Dear Silverdale Chess Club Players, Families and Friends,
In honor of the dearly departed GM Daniel Naroditaky, the Silverdale Chess Club was proud to host the Danial Naroditsky Memorial Rapid Chess Tournament this weekend administered most capably by club TD Alex Blue-Day.
Chess club manager, Larry Sivitz, opened the festivities by soliciting input from players who were inspired by the beloved chess streamer, teacher, coach, and commentator, better known as Danya. Gig Harbor player Allen Messenger, of the Washington Chess Federation, worked with Danya as a moderator in the young GM’s early podcasting days and related his first-hand remembrances.
Larry conveyed the following tribute to Danya from
Chess.com:
Daniel Naroditsky was never just a grandmaster — he was poetry written in speed and silence. Watching him play blitz was like watching thought itself move — effortless, precise, and impossibly calm. Every pre-move carried grace, every instinct hid deep understanding. He made speed chess look like meditation — fast, yet thoughtful; fierce, yet kind. From his early brilliance as a prodigy to his mastery of the digital arena, Daniel didn’t just play fast — he felt fast, as though the clock itself trusted him. He turned the chaos of seconds into art, and in doing so, showed us that even in speed, there can be stillness.
In some softer corner of another reality, maybe he’s still there ,streaming one more night, playing one more game, smiling through time trouble as only he could. Thank you, Daniel, for being what you were ,a teacher, a storm, a light that made us fall in love with thinking faster, yet feeling deeper. You didn’t just play chess , you made it breathe.
The winner of the etched glass trophies, this one for 1st Place, was former top club finisher, Eric Bonow who assayed his surprising Grob Attack in the final round against unsuspecting 8-year old challenger, Sofia Belyavsky.
The Top Junior Winner was Liam Glaser whose last round draw occurred under the 50-move rule. Liam played inspiring chess throughout narrowly edging out Darya Belyavsky for the junior prize. Darya coincidentally shared the Biggest Upset Award (by rating point differential) for her win against Alec Rodriguez in the first round.
Thanks to all who particpated. We hope to see you in the weekly Classic Silverdale Chess Club Tournament that begins next week.
Winner Eric Bonow and Top Junior Liam Glaser (who also appears below).
Eight-year old Sofia B. squares off against Eric B. in the final round.
Biggest Upset Winner Darya B. against Eric R. in the first round.
Moment Brewing, a family-friendly, canine friendly establishment
graciously hosted the event and provided tasty treats and libations
of all variety.
p.s. This is a fun one! White to move and mate in three!
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The Silverdale Chess Club meets on Saturdays from 2:30-4:30 at Moment Brewing, 10876 Myhre Pl NW Suite 112, Silverdale, WA 98383
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