CDA Chess Club News

  April 1st unfurled an evening unlike any other at the NIC Cafeteria, the battlefield for our revered chess club's much-anticipated event: Deon's Bracketology. Amid the buzz of excitement and the strategic musings of our players, this one-night playoff was meant to shuffle ranks, challenge intellects, and celebrate the grandeur of chess in its raw form. The event, crafted from Deon's visionary mind, aimed not just at competition but at weaving camaraderie and mastery of chess within the hearts of each participant. With an unexpected turnout of six steadfast players, the night pulsated with rapid matches, decisive victories, and displays of true chess sportsmanship. While the dream of a grand tournament was scaled down, the event's essence—its throbbing pulse of competition and fellowship—was magnificently alive. Hat's off to Deon, our esteemed chess curator, who orchestrated this unique event and emerged victorious in both his games. It was a night witnessing the d...

Guess what? Serena Grace just totally rocked the world of journalism and chess by becoming a published author! 🌟 Yeah, you heard that right! She was all over the Idaho State Scholastic Chess Tournament, not missing a beat. Serena was like a detective, keeping notes on all the incredible and intense moments during the event. She then turned her detective diary into a killer press release that got picked up by the CDA Press. No joke, they published her article without changing a single word. How cool is that? Also, a major shoutout to our chess champs – Leo Grace from kindergarten crushing it, first grader Milo Davis showing them how it's done, Sophia Grace making second grade proud, and our club alum Lucy Bell taking third grade by storm. These guys are like the Avengers of chess, each bringing their superpower to the board. Serena's talent is as immense as her heart, and it’s inspiring to see one of our own achieve something extraordinary. Her work spotlighted our incredible c...

Chess enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting announcement! Your valuable input has driven us to rethink and enhance our tournament format, creating an event that suits our diverse chess community even better. We're thrilled to present our upcoming online chess tournament with a new schedule and format, now happening on Sunday, April 7, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Shifting from busy Friday nights to a more accommodating weekend slot, we aim to include our working members and those who relish spending part of their weekends immersed in the strategic world of chess. Understanding the diversity within our community, we are introducing two separate sections for the tournament. One will be for club members with a Club Ladder rating of 1200+ and another for players under 1200 or unrated. This format is perfect for everyone, from the strategic expert to the novice player, to find their competitive edge in an environment that matches their skill level. Each session requires a minimum of fou...

As the "March In Like A Lion" chess tournament wraps up, we take a moment to reminisce about the memorable moments and outstanding performances, especially on March 18, which showcased the essence of competition mixed with community spirit. Mike O'Brien distinguished himself by securing the title with four consecutive victories, overshadowing the strong contenders, Leo and Grant, who couldn't attend the final matches due to scheduling issues. All told, 18 players competed in the month-long event, showcasing an array of strategies, resilience, and the sheer enjoyment of the game. Congratulations to all the winners, participants, and the chess community for making the "March In Like A Lion" chess tournament a memorable experience. We have scheduled a casual meet-up for all new and existing players to foster a sense of community and continuous engagement in chess. Please mark your calendars for March 25, as we will gather at Burger King at 6:00 p.m. for an ev...

As the state tournament looms, the Beginner's CDA Chess Club hosted its last preparatory meeting on March 14th, setting the stage for an evening filled with strategy, learning, and unexpected outcomes. Once again, Post Falls Burger King's welcoming space saw a gathering of minds ready to battle it out on the chessboard. This week, we were thrilled to welcome a new member—Arlon, an enthusiastic beginner who plays 10-minute games on chess.com but has no tournament experience. His presence added fresh energy to the event and highlighted our club's growing appeal among chess aficionados of all levels and ages. The night belonged to Desmond, who, undeterred by the competition, clinched victories in all three matches. His skillful play and strategic foresight were on full display, making him the player to watch as we move forward. However, Payton also made waves, securing a draw against Milo and challenging Desmond in a manner that kept everyone on their toes. These results not o...

  With the echoes of battle still resonating in the hall, this Monday's chess meet at CDA was spectacular. Eighteen strategy maestros converged on the proverbial battlefield, making it an evening filled with tension, triumphs, and, most importantly, the spirit of camaraderie that makes our community so unique. Among the night’s victors, Grant, Eric, Mike O'Brien (making a much-celebrated return), Leo, and Rick stood out by clinching victories in both matches. However, the spotlight shone brightest on Travis, who emerged atop the standings with an impressive 3.5 points after a fiercely contested match with William. Owen, Leo, and Grant are hot on his heels, each brandishing 3 points and ready for more action. The event wasn’t just about the chess masters giving us a masterclass in strategy; it was a reminder of the beauty of chess. Beyond the competitive aspect, it showcased personal challenge, learning, and the joy of being part of a community that thrives on shared passion and...

  In chess, every game tells a story of clash, intrigue, and the triumphant human spirit. This narrative was the same in the latest online tournament on Lichess.org on March 8. The virtual battleground saw a gathering of minds, each vying for the top spot through intense focus and strategic prowess. A special shoutout goes to Owen, known in the chess circles as "Oknerd27", who entered the foray for the first time and emerged victorious, clinching the trophy with three remarkable straight wins. His performance was rated at an astounding 2130, setting a new record for the highest performance in the three tournaments. This achievement highlights Owen’s exceptional skills and sets a new benchmark for future participants. Not to be overshadowed, Michael de "Bodenzo" showcased his mettle by securing third place on the podium—a significant achievement marking his first-ever podium finish in our tournaments. It was a well-deserved accolade, reflecting his dedication and str...