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Thursday, April 24, 2014
World Chess Hall of Fame New Inductions - Maya Chiburdanidze, Paul Keres
Hello everyone,
We love to follow everything that's happening at the World Chess Hall of Fame in Saint Louis. Another ceremony is coming with two new inductions - Maya Chiburdanidze and Paul Keres. Here is the cool article on the upcoming event via the US Chess Federation website.
World Chess Hall of Fame Inductions Set for May 7
By Mike Wilmering
April 23, 2014 (Saint Louis, MO) – Four exceptional chess players will take their places in history when two are inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame and two into U.S. Chess Hall of Fame during a ceremony on May 7, 2014.
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) nominated and selected Maya Chiburdanidze and Paul Keres for the World Chess Hall of Fame. They join 19 other players who have received the honor since the World Chess Hall of Fame’s creation in 2001.
“These two remarkable players were luminaries in 20th century chess. Their legacies still impact the game today,” said Beatriz Marinello, FIDE Vice President.
The U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee considers and sends candidates for the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame to the U.S. Chess Trust each year. The Trust votes on candidates, selecting Abraham Kupchik and Jacqueline Piatigorsky to join the 52 other players currently in the Hall of Fame.
“Kupchik and Piatigorsky both had immeasurable influence on the game of chess in the United States. We are thrilled to celebrate them as players and pioneers,” said Harold Winston, chairman of the U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee.
Each player is permanently commemorated at the World Chess Hall of Fame with a plaque bearing their image and a biography of their notable contributions to the game.
“The 2014 induction ceremony will highlight these four fantastic chess players as well as the national and global cultural significance of the game. We look forward to welcoming the families and friends of the inductees, who will attend alongside some of today’s biggest names in chess,” said Susan Barrett, director of the World Chess Hall of Fame.
About the 2014 World Chess Hall of Fame Honorees Maya Chiburdanidze (1961 – ): Maya Chiburdanidze’s introspective, exceptional play earned her U.S.S.R. Women’s Chess Championship at the young age of sixteen. The following year, she earned a place at the top of women’s chess, becoming the youngest woman at that time to win the Women’s World Championship when she defeated Nona Gaprindashvili. Chiburdanidze would defend her title four times, finally losing it in 1991 to Xie Jun.
A pioneer in women’s chess, Chiburdanidze was only the second woman to earn the title of Grandmaster in 1984. She was a member of the Soviet and later Georgian women’s teams that dominated the Women’s Chess Olympiads through the 1980s and 1990s, winning nine team gold medals and four gold medals on Board 1.
Paul Keres (1916 – 1975): A three-time Soviet chess champion, Keres was a Candidate for the World Chess Championship seven times and finished equal third in the 1948 World Chess Championship tournament. Keres’ near misses earned him the nickname the “crown prince of chess.”
Keres’ many tournament victories included ties for first in both AVRO 1938 (which he won on tiebreak) and the 1963 Piatigorsky Cup, two of the strongest tournaments ever held. He also played on gold medal winning teams representing the Soviet Union in the 1952 – 1964 Chess Olympiads. Additionally, Keres’ multi-volume series detailing his games ranks among the greatest best games collections ever written.
About the 2014 U.S. Chess Hall of Fame Honorees Abraham Kupchik (1892 – 1970): Born in Brest (then a part of Russia), Abraham Kupchik immigrated to the U.S. in 1903 and was one of the strongest American players from 1914 to 1940. He shared first place with U.S. Champion Frank Marshall in 1923 at the 9th American Chess Congress and won the prestigious Manhattan Chess Club Championship thirteen times between 1913/14 and 1936/37. He earned second place at the Lake Hopatcong chess tournament behind José Raúl Capablanca and ahead of Géza Maróczy, Frank Marshall, and Edward Lasker.
In the 1935 Chess Olympiad, Kupchik earned team gold and individual bronze medals playing Board 3 for the U.S. His accomplishments also included playing Board 9 in the famed 1945 U.S.A.-U.S.S.R. radio match.
Jacqueline Piatigorsky (1911 – 2012): A woman of many talents, Jacqueline Piatigorsky transformed American chess through her efforts as an organizer, philanthropist, and player. She won an individual bronze medal on Board 2 when she represented the U.S. in the first Women's Chess Olympiad in 1957. Piatigorsky is best remembered for organizing two of the greatest American chess tournaments: the 1963 and 1966 Piatigorsky Cups. Committed to promoting youth chess, she created scholastic programs in Southern California in the early 1960s through the Piatigorsky Foundation. She also initiated the U.S. Junior Closed Chess Championship and provided support for the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships.
About the World Chess Hall of Fame www.worldchesshof.org The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) is a nonprofit organization committed to building awareness for the cultural and artistic significance of chess. It opened on September 9, 2011, in Saint Louis’s Central West End after moving from previous locations in New York and Miami.
The WCHOF is housed in an historic 15,900 square-foot building that includes three floors of galleries, the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame and the stylish Q Boutique. It sits immediately across Maryland Avenue from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, forming a “chess campus” that has been recognized as the chess capital of the United States as well as one of the game’s top international centers.
It is the only cultural institution of its kind in the world and the only solely chess-focused collecting institution in the U.S.
In the game of chess, the queen is considered the most powerful and often the most unpredictable piece. She embodies tradition whilst simultaneously redefining rules established by a patriarchal system. This intriguing dichotomy is the inspiration behind A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion and Chess.
Produced by an international team of thought-leaders, curators, artists, fashion insiders, and chess players, the exhibition explores the various archetypes of the queen, as well as how storytelling and symbols capture the imagination of innovative fashion designers.
Extremely rare pieces from one of the world’s largest private collections of Alexander McQueen’s work join garments by Gianfranco Ferré, Gucci, Hussein Chalayan, Iris van Herpen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf and approximately 25 other European and Asian designers known for their daring, remarkable work. They range from established names to students still working in some of the most prestigious design schools in the world such as Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Central Saint Martins and Royal College of Arts in London.
A Queen Within investigates which archetypes can be seen to form the idea of a queen, or metaphorically a woman. The exhibition explores nine sides of a queen: The Sage, Mother Figure, Magician, Enchantress, Explorer, Ruler, Mother Earth, Heroine and Thespian.
The themes are based upon interpretations of some of Carl Jung’s most familiar archetypes. The story of each persona – its powers, its weaknesses, its significance, its sacrifice – is told through symbols, examples of fashion, photography, film and artwork.
“We have designed the exhibition itself to be a 3,200 square foot piece of art that viewers can experience on many different levels. They’ll be able to look closely for hidden symbols, stand back to appreciate the overall effect of enveloping visuals and reflect on each theme,” – Sofia Hedman, curator
To parallel the history of chess itself, symbols have been taken from royal representations existing in the fifteenth century onwards. In royal paintings, such as the Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I (c. 1600-1602), symbols including eyes, ears, serpents and wings were used to emphasise the queen’s presence. These same symbols, and many more, appear in the exhibition design as specially made sculptures.
Designer Serge Martynov, artist/wood carver Orlando Campbell and artist Karolina Kling were commissioned to contribute with the artwork and sculptures. The master of coiffure Charlie Le Mindu created bespoke wigs for the show.
After discovering Hieronymus Bosch’s Haywain triptych panel painting (1480-1500) on one of the Alexander McQueen dresses from the private collection, Flemish painters such as Bosch and Pieter Bruegel became the inspiration for the exhibition design and prosthetics.
Circus Flora with Chess Theme - The Pawn comes to Saint Louis in May
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – It’s the 28th big-top season for Circus Flora as they get ready to bring “The Pawn” to life. this year the show is used the history of the game of chess, to create a mythical tale. The World Chess Hall of Fame and the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis will join to bring the game to life.
Circus Flora’s “The Pawn” comes to life May 29 through June 22. You can get your tickets now from Circus Flora by calling 314-289-4040 or by going to CircusFlora.org.
Bernice and Floyd Sarisohn donated February’s featured set to the World Chess Hall of Fame. The Sarisohns share a passion for collecting chess sets, which began when Bernice gave one to Floyd as an engagement gift. In the years since, their devotion led them to be active members of Chess Collectors International, an organization founded in 1984 that brings together lovers of artistic chess sets and chess memorabilia. Their generous loans and donations have allowed the World Chess Hall of Fame to share a variety of wonderful sets with our patrons, states the website of the World Chess Hall of Fame.
Do you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area and have a chess set with a great story? Submit it for inclusion in the Featured Chess Set project! This program highlights chess sets with interesting backgrounds borrowed from chess lovers and fans of the Hall of Fame. Featured chess sets are displayed for a period of one month at the World Chess Hall of Fame.
If you would like to participate in the program, send a photo and the story of the set to Emily Allred, Assistant Curator, at emily.allred@worldchesshof.org.
Chess, Art and the Creative Process: Living St Louis Video of World Chess Hall of Fame
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
The World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis is more than a place that honors the greatest players of the game. Producer Ruth Ezell shows how the Hall of Fame links chess to art and showcases the creative process.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Here is a nice feature by Marc Karimzadeh on the World Chess Hall of Fame.
An illustration of the décor at the "A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion & Chess" exhibition.
From the checkerboard floor at Alexander McQueen’s spring 2005 collection to Marc Jacobs’ spring Louis Vuitton lineup, which could practically double as a board to play on, the game of chess has played a recurring role in fashion.
From Oct. 19 through April 18, 2014, the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis is drawing a direct relation between the two with “A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion and Chess,” an exhibition of garments that explore notions associated with the game. Don’t expect checkerboard mania, though: The exhibition will explore the theme more subtly via variations on the Queen theme.
“It’s very much about the use of archetypes from a chess perspective,” noted curator Sofia Hedman, who had helped catalogue “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011. “Each [chess] piece can be seen as having different personalities, and the exhibition investigates these archetypes of the queen.”
The nine different themes in the exhibition — based on the number of queens who can technically be on the board at once during a game if all nine pawns are elevated to queens — are reflective of Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes. They are Mother Figure, Heroine, Magician, Sage, Enchantress, Explorer, Ruler, Mother Earth and Orphan.
To gather pieces that correspond to the themes, Hedman considered a wide range of designers who have, at some point in their careers, directly or more loosely embodied the theme with their designs, including Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, Gianfranco Ferré and Pam Hogg. Among the pieces on show in St. Louis will be McQueen’s Annabel Lee poem coat with prose by Edgar Allen Poe; Hussein Chalayan’s 2007 bubble dress, and the snake dress from Iris van Herpen.
“A Queen Within” will be previewed next Tuesday at Christie’s, which plans to auction off select pieces from the show after it closes next year.
“Everyone has some relationship with chess, whether you are a player or not a player,” said Hedman, who doesn’t actually consider herself a chess pro. “I played a little bit,” she said. “I am not very good.”
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Watch a video merging chess and Jiu Jitsu, featuring Adisa Banjoko of the Hip Hop Chess Federation & DJ and director Mike Relm. Both Banjoko and Relm will participate in a panel discussion, "Live The Game" hosted by the World Chess Hall of Fame in Saint Louis on May 8th. The event will be held on the free day of the US Chess and US Women's Championships. LIVE THE GAME consists of a group of national experts who will discuss how chess and martial arts have been woven into the history of hip hop and how this powerful combination positively impacts our youth. Find more details and RSVP to Live The Game on the WCHOF website.
World Chess Hall of Fame New Inductions for 2013: Two Women!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
An induction ceremony on May 2, 2013, will recognize five exceptional chess players as three are inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame and two into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) nominated and selected Elizaveta Bykova, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Mikhail Chigorin for the World Chess Hall of Fame. They join 16 other players to receive the honor since the World Chess Hall of Fame’s creation in 2001. These are the first new inductees since 2011. “This year’s World Chess Hall of Fame induction is particularly unique because it includes two women. The first and only woman who had previously received this honor was Vera Menchik,” said Beatriz Marinello, FIDE Senior Vice President.
The U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee considers and sends candidates for the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame to the U.S. Chess Trust each year. The Trust votes on candidates, selecting Gregory Kaidanov and Mona May Karff to join the 50 other players currently in the Hall of Fame. “These two players join luminaries like Bobby Fischer and Frank Marshall as some of the top players in U.S. history. Their contributions to the sport are numerous and lasting,” said Harold Winston, chairman of the U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee.
GM Alex Yermolinsky inducted into US Chess Hall of Fame
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The World Chess Hall of Fame will officially induct GM Alex “Yermo” Yermolinsky on October 23! Yermolinsky becomes only the 48th person named to the Hall of Fame, joining luminaries such as Bobby Fischer and Benjamin Franklin.
“We are thrilled to honor Yermo as he takes his place among the top players in US history. Besides his obvious personal gift for the game, he should also be recognised for his generosity helping others learn to play and improve their skills,” said Harold Winston, chairman of the U.S. Chess Federation Hall of Fame Committee.
Born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg, Russia), Yermolinsky immigrated to the United States in 1989 and became a grandmaster in 1992. He went on to share the title of U.S. Chess Champion with Alexander Shabalov in 1993 and was the sole champion in 1996. He has won countless other titles and was the Grandmaster-in-Residence at the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club in San Francisco from 1999-2007.
Yemolinsky is a noted chess writer and instructor. He has authored two books: The Road to Chess Improvement (winner of the Cramer Award for best instructional chess book and the British Chess Federation’s Book of the Year award) and Chess Explained: The Classical Sicilian. Alex and his wife, Women’s Grandmaster Camilla Baginskaite, live with their two children in South Dakota, where he works with the South Dakota Chess Association as an instructor, lecturer, and tournament director.
Free Chess Deal: Family Days at Chess Hall of Fame
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012 Hi everyone,
The World Chess Hall of Fame will be holding free family day sessions on the first Saturday of each month (Nov. 3 and Dec. 1). Join them on the first Saturday of each month for a "kids-eye" tour of current exhibitions and related activities for kids 5 to 12 years old. Family Day sessions begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and last about one hour. All Family Day activities are free, but space is limited. Reservations are required. To reserve your spot, contact Claire Grothe at claire.grothe@worldchesshof.org or 314-367-9243 ext. 105.
Karpov-Seirawan Chess Exhibition: Karpov Pulls Off Win in Blitz Section
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Former World Champion Anatoly Karpov defeated four-time U.S. Champion Yasser Seirawan in a match held from June 10-13 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. In the first three days of play, two classical and two rapid games were drawn, increasing the tension as the players headed into a 10-game blitz match held on June 13.
Karpov-Seirawan
Karpov drew first blood in game one when he prevailed in a razor-sharp pawn endgame. But the match was far from over, as the two traded victories. Seirawan won a particularly nice game in round five, highlighting the weakness of Karpov’s second rank.
But after a half-time break, Karpov came back sharp and hungry, and he won three games in a row to clinch the match victory and $10,000 first prize.
The final score of the blitz match was 6-4 in Karpov’s favor while the overall match score (one point for each of the four draws in the classical and rapid) was 10-8.
At the post-game press conference both players spoke highly of the overall quality of the blitz match and the playing conditions. The tournament concluded with a cocktail party and tandem chess exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Karpov was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2004, while Seirawan was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2006.
The blitz games with commentary by GM Ben Finegold and WGM Jennifer Shahade.
Fantasy Chess Online Contest with Great Prizes on Sidelines of 2012 US Chess Championships
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Do you know where the 2012 US Chess Championships (Men and Women's) is going to be held? In Saint Louis from May 7-20. But, this chess news is not about the event itself. It's about an exciting online parallel contest called Fantasy Chess that even you could participate in.
Defending US chess champions
Gata Kamsky and Anna Zatonskih.
Fantasy chess is about anyone, from anywhere on the planet, making predictions and guessing about who is going to win. It is free to join and you could sign up at www.uschesschamps.com - the official website of the event. Sponsors have helped the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis offer great prizes for the fantasy chess event. These prizes include:
Biasov Luxury Chess Table and personalized U.S. Championships poster signed by the 2012 U.S. Champion and U.S. Women's Champion. Ships to continental U.S. only.
Private lesson (in person or online) with WGM Jennifer Shahade, signed copies of Jennifer's books "Chess Bitch" and "Play Like a Girl", and a vinyl board signed by the participants in the 2012 U.S. Women's Championship.
A wooden chess board signed by the players in the 2012 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women's Championship.
A 2012 U.S. Championships polo, vinyl board and Championship poster signed by the players in the 2012 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women's Championship
Fantastic new exhibits at World Chess Hall of Fame by Harry Benson, Marcel Dzama
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
If you haven't visited the Chess Hall of Fame then get your ticket right now. If you have visited it then, we are sure you are already preparing to go there again!
The latest update from Saint Louis is that the World Chess Hall of Fame will open its doors on two new exhibits starting March 9, 2012. Bobby Fischer: Icon Among Icons, Photographs by Harry Benson CBE and Marcel Dzama: The End Game explore the game of chess and its role in society from dramatically different angles.
The shows will run through August 12, 2012.
“We selected these artists because of their stunning talent and their unique perspectives,” said Susan Barrett, director of WCHoF. “We hope the exhibitions will enlighten visitors while also challenging their preconceived notions of the significance of chess.”
Harry Benson: Icon Among Icons
Scottish-born photojournalist Harry Benson’s work ranges from photographs of world leaders to pop stars, all portrayed with an immediacy and naturalness that speaks of a confidence and rapport between sitter and photographer.
Benson was the only person to have private access to Bobby Fischer during the epic 1972 World Chess Championship match in Reykjavík, Iceland. Fischer became a pop culture sensation due to his incredible playing and the Cold War matchup between him and Russian player Boris Spassky, the defending world chess champion. News outlets referred to the match as the “Match of the Century” and used headlines such as “Fischer vs. Spassky: A Major Struggle in the Cold War.”
As the images in this exhibition show, Benson’s photography captures a side of the elusive and controversial chess genius that is rarely seen, and offers a window into the private world of the man Benson calls "the most eccentric and most fascinating person I have ever photographed."
Rare images of Fischer will be exhibited along with Benson's photos of other pop culture icons such as Jerry Garcia, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Streisand, Bill Clinton, Muhammad Ali, and Jaqueline Kennedy. The juxtaposition allows viewers to see Fischer’s cultural significance as virtually equal to that of presidents, movie stars, artists, designers, and leaders, whose impact has made them objects of great attention and devotion in society. Sample images of Benson’s work can be downloaded here.
Marcel Dzama: The End Game features the artist’s film, A Game of Chess, alongside related drawings, paintings, sculptures, and dioramas.
The work draws from a diverse range of references and artistic influences, including Dada and Marcel Duchamp.
The 14-minute film incorporates ballet, stark landscapes, and moments of violence to tell a story based on the classic game of chess. Performers are dressed in geometrically designed costumes of papier-mâché, plaster, and fiberglass; they dance across a checkered board to challenge their opponents in fatal interchanges.
Some new paintings were created especially for this exhibit, which marks the first solo showing of Dzama’s work in the Midwest. A trailer for the film can be viewed at http://youtu.be/D6mySi-vCHs.
“WCHoF is pleased to be recognized as one of the most exciting new additions to Saint Louis’ already-vibrant cultural scene. We look forward to welcoming visitors to these new exhibitons throughout the spring and summer,” Barrett said.
About the World Chess Hall of Fame The World Chess Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization committed to building awareness for the cultural and artistic significance of chess. It opened on September 9, 2011 in the Central West End after moving from previous locations in New York and Miami.
The WCHoF is housed in an historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-business and features the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, displays of artifacts from the permanent collection, and temporary exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games, and rich cultural history of chess.
The WCHOF partners with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national, and international audiences. For more information, visit www.worldchesshof.org.
World Chess Hall of Fame presents Anatomy is Destiny by Liliya Lifánova, with choreography by Davy Bisaro
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hello everyone,
Liliya Lifánova’s Anatomy is Destiny was one of seven works featured in the exhibition OUT OF THE BOX: Artists Play Chess on display at the World Chess Hall of Fame from September 9, 2011 to February 12, 2012.
ST. LOUIS, MO.- The World Chess Hall of Fame presented Anatomy is Destiny by Liliya Lifánova, with choreography by Davy Bisaro and sound design by Sebastian Alvarez. The performance took place at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis on February 15, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. after a brief talk by Lifánova and OUT OF THE BOX: Artist Play Chess curator Bradley Bailey.
Liliya Lifánova’s Anatomy is Destiny was one of seven works featured in the exhibition OUT OF THE BOX: Artists Play Chess on display at the World Chess Hall of Fame from September 9, 2011 to February 12, 2012. Curated by Bradley Bailey, assistant professor of art history at Saint Louis University, OUT OF THE BOX: Artists Play Chess explored artworks that consider chess both at the formal level and at the level of actual play. Comprising a wide breadth of media, the selection of artworks by Tom Friedman, Barbara Kruger, Liliya Lifánova, Yoko Ono, Diana Thater, Gavin Turk, and Guido van der Werve demonstrate an integration of chess that goes beyond the visual, incorporating elements of play or strategy that invite the viewer to reflect on the game’s intricate operations.
Special chess exhibitions to conclude this weekend at World Chess Hall of Fame
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
This weekend is your last chance to check out some of the oldest and coolest chess sets in the world, according to this chess news release.
Two temporary exhibitions at the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End are closing on Sunday. One of the exhibits features chess sets from the largest private chess collection in the world.
Visitors can also see the only two complete Faberge sets ever made. The other is called "out of the box, artists play chess." It features different artist interpretations of the game of chess. There's a $3 suggested donation per person and a $5 suggested donation for families.
Inaugural Lecture at World Chess Hall of Fame on Thursday
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hello everyone,
The World Chess Hall of Fame presents its inaugural lecture on Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m. Renowned collector Dr. George Dean will give a lecture on his unparalleled collection of chess memorabilia.
“Chess Masterpieces: One Thousand Years of Extraordinary Chess Sets,” will explore the history and significance of Dr. Dean’s extensive collection.
Neresheimer French vs. Germans Set and Castle Board. 1905 – 10. Hanau, Germany. Silver and gilded silver, ivory, diamonds, sapphires, pearls, amethysts, rubies and marble.
For more than 50 years, Dr. Dean and his wife Vivian have traveled the world acquiring rare, beautiful and culturally significant chess sets, including those currently on view in the World Chess Hall of Fame’s second floor exhibition, Chess Masterpieces: Highlights from the Dr. George and Vivian Dean Collection.
Dr. Dean will give attendees a rare inside look at his spectacular collection, highlighting special pieces and sharing his experiences as a collector. Following the lecture and an exhibit walk-through, Dr. Dean will sign copies of his book Chess Masterpieces: One Thousand Years of Extraordinary Chess Sets, which will be available for purchase in The Store at the World Chess Hall of Fame.
Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge; however, seating is limited. Please RSVP to Claire Grothe at claire.grothe@worldchesshof.org or call 314-367-9243 ext. 105 to reserve your place. Generous support for Chess Masterpieces: Highlights from the Dr. George and Vivian Dean Collection was provided by Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield.
Vera Menchik - First woman chess player inducted into World Chess Hall of Fame
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hi everyone,
It is great news that the first woman chess player has been inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. She is none other than the first women's world chess champion - Vera Menchik. The induction was held at the New World Chess Hall of Fame Museum located in St. Louis, USA. This is an important recognition to women's in chess.
Vera Menchiik (1906-1944) was born in Russia in 1906, learned chess at age 9, and moved to England as a teenager in 1921. Over the course of her career, she competed for Russia, Czechoslovakia, and England. She became the first Women’s World Champion in 1927, and successfully defended her title six times over the next 17 years. She would lose only one game over the course of these seven championship tournaments.
Menchik defeated many men in tournament play, including Max Euwe and Samuel Reshevsky. They and other notable players she beat became members of what was known as the “Vera Menchik Club.” From 1929 onward, she was a fixture at Hastings Congress tournaments, as well as at other international competitions. One of her greatest successes was at Ramsgate 1929, when she tied for second with Akiba Rubenstein just a half-point behind Jose Raul Capablanca and ahead of her teacher Géza Maróczy. She won matches against Jacques Mieses in 1942 and Sonja Graf in 1934 and 1937. Menchik’s career was cut tragically short when she, her two sisters, and their mother were killed in a V-1 rocket bombing raid at their South London home in June 1944. The Women’s Olympiad trophy is known as the Vera Menchik Cup in her honor.
World Chess Hall of Fame hosts 'Chess Piano' performance
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hi everyone,
The second-ever-in-the-U.S. performance of 'Number Twelve: Chess Piano Concert in Three Movements,' by Dutch visual artist Guido van der Werve, took place at the World Chess Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening.
Van der Werve, a chess enthusiast, played play Matthew Bengtson, who is a World Chess Federation (FIDE) chess master and concert pianist. They played on a unique instrument constructed by van der Werve, combining the layout of a chessboard with the mechanics of a piano: each space on the board represents a musical note. Different notes are struck as the game progresses.
The Hall of Fame collaborated with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Art Museum for the performance, to be introduced by SLSO music director David Robertson. During the musical chess match, nine string musicians from the SLSO also performed van der Werve's original score, conducted by resident conductor Ward Stare.
The chess piano will be on display at the Hall of Fame through Feb. 12. The Hall of Fame will also offer an installation of related photographic works by van der Werve, as part of the larger exhibition "Out of the Box: Artists Play Chess," curated by Bradley Bailey, assistant professor, Saint Louis University.
Coinciding with the event at the Hall of Fame, SLAM presented van der Werve's related film "Number Twelve: Variations on a Theme" as a part of its ongoing New Media Series. The 40-minute film includes three movements: "The king's gambit accepted," "The number of stars in the sky," and "Why a piano can't be tuned or waiting for an earthquake." Curated by SLAM assistant curator of modern and contemporary art Tricia Y. Paik, "Number Twelve" will be on view through January 8, 2012.
Karpov, Polgar not taking part in Saint Louis Special Chess Event
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hi everyone,
Two players have withdrawn from the Kings vs. Queens tournament, which is scheduled to begin this week in Saint Louis. Former World Champion Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov and Grandmaster Judit Polgar are both unable to attend, and tournament organisers have restructured the two fields to maintain rating equality between the two teams.
Karpov was unable to come due to political obligations while Polgar has advanced to the top eight in the World Cup.
Polgar will be replaced by International Master Martha Fierro of Ecuador, the official alternate. To maintain rating equality, the King's fifth board will be filled by young Saint Louis National Master Kevin Cao, making the average rating of both teams 2476.
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12th Women's World Chess Champion
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