Pandemic, COVID-19 (Kung Flu II) hits the city of St. Petersburg! We have been notified that Mirror Lake complex is now CLOSED. All classes, activities, lectures, rentals, meetings have been cancelled. This does include Lawn Bowl, Chess Club, Shuffleboard Club, SPIFFS, Bike Co-Op. Thank You, China! For the second time! First time was in 1918.

The year was 1918, the so called “Spanish Flu” began to kill 50 to 100 million people world wide (excluding China where it started, no records) now called “Swine Flu” because they say they “think” it jumped from pigs to humans, it did not. I believe it started from the Chinese eating bats. The world did all the steps we are doing today, and they were fighting a war. The problem happened when the “curve flattened” they thought it was over! the H1N1 (swine flu) virus mutated a little bit and really went on a killing spree, this was called the second wave. Total dead in USA 675,000. Killed more Americans than all the 20th century wars we were in combined. Today, I’m waiting for the second wave to start, God help us!

The chess world may hate me, but hear it goes. The champion GM Magnus Carlsen had no intention of trying to win classical chess time control. The game plan from day one was to go to the tie breaks (he has done this twice before). He (Maggie) knew that the “Rapid” time control Fabiano Caruana had little chance to win, if any. Maggie (ranked #1) had about 100 points over Fabi (Ranked #10), which is about two classes above Fabi, and the “Blitz” time control, well, Maggie (ranked #1) (Fabi ranked #16) would have had to drop dead to lose. I personally feel this sudden death crap will let Maggie remain Champ until he quits chess. How about starting the next championship duel with the “Rapid” and “Blitz” first, so we don’t have to listen to a bunch of crap of how exciting the draws were. The one plus side was Anish Giri. He had the best commentary of all the people analyzing.

Thursday March 29 – Chess Game Day @ The Dali Museum WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

Partners: US Chess Federation, Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade (WGM),

St. Petersburg Chess Club and Acor Chess Academy

 Chess was played from 10 am till 4 pm while lecture on Marcel DuChamp  was given by Jennifer in the theater. There was hula chess demonstrated and kids also hula hooped while playing chess. The USCF was represented by Carol Meyer, Executive Director.  Several hundred people watched and played! At 6 pm we had three presenters, FM Cory Acor, WGM Jennifer Shahade and Antony Gospodinov give a 20 board Simul.  Gave out prizes, including a family yearly pass to the Dali Museum for each of the 20 boards. I had a GREAT time!!

We are now in Google Maps. If you need to locate us, type in Google Maps, St. Petersburg Chess Club, and it will point to the building and address of our Chess Club. We are now on the map!

Our restroom was gutted and remodeled. New walls, sink, toilet and floor was the order of the day. Some things were omitted due to cost, for example, urinal and tile for the walls. Due to extreme termite damage in the walls (missing studs or partial studs) that have to be repaired to keep walls from crashing down. Not really pleased with contractor as we have to finish the little things they did not complete. But we have a new and clean restroom! Next, get the floor cleaned and waxed! Want to help? Call me.

Gene Randolph

President

Welcome to the newest St. Petersburg Chess Club website!

This is where you can keep up to date with upcoming tournaments, news and interest games presented to you by SPCC.

Memberships are $60.00 per year for adults, $30.00 for students per year or $5.00 per day.

First time visit is free!

Each Member that brings in a NEW member will get $10.00 off his/her next years Dues!

CLICK on the “Tournaments” above for the latest information on upcoming events!

If the Web Site is down, Please check back again soon!

Friday night speed chess, most of the time called “Blitz”, starts about 8:00 pm. But if Blitz is not your “speed”, play with different time controls or without the clock. But play, one on one with an opponent you can see! Online chess is mostly cheaters (using cell phone or computer engine) now days. Sure you might play one game against someone, but some how the next game you play that person plays at 2800 strength! So play with people you can see!! The world is becoming a digital playground, people are not able or want to face their fellow humans today. You see the masses walking in a daze with some kind of digital device in their hands. Do I need to mention spelling or grammar? Studies have been released saying that cell phone are as addicting as level 4 narcotics. Please, put down the cell phone and pick up a pawn.  We are open at 5:30 pm on Fridays and some of the better players (experts or masters) show up around 8 pm. Come on down to the oldest chess club in the nation in the same location. Love to see you, young and old, male or female, well just every body! If you want to learn how to play or learn to play even better, we can help as we have the best chess coaches in Tampa Bay!  The club is open Mondays, Wednesday and Friday from about 1 pm till the last member leaves and locks the door.   It is your move! 1. e4… best by test!

Gene Randolph , President

We wish to thank the parents for bring their children down to the chess club on Fridays.

From about 5:30 pm to around 8:30 pm the kids play chess and learn new ways to beat the adults! I just love it!

Christmas party information will be finalized shortly, so watch for updates!!

Come to the Chess Club to play REAL people, not online computers!