“Building Champions: In the Classroom and the Community” FIRST EDITION

© 2018 Saint Louis Campus April 12, 2018 – February 24, 2019 Complimentary The RESURGENCE of AMERICAN CHESS

GATEWAY TO THE NEW CHESS WORLD

BY Bowl for viewers. Legendary World Champion This April, the second floor of the same build- 2018 will be an eventful ing will host the U.S. Chess year in the chess world. This Championships for the 10th November, , consecutive year. Nearly half the reigning world cham- the participants in the U.S. pion, will defend his crown Chess Championship will be against , Saint Louisan: Of the top 10 who last week became American players, not only the first American since Caruana and So but also in 1972 to and Varuzhan become the challenger for Akobian now live there. Top the undisputed World Chess international players also Championship. flock to the Gateway City. In Such a pairing would have August, the world’s best will sounded fantastical when compete there in the sixth I was climbing the chess annual , Olympus in the 1980s, back one of the world’s strongest when the mighty Soviet chess events. machine to which I belonged This feast of chess talent is a boasted a majority of the classic American melting pot. world’s elite players. Consider Caruana was born in Miami, SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/LENNART OOTES that Carlsen captured the learned to play in Brooklyn, 2017 Ultimate Moves Match. title from Viswanathan and spent most of his teenage Anand of India in 2013, and years in Europe. So, the cur- now, a Norwegian versus an rent U.S. Champion, was born American! Thanks largely in the , Akobian to a generation raised with in Armenia, and Robson in super-strong chess comput- Guam. So and Robson both ers and the internet, chess moved to Saint Louis to Why Chess in Saint Louis? has become truly global. attend Webster University Just as remarkably, to the in Saint Louis’s suburbs, on extent that chess has a new chess scholarships. Webster’s BY RANDY BAUER national, state and regional events. Shahade puts it, “this is the Mecca of center of gravity it is the powerhouse team, coached Board of Directors, It has become THE constant in U.S. chess. Obviously, the financial con- United States, and in par- by the Hungarian-born United States Chess Federation chess—a beacon and gravitational tributions are so considerable and so ticular, Saint Louis, . , force that regularly attracts ‘the best generous. But a lot of the passion to Caruana won the right to won the U.S. college cham- Ten years ago, I was having lunch and the brightest’ to the STLCC and donate money is that Rex really abso- challenge Carlsen by winning pionship five years running with Rex Sinquefield, discussing the the city. lutely loves chess and sees the multi- the through last year. (Saint Louis possibility of doing a study on the The best players in the U.S.–and the faceted nature of the game.” on March 27, 2018 in Berlin. University was a credible City of Saint Louis’ finances. At one world—have taken note. It is no acci- The recent heightened interest in Among the eight players in third in 2017). point, the conversation turned to dent that the top board on the 2016 chess in the U.S. is on display in mov- that tournament were two How did all of this come chess, and Rex’s passion for the game U.S. gold medal winning Olympiad ies, TV, magazines and advertise- Americans: Caruana and to pass? You can work your was immediately evident. I men- team Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana ments. I would venture to say that . Both live in Saint way back by following the tioned that the U.S. Championship is a Saint Louis resident, and team- much of that interest can be traced Louis. money, but money without was looking for a sponsor, and he mate Roy Robson attended college back to Saint Louis. Grandmaster Nor is this new, chess- passion is often squandered. expressed interest. in the city. Former World Champion explains it this way: centric Spirit of Saint Louis In this case, it leads you I’ve been in literally thousands of Garry Kasparov, commenting on “I think the American chess scene limited to hosting elite play- back to a man, and a family, similar types of business and civic the U.S. victory at the Olympiad, has become much stronger because ers. The upcoming cham- with a remarkable passion meetings over the years, and few tweeted, “Rex Sinquefield and his of what’s happening in Saint Louis. pionship clash will be fol- for chess. ‘expressions of interest’ ever pan out. CCSCSL are the beating heart of The magic of the STLCC. The fact that lowed live online by millions In 2005, Rex Sinquefield, None of those meetings, however, Team USA. He deserves a medal from they bring so many top, elite events of spectators watching a a Saint Louis native who were with Rex Sinquefield. A contract chess!” Grandmaster Ben Finegold to the U.S. Because of that, everyone’s broadcast from Saint Louis. had made a fortune in the was signed a few months later and sums it up nicely: “Everyone in the inspired. Everyone—from the top That’s where three superbly financial services busi- the first of what will be 10 consecu- world knows this chess club.” players down to the collegiate ranks entertaining Grandmasters ness, moved back home. tive U.S. Championships was held in While the accolades of the world’s down to the scholastic level. And will break down each move One of his goals was policy grand fashion at the similarly grand elite are noteworthy, equally impres- that’s going to continue. It’s a runa- from a studio in the base- influence; a conservative- Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC). sive are the opportunities it provides way train right now.” ment of the local chess club, libertarian, Sinquefield is In the following years, besides the to players at all levels—particularly World Champion Kasparov ech- a few blocks from Forest now Missouri’s biggest— U.S. Championship, Saint Louis has kids. Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield oed this sentiment in a fitting tribute Park. These broadcasts have and therefore most con- hosted major international tour- are passionate about educational to Rex’s vision: “now, here in Saint become a way for chess to troversial—political donor. naments (the flagship being the achievement for all, and they and the Louis, we are facing the renaissance transcend its small traditional But it was a lower-profile Sinquefield Cup, which regularly club are putting chess in local schools of the great game of chess.” audience, even if my cher- Sinquefield project that attracts the world’s champions and throughout Saint Louis. As former ished game is not quite ready may turn out to have even top contenders), matches and other U.S. Women’s Champion Jennifer to compete with the Super longer-lasting influence in

Saint Louis Chess Club 10 Year Anniversary Celebration TUESDAY, JULY 17 | 10 A.M. – 10 P.M.

Join us as we celebrate the Saint Louis Chess Club's ten year anniver- sary with family-friendly activities, live performances, simul games, special programs, and more on the Chess Campus. 2 THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT | APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT | APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 3

FROM PAGE 1 Saint Louis Chess Campus Saint Louis and beyond. His goal Chess Club and Scholastic Center hard work. Instead of looking for as in several rural districts in cen- capable of producing a gold-medal was to boost the popularity of of Saint Louis, with plush furnish- a quick splash, they have built a tral Missouri. The club offers fre- Olympiad team and a world cham- GENERAL MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGN SAINT LOUIS a game he’d enjoyed since boy- ings, an attractive game room, and complete system for kids, parents, quent tournaments, group lessons, pionship challenger. Joy Bray Paige Pedersen hood, chess. Partly he just wanted a broadcast studio in the basement. coaches, and schools. Half a world private lessons, lectures and even Now the U.S. has all of those Aidan Douglas more of his fellow Saint Louisans Then the club, and the Sinquefields, away from , Saint Louis summer camps. With more than things—because Saint Louis has all DEVELOPMENT CHESS HISTORY to enjoy it. But he also believed, started to build a chess culture in is the true heir to the Soviet chess 1,000 members, it’s now among the of those things. I wouldn’t say that Lauren Stewart IT SPECIALISTS as I do, that the game chess helps Saint Louis. machine. Perhaps this is why it’s world’s largest chess clubs. Rex Sinquefield did it entirely from Tricia Crossey Tammy Hyde instill self-discipline and strategic It’s truly a family affair. Rex’s the only place I feel comfortable Before this Saint Louis chess scratch, however. After all, the first Jesse Richardson BY SHANNON BAILEY chess talent, consistently thinking in young minds. dynamic wife Jeanne was a driv- occasionally breaking my retire- Renaissance, the United States official world chess champion- EVENTS Chief Curator, winning the Saint Louis Sinquefield bought a 6,000 square ing force behind the Boy Scouts ment vows to test myself at the did not have a suitable venue for ship in 1886 included a brief stop Rebecca Buffington PR & MARKETING District Championship. foot building in an old neighbor- of America adding a chess merit board—albeit with more enjoyment world-class tournaments. It didn’t in Saint Louis! But if Rex’s master FleishmanHillard Leroy Muhammad (formerly hood that evokes Washington’s badge. Their son Randy runs the than sporting success of late. have a deep-pocketed champion strategy continues to bear fruit, the FINANCE Kiley Herndon The City of Saint Louis Leroy Jackson) also shot Georgetown and whose residents state-of-the-art studio that brings Today there are chess programs in who would sponsor a world-class may Norah Friel has a lengthy chess heritage to both local and national had once included T.S. Eliot and the chess world to Saint Louis 140 schools across the metropolitan tournament out of his own pocket. soon return to his beloved birth- Linda Davis that dates back to the 19th fame during the late 1960s, Tennessee Williams. In July 2008, online. This isn’t just about money, area, including the public schools It didn’t have programs to attract place. It would be a fitting crowning Cathy Gallaher c e ntu r y. becoming the U.S. he reopened the structure as the but tremendous dedication and in the city and in Ferguson, as well and develop world-class players achievement for what has become In 1886, the city hosted a Open Champion in 1966 segment of the first World and winning the Saint Chess Championship, which Louis City Championship culminated with Wilhelm from 1966-69. They were SAINT LOUIS VIDEO PRODUCTION Steinitz defeating Johannes part of a lively chess scene BY TONY RICH space and time permitted. like an impossible task to cre- CHESS CLUB Danny Machuca Zukertort to become the in the city, which included Executive Director, Serious tournaments were ate one of the nicest clubs in Isaac Schrantz first World Chess Champion. the Capablanca Chess Club, CHESS CLUB OPENING & Saint Louis Chess Club few and far between. the world from a dingy base- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ben Simon The 1904 World’s Fair drew named for famed World So it was a cool fall even- ment, outdated apartments, Tony Rich national and international Chess Champion José Raúl When Rex Sinquefield ing in October of 2007 when a worn retail area, and aban- CHESS ASSOCIATES visitors to Saint Louis. It also Capablanca. WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME TENTH ANNIVERSARY retired and moved back to Rex invited a group of chess doned office space. But with CLUB MANAGER Emily Trask served as an occasion to hold Today, Saint Louis is well Etching of Johannes Zukertort and Missouri, the modern-day players, organizers and tour- each passing day, and as the Ryan Chester Nichole Boemecke both the Seventh Annual known as a chess center Competing at the 1886 World Chess Championship, which renaissance man found nament directors to dinner construction crew painted, Perry Colson nationally and interna- was partially held in Saint Louis, Missouri. himself with more time to with the nebulous goal of patched and rebuilt, the dia- ASSISTANT MANAGERS Bobbie Fox and the Western Chess tionally, and was named embrace his wide range of starting a chess club. Two mond in the rough began to Mike Kummer Jada Howard Association Championship the national chess capi- hobbies. In a meeting with things were important from take shape. Jonathan Schrantz Rachel Jones (now known as the U.S. tal by the U.S. Senate in Junior Championship, along ing the city a place where local sculptor Bill Smith, the outset. First, we wanted The furniture was installed Dennis LaRue Open Chess Championship) 2014. Since 2008, the Chess with the Sinquefield Cup chess history happens, and chess entered the conversa- to introduce students to and chess boards were set PR & MARKETING Angela Marchant in the city. The U.S. Open Club and Scholastic Center and the Saint Louis Rapid & where the game’s best play- tion, and upon discovering the game, both to develop up. Final touches were added Mark Niebling, Nick Risko Chess Championship would of Saint Louis has hosted Blitz, two tournaments that ers, history, and culture are his interest in the game, Bill a love of chess and to bol- with a fevered pitch. When Niebling & Associates Drew Sheffield later be held in Saint Louis tournaments including the have drawn the best players celebrated. suggested that Rex should ster educational outcomes. the club officially opened Sam Shoykhet in 1941 and 1960. U.S. Chess Championship, from the international com- meet his Uncle Bob. That The second goal was to create to the public on July 17th, SCHOLASTICS Angela Simmons From the 1940s through U.S. Women’s Chess munity. The World Chess man was none other than a warm, inviting space for 2008, Saint Louis embraced Kareem Talhouni Tracee Stewart the 1970s, Robert Steinmeyer Championship, U.S. Junior Hall of Fame relocated to Missouri Chess Hall of Fame the local community to play. us, coming in droves to play, Tony Chen was Missouri’s premier Championship, U.S. Girls’ Saint Louis in 2011, mak- inductee and National Master As we discussed this excit- learn and watch. We antici- Richard Pointer OVER 50 CHESS Robert “Bob” Jacobs. ing opportunity, none of us pated having less than 300 Kyle Weber INSTRUCTORS Among Rex’s many ques- could fathom where the club members within our first THROUGHOUT tions for Bob was this: “where would be 10 years later. year of operation. To every- ADMINISTRATIVE THE SAINT LOUIS do people play chess in Saint Construction began in one’s surprise, we surpassed ASSISTANT METRO AREA. Louis?” Sadly, Bob had to January of 2008 with these that number in just the first Beth Deeken SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB MAKES admit the anemic state of goals in mind. Candidly, I six months, and by year’s chess in a city so steeped must admit to being under- end there were more than in the history of the game. whelmed when I first saw the 600 members. Today the HUGE POSITIVE IMPACT ON SAINT LOUIS People played wherever they subdivided space that would club is proud to have more SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB could, including bookstores, eventually house the Saint than 1000 members! WORLD CHESS ADMINISTRATIVE Chess Club staff portrait during the 2009 U.S. Chess Championships. libraries, and cafes when Louis Chess Club. It seemed HALL OF FAME ASSISTANT BY FRANCIS SLAY in the , has also been Tara Meyer Former Mayor of Saint Louis hosted here annually since its incep- CHIEF CURATOR tion in 2013. Shannon Bailey INSTALLATION Since its founding in 2008, the The Chess Campus is has been & RESEARCH Saint Louis Chess Club has become officially recognized by the United ASSOCIATE CURATOR Rob Storr not only a place where people can States Senate as the Chess Capital Emily Allred Josh Castleberry learn and play chess, but also an edu- of the United States of America and REDESIGNING A SAINT LOUIS LANDMARK Gabby Christiansen cational and cultural center. It is an is the subject of a Forbes video: “St. EDUCATION, John important anchor and for the Louis: America’s Premier Chess OUTREACH & EVENTS Jesse Nenninger city’s Central West End, and a focal Destination.” It is also is home to the Kathryn Adamchick Brittany Boynton point and catalyst for events and largest in the world as BY PAIGE PEDERSEN with a duo of versatile, workhorse typefaces, the letter- Taylor Bardsley Brittany Jasin activities that have drawn national recognized by Guinness. Graphic Designer, Saint Louis Chess Campus forms receive a tailored, modern update. Caitlin Isgriggs and global attention and interest. And now, for the first time in Saint Typefaces Acta and TT Norms [aptly named for use by a EXHIBITIONS MANAGER Natalya Narishkin Through the vision and generosity Louis history, a city resident, Fabiano The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis chess organization] replace Trajan and Gotham. A wide range Nick Schleicher Kathryn Reid of Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, Caruana, has qualified for the world (CCSCSL) is excited to announce its commemorative rebrand, of weights, characters, and multilingual support in each, the Sarah Walters and with the beautiful facilities and title match to be held in November. coinciding with its tenth anniversary. For the past decade, the clean, fresh newspaper serif and modern geometric Grotesk GALLERY MANAGER Layla Zubi talented team at the Chess Club, All this chess activity has bur- CCSCSL has built its reputation as the premier destination cater to both the classical elegance of the game, as well as the Matt Dauphin Saint Louis has hosted both the U.S. nished the Saint Louis region’s for chess from its Midwestern home. Throughout 2018, the geometric minimalism and symmetry of the . Q BOUTIQUE Chess Championship and the U.S. image and is attracting visitors Chess Club will celebrate its tenth year with commemorative PR & MARKETING Brian Flowers SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB Women’s Chess Championship for from around the world. tournament graphics, a robust programming calendar, and a COLOR Brian Flowers Josh Castleberry Mayor Francis Slay presents a proclamation 9 straight years, and will be the host On the occasion of the Chess brand new name—Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC). While black and white have long been ubiquitous on the Cabanne Howard, to Rex Sinquefield declaring May 2009 "Saint again this year. Club’s 10th Anniversary, the Saint chessboard, the symbolic grid began in India as a field of Kaleidoscope REGISTRAR Louis Chess Club Month" at the Opening The prestigious Sinquefield Cup, Louis region has much to be proud of A DISTINCTLY SAINT LOUIS MARK red and green long before its European transition to black Management Group Nicole Tessmer Ceremony of the 2009 U.S. Chess Championships. billed as the strongest tournament and celebrate. Saint Louis pride is at the heart of every Chess Club and white. Returning to chess’ vibrant roots, the modular endeavor, and what represents Saint Louis like the Gateway color system unites the STLCC’s branded initiatives while Arch? The “Gateway to the West is the Gateway to Chess” celebrating the diverse history of the game and the breadth said a headline in 2016, and it’s never been more true. The of programming across the campus. The existing colors— Club’s new brand identity celebrates the city’s heritage with black, white, and gold—are expanded to integrate the brand ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Saarinen’s modernist arch perched atop golden fleur de lis refresh of the World Chess Hall of Fame [the arts branch of [a symbol of Saint Louis, and existing brand imagery for the Saint Louis Chess Campus] which shares several key the Club], and highlights chess as a landmark of the United staff members and coordinates its exhibitions with the The World Chess Hall of Fame Mike Podgursky Special thanks to States' Chess Capital. Club’s tournament schedule. acknowledges Dr. Jeanne Nick Ragone FleishmanHillard The resurgence of chess in the United States, largely due and Rex Sinquefield whose Alejandro Ramirez Arcturis to the efforts of the Saint Louis Chess Club, has encouraged BUILDING CHAMPIONS: generous support makes our Bjorn Ranheim R.G. Ross Construction chess organizations, publications, and brands to flourish IN THE CLASSROOM & THE COMMUNITY exhibitions possible. Kathleen Ratcliffe Chi Chi LLC across America. The STLCC needed to strengthen its brand Today, anyone with an internet connection can watch Tony Rich recognition and refresh its image as a pioneer of chess in world-class chess matches and listen to expert commentators Authors: Related programming and the digital age by streamlining the organization’s name. break down the tension of the game [for a layperson like me, Francis Slay a PDF of this newspaper Helping build Chess in Colloquially known as the “Saint Louis Chess Club,” we've this is essential] on one of the Chess Club’s online stream- Emily Allred Senator Jim Talent are available for download shortened the name. The simpler, straightforward moni- ing platforms. These broadcasts reach hundreds of millions Maurice Ashley Kareem Talhouni at worldchesshof.org. Saint Louis for over a decade. ker clarifies the brand and focuses its emphasis on the Saint of viewers during national or international tournaments, and Bradley Bailey Aaron Teitelbaum Louis community. the branding of the Club needed to reflect their imprint on Shannon Bailey Nicole Tessmer Donations support our the global chess scene. Randy Bauer Nick Schleicher exhibitions, programming, MONOGRAM Not only does the Saint Louis Chess Club host and broad- Frank Camaratta Lauren Stewart and events. Reworking the logo mark began on paper, starting with cast the world’s highest-rated tournaments and matches—it’s Akshat Chandra the centerpiece of the existing logo—the emblem. The Chess a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels Ryan Chester Photographers: ©World Chess Hall of Fame Club’s acronym was drawn over and over again, rearrang- are welcome to sit down and play. Offerings include a wide John Donaldson Harry Benson Printed on Recycled Paper ing the letters into different shapes and combinations. variety of classes, free events that bring chess outdoors, out- Brian Flowers Michael DeFilippo About 100+ thumbnail sketches later, these drafts moved reach that teaches critical thinking skills and confidence, and Graham Jurgensen Steve Dolan World Chess Hall of Fame from paper to screen and continued to refine the mark by an overarching mission to elevate the citizens and neighbor- Robert Hess Nick Dunaevsky 4652 Maryland Avenue simplifying the forms for a refreshed silhouette. hoods throughout the city. These programs are central to the Garry Kasparov Austin Fuller Saint Louis, MO 63108 The widened base of the slanted 'L', combined with the 't' Chess Club’s mission and underline their investment in pro- Brian Kisida Mike Klein (314) 367-WCHF (9243) on top, mimics the form of the King piece with its signature moting the game both on a local and international level. John McCrary Lennart Ootes cross-shaped finial—the flanking C’s remain, losing their Just as a Grandmaster considers his strategy many moves Eric Mousel Spectrum Studios Share your #WorldChessHOF engraved look and now enjoy a modern symmetrical curve ahead, the Chess Club’s rebrand looks to the future of the Katerina Nemcova photos @WorldChessHOF and elegantly angled serifs. organization [as well as representations of chess] and its Thank you to our editor for       presence worldwide. The visual lexicon of this ancient game Paige Pedersen this project, John Hartmann. TYPOGRAPHY is given new life as the Saint Louis Chess Club continues to While finalizing the form of the new emblem, the need innovate and pioneer American Chess in the 21st century. for versatility came to the forefront—business cards, let- terhead, brochures, internet-based media, broadcast graphics, even embroidery and merchandise design—the new logo needed to to be responsive to its environment. Originally published on saintlouischessclub.org design collaborative Simplified variations on the primary logo design, paired March 2018 4 THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT | APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 NA1

a regular at the Saint Louis an organization promoting Chess Club. His outgoing per- disability rights, a member IN MEMORIAM sonality and friendly demea- of the leadership team for nor made him an easily the Coalition for Truth in approachable opponent and a Independence, and a member National the last days of 1966, but a record 27 years, get the nod? and, with apologies to Akiva joy to play against. James had of the St. Louis ARC’s Social Browne’s record was almost Should ’s Rubinstein and Paul Keres, the ability to make you smile Justice and Human Rights as good in his first seven over 160 first places finishes as the strongest player of whether you were winning Committee. In 2015 he won Saint Louis Chess Campus championships–a third place in tournaments make him all time never to become or losing, and his one-liners the Self Advocate of the Year finish in his debut in 1973 the greatest ever or does this World Champion. Korchnoi, were a constant source of Catalyst Award. followed by six consecutive honor go to Garry Kasparov who was a candidate for the amusement for members and The Saint Louis Chess Club wins (1974, 1975, 1977, 1980, who defeated Karpov and World Championship on ten staff alike. With his death, the and all of the Saint Louis 1981, and 1983). Though he reigned from 1985 to 2000? occasions (1962, 1968, 1971, Chess Club lost not just one of Community lost a treasure of never came close to winning Those who like their World 1974, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1985, our most loyal members, but a man. another championship after Champions undefeated point 1988, and 1991), had the also a part of our family. 1983, Walter Browne’s place to Bobby Fischer and his misfortune to hit his peak The unique brand of chess in chess history is secure. dominance of the 1971-1972 at exactly the same time he brought to the Club on Hans Berliner World Champion cycle where Anatoly Karpov, one of the a daily basis earned him (1929-2017) he scored 18.5-2.5 in three greatest of the greats, was the nickname, “The James U.S. Chess Hall of Fame Candidates matches before at his zenith. The result was Game,” characterized by his defeating . three lost matches, includ- uncharacteristic openings The impact of computers ing a heartbreaking 6–5 that could, at times, stymie on modern chess cannot be (21 draws) defeat in 1978. his opponents. He liked the underestimated. Today eve- idea of forcing people out of ryone from World Chess their element by presenting Champions to club players them with challenging and regularly use chess engines unfamiliar positions. to study the game, and those His upbeat personality who don’t do so at their and cheery disposition were peril. Hans Berliner is not Robert Byrne infectious. James had the Bill Wright solely responsible for this (1928-2013) ability to brighten the room (1928-2011) state of affairs, but he can U.S. Chess Hall of Fame when he would walk in, and take much of the credit as his presence at the Club is William H. (Bill) Wright was a one of the fathers of mod- Robert Byrne is a perfect Jeremy Gaige sorely missed. stalwart member of the Saint ern . His example of the handicaps (1927-2011) Louis Chess community. program Hitech, developed top-level American chess U.S. Chess Hall of Fame Bill was a retired Marine while he was a professor at players faced for much of Alla Kushnir who bore a pleasant, friendly Carnegie Mellon, was the the 20th century. One of a Jeremy Gaige was not a strong (1941-2013) demeanor. Because of his first chess computer to defeat group of outstanding young player, nor did he organ- World Chess Hall of Fame true love for chess, he was a Grandmaster in a tourna- players that came to the fore ize important tournaments. elected annually to represent ment game. Berliner was after World War II, which None of the books he wrote Alla Kushnir, like Viktor the Saint Louis region as a not the first computer chess included fellow future U.S. were best-sellers, and yet Korchnoi, also had the mis- Missouri Chess Association programmer, but he had a Chess Hall of Famers Hans his influence on the chess fortune of having her peak Board Member. unique perspective as the 5th Berliner, , world has been profound. years overlap with those In 2001, Bill bravely revived World Donald Byrne (his brother), As Bill James, the pioneer- of one of the greatest of the Saint Louis Open in a sag- Champion. and Larry Evans, Byrne only ing statistician, is to base- World Chess Champions, ging Saint Louis chess scene. peaked as a player in his 40s. ball, so Jeremy Gaige is to in her case the legendary Thanks to his organizational This was due in large part chess, and to the great ben- . The skills, the tourney man- because he was only able efit of writers and historians. two met in Women's World Jacqueline aged to attract more than to play full-time after the Before Gaige, much of what Championship matches on Piatigorsky 60 players. The tournament 1972 Fischer-Spassky World passed for chess history was three separate occasions from (1911-2012) has grown in strength and Championship brightened anecdotal and often wrong. 1965 to 1972. Gaprindashvili U.S. Chess Hall of Fame numbers in the intervening the prospects for professional Through his groundbreaking won the first two matches years, and it now is rightfully chess players. Previous to works, including the monu- 8.5-4.5 but in the third she Few individuals have been named after him. this, like his brother Donald, mental Chess Personalia: A faced a stiff challenge and as fully involved in the As a member of the origi- he was a college professor. Biobibliography, he led chess won by only the narrowest chess world as Jacqueline nal Board of Directors, Bill archivists out of the dark of margins, 8.5-7.5. If not for Piatigorsky. Despite only tak- was integral in helping get ages, and in so doing raised Gaprindashvili it would have ing up the game in her thir- the Saint Louis Chess Club up the bar for future chroniclers been Kushnir who sat on the ties, she became one of the and running. He introduced Arthur Bisguier of the royal game. throne for a lengthy stay. top female players in the Rex Sinquefield to Tony Rich (1929-2017) United States, even repre- and the rest is history. U.S. Chess Hall of Fame senting her country in a Bill would always greet new , but it is members of the Club with One of the most friendly as an organizer and chess a smile. His enthusiasm for and outgoing of American philanthropist that she is chess was contagious and Grandmasters, Arthur best remembered. The two our membership base far Bisguier will be remem- Piatigorsky Cups were among exceeded the club's expecta- bered for not only win- the strongest tournaments tions in the first year. ning three U.S. Open Chess Larry Evans held in the 20th century and Bill was always up for a Championships, participat- (1932-2010) were noted for the excel- challenge, and wouldn't miss Senate: Saint Louis is ing in two and U.S. Chess Hall of Fame lent conditions offered to a tournament in Missouri playing on five American both players and spectators. or the surrounding area. He Olympiad teams, but also Larry Evans won the U.S. Bill Hall Anatoly Lein Her sponsorship of chess for often sold as one of the great chess Chess Championship four (1969-2016) (1931-2018) youth and the disadvantaged at these events, sharing his ambassadors. For over half times and might have made it U.S. Chess Hall of Fame was several decades ahead of true passion for the game a century, Bisguier regularly six titles if not for one Bobby Bill Hall was the Executive its time. with everyone in the process. “Chess Capital of the United States” gave lectures and played Fischer. In 1963/64 and 1966 Director of the U.S. Chess Born on March 28, 1931, in Bill also had an impressive simultaneous exhibitions Evans finished second with Federation from 2005 to 2013. Leningrad, Anatoly Lein collection, and he at chess clubs, schools, and 7.5-3.5, normally a win- A graduate of MIT and val- only became a Grandmaster would loan parts of that col- prisons around the United ning score, but Bobby scored edictorian of Cumberland in 1968 at the age of 37. He lection to his local library for The Saint Louis Chess Club has become a very big player in the States. He further contrib- 11-0 and 9.5-1.5! Besides County High School, Bill immigrated to the United display use. uted to the popularity of the being one of the strongest taught high school math States in 1976 and quickly In 2009, because of his world of chess, and the United States Senate noticed. game through his writings, American Grandmasters of before stepping into the became a leading player, lifelong dedication to the including a regular column the 20th century, Evans was role at the USCF. He was tying for first in the World royal game, Bill was inducted in magazine a prolific chess journalist a scholastic chess player and U.S. Opens that year into the Missouri Chess Hall for many years called "Chess whose syndicated newspaper and continually promoted and representing his new of Fame. Biscuits" and a column for the column ran for over four dec- chess in schools. Bill over- homeland in the 1978 Chess The Saint Louis chess com- BY JIM TALENT Championship and the Women’s super GM elite, host the inaugural Christian Science Monitor. ades. He may be best remem- saw the USCF's relocation Olympiad. He and fellow U.S. munity was lucky to know Former U.S. Senator for Missouri Chess Championship four years in a Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz in which bered for a book he did not from New York to Tennessee Chess Hall of Famer Leonid such a loyal, respectable man. row, from 2009-2012. It hosted the chess legend Garry Kasparov came write, but in which he played and awarded the Saint Louis Shamkovich were the begin- Semper Fi, Mr. Wright. The Saint Louis Chess Club has Junior Closed Chess Championship out of a 12 year retirement to par- an important supporting Chess Club its first U.S. ning of a massive wave of Adonis Reddick become a very big player in the from 2010-2012. Those are the three ticipate, sponsor the first ever inter- role—Fischer’s classic My 60 Championship in 2009. Bill's immigration from the Soviet (1970-2016) world of chess, and the United most prestigious, invitation only national PRO Chess League cham- Memorable Games. tireless work to promote the Union that would transform States Senate noticed it. chess tournaments in the United pions, and backs the new collegiate game he loved will live on in American chess. Lein played Adonis was a fixture on the Ten years ago, the Saint Louis area States. As a result, the U.S. Chess powerhouse . the legacy he created. tournament chess into his Saint Louis chess scene. wasn’t on the map where chess was Federation named the Chess Club And there is more to come. 80s and will be remembered Adonis played chess back concerned. Sure there were players the “Club of the Year” in 2009 and Chess is a great game, but it’s for his incredible passion for when Saint Louis Chess was in the area–there are chess enthu- 2011. much more than that. It promotes the game. a small community of side- siasts almost everywhere in the In addition, the Saint Louis Chess higher level thinking skills and walk players in the Loop in world–but there was no regional Club became a center of education problem solving. It offers young University City. When he focus on the sport and no center of and outreach. In 2011 and 2012, the people the chance to develop criti- became a member of the energy and activity. club reached over 3,000 students in cal reasoning and planning ability. Walter Browne Saint Louis Chess Club, his All that changed in 2008 with the over 100 schools and community And it’s a great equalizer: young (1949-2015) infectious smile and laugh founding of the Saint Louis Chess centers across the region. or old, rich or poor, people of all U.S. Chess Hall of Fame was an instant connec- Club. It was the brainchild of Rex Congress noticed this activity. different backgrounds compete tion with all our members. Sinquefield, who wanted to com- In 2014, the Senate unanimously on the same playing field. All they Walter Browne’s nickname, Bobby Fischer While his smile and laugh bine his love of chess with his sup- passed a resolution recognizing the need is a board, the pieces, and “Mr. Six-Time,” says it all. The (1943-2008) were always present, so was port for the Saint Louis region. His Chess Club for its achievements and enthusiasts of the game to teach Australian-born, but New World & U.S. Chess Halls of Fame his determination and con- vision was to bring the pleasure of designating Saint Louis as the Chess and encourage them. York raised, Grandmaster Viktor Korchnoi fidence to play anyone and chess to thousands of people (and Capital of the United States. With the advent of the Saint Louis was U.S. Chess Champion on Who is the greatest chess (1931-2016) beat them. especially kids) in the metro area, Since then the Club has gone on Chess Club 10 years ago, chess six occasions, just two short player of all-time? Is it Paul World Chess Hall of Fame James Miller His passion for chess was while making Saint Louis a recog- to even bigger things: the Chess became part of the rich heritage of of Bobby Fischer’s all-time Morphy, far ahead of his (1952-2010) second to his advocacy for the nized leader in the sport. Club has gone on to host the U.S. our region. Saint Louis is the chess PHOTOS SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/SPECTRUM STUDIOS record. Bobby won every contemporaries, but with a Viktor Korchnoi will be rights of the disabled. He was The impact of the Chess Club was Girls’ Junior Championship, intro- capital of the United States. Ten Photographs from the Congressional Chess Match in Washington, D.C., U.S. Championship he played brief career? Does Emanuel remembered for the many James “The James Game” the founder of the Association immediate. duce a new “Classic series” of tour- years from now, it may well be the 2013. in from the end of 1957 to Lasker, World Championship beautiful games he played Miller was more than just of Spanish Lake Advocates, Saint Louis hosted the U.S. Chess naments for players just under the chess capital of the world. NA2 THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT NATIONAL APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT NATIONAL APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 NA3 U.S. Chess Championships U.S. Women's Chess Championships

BY ALEX ONISCHUK BY JENNIFER SHAHADE (1) 2016 U.S. Women's Grandmaster Woman Grandmaster, author, Championship and commentator The 2009 U.S. Chess (2) 2012 U.S. Women's Championship in Saint In the stunning galleries of Championship Louis started a new era in the Contemporary Art Museum American chess, and the (CAM), buried (3) WGM Sabina Foisor exits the Saint Louis Chess Club is the her head in her hands, her eyes playing hall after winning the 2017 driving force behind chess in covered with a thick black scarf. U.S. Women's Championship our country. The Club hosts Anna Zatonskih played a five board the U.S. Championship each blindfold , (4) GM Maurice Ashley blindfolds year, but it does a lot more much to the delight of visitors and WGM Anna Zatonskih during than that! fans, spellbound by the magnifi- the Pop-Up Chess Demo, a 2016 The Club organizes a lot cent mental spectacle. The last man U.S. Championship side event of events for scholastic and standing was tournament spon- junior players. It runs GM sor, Rex Sinquefield, the president (5) International Arbiter Carol and IM tournaments, of the Saint Louis Chess Club. Rex Jarecki looks on during the 2016 and it provides support for resigned. Anna, after two hours, U.S. Women's Championship. our national teams. All this five victories, and zero losses could activity has motivated many remove the scarf and see the light players, including myself, to again. work harder on our chess. The 2009 U.S. Women’s Chess The U.S. Championship has, Championship, at the time a stan- as a result, become a much dalone event, kicked off with a stronger event in just a few Community Day and opening cer- years. emonies at CAM. In addition to I have played in all the U.S. Anna’s breathtaking simul, there SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/LENNART OOTES Chess Championships in was my own favorite, hula chess, Saint Louis. The exceptional glamour photo shoots, and a group organization and fantastic blindfold game. atmosphere make the event The Women’s Championship was very special. People travel to held for the first time in Saint Louis Saint Louis from every cor- SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER in 2009. Anna Zatonskih won the ner of America to watch the ten-player round robin event with games, and it is nice to see so (1) Playoff between a magnificent 8.5/9, for a perfor- many chess fans at the Chess GM Alex Onischuk and mance rating of 2765, the standard Club. I always have friends GM Wesley So during the of a “Super Grandmaster.” that come to Saint Louis to 2017 U.S. Championship In 2010, the event returned to support me during the U.S. Saint Louis and nearly Championships. (2) 2009 U.S. Chess matched Anna’s incredible record, I also enjoy watching all Championship Field scoring 8/9 for a performance over the broadcasts from Saint 2650. SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB Louis. The students at (3) GM Starting in 2011, the tournament Tech follow all the major contemplates his next move was organized in conjunction with prizes, and unparalleled coverage.” tournaments in Saint Louis during Round 10 of the 2015 the U.S. Championship, an event The competition gets fiercer, on a big TV screen in my U.S. Chess Championship that is open to all genders. 2011 was younger and more determined office. a special year for the U.S. Women’s. with each Championship. 12-year- In the past ten years I have (4) GM Sam Sevian vs. Eight players were invited to play old defeated the leg- spent so much time in Saint GM Ray Robson during in a dramatic format that merged endary Irina Krush in the 2016 Louis that it feels like my Round 9 of the 2015 knockout style competition with Championship. In the broadcast second home. I have made U.S. Chess Championship round robin. Tatev Abrahamyan booth, we knew that as strong and thousands of chess moves faced off against Zatonskih in the experienced our top two female at the Chess Club and I have (5) GM Alex Onischuk dramatic final, which went down to players were, someone would walked every trail in Forest during Round 1 of the 2016 the wire, awarding Anna her fourth eventually break Anna and Irina’s Park. One of my greatest U.S. Chess Championship. Championship title. SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB stronghold, not only in one game, memories in chess is our In 2012, Irina won in a tight race but for the whole Championship. team preparation for the that went to playoff. She recalls the In 2016, Nazi Paikidze, 22 at the 2012 Chess Olympiad in game that gave her the title: “I was time, prevailed in an inspiring Istanbul at Rex and Jeanne SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB losing and then she hung a ! performance. She faced defend- Sinquefield’s farmhouse. The tiebreaks are always stressful ing champ Irina Krush in the final I’m very grateful to eve- and that was the most dramatic round, and played a brilliant game ryone who makes the U.S. moment in any of them.” For the with the Black pieces. After real- Championship and other next three years, the Odessa born izing that she won her first U.S. events in Saint Louis so and Brooklyn raised Grandmaster Women’s Championship, Paikidze great, and I’m looking for- captured each Championship. This covered her face with red nails, ward to new tournaments brings Krush’s grand total of titles overcome with emotion: a career at the Chess Club, both as a to an incredible seven, with Irina highlight for the Vegas resident player and a spectator. holding the winner’s ceremonial born in Russia. Soon after this vic- four times in Saint Louis. She tory, Paikidze would become one of earned her very first at the age of 14 the most popular chess players in years old in Denver. Irina’s goal is to the world for her principled stand win at least ten U.S. Women’s titles. against playing the World Women’s Reflecting on a decade of top Championship in Iran due to the women’s chess in Saint Louis, requirement to wear the hijab dur- Krush said, "It's been wonderful ing the games. to have such a stage for the U.S. 2017 saw the most magical U.S. Women's Championship these past Women’s Championship of all. ten years in Saint Louis. The pres- Sabina Foisor entered the competi- tige of the event has grown dramat- tion as an underdog, behind per- ically with stronger players, higher ennial favorites Irina Krush, Anna Zatonskih, as well as defending SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER champ Paikidze. Beyond the board, Sabina had recently lost her beloved mother, Cristina Adela Foisor, SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/LENNART OOTES also a chess champion. Despite her personal grief, Sabina chan- neled the spirit of the woman who inspired her chess career in a dra- matic performance. She won the Championship with a score of 8/11, finishing the tournament off with a precise in the final round against the young Apurva Virkud. Sabina said, “Winning the U.S. Women's Championship has been a goal I worked hard on for years and being able to win it in the memory of the most loving and supporting person in my life has made it excep- tionally dear to me. I feel connected to the club as my 10 year anniver- sary of arriving to the United States is celebrated in the same year as the Club's hosting the U.S. Women's Championships for the 10th time! The new format and prestige of the U.S. Championships in Saint Louis has kept me motivated to [keep] playing chess seriously.” SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/LENNART OOTES SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER THE SINQUEFIELD EFFECT NATIONAL APRIL 12, 2018 – FEBRUARY 24, 2019 NA4 U.S. Junior Chess Championships

SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/SPECTRUM STUDIOS SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER

BY AKSHAT CHANDRA with a score of 8.5/10. The tioned to its new home was won the 2002 edition, he covers the tournament and Grandmaster evolution of this tourna- organized by chess player and related to me how the condi- post-game interviews. But From left to right, Jeffery ment over the years has been coach FM Alex Betaneli in tions have changed since he to me, the greatest reward Xiong during Round 8 The U.S. Junior Chess intriguing to follow, and 2009 in the city of Milwaukee. played in the U.S. Junior. “It is of winning the U.S. Junior of the 2016 U.S. Junior Championship has long been something I’d like to take a The move to Saint Louis much more prestigious, and Championship is earning an Championship; 2017 U.S. one of the most exciting closer look at. was a turning point in the the tournament has a great automatic qualification to Junior Championship, chess events in the country. For many years the U.S. tournament’s history, as the prize fund,” he said, and he play the U.S. Championship, a Round 6. The invite-only tournament Junior Championship led a STLCC built greatly on the laughed as he tried to recall privilege that was added dur- has served as a platform for nomadic life, as each year successes of the previous whether there were even ing the Championship’s ten- young and ambitious juniors the city and venue changed. organizers and worked hard monetary prizes when he ure at the Club. I won the U.S. to display their prowess while Enterprising local organizers to elevate the Championship won the tournament! In addi- Junior event in 2015 in my fighting for the coveted title did their best to seek spon- profile. The tournament also tion to the much-improved very first appearance and had of U.S. Junior Champion. sorship and organize a pro- benefited from the mete- prize fund, the publicity and the honor of participating in A strong performance in fessionally conducted tourna- oric rise of the chess vibe in playing conditions of the the 2016 U.S. Championship. this tournament is a good ment. Everything changed in Saint Louis. At its new home, Junior Championship have Saint Louis, as the nation’s indicator of future success, 2010, however, when the U.S. the Junior Championship never been better. The games chess capital, has become as many past winners went Junior Championship found acquired the publicity and are now played on elegant the proving grounds for on to become Grandmasters. a more permanent abode at marquee status that was not wooden electronic boards future top chess players, and Even the great Bobby Fischer the Saint Louis Chess Club always visible earlier. and are broadcast online. it is only fitting that the U.S. tested his mettle in this tour- (STLCC). The last edition of In talking with GM There is a live commentary Junior Championship found nament, winning in 1956 U.S. Junior before it transi- Varuzhan Akobian, who team at the Club’s studio that its permanent residence here.

U.S. Girls' Junior Chess Championships

BY JENNIFER SHAHADE attention and excitement to both Woman Grandmaster, author, events. and commentator Emily Nguyen was thrilled to play in the 2017 edition in Saint In 2014, Annie Wang broke Irina Louis: “The Saint Louis Chess Club Krush’s record for the young- is probably the nicest club I will est American female chessmaster ever go to. The playing conditions in history. Annie was 11, and as are perfect, and the community is the New York Times pointed out, amazing as well.” Her favorite part she broke a record older than she of playing was the camaraderie was. Less than a year later, Carissa with other girls. For aspiring par- Yip broke the same record. On ticipants, Emily advises, “do not the International stage, and in the feel too much pressure from the same year, Jennifer Yu became the lights and cameras and interviews,” first American girl to win gold at a but try your best to get in because World Youth Championship since “Saint Louis and the Girls' Junior 1987. Do you sense a pattern? The [are] really worth it.” top girls in American chess are Akshita Gorti won the 2017 title becoming stronger with no sign of with a commanding score of 7/9, slowing down. 1.5 points ahead of Maggie Feng, Many all-girls tournament helped her nearest rival. She agreed with to foster this incredible new genera- Emily about the location. “In my tion of female talent. Among them: opinion, the Saint Louis Chess Club the National Girls Tournament of is the best place to have chess tour- Champions, the All-Girls Nationals, naments. The chess club has amaz- and the Susan Polgar Girls’ ing playing conditions and I loved Invitational. All-girls’ events may be the live commentary [hosted by controversial, but their track record WGM Tatev Abrahamyan and GM in the U.S., as well as their social Alejandro Ramirez.]” benefits, are indisputable. The leisurely one game a day A crown jewel in the new feast schedule is great practice for pres- of formidable girls’ champion- tigious international competitions, ships is the U.S. Girls' Junior in which these same girls represent Championship, founded in 2014 in the United States on a regular basis. New Hampshire. Then-US Chess It allows ample time for preparation President Ruth Haring said, “The 1st and game analysis, and the girls Junior Girls Closed is even stronger relax and bond between games, than U.S. Women's Championships creating lifelong friendships. Gorti in the 70s and early 80s.” recalled celebrating Maggie Feng’s Claudia Munoz took the 2014 birthday, and seeing Wonder title on tiebreak. The 2015 event Woman with fellow competitors. was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with The biggest prize of all was a Ashritha Eswaran claiming the chance for Gorti to be our Wonder title. In 2016, the event moved back Woman. Winning the U.S. Girls' to New Hampshire, where Emily Junior Championship earned her Nguyen took clear first with 6.5/9. a ticket to the 2018 U.S. Women’s The U.S. Girls' Junior Championship. Championship moved to Saint Louis in 2017, to coincide with the SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB/AUSTIN FULLER U.S. Junior Championship, adding From top to bottom, WFM Carissa Yip vs. WIM Akshita Gorti during Round 2 of the 2017 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship; Round 5 of the 2017 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship.