California Chess Journal - Volume 2-3 1988-1990

After Chess Voice magazine (1968-1985) ceased publication and left a void in Northern California chess, Hans Poschmann stepped up to create and edit the California Chess Journal (1986-2004). Interestingly enough, the CCJ's 18-year run coincided with the decline of adult chess and the rise of scholastic chess. The first issue (October 1986) had an article on the Arnold Denker Tournament of High School Champions; Joe Waxman (2259) from Southern California scored 4-2 and Peter Yu (2068) from Northern California scored 2.5-3.5. The second publication included the For the Young Player column, edited by NM Erik Osbun; because as magazine Editor Hans Poschmann put it, "In keeping with this journal's avowed dedication to the improvement of chess skill, this column is initiated".

Adult tournament highlights, through Han's 2-year run as Editor, included articles about: the 22nd American Open (January 1987) won by GM Walter Browne, Lev Alburt and Boris Gulko; the 3rd San Francisco International won by Jay Whitehead; the 1987 Northern California Championship/Bagby Memorial, unexpectedly won by the lowest rated player, NM Jon Frankle; the 4th San Francisco International won by IM Ramon Mateo from the Dominican Republic (May 1987); and the October periodical saw an article about the strongest tournament ever played in Northern California, up to that time, the "Pan Pacific Grandmaster Tournament'. GM Utut Adianto and Michael Rhode tied for first. This issue also re-instated the column, "Out of the Past in California Chess"; this time written by the former editor of the California Chess Reporter, Guthrie McClain. Cover Photo is of Liz Neely, USCF Rated Chess Master