Club Constitution And Related News

The proposed Club Constitution has been approved by a vote of 12 for, with none opposed; a copy will be e-mailed to all members.

The Club bank account has been opened with the $100 donation from Doug Goodman and J.J.Duvall; received at the Bluegrass State Games.

The next order of business is to fill the offices of Vice-president and Secretary; volunteers are preferred. Remember we will have elections in November so you would only need to serve until then.

We also need librarians; Ernie has completed the inventory and the library will be open for business at the 3 August meeting.

Lastly, the issue of dues. I propose that the Club initiate the collection of dues at the rate of $12.00 per year with a "Life Time" membership set at $100. Aforementioned dues would intital the member to "free entry" in all "Second Tuesday" USCF rated tournaments. Life Members would be "paid up" for all "Second Tuesday" tournaments and receive an additional $5.00 off the entry fee in our annual Spring tournaments. As Dave Brock requested this membership option; if approved, his card will be numbered 0001.

It was good to see Dave back at a meeting; he committed to attending even after his move to Cave City.

Kerry and Nick have returned from vacation and were hungry for chess; Dave and I tried our best to oblique them with Bob K. jumping in after Nick left. There was lengthy analysis of two games which seemed to bring as much enjoyment to the players as the actual games.

Score Sheets

Every tournament night there is a stampede to the TD table to get score sheets. Click on one of the links here and down load your free score sheets.

PS - Put some score sheets in your chess bag with a couple of pens and pencils and don't forget that you can print both sides of the paper.

Randas Burns Up The Boards

Randas Burns (in the white shirt in photo) won the Bluegrass State Games Chess Open with a perfect four out of four! Our own Steve Parsons was also undefeated with a score of 3.5; for 2nd place. Johnny Owens and Ernie Weaver shared 3rd place with Glen O'Banion by scoring 3 wins out of 4.

Bobby Amback, past Tuesday night visitor and recent blog commentator tied for First in the Quick Tournament with Raysean Whitney with a score of 7 out of 8.

Congratulations to all!

The Games have been posted by USCF.

A Tactical Win From The Bluegrass

The position above is from Hunt Vs Weldin, round #2 of the Open Section 2010 Bluegrass Games. It is Black to make his 20th move; find the move I had forseen on move 17. You shouldn't need more than 30 seconds; take a hard look before checking out the game score below.

S. Hunt vs G. Weldin , Bluegrass State Games Open Section 10 July 2010

1.c3 Nf6 2.d4 e6 3.Qc2 b6 4.e4 Bb7 5.Bd3 c5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Nd2 d6 8.Ngf3 Nbd7 9.Rc1 a6 10.0-0 Rc8 11.Qb1 b5 12.e5 dxe5 13.dxe5 Nd5 14.Bxe7 Nxe7 15.Bxh7 g6 16.Bxg6 Nxg6
17.Ne4 Ngxe5 18.Nd6+ Kf8 19.Nxe5 Nxe5 20.Nxb7 Nf3+ 21.gxf3 Qh4 And White Resigned.

Three For Three In Bluegrass Quick

All three Club members entering the Quick Tournament finished with metals. Gelvic Cubar (on the right in photo) went 5 out of 8 to take home the Gold in the Young Adult Category, Jerry Weldin scored 5.5 out of 8 to take Gold in the Senior Division, and Steve Parsons scored 4 points in route to collecting the Bronze in the Adult Category. Jerry, who we all know hates draws had the distinction of being 1/2 of the only draw in the entire Quick Tournament!

Sexagenarians Strikes Gold At Bluegrass

Clany Soileau (top photo) and Andrew Preston (bottom photo) proved that chess players like good wine improve with age. Clany took the Overall Gold Metal in the Beginner Section; while Andrew won the Senior Gold Metal. Forget pacemakers and hernias; let's get it on! Way to go guys Springfield and Bardstown should be proud.

Sign Of The Day

Going "by the book" does not always work. If it did we wouldn't need a Supreme Court to interpret the rules/laws of our land. Sometimes you need to apply "common sense" to a situation...so what do you do when you have a house full of kids playing chess and the Ice Cream Truck arrives...?

It may not be in the Rule Book; but it should be...at least now we have a precedent for future situations on a hot, humid day. A big "tip of the hat" to Mr. Dillard!

Bluegrass Blue Plate Special

Here's a quick overview of the 2010 Bluegrass Games; I'll try to touch all the basis here then follow up with specifics later.

Attending Regular Club Members were: Andrew P, Gelvic, Clany, James W, Johnny, Steve P, Emdee, Ernie, Bob K, and Jerry. "Associate Club Members" Mike and Katie Thomas and the entire Emberton Family; Mom & Dad, Natalee, Luke, and Jacob.

There were over 60 players in all in addition to the Junior KY Championship combatants.

I don't know everyone who won metals because the majority of the awards ceremony's were conducted next door at the Ladies Ministries Canteen as sections finished. I do know that overall the Club took home some top prizes to include at least 3 Golds.

Prior to the actual start the Club received a donation of $50 each from Doug Goodman and J.J. Duvall who are running for office this year. J.J. is a candidate for Mayor of Radcliff and Doug is running for Magistrate of the 2nd Hardin County District.

Thanks to all the Club members who turned out in support of this Club hosted event.
Additionally as President I'd like to thank the following folks in no particular order:
Barry Saylor, owner of the Radcliff Subways, for generously donating 12 free 6 inch sandwiches and 20 drink coupons which were given to the folks who did the "heavy lifting".

Johnny Owens and Steve Parsons who provided the "heavy lifting" Friday for set-up.

Denise Emberton who was our "Gal Friday" overseeing the Scholastic events, posting pairings, recording results, while being mother to three of the participants. Someone like her undoubtedly inspired that song about "winning the bacon and frying it in the pan".

Debbie Owens and her ladies who ran the "Canteen" next door for the tremendous amount of work in setting up and keeping the players supplied with food and beverages throughout the day. You had to be there for set up and tear down to really appreciate their efforts.

Steve Dillard for being the Tournament Director and Ice Cream Truck Coordinator; the kids loved it. (Story later)

Steve Parsons for volunteering as Assistant Tournament Director.

Bob Kilmer, Gelvic Cubar, Johnny & Debbie Owens, and Steve Parsons for staying and helping break down and clean up. (Bob I have your Free Subway Coupons-see me next meeting) Also several out of town players lent a helping hand and regrettably I didn't get their names.

Katie Thomas repeated as Kentucky Women's Chess Champion; way to go Katie!

The KY Junior Championship is still in progress; they were playing "Game 90/5" and only got in a couple of rounds; watch the KCA web site for results when they are finished.

Show Me The Money!

Steve Parsons has offered his services as Club Treasurer and I have taken him up on his offer! A former math teacher who is currently employed by a credit union is all the credentials he should need; but I know him to be honest, straight forward, and a compassionate family man. You learn a lot about a person if you share a ride to Winchester and back.

Steve's first official act was to receive a check in the amount of $100 from Doug Goodman and JJ Duvual candidates for Magistrate of the 2nd District and Radcliff Mayor respectively.

Club Meeting 7 July 2010

Darren left his cat's to play alone as he took time from his vacation to renew old acquaintances at the Club last night. Steve P., Johnny, Gelvic, Nick, Ernie, Kerry, Sal, Rudy, Dave, and Jerry were also in attendance.

It was good to see Dave back again; Dave is planning on a move to Cave City in the near future but says it won't stop him from supporting the Club.

Kerry took me to task for not reporting that he had held Johnny to two draws prior to playing Steff last week. Kerry and Nick will be on vacation next week and may run into each other as they are both from the same county in Pennsylvania.

Again, it was great to see Darren and Dave again; both plan on playing in the Bluegrass this weekend if you missed them last night.

2010 Bluegrass State Games

I can guarantee that Kramnik will not be at the Bluegrass Games; so now what is your excuse?

Reminder:

Bluegrass State Games - Saturday 10 July - all times are Eastern Standard Time

Where: Mill Creek Baptist Church - Family Life Center
1182 Jones St, Radcliff

Registration: 9:00am EST

4 Rd Swiss, Game 45/5



1st Round - 10:00am EST; Rd's 2 - 4 ASAP after completion of previous round.

Quick Chess Tournament follows at approximately 5:00pm

4 Rd's @ 10 minutes/game

Click on Bluegrass Games on the calendar to your right for complete info and map.

The Devil Felt A Chill

The 29 June meeting closed out the month with chess that measured a 7.5 on the rector scale. Nick, Ernie, Johnny, Kerry, James W., Gelvic, Larry, Stephanie,and Jerry fought relentlessly over the 64 square battlefield. Stephanie caused the Devil to reach for his sweater with a win over Kerry and Jerry defended a tough 5 pawns vs knight and 2 pawns end game against Gelvic which ended in a draw.

Other news: the library is now in residence at ECTC and should be operational again after the Bluegrass State Games.

Johnny announced a Saturday Tournament to be held 14 August in our normal meeting room at the College; watch for detail which will be posted soon.

PS-The pictures of Kasparov are for Steff; she thinks he's all that and plays chess too!

June 22nd Meeting

The tigers were unleashed Tuesday night as Rudy and Steff went head to head with such intensity that Ernie and Kerry broke off their own battle to watch. Jerry and Larry played several 10 minute games and Steve Nutt made a cameo appearance to show off his new red hair.

Nick missed out on some serious garden produce by having to work or something; thanks again Nick!

It's time to gear up for the Bluegrass Games; bring the kids and relatives. Circle July 10Th on your calendar right now!

Josh Cook Takes A Queen

While reading my Sunday paper a familiar face caught my eye; Josh Cook an original Elizabethtown Chess Club member is getting married!

According to the News-Enterprise; Joshua Cook and Brandi Cornett will tie the knot June 27Th, at Blue Ball Baptist Church.

Congratulations to Josh and Brandi from all of us at the Chess Club!

2nd Bardstown Chessathon

Steff Clayton hosted her 2ND Bardstown Chessathon with a European flair at Cafe Mozart on Thursday,17 June. When I arrived the cafe was packed and the usual table settings had been replaced with chess boards. As I waited for a game, the moans and cries for relief reminded me of a combat aid station; there was no quarter asked and none given. The Kaissiah family turned out in force with Rana, the Mom, leading a team consisting of Nada, the pretty daughter and twin sons Nathan and Timothy. I think I played Nathan, but I'm not sure; all I remember was that he asked me if I was as good as Mrs. Clayton; which caused me to break my "chess meter" momentarily. Andrew Preston, James Biggs, Clany Soileau, and Gelvic Cubar rounded out the combatants list and all left smiling.

The company was top drawer, the chess was challenging, the ambiance was excellent, and the Sam Adams was chilled; that Clayton gal sure knows how to organize a good time!

Survey Results

The results of the recent survey are in; 16 members responded.

1. I would play in an additional Tuesday Night Rated Tournament. Yes = 7 No = 9
2. I would be willing to pay dues. Yes = 11 No = 5
3. Should membership be based on attendance or dues. Attendance = 6 Dues = 9
One member suggested a combination of the two.
4. Should the Club provide instructions to players who ask. Yes = 14 No = 2
5. Support for both assisted living residents and scholastic chess was: Yes=13 No=3
6. Would support additional Saturday Tournaments. Yes = 12 No =4

Several comments were received; here is a summary:

1. Challenge other clubs to matches.
2. Provide organized study with a demo board.
3. Have the higher rated players analysis games submitted by the membership.
4. Hold more local rated tournaments, to include quick chess events.
5. Start a club ladder.
6. Have a rated tournament every other week.
7. Reestablish the Club Library. (note: Bob is currently out of town.)
8. Recruit more members thru advertising, etc.
9. Concentrate on 1-2 new goals at a time; moving on to others as they are met.
10.Change Club meetings to Fridays.
11.Bring in local Masters for instruction/demo's.

Emory Tate Jr Wins 2010 KY Open

Life Senior Master and International Master Emory Tate Jr won the recent KY Open on tie breaks over Chis Bush.

IM Tate is a 5 time Armed Forces Champion with a current USCF rating of 2401. Jennifer Shahada gives a word portrait of Tate on page 11 of her book, Chess Bitch, and indicates that Tate inspired the book's title.

White Rabbit

Darren dropped by El Tapatio's this morning and revealed that Ron Burnett was not the only KY Open entrant to forget which time zone he was in. Apparently Darren made the same error last Sunday and did not purposely withdraw; rather he returned home when he realized he was running an hour behind. I can see how that can happen when you work in one time zone and live in another; I guess that's why Dave Brock refers to Eastern Standard Time as "fast time".

Also playing to Mariachi Music this morning was James Whiddon, Steff Clayton, Jerry Weldin, and Angel Reyes. Angel came anxious to play and had at least one game with everyone present except me. Get your games in with Angel while you can; he will be going to the field soon for training.

If we can get a minimum of 4 players to commit to play rated games we can play in our regular Tuesday Night meeting room at ECTC.

Owens Perfect After Three

Johnny Owens went three for three at the June 2010 Rating Tournament besting a field of 12 players. Johnny finished a full point ahead of the the group of players with 2 points. The tournament has been posted.

3 Squared - or- For Real, You're Not On Central Time?

Nine Club members showed up for the KY Open; Andrew Preston, Bob Lenning, and Stephanie Clayton played in the Under 1400 Section; Bob Kilmer, Gelvic Cubar, and Johnny Owens took on the Under 1800 crowd; while Darren Radford, James Whiddon, and Jerry Weldin went for the brass ring in the Open. Larry Davidson of our Glasgow Branch was also in attendance; which actually gave the Tournament a decidedly E-town flavor.

Darren withdrew after a bad first day start; Stephanie Clayton kicked some serious under 1400 butt to bring home the glory for the Club. Not only the glory but when she said "show me the money" they wrote her a $100 check for the top Under 1000 prize! I hereby proclaim Steff the Club Hero of the week and an "Official Chess Diva".

IM Emory Tate was the winner in the Open Section despite showing up over 45 minutes late for the beginning of the 4th round (there by "spotting" his 2300+ rated opponent over half of the time allotted for the game). Not so fortunate was Ron Burnett (from Tennessee) who was rated 5 points higher than Tate at the start of the Tournament. Ron "forgot" he was no longer in the Central Time Zone and showed up over an hour late for the 4th round; giving Chris Bush a "gift point" and spoiling his chances for any prize money. Ron is in the red shirt in the picture Emory Tate is to his left in the photo.

The Tournament results have been posted on the USCF web site. Five of our contingent picked up rating points with Steff picking up the highest total, 84 points!