CHRISTO RETIEF CROWNED AS THE WEEKEND CHESS ACADEMY CHAMPION 2007

In the picture from left to right is Eddy, Romano, Camy, Christo(Champion) Deidre, Devin, Pedrano and at the back is Fidemaster Leonhard Mueller.

Christo Retief, the first student to register with The Weekend Chess Academy got a perfect score of 7/7 after he defeated all his opponents in a closed Round Robin which was held at Maerua Mall. Christo received a gold medal and N$100.00 cash. He was followed by Romano Coetzee with 6/7. Romano received a silver medal and N$80.00 cash. In third place came Devin Plaatjes with 4/7. Devin received a bronze medal and N$60.00 cash.

The other participants were, Pedrano Strauss with 3.5/7 Deidre Plaatjes with 3/7, Camy Nitzborn with 2.5/7 and Eddy Camm with 2/7. Christo was clearly the strongest player and displayed great talent. The total prizes amounting to N$ 630.00 was sponsored by The Weekend Chess Academy. Four of the participants received Chessmaster 9000 CD’s valued at N$59.00 each.

We had FIDE Master Leonhard Mueller as a guest and he handed over the prizes to the participants. Each participant got a certificate for passing the level 1 course material which was presented to them since January 2007. The Weekend Chess Academy can be contacted for chess lessons at 0811221183 or 0811227132.

HOW TO DEFEND AGAINST THE SCHOLARS MATE?

The Dreaded Scholars Mate.

The idea of the scholars mate is to checkmate your unwary opponent in 4 moves. The moves for both sides are: 1.e4 e5, 2. Bc4 Nc6, 3.Qh5 Nf6?4. Qxf7#.

Your fear is over as TWCA has the answers for you. When your opponent plays 2. Bc4 reply with 2...Nf6. Yes, the antidote is 2. Nf6. This will prevent 3. Qh5? and if he or she dares to play 3.Qh5? you simply capture the Queen with your knight on h5. 3.Nxh5 wining.

Some opponents will try to delay the checkmate by playing 3.Qf3 and then pushing the g pawn to g2-g4, g5 to harras the knight and checkmate will follow on f7 if you dare to move your knight. So be very, very careful. Your answer to 4.g4 is 4...Nc6 threatening 5...Nd4 if white dares to play 5. g5. I hope this will end your misery once and for all.

THE WEEKEND CHESS ACADEMY OFFERS CHESS LESSONS

In the Picture is Josef in action with revision questions to the students.

The Weekend Chess Academy was established in January 2007 and offers chess lessons to all interested.

Tutor's Profile: Max B. Nitzborn started to play chess in 1985 as a high school pupil. He was taught how to play by his classmate Gunter Husselman at age 15. Since that day he had a desire to play good chess and always go for the win. He scoop a few tournaments, namely: Champion Tisan Games 1998, Polytechnic Champion 1999, 2nd at Swakopmund Rapid Chess Champs 2005, 2nd at Walvis Bay Harbor Open Day 2006. 2nd at Independence Blitz 2006, 3rd Independence Blitz 2007. Today amongst the top ten rated players in Namibia. Chess Coach to Josef Nitzborn.

Josef Nitzborn started to play chess at age 5 (1987). Namibian Junior Chess Champion 1999-2000, Namibian Chess Olympic Team 2006, Turin, Italy. All Africa Games 2007 Algeria, Silver Medalist Coca Cola Open Chess Tournament Class-A 2007. Amongst the top ten rated Namibian chess players.

We offer chess lessons to students from grade 1-12. The package includes:

1. a membership card


2. A File


3. Lessons and homework


4. Tournament registration fees for top 10 students at local tournaments


5. Special discount to TWCA students inviting friends to join.

Our Fees:

Once-off Registration Fee N$50.00

Monthly fee:

• 1 Student = N$150.00


• 2 Students = N$250.00


• 3 Students = N$350.00


• Sliding scale
• Schools or group fees negotiable

Fees for adults will be N$50.00 per hour or part thereof.

When:

Saturdays, from 9h00 to 12h00 AM.

Where:

Orban Primary School, Mercury Street, Windhoek West.

Should you wish to join us send an e-mail to josef.twca@yahoo.com or nitzborn@yahoo.com.

We hope to get your move soon!!

Josef and Max.