On President's Day Weekend (February 12-15, 2010), chess teams across the country congregated for four National Amateur Team Events, the USAT North in Milwaukee, USAT South in Orlando, USAT West in Woodland Hills, CA, and USAT East in Parsippany, New Jersey. These events were attended by a number of titled and famous players, including one Junior Faculty Development Program Fellow, Artak Manukyan (Economics, University of Delaware). Manukyan and his team of University of Delaware students participated in the National Amateur Team East Event in New Jersey.

Manukyan is currently the mentor for the University of Delaware chess team. Drawing on his experience from years of competing in Armenia, Manukyan brings a new level of expertise to this young team. Since his arrival on campus, he has volunteered his free time to help to develop better skills among the University of Delaware players. Manukyan promotes a more practical approach to chess rather than using sharp variations. He demonstrates to the team his philosophy of ‘logical chess’ to better anticipate opponents’ moves. Manukyan’s status as a National Master in Armenia has obvious benefits for this fresh Delaware team.

Manukyan mentors ten students, gives lectures, and holds practice sessions every Friday afternoon. His commitment to the team has led them to victory in the Top State Prize at the 40th Annual National Amateur Team East competition. Over 271 teams and 1,154 individuals participated in this tournament. Under Manukyan’s tutelage the University of Delaware team achieved a career best, and the team is currently ranked the best in the state.

Manukyan also recently won the University of Maryland Baltimore County Open/Alvin S. Mintzes Chess tournament on February 27 and 28. Manukyan is currently the top ranked player residing in Delaware. A personal account of the chess tournament can be found on the US Chess Website.

U.S. Chess Organization