CDA Chess Club News

Thanks to everyone participating in the CDA Chess MLK Celebration Online Tournament on January 20, 2025 ! The event was filled with exciting matches, intense competition, and a fantastic display of strategy and sportsmanship as we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of unity and growth. With a 3-round Swiss format and a fast-paced Game with 20-time control , players brought their best moves to the virtual boards on Lichess.org . Congratulations to Deon (deongood) for claiming first place with an impressive 2.5 points, including victories over Andrew Sr. (ARVdesigns) and Andrew Jr. (MijoGrande) , plus a first-round bye. A big shoutout to Andrew Sr. , who secured second place , and Michael d. (bodenzo) , who rounded out the podium with a solid 2 points. Special thanks to Therese (ghsneligunweryb) and Steve (twotacky1) for their participation and great games, contributing to the spirited competition and community atmosphere. Every participant helped make this tournament...

  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...

  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...