Saturday, November 8, 2025

2025 Action Tournament This Monday - A Little Colonial History for You


 The Boston Tea Party

The Livingston County Chess Club meets every Monday night between

4pm thru 10pm

at the Buffalo Wild Wings in the Green Oak Mall in Brighton, MI. 

Stop in for some friendly chess, good food and 'refreshments'.

Everyone of all ages and playing strength are welcome to attend. And free lessons to all beginners!

Our 2025 LCCC Action Tournament will start this Monday. It is totally free so come by for a tournament feel without any cost. We are planning on playing two rounds a night this time. But we may only go one round per night.

The time limit is 30 minutes / game with a 5 second delay. We plan on starting around 6:30 pm.

The tournament will go 3 or 4 rounds, depending on entries.

Now for a little American chess history not usually known – Part 1:

Like most people in colonial America, Benjamin Franklin wanted to avoid a war with King George III if possible. But Boston had just had it’s rebellious Tea Party and the British authorities were adding more restraints to the colonies.

By the late 1774 the hostility toward America was so uncomfortable in London that Franklin realized it was time to return home to Philadelphia. War seemed imminent. Then, at which point, his safety would be a concern.

His loyalty to America had caused his personal reputation in England to plummet. The London Papers called him an “old snake” and a “veteran of mischief”. Even a “grand incendiary.” Franklin decided it was time to head home.

Then chess intervened.  More next time.