Welcome to the official Community Chess Club of Rochester (CCCR) blog which includes chess news and event information. The Rochester Chess Center is a separate USCF affiliate. You are encouraged to visit the Rochester Chess Center where both affiliates run a variety of excellent tournaments. Both chess clubs work together to promote chess. Tournament announcements will be posted here. Contact us at 585-442-2430. Our Address is: 221 Norris Drive, Rochester New York 14610. Thanks for visiting!
We have over 60 Community Chess Club members. Our Chess club is growing!
Community Chess Club of Rochester Officers:
President - Donald Stubblebine
Vice-President: Douglas Spencer
Event Organizer, Treasurer & Web/Blog Editor: Michael Lionti
Secretaries: David Worl and Ken McBride Assistant to the club officers: Abe Glasser & Mike Runnells All officers and assistants are unpaid volunteers who wish to promote chess in our community.
You can inquire about the chess club by phone at 585-442-2430
Our mailing address: 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610
The Dr. Farley Memorial XXII
Monday Night League starts on March 28th!
Register by 6:30pm. Call the Rochester Chess Center
at 585-442-2430 for Info.
38th Annual Marchand Open!
GM Stripunsky, GM Perelshteyn, GM Kudrin, GM Preotu, Dean-Kawamura, Martin, Sulman share 1st place at the 38th Annual Marchand Open
The 38th Annual Marchand Open, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Erich Marchand, took place on 18-20th March 2016 at the Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, New York.
Dr. Erich Marchand "requested that his friends play chess in his memory".
Portrait of Dr. Erich Watkinson Marchand displayed at the Rochester Chess Center
For the 38th Machand Open, 137 players participated. In addition to our local Rochester chess players, we had a very large group from Buffalo, Syracuse and Canada. The tournament included four Grand Masters: GM Stripunsky, GM Perelshteyn, GM Kudrin and GM Preotu. This year, the total prize fund was a huge $16,440. This year's Marchand Open was the largest tournament in size and total prizes in Western New York. The tournament was a wonderful success and it was enjoyed by players and spectators.
The tournament was organized by Ron Lohrman of the Rochester Chess Center. The tournament directors were Ron Lohrman and Ken McBride.
Adam DeSantis with GM Razvan Preotu
Ben Dean-Kawamura (2217) drew GM Bryan Smith (2511) in the final round to tie for 1st place in the Open Section
38th Marchand Open Photo Gallery:
Results:
Adam DeSantis with Calvin Moulton
Daniel Johnston and Ethan Yung
More Marchand Open information coming soon.
The Dr. Farley Memorial XXI
Monday Night League starts on January 4th!
Register by 6:30pm. Call 585-442-2430 for Info.
The Mozart of Chess: World Champion "Magnus Carlsen"
Click to view CBS "60 Minutes" documentary
Special Events Coming Up: Dec. 28-31 - New Year's BreakChess Camp !!!! At the Rochester Chess Center !!!! Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details Jan. 4, 2016 - Chess Center Farley Memorial Fall League begins Saturday Jan. 9th - Harley Scholastic Tournament for Kids:
January 18th - CHESS CAMP!!!! on Martin Luther King Day holiday
Saturday Jan. 16th - Scholastic Tournament for Kids at India Community Center Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details Saturday Jan. 23rd - Scholastic Tournament for Kids at Geneva (North Street) Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details
Feb. 13-15 - U.S. Amateur Team Championship East Flyer below. Sign up as an individual or team at the Rochester Chess Center. Every year Rochester players have a lot of fun at this tournament. For more details, click here
Flyer from Chess Life magazine
Feb. 15-19 - CHESS CAMP!!!! on Winter Break holiday Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details
Saturday Feb. 27th - Seton 20th Annual Tournament for Kids Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details
March 19-20 - 38th Annual Marchand Tournament at the Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, NY. Contact Ken McBride or Ron Lohrman at the Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details. This is the largest and most excellent chess tournament in Rochester!
Portrait of Dr. Erich Watkinson Marchand displayed at the Rochester Chess Center
Saturday March 26th - 11th Annual Woman's Tournament Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details March 28 thru April 1 - CHESS CAMP!!!! on Spring Break holiday Contact Chess Center at 585-442-2430 for details Every Saturday (except for Jan. 9, 16 and Feb. 27 when the Kids Tournament will be held at a different location as noted above) - Chess Center Youth Tournament 10am-1pm, Great way to start out and play, Multiple rounds, USCF-rated (optional): G/30d5
Every Saturday - Chess Center Adult Tournament 2pm-8pm, 3-rounds, USCF-rated games: G/60d5, Register by 1:45pm Nearly every Monday - Chess Center League 7pm-10pm, One USCF-rated game: G/90d5
Every Wednesday Night at 7:30pm - Community Chess Club, Register by 7:15pm, One USCF-rated game: G/80d5 The Chess Center is not open on Sundays, except for private lessons.
Reminder of Important Rules and Dues Changes
There are several rules and dues changes that take effect on January 1, 2016.
For the updated list of rules changes since the publication of the 6th
edition of the US Chess rule book, see 2016 rules changes.
Tournament Directors should have a copy of this rules update document at tournaments that begin in 2016.
For the dues changes that take effect on January 1st, see
2016 Dues Changes.
Mike Runnells played two very nice games over the past two weeks. The first win was against Michael Lionti. The second game was a win against Bob Talbot. In both games, there were some missed opportunities which are instructive. The game analysis in the first game below was performed by Mike Runnells using his Houdini 4 Pro software. Congratulations to Mike Runnells on his winning streak!
We have over 60 Community Chess Club members. Our club is growing. Community Chess Club of Rochester Officers:
President - Donald Stubblebine
Vice-President: Douglas Spencer
Event Organizer, Treasurer & Web/Blog Editor: Michael Lionti
Secretaries: David Worl and Ken McBride Assistant to the club officers: Abe Glasser & Mike Runnells All officers and assistants are unpaid volunteers who wish to promote chess in our community.
You can inquire about the chess club by phone at 585-442-2430
Our mailing address: 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610
19th Annual Community Chess Club Championship "Awards Night" ** Wed. December 2nd ** Please join us for theaward ceremonywhich will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at the Rochester Chess Center. Cake will be served. The club's regularly scheduled chess games will follow the awards ceremony.
Here is an interesting storyfrom The Telegraph newspaper in England:
Seneca Lake Open results The tournament was held in Geneva on Saturday, Nov. 14th. The Chess Center van took a large group to participate in the tournament. There was $1000 in guaranteed prizes. The cross table photo is a little bit blurry, but hopefully it is still good enough to see the game scores and prizes. The tournament organizer was Jonathan Porschet and the tournament director was Ron Lohrman. Several of the most active top players in Western NY participated. This included our own group of local Rochester players Lev Paciorkowski, Matt Slomski, Abraham Glasser, Daniel Johnston, David Phelps, Jamshed Ahmed, David Campbell, Owen Shriver, and Thomas Kwon to name just a few. After 4 rounds of play, there were no perfect scores in the Open section. It is great to see our local players participating in these tournaments. See the results below.
The 19th Annual Community Chess Club Championship
Here are some of the games from the tournament:
Front: 1st Place (center) Cliff Kharroubi, 2nd Place (left) David Campbell and 3rd Place (right) Daniel Johnston.
Standing: 4th Place (left) Sam Cherin, 5th Place (right) Matt Slomski and (center) Jamshed Ahmed.
Group Photo for the 19th Annual Community CHESS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Congratulations to Cliff Kharroubi
Our Community Chess Club
Champion!
Cliff Kharroubi won his game with Lev Paciorkowski tonight. Matt Slomski won his game with Ken McBride. Cliff won the tournament with 4.5 out of 5 which was also the highest score. Coming in second was David Campbell. Taking third was Daniel Johnston.
1st - Cliff Kharroubi
2nd - David Campbell
3rd - Daniel Johnston
4th - Sam Cherin
5th - Matt Slomski
U2000 - David Phelps
U1800 - Arjun Ganesh
U1600 - Jim Trowbridge/Patrick Phillips
U1400 - Mike Connelly
U1200 - Howard Decker
U1000 - Jonah Green
Please join us for the award ceremony which will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Nov. 25th at the Rochester Chess Center. Cake will be served.
More chess games and results will be coming online shortly.
The 19th Annual Community Chess Club Championship concludes tonight!
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #5 - Nov. 4, 2015 (Final Round)
If you are unable to play a round, please notify the tournament director as early as possible by calling the Chess Center at 585-442-2430 as early as possible. This is greatly appreciated.
A no-show forfeit removes the player from the tournament. Zero-point byes are available.
Players:Please see Mike Lionti to submit a PGN file or to have a photocopy made of your chess game so it can be posted online.
Join us for PIZZA tonight at 6pm, Nov 4th at the Chess Center. Stay after the final game ends for a group photo.
See previous posts for game collections and the photo gallery.
We have over 60 Community Chess Club members. Our club is growing. Community Chess Club of Rochester Officers:
President - Donald Stubblebine
Vice-President: Douglas Spencer
Event Organizer, Treasurer & Web/Blog Editor: Michael Lionti
Secretaries: David Worl and Ken McBride Assistant to the club officers: Abe Glasser & Mike Runnells All officers and assistants are unpaid volunteers who wish to promote chess in our community.
You can inquire about the chess club by phone at 585-442-2430
Our mailing address: 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610
Guy Fuhrman before the 4th round of CCCR Championship. Oct. 28, 2015.
Two of the best active players in Rochester, Lev Paciorkowski (left) and David Campbell battled for a point in Round #4 of the CCCR Chess Club Championship. After a "titanic battle", Lev won the game.
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #5 - Nov. 4, 2015 (Final Round)
If you are unable to play a round, please notify the tournament director as early as possible by calling the Chess Center at 585-442-2430 as early as possible. This is greatly appreciated.
A no-show forfeit removes the player from the tournament. Zero-point byes are available.
Players:Please see Mike Lionti to submit a PGN file or to have a photocopy made of your chess game so it can be posted online.
In 1st place, in a three-way tie, we have Cliff Kharroubi, Lev Paciorkowski and Ken McBride. Ken defeated last year's defending 2014 club champion Webster Kehoe in the 4th round. We have completed four rounds out of five in this year's annual CCCR Club Championship.
The complete results can be found below in the tournament cross-table.
We started the 4th round on Wednesday night with only one undefeated player, David Campbell. Campbell lost his game to Lev Paciorkoswki in an exciting game. Now, no player in the tournament stands with a perfect score. This year's 19th annual Chess Club Championship has now completed 4
rounds. The tournament is being held at the Rochester Chess Center, in
Rochester, NY. The tournament consists of five rounds over five
consecutive Wednesday nights. Round three was held on Wednesday night,
Oct. 21st, 2015. Photographs and some chess score sheets are now
posted in the gallery (see link below). Ron Lohrman is the tournament
director. Mike Lionti is the organizer and assistant director. For
more information, please contact us at 585-442-2430. The next round of
the tournament is Wednesday night, Oct. 28, 2015. Participants should
be in attendance by 7:15pm. Zero point byes are available if needed.
Please notify the tournament director if you are unable to play so
adjusted pairings can be made. It is greatly appreciated.
Here are some more games from the 19th Annual CCCR Championship:
Update in-progress adding PGN games you can play thru right here from the Chess Blog.
On BOARD #1, Lev Paciorkowski won his game against David Campbell. At this point, nobody has a perfect score. The chess battle now continues into the final round next week!
Players & Spectators: Plan to have dinner at the Chess Center. Pizza will be arriving around 6pm for the last round of the CCCR Championship, Nov. 4th! Join us for a pre-tournament supper!
Gerry Birmingham enjoying his chess game during the Championship.
Future Grandmaster Thomas Kwon is deep in thought during his game in the Championship.
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #4 - Oct. 28, 2015
If you are unable to play a round, please notify the tournament director as early as possible by calling the Chess Center at 585-442-2430 as early as possible. This is greatly appreciated.
A no-show forfeit removes the player from the tournament. Zero-point byes are available.
Players:Please see Mike Lionti to submit a PGN file or to have a photocopy made of your chess game so it can be posted online.
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #3 - Oct. 21, 2015
In 1st place all by himself, we have David Campbell (ranked 7th) with a perfect score with 3.0 points after three rounds. We have Cliff Kharroubi, Lev Paciorkowski, Ken McBride, defending 2014 club champion Webster Kehoe, David Phelps and Connor Wagner all tied for 2nd place with 2.5 points after three rounds in this year's CCCR Club Championship. The complete results can be found below in the tournament cross-table.
By now, most of the players are very settled into this year's tournament and are trying their best to move up the ladder. There is a good number of top ranked players still battling for the top positions. There were several upsets as lower-rated players continued to challenge and get better games than their higher rated opponents. This is normal in tournaments, because most players are more focussed and determined. If a higher rated player is not giving it their best, upsets can occur. This year's 19th annual Chess Club Championship has now completed 3 rounds. The tournament is being held at the Rochester Chess Center, in Rochester, NY. The tournament consists of five rounds over five consecutive Wednesday nights. Round three was held on Wednesday night, Oct. 21st, 2015. Photographs and some chess score sheets are now posted in the gallery (see link below). Ron Lohrman is the tournament director. Mike Lionti is the organizer and assistant director. For more information, please contact us at 585-442-2430. The next round of the tournament is Wednesday night, Oct. 28, 2015. Participants should be in attendance by 7:15pm. Zero point byes are available if needed. Please notify the tournament director if you are unable to play so adjusted pairings can be made. It is greatly appreciated.
Here are some more games from rounds 2 and 3 of the CCCR Championship:
Here are some photos taken by Amy and Howard Decker when they visited a restaurant called "Chess" in Budapest, Hungary. It turns out that it's a favorite of Susan Polgar's when she is there. And, best of all, Amy and Howard said the food was sensational. Thanks to Amy and Howard for sharing the photos with us for the blog. "When we walked in that evening, the host held up a large chess piece autographed by her. There were chess books and other items on the walls as well. And, as I said, the food was simply fabulous."
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #3 - Oct. 21, 2015
If you are unable to play a round, please notify the tournament director as early as possible.
A no-show forfeit removes the player from the tournament. Zero-point byes are available.
Players:Please submit a PGN file or a photocopy of your chess game so it can be posted online.
Guy Furhman at the Community Chess Club Championship. Oct. 14, 2015.
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #2 - Oct. 14, 2015
Several players who had a first round bye joined this year's 19th annual
Chess Club Championship. The tournament is being held at the Rochester Chess Center, in
Rochester, NY. The tournament consists of five rounds over five
consecutive Wednesday nights. Round two was held on Wednesday night,
Oct. 14th, 2015. Photographs and some chess score sheets are now posted in the gallery (see link below).
Ron Lohrman is the tournament director. Mike Lionti is the organizer
and assistant director. For more information, please contact us at
585-442-2430. The next round of the tournament is Wednesday night, Oct.
21, 2015. Participants should be in attendance by 7:15pm. Zero point byes are available if needed. Please notify the tournament director if you are unable to play so adjusted pairings can be made.
Former President Gerald Ford proclaimed and designated National Chess day in October 09, 1976. But before it happened there was a series of requests from other groups concerned including the Regional Vice-president of United States Chess Federation, who wrote a letter requesting about a proclamation of the said commemorative activity. He stated that roughly 30 million American's are playing chess and that it wasn't being recognized and honored as a great game. It was then reviewed and later, accepted. Since then, it is remembered every year, but has gradually faded away over the years because it wasn't official.
For the past several years, every 2nd Saturday of October has been declared National Chess Day by the U.S. Congress. National Chess Day in 2014 is 11 October and National Chess Day in 2015 is October 10!
President Gerald Ford set the 2nd Saturday in October aside as a day "To give special recognition to a game that generates challenge, intellectual stimulation, and enjoyment for citizens of all ages."
Community Chess Club Championship, Round #1 - Oct. 7, 2015
A record number of players are participating in this year's 19th annual Chess Club Championship, held at the Rochester Chess Center, in Rochester, NY. The tournament consists of five rounds over five consecutive Wednesday nights. Round one was held on Wednesday night, Oct. 7th, 2015. We have a wide range of players participating, from beginners to the best and most active players in Rochester, including Cliff Kharroubi, Daniel Johnston, Lev Paciorkowski, Matt Slomski, Ken McBride, defending 2014 club champion Webster Kehoe, and previous club Champions Doug Spencer and Don Stubblebine. The biggest upset so far was Brian Jesse's draw with chess expert Lev Paciorkowski. This is certain to be a great tournament. It was a full house of players including four new chess players who stopped by to join the USCF and play rated games. The club continues to grow, and could soon reach 70 members. Some photos from the first round games will be posted soon. Ron Lohrman is the tournament director. Mike Lionti is the organizer and assistant director. For more information, please contact us at 585-442-2430. The next round of the tournament is Wednesday night, Oct. 14, 2015. All participants should check-in with the tournament director by 7:15pm to confirm attendance.
MAR.
19-20, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (Enhanced) 38th Annual Marchand Open Dr. Erich Marchand "requested that his
friends play chess in his memory." 5SS, G/120, d5. Location: Strong National
Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. $16,440 Gtd. Open
Section: $3000-2000-1300-800-500-300. Under 2200 & U2000 each $750-450.
FIDE Rated EF: $85. U1800 Section: $1100-750-450. Under 1600 $750-450. EF: $70.
U1400 Section: $500-300-200. Under 1200 $300-200. EF $60. U1000 Section: $400-250-160.
Under 800 $200-130. EF: $50. Unrated players in the U1800 section can only win
$375, in U1400 $175 & U1000 $125. No limit in Open. Balance to next prize
winners. EF refunded and $100 appearance award to all GM and IM if paid by 3/5/2016.
All EF add $20 after 3/5/2016. NYSCA members deduct $3. All sections USCF
rated. Ratings as in March Supplement. Bring sets, boards, and clocks – none
provided. Food court and chess books & equipment sales available on-site.
No smoking allowed on The Strong campus. Free parking. Reg.: 8:30-9:15am. Rds.:
Sat. 10-2:15-6:30, Sun. 10-2:15. One ½ point bye available in rd 1, 2, 3, or 4
if requested at entry. Optional first round Friday, 3/18/2016 at 7pm played at
Rochester Chess Center (register by 6:30pm). Info: 585-442-2430. Mail entry to:
Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. Web: nychess.org. Store: chessset.com.
Tournament Announcement:
Tournament Results:
20th Annual Arkport Open
Grand Prix
October 3, 2015
Jose Raul Capablanca
Tournament Announcement:
20th Annual Arkport Open
Grand Prix
October 3, 2015
The Chess Center Van is going! Sign up at Chess Center!
ENTRY FEE: $30 CASH at site. Open to all USCF members or join at site.
REGISTRATION: 9-9:45 a.m., Saturday 10/3/2015
ROUNDS: 10, 12, 2:15, 5:30
BRING SET, BOARD, AND CLOCK. NONE PROVIDED
DIRECTOR: RON LOHRMAN of Rochester Chess Center
ADVANCE ENTRIES: Make checks payable to F. K. Haris, 1 N. Ridge Dr., Arkport, NY 14807. Info:(607) 661-4295 cell (607) 968-0135
Directions: At traffic light on NY36 in Arkport turn east onto East Ave., immediate right onto Main St., first left onto Park St. by U.S. Post Office, and look for Village Hall (fire station) on right. Tournament is in Village Hall Community Room in rear (east end) of Village Hall, NOT in Hornellsville Town Hall (brick building).
Food: Cy's Grocery on Main St., has deli, other restaurants nearby.
Motels: Sunshine Motel (good value) (607) 324-4565 about 2 miles south of Arkport. Other motels in area.
NOTE: All entry money paid back in form of prizes except basic expenses. Last year 34 players entered. Advertised prizes: $600, Actual Prizes: $843.
NO SMOKING, NO COMPUTERS, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Community Chess Club Special Events:
Wed. Oct. 7,14,21,28 & Nov.4, 2015 - 19th Annual CCCR Club Championship, Rochester, NY
Over 35 players have signed at of 9/23/15
(date to be announced soon) - First Chess Lecture in a series, by distinguished guests
Wed. Nov. 25, 2015 - Thanksgiving party
(snacks provided by chess club, feel free to bring a treat too)
Wed. Dec. 23, 2015 - Holiday party
(snacks provided by chess club, feel free to bring a treat too)
Other Special Events Coming Up:
Sept. 21, 2015 - Chess Center Farley Memorial Fall League begins
October 3, 2015 - 20th Annual Arkport Open Grand Prix in Arkport, NY
Weekend of Oct. 17-18, 2015 - 2nd Annual Central NY Open in Syracuse, NY
Weekend of Oct. 20-22, 2015 - Deaf National Open Championships in Rochester, NY
Nov. 14, 2015 - Seneca Lake Open at Geneva Event Center
Weekend of March 19-20, 2016 - 38th Annual Marchand Open in Rochester, NY
Also, don't forget the Chess Center now runs Sunday Quads from 2-6pm every week!
Fourth episode of Chess Matchwhere instructors from the Rochester Chess Center provide instructional videos sponsored by the Rochester Chess Center. Officiated by instructors Ken McBride and David Petty, instruction from matches include a first year players match between brothers David and Daniel Villani, and the final half of the advanced match between ranked players Webster Kehoe and Connor Wagner. Also, the TIP of the Match from each game and BENEFITS of the Day, and Chess Teams with competitions from around Rochester NY. McQuaid High and Middle, Wilson High, All City, SOTA, Harley, Gates-Chili, Arcadia. Look for your friends and look for yourself! New episodes every month with new players. See if your team, your club or your school, friends or acquaintances are on this episode.
The Community Chess Club members and friends had a wonderful time last Saturday at The Little Theater.
Some of us stayed after in the cafe and played chess for several hours.
We gathered in the cafe for a quick photo to remember the occasion. We hope to see you at the NEXT special chess club event too! We all highly recommend the movie, Pawn Sacrifice!
Sept. 26, 2015 - Club members at The Little Theater's showing of "Pawn Sacrifice"