All-American Chess Board Derby: Grand Finale Recap & Highlights


The July All-American Chess Board Derby finished in style with two exciting final rounds on July 21, capping off a lively three-week competition. Despite a few regulars away, we were thrilled to welcome new players Lorenzo and Luke, who dove right into the action, and to see familiar faces like our old friend Cory back at the boards. In total, 18 players battled it out in the final week, bringing our overall participation to 20 for the month—an impressive turnout given the busy summer season.

Final Standings: Derby Champions Crowned

Advanced Section:

Andrew claimed the coveted All-American title with 4.5 points out of 6, navigating a challenging field and earning the top spot. Travis was close behind with 4 points, while Emerson finished third with 3.5 points, both demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the event.


Intermediate Section:

Greg emerged as our All-American after a fierce tie-breaker, edging out Victor and Lee, who all ended the tournament with 3 points apiece. Each match brought tense moments and learning opportunities, and we hope many more players return for next month’s challenge.

Spotlight on Achievement and Community

We also want to extend special congratulations to Travis, whose 97-point rating increase over the last three months stands as the highest in the club, a remarkable achievement made even sweeter by the arrival of his first child, Fay. Congratulations to the new family! Harue also deserves applause for her 91-point gain in the same period, showing tremendous progress and dedication.

Through each round, longtime members, new friends, and even visiting guests, such as Barb and Kim (who continue their work documenting the community impact of groups like ours), have made the Derby a highlight of our club’s summer.

What’s Next: International Chess Day Blitz Tournament

There’s still more excitement to come! Next Monday marks our International Chess Day Blitz Tournament. Whether you thrive under the clock or want to enjoy the high-speed action, it’s the perfect chance to test your skills and celebrate the game we all love.

Thanks to everyone for making this Derby special. We’ll see you for the Blitz—come ready for some slam-bam chess and great camaraderie!


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