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Podcast interview with IM John Donaldson at the WTC

By on February 09, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1820|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]During round three of the World Team Championship in Bursa, Turkey, CCSCSL Executive Director Tony Rich got the chance to sit down with U.S. Team Captain and International Master John Watson for a candid interview about the chances of his young team, his background and the history of American chess.

The interview is available as a podcast on the front page of our Web site, but we have also transcribed the interview here for your enjoyment.

To access the podcast directly, click the link here!

Ben's Blog: Weight Update

By on February 06, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1818|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]It has been a little more than 2 weeks, and so far I have lost 12 pounds. I go to the health club everyday, and work the treadmill for one hour. I listen to music and watch tv whilst I work out, so the time passes pretty quickly. I have been sticking to my diet of fruits, veggies, rice, and soup, and that has been easy as well.

I have been receiving a lot of congratulatory texts and emails due to being on the cover of the recent Chess Life magazine. Also, I am featured on the back cover of the latest issue of "New In Chess" magazine, in the column "checking in."

Ben's Blog: Chess Life Cover

By on February 01, 2010 in

In other news, the GMs from the Silver Medal Winning World Team Championship have and will come to the CCSCSL over the next couple of months. Sunday, January 31, GM Yury Shulman lectured for over 2.5 hours, and everyone enjoyed his stories and games from the WTC.

Ben's Blog: Working Out

By on January 27, 2010 in

I also have a health membership at Sante, which is located in the basement of the beautiful Chase Hotel. Luckily, the health club is located only one block from the chess club, so I can work out every day. I have been pounding the treadmill for an hour each day.

Exciting new format debuts at 2010 U.S. Championship

By on January 22, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1795|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]The 2010 U.S. Championship, scheduled to be held May 13-25 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, will feature a new format, which includes a 24-player, seven-round Swiss tournament followed by a four-player Championship final. The idea is designed to ensure drama in the final three days of play and to avoid the potentially less climactic pairings that are typical in a 24-player, nine-round Swiss.

This innovative new format will ensure an exciting finale for chess fans around the world. After seven rounds of play, the top four players will ...

Ben's Blog: Tales from the Winter Open

By on January 18, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1794|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]My first slow-rated chess in Missouri (ever!) was more interesting than I had hoped. Luckily, Spencer was able to keep the Finegold name in good stead, as he had a solid 3.5-0.5 score, beating three lower-rated players and drawing a higher-rated player (as well as winning $42). I, on the other hand, oscillated between playing like the Rams and the Lions, but was very fortunate to go 4-0. Perhaps I should ask Mark McGwire for some tips on enhancing my performance.

The tournament was VERY successful with 57 players in attendance. There were upsets all over the place, with experts losing to lower-rated players, in the vain attempt to make me look good by comparison.

Winter Open results and prize payouts

By on January 16, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1777|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]The Winter Open at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis was a huge success with 57 participants and intense fighting chess throughout. Eight players with a rating higher than 2000 filled out the Master/Expert class, and the CCSCSL's own GM Ben Finegold took first place with a perfect 4-0 score.

Click Read more below to view the tournament standings and prize payouts, and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the tournament by esteemed tournament director Ray Kurczynski!

GM Finegold lecture series scheduled for Thursdays at CCSCSL

By on January 14, 2010 in

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to pick the brain of one of the country's top players as he offers masterful insight and analysis. GM Finegold will cover a new topic each week, so come on out and improve your game with one of the best!

If you can't make the lecture, never fear. The staff at the CCSCSL ...

Your opinion matters: Free month membership and great prizes!

By on January 14, 2010 in

[imagefield_assist|fid=1740|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]Thank you for taking the time to help us improve your club and your experience by filling out a brief survey! There are just three quick sections, and we really value your input. Sign up for an account on this site, complete the survey, and receive an extra month tacked on to your existing membership! Survey participants will also be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Bobby Fischer: My 60 Most Memorable Games, a vinyl board autographed by the 24 participants of the 2009 U.S. Championship, a vinyl board autographed by the participants of the 2009 U.S. Women's Championship or an autographed poster from the Women's Championship. The deadline for submission is January 15.

Ben's Blog: U.S. wins silver in Bursa

By on January 13, 2010 in

This is an amazing result for the U.S. team, especially with the absence of Gata Kamsky from the team.

Russia won the gold, and the surprising late entry India won the bronze after a devastating 3.5-0.5 victory over hapless Brazil. I will post the individual scores of our team below: