ChessMaine tag:chessmaine.net,2008-05-15:/chessmaine//1 2010-03-03T12:11:44Z Official Site of the Maine Chess Association Movable Type 4.21-en Nielsen and DeLuca Lowell Win Girls State Championship tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5452 2010-03-04T00:11:20Z 2010-03-03T12:11:44Z Miriam Nielsen, a senior at Cheverus High School in Portland and Haley DeLuca Lowell, a seventh grader at Airline Community School in Aurora are the 2010 Girls Scholastic Chess State Co-Champions. Both scored 3.0 points in four games at the Girls State Championship Tournament played on February 27, 2010 at the University of Maine in Orono. Meagan Weeks of Piscatiquis High School in Guilford finished first in the Under 600 section of the tournament. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 03.03.10 Miriam Nielsen, a senior at Cheverus High School in Portland and Haley DeLuca Lowell, a seventh grader at Airline Community School in Aurora are the 2010 Girls Scholastic Chess State Co-Champions. Both scored 3.0 points in four games at the Girls State Championship Tournament played on February 27, 2010 at the University of Maine in Orono. Meagan Weeks of Piscatiquis High School in Guilford finished first in the Under 600 section of the tournament.

Winners of the Girls Scholastic Chess State Championship from left to right are: Olympia Serban (tied for third), Deanna Power (tied for third), Miriam Nielsen (tied for first) and Haley DeLuca Lowell (tied for first).

After two first round losses it did not seem likely that either Miriam Nielsen or Haley DeLuca Lowell would rise to the top of the crosstable at the 2010 Girls State Championship Tournament. Showing grim determination however, both girls went on to win their remaining three games to finish with 3.0 points and share the championship title.

After three rounds, four girls were in striking distance of first place. The scores after three rounds were: Olympia Serban 2.5, Deanna Power 2.5, Miriam Nielsen 2.0 and Haley DeLuca Lowell 2.0. The last round paired Serban with Neilsen and DeLuca Lowell with Power. DeLuca Lowell defeated Power earning her 3.0 points and leaving one game remaining and three possible tournament outcomes: If Serban won she would be sole champion, a draw for Serban would result in her tieing with DeLuca Lowell for first, if Serban lost the result would be a tie between Neilsen and DeLuca Lowell. The last scenario came to pass with a pretty tactic by Neilsen in a rook and pawn endgame. With the tournament result in the balance, the Cheverus senior found a pawn capture that placed her opponent's king an rook on the same rank. This was followed up by a skewer check on that rank winning Serban's rook. A very well-played game by both girls.

Following the two tournament winners, Serban and Power were Bethany Humphrey, Goldie Garcia, Helen Zhang and Natlie Smith all with 2.0 points. The crosstable was rounded out by Julia Shaffer with 1.0 point.

In the Under 600 section, Meagan Weeks of Piscataquis High School in Guilford defeated her sister Kristen in the last round to finish in first. Meagan was trailed by Soozin Cha and Claudia Serban with 3.0 points, Kristen Weeks with 2.0 points, Catherine Rudnicki and Karen Neilsen with 1.5 points, Louise Neilsen with 1.0 point and Sahara Aldrich playing in her first USCF-rated tournament who went scoreless.

This tournament was organized and directed by Dan DeLuca with assistance from Ron Lewis, Kathy Richards, Tom Sandford, Andy Bryan, Dick Powell, and Members of the Maine Chess Coaches Association including Ryan Tripp and Steve Abrahams.

USCF Crosstable of this event


2010 Girls State Co-Champion: Miriam Neilsen


2010 Girls State Co-Champion: Haley DeLuca Lowell


This, the last game of the last round, between Miriam Neilsen (left) and Olympia Serban decided the results of the tournament.


Boards two and three in the final round of the championship section: Deanna Power (foreground left) vs. Haley DeLuca Lowell and Helen Zhang (background left) vs. Goldie Garcia


Ron Lewis and Kathy Richards of the Maine Chess Coaches Association take an interest in the last-round games in the championship section.


Olympia Serban


Deanna Power


Bethany Humphrey


Goldie Garcia


Helen Zhang


Natalie Smith (161) received a trophy for the tournament's greatest upset for her win over Julia Shaffer (611).


Julia Shaffer


Bethany Humphrey (left) plays Olympia Serban in round two.


Natalie Smith (left) vs. Julia Shaffer


Meagan Weeks went unbeaten and untied in the U600 section scoring 4.0 points.


Soozin Cha tied for second in the U600 section with...


...Claudia Seban.


Kristen Weeks


Catherine Rudnicki


Karen Neilsen


Louise Neilsen


Playing in her first USCF-rated tournament: Sahara Aldrich


Louise Neilsen gets the name of her opponent from the pairing sheet.


Claudia Serban (right) plays Soozin Cha in round one.


Burt Humphrey and Kathy Richards check the standings during the tournament.


Ron Lewis and son Nathan take an opportunity to get a game in.


The last round game in the U600 section paired sisters Meagan and Kristen Weeks and attracted a crowd of onlookers.


Participants in the U600 section (left to right): Kristen Weeks, Karen Neilsen, Meagan Weeks, Sahara Aldrich, Soozin Cha, Catherine Rudnicki, Louise Neilsen and Claudia Serban. In addition to trophies for top players all players received special commemorative medals.


Four rounds of tournament chess can be exhausting for players...


...and parents alike!


Thanks to all players, parents and coaches for their support in helping make this--the 5th Annual Girls Scholastic Championship--a great success.

]]> Koncrete Creations tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5446 2010-02-27T04:04:14Z 2010-03-03T09:46:36Z During an off-hand chess game a friend suggested to Ryan Deane, owner of Koncrete Creations based in Portland, that he might try making a concrete chessboard. Ryan took the idea and ran with it. He now offers a line of beautiful stock and custom-made concrete chessboards manufactured right here in Maine. Some of Ryan's work is featured this month at The Constellation Gallery in Portland. We caught up with Ryan for this interview. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.26.10 During an off-hand chess game a friend suggested to Ryan Deane, owner of Koncrete Creations based in Portland, that he might try making a concrete chessboard. Ryan took the idea and ran with it. He now offers a line of beautiful stock and custom-made concrete chessboards manufactured right here in Maine. Some of Ryan's work is featured this month at The Constellation Gallery in Portland. We caught up with Ryan for this interview.

This beautiful chessboard and table combination is one of Ryan Deane's works of art on display this month at The Constellation Gallery, 511 Congress Street in Portland.

Ryan has graciously offered a special discount to ChessMaine.net readers: buy any five chessboards and get one free. For more information or to contact Ryan please visit: Koncrete Creations

ChessMaine: Can you tell us about yourself and your company? How it began and how you got the idea to start manufacturing chessboards from concrete?

Ryan Deane: I formed Koncrete Creations in 2005, starting in Florida. I'm originally from New Hampshire. I moved to Portland, Maine in the spring of 2007 after having lived in Florida for ten years. While in Florida, I worked doing all facets of home renovations, with a strong focus on custom tile work and bathrooms. After being approached by a loyal customer about the idea of trying concrete for his countertops, I fell in love with the material because of its beauty and the limitless design possibilities it offered. When I'm not at the shop hands deep in concrete, I enjoy spending time with my family, two dogs and when weather permits, skydiving.

Koncrete Creations specializes in all things concrete including concrete countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds and mantels, furniture and other centerpieces. A couple years back, while playing a game of chess with a friend, he mentioned I should make a concrete board. I did just that, and we are now excited to be offering a line of custom concrete chessboards.

CM: Do you keep an inventory of boards or are they all custom made?

RD: Since we began making and offering the boards, the interest has been very positive. Due to strong feedback we have begun making stock boards available for sale in either black/white or green/white color combinations. We also make custom boards.

CM: What types of colors, patterns and square sizes are available?

RD: One of the great things about concrete is that it allows for unlimited design choices related to sizes, color combinations and patterns. Often we will incorporate embeded marble or stone squares of one color to contrast the base concrete color of the board to create the alternating squares effect. Once we finish processing the board, it's impossible to tell that it's not one continuous piece.

CM: Are you a chess player yourself?

RD: I do play as well. I have several friends, in addition to my girlfriend's eleven-year-old son (boy prodigy) who I enjoy playing with. I play enough to know that I have a lot to learn about this wonderful game.

CM: Can you give us an idea of pricing for your concrete chessboards?

RD: The pricing of the boards vary, depending on size, personalized options, whether it's a stand-alone board or board/table combination, etc. Boards start from $119 up to $1,400 for an outdoor board/table set.

CM: What thicknesses are typical and what is the weight of a board with 2 1/4 inch squares?

RD: Boards can be made at any thickness. Generally, unless otherwise specified, the boards are 1" thick and weigh approximately 16 lbs (comparable to a similar sized piece of granite). Although boards can made as thin as 1/2 thick, the extra 1/2 inch allows for an attractive "round-over edge" giving the illusion that the board is off the surface it's sitting on.

CM: Are your boards available for shipping anywhere in the U.S/World?

RD: Yes, we can ship nationally and internationally.

CM: Do you have a showroom where folks can get a look at the boards?

RD: Unfortunately, we do not have a showroom at this time. In order to keep overhead costs and end product costs down, a showroom hasn't been a luxury we've been able to open at this point. We have talked and are interested in pursuing partnerships with retail organizations to be able to showcase our products to the public.

CM: Have you considered manufacturing the pieces from concrete?

RD: We are actively looking into the in's and outs of manufacturing chess pieces made out of concrete. Because every material has its strengths and weaknesses (concrete being its tensile strength, we need to ensure that once made, the pieces will be able to withstand years of use with the realities of something handled and sometimes dropped.

CM: Best of luck with this pursuit and thanks for the interview!

RD: Thanks again.


This table is made with reclaimed Hemlock from a 100-year-old barn.


A stunning piece of art!


This board is 36" x 36", uses gray concrete with 4" tumbled marble squares and has what is called "split face granite" edging.


This 17" x 17" light blue design with tumbled marble squares makes for a very practical, playable board.


A medium gray board with glass tiles worthy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art!


Each board has its own unique look and feel.


The maestro: Ryan W. Dean

]]> Introducing The Board Room tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5448 2010-02-25T14:54:57Z 2010-02-25T17:35:09Z We are pleased to announce The Board Room, our newest link on ChessMaine.net. The Board Room will provide a forum for members of the Maine Chess Association's Board of Directors and Policy Board to communicate with the ChessMaine.net community. We encourage statements and announcements from both boards and look forward to reader comments. Our first entry in The Board Room is from MECA President Andy Bryan's blog. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.25.10 We are pleased to announce The Board Room, our newest link on ChessMaine.net. The Board Room will provide a forum for members of the Maine Chess Association's Board of Directors and Policy Board to communicate with the ChessMaine.net community. We encourage statements and announcements from both boards and look forward to reader comments. Our first entry in The Board Room is from MECA President Andy Bryan's blog.

The Maine Chess Association's exquisite new Board Room. (We're joking of course.)

Welcome to my new blog as president of the Maine Chess Association. I'm excited to help promote chess in an official capacity over the next two years.

The new year has already seen successful events in different parts of the state, success from Maine players across the border at the Portsmouth Open, and the announcement of a Grand Prix event to be held in Freeport. The events in Bangor and Old Town had decent turnouts despite weather playing a part in their schedules. Different players captured top honors and there were a number of upsets which made for good theatre as well as fun chess. I'm looking forward to similar reports in February from the scheduled events.

On another note, I'm looking for a tournament director or two who might be interested in running a tournament in southern Maine. I would be willing to assist if someone is looking for help. It would be nice if there was a rated tournament before the Freeport Open in April. It may be difficult at this juncture with the State Scholastics in March to pull it off, but, if anyone is willing to give it a shot, please let me know.

Right now I feel that a regular schedule of events would help tournament chess players set their schedules. I would like to have the State Closed Championship to return to its old cycle and occur in April, but that won't happen this year with the Freeport Open happening then and last year's happening so late.

I hope to meet with the executive board within the next month to discuss the direction of MECA. I am pleased to be taking leadership at a time when Maine affiliates rank among the top in the nation in the small state category and our website has been cited as one of the best in the country. I look forward to strengthening local clubs and having tournaments in new venues and different areas of the state during my term. Please contact me with any ideas that you think will help promote chess in Maine.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve Maine chess in official capacity.

Andy

]]> Ellsworth Chess Afternoon tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5447 2010-02-17T23:38:03Z 2010-02-19T17:44:24Z On February 8, 2010, K-8 students from seven Down East area schools participated in an afternoon of chess games and fun with their peers at the newly-constructed Ellsworth Middle School. This "chess afternoon" is the second of three such events organized by Deer Isle - Stonington chess coach Dick Powell. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.17.10 On February 8, 2010, K-8 students from eight Down East area schools participated in an afternoon of chess games and fun with their peers at the newly-constructed Ellsworth Middle School. This "chess afternoon" is the second of three such events organized by Deer Isle - Stonington chess coach Dick Powell.

Students from eight schools participated in the second of three chess afternoons hosted by Ellsworth Middle School and organized by Deer Isle - Stonington chess coach Dick Powell.

Schools participating in this event included: Ellsworth, Lamoine, Orland, Deer Isle - Stonington, Bucksport, Stillwater Montessori (Old Town), Conners-Emerson (Bar Harbor) and Airline Community School (Aurora). In addition to being a great way for kids to get together and play chess, the event also fostered new friendships and provided a training ground for the upcoming state chess championships held in March at the University of Maine, Orono. Please see the ChessMaine.net Events page for more details.



Ellsworth's beautiful new elementary and middle school was the site of the action.


Nametags helped students and staff get to know each other.


The well-lit, spacious cafeteria provided an optimal playing site.


Anyone who has experienced an event put on by Dick Powell and the Deer Isle - Stonington Chess Boosters knows that there is always bountiful food!


Andrew Pappianne (left) warms up with a game vs. his dad Lee.


Deer Isle - Stonington player Bethany Humphrey (right) seems to have a comfortable position in this game.


The brother/sister team Sam Keefe (background right) and Jayden Keefe (foreground right) take on all comers.


Players of all ages enjoyed some skittles (non-tournament) chess. Here Ellsworth Middle School chess coach Janet Higgins (left) tries her luck against a scholastic opponent.


Maine Chess Association President Andy Bryan (left) chats with Deer Isle - Stonington chess parent Peggy Zembrusky.


Lamoine chess coach Peter Goebel (left) plays Deer Isle - Stonington's Andy Turner.

The next Ellsworth Chess Afternoon will be held at Ellsworth Middle School on March 1, 2010 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

]]> 2nd Millinocket Open Tournament Report tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5445 2010-02-17T02:45:56Z 2010-02-17T03:25:55Z Ten players whose ratings ranged from USCF 1995 to unrated participated in the four-round 2nd Millinocket Open played on February 6, 2010. Three players topped the crosstable tieing for first place with 3.0 points: Roger Morin, Todd Snyder and Ray Haines. Here's the illustrated tournament report with crosstable. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.16.10 Ten players whose ratings ranged from USCF 1995 to unrated participated in the four-round 2nd Millinocket Open played on February 6, 2010. Three players topped the crosstable tieing for first place with 3.0 points: Roger Morin, Todd Snyder and Ray Haines. Here's the illustrated tournament report with crosstable.

Devon Sheaves (right) plays Lance Beloungie in round one of the 2nd Millinocket Open on February 6, 2010.

2nd Millinocket Open Tournament Crosstable


Roger Morin (right) plays Glenn Snyder in round one.


Ray Haines (left) plays John Ellison in round one. Ellison (1105) scored a 711-point upset in this game over his higher-rated opponent.


Tournament co-champion Todd Snyder (right) on his way to a win over Joshua Burden.


Lois Morin vs. Richard Fontinha


Thanks to Carol Fontinha for helping out with lunch and refreshments.

]]> The Best of ChessMaine.net 2009 tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5421 2010-02-11T02:21:04Z 2010-02-11T10:18:38Z What a year it was! In 2009, a total of 892 Maine chessplayers participated in 85 sections of 37 tournaments. In this our fourth end-of-the year review, we take a look at the players, the tournaments, the champions, the directors and the stories that made 2009 another great year for Maine chess. We wish chess players and fans all the best in 2010! Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.10.10 What a year it was! In 2009, a total of 892 Maine chessplayers participated in 85 sections of 37 tournaments. In this our fourth end-of-the year review, we take a look at the players, the tournaments, the champions, the directors and the stories that made 2009 another great year for Maine chess. We wish chess players and fans all the best in 2010!



Thanks to Haley DeLuca Lowell and Andy Bryan for contributing to this report.

To see crosstables of all USCF-rated tournaments played in Maine this year please click here.

Winningest Players

The players with the most Maine tournament wins in 2009 were Roger Morin (8), Jerry Boucher (4), Brett Parker and David Plotkin (3).


Roger Morin scored wins at the following tournaments: John Bapst New Year's, All Saints Winter Warm-Up, Scholastic Sidekick, ChessMaine.net Championship, East Millinocket Open, Maine Championship, Presque Isle Open and the Aurora Winter Solstice.


Jerry Boucher (left) finished at the top of the crosstable at Tim's Club Tournaments #2, 4, 6 and 7.


Brett Parker won the Blitz Quads G/10, Blitz Quads G/5 and the K-8 section of the Maine State Scholastics.


David Plotkin (foreground right) topped the list at L'Heritage Classique, the Eastern Maine Open and the Maine Championship.

Most Active Players


David Plotkin was the most active Maine player in 2009. He participated in twenty-seven tournaments. David is a USCF member from Massachusetts however he does attend Bowdoin College which allows him to participate in the Maine Closed Champonship.


Matthew Reale-Hatem participated in twenty-two tournaments in 2009 making him the state's second-most active player.


Matthew Fishbein logged twenty-one USCF-rated tournaments in 2009.

State Champions

Each year Maine chess produces a number of state champions. This year there are more than usual as the Maine Championship ended in a six-way tie for first between: David Plotkin, Alan Schalk, Roger Morin, Ruben Babayan, Richard Judy and Andrey Savov.


David Plotkin (right)


Alan Schalk


Roger Morin


Ruben Babayan


Richard Judy


Andrey Savov


High School Champion Gabe Borland


Girls Champion Maggie Bryan


K-8 Champion Matthew Fishbein


K-6 Champion Matthew Reale-Hatem


K-3 Co-Champion Max DeLuca Lowell


K-3 Co-Champion Kinsey Bartlett

Most Popular ChessMaine.net Stories of 2009

Based on net traffic recorded on ChessMaine.net throughout 2009, we have determined the following ten stories to be the most popular of the year. We hope you enjoy taking a second look at these high-interest reports.

1. Margaret Bryan Repeats as Girls State Champion

2. Maine Scholastic Chess Team Championships

3. Maine Individual Scholastic Championship Tournament Report

4. 3rd Annual Joe Brown Memorial Chess Tournament

5. ChessMaine.net Championship Highlighted in Morning Sentinel

6. Margaret Bryan Represents Maine at Polgar Invitational

7. All Saints Winter Warm-Up Tournament Report

8. The Best of ChessMaine.net 2008

9. David Vigorito Wins Boston University Open

10. Six Tie at 2009 Maine Chess Championship

Other Noatable Stories

Maine Chess Association Voters elected a new Board of Directors and new Policy Boards for 2009-2010. The full story can be read here: MECA Online Election Results

In 2009, The Chess Journalists of America again selected ChessMaine.net as the best state chess website in the nation: ChessMaine.net Wins CJA Award...Again!

Biggest Upsets

From hundreds of USCF-rated games played in Maine in 2009 we've distilled the biggest upsets of the year. We offer our congratulations to the following giant slayers and to their opponents, "take heart!"


Brian Roderick (866) scored the biggest upset of the year (768 points) with his win over Ed Hatch (1634) at the MLK 2009 Tournament on January 19, 2009.


Josh Burden (left) rated (1146) defeated Ray Haines (1855) at the Presque Isle Open on October 17, 2009--a 709 point upset.


Yuri Riabkov (1368) beat Roger Morin (2026) at the Eastern Maine Open on November 7, 2009 for a 658 point upset.


Wesley Parker (1333) scalped Phil Lowell (1885) for a 552 point upset at the Eastern Maine Open on November 7, 2009.


Max Berube (1235) defeated Jim Dubois (1744) at the Portland Quick Chess Open on June 13, 2009 scoring a 509 point upset.

Tournament Directors

To determine the most active tournament director in 2009, we use a summation of three factors: number of tournaments directed, number of sections directed and number of players served. Based on this criteria the following tournament directors are listed based on their directing activity in Maine for 2009. Thanks to all TDs in Maine for their hard work, dedication to the game and service to chess players.


Lee Doucette: summation of factors = 227


Steve Wong: summation of factors = 196


Dan DeLuca: summation of factors = 185


Laddy DeLuca Lowell: summation of factors = 148


Akagi Kayashima (left): summation of factors = 118


Tom Sandford: summation of factors = 106


Brian Roderick: summation of factors = 44


Andy Bryan: summation of factors = 41


Phil Lowell: summation of factors = 38


Ethan Dininno: summation of factors = 22


Kathy Richards: summation of factors = 21


Alba Briggs: summation of factors = 16


Matthew Reale-Hatem: summation of factors = 13


Lois Morin: summation of factors = 12


Roger Morin: summation of factors = 12

Maine Chess Association Voters elected a new Board of Directors and new Policy Boards for 2009-2010:

Board of Directors
President
Andy Bryan

Vice President
Maggie Bryan

Secretary
Lee Doucette

Treasurer
Andrey Savov

Policy Board
Steve Abrahams

Jon Malev

Roger Morin

Brian Roderick

Here's to a great year of chess in 2010!

]]> 4th Annual Joe Brown Memorial Tournament Report tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5441 2010-02-04T18:28:30Z 2010-02-05T03:30:39Z Twenty-four players turned out to honor the memory of former Deer Isle - Stonington student and chessplayer Joe Brown at the 4th Annual Joe Brown Memorial Tournament played at Deer Isle - Stonington Elementary School on January 30, 2010. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.04.10 Twenty-four players turned out to honor the memory of former Deer Isle - Stonington student and chessplayer Joe Brown at the 4th Annual Joe Brown Memorial Tournament played at Deer Isle - Stonington Elementary School on January 30, 2010.

Deer Isle - Stonington Elementary School, site of the 4th Annual Joe Brown Memorial Chess Tournament

This five round tournament was played in four sections (K-2, 3-4, and a combined 5-6 and 7-8) at G/15. Topping the grade 7-8 section with a perfect 5.0 points was top-rated Andy Turner. It wasn't a walkover however as some of his games, particularly his second round game with teammate Bethany Humphrey, were very tight right into the endgame and could have gone either way. Following Turner in the grade 7-8 section was Haley DeLuca Lowell with 3.5 points, Ivan Zembrusky with 2.5 points and Reid Bartlett with 1.0 point.

In the grade 5-6 section, Bethany Humphrey took first with 3.0 points followed by Isaac Vaughn who took the second place trophy.

Soozin Cha also posted a perfect 5.0 points in five games to take first in the grade 3-4 section. Closely following Soozin were Kinsey Bartlett with 4.0 points, Tyson Rice and Brendan Penfold with 3.0 points, Orly Vaughn with 2.0 points, Ennis Marshall and Elliot Nevells with 1.5 points and Gabe Allen rounded out the crosstable.

The ten-player K-2 section had the highest attendance. Ben Penfold scored 4.0 points to take the first place trophy edging out Rylee Eaton who scored 3.5 points and received the second place trophy. Third place was shared by Ross Stewart and Andrew Pappianne with 3.0 points. Stewart received the third place trophy and Pappianne took home the fourth place trophy based on tiebreaks. Ruby DeLuca Lowell and Myles Brown tied for fifth place with 2.5 points. DeLuca Lowell was awarded the 5th place trophy on tiebreaks. Cole Stewart took seventh place with 2.0 points, Cameron Stewart scored 2.0 points for eighth place, Kaylee Morey finished with 1.5 points and Henry Penfold scored 1.0 point.

This tournament was organized by Dick Powell and the Deer Isle - Stonington Chess boosters and directed by Dan DeLuca. Thanks to all who participated--players, parents, families and coaches--for making this a great event.

This non-rated tournament was not announced on the Events page of ChessMaine.net as it was primarily an "in house" Deer Isle - Stonington event.


A nondescript sign directs players to the tournament room.


Grade 7-8 section winner Andy Turner


Second in the 7-8 section: Haley DeLuca Lowell with 3.5 points.


Ivan Zembrusky took third in the &-8 section scoring 3.0 points.


Bethany Humphrey adds another tournament win to her belt.


Scoreless but taking home the second place trophy in the grade 5-6 section: Isaac Vaughn.


Reid Bartlett


Grade 3-4 section winner Soozin Cha scored 5.0 points in five games.


Current K-3 state co-champion Kinsey Bartlett took second in the grade 3-4 section.


Tyson Rice scored 3.0 points and received the third place trophy in the grade 3-4 section.


Brendan Penfold tied for third with 3.0 points.


Orly Vaughn put up 2.0 points.


Gabe Allen


Elliot Nevells


Kaylee Morey makes a move in her game vs. K-2 section winner Ben Penfold.


Cole Stewart (left) on the move vs. Myles Brown.


Ross Steward (right) plays Henry Penfold.


Rylee Eaton (left) considers her position vs. Cameron Stewart.


Ruby Deluca Lowell (right) and Andrew Pappianne are all business as they proceed through the opening moves of their game.


As usual at Deer Isle - Stonington the food was plentiful!


Ennis Marshall (right) plays Brendan Penfold in round 1.


Parents and families waiting in the wings.


Dick Powell checks out the action in the grade 3-4 section.


The combined grade 5-6 and 7-8 sections


Future chess players!


Winners in the grade 7-8 section (left to right): Ivan Zembrusky (third), Haley DeLuca Lowell (second) and Andy Turner (first).


Bethany Humphrey (first) and Isaac Vaughn (second) in the grade 5-6 section.


Winners in the grade 3-4 section (left to right): Soozin Cha (first), Kinsey Bartlett (second), Tyson Rice (third), Brendan Penfold (fourth) and Orly Vaughn (fifth).


Winners in the K-2 section (left to right): Ruby DeLuca Lowell (fifth), Ben Penfold (first), Andrew Pappianne (fourth), Rylee Eaton (second), Ross Stewart (third) and Henry Penfold (the tournament's youngest player).


Joe Brown (center) in a photo taken at the 2004 Elementary School National Championships with teammates, Grandmaster Susan Polgar and former Deer Isle - Stonington chess coach Mark Woida. Joe's team finished 11th in the USA in the K-6 U1000 section.


Joe Brown's sister Chelsea and his mom Jennie with Dick Powell.

]]> David Plotkin's Games from the Liberty Bell Open 2010 tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5440 2010-02-02T04:49:04Z 2010-02-02T04:49:43Z Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 1 GM Sergey Kudrin (2570) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2 Click here to replay. Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 2 David Plotkin (2109) - Paul MacIntyre (2325) 1/2 Click here to replay. Liberty Bell Open... Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 1
GM Sergey Kudrin (2570) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 2
David Plotkin (2109) - Paul MacIntyre (2325) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 3
Yefim Treger (2264) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 4
David Plotkin (2109) - Jay Bonin (2381) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 5
David Plotkin (2109) - Andrew Ng (2168) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 6
Stuart Finney (2151) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
Click here to replay.

Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 7
David Plotkin (2109) - Daniel Clancy (2133) 1/2
Click here to replay.

]]> David Plotkin's Games from the Liberty Bell Open tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5439 2010-02-02T03:21:20Z 2010-02-02T04:19:21Z Bowdoin College student and USCF expert David Plotkin recently played in the 2010 edition of the Liberty Bell Open in Philadelphia. On his way to an unbeaten seven draws in the Open section, David drew both GM Sergey Kudrin and IM Jay Bonin. We are pleased to bring you all seven of David's games from this tournament, with his annotations, and hope you find them interesting and instructive. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 02.01.10 Bowdoin College student and USCF expert David Plotkin recently played in the 2010 edition of the Liberty Bell Open in Philadelphia. On his way to an unbeaten seven draws in the Open section, David drew both GM Sergey Kudrin and IM Jay Bonin. We are pleased to bring you all seven of David's games from this tournament, with his annotations, and hope you find them interesting and instructive.

David Plotkin at the 2009 Maine State Championship in South Portland


Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 1
GM Sergey Kudrin (2570) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 2
David Plotkin (2109) - Paul MacIntyre (2325) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 3
Yefim Treger (2264) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 4
David Plotkin (2109) - Jay Bonin (2381) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 5
David Plotkin (2109) - Andrew Ng (2168) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 6
Stuart Finney (2151) - David Plotkin (2109) 1/2
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Liberty Bell Open 2010 Round 7
David Plotkin (2109) - Daniel Clancy (2133) 1/2
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42nd Liberty Bell Open Crosstable

]]> Three Tie for First at 2nd Presque Isle Open tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5437 2010-01-28T11:43:42Z 2010-02-17T02:44:28Z Roger Morin, Roger Hardison and Joshua Burden each scored 3.0 points to tie for first at the 2nd Annual Presque Isle Open played at the Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle on January 16, 2010. Here's the illustrated tournament report and USCF crosstable. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 01.28.10 Roger Morin, Roger Hardison and Joshua Burden each scored 3.0 points to tie for first at the 2nd Annual Presque Isle Open played at the Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle on January 16, 2010. Here's the illustrated tournament report and USCF crosstable.

Turner Memorial Library at the University of Maine Presque Isle: site of the 2nd Annual Presque Isle Open

Following Morin (2008), Hardison (1541) and Burden (1193) in the four round, ten-player tournament were Lance Belongie (1697) with 2.5 points, Stephen Burden (unr), Jacob Atcheson (501) and Lois Morin (574) with 2.0 points, Richard Fontinha (1798) with 1.5 points, Hongtan Wu (204) with 1.0 point and Andy Chan (unr) scoreless.

2nd Presque Isle Open Tournament Crosstable


Roger Morin (left) plays Jacob Atcheson in round one.


Roger Hardison (right) faces off vs. Stephen Burden


The only player to go unbeaten (2 wins and 2 draws) Joshua Burden (left) on the move vs. Andy Chan.


Lance Beloungie (foreground left) deep in though in his gave vs. Hongtan Wu.


Lois Morin vs. Richard Fontinha


Assistant Tournament Director Lois Morin works on pairing the next round.

Thanks to all who participated and hope to see you at next year's Presque Isle Open.

]]> In Memoriam: Dale S. Lyons tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5435 2010-01-24T04:19:58Z 2010-01-24T04:43:15Z With deepest sympathy we report the death of Dale S. Lyons. Dale passed away while attending the Portsmouth Open on January 17, 2010. Dale was a member of the Burlington (VT) Chess Club and the United States Chess Federation. He enjoyed vacationing with his family in Maine. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 1.23.10 With deepest sympathy we report the death of Dale S. Lyons. Dale passed away while attending the Portsmouth Open on January 17, 2010. Dale was a member of the Burlington (VT) Chess Club and the United States Chess Federation. He enjoyed vacationing with his family in Maine.

Dale S. Lyons

Milton, Vermont - Dale S. Lyons, 60, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 while attending a chess tournament in Portsmouth, NH.

Dale was born in Burlington on Oct. 17, 1949, the son of Joseph and Mildred (Pratt) Lyons.

He had a great love for chess and was a member of the U.S. Chess Federation and of the Burlington Chess Club. Dale enjoyed vacationing in Maine with his family, especially the Bath and Booth Bay area.
He also enjoyed the Blue Grass Festival in Swanton.

Dale was self employed for over 30 years as owner of Lyons Auto Repair. Previous to this he had worked for Goss Dodge.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters Richard of Burlington, Gloria Simpson of Burlington, Roderick of Richmond, Prescott and wife Cindy of Marshfield, Camellia of Essex Junction, his uncles and aunts James and Gloria Pratt of Plattsburgh, Peter and Judy Pratt of Milton, Pauline Morrissette of Milton, Mary and Alfred Arel of Enosburgh and by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Millicent.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery.

Memorials in Dale's name may be made to the family in care of Gloria Simpson, 10 North Champlain St., Apt. 529, Burlington, VT 05401.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton.

For those who wish, online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com.

]]> Barry Magda Wins 11th Annual Stillwater Montessori MLK Tournament tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5434 2010-01-24T02:46:53Z 2010-01-24T16:13:42Z With an unbeaten and untied score of 4.0 points, Barry Magda topped the crosstable at the 11th Annual Stillwater Montessori MLK Tournament played in Old Town on January 18, 2010. Zachary Hamilton and John Kenneway tied for first in the K-8 section and Michael Hayden won the non-rated K-6 section. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 01.23.10 With an unbeaten and untied score of 4.0 points, Barry Magda topped the crosstable at the 11th Annual Stillwater Montessori MLK Tournament played in Old Town on January 18, 2010. Zachary Hamilton and John Kenneway tied for first in the K-8 section and Michael Hayden won the non-rated K-6 section.

Barry Magda on his way to a perfect score at the Stillwater Montessori MLK Tournament.

Defeating the second, third, fourth and eighth players on the crosstable, Barry Magda put up a perfect 4.0 points in as many games. Following Magda were Steve Abrahams and Aaron Spencer tieing for second with 3.0 points and Ed Hatch and Yuri Riabkov each scoring 2.5 points.

In the K-8 section Zachary Hamilton and John Kenneway scored 3.5 points to tie for first place, their only draws being with each other in round three. Langdon Holly took clear third with 3.0 points followed by Oliver Sheehan and Stuart MacKay with 2.5 points.

Michael Hayden blanked his opposition with 4.0 points in four games in the non-rated K-6 section and received a one year membership to the United States Chess Federation for his efforts. Trailing Hayden with 3.0 points were Catherine Rudnicki and Jonathan Kish.

In all, thirty-six players participated in the three section, four round tournament. This event was organized by Joe Alex and directed by Dan DeLuca and Andy Bryan.

Stillwater Montessori MLK Tournament Crosstable


Orono High School Chess Coach Steve Abrahams finished equal second scoring 3.0 points with...


...Aaron Spencer.


Ed Hatch scored two wins and a draw to tie for fourth/fifth place with...


...Yuri Riabkov.


Orono Middle School Chess Coach Ryan Tripp


Josh Shulman


Andrew Audibert tied with his brother...


...Josh Audibert (left) who took first in the K-12 section (which was merged with the open) ahead of Haley DeLuca Lowell (right).


That's Henry Chai focusing on his game.


Curt Brock during the last few seconds of his third round game vs. Aaron Spencer.


Dick Powell


Tournament organizer Joe Alex watches the game Ryan Vienneau (right) vs. John Audibert.


This will be high school senior Ryan Vienneau's last year in the state championships.


Glenburn's Zachary Hamilton came equal first in the K-8 section with..


...former Stillwater Montessori student John Kenneway.


Langdon Holly scored 2.5 points in the K-8 section tieing for third/fourth with...


...Oliver Sheehan.


One to watch: Ritvik Kumaran


Bridger Holly


Stillwater Montessori's own Hope Gross


Zachary Grindal


Sam Keefe contemplates the knight fork on c7.


Gabe Gervais on the move.


Adrianna Keefe rounded out the K-8 crosstable.


Winners in the K-8 section (left to right): Oliver Sheehan (equal fourth), Stuart MacKay (equal fourth), Langdon Holly (third), John Kenneway (equal first) and Zachary Hamilton (equal first).


Winners in the K-6 non-rated section (left to right): Jonathan Kish (equal second), Catherine Rudnicki (equal second) and Michael Hayden (first).


Eamon Laskey


Liam Farrell


Ryan McCauley scored 2.0 points in this his first tournament.


Eveyln Domsala


Natalie Sheehan


Four out of the ten players in the K-6 section were girls. Here Jayden Keefe makes a move in her first round games vs. Eveyln Domsala.

Thanks to Al Duplessis, all the volunteers, parents and players. We hope to see you back at the 12th Annual Stillwater Montessori MLK Chess Tournament!

]]> Delay Mode or Bronstein Mode for Time Delay? tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5430 2010-01-16T23:10:01Z 2010-01-16T23:38:10Z In a open letter to Maine tournament directors and the Maine chess community, Rob Shore lays out a cogent argument preferring Bronstein mode (add on) vs. Delay mode (countdown) for digital clocks with time delay. We look forward to comments from readers on this interesting article. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 01.16.10 In a open letter to Maine tournament directors and the Maine chess community, Rob Shore lays out a cogent argument preferring Bronstein mode (add on) vs. Delay mode (countdown) for digital clocks with time delay. We look forward to comments from readers on this interesting article.

Most digital clocks are capable of Delay mode and Bronstein mode.

An Open Letter to Maine Tournament Directors

Most of the tournaments in Maine these days are played at "Quick" rating speed...G60 or even G45. The official USCF Rule Book suggests that, to help players deal with time pressure in these sudden death time frames, Tournament Directors use a form of time shifting. The rule book says that a time increment is the equivalent (exactly equal) to a time delay (see p10, USCF rules). Maine TDs invariably allow for a 5 sec/move delay, but many won't allow for a 5 sec/move increment, under the mistaken impression that it "adds too much time to the game".

In G60 tournaments, players have the option of setting the clock at 55 minutes with a 5 second delay. What this means is that the players have set 300 (5 x 60) seconds aside in a "time bank". This means that, at 5 seconds per move, it takes 60 moves before the player gets his/her 300 seconds back. Since most games finish in less than 60 moves, these games are usually shorter than G60s without the delay.

A time delay gives the 5 Sec/move back before the move. A time increment gives the same time back after the move. In either case, it is only 5 seconds from the time that had already been set aside. The one significant difference between an increment and a delay is that with an increment, a person ALWAYS gets the full 5 seconds that he/she is supposed to, while when using a delay, a person often does not get the full 5 seconds due him/her. Case in point: I'm in time pressure (under 5 minutes to play). Someone checks me and I'm forced to make an "only move" to get out of check. If I play the "only move" in 1 second and hit the clock, I never get the other 4 seconds back. But with a time increment, I always get the full 5 seconds as soon as I make the move.

In summary

•The rule book says that Increment is the same as Delay
•The 5 seconds per move is my time that has been set aside to help with time pressure situations in sudden death games
•Delay and Increment both give the exact same number of seconds per move. The only difference is that delay gives the 5 second prior to clock starting while the Increment gives it after the move has been made.
•Virtually all USCF and FIDE tournaments that use time shifting use the Increment instead of the Delay. The Increment is becoming the standard for quick play tournaments.

Therefore, I would request that Maine TDs allow players to use a time increment in the sudden death games that comprise so many of the tournaments held in Maine. I would also ask that the new leadership of the Maine Chess Association review this request and consider promoting this as standard practice.

Thank you for your consideration.

Rob Shore
USCF #10001561
MCA # 341

]]> John Bapst New Year's Tournament Report tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5428 2010-01-13T15:31:56Z 2010-01-17T23:41:11Z Twenty-eight players braved single-digit temperatures to participate in the 2010 John Bapst New Year's Tournament played at John Bpast Memorial High School in Bangor on January 10th. Topping the Open section were Roger Morin and Fritz Eyerer who tied for first with 3.0 points in four games. Here's the illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 01.13.10 Twenty-eight players braved single-digit temperatures to participate in the 2010 John Bapst New Year's Tournament played at John Bpast Memorial High School in Bangor on January 10th. Topping the Open section were Roger Morin and Fritz Eyerer who tied for first with 3.0 points in four games. Here's the illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables.

The John Bapst icon is displayed in the lobby of John Bapst Memorial High School, host of the 2010 John Bapst New Year's Tournament.

Roger Morin, Fritz Eyerer, Aaron Spencer and Yuri Riabkov were all tied with 2.0 points after three rounds of the John Bapst New Year's Tournament--Morin losing to Eyerer in round two, Eyerer dropping one to his former John Bapst teammate Aaron Spencer, Spencer himself losing to Riabkov and Riabkov unable to hold to Morin. The final round paired the top four players against each other with Morin vs. Spencer and Riabkov vs. Eyerer. In an exciting round, both top rated players prevailed (Morin 2017, Eyerer 1828) and shared first and second place prize money.

Following the leaders were Spencer, Riabkov and Deer Isle - Stonington Chess Coach Richard Powell with 2.0 points.

In the U1600 section, Saco's Bruce Sherwood and Jaiwei Zou tied for the top spot with 3.5 points. As if to verify their equality, they drew their third round match up against each other in a hair-raising, flag-hanging draw. Zou had queen and king vs. Sherwood's king and rook pawn on the seventh. After many repeats of the position Sherwood asked for a draw and one was adjudicated by the tournament director. Paul Rudnicki, alone in third place with 3.0 points, was trailed by Bill Gallagher, Frank Collemer, Kurt Eyerer and J. Paul Ciarrocchi each scoring 2.0 points.

The U1000 section saw newcomer Camden High School student Forrest Whiting take first with a perfect 4.0 points. George Spahn and John Paul Kenneway shared second with 3.0 points apiece, their only losses being to Whiting.

Ritvik Kumaran won the U600 section with an unbeaten and untied 3.0 points. The remaining three players: Bridger Holly, Eli Spahn and Zachary Grindal tied for second with 1.0 point.

The John Bapst New Year's Tournament was organized by Andy Bryan and Mary Eyerer and directed by Dan DeLuca.

Thanks to John Bapst Memorial High School for hosting, John Bapst Friends of Chess, parents, players and volunteers for making this a successful tournament!

2010 John Bapst New Year's Tournament Crosstable


Roger Morin starts the year off right with a tie for first with...


...former John Bapst student now Swarthmore College physics major Fritz Eyerer.


Current Bapst student Aaron Spencer tied with Bapst Chess Coach...


...Yuri Riabkov and...


Deer Isle - Stonington Chess Coach Dick Powell for third place with 2.0 points.


Andy Bryan behind the computer and...


...behind the pieces in his third round game vs. Yuri Riabkov.


MECA Vice President Maggie Bryan


Co-champion in the U1600 section Bruce Sherwood contemplates his position.


Co-champion in the U1600 section Jaiwei Zou plays John Bapst student Deanna Power.


Third place finisher in the U1600 section Paul Rudnicki


Not the most senior player in the tournament (read on) Bill Gallagher


Up from the Rockland area to play chess in Bangor, Frank Collemer.


John Bapst Chess Team member Kurt Eyerer


Back after a year plus chess hiatus J. Paul Ciarrocchi


Another member of the Bapst Chess Team Dan Honeycutt


One more Bapst player: Deanna Power


John F. "Frank" Jones


Winner of the U1000 section Forrest Whiting


Tournament veteran George Spahn scored 3.0 points in the U1000 section to tie for second place with...


...John Paul Kenneway.


The final round game between John Kenneway and Langdon Holly drew a small crowd.


The well-fought game ended in a win for Kenneway.


Deer Isle - Stonington's Andy Turner


The tournament's youngest player Ian Youth (age 8) of Scarborough poses with the tournament's least youngest player Lois Morin of Houlton (age 76).


The two played each other to a draw in the last round of the U1000 section.


Winners in the U1000 section (left to right): George Spahn (equal second) and Forrest Whiting (first). John Paul Kenneway (equal second) is not pictured.


U600 section winner Ritvik Kumaran scored a perfect 4.0 points.


Following Kumaran in the U600 section were Bridger Holly...


...Zachary Grindall...


...and Eli Spahn each scoring 1.0 point.


Winners in the U600 section (left to right): Eli Spahn (equal second), Bridger Holly (equal second), Zachary Grindal (equal second) and Ritvik Kumaran (first).


Thanks to all for braving the snow, ice and cold to participate in the 2010 John Bapst New Year's Tournament!


]]> MLK Weekend Tournament *Reminders* tag:chessmaine.net,2010:/chessmaine//1.5427 2010-01-13T15:11:35Z 2010-01-13T15:24:33Z There is lots of chess to be had this coming MLK weekend. The two tournaments in Maine are the 2nd Presque Isle Open on Saturday, January 16th and the 11th Annual MLK Day Tournament at the Stillwater Montessori School in Old Town on Monday, January 18th. There are also two tournaments on the events page taking place this weekend in New Hampshire. Dan http://www.chessmaine.net/ 01.13.10 There is lots of chess to be had this coming MLK weekend. The two tournaments in Maine are the 2nd Presque Isle Open on Saturday, January 16th and the 11th Annual MLK Day Tournament at the Stillwater Montessori School in Old Town on Monday, January 18th. There are also two tournaments on the events page taking place this weekend in New Hampshire.

Come out for chess this MLK weekend!

More information on these events including registration forms can be found here.

]]>