| FIDE Master and Correspondence Chess International Master Allan Savage gave a scintillating lecture entitled The Importance of Pawn Structure in the library of the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School on Friday evening August 10, 2007. FM Savage stressed the fact that pawn structure helps determine middle game plans and appropriate piece placement and used two grandmaster games to illustrate Maroczy Bind structures. |  |
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The Maine Scholastic Boys and Girls Champions Cullen Edes and Lily Ann Briggs are representing Maine in two national tournaments. Edes is competing in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions and Briggs in the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls. Both of these tournaments are taking place concurrently at the U.S. Open in Cherry Hill, New Jersey from July 29 - August 3, 2007.
Homeschooler Hoty Briggs blanked the competition with four straight wins at the Washington County Chess Fereration July Swiss to take first place at this monthly event. Tied for second with 3 points were Roger Peterson and Nathaniel Simpson. In the scholastic section, Hoty's brother Ezra took first with 1 point. The tournament was held on July 21, 2007 at the Lubec Grange Hall and attracted ten players. The illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables and two of the champion's games is here.
If you haven't had the opportunity to play in one of these delightful tournaments make July your month to do it! Well-run and organized, the Washington County Chess Federation's monthly Swisses have become a standard on Maine's tournament calendar. July's event will take place on Saturday, July 21st in Lubec, the polpular Maine summer vacation destination. Come out, play some chess and enjoy downeast Maine!
The Triple Seven Open and Rated Beginners Open (RBO) played on July 7, 2007 at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland attracted thirty-three players with ratings from 2304 to 320 as well as three unrated players. In the Open section, New England chess legend John Curdo shared first place with Massachusetts resident and expert player Andrew Tichenor.
Celebrate Independance Day with some chess fireworks at the Triple Seven Open and RBO (Rated Beginners Open) at Southern Maine Technical College on Saturday, July 7, 2007. Both tournaments are four rounds and the time controls are: Open G/90, RBO G/60. The tournaments are open to all. Hope to see you in South Portland!
Here are twenty selected games from the first annual ChessMaine.net Championship played at Colby College in Watervile, Maine on June 23, 2007. Many fascinating battles are included here from all class levels. Thanks to all the players who were willing to submit their games--we hope you enjoy them. You can also access these games by clicking directly on the Games link.
Phil Lowell took time away from his busy tournament directing schedule to participate in the ChessMaine.net Championship on June 23, 2007 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Lowell posted one win after another and when the last piece was pushed he was alone at the top of the crosstable with 4 points. The event drew twenty-five players competing for the ChessMaine.net title as well as fun, experience and prizes. Here's a fully illustrated tournament report with interactive USCF crosstables. Games from this event are coming soon.
It was four up and four down for Roger Peterson at the Washington County Chess Federation June Swiss played in Trescott on June 16, 2007. Following Peterson's perfect four point performance were Lily Briggs in second with three points and a group of six players all scoring two points to tie for third overall. In the K-8 section Ezra Briggs took first, Logan Thompson second and Theodore Jans third.
First chess, then basketball now it's baseball. Deer Isle-Stonington kept the steamroller going with a win at the Class D baseball state championship in Standish on Saturday, June 16, 2007. The Mariners, who fielded eight seniors many of whom are chessplayers, took care of Rangeley 11-2. Here's Pete Warner's Bangor Daily News article.
