Archive for the ‘Chess’ Category

Dissolution of the ACP – ChessBase

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We, the board of the Association of Chess Professionals (ACP), hereby declare the dissolution of the organization effective immediately. After our latest Extraordinary General Assembly, the decision was reached to dissolve the organization. We have now completed all the legal requirements for the dissolution.

We have overseen the necessary administrative tasks associated with the dissolution process, including the closure of bank accounts, settlement of outstanding liabilities, and the appropriate distribution of any remaining assets in accordance with the ACP's Statute.

The ACP Statute states that "assets will be devoted [...] to an association pursuing the same objective." We have therefore reached an agreement with FIDE to dedicate our remaining assets to the World Junior Championships, starting this year. The official prizes aside, an additional 1 000 EUR "ACP Prize" will be awarded to the winners of the World Juniors (open and girls section) in the next fiveyears. In this way we hope to preserve the legacy of the ACP, at the same time helping the future professionals of our beloved game.

We have also made sure to keep ACP's website active until 2029, thus keeping its presence in the virtual world.

Over the years, the ACP has played a significant role in promoting and advancing the interests of professional chess players worldwide. We have strived to foster a sense of unity, cooperation, and support among chess professionals, advocating for their rights and creating opportunities for growth and development within the chess community.

However, due to various internal and external factors, which we have addressed in the past, it has become increasingly challenging to sustain the operations and objectives of the ACP. Despite our best efforts, we have encountered financial difficulties, a decline in membership, and limited resources to effectively fulfill our mission. The changing landscape of the chess world, coupled with evolving player needs and preferences, has necessitated a critical reassessment of our organizational structure and viability.

After thorough evaluation and discussions, we have come to the difficult conclusion that the dissolution of the ACP is the most appropriate course of action. This conclusion was supported by the voting at the EGA.

We express our deepest gratitude to all the members, sponsors, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the ACP's journey and success throughout the years. Your unwavering commitment and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the cause of professional chess and elevating its status in the world.

As we move forward, we encourage all chess professionals to remain engaged, continue pursuing their passion for the game, and explore other avenues available to them for support, collaboration, and growth. The ACP may dissolve as an organization, but its spirit in chess will always endure.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been a part of the Association of Chess Professionals. Nevertheless, we remain connected through our shared love for the game and the indelible impact the ACP has had on the chess community.

After all, we are one family.

The ACP Board

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Dissolution of the ACP - ChessBase

Hamsini excels in Chess – Ipswich News Today

Byron Peszko

Springfield youngster, Hamsini Dudipall (now aged nine) was recently presented the 2021 Under 7s and 2022 Under 8s Queensland Girls Chess Champion awards and shows no signs of slowing down.

Hamsini began playing chess at a young age with her family at the local library for fun before turning it into a hobby full time.

When I was five, I would go to the local library with my family for a game of chess. I started liking that and went there often to play. When I moved to Spring Mountain, I got a chess coach here, and continued playing here.

Hamsini joined the YMCA Springfield Ipswich Chess Club centre coached by club president Ed Cubilla. My first coach was Ed Cubilla who runs the club, says Hamsini.

From there, Hamsini began to play competitively. After playing at the local YMCA centre for some time, Hamsinis father Madhava says she was playing against adults to gain more experience.

At the end of last month, Hamsini competed in the Queensland Junior Chess Championships in Brisbane and despite not winning a trophy, it didnt bother her too much.

She says the best thing about Chess is that it involves a lot of thinking and using your brain in a different way. Its like a mind game and you also need to calculate a lot. Its a very fun game to play as well.

When it comes to Chess, theres a couple things Hamsini says not many people know about the sport.

Theres some special moves in Chess, one is called en passant in French. It means in passing which is the capture of an enemy pawn on an adjacent file that has just made an initial two-square advance.

Theres also a move called Castling. Youve got to touch your King first, you cant touch your Rook. If you touch your Rook, your Rook has to move.

Hamsinis father Madhava is proud of his daughters interest and achievements in the sport, but says more needs to be done in terms of grants and support for the sport.

Were paying out of pocket. The entry fee (to a tournament) can be seventy to ninety dollars. To get coached, it costs sixty dollars per class. Hamsini will practice everyday by herself, because its very costly to have face to face coaching lessons.

Looking ahead, Hamsini says she will continue playing Chess full time but has other plans lined up.

It would be nice to become a professional Chess champion when I grow up, but I want to become a doctor. But if I become a doctor, its going to be full time work and wont have time to play Chess.

Hamsini says even if you dont win, you can still have fun playing Chess.

Good luck with Chess. You might not win, but you can still have fun.

It comes as Ipswich City Council recently installed six chess tables in the Robelle Domain, Springfield Central, with thanks to Ed Cubilla.

Mr Cubilla who pitched the idea to Councillor Nicole Jonic gathered more than 400 signatures in support of the project. Councillor Nicole Jonic said she was pleased to be able to help Springfield Ipswich Chess Club bring the idea to fruition for the benefit of the community.

When Ed put this idea forward, I was immediately excited and happy to help the club bring it to fruition for the betterment of the community.

Mr Cubilla said he was thankful for the support in getting Chess into the open space for the local community to enjoy.

I am really delighted we now have this amazing new area where people can meet and make new friends and enjoy a game of chess in a friendly, healthy and culturally inclusive environment.

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Hamsini excels in Chess - Ipswich News Today

The Muny’s Chess Plays Final Performance July 11 – Playbill

Regional News The Muny's Chess Plays Final Performance July 11

The cult favorite musical stars John Riddle, Taylor Louderman, Tally Sessions, and more.

St. Louis' outdoor theatreThe Muny's Chessfinishes its run July 11. Performances began July 5 with a roster of Broadway and Off-Broadway alums starring.

The cast features Jessica Vosk as Florence Vassy, Jarrod Spector as Frederick Trumper, John Riddle as Anatoly Sergievsky, Rodney Hicks as Walter de Courcey, Tally Sessions as Alexander Molokov, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Arbiter, and Taylor Louderman as Svetlana Sergievskaya.

Chessa love story set against the Cold War chess battles between the United States and Russiafeatures a score by ABBAs Benny Andersson and Bjrn Ulvaeus and EGOT winner Tim Rice. Rice has said recently that a Broadway revival of the musical is in the works.

The ensemble includes Annelise Baker, Jett Blackorby, Eric Allen Boyd, Sydney Chow, Cicily Daniels, Spencer Dean, Matt Faucher, Anna Gassett, Brian Golub, Omega Jones, Sydney Jones, Gareth Keegan, Sage Lee, Daniel May, Brady Miller, Trina Mills, Alysha Morgan, Kristen Faith Oei, Alex Prakken, Emilie Renier, Shelby Ringdahl, Michael Seltzer, and Avilon Trust Tate.

Josh Rhodes directs and choreographs the production which features music directing and conducting by Jason DeBord.

Check out the production below.

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Phillip Hamer

Taylor Louderman, John Riddle, Jessica Vosk, Jarrod Spector, and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Taylor Louderman in Chess

Phillip Hamer

Tally Sessions, John Riddle, Jarrod Spector, Jessica Vosk, and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Phillip Hamer

John Riddle and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Phillip Hamer

Jessica Vosk and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Jessica Vosk and John Riddle in Chess

Phillip Hamer

Jarrod Spector and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Jarrod Spector and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Tally Sessions, Taylor Louderman, John Riddle, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Rodney Hicks, Jarrod Spector, and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

John Riddle, Taylor Louderman, Tally Sessions, and cast of Chess

Phillip Hamer

Jessica Vosk and Taylor Louderman in Chess

Phillip Hamer

Jarrod Spector and John Riddle in Chess

Phillip Hamer

The work debuted on the London stage with a cast led by Elaine Paige, Tommy Krberg, and Murray Head, while the Broadway company featured Judy Kuhn, Philip Casnoff, and the late David Carroll. The score includes such tunes as Nobodys Side, One Night in Bangkok, Anthem, I Know Him So Well, Pity the Child, and You and I. The original Broadway cast recording was released on RCA Victor.

Chess is the third offering in The Muny's 2023 summer season, and will be followed by West Side Story July 15-21, Little Shop of Horrors July 25-31, Rent August 4-10, and Sister Act August 14-20.

For more information, visit Muny.org.

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The Muny's Chess Plays Final Performance July 11 - Playbill

Pune: Chess should be looked as a therapy Vivek Velankar – Punekar News

Pune, 14th July 2023: Mental issues, instability, and stress among the young and old have increased a lot post the Covid-19 pandemic. Parents and teachers are repeatedly complaining about childrens increased restlessness, lack of sitting and concentration in studies. In order to increase stability and attentiveness through a concept like chess therapy has become an absolute necessity said Vivek Velankar, an education expert.

The concept of chess therapy by Velankar Chess Institute was inaugurated by Vivek Velankar at Patrakar Sangh recently. Makarand Velankar, chess coach and director of Velankar Chess Institute, Prakash Kunte, father of Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte, and Sonam Thakur, chess coach, were present at the event.

While talking about the idea behind this activity, Makarand Velankar said, Good mental health naturally draws positive effects on the other activities we do. It also helps in building confidence and hopes to succeed in an I-can-win attitude. Many parents say that children are stubborn, impulsive, and hyperactive. Due to the inability to sit for long, their intelligence is underutilized. Many children face nervousness, think negatively, and have depression. Because of the increased screen time and lack of determination, parents are really worried about their children being slow learners. Therefore, chess therapy can turn out to be beneficial for such issues.

Makarand Velankar also said, Along with this, chess therapy can also help in finding a way out of high work pressure. By practicing this game, ones forgetful behavior can be kept away. Seniors can also highly benefit from chess therapy.

Giving more details about the therapy, Sonam Thakur said, This is not a therapy to create players but a focus on the personality development of the students. We have prepared a suitable plan for each student. This therapy is arranged in three steps as the course of three months. This period can also be extended if necessary.

Thakur also mentioned that it is their aim to make every person chess literate. And through this game, they will also direct the students to work on their weaknesses.

Makarand Velankar, who introduced the idea of chess therapy, has been a chess coach, coordinator, and broadcaster for the last thirty years. He completed his M. Phil in Good Impact of chess on Children, family, and society and has created this special model of chess therapy from all these experiences. His colleague Sonam Thakur is a chess coach, state arbiter, and official coach of MCAs chess in school initiative.

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Pune: Chess should be looked as a therapy Vivek Velankar - Punekar News

iChessOne folding, wood electronic chess board with phone app – Geeky Gadgets

For those who love the game of chess or for those who are just starting to learn, there is a new product that has launched via Indiegogo this month that might spark your interest. This unique folding wooden electronic chess board is called the iChessOne, and it combines both craftsmanship and smart electronic connectivity.

What sets this folding chess set apart is its powerful functionality, thanks to its companion phone application that connects to the board using Bluetooth. With this application, players can challenge themselves, track their progress, and even play against others from around the world. The iChessOne is not only a beautifully designed chess set, but its also a great way to take your chess skills to the next level with the latest technology.

Early bird opportunities are now available for the fresh project from roughly $402 or 341 (depending on current exchange rates), offering a considerable discount of approximately 42% off the average retail price, while the Indiegogo crowd funding is under way.

We combine the beauty of chess craftsmanship with a touch of modern technology. iChessOne is carved out of real wood as a traditional foldable chessboard, yet it provides you with all the powerful e-board functionalities! Play wherever you want and however you like, whether its live or online! iChessOne looks and feels just like a traditional, luxurious wooden set. You cant even tell its electronic until you start playing. When not in use, the LEDs are not visible, as they are subtly hidden inside, under the wood, along with all the electronics.

Our big innovation for the chess world is an original, patent-pending construction, which makes iChessOne the first electronic and foldable chessboard in history! A unique wireless data transmission system allows information to be exchanged between the two halves of the chessboard. Thanks to this, you can fold your new e-board, carry it easily under your arm, or fit it in the luggage to take on a trip!

If the iChessOne campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and the project completion progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around November 2023. To learn more about the iChessOne folding wood electronic chess board project delve into the promotional video below.

Its so easy and quick to get started! To use the power of your electronic chessboard, simply launch the iChessOne App (a built-in battery will be included in each iChessOne set, so no external power source is needed). If you want to play online, select a chess site and start your game. But how does it work exactly? The LEDs will turn on to indicate each of your opponents moves. And thanks to the full pieces recognition system, the board detects the exact location of each piece, so your moves will automatically appear on the chess server.

For a complete list of all available backing options, stretch goals, extra media and key features for the folding wood electronic chess board, jump over to the official iChessOne crowd funding campaign page by investigating the link below.

Source : Indiegogo

Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.

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iChessOne folding, wood electronic chess board with phone app - Geeky Gadgets