Siebrandt Wins 5th Blind Title!


Games in Zipped PGN format

Final Standings



On June 23-24, 2006 in the off the beaten path venue of Buckhannon, WV, at the Hampton Inn,  Texan Jeff Siebrandt scored 3.5-.5 to secure his fifth U. S. Blind title. The field of nine players consisted of 4 former champions, including Siebrandt.

While a guide dog snored and the other player’s wives scouted out shopping opportunities, Jeff took home the $300 first place prize, trophy, and the 2006 title.  With scores of 2.5-1.5 Alex Barrasso, Al Pietrolungo, Henry Olynick, and James Hart all split the 2nd place, 3rd place, U 1800, and U1600 money four ways to pocket $125 each.  On tie breaks, trophies went to Alex Barraso for 2nd place and Henry Olynick for3rd place.  Henry Olynick also was awarded the Calyton Walker upset trophy for his last round draw with an opponent (Siebrandt) rated 648 points above him!  Joe Wassermann claimed the U 1400 prize of $100 with his 2-2- effort.  Henry donated his prize money towards an outing to reward the scorers. 

The event was sponsored by the local Lions Club and organized by Rick Vachetto.  Rick’s chess students from school acted as scorers and seconds on each board. Tim Just directed the event. 

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) would like to thank the Hallmark Greeting Card company for their donation of "Thank You" cards in braille. Each participant in the 2006 U.S. Blind Championship received a card.




Standings. Blind 06
# Name ID Rtng Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Tot
1 Jeffrey Siebrandt 11415458 1891 W5 W2 W6 D4 3.5
2 Alexande Barrasso 12471521 1680 W8 L1 W3 D6 2.5
3 Albert Pietrolungo 12438747 1490 W7 D6 L2 W8 2.5
4 Henry Olynik 10102766 1243 L6 W9 W7 D1 2.5
5 James R Hart 12407429 1223 L1 D8 W9 B--- 2.5
6 James R Slagle 10173540 1993 W4 D3 L1 D2 2.0
7 Joseph Wassermann 12808878 1034 L3 B--- L4 W9 2.0
8 Richard Mc Straw 12416764 1209 L2 D5 B--- L3 1.5
9 Virginia Alverson 12474358 1000 B--- L4 L5 L7 1.0