Carrel Chess Club

Okay,

So I haven't figuered out how to insert chess diagrams in here yet. I barely know how to add the pages to the new site, but I will figure it all out in a very short time. I'm not even sure if I'm doing this blog correctly. I'll know that in a few minutes.

We opened the club in June of 2008 and it has been a wonderful experience for me and the members of The Carrel Chess Club.

I have learned a lot about the intricacies of running tournaments and the ins and outs of  WINTD (tournament software) and I'm still not sure if I do everything correctly.

I do know that the USCF Rule Book has come in handy on many occassions. It's hard to believe how serious chess players take the game. I believe that their seriousness stems from wanting to maintain the high standards that chess holds us all to. Either that or they take the whole "you must hate and have disdain for your opponent" thing too far.

We've had many long nights of "Rumbling" until your eyes are so blury that you can't see your opponent across the board but you keep pushing pieces anyway.

The kids have all improved greatly. You come in and sit down across the table from an innocent, unassuming little kid and they CLEAN YOUR CLOCK. Let me be the first to admit how humbling an event it can be. It happens to me more frequently than I'd like to admit.

The classes have been a great success. The kids love the format with the tournament and party at the end of each class. We run the tournament like a rated event, complete with trophies and presentations.

In all honesty it hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it. I work full time and afterwards run the club with some outstanding volunteer help. I'd like to thank our top volunteers of 2008: Roy McCutcheon, Justin Meek and Darrin Sherer.Without you guys I'd probably have tossed in the towel. Thank you! When you see these guys at the club take the time to thank them for their efforts to support the club.

I could write all night so I'll leave it at this.

Thanks!

Mike