The first year at the new location is coming to a close!

I thought the new location was good for the Castle. So far, we have 49 events listed as being played this year. I was happy to play in five of the Thursday Knighters, which averaged between 15-17 players most months.

I didn't achieve my goal of raising my rating into the next class. In fact, I'm ending the year 39 points lower, but I had a good time playing. Thanks to everyone who runs and plays at the Castle. You are a good bunch who I enjoy spending time with.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and New Year!

See you in the next year!

Joe

Tension!!!

At 9:45 p.m., over two hours into round one of the November Thursday Knighter, only one game was finished. Vince Wisniewski played his Alekhine's against an unrated, but strong player.

I was only at move 18 on the Black side of a Caro-Kann, in which my opponent made me work hard. I stepped out of the room for a moment, and when I walked in, found that we were all roughly at the same point...move 16, move 19, move 19, and...move 12?!!! Kevin Landman, a 1500+ player, was playing Black with a strong time advantage against 1900+ Reed Russell.

Roughly an hour later, after I finally resigned, Dennis McGrath finished an excellent game against Steve Turmo with a victory.

Reed was concentrating head down, with just over five minutes left. I was exhausted and couldn't stand any more tension, so I left.

But it was one of those nights where everyone seemed to be playing their best!

John B's team, the Dallas Destiny, won the first round

John Bartholomew blogged about his team's first round win over the Tennessee Tempo in the U.S. Chess League.

Tags: US Chess League, U.S. Chess League, chess, Internet chess

Two items: How's the Thursday Knighter, and a link of interest

Every Thursday night has been busy for me this month, so I have not had a chance to visit, let alone play for this month's Thursday Knighter. Does anyone have an update on this month? (Add a comment or email me.)

Second, I added a link for the US Chess League on the side. For those who haven't heard about it, it is an Internet-only league played by teams across the country. The first round of the new season will begin this evening, Monday, August 27.

Some GMs play, including Nakamura, as well as Minnesota's own IM John Bartholomew. John will be playing Board 2 as Black this coming Wednesday, August 29th.

Tags: US Chess League, U.S. Chess League, chess, Internet chess

Check out this new chess website: Gambetto

I was just apprised of a new chess website this morning, called Gambetto, put together by Dan Bennett. Please take some time to visit. I am impressed with the layout, and heck, he has an area called Tal's Tactics! What's not to like?

Twenty enrolled in July Thursday Knighter

Because school is out, we have a few scholastic players this month, over and above our usual crew of folks here. Matt Dahl, Robert Donahue, and Christopher Gill have joined the action.

It's not to late to join June's Thursday Knighter

We have fifteen people currently enrolled in this month's event, so if you are interested in playing, please come down to the Castle tonight. The rating range is from class E to expert.