Eastern New York Chess Association

Albany Tulip Festival Chess

2008-05-07T08:46:00.002-05:00

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)

GM Blitz Talk at Williams College, Williamstown, MA

2008-04-01T16:04:00.003-05:00

GM Ronen Har-Zvi will talk about Blitz and then take on all comers at Williams College on April 12th at 3pm in Griffin 4.
Here are directions: http://www.williams.edu/home/visitors/
Best place to park is the lower lot behind Thompson Memorial Chapel.

Games from Amateur Team East

2008-03-05T17:01:00.003-05:00

Download games from Amateur Team East in cbv format here :
http://enyca.org/games/USTEAM-08d.cbv

Staunton Club Blitz Championship Feb. 24, 2008

2008-02-02T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Staunton Club will hold its annual Blitz Championship on Sunday February 24, 2008. Registration Ends at 7:45. If there are 13 players or less, this will be a single round robin format. Otherwise a series of quads or small swiss's with "weighted" sections. No more than 12 games required, except tie broken by playoff.

EF $4.00--$2.00 Club Members (Staunton Club, Schenectady, Albany, Ronen's Group)

First Prize--Nice Plaque--to be engraved

Medals--1st through 5th place.

G/5 or G/3 with 2 second delay. USCF official Blitz Rules, 5th Ed. P. 290

Held at the United Methodist Church Saratoga Springs. See Directions in Club Section.

TD: Alan LeCours

Staunton Club Lecture February 17 at 7:30

2008-02-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Saratoga Staunton Club announces its Second Lecture in the 2008 Series. This will be given by Alan LeCours on Sunday, February 17 at 7:30 P.M. The lecture is entitled "Adventures in the Slav Accepted". We will examine the position arising after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nxc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 with black's move 6. Nh4!? Black has a solid position with his bishop aggressively placed on f5 (Dutch Variation). To counter this, white immediately puts the question to the bishop. Black could allow his pawns to be disrupted with 6...e6 or run with the bishop somewhere. Frequently the bishop will go all the way back home 6...Bc8, or 6...Bd7 is interesting. 6...Bg6 isn't that good after 7. Nxg6 hxg6, 8. e4 which seems to affirm the choice by white.

The Lecture is Free. Materials are available Now. Go to the Club Listing for Saratoga Staunton Club and click on alecours1@hotmail.com. Ask for the flyer and the pamphlet of 41 grandmaster games.

On March 2, 2008 there will be a quick thematic tournament at the club 4-SS (G/20) with the starting moves for all the games going through 6. Nh4. You do not need to go to the lecture to play in the tournament.

Gausewitz Wins Staunton Club January Quick

2008-02-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

On Sunday Evening, January 27 at the Staunton Club in Saratoga Springs 10 players competed in the "Quick" event, held as a 4 round Swiss. The time control was G/15 (G/12 3-sec. delay). Glen Gausewitz won clear first place with a 3.5 score earning $50.00. He drew "Poppa" Jon Leisner (the moniker congratulations on Jon's first born--Cigars to you buddy) in round three and beat Ray Alguire in the final round to hold the victory.

Jon Leisner was second with 3.0. Tied for 3rd-4th were Gary Farrell and Lee Battes (2.5).

Rounding out the field were Alguire, Dipre and LeCours with (2.0), David Connors, Gary Salage and James Tiernan.

Raymond Alguire Wins Staunton Club Reserve Section

2008-02-01T15:14:00.001-05:00

The 2007-2008 Staunton Club Championships recently ended.

Raymond Alguire won first prize in the Under 1800 Section. Raymond was undefeated drawing David Connors and Andrew Barnes with a score of 5 out of 6 of the games played.

In second place was Joseph Kruppenbacher with 4.5 points.

George Dipre was third with 4.0, followed by David Connors (3.5), Gary Salage and Andrew Barnes (2.0) and James Tortorici (1.0)

Good Job Raymond.

Peter Michelman Wins 2007-2008 Staunton Club Championship Open Section

2008-02-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

The 2007-2008 Staunton Club Championship recently concluded.

Peter Michelman with better time management played "solidly enough" and emerged the winner! The tournament was a Round Robin format with seven players. Peter scored 5.5 out of 6 points. Peter won despite the fact that he was in big trouble against Steven Taylor. That game was incredible in that Steve had an incredible attack in the opening, but Peter defended well, and Steve having about every piece en pris ended up down the exchange, and losing the game. Against Alan LeCours, Peter offered a pawn for no apparent compensation, but LeCours refused to take the pawn because of a "phantom attack"--Peter got the upper hand and won.

Tied for second were Jon Leisner and Steven Taylor (4.5). In fourth place was Bill Little, followed by Glen Gausewitz, Alan LeCours and Maja Cabarkapa.

Congratulations Peter.

The Saratoga Staunton Club Thanks Bill Little

2008-02-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

On January 6, 2008 Bill Little gave a lecture on "Lurking Knights" and other "Tactical Debacles". Bill has been an area expert for many years. He provided us with just a few examples of the wisdom that he has drawn over the ages. There were about 14 people at the lecture, and Bill did a great job showing us some fascinating positions and giving great practical advice. I think the highlight for the lecture was that 90% of the positions came from hotly contested local games. In addition to Bill Littles' own games, we saw positions from Lee Battes, Bobby Rotter, and Carl Adamec, just to name a few.

The Saratoga "Stauntons" wish to express our gratitude to Bill Little for a fine lecture. Maybe some of you local players need to come up to Saratoga to find out what we are saying about you at our lectures.

GM Simul at Proctor's

2008-01-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

The City Mission and Proctor’s Theater Present

A simultaneous chess exhibition with

Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi

Former world Under-16 champion

Wednesday, January 23

Limited to 25 boards

Entry is FREE – but number of boards is limited.

Many are reserved but some will be given away by raffle.

At Proctor’s Arcade

(near the Box Office and Muddy Cup Café)

432 State Street, Schenectady, NY

Event opens at 4:30 p.m. and the simul begins at 5:15 p.m.

There will be door prizes for participants, and every scholastic player will get a prize!

So far GM Har-Zvi is undefeated in this area, could YOU be the first to beat him?

For more information contact

Ashok Aaron at the City Mission (518-346-2275, ext. 318)

Sponsors include: Proctor’s Theater, City Mission, Internet Chess Club, Make the Right Move Foundation, Capital District Scholastic Chess Foundation, ENYCA, the Studio of Bridge and Games

Staunton Club Lecture

2008-01-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

The Saratoga Staunton Club Presents the First Lecture in the Lecture Series for 2008 on January 6, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

The Title for the Lecture is: “Lurking Knights and Other Tactical Debacles”. Bill Little will be the presenter. Bill is a long time area resident and has been a Chess Expert for decades. He will show that we can avoid a lot of pitfalls in chess if we take a little preventative medicine. This lecture will focus on simple defensive measures that should be taken before positions become indefensible.

The lecture will be at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church located at 175 Fifth Avenue in Saratoga Springs, in the Atkins Room. Use the entrance off the big parking lot. The Atkins Room is down the hallway to the left.

Use the I-87 Northway to Exit 14. Henning Road is the first right turn (at light) as you head west towards town. The church is located at the intersection of Henning Road and Fifth Avenue.

Lessons with GM Ronen Har-Zvi Contine

2007-08-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

Dates are 8/11, 8/25, 9/8, 9/15, and 9/29.

Details at http://enyca.blogspot.com/2007/03/group-lessons-with-grandmaster-ronen.html

Schenctady Chess Club Activities

2007-08-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

Sept. 20: Annual organizational meeting of the Schenectady Chess Club

at the Niskayuna Recreation Complex, 2682 Aqueduct Road, Schenectady. A new slate of officers will be elected and plans for the coming year will be discussed. Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4: First round of the Schenectady Chess Club Championship

in the basement of the Niskayuna Recreation Complex, 2682 Aqueduct Road, in Schenectady. Multi-player round robin played at the rate of game in two hours. Entry is free, but club membership, $36 a year, is required. Registration starts at 7:30 p.m. and play begins at 8 p.m.

Chess in downtown Schenectady

2007-07-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

On Tuesdays there will be a two hour chess activity between 11:00AM and
1:00PM in downtown Schenectady! It is a free chess playing experience at no
cost. It is a combined effort between City Mission and Proctor's Theater.
It is held under a blue tent across from Proctors Theater and in front of
Center City in State Street, Schenectady. If you are driving by, you can
not miss the tent and the chess players.

The first session was held on Tuesday(7/10/07). Quite a turn out of chess
lovers who played several games. There was checkers played as well on the
side, but the focus is the chess activity. 2006-2007 Schenectady Chess Club
Champion, Deepak Aaron settled down to play and remained undefeated after
all the challenges by interested onlookers and curious players! If you have
the time to make it and enjoy the experience, you might go home without a
loss and remain undefeated next Tuesday. Remember, you would make a
positive impact in downtown Schenectady when you come and play a game of
chess!

If you have the time and are in the area, do come out and brave the weather
and make some hot moves on the chess board that will turn back the clock in
the history of Schenectady to its glorious past!

It is a free activity during summer, so come with a healthy appetite for
some exciting midday chess during lunch time!

Ashok Aaron

Grandmaster Simul in Schenectady's Central Park

2007-06-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

In Schenectady this coming weekend, June 15-17th, come and join in the fun at the Capital District Juneteenth Celebration. The Celebration runs Friday evening, Saturday from 1 to 7 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Fun, entertainment, food, art, competitions, special services, rides and children's activities! A whole lot of everything!

And Saturday includes a very, VERY special day of chess - world renowned Grandmaster Maurice Ashley returns to play two dazzling chess exhibitions.
He will play 25 players at once at 1:30 pm and again at 4:30 pm. Entry fee is $30. Come to play or to watch! Arrive early to enter and reserve a seat. Chess sets and boards provided (although bringing extra sets is always a good idea for other games).

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT TAJ MAJORS, (518) 346-1262, EXT. 10

Join the fun at Central Park in Schenectady this weekend!

Enjoy!

Grand Master Lecture and Simul

2007-04-24T17:45:00.000-05:00

When:
May 13th, 2007:
Free Lecture at 6 PM.
50 person simul at 7 PM ($15).
Where:
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church,
Fifth Avenue at Henning Road, Saratoga Springs, NY.
About:
Ronen Har-Zvi acquired the Grandmaster title at the age of 18 in 1995 after having won the World Junior under 16 Championship in 1992. The grand master title is an international title, and is the highest title that can be achieved in chess short of the world championship. GM Har-Zvi has also worked with world title contender Victor Korchnoi preparing for the interzonal in 1993 and again with his match in 1995 with Alon Greenfield. Ronen is a very congenial fellow and has been a boon to local chess. He is very sharp as well as being quick witted. He is among the best in the world at bullet chess (Game in one minute). Ronen relocated to the Capital District from his native

Israel

because he is a day trader. Since he followed the New York Stock Exchange closely, when in

Israel

he was a “night trader”. Now that he’s here Ronen says, “I have a life again, and have time for chess, and can trade knights on weekends”. He has participated in local tournaments (winning them all!), has led a local team to the Amateur Team Championships in New Jersey (Ronen’s Barbarians), and has been generous with his knowledge of the game, providing Grand Master Chess Lessons to a group of players.

More Info:For more information or to reserve a board for the simul, contact

Alan LeCours (518-584-5520) alecours1@hotmail.com

Sponsored by the Saratoga Staunton Chess Club.

Group Lessons with Grandmaster Ronen Har-Zvi

2007-03-30T11:57:00.000-05:00

Ronen Har-Zvi is offering group lessons at his Schenectady, NY, home on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. The groups are for up to 12 players. Ronen will analyze your games, answer questions, and provide feedback on various topics, as well as teach using the best games from current international chess events. He will spend a good part of each session on opening themes, ideas, and strategy.
The dates are April 7, 21, May 5th, 26, and June 2, 16th, and 30th.
Contact him at 518-399-1375 for costs and to reserve your spot.

Amateur Team East Games for Download

2007-03-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

This is the full and unexpurgated file of the games available from the U.S.
Amateur Teams East, played Feb. 17-19, 2007 in Parsippany, New Jersey. There
is much of interest here, including several GM games as well as games from
local players. The winning team with 6-0 was "Beavis and Butt-Vinnik"
which consisted of James Critelli, Evan Turtel, Evan Rabin, Nick Panico and
Alan Kantor. The USCF has a write
up on it.

ATE games download.