Just received this news this morning as Eric was a strong Category 1 player from Westchester County, NY who loved the Sicilian Dragon, and I got to play him back in 2005 at the Dumont Chess Mates Club Championship, and his peak rating was 1915. He was always a fixture at some of the US Amateur Team Chess events here in NJ, and he will be missed.
Respectfully Submitted,
David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ
RIP. Too young to cross the veil…
Sad to hear. RIP
I found the game that I played against Eric back on December 5th, 2005, and it was the Dumont Chess Mates Club Championship, and this was played in the last round, and this win gave me clear 2nd place. In playing over this game, Eric’s resignation may have been a bit premature, just like he passed away prematurely as Eric was a physical fitness fanatic who really took care of himself. I seem to remember this was a Game/90 control, and Eric’s clock was about to “Pass” as well, and perhaps was the reason for resigning. Without further ado, here is the game:
White - David Cole Vs. Black - Eric Samuels Sicilian Dragon
Qd2 O-O 9) Be2 Bd7 10) O-O Rc8 11) Kh1 a6 12) a4 Na5 13) Rad1 Nc4 14) B:c4 R:c4 15) b3 Rc8 16) h3 R:c3!? 17) Q:c3 N:e4 18) Qe1 Qc7 19) c4 Bc6 20) N:c6 Q:c6 21) B:d4 e5 22) f:e5 d:e5 23) Bb2 f5 24) Rd5 Re8 25) Rf3 Ng5 26) Re3 Resigns 1 - 0RIP Eric, you will definitely be missed, from your fellow “Dragon Fanatic”.
Respectfully Submitted,
David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ