Top Ten Week

Here's to all the hard-working organizers in chess...

Hazel's top 10 things organizers don't get enough recognition for
1. assising players and dealing with questions/complaints
2. correcting problems on the computer system
3. organizing entries, money, and results (not to mention being rushed to post results)
4. dealing with printer jams
5. cleaning up the room before and after the tournament
6. setting up pieces and clocks
7. choosing an appropriate and affordable location (travelling to and from the site, negotiating with the owners, ...)
8. Advertising the tournament
9. Preparing opening and closing speeches
10. Waiting hours and hours for all the games to be completed...and not being paid for it

Big thanks to all organizers and volunteers. You are the foundation of the great games played and the successes accomplished.

Blog posted on chesstalk

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+ give me feedback/comments! Thanks so much for visiting. Really appreciate all the support from everyone past, present, and future...keep supporting Canadian chess!

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Top Ten Week

This week, I will be posting one top ten list each day...so keep checking back!

Today: Hazel's top 10 reasons to play chess
1. Develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.
2. Improve your study habits.
3. Think creatively.
4. Take up a challenge.
5. Meet other players/coaches/organizers.
6. Represent your school/institution/yourself.
7. Travel.
8. Play in any weather, any time, any place, against anyone (as long as you have pieces and a board!)
9. Make money?
10. Have fun!

Congrats!

I know this is kinda late...but I forgot to post my congrats to all the participants and prize winners at the CYCC and Canadian Open! *Cheers!* Also congrats to Dina Kagramanov for winning the women's zonal. For everyone heading overseas for international competitions, best wishes and good luck!!!

Results:
CYCC: http://monroi.com/2009-canadian-youth-chess-championship-results.html
Canadian Open: http://monroi.com/2009-canadian-open-chess-championship-results.html

Try this Puzzle :)

White to move and force checkmate in two moves...

Oriole + cake!!!

Everyone was really happy to be back at Oriole today...including me. The kids played some good games, and in the end, we all celebrated with cake! Now that's some sweet chess ;)

Did you know?

The game of chess dates back more than 5000 years!