Summer Boredom?

Try these free games:
http://www.funny-games.biz/

Ten "Would You Rather?" Questions

Just for fun:

1. Would you rather draw all your games or win half of them (in a tournament with even rounds & players of similar skill strength)?
2. Would you rather beat twenty IMs or one GM?
3. Would you rather play in summer or winter?
4. Would you rather play in a local tournament with friends or in a foreign tournament with strangers?
5. Would you rather break a tie using 'Chess960' or 'Take Me'?
6. Would you rather win a spot on a national team or receive $5000?
7. Would you rather attend a tournament in your pajamas or swimwear?
8. Would you rather go without chess books/software for a year or go without chess-related websites for six months?
9. Would you rather play without knights or without bishops?
10. Would you rather live next door to Kasparov or Anand? (or any other GM of your choice!)

I'll let you know my answers later this week :)

...and maybe post some more!

Brain Teaser

What numbers should replace the question marks?

1 - 2319
2 - 512
3 - 103
4 - ?
5 - 135
6 - 132
7 - 2219
8 - ?
9 -2016
10 - 219
11 - 186
12 - 111
13 - ?
14 - 2211
15 - 221

Answer below!

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
V

These numbers represent the initials for well-known world champions - Wilhelm Steinitz, Emanuel Lasker, Jose (Raul) Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik, Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail Tal, Tigran Petrosian, Boris Spassky, Robert (Bobby) Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, and currently, Viswanathan Anand.

Alexander Alekhine = AA = 11
Mikhail Tal = MT = 1320
Garry Kasparov = GK = 711 (hmm...I wonder if he got a discount at convenient stores...)

Websites with further information about world champions:
http://www.academicchess.org/ratings/Worldchamionlist.shtml
http://www.chesscorner.com/worldchamps/worldchampion.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Chess_Championship
http://www.anand-topalov.com/

Obsessed With All Things Giant?

Giant Chess manufactures some of the largest sets in the world.
http://www.giantchess.com/

Elaine Howie Fund for Chess Juniors

As mentioned in a previous post, I will be distributing some funds each year for select juniors in chess.

In recognition of my aunt's anniversary (passed away a few years ago), I have named the fund after her. She spent every moment of her life trying to make others happy. The Elaine Howie Fund for Chess Juniors gives me the opportunity to spread her support.

You can see the current amount on the side bar.

Top Ten!

Top 10 things that were great to see at the Canadian Open:
1. Large, bright facility (see earlier post for photos)
2. Cool ceilings!
3. Grandmasters :)
4. Monroi displays
5. Lots and lots of chess pieces & books
6. Fancy glasses of water and white tea tablets
7. CN Tower at night/Harbourfront
8. Tim Hortons x 2 :) :) :)
9. Old copies of chess articles on the walls...perfect for doing a 360 degree spin and still being entertained - ceilings, chess pieces, walls, more chess pieces...dizzy...dizzy...
10. You! (well...if you were there...)

The Best Gift of All

Hello Readers!

After seeing all the bright young kids at the Canadian Open, I am starting a new initiative for juniors in chess. Instead of Xmas gifts, birthday gifts, etc., I will be asking friends to donate funds (ie $5, $10), which I will then send out to at least one junior each year. Selection will be based not only on achievement, but participation, consistency, amongst other criteria. The junior must be Canadian, either gender.

I will keep everyone updated throughout the process. I am hoping to receive some funds by the end of this year (since my birthday passed months ago).

Suggestions/nominations will be considered as well.

If you would like to know more, feel free to send me an email anytime.

Go Canadian Juniors!

Hazel