[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...

  The September With Class Chess Tournaments have concluded with resounding success. Over three weeks, we gathered at the McDonald's at Riverstone, exchanging strategic moves and cultivating camaraderie among chess enthusiasts of all skill levels. A total of 26 players participated during the event, which not only fostered individual growth but also strengthened our vibrant chess community. Tournament Highlights and Winners In the 1201+ section , we witnessed intense competition, with Eric and Andrew [1] each achieving an impressive 5 wins out of 6 matches. Eric's memorable victory in their head-to-head match ensured his top position on the leaderboard. The night’s biggest rating boost was achieved by Mike, who notched two victories and soared by an impressive 40 points. Meanwhile, in the 1200- section , Rich emerged victorious, matching the record of 5 wins and 1 loss. Not to be outdone, Matt made an astounding leap in his ratings, achieving a 90-point increase, showcasing rem...

  Michael Cambareri and David Griffin in an intense moment! The 8th North Idaho Open Chess Championship , hosted by the Idaho Chess Association, was a resounding success. It drew 21 participants who showcased their strategic talents over an exhilarating weekend. From the intense competition to the camaraderie among players, this event was a true testament to the vibrant chess community in North Idaho. Congratulations to our Co-champions, Nikolay Bulakh, and Eric Balleaux , for their outstanding performances! Their journeys through the tournament were marked by thrilling matches that captivated players and spectators alike. The tournament’s diverse participant pool included ten scholastic players, highlighting the encouragement of young talent in the chess scene. Notably, we had club members such as Kaleb Wrenchey, Deon Goodwin, Steve Dahlstrom, Leo Grace, Sophia Grace, Payton Akers, Serena Grace, Milo Davis , and Logan Davis contributing to the competitive spirit. Kaleb made his ...

As we reflect on the thrilling three-week journey of our August chess tournament, it's time to celebrate not only the winners but also the remarkable growth and enthusiasm displayed by all participants. In the B section, comprised of 22 players rated at 1200 or below, Jonathan emerged victorious with an impressive score of 5 out of 6 matches. His strategic prowess was truly commendable, putting him at the pinnacle of this competitive group. Rick and Payton followed closely, each collecting 4 points, demonstrating their skill and determination throughout the tournament. The competitive spirit was palpable, and we are excited to welcome Kai to our chess community! The standout player of the night was undoubtedly Emmaus, whose rating surged by an impressive 94 points, showcasing significant improvement and establishing himself as a formidable contender. In the over 1200 section, Eric and John were the only participants this week, but there were 9 overall, bringing the total in both se...

The recent Chess Club Olympics showcased intense competition and impressive performances, featuring two 4-person mini-tournaments and a six-player Swiss style arrangement. In Mini Tournament 1, Eric dominated with a perfect 2-0 record, defeating Sam, John, and Deon. Mini Tournament 2 saw Steve also claim victory with a 2-0 score, besting Payton, Rick, and Alex. In the Swiss round, Isaac and Michael d. both shone brightly, leading the pack with 2-0 records, while Milo and Logan followed closely with 1-1 scores, and Juliette and Elijah faced some challenges at 0-2. The chess ladder has been updated. As we look ahead, next week will offer an opportunity for open play, allowing members to practice and refine their skills in a relaxed environment. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 3, when the Idaho Chess Association will host an exciting tournament featuring 15-minute time controls over 4-5 rounds, starting promptly at 12:00 p.m. This event will take place at the Starbucks location a...

See All Pictures The CDA Chess Regional Summer Quads was a spectacular event that brought together players from various backgrounds and skill levels on July 27, 2024, at the Liberty Launch Academy in Liberty Lake, WA. With 29 players participating, the atmosphere was electric, filled with strategic battles and camaraderie among chess enthusiasts. Results Rated Competitions: Quad 1: 1st Place: Benjamin Patterson (3 points) 2nd Place: Zachary Furman (2 points) 3rd Place: Adam Porth (1 point) 4th Place: Craig Moore (0 points) Quad 2: 1st Place: Mike O'Brien (3 points) 2nd Place: Ryan Bell (2 points) 3rd Place: Ryder Pimentel (1 point) 4th Place: Cecelia Valeriote (0 points) Quad 3 (Swiss): 1st Place: Payton Akers (3 points) 2nd Place: Emmy Pimentel (2 points) 2nd Place: Sophia Grace (2 points) 4th Place: Leo Grace (1 point) 5th Place: Travis Grace (1 point) Unrated Competitions: Quad 1: 1st Place: Grant Richardson (3 points) 2nd Place: Eric Barnes (2 points) 3rd Place: David Braun (1...

  Photo Album | Cross Table

  Are you passionate about chess or curious to dive into the world of chess for the first time? We are thrilled to invite you to the upcoming Chess 4 Success series! This exciting tournament spans three weeks and features two intense rounds each evening. Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner, this event promises to be a stimulating and enjoyable experience. Hosted at two convenient locations beginning July 8th, the event kicks off at the Regular Club meetings every Monday at 6:00 PM at the Riverstone McDonalds and the Beginners meetings every Thursday at 6:00 PM at the Post Falls Burger King. It’s the perfect setting to meet fellow chess enthusiasts, hone your skills, and enjoy friendly competition. At Chess 4 Success, everyone is welcome. There’s no need to pre-register, and no fees are collected. Whether a beginner or a seasoned player, bring your enthusiasm and be ready to play. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow, no matter your current skill set...

We are pleased to announce the results of our July 1 meeting. The event featured two-round mini-brackets based on ladder rankings, offering thrilling and competitive play for all. Top Brackets: William, Mike, and Alex emerged as the top players in their respective brackets. Alex's Impressive Gain: Alex had an outstanding night, gaining the most ladder points with an impressive 39-point leap. New Participants: We welcomed 16 players, including new additions to the chess ladder: Melissa, Everett, and Brooksley. Next week, we kick off the 3-week "Chess For Success" tournament, featuring two rounds each night for six rounds. Registration for the first night is not required. Reminder: There will not be a beginner's club meeting this week due to the 4th of July holiday. Seats are filling fast for this coming weekend's Starbucks Monthly (register here). We are also getting a lot of interest in the CDA Chess Regional Summer Quads. Now is the time to register for this ...

The excitement from our last meeting continues to resonate as we prepare for another enriching session on June 13. If you missed our previous event, there's no need to worry—this is your chance to dive into the fascinating world of chess with a focus on the legendary Paul Morphy's Opera Game. Last week, we had an amazing discussion about the strategic brilliance of the Opera Game. Our new and returning members found it a valuable learning experience. This week, we're taking it a step further by engaging in practical exercises to help you grasp this classic game's intricacies. During our upcoming meeting, attendees will get the opportunity to replay the Opera Game themselves. By reading the chess notation of the game, you'll improve your skills and gain a deeper understanding of chess language and strategy. To prepare, we recommend watching a short video that explains how to read chess notation. This will give you a solid foundation and boost your confidence during...

The Summer Solstice Chess Tournament concluded with an exciting finale. Players battled it out over three weeks of intense matches. In the Solstice A Bracket, 12 players competed fiercely, with the top finishers being Steve (4.5 points), John (4 points), and Sam and Greg, who each secured 3.5 points. The final night highlighted Steve's remarkable save against John, turning a near-loss into a draw. Sam and Mike’s game also resulted in a draw. Eric and Greg showed their strength by winning both matches that evening. Meanwhile, the Solstice B Bracket was a close contest, with Payton, Emerson, and Frank each achieving 4 points. Payton edged out his competitors through tie-breakers based on opponents' scores. Matt's son, newcomer Emmaus , made a memorable debut. A robust field of 17 players participated in this section, including standout performances from Frank and Isaac, who both won 2 matches and saw Isaac gain an impressive 104 rating points. As the tournament draws to a clo...

We're thrilled to announce the unique Chess Club meeting, set to take place on Monday, May 27, at 6:00 p.m. at McDonald's in Riverstone on Memorial Day. This gathering is not your typical chess event. It's a celebration of creativity and flexibility, inspired by the free-range chickens who roam and explore without constraints. Just like free-range chickens, our club members will have the freedom to choose their opponents and game styles. Whether you're a fan of blitz, rapid, or classical formats, this meeting is your opportunity to play the way you love. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone can experiment and find joy in their own chess journey. In addition to the main event, we aim to create a space reminiscent of a thriving, free-range chicken farm—vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. Players can move about freely, socialize, and share strategies, imitating the natural behaviors in free-range environments. Whether you prefer to forage for new moves or dus...