Thanks, Paul, and all, for your good wishes. Here is some information aboutg
the event:
Six players entered the tournament.
Five players completed. There was one withdrawal due to circumstances beyond
anyone's control.
The field consisted of two B class players, one C class. The others were all
well below 1400. (The US Chess Federation rating system is our basis, since
they sanction the tournament.)
The estimated average age of the six players was over 60.
The time control was two hours and fifteen minutes for each player per game.
All five finishers walked out with cash prizes from the tournament.
There was at least one volunteer at every board to assist with scorekeeping,
clock reading, drink and snack fetching, and guiding to the restroom if needed.
They also monitored to make sure that conflicting positions did not arise.
All players were particularly well fed! And at no cost to ourselves!
And, finally, all players enjoyed the opportunity to meet people they hadn't
met before, to renew old acquaintances, and to spend time exploring each
other's knowledge. Henry and I both got an introduction to using Shredder on
the IPhone from Jim Homme, just for one example.
We had fun! We played chess! Sometimes even well! We all made mistakes!!!
So, this is my first call for next year. Especially you younger players, I
won't mention any names, but I might start!! (Smile) Please! If the status of
the United States blind chess means anything to you at all, we need to increase
our participation; especially among the young.
If you know someone who wants to learn the game, refer them to me or to the
Hadley Institute: (www.hadley.edu)
If you know the game but feel too rusty to compete, there are all kinds of
opportunities through skype, email, and online, to start brushing up.
If you play on skype or email already, then you already have the basic skills
to participate, and I can't think of a better venue to begin to gain some
experience playing face-to-face. Al and I are working hard to find ways to get
additional funding to help offset transportation and hotel costs. So I ask
you... What vacation doesn't cost something? And what vacation offers you the
opportunity to play pretty much as much chess as you want? And what vacation
offers you the opportunity to do all that and come home with money in your
pocket you didn't have before?
And the details:
I was fortunate enough to win the tournament with 3.5 points. First prize: $400
and six Grand Prix points, just in case I could use them!
Al Pietrolungo took second with 2.5 points: prize, $300.
Henry Olynik took third winning $200, and he won an additional $100 for Upset
prize.
Jim Homme won $100 for fourth place
And Rick Miller won $100 for Best Under 1400 rating.
I've played an awful lot of people on skype who could have held their own quite
easily and maybe even changed the outcome,, had they been present. Maybe that
will be different next year.
Best regards,
Jim Thoune, USBCA Vice-President, and,
2016 US National Blind Champion! (I can almost say it with a straight face...)
Hazelnutt2001@xxxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of aerospace1028@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2016 4:53 AM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [usbca_chess] tournament well-wishes
For everyone participating in this years tournament in Pittsburgh; play well,
and have fun.
I hope you all have an enjoyable time.
--Paul
