20th year for The Chess Drum!
Twenty years. Yes… 20 years for a website. It seems unreal that so many years have passed. It seems unlikely (in these times) that a chess website can last this long. However, many years ago I rationalized this project by thinking, “If The Chess Drum did not exist, it would need to be created.” Is this true? Most definitely.
Coming up as a scholastic player in Chicago, I was bitten by the chess bug and benefited from an active club at my public high school that boasted over 100 members. After losing my first game to a Scholar’s Mate a year earlier, I was determined to improve and chess soon supplanted baseball as the activity where I invested the bulk of my leisure time. Unbeknownst to me, it would become an activity that would lead to a higher cause.
Keeping the Beat for 20 Years!!
In interviews and articles, I have explained how a simple question spurred the idea of what would become “The Chess Drum.” It would take nearly 15 years to fully realize the vision, but it was something that would soon become a rallying point for an overlooked segment.
At the 2001 Grand Opening of the Hall of Fame Chess Museum in Miami, Florida.
It was hot that day!
The original site was about 12 pages, five of which covered a diversity of players such as Odion Aikhoje (Nigeria), Warren Elliott (Jamaica), Amon Simutowe (Zambia), Maurice Ashley (USA) and Shearwood McClelland (USA). Aikhoje’s 1998 gold medal was honored, Elliott had won his first of seven national championships, and Ashley had hosted the Harlem Chess Festival. Simutowe won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympiad. McClelland had beaten Chinese star Bu Xianghzhi. The first “Historic Moments” piece profiled a classic matchup between Charles Lawton and Morris Giles along with an intriguing photo from 1989 U.S. Open. It was a thrilling beginning!
The idea of The Chess Drum happened over a period of 15 years while I was still living in Chicago. By now everyone may know I was motivated by a question… “Where are the Black IMs and GMs?” With the question searing in my mind, I embarked on a journey that would result in me hitting the “ENTER” button on February 12th, 2001 to make the site live.
There was inspiration drawn from many different persons, but it had occurred to me my degrees in Computer Science, Marketing and International Affairs prepared me for this task. The hours have been long and sometimes, I wondered why I should continue, but each time someone sends an e-mail or places a phone call, and it reinforces why this project is so important to the chess community.
It has been a pleasure to watch The Chess Drum grow into a reservoir that shows the universality of chess and its inclusivity. I have been able to compile wonderful memories in the past 20 years which I will share throughout February. Thanks for helping me keep the beat!
Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum
The “eternal” birthday cake presented to me in 2003 by Kay Umeakunne. I always bring this cake out every birthday. The cake is long gone, but the memory is still sweet!
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2001
Entertaining Tate, Covering Simutowe, Wilbert Paige Memorial, Hall of Fame
Tate at 2001 World Open (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Emory Tate is well-known for his brilliant tactical play and he would proudly put it on open display in post-mortem sessions. Here is how I described the scene at the 2001 World Open:
Emory Tate analyzing his 24-move win over GM Sergey Kudrin
at 2001 World Open at the Adams Mark Hotel.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Amon Simutowe was already on my radar before I first saw him at the 2001 World Open. He would become one of my consistent subjects as I wanted to provide encouragement toward his GM title. However, the most important accomplishment in the first year was the coverage of the Wilbert Paige Memorial tournament in Harlem, New York. The Chess Drum would be the official site.
Named after a Philadelphia master, the Wilbert Paige Memorial was a gathering of 10 of the world’s top players of African descent. The mood was exceeding festive and there was excitement in the air. Many of the players congratulated me on launching the site. This meant a great deal. Those ten days are never to be forgotten (website, reflections).
Daaim Shabazz with future-GM Kenny Solomon
during the Wilbert Paige Memorial dinner outing in 2001
Wilbert Paige Memorial players and commentators. Seated (L-R) IM Amon Simutowe, NM Grace Nsubuga, GM Maurice Ashley (commentator), FM Ronald Simpson, IM Michael Schleifer, FM Stephen Muhammad. Standing (L-R) NM Jerald Times (commentator), NM Ernest Colding, IM Watu Kobese, FM William Morrison, FM Kenny Solomon, NM Norman Rogers, NM Elvin Wilson (commentator). Photo by Daaim Shabazz
2001 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2002
Bahrain, Muhammad, World Open Magic
Robert Gwaze’s Golden Moment!
I was on personal travel to Bahrain in 2002 before Kramnik’s match with Deep Fritz. I had called around to find the chess club and finally got in touch with the (then) national champion Zeyad Janahi. The club was situated on the second floor of a restaurant which is where the Kramnik-Deep Fritz match was played. After a brief chat, I played a few games against Zeyad. He came out slightly ahead, but it was enjoyable.
2002 Bahraini Photos from Daaim Shabazz
Bahraini-Saudi Bank
Bahraini Mosque
Corner Shops
Zeyad Janahi playing Daaim Shabazz
while IM Imed Abdelnabbi of Egypt observed.
The University of Bahrain where I lectured.
2002 World Open (Philadelphia)
An exciting year! FM Stephen Muhammad would make a strong run toward IM title after getting his first norm at the 2001 Wilbert Paige Memorial. He followed up by qualifying for the U.S. Championship at the 2002 Chicago Open and earning his second IM norm at the
2002 World Open.
FM Stephen Muhammad (right center) showing GM Maurice Ashley
his game against IM Eugene Perelshteyn.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Both Muhammad and Ashley qualified for the U.S. Championship and I traveled out to Seattle the next year to cover their participation. It was a historic occasion and would be one of the highlights for 2003. More on that later!
IM Robert Gwaze beaming with his gold medal and trophy at Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia.
Photo by Barbados Chess Federation
Perhaps the most scintillating event I covered in 2002 had to be the golden performance of IM Robert Gwaze who scored 9/9 and 2690 performance rating at 2002 Chess Olympiad.
Beforehand, I made team profiles and crosstables of all Caribbean and African teams. Jerry Bibuld sent a lot of wonderful photos of a variety of players. Covering an Olympiad is a lot of work, but I realized something great was happening with Gwaze. When I saw him chalking up win after win, I thought he could win a medal. Indeed, Zimbabwe would become the land of gold!
Before the tournament, I remember putting the national anthem on each team profile. In the end, I notice someone had played the Zimbabwe anthem many times. Gwaze admitted that it was he who played it for inspiration. His 9/9 feat is still talked about today in African circles.
2002 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2003
US Championship, Muhammad (again), Blitz Battle, and a cake!
A historic year that started off with Stephen Muhammad clinching his third IM norm with three rounds remaining. Traveling to Seattle for the 2003 U.S. Championship was interesting because both Maurice Ashley and Muhammad were the first players of African descent to compete in the U.S. Championship.
GM Maurice Ashley and IM-elect Stephen Muhammad
after completion of the 2003 U.S. Championship
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Seattle was great fun and certainly a bonding experience for the two gladiators. After the tournament, Muhammad called Ashley offered to give him lessons in blitz! I heard a howl on the other end and soon Ashley was in the room. At the time, Muhammad had a 3000 blitz rating on the ICC and was every bit of a blitz aficionado. An unforgettable match started and they were going blow-for-blow. The match ended well into the morning. I had fallen asleep at some point but woke up in time to see the match end 14-14.
Memorable Blitz Battle! Muhammad vs. Ashley
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Kay Chima Umeakunne presented me with this delicious cake as an appreciation for The Chess Drum. It was the best cake I’ve ever had!
2003 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2004
Jamaica, Jamaica… attending 1st Olympiad
Pan-African chess wave hits Jamaica!
In the early days of The Chess Drum, Jamaica was central to international coverage. Many years later Jomo Pitterson revealed to me that players on the island were motivated to make headlines on The Chess Drum. Apparently, I caught FM Warren Elliott during his rise to the top of Jamaican chess. Interestingly enough, I travel to Jamaica with Zambia’s Amon Simutowe to play in the Harold Chan Open just months later.
Relaxing in Kingston, Jamaica with International Master Amon Simutowe. The six-day excursion is the subject of a photo essay recounting the activities day-by-day. Jamaicans are always great hosts!
2004 Chess Olympiad(Calvia, Spain)
Besides the aforementioned trip to Jamaica, I looked forward in covering the 2004 Chess Olympiad, in Calvia, Spain. My first Olympiad was an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The Olympiad is such a large event that one doesn’t always know where to be, so a plan and networking with other journalists is necessary.
I was sitting across from Frederick Friedel (founder of ChessBase) and told him that covering the Olympiad from home is much easier. He said, “Absolutely!” However, there is nothing that can compare with the energy. Friedel attracted a number of top players whom he was giving software to sample.
Tense moments at the 2004 Chess Olympiad as games were going late into the day. I was with a few of the Barbados players and we were watching to see if Kevin Denny would hold a draw. He did!
Finally get to meet the 13-time Barbados champion, Kevin Denny!
Despite being disappointed with a 6th place finish, the Indians were an inspiration and their camaraderie was evident. In the press room, you see Chanda Sandipan, Surya Ganguly and Pentala Harikrishna conversing. Viswanathan Anand is giving another interview in the corner. The Indians were getting things done and are now among the elite federations! All photos by Daaim Shabazz
2004 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2005
Drum Beats in Brazilian favela
Hikaru’s 2.Qh5, HB Global Chess Challenge, Hurricane Katrina
Girl Power
In my Reflections on Brazil, I wrote…
Maybe a future Grandmaster in the group 🙂
Delegation from Florida A&M University visiting residents.
They were very friendly!
Bearing gifts for the Centro Communitário Ludovico Pavoni
(Prefeitura de Taboão da Serra)
Maurice called me one afternoon and told me he was putting together a tournament and uttered “half-a-million dollars.” That got my attention. It would be called the “HB Global Chess Challenge.” It was a secret. He told me he would give me the “green light” once the negotiations were complete.
It was billed as the richest open chess tournament in history and it promised to be an enjoyable event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There was a bit of talk about the $345 entry fee and that may have turned some away. There was a $7,000 watch added for 1st prize. The HB Global did not receive additional funding, but years later, Maurice would go higher with a million-dollar tournament!
The tournament lived up to its billing, was enjoyed by most, and even had a marriage proposal by Damon Garrett of New Jersey! The tournament attracted some big names including U.S. Champion Hikaru Nakamura who created a buzz by playing 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5!? against Indian Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran a month earlier. I mentioned this in my interview with him at the HB Global.
Hikaru also played 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5!? in this game,
drawing against GM Nikolai Mitkov.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Interview with Hikaru Nakamura
I also had my first foreign language interview with FM Jorge Renteria!
Interview with FM Jorge Renteria
Jorge Renteriá playing blitz with Stephen Muhammad
at HB Global Chess Challenge.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Sometimes leisure has to take a backseat to life challenges. Hurricane Katrina was particularly devastating to thousands and The Chess Drum soon became a vehicle to help players in a desperate situation. Rene Phillips fled to Philadelphia and Alfred Carlin fled to Houston as the waters begin to flood New Orleans. They were able to get help from chess players. It was a harrowing story with a positive ending!
Medina Parrilla was one of several African-American girls who showed promise early on. She hit the media wave at age 12 and represented the U.S. in the under-12 World Youth Championships in Halkidiki, Greece followed by another appearance in Belfort, France. Parrilla continued to improve and reached “Expert” rating with visions to earn her National Master title. She later earned a scholarship to the University of Texas-Dallas (UTD) before returning to New York.
2005 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2006
2nd Chess Olympiad in Turin Italy, Tate’s final IM norm
Traveling overseas is always an exciting prospect, but traveling overseas for the Olympiad is an experience all chess players should experience at least once. In the year of a FIDE Presidential election, FIDE would host the 2006 Chess Olympiad at the Oval Lingotto. It was a 15-minute walk from where the players were staying.
Ethiopia at Opening Ceremonies!
WIM Regina Riberio (Brazil)
Players from Qatar analyzing
Angola’s Luzia Guimaraes and Valquiria Rocha
Touring the Piazza Castello in Turin, Italy
Photo Galleries of 2006 Chess Olympiad
Emory Tate earns his final IM norm in style. Beating Grandmasters Laurent Fressinet of France and Colombia’s Alonso Zapata in a last-round thriller. In the interview below, he reemphasized his quest for the GM title. His IM title was conferred in January 2007. He remained an intriguing figure until his death in 2015.
FM Emory Tate in a pre-game moment of tranquility.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Interview with Emory Tate
2006 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2007
Hip-Hop Chess Federation
Article in Chess Life, Entertaining Tate
Simutowe’s Final GM norm, GM Pontus Carlsson
Adisa Banjoko of Hip-Hop Chess Federation hosted the “King’s Invitational” in San Francisco, California on October 13th, 2007. It included tournament play, chess instruction and a panel discussion titled, “Life Strategies a Blue Print for Victory.” The Chess Drum as in the building! Hear Adisa Banjoko’s interview with Daaim Shabazz after the event.
Interview with Adisa Banjoko
Daniel Lucas told me that one of the things he wanted to do as the new editor of Chess Life was highlight The Chess Drum. Dan had won numerous awards as the editor of Georgia Chess and landed a new post to produce the national magazine. Gregory Kearse penned an article, but I must say that I had to do some judicious editing before it was printed!
Emory Tate approached me and wanted to show me his game against International Master Salvijus Bercys. I got my recorder out as a small crowd gathered. They were in for a treat!
Emory Tate showing his game against Salvijus Bercys, a 27-move gem.
Zambia’s Amon Simutowe had been on a long journey for the Grandmaster title. Bursting on the scene as a teen phenom, he was considered Africa’s brightest of talents. He left for university studies in the U.S. and while he was on the championship university teams, he did not clinch the final norm until winning the Stimulans tournament in the Netherlands. It was a triumph for him, Zambia, and the entire African Diaspora.
Amon Simutowe receives his certificate for the GM result.
Photo by Ben Schulte.
While Simutowe had earned his third GM norm, his title would be conferred in 2009. It was thought that he needed to reach 2500, but upon examination, he had reached that standard in 2001 during the Zagreb Open. He ran his “last mile”. Meanwhile Pontus Carlsson had his GM title conferred!
2007 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2008
Fischer’s Death, Detroit CCC, Olympiad (Germany)
Bobby Fischer heading to his first press conference on Friday March 25th 2005,
one day after arriving in Iceland.
Photo by Associated Press.
The King is dead! Bobby Fischer passed away in Reykjavik, Iceland at age 64 from a brief illness. Maurice shared the news with me. I picked up chess just after the “Fischer Boom,” but I enthusiastically studied his games and adopted the sharpest lines in his style. Many years later, I would hear some Fischer stories from Walter Harris.
I also covered the Fischer case in Japan and listened to his interviews including the one on September 11th, 2001. I read several accounts of his life in Iceland and some were indeed very intriguing. Regardless of what one thought of his political views, Fischer was mistreated by the Japanese authorities who apparently colluded with the U.S. to punish the legend. On the lighter side, there was a report that Fischer wanted to play Garry Kasparov or Viswanathan Anand in a Fischer 960 match.
Along with National Master Kayin Barclay I was invited to the Detroit City Chess Club and was met by a group of well-dressed, disciplined chess players. Kayin, then a freshman at Morehouse College, conducted a simultaneous exhibition. I was the speaker at the banquet the next evening. Great memories!
National Master Kayin Barclay taking on 30 students at the Detroit City Chess Club.
All photos by Daaim Shabazz.
Members of the Detroit City Chess Club
The 2008 Chess Olympiad in Dresden was bitter-sweet. Prior to the event, there were several instances of African teams being denied visas. In addition, there were several rules added including the “zero tolerance” rule. Many players (mostly from small federations) were affected due to the fact that they were widely spread around Dresden. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the interactions with the players whom I had gotten to know over the years.
Edward Nii Lamptey Thompson and John Hasford (Ghana)
GM Pontus Carlsson of Sweden
WIM Oleiny Linares Napoles of Cuba is on her way to a gold medal…
she’s on 8.5/9!
IM Amon Simutowe of Zambia sits
after arbiter (right) forfeits Suriname’s Roger Matoewi.
Costa Rica vs. Egypt (men)
Egyptian GM Bassem Amin catches a glimpse of camera.
FIDE Congress (1st Session)
Delegates of FIDE General Assembly
Norway’s Magnus Carlsen on the move against Egypt’s Ahmed Adly.
Other Egyptian players from right are GM Bassem Amin, IM Frhat Ali and FM Khaled Abdel-Razik.
John Donaldson with USA team members calculating the tiebreaks. Yasser Seirawan,
Alexander Onischuk and Hikaru Nakamura (sitting) give input.
Honorary FIDE President Florencio Campomanes and wife Lace.
The audience at the Closing Ceremony. There were spectators in the balconies and the galley was filled with photographers.
Armenia men rejoicing over 2nd consecutive Olympiad gold.
The legendary Maia Chiburdanidze (center) was clearly the leader.
Photos by Daaim Shabazz
2008 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2009
Qatar, U.S. Championships, World Open
Daaim Shabazz watching Abdul-Rahman and Kamal El-Gaafarey playing blitz.
Qatar at night
Back at the chess club… blitz battles erupt! It was very lively! 🙂
Playing FM Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, a student at Carnegie-Mellon. He has represented Qatar in several events including two Olympiads. The games were interesting. First was a 2…e6 Sicilian and went into a Maroczy Bind where he won a R+P ending. The second I won on the black side of a Sicilian Paulsen. The last was a Sicilian Rossolimo where I won with the white pieces. Great fun!
2009 U.S. Chess Championship
(St. Louis, Missouri)
Covered the U.S. Championship in St. Louis, the hometown of participant and local legend, Charles Lawton. After serving in the Navy, Lawton earned a degree in engineering. He became a major force in St. Louis 80s scene with Michael Brooks, Doug Eckert, Elliott Winslow and Terry Niehoff. He was a wildcard nominee and received the respect worthy of a local champion. (reflections)
Sidewalk view of the CCSLCC (Maryland Boulevard)
Charles Lawton opening against Samuel Shankland.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
IM Enrico Sevillano
Daaim Shabazz and John Henderson (ICC) in the press center.
Photo by Jared
Hikaru Nakamura topples Josh Friedel and is the new U.S. Champion!
Local legend Charles Lawton interacting with kids.
The World Open is always a highly-anticipated tournament and there is a sense of magic in the atmosphere. This was a period when I was hawking my t-shirts as a fundraiser. If you want to see more from 2009 World Open, click here.
Selected Photos from the 37th World Open
National Master Kassa Korley playing GM Dmitri Gurevich (1/2-1/2)
The Chess Drum’s Daaim Shabazz and Besomeone’s Orrin Hudson.
Young star Darrian Robinson with Daaim Shabazz. The two met in round #8 and played to a hard-fought draw.
Players from the Sudan… Kamanyola Awan Bior (left) scored 8/9 in under-1400 section. Also pictured was David Malual Mhial .
Nakamura with an intense look.
‘Drum Majors’ (L-R): NM Dr. Okechukwu Iwu, IM Oladapo Adu, FM Farai Mandizha, IM Emory Tate, FM William Morrison, NM Norman Rogers.
2009 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2010
Help for Haiti, traveling to Kenya, Trinidad Caribbean Carnival
The new year started with a tragedy as a 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti killing and burying hundreds while destroying the fragile infrastructure of Port au Prince. The sheer devastation left a swath of twisted metal, collapsed buildings, and cracked roads.
I had met the Haitian team at Dresden Olympiad and reached out to the chess community. I was able to locate Sabine Bonnet, founder of The Chess Academy. She fled the devastation and found her way to Miami. Her husband and her children were safe, but she had lost everything. Adia Onyango and I began to mobilize help for the Bonnet family and the chess community in Haiti. A fundraiser was organized on The Chess Drum and a couple of appeals were made including this article on ChessBase.
That June FIDE sent 500 chess sets at the request of the Haitian Olympic Committee. These gestures showed the in times of disaster the chess community can express their humanity.
Haitian youth playing with FIDE donated chess equipment.
Just as Hurricane Katrina produced a harrowing story of Rene Phillips, this tragedy shook the foundation of Haiti. However, it is the land of courageous fighters and we were glad to be of help.
The Drum Beats in Africa!
In the summer of 2010, I would travel to Africa with a group of professors as part of the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) program. We would travel to South Africa followed by Kenya and Tanzania.
After a two-day delay, I finally made it to South Africa. Next would be Kenya!
It was in Kenya that I visited the chess club which was not far from the Stanley Hotel where I was staying. Kim Bhari and Mehul Gohil picked me up. I was a bit jetlagged and was not in the mood to play, but of course, they always want to play blitz. I played a few games… badly.
Daaim Shabazz signing a Wilbert Paige booklet for Githinji Hinga.
Daaim Shabazz with Mehul Gohil and Kim Bhari.
Playing Mehul. Nice shot by Kim Bhari!
Me with members of the Kenyan Chess Federation
It is always wonderful to meet chess communities upon visiting. One realizes that chess has a unifying effect. That evening I brought t-shirts, monogrammed pens, and Wilbert Paige booklets. It was a great experience!See photo essay! You’ll love it.
2010 World Open Pan-African Blitz Battles!
IM Farai Mandizha (Zimbabwe) vs. IM Emory Tate (USA)
GM Amon Simutowe (Zambia) vs. IM Dionisio Aldama (Cuba)
Videos by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
2010 Emancipation Day (Port of Spain, Trinidad)
(photo galleries)
Daaim Shabazz having fresh fruits in the guest house. Fresh papaya is nice in the morning.
Fresh coconut water or coconut gel sold here… delicious!
Daaim posing with one of the participating groups.
This woman was very expressive in her celebrations…
very nice lady too!
Photos from Caribbean Chess Carnival
(full coverage)
Registration
Trinidad Staff: Edison Raphael, Christopher Raphael, Harry Amow
L-R: Josh Colas (USA), Guy Colas (USA), IM Oladapo Adu (Nigeria)
FM Martyn DelCastilho (Barbados), Marcus Joseph (Trinidad), IM Terry Farley (Barbados), FM Ryan Harper (Trinidad), Ravishen Singh (Trinidad)
FM Michel Pouchet (Trinidad) vs. Josh Colas (USA)
Joshua Colas battling FM Ryan Harper in round #7 of the Caribbean Chess Carnival. The 11-year old All-American defeated the former Trinidadian National Champion. Harper trots out his pet Dragon, but Colas eschews the main lines (which Harper knows well).
Daaim Shabazz and Aubrey Kappel of Suriname sharing a meal at the guesthouse. Kappel is an International Arbiter.
German Herrera Ortega of Venezuela after receiving a t-shirt from a popular website. 😉
German reminded me that he posted a blog comment in Spanish.
He was overwhelmed to receive the gift.
Calypso Queen Denyse Plummer at Closing Ceremonies
Video by Daaim Shabazz (The Chess Drum)
2010 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2011
Bahamas National Open, World Chess Hall of Fame
The Bahamas is a friendly group of islands with long-standing traditions of their junkanoo parades. The Bahamas Chess Federation was holding their National Open and I was invited by Kean Smith, the President. Back in 1983, I met the Bahamian players at the World Youth Team Championship (under-26). It was a friendly interaction and got a chance to analyze with Anthony Moss and play Juliette Storr a couple of games. However, their top player was Antoinette Seymour, the daughter of the team’s coach. On this visit, I would meet the Seymours again. I interviewed the legendary Mr. Seymour!
Kean Smith and wife showing me some Bahamian hospitality…
even though she is Kenyan! 🙂
What a view!
Flowers are a mainstay in the Caribbean.
Only in the Caribbean will you find buildings that look like this!
Steel pan artist playing pleasant tunes.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for! 😎
No caption needed.
She sells seashells by the seashore.
Hotel Atlantis
At Goodfellow Farms look what I found! I buy this in the U.S. However it twice as expensive here because of the VAT taxes. I saw an Amy’s pizza in another store for US$19.00!! In the U.S. it is $7.99.
Junkanoo School
2012 Bahamas Open
Photos by Andre White.
2011 Bahamas Open, Nassau, Bahamas.
National Master Byron Small.
Daaim Shabazz on the move.
Warren Seymour counseling one of his junior players.
That’s all the pictures I could take… too busy playing Andre White! (right)
Scholastic winners with former national player, Antoinette Seymour!
From left to right – Henderson Cartwright, Uriah Cartwright (twin brothers), Rajdeep Gali, and Daanish Kanza.
Open Section winner Ian Lyansky
Drummer sculpture outside of the airport.
World Chess Hall of Fame
(St. Louis, Missouri)
Excerpt from “Shabazz visit Chess Hall of Fame“
The Hall of Fame sits on top of an elevation directly across from the CCSCSL. Walking in one finds the style very crisp with black and white tones and classic wooden floors. A placard greets you,
Unique piece by Tom Friedman…
not the author of The World is Flat.
My favorite by Barbara Kruger… nice pieces!
“Play It By Trust” by Yoko Ono
2011 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2012
Cuba (Ortega Memorial), Queen of Katwe, Olympiad (Turkey)
Cuba: A Chess Wonderland
On the streets of Havana… this may be my favorite chess picture!
Cuba is a country I’ve always wanted to visit for a multitude of reasons. I had an opportunity to visit during winter break as part of an educational delegation from my university. It was certainly a memorable trip and enjoyed a fortuitous visit to the chess club in Havana while the Rogelio Ortega Memorial was in progress. I have written about this Afro-Cuban pioneer on The Chess Drum and here I am at the tournament in his honor!
Rogelio Ortega in Zdroj, Poland in 1967.
Photo by Alojzy Milka (courtesy of Dariusz Milka).
It is easy to see why Cuba remains one of the most passionate chess countries. It is in the league of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and India when it comes to being a national obsession. Chess is everywhere. Everywhere. It’s on the streets. It’s in the murals. It’s in street sculptures. You can even visit the Habana Libre where the 1966 Chess Olympiad was held and see pictures from the event on the wall! I invite you to read my photo essay! First, check out the video of the chess club. 🙂
At the Club Capablanca with Vladimir Ferrer who hails from Santiago. Vladimir taught himself English and was comfortably fluent. We played a series of competitive and theoretical games. The games were level, but he was ultimately a few games up. Strong!
“The Chess Drum Beats in Cuba!”
Early in 2012, I began producing “Drum Beat” videos which were designed to cover the latest Drum stories, current chess news, social media happenings, and one game. These projects were labor-intensive and I was concerned that they were too long, but these days long videos are welcomed as long as the content is good. I did five of these videos before deciding that the experiment needed a bit of tweaking. Following is the last one which covers the Anand-Gelfand match.
Tim Crothers’ book Queen of Katwe” was released and there was an air of excitement about how this would inspire African girls to play chess.
The movie was well-done, but it did not receive overwhelming support from chess players. The movie may have been improperly marketed as a story of a girl who had become a champion and a world-beater. The truth was that the movie was less about chess than her ability to escape from a life of poverty. Nevertheless, the book was adapted into a Disney motion picture and we reviewed it here.
2012 Chess Olympiad (Istanbul, Turkey)
The 2012 Chess Olympiad was eventful and there was full coverage onsite. I was most enthused by the variety of interviews which you can see here. Here are a few of my subjects. Olympiad tournaments are full of interesting personalities ranging from professional players to enthusiastic organizers and to national champions in tiny chess countries.
IM Kenneth Solomon
The Chess Drum was able to get 12 interviews during the 2012 Chess Olympiad including its third with three-time Olympic champion Levon Aronian. Please sit back and enjoy these short interviews and feel free to give your feedback! All photos by Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum.
IM Kenny Solomon (South Africa) – Solomon fortunes would not be met until later in this tournament, but he had already beaten GM Zhang Zhong and would go on to beat GM Jaime Cuartas of Colombia and GM Ivan Morovic of Chile scoring a “double-norm” and thus adding two norms to the one he already earned. This interview was after round six. 7:52 minutes
Jamaicans tried to bring the “Lightening Bolt” to Istanbul. Pictured above right to left are: FM Warren Elliott, IM Jomo Pitterson, CM Duane Rowe and Andrew Mellace. Zimbabwe’s Rodwell Makoto looks on.
FM Warren Elliott (Jamaica) – The talisman for Jamaica, Elliott drew GM Alexander Beliavsky in round one and had high hopes for a strong performance. However he mentioned the side effects of rust built up after dedicating time to his academy. With his academy thriving he still has goals for chess. Very optimistic. 6:39 minutes Sorry about quality!
Aubrey Kappel (Suriname) – FIDE Delegate of Suriname discusses the Olympiad team, chess in the country and upcoming UMADA Cup hosted in Suriname. He also mentioned Roger Matoewi earning the FM title and chatted about tourism in Turkey. 5:34 minutes
Suriname’s FIDE Delegates Vice President Aubrey Kappel and Carlos dos Ramos, President of Suriname Chess Federation.
Daaim Shabazz and Tshenolo Maruatona.
Tshenolo Maruatona (Botswana) – The Vice President of the Botswana Chess Federation speaks about preparation for Olympiad with GM Igor Glek and the resulting accomplishments (IM for Providence Oatlhotse, FM for Ignatius Njobvu and WIM for Tshepiso Lopang). Botswana has busy schedule with ideas of inviting several GMs for exhibitions and also tournaments for GM norms. 8:15 minutes
Hilda Vukikomoala and Kieran Lyons (Fiji) – This Fijian duo completed the Olympiad and gave an upbeat account of their experience and chess in Fiji. An Australian national, Kieran was Fiji’s top board by the virtue that her mother is from the island nation. She was enthralled by the Olympiad experience and is a proponent of promoting women’s chess. Hilda is a very cheerful and smiley high school student who called the experience “eye-opening”. Pleasant conversation… my favorite! 🙂 9:07 minutes
Hilda Vukikomoala and Kieran Lyons of Fiji.
GM Levon Aronian (Armenia) – This is the third the Armenian has interviewed here. A big supporter of The Chess Drum, the three-time gold medal champion talks about the gold-medal performance of Armenia, the secret of success and his view on where chess will rise next. The answers may surprise you! 15:23 minutes
GM Levon Aronian being presented with a Usain Bolt momento
from Jamaica’s Chess President Ian Wilkinson.
All photos by Daaim Shabazz.
2012 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2013
FM Morris Giles, U.S. Championships, 1st Sinquefield Cup
Memorial for FM Morris Giles
Chicago, Illinois, 19 January 2013
Photos by Daaim Shabazz (unless otherwise stated)
One of the most unheralded players in the African Diaspora was indeed FM Morris Giles. A soft-spoken person, but with a style of a ferocious lion, he was one of the strongest players in the Chicago-area and in the state of Illinois.
NM Charles Lawton analyzing with Morris Giles
at the 1982 Midwest Masters Invitational.
Photo courtesy of Helen Warren
I was in town for my father’s birthday and was fortunate enough to be in Chicago to attend his memorial services.
Roscoe Giles (brother), Cheryl Gaines (cousin), Daaim Shabazz
Me posing with one of Morris’ earliest accolades!
Giles’ famous victory over
six-time U.S. Champion Walter Browne!
GM Maurice Ashley did an excellent job with on the spot analysis.
WGM Jennifer Shahade and GM Yasser Seirawan gave star commentary and kept the broadcast interesting.
What a great team the three make!
Maurice Ashley waiting on the playoff round to commence! Macauley Peterson is in the production booth.
Akobian-Shabalov was quite a fight! Samuel Sevian takes a glance.
Alejandro Ramirez congratulates the new champion upon resigning.
Great showing!
Part of Webster University’s National Championship team.
L-R: GM Ray Robson (USA), GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez (Cuba),
GM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Manuel Leon Hoyos (Mexico).
Photos by Daaim Shabazz.
Chess in Accra, Ghana
Robi’s Dutch pub where Ghanaian players play.
Blitz Battles!!
Finale’… Kwadwo vs. Kojo, 1/2-1/2.
Me with Kojo Hasford in the last round of blitz tournament.
Winners… Kwadwo Bonsu and Kojo Hasford.
Incidentally, both names are pronounced the same. Also pictured is Carlton Hushie, the young upstart.
Pictured from left to right: Sekou Nkrumah, Henry Boadu, Edward Sosu, Edward Lamptey Thompson, Carlton Hushie, Kwadwo Bonsu, Kojo Hasford, Philip Ameku, George Arko-Dadzie, Evans Mawuko Kpodo.
The Chess Drum was in the building!
Photo by Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam.
Four of the world’s top chess players will assemble in what has become a major center for chess development. St. Louis will host the 1st Sinquefield Cup beginning tomorrow in a double-round robin event.
Magnus Carlsen, the world’s highest-ranked player headlines the event along with the second highest in Levon Aronian and top American players Hikaru Nakamura and Gata Kamsky. The first round will begin at 1 p.m. Central Time on September 9th. The players will be competing for a total $170,000 prize fund, with $70,000 going to the winner.
The event was historic and was the forerunner to the Grand Chess Tour that had become a staple for top-level chess before the pandemic derailed tournament activity in 2020. There was a lot of excitement and players drove from surrounding states to get a glimpse of the World Champion.
Round Four action… let’s get ready to rumble!
All following photos by Daaim Shabazz.
Carlsen has grabbed the tournament lead going into his epic matchup with Nakamura.
Nakamura arrives!
Carlsen arrives with Evian orange juice!
Glasses on!
The often cherubic Aronian is now getting into game mode.
Guest Arbiter Francisco Guadaloupe makes the ceremonial move.
Hikaru Nakamura in a post game press conference.
Carlsen was the subject of a mob scene on Saturday.
Norwegian media were on-hand for interviews and there were countless autograph seekers.
This is who they came to see.
Two buddies… Varuzhan Akobian and Levon Aronian share a light moment.
Is that Shiva on the left? He’s everywhere!
Lots of excitement that week!
All photos by Daaim Shabazz
2013 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2014
Vietnam, 1st Millionaire Chess Open, Walter Harris
Interview with Sean Miller
Le Van Le, Daaim Shabazz, Zeus Ng
at Sofitel Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Daaim Shabazz vs. Phan Xuan Dat, 0-1
We split two games.
Photos from the Thanh Long Dao Ky Chess Club.
Dinner with Vietnam chess community at Tam Thanh Tiem in Hanoi.
Meeting Walter Harris, the 1st African-American National Master
In 2013, the World Open had moved from its mainstay of Philadelphia and on to Arlington, Virginia (the “DMV”). In 2014, I had a chance to travel to for the 2014 World Open after skipping the previous year. It was there that I called Walter Harris and told him I would be in Virginia for the World Open. We had previous phone conversations over the years.
Finally met the legendary Walter Harris!
Dr. Kimani Stancil and Dr. Daaim Shabazz flanked by legends NM Walter Harris and NM Frank Street. Photos by Daaim Shabazz.
I called Maurice Ashley and had him to speak to Walter Harris.
What a moment!
Walter Harris on the March 1964 cover of Chess Life.
NM Walter Harris (USA) – This is a classic interview for the mere fact that National Master Walter Harris had not visited a chess tournament in 30-40 years. Harris shares pearls of wisdom in recounting his experiences as a player emerging in the 50s. He is known to The Chess Drum audience as the first Black player to earn the U.S. National Master title, a feat earned during his 5th place finish at the 1959 U.S. Junior Open.
He proceeds to discuss the legend of Bobby Fischer, the Marshall Chess Club, the Hawthorne Chess Club and the chess scene as it was then. He even recounted his exchanges with Fischer as an up and coming player. Fischer had later befriended one of Harris’ mentors Archie Waters. It would be Waters who helped sponsor Harris on his way to becoming a Master. Fascinating! 26:10 minutes
GM Ashley at the site of the Millionaire Chess Open!
Ashley on Millionaire Chess, Part 1 (03-02-2014) 19:48 minutes
Ashley on Millionaire Chess, Part 2 (04-26-2014)19:18 minutes
Ashley on Millionaire Chess, Part 3 (09-06-2014)12:58 minutes
The Millionaire Chess Open was an ambitious effort by Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and Amy Lee who wanted to inject some energy into the tournament chess scene There was a lot of excitement for this tournament given its generous prize fund and other niceties I covered each of the three events (2014, 2015, 2016) and you can see how revolutionary the idea was.
GM Maurice Ashley and IM Lawrence Trent
Daaim Shabazz and Adia Onyango, two early supporters of MCO
FM Justus Williams upset GM Sergei Azarov in the first round!
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
Purple accents made for an elegant appeal!
Photo by Billy Johnson.
I decided to wear my Millionaire Chess purple theme. It was nice to see players divert from the usual t-shirt and blue jeans and there were some very creative expressions.
Wesley So wins 1st Millionaire Open and $100,000!!
Amy Lee and Maurice Ashley present a triumphant Wesley So with the winner’s check. Photo by Paul Truong.
Full 2014 Millionaire Coverage!
Interview with Sean Miller
Part One
Part Two
Videos by Sean Miller
The Chess Drum’s Daaim Shabazz with Charles Kuwaza of Zimbabwe.
Officials from Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Algeria, Malawi, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Namibia. FIDE Continental President Lakhdar Mazouz of Algeria in the center. Various viewpoints represented here. Despite the enchanting assembly of African officials here, the Tromso Olympiad was less enchanting for Africa.
George Arko-Dadzie, President of Ghana Chess Federation,
raising an inquiry about Gabon.
Kasparov also weighs in on several issues including that of Gabon.
FIDE Election
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov looking very relaxed while…
… while Garry Kasparov looks a bit worried.
After the count, a range of emotions in this photo.
Winners!
Chinese players took turns letting out primal screams to the amusement of the audience.
“Threepeat” for the Russian women!
WIM Regina Riberio (right) shown here
with other players from Kenya and Jamaica.
WIM Regina Riberio (Brazil) – A legendary figure in Brazilian women’s chess who is making a comeback after eight years away from Olympiad play while teaching schoolchildren. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, she is eight-time women’s champion has played in ten Olympiad tournaments. She has a storied history and mentioned to me the scarcity of Black women on the chess scene in Brazil. 11:40 minutes
GM Adibhan Baskiran (India) – This personable young star who enamored fans at the 2013 World Cup in Tromso, he was an integral part of the bronze medal winners in the 2014 Olympiad. Scoring 7/11, he represents a result of the “Anand Boom” with a number of Grandmasters produced from Chennai, Adibhan’s home along with Anand’s. He gives his impression on the Olympiad, his endeavors and Asian Chess. 4:51 minutes
India at the closing ceremonies. Adibhan is at near right.
All photos on this page by Daaim Shabazz.
2014 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2015
Durban (South Africa), 2nd Millionaire Chess Open
IM Emory Tate’s death
With a university delegation, I traveled to South Africa, during our spring break. I had been in touch with Bruce Tendai Mubayiwa whom I had met at the Millionaire Open. He had begun to tell others about my pending visit. While in Durban, local chess teachers Erick Takawira and Mbongeni Sithole met me at the Regal Inn just a short walk from the North Beach.
Daaim Shabazz with Erick Takawira in Durban, South Africa.
There was no time for coffee or lunch, so we chatted about chess activity in Durban. The World Youth Championships were held a short walk from the hotel. Sithole added that FIDE President and World Champion Max Euwe visited the Durban Chess Club as well as World Champion Viswanathan Anand, the only sitting champion to visit. I guess I was in good company!
Mbongeni Sithole, Daaim Shabazz and Erick Takawira.
Photos by Daaim Shabazz.
A Drum Major is a dynamic leader of a group or band. In parlance used at The Chess Drum, a “Drum Major” is a Black player who has achieved the master-level proficiency in chess. Thus, these chess players are considered leaders in the community. They are the ones helping to keep the beat. Yes… there are a lot of double entendres in the drum concept, but during Black History Month (February) we featured a three-part series on this cadre of achievers. There is still much ground to cover in the history of Black chess players, but this series will certainly help establish the idea that there was chess activity in these communities. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
Magnus pondering his next move… which was 44.c3.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
CLICK to see larger images. Hover to get descriptions.
At Kingside diner with Rodney Thomas, an IBM executive
who sits on the board of University of Texas-Dallas chess club.
Fabiano Caruana and his new second, GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov.
Magnus Carlsen leading entourage of GM Peter Heine-Nielsen and his
manager/father Henrik Carlsen.
Newlyweds Sopiko Guramashvili and Anish Giri
walking hand-in-hand toward the club.
Levon Aronian bringing cheer to the moment.
Walter Harris, the 1st African-American National Master
Daaim Shabazz, Walter Harris, Adia Onyango and Vaughn Bennett
This was the first year that the Millionaire Chess held satellite tournaments in several countries. Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa held separate qualifying tournaments and Jamaica also held an event. The winner would get an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the Millionaire Open. The principle financier of the MCO franchise was Canadian real estate developer Amy Lee.
Amy Lee of Millionaire Chess (center) sitting at the head table with Githinji Hinga (Chairman of Chess Kenya), Graham Jurgensen (Executive Director of Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa), Satish Deshpande (Tournament Director & CEO of Chess Kenya), Harold Wanyama (winner of Millionaire Chess Satellite – Kenya). Photo by Kim Bhari.
THE LOOK OF MILLIONAIRE CHESS
Maurice Ashley’s smile is a bit brighter! 🙂
Adia Onyango, Stacey Moore, Maurice Ashley, Amy Lee, Alisa Melekhina
Registration moved expeditiously… with some bottlenecks.
Daaim Shabazz, Kassa Korley, Malaku Lorne, Rodney Thomas
Fabiano Caruana is still in the hunt with another win.
Adia Onyango
Malaku Lorne, Mario Marshall, Kassa Korley and Daaim Shabazz
at Abyssian Ethiopian restaurant.
Excellent!
Maurice Ashley, Adia Onyango, and Daaim Shabazz
Planet Hollywood, site of the Millionaire Chess Open
Thrilling battle!
Wesley So was focused on defending his crown and went through.
Daaim Shabazz (The Chess Drum) with Orrin Hudson (Besomeone, Inc.)
IM Bunmi Olape (Nigeria) – Olape is a veteran of several Olympiad tournaments and now a veteran of Millionaire Chess. having won the Nigeria qualifier, he joined a large contingent of Nigerians who made the long trip to compete for the green and white. Olape’s parents and sister actually reside in Colorado and while he visited them prior to returning to Nigeria, this was his first time to the U.S. He shared his experience of the tournament and Las Vegas, Millionaire Chess and his personal goals. 12:46 minutes
Pan-Africanism at work! FM Harold Wanyama (Uganda), IM Providence Oatlhotse (Botswana) and IM Bunmi Olape (Nigeria) playing blitz while Dominique Myers (USA) and Malaku Lorne (Jamaica) look on. Oatlhotse is playing IM Kassa Korley (Denmark/USA) and Olape is playing Mario Marshall (Jamaica/USA).
IM Providence Oatlhotse (Botswana) – Now a veteran of Botswana chess, Oatlhotse recounted his experiences at Millionaire Chess including his games (drawing with Lenderman and Garcia) and his meeting of old acquaintances such as Zimbabwe’s Farai Mandizha. He also discussed the Botswana chess scene which he states struggles for support. He weighs in on ideas to groom talent in Africa. He also makes a point that Africa should have more qualifiers in the World Cup and that the continent is capable of hosting an Olympiad. Interesting! 16:18 minutes
IM Providence Oatlhotse (Botswana)
(December 27, 1958 – October 17, 2015)
(announcement, obituary)
2015 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2016
3rd Millionaire Chess Open, World Chess Championship
Harrah’s Resort (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Opening Breakfast
GM Pontus Carlsson (right) chatting with GM Samuel Sevian and his mother.
All the way from Nigeria!!
Given the lower numbers at this year’s event, there was a different look, but the conditions of the tournament hall were excellent. The tables were nicely-spaced, set with boards and clocks, decorated purple MC monogrammed runners, and the hall was festooned with portraits of the World Champions. Inspiring indeed!
Taking a cameo shot in the Millionaire Chess #3 playing venue.
Announcements with Maurice “The General” Ashley observing.
FM Daniel Anwuli (Nigeria) – This talented 19-year old earned his FM title two years ago and became the nation’s highest-rated player at age 18. He recently represented Nigeria at the Baku Olympiad and has sights to further his studies and pursue the GM title. In this interview, he reflects on the tournament and how his slow start didn’t dampen his spirit. He scored 4.5 in the last five rounds to make Millionaire Monday. 14:13 minutes
FM Daniel Anwuli upsetting GM Conrad Holt.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
GM Pontus Carlsson (Sweden) – The Chess Drum audience will know Carlsson quite well as he has been the subject of numerous articles at the website. The Colombian-born Swedish national took his first trip to the U.S. and wanted to support the Millionaire Chess initiative. While he was critical of his play, he offers suggestions of parallel tournaments. He relished the moments with Maurice Ashley and there were a number of iconic photos taken of two of the five the Black GMs in the world. Carlsson now splits his time between Sweden and the Czech Republic. 16:54 minutes
GMs Pontus Carlsson and Maurice Ashley… double exclam!!
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
Wachania Wachira (Kenya) – Wachira was one of the African qualifiers from the MC Satellite tournament in Kenya. The field was tough for him as he struggled to gain his bearings under the weight of strong players. Nevertheless, he was intrigued by the U.S. and said that it was not what he expected. “It is too developed,” he asserted with a smile. It is with a bit of irony that in such a developed country, chess is not getting the attention it rightly deserves. 10:11 minutes
Pan-African Unity!
CM Wachania Wachira (Kenya), IM Daniel Jere (Zambia),
Daaim Shabazz (USA), IM Oladapo Adu (Nigeria), IM Farai Mandizha (Zimbabwe).
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
GM Emilio Cordova (Peru) – Having been a part of the 10th place Peruvian team in Baku, Cordova came to Millionaire Chess at the urging of a friend. While he admits that the cost is prohibitive, he was able to take 4th place overall. Surprisingly he mentions that there is not much support for chess, but the Olympiad result certainly brought honor to the country. Likewise, Cordova represented Peru well in Atlantic City. 6:59 minutes
GM Emilio Cordova versus Chinese GM Zhou Jianchou
during Millionaire Monday. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
GM Samuel Sevian (USA) – Born in New York, Sevian has been a sensation for a long time. He became an Expert at age 8, a National Master at age 9 and an International Master at 12 and 10 months. He broke a national record by becoming an International Grandmaster at 13 years, 10 months and 27 days. Since then he has played in two U.S. Championships and has begun to make his presence felt in international circles. In this joint interview with his mother Armine, he talks about his evolution as a chess player. Hopefully we will see good things from this raw talent. 9:49 minutes
GM Samuel Sevian and mother Armine chatting with
GM Pontus Carlsson of Sweden. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
Does anyone know the name of this building?
Club Quarters Hotel in Wall Street district
During the match, I stayed in Club Quarters Wall Street which was within walking distance of the Fulton Market. I was unable to secure my press credentials for Game #9, but took pictures of the venue, did an interview with IM Kassa Korley4:27 minutes and went back to the room to watch the match. Game #9 was drawn. The next day, I headed to the venue with ticket in hand. I met Alex Velasquez who put me in touch with Andrew Murray-Watson and my media credentials were cleared for Game #10.
Photos from Manhattan, New York, USA
Site of 2016 World Chess Championship (Carlsen vs. Karjakin)
Photos by Daaim Shabazz
GM Cristian Chirila, GM Alejandro Ramirez and FM Michael Klein
all doing journalist duties.
The Chess Drum’s Daaim Shabazz in media center.
GM Amon Simutowe and Daaim Shabazz
2016 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2017
Release of Triple Exclam!!! Visiting South Africa
Rapid & Blitz with Garry Kasparov
Publisher: The Chess Drum, LLC
Hardback: $40.00 (full color)
Paperback: $27.00 (full color)
In just over a year, his biography has been published by The Chess Drum after finishing production in March 2017. Release was delayed for months by a number of technical issues. The book covers his exciting 56-year journey and life as a chess artist. His passion for chess was truly inspiring. Triple Exclam was the culmination of an intense research effort on the life of Tate. The following blurb appears on the inside flap of the dust jacket:
Introducing “Triple Exclam”
Interview at 2017 U.S. Championship
Video by CCSCSL
Emory competing at the 2001 World Open in Philadelphia.
His games always drew a watchful eye.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
“Triple Exclam touches down in Africa,” 17 June 2017
Table Top Mountain (Cape Town, South Africa)
In general, I always seek out the chess community while in foreign countries, and I was able to contact Reuben Salimu whom I know from Facebook and who runs African Chess Cafe website and Claremont Chess Club. After an impromptu blitz tournament, I presented a copy of my book, Triple Exclam: The Life and Games of Emory Tate, Chess Warrior.
Playing Charles De Villiers at the Claremont Chess Club in Capetown
Reuben Salimu receiving a copy of my book “Triple Exclam”
at Claremont Chess Club, Cape Town, South Africa
Front Row : Basil Adams, Spiwe Baloyi, Seth-Riley Adams, Cosmas Mairosi
Back Row: Dione Goredema, Reuben Salimu, Nkuna Mchuchisi, Charles De Villiers
Since the inception of The Chess Drum, I have written on hundreds of events. However one of the most rewarding experiences is to cover an event live. Being present gives access to the excitement in the atmosphere, the away-from-the-board drama and the personal interactions with players. It is one of the factors that make covering live events so rewarding and also challenging.
Garry Kasparov making his grand entrance before the round. Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Interviewing Levon Aronian after the closing ceremonies.
Photo by Peter Doggers
Impressions at CCSCSL
CLICK to see larger images. Hover to get descriptions.
All photos by Daaim Shabazz (unless otherwise stated).
2017 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2018
Chess Olympiad (Batumi, Republic of Georgia)
Nigeria’s IM Oladapo Adu preparing to board Istanbul-Batumi flight.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
India’s Viswanathan Anand taking a question from Susan Polgar
after his win over Canada’s Eric Hansen.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Susan Polgar with Georgian legends
Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze
Photos by Daaim Shabazz
USA-India shake hands before battle!
The heavyweight matchup on board #1…
Fabiano Caruana vs. Viswanathan Anand, 1-0
Photos by Daaim Shabazz
Chess journalists: Haydn Gill (Barbados), Daaim Shabazz (USA), Jacinta Odongo (Kenya), Ian Wilkinson (Jamaica)
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal of ChessBase India
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Zambian delegation!
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
African delegates discussing the issues of the day.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Phiona Mutesi of Uganda, the “Queen of Katwe”
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Kenya’s Rehema Khimulu (FIDE Arbiter) directing Denmark-Myannmar
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
The Bahamian Youth Team at the 1983 World Youth Team Championship, Chicago Illinois. Pictured above, the team consisted of (left to right) Juliette Storr, Anthony Moss, Percy Rolle, Antoinette Seymour. In Batumi was Antoinette’s cousin Erica Seymour who won the Jr. Championship in 1992. She also came out of retirement after decades.
Bahamas @ 2018 Chess Olympiad (Batumi, Georgia)
(L-R) WCM Daijah Johnson, Antoinette Seymour
Dr. Juliette Storr and Erica Seymour
Photo by Bahamas Chess Federation
With Amruta Mokal and Sagar Shah of ChessBase India
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
With Jamaica’s Ian Wilkinson
View of the Black Sea!
Thanks for the great time Batumi!
Video by ChessBase India
2018 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2019
The Making of The Chess Drum
Cote D’Ivoire Rapid & Blitz
Interview with GM John Fedorowicz
Video by The Chess Drum
Pan African!
Philip Ameku (Ghana), Angela Ayiku (Ghana), Christiana Naa Merley Ashley (Ghana), Daaim Shabazz (USA) and Ogunsiku Babatunde (Nigeria)
The enchanting Peace Samson
Peace Samson and Toritsemuwa Ofowino
Daaim Shabazz interviewing Philip Ameku
Nigeria’s Babatunde Ogunsiku (African Chess Media)
Interview with Philip Ameku, Ghana Chess Association
Ghanaian Chess Association President Philip Ameku brought a contingent of players from Ghana after successfully hosting the 4.4 zonal event in Accra, Ghana. That event was won by Nigerian FIDE Master Daniel Anwuli. Ameku wanted to expose his players to the professional players competing in the Grand Chess Tour event being held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. This event would feature the World Champion Magnus Carlsen and a cadre of nine other top players. Ameku was milling about when he was approached by The Chess Drum and consented to a short interview session. The venue was the five-star Pullman Hotel and the backdrop was downtown Abidjan with dusk looming.
Video by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
Essoh Essis performing at the Parker Place
Video by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
With the title already decided, Carlsen watches Nakamura and Vachier-Lagrave fight for second. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
Magnus Carlsen receives the beautiful trophy from
the Minister of Sports Paulin Danho
Photo by Daaim Shabazz
Video by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
Video by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
Interview with GM John Fedorowicz
2019 U.S. Open (Orlando, FL)
WARNING: CONTAINS SOME PROFANITY
Video by Daaim Shabazz/The Chess Drum
2019 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2020
The Year of Reckoning… political discourse
The Chess Drum in New in Chess!
The year 2020 will be memorable in so many ways. There was a global pandemic that still rages a year later. There was a major protest after the death of George Floyd. Millions flooded the streets in the U.S. and other nations followed in their outrage. There was also a Presidential election that would shape the future of American politics for the next several decades.
President Donald Trump was indeed a polarizing figure, but the issues being debated have been everpresent for centuries. It seemed that only now people realized that there were injustices in America and decided to act on them. I decided to enter the debate with a few articles which follow.
George Floyd and the Right to Thrive
(2 June 2020)Response to FIDE’s Statement on Racism (2020)
(16 June 2020)Is Chess Inherently Racist?
(5 July 2020)
Video by Adisa Banjoko (HHCF)
After urging from New in Chess Chief Editor Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, I have penned an exclusive for the world’s premier chess magazine (2020-8). Dirk and I met at either an Olympiad or one of the Grand Chess Tour events in St. Louis. As we covered one of the events, he posed the idea of me writing an article for the publication, and I agreed to the honor.
Note: This article is not available online, nor as a single print. I do not have permission to copy and post here. You will have to purchase your magazine at NIC store! You can see my past reviews of NIC here!
2020 Index of Stories
20 Years of Memorable Moments (2001-2021)
2021
Gambit and Katwe… Two Queens, Two Lessons
20th anniversary!
Gambit and Katwe… Two Queens, Two Lessons (11 January 2021)
2021 Index of Stories
Congratulations Dr. Shabazz…Your Impact on the Culture is immeasurable but so very necessary..Your dedication is unmatched and honor for the game is unrivaled…Keep drumming!!
Thanks Mike!
Congrats! Great work much appreciated!
BTW I think Tani Adewumi is still on pace to reach USCF master before age 12. He turns 11 some time this year and he is active and has been to 2131. He gained over 100 points in 2020.
He will need to beat Brewington Hardaway who made National Master at 10! 🙂
https://www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2019/11/30/brewington-hardaway-a-chess-master-at-10/
Haaaa!!
I don’t think Tani’s gonna make it LOL
Haaaa!!
I don’t think Tani’s gonna make it
Well done, keep workin!!! BUBBAFISHA
20 years and going strong…Cheers to one of the best chess sites out there