To further chess in Maine we need more regular weekend tournaments, better prize fund, even if it means larger entrance fees, and a five round swiss scheduled regularly in Portland to attract out of state masters such as John Curdo and Hal Terrie, who will play in Maine.
As a footnote, I was dissappointed that none of the Maine masters were able to play in the state championship held this past April. Cooper, Elowitch, Bryan-where were you?

Having played extensively in NH and Mass in the late 80s and early 90s I see a big contrast between the states. If you want to develop serious chess players I believe Maine should hold more regulation time tournaments-40/90, 40/2, 50/2. Speed and game in 60,30, or whatever may be fun, but does not contribute to serious playing ability. Also someone suggested Augusta as a good location and I agree in that it is more or less centrally located. This would hopefully allow more players to participate.

Trying to fnd more detail about George Cunningham. I worked with him in Cleveland and New Hampshire in the 60's. Lost touch over the years, I remember my chess playing with George and Edith. If anyone can fill in some information about the Cunningham(s). Thank you

Dan, I would like to see CHESS GAMES played on TV like any sports games.

Dan, congratulations on winning the prize for best state chess website!

I've always appreciated the efforts of any organizer. To be especially cherished are those like Phil L. and Dan D. they make it possible for us chess freaks to get our fix in a pleasant way. Support every tourney that you can--even if it hurts..how can chess hurt?

Now that we tried a G/75 tournament, is that something that should continue? What about those G/35's? We need some input to try and draw more to over the board tournaments. ChessMaine.net also needs funds to support itself. Any ideas out there?

Who are your favorites for the Executive Board election? I'd go for Polgar's slate: Polgar, Truong, Bauer, Korenman.

Hello to everyone. I am writing in hope to make contact with people that I have played in the past. I was quite active in the early and mid eighties and have lost contact with most people in the chess community I knew at the time. In my URL you will find updated pics of my family. I look forward to hearing from some old friends.

Bob Bridgham

I would really like to see a 5 0, 3 0, or 1 0 tournament, maybe as a side event to something big like the Maine State Championship. I also agree with Curt that Augusta would be a great place for tournaments, because though I enjoy having them in Portland, it would be nice to draw in another crowd that normally just plays in the Orono area tournaments.

I think there should be a weekly tounament set up, USCF rated. That would allow new players to get an accurate rating sooner.

from roger morin,To any of my older friends and new ones who might be interested in knowing where I am,as I have been absent from over the board chess since 1990,my e mail address is houltonart@yahoo.com

I mispelled my site,sorry.www.rogermorinartgallery.com

I've been in houlton for 2 years and chess here is beginning to take hold a little as some eschool kids are learning but 50 miles away in Fredricton, Canada is where most of the players are so Houlton is a possible site to have tournaments to attrack Canadians. I personally like 1 day tournaments unless there in town. I do like Fischer random chess.

What are some good chess "presents"? Does anyone have any favorite chess gift stories that they would like to share?

We need some feedback!

A bughouse tournemant would be really fun. I think we should set one up.

ChessMaine.net will be sponsoring tournaments in 2007. We will be open to suggestions for locations. Augusta sounds great, and the Blue Hill peninsula is also in our sights. What about The County? Do we have enough interest in a tournament in, say, Houlton?
Let us know.

What about a bughouse event coupled with a blitz event at a mall? Any interest there?

Does prize money attract players? Prizes instead of trophies? Keep the ideas coming and ChessMaine will try to deliver!

I think single day events are better-especially for people with non mon. thru fri. jobs-like me. G75 is slow enough to be "serious" chess and still allows 4 games to be played in a single day. Also, there seems to be a different group of players at Portland events than Bangor events. Are there any TDs who have tried to set up something in Augusta-maybe attract both groups?-Thanks

Me and my friends would enjoy a bughouse tournament

How about bidding/hosting a national event - like the 2007 U.S. Junior Open Champonship - in Bangor?

I would like to see a change in the sections. How about a U1100, U1600, and Open section. It splits the sections up but keeps the sections still pretty competitive. More tournaments in general would be good too. I am trying to find a permenant location to set up shop for Monthly tournaments, third sunday of each month. I am trying to become an affiliate once I have the money to join, if anyone could help me out with the ins and outs of TDing, email me! Thanks.

Dan, I'd like to see more
traditional timing for at
least some tournaments. I
believe there at least some
others who might also like
perhaps a return to 40 moves
in 90 minutes.
Best regards, Jon Malev

Chess 960 would be fun, it would also be a good way to rope in more players