The Kentucky Chess Association

larryfoushee · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 229

just checking +

Ken McDonald · Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 82

The scholastic events draw a lot more people and make money.
So how does it feel to be subsidized by youngsters and their parents?

Twisted Evil

larryfoushee · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 229

it feels bad

Joshua Snyder · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

So, we should cancel the KY Open, the newly formed Ky CLass and KY Team, since the monies made from scholastics pay for those tournaments?

Ken McDonald · Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 82

No, we should hold the adult tournaments and subsidize them, if necessary, from funds earned at scholastic events. But we shouldn't gripe about the tail wagging the dog when the tail pays the bills...

Rolling Eyes

On a more serious note, I think the KCA has done a great job running it's scholastic events the past few years. I also think the increase in the number of adult KCA sponsered events is a good thing. As an (infrequent) adult tournament player with ties to scholastic chess, I am very pleased with the overall trends.

Joshua Snyder · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:18 am Post subject:

Until last year, the KY opens had almost been break even. We have to figure out if last year was a fluke with the lower than usual attendance because of the economy and such, or we need to scale it back.

ron lipman · Board Member Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 175

Larry,

Can you please expand upon your question and give us the purpose behind it? Exactly, what is it that you are trying to reveal or learn? The reason I ask is that "one liners" often do little more than invite controversy and upset people; especially if they don't truly understand the nature of your question or concern.

Do you feel that KCA is a puppet to scholastics? If so, please elaborate and tell us why. And, if you have a problem with it, please tell us why, as well, and give us some suggested solutions. Then, I think we can all have a much healthier discussion on the topic.

Thanks, in advance, Larry! Wink

Ron Lipman

larryfoushee · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 229

I originally intended the header of this thread as a rhetorical question. It was born from jealousy of the St. Louis CC to be honest. I started to delete it, but since there were responders I let it pass.

I just listened to John Watson's ICC interview with Alex Yermonlinsky and I enjoyed his response that began from a question about the state of scholastic chess in USA:

"Chess has it's niche everywhere... in American culture we understand that some processes are going on on the side that cannot be reversed. We understand that there is a decline in urban chess clubs...

Chess has the amazing ability to adjust. Chess survived wars and revolutions, all sorts of things. Chess will survive one way or another.

Well, I don't blame us chess players for being a little impatient because every and each of us has a short span - lifespan - and we want to get a chance to do our best either as a players, or teachers, or writers, so we actually have a write to complain...

So, chess players, stay positive and do the [little] things we need to do and just pass the torch and not worry about the rest."

But honestly, I don't think KCA has done anything meaningful toward the improvement of adult chess in KY.

BoydJohnson · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 84

What expectations do we have for KCA? If they sponsor the event and people don't show - its not always their fault. Personally I am not in favor of subsidizing a tourney with my class D entry fees just to see an out of town expert or grandmaster win a Kentucky tournament, and then leave town. I suppose it is good for our better players to be challenged but what do you expect for $8 membership fee.
We always talk about the responsibility of KCA officers but what about members. I would ask every KCA member - how many extra players have you brought to an event - what have you done to secure sponsorships, event locations, or TD a tourney?

Stephen Dillard · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 428 Location: Louisville, KY

Dear Larry,

I disagree. I believe KCA has done quite a bit for adult chess. I am not sure what time frame you are looking at, so I will try to frame several answers.

1980's to the present.
USCF membership in Kentucky in 1982 was 294. Today 2700+
USCF tournament across KY. 1980 there were 11. Today 114 in 2009.
USCF representation at National meetings often 0% Last year 5 people 100%
National Championships 1991 Kasparov attended National High School in Lexington, KY. 1992 Pan Am Incollegiate in Bowling Green Multiple National Championships for scholastics in Louisville. National Blind Championship., US Class Championship 1997. All in Kentucky.
A regular State Championship for Adults continuously for nearly 50 years.
A regular State Championship for Scholastics since 1981.
A bid to become USCF National Headquarters the was won by Crossville, TN,
KY Chess News (needs work, but KCA has tried)
Our Website, and message board.
Regular financial reports at every business meeting.
A set of bylaws.
......

Lets build up our good state organization, not tear it down. I would hope others could add to this list.

Steve
_________________
I have never lost a chess game. I have however come in second several times.

JerryBaker · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:48 pm Post subject:

Last time I met Foushee, he was an adult, and he has played in about 3 tournaments since 2005.

Pot meet kettle.
Put-up or shut-up.
Something about glass houses and stones.

Just in case you aren't getting my drift, I'll quote Wikipedia in several languages for you.

Arabic: "The camel cannot see the crookedness of its own neck"
Chinese: "五十步笑一百步" - Those who retreated 50 steps laugh those who retreated 100 steps.
German: Du sollst zuerst vor der eigenen Tür kehren ("Sweep first in front of your own door")
Russian: В чужом глазу соломину видеть, в своём—бревна не замечать ("To see a little straw in other's eye, and not to notice a log in his own"; this is Matthew 7:3)
Polish: Przyganiał kocioł garnkowi, a sam smoli ("The cauldron was reprimanding the pot and it soots itself"),[9] often contracted to Przyganiał kocioł garnkowi ("The cauldron was reprimanding the pot")
Urdu: الٹا چور کوتوال کو ڈانٹے ("The thief scolding the magistrate in reverse")
_________________
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“One doesn't have to play well, it's enough to play better than your opponent”
(Siegbert Tarrasch)
http://ScienceHeroes.com

larryfoushee · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 229

Jerry, I care, I really care. The best way to get better is to play in serious tournaments on a regular basis .but they don't do it in L'ville. It's all kid chess. I respect your dedication but the state doesn.t

Stephen Dillard · Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Posts: 428 Location: Louisville, KY

KY Open Annually for the last several years.
Upcoming KY Open
Upcoming Invitational for KY State Championship
Upcoming Louisville Open (Goichberg)

Larry, I am off school all summer.
What weekend works for a "serious event" that you will play in?
Give me a date, time control, and parameters in Mid-June - Early August.
I will set it up to specs and advertise it.
Money is an object, so please be reasonable in this respect.
_________________
I have never lost a chess game. I have however come in second several times.

gmiller · Site Admin Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 123

I just got two certificates in the mail for my affiliate used to rate a lot of the games around Lou. It says it was #13 for new adult memberships, and #31 for scholastic memberships. How ya like them apples! Wink

_________________
Greg Miller
[The cake is a lie]

JerryBaker · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:33 am Post subject:

Congrats!
_________________
Lexchess.com - chess clearinghouse
“One doesn't have to play well, it's enough to play better than your opponent”
(Siegbert Tarrasch)
http://ScienceHeroes.com