Sunday, December 6, 2009

LDMS Wins K-6, Open at Community

Chris, Kolt, Josh and Brian Schroeder (not pictured) take K-6!

Reid, Zeke, Evan, Blake take Open Division

The LDMS Knights won first place team trophies in both the K-6 and Open Divisions at Community High School.
Taking first place in the K-6 division was the team of: Chris Tillson, Kolton Otterbacher, Josh Bartz, and Brian Schroeder. Chris, Kolt and Josh went 5-1 and Brian went 4-2. Chris took 2nd overall, Kolt took 3rd, and Josh took 4th! Congratulations to Christopher Hildebrandt for taking first place, and beating Reid. Chris Tillson beat CH in the final round, but it wasn't enough to overtake him in tie-breakers.
In the open division, our first place team included Evan Seghers, Reid Seghers, Zeke Baker, and Blake Reeves. Evan won first place overall and Reid 2nd place.
Way to go team!

Friday, November 20, 2009

LDMS Tournament Announced Jan. 16 !!!

Yes! We are going to have our own tournament!!! This tournament will be held at Lake Denoon Middle School on January 16, 2010. This will be a USCF event which will be assisted by the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Association (WSCA).

We will need several volunteers!! Please email me at seghers@gmail.com if you are able to volunteer to help out at this tournament.

More details to come. Thank you!
Mark Seghers

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Updated: USM Information


We have a rocking good team ready for University School on Saturday!
Here is the list of those registered so far:
Evan Seghers
Reid Seghers
Chris Tillson
Jorin McGuire
Kolt Otterbacher
Brian Schroeder
Josh Bartz
Rachel Gomoll
David Petak
Jacob Gomoll
Zeke Baker
Jason Markowski
Blake Reeves
Jacob Stys
Please call me if you are able to ride-share. Thank you.

- Mr. Seghers

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

T-shirt order forms due by Thanksgiving!!!!

Click on this form to see a clearer version you can print!

Please note- the HOODIES RUN SMALL!!!!!
Please fill this out and print, you can bring to chess class or scan email to seghers@gmail.com.



Thank you!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

"3 Musketeers" Take Trinity K-8



We weren't going to do Holy Trinity, thought we'd have an open week before University School.
However, Kolt and Evan wanted to play, and so did Jason. We weren't able to add anyone else at such short notice.
Evan, Kolt and Jason got it done as a team! LDMS took 1st place in the K-8 division over the always-tough Golda Meir. Evan went 5-0 including a victory vs. 2nd place (1734 rated) Jordan S., Jason went 4-1 (his only loss being to Jordan) and Kolt went 3.5-1.5 (his only loss also to Jordan)!
Way to go LDMS knights, and thank you to the WSCF and the folks at Holy Trinity for making a very nice tournament for the kids.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Tommy Takes Goodrich!







Congratulations to Tommy Schneider of Bayside Middle School, who took first place in the Goodrich Elementary School Open Division.    Tommy beat Reid in the final match, a good game where Tommy promoted a pawn in the endgame under time pressure!   Reid took 2nd place in the Open Division.
LDMS had a strong showing as a team, taking 1st place in the Open Division BARELY to a very strong team from Bayside Middle School.   We will be battling them a lot this year, I'm sure.   They are good players and great competition; we'll keep each other on our toes all year!
Reid had 4 points in the shortened 5-game tournament as did Chris Tillson who finished 3rd, and Kolton Otterbacher who finished 5th in the Open division.   Josh finished 8th and Jason finished 11th.  Jason would have had 4 also but missed a back-rank mate move by an opponent he was beating!   (Happens to all of us Jason... trust me, I know...!)    Zeke had very tough matchups this time around, just the way it works sometimes... but he played well, and will be a strong contributor for us this year.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Evan wins Best Game prize for Hales Corners X!

Below is a game Evan (as White) won against Derek S., from the Hales Corners X challenge last weekend.   It's a fun game, and was voted "BEST GAME" by the SW Chess Club.   Play the game by clicking on the controls.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

When is a Player Ready for Tournaments?

We have three divisions in our club:

WHITE players are the players still learning how to compete. This is the bulk of our team today. Learning how the pieces move. Learning pawn structure. How to checkmate and mate. Basic opening strategy.

BLUE players are ready for tournaments. Generally, Blue players know and can demonstrate:
- How to play a full game all the way to the end
- How to deliver Check, and Check Mate, using a combination of pieces
- How to defend 4-move mate and its variations
- How to checkmate using queen and rook, and rook alone (vs. a lone King)
- When a game is winnable and when it is a draw
- Knows stalemate and how to avoid (or deliver when losing)
- Good opening form:
- Developing center pawns
- Controlling the center
- Developing minor pieces
- Castling
- Does not give away "free pieces" (where player takes a piece for free and you can't take back)
- Understands the value of the pieces
- Understands pawn structure
- Knows one good opening for white, and how to defend basic openings as black
- Etc.

RED players are tournament players who have won 4 games in a 6 game tournament, or 3.5 points in a 5-game tournament.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

WSCF announces schedule/ A Look Ahead

The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation (WSCF) announced their 2009-2010 schedule.

Click here to give it a look! <-WSCF Details found herein

Here are the tournaments we're looking at now: (click for details)
Oct 17 - Hales Corners X challenge - Four Rounds, Reserve section is under 1600
Oct 24 - Loyola Academy (WSCF)
Nov 7-8 - Wisconsin Junior Open - Oshkosh
Nov 14 - Holy Trinity Lutheran - Okauchee (WSCF)
Nov 21- University School of Milwaukee
Dec 5- Community High School (WSCF)
Dec 12- Donges Bay Elementary (WSCF)
Jan 9 - Richards Elementary 7th Annual (WSCF)

LDMS takes K-9 at Badger Open

(not pictured: Josh Bartz, Jacob Gomoll)

Congratulations to the LDMS Knights, who took first place in the K-9 Division of the 40th Annual Badger Open this weekend. It was a well-run tournament by the WSCA.
Playing for the Knights were Evan and Reid Seghers, Rachel and Jake Gomoll, Chris Tillson and Josh Bartz. Evan Seghers took first place overall by going 6-0. Reid Seghers took second place by going 5-1. Chris Tillson took 10th place overall. Josh had a strong win over a 900+ player we face often. Rachel and Jake played hard with some great moves. It was a good learning experience for everybody.
In general, everybody admitted we were a bit rusty, from the Summer! Evan was going to play Open and Reid, Reserve, but we couldnt afford the time for a 2-day tournament. As it was, we needed everybody on board because we were pretty rusty, and we had another team who was very tough. Evan and Reid both lost Knights in the opening game to the same player who played a Scandinavian they weren't used to, but ended up winning in the endgame just barely. We are going to try to put Reid and Evan in the Open/USCF divisions wherever possible to allow other team members to step forward. We have several very strong players who are ready to lead the team to the next level- Chris, Rachel, Brian, Jason, Kolton, Zeke, Josh, and others!
- Mark/Mr. Seghers

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Badger Open Roll Call

Please RSVP for the Badger Open this Saturday! We have a very solid K-9 Team already:
  • Evan
  • Reid
  • Chris
  • Jacob Gl.
  • Rachel
  • Josh
  • Jake Go.
Everyone is pretty rusty at the beginning of the season here. Evidence: I actually beat Evan the other day (I know that's hard to believe).
We could REALLY use a few more!!! Please respond as soon as possible ... and let me know if you have any questions. I would like to get 6 or 7 if we can.
- Mr. S (what the Mill Valley kids call me)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Coming up: The 2009 BADGER OPEN!

What: 40th Annual Badger Open Chess Tournament
When: Oct 3 - Scholastic Section; Oct 3-4 for the Open and Reserve Section.
Register: www.wscachess.org

The 40th Annual Badger Open Chess Tournament will be held at the Marriott Milwaukee West located at W231 N1600 Corporate Court in Waukesha on October 3rd and 4th. This tournament will offer a 2 day event on Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th with an Open and Reserve (U1400) section with individual cash awards. Like last year there will also be a 1 day Scholastic event on Saturday, October 3rd with 2 sections, K-4 and K-9, with both individual and team awards. Teams may consist of either school or club teams. All sections are USCF rated and require a current USCF membership to participate. This includes the 1 day Scholastic event.

Please email Mr. Seghers at seghers@gmail.com to receive a flyer with all the details.

I will also register all players online- please RSVP, ASAP!!! We hope to have both an Open and Reserve Team registered.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

LDMS Chess Tournament- Jan 16, 2010?

We are looking to plan a tournament at LDMS! This would be a K-8 tournament, with K-3, K-6, and K-8 divisions.
We are targeting January 16, 2010 as the possible date for our tournament. Mark your calendars!
- Mark

Check out the chess pictures from last year!

Many more fun tournaments coming this year- check out our photo gallery on the right if you havent yet!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Calendar updated

Our chess calendar for both LDMS and Mill valley has been updated- see the link to the right.
I will be adding more tournaments as they are announced in the next couple weeks. Thank you!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Classes start this Thu 9/10

The Lake Denoon Chess Team will have our first meeting this Thursday after school in room 419!!! We hope your child can make it!

The Knights of Lake Denoon are the current k-6 State Champions, and are beginning another great season! Last year, our kids won 16 first place trophies around the state last year, and were one of the most active clubs in the state. This year, our top players will join in the instruction. We will be dividing up the class into Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced courses.

Please call with any questions - our club will meet MOST Thursdays at the same time, same location. Thursdays after school. Watch our blog for announcements!!!
http://ldmschess.blogspot.com.

Thank you,
- Coach Mark

Monday, August 31, 2009

Barn Blitz Huge Success!



Jacob, Nick, Jorin, Reid, Jerry, Gregory Jr, John, Evan (not pictured- Don)

The 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz was a lot of fun! Great weather, great chess, great food, and people evan swam in our freezing pool between rounds!

Here are the results. The top three in each division won trophies.

Under 17/ U800 Division:
1. Jorin McGuire (9 out of possible 10 points)
2. Jacob Glumm (9 points also- Jorin took tie-breaker)
3. Nick Filler (7)
4. Jason Markowski (6)
5. Nathan Stevlingson (6)
6. Kolt Otterbacher (6)

For playing games, the following two divisions were combined, then separated for trophies.

Under 17 Open Division:
1. Reid Seghers (7)
2. Gregory Reese (5.5)
3. Evan Seghers (5)

Open Division (all ages)
1. Jerry Zhou (9)
2. John Becker (7.5)
3. Don Hamm (5)

A special thanks to Pam Reese for doing the scoring, for parents who brought food and helped supervise, to Ashish and Alex for helping explain the blitz rules and provide initial Tournament Direction. Thanks also to the Southwest Chess Club for loaning us some clocks and boards.

A Round Begins

Waiting for Award Ceremony

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Blitz Rules from USCF

IT's not really as complicated as the information below makes it seem... but here are the official rules we'll consult in the case of any squabbles.

1. Each player must make all of his moves in the five minutes allotted on his clock. Time delay features may not be used for Blitz.
2. All the clocks must either have a special device, usually called a flag, or be a digital clock.
3. Before play begins both players should inspect the position of the pieces and the
setting of the clock, since once each side has made a move all claims for correcting
either are null and void. The only exception is if one or both players have more than five minutes on their clock, then the tournament director may reduce the time accordingly.
4. Each player must push the clock button with the same hand he uses to move his
pieces. Exception: only during castling may a player use both hands. When capturing
only one hand may be used. The first infraction will get a warning, the second a one
minute penalty and the third will result in the loss of the game.
5. The tournament director should state at the start of the event the direction the clocks are to face. The player with the Black pieces then decides which side he will play with that opponent.
6. Except for pushing the clock button neither player should touch the clock except for the following
a. To straighten it;
b. If either player knocks over the clock, his opponent gets one minute added to
his clock;
c. If your opponent's clock does not begin you may push his side down and
repunch your side; however, if this procedure is unsatisfactory, please call for a
director;
d. Each player must always be allowed to push the clock after their move is
made. Neither player should keep his hand on or hover over the clock.
7. Define a win.
a. A game is won by the player: 1) who has mated his opponent's king; 2) whose
opponent resigns; 3) whose opponent's flag falls first, at any time before the
game is otherwise ended, provided he points it out and neutralizes the clock
while his own flag is still up and that he still has mating material; 4) who, after an illegal move, takes the opponent's king or stops the clock; 5) an illegal move
doesn't negate a players right to claim on time, provided he does so prior to his
opponent's claim of an illegal move. If the claims are simultaneous the player
who made an illegal move loses.
b. Defining mating material. Either two minor pieces (except K vs K+N+N), a
pawn, a rook or a queen will be sufficient mating material. No trick mates are
allowed, which means a lone knight or bishop is insufficient unless a forced win
can be demonstrated.
8. Defining a draw. A game is a draw:
a. If one of the Kings is stalemated, even if a fallen flag is claimed simultaneously.
b. By agreement between the players during the game only.
c. If the flag of one player falls after the flag of the other player has already fallen and a win has not been claimed, unless either side mates before noticing both
flags down. Checkmate nullifies any later time claims.
d. To claim a draw by perpetual check, a three-time repetition is necessary with
the player counting 1, 2, 3 out loud so as to make it quite clear and easier for the
tournament directors to assist. Claimant should stop the clock after the third
repetition.
e. If both players each have just one identical piece either may claim a draw by
stopping the clock unless the opponent can demonstrate a forced win.
f. If one player has insufficient mating material when his opponent's flag falls or
makes an illegal move.
g. In K+B vs K+B and the bishops are of opposite colors, with only one pawn on
the board, or 2 pawns vs 1 pawn in a clearly blockaded position, a draw can be
claimed by stopping the clocks and summoning a tournament director, provided
that no forced win can be proved.
h. K+rook pawn vs K can be claimed as a draw once the defender's King is on
the rook file in front of the pawn. K+pawn vs K can be claimed as a draw once
the defender is on the square directly in front of the pawn, as long as the pawn is
not on the 7th rank.
i. K+R+rook pawn vs K+R is a draw, if the pawn is blockaded by the King and
there is no immediate win evident.
9. If a player accidentally displaces one or more pieces, he shall replace them on his own time. If it is necessary, his opponent may start the opponent's clock without making a move in order to make sure that the culprit uses his own time while replacing the pieces. Finally, it is unsportsmanly to knock over any pieces then punch the clock. For the first offense the player will get a warning (unless this causes his flag to fall, in which case the opponent will get one extra minute added to his clock). For a second offense a one minute add-on for the opponent will be imposed. For a third offense the offender shall forfeit the game. Thereafter, the tournament director may use other penalties or expel a player from the event for repeated offenses.
10. In case of a dispute either player may stop the clock while the tournament director is being summoned. In any unclear situation the tournament director will consider the testimony of both players and any reliable witnesses before rendering his decision. If a player wishes to appeal the decision of a tournament director, the player must first appeal to the section chief then, if necessary, the player may appeal to the Chief floor director, whose decision in all cases is final.
11. The tournament director shall not pick up the clock; except in the case of a dispute.
12. Spectators and players in another game are not to speak or otherwise interfere in a game. If a spectator interferes in any way, such as by calling attention to the flag fall or an illegal move, the tournament director may cancel the game and rule that a new game be played in its stead, and he may also expel the offending party from the playing room.
The tournament director should also be silent about illegal moves, flag falls, etc. (unless there is an agreement with the players, before the game, to call them) as this is entirely the responsibility of the players.
13. When a clearly drawn position is reached either player may stop the clocks and
appeal to the tournament director for a draw.
a. If the tournament director rules a draw, as in Rule #8, the game is over.
b. If the appeal is rejected, then a one minute penalty is imposed on the player
who stopped the clock.
14. Illegal moves, unnoticed by both players, cannot be corrected afterwards, nor can
they become the basis for making a claim.
15. A legal move is completed when a player starts his opponent's clock. Touch move
rules will not apply.
16. Moving the King next to another King is illegal and neither player can play King takes King!
17. If a player promotes a pawn and leaves the pawn on the board, the opponent only
has the option of stopping the clocks while a replacement piece is found.
18. Only a tournament director may determine if a clock is defective and change clocks.
19. If the King and Queen are set up incorrectly when the game begins, then you may
castle short on the queenside and castle long on the kingside. Once each side has made a move, incorrect setups must stay - unless a tournament director gives permission to restart the game.
20. Excessive banging of pieces or clock will not be tolerated and the offending player may be penalized with loss of time.
21. Each player is responsible for coming to the game with a clock. If neither player has a clock, then both players will receive a forfeit loss for both games. All players are required to know how to operate their clock and how to make any changes to the clock that may be necessary during a game.
22. Insufficient losing chances claims cannot made in Blitz games.
23. The Official Rules of Chess, 5th edition, shall be used to resolve any situation not covered by these rules.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

We need CLOCKS!


If you have any chess CLOCKS, please bring them this Sunday! Thanks.

Important Notes for Barn Blitz

Looks like this will be a great event! There will be 9 trophies awarded- 3 each in 3 divisions. For 16 and under, we have two divisions, and for 17 and over there is an OPEN division. This is just a FUN, unrated tournament. If you know how to play chess, join in the fun, who cares if you lose all 10 games?
NOTES:
- this is a NO PEANUT EVENT. Seriously- no peanuts, nuts or dishes containing peanuts or nuts of any kind. We have players attending who have severe nut allergies, and this is an increasingly common problem. Thank you!
- WE NEED CLOCKS!!! If you have a chess clock, PLEASE BRING IT!!! Thank you.
- cost is $5 per player to cover trophies
- there will be limited beverages, and empty cooler space- please bring any special beverages you may want to drink
- call 262-679-4051 if you have any questions at all
- Games are starting at 1pm- PLEASE dont be late!
- Please RSVP if you havent already. Need to know how many people are coming, and how many of you will be playing chess.
- Volunteers- please show up in the morning e.g. 10-11am to help set up! Thank you.
- MAP- we are on HighBluff Drive in Muskego. If you are coming from Milwaukee, you will need to exit 43 on Moorland Rd (Racine Ave exit is closed). Exit Moorland, L on Moorland to College Ave. College Ave to Racine Ave. L on Racine, First Right is Tans. 2nd left off Tans is High Bluff. up hill, then down, ranch is down hill to the left, address on tree. W207 S7004 High Bluff Drive. 262-679-4051.
- if weather is warm, bring suits and towels to swim in pool! The pool water will be cold- but kids can handle it!
- bring mosquito spray if you are the kind (like me) who gets bit.
- Barn is down the driveway, across the grass, to the left. Park anywhere on SIDE of driveway or in the street. Please leave room for others to move/park their cars. Also room to park in front of the garages.

Monday, August 24, 2009

9 trophies for 2009 Barn Blitz

We will have three trophies for each of three divisions!!

For kids 16 years of age or younger, there are two divisions:
- Under 800 / Unrated division (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- 800+ / Open (kids 16 and younger who have lower ratings or are unrated can play up) (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

For all ages:
- OPEN division (anyone can play up into this division) (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Barn Blitz Update!!!

Please RSVP to seghers@gmail.com!

On Sunday, August 30 at 1PM (watch the site for updates), we will be holding the prestigious 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz at the fabulous luxurious Seghers Barn Resort (watch out for rusty nails and mice).

This event will be a 10-round, 5-minute blitz (fast chess) tournament. There will be a small entry fee of $5 per player, which will cover a few trophies. We will be asking for RSVPs and volunteers, and some snacks, etc. We are considering three divisions- two divisions for 16 and under (as of date of tournament)- Under 800 USCF and Unrated, and Over 800 USCF. The third division will be OPEN for all players of any age. Young players can "play up" into the Open division if they choose.
You DONT HAVE TO PLAY CHESS to come and have fun! Weather permitting, we will also have swimming, paddleboat rides, frisbee, etc., between rounds and for any non-players and parents. One last party before school starts (ugh!)!

We did this a few years ago and it was a lot of fun! Watch for any changes on this Evite. Please RSVP with numbers, dishes to pass, etc. Hope you can make it.

- Mark, Sue, Reid and Evan Seghers

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Upcoming Tournaments!

While the Scholastic schedules for WSCA and WSCF have not yet been finalized (see the links to their web sites on the right hand side of this page - Great Links), below are some upcoming tournaments of note:

WCC - Aug 19 - Early Fall Action - (Waukesha Chess Club, 2 Wed eves)
SWCC - Aug 20 - Summer Actionade Cooler III (USCF, Southwest Chess Club, Thu eve)
LDMS - Aug 30 - BARN BLITZ! Email seghers@gmail.com for details
WCC - Sep 2 - Early Fall Swiss - (Waukesha Chess Club - 4 Wed eves)
USCF - Oct 3 - Badger Open (Pewaukee) - details to come
USCF - Oct 17 - Hales Corners Challenge X
USCF - Nov 7 - WI Junior Open - Oshkosh

Great showing at SWCC for LDMS players

Three LDMS players, Evan Seghers, Reid Seghers and Jacob Glumm (attending Muskego High School this year) did well in the Southwest Chess Championship, which ended on Thursday. Evan and Reid missed the last round due to a family vacation, but Jacob ended with a win.
Evan raised his rating from 1420 to 1512, Reid raised his rating from 1179 to 1345, and Jacob raised his rating in his first year of chess from 862 to 944.

Lots of great chess to come this year at LDMS!!! I will be publishing a schedule soon- watch this blog for updates!!!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Round 5 for LDMS players (SWCC championship)

Last night, in what was the LAST round for the Seghers for this tournament, going on vacation next week, Evan drew vs. Coons by finding a 3fold repetition when Evan was slightly behind, and Reid won vs. Penkwitz. Jacob got a nice win too against Shagun, who can be very crafty! Mr. Seghers also somehow got a win (whew).
I'm very proud of Reid, Evan and Jacob for playing so well in this tournament. Good luck Jacob in round 6 next week! Reid and Evan significantly increased their ratings, so they're very happy.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

R.Seghers - S.Richardson

An interesting finish, nice game, from round 4 of the SWCC championship.


Friday, July 31, 2009

SWCC Round 4


Last night in the SW chess club championship, Reid beat Steven Davidson, a 1580 player with a nice endgame tactic wherein he forced SD's King away and took a Rook, upon which Steven resigned. He was a very good sport, and sat with us to go over the game afterwards. Very gracious, sportsmanlike player.
Evan played John Becker (2050) on board 2. They went all the way to the end in a three hour game in which JB had 3 minutes left, and were tied in a drawish endgame when Evan's knight was trapped and JB was able to force Evan's king away and promote. Evan was very disappointed, but JB agreed it was a great battle.
I will post one of these games later today.
The boys played great, but Dad (me) really bit the big one. Against Rohan, who I knew had a great knowledge of Ruy Lopez and all its variations, I wanted to avoid that line as Black. I played the dubious but surprising Latvian Gambit which was recommended to me. I'll post a little bit of that when I have a moment. I didnt have enough time to practice it with a couple busy workdays, but tried anyway. I was able to achieve a playable and confusing opening with a strong kingside attack, but I was overly aggressive and lost to a tactic I didn't see. At least I gave him a fun, unusual game. The "Spanish Torture" of the Lopez would have lasted three hours and I would have ended up losing anyway I'm sure.
Great tournament, SWCC, lots of fun. Thanks for all you do.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Solid Games from Evan and Jacob!!!

Evan won against a very tough Rohan last night in the SWCC championship to go to 2.5 points out of a possible 3.0. In the game last night, Rohan had a one-pawn advantage late in the game but Evan caught him on a late-game tactic. Next week, Evan will face a very difficult challenge, probably against an Expert, on one of the top boards.
Jacob Glumm is really coming on lately. Just learning the game this year, Jacob quickly became a good player for our LDMS Knights. This year, he will be one of the pillars of a budding new Muskego High School team that Greg Reese and I will be assembling over the next few years. Jacob plays slow and thinks hard- the foundation of someone who is able to learn and excel at the game. He plays unusual and inventive chess which often throws off much higher rated players. Recently, he drew a 2100 rated player in a Simul. Last night, at the SWCC Championship, he drew against Sarfaras, a strong, 1300+ attacking player. Congratulations Jacob!
In other SWCC news, myself (Mark) and Reid both won against some beginning players. Reid's opponent, a very nice man in his 40s who opened up with a very unusual variation of the Philidor after that with centralized Bishops on his second rank, and his knight to h3. I played against a little girl who played too quickly but showed very strong potential and intuition, with one very surprising Queen move that got her 2 points back. I kept thinking over and over "dont lose dont lose dont lose" thinking of what kind of poison I could end it all with if I had. Happily I can keep the arsenic in the closet for now.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Mr. Reese Meeting / The upcoming season!

Had a nice meeting with Greg Reese this morning.    Mr. Reese, as the kids know him, has done a lot to get chess going in Muskego.  He is the coach of both Bay Lane M.S. and Country Meadows Elementary.   I will be coaching Lake Denoon M.S. and Mill Valley Elementary.   Overflow kids from Muskego H.S. will come to LDMS for instruction, and we will begin a chess club there this year, with an eye on competitive chess for MHS starting in the 2010-2011 school year.   I am looking for coaching assistants this year!  So far, Dan Gomoll continues as assistant (I hope!   Dan?), and Peter Stevlingson has agreed also to help.  Hopefully a few more parents (Bob?   Rick?) can also kick in!
 
In the 2009-2010 school year, Muskego will host a few tournaments:
  • LDMS (Nov-Dec timeframe) - WSCA
  • Mill Valley (end of season- Mayish timeframe) - WSCA
  • Bay Lane (Jan-Feb timeframe) - WSCA
This is of course in addition to other Milwaukee area tournaments run by the WSCF, WCA/USCF and WSCA.   We look forward to a great year coming up for Muskego Chess!

Friday, July 17, 2009

SW Chess Championship Round 2


The game above shows an interesting draw between Evan and Andrew G. Click on the controls to move thru the game.
Evan adds this analysis about the game:
"Me being about a 1450 player was happy to tie the 1786 Andrew G. . Him and i are friends. this was a fun game. He is 16 i think but i am not completely sure, anyway here is my analysis about my game: He started by playing the queens gambit, a very good opening for white. Gregory used to prefer this to e4 because gregory thinks that playing e4 gives black better chances because of the sicilian. I agree but i am not very good at this opening so i play e4. i just choose to play the little i know about this opening at first. Then on move 6 i play a passive move that i looked at after the game, Nbd7. this blocks out my bishop from going to d7 and i have to play b6 to get it out. Then on move 8 he takes my d pawn with his c pawn and then i begin to notice that i am very very cramped. Things are looking bleak. Then he plays a3 and b4. once he moves b4 i am pretty happy to play my freeing move, a5!. Andrew thought that taking was worse for him so he played 11. Rb1. After i take i had a reflex to play ra3 right away, but then he would play Nb5. So i played c6 to stop that. Once i got a stronghold on a3 he played Qc1. I played qc8 to protect my rook and set up a batterring ram. on move 16 he played Qb2. I saw if he was planning to play ra1 i had a tactic that was to play bxb4. if queen takes then i play Rxa1. So i was hoping he would play that so i played a kind of weird move to waste time. i played re8. just as i hoped he play the move ra1 and i took bxb4. I had the advantage now. He did Rxa3 and i took with queen to try to trade. we traded queens and i was pretty confident - maybe a little too confident. I started to play a little sloppy now. On move 21 I played b5. When i moved Nb6 he did a shocking move. He played Nxb5. This led to an exchange where I was up a full piece for a pawn. Then later he trapped my knight in the corner on a8. I could have saved it with 32.....Kf8 33. Bd7 Bd6 34. Bc6 and i save my knight with Nc7. All of you smart guys that commenting what if he plays 33. Ra1. and saying ha ha you where wrong! He cant take because i play Re1#. I did not see this in my game but saw it in my analysis. I was so anxious and overconfident that i played Re1+ on reflex. That makes my bishop stray from b4 and i cant play Bc6 fast enought to save my knight. He wins my knight and i am down a pawn in the endgame. I offer a draw on move 39 and he accepts. I was not sure if this was a draw or not because i was to lazy to analyze if his king escapes out of h3 and trys to knack off all my pawns. Since my king cant stray from my d5 pawn because it is isolated and hanging. I will accept any comments on if it was a draw or not. So please comment."

In the 6-round SW Chess championship, last night we competed in Round 2. Myself, Evan, Reid, and also Jacob Glumm from the LDMS club.
In the first round last week, Reid drew against Coons (1843), Evan won, Jacob and I did not play (I used one of my two Byes).
In round 2 last night, we all got pretty tough matchups. Evan drew against A. Grochowski (1788), Reid lost to R. Mhaskar (1653), Jacob lost to R. Pkenwitz (1486), and I lost to S. Richardson (1579).
I had a pretty good game but made one early mistake which ended up costing me the game ultimately. Reid admitted he played too fast- he and Rohan were very quick to an endgame in which Rohan had the advantage on position plus an extra pawn.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Barn Blitz Tournament Coming Up!

The glamorous site of the prestigious 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz!

On Sunday, August 30 at 1PM (watch the site for updates), we will be holding the prestigious 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz at the fabulous luxurious Seghers Barn Resort (watch out for rusty nails and mice), pictured above.
This is projected to be a 10-round, 5-minute blitz tournament. There will be a small entry fee which will cover a few trophies. We will be asking for RSVPs and volunteers, and some snacks, etc. There will be a 12 and under Division, a 16 and Under Division, and an Open division.
We'll also have swimming between rounds and for parents who wish to hang out and talk. We did this a few years ago and it was a lot of fun! The Evite went out today (Fri 7/17)... if you didn't get an Evite, please email Mark (s e g h e r s @ g m a i l . c o m - with out the spaces). RSVP for people, snacks, etc.
- Mark, Sue, Reid and Evan Seghers

Monday, July 13, 2009

US Junior Open


LDMS Takes Third Place in the U11 Division

Too bad we could only get three players in the U11 division! We might have had a shot at first place! As it was, Reid Seghers, Evan Seghers and Chris Tillson did very well, taking 3rd place as a 3-person team.

Evan Goes 4-1 and Takes 4th Place in the U11 Division

Evan took 4th place by going 4-1 and Reid took 9th place, also going 4-1 including a great, hard-fought win over Pranav (a 1400 player). Chris went 2.5-2.5 and also played very well in this national tournament. Interestingly, Reid and Evan's only losses came to Adream and Awonder Liang, the amazing boys from Madison. Little 5 year-old Awonder (pictured below, the top under-7 player in the entire US) beat Evan in an amazing game which I will post soon here on this site. His older brother Adream beat Reid.

The Boy "Awonder"


Another LDMS player who played in the tournament was Jacob Glumm, a rapidly improving player who is attending Muskego High School next year. Jacob did very well in the U15 division, raising his rating almost 200 points!
Congratulations to division winner Brady Harder who beat Sarfaras in the last game to go 5-0 and win the U11 division.

A big THANK YOU to Ashish Vaja, Alex Betanelli, Gregory Reese, Pam Reese, and all the others within VICA, USCF and WSCA who made this tournament possible and brought more national chess visibility to the city of Milwaukee.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

2009 U.S. JUNIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Attention Lake Denoon and Mill Valley Chess Players!!!

The 2009 U.S. JUNIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP is This Weekend!!! July 10-12, 2009.
Yes- A NATIONAL tournament- right here in town!!!! Run by the WSCA.
For details click here-> http://www.wscachess.org/wscachess/custom/events/usjunioropen5.pdf

NEW LOCATION:
RAMADA CONFERENCE CENTER MILWAUKEE
6331 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221
Chess Rate of $79 for hotel rooms is Valid until July 1st.
Reserve Early at 414-764-1500- LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO THIS

MAIN EVENT SCHEDULE:
Opening Ceremony: Friday at 2:45
Rounds:
Friday 3:00 pm.
Saturday 10:00 am and 2:00pm.
Sunday 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Closing Ceremony: Sunday 5:30 pm.

There are also side events, including a Parents and Coaches Tourney on Saturday (not rated games at 10:30, 2:15 and 3:30).
Registration is $35 if your register by July 9th. Only $30 per player if 4 or more players are registered together. Right now we have three players in the U11 division - Reid, Evan and Chris Tillson, and one player in the U15 division- Jacob Glumm (who just drew against a 2100 in a Simul last Thursday!). We could use one or two more players at least!
We could win an "Under 11" team trophy (cutoff is September 1, 2008 for turning 11, which would be anyone of our 5th graders, or anyone from Mill Valley). PLEASE RSVP ASAP for this National Tournament! I can drive a couple kids on Friday or maybe Sat/Sun if anyone needs a ride. Let's share rides!

SW Chess Club Championship

LDMS Chess Club Player, Jacob Glumm Draws a 2100 in Simul at SWCC last Thu

Summer days are so busy; some players find the best way to learn chess and stay sharp is to play in the evenings. There are two options for that- Wednesday evenings at the Waukesha Chess Club, and Thursday evenings at the SW chess club. Reid and Evan, and Kolt and Jacob, play at the SW chess club usually. Josh and his Dad Bob have played at the Waukesha Club. Both clubs have a good mix of ages and skill levels!

The next 6 weeks are the SW Chess Club Championship. Starts this Thursday night. One game per week, every Thursday night for 6 weeks. Each player can request 2 "byes" which would give him or her a half-point for that game (as if they drew). I can help drive in some cases. Please RSVP for this tournament!

Southwest Chess Club Championship:July 9, 16, 23, 30 & August 6 & 136-Round Swiss in One Section. Game/100. USCF Rated. EF: $7(must be a member to participate). SWCC Membership $10 (can join prior to first round). (Two ½ point byes available in rounds 1 through 5 if requested at least 2-days in advance; no byes available for round 6.) TD is Becker; ATD is Grochowski.

About the SW Chess Club: Thursday events are held at St. James Catholic Church in the lower level of the Parish Center building (immediately in front of the church). The address is 7219 South 27th Street in Franklin. Parking in rear, enter through south door. Hours: 6-11 p.m. Thursday tournament Registration: 6- 6:55 p.m. Games begin at 7 p.m. Every Thursday, you can either join in the action, or play a friendly game, some skittles, or arrange a match, a tournament, or an extra rated game. Ask a Tournament Director for assistance (Allen Becker, Tom Fogec, Robin Grochowski, or Sheldon Gelbart).

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Chess Is Making A Comeback

Can you name a board game that’s more than 1,400 years old, and is suddenly making a comeback in 2009? According to USA Today, the classic skill game of chess is currently taking North American schools by storm. In the past six years alone, a scholastic chess organization called First Move has gone from 1,500 student members to more than 50,000! When the game’s top players gathered in St. Louis recently - for America’s so-called “Super Bowl” of chess – four of the Top 24 players were under the age of 21.

Wendi Fischer is the executive director of America’s Foundation for Chess. She says this youth movement has been spurred by a growing number of teachers who’ve rediscovered the academic benefits of playing chess. For example: One of the first things a child learns in chess is how to use a board’s coordinate system – as in “knight moves from B-1 to C-3.” That coordinate system is the basis for algebra, and more complex math skills. Students also learn to take notes during a chess match, and to study the moves of other players printed in books. Research has shown that the patience, concentration, and logical thinking required in a game of chess can help students perform better on math and vocabulary tests. Basically, experts say chess: “Teaches the mind how to think!”

There are also social benefits to playing chess. For starters, it’s a game that kids can practice at home with their parents or with friends, and that promotes social bonding in a way that no videogame ever could. That’s one reason why the game of chess has remained popular for so long. Jerry Nash is the scholastic director for the U.S. Chess Federation. He says chess survives because it’s “an equalizer.” Your success has nothing to do with your size, age, or what language you speak. All you have to do is out-think your opponent. Plus, Nash says chess is a very inexpensive game to play, and in this economy, that may be one of the best benefits of all.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Today: Lakefront Chess

This weekend, the Seghers cannot commit to a weekend-long tournament. So.... Today, .... Mark, Reid and Evan are going to check out the new Lakefront Chess Group! See below, from the Goddess Chess Blog:

New Chess Group Starting
This is great news! Wish it was closer to where I live, drat!A new local chess group is starting up - here's the scoop:Friday May 1Hi Chess players:The new Lakefront Chess Group, the main initial purpose of which is to simply set up this Alterra Lake front coffeehouse, as a place to find a week-end/Sat game, within an initial time frame (which can be modified). Hope to see you there sometime! Thank you! - Paul Edquist

Introducing “Chess @ the Lakefront”!
WHERE: The scenic
Lakefront Alterra Coffeehouse
Across from the Marina
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr
Milwaukee 53202
Use“MapQuest” as required.

Please do not call Alterrra re our group; they are very busy Saturdays! Look for us outside, on the north side area tables or inside, the south room, first floor, if the weather is marginal. Playing outside will be the summer/warm weather default!

WHEN: Every Saturday formally commencing May 2 from approximately 11AM -2PM
You can come earlier or stay later of course!
Alterra Sat. hours: 7AM-10PM (Our hours can be changed via a poll of players consistently attending.)
OTHER INFORMATION: BYO sets, clocks, (“louder” clocks only outside); BYO refill mug for $1.25 initial fill; and 50 cent refills! Other food on site. Great outdoor tables for playing; some picnic tables for four players; multi-level seating inside. Smoking OK outside. Free parking in adjacent lot; use their north driveway; but suggest first, parking directly across the street, lakeside, in the Marina parking lot, due to busy Saturdays! Or park on Lincoln Memorial Dr., just north. We hope to grow, hold informal tournaments, and perhaps have a team for USCF or area team competition vs. the local USCF affiliate club and other groups. Ideas and help are always welcome! Tell your friends!
Contact:
Paul (former president of UWM Chess Club) or Galen

Friday, May 15, 2009

Sixteen 1st Place Team Trophies in 2008-2009 Year

Congratulations to the boys and girls of Lake Denoon, who took home the following sixteen 1st place Team Trophies this season:

  1. Mill Valley- WSCA (K-6)
  2. Ronald Reagan - WSCA (K-6)
  3. State Scholastic Tournament - USCF (K-6)
  4. Rose Glen Elementary - WSCF (K-5)
  5. Wisconsin Grade Level Tournament - WSCF (5)
  6. New Berlin Open - WSCA (K-6)
  7. Blair Elementary - WSCF (K-6)
  8. Blair Elementary - WSCF (K-12)
  9. US Amateur Team North - USCF (Elementary)
  10. Thomas Jefferson Middle School - WSCF (K-5)
  11. Thomas Jefferson Middle School - WSCF (K-12)
  12. Youth Leadership Academy - WSCF (K-12)
  13. St. Bernadette's - WSCF (K-5)
  14. University School - WSCA (K-6)
  15. Holy Trinity - WSCF (K-5)
  16. Milwaukee Museum - WSCF (K-6)

We attribute our success to - in no particular order:

  1. the original teachings and dedication of Mr. Reese - now at Bay Lane
  2. the great work of the WSCF, WSCA, USCF, SW Chess Club, Waukesha Chess Club, etc. - all the organizations and largely volunteer-driven efforts of the organizers and lovers of the game of chess and its rightful place in the scholastic world
  3. keeping things humming with weekly chess classes that the kids paid attention and contributed to
  4. the support of LDMS school administration
  5. a great group of 5th, 6th and 8th Grade friends who glued it all together and helped to make the tournaments fun!
  6. the LDMS parents who support their kids, drive them to tournaments, etc
  7. a positive attitude
  8. a competitive spirit

Without the above things, none of this success would have been possible. To everyone involved, THANK YOU.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

X-Ray Vision

Use "X-Ray-Vision"

When you analyze your game it is sometimes hard to see all combinations that are hidden within a particular position. If you miss a hidden trap of your opponent then you lose instantly a piece or a pawn or even worse, you might get checkmated. Or you miss a strong combination which would have won the game for you right away. For that reason it is a big help if you use X-Ray-Vision in your chess games.

If you use X-Ray-Vision here as white, you might find this difficult winning move. Re8+!! This move wins the queen and the game, as white has more material and the better position. The king in the middle will come under strong attack. 1.Re8+! KxR (the knight is pinned and can't capture!) Now 2.Bb5+ c6 3.QxQ and white wins the queen and sooner or later the game. (Budovskis, Inesis - Atars, Pablo, 1970)


White moves and plays 1.Nxd5! cxd 2.QxB! Great isn'it? (Bobby Fischer - Predrag Ostojic 1970). X-Ray Vision does help you to discover hidden moves and prevent that you are running around mentally searching like a blind duck. Try it in your next games.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Calendar Updated- Several USCF Events Coming

Please see the chess calendar to the right for details on important tournaments coming up, for the more advanced players especially- or for players just looking to hone their skills and increase their USCF ratings:
- Arpad Elo Open this weekend~! Local tournament, USCF
- Chicago Open next weekend! Huge tournament, USCF
- Junior Open in July (already announced here), National tournament, right here in town!

We have not attended the first two, not in the habit, sorry for the late notice.
- Mark

Southwest Chess Club- Thursday Nights

Dont forget- while the scholastic season is complete, there is still Chess Action on Thursday nights at the SW Chess Club!!!! <--click for link
There is a new tournament starting tomorrow night!!! See the web site link above for more information.

Wednesday nights work better for you? Consider the Waukesha Chess Club at the Waukesha Eagles club at 7pm on Wednesdays! See the link on the right hand side of this page for more info on tournaments and times.
There is also chess on Saturday mornings at Alterra on the lake front- more casual, just show up! Let me know if you wish to attend.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Harders Take Mill Valley

Home-schooled Brady Harder went 6-0 to took the tough K-6 Division at Mill Valley. His younger brother, Brannan, also went 6-0 to win the K-3 division!

Lake Denoon took the first place trophy in the K-6 division, for our 16th first place team trophy this season! I'm not sure how many total trophies, but I'm sure it's a bunch. Great job Knights!
Evan took 2nd place to Brady, Greg Reese Jr. took 3rd (from Bay Lane), Reid took 4th place. Several other LDMS players finished with 4 out of 6 wins- incuding 7th grader Nick Filler in his first tournament of the year!! Participating in the tournament for Lake Denoon were Evan, Reid, Nick, ChrisT, Brian, Josh, Jason, Kolton. and Glen Park took 2nd place with only 4 players- nice job Glen Park!

In the Relatives division, Mr. Seghers took 9th place. Mr. Seghers and Evan together finished fourth as a father-son team. Jason and his Dad also did well, as did Josh Bartz and his dad Bob. The relatives division was a lot of fun.

Kudos to Mr. and Mrs. Reese, the Stevlingsons, Randy Bubolz, our visiting TDs, and many other helpers who put together a great, fun, family tournament! A great way to finish the scholastic chess season.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Good Intro on the Sicilian- Video

As Black, most beginners play e5 (king pawn move 2) in response to White's common e4 (king pawn move 2). At the master level however, the Sicilian Defense is most often employed as a response to e4. The video below explains the basics of the Sicilian.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Paulsen - Morphy

Four knights opening. Usually creates a slow, closed game. Not here, however!
We talk many times about the dangers of bringing out a Queen too early, but there are times when a centrally placed Queen, WELL PROTECTED of course, can devastate. On move 12, Morphy sticks his Queen right in Paulsen's face, where it bottles up White and is the deciding factor in the game. Morphy breaks a couple rules in this game. Rules such as Don't Bring the Queen out Early. Such as "pawns capture towards the middle." And of course the Queen sacrifice (avoiding the trade) was astonishing.

This game brings up many interesting points.
- In the beginning, Be careful of the center fork trick, which many intermediate players fall for (and I will fall for as soon as I am an intermediate player). Meaning, that for white, 4. Bc4 might be a mistake because after 4... Nxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Bxd5 Qxd5, then black has a stronger center, and more mobility. Work it out on the board below. Hit the play button through black's third move, then move the pieces on your own. R to reset when you're done. White instead moves Bb5, setting up the Knight pin.
- After move 14 look at the comparative position. With 15. Qxa4, white has a little mobility, but look at his c1 bishop! Look at pawn structure too, count the "islands."
- Morphy took 12 minutes before making the move of the game.... 17. ... Qxf3! dramatically sacificing his Queen, but ONLY after he made sure he won with every possible response by White.
- White resigned after 28... Be3, see if you can figure out why he cant just take that Bishop... notice his poor c1 Bishop, stuck at home the entire game... :(

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Confident Tillson Takes Reagan


Chris begins match against Sam


Congratulations again to the Knights of Lake Denoon Chess Team, who scored 21.5 points out of a possible 24 to take First Place Team Trophy in the K-6 tournament at Ronald Reagan school Saturday in New Berlin.


With the 8th highest USCF rating in the K-6 field, rapidly-improving Chris Tillson took home the FIRST PLACE individual trophy, winning all 6 of his games including a huge upset against a 1301-rated player from Ronald Reagan. 2nd-seeded Evan took second on tie-breakers, also winning all 6 of his games including an upset against a powerful 1616-rated player from Bay Lane. Reid took 7th by winning 4.5.


Rachel at 4-1, and proud Dad, Dan


A big congratulations to Rachel Gomoll who had a great tournament and JUST MISSED a trophy, taking 11th place out of more than 60 kids, going 4-2! Jason, Brian, Josh also went 4-2, and Brady rounded out the team with a solid 3-3 showing.


Nearing the end of a successful season

One more tournament to go in the regular school season- Mill Valley on May 9!!! Then there is the Junior Open in July.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Knight Outpost Lesson

The game below, from Moscow in 1945, shows the devastating effects of a Knight OUTPOST. An knight outpost is a knight that is ANCHORED with a protecting pawn, and is also not able to be attacked by an enemy pawn. Ideally it also cannot be easily attacked by an enemy knight or bishop. This game shows a great knight outpost, established on move 17, and is the subject of today's classroom demonstration. Note: why doesn't black's queen attack that seemingly "free" pawn on move 18? Work it out with a variation by moving the pieces on your own.


Monday, April 20, 2009

Tillson Rocks Kalahari!!!


Congratulations to Chris Tillson who went 4-1 and took 2nd place at the Kalahari this weekend, in the U900 division at the State WSCF championship! Chris also won a $100 scholarship!
Kolt Otterbacher also competed and finished 11th. Everyone had a blast, I hear! Seghers were stuck down in overcrowded Spring-breaky Florida. Way to go Knights, thanks for holding down the fort for the team!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Chess Class, Remaining Tournaments

Thu Apr 23, there WILL BE CHESS CLASS, at 3PM in room 419 as usual. Topic will be thinking through positions, and Knight Outposts.

UPCOMING EVENTS!!! Important one this weekend, please RSVP!
April 25 - Ronald Reagan tournament - New Berlin - This tournament is held by the WSCA, and information will be available ASAP. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION!!! This is a WSCA sponsored event. We will attend this tournament if we can get a full team.

May 9 - Future Stars of Chess - Muskego Mill Valley - Mr. Reese is holding his annual Mill Valley tournament. Lots of fun, lots of trophies. Let's bring him some great participation! Click here for details. This is anothe WSCA sponsored event.

SuperNationals... Super!

As the week goes on, I will post more about the SuperNationals, including some pictures. Very tired tonight, as we started driving at 430AM out of Nashville this morning!
Suffice it to say, three of our players' ratings went up, one went down. Three of their four blitz ratings also went up. This is the true measure of any successful tournament, I think. So much has to do with the luck of the draw... Three of our players had shots at a trophy, but couldn't pull it off at the end. Details to come.

Overall,... Some good, some challenging. All memorable.
We won the 8th place team trophy for K-6 Blitz, that was fun! Of course I'm always seeing the glass half-empty- we were so close to fourth! But the trophy is big and will look good in the trophy case, and blitz was fun! All the boys had great games, brought back some nice wins, some challenging defeats, some notation, some t-shirts, hats, chess clocks, etc. Looking back already I realize it was a wonderful memory. Chris, Kolt, Evan and Reid had a blast.
The Gaylord was fantastic!! What an amazing hotel. While the food was pricey and they kept closing the pool (some kid yakked, then there was lightning nearby), and they pushed us all into their labyrinthine tunnel system below the hotel when there were tornado warnings... but everyone had a blast despite (and even somehow BECAUSE of) this stuff!
Reid had a player taunt him continuously during his third round, and I got into a strange discussion with his father after the game. The TD warned the man that if his kid did it one more time he would be disqualified. The man stormed off, oblivious to all but his demanding but paper-thin justification for his son's horrible sportsmanship. Reid was distracted and I think he had a hard time shaking this off. I can't blame him... I did too.
Congratulation to Bay Laner Gregory Reese Jr. who won 14th in the K-5 Championship division! Great job Greg! Congratulations also to Wisconsinite Brennan Harden who won 1st place in K-3 under 1000!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Nationals Update- after two rounds...

Round 1
Tillson W vs. 568 from NY - win. 1-0
Evan W vs. 1241 NY - win. 1-0
Reid W vs. 961 VA- loss. 0-1
Kolt B vs. 419 MD - win. 1-0
A good start to the tournament! Only loss was Reid who played slowly but did not think through one move and blundered a Knight. Everyone agrees that players all seem underrated. In Reids game notation review his opponent did not play like a 900.

Round 2
Evan B. vs. 1605. TX. draw 1.5-.5
Reid. B vs. 883. KY- win. 1-1
Kolt W vs. 468. NY- loss 1-1
Chris. B vs. 689. TN. draw 1.5-.5
Tough loss for Kolton against a kid much tougher than his rating. Reid came back with a solid win against a kid who started strong but then began to blunder his pieces. Chris got a draw. Evan also drew against a 1605, getting to a position where neither player could break a locked pawn position. Ok start for us... Could have been better but tomorrow is another day. Generally the whole team is playing too fast...

An early morning tomorrow!!!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Our Best Game at State

Brady and Yaseem

We played several meaningful game at the State Scholastic tournament, but one stands out in my mind.

We tell our kids PLAY SLOW, TAKE NOTATION. FIGHT TIL THE BITTER END. etc etc. But sometimes those are just words. A few of our top players lost games in which they played too quickly. It's one thing knowing what to do, it's quite another DOING what you should, and assimilating principles into actual game play.

Brady Megal from LDMS was paired against University's top K-5 player, Yaseem. Brady's rating was much lower, and he had not played in very many tournaments this year. Last year, he had given up chess, and this year he was slowly getting back into it. We were very happy to have him back for the state tournament. The race between LDMS and USM was very close with a couple rounds to go, so this was an important matchup for us.

Early in the game, Yaseem trapped Brady's Queen, and he lost it.

Many, if not most, beginning players including myself maybe, would have mentally given up at that point... maybe not resigned exactly,... but would have given up in SPIRIT. Instead, Brady dug deep, and settled into his chair for a long battle. Long after the other players had left the room, Brady and Yaseem battled on. I ambled by at some point, and saw Brady down 7 points.
Later, in the team room, helping another kid through his notation, Brady ran up to me with a jubilant THUMBS UP. He had won! I couldn't believe it! Not only against a strong player, but down 7 points. Brady showed me the trap he had prepared and executed, to win back the Queen he had lost and established a lead which he was then able to turn into a victory. I will be posting Brady's notation with his permission in an upcoming post, I hope....! For now, I just wanted to relay the story to the blog.
There have been many such stories this year involving the entire team. Jason's showing at USM. Josh's great day at Richards. Rachel's defeat of Magellan's Eric R. at the Museum. Kolt's first place finish at St. Bernadete's. Jacob's emergence towards the end of the year, regularly knocking off 900+ players. Zeke's steady improvement. Chris M's great first tournament. Brian's trophy at State, and his great showing at Thomas Jefferson. Chris T's rejuvenated spirit, and his steady, regular solid play at all events. I could go on and on. As a Dad and Coach of course, I am very proud of my boys also for their hard work this year. Evan and Reid share my pride in the LDMS knights and all our boys and girls have accomplished in this year. A few more tournaments to go... let's make some more memories!

Monday, March 30, 2009

LDMS Results so Far


Back when they were Cute...

The 2007 Mill Valley Elementary Knights
I just thought I would post this shot of the team from 2007, including Evan, Reid, ChrisT, and Jorin, the K-3 Unrated National Champions! Here some of us go (including Gregory with the Knights of Bay Lane), back to Nashville again... and we'll never be unrated, or underrated... again.

LDMS Hits Nationals!

The fabulous Gaylord Opryland hotel

This week, four of the players on the LDMS Knights and their families will be hitting the amazing Gaylord Opryland hotel in Nashville TN for the SuperNationals.
This tournament is the largest chess tournament that has ever been held in world history.
Evan, Reid, Kolt and ChrisT will be attending with their families. We are driving down starting at 430AM to try and miss Chicago rush hour on Wednesday. Thursday, there is blitz and bughouse, then on Friday the actual 7-game tournament begins.
Please see the www.supernationalsiv.com website for more details. Good luck Knights! I will be posting updates every day on this site.

VICA for our Advanced Players

Please see my previous post- coach notes. Ashish Vaja has been working with Reid and Evan, and Matt (also from VICA) has just begun working with ChrisT. Ashish has provided the following information for me to post on our blog.
Vaja International Chess Academy (VICA) is a chess school which seeks to produce strong chess players who can be competitive at the national and international level. Chess is an excellent tool when it comes to the cognitive development, work ethic, sportsmanship, outlet for emotions, and fighting spirit in children. Candidate Master Ashish Vaja formed VICA in 2007 because of the lack of organized quality instruction in Wisconsin. His idea was simple, contract out only experienced instructors who must first go through a year training period and must have a USCF rating above 1800. Any instructor who goes through the year training period and does not reach a peak rating of 1800 during that time is considered a VICA Junior Instructor until he/she meets the rating requirements. Since then VICA has grown into a multi faceted business providing services like: instruction for large and small chess programs/clubs, private instruction, small group instruction, bughouse instruction, mini chess camps, sleep over chess camps, and organizing regional and National events, like the 2009 United States Junior Open/Closed Championships. Ashish Vaja learned of chess in the summer of 1998 when he was about to enter 8th grade from a friend during recess. Unfortunately he played in his first tournament without full knowledge of all the rules and the only tournament available was an open adult tournament. He lost all of his games, while upsetting some of his opponents since he did not know en passant, castling, and was not yet fluent with how the knight moved. After the discouraging result and lack of instruction from the local school district he decided not to play chess ever again. Nine months later he was taught the rest of the rules from another friend at school and the rest is history. While Ashish was growing up there were only 3 scholastic tournaments a year in Wisconsin, and no chess schools. It was only by luck that he ran into the famous Wisconsin chess player and superb chess trainer NM Alexander Betaneli who would took Ashish to the next level in chess. He would help Ashish to eradicate all of the bad habits that he picked up going from 1000-1800 in a little over one year without a chess coach. Prior to this Ashish had one private instructor, attended a chess camp, and took a chess class or two, but due to financial problems and lack of quality instruction chose to work mostly by himself. After meeting NM Betaneli he quickly learned that he had developed many bad habits. Most of which were from the poor instruction and learning things incorrectly or at the wrong time in his chess development. It was at this time that Ashish realized that you could give someone all the things that need to be taught to the student to an instructor and it was still possible to present the information in the wrong way or in the wrong order. VICA provides systematic and a tested training methodology to limit bad habits and plateaus.
VICA strives for excellence when it comes to teaching. Our instructors take it upon themselves not only to teach chess, but to teach students about proper work ethic, sportsmanship, and try to help each student to develop an iron will to succeed when trying to tackle any problem on and off of the chess board.
VICA and Wisconsin Chess Academy work together to promote chess in Wisconsin.
The VICA/Wisconsin Chess Academy team:
NM Ashish Vaja—2240 USCF – Milwaukee Ashish Vaja was the 2007 United States G/30 Champion, and one of the top players in Wisconsin. He has played in local, national, and international events, and has represented the state of Wisconsin on two occasions. Having won 10+ open chess tournaments he has a vast knowledge of competitive chess. His students include: beginners, state, and national champions. Ashish has been teaching for 5+ years and, he is currently a full time chess player and chess trainer. Ashish@VajaChess.com
NM & FIDE Master Alexander Betaneli – 2325 USCF -MadisonFIDE Master Alex Betaneli, three time Wisconsin State Champion is successful as a player and as a coach. In the past decade alone, he has won more than fifty tournaments in Wisconsin. His students have captured the most honorable state titles. The team he coaches--Madison West High School--has won the unprecedented nine out of the last eleven State Championships ! Alex's students include Ashish Vaja, Erik Santarius, and Brian Luo. Alex@VajaChess.com
National Master Erik Santarius – 2286 USCF-Milwaukee Erik Santarius is a young, creative, devoted student of chess. He played first board for the Madison West High School team, helping them win three State Championships and finish third at Nationals in 2005. Erik has competed in many tournaments in Wisconsin and across the country, with several open tournament victories to his credit. His teaching experience began at Madison West High School and continues to grow with the Wisconsin Chess Academy and the University School of Milwaukee. Erik@VajaChess.com
Matthew Schladweiler (Junior Instructor) – 1645 USCF-Milwaukee Matt Schladweiler is a successful coach from Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Having played competitive chess for almost 10 years, he has a vast knowledge of what is needed to become a strong competitive player. Matt is a former Junior High State Champion and has represented Wisconsin at SuperNationals. Matt recently has devoted his time towards teaching chess and starting up 6 different successful elementary, middle and high school chess clubs in his area.
VICA
Info@VajaChess.com or 414.234.1005
www.VajaChess.com

Coaches Notes

I thought I would take a few minutes on a Monday morning near the end of the season to reflect a little bit on coaching, and to provide another avenue for some of our top players.
As a coach, I do what I can to teach the kids the basics, remind them of tricks/traps, discuss openings, help them with puzzles, help them take notation, play slow, be good sports, etc. I believe I can train a new player and help bring them to the point where they are competitive. Mr. Reese taught me many good methods, as Randy taught him. Mr. Reese added his own ideas, and I have also added my own ideas.
At the beginning level for these players, I believe coaching is really the gift of TIME. Giving our time to help coordinate tournaments, and motivating the kids as best we can.
As a player, I am learning, just like all our kids. After the latest tournament, I'm probably somewhere between 1000-1100. Which means I still make some stupid mistakes. It would rank me THIRD on our chess team. Also, it is difficult to improve much more; my job keeps me very busy. I travel for work, and its about all I can do to carve out the 2 hours per week for the chess class at LDMS, and the USCF games on Thu nights, the tournaments on the weekends, etc. So, there is a limit to how much I can help our kids. I try my best, but I am limited by both skill and time.
THEREFORE, when a player gets around the 800-900 level, and IF they have the interest and the dedication to take their game farther, I strongly recommend additional instruction. For that instruction, I recommend VICA (Vaja International Chess Academy). I am proud to consider VICA is a partner to the LDMS Knights.
As you know, Reid and Evan have received coaching from Ashish Vaja. Not only is Ashish one of the top few players in WI, he is also a great instructor. He comes once per week for an hour to teach Reid and Evan some of the finer points. Though Ashish's training, as well as extra playing for the boys with the SW chess club on Thursday evenings and online, the boys have improved significantly, adding 300-400 to their ratings. When Ashish is here, the boys are 100% into the lessons. He talks with them like a friend, and offers them interesting and informative lessons every time. But it's not just about Ashish. Chris T is now working with Matt, from the VICA team. Chris and his Mom, Marijo, are very happy so far with Matt's instruction, and we have seen growth already in just a few weeks with Chris.
I also want to thank Mr. Reese, who continues to be a powerful influence in Muskego chess. Mr. Reese has done some great things with our kids, and always has a great deal to offer as an instructor and as President of the WSCA, an emerging chess association offering instruction and tournaments for WI scholastic players. Mr. Reese also works with Ashish - Ashish is a board member for the WSCA.
My next post will be about VICA and their team. I strongly recommend that our stronger players consider working with VICA.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Remaining Chess Events for 08-09 Season

With the chess season winding down, there are still a couple of major events to keep on your calendar!!!
  • Apr 3,4,5 – Supernationals IV- Nashville, TN- This is the BIG ONE! So far, Reid, Evan, Kolt and Chris T. are going. Please see Mr. Seghers, we are looking for both K-5 Open players (unlimited rating) and K-5 Under 900 players (USCF rating must be under 900 or unrated). Reid and Kolt are partners for the Bughouse tournament and Evan and Chris, and the four of them are playing as a team for K-6 Blitz.
  • Apr 18, 19 - WSCF Wisconsin State Championships – Wisconsin Dells – Kalahari Resort – The Seghers family will be out of town this weekend most likely, but What a great way to end the WSCF season! Chess at a Water Park! Looking for one or more of the parents to lead the chess team this weekend.
  • April 26 - Ronald Reagan tournament - New Berlin - This tournament is held by the WSCA, and information will be available ASAP.
  • May 9 - Future Stars of Chess - Muskego Mill Valley - Mr. Reese is holding his annual Mill Valley tournament. Lots of fun, lots of trophies. Let's bring him some great participation! Click here for details.
  • July 10-12 - USCF Junior Open - Milwaukee Marriott West - This is a huge annual tournament for junior chess players. There are three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. Click here for details.
  • August 2009 (TBD) - 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz - We will be having a Blitz tournament in our barn. There will be a K6, K12 and Parents/Friends Division. Between rounds, players and parents can cool off in the pool, or take a paddle boat ride. Details to come!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Knights are State Champions


The Knights of Lake Denoon are now the State elemetary school Chess Champions! 415 players from all around Wisconsin traveled to Oshkosh to compete in several divisions including K-5, K-8, JV and Varsity.
Congratulations to our K-5 team of Reid, Evan, Brian, Brady, Chris, Kolt, Josh, Rachel and Zeke, who won the state championship this weekend in Oshkosh! Trophy winners were Reid, Evan and Brian. In K-8, Jacob played alone and beat three very highly rated players.
Lake Denoon won the "traveling cup" which will have our school name on it, and will be displayed until next year, at Lake Denoon Middle School!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Lake Denoon Library Adding Chess Books

Anybody recommend any good chess books? I am compiling a list for the LDMS library. I have about 20 books on it so far. Included are: (with comments by a different coach and blog author)

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess– GM Patrick Wolff - Don’t let the title fool you! This is an excellent book for beginners over the age of 10 (youngsters would have to be helped by an older reader – it written for adult-level readers). It covers not only how to play, but many of the same tips I give my students. Good for students up to the 1400 level! The final third of the book is more advanced and can be put away for later (after doing books in Fundamentals) This book is widely distributed.
Chess Workbook for Children - Todd Bardwick - excellent workbook at a young beginner level. (read the Chessville review)
Winning Chess Puzzles for Kids - Jeff Coakley - I would think that if a youngster went through Bardwick's book and then this one, it would be about as good a start as could be imagined. Chess puzzles are a great way to learn tactics... and tactics are critical for beginning and intermediate players...
Square One – Bruce Pandolfini – A book to teach young beginners how to play.
Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol I - GM Lev Alburt - Teaches you how to play with some great basic problems and concepts. Alburt's series is based on the official Soviet training method! Can sometimes be purchased with Vol II.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

State Scholastic Championship Update

State Scholastic Championship Update

The following LDMS players are registered for the State Scholastic. All are 5th graders in K-5 scholastic, except Jacob Glumm who is K-8 scholastic. Update 3/18- welcome Zeke!
1. Reid Seghers K-5
2. Evan Seghers K-5
3. Kolt Otterbacher K-5
4. Joshua Bartz K-5
5. Chris Tillson K-5
6. Brian Schroeder K-5
7. Brady Megal K-5
8. Rachel Gomoll K-5
9. Zeke Baker K-5
10. Jacob Glumm K-8

Most people are staying at the Comfort Suites in Oshkosh I believe. Seghers family is arriving on Fri evening around 6. Mark has a coaches meeting at 9pm. Everyone should plan on arriving to Gruenhagen Hall around 8:30am. We have a team room, please let me know if you need location. Email has been sent out.