Chess Camps Summer 2008

Scholarships available for both camps.

“MATCH” … Maurice Ashley Teaches CHampions … at Proctors in Schenectady
July 7-11 , 9am – 4 pm Ages: 8-14 years Fee: $420 ($460 after 5/25)
Contact Proctors at 382-3884.

“The MATCH chess camp trains participants by using world-renowned Grandmaster Maurice Ashley’s revolutionary teaching method. Participants learn from the Grandmaster himself as well as from coaches who have been specially trained in his techniques. Between matches students will enjoy fun activities, including films in the new GE Theater at Proctors.

Fee covers entire cost of a child’s participation in MATCH Chess Camp including lunch and extracurricular activities at Proctors. To learn more about Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, please visit his website mauriceashley.com “


HELDEBERG WORKSHOP includes a Chess Class … on Picard Rd, town of New Scotland.
July 7-18 mornings Grades 5 and up HW Fee: $200 per 2-week class
Contact: 765-2777 or www.heldebergworkshop.org. Some catalogs available at Tulip Festival.

Interested players should contact the Heldeberg Foundation without delay and mention CHESS.

“Join our experienced chess mentors as you develop your skills and strategies for two exciting weeks! Spend the first week reviewing the official rules, examples of traditional openings, simple combinations, opening strategy and basic endgames. Play your classmates and instructors, each day sharpening your skills for the second week mini-tournament, and maybe more, depending on student experience! We’ll have an end-of-class competition, with trophy award! Instructors: Ken Evans and William Little.”

Albany Tulip Festival Chess

This weekend, chess playing will be part of the Albany Tulip Festival. http://www.albanyevents.org/tulip_festival/index.cfm. We will be under a large tent with boards set up for casual playing plus we are having a special exhibition anyone can participate in. All FREE!

On both Saturday and Sunday, the festival runs from noon to 6PM and we'll be open that whole time. From 1PM to 5PM, we will also hold a "simultaneous exhibition" when 1 very strong player takes on 20 players at the same time. It is a fun time and you can be one of the 20 opponants!

On Saturday, Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi will be taking on all comers. GM Har-Zvi was the under 16 World Champion and besides still being one of the strongest players in the world, he is a gentleman and it's a pleasure to play chess with him - even if he is going to beat everyone. :)

On Sunday, the champion playing 20 at once will be our local "young phenom", Deepak Aaaron. At 15 years of age, Deepak has already become one of the strongest players of this area. Can you beat the kid?? Better take your shot before he leaves you in his dust as he is getting stronger.

Signing up for the exhibitions will only happen at the festival. We'll start taking names at noon, the simul begins at 1:00 and when games end quickly, replacement players will be seated.

We will also have lots of information to share on local chess clubs and upcoming events. COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN!

We'll be located in the middle of the park on the State Street side in the designated "Family Fun" area. Look for a large tent near the playground. See you there!

Phil Ferguson, President ENYCA (Eastern New York Chess Association)