CDA Chess Club News

  The Halloween Eve chess meeting on 10/30 was undoubtedly a night of intellectual combat and camaraderie. Ava reported an impressive turnout of 11 players who dueled it out over two rounds of rated games, with many engaging in additional unrated matches. The evening extended well beyond the scheduled hours, highlighting the unwaning enthusiasm and dedication of the participants. Significant achievements marked the night. Three players, Deon, Owen, and Sam, emerged victorious in both their matches. Most notably, Sam had an exceptional evening, securing wins over Travis and Grant and elevating his rating to 1308, placing him fifth on our ladder. Owen, a high school senior, further demonstrated the reach of our chess community, representing the North Idaho Scholastic Chess League. Beyond the competitive rounds, the most enriching aspect, as observed by Ava, was the group's vibrant interaction. Brainstorming sessions about game strategies, potential moves, and improvement areas embodi

  Post Falls witnessed a thrilling chess showdown on Thursday, October 26, at the popular local haunt, Burger King. The event, aptly named the Halloween Gambit Night, saw eight young chess wizards bring the spirit of the Halloween Gambit to life. The evening bristled with an electric atmosphere as chess enthusiasts, beaming with anticipation, went over the Halloween Gambit under the soft glow of the Burger King's sconces. A few brave souls even dared to take the gambit challenge, plunging into the dark depths of the aggressive opening move that so appropriately matches the spirit of its namesake holiday. The tournament was a spectral spectacle of strategy and skill, culminating in a spine-tingling final between Serena and Ewan. Serena seized an opportune moment to gain a bishop advantage by maneuvering her pieces with the precision and strategic mastery akin to casting a spell. This pivotal move turned the game's tide, enabling her to eliminate Ewan's rook and clear the pat

  In the thrilling chess battleground of October 23, 11 gladiators stepped into the ring, sporting a mix of fresh and seasoned faces. A tumultuous night of cerebral combat unfolded, with only two players, Eric and Leo, managing to dance through the chaos unscathed, each claiming two victims in their strategic sweep. Meanwhile, a memorable duel lit up the night as I squared off against the formidable Grant, not once but twice. Following a crushing defeat in the initial round, I rose from the ashes in a storybook comeback, securing a rare victory against the usually indomitable Grant. We also saw the arrival of a promising newcomer as Rick made his first foray into the club, impressing us with his enthusiasm and gusto. We're eager to see how this new player shapes up in the coming weeks. Looking ahead, we pass the mantle of match pairings to Deon next week, confident in his ability to orchestrate another electrifying night of strategic warfare. Remember, every game counts towards sha

  POST FALLS, Idaho— The Great Pumpkin Tournament held last October 21st saw the local chess maestro, Michael Cambareri, emerge victorious, winning all four matches and boosting his rating to an impressive 2037. Cambareri's strategic prowess and tactical acumen were on full display as he outmaneuvered opponents in a series of intense games. Daniel McCourt made the tournament a worthwhile trip from Missoula, securing a commendable second place with three victories out of four matches. The fight for third place resulted in a draw between club members Deon Goodwin and Adam Porth, ending the tournament with a respectable 2.5 points each. The tournament also showcased the promising talents of the Li family, who traveled from Moscow. Jessie, Roy, and Junyi Li demonstrated considerable proficiency, while Leo, Serena, and Sophia Grace made strides toward completing their provisional USCF rating. Steve highlighted the event's competitive yet friendly atmosphere: "I had a very enjoy

  "You touched it, you move it!" Our last chess club meeting on October 12 was a truly thrilling evening. Nine talented young minds gathered to compete, demonstrating their strategic prowess on the chessboard. We were also fortunate to have an esteemed guest, Penelope, who was accompanied by her father, Matt. Matt serves as a guide at Quest Academy in Rathdrum and is keen to integrate chess into their educational curriculum - a testament to the far-reaching benefits of the game. There were notable performances across the board, but Ewan emerged as the victor of the evening. With an impressive command of his pieces, Ewan emerged victorious in all three games, significantly boosting 41 rating points. Close on his heels were Sophia and Serena, who flexed their chess muscles and earned 42 and 41 points, respectively. Their performances were an embodiment of strategic thinking and determination. Ryan now reigns supreme at the top of our 12U ladder, with Leo, Ewan, Sophia, Serena,

We're excited to share the much-anticipated results of our recent Battle of Knights tournament. It was an extremely close and competitive event, reflecting our players' dedication and strategic acumen. Grant has truly shown his mastery of the game, winning all four matches, and he continues to hold the top spot on our chess ladder. His final match with Eric was epic! We extend warm congratulations to Grant for this incredible performance! Following closely, Sam M., after a single loss to Grant, secured a commendable second place with 3 points, outmaneuvering Steve in the process, who subsequently took the third spot. We appreciate the competitive spirit and sportsmanship displayed by both players. We're also happy to report increased participation, with 13 players joining us over the two-night event. A special announcement - thanks to the generosity of our community members, we have received the donated chess sets. These are available for young aspirants who need a set to s

We're incredibly proud to share a unique and insightful perspective on last Thursday's meeting, penned by none other than our young chess enthusiast, 9-year-old Serena. Embracing the challenge, Serena has eloquently captured the essence of the gathering, blending the intricacies of chess gameplay with valuable life lessons. Her delightfully candid narration not only offers a fresh perspective on the game but also underscores the important values that chess imparts to its players, thereby charting her own journey of growth. Let's dive into Serena's recount of the day with as much enthusiasm as she displays on the chessboard.

  We are thrilled to invite you to join the North Idaho Scholastic Chess League! As we gear up for this exciting event, we have prepared a comprehensive checklist to ensure your smooth participation. Follow these steps to join the league, and embark on an unforgettable journey of skill, strategy, and camaraderie. Let's dive in! Save the Date: The highly anticipated Chess League will kick off on October 20th at 4:30 p.m. at the CDA Library. Don't miss out! Register Now: Register Here to secure your spot. Register under the CDA Chess Club affiliation if you are an independent player. US Chess Membership: Although it's not mandatory, we encourage you to register for US Chess membership. Fill out this form and bring it to the next club meeting. If you already have a membership, make sure it is current. No Registration Fee: CDA Chess will cover the $50 donation for all our club members. Spread the Word: Finally, bring a friend! The more, the merrier. Let's make th

As I approach my 71st milestone, I'm embarking on a special project that's close to my heart. I’ve seen first-hand how the strategic game of chess can unlock a child's potential, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and fostering patience. It’s not just about the game, but the invaluable skills they acquire while playing. For my birthday, I wish to provide chess sets to eager youngsters in our area who may not have the resources to buy their own. Let's make a move together to equip these bright minds for a future full of strategy and success. Join me in celebrating not just my birthday but the potential of our future chess masters!