CDA Chess Club News

We invite new faces and first-time participants to experience the excitement of the Turkey Shoot 3-week chess tournament happening this Thanksgiving season! Held at the Riverstone McDonalds on November 4, 11, and 18, starting at 6:00 p.m., it's the perfect opportunity to dive into spirited competition and make new chess memories. Whether navigating swift 20-minute games or thoughtful 30-minute matches, there's always something to learn and enjoy, with divisions tailored for beginner/intermediate and advanced players. We strongly encourage new players to pre-register by emailing us , ensuring a seamless experience and helping us welcome you warmly into our vibrant chess community. Don't miss this chance to beat the holiday rush—share the news with friends, and let's create a tapestry of strategic brilliance and Thanksgiving cheer! 🎉♟️

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

  On a crisp October day, chess enthusiasts near and far gathered at Starbucks on Ironwood for our exciting monthly tournament. This free USCF-rated event, hosted by the Idaho Chess Association and generously sponsored by Starbucks, drew competitors from varying regions, including Oregon and across Idaho. Congratulations to Sean Tobin from Oregon, who triumphed with an impressive 3.5 out of 4 points. The ambiance was electric as participants engaged in intense matches. Players boasting ratings well over the 1600 ELO mark made their impactful presence felt. Whether facing intense competition or enjoying the strategic banter among peers, every attendee contributed to the event's success and was left with enriched chess knowledge and experience. We are thrilled to announce our next gathering on November 9th at noon. This is a beautiful opportunity for chess lovers of all ages and skills to challenge themselves, meet fellow enthusiasts, and bask in the vibrant community spirit. While o

[Payton Akers] The inaugural event of the North Idaho Scholastic Chess League held on September 20th at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library was a resounding success! Seventeen passionate chess enthusiasts gathered from various schools and communities to compete in an intense four-round tournament. The atmosphere was electrifying, with each match showcasing strategic brilliance and sportsmanship. Leading the pack were four outstanding players: Payton Akers of Liberty Launch, Milo Davis and Leo Grace, who both competed independently, and Serena Grace from Holy Family. All are proud members of the CDA Chess Club and their performances underscored their dedication and skill in the game. The match rankings were meticulously calculated using the USCF rating system, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants. The event was seamlessly organized thanks to the assistance of dedicated volunteers such as Mailee, Eric, and Ava, who took charge of setting up the venue, and Ali