Indy Chess

Thanks to all who came out to Scholastic Sunday yesterday! We had 62 kids competing in five sections, including dozens from our summer camps who were continuing with rated chess games.

We've had some feedback about creating all sections based on rating instead of grade, for example Casual, Under 500, U800, U1100, U1400, etc. What do you think?

USCF Results: https://ratings.uschess.org/event/202608020083?section=0

Here are the 1st place winners of each section (1st-5th received trophies):
♟Premiere (1000+) - Abhiram Ashok (3.5/4.0)
♟12th Grade & Under - Jude Persin (4.0/4.0)
♟6th Grade & Under - Maxwell Murphy and Zachery Walker (both 4.0/4.0)
♟3rd Grade & Under - Enkhsaruul Undrakh-Orgil (4.0/4.0)
♟Casual - Az Ev Undrakh-Orgil (4.0/4.0)

Our gratitude to Chief TD Jerika Eppel, Coach Ryan McCrea for free game analysis in the Skittles Room, Noah Chapuran for TD assistance, and St. Monica School for hosting.

For those who play in the Indianapolis Open, Bill Goichberg founded CCA (the organization behind that event, the World Open, and more). Imperfections aside, he did so, so much for there to be chess events in the US. Rest in peace.

We are sad to report that our former long-time president, New York Chess Hall of Famer FM Bill Goichberg, has passed away today. Bill's legacy in chess in New York and the United States is unparalleled. He leaves a legacy of greatness that is reflected in our New York State Scholastics, one of the largest tournaments in the country that he created, and the continued success of the New York State Chess Championship, which is the longest-running chess tournament in the United States. Further details on arrangements will be announced once they are available. Bill was 83 years old.

Sharing this on behalf of the Indiana State Chess Association . Head to Fort Wayne in a couple weeks to win the best in your class! Info at indianachess.org.

Give em a go

Last Tuesday set another record with 49 players in the USCF-rated tournament at the Latvian Community Center! What is going on?!?! Thank you players!

USCF results: https://ratings.uschess.org/event/202607280163?section=0

It's just a week away, and already about 30 players have registered!

Scholastic Sunday Chess Tournament
Sunday, August 2
2:00-6:00p
@ St. Monica School (6131 N Michigan Rd, Indy)
USCF-rated and Casual sections
Info: indychess.org/events

Register today!

Coach Laura had her 17th birthday at our summer camp yesterday, and her mom brought donuts for all to share and celebrate! Happy birthday, Laura!

Today also concluded seven weeks of summer camps at which Laura volunteered, giving more than 200 hours of service! She taught more than 150 kids how to do various checkmates, played simuls against beginners who might have been nervous to play a state champ or guest NM, and she presented her own games and classic games to show kids things like opening principles in action.

Four times this summer, after long days at camp, she stayed to lead the Pawns to Queens Girls Group for a couple hours that night or to lead a Zoom puzzle survival exercise with the same group.

Camp was so much better thanks to her presence. The youngsters got to see what they could achieve in chess with hard work. But more than that, they got to see emotional maturity, sportsmanship, leadership, and selflessness through Laura's example and commitment.

Laura, we are so grateful for your help. Have a great school year when you go back to high school next week, and thanks for making camp memorable (and critical thinking so fun) for so many of Indy's kids!

We expanded to include three extra spots in our sold out summer camp next week (July 27-31) at St. Thomas Aquinas School. If interested, email [email protected] for registration details. Sibling discounts available. First come, first served. Full camp details at indychess.org/summer-camps

White has a few great moves here, but what's the fastest win? Puzzle from a game at tonight's Tuesday Weekly.

Rated results (39 players!): https://ratings.uschess.org/event/202607210133