It helps to know that you’re not alone

Whatley Wanes at Webster, Pulls Through at Purdue
Web posted August 6, 2012

MERRIWETHER – In a hard-fought midwestern series, S.C. Chess Champion, Tori Whatley, suffered a few setbacks in a Missouri tournament and then battled fiercely for a trophy finish in Indiana. As an official invitee to the 9th Annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, Tori Whatley walked across the stage at the Loretto Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University in St. Louis to accept her medal from the Susan Polgar Foundation.

The invitational tournament was played from July 22nd through July 27th, and was one of the most competitive Polgar tournaments in recent years. The tournament featured a blitz match, in which, she won 3.5 out of 7 games. In the main event, she scored 2 out of 6 games, with a round 5 mistake costing her the opportunity to match her Polgar series best of 3 points. “We left one on the table in round 5”, reported Merriwether Mavericks chess coach, David Whatley. “Tori was firmly in control of the game, but a miscalculation swung it in favor of her opponent”, he said.

Missouri’s Zoe Lemon took round 1 in an exhausting King’s Indian Defense (E61) that lasted for 67 moves. Another Missourian, Kendra Fee, fell to Whatley on her 38th move in round 2. Jiaying Cai from Maine won round 3 in 50 moves. Arizona’s Bria Castro would win the round 4 Reti Opening (A04) in 32 moves. The round 5, Pirc Classical (Two Knights) System (B08) went to Yvonne Ward of Utah. Tori faced Gisele Delgado of Texas for the final 6th round. Gisele played a valiant Reti, but came up short against the Palmetto state champion. Whatley gave all of her opponents a Frisbee with the South Carolina state flag printed on them.

Tori commented on how much she enjoys the strong field of female competition. “Not enough girls play chess, but when you come to the Polgar, you can see that there are many strong female players. It helps to know that you’re not alone, and I want to thank Susan for giving us the opportunity to play and for showing us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to.”

Tori’s first opponent in her 2008 Polgar debut, Michelle Ferrell from Oklahoma, flew in from Washington, D.C. to root for her younger sister, Hannah, who is the current Oklahoma champion. Upon sight of one another, Tori and Michelle jumped up for quick hugs and some catch-up conversation. “Their reunion embodies the spirit of this competition. When these girls leave here, they are friends for life”, said Mr. Whatley.

Before leaving St. Louis, the Whatleys visited the City Museum, the Gateway Arch, the World Chess Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Chess Club & Scholastic Center, where Tori was photographed with International Grandmaster Ben Finegold.

After an evening drive, the Whatleys arrived in West Lafayette, Indiana where Tori played the following day in the “Summer Knight” chess tournament, a five-round scholastic event, on the campus of Purdue University. She “galvanized” during the drive, according to her father. The determination resulted in her going 3 out of 5 against a sturdy field and securing the fifth place trophy.

Swinging back over to Springfield, Illinois, father and daughter spent a little time visiting one of Mr. Whatley’s former shipmates who was kind enough to take them on a tour of Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb. They also visited Mr. Lincoln’s Presidential Museum and the village of New Salem, where the 16th president resided for several years.

Tori and her dad, David, are looking forward to coaching the Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club, which will celebrate its 10th year this coming school year. Tori’s sister, Mandy, serves as club secretary and coordinator, making the club a real family affair. The club is open to all Merriwether elementary and middle school students. Mr. Whatley’s association with national chess author, John Herron, will result in this years club being the first in the country to use “Total Chess - Learn, Teach and Play the Easy 1-2-3 Way” as its curriculum.

For more information you can send an email to Mr. Whatley at whatleydavid@bellsouth.net, or visit their Facebook page at Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club to see more about the program. Mr. Whatley can also be reached at his home phone, 803-442-9060.

Source: http://www.edgefielddaily.com

Video from 2012 SPF Girls' Invitational at Webster University

2012 SP Foundation Girls' Invitational (9th annual) at Webster University in St. Louis, MO.

48 qualified and invited players represented their respective states to compete for more than $150,000 in scholarships and chess prizes.

Over 640 photos and full results here: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2012/07/photos-from-2012-spf-girls-invitational.html

Hour long discussion on WPR about the benefits of chess

Hour long discussion with Susan Polgar and Lisa Suhay about many benefits of chess, especially for young people. Rob Ferrett hosted the show for Kathleen Dunn.

Rob Ferrett in for Kathleen Dunn



from Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 10:00 PM The Summer Olympics are well under way, but chess is not included in the list of events even though it is an officially-recognized sport. This hour, Rob Ferrett and his guests discuss the benefits, history, and cultural significance of chess.

Guests:

- Susan Polgar, Chess Grandmaster and winner of 4 Women's World Chess Championships and 5 Olympiad Gold Medals. Director, Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (S.P.I.C.E), Webster University.

- Lisa Suhay, journalist and children's book author. Founder, Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence (N.I.C.E).

Photos from 2012 SPF Girls' Invitational at Webster University

Over 640+ pictures from the 2012 SPF Girls' Invitational have been uploaded at high resolution. Here is the link to all the pictures so far.

https://picasaweb.google.com/116302832360230031699/SPGI2012

SPGI Blitz Championship Results: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2012/07/3-way-tie-for-1st-at-spgi-blitz.html

SPGI Puzzle Solving Championship Results: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2012/07/2012-spf-girls-invitational-puzzle.html

SPGI Parents and Friends Results: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2012/07/spgi-friends-and-family-championship.html

Main Event Final Standings

1	Alice Dong	W26	W12	D8	W9	W6	W2	5.5
2-4	Michelle Chen	W27	W20	W11	W7	W3	L1	5.0
2-4	Annastasia Wyzywany	W31	W15	W4	W5	L2	W12	5.0
2-4	Katherine Davis (top u/13)	W19	W17	L3	W22	W20	W11	5.0
5	Zoe Lemon	W37	W42	W23	L3	W7	D9	4.5
6	Margaret Hua	W18	W14	D9	D8	L1	W16	4.0
7	Rachel Ulrich	W28	W22	W10	L2	L5	W20	4.0
8	Anupama Rajendra	W36	W24	D1	D6	L11	W22	4.0
9	Taylor McCreary	W29	W16	D6	L1	W14	D5	4.0
10	Carissa Yip (top u/10)	W32	W35	L7	W15	L12	W27	4.0
11	Miranda Liu	W33	W25	L2	W24	W8	L4	4.0
12	Vanita Young	W38	L1	W26	W35	W10	L3	4.0
13	Maraani Kamphorst	H---	H---	H---	H---	H---	W44	3.5
14	Shayna Provine	W41	L6	W27	W25	L9	D19	3.5
15	Rebecca DeLand	W30	L3	W29	L10	W25	D21	3.5
16	Carmen Pemsler	W39	L9	D32	W41	W18	L6	3.5
17	Cassie Parent	W48	L4	W40	L20	D21	W32	3.5
18	Michaela Abernathy	L6	D41	W34	W23	L16	W33	3.5
19	Haley DeLuca Lowell	L4	W39	L25	W40	W35	D14	3.5
20	Joy Chen	W34	L2	W31	W17	L4	L7	3.0
21	Aiya Cancio	L42	L23	W46	W32	D17	D15	3.0
22	Amelia Wyzywany	W45	L7	W36	L4	W26	L8	3.0
23	Soumya Kulkarni	D46	W21	L5	L18	W38	D28	3.0
24	Lucy Cai	W43	L8	W37	L11	L27	W36	3.0
25	Mina Takahashi	W40	L11	W19	L14	L15	W38	3.0
26	Bria Castro	L1	W46	L12	W37	L22	W40	3.0
27	Hannah Farell	L2	W38	L14	W45	W24	L10	3.0
28	Varenya Chilukuri	L7	D34	L41	W46	W42	D23	3.0
29	Anjana Murali	L9	W45	L15	L38	W43	W35	3.0
30	Skylar Hsu	L15	L31	W48	L36	W45	W42	3.0
31	Diamond Abdus-Shakoor	L3	W30	L20	D42	L33	W43	2.5
32	Anna Sun	L10	W47	D16	L21	W41	L17	2.5
33	Collette Wright	L11	L40	D43	W34	W31	L18	2.5
34	Anne Ulrich	L20	D28	L18	L33	W39	W41	2.5
35	Abbey Gillett	W47	L10	W42	L12	L19	L29	2.0
36	Helen Lou	L8	W43	L22	W30	U---	L24	2.0
37	Tori Whatley	L5	W48	L24	L26	L40	W45	2.0
38	Iris Zhou	L12	L27	W39	W29	L23	L25	2.0
39	Tatiana Hoppens	L16	L19	L38	W47	L34	W46	2.0
40	Yvonne Ward	L25	W33	L17	L19	W37	L26	2.0
41	Jenny Gu	L14	D18	W28	L16	L32	L34	1.5
42	Amy Sun	W21	L5	L35	D31	L28	L30	1.5
43	Ananya Murali	L24	L36	D33	W48	L29	L31	1.5
44	Susanna Ulrich	U---	U---	U---	U---	W46	L13	1.0
45	Gisele Delgado	L22	L29	W47	L27	L30	L37	1.0
46	Austen Janna Borg	D23	L26	L21	L28	L44	L39	0.5
47	Mallory Fee	L35	L32	L45	L39	D48	U---	0.5
48	Kendra Fee	L17	L37	L30	L43	D47	U---	0.5

Webster University will host the Ninth Annual Susan Polgar Girls' Invitational

Susan Polgar Girls' Invitational Chess Competition to be Held at Webster University July 22-27
ST. LOUIS, July 16, 2012

ST. LOUIS, July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Webster University will host the Ninth Annual Susan Polgar Girls' Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls chess event in the United States, July 22 through July 27. The tournament, which is a partnership between the Susan Polgar Foundation and Webster University, will showcase some of the top young (under age 19) female chess talent from across the United States.

The Girls' Invitational begins with two days of intensive, world-class training sessions with Susan Polgar and her team, followed by a six-round championship tournament. More than $100,000 in chess prizes and scholarships will be awarded. The first- and second-place winners will each receive a four-year, $13,000-per-year scholarship to Webster University.

The formal opening ceremony for the Girls' Invitational will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24 at the Loretto Hilton Center on the Webster University campus, 130 Edgar Rd. in Webster Groves. Round 1 of the tournament will begin immediately following on the Loretto Hilton stage, at 2:30 p.m. The ceremony and all tournament rounds are free and open to the public.

Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Wednesday, July 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., respectively. Rounds 4 and 5 will be held on Thursday, July 26, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The tournament wraps up on Friday, July 27, with Round 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., immediately followed by the closing ceremony.

St. Louis native Margaret Hua, 13, is the tournament's top seed.

Chess is increasingly valued for its instructional impact. Globally, educators recognize chess as a tool to cultivate interest and success in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.

About Susan Polgar

Chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar, World and Olympiad Champion, and her Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE) relocated to Webster University in June from Texas Tech University. In addition, all members of the reigning national collegiate champion Texas Tech "A" chess team are transferring to Webster to be enrolled at the University this fall.

At Webster University, SPICE and Susan Polgar are leaders in promoting chess as a vehicle for global diversity and academic excellence, enriching the education of children and for promoting women's chess. The mission of PSICE is to be the nation's premier center for chess education and outreach.

Susan Polgar is one of the strongest female chess players in history. She is the winner of four world championships and the only world champion in history – male or female – to win the Triple Crown (Rapid, Blitz and Classical Chess world championships). Polgar also is the first woman to break the gender barrier to qualify for the Men's World Championship Cycle, earn the Men's Grandmaster title, and to receive the Grandmaster of the Year Award. In 2011, Polgar became the first female head coach to lead a men's Division 1 team (Texas Tech University) to the national title. Polgar led her team to a second national title in 2012.

Polgar is considered a trailblazer who has made an enormous impact in the chess world. She is recognized as the one who laid the foundation for female chess players everywhere. She also believes in the ability of chess to help children of all ages to do better in school as well as develop important like skills.

About Webster University

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses. Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com

Susan Polgar World Open for Boys and Girls 2012, over $100K in scholarships and prizes!

Official website: http://www.polgarworldopen.com/

Susan Polgar World Open for Boys and Girls
Main Event – October 6 – 7*, 2012
Special 3 hour Camp – October 5, 2012

Doubletree Hotel – Oakbrook, IL

Over $100,000 in prizes and scholarships to Webster University

**The winners of the Girls K-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12 will receive automatic invitations to the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational (late July 2013 at Webster University in St. Louis), which include free room and board!

All winners from the 2012 SPWO (Boys and Girls) will receive free entry to the 2013 SPWO!


6R-SS in 8 sections:
(K-3), (4-5), (6-8), (9-12)
Time Control (all sections):
Game-45 w/5-sec delay
Round Times (all sections):
Sat & Sun: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 4pm
Side Events:
Puzzle Solving – Saturday 6:00pm
Simul * – Saturday 7:00pm
Bughouse – Sunday – 9:00am
Blitz – 6:00pm
*Simul is limited to 25 participants with maximum 10 adults as available
Book Signing with GM Susan Polgar:
Between rounds 2 and 3 on Saturday
Between rounds 4 and 5 on Sunday
Q & A with GM Susan Polgar
12:30pm on Saturday
Special 3 hour chess camp with GM Susan Polgar
Friday 10/5 – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Prizes (Boys and Girls)
9th – 12th Grade Section
1st – Webster University Scholarship
2nd – $150 value of chess prizes
3rd – $100 value of chess prizes
4th – $75 value of chess prizes
4-5, 6-8
1st – Netbook
2nd – $150 value of chess prizes
3rd – $100 value of chess prizes
4th – $75 value of chess prizes

K-3
1st – $250 value of chess prizes
2nd – $150 value of chess prizes
3rd – $100 value of chess prizes
4th – $75 value of chess prizes
Trophies (in all sections)
Trophies to Top 10 individuals
Trophies to Top 3 school teams
Tournament Entry Fees:
$40 by September 15, 2012
$50 by September 29, 2012
$60 thereafter and onsite
Side events – $15 each or $40 for all three if purchased in advance; $20 each onsite
1/2 day camp – $40 in advance, $60 onsite – camp limited to 40 participants
Questions: sevan@nachess.org or call 847.423.8626 and mention Polgar tournament in your message
Our chess vendor is Checkmate Chess Supply
Payments to be mailed to (payable):

North American Chess Association
4957 Oakton Street Suite 113
Skokie, IL 60077

Register online at: http://www.polgarworldopen.com

All equipment will be provided (boards, sets, clocks). Organizer provided equipment must be used. Equipment will be on discounted sale upon tournament completion for school clubs and parents to purchase.

Doubletree Hotel – 1909 Spring Road – Oakbrook, IL 60523 – 630.472.6000
$91 room rate; must call hotel directly and ask for North American Chess rate.

9th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational (FREE rooms and meals for official qualifiers)

Rules and Conditions for the 9th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational (SPGI)
July 22 – 27, 2012 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)

Over $100,000 in chess scholarships, chess prizes, netbook computers, etc.

The annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri). The opening ceremony will be at 1:00 PM on July 22. The format this year is similar to 2011.

• There will be a two (2) day intense world class training sessions with Susan Polgar and her team, followed by a 6 round (g/90+30) championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, including scholarship(s) to Webster University.

Each state is allowed one representative to be nominated by June 1, 2012. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 15. (Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow exceptions to the June 1 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 27th of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 27th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Special invitation for this year only: All past participants of the SPNI and SPGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004-2011) are invited to participate in the 2012 SPGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be mutual training sessions for all, however separate section & prizes for alumni participants over the age of 19.

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian.

There is no entry fee to participate in the 2012 SPGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel. For all state representatives, and qualifiers from the SPNO or SPWO, Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus.

For alumni participants, wild card/special invites, coaches, parents, or other family members, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster’s campus. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 25, 2012.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, and the SPGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy. The Champion (or Co-Champions) will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: Webster University scholarship (approximately $13,000 per year x 4 years) + netbook computer + Champion's Plaque / Trophy
2nd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $13,000 per year x 4 years)
Top under 13: netbook computer
Top under 10: netbook computer

The scholarship must be exercised no later than the Fall of 2015.

The New Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California, two for Texas, and two for Missouri) and the District of Columbia represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Nationwide Open for Girls (New Orleans) and the Susan Polgar World Open for Girls (Chicago).

The new SPGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

For information and rates to stay and/or dine and other logistics on Webster’s campus, please send an email to michellenelson30@webster.edu

Contact info: Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com)

Michelle at Webster University michellenelson30@webster.edu 314-968-7468

The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-281-7424 or through info@PolgarFoundation.org.

Webster University is located at 470 E. Lockwood Avenue Webster Groves, MO 63119

BIG THANKS to President Dr. Beth Stroble and Webster University for hosting and sponsoring this very prestigious event for girls!

Susan Polgar Nationwide Open for Boys and Girls

THE SUSAN POLGAR FOUNDATION’S NATIONWIDE OPEN FOR GIRLS & BOYS (K-12)
A Fantastic Tournament in a Great Location!

http://www.cajunchess.com/tourns/tournament20.shtml

June 1 – 3, 2012
(Friday – Sunday *** SAVE THE DATES!!)

Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome
330 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70112

The Holiday Inn Downtown-Superdome is located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, just 3 blocks from the French Quarter. Hotel features include: free shuttle, restaurant, pool, and more!

UP TO $100,000 IN PRIZES – SCHOLARSHIPS TO TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

MAIN EVENT: Team & Individual - 6-Round Swiss System

SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse – Blitz – Puzzle Solving – Polgar Simul – Aquatic Simul

$99 Hotel Room Rate

* Top 3 player scores count toward team result

* School or club team trophies awarded in each section

* Special Camp with Susan Polgar

* Breakfast With Susan Polgar (Q & A Session)

Team & Individual Competition

---

• Open Championship Details (for Main Event and Side Events)
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for Open Championship (6SS, G/45)
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for GM Susan Polgar Chess Camp
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for Chess Puzzle Solving Championship
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for Bughouse Championship
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for Blitz Championship (7SS, G/5)
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for ADULT Breakfast at Brennan's with GM Susan Polgar
  
  
• Secure On-line Registration/Entry for CHILD Breakfast at Brennan's with GM Susan Polgar

If you will be in New Orleans long enough to experience some of the wonderful culture that the city has to offer, may we suggest some of the following tours:

Louisiana Swamp Tour: Weave through the back bayous of the Honey Island Swamp on a small 20- passenger boat and visit an authentic Cajun Village accessible only by boat . . . and then pass through the alligator area where the gators come right alongside the boat for feeding time!

Steamboat Natchez Cruise: Cruise the Mississippi River on a paddlewheeler from the port of New Orleans to the Audubon Zoo and see the city skyline from the best view possible . . . the River View!

Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour: Go back to the glory of the old South as you walk through one of these plantation homes, rich in Creole Louisiana's storied past!

Other tours you may enjoy: French Quarter Walking Tour, Garden District Walking Tour, Cemetery Walking Tour (visit St. Louis Cemetery #1 and see the gravesites of Paul Morphy - World Chess Champion in the mid-1850s - and Marie Laveau (the infamous Voo-Doo Queen of New Orleans); visit Mardi Gras World (where Mardi Gras floats are built and Carnival comes alive!).

Other Interesting Places to Visit and Things to Do Around Town:

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Insectarium, national World War II Museum, Louisiana Children's Museum, Audubon Park & Zoo, take a ferry boat ride across the Mississippi River, and take a street car ride up St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District to see all of the mansions along the Avenue.

A MUST FOR EVERY TOURIST:

Take a walk down to Decatur St. by the River in the French Quarter and see Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, and be absolutely sure that you get a chance to have some Cafe au Lait (Cafe O-lay) and Beignets (ben-yeh's) - also known as Coffee & Doughnuts - at the famous Cafe du Monde across from Jackson Square! This will be an experience you will not soon forget! If you have time you can also take a Horse & Carriage ride through the streets of New Orleans with a driver who is an experienced tour guide.

But, whatever you do in New Orleans, make sure you HAVE FUN ! ! ! !

http://www.cajunchess.com/tourns/tournament20.shtml

132 girls compete in chess in Queen's Quest

132 girls compete in chess in Washington State
From Jill Keto

We had a WONDERFUL weekend at our 10th annual Queen's Quest all-girls tournament at Medina Elementary, in Bellevue, WA.

Our top girl, Mara Kramer, earned a $300 chess scholarship for furthering her chess education or to go to Nationals. Next year we are going to do a $1000 scholarship to encourage girls to attend Nationals.

Seattle Times did a photo essay, and it was also featured in the Sunday Seattle Times print version. Here is the link: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/picturethis/2017834135_allgirlschesstournament.html

I can't tell you how good if felt on Saturday,the little girls so happy and so grateful. Queen's Quest boosts their passion for chess, and in many cases, convinces them to keep playing rather than giving up the sport.

9th annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girl's Invitational

The 9th annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girl's Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will take place on July 22 - 27, 2012 at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. More details will come shortly.

Young Chess Queen makes school history

Clackamas High School students take state chess title
Youth queen school’s first champion in strategy board game
By Raymond Rendleman
The Clackamas Review, Mar 7, 2012

Clackamas High School students made history by winning their school’s first state chess championship since the Oregon High School Chess Team Association was created in the 1960s.

CHS junior Alexandra Botez, who has traveled the world playing chess, took the top title for individuals. In one nail-biter late in the series, Botez forced one of her biggest rivals to resign after she simply took one of his pawns, leaving him unable to retaliate.

Botez has already received a scholarship offer valued at $110,000 starting in the fall 2013. The CHS varsity chess team also includes seniors Kevin Phuong and Gavin Megson, and juniors Kevin Rhine and Hai Dao.

Botez said it was a really great experience that trilled everyone in the team.

“We lost our last round, and ended up winning by tiebreakers, so we didn't expect it,” Botez said. “It was a surprise when we found out we were still in first place...The team had a lot of school spirit and we were proud to come back as state champions.”

CHS Chess Club adviser Mike Figert helped start the club eight years ago, but he credits students who “wanted to put together a club just to do some playing.” Gradually, their interest grew more serious until the students were asking Figert for help getting involved in tournaments.

“It’s so exciting that this is our first one, especially given where we’ve come from,” Figert said.

Science teacher Dave Castles and Ed Addis soon offered their help as coaches. The CHS chess club won the league championship for the first time this year, and the team thought they might have the horses to go all the way to the top.

“It’s always a great surprise to win a state tournament, but we felt confident going in that we would do well, and that turned out to be the case,” Figert said.

Clackamas also took the 6A title in junior varsity, so the club is feeling optimistic about repeating the feat in future seasons. La Salle College Prep just east of Milwaukie was also one of the three varsity co-champions behind Clackamas.

Source: http://www.clackamasreview.com

RIP Dana Hannibal

I am so sad to hear this news. Dana was an amazing girl and she always had a smile on every time I saw her. She was well loved by all her friends in the chess community. RIP Dana! We love you!

Dana Hannibal, 1994-2012

March 1, 2012

By Dan Dalthorp
http://oscf.org/2012/03/dana-hannibal-1994-2012/

Young Oregon chess player and high school junior Dana Hannibal died February 29, 2012. Dana was a bright, friendly, and vivacious girl that had a way of lighting up a room with her presence and was dear to the hearts of many in the Oregon chess community. Between rounds at chess tournaments, she was energetic and talkative and witty. But when it came time to play her games, her focus was intense. It would always amaze me how a young person so vivacious and active could so quickly change gears to sit for hours with sharp concentration–and with such great results. For example, she was always near the top of the OSCF All-Stars list for her grade, was the Grand Champion for Middle School at the OSCF State Championships in Seaside in 2008, and for years she was rated among the top 100 girls in the USA for her age (U13, U16, U21) while she was still active.

She saw beauty in chess and had a talent for expressing it artfully. For example, when she was 12, she conducted an interview with the Salem Stateman Journal at the OSCF State Championships in 2007 and described chess in a touching way: “It’s like a tapestry. All the pieces are weaving together to make something beautiful.” A year or so later, she wrote a poem about chess:

Chess, by Dana Hannibal, 2009

King, queen, and rook,
Find me in a book,
Bishop, knight, pawn,
Play me on your lawn.

King, strong yet weak,
When queen is out you must be meek,
Queen, full of power, pride,
Quick across the board wide,
Rook, as always is your fate,
Move only in lines straight,
Bishop, on diagonal tread,
To make a king bleed dark red,
Knight, your noble steed jumps high,
So you in dark tomb will not lie,
Pawn, smallest of them all,
Reach the end and you’ll grow tall.

King, queen, rook,
More than just a board or book,
Bishop, knight, pawn,
Chess, who’s beauty goes ever on.

Checkmate.

In January 2010 she turned her sharp mind away from chess to other activities. She had a keen interest in science and maintained a 4.0 GPA at Sprague High School in Salem. She had her sights set on medical school to put her considerable talents to work in a noble cause. She was making great progress getting there. Last summer she served as an apprentice in the Harper Environmental & Molecular Toxicology lab at OSU, and last fall she scored well into the 99th percentile on the PSAT and would likely have been named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist when the list is announced later this year.

Her talents extended well beyond the intellectual. Not only was she a varsity softball player, she was darn good…named to the First Team All-League at the OSAA 6A softball playoffs in 2011 and was chosen to represent the Northwest Elite team to play in the International Softball Federation Youth World Cup in Florida in early 2011. She also played varsity Soccer…and was darn good in that too. She was named to the Second Team All-League at the OSAA 6A girls’ soccer playoffs in 2011.

Other sporting accomplishments in the past few years include:
2011 – Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship, Irvine CA
2011 – Statesman-Journal Capital Auto Group Athlete of the Week
2010 – 6A Central Valley Conference All-Academic Team
2010 – Sprague HS Varsity Softball Rookie of the Year, Varsity Letter
2010 – Triple Crown Sports Colorado Fireworks All-American Team
2009 – 79th Oregon Junior Amateur Golf, 3RD FLIGHT champion

——————
More important than her many accomplishments, Dana was a warm and friendly girl, quick with a smile, and had a cheerful and infectious good will that she willingly shared. The world lost a great mind in Dana and also a great heart. She will be greatly missed.

For kids, it’s all about chess

For kids, it’s all about chess
By Lia Russell
Correspondent

NICE Moves with Susan Polgar

Ask most young people what they enjoy doing that’s “free, fun and funky,” and you probably don’t expect to hear “chess.” But a local initiative describes the strategic board game in just that way, and it has children flocking to Lamberts Point Recreation Center every Wednesday to play nice – make that NICE, Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence.

Jeda Leavelle is among those kids. She’s 8 years old and has been playing chess for five years. “Once you know what you’re doing, it’s not that hard,” the Larchmont Elementary second-grader said.

Jeda plans to play in a tournament next weekend hosted by NICE. On Friday and Saturday, the Virginia Queens All-Girl Championship Tournament will be held at Norfolk State University, offering a first in Virginia: the chance for a female to take a state championship title from an all-girls chess tournament. After the tournament, the top player in each of two categories – rated (those who are members of U.S. Chess Federation) and unrated (those with no tournament experience) – will go on to vie in the national championships.

Scholarships and bragging rights are at stake, but the game offers much more. Jeda was one of about 25 children who recently gathered for the weekly after-school program that teaches and promotes chess. She is a regular participant and adheres to the program’s most important rule: Finish homework first. “Playing chess makes me feel proud of myself,” Jeda said.

Increased self-esteem is just one of the goals of NICE, founder and director Lisa Suhay said. “Chess helps kids improve their critical thinking skills,” she said. “Studies have confirmed that playing chess once a week for one year can almost double a student’s standardized test scores.” Chess also helps children with focus and life strategies, according to the U.S. Chess Federation. For girls, it has the added benefit of urging them toward science and math studies – subjects typically dominated by boys. While NICE is open to everyone in the community, including adults, one of its immediate goals is to open the sport of chess to girls.

The statistics tell the story: Of 1,100 International Grandmasters in the world, only two dozen are women, and the only one from the United States is Susan Polgar, a Hungarian-born naturalized citizen. Polgar, a four-time world chess champion and founder of the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence, will be in Norfolk for the tournament next weekend to support NICE and encourage female partici pation in the game. The top winners also will have the opportunity to play in the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Chess Invitational in St. Louis in July. “Chess can give girls self-confidence and is a tool to show that they are equal in areas that society says is reserved for boys,” Polgar said. Polgar, who started playing at age 4, said people often tried to discourage her from chess in her youth.

“They viewed me like I was from Mars because I wanted to play a boys’ game,” she said. “Even today there is a stigma, but it was much worse then.” The ideal time for children to begin playing chess is between ages 4 and 6, Polgar said.

Arthur Bowman, a biology professor at Norfolk State University, agrees with Polgar and often stops by Lamberts Point Recreation Center to play. He brings along NSU students to serve as mentors to the children. “This program is wonderful for the children and for the community,” Bowman said. “It’s a grass-roots initiative, but it’s really something big.”

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

NICE is a community partnership among Norfolk Public Schools; the Chrysler Museum of Art; Hackworth Reprographics; Navy Chess; Norfolk State and Old Dominion universities; teachers; parents; The Virginian-Pilot; the Norfolk

Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space; and the Carnegie Math and Science Initiative for Girls.

IF YOU GO

Virginia Queens All-Girl Championship Chess Tournament Friday what Opening Ceremony and Grandmaster Exhibition by Susan Polgar where Chrysler Museum of Art when 3 to 6 p.m. cost Free Saturday what Tournament Registration and Play where Norfolk State University, New Student Center when Registration: 9 to 9:30 a.m. (though advance registration at www.nicechess. net is encouraged); tournament play: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. cost

Registration and participation are free. For more details www.nicechess. net.

Kicking off Women's History Month with FREE events in Norfolk, VA

Susan Polgar will Kick-off Women’s History Month in Norfolk, Virginia

Two days of events:

MARCH 2^nd – (a Friday) Chrysler Museum of Art will host International Grandmaster, 1^st woman to break the gender barrier in chess, Susan Polgar from 3-5 p.m. Polgar will speak on making history in chess, perform a 15-person simultaneous match (5 girls, 5 boys and 5 top Navy players) and perform a blind-folded exhibition. FREE and open to the public in Huber Court. See http://www.chrysler.org/

MARCH 3^rd –VIRGINIA’s 1^st ever ALL-GIRL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Virginia Queens’ Tournament will be held at NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Student Union. All Virginia girls ages 5-18. FREE. GM Susan Polgar will be the featured speaker at a Chess in Education seminar for educators and parents given. FREE and open to all. Authorized as CEUs for teachers in Virginia.

These events are organized by the Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence (NICE)

For more information please visit www.Nicechess.net or contact NICE Director Lisa Suhay Lsuhays2@cox.net to register.

All-girl chess tourney to be held at Norfolk State University

All-girls chess tourney to be held at Norfolk State University

International chess grandmaster Susan Polgar will lend her support to girls chess and the inaugural Virginia Queens All-Girls Championships.

The Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence will hold the state's first all-girls chess scholarship championships on March 3 at Norfolk State University. The top two girls (one each from the rated and unrated sections) will receive $1,000 scholarships. This tournament to determine the girls state chess champion is free and open to all Virginia girls ages 5 to 18.

On March 2 at 3 p.m., Polgar will celebrate Women's History Month at the Chrysler Museum of Art to play a 15-person simultaneous match with five girls, five boys and five Navy chess players. The event is free to the public.

Source: http://www2.timesdispatch.com

Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls

THE SUSAN POLGAR FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL OPEN FOR GIRLS & BOYS (K-12)
A Fantastic Tournament in a Great Location!

June 1 – 3, 2012
(Friday – Sunday *** SAVE THE DATES!!)

Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome
330 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70112

The Holiday Inn Downtown-Superdome is located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, just 3 blocks from the French Quarter. Hotel features include: free shuttle, restaurant, pool, and more!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO SEE NEW ORLEANS?



AND . . . BETTER YET . . . TO MEET GM POLGAR and some of the National Champions Knight Raiders, LEARN AND PLAY CHESS AT A MAJOR TOURNAMENT IN THE CRESCENT CITY!

UP TO $100,000 IN PRIZES – SCHOLARSHIPS TO TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

MAIN EVENT: Team & Individual - 6-Round Swiss System

SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse – Blitz – Puzzle Solving – Polgar Simul – Aquatic Simul

$99 Hotel Room Rate

* Top 3 player scores count toward team result

* School or club team trophies awarded in each section

* Special Camp with Susan Polgar

* Breakfast With Susan Polgar (Q & A Session)



OPTIONAL TOURS WILL INCLUDE:

LOUISIANA SWAMP & BAYOU BOAT TOUR
RIVERFRONT AQUARIUM
AUDUBON INSECTARIUM
WORLD WAR II MUSEUM
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

BIRTHPLACE & HOME OF WORLD CHESS CHAMPION “PAUL MORPHY”

Please check tournament websites for more details:

http://www.polgarevents.blogspot.com
www.cajunchess.com

Webster University acquired SPICE and Champion US College Chess Team

Webster University
Department of Public Relations
470 E. Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119

Media Contact:
Susan Kerth
Interim Director of Public Relations
314.246.8232 (office)
314.220.9130 (cell)
susankerth14@webster.edu

Checkmate! Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE) and Champion U.S. College Chess Team Moving to Webster University

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 3, 2012 – Building on St. Louis’ growing reputation as a world-class chess center, Webster University is making some exciting chess moves. The University today announced that chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar, World and Olympiad Champion, and her Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE), will relocate to Webster from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, on June 1, 2012. In addition, all members of the reigning national collegiate champion Texas Tech “A” chess team will transfer to Webster and be enrolled at the University in the 2012-2013 academic year.

“Chess is increasingly valued for its instructional impact,” said Webster President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. “Globally, educators recognize chess as a tool to cultivate interest and success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. At Webster, SPICE and Susan Polgar will be leaders in promoting chess as a vehicle for global diversity and academic excellence, for enriching the education of children and for promoting women’s chess.”

“We are excited to be the new home of the Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence,” said Dr. Julian Z. Schuster, Webster University provost and senior vice president. “The mission of SPICE is to be the nation’s premier center for chess education, research, technology and outreach. Our partnership with Susan Polgar and SPICE at Webster will allow us to support and promote competitive chess at the college level. Chess has always been a global game and this important step brings a global game in these global times to a truly global university. We are excited to further enhance the image of St. Louis as a global chess center. ”

“According to recent statistics, there are about 1 billion chess players in the world,” Polgar said. “SPICE, therefore, is a perfect fit for Webster University’s global vision and presence, and I am extremely impressed with Webster’s commitment to excellence in chess and education. I am also very excited to be in the St. Louis area, near the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, the hot spot for chess in the United States, thanks to Mr. Rex Sinquefield.”

The chess players who will either transfer to Webster from Texas Tech or enroll as incoming freshmen include eight Grandmasters and two International Masters, and the team is expected to rank No. 1 in the nation in Fall 2012. “No team in the long and prestigious history of college chess has had eight Grandmasters before,” Polgar said.

Polgar, who is one of the strongest female chess players in history, is the winner of four world championships and the only world champion in history – male or female – to win the Triple-Crown (Rapid, Blitz and Classical Chess world championships). She is the first woman to break the gender barrier to qualify for the Men’s World Championship Cycle, earn the Men’s Grandmaster title, and to receive the Grandmaster of the Year Award. In 2011, Polgar became the first female head coach to lead a men’s Division 1 team (Texas Tech University) to the national title.



With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses. Founded in 1915, Webster University’s campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

# # #

The following students have been accepted / committed to Webster University for the Fall 2012 (August)

Grandmaster Georg Meier - Germany - Sophomore
Grandmaster Wesley So - Philippines - Freshman
Grandmaster Ray Robson - USA - Freshman
Grandmaster Manuel Leon Hoyos - Mexico - Freshman
Grandmaster Elshan Moradiabadi - Iran - Graduate student
Grandmaster Anatoly Bykhovsky - Israel - Junior
Grandmaster Andre Diamant - Brazil - Junior
Grandmaster Denes Boros - Hungary - Junior
International Master Vitaly Neimer - Israel - Sophomore
International Master - elect Faik Aleskerov - Azerbaijan - Graduate student

A BIG thank you to Texas Tech University

I would like to thank Texas Tech University for their incredible support for chess and SPICE in the past five years. I would also like to thank all the donors and supporters, without whom, SPICE could have never achieved this kind of success.

Chess will continue at Texas Tech and I will do everything possible to make sure that the transition with the new Director / Coach will be super smooth. My job is not finished yet as we still have a National Championship to defend in the end of March.

I am very proud to be a part of the Texas Tech family for the past 5 years. We have made a lot of history together. It has been an incredible experience and I will never forget all the wonderful memories.

As someone who has constantly looking to raise the bar and breaking through barriers in chess for nearly 40 years, I could not pass up the opportunity to work with Webster University on a global level, and to bring some of the world's best young talents to SPICE in St. Louis. My goal is to help the next generation of talented young players excel in chess while obtaining a fantastic college education.

There will be more SPICE programs in other universities in the near future. But my base operation will be in St. Louis for many years to come. Once again, thank you for everything. This is not the end of an amazing chapter. It is just the beginning of something even more magnificent.

Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Director
Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE