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United States Chess Federation PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557 1-800-903-USCF (8723) (931) 787-1234
uschess.org
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November on uschess.org Ten Americans in Siberia Ten Americans will participate in the 128-player World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (November 20-December 15).
KAMSKY BY SHIRLEY SZYMANEK; MARSHALL BY ELIZABETH VICARY; KACHEISHVILI BY BETSY DYNAKO
Our squad includes defending World Cup Champion GM Gata Kamsky (photo), Olympian GMs Alexander Onischuk, Varuzhan Akobian and Yury Shulman, Continental qualifier GMs Alexander Shabalov, Jaan Ehlvest and Alexander Ivanov. Teenagers will also be represented by U.S. Champion runner-up GM Robert Hess and U.S. Junior Champ IM Ray Robson. Last but not least, look for qualifier GM Josh Friedel’s impressions of Siberia on CLO.
Grand Prix Action
As the weather cools down, major Grand Prixs heat up. CLO coverage this month will include video coverage from the King’s Island Open in Ohio. Over Thanksgiving weekend, look for reports from the American Open in Los Angeles and the National Chess Congress in Philadelphia.
World Youth Championships Follow our delegation at the World Youth Championship in Kemer-Antalya, Turkey from November 11-23. CLO coverage will include blogging by 2009 Denker Champion Abby Marshall.
Contributors
Jonathan Hilton (“2009 U.S. Open,” p. 20) is a frequent contributor to Chess Life and Chess Life Online and served as chief judge for the Chess Journalist of America awards. uschess.org
Pete Tamburro (“Looks at Books,” p. 12) is a former president of the Chess Journalists of America and is a frequent contributor to Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids.
GMs Take Dallas
WIM Alexey Root reports from two invitational round robins at the University of Texas at Dallas, spanning from November 21-29. The A-group features four grandmasters: Zviad Izoria, Giorgi Kacheishvili, Alejandro Ramirez and Amon Simutowe.
Al Lawrence (“Cover Story,” p. 32) is a former executive director of both USCF and the World Chess Hall of Fame. His latest book, with GM Lev Alburt, is Chess Training Pocket Book II.
Chess Life — November 2009
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November Chess Life Columns 12 LOOKS AT BOOKS Steinitz’s Elements By Pete Tamburro
14 CHESS TO ENJOY Empty-Head Syndrome By GM Andy Soltis
16 SOLITAIRE CHESS Two Can Be Better Than One By Bruce Pandolfini
44 BACK TO BASICS Franklin Tangoes With Alekhine By GM Lev Alburt
46 ENDGAME LAB Ladislav Prokes (1884-1966) By GM Pal Benko
48 WHAT’S THE BEST MOVE? Hits and Misses By GM Larry Evans
Departments 3
PREVIEW
6
COUNTERPLAY
8
FIRST MOVES
10 USCF AFFAIRS 53 TOURNAMENT LIFE 70 CLASSIFIEDS 71 SOLUTIONS
20 | 2009 U.S. OPEN
Turning Back the Clock By Jonathan Hilton
For the first time since 1994, GM Dmitry Gurevich is U.S. Open champion.
32 | COVER STORY
From Russia With Lev: The Books That Came in from the Cold By Al Lawrence
On The Cover
It is a story worthy of Ian Fleming: Lev Alburt quite literally risked his life to escape his home country. Thirty years later, we recount the story.
Lev Alburt photographed by Jeffrey Weiss; Cover design by Frankie Butler
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Chess Life — November 2009
In 1979, Lev Alburt escaped from communism. Three decades and three U.S. championships later, Alburt is still teaching Americans how to play chess.
40 | CJA AWARDS
CJA Awards 2009
We present a gallery of outstanding chess journalism from the past year.
uschess.org
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H U R R Y ! R E G U L A R M E M B E R S H I P R AT E G O E S U P T O $ 3 4 O N D E C E M B E R 1
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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.
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Counterplay Chess-speak In “The Language of Chess,” (“Chess to Enjoy, September 2009) GM Soltis compares contemporary (American) English only with the former predominance of French as the language of diplomacy and German as the language of science. But an important difference is that many Americans know only English. Germans can be language show-offs. When I studied in Germany, I could have spoken English all the time. If an American has a trace of an accent, many Germans will often reply immediately in English. I have traveled in France, but I do not know the French as well as the Germans. I suspect, however, that many educated French may have language capacities resembling those described further on in the same issue for the Englishman Nigel Eddis. While some Americans find the tendency of foreigners to reply in English if they detect a trace of an American accent convenient, I frankly find it rude. It smacks of what a Polish immigrant said: “Aliens are here to do what Americans can’t do.” English as a lingua franca is not necessarily objectionable. But whom does “English only” benefit, Americans or foreigners? James S. Morgan Haddonfield, New Jersey
Mr. Morgan is a professional translator. Improving on Carlsen I just received my September 2009 issue of Chess Life and was reading Andy Soltis’ “Chess to Enjoy” on page 14 where he describes the Magnus Carlsen game against Chakkravarthy Deepan. (Dubai 2004).
I trust that the diagram for the game is accurate, and the following comments assume it is correct. The notation below the diagram reads “After 11. ... Be7,” and Carlsen wrote that after White played 12. f4!, “Now White is very much okay.”
r+ +k+ r pp+ lppp +p+l+ + + + q L + pN+ + + + + + PPP+ PPP R +QR K
After 11. ... Be7
It seems to me that White had a stronger 12th move than f4. Instead of f4, it appears that the move Nf6+ forces the loss of Black’s queen and the black dpawn in exchange for the white knight and white rook in a sequence such as: 12. Nf6+ Bxf6 13. Rxe5 Bxe5 14. f4
r+ +k+ r pp+ +ppp +p+l+ + + + l L + p P + + + + + PPP+ +PP R +Q+ K
After 14. f4 (analysis)
Now any retreat by Black’s dark-square bishop along the b8-h2 diagonal allows the immediate capture of the d-pawn, while a retreat to f6 allows the exchange of black bishops, followed by the pawn snatch at d4. Andy’s puzzles frequently refer to “the capture of a decisive amount of material,” and this seems to qualify. Wendell Bollinger via e-mail
Oops On page 17 of Chess Life, August 2009, “Solitaire Chess,” problem 1 gives 1. ... e5 as winning a piece. However, White can simply respond with 2. Qe2, pinning the pawn at e5 and winning the pawn on the next move. This error should be corrected as quickly as possible; many people are likely to take the solution at face value.
+
k+ + q + +lppp + + n + + + + + + N L + + + +P+ +P+ + + + +QK +
Black to play
Michael Matthias via e-mail
You’re welcome I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the September cover story on the National Open by Irina Krush. Thanks to Chess Life for providing such interesting and readable articles. Richard Haggstrom via e-mail
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.
If Chess Life publishes your letter, you will be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate and Improve Your Chess (see ad to the left). 6
Chess Life — November 2009
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First Moves
24th Annual Samford Fellowship The 2010 Samford fellow will be selected by the Samford chess fellowship committee, consisting of Frank P. Samford III, Grandmaster Arthur Bisguier and International Master John Donaldson. The winner must be under the age of 25 as of July 1, 2010 and must have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least one year prior to that date. The 2010 Samford Chess Fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, training by leading chess coaches, chess books, computer equipment and other study materials as well as opportunities to travel and compete in tournaments and matches at the highest levels. The fellowship is given for one year and can be extended for a second year by mutual consent. The value of the fellowship, which has been $36,000 per year for the last few years, will be increased to $42,000 annually beginning July, 2010. Each applicant, who can be male or female, must be able to demonstrate talent, achievement and commitment to chess. He or she must be willing to make the effort required to become a leading grandmaster and possible challenger for the world chess championship. Applicants must have a chess rating (either USCF, FIDE or both). For further details and an application form, write to: IM Ray Robson was the 2009 recipient of the Samford fellowship.
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2010 FRANK P. SAMFORD JR. F E L L O W S H I P. Long considered the most important chess fellowship offered in the United States, the Samford fellowship has encouraged and assisted in the development of many of today’s leading American chess masters. Applications are now being accepted for next year’s Samford fellow, whose term will begin in July, 2010. This program was created by the late Frank P. Samford, Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama and is available to American chessplayers who are under the age of 25 at the start of the fellowship. The fellowship is guided by Mr. Samford's son, Frank P. Samford III of Atlanta, Georgia, with the able help of Barbara DeMaro of the U.S. Chess Trust.
Allen Kaufman, Secretary Samford Chess Fellowship 108-37 71st Avenue, #8G Forest Hills, NY 11375-4512
Completed applications for the 2010 fellowship must be received no later than January 15, 2010. We expect to announce the winner in April, 2010. All decisions by the committee will be final. The late Mr. Frank P. Samford, Jr. created this program as a way of making a significant contribution in America to the game he loved. If qualified applicants can be found a new fellow will be selected every year. It is expected that the Samford fellowship will continue to produce very strong players, some of whom will join the elite group of world super-grandmasters. This program is made possible by the generosity of Mrs. Virginia Donovan, widow of the late Frank P. Samford, Jr., and by Torchmark Corporation.
Dr. Ira Lee Riddle, prominent chess official from Pennsylvania, dies at 62 DR. IRA LEE RIDDLE, ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT CHESS officials in this country and a resident of Warminster, Pennsylvania, died of a heart attack on Monday, July 6, aboard a cruise ship touring England. He was 62. Dr. Riddle and his wife were on a cruise around Great Britain and were at their last port of call before disembarking and going to Stonehenge, Havre de Grâce, France, when he suffered a heart attack after going on deck to get some air and could not be revived. He was born on October 2, 1946 in Oakland, California, the son of Charles Lee Riddle, a career U.S. Navy man. As a young boy Dr. Riddle lived in Hawaii, where a neighbor of his, who was an avid chess player, realized that this 4-year-old lad was able 8
Chess Life — November 2009
to quickly grasp the strategy involved in chess. He worked with Riddle and helped him develop a deeper love for the game. After moving back to the continental United States at age 5, Dr. Riddle graduated in 1964 from Christiana High School in Newark, Delaware. With an interest in mathematics that started while he was living in Hawaii, he went on to further his education and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1968 from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, with a dual major in math and speech drama. In 1969 he received a master of science degree in speech education from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He also received a master of science degree in mathematics education from Penn State University. He was uschess.org
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awarded a doctor of education degree in math education from Temple University in 1990. Prior to being awarded his doctorate, Dr. Riddle taught math at various schools on the East Coast, starting with a junior high school in Orange Park, Florida and later at schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He retired in 1998 after 29 years of teaching junior high and high school math. But within six weeks after his retirement, he found himself teaching again—this time being recruited as a lecturer at the Penn State University campus at Abington. In addition to his math credentials, Dr. Riddle was prominent in U.S. Chess. He was not only a USCF national tournament director but he also earned the title of international arbiter, awarded to him in 1986 by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). He directed many hundreds of tournaments, including the 1987 U.S. Open in Portland, Oregon, and the 1990 U.S. Open in Jacksonville, Florida. He also assisted at numerous other U.S. Opens, including the 1988 U.S. Open at the Hotel Lafayette in Boston. He also directed U.S. Junior Opens, Pan-American Intercollegiate Team championships, the 2003 U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur Team South championships, Pennsylvania state championships, Delaware state championships, the Denker Tournament of High School Champions, and innumerable scholastic and adult team tournaments, among others. He was also employed for many years as a tournament direc-
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tor for the Continental Chess Association-sponsored tournaments, including the World Open. He was co-editor of the U.S. Chess Federation’s Official Rules of Chess, 4th edition. He served as president of the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation (PSCF) from 1978 to 2002 and continued as a PSCF vice president for the east region of the state. He was editor of The Pennswoodpusher from 1980 to 2001 and also had edited the Delaware Chess Newsletter, starting in 2004. He was president of the Chess Journalists of America (CJA) from 1989 to 1995 and editor of The Chess Journalist from 1991 to 1993. At the time of his death, he was the CJA’s vice president. He was chief judge of the CJA awards program from 1992 to 1995 and continued as a judge right up to the present. He wrote more than a hundred articles for various chess publications, including those for Chess Life and for the “TDCC Corner” in the former USCF rating supplements. In addition to chess, Dr. Riddle directed plays and musicals, officiated wrestling and softball games, and coached soccer and track. He had a myriad of interests. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Polly J. Riddle. Donations in his memory may be made to MACA’s Living Memorial Chess Fund, c/o Robert D. Messenger, MACA Treasurer, 4 Hamlett Drive #12, Nashua, NH 03062-4641. ~George Mirijanian
A 1988 Interview With Ira Lee Riddle
This interview by Nigel Eddis is from the December 1988 Chess Life:
ROBSON COURTESY OF MONROI.COM; RIDDLE BY J. FRANKLIN CAMPBELL
CHESS LIFE: How long have you been directing tournaments? IRA LEE RIDDLE: I got into my first tournament as a player in 1973. The students at Glasborough High School, where I teach math, wanted me to direct tournaments for them, so I became a Local TD. I became a National TD in 1980. You were involved in a controversy at the U.S. Open last year, when you paired Browne and Alburt together. How much leeway should a TD have? In general not too much, but there has to be some. In that case I felt it was more important to keep players within the same score group, which means Alburt and Browne would have to play. The new rulebook said “under no circumstances may a player be given the same color three times in a row.” This is very harsh and restrictive, and I felt it was wrong. I expected I would be “convicted” of breaking a rule, and win on appeal. Actually my appeal was dismissed—but the rule was changed! Is involvement in chess politics automatic when you become a TD? If you don’t become involved, you have no voice in the things that are important to you—playing conditions, prize funds, rules and so forth. I don’t like politics, but unfortunately you end up getting yourself uschess.org
into it no matter what. When I finish my doctoral dissertation, I’ll probably run for Member-at-Large, and perhaps go for a higher office in another three years.
Where do you see the USCF going? At the moment the Federation is marking time. I don’t see any far-sighted planning; the budget crunch this year seems to have crimped peoples’ ability to see five or ten years down the road. But the financial picture has to stabilize— long-range plans tend to get aborted if funds are short. In terms of technical services, the USCF does a very good job. The best feature of the USCF is its willingness to help and work with the individual organizer as much as possible. What is your view of USCF election reform? I have no problem with the concept of “one man, one vote,” though in my state I appoint the Delegates because there aren’t enough people interested. I see no reason why the membership should not elect the Policy Board. I belong to several organizations that are bigger than the USCF— they conduct membership ballots.
Dr. Ira Lee Riddle
sponsorship from outside? Here in the U.S.? I have my doubts. There are so many things in this country competing for the leisure dollar. In Eastern European countries there’s a different phillosophy of government—they care about their players being successful in international competition. The U.S. hasn’t really cared about whether its chessplayers excel or not. Game/30 might be one way. The Short-Kasparov match on TV got a lot of attention—rapid action and no long waits. That’s what people like to watch.
Do you think that chess can attract
Chess Life — November 2009
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USCF Affairs November
Membership Options
With the goal of providing our members maximum choice, the USCF has been offering new membership options for the past year. These categories will enhance your membership benefits.
Premium or Regular?
You are now able to join the USCF as either a “Premium” or “Regular” member. Premium membership provides all of the benefits of Regular membership, but you will also receive a printed copy of Chess Life (or Chess Life for Kids), just like current members always have received. Regular membership provides all the benefits you are used to: playing rated events, receiving a USCF rating, and access to members-only content on uschess.org. However, it also allows you to receive online access rather than a printed copy of Chess Life magazine (or Chess Life for Kids magazine for Regular scholastic members). Chess Life has been available online since 2006 and Chess Life for Kids for the last year. In addition to the online version you are used to, we have begun to offer an online viewer that allows you to “flip” through the pages of the magazines in a “virtual” manner. From the viewer, you can continue to download .pdf versions of the magazines to keep for yourself. These .pdf files will include all pages in the magazine, including advertisements, that are not currently available in the html (web) versions. Adobe Acrobat offers a free download of a reader that will allow you to read .pdf files at: adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2. html. To see all of your membership options, please see the ad on page 5 of this issue or visit our uschess.org webstore by clicking on the “Join/Renew” link at the top right of the home page. To view the online versions of Chess Life, click on the “Chess Life Magazine” link on the left side of the home page. To view the online version of Chess Life for Kids, click on the “Scholastic/College” link on the left side of the home page, then the “Chess Life for Kids” link on the left side of the page. The USCF is committed to keeping up with evolving technological changes and enhancing your membership by providing the new Regular and Premium memberships as a key component of this commitment.
Special Election For Two USCF Executive Board Seats
Due to the revocation of the memberships of Susan Polgar and Paul Truong which took place at the USCF delegates’ meeting this past August, there will be a special election in June to elect two board members to one-year terms. Deadline for receipt of nominating petitions is midnight, January 11, and they should be sent to Cheryle Bruce at the USCF office, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Petitions must include 30 USCF-member signatures, and the filing fee is $250. You can read more about the membership revocation on Chess Life Online at uschess.org, August archives. The USCF Mission
USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess Championship, an open tournament held every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its members. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and laws of the state of Illinois.
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Chess Life — November 2009
PROMOTE AMERICAN CHESS
BE A USCF Benefactor! HELP PROMOTE AMERICAN CHESS BY BECOMING A USCF BENEFACTOR MEMBER. Benefactor Membership includes Life Membership, a special membership card, and recognition on a benefactor page of our website and periodically in Chess Life. The cost is $3,000, or $1,500 to existing Life Members. Half the funds collected will go to the USCF Life Member Assets Fund and half to assist USCF operations. Become a Benefactor at uschess.org, by phone at 1-800-903-8723, or by mail to USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville TN 38557.
THA NKS TO O U R BE NE FA C TO R S ! USCF Benefactor Members as of October 1: J EFFREY DAVI DSON ( CA) BIL L GOI C HBE RG ( NY) CHARLES UN RUH ( OK)
BECOME A BENEFACTOR uschess.org
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NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC K-12 CHAMPIONSHIP December 11-13, 2009 HILTON ANATOLE DALLAS 2201 STEMMONS FREEWAY • DALLAS, TX 75207 Reservations: 1-800-HILTONS
OR
214-748-1200
Opening Ceremony
12/11 Friday: 12:30pm
SIDE EVENTS
Rounds
Friday: 1pm, 6pm Saturday: 10am, 2pm, 6pm Sunday: 9am, 1pm
Bughouse:
Awards Ceremonies
Sunday: 4:30pm (K-1) & 5pm (Approx.)
Blitz:
Special round times for K- 1 sections
Friday: 1:30pm, 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am, 1:30pm, 5:30pm Sunday: 9:30am, 1:30pm
On-site registration
12/10: 9am-10pm 12/11: 8am-10am Players registering after 10am Friday will not be paired for round 1, will receive a 1/2 point bye, and will begin play round 2.
Thursday: 11am On-site entry only Thursday, 8am until 10am $25 per team.
Thursday: 5pm On-site entry until 4pm • Entry in advance $15 by 11/29 • $20 after 11/29 or 0n-site • Register at https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tourna ment.php
Simul:
TBA
Team Rooms are limited!
contact Cheryle Bruce
[email protected] • 931-787-1234 ext.147
7SS, G/90, 13 sections: Play only in your grade. December Rating Supplement will be used. Team Score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team will be National Champion for their grade.
Awards:
Trophies to top 10 individuals & top five teams in each grade (minimum). Many other class prizes. Every player receives a commemorative item!
Blitz:
Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections, individual and team.
Bughouse:
Trophies to be announced.
Name____________________________________USCF ID #_____________________________Rating____________________________________ Address______________________________________________City________________________________State____________Zip_____________ e-mail Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ School____________________________________________________________________Grade _________________________________________
Bye Requested: Rd. 1 ❑ 2 ❑ 3 ❑ 4 ❑ 5 ❑ 6 ❑ 1/2-pt bye available if requested in advance (except rd. 7) USCF Membership Dues: Please go to www.uschess.org for appropriate membership category and rates.
Entry Fees: $50/participant postmarked by 11/8, $70/participant postmarked by 11/29, $85 after 11/29 or $90 on site. (Add $5 for phone entry.) Blitz entry: $15 until 11/29 or $20 after 11/29 or on-site. Amount Enclosed: Entry Fee $____________ Blitz $____________ USCF Dues $___________ Total Enclosed $______________________________ In advance: Make checks payable to: U.S. Chess Federation (USCF). On site: Make payments in Cash, by Money Order, or Credit Card. ❑ MASTER CARD ❑ DISCOVER ❑ AMEX ❑ VISA V-Code (last 3 digits on the signature line) _______________________________________________________ Number __________________________________ EXP. ____ /____ SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________________ Registration information: USCF membership is required and must be current. You may pay USCF membership with your entry. Adult: Please check our website (uschess.org) for Adult and Young Adult options. Advance entries must include player’s name 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, e-mail, birth date, USCF ID #, USCF expiration (enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Please bring clocks. Ent: “K-12 Champ.,” c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. For more info or to register online: www.uschess.org. Please make all checks payable to USCF.
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Looks at Books
Steinitz’s Elements
How do you write a book to improve chessplayers’ abilities when the classics have already been written? It is a formidable task. By Pete Tamburro
Chess Strategy for Club Players (The Road to Positional Advantage) New in Chess, 2009 Herman Grooten 400 pages, $29.95 (paperback)
12
Chess Life — November 2009
WOULD ANYBODY OUT THERE LIKE TO rewrite My System by Nimzovich or The Game of Chess by Tarrasch or even Euwe and Kramer’s The Middle Game? That is the challenge faced by modern writers. How do you write a book to improve chessplayers’ abilities when the classics have already been written? It is a formidable task. Herman Grooten, an international master and successful chess teacher, has taken a shot at it and scored reasonably well. He has a sense of history in the work and a fine selection of modern positions. His theme centers on what he calls the Steinitz’s elements. It’s as good a place to start as any if you’re going to teach strategy to the “club player”—whatever that is. Actually, Steinitz never wrote a book called “Steinitz’s Chess Elements.” Lasker (Manual of Chess) did some interpreting. Reinfeld (The Human Side of Chess) had his version. Here is Grooten’s version: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Material advantage Bad king position Passed pawns in the middlegame Weak pawns for the opponent Strong and weak squares Pawn island Strong pawn center Control of a diagonal Control of a file Bishop pair Control of a rank Bad piece position Inharmoniously placed pieces Advantage in development Concentration of pieces in the center (centralization) 16. Space advantage.
Some of you club players might notice some things missing: gambit play, favorable exchanges, closed and open and semi-open position, minority attack, various opening formations, overprotection, attacking castled positions, liquidation, maintaining the initiative, theory of pawn phalanx (Lasker on Steinitz), no unnecessary pawn moves (Lasker on Steinitz), how to play defense (Lasker on Steinitz) and the umbrella Steinitz concept: accumulation of small advantages. In all fairness, you can find bits and pieces of these in the chapters in the book, but it’s an almost random placement at times. For example, in the diagonals chapter you have the attacking pawn chain concept. Logically, most of the chapters follow the 16 numbered items, but each chapter has its own strengths and weaknesses. There were good chapters and bad chapters. The “Passed Pawn” chapter was excellent; the “Training Experiment” chapter quite good; “Strong and Weak Squares”, good; “Pawn Center”, good; “Bishop Pair”, very good; “Control of a rank”, good and “Space Advantage”, good. The “Weak Pawn” chapter was weak, hardly comprehensive; “Pawn Islands” very misleading as one might go away thinking hanging pawns were really cool to have; The “Diagonal” chapter had other themes in it as well; the “Open File” chapter had a guest appearance by the minority attack; the “Piece Out of Play” section didn’t consider a Larsen-like Qa8 and Bb7 formation. The best part of the book, oddly enough, is the quiz at the end of each section, which has an answer key that is exceptionally well-explained. Chess coaches uschess.org
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will have a quality supply of superb examples and explanations, and self-motivated students will benefit immensely if they are over, say 1800, in strength. One thing that is noticeable about these problems is that they are excellent for average to strong club players, but some easier examples for the weaker club players may have been in order. It really helps to be motivated to work your way through this book. There are times when Grooten explains things so well (the Fischer and Polgar strong knight games) and other times he just seems to be annotating complete games. This part is a mistake. An instructional book that tries to do too much is one that loses focus, specific chapters or not. The reader needed less full game annotating and more conceptual explanation of important positions. C.J.S. Purdy (His Life, His Games and His Writings by Hammond and Jamieson) is where the bar is that Grooten not as frequently reaches in this regard. One annoying aspect of this getting off focus is his insistence on denigrating other writers, bragging about his students and putting little snapshots of them in, reminiscing about his chess life and going on about how studying openings doesn’t help you become better. Right— tell that to the club player who just lost to the Latvian Gambit. You don’t have to lessen the importance of opening study to build up middlegame study, or endgame study, for that matter. You have to be good at all three! As noted, he is an excellent provider of interesting positions, both in the chapter presentations and in the quizzes. Where he needed to spend more time was in the area often noted in past books where one old grandmaster in talking about Alekhine complained that he could see Alekhine’s combos, but couldn’t figure out how to get there. There are times when Grooten will explain, in a conceptually pleasing way, just how you do get there. There are even some funny occurrences along those lines. For example, he gives this position: This is original? Jeroen Piket (age 15) John Van Baarle (see diagram top of next column)
About 240 pages later, he gives this famous position:
A classic Aaron Nimzowitsch Akiba Rubenstein (see second diagram next column) uschess.org
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r l r + + p +n q +k +R+l+p+ +P+p+p+p + Lp P + PQ+ P N + +L+P P + R + K
White to play
r+l+ r k +p q + pp p+n l + + + + +p+ +L p P + + +P+Q N P P LR+P P + + +R K
White to play
He praises Piket’s originality for playing the same move (1. Nh1!) with the same idea (heading for Ng5). It got this reviewer to thinking: If Piket was original in his concept, then no chess teacher thought to show him that idea! Tsk. Tsk. What’s interesting about the two positions is that they should have been together as they give an example of “schematic” thinking that Grooten writes about: figure out where you want your pieces and then get them there! That is one of the truly useful ideas he emphasizes in the book. It would have been nice to see more of that. There is some of that in the book, but putting in early positions to explain how you should “see” the opportunities to gain small advantages and make the transitional series of moves to a position where you have accumulated those edges was in need of being done in more areas than piece placement. He also loses Steinitz along the way! The grand old man is present early and reappears towards the end, but the big theme emphasis of the ex-champ seems to fade into the background. Too bad. What can Steinitz teach us about dealing with gambit play? He had some remarkable opinions on the matter. When do you sit on a pawn up and when do you give it back? Sometimes his examples beg questions. Take this Modern Steinitz (transposition) of one of his students: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. 0-0 Bg7 5. c3 a6 6. Ba4 d6 7. d4 Bd7 8. d5 Nce7 9. Bxd7+
Qxd7 10. c4
r+ +k+n r +p pq np lp p+ p +p+ + +P p + +P+P+ + + + +N+ P P + P P P RN LQ+R K
Black to play
Here he makes no mention that Black can play 10. ... h6 11. Nc3 f5. Is that ever a debatable issue in Steinitzian theory! But our author is on a roll to prove a point, so the game continues: 10. ... Nf6 11. Nc3 0-0 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 and now White plays 14. b4 and writes as though White is practically winning. Rybka gives 14 other moves better for White and the uncommented 14th for Black, ... b6, is inferior to 14. ... a5. Which brings up another point. Steinitz is not the be-all and end-all of how you should look at positions. Steinitz wanted scientific chess—logical outcomes based on logical play, yet, people like Chigorin (who had a really interesting dispute with Steinitz in the Two Knights with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2 h6 9. Nh3 where Chigorin explained why he didn’t take the knight: Steinitz would just lose time going to g1 and then f3 if he wanted to develop properly—great debate!), Alekhine, Bronstein, Tal and such proved that dynamic play that is not so easily measurable has its place. This book does not deal with that in a satisfactory way. Will this book be a classic, joining the ranks of the above-mentioned? Only time will tell. Reviewers can’t. This reviewer wishes it were as organized and as comprehensive as Euwe’s book and as well-explained as Purdy in his magazine articles on position play and thinking methods and, yes, even his explanations of Steinitz. It is a good book. There is much that would benefit the “club player” here. He or she will just have to work a bit harder than usual and maybe a little longer than on how to deal with the Danish or Goring Gambit. It wouldn’t hurt any of you to whom this applies to search out the other writers mentioned here. Grooten does warn you not to be one of those young people who just play quickly through your databases or spend all your time memorizing openings. You need not ignore those either. It’s all about balance. Even Steinitz had, indeed, a hard time with that!
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Chess Life — November 2009
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Chess to Enjoy
Empty-Head Syndrome
Chess players have a reputation for being “brainiacs.” But we often don’t understand what our brains are telling us. By GM Andy Soltis
One of the turning points of the last world championship occurred when, for the first time in the match, Vladimir Kramnik was a pawn up and steadily pressing Vishy Anand. “I was very close to victory,” Kramnik said in the postgame press conference. “But I had little time and I was afraid of making a mistake.” Semi-Slav (D43) GM Viswanthan Anand GM Vladimir Kramnik World Championship 2008, ninth game
l + r k +Q+ + + + +p+ p p + qp+ + + + + +PrL+ P + + + P + +R+R+K
After 35. Qb7
White’s well-placed queen holds his position together because it controls the h1-a8 diagonal and also protects the bpawn. Kramnik wanted to drive it away with 35. ... Rg8 and 36. ... Rg7. But he didn’t trust his ability to calculate the rook move. Why would a great calculator like Kramnik start having doubts about himself? The reason is he had spent a minute thinking about 35. ... f4—before he realized it would be a blunder. A minute is a pretty long time for a grandmaster to miss 35. ... f4??? 36. Qh7 mate! Kramnik took this as a message from his brain that he was beginning to miscalculate and needed to change plans. 14
Chess Life — November 2009
So instead of playing 35. ... Rg8!, he bailed out into an endgame, 35. ... Qc7? 36. Qxc7. It was soon drawn, and one of his last chances to regain the championship title was gone. When you find yourself mentally blundering, as Kramnik did in this case, the message should be clear: “Caution! Watch out for tactical oversights.” On the other hand, there are times when your brain signals that it’s working well, such as when you repeatedly guess your opponent’s next move. This is when it pays to be bold and ambitious, as Kramnik did earlier in that match. He saw that Anand was nervous in the first two games, which were drawn, and realized he should have been pressing him harder. Feeling he was wasting his opportunity, Kramnik decided to play sharply in the third game. That seemed to work. He was able to predict his opponent’s moves but Anand couldn’t. Semi-Slav, Meran System (D49) GM Vladimir Kramnik GM Viswanathan Anand World Championship 2008, third game
r+ + k + +l+R+ + q +pp + +L+ + +p + + lr+ + + + P PP +QP P R + + K
After 21. ... Kf8
Anand was so surprised by 22. Qd3!— which threatens a killing 23. Qh7—that
he couldn’t write it down until he recovered, Kramnik recalled. But Anand calmed down and found 22. ... Rg7!. He soon had a powerful counterattack (23. Rxg7 Kxg7 24. gxf4 Rd8!) that eventually won. Kramnik was understandably devastated. It’s one thing to lose when you know you weren’t thinking well. But if you lose a game when you were thinking better than your opponent, it seems something has gone wrong with the universe. “In the third game I saw all his moves, that was what was painful,” Kramnik said in 64 magazine. He scored only one draw in the next three games. Clearly, Kramnik misjudged what happened. Perhaps the pseudo-science of biorhythms gives us a better explanation: Anand was nervous in the first three games because he was at the lowest point of his 28-day “emotional cycle.” But he was at the midpoint—and on the rise—in his “intellectual cycle.” Kramnik, on the other hand, hit the nadir of his intellectual cycle just when he thought he was thinking well. His brain deceived him. The opposite of this can occur when you think you’re thinking poorly: French Defense (C10) GM Peter Svidler GM Mikhail Gurevich Gilbraltar 2009 (see diagram top of next page)
After White played 18. fxe6 he secondguessed himself. He felt he should have prepared the capture with 18. Rhf1. Only after lengthy post-game analysis did he discover he had it right—18. fxe6! was better than 18. Rhf1?. uschess.org
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10/12/2009
The Codebreaker This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of a chessplaying spy. Conel Hugh O’Donel Alexander—known to his friends as Hugh and to his readers as C.H. O’D. Alexander—was the best British chess player at the same time that he was a top Cold War codebreaker. He was so valuable to British intelligence that he was never allowed to play in an Iron Curtain country, even when his national team needed him. This month’s quiz is based on Alexander’s games. In each position you are asked to find the fastest winning line of play. Usually this will mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material such as a rook or minor piece. Solutions on Page 71.
9:23 PM
Problem I
B.H. Wood C.H.O’D. Alexander
r+l+r+k+ + + +pp p+ +q+ p + l + + + +p+ + +P+ NnP PPPQP P RNLR+ +K
After 17. ... Rhd8
He also misunderstood his brain when Black replied to 18. fxe6! with 18. ... bxc4. White’s intuition told him to keep his bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal (19. Bc2). That’s a good move. But he didn’t trust himself. Instead, he played 19. Bxc4??, which lost a piece to 19. ... cxd4 20. Bxd4 Be4!, e.g. 21. Nf3 Bf4+ 22. Nd2 Rxd4 or 22. Be3 Bxe3+ 23. Qxe3 Qxc4+. There was more to come because White went into a line he believed was dead lost but he ended up winning. Why do we misjudge how well our brains are working? One reason is we listen to our bodies instead. Veteran trainer Adrian Mikhalchishin described it as the “Empty-Head Syndrome.” He recalled a case of it when he was serving as GM Alexander Beliavsky’s second: Beliavsky came down with a cold and uschess.org
Problem II
Laszlo Szabo C.H.O’D. Alexander
+
+ +k+ r +q+ l pp+ rRQ p +p+ + + Pp+ + + P +n+p PP N R P + + + +K
Problem III
Marcos Luckis C.H.O’D. Alexander
+ +r+rk pp+ + +p +ppnq + + + +l+ +P+LP + +P+NQ + P+ + P P + +RR +K
Black to play
Black to play
Black to play
T.D. Van Scheltinga C.H.O’D. Alexander
William Winter C.H.O’D. Alexander
C.H.O’D. Alexander P.H. Clarke
Problem IV
+ + r + +l+ +k+ + + +pp + + + + Qp+qP + + + +R+ P + +PP + L + +K
Black to play
r+ r + + +lq kpp p+ lpn p +pp NP+ +PP + + + +LL + PP +Q+PP + KR+ +R
Page 15
Problem V
+L+ +k+ pp+ + pp + + n + + + + + P p + Q P + q +P + +P+RK + + +r+
Black to play
a high temperature during an interzonal tournament. While his body fought the infection he managed to get by without losing a single game. That put him in great shape to qualify for the next stage in the world championship cycle, the candidates matches. All Beliavsky needed was one point from his two remaining games. He faced strong opponents—GMs Lajos Portisch and Valery Salov—but had white in both games. “You need to make two draws!” Mikhalchishin told him. “You just emerged from illness, you’re feeling good but you have problems with the ‘empty head.’” Beliavsky “looked at me in disbelief,” he told Sport Express. “Play for draws with white? I am Beliavsky! I don’t play for a draw with white!” You can guess the rest. He lost both games, in what turned out to be his last shot at the world championship. He never reached the candidates level again. Modern Benoni Defense (A79) GM Alexander Beliavsky GM Lajos Portisch Szirak Interzonal 1987 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2 0-0 9. 0-0 Na6 10. Nd2 Re8 11. f3 Nc7 12. a4 b6 13. Nc4 Ba6 14. Bg5 Qd7 15. Rb1 Bxc4 16. Bxc4 a6 17. b4 b5 18. Bd3 c4 19. Bc2 bxa4! 20.
Problem VI
+ +r+ + +ppqN kp p+nn +p+ + + +p+ + + +P+ + +Q+ + PPL+ P P + +R+ K
White to play
Bxa4?! Nb5 21. Kh1? Qb7 22. Bxb5 axb5
Black’s protected passed pawn is nice but the main thing is the tactics are running in his favor, e.g. 23. Qd2 Ra3, threatening 24. ... Rxc3! 25. Qxc3 Nxe4 with advantage. 23. Be3 Ng4! 24. Bd4 Ne3! 25. Bxe3 Bxc3 26. Bd4 Bxd4 27. Qxd4 Qa7! 28. Qc3 Qe7 29. Ra1 Rxa1 30. Qxa1 Rc8 31. Rc1 Qc7 32. Qc3 Ra8 33. f4 Qa7 34. Qd2? Qa2 35. Qe1 Qb2 36. Rb1 c3! 37. h3 Ra2 38. Qf1 c2 39. Rc1 Qxb4 40. e5 Rb2 41. Qf2 Qe4 42. Kh2 Qxd5, White resigns.
The bottom line is that keeping our minds in good working order is still pretty much a mystery, even for the strongest players. Viktor Korchnoi has managed to do it longer than any other grandmaster around. And when he was asked his secret last April by the publication Argumenty i Fakty, he said he figured it out more than 35 years ago. One day in 1973 while driving in Leningrad, “I fell to thinking about some chess game at the wheel and struck a (police) car in front,” he said. As a famous grandmaster he could have talked his way out of the mess and forgotten about it. “But the psychological shock was so great that I gave up driving,” Korchnoi said. “Since then I am forced to walk a lot on foot,” he added, and the aerobic exercise helps maintain his healthy body—and brain.
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Chess Life — November 2009
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Solitaire Chess
Two Can Be Better Than One
Beware the fury of the two white bishops should Black allow the center to open in a Nimzo-Indian Defense. By Bruce Pandolfini
In the Nimzo-Indian Defense (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4) Black relies on quick kingside development, and a bishop pin on the c3-knight, to fight for control of e4. This often necessitates exchanging the bishop for the knight, inflicting White with doubled c-pawns, but at the same time arming White with two bishops. Such bishops may be ineffective as long as the center remains closed. But if it ever opens, the forces unleashed might prove unstoppable. That’s more or less the story this month—you be the judge, after the opening moves: Nimzo-Indian Defense, Rubinstein Variation (E47) Svetozar Gligoric Braslav Rabar Zagreb, 1939 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 0-0 5. Bd3 d6 6. Ne2 e5 7. 0-0 Qe7 8. Ng3 Bxc3
rnl+ rk+ ppp qppp + p n + + + p + +PP + + + lLP N PP + PPP 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. 16
Chess Life — November 2009
Sometimes points are also rewarded for 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.** 9.
bxc3
…
e4
This preemptive advance (before White himself plays e3-e4) is more or less the point of Black’s setup. But since the e4pawn can soon be traded off, other moves are worth considering, such as 9. ... c5 or 9. ... Nc6.**
10.
Be2
Par Score: 5
The alternative retreat was 10. Bc2 (full credit), but it seems that Gligoric did not want to allow 10. ... Bg4 11. f3 exf3 12. gxf3 Bh3, when his castled position has been weakened. The text takes control of the squares g4 and h5 but at the same time relaxes the pressure on e4. 10.
…
g6
Rabar’s idea is to push back the white knight by ... h7-h5 and then ... h5-h4.** 11.
f3
12.
…
13.
fxe4
13.
…
14.
Bd3
14.
…
15.
e4
15.
…
16.
Bf4
16.
…
Nxe4 Par Score: 4 Qxe4
Par Score: 4
Deduct 3 points for any other move (9. dxe5? Bxe5). 9.
gets the position he was aiming for.
Par Score: 6
Par Score: 5
Having eliminated the e4-pawn, the bishop resumes its natural post. This is better than 14. Bf3 (3 points part credit), blocking the action of the rook on the ffile. Qe7 Par Score: 5 Kg7
The try 15. ... Bg4 is answered by 16. Qd2, with penetration on h6. The basic idea is 17. Qh6, followed by 18. Bg5 and 19. Bf6. Black may hold off mate, but his dark squares remain very weak.** Par Score: 5
White develops the bishop and intends to follow up with 17. Qd2 and 18. Bh6+. f6
Thus Black hopes to organize a dark square defense.**
White has to get rid of the enemy e4pawn in order to obtain maneuvering room.
17.
Qd2
The threat of 18. Bh6+ (1 bonus point) has almost materialized.
11.
…
17.
…
12.
Nxe4
h5
Black further weakens his castled position, though at least this is consistent with his previous move.** Par Score: 5
Accept only 2 points part credit for 12. fxe4. After 12. ... h4 13. Nh1 Nxe4 Black
Par Score: 5
g5
After 17. ... Rh8 the position is ripe for a breakthrough in the center, 18. e5 (1 bonus point), especially since Black has three sleeping pieces on the queenside. A sample line is 18. e5 dxe5 19. dxe5 fxe5 20. Bg5 Qc5+ 21. Kh1 Nd7 22. Bf6+! Nxf6 23. Qg5 Bf5 24. Rxf5 Raf8 25. Rxe5 Qd6 uschess.org
CL_11-2009_pando_JP_r8:chess life
10/13/2009
November Exercise: When reviewing chess games it’s natural to focus on shots and winning moves, forgetting the significance of the bad moves that came first and made the good ones possible. So as an exercise, try analyzing from another perspective, hoping to comprehend why and how a player goes wrong, with special attention to the conditions preceding mistakes and ways they might have been averted. Indeed, we can sometimes gain more by understanding how to avoid a mistake than how to exploit it. As Fyodor Dostoyevsky says in Demons, “In every misfortune there is always something cheery for an onlooker, whoever he may be.” 26. Qxg6 mate.**
18.
…
Par Score: 4 h4
Black has to occupy this square, else White plays 19. h4 (1 bonus point), collapsing Black’s pawns.** 19.
e5
Problem II
Mating net
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.
Be3
Page 17
Problem I
ABCs of Chess
18.
1:21 PM
Par Score: 6
With superior development, White strives to open lines for his pieces. A pawn may go, but this is not the time to count pawns.
+
+ + + k + + lp+ + + + + +q+ + + +l+ + +p+P+ + L +P+ +L+ QK+ +
Problem IV
+
+ k + + np+ + + +p+p + + P + + + + N + + +P+ + + +R+K +
+
+
+k+ + l + +q+ + + + + + + + + + + + P + + P + + + +RKR +
Bxf6
Par Score: 5
It’s time to take things. The bold 23. Rxf6+ (3 points part credit) loses a tempo, compared with the text. Qxc5+
dxe5
Black’s move is played to stop 24. Qxg5 mate. If 23. ... Rg8, then 24. Bxg5+ (2 bonus points) 24. ... Rxg5 25. Rf6+ Kh5 (25. ... Kg7 26. Qxg5+) 26. Be2+ and mate very soon.**
Qxe5
24.
Bd4
19.
…
20.
dxe5
20.
…
If 20. ... fxe5, then 21. Bxg5 (1 bonus point).**
With this move White blocks the check, attacks the queen, and opens the f-file.
21.
Bd4
24.
…
25.
Rxf8
25.
…
26.
Rf1
This attacks the queen and pins the f6pawn. 21.
…
Qa5
Black essentially plays the only move, though the defense is temporary. If 21. ... Qd6, or 21. ... Qe7, then 22. Qxg5+ (1 bonus point).** 22.
c5
Par Score: 5
Par Score: 5
Qd6 Par Score: 5
White trades off Black’s last defender of the f-file. White’s king-rook will be replaced by the queen-rook, while Black’s queen-rook is still stuck on a8.** Qxf8
The replacement rook enters. The square f6 is now in White’s hands, and that pretty much decides the contest.
22.
26.
uschess.org
Kh6
…
+
+ +k + + + r + + + +Q + +q+QK l + +r+ + L + + + + + + +
27.
Rf6+
27.
…
28.
Be2+
+
+
+
+
Par Score: 5 Kh5
If 27. ... Kg7, then 28. Qxg5+ Kh8 29. Rh6 (or 29. Rf8), double check and mate (1 bonus point).** Par Score: 6
On 28. ... g4, there’s 29. Qh6 (or 29. Rh6) mate (1 bonus point). If 28. ... Bg4, then 29. Bxg4+ Kxg4 30. Qd1+ Qe2 31. Qxe2 mate (2 bonus points). The alternative, 28. Bg6+ (5 points part credit) is also sufficient. Play might continue 28. ... Kh6 (28. ... Kg4 29. Qd1+) 29. Be8+ Kh7 30. Qxg5 Qe1+ 31. Rf1 and White mates.
rnl+L+ + ppp + +k + + + + + + + Q + L + p + P + + P+ + +PP + + qRK
Analysis after 31. Rf1
28.
Par Score: 5
The advance cuts off the black queen from g5 and renews the threat of 23. Qxg5+ (1 bonus point, if you saw it). …
Mating net
+ + + +l+ +k + + +p+ + + + +P + + +QK l + +r+ + + + + + + + +
…
Par Score: 5
Problem VI
+
23.
Par Score: 5
+l+ +k+ pp+q+pp + + + + + + p + + l + + + +P+ P PPL+ PK+ + +Q+N+
R
On 22. ... Kg8, to unpin the f6-pawn, Black runs into 23. Rxf6 Rxf6 24. Qxg5+ (2 bonus points), regaining the rook with check, and mating shortly. In any event, Black has to abandon his defense of the f6-pawn.** 23.
+
r
Mating net
+
+
+
Mating attack
Problem V
Mating net
+
Problem III
Trapping
…
Black resigned
.
For scoring box, see page 71.
Qe7 Chess Life — November 2009
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2009 U.S. Open
Turning Back the Clock
For the first time since 1994, GM Dmitry Gurevich is U.S. Open champion By Jonathan Hilton
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YERMOLINSKY BY AL LOSOFF; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
Tied for first with Gurevich, the winner on tiebreaks: (l-r) GM Jesse Kraai, GM-elect Alex Lenderman, IM Jacek Stopa, GM Alex Yermolinsky, GM Sergey Kudrin
t age 53, Dmitry Gurevich has claimed his third U.S. Open victory. With a score of 7½/9, Gurevich tied for first with five others in Indianapolis but was awarded the trophy, $200 bonus, and title of 110th U.S. Open champion after an Armageddon playoff with Sergey Kudrin. It has been 15 long years since the Russian-American grandmaster last won the event, so his expectations going in weren’t inflated. “I don’t beat so many grandmasters these days, but I can draw,” he said. As the tournament’s number 14 seed, three back-to-back draws with higher-rated grandmasters in rounds five, six, and seven kept Gurevich afloat during the toughest rounds. “I could easily have played up in the last round, too,” he added. “Instead I was lucky to be the favorite in my last-round game. Even after I won, I was surprised that my tiebreaks
A
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were good enough to get me into the Armageddon final!” In that final, Kudrin—who had the better tiebreaks—chose the white pieces, meaning all the lower-rated Gurevich had to do was hold a draw. He did this with little problem: the game was drawn after just 32 moves. “I look very happy in the photograph,” Gurevich noted, reflecting on his surprise victory. “I couldn’t look that happy again if I tried!” Due to the efforts of the U.S. Open committee, five qualifying spots for the U.S. Championship were up for grabs this year. One of the six who tied for first, IM Jacek Stopa of Poland, was from a foreign federation. Thus, the five spots were awarded to Gurevich and his co-winners: GMs Sergey Kudrin, Alex Yermolinsky, Jesse Kraai, and GM-elect Alex Lenderman. Gurevich was thrilled to qualify for the
U.S. Championship. In 2008, he scored a modest 4½/9, but stated that his only aspirations for 2010 were to “be prepared and be in good form.” For Gurevich, a positional player, chess is more art or science than competition. “I’m less inclined to view chess as a sport than, say, Fischer,” he remarked. “Growing up, I actually wanted to be a mathematician or scientist. But I fell in love with the game, and at some point I decided to become a professional.” Gurevich felt his last-round win over IM Ron Burnett was one of his nicest games from the tournament. His solid, logical style is exemplified by his choices in this “must-win” situation: 14. Bc3, 17. Qa1, and 20. e3 all demonstrate his maturity as a seasoned grandmaster. (see game top of next page, third column) Chess Life — November 2009
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2009 U.S. Open Open Catalan (E04) GM Dmitry Gurevich (2536) IM Ronald Burnett (2378) U.S. Open, Round 9 Notes by Gurevich 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 Bb4+ 4. Nd2
I already have played the main line 4. Bd2 move against Ron once. I don’t think that my choice this time is any better, but I have a lot of experience with it. 4. ... d5
4. ... c5 is another important move here.
5. Bg2 0-0
Of course not 5. ... dxc4?? 6. Qa4+.
6. Ngf3 dxc4
6. ... c6 is a solid move here, but the main line is probably 6. ... b6. Here I got a queenside initiative with 7. 0-0 Bb7 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Ne5 Re8 10. Ndc4 c6 11. Ne3 Bd6 12. Nd3 g6 13. b4 Na6 14. Qb3 Nc7 15. a4 and so on in Gurevich-Khalifman, 1992. 7. Qc2
Twenty years ago, I used an idea of Israeli IM Nathan Birnboim: 7. 0-0 c3 8. Nc4 with compensation for the pawn. Now 8. ... Nc6 9. Qb3 cxb2 10. Bxb2 Be7 11. Rfd1 Rb8 12. Nfe5 gave White pressure in Gurevich-Szekely, 1989. 7. ... b5 8. a4
[From the Chess Life Online report]—IM Gergely Antal of Texas Tech successfully navigated a thunderstorm, a ceiling leak, a fire alarm, and four other international masters to claim the World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions at the U.S. Open. In his dramatic last-round game against Marko Zivanic of the University of Texas at Dallas, he sacrificed a pawn in the early middlegame and managed to land a protected pawn on f6, thus cramping Black’s kingside. The queens and minor pieces came off soon after, and Antal was able to grind Zivanic down in a long rook endgame. I had a fantastic time at this tournament and would like to encourage all chess players attending, or soon to be attending college, to come to this tournament. There is a large guaranteed prize fund, and as an added bonus, entry to the U.S. Open was half price to collegiate players this year. The tournament was very well run and the facilities (except perhaps for a small portion of the ceiling!) were also very nice. I would like to thank James Stallings for organizing the tournament and World Chess Live for their sponsorship. As Mr. Stallings put it at the prize ceremony, the tournament is still in a “growth curve,” so we can hope participation continues to increase in upcoming years. ~Erik Patchell
r nl q r k+ p + +p p + +p n p +p+ + N lp P + P + + + P PQ NP PL+ R L K +R
Analysis after 11. h4
8. ... bxa4 9. 0-0 Bb7 10. Nxc4 h6 11. Rxa4
I also considered 11. Qxa4!? a5 12. Bf4. 11. ... a5 12. Bd2 Be4 13. Qb3 Nc6
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
IM Gergely Antal Tops at Tournament of College Champions
Here my opponent went into a long think. Perhaps he was considering variation 8. ... c6?! 9. axb5 cxb5? 10. Ng5! h6, when both 11. Bxa8 hxg5 and 11. Nxf7 Rxf7 12. Bxa8 Qxd4 give Black some compensation for the Exchange. But the brilliant suggestion of Tukmakov 11. h4!! wins serious material for White. I have won numerous blitz games on the Internet Chess Club with this!
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Here it was my turn to think long. Ron didn’t fall into the opening trap on move 8, and so here, if I don’t make the correct decision, Black might seize the initiative. 14. Bc3!
Strengthening the center. Worse is 14. Bxb4 axb4 15. Rxa8 Qxa8 and Black is very comfortable. 14. ... Rb8
Perhaps it was better to play 14. ... Qd5!?, when 15. Ncd2 Qxb3 16. Nxb3 Bd5 17. Nfd2 leaves White a little better.
15. Ncd2 Be7
Now if 15. ... Qd5, White has 16. Qd1.
16. Qd1 Bh7
If Black preferred to leave this bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, White had a good response: 16. ... Bd5 17. Qb1!, controlling important squares. 17. Qa1!
This move has two ideas: attack the a5pawn and bring the second rook on c1. White’s position is improving. 17. ... Ne4 18. Rc1
If 18. ... Nxc3, I was planning to recapture with the b-pawn in order to control the b4-square. Then the maneuver Nd2c4xa5 would follow. 18. ... Nxd2 19. Nxd2 Qd7
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r
+ rk+ + pq lp pl +n+p+ p p + + + R+ P + + + L + P P NP PL P Q R + K
After 18. ... Qd7
A critical moment. We both hadn’t much time, and Ron had less than me. I was considering three possible lines: a) 20. Bxc6 Qxc6 21. Bxa5. White wins material, but gives up his beautiful bishop. b) 20. Nc4 with the idea of 20. ... Nxd4 21. Ne5. Fortunately, I noticed a hole in this variation: 21. ... Nxe2+ 22. Kf1 Qb5. c) 20. e3. The most solid move. 20. e3!
This is best.
20. ... Nb4 21. Rxa5 Nd3 22. Rd1 Bb4 23. Bxb4 Rxb4 24. b3! Rb5 25. Rxb5 Qxb5 26. Qc3
White is winning. Now he has to make the time control without making a mistake. 26. ... Nb4
No better are 26. ... e5 27. Ne4 or 26. ... c5 27. Ne4. 27. Qxc7 Bc2 28. Bf1 Qf5 29. Rc1 Bd3 30. Qc5 Nd5 31. Bg2 Qg5 32. Nf3 Qf5 33. Ne5 Rd8 34. Nc6
Solid, but 34. g4! would win instantly: 34. ... Qh7 35. Qc8!
34. ... Re8 35. Ne5!
I needed to avoid 35. Bxd5 exd5 36. Ne7+? Rxe7 37. Qxe7 Qf3.
35. ... Nf6
If Black repeated the position with 35. ... Rd8, I would take the bishop with 36. Nxd3 Qxd3 37. b4. In time trouble it’s often more important to make solid moves rather than spend time trying to find the absolutely best decision (for instance, 34. g4!)
36. Nxd3 Qxd3 37. Qc2 Qa6 38. Qc7 Qa3 39. Qc3 Rb8 40. Rb1 Rb4 41. h3 Qa5?
This loses instantly, but after 41. ... Rb8 White’s two extra pawns should prevail. 42. Ra1 Qb6
Also winning for White is 42. ... Qb5 43. Ra8+ Kh7 44. Qc2+ Qf5 45. e4 Qg6 46. Qc8 Qg5 47. e5.
43. Ra8+ Kh7 44. Qc2+ g6 45. Qc8, Black resigned.
Black resigns in view of 45. ... g5 46. Be4+! Nxe4 47. Qg8 mate.
The participants in the 2009 World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions
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2009 U.S. Open Like coach, like student Gurevich’s victory was not the only thing he had to be proud of at this event. One of his students, 15-year-old Eric Rosen, made master after going 6½/9 for a performance rating of 2483. Rosen’s tournament highlights included drawing GM Jesse Kraai in round three, defeating former U.S. Junior Champion Tyler Hughes, and beating GM John Fedorowicz in round nine. The game against Fedorowicz lasted a mere 16 moves— though the other two were marathons lasting over 70 moves apiece. “I enjoy being the underdog,” said Rosen, “and I avoided sleep deprivation by taking ‘strategic’ naps.” Other than that, he didn’t have any particular tournament strategy. Rosen tied with Erik Patchell and Richard Herbst for the “expert” class prize for those rated 2000-2199. Each took home $1,359. Despite his newfound wealth, Rosen said he doesn’t have any ambitions to become a chess professional. “I think I want to be a scientist, or go into mathematics.” Then, sounding just like his coach, he told me how fascinating he finds chess as an art, science, and sport. Although he emphasizes the first two parts, as a tennis player, he does not neglect the third. Rosen sees his approach to tennis manifest itself over the chess board. “I’m a conservative player: I try to outplay my opponents over the long haul. I want to play a smooth, solid game with few mistakes.” His favorite tennis professional is the solid Roger Federer. “The kid who beat Lenderman” Because it is a one-section tournament, the U.S. Open always creates a tremendous number of one-sided pairings in the early rounds. With so many grandmasters playing so many A-players and experts, the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime upset is created. This year, expert Matthew Michaelides of Houston, Texas earned fame in the tournament hall for his second-round demolition of GM-elect Alex Lenderman, the top seed. Although Lenderman got a significant advantage out of the opening, Michaelides—a sharp player by nature—successfully complicated things. Queen’s Indian/ Nimzo-Indian hybrid (E13) GM-elect Alex Lenderman (2574) Matthew Michaelides (2092) U.S. Open, Round 2 Notes by Michaelides 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 5. Bg5 Bb7 6. Nd2 h6 7. Bh4 Nc6 8. e3 Ne7 9. f3 Nf5 10. Bf2 c5 11. Bd3 0-0 12. d5 Nd6 13. e4 24
Chess Life — November 2009
Bxc3 14. bxc3 e5 15. g4 Nh7 16. h4 Qf6 17. Be3 g5 18. Qe2 Kg7 19. Qh2 Rh8 20. Ke2
White has a significant advantage out of the opening. Black is under pressure on the kingside and has little active play.
20. ... Ba6
Otherwise, White is free to play Nd2-f1g3.
29. ... Bxc4?!
A mistake. 29. ... Nxc4! was stronger: 30. fxe5?! (30. f5! Qg5 31. Nf3 Qf4 32. Rh3 Bb5 is unclear) 30. ... Qf4 31. Nf1 (31. Bxc4 Bxc4+ 32. Ke1 Ng5 33. Qf2 Qxe5 34. Rd1 Qc3 wins for Black) 31. ... Ng5 32. Qxa6 Qf3+ 33. Ke1 Qxd3 leaves Black winning. The text allows White to partially consolidate.
21. a4 Rag8 22. a5 b5!? 23. cxb5 Bxb5 24. c4 Ba6 25. Bxc5 Rc8 26. Qf2
30. Nxc4 Nxc4 31. Ra2!
The greedy 26. Bxa7 Nxc4, which I had expected, is also worth considering, but the text is strong.
Guarding against infiltrations along the second rank. My next move now forces Black to go down an entire rook in exchange for the initiative.
26. ... gxh4
31. ... exf4!
Now that White’s queen has left the hfile, Black can begin to untangle. The g5square is a promising home for Black’s knight. With this move I hoped to provoke White by relinquishing control of f4: I got the vibe that my opponent was confident in his position, and I was not surprised by his next move. 27. f4?
White would love to push f4-f5 or open up the a1-h8 diagonal for his monster dark-squared bishop, but this move is a step in the wrong direction, exacerbating White’s weaknesses and exposing his king.
27. ... Rxc5!
At the time, I assumed this sacrifice was refutable. I was just playing to complicate, a good strategy against a stronger player. After analysis, it seems that Black actually has good chances with this move. White’s position is not easy to play.
28. Qxc5 Rc8
+r+ + + p +p+p kn l+ n q p P QP p + +P+P PP p + +L+ + + NK+ + R + + +R
After 28. ... Rc8
29. Qxa7?!
White gets greedy and misses a chance to consolidate with 29. Qb4! exf4 30. Rac1. Poor was 29. Qf2?! Nxc4 30. fxe5 (or 30. Bxc4 Bxc4+ 31. Kd1 exf4 32. Rc1 Qb2 33. Qxf4 Bb3+ 34. Nxb3 Qxb3+ 35. Ke1 Rxc1+ 36. Qxc1 Ng5) 30. ... Qxe5 31. Qxh4 Qf4, with advantage to Black in both cases.
31. ... Qxf4? 32. Rxh4 Ng5 33. Qf2 Nxe4 34. Qxf4 Nc3+ 35. Kf3 exf4 36. Bxc4 Rxc4 37. Rc2 and White is winning. 32. Rc1 f3+ 33. Kd1 Nb2+! 34. Rxb2 Rxc1+ 35. Kxc1 Qc3+ 36. Bc2
+
+ + + Q +p+p kn + + + p P +P+ + + +P+P p + q +p+ RL+ + + + K + +
After 36. Bc2
In exchange for his rook, Black has two advanced passed pawns on the kingside and better king safety. White is constantly in danger of perpetual checks, so his rook and bishop are tied down to his king. This is more difficult to play as white than as black, exactly the kind of position one hopes for against a stronger player. Psychologically, I also had the edge. It was difficult for White to realize that a draw is not a bad result from this position, despite whatever advantage he had earlier. 36. ... h3 37. Rb3?
Giving Black the upper hand. 37. Qf2 Ng5 38. Kb1 h2 39. Qxh2 Qe1+ 40. Ka2 Qxa5+ 41. Kb3 Qb6+ leads to a draw: 42. Ka3 Qc5+ 43. Rb4 f2 44. Bd3 Qc3+ 45. Ka4 Nxe4 46. Rxe4 Qxd3 47. Qe5+ Kg8 and White should give perpetual check. 37. ... Qe1+ 38. Bd1 f2?
Both players now overlooked some interesting possibilities for White. 38. ... h2! was instead winning for Black. In the key line, Black’s newly-crowned queen on h1 will cover the crucial h5-square: 39. Qd4+ f6 40. Qc5 h1=Q 41. Qe7+ Kg6 42. uschess.org
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Qe8+ and here Black can play 42. ... Kg5 with a won position. 39. Qd4+ f6? 40. Rf3?
40. Qc5! instead was now strong. Black must find a way to defend here, since 40. ... f1=Q?? 41. Qe7+ Kg6 42. Qe8+ Kg5 43. Qh5+ Kf4 44. Qf5 is mate. After the text, Black regains his material and is soon winning. 40. ... f1=Q
40. ... h2 with the idea of 41. Qa7 Qxd1+ 42. Kxd1 h1=Q+ 43. Kd2 Qe1+! was also strong. (Worse is 43. ... Qxf3? 44. Qxd7+ Kg6 45. Qf5+ Qxf5 46. gxf5+ Kf7 47. Ke2.) 41. Rxf1 Qxf1 42. Qa7 Nf8
Black’s king is safe, so White is helpless to stop the march of Black’s h-pawn. 43. Qb8 Qf2 44. e5 Qf4+ 45. Kb2 fxe5
45. ... h2 immediately is faster.
PHOTO BY CHRIS BIRD
46. Qb3 h2 47. Qh3 Qd4+ 48. Ka3 Qxd1 49. Qxh2 Qxd5 50. Kb4 and White resigned.
This type of upset is always a thrill for the victor, and it is rare that either player manages a restful night’s sleep afterward. Michaelides was overwhelmed by his win. “I mean, this was the first grandmaster [GM-elect ~.ed] I’ve ever played,” he remarked. “I stayed up late analyzing everything over and over again with Rybka.” The game was frustrating for Lenderman. As strong players do, he reflected on the game’s psychology. “I went from having a clear positional advantage to having to calculate tactics,” he said. “Switching from a comfortable mode of thinking to an unpleasant one is one of the hardest things to do in chess. I kept thinking my opponent would miss something, but he found challenging moves.” Although Lenderman expressed some regret over 27. f4, he didn’t think he played badly. “When you have a positional advantage, at some point, you have to try to convert it. Sometimes that means you have to allow complications.” Michaelides followed this upset by defeating FM Lester Van Meter the next round, cementing his status as the tournament’s “dark horse.” Although some players remembered his father, retired 2400-player Evan Michaelides, few outside the Houston Chess Club had heard of him before his second-round game. More often than not, I heard players refer to him as “the kid who beat Lenderman.” My own introduction to Matthew—a thin adolescent with curly black hair, whiskers, and heavy eyebrows—came in 2007, when I lost to him in the second round of that year’s high school nationals. For an A-player, he was unusually uschess.org
Hanken The most notable person at the 2009 U.S. Open was the one who wasn’t there. Septuagenarian and Life Master Jerry Hanken, who had not missed a U.S. Open since 1972, spent August in the hospital after contracting gangrene. As Chairman of the U.S. Open Committee, Hanken handled tournament business by phone from his hospital bed. Members Hal Terrie, Jim Mennella, Walter Buehl, and Denis Strenzwilk served as his eyes and ears on the ground. Hanken instructed me to express his gratitude toward these individuals. Mr. Hanken spent his final months shuffling from the hospital to a nursing home and back again. He described his exasperation several times over the phone: he dubbed his medical care facility the “Bad Samaritan” for its nauseating bureaucracy and the nursing home was “Dickensian.” I returned from a trip to Central America to learn that a tube had been inserted in his throat and he was unable to speak. The man who had been my best friend and mentor since I was 15 passed away shortly thereafter. Hanken was part of a generation that has been shrinking over the past few years. The recent deaths of Boris Baczynskyj, Ira Riddle, and Nigel Eddis weighed on his mind. In a tribute to Baczynskyj, Hanken wrote that he would miss his friend “until I join him across that big chessboard in the sky.” Rest in peace, Jerry, and know that your friends here on Earth miss you as you did Boris. ~J.H. Chess Life — November 2009
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2009 U.S. Open confident when playing his moves, the clacking of which could be heard several boards over. I found his intensity disconcerting: his eyes, channeling energy, were bent on destruction. Away from the board, however, Matthew is soft-spoken. Having played so few tournaments outside Texas, he isn’t sure what his background is as a player or how far his natural abilities can go. He has learned a lot from analyzing his games with his father, but his drive to win is entirely internal. Chess is in his blood. Turning down the “grandmaster draw” Playing for complications isn’t just a good strategy for achieving upsets, though. The advice to always play for a win holds true even in games between grandmasters, especially at the U.S. Open, where a score of over 80% is usually required to finish “in the money.” In the following five-hour marathon, GM John Fedorowicz—who played the tough 4-day schedule faced a well-rested Alex Lenderman. Fedorowicz, who had the white pieces, declared his peaceful intentions early on by offering a draw. “I had a feeling he would be tired, and I was desperate to make something happen after my loss in round two,” Lenderman wrote. “And I never liked draws without a fight.” Lenderman would like to thank GM Georgi Kacheishvili for helping him to annotate this game—and for teaching him that “if you play for a draw, you don’t get a draw.” Slav Defense, Exchange Variation without ... Bf5 (D13) GM John Fedorowicz (2531) GM-elect Alex Lenderman (2574) U.S. Open, Round 7 Notes by Lenderman 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5
I was not afraid of this line because I knew it doesn’t automatically give White a draw. There is still much play left in the position, as GM Sadvakasov proved to me by beating me with black in this line at Foxwoods earlier this year. 4. ... cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 a6!?
I wanted to make the game as imbalanced as possible. 6. ... Bf5 is more common, but ... a7-a6 is useful for gaining space on the queenside. After White’s next move, my light-square bishop develops to a comfortable square.
7. e3 Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 9. Be2 e6 10. 0-0 Rc8
The point is to recapture with the rook when White plays Nf3-e5xc6. If I have to recapture with ... b7xc6, a draw is not far away. 11. Ne5 Bxe2 12. Qxe2 Be7 13. Rfc1 Nxe5 26
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This allows White a way to make a quick draw. 13. ... 0-0 first was more accurate, so that next move I can play ... Nc6xe5 and meet Bf4xe5 with ... Nf6-d7, avoiding further trades. 14. Bxe5 0-0 15. Bxf6! Bxf6
+r q rk+ +p+ +p pp p+ +p l + + +p+ + + P + + + N P +P P P +Q PP+ R R + K
After 15. ... Bxf6
16. Na4?!
With this inaccuracy my opponent offered a draw. The knight is misplaced on the edge of the board, however. My next move opens the position, allowing my bishop to dominate his knight. 16. Qd3 followed by Nc3-e2 and trading off the rooks down the c-file was the logical way to play for the draw.
31. ... Bh4! 32. Qe2 Bg3 33. Qxe4 fxe4 34. Nc5 Bxf4 35. Nxe4 Bxe5 36. Ke2 Kf7 37. Kd3 Ke6 38. Ke2
38. Nc5+ Kd5 39. Nxa6 Bd6; 38. Ng5+ Kf5 39. Nxh7 Bd6 both leave White’s knight stranded. 38. ... h5
Fixing the kingside.
39. Nf2 h4 40. Kf3 Kd5 41. Nd3 Bd6 42. Nb2? a5?
Both sides miss Black’s opportunity. 42. ... d3! 43. Ke3 (43. Nxd3 Kd4) 43. ... d2 44. Kxd2 Kd4 45. Nd3 b4! is a typical Zugzwang. Black’s bishop dominates White’s knight.
+ + + + + + + p p+ l + + + + + + p k + p +P+N+ +P P+ K +P+ + + + +
Analysis after 45. … b4
16. ... e5 17. dxe5 Bxe5 18. Nc5 Qb6 19. Nd3
19. Nd7 Qxb2 20. Qd1 was also possible, when White wins the d5-pawn and gets a dead even game.
43. Nd3 a4 44. Ke2 Ke4 45. Kd2 a3?!
19. ... Bf6 20. Qd2
46. Ke2 g6 47. Nf2+ Kf4 48. Nd3+ Kg3 49. Kf1 g5 50. Nf2 Be7 51. Nd3
More accurate was 20. Rc2 followed by Ra1-c1. 20. ... Qb5 21. Rab1 d4?!
I thought this move gave me an advantage, but it is a significant positional mistake. I underestimated the strength of White’s blockading knight on d3. My next move, ... Bf6-g5, is designed to give me activity by weakening White’s kingside. In reality, it only helps White control the e5-square.
It was better to play 45. ... axb3 or simply leave the pawn on a4. White has chances to make a fortress later on.
Black is slowly making progress. The text is forced since 51. Kg1 Kf4 allows Black to penetrate, but now Black gets to break with ... g5-g4. 51. ... g4 52. hxg4 Kxg4 53. Kf2 Bd6 54. Nc1 Bg3+ 55. Ke2 Bf4 56. Nd3 Kg3 57. Kf1 Bd6 58. Nc1 Be5
Not 58. ... h3? 59. Ne2+ Kh2 60. gxh3 d3 61. Nc3.
59. Ne2+ Kg4 60. Nc1 b4?
25. ... Rxc8 26. Rc1 Rxc1+ 27. Nxc1 Qc4 28. Qd1?!
I could not see how to break White’s fortress. But 60. ... h3! 61. gxh3+ Kf3 62. b4 Ke3 63. Ke1 d3 64. Kd1 Bc3 65. Nb3 Bxb4 66. h4 Bd6 67. h5 Bf4 is a win. Although I still manage to play the ... h4h3 break in the game, the text blows the win entirely by giving White a fortress.
28. ... b5 29. b3 Qd5 30. Nd3 Qe4 31. Kf1?!
61. Nd3 Bd6 62. Kf2 Bg3+ 63. Ke2 Bd6 64. Kf2 Be7 65. Ne5+ Kf5 66. Nd3 Ke4 67. Ke2 Bd6 68. Nc1 Bf8 69. Nd3 Be7 70. Nc1 Kf4 71. Kf2 Kg4 72. Nd3 Bd6 73. Nc1 Bg3+ 74. Ke2 Bf4 75. Nd3 Kg3 76. Kf1 Bd6 77. Ne1
22. e4 Bg5 23. f4 Be7 24. e5 f5 25. Rxc8?!
25. exf6 e.p. Bxf6 26. Re1 followed by Re1-e2, Rb1-e1, Kg1-h2, and g2-g3 gives White a comfortable game. My bishop on f6 is a big pawn. 28. a3 followed by Nc1-d3 gives White a nice blockade. By maneuvering my queen to e4, I soon get some initiative.
31. g3 to stop ... Be7-h4 was preferable. The game now heads to a pawn-up endgame for Black.
On 77. Nc1, White feared 77. ... h3 78. Ne2+ Kh2 79. gxh3 d3, but that would lead to a draw after 80. Nd4 Kg3 81. Ke1. uschess.org
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77. ... Be7 78. Nd3 h3
Finally I play the breakthrough, but this time White has a defense. 79. gxh3 Kf3 80. Ke1 Ke3 81. Ne5 d3
I saw the drawing idea, but there was no other way to make progress.
82. Kd1 Bf8 83. Nc6?!
Not 83. Nc4+? Kd4 84. Kd2 Bh6+, when Black penetrates to c3. The drawing idea was simply 83. Nxd3! Kxd3 84. Kc1 followed by Kc1-b1. The queenside pawns are locked, and Black has absolutely no way to break through. If Black tries to back White into the corner, there will always be a stalemate.
83. ... Ke4 84. h4 Kd5
+
+
+
l
+
+ + + +N+ + + + +k+ + p + + P pP+p+ + P+ + + + + +K+ +
After 84. ... Kd5
85. Na5?
85. Kd2! was the last chance to sacrifice the knight for the draw. 85. ... Kd4 86. h5 Bh6 87. Nc6+ Kc3 88. Ne5 Bf4 89. Ng6 Bg5 90. Ne5 Bf4 91. Ng6 Be3 92. Ne5 Bg5 93. Nf3 Bf4 94. Ne1 d2 95. Nf3 Kb2, White resigned.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
The win helped put Lenderman back on track to snatch his first-ever qualifying spot for the U.S. championship. With 6/7, he was once again tied for first place, and an eighth-round victory over the author of these lines followed by a fighting draw with GM Sergey Kudrin (both players turned down draw offers—first Lenderman, then Kudrin) secured him a seat in St. Louis for 2010. Fighting for the “class prize” Before the start of round nine, college student and “class A” player Tim Moroney stood at 6/8. Over the course of the three previous rounds, Moroney had scored 2½/3 against nearly master strength competition. Just like Rosen’s performance of 1½/2 against GMs to win the “expert” category, Moroney’s magical streak as a “class A” player was the stuff of legend. “If you [Moroney] were to win your last game and go 7/9, few achievements in chess history could surpass that,” said local chess history buff Chris uschess.org
A World Champion In Indiana Women’s World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk was a major presence during Open week. In the main event, she finished only a half point out of first despite having taken three half-point byes in the last three rounds due to a previous commitment. She won five of her six contested games, drawing only Nikola Mitkov. Her 12½ points dominated the blitz event, winning by a half point over GM Mesgan Amanov. 11 wins, three draws, zero losses—not a bad day’s work. She also shined at the Chess Journalist of America meeting, where the results of a members’ vote revealed she is now Chess Journalist of the Year (see story on page 40). At her simul, again, she managed to make the rounds without a single loss. Macauley Peterson, a former Chess Journalist of the Year himself, wrote on Chess Life Online, “... the first grandmaster simul of the week began with Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, who took on 17 players. Unlike Kosteniuk’s SuperNationals exhibition, this field was comprised almost entirely of adults, with a few experts including Denker champ Abby Marshall and me. Kosteniuk still managed to win all but three. Marshall scored a draw, as did Chuck Unruh of Oklahoma, and Pete Stringer from Indianapolis (by way of London).” Chess Life — November 2009
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2009 U.S. Open
The U.S. Champ’s Simul [From Hikaru Nakamura’s blog at hikarunakamura.com] “... the turnout was quite substantial with 26 players in total playing out of a possible 50. This was more than I expected, so I was pleasantly surprised. In terms of the actual competition, there were several experts who signed up to play which surprised me, and made it a lot more of a challenge. In the end, I won all 26 of the games despite several games in which my opponents nearly held draws.”
Queen’s Gambit Declined: Systems without Nc3 (D30) Jonathan Hilton (2287) Timothy Moroney (1984) U.S. Open, Round 9 Notes by Hilton
dxc4 6. Qxc4 b5 7. Qc2!?
I had played the late GM Alek Wojtkiewicz’s 7. Qd3 against GM Alex Yermolinsky in round seven and drawn. I knew Tim studied the daily tournament bulletins, so I wanted to try something else. 7. ... Bb7 8. Bg2 Nbd7 9. 0-0 c5 10. Nc3 a6
10. ... b4!? 11. Na4 Rc8 12. Nxc5 Nxc5 13. dxc5 Bxc5 14. Qa4+ Bc6 15. Qa6 0-0 16. Bg5 is the critical line.
11. Bg5 Qb6 12. Rfd1 Rc8 13. Bxf6
Swapping the dark-square bishop for a knight is thematic in this line. White has a particular type of endgame in mind. 13. ... Nxf6 14. dxc5 Bxc5 15. e3 0-0 16. Qe2 Ne4?!
16. ... Bb4! 17. Nb1 Rfd8 18. a3 Rxd1+ 19. Qxd1 Be7 equalizes.
17. Nxe4 Bxe4 18. Ne5 Bxg2 19. Kxg2 Qb7+ 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. g3 c6 5. Qc2 28
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Every trade brings White closer to his desired endgame. 19. ... Rfd8 20. Rac1 Be7 was better. 20. Qf3 Qxf3+ 21. Kxf3 Rc7 22. Rd7 Rfc8 23. Rad1 Be7
Defending f7. Losing is 23. ... f6? 24. Rxc7 Rxc7 25. Rd8+ Bf8 26. Nd7. 24. Rxc7 Rxc7 25. Rd7 Rxd7 26. Nxd7 Bd6 27. Ke4 f6 28. Kd4
White’s dream endgame position. The knight is, for the moment, stronger than the bishop because of Black’s loose pawns on a6 and b5. 28. ... Kf7 29. b3?!
As it turns out, I need the b3-square for my knight later on. Better is 29. f4 Ke7 30. Nc5 a5 and only here 31. b3! with the idea of 31. ... g5 32. fxg5 fxg5 33. a4. Black should hold by playing for ... h7-h5-h4, but it is difficult. 29. ... Ke7 30. Nc5 a5! uschess.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
Dobbs. “Fischer’s 11-0 score at the 1963 U.S. Championship comes close, but he wasn’t an ‘A-player’ at the time.” I can attest to the fantastic feeling one gets after pulling off a string of upsets. A combination of staying in good form, having faith against all odds, and crossing one’s fingers for luck is required to keep such a streak going—but once it starts, it can be hard to stop. As it turned out, Moroney was paired against his own roommate in the big-money round. He needed a draw to take the $2,265 first prize for those rated 1800-1999 outright.
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Celebrating Our Own The man in the cowboy hat (photo, left) is Harold Winston, who served as USCF president from 1987-1990 and who currently serves on multiple USCF committees. One of these is the Hall of Fame committee, and during the annual USCF awards luncheon he anounced the induction of GM John Fedorowicz and former Chess Life editor Burt Hochberg, who was represented by his widow Carol Hochberg (photo, left). Ms. Hochberg’s heartfelt acceptance speech included comments from former world champion Boris Spassky: “As editor of Chess Life, he established many connections between the American and international chess communities ... Burt helped me purchase and send a Ford Mustang from the USA to the USSR—not an easy task. He had, as Russians say, ‘a lucky hand.’ He was my car's good luck charm.” Not 30. ... Be5+? 31. Kd3 a5 32. Nb7 a4 33. bxa4 bxa4 34. Kc4.
now there is 41. gxf5 exf5 42. h5, fixing Black’s pawns and giving White the upper hand.
31. a4
39. ... e5! 40. fxe5
31. Nb7 Kd7! draws for Black: 32. Nxa5 (or 32. a4 Kc6 33. Nxd6 e5+! 34. Kd3 Kxd6 35. axb5 Kc5) 32. ... Kc7 33. Kc3 Be5+! with a miracle repetition after 34. Kd3 Bd6! 35. Kc3 Be5+.
31. ... Be5+ 32. Kd3 Kd6 33. Ne4+?!
33. Nb7+ Kc7 34. Nc5 (not 34. Nxa5? Kb6) 34. ... Kd6 was the best White could do. Black’s king defends the queenside pawns, so his bishop is now stronger than the knight. 33. ... Kc6 34. f4 Bc7 35. g4 h6 36. h3
36. h4 gives Black dangerous counterplay after 36. ... f5! 37. gxf5 exf5 38. Ng3 bxa4 39. bxa4 g6 40. h5 gxh5 41. Nxf5 Kc5 42. Nxh6 h4. 36. ... Bb8
Black can play for the win with 36. ... bxa4 37. bxa4 f5 38. gxf5 exf5 39. Nc3 Kc5 40. Nb5 Bb8 41. Kc3 g5. 37. Nd2 Kc5 38. Kc3 Bc7?!
Better is 38. ... f5 39. axb5 Kxb5 40. gxf5 exf5 with the idea of 41. Nf3?! Ba7. Black is still better.
39. Nf3?!
39. h4! bxa4 40. bxa4 f5 is better because
40. f5!? is met by 40. ... bxa4 (worse is 40. ... e4? 41. Nd4 Be5 42. axb5 Bxd4+ 43. exd4+ Kxb5 44. h4! with Zugzwang possibilities) 41. bxa4 e4 42. Nd2 Be5+ 43. Kb3 Kd5 44. Nc4 Bc7 gives Black a fortress.
40. ... Bxe5+ 41. Nxe5 fxe5 42. h4 bxa4 43. bxa4 e4 44. h5 Kd5 45. Kb3 Kc5 46. Kc3 Kd5, Draw agreed.
I couldn’t have been happier for Tim. As my roommate and friend, he was invaluable in fueling my own “run” during the first seven rounds. Final thoughts Many of this year’s innovations wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the U.S. Open committee. The appearances of GMs Hikaru Nakamura and Alexandra Kosteniuk, the five qualifier spots (with no qualifier fees), and the enhanced Grand Prix points all helped to successfully bring attendance to over 450 players—up from 379 last year. The number of grandmasters also rose, from just two last year to an even dozen. Organizer Pat Knight Smith, back-room “computer whiz” Phil Smith, and floor director Walter Brown are to be commended.
.
Denker Tournament of High School Champions: Scholarships & Sponsors Abby Marshall of Virginia placed first in the Denker tournament (see sidebar next page) and was awarded a four-year scholarship by the University of Texas at Dallas, valued at $68,000. The U.S. Chess Trust also awarded her an $800 scholarship. Marshall further received a beautiful ebony wood set from the Frank Marshall series presented by Frank Camaratta. The Ursula Foster award (a $500 scholarship) for best under age 16 score was awarded to Michael Yang of Minnesota. Mitchell Denker, the son of GM Arnold Denker, provided a $100 stipend to all participants. American Chess Equipment provided a $100 gift certificate for the biggest upset to Chris Andrews of Wyoming to be used in the USCF Sales bookstore. American Chess Equipment also provided gold medallions to each participant.
See more about the U.S. Open on the next two pages: Abby Marshall writes about her Denker experience and see the “At A Glance” boxes for the U.S. Open, the Denker Tournament of High School Champs, and the Tournament of College Champions. uschess.org
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2009 U.S. Open
Marshall’s Attack
For the first time ever, the Denker Tournament of High School Champions has been won by a young lady
IF YOU LOOK AT THE LIST OF PAST Denker winners, a few names pop out. Some have become strong grandmasters. The more recent winners are promising junior players. And then, to be current, you look at the winner from 2009. Whoa. Isn’t that a girl’s name? Like, are girls even allowed in the Denker? You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. By normal standards, 2009 was a boon year for girls, as two qualified for the event: Erica Barkell and I. Erica was 45th going into the Denker and ended up tied for 38th place. Yay! Congratulations also goes to Jeffrey Haskel, who recovered from a first round draw to finish tied for second with Michael Yang, who I played in the last round. Steven Breckenridge finished in sole fourth with 4½ including a win over master Robert Lau. Coming into the Denker, I felt no pressure. The strong field had four masters, eighteen experts, and many class A players. I was ranked eighth. I figured my chances of winning were maybe ten percent, and I hadn’t particularly prepared, and I even thought briefly about withdrawing after round one because I had earned the one point I needed to make the master 2200 mark. I became nervous after I beat master Patrick Tae in round four with my favorite King’s Gambit. I think that at any tournament with a lot of pressure, routines are good for focus. Every morning before my rounds I would have an apple, a frosted blueberry Pop-Tart®, and some coffee. This is not exactly the breakfast of champions, but it’s worked well for me. Then I would complain about the lack of veg30
Chess Life — November 2009
have to wait long—will not have to deal with similar misperceptions of women’s chess. I want to thank the organizers, who always do a super job with the opening and closing ceremonies and providing flags for the players and stipends for travel. Thanks, too, to the House of Staunton for its gift: a beautiful set of carved wooden pieces. I can’t forget my coach John Watson for his help over the last couple of years. I’m also indebted to my coach Mark Morss, who’s been giving me lessons since I was six years old and taught me the King’s Gambit, however infamous it has become. Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation (Poisoned Pawn) (B97) WFM Abby Marshall (2199) Michael Yang (2187) Denker (6), 08.04.2009
The first sign of danger appeared right before the game even started. I was half a point ahead of the field, a situation which sounds great, but often the player in this situation ends up playing for a draw but ends up losing. If you're focusing on the result, you can't play good moves. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Qb6 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bxf6 gxf6 10. Nb3 Bd7 11. Be2 h5 12. 0-0-0 Rc8 13. Kb1 Qf2
+r+k l r +p+l+p+ p+n pp p + + + + +p + +P P + +N N + + P PP QL qP P +K+R+ +R
After 13. ... Qf2
14. Bf3?!
This is a bad move. White has a very good position here. I was feeling very relieved that he did not play the Poisoned Pawn 8. ... Qxb2 because I only really know the general ideas and not the variations; in a system where you're down a couple pawns this is bad. So I felt happy and secure at this point, and any trades bring me closer to a draw. Trouble. 14. f5! Qb6—Probably best, but the uschess.org
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH VICARY
Abby Marshall: Best high school player in the U.S.
etarian choices and go to Subway for lunch, run for a bit, and take a nap until the round. I also like to go a few minutes late to the round so the room is already quiet, and I like to listen to music. When the game is really boring or I need a break, normally I would get up and walk around, but I can instead plug in earphones and study the board. It keeps me energized and focused. After winning the Denker and knowing that Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk would be competing for first place in the U.S. Open, I wrote a blog saying there needs to be an all-males’ tournament just so the guys would be able to play for something. I was joking, of course. Every tournament is a guy’s tournament. Women reaching equality with men in chess doesn’t refer only to equaling men’s accomplishments, but also closing the huge gap in the ratio of men to women players. I support women tournaments because they get more girls into chess and give girls extra chances for titles or trophies that they would not get otherwise. I’m glad that I got the chance to study with a group of dedicated girls at the 10th U.S. Chess School in St. Louis, Missouri, run by IM Greg Shahade and taught by the superb GM Greg Kaidanov. As far as I could tell, everyone agreed that women’s tournaments and titles were good. Over time, though, the need for such events will decline and the idea that a girl can win a tournament like the Denker will no longer strike people as so amazing. But attitudes and perceptions change slowly. Just two weeks after the Denker, while on vacation I played a game on a giant outdoor chess set. A small audience watched. After I won several pieces, my opponent, a guy, resigned. We shook hands and as I turned to walk away I overheard a girl say, “He won, right?” If anything, the fact that I had many more pieces on the board would be a clue, but I guess this girl was too blinded by an inherent belief in male chess superiority that she concluded he must have beaten me. This makes women’s incentives all the more needed to offset some of the societal pressure we feel as players in a male-dominated field. It can go both ways; it’s true that women might lower their goals, but I’ve always been motivated to study harder. It’s what you do with talent and opportunities that counts. Hopefully, the next girl to win the Denker—and I’m confident I won’t
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following variation shows the dangers for Black. (14. ... Ne5 15. fxe6; 14. ... Qxg2 15. Nc5) 15. Qf4!? Be7 16. Qg3 Kf8 17. Rxd6 Bxd6 18. Qxd6+ Ke8 19. fxe6 fxe6 20. Nd5 exd5 21. Qxf6 Rf8. 14. ... Qxd2 15. Rxd2 Kd8 16. Rhd1 Kc7 17. h4 Rd8 18. Ne2 Ne7 19. Rxd6?
Now Black will get two bishops against two knights. 19. Ng3 Ng6 20. Nxh5 Nxh4 21. Nxf6 Nxf3 22. gxf3—I looked at this too, but I thought the two bishops easily compensate for the pawn.
19. ... Ng6 20. R6d3 Nxh4 21. Na5 Nxf3 22. Rxf3 Be7
22. ... Bb4!—This move scared me the most during the game. 23. Nb3 Bc6 (23. ... Bb5 24. Rxd8 Rxd8 25. Ned4) 24. Rxd8 Rxd8 25. a3 Bd6 when the bishops will be very strong. 23. a3 Ba4 24. Rxd8 Rxd8 25. Kc1 Bb5 26. Nc3 Bd7 27. Nc4 Rg8 28. Ne3?
28. g3 Bc5 29. b4 Bd4 30. Ne2— White is at least keeping it together.-
28. ... Bc5 29. g3 Bc6!
29. ... f5 is also strong.
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too strong to give up. 34. ... h4 35. Nxe6+ Kd6—The h-pawn will win the game. 35. Rxf4 Rg6 36. Rh4 Be8 37. Rh2 Kd6 38. Kd2
+ +l+ + +p+ + + p+ kp pr+ + + + +p + +P+ + P N + + PP K + R + + + +
38. ... Ke5?
Even after this mistake, White is still in a lot of trouble. It's interesting to think that I played badly at the beginning because I was thinking about the result, and now maybe the same thing is happening to him. 39. Rxh5+ Kf4
39. ... f5 40. Rh2 f4 is the best winning chance.
31. fxe6? fxe6 32. Ng2 Be5 33. Nf4 Rxg3 34. Rf1 Bxf4+?!
40. Rh2 Bc6 41. Re2 Rg3 42. Rh2 Rg4 43. Re2 Ke5 44. Kd3 Rh4 45. Re3 Rg4 46. Re2 Be8 47. Re3 Bg6 48. Re2 Rh4 49. b4 Rf4 50. a4 b6 51. Re3 Rg4 52. Re1 Rh4 53. Re3 Rg4 54. Re1 Rg2 55. Re3 Rg1 56. Re2 Bh5
Black is still winning, but the bishop is
Stronger is 61. ... Rg3 62. Kd4 e5+ 63. Kd5 Rg2.
62. Nd2 Rd7+ 63. Kc3 Bg4 64. Rf1+ Kg5 65. Rf2 f5 66. exf5 exf5 67. Nc4 b5 68. axb5 axb5 69. Ne5 Rd5 70. Nd3 Kf6 71. Kb3 Rd4 72. Kc3 Rc4+ 73. Kd2 Kg5 74. Rg2?! Re4 75. Rg1 Re2+ 76. Kc3 f4 77. Ra1 Be6 78. Rg1+ Kf5 79. Rf1 Re4 80. Rf2 Rc4+ 81. Kd2 Bd5 82. Rh2 Bc6 83. Rh8 Kg5 84. Rg8+ Kf6 85. Rf8+ Kg5 86. Rg8+ Kh5 87. Rf8 Kg5 88. Ne5 Rd4+ 89. Kc3 Re4 90. Nf3+?! Kg4 91. Nd4 Bd7 92. Rg8+ Kh3 93. Rg7 Bg4 94. Kd3 Re3+ 95. Kd2 Re5 96. Kd3 f3 97. Nxf3, Draw agreed.
After 38. Kd2
30. f5 Bd4
At around this point we both had under four minutes.
57. Re3 Bg4 58. Kc4 Rg2 59. Kd3 Kf4 60. Re1 Bf3 61. Nb1 Rg7?!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
R
+ + + + +p+ r + P + +l+ + +K+N+k +P+ + + + + + +
After 97. Nxf3
I was surprised that he offered a draw here. After 97. ... Bxf3 98. c4 Be2+ 99. Kd4 it’s a draw, but not easy. Still, after almost five hours of play, a draw offer is understandable. ~Abby Marshall
All Three Tournaments At A Glance... 110th Annual U.S. Open
2009 Denker Tournament of High School Champions
2009 World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions
Date: August 1-9, 2009 Location: Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis, Indiana Top Finishers: 1st-6th, Dmitry Gurevich, Alex Lenderman, Sergey Kudrin, Alex Yermolinsky, Jacek Stopa, Jesse Kraai, 7½; 7th-8th, Alexander Shabalov, Julio Becerra, Benjamin Finegold, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Nikola Mitkov, Dean Ippolito, Gergely Antal, Daniel Fernandez, Mackenzie Molner, Conrad Holt, Seth Homa, 7. Chief Tournament Director: Walter Brown.
Date: August 1-4, 2009 Location: Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis, Indiana Top Finishers: 1st, Abby Marshall (VA), 5½; 2nd-3rd, Michael Yang (MN), Jeffrey Haskel (FL), 5; 4th, Steven Breckenridge (OR), 4½; 5th-13th, Robert Lau (HI), Deepak Aaron (NY), Vincent Huang (CA), Andrew Ng (NJ), Trevor Magness (IL), Evan Sandberg (CA), Michael Vilenchuk (OH), Kerry Xing (WA), Hongkai Pan (WI), 4. Chief Tournament Director: Walter Brown
Date: August 1-4, 2009 Location: Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis, Indiana Top Finishers: Open, 1st, Gergely Antal, 5; 2nd-3rd, Jacek Stopa, Salvijus Bercys, 4½; 4th, Marko Zivanic, 4; 1st Under 2000, Erik Patchell, 4; 2nd Under 2000, Corbin Yu, Joe Fogarty, 3. Under 2100, 1st, Arturo Gracia, 3½; 2nd, Ethan Peake, 3; 1st Under 1900, Enrique Arce-Larreta, 3; 2nd4th Under 1900, AndyApplebaum, Gerald Roberts, Benjamin Hutter, 2½. Under 1700, 1st-2nd Class D, Russell Trevino, Aaron Hamlin, 2; 1st Under 1300, Kenneth Kuo, 1½. Chief Tournament Director: Walter Brown.
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Cover Story
By Al Lawrence
THE BOOKS THAT CAME IN FROM THE COLD
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under the red flag. Combine the fame of an American major leaguer with the cultural status of a symphony conductor. Throw in apartment upgrades, government stipends, and the rare privilege to travel out of the country—and you get powerful reasons for GMs to play for the home team. And then there was the fact that one could be sent to a gulag, or even killed for trying to leave. Indeed, in the entire history of the cold war, Lev Alburt was the only Soviet chess grandmaster who planned and then successfully executed a defection from the USSR. Viktor Korchnoi famously decided to defect in 1976 while already in Amsterdam—where his reflexive outspokenness had drawn a threat from a local Soviet official, who warned Korchnoi about what would happen when “they got him home.” By 1989, when Gata Kamsky chose to move his pieces under the stars and stripes, the act amounted more to a relocation than a defection.
S HOU LD I KORC HNOI , S HA MKOVIC H, OR S PAS SKY?
When Lev and his trusted chess master friends broached the subject of escaping from Soviet control, they sometimes used a kind of code. One could “Korchnoi”—defect, certainly a dangerous option. Or one could “Shamkovich”— apply for an emigration permit, as in the case of the late U.S. hall-of-famer Leonid Shamkovich. But there were dangers in this approach as well. Ask the only man to win both the USSR and U.S. chess championships, Boris Gulko. He languished for years in a Refusenik (one who was refused emigration papers) no-man’s land—a Soviet pariah, with few opportunities for work— while he protested, was beaten and jailed, and waited for the red-rubberstamp on his paperwork. Then there was the platinum-level upgrade to leave: one could, if he could arrange it, “Spassky”—wed a woman who uschess.org
PHOTO BY JEFFREY WEISS
t’s a cold-war spy story complete with smuggled documents detailing closely guarded state secrets. But neither British-intelligence trained agents nor CIA operatives were at the vortex of this international espionage, nor was nuclear armament the subject of the purloined documents. Not a spymaster but rather a Soviet chess master brought to the West the official, secret plans that were key to what is arguably the Soviet Union’s one true success story—its methodically constructed supremacy at the chess board. But the papers waited in a safe house in Toronto for the only grandmaster ever to plan and execute a defection from the USSR during the height of the Cold War. It’s the kind of back-storypremise Ian Fleming might have dreamed up for his hero James Bond. Perks and privileges enjoyed by the old Soviet Union’s chess grandmasters (GMs) during the Cold War helped keep nearly all of them at home and playing
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PHOTO BY JEFFREY WEISS
In 1 97 9 , Lev A lb u rt escap ed f ro m co m m u ni sm ; th re e de ca de s a nd t hr ee U .S . C ha m pi ons hi p t it le s la t er , A lb u rt i s st i ll te a chi ng A m er ic ans how to p lay ch ess.
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Cover Story before 9 a.m., and the building’s doors were still locked. The location was very dangerous, possibly under observation by Soviet KGB or the East German Stasi. Still, Lev waited an anxious ten more minutes before hailing another cab to go to the main Cologne police station. Inside, he presented himself, requesting political asylum. An experienced captain, who seemed to know what to do, quickly became involved, interviewing Lev and immediately assigning him a bodyguard.
30TH A NNIVERSARY OF A DA NG EROUS MOVE
“YOU WOU LD B E TORTURED ... AND WE WOULD LOOK BAD. ”
A few days later, on a morning in late June of 1979, Alburt walked out of a hotel in Solingen, a suburb of Cologne, West Germany, where he was competing in a team tournament as part of a Soviet contingency that included his best friend Sam Palatnik and former world champion Vassily Smyslov. But freedom, not chess, was on Lev’s mind that morning. Lev had come with a plan to escape from the Soviet system he had hated since childhood. Stepping through the lobby and out the front door, he fought against the racing of his heart to hold himself to what he hoped appeared to be a nonchalant stroll. He left all of his personal items in his room; he wouldn’t have gotten very far carrying a suitcase. He took with him only the Soviet Cold War currency of two tins of Beluga caviar, clutched in a small plastic bag. The caviar could also serve as an excuse for his leaving the hotel. In case he was stopped, Lev planned to say that he was taking a walk to sell it. After all, such on-the-road commerce was one of the benefits of being a grandmaster, licensed to travel. Lev walked several blocks, glancing furtively behind him to spot anyone following. Then he hailed a cab—an extravagance that would have been a sure tipoff if observed—and directed the driver to the offices of Deutsche Welle, West Germany’s version of Voice of America. From there spokesmen for freedom had for years transmitted Lev’s favorite—and forbidden—radio broadcasts. These distant voices had become Alburt’s intimate allies. He thought they could give him the best advice on how to keep out of Soviet hands and into political asylum. But the taxi arrived at the radio station
For the next few days, Lev was protected around the clock by several armed German policemen. He stayed in specially selected hotels, using coded knocks and passwords to coordinate with his bodyguards. When Lev protested that he felt he didn’t need all this protection, the police captain told him: “Then we need it. Without it, you could be captured, tortured, and made to say that we had drugged you, beaten you, and made you say you wanted to defect. We would look bad.” During this time, Egon Evertz, the wealthy and generous sponsor of the Solingen team of the German Bundesleague, offered to pay Alburt a handsome salary and an apartment to stay in Germany and play for Evertz’ team—an attractive prospect for someone without a home or money! But Lev decided to go to the U.S. “I was not under any misimpression that the life of a chess player was easy in America,” Lev said. “I knew that I could not receive such a great offer in the U.S. But I wanted, if I could, to be part of a larger struggle, the struggle against Soviet communism, and I knew I would have the best chance of that in America.” Years later, in the 1980s, when Alburt opposed appeasing the Soviets in their demands to ban former Soviet expatriates from a proposed U.S.-USSR match, Helen Warren, his USCF policy board colleague, correctly called him “a man driven by a cause.” In those days, Lev often found himself in Washington, D.C., discussing Soviet issues with influential columnists like George Will and Charles Krauthammer, as well as politicians like Senator Bill Bradley and Congressman Jack Kemp. He was
“… you could be captured, tortured, and made to say that we had drugged you …”
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invited to think tanks, some of them formed to estimate the likelihood of a nuclear response from the Soviets to various scenarios. And, of course, he lobbied for the release of Boris Gulko.
CLOAKS AND REAL DAGGERS
If you doubt the real peril to defectors in the late 1970s, there is ample evidence to change your mind. About 10 months before Alburt’s escape, Bulgarian defector Georgi Markov, working in London for BBC’s Bulgarian-language broadcasts, was assassinated. If you think less politically involved defectors were immune, consider the case of Vladas Cesiunas, a Lithuanian Soviet-team canoeing gold medalist, who, while in Duisberg, West Germany, defected the same summer that Lev took his life-changing stroll in Solingen. Like Lev, he was granted political asylum. That October, while studying German at the Goethe Institute in a suburb of Dortmund, the canoeist “disappeared.” (If Lev had chosen to stay in Germany, he would have likely attended the same institute at nearly the same time.) Some days later, an anonymous caller informed the West German embassy in Moscow that Cesiunas, suffering from a cracked skull and other serious injuries, was being held in a Soviet prison hospital. West Germany’s chief federal prosecutor had no doubt that Soviet secret service had abducted the athlete. Later, Cesiunas appeared on Soviet TV, saying that Western agents had drugged and beaten him. It simply didn’t matter in those days whether or not the counter-story was believable. There is a well-documented history of such cases throughout the Cold War. Even when would-be defectors made it to a U.S. embassy or, in the famous case of Simonas Kudirka, to a U.S. ship just off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard—they could be turned back to certain torture and possible death. Defecting was indeed dangerous.
MACH KL EIN!
After a few days in Solingen, Lev and his bodyguards were put in a car and taken on a red-light-running trip to the U.S. embassy in Bonn. Along the way, he was repeatedly urged to “mach klein,” make himself small, in the back seat, to avoid being shot along the way. Once at the American embassy, he was interviewed all day by a number of interrogators and eventually accepted for political asylum in the U.S. He was now assigned an American bodyguard, just one, and Lev couldn’t help but notice that, although armed, the man was obviously near retirement. uschess.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
lived outside the country, as Boris had married his lovely Marina in 1975 and moved to France. A nice exit strategy, but not for everyone. The night before his trip to Solingen and subsequent defection, Lev walked the streets of Moscow talking to his trusted friend Gulko, already a Refusenik, about such choices. Alburt by now knew he would “Korchnoi,” but it would have been an imposition to tell his friend—who would know soon enough anyway.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
A l b u r t ( ri g ht ) a t f i ve , pl a yi ng wi t h f a t he r O s h e r ( c e n t e r ) a n d o l d e r b r o t he r Al e x ( l e ft ) .
Bor is Sp assky assesses t h e up -and -c om er s: Lev ( lef t ) p lay ing Vic t or K upr eic hik dur ing U S S R t o u r n a m e n t i n D u bn a . uschess.org
R o m a n Pe l ts r e u n i t e d wi t h L e v i n C h i ca go . Chess Life — November 2009
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Cover Story
On the final Friday of July, 1979, Lev landed at New York’s JFK airport. The next day, he went to New York’s famous Marshall Chess Club to play in a tournament. He won the first two of four scheduled rounds, when he met chess master Joe Lux. Joe wondered why Lev wasn’t playing at the U.S. Open in Chicago, and offered to guide him there. They met the next day inside a subway in Brooklyn, starting a trip to the airport. Within hours they were at the Palmer House hotel in Chicago. Lev played in every available event, both in the daytime and the evening. It was for him an amazing opportunity to make some badly needed money plying his craft as a chess capitalist. But a much more important event was to happen in Chicago. Lev reunited with his old teacher and friend, Roman Pelts (see sidebar, page 38).
COMPILING A HALL- OF- FA ME RECORD
During the time Alburt was learning the ropes of publishing, he played chess. Within a year of coming to the U.S., he was USCF’s top-rated player. He won two U.S. Open titles in sole first place—in 1987 and 1989. He also captured clear first in three U.S. championships—in 1984, 1985, and 1990. Along the road to his third win, he showed his penchant for pressing even a brilliant opponent to get the most from a game: Pressing hard GM Yasser Seirawan GM Lev Alburt U.S. Championship, Jacksonville, Florida, 1990
++++ ++r+p p +l+p++ + kp+ Pp p RP+ P P P++P+ + NK++ ++++
After 36. Ke2
36. ... Rb7 37. Rxb7 Bxb7
The exchange of rooks leaves Black with a winning advantage. His pawns are too mobile to leave him with a bad bishop against the knight. 38. cxd5 exd5 36
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Of course, Lev makes a passed pawn. Now he makes the rest seem easy, going after White’s a-pawn.
American paratroopers—who never came.
39. Ke3 Bc8 40. Kd3 Bf5+ 41. Ke3 g6
At 14, Alburt became a Category I player, approximately equivalent to our 2100 level, but he stayed at that level for a number of years, seemingly not progressing. Then during a twelve-month period in 1964-65, Lev experienced one of those mysterious leaps in strength that seem sudden after a period of apparent stagnancy. The 19-year-old suddenly broke through to the expert level—in those days probably equivalent to our 2300 level, and in another six months reached master. This milestone was more important than it may sound in today’s terms. In 1965 there were perhaps 50 masters in the Soviet Union. (Nowadays there are about 150 grandmasters in Russia alone.) So to enter the master ranks was notable, putting Alburt in the top 100 or so players in the world. Lev got to play in the semifinals of the Soviet championship of 1965—heady competition for a young man who a year or so before was stuck in Category I! He was suddenly playing the elite—against Lev Polugaevsky, then 30 years old and at the top of his game. Alburt drew as black after a long defense. But as white, our Lev rolled out his Veresov Opening, beating the current Soviet champ with a brilliant attack.
Zugzwang!
42. Nf1 Kc4 43. Ng3 d4+ 44. Kd2 Kb3 45. Ne2 Kxa3 46. Nxd4 Kb2 47. Nb5 a3
++++ +++p+ +++p+ +N++l Pp ++ P P p++P+ k K++ ++++
After 47. ... a3
Here, of course, White must sacrifice his knight for Black’s pawn to stop it from queening, and the game is over. 48. Nxa3 Kxa3 49. Kc3 Ka2, White resigned.
For all of his achievements—playing, writing, and teaching—Lev Alburt was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2003, along with Walter Browne and Donald Byrne, in a memorable Miami ceremony that featured Boris Spassky— who was being inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame at the same time.
LEV’S EARLY YEA RS
At five years old, Lev suffered from a childhood illness that kept him indoors for a month. So his aunt taught him the chess moves, all she knew of the game. “I was not a prodigy,” Alburt said. But he grew to love the game and was soon playing with his older brother Alex and father Osher, who was a good player and showed Lev some ideas. At seven, Lev began competing with other children at the Palace of the Young Pioneers. To understand how far back Lev’s hatred of the Soviet system went, and how deep-seated it was, it helps to know a story from his childhood. Born August 21, 1945, he was a boy in Odessa, Ukraine, during the 1956 Hungarian Revolt against Soviet rule—a time when many under the brutal Red thumb expected the U.S. to intervene on behalf of the brave Hungarian freedom fighters and thereby give a beacon-signal to other nations behind the “Iron Curtain.” Excited by the possibility and wanting to be a part of it, Alburt and his young friends drew secret maps of important Odessaarea army installations, planning to provide their drawings to the rescuing
A NON-PRODIGY MAKES A BIG LEA P
Veresov Opening Lev Alburt GM Lev Polugaevsky Soviet Championship Semifinals, Sukhumi, 1965 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c6 4. Qd3 g6 5. Bxf6 exf6 6. e4 dxe4 7. Qxe4+ Be7 8. 0-0-0 f5 9. Qe3 0-0 10. Bc4 Nd7 11. h4
r+l q rk+ pp+n lp+p +p++p+ +++p+ +L P+ P + N Q+ P PP+ PP+ + KR+ NR
After 11. h4
With the two Levs castled on opposite sides, Alburt knows that the player whose attack pierces first will win, so there’s no time to be impressed with his opponent’s brilliant reputation. Now 11. ... Bxh4? loses quickly to 12. Nf3, with the uschess.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
A NEW AMERICAN WA STING NO TIME
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Y asser Seiraw an (left) a nd Lev p laying at N ation al Open Blit z M at c h in L as Ve gas, (ab ov e Y az’ s h ead) GM M axim Dlug y , (c ent er ) GM P at r ic k W olf f .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
A t t he S o v i e t T e a m C h a m pi o ns h i p i n th e m i d ’ 7 0 s : ( fa r l e f t) E l e n a A khm i l ov s kay a, l at er t wi c e U.S. W ome n’ s C ha mp , (c ent er ) B or i s Gu l ko wi t h Lev A l b u r t t o u c hi n g hi s a rm , (f a r r i g ht ) S a m P a l a t ni k pe e ks o u t fr o m b e h i nd ( p ro b a b l y) B o r i s Z l o t ni k .
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Cover Story
THAT CAME IN
FROM THE COLD
11. ... Nf6 12. Nf3 Ng4 13. Qe2 b5 14. Bb3 Bb4 15. Rde1
r+l q rk+ p++p+p +p++p+ +p++p+ l P+n P +L N+N+ P PP+Q PP+ + K R+R
After 15. Rde1
Alburt moves into a pin! But he wants to control the e-file.
15. ... Bxc3 16. bxc3 Qd6 17. h5 a5 18. hxg6 hxg6
Roman Pelts had, some years before, attempted a “Shamkovich.” As it turned out, Pelts got permission to leave. As he boarded his plane to the West, in his luggage was all he would take from the Soviet Union. Hidden among his clothes and treasured photographs was Roman’s own condensation of 50 years of Soviet chess training secrets. Pelts settled in Canada, where he took up residence first in Montreal and then in Toronto. In Chicago Pelts told Lev about the materials Roman had already adapted for Canadian students. The two men began to plan the logical, last step in the journey of the secret documents, their publication in English. The material became the foundation for Lev Alburt’s now famous Comprehensive Chess Course, whose first volume was published in 1986 and whose 14th volume was published earlier this year, making it unarguably the most complete chess course ever available. The Course, founded on chess instruction distilled during nearly the entire period of Soviet chess development from the 1920s to the 1970s, is now read all over the world. It’s been translated into languages as unlikely as Thai, and, perhaps just as improbably, has infiltrated nearly all mainstream bookstores, selling more than 200,000 copies to date. Soviet chess intelligence had come in from the cold to a warm Western welcome.
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r+l+ rk+ +++p+ +p q+p+ pp++p+ + P+n+ +L P+N+ P+P+Q PP+ + K R+R
After 18. ... hxg6
19. a3!
The young master shows steely nerves against the champion, preserving the bishop, even though the black queen wins a pawn with check! 19. ... a4 20. Ba2 Qxa3+ 21. Kb1 Ba6 22. Ng5 Ra7 23. Qf3 Nf6 24. Qxc6 Kg7
++ r+ r++p k l+Q+ np+ +p++p N p+ P++ q P++ L+P+ PP+ +K+ R+R
After 24. ... Kg7
As Alburt and I write about this game in Chess Training Pocket Book II: “No combination is born from thin air. White commands the h- and e-files and controls the long diagonal from a2 to f7. His queen has infiltrated the Black camp, and his knight is posted on a typical kingside-attacking square.”
25. Nh7!, Black resigns
Losing the Exchange and so the game, since 25. ... Nxh7 26. Rxh7+ Kxh7 27. Qf6.
Lev points out to his students that an important game, in which you show some key ability under pressure—whether it’s to attack or defend, navigate in a middlegame or play an ending—can be a breakthrough that will give you confidence for future contests. “You have shown yourself you can do it. So when the time comes to do it again, recall your great game to remind yourself of what you are capable of.” The above game was such a seminal attack for Lev.
BEARDING THE LION I N HI S DE N
Alburt went on to win the Ukrainian Chess Championship three times, from 1972 to 1974. In 1976 he earned the international master title, and in 1977 he became a GM. So he was at the top of a pampered (by Soviet standards) profession when he defected. In fact, the year before he had defeated a bastion of Soviet grandmaster play. This 1978 game in the Soviet Championship Semifinals provided Lev with great confidence as an endgame player. As white, Lev was up against GM Ratmir Kholmov, one of the premier players in the world, although not well-known to Western players because he didn’t compete outside of the USSR during his prime. Kholmov was renowned as a resilient defender and as a superb endgame specialist, especially in knight endgames. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the position after 48 moves: Sisyphean GM Lev Alburt GM Ratmir Kholmov Soviet Championship Semifinals, Daugavpils, 1978
++++ ++++ +n+k+p+ + K+p+p +N+ P P +++ P ++++ ++++
After 48. Kc5
Lev felt that there were chances for Black to go wrong in this drawn-looking ending. Alburt decided not to be overly impressed with his opponent’s reputauschess.org
PHOTO: JEFFREY WEISS
THE BOOKS
idea of Qh6.
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At least two of his students have developed into major chess sponsors.
tion as a specialist in just this kind of game, but to make challenging moves and keep improving his position. Of course, there were onlookers who gave face to their feelings that Lev was taking on a Sisyphean task: Lev can try to push the boulder up the mountain, but the great Kholmov will surely roll it down again before it gets to the top. 48. ... Ne7 49. Ne5 Kf6 50. Kd6 Ng8 51. Nd7+ Kf7 52. Ne5+ Kf6 53. Kd7 Kg7 54. Nf3 Nf6+ 55. Ke7 Ng8+ 56. Ke6 Nf6 57. Nd4 Ng8 58. Nb5 Nf6 59. Nc7
++++ + N+ k ++K np+ +++p+p ++ P P +++ P ++++ ++++
After 59. Nc7
Lev has made some progress with his king, but Kholmov has so far lived up to his reputation. The position is still defensible. But Lev’s judgment that the position is more tricky for Black than it appears is justified by Black’s next. 59. ... Ng8?
After all, it is difficult for anyone to keep finding just the right response, move after move. It seems Kholmov’s only option to hold the game was the active 59. ... Ne4. Lev shows that Black is lost after this slip. Alburt forces his king onto f6, after which Black can’t hold g6.
PHOTO: JEFFREY WEISS
60. Ne8+ Kf8 61. Nf6 Nh6 62. Nd7+ Kg7 63. Ke7 Ng8+ 64. Ke8 Nh6 65. Nf8 Kf6 66. Nh7+ Kg7 67. Ng5 Ng4 68. Ke7 Nf2 69. Ne6+ Kg8 70. Kf6 Ne4+ 71. Kxg6
+++k+ ++++ ++N+K+ +++p+p ++n P P +++ P ++++ ++++
After 71. Kxg6
Now Alburt finishes the game with deadly accurate moves.
71. ... Nxg3 72. Nd4 Kf8 73. Nxf5 Ne2 74. Kg5 Kf7 75. Nd6+ Ke6 76. Ne4 Ng1 77. Kg6 Ne2 78. Ng5+ Ke7 79. f5 Kf8 80. Ne6+ Ke7 81. uschess.org
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Kg7 Ng3 82. Nd4 Ne4 83. Ne2 Nd6 84. Ng3 Ne8+ 85. Kg6 Kf8 86. Nxh5 Nd6 87. Nf6 Nf7 88. Ng4 Nh8+ 89. Kf6 Nf7 90. Ne5 Nd6 91. Kg6, Black resigned.
++ k+ ++++ + n+K+ ++ NP+ +++ P ++++ ++++ ++++
After 91. Kg6
PREMIER TEA CHER
Lev Alburt is justly famous for teaching through his books and his Chess Life columns, but he is also renowned for his in-person teaching. His pedagogical pedigree is certainly royal. While still in the USSR, he often worked with the great world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Lev also assisted other top GMs—notably, Korchnoi prior to his successful worldchampionship cycle match with Tigran Petrosian in 1980. Some of Alburt’s young students, like Sam Palatnik, grew into grandmasters in their own right. Now Lev is perhaps the only top-tier GM who specializes in improving the play of non-master students. He must be instilling a love of the game. At least two of his students have developed into major chess sponsors. Dick Katahn, famous for his books on low-fat nutrition, sponsors the Nashville club and its resident grandmaster program. Ted Field, well-known movie and music producer, sponsored the first half of the 1990 Kasparov-Karpov match in New York City. One of Lev’s youngest students, John Viloria, went on to win both the world-under-10 and world-under-12 championships. Alburt’s teaching is unique in its combination of hard-nosed practicality and flexibility. He wants his students to progress fast, to win more games and enjoy chess more. Even one lesson with Alburt can help students see what they need to do to bring their game to the next
level. He is unique in his ability to explain what to memorize (not as much as you might fear), how to organize your knowledge (and to make it accessible when you need it), how to assess yourself, and how to plan productive future work. Here’s a sampling of the master’s advice:
Beginners should learn chess notation by heart—not for its own sake, but because
mistakes in notation reveal mistakes in visualizing the board, which is vital to making progress.
Too many aspiring students of chess waste time on the wrong things. “Study-
ing the knight-and-bishop mate—which appears in perhaps one in 5,000 games— is very impractical, unless you have mastered nearly everything else, which nobody has,” Lev says.
Spend no more than 25 percent of your time studying openings. And if you really
like and know an opening for Black that the theory books condemn with a “plus over equal,” play it. Most non-GM games are not decided by a small opening advantage. Don’t fall into the trap of rejecting opening after opening, blaming your losses on your first few moves. Practice tactics, middlegame strategies, and endgames.
Chess Mastery=Knowledge + Effective Thinking Techniques. Both can be learned
and developed. How fast and how well depend not only on your natural talent, but on the effectiveness of your program of study. Follow your teacher’s advice, select books that offer more words of explanation than moves, play in tournaments and analyze your games—and let your own good sense guide you.
Like the happy ending of a Bond film, our man in chess thwarted dangerous opponents—in this case, on and off the chessboard—and made his way to safety with the secret documents. Documents that brought the pleasures of chess to thousands and raised the level of American play. After 30 years of freedom from the Soviet system, after collecting three championship trophies from each of his two home countries, after publishing 14 volumes of his chess course, and after nearly 60 years of playing chess, Grandmaster Lev Alburt is still teaching us how to play the game—and how to enjoy it. Nobody does it better.
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2008Awards CJA /Cramer Awards CJA
CJA AWARDS 2009
Chess Life, Chess Life Online, and Chess Life for Kids lead annual Chess Journalist of America Awards
CHESS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Alexandra Kosteniuk
BEST REGULAR NEWSPAPER COLUMN
BEST CHESS COLUMN
David R. Sands The Washington Times, “Chess”
Alexander Shabalov Chess Life, September 2008 “Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition”
Andy Soltis “Chess to Enjoy,” Chess Life
BEST CHESS WEBSITE
BEST ANALYSIS
Jennifer Shahade Chess Life Online www.uschess.org
Dan Heisman Novice Nook “The Endgame Bind”
BEST HISTORICAL ARTICLE
BEST INSTRUCTIVE LESSON
Neil Brennen Chess Life, June 2008 “York vs. Philadelphia: The 1858 Telegraph Match”
Dan Heisman Chess Café, www.chesscafe.com “The Best Novice Nook Ideas”
BEST STATE MAGAZINE
Ralph Dubisch ed., Northwest Chess MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT IN CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
Alex Dunne “2005 Electronic Knights,” Chess Life, April 2009
BEST HUMOROUS CONTRIBUTION BEST CHESS WEBSITE
Rosalyn Katz “Zaria,” Chess Life for Kids
Jennifer Shahade Chess Life Online, December 6, 2008 “Interview with an American Medallist: IM Sam Shankland”
BEST PHOTOGRAPH
BEST EDITORIAL
Philip Peterson Northwest Chess, March 2009 “Viktors Pupols” cover
Ralph Dubisch Northwest Chess “From the Editor’s Desk”
BEST CHESS ART
BEST TOURNAMENT REPORT
Jerry Hanken Chess Life, October 2008 “Anand’s Army”
BEST REVIEW
Bob Basalla Ohio Chess Connection, November/December 2008 “Mate the Beatles” SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Howard Goldowsky Chess Horizons, July-September 2008 “In Partial Defense of Chess Book Publishers”
Mike Klein Chess Life, September 2008 “Where Have You Gone, Rachels, Shaked and Rao?” EXCELLENCE IN CHESS WRITING, MAINSTREAM MEDIA
Josh Lipowsky The Jewish Standard, July 11, 2008 “Chessidim”
I would like to thank the 27 volunteers who agreed to serve this year for their patience and dedication. The death of CJA Vice President Dr. Ira Lee Riddle—who was a key organizer for the 2008 Awards—was a major setback. Dr. Riddle was a longtime volunteer judge, CJA member, and friend of the organization (please see “First Moves” on page 8). He will be dearly missed. CJA President Jerry Hanken’s death after the awards season made this a truly difficult year for the CJA. ~Jonathan Hilton, Chief Judge Full standings, including honorable mentions, local awards, and judges’ scores for the winning entries are available on our website at www.chessjournalism.org/aw2009.htm. Certificates should have been mailed to the award recipients by the end of October. 40
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CHESS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Alexandra Kosteniuk Dear Chess Players and Chess Journalists,
I am so pleased and honored to have been named The “Chess Journalist of the Year (CJA)” for 2009. Thanks to all of you, dear chess players, who have supported me in my eternal quest to promote chess around the world. Nowadays, in the Internet age, journalism has evolved, it’s no longer reserved to writers in newspapers and to distant TV reporters, but to you and me, using new technologies. Today, we can talk about chess on Twitter and on Facebook, we can create audio and video podcasts, movies about chess, and we can share our experiences about chess with all our friends on our personal blogs and websites. That personal experience you can share about chess is by definition more personal and has power to attract more people to chess. Most of you, by being “connected,” are genuine chess journalists. I therefore urge you to share your love of chess with the world, in any way you can. By becoming members of the CJA (only $10 per year, it’s a non-profit organization), you will also be able to submit your chess-related work in the yearly awards, and so by promoting chess you may also become winners yourselves! Best chess wishes to you, dear chess players and chess journalists, Sincerely yours,
Alexandra Kosteniuk Women’s World Chess Champion Chess Journalist of the Year 2009
www.kosteniuk.com www.chessblog.com www.chesskillertips.com www.youtube.com/chessqueen www.facebook.com/chessqueen www.twitter.com/chessqueen
BEST CHESS WEBSITE
BEST REVIEW
BEST CHESS COLUMN
Jennifer Shahade, Chess Life Online
Alexander Shabalov, Chess Life
Andy Soltis, “Chess to Enjoy,” Chess Life
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CJA Awards
BEST CHESS ART
Rosalyn B. Katz, “Zaria,” Chess Life for Kids
BEST CHESS PHOTOGRAPH, HONORABLE MENTION
Philip Peterson, Northwest Chess
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$3.95
Northwest Chess
March 2009
BEST STATE MAGAZINE; BEST PHOTOGRAPH
BEST CHESS ART, HONORABLE MENTION
Ralph Dubisch, Editor; Philip Peterson, Photographer
Frankie Butler, Chess Life
BEST CHESS PHOTOGRAPH, HONORABLE MENTION
Betsy Dynako, Chess Life and Chess Life Online uschess.org
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Back to Basics
Franklin Tangoes With Alekhine
Can a 1437-rated player change opening theory? Lev reports, you decide. By GM Lev Alburt
Sveshnikov’s Variation notwithstanding, most discoveries in openings have been made by elite grandmasters. Thus, my first reaction to a statement “refuting the Alekhine Defense using a Queen’s Indian approach” was to throw the letter into the nearest wastebasket. Then—after looking at the first diagram (thoughtfully provided by the author)—I decided to give the text a second thought. After all, White’s edge in this system is persistent, but very small; besides, it is not at all clear where the queen knight is best placed— “normal” d2 or c3-squares, or a novel one (c2). Also, since the author so completely (and instructively for others) misjudged a very topical, and simple, pawn endgame, this game deserved close examination (I loved the final diagram). As you’ll see, I tried to hold my fire for most of the game, unloading only on the author’s post-mortem comments. Writes the author and award winner, William Franklin: This submission for your Chess Life “Back to Basics” column features a novel approach to refuting the Alekhine Defense using a Queen’s Indian approach with a fianchettoed queen’s bishop and the two knights doing a tango in tandem. Keeping the two knights together puts a lock on any counterplay that Black might have. (Lev’s further comments are in italic. The choice of diagrams is Mr. Franklin’s unless the diagram is identified as “Lev’s diagram.”) Alekhine’s Defense (B04) William Franklin (1437) Robert Feldstein (2000) Syracuse University Spring Open, Syracuse, New York, 4.18.2009
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. exd6 exd6
My favorite move, an ambitious 5. ...
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cxd6, was put in question by GM Roman Dzindzichashvili (see Chess Openings for White, Explained: 1. e4). 6. b3 Be7 7. Nf3 Bg4 8. Be2 0-0 9. 0-0 Nc6 10. Na3 a5 11. Nc2 a4 12. Bb2 axb3
r+ q rk+ +pp lppp nnp + + + + + + +PP +l+ +p+ +N+ PLN+LPPP R +Q+RK
After 12. ... axb3
At this point White leads in space and development. Usually White plays a King’s Indian Attack with a kingside fianchetto against the Alekhine Defense but in this game the queenside fianchetto enables quicker development. The first sentence is true; the second makes no sense. What “King’s Indian Attack”?—I doubt White employed a kingside fianchetto against the Alekhine more often than one game in a thousand. 13. axb3 Rxa1 14. Bxa1 Bf6 15. d5 Nb8
This quasi-fianchetto by Black on the kingside is short-lived as move 15 forces an exchange and passive play by Black’s knights. 16. Bxf6 Qxf6 17. Nfd4 Bxe2 18. Qxe2 Na6 (see diagram top of next column)
With the bishops off the board White has the tempo with the two knights dancing a tango and forming a lock on Black’s counterplay. Black has also assisted in White’s development as the white queen
+ + rk+ +pp +ppp nn p q + + +P+ + +PN + + +P+ + + +N+QPPP + + +RK
After 18. ... Na6
now controls the open king file. Doubling on this open file with the rook is imminent. There is no “Rule of Thumb” regarding how you should handle your two knights: should they support each other or not? This depends on a position (I’d guess that, more often than not, knights shouldn’t support each other—thus controlling more squares). 19. Re1 Nd7 20. Qe7 Qxe7 21. Rxe7 Rd8 22. f3 Kf8 23. Re3 Re8 24. Rxe8 Kxe8 25. h4 Ke7
+ + + + +ppnkppp n+ p + + + +P+ + +PN + P +P+ +P+ +N+ +P+ + + + K
After 25. ... Ke7
White could have gained a tempo on move 24 by playing Kf2 instead of exchanging the rook which Black is eager to do. The h4-pawn advance on move 25 uschess.org
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diminishes any Black advance on the kingside with g5 and h6. 26. g4 Ndc5 27. Kf2 h6 28. h5 Nd7 29. Ke3 Ne5 30. Nf5+ Kf6 31. Ncd4 g6
+ + + + +pp +p+ n+ p kpp + +PnN+P +PN +P+ +P+ KP+ + + + + + + + +
After 31. ... g6
The symmetrical pawn pattern exhibited by White’s pawn structure and the knights tango dance together have a mathematical beauty about them that Dr. Lasker would have appreciated. White played the ending very well and increased his initial (after the rook exchange on move 24) small advantage. 32. hxg6 Kxg6 33. Ng3 Nd7 34. Ne4 Nf6 35. Nxf6 Kxf6 36. f4 Nb4 37. Kf3 c6
Black’s 37. ... c6 loses a pawn. After the simple 37. ... Kg6 (planning—if it’ll be possible—... h6-h5) Black is worse, but not lost. Black’s counterplay now consists of exchanging the knights and pawns to offset the space advantage by White. Unfortunately I could not find a better move than Nxf6 in move 35. Perhaps 35. Kf4 keeps the tempo going for White. White does get a fork with the remaining knight in the following sequence of moves and remains at a pawn advantage. By repetition of moves checking the black king in moves 42-43 White forces a draw. Both sides were in serious time trouble and any win was at least 15 moves away. 38. dxc6 bxc6 39. Nf5 h5 40. Nxd6 hxg4+ 41. Kxg4 Nd3 42. Ne4+ Ke6 43. Ng5+ Kf6, Draw agreed.
+
+ + + + +p+ +p+ k + + + + N +P+ PK+ +P+n+ + + + + + + + + + +
After 43. ... Kf6
Even if White sacrifices the knight to have three pawns against the knight and uschess.org
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pawn it becomes a textbook draw when Black sacrifices his knight against the f4-pawn. The black king has plenty of time to get over to the queenside and provide opposition to the penetrating white king. For example, the move order could go as follows:
44. Nxf7 In the final position, White is up a pawn and has good winning chances (while Black has good drawing chances). White could play, for instance, 44. Ne4+ Ke6 45. Kg5. Still, I wouldn’t be too critical regarding Mr. Franklin’s decision to take a draw (an Expert for an opponent, serious—albeit mutual—time trouble). But his notes on what might have happened are well below his analytical level. First, why give a knight for a pawn (44. Nxf7)? Then, why should Black give a knight for a pawn (45. ... Nxf4)?—instead, 45. ... c5, followed by 46. ... Nc1, should win for Black. 44. ... Kxf7 45. Kg5 Nxf4 46. Kxf4
+
+
+ + + + +k+ +p+ + + + + + + +P+ K + +P+ + + + + + + + + + +
After 46. Kxf4 (Lev’s diagram)
46. ... Ke7 46. ... Ke6!, ready to meet 47. Ke4 with 47. ... c5, and 47. b4 with 47. ... Kf6. 47. Ke4 47. Ke5! wins easily. 47. ... Kd7 48. Kd4 48. Ke5!, winning.
48. ... Kd6 49. c5+ Kc7 49. ... Ke6 was Black’s only defense.
50. b4 50. Ke5, winning.
50. ... Kb7 50. ... Kd7 or 50. ... Kd8 should draw. 51. Kc4 51. Ke5!, winning. 51. ... Ka6
(see diagram top of next column)
51. ... Kc7 or ... Kc8, drawing.
This forces the draw since if White
+
+
+
+
+ + + + k+p+ + + + P + + PK+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
After 51. ... Ka6
plays 52. Kd4 Black can counter 52. ... Kb5. I would like to point out that this was a unique combination against the Alekhine Defense featuring a queenside fianchetto and pawn structure as well as the two knights tango. As a result I propose that this novel approach against the Alekhine Defense be labeled the Franklin Tango Variation in future versions of Modern Chess Openings! There is a sharp contrast between Mr. Franklin’s expert-like play during most of the game and his generally correct comments there—and, on the other hand, his very poor pawn endgame comments. Some work in the latter area should be very rewarding. By the way, the final position is a win for White. Here is how you should think: if a straight line (52. Kd4 Kb5 53 Ke5) doesn’t work, ask yourself a question— what if, in a diagrammed position, it was Black to move? The answer is, White wins: 1. ... Kb7 2. Kd4 Ka6 (or 2. ... Kc7) 3. Ke5. And how to give Black a move? Easy: 52. Kd4 Kb5 53. Kc3! And now if 53. ... Ka6 54. Kc4 (same position, Black to move), and if 53. ... Ka4 also 54. Kc4, winning. Regarding the Franklin Tango Variation, I’d like to hear from the readers!
.
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated 1799 or below on your Chess Life (CL) label, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to send your most instructive game 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 CL 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 annotations.
Chess Life — November 2009
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Endgame Lab
Ladislav Prokes (1884-1966)
Despite his endgame artistry, some “twin” compositions of Prokes are inexact— this month, Benko offers his improvements. By GM Pal Benko
The well-known player and endgame composer Ladislav Prokes was born 125 years ago in Prague. Though he was a three-time member of the Czecho-Slovak Olympic team, his artistic endgame compositions featuring a refreshing simplicity, are what cemented his fame. He created more than a thousand endgames, 622 of which are published in the book Kniha sachovych studii (Prague 1951). I found 24 twins in the book, about half of which need some changes. My improvements comprise this article. We can see the first example in “Benko’s Bafflers,” Problem I. In his original piece, in “A” there was a Na1 while in twin “B” the Na1 move to Na3 and the bishop moved from c1 to e1. So he used two changes when only one was enough. No doubt the knight has more freedom on a3, but it has even more when placed on d4—and it works for both pieces. Genuine twins may contain only one change; otherwise their artistic value is diminished. Let’s see another example: Positional draw L. Prokes 1941
+
+
+rn + + + k p+ +K+P+ + + + + + + + N + + + + + + + + + + + +
White to play and draw—Twin
A: diagram B: h8N to h8B, remove P from a6 Solutions:
(A) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Ke8 3. Nd6+ Kd8 4. 46
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gxh8=Q Rxh8 5. Nf7+ draws. (B) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Bxg7 3. Ne7 Rh8 4. Ng6+ draws.
Unfortunately, the above also has two changes, so here is a correction. L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko)
+
+
+rn + + + k + +K+P+ + + + + + N + p + + + + + + + P + + + +
White to play and draw—Twin
A: diagram B: h8N to h8B
(A) 7. Nf5+ Kf8 8. g7+ Rxg7 9. Nxg7 Kxg7 10. Kf5 Kh6 11. Kg4 Ng6 12. h3! Kg7 13. Kg5 Kf7 14. Kf5 and Black is not able to make any progress. (B) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Bxg7 3. Ne7 Rh8 4. Ng6+ Ke8 5. Nxh8 Bxh8 and it is also a positional draw because of the wrong color of the bishop.
Less is more The twin problem is only justified when the ideas cannot simply be shown in one endgame—otherwise it is superfluous. L. Prokes 1947
(see diagram top of next column)
A: diagram B: Be2 to b5, Rd8 to b8
(A) 1. Ba6 Rb8 2. g8=Q+ Rxg8 3. b8=Q Rxb8 4. Bc8 wins.
+ r + + +P+P+ P + + +k+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +L+ + + K + +
White to play and win—Twin
(B) 1. d8=Q Rxd8 2. Bd7 Rb8 3. g8=Q+ Rxg8 4. Bc8 wins.
Next I show the twins in one united setup: L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko)
r+ + + + +P+P+ P + + + k + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + KL+
Black to play, but White wins
1. ... Rb8
1. ... Rd8 2. Ba6 as in A before.
2. Bh3! Rd8 3. g8=Q Rxg8 4. d8=Q Rxd8 5. Bc8 wins.
Starting with Black is acceptable but it must be indicated. Black has two equal options here, just as in the twin. L. Prokes 1942
(see diagram top of next column)
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Benko’s Bafflers Most of the time these studies resemble positions that could actually 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
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ P + +l+ + + + + + + + + + + r + K L + + + + + k +
White to play but Black wins—Twin
A: diagram B: add a black P to f7 then White to play and draw
(A) 1. b7 Bf7+ 2. Ka1 Rb3 3. Bc3+ Kd1 4. Bb4 Kc2 wins for Black. (B) 1. b7 Bb1+ 2. Ka1 Rb3 3. Bc3+ Kd1 4. Bb4 Rxb4 5. b8=Q Rxb8 stalemate.
The requirement in “A” is quite unusual, as generally White must fight to reach a win or draw. In the next improvement, the solution to “B” becomes a thematic deception. L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko)
+
+
+
+ + K + lk R +L+ + + P + + + + + + + + + + + + +p+ + + + +
White to play and win
1. Bf5+
1. Bg8+? Kh8! 2. Rg6 Be5+ 3. Kd7 Bg3 4. Rxg3 g1=Q 5. Rxg1 stalemate. uschess.org
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Problem I
L. Prokes 1949 (Correction by P. Benko)
+ + + + + + + p k+K+ + + + + + + + N + + + + +P+ + p + + + L + +
A: White to play and win—Twin B: B/Bc1 to Be1
1. ... Kh8 2. Rg6
2. Rb8+? Bf8=
2. ... Be5+ 3. Kd7 Bg3 4. Ke6 g1=Q 5. Kf7 wins.
Here the solution goes one step further, yet even the queen promotion will not help Black. Prokes maneuver L. Prokes 1929-30
+r+ + + + P R P + + + k + + + r P + + + + + + + + P + + + +K+ +
Problem II
L. Prokes 1939
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + + + + +K +k+ + + + +p p + + + + + + + +R+ +
White to play but draw
Pal Benko - in memory of L. Prokes
+
+r+ + + P + R + + +P k + +r+ + P + + + + + + + +P+ P + + K + +
White to play and win
1. Re7 Rc8 2. g7 Rg5 3. b5 Rxb5 4. Rf7 Rc5!? 5. Rf8 Rxc2+ 6. Kb1!
6. Kd1? Rc1+ 7. Ke2 Rc2+ 8. Kf3 Rc3+ 9. Ke4 (9. Kg4 R8xc7 10. g8=Q Rg7+ is even) 9. ... Rc4+ 10. Kd5 R8xc7 11. g8=Q R7c5+ etc. draws by perpetual check.
White to play and win—Twin
6. ... Rc1+ 7. Kb2 Rc2+ 8. Kb3 Rc3+ 9. Kb4 Rc4+ 10. Kb5 Rc5+ 11. Kb6 wins since there
Solution according to the author:
2. ... Kg6!? 3. c4 Kf6 and now 4. Re8!! Rd1+!? and the Prokes-like rook sacri-
A: diagram
1. b5 Rxb5 2. Rf7 Rg5 3. Rf8 Rxc7 4. g8=Q Rxg8 5. Rxg8 Rd7 6. Rg2!! wins technically
but 6. Ke2, or even Kc2, would win even faster. Yet more vulnerable spots can be found earlier. Thus 2. ... Rg8! 3. Rf8 Rc5 4. Rxg8 Rxc7 followed by ... Kh7 then ... Kxg7 draws. Similarly, 2. ... Rb1+ 3. Ke2 Re8+ 4. Kf2 Rc1 5. Rf8 Kxg7 6. Rxe8 Rxc7 also draws. The “B” solution is OK, but there are three changes so it is hard to call it a twin. B: Kd1 to c1 pawn d2 to c2—White to play and draw
Solution: 1. b5 Rxb5 2. Rf7 Rc5 3. Rf8 Rxc2+
4. Kxc2 Rxc7+ draws.
But “B” is not really a match to “A” so I have brought them together into one single piece enriched with more ideas.
is no perpetual check.
The other main defense is:
fice maneuver is used by Black too, but is no help. (While after 4. ... Rxe8 5. cxd5 Ke7 6. f4! Rc8 7. Kd2 wins.) 5. Kxd1 Rxe8 6. b5 Ke6 7. f4! wins. Other alternatives instead of 3. ... Kf6:
a) 3. ... Rd4 4. g8=Q+! Rxg8 5. Re6+ Kf7 6. Rc6 Rc8 7. b5 Ke7 8. b6 Kd7 9. b7 Rxc7 10. b8=Q Kxc6 11. Qb5+ Kd6 12. Qb6+ wins; b) 3. ... Rd6 4. c5 Rd5 5. c6! (but not 5.
g8=Q+? Rxg8 6. Re6+ Kf7 7. Rc6 Rc8 8. b5 Ke7 9. b6 Kd7 10. b7 Rxc7 11. b8=Q Kxc6 draw); and then 6. Rd7 wins.
We can see the original Prokes maneuver (named after him) in the Bafflers (Problem II).
.
Look for our Holiday Buying Guide which will be mailed soon to all USCF members under separate cover. Chess Life — November 2009
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What’s The Best Move?
Hits and Misses By GM Larry Evans
Which is which? Brilliant sacrifice or horrible gaffe —which is which?—sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. Your task is to separate right from wrong in these four positions from international tournaments. Solutions to this month’s quiz positions are on page 71.
1. White moves
2. White moves
r+l+ r k +p+ R lp p+ + +p+ + p + + q + +P+ +L+ + +P P+ + P L + +RQ +K
(a) Qe5 (b) Qxb4 (c) Rxg7
3. Black moves
+
+
+
+
+
n r +n+ +r+ + +k p+ pqpp+ l pNpNLp pP+P+ + + +R+ + PP+QPPP + +R+ K
(a) Nxf6 (b) Rh3 (c) Bc1
4. Black moves
+
+ + + + + p kP+ + P+P+ p + +P+p+ + + + K + + + + + p
(a) Kd6 (b) Kd4 (c) Kb4
q
+
+k+ + + +ppp r l + + L p p + Q+ + + + +P+ + P + +PP P + +R+ K
(a) Rxb3 (b) Ra6 (c) Rb7
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World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2009 World Chess Live Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by September 9, 2009 are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 4,731 players with JGP points. 361 JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes $1,000 cash, trophy and free entry to the 2009 U.S. Open. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.
2009 World Chess Live
Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings Name WINTER, CURTIS A DOMMALAPATI, ABHINAY SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA HUANG, WINSTON TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS PISANI, NICHOLAS PISANI, PAUL CHEN, JEREMY MIZUSHIMA, DEREK RICHMAN, JONATHAN TYLER DING, JIALIN SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA SINGH, REVA SHREE QU, CHEN JOHNSTON, DANIEL F HUGHES, JOHN LODGER HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE GURCZAK, JOHN LATHAM, ANDREW
State MD VA MD MA UT VA WA WA NJ MD NY MO MI NY NY NY OH ID AZ KS
Pts. 225 220 160 155 155 155 150 145 140 135 135 125 125 125 125 125 125 120 115 110
Name PILLAI, KADHIR ANDRES DANG, MICHAEL FU, JASON KARAMSETTY, JEEVAN ZHOU, JASON GADSON, ISAIAH MCVAY, KIERNAN R JACOBS, CASEY TANENBAUM, ZACHARY CHEN VEECH, JOHN KUMAR, ARAVIND TUHRIM, RICHARD J HUA, DAVID A FINEGOLD, SPENCER MARUPUDI, PRANAV SWAN, CHARLES KOGEN, JONATHAN S KORLEY, KASSA BRETON, ALEX KUMAR, ADITYA
State NY MI TN VA MO MO NJ NY CT WI NJ NY NJ MI NJ IL IL NY NJ CA-N
Pts. 110 110 110 105 105 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95
Prepare to make your best move since joining the USCF...
Don’t miss one of this year’s top benefits of USCF membership.
Claim your six-month free trial now at World Chess Live, the only online chess service offering:
• Weekly USCF quick-rated tournaments • Chances to earn both Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix points • Many other tournament prizes • Free videos from top instructors • A welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels
For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf 52
Chess Life — November 2009
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Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates To qualify, an event must be USCFrated (regular or quick) and meet these criteria: • All USCF-rated players over 2199 must be eligible to play in the top (or only) section. • The prize fund for which all masters are eligible must equal or exceed $300 guaranteed. • Class prizes for Under 2300 or a higher rating requirement qualify towards GP points, but if they exceed 25% of the total qualifying Grand Prix money, they count as 25% of the total. • Other than entry fees and USCF dues, no charges over $25 are permitted. • The tournament must be submitted for the Tournament Life section of Chess Life and designated by the submitter as a Grand Prix tournament. • Only players who are USCF members during the tournament may earn GP points. Foreign GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs can play without being members, but they will not obtain Grand Prix points unless they join. • Conditions concerning USCF Grand Prix tournaments are subject to review and adjustment by the USCF Executive Director. The top prizes must be unconditionally guaranteed (or if a Grand Prix event’s prize fund is based on entries, only the absolutely guaranteed minimum payout counts for point awards) and announced in Chess Life. Even if prizes are raised at the tournament, no additional points can be awarded because the bonus would be unfair to players who may otherwise have entered. If you have questions about the Grand Prix, please contact Chuck Lovingood at
[email protected] or 931-787-1234 ext. 148. Organizing a 2009 Grand Prix Event
The tournament director has the right to shorten the basic time control, in minutes, by the time delay used, in seconds. Example: Clocks for G/60 with 5-second time delay (t/d5) may be set at 55 minutes instead of 60. There is no requirement to advertise this option in advance. It may also be used for games starting later than the official starting time of any particular round even when not used otherwise. Tournament Directors
To speed up the processing of rating reports, USCF now asks that wherever possible these reports have IDs for every player. If you collect a new membership, do not submit your rating report until your disk and paper reports include that player’s ID number. To assist TDs in doing this, we have made several enhancements to our web server which will speed up online membership processing and give TDs a quick way to obtain USCF IDs for new memberships. We also recommend that TDs use the Member Services Area to check for member IDs. The search capabilities of MSA have been enhanced to assist TDs in finding existing member IDs. For more details, please check the USCF website: www.uschess.org/rtgchange.php. Organizers, TDs and Affiliates
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 that participate in this program are entitled to be promoted to the next higher Grand Prix category — for example, a 6-point tourna ment would become a 10-point tournament. Points in the top category are promoted 50%.
Guaranteed Grand Prix points awarded for: Top Prizes
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
$300-$499
6
Tot
$500-$749
8
2
10
$750-$999
10
5
15
$1,000-$1,499
12
8
20
$1,500-$1,999
14 10 6
$2,000-$2,499
16 12 8
$2,500-$2,999
18 14 10 6
2
$3,000-$3,999
20 16 12 8
4
$4,000-$4,999
22 18 15 12 8
$5,000-$5,999
24 20 17 14 11 8
$6,000-$9,999
26 22 19 16 13 10 8
6
30 4
40 50 60 5
80 6
100 6
120
$10,000-$29,999 30 26 23 20 16 13 10 8
4
$30,000 & up
36 32 29 26 21 18 14 12
8
4
150 200
$ (Enhanced)
54 48 44 39 31 27 21 18
12 6
300
Points involved divided equally (rounded to two decimal points) among tied players. uschess.org
Chess Life TLA Deadlines Cover date
TLA must be received by
Tournaments beginning
Expected release
Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Nov. 10 Dec.10 Jan. 10 Feb. 10 March 10 April 10 May 10 June 10 July 10 Aug. 10 Sept. 10 Oct. 10
Jan. 15 Feb. 15 March 15 April 15 May 15 June 15 July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15 Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15
End Dec. End Jan. End Feb. End March End April End May End June End July End Aug. End Sept. End Oct. End Nov.
No Tournaments in your area? Why not organize one?
It’s not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if you use a low-cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either a based-on Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a trophy tournament will virtually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out in prizes. The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them wouldn’t be held if the organizer/TD couldn’t play. Want to know more? Contact Joan DuBois at
[email protected]. We’ll be glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess! If at all possible, please e-mail your TLAs. This will help to reduce errors.
[email protected] fax: 931-787-1200 TLA Department U.S. Chess Federation PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557 TLAs received after the 10th of the deadline month will not appear in the issue currently being processed. Submissions
.
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 scholastic 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 **Purchased online only † Changing as of December 1, 2009
Chess Life — November 2009
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Information for Players If not a member, add dues to advance entry fee or pay them with entry fee at site. U.S. Championship Qualifier. Tournament in which qualification spots for the U.S. Championship are awarded. American Classic. Generally, an event that has been held by one organizer for the last three years and has attracted more than 400 players each year. Heritage Event. Tournament held for at least 25 years. Quick Chess. Tournaments with time controls of G/5 to G/29. There is a separate “quick” or “overall” rating system that includes these events, and games played in these tournaments will not affect a player's regular rating. Games played with a time control of G/30 through G/60 will be rated in both the quick/overall system and the regular system. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.
In most events, you don’t have to win the tournament to win a prize—you can win a class prize as a top scorer of your rating group, or a section prize in a section restricted to your rating group. These rating groups are: Rating Classes
Senior Master - 2400 & up Master 2200-2399 Class C Expert 2000-2199 Class D Class A 1800-1999 Class E Class B 1600-1799 Class F
1400-1599 1200-1399 1000-1199 800-999
Class G 600-799 Class H 400-599 Class I 200-399 Class J 199/below
Some tournaments use different groups such as 1900-2099, and some have “under’’ prizes or sections including all below a specified level. You never lose your rating, no matter how long it has been since you last played. If you return after a long absence, please tell the director and USCF your approximate rating and last year of play. If you have a FIDE rating, or a rating or category from any other country, no matter how many years ago, you are not unrated. FIDE or foreign ratings may be
Ratings Information
rejected or have adjustment points added. If details are not announced, players wishing to use such ratings should contact the organizer in advance. For foreign players with multiple ratings (USCF, FIDE, CFC, FQE, other foreign), the highest rating is used, with possible adjustment points added, unless otherwise announced. Ratings based on 4-25 games are called “provisional ratings” to indicate they are less reliable than established ratings. However, such ratings are valid for pairing and prize purposes at all USCF-rated events, unless otherwise stated. A Director may assign an estimated rating to any player, and may expel an improperly rated player from an event.
TLA ads for entering options. Along with entry fee, send full name, address, USCF ID number, expiration date, and section desired (if any). Also, give your last official USCF rating from your magazine label (first 4 numbers on top row). If you are unrated, or have a rating from many years ago, be sure to indicate this. Your official USCF rating is on the top line of your mailing label: Regular, Quick, and Correspondence. Mailed entries are usually not acknowledged unless you enclose a self-addressed postcard. If entering online, print confirmation of entry. They are refundable if you withdraw before Round 1 is paired, unless otherwise stated. For National Events, refund requests must be submitted in writing no later than Hotel-Motel Rates 30 days after the tournament ends. Any Rates listed are often special chess requests made after this date may not be rates—you must request “chess rates’’ or honored. you will be charged more. The chess rates may be unavailable if not reserved sev- If You Must Withdraw If you enter by mail and cannot attend, eral weeks in advance, or if the block of chess rooms is used up. Hotel-desk per- or must drop out of a tournament in sonnel are often poorly informed about progress, it is important you give notice chess rates—if that is the case, ask for the before pairings are started, so no one is Sales Office or contact the tournament deprived of a game. Mail entrants should send withdrawal notices at least a week organizer. beforehand — phone any later than this. What to Take to a Tournament To withdraw by phone on tournament day, Along with a pen or pencil and your call the site and ask specifically for “the USCF ID card (or current Chess Life), take chess tournament.’’ E-mail withdrawals a chessboard, set, and clock if you have several days in advance are acceptable if them. the TD’s e-mail address is listed. Any later For prizes of $600 or more, bring your than this, both e-mail your withdrawal U.S. Social Security card. If you have no and call the tournament site as the TD Social Security number, the organizer might not have access to his (her) e-mail must deduct 30% from your prize for the account. If you forfeit without notice, you IRS (this includes foreigners). may be fined up to the amount of the Warning! The use of a cell phone in the entry fee. tournament room is prohibited at most tournaments. If your cell phone rings in a Tournament Directors Tournament Director Certification is an room with games in progress, you could be endorsement of professional competence penalized, or even forfeited. only. Such certification does not in itself How to Enter in Advance render any Tournament Director an agent Entering by mail or online (if available) of the USCF, nor is any Affiliate an agent is easier for both you and the tournament of the USCF. organizer and often costs less. Check the
.
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.
54
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 sections can play for the learning experience.
Chess Life — November 2009
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.
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USCF National Events See TLA in this issue for details: 2009 National Youth Action November 20-22 • Oak Brook, Illinois 2009 National Scholastic (K-12) December 11-13 • Dallas, Texas 2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate December 27-30 • South Padre Island, Texas 2010 U.S. Amateur Team - South Feb. 12-14 or 13-14 • Orlando, Florida 2010 U.S. Amateur Team - West Feb. 13-15 • Woodland Hills, California
Future Events (Watch for details)
40th Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Amateur Team - East Feb. 13-15 • Parsippany, New Jersey 2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship April 9-11 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 2010 National High School (K-12) Championship April 16-18 • Columbus, Ohio 2010 U.S. Championship April 23-May 6 • St. Louis, Missouri 2010 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 7-9 • Atlanta, Georgia 2010 U.S. Open July 31-Aug. 8 • Irvine, California 2010 U.S. Senior Open August 22-27 • Boca Raton, Florida 2010 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 10-12 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2011 National Junior High Championship April 15-17 • Columbus, Ohio 2011 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 6-8 • Dallas, Texas 2011 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 9-11 • Dallas, Texas 2012 National High School (K-12) Championship April 13-15 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 11-13 • Nashville, Tennessee 2012 National Scholastic (K-12) Nov. 30-Dec. 2 • Orlando, Florida
2013 SuperNationals V TBA • Nashville, Tennessee 2013 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2014 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 9-11 • Dallas, Texas 2014 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 12-14 • Orlando, Florida 2015 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee 2015 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 5-7 • Orlando, Florida
Note: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their events.
Overdue Bids
Bids on the following tournaments are past deadline and will be considered immediately: 2009 U.S. Masters 2009 Collegiate Final Four 2010 U.S. Masters 2010 U.S. Amateur Team (East, North) 2010 U.S. Class Championship 2010 U.S. Amateur (East, North, South) 2010 U.S. Game/60 2010 U.S. Game/30 2010 U.S. Game/10 (QC) 2010 U.S. Game/15 (QC) 2010 U.S. Junior Chess Congress 2010 U.S. Junior Closed - TBA 2010 U.S. Junior Open - TBA 2010 National Youth Action 2011 U.S. Open*
Bidding Deadlines
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. *USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organize the event itself.
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 submissions. 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, promoting 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 tournaments 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
ATTENTION AFFILIATES The United States Chess Federation has partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide USCF affiliates with affordable annual liability and short term event insurance. The liability coverage is available for approximately $265 per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insurance. Also available is contents property and bonding insurance. For more information, please go to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federation.html. For event insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com.
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 April 2009 pg. 50-51 or check http://main. uschess.org/go/tlainfo. 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 entry fee or pay them with entry at site. Nov. 20-22, Illinois 2009 National Youth Action 9SS, G/30. DoubleTree hotel, 1909 Spring Road,Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523,Tel: 1-630-472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE); $89 single/double/triple/quad. Four Sections – K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $40 by 10/25/09 USPS (or $40 on-line by 10/25, 6 pm); $60 by 11/13/09 USPS (or $60 on-line 10/25/09, after 6 pm - 11/13/09, 6 pm); $75 USPS 11/13 –11/17 (or $75 on-line 11/13/09, 6:01 pm – 11/19, 6 pm); $75 by 11/20/09 6 PM on site (on-site entries after 11/20/09 6 PM can not be guaranteed pairing for round 1, instead they may receive 1/2 point bye round 1). Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Individual: 1st –20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards: 1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9: U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th Place in each section. Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Nov 21 at 9:30 am. Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm. Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament – Fri, Nov 20, 6:30 pm. EF $20 per team ($10 for individuals and we help you create a team). On site registration only. Registration closes at 5 pm, Fri, Nov 20. One section only, K-12. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place. Blitz Tournament – Sat, Nov 21, K-6 & K-12, 6:30 pm, EF $15 USPS/on-line by 10/25, 6 pm, $20 USPS from10/26 – 11/17; $20 on-line 10/26, 6:01 pm 11/19, 6pm; $25 on site. Registration closes at 5 pm, Sat, Nov 21. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section. Team: 1st-10th in each section. Awards Ceremony for Blitz and Bughouse: Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Ceremony: Sun, Nov 22, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams allowed! Master simuls and analysis scheduled. Hotel Info: DoubleTree hotel, Oakbrook, Il (hotel registration code: NYA) www.doubletreeoakbrook.com or http://doubletree.hilton.com/ en/dt/groups/personalized/CHIOADT-NYA-20091120/index.jhtml (630) 4726020 or 630 472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE), HR single/double/triple/quad $89. Enter on line (except Bughouse) at http://nya2009.com. Checks payable only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF or Mike Zacate): Mail registrations with name-contact info-grade-birthday-team/school-uscf ID & exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to Mike Zacate (Please, no checks payable to Mike or USCF), 9401 Birch, Mokena, IL 60448. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: http://nya2009.com. $10 service charge for on-site section/roster changes, and all refunds. Bookdealers scheduled.
Dec. 11-13, Texas 2009 National Scholastic K-12 Championship 7SS, G/90. Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas,TX. 214-748-1200 or 1-800-HILTONS and ask for the chess rate ($120). 13 Sections. Play only in your grade section. December rating supplement will be used. 1/2- point bye available any round (except round seven) if requested in advance of rd. 1.Team score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team, including ties, will be National Champion for their grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 pm. Rds.: Fri. 1 pm-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm-6 pm, Sun. 9 am-1 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun. , Approx. 5 pm. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sun. 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun Approx. 4:30 pm for K-1. EF: $50/participant (postmarked by 11/8, not 11/12),
Chess Life — November 2009
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Tournament Life $70/participant (postmarked by 11/29), $85 later or $90 at site, $5.00 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after 11/13 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 am-10 pm & Fri. 8 am-10 am. After 10 am players will have a 1/2-point bye rd 1. Awards: Trophies to top 10 individuals & top five teams (minimum) in each grade. Class prizes: 1st-3rd place K-3: 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr. 4-6: 1000-1199, 800999, 600-799, U600 Unr. 7-9: 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr. 10-12: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Every player receives a commemorative item! Side Events: Bughouse:Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 8 am-10 am, $25/team. Blitz EF: Advance/online entry $15 by 11/29; Onsite - $20. Blitz Sections: K-6 and K-12, Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz Awards: Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Individual: Top 10, Team: 1st5th place. K-6 Class: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. K-12 Class: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Bughouse Awards:Trophies for Bughouse, TBA. Team Rooms are limited. Contact Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234 ext.147. Hotel info: www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DFWANHH-HiltonAnatole-Texas/index.do. Questions: Cheryle Bruce: 931-787-1234 ext. 147 or Ent: U.S. Chess, Attn.: K-12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at: https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. Official webpage for details: http://main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/k12/. WCL JGP.
Dec. 27-30, Texas 2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, South Padre Island, Texas. Room rate is $89 for up to four people. For reservations call Teri Murphy 956 7616551 or 800-222-4010. Team Format: 4 player Teams, up to 2 Alternates, Traditional 6 round Fix Roster Swiss Tournament. Open to: College and Universities teams (at least two players) from North and South America, including the Caribbean. Teams must supply letter from University stating that the players meet eligibility requirements. Time Control: Game/90 with a 30-second increment per move. Tournament is FIDE and USCF rated, but uses United States Chess Federation Rules. Championships to be awarded in 4 divisions (according to average team rating). Entry Fees: Priority Registration by December 1, 2009: $200 per team; After December 1, 2009, $225 per team. For additional Information, contact Russell Harwood at (956) 882-5762 or (956) 551-0303, or email
[email protected]. Opening Reception: 12/27 5pm, Rd.1 12/27 6pm, Rd.2 12/28 10am, Rd.3 12/28 5pm, Rd.4 12/29 10am, Rd.5 12/29 5pm, Rd.6 12/30 9am, Awards Ceremony: 12/30 2pm.WCL JGP.
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, Florida 2010 U.S. Amateur Team South 5SS, G/120 (2-day option, rd 1 G/60). Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. 4-player teams (plus alternate). 2 Sections (using Yr-end ratings): OPEN, Team Avg rtng New Free TLA Categories Added! RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER! 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 January and March 2010, if no TLA for such an event appeared in 2009, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs. 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: NEW CATEGORY! SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a higher minimum age.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tournament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or “RBO.” BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCFrated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted. COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students. JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible). 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 CATEGORY! UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament that offers free entry to unrated players. If your prizes are based on entries, say “paid entries.”
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 BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section.
USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/ forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.
Ages 21-24 dues lower than Adult dues! The membership category once called “Youth” has been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has changed from under 21 to under 25. Annual dues for this category are only $32 with paper Chess Life or $24 with the online version!
One-year membership with Chess Life: If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $42 for Premium Membership, which includes a copy of Chess Life every month. Regular Memberships are available for $29 and give online-only access to Chess Life and a mailed TLA Newsletter (bi-monthly). (Note to affiliates: If you collect a $49 membership, you may submit it online to USCF for $42, in effect creating a $7 commission. If you submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission is $3.)
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on one or more weekday evenings.
uschess.org
Chess Life — November 2009
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Tournament Life 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player ratings: See chesstour.com. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia, CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/40). U900 Section plays 1/17-18 only, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section counts 1/3, GMs 1/2), else in proportion, except minimum 60% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006 to 2009, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was increased. In 8 sections. Open: $2000-1000-500-300200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, 2300-2399 $800-400, U2300/Unr $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1300: $700-400-200-150-100. Under 1100: $700-400-200-150-100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $200 in U1100, $300 U1300, $400 U1500, $500 U1700, or $600 U1900. Top 5 sections EF: 4 day $99, 3 day $98, 2 day $97 mailed by 1/7, all $100 online at chesstour.com by 1/11, $105 phoned by 1/11 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. U1300, U1100 Sections EF: All $20 less. U900 Section EF: $32 mailed by 1/7, $33 online by 1/11, $35 phoned by 1/11, $40 at site. All: 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, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re-entry (except Open Section) $80. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds.Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-122-4-6, Mon 10-4:30. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun
10-12-2-4, Mon 10-12-2. Bye: all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $95-95-95-95, 215-448-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Parking: $8/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $15/day chess rate without guest room, parking lot 1 block from hotel may be less than $15. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Jan. 23-24, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 Orange County Open 5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4 & 5 40/2, SD/1 (No time delay). Hanley Chess Academy, 7390 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. 92646. $$5,000 b/120, 50% of each prize guaranteed. One Section: Open: 1000-500-300-200,Top X: 400-225125, U2000: 250-125-75, U1800: 250-125-75, U1600: 250-125-75, U1400: 250-125-75, U1200/UNR: 250-125-75. EF: $55 if received by 10/22, $65 door. On-line entry: www.hanleychessacademy.org. No checks entries at door. All: One half point bye if requested with entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. Reg.: 8:30am-9:30am Sat 1/23. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Info:
[email protected]. Ent: Hanley Chess Academy, c/o Joe Hanley, 7390 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646. NS. NC. F. Side Event: Hexes on 1/24; 3SS G/90. EF: $25. Reg.: 9:30am-10:15am. Prizes: $50-$25-$15 in each Hex. Rds.: 10:30-2-5. WCL JPG.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, Ohio World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 33rd Cardinal Open Concourse Hotel, 4300 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219, free parking, $79/night chess rate thru 1/8. 5-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day rds 1&2 G/75). Max 2 byes rds 1-4. Sets provided, bring clocks. $$6,800 b/126 pd entries, re-entries & U1200 students = 1/2. 5 Sections: Open (FIDE) $1000-600-400, U2300 $500-250 U2200 $300-100, U2000 $700-350-200, U1800 $600-300-150, U1500 $500-250, U1200 $400-200 & trophies top 5 students. Unrated prize limit $150 any section except Open. EF: $80 if received by 1/28, then $90; students in U1200 $30 less; re-entry $40 (not in Open). Free to IM/GM, $80 deducted from winnings. OCA membership required of OH residents. 3-day
Schedule: Reg. Fri. 5-6:30pm, Rds. 7pm; Sat. 10-5:30; Sun. 9-3:30. 2-day: Reg. Sat. 9-10:30am, Rds. 11-2-5:30; Sun 9-3:30. Ent: FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219. Info:
[email protected], www.neilley.com/chess, 614-314-1102. WCL JGP.
Jan. 29-31, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 Springfield Open 5SS, Rd 1 Friday G/120, Rds 2-5 30/90 SD/60 $$ 2,200 (top three G) b/80. Holiday Inn Express, 6401 Brandon Ave., Springfield, VA. 22150. Conveniently located at the junction of I-95, I-495 and I-395. AMAZING renovations to the hotel since last tnmt here!! Ph: at 1-877-834-3613 Ask for chess rate and mention NoVa Chess HR: $79 reserve before Jan 15, 2009. One section: Open: $550-350-200 (G); top X/A/B/C/D and top U1200 each $170, top Unrated $100. Reg.: Fri, Jan 29: 5pm - 7:45 PM. Rounds: Fri 8pm Sat. 10-4, Sunday 10-3:30 pm. One 1/2 pt bye all, must declare before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. EF: $50 if rec’d by Jan 22, 2009, $60 later and at site. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria VA 22306. Make checks to “Michael Atkins”. Email Information:
[email protected], NO E-MAIL ENTRIES Web: http://members.cox.net/tourna ments/springfield.htm. W, NS, FIDE. WCL JGP.
Feb. 26-28, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 4th annual Saratoga Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1. Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. $$G 1200. In 2 sections: Open: $$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$ 150-90-50, U1600 100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/19, $53 online at chesstour.com by 2/23, $55 phoned by 2/23, $65 at site. Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-4:30, Sun 9-2:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for room cancellation. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, Massachusetts World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 19th annual Eastern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 Section is 6 rounds
Membership Appreciation Program (MAP) Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life. More frequent MAP standings and details will appear at main.uschess.org/go/MAP.
Overall Affiliate Standings
Name
State
Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA DALLAS CHESS CLUB CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW SILVER KNIGHTS MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES CHESS NUTS
NY TX CA PA IN TX CA PA ME FL
589 576 249 232 204 201 167 159 152 149
Name
State
Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES METRO CHESS SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG AIRLINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL RELYEA CHESS MESA CHESS CLUB COASTAL MAINE SCHOLASTIC CHESS
ME DC SD NM ME DE NH NH NM ME
152 81 23 23 21 20 20 18 13 12
Name
State
Count
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN GEORGIA CHESS ASSOCIATION TENNESSEE CHESS ASSOCIATION UTAH CHESS ASSOCIATION
MI PA MN MA MD NJ NH GA TN UT
283 181 108 95 77 70 48 29 25 24
Small State Affiliate Standings
State Chapter Affiliate Standings
Adult Memberships Standings
Name
State
Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE DALLAS CHESS CLUB THE ATLANTA CHESS & GAME CNTR MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB MARSHALL CHESS CLUB CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA
NY NJ TX GA ME CA NY NY TX IN
541 141 88 78 76 69 68 67 57 52
Name
State
Count
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA SILVER KNIGHTS RIDERWOOD CHESS CLUB CHESS NUTS LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS CAJUN CHESS
TX PA CA CA IN PA MD FL NY LA
519 220 208 167 152 144 135 135 122 116
Name
State
Count
DOCKERY, JOHN T DIXON, MARK A NAVARRO, DANIEL A CHRISMER, GARIE L BERRY, FRANK K RYAN, BEN J CLARK, MIKE WILLIS, MARVIN, P MCDONALD, THOMAS D ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER
FL TX TX TX OK NE MO CA TX IA
26 22 20 20 19 17 16 15 13 13
Scholastic and Youth Memberships Standings
Member Standings
PCT Gain Standings State
Dec08
Sep09
Pct
MT NV LA
76 809 601
84 874 630
10.5 8.0 4.8
62
State
Dec08
Sep09
Pct
State
Dec08
Sep09
Pct
State
Dec08
Sep09
Pct
IN TN SC
1609 1598 527
1663 1650 544
3.4 3.3 3.2
NE AR MS
295 278 278
304 285 285
3.1 2.5 2.5
DC
247
248
0.4
Chess Life — November 2009
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10/12/2009
playing March 6-7 only, G/75. Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 one-third), minimum $12,000 (60% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-300. Class B: $1400-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-200100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter U900 through A, with prize limits: U900 $100, E $200, D $300, C $400, B $500, A $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 2/25, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/2, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/2 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Class E EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. All: 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, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. MACA memb. ($12, under 18 $6) required for MA residents; WMCA accepted for western MA res. 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. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 800-582-3232, 508347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/19 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. $15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 17th annual Western Class Championships Note corrections: 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75), Under 900 Section is 6 rounds. G/75 playing Mar 13-14 only. Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. $$20,000 based on 230 paid entries (re-entries, U900 count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200. Class B (16001799): $1400-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-150. Class E (1000-1199): $1000-500-300150. Under 900: $300-150-100-50. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated must play in A or below with maximum prize A $600, B $500, C $400, D $300, E $200, U900 $100; balance goes line to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections EF: 3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/4, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 3/9, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/9 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. Under 900 Section EF: All $60 less. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com. Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry (except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated Southern CA residents. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 10-4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 10-4:15. U900 schedule: Reg Sat to 9:30 am, rds 10-1-4 each day. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by Mar 3 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, Missouri World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 14th annual Mid-America Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 is 6 rounds playing March 20-21 only, G/75. Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 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-third), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections: Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2200: $1400-700-400-300. Under 2000: $1400700-400-300. Under 1800: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1600: $1200-600-300200. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $800-400-200-100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $100, U1200 $200, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108.50, 2-day $107.50 mailed by 3/9, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/16, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/16 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Under 1200 EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. 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, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) 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. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/3 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. $15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) Philadelphia Open Open Section, Mar 31-Apr 4: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. U1300 to U2100, Apr 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 12 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). U1000, April 3-4: 7SS, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, reentries, GMs, WGMs & foreign IMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum
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$70,000 (70% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-50002500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-400, clear first bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500-700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: each $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500400-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/10 list may not win over $500 in U1000, $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating supplement 4/09-3/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. 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 1/13; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223 mailed by 3/23; all $250 at site. PSCF members may deduct $3 from mailed EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207 by 1/13, $227 by 3/29, $250 after 3/29 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/13, $230 by 3/29. No phone entry after 3/29. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. EF $100 less for Under 1000 section. EF $70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat. 10. 12. 2, 3:45, Sun. 10, 12, 2. 4-day, 3-day, & 2-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all; limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-4482000, reserve by 3/23 or rate may increase. 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 points added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 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 used in Open Section. Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over 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 (except U1000).
An American Classic! May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 19th annual Chicago Open Open Section, May 27-31: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, GM & IM norms possible. Under 1300 to Under 2100, May 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). Under 1000, May 30-31: 7SS, G/40. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 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 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000700-600-500-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-300-300-200-200-200-200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/10 list may not win over $500 U1000, $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/09-4/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $200, 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/15; 5-day $220, 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/19; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $203 by 3/15, $223 by 5/24, $250 after 5/24 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $205 by 3/15, $225 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/24. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Under 1000 EF: $82 if mailed by 5/19, $83 online at chesstour.com by 5/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illinois residents. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. endsThu 6 pm, rdsThu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Mon. 10, 12, 2. Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Hotel rates: $98-98-98-98, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/14 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. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 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; May FIDE ratings used for Open Section. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over 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: 845496-9658, www.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 (except U1000).
A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 38th Annual World Open 9 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Open Section plays 5-day July 1-5 or 7-day June 29-July 5 only. Under 900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule July 3-5 only, G/45. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (and Scanticon & Radisson Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. 20 miles west of Philadelphia (PA Turnpike to I-76 East to Exit 327, right on N Gulph Rd, right on 1st Ave, or from Philadelphia, I-76 West to Exit 328B-A, right on Mall Blvd, right on N. Gulph Rd., right on 1st Ave.). For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport or 30th St train station, call 800-559-2040 or 215-616-5370. All play in same room (brightly lighted exhibit hall with capacity 1800 players). Radisson and Scanticon hotels are connected to Convention Plaza. Prizes $250,000 based on 1100 paid entries (seniors, reentries, U1200 Section, GMs, WGMs count as 50% entries, rated players in U900 as 25% entries, Unrated in U900 or U1400 not counted), $175,000 minimum (70% of each prize) guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik; free GM lectures 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open, Under 2400, Under 1400 or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-50002500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top FIDE U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/5 for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600- 500, top U2300 $2000-1000. IM norms may be possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200: $13000-7000-30002000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000-1000. Under 2000: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800, top Unrated $200-100, no unrated may win over $400. Unrateds may be paired against each other in later rounds, even with different scores. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700600-500-400-300, top U1050 $1000-500. Under 900/Unr: $1000-600-400-300300-300-200-200-200-200, no unrated may win over $200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/10 list may not win over $500 in U900, $1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 or U1600. Games rated too late for 7/10 list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section maximum any month 7/09-6/10 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; $150 EF deducted from prize. EF $150 less to all in U1200 Section and rated seniors over 65 in Under 1400 & above. Under 900/Unr Section EF: $78 if mailed by 6/17, $80 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. Special EF to unrated in U900 or U1400 Sections: $28 mailed by 6/17, $30 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $35 phoned to 406896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. 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 USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 5-day schedule:Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Tue-Thu each 7 pm, Fri-Sat each 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Sat 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr schedule: Sat 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Sun 11, 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Mon 10 & 12:30. Half
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 — November 2009
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Tournament Life point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 5. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Scanticon or Radisson $99-99, 610-337-1200, ask for chess rate, may sell out about May 25, two night minimum July 3-4. Backup hotel: Clarion, $99-99, 610-337-1800, ask for chess rate, is the nearest hotel (0.8 miles) after Scanticon & Radisson sell out. Special car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 pts added to FIDE (except Open Section), 100 to FQE, 200 or more to most foreign, no pts added to CFC, Puerto Rico or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings 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: Official JULY ratings used; FIDE ratings (May list) used for Open Section only. 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 3 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 (except U900).
Regional Alabama Nov. 21, Birmingham Tornado 4SS, TC: G/75. Homewood Community Center 1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. OPEN ($375 b/15): $200-100-75; RESERVE (U1500; $320 b/15): $180-80-60; Late REG.: NOV 21st, 8-8:40am. Rds.: 9, 11:30, 2:30, 5. EF: $30, if mailed by NOV 14th; $40 at site. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): 5SS, TC: G/40. AMATEUR (UNR-999) and NOVICE (Not Rated). EF: $20/$10, If mailed by NOV14th, $10 more at site. Trophy: Top 3 Individuals in each section. Rds.: 9-10:30-12:30-2, 3:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT: Caesar Chess, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34-PMB 310, Birmingham, AL 35244. Info:
[email protected] / www.caesarchess.com. WCL JGP in Open and Reserve.
Dec. 5-6, 8th Annual Dothan Open
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: 7:30-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 795-5710. (4 blocks 405 West, Santa Monica& Butler, 2nd Floor). Private (1:1) Lessons, Group Classes, Tournaments. Nov. 1, 15, LACC November Scholastics I & II 5SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, Free new LACC memb). Reg.: 1:30-2. Rds.: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes: Trophies, Medals, Disney prizes (every player receives a prize!). Free street and BOA parking, refreshments, and class 1-2 pm. Info: (310) 7955710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Nov. 1, 15, 29, LACC Sunday G/60 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. Free parking on streets.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Friday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC)
Nov. 7, 14, 28, LACC Saturday G/30 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).
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Saturday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC) 5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 6:-7 pm. Rds.: 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9 pm. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free BOA parking; or underground ($3).
See Grand Prix.
SS G/30, Every Friday, Rounds 7, 8, 9, 10pm. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 82% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-4824867.
Nov. 26-29, 45th Annual American Open
Every Tuesday - Tuesday Night Action
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, American Open Quick Chess Championship (QC) Nov. 28, American Open Scholastic
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships (CAS)
5-SS, G/45. Open to HS/below. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections K-12: trophies top 5, 2 each grades 9-12, 1 each K-8. K-8: trophies top 5, 2 each K-8. K-6: trophies top 5, 2 each K-6. K-3: trophies top 4, 2 each K-3. EF: $16 received by 11/25, $20 at door. Reg.: 9-9:45 Rounds: 10-11:30-1-3-4:30. Enter: www.americanopen.org or American Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412,
[email protected].
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 29, American Open Action
California Northern
5-SS, G/30. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90045. EF: $20 received by 11/25; $25 at door. 80% of entry fees returned in prizes. Reg.: 11-11:45 a.m. Rounds: 12-1:15-3-4:15-5:30. Enter: www.american open.org or American Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412,
[email protected].
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 5, Fresno County Championship Dennys Restaurant, 30 E. Herndon Ave. (NE corner Blackstone/Herndon), Fresno, CA 93720. In 2 Sections Open: 4SS, Game/60, Reserve (Under 1600): 4SS, Game/60, Open to 1599 & under. ALL: EF: $30 if received by 12/02/09; $40 thereafter. Trophies. Reg.: 12/05 9:00-10:00. Rds.: 10:30 1:00 3:30 6:00. 1/2 pt bye available. ENT: Fresno Chess Club, 4085 N. Peach #166, Fresno, CA 93727. Vaness French 559-243-6226,
[email protected]. INFO: TD Cell 559-967-3379. Event in quiet back meeting room; No analysis in playing room. NS W.
Dec. 5, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #3 Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Info & Entry Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads09-GP/Quads FALL09-GP.html. Open to all scholastic players who are USCF members.Trophies to winners of each Quad. Chess medals to all who do not win a trophy. Info: Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.,
[email protected], (510) 659-0358.
Dec. 12, Reedley Chess for Kids Thomas Law Reed School, 1400 N. Frankwood, Reedley, CA 93654. In 3 Sections, 9-12: 5SS, Game/30, 7-8: 5SS, Game/30, K-6: 5SS, Game/30, ALL: EF: $13 pre-registered by mail or fax; $20 at the door. Individual andTeamTrophies. Reg.: 8:30-9:20 AM. Rds.: Games start at 10; Rounds thereafter ASAP. ENT: Chess for Kids, PO Box 27, Visalia, CA 93279. Fax 559-636-8045 Sequoia
[email protected]. INFO: Allan Fifield 559-734-2784; Cell 559-967-3379. http://SequoiaChess.Com. Event includes Non Rated K-3 and 4-6 sections. Food & chess vendor at site. NS, W.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open See Grand Prix.
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Chess Life — November 2009
Dec. 5-6, Manitou Springs: Winter Springs Open 4-SS, 40/2 and G/1. Masonic Lodge, 455 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs. 3 Sections: June (open to all), July (U1800), August (U1400). Entry fee: $30 if rec’d by 12/3, $35 at site. $8 off EF for Juniors, Seniors, Unrated. Cash prizes per entries. Register: 8:30 - 9:30. Rds. Schedule: 10, 4; 9, 3. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail
[email protected]. CSCA membership required ($15, 10 for juniors/seniors), OSA. Colorado Tour Event. WCL JGP.
Connecticut
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships (out of state welcome)
Nov. 21-22, LACC - Harold Cardinal Valery G/60 Championship
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, CalChess Annual State Championship 2009
Colorado
See Grand Prix.
Every Friday - Friday Night Action
Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Info & Entry Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads09-GP/Quads FALL09-GP.html. Open to all scholastic players who are USCF members.Trophies to winners of each Quad. Chess medals to all who do not win a trophy. Info: Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.,
[email protected], (510) 659-0358.
See Grand Prix.
4SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 5:30-6. Rds.: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 3/4 EF. 2 Free lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3).
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #2
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships
Nov. 7, 14, 28, LACC LA Masters G/30
Arizona
See Grand Prix.
3-SS, G/90. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-12, $25 door. $$4020-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com.
Nov. 22, Bethel Thanksgiving Open
Nov. 8, 2009 Westwood Fall Open
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open (NV)
Feb. 15, AT HEXES
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 7:30-8. Rds.: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF.
See Grand Prix.
SS 45/2 SD/1, 1 round every Tuesday of the month @ 7pm. Registration first Tues. of month. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 60% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-4867. WCL JGP.
Jan. 20 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS, NC, W.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, 3rd Saturday Open
See New York.
Delaware A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 2009 Delaware State Open Championship Ramada Newark/Wilmington (302)-738-3400, 260 Chapman Rd., Newark, DE 19702. Time Control (all sections): Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4&5, G/120. In 3 Sections Open: 5SS, EF: $40 before 11/18, $50 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. U2000- 10%, U1800- 10%. Trophies to DE champion and DE women’s champion(both from open section). Reserve - Under 1800: 5SS, EF: $35 before 11/18, $45 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. U1600 -10%, U1400- 10%. Trophy for Reserve Champion. Amateur- Under 1200: 5SS, EF: $35 before 11/18, $45 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. U1000- 10%, Unrated- 10%.Trophy for Amateur Champion. ALL: Memb. Req’d: DCA $10($5 under 18). OSA. Reg.: Sat 8:45-9:45 am. Rds.: Saturday 10, 2, 5:30 Sunday 10, 3. Byes: Limit 1, byes in rds 4 & 5 are irrevocable & must be declared by start of round 3. DCA meeting, 9 am Sunday. ENT: Dave Power, 7005 Pleasant Court, Wilmington, DE 19802, 302-762-4695 (home). INFO:
[email protected]. DIR: Exit 3 off I-95, Take Rt273 east, turn Right at 1st light, hotel on right side. www.delawarechess.org. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
Nov. 28, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad Howard Johnson’s Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713.Time controls: 40/75, s/d 30. EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-1:45-5:30. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-753-6877.
[email protected]. INFO: Kevin Pytel 302-753-6877. NS W.
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship (PA) See Grand Prix.
District of Columbia Dec. 12, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) 4-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open to players rated under 1200 or unrated. EF: $15 ($12 if by 12/5). 5 sections by age. Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/rbo.php.
Dec. 27-30, 36th Annual Eastern Open
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 8-10, 2010 Century West Open
Dec. 29, Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 10, CWO Hexes
Florida
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 1/8, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Jan. 10, CWO Scholastics 5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2 Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000:Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 1/8, $20 door. Inf: John Hillery,
[email protected]. On-line ent: www.western chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N) See Grand Prix.
Jan. 23-24, Orange County Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 13-15, 27th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West See Nationals.
Feb. 15, 13th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team 4-SS, SD/45. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, Grade 12/below, average rating of four highest must be U1200. (Dec. 2009 rating list used, Feb. 2010 used for previously unrated players.) EF: $75 per team received by 2/12, $85 at site. Trophies (team & individual) to top 3 teams, top U1000, U800, U400/unr. Reg.: 9:00-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1-2:45-4:30. Info, help in forming teams:
[email protected]. Web site, advance entry list: www.western chess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by
South Florida Chess Club Wednesday’s 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G/90 Tournaments and skittles. Most tournaments are 4+ rounds to with a time control slower than G/60, those events would qualify for WCL JGP. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com. Boca Raton Chess Club Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks. www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Miami Country Day Grand Prix, Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections. More info at www.bocachess.com or call 954-421-8222 or 561-883-2917.
Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, $500 Guar. Cash Opens 5rd Swiss, G/30. EF: $25; $30 at door. SPCC mems $5 off. $100-$60-$40; U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30-$20 each. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Pete. NC, W. prereg at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1 St. Petersburg Rated Beginner’s Opens (RBO’s) 5rd Swiss, G/30. USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy (all K-2 get trophy) all others medal.Team (2 or more) - best four scores from all divisions trophy to top 12. EF: $18. SPCC mems $15. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. NC, W. pregister online at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl See Grand Prix.
uschess.org
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Dec. 5, First Saturday Quads 3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30. Palatka Bridge & Chess Center, 521 13th St., Palatka, FL. Quads open to all. EF: $12. Trophy to 1st. Each Quad. Reg.: 8:30-9:30/am. Rds.: 10-1-4. Ben Cody (386) 329-1173. www.palatkachessclub.com. NS NC W.
Dec. 12, 8th DBCC G/50 Open Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL 32118. 4SS, G/50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 1011:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul B Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl. #116, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO:
[email protected]. www.daytonabchcc.org. NS NC W.
10:18 AM
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EF: $25 if rec’d one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount for your birthday month, $5.00 discount for any state associaton (except ISCA), FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-6346259 or e-mail
[email protected]. Note: there must be at least 3 entries in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining class prizes are vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. WCL JGP.
FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the second Sat. of the Month
Georgia
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details. Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free. Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-6346259 or e-mail
[email protected]. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
Dec. 5-6, A-B-C Open
See Grand Prix.
5-SS, G/120. Jameson Inn, 215 Dixie Way S. (Roseland), South Bend, IN 46637. (574) 277-3211. All 1 section, open only to players rated 1400-1999. EF: $25 if rec’d by 12/3, $30 at site. $$ 1,500 b/30. (min. $1,000 G): $500, 250, 150, B 200-100, C 200-100. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rds.: 10-2-7, 10-2. ENT & Info: Roger Blaine, P O Box 353, Osceola, IN 46561. (574) 257-9033,
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, Central Florida Class Championships See Grand Prix.
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, 2010 U.S. Amateur Team South See Nationals.
Nov. 20-22, 2009 GA Class Championships - Marshall Jaffe/Earl Morrison Memorial See Grand Prix.
Idaho Nov. 14-15, 2009 Southern Idaho Open 4SS, G/120. Site: Obenchain Insurance Building Community Room, 260 Main Ave. South, Twin Falls, ID. Rounds: 9am, 2pm, 9am, 2pm. Byes: Rounds 1 - 3 only. Must notify TD before Round Two pairings. ONE Section: OPEN. Reg.: 88:30am Nov 14. Prizes: $$b/20 $150, $100, $75, $50. EF: $30 by 11/10/2009, $25 Junior/Senior, $40 at door. USCF membership required. Contact: Barry Eacker, TD, 963 Delmar Dr., Twin Falls, ID 83301.
[email protected]. 208-733-6186. Website: www.idahochessassociation.org. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Illinois
North American Chess Association Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength. Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate. Monthly FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan A. Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer. www.nachess.org |
[email protected] | 888.80.CHESS.
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation Illinois’ Premier Chess Organization - We organize monthly scholastic & adult tournaments throughout the Chicago area; sponsor chess activates at community events, i.e. Taste of Chicago; provide in-school & afterschool programs, workshops & summer camps. Players of all skill levels, from beginners to Masters, attend our events. For dates & locations: visit our website www.rknights.org; Tel: 773-844-0701; Email: ren knights@aol. com.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.
Iowa Nov. 14, 2009 Des Moines Fall Classic-IASCA Mini Qualifier Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Ray D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316. 3 Sections (1) RBO (2) Reserve (3) Open. In 3 Sections: RBO: 5SS, G/30 T/D 5, Open to 1199 & under. EF: $10.00 if received by November 12th, $20.00 at site. Prizes: Trophies: U1200, U1000, U800, U600, U400, U200. Rds.: 9:30-10:4512:30-1:45-3:00. Reserve: 4SS, G/75T/D 5, Open to 1599 & under. EF: $20.00 if received by November 12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $40.00-20.00-10.00. U1400 1st $20.00, 2nd $10. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). OpenIASCA Mini-Qualifier: 4SS, G/75 T/D 5, EF: $20.00 if received by November 12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $75.00-40.00-20.00. U1800 1st, $30.00, 2nd $15.00. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). ALL: Memb. Req’d: $15.00. OSA. Reg.: 8:00 to 9:00 am. ENT: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50322. 515-205-8062,
[email protected]. NS NC W. WCL JGP for Reserve and Open only.
Maryland Dec. 5, Catonsville First Saturday Action
See Nationals.
5SS, G/30, EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 12:00-1:45-3:004:15-5:30. Reg.: 11:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, Md. 21228. Two Sections: Open $$b/24 $100$60-$42 U1850 $40 U1550 $40, more per entries. U1200 $$b/12 $50-$25 U1000 $25 b/4 U800 $25 b/4. Bye: 1-4. Info:
[email protected]. Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Balt., MD. 21207. Include USCF ID, rating and section. Checks payable to Joe Summers. PH: 410-788-1009.
Nov. 21, Chess Friends
Dec. 11, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #92 (QC)
Nov. 20-22, 2009 National Youth Action
DoubleTree Hotel: 1909 Spring Road, Oakbrook, Illinois 60523. 4SS, G/60, $1000 b/50 $$ 300-250, U2000 $200, U1600 $150, U1400 $100, Un=top prizes only. Rnds.: 10-12-2-4. USPS $25 by 11/17 ($25 On-Line until 11/20, 6 pm), $30 on site until 9:30 AM. Entries. (Checks payable only to Chess Central): Tim Just, 37165 Willow, Gurnee, Il 60031. Info: 847-244-7954 (before 6 PM), On Line Entries/info: http://nya2009.com/friends.html.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 1st Annual Martinovsky Memorial See Grand Prix.
Dec. 6, Knights Quest #48 4ss, Game/30. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL. 4 Sections: Open (Juniors & Adults), Juniors only in U1400, U1200 & U600. Prizes: Trophies top five each section, medals all others. EF: $25 by 11/30, $30 after. Reg.: 12:00-12:30 pm. Rds.: 1 at 1:00 pm, rest ASAP. Ent: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online Ent/Info: www.rknights.org, Sheila Heiser 847-526-9025.
Dec. 27, Mayor Daley’s Holiday Chess Championship 4ss/ Game/30. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL, 60616. Special parking rate. 4 Sections: Open (adults & Youths), Middle (K8), Elementary (K-5) & Primary (K-2). 100+ Team & Individual Trophies & Awards. EF: $12 by 12/14, $17 after. RDS.: 10, 11:30, 1:30 & 3:00. Ent: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online Ent/Info: www.rknights.org, Sheila Heiser 847-526-9025. No onsite registration. HR: $109, 312-567-1234 Hyatt McCormick Place.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open
5SS, G/15, EF: $8, club members $5. Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10. $$b/24 1st=$50, 2nd=$25, U1800 $12. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD. 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009,
[email protected] Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q/.
Dec. 18, Catonsville Blitz Championship (QC) 6SS, G/10, EF: $15, club members $12. Rds.: 8:00, 8:25, 8:50, 9:15, 9:40, 10:05. Bye: 1-4. Reg.: 7:15pm. $$b/24 $100-$50-$30 U1850 $25 U1550 $25. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009.
[email protected] Website: http://mysite.veri zon.net/vze12d59q.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Massachusetts Nov. 18, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, George Sturgis Memorial
Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Open 4SS, G/75. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. EF: $35, $30 for annual members of the club. MCA Membership Req’d from $5. OSA. PF (b/50): $1500: $200 1st/ $50 2nd in each M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200. Reg: 9 - 9:50. Rds: 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS,
[email protected] JGP.
Dec. 2, December Knights 5SS, G/90. Reg. Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, 6:00 - 6:45pm. Rounds (one per week) 7pm 12/2, 9, 16, 23, 30. 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. info@saint louischessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Dec. 26, Christmas Open 4SS, G/75. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. EF: $30, $20 for annual members of the club. MCA Membership Req’d from $5. OSA. PF (b/45): $900: $150 1st each M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200. Reg: 9 - 9:50. Rds: 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS, info@saintlouis chessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix.
Nevada Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open See Grand Prix.
Dec. 29, North American Blitz (QC) See Grand Prix.
New Hampshire A Heritage Event! A State Championship Event! Nov. 14, New Hampshire Amateur Championship 4SS, G/60.Comfort Inn, 298 Queen City Ave. (exit 4 off I-293), Manchester, NH. 3 Sections: Championship, open to U2100 or Unr. EF: $25 in advance, $31 at site. $$G: $120-60-40; trophies to top 3, top 3 U1850. Intermediate, open to U1750 or Unr. EF: $25 in advance, $31 at site. $$G: $80-50-35; trophies to top 3, top 3 U1500. Novice, open to U1300 or Unr. EF: $22 ($17 to jrs. U21) in advance, $29 at site ($23 jrs. U21). Trophies to top 3, top 3 U1100, top Unr. All, NHCA membership req’d of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult, $6 under 19. Reg.: 8:30-9:35am. Rds.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. Bye: 1-3 (limit 1). Ent: NHCA, c/o Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. #23, Manchester, NH 03103. Info:
[email protected] or (603) 668-8368.
New Jersey International Chess Academy (Fair Lawn, NJ) Chess Classes: Tuesday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Add. 14-25 Plaza Rd. N, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Phone 201797-0330. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250. Email:
[email protected]. Fair Lawn facility offers Advance Chess Training for serious chess players (rating > 1800).
International Chess Academy (Teaneck, NJ) Chess Classes: Monday 6:30 – 7:30 PM, Wednesday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Add. 185 Court Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Phone 201833-1741. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250. Email:
[email protected] facility offers a Summer Chess Camp and Monday night tournaments 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club
Nov. 29, Pillsbury Memorial
Nov. 7, Garden State Scholastic
See Grand Prix.
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. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $20. Reg.: 9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881,
[email protected].
Indiana
3 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA. EF: $12. Reg.: 7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533. NS, NC.
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].
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open (NY)
Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
Missouri
uschess.org
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].
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.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Billerica Friday Night Swiss
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.
Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Saturday night (QC)
5SS, G/110, T/D5. Wachusett Chess Club, McKay Campus School, Room C199, Fitchburg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played; free to Wachusett CC and Mass. Chess Assn. members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420,
[email protected], 978345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org. W. WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix.
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS
[email protected].
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix.
Michigan Nov. 27-29, 2009 Motor City Open See Grand Prix.
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.
Nov. 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.
Nov. 8, ATKM 1600+ 2nd Sunday Swiss See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000, Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Section D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all others. EF: $25 if rec’d by 11/7, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00 AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 732-714-1544 or
[email protected]. Ent: Make checks payable toThe Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF ID# and section.
Nov. 15, Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Tournament Life 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, www.west fieldchessclub.com.
Nov. 19, 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!
Nov. 21, Hamilton Chess Club Quads 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.
Nov. 22, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info. E-mail Stephen at
[email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 22, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship 5SS, G/30, Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade! MORE TROPHIES!!! Grades K-6; Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams - top 3 from each school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Grades 7-12:Trophies to top 10 individuals, top 5 teams; Rds.: 10am and ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/15, $55 at site. USCF mem req’d. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd 1. Info: 732 259-3881,
[email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to NJSCF and send to NJSCF, PO Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08857. Entries must include name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration, mailing address, phone number & entry fee, please include email address. The 1st Place player and team from NJ in each grade will be recognized as the NJ Champion for that grade! Chess sets and boards will be provided! Please bring a chess clock!
Nov. 22, Westfield Grand Prix #500
G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $20. Reg.: 9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881,
[email protected].
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship (PA) See Grand Prix.
Dec. 17, 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@ATKMchessSets. com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a clock!
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open (NY) See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info. E-mail Stephen at
[email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
Dec. 27, Garden State Quads 3RR, 40/80 G/30. Full K. Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Quads open to all. EF: $20. 1st Place $50. Reg.: 9-10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am1:30/pm-4:30/pm. NS, NC, W. Info: Hal Sprechman 732 259-3881.
Dec. 27, Ken’s Last Sunday Quads Note venue change: Dean of Chess Academy, 3160 Route #22, Branchburg, NJ 08876. In 4 player Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then ASAP with lunch break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 or Trophy & EF refund. Current Chess students of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: Ken Thomas,
[email protected], cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships (out of state welcome) See New York.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27, ATKM‘s 4th Friday G/10 Swiss (QC) (6 Rounds) For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/g10. For more info e-mail Stephen at
[email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix.
Nov. 29, Garden State Quads 3RR, 40/80 G/30. Full K. Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Quads open to all. EF: $20. 1st Place $50. Reg.: 9-10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am1:30/pm-4:30/pm. NS, NC, W. Info: Hal Sprechman 732 259-3881.
Nov. 29, Ken’s Last Sunday Quads Dean of Chess Academy, 3160 Route #22, Branchburg, NJ 08876. In 4 player Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then ASAP with lunch break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 orTrophy & EF refund. Current Chess students of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: KenThomas,
[email protected], cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Dec. 5, 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.
Dec. 5, THE GREATER PRINCETON CHAMPIONSHIP Princeton Day School, 650 The Great Road. Trophies to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section.Trophies to all players.Three sections for OVER 1000 begin at 10:15 and must preregister: NEAR MASTERS (K-12 over 1400) and FUTURE MASTERS (Players K-12 over 1200) G/60, 3 rds. CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200) G/45 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. G/30 4 rds. beginning at 12:00 noon. (round times will be accelerated if possible): 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 rated G/30 3 rounds. Preregistration online $40 (On-site 11-12 noon $50). Info and register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin
[email protected].
EF: Non memb $11 more. All $8 more at site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782. WCL JGP.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix.
Nov. 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.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Nov. 29, Grandmaster Challenge (QC) See Grand Prix.
Dec. 1, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200. 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Dec. 3, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, 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.
Dec. 3-17, Marshall CC Thursday Slow Quads 3RR, 30/90, SD/1. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $25, members $15. $50 1st in each quad. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7pm eachThursday. No byes available, do not enter unless able to play all three rounds.
Dec. 4-6 or 5-6, Jerry Simon Memorial Marshall CC Amateur Championship 5SS, 30/90, SD/60, open to U2200/unr. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212477-3716. EF: $35, members $20. ($$400 b/24): 150-100-50, U2000 $51, U1800 $49. Top 10 finishers (plus ties) with plus scores will be eligible to pay for and enter the Marshall CC Championship on December 11 (otherwise, 2200 rating req’d). Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. 2 options: 3-day, rds 7pm Fri., 12n, 5:30pm Sat., 12n, 5:30pm Sun; 2-day (rd. 1 G/45), Reg.: 9:15-9:45am, Rd. 1 10am Saturday, merge rd. 2. One bye avail, request by rd. 3. No reentries. WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 5, 4th Farmingdale CC G/15 (QC)
New York
7SS, G/15. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Open to all U-2300/unr. $: 100% of EFs to be returned as prizes! 1st: 30%, 2nd: 25%, Top U-1800, U-1500, U-1300/unr. 15% each. EF: $25. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10-10:30-11-11:30-12:15-12:45-1:15. 3 byes 1-7. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. NS. W.
The Archangel 8 Chess Academy and Simpson and Simpson LLC, will host a monthly collegiate chess league for undergraduates and graduates students. The chess league will be every third Saturday of the month, held at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street, Buffalo, New York. There is FREE Parking under the Mall and the Food Court is open during tournament play. The Buffalo Collegiate Chess League format will be Five rounds, Swiss System, Game 30. Cash Prizes based upon 10 entries, EF$15.00. Games will be USCF rated. Schedule: Games will start at 10am, Registration will be from 9am until 9:45am. Entry Fee $15 Cash only at the door. Sign Up: Please reply to
[email protected] with full name, USCF Id number, College name and telephone number.
Nov. 8, The Right Move #156 Team and Individual Championship FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). 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). To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email
[email protected] or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
Dec. 5, 12th Annual Greenwich Holiday Open Greenwich Free Library, Academy & Main St. (NYS Rt. 29), Greenwich, NY. 3SS, G/90, EF: $20, Reg.: 9:00- 9:45, 1st rd. 10:00 AM. $$b/14 $80-50-25, U1700 $30, U1400 $20. Info: John Hartnett 518-692-9030,
[email protected].
Dec. 6, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads 3-RR, G/30.The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2 in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Dec. 6, The Right Move #157 Team and Individual Championship FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave., Manhattan, NYC). Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12. Trophies to top 3 in each section except Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points. Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section). To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email
[email protected] or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 7-Jan. 4, 2010 Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
Nov. 17, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$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.
Dec. 6, ICA Early Winter 2009 Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 18-Dec. 16, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
Dec. 6, ICA Early Winter 2009 Scholastic Championship in 5 Sections
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Dec. 10, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, 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.
4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE ATROPHY! US CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR SECTIONS 4 AND 5. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741. E-mail:
[email protected] (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) ADV EF (pmk Dec 2nd) $25 At Site $30. Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 point bye for rnd. 1. Site Address: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice: Open to unrated players K through 2nd grade. Rds: First Round 10:15 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 2 Novice: Open to unrated players K through 4th grade. Rds: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 3 Reserve: Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 4 G/45: Open to players rated below 1200 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60: Open to players rated below 1700 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Membership checks payable to: International Chess Academy Mail To: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS, NC, W.
Dec. 6, Westfield Quads
Nov. 22, Studio November Quad
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 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, www.west fieldchessclub.com.
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: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Nov. 23-Dec. 21, 22nd Nassau Amateur
Dec. 23-Jan. 20, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2 sections. Amateur: U2000/UR. EF: $33 by 11/21. $$ (435 b/15) 195, U1800, 1600 each 120. Booster: U1400/UR. EF: $18 by 11/21. $$ (140 b/10) 80, U1200/UR 60. All:
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$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.
Dec. 12, Garden State Scholastic Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS,
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Chess Life — November 2009
Nov. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix.
Nov. 21, 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.
Dec. 11-13, 19-20, Edward Lasker Memorial and 93rd Annual Marshall Chess Club Championship
Nov. 21-22 or 22, 2nd Annual “What-A-Turkey” Open!
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 12, Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix
Nov. 22, Binghamton Monthly Tourney
See Grand Prix.
FREE USCF ONLINE MEMBERSHIP ($29 VALUE) WITH ENTRY FEE. 4 ROUND SS, GAME/60. Reg.: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. ENTRY: $35 Cash only on site. Please register in advance if possible. (Checks payable to “Cordisco’s Corner Store.”) Rounds: 9:15, 11:45, 2:15, 4:30. Prizes: Guaranteed. Open Section. 1st- $130, 2nd - $70, 3rd- $30. Trophies 1st - 3rd. Under 1700. 1st- $65, 2nd$30. Trophies 1st - 4th. Please bring clocks. Cordisco’s Chess Center. 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) 772-8782.
[email protected].
Dec. 15, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club See Grand Prix.
Dec. 17, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
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Dec. 26, 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.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27, Grandmaster Challenge See Grand Prix.
Dec. 31, (23rd Annual!) Your Last Blunder Of 2009! See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, 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.
Jan. 2-3 or 3, Happy New Year Open! See Grand Prix.
Jan. 5, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Jan. 7, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, 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.
Jan. 7-Feb. 11, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss 6SS, 30/90, SD/120. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only. EF: $30. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday Byes ok, limit 3, request before round 4. WCL JGP.
Jan. 8-Feb. 5, Queens Winter Open See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9, New York Winter Game/45! See Grand Prix.
Jan. 10, NY Winter Under 1800! 4-SS, G/50. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $30, $5 less if also entering 1/9 Winter G/45, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 1/7. $$ (480 b/32 paid entries): 150-100-50 ($75 limit to Unr.), top U1600 $95, top U1400 $85. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-2-4-6 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. $10 extra to “enter” by phone!
Jan. 11-Feb. 8, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
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b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Jan. 14, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, 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.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY Junior High Championship - USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/94 not yet in 10th grade. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $48.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1500, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1200 or unrated. EF: $48.50 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $48.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 1012-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-30 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 31st Annual Greater NY Primary Championship 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/00 in grades 3/below. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $46.60 post-
marked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top rated U900, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. K-1, open to grade 1/below. EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 45 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter. cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. Onsite entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-30 only: 212-9710101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event! Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY Elementary Championship--USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/31/97 not yet in 7th grade. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $47.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $47.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt,
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Tournament Life enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event! Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY High School Championship - USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 1/31/90. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $49.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 7-9 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score; no combined schools, even if one school “feeds” another). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
Feb. 26-28, 4th annual Saratoga Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each section are NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 6 sections, each is a 6SS, G/60 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Feb 28 only. High School, grades K-12. EF $38 mailed by 2/5. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for DenkerTournament of HS Champions. Junior High, grades K-9. EF $37.90 mailed by 2/5. Elementary, grades K-6. EF $37.60 mailed by 2/5. Elementary Novice, grades K-6 under 800 or unrated. EF $37.50 mailed by 2/5. Primary, grades K-3. EF $37.30 mailed by 2/5. K-1, grades K-1. EF $37.10 mailed by 2/5. Postmarked 2/6-16: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $40 by 2/6, $50 by 2/22. No online entry after 2/22. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sections: EF $45 by 2/6, $55 by 2/22. No phone entry after 2/22. Entry at site: all $60. Trophies to top 20 players, top 3 Unrated, and top 8 teams each section and top each U1400, U1200, U1000 (HS), U1200, U1000, U800 (JHS), U1000, U800 (Elem), U600, U400 (Elem Novice). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2010 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:30. K-1 schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-1:30-3-4:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for room cancellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, 2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members enclose dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from advance list charged $60. Questions: chesstour.com, 845496-9658. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
North Carolina Dec. 5, QCCA Winter Scholastic A Queen City Chess Association Sponsored Event! 4-SS, G/45. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Two Sections: K-4 and K-12.Trophies to 1st-5th place and medals 6-10th place in each section. EF: $10 if postmarked by 11/25. $15 later and on site. Registration onsite 8-9AM only! Schedule:
Rounds at 9:30-Noon-2-4. Entries: Send to: Fabio Hurtado, 2269 Elendil Lane, Charlotte, NC 28269. Make checks to “QCCA”. Info: www.queencitychess.com for registration form and more details.
Dec. 5-6, Greater Charlotte Championship—A Queen City Chess Association Sponsored Event! See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 15, Beachwood November Scholastic
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes: Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:0012:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson,
[email protected], 216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
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/.
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, 18th Annual Kings Island Open
Nov. 21, House of Chess Open 4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM. Rds.: 11:30-1:15-3:305:15. Prizes (b/25): Open 1st $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve (U1600) 1st $100. Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail:
[email protected]. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21, Ohio Scholastic K-12 Grade Level Championships 5SS in 13 Sections. Student Health & Activities Center (SHAC), Toledo Campus of Owens Community College. Play only those in your grade. Open to Ohio students only. Sections: One for each Grade. Grades K-2, G30 all rounds. Grades 3-6, Rds 1-4 G30, Rd5 G45. Grades 7-12, Rds 1-4 G45, Rd5 G60. Grades 4-12 require USCF memberships. Accelerated pairings may be used. EF: $25 by 11/7/09 and $35 by 11/18/09. Students receiving free or reduced lunch: $10 by 11/7/09 and $15 by 11/18/09. No On-Site Registrations. Doors Open 8AM. Rd1 to begin at 10AM. Prizes:Trophies to top 3/8 of individuals and 3/8 teams in each section.Teams consist of 2 or more players in the same grade from the same school. Only top 3 scores count toward team score. Info: Visit www.ohio scholasticchess.org. Email: Tournament Organizer – Beth.Yingling@road runner.com.
Nov. 21-22, 4th Annual Early Turkey Open 5SS, Time Controls: Rds. 1 & 2 are G/75, td/5, then Rds. 3, 4, 5 are Game/2hr30min, td/5. $650 b/32 paid entries, re-entries $15 count as 1/2 entry. Prizes: OPEN: $225-125. U1800: $200-100. USCF Rated. One bye permitted – sign up by end of round 1. Reg.: Sat: 9:00-10:30 am. Rds.: Sat – 11-2-5:30, Sun – 9:30-3:00. Sections: OPEN and U1800. EF: $25/$35 adv/after 11/19. DCC mbr disc. $3. EF refunded to 2200 and up if they complete the schedule. Site/Mail EF’s to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402. Go to www.daytonchessclubcom or call 937.461.6283 for more information. WCL JGP.
Nov. 28, Tryptophan Open, Reynoldsburg 4-SS, G/75. New Song Comm Church, 13873 National Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. EF: $25 by 11/27, then $30. 3 Sections: Open, Select/U1700, Reserve/U1400. Prizes: $870 b/40: Open 160-120 U1850 100; Select 120-80 U1550 50; Reserve 100-60 U1250 50; best chess apparel $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:30, Rds.: 10-1-3:45-6:45. Info: www.neilley.com/chess,
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
Dec. 5, CWRU Winter Open 4SS, G/45. Nord Hall, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Located on south side of Euclid, behind street level buildings. Free parking off westbound MLK, go upstairs to site. EF: $25 at site. Sections: Open, U1600. Prizes (b/30): Open, 1st 200, 2nd 100, U1900 100. U1600, 1st 100. Reg.: 9-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00, 12:15, 2:15, 4:00. Info: Mike Joelson,
[email protected], 216-3217000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Dec. 12, Toledo Dec Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75, Rnds. 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave.,Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 12/10 $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.
Dec. 20, Beachwood December Scholastic 4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes: Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:0012:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson,
[email protected], 216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Jan. 9, Toledo Jan Swiss 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 1/7 $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.
Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, 33rd Cardinal Open
Oklahoma
LAND OF THE SKY XXIII
Nov. 21-22, Get Your FIDE rating - Open
January 29-31, 2010 (80 GPP) Asheville, NC
[email protected] Nov. 27-29, 1st Thanksgiving FIDE Open
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
Oregon Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N) See Grand Prix.
Chess Life — November 2009
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! North Penn Chess Club Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchess club.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.
Ohio
See Grand Prix.
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Pennsylvania
Nov. 14, 8th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Fall 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 Nov 11th, $30 later & on site. Prizes: Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600, UNR. NonRated Trophies b/o age. Please bring chess equipment. Random draw prizes between rounds. Ent: Online reg: forms at www.northampton.edu/CommunityPrograms/Horizons-For-Youth/Special-Events-and-Partnerships.htm or call Holly at 610-861-4120. 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 Bruce Davis (Chief TD),
[email protected].
Nov. 21, 2009 Thanksgiving LVCA Grand Prix See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 2009 PA State Junior Championships 5SS. 53 Trophies! (49 Individual, 4 Team). Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 7 sections: 2-day (Sat & Sun): Ages 16 to 20 Open, Ages 13 to 15 Open, Ages 9 to 12 Open. EF: $18 by 11/13, $28 later. TL: G/90. Reg ends 9:30. Rds.: 10-1:30-5, 11-2:30. 1-day (Sun only): Ages 8 & Under Open, Ages 9-20 U900, Ages 9-20 U600, Ages 8 & Under U600. EF: $15 by 11/13, $25 later.TL: G/40. Reg ends 10:30. Rds.: 11-12:30-2-3:30-5. All: Trophies 1st-7th, additional medallions, teams of 4 to 7 combined from all sections, Trophies 1st-2nd schools, clubs. PSCF required $5, OSA. Info: 412-908-0286,
[email protected] Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. W. WCL JGP in 2-Day only.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 2009 Welsh S. White PA State Senior Championship 5SS, G/120. Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Open to ages 50 & Up. $$ (420G): 120-80, Ages 65 & Up $70, U1800 $60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40.Trophies to Champion &Top Ages 65 & Up. EF: $30 by 11/13, $40 later, PSCF required $5, OSA. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 102:30. Info: 412-908-0286. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. W.
Nov. 27, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) 5SS, G/30, open to under 900 or unrated. Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel (see National Chess Congress). EF: $20. Special 1 year USCF dues if paid with EF, including paper magazine: Adult $30, Senior $25, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Prizes $100-50-30-20. Reg. 12:30-1:30 pm, rds. 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00, 8:30. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Half point bye available rd 1. Ent: at site only, no checks, credit cards OK. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress See Grand Prix.
Nov. 29, National Chess Congress Blitz (QC) See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event! Dec. 5, 30th Abel Bomberault Memorial 4SS, G/60. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $20 postmarked by 12/1, $25 later, $4 extra to play up one section, $3 discount to PCC members. 2 Sections: Championship, open to 1800-up: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U2000. Reserve Section, open to U1800: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U1600 - 1st U1400 - 1st U1200/Unrated. Reg.: 99:45am. Rds.: 10 - 12:30 - 3 - 5:30. Info: 412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org. Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde Kapinos, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC, W.
Dec. 5, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads 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.
Dec. 6, December Crush 4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 12/2; $27 online by noon 12/4; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections for unrated players.
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship See Grand Prix.
Dec. 13, PCL December 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.
Dec. 19, 2009 Christmas LVCA Grand Prix See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, 2010 LVCA Scholastic K-12 Championship (9 Trophies) 5-SS, G/30. EF: $30, $35 CASH ONLY after 12/30/09 AT SITE. Trophy’s to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,Top U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, UNR, FREE ENTRY TO UNRAT-
uschess.org
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EDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues, Drawings for $100 in Door Prizes. Rds.: 1011:30-12:45-2-3:30. Reg.: Ends 9:30am. Site: St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. Ent: Mail to: “Bruce Davis”, 1208 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, Ph. 610-625-0467, E-mail: bdavis@lehighvalley chess.org. Info: www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Jan. 2, 2010 New Year LVCA Grand Prix See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open See Grand Prix.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island Cranston-Warwick CC Monthly Every Tuesday. 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! 5thTuesday extra rated games and events. One bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.cranston chess.org, 401-575-1520. WCL JGP.
Every Thursday Blackstone Chess Thursday Swiss 3SS, G/90-10s. Blackstone Chess Center, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. EF: $15, members $12, IM/GM free. Side games $5. Reg: 7-7:30pm. Starts 1st or 2nd Thursday each month. Side events otherThursdays. One bye rd 1-2. Prizes based on entries. Info: blackstonechess.com, 1.877.747.6464.
Nov. 21, 2009 Rhode Island Open 4SS, G/75. Blackstone Chess Academy, 250 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Sections & Prizes: $1000 b/40 Open, U1900, U1500. Trophies each section. EF: $35 Advance by 11/19, $40 at site. BCA members-$35. Reg.: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. NO EMAIL REG. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. Register online: www.richess.org. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Tennessee A Heritage Event! Nov. 28, 49th Mid-South Open 4SS, G/60, Two Sections: Open and Under 1200, Open: EF: $15 by 11/21, $20 at door, $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150, top U1600: $50. Under 1200: EF: $10 by 11/21, $15 at door,Trophies to top 6. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Memphis,TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registration (11/28): 8-9:30am. Rounds: 10-1-3-5. Entries: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com,
[email protected].
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.
Texas Nov. 7-8, Dallas Amateur and Novice 5SS, G/120. Dallas CC, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr. #A, Richardson, TX 75080. EF: $25 ($20 Jr/Sr/Hcap), plus $5 non-DCC mbr fee. $$ Prizes based on entries. Amateur: Open to U1800. Novice: Open to U1400 and unrated. Reg.: 9:4510:15am. Rds.: 10:45-3:10-7:16, 10:00-3:10. Two half-point Byes if requested before rd 2 (and if requested before receiving a full point bye). Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000,
[email protected]. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Nov. 7-8, Dallas Open See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, Scholastic Turkey Tournament 5SS, G/30 No delay. Sloan Creek Chess Club, Sloan Creek Middle School, 440 Country Club Road, Fairview, TX 75069. EF: $15 if registered by Nov. 4, 2009; $30 after 11/04/09. On site registration $30 at 8:30-9:00am with 1/2 point bye for R1. R1 at 9:00am, all others ASAP with short lunch break. ScholasticTurkey Chess Tournament Grades K-12. Sections: Primary K - 3rd Grades U500 (USCF & JTP); Primary K - 3rd Grades Open (USCF & JTP); USCF Members: 4th - 12th Grades U500; USCF Members: 4th - 12th Grades 500-U800; USCF Members 4th - 12th Grades 800+; and a “Not to Be Rated” Section 4th - 12th Grade. (Primary Sections do not require USCF memberships due to USCF’s “JTP” classification). Individual Trophies in Sections: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place Trophies awarded in each section and 4th place winners in each section receive a frozen turkey! All pre-registered participants will receive aTurkeyTournament Certificate of Participation. Team Trophies: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd PlaceTeamTrophies based on cumulative scores of all rated sections including Primary Sections. Email:
[email protected] or for a registration application: http://scms. lovejoyisd.net/MP.cfm?P=4358&.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas 9-12 Grade Championships 5SS, Grade 9-10 G/120. Grade 11-12 G/90 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston,TX 77010. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, mentionTexas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. The 9-12 is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 3 separate tournaments, one per grade 9, one per grade 10 and one for grades 11-12 (combined). Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) Winner of 11th - 12th Grade Section wins a 4 year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas, worth up to $43,000. Scholarship winner must meet UTD entrance requirements and follow team rules. EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email:
[email protected]. 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a 1/2 pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9, 1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One 1/2 pt bye avail-
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able, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Online registration(active.com charges a fee.): www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796640. Limited number of Team rooms available, www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team.Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35 pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W.WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas Collegiate Championships 5SS, G/90, 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. College section open to any college player. Only Texas Colleges can be Texas Collegiate Champs. Plaques to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school.) EF: $42 if postmarked by 11/13. $62 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email:
[email protected]. 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a 1/2 pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9,1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Online registration (active.com charges a fee.): www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796645. Limited number of Team rooms available, www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W. FIDE. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event! Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas K-8 Grade Championships 6SS, Rds 1-3 G/45, Rds 4-6 G/60. George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston,TX. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010 mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. The K-8 is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 9 separate tournaments, one per grade (K-8).Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email:
[email protected]. 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat. 11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a 1/2 pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9:30-12:00-2:05-4:10. Sun. rds 10-1:15. 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. Online registration (active.com charges a fee): www.active.com/event_ detail.cfm?event_id=1796640. Limited number of Team rooms available, www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm.This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse OpenTournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35 pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W.
Nov. 27, 2009 DFW K-12 Championships 5-SS, G/30. DFW Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle, 3300 Championship Parkway, Fort Worth,TX 76177. Opened to K-12.Two Rated Sections: Champ. and U1000. EF: $22 if received by 11/20, $28 at site. Reg.: 8:00-8:30 am. Rd 1 Pairings at 9:00 am rest ASAP with short lunch break. $$Trophies Champ. - top 10 ind, top 5 teams, U1000 -Top 10 ind, top 5 teams, top 3 unrated. One Not Rated Section: K-12 Not rated. This section is not rated but is opened to both rated and nonrated players. EF: $12 by 11/20 else $17. $$trophies for not rated section - Top 7 individual, top 3 Teams. HR: $94-94, (888)-236-2427, reserve by 10/26 or rate may increase, mention Dallas Chess. Make Checks payable to: Dallas Chess Club. US Chess Federation Membership is required Except for not rated section. Online Registration: www.active.com/event_ detail.cfm?event_id=1796364. Note that active.com charges a small fee. Ent: Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. (Make Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club) Ph: 214.632.9000. E-mail:
[email protected] NS, NC, W.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 9th Annual Ken Smith Memorial Open See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28-29, San Antonio Turkey Shoot Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 7SS, G/60. $$1,100 b/40: $250-150; A, B, U1600, U1400/unr. ea. $100-$75. EF: $30 if rec’d by 11/25, $35 at site. Junior (18/under) or Senior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward based-on): $20 by 11/25, $25 at site. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 11-1:30-47, 10-12:30-3. Half-pt. bye any 2 rds. (except BOTH 6 & 7), notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes,TX 78023. Info: www.sanantoniochess.com, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W.
Dec. 5, 2009 Dallas Junior Open 5-SS, (rds 1-3 G/35, rds 4-5 G/50). Dallas CC, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr. #A, Richardson, TX 75080. EF: $15 if received by 12/30, $20 at site. Reg.: 8:30-9 am. 3 sections: Champ (opened to 20 yrs old and under), Cadet (opened to 14 yrs old and under), Youth (opened to 10 yrs old and under). Ages as of 1/1/09. Rd 1 at 9:20 am rest ASAP. $$50% of entry fees. One half-point Bye if requested before end of rd 2 (and if requested before receiving a full point bye). Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000,
[email protected]. NS, NC.
Dec. 27-30, 2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships See Nationals.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, JG’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Class Championships University ofTexas at Dallas, Galaxy Rooms At Student Union, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson,TX 75080. 5SS, G/120, Rd 1 of 2 day is G/60. In 7 Sections Under 2200: Open to 2199 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but are ineligible for prizes. Under 2000: Open to 1999 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds: Open to 1599 & under. Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win unrated prizes that are determined by unrated entry fees. The unrated entry fees do not apply for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. Under 1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. Under 1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. ALL: $$ 60% returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd and 10% for 3rd.). EF: $49 by 1/6/10, Juniors U19/Seniors Over 65/Handicap $30 by 1/6/10. Else $65 or Jr/Sr/Hcap $40. Please do not mail after Jan 6th. Register online until Jan 12th: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_ id=1796626.Two 1/2 pt. byes if requested before rd 2, but byes for both round 4 and round 5 is not allowed. Two schedules: 3 day and 2 day. 3 day Onsite Registration: 1/15: 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Rounds: Fri 7:20 pm, Sat 12:30 pm - 5:15 pm, Sun 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 2 day Onsite Registration: 1/16: 8:00 - 8:30 am. Rounds: Sat 9 am then merge with 3 day. Park on metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitor’s parking. Due to contruction, check website for parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites Richardson, 250 Municipal Dr., Richardson,TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR: $79 for 1 bedroom will pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bedroom plus pullout couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems booking your room, please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel room. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000 INFO: Barb Swafford,
[email protected], www.swchess.com. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-17, JG’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters See Grand Prix.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.
Virginia Nov. 6, 13, 20, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder 30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. 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/arlingtonchess club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Contact: Adam Chrisney 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.
Nov. 14, Kingstowne Quad #60/Action-Plus #32 Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. 2 Events. Quad #60: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 11/11, $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 #32: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if received by 11/11, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
[email protected]. W.
Nov. 21, Thanksgiving Grand Prix See Grand Prix.
Nov. 21-22, 17th David Zofchak Memorial 5SS, 1&2 G/2, 3-5 30/75, SD/1. Holiday Inn, 1815 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton. EF: $40 if rec’d. by 11/18, else $50. $900 b/50: $150-$130-$110; 1500-1800 & Unr. $100-$75: 1200-1499 $100-$75, U1200 $75-$50. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rds.: Sat: 9:45-2:00-7, Sun: 9:30-2:45. MBR: VCF $10. HR: 1-4 $79 757-838-0200. Ent: Ernie Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. (757)853-5296. www.vachess.org. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder 30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchess club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info:
[email protected] No advance entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. WCL JGP.
Dec. 5-6, 2009 Arlington Chess Club Championship See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9, Kingstowne Quad #61/Action-Plus #33 Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. 2 Events. Quad #61: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 1/6, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #33: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if received by 1/6, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 9:30-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
[email protected]. W.
Jan. 29-31, Springfield Open See Grand Prix.
Dec. 11-13, 2009 National Scholastic K-12 Championship
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Nationals.
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 26-27, 2009 DCC Insanity
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Chess Life — November 2009
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Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Wisconsin A Heritage Event! Nov. 27-29, 51st North Central Open/William Martz Memorial Radisson Hotel, N14 W24140Tower Place, Pewaukee, WI 53072. (262) 506-6300, $79/night. EF: $40 if received by 11-25, $45 after 11-25. $3 discount for juniors and new members. TC: 4-SS, 40/120, SD/1. Round 5 G/120. On site registration: from 9:30am-11am. Rounds: 11/27-28,12pm&6pm. 11/29 10am&3pm. Prizes (B/50): 1st $200, 2nd $150, A $100, B $95, C $90, D$85, E $80, U1000 $75, upset $45. Half point byes available, two at most.comp entry
to masters. Entries to: (WCA), P.O. Box 259822, Madison, WI 53725. www.wischess.org. Questions: Ask for Guy (608)262-0308 between 11am-6pm, mailto:
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
28 Singleton Ct., Madison, WI 53711. INFO: Dennis Kosterman, (608)7703133,
[email protected]. HR: $69 (Block held until 12/7) (608)-244-2481. www.wischess.org. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
Dec. 19-20, The Wisconsin Memorial 5SS, 45/2,25/1,SD/1 (45/2,SD/1 Round 4 only), Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 3841 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704. EF: $21 (Juniors $17) by Dec. 15. $3 more later or on site. $$b/50 and 4 per class: $125-85. A - $70; B $60; C - $60; D - $50; E - $40; U1000 - $30; Unr - $30; Upset - $50. Reg.: 99:30 A.M. Dec. 19. Rds.: 10:00-2:30-7:30; 10:00-3:30. ENT: Dennis Kosterman,
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 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. Would you like to play chess online and make friends with people from around the world? You are cordially invited to join Chess Association: http://www.chess.com/groups/home/chess-associa tion?ref_id=1619145.
For Sale 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. * WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS * *The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably the finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.; 1021 Production Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758. *Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070; email:
[email protected]. World’s largest collection of scanned chess e-books, magazines, checkmates & tactic puzzles www.tobychess.com Chess Art Paintings. www.rogermorinartgallery.com AUTOGRAPHED Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess Book: poor condition. Signature: bold, clean. Offers, questions: Jonathan Befus/PO Box 150076/Grand Rapids MI/49515. Unique holiday gift: Magic: Endorsed by GM Lev Alburt, ICM John Elburg and FM Alex Dunne. Best Odds game ever. Best Individual Game For Instructional Aid (Q & A format) Over 300 Diagrams. Supersedes all Ng5 TKD books + Anti-English, Anti-Reti, Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT FULLY SATISFIED. Just return undamaged book for full refund. $19.95 + $5 S&H. Autographed (non-refundable) $24.95. Addendum Ng5:TKD $5 (Non-refundable) Richard Moody 777 Treadlemire Rd. Berne, N.Y. 12023 Seventy (70) Staunton sets for sale. Great money makers! Email:
[email protected]. Address: Colmac, PO Box 48299, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.
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.
Visit www.taoofthechessboard.com Say yes to chess, to life and to joy.
Instruction TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE With more than 40 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. 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. 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
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 ChessTeams! 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,
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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 $395. Satisfaction guaranteed. Write to: A. G. Pader, PO Box 1908, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741. 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] VIRTUAL CHESS OPENINGS www.chessopenings.com The most comprehensive chess opening reference in the world!
U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). (1) Title of publication: Chess Life. (1) Publication number: 102-840. (3) Date of filing: September 18, 2009 (4) Frequency of issue: Monthly. (5) No. of issues published annually: 12. (6) Annual subscription price: $50. (7) Complete mailing address of known office of publication (street, city, county, state, and ZIP code) (Not printers): P.O. Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557 (8) Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office of the publisher (Not printers): PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. (9) Full names/complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor (this item must not be blank). Publisher (name/complete mailing address): Bill Hall, USCF, PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Editor (name/complete mailing address): Daniel Lucas, P.O. Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Managing Editor (name and complete mailing address): same as above. (10) Owner. (If owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately there under the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a partnership or other incorporated firm, its name and address, as well as that of each individual must be given. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, its name and address must be stated.) (Do not leave blank.): United States Chess Federation, PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. (11) Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities (if there are none, so state): none. (12) For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates section 423.12, DMM only). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and tax exempt status for Federal income tax purposes (check one): þ has not changed during preceding 12 months; ¨ has changed during preceding 12 months. (If changed, publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.) (13) Publication Name: Chess Life. (14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2009. (15) Extent and nature of circulation. (a) Total number copies printed (net press run): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 45,460; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 36,238 (b) Paid and/or requested circulation: (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 39,651; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 32,560. (2) Paid in-county subscriptions (include advertiser’s proof copies/exchange copies): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales (not mailed): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 970; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,595. (4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS (e.g. First Class Mail): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 623; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 543. (C) Total paid distribution (sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4),: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 41,244; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 35,698. Free or nominal rate distribution; (15d (1), (2), (3); average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. 15d (4); average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 27; actual number of copies of single published nearest to filing date, 27. (e) Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4): 27; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 27 . (f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 41,271; average number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 35,725. (g) Copies not distributed: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 4,189; average number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 513. (h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g) average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 45,460; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 36,238. (i) Percent paid. 15c divided by 15f × 100), per cent on average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 99.9; per cent on actual no. copies of single issue published nearest filing date, 99.9. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership. Publication of this statement will be printed in the November 2009 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete (signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner): Bill Hall (sig.), Publisher. P.S. Form 3526, September 2007.
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Solutions
Chess to Enjoy Problem I.
1. ... Qh3 2. Nf1 Re5! and the threat of 3. ... Rh5 (followed by 4. ... Nxh2 or 4. ... Qxh2+! 5. Nxh2 Rxh2 mate) wins. Problem II.
Black ends the attack with 1. ... Qe8!, threatening 2. ... Qxg6, e.g. 2. Rxf6 Bxh6 or 2. Rxg7+ Rxg7 3. Qxf6 Rg1 mate. Problem III.
1. ... Qg6!, e.g. 2. Rg1 Bxe4+ or 2. f3 Qg2 mate or 2. Bf3 Ng7! 3. Qd4 Bxd3 4. Rxe8 Rxe8 5. Rg1 Be4. Problem IV.
1. ... Rd8! threatens a killing ... Rd1+, e.g. 2. Qa4 Qe1+ and mates, or 2. Be3 Rd1+ 3. Bg1 Qxf3! 4. gxf3 Bxf3 mate. Problem V.
1. ... Qc1! followed by ... Qxc8, ... Qc7+ or ... Rh1+. The game ended with 2. Be6+ Kh8 3. Qxd4 Qc7+ 4. Rg3 Nh5. Problem VI.
1. Qc3+ Kf7 (not 1. ... Kh6 2. Nxf5+! gxf5 3. Qf6 mate or 2. ... Kg5 3. h4+ and mates) 2. g5! wins. For example, 2. ... Kxe7 3. Qf6 mate; 2. ... Qxe7 3. Bb3+ Kf8 4. Qh8 mate or 2. ... Rd8 3. Nxc6 bxc6 4. Bb3+ Ke8 5. Qh8+ Ke7 6. Qe5+ Kf8 7. Rxd6! cxd6 8. Qh8+ Ke7 9. Qg7+ Ke8 10. Qg8+ and mates.
What’s The Best Move? A. Black quit too soon after 1. Qe5!? but he could have soldiered on with 1. ... Qc3! 2. Qxc3 (if 2. Rxg7 Qf3+ draws) 2. ... Bxc3. B. Believe it or not, even more deadly (though less flashy) is 1. Qxb4 cxb4 2. Rc1 Bf6 3. Rcc7 Bxe7 4. Rxe7 with Be5+ looming. C. Unconvincing is 1. Rxg7 Qxe1+ 2. Rxe1 Kxg7 3. Be5+ Kh6 4. f4 b5.
1. B. Imre Balog-Endre Vegh, Bulgaria 2008.
2. C. Reinhart Fuchs-Boris Spassky, Sochi
A. Anyone might be snookered by 1. Nxf6+?! Nxf6 2. Rxd6 which was refuted by 2. ... Rbd7! Bxf6 Rxd6 4. Bxd8 Rxd8 and White resigned a piece down. B. Unsound is 1. Rh3? fxg5 2. Rxh5+ gxh5 3. Qxh5+ Nh6. C. The modest retreat 1. Bc1! poses real problems. One possible variation is 1. ... Nc6 (curtains is 1. ... gxf5? 2. Qxh5+ Kg7 3. Rg3+ Kf8 4. Bh6+ Nxh6 5. Qxh6+ Ke8 6. Nxf6+) 2. Rg3! Nd4 (if 2. ... Qe8 3. Nh4 g5 4. Bxg5 fxg5 5. Rxg5 is crushing) 3. Rxd4! cxd4 4. Nh4! Qf7 5. Nxg6 Qxg6 6. Rxg6 Kxg6 7. Qf3 and wins.
1966.
3. C. Aleksei Litwak-Viacheslav Savchenko, Dortmund 2009.
A. The players agreed to a draw after 1. ... Kd6 2. Kf3 though Black can still win with 2. ... Kc5. B. Inaccurate is 1. ... Kd4? 2. d6 d2 3. d7 d1=Q 4. d8=Q+ Kc3 5. Qxd1. C. Decisive is 1. ... Kb4! 2. d6 d2 3. Ke2 Kc3 4. d7 f3+! 5. Kd1 f2 6. Ke2 f1=Q+! 7. Kxf1 d1=Q+. 4. B. Sergei Volkov-Robert Zelcic, Greece 2008.
A. Only one move doesn't lose, but Black perished after 1. ... Rxb3? 2. Rxd6 Rb1+ 3. Rd1 c4 4. Qc2. B. The only defense is 1. ... Ra6! inviting 2. Bc7!? Qc8! (but not 2. ... Qa8? 3. Rxd6 Rxa4 4. bxa4) 3. Qxa6? Qxa6 4. Rxd6 Qa1+ 5. Kg2 h6. C. Inadequate is 1. ... Rb7? 2. Qc6 Be7 (if 2. ... Bf8 3. Rd8; or 2. ... Bc7 3. Rd7) 3. Rd8+! Qxd8 (if 3. ... Bxd8 4. Qe8 mate) 4. Bxd8 and wins.
Endgame Lab – Benko’s Bafflers Problem I. A: 1. Nb3 d1=Q 2. Nc5+ Ka5 3. Bd2+ Qxd2 4. Nb3+ wins. B: 1. Nc2 d1=Q 2. Nb4+ Ka5 3. Nd3+ Ka4 4. Nb2+ wins.
Problem II. 1. Kg4 e2 1. ... d2 2. Kf3 Kd3 3. Ra1 e2 4. Ra3+ Kc2 5. Ra2+ Kc1 6. Ra1+ Kb2 7. Kxe2 Draw. 2. Rc1+ Kd4 3. Kf3 d2 4. Rc4+ Kd3 5. Rd4+! Kxd4 6. Kxe2 Kc3 7. Kd1 Kd3 draws.
Solitaire Chess – ABCs of Chess Mating net: After 1. ... Qxf3+!, it’s mate next move. Problem I.
Trapping: White’s knight falls to 1. ... h4. Problem II.
Mating attack: White is up the creek after 1. ... Qh3+. If 2. Kf3, then 2. ... Bg4+. If 2. Kg1, then 2. ... Bg4 followed by 3. ... Bf3. Problem III.
Mating net: The capture 1. ... Qxg3 is most definitely mate. Problem IV.
Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Be7+ 2. Qg5 Rh3. Problem V.
Mating net: White gets mated: 1. ... Be7+ 2. Bg5 Bxg5 3. Kxg5 Qe7. Problem VI.
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 USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 11. 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
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