Chess Life

March 2009
uschess.org
The Wavemaster
FM Robby Adamson Catalina Foothills team coach
A USCF Publication $3.95
03
0
74470 64631
0
Chess Life
Editorial Staff
Chess Life Editor &
Director of Publications
Daniel Lucas
dlucas@uschess org
Chess Life Online Editor
Jennifer Shahade
jshahade@uschess org
Chess Life for Kids Editor
Glenn Petersen
gpetersen@uschess org
Senior Art Director
Frankie Butler
fbutler@uschess org
Editorial Assistant/Copy Editor
Alan Kantor
akantor@uschess org
Editorial Assistant
Jennifer Pearson
jenpearson@uschess org
Technical Editor
Ron Burnett
Advertising Supervisor
Ray West
rwest@uschess org
TLA
Joan DuBois
tla@uschess org
Advertising inquiries: (931) 787-1234, ext. 132. All TLAs should be e-mailed to
[email protected] or sent to P.O Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Letters to
the editor should be submitted to [email protected].
Main Office in Crossville, TN (931) 787-1234
USCF Staff
Executive Director
Bill Hall
bhall@uschess org
Assistant Executive Director
& National Events Director
ext. 189
Patricia Knight
pknight@uschess org 931-200-3411
Administrative Assistant
Cheryle Bruce
cbruce@uschess org
ext. 147
Clubs & Membership Associate
Alan Kantor
clubs@uschess org
ext. 128
Chief Accountant
Peggy Stephens
pstephens@uschess org
ext. 131
Chief Financial Officer
Joe Nanna
jnanna@uschess org
ext. 150
Accounting Associate
Susan Houston
shouston@uschess org
ext. 136
Director of Business Operations
Judy Misner
jmisner@uschess org
ext. 126
Membership & Ratings Supervisor Jim Johanson
jjohanson@uschess org
ext. 127
Mailing Lists/Membership Assoc.
Traci Lee
tlee@uschess org
ext. 143
Membership Associate
Jay Sabine
jsabine@uschess org
ext. 146
Director of Communications
& Affiliate Relations
Joan DuBois
jdubois@uschess org
ext. 123
Correspondence Chess
Alex Dunne
cchess@uschess org
Fundraising/Sponsorship Assoc.
Joan DuBois
jdubois@uschess org
ext. 123
Scholastic Director & FIDE
Jerry Nash
jnash@uschess org
ext. 145
FIDE & Scholastic Associate
Chuck Lovingood
clovingood@uschess org
ext. 148
OTB Ratings/FIDE
Walter Brown
wbrown@uschess org
ext. 142
Computer Consultant
Mike Nolan
mnolan@uschess org
ext. 188
IT Director, Webmaster &
Tournament Director Certification
Phillip R. Smith
psmith@uschess org 931-787-2244
USCF Executive Board
President
Bill Goichberg
chessoffice@aol com
PO Box 249
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577
Vice President
Jim Berry
jaberrycg@aol com
PO Box 351
Stillwater, OK 74076
Vice President Finance
Randy Bauer
randybauer2300@yahoo com
3923 - 153rd Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
Secretary
Randall Hough
randallhough@yahoo com
1826 Garvey Ave, Unit 5
Alhambra, CA 91803
Member at Large
Susan Polgar
susanpolgar@aol com
c/o Polgar Chess Center,
103-10 Queens Blvd , 1C
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Member at Large
Paul Truong
paultruong@aol com
c/o Texas Tech University, Box 45080
Lubbock, TX 79409-5080
To subscribe to Chess Life, join the USCF or enter a USCF tournament, go to
uschess.org or call 1-800-903-USCF (8723). Change of address should be sent to
[email protected]. For other inquiries: [email protected], (931) 7871234, fax (931) 787-1200.
United States Chess Federation
PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557
1 800 903 USCF (8723) (931) 787 1234
2
Chess Life — March 2009
uschess.org
“I just received my first copy of New
In Chess, and after spending the last
24 hours devouring it, I thought I’d
give you my review: absolutely
wonderful.”
Alan D. Brunelle, Merrimack,
NH, USA
“Thank you for the big effort you make
to keep improving New In Chess.”
Dr Attillio Sacripanti, Rome, Italy
“Every issue is a gem of magnificent
chess analysis. I especially like the
endgame analysis by Jan Timman.”
Rolf Knobel, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
“Excellent work. New In Chess is much
more than I had expected when I
subscribed some time ago.”
Agustin Lanne, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
“The best chess magazine in the world.”
Eric Schiller, writing in Chessworks
Magazine, USA
“I am impressed with the depth of
annotations and the variety of articles in
New In Chess.”
Philip Jurgens, Ottawa, Canada
“New In Chess is the world’s best
chess publication.”
Mark Dvoretsky, speaking at the
Miami International Chess Club
“Could a day end more beautifullly?
Coming home after work and finding the
latest issue of New In Chess in the mail.”
Yves Surmont, Roeselaere, Belgium
“New In Chess is tremendous.
All articles are well written and
interesting, the contents are wide
ranging and profound. Keep it
that way.”
Juha Kankkunen, Vantaa, Finland
“Your magazine is wonderful.”
Carlos Luis Guiamare, Cumana
Sucre, Venezuela
“A fantastic magazine ... unparalleled and
beyond comparison ... not a better
choice.”
Carsten Hansen, ChessCafé
“I have read your magazine for ten
years now and I have anticipated and
enjoyed every issue.”
Choon Hwa, Singapore
“Your magazine is the only one
I actually read.’’
Mark Crowther, editor of
The Week In Chess, UK
“The best chess magazine of all time.”
IM Jeremy Silman, author of
How To Reassess Your Chess
Find out why subscribers in 97 different countries think New In Chess is the best. Visit
www.newinchess.com and take out an introductory subscription. You will pay only $47 for 5 issues. You will
receive more than 500 pages of chess delight: on site tournament reports from all over the world,
annotations by top grandmasters themselves, in depth interviews, opening surprises, personal essays, full
color pictures, honest book reviews, juicy gossip, endgame analysis and Garry Kasparov’s exclusive column.
Turpin Distribution, 143 West Street, New Milford CT 06776
1-800-785-4410
[email protected]
www.newinchess.com
March Chess Life
PHOTO: HENRY D. WALLACE
Columns
14 CHESS TO ENJOY
What Would Fritz Do?
By GM Andy Soltis
16 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Flankenstein’s Defense
By Bruce Pandolfini
18 LOOKS AT BOOKS
Answered Questions
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
19 WHAT’S THE BEST MOVE?
Readers Weigh In
By GM Larry Evans
44 BACK TO BASICS
Learning From Losses
By GM Lev Alburt
46 ENDGAME LAB
Dresden Dramas
By GM Pal Benko
Departments
5
PREVIEW
6
COUNTERPLAY
8
FIRST MOVES
11 USCF HISTORY
48 USCF AFFAIRS
53 TOURNAMENT LIFE
24 | COVER STORY
The Wavemaster
By Paul Gold
How do FM Robby Adamson’s Arizonan teams keep knocking off
the scholastic powers from major metropolitan areas?
70 CLASSIFIEDS
71 SOLUTIONS
30 | COLLEGE CHESS
Can Anyone Beat These Guys?
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
Once again, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of
Maryland, Balitmore County dominate a college chess event.
34 | KASPAROV
On The Cover
FM Robby Adamson, aka “The
Wavemaster,” also pictured in the
photo above right with Eli Alster
(left) and Kevin Zhang. Kevin
annotates a game (on page 28) as
part of our cover story which
begins on page 24.
Cover Photo: Dennis Brownfield
Art Direction: Frankie Butler
4
Chess Life — March 2009
Kasparov’s Curriculum
By Macauley Peterson
Building on your strengths is always a smart business strategy.
After a few years of steady, top flight results by our youngest players
on the international stage, Garry Kasparov comes to New York to work
with a group of America’s best and brightest scholastic chess players.
40 | CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
Absolutely New and Improved
By FM Alex Dunne
An experienced, strong group all of them used to winning
“gathered” on a webserver to contest the 2007 Absolute.
They then finished the 2006 Absolute.
uschess.org
Contributors
Al Lawrence
(“USCF History,” p. 11) served as both USCF and World
Chess Hall of Fame Executive Director. His latest book,
with Lev Alburt, is Chess Training Pocket Book II.
Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
(“Looks at Books,” p. 18; “College Chess,” p. 30) is a regu
lar Chess Life contributor and is the author of Read, Write,
Checkmate: Enrich Literacy with Chess Activities, Libraries
Unlimited, publication date March 30, 2009.
Paul Gold
(“The Wavemaster,” p. 24) is a chess master/promoter and
occasional Chess Life contributor living in Tucson, Arizona.
FM Alex Dunne
(“Correspondence Chess,” p. 40) is a chess journalist
and the correspondence chess director for the USCF.
His monthly column, “The Check is in the Mail,”
appears on uschess.org in the correspondence chess
section under “Activities and Interests.”
Macauley Peterson
(“Kasparov’s Curriculum,” p. 34) is a media developer
& foreign correspondent for the Internet Chess Club’s
Chess.FM. He was voted 2008 “Chess Journalist of
the Year” by the Chess Journalists of America. His
written work has appeared in Chess Life, Chess Life
Online, New in Chess, 64 (Russia), Chess (U.K.), and
elsewhere. In 2006, he completed work as an editor on
Adam Nemett’s independent feature film, The Instru
ment, which appeared at the 2005 Dances With Films
festival, in Los Angeles, and was part of New York’s
Anthology Film Archives’ NewFilmmakers series, and
he has produced the DVD releases of A Turnpike Runs
Through It (2008), and Excess Hollywood (2006), for
the Princeton Triangle Show.
March on uschess.org
SHULMAN BY BETSY DYNAKO; KAIDANOV BY MATT BARTON; BENJAMIN BY CHRIS BIRD
Uncrowned Champions
Reuben Fine, Pal Benko and
Gregory Kaidanov (left) are
three of the most accom
plished players in U.S. chess
history but one title eluded
each of them: U.S. Champion.
As the excitement for the 2009
U.S. Championships (May 7 17)
in Saint Louis increases, David
Friedman profiles the surprising omissions in
championship history.
March Grand Prix madness
March Grand Prix CLO cover
age includes the Western
Chess Congress (March 6 8,
Concord, CA), the Eastern
Class Championships (March
6 8, Sturbridge, MA) and the
Mid America Open (March 13 15,
Saint Louis, MO).
GRAND PRIX
GM Joel on American Olympiads
SuperNationals Superstars
The list of superstars set to attend the SuperNationals (April 3 5,
Nashville, Tennessee) keeps growing. The current roster includes
Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk and U.S. Cham
pions GM Yury Shulman (above) and IM Anna Zatonskih. More
surprise stars and events will be announced on uschess.org so
be sure to book your trip to Nashville if you haven’t already.
uschess.org
Keep checking GM Joel Ben
jamin’s regular Chess Life
Online Q & A column! Recent
entries include questions on
the likelihood of an Olympiad
in America and various open
ing deviations and endgame
troubles. Send your own
burning inquiries to
[email protected].
Chess Life — March 2009
5
Counterplay
MadCap Software correction
Chess sponsorship is difficult to obtain
and even harder to retain. So it was
especially disappointing to see the
February article on the American Open
attributing the donation of clocks to
Mad Catz, rather than correctly citing
MadCap Software and its website,
www.madcapsoftware.com.
Randy Hough
Tournament Organizer
Chess Life regrets the error. ~ed.
Looking deeper
In the January 2009 issue of Chess
Life, a position from Perelshteyn Yermolin
sky (U.S. Championship 2008) appeared
in “Chess to Enjoy” (Problem I, p. 13) with
the following solution: “1. Rch8! threatens
2. R4h7 mate (1. ... Kf7. 2. d5).”
The first move and the threat are correct,
but the response to 1. ... Kf7 can be
improved. 2. Bg4 Rh1+ 3. Kxh1 Nf2+ 4. Kg2
Nxg4 5. Rxg4 nets more material, though
the black pawns on the a and b files
remain minor problems. Rybka 3 rates the
two lines +4.11 and +4.63, respectively.
Dr. Steven M. Stannish
Potsdam, New York
Olympiad Coverage
I try to read every issue of Chess Life
from cover to cover, always finding games,
puzzles and news items of interest. As a
former resident of Europe, I am very keen
on getting news of international events.
Knowing that the Dresden Chess
Olympiads took place in November 2008,
I looked for news about them in your
December and January issues, but found
nothing. Now the February issue “Bronze!”
concentrates on the efforts of both our
men’s and women's teams to end up in
third place.
While these efforts were covered in great,
and thrilling, detail, I saw no complete
tables of results or news of how other
countries fared. I found the names of the
gold and silver winners for men and women
by accident on p. 42 in the last paragraph
of the “Bronze Times Two” article. Maybe
I missed something in the December or
January issues, in which case kindly refer
me to those pages or a website.
Walter Unterberg
Van Nuys, California
For the most up to date information on
chess events, especially ones affecting
American players, see Chess Life Online
on uschess.org. We offered regular cover
age from Dresden, still available in the
November archives.
The event ended on November 25, so the
February issue was the first issue a report
could appear in. The January issue was
already in the mail to the membership
when the event concluded.
Our editorial policy is to strongly focus
on American chess. There are numerous
outlets for international chess news. ~ed.
Would you like to be
profiled in Chess Life?
In an issue later this year we will
profile seven USCF members exam
ining how the USCF has been
important to them and for this we
need your help. Would you like to be
profiled? Do you know someone who
should be profiled? If you were born in
the year 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969,
1979, 1989, or 1999 and you are
willing to be interviewed and have
your photograph published in Chess
Life, please contact us at let
[email protected]. If you don’t have
e mail access, please see our address
on page 2.
Chess Life welcomes letters from its
readers. Letters are subject to editing for
content and length. Send your letters to
[email protected], and include your
full name and a telephone number.
Senders should not expect a personal
response.
Chess Moves #4
February 21–28, 2010
w w w. I n S i g h t C r u i s e s . c o m / C h e s s
Join Former U.S. Champions
GM Joel Benjamin and GM Larry Christiansen
s 4WELVE MINUTE CLASSES TO CHOOSE FROM
s 4WO CONCURRENT CLASSROOM hTRACKSv
s 4WO 53#&RATED TOURNAMENTS WITH EXPERT POST
GAME ANALYSES
s 4WO '-PLAYED 3IMULS ˆ UNDER Western Caribbean Cruise
Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale to: +EY 7EST &LORIDA
0UERTO #ORTÏS (ONDURAS #OSTA -AYA -EXICO
3ANTO 4OMAS $E #ASTILLO 'UATEMALA
6
Chess Life — March 2009
uschess.org
New Membership Options!
Premium and Regular USCF Memberships Now Available
PREMIUM Membership
Printed copy of Chess Life
(monthly) or Chess Life for Kids
REGULAR Membership
Online-only access to Chess Life
or Chess Life for Kids;
OR
(bimonthly) plus all other benefits
TLA Bulletin will be mailed to you
of regular membership.
(adults: bimonthly, scholastic: 3 per year)
PREMIUM USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES
REGULAR USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES
CATEGORY
ADULT (PAID ONLINE)
ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE)
SCHOLASTIC (1)
YOUTH (2) (6 ISSUES CL)
YOUNG ADULT (3)
1 YEAR
2 YEAR
$49
$85
$42
$23
$27
$32
$78
$113
$42
$60
$49
$59
SUSTAINING (STARTED PRIOR TO 2003) (4, 8)
SUSTAINING (STARTED AFTER 2002) (4, 8)
SENIOR (PAID ONLINE) (5)
SENIOR (PAID BY MAIL OR PHONE) (5)
FAMILY PLAN 1 (6)
FAMILY PLAN 2 (7)
SENIOR LIFE (5, 8)
LIFE (8)
ADULT (PAID ONLINE)
$120
ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE)
SCHOLASTIC (1)
$70
YOUTH (2)
$85
OTHER USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES
CATEGORY
CATEGORY
3 YEAR
1 YEAR
YOUNG ADULT (3)
2 YEAR
3 YEAR
$95
$190
$285
$36
$65
$93
$120
$240
$43
$70
$44
$750
$360
$72
$100
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4 YEAR
$380
$480
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
(one time charge)
$1,500
(one time charge)
1 YEAR
2 YEAR
3 YEAR
$36
$59
$81
$29
$16
$20
$24
$52
$28
$36
$43
$74
$39
$51
$61
WHAT YOU GET AS A
REGULAR USCF MEMBER:
The right to play in USCF-sanctioned
tournaments and be assigned an official rating.
Access to member-only content on uschess.org,
including our USCF forum discussion group. (9)
Online access to Chess Life & Chess Life for Kids.
WHAT YOU GET AS A
PREMIUM USCF MEMBER:
All of the above plus a printed copy of Chess Life
or Chess Life for Kids!
ium Member!
Get Chess Life in your mailbox as a Prem
See uschess.org for all of
your membership options.
(1) 13 and under at expiration; bimonthly Chess Life for Kids. (2) 16 and under at expiration; Chess Life. (3) 25 and under at expiration; monthly Chess Life. (4) New sustaining memberships will not be
allowed after 11/30/08. (5) 65 and over. (6) Parents and children younger than 25 at expiration living in one household with one address; (7) All younger than 25 at expiration living in one household. Both
Family Plans include one monthly Chess Life. (8) Premium benefits for life and sustaining members are only guaranteed through 2010. (9) Age restricitons apply.
$25 foreign surcharge applies for magazine (not applicable to Canada or Mexico).
First Moves
Harold Dondis and the U.S. Chess Trust
One of the key charitable partners with the USCF is the U.S. Chess Trust,
and Harold Dondis was instrumental in making it viable.
Harold Dondis: “Chess remains an
enormous puzzle for me.”
According to the I.R.S., not all not for
profits are created equal. You can donate
all the money you want to the USCF, for
example, but you cannot (legally) claim
that donation as a tax deduction. In 1967,
the USCF’s then Executive Director, Ed
Edmondson, saw the need for a charita
ble organization that would be consistent
with the USCF’s mission, but would also
allow donations to be tax deductible. He
turned to a Boston based lawyer to draw
up the paper work.
That lawyer was Harold Dondis. He
created the U. S. Charitable Trust (the
Trust) with a one dollar donation, and
remains as its Chairman Emeritus.
Over the years the Trust has added a
number of trustees and grown its cor
pus from that single dollar to hundreds
of thousands of them. (See sidebar “The
Trust’s Purpose”)
Dondis was born in Rockland, Maine
on October 1, 1922. He was educated in
the Rockland public schools, Bowdoin,
and then Harvard Law School. At the
age of ten, he was taught to play chess
by a summer camp counselor. After
checking out the one book on chess in
the local library (by Howard Staunton),
he was soon playing with a regular
opponent after school.
The demands of higher education took
him away from the game until a chance
encounter drew him back. He attended a
meeting of a modern poetry group whose
members included Jim Burgess, who was
then writing the Boston Globe’s chess
8
Chess Life — March 2009
column, along with Harry Lyman.
Established in his legal career, he
decided he could spare some time for
chess, and met Lyman at the Bolyston
Chess Club. He played in his first tour
nament game at the age of 30. He played
in a chess league and remembers tourna
ments with fewer than ten players. That
all changed when Bobby Fischer came
along.
By 1964, Dondis was president of the
Massachusetts Chess Association, and
in position to take over the Globe’s chess
column following Burgess’ sudden pass
ing (See sidebar, “Dondis’ Column”). His
love for the game continued to grow as did
his interest in problem solving in general.
According to Dondis, “Chess remains an
enormous puzzle for me. It involves great
energy, computational ability, knowledge
and steady care. I find it esthetically
pleasing, instructive, and by the way,
very helpful in keeping active in one’s
old age.”
Along the way, the Trust ran into trou
ble with the IRS and lost its tax exempt
status. Dondis got it back. The corpus at
the time was around $50,000. Dondis
resisted pressure to liquidate and his
determination was rewarded when a lady
named Nearing made a substantial legacy
in her will for the USCF, provided that the
gift must be tax free. Edmondson’s orig
inal insight and Dondis’ steadfastness
had been vindicated.
Gradually, the Trust grew and other
trustees were appointed. Mr. Dondis does
not want to overlook anyone’s contribu
tion, but makes a point to mention that
George Cunningham was a “Rock of
Gilbraltar.” George served until his death
in 1983.
At various points, others pressed the
Trust to merge with the American Chess
Foundation (later Chess in the Schools),
but Mr. Dondis, while seriously consider
ing it, always concluded that it would
result in a loss of membership represen
tation. The Trust continued to grow and
eventually purchased the Hall of Fame. It
was moved first from New Windsor to
Washington, and then to its present site
in Miami, Florida.
Although the corpus of the Trust has
grown into hundreds of thousands of dol
lars, Mr. Dondis believes it is still too
small. He is hopeful that the new web site
(uschesstrust.org) will help attract new
donations, but believes that the real key
to success is finding wealthy donors.
The Trust has had some challenges
and struggles over time, but Mr. Dondis
has persevered throughout. One of his
favorite things about being a trustee is
that, “It is managed honestly, and there
is little or no rancor among the Trustees,
though often there is disagreement.” Per
haps that’s because the right tone was set
from the top at the beginning.
The Trust’s Purpose
To promote, stimulate, and
encourage the study and play of the
game of chess as a means of devel
oping the intellectual powers; to
disseminate information relative to
the history and science of chess; to
teach and to cooperate with others
in the teaching of the fundamentals
of chess to persons of all ages and
particularly, but not by way of lim
itation, to students, members of the
armed services of the United States,
underprivileged persons, senior cit
izens, prisoners, and hospitalized
and physically handicapped per
sons; to donate chess equipment to
schools, colleges, hospitals, military
installations, and similar institu
tions; to support activities of the
United States Chess Federation
(USCF) that qualify as charitable
activities or purposes under Section
501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Rev
enue Code, including scholastic
activities; to sponsor, supervise, and
conduct chess tournaments for jun
iors as a means of recreation and of
combating juvenile delinquency; to
sponsor, supervise and conduct
chess tournaments for members of
the armed services of the United
States; to cooperate with the United
States government in selecting, train
ing and improving the caliber of
candidates representing the United
States in international competition,
and to assist in financing the partic
ipation of candidates representing
the U.S. in such competition.
uschess.org
PHOTO: PAUL TRUONG
By Jim Eade
Dondis’ Column
Here is a sample of Harold Dondis’ Boston Globe column, a reprint from August 4, 2008, written with GM Patrick Wolff.
Last week we discussed the World
Grand Prix tournaments, a series of
competitions that will choose the
future challenger to the World Cham
pionship. The challenger will be
chosen on the basis of cumulative
points from best performance in invi
tational tournaments.
This week we move back to the
American Grand Prix tournaments.
The Grand Prix prizes in this country,
previously supported by Chess Café,
are now sponsored by U.S. Chess Live
through the United States Chess Fed
eration. U.S. Chess Live has its own
Grand Prix tournaments on the Inter
net Chess Club web site. Players with
the highest points for the year from
designated Grand Prix events receive
prizes. In the past of course adults
have always won it. But now the USCF
has added a Junior Grand Prix eligible
for players in five separate categories,
the oldest being in the group born
between 1985 and 1987.
In the adult section Sergei Kudrin of
Connecticut is the clear leader this
year with 96.16 points. Alexander
Ivanov of Massachusetts is running
third, but no doubt the increased costs
of traveling due to higher fuel costs is
creating difficulties in the race for
Grand Prix Points. Igor Ivanov won the
title nine times; Aleksander Wojkiewiecz
won it five times through 2004. Both
players were careless of their health
and died at an early age. Recent Grand
Prix winners have been Jaan Ehlvest of
New York, entirely more careful with
his habits than his predecessors, in
2005 and 2006. The winner last year
was Zviad Izoria of New York.
The USCF has a cornucopia of chess
events for youngsters, and it is not
possible to understate its contribu
tions to scholastic chess. There are
the Denker Tournament for High
School Champions, aided by the U.S.
Chess Trust, and of course the massive
elementary to K6 8 championships
which plays host to thousands of kids
and parents. The current issue of
Chess Horizons has a lead article by
Dave Angermeier of Franklin explain
ing the rise of his son Danny to the K 3
championship. Watching one’s son win
a national championship reminds this
column of an owner watching his horse
win the Kentucky Derby. It is even
more thrilling than that.
The Junior Grand Prix is the latest
addition to the scholastic events.
We have some reservations about it
because the prize depends on con
stant attendance at highly rated
tournaments. This requires money
and a lot of time. We have thought of
scholastic chess as largely supple
mental for children, though a few may
have their eye on a professional future
in chess.
Hugh Myers: 1930-2008
“The ground trodden above is yet rather new, and you may explore
it as well as anybody else.” ~ E M A N U E L L A S K E R
By FM Allan Savage
PHOTO: ARCHIVAL
Hugh Myers in 1954 photo
from Chess Review
Hugh Myers learned the game of chess
from Lasker’s Manual of Chess and his
favorite line from that book (above)
inspired his lifelong exploration of open
ings. Thus he explained in his fourth
book, Exploring the Chess Openings
(Thinkers’ Press, 1978), a wonderful
uschess.org
examination of offbeat lines and games
from his practice. He was a trailblazer,
iconoclast, original thinker, curmudg
eon, and at his peak, a strong master.
While he was most proud of his games,
he was best known for his analytic abil
ity in the opening. This was featured in his
books and most significantly in The Myers
Openings Bulletin (MOB), a journal that he
published and edited intermittently from
1979 1996. The MOB became a cause
celebre for practitioners of unusual open
ings, a forum for airing of opinions of
diverse chess writers, and a target for
those conformists who would malign the
very existence of offbeat ideas. The criti
cism of the skeptics, coupled with his
opinionated writing style, led at times to
occasional harsh treatment of Myers in
print. But he rose above it and soldiered
on, ultimately producing a lifelong body
of work of which he could be proud, and
that could be considered the vanguard of
today’s movement toward opening cre
ativity. The current series Secrets of
Opening Surprises (New in Chess) and
especially the journal Kaissiber (edited
and published by Stefan Bucker, an early
contributor to MOB) have carried on
Myers’ legacy.
Born in Illinois, he lived most of his life
in Iowa, but traveled, played chess, and
lived for a short time in many other states
and countries. At one time or another
his exploits included: organizing the first
Illinois Open (1951); membership in the
Manhattan Chess Club in New York City;
defeating William Lombardy (Chess
Review, March 1957) in what he consid
ered his best game; chess teacher in the
Dominican Republic, playing first board
twice for their Olympic team (Lugano,
1968 and Haifa, 1976); and state cham
pion of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Myers most important opening work
was on the Nimzowitsch Defense (1. e4
Nc6), of which he was considered the
foremost authority. His first edition, The
Nimzovich Defense (Thinkers’ Press,
1973), was followed by later editions pub
lished by Caissa Editions in 1985 and
1995. He frequently published analysis of
this opening in MOB. Based on corre
spondence he published in that journal,
Chess Life — March 2009
9
Looks at Books
much of his work on this opening influ
enced many players around the world,
including yours truly.
Lesser known but almost as signifi
cant was Myers’ pioneering efforts
regarding the King’s Indian Attack (KIA).
He played it first in the early 1950s and
apparently may have influenced Fischer’s
later use of that opening. Once I asked
Hugh point blank if he, in fact, was the
first to use the opening in the United
States. He said “I can claim to be a pio
neer, but the pioneer? I don’t know.” He
gave a lot of credit to Stephan Popel’s
KIA games when the latter was cham
pion of Paris in the 1940s, and also to
Tigran Petrosian (Petrosian Barcza,
Budapest 1952) for the particular knight
maneuver Nd2 f1 h2 g4 that Myers used
in his famous game vs. Penquite (Chess
Review, April 1954).
Myers researched and wrote exten
sively about how chess openings were
named. He believed that precedence of
using an opening in serious competition
was most important, but that tradition or
popular acceptance of a name was some
times acceptable. For instance, though
Aron Nimzowitsch was not the first to
use the defense 1. e4 Nc6, he was the first
to play it with frequent success in inter
national competition. That is a sufficient
reason to accept his name on the open
ing. If an opening had been played
previously and analysis published, Myers
had little sympathy for those who later
named a variation after themselves even
if they conducted more extensive analy
sis. So in his opinion, the opening 1. e4
c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 should not
be called the Panov Botvinnik Attack
since it was played well before their era
by Paul Leonhardt, Richard Reti, Alexan
der Alekhine, Orland Krause, and others.
Myers also had no patience for names
like “The Rat” (1. e4 g6). He thought that
this comic attempt was not logical and
just created confusion, since the opening
had so many other names (King’s
Fianchetto, Robatsch, Ufimtsev, and Mod
ern Defense, to name a few).
Myers’ other books include New Strat
egy in the Chess Openings (Schroeder,
1968), Reversed King Pawns: Mengarini’s
Opening (Thinkers’ Press, 1977), and his
autobiography, A Chess Explorer (2002).
The latter is scarce because it was self
published in an edition of only 300. In my
opinion the book is quite enthralling with
a myriad of chess stories and colorful
annotations.
Hugh Myers dedicated the epilogue in
Exploring the Chess Openings to Louis
Paulsen, Nimzowitsch, Savielly Tar
takower, Hans Kmoch, Max Pavey, Alexey
Sokolsky, Weaver Adams, and Nicolas
Rossolimo. That gives you the true flavor
of his philosophy of openings and his
penchant for creative invention. He did
n’t use computers but he was not a
technophobe; he just “despised fanatics
who wanted computers to replace books!”
So he was a bibliophile and researcher,
and a true innovator of new ideas.
One of his favorite phrases was
“deserves respect” as in [that player] or
[this quality game] deserves respect.
Clearly this late master, one of Caissa’s
devoted flock, has left us with many ideas
that deserve respect.
English Opening (A11)
Hugh Myers
William Lombardy
New York, 1956
1. g3 Nf6 2. Bg2 d5 3. Nf3 Bf5 4. c4 c6 5.
cxd5 cxd5 6. Qb3 Bc8 7. 0-0 e6 8. Nc3 Nc6 9.
d4 Bd6 10. Rd1 h6 11. a3 Na5 12. Qc2 Bd7
13. b4 Nc4 14. e4 dxe4 15. Nxe4 Rc8 16. Ne5
Bxe5 17. dxe5 Nd5 18. Qe2 0-0 19. Qh5 Qc7
20. Rxd5 exd5 21. Nf6+ gxf6 22. exf6 Nd6 23.
Bxh6 Bf5 24. Bxd5 Qc2 25. Bxf8 Rxf8 26.
Qh6 Ne8 27. Re1 Bg6 28. Rxe8 Qd1+ 29.
Kg2 Qxd5+ 30. f3 Qd2+ 31. Qxd2 Rxe8 32.
Qh6, Black resigned.
Pirc Defense (B07)
Hugh Myers
Dave Ferguson
Chicago, 1972
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be2 Bg7 5. g4
h6 6. Be3 c6 7. h4 Nbd7 8. f4 Qa5 9. Qd2 e5
10. 0-0-0 b5 11. dxe5 dxe5 12. g5 hxg5 13.
fxg5 b4 14. gxf6 bxc3 15. Qd6 Bf8 16. Qxc6
Ba3 17. Rxd7 0-0 18. Rd5 Bxb2+ 19. Kb1
Qb4 20. Rb5 Qa4 21. Qxa8 Be6 22. Qxf8+,
Black resigned.
Mark Diesen: 1957-2008
Mark Diesen, age 51 of Conroe, Texas native of Buffalo New York,
passed away suddenly December 9, 2008 in Conroe, Texas.
10
Chess Life — March 2009
tions. He also practiced controlled aggres
sion attack when the position demands
it this latter quality is reminiscent of
GM Portisch. All in all, he struck me as
a very “European” player worlds apart
from the piece sacking barbarians one
often runs into at American Swisses”.
Symmetrical English (A30)
Mark Diesen
Joel Benjamin
New York, 1977
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5.
Bg2 d6 6. 0-0 g6 7. d3 Bg7 8. e4 0-0 9. Nh4
Ne8 10. f4 e6 11. Be3 Nc6 12. f5 Nd4 13. Qd2
Rb8 14. Rf2 Nf6 15. Bg5 Qd7 16. h3 b5 17.
Raf1 exf5 18. exf5 Bxg2 19. Kxg2 b4 20. fxg6
fxg6 21. Bxf6 bxc3 22. bxc3 Bxf6 23. Rxf6
Rxf6 24. Rxf6 Rb1 25. Kh2 Nc6 26. Qg2 Ne5
27. Qa8+, Black resigned.
uschess.org
PHOTO: ARCHIVAL
Mark Diesen in an archival photo
Mark Diesen, age 51 of Conroe, Texas,
native of Buffalo New York, passed away
suddenly December 9, 2008 in Conroe,
Texas. He was a graduate of the Univer
sity of Tennessee with a degree in
chemical engineering. He worked as a
reservoir engineer for Shell Oil, Pennzoil
and Noble Energy. Mark was world jun
ior chess champion in 1976, the U.S.
Junior co champion, the Louisiana state
champion in 1986, 1987, 1988, Texas
state champion, Southwestern Open
champion, and an active chess coach in
Houston, Texas and online, IM Mark
Ginsburg has written a two part feature
for Chess Life Online at uschess.org, Jan
uary archives, titled, “The Games of Mark
Diesen.” A sample from the article:
“Mark’s play reminded me of GM Hueb
ner’s style take what you are given, and
display accuracy converting superior posi
Firsts and Fallout Shelters
USCF’S 3RD DECADE: 1959-1968
By Al Lawrence
uring the 10 years America went from watching Walt
Disney’s big screen Sleeping Beauty to wincing at TV
images of the war in Vietnam and protests at home, the
USCF organized itself into an effective service organization,
tripling its membership.
Bobby Fischer is a historical vortex unto himself, but his ‘60s
highlight reel provides us a sense of the alternating excitement
and frustration he generated. Fischer won seven more U.S.
Championships including the only perfect score (11 0) in
event history. (In Bobby’s absence, Larry Evans won in 1962
and 1968.) In 1960 Fischer tied for first with Boris Spassky at
Mar del Plata, Argentina. In 1961 an unbeaten Bobby was
second only to recently dethroned world champion Mikhail
Tal at Bled, Yugoslavia, scoring 3½ out of 4 against Soviets. Fis
cher then romped to a win at the 1962 Stockholm interzonal.
Falling short in Curaçao of winning the right to challenge
resurgent world champion Botvinnik, Fischer famously accused
the Soviets of collusion and largely abstained from international
play until the Sousse, Tunisia interzonal in 1967. There, lead
ing with 8½ out of 10 near the midpoint, he withdrew over a
scheduling dispute. Forlorn fans had to wait for another decade.
Away from Bobby’s board and brinksmanship, others also
made history. In 1959 Frank Brady took over from Harkness
as business manager of the USCF. Arthur Bisguier bagged his
fourth U.S. Open, winning the event’s 60th incarnation in
Omaha while honeymooning with wife Carol. The 1960 U.S.
Open yielded a milestone, as USCF finally adopted bylaws
pending since 1949. Fred Cramer won the presidency and
Robert Byrne the play.
Members were spread across the globe doing Cold War duty.
PFC Arthur Feuerstein, serving in France, and Captain John
Hudson jointly won the first Armed Forces Championship in
1960. In August the U.S. Student Team William Lombardy,
Charles Kalme, Ray Weinstein, Anthony Saidy, Edmar Mednis,
and Eliot Hearst plucked the first U.S. team gold since our tri
umphant, Kashdan led Olympiad lineups of the 1930s.
The evergreen Gisela Gresser, who first won in 1944, captured
or shared four of the decade’s six U.S. Women’s Championship
titles. But it was 1959’s winsome champ Lisa Lane who, in 1960,
appeared on TV’s popular What’s My Line and who in 1961
graced the widely read Look (“the picture magazine”), and the
D
cover of Sports Illustrated.
In January 1961, Fred Wren of Maine ended his three year
editorship. Brady, taking on an added role, remade the publi
cation from a bi monthly newspaper into a slick, monthly
magazine. (One of his issues spoofed the Zeitgeist with an edi
torial calling for the organization of fallout shelter chess clubs.)
J. F. Reinhart assumed both of Brady’s positions in 1962. In
1963 Air Force major Ed Edmondson became USCF president,
with a mission to recruit.
When Marshall Rohland was elected USCF president in
1966, by then Colonel Ed Edmondson became our first exec
utive director. Soon Burt Hochberg began his much admired
reign as Chess Life editor. In just four months, Hochberg put
the magazine back on schedule by publishing seven issues.
In 1967 Edmondson made a strategic command move,
relocating USCF headquarters from New York City to New
burgh, one hour upstate, avoiding Manhattan expenses. In
1968 as USCF membership topped 11,000 Hans Berliner
capped USCF’s third decade by winning the International Cor
respondence Chess Association championship, becoming
America’s first correspondence GM.
.
Burt Hochberg,
Chess Life’s longestserving editor, began
his tenure in 1966
EN PASSANT
• “King of the Opens”: Pal Benko won the 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966,
and 1967 U.S. Opens, the (first) 1965 American Open, and the 1966
and 1968 National Opens.
• Walter Browne, 17 won the first U.S. Junior Invitational in 1966.
• The 1966 U.S. Olympic team of Fischer, R. Byrne, Benko, Evans,
Addison, and Rossolimo took silver at Havana, where Fidel Castro,
listed as the event organizer, enjoyed simpatico chats with Bobby.
• Trivia: First Chess Life cover date was the same day as John F.
Kennedy’s inauguration, January 20, 1961. Headline: “FISCHER
WINS U.S. TITLE FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR.”
uschess.org
Chess Life — February 2009
11
In association with
Present
The Sixth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships
April 24 – 26, 2009 – Dallas, Texas
Awards
The University of Texas at Dallas,
www.utdallas.edu, has established an
Academic Distinction Scholarship to the
winner of the 18-years-old and younger
section. The scholarship is valued at
$80,000 for an out-of-state student.
Trophies to top 15 individuals and top
3 teams in each section. 3 or more
players from the same school to make
a team (top 3 scores added to give
team final standings). Every player
receives a souvenir medal.
Special Appearance by Anna Zatonskih
Reigning U.S. Women’s Champion,
two-time winner of U.S. Women’s Championship;
U.S. Olympiad team member since 2004, including
Bronze Medal team of 2008, Silver medalist at 2004
Olympiad, Gold Medalist for Board 2 at 2008 Olympiad.
Main Event
Saturday, April 25
9:00 AM–Opening Ceremony
Rounds 1–4:
9:30–11:30 AM; 12:00–2:00 PM;
3:00–5:00 PM; 5:30–7:30 PM
Sunday, April 26
Rounds 5–6:
9:00–11:00 AM;
11:30 AM–1:30 PM;
2:30 PM–Closing Ceremony
Entry Fee
$45 if postmarked by March 25th,
$70 on-site. USCF membership required.
All events will be hosted at Hyatt Regency
Dallas at Reunion Blvd.
Side Events
Friday, April 24
3:00 PM– Blitz Tournament (G/5)
$15 if postmarked by March 25,
$25 on-site.
5:00 PM Bughouse Tournament,
$25 per team.
7:00 PM–Simultaneous Exhibition by
WGM Anna Zatonskih.
Please bring clocks for all the events.
Chess sets and score sheets provided
for the Main and Side Events.
6-SS, G/60, Sections
U 8-years-old and younger
U 10-years-old and younger
U 12-years-old and younger
U 14-years-old and younger
U 16-years-old and younger
U 18-years-old and younger
Entry & Info
Make check payable to:
Dallas Chess Club
Attn: Barbara Swafford
2709 Longhorn Trail
Crowley, TX 76036
Tel: (214) 632-9000
Online registration
www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_
id=1643715
www.kasparovchessfoundation.org
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd.
300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207
Hotel Chess Rate: $109
(up to 4 people per room)
if reserved by April 1, 2009
Hotel Reservations: Please call
(800) 233-1234 or (214) 651-1234
Official Sponsor of the 2008 US Men’s and Women’s Olympiad Teams.
Kasparov Chess Foundation’s
mission is to bring the many
educational benefits
of chess throughout the
United States by providing
a complete chess curriculum
and enrichment programs.
Highlights of the Foundation’s
Worthwhile
Programs and Initiatives:
* KCF developed blueprint chess educational
curriculum for schools, working with schools
throughout the country to establish KCF
program as de-facto curriculum standard
* Organize and conduct teacher’s seminars
and workshops
* Official Sponsor of 2006 and 2008 U.S. Olympiad
Teams; Men's and Women's teams won bronze
in 2008, Men's team won bronze in 2006.
* Sponsored and conducted training program
for 2004 U.S. Women’s Olympiad Team,
Silver Medalists
* Founder and organizer of the All-Girls Nationals
* Sponsor of Greater New York Scholastic
Championships
* Create program for talented children with
Annual Master Class Series conducted by
Garry Kasparov
For more information about
Kasparov Chess Foundation’s
programs, please visit us at
www.KasparovChessFoundation.org
Or email us at
[email protected]
Kasparov Chess Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) educational organization
Supported by charitable donations from concerned individuals, private foundations and corporate sponsors.
Chess to Enjoy
What Would Fritz Do?
Six decades ago, mankind made a social contract with machines. As computer
chess reaches a milestone this month, we now know we got the better of the deal.
By GM Andy Soltis
If computer chess has a birthday, it’s
March 9. That’s the day 60 years ago
when a mathematician/engineer named
Claude Shannon gave a remarkable talk
before a conference of radio engineers in
New York.
Shannon presented to them his plan for
a “computing routine” or “program,” he
said, using a new term. It was a program
for a machine to play chess.
Shannon admitted that a chess playing
computer might have “no practical pur
pose.” But, he said, what scientists would
learn from this project would enable them
to tackle others, such as devising
machines to route telephone calls, trans
late foreign languages, orchestrate a
melody or even plan military strategy.
In other words, we’d teach the
machines how to play chess and the
machines would teach us how to pro
gram. But in 60 years the social contract
has changed. Today the computers are
teaching us how to play chess.
WWFD?
GM Viswanathan Anand
GM Ruslan Ponomariov
Wijk aan Zee 2005
rnl+kl r
+p+ +ppp
pq ppn +
+ + + +
+ +P+ +
+NN +P+
PPP+ +PP
R LQKL+R
After 7. ... e6
In this, a standard Sicilian Defense
position, Black’s annoying queen will
keep White from castling kingside for sev
14
Chess Life — March 2009
eral moves. White usually plays some
thing like 8. Qe2, followed by Be3 and
0 0 0, even though the queen is some
what clumsy on e2 and his king is often
a target on the queenside.
While White was thinking here, specta
tors following on the Internet asked the
universal question of 21st century chess:
“WWFD?” (What would Fritz do?)
They were stunned when their com
puters answered 8. Ke2!. It’s actually a
perfectly good move. Yet it’s one almost no
carbon based player would consider.
That’s beginning to change. The gener
ation of players who grew up on
computers has now reached the world’s
top 10 and it is proving that “computer
moves” are perfectly good. As Gata Kam
sky said in a Sport day by day interview,
“When you constantly prepare with com
puters, you begin to think like a
computer.”
But how do computers think differ
ently from us? Here’s a few things they’re
teaching us.
Materialism
“The use of computers has made peo
ple more skeptical and now they are prone
to go pawn grabbing unless there is def
inite compensation,” Vishy Anand wrote
in his game collection.
This challenges a common 20th century
view that if you have a choice between
obtaining a positional edge and getting a
material edge of approximately the same
value, the former is better. Alexander
Alekhine, for example, said a strong mas
ter will always prefer the positional edge
if the alternative is having to defend with
the extra material. This carbon based
thinking is illustrated by:
Carbon-based thinking
GM Bobby Fischer
GM Tigran Petrosian
Candidates finals match 1971
r+lqk+ r
+ + lppp
p+ + n +
+ +p+ +
Q+ + + +
+ NL+ +
PP + PPP
R L +RK
After 12. Qa4+
Black’s 12. ... Qd7 was praised and so
was White’s reply 13. Re1. One or both
moves was routinely given an exclamation
point by annotators.
But today a world class player cer
tainly a Kramnik or a Leko would avoid
12. ... Qd7? if he were Black. And he
would grab material, 13. Bb5! axb5 14.
Qxa8, if he were White.
Sure, Black has lots of play after 14. ...
0 0 15. Qa5. But White has the Exchange.
Computers are teaching us that White
is safe and sound and better.
Another lesson we’re getting concerns
the minor pieces. When a white bishop
pins a knight on, say, f6 or c6, Black is
tempted to ask its intentions by advanc
ing a rook pawn one square. We call that
“putting the question to the bishop.”
If White is a computer, he is much
more likely than a human to answer with
BxN. White may benefit in two ways.
First, he gains a tempo, compared with
retreating the bishop. Second, he may
double Black’s pawns. White benefits in
both ways after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
a6 4. Bxc6, rather than 4. Ba4.
What is new is that players today, fol
lowing the lead of computers, are willing
to play BxN when they gain only one of the
two benefits. Case in point: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3
Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 and now the unprovoked
4. Bxc6!? dxc6 is common.
uschess.org
Marshall/Showalter
Centennial
This year marks the 100th
anniversary of one of the last
matches for the title of U.S. cham
pion. It was a match no one expected
to take place: Frank Marshall had
assumed he was champion after the
titleholder, Harry Pillsbury, died in
1906. But a better claim was staked
by the man Pillsbury had succeeded
as champion, Jackson Whipps
Showalter. To settle the issue once
and for all, Marshall defeated
Showalter in 1909 by a score of
seven wins to two, with three draws.
Games from the Marshall Showalter
rivalry provide our quiz positions
this month. In each one, you are
asked to find the quickest way to
win. For solutions, see page 71.
Problem I
Jackson Showalter
Frank Marshall
L+ + +k+
p
+ + +
+ +l+p+
+ + + +
r + p K
+ + +P+
P + + P
R + + +
After 4. ... dxc6
Shannon, now called the “father of
information theory,” proposed in that
1949 lecture that programmers use the
same point count system that humans
do nine for a queen, five for a rook and
so on down to one for a pawn.
But he added something new: The
weakness of a doubled pawn can also be
quantified, at minus half a pawn. Since
Shannon posited bishops and knights as
being equal, this means White is already
a half pawn ahead in the diagram.
It is harder to quantify the value of a
tempo, the other benefit of BxN. But
today’s GMs, influenced by machines,
are increasingly willing to trade the bishop
if it saves a tempo regardless of whether
it inflicts pawn damage. You see this in
popular lines such as 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6
3. Bg5 h6 4. Bxf6!? and 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4
e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 0 0 5. a3 Bxc3+.
uschess.org
Problem III
Jackson Showalter
Frank Marshall
Jackson Showalter
Frank Marshall
+
+r+k+
p p + +p
+ + Qpq
+ pp+ +
+ L + +
+ + + N
PPP+ +rP
+K+R+ +R
+r+ +k+
+ +q+pp
+ p + +
+P+Qp lp
+ +P+ +
+ N + +
r + PPP
+R+R+ K
Black to play
White to play
Black to play
Frank Marshall
Jackson Showalter
Frank Marshall
Jackson Showalter
Jackson Showalter
Frank Marshall
Problem IV
k+ + + r
pp+l+qp
+ + + +
+PL n +p
+ +L+n+
+ + + +
P+ +Q+PP
+ RR+ +K
White to play
r+lqklnr
pp+ pp+p
+p+ +p+
+ p + +
+ +P+ +
+ + +N+
PPPP PPP
RNLQK +R
Problem II
Problem VI
Problem V
+ +q+k+
+ppl+pp
+ + +np
+Q+ P +
+PrN+P+
P + + LP
P + P +
+K+ +L+R
White to play
And computers are telling us more
about “putting the question.” They don’t
have a problem making the kind of pawn
moves that we were warned against when
we had three digit ratings. A machine
can meet a ... Bg4 pin with h2 h3 and
then answer ... Bh5 with g2 g4! with a
clear conscience. Today’s masters are
beginning to agree that loosening the
pawn structure isn’t so scary after all.
Indefensible
Conventional wisdom tells us the
defender errs much more often than the
attacker and therefore we should avoid
positions that seem even slightly dubious.
Machines disagree.
“Computers teach man not to fear dif
ficult positions,” David Bronstein said in
a 2002 interview, recently published on
the ChessPro website. “You know, a com
puter can defend any ‘hopeless’ position,
from a human point of view, finding
incredible, again from the human view
point, moves.”
King as defending piece
GM Levon Aronian
GM Loek van Wely
Wijk aan Zee 2008
(see diagram top of next column)
The natural defense to Black’s threat of
... Bxe3 is 12. Nd1. That makes sense
because White seems to be forced onto the
k+ K + +
+ +P+ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + r +p
R + + +
+ + + +
White to play
r+l+k+ r
+ + +ppp
pqp+ + +
+plpP +
+ + Pn+
+ NLPQ+
PP + +PP
R L K +R
After 11. ... Qb6
defensive.
But if you remember our first example
this month you know that 12. Ke2! is
not only playable but possibly stronger.
White can attack (13. h3! and 14. g4!) with
his king sitting on e2, even if the center
is opened.
Play went 12. ... Nh6 13. h3 Nf5 14. g4
Ne7 15. Rb1 a5 16. e4!. Black went down
hill quickly, 16. ... Bb7? 17. f5 Bd4 18.
exd5 Bxe5 19. Be3 Qc7 20. Rbc1 b4 21.
dxc6 Bxc6 22. Ne4 Rd8? (22. ... 0 0!) and
lost following 23. f6 Nd5 24. Rxc6 Qxc6
25. Rc1 Qd7? 26. Nd6+ Qxd6 27. Bb5+
Kf8 28. Bc5.
“Think different” was the memorably
ungrammatical Apple computer slogan
of a decade ago.
“Think the same as us” is what the
computers are saying now.
I think they’re right.
.
Chess Life — March 2009
15
Solitaire Chess
Flankenstein’s Defense
Mary Shelley wrote in Frankenstein, “... nothing contributes so much to tranquilize
the mind as a steady purpose. ...” In this month’s game, Pillsbury’s mind should
have been very tranquil.
By Bruce Pandolfini
Today the logic behind flank openings
and flank defenses is well known. The
flanking, “hypermodern” player allows
the opponent to build a pawn center and
then tries to undermine that center, com
pelling it to move unsoundly, with serious
weaknesses spawned in the process. But
that strategy doesn’t always work. Some
times the center and the initiative it
engenders become overwhelming. In this
month’s game we see an early and almost
primitive use of ... b7 b6. The imprecise
play that follows turns Owen’s Defense
into a real horror. The opening of the
opening was:
Owen’s Defense (B00)
Harry Pillsbury
Samuel Tinsley
London 1899
1. d4 e6 2. e4 b6 3. Bd3 Bb7 4. Ne2 Nf6 5.
Nd2 d6 6. 0-0 Nbd7
r+ qkl r
plpn+ppp
p ppn +
+ + + +
+ PP+ +
+ +L+ +
PPPNNPPP
R LQ+RK
Your starting position
Now make sure you have the above
position set up on your chessboard. As
you play through the remaining moves in
this game, use a piece of paper to cover
the article, exposing White’s next move
only after trying to guess it. If you guess
correctly, give yourself the par score.
Sometimes points are also rewarded for
16
Chess Life — March 2009
second best moves, and there may be
bonus points or deductions for other
moves and variations. Note that ** means
that the note to Black’s move is over and
White’s move is on the next line.**
7.
f4
Par Score: 5
This follows Morphy’s idea from forty
years earlier. Accept 1 bonus point if you
knew the idea of developing the knights
to the second rank, freeing both of White’s
bishop pawns for movement.
7.
…
c5
Add 1 bonus point if you saw that 7. ...
Ng4 would be met by 8. Nf3.**
8.
c3
8.
…
9.
Ng3
9.
…
Par Score: 5
Naturally, White had intended c2 c3
by playing Nb1 d2.
g6
Too many pawn moves. Simply 8. ...
Be7 and 9. ... 0 0 looks right. Also, 9. ...
cxd4 is fine.**
Par Score: 5
With the d4 pawn secure, White can set
his eyes on supporting f4 f5.
h5
Tinsley plans to attack the g3 knight
but his development is too stunted to
succeed.**
10.
f5
Par Score: 5
White pushes ahead, ignoring Black’s
last “threat.”
10.
…
h4
Black forges ahead. Safer was 10. ... e5,
keeping lines closed until he can develop
further.**
11.
fxe6
Par Score: 5
Receive only 3 points part credit for 11.
Nh1. But why bother with this idea when
White can already open lines of attack.
11.
…
12.
exd7+
12.
…
13.
h3
13.
…
14.
cxd4
14.
…
15.
Qf3
15.
…
16.
d5!
16.
…
hxg3
It’s too late to turn back. On 11. ...
fxe6 Black has to contend with 12. e5
hxg3 13. Bxg6+ Ke7 14. exf6+. Add 1
bonus point if that was your intention.**
Par Score: 4
Kxd7
On 12. ... Qxd7? 13. Rxf6 (1 bonus
point) while 12. ... Nxd7 did not appeal.**
Par Score: 5
Receive only 3 points part credit for 13.
hxg3, since even though it opens the h
file it accepts doubled pawns. Pillsbury
figures on doing better, keeping the file
closed, picking up the g3 pawn later.
cxd4
Black’s move is probably a mistake. At
this stage the open c file can only bene
fit White.**
Par Score: 4
That’s why the pawn was placed on
c3, for this very purpose.
Qe7
Black develops and pressures the e4
pawn.**
Par Score: 5
A two pronged move: Pillsbury guards
e4 while lining up to take at g3.
Bg7
Tinsley continues development, though
move 15 is a bit late to get the king’s
bishop out.**
Par Score: 6
White solidifies the center, releasing
the knight to move and free the bishop.
Qe5
uschess.org
Problem I
These problems are all related to
key positions in this month’s game.
In each case, Black is to move. The
answers can be found in Solutions
on page 71.
March exercise: After every serious
game, in a notebook or electronic
file, list the three key things you
could have done better. Be selec
tive, making certain to include the
most relevant items, since there's
probably going to be more than
three. Being pertinent here is part of
the remedial art. Review that
expanding list every week, reading it
out loud, in your best actor's voice.
Hopefully, it will sound less monot
onous than Jack Nicholson's
ominous novel in The Shining.
Regardless how repetitious, it should
make you more mindful of troubling
areas, and that's a good way to start
focusing on recurring problems.
So Black protects g3 and attacks b2,
but chess is played in the real world, and
the queen can’t stay on e5 for long.**
17.
Nb3
Par Score: 5
With this shift, White clears the diag
onal for the dark square bishop while
watching d4.
17.
18.
…
Bf4
Raf8
…
Qxb2
Black captures on b2 anyway, figuring
it gives him a pawn for his troubles.**
19.
Bb5+
19.
…
Par Score: 5
Take only 3 points part credit for cap
turing g3. Taking on d6 is stronger, after
the king has been driven off.
Kc8
Tally 2 bonus points for expecting to
answer 19. ... Kd8 with 20. Rab1 Qxa2 21.
Bg5. Add 1 bonus point more for analyz
ing 19. ... Kc7 20. Rac1+ Kb8 21.
Bxd6+.**
20.
Bxd6
Par Score: 5
With this move White makes sure
Black’s king won’t be able to run to the
corner. Probably the threat is 21. Rb1 (a
finesse to control d4) 21. ... Qxa2 22.
uschess.org
Problem III
Mating net
r+ + r k
pQ+ + p
n + q p
+ + +l+
+ p + +
+ +P+NP
P + PL+
+ +K+R+R
Problem IV
+
k
lp
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ LQ+ +
+ + + +
P+ + + +
K + + +R
+
+
q
21.
Rac1+
21.
…
Nxd5
Sensing imminent demise Tinsley
launches a desperate sacrifice.**
Par Score: 5
Kd8
If Black had played 21. ... Bc3, White
would have continued 22. exd5. On 21.
... Nc3 Pillsbury could play 22. Bb4, 22.
Bxf8 or probably best 22. Qg4+ (2 bonus
points).**
22.
Qxg3
22.
…
23.
Nxd4
Par Score: 5
More threats: 23. Bc7+ (a) 23. ... Nxc7
24. Qxc7 mate; (b) 23. ... Ke7 24. Qd6
mate; (c) 23. ... Kc8, 24. Be5+. Add 1
bonus point for each analyzed variant.
When in doubt give a check.
Bd4+
Par Score: 4
This allows the queen to come to the
center, but with Black’s dark square
bishop gone, the dark squares are weaker
than ever.
23.
…
24.
Rf2
+k+
+p+r
+ + +p+
+ +L+ +
+Pl + +
+ + +QpP
q + +P+
+ + +R+K
Qxd4+
Par Score: 6
White avoids any hassle with 24. ...
+
+
Problem VI
Mating net
+r+ +k+
+Q+ + p
n + +qp
+ + + +
+ + + +
+P+ + +
PLlN + +
+ K +R+
Rbc1+ Kd8 23. Bc7+ Ke7 (23. ... Kc8 24.
Bxg3+ and 25. Qf4) 24. d6+ Ke6 25. Nd4+
Ke5 26. d7+ Kxd4 27. Qd3 mate. Give
yourself 2 bonus points if you saw the
general outline of the variation.
…
+
+
Discovery
+ + r
+k+ +
+p+ + n
+ + L +
+ + +P+
+ + + Q
q +L+ K
+ + + +
20.
+
+
Problem V
Fork
+
r
Mating net
Par Score: 5
Add 1 bonus point if factored this move
in when playing 16. d5. Now the queen
has to depart. Deduct 1 point if you were
needlessly worried about ... Qe5xb2.
18.
Problem II
Pin
ABCs of Chess
+r+ +k+
+ +p+
+ + +q+
+ +QN +
l +l+ +
+ + + +
L + P +
+ +K+ +R
+
Ne3 and sets the finale, tempting Black
to play on the pinned rook. Accept only 5
points part credit for 24. Kh2 (or 24. Kh1).
24.
…
25.
Be5
25.
…
26.
Bf6+
26.
…
Nf6
Black has run out of options. If he
leaves the knight on d5, Pillsbury will
surely take it.**
Par Score: 5
This move is also the reply to 24. ...
Ne3. Here it forks queen and knight but
Pillsbury does not really want to take
either piece.
Nxe4
Tinsley forks queen and rook but he’s
not going to get either piece.
Par Score: 6
If Black takes on f6 he gets mated on
c7. Another way was 26. Bxd4 (accept 5
points part credit) 26. ... Nxg3 27. Bf6
mate. But here, if Black wanted to be a
poor sport, he could decline the queen
and put off mate for a few moves.
Black resigns
Total your score to determine your
approximate rating below:
Total Score
95+
81-94
66-80
51-65
36-50
21-35
06-20
0-05
.
Rating
2400+
2200-2399
2000-2199
1800-1999
1600-1799
1400-1599
1200-1399
under 1200
Chess Life — March 2009
17
Looks at Books
Answered Questions
Chess Life columnist Bruce Pandolfini pens a chess book
in the tradition of Reinfeld and Chernev
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
reasure Chess answers questions
that you may have wondered about
and others that you likely never
considered. The following eight questions
reflect the range of Pandolfini’s topics,
from the practical to the historical to
the intriguing. Answers are at the end of
the review.
Have you ever researched which open
ing is most successful for white?
Pandolfini has. For Question One, which
white opening wins the greatest percent
age of games? a. Benko Opening (1. g3);
b. Blackmar Diemer Gambit (1. d4 d5 2.
e4); c. Queen’s Gambit (1. d4 d5 2. c4); d.
Ruy Lopez (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5).
Pandolfini gives the winning percentages
of 10 different white and black openings.
Pandolfini has many true yet humorous
quotes from the world champions.
Vladimir Kramnik thought that there
were only two styles of chess. For Ques
tion Two, pick those styles: a. the simple
or the complex one; b. the classical or the
modern one; c. the right or the wrong
one; d. the losing or the winning one.
Similarly, Mikhail Tal thought there were
only two kinds of sacrifices. For Question
Three, pick those two types: a. correct
ones and mine; b. sham and real; c. los
ing ones and mine; d. speculative and
sound. World champions were also aware
of the competition. For Question Four,
when Botvinnik said, “We will have to
start keeping an eye on this boy,” he
meant a. Tal; b. Fischer; c. Kasparov; d.
Karpov.
Of course, Pandolfini has several quotes
from Bobby Fischer. For Question Five,
who was Bobby Fischer talking about
when he said, “That man is too normal.
There must be something wrong with
him.” a. Max Euwe; b. Donald Byrne; c.
Shelby Lyman; d. Arnold Denker.
Pandolfini also features earlier top play
ers, from the years before the title of
world champion even existed. For Ques
tion Six, who was the first chess author
to give an example of smothered mate? a.
Greco; b. Philidor; c. Lopez; d. Damiano.
In addition to his thorough coverage of
T
18
Chess Life — March 2009
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Q+
+ K + +
+ + + +
+ + + L
A Sam Loyd three-for-the-price-of-one
Treasure Chess: Trivia, Quotes,
Puzzles, and Lore from the
World’s Oldest Game (2007)
by Bruce Pandolfini.
275 pp., New York: Random House.
List Price: $19.95. Available on
USCFsales.com with a member’s
discount for $18.95
top players, Pandolfini also has stories of
chess playing movie stars and musicians,
writers who use chess images, and places
where chess has been played. College
chess even gets its turn. More than a
century before The University of Texas at
Dallas and University of Maryland, Bal
timore County topped the college chess
ranks, Cambridge University had a chess
team. But it was not invincible. For Ques
tion Seven, which institution’s team
defeated Cambridge University in 1883?
a. Harvard University; b. House of Lords
(Parliament); c. Oxford University; d. Bed
lam Insane Asylum.
Pandolfini also gives some intriguing
chess problems, such as this Sam Loyd
problem.
(see diagram top of next column)
For Question Eight, list the squares
the black king needs to be on so that: a.
it is stalemated; b. it would already be
mated; c. it could be mated in one move.
The answers for a, b, and c are all differ
ent, so give all three squares.
Though I recommend Treasure Chess,
I have two criticisms and one warning
about it. First, Pandolfini doesn’t include
references. I think the book would have
been much stronger with a “Sources and
Notes” chapter, such as Shenk had in
The Immortal Game. If such documenta
tion would have added too many pages,
Pandolfini might have included a link to
an online page where he lists his sources.
Second, Pandolfini repeats himself. For
example, he gives the same quote from
Gustave Flaubert (Chess is “too trivial to
be a science”) on page 226 and 272. My
warning is about Pandolfini’s sarcastic
humor. I enjoyed it, but others might be
put off as in this instance from page 20,
“You might very well master the process
of analyzing a chess position. If you don’t,
there is always checkers.”
.
Answer Key
(page number of Treasure Chess with answer)
1. c (page 9)
2. d (page 35)
3. a (page 80)
4. b (page 117)
5. a (page 77)
6. a (page 90)
7. d (page 100)
8. 1. h1 2. e3 3. a8 (page 143)
uschess.org
What’s The Best Move?
Readers Weigh In
By GM Larry Evans
USCF member games
Games rarely contain thunder
bolts destined for the anthologies.
Alas, most players struggle in garden
variety positions that are spoiled by
an outright blunder (position 1). In
the next two examples youthful
David Pruess, recipient of the 2006
Samford Fellowship (worth $32,000)
topples two grandmasters. Finally,
Mike Callaham sends his thanks
for some guidance we offered him
long ago while he was stationed in
Germany. Solutions on page 71.
Readers are invited to send their posi
tions in for possible consideration in
this column. Send to whatsthebest
[email protected] or mail to Chess
Life, c/o What’s The Best Move, PO
Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
1. White moves
+k+ + +
+R+ + +
p K + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
Pr + + +
+ + + +
(a) Kc6 (b) a4 (c) Rh7
3. Black moves
r+ +r+k+
+ + +p+
p+N+ Pp+
+ +Pp +p
+P+p+ +
+R+ Q K
+q+ +PP
+ + + +
(a) Qd1 (b) Kh7 (c) h4+
uschess.org
2. White moves
+ +r+ +
pp+ +R+
+ Lp+ +
+ +p+ +
+ +k+ +
+P+n+ P
P+ + + P
+ + + K
(a) Re7 (b) Rxb7 (c) a4
4. Black moves
+l+ + r
+p+ lpkn
+p+ + q
P + Q p
+L+Pn +
+NN +P+
PP+ +P+
R +R+ K
(a) Bf6 (b) Qf6 (c) Nf6
Chess Life — March 2009
19
ADVERTORIAL
“ Put the fun back into chess”
at the 2009 Las Vegas Chess Festival …
and the National Open!
By Fred Gruenberg
The 2009 Las Vegas Chess Festival
and the $100,000 National Open, June
4th through June 7th, will be the grand
est chess event EVER! The new South
Point Hotel, Casino and Spa on Las
Vegas Boulevard, a few miles south of
McCarren Airport in Las Vegas will daz
zle you with all their grandeur and
amenities: spacious rooms with 42”
plasma televisions in every room, an
indoor sixteen screen Century Theater
movie complex showing all the latest
hits, a 64 lane, state of the art, in house
bowling alley (not a misprint 64 lanes!!),
bingo almost all day long, and eight very
affordable restaurants that will please
any palate: Michael’s Gourmet Room,
Silverado Steakhouse, Don Vito’s Italian,
Primarily Prime Rib, Baja Miguel’s Mexi
can, Coronado Cafe, Garden Buffet and
my very favorite, the Big Sur Oyster Bar.
A unique feature at the South Point
is their Equestrian Arena & Events
Center, the finest horse facility in the
country. Headliner entertainment and
dancing to live bands every weekend.
This is absolutely a chess player’s
dream. A fabulous chess vacation with
affordable rates: $65 weekdays and $95
Friday and Saturday. You’ll want to
spend a few extra days and really have
the chess vacation of your life!
The casino will also dazzle you.
South Point has the most popular slot
machines, video poker machines, over
60 gaming tables with blackjack, Pai
Gow poker and three card poker. And
South Point has added a new Race and
Sports book for sports and horse bet
ting that will add to all your pleasures.
Bet baseball and the NBA finals and
pick up some extra change. And yes,
for all you chess playing poker players,
there is a very convenient poker room.
And you can soak up the sun and let
your chess stress melt away into a
lagoon style shimmering turquoise par
adise pool. You’ll think you’re on a
tropical island! Check it out at
www.southpointcasino.com/hotel/pool.php
And wait until you see our playing site:
60,000 square feet with a well lit ball
room, completely isolated, and completely
insulated to assure complete quiet. With
the guarantee of all rounds starting on
time and complete quiet in the playing
room you will, most assuredly, play the
best chess of your life!
Since 1983 when then President Tim
Redman asked me to revive the National
Open in Las Vegas, I’ve had a lot of fun
and met so many great people. We’ve
had some marvelous guests: Grandmas
ters Kamsky, Karpov, Koltanowski,
Bronstein, Reshevsky and Korchnoi, just
to mention a few. And all of our U.S.
grandmasters have played at one time or
another too. The National Open has
been the jewel tournament of the west.
And I must mention the 20,000 or so of
you that have attended this tournament
over the past twenty five years. I THANK
YOU ALL!!!
And the tournament staff, over the
years, has been nothing short of phe
nomenal.
Headed by Al Losoff, Bill Snead and a
staff of twenty five they have tried to
make the National Open the very best
run tournament in the U.S.
I, personally, think they have suc
ceeded. “Thank you” to them also.
But after 25 National Opens it’s time
to really retire.
At 74 I still have some time left to
travel, play golf and even play some
chess myself. So please come to my last
National Open tournament, have a
great time, and say farewell. It will be
great to see you again. Take care.
BRING THE FAMILY!!!!
There is, literally, something for everyone! The Susan Polgar tournament for boys and girls,
simuls, chess camps, bughouse tournaments, scholastic tournaments, contests, blitz tournaments,
tournament director camp, FREE RAFFLES and the Rochester book store and much more!!
Don’t miss the excitement of the 2009 Las Vegas Chess Festival and the National Open.
“PUT THE FUN BACK INTO CHESS!”
www.vegaschessfestival.com
Cover Story
THE
Wave
A S T H E S C H O L A S T I C C H E S S W O R L D G E A R S U P F O R T H E S U P E R N AT I O N A L S
TOURNAMENT BEING CONTESTED IN NASHVILLE THIS COMING APRIL 3-5,
C H E S S L I F E E X A M I N E S W H AT H A S M A D E F M R O B B Y A D A M S O N ’ S T U C S O N ,
BY PAUL GOLD
f you have been following scholastics
in Chess Life the past few years, you
will have noticed some remarkable
accomplishments by the Catalina
Foothills High School chess team from
Tucson, Arizona. Four national titles in
the spring nationals (students call this the
“real nationals”), seven national titles
overall, all in the span of five years. How
has a team from Arizona, of all places,
done it?
In addition to local, state, and national
newspaper coverage, a Tucson billboard
was dedicated in 2007 to the Catalina
Foothills National High School champi
ons. “Cat Foot” has all but locked out
the competition, winning in 2005, 2007
and 2008 (finishing second in 2006). This
has been against stiff opposition, prima
rily from New York City teams often graced
with internationally titled players. So how
did this extraordinary team of chess play
ers come about in a place like Tucson?
Coach Robby Adamson says that back
in 2003, many of the players from the Cat
Foot “feeder” program, Orange Grove Mid
dle School, had quit chess or were losing
interest but he saw the potential and
reassembled the group. By 2004 there
were results the team of Sean Higgins,
Chris De Sa, Pavel Savine and Eddie
Moskala won the K 9 nationals, while
finishing eighth at high school nation
als. Cat Foot team camaraderie was built
in part by the students traveling to adult
chess events together, usually with their
I
24
Chess Life — March 2009
coach. The key was to operate and func
tion as a team, with less emphasis on
individual results. The kids responded;
some who had been enemies were now
friends, close and caring about each other.
To achieve this level of affinity, Robby
invested his most valuable commodity
his time but it was well worth it, he
says. While we talked over material for
this article, Robby’s cell phone went off
twice. One call was from a student in
Texas and one from California, both seek
ing advice from the master on specific
opening preparation. Robby’s secret ingre
dient is access.
The year was 1978, my last of high
school, thank God. I attended chess club
back then to play blitz. One night I bat
tled this little kid, an eight year old boy
wonder bright eyed, hair combed back,
fidgeting all over the place; boy, was he
obnoxious! After every move he hit my
clock harder and harder, while I pleaded
with him to go easy on the timepiece.
Finally the plastic clock face fell off and
the thing was broken, and that was my
first contact with Robby Adamson. It was
the end of my clock but the beginning of
a long and wonderful relationship.
Thirty years have passed. Though we
both live in Tucson, we have lost touch at
times but sooner or later we are always
reunited, and always because of chess.
Boy Wonder
Robby is a purely local chess product,
born in Tucson in 1970, matriculating
through grade school (where he was first
discovered as a prodigy), through middle
school (where he won two national titles
and was ranked in the top ten for his
age) and on into high school (where he
won the Denker), dominating those events
as the top board of the powerhouse Uni
versity High School teams, which won
three national team titles. He graduated
from the University of Arizona (he is a
HUGE Wildcats fan) with a degree in
accounting, and later earned his law
degree at the McGeorge School of Law.
Robby works as an estate planning attor
ney, juggling his day job with his “chess
job.” He is a strong, master level player,
having achieved a peak USCF rating of
about 2450, and the FIDE awarded FM
title. His chess vita includes three individ
ual national titles as a player, nine
national titles as a coach, organizer of the
Western Invitational Chess Camp as well
as tutor, writer, tournament director, and
analyst. But even with all of these creden
tials, Robby chose to play his own game
in an original manner a long time ago,
transferring his personal chess aspira
tions into an enterprise of doing for others
a far reaching move made for long
term compensation. His energetic,
ultra competitive and opinionated
approach to chess (and just about every
thing else) makes him as popular with
kids as he is with adults.
uschess.org
PHOTO: DENNIS BROWNFIELD
A R I Z O N A C H E S S T E A M S S U C H C O N S I S T E N T LY S T R O N G C O M P E T I T O R S
master
Cover Story
Perhaps Robby’s dedication has its ori
gin in his early days playing chess. One
of his first teachers, Bill Abbott, while a
skilled player, was also a kind, gentle
soul who never raised his voice and may
have taught Robby the first lessons about
treating everyone with respect. Grade
school coach Jim Tallmadge and con
temporary master coaches like Ken
Larsen and Craig Jones (now in North
Carolina) must have contributed to
Robby’s shaping of his own teaching
methods. The “Robby Stone” was further
etched assisting future grandmaster and
1997 World Junior Champion Tal Shaked
(FM Ken Larsen was Tal’s primary coach,
while Robby was responsible for his the
oretical repertoire). And there were the
countless blitz games with many local
masters at places like Troy’s Chess Shop
in the 1980s (the late Alan Troy was a
nationally recognized blitz player), as well
as the recent addition to Tucson of IM Lev
Altounian, whom Robby credits in help
ing to shape the Catalina Foothills
program. The recipe would not be com
plete without the influence of crack
organizers like Myron and Rachel Lieber
man, who ran all adult tournaments in
Phoenix for many years, and Lee LaFrese,
who organized the 1996 Elementary
26
Chess Life — March 2009
nationals with a then world record atten
dance. It was the unprecedented success
of the nationals held in Tucson that year
which caused the USCF to finance all
nationals thereafter.
But even with this kind of background
and exposure, you might not achieve
results. Something or someone has had
to assemble the pieces. Robby’s tenacity
and dedication to chess activities has
been played out over decades now. While
a lot of players fade away from the chess
scene in favor of family and other life
pursuits, even after many years, the chess
fire still burns brightly in Robby, a pas
sion that has been passed on to his
students.
Robby credits the Southern Arizona
Chess Association (SACA) as being instru
mental in his development as a player and
coach. It is certain that none of us would
have enjoyed the chess “careers” we had
without a local organization that has run
chess events in southern Arizona for
nearly 40 years. SACA has hosted numer
ous national scholastic events (and
spawned champions thereof); a typical
scholastic event will draw hundreds of
Southern Arizona Chess Association
kids. While SACA is currently run largely
by chess parents, there have always been
strong players who have volunteered their
time to help the organization. SACA
organizers fostered the idea of kids play
ing in adult events few played in the
days when Robby started, but now it is a
given to see many young, strong players
in Tucson adult events. For the past 15
years the signature Tucson event has
been the U.S. Amateur West, originally
conceived by the late USCF President
Denis Barry in 1992, who passed the
torch to this author; the current organ
izers are Karen Pennock and Kiki Huerta
(president and vice president of SACA). In
2008 the USCF graced SACA with the
Scholastic Organizer of the Year award.
Robby observes that schools in the
Catalina Foothills school district have
participated in SACA scholastic tourna
ments for almost thirty years. National
success first struck in the Foothills area
in 1984 when Orange Grove Middle
School, coached by Will Wharton (a sen
ior master who has since coached chess
in North Carolina and now in Phoenix),
won Junior High Nationals. Orange Grove
is one of the most successful middle
school programs in the country, having
won four national K 8 titles. Because the
uschess.org
PHOTO: HENRY D. WALLACE
A sampling of the best from Arizona scholastic teams of the last few years (left to right): Eli Alster, Chris De Sa, Victor Yee,
Jenelle Wallace, Sean Higgins, Kevin Zhang, Pasha Savine, Andy Lin, Vaishnav Aradhyula, Eddie Moskala, Robby Adamson.
Not pictured: Landon Brownell (the 2006 National High School champion), Bryant Brownell, Yunlin Zhang.
Foothills area had no high school at that
time, many of the middle school graduates
attended University High School, a nation
ally recognized public high school, which
by chance is where Robby enrolled the
year after Orange Grove won their first
national title. The elementary and middle
schools in the Foothills district all have
thriving chess programs, currently
coached by Ken Larsen, which feed into
Cat Foot. Ken describes the Foothills
schools as “a machine,” churning out
local, state, and national champions.
The success of SACA scholastics can be
partially attributed to the long standing
culture which encourages students to
take private lessons or attend chess
camps offered by instructors other than
their school coach. This trading of stu
dents is done freely and in the best
interest of the kids. For example, IM
Levon Altounian privately tutors several
students from Cat Foot, providing a valu
able alternative perspective which Robby
believes has greatly contributed to their
success. Robby trusts Lev implicitly and
has actually called him while at nation
als if help is needed preparing a student
for a particular game.
Foothills burst onto the scene at the
2005 SuperNationals, shocking everyone
but their coach by winning the high
school nationals over the redoubtable
Edward R. Murrow, a New York City team
featuring IMs Alex Lenderman and Sal
Bercys. In an unprecedented move days
before the event, Robby announced to
his team that they had a good chance to
win nationals and that they should not get
on the plane if they didn’t think they
could win. The performance was so
impressive that the team was featured in
a chapter of Michael Weinreb’s excellent
book on the Murrow team, The Kings of
New York. Foothills finished second in
2006 despite their top board, Landon
Brownell, winning the individual national
title, a finish that bothered Robby for
many months (a testament to his compet
itive fire). The team bounced back to win
in 2007 with a dramatic last round per
formance. The “three peat” was completed
by the 2008 team: Vaishnav Aradhyula,
Landon Brownell, Kevin Zhang, Eli Alster,
Jenelle Wallace, Victor Yee, and Matt
David. This year’s team was depleted by
the inevitability of graduation; the biggest
losses were Aradhyula (to Stanford) and
Brownell (to law school). The 2007 cham
pionship team had graduated 2100 rated
Sean Higgins (now at Tulane), Chris De Sa
(Stanford) and Pasha Savine (University
of Arizona). Although Robby admits that
winning nationals is unlikely in this
rebuilding year, the team that will play for
Cat Foot Chess Team
uschess.org
the 2009 championship will be some
thing to reckon with, featuring two
experts: top board Kevin Zhang returns
with his solid, technical style, and free
wheeling freshman and “ICC junkie” Andy
Lin. The team is rounded out by Eli Alster,
Jenelle Wallace, Sam Cotter and Michael
Reed.
Interviewing the players at the weekly
chess club and at high school events, I
was struck by how well rounded and
diverse they were, seeming more than
able to balance their academic and social
activities while still being able to play
chess at a high level. The students have
participated in a wide range of activities,
including academic decathlon, band, sci
ence olympiad, cross country, wrestling
and basketball. I asked the kids to discuss
Robby’s influence on the team and on
them individually. Senior Leland San
son, who hopes someday to work in
economics or finance, emphasized
Robby’s rapport with the players, saying
he thinks of Robby more as a friend than
as his coach. Like the other kids, Leland
mentioned Robby’s unique sense of
humor as one of his attractions. Fresh
man Nam Tran is goofy and mascot like
with the other kids but was more serious
when I got him alone. He said he too
likes how funny Robby is, a continuous
reminder that the players judge Robby
first as a person, and less on his expert
ise as a player or teacher, which is an
interesting note in itself when you con
sider Robby’s considerable chess resume.
I also spoke with Sam Cotter, another
freshman, who reminded me a little of a
young John Lennon with retro long hair
and wire framed glasses. Sam noted dif
ferences between Robby’s aggressive
coaching methods and those of his
teacher, the positionally conscious Lev
Altounian. Voluble Eli Alster started high
school with a 1200 rating, and while he
seemed to be underrated to Robby
throughout middle school, once at Cat
Foot his rating jumped 600 points, and he
could be counted on when the point was
needed. Senior Jenelle Wallace is another
experienced player who contributes to
the depth of the team. Jenelle has been
recently accepted at Stanford, another
Cat Foot player headed to Palo Alto.
Andy Lin seemed somewhat uncom
fortable one on one, resorting to jocular
silliness, but such are high school boys.
Andy told me that the way he got his
expert rating was that he “got lucky and
beat three 2100 players.” Andy loves this
kind of mantra, always bantering on
about how he is not a good chess player
and that it is all luck. He thinks Robby
has a very intimidating, aggressive per
sonality, although he says everything
with a grin and it is hard to mask affec
tion for his coach. Andy explains his style
of play, saying that “I base everything on
probability ... and somehow I usually win
... but 95% of the time I am in a tough
spot at some point in my games.” Robby’s
exchanges with Andy during club meet
ings are as predictable and hilarious as
a scripted comedy team routine. You can
always count on Andy to interrupt Robby:
Robby: OK, let’s look at this problem ...
what should White do in this position? I
am asking each of you to come up with a
plan, and then to uh, Andy, could you
please be quiet?
Andy: What?
Robby: What? (Aping Andy’s deep voice,
getting him to smile.)
Andy: Sorry, sorry.
Robby: You are not sorry and you know
it. (Everybody laughs.)
Sophomore Kevin Zhang remarked that
playing chess helps him with his aca
demics, particularly math, and says chess
has taught him patience when solving
problems. Like most high school kids,
he also likes to play video games and
watch TV (and he dislikes ... reading!).
Kevin learned how to play chess in first
grade from Ken Larsen (Robby’s coach
during high school). Kevin holds the top
rating for 15 year old players in Arizona.
He says Robby is a very demanding coach,
and that it has helped taking private les
sons with him. I was impressed with the
mature and articulate sophomore
Sangeetha Pugazhendi, who was still very
excited about having attended the 2008
nationals where she scored 4/7 in the
U1200 section. She spoke highly of the
team spirit and that everyone seems to get
along. While Sangeetha takes private les
sons with Lev Altounian, there seems to
be no issue with this kind of mix, again
a common feature of the Tucson scholas
tic chess culture.
I was anxious to observe Robby’s
method of teaching at the weekly chess
club and how he interacted with the stu
dents. Robby sometimes reviewed student
games from a recent tournament. During
one lecture, he showed the team an
endgame of a team member that ended
with an outcome that was “against the
law!” according to Robby, as the game flip
flopped from lost to worse to drawing to
winning for the Cat Foot player, courtesy
of his overambitious opponent. It is a
favorite technique of Robby’s to query
the players about what the plan should
be, forcing them to visualize the correct
path forward (no moving pieces!). He
holds out a long time but knows that
finding the plan by sight is the best way
to continuously simulate good analyzing
habits. Ultimately the lesson wound down
to a point about when to correctly accept
a draw, and how easy it is to overstep and
lose when pushing too hard for the win.
I also observed that the students were
Chess Life — March 2009
27
Cover Story
attentive when Robby explained how the
goals of the team are achieved by accept
ing individual challenges. Robby requires
the students to write down goals for the
next school year, which helps keep the
focus over the summer and into the fol
lowing year.
The more time I spent with the Cat
Foot team, getting acquainted with the
players and attending their events, the
more I sensed a mighty shape forming. I
am reminded of the 19th century French
painter Gustave Courbet, who painted
“The Wave.” The version I am thinking of
hangs in the Phoenix Art Museum. It is
powerful and dark, expressing the forces
of nature, the viewer watching the great
rolling wave alone from the beach. Robby’s
chess seasons are waves: small occur
rences beginning far away (the first team
meeting), the inevitable rising approach
(the planning and scheming every week at
chess club), the buildup, massing (excite
ment, team pulling together) and finally
the crescendo (nationals). Robby has
orchestrated these campaigns for years.
He gets each student for only a few years
and then poof, they are off to their adult
lives. Robby’s challenge is to preserve
continuity, consistency and performance
from one class overlapping with the next,
with all of the certain uncertainty inher
ent in adolescents.
The Wave
After talking with the students, I wanted
to gain some insight from their parents
about their thoughts on Robby and the
success of the team. Erwin De Sa, who
serves as the perennial chaperone at
nationals, is the father of graduate Chris
and freshman Jacquelyn. Erwin said
there are three reasons for Cat Foot’s
chess success. “First, there is Robby,
who is an exceptional person. A profes
sional attorney, who never gave up his
own love for chess, carried on as an adult.
He could have been doing other fun things
on his Saturday and Sunday nights but
chose to teach kids.” Second is the
parental involvement. “Early on parents
saw the team chemistry and took advan
tage of this knowledge, encouraging their
kids to be taught, taking them to adult
tournaments.” Third, there is SACA’s fos
tering of chess programs. “Without SACA,
there is no Foothills team. Sacrifices have
been made by all of the coaches, par
ents, volunteers, and people behind the
organization in order to provide the forum
for the experiences to occur.” I spoke with
Cindy Wallace, Jenelle’s mother, about
what makes the magic. “The true team
definition is the camaraderie with the
Parent’s Take
28
Chess Life — March 2009
players, keeping the kids together; Robby
is good at focusing on that. Doing what
is best for the team and not the individ
uals. As Jenelle went into high school,
what impressed her most was the kids
traveling together, what was done as a
team. If Robby said what was needed was
a draw, then the kids would do it. Robby’s
dedication makes it work he cares about
each kid and teaches that everyone is
important. Parents will not step up if the
coach does not have that dedication to the
team. Robby’s funny, infectious person
ality makes me want to help him. He
wants a lot. And somehow he does this
one year after the next, making new teams
after those that have graduated. The
nationals is where all of that intensity
comes in but it helps so much to like
Robby. I will miss him when Jenelle grad
uates, his passion for chess.”
The AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Asso
ciation) team championship was held in
early November 2008, at San Luis High
School in Yuma, Arizona. While Cat Foot
was favored, their archrival Gilbert High
School (Gilbert is a suburb of Phoenix)
would be there and Robby was curious
how his team would respond. It was not
nationals, but an important stop on the
Cat Foot itinerary especially for a young
team that needs to learn to handle pres
sure. Robby recalled the intense stress
Cat Foot was under at last year’s nation
als as the clear favorite, a pleasant but
uncomfortable predicament to be in. “I will
always appreciate the 2008 title because
we were favored for the first time since I
was at Foothills, but we did not handle the
pressure well until the last day, when
the team came together and when team
points were at a premium.”
Robby said he agonized about exactly
how to pick his board order for the state
team tournament, deciding finally to go
with a lineup by rating. When Cat Foot
lost the coin toss for their round one
match, that was not a problem because
having black in round one would mean
that they would very likely face Gilbert as
white in the last round (white on boards
one, three and five; black on two and
four) ... but then ... their first round oppo
nents inexplicably chose to play black, not
what Robby wanted or expected. But this
detail became quickly irrelevant as Cat
Foot piled up 14 wins (out of a possible
15 games) in the first three rounds. The
Wave was building toward a final round
meeting with Gilbert. Robby tried calcu
lating the tiebreaks in the event that
Gilbert and Cat Foot might tie, but it was
too close to determine. Robby went to
Andy on board two before the round,
telling him that he thought his game was
The Wave Rolls at State
a “must win” for the team. Kevin got a
rematch against expert rated Nick
Thompson on board one (Nick won the
last time they were paired in a tourna
ment). Robby and Kevin’s preparation
was to follow Kevin’s previous game with
Nick with a slight twist to see how Nick
would react. The gamble paid off with
Nick not playing the best reply and Kevin
had easy equality that he eventually par
layed into a won position:
Caro-Kann Defense,
Exchange Variation (B13)
Nick Thompson (2004)
Kevin Zhang (2150)
Arizona State High School Team
Championship (4), 11.08.2008
Notes by Kevin Zhang
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Bd3 Nc6 5.
c3 Qc7
I lost to Nick in a previous game in
this same Exchange Caro Kann line so I
went over this with Robby around mid
night the night before the round. The
purpose of this move is to prevent White
from playing Bf4 and gaining instant con
trol over e5.
6. Nf3
Robby and I spent most of our time
looking at 6. Nf3 because 6. Ne2 is not as
easy to find if you have not seen it before.
I was happy when 6. Nf3 was played
because Black gets easy equality. Black
aims for a queenside attack, and White
usually tries to attack the kingside,
though as the game shows, this is diffi
cult to accomplish. 6. Ne2 is more
normal again the purpose of this move
is to play Bf4.
6. ... Bg4 7. 0-0 e6 8. Nbd2 Bd6
Black has easily equalized, White's c1
bishop is awkward, and it is difficult for
White to come up with a good plan. We
prepared this exact position and looked
at all the games in the database in this
variation.
9. Qa4?
I do not know why he played this move.
It is not very good because the plan for
Black in these lines is to play a6, b5 any
way, so I will later gain a tempo. 9. h3 was
better.
9. ... Nf6
The other move I considered here was
9. ... Ne7 but 9. ... Nf6 seemed a little
more logical.
10. Re1 0-0
Unlike the normal Exchange Caro
Kann lines where White easily gets his
uschess.org
knight to e5, and is backed up with Bf4,
Nd2 f3, White can never accomplish this
plan. Black is equal and now is pushing
for an edge.
11. h3 Bh5
r+ + rk+
pp
q +p
pp
+n
lp
n +
+ +p+ +l
Q+ P + +
+ PL+N+P
P
P N PP+
R L R K
After 11. ... Bh5
12. g4?
This seems positionally incorrect, but
White didn’t know how to proceed. I now
control the f4 square very well and White
has unnecessarily weakened his king
side.
12. ... Bg6 13. Bxg6 hxg6 14. Nf1 a6
I expect a kingside attack of some sort
because White played g2 g4. My plan is
to attack the queenside faster with a
minority attack with ... a7 a6, ... b7 b5
b4.
15. Qd1 b5 16. Ng5 b4 17. Qf3 bxc3 18. bxc3
Now I have a backward pawn to work
on the entire point of the minority
attack.
18. ... Na5
This may not be best but White has no
real attack here and he has lots of weak
nesses. 18. ... e5 makes sense because
opening up the center makes his kingside
attack less likely to be successful.
19. h4
White tries to crack my kingside open.
19. ... Rfc8 20. h5
White goes for it, but unfortunately
things are going to get traded quickly. If
20. Bd2 Nc4 White is suffering here
then even ... e6 e5 is still possible.
20. ... gxh5 21. gxh5 Qxc3 22. Be3 Qd3!
This allows me to defend the kingside
with ... Qf5.
23. Qh3 Qf5
After a queen trade, White’s attack is
not very dangerous.
24. h6 Qxh3 25. Nxh3 Ng4 26. hxg7 Kxg7 27.
Re2 Rh8 28. Kg2 Rag8 29. Ng3 Nxe3+ 30.
Rxe3 Nc4 31. Rd3 f5 32. f4 Kf6 33. Re1 Rg4
34. Rf1 Rhh4 35. a3
uschess.org
+
+
+
+
+ + + +
p+ lp
k +
+ +p+p+
+n
P Pr
r
P +R+ NN
+ + +K+
+ + +R+
After 35. a3
35. ... Ke7
35. ... Bxf4 36. Nxf4 Rxf4 37. Rxf4 Rxf4
38. Nh5+ Kg5 39. Nxf4 Kxf4 I am not
losing this but I didn’t want to allow
White any counterplay.
36. a4 Bxf4 37. Nxf4 Rxf4 38. Rxf4 Rxf4 39.
Ne2 Rg4+ 40. Kf3 e5 41. Kf2 e4 42. Rh3 f4
43. Nc3 Ne3 44. Rh5 Rg2+ 45. Ke1 Ke6 46.
Re5+ Kd6 47. Rh5 f3 48. Rh6+ Ke7 49. Rh7+
Kf6 50. Rh6+ Kg7, White resigned.
As is the technique of many top
coaches, Robby prepared his team before
the round and, in fact, the night before as
well. This scheming may not always pay
off, but even if the plan does not play
out exactly as anticipated, it is not a
waste of effort since there is a strong
sense of focus from the feeling of being
prepared. Robby keenly appreciates that
Cat Foot and Gilbert have each other.
Where else besides possibly New York
City do you have two teams ranked in the
top 10 who have to beat each other to win
their state championship? This kind of
competition cannot be bought or repli
cated. Robby thinks of himself as the
team’s sixth man in these situations, try
ing to fire them up. The Wave Robby’s
teams are meant to ride the crest.
In the critical final round match with
Gilbert, Eli notched the first win and
Andy followed, securing an advantage
out of the opening that he converted fairly
easily. When Nick resigned to Kevin it
was 3 0, Cat Foot. So a nice trophy and
another Cat Foot title, though the match
was close in the end. The final score was
3 2, perhaps some consolation to Gilbert
who took a 5 0 drubbing against Cat Foot
in the final round the previous year.
Gilbert coach Michael Reading looks at
Cat Foot as the symbol of excellence, but
strongly believes in his own team’s
chances in the future (in fact, the near
future, at the 2009 nationals). This leap
several months ahead was, of course, on
the mind of the Wavemaster, even with the
state championship trophy still warm to
the touch. Robby’s powerful drive makes
him seem to never be quite satisfied.
Two weeks later the Foothills players
were in action again, this time at the
state individual tournament hosted at
Cat Foot, during round five of six. The first
game I saw turned out to be the critical
one, with Andy Lin paired against Nick
Thompson on board one. Andy was down
a pawn with the worse position; not at all
the kind of passivity I’d expect from this
wily kid. Nick has a very stoic look to
him when he plays, moving the pieces
fairly slowly and quietly pressing the
clock, more like an adult player. But he
is definitely a kid, with his mop of blond
hair combed forward, literally hanging
in and over his eyes (I pictured my mother
saying “how does he see like that?!”).
Andy soon went from being down one
pawn to two, but then the landscape
changed when Andy started playing more
quickly and the position began to open
up. Complications ensued and it became
the kind of tactical position where it
looked like anybody’s game. In the end,
Andy’s counter tactics resulted in an
advantage and Nick cracked in time pres
sure, trading queens into a lost ending.
While Andy easily won his last round
against a much lower rated player, Nick
exacted some revenge, defeating Kevin
in the last round to finish second to Andy.
It was in this manner that Cat Foot fresh
man Andy Lin became the 2008 Arizona
state individual high school chess cham
pion (all luck, eh?). Can he match the
Wavemaster, who won it four years run
ning when he was in high school?
I called Robby after the state individual
tournament, asking what the team does
now, since the trip to SuperNationals in
Nashville is four months away. With high
school chess league play having ended,
how does he keep the players interested
and in some kind of form? Robby pointed
out plans for some of the kids to play in
adult events in Tucson, Los Angeles and
Las Vegas, as well as the weekly chess
club meetings. Robby also mentioned
that he is working with Kevin to help
develop his leadership skills, as he did
with some of his former players, because
he knows every successful team needs a
leader, with qualities that will also ben
efit future life endeavors.
In a relaxed and offhand moment,
Robby said it will be nice going to nation
als without the expectation to win. I heard
what he was saying, but also knew that
based on my 30+ years of knowing Robby
Adamson that the “wave water” was boil
ing somewhere, ready to rise up and
crash over the top.
The Calm
.
See how the Arizona teams do at this year’s
SuperNationals beginning April 3. Follow the
action on Chess Life Online at uschess.org.
Chess Life — March 2009
29
College Chess
Can Anyone Beat These Guys?
UTD and UMBC tie at the Pan American Intercollegiate Championship,
or, “Dog Bites Man.”
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
Dreams Come True
College chess isn’t just about tourna
ments such as the Pan American
Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship
(Pan Am), but about success in courses
and after graduation too. For Women’s
Candidate Master Nelly Estrada, a mem
ber of the B team from The University of
Texas at Brownsville and Texas South
most College (UTB/TSC), dreams began
when Chess Life arrived in her mailbox.
She said:
Back in 2005, I remember seeing an
article in Chess Life about a student win
ning a full ride scholarship to The
University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). I
thought to myself, “She won a scholar
ship. And my rating is higher than hers.”
That article was the first time I had heard
of scholarships for chess. I began think
ing about studying in the United States
on a chess scholarship myself, though I
had already completed three semesters at
a university in Juarez, Mexico.
On the day after I read that Chess Life
article, UTB/TSC Chess Program Direc
tor Russell Harwood called my house. He
had heard about my chess abilities.
Because I had just read about college
scholarships for chess, I was interested in
what he had to say. And Russell Har
wood is a good recruiter and promoter of
chess. UTB/TSC is lucky to have him.
This [last] December (2008), I graduated
from UTB/TSC with a 3.88 GPA, Magna
Cum Laude. I majored in biology. I have
been accepted to four different medical
schools. I would like to be a psychiatrist.
Tournament dreams came true for UTD
and the University of Maryland, Balti
more County (UMBC), as they are the
2008 co champions of college chess. Both
teams had five out of six match points.
30
Chess Life — March 2009
The first place trophy, on tiebreak,
went to the B team from UTD. UTD was
well prepared, having trained intensively
for the month before the December 27 30
Pan Am. From November 26 30, UTD
invited four top players from around the
country to compete with UTD students:
the 10 player international master norm
section was won by GM Jesse Kraai, and
the 10 player grandmaster norm section
by GM Julio Becerra. On December 6th
several UTD students, playing under the
team name Dallas Destiny, won the
United States Chess League for the sec
ond year in a row.
The UMBC team got the second place
trophy. Chess Program Director Alan
Sherman wrote, “Having narrowly missed
Pan Am victories in 2006 and 2007,
UMBC was eager to avenge its recent
losses to UTD.” During weekly training
sessions, the highest rated players pre
pared with GM Sam Palatnik, UMBC
Chess Program Associate Director. Sec
ond echelon players, such as the two
alternates for this year’s winning team,
worked with Igor Epshteyn, Coach of the
UMBC chess team. GM Palatnik men
tioned that UMBC players compete in
open and invitational tournaments, citing
GM Sergey Erenburg’s win at this past
summer’s New Jersey Futurity. With this
year’s Pan Am co championship, Sher
man observed, “UMBC has won (or tied for
first place) at the Pan Am eight times,
more than any other college in the history
of college chess.”
The Pan Am serves as the qualifier for
the Final Four, to be held April 4 5, 2009
at the UTD campus. Qualifying were the
following institutions: UTD, UMBC,
UTB/TSC, and Stanford University. Each
institution is not restricted to players
that competed in the Pan Am. UMBC’s
Alan Sherman warned, “With IM Sasha
Kaplan (Israel) joining UMBC in January,
UMBC will have an even stronger team for
the Final Four.” Full standings for all Pan
Am events (Intercollegiate, Scholastic,
and Open) can be found at http://
swchess.com/sce/tourney/PanAms08/St
andings.htm.
All Pan Am events are six rounds, Swiss
system. In the Intercollegiate section,
each team has four players, with up to
two alternates per team allowed. There
fore, a four board match can be tied 2 2.
Match points matter the most. Game
points scored within each match are not
the first tiebreak used if teams tie for
places/trophies, though they are one of
the later tiebreak mechanisms. When
there are multiple teams entered from
one institution, the team with the high
est average rating is labeled the A team,
the second team is the B team, and so
forth. Of the 29 teams entered in the Pan
Am, an unprecedented four teams were
from one institution, UTD. The UTD D
team, composed of five women (four play
ers and one alternate), took top team
rated 2000 2199. This was the second
year in a row for UTD to have an all
female team at the Pan Am. Although no
other teams had all female rosters, sev
eral teams had one or two female players.
Round by Round Action
At the halfway point of the Pan Am,
UTD A and UTD B were the only unde
feated teams, as UMBC and Miami
Dade A tied in round two. In round four,
UTD B and UTD A quickly tied. Going
into round five, UTD A, UTD B, and
UMBC led the tournament with 3½ of 4.
The stage was set for two showdowns. In
order to win the tournament, UMBC
would have to defeat UTD A in round
five, and then tie or defeat UTD B in
uschess.org
round six. In round five, UMBC defeated
UTD A by a score of 2½ to 1½. Tension
was high during round six. If UMBC tied
with UTD B, the teams would be co
champions with the first place trophy
determined by tiebreak. In that final
match, UMBC won on board one, boards
two and three drew, and UTD won on
board four (see games section for board
four Foisor Bercys). Therefore, the match
was tied 2 2, giving UTD B and UMBC
equal first place with 5 of 6 match points.
In the last round, UTB/TSC A was
paired with Stanford. The teams tied
quickly, and thus ensured that they tied
with UTD A for third through fifth places
in the Pan Am. UTB/TSC A (third on
tiebreak) and Stanford (fifth on tiebreak)
thus earned spots in the Final Four. Since
each institution can enter only one team
in the Final Four, the fact that UTD A also
tied for third through fifth did not affect
the qualifying chances of UTB/TSC A or
Stanford. UTB/TSC had another reason
to be excited: It will host the 2009 Pan Am
at the Sheraton Beachfront Resort, South
Padre Island, Texas.
Check ‘em, Tech
Texas Tech University (TTU) faculty
advisor Dr. Hal Karlsson said that his
players had just returned from celebrat
ing holidays. First board IM Gergely Antal
flew back from Hungary on the 24th, sec
ond board Chase Watters had been in
Louisiana, third board Stephanie Bal
lom’s family lives near Fort Worth
(Mansfield), and fourth board Josh
Osbourn came in from Kentucky. Since
the Pan Am is always held between
Christmas and New Year’s Day, many of
the 126 college participants were travel
ing directly from holidays in their
hometowns to the tournament site in
Fort Worth, Texas.
Stephanie Ballom’s third round win fit
the team’s slogan of Check ‘em Tech,
with Stephanie giving check in six of the
last 11 moves:
Check ‘em Tech and mate ‘n nine
Ernesto Alvarez (2185), Miami Dade A
Stephanie Ballom (1802), TTU
Pan Am Intercollegiate (3)
(see diagram top of next column)
The mate in nine is 23. Qh6+ Kxh6
24. Rh1+ Kg5 25. Rdg1+ Kf4 26. Rh4+
Bg4 27. Rgxg4+ Kf3 28. Rg3+ Kxf2 29.
Ne4+ Ke1 (or 29. ... Ke2 30. Bd3+ Ke1 31.
Rh1 mate) 30. Rh1+ Ke2 31. Bd3 mate.
Luckily for Stephanie, her opponent
missed this beautiful mating combination.
Instead, Alvarez chose a different 23rd
move.
uschess.org
r
nl+ r +
pp+ +p
kp
+ + Np+
q + P +
+ P + +
P p Q +
+L+ P +
+ KR+ R
White to move and mate in nine.
23. Rdf1 Qxa3+ 24. Kd1 Qa1+ 25. Ke2 Qa6+
26. Kf3 Rh8 27. Rh1 h5 28. Qg5 Nc6 29.
Nxh5+ Kf8 30. Nf6 Nxd4+ 31. Kg2 Bh3+!
(TTU Coach GM Susan Polgar said that
31. ... Bh3+ was definitely an exclamation
point move although the silicon monster
likes 31. ... Qxf1+).
32. Rxh3 Rxh3 33. Kxh3 Qxf1+, White
resigned.
No walk in the park
Because of Swiss System pairings, the
first round of the Pan Am saw teams
paired 400 800 points above or below
their own team average. So the first round
pairing of UTB/TSC B (average rating of
1978.8) with UMBC (2595.5) was not an
unusually large gap. Although Nelly (rated
1976) lost to her grandmaster opponent,
UMBC’s GM Timur Gareev (rated 2631),
it was not a walk in the park for the
stronger player. In fact, UTB/TSC coach
Gilberto Hernandez noted, Gareev took
longer on the clock. As Nelly showed me
the game, I recorded her comments as
annotations along with the game score.
Bogo-Indian (E11)
GM Timur Gareev (2631), UMBC
WCM Nelly Estrada (1976), UTB/TSC B
Pan Am Intercollegiate (1)
Notes by Estrada
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. d4 Bb4+ 4. Nbd2
This has transposed to a regular d4
opening.
4. ... Nc6 5. e3 0-0 6. Be2 d6 7. 0-0 Bxd2
I played 7. ... Bxd2 because White was
threatening Nb3 with the idea of a2 a3.
Then my bishop has nowhere to go.
8. Nxd2 e5
As compensation for White having the
bishop pair, I get to attack in the center.
9. d5 Ne7 10. b3 Bf5
10. ... c6 directly might have been bet
ter, but White would respond with 11. e4.
Therefore, I played 10. ... Bf5 so that,
when I play c7 c6, he cannot play e3 e4.
11. Bb2
r+ q r
k+
pp
p np
pp
+ p n
+
+ +P
pl+
+P+ + +
+P+ P +
P
L NL
PP
P
R +Q+R
K
After 11. Bb2
Now I realized that 11. ... c6 would be
met by 12. dxc6 bxc6 13. c5!
11. ... Ng6 12. Rc1 c5 13. dxc6 e.p.
White wants to capture, because letting
the black pawn stay on c5 would have
restricted White’s pieces.
13. ... bxc6 14. b4 d5 15. Nf3 Re8 16. cxd5
cxd5 17. Rc5
I considered 17. ... Qd6 with the idea of
... Rad8. I also thought about 17. ... Qb6,
with the idea of pressuring the b pawn
with ... Rab8 as well.
17. ... Rc8 18. Qa4
If White chooses 18. Qc1 Rxc5 19.
Qxc5 Qb6 20. Qxb6 axb6 Black is fine.
18. ... Rxc5 19. bxc5 Qc7
I hoped to play ... Bd7 c6.
20. c6 Rb8 21. Ba3 Ne4
Better would have been 21. ... Ne7 to
coordinate my pieces, for example mov
ing that knight to c8 to defend my a pawn.
22. Rc1 f6 23. Ba6
With the idea of 24. Bb7 and then 25.
Qxa7.
23. ... Bc8
rl+ +k+
p
q + pp
L+P+ p
n+
+ +p
p +
Q+ +n+ +
L + PN+
P+ + P
P
P
+ R + K
After 23. ... Bc8
Better might have been 23. ... Rb6 to
keep my rook active.
24. Bxc8
I didn't expect this capture. I thought
he would play 24. Bd3, and then I
Chess Life — March 2009
31
College Chess
planned 24. ... Bf5 and an eventual ... a7
a5. I also thought he would not capture,
because after the capture I have the
homogenous pair (two knights).
(12. Ne5 e3 13. f4 c5 with a double edged
position) 12. ... e3 13. Nde4 exf2+ 14.
Kxf2 c5 then I would have had play
against the white king.
24. ... Rxc8 25. Qb5 Qf7 26. Qb7 Nd6
11. ... dxe5 12. e4
If 27. Bxd6 then 27. ... Qxb7 and I win
a queen! But I should have played 26. ...
Qc7, because my queen no longer had to
defend my d pawn.
27. Qa6, Black resigned.
My coach, GM Gilberto Hernandez,
gave this move an exclamation point.
Now I’m lost because if 27. ... Rd8 (to
defend my knight) then 28. c7. So I
resigned. I thought this game was inter
esting because he had to find piece play
to exploit my uncoordinated pieces.
King’s Indian,
Fianchetto Variation (E67)
WGM Sabina Francesca
Foisor (2418), UMBC
IM Salvijus Bercys (2483), UTD B
Pan Am Intercollegiate (6)
Notes by Bercys (with IM Jacek Stopa)
UMBC and UTD B tied 2 2. By win
ning this game, Bercys also won the board
prize for best fourth board performance,
with 5½ of 6. The annotations in this
game are from Bercys, as I wrote down
what he said during a post mortem analy
sis. Occasionally IM Jacek Stopa, first
board for UTD B, also commented during
this post mortem.
1. d4 d6
I wanted to avoid the Saemisch.
2. c4 e5 3. Nf3 Nd7 4. Nc3 c6 5. g3 Ngf6 6.
Bg2 g6 7. 0-0 Bg7 8. Qc2 0-0 9. Rd1 Qe7 10.
b3 h6
r+l+ rk+
pp+n
qp
l
+p
p np
p
+ + p +
+P
P + +
+P
N +N
P
P+Q+P
PL
P
R LR+ K
After 10. ... h6
I am preparing to play ... e5 e4, and
don't want White to be able to respond to
... e5 e4 with Ng5.
11. dxe5
Sal quickly rattled off the following
variations that he considered while he
was thinking about playing 10. ... h6. If
she had responded 11. Ba3 e4 12. Nd2
32
Chess Life — March 2009
I wanted her to block in her bishop
with this move.
12. ... Re8 13. a4
White has lost control of the dark
squares.
13. ... a5 14. Ba3 Nc5 15. h3
This move is too slow. Sal thought
White should play 15. Ne1. He then
intended 15. ... Bf8 16. Nd3 Nfd7 with the
idea of ... Qf6.
15. ... Bf8 16. Ne1 Qc7 17. Nd3
r+l+r
lk+
+p
q +p+
+p+ np
p
p n p +
P+P+P+ +
LP
NN+ PP
+Q+ PL+
R +R+ K
After 17. Nd3
17. ... Nxd3
Sal gave the following lines: 17. ... Ne6
18. c5!; 17. ... b6 18. Nxc5 Bxc5 19. Bxc5
bxc5 with the idea of ... Qe7 and redeploy
ing my knight to d4; 17. ... Nfd7 18. Ne2
Nxd3 19. Bxf8 Kxf8 20. Qxd3 Qb6.
18. Bxf8 Kxf8 19. Qxd3 Qe7 20. Qe3 Kg7 21.
c5 Be6 22. Ne2 Red8 23. Rxd8 Rxd8 24. Qc3
Qc7 25. Kh2
Better for White was 25. Rf1 with the
idea of f2 f4 according to Sal.
25. ... Kh7 26. Rf1 Nh5 27. Ng1 f6 28. Nf3 Ng7
29. Rb1 Rd7 30. b4 axb4 31. Qxb4 Qd8 32.
a5 Bf7 33. Qc3 Ne6
At this point, IM Jacek Stopa joked that
with 33. ... Qe7 instead Black could have
completed his apparent plan of putting
every piece on the seventh rank.
34. Rb6
Sal said that 34. h4 (to stop Black from
winning the e pawn), as White will play
Bh3 pinning the knight, was a better
choice.
34. ... Qe7 35. a6 bxa6 36. Rxc6 Rc7 37. Rxa6
Sal said this move was a mistake for
White. A better line, though one where
Black is still better, is 37. Rxc7 Qxc7 38.
c6 Be8 39. Bf1 Qxc6 where Black is a
pawn up, but White has drawing chances.
(39. ... a5 40. Bb5 Nd8
gested this line.)
IM Stopa sug
37. ... Nxc5 38. Ra1 Nb3 39. Qb2 Nxa1 40.
Qxa1 Qc5
With the plan of putting his rook on
White’s second rank and winning the f
pawn. The rest of the game is technique.
41. Qb2 Kg7 42. Qd2 Ra7 43. Nh4 Ra2 44.
Qd1 Qxf2 45. Qc1 Re2 46. Qg1 Qxg1+ 47.
Kxg1 Be8 48. Bf3 Rb2 49. Ng2 Bc6 50. Ne3
Rb4 51. Nd5 Bxd5 52. exd5 Rd4 53. Kf2 Kf7
54. Ke3 Ke7 55. g4 f5, White resigned.
Finally, I leave you with this heavy
weight battle. GM Leonid Kritz has
annotated the game for us.
Alekhine’s Defense (B04)
GM Leonid Kritz (2656), UMBC
GM Alejandro Ramirez (2608), UTD A
Pan Am Intercollegiate (5)
Notes by Kritz
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 dxe5 5.
Nxe5 c6 6. h3!?
It’s not the main line, but still playable.
6. ... Nd7 7. Nf3 g6
Too passive is 7. ... e6. The bishop on
c8 will have a difficult life. 8. c4 N5f6 9.
Nc3 Bd6 10. Be2 0 0 11. 0 0 Bauer
Luther (Bled, 2002)
8. c4!?
An interesting idea. White intends to
castle long and to attack Black's kingside.
Another possible continuation is 8. Bc4
Bg7 9. 0 0 0 0 10. Re1. White's main
task is to prevent Black's ... c6 c5 and ...
e7 e5. 10. ... e6 11. c3 c5 (11. ... N5b6 12.
Bd3 c5 13. Bg5 Qc7 14. Nbd2 cxd4 15.
cxd4) 12. Bxd5 exd5 13. dxc5 Nxc5 14.
Be3 Ne4 15. Nbd2 Re8 16. Bd4 f6 17. Qb3
Macieja Rozentalis (Warsaw, 2006)
8. ... Nc7!? 9. Nc3 Bg7 10. Bf4
White takes e5 under his control.
10. ... 0-0 11. Qd2 Re8 12. 0-0-0 b5!
Black tries to open queenside files to
attack White's king.
13. Ne5?
Taking on b5 doesn't come in ques
tion. Still, White can play stronger with
13. h4!
13. ... Bb7 14. Be2
(see diagram top of next column)
14. ... Nb6?
Black now had a great chance to pun
ish White for the mistake on move 13
with 14. ... Ne6! 15. cxb5 Nxf4!
uschess.org
r+ qr+k+
pl
nn
pp
lp
+p+ +p+
+p+ N +
+P
P L +
+ N + +P
P
P QL
PP+
+ KR+ +R
Ninth grader wins UTD
scholarship; new
scholarship announced
After 14. Be2
15. c5!
The position changes with each move
White is better again. One of Black’s
greatest problems is the b7 bishop.
15. ... Nbd5 16. Nxd5 Nxd5 17. Bf3?
It is obvious that 17. Bh6 had to be
played. 17. Bh6 Bxe5 (17. ... Bh8 18. h4
Qc7 19. f4) 18. dxe5 Qc7 19. e6 f6 20. Bf3
Rad8 21. Kb1.
17. ... f6 18. Ng4 Qd7?
For the second time Black doesn’t pun
ish White’s mistake. White now seizes
the initiative for the rest of the game.
19. Bh6!
Not to play this move again is dubious.
19. ... Bh8?!
White’s attack is even stronger with
the pair of black bishops on the board.
20. h4 e5!?
Black refuses to wait until he is killed.
21. dxe5 fxe5 22. h5 e4 23. hxg6! exf3
r+ +r+k
l
pl+q+ +p
+p+ +P
L
+p
Pn+ +
+ + +N+
+ + +p+
P
P Q PP+
+ KR+ +R
French Defense,
Tarrasch Variation (C03)
Mitchell Powell (2113)
Conrad Holt (2256)
Pan Am Under 20 Scholastic (3)
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2
Mitchell said that he usually plays 3.
Nc3, but noticed in pre game prepara
tion that Conrad plays 3. ... Nf6. And
Mitchell didn't want to play against
that line.
3. ... Be7 4. Bd3 c5 5. dxc5 Nf6 6. Qe2 0-0
7. Ngf3 a5
Mitchell said he thought that Conrad
intended to follow this up with ... a5
a4, to restrict White’s d2 knight.
After 23. ... exf3
24. Qg5!!
Not 24. gxh7+? Qxh7 25. Qg5+ Kf7 26.
Rxd5 cxd5 27. Qf4+ Kg8 28. Qg5+ Kf7 and
equality.
24. ... Re4
Black is helpless.
25. gxf3 Rc4+ 26. Kb1 Rxc5 27. gxh7+ Kf7
28. Qh5+ Ke7 29. Bg5+ Kf8 30. Qh6+ Kf7 31.
Ne5+! Bxe5 32. Qh5+ Kg7 33. h8=Q+ Rxh8
34. Qxh8+ Kf7 35. Qxe5, Black resigned.
.
uschess.org
The Pan American Under 20 Scholas
tic Chess Championships attracted
twelve players. Coming out on top was
expert Mitchell Powell, who won an
Academic Distinction Scholarship from
The University of Texas at Dallas for his
6 0 victory. Mitchell is a ninth grade
student at Jasper High School in Plano,
Texas. His favorite subject in school is
band. He plays trombone, which he
described as, “unique among instru
ments because it has a slide and a
trigger.” He said marching season,
where the band played at all the var
sity football halftimes, was “tough but
fun.” Mitchell is also a year ahead in
math, taking algebra II. Next year he
will be in pre calculus. About bug
house he says, “It opens your eyes to
where pieces could go and makes you
aware of the whole board.”
He liked being in the same room
with the other Pan Am events. Mitchell
said, “This is the first time I’ve seen a
college match set up. It’s been interest
ing. I’m rooting for UTD, since we live
10 minutes down the street from it.” He
felt that his best game of the tourna
ment was his win, as white in round
three, over USCF master Conrad Holt.
8. 0-0 Na6 9. b3 Nxc5 10. e5 Nxd3 11.
Qxd3
Mitchell said he recaptured with the
queen because he wants to control the
d file. Also, he intends to counter
Black's ... Ba6 by playing c2 c4.
11. ... Nd7 12. Bb2 b6 13. Rfd1 Bb7 14.
Qd4 Bc5 15. Qg4 Qe7 16. Re1
Mitchell said that Re1 was to inhibit
Black from playing f7 f6.
16. ... Rae8 17. Re2 f6 18. Rae1 fxe5 19.
Nxe5 Nf6 20. Qh3
Here the queen keeps pressure on
Black’s e6.
20. ... Ne4 21. Nd3 Ba6 22. Nxc5
+
+r
rk+
+ + q pp
l
p +p+ +
p Np+ +
+ +n+ +
+P+ + +Q
P
LP
NR
PP
P
+ + R K
After 22. Nxc5
22. ... bxc5
22. ... Bxe2 23. Ncxe4 is better for
White; 22. ... Qxc5 23. Nxe4 dxe4 24.
c4 and the black e pawn will fall.
23. c4 Nxd2 24. Rxd2 dxc4 25. bxc4 Bxc4
26. Qc3 Ba6 27. f3
Mitchell considered instead 27. Rxe6,
but he was worried that his back row
would be weak in the subsequent vari
ations.
27. ... Rf7 28. Qxa5 Bb7 29. Ba3 Qg5 30.
Rb2
Mitchell said he spent 20 minutes
finding 30. Rb2, about which he says,
“I think this is the only move.”
30. ... Bxf3 31. Qxc5 Bd5
Mitchell thought that 31. ... Rf5 was
a better try for Black.
32. Rxe6 Ref8 33. Re1 Qf4
A blunder by Black, caused by being
low on time.
34. Qxd5
Now Black realizes that 34. ... Qf1+
doesn’t work, because the f7 rook is
pinned to the king.
34. ... Rc8 35. Rbe2 Qb8 36. Rf2 Qa7 37.
Ref1 Rcc7 38. Qd8+, Black resigned.
The University of Texas at Dallas will
award one Academic Excellence Distinc
tion Scholarship, covering tuition and
fees for eight semesters (4 years) to the
student that wins the 2009 Denker Tour
nament of High School Champions
sponsored by the U.S. Chess Trust and
USCF. In addition, this scholarship cur
rently provides $1,000 a year toward
rental expenses. The Denker is held in
conjunction with the U.S. Open.
Chess Life — March 2009
33
Kasparov
Kasparov’s
By Macauley Peterson
n the shortest day of 2008, a gray
and bitterly cold Sunday in New
York, Garry Kasparov arrives in a
very good mood. His eight pupils for the
day are hard at work on an endgame
study he had left for them as a morning
warm up, and now the 13th world cham
pion is eager to show the solution. The
Kasparov Chess Foundation’s (KCF’s)
Master Class is in session.
The room, on the 25th floor of a mid
town office building, is long and narrow
with windows lining one wall and a cor
porate conference table stretching the
full length. A large LCD display hangs
on the wall at the end of the table which
mirrors the laptop at Kasparov’s seat.
The kids sit in plush brown leather chairs
with six individual display terminals at
their disposal, sprinkled around the table.
There are no chess sets or demo boards
too slow and unwieldy. The KCF has
sponsored five training sessions for tal
O
34
Chess Life — March 2009
ented young Americans over the past few
years, but this weekend is unusual for the
playing strength of the participants: Alec
Getz, Kassa Korley (who was only able to
attend on Saturday), Daniel Ludwig, Alisa
Melekhina, Mackenzie Molner, Andrew
Ng, Ray Robson and Sam Shankland,
are all masters. Anna Matlin, the youngest
in the room and just shy of a 2000 rat
ing, was also invited to watch. Ranging in
age from thirteen to twenty they are a
cross section of America’s chess future.
Prior KCF classes were comprised of
much larger groups at first more than
twenty, then fifteen but Kasparov and his
long time friend and collaborator Michael
Khodarkovsky decided the group was still
too big and the gap between the players
was too wide. It became difficult to explain
certain concepts in a way that was both
clear to the weaker players yet instructive
to the strongest. Kasparov himself has
led every class, and readily agrees that this
group stands out from the rest. “This ses
sion we moved into smaller groups, to
concentrate on the best kids.” The exclu
sivity of this class has its benefits. “The
level of discussion is very high because the
average rating of the group is high, and
also most of the games they show [are] the
games against even stronger players,” he
explains. “Everybody speaks, let’s say,
the same language.”
After settling in and going over the
warm up exercise, Kasparov decides
another study is in order. The students
ruminate for a minute, before Kasparov
offers them a hint. “Let’s try to attack.”
Daniel Ludwig mutters some variation to
himself. “What line cowboy?” asks Kas
parov. No response. Everyone is
hunched over the small screens search
ing for the answer.
Not even Kasparov has it worked out
entirely. “I vaguely remember the final
idea, but we still have to get there.”
uschess.org
ALL PHOTOS BY MACAULEY PETERSON
Building upon your strengths is always a smart business
strategy. After a few years of steady, top-flight results by our
youngest players on the international stage, Garry Kasparov
comes to New York to work with a group of America’s best
and brightest scholastic chess players.
Curriculum
Garry Kasparov: “The level of discussion is very high because the average
rating of the group is high ...”
Kasparov
Kasparov is regularly
critical of GMs who offer
draws in worse positions.
We would look at several studies dur
ing the day, all composed by a Russian
chess problemist named Oleg Pervakov for
a book in development with Mark Dvoret
sky. They’ve given part of the work to
Kasparov for review, and as of today’s
session he had reviewed about a hundred
of the problems, and refuted five.
The next problem, Kasparov explains, is
“just something easy and nice. It’s about
domination ... an unusual domination.” He
quickly sets up the position, flipping vir
tual pieces at the sixty four squares like
playing cards on a blackjack table.
+ + l +
+P+ + +
P
L + +q
p
+ + + kp
+ + + +
+ + + rP
+ + N K
+ + + +
White to play
1. b8=Q Bd6 2. Qxd6 Rg2+ 3. Kxg2 Kh4+ 4.
Ng4!! Qxd6 5. Ne5!
If 5. ... Qxe5, then 6. Bd8+; if 5. ...
Qd2+, then 6. Bf2+ Kg5 7. Nf3+; if 5. ...
Qd5+, then 6. Nf3+.
Sam Shankland protests, “I heard that
in every study every piece has to have a
purpose. What is the purpose of the pawn
being on a6? Kasparov concedes that this
one may not be perfect the pawn could
perhaps be on a2 instead but that’s not
the point.
Sam is the most talkative of the crew,
always throwing out variations or crack
ing jokes. “Last time I had that many
extra pawns I was playing my grandma,”
he blurts out during one endgame, elic
iting giggles. He is tactically sharp with a
self confidence as impressive as his rat
ings history graph. Credit goes, in part,
to the KCF training.
“When someone improves,” Sam told
me later, “you can point to a whole bunch
of reasons and it’s very hard to single
one out as the reason, but I do know
that, for better or for worse, I went up
from a 2200 to 2450 FIDE IM in less
than a year, and [Kasparov] was in the
36
Chess Life — March 2009
middle of that. And I don’t think that
played a small part. It’s probably a bigger
part than working with my friends and
everything.” I wondered how working with
Kasparov compares to working with other
grandmasters. Sam indicates it’s a differ
ence of degree, not kind, but he definitely
sees a difference. “It’s always good to go
over games with strong players, and this
guy is the king of strong players.”
Oh yeah. This guy. The short hand
reminds me of another brash and affable
player, GM Loek van Wely, who’s been
known to refer to his opponents in a sim
ilar way. Sam elaborates: “One thing
about this guy is he’s a lot faster than any
other, and a lot better than any other. ...
I remember when I went over my game
[against] Alexander Ivanov with him, and
I saw this tactic that was maybe fifteen
moves deep that I was really proud of, and
it led to a better endgame for me. And it
took me about twenty to twenty five min
utes to figure it out and I got into time
trouble. [Kasparov] looked at the posi
tion and about ten seconds later he found
a problem with my variation, where Ivanov
could have proven an advantage. I put it
into Fritz, Fritz disagreed, and then when
I let it run about a minute, it agreed with
[Kasparov], and I was just like, ‘wow!’”
With the morning exercises out of the
way, they get to the meat of the session:
Analysis of the student’s games. Each par
ticipant was asked to bring four six recent
games to analyze with the entire class.
Daniel Ludwig is up to bat. He takes a seat
to Kasparov’s left and inputs the moves on
the laptop hooked up to the LCD wall
screen. Ludwig shows a game against GM
Leonid Kritz, an Alapin Sicilian, in which
Black plays ... b6 and ... Bb7. It reminds
Garry of a game he played with black
against Peter Svidler, the current Russian
champion, and he rattles off about ten
moves from that game on the computer.
Kasparov frequently goes off on tan
gents like this during the eight hour
session. The day is largely unstructured,
and Kasparov’s broad aim is to share his
vast experience with the kids. When I
later ask him about his pedagogical
approach, he is unequivocal. “I’m not a
teacher ... I learned a lot from Botvinnik,
and I think his method works because I’m
sharing my experience. I’m teaching them
how to understand the game of chess. I
mean some say, ‘oh, [the class is] very
short it doesn’t change anything’ no, it
does, because I remember when I was a
kid and I could hear an opinion of a per
son who represented a great authority
in the game of chess for me and for oth
ers. It doesn’t guarantee tremendous
progress, but it helps them, actually, with
their work, with their preparation,
because they know more about chess
wisdom than their competitors ... It helps
them to broaden their vision of the game.”
Daniel comes to a critical moment in his
game with Kritz. “Here he offered me a
draw, so i thought for a really long time
because I figured if a grandmaster is
offering me a draw with white, then there
must be some reason why I can’t take on
a1,” winning a pawn, he explains. “But
there is no reason, so I took.”
Fair enough, but Kasparov suggests, “a
more logical conclusion would be that
since he’s offering you a draw it means he
blundered the pawn!” Thus begins a run
ning joke throughout the day: Kasparov
is regularly critical of grandmasters who
offer draws in worse positions.
Daniel flips through his games to find
another one to analyze. “I don’t have many
games with white to show you because I
just switched to d4 a month ago.”
“Anand did the same!” Kasparov laughs.
Kasparov’s own knowledge of opening
theory during his playing career was
unparallelled, and although he no longer
keeps up with the latest theory, he was
pleased to answer any questions the stu
dents could throw at him. For instance,
from move one he says, “d4 always offers
you a variety of options. It doesn’t mean
that e4 is weak, but it’s no accident that
leading players are all moving to d4. With
e4 there are too many complex problems
that White has to solve.” In other words,
you’d rather deal with the Grunfeld than
with the Marshall, and confronting a solid
Queen’s Gambit is still more pleasant
than facing the Petroff.
Daniel finds a new game, against Marc
Esserman whom Ludwig says had been
sort of stalking him by following all his
games live on the Internet Chess Club and
using his blitz history to prepare for their
tournament match up. “But now we train
together,” he hastily adds, as though to
diffuse any suggestion of impropriety.
Playing through the opening, Daniel’s
position seems preferable, prompting Kas
parov to quip that Esserman’s “genius
preparation isn’t working.” “You should
send him more blitz games.” The kids
eat up this kind of snark from the champ,
a sort of ex post facto trash talking that
would be petty coming from mere mortals,
but not from their hero.
Daniel continues, “and here I didn’t
even consider taking the knight.”
Kasparov is amazed. “I wouldn’t even
consider any other move ... Clearly the
uschess.org
Garry Kasparov: “A more logical conclusion would be that since he’s offering you a draw it means he blundered the pawn!”
knight is better than the bishop. Black
has only one good piece. You have lots of
good pieces.” The observation provides a
clear difference between Kasparov and
other grandmasters, according to Daniel.
Kasparov is able to hone in on flaws in his
play, that he hopes to correct.
Sam and Daniel are friends. They have
roomed together at the U.S. Champi
onship and World Youth. They’re about
the same rating. In this room they’re like
chess crazed versions of Dumas’ Aramis
and Porthos, minus the wine, women and
song. “I think we’re both pretty good at this
game,” says Sam. “We both are not shy,
and we just like to contribute our varia
tions, and if it means they just get refuted,
then great, we realize what we did wrong.”
When the gang breaks for a pizza lunch
at one thirty, I expected they would all
want to have a walk, or get some fresh air,
and some do. But within a few minutes
of eating, and despite being mid way
through a day full of chess analysis, I
find Daniel and Ray Robson in the midst
of a blindfold game.
“This is kind of just something we do all
the time,” Daniel explains. “We went to the
World Youth together one time and we
traveled around before that, and we just
did nothing but blindfold chess. Even in
uschess.org
front of, like, the Parthenon and stuff we
were still too busy playing blindfold chess
to notice.” A tad obsessive, maybe? “No,
I mean it’s fun! Well, I never get to play
blindfold chess with anyone and Ray’s
the only one I know who plays it.”
From across the room, Sam catches
wind of the conversation and pipes up,
“Daniel, d4.”
“No! I’m already in a game!”
“Blindfold simul!” Sam shoots back,
jokingly.
Ray is skeptical, but Daniel says it’s not
too hard. “When you get to about five
boards that’s really hard, but two I think
is doable.”
“Well I play Rc1,” says Ray, preferring
to focus on the game at hand. Daniel is
busted, or so he says I, of course, have
no clue of the position.
Daniel echoes the general consensus
that this more exclusive training session
is much better than the only one he
attended before, in 2005. Back then the
larger group necessitated that each stu
dent bring only two games instead of four
to six. The smaller class size is a notice
able improvement, he says. “As close as
you can get to one on one the better.”
Daniel likes the group dynamic as well.
Although he has studied with experi
enced trainers Gregory Kaidanov and
Larry Christiansen, “when you’re working
with Kasparov, the brilliance is so obvi
ous and so apparent,” he has noticed.
“The ideas they just come so quickly and
so naturally. I think the biggest thing
about working with Kasparov is if there’s
some position that seems unclear to me,
he can immediately write it off as much
better or much worse or winning, and
that’s something I can’t do at this point.”
After lunch, the group tackles another
brief endgame study, to get the mind
moving again.
Mackenzie “Mac” Molner, the oldest
participant today, is generally silent. He
and the two young girls (Alisa Melekhina
and Anna Matlin) give the impression
that they are mainly waiting for their
turn to show Kasparov their games, and
are otherwise happy to passively listen.
When I ask Kasparov about this after
the session he insists that one thing he
learned from Botvinnik is the importance
of involving everyone in the discussion. It
is not ideal that some are just watching.
“I’m trying to encourage more participa
tion, but sometimes you have to fight
certain problems of the character.” Some
kids are bound to be the quiet type. And
yet the work should be very intense for
Chess Life — March 2009
37
Kasparov
“Last time I had that many
extra pawns I was
playing my grandma.”
each of them, including Kasparov himself,
he says. He wants the students to learn
not only from their own games, but also
from the games of their fellow classmates.
The conclusion of Mac’s win over GM
Julio Becerra, a tactical slugfest, gener
ates some camaraderie. Andrew Ng spots
the final flourish. “Rg7, ‘gg.’ Aww. Nice
Mac. Poor Becerra.” 1 Everyone is
impressed. “Next time, I think we should
make a note,” Sam chimes in. “Let’s just
go over Mac’s games ‘cause they’re the
most interesting.”
In the next game Anna Matlin tries to
get in a small suggestion, one of the few
times the group has heard from her. Sam
shoots it down at first, an unfortunate
inclination, but this time Daniel comes to
her aid. “Nf5, I like it.”
“Interesting,” Kasparov agrees. “Keep
ing the bishop alive.”
At this, a tiny hint of a satisfied smile
creeps onto Anna face. But almost imme
diately the boys move on. A moment later
Anna proffers a new idea. Again, it is ini
tially brushed off, but then Kasparov
warms up to it after all. Sam turns to
Anna and whispers, “he just said your
suggestion was right. I guess we should
listen to you more.” This time her smile
is unambiguous.
Sam can take criticism. “Once you wipe
the tears away, you’re stronger and you
have a better sense of the position,” he
says. “I know some people who are like, ‘oh
my god you said my move is bad,’ and they
go cry in a corner ... but you don’t get bet
ter by someone saying, ‘all your moves are
perfect,’ because, unless you win every
game, all your moves are not perfect.”
Not everyone is so thick skinned, but the
best learn how to recover and move on
from failure, and everyone needs a little
encouragement from time to time.
Today, Kasparov is satisfied. “You
know, I think it’s working nicely, because
in a small group, almost everyone partic
ipated. Even the girls, they had a few
questions and they had a few comments,
but of course when you have a couple of
strong players and they’re bright, they’re
quick, they’re trying to dominate, and
there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Ray is one of the youngest. His family
drove to New York from Florida, and this
is already his fourth KCF session, second
only to Andrew, who has attended all
five. The pair are the same age fourteen
and sit next to each other during the
38
Chess Life — March 2009
day, huddled around the same computer
screen, whispering variations. They are
not as aggressive as Sam and Daniel,
but nevertheless do not hesitate to jump
into the conversation when they think
they’ve found something noteworthy. Ray
in particular speaks up often, and often
seems to be just a little bit ahead of the
discussion, nearly keeping up with Kas
parov move for move.
When it’s his turn to show his games,
Ray picks a tough last round loss from
the Miami International. Kasparov is incred
ulous. “Did you need to win the last round?”
“No, I was a point ahead,” says Ray.
“You were a point ahead and you lost?
“Yeah.”
“With white?” He resets the pieces on
the monitor.
Kasparov’s criticism can be swift and
uncompromising. When Ray explains that
he feels he played too passively in the
middle game, he’s met with a slightly
sarcastic, “we can see that.” A few
moments later, Ray, moving the mouse,
indicates, “I went here,” provoking an
immediate and audible cringe from Kas
parov, who gasps and shakes his head. He
doesn’t have any words of encourage
ment after Ray’s loss. He just lets it go by
and moves on to the next game.
Sometimes I would expect Kasparov to
have some salient observation about a
given position, especially during a lull
around the table, when no one seems to
have a comment or even to understand
clearly what’s going on. Instead he is silent,
just subtly urging Ray to continue. I asked
him about this later, whether there was a
difference, or if it was just my imagination.
“[Ray] has huge potential,” said Kas
parov. “He plays, I would say, mature
chess, and it was a pleasure to watch
this very young kid showing the lines
and playing very high quality games. I
could have offered criticism, but I appre
ciated the fact that it was a very different
strength. He plays chess which already
could make him a GM. So that’s why I told
him, ‘don’t be too concerned about the
title. You will get it soon if you keep play
ing the same chess.’”
The next game from Ray goes somewhat
better. GM Renier Gonzalez offered Ray a
draw in a dead lost position, misbelieving
that there would be a perpetual check.
This precipitates uproarious laughter, as
yet another illustration of the weekend’s
inside joke. Grandmasters don’t like to
lose to young upstarts. Kasparov is amus
ingly dismissive of many grandmasters,
even top ten players, the way an ordinary
grandmaster might be with masters, or
the way a master is with a C player.
Ray’s last game for the day is from the
Essent Open, in North Holland, played on
Ray’s birthday, “but it didn’t work out” as
a celebration. In a sharp Richter Rauzer,
Kasparov advocates White dropping his
bishop back to e3 and pushing g2 g4
because Black’s bishop is misplaced on
d7 in an English Attack setup. The f6
knight has no retreat square.
He goes on to explain several other
strategic points in the game with GM
Abhijeet Gupta from India, plucking out
key moments with incredible speed. When
a line isn’t working, he is decisive as to
where to revert to find the right path. He
doesn’t like to admit defeat, but will occa
sionally reach a dead end and back up,
with a casual, “well, we tried.”
Only once, toward the end of the day,
when everyone was a little tired, does he
turn Fritz on to confirm the end of a tac
tical sequence. In this case Fritz confirms
a clever only move defense that Daniel
spotted.
In general, appeals to authority don’t
work on Kasparov, and he constantly
emphasizes the need to think for one
self. He doesn’t once refer to theory, or any
other authority other than his own assess
ment, analysis, and games. That’s not to
say he won’t refer to other games he
does but not to make them the final
arbiter of truth.
For instance, after the game analysis,
Kasparov opens the room for questions.
These are mostly centered around open
ing selection. Regarding 4. Ng5 in the
Two Knight’s Defense (a.k.a. The Fried
Liver Attack), Kasparov approves,
although he says it’s still not properly
analyzed, probably. Daniel is dubious.
“This is actually okay for Black, accord
ing to Informant,” he proclaims.
“Well, what about common sense?”
comes the immediate retort.
Sam asks, “do you think the Dragon is
better than its reputation?”
“Look many strong players are playing
it again, but I don’t think it’s an opening
I would rely on.”
As to why Radjabov has revived the
Kings Indian Defense, he remarks, “Rad
jabov must play complicated unbalanced
positions, because his level of under
standing of simple positions is not
sufficient to top level tournaments.”
Karjakin’s aptitude for opening innova
tions “still lags behind” the rest, but as for
Morozevich, “he finds something, every
second or third time.”
For more down to earth advice, he sug
gests that, with the caveat that each
player is different, you can exclude cer
uschess.org
Anna Matlin (left) and Alisa Melekhina (right), two top scholastic players taking the opportunity to pick Kasparov’s brain.
tain lines. “There are dead openings, like,
you know, the Benoni.” Everyone laughs.
“What would you recommend instead of
the Benoni?” asks Andrew.
“Anything!” Kasparov says.
Meanwhile the Marshall attack, “statis
tically, is like a dead end.” Another top
level game, another draw, and “White
has nothing.” Therefore, the anti Mar
shall is the way to go. “I would
recommend to avoid it. That’s why they
play [d2 ]d3, and these kind of maneuvers
... that’s why they play [d2 ]d3 at move 5
or 6 even.” I begin to notice that Kas
parov even speaks very fast.
It’s after 6:00 now, well past dark. One
last study before they adjourn for 2008.
+
+n+ +
+ + K +
+ N + P
+ + + k
+ + +P+
+ +R+ +
+p+ + L
+ + +r+
White to play
uschess.org
The main defensive idea is for the black
rook to get to either the h file or eighth rank
(and apparently there is no way to stop it).
Kasparov is disappointed as he concludes
that this is another Pervakov problem that
will need to be be added to the “refuted” list.
(A few days later the students receive an
e mail containing the winning line. They
had all missed the key.)2
The KCF has a difficult task, which
Kasparov fully understands. “The chess
world has been stagnating for a while. It
offers few options for talented kids, so
unless you are top ten, you will not make
a decent living, so everyone is looking for
a better job and for a better future.”
He argues that more attention will be
needed from private sponsors, or state
and local authorities. “Unfortunately, in
the United States, difficult time now in the
economy we see the talented kids reach
ing a certain point and then being forced
to make a tough choice for their career,
and they move out.”
He hopes a few of the talented kids
here will continue. “First you have to build
the structure to find the talent, to encour
age kids to play chess. So that’s what we
have been doing here, and doing quite
successfully. The next problem is how to
make sure this talent stays in the game of
chess, but that’s beyond our task.”
All the students show talent and deter
mination, and have the potential to move
onto the professional level, if they stick
with chess. If today is any indication, it’s
hard to imagine we won’t see some of
them competing on the U.S. Olympiad
team in a decade.
It’s the shortest day of the year, but for
these kids, not nearly long enough.
1. Andrew uses the Internet chess
abbreviation for “good game.”
.
2. 1. h7 Re1+ 2. Ne4+!! (the move they
missed!) 2. ... Rxe4+ 3. Kd8 (and
Black cannot now play 3. ... Rh1!) 3.
... Nd6 4. Bxd6 (4. Rxd6? Ra4) 4. ...
Re8+ 5. Kxe8 c1=Q 6. Be7+ Kg6 7.
h8=Q etc.
The KCF was the main sponsor of the U.S.
Olympiad teams (see February Chess Life).
For more information, including how
to order their curriculum guide, see
kasparovchessfoundation.org.
Previous KCF class articles in Chess Life
can be found in the September 2006 and
August 2008 issues.
Chess Life — March 2009
39
Correspondence Chess
Absolutely New and Improved
An experienced, strong group—all of them used to winning—“gathered” on a
webserver to contest the 2007 Absolute. They then finished the 2006 Absolute.
By FM Alex Dunne
On August 10, 2007, 13 of the USA’s
strongest correspondence players began
a battle for supremacy not by postcard,
not by e mail, but by webserver. For
those of you unfamiliar with correspon
dence chess (CC) by webserver, it is
almost exactly like playing against an
opponent over the board (OTB) chess on
a computer screen except instead of min
utes to make a move, you have days (fifty
days to make 10 moves in this tourna
ment), and you may consult books (but
not generate moves using a computer).
The chess is generally of very high qual
ity and free of those blunders caused by
nerves, time pressure, and carelessness.
The thirteen warriors are names easily
recognized by CC fans and are becoming
better known to OTB fans as well. In
alphabetical order they are SIM Wesley
(Ted) Brandhorst, also first in rating order
(2482). Ted won the Absolute event in
2002, shared it in 2003, finished second
in 2004, and will tie for third in the 2005.
During those four years he lost only two
games against the best of the best. Ted
also won the prestigious X North Ameri
can Invitational.
Walter Brower (2384) has future tri
umphs ahead of him. At this writing he
leads the 2006 Absolute. You might won
der why the 2007 Absolute finished ahead
of the 2005 and 2006 events. The main
reason is the use of a webserver. Faster
even than e mail, no bookkeeping, no
recording errors, the webserver (coming
soon to a USCF near you) is changing the
nature of correspondence chess.
Lawrence Coplin (2401) tied for third
place in the 2004 Absolute. SIM Edward
Duliba (2452) is the only player to accom
plish the grand slam of correspondence
chess a first place tie in the 1992 Golden
Knights and the 1998 Absolute and first
in the 15th United States Correspon
40
Chess Life — March 2009
dence Chess Championship. Gino Figlio
(2434) has finished tied for third in the
1999 Golden Knights championship and
has been active in ICCF leadership.
William Gray (2365) tied for third in the
2005 Absolute. Robert Keating (2382)
has won back to back Golden Knights
tournaments in 1995 and 1996. IM Kristo
Miettinen (2364) is one of the most expe
rienced of the present Absolute players,
having appeared in 1992, 2000, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and now 2007
Absolutes. Ciaran O’Hare (2405), USCF
member and a native of Ireland, is appear
ing in his fifth Absolute.
Mark Robledo, Sr. (2336) is the new
comer to the group, relatively untested in
top flight play, but sporting a hefty rating
gained mostly in scrappy Golden Knights
play. IM Keith Rodriguez (2384) tied for
first in the recently finished 2005
Absolute. IM Leonard (Corky) Schakel
(2329), the new leader of ICCF/US, has
shown his strength in winning the 1998
Golden Knights (third in 1992) finishing
tied for first in the 2003 Absolute and
clear first in the 2004. Abe Wilson (2377)
is the winner of the 2000 Golden Knights.
The tournament began as most
Absolutes do with a few scattered draws
followed by the first decisive result, a win
by Brower over Keating when Keating’s
kingside attack failed to materialize in a
King’s Indian Defense. But then came
the first shocker less than two months
into the event, Abe Wilson defeated Ted
Brandhorst. Brandhorst had lost only
three times before this in the last six(!)
Absolutes stretching back to 2001 and
over 79 games.
Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense (C67)
Abe Wilson (2377)
Wesley Brandhorst (2482)
2007 Absolute
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. 0-0 Nxe4 5.
d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+
Kxd8
Both players have had experience with
this line before. Wilson Jacobs, 2006
Absolute, continued 9. Nc3 Be6 10. Ng5
Ke7 11. f4 Bc4 12. Rf2 Ke8 13. b3 Bd5
later drawn and Everitt Brandhorst, 2005
Absolute with 9. Nc3 Ke8 10. h3 Be7 11.
Rd1 Be6 and drawn on move 19.
9. Nc3 Ne7 10. h3 h6 11. Be3 Ke8 12. Rad1
Nf5
This is Brandhorst’s theoretical novelty
deviating from Palac Hracek, 2006
Olympiad.
13. Bc1 Be6 14. g4 Ne7 15. Nd4 Bd7 16. f4
Nd5 17. Ne4 Rd8 18. f5 c5
+ rk
l r
pp
pl+p
p
+ + + p
+ pn
PP+
+ NN+P+
+ + + +P
P
PP+ + +
+ LR+R
K
After 18. ... c5
19. c4 cxd4 20. cxd5 Bb5 21. Rxd4 c5?
Black had to play 21. ... Bxf1 and
accept a slightly inferior game.
22. Rdd1 Bc4 23. d6 Bxf1 24. Kxf1 b6 25.
Kg2, Black resigned.
Not long after Brandhorst’s loss, the
other man who had been winning
Absolutes lately fell as Schakel dropped
a full point to Edward Duliba.
uschess.org
Classical Dutch,
Classical Stonewall (A93)
Edward Duliba (2452)
Corky Schakel (2329)
2007 Absolute
1. d4 e6 2. c4 f5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3
0-0 6. 0-0 d5 7. b3 Bd7
A strategic idea that doesn’t quite pan
out in this game. Schakel immediately
plays to activate the problem Stonewall
bishop with the plan ... Bd7 e8 h5 but it
never reaches its assigned destination.
8. Nc3 Ne4 9. Bb2 Be8 10. Ne5 Nxc3
With the investment of two bishop
moves to move the bishop from c8 to e8,
Black has to avoid trying to establish as
Stonewall by 10. ... c6 as 11. Nxe4 fxe4
12. f3 opens up the game favorably for
White.
11. Bxc3 c6 12. Qd2 Nd7 13. Ba5 Qb8 14.
Nd3
White repositions this knight, avoid
ing its exchange for the more passive
black knight.
14. ... dxc4 15. bxc4 e5 16. Bb4 Bxb4 17.
Qxb4 e4
Black has a difficult game after 17. ...
exd4 18. Rab1 Rf7 19. Qxb7 Qxb7 20.
Rxb7 Nb6 21. Rxf7 Bxf7 22. c5 Nd5 23.
Ne5, but that might have been better .
18. Nf4 c5 19. dxc5 Qc8 20. Rad1 Nxc5 21. f3
White’s better development allows him
to open up the position favorably.
21. ... exf3 22. Rxf3 Ba4 23. Rd5 b6 24. Re3
Rb8 25. Re7, Black resigned.
rq+ rk+
p + R pp
p + + +
+ nR+p+
l
QP+ N +
+ + + P
P+ +P+L
P
+ + + K
Final position
Duliba thought that Schakel’s resig
nation was slightly premature, but then
Duliba has the enjoyable side of this posi
tion. Black’s scattered pieces offer little
hope for survival.
In January, the Absolute lost six time
veteran William Gray, Jr. who died at the
Walter Reed Hospital. His final score of
1½ 10½ is hardly representative of his
true strength. Excluding points lost by his
death, Gray’s overall Absolute total was
a robust 27 22.
uschess.org
After the initial skirmishes it became
clear that this year it would be a two man
race between Edward Duliba and Gino
Figlio (though both men had to surpass
Lawrence Coplin, who finished 8 4, and
Kristo Miettinen, who had a late surge to
attain the same score). One of the other
contestants described the race as the
“standard ICCF move” starting slow to
see who were the fish and who the com
petitors, and to establish exactly how
high a score would be needed ...”
Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation
(Poisoned Pawn) (B97)
Lawrence Coplin (2401)
Gino Figlio (2434)
2007 Absolute
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Qb6 8. Nb3 Be7 9. Qf3
Nbd7 10. 0-0-0 Qc7 11. Bd3 b5 12. a3 Rb8
13. Bh4
This remarkable move apparently has
a copyright by Coplin. The idea is a king
side pawn storm by g2 g4 g5 without
being impeded by the g5 bishop. It cer
tainly seems worth trying again.
13. ... b4 14. axb4 Rxb4 15. Rhe1 Bb7 16.
Qh3 h6 17. Kb1 Ba8 18. Na2 Rb6 19. Nc3
White offers to smoke a peace pipe,
but Black wants some adventures.
19. ... Qb8 20. Bf2 Rb4 21. g4 0-0
Into the teeth of the attack! What hap
pens next shows combinative CC at its
finest. Almost every move for both sides
from now to move 35 deserves an excla
mation point.
22. g5 hxg5 23. fxg5 Nh7 24. Nd5 exd5 25.
exd5 Nxg5 26. Qxd7 Bf6 27. Ba7 Qd8 28.
Qxd8 Rxd8 29. Bxa6 Ra4 30. Bb6 Rb8 31.
Bd3 Bxd5 32. Bf5 Be6 33. Bxe6 Nxe6 34. Bf2
Be5 35. Bg3 f6 36. Bxe5 dxe5
After the whirlwind an endgame is
reached of about even chances, as long as
White plays actively.
37. Rd6 Ng5 38. Nc5 Rh4 39. Re2 Rb5 40.
Ne6 Ne4 41. Rc6 Kf7 42. b3 g5 43. Kc1 Rb8
44. Kb2 Re8 45. Nc7 Rd8 46. b4 Nd2 47. Ne6
Rd5 48. Nc7 Rd7 49. Na6 Rd6 50. Rxd6 Nc4+
51. Kb3 Nxd6 52. Nc7 Nc4 53. c3 Ke7 54. Ra2
f5 55. Na6 Kd6 56. b5
+
+ + +
+ +n+ +
N+ k + +
+P+ p p
+P+ p
r
+K+ + +
+ + R
P
+ + + +
After 58. ... Nd7
Coplin finally hits an iceberg and his
game sinks. Even with 59. Rd2+ Coplin
loses 59. ... Ke7 60. c5 e4 61. b6 e3 62.
Rxd7+ Kxd7 63. b7 Rh8 64. Kc3 f3 65.
Kd3 f2 66. Ke2 Rf8!. Had Coplin drawn
the game, he would have finished second
(instead of tied for third) and Figlio would
have dropped to a tie for third. Likely
Coplin was playing this dangerous posi
tion for a win to give him a chance to tie
for first.
59. ... Nc5+ 60. Kb4 Nxa6+ 61. bxa6 f3 62. a7
Rh8 63. Ra2
Expecting 63. ... Ra8 64. Ra6+ Ke7 65.
Kc3 f2 66. Ra1 which would only leave
Black with a small edge.
63. ... e4, White resigned.
The rook cannot battle against the con
nected pawns. The end could be 64. Kc3
e3 65. Kd3 e2 66. Kd2 Re8! 67. Ke1 f2+
and Black wins.
Third place finisher ICCM Kristo Miet
tinen works as a civil affairs officer who
manages the effect of civilians on U.S.
combat operations. Kristo is currently
the playing team captain of the Sixth
North Atlantic Team Tournament.
Miettinen, Kristo’s study of combat sit
uations surely must have helped in this
ferocious struggle against Ciaran O’Hare.
Sicilian Defense, Sveshnikov
Variation (B33)
Kristo Miettinen (2364)
Ciaran O’Hare (2405)
2007 Absolute
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 Nb8
9. Qf3 a6 10. Qa3 Be7 11. Bg5 f6
White cannot let his pawns be suc
cessfully blockaded if he hopes to hold the
game.
Black cannot profit by 11. ... Bxg5 12.
Nxd6+ Kd7 13. Nxf7 when White should
win.
56. ... Nb6 57. Rf2 f4 58. c4 Nd7
12. Be3 0-0 13. 0-0-0 Bf5 14. Nc3 Nd7 15. f3
b5 16. h4 Qb8 17. Ne4 Nb6 18. g4 Bd7 19.
Ng3
(see diagram top of next column)
59. Rc2?
After conducting a titanic struggle,
A hard move to find, retreating instead
of attacking, but White must prevent
Black from counterattacking in the cen
Chess Life — March 2009
41
Correspondence Chess
ter. After 19. h5 f5! Black generates coun
terplay.
19. ... Rc8 20. Qd3 b4
Weakening his grip on c4, Black is plan
ning to exchange light squared bishops,
but that maneuver will also weaken f5.
21. Qe4 Bb5 22. g5 Bxf1
r
qr+ +k+
+ + l pp
p
n p p +
+ +P
p P
p +Q+ P
+ + LP
N
P
PP+ + +
+ KR+l+R
After 22. ... Bxf1
23. Nf5!
A solid zwischenzug that strengthens
White’s attack.
23. ... Bf8 24. Rhxf1 Nd7 25. Nh6+ Kh8
Accepting the sacrifice fails to 25. ...
gxh6 26. gxh6 Qc7 27. Rg1+ Kh8 28.
Rd2 Nb6 29. Rdg2 Qf7 30. Qg4 Bxh6 31.
Bxh6 Rg8 32. Bg7+.
26. Nf7+ Kg8 27. g6 hxg6
Keeping the position closed must fail in
the long run 27. ... h6 28. Qg4 Qc7 29.
Rf2 Re8 30. Bxh6 gxh6 31. g7 Kxf7 32.
g8=Q+.
28. Qxg6 b3 29. Nh6+ Kh8 30. Qf7 Be7 31.
Rg1, Black resigned.
2006 Absolute:
Goodbye to e-mail
The 2006 Absolute finished two months
after the 2007 Absolute. Once again the
reason was the changing technology that
has been remodeling correspondence
chess. The 2007 Absolute was the first to
be played by webserver; the 2006 was
the last to be played by e mail. There
was still plenty of time for the 2006 par
ticipants to follow Italian champion Mario
Napolitano’s definition of CC play: “Cor
respondence chess is not a school for
technique or an academy for virtuosity, it
is a discipline of deep thought, of
research, of tenacity. There is no place for
the easy and convenient draw by agree
ment, but there is always the torment of
the search for the best.” That is the phi
losophy, but of the 78 games played, 44
were draws, 56% of the total. Still, that
42
Chess Life — March 2009
brings in a healthy 44% decisive games
played. The lowest rated player at the
start, Laurence Anderson, summed it up,
“I keep being surprised how quickly these
strong players offer a draw.” Nevertheless,
something has to be said for the cau
tious strategy the co winners were
undefeated and the top six finishers lost
a total of three games.
That being said, the co winners of the
2006 Absolute Championship reached
their goal by winning four games and
drawing eight. Walter Brower of Hopewell,
New Jersey improved on his tie for third
in the 2005 Absolute by climbing to the
top, but the trip was not always smooth.
Vienna Game (C27)
Joe Shipman (2283)
Walter Brower (2390)
2006 Absolute
Of the “regulars” in the Absolute cham
pionships, Joseph Shipman is an anomaly.
He is a throwback to a pre Steinitz time,
the 1850s, where macho men offered and
accepted gambits. One of his main weapon
is the Morra Gambit and this “primitive,
pre scientific” approach to the game has
taken many scalps over the years. He is a
dangerous opponent and draws are rare
visitors to his games.
1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Bc4 Bc5
Walter sidesteps the aptly named
Frankenstein Dracula Variation of the
Vienna with 3. ... Nxe4 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Bb3
Nc6 6. Nb5 g6 7. Qf3 where Shipman
would have been right at home.
4. f4 d6 5. d3 0-0 6. f5
Shipman announces his intention a
kingside attack based on a pawn storm.
Not many players could withstand the
following storm.
6. ... c6 7. Qf3 b5 8. Bb3 a5 9. a3 Bb6!?
I was puzzled by this move when I first
saw it. I remain puzzled by it now. The
punctuation mark is for the eventual suc
cess Black achieves with it.
10. g4 Na6
White’s attack looks fierce here
Black’s queenside pieces don’t look like
they can help their king any.
r+l
q r
k+
+ +n+p
p
n
lp+ +P+
pp+N
p +
+ +P+ +
PL+P+Q+
PP+ + P
R L K NR
After 14. Nxd5
Strong
Bxa8.
but bankers might prefer 16.
16. ... Ra7 17. Ne2
Shipman has played with great verve,
but now he misses his last chance to
cash in by 17. gxf7+ Raxf7 with a small
plus. Instead he wants to checkmate his
opponent, but now it becomes Brower’s
turn to show some attacking prowess.
17. ... Be6! 18. Bxe6 fxe6 19. Bxf6 Qxf6 20.
Qh5 Qf2+ 21. Kd1 Rf6 22. Qxe5
Material is even but the white king is
now the one under fire. It is now Brower’s
turn to eschew material gain. What hap
pens next is both brutal and beautiful.
22. ... Qf3 23. Re1 Bf2 24. Qxb5 Nc5! 25.
Qb8+ Rf8 26. Qxa7 Nxd3! 27. Qe7 Qe3 28.
Qxe6+ Kh8 29. c3 Bxe1
Black takes the rook en route to check
mating the white king. This time
Romanticism failed.
30. Kc2 Qxe2+ 31. Kb3 Qxb2+ 32. Kc4
Qxc3+ 33. Kb5 Qc5+ 34. Ka4 Nb2+ 35. Kb3
Qc3+ 36. Ka2 Nc4 37. Qh3+ Qxh3, White
resigned.
Laurence Anderson of Foristell, Mis
souri finished tied for first, but not
without a little luck (the good players are
always lucky). His undefeated record may
indicate that we will hear much more
about him in the future, especially if he
plays like he did in the following game:
Symmetrical English (A34)
Eric Fischvogt (2316)
Laurence Anderson (2231)
2006 Absolute
11. g5 Nd7 12. g6 hxg6 13. fxg6 d5 14. Nxd5!?
(see diagram top of next column)
I am an admirer of Shipman’s chutz
pah. He will attack anybody on the
chessboard at any time. But here most
masters would be content with a material
reward with 14. exd5 Ndc5 15. Ba2 fxg6
16. dxc6+ with a plus to White.
14. ... cxd5 15. Bxd5 Nf6 16. Bg5
1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5.
Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg2 Nc7 7. b3 e5 8. Bb2 Be7 9.
Rc1 Ne6 10. 0-0 0-0
The strategic battle lines have been
joined. Black occupies the center with
pawns and pieces, claiming the territory
for himself. White keeps his central pawn
majority back, a potential occupying force,
and fianchettoes his bishops to strike at
the center at a distance, intending to
uschess.org
gradually take over the center at a later
time.
11. Ne1 f5 12. f4!?
This corresponds to White’s plan to
attack Black’s center pawn structure,
but it has a drawback of weakening the
pawn support of White’s own center.
12. ... exf4 13. gxf4 Bf6 14. e3 Bd7 15. Qe2 a6
16. Kh1?!
White intends a possible Rg1 with some
kingside play but he overlooks a tactical
shot that gives Black strong piece activ
ity in the center.
16. ... Nb4 17. a3 Na2!
r+ q rk+
+p+l+ pp
p+ +n
l +
+ p +p+
+ + P +
PP
N P +
n
L PQ+L
P
+ R NR+K
29. Qf2 Ng5 30. Rde1 Rf4 31. e6 Nxe4 32.
Rxe4!?
Eric Fischvogt is no stranger to
Absolute events, scoring a plus score this
year and an even score in 2004. He knows
his only chance is to sacrifice the
Exchange to reinvigorate his central
pawns, capture f3, and put some fire in
his attack against the black king, but it
is not enough.
32. ... Rxe4 33. Qg3 Qg6 34. Qxf3 h5 35. b5
Failing to hold is 35. Qf7+ Kh7! 36.
Qxg6+ Kxg6 37. Rg1+ Kf5! 38. Rf1+ Kg4
and the center pawns fall.
35. ... Kh7 36. bxa6 bxa6 37. Rd1 Rg4 38. e7
Rb8 39. Bb4 c3 40. d6
Naturally 40. Bxc3 fails to 40. ... Rb1.
40. ... c2, White resigned.
The last trick is 41. Rc1 Rbxb4! 42.
axb4 Qg5 43. Qxg4 Qxc1+ 44. Kg2 Qd2+
45. Kg3 Qe1+ and Black wins.
20. ... Bxe5 21. fxe5 Nxc3 22. Bxc3 Bb5 23.
d3 Bc6
Thirty years ago in 1976 the First
Absolute Championship was held. A
young man named Robert Jacobs won
that event with an undefeated 8 4 score.
Robert has played, successfully, in six
Absolutes. Thirty years later he is still
playing well. In the following game he
defeats one of the most dominant figures
in recent Absolute play, depriving Ted
Brandhorst of the opportunity to at least
tie for first.
There is absolutely no truth to the
rumor that Jacobs is a magician who
scatters his pieces randomly across the
board, utters an incantation, and, mag
ically, his pieces coordinate into a deadly
attacking unit capable of felling the
biggest giant. And yet ...
24. b4 Bxg2+ 25. Qxg2 f4!
Sicilian Defense,
Grand Prix Attack (B21)
Robert Jacobs (2414)
Wesley Brandhorst (2444)
2006 Absolute
After 17. ... Na2
Black’s knight, that was commanding
few good squares, finds the opportunity
to exchange itself for White’s superior
knight on c3.
18. Rd1 Qe8 19. Nd3 Rd8 20. Ne5
It is easy to condemn this move as
White’s central pawn structure will be
weakened after the following trade but it
is not so easy to suggest a better plan.
The result of Black’s maneuver ... Nb4
a2xc3 is that White’s center has been
compromised, he is stuck with the worse
bishop, and White’s passed e5 pawn is
securely blockaded: plus to Black.
And now White will have to further
worry about the safety of his king.
26. e4 c4!
Anderson may have been the lowest
rated player at the start of this event,
but he plays like one of the strongest.
White can’t allow the doubled isolated e
pawns. Nevertheless, this had to be
carefully calculated.
27. d4 Qh5 28. d5 f3!
Here is the kicker that Black had
planned on when he played 25. ... f4!
White’s keystone to his pawns, the e4
square, falls.
uschess.org
1. e4 c5 2. f4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Be2 Nc6
Jacobs has tried this line before against
strong opposition. The game Jacobs
Coplin, 2002 Absolute continued 5. d3
Nh6 6. 0 0 d5 7. Qe1 0 0 8. c3 d4 when
Black weathered Jacobs’ attack and a
draw was reached by move 45.
5. 0-0 d6 6. d3 e6 7. Qe1 Nge7 8. Kh1
The king is tucked into the corner for
two reasons here. The first is to avoid
any surprises on the g1 a7 diagonal. The
second is White plans a kingside pawn
storm when the g file may become open
and White would like a white rook or two
on that file.
8. ... 0-0 9. Qh4
This transfer of the queen to the king
side is standard fare in both the Dutch
and Sicilian.
9. ... d5 10. c3 b6 11. Na3 Ba6 12. Rf2 b5
Black has neutralized White’s attack
with center play and some queenside
activity.
13. Nc2 b4?!
r+ q r
k+
p + np
lp
l+n+p+p+
+ pp+ +
p +P
P Q
+ PP+N+
P
PN+L
RP
P
R L + +K
After 13. ... b4
This misstep is the beginning of Black’s
slide instead of opening up the queen
side to Black activity, it leads to its
closing.
14. c4! dxe4
And now the center grows a bit whiter.
15. dxe4 Re8 16. Be3 Qa5 17. g4!
With more than half of Black’s forces
bivouacking on the queenside, White ini
tiates a deadly raid on the kingside.
17. ... Rad8 18. f5 exf5 19. gxf5 f6
Perhaps Brandhorst relied on 19. ...
gxf5 here, but then White breaks through
with 20. Ng5 h6 21. Nxf7! which leads to
a winning attack 21. ... Kxf7 22. Bh5+
Kg8 23. Rg1 Ne5 24. Bxh6 N7g6 25. Bxg6
Nxg6 26. Rxg6 Rd1+ 27. Kg2 Rd7 28.
Bxg7 Rxg7 29. Rxg7+ Kxg7 30. Qg5+ Kf7
31. Rxf5+ and White is winning.
20. Bh6 Bh8 21. Rg2 Bb7 22. Rag1 Rd7 23.
Ne3, Black resigned.
Amazing. The white pieces just
swarm up the board and the black
king is hopelessly outnumbered.
Brandhorst resigns here as there is
no reasonable defense 23. ... Nd4 24.
fxg6 Nxg6 25. Qh5 Bg7 26. Rxg6! hxg6
27. Qxg6 Ree7 28. Ng4 and there is no
hope for Black. Jacobs is proof that these
eighty year old fellows can play with
youthful vigor.
.
Read more correspondence chess
news in Alex Dunne’s monthly column,
“Check is in the Mail,” online at
uschess.org. Click on “Activities and
Interests” in the left margin then click
on “Correspondence Chess.”
Chess Life — March 2009
43
Back to Basics
Learning From Losses
Capablanca once said that we learn most from our lost games. Capa’s own most
famous loss happened in a game against Emanuel Lasker (Petersburg, 1914), in a
line with a deserved drawish reputation.
By GM Lev Alburt
Most of my correspondents submit their
won games; however draws, or even
losses, can be instructive, for both the
writer and for future readers. The winner
of this month’s award, Paul Serrano,
writes:
Here is a submission for your Chess Life
column, different from most, perhaps, in
that the author lost. But we learn more
from losses than from wins. In this case,
it’s the endgame prospects of two pieces
against a rook.
As usual, Lev’s comments are in italics.
Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation (C68)
William Franklin (1521)
Paul Serrano (1636)
Arlington Ladder, 2008
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5.
d4
Not a bad choice for those who love end
ings and hate theory! Today, Fischer’s 5.
0 0 is more common and more ambitious
but to play it, some deeper opening
knowledge is required.
I don’t see the 5. d4 variation much. It’s
an old idea, trading center pawns and
queens with the intention of moving
quickly to a superior endgame.
5. ... exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4
r+l+klnr
+pp +ppp
p+p+ + +
+ + + +
+ NP+ +
+ + + +
PPP+ PPP
RNL K +R
After 7. Nxd4
IM Bill Hartston’s manual (The Pen
guin Book Of Chess Openings) gives 7. ...
Bd7, followed by ... 0 0 0 and perhaps a
44
Chess Life — March 2009
fianchetto of the dark square bishop. The
bishop pair makes up for the doubled
pawns. But I couldn’t remember that
now. I’m on my own.
Garry Kasparov agrees with Hartston:
“Simpler is 7. ... Bd7 and ... 0 0 0 with a
quite comfortable game.” Also good was 7.
... Bd6, as “Capa” played against Lasker.
7. ... Bc5 8. c3 Ne7 9. Bf4 Bd6
When I get in an opening which isn’t
sharp, I relax, perhaps too much. The
bishop comes back sheepishly. But if I
had recognized how important it is for
Black to avoid trading bishops, I would
have looked at 9. ... Bb6.
I don’t like 9. ... Bb6 that much; e.g., 10.
a4 or 10. Nd2, followed by Nc4. I think 9.
... Bd6 is at least as good. After all, Black
undoubles his pawn while capturing
toward the center.
10. Bxd6 cxd6 11. c4 Ng6 12. g3
Hard to imagine what White was think
ing of here. It prevents the entry of the
knight on f4, only to create a hole on f3.
12. ... Ne5 13. b3 Bg4 14. Nd2 Nd3+ 15. Kf1
r+ +k+ r
+p+ +ppp
p+pp + +
+ + + +
+PNP+l+
+P+n+ P
P+ N P P
R + +K+R
After 15. Kf1
I couldn’t resist the opportunity to pre
vent White from castling and to bottle
up the king rook.
15. ... 0-0-0
The plan now is to clear away the cen
ter pawns and open files. White’s knights
line up on the d file to make a target.
16. Kg2?
White ignores (or misses) the threat.
Pushing the black bishop away would
have been better.
16. ... d5 17. exd5 cxd5 18. cxd5 Rxd5 19.
N2f3
Now Black has a substantial initiative.
How to convert it into something tangible?
I figure getting two pieces for a rook will
be winning.
19. ... Rhd8 20. h3 Bh5 21. Nc2
+kr + +
+p+ +ppp
p+ + + +
+ +r+ +l
+ + + +
+P+n+NPP
P+N+ PK+
R + + +R
After 21. Nc2
White avoids losses by 21. g4 Bg6 22.
Ne2, but his position remains difficult.
21. ... Bg6
I won’t claim that I saw the opportunity
to win White’s f pawn with 21. ... Bxf3+
22. Kxf3 Rf5+. But the consequences of
23. Ke3 Nxf2 24. Rhf1 with the rook
unprotected are too hard to contemplate.
The crucial moment. If only Paul could
clearly visualize the position after 24. Rhf1
(his line) he’d have found 24. ... Re8+,
with a now clear (and perhaps decisive)
black advantage. But even simpler to cal
culate, 22. ... Nxf2 (instead of 22. ... Rf5+
in Paul’s note) 23. Kxf2 Rd2+ leaves Black
with an extra pawn and better pieces a
likely win.
22. Ne3 R5d7
22. ... R5d6!?
L.A.
23. Kf1 Be4 24. Ke2 f5
uschess.org
White is tied up. I want to move ... f5
f4 and trade pawns.
25. Rhd1 f4 26. Ng5 Bg6 27. Ne6
I hadn’t foreseen how White would
squirm out, but I figured I’m still getting
two pieces for the rook.
27. ... fxe3 28. Nxd8
+kN + +
+p+r+ pp
p+ + +l+
+ + + +
+ + + +
+P+np PP
P+ +KP +
R +R+ +
After 28. Nxd8
28. ... Kxd8
An in between move, 28. ... exf2, allows
Black to get a material advantage, albeit
after 29. Ne6! Re7 30. Rxd3 the emerging
rook ending is most likely drawish.
29. fxe3
Now White has an extra pawn, but I fig
ured I can blockade and win (if only it was
so easy).
29. ... Be4 30. Rd2 Ne5
The trade of rooks is inevitable, even as
it favors White.
Good observation on both counts.
31. Rxd7+ Kxd7 32. Rc1
32. ... g5 33. b4 b6
With their 33rd moves, both sides, for no
good reason, create weaknesses for them
selves. Black, for instance, should have
played 33. ... Bg2, in order to create for
White a weak pawn on h4 (after 34. h4
gxh4 35. gxh4 Bf3+!.) while 33. ... b6
weakened both the b pawn and the a
pawn. On the other hand, 33. b4
weakened White’s queenside.
34. Rd1+ Ke7 35. Rc1 Bd3+ 36. Kd2 Bc4 37.
a3 Kd6
+ + + +
+ + + +p
pp k + +
+ + n p
Pl+ + +
P + P PP
+ K + +
+ R + +
A mistake in a difficult position.
After 32. Rc1
Only after I looked at a database did I
realize that R+P beats B+N more often
than it loses. I might have set up a defen
sive position with h5 and g6, but at this
point I still thought I could penetrate.
I still believe that, on average, R+P as
in the diagram is, at best, equal to B+N,
and indeed not as good if we exclude eas
ily recognizable positions where the
rook side has a dangerous passer or even
two. Indeed, Black is better here but, with
good play, White is likely to draw.
uschess.org
+ +
R + +n+
+ + k +
+p+ + +p
Pl+PKpP
P + + P
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 48. ... Nf7
+
+
L.A.
38. ... b5
I wanted to avoid making my bishop’s
position too rigid, but I thought being
able to block the c file would be an advan
tage. I forgot about defending the a pawn.
Instead of this move, which weakens
both the a6 pawn and the c5 square, Black
gets a real edge with 38. ... Be6!, threat
ening both 39. ... Bxh3 and 39. ... Nc4.
39. Rd1+ Kc7
+ + + +
+p+k+ pp
p+ + + +
+ + n +
+ +l+ +
+P+ P PP
P+ +K+ +
+ R + +
+
49. ... bxa4 50. Rxa4 Ne5 51. Ke3
After 37. ... Kd6
38. Kc3
+
Better is 39. ... Ke7 40. Kd4 Nd7, and
Black holds.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + k +
+ + n +p
RPl+P+pP
+ + K P
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 51. Ke3
Last chance to draw? 51. ... Nc6 would
win the outside pawn.
Not enough to force a draw easily: 52.
Ra1, ready to meet 52. ... Nxb4 with 53.
Ra4, enough to create some problems.
51. ... Ke6 52. Ra5 Bf1, Black resigned.
And the score ends, with Black in time
trouble, resigning when promotion
becomes imminent.
A very instructive ending, showing prob
lems, and opportunities on both sides of the
R+P vs. B+N equilibrium.
.
40. Kd4 Kd6 41. h4
I think now that trading pawns makes
these positions more drawish.
Of course! A rule of thumb: in a worse
ending, trade pawns. Besides, his h pawn
will be very vulnerable.
41. ... g4 42. Ke4+ Ke6 43. Rd8
With the rook having penetrated, Black
is toast. White will get the a pawn and a
passer on the queenside.
Even if Black is lost, this is not a time to
mentally give up. Stay alert and watch
for your chance an opponent isn’t that
perfect, either, and can err.
43. ... Ke7 44. Ra8 Nf7 45. Rxa6 h5 46. Kf4
Nd6 47. Ra7+ Kf6 48. e4 Nf7
(see diagram top of next column)
49. a4
Stronger was 49. Ra6+ Ke7 50. e5 (If
49. ... Be6, 50. Rb6, winning the b pawn.)
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated
1799 or below on your Chess Life
label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
you to send your instructive games
with notes to:
Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557 3967
Or e mail your material to
[email protected]
GM Alburt will select the “most
instructive” game and Chess Life
will award an autographed copy of
Lev’s newest book, Chess Training
Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
Lawrence) to the person submitting
the most instructive game and anno
tations.
Chess Life — March 2009
45
Endgame Lab
Dresden Dramas
Four endgames from the Olympiad in Dresden feature two quick victories full of
tactical complications and two showing patient maneuvering.
By GM Pal Benko
Pawn up
GM Gata Kamsky (FIDE 2729, USA)
GM Peter Svidler (FIDE 2727, Russia)
38th Olympiad, 2008
+ r + +
+p+ +kl
+ + + p
p + + +P
NnP+ +p+
+R+P+ P
+ + P +
+ + NK+
White to play
Gata is a pawn up against the Russian
champion, but it is difficult to convert
this into a victory. He has tried everything
else, so now he tries giving up the block
ade of the passed a pawn.
38. Nc5 b6 39. Ne4 Bf8 40. Ke2 Re8
Black tries to regain the pawn, though
40. ... a4 seems more logical.
41. Kd2 Re5 42. Nc2 Rxh5 43. d4 b5 44. c5
Rd5 45. Nxb4 Rxd4+ 46. Nd3 Rxe4 47. Rxb5
a4 48. Rb8 h5 49. Ra8 Bh6+ 50. Kd1 Bg7
Now the c pawn becomes dangerous.
More effective was 50. ... Rd4 51. Ke2
Re4+ 52. Kf1 Bf8 53. c6 Bd6, stopping the
pawn.
51. Ra7+ Kg6 52. c6 Rc4 53. Nf4+ Kh6
(see diagram top of next column)
54. Ra5?!
Though this threatens mate, the imme
diate 54. c7! was better. For example 54.
... Be5 55. Ne6 a3 56. Ra6! Kh7 57. Rxa3
Kg6 58. Ra8! Bxc7 59. Rc8 wins.
54. ... Bd4?
No bishop moves help here. Thus 54. ...
Bf6 55. Rxh5+ Kg7 56. Rc5! Rxc5
46
Chess Life — March 2009
+
R
+
+
+
+ + l
+P+ + k
+ + + +p
p+r+ Np+
+ + + P
+ + P +
+ +K+ +
After 53. ... Kh6
57. Ne6+ Kf7 58. Nxc5 Bd8 59. Nxa4
must be winning. The only move that
seems to offer serious resistance is 54. ...
Kh7!
55. c7! Rxc7
The attempt 55. ... a3 also fails since
after 56. Rxh5+ Kg7 57. Rc5!! a2 58.
Rxc4 a1=Q+ 59. Kc2 Qa2+ 60. Kd3 and
finally Black runs out of useful checks.
56. Rxh5+ Kg7 57. Ne6+ Kg6 58. Rd5
Even simpler was 58. Rg5+ Kf6 59.
Nxc7 Kxg5 60. Ne6+ but the game was
also firmly in White’s grasp.
58. ... a3 59. Rxd4 Ra7 60. Rxg4+ Kf5 61. Rg7
Ra4 62. Nc5 a2 63. Nb3 Rb4 64. Ra7 Rxb3
65. Rxa2 Kg4 66. Ra4+ Kf3 67. Rf4+ Kg2 68.
Ke2, Black resigned.
Pawn up II
GM Kirshnan Sasikiran (FIDE 2694, IND)
GM Gata Kamsky (FIDE 2729, USA)
38th Olympiad, 2008
(see diagram top of next column)
White has sacrificed a pawn for this
position, but Black strives for active play
instead of playing defensively with 31. ...
Kg7 32. Rf3 etc.
31. ... Rb8! 32. Rxf6?
Risky with a vulnerable back rank, but
+r+r+k+
p +l+n+p
+ + pp+
+ pP+ +
+N+PR +
+ p + +
P+L+ +PP
+R+ + +K
Black to play
Black has the advantage even after 32.
Rc1 Rb4.
32. ... Ba4! 33. Rb3
Not much better is 33. Bb3, consider
ing 33. ... Rxe4.
33. ... Rb4?!
It was simpler to accept the Exchange
and after 33. ... Bxb3 34. axb3 Ng5 35.
e5 Rf8 Black should win after trading
rooks.
34. Rxf7??
Missing his escape chance with 34.
Rxb4! then after 34. ... cxb4 35. Bxa4
Rxe4 36. Rf1 Rxc4 37. Bb3 Rc8 38. d6 c2
39. d7 c1=Q 40. d8=Q+ Rxd8 41. Rxc1
Rd7 42. Rc8+ Kg7 43. Rb8 would have
equalized.
Black could then get even more winning
chances by the 34. ... Bxc2! “sac” but
after 35. Rb7 Bxe4 36. Rfxf7 Bxd5 37.
Rfe7 Rd8 38. Rb1 Bxc4 39. Rbe1 the
clear win cannot be seen. It is impossible
to calculate such long variations accu
rately within limited time.
34. ... Bxb3 35. axb3 Kxf7 36. Kg1
Even 36. Nd6+ Ke7 37. Nxe8 Kxe8 and
... Rd4 are hopeless for White.
36. ... Rxc4, Black resigned.
(see next page)
uschess.org
Benko’s Bafflers
Most of the time these studies
resemble positions that could actu
ally occur over the board. You must
simply reach a theoretically won
position for White. Solutions can be
found on page 71.
Please e mail submissions for
Benko’s Bafflers to: pbenko@
uschess.org
Marathon
GM Peter Leko (FIDE 2747, Hungary)
GM Vassily Ivanchuk (FIDE 2786, UKR)
38th Olympiad, 2008
+
r
+
k
q + + pp
+ +lp +
+ + +N+
+ + Q +
+ + + +P
+ + +PK
+ + +R+
Black to play
Black won a pawn on the 32nd move
but White managed to escape into this
position where the pawns are on one side,
without any passed pawns so a draw
looks probable. After trading two pawns
it should be possible to sac a piece for the
remaining pawn for a draw. Let’s see that
in practice.
50. ... Qb8
After a lot of different tactical tries
Black hopes to increase his winning
chances in a queenless endgame. I am not
going to bore my readers so I skip 70
moves “featuring” some repetitions and
empty tries at exhausting the opponent.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + kl+
+ + + +
+ + K R
r + + +
After 120. ... Kf4
uschess.org
Problem I
Gunter Amann, Austria
N+ K + +
+ + + +
+Pkp+ +
+ + +n+
+ + P +
+PP + p
+ + + +
+ + + +
White to play and draw
Here we go again with an ending that
is fairly frequent.
121. Rh8
Giving up the defense of the second
rank was not forced. Better is 121. Rg2 or
121. Kg2 since after 121. ... Ra2+ 122.
Kg1 Black cannot force a win.
121. ... Ra2+ 122. Ke1 Re2+ 123. Kf1 Kg3
124. Rd8??
This is a crucial mistake in a tough
position. The only way to hold on was
124. Rf8! Re7 (124. ... Ra2 125. Re8! with
equality in a Szen position!) 125. Kg1,
reaching the Lolly, a theoretically drawn
position though still complex enough
to be worth studying.
124. ... Re3!
Again, the only winning move. Not 124.
... Re7? 125. Rd3+.
125. Rg8 Re7 126. Rg5 Rh7 127. Ke1 Rd7,
White resigned.
Noboby enjoys being the subject of
such a “sweating,” normally not even the
stronger side, since all efforts may be in
vain. The next game’s situation is similar
to the previous one, but here Leko is the
torturer.
Leko as torturer
GM Peter Leko (FIDE 2747, Hungary)
GM Sergei Zhigalko (FIDE 2592, BEL)
38th Olympiad, 2008
+r+ + k
+ + + p
+ n + p
+ + + +
NR + + +
+ + + P
+ + PKP
+ + + +
Black to play
Problem II
Iuri Akobia, Georgia
k+ +l+ +
+ +n+ l
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + +P+
+ + K +
+ +R+ +
+ + + +
White to play and draw
45. ... Rc4 46. Rb8+
White thought he had better winning
chances by avoiding the rook trade. Again
I skip forward 70 moves to the decisive
mistake.
+ + n +
+ + r k
R+ + +p+
+ + + +
+ + PP+
+ + +NK
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 115. Ra6
Black has set up a satisfactory hedge
hog position and only should make tempo
moves like ... Rc7 Rb7 to wait and see
what happens on the seventh rank, but:
115. ... Nd7?? 116. Nh4!
Black has no more defense because
after 116. ... Nf8 117. f5 White wins the
last pawn.
116. ... Nf6 117. g5 Re3+ 118. Kf2 Ng4+ 119.
Kg2 Rb3 120. Rxg6+ Kf7 121. Ra6 Ne3+ 122.
Kf3 Nd5+ 123. Ke4 Rb4+ 124. Kxd5 Rxf4
125. Ng6 Rf5+ 126. Ne5+ Kg7 127. Ra7+
Kg8 128. g6 Rf6 129. Re7 Ra6 130. Re6
Ra5+, Black resigned.
Moral: With current time controls,
moves in the game’s ending phase must
often be made immediately. In order to
avoid disaster we must devote more time
to studying endings.
.
Abbreviations used in this column:
IND=India; UKR=Ukraine; BEL=Belarus
See uschess.org to download a .pgn file of
all the games in this issue or to download
the .pdf file of this entire issue of Chess Life
and Chess Life for Kids.
Chess Life — March 2009
47
USCF Affairs March
Report to the USCF Membership Regarding Current Litigation
The USCF is currently involved in six lawsuits. I have listed them below in the order of filing:
Sloan vs. USCF, et al., 1:07-cv-08537-DC
(District Court for the Southern District of New York)
On October 3, 2007, Sam Sloan sued the USCF, members
of the Executive Board, members of the USCF Forums
Governance, and others citing a lengthy list of allegations.
Among the allegations were claims that USCF Executive
Board member Paul Truong had impersonated Sloan in
thousands of defamatory and vulgar Internet postings prior
to and while both were candidates for the USCF Executive
Board. The suit was filed in federal court in New York, but
dismissed due to lack of diversity jurisdiction. Mr. Sloan filed
a motion to reconsider with the court, which was denied.
He then filed a motion to reconsider the ruling on his motion
to reconsider, which was denied. Currently, Mr. Sloan is
appealing the dismissal to the federal circuit appellate court.
Parker vs. USCF, et al, 2:08-cv-00829-JCJ
(District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania)
On February 21, 2008, Gordon Roy Parker sued the USCF,
some members of the USCF Executive Board and Mr. Sloan.
The complaint alleges, among other things, that Mr. Parker
was impersonated by Paul Truong in defamatory and vulgar
Internet postings. Initially the complaint was dismissed
without prejudice because it was “long and convoluted, failing
to clearly and concisely set forth his factual allegations and
legal claims.” Thereafter, Mr. Parker re filed his complaint,
omitting Mr. Sloan as a defendant. After reviewing the
amended complaint, the court dismissed the majority of the
claims made by Mr. Parker, including all counts against the
USCF and most of the Executive Board. The Court ruled that
three claims against USCF Executive Board members Susan
Polgar and her husband, Paul Truong, would survive. The
court then ordered Mr. Parker to effectuate proper service
of process on defendants Polgar and Truong.
USCF vs. Does 1–10, CGC-08-476777
(San Francisco Superior Court); after removal and amendment the case was renamed as, USCF vs. Polgar,
Alexander & Does 1-10, 3:08-cv-05126-MHP (District
Court for the Northern District of California)
The USCF discovered that then still unknown persons had
unlawfully accessed the e mail accounts of one or more
USCF Executive Board members, and such unknown persons
had unlawfully copied and publicly posted attorney client
privileged e mails belonging to the USCF. As a result, on June
25, 2008, the USCF filed suit against Does 1 10 in San Fran
cisco Superior Court in California. Thereafter, a San Francisco
judge signed a discovery order permitting the USCF to serve
subpoenas in order to investigate and try to identify the
unknown persons responsible for the wrongdoing. Based on
the belief that Ms. Polgar and Mr. Truong had information that
could help with the investigation of this matter and based on
the fact that certain e mails had appeared in Ms. Polgar’s
possession and she gave conflicting answers to how she
acquired the information and then refused to cooperate in the
investigation, the USCF gave notice of the intent to take their
depositions during the week of the US Open in Dallas, Texas.
Ms. Polgar and Mr. Truong failed to appear at their deposi
tions and subsequently refused to be deposed in the matter.
On October 24, 2008, based on information received from
various neutral third parties in response to subpoenas, the
48
Chess Life — March 2009
USCF amended its complaint to name USCF Executive Board
member Susan Polgar and USCF member Gregory Alexander
as defendants in the case. USCF Executive Board Secretary
Randall Hough was added as a plaintiff, as Mr. Hough’s
personal e mail account was one of the accounts improperly
accessed. The case has been removed to federal court in
California and re named, USCF v. Polgar, Alexander & Does
1 10. Ms. Polgar has filed an answer to the complaint, and
Mr. Alexander has filed a motion to dismiss for lack of per
sonal jurisdiction. We areThe USCF is waiting for a ruling on
Mr. Alexander’s motion. Ms. Polgar and Mr. Alexander have
denied the claims and have refused to cooperate in the
investigation.
Polgar vs. USCF, et. al., 5:08-cv-00169-C
(District Court for the Northern District of Texas)
On August 9, 2008, at the USCF Delegates meeting,
Ms. Polgar filed a lawsuit against the USCF and several
members of the USCF Executive Board. The lawsuit named
the USCF, all Executive Board members excluding Ms. Polgar
and Mr. Truong, and a group of other Defendants. The suit
was filed in State Court in Texas and alleges liable, slander,
defamation of character, business disparagement, interfer
ence of contract, and a host of other allegations.
Subsequently, the case was removed to federal court in
Texas. One Defendant, Sam Sloan, denied the claims and filed
claims against Ms. Polgar and Mr. Truong regarding their
alleged improper activities regarding the alleged fake Internet
postings. All remaining dismiss on various grounds, including
Polgar’s failure to state legally sufficient claims. The Parties are
currently awaiting a ruling on the pending motions.
CyberCafes vs. USCF
(Connecticut)
On November 13, 2008, CyberCafes, LLC filed suit in State Court
in Connecticut asking for injunctive relief on five contractually
disputed items. The case is pending in the initial stages and is
related to our book and equipment outsourcing agreement.
USCF vs. Polgar & Truong, 2008MR000751
(Circuit Court for the Seventh Judicial Circuit,
Sangamon County, Illinois)
On December 29, 2008, the USCF filed suit in State Court
in Illinois asking the Court to remove Susan Polgar and Paul
Truong as USCF Executive Board members for various
reasons. At the time of the writing of this update (February
10, 2009), the USCF been unable to service the complaint
on either of the two Defendants. Further, Ms. Polgar and
Mr. Truong have refused to waive service of process.
For additional updates to these cases, please go to
www.uschess.org/legalupdates. There we will have all of
the public documentation from each case available for our
membership. These are challenging times for the USCF
considering the time and resources needed to handle these
various cases. In an attempt to help protect the USCF, the
USCF Executive Board voted to establish the USCF Legal
Defense Fund. Anyone wishing to make a contribution please
contact Susan Houston at the USCF office by calling (931)
787 1234 ext. 136 or by e mail [email protected].
~Bill Hall
Executive Director, USCF
uschess.org
SuperNationals IV
$50,000 in cash scholarships to be awarded!
www.SuperNationalsIV.com
for tournament information and registration.
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
2802 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 883-2211
Chess Rate: $139.00 Single – Quad
ENT R IES TO:
US Chess Federation
Attn: SuperNationals
P. O. Box 3967
Crossville, TN 38557
Questions and Team Rooms: Cheryle Bruce – [email protected] 931-787-1234 ext. 147
On site entries after 10 a.m., Friday 4/3/2009 will receive a 1/2-point bye for the first round.
See TLA this issue (Nationals section) for detailed tournament information.
2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GP FINAL RESULTS
World Chess Live sponsors $20,000 at the 2008 Grand Prix!
Welcome,
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new familyfriendly service with special benefits for USCF members.
WCL is pleased to sponsor USCF’s 2008 Grand Prix (GP)
and 2008 Junior Grand Prix. We’re providing prize funds
of $20,000 and $7,500 (in cash, merchandise, and memberships), and will also be running online grand prize
satellite events throughout the year.
The final results are in, and it was ultimately the
teenage IM Alex Lenderman who took the big cheese
and won all of $5,000. Settling for second—and $2,500—
was long-time front-runner GM Sergey Kudrin, who
must have been shocked to see himself outrun in the
final mile. GM Alexander Ivanov, who was leading the
charts as late in the race as the October standings,
Members!
managed third and Julio “the Sleeper” Becerra rounded
out the top four.
The Age Category results brought some excitement
as well as IM Kirill Kuderinov of Kazakhstan chalked up
big points in Illinois tournaments to beat out GMs
Friedel and Nakamura for the top spot for those born
1985-1987. The Kazakhstani IM was born in 1987, putting him toward the younger end of this age class.
Lenderman easily swept the field for the 1988-1990
birth category, but GM Alejandro Ramirez of University
of Texas at Dallas fame did put in a notable performance
for second, earning over 100 points. Daniel Ludwig,
who has shown dramatic improvement over the past
year, took third.
The category for those born 1991-1992 was the most
hotly contested of any in 2008. Denker Champion FM
Daniel Yeager took on IM Sam Shankland in a rough-andtumble contest which the Pennsylvanian won by a fraction
of a point. The next division was a bit more lopsided, as
young IM Ray Robson made collecting 100 GPP look like
child’s play. Fewer points were earned in the “Those Born
1995 and After” category, but FM Daniel Naroditsky’s triumph with about 30 GPP was still convincing.
Finally, Massachusetts FM John Curdo won the Senior’s
category. GM Anatoly Lein is already off to a good start for
2009, though, splitting the money at a recent GP event in
Ohio, the Cardinal Open. We’ll see what happens in 2009!
~Jonathan Hilton
2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS
The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of January 29 for the 2008 World Chess Live Grand Prix. These are the official 2008 results.
OVERALL STANDINGS
JUNIOR CATEGORIES
NAME
STATE
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
CT
MA
FL
CA
NY
PA
CA
SD
MD
NY
NY
TX
PA
NJ
287.28
247.01
236.68
205.00
195.13
193.41
178.51
160.96
150.54
143.63
142.31
133.86
121.61
117.28
MA
OH
NY
26.00
18.33
14.66
GM Sergey Kudrin
GM Alexander Ivanov
GM Julio Becerra
GM Melikset Khachiyan
GM Jaan Ehlvest
GM Alexander Shabalov
IM Enrico Sevillano
GM Alex Yermolinsky
GM Sergey Erenburg
GM Mark Paragua
IM Jay Bonin
IM Kirill Kuderinov
IM Bryan Smith
GM Alexander Stripunsky
PTS.
SENIOR CATEGORY
IM Alex Lenderman
Will he now attempt to catch up to
nine-time Grand Prix winner, the late
IM Igor Ivanov, another IM who managed to outpace the grandmasters?
Players born 1943 and before:
1 FM John Curdo
2 GM Anatoly Lein
3 FM Isay Golyak
NAME
STATE
PTS.
Players born between 1985 and 1987 inclusive:
1
IM Kirill Kuderinov
TX
133.86
2 IM Joshua Friedel
NH
83.00
3 GM Hikaru Nakamura
NY
66.71
Players born between 1988 and 1990 inclusive:
1
IM Alex Lenderman
NY
298.51
2 GM Alejandro Ramirez
TX
103.00
3 Daniel Ludwig
FL
62.16
Players born between 1991 and 1992 inclusive:
1
FM Daniel Yeager
PA
2 IM Samuel Shankland
CA
3 John Bryant
CA
52.58
52.01
42.06
Players born between 1993 and 1994 inclusive:
1
IM Ray Robson
FL
2 Mark Heimann
PA
3 Steven Zierk
CA
105.01
43.50
27.08
Players born 1995 and after:
1
FM Daniel Naroditsky
2 FM Darwin Yang
3-4 Aquino Inigo
3-4 Stuart Finney
30.25
12.00
10.00
10.00
CA
TX
CAN
RI
CATEGORIES AND PRIZES
$12,000 IN CASH PRIZES!
SENIOR CATEGORY
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUBJECT
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 !
2nd: $2,500
5th: $700
8th : $400
3rd: $1,000
6th: $600
9th: $300
1943 / before 1st: $300
4th: $800
7th: $500
10th: $200
$4,000 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES!
11th: $200
12th: $200
13th: $200 15th: $150
14th: $150
Top 40 non titled players: 1 year WCL membership worth $50.
(FIDE titled players are always free on WCL)
$7,500 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!
2nd: $200
3rd: $100
JUNIOR CATEGORIES
(according to date of birth)
1985-87
1988-90
1991-92
1993-94
1995/after
1st: $250
1st: $250
1st: $250
1st: $250
1st: $250
2nd: $150
2nd: $150
2nd: $150
2nd: $150
2nd: $150
3rd: $100
3rd: $100
3rd: $100
3rd: $100
3rd: $100
For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a
3 year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd 5th places are
awarded a 2 year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th 10th
places awarded 1 year WCL junior memberships ($25 value).
www.worldchesslive.com
FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $600
5th: $150
8th : $50
3rd: $300
6th: $100
9th: $25
4th: $200
7th: $75
The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
a plaque from the USCF. 1st 10th place winners will receive 2 year
WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th 20th place
winners will receive 1 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1 year WCL
junior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a $20 WCL store
gift certificate.
Real chess. Real people. Real fun!
World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2008 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by February 9, 2009.Top prize includes free entry and
$1,000 in expense money to the 2009 U.S. Open as well as a plaque. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and
the top individual in each state.
2008 World Chess Live
Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings
Name
PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U
HEUNG, CHRISTOPHER
DEJONG, ANDREW
GIANNATOS, PETER
PINKERTON, JAMES CARL
KUTIKOFF, ADAM
HUTTON, JACK
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA
BODEK, MICHAEL H
SINGH, REVA SHREE
ROSENTHAL, NICHOLAS
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM
ZHAO, SHICHENG
HARMON VELLOTTI, LUKE
CHIANG, MICHAEL
CHEN, JEREMY
PAPALIA, STEVEN A
VIRKUD, APURVA
LARSON, ERIC DANIEL
SCHNEIDER, THOMAS
KLEINMUNTZ, ROBBIE S
SHEINWALD, NOWELL R
State
NJ
FL
NC
NC
MD
FL
NY
MD
NY
NY
FL
UT
VA
ID
NY
NJ
UT
MI
MI
WI
IL
NY
Pts.
250
220
185
180
180
180
170
165
160
160
155
155
150
145
140
140
140
140
135
135
135
135
Name and State Winners
PARSHALL, MATTHEW
HELLWIG, LUKE
CHIKKALA, SNEHA
GURCZAK, JOHN
AGARWAL, ROHAN
POLSKY, RYAN
HUGHES, TYLER B
CHANDRAN, KAPIL
DEMCZU, CHE
HAUGE, DAVID RICHEY
PERGEORELIS, MICHAEL W
HEUNG, CHRISTOPHER
GUREVICH, DANIEL
KRIENKE, MARISSA M
IYER, VENKAT
HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE
KLEINMUNTZ, ROBBIE S
GATER, DANIEL
LATHAM, ANDREW
WHITNEY, RAYSEAN
GLORIOSO, VINCENT J
LEE, MATTHEW R
PINKERTON, JAMES CARL
FISHBEIN, MATTHEW EVAN
VIRKUD, APURVA
VOLKER, SONJA
ZAGAR, DANE B
CAO, KEVIN Y
DING, JIALIN
HICKS, ALFRED JALADON
State
AK
AL
AR
AZ
CA
CA
CO
CT
DC
DC
DE
FL
GA
HI
IA
ID
IL
IN
KS
KY
LA
MA
MD
ME
MI
MIL
MN
MO
MO
MS
Pts.
35
125
50
105
125
125
50
110
30
30
55
220
120
55
110
145
135
70
95
100
60
85
180
35
140
15
85
80
80
40
Name and State Winners
FORD, MONQUEZ
DEJONG, ANDREW
APTE, MANEESH D
GAGE, WILLIAM
MORAN, HARRISON M
LONG, DAVID
BURGER, CAMERON
PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U
SERNA, JEFFREY MICHAEL
SEID, RAYMOND
HUTTON, JACK
CLAYTON, RYAN DANIEL
LIN, KENNY L
HANNIBAL, CARSON J
FISHER, WILLIAM
FINNEY, STUART S
LAURIA, MICHAEL D
JAMES, JACOB C
VAZQUEZ MACCARINI, CHRIS
COMAS COLON, ABNELL
MARSH, MATTHEW L
WOODBURY, GEORGE
BALLOM, STEPHANIE
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM
ZHAO, SHICHENG
BROOKS, WILL JOSEPH
LEHMANN, SPENCER GEORGE
LEE, WILLIAM ALEXANDER
SCHNEIDER, THOMAS GEORGE
WESTERN, CASEY JAMES
State
MS
NC
ND
NE
NH
NH
NH
NJ
NM
NV
NY
OH
OK
OR
PA
RI
SC
SD
TERR
TERR
TN
TN
TX
UT
VA
VT
WA
`WA`
WI
WV
Pts.
40
185
20
25
60
60
60
250
75
45
170
120
50
50
115
105
60
30
30
30
85
85
105
155
150
75
90
90
135
35
A new family-friendly online
chess service from the Internet
Chess Club, is pleased to
welcome our friends from
the U.S. Chess Federation.
To celebrate its launch, this year WCL will be:
• Sponsoring the USCF’s 2008 Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix
• Running weekly and monthly Online Grand Prix tournaments
• Giving every USCF member a free six-month subscription to WCL
• And more...
For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf
uschess.org
Chess Life — March 2009
51
52
Chess Life — March 2009
uschess.org
Tournament Life
USCF National Events
See TLA in this issue for details:
2009 SuperNationals IV
April 3 5 • Nashville, Tennessee
April 24 26 • Dallas, Texas
2009 All Girls Open Championships
May 23 25 • Tucson, Arizona
2009 U.S. Amateur - West
June 4 • Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship
June 4 7 • Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 National Open Chess Festival
July 10 12 • Waukesha, Wisconsin
2009 U.S. Junior Open
August 1 9 • Indianapolis, Indiana
110th U. S. Open
Future Events (Watch for details)
2009 U.S. Championship
May 7 17 • St. Louis, Missouri
July 6 10 • Crossville, Tennessee
2009 U.S. Cadet
July 12
17 • Waukesha, Wisconsin
2009 U.S. Junior Closed
2009 GM Susan Polgar National
Invitational Tournament for Girls
July 26 31 • Lubbock, Texas
2009 Denker Tournament of State
High School Champions
August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana
2009 Tournament of College
Champions
August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana
May 6 8 • Dallas, Texas
Noote: Organizers previously awarded options for
USCF National Events must still submit proposals
(including sample budgets) for their events.
Championship
Bids on the following tournaments are
past deadline and will be considered
immediately:
2009 U.S. Amateur (South, North,
East)
2009 U.S. Senior Open
2009 U.S. G/15 (QC)
2009 U.S. Action G/30
2009 U.S. G/60
2009 U.S. Masters
2009 U.S. Class Championships
2009 Collegiate Final Four
2010 U.S. Open*
Overdue Bids
Bids due by June 15, 2009:
2011 U.S. Open*
Please contact the National Office if
you are interested in bidding for a
National Event. The USCF recommends
that bids be submitted according to
the following schedule. However, bids
may be considered prior to these dates.
Bidding Deadlines
*USCF reserves the right to decline all
bids and organize the event itself.
November 20 22 • Oakbrook, Illinois
2009 National Youth Action
December 11 13 • Dallas, Texas
2009 National Scholastic (K-12)
December 27 30 • South Padre
Island, Texas
2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate
2010 National Elementary (K-6)
Championship
May 7 9 • Atlanta, Georgia
2010 National Scholastic (K-12)
Championship
Dec. 10 12 • Lake Buena Vista,
Florida
2011 National Elementary (K-6)
Tournament memberships not valid for National events
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available
USCF’s Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only
one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be
purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submis
sions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied
to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events.
Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF rated, and the USCF is concerned that the
reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The
availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF rated, pro
moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause
more USCF rated tournaments to be held.
More details on uschess.org.
Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each
monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month,
unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also
frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of
your progress; however, most tourna- ments do not use them for pairing or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at
their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.
uschess.org
The TLA pages “Information
for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for
Players” can now be found
online at main.uschess. org/
go/tlainfo.
TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided
for the convenience of USCF members and for informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S.
Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything
contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested
in additional information about or having questions concerning any
of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed.
Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate
typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work.
SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: [email protected]
(Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
Prix information see January 2009 pg. 49-50 or check www.
uschess.org/tla/grprixstdarc.php and click on a WCL GP Summary.
Payment can be done online through the TD/Affiliate area or sent
to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
Nationals
All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF
rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en
try fee or pay them with entry at site.
Apr. 3-5, Tennessee
SuperNationals IV
2009 Elementary, Junior High and High School National Championships in one
great event! 7SS, G/120 (K-1 G/90), Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention
Center, 2802 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. (615) 883-2211 HR: $139 single-quad. All under one roof! $50,000 in Cash Scholarships!! 20 Sections
(Select only one): High School: K-12 Championship; K-12 U1600; K-12 U1200;
K-12 U800; K-12 Unrated. Junior High: K-9 Championship; K-8 Championship;
K-9 U1250; K-8 U1000; K-8 U750; K-9 Unrated. Elementary: K-6 Championship; K-5 Championship; K-6 U1000; K-5 U900; K-3 Championship; K-3 U800;
K-1 Championship; K-6 Unrated; K-3 Unrated. EF: $40 postmarked, faxed or
online by 3/5, $60 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $75 after 3/19, $80
on site. DO NOT mail entries after March 19 – they may not be received in time.
$5 extra for all phoned registrations. $20 change fee for roster or section
changes after March 19. USCF membership is required (may be paid with entry).
AWARDS: Trophies awarded in accordance with Scholastic Regulations and
based on number of participants.Team score = total of top four (min. two) finishers from each section. March 2009 rating supplement will be used.
BYES: One 1/2 –pt. bye available in rounds 1-6 if requested prior to 10am, Fri
(4/3). On site entries after 10am, Fri 4/3 will receive a 1/2-point bye for
the first round. SCHEDULE: Rounds 1-2: Friday (4/3) 1:00pm & 7:00pm,
Rounds 3-5: Saturday (4/4) 9:00am, 2:00pm, & 7:00pm, Rounds 6-7 (4/5)
9:00am, & 2:00pm. Main Event Awards Ceremonies, Sunday (4/5); K-1 at
approximately 5pm, all others approximately 7pm. SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse
Championships:Thursday, 4/2, 11:00am, Register ON SITE ONLY by 10:00am.
EF: $20 per team/2. Blitz Championship:Thursday, 4/2, 5:00pm. EF $15 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $20 after 3/19 or on site. On site registration
ends at 4pm. Please refer to the website: www.SuperNationalsIV.com for
updated schedule details, Simuls, lectures, and other activities. Advance
entries must include player’s name/information and all fees to be accepted.
Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged according to date received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even
if no team), coach’s name, email, birthdate, USCF ID number, USCF expiration
(enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play
in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Entries may be faxed to: 931787-1238. Mail Entries To: 2009 SuperNationals IV, P. O. Box 3967, Crossville,
TN 38557. Enter online at: www.uschess.org. WCL JGP.
Apr. 24-26, Texas
Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and
USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships
6SS G/60, Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; Phone:
(800) 233-1234 or 214-651-1234 Mention All Girls National Chess Tournament
for special Hotel rate: $109 Reserve By 4/1. 6 sections: 8 years old and
younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and
younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger. Age as of
4/1/2009. USCF rated. USCF membership is required. Winner of 18 years old
and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The University ofTexas at Dallas, worth up to $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $45
if postmarked by 3/25. $70 at site. Do not mail after 4/16 as your entry may
not be received. Trophies to top 15 ind. & top 3 teams (top three players
added for team scores) Sat., April 25: Opening Ceremony: 9 AM, Rounds: 1
- 4; 9:30-11:30 AM; 12:00-2:00 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; 5:30-7:30 PM. Sun., April
26: Rounds 5 - 6; 9:00-11:00 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sun., April 26: Awards Ceremony: 2:30 PM One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end
of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Entries to: Dallas
Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry
must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), date of birth, grade & school
and school location. Email: [email protected], 214-632-9000. Side
events: Blitz tournament G/5 Friday April 24 3 pm, EF: $15 by 3-25, $25 on
site. Simultaneous exhibition by Anna Zatonskih Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. Bughouse Tournament Fri April 24 5 pm. EF: $25/team. NS, NC, W.
May 23-25, Arizona
2009 U.S. Amateur West Championship
Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S Palo Verde Rd.,Tucson, AZ 85714, 520-746-1161.
Chess Life — March 2009
53
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Tournament Life
SECTIONS: Championship (U2200), Reserve (U1600), Booster (U1200) &
Scholastic (must be K-8 and U1000). Scholastic section is 3 separate 1-day
tournaments. SCHEDULE: (Championship, Reserve, and Booster) 6/SS, 40/2,
25/1. Reg: By mail or 5/23, 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Rds: 10-4, 10-4, 9-3. (Scholastic) 4/SS, G/40. Reg: By mail or 8:30 - 9:30 AM each day. Rds: Round 1 at 10
AM then as available for Rounds 2-4. PRIZES: (Championship) Chronos clock
+ plaque toTop 3; Digital clock + plaque toTop 1900-1999, 1800-1899, 17001799, 1600-1699, and U1600; Plaque to top Senior 50+, Junior U19 and
Junior U13. (Reserve) Chronos clock + plaque to 1st; Digital clock + plaque
to 2nd, 3rd, Top 1300-1399, 1200-1299, and U1200; Plaque to top Senior 50+
and Junior U13. (Booster) Chronos clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th,
Top Unrated and Junior U10. (Scholastic, each day) Digital clock + trophy to
1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top U800, U600, and Unrated. 1-yr USCF membership
for perfect scores that don’t win the clock. SPECIAL PRIZES:Top 2 Family Pairs
in the non-scholastic sections. Biggest Upset of each round in the non-Scholastic sections. Chronos clock to Scholastic player with the highest combined score
over the three 1-day tournaments. EF: (Championship & Reserve) $55 if by 5/20,
$65 if after 5/20. (Booster) $40 if by 5/20, $50 if after 5/20. (Scholastic) $15
for each tournament or $40 for all three days if by 5/20, additional $5 if after
5/20. ALL: Half-point byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior
to start of Round 2. HR: (if by 5/8): $64 (single) or $72 (suite), mention
“SACA”. ENT: Make checks payable to SACA, entry form available at
www.sazchess.org. Info: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, e-mail: [email protected], web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
June 4, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
6SS, G/10. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las
Vegas, NV 89183. $$b/100 7,000 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600,
U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated
150. EF: $79 by 5/19, $89 by 6/3, $100 on site. Late Registration 4-6:30 p.m.
Rds: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks.
1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4), must be requested with entry.
HR: $65 (not $75) single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-7917626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box
90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
2009 National Open
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60). South Point Hotel, Casino and
Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund
based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed). Championship. $$: 80004000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500
2000, under 2400 1600, under 2300 1200, Unrated 600-400-200. $2,000 EXTRA
for perfect score.The winner of the Championship section also receives a replica
of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-25001300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$:
5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under
1400. $$: 2500-1500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150- 100-100-100-100 -100-100100-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any other prizes,
USCF Membership Rates
Premium (P) and Regular (R)
(U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)
Type
Adult P
Adult P **
Adult R
Adult R **
Senior (65+) **
Young Adult P (U25)*
Youth P (U16)*
Scholastic P (U13)*
Young Adult R (U25)*
Youth R (U16)*
Scholastic R (U13)*
1 yr
$49
$42
$36
$29
$36
$32
$27
$23
$24
$20
$16
2yr
$85
$78
$59
$52
$65
$59
$49
$42
$43
$36
$28
3yr
$120
$113
$81
$74
$93
$85
$70
$60
$61
$51
$39
Premium membership provides a printed
copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for
Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of
regular membership. Regular membership
provides online only access to Chess Life
and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be
mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas
tic members three times per year. Youth
provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic
bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed
above monthly Chess Life. See www.us
chess.org for other membership categories.
Dues are not refundable and may be
changed without notice.
*Ages at expiration
54
**Purchased online only
Chess Life — March 2009
every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50 gift certificate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only. EF: $159 by 1/19, $179
by 5/19, $199 by 6/3, $220 on site. $41 less for unrated players, $99 more for
players rated under 2100 in the Championship Section. This is an open tournament - you may play in any section at or above your rating level; unrated
players may play only in Championship Section. Provisionally rated players may
not win more than 3rd prize in any section except Championship. CCA minimum
ratings or other ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg:
4-11 p.m. Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule:
Reg: 8-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds: 10-12:30-3-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half
point byes available in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested
before the start of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament
play only, not for skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10
Championship and the Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Girls and
Boys. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great
prizes. Free lectures by GM Susan Polgar and others. Free analysis of your
games by GM Arthur Bisguier. Susan Polgar International Chess Camp all
day Thursday. Grandmaster Simul Thursday afternoon. US. Game/10 Thursday night. Scholastic Tournament Friday. LOW room rates! HR: $65 (not $75)
single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702)
796-7111. Don’t be shut out; make your reservations early and be sure to
ask for the chess rates; South Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for
special hotel rate is May 19th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May
19th. RESERVE NOW! Credit card or one night room deposit will be required
to hold reservation, may be canceled 72 hours in advance for nominal fee.Tournament Registration: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125,
on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. W. FIDE.
WCL JGP.
July 10-12, Wisconsin
2009 U. S. Junior Open Championship
Three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. 5SS, G/90. Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186. Chess
Rate of $85.99 is valid until July 1st. Reserve early. (262)-574-0888. U21:
$300+entry to 2010 Junior Closed-$150. Individual trophies: 1st overall, best
player for ages 17-18, 15-16, under 15. Team trophies: top three high schools,
top club. U15: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 11-13, under
11.Team trophies: top three middle schools, top club. U11: Individual trophies:
top 3 overall, best player for ages 9, 8, 7, 6&under. Team trophies: top three
elementary schools, top club. All participants receive commemorative medals.
EF: $35 ($30 per player if 4 or more pre-register together) advance; $50 after
July 10th. Cash only at site. Schedule: Opening ceremony: Friday at 2:45pm.
Rounds: Friday 3:00pm, Saturday 10:00am and 2:00pm, Sunday 10:00am and
2:00pm. Closing ceremony: Sunday 5:30pm. Side Events: ($20/event) BLITZ:
Friday at 7:00pm. BUGHOUSE: Saturday at 7:00pm. SIMUL: Friday at 7:00pm
and Saturday at 7:00pm. PARENTS AND COACHES TOURNEY: 3SS G/30 (not
rated) Saturday 10:30am, 2:15pm, 3:30pm. Info/questions: ashish@vajachess.
com or 414-234-1005, [email protected] or 608-334-2574. Make Checks
Payable to and Send Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr., Glendale
WI 53209 or online registration at www.wsca chess.org. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, Indiana
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
110th annual U.S. Open
CELEBRATE USCF’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS TRADITIONAL EVENT! New features this year include 4-day option requiring only 3
nights hotel stay for most players, and later start for 6-day option so most will
need only 5 nights hotel stay. 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4 day option, Rds. 1-6, G/60).
Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st St, Indianapolis IN 46219. Luxurious hotel with great lighting in tournament room! Phone: 317-352-1231. HR:
$99 single/quad. $50,000 in prizes based on 500 paid entries, else proportional, except $40,000 (80% of each prize) minimum guarantee. A one section
tournament with Class prizes. Top 5 US players qualify for 2010 US Championship. Many side events, including US Blitz Championship 8/8. USCF
Delegates meeting 8/8-9, workshops 8/5-7, USCF Awards Luncheon 8/8 noon,
GM lectures & simuls to be announced. Choice of three schedules: Traditional:
40/2, SD/1. One round daily at 7 pm, except rd. 9, 8/9 at 3pm. 6-Day Option:
8/4 7 pm, 8/5-7 12 noon & 7 pm, 8/8 7 pm, 8/9 at 3pm. 4-Day Option: 8/6 2
pm, 5 pm & 8 pm; 8/7 10 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm & 7 pm, 8/8 7 pm, 8/9 3pm. All
schedules merge after Round 6 & compete for same prizes. Projected prizes:
Top Places: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500, clear winner $200
bonus. If tie for first, top two on tiebreak play speed game (white 5 minutes,
black 3 minutes and gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for bonus and title.
Class Prizes: Top Master (2200-2399): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Expert
(2000-2199): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class A (1800-1999): $2500-1200800-500. Top Class B (1600-1799): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class C
(1400-1599): $2000-1000-600-400. Top Class D (1200-1399): $1500-700-500300. Top Class E or below (under 1200): $1500-700-500-300. Top Unrated:
$800-400-200. Half Point Byes: must commit before round 4; up to 3 byes
allowed for 2000/up, 2 byes for 1400-1999, one bye for Under 1400/Unr. Zero
point byes are always available in any round. Entry Fee: Online, $135 by
5/15, $155 by 7/29. By mail, $137 postmarked by 5/15, $157 postmarked by
7/23. By phone, $140 by 5/15, $160 by 7/29. At site, all $180. GMs free.
August official ratings used; unofficial ratings used if otherwise unrated. CCA
ratings used if above USCF. Foreign player ratings: usually 100 points added
to FIDE or FQE, 200+ added to most foreign national ratings, no points added
to CFC. Highest of multiple ratings generally used. Ent: USCF, ATTN: 2009 US
Open, PO. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Online entry: https://secure.
uschess.org/webstore/tournaments.php. Phone entry: 800-903-8723. Tournament website: main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/usopen/. FIDE rated,
no cell phones. Bring a clock - none supplied. Sets/boards supplied for tournament but not for skittles. WCL JGP.
Grand Prix
Mar. 1, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Grandmaster Challenge
(NOTE: Mar. 1 Marshall CC Sunday Action now moved to Mar. 15.) 6-SS G/25
(G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64
entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members
(free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends
11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000,
$50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female
($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes:
limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing
and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+. WCL JGP.
Mar. 7-8, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
BIG BANG Open
Sponsored by Dr. Harold Valery (Cardinal Medical Group). 6-SS, G/60. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, 2nd fl. (4 blks W 405).
$$1500 Guaranteed. In two sections, Open: $400-200-50, U2200: $125,
U2000: $125. Reserve: (U1800) $$200-100, U1600 $125, Under 1400/unrated
$100, U1200 $75. EF: $55 if received by 3/4; $60 at the door ($40 LACC members if received by 3/4; $45 at the door; $30 new LACC members) $2 off SCCF
members. Up to 2 half-point byes available. Re-entry $25. Reg.: 11:00 - 11:45
a.m. Rds.: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 each day. 2 Free Parking lots on the SW corner
of Santa Monica & Purdue - 1 block, or in the building basement ($3). Inf: (310)
795-5710 or [email protected]. URL: www.LaChessClub.com. Ent: LACC
- P.O. Box 251774, Los Angeles, CA 90025. State Championship Qualifier.
Mar. 13-15, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
7th Annual Western Pacific Open
5-SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds. 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W.
Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$6000 b/160, 50% of each prize guaranteed. In 2 sections: Open, $$1200-700-400-200-100, U2200 $400-250.
Amateur (U2000/Unr), $$500-300-150, U1800 400-200-100, U1600 400-200100, U1400 200, U1200 100, Unr. 100. Unr. may win Unrated prize only. Reg.:
5:30-6:30 p.m. Fri., 9-10 a.m. Sat. Rds.: 3-day 7 p.m., 10:30-5, 10-4:30. 2-day:
10:30-1 (G/60), then merges. EF: $69 if received by 3-13, $79 at site. All: $25
Best Game prize, all sections eligible. One halfpoint bye if requested with
entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. of S. Cal. res., $18 reg,
$10 jr. HR: $109, (310) 410-4000. Ask for “7th Annual Western Pacific Open.”
Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com. Inf: admin@western
chess.com. NS, W, F. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, Missouri
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
13th Annual Mid-America Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70), Crowne Plaza Hotel St. LouisClayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B,
1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries
count half, U900 Section one quarter), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize)
guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on
tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100/Unr $700. FIDE.
Under 2000: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1800: $1500-700-400-300. Under
1600: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200:
$1200-600-300-200. Under 900: $100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Unrated may
enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $50, U1200 $150, U1400 $300,
U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $700. Balance goes to next player(s) in line.
EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/5, all $105 online at chesstour.com by
3/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10 (entry only, no questions), $120
at site. Under 900/Unr Section EF: 3-day $23, 2-day $22 if mailed by 3/5, $25
online at chesstour.com by 3/10, $27 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10, $30 at
site. FREETO UNRATED IN U900 OR U1200 SECTIONS. All: Unofficial uschess.org
ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available
in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MCA memb. ($5; higher with
printed magazine) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri
6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10
am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate,
reserve by 2/27 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD
#D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental
Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance
entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 14-15, Texas
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
TexOhma Fide Open
5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S Cottonwood Dr
#A, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G.: Open: This section is FIDE
rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. EF: $50, Juniors(U19)/Senior/Hcap
$30, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. Registration: 9:45 -10:15 am. Rds. Sat
10:45 - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested before rd
2, withdrawals are not eligible for prizes. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address
above. Info: 214-632-9000, [email protected], www.dallaschess.com NS.
NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 15, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Binghamton Monthly Tourney
4 Round SS, Time control G/60. Reg. 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. (Please register in
advance if possible) ENTRY: $30/ $35 at site. Cash only at site. (checks
payable to Cordisco’s Corner Store) ROUNDS: 9:15-11:45-2:15-4:30. PRIZES:
1st $200- 2nd $100- 3rd $50- Best Under 1600 $30. Guaranteed! Please bring
clocks. Cordisco’s Chess Center, 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607)
772-8782. [email protected].
Mar. 17, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.
uschess.org
Mar. 19, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000
$95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings
may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 21-22, Alabama
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship
5-SS, 30/90 SD 30, Quality Inn & Suites, 2705 E South Blvd., Montgomery, Al
36116. EF: $39 by 03/14, $49 at site. ACF memb req ($10) OSA. ALL PRIZES
100% GUARANTEED! (see full flier at www.teachmechess.com for info
on Beach Vacation prize option; cash alternative available to beach vacation) Four Sections: Open G$$: $250 or Beach Vacation, $120. Class A/B G$$:
$200 or Beach Vacation, $100. Class C/D G$$: $170 or Beach Vacation, $90.
Class U1200/Unr G$$: $150, $80. Byes 1-4; commit before round 1. Reg.: 89. Rds.: Sat 9:30, 2, 7, Sun 9, 1:30. Info: www.teachmechess.com. Questions:
[email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
New York March Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5th-6th
Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each prize
Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-100,
U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr. prize
limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc
thru 3/19. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds 1-2 G/30),
10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit by rd 2. Reg.
ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr. must enter
Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL JGP.
Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, Connecticut
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand Prix
UCONN Castleman Bldg., Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. 4SS, G/90. EF: $35, FREE to all students. $$ 200-100 both gtd., Top U-2200, Top
U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 $100 each b/30. Trophy to top student. Prizes
increased as entries allow. Reg.: 7 -7:30 PM, Rounds at 7:30 PM. Parking is
across the street behind the Bronwell building. Advance Entry & Info: Tom
Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. Make checks payable
to: “Tom Hartmayer”. 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconn
chess.uconn.edu. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, Ohio
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
uschess.org
47th Cincinnati Open
Four sections: Open, Under 2000, Under 1600, Under 1200. Holiday Inn,
4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. 5 Round Swiss System, USCF and
FIDE (Open) rated.Time Control: 40/2 SD/60, (2 day option rds 1-2 G/70). Prizes
$5,000 (Guaranteed): Open: $800-400-300, Under 2200: $300-150, U2000:
$500-250-150, U1800 $300-150, U1600: $400-200-150, U1400 $250-150,
U1200: $300-150-100 U1000 Trophies to top 5.(no unrated may win over $100
in U1200, $200 in U1600 or $300 in U2000. EF: $68, if mailed by 3/23 $80 at
site. Under 1000 and unrated, $28 if mailed by 3/23, $40 at site. Free to
GM/IM who complete schedule, $80 deducted from prize. Registration: Friday March 27th ends 6:30pm. Saturday March 28th ends 10:30am. Rounds:
3 day option: Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. 2
day option: Saturday 11am, 2:30pm, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. Byes: Maximum two 1/2 point byes, must commit before round 3. Hotel: $79 Holiday Inn,
4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. Call 513-752-4400 (mention
chess). Advance Entry & Questions: Central Ohio Chess c/o Grant Perks, PO
Box 9830, Bexley, Ohio 43209, [email protected], (614) 774-2532. WCL JGP.
Mar. 27-29, South Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2009 South Carolina Senior Open
Ramada Inn, 1310 Tiger Blvd., Clemson, SC 29631. $800 guaranteed. EF: $35
if rec’d by 3/20; $40 at site. GMs and IMs free, $35 deducted from prize. Reentry $20. Bye: all rds, must commit before 2nd rd. (irrevocable bye). SCCA memb.
req’d, OSA. In 4 Sections: 4SS, Game/120 Senior Open: $200-100-50,
U2000 $50 guaranteed!!! Senior U1800: $200-100-50, U1600 $50 guaranteed!!! Seniors must have been born prior to 3/27/59. Senior Schedule: Reg
ends 3/28 at 10:30am. Rds. Sat. 11:00, 5:00, Sun. 10:00, 4:00. 5SS, Game/120
Aspiring Senior Open: $200-100-50, U2000 $50 b/20. Aspiring Senior
U1800: $200-100-50, U1600 $50 b/20. Aspiring Seniors must have been born
between 3/28/59 and 3/27/90. Aspiring Senior Schedule: 3-day Schedule: Reg ends 3/27 at 7pm. Rds. Fri. 7:30, Sat. 1:00, 7:30, Sun. 10:00, 4:00.
2-day Schedule: Reg ends at 9:30am on 3/28, Rd 1 at 10:00am, then merges
with 3-day. HR: $75/night double before 3/15, mention chess (864-654-7501)
at Ramada Inn, 1310Tiger Blvd., Clemson, SC 29631. Info/Reg: Greenville Chess
Club, c/o Wayne Christensen, 306 Canebreak Lane, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
[email protected].
Mar. 28-29, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Kern County Open Championship
5-SS, 25/75, SD/30 (Rounds 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (Rounds 4-5). Clarion Hotel
3540 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 326-1111. $1700 prize fund
b/o 40, 80% GUARANTEED: $500 (Gtd!) 300-200 top U2000 $250, U1800 $200,
U1600/Unr $150-$100. EF: $45 by 3/25, $55 after; $6 discount for BCC members and SCCF members. GMs & IMs FREE ($45 from prize). Special K-8
Tournament: March 28 5-SS G/30, Rounds 10-11:30-1pm-2:30-4 EF: $20 by
3/25, $30 after; prizes 1st–3rd place Overall & 1st – 3rd place trophies in
scholastic categories. All: 1/2-pt bye available any round with entry Reg.: 8:459:30 a.m. Saturday Rds.: Saturday: 10am-2pm-6pm, Sunday: 10am-4:30pm. Info:
Kenneth J. Poole 661-304-7468, [email protected] or visit www.bakers
fieldchessclub.com. HR: $59 special rate, mention “BakersfieldChessClub”
reserve by 3/13 or rate may go up! Ent: Bakersfield Chess Club, P.O. Box 176,
3501 Mall View Rd., Suite 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306. State Championship
Qualifier. WCL JGP for Open Championship only.
Mar. 28-29 (Not Mar. 14-15), Maryland
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament
5SS, 20/1, SD/1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in Commons Bldg, 3rd floor). Held concurrently
with separate Sweet 16 Invitational, which determines MD Scholastic Champion who wins 4-year tuition scholarship to UMBC (worth over $35,000).
Spectators free & welcome. Open: (All) $$650: $350-200-100; $$400 (b/40):
Top U2250, U2150, U2050, U1950 $100 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from
any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$765 b/40: $250-175-100, Top U1600,
U1400, U1200 (b/4) $80 ea. No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this sect.
All EF: $40 if postmarked by 2/27, $50 late, $10 less if under 20. Reg: 8:309:30am Sat., Rds: 10am-3-7:30pm, 10:30am-3:30. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point
byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if req’d at least 1 hr. before Rd (before Rd 2 for any Rd.
4-5 bye), but only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds 4-5. Hotel: La Quinta Inn
and Suites, 1734 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask
for UMBC chess rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards
BWI Airport.Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95
& follow signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC,
Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD
21250, Attn: Open. [email protected], 410-455-8499, www.umbc.edu/
chess. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 28-29, New Hampshire
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)
Nashua Open
Holiday Inn Nashua, 9 Northeastern Blvd. Nashua, NH 03062. In 2 Sections:
Open: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150,
U2000 $150. U1750: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD:
$400-200. U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Registration: 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 3/21/2009.
Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 9:30-2. Unrated may only win 50% of place prizes in U1750.
ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex
Relyea, [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. NS W. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 28-29, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
2009 Marchand Open-31st Annual
St. John Fisher College - Kearney Auditorium. Dr. Erich Marchand “requested
that his friends play chess in his memory.” 5SS, 30/60, SD/60. St. John Fisher
College, 3690 East Ave, Rochester, NY. $$10,750 Gtd. Open: FIDE Rated (all)
$2000-1300-850-550-300, U2200 & U2000 each $500-300. EF: $70. Under 1800:
$600-400-250, U1600 $400-250. EF: $65. Under 1400: $400-275-175, U1200
$275-175. EF: $60. U1000: $260-190-130-70, U800 $150-90-60. EF: $55.
Unrated players in the U1800 section can only win $200, in U1400 & U1000 $100.
All EF: $25 more after 3/18. IM and GM free if registered by 3/18. Great food
Chess Life — March 2009
55
Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
available at site. Reg.: 8-9:15 am. 3/28. Rds.: 10-2:15-6:30, 10-2:15. One 1/2
point bye available in rd. 3 or 4 if requested at entry. Optional first round 7
pm. 3/27 (reg. by 6:30pm.) at Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive,
Rochester, NY 14610. Entries & Info: R.C.C. 585-442-2430. WCL JGP.
Mar. 29, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:005:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings
used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250
2700+.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 29, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
5SS, G/29. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh PA 15213.
2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 3/21, $35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000
$90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 13 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF:
$15 by 3/21, $25 later.Trophies toTop 7, 1-3 U600. ALL:Trophies: 1-2 Schools,
1-2 Clubs, Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg 1010:30am. Rds: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25
Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286. W.
Mar. 30-Apr. 20, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
84th Nassau Grand Prix
4-SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts, Mineola. 2 sections. Open:
EF: $35 by 3/28. $$ (615 b/20, top 2 G) 180-120, U2100, 1900, 1700/UR each
105. Booster: open to U1500/UR. EF: $19 by 3/28. $$ (180 b/12) 80, U1300,
1100/UR each 50. Both: 2 byes 1-4 (Last rd bye must be req before rd 3 and
is irrevocable). $10 more for non-memb. EF $7 more at site. Reg ends: 7:15
PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. April ratings used. Info only: [email protected].
Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782. WCL JGP.
Apr. 4-5, Michigan
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Wiener-Rubenstein Memorial
5-SS, G-90. All The King’s Men Chess Supplies and Brain Games, Parkview
Square Strip Mall (Around Back), 27170 Dequindre Rd., Warren, MI 48092 (11
Mile & Dequindre Rds.). USCF and MCA memberships required (can be purchased on site). EF: $60 ($50 for Oage 65, Uage 16, or UNR) by Tues., 3/31.
Add $10 after. IMs and GMs FREE (EF deducted from prize). No Re-Entries
allowed. Up to TWO 1/2-pt. byes allowed-must be requested prior to start of
RD 3. TL: G-90. REG.: Sat, 4/4, 10-11:30am. RDS.: Sat, 4/4: 12-3:30-7. Sun,
4/5: 11-2:30. Headphones cannot be used if opponent objects for any reason.
56
Chess Life — March 2009
Must be willing to present same to TD for exam at any time. Failure to do so
will result in removal from tournament without refund. Cell phones must be
turned off or in silent mode while in the tournament room. $$2100 (b/52, b/min.
6 per prize section). 60% Guaranteed! 1st, 2nd, 3rd: $500, $350; $250; TOP
1900-2199, 1600-1899, 1300-1599, 1000-1299, U1000/UNR: $200 each (UNR
eligible ONLY for Unrated or Overall prizes). $50 Gift Certificate for biggest upset
of tournament! Info & ENT: Dr. Ed Mandell, address above, (586) 558-4790.TollFree: (866) 538-7890; Fax: (586) 558-2046; Email: [email protected],
Web: www.allthekingsmenchess.com. WCL JGP.
Apr. 4-5, Nebraska
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2nd Annual Spring Open
Note: corrections to prizes which now makes this a GP event. 5 SS, Rnd 1 G/90,
Rnd 2-5 G/120. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm #2066, 590 N 20th St.,
Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $25 if payment received by 4/2. $30 on-site. Prizes: $$G
$150-85-65, U1600 $50, U1400 $50, U1200 $50. USCF & NSCA memb. req’d ($10
adult, $6 under 20) Other states honored. Reg.: 9am-9:45. Rds.: Sat 10-1:456:30, Sun 9:30-2:30. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St. Omaha, NE 68105.
402.452.7686 [email protected]. WCL JGP. This version corrects what
was in the Feb. CL.
An American Classic!
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, Connecticut
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
11th annual Foxwoods Open
Open Section, Apr 8-12: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. Lower
Sections, Apr 9-12 or 10-12: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-4 G/50).
Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, Rt 2, Mashantucket CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit
92 to Rt 2 West, or I-395 to Exit 85 to Rt 164 to Rt 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles
fromT.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Airport; for shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus
transportation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum,
largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid
entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-entries, GMs, WGMs
& foreign IMs/WIMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum $70,000 (70%
of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-15001000-700-600-500-400-400, 2300-2499 $3000-1500-700, Under 2300/Unr
$3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game (White 5
minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for title &
free room at 2010 Foxwoods Open. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900,
Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under
1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under
1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with
under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/09 list may not win over $500 in U1000,
$1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/09 list not
counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating
supplement 4/08-3/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games
rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300
U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Initial ratings that will appear after the
4/09 list used at Director’s discretion; if used, rule 1 applies. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day
$204, 3-day $203 if mailed by 1/10; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223
mailed by 3/31; all $250 at site. CSCA members may deduct $4 from mailed
EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207
by 1/10, $227 by 4/6, $250 after 4/6 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at
406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/10, $230 by 4/6. No phone
entry after 4/6. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs, foreign WIMs free; $150
deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF
$70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Under 1000 Section EF: 4-day $104, 3-day $103 if mailed by 3/31, all $107 online at
chesstour.com by 4/6, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/6 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED IN U1000 OR U1300 SECTIONS.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online
at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. No checks at site,
credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day Open Section schedule: Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm,
Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day Lower Sections schedule:
Reg. endsThu 6 pm, rds.Thu 7 pm, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day Lower
Sections schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Sat 10,12:30, 3, 6, Sun
10 & 4:30. 4-day & 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: OK all; limit
4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. Bring sets,
boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Grand PequotTower (tournament
site, very luxurious) $132-132, Great Cedar Hotel (connected building; very close)
$118-118, Two Trees Inn (15 minute walk; free shuttle) $108-108. 1-800-FOXWOOD, must reserve by 3/26 or you will have to stay at least 3 miles away.
Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online
at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE,
100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC, PR or
Jamaica. Most foreign ratings other than CFC, PR, FQE or Jamaica not accepted
for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail
to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: April
list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: Players must submit to a search
for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with
scores of over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones
or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions:
845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section”
if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will
be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-12, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
9th Annual RENO-FAR WEST OPEN
6SS, 40/2, 20/1, G/1/2. Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave.,
Reno, NV 89501. 1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$22,500 b/250. $$15,000
Gtd. (Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). Free Lecture & Analysis Clinic by GM Larry Evans! 5 Sections. Open (2000 & above)
EF: $137, (1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (3/21)
or pay late fee at door). $$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300,
(2300/below) - $1,000, (2299/below) - $1,000-500, (2199/below) - $1000-500300-200 (If a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund). Sec.”A”
(1800-1999) EF: $136; $$1,000-500-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. Sec.”B”
(1600-1799) EF: $135; $$900-500-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. Sec.”C”
(1400-1599) EF: $134; $$800-400-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100.
Sec.”D”/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$700-400-300-200-100-100-100-100;
1199/below $$300; Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.- $400-200. ALL:
Entries must be postmarked by 3/28 or pay late fee-$11 until 4/3 (do not mail
after 4/3), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st – 3rd. Unrated players
are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year
thru this tournament . 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. $10 discount
to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally
rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used.
Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the
unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS:Thurs.
(4/9) 6-7:15pm Free Lecture-GM Larry Evans; 7:30pm-GM Khachiyan Simul
($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney ($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat.
(4/11) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - GM Larry Evans. ALL REG:
5-9pm (4/09), 9-10am (4/10). RDS: 12-7, 10-6, 9:30-4:30. Byes available any
round (if requested by Rd.1). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS
REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 3/28. $11 late fee if postmarked
by 4/3. Do not mail after 4/3 or email after 4/08. $22 late fee at site. HR: (SunThurs. $27!) (Fri. & Sat. $54!) + tax.1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS09
(Reserve by 3/21/09). INFO: Jerry Weikel 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523,
(775) 747-1405, [email protected] Or check out our website at: www.reno
chess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, Colorado
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2009 Boulder Open
5-SS 40/120 G/60 (2-day schedule, Rds 1-2, G/90). Best Western Boulder Inn,
Flatirons room, 770 28th Street, Boulder, CO. Two sections. Open, U1600. EF:
$50, $10 less if rec’d by 4/8, $10 less for Jr/Sr/Unrated. Prizes: $1500 b/50.
Open: $300-175-125, U2000, U1800 $100 ea. Reserve: $250-150-100, U1400,
U1200 $100 each. 3-day Regis: Fri 6-6:30 PM, Rounds: Fri: 6:30, Sat: 10, 5,
Sun 9:30, 4. 2-day Regis: Sat 9-9:45 AM, Rds Sat 10, 1:30, merge with 3-day
at 5. Entries: Klaus Johnson, 3605 Endicott Dr., Boulder, CO 80305. Email: [email protected]. A CO Tour event, CSCA membership req’d ($15/yr,
$10 for Jr/Sr), OSA. WCL JGP.
Apr. 16, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000
$95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings
may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds. 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
Apr. 17- May 8, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Queens Spring Open
4-SS, G/120, All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica NY
11432. EF: $40, QCC members $30. $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per
uschess.org
entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes with advance notice (if declared before Rd 3).
REG.: 7:30-8:00 RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT (mail by 4/11): Ed Frumkin, 445
E 14th St #10D, NYC 10009 (212-677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on
Fri). WCL JGP.
Apr. 18-19, Louisiana
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2009 Louisiana Pro-Am
5-SS, G/2. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge,
LA 70808. EF: $45 if mailed by 4/10, $55 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult,
$5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $2000 b/60, 50% Gtd. Two Sections: Pro (Open):
$400-200-100; U2000 $200-100. Amateur (U1800): $250-100; U1600 $200-100;
U1400 $150-100; U1200/UNR $100. Reg.: 4/18, 8:15-9:15am. Rds.: Sat: 9:302-6:30, Sun: 9:30-2. Bye: A 1/2 point bye is allowed but must be declared before
round 2 begins. HR: Comfort Suites (very close to site), (225) 923-3377, call
for rates. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817,
[email protected], (225) 933-9548. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Apr. 19, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
2009 Westwood Spring Open
5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025,
2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize guaranteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. Reserve
(U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF:
$47 if received by 4/18, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for
rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: limit
1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. 2
Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the building basement ($3). Inf: [email protected]. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery,
835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry: www.western
chess.com. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.
Apr. 19, District of Columbia
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
G/60 Spring Sensation
$2,200 in prizes for a 1 day, 5 round event! Caldwell Hall Auditorium, 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064. Open: $600-400-200 Top A,B/unr
$120 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $55 deducted from any prizes, preregistration
required. U1600: $300-200-100, Top U1200/U1000 $80 ea. Unr. player must
play in Open Section. All prizes b/o 50, U1600 players count as 2/3 entry. 50%
of all prizes guaranteed. Rds. 9:30-11:45-2:30-4:45-6:30. Entry: $50 rec’d by
4/13, $60 after. $20 off for U1600. 2 half point byes available - must be
requested at registration. Mail EF to CUA Chess, 204 Pryzbyla, 620 Michigan
Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20064, Visit studentorg.cua.edu/chess for online
registration/information.
Apr. 19, New Jersey
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship
Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages
With Rating >1400 4SS G/60 U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required,
Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each
uschess.org
$100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund Will
Not Be Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point
Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Apr 15th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry.
Make EF: and/or USCF membership checks payable to: International Chess
Academy. INFO 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: [email protected] (Web
Site Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM.
ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.
Apr. 21, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.
Apr. 23-May 21, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
2009 Hatboro Open
5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road
(near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$950 Gtd. In one section: $400-200,
U1900 $100, U1700 $100, U1500 $100, Upset Prize $50. EF: $35 at site, $5 less
to Chaturanga CC members. Write checks to “Chaturanga Chess Club.” Reg.:
6:45-7:20pm. Rds.: 7:30pm each Thursday. Bye: limit 1, any round, must
request before Round 3 starts. Info: Jorge Amador, POB 387, Forest Grove PA
18922, (215) 794-8368, (new email) [email protected]. NS, NC, W.
WCL JGP.
Apr. 24-26, Michigan
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Great Lakes Open
3 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400. 60% Guaranteed. 2-Day & 3-Day schedules available for ALL sections. Merge after RD 2. Held at McCamly Plaza
Hotel, 50 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49037 (See Lodging below). SPECIAL EVENTS: Sat, 7pm Blitz Tournament, EF: $10 (90% payout). Sun, 9am IM
or GM Lecture ($10). STRICT RULE ENFORCEMENT: Cell phones must be off
or in silent mode in tournament room. 1st infraction, deduct half remaining time
or game forfeiture if less than 10 minutes remaining on clock; automatic forfeiture for 2nd infraction. Spectator infraction: Banned from tournament
playing areas for remainder of tournament. Headphones cannot be used if opponent objects for any reason and cannot be used in last round by players with
a plus score; must be willing to present headphones to TDs for exam at any
time; failure to do so will result in removal from tournament without refund.
ChiefTD: SeniorTD Ed Mandell. EF (Uage 16 deduct $10): By 4/1: OPEN: 2-Day
$72; 3-Day $73 (IM’s, GM’s Free; early EF deducted from winnings). U1800:
2-Day $62; 3-Day $63. U1400: 2-Day $52; 3-Day $53. By 4/20: 2-Day $82-$72$62; 3-Day $83-$73-$63. After 4/20 or on-site: 2-Day $92-$82-$72; 3-Day
$93-$83-$73. USCF and a State membership required; can be purchased on site.
Up to TWO 1/2-pt. byes available; must request prior to start of RD 3. TL: 3-
Day: Rds 1-3, G-2hrs; Rds 4-5, 40/2, SD1. 2-Day: Rds 1-2, G-60; Rd 3, G-2hrs;
Rds 4-5: 40/2, SD1. REG.: 3-Day, Fri, 4/24: 5:00-6:29pm. 2-Day, Sat, 4/25: 8:3010:29am. RDS.: 3-Day: Fri, 7pm; Sat, 12, 4; Sun, 10, 4:30. 2-Day: Sat, 11, 1:30,
4; Sun, 10, 4:30. $$: $5,000 Prize Fund (60% guaranteed): OPEN $2,500 (b/42,
min. 6 per prize group): 1st, 2nd $1000, $600;TOP X: $350,TOP A: $300;TOP
U1800/UNR: $250 (UNR elig. only for OPEN or U1800 prize). U1800 $1,400
(b/32, min. 6 per prize group): 1st, 2nd $450, $300;TOP C: $250;TOP D: $225;
TOP U1400/UNR: $175 (UNR elig. only for Top or U1400 prize). U1400 $1,100
(b/30, min. 6 per prize group): 1st, 2nd $425, $275; TOP E: $225; TOP
U1000/UNR: $175 (UNR elig. only for TOP or U1000 prize). Lodging: For
reservations, go online at www.mccamlyplaza.com or call toll-free: 1-888622-2659; ask for Great Lakes Open chess rate ($79/night if booked by April
3rd). Covered lot parking: $4 overnight (unlimited in/out privileges), free in
nearby areas on weekends. For directions to hotel, go online to www.map
quest.com or www.yahoo.com/maps. Info & Ent: Stan Beckwith, 84 Bond St.,
Battle Creek, MI 49037-1907; (269) 964-2927 OR Ed Mandell, AllThe King’s Men,
(586) 558-4790, www.allthekingsmenchess.com.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, Vermont
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)
6th annual Vermont Spring Open
5 SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Stratton Mountain Inn, Middle Ridge Rd (take Stratton Mt Rd from center of Bondville), Stratton Mountain,
VT 05155. Bondville is 13 mi SE of Manchester, VT on Rt 30; under 2 hours from
Albany, NY or Springfield, MA. $$G 2000. In 2 sections. Open: $400-230-120,
top 1800-2049/Unr $200-100, top Under 1800 $200-100. Under 1550: $250120-60, top Under 1300 $150-70, no unrated may win over $100. EF: 3-day $68,
2-day $67 mailed by 4/17, all $69 online at chesstour.com by 4/22, $75 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 4/22 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. No checks at
site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues.
Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available
in Open section. GMs free; $50 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends
Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30
am, rds. Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before
rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1800 prizes). HR: $79-79, 1-800STRATTON, 802-297-2500, reserve by 4/10 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online at chesstour.com.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise
unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Apr. 25, New Mexico
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
15th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial
United World College, Montezuma, NM. 6 Sections. Professor: Above 1699
(U/age 21 above 1599) or UR. 1st 225 gtd, 2nd 125 gtd, U2000: 100 b/12. 3SS,
G/100. EF $32, $27 U/21. Tutor: 1300-1800 or UR. 1st 150 gtd, 2nd 100 b/20,
U1550: 50 b/20. 4SS, G/60. EF $22, $17 U/21. Sophomore: Under 1350 or UR.
1st 100 gtd, 2nd 70 b/20, U1100: 40 b/20. 4SS, G/60. EF $22, $17 U/21.
Scholastic: U/age 19 and U1200 or UR. 4SS, G45. 1st 75 gtd, 2nd 45 b/20 +
Chess Life — March 2009
57
Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
trophies. EF $12. Youth U17: U/age 17 and U900 or UR. 4SS, G/45. EF $8. Youth
U14: U/age 14 and U700 or UR. 4SS, G/45. EF $8. Round 1 all sections 10 am.
Late entries only by e-mail. Complete details at www.nmsco.org/ Schedule.html or TD Andy Nowak at 505-310-0095 or [email protected].
Apr. 25, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Chess Tournament
4SS, G/45. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34 St., NYC. 212-971-0101. EF: $15.
$$G: $250-$175-$125, U2200 $100, U2000 $75, U1800 $60. Reg.: 11:1511:45, Rds.: 12-1:45-3:45-5:30pm. Ent: Cks or MO payable to Pat Bowyer, (be
sure to specify “Grand Prix, Saturday”), c/o PAR Group, Inc., 119 N. Park Avenue,
Suite 303, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limit 70 players & positively NO door
ents. April 25th Bughouse team tourney starting time: 8pm. 5 minute Swiss
or roundrobin depending on # of entries. 2 players per team. EF: $5/player.
Cash to top team, trophies to top 2. PLEASE NOTE: Bring clocks and sets, none
will be provided. $$$ payment must be received by Wednesday, April 22nd at
the latest. Info: [email protected] or (Pat Bowyer) 516-371-3717. (See
New York section for Apr. 26, 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Scholastic
Tournament.)
Apr. 25, Wisconsin
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Hales Corners Challenge IX
4SS, G/60. Two Sections: Open & Reserve (under 1600). Wyndham Milwaukee
Airport Hotel, 4747 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee (414-481-8000). EF: $35-Open,
$25-Reserve, both $5 more after 4/22.Comp EF for USCF 2200+, call TD for
details. $$ Open (b/25)=1st-$325 (guaranteed), 2nd-$175 (guaranteed), A-$100,
B & Below-$75; $$ Reserve (b/25)=1st-$100, 2nd-$75, D-$50, E & Below-$40.
Reg.: 8:30-9:30, Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Ent: Payable to Southwest Chess Club, c/o
Allen Becker, 6105 Thorncrest Drive, Greendale, WI 53129 Questions to: TD
Robin Grochowski: 414-744-4872 or 414-861-2745.
Apr. 25-26, California Northern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
4th Annual Frank Doyle Open
Exchange Bank, 444 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. 4 round Swiss,
G/120. In 3 Sections Open: $$GTD: $250-175. Reserve: Open to 1899 &
under. $$GTD: $200-125. Booster: Open to 1499 & under. $$GTD: $150-100.
Unr. must play in Open Section. ALL: EF: $35 advance until 4/18, $45 at site.
Reg.: 04/25 8:30am - 9:30am. Rds : Sat 10,3; Sun 10,3. ENT: Mike Goodall, 461
Peachstone Terrace, San Rafael, CA 94903-1327 (415) 491-1269. INFO:
[email protected]. No phone or e-mail entries. Bring equipment,
none provided. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 25-26, Connecticut
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand
Prix
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 201, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
North Garage. 4 – SS, G/120. 2 sections, Open & Reserve (U-1800). Both EF:
58
Chess Life — March 2009
$50 by 4-22, $60 later. Checks payable to “UCONN”. GM’s & IM’s free if no prize
won. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-3, 9-2. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only,
no last round byes. $$ 700-500-300, Top U-2200 $200, Top U-2000 $200,
Reserve $250-$100,Top U-1600 $150-$100.Trophy and state title to top CT resident in Open. All cash prizes, $2500, unconditionally guaranteed! Lodging
available, please ask. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City
Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconn
chess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.
edu/virtualtour/search/. WCL JGP.
Apr. 26, New Jersey
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
2009 South Jersey Open
4-SS, G/60, td/5. $2000 Guaranteed Prizes. Wyndham Hotel, 1111 Rt. 73 N.,
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Top South Jersey player to be named South Jersey
Champion and receive a 1 year lease on the HoffmanTrophy! 4 Sections, Open:
$500-250-150-100-50. U2000: $250-100-75-50. U1400: $250-100-75-50.
U1000: 1st wins a House of StauntonTournament Pkg. valued at $175.Trophies
to top 4.TD reserves the right to place unr. players at his discretion and/or limit
an unr. player’s prize to $75. EF top 3 sections: $49 via mail by 4/20, $52 online
by 4/25, $59 cash onsite. U1000 EF: $25 via mail by 4/20, $27 online by
4/25, $35 cash onsite. Reg.: 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Rds.: 10 AM, then ASAP. Lunch
break after rd. #2. Two 1/2 pt. byes allowed (rounds 1-3) if requested with EF.
ENT: All the King’s Men, 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 or YourChess
Set.com/SJopen. INFO: Stephen Dick [email protected] or 856-5828222. DIR: Just off the NJ Turnpike exit 4 or 295 exit 36A. Hotel Ph #:
856-234-7000. Must bring your own equipment! Register online before
April 15 and be entered to win a $70, NY Times Deluxe Handheld Chess Computer by Excalibur. WCL JPG.
Apr. 26, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Grandmaster Challenge
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:005:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings
used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250
2700+.
May 1-3, South Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Lee Hyder Memorial
$2000 b/40 ($1000 Gtd.) 5SS, 30/90, SD/1, Tri-Development Center, 314
Hampton Ave, Aiken, SC 29801. (2day, Rd.1 - G/90 then merge with 3-day). EF:
$55 if rec’d by Apr. 27, $65 at site, $35 re-entry. Free entry to Masters and above
($60 deducted from any prizes). Checks payable to W. Taylor. Memb. Req’d:
OSA. $$b/40: $500-300-200. U2000, U1700, U1400 each $200-130. 3 day:
Reg.: Fri. 6-7p - Rds.: 7:30, 1-7, 9-2:30 2 day: Reg.: Sat. 8-8:45a - Rd.1: 9 then
merge with 3 day. Half pt. byes available all rounds. Must commit to rds.4/5
before rd.2. ENT: Bill Taylor 918 Seminole Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. FOR INFO:
[email protected]. www.aikenchess.net. WCL JGP.
May 2, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
New York May Action!
5-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:
845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries, minimum
half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100. Limit
2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 12-1:302:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at
www.chesscenter.cc thru 4/30; $10 extra to “enter” by phone!
May 7, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Older Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000
$95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings
may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
May 8-10 or 9-10, Florida
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
16th Space Coast Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day Rd. 1 G/60). Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL. $$10,000 b/165 pd., 60% Gtd.
6 Sections: Master/Expert: $1200+trophy-700-300, U2400 $600+trophy,
U2200 $600+trophy-300. Class A: $600+trophy-300-200. Class B: $600+trophy-300-200. Class C: $600+trophy-300-200. Class D: $600+trophy-300-200.
U1200: $600+trophy-300-200, U1000 $300+trophy-200, U800 $200+trophy-100, trophies to top Brevard County scholastics players in K-3, K-5, K-8,
K-12, book to plus score not winning other prize. All: Rated players may play
up one class only. Unr. may play in Master or U1200. Unr. limited to $100 prize
unless place prize in Master. Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy and biggest upset rds
1-4, sponsored by Hollywood Kings. EF: $79, via mail or on-line by 4/30, $89
on-line by 5/6 or at site (no credit cards); $20 less if Unr. or under age 18. Reentry $40 by round 3 (1/2 point Byes for earlier rounds). GM/IM free entry
available on-line until 4/15, else $80 from prize. Special EF for Brevard County
students in any section: $20 on-line, $25 at site (counts as 1/4 entry for based
on prize fund). Reg: ends 1 hr. before 1st rd. Rds: Rd. 1 8pm Fri (2-day 10am
Sat. at G/60), Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1-7, Sun. 9-3. Side events: Space Coast Open Blitz.
4-SS (2 games/Rd), G/5. Prizes: Cash prizes based on entries. EF $10. Rds Sat.
12:30-6:30, Sun. 8:30-2:30. (i.e., Blitz rounds are prior to rounds 2-5 of main
tournament). Other events: see sco2009.eventbrite.com. HR: $89.99 single-quad,
$109.99 Kids Suite, $189.99 loft. 888-840-8601 or 321-783-2271, code SFT,
reserve by 4/17. Ent: Space Coast Chess Foundation, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921
N. Thistle Ln, Maitland, FL 32751 or sco2009.eventbrite.com. Info only: Peter
Dyson 321-452-9863, [email protected]. FIDE, W. WCL JGP.
uschess.org
May 15-17 or 16-17, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
17th annual New York State Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Howard Johnson Tiki Resort,
2 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 3000. In 2 sections. Open: $500-300200, U2100 $230-120, U1900 $220-110. Under 1700: $400-230-120, U1500
$200-100, U1300 $180-90, trophies to top U1100, U900, Unr, no unrated may
win over $200. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY residents who are not members. EF: 3-day $78, 2-day $77 mailed by 5/8, $79 online at chesstour.com b
y 5/13, $85 phoned by 5/13 to 406-896-2038 (payment only, no questions), $90
at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with
entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry
$40, not available in Open Section. GMs free, $60 deducted from prize. 3-day
schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day
schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes
OK all, must commit before rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1900 or U1300
prizes). HR: 59-59-70 (2 double beds), 65-65-76 (2 queen beds), 518-6685744, reserve by 5/5 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Ent:
Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for
refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries
posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
An American Classic!
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
18th annual Chicago Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/45). Under
900 section plays separate 2-day schedule only, G/45. Westin Chicago North
Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45
south.) Free parking. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections. Open:
$8000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-400-400-400, clear winner bonus $200,
top Under 2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game
(White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for
title & bonus prize. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each
$6000-3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. U2300 Section is FIDE
rated. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1200-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under
1300: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300, top U1100 $800-400.
Under 1100 play for both U1300 section prizes & U1100 class prizes; receive
larger if winning both. Under 900: $200-120-80, trophies to top 10. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/09 list may not
win over $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/09 list not
counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/08-4/09,
prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $100
in U900, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100.
4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day
$199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/16; 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day
$217 mailed by 5/13; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online
EF at chesstour.com: $200 by 3/16, $220 by 5/19, $250 after 5/20 until 2 hours
before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038: $205 by 3/16, $225 by 5/19 (entry
only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/19. GMs free; $150 deducted from
prize. WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to all in Under
1300 Section and to seniors over 65 in Under 1500 & above sections. Under
900 EF: $24 if mailed by 5/13, $25 online at chesstour.com by 5/19, $30
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/19 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. No
checks at site, credit cards OK. All: FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U900 or
U1300 Sections. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illinois residents. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry:
online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry: $100,
no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 5/19. 4day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 7, Sun 12 & 7, Mon
10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 11 am, Rds. Sat 12, 3:30 & 7, Sun
12 & 7, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 & up): Reg. ends Sun 9 am,
Rds. Sun 10-12:30-2:30-4:30-7, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above schedules merge &
compete for same prizes. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun
10-12:30-2:30-4:30, Mon. 10-12:30-2:30. Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4
rds), must commit before rd 3 having under 2 pts. Hotel rates: $94-94-94-94,
800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/9 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to
FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or Jamaica. Most
foreign ratings other than CFC, FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below.
Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign
or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings
used; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more
games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or
after, players with scores over 80% in U1300/up and their opponents may not
use headphones, earphones, cellphones, or go to a different floor of the hotel
without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section” if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
June 4, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
2009 National Open
See Nationals.
June 25-29, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
3rd annual Philadelphia International
9SS, 40/2, SD/1, Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103. Special parking rate for players with guest rooms
uschess.org
$5/day; may be available for players without guest rooms, through 6/29 only.
$$G 10,000: $3000-1500-1000-600-400-300-200, top FIDE 2200-2399 $1000500, top FIDE under 2200 or unrated $1000-500. Minimum prize if completing
all games: $500 to foreign GMs, $200 to US GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs,
foreign WIMs. IM & GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: GMs, IMs, WGMs,
WIMs, foreign FIDE rated players $115 mailed by 6/16, $117 online by 6/23,
$125 phoned by 6/23 (406-896-2038, payment only, no questions), $150 at tmt.
USA FIDE 2100/up rated players: $215 mailed by 6/16, $217 online by 6/23,
$225 phoned by 6/23, $250 at tmt. Others: $315 mailed by 6/16, $317 online
by 6/23, $325 phoned by 6/23, $350 at tmt. All: No checks at site, credit cards
accepted. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entryonline at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Reg. endsThu
10 am, rds Thu through Sun 11-6, Mon 11. Two half point byes available (must
commit before rd 2); norm not possible if taking bye. HR: $93-93, 215-448-2000,
reserve by 6/5 or rate may increase. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possiblenone supplied. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577.
$15 service charge for refunds. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com.
Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
37th Annual World Open
9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Under
900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule only, G/45. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. Parking $5 for hotel guests
playing in tournament. Downtown location, Franklin Institute, many museums, stores, restaurants within a few blocks. Prizes $250,000 unconditionally
guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik; free lectures
by other GMs 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open,
Under 2400, or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-800700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first,
top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 7/5, 11 pm (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms
possible in 5-day & 7-day schedules. FIDE rated. Under 2400: $14000-70003000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300 $2000-1000. FIDE Under
2200: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $20001000. Under 2000: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top
U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-20001000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $100005000-2500-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800. Under
1200: $5000-2500-1500-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300. Under 900/unrated:
$300-200-100, trophies to top 10, no unrated may win over $100. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/09 list may not win over
$1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 to U1800. Games rated too late for 7/09 list not
counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section maximum any month 7/08-6/09 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of any limited
prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day $307, 5-day
$305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day $315, 4-day
$314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day
$323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24 until 2
hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325 by
5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24. GMs
free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 EF deducted from
prize. EF $100 less to all in U1200 Section and seniors over 65 in Under 1400
& above. Under 900/Unrated Section EF: $25 if mailed by 6/17, all $26
online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $30 phoned by 6/24 (entry only, no questions),
$40 at site. FREE ENTRYTO UNRATED in U900/Unr Section. No checks at site;
credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for
switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life
if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site
$40. 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thur 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat
11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Mon-Fri each 7 pm, Sat
11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Thurs 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri 11
& 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under
900/Unr schedule: Fri 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sat 11, 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 12:30.
Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3
and have under 2 pts. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: 93-93, 215-4482000, may sell out about 5/31, two night minimum 7/3-4. Backup hotel:
Radisson Plaza Warwick, 215-735-6000, $104-104, special chess rates for
parking $8/day with guest room at Radisson. Special car rental rates: Avis,
800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
Foreign player ratings: 100 pts added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200 or more to
most foreign, no pts added to CFC. Most foreign ratings other than CFC or FQE
or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings used.
Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US
player ratings: JULY LIST USED; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org
ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested
by Director. In round 4 or after, players with scores over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor
of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may
request “lowest possible section” if July rating unknown. $15 service charge
for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board,
clock if possible- none supplied. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, Indiana
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
110th annual U.S. Open
See Nationals.
Regional
Alabama
B’ham C. C.
Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg.
Ctr.) B’ham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns. planned
in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; B’ham City C’ships-Aug.; Magic
City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W. Ellis 205-9796068, [email protected].
Mar. 21-22, 2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 28, Alabaster Scholastic
5SS, TC: G/30. Thompson Intermediate School, 10019 Highway 119,
Alabaster, AL 35007. Scholastic (K-12): Rated and Not Rated Divisions with
3 Sections each. Late REG.: Mar 28th, 8:00-9:00. EF: $20/$10; if mailed by
03/21/2009. $10 more at site. Prizes: Trophies and Medallions – Top 3 each
section. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45, 3. Checks PayableTo: Caesar Lawrence
ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882 McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Info: Caesar
[email protected] /ACF: www.alabamachess.com.
Apr. 4, Montgomery Scholastic
5SS, TC: G/30. Forest Avenue Magnet School, 1700 W 5th St, Montgomery,
AL 36106. Scholastic (K-12): Rated and Not Rated Divisions with 3 Sections each. Late REG.: Apr 4th, 8:00-9:00. EF: $20/$10; if mailed by
03/28/2009. $10 more at site. Prizes: Trophies and Medallions – Top 3 each
section. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45, 3. Checks PayableTo: Caesar Lawrence.
ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882 McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Info: Caesar
[email protected]/ACF: www.alabamachess.com.
May 2, En Passant - Birmingham City Scholastic Championship
5SS, TC: G/30. W. J. Christian School, 725 Mountain Drive Birmingham, AL
35206. Scholastic (K-12): 6 Sections - Rated and Not Rated. Late REG.:
May 2nd, 8:00-9:00. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45, 3. EF: $20/$10; if mailed by
04/25/2009. $10 more at site. Prizes: Trophies and Medallions – Top 3 each
section. Checks Payable To: Magic City Chess U. ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882
McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Info: [email protected]/ACF:
www.alabamachess.com.
Arizona
May 23-25, 2009 U.S. Amateur West Championship
See Nationals.
Arkansas
Mar. 14, Conway Southern Scholastic Open (Bob Nabholz Memorial Chess Tournament) – Team & Individual Chess Tournament
5SS, G/30. St. Joseph School, 502 Front St., Conway, AR. 7 total Sects: (USCFrated sects. for teams and ind.) K-2; K-5; K-8; K-12. Reserve Sects (non-USCF
rated for ind. only): K-2; K-5; K-8. Reserve Sects are not USCF rated and do
not require USCF membership. No elimination – everyone will play all 5 rounds.
PRIZES: Trophies to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each section (more ind.
trophies awarded depending on pre-entries). Every non-trophy winner receives
a souvenir medal. Teams must have minimum of 3 players from the same
school or home-school district registered in the same section; the top 3 scores
will count for final team score. USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks will
decide trophy and medal placements for all winners. TOURN. FREEBIES:
Every scholastic player will receive a Free chess gift. Free chess clock to
player who travels farthest to tourn. HR: For info on hotels, restaurants and
other attractions in Conway, please click on www.conwayarkansas.org. EF: $20
by 3/10; $25 at site. On-site reg. from 9-9:30 a.m., 1st Rd. at 10 a.m. Other Rds
will follow immediately (small lunch break after 2nd Rd. - lunch and snacks will
be avail. for purchase on site). Players should bring their own chess boards,
sets and clocks, as none will be provided. Chess vendor Cajun Chess will be
on site. Byes: One half-pt. bye avail. for any Rd. (commit before Rd. 3). ENT:
On-line registration and printable entry form at www.cajunchess.com, or mail
entry form with check payable to Cajun Chess, 7230 Chadbourne Dr., New
Orleans, LA 70126, or fax with credit card info to (504) 208-9620. More
detailed info at: www.cajunchess.com or Phone Ent.: 504-905-2971. Major
credit cards accepted.
California Northern
Mar. 21-22, Hans Poschmann Memorial
4-SS, 30/90; SD/60 Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont, CA
94538. $$B 80 paid entries (not counting unrated entries) Three Sections:
Open: $350-225 U2200 $220-115; A/B (1999-1600): A $220-115 B $220115; Reserve (U1600): C $220-115 U1400 $220-115 Unr:Trophy First. All, EF:
postmarked by 3/16 $50, $60 at site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or
may play up to the Open section for the regular fee. USCF memb. req’d. May
play up for add’l $10 per section. Reserve players in the A/B section compete
for the B prize. Reg.: Sat 3/21 9:00-9:45am. RDS.: Sat 10:00-3:30; Sun 10:003:30; One 1/2 pt bye available if requested in advance (bye in rds 3 or 4 must
WA RN I N G !
CELL PHONE
THE USE OF A
PROHIBITED!
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
TURN IT OFF!
Chess Life — March 2009
59
Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
be requested before rd 1). 2009 March Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible. Please
bring clocks and equipment. INFO: Ken Zowal (510)-623-9935 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Ent: Ken Zowal, P.O.
Box 3211, Fremont, CA 94539. No Phone entries. WCL JGP.
Apr. 4, 23rd Visalia Open
Sierra Room, Visalia Convention Center, 303 E Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.
In 2 Sections Open (Current/Former USCF Members): 4SS, Game/60,
Prizes:Trophies 1-3, Classes B C D & under 1200. Beginners (Non-rated New
Players): 4SS, Game/60, Prizes: Trophies 1-5. ALL: EF: $25 pre-reg; $32 at
door. Onsite 8:30-9:30. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Pre-entry must be rec’d by 04/01. Rds.:
10:00 12:30 3:00 5:30. ENT: Allan Fifield, PO Box 27, Visalia, CA 93279 559-7342784; 559-967-3379. INFO: [email protected]. 1/2 point bye
available. NS NC W.
Apr. 25-26, 4th Annual Frank Doyle Open
See Grand Prix.
July 4, 6th Pacifica Chess Open
5 rounds, G/30. 1125Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044. Contact: John Galpin,
[email protected] or website: atcc.us/Index.htm for additional details.
California Southern
LA CHESS CLUB * www.LaChessClub.com
Fridays: 8 PM-10 PM (Blitz Tournament) Saturdays:
10AM-10 PM (Class& 2 Tournaments) Sundays: 12
PM-6 PM (Tournament) Tuesdays: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
(Intermediate/Advanced Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica
Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks
West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor)
Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments.
Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, LACC Sunday Swiss Open
3SS, G/60 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
$20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free parking on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Mar. 1, 15, LACC February Scholastics I & II
5SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
$25 ($20 LACC memb). Reg: 1:30-2. Rds: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes:Trophies, Medals,
special prizes (every player wins a prize!). Free parking on streets. Inf: (310)
795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC)
5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks
W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg: 7:30-8. Rds: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking
lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310)
795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Mar. 7-8, BIG BANG Open
$30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg: 5:30-6. Rds: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 75% EF. 2 Free lots
SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.
LaChessClub.com.
Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Saturday Swiss Open
4SS, G/30 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20
($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots
SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.
LaChessClub.com.
Mar. 13-15, 7th Annual Western Pacific Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 14-15, 2009 SCCF State Scholastic Championship
LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections: HS
(gr 12-below), 5-SS, G/75. Reg ends 2 p.m. 3/14. Rds.: Sat 2:20-5:30, Sun 9:301-4. Top HS student receives invitation to Denker Tournament of High School
Champions, top girl invitation to Susan Polgar Invitational Tournament for
Girls. Trophies to top 10, best grade 12-11-10, 1-3 U1200/unr, best club team,
school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or
changes later). State Championship Qualifier. JHS (gr 9-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.:
8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30.Trophies to top 10,
best grade 9-8-7, 1-3 U1000/unr, best club team, school team (sum of all
scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later). Elementary (gr 6-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun
9:30-11:30-2:30.Trophies to top 8, 1-2 U800, best club team, school team (sum
of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later), best
grade 6-5-4. Primary (gr 3-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat.
9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 6, 1-2 U600, best club
team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later), best grade 3-2-1/below. All: SCCF membership ($10)
required of players rated 800/above. Best Game prize $100, all sections eligible. Refreshments! EF: $35 adv, $40 door. HR: $109. (310) 410-4000. Ask for
“7th Annual Western Pacific Open.” Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John
Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line: www.western
chess.com. Inf: [email protected]. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP only for HS
section.
Mar. 15, WPO Hexes
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player
sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 3-13, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 10:45-2-5. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835
N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Mar. 28-29, Kern County Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 19, 2009 Westwood Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Colorado
Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC LA Masters
Mar. 28-29, Colorado Class Championship
4SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
4-SS, 40/120 G/60. Metro State, Auraria Campus, 9th and Larmier Street,Tivoli
60
Chess Life — March 2009
Building, Room #320 B & C. Held concurrent with Colorado Closed Championship. 5 Sections, Class X/A, B, C, D, and E. EF: $35, $30 if rec’d by 3/25.
$8 less for Jr/Sr/Unrated. Prizes: 60% per entries. Regis.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.:
Sat 9:30, 4:00, Sun 9:00, 3:30. Entries: Klaus Johnson, 3605 Endicott Dr.,
Boulder, CO 80305. Email: [email protected]. A CO Tour event,
CSCA membership req’d ($15/year, $10 for Jr/Sr), OSA. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, 2009 Boulder Open
See Grand Prix.
Connecticut
UCONN Chess Club
Tues. & Thurs 7:30PM. Castleman Building, Room 204,
261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Contact: TOM
HARTMAYER. Contact Phone: 860-989-5394. Email:
[email protected]. Web Site: www. uconnchess.
uconn.edu. No dues required. Casual Play, USCF Rated
Events, Blitz Events, League Play, Matches, Club Championships, Sets & Clocks Available, Chess Items for
Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Beginners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may
change, please check website or call contact phone #.
Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand
Prix
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 25-26, Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State Open
Championship
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
North Garage. 4 – SS, G/60. EF: $50, by 4-22, $60 later. Reg.: 8 – 9:30 AM, Rds.:
10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes.
Prizes: Trophies to Top 5. Trophy to Top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info &
Entries to:Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-9895394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu,
UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Championship
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
North Garage. 4 – SS, G/60. EF: $50 by 4-22, $60 after. Checks payable to
uschess.org
“UCONN”. Reg.: 8 – 9:30 AM, Rds.: 10 – 12:30 – 2:30 – 4:30. Half point byes
available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Prizes: State Champ title, CSCA
Denker/Polgar $300 Award & trophy to highest scoring CT male/female residents in grades 9-12. UCONN School of Engineering Scholarships to Top 3 in
grades 9-12, 1st:Trophy plus $2000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4
GPA, 2nd: Trophy plus $1000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA,
3rd: Trophy plus $500 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 4th 5th:Trophies. Scholarships are available only to tournament winners in grades
9-12 who are admitted to and enroll in an engineering program at the UCONN
School of Engineering. Scholarships are not transferable and are renewable
for a maximum of 4 years. Students are limited to 1 scholarship in the School
of Engineering. Prior winners are eligible to upgrade only, prior 1st prize winners are eligible for trophy & titles only. Other previous winners may upgrade
only. Trophy to top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@
charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map
admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Delaware
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA)
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
May 8-10 or 9-10, 16th Space Coast Open
See Grand Prix.
Has won the bid for 09 US Open. All Sat Monthly’s will offer Orange Points
that may be used for FREE ENTRY to US Open in 09. WCL JGP.
Idaho
FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the second Sat. of the Month
Apr. 4-5, 2009 Idaho Open Chess Championship
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St.
Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs,
by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets
choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess
merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details.
Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free. Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-6346259 or e-mail [email protected]. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.
5SS, G/120. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400). Site: ISU, Student Un
Bldg, Salmon River Suites, 1065 S. 8th St., Pocatello, Idaho. EF: USCF mem req.,
$30 (U18 & 60+ $25), ISU students and ISU Chess Club $10, by 3/28/09. $40
(all) after. Reg & Ck in: 7:30-8:30 AM 04/04/09. Those not paid & ck’d in by
8:30 AM may not be paired in 1st rnd. RNDS.: 9,2,7,9,2. 1/2 pt byes: Max 1,
Rd 1-4 only. Commit by end of rd 2. Prizes: $$ b/30 non ISU; Open: $200-10075; Reserve: $100-75-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA % Jay Simonson, 391 Carol Ave.
Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, 208-206-7667, [email protected], www.idahochess
association.org. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP.
Illinois
Mar. 14, 7th Annual Mark Oestreich Memorial Chess Tournament
Time controls 30/70, then 40/60. No sudden death. Salem Community Center,
416 Oglesby St., Salem, Illinois. Entry fee: $15.00. Prize fund: $360.00, based
on 30 players. 1st $80, 2nd $40. Classes: A, B, C, D/E/Unrated $60.00 each.
Registration: 8:00 – 9:15. Rounds: 9:30, 1:00, 5:00. Entries: Jim Davies phone
314-721-4967, 7358 Shaftesbury, St. Louis, MO 63130. email jandadavies@
sbcglobal.net.
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
5 Round, G/61, U.S.C.F. rated. 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free
Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office.
Late Ent. 8-9am, Rd 1, 9:30am. Prizes: $465.00 b/o 20 full pd. Ent. 1st $150;
2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow.
EF: $25 if rec’d one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount
for your birthday month, FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT:
Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call
Don at 317-634-6259 or e-mail [email protected]. Note: there must be at
least 3 entries in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining
class prizes are vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. News Flash!!! OCCC
Florida
South Florida Chess Club
Wednesday’s 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G90 Tournaments
and skittles. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com.
Boca Raton Chess Club
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open
Iowa
Indiana
May 3, Metro First Sunday Quads
Apr. 19, G/60 Spring Sensation
See Grand Prix.
See Nationals.
3-RR, G/90. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. EF: $20 $$ $40 each quad.
Scholastic sections. EF: $10, Trophy prizes. Both: Reg.: 9:15 - 9:50. Rds.:
10 - 1 - 4. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org./quads.php.
4-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open to
players rated under 1200 or unrated. EF: $20 ($15 if by 3/21). 5 sections by
age. Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/rbo.php.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 28, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
4SS, G/12, Our Lady of Lourdes School Cafeteria, 30 South Downey Avenue,
Indianapolis IN 46219. Open to Age 18 and Under. EF: $5 onsite, $4 in advance.
Unr: Free. Prizes: Trophies for 1st-3rd. Reg.: Anytime between 3:05pm and
3:55pm. Rds.: 4p, 4:30p, 5p, 5:30p. Clocks and boards provided. ENT:
www.ollchessclub.org. INFO: Kieron Mitchell, 317-430-5254. info@ollchess club.
org. NS NC.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open
2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church. Entrance
is in the back, down the stairs by the office. When: Starts Every Friday except
the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30
P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if
received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes:
Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each
quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317)
634-6259 or e-mail [email protected].
District of Columbia
May 18, Indianapolis Youth Open (QC)
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 3rd Annual Okoboji Open
GM Alex Yermolinsky to Play and Hold Lecture & Simul 5SS, G/2, Arrowwood
Resort & Conference Center, 1405 Highway 71 S, Okoboji, IA 51355. An Iowa
Qualifying Points Event. EF: $40 by 4/18 or $50 at site. Sr/Jr’s $25 by 4/18 or
$35 at site. GMs and IMs Free Entry. Memb. Req’d: $15 (Jr/Sr $10). OSA. USCF
reqd. $$b/50 Full Entries: Sr/Jr entry count as half. $300-200-100-50. U1900
$175-100-50, U1600 $150-75-50, U1300 $75-50, U1000/Unr $75-50. Trophies
to 1st, top female, top Sr. and top Jr. 1/2 pt bye any round if req. before rd. 2.
Rds: 3-Day Option 4/24 6:00, 4/25 9:00-4:30, 4/26 9:00-2:30; 2-Day Option 4/25
9:00-1:00-4:30, 4/26 9:00-2:30. Reg.: 4/24 5:00-5:45 and 4/25 9:00-9:45.
Satellite locations may be available for 1st rd, see website for details. HR: $89
by April 10. 1-800-727-4561, mention Chess group. ENT: Jodene Kruse, 934 6th
St, Sibley, IA 51249. INFO: [email protected]. www.fiorechess.org. NS NC
W. WCL JGP.
Louisiana
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 14, 2009 Louisiana G/30 Championship
5-SS, G/30. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge,
LA 70808. EF: $30 if mailed by 3/6, $40 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult,
$5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $600 b/30, 50% Gtd. $150-50. U2000: $80, U1800: $80,
U1600: $80, U1400: $80, U1200: $80. Reg : 9:15-10:15am. Rds.: 10:30-12-1:15-
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg $500 Absolutely Guaranteed
Cash Open
5rd Swiss, G/30. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. EF: $25; $30
at door. (SPCC Mems. $5 off) $100-$60-$40; U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30$20 each. Part of the lucrative and prestigious FCA Grand Prix. Preregister
www.stpetersburgchessclub.com with Paypal. Cash or check only onsite 910 AM. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg 66 Trophy RBO
5rd Swiss G/30 USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy; all others get medal. Also Trophies to top
12 teams.Team (2 or more) - take best four scores from all divisions. Bughouse
at lunch. EF: $18. (SPCC members $15) Onsite reg. cash or chck 9-10AM. First
round 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. 66 trophies
every event. www.stpetersburgchessclub.com for dirctins and Paypal prergistration. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
Apr. 11, 2nd DBCC G/50 Open
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
32118. 4SS, G50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 1011:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul B Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl #116, Daytona
Beach, FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: [email protected]. www.daytonabchcc.org.
NS NC W.
Apr. 18, Orlando Bonus Tornado
4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters
free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400
$75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:303-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
HEALTH AND BENEFITS FUND
Many Grand Prix tournament organizers
will contribute $1 per player to the Professional Health & Benefits Fund. All
Grand Prix tournaments which participate in this program are entitled to be
promoted to the next higher Grand Prix
category—for example, a six-point tournament would become a 10-point
tournament. Points in the top category
are promoted 50%.
uschess.org
Chess Life — March 2009
61
Tournament Life
2:30-3:45. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
70817, [email protected], (225) 933-9548. NS, NC.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 28, 2009 LA State Scholastic Team & Individual Chess Championships
5SS, G/30 (K-12 sections will play 6SS, G/30/45 – first 3 rds will be G/30, last
3 rds will be G/45, Rd. 1 for K-12 sections will start at 9am; Rd. 1 for all other
sections will start at 10am). Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel, 901 Airline Dr.,
Kenner, LA (504-469-5000 or 800-872-5914). USCF membership required for
all sections and may be purchased at site. Sections (individual & team): K1, K-2, K-3, K-4, K-5, K-6, K-8-Under 800, K-8-Open, K-12-Under 1000, K-12-Open.
Team info: Must have a minimum of 2 players to make a team, and all team members must be from the same school (or home-school district) and register in
the same section. Top 3 scores from each school count as final team score. No
limit on entries from one school or home-school district. Prizes: Trophies to
top 10 individuals & top 3 teams in each section (more ind. trophies awarded
depending on number of pre-entries); medals to all non-trophy winners. USCFrecommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy & medal placements
except for the K-12 Open section where there will be head-to-head playoffs in
the event of a tie to determine the Denker representative. Winner of K-12 Open
section will represent Louisiana at the 2009 Arnold DenkerTournament of High
School Champions. HOTEL: $79 plus tax - please request “chess rate.” Hilton
New Orleans Airport Hotel, 901 Airline Dr., Kenner, LA (504-469-5000 or 800872-5914). Reservations must be made by March 14 to assure group rate.
ENTRY FEE: $25 for players in grades K-8, and $30 for players in K-12 sections
(includes required $5 LA Chess Assn. dues for K-12 sections) if rec’d by 3/21;
$40 thereafter and at site. TEAM ROOMS: Coaches may reserve a private team
room for the day for $150, subject to hotel availability – please reserve early.
Registration: On-site reg. 7:30-8:30am, Rd. 1 for K-12 sections at 9am; Rd.
1 for all other sections at 10am. ENTRIES: Go to www.cajunchess.com for online reg. or printable entry form which can be faxed to 504-208-9620 with credit
card info, or make check payable to Cajun Chess and mail to 7230 Chadbourne Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126. For more detailed info go to:
www.cajunchess.com and click on “Upcoming Tournaments” or Email:
[email protected] or call (504) 208-9596 or (504) 905-2971.
Apr. 18-19, 2009 Louisiana Pro-Am
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
May 9, Louisiana G/60 Championship
4-SS, G/60. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge,
LA 70808. EF: $30 if mailed by 5/1, $40 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult,
$5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $600 b/30, 50% Gtd. $150-50. U2000: $80, U1800: $80,
U1600: $80, U1400: $80, U1200: $80. Reg.: 8:30-9:15am. Rds.: 9:30-12-2:154:30. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817,
[email protected], (225)933-9548. NS, NC.
Maryland
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
We organize USCF-rated tournaments on Saturdays
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Reno-Far West Open IX
April 10-12, 2009
The Sands Regency Casino Hotel
Reno, Nevada
$22,500 (b/250) - $15,000 Gtd.
6 Rd Swiss - 5 Sections
150 GP Pts (enhanced)
Average entry $135!
Rooms $27! mid-week / $54! Fri & Sat.
Sands Regency Reservations
1-866-FUN STAY Code CHESS09
Simul $15!
GM Khachiyan
ENTRY FORM/MORE INFO:
www.renochess.org/fwo
62
for adults and kids. Free analysis by a National Master
at every tournament for the scholastic players. Trophies to top scholastic finishers; 70% of entries returned
as prizes in open (adult) sections. To see a list of dates
and locations, see our website at www.silverknights
chess.com. Phone: 610-446-0818. Email: chess@silver
knightschess.com.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 21-22, 2009 Maryland Scholastic Championships
5SS 8 sections, Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Road, Towson, MD
21212, 92 individual and 42 team trophies! MD Residents only. 2-Day Sections: HS Championship (9-12) – Winner is Denker rep for MD; MS Champ(6-8);
Elem(K-5) Champ; 1-Day Sections: HS JV(<1000); MS JV(<900); Elem
JV(<600); Primary(K-3) Champ; Primary JV(<400). HS, MS, and Elem Champ
sections are 2-day sections Rds 1-3 G/65, Rds 4-5 G/90 2-day sched Sat 10:0012:30-3:00, Sun 9-12:15. All JV and K-3 Champ are 1-day. 1-day sched G/30,
1st rnd 9:30, then ASAP. EF: $17 by 2/21, $22 by 3/17, $30 online only by 7pm
3/19, $35 at the door (1/2 point bye in Rnd 1). Ent: Michael Regan, 1827Thornton Ridge Road,Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules for all and more information
@ www.baltimorechess.org, online entry @ mdstates09.eventbrite.com.
Mar. 28-29 (Not Mar. 14-15), UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess
Tournament
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 5, Catonsville First Sunday Tornado
4SS, G/61, EF: $18, under 17 $5 off. Rds.: 10:30-1:00-3:15-5:30. Reg.: 9:45am.
Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville,
Md. 21228. $$b/24 $100-$50 U1800 $40 U1400 $40, more per entries. Bye 13. Info: [email protected] or 410-788-1009. www.geocities.com/
catonsvillechess. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave, Baltimore, MD. 21207.
Include USCF ID. Checks payable to Joe Summers. WCL JGP.
May 10, Maryland Scholastic Chess Spectacular
4SS, G/20mins in 2 sections. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in University Center Ballroom).
Open to any student grades 1-12. Coaches welcome to attend free instructional
sessions. Spectators free and welcome. Quick Rated Open: 4SS. For rated and
unrated scholastic competitors with prior tournament experience. Trophies to
top ten finishers, top individuals (elementary, middle, high, unrated), top
schools (elementary, middle, high). Top 10 finishers receive free entry to chess
camp. Top four players, and anyone with a perfect score, advance to knockout
playoffs. USCF membership required (may be purchased at event). Unrated
Novice: 3SS. For unrated scholastic players with no prior tournament experience. Top 4 finishers receive trophy and free entry to chess camp (G/7mins
playoff may be required). Certificate to everyone completing three games.
Includes instruction on how to play in tournaments 10-10:45am. USCF membership not required. Unrated Playoffs (invitational): For finalists from
Quick Rated Open. Single-elimination G/7mins (2-sec delay), two games per
match, with move-by-move sports commentary. Ties broken by 5mins-4mins
“shootout” in which White with 5mins must win. Coaches Session: 12:45-2:15.
Advice on how to teach chess. All: EF: Free entry to any Maryland student who
registers by 4-24. Limit 200. Late entries may be required to take 1/2-bye in
Rd1. $20 per person for non-residents. Bring lunch (none will be provided).
Teams: School score is sum of points earned by top four finishers from same
school. Home-schooled students may play for their district school. Reg.: 8-9am,
Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30, playoffs begin 2:45 ending about 5pm. Byes: 1/2 bye
avail. in Rd 1 only. Directions: Take Exit 47B off I-95 and follow signs to
UMBC. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC, Dr. AlanT. Sherman, CSEE Dept, UMBC,
1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, [email protected]. Register online www.umbc.edu/chess/spectacular. W.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Massachusetts
Mar. 28, Holyoke Saturday Open
3SS G/90, Holyoke Public Library Comm. Room, 335 Maple St., Holyoke, MA.
EF: $28 by 3/23, $35 at site. $725 Prize fund b/30 adv entries. OPEN 1st $200,
2nd $150 U1800 1st $125, 2nd $100 U1400 1st $100, 2nd $50; Reg.: 8:30. Rds.:
9:30, 1, 4:15.Titled Masters of any kind, FREE ENTRY!! (Adv EF deducted from
prizes won). New/UNR, $15 by 3/23 (must play in U1400 Section, not eligible
for prizes). WMCA mem discount: $2 off EF. Adv Ent: Frank Kolasinski, 119
Brunswick Street, Springfield, MA 01108. Questions? Call Frank at 413-391-0860
or e-mail [email protected]. Web: www.WesternMassachusettsChess
Association.org.
Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Wachusett CC Championship Prelims
5SS, G/110, McKay Campus School, Room C199, Fitchburg State College, 67
Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played; free to Wachusett
CC members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m., Rds.: 7:15 p.m. No byes. Top 8 scorers qualify for “A” division round-robin finals starting May 6. Info: George Mirijanian,
176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, [email protected], 978-345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org Online ratings as of April 1 will be used. WCL
JGP.
Friday Action Quads - Every Friday Night (QC)
3RR, G/29 QR, Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis
MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad. Club membership req’d.
available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only.
Info: 314-361-CHESS [email protected].
Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Tuesday night (QC)
5SS, G/5 QR, Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63108. EF: $5. Prize fund 100% payout! First overall will take home 75%
of all entry fees, and the highest scoring player in the bottom half takes 25%.
Club membership req’d. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 7. Rds.: 7, 7:15, 7:30,
7:45, 8. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS. [email protected].
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 15, Mid-America Open USCF Booster Quads
3RR, G/30, St. Louis Host Hotel (see Mid-America Open). EF: $20. 1st prize
each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year
USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon,
Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.
Mar. 21, Mizzou Quads
3RR, G/75. Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia. Directions: From
I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on Hitt. Entry fee:
$20 if mailed by 3/14, $25 at site. First prize each quad: $70. Site entries cash
only. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rounds: 10:30-1:15-4:00. Entries/Info: Charles Ward,
2400 Cimarron Drive, Columbia MO 65203, 573-443-6685, Email: czar8196@
tranquility.net. W.
Mar. 28, March Action Madness (CCSCSL Quick Championships)
(QC)
Three events, same day! 8SS G/5, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108.
MCA Membership Req’d from $5. Armageddon playoff used in case of tie for
each event. Trophy for 1st in each section. EF: $10. PF: 40% of entries to overall, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.: 10:30-10:50. Rds.:
11, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 12, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45. 6SS G/10, EF: $10: PF: 40%
of entries to overall, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.:
1:30-1:50. Rds.: 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30, 4, 4:30. 4SS G/30 Two sections (Open and
U1600), EF: $15: PF: 85% of entries per class to 1st in that class. Reg.: 5:005:30. Rds.: 5:45, 6:45, 8, 9. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
314-361-CHESS, [email protected].
Apr. 1, April Knights
5SS, G/90 Reg. Wednesday, April 1st, 6:00 - 6:45pm. Rounds (one per week)
7pm 4/1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Check in withTD by 6:45 to be paired each week/round.
No advanced entries. EF: $10. Prize fund is 90% payout, with 1st place getting
1/3 of the total prize fund and first A, B, C, D, E and U1000/unrated each take
1/9 of the prize fund. One 1/2 point bye if declared by round 1. Annual club
memb. req’d. MCA memb. req’d from $5 OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS or info@
saintlouischessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, April Cash Wednesday
The Kansas City Chess Club, 2512 NW Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64150. Reg.:
Online at www.kansascitychessclub.com or 6:30-7PM onsite. 5SS G75. USCF
Rated. One Round per week. USCF, CXR, KCCA memb. Req. EF: Online: $35/
Members $30. Onsite: $40 100% payout plus a $100 donation by the KCCA. $350
Min. Cash Prizes: 1st Open $150/1st U1700 $100/ 1st U1400 $100. Info: Ken
Fee 816-835-7529/e-mail [email protected].
Apr. 25-26, Saint Louis Open
5SS,G/120. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland
Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. $$ Guaranteed $300 first place. $$ based on 60: $150
each X,A,B,C,D,E,U 1000/Unr. EF: $40 if received by 4/17. $50 at site. K-12 may
enter at half fee but are eligible for only half of class prize. Reg.: 8:30-9:30.
Rds.: 10 - 2:30 - 7; 9:30 - 2 MCA membership req’d for MO residents, available at site from $5. Adv. Info/Entries: Missouri Chess Association, 7138
Lindenwood, St. Louis, MO 63109 314-645-2897. WCL JGP.
Nebraska
Apr. 4-5, 2nd Annual Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
Nevada
Apr. 10-12, 9th Annual RENO-FAR WEST Open
See Grand Prix.
June 4, 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
June 5, National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament
6 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. EF: $15. Reg.:
7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533.
NS, NC. WCL JGP.
5-SS Game/30. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South,
Las Vegas, NV 89183. Open to players Uage 20. In 3 sections. U1800, U1200,
and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section
must be under age 12.Trophies to top 4 in each section, top 1 in each 200 point
rating group and unrated. EF $29 by 5/19, $35 by 6/3, $40 on site. REG 9-9:45
a.m. RDS 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $65 (not $75) single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas
International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or
www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
June 5-7 or 6-7, 2009 National Open
Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, Billerica Friday Swiss
See Grand Prix.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
TD NTD Jerome V “Jerry” Weikel
[email protected]
775.747.1405
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
SEE TLA IN MARCH ISSUE
Apr. 24-26, Great Lakes Open
Chess Life — March 2009
Missouri
See Grand Prix.
Michigan
Apr. 4-5, Wiener-Rubenstein Memorial
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
See Nationals.
June 6-7, Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and for
Boys
5-SS, G/45. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las
Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under
15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives
a MonRoi Personal Chess Manager. $$ 200-150-100-50 in chess prizes for 2nd
thru 5th.Trophies for top 10 individuals, top 3 (3-player) school/club teams each
section, special medals for next 10 individuals and next 3 school/club teams.
Every player receives a special hand-signed certificate from Susan Polgar. Perfect score also wins a digital chess clock. Scholarships to Texas Tech will
be awarded based in part on performance in this event. EF $45 by 1/19,
uschess.org
$55 by 5/19, $65 by 6/3, $75 on site. Reg 4-8 p.m. Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rds 11-1:30-4, 11-1:30. Breakfast with Susan 9 a.m. Sunday. Opening
Ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Awards Ceremony 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Blitz Championship 7 p.m. Saturday. Susan Polgar lecture 3:30 p.m. Friday, Puzzle Solving
Competition 5 p.m. Friday, Simul 6:15 p.m. Friday. Chess Camp 9:00 a.m.Thursday. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL; see the
National OpenTLA for otherThursday and Friday side events. HR $65 (not $75)
single or double ($95 Fri/Sat). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. REG: Las
Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 890090125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at (702) 933-9112. No
telephone entries. NS. W. NC.
New Hampshire
Mar. 28-29, Nashua Open
See Grand Prix.
New Jersey
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.
Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.
Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each
tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete
in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected].
Wizards of the Mind Chess School
15 Center Street, Springfield, NJ - Lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays for beginners, intermediate and
advanced students. Scholastic USCF-rated tournaments. For schedule and information visit our website
at www.wizardsofthemind.com, email info@wizardsofthe
mind.com or call 973-262-1395.
The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club
Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave. Newark, New Jersey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF
rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.
Mar. 7, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
Mar. 15, 2009 Westfield Spring Scholastic
3 SS, game/30. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, N.J. Sections: k-2,35, 6-12, trophies to top 3 in each section (tiebreaks). Entrance Fee: $20, $15
Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Unrated 3
ss, game/30. 3 sections k-2,3-5, 6-12, gold medal to first, silver medal to second, bronze medal to third. Entrance Fee: $10. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds:
2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchess
club.com.
9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881, [email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to Character
Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please
indicate section.
Apr. 5, 2009 Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379 or web: www.
westfieldchessclub.com.
Apr. 16, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the King’s Men Chess Shop,
62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 19, 2009 Westfield Swiss #58 (QC)
5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500
Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350
$60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m.
Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Apr. 19, ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 19, ICA Spring 2009 Scholastic Championship
4 SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE
WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY!!! Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. U.S. CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR
SECTIONS 1 AND 2. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741 E-mail: Diana@
icanj.net. (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) EF Adv (pmk by Apr 15th) $25 AT
Site $30 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive 1/2 point
bye for rnd 1. In 4 Sections Section 1: G/45 Open to players rated below 1200
K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 2: G/60
Open to players rated below 1600 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 12:00,
2:15, 4:30 PM. Section 3: Open to unrated players K through 2nd grade.
Rds.: 10:15 AM (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 4:
Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds.: 10:00 AM (tournament
will end at approximately 2:00 PM). ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane,
New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.
New Mexico
Mar. 28, The Chessplayer’s Guide to the Galaxy Octagons
3-SS, G/60. Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Community Room (lower level). 8-player sections determined by rating. EF: $10. NO
ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes $$b/40: $40-$20 in each section. Check-in: 10:00.
Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 3:30. USCF memb. req’d. but not available at site. N/S, No
food or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes allowed.
Entries must be rec’d by 3/25/2009. Info: (505) 550-4654. E-mail: [email protected]. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE, Albuquerque
NM 87112. Checks payable to: Chad Schneider. Library info: www.cabq.gov
/library/main.htm. NM Cup points awarded.
Apr. 4, To Blitz a Mockingbird Blitz Tournament (QC)
8-DSS, G/5. Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque,
NM 87110. 1 section for all. EF: $10. NO ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes ($$b/40):
$150-$50-$25; 1st U1800, U1500, U1200 all $25. Check-in: 10:00. Rds.:
10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3. USCF memb. req’d. but not available at
site. N/S, No food or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes
allowed. Entries must be rec’d by 4/1/2009. Info: (505) 550-4654. E-mail: [email protected]. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE, Albuquerque
NM 87112. Make checks payable to: Chad Schneider.
Apr. 25, 15th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial
See Grand Prix.
New York
The Chess Exchange: Chess and Games Club
G/30 Rated Quads 1st Sunday of every Month. G/5 BlitzTournaments Last Sunday of every Month. 288 Third Ave., Brooklyn (718) 645-5896. Mon-Fri 12-8pm,
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
Apr. 26, 2009 South Jersey Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 26, 2009 Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info:Todd Lunna 732-946-7379 or web: www.
westfieldchessclub.com.
May 2, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
May 2, Garden State Scholastic
3RR 40/80 15/30 15/30. Full K. Ray Dwier Recreation Center, Bldg. 392,
Groveville, NJ 08620. Quads open to all EF: $10. $25 per Quad. Reg.: 910:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no
dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W.
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4
SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss:
open to K-12; 4SS, G/30. Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies
to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if rec’d by 4/25, $20 on site. Reg.: 99:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881,
[email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to Character Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please
indicate section.
Mar. 22, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss
May 3, 2009 Westfield Quads
For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info.
E-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY)
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 21, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
5SS, G/100. Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft,
NJ 07738, Larrison Hall 116-117, use Parking Lot #2, 4 minutes from Garden
State Parkway, Exit# 109. OPEN: (K-12) Trophies to top 10. Top High School
player from NJ awarded entry to Denker Tournament of HS Champions. Top
female player from NJ awarded entry to Polgar Invitational Tournament.
RESERVE: (U1400) Trophies to top 10, U1300, U1200, U1000, Unr. ALL: Entry
fee: $30 if received by 5/2, $45 at site. NJSCF memb. req $8, OSA. Reg.: Sat.
9-10am, Rds.: 10:30-2:30-6:15 Sat., 10-2 Sun. ENT: NJSCF P.O. Box 1511,
Jackson, NJ 08527 Make checks payable to NJSCF. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732259-3881, [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section.
Medals to all players. Sections: FUTURE MASTERS and CLOSED begin 10:30
(must preregister). FUTURE MASTERS: G/60, 3 rounds (Players K-12 over
1200), CLOSED: G/45 (K-12 1000-1200) 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. 4
Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4pm. (times will be accelerated if possible) G/30: OPEN (Players
K-12 U-1000), Reserve (K-12 U-800), Novice II (K-8 U-600), Novice I (unrated
K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS G/30
rated, 3 rounds. Info and Register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to
Bonnie Waitzkin. [email protected]. Pre-registration $30 (On-site
$40:11:30-12:30).
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the King’s Men Chess Shop,
62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
A State Championship Event!
May 9-10, New Jersey Junior Championship
Apr. 18, Princeton Day School
Mar. 19, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA)
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info:Todd Lunna 732-946-7379 or web: www.
westfieldchessclub.com.
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
Mar. 28, King’s Chess Club Quads
Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, K-12, Bethlehem Church, 758
Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr.
by noon to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Bethlehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988, rwm@fam
bright.com.
Mar. 29, 2009 Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info:Todd Lunna 732-946-7379 or web: www.
westfieldchessclub.com.
Apr. 4, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
Apr. 4, Garden State Scholastic
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4
SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss:
open to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads. Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if rec’d by 3/28, $20 on site. Reg.:
uschess.org
ONCE RATED,
ALWAYS RATED
You never lose your rating, no matter how
long it has been since you last played.
If you return to tournament play after a long
absence, please tell the director your
approximate rating and year of play.
If you rejoin USCF after many years without being a member, please provide this
information to the TD and to USCF as well.
Chess Life — March 2009
63
Tournament Life
Sun 12-6pm. www.TheChessExchange.com www.TriStateChess.com Email:
[email protected].
Mar. 1, Grandmaster Challenge
See Grand Prix.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Mar. 15, Binghamton Monthly Tourney
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 15 (not Mar. 1), Marshall CC Sunday Action
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:454-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry.
Mar. 15, Rodeph Sholom Chess Championship
4-SS, G/30. 7 WEST 83 ST. NYC. 4 SECTIONS. K-1 (grades K-1 only) U1000. PRIMARY (grades 4/below) U1100. UNRATED NOVICE (grades 2-5 only) U500.
OPEN (grades 12/below). AWARDS:Trophies to top 15 in each section.Top U300
K-1, U400 Novice, U600 Primary, U800 Open. Special Prizes: Engraved digital chess clocks to Top Player in each section, all 4-0 scores & Top Unrated in
Open Section. Engraved plaque to top UNR player in each section. High Scorer
trophy to all who score 2 and do not get into top 15. Engraved medals to all
others. Team Prizes: Trophies to top 4 teams in each section. Engraved digital chess clock to TopTeam in each section. (Team score created by adding top
4 scores from same school). EARLY EF: $39 if received (postmarked by March
9). LATE EF: $45 Phoned, faxed or online thereafter until March 13, 7pm. Onsite
EF: $55. Reg. 9-9:30. Rds: All 10-11:30-12:45-2. Late entrants may not be paired
for the first round. Mail Entries: and make check payable to Tri-State Chess,
1675 York Ave. #2M, N.Y. N.Y. 10128 Phone: (718) 645-5896 Fax: (718) 5357896 Online Entry: www.TriStateChess.com.
Mar. 17, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 18-Apr. 15, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Mar. 28, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:1511:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.
Apr. 7, Marshall CC New York Experts
4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 9, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
Mar. 28-29, 2009 Marchand Open - 31st Annual
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 29, Grandmaster Challenge
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 11, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
Mar. 29, Studio March Quad
Mar. 30-Apr. 20, 84th Nassau Grand Prix
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $12070-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with
entry.
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 12, Marshall CC Sunday Action
Apr. 2, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:454-5:20pm. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.
3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639
Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York March Open!
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-5 or 5th, Marshall CC April Open!
Mar. 23-Apr. 20, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
30/90, SD/60 for 2-day. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716.; EF:
$45, Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55.
Reg.: ends 11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day;
1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Byes:
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
3-RR, G/30,The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between
Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2
in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
4SS, Rds 1 & 2 G/60, Rds. 3 & 4 G/90. Courtyard by Marriot, 6415 Yorktown
Circle, E. Syracuse (exit 35 I-90, Carrier Circle, 298 E, left at Holiday Inn).
$(b/14): $100-50, Class: $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:15, Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF: $30.
Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Mineola, NY 13116.
(note date, round, e.f. & prize corrections), 6SS (not 5SS), 30/90, SD/60.
23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above.
EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100. 2 byes OK,
commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday. FIDE
rated. WCL JGP.
3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
7:30-8:30-9:30.
Apr. 5, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads
Mar. 28, Syracuse Monthly Open
Apr. 2-May 7 FIDE Thursdays!!
Mar. 21, Prove Your Point!
limit two, with entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
for 2-day rds. 1-4 and 1-day rds. 3-4 sections only.
Apr. 12, The Right Move #152 Team and Individual Championship
FREE EF.
4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:30A.M.
Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave, Manhattan, NYC).
Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200,
Under 800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12. Trophies to top 3 in each section except
Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more
points. Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting
in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section). Non-member sections
offer additional prize of USCF membership to players scoring 4 points. To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop @aol.com
or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00 P.M. on Fri. Give full name, school, grade,
USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Apr. 16, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS
New Affiliate programs, lower dues specials!
Adult dues specials! >>
Free LONGER Tournament Life Announcements!
RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS SUMMER!
Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8
lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament
between July and September 2009, if no TLA for such an
event appeared in 2008, and the TLA is e-mailed by the
appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied
to longer TLAs.
COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students.
USCF dues have recently been drastically reduced for
most college students!
SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each
affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines
for events in the following categories, if submitted by
e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs:
NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tournament
for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a scholastic tournament that in its previous year drew at least 50
players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold
open or collegiate events on the side.
NEW! USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that
offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or
a quad that offers at least one per section.
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on
one or more weekday evenings.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tournament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or “RBO.”
STUDENT. For college students or below or age 25 or below
(age 25 must be eligible).
JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible).
Dues slashed for age 20-24!
The membership category previously called “Youth” has
been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has changed
from under 21 to under 25. As a result, annual dues
for those aged 20 through 24 have been almost cut
in half, from $49 to $25!
One-year membership
with Chess Life:
If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $41 for
everyone! The sale is in effect through December
31, 2008 and may be extended if the response is sufficient. Two year memberships are now $76 and three
year memberships $109. (Note to affiliates: If you collect
a $49 membership and submit it online to USCF, there
is a $10 affiliate commission; if you submit it by mail
or phone the affiliate commission remains $2.)
SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per
year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA
section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc.
USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/
forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess
Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.
BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCFrated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted.
64
Chess Life — March 2009
uschess.org
Apr. 17- May 8, Queens Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 18, NY April Under 1600!
4-SS, G/50, open to U1600 or unr., Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23
W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. May be limited to 1st 26
entries. $$ (300 b/20 paid): 150-70-30, top U1300 $50, $70 limit to unr. Limit
2 byes, commit by 2:30. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12:30-2:30-4:306:30 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru
4/16. $10 extra to “enter” by phone!
Apr. 18, Prove Your Point!
3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
7:30-8:30-9:30.
Apr. 18-19, NY April Under 2300!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 56 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY
Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, top U2000 $95,
U1800 $85. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30
pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both
merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit by rd 2. Re-entry $20, counts half. Class pairings OK rd 4. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 4/16. $10 extra to
“enter” by phone! WCL JGP.
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50,
Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15.
Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:3010:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min.
before game.
May 9-10, Marshall CC May Open
May 2, New York May Action!
May 14, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
May 3, 18th Annual NY May Under 13 Open!
4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 5/3/96, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club,
23 West 10th St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. May be limited to 1st 52
entries. 2 Sections. 1. Open, EF: $32 postmarked by 4/25. 2. Novice, for Under
1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 4/25. Both, EF: $30 online at
www.chesscenter.cc by 4/30, $35 by phone at 845-496-2191 by 4/30, $40
at site, Club members $10 less ($10 fee for refunds). Trophies to top 10, top
Unr, top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks free
entry to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit of
2 byes, commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2 pm.
Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID,
rating, section, school/grade, DOB.
Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716.; EF: $45, Members $25. ($360
b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends 11:50am. Rds.: 2
schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15
am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Byes: limit two, with entry. NO REENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players.
May 14-June 18, FIDE Thursdays!!
6SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated
1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100;
2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm eachThursday;
FIDE Rated. WCL JGP.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open
May 3, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
See Grand Prix.
3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less
$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!!
No phone entry!
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
May 3, Sunday Under 1400 Action!
Mar. 15, Ides of March Mini-Swiss
See Grand Prix.
4-SS, G/30, Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St, between 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40, $60
limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.
Apr. 22-May 20, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
May 3, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads
3SS, 30/60, 30/30, 30/30. Hamilton Williams Campus Center, Benes Room, Ohio
Wesleyan University, Delaware. $$75 b/8: $50-25. Sections of 8-10 by rating.
EF: $12 if rec’d by 3/11, $15 at site. Reg.: 9:30-10:15, Rds.: 10:30, 1:30,
4:30. Ent:Tom Wolber, 272 Hearthstone Dr., Delaware, OH 43015. 740-368-3681,
363-9612, [email protected]. NS, NC, W.
Apr. 19, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less
$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!!
No phone entry!
Apr. 21, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
3-RR, G/30,The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between
Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2
in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Apr. 23, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
May 5, Marshall CC New York Experts
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.:
7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit
31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway
(2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, Cafeteria - Room 116. EF: $30. Prizes
(b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:155:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116.
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 25, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $12070-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with
entry.
May 7, 10 Grand Prix Points Older Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
May 9, Utica Four Seasons – Spring
See Grand Prix.
Ohio
Mar. 21, Stakes Chess #15
3 Rounds - Game/90, td/5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W 5th St., Dayton, OH
45402. Nominal 8 player sections. No byes. USCF rated. $$: 1st-$100-2nd-$35and-$25 top finish in lower half. EF: $25/$30 adv/after. Reg.: 9:30-10:30.
Rds.: 11-3:30-7. Entries to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St., Dayton, OH
45402 or call 937-461-6283.
Mar. 21 & 22, 2009 Ohio High School & Middle School Championships
Wooster High School, 515 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Format: 6ss Rnds
1-4 Sat, Rds 5-6 Sun. HS Ch (9-12), MS Ch (6-8): Rds 1-3 G/60, Rds 4-6 G/90.
HS Reserve (U1000), MS Reserve (U800): All Rds G/60. Trophies: All who
score 4.0, Team trophies. EF: $25 by Mar. 4, $35 thereafter. Side Event: Free
Bughouse Tnmt. Flyer/Entry Form: ohioscholasticchess.org. Info:
[email protected] 330-494-2833.
Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, 47th Cincinnati Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 25, The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Chess Tournament
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 26, Grandmaster Challenge
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 26, The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Scholastic Tournament
5SS, G/30. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34th St., NYC, 212-971-0101. Open
to all students thru grade 12, EF: $10. $$Gtd: $200-$125-$75, U1800 $50, U1600
$40, U1400 $30, U1200 $25. Trophy to winner, tiebreak order: Cumulative,
Median, Solkoff. All players receive a medal and a T-shirt! Reg.: 10:15-10:45,
X Rds.: 11am-12:30-2:30-4pm-5:30. Entries MUST be received by April 22nd!
Ent: No door ents. Ck/MO payable to Pat Bowyer c/o PAR Group Inc., 119 N.
Park Avenue. Suite 303, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limited to first 70 players. Provide name, add., school, USCF rating, ID#, & exp. PLEASE NOTE: Bring
clocks and sets, none will be provided. Info: [email protected] or Pat
Bowyer 516.371.3717.
Apr. 27-May 25, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes
ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Apr. 30, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
FOREIGN RATING?
NOT UNRATED!
If you have no USCF rating, but do have a
rating or category from any other country,
no matter how many years ago, you are not
unrated.
If you have a FIDE rating, you are also not
unrated.
Tell the Director of any event you enter
about your foreign rating or category or
your FIDE rating, so that you can be paired
appropriately.
uschess.org
Chess Life — March 2009
65
Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Apr. 4, Ohio Collegiate Chess Championship
4SS, G/90. Full-K. Beeghly Library, Bayley Room, Ohio Wesleyan University,
Delaware. $$275 Gtd. Open to full-time Ohio college students. EF: $15 if
rec’d by 4/1, $20 at site. Prizes: $100-50, $25 top each class, trophy top individual, traveling trophy top team (4 best scores same college). Reg.: 9-9:45.
Rds.: 10-1-4-7. Adv. Ent:Tom Green, 196 Georgetowne Dr. #25, Delaware, OH
43015, 740-803-2532. [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Apr. 11, Toledo Apr Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave.,
Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/9
$25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50,
1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031
Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Apr. 18, 8th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament
5SS, G/30 Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH. 17
School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. (Grade K Non-Rated);
(Grade 1 Non-Rated); (Grade 2 Non-rated); (Grade 3 Non-rated); (Grades K3<600); (Grades K-3 Open); (Grade 4 Non-Rated); (Grade 5 Non-Rated);
(Grade 6 Non-Rated); (Grades 4-6<700); (Grades 4-6 Open); (Grades 7-9
Non-Rated); (Grades 7-9<900); (Grades 7-9 Open); (Grades 10-12 Non-Rated);
(K-12 Open); (Collegiate). USCF membership is not required for the non-rated
and K-3 rated sections. Registration form online at: www.queencityclassic.org.
Prizes:Trophies to all who score 3.5 or higher, top five team trophies awarded
medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, simul participation. Registration fee increases to $40 after
March 15. After April 1, entry fee is $50. Registration closes Wednesday,
April 15, 2009. NO SATURDAY REGISTRATIONS. Checks, VISA, MasterCard,
Discover and AmEx accepted. Schedule: Friday, April 17, early check is 4-6:00
pm. FREE SIMUL at 6:30 p.m. for tournament participants, $20 for non-participants. SIMUL features International Master Irina Krush and International
Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov. Saturday, April 18, check
in 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. All Grandmasters will be
available for questions and instructions in the skittles room all day Saturday.
Entry/Info: Queen City Classic Chess Tournament; 5400 Kennedy Avenue,
Cincinnati, OH 45213 [email protected]. 1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5339
or fax to 513.352.9359. Confirm all registrations at www.cpu-solutions.com.
Oklahoma
Apr. 19, Seventh Annual Red River Shoot Out (Sunday)
StateTeam match open only to OK andTX residents.Two rounds G/60+30 sec.
Must have USCF rating and current USCF membership.Treasure Valley Casino,
I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030. EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration
on site. Reg.: 9:30 to 10:45. Rds.: 11 and 2. OK players contact Frank Berry
at [email protected]; TX players contact Tom Crane at tcrane5000
@yahoo.com or by phone 817-296-4287.
Oregon
Mar. 14-15, Grants Pass Open XXXV
Site: Rogue Community College, 3345 Redwood Hwy: Student Center. 5 Rd Swiss,
Time Control: Game in 2hrs. Reg.: 8-9AM, 13th. EF: $30.00 if received by March
7th. $900.00 Prizes based on 30. 1st $250.00. 1st $EX/A/B/C/D/E $100.00
each. 1st Unrated: $50.00. Info/Entries: Ritch Duron, P.O. Box 3071, Central
Point, OR 97502. (541) 582-6712. WCL JGP.
Pennsylvania
Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads.
3RR, G/40. St. Luke’s Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St.,
Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12.
$$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv.
ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.
Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.
Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each
tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete
in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected].
May 9, Toledo May Swiss
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 5/7 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A
,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd.,
Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
3-RR, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10.
$30 Perfect Score, else $25 1st. Reg.: 12:30-1:15. Rds.: 1:30-3-4:30. Info: 610821-4320, [email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Every Friday Lehigh Valley “Doubleheader” 5-Minute Blitz Chess
(QC)
8SS each, G/5, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102.
EF: $5 each, Prizes: 50% of Entries, 1st -70%, 2nd -30%, if 12 or more players,$7 to top U1600, (If 24 or more players — then 2 sections/ 2 prize funds
each event), One 1/2 bye only. Early Event Reg.: 6:30-6:50p. Rds.:7-7:15-7:307:42-7:55-8:10-8:25-8:40p. Late Event Reg.: 8:45-8:55p. Rds.:9-9:15-9:30-9:42
-9:55-10:10-10:25-10:40p. Info: Bruce Davis, 610-821-4320, bdavis@lehig
valleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
North Penn Chess Club
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchessclub.org for schedules &
info or call 215-699-8418.
Mar. 20, Friday Night Action #3
4SS, G/30. Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
19010. EF: $30 online; $15 online for players under age 18; $5 more on-site
6:30-6:45. Rds: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 guaranteed 1st, others per entries.
See www.silverknightschess.com to register or for more information.
Mar. 21, 8th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Spring Chess
Tournament
5SS, G/30. Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Main Campus, College Center Building, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 7:30-8:45am, Rds.:
9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, 3:30. Rated Section Age 18 and under. Non-Rated Sections
ages 14 and under. EF: $25 postmarked by March 18th, $30 later & on site.
Prizes: Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600,
UNR. Non-RatedTrophies b/o age. Please bring chess equipment. Random draw
prizes between rounds. Ent: Online reg: forms at www.northampton.edu/
prof_com/youth/school_year/chesstournament.htm or call Holly at 610-8614120. Please print and mail form with payment (CC or check) to Horizons for
Youth, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Info: Holly 610-861-4120,
Scott Zrinski (TD), [email protected] or Ira Riddle (Chief TD), iralee@
aol.com.
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Mar. 22, PCL March Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg: 11-11:15am, Rds: 11:30amNoon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W.
Mar. 28, March Madness
4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087.
Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $20 online by 3/25; $30 on-site 9:009:30. Rds.: 10-11-12-1. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game
analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Mar. 29, 2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
CHECK OUT USCF’S CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS
USCF’s 62st ANNUAL
2009 Open Correspondence Chess
Golden Knights Championship
$1,000 First Prize
(plus title of USCF’s Golden Knights Champion and plaque)
• 2nd place $600 • 3rd place $400 • 4th place $300 • 5th place
$200 • 6th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25.
The entry deadline is November 30, 2009.
These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF
members who reside on the North American continent, islands, or Hawaii,
as well as those USCF members with an APO or FPO address. USCF
members who reside outside of the North American continent are welcome
to participate in e mail events. Your USCF membership must remain
current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S.
dollars. Those new to USCF Correspondence Chess, please estimate your
strength: Class A: 1800 1999 (very strong); Class B: 1600 1799 (strong);
Class C: 1400 1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level).
Note: Prize fund based on 300 entries and may be decreased proportion
ately per number of entries assigned.
Correspondence Chess Matches (two players)
• $5 entry fee per person with two, four or sixgame options.
Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy
• Four-player, double round-robin with class-level
pairings. • 1st-place winner receives a trophy.
• Entry fee: $10.
Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments
• Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with
each of six opponents. • Players must have a USCF
CC rating to enter. • 1st-place winner receives
$130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor
Palciauskas.
• Entry fee: $25.
John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments
• Four-player, double round-robin with class-level
pairings (unrateds welcome). • 1st-place winner
receives a John W. Collins certificate.
• Entry fee: $7.
66
Chess Life — March 2009
USCF’s 6th ANNUAL
2009 E-mail Correspondence Chess
Electronic Knights Championship
(Seven player sections, one game with each of six opponents.)
$700 First Prize
(plus title of USCF’s Electronic Knights Champion and plaque)
• 2nd place $400 • 3rd place $300 • 4th thru 10th place $100
each. Entry fee: $25.
The entry deadline is November 30, 2009.
These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF
members with e mail access. Your USCF membership must remain
current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S.
dollars.
Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the year for each
player is ten.
Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased propor
tionately per number of entries assigned.
E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access):
Lightning Match • Two players with two, four or
six-game option. • Entry fee $5 per person.
Swift Quads • Four-player, double round-robin
format. • 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30.
• Entry fee: $10.
Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess)
• Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format
tournament with class-level pairings. • 1st-place
receives a certificate.
• Entry fee: $7.
Express Tournament
• Seven-player events, one game with each of six
opponents.
• Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd
place $20 credit.
• Entry fee: $15.
Please circle event(s) selected.
NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads,
Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express
Tournaments, players will use post office mail,
unless opponents agree to use e-mail.
To Enter: 800•903•USCF (8723), Fax 931•787•1200
or on-line www.uschess.org
Name
USCF ID#
Address
City
State
ZIP
Phone
E mail
Est. Rating
Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Exp. date
If using VISA, need V code
□ Check here if you do not wish to have an
opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may
slow down your assignment.
Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan
DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
uschess.org
Apr. 4, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Mar. 7 & Apr. 11, BK Tournaments for Kids
Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St. West
Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win
if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.
Reg. online: www.rhodeislandchess.org email: [email protected]
phone: (401) 359-1602. See CL4K.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 18-19, 2009 PA State Amateur Champ.
4SS, G/60. RI College, Providence, RI. Sections & Prizes: $500 b/50: OPEN,
U1900, U1500. EF: $20 by 3/12, $25 at site. REGISTER ONLINE at
www.rhodeislandchess.org Reg: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30
get ½ point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. Site tel.
(401) 837-1302. NS, NC, W.
Comfort Inn, 58 SR 93, West Hazleton, PA 18202, 1/2 mile from Exit 145 off I81.
2 sections: Champ (Sat & Sun): Open to U2200. 5SS. G/90. Rds: 10-1:30-5,
9:30-1. EF: $20 rec’d by 4/17, $30 later. Trophies: 1-3, U1800, U1600, U1400,
U1200/Unrated, School Team (top 4 scores). Top 2 receive entry into 2009 PA
Champ. Title to top PA resident. Scholastic (Sat only): unrated or U1400 in
grades K-12. 4SS. G/40. Rds.: 10:15-12-1:30-3. EF: $15 rec’d by 4/17, $20 later.
Trophies: 1-2, U1100, U800/Unrated, School Team (top 4 scores). All: Reg.: 99:30am, PSCF $5, OSA. HR: 570-455-9300, 1-877-424-6423 $71.95+ tax by 3/18.
Ent/Info: GHACC, c/o Michael Jemo, 567 Forest Hills Dr., Hazleton, PA 18201,
[email protected] 570-455-9261. W. WCL JGP Champ section.
Apr. 19, MasterMinds CC 2nd Sunday Swiss/Open Quads
Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, Pa., 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads:
3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5.
Scholastic Swiss: EF $15, ASAP $5 rec’d byThursday before, $25 at the door.
3 sections: Open 3SS G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-3; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200,
top unrated; U1100 -1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated & U750K-6 - 1st,
2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10,
11:45, 2, 3:45. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All Reg. ends 9:30am. Free
parking on site! Ent: MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., Philadelphia, Pa.
19119. Checks made payable to: MasterMinds CC Info: Bradley Crable,
215-844-3881, [email protected], or www.mastermindschess.org.
Apr. 19, PCL April Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am, Rds.: 11:30amNoon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W.
Apr. 23-May 21, 2009 Hatboro Open
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix.
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island
Every Tuesday, Cranston-Warwick CC Monthly
4SS, 40/75, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF: $3/game (club mbrs:
$2/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.: 1st 4 Tuesdays of the
month, 7pm sharp! 5th Tuesday extra rated games and events. One bye rd 13; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.cranstonchess.org,
[email protected], 401-575-1520. WCL JGP.
Mar. 14, 101st Rhode Island Pawn Eater
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 21, R.I. Scholastic State Championship
4SS G/45, Held at R.I. College. Gr. K-5, Gr. 6-8, Gr. 9-12. Trophies top 3 teams
in each section. EF: $48 per team of four by 1/14, $68 at site. Players can be
from different schools. Full schedule & Register at: www.rhodeislandchess.org
email: [email protected]. phone: (401) 359-1602.
South Carolina
Mar. 27-29, 2009 South Carolina Senior Open
See Grand Prix.
Texas
May 1-3, Lee Hyder Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 14-15, Houston Chess Club Absolute Championship
Tennessee
Mar. 21-22, Jack Smith Memorial 5
Site: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 474, 1870
Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, phone: (901) 726-4060. Registration:
Saturday, 03/21/2009, 7:45am to 8:45am. Three Sections: Open and Under
1600 Sections: 5 round swiss (5SS), Game in 120 minutes with 5 second delay
(G/120, TD5), Rounds 9-2-7, 9-2. Novice Section: (not rated) 5 round swiss
(5SS), Game in 30 minutes with no delay (G/30, TD0), Rounds: 9-10-11-1-2.
Prizes based on 30 entries @30$. Open $250, $175, and $75, Under 1600
$150, $75, $25. Trophies to top 10 in Novice! Entry fee: $30 by March 14,
$40 at site for Open and U1600. $30 for MCC members anytime. $15 entry fee
for Novice section anytime. Special Entry Fee: In Open Section all entries
rated over 2000 get free entry fee deducted from winnings! Send entries to:
Memphis Chess Club Inc. P.O. Box 17864, MemphisTN 38187-0864.Tournament
Director: Gary Pylant (901) 359-8616. Email: [email protected]. Website:
www.memphischess.com. WCL JGP for Open and Under 1600 sections.
Apr. 3-5, SuperNationals IV
See Nationals.
Apr. 25, Bluff City Open
2 sections: Open and Under 1600. 4 round swiss, G/60. $525 guaranteed prize
fund. EF: $30.00 by 04/18 $40 at site (MCC members $30 anytime). First 4
entries with uscf ratings greater than 2100 get free entry fee with fee subtracted
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
USCF memberships during the current or
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold
Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe
cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each
month, giving the affiliate name, address,
phone number, e mail address, and website.
Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist
ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month
remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20
for each month remaining on their Silver Affil
iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an
annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no
minimum requirement for memberships submitted.
SILVER
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
USCF memberships during the current or
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
in a special list in Tournament Life each
month, giving the affiliate name, state, and
choice of either phone number, e mail
address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs
$150 per year, and existing affiliates may
subtract $3 for each month remaining on
their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,
by paying an annual payment of $250.00
(instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be
obtained with no minimum requirement for
memberships submitted.
uschess.org
Houston CC, 9000 Southwest Freeway, Suite 290, Houston, TX, 77074, 5–SS,
Rds.: 1-3 G/90; Rds.: 4-5 G/120. Schedule Sat 10-1-4; Sun 10-2. EF: $40 for
Club Members and Under 21, $50 for non members if received by 3/11, all $10
more at door. Prizes: $1,500 based on 50, Open: 350 – 200, Under 2200: 200
Under 2000: 250 - 100, Under 1800, 1600, 1400, 1200: 100 each. Reg.: 9:00
to 9:50 AM. Advance Entries: Houston Chess Club (address above), Info: 713773-2437 or [email protected], NC, NS, Please bring sets and clocks. WCL
JGP.
Mar. 14-15, TexOhma Fide Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 20-22, Southwest Collegiate Championships
5-SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 &
S. Ware Rd., McAllen,TX 78501. Open to any college student or team. USCF membership required. EF: $43 by 3/13, $63 thereafter. March Rating Supplement
will be used. FIDE rated but uses USCF rules. Reg: Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 7-7:45am.
Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2- pt. bye. One 1/2-pt. bye
allowed if requested by end of rd. 2. Rds: Sat 9-1:30-6, Sun 9-1:45. $1,500 scholarship awarded by SBCISD to the top Female and Male. Other cash prizes will
be listed at the event’s website, www.2009texaschesstourney.com/. Plaques
to top 10 Individuals, Plaques to top 5 Teams. Open Blitz Tourney: Open, Fri
3/20, 8pm, $10, Plaques to Top 5 individual. Registrations available on line or
you may download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess Program. Mail entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586. For
GOLD AFFILIATES
GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES
GOLD
from any winnings. Prizes: Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100 Under 1600: 1st $150,
2nd $75. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38120.
Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registration (4/25) 7:30am-8:45am.
Rounds: 9-11-1:30-3:30. Entries: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864,
Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, [email protected].
Mar. 21-22, Jack Smith Memorial 5 Site: International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 474, 1870 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN
38104, phone: (901) 726-4060. Registration: Saturday, 03/21/2009, 7:45am
to 8:45am. Three Sections: Open and Under 1600 Sections: 5 round swiss
(5SS), Game in 120 minutes with 5 second delay (G/120, TD5), Rounds 9-2-7,
9-2. Novice Section: (not rated) 5 round swiss (5SS), Game in 30 minutes with
no delay (G/30, TD0), Rounds: 9-10-11-1-2. Prizes based on 30 entries
@30$. Open $250, $175, and $75, Under 1600 $150, $75, $25. Trophies to top
10 in Novice! Entry fee: $30 by March 14, $40 at site for Open and U1600.
$30 for MCC members anytime. $15 entry fee for Novice section anytime.
Special Entry Fee: In Open Section all entries rated over 2000 get free entry
fee deducted from winnings! Send entries to: Memphis Chess Club Inc. P.O.
Box 17864, Memphis TN 38187-0864. Tournament Director: Gary Pylant (901)
359-8616. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.memphischess.com.
WCL JGP for Open and Under 1600 sections.
SPICE
Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409
806-742-7742
[email protected]
www.SPICE.ttu.edu
New Jersey State Chess Federation
c/o Roger Inglis
49-A Mara Rd.,
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
973-263-8696
[email protected]
www.njscf.org
Cajun Chess
7230 Chadbourne Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-208-9596
[email protected]
www.cajunchess.com
Chess Club and Scholastic
Center of St. Louis
4657 Maryland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-361-CHESS
[email protected]
www.stlouischessclub.org
New York State Chess
Association
c/o Karl Heck
5426 Wright Street
County Route 67,
East Durham, NY 12423,
518-966-8523
[email protected]
www.nysca.net
Continental Chess
Association
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577 845-496-9658
[email protected]
www.chesstour.com
Susan Polgar Foundation
6923 Indiana Avenue, Suite 154,
Lubbock, TX 79413
212-748-9584
[email protected]
www.SusanPolgarFoundation.org
Tri-State Chess
288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
1-888-CHESS-35
[email protected],
www.TriStateChess.com
North American Chess
Association
2516 North Waukegan Road
Suite 342,Glenview
IL 60025
888-80-CHESS
[email protected]
www.nachess.org
DC Chess Association
2520 Tenth St. NE, Suite 28,
Washington, DC 20018
202-506-2927
[email protected]
www.dcchess.com
Unity Chess Club
9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
Office 136,
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-949-5464 (KING)
[email protected]
unitychess.com
SILVER AFFILIATES
Indiana State Chess Association
www.indianachess.org
Oklahoma Chess Foundation
www.OKchess.org
Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
www.spartachessclub.org
Michigan Chess Association
www.michess.org
Orange Crush Chess Club (IN)
[email protected]
Renaissance Knights (IL)
www.RKnights.org
Chess Life — March 2009
67
Tournament Life
Membership Appreciation Program (MAP)
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
The MAP program continues in 2009. See details at main.uschess.org/go/MAP. Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life.
Overall Affiliaate Standings
Name
State
Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB
EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB
BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE
CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS
DALLAS CHESS CLUB
LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS
Small State Affiliate Standings
NY
TX
MI
PA
TX
CA
MO
NY
TX
NY
1057*
998
538*
456
386
344
320
285
279
271
Name
State
Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES
METRO CHESS
NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN
SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS CLUB
TALES TOLD TALL CHESS
NEBRASKA STATE CHESS ASSN
SOUTH DAKOTA CHESS ASSN
IDAHO CHESS ASSOCIATION
WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL
Regular Prize
es
ME
DC
NM
NH
SD
NH
NE
SD
ID
NH
157
130
69
49*
43
35
32*
29*
26*
26
Name
State
Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN
JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE
PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED
DALLAS CHESS CLUB
SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB
NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE
MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN
CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION
NY
NJ
PA
TX
CA
NJ
MO
MN
NY
MI
926*
170
130*
120
90
88*
82
68*
66
66*
Sc
cholastic
c Prizzes
Name
State
Count
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB
EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB
BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD
CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS
LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE
OPTIMIST COASTAL BEND CHESS
NATIONAL SCHOL CHESS FOUND INC
Member Standings
TX
MI
PA
TX
CA
NY
NY
MO
TX
NY
934
472*
442
366
312
265
259
238
230
227
Name
State
Count
TORRES, CHRIS
ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER
RYAN, BEN J
NAVARRO, DANIEL A
CHENEY, WILLIAM G
HODINA, JAMES D
BARRETT, DAVID CHRISTOPHER
BERRY, FRANK K
ARMSTRONG, ROBERT L
BADY, GLENN
CA
IA
NE
TX
AZ
IA
TX
OK
KY
PA
63
18
18
16
14
12
11
11
10
9
* Indicates affiliates not eligible to receive a prize.
PC
CT Gain Standing
gs
State
Dec07
Dec08
Pct
VT
RI
DC
SC
UT
202
243
217
474
494
278
298
245
526
545
37.6
22.6
12.9
11.0
10.3
State
Dec07
SD 208
AL
751
MD 2052
GA 1569
VA 2660
Dec08
227
796
2172
1658
2782
Pct
9.1
6.0
5.8
5.7
4.6
TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED TO THE U.S. CHESS TRUST! (June 2007 through March 2008)
Legacy Donors: Deborah Doll, Nearing, GM Arnold Denker. Future Legacy Donors: Harold B. Dondis, Wil Wakely. Corporate Donors: Aetna, Exxon, IBM,
Microsoft, WalMart, X3D, Mobil, WaMu, Nugent & Haussler, PC Partners. Chess Philanthropists ($50,000 or more): Harold B. Dondis, Frank P. Samford
III. King Supporters ($10,000 or more): Frank Berry, Mark Fins. Friends of Chess ($5,000 or more): Anonymous, Mitchell Denker, Gerald Hoag, Adam
Sufrin, JDG Management, Shane Samole, Nearing Trust. Ben Franklin Donors ($1,000 or more): Anonymous NJ, Joel & Susan Channing, Gary Cooper,
John Dozier, Leroy Dubeck, Jim Eade, Leonard Helman, Roger Spero, Sunil Weeramantry (National Scholastic Foundation), Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Graves,
Dr. William Henkin, Karl Irons, Victor Laurie, Harvey Schein, Mark Schein, Adam J. Semler, Randy Slifka, Mariko Zeitlin. Heritage Donors ($500 or more):
Richard Allen, Norman Forsythe, Clifford Lester, Rick Lester (Ursula Foster Scholarship), Henry Odell, Harold Winston, Steve Doyle, Ann Marks, Drs. Luann
Mostello & Art Milholland, Bill & Vesna Kelleher, Eric Lester, Robert Messenger, Henry Terrie, Selden Trimble, Mosh & Arianne Weinberger, Yuriko Young,
Randall & Leilani Sears, Dave Sutherland, Erland Millikan, J. William Cowart, Paul Albert. Associate Donors ($100 or more): Harvey Susswein, John M.
Bartkiw, Randy Bauer/Deborah O’Leary, Walter Brown, Bernie Letner, David Kuhns, Jim Berry, Alan/Judy Cohen, Gary Fine, Martin/Joy Goldberg, Roger
Gotschall, Jim Gray, Randy Hough, Christopher Lerbs, Myron/Rachel Lieberman, Luke Neyndorff, Glenn Petersen, Larry Weston, Charles/Debrah Unruh,
Edward Zatorski, Joe Feagin, Marc Levine, Michael Goodall, Walter Buehl, Jr, GM Susan Polgar/Paul Truong, Dr. Jon E. Quinn, Burton Carpenter, Michael
Clark, James Kelley, Jeffrey Davidson, Paul Tomaino, Phyllis Narveson, Brian Bezenek, Robert Emke, Scott Kenyon, Kenneth Rogoff, Hans Morrow, Robert
Miller, George Berry, Dr. Ed Epp, Peter Dyson, Harold Blajwas, Denis Strenzwilk, Dr. Benton Wheeler, Donald Stetzer, Fred Gruenberg, Barbara Forbes, Lawrence
Goch, James Wheeler, Carol McCloud, Arthur Montgomery, Andrew Marshall, Barbara Falcner, Alexander Blum, Helen Kittsley, Kent Bach, Peter Knopf, Zevi
Miller, Dr. Rebecca Meyer, Bruce McMaster, Tim Redman, Robert Goodman, Rick Armagost, John Crawford, David Kerkhove, John Fitch, Jeffrey Quirke,
Herbert Drechsler, Neil Levy, Richard Shuford, Roy Eikerenkoetter, Lewis Henry, Robert Pociask, Gail Maury, Dr. R.A. Letourneau, Gilbert Saulter, Roger
Hale, Albert Epostein, John Elder, Dr. Joe Wagner, Peter Stasz, Community Health Charities, Dayton Foundation (Ken/Peg Champney), Peter Tamburro, Don
Schultz, John/Eleanor Schweinsberg, Todd Luna, Jorge Calderon, L.J. Lyell, Katherine Gasser, Richard Cheshire, Sheila Donoghue. Contributors ($50 or
more): Alexander Reis, Anonymous WI, Frank Brady, Harvey Drutowski, Woodrow Harris, Michael James, Michael Nietman, Arlen Overvig, Robert Rasmussen,
Thomas Richardson, Joseph Roster, Garret Sauber, Stephen Smith, Hal Sprechman, T. Torricellas, Donald Twombly, Douglas Southon, Robert Strickler, Charles
Behler, Peter Scott, Thomas Bagby, Matthew Grinberg, Chess Now Ltd, Peter Spizzirri, Dan Mayers, Joseph Slawinski, Robert Werdan, Robert Rasmussen,
Steve Krevinko, Karl Filzer, William McClain, Andrew Nowak, James Lorentz, Robert Carey, Richard Nepolitan, John Brendel, Edmund Breider, Peter Lahde,
George Hermes, Ricard Vincent, Arhur Lewis, Allen Kaufman, Imgre Toth, Edward Dowdy, Gordon Gray, Baron Powell, Tony Newhall, Gerald Larson, Donald Farrelly, Kenneth John, David Sachs, Tom Beckman, Captn Gary Black, Peter Hanen, Richard Adams, Michael/Laurie Stein, Thomas/Nancy Simpson,
John/Emily Summy, Ken Ballou, Ken Marks, Larry Reifurth. In Memory Of George Krauss: Blaine/Carol Asbrock, Edwary/Loretta Sytnik, Gabriel/Joann
Trotta, Wayne Rahe, Robert Lardon, Richard Cheshire, Carberry, Mary Alice Burke, Carol Wirtz, James/Jennifer Roth.
THANK YOU
68
Chess Life — March 2009
uschess.org
tournament info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399.
For questions pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc
Guadalupe, 713-530-7820. NS, NC, W, FIDE. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 20-22, Texas State Scholastic Championships
7SS, McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 & S. Ware Rd., McAllen, TX
78501. Hotel Rates vary – 12 great hotels to choose from! Check out website
links at tournament website (listed below). Four championships in one great
location: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholastic Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High
School Scholastic Championships. EF: $37 by 3/13; $59 after 3/13 or on
site. March Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership required
(may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Friday, 5-9pm, Saturday, 77:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. One 1/2-pt.
bye (for any round) allowed if requested by the end of Rd. 2. Sections: K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3 w/Ratings Under 700),
Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV (K-5/6 Under 800), Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School (6-8/9) Championship, MS JV
(6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under 600), High School (9-12) Championship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for
each section’s eligibility requirement, www.texaschess.org/2007/03/
bylaws.html. Four-year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas
to winner of High School Championship section. Winner must meet UTD
entrance requirement and follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins
the scholarship. Also, $1,500 scholarship awarded by SBCISD to the top
Female and Male of HS Championship! Trophies for top 20 individuals and top
15 teams in each section plus participation medals for all K-1 and 21st-30th
in each division. Schedule: Round times vary depending on the Championship;
Time control also varies. For round times and time control, see: www.2009texas
chesstourney.com/, (Divisions). Side Events: Blitz Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Friday 8pm. EF: $15. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each section. Bughouse
Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $20 Team (On site registration
only). Trophies to top 10 teams in each section. All registrations (except Bughouse) available on line at www.2009texaschesstourney.com/ or you may
download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess Program. Mail
entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586. For tournament
info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399. For questions
pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc Guadalupe,
713-530-7820. NS, NC, W.
Apr. 4-5, Spring Open
Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 4-SS, 30/90,
SD/60. $$1,100 b/40, 2 sections. Open: $250-150, U2100 $100, U1900 $100.
Reserve (U1800): $150-100, U1700 $100, U1500 $75, U1300/unr. $75. Unr. may
play for top Open prizes or U1300/unr. only. EF: $30 if rec’d by 4/2, $35 at site.
Junior (18/under) or Senior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward based-on): $20 by
4/2, $25 at site. Reg.: 11 am.-12:30 p.m., Rds.: 1-6, 10-3. Half-pt. bye any one
rd., notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes, TX 78023. Info:
home.roadrunner.com/~sachess, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP.
April 19, Seventh Annual Red River Shoot Out (Sunday)
StateTeam match open only to OK andTX residents.Two rounds G/60+30 sec.
Must have USCF rating and current USCF membership.Treasure Valley Casino,
I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030. EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration
on site. Reg.: 9:30 to 10:45. Rds.: 11 and 2. OK players contact Frank Berry
at [email protected]; TX players contact Tom Crane at tcrane5000@
yahoo.com or by phone 817-296-4287.
Apr. 24-26, Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD,
DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships
See Nationals.
Vermont
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
Virginia
Mar. 14, 21, 28, Apr. 3, 17, 24, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF
Rating Ladder
Apr. 4, Kingstowne Quad #54/Action-Plus #26
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #54: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 4/1, $15 at site.
Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #26: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 4/1, $20 at site. Prizes $$250/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each
$30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W.
Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
[email protected]. W.
May 2, Kingstowne Quad #55/Action-Plus #27
$50, U1300 $25. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-ASAP. EF: $25 by 4/11, $35 at site. Ent:
Morgantown CC, c/o J.T. Wassell, 104 Dustin Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501.
Email: [email protected], web: morgantownchess.org.
May 2, Morgantown May Day Tournament
4SS, G/75, Morgantown Chess Club, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV. $$500
b/28 2 sections, Open: $120-80, U2000 $60, Reserve (U1800): $90-60, U1600
$50 U1300 $40. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1-4-7. EF: $25 by 4/25, $35 at site. Ent:
Morgantown CC, c/o J.T. Wassell, 104 Dustin Lane, Morgantown, WV-26501.
Info: Email: [email protected], web: morgantownchess.org.
WCL JGP.
Kingstowne South Center, 6080 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #55: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 4/29, $15 at
site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else
silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #26: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 4/29, $20 at site. Prizes $$250/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr.
each $30. Rds: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don
W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
[email protected]. W.
Wisconsin
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Nationals.
Apr. 25, Hales Corners Challenge IX
See Grand Prix.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
July 10-12, 2009 U.S. Junior Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
West Virginia
Apr. 18, WV Action Tournament
7SS, G/30, Morgantown Chess Club, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV. Prizes:
Trophy to #1 WV and #1 WV junior. $$300 b/15 $100-75, U2000 $50, U1800
2009 PwC TORONTO OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
APRIL 17-19, 2009
Location: The Suites at 1 King West, Finan
Style: 5 round Swiss, 3 Sections (Open,
<2000, <1600), CFC rated.
Time Control: Rd. 1 30/90 + 1hr SD, Rds.
2 5 40/120 + 1hr SD.
Rounds: Fri. 7pm sharp!, Sat. 11/5, Sun.10
/4, awards at 10:45pm
Prize Fund: $CDN 16,000+ Guaranteed!
Open $3,000 2,000 1,000 etc. Prizes for
top 5 & top juniors, seniors, females in
each section, plus class prizes (<2200,
<1800, <1400) & individual game prizes
(biggest upset, brilliancy prize) as well as
special prizes for chess trivia contest win
ner, best dressed etc.
Entry Fee: $CDN 90 (or $US 77), Partici
pants must be or become CFC members
(go to www.chess.ca for special non res
ident rates)
Accommodation: Special chess rate
(10B3TP) of $CDN 169 offered by The Suites.
416 548 8100 or 1 866 470 5464 www.one
kingwest.com Book early! Limited number
of rooms available at this rate.
Byes: Maximum of 2 through rounds 1 4
Equipment: Bring your own chess sets
and clocks. None provided.
To Enter: Mail to Brian Fiedler P.O. Box
67083, Yonge & Eglinton P.S., 2300 Yonge
St., Toronto, Ont. M4P 3C8 Canada. Make
cheques / money orders payable to: “2009
Toronto Open Chess” Deadline for entries
April 13, 2009 NO entries accepted at site
on day of tournament . Full refund if you
change your plans prior to April 13, 2009.
Additional Info: Bryan Lamb 905 554
4548, 416 904 5938 [email protected]
Brian Fiedler 416 733 3199, 416 480 8801
[email protected] or go to
www.monroi.com for further info. & entry
form.
cial District, Downtown Toronto, Canada
30/90 SD/1. Lyon Village Community House, 1920 N Highland Rd, Arlington, VA.
Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check web to make
sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/ladder.htm.
Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Contact:
Matt Grinberg for info: [email protected] No advance entries, sign up
for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly events will
appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.
SPONSORED BY
Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms
All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised by S
and/or C (see below for explanations).
QC: Quick Chess events.
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes.
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries
needed to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the
advertised prize fund of $501 or more must be
awarded.
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it
inconvenient to play may take ½-point byes
instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means ½-point
byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3.
C: Computers allowed.
CC: Chess club.
EF: Entry fee.
uschess.org
Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous
page).
Ent: Where to mail entries.
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible
rating.
G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each
side has 75 minutes for the entire game.
GPP: Grand Prix Points available.
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means
$60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in
room.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix.
Memb. req’d: Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers to state affiliate.
Open: A section open to all. Often has very
strong players, but some eligible for lower sec-
tions can play for the learning experience.
OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state
dues.
PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits Fund.
Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar
strength players.
RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open.
Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For
example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. &
5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day.
Reg: Registration at site.
RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
S: Smoking allowed.
SASE: For more info, send self-addressed
stamped envelope.
SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of
game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means
each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes,
then complete the rest of the game in an hour.
Section: A division of a tournament, usually
excluding players above a specified rating. Players in a section face only each other, not those in
other sections.
SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number
of rounds).
T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
Unr: Unrated.
USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues.
W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.
WEB:Tournaments that will use a player’s on-line
rating.
Chess Life — March 2009
69
Classifieds
Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories: Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Miscellaneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no
telephone orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions
$1.00. Affiliates pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. Advertisements with less than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per issue. Post office boxes count as two words,
Activities
THE CHESS EXCHANGE: Chess & Games Club
FULL-TIME CHESS CLUB, Backgammon, Scrabble, etc. Hours: MONTHURS 12pm-9pm, FRI 12pm-11pm, SAT 12pm-11pm, SUN 12pm-6pm. Club
address: 288 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. 1-888-CHESS-35, (718) 6455896. www.TriStateChess.com, [email protected].
Correspondence Chess Club:
Candidate Master, 1071 N. Grand Ave., Suite 210, Nogales, AZ 85621. [email protected].
GMs Giorgi Kacheishvili and Zviad Izoria are available for participation in your tournaments, for lectures, simuls or other activities. Please
contact [email protected] or cell 646-239-0783.
For Sale
WHOLESALE LIST OF CHESS BOOKS
Three pages. Send SASE. Thinkers' Press, 1101 West 4th, Davenport, IOWA
52802.
24 PAGE CHESS CATALOG FREE
Previously owned books and DVDs, new, old, and really old. Big savings on everything. Souvenirs, photos, autographs and more. Complete catalog of Thinkers’
Press books and Chess Reports. PDF brochure on running part time chess retail
business. Send your name and e-mail address to: [email protected] and get
your catalogs pronto. Visit www.chessco.com daily for updated information.
www.stores.ebay.com/4yourdeskinc
Electronic Chess, PurchaseThe Grandmaster, Brand New, 4 Your Desk Inc., 471
North Broadway, Suite 196, NY 11753, (516) 409-8213, NYS Buyers Must
Include Sales Tax.
BOOK COMPARING CHESS960 (FRC) AND CHESS1,
modifies our understanding of chess principles. Search Amazon.com for
“chess960”. Visit www.CastleLong.com.
For a FREE copy of Confidential Chess Lessons
send name and address to James Schroeder, 3011 E 9th St #15, Vancouver,
WA 98661.
Attractive Chess Art Portraits, done in chalk pastels, prints or originals available for all world champions, and legends. Very reasonalbly priced.
Free Catolog for your selection. Call (937) 313-8379 or E-mail at [email protected]
Chessvideo.com is now ChessOndvd.com
The World’s Largest DVD ChessStore. Over 200Titles. Get Private Lessons from
GrandMasters, Polgar Roman, Kasparov, Shirov. Karpov on Fischer, Foxy Openings, Fischer Spassky. Rematch and more. Retain 70% more than reading a book.
ChessOndvd.com, 1-877chessdvd.
Deep Tactics 6.0 combo $49, Chess Life & Reviews 33-75
$39, Much more, 928-246-1580 www.stores.ebay.com/toby-chess
NEW AND ANTIQUE CHESS SETS
The House of Staunton, sole U.S. distributor for Jaques of London, produces unquestionably the finest Staunton Chess sets currently available and
offers the world’s largest selection of antique chess sets dating from 1780. PayPal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. For our new products catalog
send $5.00 or for a 70 page plus color-illustrated catalog of our new and antique
items send $15.00 to:The House of Staunton, Inc.; 362 McCutcheon Lane;Toney,
AL 35773. Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070;
email: [email protected].
LEATHER CHESS BOARDS BY STUMPY:
Squares & designs burned on to suede. Can be customized. Prices range
according to size & design. Phone: 423-364-1117.
Visit WWW.ITALIANGAMBIT.COM
A Comprehensive Book for 1. e4 players by Chess Master Jude Acers.
ANTIQUARIAN AND OUT OF PRINT CHESS BOOKS For sale.
Free catalog. Kramer-books, PO Box 243, Whitehall, PA 18052-0243.
TREASURE CHESS: rare, used and new books bought and sold, bargains.
650-856-2346; [email protected]; members.aol.com/chess316
“TWO DEANS OF AMERICAN CHESS AND THE ORIGIN OF
CHESS” send $15 and address to Jerry DeGattis, 3955 Coffee Rd. #76 95355
Visit www.thechesslibrary.com
NEW BOOK: Bronstein: Fifty Great Short Games—IM Minev. Free tournament crosstable archives.
CHESS VISUALIZATION COURSE
A series of books to help you improve your chess visualization skills. Exercises taken from real games. www.chessvisualization.com.
70
Chess Life — March 2009
telephone numbers as one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must accompany all advertising. All advertising published in Chess Life is subject to the applicable rate card, available from the Advertising Department. Chess
Life reserves the right not to accept an advertiser’s order. Only publication of an advertisement constitutes
final acceptance. For a copy of these complete set of regulations & a schedule of deadlines, send a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
I CHECK THEREFORE I AM
T-Shirt, Hats, Mugs and more! Visit www.iamsportswear.com today.
World’s largest collection of scanned chess books, magazines, checkmates (12 million+), tactic puzzles (156,000+), Deep Tactics converts chess
diagram on computer to interactive. New opening traps, solitaire chess, trainers & chess books on video. www.tobychess.com
* CHESS BOOKS:* Out of print, used, rare. Large stock online at
www.chessbooks.co.uk <www.chessbooks.co.uk>
Two Knights’ Defense cooked: Berliner, Ulvestad, Traxler, Fried Liver
+- guaranteed: Refute my analysis, get $10 off purchase price of Magic [email protected] $19.95 + S&H. See Correspondencechess.com for details. New
opening for Black: g6/Bg7/e6/Ne7/d5! (eventually)
Visit www.taoofthechessboard.com
Say yes to chess, to life and to joy.
ANCIENT CHESS.COM
Chess variants through history and around the world. Unique sets, lessons
and tales. http://ancientchess.com
BILGUERS HAND BOOK and addendum.
1,300 pages 1873. Fine and complete. Rebound. Make offer. 702-438-1687.
Instruction
TOP QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE
With more than 39 years of experience teaching chess, the Mid-Atlantic Chess
Instruction Center is the best in the business. We specialize in adult students.
We offer 32 different courses as well as individual game analysis. Center Director: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out when you
call, please leave your name & tel. #.
CHESS INSTRUCTION
Andrew Karklins, USCF Life Senior Master. Available for lessons and/or analysis (by mail or in person). $25 per hr. Call or write (773) 327-0862, 432 W.
Wellington #503, Chicago, IL 60657.
LEARN MATERIAL POWER RATIO
The newest and quickest system for evaluating positions. $7.95. Barry Cushner, 138 Stetson Avenue, Swampscott, MA 01907.
CHESS PUZZLES:
Thousands of crucial positions from historic & modern games, indexed by
GM. Solutions displayed if needed. www.wtharvey.com.
LEARN CHESS BY MAIL:
Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs. Alex Dunne, 324 West Lockhart Street, Sayre, PA 18840. [email protected].
YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 3- Time U.S.
Champ GM Lev Alburt!
Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534,
Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706.
*LEGENDARY CHESS INSTRUCTOR*, featured in the LA Times, can
now teach your child this time-tested training program on DVD. Self-test for
rating included ... Available at www.videosphotosanddjs.com/chesslessons.html
CARIBBEAN CHESS CRUISE
Theory and teaching from Grandmasters * Tournament play with GM/IM
commentary * The balmy Caribbean in January. Join us! www.InSightCruises.com/
Chess * 650-327-3692
CHESS PUZZLES: 10,000 INSTRUCTIVE DIAGRAMS from
Grandmaster Games. Find the Winning Move. www.wtharvey.com
Free Chess Training Videos
Visit www.chess-videos.com! You can even post your own videos or join our discussion forums for game analysis, playing tips, and general chess discussion.
Watch. Discuss. Learn. Chess-videos.com
LEARN FROM A LIFE MASTER
FM Craig Mar teaches winning strategies on ICC. (510) 836-2645 henryymar
@aol.com $25/hour
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR KOPEC’S CHESS CAMPS 2008 in NH
(August 17-22)
Eight merit scholarships (Two Each at $400, $300, $200, $100), for ages 1016, Details: www.kopecchess.com/2008 scholarships Questions: IM Dr. Danny
Kopec 516-867-4031 ([email protected]).
Play Correspondence Chess Online with a Master
Five years worth of games only $350. Contact George C. Grasser 863-370-4884
or E-Mail [email protected] for details.
FORMER NEW ENGLAND AMATEUR CHAMP. 40 minute lesson,
$5 per lesson, by phone. 508-753-0424. References.
Working on your game? More than 500 free chess videos at your fingertips. www.ChessVideos.TV
Instructors Needed
CHESS CLUB IN SPRINGFIELD, NJ is looking for an instructor and
counselors for summer 2007 chess camp: full day or half day. Please email
[email protected] or call 973-262-1395.
Miscellaneous
SAVE IT FOR POSTERITY!
Artist will paint your favorite chess position or best move on canvas for all to
admire your brilliancy! Basic chess painting $600. Satisfaction guaranteed. Samples, go to: AGPaderArt.com.
CHESS REGINA, invented by Ava Maria, solves all chesswars. The "ladyin-waiting", who may be called Alice, stands to the left of each Queen, moves
6 spaces in any direction, opening the board to 81 total squares. "Lady-In-Waiting" patterns after actual British Monarchy; all Queens had them. (patent
pending) [email protected]
On the INTERNET, the greatest show in chess: ISOLANIS.COM
Wanted
Earn Big $$$
Looking for experienced chess coaches to teach after-school programs (Grades
K-12) in the Greater New York area. Emphasis on developing Chess Teams! Send
resume: [email protected] or Tri-State Chess, 288 Third Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Buying Chess Memorabilia,
books, photos, posters, art, letters, autographs. Seeking stamp and postcard
collections. Please contact NM Richard Benjamin (770) 953-6916. E-mail:
[email protected].
CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS
in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and SAT > 1400 for possible college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. of Computer
Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250.
410-455-2666, [email protected].
Fide Master
Wants to share an apartment with an apartment owner. Rudy Blumenfeld, 431
Beach 20th St., Far Rockaway, NY 11691.
(Southern/Northern California) Professional Photography
of Tournaments and players. Documentary or artistic. USCF rated photographer
that understands positions. 415-205-0564. www.fraserimagery.com/chess.
Rubber stamps
to make chess diagrams. Ames, Box 690025, Quincy, MA 02269
Looking for people to play chess on Friday nights in Andover township
(no time limit). Bernard Norgard (973) 383-4540.
ChessMate ® Pocket & Travel Sets
Magnetic sets w/ genuine & simulated
leathers, durable boards, 4 extra piece
disks per side. Handmade in the USA
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE !
WWW.CHESSMATE.COM
PHONE ORDERS: (425) 697- 4513
VIRTUAL CHESS OPENINGS
www.chessopenings.com
The most comprehensive chess
opening reference in the world!
uschess.org
Solutions
Chess to Enjoy
Problem I.
1. ... Rb5! and ... Rh5 mates.
Problem II.
1. Rhf1! White threatens mates on f7 or h8, e.g. 1. ...
cxd4 2. Qf7+ Kh8 3. Qxe8+.
Problem III.
1. ... Rc2! 2. Na4 (or 2. Na2) 2. ... Qa7! threatens the
knight as well as mate after 3. ... Qxf2+.
Problem IV.
1. Bxb7+! Kxb7 2. Qe4+ Black resigns in view of 2.
... Kc8 3. Qa8+; 2. ... Kb8 3. Bd6 mate and 2. ... Bc6
3. bxc6+ Nxc6 4. Rb1+ Kc7 5. Bd6+.
Problem V.
1. Qc5! (not 1. Qxb7 Bc6) 1. ... Rxe4 2. f3! traps the
rook. White won soon after 2. ... b6 3. Qf2 Bc6 4.
Bd3! Rxe5 5. Bxe5 Nxe5 6. Re1!
Problem VI.
1. Kc7 Rc3+ 2. Kb6 Rd3 3. Rc2! wins with its threat
of Rc8 mate. Black resigned after 3. ... Rb3+ 4. Kc7
Rb7+ 5. Kc6!.
What’s The Best Move?
1. C. Visi-Acers, New Orleans (on 3/2/08).
Notes by Jude Acers, resident pro with a red
beret at his table outside the Gazebo.
A. “Concentrate—even a single move can cost you
the game,” said Bobby Fischer. Here White ruined
more than 100 tough moves of blunder-free play
with 1. Kc6?? Rc2+ 2. Kxb6 Rb2+ and Rxb7
next. My opponent turned crimson, murmured
“grand theft” and disappeared pronto.
B. Chess blindness is 1. a4?? Kxb7 stealing a whole
rook. Two lashes with a wet noodle if you let this
slip. Shame!
C. Almost any rook move draws in a walk: e.g., 1.
Rh7 Rxa2 2. Kc6 slimming down to skin and
bones.
2. B. GM Alex Yermolinsky-David Pruess (on
4/2/05).
A. Disaster struck after 1. Re7? Rxe7 2. Bxe7 Kf3 3.
h4 e5 4. h5 e4 5. h6 e3 6. Bf6 e2 7. Bc3 d4 8.
Bd2 Ne5 9. h7 Ng6 10. g4 b5 11. g5 a6 12. Kh2
d3 13. Kh3 b4 14. Bxb4 Ke3 15. Bc5+ Kd2 16.
Kg4 Kc2 17. Kf5 e1=Q 18. Kxg6 Qe6+.
B. After 1. Rxb7 snuffing a pawn leads to a hard
fight.
C. Pointless is 1. a4 Rd8 (or Rc8) with tons of counterplay.
3. A. David Pruess-GM Jaan Ehlvest (on
12/17/05).
A. Black retains winning chances by 1. ... Qd1! 2.
h3 Qf1.
B. Drawish is 1. ... Kh7 2. Rb7 Qd3 3. Rxf7+ Kh8 4.
Kf2 Qc2+ 5. Kg3 Qd3.
C. Black succumbed after 1. ... h4+?! 2. Kh3 Kh7 3.
Rc3 Qb2 4. Qe1 g5 5. Qxe4+ Kh6 6. Rf3 Rac8 7.
Ne7 Rg8 8. Nf5+ Kg6 9. Ne3+ with mate looming.
4. C. Efren Florez-Mike Callaham, 2007 Virginia State Championship.
A. White is okay after 1. ... Bf6 2. Qc7 threatening
Qxf7 mate.
B. White gets a won ending on 1. ... Qf6 2. Qxf6+
Bxf6 3. a6.
C. The attack raged after 1. ... Nf6! 2. Qxe7 (more
resistant is 2. Kf2 Qh2 3. Qxg5+ Kf8 4. Rh1
Nh3+ 5. Ke3 Nxg5 6. Rxh2 Rxh2 7. e5) 2. ...
Qh2+ 3. Kf2 Qxg2+ 4. Ke3 Ng4+! 5. fxg4 Rh3+
6. Kd4 Qf2+ 7. Ke5 Ng6+ 8. Kd6 Qf4+ 9. e5
Nxe7 10. Rd4 Rh6+ 11. Kc5 Qxe5+ 12. Kb4 c5+
and White resigned.
Endgame Lab – Benko’s Bafflers
Problem I.
1. c7 Ne7 2. Nb6 Nc6+
If 2. ... g2 3. Nc4+! Kc6 4. Ne5+ and White stops the
successful promotion with 5. Nf3.
3. Kc8 g2 4. Nc4+
4. Kb7? Na5+ 5. Kb8 g1=Q and Black wins.
4. ... Kc5 5. Kb7 Ne7 6. Nd2 g1=Q 7. Ne4+ Kd5 8.
Nf6+ Kd6 9. Ne4+ Kd7 10. Nf6+ draws by perpetual check.
Problem II.
1. Kf4
None of the alternatives work: 1. Kf3? Be5 2. Ke4
Bg6+ 3. Kd5 Bc3; 1. Ke4? Nf8 2. Kf5 Bd7+; 1. g5?
Bg6 2. Kf4 Nf8.
1. ... Nf6
1. ... Bg6 2. Re7 Bh6+ 3. g5 when White will pick off
a piece.
2. Kf5
2. Kg5? Bb5 3. Ra2+ Kb7 4. Kg6 Ne8 5. Ra3 Bd4 6.
g5 Kc6 7. Kh7 Kd6 8. g6 Ke7 wins.
2. ... Bb5! 3. Ra2+! Kb7 4. Rb2!
Black stands better after 4. Kg6? Ne8 5. Ra3 Be5 6.
g5 Kc6 7. Kh7 Kd6 8. g6 Ke7.
4. ... Kb6 5. Kg6
5. Rb3? Nd5 6. g5 Kc6 7. Kg6 Be5 8. Kh6 Bf4 and
Black stands better..
5. ... Bh8 6. Rh2 Bd3+
6. ... Be8+ 7. Kf5 Bd7+ 8. Kg6 Be8+ 9. Kf5 Positional draw. 9. ... Bg7 10. Re2 Bc6! 11. Kg6 Bh8 12.
Rh2 Be8+ 13. Kf5 Bd7+ 14. Kg6 Be8+ Positional
draw.
7. Kf7 Bc4+ 8. Kg6 Bd3+ 9. Kf7 Positional draw.
Solitaire Chess – ABCs of Chess
Pin: With 1. ... Bg4, White can’t defend the knight
adequately. If 2. Ke2, then 2. ... Rae8+.
Problem I.
Mating net: Black mates with 1. ... Qc3+ 2. Bxc3
Bxc3 mate.
Problem II.
Mating net: The immediate 1. ... Rxh3+ 2. gxh3
Qh2 mate is quite convincing.
Problem III.
Fork: White has no satisfactory answer to 1. ...
Qxe5. If 2. Qxe5, then 2. ... Nxg4+ will put Black a
rook ahead.
Problem IV.
Discovery: White’s queen goes with 1. ... Be4+ 2.
Qxc8+ Nxc8. It’s as simple as that.
Problem V.
Mating net: The game is over with 1. ... Bf3+ 2.
Nxf3 Qc2 mate.
Problem VI.
CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 3. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN
38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without membership): $50. Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-3967 and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents ©2009 by the United States Chess Federation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are submitted
at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville,
TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. Send all address changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO
Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible. This information may be e-mailed to addresschange@ uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice.
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C
6A8
uschess.org
Chess Life — March 2009
71
03-2009_BackCover:chess life
2/5/2009
1:44 PM
Page 1