CDA Chess Club News

William Dolson-Andrew The November 9th Starbucks Chess Tournament proved once again to be a remarkable occasion, filled with intense competition and strategic brilliance. Hosted in the cozy setting of Starbucks on Ironwood, the event showcased the talent and skill of chess enthusiasts from various regions. We extend our hearty congratulations to William Dolson-Andrew from St. Maries, Idaho, who clinched the first place award with his impressive gameplay. Leo Grace The tournament welcomed nine passionate players, including notable CDA Club members Leo Grace, Deon Goodwin, David Moll, and John MacPhee. A special commendation goes to Leo for an outstanding performance, securing third place and boosting his USCF rating by 100 points with his three wins out of four matches. The camaraderie and competitive spirit displayed throughout the event were truly commendable, making this tournament a memorable highlight on our annual chess calendar. Looking ahead, we are eager to invite you to partic

  November is the perfect time to introduce your child to the exciting world of chess. With the crisp autumn air outside, it's a wonderful opportunity for school-age children to gather indoors for mind-challenging activities. Whether they're beginners or already familiar with the game, local chess clubs offer a nurturing environment for all skill levels. Consider enrolling your child in the Hayden Public Library's weekly chess club, which meets every Monday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For a more competitive scene, there's the Spirit Lake Chess Club. They hold meetings from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on 11/12 and 12/3. These sessions include chess ladder play, perfect for honing skills in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Take advantage of the North Idaho Scholastic Chess League tournament on November 20 at Hayden Public Library. Registration starts at 4:00 p.m., and play continues until 7:00 p.m. Register here... If you'd like to host one, you can click here to coordinate w

The exhilarating Turkey Shoot Tournament continued on Veteran's Day, November 11, with standout performances as Andrew claimed the top of the leaderboard with an impeccable 4-0 record. Proving to be tough contenders, Eric, William, and Payton challenge closely behind with only a single loss each, gearing up to dethrone Andrew in the upcoming matches. This week, we warmly welcomed Scott to our ever-growing chess family, bringing our participant count to 18 players this month. With the final two rounds on the horizon next Monday, there's still an open invitation for more strategists to join the competition. While we embrace new members, we also acknowledge the players who've taken a step back from the current ladder after 90 days without results. Your records remain ready for your triumphant return when the time is right. We understand that life’s other obligations may take precedence, but our doors remain open, especially as the holidays approach. We also extend a special i

The enchanted night of spooky chess battles concluded, and the results are in! Under the haunting glow of carved pumpkins, our players showcased their strategic prowess with spirited competition and eerie enthusiasm, marking a memorable "Check or Treat" event. 🏆 Champions of the Night: Deon emerged victorious, casting his spell on the board with five straight wins! Matt, Leo, and Rick each claimed victory in four of their thrilling encounters, giving our champion a run for the top prize. Welcome to Kyle and Abel , who braved their first rated games in our club amidst the Halloween magic! Travis made his much-anticipated return to our chess ladder after a summer hiatus, injecting fresh energy into the night's competition. Our mystical event gathered 14 participants and drew in Eric, Andrew [1], Grant, and Shinjoo. These four participants engaged in unrated side games with treats and tactical traps. These side games were not just about fun but also about learning

  The North Idaho Scholastic Chess League tournament at Lakeland Middle School this past October 17th was exhilarating! With fresh faces joining seasoned competitors, the evening showcased strategy and skill. We were thrilled to welcome five new players to the fold: Gage, Hunter, Kaylon, Ava, and Jacob, bringing the total number of spirited contestants to 16. The competition was fierce, with four intense rounds under 20-minute time controls. Payton Akers emerged as the champion among the high school contenders, with Manik Sharma and Gage Pierce hot on his heels. The younger generation also proved their mettle, with Leo Grace, Desmond Hegy, and Serena Grace leading the elementary players. A big round of applause to all participants for their exceptional performances! We extend our gratitude to Ava Grace for arranging ice cream coupons that brought joy to our participants and to Adam Porth for his unwavering commitment to promoting chess in Idaho. We're excited to announce our next

  Final Tournament Review: The Pinnacle of Strategy and Skill As the "Did Columbus Discover Chess Tournament" draws to a close, we celebrate not only the champions of this month’s thrilling chess contest but also the fierce competition and camaraderie that defined our games. Throughout this tournament, players challenged one another in a series of nail-biting matchups that showcased the remarkable depth and diversity of strategic thinking within our chess community. Tournament Highlights This October's event set new records with an impressive turnout of 30 players across two sections: the USCF-rated and the club-rated sections. Our thanks extend to every participant who contributed to making this tournament an unforgettable experience marked by passion and perseverance. Andrew Vasquez Sr. and John MacPhee shared the limelight in the USCF-rated section, finishing at the top with 3 points each. Their performance was a testament to dedication and tactical brilliance, setting