The New England Championship Tournament started on Friday at the Hotel Touraine in Boston, and will last over Labor Day. This will be a 7 round Swiss tourney, and ends with a banquet on Monday.
Received a letter a few days ago from Harvey Lerman, treasurer of the Hartford Chess Club, saying he has been playing a few times at the Schenectady Chess Club. He wonders if a match could not be arranged between Hartford and Schenectady. As a matter of fact, a radio match between these two clubs was arranged several years ago. The Hartford players gathered at the home of a member of the American Radio Relay League in West Hartford. Three boards were played, Hartford losing on board one but winning the other boards. The Hartford players on board one were H. W. Thomas, G. E. Avery and Fred Thaler. On board two, Isaac Burstein, Robert Mitchell and Judge Latimer, as also on board three, Arthur Powers, R. Spier and H. Bjorkman, outplayed their opponents. Walter Muir acted as captain of the Schnectady team.
Speaking of ancient history, when I started this column in 1935, one of my first columns was about the old Hartford Chess Club. At that time, we were meeting in the old Hills Block on Main St. The membership then was between 30 and 40, and the rooms were open every week day and evening. Our star player was Judge Kirkham of New Britain, who was considered state champion. Other players were Powers, Pease, Cox, O'Konski, Judge Peck, Judge Grant, Dr. Downes, the Newberrys (Father and son), Hathaway, Latham, Murray, Seward, Ring, Purintons, McMenemy, Speir, Fisher, Beardsley, Webster, McCreary, Wright, Noble, Root, Gilbert, Bidwell, Oliver, Hibbard, Starbuck, Loescher, Humphrey, Nelson, Huntington, Brott, Wahlenberg, Glaser, Longdike, McGehan, Storrs, Kenyon.
Game Selection
Harvey Lerman sends me a game played by him in a ladder game at the Schenectady Chess Club on August 21, 1959. His opponent is one of the better Schenectady players.
Harvey Lerman (white) vs. Michael J. Valvo (black)
Indian Defense