Nate Beat the Coach!

Today after school Nate challenged Mr. J to an official "Coach Challenge" game. After an hour and 40 minutes and 63 moves, Nate had a pawn, a knight, his king and a newly promoted pawn/queen to Mr. J's lonely king and it was all over. Nate can now boast, "I beat the coach!" Kudos to Nate! Check out the winning position...

Congrats State Champs!

The WCA J.V. team won first place this year at the state tournament. Here's a picture of the team on the steps of the state capital in Jefferson City, MO.

We took a tour of the capital on Friday and then played in the tournament on Saturday. Inside the capital we paused for a longer view in the Thomas Hart Benton Reception Room...

TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY - at Chaminade

The Gateway Board Tournament will be held at Chaminade College Preparatory School this Saturday. Mr. Johnston and Mr. Schipper will NOT be there! You're on your own to get there and get registered. The league requires that you have an adult responsible for you at the tournament so make sure that at least one WCA parent is with the group. Stop by the chess room Friday to borrow a set if you need one.

Congratulations!

Great Job on Saturday! WCA entered 19 players in the Gateway Chess League Tournament and won first place in both the High School section and the 9th grade section. That is a fantastic performance for our first tournament of the year!

Gateway Chess League Tournament on Sat. Nov. 8

Keep the 8th open! We will host the first tournament of the season for the Gateway Chess League. The entrance fee is $10. Your club dues will cover your annual membership in the U.S. Chess Federation. But you still need to pay to play in each tournament. Since this one is being held at WCA, there is no need for a permission slip so just turn in your entrance fee to Mr. J by Wednesay, Nov. 5. And be at school by 8:30 Saturday morning. If you can only participate for part of the day, that is okay. You must, however, pay in advance. Thanks!

First Tournament - Saturday, Nov. 8 here at WCA!

The first tournament of the Gateway Chess League will be held here at WCA on Saturday, Nov. 8. Chess Club members - please turn in your $10 admission fee asap. Parents - please let Mr. J know what 2-hour shift you can work the food service. Thanks!

Online Puzzler #3

This type of a puzzle is called a "Triple Loyd," named after Alexander Loyd, a chess puzzle composer. In a Triple Loyd you must find 3 answers.

For this puzzle, place the Black King in:

A - Checkmate

B - Stalemate

C - mate in 1

Submit all three answers via email to Mr. J by Friday, Oct. 31.

Special Chess Club - Friday Oct. 17 - Simul With Mr. Baur

Simultaneous Exhibition - Mr. Baur, the tournament director of the Gateway Chess League, will play a simultaneous exhibition against the WCA Chess Club on Friday, Oct. 17 starting at 3:30. A "simul" is a traditional way for a strong chess player to show off his skill. Mr. Baur will have to concentrate on all of the games while each player will only have to think about his own. While Mr. B will probably win most of his games, it is also quite possible that our club will give him a work-out.

All members of the club may participate and you will earn 20 bonus points for playing and 20 more for a win. Please let Mr. J know if you are interested!

Online Puzzler - Due Tues. Oct. 14

Find 7 Double Checks!

When two pieces give check at the same time, this is known as a double check and the only way out is for the king to move.

In this puzzler, it is White to move. Find all seven double checks. List all seven moves using correct chess notation and then submit your answers to Mr. J via email at tjohnston@wcastl.org.

The deadline for this puzzler is worth 3 points and the deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Online Puzzler - Due Fri. Oct. 10

In this puzzle, it is White to move and NOT mate.

When you have figured out this puzzle, send your solution, written in correct chess notation, to Mr. J at tjohnston(at)wcastl.org. The deadline for sending your answer is Friday, Oct. 10.

A correct answer will earn you 3 workout points.

BIG CHESS...

The WCA Chess Club is off to a good start. Don't miss the BIG CHESS at the STUCO Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 11.