Many of our members have been asking what they ought to be reading to improve their play.  With that in mind we will be starting a chess book club from 7 to 8 before each 3rd round in our weekly swiss series.  The first book covered will be My System by Aron Nimzovich.  One of the greatest chess books of all time, Nimzovich covers and discusses the elements of positional play.  This is a must read for any ambitious player.  Owning or reading the book is not a requirement.  We will endeavor to cover a chapter or two before each 3rd round.

Twelve club members are participating in the second weekly swiss tournament, but more can join anytime.  For just $2 per round played and a 1/2 pt. bye for any unplayed rounds, you cannot beat this deal for rated chess.  More players are welcomed and encouraged to come out and join us.  Check out the results of the first round last Wednesday night by clicking the “Weekly Swiss Results” link on the main page of the CCC website.  Remember to bring your set, board, and clock!  We provide pens and scoresheets.

For those playing in our weekly swiss tournament, the final round will be next Wednesday, 8/04/10.  Based on the scores so far in each section, this will be the decisive round for many to have the opportunity to win a prize.  Checkout the “Weekly Swiss Results” page and see where you stand.  Remember that only two unplayed 1/2 pt. byes can be used towards winning a prize, so many need to play their last game to be eligible.  Also, don’t forget about the “Upset” prize and “Brilliancy” prize.  With the upsets that have occurred so far, there certainly should be a winner in that catagory.

Fifteen local players showed up on 7/10/10 at the Blackbaud Office on Daniel Island and participated in a two section Game 60 USCF-rated Swiss event to benefit prison chess in South Carolina.  This was the “brainchild” of SCCA Prison Chess Coordinator, Chris Falter, of Summerville, who organized and directed the event.  All proceeds were donated to fund prison chess activities under Chris’ direction in S.C.  As for the chess event, go to the following link to see the outcome of the competition – Make a Difference Game 60 Swiss.  Hopefully, Chris will stage another benefit for prison chess so that we can encourage more players to visit the excellent facility that hosted this event and help with this important cause.

We have added a new feature in the Members Section.  You can “click” on any name that’s highlighted orange to access the member’s USCF file.  Give it a try and let us hear your comments. 

Update:  We have also added an Upcoming Tournaments page where local, state and regional tournaments will be listed with links to their announcements.  Go to the right side of the webpage and click on “Upcoming Tournaments”.

We will start our weekly game :60 tournament this Wednesday.  All details will be tentative, but this is what we will try for the first 5 weeks.

Entry Fee: $5 for non-members/week, $2 for members/week.

Prizes per section*:  1st $20, 2nd $10, Upset $10, Brilliancy $8/$2 (victor/victim)

*All prizes based on 12 member entries per week.  Players may not win more than 2 prizes per tournament.  Upset prizes require a 200 pt rating gap for wins, and 400 pt gap for draws.  If there is no winner prizes will be rolled over into the next tournament.  Games for brilliancy prize to be submitted before end of tournament and to be judged by club before the first round of next tournament.  Players will be limited to one submission per tournament.  There will be no limit to the number of byes available for pairing purposes but only 2 1/2 pt byes will be counted towards 1st and 2nd place prizes.  For the time being we will not require notification for rd 5 byes.  If there is the perception that players are skipping the last round to secure prizes this will be changed.  If you know that you will be missing the last round please notify us in advance.

Players may be forced to play up or down from original section.  Players forced to play up will receive 1/2 pt + their score (not to exceed 1 pt) in lower section.  Players are eligible for prizes only in the section they have played the most games in, with the exception of the upset prize.

We had a full meeting last Wednesday.  Club Champion David Causey finished his simul +8, -1, =3, a score that wouldn’t seem out of place with ones we’ve seen from GMs in our state.

Members also discussed and voted unanimously on a couple changes that will be taking place.  We will be adding a monthly kids/family night with a start time around 5 or 5:30 once the space becomes available to us in a month or so.  We will also be having continual 5 round Game :60 tournaments.  There will be one round each week starting July 7th at 8pm.  There will be a weekly entry fee and prizes given, details will be announced soon.  The change in starting time is designed to accommodate  blitz and thematic tournaments, players looking for casual games, and those members who have a difficult time making it by 7:30.  If able please come by 7 to enjoy some of these other activities.

“Make a Difference” G/60 Chess Tournament & Festival
Come enjoy 3 rounds of chess fun, and support chess programs for SC prison inmates! Activities will include a USCF-rated tournament and a festival/tournament for non-rated players.
When: Saturday, July 10, 2010. Registration 9 – 9:30; rounds at 9:45, 12:45, and 3:00.
Where: Blackbaud facility, 2000 Daniel Island Dr., Charleston SC. Go through the atrium to the cafeteria at the back.
Cost: $10 entry fee (check payable to Charleston Chess Club, or cash). 100% of net proceeds will benefit inmate chess programs.
Directions: I-526 to Exit 23A. R on Clements Ferry Rd .25 mi, L on St Thomas Rd 0.9 mi (becomes Daniel Island Dr) Blackbaud is on the left; parking is free. See map
Information/Advance Registration: Chris Falter, 213 Goldfinch Ln, Summerville, SC 29485; 843-771-3509; chrisfalter@gmail.com

We will also be taking advanced entries at our weekly meetings up until the event.

After over two months of competition, the final results of the Charleston CC Championship have been rated.  Go to 2010 CCC Championship and view how everyone finished.  Trophies will be awarded at the next meeting on Wednesday, June 30, followed by a simulteanous exhibition by the 2010 champion, David Causey.  Also, bring any chess books or equipment that you would like to sell, swap or donate.  Be sure to bring your board and set to participate in the simul.  See you there and be ready to give the new champion your best game!