12.02.21 Women's Grandmaster and 2017 US Women's Chess Champion Sabina Foisor gave a lecture in downtown Portland that was, at the same time, fascinating, instructive, and touchingly personal. With inspirational words of encouragement, WGM Foisor recounted her upbringing in Romania, her ascendence to the pinnacle of US women's chess, and shared the heartbreak of losing her mother to cancer. As part of the Craft Maker's Gambit: An Exhibition Inspired by the Game of Chess, this event was sponsored by the Maine Crafts Association, Maine Craft Portland, and the Maine Chess Association.

For more information on Maine Craft Portland visit their website >> here. <<

WGM Foisor entertained and delighted us with some instructional and artistic positions from recent games including this one from the 2017 US Women's Championship with the Black pieces vs Apurva Virkud where she makes a stunning Queen sacrifice to flush her opponent's King out into the center of the board where it is mated in short order.

26...Qxg1+!! 27.Kxg1 Re1+ 28.Bf1 Rfxf1+ 29.Kg2 Rg1+ 30.Kf2 Ref1+ 31.Ke3 Rf3+ 0-1

WGM Foisor discusses one of her games while the gathered crowd listens in rapt attention.

What better role model for young aspiring chess players?

Join Sabina tomorrow night Friday, December 3rd for a chance to play a US Champion >> Register Here. << or watch the games live on Twitch >> Here. <<