Pieces From Across The Board
August 6, 2008

IT’S JOVAN TIME!


The World Open was held on the July 4th weekend and that meant another visit from Jovan Prokopljevic, one of the nicest people in the world of chess. He’s also one of the most talented artists and we’ve chosen another one of his cartoons for our cover this month.
And the cover raises a good question: If both sides play perfectly, who should win or should every game be a draw? Let us know what you think! The best response will receive the Back to Basics series, published by Russell Enterprises. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just do your best to explain why you feel the way you do. I know, I know, it’s a sneaky way to get you to do a little HOMEWORK during the summer. But I think you’ll be surprised with the result and the way you think about the game.
Send your essay to: [email protected].  Sorry, no snail mail for this contest—unless you have VERY good handwriting! In that case, you can mail your response to: Glenn Petersen, 44-D Manchester Court, Freehold, NJ 07728.


REMEMBER THE ALAMO!


Or at least San Benito, or Brownsville, or McAllen, Texas. Almost at the very southern tip of the Lone Star State, this relatively small school district has had remarkable success at the state scholastic championships.

As a result of the efforts of Jack Garcia, and Celeste Sanchez, combined with the success of the students, San Benito was awarded the bid for the 2009 Texas State Scholastic Championships. The event will be held at the new McAllen Convention Center, a $60,000,000 facility. Texas holds the largest state scholastic championship in the U.S., and we hope IM Alfonso Almeida Saenz (a chess instructor in San Benito) will keep us informed.


REMEMBER ASBURY PARK!


On September 27th, Asbury Park, New Jersey, will go chess crazy! The entire boardwalk will be filled with tables and chairs in an attempt to set a world record for simultaneous play! You can look at the advertisement on page 3, or get all the details at: www.asburyparkchess.com.  Grandmaster Maurice Ashley will be an honored guest. If you are within traveling distance, be a part of chess history!