On a beautiful evening on February 26, the "I Love Chess" series drew to a thrilling close at NIC. Our chess community's spirit was palpable, with ten players engaging in a sophisticated battle of wits and strategies. Special thanks go to Michael deTar, whose volunteer and computer wizardry greatly facilitated the event's success. His contributions prove invaluable, and we look forward to harnessing his skills in upcoming gatherings. The spotlight shines bright on Shinjoo Kim, who emerged victorious atop the standings, amassing a commendable 2.5 points. Congratulations, Shinjoo, for securing the Newcomer of the Month title with exceptional prowess! The series saw 18 participants throughout February, each bringing their unique flair and zeal to the chessboard. We're excited to announce a fresh twist in our chess meetups. Dubbed "March in Like a Lion," our next series will honor regular attendees with priority seeding for the subsequent week's match-...

Owen and Ryan Square Off in the Final Round Amid the intellectual hubbub of a Saturday morning, something remarkable happened in the quaint town of Rathdrum, ID. The ICA Regional Scholastic Qualifier took over Lakeland Middle School, setting the stage for young brilliance to shine. As the clocks ticked and pages of strategy weighed upon the minds of 16 eager contestants, the atmosphere was rife with anticipation. The CDA Chess Club was at the heart of this gathering, a beacon of dedication and tactical prowess. The hushed whispers of strategy and the soft clinks of chess pieces were the symphony of the day. Among the competitors, a name echoed with pride: Ryan Bell, a chess maven and alum of the CDA Chess Club. With a stellar record, Ryan bested his contenders across all five matches, securing a particularly striking victory against the formidable Owen Karlinsey - the club's fourth-ranked titan. Ryan's sister Lucy, exuding the same finesse in the game, joined the challenge alo...

Hear ye, hear ye, denizens of the chessboard realm! Let it be known across the land of diagonals and files that the recent online tournament on Lichess.org has concluded with majestic triumphs amidst valiant battles. As pawns marched and kings retreated into the shadows, a new legend emerged from the fray. Join us in a round of applause for the formidable Lindsay "Lindsaydadsie" who, for the second time in succession, conquered match after match to claim the sovereign spot atop the tournament. True to a chess monarch's spirit, Lindsay once more proved that strategy, patience, and bold moves are the keys to royalty. Let us also raise our banners for Aiden "horray", the runner-up whose tactical acumen secured 2 victories, including a critical triumph over Steve "twotacky1". With cunning and skill, Steve secured a spot at the podium with his 2 wins as well, etching his name amongst the chess tacticians of the evening. A huzzah to newcomer Fisher "kin...

The second round of our Chess Club's "I Love Chess" series brought thrilling victories and noteworthy performances in a stunning display of strategy and skill. This past session saw a magnificent group of 11 chess aficionados at the board, including newcomers Travis M., Andrew V., and returning stalwarts Jonathan, Cory, and Travis G., pushing our club's active membership to an impressive 48. The excitement was palpable as five rated matches unfolded, culminating in victory for the players wielding the white pieces. These outcomes have stirred the waters of our club rankings, as the chess ladder now reflects these latest conquests. The element of surprise wasn't solely reserved for the results; the participation and dedication of our members continue to be the club's crowning achievement. As our roster grows and our players refine their tactics, each gathering becomes more than just a meeting – a testament to our community's enduring love for chess. The Inl...

Reflecting on the adrenaline-charged air of our February 9 online chess tournament, we witnessed a spectacular display of strategy and skill among the contenders. Not only did it mark a milestone for the CDA Chess Club with its groundbreaking virtual format, it also brought back veterans and welcomed newcomers to the chessboard's battlefield. As we commend the calculated moves and fierce focus that led to a tooth-and-nail draw between Lindsay "Lindsaydadsie" and Mike "Frosty128," let us not forget the efforts and determination of all our participants. The resulting tie, putting them both at the top along with Steve "twotacky1" with 2.5 points each, demonstrated that the spirit of chess is alive and thriving in our community. The tiebreaker highlighted the importance of not just individual games but the overall strength of the opponents faced, which ultimately crowned Lindsay as the peerless strategist of the evening. We extend a warm welcome to our new...

Continuing on from the spirited matches of last week, our February 8th chess club rendezvous saw the return of six tenacious players, each honing their focus under the mellow lighting of camaraderie and friendly competition. The club's organizer, Nathan, captured the essence of the evening with a simple yet resounding sentiment—it "was a fun night." The players battled with poise and fervor throughout three gripping rounds , ensuring that every move on the board was as calculated as it was bold. The night witnessed total excitement as Ewan emerged victorious with deliberate moves and polished strategy, edging out Milo and Logan for the top honor. The triumph is not limited to the top placers, though. It marks a significant milestone for Milo, Logan, and Ewan, who, through their consistent participation and a keen knack for chess, have qualified to display their skills at the State tournament in Boise—a commendable achievement. Another chance to earn a spot starts next wee...

  Arm wrestling? Who knew! Our February 5th meeting was spectacular, marking an encouraging turnout with 11 players who brought an infectious zeal for the game. We were thrilled to welcome newcomers to our ranks: Shinjoo, an NIC student with sharp strategies, and Tyler, returning from military service with a knight's courage. The moves were calculated, the atmosphere was charged, and the beautiful minds of CDA Chess Club did not disappoint. Deon, whose tactical flair had everyone whispering, certainly had something intriguing up his sleeve and hinted at revealing this in our next gathering. As the pieces moved and the clocks ticked, we celebrated not just the love of the game but the camaraderie that comes with every checkmate and stalemate. Stay updated, stay sharp, and remember, every move matters. We’ll see you next week, where the board is set for new legends to rise and for the cunning to claim their victories. Join us and be part of the CDA Chess Community's continuing sa...

On a night vibrant with camaraderie and the clinking of chess pieces, the results from our February 1 meet were nothing short of inspiring. It was a setting that illustrated the essence of our club—diversity in age and experience, all coming together for the love of the game. Six participants, including Jeff Davis, a doting grandfather to members Milo and Logan, and newcomer George Brucick, appeared to infuse fresh energy into the evening. After four intense rounds, a pattern emerged; it was young Milo Davis who stole the show, securing a winning streak in all his matches. This remarkable feat by Milo set an exciting precedent for young and seasoned players, proving that dedication and strategy know no age. The full results list can be seen in the chart below, a testament to the evening's lively competition. The gathering was a snapshot of community and the joyous spirit of the sport, where different generations pulled up a chair at the chessboard. It symbolized what we strive to a...

This past weekend, we witnessed another chapter unfolding in the local chess mastery chronicle at Starbucks' Monthly Tournament. The event drew six passionate players, whose determination was matched only by their eagerness to parry across the checkered battlegrounds. A tight-knit group allowed for a round-robin tournament format, giving way to an intimate and intense series of duels. It was a thrilling sight as each participant faced their counterparts head-to-head, piece-to-piece. Although novices in ranking, players like Ewan and Melissa Case stepped up to the board with commendable courage and gave seasoned competitors like Adam Porth and Deon Goodwin a run for their pawns. The atmosphere was thick with concentration and the subtle ticking of timers, as Cory Sturgis and Konnor Bithell made their tournament debut. They proved their nascent skills in this forgiving yet competitive environment. Cheers to Deon Goodwin, who emerged victoriously, and hats off to Adam Porth, whose str...

We're excited to report on our most recent meeting on January 25. It was another wonderful evening with a turnout of 9 dedicated players. We were delighted to welcome new members, Fisher Hite and Natalie Merry, to our ranks. After three engaging rounds, we're thrilled to announce that Ewan, Logan, and Milo reigned supreme, earning themselves a place at the top of the standings. Their chess growth has qualified them for the State Tournament in Boise – congratulations on this incredible achievement! Our newest members also showcased their potential. While they're getting invaluable practice with experienced players, we know they'll soon make their mark on the leaderboard. Thanks to each of you for contributing to the fun and camaraderie of our club. A Special Thanks to Nathan Davis for hosting our Beginner's Meetings. Our strength lies in our supportive and growing community. Please help us by spreading the word and encouraging more people to come and join in. Keep ...

  Join Us for the Next Chess Knight Meeting! Mark your calendars for Monday, January 29th at 6 p.m. as The Chess Knight returns to our beloved North Idaho College castle (NIC Student Union cafeteria)! Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, we encourage you to join us for a night of strategic battles and camaraderie. Play at least once a month in 2024, and we hope you're on track with this goal too! New members, we look forward to welcoming you into our friendly community. If this is your first meeting, please let us know so we can properly introduce you to our club. Haven't completed your 'Join Our Club' registration yet? Could you do it today to stay informed of all our future events and news? Let’s make the upcoming meeting memorable, filled with great games and even greater fellowship. See you there!

  The Beginner's Chess Club had a fantastic gathering on January 11. With a turnout of 10 enthusiastic players, the evening was a vibrant mix of strategy, camaraderie, and fun. Our participants for the initial two rounds were Serena, Sophia, Leo, Konnor, Jason, Ewan, Don (Ewan’s Dad), Andrew, Delilah, and Leilani. We switched gears for the third round, transitioning to open play. This was an exciting session, with 8 players eagerly participating. Jason and Don decided to sit the round out, but the atmosphere remained charged with the thrilling spirit of competition. Our club was delighted to welcome the Vasquez family. They are rediscovering their passion for chess, and their presence added a lively energy to the session. We're also excited that Andrew Sr. and Konnor are interested in joining our Monday Chess meetings. A special shout-out is due to Leo and Serena's stellar performance, winning both matches. Our heartiest congratulations to them! Our next meeting is slated f...