Congratulations Jordan!
Years of dedication come to fruition in the course of a weekend. Congrats to Minnesota’s newest National Master, Jordan Timm. It has been a pleasure seeing this young man grow into the player he is and the person he has become. Attaining this title is quite the accomplishment, and I could not be happier for Jordan and the Timm family.
As with many chess players in Minnesota like Jordan, they got their start in tournaments run by the School Chess Association. As a reminder, they will be holding their statewide Championship event this weekend in Robbinsdale. There is still time to sign up online by Thursdays deadline! While it is geared towards youth ranging from Kindergarten to 8th Grade, there is a one day 9th-Adult section as well. Congrats to those who competed at High School Nationals in Baltimore, two more National events remain. Elementary K5 Nationals will be in Columbus next weekend, and K8 Middle School will take place next month in Atlanta.
For those looking for entertainment and something more local, have a look at what is taking place over at Macalester College again. A clash of physical strength vs mental acuity will occur as we will witness the birth of Chess Wrestling. What is Chess Wrestling…good question! In short, the traditional ways of winning a chess game, either by checkmate, or by resignation. We know that a well executed pin on the chessboard can lead to a win, but not a direct win. In wrestling, this is possible. Competitors will alternate between both activities. To see how this will all come about, it will be open to the public for anyone who wants to check it out for themselves. Ultimately, this looks to be a learning experience for all who are involved–the competitors, the referees, and whoever plans to attend so an open mind is encouraged.
This has been your Blind Chess Copy for April 2024. Thank you for your time.
Jiten Patel, Chess Consultant
From your first move to your last
On and off the chessboard
(original published date April 17, 2024)