New Britain Chess Club"CONNECTICUT'S LARGEST AND STRONGEST CHESS CLUB"2005 NewsletterSeasons Greetings, fellow NBCC members: It is difficult to imagine another year in the rear view mirror, but we are rapidly approaching the end of 2005. 2005 was a very exciting and eventful year at the New Britain Chess Club with many new tournaments and social activities, which are setting the stage for a new chapter in our club's history. In this first NBCC newsletter, I listed what I believe were the club's most memorable events and noted commendable achievements of certain club members. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter.
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Marcus Komons becomes a club tournament director. Marcus is a devoted, hard-working director, and a good friend. The club appreciates all of his work. Three players tie for first place in the 2005 New Britain City Chess Championship: Joseph Bihlmeyer, William Grzesiak, and Andres Castaneda. This is Castaneda’s and Bihlmeyer’s first win in a major club tournament. USCF NM Zimel Livshits holds his first simultaneous exhibition at the club. 27 players from around the state participate in his simul. Excluding Blitz competitions, Robert Lawrence becomes the first member in seven years to win two club tournaments solo (no tie-breaks involved) in one year. Lawrence won the 2005 New Britain City Reserve and Club Championships. Incidentally, prior to Lawrence, John Baclawski won the 1998 New Britain City Reserve and Summer Open Championships. At the annual meeting, members vote in favor 14 to 3 to change the start time for all club activities from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. except for Round 1 of any major tournament. 7:30 p.m. was the start time for decades. Also at the meeting, members unanimously ratify a motion made by Derek Meredith to make tournament directors exempt from paying entry fees for tournaments they direct. Finally, Andris Strazdins is elected to a thirty-third term as club treasurer, a new record. The club holds its First Summer Open Quick Chess (G/25) Tournament. Players are grouped into two sections (Open and U1600) in this four round Swiss System tournament, the first use of this format in club history. This event attracts 27 players from all rating levels and many, especially the masters and experts, were thrilled with this new format and faster time control. USCF National Master Ted McHugh wins the Open section and Danny Elkayam wins the U1600 Section. Based on a majority favorable reaction, Marcus and I plan to hold these Quick Chess competitions more frequently on evenings where there are no scheduled events. Membership reaches 80 for the 2004-2005 club year, another milestone. Derek Meredith coordinates a reverse simultaneous chess exhibition at his home on a late summer weekend. Experts and class players form teams with designated captains and each team competes against one master (McHugh, Appelman, or Castaneda) with a time control of G/120. The event draws over 20 players. A gracious host, Derek cooks steak, hamburgers, and hot dogs on the grill and serves beer and other refreshments. It was a wonderful social gathering. Thanks to Derek for a fantastic job in organizing this event. Derek Meredith wins the First New Britain Fall Open Quick Chess Tournament. The following scholastic members earn places in the United States Chess Federation Top 100 Players by age group. Ratings shown below are as of the October supplemental listing.
Daniel Rozovsky - age 9 - 1753 - ranks second in the nation FIDE Master Richard Bauer wins the First New Britain Winter Open Quick Chess Tournament. The club holds its 1st Christmas party and Hermann Zickfeld raffles off a decorative Austrian chess set. Can you believe it has been almost two years since Mr. Strazdins been at the club? I report that he is doing well. According to Mr. Strazdins, his health is usually "50/50". Sure, "Straz" does experience occasional muscle discomfort during inclement weather, but his spirits are always high. And even though his doctor advises him not to consume beer, he can drink wine and an occasional shot of whisky or brandy. His son Andris is hopeful that "Straz" will come to the club in the near future and, although it has been a while since "Straz" has played chess, he is eager to play competitively. Perhaps he will participate in the 2006 New Britain city reserves. Let's hope so. Everyone wishes President Emeritus Arkadijs Strazdins and his family a joyous holiday season and the best of health in the New Year. Finally, President Joe Mansigian, Treasurer Andris Strazdins, Secretary Carl Heinemann, Tournament Director Marcus Komons and I extend our holiday wishes from our families to yours. Celebrate the joy of this glorious season with family and friends and have a happy, healthy New Year. Thank you for supporting the New Britain Chess Club and U.S. Chess.
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