Ohio checker clubs/associations

[MFulkerson]

does anyone know if there are any checker clubs in ohio,mainly northeastern part? if not then the closest way to get involved with checkers in ohio? thankyou

[rich beckwith]

Mike,

Thanks for your question. I don't know of any Cleveland checker clubs at present, but I believe there used to be one. The closest club I am aware of is Newcastle, PA.

However, it seems we have enough players that perhaps something can be thrown together, even if a trial basis. I spoke with Paul Bryan by phone a few weeks back and he also expressed interest in such a club.

One time Alex and I met at the food court in Medina outlet mall, which could be a possible central meeting place some weekend, or perhaps a nearby park, weather permitting.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Here is a deal ...

1. First of all we need a person #4, or #4-#6 to get an even number of players. I think Louis or Steve maybe a good ones.

2. We should play 4 or 6 people small Round Robin ty, 6-10 games in evening. This is enough time for fast (30 mins per game), but social and not a blitz game.

3. I think I can afford to meet once in 2 weeks, but we have to start and then see - how it goes. I also don't know other players availability.

4. Winner of event should get a free coffee.

BTW - going forward and bacward from Columbus to Medina may cost me $25 for gas , thats why once in 2 weeks is better than every week.

5. Games must be (preferable) recorded.

6. New play and cooks occur during the games can be release to public, only if everyone agrees !

More later ...

Alex

[MFulkerson]

think we already have 4 people if me, Dr. Beckwith, Paul, and Alex have expressed interest..? Im not sure how far the other ohio players are from cleveland area but a compromised location of somewhat equal drive distance could be an idea?

[rich beckwith]

Welcome to Ohio, John. We will have state tournament in Medina on Septemeber 9 & 10 if you would like to attend.

As for the club, there are a number of players we can check on....Holliday, Cowie, LoConti, Millhone, Schultz, and newcomers Rea and Jacobson. Anyone hear from Johnny Barham lately? Sounds like Ohio will have a fine young adult group with the likes of Fulkerson, Barham, Bryan and Acker!

As for Alex's meeting details....Cowie probably won't be interested in playing more than once a month, which is about my usual pace of practice as well. (Also, I would prefer to wait until after recouping from July Stonehaven event for my participation.) However, if others wish to play sooner and more frequently (bi-weekly), please go ahead. Perhaps some initial proposed dates and times can be sent to all the players with an invitation to come. Not everyone will be available every time, but we should have enough for a good round-robin.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Ohio Players:

Perhaps we can change locations on occasion ? I am no doubt the farthest South in Ohio. I am 2 hours from Columbus and 3 and 1/2 hours from Cleveland.

Ohio Club used to be very strong and had numerous members years ago.

We will have to attract (and keep) younger players to take over the club someday:-)

I like the recording of games and sharing play,etc. as Mr. Alex suggested.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation
" AN AVERAGE SOUTHERN OHIO PLAYER "
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" Beginning to look over my copy of SIXTH "
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[rich beckwith]

That sonds reasonable Alan.....are there various places people can suggest? I just threw out Medina food court as a preliminary thought.
During good-weather months, a park can work well, perhaps with option for a shelter in case of rain. Also, it depends how close people want to be near available restaurant food (although I guess this latter point won't be an issue for Louis Cowie, who will bring his own food and water).

Also, one other thought....Alex suggested 30-minute games, but it may be tough to get someone like Cowie to play faster

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Alex suggested 30-minute games, but it may be tough to get someone like Cowie to play faster

Richard, I said - 30 minutes based on my own experience with games in New Castle Club with Tony. Indeed, some our games were even faster (depends on opening), some - longer. We never used clocks and each partner spent a reasonable time he needed.

However, if we have more than 2 people, who is sitting and waiting ...

Think about

Alex

[rich beckwith]

Alex,

I wasn't disagreeing with your plan, which sounds fine to me. I was just pointing out that Louis prefers slower, well-thought-out games. But I agree about avoiding uninteresting endings if everyone else is waiting.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello everyone:

The Ohio Club is but an idea and already we discuss speed of play. The late William F. Ryan once wrote to avoid 'skittle' Checkers and to play serious games. The late Tom Wiswell once wrote "Move in haste,repent in leisure". MFT never moved fast, even though he knew exaclty where he was in a game 99.9% of the time. Personally I would rather play fewer games at a slower pace. At tournaments I like the qualities I see in Master Players. I have always sought out better players to play and to learn from their experience and knowledge.

1. Slow and deliberate making of moves
2. Most Masters notate their games.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation
" AN AVERAGE PLAYER"
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" Looking over my copy of SIXTH before ACF Nationals next week"
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[Michael Holmes]

I would like to occassionally make the drive--perhaps once a month or so.
Michael Holmes

[MFulkerson]

I was talking with Paul Bryan and he told me he was running a small club at a local library. When i get the money to cover my drives down there I will try to meet there when I can if anyone would look into that as possible location. Its close to Paul so I think its in columbus area which should work for Alex as well.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Slowly our conversations and plans went into something like organising tournaments. But originally we were talking about club, in particular - "local club", where people from the close area meet on regular base.

It is not easy driving somewhere 2-3 hours every wekk. In other hands - if we do it every month - it will not be a club, but more like extra social event.

==========================

John,, when you arrive on campus in August, call me, and we can start our sessions in OSU and try to get some of your new buddies here . This will be a real local club - with permanent place to meet (campus, maybe caffeteria), and on regular base.

Alex

[matthewkooshad]

Alex , I wish you or another strong player were nearby Ole Miss University Other youth and myself need older players around to play with while we are in college.

It gathers a lot of attention. Great opportunity to show other people checkers and the fun it brings.

If anyone interested in visiting the university periodically for games, please let me be aware

[Alex_Moiseyev]

My pont is - logically the base cells must be local clubs, minutes driving, with permanent place and regular meetings. It doesn't matter if me or John or someone else may come or not some day. Most important thing is - people know, that can always come here on Thursday (or any other day) at 6:30 and find a partners.

Thats what we had in New Castle.

We can try to do something like this in Columbus with John, and Richard can do the same thing in Cleveland. Then, local clubs should work like "magnits" getting potentially more people coming and visiting.

University is an ideal place to have a social activity.

Alex