The Winter Solstice Chess Tournament, held on December 21 in Post Falls, was a resounding success. It brought together 11 passionate chess players for a day of exciting strategic play. Organized by the Idaho Chess Association, with tournament directors Adam Porth and Deon Goodwin at the helm, this US Chess-rated event provided a fantastic opportunity for chess enthusiasts of all levels to compete and connect. Linus Wannamaker showcased a remarkable performance, securing the top spot with an impressive score of 4.5 out of 5. His consistent play edged out strong competitors Ben Patterson, who scored 3.5, and William Merry, who finished with 3.0 points after a tiebreaker. Congratulations to these outstanding players and all participants for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit! As we look forward to the new year, the Idaho Chess Association is already planning more events to unite our chess community. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the game, we encourage you t...

  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...