Stories and Cross Tables from Recent Area Events
For cross tables from our weekend events or the city and club championship tourneys, please see the appropriate event link.
To check on any Spokane Chess Club sponsored rated event held since 1991, check our affiliate’s games listed on the USCF website.
2024
Chilly G/30 (January 11 & 18)
The January 11 meeting saw 15 players brave the cold to enter a two-week, four round g/30 tournament, and the tally expanded to 18 for the second night’s action. Michael Cambareri was a perfect 4.0 to win the event, defeating Dave Rowles in the battle of unbeatens in round 4. Rowles (3.0) tied for second with Cam Leslie, Matt Goodale, and Craig Moore. The under 1500 prize was shared by Alberto Alberty and Casey Peterson with scores of 2.0. Congratulations to all who braved bitter cold temperatures and snowy roads to take part in a very entertaining event.
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2023
Turkey Quads (November 2-9-16)
The Turkey Quads completed play November 16 with a clear winner in each section. Quad A was won by Michael Cambareri (2.5). Matthew Goodale won Quad B with a perfect 3.0 score. Quad C was won by Alberto Alberty (2.0). Newcomer Serhii Snihurov won both of his games (a third game was unplayed due to a withdrawal) to claim Quad D with another perfect score.
Congratulations to all of the prize winners! The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for TURKEY QUADS (Event 202311169972)
September Quick (September 7)
Michael Cambareri topped the 14 player g/10 event held at club September 7 with a perfect 4.0 score. Second place was shared by Nikolay Bulakh, Jeremy Burnett, Kevin Korsmo, and Cam Leslie with scores of 3.0. Jeremy won the under 1600 prize, while Matt Goodale (2.0) won the under 1400 prize.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for SPOKANE SEPTEMBER QUICK (Event 202309079092)
Hey Jude Quads (August 26)
by Craig Moore. A small, dedicated and young group of chess enthusiasts gathered at the Hive in Spokane on 8/26/23 for two rated quads while celebrating the anniversary of the release of the #1 single Hey Jude by the Beatles. I say, young, because the TD, an impressionable 11-year-old when Hey Jude was released, is the only person involved with the quads who was alive at that time 55 years ago.
Each Quad had a clear winner at 3-0: Quad A – Michael Cambareri. and Quad B – Matthew Goodale. The Beatles Trivia Contest winner with a near-perfect score of 7 of 8 questions correct was Ben Shedlock.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for HEY JUDE QUADS TOURNEY 08/26/2023 (Event 202308264042)
Ajeeb Quads (August 10-31)
August 24 saw the final round of the annual Ajeeb Quads, and the winners of each section were determined by the final four games of the night. Jack Johnson bested Pat Kirlin to win Quad C in a hard fought game that was next to last to finish. Jack finished 3.0, while the other members of the section finished tied for second with a point a piece.
Just prior to the conclusion of that game, Griffin Herr topped Walter van Heemstede Obelt in hard fought endgame to win Quad B with 2.5 points. The winner of the mini-Swiss (section D) was Matt Goodale, who prevailed over Johnny Buckner with a pretty queen sacrifice that led to a checkmate via pawn promotion. The position had been challenging with both sides having mate threats. Buckner, Nathan Garza, and Pat Nance tied for second with 2.0 scores. All four of the top finishers are comparatively new to over the board play.
The top quad featured the last game of the night. Michael Cambareri and Ryan Ackerman engaged in a slug fest, with each having opportunities for mate in two when the game ended with Ryan flagging in the complex position. The conclusion was entertaining for spectators as the two young men kept finding defensive moves that simultaneously threatened to win. The victory left Cambareri alone in first place with a score of 2.5.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for AJEEB23- 23AAJEEB (Event 202308314442)
Craig’s Cwick (August 3)
Ryan Ackerman defeated top seeds Michael Cambareri and Cam Leslie enroute to a perfect 4.0 score to sweep the Craig’s Cwick quick event held at club August 3. Cambareri, Leslie, and Dave Rowles finished 3.0 to share second place honors in the 17-player event.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for CRAIG’S CWICK 08 03 2023 (Event 202308034912)
Dog Days Dual (July 20 & 27)
report by Ben Shedlock:
It was an especially hotly contested event that included wild upsets and outright winners in the one and two spots. During Rounds 3 and 4, the Spokane Chess Club also welcomed four first-time visitors who sparred with each other and several long-time members. Chess is strong in Spokane!
The story of the four-round, game 45 tournament was Chris Bruceri, who fought his way into a four-way tie for third overall with Dave Rowles (1820 R), Griffin Herr (1712 R), and Dave Peoples (1584 R)—rarefied are for a Class F player entering the dual-rated event with a rating of Regular 872/Quick 1030. His Round 1 win over Alberto Alberty, the sixth seed, would have been notable by itself, but he followed it up in Round 3 with win against the seventh-seeded Dave Griffin (a 600+ rating point upset) and exited Round 4 with a flourish, dealing an impressive 1050-rating-point upset draw to Dave Rowles, the second seed, with more than a half hour on his clock while Rowles faced time pressure.
The A-B class was won by Cam Leslie with an unbeaten 4.0, with Ryan Ackerman in the sole second slot with 3.0. Cam’s campaign for perfection withstood challenges from the second, third, and fourth seeds.
With Class C players facing high-level A-B Class competition and stiff challenges from their underrated competitors in Classes D and below, prizes went to those who showed the most resilience. Dave Peoples won the class outright with a score of 2.5, recovering from a first-round scare when Jim Burney, who was on his rating floor at 1200, found a perpetual check in a likely losing position. Taking the second prize, Alberto Alberty bounced back from a double zero in Rounds 1 & 2 (including the loss to Bruceri) to win Rounds 3 & 4, taking the second prize.
Also notable in Class C was newcomer Jonathan Buckner, who chalked a point even though his provisional rating of 1475 entering the event gave him a tough contest against seeds 1, 2, 4, and 5.
The Class D and Under prize went to Bruceri, with the runner-up prize going to Devin Wolford with 2.0. Devin earned his score through a tough set of pairings, playing two of the top 3 players in the bracket.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for DOG DAYS DUAL (Event 202307276312)
Midsummer Night Solstice (June 22 & 29)
Michael Cambareri won the Midsummer Night Solstice, a g/60 four round event played at club on June 22 and 29. Second place was shared by Nikolay Bulakh and Griffin Herr. Dave Griffin won the over 1400 section, while Chris Bruceri won the under 1400 section and claimed the biggest upset prize. Congratulations to all of the winners!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for MIDSUMMER NIGHT SOLSTICE (Event 202306292072)
Dad’s Day Quads 2 (June 24)
Sequels are everywhere these days, and your club frequently indulges in them as well! Last year’s one day, g/60 Dad’s Day Quads drew its own sequel on June 24, the Saturday after Father’s Day. Again held at the Hive on east Sprague, the sequel drew 14 players.
The top quad was won by Michael Cambareri, who scored 3.0 to sweep the field. Quad C likewise featured a perfect score by its champion, Patrick Kirlin. A Swiss tourney was held in “quad” B that featured six tightly grouped players that was a closer fit than even the quad sections! Top seed Alex Herron and David Griffin drew their first round game after battle devolved into an opposite colored bishops endgame. Both then went on to win their remaining games to tie for the section win.
Congratulations to all the winners! The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for DAD’S DAY QUADS 2- BIG DADS 2 (Event 202306246552)
Deon Flash Quick (June 15)
There were three sections comprising 16 players in the club’s June 15 G/25 quick tournament. Each section was won by a perfect 3.0 score: Michael Cambareri in quad A, John Frostad in quad B, and Jack Johnson in the 8 person mini-Swiss. There also were multiple winners of the latter section’s group prizes: Alberto Alberty, David Peoples, and Ben Shedlock scored 2.0 to share the over 1300 section, while the under 1300 prize was split between Jim Burney and Joseph Hartman. Congratulations to all the winners!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for DEON FLASH QUICK- FLASH A (Event 202306151772)
2023×15 Quick Tourney (May 25)
Cam Leslie scored a perfect 4.0 to top the sixteen player field that took part in a g/15 event at club on May 25. Second place (3.0) was shared by John Frostad, Griffin Herr, Kevin Korsmo, and Dave Rowles. Kevin took the class C prize, while the others shared the second place and class B prizes. Jack Johnson (2.0) won the class D prize.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for KOZ 15X2023 (Event 202305253562)
Taxing Quads (April 6-20)
The Taxing Quads are complete following a weekend makeup game. In Quad A, the top three seeds took turns beating each other, resulting in a 3-way tie for first at 2.0 among Ryan Ackerman, Michael Cambareri, and Cam Leslie. In Quad B, Kevin Korsmo went 2.5 to win the section. In Quad C, Steve Brendemihl and David Peoples shared first place with scores of 2.5. In Quad D, Casey Bruner was the clear winner. In Quad E, Jim Burney and newcomer Patrick Nance each went 2.0 to tie for first.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for TAXING QUADS 2023 (Event 202304201112)
March Madness Quick (March 16)
by Craig Moore
The tournament attracted 16 participants on March 16 – six of which joined after the first round was under way. If nothing else, that taught me to not start a Thursday evening tournament before 7 pm again…!
After 4 rounds at G/20 and quick-rated only, the winners were:
1st-2nd (tie) : 3.5-.5 Cam Leslie & Ryan Ackerman
1st A/B: 3-1 David Rowles
1st C: 3-1 Jeremy Burnett
1st D/Unr: 1.5-2.5 Alberto Alberty, Sergio Robles, Nolan Shettle
Biggest Upset: Vibi (Come back! You still need to claim your prize!)
And the Trivia King winning a $15 Starbucks Gift Card: Kevin Korsmo
If you’re interested in the trivia, read on for the answers:
1. True. “March Madness” was first used in reference to high school basketball. Illinois in 1930s.
2. The sportscaster who first used “March Madness” with the NCAA basketball tournament was (b.) Brent Musberger.
3. The first western college to win the NCAA [basketball] tournament was (d.) Oregon. 1939…
4. Craig’s wife, Kathy is a Cougar because she is (f. – both b & c) a BYU alum and older than Craig.
5. “The beauty of a [chess] move lies not in its appearance but in the thought behind it,” is a quote from (b.) Aaron Nimzowitsch.
I like tournament variety and to have some fun beyond playing (or directing) the best game on earth! You may look forward to more trivia at least tangentially related to future tournaments, some “in-kind” prizes, different tournament formats, etc. For instance, I have been thinking about possibly running a Saturday tournament to accelerate into summer – quads run as a double round robin, but with the time control accelerating each round – starting G/55 and ending G/15. Let me know if you would be interested in this type of tournament format!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for MARCH MADNESS QUICK SWISS (Event 202303161932)
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2022
December Duo (December 1 & 8)
Eleven players, braving snowy weather, took part in a two-week, four round g/45 tournament at club on December 1 and December 8. Michael Cambareri took first place with a 4.0 score, while Ryan Ackerman and Robert O’Bannan finished in second with 3.0, each of them losing to Michael on the second night. Jason Webb took the under 1600 prized with a 2.0 score. The event was the first USCF tournament for O’Bannan in just about 17 years!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for DECEMBER DUO 22- DUO (Event 202212086822)
Turkey Quads (November 3-17)
This year’s Turkey Quads saw perfect scores in four of the five sections. The top three quads were won by Ryan Ackerman, Kevin Korsmo, and Jack Johnson with perfect 3.0 scores. In quad four, Ethan Rowe won with a 2.5 score after saving a half point with nice endgame play against Patrick Kirlin. In the final quad, newcomer Jason Webb went undefeated to grab first.
October Quick Swiss (Oct. 27)
The evening of quick chess on October 27 drew 16 players, and 11 of them ended up winning prizes! Michael Cambareri was a perfect 4.0 to take undisputed first place. Every other prize was shared by multiple players! Cam Leslie, Dave Rowles, and Dakota Wickel all scored 3.0 to take second in the class A/B category. The C/D prizes were shared by Jeremy Burnett, Ethan Rowe, and Devin Wolford. Similarly, the E/F category saw four players tie for the two prizes: Sam Bethman, Chris Bruceri, Tiernan Waggoner, and Buster Wagner. Congratulations to all of the winners!
The event cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for OCTOBER QUICK SWISS (Event 202210276052)
Contentious Events (Sept. 8-15)
Dave Rowles was a perfect 4.0 in winning this g/45 event played on consecutive weeks at club September 8 and 15. Second place in the thirteen player field was shared by Ryan Ackerman, Jeremy Burnett, and Michael Cambareri with scores of 3.0.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for CONTENTIOUS EVENTS (Event 202209153452)
August Quick (August 25)
Fourteen players turned out for a night of quick chess action directed by Ben Shedlock. The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for AUGUST QUICK TOURNAMENT (Event 202208250112)
Lou Gehrig Quads (August 20)
An even dozen turned out for this one-day quadrangular event at the West Central Abbey, in the first event directed for the club by Craig Moore in nearly 40 years! The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for LOU GEHRIG QUADS (Event 202208209752)
Ajeeb Quads (August 4-18)
The annual Ajeeb Quads drew the largest turnout in its 29-year history, with 24 players taking part. The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for AJEEB QUADS (Event 202208180942)
Summer League (July 14-21)
Seventeen players took part in this two-week, dual-rated event, won by Michael Cambareri (4.0). The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for SUMMER LEAGUE (Event 202207214632)
Nearly Midsummer Quick (June 25)
Fourteen took part in a one night quick tourney June 25, with Cam Leslie topping the field at 4.0. Four players finished second with 3.0 and shared the over 1500 prize: Michael Cambareri, Kevin Korsmo, Ben Patterson, and Dakota Wickel. The under 1500 prizes were shared by Logan Faulkner and Craig Moore, each of whom scored 2.0.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for NEARLY MIDSUMMER- NEARLYMIDSUMMERQU (Event 202206303142)
Dad’s Day Quads (June 18)
The club’s experiment with a one day Quad format event was a big success, with 20 players taking part in the inaugural Dad’s Day Quads, held June 18. As is typical, the tightly packed rating groups led to many tight games that were fought to the wire — Indeed, the final game ended with four seconds on Michael Cambareri’s clock when Dave Rowles flagged!
Ryan Ackerman won the first quad with a 3.0 score. Jeremy Burnett (2.5) won the second quad, while Dave Griffin won the third quad with the same score. Ben Shedlock in the fourth quad and Collin Cremers in the fifth quad also both finished with perfect 3.0 scores. Congratulations to all of the winners!!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for DAD’S DAY QUADS- NEW DADS (Event 202206187322)
This was the first event played at The Hive on East Sprague.
554x40d5 (g/40) tourney (May 5-12)
Michael Cambareri won the two-week g/40 tournament that kicked off at club on May 5 with the only perfect 4.0 score among the 14 players taking part. Dave Rowles, Kevin Korsmo, and Frederik van Pallandt tied for second with scores of 3.0. Dave and Kevin split the over 1499 prize, while Frederik took the under 1500 prize.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for 554X40D5 (Event 202205120102)
Taxing Quads (April 7-14-21)
This year’s Taxing Quads fielded a field of 16 players. Michael Cambareri, Jeremy Burnett, and Devin Wolford were perfect in winning Quads A, B, and D, respectively. Quad C resulted in a tie (with 2.0 scores) among Ted Baker, Dave Griffin, and Patrick Kirlin.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for TAXING QUADS 2022 (Event 202204242092)
March 45 Tourney (March 10-17)
The club’s return to Gonzaga continued in fine fashion, with 18 taking part in a two week, g/45 tourney played March 10 and 17. Michael Cambareri won the event with a perfect 4.0 score, defeating Jeremy Burnett in the final round. Cambareri edged Ryan Ackerman in round three, mating Ryan in a time scramble with both players under 5 seconds.
Second place and best in class prizes were shared by Ackerman, Griffin Herr, Burnett, and Arnav Wadikar, all of whom finished at 3.0. Second place in the under 1450 section was shared by Casey Bruner and Devin Wolford with 2.0 scores.
The USCF cross table: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for MARCH45 (Event 202203174752)
2022
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2021
Turkey Quads (Nov. 4 -18, 2021)
Two newcomers with provisional ratings shook up this year’s Turkey Quads. In Quad A, Andrew Beeksma, in his second rated OTB event, pushed his provisional rating into the 1900s by scoring 2.5 points to share the quad title with Michael Cambareri. The two drew in their first round encounter.
Arnav Wadikar, a freshman at LC in Spokane, played better than 1000 points above his old provisional rating while sweeping Quad B. The rating, largely developed in his first to fourth grade years, is significantly below his playing strength by 1000-1500 points. If he can get in a couple more rated games and move out of the provisional rating category, he will be a favorite to win an upset prize in this year’s Collyer Memorial. Watch out if he enters the Idaho Open!!
Ben Shedlock and Joshua Haltom each scored 2-1 to share the prize in Quad C. Everyone won at least one game in that hard fought section before the dust cleared with Ben and Josh on top. Congratulations to everyone who entered!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for TURKEY21- 21TQUADSA (Event 202111188512).
Taxing Quads (August 5-26, 2021)
Two perfect scores — by Dawn Fields in Quad D and Stan Soderberg in Quad E — highlighted the 2021 Ajeeb Quads played this year at Manito Park August 5-26. Two was the magic number in each of the other three sections. Quad A saw Michael Cambareri and Cam Leslie finish at 2.0 to share first. Three people shared first with 2.0 scores in the other three sections: Jeremy Burnett, Griffin Herr, and Mitch Kilayko in Quad B, with Ted Baker, Alex Herron, and Craig Moore repeating the feat in Quad C.
Congratulations to all 20 players who turned out to play in the park!
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for AJEEBS21- AJEEBS21E (Event 202108264112)
Manito Massacre (July 22 & 29, 2021)
Michael Cambareri topped the 19-player field to win the Manito Massacre g/30 event, the club’s first over the board action in 16 months. Michael was a perfect 4-0. Cam Leslie, Dave Rowles, and Tito Tinajero all finished 3-1 to share second place. The event was played July 22 and July 29. A total of 25 players turned out for the return of OTB play in Manito Park on July 22.
The club returned to OTB action in the summer, with events being held in Manito Park. We then switched to the Kress Gallery for the Fall, and again in the first two months of 2022.
The club spent the first half of 2021 online and attempted to hold to the traditional schedule for major weekly events. The popular Taxing Quads were played online, prompting this report:
The Taxing Quads, played online the weeks of April 8-15-22 on the club’s LiChess site, are finally complete. The action in Quad A was fierce and no one escaped unscathed. Michael Cambareri (2.0) claimed Quad A despite losing to second seed Ken Erickson (1.5) in round 2. Each of the games was closely fought, frequently going to the wire (especially if Alex Chow was involved!). From a spectator’s point of view, it was a great section.
Quad B began as a quad, but was converted to a seven player mini-Swiss with some late joiners. Craig Moore and top seed Loyd Willaford finished atop the section with scores of 2.5. Each round featured at least one late-running affair that usually brought in several other players who commented on the game as it was fought out — a perfectly safe way to kibitz!
2021
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2020
With closures mandated by Covid restrictions, the club moved online for the remainder of 2020 and the first half of 2021. The club still met weekly on Thursdays, but did so on LiChess.com
Pi Week G/45 (March 12 & 19)
This g/45 dual-rated event began March 12 at Gonzaga with 12 players and concluded at Dill Books on March 19 with 7. Michael Cambareri and Griffin Herr tied for first with 3-1 scores, while Mitch Kilayko finished third at 2.5.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202003196622
Sweet Fifteens (March 5)
Ten players took part in this g/15 quick event March 5. Michael Cambareri won the tourney with a perfect 4.0 score. Jeremy Burnett and Walter van Heemstede Obelt finished second with scores of 3.0.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202003054202
2020
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2019
BOB g/45 (Dec. 12 & 19)
Top seed Rob Fisette scored 3.5 from 4.0 to win the dual-rated G/45 tourney held at club on December 12 and 19. He topped Jason Cross (3.0) who finished second in the 12 player event. The u/1700 prize was won by Griffin Herr (2.5), who held Fisette to a final round draw. Ted Baker (2.0) claimed the u/1500 prize.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201912191072
Turkey Quads (Nov. 7-21)
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201911259132.0
Spokane Falls Open (August 17-18)
Garrett Casey was a perfect 5-0 in winning the 2019 Spokane Falls Open. The event, played at Gonzaga, drew 21 entries. James Stripes reported the following:
The Spokane Falls Open was dominated by youth. Their games were the last to finish most rounds and they finished near the top of the standings. Of the eight players who had plus scores, five were under the age of eighteen. High schooler Garrett Casey, a three-time elementary grade level state champion, scored a perfect 5.0 to take the $126 top prize. The event pushed his rating into the expert category.
Three youth players were in the four-way tie for second with 3.5, each winning $42—the second place prize, top in C, and top in D. Aniketh Parlapalli took home the top prize for under 1400 as his share of second place. Lily Deng did the same for those under 1600. Jonathan Geyman, and the lone adult in the top five, David Arganian, split the remaining $84.
The last game to finish was a tough battle on board two between Lily and Jonathan. Down a pawn in a rook ending, Jonathan found a clear draw. Nonetheless, Lily continued to press her advantage, creating new imbalances until the players were left with lone kings.
The first and second place prizes for those under 1800 netted Jeremy Burnett and Griffin Herr $31.50 each. They had 3.0. The only other player with a plus score was Grace Deng, who won second under 1400. Rob Harder, the oldest player in the event, walked away with the upset prize after a fine miniature against the tournament director who was moonlighting as house player in the fifth round.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201908187242
Endgame: Thanos (May 2)
Tops seeds Michael Cambareri and Rob Fissete drew their second round encounter on the way to sharing the top result in this six person g/30 dual rated event.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201905029842
BKA (April 18 & 25)
Jason Cross scored 3.5 from 4 to win this g/60 event played at club on April 18 and 25. Michael Cambareri (3.0) finished second, while Logan Faulkner celebrated his return to chess after 18 months by winning the u/1600 prize with a score of 2.0.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201904253932
Taxing Quads (March 28- April 18)
There were three sections in this year’s Taxing Quads, and each was won by a perfect 3.0 score. The winners were Rob Fisette in Quad A, Sam Sauder in Quad B, and Jeremy Burnett in Quad C.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201904183242
Mid March Mayhem (March 14 & 21)
11 players took part in this four round quick event played over two weeks. Jeremy Burnett, Braxton Casey, and Rob Fisette each scored 3.0 to share top honors, 1/2 point ahead of Michael Cambareri, John Frostad, and Kevin Korsmo.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201903216242
It’s Finally March g/30 (March 7, 2019)
The club’s March 7 meeting saw nine players take part in a three round, g/30 dual-rated event directed by Michael Cambareri. Robert Fisette was a perfect 3.0 to win the event. Second place (2.0) was shared by Jeremy Burnett, Cambareri, Jason Cross, and Ben Shedlock.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201903070052
December Round Robin (Dec. 6 & 13, 2018)
Robert Fisette was a perfect 10-0 in winning the six person double round robin g/20 tourney played at club on December 6 and 13. Top seed Michael Cambareri came in second at 8-2. The cross table can be found by checking out the affiliate game link above.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201812135992
Turkey Quads (Nov. 1-15, 2018)
This year’s Turkey Quads featured 18 players participating in three quads and a six person mini=Swiss. Quad A was won by Michael Cambareri (3.0). Quad B and Quad C featured ties between players scoring 2.0. Sam Sauder and Walter van Heemstede shared the honors in Quad B, while Ted Baker and Jeremy Burnett did so in Quad C. Jim Burney was a perfect 3.0 in winning the mini-Swiss, while three players shared second at 2.0: Alex Rosenkrantz, Bill Rottmayer, and Cecelia Valeriotte.
The USCF cross table: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201811152492
2018 Spokane Falls Open (August 18-19)
Brad Bodie and Tito Tinajero, each of whom scored 4.5, shared the top honors in the Spokane Falls Open. Brad, who had the only perfect score heading into round five action, drew with second seed Braxton Casey, while Tito won his board 2 encounter with John Walton to join Brad on top of the leader board at the end.
There were lots of prize winners in the SFO, which saw a record turnout of 35 players, many of whom were young scholastic players giving open chess a try! Sam Rainey and Walter van Heemstede Obelt won the U/1800 prize with scores of 4.0. David Peoples (3.0) took first in the U/1600 section, while Ted Baker, Louis Blair, and Sam Sauder shared the second prize. The U/1400 prizes were shared by Max McGougan and Aniket Parlapalli, both of whom scored 3.0. The top U/1200 prize went to Bryce Leifeste of Eagle Idaho, who also scored 3.0. Second place was shared by Finn Belew and Justin Clark, each of whom scored 2.5. Finn also claimed the prize for the biggest upset with a victory over a player rated 322 points above him.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201808190612
Summer Double Quick (July 26 & August 2)
There were two sections in this double round quick quad event played at club on July 26 and August 2. Michael Cambareri (5.0) won the top section, while Dave Griffin (6.0) was perfect in winning the second section.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201808022512
Contenders Match (July)
Five players took part in this year’s contenders match, with Dave Rowles and Tito Tinajero scoring 3-1 to take top honors. Dave won the right to challenge defending champion Michael Cambareri by virtue of his victory over Tito in their individual match up.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201808022282
July 45 (July 5 & 12)
This seven-person four-round dual-rated event was won by Michael Cambareri with a perfect 4.0 score. David Peoples was second at 3.0.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201807123882
Midsummer’s Quads (June 14 – July 5)
There were 16 participants in this g/90 event. Quad A was won (2.0 scores each) by Tyler Britton and Michael Cambareri. John Frostad (2.5) won Quad B by one half point, while that same score shared Quad C honors for Ted Baker and Louis Blair. Max McGougan scored the only perfect 3.0 result to win Quad D.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201807051722
JuneRR (June 7)
This round robin g/15 quick event featured six players. Michael Cambareri went 4-1 to win the event, while Tito Tinajero (3-2) finished second.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201806074622
May Double Rapid Quads (May 24 & 31)
This event saw two weeks of dual-rated action in a g/60 double round robin format. Michael Cambareri (5.0) edged Jason Cross (4.0) to win Quad A, while Dave Griffin (5.0) topped David Peoples (4.0) to win Quad B.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201805313752
MayQuickly18 (May 10)
Michael Cambareri was a perfect 3.0 in winning this 10 player G/20 event. Second place (2.0) was shared by Jason Cross, Kevin Korsmo, and third grader Matthew Hou.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201805102122
Taxing Quads (April 5-26)
The always popular Taxing Quads began April 5 with 16 participating in the first round action and a fifth quad was formed the next week. Michael Cambareri swept to victory in Quad A with a 3.0 score. Quad B was decided in the final round when the top seeds — Jason Cross and Walter van Heemstede Obelt, played a make up game that ended in Jason’s favor after a nice sac led to mate. David Peoples played a nice endgame in round three to defeat Alex Rosenkrantz and won Quad C with a score of 2.5 to Alex’s 2.0. In Quad D, Jim Burney finished at 3.0 to sweep his quad. In Quad E, Kevin Korsmo scored 2.5 to top the field.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201804265252
Zags G/45 (March 8 & 15)
Twelve players took part in a four round g/45 dual-rated event held at club March 8 & 15. Michael Cambareri was a perfect 4.0, while Jason Cross was second (and won the u/1800 prize) at 3.0. Bill Rottmayer, who was the surprise of the first week with two upset victories, won the u/1400 section with a 2.0 score and picked up enough rating points to move firmly into class C!
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201803155332
March 1 Quick (March 1)
Ten players turned out for a round, one night g/20 event on March 1. Michael Cambareri mowed through the field to finish with a perfect score. He defeated Jim Burney in the final round after Burney, no. 8 seed in the event, had marched through his first three games successfully. Jim’s 3.0 score won the under 1500 prize, while Kevin Korsmo (2.5) won the over 1500 prize.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201803018352
January Quick Round Robin (January 11)
The first club night of the new season saw six players venture out despite 8″ of fresh snow to play a round robin Quick tourney on January 11. Club president Michael Cambareri was a perfect 5.0 in winning the event. Kevin Korsmo finished second with 3.5. David Peoples scored 2.0 to win the under 1600 prize.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201801114252
2017
Turkey Quads (Nov. 2-30)
The annual Turkey Quads, were played November 2-9-16-30 at club. The event opened with three full quads, with a fourth section added in week two, requiring that the event be extended through November 30. The results:
Quad A. Michael Cambareri won this section with a score of 3.0, while Cam Leslie finished at 2.0. The two top seeds clashed in the first week, and both ran the table after Michael’s victory.
Quad B. Ted Baker was a perfect 3.0 in Quad B, with Walter van Heemstede Obelt finishing second with a score of 2.0.
Quad C. Mead high school’s Logan Faulkner also was a perfect 3.0 score in winning Quad C and should move in to the class C category when the event is rated. Jim Burney finished second at 2.0.
Quad D. Top seed Tito Tinajero rebounded from a first round loss to win the section with a 2.0 score. Second place went to Dave Griffin and Kevin Korsmo, both of whom scored 1.5.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201711307232
Game 20 Double Quads (Sept. 7-14)
Top seed Michael Cambareri swept this g/20 double round robin event with a perfect 6.0 score.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201709142362
Spokane Falls Open (August 19-20)
Braxton Casey won this year’s edition of the Spokane Falls Open with a score of 4.0, finishing one-half game ahead of six (!) runners-up. Braxton drew with top seed John Julian in round four, and then drew Jason Cross in a hard-fought round five battle that did not end until both players were under one minute on their clocks. The six who shared second with 3.5 scores: Ted Baker, Arlene Bodie, Jason Cross, John Julian, Anthony Raelund, and Tito Tinajero. The u/1800 prize was shared by Cross, Raelund, and Tinajero. The u/1600 prize was won by Baker, while the first place in u/1400 went to Arlene Bodie. The second place prize in that section was shared by Rob Harder and Bill Rottmayer (2.5). The top unrated prize went to Gregory Black, who also scored 2.5. Ted Baker also scored the biggest upset prize. A total of 21 players took part in the event, including six unrated players in their first event.
The USCF cross table link: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201708201422.0