Pennsylvania/District 3 Tournament

[rich beckwith]

Through 4 rounds....

Beckwith 14
Wray 14
Cowie 12
Acker 7
Millhone 8
Wenberg 4
Solan 5
Shelly 0

Cowie has already played both Wray and Beckwith. Tomorrow both Wray and Beckwith play each other, Ray Shelly, and Alan Millhone. In the room, I placed a picture of Tony Kozenski playing checkers ---- in his memory.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Everyone:

Tony would be pleased . Very nice photo of him and Louis Cowie at the board. Been a tough tourney for myself, but that is how one learns by playing in tournaments.

My day begins with LaVerne Wray and ends with Dr. Beckwith !! A daunting task..................

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation
" Journeyman Checker Player "

[Ingo_Zachos]

Congratulations to Richard Beckwith.

A good performance and it seems he will be in good shape if he plays the King to steal his crown.

[BillyBoy]

Well congrads on winning the Pa tournament Beckwith. And congrads to Lavern for the title defense. I was a little dissapointed to see Ray Shelly as MD champion being he placed last with 1 point in this tournament. I got a handful of Maryland players that would of loved to compete for that including me. But he wanted to be a champion without really playing anyone so congrads Ray for being Maryland State Champion. I dont recommend putting him in the bulletin tho something like this should of been whispered in his ear not posted. A true man of honor would not have accepted the championship as a reward for organizing a future tournament without competition. But thats just me im old school in the ACF on certain things. Billy

[rich beckwith]

Billy,

Thanks for the congrats, and for your views on the MD state title. We missed seeing you at the tournament this year.

I wanted to clarify a few things on this Ray Shelly "Maryland champ" situation. It appears you have caught a typo -- Ray Shelly finished with 3 points, not 1 point. Pesonally I think he played much better than his score indicated, as he had many close, tough games with the top players (Cowie, Wray, both of my games with him). This past tournament was a District 3 tournament, which includes Maryland. There have been past examples (such as District 1) where a state title has been awarded at a District tournament, where a state did not have its own separate event. (I suppose it's a matter of debate & opinion whether or not this is a good concept.) Thirdly, Mr. Shelly did not come in and demand he be recognized as MD state champion -- it was someone else's idea. Vacant state titles don't do anyone any good. Lastly, you say you know other good Maryland players --- but I didn't see them show up at the District 3 tournament, nor do I see them organizing their own Maryland state tournament. (I'm working on an updated version of my tournament guide if anyone wants to do this.) Lastly, independent challenges (such as a match) for the state title are certainly welcome. Sometimes it just takes declaring an initial champion to get the ball rolling.

[waynegober]

Dr. Beckwith wrote:

There have been past examples (such as District 1) where a state title has been awarded at a District tournament, where a state did not have its own separate event.

Since we no longer have an Oklahoma Tournament, the Oklahoma champion is determined by highest finishing Oklahoma player at the District 8 tournament. Recenty it has been held at McKinney, Tx. and I hope it continues there. By the way Congrats on winning and Congrats to all who played.

Wayne Gober

[Alan Millhone]

Hi Everyone:

The following is kind of a blanket statement to all concerned:

To be the State Champion of any state that person needs to be a bonafide resident of that state and simple proof is a valid driver's license from that state . Also that person needs to be a current dues paid ACF member.

Funny when the status quo is disturbed that questions arise

I had a great time at the tourney . Looking forward to next year and the attendance of many more players.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation
" Journeyman Checker Player "

[BillyBoy]

John, I did in fact use to live in Pa I moved to Maryland. Im not trying to pull a fast one I can prove that if needed. All I was saying was its not the best way to do things. Lets get something organized first hand then determine a champion. When someone decides to help out and try to set up a tournament I thought it was called tournament director? To be honest I would not have even thought about a tournament in Maryland but if one is setup I will surely like to try it. I will be one of those challenges John. I did not really mean to make it out to be Ray going demanding anything. Just if this tournament or whatever should go on I will like it the same way as all the others. Billy

[BillyBoy]

Hi Richard, Thanks I missed you guys as well. Yes I know my friends did not make it this year it was not really planned. But I do however think they might attend a tournament in their own state. Alot of people dont realize but the Pa tournament is almost 7 hours away from Vern and myself when I live in York PA. So more then likely not many maryland people will go that distance thats never done a tournament before. I have strong friends that play checkers that I keep trying to get involved in tournament play. Look at Vern for a example I actually wanted him in the Pa tournament in 08 so it took a little time but he came and did very well. I been doing my best at promoting and trying to make Pa a bigger tournament. I do however want to apologize for being so bold I just dont see somethings proper or something is diffrent and I fly off. A champion of the state is in fact suppose to be the best player in that state. All your state champions that I know of are very strong players that did earn that title. With the exception of PA in 07 and 08. Not that Neil and myself are bad players but Tony was alive and in many peoples eyes was totally the best player in Pa and one of the best in the world. I want to play for this I will be up to date on my dues which just expired and will have proper proof etc. Have a good one Billy

[BillyBoy]

Hi John, I see your point there is really no known Acf Maryland players. But I dont think its always going to be that way. If you take Pa tournament for example you have more Ohio players then Pa players. For the last 3 years the only Pa regulars was Neil, Vern and myself. And now with me in Maryland if Jay does not come back it will be just Neil and Vern. So as of right now you have Ray and myself not to far off from Pa. One thing I do not understand and perhaps someone can explain this to me. A million people keep telling me he is open for challenges. Thats usually not the way to determine who becomes a state champion. Does this mean he wants a match play with someone?? Anyways thanks for your views Billy

[Jason Solan]

Billy,
Neil and I spoke at the tournament this year as well as the Ohio last year about the possibility of doing a tournament further east in Pa. Since there are several players in the lancaster/york area, myself closer to harrisburg, and several players in the states like maryland, nj, and delaware, we might be able to get more people to go. We may not see as many ohio players, but hopefully we could attract some new players with a shorter travel.

Nothing proposed yet, but based on your comments, i think it's something we'll need to look into further.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Back from family vacation in Hollywood, CA.

Congratulations to Dr. Beckwith and all players. Well done folks ! Prices seem at the lowest level I ever experienced in State event WOW !

Hope see you all soon in Springfield.

Regards,

Aex

[BillyBoy]

Hi Jason, That does sound like a wonderful idea that Neil and you came up with. Vern will surely like that also. There is a few online players that might be interested that live in Pa. Vern has a nice size group he practices with in New Holland. Have a good day Billy

[Jay H]

Prices seem at the lowest level I ever experienced in State event WOW !

Regards,

Aex

Can anybody tell us what the contribution was this year from Dan Frank's fund...

Regards

Jay H

[john reade]

Alex, Do you mean prizes? John.