Chess Boxing Match added to Red River Shootout VIII

Neighbors and Hollingsworth on tap for Board Six Thriller in Davis
By Victor Yaward, Chess Reporter

Davis, OK (CRN) – The annual match on April 18th between the Oklahoma and Texas Chess Teams promises more excitement than in previous years. On Board Six two old rivals, Teddy Neighbors of the Lawton Chess Club and Jim Hollingsworth from Texas will play chess as well as box to decide their match. “This is happening all over Europe,” says Tom Crane, Chief Texas Organizer for the match, “like London, Germany, and Siberia. It’s time Red River Chess moved to a new level.” Frank Berry, Oklahoma Chess Team Captain, agrees. “The Siberian Chess Boxing Organization (SCBO), Germany (GCBO), and London (LCBO) have all petitioned FIDE, the world chess championship organization, for admission and sanctioning of their events.” He adds, “Now that the Red River Chess Boxing Organization (RRCBO) is involved, CBO’s everywhere have a better chance of joining FIDE.”

Chess boxing involves both players alternating between battling on the chessboard and in the ring. Victory goes to the first competitor who achieves a checkmate or a knockout. Successful chess boxers typically have great hand speed, fancy footwork, and extraordinarily thick heads. Because of these and other qualities, Neighbors and Hollingsworth were obvious choices. “Texas is going down!” Neighbors cried at a recent Lawton Chess Club board meeting. Hollingsworth’s response was “Bring it on.” Both players qualify as heavyweights.

Adding chess boxing to RRSO VIII is the brainchild of Robert Jones, the 2009 Texas Chess Team Captain. Other ideas he has unsuccessfully advocated include giving extra match points to women players, rook odds and move to the lower rated team, and playing every other match in Texas. Registration for the two-round event is at the Treasure Valley Casino, I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, in Davis, Oklahoma on Sunday, April 18th, between 9:30 and 10:45. The first round begins at 11 am sharp. Except for the Board-Six boxers, there is no early registration or weigh in. For questions, Oklahoma players should contact Frank Berry at fkimberry@AOL.com. Texas players can contact Tom Crane at tcrane5000@yahoo.com or by phone 817-296-4287 or Robert Jones at 214-212-9185 or email jonessoc@juno.com.

As all serious chess players know, the REAL Red River Shootout is a series of matches between the most fanatical chess players in Oklahoma and Texas. Texas leads 5-2 despite playing on the road six out of seven contests. Publicity and results for the match are in the Oklahoma Chess Quarterly, on line in the Oklahoma Chess Form, on the Texas Chess Association web site, and on the famous chess reporter's (Victor Yaward) blog site: http://texaschessreporter.blogspot.com.

Latest on the REAL Red River Shootout

Stay tuned for breaking news about the REAL Red River Shootout, the annual match between the most fanatical chess players in Oklahoma and Texas. Texas leads the series 5-2 despite playing on the road six times.

En Passant

Robert Smeltzer

The Chess World mourns the passing of Robert Smeltzer, one of its most active players. The US Chess Federation's records show this gentle man played in 2,995 rated events since January 1, 1991, including some Red River Shootouts. Plans had been made to ensure he traveled and played in RRSO VIII next month. He will be missed on both sides of the river and our deepest sympathy to his family.

Two Frogs Grill Braces for Texas Chess Team

By Victor Yaward, Chess Reporter (now on Facebook).

Ardmore, OK (CRN) - Two Frogs Grill is pulling out all stops in its preparations for a visit by the top ranked Texas Chess Team on April 18th. The team, consisting of the most fanatical chess players in Texas, will make a pit stop after returning from competition with the Oklahoma Chess Team earlier that Sunday in Davis. "We had a busy season a few years ago," says Andy the Two Frogs Manager, "when both the Texas Chess Team and the Texas State Democratic Legislature Representatives visited Ardmore. Both were a bit rowdy, especially the chess players, but we think we'll be ready this time."

As all serious chess players know, the REAL Red River Shootout is a series of annual matches between the most fanatical chess players in Oklahoma and Texas. Texas leads 5-2 despite playing on the road six out of seven contests.

Chess fans everywhere can follow the progress of the Texas Chess Team and other chess celebrities several prominent chess web sites including: The Oklahoma Chess Forum, Oklahoma Chess Foundation, and on the famous chess reporter's (Victor Yaward) blog site: http://texaschessreporter.blogspot.com:

April 18, Eighth Annual Red River Shoot Out (Sunday)
State Team match open only to OK and TX residents as defined as where USCF has your address. Two rounds G/60+30sec. Must have current USCF membership and rating. Treasure Valley Casino, I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030. EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration on site. Reg: 9:30 to 10:45. Rds. 11 and 2. For questions OK players contact Frank Berry at fkimberry@AOL.com; TX players contact Tom Crane at tcrane5000@yahoo.com or by phone 817-296-4287 or Rob Jones at 214-212-9185, jonessoc@juno.com