I know it has been some time since my last newsletter to the members. The pace of life has picked up since the school year is now underway. I would like to discuss my experience at the 2007 U.S. Open Chess Championship. Held 7/28-8/5 in Cherry Hill , NJ at the Crown Plaza Hotel, the tournament conditions were excellent. The largest book and equipment store I have ever witnessed at a chess tournament was displayed in a room adjacent to the playing hall. The TD crew ran the tournament without any glitches. If you have never been to the US Open or a similar large tournament, I would definitely recommend that you make it one of your personal goals in chess.

One of the best aspects for me was reuniting with numerous chessplayers whom I had not seen or communicated with in several years. I actually got to meet in person two correspondence players whom I had only talked with through postal chess cards. And I roomed with an old chess buddy that I met shortly after I got back into chess in 1986.

As far as the actual chess, my results could have been better. The large open section made for strange pairings. I really didn't play anyone who was close to my rating through the whole tournament! I was paired up then down repeatedly. My actual score was 3.5 points out of 8 games which ended up losing me 7 points overall. I managed to play two actual checkmates over the board, which was quite unusual.

I also attended the Delegates meeting as the Rhode Island representative. The meeting was long and sometimes boring but there were several topics that were of importance to the future of the federation.

With the completion of the August CWCC monthly, we probably won't be seeing much of Ben Bentrup. Ben teaches school on Block Island so he will likely not grace us with his presence until next summer. We three board members greatly appreciate the TD work and assistance that Ben provided in his short time with us. In an all volunteer organization like our chess club, help like that is hard to come by.

Good chess!

Frank Vogel