Special all-girls camps at SPICE

This is the English Department at Texas Tech University, site of the 2008 All-Girls Chess Camps

The Susan Polgar All-Stars Chess Training for top young female players in the United States and Chess: It’s a Girl Thing chess camp are taking place from July 21-25 on campus at Texas Tech. The ladder camp is a part of the well known Science: It’s a Girl thing camp.

The English department at TTU is generously hosting both camps.

Important info about the SPNI

Some general information:

The usual temperature in Lubbock is around a comfortable mid to high 60's in the evening and high 80's to mid 90's in the afternoon. The humidity level is quite low because Lubbock is approximately 3,200 feet above sea level. Therefore, it is quite dry compare to other parts of Texas south of Lubbock.

There will be plenty of amenities available such as swimming, tennis, basketball, ping pong, etc. There are also laundry facilities at Gordon Hall. Both buildings (Gordon and Frazier) are wheel chair accessible.

The Frazier Alumni Pavilion and Gordon Hall are both comfortably air conditioned. Wireless Internet access is available in common area at Gordon Hall. Dining will be at "The Fresh Plate" in Gordon Hall. The walking distance between Gordon Hall and Frazier Alumni Pavilion is about 2-3 minutes.

The time control for the SPNI is 90 moves for the entire game for each player with 30 second increments added on per move. This is equivalent to G/120 and it is the official FIDE time control. In addition, the SPNI will be FIDE rated. This will give many players the opportunity to earn valuable FIDE ratings.

Please bring your own clock if you own one. We do have a limited amount of clocks available if you do not own one. Chess sets and boards will be furnished. However, please bring your own equipment if you would like to have casual games or after hour games with other players in Gordon Hall.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me or Mr. Dewain Barber, Chair of the Polgar Committee.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you in less than a week. It will be a fantastic and memorable event!

Lubbock welcomes SPNI participants

Lubbock welcomes top young American female chess talents

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Story last updated at 7/20/2008 - 2:02 am

The fifth annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, the most prestigious all-girls national chess championship in the United States, will commence next Sunday right here in Lubbock. This prominent national championship will take place over six days, from July 27 to Aug. 1, at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on the Texas Tech campus.

Each state can nominate one talented young female chess player, the top 18-year-old or younger from the state. Thousands of girls compete annually in local, state, regional, national and world events to earn the esteemed invitations.

Tech will host this esteemed event for the next 10 years. In addition, TTU will award a four-year academic scholarship each year to begin the following year to the highest-finishing player who has not graduated from high school by August.

The rules and conditions of this event can be found at http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2008/06/rules-and-conditions-for-spni.html.

In addition, thanks to the generous sponsorship from the Provost's office, all players will receive free accommodation (based on double occupancy) on TTU's campus, as well as all meals during the six-day national event.

Past champions are:

• 2007: Julia Kerr (New York) and Eunice Rodriguez (Florida)
• 2006: Abby Marshall (Virginia)
• 2005: Anya Corke (California), Alisa Melekhina (Pennsylvania), Abby Marshall (Virginia)
• 2004: Roza Eynullayeva (Massachusetts)

Here is the full article.

Special treat for the SPNI

One of the bloggers sent me this link a while back. I was so impressed with their performance in this video which took place before a Texas Tech basketball game. Therefore, I invited the Cactus Cuties to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls next Sunday. They have accepted the invitation. Click here to view the video of one of their performances.

Important info for the SPNI

Here are some more details for the upcoming Susan Polgar National Championship for Girls:

1. Please let us know your flight arrival and departure information if you are flying in to Lubbock and would need help with transportation from the airport to campus. There are taxi service and rental cars at the airport.

2. Please let us know if you are driving or renting a car and therefore will need a parking pass on campus for $6 for the duration of the event (provide name of driver).

3. All participants will receive a complimentary pass to the TTU recreation center http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/ Parents/coaches may also request one for $10 for the duration of the event. Please request it in advance as soon as possible!

4. TTU and the SPF provide free lodging on Campus (at the Gordon Hall dorm on Akron St.

http://www.ttu.edu/campusMap/buildings/gordon.php) for all participants of the SPNI, for up to six nights of stay (July 26 – August 1). Additional room nights are available for $25/pp/night based on double occupancy.

5. Coaches/parents are welcome to stay on the campus dorms as well for $25/pp/night based o on double occupancy (with player or other family member) or $40 for a single dorm room.

6. Meals are complimentary at the “Fresh Plate” (all-you-can-eat buffet style) for all participants of the SPNI starting with breakfast on July 27 and ending with dinner on August 1. There are numerous restaurants at walking distance on University Avenue to eat out on July 26 or August 2.

7. Parents/Coaches may sign up for the meal plan to join their daughters for $22/day.

8. All payments must be made upon arrival by check or cash!!!

9. The event (including the Opening and closing ceremonies) will be held at the Frazier Pavilion, which is 2-3 minute walk away from Gordon Hall dorms.

10. Meal times:

Breakfast 7:30am-9:00am
Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm
Dinner 5:30pm-7:00pm

11. TTU will offer a campus tour(s) at TTU.

12. We will have a basketball game and other optional fun activities.

13. Dress code. Generally causal, but we encourage a bit “nicer” for the opening and closing ceremonies.
See below the schedule of events.

Schedule

July 26
6:00pm: “Warm-Up” Quads (G/30) at Lubbock Room of the STU building

July 27
1:30pm–2:30pm: Opening Ceremony
3:00pm–6:30pm: Round 1 of SPNI

July 28
1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 2 of SPNI and round 1 of Parents/Friends Open
7:00pm: SPNI Chess Puzzle Solving Championship
7:30pm: Free chess lecture by Susan

July 29
1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 3 of SPNI and round 2 of Parents/Friends Open
7:00pm: SPNI Blitz Championship

July 30
1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 4 of SPNI and round 3 of Parents/Friends Open
7:00pm: SPNI Bughouse Championship

July 31
1:30pm–5:00pm: Round 5 of SPNI and final round of Parents/Friends Open

August 1
10:00am–1:30pm: Round 6 of SPNI
2:30pm: Closing Ceremony

Confirmed players as of 7-24-08

Confirmed players for the 2008 SP National Invitational for Girls:

Alabama - Hannah Hellwig
Arizona - Sayaka Foley
Arkansas - Crystal Qian
California (Northern) - Rebekah Liu
California (Southern) - Nisha Deolalikar
Colorado - Alexandra Lasley
Connecticut - Alexandra Wiener
Delaware - Ann Marie Fitch
Florida - Rita Mirchandani
Georgia - Ananya Roy
Hawaii - Ashbea Oyadomari
Idaho - Erica Barkell
Illinois - Sonya Vohra
Indiana - Emily Tallo
Iowa - Dhrooti Vyas
Kansas - Katrina Pritchard
Maine - Sorel Edes
Maryland - Fiona Lam
Massachusetts - Michelle Chen
Michigan - Ashley Carter
Minnesota - Morgan Mahowald
Mississippi - Melanie Newell
Missouri - Joanna Gossell
Nebraska - Elizabeth Oliver
New Jersey - Eve Zhurbinskiy
New Mexico - Rebecca Anne DeLand
New York - Linda Diaz
North Carolina - Amelia Wheeless
Ohio - Brianna Conley
Ohio - Rebecca Lelko
Oklahoma - Michelle Farell
Oregon - Taylor Bailey
Pennsylvania - Shinan Jin
South Carolina - Hannah Whatley
South Dakota - Kaitlynn Loos
Tennessee - Autumn Douthitt
Texas - Sylvia Yang
Texas - Rheanna English
Utah - Jamie Olsen-Mills
Utah - Janice Chen
Virginia - Susan Brown
Washington - Leanne Hwa
Wisconsin - Mira Ensley-Field
Special Invitation - Courtney Jamison
Special Invitation - Angel Bohannon
Special Invitation - Brianna Conley
Special Invitation - Georgia Olvera
Special Invitation - Sarah Garza
SP National Open Qualifier - Claudia Munoz
SP World Open Qualifier - Annie Wang
SP World Open Qualifier - Alisha Chawla

Here are the previous champions:

2007 (Cherry Hill, NJ): Julia Kerr (NY) and Eunice Rodriguez (FL)
2006 (Oak Brook, IL): Abby Marshall (VA)
2005 (Phoenix, AZ): Anya Corke (CA), Alisa Melekhina (PA), Abby Marshall (VA)
2004 (Ft Lauderdale, FL): Roza Eynullayeva (MA)

Frazier Alumni Pavillion

Above is the picture of Frazier Alumni Pavillion on the campus of Texas Tech University, site of the 2008 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States.

I just finished an inspection of the Frazier Alumni Pavillion. This is a part of the preparation for the upcoming 2008 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls which will take place on July 27 - August 1 at Texas Tech University.

We aim to put on a spectacular top-notch annual event. About 50 players have confirmed their participation.

Confirmed players as of 7-2-08

July 27 - August 1 at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas

The annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at the Frazier Pavilion at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Starting time of each round will be at 1:30 P.M., except for round 1 and 6.

Round 1 will be at 3:00 PM and round 6 will be at 10 AM., and the time control is 90 minutes for the entire game with 30 seconds increment added per move. This is the approved FIDE time control. Pre-tournament registration is required.

The open ceremony will be at 1:30 PM on July 27. The closing ceremony will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the last game on August 1.

Click here to see the full list of confirmed players so far.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATE (SusanPolgar@aol.com) IF YOU QUALIFIED AND YOUR NAME IS NOT LISTED!

Important information available here.
Rules and conditions are located here.

What to expect at the SPNI

2008 Annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls
July 27 - August 1 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas

All games will be played at the beautiful Frazier Alumni Pavilion. Players who choose to stay on campus will be at Gordon Hall which is about 2-3 minutes (walking) to the playing hall. It is also right near (a few minutes walking) a major street (University) with many restaurants and shops. All players will have access to the Rec Center at Texas Tech University (swimming, tennis, basketball, etc.)

Click http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-to-expect-at-spni.html to see the pictures of Gordon Hall, Frazier Pavilion and the Rec Center.

Rules and conditions can be found here: http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2008/06/rules-and-conditions-for-spni.html

Some available community amenities at Gordon Hall include: Kitchens, dining areas, ping pong tables, laundry facilities, plasma TV, wireless Internet (in community areas inside Gordon Hall or bring your own ethernet cables for room Internet access), etc. Each room has its own bathroom and living room area. Sheets, pillow cases, towels, soaps, etc. will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own additional personal items as you wish.

For parents who rent cars, the rate for parking on campus will be a little more than $5 for the entire tournament. Parking pass can be obtained at check in at Gordon Hall. Meal tickets (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are available for parents, coaches and other family members at $22 per person per day (buffet style and include drinks). Please let Mr. Dewain Barber (amchesseq@aol.com) know in advance if you wish to take advantage of the meal discount tickets.

Revised Rules and Conditions for the SPNI

Rules and Conditions for the Annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls (June 2008)

July 27 - August 1 at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas

The annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at the Frazier Pavilion at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Starting time of each round will be at 1:30 P.M., except for round 1 and 6. Round 1 will be at 3:00 PM and round 6 will be at 10 AM., and the time control is 90 minutes for the entire game with 30 seconds increment added per move. This is the approved FIDE time control. Pre-tournament registration is required.

The open ceremony will be at 1:30 PM on July 27. The closing ceremony will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the last game on August 1.

Each state is allowed one representative. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 1. (If there are an odd number of entrants in the tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairperson may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairperson (Mr. Dewain Barber amchesseq@aol.com) 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 Chairperson and/or USCF may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must be under the age of 19 as of August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held. 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 August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held, 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. Proof of eligibility will be the responsibility of the players and of the state official certifying the representative and alternate.

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. Players attending college already may not win the scholarship. In such cases scholarship(s) go to the next tournament winner.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike the Denker Tournament of High School Champions, the participants of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Players are required to play in and complete all six rounds of the tournament. Failure to do so, without permission of the Tournament Director, results in a forfeiture of games and expense monies.

Players are required to furnish the Tournament Director with a legible and complete score sheet.

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

Players are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.

If players choose to stay on TTU’s campus, players who complete the tournament will receive free accommodation (based on double occupancy; small, additional fees for single rooms or to share with family members may occur) on campus at Texas Tech University. In addition, all participants will receive free meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 6 days = 18 meals per player). Both are being provided by TTU Provost Office, SPICE and the Susan Polgar Foundation.

The prize fund, sponsored by the Susan Polgar Foundation and the U.S. Chess Trust, are $1,250 divided into four scholarship prizes: 1st ($500), 2nd ($300), 3rd ($250), and 4th ($200). These prizes are paid to the players directly by the U.S. Chess Trust and the Susan Polgar Foundation, but only upon receipt of proof of enrollment in a college, university, trade, community, or technical school.

In addition, a $500 Ursula Foster scholarship is also awarded to the highest finisher under the age of 14. The scholarship is divided in the case of a tie.

The winner of the tournament is crowned the Susan Polgar National Invitational Champion. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy.

Texas Tech University agrees to award a four-year academic scholarship (to attend TTU) to the highest finishing player who has not graduated from high school by August. The scholarship must begin the following year. Tie-break calculations will be used in the case of a tie for the TTU scholarship, in the following order:

a. Modified Median
b. Solkoff
c. Cumulative
d. Cumulative of Opposition.

The Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California and two for Texas) 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 Chairman. The Chairman, currently, is Mr. Dewain Barber (amchesseq@aol.com).

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairman (Mr. Dewain Barber amchesseq@aol.com) and its members may elect to award 2 or more wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls.

Additional Optional Events:

a. Susan Polgar National Invitational Blitz Championship for Girls
b. Susan Polgar National Invitational Puzzle Solving Contest for Girls
c. Susan Polgar National Invitational Chess Training Program for Girls

These events are open to all participants and alumni of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls.

The Polgar Committee will also award three automatic qualifying spots at the 2009 SuperNationals Chess Championship to the top finishing girl in the open division of the elementary (K-6), of the junior high (K-9), and of the high school (K-12) sections. Further, the Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar National Open Championship for Girls, the annual Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls, and all current qualifiers of the Susan Polgar All-Star Girl’s Chess Team (must meet age requirement).

Contact info: The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-742-7742 (phone) or through PolgarFoundation@aol.com (email).
NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to Mr. Dewain Barber (amchesseq@aol.com), Chairperson of the Polgar Committee.

http://SusanPolgarFoundation.org - http://polgargirls.blogspot.com - http://SusanPolgar.blogspot.com

Huge sponsorship deal by Texas Tech University

Last year, Texas Tech University generously agreed to host the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, for the next 10 years and award a four-year academic scholarship for the winner each year to attend TTU. That is nearly an $800,000 sponsorship package.

After the announcement was made, Texas Tech made the sponsorship even better by offering free accommodation for players (based on double occupancy; small, additional fees for single rooms or to share with family members may occur) who choose to stay on TTU’s campus and complete the tournament.

This morning, the Provost Office announced an unprecedented offer to complete the incredible sponsorship package. All participants will receive free meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 6 days = 18 meals per player) on campus for the entire tournament! Parents, coaches, or siblings who want to join their players will only pay $22 per day for all three meals (buffet style).

This brings the total sponsorship for the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls for the next 10 years to over $1 million!

Big big big thanks to Provost Dr. William Marcy, Vice-Provost Dr. Jim Brink, Peggy Flores, and everyone else who made this possible! Other than Dr. Karlsson, Dr. Marcy and Dr. Brink is the biggest reason why my family and I chose to come to Texas Tech. They fully understand the importance of chess and education, research, and outreach and they are the men behind the creation of SPICE. This one of a kind world-class institute would not exist without their full commitment and support.

I was asked why SPICE and TTU do not offer the same support for the Denker event. The same generous sponsorship offer was made for the Denker Tournament of HS Champions. The USCF, lead by USCF President Bill Goichberg and his supporters, rejected the sponsorship offer by Texas Tech University.

Chess: It’s a GIRL thing!

CHESS Summer Camp
July 21-24, 2008 • For Girls K-12
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas

Sign-up to learn chess from former women's world champion Susan Polgar and her team.

Beginner to advanced welcomed. Campers also learn writing and computer skills.

Residential plan includes additional activities.

Commuter Plan: $125

Check-in 7/21 6:30 PM. Camp is 7-9 PM 7/21, and 9 AM-3 PM daily 7/22-7/24. Ends 3 PM on 7/24.
Lunch included; all ages.

Residential Plan: $315

Arrive 7/21 from 1-4 PM. Lodging and all meals including dinner on 7/21 through lunch on 7/24.
Ends 3 PM on 7/24. Girls entering grades 5-12 only.

See http://www.SPICE.ttu.edu, e-mail SPICE@ttu.edu, or call (806) 742-7742.

Chess: It’s a GIRL thing!

I like to win

Fremont girl is a chess star at age 7
Carl Steward
Bay Area News Group columnist
Article Created: 06/18/2008 06:28:56 PM PDT

FREMONT — Alisha Chawla isn't much for dolls, but she loves the children's book, "A Little Princess," and adores the queen.

How fitting for Fremont's 7-year-old little princess of chess, the highest-rated female player for her age in Northern California, who is rapidly becoming one of the best in the country.

Alisha is adorable. She's sweet and petite. Like most 7-year-olds, she's precocious at times and shy at others. For her first newspaper interview, she pretty much stuck to one-word answers and required frequent eye-glance reassurance from her mother.

But on a chess board, particularly wielding her favorite piece — the queen — Little Miss Chawla quickly transforms into a tiger. She moves the pieces authoritatively and thumps them hard onto the board wherever she places them. It's intimidating, even for an adult sports columnist who challenged her to a game.

"I like to win," Alisha said with an innocent but confident smile.

A large shelf in her room proves that she's already won a lot. It's loaded with trophies, and she quickly removed her piano recital and softball trophies to display just the ones she's accumulated playing chess — 22 by her count. It looked like more.

One of the largest trophies in Alisha's growing collection came less than two weeks ago, when she tied for first in her age group at the Las Vegas International Chess Festival, winning four of five games.

Her achievement landed her a spot in the prestigious Susan Polgar National Invitational For Girls at Texas Tech in July, an event that will bring together the country's top young female players.

Click here to read the full article.

Important Notice: SPNI Qualifiers

Here is the list of players who qualified for the 2008 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls which will take place at Texas Tech University from July 27 to August 1, 2008.

If you qualified and your name is NOT on this list, please email Mr. Dewain Barber (amchesseq@aol.com) and me (susanpolgar@aol.com) ASAP.

Here is the link for the rules and conditions of the 2008 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls.

Texas Women’s Open Championship

Texas Women’s Open Championship - Sept. 27-28

Texas Tech University, Student Union Building 2500 Broadway St. Lubbock TX

5 SS G/75 EF: $25 received by 8/20. $35 by 9/25 or $45 on site.
Prizes: $500-$250-$100 Top U1600 $100 Top Unrated $50.

Reg: 9/27 8:30-10:15am.
Rds: 9/27 10:30-2:30-7:00 and 9/28 10:00-2:00.

TCA membership required. Open for all women players. Top finishing Texas resident will be crowned as TX Women’s Champion.

Info: SPICE 806-742-7742
E-mail: Spice@ttu.edu
Send checks to Susan Polgar Foundation, 6923 Indiana Avenue #154 Lubbock, TX 79413

This event is taking place alongside with the historic Category 15 SPICE Cup Invitational and the SPICE Cup Grand Prix!

Improve your chess with SPICE!

Starting from today, the SPICE (Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence at Texas Tech University) website will feature at least three (3) DAILY CHESS PUZZLES from easy, medium to hard.

You can solve the puzzles by moving the pieces right on the board. In addition, if you are stuck, hints are available at your fingertips.Chess is 99% tactics!

That is why this is perfect for new players, scholastic hopefuls, and even tournament players!

Click here to challenge your minds right now!

www.SPICE.ttu.edu

Special thanks to Shredder Chess and Jerry Perez for this cool new feature for the SPICE website!

Rules and Conditions for SP National Invitational for Girls

Rules and Conditions for the Annual Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls
(March 2008 - Version 1)

July 27 - August 1 at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas
(March, 2008)

The annual, Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls will be held at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Starting time of each round will be at 11:00 A.M., except for round 1 and 6. Round 1 will be at 3:00 PM and round 6 will be at 10 AM., and the time control is 90 minutes for the entire game with 30 seconds increment added per move. This is the approved FIDE time control. Pre-tournament registration is required.

The open ceremony will be at 1:30 PM on July 27. The closing ceremony will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the last game on August 1.

Each state is allowed one representative. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 1. (If there are an odd number of entrants in the tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairperson may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairperson 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 Chairperson and/or USCF may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must be under the age of 19 as of August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held. 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 August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held, 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. Proof of eligibility will be the responsibility of the players and of the state official certifying the representative and alternate.

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. Players attending college already may not win the scholarship. In such cases scholarship(s) go to the next tournament winner.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike the Denker Tournament of High School Champions, the participants of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by August 15th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Players are required to play in and complete all six rounds of the tournament. Failure to do so, without permission of the Tournament Director, results in a forfeiture of games and expense monies.

Players are required to furnish the Tournament Director with a legible and complete score sheet.

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

Players are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.

If players choose to stay on TTU’s campus, players who complete the tournament will receive free accommodation (based on double occupancy; small, additional fees for single rooms or to share with family members may occur) on campus at Texas Tech University, which is provided by the Susan Polgar Foundation and TTU.

The prize fund, sponsored by the Susan Polgar Foundation and the U.S. Chess Trust, are $1,250 divided into four scholarship prizes: 1st ($500), 2nd ($300), 3rd ($250), and 4th ($200). These prizes are paid to the players directly by the U.S. Chess Trust and the Susan Polgar Foundation, but only upon receipt of proof of enrollment in a college, university, trade, community, or technical school.

In addition, a $500 Ursula Foster scholarship is also awarded to the highest finisher under the age of 14. The scholarship is divided in the case of a tie.

The winner of the tournament is crowned the Susan Polgar National Invitational Champion. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy.

Texas Tech University agrees to award a four-year academic scholarship (to attend TTU) to the highest finishing player who has not graduated from high school by August. The scholarship must begin the following year. Tie-break calculations will be used in the case of a tie for the TTU scholarship, in the following order:

a. Modified Median
b. Solkoff
c. Cumulative
d. Cumulative of Opposition.

The Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California and two for Texas) 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 Chairman. The Chairman, currently, is Mr. Dewain Barber (amchesseq@aol.com).

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee Chairman and its members may elect to award 2 or more wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls.

Additional Optional Events:

a. Susan Polgar National Invitational Blitz Championship for Girls
b. Susan Polgar National Invitational Puzzle Solving Contest for Girls
c. Susan Polgar National Invitational Chess Training Program for Girls

These events are open to all participants and alumni of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls.

The Polgar Committee will also award three automatic qualifying spots at the 2009 SuperNationals Chess Championship to the top finishing girl in the open division of the elementary (K-6), of the junior high (K-9), and of the high school (K-12) sections. Further, the Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar National Open Championship for Girls, the annual Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls, and all current qualifiers of the Susan Polgar All-Star Girl’s Chess Team (must meet age requirement).

Contact info: The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-742-7742 (phone) or through PolgarFoundation@aol.com (email).

http://SusanPolgarFoundation.org - http://polgargirls.blogspot.com - http://SusanPolgar.blogspot.com

Special all-girls chess camp

CHESS Summer Camp
July 21-24, 2008 • For Girls K-12
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Beginner to advanced welcomed. Campers also learn writing and computer skills. Residential plan includes additional activities.

• Commuter Plan: $125
Check-in 7/21 6:30pm. Camp is 7-9pm 7/21, and 9am-3pm daily 7/22-7/24. Ends 3pm on 7/24. Lunch included; all ages.

• Residential Plan: $315
Arrive 7/21 from 1-4pm. Lodging and all meals including dinner on 7/21 through lunch on 7/24. Ends 3pm on 7/24. Girls entering grades 7-12 only.

For more info, email SPICE@ttu.edu, or call (806) 742-7742.

(In conjunction with the famous Science: It’s a Girl thing Camp and the Susan Polgar All-Star Girl’s Chess Camp)

The Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls will be held on July 27-August 1 at Texas Tech University.

Chess: It's a Girl thing Summer Camp

Announcing:

First annual CHESS: It’s a GIRL thing Special Summer Camp

(in conjunction with the famous Science: It’s a Girl thing Camp and the Susan Polgar All-Star Girl’s Chess Camp) at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX

July 21-24, 2008

For information, please email: Chess@ttu.edu
Phone: 806-742-7742

The Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls will be held on July 27-August 1 at Texas Tech University.

2007-08 Susan Polgar All-Star Chess Team Qualifiers

Age 6

Within 100
Liu, Hannah 6 TX 1289

Age 8

Xiang, Evan 8 TX 1567

Within 100

Liao, Simone 8 CA 1449
Lee, Fei-Tzin 8 NY 1442

Age 9

Within 100
Peters, Epiphany M 9 MI 1566

Age 10

Xiang, Ellen 10 TX 1776
Zhu Caroline 10 TX 1752
Chiang, Sarah 10 TX 1716
Chen, Michelle Xueying 10 MA 1712

Age 11

Yang, Sylvia 11 TX 1822
Matlin, Anna 11 NJ 1807

Within 100
Lee Megan 11 WA 1790

Age 12

Kuzniatsova Alena 12 NY 1901

Within 100
Wu Katherine 12 VA 1836
Robinson Darrian 12 NY 1818

Age 13

Within 100
Dai Yang 13 VA 1938

Age 16

Melekhina, Alisa 16 PA 2235

Congratulations to all who made it! Please let me know if I omit any name. Thank you!

2006-2007 SP All-Star Training for Girls

The 2007 Participants

Four are missing from this picture.

Important information about the 2007 SP National Invitational

Here is the list of qualifiers for the 2007 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls:
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2007/07/2007-sp-national-invitational_22.html

Check-in with the USCF officials will be on Saturday afternoon / early evening. Check-in can also be done by 8:45 AM on Sunday morning. If you do not check-in by 8:45 AM on Sunday, you will not be paired in the first round.

There opening ceremony will begin at 9 AM. This is a mandatory meeting where all the details will be announced.

Rounds will start at 11 AM each day. The time control is FIDE time control of 90 minutes per game with 30 seconds increment per move.

There will also be the SP National Invitational Blitz Championship and SP National Invitational Puzzle Solving Championship. All alumni of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls can participate in the Blitz and Puzzle Championships.

Congratulations to all qualifiers!

Some information about the invitational: http://www.susanpolgar.com/susan-polgar-foundation-invitational.html
Rules and conditions of the invitational: http://www.susanpolgar.com/rulesinvitegirls2007.pdf

Here is the hotel info:

Crown Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
2349 W. Marlton Pike Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Free parking - Special room rate $114
Phone: 1-800-227-6963 or make reservations at: http://www.crowneplaza.com/cherryhillnj

List of 2007 SP National Invitational Qualifiers

45 states so far (2 from CA, 2 TX, 2 NY, 2 Wild Cards, 1 Defending Champion, other qualifiers) Missing from Washington DC, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina.

List of qualifiers for the 2007 Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls (July 29 to August 3, 2007)

IF you qualified and your name is NOT listed, please send me an email immediately (SusanPolgar@aol.com). Thank you!

Alabama - Hannah Hellwig
Alaska - Alison K Parshall
Arizona - Jenelle L. Wallace
Arkansas - Elizabeth Mae Cooper

California (Northern) - Louiza Livschitz
California (Southern) - Melinda West
Colorado - Kaila M Smith
Connecticut - Catalina Estrada

Delaware - Ann Marie Fitch
District of Columbia - Missing

Florida - Rita Mirchandani

Georgia - Shivali Kasbekar

Hawaii - Ashbea Oyadomari

Idaho - Erica Barkell
Illinois - Cheryl Liu
Indiana - Alea Ford
Iowa - Casandra Stull

Kansas - Blythe Buscher
Kentucky - Connie Wu

Louisiana - Jordana Williams

Maine - Lily Ann Briggs
Maryland - Lisa Kong
Massachusetts - Michelle Chen
Michigan - Ashley Carter
Minnesota - Laura Howard
Mississippi - Missing
Missouri - Tess Butcher
Montana - Missing

Nebraska - Catherine Oliver
Nevada - Missing
New Hampshire - Avary Bell
New Jersey - Anna Matlin
New Mexico - Deanna Kristek
New York - Linda Diaz, Darrian Robinson
North Carolina - Amelia Wheeless
North Dakota - Missing

Ohio - Anna Delamerced
Oklahoma - Rachel Farell
Oregon - Taylor Bailey

Pennsylvania - Elizabeth M Lakata

Rhode Island - Kathleen Coccio

South Carolina - Missing
South Dakota - Laticia Leftwich

Tennessee - Su'ad Yoon
Texas - Courtney Jamison, Sarah Chiang

Utah - Eliza Mc Intosh

Vermont - Autumn Hope Brooks
Virginia - Ettie Nikolova

Washington - Sarah May
West Virginia - Sarah Hoxie
Wisconsin - Anna Ganster
Wyoming - Rose Burke

45 states so far + defending champion + SP qualifiers

Defending Champion: Abby Marshall (VA)

Qualifiers from the Susan Polgar National Open Championship for Girls:

K-2: Hannah Liu
3-5: Victoria Zhang, Alice Dong, Sarah Sampei, Georgia Olvera
6-9: Charlina Hung
10-12: Ananya Roy, Stephanie Guajardo

Qualifiers from the Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls:

Open Section: Rebecca Lelko, Janice Chen
Under 14: Sylvia Yang
Under 11: Vanessa Wong
Under 8: Arissa Torres, Queena Deng, Bridget LeeSang, Iris Wu, Carol Jin, Jennifer Wong

Wild Card: Eunice Rodriguez, Julia Kerr

Special Invitation: Margaret Hua, Megan Lee

Congratulations to all qualifiers!

Some information about the invitational:
http://www.susanpolgar.com/susan-polgar-foundation-invitational.html

Rules and conditions of the invitational:
http://www.susanpolgar.com/rulesinvitegirls2007.pdf

If you need a roommate, please send me an email. I will try to get you in touch with others who may want to share rooms.

Here is the hotel info:

Crown Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
2349 W. Marlton Pike
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Free parking
Phone: 1-800-227-6963 or make reservations at: http://www.crowneplaza.com/cherryhillnj
HR: $114 single/quad

2007 SP National Invitational for Girls

I hope to have the list of the qualifiers of the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls from the USCF shortly.

Here is the official rules of the 2007 event. The event will take place in Cherry Hill, NJ from July 29 to August 3, 2007.

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
2349 West Marlton Pike
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

New number for reservations: 1-856-665-6666 - $114 chess rate
Official website