Congratulations to Geoff Collins, the 2011 Newburyport Chess Club Champion! Geoff removed a great deal of suspense from Thursday's rounds with Frank, winning in round three and alleviating the need for a fourth and final game. In a reversal of last year's match in which Frank won 2.5-0.5, Geoff won in comparable fashion, drawing a difficult first game before taking both of his white games. Both players are to be commended for once again navigating a sizeable field of club challengers so as to reach their second straight club championship match.

In the Swiss, top honors go to David Ferreira, whose fighting draw with Gerry Potorski in round seven was sufficient to win clear first. Ron Burris, following an aesthetically pleasing win against Art King in the final round, secured second place for himself. Gerry Potorski's draw gave him sole possession for third.

For my part, I would like to thank everybody for another year's worth of support of the Newburyport Chess Club (with an honorable shout out to George Verrette, who showed up every week!). We will take this Thursday (the 29th) off, but we'll start 2012 on January 5th. I hope you all enjoy the holidays and come back to club ready for another year of fighting chess!