Charlotte Chess Club Continues to
Flourish after 44 years! A couple of months ago, a diminutive but distinguished
gentleman by the name of Ben Fortner approached me at
the club and indicated that he wished to become a member
($25 per year) and participate in tournament
competition. So, I promptly signed him up and included
him in the mix. Because of his inexperience, he seemed a
bit nervous in his first few games and appeared to be
rushing himself. No one wants to lose. And, apparently,
Ben is not the type who gives up easily. I set him aside
and suggested that since he had 75 minutes to complete
all of his moves, he deliberate a bit longer before
responding so quickly. I like a quick study. As the
weeks went by, Ben finally won his first USCF rated
tournament game! The world loves a Now, has anything like this ever happened before at
the CCC. Sure, it has. Over the years, we have
experienced a number of anomalies with talented new
players. Then, what's so special about registering a
perfect score in the Lower Section of the Charlotte
Chess Club tournament? Well, I'll tell you. Ben Fortner
is 91 years old!! Drives himself to the club every
week... havin' a ball at the CCC! |