Champions at the Harley School Scholastic Championship.

In the SHAMROCK K-12 Section drew 11 players and had a new Champion - Kevin S. Lyle, Niagara Falls, NY Chess Club, wears his red cap proudly, had previous been playing in the U1500 section and defeated his brother Reagan Lyle for the family title, 2nd Place - Kevin Roulhac, member of the Urban Knights and Gloria J Parks Chess Club, earned his 3rd trophy in 4 tournaments, 3rd Place - Zachary Madden, Pioneer Chess Club brother of Ryan Madden, and 4th Place - Todd Thompson both are Coached by Thomas Warner. We want to welcome Maxwell Peters and Bradley Schrock to the Buffalo Chess scene.

In the SHAMROCK U1500 Section, we hosted our first trio of "Urban Queens" in a 13 player rated section. The trio Queens were newcomer Nicole Capodagli, Diane M. Ruminski and Rose Warner. To encourage other females to join the chess community, we now will feature The "Top Female" Award Trophy, which was won by Diane M. Ruminski, member of the Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club. Nicole defeated Diane but in the final round, Diane checkmated Rose along the H-file, with the Queen-Rook battery. Rose Warner was the Co Champion of the Urban Queens section in the Presidents Day Tournament and played in the 33rd Marchand Open in Rochester, NY.

The final results were Attorney James P. Davis, member of the Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club and Vinay Sharma, Canadian 8th grader and Presidents Day U1500 Champion in February 2011.

Kudos to Trevor D. Cohn and Samuel E. Santora, Scholastic players who represented the Buffalo area in the NY State Scholastic Chess Championship in Saratoga Springs, NY. In 2010 Trevor finished with 4 pts, placed 12th and finished 5th Place and earning an individual trophy this year, Samuel place 29th in 2010, finished 19th place in the 2011 NYS Scholastic Championships. Both are members of the Urban Knights, Chess Club of Buffalo and Samuel is a member of Niagara Falls Chess Club.

There was a three way tie for 3rd Place with Trevor D. Cohn, 7th grader at Kenmore Middle, Michael Skok and Steve L. Baer.

UPSET LEADERS were Trevor D. Cohn with 410 pts, Vic Bahl - 227 pts, Michael Skok - 139.5 pts, Diane M. Ruminski - 38 pts, Steve L. Baer - 20 pts and Vinay Sharma - 19 pts.

In the SHAMROCK OPEN Section 12 players join the tournament. The new undefeated Champion - National Master Barry Davis and 2nd Place - Mark Clark, National Master from Jamestown Chess Club. There was a 3 way tie for the U1900 prize was Eric Lubas, Kenmore West student, played in the Open section of the 33rd Marchand Open, Harish Srinivasan and USCF returnee Kelly Allen.

Top Upset Leaders were Attorney Randy H. Gugino with 359 pts, Kelly Allen - 258 pts, Eric W. Lubas - 120.5 pts, Harish Srinivasan - 119.5 pts, David S. Miller - 44 pts, and David M. Biddle 9.5 pts.

SAVE THE DATE - 2011 5TH ANNUAL MAYOR'S CUP INTERNATIONAL CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS, featuring International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D, 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion, will take place at Buffalo State College, Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY on Friday, June 3rd, June 4th and June 5, 2011. The new format of a 3 day, 7 rounds, Swiss, Game 120, FIDE and USCF rated Championship. The U1500 Section will be a 2 day, 5 rounds, Swiss and The Scholastic K-12 Championships will be ONLY be held on Saturday June 4, 2011, a 5 rounds, Swiss, Game 30. More details to follow in the April Chess Life magazine or you can email reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. There are early discounted entry fees for the early entries. Returning Sponsors are Buffalo State Student Affairs department, Simpson & Simpson, LLC and Willie Hutch Jones Sports and Educational Sports Clinics. Other sponsorships are still available for business and advertisement opportunities. Please invite other Chess players and friends to come out and join us for this annual event.

Thank you for all your help and cooperation in helping us grow the Buffalo Chess community.

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

ST. PAT'S SHAMROCK CHESS TOURNAMENT 2011

2011-03-17T14:07:00.005-04:00

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY. Hosted and presented by Buffalo Fire Commissioner, Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr., inconjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation, the governing body of Chess in the United States.

The Shamrock tournament will be a 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 50, USCF Open rated Chess tournament. USCF membership is required. Registration must report by 9:15am. Game schedule starts at 9;45am, 11:30am, 1:15pm and 3pm.

Online discounted entry registration with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com, with full name, USCF id number, section of play and telephone number, no later than midnight on Friday, March 18th, Entry fee is $25 or $35 Cash only at the door.

GUARANTEED CASH PRIZES ARE: OPEN $150 & $80, U1900 $75, U1500 $60 & $50.

In the Whitfield Jr Star Scholastic & URBAN QUEENS K-12 Section, is a 5 Rounds, Swiss, Game 30, USCF rated tournament. All Scholastic players must report no later than 10:30am, Games start at 11am. PIZZA and refreshments are provided to all tournament players.

Advance entry fee $10 or $15 Cash only at the door. For advance online registration, please reply with full name, USCF Id number and telephone, no later than Friday, March 18th to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Trophies awarded to the Top 4 and Top 3 Urban Queens to follow immediately.

The Presidents Day/Valentine's Day Tournament results were late because my laptop crash due to a virus. Here are the results from the Urban Queens - Michelle Obama Section were 1st Place Champion - Kevin Kovacs, from the new Lockport Knights Chess Club, 2nd Place Laura Cohn and 3rd Place DaRon Lipscomb. Other participants were Eliza Conyers, Chinmayi Krishnan, Tomescia Weissinger and Isabelle Longfellow, a new member of the Gloria J Parks Chess Club and City Honors student.

In the Whitfield STAR SCHOLASTIC Section were fourteen players and the winners were as follows, 1st Place Champion, Karl D. White, East High Dark Knights, Austin Will, Pioneer, 3rd Place Zachary Madden, Pioneer and 4th Place Wes Darling, Pioneer.

In the Sweetheart U1500 Section of 15 players were 1st Place Undefeated Champion - Vinay Sharma, 8th grader from Canada and 2nd Place James Paul, MD. a member of the Urban Knights Chess Club.

In the President Obama Open Section of ten players were repeat 1st Place Co-Champions, National Master Lionel L. Davis and National Master Barry Davis. I wanted to welcome newcomer from the U1500 section to the Open section, Attorney, Randy Gugino, Esq.

If you have any questions or comments please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Mc Duffie, Chief U.S.C.F. Tournament Director

Dubose, Clark, Santora win in Sardinia

2011-03-07T17:35:00.006-05:00

Doug Dubose, playing in his first tournament in over a year, tied for 1st with Jamestown expert Mark Clark in Sardinia last Saturday. Doug, who is "getting ready for the Mayor's Cup" in June, won all 3 games while Mark upset Barry Davis in round 3 as in a completely winning position Barry hung a rook! I think we can all say, been there, done that! Austin Kossow and Sam Santora split the u1500 prize.

Sam Santora won the schoastic section for the 2nd month in a row by going undefeated 6-0. Chris and Wes Darling, Todd Thompson, Luke Grisanti, Max Peters, and Anderson Miles also participated.

Next tournament April 2nd Don't forget the Marchand this weekend. Lets help support our Rochester friends!

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-03-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

Sat. March 5 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Pioneer finishes 5th at States

2011-02-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

Yep Paul Shaffer was at the state Tournament again this year. You may recognize Bruce Pandolofini in the other photo.

Pioneer's Jr High team (k-9) finished 5th this year. A good result considering we had mostly 7th graders on the team. The Middle School Reserve team also finished 5th and the High School Reserve team finished 7th.

Others from WNY there were Ben Havey and Trevor Kohn from Ken West and the Bishop Timon team. Also Congrats to James Lyon from Hamburg who finished 2nd in the Elementary Reserve section! The trophy he was carring around was almost as big as he is!

A good time was had by all and hopefully next year we can get a few more from WNY to attend!

Patterson, Santora win in Sardinia

2011-02-07T14:27:00.003-05:00

Is it possible to win 2 chess tournaments in the same day?

The answer is yes!

3rd grader Sam Santora did it last Saturday at Sardinia, tying Pat Patterson for first in the adult section and winning the Scholastic section outright.

Patterson was nicked for a draw by Nathan Palmisano in the first round while Santora took a half point bye. Both won their next two games to split first place.

Ryan Madden, Chris and Wes Darling, Ryan Palmisano, Todd Thompson, and Lucas Grisanti also participated.

In the scholastic section Sam edged out Chris Darling, Todd Thompson, and James Lyon of Hamburg to win the trophy. Max Peters, Zach Madden, Wes Darling, Brad Schrock, Luke Grisanti, and newcomer James Ruppert also participated.

Congrats to Sam for his fine performance! also to Luke Grisanti, Todd Thompson, and Wes and Chris Darling who also played in both adult and scholastic sections.

Next tournament March 5. See you then!

VALENTINE CHESS TOURNAMENT

2011-02-02T22:08:00.004-05:00

The Valentine Chess Tournament is presented and hosted in conjunction with Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., Buffalo Fire Commissioner and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is celebrating 10 years of Coaching, Teaching and Educating.

On Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011 at the Main Place Mall, Upper level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Four Rounds, Game 50, Swiss, USCF Membership is REQUIRED!

$415.00 Guaranteed Cash Prizes! Sections of Play are Open - $150 & $80, U1900 $75, U1500 - $60 and $50. Advance entry fee is $25 or $35, Cash only at the door.

In the Star Scholastic Section, Advance Entry Fee is $10 or $15, Five games, Game 30, USCF membership required. All Scholastic players must report no later than 10:30am. Games start at 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. PIZZA and Refreshments provided for all paid tournament players only. Trophies for the Top 5 players.

In the Urban Queens Unrated Section, Advance Entry fee is $10 or $15, Five games, Game 30. All players will follow the Star Scholastic Schedule. This section is for all females and non members of the US Chess Federation designed to help train players for future USCF tournament play. Trophies to the TOP 3 players.

SAVE THE DATE! June 3rd, 4th and 5th, MAYOR'S CUP 2011 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS,The Gateway to International Chess, featuring Defending 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion, International Master, Kenneth W. Regan, Ph.D. Two Schedules, 3 day event - 7 Rounds, FIDE Rated, Enhanced Grand Prix points, Swiss, Game 120, Projected Cash Prizes $1000 - $500 - $300, U2200 - $300 & $150, U2000 - $300 & $150. In the 2 day event - 5 Rounds, USCF Rated, Swiss, Game 90. STAR SCHOLASTIC K-12 SECTION, 5 Games, USCF Rated, Game 50, Swiss, Medals for all scholastic players. More details to follow, please watch for Chess Life magazine, Under TLA Grand Prix Section.

All checks must be mailed and made payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, no later than Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 2011 with full name, USCF Id number, Section of play and telephone number to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221. All players must report by 9:30am for us to start promptly at 9:45am. Late entries must accept one half point non playing Bye! Online Discount advance entry fee by Wed Feb. 16th, OTHER - Online registration with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com by friday midnight, Feb. 18th, 2011.

Help us grow our Buffalo Chess Community, Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend referral program.

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

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-01-31T20:39:00.001-05:00

Sat. Feb 5 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. $50 first prize guaranteed! Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

Nakamura wins Major tournament!

2011-01-30T16:04:00.004-05:00

Congrats to Hikaru Nakamura for winning the Tata Steel chess tournament held in Wik an Zee, Netherlands. A great win for him and for American chess! You can read more at http://www.tatasteelchess.com/tournament/report/round/13

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2011 Memorial Results

2011-01-17T23:59:00.006-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! A record number of 49 chess players turned out for the first tournament of 2011! The cross table is at http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201101155701

The Urban Queens section continues to gain popularity with a total of 8 players, which hosted 7 females. This section is dedicated to the training and development of females and new developing tournament chess players. Newcomers, Laura E. Cohn,2nd grader at Lindbgergh Elementary, Da'Ron Lipscomb, Tomescia S. Weissinger and Jessica C. Dixon, 3rd grader at Charter School for Applied Technology, all made their marks in the section.

The results are Genuine M. Ubiles, 8th grader from North Park, was Undefeated Champion, 2nd Place - Da'Ron L. Lipscomb, 5th grader at Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, 3rd Place Tie - Tomescia S. Weissinger, 7th grader at Charter School for Applied Technology and Ruby Z. Soudant, 2nd grader at Olmstead #64.

Others returnees are Luxury M. Ubiles, 5th grader at North Park and Eliza S. Conyers, 4th grader at Olmstead #64. We plan to take the entire Urban Queens Team to Rochester, New York in February for another team scholastic tournament.

In the Whitfield Jr. Scholastic K-12 Section hosted 12 players. Welcome newcomer James Lyon from Hamburg, NY. The final results had a 1st Place Tie with Trevor D. Cohn and Kevin Roulhac both members of the Urban Knights Chess Club. In December 2010, Trevor finished 3rd place and Kevin finished in 4th place and his first trophy. There was a five way tie for 3rd place, all had 3pts out of 5 games, shows how competitive the section has become. Tie breakers went to 3rd Place - James Lyon, 4th Place - Lucas Grisanti, Pioneer Chess Club and 5th Place - James Hampton from East High School. Other honors were Joshua Hampton, East High and Austin Will from Pioneer Chess Club.

In the MLK Jr. U1500 Section hosted 16 players. Welcome to the Buffalo Chess community are Randy H. Gugino, Attorney, Nicholas J. Moscatello, upgraded from the K - 12 section Champion - Matthew Rzeznick, Bishop Timon and Canadian Vinay Sharma, who returns and helps us keep our USA & Canada motto, The Archangel 8 Chess Academy is Buffalo's "Gateway to International Chess"!.

Top honor Co-Champions goes to the WNY BAR Association members Randy H. Gugino, Esq. and James P. Davis, Esq. Newcomer Randy H. Gugino, Esq.(1445), was the highest rated player and both finished 3.5 pts out of 4 pts. This was James P. Davis(1424) second consecutive top finish in two months. Other top finishers with 3pts were in the field of Medicine with Dr. James J. Paul, OD and Dr. Mark Mieth(Niagara Falls, NY).

Top Upset leaders were Nathan Palmisano(Pioneer) - 603.5pts, Nicholas J. Moscatello - 581pts, Diane M. Ruminski - 326pts, Reagan Lyle - 325pts, Matthew Leahy(Bishop Timon) - 148pts, Matthew Rzeznick(Bishop Timon) - 137pts, Michael Skok - 103pts, Justin Craddock - 92pts and James P. Davis - 10.5pts.

In the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Open Section hosted 13 players. Top rated players were National Master, Lionel L. Davis(2242),National Master, Barry Davis(2106)and National Master, Mark J. Clark(2067) from Jamestown, NY. Mark Clark host the Jamestown City Championships and is looking for tournament players.

Top Honors Co-Champions were Lionel L. Davis, Barry Davis and U1900 winner Erik W. Lubas from Kenmore West, all shared in the top money.

Top Upset leaders were Riyath A. Mallahi, Notre Dame University - 617pts, David S. Miller - 381pts, Gary Boye - 120pts, Barry Davis - 68pts, Mark Clark - 19.5pts, and Erik W. Lubas - 6pts.

Please "SAVE THE DATE", Friday, June 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2011 when we host the 5th Annual Mayor's Cup Class Championships, Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY. The Grandmaster Section will be a 3 day event, FIDE Rated, 7 Rounds, Swiss Championship with defending 2008 and 2010 Mayor's Cup Champion - International Master Kenneth W. Regan. Please send in your name for the Early Bird Discount list by January 31, 2011. The 2011 Mayor's Cup Champion will compete for $1000.00 first prize and $500 for 2nd place. More details will be listed in the upcoming Chess Life Magazine in the Grand Prix listing with Enhanced Grand Prix points.

Our next Buffalo Monthly Chess Tournament will be on Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011, 4 Rounds, Swiss, Game 50. Paid Advanced entries are greatly appreciated. Advance entry fees are $25.00 or $35 at the door. Checks should be made payable to The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY 14221 no later than Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, with full name, USCF Id number, Section of play and phone.

I want to thank all of those who came out to support us and those dedicated loyal supporters who continue to support our tournament efforts. Special "GET Well" wishes should be sent to Jonathan Havey, father to Benjamin Havey was finally released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Help us continue to grow the Buffalo Chess community, "Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend", we all benefit as more challengers become part of our chess community.

Reported by Mc Duffie, USCF Chief Tournament Director

Madden boys win in Sardinia

2011-01-11T10:13:00.005-05:00

Yes there's another Madden on the rise in our chess community. Zach Madden (upper left in top photo) won the scholastic section of the Sardinia tournament last Saturday. He had 8 wins 1 loss to edge out Todd Thompson by one point. Great job Zach! Luke Grisanti, Hunter Witt, Bobby Mahiques, Anderson Miles, James Lyon, Max Peters, Isaiah Hackett, and Sam Tillinghast also competed.

Meanwhile, big brother Ryan ended Pat Patterson's 3 month winning streak and won the $50 1st prize in the adult section. Ryan won all 3 games. Patterson and Nathan Palmisano tied for 2nd. Ryan Palmisano, Luke Grisanti, Todd Thompson, and Hunter Witt also competed.

Next tournament Feb 5. See you there!

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEMORIAL USCF OPEN!

2011-01-10T02:52:00.005-05:00

Hosted and presented by Garnell W. Whitfield Jr, Buffalo Fire Commissioner in conjunction with The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, an affiliate with the United States Chess Federation.

Saturday, Januuary 15, 2011, Upper Level, Main Place Mall, 390 Main St, Buffalo, NY. Free Parking under the Mall. PIZZA and refreshments to all paid tournament players.

Four games, Swiss, Game 50, USCF rated, USCF membership is required!

Sections are OPEN, U1500, Scholastic K-12 and Urban Queens(Unrated).

Advance entry fees for Open & U1500 are $25 or $35 Cash at the door. Scholastic and Scholastic Novice Urban Queens are $10 or $15 Cash at the door, 5 games, Swiss, Game 30.

Guaranteed Cash Prizes for OPEN: $150 - $80, U1900 $75, U1500:$60 and $50.

Scholastic K-12 Awards: Trophies to the Top 5 players. Medals for Urban Queens.

SCHEDULES: OPEN & U1500 players must report by 9:25am. Games start at 9:45am. Scholastics must report no later than 10:30am, Games start at 11am and will finish at 4pm.

ONLINE REGISTRATION by Friday, January 14, 2011 with full name, USCF ID number, Section of play and telephone number with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Please mail and make checks payable to: The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, 60F Guilford Lane, Buffalo, NY, no later than Wendesday, January 12, 2011.

SAVE THE DATE: MAYOR'S CUP CHESS 2011 CHAMPIONSHIPS, a NEW! 3 day event, 7 Rounds, Game 120, FIDE & USCF rated Open Grand Prix, Enhanced Grand Prix points, $2700 Guaranteed Cash Prizes of $1000, 2011 Mayors Cup Champion Title and Mayor's Cup Trophy, 2nd Place $500, 3rd Place $300, U2200 of $300 & $150, U2000 $300 & $150. Others will play a 2 day event of 5 rounds with more details to follow.

The 5th Annual Mayor's Chess Championships will be on Friday, June 3, Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, 2011. Presented in conjunction with the Buffalo State College Student Affairs Department and The Archangel 8 Chess Academy. If you are interested in playing please email me your full name, USCF Id number, telephone number and FIDE/USCF current rating to be on the EARLY BIRD List for a discounted advance entry fee by January 31, 2011. Submitted by Mc Duffie, USCF Chief Tournament Director

URBAN GOLDEN KNIGHTS K-2 HARLEY SCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONS

2011-01-08T19:40:00.006-05:00

The Urban Golden Knights Chess Team earned their first 2011 Team Championship at the 19th Annual Harley Scholastic Chess Tournament in Pittsford, New York.

Please send out a special congratulations to The Golden Knights team members, Laura Cohn, Lindbergh Elementary, Alexis and Matthew Schlaak, Ruby Soudant, Olmstead #64 and Chinmayi Krishnan, Heim Elementary, Coached by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador.

Top honors for Laura Cohn for Top 2nd Grader and Alexis Schlaak for Top Kindergartener, both earned Trophies and each member earned a Team Medal.

There was a total of 13 players which 8 were females from the Urban Queens Chess Club. The Urban Golden Knights were also represented by 6 players in the Third to Fifth Grade section, which 3 were females, Shayla Carr, 4th grader at School 17, Eliza Conyers, 4th grader at Olmstead #64, and Luxury Ubiles, 5th grader at North Park #66, their counterparts were Joshua Harbert, 5th grader at Olmstead #97 and both Benjamin Rummell, 5th grader and Samuel E. Santora, 3rd grader from The homeschool chess club - The Chess Club of Buffalo.

Samuel E. Santora earns a trophy for being the Top Overall 3-5 Section player.

Finally, in the 6 - 8th Section, The Urban Golden Knights were represented by Trevor Cohn, 7th grader at Kenmore Middle and Genuine Ubiles, 8th grader at North Park #66. This section was very challenging and only played three games. Trevor won 2 games, one game he won in 6 moves and Genuine won one game.

Congratulations to all the students for representing the Buffalo - Niagara area. A special thanks to all the parents who took time to drive and stayed to encourage their children during their first chess event.

If you have a student who would like to be part of the Golden Knights K-8 team, please email me at arcangel8chess@yahoo.com. Our next Star Scholastic Chess Tournament will be on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Scholastic players are to report no later than 10:30am, the first games will start at 11am. The format is non rated, 5 games, Game/30. Scholastic advance entry fee is $10 or $15 at the door. Pizza and refreshments are provided to all tournament players.

Please check the January Issue of the Family Magazine on page 61 for our first quarter 2011 Chess Tournament schedule.

Reported by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador

Web Interviews of Peter Svidler, with two Q's by Harish

2011-01-07T20:56:00.002-05:00

The Crestbook website run by GM Sergey Shipov, in conjunction with Colin McGourty (mishanp) who translates much of its content onto Chess In Translation, have published a mass web-forum interview with GM Peter Svidler, which makes engaging reading:

Part I.

Part II.

Our very own Harish Srinivasan has an interesting question in each part. There is much here including The Ashes---I never thought I'd see England waltz down to Matilda and win three Tests by an innings and runs to spare each. My former rainy home even put up 644 runs in one go, their highest innings since WWII. On Boxing Day, with over 84,000 watching (more than American football!), they bowled Australia out for 98 before tea, then piled on 157 for nought in the evening session. The superfluous Fifth Test just wound up today with another ENG whitewash---and I come from the days when England were whipped 5-nil on home soil by the Windies. Oh wait, this is supposed to be a chess blog... Hat-tip to The Chess Mind blog for the interviews.

Sardinia Tournament this Saturday

2011-01-03T10:54:00.004-05:00

Sat. Jan 8 At the Sardinia Community Center(Town Hall),12320 Savage Rd, Sardinia NY 2 sections: Adults: 3SS, G45, EF $10, Rds.:11am,1pm,2:30pm. New this year! $50 guaranteed 1st prize Scholastic: 1-4pm Round Robin-Play as many games as possible in 3 hrs! EF$5, Trophy for 1st place. All Scholastic players will receive a prize! For info call Tom Warner 716-560-4160 E-mail warner689@roadrunner.com

HOLIDAY GRAND PRIX 2010 RESULTS

2010-12-31T19:52:00.011-05:00

On December 18th, we hosted an all time high of forty seven (47) players in four sections. I want to send a special "THANKS" to the following players in the Unrated Urban Queens section, a new section dedicated to encourage scholastic females to participate. In the Urban Queens Section hosted eight players which six were females but all are beginners to tournament play.

The winners were Undefeated 6th grader, Dylan J. Teague from Emmett Belknp School and newest member of the Lockport Knights Chess Club in Lockport NY, 2nd Place - Ruby Z. Soudant, 2nd grader at Olmstead #64, 3rd Place - Jessica C. Dixon, 3rd grader at Charter School for Applied Technology and 4th Place - Shayla Carr, 4th grader at ECC #17, both Jessica and Shayla are also member of the Schiller Park Chess Club which meets every tuesday afterschool program at the George K. Arthur Community Center on Genesee Street in Buffalo.

In the Star Scholastic K-12 Section, hosted 13 scholastic players. The winners were, Champion, Matthew Rzeznik, Bishop Timon, 2nd Place - Wes Darling, Pioneer Chess Club, 3rd Place - Trevor D. Cohn, Kenmore Middle, 4th Place - Kevin Roulhac, Urban Knight Chess Club and 5th Place - Justin Arrington, East High Dark Knight, earns his first chess trophy.

In the U1500 section, hosted 15 players. There was a four way tie for first place. Co-Champions were Urban Queen member, Diane M. Ruminski, Urban Knight Memtor, James P Davis, Esq., Chess Club of Buffalo member, Samuel E. Santora and Mark Meith. Upset leaders were Diane M. Ruminski with 1541 pts, Austin J. Kossow with 238 pts, Mark Meith with 188 pts, Tim Leahy with 147 pts, Nathan Palmisano with 102.5 pts, Steve L Baer with 24 pts and James P. Davis, Esq with 18 pts.

In the Holiday Open section Co Champions were National Master Lionel L. Davis and National Master, Barry Davis. Upset Leaders were Riyath Mallahi with 386 pts, Barry Davis with 72.5 pts, Thomas Warner with 49 pts and Ryan Madden with 45 pts.

Pictured are Thomas A. Warner and Michael A. Mc Duffie, named Co Tournament Directors of the Year 2010 by Mark Meith who awarded each four Excalibur Chess Clock for their efforts to the betterment of Scholastic chess in the Buffalo-Niagara and WNY region. In 2010 Mc Duffie was named the first Tournament Director of the Year and was awarded Chess Sets, boards and Chess Tactic books. We want to thank all the parents, grandparents and educators who continue to help support our scholastic efforts.

SAVE THE DATE! On Friday, June 3rd, Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 4th, 2011, we will host the 5th Annual Mayors Cup 2011 Class Championships, Buffalo State College, Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY. The 2011 Mayors Cup Championships will have a Grand Masters Section, a 3 day event, 7 Rounds, Swiss, FIDE Open rated, Guaranteed Cash Prizes in the Grand Prix section. All other sections will only be 2 day, 5 Rounds, Swiss event and a one day, 5 rounds, Game 50, Star Scholastic K-12 event.

Garnell Whitfield Jr, Buffalo Fire Commissioner and the Archangel 8 Chess Acadmey want to say "Thank you" to the entire Buffalo Chess Community and The Main Liberty Group for the development, growth and continued support for the Buffalo monthly chess tournaments. Happy New Year 2011!

Study like Ending

2010-12-14T17:09:00.004-05:00

Today Kramnik vs Carlsen at london chess classic witnessed a study like ending .. something I have never come across. Carlsen was in a totally lost position a piece down and made a tricky move ...Rg5-c5 (Diagram 1)inviting what would seem to everyone a tactic that Kramnik latched onto immediately. So white played Rxd6+ and forked the king and rook next move and to reach diagram 2. One would think this is easy win for white.... plan is to simply sac the bishop for the black's a pawn (when it advances) mean while the king collects black queen side pawn. Amazingly, black does not bother with the a pawn but tries to box the white king out. Kramnik could not win. But there are several GM as I type this one trying to find a win for white in this very complicated study like endgame. I will comment when I understand more on this. Meanwhile, if you have the time play it out and enjoy. The full game can be replayed at http://chessbase.com/news/2010/london/games/lcc06.htm ( Look into Kramnik vs Carlsen there )