Canadian Chess - Sponsor Us - History of chess in Canada

Written and copyright 2011 by David Cohen.
Main web site & contact: Canadian Chess.

History of chess in Canada

1000 A.D.

Scandinavian countries had their own board games with pieces, and these were not necessarily derived from chess. Around 1,000 A.D. they arrived in Canada, at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. Although no chess boards or pieces were excavated at the site, the National Historic Site's display contains a replica of a Scandinavian 'chess' piece from a period several hundred years later. The Viking crews passed several winters at the site, repairing their ships. It is possible that they brought their games with them, or manufactured them on the spot, so chess in some form may have been played there in Canada for the first time.

17th century

Chess has certainly been played in Canada since the early 18th century, and probably since the late 17th century. Alexandre de Chaumont, aide-de-camp of de Tracy (Lt.-Gen. of the armies of the King of France in America), was one of the best chess players in France in 1665. He would not have spent his two years in the French colony (now Quebec) without playing chess.

18th century

The earliest documented playing of chess in Canada is correspondence of Louis-Guillaume Verrier, Solicitor-General of Quebec, which documents his chess playing with the Intendant of Quebec, Hocquart, 1728-58.

The chess set in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa was donated by Fred Hale. According to him, this was the set his ancestor, General Sir John Hale, "and General Wolfe played with on their way over to the taking of Quebec" in 1759.

Organized local chess in Canada dates from the late 18th century. Richard Bulkeley was president of a 'chess, pencil, and brush club' in Halifax, Nova Scotia from about 1787.

19th century

By the 19th century, chess was played in taverns in Quebec; and in the homes of families in Quebec and Ontario. In the 1800s, life in Canada was based on a rural, farming economy, so it was slow in the winter-time. It was common practice after dinner in a comfortable home to retire to the drawing room, where the men played games, including chess. A historical display at the home of William Lyon Mackenzie in Toronto contains a chess set.

Another popular past-time was composing and solving chess problems. There was also a growth in correspondence chess, between individuals and between chess clubs in different cities.

1840s

The first chess clubs were founded in Quebec City (around 1840), Kingston (by 1841), Montreal (1844), and Toronto (by 1846). Canadian chess games were published in newspapers. In 1841, the first correspondence chess game in Canada took place, between the Quebec City and Kingston chess clubs.

1872

Organized chess played over the board among players in different cities began with the formation of the Canadian Chess Association (CCA) at Hamilton, Ontario, on September 24. University of Toronto Professor John Cherriman was elected the first CCA President. The CCA's original purpose was to hold a tournament, the championship of its association and of Canada. This first tournament attracted 16 players from Ontario and Quebec, but was never completed, as the competitors were distracted by the business of the accompanying agricultural fair. Succeeding events were held almost annually up to the turn of the century. The championship was usually held in the main centres of chess activity: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.

The first Canadian chess book, a collection of chess problems, was published: 100 Gems of Chess, edited by Thomas D.S. Moore, published by the Western Advertiser, London, Ontario.

1873

The first Canadian Correspondence Chess Tournament, organized by CCA and its President, John Cherriman, was won by Henry Robertson.

The first completed Canadian Chess Championship was organized by CCA at Toronto, Ontario.

The first recorded blindfold exhibition was given by Albert Ensor.

1879

The Ontario Chess Association (OCA) was founded at Guelph on December 12.

1880

The first Ontario Chess Championship was held, won by W.M. Stark.

1881

George Casey, Member of Parliament for West Elgin, competed in the Canadian Championship.

1884

Future World Chess Championship contestant Johannes Zukertort gave simultaneous exhibitions and 12 board blindfold simultaneous exhibitions during a tour of Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

1885

Frank Marshall moves to Canada around this time and learns to play chess, later becoming U.S. Chess Champion (1909-36).

1886

Nicholas MacLeod, age 16, establishes the record - still unbeaten - for the youngest player to win the Canadian Chess Championship.

1888

The CCA's first trophy for the Canadian Chess Championship was permanently awarded to Nicholas MacLeod. His family donated the second trophy. James Narraway accomplished the first of his five Canadian Chess Championship first place finishes.

1889

Nicholas MacLeod played in the New York tournament, held to select a challenger to World Chess Champion Wilhelm Steinitz; he set a record for most losses in one tournament, 31.

James Narraway wins his correspondence game against famous problem composer Sam Loyd, on Board 1 in the Canada - USA match.

1892

Former Canadian Chess Champion Nicholas MacLeod defeated future World Chess Champion Emanuel Lasker, in a simultaneous exhibition given by the latter at Quebec City.

1893

Reigning World Chess Champion Wilhelm Steinitz played 16 in a simultaneous exhibition at the Montreal Chess Club.

1894

The last eight games of the World Chess Championship match, between Wilhelm Steinitz (Champion) and Emanuel Lasker (Challenger), are held at Montreal.

1895

William Pollock represents Canada at the prestigious chess tournament held at Hastings, England.

1899

Magnus Smith wins the first of his three consecutive Canadian Chess Championships.

1901

First Canadian chess magazine, Checkmate, published by J.H. Graham, 1901-4, at Prescott, Ontario.

1904

The CCA's third trophy, the Drewery Cup, was donated in 1904, when the Canadian Chess Championship moved west for the first time, to Winnipeg, Manitoba (where the trophy is on display in the City of Winnipeg Archives).

1907

Canadian Chess Champion Magnus Smith defeats World Chess Champion Emanuel Lasker in a simultaneous exhibition given by the latter at Winnipeg.

1910

John Morrison accomplished his first of six Canadian Chess Championship first place finishes.

1921

Canadian Correspondence Chess Association (CCCA) founded.

1922

Frank Marshall sets world record for most opponents in a simultaneous exhibition, playing 156 in Montreal in January.
Canadian-born chess player Andrew Bonar Law becomes Prime Minister of United Kingdom.
Malcolm Sim starts chess column at Toronto Telegram (1922-56).

1924

Stephen F. Smith represents Canada at the Olympic Games Tournament (World Amateur Championship), Paris, France.
Canada became a founding member of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the international governing body for chess.

1932

CCA re-organized by Bernard Freedman as the Canadian Chess Federation (CCF). Freedman served as Canada's representative to FIDE from 1934-57.

1934

First Canadian Boys Championship held in Toronto, in conjunction with the Canadian Championship.

1936

The Canadian Senior Boys Chess Championship and the first Canadian Major Chess Championship, both won by D. Abraham Yanofsky of Winnipeg, were held alongside the Canadian Chess Championship before large crowds at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. Newspaper headlines brought Yanofsky to national attention.

Bernard Freedman sponsors a visit by young American master Arthur Dake to Toronto to give simultaneous exhibition against local club members; Freedman will go on to sponsor many top Canadian juniors, including Yanofsky.

1939

Canada represented at the Chess Olympiad team competition for the first time, thanks to funding by Bernard Freedman. Canada ties for first in the 'B' group. Canada wins its first Board medal at the Chess Olympiads, as D. Abraham Yanofsky wins Gold on Board 2. Annabelle Lougheed became the first Canadian to compete for the Women's World Chess Championship, in the concurrent tournament at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

1940s

The famous Penrose family of England, including future British Chess Champion Jonathan Penrose, lives in London, Ontario during World War II.
A chess opening, the Canadian Variation of the Two Knights Defence, is named in honour of its inventor, C. Frank Goodman of Toronto.
Fred Wren gives talks on chess on CBC Radio.

1942

D. Abraham Yanofsky becomes U.S. Open Chess Champion.

1943

New Brunswick hosts its first national championship, as the Canadian Chess Championship is held at Dalhousie. D. Abraham Yanofsky wins with a perfect score.

1945

CCF renamed Chess Federation of Canada (CFC) to avoid confusion with a political party of the same initials.
Saskatchewan's Frank Yerhoff Jr. wins both the Canadian Chess Championship and the Canadian Correspondence Chess Championship.
Saskatchewan hosts its first national championship, as the Canadian Chess Championship is held at Saskatoon.

1946

Harry Yanofsky of Winnipeg wins the U.S. Inter-collegiate Chess Championship.

1947

Revival or introduction of provincial open championships in Ontario and Quebec.
Canadian Chess Chat, founded by Daniel MacAdam, published 1947-88.

1948

Canada is represented for the first time at FIDE's competition cycle for the World Chess Championship, by D. Abraham Yanofsky at the Interzonal tournament held at Saltsjobaden, Sweden.
Frank Anderson of Toronto finishes in first place at the U.S. Junior Chess Championship.

1949

Maurice Fox sets the current record by winning the Canadian Chess Championship for the 8th time.

1950

D. Abraham Yanofsky receives the International Master (IM) title from FIDE, to become Canada's first titled player.
Ontario's Ross Siemms finishes in first place at the U.S. Junior Chess Championship.
One of the most dedicated Canadian match participants at the regular cross-border matches on Canada Day / Independence Day weekends, between Canada and the U.S.A., has to have been Gug Hogben, who, at age 62, made a 58 mile trip - each way - by bicycle from Bronte, Ontario to score a point for Canada at Niagara Falls, Ontario.

1951

Canada represented by Lionel Joyner at 1st World Junior Chess Championship.
Malcolm Sim receives Canada's first International Arbiter (IA) title from FIDE.
British Columbia hosts its first national championship, as the Canadian Chess Championship is held at Vancouver.

1952

D. Abraham Yanofsky first Canadian invited to the prestigious 14th Hoogovens tournament at Beverwijk, Netherlands, finishing 3rd.

1953

D. Abraham Yanofsky becomes British Chess Champion.

1954

Frank Anderson registers a Grandmaster Norm at the Chess Olympiad.
Frank Anderson becomes the first Canadian-born International Master.
Ross Siemms wins U.S. Junior Open Chess Championship.
CFC publishes its first annual list of players' ratings, with Anderson and Yanofsky sharing top ranking.

1955

John Prentice starts 15 years as CFC President, helping fund Canada's teams at the Chess Olympiads, as well as the publication of Canadian Chess Chat.
Chess Foundation of Canada created as a Permanent Trust Fund of the CFC; Bernard Freedman, first Chairperson; first donation in 1956 by Phil Haley.
Maurice Fox competes in his record 17th Canadian Chess Championship (1924-55).

1956

First publication of CFC's Handbook.

1957

First Canadian Junior Chess Championship held, to select representatives to the World Junior Chess Championship.
4th World Junior Chess Championship organized by Bernard Freedman held in Toronto, Ontario, won by William Lombardy of USA.
John Prentice starts 30 years as Canada's representative to FIDE.

1959

D. Abraham Yanofsky wins the Canadian Chess Championship with a perfect score of 11/11, for the second time.
Zvonko Vranesic scores a perfect 9/9 in the Toronto Closed Chess Championship, often the strongest tournament in Canada.
Ignas Zalys of Montreal declared winner of 1952-53 U.S. Golden Knights Postal Tournament.

1960s

The Canadian style in chess, which "involves non-committal preservation of options, often connected with a slow development of the pieces" according to Lawrence Day, was developed in the 1960s by Duncan Suttles and influenced a generation of Canadian chess players.

1960

First Universities Team Chess Championship was held, won by Queen's University.

1962

Laszlo (Leslie) Witt wins the Canadian Open Chess Championship with a perfect score.

1964

D. Abraham Yanofsky becomes Canada's first International Grandmaster (GM), and the first GM to be raised in the British Commonwealth.

1965

D. Abraham Yanofsky ties record by winning Canadian Chess Championship for the 8th time.
Canadian team, University of Toronto, wins Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship for the first time.
Duncan Suttles finishes in first place in Group 'B' at World Junior Championship.
John Cleeve begins 25 years as President of CCCA.

1967

Fedor Bohatirchuk first Canadian to receive a title from International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF), Correspondence International Master (IMC), becoming Canada's first double international master (over-the-board and correspondence).
Centennial Grandmaster chess tournament held at Winnipeg.
100 Years of Chess in Canada, by D. Abraham Yanofsky, published as Canadian Centennial project.

1969

Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships held in Canada for first time, at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.
Lawrence Day wins U.S. Junior Open Chess Championship.
Vladimir Dobrich becomes first Canadian full-time professional chess organizer.
Dataline PDP-10 (MacHack 7) plays in Labour Day Open, Toronto, one of the first times that a computer competes in a chess tournament against humans.

1970s

The word 'cheapo', meaning a swindle, entered the English language from Canadian chess slang. It originated at the University of Toronto's Hart House Chess Club in the early 1970s.

1970

Canadian Under 20 (Junior) Chess Championship revived by Vladimir Dobrich as an annual competition to select Canada's representative to the World Junior Chess Championship.
Monty Newborn organizes first ACM U.S. (later North American) Computer Chess Championship.
Newfoundland hosts its first national championship, the Canadian Open Chess Championship at St. John's.
John Cleeve first Canadian awarded Correspondence International Arbiter title by ICCF.

1971

World Chess Championship Candidates Matches Quarter-final between Robert Fischer (USA) and Mark Taimanov (USSR) held at Vancouver.
World Chess Champion Boris Spassky wins Canadian Open Chess Championship.
Canada wins Bronze medal at World Students' Team Chess Championship.
Peter Biyiasas wins U.S. Junior Open Chess Championship.

1972

Bobby Fischer of U.S.A. wins World Chess Championship, sparking a huge interest in chess in North America. Quebec Open Chess Championship sets world record for most players in a weekend open chess tournament, 746 players.
D. Abraham Yanofsky becomes Officer of the Order of Canada.

1973

Under Kalev Pugi's direction, CFC opens Business Office; publishes magazine Bulletin (distributed to CFC members; combines coverage of international chess with local, regional and national Canadian chess news and games); and hires first Business Manager and magazine Editor, Les Bunning.
Canadian Open Chess Championship becomes an annual event.

1974

First Pan-American Individual Chess Championship held at Winnipeg.
First Canadian Computer Chess Championship held, won by Ribbit from University of Waterloo, programmed by Ron Hansen, Jim Parry, and Russell Crook. Ribbit wins ACM U.S. Computer Chess Championship.
Lawrence Day defeated himself at the Chess Olympiad, held at Nice, France; a mixup in the colours resulted in his victory on the board being scored as a defeat in the results tables.
Largest attendance at a Canadian Open Chess Championship, 648 players.

1975

First Canadian High School Chess Championship held.
First Canadian Women's Chess Championship held, won by Smilja Vujosevic.
Grandmaster Paul Keres of Estonia wins the last tournament of his distinguished career at Vancouver, British Columbia.
Sandor (Alex) Siklos wins 8th World Correspondence Chess Championship semi-final and becomes first Canadian to participate in the finals of the World Correspondence Chess Championship (8th ICCF World Chess Championship 1975-8).
Alberta hosts its first national championships, as Canadian Open and Closed Chess Championships held at Calgary, and Canadian High School Chess Championship held at Edmonton.

1976

CFC incorporates as a registered charity; provincial chess associations are recognized as affiliates.
Canada 1st place team in Group 'B' at Chess Women's Olympiad.
Canada wins first Board medals at Chess Women's Olympiads, as Nava Shterenberg wins Gold on Board 2, and Smilja Vujosevic wins Bronze on Board 1.
Phil Haley pioneers use of (controlled pairing) Swiss system of tournament pairings in Canada and at FIDE Olympiads.
Cyril Large organizes annual school chess tournaments on Vancouver Island, which had grown to involve 6,625 players from 162 schools.
Lawrence Day begins chess column in Toronto Star (1976-).

1977

2nd World Computer Chess Championship held at Toronto, Ontario, August 8-12, won by an American program, Chess 4.6.
Canada wins Group 'B' Gold medal at World Students' Team Chess Championship.
Smilja Vujosevic receives Canada's first Woman International Master (WIM) title from FIDE.
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal for contributions in the field of chess awarded to Bernard Freedman, Philip Haley, Daniel MacAdam, John Prentice, Kalev Pugi.

1978

Canada's highest finish at the Chess Olympiads, held at Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a tie for 7th place.
Branimir Brebrich sets world record for most opponents played consecutively, playing 575 games at Edmonton, January 27-28.
Peter Biyiasas wins World Open Chess Championship.
IM David Levy plays Chess 4.7 in Toronto in August, winning his bet that no computer would beat him in a chess match within 10 years; the computer scores the first drawn and won games (played under tournament conditions) against an IM.
Josef Smolij gains attention as famous street blitz player at the chess corner at Yonge & Gould, downtown Toronto.

1979

First Canadian Under 16 (Cadet) Chess Championship held.
Prestigious international grandmaster competition held at Montreal, Quebec, won by Anatoly Karpov and Mikhail Tal; game Jan Timman - Anatoly Karpov chosen as the Best Game in the second half of the year by Chess Informant, with 4 others in the Top 10 Games of the first half of the year.
Roman Pelts becomes Canada's first professional chess teacher; sets up chess studio in Montreal, the first Canadian chess school.

1980

Canada finishes first place in Group 'B' at World Youth Team Chess Championship.
Lawrence Day wins World Open Chess Championship.

1981

Igor Ivanov dominates the North American tournament chess scene, winning the Canadian Open and Closed Chess Championships, as well as the World Open Championship; he will win the U.S. Grand Prix circuit nine times during 1982-97.
Roman Pelts receives Canada's first FIDE Master (FM) title from FIDE.
Jonathan Berry begins chess column for Globe & Mail (1981-).

1982

Introduction of Grand Prix circuit of open chess tournaments in Eastern Ontario (1982-), the first use of the term in the chess world.
Duncan Suttles receives Canada's first Correspondence Grandmaster (GMC) title from ICCF, becoming Canada's first double Grandmaster (over-the-board and correspondence).
The Great Chess Movie produced.
Jonathan Berry wins North American Correspondence Chess Championship.

1983

Kevin Spraggett World Open Chess Champion.

1984

Kevin Spraggett wins first of seven Canadian Chess Championships. Les Bunning Trophy, the fourth trophy to be donated for the Canadian Championship, on permanent display at CFC office.
First tournament in Canada where a Grandmaster Norm could be achieved, Grand Manan, New Brunswick.
Kevin Spraggett New York Open Chess Champion.
John Wright wins North American Correspondence Chess Championship.
A young future World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand of India wins his game against Canada at the Chess Olympiad.

1985

Chess'n Math Association (CMA) founded by Larry Bevand, leading to an increase in the popularity of chess at school, and the enabling chess teachers to earn a living.
First Canadian Main Frame Computer Chess Championship held, won by Excalibur Electronics.
Canada represented for the first time at the Candidates Tournament stage of the World Chess Championship competition cycle, by Kevin Spraggett at Montpelier, France, the farthest a Canadian had ever advanced.
Kevin Spraggett becomes first Canadian-born Grandmaster.
Daniel MacAdam dies after reaching age 100.
Kevin Spraggett Commonwealth Chess Champion.
Igor Ivanov ties for first place in both Canadian Open and Canadian Closed Chess Championships at Edmonton, Alberta, while playing his games simultaneously.

1986

The record for appearances in the Canadian Chess Championship in consecutive decades, and the record for longest time between first and last appearance in the Canadian Chess Championship, are both held by GM D. Abraham Yanofsky. Yanofsky, playing in his 14th Canadian Chess Championship, appeared in the event in each of six consecutive decades from the 1930s through the 1980s, during the 49 years between his first appearance in 1937 and his last in 1986.
Leo Williams sets Canadian record for simultaneous blindfold exhibition, playing 27 opponents.
Michel Gagne made the Guinness Book of Records with the first ever record for chess play against a computer: 70 hours non-stop, April 25-28, scoring +8 =1 -3 against a High Fidelity Excellence 4.0.
Jeff Sarwer ties for first with Josh Waitzkin at the U.S. National Elementary, Primary Section, Individual Championship.
Jeff Sarwer wins World Under-10 Chess Championship, Puerto Rico.
Julia Sarwer Top Female at World Under-10 Chess Championship, Puerto Rico.
Lia Bogdan receives Canada's first Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title from FIDE.
Canadian-born Joel Lautier wins World Under-14 Chess Championship playing for France.
Roman Pelts' Comprehensive Chess Course published, becomes world's best-selling chess instruction book.
Sun Phoenix, programmed by Jonathan Schaeffer of the University of Waterloo, tied for first place in the World Computer Chess Championship.
Alan Tomalty begins 'Komputer Korner' column in En Passant magazine (1986-2000).

1987

Vinod (Vinny) Puri wins Canadian Junior (Under 20) Chess Championship for 3rd year in a row.

1988

World Chess Championship Candidates Matches, 1/8 finals, held at Saint John, New Brunswick.
Kevin Spraggett wins his World Chess Championship Candidates Matches, 1/8 final, the farthest a Canadian has ever advanced in the World Chess Championship cycle of competitions.
World Blitz Chess Championship, for five-minute games, held at Saint John, New Brunswick, won by former World Chess Champion Mikhail Tal, ahead of former World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov and World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov.
Canadian-born Joel Lautier wins World Junior Chess Championship playing for France.

1989

6th World Computer Chess Championship held at Edmonton, Alberta May 28-31.
Murray Campbell member of programming team for Deep Thought, winner of World Computer Chess Championship.
First Scholastic Championships held for each of grades 1-12.
World Chess Championship Candidates Matches Quarter-final between Artur Yusupov and Canada's Kevin Spraggett held at Quebec City.

1992

Denis Pineault wins North American Correspondence Chess Championship.

1993

Doug Burgess most active tournament competitor for 7th year in a row.
Deen Hergott wins record 5th consecutive Eastern Ontario Grand Prix circuit.

1994

First Canadian Active Chess Championship (for playing the entire game in 30 minutes) was held, won by Michael Schleifer.
Stephen Glinert youngest Canadian to achieve Candidate Master rating, age 9.
First of six annual international open tournaments, held at North Bay, Ontario.

1995

Nava Starr Top Rated Female Canadian Chess Player at Year-End for a record 20th year in a row.
First Canadian Championships for age groups Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 18.
Sebastian Predescu finishes in 2nd place at the U.S. National Scholastic, Grade 2 Chess Championship, defeating future Grandmaster and U.S. Chess Champion Hikaru Nakamura.

1996

Murray Campbell member of programming team for Deep Blue, which defeated World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov in a game, the first time this was accomplished against a reigning World Chess Champion.

1997

Murray Campbell member of programming team for Deep Blue, which defeated World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov in a match, the first time this was accomplished against a reigning World Chess Champion.

1998

Lawrence Day represents Canada for a record 13th time at the Chess Olympiads.

1999

First Canadian Electronic Mail Chess Championship held by CCCA, won by Michael McArthur.
First Canadian Girls Chess Championships organized by CMA held in Toronto.
Michael Edelstein, David MacLeod, Claude Pare, Denis Pineault, Alexander Ugge, Kurt Widmann, John Wright first Canadians to receive Correspondence Senior International Master (SIMC) title from ICCF.
First Canadian chess electronic newsletter, Scarborough Community of Toronto Chess News and Views, founded, edited and published by Bob Armstrong.
World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov took on the world in a game played over the internet.
Prince Edward Island hosts first national championship, as Canadian Scholastic Chess Championship held at Charlottetown. Nova Scotia only province to never host a national chess championship (1872-).

2000

Kevin Spraggett wins Canadian Open Chess Championship for a record 8th time.
Deen Hergott wins Eastern Ontario Grand Prix circuit for record 9th time.
Canadian Chess Hall of Fame created by David Cohen. 14 initial inductees, 34 inductees by 2010 (one per year from 2002-).
Canadian Chess Championships for youths in Under-10, 12, 14, 16, 18 age groups split into separate competitions: open and girls only.
Lefong Hua wins Canadian Grade 12 Chess Championship, the 8th time he won his grade (1989-2000).

2001

Nava Starr wins Canadian Women's Chess Championship for a record 8th time.
First combined Canadian Correspondence Chess Championship by regular and electronic mail, won by Serge Dubuc and Artur Mrugala.

2002

Hugh Brodie plays in Canadian Open Chess Championship 32 times (1968-2009), including 29 in a row (1974-2002).
David Cohen finishes in 3rd place in the Internet Slow Time Control World Chess Championship.

2003

Canadian Chess Player of the Year award revived by David Cohen, won by Pascal Charbonneau.
Pascal Charbonneau ties for second place at Pan-American Chess Championship, Canada's best ever result.

2004

Largest Canadian Chess Championship for attendance (69) and prize fund ($21,000) held at Toronto, Ontario. First Canadian Chess Championship with female participants (4). Longest time between appearances in a Canadian Championship: FM John MacPhail, 32 years from 1972-2004. Kevin Spraggett competes in his 13th Canadian Chess Championship, appearing in each of four consecutive decades (1975-2004). Lawrence Day competes in his 12th Canadian Chess Championship, appearing in each of five consecutive decades (1969-2004).
Nava Starr represents Canada for a record 11th time at the Chess Women's Olympiads.
First Canadian Senior Chess Championship organized by David Cohen held in Toronto, Ontario as an active event.
Introduction of correspondence chess play by web server.

2005

12-year old Shiyam Thavandiran youngest winner of Canadian Junior (Under 20) Chess Championship.
Pascal Charbonneau United States Chess League Most Valuable Player; Board 1 on Baltimore Kingfishers team, United States Chess League Champions.
Mark Bluvshtein 3rd place, World Under-18 Chess Championship.
Hal Bond first Canadian to be awarded FIDE's International Organizer (IO) title.
Roman Pelts first Canadian to be awarded FIDE's FIDE Trainer (FT) title.

2006

Alexander Ugge won 22nd World Correspondence Championship Candidates tournament, Section 1, with undefeated 8.5/12 (+5 =7).
Pascal Charbonneau defeated former FIDE World Champion Viswanathan Anand at the Chess Olympiad.
Kevin Spraggett first Canadian to have a published FIDE rating of at least 2600.

2007

Alexandra Botez North American Girls Under-12 Champion.
Longest time between first place finish in the Canadian Chess Championship: Jean Hébert, 29 years (1978-2007).

2008

Alexander Ugge 2nd place, 21st World Correspondence Championship Final, with undefeated 8.5/14 (+3 =11); as he was age 68 when the tournament started, he is the oldest player ever to win a medal in a World Chess Championship.
Canada 1st place, 5th Pacific Americas Team Tournament & North America Pacific Zone Team Correspondence Chess Championship.
Hal Bond serves as Deputy Arbiter, World Chess Championship match between Challenger Viswanathan Anand and Challenger Vladimir Kramnik.
Kelly Wang World Under-8 Girls Chess Championship tied 3rd place.
Eric Hansen World Under-16 Chess Championship tied 2nd place.
Yuanling Yuan 2nd place, Pan-American Women's Championship.
Kevin Spraggett Top Rated Canadian Chess Player at Year-End for a record 26th time (1980-2008).
Nikolay Noritsyn scores perfect 9/9 in Toronto Closed Chess Championship.

2009

Richard Wang of Edmonton World Under-12 Chess Championship tied 2nd place.
Janak Awatramani North American Under-10 Champion; 3 more Canadians finish 1st-3rd at North American Youth Chess Championships.
Longest time between first and last win of a Canadian Championship: Jean Hébert, 31 years (1978-2009).
Jean Hébert wins 1st Festival Francophone des �checs.
Christopher Knox wins Canadian Grade 6 Chess Championship with a perfect score, the 6th year in a row he was Canadian Chess Champion for his grade.

2010

Jason Cao World Under-10 Champion, scoring 9/11.
North American Youth Championships held at Montreal; 21 Canadians finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Jackie Peng 3rd place, Pan-American Girls Under 12 Championship.
Mark Bluvshtein defeated former FIDE World Champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria at the Chess Olympiad.
Ralph Deline represents Canada at the 20th World Senior Chess Championship.
Grandmaster Bator Sambuev first Canadian with a CFC rating of 2700, and the highest rated Canadian ever with a CFC rating of 2726.