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| Neil Falconer - Legacy.com |
Five months after his passing, the Mechanics' Institute will honor trustee, patron and chess enthusiast Neil Falconer with a Sunday afternoon blitz tournament. Mr. Falconer's dedication to the royal game spanned 75 years, from days as a high school student to sponsorship of the generous Falconer Award every year since 1999. He remained a strong class A player even into his 80s, and challenged some of my top students. I spoke with him several times, during the CalChess legal crisis in 2004-05 and informally at the chess club. Unfortunately, we never crossed swords over the board. Please read this tribute to one of the great gentlemen of Northern California chess.
The Falconer Blitz Tournament follows a similar format to the annual Ray Schutt Memorial, which has become the largest and most prestigious blitz event in the Bay Area. Given Mr. Falconer's popularity, I expect many experts and masters to attend, including a few titled players. Come on down for a fun afternoon of chess in the City!
Location: 57 Post Street, San Francisco (Montgomery BART)
TIME CONTROL: G/5 + inc/2 (bring your digital clock)
ENTRY FEE: $10 (free for GM/IM)
This tournament is UNRATED. (Membership in USCF not required)
PRIZES: $750 total (guaranteed)
1st place: $300
2nd place: $200
3rd place: $100
4th place: $75
5th place: $50
6th place: $25
Every player takes home a book from Mr. Falconer's library!
REGISTRATION: 1 to 1:45 pm on-site only. There will be no registration in advance. The tournament starts at 2 pm and lasts until about 5 pm. Prize fund guaranteed by GM Patrick Wolff.
Note from Fpawn: Normally, I would jump to attend this event, especially since I knew Neil. However, the date presents an unavoidable conflicts with other plans. I'll be there in spirit.
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