If you have disabled Java for your browser, use the Site Map (linked in the header and footer).

Chessville
logo by
ChessPrints

Advertise
with
Chessville!!

Advertise to
thousands
of chess
fans for
as little
as $25.

Single insert:
$35
x4 insert:
@ $25 each.

From the
Chessville
Chess Store

From the
Chessville
Chess Store

Jude Acers – The Man in the Red Beret
wins not only many games, but many new fans!
By Michael Ciamarra

(See the Proclamation by the Governor of Alabama)

His lecture featured his inimitable Four Tips for Junior Players.  He also had two demonstration boards set up – one marked “The Immortal Player” and the other marked “The Perfect Game.”  The scholastic chess players were held spellbound for nearly 45 minutes as Acers went through his tour de force of instruction.  Many visitors and parents took notes as dozens of the scholastic players sat in front of the venerable chess teacher wide eyed with excitement.  "I have never seen anything like this," said one parent to me!

The Immortal Player

Jude regaled the youngsters with tales of Russia’s legendary Mikhail Tchigorin, his rise against all odds and his world championship matches against Steinitz.  He easily explained the mighty Tchigorin’s contributions to world chess and the legacy of astounding games he played.  Studying the classics and knowing the games of the chess greats will improve your game as Jude remarked “Those that stand on the shoulders of giants stand tall and know all.”  Jude focused his attention on the following position:

The Perfect Game

Jude moved on to “the perfect game” as a way to illustrate some of the basics of sound opening play, coordination of pieces, control of the center and how to exploit mistakes in the opening.  The game is a miniature and Jude carefully selected this game to maximize instruction, keep players interest, and generate enthusiasm.  Jude’s extensive comments cannot be replicated here – so I have only given a snippet of his remarks.

If 11…Kf8 can you find White’s 3-move mate?  Highlight the space between the asterisks for the solution:
***   11...Kg8 13.Bxf7+ Kxf7 14.Qe6 mate  ***

Jude’s colorful commentary and points of instruction are invaluable even for expert adult chessplayers.  As a chess coach, Jude always told me never to hide an exhibition – “Hispanic, Black, Asians, handicapped, blind players can play late if necessary!  An Acers’ exhibition is for EVERYONE!”  Jude would exclaim.  Another Acers’ maxim is “Remember – absolute beginners must know they are welcome, particularly children, or your exhibition is a failure before it begins.”

After the lecture and another round of applause the players braced themselves for Jude’s opening moves.  Unlike others who give simultaneous exhibitions, Jude has his exhibition monitors and directors have the players choose for colors before he arrives.  So he had black pieces in some of the games and white in others.  The children were delighted beyond measure when he started.  The moves bolted out.

Jude was constantly asked for his autograph as copies of his book The Italian Gambit was available.  The electronic and print media also followed his every move with interest and interviewed him extensively.  He was featured with a color photo and full length story in Alabama’s largest daily The Birmingham News and was on several evening television newscasts.

“He is awesome,” exclaimed David Kwong who ventured an ill-fated Blackmar Diemer Gambit against Jude.  David said Jude did so much to encourage and instill a genuine love of chess.  “I can’t wait till he comes next year!”  Another promising talent, Stephen Adams, simply said “He is the greatest!”  Jude was much impressed with Ria Bennett, a 12 year old girl who had a drawn bishop of same color endgame.  “He taught me something about endgames that I never will forget,” Ria exclaimed.  “She played exceptional – this is the game of the day!”  Ben Goodman, another very good scholastic player mused, “I have learned not to be hasty in the opening and I let Mr. Acers roll me in the center.  While I lost the game – it really helped me learn new things.”

Jude was tested by some very good talent and after nearly 4 hours handily won all 37 games.  Jude, ever gracious thanked all those who made this event possible.  They are: Geri Beck, Matt Adams, Caroline Clark, Mark Ciamarra.

The man in the red beret is waiting to come to your town. Jude likes to schedule his events a year out…so what are you waiting for? He is a legend and one of the most unforgettable people you will every meet!  He packs more chess in a couple of hours than you could get in years of study and play!

If you would like Jude Acers to visit your city, contact artistmanagement_worldwide@yahoo.com.
 

See even more photos from this event at Jude Acers On Tour!

Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Alabama

WHEREAS, chess has been played for centuries by millions of people around the world and is the greatest of games; and

WHEREAS, the game of chess was a favorite pastime of several of America’s Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington; and

WHEREAS, learning chess is easy and playing and studying chess can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and challenge; and

WHEREAS, chess is growing in enormous popularity in Alabama schools, chess builds lasting friendships and leads to academic excellence; and

WHEREAS, Alabama scholastic chess activities provide young and talented children with an opportunity to develop their skills; and

WHEREAS, today Alabama chess players welcome with great enthusiasm U.S. Senior Master Jude F. Acers, who is world renown for his promotion of chess and for his world chess table; and

WHEREAS, Jude Acers has the unique distinction to be twice holder of the Guinness Book of World Records for his simultaneous chess displays. Chess Master Jude Acers is a much sought after chess teacher and author of a chess book best seller The Italian Gambit; and

WHEREAS, Jude Acers is the world champion of chess promotion and is here to celebrate with Alabama chess players their love and commitment to the most unique and venerable of all games - Chess:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 26, 2006, as Chess Day in the State of Alabama.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND and the Great Seal of the Governor’s Office at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 9th day of March 2006.

Bob Riley
 

search tips

The
Chessville
Chess Store

Chess

 

Reference
Center

The Chessville
 Weekly
The Best Free
Chess
Newsletter
On the Planet!

Subscribe
Today -
It's Free!!

The
Chessville
Weekly
Archives

Discussion
Forum

Chess Links

Chess Rules

Visit the
Chessville
Chess Store