CDA Chess Club News

  The March 31 "Easter Rapids" online chess tournament marked a significant day for the CDA Chess Club, showcasing our community's talent and competitive spirit. The event was split into two sections based on player ratings, which provided a leveled playing field for all participants. In the under 1200 category, John S., playing as Slumdog4, emerged victorious, clinching the trophy by winning all three matches—a commendable feat. Payton A. (PayPay2010), participating in his first online tournament, secured a respectable second place with 2 points. Michael D. (Bodenzo) completed the podium in third place, earning 1 point. This tournament also welcomed Brennan (BrennanLoewe2014) to his first event, marking his entry onto the club ladder. Over in the 1200+ segment, the competition was fierce, with Steve D. (twotacky1), Sam C. (Sam4MarsMayor), and Mike O. (Frosty1228) each securing 2 points after a series of challenging games. The tie was decisively broken by evaluating the p

  April 1st unfurled an evening unlike any other at the NIC Cafeteria, the battlefield for our revered chess club's much-anticipated event: Deon's Bracketology. Amid the buzz of excitement and the strategic musings of our players, this one-night playoff was meant to shuffle ranks, challenge intellects, and celebrate the grandeur of chess in its raw form. The event, crafted from Deon's visionary mind, aimed not just at competition but at weaving camaraderie and mastery of chess within the hearts of each participant. With an unexpected turnout of six steadfast players, the night pulsated with rapid matches, decisive victories, and displays of true chess sportsmanship. While the dream of a grand tournament was scaled down, the event's essence—its throbbing pulse of competition and fellowship—was magnificently alive. Hat's off to Deon, our esteemed chess curator, who orchestrated this unique event and emerged victorious in both his games. It was a night witnessing the d

Guess what? Serena Grace just totally rocked the world of journalism and chess by becoming a published author! 🌟 Yeah, you heard that right! She was all over the Idaho State Scholastic Chess Tournament, not missing a beat. Serena was like a detective, keeping notes on all the incredible and intense moments during the event. She then turned her detective diary into a killer press release that got picked up by the CDA Press. No joke, they published her article without changing a single word. How cool is that? Also, a major shoutout to our chess champs – Leo Grace from kindergarten crushing it, first grader Milo Davis showing them how it's done, Sophia Grace making second grade proud, and our club alum Lucy Bell taking third grade by storm. These guys are like the Avengers of chess, each bringing their superpower to the board. Serena's talent is as immense as her heart, and it’s inspiring to see one of our own achieve something extraordinary. Her work spotlighted our incredible c

Chess enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting announcement! Your valuable input has driven us to rethink and enhance our tournament format, creating an event that suits our diverse chess community even better. We're thrilled to present our upcoming online chess tournament with a new schedule and format, now happening on Sunday, April 7, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Shifting from busy Friday nights to a more accommodating weekend slot, we aim to include our working members and those who relish spending part of their weekends immersed in the strategic world of chess. Understanding the diversity within our community, we are introducing two separate sections for the tournament. One will be for club members with a Club Ladder rating of 1200+ and another for players under 1200 or unrated. This format is perfect for everyone, from the strategic expert to the novice player, to find their competitive edge in an environment that matches their skill level. Each session requires a minimum of fou

As the "March In Like A Lion" chess tournament wraps up, we take a moment to reminisce about the memorable moments and outstanding performances, especially on March 18, which showcased the essence of competition mixed with community spirit. Mike O'Brien distinguished himself by securing the title with four consecutive victories, overshadowing the strong contenders, Leo and Grant, who couldn't attend the final matches due to scheduling issues. All told, 18 players competed in the month-long event, showcasing an array of strategies, resilience, and the sheer enjoyment of the game. Congratulations to all the winners, participants, and the chess community for making the "March In Like A Lion" chess tournament a memorable experience. We have scheduled a casual meet-up for all new and existing players to foster a sense of community and continuous engagement in chess. Please mark your calendars for March 25, as we will gather at Burger King at 6:00 p.m. for an ev

As the state tournament looms, the Beginner's CDA Chess Club hosted its last preparatory meeting on March 14th, setting the stage for an evening filled with strategy, learning, and unexpected outcomes. Once again, Post Falls Burger King's welcoming space saw a gathering of minds ready to battle it out on the chessboard. This week, we were thrilled to welcome a new member—Arlon, an enthusiastic beginner who plays 10-minute games on chess.com but has no tournament experience. His presence added fresh energy to the event and highlighted our club's growing appeal among chess aficionados of all levels and ages. The night belonged to Desmond, who, undeterred by the competition, clinched victories in all three matches. His skillful play and strategic foresight were on full display, making him the player to watch as we move forward. However, Payton also made waves, securing a draw against Milo and challenging Desmond in a manner that kept everyone on their toes. These results not o

  With the echoes of battle still resonating in the hall, this Monday's chess meet at CDA was spectacular. Eighteen strategy maestros converged on the proverbial battlefield, making it an evening filled with tension, triumphs, and, most importantly, the spirit of camaraderie that makes our community so unique. Among the night’s victors, Grant, Eric, Mike O'Brien (making a much-celebrated return), Leo, and Rick stood out by clinching victories in both matches. However, the spotlight shone brightest on Travis, who emerged atop the standings with an impressive 3.5 points after a fiercely contested match with William. Owen, Leo, and Grant are hot on his heels, each brandishing 3 points and ready for more action. The event wasn’t just about the chess masters giving us a masterclass in strategy; it was a reminder of the beauty of chess. Beyond the competitive aspect, it showcased personal challenge, learning, and the joy of being part of a community that thrives on shared passion and

  In chess, every game tells a story of clash, intrigue, and the triumphant human spirit. This narrative was the same in the latest online tournament on Lichess.org on March 8. The virtual battleground saw a gathering of minds, each vying for the top spot through intense focus and strategic prowess. A special shoutout goes to Owen, known in the chess circles as "Oknerd27", who entered the foray for the first time and emerged victorious, clinching the trophy with three remarkable straight wins. His performance was rated at an astounding 2130, setting a new record for the highest performance in the three tournaments. This achievement highlights Owen’s exceptional skills and sets a new benchmark for future participants. Not to be overshadowed, Michael de "Bodenzo" showcased his mettle by securing third place on the podium—a significant achievement marking his first-ever podium finish in our tournaments. It was a well-deserved accolade, reflecting his dedication and str

March 7th marked another incredible evening of intellectual challenge and camaraderie at the Beginner's CDA Chess Club meeting. The cozy confines of the Post Falls Burger King witnessed a spirited battle of minds as six players brought their best game to the board, each aiming to outwit, outplay, and outlast their opponents. Logan Davis led the charge and emerged victorious with an impressive tally of three wins. This knight of the chessboard demonstrated skillful strategies and tactical prowess, earning him the top spot for the evening. Hot on his heels was his brother Milo, who also showcased exceptional chess acumen, securing two wins. Not far behind, Desmond made his mark with two wins of his own, proving the competition was anything but one-sided. This event was a testament to the players' skill and a heartening display of the chess community's spirit, with attendees ranging from seasoned players to novices. It was a perfect prelude to the state tournament in Boise, wh

  The first rounds of our eagerly anticipated "March In Like A Lion" chess tournament proved the resilience and passion of our chess community. Despite the challenging snow conditions, 13 dedicated players gathered at NIC for an evening of intense strategic battles and camaraderie. It was a remarkable night of competition, reconnections, and debuts. A warm welcome back to Eric, Daniel, and Robin—it’s fantastic to have you with us again, sharing your skill and spirit. Among our competitors, Travis, Owen, and William stand out at the top of the leaderboards, each showcasing incredible talent and determination. A special shoutout to William for his surprising victory over Eric, which demonstrated chess's unpredictable and exciting nature. Newcomers Serena and Sophia Grace, transitioning from the Beginner's Club and scholastic tournaments, made their Monday event debut. Their performance was a testament to their growth and potential in chess, promising exhilarating matche

The Beginner's CDA Chess Club Meeting on February 29 was spectacular, with an impressive turnout and palpable enthusiasm that illuminated Burger King in Post Falls. Amongst the highlight of the evening was Payton Akers, a first-timer who not only clinched a victory over Nathan Davis but also showcased formidable skills against Eric, leaving a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Milo Davis maintained his impressive streak, securing victories in all four matches and 8 out of his last nine games, with Logan Davis following closely in second place. The atmosphere was vibrant, with participants more at ease with the competition, and several expressed interest in challenging themselves further in upcoming events. This incredible momentum sets the stage for our next gatherings: Starbuck's Monthly ICA Tournament this Saturday on Ironwood , followed by the "March In Like A Lion" event at the NIC Student Union on Monday. These events promise to keep the chess spirit alive and provid