Adopt-A-Danny Raises $1,700 For Adoption Charity

On Wednesday, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Danny Rensch teamed up for a special event to help raise awareness for adoption, contributing all donated proceeds to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

After a few close calls during blitz in which the Frenchman nearly reached his goal of ten straight victories, Rensch wasn't able to escape during the bullet segment, where Vachier-Lagrave defeated the Chess.com personality in double-digit, consecutive games to finally "adopt" Danny.

The event held special meaning for Danny. During the broadcast, he remarked, "We had an opportunity to use our stage here to bring awareness to adoption and raise money for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption." Rensch had previously highlighted his personal connection of having two adopted siblings. "My conditions in agreeing to do this show is that we would make it an opportunity to shine light on this cause. I know sometimes you guys are surprised when we take a serious tone here but the truth is that being able to take this stage and shine a light on something that can be really cool for kids is a great opportunity."

Vachier-Lagrave agreed, "We're fortunate to be able to play chess for a living and it's great to be able to shine a light on this."

In total, with the help of generous viewers and donors, Chess.com was able to raise $1,700 for the foundation after surpassing the initial goal of raising $1,000. 

For more on this event including format and general information, please see the original article below:

After weeks of anticipation, the new show "Adopt-A-Danny" is set to debut on Wednesday, November 20 at 9 a.m. PST on Chess.com/tv.

In the new series, IM Danny Rensch will be looking to avoid "adoption" (losing in 10 consecutive games) against strong grandmasters across three different blitz and bullet time controls.

The show's first guest, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, is currently the world's fourth highest-rated player and will be looking to avenge Team France's loss to Rensch's Team USA in his most recent team battle appearance.

Wednesday's event will offer the French grandmaster three opportunities to adopt Rensch, though just like in the Speed Chess Championship, Vachier-Lagrave will have to race against the clock.

• Segment 1: 60 minutes in 5|0 blitz 
• Segment 2: 45 minutes in 3|0 blitz 
• Segment 3: 30 minutes in 1|0 bullet

As a interesting twist on this format, ongoing adoption streaks can only be ended with a Danny win or draw. He cannot be saved by the time running out in segment. 

Vachier-Lagrave will earn $300 for each successful adoption, totaling a possible $900 across the three segments. Following the three segments, Adopt-A-Danny will conclude with a best-of-three, blindfold 3|0 blitz match, with an additional $100 prize for the winner.

The entire amount of donations during the stream will be donated to the charity of Vachier-Lagrave's choice.

Rensch seemed eager about this opportunity: "Every child deserves a happy, healthy home...and while I'm not sure Maxime can truly fulfill all my needs (how much video-game time will I get per day?), I welcome the possibility that a new daddy can make me happy."

Vachier-Lagrave was to the point in his analysis of Wednesday's match: "Danny, it’s time to get ready for your imminent adoption."

The American chess personality and the French super-GM already have an ongoing rivalry, meeting twice this year. First, Vachier-Lagrave and Kevin Bordi of Team France were downed by Rensch and Hikaru Nakamura of Team USA in a team battle in March.

Months later, Vachier-Lagrave got his revenge by defeating Rensch 3-2 in their annual giant chess match:

Can Rensch turn the tables on Vachier-Lagrave and thwart him in his efforts to adopt the self-proclaimed "super-IM"?

Come and show your support for Vachier-Lagrave this Wednesday, November 20 at 9 a.m. PST on Chess.com/tv—and stay tuned for more editions of Adopt-A-Danny coming in 2020!