CDA Chess Club News

[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...

John was seen practicing his chess at Silverwood! As we gear up for an exciting North Idaho Scholastic Chess League (NISCL) season, chess enthusiasts have never had a better time sharpening their skills and deepening their love for the game. The NISCL offers a unique opportunity for players of all ages and skill levels to compete, collaborate, and grow as part of a vibrant chess community. Whether you are just starting or are an experienced competitor, this league is designed to cater to everyone's needs. To ensure you're fully prepared for the challenges, consider attending meetings at the Coeur d'Alene Chess Club (CDA Chess Club). These gatherings provide a supportive environment where players can practice, engage in strategic discussions, and receive valuable tips from peers and mentors alike. Regular attendance will improve your gameplay and help you forge friendships with fellow chess enthusiasts. As we near the league's opening on September 19th at the Coeur d...

  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...