Silent Protest? And 4 Jan Meeting Report

Photo by Anna Burtasova, russiachess.org

From left to right Tatiana Kosintseva (2581), Alisa Galliamova (2487), and Natalia Pogonia (2472).

After a three way tie in last years Russian Superfinal (Women) 1st - 3rd was decided by sudden death playoffs. Could Tatiana be silently protesting the tie break system which left her in third place?

The first meeting of 2011 reflected sparse attendance which gave those of us who did show up a chance to talk about those who didn't! LOL.

Sal looked good and was spoiling for a good game or political discussion. (I gave him both) Rudy beat Joe F. and held the win in the post mortem replay. Kerry and I rounded out the crowd. All in attendance renewed their membership and were issued new cards. Rudy received his free membership for winning the under 1400 Section of the Dec 7th Remember Pearl Harbor tournament. I became the 4th Life Member as promised.

This years Club Championship was discussed and it was decided to go back to the 2008 format. Starting with this years February Tournament we will add the scores of the participants though the November Tournament; throwing out the two lowest results. The top 4 players will then play a double round robin to determine the Club Champion. We still need to work out the time limit and whether the playoff will be held in one or two sessions. (That's why we decided to wait until February to start. This gives members who couldn't make the 4 Jan meeting a chance to get in their input.)

Please arrive early if you plan on playing in the tournament next week; we have to collect your 2011 Membership Fee of $12 prior to the tournament. See you next week!