2012 Pa State

[neilwenberg]

I would welcome all checker players to apply to play in our 2012 PA tourney. Contact Ray or Jason and they will get you signed up. However, be sure to sign John Acker up for top master class, unless the plan is to create a higher class. John if you are as kind to me this year as you were last year you are welcome to play in my class, but I expect 2 wins from you this year instead of just a win and a draw. HeHe just kidding John, I know it was a mircle last year, and I cannot expect two mircles in a row. Neil H. Wenberg, The Class "C" or "D" player.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

1. Minor, 16 years old or younger. Will be playing GAYP.
2. Minor, for those that have never won a Minor tournament anywhere. 3 move.
3. Major, for those that have never won a Major or "Class 'B' " tournament anywhere. 3 move.
4. Master, for those that have never won a Master tournament. 3 move.
5. Grand Master, for those that have taken first place in a Masters tournament before. 3 move.

Judging by that Alex, it seems you would be playing in the grandmaster division, most likely with Rich and Michael Holmes if he comes. But I think it is a good possibility he could combine divisions if there aren't enough players in some.

It will better to combine #4 and #5 indeed. How we can learn about this before event starts ?

I still haven't heard anything about first price in top Division. is that a big secret and a pleasant surprise or just in clouds ?

am

[Chexhero]

5 divisions Alex. I spoke to Ray Shelly, the tournament director and he is set on 5 divisions and no exceptions. To my surprise, he told me I would be playing in the grandmaster division because I have earned that title by beating out Rich last year, so there may be more people in that top division than you think. I should change my name to grandmasterhero now

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Still thinkng ... although want to bring Mark Sokolovsky and share with him gas/room ... everything in clouds until last minute.

[neilwenberg]

It appears only serious posts should be found on this site, so I guess no more "horsing around" on my part!!!

[Michael Holmes]

Just trying to make sure the tournament is still a Saturday and Sunday event. I truly hope we keep all 5 divisions. Also, my son will not be playing in the 16 and younger division. He has won a major (the IL 2011) division which will allow him to play in the masters if we so choose and that is what we both want.

[Alan Millhone]

Hello everyone:

I will be rooming with Dr. B this year.

Appears I will be in Majors where an average player as myself should be.

Looking forward to seeing and hope Mr. Alex and Mark can attend Always a treat to have our World's Champion in the mix .

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation

[neilwenberg]

I will be looking forward to engaging in battle with the esteemed president of the ACF and can only hope he will show a little mercy to an old man!

[Chexhero]

Appears I will be in Majors where an average player as myself should be.

Alan, according to how Ray described the division placements to me, you will qualify for grandmaster. Even though the rules state you need to win a master tournament to be a grandmaster, you only have had to beat a grandmaster before, and you have done that several times in the past, including your win against Richard Beckwith last year at nationals. Now, whether or not you will HAVE to play in the grandmasters is another story, but Ray really respects your ability and I think he will place you higher than majors. We will see what happens though, will be very interesting to see what divisions people end up in.

[rich beckwith]

Anyone know the minimum number of players required for a division to be held, given earlier post of "5 divisions and no exceptions"? What if fewer than 6 players for a particular class? Of course, I hope we have a big turnout where situation of "2-3 entrants" doesn't arise.

[Chexhero]

Rich, when I asked Ray what would happen if only one player qualified for a division and was the only one in it, he said they would be declared the winner of that division. I take that as he is not looking to merge divisions, but I could be wrong. Though he really seems set on having 5 divisions and no less. Like you, I sure hope and pray we get a good turnout and not have extremely small divisions across.

[neilwenberg]

I certainly hope that there will be good competition in the major class, I would not like to win that class and have to move up to the master class next year!!!!

[Michael Holmes]

My son and I will get there early Saturday morning. I can not get off of work due to my lead and boss being off tht day.It's an 8.5 hour drive so most likely I will stop half way or 3/4 of the way. Looking forward to this mini vacation.

Michael

[Chexhero]

That is great news that you both can make it.

Grandmasters is looking good now. So far me, Rich, Michael, probable Alan, La Verne Wrey, and hopefully Alex M if he shows up. Also was rumored that John Webster may be coming to this tournament. Also online star Quentin AKA Q, one of the top online players hopefully will make an appearance and can play with us in the grandmaster section. Looking forward to a great tournament!

[Michael Holmes]

The tournament starts June 9th John.
I noticed your life member quote. Alex and I are also life members.I only purchased mine this year but I bought Alex's a couple of years ago. It is the best 500.00 investment I can think of right now.
Michael