A group of avid 50+ seniors are meeting at the James Island Senior Center at 865 Riverland Dr., next to the James Island County Park, every Wednesday at 11:00AM.  Give them a try if you are looking for some chess action.  Be sure to bring your set and board!

Michael finished his last game on Wednesday, 5/26/10, against Wei Sun by coming back in a piece down position and securing his final win to finish 5-0 in the Lower Section CCC Championship.  Entering the tournament as an unrated player, Michael’s 5-0 result gave him a performance rating of 1757 and certainly guaranteed his  inclusion in next year’s Upper Section Championship.  Congratulations to Michael Doyle, our new Lower Section Champion!

The final game to determine the Lower Section Runner Up trophy will be played next week between Wally Jack and Paul Bryan.  Paul needs at least a draw to secure the runner up spot, having lost only to Michael in their individual game.

*Update:  Paul Bryan takes Lower Section Runner Up trophy with his win over Wally Jack played at the club on Wednesday, 6/02/10.

Go to “Club Calendar” for scheduled pairings and results.

The Annual Meeting of the Charleston Chess Club was held on Wednesday, 4/07/10, where elections were held for new officers.  Eleven members were in attendance and voted for the following slate for the new club year:

President – Stephen Welt

Vice President – David Causey

Secretary – Josh Nissenboim

Treasurer – David Causey

Though this was just a re-shuffling of the past officers, it does bring Stephen Welt into the leadership role in our club.  Stephen has been active in club functions and scholastic chess over the last few years.  He is a Local TD, as well as a coach and trainer for some of our local schools.  We look forward to Stephen’s vision and leadership for the future of our club.

Also discussed was the upcoming 2010 Club Championship beginning April 14.  We are going to have another two section round robin, where players will be split into sections based on their ratings and trophies for each group will be awarded.  The entry fee is just $5 and can be paid before the beginning of the first round on April 14.  Try to be at the club meeting at 7:00pm so that we can get everyone signed up.  Also, be sure to have your USCF membership paid or in good standing since this is a USCF rated event.  There will be makeup rounds for those that miss a round so it should be feasible for everyone who wants to play to not have to worry about missed rounds.  The time control will be Game 90 with one game per night.  Bring your chess set and clock!  Scoresheets and pens will be provided.

See you there!

The annual meeting of the Charleston CC will be held next Wednesday, April 7, 2010.  All current members and members who need to join or renew can do so before the meeting begins at 7:30pm.  Just show up at 7:00pm and bring your $5 dues payment.  Also, plans for the 2010 club championship will be discussed following the meeting.  Normally, the first round of the championship will begin on the following Wednesday after the annual meeting.  We encourage all to join us and participate!

Here are the pre-entries as of 2/03/10:

3 day schedule:

2 day schedule:

Click “Upcoming Events” for tournament details.

$ 1,600 Prize Fund (based on 40 entries; $ 800 guaranteed)

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points – 6

5 Round  Swiss         USCF Heritage Event      Charleston, SC

Best Western Charleston – Downtown

Open to all USCF/SCCA members (memberships available at registration)

3-day option:  Registration – Friday 6-7 pm  Time Controls: 35/90 SD 60  Rounds: 8pm, 2pm, 8pm, 9am, 2:30pm

2-day option:  Registration – Friday 6-7pm or Sat. 8-9am   Time controls: Rd 1 G90, then same as 3 day  Rd 1 – 10am, then merge with 3 day

Site:  Best Western Charleston-Downtown, 250 Spring St., Charleston, SC 29403  (843) 722-4000 or Toll Free 1-(888)-377-2121

Hotel Rates:  $74.99 (reserve by Jan. 29, 2010; mention “Charleston Chess Club”)

Total Prize Fund:  $1,600 ($800 guaranteed) based on 40 entries; more $$ per entries

One Section, open to all.

Prizes:    1st – $400     2nd – $200     3rd – $100    Top Expert, A, B, C, D, E & below – 1st/$100, 2nd/$50  (Unrateds will be based on performance rating after 4th rd.)

Entry Fee:  $60 if received by 2/03/2010; $70 at site; $35 re-entry  Note:  Free entry to masters or above; $60 will deducted from any prizes won.

Byes available all rounds but must commit before Rd. 2 for Rds. 4 & 5 (irrevocable).

SCCA membership required ($10 adult; $5 junior under 19); other states OK

Address for advance entry:  Charleston Chess Club c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (H) 843-881-8460 (M) 843-343-1879 email: chessbass@att.net

Please indicate whether playing in 2 or 3 day schedule when you send your entry.  If paying SCCA membership with advance entry, please include in total amount payable to “Charleston Chess Club”.

For a crosstable of the tournament, click the following link:

http://main.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201001231641

For our December club meetings, we will have thematic competitions to sharpen your skills.  Opening and endgame thematic chess is on the agenda, so come out and join us for skill training to prepare for the upcoming tournaments.