pennsylania 3move tourney june 11-12 questions

[BillyBoy]

JohnAcker, I did not say Bobby was not welcome I was just informing him of that particular tournament being the level it is. Giving him a heads up on what to expect. Billy

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Either Bobby or any other newcomers are highly wanted and appreciated. Bobby, I hope we'll meet there in June. I guarantee you - it will not be wasting time and money fo you, but a whole new world !

BTW. Many players including Master players often enough (some - always) take their wives to checkers events.

Checker

[Jay H]

Just reserved my room.....the clerk I spoke to on the phone knew nothing of the discounted rate....but did, indeed, honor the rate given on the ACF calender when I told her, i.e.,
66.40 + 9% Tax (tourist tax) = $72.38 per night.

So, I'll be there. Along with my wife........ hey...she wanted to come along.

Jay "never looked so forward to getting his arse kicked " H

[Danny_Alvarez]

Bobby, you are getting a lot of good advice from these guys! Take heed of what they have said and go!

For those that have never attended a checker tournament, I would surely recommend that you do so. One may feel that such events are only for the better players - their names are like everyday household words for many of us - but this perception is entirely untrue. These annual get togethers are really fun for everyone regardless of your level of play. The comradery that is experienced, not only in playing checkers but also through the intermingling with the notables of our game is like taking a walk in checker history. The old-time players are virtual encyclopedias of knowledge. Their stories of the personalities of the game command one's attention, and their play across the board leaves one spellbound in amazement.

Nobody loses in these events, for the memories of the cast of characters that you meet will be treasured more than the winning of any game. What better way to meet a group of nice guys, make a new friend or two, and get to play checkers all at the same time. I hope to see you there soon, so please try to take in the next checker tournament in your area, for "Tournament Fun For Everyone."

Best regards..."Pal" Bucker

Well, let me put it this way. I've been playing tournaments for about 10 years now, mainly because a few people encouraged me to start playing (I was on Yahoo as well, back then) even before I was good enough to win. In that time, I've lost a lot of games, but gradually improved to where I can at least compete in most divisions I enter. But even in that context, there are certain opponents (Moiseyev, Beckwith, Cowie, Holmes, et al) where I know I'm out of my league, and I have to push that much harder to earn my draw-- and even a win, once in a blue moon. That, it seems to me, is the whole point of playing tournaments: if I wanted to win comfortably all the time, I would just hang out in the "social checkers" rooms at Yahoo or Pogo, or for that matter just set Cake to the lowest level and box its virtual ears a few times. But that's a rather boring way to go about it, not to mention a rotten plan for improving my own play. I know full well that I don't have the talent or the time to be a grandmaster, but I also know that I'd give up a lot of intellectual challenges-- and great friendships-- if I only swam in the shallow water.

So, will you lose more than you win, this time around? Probably. Is it frustrating? Hell yes. But is "winning it all" the only reason to go to tournaments, or to pick which division you play in? Not by a long "shot."

Guys it is so good to see people like Jay, John, Jason, Alex and Pal show how much passion they have for checkers (i know there are a few others out there) i wish i could inject that passion into a few people around here Great thread and i hope that Bobby gets to go and tells us how it all went and if he had a good time.

cheers from oz where i am cold cold cold (for us subtropical dwellers anything but sweltering heat is reason to wear a cardigan)
Danny

[Alex_Moiseyev]

This is not a perfect world indeed My daughter's annual ballet recital hit Sunday June 12 and this finally killed my last hopes to attend PA State tourney this year. This is only 2nd time in the past 15 years when I missed it. I wish everyone good luck and best should win !

Regards,

Alex

[Eric Strange]

I know of 2 newcomers that are planning to come also Bobby. I guy names Joe Moore who is a very challenging player and also a guy named Quentinich Houston who is one of the finest online checkers players as well. Both have never been to a tournament and are going to PA. regardless of winning It will be a challenge which is what checkers is about.

[Jason Solan]

Enjoy your daughters recital Alex! It is unfortunate you won't be able to join us, but completely understandable. I'm sorry you had trouble Jay. The person I had been dealing with at the hotel sent me an e-mail last week telling me her last day was May 30th and sent me the information of the person taking over. I had made the assumption that everything was in their computer system as far as the discount rates. I'll try to get ahold of them today just to double check that. But I am glad to see it worked out for you and that you're coming.

It's nice to see newcomers interested, all I can hope is that the event does not disappoint.

[Jay H]

Enjoy your daughters recital Alex! It is unfortunate you won't be able to join us, but completely understandable. I'm sorry you had trouble Jay. The person I had been dealing with at the hotel sent me an e-mail last week telling me her last day was May 30th and sent me the information of the person taking over. I had made the assumption that everything was in their computer system as far as the discount rates. I'll try to get ahold of them today just to double check that. But I am glad to see it worked out for you and that you're coming.

It's nice to see newcomers interested, all I can hope is that the event does not disappoint.

Duuuuuuude.....even if just me and you show up and we play one round, I will not be disappointed. I APPLAUD your efforts to bring the PA. Ty a little bit further east of the Ohio border.
The Clerk really gave me no trouble...just was unaware of any discount. She did honor the rate given.....
I like the roll of "newcomer"...LOL! As I truly am as far as X-board tournaments go...but, I have just found an old ACF Membership card, dated 1986...and I think I was a member in '85, and have been on and off ever since.

My son was going to come along ( he plays a good beginner game of GAYP, pretty much like myself) but cannot make it, as he could not get someone to cover for him at his job. He is familiar with a "tournament" atmosphere, as he competes in MTG, and wanted to come along for this tourney, but it is not to be this year.
But, my wife is coming along ....she will not play, but will help out in anyway she can, if needed. She will at the very least cut up the "Berks" ring bolonga and cheese I am bringing along for a snack. If you have never had it, you are in for a treat.
As I wrote earlier, my plan is to bring along a complete set of CC to award to the winner, if interested.....however, I must find it !! I am having trouble locating it for some reason, but it has to be here somewhere....so it should be coming along with me.

Anyway, I look forward to meeting you, and all who attend, and trying my best to give you all a decent game across the board !!

Regards

Jay "Summer is here " H

[Bobby_Loewen]

im leaving in a half hour to head up to PA..im very excited for this..a little nervous but very excited..

im sad alex wont be coming..because i really wanted to meet and possibly play the world champion...im bringing a buddy along..he hasnt decided if hes joining..i hope this tournament has alot of players..im excited for it..and i cant wait to meet everyone

-bobby

[Alex_Moiseyev]

im sad alex wont be coming..because i really wanted to meet and possibly play the world champion

Bobby, this is first checkers event for you and your buddy and all I can tell you :"Welcome to the jungle !". But I also am very confident that this is not your last event. This is small, small world and if you just play in 1-2 more checkers events (how about OH in Medina, September ?) we'll meet there.

I wish you good luck in your jorney, don't giveup in any game, don't be very excited from wins (unexpected ) and don't be disappointed from losses (also unexpected ). You will meet unique people you never have a chance to meet on the street or in your neghorhood !

Keep us update here with everything you see in Carlisle and your impression. I already forget my 1st impression in 1996, OH State - my first Anglo-American checkers event in USA. Your opinion and "fresh look" is very interesting and important or all of us and ACF. You can see something which looks as normal business to us but you may find a way to improve things.

Regards,

Alex

[Danny_Alvarez]

Best of luck Bobby, let us know how you went and what the experience was like

[Jay H]

I am here in Carlisle for my first tournament......have already met sevral players for the first time.
Alex, wish you could have made it .....

I'll try to give some updates.

Regards,

Jay " " H

[Jay H]

After 3 rounds

Joe Moore 9 points
Rich Beckwith 9 Points
Alan Millhone 8 Points
Laverne Wray 8 Points
Ray Shelly 8 Points
Neil Wenberg 7 Points
John Acker 7 Points
Bobby Loewen 7 Points
Jay Hinnershitz 6 Points
Jason Solan 6 Points
Johnathon Trotta 3 Points
Joe Moore Sr 3 Points
Terry McGrath 0

4th round is underway

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I am very impressed and excited to see that Dr. Beckwith got a real competition for the first place, Bobby is in the middle zone tying with such solid players as Alan Millhone, John Acker and Ray by 50% points, and Jay trailing them. I remember other year when overturn wasn't so good and only 7 players with 1 (or 2 ?) PA residents were there.

Things definetely improved and looks much better for PA - my home state in America where two of my kids were born. Tony Kozenski would definetely be very proud to see this.

Alex

[Jason Solan]

yes we have a nice turnout and plenty of visitors. Several first time tournament players too.

I hope dr. Beckwith posts his 2nd game with Joe. The endgame was a knot of beauty.

By the way i have 9 in 5th. It seems maybe my early morning opponent tomorrow is hoping by not including me I'll withdraw? heh heh