The Winter Wizardry Chess Tournament has been an enchanting adventure from start to finish, filled with camaraderie, strategy, and unforgettable moments. It all began excitedly on December 2, as players gathered for the first rounds at Riverstone McDonald’s. The atmosphere was electric from the beginning, with participants eager to showcase their skills and enjoy a magical battle on the chessboard. Throughout the tournament, we’ve seen players old and new deliver thrilling performances. The games on December 9 brought twists and fierce competition, leaving William and Andrew tied at the top of the leaderboard with 3 points each. Highlights from this round included intense matches, new members like Ethan leaving a strong impression, and returning players like Grant and Shinjoo bringing their unique flair to the competition. Fast forward to the finale on December 16, where the tournament concluded with a truly memorable evening. Andrew emerged as the top player of December, finis...

  Our recent North Idaho Scholastic Chess League tournament at the Hayden Public Library was a remarkable showcase of talent and strategic prowess. On November 20th, twelve dedicated players gathered to compete in a classic "Quad" round-robin format, demonstrating exceptional skills and strategic depth. Congratulations are in order for Payton Akers, Serena Grace, and Logan Davis, each of whom emerged victorious in their respective groups with an impressive streak of three consecutive wins. Their success stems not only from talent but from continued participation and practice at the CDA Chess Club meetings, held every Monday night. These monthly NISCL tournaments play a crucial role in honing skills and building confidence within tournament settings. Each player benefits from facing challenging opponents which, in turn, elevates everyone’s game. As participants accumulate points, they not only strive for individual and school trophies but also climb the North Idaho rating ladd...

  The Turkey Shoot Chess Tournament has drawn to a thrilling conclusion, offering chess lovers an unforgettable spectacle of strategic battles and brilliant maneuvers. Andrew V. emerged as the undisputed champion, maintaining his lead with a flawless 6-0 score, demonstrating unmatched tactical prowess throughout the tournament. Close on his heels was William, who showcased exceptional skills and perseverance to secure second place with a commendable 5 points. Meanwhile, Eric fought valiantly to claim third, finishing with 4 points in a field of formidable contenders. The tournament saw participation from 19 fervent players, each bringing their unique style and strategies to the table. The enthusiasm and competitive spirit have not only heightened the excitement but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the chess enthusiasts. As the final moves were played and the cheers subsided, gratitude swelled among the participants and spectators alike for this remarkable November chess j...

William Dolson-Andrew The November 9th Starbucks Chess Tournament proved once again to be a remarkable occasion, filled with intense competition and strategic brilliance. Hosted in the cozy setting of Starbucks on Ironwood, the event showcased the talent and skill of chess enthusiasts from various regions. We extend our hearty congratulations to William Dolson-Andrew from St. Maries, Idaho, who clinched the first place award with his impressive gameplay. Leo Grace The tournament welcomed nine passionate players, including notable CDA Club members Leo Grace, Deon Goodwin, David Moll, and John MacPhee. A special commendation goes to Leo for an outstanding performance, securing third place and boosting his USCF rating by 100 points with his three wins out of four matches. The camaraderie and competitive spirit displayed throughout the event were truly commendable, making this tournament a memorable highlight on our annual chess calendar. Looking ahead, we are eager to invite you to partic...

  November is the perfect time to introduce your child to the exciting world of chess. With the crisp autumn air outside, it's a wonderful opportunity for school-age children to gather indoors for mind-challenging activities. Whether they're beginners or already familiar with the game, local chess clubs offer a nurturing environment for all skill levels. Consider enrolling your child in the Hayden Public Library's weekly chess club, which meets every Monday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For a more competitive scene, there's the Spirit Lake Chess Club. They hold meetings from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on 11/12 and 12/3. These sessions include chess ladder play, perfect for honing skills in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Take advantage of the North Idaho Scholastic Chess League tournament on November 20 at Hayden Public Library. Registration starts at 4:00 p.m., and play continues until 7:00 p.m. Register here... If you'd like to host one, you can click here to coordinate w...

The enchanted night of spooky chess battles concluded, and the results are in! Under the haunting glow of carved pumpkins, our players showcased their strategic prowess with spirited competition and eerie enthusiasm, marking a memorable "Check or Treat" event. 🏆 Champions of the Night: Deon emerged victorious, casting his spell on the board with five straight wins! Matt, Leo, and Rick each claimed victory in four of their thrilling encounters, giving our champion a run for the top prize. Welcome to Kyle and Abel , who braved their first rated games in our club amidst the Halloween magic! Travis made his much-anticipated return to our chess ladder after a summer hiatus, injecting fresh energy into the night's competition. Our mystical event gathered 14 participants and drew in Eric, Andrew [1], Grant, and Shinjoo. These four participants engaged in unrated side games with treats and tactical traps. These side games were not just about fun but also about learning ...

  The North Idaho Scholastic Chess League tournament at Lakeland Middle School this past October 17th was exhilarating! With fresh faces joining seasoned competitors, the evening showcased strategy and skill. We were thrilled to welcome five new players to the fold: Gage, Hunter, Kaylon, Ava, and Jacob, bringing the total number of spirited contestants to 16. The competition was fierce, with four intense rounds under 20-minute time controls. Payton Akers emerged as the champion among the high school contenders, with Manik Sharma and Gage Pierce hot on his heels. The younger generation also proved their mettle, with Leo Grace, Desmond Hegy, and Serena Grace leading the elementary players. A big round of applause to all participants for their exceptional performances! We extend our gratitude to Ava Grace for arranging ice cream coupons that brought joy to our participants and to Adam Porth for his unwavering commitment to promoting chess in Idaho. We're excited to announce our next ...

  Final Tournament Review: The Pinnacle of Strategy and Skill As the "Did Columbus Discover Chess Tournament" draws to a close, we celebrate not only the champions of this month’s thrilling chess contest but also the fierce competition and camaraderie that defined our games. Throughout this tournament, players challenged one another in a series of nail-biting matchups that showcased the remarkable depth and diversity of strategic thinking within our chess community. Tournament Highlights This October's event set new records with an impressive turnout of 30 players across two sections: the USCF-rated and the club-rated sections. Our thanks extend to every participant who contributed to making this tournament an unforgettable experience marked by passion and perseverance. Andrew Vasquez Sr. and John MacPhee shared the limelight in the USCF-rated section, finishing at the top with 3 points each. Their performance was a testament to dedication and tactical brilliance, setting...

  On a crisp October day, chess enthusiasts near and far gathered at Starbucks on Ironwood for our exciting monthly tournament. This free USCF-rated event, hosted by the Idaho Chess Association and generously sponsored by Starbucks, drew competitors from varying regions, including Oregon and across Idaho. Congratulations to Sean Tobin from Oregon, who triumphed with an impressive 3.5 out of 4 points. The ambiance was electric as participants engaged in intense matches. Players boasting ratings well over the 1600 ELO mark made their impactful presence felt. Whether facing intense competition or enjoying the strategic banter among peers, every attendee contributed to the event's success and was left with enriched chess knowledge and experience. We are thrilled to announce our next gathering on November 9th at noon. This is a beautiful opportunity for chess lovers of all ages and skills to challenge themselves, meet fellow enthusiasts, and bask in the vibrant community spirit. While o...

[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 ...