20 Years of California Chess Camp Fun

This year marks my 20th anniversary of teaching an annual summer chess camp to many of California’s brightest young chess players. Several of the children who trained with us over the years have gone on to win national titles and some even return as young adults to help teach the next generation of superstars. InContinueContinue reading “20 Years of California Chess Camp Fun”

#Chess Puzzle Worth Sharing 30

What is black’s best move? The puzzle above appeared on the board on move 17. [Event “SocialChess”] [Site “Internet”] [Date “2017.04.25”] [Round “-“] [White “sgshawn “] [WhiteElo “”] [Black “chessmusings “] [BlackElo “”] [Result “0-1”] 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 d5 6.exd5 Nf6 7.Qb3 Bd6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Nbd2 Nc5ContinueContinue reading “#Chess Puzzle Worth Sharing 30”

Important Announcement Regarding the 2017 SPFNO 

Dear Chess Community, As a chess coach, there are times when I have had to make the difficult choice to pass one of my favorite students to another instructor in order to better serve his/her best interests. It is never a decision that is taken lightly, not least because of the close bond a studentContinueContinue reading “Important Announcement Regarding the 2017 SPFNO “

Lathrop Mayor’s Cup Chess Tournament a Huge Success

The Third Annual Lathrop Mayor’s Cup Chess Tournament was a huge success both from a chess and organizational standpoint. The hospitality and comfortable playing space offered by River Islands Technology Academy is truly unmatched for chess tournaments in San Joaquin County. Parents had access to free WiFi and fresh coffee while chess players took toContinueContinue reading “Lathrop Mayor’s Cup Chess Tournament a Huge Success”