9 Queens Co-Founder Chess Patron Jean Hoffman is USCF Executive Director
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The USCF is pleased to announce Jean Hoffman as the next Executive Director. Most recently Jean has been the Executive Director of 9 Queens in Arizona, an organization started by Jean and Jennifer Shahade. "This is an exciting time for the USCF and chess. I am thrilled and honored to join the USCF during such a pivotal time."
Jean has spent her adulthood serving the game of chess. In addition to 9 Queens, she has served as a Manager of Teams and Tournaments and as an Instructor in the Chess-in-the-Schools programs in New York.
Jean has a B.A. in history with distinction from Yale, and an ED.M. in Urban Education from Harvard. While working and living in Tucson, she was selected as a member of the 40 under 40 by the Arizona Daily Star in November 2012.
Jean has extensive experience with 501(c)(3) organizations, including taking 9 Queens through the IRS approval process. Jean is an experienced fundraiser and brings conviction for chess to the fundraising process. Jean will begin her service to the USCF on November 1, 2013, and her initial agreement with the USCF is for two years.
Please join us in welcoming Jean!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Also see her personal chess blog
Don't miss Chess Queen™
Labels: 9 queens, jean hoffman, Jennifer Shahade, uscf
US Chess Scoop on Blind Chess - A Video with Joan DuBois
Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013
Hi everyone,
Joan DuBois, director of affiliate relations at the USCF, talks about a topic close to her heart: Blind Chess.
Read more »Labels: blind chess, joan dubois, us chess scoop, uscf
US Chess Online National Invitational Championship with USCF, Chesskid.com
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
ChessKid.com is set to host the 2nd Annual Online National Chess Championship, June 14th-17th 2013. Founded and organized in June of 2012, last year's event was the first of its kind as the only ever online National Chess Championship - approved by the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
ChessKid.com is the "scholastic extension" of the world's largest chess website - Chess.com. By bringing so many of the nation's best and brightest youth chess players together for an event of this magnitude, ChessKid.com and the USCF hope to provide more exposure for the great game of chess, as well as all the benefits the game has on a child's cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
For many of these strong junior chess players (listed by age division below), it is their first experience playing in an "inviational / closed" event - a format generally reserved for very prestigious, high level tournaments. Like the first, this year's event brings together the nation's best scholastic chess players in each respective age group to battle over the web for a national title. To add to last year's Under 12 and Under 8 divisions, ChessKid.com has added two additional sections: an Under 10 and Girls Under 13.
The "Round Robin" format will see each player have a chance to face off against everyone in their age group. Each child will compete from a public location (mostly chess clubs) in their area, or from home under the observation from a "neutral" adult observer and their parents. The games will be broadcast over the internet, with live commentary from National and International Master level chess coaches. More information is available be provided by David Petty, davidpetty@chesskid.com.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: chesskid.com, online chess, uscf
Scholar Chess Player Awards 2013 Winners: Miles Hinson, Anna Matlin, Kevin Mo, Benjamin Tong, Thomas Ulrich
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The winners of the 2013 Scholar Chess Player Awards were announced at the Supernationals (Nashville, TN) by Harold Winston, US Chess Trust Chairman, and Sunil Weeramantry, US Chess Trust Scholastic VP.
The 2013 Scholar-Chessplayer Award winners are (in alphabetical order):
• Miles Hinson, PA
• Anna Matlin, NJ
• Kevin Mo, PA
• Benjamin Tong, CA
• Thomas Ulrich, WI
Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding achievement!
About the Scholar-Chessplayer Awards Program
The Scholar-Chessplayer Awards program was established in the 1980s, and is administered by the US Chess Federation and the US Chess Trust.
These annual scholarships awarded by the U.S. Chess Trust, the National Scholastic Chess Foundation, and the USCF, are "intended to recognize and encourage high school junior or senior students who promote a positive image of chess."
High School students who have shown outstanding merits in academics, sportsmanship and chess were eligible to apply for these scholarships. Five awards of $1,500.00 each (total of $7,500) in scholarship money are awarded. The funding for this program is provided by the US Chess Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation.
This year's students were selected from 15 applicants by a panel of judges appointed by the Scholastic Council of the USCF. In recognizing this year's winners, Mr. Weeramantry observed the geographical diversity of the recipients and drew attention to the high calibre of all the applicants.
Thanks to the generosity of it's long-time supporters, the U.S. Chess Trustcontinues to fund many wonderful programs including the Scholar-Chessplayer Awards. A special thanks to the National Scholastic Chess Foundation for their contribution to this program.
About the U.S. Chess Trust
The U.S. Chess Trust is an independent 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Created in 1967, the Trust was organized to promote, stimulate and encourage the study and play of the game of chess as a means of intellectual development. The Trust uses its resources for charitable purposes, including social, educational, scientific, historical endeavors. The U.S. Chess Trust takes an active role in supporting chess education programs across the nation. Our Trustees act without compensation, and are dedicated to the U.S. Chess Trust's mission. Donations to the U.S. Chess Trust are tax-deductible. For more information about the U.S. Chess Trust please visit: www.uschesstrust.org.
About the United States Chess Federation
The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.
About the National Scholastic Chess Foundation
The National Scholastic Chess Foundation (NSCF) is a non-profit foundation organized for educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The NSCF was created in 1991 as a merger between the Westchester Chess Foundation (founded in 1985) and the Fairfield County Chess Foundation. The Executive Director of the NSCF is FIDE Master Sunil Weeramantry. For additional information on the NSCF see: www.nscfchess.org.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: anna matlin, benjamin tong, kevin mo, miles hinson, scholar chess player awards, sunil weeramantry, thomas ulrich, US Chess Trust, uscf
US Chess Open, Blitz for Seniors 2013: May 28-June 2 in Tarrytown
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
The U.S. Chess Federation and Chess Educators are now accepting entries for participation in the 2013 U.S. Senior Open from May 28-June 2.
Where: Doubletree Tarrytown Hotel; 455 South Broadway; Tarrytown, NY 10591 USA
Tournament Organizer: IO Beatriz Marinello; Chess Educators
Chief TD: IA Carol Jarecki
Eligibility: Open to USCF members born on or before May 27, 1963.
Tournament Format: 6 Rounds, Swiss System. Two 1/2-point byes allowed if requested before end of Rd 2.
Time Control: 40 moves in two hours, plus one hour sudden death (40/2, SD/1)
Rating: USCF Rated & FIDE Rated.
Prizes and Awards: $5,500 GTD! Plaques for the top 10 players overall.
• 1st $1,250
• 2nd 850
• 3rd $600
• 4th 300
• Under 2300 $500 & $300
• Under 2000 $300 & $150
• Under 1800 $300 & 150
• Under 1500/unr $300 & $150
• Top Woman $350
Read more »Labels: beatriz marinello, chess educators, doubletree tarrytown hotel, senior chess, us chess, uscf
Huge Chess Carnival at USCF SuperNationals
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
Did you follow Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk on her visit to Nashville USCF Chess SuperNationals? There are some must-watch videos and super photos at the 12th Women's World Chess Champion's personal blog www.chessqueen.com. Click on photo to read. By the way, do you know what this photo is all about?
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Chess Queen Alexandra Kosteniuk, chess simul, Chess trivia, nashville supernationals 2013, uscf
US Chess Scoop from Philadelphia Chess Open - Video
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013Hi everyone, GM and Webster student Fidel Corrales Jiminez and IM and author Daniel Naroditsky tied for first at this year's Philadelphia Open. Here is the nice US Chess Scoop video chat with them. The video also features the youngest chess master in USCF history, 9-year-old Awonder Liang and WGM Tatev Abrahamyan, who is preparing for the US Women's Championship.
Labels: Awonder Liang, Chess video, daniel naroditsky, fidel corrales jiminez, Tatev Abrahamyan, us chess scoop, uscf
US Seniors Chess Open in Tarrytown, NY in May
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hello everyone,
Chess Educators will host the prestigious US Junior and US Senior Opens in Tarrytown, New York, USA as well as the FIDE International Organizer Seminar. Find full details of the US Senior, open to USCF members born on or before May 27, 1963. The top finisher born on or before 1/1/53 qualifies for the 2014 FIDE World Senior Championship in Kalabaka, Greece. GM Alexander Ivanov is the defending champion.
Also see details on the US Junior Open, which qualifies a player to the 2014 US Junior Open (if the champion is eligible by age.) Karthik Ramachandran is the defending champion.
Applicants for the FIDE International Organizer's title are required to attend a seminar and pass an examination in order to obtain their FIDE IO title. FIDE Vice President Beatriz Marinello and Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, Secretary FIDE Events Commission will both lecture at the seminar.
Schedule:
Tuesday, May 28 9 am - 3pm Seminar (Part 1)
Wednesday, May 29 9 am - 3pm Seminar (Part 2)
Thursday, May 30 9 am - 1 pm Seminar (Part 3 - Exams)
Venue:
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Tarrytown.
Accommodation:
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown, 455 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591. Chess Rate $129 single/double/triple/quad Free Parking, free internet connection. Reservation: Call 914-631-5700 or online at www.tarrytown.doubletree.com and enter the group code CHS. For this discounted rate, you must make your reservation by April 26, 2013.
Seminar Topics:
General Tournament Regulations - FIDE Events Regulations - Bid Procedure,
Evaluation Criteria - FIDE Calendar Regulations - Events' Management.
Seminar Fee: US$300
Developing Federations: Free
Women: Free
Number of participants: Maximum 20
Lecturers:
Beatriz Marinello, IO, FIDE Vice President
Theodoros Tsorbatzoglou, IO, Secretary FIDE Events Commission
Language: The seminar will be held in English.
Information/Registration:
FIDE VP Beatriz Marinello; Tel: 1-917-553-4522 email: Beatriz@chesseducators.com
Registrations and payments are accepted online at www.chesseducators.com.
Labels: beatriz marinello, us chess federation, us seniors chess, uscf
Cool Chess Stars from Brooklyn Castle Movie Walk the Red Carpet in LA
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Photo: Brian Schulz
Three stars of the highly acclaimed documentary, Brooklyn Castle, walked the red carpet last week at the 44th NAACP Image Awards in LA. Brooklyn Castle, the story of IS 318, the Championship chess team was nominated for the Best Documentary award. Pobo "Pobama" Efekoro, Rochelle Ballantyne and National Master Justus Williams flew from NY to LA for the star-studded ceremony, according to a nice report at the USCF website.
"To walk on the red carpet with Rochelle and Justus was exhilarating," Pobo said, "We were experiencing the the vibe of what it was like to be in Los Angeles, to be a movie star. And its something that the three of us will cherish."Meeting the rapper Common was a highlight. Rochelle, who aims to be the first female African-American chess master in history, said, "I respect him so much not only for his lyrics but for all he does in society." According to Pobo, upon introducing themselves, Common asked if they knew a guy named Maurice. "Our eyes lit up. 'You mean (Grandmaster) Maurice Ashley!?' He nodded. That was a very cool moment."
Justus wore a tailored Kenneth Cole suit picked out by his grandmother and mom. Rochelle said her mom chose her gold dress. Originally Pobo wanted to look "extravagant" but "my mom along with my coworkers decided I should dress formally. I had a dark brand new suit and a gray, black, and blue striped tie. I think it worked out." Rochelle, who will be attending Stanford in the Fall, said: "LA is so beautiful, I feel like I was born to live in California."
Labels: brian schulz, brooklyn castle, justus williams, pobo efekoro, rochelle ballantyne, uscf
US 2012 K-12 Chess Championships Begin Nov 30
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The US 2012 National K-12 Chess Championships will be played from November 30 to December 2 in Orlando, Florida. There will be a bughouse and blitz event on November 29. The USCF hosts several National Chess Tournaments each year. The event is being held at the Marriott Orlando World Center Resort. There are a huge number of prizes and trophies to be won in lots of sections for the children. There's also going to be a chess event for parents and friends! More information is available at the US Chess Federation official website.
Click on icon to check @chessqueen - the twitter feed of 12th Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk - and find out why she is attending the event!
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Labels: Alexandra Kosteniuk, Chess Queen, marriott orlando world center resort, orlando chess, us k-12 chess, uscf
2013 All-America Chess Team Announced
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012Hi everyone,
(Crossville, TN) The United States Chess Federation (USCF) has announced the 2013 All-America Team sponsored by Trophies Plus. Team members will receive their Team Jackets and plaques at the 2012 National K-12 Grade Championship to be held this November in Orlando, FL.
The All-America Team was created in 1987 to honor the very best players ages 18 and under. The team, one of the highest national honors attainable by a young chess player, is selected on the basis of age, rating, and activities during that year, similar to the selection process of “all conference” sports teams. This year’s candidates were selected based on their age as of January 1, 2012, and their peak post-tournament rating from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Since this award is a “post-season” selection, the minimum rating limits in each age group are reviewed annually by the USCF staff and the USCF Scholastic Council.
Read more »Labels: all-american chess team, uscf
US Chess Fed Awards Vancouver Couple for 'Chess Love'
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Rusty Miller isn't anywhere near the top ranked players in the U.S. Chess Federation, but that hasn't stopped him from supporting the game and group he loves. Miller, 70, and his wife Kathy Miller, 66, of Vancouver both received service awards from the federation during the U.S. Open last week at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Rusty and Kathy Miller
He got the Meritorious Service Award, for lifetime support of the group, and she got the Honorary Chess Mates Award. "Several years ago, they started giving awards to Chess Mates, who are the wives of chess players — they're often quite active as chess players themselves, though," Rusty Miller said.
Miller learned to play chess at age 10. He was the chess champion at his high school and started playing in tournaments all over the country in 1961. He's played in five U.S. Opens since 1963, he said.
He's also served as editor of U.S. Chess magazine and was regional vice president for the organization, covering Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. "One thing I really like is the history of the game," Miller said. "You can play chess games that were played 150 years ago. There may be more chess books out there than there are for all other sports, combined."
The Millers received their awards at a special banquet by the federation on Aug. 11. For more information on the group, visit http://uschess.org. (Sue Vorenberg/The Columbian)
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Labels: kathy miller, rusty miller, us chess federation, US open, uscf
US Chess Life Magazine Now in Full Color!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012Hi everyone,
We have exciting news for all the subscribers of the US Chess Federation's flagship publication: Effective with the August 2012 issue of Chess Life, available now for USCF Members via the online viewer or pdf download at uschess.org, the USCF's flagship magazine is in full color after six years as a two-color publication. The magazine will be arriving in Premium Members' mailboxes soon.
A few items have been added to take advantage of the new look:"Faces Across the Board" (p. 9) by Al Lawrence will celebrate class-level players who have a chess accomplishment of note or interest. "Knight's Tour" (p. 46) is a tournament travel section that will highlight one or more of the events in each issues' Tournament Life section. "My Best Move" (p. 72) will look at a chess, business, or celebrity personality each month and ask them to describe either their literal or figurative best move.
Daniel Lucas, USCF Director of Publications, says, "We hope you enjoy Chess Life's refreshed design and the same great chess coverage you've come to expect. If you would like to be featured in "Faces across the Board", please email facesacrosstheboard@uschess.org. If you are an organizer who would like to have their event featured in "Knight's Tour", write to letters@uschess.org. If you wish to suggest someone for "My Best Move", write to letters@uschess.org." Two-time US women's chess champion Jennifer Shahade is the Chess Life Online editor.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Labels: al lawrence, chess life, daniel lucas, Jennifer Shahade, uscf
US Chess Tournament Director - How to Apply
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The US Chess Federation hosts several national chess events each year. A list is provided below for those events which are organized by the National Events Director, Patricia K. Smith. If you are a USCF Certified Tournament Director, and are interested in working at one or more of our National Events organized by the USCF, please print and complete the following form and return to: patsmith@uschess.org.
Read more »Labels: chess tournament, chess tournament director, uscf
US Senior, Junior, and Not-So-Either Chess in Houston from July 13! Register Now
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
In one month, the Summer Chess Festival which includes the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Junior Open returns to Houston, this time to the Marriott Houston South at Hobby Airport.
The Junior Open (July 13-15) is for players under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2012, and the Senior Open (July 9-14) is for those who are at least 50 years old as of July 9th. Once again, for those who are not eligible for either National event, we will have the Not-A-Senior-Not-A-Junior Open, July 13-15. In addition to these three events, we will have the always fun Blitz and Bughouse side events.
 |
| Ruth Haring |
Among the participants in the Senior Open will be the defending Champion, GM Sergey Kudrin, as well as the USCF President, Ruth Haring. GM Kudrin will also be giving a Simul on Friday morning before the start of the Junior Open. In addition to her participation in the Senior Open, Ruth Haring will also be available to discuss USCF matters with participants and other attendees of the Chess Festival.
The U.S. Junior Open has four sections: U21, U15, U11, and U8 (age as of 1/1/2012). The U21 will have cash prizes and plaques, and the winner gets an automatic spot in the 2013 U.S. Junior Championship, if still eligible by age. The other three sections have trophy prizes. All sections have Place and Class (age and rating) prizes and all participants receive commemorative medals. In addition to the individual awards, the event will have team prizes and players are eligible to enter school or club teams! Top four scores, minimum of three, count towards team scores in each section. More information and online registration, please go to this link.
 |
| Sergey Kudrin |
The U.S. Senior Open has 6-Day and 3-Day Schedules. It has a guaranteed prize fund of $5,000 with the overall winner taking home $1,250! The top three finishers get Commemorative Clocks and six class (age) winners will receive plaques. The event is open to all players age 50 or over, but the top finisher born on or before January 1, 1952 is the official USCF entrant in the World Senior Chess Championship. More information and on-line registration for this National Championship visit this link.
The Not-A-Senior-Not-A-Junior Open offers a $3,500 Prize Fund, 70% guaranteed. This event has four USCF rated sections: Open (also FIDE rated), U2000, U1600/Unrated, and U1300. For information and on line registration at this link.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Also see her personal blog at
Labels: ruth haring, Sergey Kudrin, st louis chess club, us junior chess, us senior chess, uscf
Castling in Chess: Let's Touch the King First, Fide Requests USCF
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
We found this very interesting update from Fide about the rules of chess. A meeting was hosted at the Marshall Chess Club in Manhattan in their building that dates back to 1915.
Those present: Stewart Reuben (ENG) chaired the meeting demonstrating castling in the photo. Clockwise from him: Bill Goichberg, Tony Rich, Walter Brown, Franc Guadalupe, Carol Jarecki. Carol (BVI) resides in the US as do the other four USCF officials.
The meeting was organised by FIDE to discuss the differences between the FIDE Laws and the USCF Rules. The hope is that these differences can be eliminated in time for the new Laws to be agreed in Turkey to take effect from 1 July 2013. Naturally the differences are nearly all in the Competition Rules, not the Basic Rules of Play. To give an idea, in the US it is permitted, but discouraged, to castle first touching the rook. The FIDE Law specifically requires the king to be touched first. Many of the differences are for philosphical reasons. Many US events have BYO (bring your own) equipment. This is virtually unknown elsewhere in tournaments. The US believes in much less close supervision by the arbiters. The meeting was very cooperative and productive. Originally Geurt Gijssen, chairman of the Rules and Tournament Regulations Commission, was to have chaired the meeting. But ill-health prevented him from travelling.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
Labels: bill goichberg, carol jarecki., castling in chess, FIDE, franc guadalupe, rules of chess, stewart reuben, tony rich, uscf, walter brown
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 GM Ben Finegold, a joint membership to the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis and the World Chess Hall of Fame and a signed poster from the 2012 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women's Championship.
- 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
Labels: 2012 us chess championship, Ben Finegold, biasov luxury chess, Jennifer Shahade, st louis chess club, uscf, World chess hall of fame
|
|
