USA
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“Why We Play”… Documentary on Detroit Chess
National Master John BrooksPhoto by Daaim Shabazz Detroit is known as the “Motor City” because of its massive car industry, but it is a city also known for its musical pedigree, notably Motown Records. It is also known as a hard-scrabble city with enough pride to challenge other blue-collar Midwestern…
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Reflections of 2017 St. Louis Rapid/Blitz
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…
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Kasparov’s return ignites, but Aronian shines
Levon Aronian holding the cup of the inaugural St. Louis Rapid and Blitz.Photo by Maria Emelianova (chess.com) Garry Kasparov made at long-awaited return occurred in St. Louis as part of the 2017 Grand Prix Tour. Media organizations around the world were excited and fans were buzzing in social media. In…
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MVL is the MVP in Sinquefield 2017!
.@Vachier_Lagrave at the closing ceremony #SinqefieldCup #GrandChessTour pic.twitter.com/2I4L8Yj7EU — Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) August 13, 2017 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has had mixed results in the past year. In last year’s Sinquefield Cup, MVL, as he is known, was second in the world with a 2819 ELO and top seed. He finished…
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“Hip Hop Chess Day” in the Bronx
Jerald Times has been shuffling around the chess world for decades. He is known more as a coach than a player, but he has recently launched a new initiative with his inaugural “Hip Hop Chess Day” in the Bronx. Hip hop heads will know that the Bronx is where the…
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Chicago crushes Cleveland 293-157 in ‘Midwest Showdown’
Team Captains: Tichawona Tony Troy (Cleveland) and Daniel X Jones (Chicago). Photo by Tichawona Tony Troy The “Best in the Midwest” rivalry continues to brew as the Chicago Chess Blitzers travels six hours (one way) to Cleveland to take on the Heavy Hitters at Case Western University. The event was…
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2017 Sinquefield Cup (St. Louis, USA)
Blazing trails lead to St. Louis, the self-proclaimed “capital of chess” to host to 2017 Sinquefield Cup. As part of the third of five events of the Grand Chess Tour, it is a chance for players to ground on tour leader and World Champion Magnus Carlsen. According to tournament organizers……
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Daniel X Jones… Chicago’s Chess Warrior
Daniel X Jones with wife ZoraidaPhoto by Daniel X Jones In the past few years, Daniel X Jones has been a catalyst for chess growth in Chicago. While operating a martial arts dojo, he also hosts chess events to ignite enthusiasm that has been dormant on the south side for…
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Blitz Rivalry on Tap! Chicago vs. Cleveland
The chess community is still buzzing after the Chicago-Memphis match and a number of videos of blitz battles have circulated around social media. A lot of inter-city trash-talking and sharp-witted banter has been bounced around and the result is the second team blitz match featuring Cleveland and Chicago. There was…
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Detroit-Chicago blitz battle excites chess scene
Detroit and Chicago have a close relationship with both being home to hard-working migrants from the south in search of hope and opportunity. The Midwest was the destination for many Blacks due to the abundance of factory jobs in the steel mills, foundry, and stock yards. The determination to find…
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