 Below is a recent interview of Dr. Joseph Ferguson, Bahamas Chess Federation Presidential Candidate 2021, about some of his plans for the chess body. Interviewer: For those who do not know you, please share with us your professional background and some of your experience volunteering with non-profit organisations? Ferguson: Dr. Joseph Ferguson. I have a PhD in Mathematical Sciences and have been employed at University of Bahamas for the last 20 years. Working in a non-profit is about sacrifice. It’s not for self glory but for the love and appreciation of what the organisation represents. I have served as President for a local bridge club and tournament director for American Contract Bridge League. Interviewer: What is your earliest memory of chess and what was your impression of the game? Ferguson:Self taught myself the game and have never stopped playing it. No matter what I am doing, where I am, if I see a chess set-up anywhere, there is a high probability that I will watch the game and opponents play. Interviewer: How old were you when you started playing chess and why did you decide to pursue it as a hobby? Ferguson: It was 6th grade. Someone had brought a chess set to school and I found it interesting. The interesting thing about this set was it had the instructions on each piece as to how it moves. I asked my friend to borrow it overnight. Have been playing chess ever since. I can play this game for hours and feel at peace winning or losing. This game provokes you to think, plan and prepare for whatever comes your way in life. While you are dealing with the current position, you have to be mindful of what will happen moves later. Interviewer: You are a candidate for the Presidency of The Bahamas Chess Federation (The BCF). Why? Why now? Ferguson: The Federation is growing but not without its internal challenges. I was asked to be President and lead because of what I suspect is my objectivity I bring to meetings. I do not take sides and I have no “axe to grind”. The current administration has expressed its intent to demit office and I have been asked to step in. I hope to serve at the pleasure of those I lead. Photo* Interviewer: What skill set do you have that will benefit The BCF? Ferguson: As a mathematician I hope to use my operational skills to refine the administrative structure of the Federation. I hope to be fair in all my actions. I believe I have shown that I will be just, I will not be loyal to any individual(s) but will follow the rules as best as I can a in a spirit of excellence. Interviewer: In recent years The BCF seem to have focused on building capacity with training programmes. What would be the priority or priorities of your administration and why? Ferguson: High priority would be given to revising the Constitution. I believe the federation needs to raise the administrative bar. We have great players. We will plan to continue to provide opportunities for great players to be better. The Federation is small, so attention will be given to projects that are realistic given the man power that is available. There are several clubs associated BCF, and we will hope to have them more involved in promoting chess in the community. Interviewer: What are some of the strengths of The BCF that you can build on? Ferguson: BCF has a rich history. Many good players are out there who for whatever reason has left the federation. I hope to entice them back. Iron sharpens iron. I believe we have a good relationship with other Federations within the region. Interviewer: Should the chess community expect any changes in the administration and/or operation of The BCF? If yes then which changes and why? Ferguson: If there are changes to be made, the same will be done behind the scenes. The community at large, we hope to show a united front, promoting chess, and celebrating our players as they do well. Interviewer: How will Scholastic Chess feature in your administration? Please share your plans. Ferguson: We hope to continue where the last administration left off. Chess clubs which primarily cater to this age group will be encouraged to help in this regard. Inter-club competitions can go a long way to foster good rivalry which will spill over into the Federation as they grow and enter more matured federation events. Interviewer: What are your plans to expand organised chess throughout The Bahamas? Ferguson: I think the biggest challenge the Federation has is finding a place to call home: where tournaments can be held and the business of the federation can be housed and conducted. The key to the success of any non-profit organization is to find a partner to help offset its expenses. In our case, our goal would be to find a sponsor or partner to provide a location where chess can be nurtured and grown. Interviewer: As we conclude, do you have a message that you wish to share with the chess community of The Bahamas? Ferguson: 1. f4?! … The very unusual "bird opening". It is not the tradition first move of many but it has been proven to be sound. My style of leadership may/will be different and go against the norm you may be used too in BCF. I will listen, consult and lean on the wisdom of my team, former leaders and be guided by Constitution of the BCF. If you love the game, we are asking you to consider coming back to it. Let's talk about what you don't like, and why you left. The game of chess is way bigger than any peeve we may have with any individual. If we all just focus on playing the game, and leave the petty politics behind us, chess will grow and grow with leaps and bounds. I will find you, and I will bring you back!! Check....mate in 4 against any defense!! Interviewer: Thank you very much Dr. Ferguson for sharing your plans with us and all the best with the upcoming elections.
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 Below is a recent interview I had with CM Kendrick Knowles following him hosting Nimble Minds Virtual Chess Simultaneous display. Interviewer: Thank you for hosting Nimble Minds Virtual Chess Simultaneous Display on Saturday 21 November, 2020. Our students enjoyed it. How was it for you and is this something that you do often? Knowles: It was a great experience – my first virtual simul actually. I loved the platform and the kids were not easy at all. The basics and fundamentals were shown in all games. No real opening mistakes and quick development of pieces. I don’t do it often, however, I look forward to it now – Thanks for the invitation again. Interviewer: Before we go any further, allow me to congratulate you on winning The 2019 Bahamas National Chess Championships. Knowles: Thank you very much. As you know The Nationals in The Bahamas is a super competitive deal and we take it seriously sometimes too serious. It was a fun tournament, my first without a loss in any round. Photo* Interviewer: What is one of your most memorable experiences while playing internationally? Knowles: 41st Chess Olympiad in Norway in 2014 as my most memorable because it was my first Olympiad and also the tournament that gave me my CM title. Interviewer: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the chess side of your life? Knowles: I play more online than over the board due to the pandemic – but I also study more and I believe I have improved over the pandemic. Only time will tell if it sticks. But I definitely have more time to study now as lockdowns and curfews continue. Interviewer: How would you describe the level of chess in The Bahamas when compared to jurisdictions of similar population size? For example, Barbados, Belize, Malta, Guadeloupe, Iceland and Suriname. What can be done to improve the level of chess play in The Bahamas? Knowles: As I mentioned before we can do much better than our neighbors. I think we are behind in some aspects and ahead in others – for example Suriname has stronger players but I think we have a lot of interested young players who can get to that level with consistent support from Government and the federation. Interviewer: Chess and children. Do you recommend that parents introduce their children to chess? If so then why? Knowles: Yes all children in my opinion should at least be introduced to the game of chess. It helps in teaching patience and the importance of quality decision making. I believe children from an early age can develop an attitude consistent with “winning in life” if they understand the methods involved with winning at chess. Interviewer: Finally, do you have any suggestions for younger players on how to improve their chess game and why they should continue playing chess? Knowles: Definitely study and use puzzles as much as possible. Experiment with openings that fit your style of play – however do not spend all of your time on openings. Focusing on every game putting your pieces in positions to be active. That’s the single most important piece of advice I can give you. Put your pieces on squares where they can impact the game. You should continue playing because you will find – hopefully as I have found – that your ability to put your pieces in positions to be successful also translates to your personal life in making decisions for you to succeed as well. Today, 3 December, we observe International Day of Disabled Persons which was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
We at Nimble Minds Chess are delighted to observe this day because we teach chess in an inclusive way that is compatible with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 10. The wording of Goals 4 and 10 are as follows: Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries. The theme this year is "Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World". See our post on the chess programme at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf - Nimble Minds Chess Programme for students with disabilities. The link below is for visually impaired visitors and will take you to the Nimble Minds Chess Programme for student with disabilities that was mentioned earlier in this article: https://nimblemindschess.org/f/special-education-and-chess We have organised our first virtual simultaneous chess display which will be hosted by Candidate Master Kendrick Knowles.
Kendrick is the current Bahamas National Chess Champion and have won the championship five times since 2013. He has also represented The Bahamas on multiple occasions including at two Chess Olympiads organised by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Photo* We are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to host this simultaneous chess display and look forward to collaborating with him in the future. The format and details for the simultaneous display are as follows:
5/3/2021 0 Comments "Why women lose at chess"Originally posted on 5 October, 2020
Yesterday, I read an article entitled "Why women lose at chess". (hyper link) The article can be classified as controversial and highlights the views of several Grandmasters on why female players are not as good as their male counterparts. It also provides a short historical summary of outstanding female chess players like GM Judith Polgar of Hungary and GM Koneru Humpy of India. According to the article, no scientific research has been conducted on this topic to support these opinions. In addition to parents, I believe that this article will make a good read for student chess players. I will certainly share it with my students and use it to help direct discussions of this topic. What are your views, or the views of your student chess players on this topic? Source: World Chess Federation, FIDE
22 September, 2020 Parents are players should be aware of the best practices as published by the World Chess Federation. I recommend that you read the post below before entering any over-the-board chess competition. Please find the source of this post at the bottom of this page. "FIDE continues to closely monitor the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which was first reported in Hubei, China on December 31, 2019. In view of the danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, FIDE, through its Medical Commission, has developed a medical security policy and protocol which is aimed at minimizing chances of transmission of the Novel Coronavirus in the future over-the-board chess events during 2020 and beyond. Going forward, FIDE will continue to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic and respond accordingly. The following measures shall be put in place at upcoming over-the-board chess events, to prevent the possible spread of the Novel Coronavirus and protect the participants against infection: OBLIGATION Organizers, players, arbiters, and other officials should comply with their respective national legislation on COVID-19 crisis management of the country in which the chess event takes place. RECOMMENDATIONS
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands.
Why? Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
Why? When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease like 2019-nCoV, coughs, or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
Source: In view of the danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, FIDE, through its Medical Commission, has developed a medical security policy and protocol which is aimed at minimizing chances of transmission of the Novel Coronavirus. 2020. Available at: https://www.fide.com/news/626?fbclid=IwAR00TOdtCRaZQP6Wgvma8K6I97wWXGRSOS7vOVAaLFqaw306WcQnUI5SfFk [Accessed: 22 September 2020]. Originally written on 3 May, 2020 and published on
The COVID-19 virus pandemic is requiring people to make adjustments to their lives. At the core of these adjustments is limited human interaction because the COVID-19 virus is a respiratory virus. "The disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks."[1] The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a list of precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting or passing on the virus to another person. One of these precautions is to observe social distancing. In many counties restriction of movement of people and banning public gathering were imposed and in some cases remain in place. This has resulted in the closure of traditional sports programmes, sports clubs, sports competitions and extra-curricular activities. These restrictions have increased the use of the internet to deliver classes and instruction. Photo* Online chess instruction and homeschooling As a result of the closure of schools, sports programmes and sports clubs, many parents are searching for activities that will keep their children engaged and that will provide children with variety during these restrictions and not expose them to additional risk of contracting the new COVID-19 virus. One meaningful option for parents is Chess! Yes chess. Chess builds valuable learning skills[2]like concentration, problem solving, and mental calculation. These are critical skills which children can use during their school lives and as adults. Parents who homeschool children are very familiar with online instruction and use it as needed to source the required teachers and leverage the use of technology. As far as chess is concerned, chess instructors have been delivering chess classes online for many years. These classes are made possible through the use of chess playing platforms and other online virtual meeting platforms. Parents are naturally concerned and cautious about their children contracting the COVID-19 virus. As a result, they will likely avoid enrolling their children into contact sports and activities like athletics, football, basketball, judo, and marching bands. Online chess instruction and playing chess online is ideal for children in this COViD-19 environment. It is an excellent way to help avoid the COVID-19 virus and to keep your children engaged in a meaningful activity. This blog is partial reproduction from a post taken from FIDE website - https://www.fide.com/news/475?fbclid=IwAR0QWOiqJMVBCfDcawkUk3GsDCr31O0hGDcCeXC_VrW7-udhRuh5FvlTTR0
Friday, 10 Apr 2020 22:39 The first-ever 1950 Candidates Tournament in Budapest, Hungary, became a turning point in the history of chess. Before this event, there was no system in place to determine a challenger in a World Championship match. Any potential challenger had to negotiate with the champion himself, secure funding and arrange a match. After Alekhine’s death in 1946, followed by Botvinnik’s victory in the 1948 World Championship Tournament, FIDE organized the first World Championship cycle that included Zonal, Interzonal and Candidates tournaments. Five qualifiers of the Interzonal tournament (Saltsjobaden, 1948) were supposed to join four participants of the 1948 World Championship tournament (Reshevsky, Keres, Smyslov, and Euwe) plus Robin Fine in a double round-robin competition. Unfortunately, Reshevsky and Fine opted not to play (according to another version the U.S. State Department barred them from traveling to Hungary due to Cold War), while Euwe did not get a leave from the university. Subsequently, FIDE decided to replace them with players who finished 6th-9th in the Interzonal tournament: Miguel Najdorf, Gideon Stahlberg, Salo Flohr and Igor Bondarevsky (the latter withdrew). Vasily Smyslov, Paul Keres and the winner of the first Interzonal tournament David Bronstein entered the event as the main favorites but it was Isaac Boleslavsky who held the stage for the most of the event. Playing the tournament of his life, he demonstrated very solid opening preparation, deep strategic concepts, tenacity in defense and error-free calculation. The event in Budapest became the only Candidates Tournament to end in a tie for the first place (in London 2013 Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik scored equal number of points but the former became the winner thanks to better tiebreaks). Bronstein and Boleslavsky had to play a playoff match, which was held in the summer of 1950 in Moscow. It ended in another tie, but Bronstein won the first decisive game and became the official challenger. Source: Wikipedia Although the 1950 Candidates in Budapest was not the most spectacular event it set a trend and paved the way for the historical tournaments in Zurich (1953), Amsterdam (1956), Yugoslavia (1959) and Curacao (1962). It is symbolic that after many years of play-off matches and knockout tournaments, FIDE eventually returned to this good old round-robin format so popular among chess players and spectators all around the world. 5/3/2021 0 Comments Special Education and ChessThis article is about a historic chess programme at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf. Chess instruction was substantially provided by Kean A. Smith of Nimble Minds Chess.
Photo Background The Centre for the Deaf was established in 1964 and is a joint effort by The Bahamas Red Cross and The Bahamas' Ministry of of Education. Presently, the Centre is located on Gregory Street, Oakes Field, New Providence, The Bahamas. The Centre for the Deaf provides instruction and training to the following:
Chess Programme About three years ago I approached Mrs. Sonja Rolle, Principal of The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf ("Centre for the Deaf") about the possibility of offering chess classes at the Centre for the Deaf. From our initial meeting until today, Mrs. Rolle has supported the idea and implementation of the chess classes. Mrs. Rolle introduced me to her teaching staff and the chess journey began. Ms. Antoinette Newry, a Mathematics Teacher at the Centre for the Deaf, recently completed a chess course organised jointly between The Bahamas Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE). As a resuIt of her involvement in the chess programme at the Centre for the Deaf and completing the chess course, I asked her for an interview. Thankfully she agreed. Smith: What is your role at The Bahamas Red Cross Centre for the Deaf? Newry: Special Education Teacher Smith: How many years have you been an educator and where did you complete your academic and professional training? Newry: I volunteered about two years at the Centre for the Deaf before I was accepted into The College of the Bahamas where I received my Bachelor Degree in SPED. Smith: How did you get involved in Special Education and why? Newry: During the late 70's, I was fascinated with the deaf lady, Linda Bove, who played "Linda" in Sesame Street. I can still remember it as if it were yesterday. Alaina Reed Hall who played ‘Olivia’ sang as Linda signed the song "Sing ". It was remarkable and beautiful to see. From that moment I prayed and asked God to help me to become someone who helps the deaf. Smith: Many of our readers may have no experience with sign language, is it difficult to learn? Do you have any tips on the best way to communicate with a deaf or hard of hearing person? Newry: In my opinion it depends on the individual. For some it may be really difficult, yet for others it may be easy. When it comes to learning sign language, start with the basics. We as human being use a lot of nonverbal communication; for example, a wave of the hand signals “hi”, “hey”, “hello” or “good-bye.” A nod of the head says “yes”, “good” or “fine.” Even a pointed finger can refer to “you”, “they”, “them”, “there” or “here.” Knowing these simple nonverbal gestures as well as learning the alphabet is a small step in the right direction. But overall you just have to be determined. Smith: I know that the Centre for the Deaf has been developing a chess programme. How many students are part of the programme? Which other activities do the school offer its students? Newry: The Centre for the Deaf has been developing this program for the past two years under ... [your] direction ... and I assisted through interpreting [your] instruction. There are approximately five students in the program. This number will increase in the new academic school year. Smith: I noted that you recently completed chess training which was organised by The Bahamas Chess Federation and instructors provided by the World Chess Federation. What is your earliest experience with chess? Do you know how to play chess? Who introduced you to the game? Newry: My earliest memory of playing chess was in the early 90’s. A friend taught me the game. Smith: When your students were introduced to chess, how did they respond? Newry: The students were skeptical at first because they really didn’t want to play a regular board game. Eventually, after learning how the game was played, they realised that chess wasn’t just a regular board game. Their interest cascaded and they were excited to play. Photox2 Smith What do you believe are the benefits to your students of playing chess? Newry: For my students, social interaction, developing self-discipline, improving their reasoning skills, as well as memory and developing their problem solving skills are some of the benefits of them learning to play chess. Smith: How would you describe the training you received on 29 July, 2019 during the World Chess Federation Trainers Seminar? Newry: Since I wasn’t a master “per say”, I was excited, yet nervous. As the class progressed I became relaxed as methods, terms and strategies which I am familiar with, were being discussed. Smith: How will the chess programme at the Centre of the Deaf benefit from the training you received? Newry: I’m hoping to continue with the chess program at the school, because I feel the students can benefit socially and mentally while improving their logical and reasoning skills, problem solving situations and optimising memory. But overall I just want them to have FUN while playing. Smith: Would you recommend the training for other teachers? If yes then please explain why? Newry: Yes, I would encourage teachers to complete the training because chess is more than just a game. It stimulates both parts of the brain in which they have to use logic, math, language, reading, writing, analysis, creativity, intuition, music, art, memory and spatial abilities. By playing chess students will be using all of these skills without realising it. Also, by frequently stimulating his or her brain teachers will notice improvements in students’ language and math skills. Smith: What chess plans do you have for the upcoming school year? Newry: I am hoping to have chess club on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm during the school day. Photo Originally published on 22 June, 2019
With the school year completed for most of our student chess players we decided to organise a chess event with longer time controls. These opportunities will allow students additional time to plan, analyse and record their games. So we organised three rounds of play with a time control of G30. They were also required to record their moves for the first 20 minutes. This allowed them to sharpen their recording skills and provides a record of their opening play which can be reviewed by their chess coached. Photo Over the next weeks the time control will be increase to allow players even more time for their games and to apply what they have learnt over the pass months and during summer classes. They will grow to appreciate that planning and problem solving alway benefit from taking time to consider solutions. We also invited six players to this event. Four of the invited players were from BGT Chess Club and the remaining players are not affiliated with any chess clubs. The invited players provided variety and allowed players to socialise and broaden their chess circles. We believe that this is always good for children. Photo We will continue to orgnising playing opportunities for scholastic chess players. If you have student players or a club that is interested in a friendly match or chess play then feel free to contact Nimble Minds Chess at kean@nimblemindschess.org Photo |
AuthorKean Smith is a qualified FIDE National Chess Instructor and former member of FIDE's Chess in School Commission. Archives
January 2025
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