Drum Majors
-
Bernard Parham, chess innovator, passes away
Bernard Parham I, the 1967 Indiana State Champion and creator of the Matrix Chess System, has passed away. His son Bernard II relayed the news to The Chess Drum, “Resigned against diabetes on Wednesday, June 19th—one day after reaching his 58th wedding anniversary.” Born on October 30, 1946, to Eddie…
Read More » -
Watu Kobese premiers in new podcast!
South African International Master Watu Kobese International Master Watu Kobese has a chess resume as long as he is tall. He has added yet another venture into his portfolio. In what has become a popular trend in chess, Kobese sent The Chess Drum a message introducing a podcast titled “Chess,…
Read More » -
Gregory Acholonu featured “Chess on the Brain”
In a fascinating podcast, FM Gregory Acholonu was a guest on “Chess on the Brain,” talking about a range of topics. The host was National Master David Bennett, who asked the DC native questions ranging from current events to the Black chess scene in DC, including the “Black Knights,” the…
Read More » -
Glenn Bady becomes FIDE Trainer!
Life Master Glenn Bady has been involved in chess for nearly 50 years and was part of the contingent of Philadelphia-area masters from the Black community. Bady paired with the late Wilbert Paige at West Philadelphia High School to match rival Bartram High, which fielded Norman Rogers and Raymond Robinson.…
Read More » -
Maurice Ashley speaks on new books!
Grandmaster Maurice Ashley has been busy lately despite taking a break from commentating. On the cover of the latest Chess Life magazine, Ashley strikes a menacing pose while clasping the black king, his right hand ever ready for defense or attack. This pose symbolizes everything that chess is. It is…
Read More » -
Amin, February win 2024 African Individuals!
GM Bassem Amin and WIM Jesse February took the titles at the 2024 African Individual Chess Championship (AICC). It would be Amin’s seventh (2009, 2013, 2015 and 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024) and February’s second (winning in 2021). While Amin was dominant throughout the tournament, February had to wait until the last round when the…
Read More » -
Jacorey Bynum makes National Master!
Jacorey Bynum broke the 2200 barrier last weekend at the Southern Chess Classic, earning the coveted title of National Master! It is a testament to the values of chess education. Jacorey BynumPhoto from jbking07 (chess.com) Jacorey learned to play chess in August 2017 as a positive outlet during a difficult…
Read More » -
With two GM norms, Hardaway charts course
Brewington Hardaway is coming off of his second GM norm in the New York Invitational. The 14-year old International Master continues to make rapid progress toward the coveted GM title. An interesting discussion took place at the Marshall Chess Club on February 20th, 2024, for Black History Month. Hardaway aptly…
Read More » -
13th All-African Games (Accra, Ghana)
The recently concluded All-African Games were held in Ghana’s capital, Accra, and chess was one of the events. The last event was held in 2019 in Rabat, Morocco. The Chess Drum has covered previous editions of the All-African Games, and this event attracted 18 countries. Top African players, including Grandmasters…
Read More » -
Tani Adewumi gets required IM norm!
Tani Adewumi earned his fourth IM norm at the Southwest Open in Irving, Texas (outside of Dallas) last weekend. It was his first in an open tournament. Due to rule changes each player is required to have at least one of their GM/IM title norms earned in an open tournament.…
Read More »
