Chess Poem 03: The Bulldog Poem by Kim Barney
Chess Poem 03: The Bulldog
O poema está nas notas do poeta.
for he was tenacious and resourceful.
In a tournament in Salt Lake
I saw him turn a draw into a win.
That same day, he did a great job
changing a loss to a draw. Just when you
thought he had no chance, his great Pirc
Defense would turn the trick.
Idaho's son, he was the greatest one,
a tough opponent we won't forget soon.
I always wanted to play him but never did.
Savvy folks know he hailed from Idaho
and will be remembered there forever.
Here's to his memory, hail to the Chief!
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This poem was originally posted on
04 November 2014
and is being re-posted to get rid of the obnoxious soundtrack.
written 04 November 2014
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
His name is hidden in the poem.
Can you find it?
Here are some of his better results from the Idaho Closed tournaments (state championships)
Eighth 1980, with a score of 3½-1½
Seventh 1979,3-2
Fifth 1978,3-2
Fourth 1976,3 ½-1½
Eighth 1975,3-2
Third,1974,4-1
Ninth place 1973, score 3-2
First place 1972, score 5-0. What a great day that was!
Tied for first 1971, score 4-1.
Second place 1970,3½-1½
First place 1967,4-1
To Bri and Grace Diane and Spock: This is a special type of acrostic poem. If you look at the LAST letter in each line you will find his name!
What poem? There's only notes. Chief Pirc? Bulldog Savvy? Idahoson Pirk?
For ALL of my poems lately, I have been putting the poem in the poet's notes area, and in the poem are I put a sentence in Spanish or Portuguese. So far, this strategy has kept PH from adding those obnoxious soundtracks/videos. Thank you for commenting.
Thanks, Hank! Did you (a) find his name in the puzzle? (b) recognize his picture? or (c) go to the Idaho Chess Association website? (My guess is the third one!)
A one of a kind tribute. You made this great man lives in our thoughts defying death. Chess is my favorite game when I was a child. This poem made me reminisce those old days. Have to grab a chess board to play this game again. Beautifully crafted and well executed write as always.
Thank you, Rose Marie. I wish you and I could play a game of chess. Sylvia Frances Chan says she is a good chess player, too!
As a matter of fact, I have had quite a few chess quizzes in the past. Thanks for the comment, Doug. I have two Puzzle Master quizzes in progress right now.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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8/29/2026 9:47:14 PM # rel_20260827T145718Z_a0f1bd3
I think I found his name. I didn't know him, but you've written a very nice tribute to him.