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ACF Bulletin No. 29 - August 8,
1999
EMAIL ADDRESSES
We've had a major sort-out of our email listing and wish to fine-tune it
further, with your assistance. Quite a few of you will be receiving more
than one copy of the Bulletin (sorry) because you have two or more
addresses on our list. It would be nice to have a crystal ball to enable us
to select your preferred address . . . but modern technology hasn't quite
got that far yet, so over to you!
Also, the following addresses keep 'bouncing', so if you are aware of any
mistakes or you know alternative addresses for these people, we'd like to
hear from you.
Haigh Peter <psthaigh@bigpond.com>
Leskiewicz Max <mighty.max@uq.net.au>
Switzer Tim <pink-stuff@hotmail.com>
Richards Allan <arichards@eliz.tased.edu.au>
Fong J-I <f9204759@student.anu.edu.au>
Jaksic David <lemon@peg.apc.org>
Jeffries Derrick <chess@peg.apc.org>
Day John <jday@vnpbnes5.telstra.com.au>
Blick Tony <tony.blick@bioresi.com.au>
Vadas David <dvadas@angelfire.com>
Tridgell Andrew <tridge@arvidsjaur.anu.edu.au>
Nash Paul <heartpulse@acslink.net.au>
Cabilin Jeff <jenif@thepla.net>
Potter David <davidp@nabaus.com.au>
GRAND PRIX
There is a new event in the Grand Prix calendar - the Hervey Bay Whale Open
will be held once again on 28/29 August 1999 and will be a class 5 event.
The other two events coming up are the Atherton Open and the NSWCA
Weekender, both on 14/15 August.
SPONSORSHIP
Before approaching potential national sponsors for Australian Chess I've
placed an advert in the Australian Financial Review for next Thursday. In
view of the fairly meagre financial resources of the ACF, I'm delighted to
say that the cost of this advert ($1,565.20) has been sponsored by Jenni
Oliver of Canberra. Jenni has also very generously offered to fund $5,000
towards coaching the juniors selected to represent Australia in the year
2000. These acts of philanthropy set a wonderful example which, in time, I
hope others will follow.
AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Gary Wastell advises that his committee will make a final decision next
Tuesday night. Morwell still have the inside running, although they are not
offering as much as before.
CHILDREN'S CHESS OLYMPIAD
It is probably a little late to get a team together, but if there is a team
of four aged under 16 at 1.1.99 ready, willing and able to travel to Artek,
Crimea in the Ukraine for this event from 9-21 September 1999, we'd like to
hear from you.
The opening ceremony is expected to attract over 21 visiting Heads of
State/ Government from countries attending the International Conference on
Baltic-Black Sea cooperation in the historic town of Yalta - 14 km from Artek.
Players receive free food and accommodation. Supporters pay min US$39 per
day full board.
CHESS HANGOUTS
Only one response to this one: Chess Central, Nags Head Hotel, Glebe (Jan
and Allan Quinn)
GST
Our Treasurer, Norm Greenwood, is busy investigating the implications for
Australian chess.
ACF HANDBOOK
If you ever need to refer to this handbook which includes much about the
running of Australian chess including the constitution, there is a copy on
the ACF webpage http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/chess/acfhb.htm
TWO MORE ITEMS FOR DEBATE
1. The question of the fall out rate from chess in the upper high school
years was identified as a major problem during my trip around Australia.
Some people have noticed that whilst some good chess players lose interest
in the study necessary to reach the top level, many of these like playing
inter-school teams' chess. The best idea I have heard to date to keep kids
in chess in their high school years is simply to encourage inter-school
high schools' teams' events, including girls only teams. I'd be pleased to
hear more ideas on this whole subject.
2. During my travels, a couple of people mentioned resurrecting the
inter-state tele chess, whilst others mentioned the idea of inter-state
internet chess. Formats differed. I think that there is a place for this
type of chess but in my opinion it can never replace the advantages of over
the board chess. I'd be very pleased to hear your ideas on the relevance
and format of this type of chess and how it should fit into the overall
picture.
CORRESPONDENCE
CATHY CHUA:
Re Frank Solomon's comments on bridge masterpoints: Frank evidently
misunderstands masterpoints in bridge. The fact that they are accumulated
and never taken away means they have absolutely no accuracy at all. They
merely reflect a quantity of play - Because bridge's income relies on
masterpoints, they are 'given' generously. One does not have to perform
well in order to receive them. As for the Zonal situation. New titles are
awarded in bridge all the time for much less in the way of performance.
STEPHEN KEIM:
I thought I would mention that David Marks and I are organising on a
regular basis a social game of chess under the above heading. It occurs on
the fourth Thursday of each month at 6.00 pm at the Bar Common Room in
Brisbane. You may like to mention it in the ACF Bulletin as there may be a
few closet chess freaks out there in our profession who we are not reaching
through our current publicity channels. The requirement to be a lawyer is
flexible and Stawski FM has become an honorary lawyer on a couple of
occasions.
As well as being organised for my own enjoyment, one of the aims is to
sweep up chess players who have enjoyed the game at some stage but stopped
playing for whatever reason. It is hoped to interest people who might never
otherwise be in touch with the chess community.
The broad concept may be applicable in other occupation groups in a way not
dissimilar to your desire to resurrect chess in Universities, expand it in
schools etc.
GEORGE LITHGOW:
Many juniors play chess in schools and of course quite a number do not
continue and join clubs or play in adult tournaments.
I see a large problem in this interface area between junior and senior
chess where improvements are essential to improve the numbers crossing over
and continuing in active chess.
One action I believe would improve this would be to allow free entry to
juniors who meet all the following criteria: -
1/. Less than 18 years of age.
2/. Have never played in an adult tournament or function (First Timers)
3/. The tournament in question is being held in the general geographical
area in which the intending player resides.
I would like to hear some opinion on this.
Best wishes to all
Graeme Gardiner
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Graeme Gardiner
President, Australian Chess Federation
C/- Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba Q 4213
Phone 07 5530 3777 (w) 07 5530 5794 (h) Fax 07 5525 2676 (w)
Email: ggardiner@somerset.qld.edu.au
http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/chess/
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