Chess Life - February 2009

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ext. 189

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Chess Life — February 2009

uschess.org

Contributors WIM Elizabeth Vicary (“Looks at Books,” p. 16) is an expert rated player, teacher, and chess coach in Brooklyn, New York. She maintains a chess blog at lizzyknowsall.blogspot.com.

GM Larry Kaufman (“World Senior,” p. 18) is America’s newest grandmaster (he became an international master [IM] in 1980), was a chess software developer and magazine editor from 1986 to 1995, and has been a chess teacher/writer/ competitor since. His tournament successes span a forty year period, from the American Open champi onship in 1966 to the Virginia Open and Delaune Memorial championships in 2006. He was chairman of the USCF ratings committee in the 1980s, and has been the world's top ranked non Japanese Shogi player for the past quarter century. He has three children, one of whom, Raymond, has recently made his first IM norm. He is the author of “The Chess Advantage in Black and White.”

GM Josh Friedel (“Pan Am Continental,” p. 22) is the 2007 Samford fellowship recipient and a frequent contributor for Chess Life Online.

Zachary Kinney, Major, USAF, Ret. (“U.S. Armed Forces Open,” p. 26) is a retired major in the U.S. Air Force and the unofficial historian of the U.S. Armed Forces. Jerry Hanken (“American Open,” p. 28) is a frequent contributor with over 100 Chess Life articles carrying his byline since 1975 and is the president of the Chess Journalists of America. FM Mike Klein (“Olympiad,” p. 32) is a frequent contributor to Chess Life.

February on uschess.org Indiana Preview

Look for coverage of the U.S. Junior Chess Congress in Andersen, Indiana (February 28 March 1), which will be a welcome preview of the even larger chess festival that will go down in Indianapolis: the U.S. Open, August 1 9.

Grandmaster Chess Escape

It’s not getting any warmer unless like GM Pascal Charbonneau, you escape to Bermuda for the USCF rated International Open (January 30 February 1). If you’re not lucky enough to be there this year, check CLO for games, photos and a blog from Pascal.

Amateur Team Extravaganza

The Match is on!

After a long series of negotiations that left many fans wondering if the Kamsky Topalov match would materialize, the match is set for Sofia, Bulgaria from February 16 28. Look out for onsite blogs by GM Ian Rogers. The winner will play Anand for the world championship.

uschess.org

Look out for games and blogs from all four amateur team competitions over President’s Day weekend, the East (Parsipanny, New Jersey), the West (Woodland Hills, California), the North (Waukesha, Wisconsin) and the South (Orlando, Florida). Bloggers will include USCF publications chair Jonathan Hilton and 11th grade champion Abby Marshall (photo, left). Chess Life — February 2009

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February Chess Life Columns 12 CHESS TO ENJOY Stop the Presses! By GM Andy Soltis

14 SOLITAIRE CHESS Sammy the Position Player By Bruce Pandolfini

16 LOOKS AT BOOKS The Diversity of Chess Teaching

By WIM Elizabeth Vicary

17 WHAT’S THE BEST MOVE? Practical Problem Themes By GM Larry Evans

44 BACK TO BASICS The Roller Coaster By GM Lev Alburt

46 ENDGAME LAB White to Play and Twin By GM Pal Benko

Departments PREVIEW

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COUNTERPLAY

8

FIRST MOVES

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USCF HISTORY

43 USCF AFFAIRS 51 TOURNAMENT LIFE

32 | COVER STORY

Bronze Times Two! By FM Mike Klein

The U.S. Men’s and Women’s Olympiad teams both bring home a bronze medal, knocking off some powerhouse teams in the process.

70 CLASSIFIEDS

18 | 2008 WORLD SENIOR

71 SOLUTIONS

America’s Newest GM By GM Larry Kaufman

IM ... excuse us, GM Larry Kaufman reports on a well planned and well executed victory, becoming America’s latest world champion and newest grandmaster.

22 | 2008 CONTINENTAL

Beautiful Chess, Dangerous Tactics: Ehlvest Captures Continental By GM Josh Friedel

The Americas came to Florida to compete in the prestigious event organized by former USCF President Beatriz Marinello.

On The Cover

WGM Rusudan Goletiani (also pictured above right), a silver medalist in Dresden, proudly represents our two bronze winning Olympiad teams. Both the men and women won their team medals in dramatic fashion. Cover photo by Tom Moore; design by Frankie Butler

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Chess Life — February 2009

26 | MILITARY CHESS

The Pentagon Five

By Zachary Kinney, Major, USAF, Ret.

Five players tie for first at the annual event to determine the old military game’s best U.S. military player.

28 | 2008 AMERICAN OPEN

Khach as Khach Can By Jerry Hanken

GM Melikset Khachiyan was the only GM at the venerable American Open, but he had to beat U.S. Open champion IM Enrico Sevillano to claim the title. uschess.org

PHOTO: TOM MOORE

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Counterplay Devouring December I am writing regarding Chess Life’s December 2008 cover article, “The Grand master Diet.” I am not, nor ever have been, a chess enthusiast. I don’t know the difference between a bishop and a knight. However, my sweetheart is. Indeed, the man has a genuine passion for all things chess, and pores over each page of your magazine the minute it arrives. I affectionately refer to it as “geek porn.” Please, don’t take offense I’m a geek as well. But I digress. You see, years of nagging and guilt trips couldn’t accomplish what your cover story did in the short time it took for my aforementioned love to devour it (pun intended). The man who got nearly all of his nutrition from “quick service” value menus now takes vitamins. He, who once ate Chihuahua endorsed fast food tacos daily for nearly two months, now supplements his diet with fish oil capsules. More rice and less caffeine are changes that don’t bode well for many local pizza delivery drivers, either. I hoped he would change his diet because we all absolutely adore him and want him around for a long time. He finally changed his diet for positive results in chess. It’s truly a win win situation and his young children and I thank you. Stephanie A. Colwell Duluth, Minnesota

This article generated an unusually high response on the uschess.org forums. A sampling:

From gusgusthegreat: I have to agree with the idea that other foods aside from junk food be sold at tour naments. It’s certainly nice to have your favorite candy bar after a taxing match, but it certainly doesn’t help your next round. I lost my first game at state to someone rated significantly lower than me to a sim ple blunder, and, now that I think back on it, it was likely due to the food I’d eaten that day. A later game, I dropped my queen. The next day, I had a healthy breakfast and I did much better.

ability to stay focused. I usually bring lunch with me, particularly if I’m playing a tournament that has very little time between rounds. This way I can control what I’m eating, and when I’m eating. Golden praise I just wanted to drop you an e mail to say that the last few issues of Chess Life have been better than what I remember. I especially want to add that the article on correspondence chess by Alex Dunne (“1998 and 2000 are Golden for CC Play ers,” December) is one of the best articles that I have read for a long time in Chess Life. The writing made the two tourna ments come alive as each round was explained and the top personalities and performers were given credit for their accomplishments. This was a fairly long article and to me well worth the space in the magazine. I would love to see more Chess Life articles in the future that devote sufficient space to detail the progress of important tournaments. Ed Addis life member via e-mail

Fischer-Random, anyone? I am writing this letter on behalf of all students and enthusiasts of chess which includes everyone from unrated players to veteran GMs. My major contention is that deep emphasis given to learning opening lines often dissuades genuinely good chess from arising. Yes, there are established principles that are now taken for granted, such as vying for the center, whether one does so in a style that is considered clas

sical, “hypermodern,” modern, or unor thodox (the last of which GM Benjamin is happily notorious for incorporating into his repertoire). However, the statistical turnouts, such as “White gains the advantage,” or “Black now equalizes,” are often skewed and blatantly precarious means of utilizing one opening over another. Part of this is the pure logic that certain openings may have been clearly refuted and then no longer used: So the records may show that “Opening Line X” resulted in a vic tory for White 98% of the time. Such data does not necessarily reveal that the remaining two percent of games might have convinced players to stop using it entirely because a sound parry was dis covered. Furthermore, openings are also affected by the dictates of fashion and simply human psychology or entertainment per spectives all of which are ambiguous beasts likely never beholden to numeri cal analysis. As an example, Fischer derided the King’s Gambit, yet still used it much (even against the MIT computer, for instance). Or, consider the Scotch Game, which fell out of interest until Kas parov analyzed and re enlivened it. So I find it hardly fair that, for exam ple, the Alapin Opening or the Nimzovich Defense, among others, are described as “relics” or having only “surprise value.” Then, suddenly, because an official source has made such pronouncements, players start learning what they believe are win ning opening lines by rote. In my opinion, this denudes chess of its integral vitality and dynamism, and contributes to the atrophy of what any skilled player values: the development of profound intuition the ability, so to speak, to “play the board,” not some memorized rule. Saif Patel Rochester, Minnesota

From ppwchess: Excellent article. I’m used to reading such articles in the running and triathlon publications I subscribe to. This is the first time I’ve seen nutrition covered in a chess magazine. What we put in our body is the fuel that makes us function. Too much junk food has a detrimental impact on our 6

Chess Life — February 2009

uschess.org

Some of the newer Cornerstone team members (l-r): Brandy Copeland, Lauren Bradford, Dominick Phifer, Immanuel Lindsay. Across from Brandy is Shyra Northington.

Cornerstone School Chess Team: Playing tough, overcoming the odds The Detroit team raised the funds to travel to the Nationals in Dallas, but they arrived at the airport only to find their airline had gone bankrupt ... By Cornelius A. Fortune

ased in Detroit, Cornerstone School chess team was a newly minted batch of unrated players, all of whom found a love of the game under the inspiration and support of their coach, Kevin Fite. A natural instructor, Fite has helped numerous children from the inner city find their voice through the rich competition of the chessboard at both tournament and recreational levels. He is also the founder and Chief Operating Officer of Detroit City Chess Club, a city wide chess club aimed at kids from the metro Detroit area. Though he was charged with building a team of fledgling chess players from the ground up, it was a challenge he was used to overcoming. In fact, he’s made it a kind of personal crusade and likens chess instruction to the crafting of an effective sales pitch, aimed at a reluc tant, though curious buyer. “The thing is you’ve got to sell it to them, it’s like a product,” Fite says. “When I was at Duffield (an elementary school in Detroit) that was in a pretty hardcore

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Chess Life — February 2009

area in the city and chess was perceived as nerdish. A lot of the kids just pretty much dogged them; called them names. Then I got a couple of ‘cool’ students (a basketball player and a cheerleader) and all of a sudden, if you didn’t play chess you were a nerd we changed the whole culture around and that’s what happened here at Cornerstone.” While the team accumulated an impres sive collection of chess trophies, Fite with the help of the parents, devised creative strategies for fundraising, determined to give the kids a shot at the Nationals. Those efforts included bake sales, skat ing parties, and anything else they could think of. After hitting their numbers, it seemed the rest would be easy. Fite, along with a portion of the team had already arrived in Dallas, but parent and co organizer T. C. Yanish and her group of kids were having difficulty using their boarding passes: the airline (ATA) had gone bankrupt without notice and refused to honor their flight arrangements. Yanish started making phone calls.

One such call was to the Fox 2 News, local affiliate. This served two purposes: it gave the network an exclusive and it shined an unsuspecting spotlight on the airline’s economic woes, leading to an exclusive. “Apparently the news hadn’t gotten out (about the bankruptcy),” says Yanish. “They immediately came over and started doing a story on us. As the word began to go out, we were told that they would allow us to fly. Our tickets were exchanged and we were put on a waiting list.” An alter nate flight was found for the group. “We didn’t make it to Dallas until 10 p.m., the night before the tournament began,” Yanish says. “Imagine how tired they were, but they still came out to be number one. They kept believing.” Not only were they state and city champs, they were now the unrated National (Jr. High) section champs. As great as winning can be, Fite is equally proud of the effect that chess has had on some of his student’s academic performance. A math teacher by training, he found this inspiring. “It actually helps me in the classroom,” Fite says. “Your trouble kids are not really going to give you trouble anymore because they know if you do that, you can’t play. It’s a win win. Chess empowers kids. They get confidence and it really helps me as a teacher. That’s how I knew it was my calling: I just saw it change kids and it was really fun. I think I had more fun than the kids did sometimes.” Chess has actually become a very big institution at the charter school, with a waiting list of would be grandmasters that’s still growing. Chess, by Fite’s own admission, has become more popular than basketball and cheerleading at Cor nerstone School. (The team itself has expanded from 30 to 70 members since the Nationals.) “Who would ever have thought that you would have to have a waiting list for a chess team in one school?” says Fite, a look of mysticism on his face. “And the school is not big, probably under 300 students. Everyone plays and it’s cool. The kids walk around and they talk chess and you just change the culture of it. I think that’s a big reason we’ve been suc cessful is because we’ve changed the climate of the school. Now they want to think, they want to do things that’s a lit tle different, a little out of the box.” Not taking last year’s victory for granted, the team is busily prepping for the SuperNationals in April. “The parents have stepped up a lot. It’s gotten so big, and they’ve done a real good job,” says Fite. “We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing. We do want to plan an international tournament. That’s on our radar because we’ve done everything but international.”

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uschess.org

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CORNERSTONE CHESS CLUB

First Moves

Ratings, Rules, and Rockets USCF’S 2ND DECADE: 1949-1958 By Al Lawrence

orn into a world in combat, USCF would grow to maturity in its second decade amidst a baby boom and a Cold War. In 1949 the Omaha U.S. Open became the grand old event’s golden jubilee, since the tournament traces its history back to the first Western Open in 1900 and since USCF decided to celebrate the num ber of events rather than the number of passing years. Members paid $10 to enter. Partially sighted Albert Sandrin of Chicago won an expanded, 70 player tournament,

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In November, Chess Life published USCF’s first rating list, showing Reuben Fine first at 2817 and Samuel Reshevsky second at 2770. (Fred Reinfeld’s sixth place at 2593 reminds us that the prolific writer could play.) The under credited Kenneth Harkness was the hero behind chess rating systems. You can see his original rating calculations, literally res cued from the garbage by USCF president Bill Goichberg, at the World Chess Hall of Fame in Miami.

nization’s book and equipment business, promoted the Swiss pairing system, fos tered the idea of national events being co sponsored by local clubs, wrote the first rulebooks, invented the median tie breaker, and co authored, with Irving Chernev, one of the most popular chess books of all time, An Invitation to Chess. Future executive directors found his foot prints always in front of them. Frank Graves, elected USCF president in 1954, announced the next year that USCF was

EN PASSANT • 1949-50: Gisela Kahn Gresser and Mona May Karff journeyed behind the Iron Curtain to play for the women’s world championship. Gresser wrote an article entitled “I Went to Moscow” for the Ladies Home Journal. • 1954: The second face-to-face U.S.A.U.S.S.R chess match, this time in New York, ended in a Soviet 20-12 victory. • 1958: In Portoroz Fischer became the youngest-ever world championship candidate, winning the grandmaster title at 15. USCF membership hit 2,668. • Trivia: French immigrant Nicolas Rossolimo’s first prize at the 156player Long Beach 1955 U.S. Open was a new Buick—unfortunately, he lived in New York City. This grandmaster worked as a bellhop, a taxi driver, an accordion player, a singer—and ran a chess studio in Greenwich Village, where you can still see his sign.

PHOTO: ARCHIVAL

The dean of American chess, GM Arthur Bisguier, in his heyday.

pocketing $500 at a time the minimum wage was 40 cents an hour. Paul Geirs became USCF’s third president. The same year, Art Bisguier won the Junior Championship, while a young Texan named Ken Smith, later to become a poker champion and a leader of the U.S. chess publishing revolution, fin ished fifth. An international result in 1950 gives us a sense of the history embodied in the person of GM Bisguier, now dean of American chess. At the South Seas International in England, he tied for first with the legendary Savielly Tar takower, outpacing Efim Bogolyubow, as well as lesser legends Edgard Colle and Harry Golombek. uschess.org

In 1951, the year Alan Turing con ceived the first computer program capable of playing a full game of chess, New York attorney Harold Phillips took over as USCF president. Life member ships cost $50. George Koltanowski made headlines by playing 50 blindfold games in succession at 10 seconds per move! But it was Larry Evans’ tourna ment year: The 19 year old won both the 98 player U.S. Open in Fort Worth and the U.S. Championship, aided by Dr. Ariel Mengarini’s 27 move win over Reshevsky. In 1953 USCF made a star move, hir ing Kenneth Harkness as its first business manager. Harkness established the orga

financially sound, crediting Harkness. After Evans’ match win against Steiner, Bisguier won the U.S. Champinship in 1954. But by the time Jerry Spann took over as president in 1957, it was all about a kid named Bobby, who that year became the youngest ever master. It was the same year that an American was being born every seven seconds and that an orbiting, beeping U.S.S.R. satellite put the fear of Soviet missiles in Ameri can hearts and minds. A few months later, Fischer won the U.S. champi onship, his first of eight in a row. USCF’s second decade ended with the dual rocket launchings of Sputnik and the Fischer phenomenon.

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Chess Life — February 2009

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In association with

Present

The Sixth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships April 24 – 26, 2009 – Dallas, Texas Awards The University of Texas at Dallas, www.utdallas.edu, has established an Academic Distinction Scholarship to the winner of the 18-years-old and younger section. The scholarship is valued at $80,000 for an out-of-state student. Trophies to top 15 individuals and top 3 teams in each section. 3 or more players from the same school to make a team (top 3 scores added to give team final standings). Every player receives a souvenir medal.

Special Appearance by Anna Zatonskih

Reigning U.S. Women’s Champion, two-time winner of U.S. Women’s Championship; U.S. Olympiad team member since 2004, including Bronze Medal team of 2008, Silver medalist at 2004 Olympiad, Gold Medalist for Board 2 at 2008 Olympiad.

Main Event Saturday, April 25 9:00 AM–Opening Ceremony Rounds 1–4: 9:30–11:30 AM; 12:00–2:00 PM; 3:00–5:00 PM; 5:30–7:30 PM Sunday, April 26 Rounds 5–6: 9:00–11:00 AM; 11:30 AM–1:30 PM; 2:30 PM–Closing Ceremony Entry Fee $45 if postmarked by March 25th, $70 on-site. USCF membership required. All events will be hosted at Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd. Side Events Friday, April 24 3:00 PM– Blitz Tournament (G/5) $15 if postmarked by March 25, $25 on-site. 5:00 PM Bughouse Tournament, $25 per team. 7:00 PM–Simultaneous Exhibition by WGM Anna Zatonskih. Please bring clocks for all the events. Chess sets and score sheets provided for the Main and Side Events.

6-SS, G/60, Sections U 8-years-old and younger U 10-years-old and younger U 12-years-old and younger U 14-years-old and younger U 16-years-old and younger U 18-years-old and younger Entry & Info Make check payable to: Dallas Chess Club Attn: Barbara Swafford 2709 Longhorn Trail Crowley, TX 76036 Tel: (214) 632-9000 Online registration www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_ id=1643715 www.kasparovchessfoundation.org Hotel Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd. 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207 Hotel Chess Rate: $109 (up to 4 people per room) if reserved by April 1, 2009 Hotel Reservations: Please call (800) 233-1234 or (214) 651-1234

Official Sponsor of the 2008 US Men’s and Women’s Olympiad Teams.

Kasparov Chess Foundation’s mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs.

Highlights of the Foundation’s Worthwhile Programs and Initiatives: * KCF developed blueprint chess educational curriculum for schools, working with schools throughout the country to establish KCF program as de-facto curriculum standard * Organize and conduct teacher’s seminars and workshops * Official Sponsor of 2006 and 2008 U.S. Olympiad Teams; Men's and Women's teams won bronze in 2008, Men's team won bronze in 2006. * Sponsored and conducted training program for 2004 U.S. Women’s Olympiad Team, Silver Medalists * Founder and organizer of the All-Girls Nationals * Sponsor of Greater New York Scholastic Championships * Create program for talented children with Annual Master Class Series conducted by Garry Kasparov

For more information about Kasparov Chess Foundation’s programs, please visit us at www.KasparovChessFoundation.org Or email us at [email protected]

Kasparov Chess Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) educational organization Supported by charitable donations from concerned individuals, private foundations and corporate sponsors.

Chess to Enjoy

Stop the Presses!

Whatever happened to newspaper coverage of chess? Read all about it. By GM Andy Soltis

It’s hard to imagine but it was only a decade ago when some smart people con sidered the Internet to be a threat to chess. Promoter Luis Rentero banned live web coverage of the biggest event of 1998, a Vladimir Kramnik Alexei Shirov match he was organizing in Spain. Rentero, who is best known for his super tournaments in Linares, wanted to attract print reporters, not web journal ists. He feared that newspaper and magazine writers might ignore the match if their exclusive access was lost by letting in the bloggers and other riff raff. The ban didn’t work. Even though the match was supposed to choose Garry Kasparov’s next world championship chal lenger, few print journalists showed up. But the Internet coverage appeared any way, with only a slight time delay. Today no one dares keep the web out: The great debate GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772) GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2783) World Championship 2008, game 3

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+r+ + + + + q +pp k +L+ + +p P+ + P + + + + +l P +QP P R + K +

After 28. ... Bh3

This was the first turning point of the Anand Kramnik match. The Internet turned into a debating society about the dangers of 29. ... Rg1+. On ChessPro.com, IM Maksim Notkin 12

Chess Life — February 2009

recommended 29. Rd1. He said Black can win material with 29. ... Bg4 30. Qe3 Qxe3+ 31. fxe3 Bxd1 32. Kxd1 Rg2 33. Kc1 Rxh2. But then White has the prom ising 34. a5 and Bc6, Notkin added. Before you could hit the refresh button, GM Sergey Shipov, was pointing out a tricky alternative to 29. ... Bg4 over at Crestbook.com: 29. ... Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Rg2!? and then 31. Qe3 Rxf2+ 32. Be2 Rxe2+! 33. Qxe2 Bg4 34. Qd3 Qxb2+ 35. Qc2 Qd4+ 36. Kc1 with unclear chances. The analysis came fast and furious. When White played 29. Ra3 instead of 29. Rd1, Shipov said he was lost in view of 29. ... Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Qd4+ 31. Kc2 Bf5+ and then 32. Bd3 Bg4 and 33. ... Bd1+. Not much better was 32. Kb3 Rc1, win ning the queen in view of ... Bc2+ or ... Rc2, he added. But over at Chessdom.com, GM Vladimir Dimitrov had already advised fans that White would get a strong passed pawn after 33. a5 Bc2+ 34. Qxc2 Rxc2 35. Kxc2 Qc5+ 36. Kb1 Qxb5 37. a6. The analytical battle raged on at other sites, including foidoschess and the Inter net Chess Club, all part of the New Media. This wasn’t the first world champi onship match that was covered heavily by New Media. Far from it. But it was the first one that Old Media hardly noticed. It received a fraction of the newspaper atten tion of, say, any of Kasparov’s title matches. This is a trend that, as a chess player, I’m sad to see. But as a newspaper reporter, I know it makes sense. And in the long run it can be good for chess. Let me explain: Players have always wanted Old Media to cover chess like a sport. They say news papers should answer their basic questions: What happened today in the fourth round at Wijk aan Zee? Who won? How many moves?

But the reality is that the real reason many players want newspaper coverage is that they think it promotes chess. They hope non players will see articles and say, “Hey, if chess is in the newspaper, it may be worth my time.” Players feel so strongly about wanting chess coverage that they have a stan dard rant against Old Media: “Don’t they know there are tens of thousands of seri ous players in the U.S.?” But Old Media has an easy answer. The one I’d give is: “Yes, and we also know there are twice as many serious bridge players as serious chess players. Yet we’ve always given chess a lot more coverage than bridge, for reasons that have nothing to do with numbers.” And I’d add, “If chess people really wanted to find out who won today at Wijk aan Zee, they’re not going to wait for tomorrow’s newspaper. They’ll find out in ten seconds, and in much greater detail, from the Internet.” The truth is most newspapers have given up on what we call “hard news” coverage of chess. They gave up because they can’t compete, in terms of the space and expense, with New Media. (It’s time to stop repeating the nonsense that the real reason they gave up is that newspa per editors don’t like Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.) The disappearing of newspaper cover age is a historic change. We can’t reverse it. But we may get some benefit from it. For example, we can recognize that a big deal match or tournament should be organized for the benefit of chessplay ers, not for the comfort of newspapers. Up until now, decisions were made about the location, schedule and even the number of games in a world champi onship match with Old Media in mind. Organizers felt that the press and general public wouldn’t have the attention span for the good, old 24 game, two month uschess.org

2008 World Open More than 1,200 competed in the 36th annual World Open last sum mer, including 35 grandmasters seeking the $30,000 first prize in the top section. When it was over GM Evgeny Najer broke the four way tie for first place in his favor. Games from the Philadelphia tournament provide this month’s quiz positions. In each one you are asked to find the fastest winning line of play. Usually this will mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material or the queening of a pawn. But look out for quick mates as well. For solutions, see page 71.

Problem I

+

+

uschess.org

GM Alexander Shabalov GM Surya Sekar Ganguly

+

+

p + + + P+ +k+ + +PP + p +K+ l p + + + +P + + +L+ + + + +

 n R + + +k+ + p + PK+ p +p+ + P+pP L r + P + + +P+ + + + + + +

Problem III

IM Robert Hess GM G. N. Gopal

+

 l k + + +L+p + pPp q + nP+P+ pQ + + L + + + +P + + + K + + + +

+

+

White to play

White to play

White to play

GM Abhijit Kunte IM Kirill Kuderinov

FM Teddy Coleman Robert Akopian

GM John Fedorowicz FM Daniel Yeager

Problem IV

+

+

+ + p + +pk p + + + + + q pp + + + + +P+ + P + + +KP + Q + +

Black to play

matches of yesteryear. The official book of the 2000 World Championship explained that the match was cut to 16 games because “any event which goes beyond a month (compare the length of the Olympics) is liable to for feit public interest and be considered old fashioned.” With that in mind, the 2008 Anand Kramnik match was reduced further, to a maximum of 12 games in 18 days. (It lasted 11 games and 16 days.) But this is depriving the real audi ence the serious players who want to see a lot of championship chess for the chimera of attracting an Old Media that doesn’t care any more. It’s also time to abandon that old pro motional principle that says tournaments and matches should be held in big city auditoriums because it brings in Old Media attention and spectator hordes. The truth is if it’s a good story the “Toiletgate” scandal of the 2006 World Championship, for example newspapers will follow it even if it’s happening in an obscure place like Elista, Russia. And as for spectators, the Russian magazine 64 recently wrote there are seven rules for holding successful inter national tournaments. One was: “Don’t expect spectators.” Even in Moscow, you can’t count on a lot of interest, editor Mark Glukhovsky wrote. “Don’t book the Bolshoi Theater and don’t try to sell tick ets. No one will come!”

Problem II

Marc Esserman GM Eugene Perelshteyn

Problem VI

Problem V

+

r + + +k+p+ + p +lR p pPr + q +p+ Q + + L P P + RK+ + + + + +

White to play

When the Tal Memorial was held in Moscow’s most famous department store this year, Vladimir Kramnik commented on the lack of spectators: “A few come to tournaments but everyone prefers to sit at home, watch games and sip tea.” “We understand that the fundamental auditorium is on the Internet,” Kramnik said. But that’s a good thing. There’s an old joke about tournaments that are held in obscure places like Linares. Someone notices the empty seats and says sarcastically, “There are more journalists here than spectators.” But that’s a good thing. Once organizers recognize they aren’t going to attract thousands of ticket buy ers, they’ll concentrate instead on making life easier for online journalists. In that way, they’ll reach a much larger audi ence. This happens at major tournaments like Wijk aan Zee, which is hardly a big city. Organizers contractually require the “uber GMs” to appear in post game press conferences. The rules for the Bonn match said the players had to attend confer ences for at least 20 minutes. What you see in Internet videos on sites like Chessvibes is revealing. Post Mortem GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772) GM Viswanthan Anand (FIDE 2783) World Championship 2008, game 10

r+ +r+k+ + + + p q+p+p+ + plPpnL+P p P +R+ +P+ + + P+ Q P K + LN+ +

White to play

r+r+ +k+ p + +ppp n + + + Q p p +q + +P+ + + P L P P+ +lPLP R + R K

After 22. Be3

Fans were mystified because Black seemed to be only slightly worse here yet he resigned soon after 22. ... Bg4 23. Qa6 f6 24. a4 Qf7 25. Bf1 Be6 26. Rab1. It turned out, the players were also a bit mystified. Anand conceded that after 24. a4 he stood worse. But he confessed he hadn’t a clue as to “where I made the decisive error.” Or even “where I could have played better.” “It was a pleasant surprise for me,” said Kramnik. “I didn’t do anything spe cial and then basically the position was winning.” It was a refreshing bit of candor and another reason why New Media is beat ing the Old.

.

See page 5 for all of your USCF membership options then visit uschess.org and renew! Chess Life — February 2009

13

Solitaire Chess

Sammy the Position Player

One of America’s greatest players was Samuel Reshevsky. Typical of a prodigy, he had an innate flair for tactics, a skill he would use in later life to bring home precisely executed positional wins--as he did against Weaver Adams in this month’s game. By Bruce Pandolfini

Perhaps Samuel Reshevsky’s (1911 1992) chief weakness was a lack of deep opening preparation, which often led to over calculation and time trouble. But that drawback didn’t play a role in his encounter with Weaver Adams (Black), from the U.S. Open of 1939. With previ ous experience handling the line, especially from Black’s side, “Sammy” was able to milk it for a nicely maneu vered win. The game began: Closed Ruy Lopez, Chigorin Defense (C98) Samuel Reshevsky Weaver Adams U.S. Open, New York, 1939 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. 0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 0-0 9. h3 Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Qc7 12. Nbd2 Nc6

r+l+ rk+ + q lppp p+np n + +pp p + + PP+ + + P +N+P PPLN PP+ R LQR K

Your starting position

Now make sure you have the above position set up on your chessboard. As you play through the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next move only after trying to guess it. If you guess correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes points are also rewarded for second best moves, and there may be bonus points or deduc 14

Chess Life — February 2009

tions 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.** 13.

dxc5

Par Score: 5

Reshevsky tells us that “I have played against this variation so often that I was curious to see how it felt to play on the other side!” Perhaps a better move is 13. d5 (full credit), but until Karpov came along much of the theory hadn’t been worked out. 13.

…

14.

Nf1

dxc5 Par Score: 5

White intends to move the knight to e3, and from there to d5 or f5 (1 bonus point). 14.

…

Rd8

More typical these days is to place the queen rook at d8 after first playing Bc8 e6.** Par Score: 5

Black is aiming to get in ... a5 a4. If the bishop backs off, say 17. ... Bd7, then 18. Bb3 Be8 (or 18. ... Rf8) 19. Nd5 with a very nice position for White (1 bonus point).** 18.

Nxe6

18.

…

19.

Bb3

19.

…

20.

Qc4

20.

…

Par Score: 5

Reshevsky removes the bishop, which is consistent with his previous move. fxe6

Adams removes the enemy knight before it takes the black queen.** Par Score: 6

Now there’s a target, the e6 pawn, and White starts to line up against it. Qc8

Naturally, Black defends his pawn.** Par Score: 5

It’s time to gang up on the e6 pawn, which White is now threatening to win by 21. Qxe6+ Qxe6 22. Bxe6+. Accept 1 bonus point if you had the idea of this in mind earlier.

15.

Qe2

15.

…

This is a natural development, hoping to insert the bishop on c4 if White allows it.**

Black must do this to uphold the e6 pawn, but in so doing exposes his king to potential attack along the f file, should it open.**

16.

Ne3

21.

a4

16.

…

21.

…

22.

Ng4

This is not a concession, since White’s queen often goes to e2 with purpose. Be6

Par Score: 6

Deduct 3 points for 16. Be3? Bc4. b4

This is a slight error, turning over the light squares of b3 and c4 to White’s pieces.** 17.

Ng5

17.

…

Par Score: 7

White aims to trade or drive off the light square bishop. a5

Kf7

Par Score: 6

White safeguards the placement of the b3 bishop; otherwise Black plays 21. ... a4, pushing the bishop back. g6

Here Black stops the invasion 22. Nf5. After a possible Ne3 f5, White might con tinue with Bc1 e3, targeting the c5 pawn.** Par Score: 7

Now White menaces 23. Nh6+ Kg7 24. uschess.org

Problem I

These problems are all related to key positions in this month’s game. In each case, Black is to move. The answers can be found in Solutions on page 71.

February exercise: For the ensuing exercise you will need analytic soft ware. Consider any standard opening variation to its assessment’s end, with one side having a minimal, but non decisive edge. Then cham pion the inferior side’s perspective, repositioning any piece of your meas ured preference. Just pick it up and put it there, even if it can’t be trans ferred directly, until you change the evaluation to your advantage. Make sure not to cross the frontier line or alter a bishop’s color of movement. This unusual workout is excellent for flexing strategic and positional mus cles, especially honing the faculties of maneuvering and global board thinking. Qxe6 (1 bonus point). 22.

…

Nxg4

If 22. ... Ng8, White increases the pres sure by 23. Be3 h5 24. Nh2 Nb8 25. Nf3 (2 bonus points).** 23.

hxg4

Par Score: 4

Black’s position is under assault from several fronts. The pawns at c5 and e6 require protection. The h file will be avail able to White after g3, Kg2, and Rh1. Plus the f file is also a factor (Re1 e3 f3, or simply f2 f4, with Re1 f1). 23.

…

Nb8

Adams clears the sixth rank so he can play his queen to a6 without losing the e6 pawn. Another try might be to play 23. ... Re8, but Black’s position is still dubious after 24. Be3 Nd8.** 24.

f4

Par Score: 6

This is more potent than 24. Rf1 (3 points part credit), since it leads to the development of the queen bishop while still forcing open the f file. 24.

…

exf4

The f4 pawn has to be removed else White takes at e5 or pushes to f5.** 25.

Bxf4

25.

…

Par Score: 4

At last the bishop is out and the white rooks are connected. Qa6

Black wants to trade queens. If he plays

uschess.org

Problem II

Trapping

ABCs of Chess

q

r

+k+ +pp + +l+ + +p+ p + + +P+ + + P LN+ +L+QP + + + K + +

+

Problem IV

Discovery/Simplification

+

rk+ +p + + + + + + +l+ + + + + + + + + +P+ K + +N+R+ + +

Problem III

Trapping

+

+

+

Driving off

+

+ nk+ + +pp +q+p+ + pp+ + + + +P+ + +LP + + P+Q+ PP+ + + + K

+

+ +k+ + + p lp+ + p + + p n +P+ + + + + PNP + +LK P + Q + +

+

q

Problem V

Problem VI

Desperado

+ + +k+ + +p+ + + + + + +q+ + + +L+ + + + + +P+ + + +RK +

L

Mating net

r

k+ + r +  p + + + + + + + + + +l+ + + l + + + L + + + + P Q + + +K

+

instead, 25. ... Na6, then 26. Rf1 Kg7 27. Be5+ Kh6 28. Qe2 followed by Qe3+ should win.**

bishop? It turns out there is no satisfac tory way. 29.

…

Deduct 3 points if you thought you could get away with 27. Bxb8+?; it fails to the desperado 27. ... Qxf1+.

Black is lost no matter what. For exam ple, if 29. ... Bg5, then 30. Bg7 mate; if 29. ... Bh4, then 30. Bg7+ Kg5 31. Bf6+; if 29. ... Bf8, then 30. g5+ Kh5 (if 30. ... Kxg5, either 31. Bf6+ or 31. Bf4+ wins) 31. Be2+ Kh4 32. g3+ Kh3 (32. ... Kxg5 33. Bf4 mate) 33. Rxh7+ Bh6 34. Rxh6 mate. There are various other defensive tries, but they all lose material or lead to Black getting mated. Accept 3 bonus points if you saw the general outline of the winning variations (the mates, forks, discoveries and so on).

27.

30.

Bg7+

26.

Rf1

26.

…

27.

Bxc4

…

Par Score: 6

White threatens discovery by 27. Bxb8+ (1 bonus point). Qxc4

At least Black’s plan is consistent: he’s been trying to get the queens off the board.** Par Score: 4

Kg7

A safety move: Black removes his king from the f file and out of the line of pos sible discovery. It means abandoning the e6 pawn, but by now that’s the lesser evil.** 28.

Be5+

28.

…

Par Score: 6

Reshevsky has determined that the e6 pawn will keep and he has better fish to fry. Kh6

Of course, on 28. ... Kg8, Reshevsky takes the pawn as 29. Bxe6 is mate (1 bonus point).** 29.

Rf7

Par Score: 7

White’s intrusion is much better than 29. Bxe6. How does Black defend his

Bd6

Par Score: 6

Black resigns, in view of 30. ... Kg5 31. Bf6+, winning a rook.

.

Visit uschess.org to download a .pgn file of all the games in this issue or to down load the .pdf file of this issue and Chess Life for Kids. You must login using your USCF ID number. 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

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Chess Life — February 2009

15

Looks at Books

The Diversity of Chess Teaching New In Chess puts together a collection of essays examining how to teach chess—from the beginner on up to Magnus Carlsen By WIM Elizabeth Vicary

t’s rare that a collection of essays is uniformly excellent, but The Chess Instructor 2009 comes very, very close. I’ll save my one complaint for later and will sing its praises now. Editors Jeroen Bosch and Steve Giddens deserve enormous kudos for the consistently high quality of both their authors and their essays, and also for the diversity of the chess teaching that they manage to represent: an account of how Michael Basman created and maintains a grassroots tournament league of 74,000 British schoolchildren sits comfortably next to Simon Agdestein’s reflections on the edu cation of Magnus Carlsen. The degree of technical chess knowl edge required of the reader also varies enormously. Some essays are essentially instructional articles aimed at 2000+ players; others are written for club play ers; another sizable portion are perspectives on chess from the fields of pedagogy and cognitive and sports psy chology. Limited space prevents me from discussing each essay in the detail I would like, but I mention my three favorite below, and offer one criticism. While reading about an idea of Dutch chess teacher Cor van Wijgerden, I had that feeling one sometimes experiences when you see an idea explained and you immediately recognize it as something you have always felt but never been able to articulate. When teaching beginning classes of young children, his “Step by Step Method” advocates delaying teaching checkmate for as long as possible. The reasoning is that there are two basic strategies for beginners to learn in chess: winning by capturing and winning by checkmate. And that it’s much easier to learn these one at a time. Imagine a game just like chess, but without kings, where the object is simply to capture your opponent’s pieces. I’ve used this game as an activity in my begin ning classes for the one week between the knight and the king, but I’m definitely going to start having kids play this game for a much longer time. It allows stu

I

16

Chess Life — February 2009

The Chess Instructor 2009: The New in Chess Compendium for Chess Teachers, Coaches and Parents (2008) by Jeroen Bosch (author) and Steve Giddins (editor). 230 pp., New In Chess. List Price: $26.95. Available on USCFsales.com with a member’s discount for $25.95

dents to practice piece movement in real istic situations. It teaches a lot about development, tactics, relative piece value, exchanging, etc. And children under stand it easily: they are already good at counting and instinctively know that more is better. They also love to win things, and then to line them up, admire them, and count them. Reporting good results with his method, van Wijgerden says students become naturally conscious of material early on and are less likely to hang pieces in later stages of development. In “Learning an Opening ... by Study ing the Endgame!” Steve Giddens annotates five endgames with the charac teristic pawn structure of the French or Caro Kann Advance. (Both sides have seven pawns no c pawn; White has pawns on d4 and e5; Black has pawns on

e6 and d5.) After each fragment, Giddens summarizes the key lessons; an example: “White must be very careful about play ing a2 a4 in such positions, even if the b file is closed. This is because Black gains the use of the b4 square for his minor pieces, and a later ... b7 b5 by Black will open up the b file against the backward pawn on b2.” Useful knowledge and a well organized lesson, I thought, and since I’m currently teaching units on the French and Caro Kann in my advanced classes at IS 318, I decided to test drive the lesson. Students had to play each position before we dis cussed it, and sometimes afterwards as well. I wrote up the key lessons on over sized sheets of paper and taped them on the walls. I worried a little that the chess level might be over the heads of my stu dents under 1200, but also figured that any endgame study was probably a good thing. The unit went better than I expected: the kids recognized the pawn structure as something they do often see in games and were consequently inter ested in the positions. Turning to the highest levels of chess instruction, Simon Agdestein’s account of teaching Magnus Carlsen offers an inter esting first hand look into the prodigy’s character and development. The most surprising revelation is that Garry Kas parov himself offered to be Magnus’ full time trainer, but the boy refused. The only essay that I can’t praise is Alexander Vaisman’s self titled “Hon oured Trainer of the Ukraine.” These two sentences explain my reservations: “Although it is impossible to say exactly what chess talent consists of, an experi enced trainer can detect it almost immediately,” and “I said to her, ‘You are a girl! You should have some feeling for beauty!’ And I took her on a visit to a local museum of art. Now she is a grand master.” This glibness permeates the essay, but this piece is the only weak link in an otherwise ground breaking collec tion of thought.

.

uschess.org

What’s The Best Move?

Practical Problem Themes By GM Larry Evans Novotny and Plachutta Lovely maneuvers in the arcane world of problem terminology are often named for 19th century com posers. The Novotny theme sacrifices a piece on a square where it must be captured by either of two different enemy units, leading to doom. (Prob lem 1 is a practical example). The Plachutta interference theme also exposes a piece to capture by either of two similar enemy units (Prob lem 4 is a practical example). A distinction without a difference? Solutions on page 71. Readers are invited to send their posi tions in for possible consideration in this column. Send to whatsthebest [email protected] or mail to Chess Life, c/o What’s The Best Move, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

1. White moves

+

+

rk+ + + rp+p p+ +l+pP +pq P P +np Q + + NL+ + PPP+ + + +K+R+ +R

(a) Bxc4 (b) Qf6 (c) Nd5

3. White moves

+l+ + r n + l + + + N +R+ + + +P+k+ L + + +NP P +K+ + + + + + +

(a) Rf5 (b) Nf5 (c) Nf7

uschess.org

2. White moves

+

L

+r+ + + + +r + +pl + + n k + +K+P+ + + pP+Q+ + + + + + + + R

(a) Rg7 (b) Qxf6+ (c) Kxc5

4. White moves

+ + + k + + + +p p+ p + Q + + lr+ + +pqN+ + + + R + + P P + + + +K

(a) Qe6 (b) Nf6 (c) Qxf4

Chess Life — February 2009

17

2008 World Senior

America’s Newest GM The 18th World Senior Chess Championship results in America’s latest GM and world champion: GM Larry Kaufman

By GM Larry Kaufman

n recent years, when asked whether I still aspired to the grandmaster (GM) title, I would reply that I was too old to make three norms (not to mention hit ting 2500 FIDE) without playing full time in Europe, which was not practical, but that when I reached age 60 I would try to win the world senior championship, which carries with it an automatic GM title. I knew that this was no easier than mak ing a normal GM norm, but at least I’d only have to do it once. Still, in view of the famous names of past winners (Smyslov, Geller, Taimanov, Korchnoi), I thought of it as a long shot. But dreams do come true; in my first year of eligibility, I won the championship and the GM title! By winning the U.S. Senior last May, I won most of my expenses to the World Senior in Bad Zwischenahn, Germany, held from October 28 November 8. Hav ing read favorable write ups of this event in Chess Life in the past I might have played anyway, but after my U.S. Senior win I didn’t hesitate. I decided to go all out for first place, although I had no real expectation of victory. After all, I was only 17th rated, and the field included ten GMs! Based only on the ratings, my chances of victory were probably only 1%, but I knew that they were much greater than this in actuality.

I

18

Chess Life — February 2009

Here is why: there are two types of FIDE rated chess tournaments; one round a day events where there is plenty of time to prepare for each opponent, and two or three round a day events where prepara tion is generally impractical as you learn your pairing only shortly before the round. Living in the U.S., most of my events are necessarily of the second type. However I have always done much better in the events where preparation is possible, because I can prepare for my opponents who often have narrow, predictable open ing repertoires, whereas they can hardly prepare for me, because I play almost all GM approved openings. Probably my rat ing in one round a day events would be about a hundred ELO above my rating in other events. Furthermore my work on Rybka has made me an expert in the proper use of computer programs for preparation, and has apparently also helped my basic playing level, as my rat ing has been rising steadily since I started this work. So, while any one player’s chances of winning such an event are not good, I felt that my chances were at least on a par with most of the other top players. To maximize my chances, I spared no expense. I bought a faster laptop. I stayed five days in Bonn prior to the tourney

to get over jet lag, to watch the Anand Kramnik match, to get used to Germany, and to prepare my openings without dis traction. Finally, I paid the difference in cost to get a hotel with both Internet service and a swimming pool, on the the ory that exercise might help. It was a fairly long walk to the tournament site, but that just meant more good exercise. I also ate a lot of fish. Maybe all of this would only add a half point to my score, but that’s the difference between suc cess and failure! Bad Zwischenahn is a small town, very nice and safe, where many elderly and ill people go to recover from serious ill nesses. It’s mostly a summer town; in November it was not very crowded. There are plenty of nice restaurants and places to shop. The opening ceremony featured a dance by some local children, and the closing ceremony had live music. Maybe there wasn’t so much to do there, but I hardly noticed; my routine was the same almost every day, namely play my game (at 10 a.m.; I’m usually awful at morning play, but here I adjusted my routine for it), have lunch, review my game and answer e mails, check the pairings, go swimming, eat dinner, and prepare! I did play in the World Senior blitz one evening (tied for third), and went on an excursion uschess.org

PHOTOS: BETSY DYNAKO

WIM Esther Epstein at the 2008 U.S. Championship

on the free day. On that excursion, some one asked me if I was a GM, and I replied, “No, IM.” Not being a native English speaker, he thought I said, “I am.” After we realized this and laughed, I said that now I’ll have to win the tournament so that what he thought I said would be true! There were eight other players in the event representing the U.S., but many of them I knew only slightly, and I hardly knew anyone else in the event except for three players I had met at student olympiads in 1967 and 1972 and an Israeli tournament in 1973 (GM Vlas timil Jansa and IMs Mikhail Podgaets and Ole Jakobsen). IM Albert Kapengut and Jude Acers scored a respectable 7 4, and WIM Esther Epstein tied for second in the women’s section. By a quirk of fate, the only player I met and spent much time with there was top seed GM Mihai Suba, with whom I ultimately tied for first. The tournament was an 11 round open (except for age) Swiss, separate for the 300 men and 36 women (though one or two women were allowed to play in the men’s event, only because of their low ratings according to the organizer). The organizer, Jurgen Wempe, did a splendid job and is a very friendly and generous host; I highly recommend any uschess.org

GM Larry Kaufman at the 2008 U.S. Championship

event he runs. I note that the midpoint of the tournament was over 2050 rating, vastly higher than a U.S. Open, probably because there were no class prizes. Strangely enough, the only game in the whole event where I was clearly losing was in round one, against a “mere” 2044 rated player, after I adopted a faulty late opening plan. OK, he made mistakes and lost, but in round two, after winning a pawn with the better position, I care lessly allowed my 2166 rated opponent to simplify to a pawn down but drawn end ing with all pawns on one wing. This was a severe blow, because the Internet site of the tournament listed “progressive” (sum of scores after each round) as the tiebreak, so an early loss or draw would likely be fatal even if I managed to tie for first. I was discouraged, but I did not alter my routine. In round three I won quite easily in 23 moves against a 2172 rated player who didn’t know the opening, although it was a normal enough Nimzo Indian. Round four was my first titled oppo nent, FM Boris Gruzmann. I noted that he always played the Advance Variation against the French, and I expected that he would follow my preparation until move 11, where I prepared and played a novelty proposed by Rybka. It led to a

pleasant game for me, which became a winning one after some errors, though he lasted 80 moves. Then as white against Viachesiav Agzamov, I achieved a huge edge against his off book King’s Indian, won a pawn, and soon won more pawns, while his only trump was an advanced, passed, edge pawn. I missed multiple easy wins and finally had to settle for perpetual due to his threats. Now I was really discouraged; my 4 1 score wasn’t so bad, but it should have been 5 0. In round six I faced FM Christian Clemens, who always opens 1. g3 and plays for c4 and a double fianchetto against 1. … d5. Here my preparation could only get me an equal game. We had a very complex game, where I missed an easy win at one point (spotting it right after hitting the clock), again reached a won position and finally won a long endgame. So I went into the free day with a decent 5 1 score, half a point off the lead, but had yet to play up. I could hardly imagine that I was going to score 4 1 in the remaining games despite being paired up in every round! Finally I met my first GM, defending World Senior Champion Algimantas But norius. He played a not recommended Nimzo line, but I met it imprecisely and he was fine. Then he went after a “poi Chess Life — February 2009

19

2008 World Senior

Does Kaufman Deserve the GM Title? Do I really “deserve” the GM title? I never reached the normally required 2500 FIDE rating. My peak was 2445 (though I reached 2538 USCF in 1997), but in 1979 and 1980 I performed well above FIDE 2500 level but didn’t play enough FIDE rated events for my rating to reach it. Now at least I’ll be back over 2400 FIDE, and I believe that if only one round a day events were rated, I would be near 2500 now. I’ve won the American Open (1966) and two Eastern Opens, tied for sec ond in the U.S. Open twice, qualified for the U.S. Championship four times, and won about 15 state cham pionships. I know I’m not as strong as most active grandmasters (GMs) in the U.S., who are usually over 2500 FIDE, but in Europe there are many active GMs below or around 2400, as it’s much easier to earn the title there, and having scored 3½ out of 4 against GMs above 2400 in the Senior I feel I earned it. ~LK soned” pawn, clearly hoping for the full point, but I got both an attack and my pawn back, and by move forty he was two pawns down and soon resigned. Then I was paired with three time senior cham pion GM Janis Klovans. I saw in my preparation that he had hardly any expe rience against the French line I was playing, and although I could not predict his choices after move eight, I was pre pared with the help of Rybka for all reasonable continuations. He followed my analysis (after using half an hour) until his 14th move, when he attacked a rook rather than moving his attacked knight as I had expected. Since it was clear that his queen move was helpful if I saved my rook and since I knew that Rybka had not suggested the queen move, I reasoned that Rybka must have planned to sacrifice the Exchange for a pawn or two, and after some calcula tions convinced me that the “sac” was at least reasonable so I played it. But after the obvious captures he retreated his attacked knight to a square that took away his queen’s retreat, a move that I had dismissed (correctly) as an obvious blunder. I was soon up by two pieces for a rook and won in just 25 moves. I later learned that the correct knight retreat had been played in a GM game shortly before my own, and the drawn result confirmed Rybka’s evaluation of equality. 20

Chess Life — February 2009

So with this point, I was tied for the lead at 7 1! My reward for this was to play the top seed, GM Suba (2531). He followed my earlier win over Butnorius until move 13, and although I did not expect this I was at least reasonably comfortable due to the time I spent on the post mortem of that earlier win. Still, I played impre cisely and he chose the sharpest line, forcing me to sacrifice a pawn for a nasty looking pin. It did net me the Exchange, but as he had a pawn and much better pawn structure for it in the endgame we agreed to a draw. Suddenly victory no longer seemed like a pipe dream. I was tied for first, and I was given the good news at this point that the website was in error (it quoted an obsolete FIDE rulebook), and that FIDE rules (posted on the FIDE website) actu ally mandate average of opponents’ ratings (except the worst) as the tiebreak for this title. I looked much better on this tiebreak than on progressive. Still, I had to play Black against the #2 GM, Miso Cebalo (2493). I felt that if I could draw, I would “only” have to win in the final round, most likely with the White pieces, to have good chances to win the event. I chose the Slav. On move 12 he varied from an earlier game with a move still known to theory. My prepared reply sur prised him, as after long thought he played a most unexpected surrender of the bishop pair. Still, he reached an equal position, but I was starting to get an edge when I made a serious mistake on move 24, which fortunately he did not punish. After making a natural but bad move shortly after this, he was forced to choose between an awful position and a risky knight placement on the edge. This knight was doomed and I soon won it, and while his resultant attack looked scary I was able to defend and force resignation after move 40. I now had a half point lead over the field. In the final round I faced Russian IM Alexander Zakharov (2413). The previ ous night, organizer Jurgen Wempe carefully did and redid the tiebreak cal culations (which being based on average ratings didn’t depend on the final round outcome) and told the interested parties that in the event of a tie, 73 year old Wolfgang Uhlmann would be first, I would be second, Suba third, and the other candidates below that. So I didn’t know whether a draw would be enough or not, as an Uhlmann victory over Cebalo would make him the winner if I drew. Still, Uhlmann was black and lower rated, so the odds were in my favor. I decided to play for advantage without taking much risk, by choosing a line (against my oppo nent’s expected Grünfeld) that often leads to an early queen trade and a slightly more pleasant but drawish endgame for

White. He avoided the trade but soon was in a noticeably worse position, and after 16 moves offered a draw. Although I was better, I could hardly play for a win without risk. I decided to consider his offer at length as I had far more time than he. I kept an eye on the Uhlmann game, and when it became clear that Uhlmann was much worse, I shook hands and accepted the championship and grandmaster title which were mine when Uhlmann resigned, although I could not be certain as Suba had stated his inten tion to protest the failure to use the incorrectly announced tiebreak if he should tie with me. At this point it looked like I would be a clear winner or tied with FM Jefim Rotstein who had poor tiebreaks since Suba was much worse against Rot stein, but eventually Rotstein missed first wins and then draws. So I was tied with Suba at 9 2, but was declared the winner by four Elo points dif ference in average opponents’ ratings. Ironically, I would not have won the tour nament and the GM title if my own rating had been fifty points higher, as Suba would have had higher average oppo nents! Suba did protest the failure to use the tiebreak listed on the tournament website, and the Romanian Chess Feder ation on his behalf asked FIDE to “award the World Senior Title 2008 for both Suba and Kaufman” based on this. I don’t know how FIDE will rule on this, but it should have no practical significance for me if they do decide to call Suba co champion due to this error, as FIDE has officially given me the GM title and I’ve already received the first place trophy and gold medal (prize money was shared). Third thru sixth place at 8½ were GM Cebalo, FM Boris Khanukov, IM Zakharov, and GM Klovans. To what do I owe my new titles? I would not say I was lucky in my games, as although I did get some breaks I should easily have won the two early draws and if needed perhaps the final game. Of course I was lucky in the tiebreak, though I did play the second, third, fifth, and sixth place finishers, but unlucky in that Suba should never have won his final game. I would say that my superior prepa ration, due in part to my ability to play new openings, helped both in getting familiar positions and in giving me time advantages. My relative youth (I turned 60 just a month and a half before the Decem ber 31, 2007 deadline) surely helped, though of my opponents only Klovans at 73 was much older than I. My opening choices proved to be excellent. But above all, I think that it was the time spent teaching and observing the world’s best player, Rybka, and her grandmaster oppo nents in her many official handicap matches at my home (Ehlvest, Benjamin, uschess.org

13. ... Bxf6

A Double World Champ? The Championship may have given me two world records. My son Raymond Kaufman officially received his international master (IM) title just a few days after I received my grandmaster (GM) title, making us perhaps the only father/son GM/IM pair in the world, though Thomas and Elizabeth Paehtz are such a father/daughter pair. Also, since Rybka is the reigning computer world chess champion and I am listed as co author, I may be the first player in chess history to hold two official world chess champi onships at once. ~LK Dzindzichashvili, Perelshteyn, and Milov) that really made the difference. The site for next year’s event has not been chosen at this writing, but I’m told it will probably be in Austria or Italy. I hope to play, and recommend playing to those eligible. Here is my game with bronze medal ist GM Cebalo, which effectively won the tournament for me. Slav Defense (D17) GM Miso Cebalo (FIDE 2493) IM Larry Kaufman (FIDE 2391) World Senior Championship, 11.7.08

28. Na5??

r+  qk+  r +p+  pp lp +p+l Lp+  p +n N + P+  P + + +  N  P + P +L  PP P  R +Q K +R

After 13. Bxf6

Rybka would take with the pawn, so that a later Bg4 can be met by ... f6 f5. I doubt that many GMs would do this, as it looks ridiculous, but Rybka is usually right. 14. Nd3 0-0 15. 0-0 b6 16. Rc1 Rc8 17. Bg4 Bxg4 18. Qxg4 Nb4 19. Nxb4 axb4 20. Ne4 Bg7 21. Qe2 e5 22. dxe5 Bxe5

So half my bishop pair has been traded away, but my bishop still looks a bit bet ter than the knight, while White has slightly better major pieces. The game is even. 23. f4

This is slightly suspect, as it leaves a weak “e” pawn behind. 23. ... Bg7 24. Rfd1 Qe7?

This is a serious error; now I can't expel the knight from d6 by ... Rcd8 due to Rxc6. Correct was 24. ... Qc7 with a slim edge for Black. 25. Nd6 Rc7 26. Nc4?

“Play the Slav” by James Vigus has excellent coverage of this line.

I have no idea why he retreated instead of playing the natural 26. e4 and 27. e5, with a plus. Now I'm again slightly better.

9. Bg5 g6 10. e3 Bg7 11. Bd3 Be6 12. Be2

26. ... Rb8

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. Ne5 Nbd7 7. Nxc4 Nb6 8. Ne5 a5

12. 0 0 is well met by ... Nfd5. Cebalo previously played 12. Nf3, when ... Nbd5 aiming to go to b4 Black equalizes. 12. ... Nbd5

Which knight? 12. ... Nfd5 is more common as it forces a retreat, but the text has been played at top level and also has a threat (... Nxc3 and ... Ne4). It has the advantage that it does not leave a poorly placed knight on b6. Still, I suspect the text move may be a bit weaker if White replies 13. Rc1. I was still playing from my preparation, but Cebalo took a long time here. 13. Bxf6?! (see diagram top of next column)

I would not even consider such an unprovoked loss of the bishop pair. uschess.org

Rybka prefers 26. ... b5 directly.

27. b3??

This obvious move loses, due to allow ing Black a decisive rook invasion to the c3 square. 27. ... b5!

r 

+

+k+ +  r  qp lp +p+ +p+ +p+ + + P pN+  P + +P+  P + + +Q+P P +  RR+  K

After 27. ... b5

The knight now gets trapped, but after the better 28. axb5 cxb5 29. Nd2 Rc3 White will surely lose a pawn or more with no counterplay, as a capture on c3 would be disastrous. 28. ... Bc3! 29. Qf3 Qc5 30. axb5 cxb5 31. f5 Qb6 32. f6 Qxa5 33. Qf4

He threatens 34. Rxc3 and 35. Qh6.

33. ... Qa7

33. ... Qb6 34. Rd6 Be5! was a quicker and prettier win. 34. Rd5 Rc6 35. Rcd1 Bxf6 36. Rd7 Rb7 37. Qe4 Rxd7 38. Qe8+ Kg7 39. Rxd7

+

+Q+ + q +R+p  kp +r+ l p+ +p+ + + p + + +  +P+  P + + + +P P + + +  K

After 39. Rxd7

39. ... Rc1+

OK, I missed mate in seven with 39. ... Qa1+, but there’s a Russian proverb that says that winning a piece is better than a long mate, as you might miss something in the mate. 40. Kf2 Qa2+, White resigned.

Fortunately the capture on b3 also guards f7, so White resigned.

.

Some of the other games described in this article can be found on Chess Life Online at uschess.org, October archives. Others are on the World Senior Open 2008 web site, www.seniorenschach.de/en. See the July 2008 Chess Life to read about Kaufman’s U.S. Senior Championship.

The U. S. Contingent Men [Open] IM Larry Kaufman IM Albert Kapengut Jude Acers Dan Mayers Eduard Zelkind Leonid Bondar Hans Morrow Natalya Zelkind

Women WIM Esther Epstein

2391 2430 2225 1990 2226 2048 1917 1795

9 7 7 5½ 5 5 5 5

2159

7½

Chess Life — February 2009

21

2008 Continental

Beautiful Chess,

Ehlvest Captures Former USCF president Beatriz Marinello, on behalf of the Confederation of Chess for America, Chess Educators LLC, and the USCF, organizes a FIDE World Cup Qualifier in Boca Raton, Florida.

By GM Josh Friedel

aan Ehlvest won the Continental Championships in Boca Raton, Florida with an impressive 7/9. Along with a $4,000 payday, he earned himself a spot in the 2009 World Cup. This was a major coup, as unlike past Continental Championships, there was only one spot to be had. It is easier to qualify when you can coast the last couple of rounds, but when you need to outdistance the whole field matters are more complicated. Jaan proved up to the task. Through out the November 2 7 tournament, he played steady, solid chess. This is usually a given when you score 7/9 with no losses in a tournament. However, he also showed he could win when he had to. This was especially important in the last round, when he needed to beat the always dan gerous GM Alex Shabalov in order to clinch first. Tied for second at 6½/9 were GM Alex Ivanov and myself. A large group tied for fourth, including: GMs Julio Becerra Rivero, Alex Stripunsky, Vinay Bhat (all USA), Manuel Leon Hoyos (MEX), Darcy Lima (BRA), IM and rising American star Ray Robson, Colombian IM Sergio Barri entos, and Peruvian FM Renato Terry. Though many people came close, only

J

22

Chess Life — February 2009

two norms were achieved. Terry achieved an international master (IM) norm for tying for fourth, and Alisa Melekhina made her final woman’s international master norm as well as snagging the $300 top woman prize. Colombian IM David Arenas didn’t manage to norm, but he had a strong event and won the $300 junior prize. Sixty players showed up for the nine round Continental Championships. The participating federations included the U.S. (38 players), Colombia (12), Brazil (3), Mexico (3), as well as representatives from Bolivia, Peru, Nicaragua, and even Cuba. This included nine GMs and a slew of other titled players. This impressive field did battle at the luxurious Marriott Hotel in Boca Raton, Florida. Contrary to what I’d heard from certain misleading friends of mine, the city name does not mean “rat’s tail.” Shockingly, they were somewhat close: it literally translates to “mouse’s mouth,” but it was in reference to the rocks sailors saw when they came ashore. Yes, I looked it up. This was an enjoyable event to watch. Aside from the excitement factor as far as who would qualify, it was really easy to follow. You could follow games on the

official website, MonRoi, and on the ICC. It is nice enough when an event has cov erage on one site, never mind three. It was also useful to the players to have a site for pairings, checking standings and to see other games. This was especially useful for those of us staying at other hotels. There were only one or two things I’d have done differently. Having half the rounds at 10 a.m. was a bit rough, espe cially as it got later into the tournament. Having one round a day would be ideal for such an important event, but if that isn’t possible, at least an 11 a.m. start would be a bit less harrowing. I was certainly thankful on the penultimate day that only one round was at 5 p.m! On the whole, however, the tourna ment was an enjoyable one. It is rare to be able to play and interact with such a diverse group, especially in the U.S., and it is nice to play a different set of people than just the “usual suspects” you typi cally get at most American Swisses. The Continental Championship is a unique event, with many factors differen tiating it from other events. According to organizer Beatriz Marinello, there are four Continental Championships that are held around the world; the African, Asian, and uschess.org

Dangerous Tactics:

Continental European Continentals are the others. However, Europe has so many strong tournaments and events serving as qual ifiers they don’t usually bother even holding one. These events are normally sponsored by FIDE, though the Boca Raton event wasn’t (the main sponsor was the U.S. Chess Trust), which is the reason only one spot was available. It is well known that many different federations participate in the Continen tal, making it a strong and diverse tournament. It also makes it ideal for acquiring title norms. Not only are there many different federations, making it easy to meet the foreign player require ment, but also there is a special rule for continentals regarding performance rat ing. Basically, the performance rating requirement for each category is 50 points lower! This means that if you are playing for a grandmaster (GM) norm, you only have to perform at 2550 instead of the usual 2600. This rule doesn’t seem to be well known I certainly had no clue about it. I’d think this alone would encourage more norm seekers to attend this event. The tournament was an exciting one to participate in. It is unusual for a continen tal to only have one qualifying spot, and while this is a negative, it certainly cre ates excitement going into the final rounds. I don’t think there have been many times in my chess career where I felt as much pressure as I did in my must win, last round game against Becerra Rivero. While this was nerve wracking as a player, I’m sure it made it very excit ing to people following the event. The event had some nice features. One was that before each round, they gave away a free Excalibur clock. This worked out particularly well for me as I had lost my clock at the Miami Open, and hadn’t yet picked up a new one somehow, I ended up winning one in round four! In uschess.org

fact, a suspicious number of GMs won the clocks, most of whom of course don’t have clocks. Call me crazy, and you’d probably be right, but I have a hard time believing this was mere coincidence! Beatriz Marinello related to me an anec dote about the Colombian delegation, the second largest one to show up. Appar ently, this was the first U.S. trip for most of them. Just after arriving, they all got stuck in the train station’s elevator! Talk about a warm welcome into our country. They got out of it unharmed, however, and arrived in full force in Boca. Another strange incident occured just before round three started. All the lights went off. At first it was thought some patzer leaned on the light switch, but it turned out the entire area of town we were in had lost power. It was decided that if power did not return by 7 p.m. (the round was scheduled for 5 p.m.), we’d have to postpone the round until the next day. Of course, it’s easy to guess what happened: The power came back on at exactly 6:50. Almost unbelievably, the round was underway by 7:05 p.m., and the games weren’t completed too late. Of course unexpected problems like this occur in every tournament; some of them, like this one, completely out of the organizer’s control. The key is how the organizers handle the problem, and this one was handled quite well. That’s enough about the playing site, rats’ mouths, and power outages. It’s time for the games. There were no huge upsets in the early rounds, and there were no surprising names amongst the leaders. There were a few surprises, how ever. Unfortunately the first of them involved myself! I got nicked for a draw in round one by a dangerous master from Wisconsin, Erik Santarius. Erik came very close to scoring an IM

norm, but just missed out by losing the last round. Arenas showed he was a force to be reckoned with by knocking off Bhat in round two. In round three Lima of Brazil took out Shabalov. It looked like “Shabba” got an awkward position out of the opening, and though he managed to untangle some what, White’s powerful d pawn proved its worth in the endgame. To add to Shabba’s woes, he lost to me in round five. Once again, he got into some trouble in the opening, and while he was able to stir up some trouble, he never really recovered. This was the game that propelled me into the leaders’ group. French Defense, Classical System (C11) GM Josh Friedel (FIDE 2498) GM Alexander Shabalov (FIDE 2585) Pan Am Cont. (5), 11.04.2008 Notes by Friedel 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 a6 8. Qd2 b5 9. dxc5 Nxc5

The French was a surprise from Sha balov (if anything can be called a surprise from him), but here he gets weird. 9. ... Bxc5 is standard. 10. Qf2 Na4

More strangeness, but after this Black’s position just seems bad. 11. Nxa4 bxa4 12. c3 Be7 13. Bd3 a3

Not a pleasant move, but it seems nec essarily. (13. ... 0 0 14. Qc2 picks up a pawn for nothing.) 14. b4 0-0 15. 0-0 f6

It is understandable he wants to create counterplay, but this just doesn't work. 16. Qc2 h6 Chess Life — February 2009

23

2008 Continental ... and this is nearly suicidal. 16. ... f5 was necessary, though Black’s position really looks ugly after that. 17. Nh4! f5

An unfortunate necessity, as otherwise 18. Bh7+ and 19. Ng6+ are decisive. 18. Ng6

Snagging the bishop pair and winning the a3 pawn with ease. 18. ... Rf7 19. Nxe7+ Rxe7 20. Bc5 Rd7 21. Qa4 Bb7 22. Qxa3 g5

Though this really weakens his king more than mine, it is tough to see what Black can do otherwise. 23. Qc1

23. Qb2 was more accurate, as I have to go there in the game anyway. 23. ... Rg7 24. Bd4!

I refuse to let his bishop out with d4.

24. ... Rc8 25. Qb2 Nxd4 26. cxd4 Qb6 27. Rac1

This allows him to win a pawn, but my goal was to make sure the bishop on b7 stayed out of the game. 27. ... Rxc1 28. Rxc1 gxf4 29. Rc5

A risky decision, but I was playing for control. This time I was making sure his queen couldn’t hit d4. 29. ... f3 30. g3 f4 31. Kf2 h5

This looks scary, but he really can't get access to my king easily. Keep in mind also that my bishop on d3 is play ing, while his will always be a spectator. 32. Qd2 fxg3+

Opening up his king, but the alterna tives weren't much better. 32. ... h4 33. g4 Rxg4 34. Kxf3 is also good for White. 33. hxg3 h4 34. g4 Qd8 35. Qh6 Qe7 36. Qh5

Creating a nasty threat.

36. ... h3

+ + +k+ +l+  q  r p+ +p+ + +  Rp P +Q P   P +P+ + +L+p+p P+ +  K + + + + +

After 36. ... h3

37. Rc7!, Black resigned.

I had my chance to take the clear lead

24

Chess Life — February 2009

in round six against Ehlvest, but failed to convert in a promising ending. Ehlvest took the lead himself the next round with a nice win against Ivanov. There were some other interesting games at the top that round, but only Ehlvest was able to win. GM Bhat, after recover ing from his second round loss, pushed Stripunsky to the brink in a rook ending. However, in the end, the experienced GM’s defenses held: Brinksmanship GM Vinay Bhat (FIDE 2497) GM Alexander Stripunsky (FIDE 2553) Pan Am Cont. (7), 11.05.2008

+

+ + + + +k+ +R+ +p+ pp+r+p+  + +  P  P P + +   P P +K+ +  + + + + +

Black to play

This ending looks promising for White. However, GM Stripunsky finds a power ful maneuver. 49. ... Kg7 50. b3 Kh6 51. Ra6 b4 52. axb4 axb4 53. Rc6 Kh5

Now White has to deal with ... Kg4 threats, making his task a lot tougher. 54. Ke3 Rd1 55. Rb6 Rg1 56. Kf2 Rc1 57. Rxb4

White wins the b4 pawn, but his king side falls in return. The resulting ending is easily drawn. 57. ... Rc2+ 58. Kf3 Rc3+ 59. Kf2 Kg4 60. Rb6 Rf3+ 61. Ke2 Kxg3 62. Rxg6+ Kxf4 63. Rb6 Rh3 64. Rb4+ Kg3 65. Ke3 Rh1 66. h5 Re1+ 67. Kd2 Re6 68. Rb8 f4 69. Rg8+, Draw agreed.

Becerra Rivero Hoyos was also quite a battle. Becerra Rivero seemed to have a slight edge out of the opening, and pushed it from a rook ending, to a king and pawn ending, and finally to a queen ending! However, he was unable to come away with the win. In round eight, it seemed Ehlvest would totally pull away, but he blew a rosy posi tion against Stripunsky in time pressure. French Defense, Classical System (C13) GM Alexander Stripunsky (FIDE 2553) GM Jaan Ehlvest (FIDE 2581) Pan Am Cont. (8), 11.06.2008

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 dxe4 5. Nxe4 Be7 6. Bxf6 gxf6 7. Be2 f5 8. Ng3 c5 9. d5 exd5 10. Nh3 Qd6 11. Qd3 Nc6 12. 0-0-0 Nd4 13. c3 Nxe2+ 14. Nxe2 Be6 15. Nef4 0-0-0 16. g3 Qb6 17. Kb1 Rd6 18. Rhe1 Rhd8 19. Re2 Bf6 20. Ng1 c4 21. Qc2 d4 22. cxd4 Rxd4 23. Rxd4 Rxd4 24. Nf3

+k+ + + pp+ +p+p  q +l  l + + + +p+ +p r N  + + + +N P P PQ+R P  P +K+ + +

After 24. Nf3

Black has outplayed White for most of the game. He was in severe time trouble, which often leads to throwing away a win. 24. ... Rd6?

24. ... Re4 and Black maintains the extra pawn as well as a big advantage. 25. Nxe6, Draw agreed.

Now White wins back the pawn, and a draw is agreed upon. This allowed me to catch up to him with my win against Brazilian IM Everaldo Matsuura. So, going into the last round, it was Ehlvest and I leading the pack, with a large number of people half a point back just waiting to catch us. He got the resur gent Shabalov as white, while I got black against Becerra Rivero. It was clear Shabba was going for it when he played a risky Dutch. It seemed like it was unclear for awhile, but then Shabalov went for a sacrificial melee which didn’t work out at all. Ehlvest beat back his attack and mopped up pretty easily. English Opening (A10) GM Jaan Ehlvest (FIDE 2581) GM Alexander Shabalov (FIDE 2585) Pan Am Cont. (9), 11.07.2008 1. c4 f5

As is often the case when first place is valued far above second, both players come to the board in a fighting mood. 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. e3 0-0 6. Nge2 Nc6 7. 0-0 a6 8. b3 Rb8 9. Bb2 b5 10. Rb1 e6 11. d4 Qe8 12. Nf4 g5 13. Nd3 d6 14. Rc1 bxc4 15. bxc4 e5 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. Ba1 c6 (see diagram top of next page)

uschess.org

rl+q  rk+ + + +  lp p+p p  n + + +  np p +P+ + + +  NN P  P P+ +  PL P L   RQ+R K

After 17. ... c6

Black’s opening appears to be a suc cess. The position is not only double edged, but Black is somewhat solid, at least as solid as you could hope for in a Dutch. 18. Nxe5 dxe5 19. Qd6 Bd7 20. Rfd1 Qh5

This looks like the right idea, but Black’s attack lacks some punch. 20. ... Rf7 is a more solid alternative, threaten ing to evict the queen with ... Bf8 if necessary. 21. Na4 Rbe8

21. ... f4 looks strong, but White can defend against it pretty easily, as shown after 22. exf4 gxf4 (22. ... exf4?? 23. Bxf6 loses a piece; 22. ... Bg4 23. fxe5 Bxd1 24. exf6 favors White) 23. Qxe5 Qg6 24. Nc5 and White seems to be on top. 22. Nb6

22. Nc5 looked better to me.

22. ... Be6

22. ... Re6 followed by ... Be8 and the position is still not so clear. 23. Qxe5

23. Qxc6 followed by Nd5 looks even clearer. 23. ... Rf7

23. ... Bxc4 24. Qc3 Be6 25. Qxc6 and Black’s position is falling apart. 24. Qc5 Ng4

This desperate attack doesn't work, though Black’s situation was rather hope less anyway. 25. h3 Nxf2 26. Kxf2 f4 27. Qxc6 fxe3+ 28. Kg1

Now White should win easily, but time pressure always complicates matters. 28. ... Rf2 29. g4 Qf7 30. Bxg7 Kxg7 31. Qe4

This move is strange. I’d suspect both players were in time pressure at this point. 31. Rf1 kills Black’s attack rather easily. 31. ... Bc8

31. ... Bxc4 was actually possible,

uschess.org

though in time pressure it's tough to play such a move. It would still lose, but it's likely Ehlvest might not see it with limited time. 32. Qc6 (32. Qd4+ Kh6 33. Nxc4 Rxg2+ 34. Kxg2 Qf2+ with a perpetual; 32. Qb7 Re7) 32. ... Re6 33. Qd7! Rxb6 34. Rxc4 and White is still winning. 32. Qd4+ Kh6 33. Rf1

Now it is truly over.

33. ... Bb7 34. Nd5 Bxd5 35. cxd5, Black resigned.

A well deserved victory, propelling Ehlvest into the World Cup. 131-move marathon GM Julio Becerra Rivero (FIDE 2602) GM Josh Friedel (FIDE 2498) Pan Am Cont. (9), 11.07.2008

After Ehlvest’s win, only I could catch him. However, to do this I had to take down, with black, the highest rated player in the event. Alas, I was unable to do so. I managed to get a solid position out of the opening, and then a better one after my 40th move:

+

+  r  k + +R+  p + +L+  p + +p+ + p   Pl+ + +  n + +P + + +P+ +  N +  K

After 40. ... d5

I felt my position should be winning. Of course it is never easy with Julio, as he’s an amazingly tenacious defender who will rarely let you win easily. As often happens, I then blew it. I played: 41. Rb7 Ra8

This looks strong, but 41. ... Nd1! was better. Then 42. ... Rf2 is a killer threat, and if 42. Bf7 then simply 42. ... Ne3 and he’s falling apart. I thought after I took on g2 it should be won, but his king got way too active, and after 46. Nc5 I knew it was going to be a tough road to victory. I tried for many moves, turning down several draws in the process I’d take in a normal situation. Eventually, I even blundered, forcing me to sac an Exchange. Luckily, the resulting ending is a fortress, but Julio made me play it out till the bitter end. I managed a draw after a grueling 131 moves. So after that, it was merely a fight to tie for second. Still, that didn’t make the games any less exciting. The only player

to succeed in winning, however, was Ivanov against Columbian IM Alder Esco bar. He did it by winning a three vs. two on the kingside with minor pieces, fol lowed by queen vs. knight and pawn! The others with 5½ points managed only to draw. Hoyos looked like he was on his way to taking out Stripunsky, but in the end his defenses miraculously held together. Bhat had a topsy turvy game with Lima. First Bhat was better, but then after a nice pawn sac things got crazy. Then Lima seemed to have the definite edge, but threw it away just before time control, allowing Bhat to get an unusual perpetual. So that left Ehlvest in first, Ivanov and me in second and third, plus a large number of people tied for fourth 11th. Other than the top guys, there were sev eral notable performances. Terry had an excellent performance and finished with the large group tied for fourth. I thank Beatriz Marinello for her orga nizational efforts as well as for her help with information on the event. I don’t think there was a single moment during the tournament that she wasn’t running around doing something. I’d also like to thank chief tournament director (TD) Bill Snead, assistant TD Ivan Ochoa, and Jon Haskel who helped with MonRoi. Without them the event wouldn’t have run any where near as smoothly. Ivan was especially useful for translating purposes, as several of the South American players spoke little or no English. Also, not only did Jon take care of all the MonRois, but he set at least ten clocks per round! It was rather impressive to behold. Lastly, I’d like to thank the U.S. Chess Trust, who funded the event. Without all these peo ple, this event certainly wouldn’t have been possible. I hope they continue to run it in the future!

.

See more coverage on Chess Life Online at uschess.org, November archive, including more commentary and annotations by Josh Friedel. A games database can be found at MonRoi.com. More tournament information and a photo gallery can be found at chesseducators.com

2008 Pan American Continental Championships At A Glance Date: November 2 7, 2008 Location: Boca Raton, Florida Top Finishers: 1st: Jaan Ehlvest, 7; 2nd 3rd: Alexander Ivanov, Josh Friedel, 6½. Chief TD: Bill Snead Chess Life — February 2009

25

Military Chess

THE PENTAGON FIVE Five tie for first in the annual contest of our military’s best players, with Larry Larkins coming out on top for the second year in a row.

By Zachary Kinney, Major, USAF, Ret.

he 2008 U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championship (USAFO) Tourn ament is now in the books. The event to some was the 49th Annual, while to others, it was the 7th Annual. Regardless of the way you count it, the event was another smash hit. A total of 57 military chess players from around the U.S. con verged on the campus of the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, Maryland on October 11 13, 2008, to participate. Following three days of hand to hand fighting, Larry Larkins (2116), a retired U.S. Navy man, eked out his second con secutive championship win. Larkins

T

26

Chess Life — February 2009

finished the contest with a score of four wins and two draws. He wrestled the title on tiebreak points from four other players in the field: Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Taffinder, Jr. (2058), Air Force Technical Sergeant Robert Keough (2033), Armyman Edward Pabalan (1905), and Air Forceman Dale F. Szpisjak (1792). Larkins also lead the Navy team to top team honors. The Air Force team clinched second place while the Army team fought its way to third place. The Marine team managed to pull up the rear at the 2008 AFO. The West Point Cadet team shot its way into first place among the academy teams while the Air Force Academy team

bombed its way into second place. Special thanks are in order to retired Navy Petty Officer Ernest Schlich, who served as the tournament director, and his lovely bride, Joan H. Schlich, who served as the assistant tournament direc tor. Special thanks are also in order to retired Marine Gunny Sergeant Steven Rollins, who also chairs the military chess committee, along with Navy Reserve Captain Thomas Belke; Booz Allen; retired Marine Sergeant John Far rell, and several other personalities who made the event possible. Let’s take a look at a fighting draw between two of the top competitors: uschess.org

PHOTOS: LARRY LARKINS BY ERNIE SCHLICH; ALL OTHERS BY BRYAN GODA

clockwise, from left: Larry Larkins, Edward Pabalan, Douglas Taffinder, Robert Keough, Dale Szpisjak

Sicilian Defense, Rossolimo Attack (B51) Larry Larkins (2116) Douglas Taffinder (2058) 49th AFO, Bethesda, Maryland, 10.2008 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+

White chooses the Rossolimo Attack, which avoids many of the popular open variations. 3. ... Nd7

Also playable is 3. ... Bd7.

4. 0-0 Nf6 5. Re1 a6 6. Bf1 e6 7. c3 Be7 8. d4 b6 9. e5 dxe5 10. dxe5 Nd5 11. c4 Nb4 12. Nc3 Bb7 13. Be2 Qc7 14. Bf4 0-0 15. a3 Nc6 16. Bd3 Rfd8 17. Qc2 h6 18. Qe2 Nf8

Black puts his trusty knight at f8 to prevent the coming White mate threat when the white queen goes to e4. It has been said that the knight is the best defender of the castled king and since f6 is unavailable to the black knight, f8 works just as well. uschess.org

19. Qe3 Nd4 20. Nd2

This key knight move allows White to move his queen to the pivotal square g3 for the start of a kingside attack. 20. ... Rd7 21. Qg3 Kh8 22. Qh3

r+ +  n  k +l qr lp p p p +p+  p +  p  P + +P n  L +  P  NL+ +Q P   N  PP P  R +  R  K

After 22. Qh3

22. ... Nf3+!

An excellent move. Black finds an inter ference tactic to eliminate the white bishop, which is poised for an assist in a later mating attack by White. In chess as

in war, it is very important to see the moves of the enemy and to take evasive action to prevent him from successfully attacking. Black's move was made in the spirit of this principle. 23. Nxf3 Rxd3 24. Ne4 Bxe4 25. Rxe4 Rad8 26. Rae1 Ng6 27. Qg4 Nxf4 28. Qxf4 Kg8 29. h4 Rd1 30. g3 Qd7 31. Kg2 Rxe1 32. Rxe1 Qc6 33. Qe4 Qxe4 34. Rxe4 Rd1 35. Re1 Rxe1 36. Nxe1 b5 37. b3 Kf8 38. Kf3 Ke8 39. Ke4 g6 40. Nd3 bxc4 41. bxc4 h5 42. Nc1 Kd7 43. Nb3 Kc6 44. Kf4 Bd8, Draw agreed.

.

2008 Armed Forces Open At A Glance Date: October 11 13, 2008 Location: Bethesda, Maryland Top Finishers: 1st 5th: Larry Larkins, Douglas Taffinder, Jr., Robert Keough, Edward Pabalan, Dale Szpisjak, 5 Chief Tournament Director: Ernest Schlich Chess Life — February 2009

27

Khach as Khach Can

2008 American Open

irst things first. The clear winner of the 44th American Open held this past November 27 30 was the only grandmaster (GM) who played, Melikset Khachiyan of Southern California. Yes, you may say, form held up, but it was no foregone conclusion. He had to beat the U.S. Open champion, Enrico Sevillano, an international master with a GM norm and a USCF rating of 2565, in round eight to score the clear victory. Had Enrico won, he would have tied for first and probably won on tiebreaks, (as he seems to always do) over the surprising expert, Giovanni Carreto of Baja California. Gio vanni, a Mexican national who often plays in San Diego, achieved the score of six points and took clear second. Although he did not have to play the champion due to his round one and four losses to IM Emory Tate and IM Vladimir Mezentsev, he fin ished powerfully with four straight wins.

F

GM Melikset Khachiyan (Photo from 2007 National Open)

28

Chess Life — February 2009

by Jerry Hanken

Melikset had other challengers for this title but he outlasted all for his fourth American Open (AO) victory. He has a way to go to catch David Strauss’ record eight or even Walter Browne’s seven, but he is only 38 and has a lot of AOs left. The Glendale, California GM, whose love and joy of chess literally ooze from his pores, considers himself an amateur. He runs his own very successful Chess Acad emy and is unfailingly cheerful and in high spirits. He can always be seen in the halls outside of the tournament room with five or six players, enthusiastically analyzing a game or position. He plays in almost all Los Angeles tournaments and wins frequently. He always brings a num ber of his young students who play in many sections and who usually distin guish themselves. Here is how he won in the last round against Enrico Sevillano: uschess.org

PHOTO: BETSY DYNAKO

GM Melikset Khachiyan takes the venerable American Open for the fourth time

Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack (B76) IM Enrico Sevillano (2565) GM Melikset Khachiyan (2587) American Open, Los Angeles (8), 11.30.2008 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 Nc6 8. Qd2 0-0 9. 0-0-0 d5 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxc6 bxc6

This was the event’s key game.

12. Bd4

This is a well known variation of the Sicilian but White’s move here is hard to understand. He yields one tempi for what?

Three connected passers are just too much. The tournament is over. 41. hxg5 hxg5 42. Ra6 g4 43. Rh1+ Kg8 44. Ra8+ Kf7 45. Ra7+ Kg6 46. Ra6+ Bf6, White resigned.

This next game won the “best tactical game” prize for Enrico. It’s a gem. French Defense, Exchange Variation (C01) IM Andranik Matikozyan (2482) IM Enrico Sevillano (2565) American Open, Los Angeles (7), 11.30.2008

12. ... e5 13. Bc5 Be6 14. Ne4

After 14. Bxf8 Qxf8 and the latent threats on the dark squares yield at least equality. 14. ... Re8 15. h4 h6 16. Ba3 f5 17. Nc5 Bf7 18. Nb7 Qb6 19. Na5

19. Nd6 e4 20. Nxe8 e3 21. Qd3 Rxe8 and the passer seems to be worth more than an Exchange. 19. ... Ne3 20. Re1 f4

The old “rusty nail in the knee!”

21. Nb3 Red8 22. Qa5 Rd5 23. Qxb6 axb6 24. Bd3

White offers a button to get some play but he is already worse. 24. ... Nxg2 25. Reg1 Rxd3

Nicely timed!

26. cxd3 Ne3 27. Nd2 Kh7 28. Bd6 Bxa2 29. Ne4 Nf5 30. Bc7 Nd4 31. Rf1 Bd5 32. Bxb6 Nxf3 33. Kc2

r+ + + + + + +  lk Lp+ +p  p + +l p + + +N p  P + +P+n+ PK+ + +  + + +R+R

After 33. Kc2

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5

This line, the Exchange Variation of the French, used to be considered a ho hum draw and that may have been what White had in mind. Lately, however, Black has often been turning this “peace offer ing” into a bloody street fight! 4. Nf3 c6 5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 dxc4 8. Bxc4

Well, there goes the tempo.

8. ... 0-0 9. Ne5 c5 10. Be3 b5!?

r nl q  rk+  p + +p pp + +  n + +p p  N + lL  P + + +  N  L + P P +  PP P  R +Q K +R

After 10. ... b5

Black mixes it up! Anything but a quiet draw now! 11. Qf3

Black has pleasant play after 11. Bxb5 Ne4 12. Qc2. 11. ... bxc4 12. Qxa8 cxd4 13. Rd1 dxc3

This is the point. A “Parting with the Lady!” 14. Rxd8 cxb2+ 15. Ke2 Rxd8 16. Qxa7

33. ... Ra4

Another shot! The knight is tactically defended (34. Rxf3 Rxe4 35. dxe4 Bxe4+) and wins. Charming.

Not 16. Qxb8? Bg4+! Flashy and enter taining tactics. 16. ... Ba6 17. Qxf7+ Kh8 18. Qe6 c3+ 19. Kf3 Bb7+ 20. Ke2 Bd5

34. Nc3 Nd4+ 35. Bxd4

Black has two solid pawns for the Exchange and is close to winning. 35. ... Rxd4 36. Nxd5 cxd5 37. Ra1 f3 38. Rhf1 e4 39. dxe4 dxe4 40. Ra3 g5 uschess.org

(see diagram top of next column)

That is worth another diagram. It stops smothered mate and prepares the coro nation of at least one of the pawns. Right?

n 

r 

+

 k + + +  pp + +Q n + + +l N + l + + +  +  p  L + P p +K PP P + + + +R

After 20. ... Bd5

But not so clear! 21. Qb6 Be7 22. Qc7 Nc6 23. Nxc6 Bc4+

Sharp play indeed by the U.S. Open Champ. Now the pawns march home, or so it seems. 24. Kf3 c2 25. Qxe7

25. Nxe7 Rf8 26. Qb7 and, believe it or not, White is safe and wins! 25. ... Bd5+ 26. Kf4?

It seems that Black can only repeat moves after 26. Ke2. 26. ... Re8 27. Qb7 Re4+ 28. Kg5 h6+ 29. Kg6

“Won't you come into my parlor” said the spider to the fly, “It’s the nicest little parlor than ever you may spy.” 29. ... Rg4+ 30. Kf5 Be4+ 31. Ke6 b1=Q 32. Qc8+ Kh7 33. Rc1 Qxa2+ 34. Ke7 Qa3+, White resigned.

+Q+ + + +  K  pk +N+ n   p + + + + + +l+r+ q +   L + +p+ P P P +  R + + +

After 34. ... Qa3+

The former AO Champ has had enough. It was getting embarrassing. Mate looms! This was not a perfect game but it sure was entertaining!

The following game was a contender for the “non master best game” prize, but was certainly flawed. I really liked it though. Irregular Opening (A00) Francisco Alonso (2001) Simone Sobel (1936) American Open U2200, Los Angeles (5), 11.28.2008 Chess Life — February 2009

29

2008 American Open

An American Open Tale

The American Open is the biggest and best attended chess tournament on the West Coast and has retained this distinc tion for all 44 years of its existence, with one notable exception. That year was 1988 and there is quite a story behind that fact. This tale of triumph and near tragedy began in 1987 and, as you will see, ended in 1989. It has never been told publicly but now that its two main characters have per manently departed from this planet the time has come to tell it. There are no heroes or villains in this story, only a good chess yarn. Your reporter was in the very middle of these events. First let me introduce to you the late John Varis, a powerful man of Greek her itage who was president of the Santa Monica Bay (SMB) chess club for many years. Varis was a great promoter of chess who played in the high “A” range and had large ideas for the game. Tibor Weinberger, a close friend of Varis, was an immigrant from Hungary who dominated the Los Angeles chess scene in the 1960s 1970s. He was over 2400 in those days and once played in the U.S. closed championship. As related last year in these pages, the SMB chess club owned the American Open (AO). In the ’70s the AO had drawn 400 entries routinely and even broke 500 on at least one occasion. But by 1986 the decline of West Coast chess had become quite noticeable. Varis longed for the old huge turnouts and went in search of sponsorship or a patron for the AO. He found one in the person of Les Crane, a former TV and radio shock jock, who had made a fortune by inventing and mar keting software. He founded Software Toolworks, the parent company of the Chessmaster series of computer programs which were the best commercially available chess engines at that time. I don’t know how he and John got together originally but it was a “marriage” made in heaven. John was smooth as silk, cool, ever smiling, and always impeccably dressed in suit and colorful tie. Les, by contrast, was a somewhat crude but dynamic man who drove a Jaguar and had a girlfriend half his age. He lived in an estate in Brentwood with a large swim ming pool and was almost always dressed in brown jumpsuits. He smoked big sto gies, wore tinted Armani sunglasses even at night, and always had a drink in his hand. He was a near beginner at chess but seemed enthusiastic about chess. You may wonder at the discrepancies between these two, but they were alike under the skin. They were hard driving 30

Chess Life — February 2009

promoters with an eye on the bottom line and meshed perfectly. When the fiftyish Crane wanted a difficult job done (like firing someone), the sixtyish, tan, leather skinned Varis would do the job with finesse. When a complaint was brought to Les about John, he would say, “I know John is an S.O.B., but he is my S.O.B!” Together they set out to create a huge money tournament with the name “Soft ware Toolworks” in its title. The first year of this collaboration, the tournament was “The Software Toolworks $100,000 23rd American Open” and it was held at the LAX Marriott. Crane funded Boris Spassky’s non playing appearance which, aside from the unprecedented guaran teed prize fund, gave the tournament its high visibility. But Les was not happy with the turnout, as John had predicted 1,000 players and considerably less showed up. For 1988 Crane wanted to increase the prizes to at least $130,000 and to drop the “American Open” name altogether. Originally Les wanted to put the tourna ment in Las Vegas but after some negotiations, it was placed at the very ele gant Hyatt Regency in nearby Long Beach. Thus the Software Toolworks $130,000 Championship came to be in 1988. Varis assured Crane it would easily draw a thou sand players but, when it was over, it drew only 739 and Les spent over $100,000 pay ing for grandmaster (GM) expenses great for the GMs, but not for Les. But what of the 23 year (at that time) traditional American Open? This was no slight problem. Crane stubbornly refused to use that name in his extravaganza. After much lobbying by traditionalists with Varis and your reporter leading the way, he finally and reluctantly agreed to give an extra five grand to the SMB club to have the 24th American Open in October at a more modest venue. It drew a modest (by that year’s standards) turnout of around 200 participants and was won by a local lad: IM Jack Peters, the Los Angeles Times chess editor. So that is the story of the American Open which almost wasn’t. But it didn’t end there. The next year we were able to prevail by dangling the “Software Tool works U.S. Championship,” which convinced Les to let us once again call the tournament the American Open with a title sponsor, “The Software Toolworks American Open.” We were thus able to grab back our traditional weekend for the tournament. We then surrounded it on both sides with the 16 player round robin U.S. championship, with “Software Tool

works” in that title also. Crane got a cover picture of Chess Life with him holding the Software Toolworks cup over his head (see photo), and great promotion for his Chessmaster computer. The prize fund was a relatively modest $100,000 based on 750 players with 75% guaranteed, leading to a payout of $77,000 to 662 players. It was a major task to explain the “based on” concept to Crane. “Heck, why not offer ten million based on three mil lion players!” But alas, Varis had again promised 1,000 players. Crane showed up only once during the American Open, asked how many were playing, and when told it was about 650, he took a huge puff from his stogy as his eyes narrowed behind his tinted Hollywood glasses, and said with a sour tone, “Next year I’ll do skateboarding!” Exit stage left, sponsor ship, (really patronage) and a good bet. John Varis continued to promote the U.S. Championship and organized the ’92 version in Colorado. He was chosen to receive the USCF organizer of the year award and was head of the USCF promo tions committee until his untimely death in 1994. Crane’s company was later sold for a hundred million or so and chess never saw him again. However, the suc cessor of the Software Toolworks still puts out the Chessmaster series of computer programs with the goofy looking wizard on the cover. (They are up to version 10 now.) As to the American Open, in 1990 we offered a guaranteed prize fund of 25K and lost a couple of hundred bucks. Eighteen years of tinkering with “based on” prize funds and sporadic patronage have led us to the place we are today. Reduced in size of prizes, staff and players, the Amer ican Open is still the major west coast tournament. ~J.H.

The March 1989 Chess Life

uschess.org

1. b4

Francisco’s pet opening move to get his opponents out of “book.” 1. ... d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. Nf3 Bf5 4. e3 e6 5. c4 Nbd7 6. c5 c6 7. Be2 Qc7 8. Nc3 e5 9. d4 b6

Lots of what Hans Kmoch liked to call “levers” (pawn breaks) here, but White has an edge. 10. b5 e4 11. Nh4 Be6 12. bxc6 Qxc6 13. Bb5 Qc7 14. c6 Nb8 15. f4 Be7 16. f5 Bc8 17. g4 a6 18. Rc1

r nl+k+  r +  q  lp pp p pP+  n + +L+p+P+ +  Pp+P N +  N  P + P L + +  P +  RQ K +R

After 18. Rc1

But this piece sac is not necessary and shifts the balance in Black’s favor. 18. ... axb5 19. Nxb5 Bb4+ 20. Bc3 Bxc3+ 21. Rxc3 Qe7 22. g5 Ng8 23. Qh5 Ba6?

The move 23. ... Qb4 would have been difficult to answer here. 24. f6 Qb4 25. 0-0

White misses the powerful 25. Nd6+!, when 25. ... Qxd6 is met by 26. fxg7. 25. ... Qxb5 26. Rcc1 g6 27. Nxg6!

r n +k+n r + + +p+p l pP+  PN+ +q+p+  PQ +  Pp+ + + +  P + P+ + +  P +  R +R K

After 27. Nxg6

It was this move, which would not have been available if Black had played better before, that, nevertheless, attracted me to this game. 27. ... Nxc6 28. Nxh8 0-0-0 29. Nxf7 Kb7 30. Qxh7 Qd3

That's not going to help in the face of the killer discovery which follows, but it is not easy to find a good move in that position. There doesn't seem to be one. 31. Nxd8+ Ka8 32. Nxc6, Black resigned. uschess.org

Black can only stave off mate with a couple of spite checks.

Randy Hough very ably served as both chief director and chief organizer for the sixth year in a row. Randy has done a remarkable job since taking over from your reporter. He has kept expenses down and has found backers who actually made a profit this year! Anthony Ong did a magnificent job as Randy’s only assis tant while he also headed up the family team as The Chess Palace book and equipment vendor. (See chesspalace.com, their fine website.) Anthony, as part of his assistant director duties, single hand edly ran the one day 142 player American Open scholastic tournament. The American Open has had sponsor ship from Saitek for years now but that company merged into a much larger game and accessories manufacturer, Mad Catz Software (madcatz.com). Their chess department generously gave us some clocks to use. We had a great new sponsor this year in the maker and designer of very beau tiful chess sets and boards, thechesspiece. com. When you visit their website prepare to be dazzled! Steve Livingstone at The Chess Piece very generously allowed us to use some of the finest of his sets and boards on the first 13 boards. He paid the shipping (a pretty penny indeed!), and allowed us to use his brand new unique sets and boards, referred to by them as “the world’s first triple decker chess set featuring The Alban chessmen and double sided ebony and red sandalwood chessboard,” for use on our top board. They also allowed us to auction it off with the proceeds going to the American Open! This combo retails for over $1,300! Thechesspiece.com is located in south Florida and has been trading for nearly ten years but is still relatively new in the high end chess set and chess collectors’ market. I first met Steve at the U.S. Sen ior Open earlier in 2008 when he let that national event use 45 of his luxury chess sets to cover the entire tournament! I suspect you will be hearing quite a lot from this fine company in the near future. Through the efforts of former Chess Life columnist IM Jeremy Silman, we had $1,400 in special prizes generously donated by the family of the late, well beloved Joyce Jillson, an actress, talk show host, astrologer, and enthusiastic tournament player who died in 2004. Dr. Harold Valery, a well known Los Angeles sponsor, was going to offer $500 for a perfect score in the Open but when we explained to him that this had never happened and was very unlikely to ever happen, he switched his donation to the biggest upsets in each of the sections.

All of these winners and their prizes are to be found on the American Open’s excel lent website, americanopen.org, kept up to date by our webmaster, original life master John Hillery. Jennifer Acon tied for best woman player and also won the prize in the Open for biggest upset. Her victim? Your reporter! I also lost to my old friend Ruth Haring who equaled Jennifer’s score. Both ladies played well against this geezer but to be honest, I lost four out of the five games I played for my worst score in all 44 American Opens in which I have played. I managed one non memorable win but if the Lord (or my doctors!) grant me another year, I will be back. The AO again provided a first rate hotel, round the clock chess movies and DVDs, and free lectures. I gave the first when not too many players were around, Khachiyan and IM Armen Ambartsoumian pitched in, and the indefatigable and wildly pop ular Jeremy Silman, as usual, drew the largest audience. Only 223 played in the Open (an increase of 20 over 2007), half of those in the three day schedule, but the atten dance of 142 kids in the one day scholastic makes us cautiously optimistic for the future. We do hope to be back at the unusually fine Renaissance Montura Hotel in 2009.

.

More American Open coverage can be found on Chess Life Online at uschess.org, December archives, including Khachiyan’s entertaining annotations of his fourth round win over Gregg Small. In the November archives, you can read Jerry Hanken’s AO preview with some more entertaining history. On the tournament website, Americanopen.org, you can find final standings, prize winners, and the games in .pgn format as well as on a java player.

44th Annual American Open At A Glance Date: November 27 30, 2008 Location: LAX Renaissance Hotel, Los Angeles, California Top Finishers: Open, 1st: Melikset Khachiyan, 6½; 2nd: Giovanni Carreto, 6; 3rd 5th: Andranik Matikozyan, Vladimir Mezentsev, Emory Tate, 5½. Under 2200, Marian Nita, 6½. Under 2000, Varun Krishnan, 6½. Under 1800, Juan Franco, 7½. Under 1600, Yusheng Xia, 7. Under 1400, Naveen Janarthanan, 6. Chief Tournament Director: Randall Hough Chess Life — February 2009

31

Cover Story

BRONZE Times Two

So it goes: with both the men’s and women’s teams taking bronze in Dresden—and the men doing it by crushing powerhouse Ukraine in the last round—the U.S. has emerged as an international chess power, backed by players such as current U.S. Women’s Champion Anna Zatonskih, who also won an individual gold medal. By FM Mike Klein 32

Chess Life — February 2009

uschess.org

alse hope is officially a thing of the past. The next time you hear that a team is “mathematically alive” for a certain placement, remem ber Dresden, 2008 and the American teams’ two bronze medals. Going into the final round of the 38th Chess Olympiad, held November 12 25, 2008 in Dresden, Germany, the U.S. women’s chances for a podium finish were shaky. The men’s odds were highly improb able. So many teams needed to win, lose or draw in just the right way, but the two quintets took care of their end of the equa tion and waited for the tournament calculus to decide their fate. The resulting mutual third place finishes, the first time both teams medaled in the same Olympiad, punctuated a historic fortnight for Amer ican chess. Going into the 11th and final round, the U.S. men and women were on the out side looking in at the race for team medals. The men, still trying to make up ground after defeats to higher ranked Azerbaijan and Russia earlier in the tournament, had given themselves a glimmer of hope after crushing India 3½ ½ in round nine and then getting by the hometown German squad one match later. Still, they were mired in eighth place with one round remaining, with the worst tiebreaks of any team in the top 12. The caveat for the Americans was the obscure tiebreak sys tem, one of the many rule changes for the Olympiad. The complicated methodology, which multiplied a team’s game points by the match points of its opponents, was highly volatile, impossible to predict, and heavily influenced by crushing wins or defeats. This meant that in order to medal, the U.S. men would not only have to beat Ukraine a team that had not lost a match all tournament they would have to trounce them. In addition, Russia and Spain had to tie their match, Armenia had to beat China, Israel had to beat Nether lands, and a bevy of past opponents had to perform well too. But as countless sports sound bite clichés go, they could only con trol their own games. “We just have to play the match with Ukraine and do our best,” Team captain IM John Donaldson said before the 11th round. 2006 U.S. Champion GM Alex Onis chuk expresses a typical team thought: “Shortly before the last round I met the U.S. women’s team and their captain GM Gregory Kaidanov at breakfast. We dis cussed our chances for medals. It turned out that our women had not an easy task: they had to beat a strong French team. When I told them that for us the only chance to get medals was beating Ukraine 3½ ½, we all sincerely laughed.”

F

Left: Anna Zatonskih Photographed by Mike Klein uschess.org

Exchange Grünfeld (D85) GM Alex Onischuk (FIDE 2644) GM Pavel Eljanov (FIDE 2720) 38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (11), 11.25.2008 Notes by Onischuk 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5

I’d prepared for the last game with our fifth board player GM Varuzhan Akobian and my old friend GM Roman Slobod jan, who came to Dresden to support me, for about five hours, but we almost did not look at the Grünfeld. Somehow I did not believe Pavel would play it. I guess I did not realize that not only us, but also the Ukrainian team wanted to score big in the final round. 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 c5 8. Rb1 0-0 9. Be2 b6 10. 0-0 Bb7

r+q+n rk+ p +   pp lp pP+ +p+  +  p + + +L+P L + + + + +P P+ +Q PP+ +R+R+  K

After 19. dxc6

give me any edge; b) 20. Ba6 Qxc6 21. Bb5 Qb7 22. Rd7 Qc8 23. Ba4 c4!?; c) 20. a4!? Qxc6 21. Bb5 Qb7 (21. ... Qc8 22. Ba6 Qc6 23. Bb5 is even) 22. a5 bxa5 23. Rd7 Qc8 24. Qc2. 20. Rbc1 e5 21. Bh6 Ng7 22. Bd5 Qc7 23. Rd3!

I think this system is quite dubious for Black. White can choose now between the quiet 11. Qd3 and more aggressive 11. d5. Both moves should give him some advantage.

This is a strong maneuver, placing my rook where it can pressure Black’s posi tion where necessary (the f and a files) are very strong avenues of attack for White.

11. d5 Bxc3 12. Bc4 Bg7 13. Qe2 Nd7

When I made this move I stood up and I saw that GM Gata Kamsky had won against GM Vassily Ivanchuk. Other posi tions were still complicated with some advantage for the U.S. team.

With a different move order we got a position from the game GM Hikaru Naka mura GM Shakhrivar Mamedyarov, which was played in the fifth round of the Olympiad. Hikaru lost that game but we looked together at this position at the team meeting and found some new plans for White. 14. Bf4 Nf6 15. Rfd1 Qd7

Good move. The idea is to play ... Rad8 and ... Qc8, improving the placement of his pieces on the back row. 16. Ne5!?

In order to prevent his plan, Nakamura played 16. h3 in this position. 16. ... Qc8 17. h3 Ne8!

It was already not so easy to find a move here. The only alternative I see is 17. ... Rd8. 18. Nc6

This move looks good, but unfortu nately it should only lead to a draw. Probably the best way to keep pressure was 18. Rbc1!? Nd6 19. Bd3 with enough compensation. 18. ... Bxc6 19. dxc6 (see diagram top of next column) 19. ... Bd4!?

During the game I also considered this move to be the main one. It turns out that after the strongest 19. ... e6 he can defend, and now I can also try moves like 20. e5!? or a) 20. Qc2 but they don’t

23. ... Kh8 24. Rf3 f5 25. Qa6 Rab8 26. Ra3

26. ... fxe4

In case of 26. ... Bb2?! 27. Qxa7 Rfc8 28. Ra6 Bxc1 29. Bxc1 White gets a big advantage. Two bishops are extremely strong in that position. 27. Qxa7

Objectively moves like 27. Rf1 and 27. Rc2 were stronger here, but my move is definitely more fun. 27. ... Rxf2!

This is better than 27. ... Bxf2+ 28. Kh2 Rfc8 (28. ... Rbc8 29. Qb7!?) 29. g4! with a clear advantage to White. 28. Kh2!

28. Qxc7 Rf7+ 29. Kh2 Rxc7 30. Rf1 Nf5 31. Bg5 h6! 28. ... Ne8 29. Bxe4

r 

+n+  k  + +p q pP+ +p  L +  p  p + +  lL+ + R + + +P  P+ + r P K +  R + + Q 

After 29. Bxe4

Chess Life — February 2009

33

Cover Story

He took off his watch, Kasparov-style, at a pivotal moment ... 29. ... Bb2?

This is a blunder. Pavel had less than five minutes after this move. In all other lines White should be better anyway, although there is still significant work to be done to realize that advantage. 29. ... b5!? 30. Qxc7 Nxc7 31. Ra7 Rc8 32. Bf3! e4 33. Bg4 Be5+ 34. Kg1; 29. ... Rf7 30. Qxc7 Nxc7 (30. ... Rxc7? 31. Rf1 Nd6 32. Raf3 Rg8 33. Bd5 and White has a large edge) 31. Ra7 and White is a bit better; 29. ... Rc8 30. Qb7! Nd6 31. Qxc7 Rxc7 32. Ra8+ Rc8 33. Rxc8+ Nxc8 34. c7 when White has some pull. 30. Rc2!! Qxa7

Black loses immediately after 30. ... Rxc2 31. Rf3! 31. Rxa7

There was another more beautiful way to win the game: 31. Rxf2!? Qe7 32. Raf3 Nc7 33. Rf7! (33. Rf8+ Rxf8 34. Rxf8+ Qxf8 35. Bxf8 Ne8 with good winning chances for White) 33. ... Qd8 34. Rf8+ Qxf8 35. Bxf8 when White’s better coor dinated forces will win. 31. ... Rxc2 32. Bxc2 e4 33. Bf4 Rc8 34. Bxe4 Nf6 35. Bf3 g5 36. Bxg5

After the game Hikaru and Varuzhan asked me if I saw 36. c7! gxf4 37. Ra8. Honestly I did not, but of course the posi tion is completely won anyway. 36. ... Be5+ 37. g3 c4 38. Re7 Bd4 39. c7 Ng8 40. Re4 Bf6 41. Bf4, Black resigned.

When I looked at other boards I could not believe my eyes; the score 3½ ½ and even 4 became real.

The American women had better prospects of a medal, if only by a small percentage. They ranked fifth after ten rounds and had reasonable tiebreaks, owing to prior matches against top enders Poland, Russia and China, but they trailed on match points. Their calculations were simpler but they also did not control their own fate. The women needed a win over France (like the men’s team, the big ger win the better, to avoid being overtaken on tiebreaks) and most cru cially needed Poland and Ukraine to avoid a drawn match. Top board IM Irina Krush 34

Chess Life — February 2009

did not focus on the scenarios. Unlike the first ten rounds, the final round was held in the morning, which made her restless. “I couldn’t sleep because I just wanted to get up,” she said. “I was ready to play.” As the American teams took their seats at the crowded Dresden Convention Cen ter playing hall, their focus became evident. Players did not speak at all to their opponents and only very briefly with teammates. The cold of the recent snow falls had crept into the Olympiad itself. The men’s and women’s teams both hap pened to be playing on board three, directly opposite each other, creating a symbolic but silent unity in their shared mission. When the games began, the pace of several of the men’s games suggested that the opening had gone the way of pregame preparation. On board one, Kam sky got a comfortable position against Ivanchuk’s French Defense, and next to him Nakamura played with his usual celerity from the start. On board three, Onischuk, who would finish with a 2700+ performance rating, repeated a dangerous pawn sacrifice (“sac”) of an earlier Naka mura game, and GM Yury Shulman faced the system he was expecting to see. The games continued and players assumed the stylized poses they had con jured all tournament. Kamsky would either sit up professorially or lean for ward and spread his hands in a V formation over his forehead, wrinkling skin toward his hairline. Nakamura offered more animation, alternating between scrunching his brow, staring down his opponent, and walking around confidently in between moves. Onischuk’s face belied the pressure as he remained stoic while he cupped his hands over his ears. Shulman’s over the board demeanor was the most pronounced in its consis tency and tension his universal reaction was to raise his shoulders even with his neck, clasp his hands tight, and occasion ally sweep his chair closer to the table with his feet. The attempt at the nearly impossible mission passed its first hurdle, which stood to be the largest of them all, when Kamsky made relatively short work of

world number three Ivanchuk in less than three hours. The American leader usually left the playing hall immediately following his games, but this time he stayed for a while to follow the progress of his teammates, who all fielded comfort able positions. Onischuk, who said he thinks it is positive to be a little nervous before a game, must have felt some relief to enter an opening that was fresh in his memory. He began playing the 8. Rb1 variation of the Grünfeld Defense only in September, but had been studying sys tems like it with teammates Shulman and Akobian prior to the Olympiad. “We looked at some positions,” Onis chuk said of the long distance training sessions. “It is funny that sometimes we had ‘conference’ calls with Yury and Var(uzhan) together. I had bad internet and I would get disconnected all the time. Sometimes they had not noticed that I was missing. I learned about some nov elties ‘we’ found in Dresden.” Onischuk’s enterprising pawn sacri fice was researched during those sessions, and after a failed attempt with it by Naka mura in the ill fated Azerbaijan match, Onischuk slowly stepped up the pres sure of the bishop pair and center pawns to score the point. The Americans had used their two whites perfectly, and with the score now 2 0, Nakamura bore down even more, knowing that a big score could be attainable. Scores are posted in the playing hall as they are decided, and spectators and top players began to rec ognize that an improbable result was becoming likely. GM Veselin Topalov came up to Onischuk and asked if he thought a 4 0 sweep was possible. With other results falling the right way, Donaldson began calculating if 3½ ½ or 4 0 was needed for a medal. “We have two winning positions,” Onischuk said at that point. Donaldson, who had a train to catch later that night in the middle of the awards cer emony, began to rethink his itinerary. “Believe me, if we get 3½ or four, I’ll be glad to change my ticket.” Nakamura pressed for a win as Black against the forever teenage GM Sergey Karjakin, at one point eschewing an oppo site colored bishop ending. He took off his watch, Kasparov style, at a pivotal moment, at which point his stepfather, FM Sunil Weeramantry, gauged his con fidence as a sign that he would win. However the U.S. needed to first secure the match. With some chances for both sides lingering in the position, Nakamura agreed to a draw to clinch victory. He would then join Donaldson and Onis chuk in the press center to follow Shulman’s game live and calculate tiebreaks. The trio of men directed blazingly fast variations and counters at the LCD uschess.org

Open Olympiad, U.S. Team Scores Player

GM Gata Kamsky

2729

GM Hikaru Nakamura

2704

GM Yury Shulman

2616

GM Alexander Onischuk GM Varuzhan Akobian

TEAM SCORE

ISL ½

2644

1

2606

1

GRE RSA

½

½ 1

0 2½

0

2

AZE

0

HKG CUB HUN RUS IND

1

½

½

1

0

1

1

½

½

½

1

1

½

3½

1

4

2½

2½

1 1

½

1

0

1

1

0

½

0

1½

1

1

½

1

3½

GE1

½

UKR

1

1

½

6½/10

1

1

5½/8

2½

3½

UZB

FRA

0

1

ISL=Iceland; GRE=Greece; RSA=South Africa; AZE=Azerbaijan; HKG=Hong Kong; CUB=Cuba; HUN=Hungary; RUS=Russia; IND=India; GE1=Germany; UKR=Ukraine

Women’s Olympiad, U.S. Women’s Team Scores Player

IM Irina Krush

IM Anna Zatonskih*

2452

WFM Tatev Abrahamyan TEAM SCORE

1

1

1

1

0

1

0

7½/10

1

1

1

½

1

½

½

½

1

1

9/11

½

0

3

1½

½

0

1 1

4

½ ½

3

1

½ 3

1 1

4

½ 0

2

1

½

3

½ 0

1

1 ½

3½

½ 1 3½

MNE=Montenegro; ISR=Israel; TKM=Turkmenistan; MDA=Moldova; NOR=Norway; ROU=Romania; CHN=China; RUS=Russia; POL=Poland; UZB=Uzbekistan; FRA=France *Board 2 Gold Medalist **Board 3 Silver Medalist

screen, wanting their teammate to find the way as his clock crept below two minutes. They picked out sequences and tried to guess which was the safest path that allowed the least counterplay, thinking that even a draw would give them medal hopes (as it would later turn out, it would not). Meanwhile Shulman, who made the only decisions that mattered, had his hands full with Ukrainian GM Zahar Efi menko, who was performing over 2800 going into the round and was in line for an individual medal. “Efimenko has been their hero so far this tournament,” Don aldson said, “He has been their designated hitter.” “In general, we thought they would put the toughest match on board four,” Shul man said. He was aware of the score but oblivious to the tiebreaks and medal chances, having thought going into the round that a 3 1 win would do the trick. But he was too low on time to ask Ako bian what result was needed (Akobian uschess.org

29/44

1

2344

2228

4/6

1

1

1

TKM MDA NOR ROU CHN RUS POL

6½/10

½

2440

WGM Rusudan Goletiani** 2359 WGM Katerina Rohonyan

MNE ISR

6½/10

was acting as floor captain for many of the rounds that he did not play, including the 11th round). Fortunately for the Ameri can squad, Shulman was in a position without losing chances, and with a 30 second increment and an extra pawn, there was no reason to bail out. Shulman shuffled his rook around for a half dozen moves. Spectators, including Akobian, could not figure out if he was gaining time or flummoxed. Akobian had to con stantly leave and return amidst the tension, but finally Shulman marched his king and pawns forward. “Because of time pressure, I couldn’t find the correct order,” Shulman said. Soon after, Efi menko conceded and the rout of 3½ ½ became the worst loss Ukraine has ever suffered in an Olympiad. More impor tantly for the U.S., the lopsided win vaulted them into a tie with Ukraine and a date with the tiebreak algorithms. Shul man said his strategy to play a bland system worked to perfection. He expected

8/10 5/10 1/3

30½/44

Efimenko, whose Ukrainian teammates had relied on often for match victories, to press too far, and that is exactly what happened. “If I trade, he’s not going to be happy at all,” Shulman said. “His team was doing poorly and he started playing very sharp.” At first, Donaldson seemed assured that his team had won by enough to ensure third place. But unlike normal individual tournaments where final round results can be ascertained and computed, too many teams and results were involved to be sure. Ukraine and U.S. had to watch prior opponents and follow the games of ignominious federations like Hong Kong and New Zealand. After calculating and double checking with GM Yasser Seirawan, Donaldson’s initial hopes were dashed when a volley of unfavorable results arrived. He went as far as calling his team, by this time out at dinner, to inform them of the tough luck news. But less than five minutes later, the official Chess Life — February 2009

35

Cover Story

“We just have to play the match with Ukraine and do our best.”

~IM JOHN DONALDSON

standings were posted. The U.S. had done just enough to squeak by Ukraine. Don aldson hit redial. “We’ve had good last rounds before but never against a team like this,” said Don aldson, who has captained the team eight times. He said Dresden was the strongest Olympiad by far, and that going into the tournament, GM Larry Christiansen told him that a top five finish should be con sidered a good result. In 2006, the U.S. defeated Norway in the final round, also 3½ ½, to clinch the bronze then as well. “Of course this one is bigger since we beat one of the strongest teams ever,” Onischuk said. Akobian, who was irritated that his bronze medal in Turin was criticized because of their softer last round pairing, concurred with Onischuk. “We’re showing the world that we are a chess power,” he said. “This kind of win shuts down everything. I never had it in my mind that we were not going to beat Ukraine. I definitely think we had a chance for gold if there were two rounds left, but bronze I think is great.” Akobian, who played six rounds, also served as captain and as a second for other team members, especially Onis chuk and Shulman. “We had a long day,” he said of the rest day prior to the final round. “We shared ideas. We don’t hide anything from each other. My contribu tion to this Olympiad was with the preparation.” Akobian also earned a key victory in round one. His win against his Icelandic opponent was the final game to finish and the conversion of a queen and pawn endgame ensured a positive start to the event. Onischuk also got off to a running start. He won his first two games against grandmasters and held 2700+ GMs Vugar Gashimov and Alexander Morozevich (at 2787 the highest third board in history) to draws. Even his two losses were timely. “Physiologically it was a great relief for me that both matches in which I lost, the team won,” Onischuk said. “In fact, both times I managed to win on the next day after the defeat, and these wins were probably my most important wins in the Olympiad, against Hungary and Ukraine.” Other players got going later, most 36

Chess Life — February 2009

notably Kamsky and Shulman. With the uncertainty of his match with Topalov still looming as the tournament com menced, Kamsky got off to a sluggish start. With only one point in his first three games, he entered the first rest day with a win over an untitled player. But during the day off, his friend turned man ager GM Emil Sutovsky helped resolve the deadlock. Free from extraneous issues, the U.S. number one went on a remark able run. He drew Cuban GM Leinier Dominguez Perez in round six and then GM Peter Leko, who went on to win a gold medal on board one. Kamsky’s win over GM Peter Svidler in round eight helped the U.S. tiebreaks despite the match loss. He then beat GM Krishnan Sasikiran and drew the overperforming GM Arkadij Naiditsch in the penultimate round, before his win against Ivanchuk. His final six rounds netted a 2925 per formance rating. Shulman, who had a decade long hia tus from the Olympiad, improved his play and results in the second half as well. “Shulman was a little nervous in his debut for the first couple of rounds,” Don aldson said. “The game against South Africa was unsettling. Since then he has been on a tear.” Shulman also started with one out of three, escaping with a draw against a much lower rated player from South Africa in round three. But he went on to win 3½ out of his last four. His victory over Efimenko as black was his highest rated opponent of the event. Nakamura, still only 20 but playing in his second Olympiad (moving up one board from 2006), had a seesaw event, with key wins interspersed with two losses to 2700s. He used a jury rigged opening system with both white and black in sev eral rounds in which his pawns pushed to the third or sixth ranks, creating highly malleable but non theoretical formations. “[Nakamura] took two well known theo reticians and played g3 on the first move,” Donaldson said of two of his player’s key wins. Nakamura said his play differs much from the Russian School. “I play unbal anced positions that have different structures,” he said. “I can outplay any

one in the world if I get into a playable position.” He did just that previous to Dresden, having just come off a spectac ular victory at Cap D’Agde in France, in which he beat GM Anatoly Karpov and later Ivanchuk in the final. Nakamura returned to that form near the end of the Olympiad, with 2½ out of his last three. In his final round draw against GM Teimour Radjabov, equalizing so early as black buoyed the team according to Ako bian. “Right out of the gate, Karjakin was struggling out of the opening,” he said. In a curious twist, while the men were trouncing the Ukrainians, the American women were rooting for the Ukrainian women’s team to beat Poland. The quar tet of women needed to first win against fifth seed France however. Save a nomi nal advantage on board three, the U.S. entered the match outrated on the other three boards. France boasted a GM on first board and a former women’s Euro pean champion on board two. Still, the American contingent came in confident. A second round loss to Israel was now a distant memory, and a more understand able loss in round nine to Poland was reversed by a crush of Turkmenistan in round three. They still felt deserving after their first ever win over top seed Russia and a hard earned draw versus then perfect China. IM Anna Zatonskih was the first to fin ish. The U.S. women’s champion was offered a three fold repetition before the time control and had to decide quickly whether to accept. After a fleeting glance at her teammates’ games, she settled. “My position was not better,” Zatonskih said of her decision, which preserved an undefeated Olympiad. From there, the U.S. looked to its lower boards, as it had for much of the tournament. With top board IM Irina Krush struggling against her grandmaster opponent, WGM Rusu dan Goletiani on board three and WGM Katerina Rohonyan on board four needed to score. Like all the other Americans, they insisted they blocked out thoughts of medals during their games. Instead, they channeled advice from earthly and divine sources. “After the beginning of the tournament that didn’t go well for me, the pattern of my mistakes was clear I wanted to win over weaker, lower rated, players, even in equal positions,” Rohonyan said. “In the first game I gave a file in an equal posi tion, got into a worse position then [I was] losing, but managed to draw with my opponent’s help. However, when I did it the same in the second game gave up a file in the equal position to try to win or fish for chances by making my position worse I got punished. Thus, the advice was to never give a file and be satisfied with what I have. (Team coach and GM uschess.org

PHOTO: MIKE KLEIN

Left to right: IM Irina Krush, IM Anna Zatonskih, WGM Rusudan Goletiani, WFM Tatev Abrahamyan, WGM Katerina Rohonyan, team captain FST Michael Khodarkovsky

Gregory) Kaidanov said, ‘Draw is a good result.’ The sayings about open file and ‘draw is a good result’ were going around during the whole tournament. So, in the last game, Rusa (Goletiani) said when she was considering a variation where she had to give up an open file for attack, she remembered how they teased me and stopped considering the variation. “Throughout the tournament I didn’t think about a medal that we could win, because it could have created unneces sary stress. There is a Buddhist saying: Don’t live in the past, you cannot change it. Don’t live in the future, it doesn’t belong to you. Live in the present.” She let the action come to her, and after the French woman across the table pressed too hard, Rohonyan swooped in and took the point. The U.S. now led 1½ ½ with Krush and Goletiani still battling. Krush’s queen was becoming impotent against her opponent’s two rooks despite a furious attempt to pry open the black kingside. Goletiani, like Zatonskih, was also trying to keep her unbeaten record intact (she was the only member of either American team to play all 11 rounds). In a symbolic linkage, she chose a slow opening system where all of her pawns pushed only one square much like uschess.org

Nakamura’s flexible repertoire. Goletiani eventually picked off her opponent’s king’s shelter, one pawn at a time. She chased the enemy monarch across the board. Ahead a piece and now with an armada of kingside pawns, France laid down its arms. Goletiani called it her best game of the tournament. Although Krush would eventually lose, the U.S. had already clinched the match. But the murkiness remained. The team was left to wonder. Was 2½ 1½ enough? And could Ukraine beat tournament leader Poland? A Serbia Georgia draw could also post problems on tiebreaks for the Americans, but Georgia dispelled that possibility by winning earlier. They went on to place first, their first title since their third con secutive gold in 1996. Second seeded Ukraine managed to get by Poland, but only 2½ 1½. Like the men, the women would have to wait out the tiebreaks. But unlike their comrades, they decided to forgo the convoluted calculations and head to dinner, that is, except Krush. Thinking that her loss fatally injured the team’s tiebreaks, she left for an art gallery and was consoled by team captain FIDE Senior Trainer (FST) Michael Khodark ovsky. Playing a barrage of 2500s, she admitted to being worn down.

“The last half was [exhausting],” said Krush. She sat out the first round and then played ten straight. She vomited before her round nine game against Poland. “Physically there is a lot of stress. Every game is a big game. It’s a special responsibility being on first board. I wish I could have done more but I feel like I did a good job.” She finished with six wins, three losses and one draw, performing slightly above her rating. The other team members Zatonskih, Goletiani, Rohonyan, and WFM Tatev Abrahamyan (who, like Akobian, was praised for her preparation of team mem bers) convened in the hotel to await the results. Zatonskih’s mom, at home in the U.S., had a faster internet connection and delivered the news over the phone. The U.S. nipped Poland and Russia for the bronze, only their second medal ever. The foursome screamed loud enough to arouse the curiosity of Kaidanov, who was staying in the next room. He came over and joined the celebration. Krush got the news later while riding the hotel ele vator. A member of the Turkish women’s team came up to congratulate her only 15 minutes before the awards ceremony. “We thought four boards would hurt us, but we played really well,” Krush said. “I’m Chess Life — February 2009

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Cover Story gonna dance and scream. I’m gonna hug my teammates and tell them that they are great.” The team rebounded well after a disap pointing second round loss to Israel. The experience and guidance of Kaidanov, a veteran player of the last six Olympiads, proved helpful. “Both Mike (Khodark ovsky) and Gregory made it a point to tell us the medals are decided during the last few rounds,” Goletiani said. Krush, the most experienced member of the team, did not dwell on the early loss. Sitting at her board before the third round sweep of Turkmenistan, she brushed off the setback by mocking its importance. “Yeah, we’re just going to pack it in and go home,” she chaffed. The team won the next two matches 3 1, and then com pleted another sweep, of Romania in round six. They followed with a tie of tournament leader China and then knocked off Russia for the first time ever, including Krush’s win over Women’s World Champion GM Alexandra Koste niuk. “Everyone congratulates you when you beat the world champion,” Krush said. “But I feel like we both blundered. It was very tense.” Nimzo-Indian Defense, Rubinstein Variation (E55) IM Irina Krush (FIDE 2452) GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2525) 38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (8), 11.21.2008 Notes by Krush

This game came on the heels of my first loss of the tournament, to WGM Yifan Hou. Quite a painful loss, too, as I ruined a winning position in time trouble, and then inexplicably threw away the remnants of my position with my 41st move. So I wasn’t in the best psycholog ical state going into round eight. 1. d4 Nf6

Black’s first move indicates that it’ll be a Nimzo Indian Defense. Alexandra used to play the Meran, but has recently switched to the Nimzo. Of course, there are lots of interesting things to be said about the opening preparation for this game, but it wouldn’t be wise to reveal them. 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 0-0 5. Bd3 c5 6. Nf3 d5 7. 0-0 dxc4 8. Bxc4 Nbd7 9. Qe2

In a blitz game the previous month, I had tried 9. Qb3 against Alexandra, a move which brought me a very nice vic tory earlier in the year, against Swedish GM Pontus Carlsson in Wijk aan Zee. The game Alexandra continued 9. ... a6 10. a4 Qc7 11. Rd1 b6 12. d5 exd5 13. Nxd5 Nxd5 14. Bxd5 Bb7 15. e4 Bxd5 16. 38

Chess Life — February 2009

Qxd5 Rad8 17. Bg5 Nf6 18. Qf5 Rxd1+ 19. Rxd1 Qc6 20. e5 Qe4 21. Qxe4 Nxe4 22. Be3 and it was drawn many moves later, Krush Kosteniuk, World Mind Sports Blitz, 2008. 9. ... b6 10. Rd1 cxd4 11. Nxd4

11. exd4 is more common.

11. ... Bb7 12. e4!?

This was the move I had in mind when choosing 11. Nxd4. It’s a very rare move (at first glance it appears to lose a pawn) that was noticed by Pascal (Charbon neau), and struck him as an interesting continuation that would be hard to deal with over the board. 12. ... Bxc3 13. bxc3 Qe7

A natural square for the queen. Black connects the rooks and gives much needed protection to the e6 pawn, whose vulnerability, as we see in the variations below, was what justified White’s offer of the e pawn. Accepting the pawn with 13. ... Nxe4 is the most critical test of 12. e4, but so far it hasn’t appealed to players of the black pieces, who have chosen the solid setup that Alexandra found in this game. Of course, it’s clear that White’s response will be 14. Nxe6 and it’s rather daunting to try to work out the ensuing complications over the board; 13. ... Bxe4 also runs into 14. Nxe6 fxe6 15. Bxe6+ Kh8 (15. ... Rf7 16. Rxd7 Nxd7 17. Qxe4) 16. Bxd7 and White is much better. 14. f3

Now White hurries to strengthen his center. White’s pawn formation looks very effective against the ... Bb7 and the ... Nf6; the drawback in his position is the weak ness of the c3 pawn. 14. ... Ne5

Black immediately attacks the Bc4; however, it’s probably more accurate to begin with 14. ... Rfc8, keeping the threat of ... Ne5 for the next move. That way White won’t be able to move away to b3 without offering the c3 pawn. 14. ... Rfc8 15. a4 Ne5 16. Ba3 Qc7 17. Bb3 Nc4?? Black falls for a deadly trap: 18. Nb5 Qc6 19. Bxc4 Qxc4 20. Rd8+! Rxd8 21. Qxc4 Rac8 22. Qe2 GM Sergey Ivanov GM Zahar Efimenko, 1 0, 2004. 15. Bb3

This much was obvious; White has to conserve the bishop pair. 15. ... Rfc8

Now I was out of preparation as well as obvious, rote moves (i.e., Bb3) so it was time to think about a) what to do about the c3 pawn and b) how to deploy the Bc1. After a 40 minute think, I played a move that failed on both counts.

16. Bg5?

I really like Pascal’s postgame sugges tion of 16. a4!? the main idea of which is to prepare Ba3, but which also supports the knight’s arrival on b5. Meanwhile the c3 pawn is immune: 16. ... Rxc3 (16. ... Nfd7 looks natural, intending to meet Ba3 with ... Nc5) 17. Bb2 Rcc8 18. Nxe6 Nxf3+ 19. Qxf3 fxe6 20. Bxf6 gxf6 21. Qg4+ Kh8 22. Bxe6 with initiative against Black’s open king; 16. Nb5, which I con sidered during the game, would also have been preferable: 16. ... Ba6 17. c4 I thought that this move wasn’t possible due to 17. ... Nxc4 but overlooked a typ ical tactical idea for this position (which Pascal had pointed out in the pregame prep!): 18. Bxc4 Qc5+ 19. Be3 Qxc4 20. Rd8+! and White wins the queen, as in the Ivanov Efimenko game above; 16. Bf4!? was suggested by Kaidanov to push the knight out of the center. 16. ... Ng6 17. Bd2; Even the meek looking 16. Bd2 would have accomplished the task of developing a piece and not losing a pawn. 16. ... Rxc3

There goes the pawn.

17. Kh1

Tucking the king away; now f4 is a threat but it’s Black to move. The intended f4 and e4 e5 idea is met with 17. ... Nc6! 18. e5? Qc5 and White is lost due to the collapsing g1 a7 diagonal. 17. ... h6 18. Bh4 Rc5

I didn’t find this move so convincing, but I guess it’s not clear what is truly “convincing” for Black here. For sure, Black is doing well, but White does have some compensation for the pawn in the form of the bishop pair. Something like 18. ... Rac8 looked natural to me, and then I was planning to harrass the rook with 19. Be1 R3c7 20. Nb5 Ba6 21. a4. 19. Bf2

Targeting the rook.

19. ... Ng6 20. Nb5

Getting the knight to d6 is White’s main source of counterplay. 20. ... Rh5

After 20. ... Rg5 21. Be3 holds g2 and f4. 21. Nd6 Bd5

Another blunder by me I completely missed this interception. At first sight, it looks devastating (particularly in the lines where I take the bishop) but then I real ized I had two decent ways of dealing with it, and the question was, which one to choose. 22. Nc4 uschess.org

Left to right: GM Yury Shulman, GM Gata Kamsky, GM Varuzhan Akobian, GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Alexander Onischuk, GM Gregory Kaidanov

22. Bg3, simply defending the Nd6, was my first instinct, as it forces Black to trade on b3 and in consequence opens up the a file for my rook. Any move that lets a new piece into the game seemingly cost free is a strong contender for best move in the position, but after 22. ... Bxb3 23. axb3 Rg5 with ideas of ... Nh5 f4, I still felt like White had no clear path to equality, and meanwhile the position had simpli fied. So I chose the more complicated 22. Nc4. Clearly awful is 22. exd5 Qxd6 (threatening mate on h2) 23. g3 exd5.

PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS

22. ... Qc7

Now White faces an important choice between how to defend h2, 23. Bg1 or 23. g3. Both moves have their pluses and minuses. Moving the g pawn weakens the h1 a8 diagonal and forces White to reckon with sacrifices on e4 for the rest of the game. Retreating the bishop to g1 seems rather passive, and does nothing to take control of the f4 square. It’s the sort of decision where calculation adds almost nothing, so in the end you just go with your feel. My instinct was to limit the g6 knight, so I played 23. g3. 22. ... Nf4 was an alternative, after which White has several queen retreats, though the solid 23. Qf1 was probably the one I’d go for. uschess.org

23. g3 Bc6

23. ... Bxc4 was worth considering, though making that trade is psychologi cally difficult for Black; now White’s weakening of the h1 a8 diagonal will go unpunished and Black’s kingside gather ing will have led nowhere. And it will finally be clear that White has full com pensation for the pawn after 24. Bxc4. 24. Rac1

Bringing the remaining piece into the game.

r+ + +k+ p   q +p p pl  Np+n p +  n + +r + +P P + +L+ +  P P+ +Q L  P +  RR+ +K

After 26. f4

Directing the knight to c5, where it will block the c file very effectively. When I saw the ... Nd7 c5 maneuver, I was very con cerned it looks like that one knight can completely stifle White’s play. But then I noticed a surprising possibility for White ...

And this is the paradoxical move I had prepared after 24. ... Nd7. It opens a dis covered attack on the ... Rh5, which suddenly finds itself out of squares and out of defenders. It is just kind of surpris ing that a move which weakens such a critical diagonal against my king can be good.

25. Nd6

26. ... Nxf4

24. ... Nd7

Funny how the knight comes back to that square! Now White is already threat ening things like Nxf7 followed by Qc4. 25. ... Nc5 26. f4!

Black embarks on a tactical solution. I hadn’t calculated this move in this par ticular position, but it didn’t come out of the blue, either, as I had been watching for these possibilities ever since I played 23. g3. Black could have opted for 26. ... Rd8 27. Qxh5 Rxd6 28. Bxc5 Bxe4+ (28. Chess Life — February 2009

39

Cover Story ... Rxd1+ 29. Bxd1!) 29. Kg1 bxc5 30. Qxc5 Rc6 31. Qe3, however White is clearly winning; at first 26. ... Nxb3 27. axb3 Ra5 seemed like a defense, but then I saw that 28. b4! Ra3 29. b5 wins for White. 27. gxf4 Nxe4 28. Nxe4

28. Kg1! is much, much stronger than what I played. The king calmly leaves the perils of the h1 a8 diagonal, while the ... Rh5 and ... Ne4 remain en prise. In terms of material balance, 28. ... Nxf2 29. Qxf2 Black is doing fine (three pawns for the piece) but in terms of position not so well. White’s pieces are extremely well coordinated, and the pin on the c file is a heavy burden on Black. If Black tries to dislodge the Nd6 with 29. ... Rd8 then White has the nice tactic 30. Nxf7! Rxd1+ (Black is also lost after 30. ... Kxf7 31. Rxd8 Qxd8 32. Rxc6 ) 31. Bxd1! attack ing the ... Rh5. 28. ... Qxf4 29. Bg3

The only move; now Black has a choice between taking on e4 with the queen and playing the endgame, or taking with the bishop, with a much sharper game. Black chose to keep queens on the board, which is what I also thought was best during the game. To me, it seemed that without queens, White’s king suddenly and thank fully stops being a liability, and while the

endgame would still be far from winning, it would be much easier for White to play. 29. ... Bxe4+

Even worse is 29. ... Qxg3 30. Rxc6.

30. Kg1 Qf5

Alexandra used up much of her remain ing time here; during the game I wasn’t sure what she was thinking about as 30. ... Qf5 seemed like the obvious move. But now I can see that she was probably deciding between 30. ... Qf5 and 30. ... Rg5. 31. Rd7

I had to be careful about which rook to bring to the seventh, as 31. Rc7 runs into 31. ... Bf3. 31. ... Qg6

It was at this point that I finally realized that my evaluation of the position that arose on the 29th move was too opti mistic. Basically, I thought that White had a significantly superior position with the piece against the four pawns (that’s probably what kept me from finding 28. Kg1! I was already very satisfied with the bishop versus four pawns outcome), but now I saw that Black had real counterplay with ideas like ... Rg5 and ... h5 h4! 32. Rcc7 Rf8

International Youth Camp

During the Olympiad, the German Chess Youth sponsored a multicultural chess jamboree they dubbed the “Inter national Youth Camp.” National federations from eleven countries Ger many, Austria, Sweden, France, Russia, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States sent a total of forty two young men and women to the event, which was held from November 16 22. Repre senting the United States were Courtney Jamison of Texas, Tyler Hughes of Col orado, and Jonathan Hilton of Ohio. The International Youth Camp, which was modeled after the youth camps that are traditionally held during the Olympic Games, was intended to bring the youth of the chess world together. Although many of the participants were strong players, the focus of the camp was not chess instruction. According to the vice president of the German Chess Feder ation, Hans Jürgen Gieseke, the goal of the camp was to “cultivate contacts and friendships across national borders and to increase ... the [cultural] understand ing of the participants.” Throughout the

40

Chess Life — February 2009

week, workshops on topics such as eth nic cooking, Cold War history, and national sports were offered. Cultural expeditions included a boat trip down the Elbe River, sightseeing in Dresden in Berlin, a tour of a German high school, church and museum visits, and a chance to watch a live performance of Schach, the German language version of the musical “Chess.” All campers received a pass to watch the Olympiad and free access to Dresden’s thorough tram system, giving participants the opportunity to tour both the Olympiad and the city in their free time. At Olympiad events such as the “Bermuda Party,” many participants had the chance to meet grandmasters such as Loek van Wely, Magnus Carlsen, and Veselin Topalov. Measured by the sheer strength of the bonds formed between participants, it is fair to say that this first ever Inter national Youth Camp proved successful in its lofty ambitions. The students smashed through cultural, religious, political, and language barriers to form deep connections with one another.

+

+ r k+ p   RR+p p p +p+q  p + + + +r + +l+ + +L+ +  L P+ +Q+  P + + +  K

After 32. ... Rf8

I had spent quite a while on the ‘obvi ous’ Rcc7, because I was having a hard time dealing with Black’s best move, 32. ... Rf5 33. Bxe6! Gregory pointed out that this idea still works here, which I didn’t see during the game. I was going to make a reasonable, but hardly killer move like Rd4, attacking the bishop and controlling the fourth rank in anticipation of the ... h5 h4 advance. (The queen sacrifice was tempting, but unfortunately not convinc ing: 33. Qxe4 Rf1+ 34. Kxf1 Qxe4 35. Rxf7 and there are various moves for Black here, such as ... Rf8 or ... Qd3+.) 33. ... Qxe6 34. Re7! the point 34. ... Qf6 35. Rxe4 White retains a significant advan tage. 33. Bxe6!

I had noticed this refutation of ... Rf8

Although there was no shortage of frank discussion about the global economy, military conflicts, the environment, and the recent U.S. election, the most mean ingful interactions were acts as simple as smiling. For a talent show on Friday, the final night of the camp, the stu dents found ways of combining their different talents to sing, dance, and perform incredible feats of skill together, such as catching marshmallows hurtling through the air at high speeds in their mouths. Emotions ran high as the camp came to a close. “Having to say goodbye to all the kids that I had known for only a week, but felt so close to, was incredibly tough!” remarked Court ney Jamison. It is the hope of the German Chess Youth, which generously covered all the participants’ expenses once they arrived in Dresden, that future hosts of the Olympiad will also sponsor such a camp. “We’re hoping this could bring about world peace and all that kind of stuff,” said Eike Schwede, one of the camp’s organizers. Perhaps it will. ~Jonathan Hilton

uschess.org

a while back. 33. ... Qxe6

White nets a queen for a rook after 33. ... fxe6 34. Rxg7+ Qxg7 35. Rxg7+ Kxg7 36. Qxh5. 34. Qxh5 Qxa2

Here there were two possibilities to defend against the mate threat; Bf2 and Qh3. At first I had planned Bf2, but when I saw Qh3, it looked more natural to me. 35. Qh3 Bd5 36. Qf1 Qd2

+

+  rk+ p   RR+p p p + +   p + +l+ + + + + + + + +  L +  q +  P + + +Q K

After 36. ... Qd2

37. h4!

I was really pleased to have found this move with around a minute on the clock. It gives some much needed air to the white king. 37. ... Re8

The final mistake. Something like 37. ... a5 needed to be played. White’s up a rook, but Black still has a bunch of pawns ... White should be able to make his mate rial advantage tell eventually, though. 38. Rxf7!

I made this move with three seconds left! That was pretty dramatic, but I had seen 38. Rxf7 right away and was just making sure I wasn’t missing anything. 38. ... Qe3+ 39. Kh2

39. Bf2 was even stronger.

39. ... Qd2+ 40. Rf2 Qd4 41. Rxa7

And with two of Black’s pawns gone, White is essentially up a rook for free and wrapped up the game with a few more careful moves. 41. ... Qg4 42. Ra1 Bc4 43. Qd1 Qe4 44. Qf3 Qe6 45. Ra8, Black resigned.

I was happy with my individual result, but I was even more happy that the team won. We’ve pulled off a number of upsets in years past, but this one really stands out to me in the convincing way [two wins, two draws] we beat such a formida ble adversary as the Russian team. I’d like to thank our team captain, FST Michael Khodarkovsky, and our coach, GM Gre uschess.org

gory Kaidanov, for both their hard work and great attitude during the event. And last but not least, I’d like to thank my teammates, each of whom came up with big wins at critical moments to make our bronze medal possible. The women’s team bought into the con cept of unity, continuing to gel as the tournament progressed, including a truce between the top two players. Krush and Zatonskih, still at odds over the contro versial time scramble finish at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Championship, had not spoken in six months. They played beside each other round after round, silently rooting for the result, if not the person. After a loss to Poland, the team entered a must win round 10. Krush had sat down for lunch prior to the round. Zaton skih came to eat beside her. “I remember thinking how incredible and ironic it was that we were having this lunch together, and how it was a great sign for the team,” Krush recalled. “If Anna and I could sit down for lunch, surely our team was a winning combina tion.” She insisted they did not make peace, but rather “put aside personal grievances.” Zatonskih agreed, but said that after the lunch they “became closer.” “I think we were both just influenced by the team’s interest,” Krush said. “And for that end, we just pulled together as a team. It was kind of extraordinary, actu ally, with our acrimonious past and all.” “I think team chemistry is huge if you want to medal,” Goletiani said after the tournament ended. “Little things make a big difference. For example I met Katerina for the first time and we became friendly right away. Before each game we would secretly pump our fists under the table for good luck. It was like a secret handshake. It’s silly but it helped. “I liked competing as a team a lot. When you are having a good tournament you begin to understand how important your result is for the team. Winning feels good twice.” The men’s team also clicked. Donald son called the team “cohesive” and mentioned that they ate and went to the sauna and gym together. Both teams arrived at the playing hall in unison before each round. Zatonskih said that playing as a team makes her play better. Her performance rating was the highest of any women on second board, earning her an individual gold medal. Goletiani called the Olympiad “one of the best tournaments of my life.” She captured an individual silver. Goletiani and Zatonskih, both recent mothers, also had the shared experience of missing their children. “I feel tired,” Zatonskih said after the closing cere mony. “I want to go home. I miss my

daughter.” Goletiani, who was in touch with her 16 month old daughter Sophie three times per day, was worried what gift she could get from Dresden. “Everyone jokes that you have to have something to bring her. Now I have two.” After returning home to New York, she said that her indi vidual and team medal are actually both on display at the Westchester Chess Acad emy, where she works as a chess teacher. Her students followed her play and e mailed her throughout the event. Here she annotates her favorite game from the event: Reti Opening (A04) WIM Ljilja Drljevic (FIDE 2259) WGM Rusudan Goletiani (FIDE 2359) 38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (1), 11.13.2008 Notes by Goletiani

This is the first round of the Olympiad and it turns out to be a wild one. So much for a nice quiet game and easing myself back into competitive chess. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d3 d6 4. g3 Nc6 5. Bg2 g6 6. 0-0 Bg7 7. c3 e5

More common is 7. ... Nge7 but this is a solid line with ... Nge7 and ... f7 f5 coming in the future. 8. Be3 Nge7 9. d4 exd4 10. cxd4 Bg4 11. dxc5

Black has the option of taking on c5 or b2. It turns out that the c5 pawn is the safer choice. 11. ... Bxb2 12. Nbd2 dxc5 13. Bxc5

r+  qk+  r pp+   np+p +n+ +p+ +  L + + + +P+l+ + + +N P P l  N P L P R +Q+R  K

After 13. Bxc5

I used a lot of time calculating her Exchange “sac.” Black can grab the rook and keep the material but is left with weak dark squares and very little piece play. 13. ... Bxa1 14. Qxa1 0 0 15. Nc4 This was the kind of position I felt was difficult to go for a win with so I turned down the Exchange and brought the bishop back home. (15. Qf6 This seems more logical but Black can follow up with ... Qd7 Qe6). Chess Life — February 2009

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Cover Story 13. ... Bg7 14. h3 Be6 15. Ng5 Qd7 16. Nxe6 Qxe6 17. Rb1 Qxa2 18. e5

18. Rxb7 Rd8 (18. ... 0 0 0? Long castling wins the Exchange again ... ahhhh no thanks! 19. Rxe7 Nxe7 20. Bxe7 Rxd2 21. Qg4+ when my poor king has no pawn cover) 19. Be3 0 0 (Not 19. ... Bc3, when 20. Qb3 escapes the pin by force) and White would have the advan tage in that position.

18. ... Rd8 19. Rxb7 Rxd2

Castling is safer but having already turned down two Exchanges I couldnt resist the knight on d2 and now things get out of hand.

+ + +  r pR+ +p  lp + +k+p+ + +  Pn+ + + +Q+ + + +  PP q+  r  PL+ + + +R K

After 23. ... Ke6

20. Bxe7

Probably better than the game is 20. Bxc6+ Nxc6 21. Qg4 Qe6 22. Qxe6+ fxe6 23. Rxg7 Rd7 24. Rxd7 Kxd7.

pressure. After 24. Qb4, the game move, I have time to eliminate the e5 pawn and relocate the king. 24. ... Bxe5 25. Qg5 Re8 (25. ... Bf6? 26. Bxf5+ gxf5 27. Qh5!; 25. ... f6? 26. Bxf5+ gxf5 27. Qg7) 26. Bxf5+ gxf5 27. Qh6+ f6 28. Qxh7 when Black has an extra piece and a shaky king.

20. ... Nxe7

24. ... Bxe5 25. Qb5 Kf6

Too greedy is 20. ... Rxd1 21. Bxc6+ Rd7 22. Bd6. 21. Rb8+ Kd7 22. Qg4+ Nf5

White breaks through on the queenside after 22. ... Qe6 23. Qa4+. 23. Rb7+ Ke6 (see diagram top of next column)

Taking on g3 is also good but time pressure was creeping in so hiding the king was my first reaction. 26. g4 Nd6 27. g5+ Kf5 28. Qd7+ Kxg5 29. Qe7+ f6 30. h4+ Kxh4 31. Qg7 h5

I can save the rook but would lose the king! White is threatening 32. Qh6+ Kg4 33. Bh3+ Kf3 34. Qe3 mate. 32. Rb4+ Kg5 33. Qxh8 a5

24. Qb4

24. Be4 is necessary to maintain the

I was happy to find this in time pres sure. The idea is to deflect the rook so I

KCF Sponsors U.S. Teams to the tune of $40K

There are many KFCs in Dresden, but the U.S. team dined thanks to the KCF Kasparov Chess Foundation. The non profit is the chief charitable arm of former World Champion Garry Kas parov and provided the lion’s share of financial support to both the men’s and women’s teams. The KCF began funding American Olympiad teams in 2004, when the women’s team received training and had all of their expenses paid (they went on to win the silver, their first team medal in history). Beginning in 2006, both the men’s and women’s teams were sponsored. According to FIDE Senior Trainer Michael Khodarkovsky, who is president of KCF in addition to being the women’s team captain, KCF contributed $30,000 plus $10,000 in bonuses for this event. The U.S. Chess Trust also contributed additional funds. The KCF is not involved with the selection of players, and Khodarkovsky’s nomina tion as captain was independent of his position within KCF. The players chose him after their selections. 42

Chess Life — February 2009

The funding helps ensure that play ers are adequately compensated during their fortnight of chess. Many are chess teachers, or have other sources of income, that are necessarily suspended during the Olympiad. Some teams, even from medium sized federations like Aus tralia, had to pay their own way to compete in Dresden. “All players were very appreciative of KCF’s sponsorship, as well as USCF, so we believe it does make a difference,” Khodarkovsky said. “We are willing to continue our support for 2010 Olympiad teams as well.” The funding provided a competitive advantage according to men’s team cap tain IM John Donaldson. With the advent of the “be on time” rule and with players’ hotels splayed all over the city, including some several tram connec tions away on the other side of the Elbe River, teams had to curtail preparation in favor of a prudent departure. “(FIDE Vice President George) Markopoulos called [the rule] a ‘per fectly reasonable request’ but it is not a

can swing the queen to the kingside. 34. Rbb1 Qc4

Even better is 34. ... Rxf2.

35. Qd8?

White has to play Re1xe5 to stop the mate. 35. ... Qf4, White resigned.

This game set the tone for the rest of my Olympiad. I remained undefeated throughout all 11 rounds making it one of the most memorable tournaments in my career. Anna Zatonskih said it was a pleasure playing next to me because all the games were sharp and exciting. The only blunder for the American teams came at the awards ceremony. Armenia repeated as men’s champion and took the stage adorned in its red, blue and orange flag. Israel’s iconic Star of David banner flew as they received the sil ver. On the women’s podium, Georgia dusted off its cross laden ensign while the Ukrainian delegation flew its gleaming blue and yellow flag. The two American squads, however, had forgotten to bring the Stars and Stripes. In Khanty Man siysk, 2010, they left room for improvement.

.

Many more games and photos can be found on Chess Life Online at uschess.org, November archives, including reports by GM Ian Rogers and FM Mike Klein.

good condition with unequal condi tions,” Donaldson said. “If you have to leave your hotel at one o’clock to be confident to make it at three, that is not an equal playing field.” A noticeable upgrade from more budget choices, the U.S. teams stayed at the closest possi ble accommodation, only about a 30 second walk away. “I am extremely grateful the USCF put us in the Maritim Hotel.” The KCF no longer provides training sessions for the players, but it does conduct invitation only sessions for U.S. youth taught by Kasparov himself. The most recent class took place in Decem ber in New York. Additionally, the KCF developed a curriculum in use in schools around the country, founded and organizes the All Girls National Championships (the next is April 24 26 in Dallas, Texas), and sponsors the Greater New York Scholastic Champi onships. ~M.K.

See kasparovchessfoundation.org for more information.

uschess.org

USCF Affairs February Volunteer of the Month: Joe Lux Joe Lux has been on the chess scene since the early 1970s, first with the Jer sey City Chess Club, and then as part of Bill Goichberg’s stable of young tour nament directors (TD). He was one of the first people to qualify as a certified national tournament director (NTD). He remained active with the TD Certi fication Committee throughout the years and many of today’s NTDs had their tests graded by Joe. As an active member of the New Jersey State Chess Federation’s (NJSCF) board of trustees, he has been instrumental in organizing non rated scholastic events in Paterson and The USCF Volunteer of the Month is named Newark. Under Joe’s leadership, the by a different member of the executive NJSCF hopes to expand these activi board each month. This month, Randy Bauer named our honoree. ties into other parts of the state. But if your beard isn’t gray, you probably know Joe as a past candidate for the USCF’s executive board. The expe rience was an eye opener for Joe, and at first left Joe enervated, then energized. He has been a professional chess coach and teacher since 1994 and now teaches at five schools in New York City and New Jersey. It is not unusual for Joe to show up at a state scholastic event with a busload (yes, a busload!) of students. Although he is trying hard to regain his USCF master rating, when you talk to him he is far more likely to talk about the recent successes of his students: “This one tied for second, that one gained 40 rating points against adults.” The pride he feels from their accomplishments is genuine! Joe is a frequent poster on the USCF Issues Forum on uschess.org and is never shy about offering an opinion or a solution. And he frequently comes up with new ideas to benefit all. He is currently working on a project for the USCF. In his words: “Ken and Kevin Olenwalder and I are contacting scholastic affiliates [telling them] that it is possible to get funding from the Jordan Fundamental Grants Program, sponsored by Nike and Michael Jordan. The program offers grants of $2,500 for teacher programs that encourage students to excel and to be on your best game every day. After school chess programs have received funding before. Ken, Kevin and I offer our services to help others through the process of designing and sub mitting potentially successful grant applications.” Joe Lux is our Volunteer of the Month. Would that we all shared his enthu siasm and dedication to promoting the royal game! ~Glenn Petersen

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUBJECT

Would you like to be profiled in Chess Life? In an issue later this year we will profile seven USCF members examining how the USCF has been important to them and for this we need your help. Would you like to be profiled? Do you know someone who should be profiled? If you were born in the year 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, or 1999 and you are will ing to be interviewed and have your photograph published in Chess Life, please contact us at [email protected]. If you don’t have e mail access, please see our address on p. 2. 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

uschess.org

Almost $400,000 bequested to USCF The USCF is proud to announce that we have received a bequest in the amount of $350,000 from the estate of the late Philip C. LeCornu of Florida. We only have a few details about Mr. LeCornu, a life member, at this time, but he was believed to be an active and strong player in the 1950s. The gift to the USCF was not targeted to a specific endeavor. The USCF plans to honor Mr. LeCornu’s generous act by per manently naming the “King” chess piece at the USCF headquarters after him and signifying this with a plaque in his honor. We also received a bequest from the Herbert W. Gustafson (from California) estate in the amount of $24,625.77. Pre viously, we had received $23,055.55 for a total of $47,681.32. This bequest did have a request that a portion of it be used in support of correspondence chess. The office is working on some ideas to present to the executive board. We plan to similarly memorialize Mr. Gustafson. Chess Life plans an article on these two benefactors. If you knew either of these gentlemen, have information regard ing them, or have access to any of their games, e mail us at [email protected]. On behalf of the Federation, I say to both of these gentlemen, “Thank you and your generosity will not be forgotten.” To the friends and family of Mr. LeCornu and Mr. Gustafson, we in the chess com munity like to offer you our condolences for your loss, but rest assured that their memory will be honored. ~Bill Hall, USCF Executive Director

Cramer Awards The Chess Journalist of America awards were announced in the October 2008 Chess Life. The Cramer “Best Book” award was still being decided at that time. Former USCF President Don Schultz, head of the Cramer Committee, has announced that the book of the year for 2008 is Modern Chess Openings, 15th edition, by GM Nick de Firmian. This book was also the subject of a September 2008 Chess Life cover story written by 2007 U.S. Champion GM Alexander Shabalov.

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. Chess Life — February 2009

43

Back to Basics

The Roller Coaster

Even after blundering a piece, a true master remains calm, resilient, resourceful and ready for a comeback. This month’s exciting game contains an unorthodox opening, a blunder, and a spectacular reversal. By GM Lev Alburt

Writes the winner of this month’s award: My name is Victor Baserga and I am currently unrated. I learned to play chess at the age of 23 when I got locked up. Recently, on the advice of a master (Rajan Ayyar, aka Raj) I subscribed to Chess Life. I’m also the proud owner of two chess books, The Big Book of Busts by Watson & Schiller, and Volume C of ECO. I hope to add one of yours to my humble collection. The following game took place at Pleas ant Valley State Prison last year. Falkbeer Counter Gambit (C31) Rajan Ayyar (Master) Victor Baserga (Unrated)

1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5

I don’t appreciate being on the black side of the King’s Gambit, so I offered Raj a counter gambit of my own, the Falk beer. 3. exd5

rnlqklnr ppp +ppp + + + + + +Pp + + + P + + + + + PPPP +PP RNLQKLNR

After 3. exd5

3. ... Qxd5

rnl+klnr ppp +ppp + + + + q + P + + + + + + N + + PPPP +PP R LQKLNR

After 5. fxe5

Transposing to the Scandinavian Defense, e.g., 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. dxe5 Bb4 ... except that White’s hanging pawn came from the f row instead of the d row. A good example of how ideas from one opening can help you on a totally different opening! Of course, the two positions (with the d or f pawn on the fourth rank) are very different; still, Victor’s 5. ... Bb4 is more challenging than 5. ... Qxe5+, which leaves Black behind in developing, or than 5. ... Nc6 6. Bb5. 6. Nf3 Bg4

rn +k+nr ppp +ppp + + + + q + P + l + +l+ + N +N+ PPPP +PP R LQKL+R

Black usually plays here 3. ... e4, 3. ... c6, or 3. ... exf4.

After 6. ... Bg4

4. Nc3 Qa5 5. fxe5

7. Bc4?

(see diagram top of next column) 5. ... Bb4 44

Chess Life — February 2009

This move is uncharacteristic for Raj. This statement is somewhat ambigu ous. Does Victor mean that 7. Bc4 is bad, or simply too aggressive for Raj’s more

positional style? Chesswise, 7. Bc4 is fine of course, only if not followed by 8. 0 0. 7. ... Nc6

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp +n+ + + q + P + lL+ +l+ + N +N+ PPPP +PP R LQK +R

After 7. ... Nc6

8. 0-0??

After 8. Bxf7+ Kxf7 9. Ng5+

r+ + +nr ppp +kpp +n+ + + q + P N l + +l+ + N + + PPPP +PP R LQK +R

Analysis after 9. Ng5+

White is up a pawn, while non capturing eighth moves also have drawbacks and should favor White. Raj decided not to check these complex lines and played “safe.” And blundered. 8. ... Qc5+ (see diagram top of next column)

I was very excited at this point!

9. d4 Qxc4

I’m up a bishop for my pawn! uschess.org

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp +n+ + + + q P + lL+ +l+ + N +N+ PPPP +PP R LQ+RK

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp + +l+ + l + P L +q+N+ + P + +P+ PP+ + P R +Q+R+K

After 8. ... Qc5+

After 14. Ne4

10. a3

14. ... Qd5

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp +n+ + + + + P + lqP +l+ P N +N+ PP+ +PP R LQ+RK

After 10. a3

10. ... Ba5

In retrospect, I should have retreated to e7 or captured his knight. Of course, all three moves should win. I’d prefer 10. ... Bxc3 11. bxc3 Qxc3, grab bing a pawn and going for the queens’ trade (after 12. ... Bxf3) after an eventual Bxf3; the solid 11. ... Nge7 is also convinc ing. 11. Bg5 Nxd4!

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp + + + + l + P L +qn +l+ P N +N+ PP+ +PP R +Q+RK

After 11. ... Nxd4

Very good! If 12. Qxd4?, then 12. ... Bb6.

The move 14. ... h6, questioning his bishop, would have been better, e.g., 15. Bh4 g5 16. Bg3 Ne7 with the idea 17. ... Nd5 and my only worry is which side to castle on. 15. Qe2

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp + +l+ + l +qP L + +N+ + P + +P+ PP+Q+ P R + +R+K

After 15. Qe2

15. ... Qxe5?

Greed on my part. 15. ... Ne7, 15. ... h6, or 15. ... f5 all seem better. Certainly not 15. ... f5 16. exf6 e.p., and if 16. ... gxf6, then 17. Bxf6! 16. f4 Qf5 17. c4

r+ +k+nr ppp +ppp + +l+ + l + +qL +P+NP + P + + + P +Q+ P R + +R+K

After 17. c4

12. Kh1 Nxf3

Better 12. ... h6 13. Bf4 0 0 0! with pressure, and no counter attack for White; if 13. Bh4, then 13. ... g5 followed by 14. ... 0 0 0 and White is still in trouble. 13. gxf3 Be6 14. Ne4 (see diagram top of next column) uschess.org

17. ... c6??

The price of not protecting the king is soon evident! 17. ... f6 18. Bh4 a6 19. Rad1 Ne7 and 20. ... 0 0 and all White can hope for is a stalemate. If 20. c5, Bd5!. I like 17. ... f6. By “stalemate” I guess Victor means “draw” or “equality.” And

after 17. ... f6 18. Bh4, 18. ... 0 0 0 is both safe and clearly in Black’s favor. 18. Nd6+ Kd7

I strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel! 19. Nxf5 Bxf5 20. Rad1+, Black resigned.

r+ + +nr pp+k+ppp +p+ + + l + +lL +P+ P + P + + + P +Q+ P + +R+R+K

Final position

I resigned. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men ... Yes, the resistance is futile. Not only is White ahead in material (Q vs. B+N+pawn) but he’ll soon win more: 20. ... Kc7 21. b4 Bb6 22. c5, or 20. ... Kc8 21. Qe8+. Thank you for your time and patience in looking over this game. I think there’s a lot more in this game that I am miss ing, and I believe Chess Life readers would benefit from my blunders. P.S. Just out of curiosity, what would my approximate rating be, based on the above game against a master? I think Chess Life’s readers will benefit both from the errors, and from the accom plishments, of both players. My guess, the rating would be in the 1500 1900 range; but, of course, being based only on one game, and the notes to it (albeit they are good ones) this is only a guess. What do the readers think?

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Send in your games!

If you are unrated or were rated 1799 or below on your Chess Life label, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to send your instructive games with notes to: Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557 3967

Or e mail your material to [email protected] GM Alburt will select the “most instructive” game and Chess Life will award an autographed copy of Lev’s newest book, Chess Training Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence) to the person submitting the most instructive game and anno tations.

Chess Life — February 2009

45

Endgame Lab

White to Play and Twin!

One of the satisfying aspects of a composed “twin” is that significantly different themes can be examined with only small changes on the board. By GM Pal Benko

Twins are rare in artistic endgames. The main reason is that the composer must discover and combine ideas with only one change in the original starting position. This task has become easier due to computers. Acceptable changes include moving a piece from one square to another, remov ing it, or replacing it entirely with another piece. Most gratifying is when a small change yields a big effect. It is both sur prising and amusing when distinct ideas are hiding in two practically identical positions. This month we will briefly review some technical aspects of the twin. Here is an old but practical example: Pioneer Kling & Horwitz,1851

+

+

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+

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+

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+

+

+ + + +K+ + R + +p+ + +k+ + + + +r+ +

White to play and draw

I. 1. Rh3 d2 2. Rc3+ Kb2 3. Rb3+ Ka2 4. Kc3, Draw. II. All men one file to right. White to play but Black wins.

The position shift works, but in the first diagram the white rook would be better positioned on g4. Solution for II: 1. Rh3 Ra1 2. Rxe3 Ra4+ wins for Black. This example has the drawback of a black win a new condi tion yielding two changes. Therefore I suggest: (see top of next column) 46

Chess Life — February 2009

Pal Benko - after Kling & Horwitz

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K

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p

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R

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k

r

White to play and draw

+

I. 1. Ke4! Winning for Black is 1. Kd4? Kd2 2. Rh3 Ra1. 1. ... Kd2 2. Rh3 Re2 3. Kd4! Re1 4. Ke4! e2 5. Rd3+ Kc2 6. Re3!, Draw.

II. All pieces one file left. Then White to play and draw.

Solution for II: 1. Kc4! Kc2 2. Rg3 and we have seen the rest already. Now there is only a single change, and only one drawing motif. Next I give a twin of my own with sim ilar material but with more ideas. Race P. Benko 1986

+

+

+KR + + p + + + +k+ + + + +p + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

I. White to play and win

I. 1. Kf8 Kg5 2. Kf7! h4 3. Ke6 Kg4 4. Ke5 h3 5. Ke4 Kg3 6. Ke3 Kg2 7. Ke2! h2 8. Rg8+ Kh3 White has preserved the e7 pawn; oth erwise there is the 8. ... Kh1 stalemate defense. 9. Kf2 h1=N+ 10. Kf3 Kh2 11. Rg2+ Kh3 12. Rg7 Kh2 13. Rxe7 wins.

II. Move the rook to h7.

1. Rg7+! Kf5 2. Kh7! h4 3. Kh6 h3 4. Kh5 Kf4 5. Kh4 h2 6. Rf7+ Ke3 7. Rf1 e5 8. Kg3 e4 9. Kxh2 Kd2 10. Kg2 e3 11. Kf3 e2 12. Rf2

wins.

Stalemates! Twins are a good form for the expres sion of different ideas. It is even better when a motif is connected thematically. Below, I use a great composer’s work as an example of this. L. Kubbel 1916

+ +r+ + Kp+ + + + + P + +k+ P + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

I. White to play and draw

1. f7 Rf8 2. e6 b6 3. Kb7 Kc5 4. e7! Rxf7 5. Ka6 Rxe7, Stalemate.

This widedly published endgame, a nice miniature, has a twin possibility: P. Benko - After L. Kubbel

II. Move the e8 rook to h2; White to play and draw. uschess.org

Benko’s Bafflers Most of the time these studies resemble positions that could actu ally occur over the board. You must simply reach a theoretically won position for White. Solutions can be found on page 71. Please e mail submissions for Benko’s Bafflers to: pbenko@ uschess.org

1. f7 Rf2 2. e6 Kc6 3. f8=Q! Rxf8 4. e7 Rg8 5. e8=Q+! Rxe8, Stalemate.

The added “chameleon echo” at least doubles the value of Kubbel’s endgame.

Here is another twin idea with a central stalemate motif. P. Benko 1996

k

+ + + +p+ p +p+ + + + + +P+ +P+K+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

I. White to play and draw

1. Kf4! Kc7 2. Ke5! Kc8!?

The try 2. ... Kd8 3. Kd6 Ke8 4. c5 Kd8 5. f6 gxf6 leads to stalemate. 3. Kf4 Kd8 4. Kg5 Ke7 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. c5 Kg8 7. Kh5! Kf7 8. Kg5 Ke7 9. Kg6 Kf8 10. Kh5, Draw.

II. All pieces one file to right

1. Kg4! Kd7 2. Kf5! Kd8 3. Ke6! Ke8 4. d5 Kf8 5. Kd7 Kf7 6. Kc6 e5 7. Kxd6 e4 8. Kc6! e3 9. d6 e2 10. d7 e1=Q 11. d8=Q, Draw.

The stalemate possibility was seen before, but in my composition the stale mate is a mere sideline.

Mixtures An old motif, twinned, may be consid ered original. A better presentation naturally raises its value. (see diagram top of next column) 1. Kf2 Be4 2. Bb7 a3 3. a7 a2 4. a8=Q Kb2 5. Qb8! a1=Q 6. Bxd5+ Kc1 7. Qf4+ Kd1 uschess.org

Problem I

Bill Alexander, California

+ + + + + + + + Pn + +K+ + + + + + + k + N + + + + + + + + + + +

White to play and win Position with Nb3 (instead of a3)

P. Benko - 1st prize Sakkelet 1985

+L+ + + + + + + P+ + + + + +p+ + p+ + + + +k+ + + + +K+l+ + + + +

I. White to play and win

8. Qg4+ Kc1 9. Qg5+ Kc2 10. Bxe4+ Kc3 11. Qc5+

The try 11. Qe5+ Kd2 12. Qxa1? only draws. 11. ... Kb3 12. Bd5+ Kb2 13. Qd4+ Kb1 14. Be4+ Ka2 15. Qa4+ Kb2 16. Qb4+ Kc1 17. Ke1! wins.

+L+ + + + + + + P+ + + + + +p+ + p+ + + + + + + + + +K+l+ + k + +

II. White to play and win

1. Kf2 Bh1 2. Kg1 Bf3 3. Bg4! Be4 4. Bf5! Bf3 5. Kf2 Bh1 6. Be4! Bxe4 7. Ke3 Bg2 8. Kd4 wins.

This idea is also known from P. Heuacker 1930. But in mine there are three bishop sacrifices. The only aes thetic shortcoming is the solution’s length compared to the first twin. (See diagram top of next column)

Problem II

Janos Mikitovics, Hungary, 2008

+ + + + + + p + KR + + + + + r + + + + + + + + + P+ + + + k + + +

White to play and win Position with Pb2 (instead of a2)

P. Benko, Sakkelet 1998 first prize

+

+

lrk + + + N + + + + + + + + + L + K + + + r + + + P + + + +

I. White to play and draw

Multi Twins Multiple twins are also possible but usually quality will suffer. I have com posed only one. 1. Ne6+ R3g7 2. Kh5 Kh7 3. Bxg7 Bxg7 4. Ng5+ Kh8 5. Nf7+ Kh7 6. Ng5+ Kh8 7. Nf7+

Draw by perpetual check.

II. Move the h4 king to e4. White to play and draw. 1. Nh5+ R3g7 2. Kf5 Kh7 3. Nf6+ Kh6 4. Be3+ Rg5+ 5. Ke4! Rg7 6. h4 Re7+ 7. Kd4! Rxe3 8. hxg5+ Draw, material being level.

III. Move h4 king to d5. White to play and draw.

1. Ne6+ R3g7 2. Ng5! Ba3 3. Ne6 Bf8 4. Ng5 Be7 5. Ne6, Positional draw.

IV. Move d4 bishop to f6. White to play and draw.

1. Nh5+ R3g7 2. Kh3 Kh7 3. Bxg7 Bxg7 4. Nf6+ Bxf6, Stalemate.

All possible draw outcomes are demon strated in the oxymoronic “quad twin.” Two more twins can be found in the “Benko’s Bafflers” section.

.

See all of your USCF membership options on page 5, then visit uschess.org and click on “join.” Chess Life — February 2009

47

2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY World Chess Live sponsors $20,000 at the 2008 Grand Prix!

Welcome, Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new familyfriendly service with special benefits for USCF members. WCL is pleased to sponsor USCF’s 2008 Grand Prix (GP) and 2008 Junior Grand Prix. We’re providing prize funds of $20,000 and $7,500 (in cash, merchandise, and memberships), and will also be running online grand prize satellite events throughout the year. This month’s WCL GP standings reflect a battle between “youth” and “experience” in which both sides came out ahead. On the experience side, the rankings show Los Angeles GM Melikset Khachiyan rewarded for his recent strong performances. The 38-year-old Khachiyan achieved an all-time high official rating of 2519, according to the January 2009 FIDE supplement.

Members!

Khachiyan started to make some headway in the GP by finishing in the money at the Los Angeles Open in early November. But it was winning the 44th Annual American Open, an 80 GP point tournament, that catapulted Khachiyan into fame, fortune, and—most importantly— the fifth-place spot in the Grand Prix rankings. On the youth side, IM Alex Lenderman of Brooklyn College in New York is just points away from making GP history. A single tournament win—no matter how few GP points are up for grabs—could allow the young international master to pull off a major upset against 2008’s front-runner, GM Sergey Kudrin. Lenderman has been pulling closer to Kudrin since the start of the race, and at just 19 years old, the aspiring mathematician is show-

ing us how small numbers can add up to big ones by playing in as many Grand Prix events as possible. Lenderman has now scored Grand Prix points in an astonishing 28 tournaments, more tournaments than Kudrin and Khachiyan combined. As the final scores of the 2008 Grand Prix are tallied, recounted, and tallied again, will Lenderman find the few extra points he needs to triumph? Or will experience dominate youth in a photo-finish? Keep track of the latest Grand Prix standings by going to http://main.uschess.org/datapage/ GP-standings.php, and be sure to visit the Grand Prix headlines homepage at http://www.worldchesslive.com/ uscf/GrandPrix08/Standings.html for the latest reporting and news from WCL. ~Jonathan Hilton

2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of December 23 for the 2008 World Chess Live Grand Prix. All Grand Prix updates are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS NAME 1 GM Sergey Kudrin 2 IM Alex Lenderman 3 GM Alexander Ivanov 4 GM Julio Becerra

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

JUNIOR CATEGORIES STATE CT NY MA FL

GM Alexander Shabalov GM Sergey Erenburg GM Jaan Ehlvest IM Enrico Sevillano GM Mark Paragua GM Alex Yermolinsky IM Kirill Kuderinov

PA NY NY CA NY SD TX

PTS. 270.28 264.51 244.51 205.93

162.66 150.54 150.38 147.91 141.63 136.96 133.86

SENIOR CATEGORY GM Melikset Khachiyan made a move on the leaders this month–see page 28 and read how he captured 22 GP points by winning the American Open.

Players born 1943 and before: 1 FM John Curdo 2 GM Anatoly Lein 3 FM Isay Golyak

MA OH NY

26.00 18.33 14.66

NAME STATE PTS. Players born between 1985 and 1987 inclusive: 1 IM Kirill Kuderinov TX 133.86 2 IM Joshua Friedel NH 83.00 3 GM Hikaru Nakamura NY 66.71 Players born between 1988 and 1990 inclusive: 1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 264.51 2 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 98.50 3 Daniel Ludwig FL 45.16 Players born between 1991 and 1992 inclusive: 1 FM Daniel Yeager PA 2 IM Robert Hess NY 3 FM Warren Harper TX

45.66 36.80 36.00

Players born between 1993 and 1994 inclusive: 1 IM Ray Robson FL 2 Mark Heimann PA 3 Steven Zierk CA

88.01 43.50 27.08

Players born 1995 and after: 1 FM Daniel Naroditsky 2-3 FM Darwin Yang 2-3 Aquino Inigo

26.25 12.00 12.00

CA TX CAN

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES $12,000 IN CASH PRIZES!

SENIOR CATEGORY

FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 2nd: $2,500 5th: $700 8th : $400

3rd: $1,000 6th: $600 9th: $300

1943 / before 1st: $300 4th: $800 7th: $500 10th: $200

PHOTO: CHRIS BIRD

$4,000 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! 11th: $200 12th: $200

13th: $200 15th: $150 14th: $150

Top 40 non titled players: 1 year WCL membership worth $50. (FIDE titled players are always free on WCL)

$7,500 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES! 2nd: $200

3rd: $100

JUNIOR CATEGORIES (according to date of birth)

1985-87 1988-90 1991-92 1993-94 1995/after

1st: $250 1st: $250 1st: $250 1st: $250 1st: $250

2nd: $150 2nd: $150 2nd: $150 2nd: $150 2nd: $150

3rd: $100 3rd: $100 3rd: $100 3rd: $100 3rd: $100

For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a 3 year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd 5th places are awarded a 2 year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th 10th places awarded 1 year WCL junior memberships ($25 value).

www.worldchesslive.com

FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 ! 2nd: $600 5th: $150 8th : $50

3rd: $300 6th: $100 9th: $25

4th: $200 7th: $75

The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and a plaque from the USCF. 1st 10th place winners will receive 2 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th 20th place winners will receive 1 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a $20 WCL store gift certificate.

Real chess. Real people. Real fun!

World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2008 World Chess Live Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by January 7, 2009 are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 5,035 players with JGP points. 499 JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes free entry and $1,000 in expense money to the 2009 U.S. Open as well as a plaque. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.

2008 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings Name PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U HEUNG, CHRISTOPHER KUTIKOFF, ADAM DEJONG, ANDREW GIANNATOS, PETER PINKERTON, JAMES CARL HUTTON, JACK SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA SINGH, REVA SHREE TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM BODEK, MICHAEL H ROSENTHAL, NICHOLAS ZHAO, SHICHENG HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE CHEN, JEREMY PAPALIA, STEVEN A VIRKUD, APURVA CHIANG, MICHAEL KLEINMUNTZ, ROBBIE S SHEINWALD, NOWELL R

State NJ FL FL NC NC MD NY MD NY UT NY FL VA ID NJ UT MI NY IL NY

JGP Pts. 250 220 185 185 180 180 175 170 160 160 160 155 150 145 145 140 140 140 135 135

Name LARSON, ERIC DANIEL SCHNEIDER, THOMAS GEORGE DANG, MICHAEL AGARWAL, ROHAN POLSKY, RYAN HELLWIG, LUKE CLAYTON, RYAN DANIEL SHEN, ARTHUR GUREVICH, DANIEL LI, BRIAN S GRAIF, WILLIAM FISHER, WILLIAM DELLOMARGIO, ANGELO COGHLAN, TOMMY J CACHAY, JOHN JEFFERSON BAT-AMGALAN, MARAL CHANDRAN, KAPIL KARAPETYAN, ANNA AMARASINGHE, PRASHANTHA N IYER, VENKAT

State MI WI MI CA-N CA-S AL OH NJ GA VA NY PA PA NJ CA-S CA-N CT CA-S MI IA

JGP Pts. 135 135 130 125 125 125 120 120 120 120 120 115 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110

A new family-friendly online chess service from the Internet Chess Club, is pleased to welcome our friends from the U.S. Chess Federation. To celebrate its launch, this year WCL will be: • Sponsoring the USCF’s 2008 Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix • Running weekly and monthly Online Grand Prix tournaments • Giving every USCF member a free six-month subscription to WCL • And more...

For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf uschess.org

Chess Life — February 2009

49

USCF Membership Rates Premium (P) and Regular (R) (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) Type Adult P Adult P (online purch) Adult R Adult R (online purch) Senior (65+) Young Adult P (U25)* Youth P (U16)* Scholastic P (U13)* Young Adult R (U25)* Youth R (U16)* Scholastic R (U13)*

1 yr $49 $42 $36 $29 $36 $32 $27 $23 $24 $20 $16

2yr $85 $78 $59 $52 $65 $59 $49 $42 $43 $36 $28

3yr $120 $113 $81 $74 $93 $85 $70 $60 $61 $51 $39

Premium membership provides a printed copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular membership. Regular membership provides online only access to Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas tic members three times per year. Youth provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed above monthly Chess Life. See www.us chess.org for other membership categories. Dues are not refundable and may be changed without notice. *Ages at expiration

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Chess Life — February 2009

uschess.org

Tournament Life

August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana

USCF National Events

Champions

See TLA in this issue for details: 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South

2009 National Scholastic K-12

Feb. 13 15 or 14 15 • Orlando, Florida

Feb. 13 15 or 14 15 • Waukesha, Wisconsin

2009 U.S. Amateur Team - North Feb. 14 16 • Woodland Hills, California

2009 U.S. Amateur Team - West

World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East - 39th Annual February 14 16 • Parsippany, New Jersey

Feb. 28 Mar. 1 • Anderson, Indiana

2009 U.S. Junior Chess Congress April 3 5 • Nashville, Tennessee

2009 SuperNationals IV

April 24 26 • Dallas, Texas

2009 All Girls Open Championships May 23 25 • Tucson, Arizona

2009 U.S. Amateur - West

June 4 • Las Vegas, Nevada

2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship June 4 7 • Las Vegas, Nevada

2009 National Open Chess Festival 2009 U.S. Junior Open Date correction: July 10 12 • Waukesha, Wisconsin

August 1 9 • Indianapolis, Indiana

110th U. S. Open

Future Events (Watch for details) 2009 U.S. Championship May 2009 • St. Louis, Missouri

July 6 10 • Crossville, Tennessee

2009 U.S. Cadet

2009 U.S. Junior Closed Date correction: July 12 17 • Waukesha, Wisconsin

2009 GM Susan Polgar National Invitational Tournament for Girls July 26 31 • Lubbock, Texas

2009 Denker Tournament of State High School Champions

August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana

2009 Tournament of College

December 11 13 • Dallas, Texas December 27 30 • South Padre Island, Texas

2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate

2010 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 7 9 • Atlanta, Georgia

2010 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship Dec. 10 12 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida

2011 National Elementary (K-6) Championship

May 6 8 • Dallas, Texas Noote: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their events. Bids on the following tournaments are past deadline and will be considered immediately: 2009 U.S. Amateur (South, North, East) 2009 U.S. Senior Open 2009 U.S. G/15 (QC) 2009 U.S. Action G/30 2009 U.S. G/60 2009 U.S. Masters 2009 U.S. Class Championships 2009 National Youth Action 2009 Collegiate Final Four 2010 U.S. Open*

Overdue Bids

Bids due by June 15, 2009: 2011 U.S. Open*

Please contact the National Office if you are interested in bidding for a National Event. The USCF recommends that bids be submitted according to the following schedule. However, bids may be considered prior to these dates.

Bidding Deadlines

*USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organize the event itself.

Tournament memberships not valid for National events Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available

USCF’s Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submis sions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events. Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF rated, and the USCF is concerned that the reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF rated, pro moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause more USCF rated tournaments to be held. More details on uschess.org. Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month, unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of your progress; however, most tourna- ments do not use them for pairing or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.

uschess.org

The TLA pages “Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Players” can now be found online at main.uschess. org/ go/tlainfo.

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/chessfederation.html. For event insurance, please go to www.rv nuccio.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 January 2009 pg. 49-50 or check www. uschess.org/tla/grprixstdarc.php and click on a WCL GP Summary. Payment can be done online through the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

Nationals

All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en try fee or pay them with entry at site. Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, Florida 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South 5SS, G/120 (2-day option, rd 1 G/60). Orlando International Airport Hotel & Conference Center, 3835 McCoy Road, Orlando, FL 32812. 4-player teams (plus alternate). 2 Sections (using Yr-end ratings): OPEN, Team Avg rtng below 2200. SCHOLASTIC, Game/60, Team avg below 1200. 2008 Annual USCF List. Players need not be from the same school. Teams can be formed on-site. ***FCA members in Open are eligible for FL GP Points. *** Winning Open team competes in national playoff online. EF: per player: OPEN $30 by 2/6, $40 later. SCHOLASTIC $20 by 2/6, $25 later. SPECIAL EF: 5-player team $140 by 2/6, $180 later. PRIZES: OPEN 1st,2nd teams: plaque and four Excalibur “specials”, 3rd: plaques; SCHOLASTIC 1st, 2nd teams: plaques and four Excalibur “specials”, 3rdTrophy Board Prizes: each section: Brds1-4, Excalibur “specials”; Class Prizes: OPEN: U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400; Scholastic: U1000, U800Trophies. Other awardsTBD. Schedule: OPEN 3-day: rds 8, 1-7, 9-3, 2-day: rds 10-1-7, 9-3; SCHOLASTIC (Sat & Sun): 101-4, 9-12, Awards 2:30. HR: $85 (Interior) 407-859-2711; $69 (exterior) 407-367-4225; (mention “Chess”) Reserve by Jan 30, ALL HOTELS FILL UP USATS WEEKEND! ENT: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 or online usats2009.eventbrite.com. See www.centralflchess.org for details or call (407)629-6946. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 USAT Playoff is scheduled for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.

Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, Wisconsin 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Championship – North Two sections: Open and Scholastic (Saturday only) 5SS, 30/90, SD/60 (rounds 1-2 for 2-day schedule G/60; scholastic section G/60 all four rounds). Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186. Chess Rate of $85.99 is valid until Feb. 1st. Reserve early (262) 574-0888. OPEN: Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate (individuals can enter and be assigned teammates). Team average (4 highest ratings—2008 Annual Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $140 ($141 if 2-day schedule) postmarked by 2/5/09; $180 after or at door. Prizes: 4 clocks to top two teams, 4 clocks to top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Prizes to best team composed of juniors (high school and younger). Special prizes to top score on each board. Best game prize. Schedule: 3-day: Late Registration: 6-7pm on 02/13. Rounds: 7:30pm; 10:00am-4:00pm; 10:00am-4:00pm. 2-day: Late Registration: 9-10:30am on 02/14. Rounds: 11:00am-1:30pm-4:00pm;

Chess Life — February 2009

51

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

Tournament Life 10:00am-4:00pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tournament with $$ prizes. SCHOLASTIC: Open to 4 player team with one optional alternate (all players must be High School age or younger; individuals can enter and be assigned teammates). Team average (4 highest ratings—2008 Annual Rating list) must be under 1200. EF: $120 postmarked by 2/5/09; $150 after or at door. Prizes: Prizes to top team overall, top three High SchoolTeams, top three Middle SchoolTeams, top three Elementary SchoolTeams. Special prizes to top score on each board. Schedule: Late Registration: 8:30-9:30am on 02/14. Rounds: 10:15am-1:00pm-3:30pm-6pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tournament with $$ prizes. Information/Help with Teams: [email protected], 414-234-1005 or [email protected]. Make Checks Payable to and Send Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr, Glendale, WI 53209. Please include captain’s email and phone number. Online Registration: www.wscachess.org. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 USAT Playoff is scheduled for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 14-16, California Southern 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest must be U/2200, diff. between bds. 3 & 4 may not exceed 1000. Dec. list used. EF: $118 per team if received by 2-13, $30 individual (on line only), $136 at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-13, $100 site. EF: $118 per team if received by 2-15, $30 individual (on line only), $136 at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-15, $100 site. Trophies and 4 clocks to top 3 teams, U2100, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400/unr. Trophies (1 large, 4 small) to top college, industrial, junior (under 18), Senior (over 55), U1200. Clocks to best score each board, alternate, and any 6-0. Gift certificate prizes for best team names (1st/2nd). Reg.: 8:30-10 a.m. 2-14. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. On-line entry, help in forming teams, advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 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. F. WCL JGP. 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Playoff will be held March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 14-16, New Jersey World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East 39th Annual – Celebrate the 60’s! 6SS, 40/2, SD/1. Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany, N.J. 07054. Chess Rate valid until 1/16. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1- 800-HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4- player teams with one optional alternate.Team average (4 highest ratings—2008 Annual Rating list) must be under 2200, no more than 1000 points between 3rd & 4th board if team average over 2000. EF: $140 postmarked by 2/5/09. $180 after or at door. — all teams, any changes at site $25 charge. Check out official website www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4 digital clocks;TopTeam (Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Digital Clocks; Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque; Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School (grades 5-9 same school), Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) (Collins Award), Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all players over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team; CompanyTeam (same employer) Old Timers Trophy (all players over 65), Family (4 family members), State teams—CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY, (Benjamin Award), PA, VA, NC, Canada, Ethel Collins Perseverance (lowest scoring

USCF Membership Rates Premium (P) and Regular (R) (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) Type Adult P Adult P (online purch) Adult R Adult R (online purch) Senior (65+) Young Adult P (U25)* Youth P (U16)* Scholastic P (U13)* Young Adult R (U25)* Youth R (U16)* Scholastic R (U13)*

1 yr $49 $42 $36 $29 $36 $32 $27 $23 $24 $20 $16

2yr $85 $78 $59 $52 $65 $59 $49 $42 $43 $36 $28

3yr $120 $113 $81 $74 $93 $85 $70 $60 $61 $51 $39

Premium membership provides a printed copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular membership. Regular membership provides online only access to Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas tic members three times per year. Youth provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed above monthly Chess Life. See www.us chess.org for other membership categories. Dues are not refundable and may be changed without notice. *Ages at expiration

52

Chess Life — February 2009

scholastic) each plaque top team; Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 60 scores each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best “Chess related” name, Sunday night— Best “Chess Related costumes or gimmick—1960’s theme”—gourmet dinner for four. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/14. Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special Events!! Surprises and special give-aways each round. Sunday night— Bughouse $20 per team-cash prizes, Sunday Morning— 960 Tournament 8AM-Two Person team event $20 per team—prizes per entries. HR: Parsippany Hilton, chess rates expire 1/16/2009. Rates $117 (up to 4 in room) 2nd hotel now attached to Hilton also up to 4 in room $112 per night-Hampton Inn— -includes breakfast for 4 each day. For help forming teams and more information contact [email protected]: Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/01 to: E.Steven Doyle, 17 Stonehenge Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name, Captain, players full names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board order). Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, No registered or certified mail accepted. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP. 2009 USAT Playoff will be held March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Indiana 2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress 6SS, Rds. 1-4 G/60, Rds. 5-6 G/90. East Side Middle School 2300 Lindberg Rd. Anderson, Indiana 46012. 6 Sections based on age! 18 & Under, 16 & Under, 14 & Under, 12 & Under, 10 & Under, 8 & Under. CLUBETEAMS are welcome! Club and school teams are the top 3 scoring team members (minimum 2). Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat. 2/28 at 8:30 am, Rds 1-4 at 9am, 11:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm. Sun 3/1 Rds. at 9am, 12:30pm. Awards at 4pm. Entry Fee: $40 by 2/16/09, $55 by 2/23/09, $75 after and onsite. Register: Make checks payable to East Side Middle School Chess Club and mail to: c/o 2009 Chess Congress, East Side Middle School, 2300 Lindberg Rd., Anderson, IN. 46012. Email entries to [email protected]. EMAIL ENTRIES are NOT confirmed until receipt of entry fees. Entries will be posted at www.2009Chess Congress.com as they are received. Onsite entries will be accepted from 6:30am to 8:00am on Sat. morning. Any player not registered by 8am will receive a half-point bye for round one and begin play in round two. Side event: Bughouse tournament Sat. evening 2/28 at 7:00 pm. Register for bughouse onsite ONLY for $10 per player between 10am and 6pm on 2/28. Bughouse awards to each team member of at least the top 5 scoring teams in 2 sections, 12th grade & Under and 6th grade & Under. Awards: More trophies this year! Trophies to at least the top 20 individuals in each section, top 5 teams. Numerous additional class prizes for each section. See website for details. Hotel: Several close to school, Holiday Inn (765) 644-2581, Comfort Inn (765) 649-3000, Hampton Inn (765) 622-0700. Additional Info: Limited team rooms available, contact number below for details. Concessions and chess merchandise will be available onsite. All event details at www.2009ChessCongress.com. Questions, call (765) 617-3845 after 3pm. WCL JGP.

Apr. 3-5, Tennessee SuperNationals IV 2009 Elementary, Junior High and High School National Championships in one great event! 7SS, G/120 (K-1 G/90), Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, 2802 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. (615) 883-2211 HR: $139 single-quad. All under one roof! $50,000 in Cash Scholarships!! 20 Sections (Select only one): High School: K-12 Championship; K-12 U1600; K-12 U1200; K-12 U800; K-12 Unrated. Junior High: K-9 Championship; K-8 Championship; K-9 U1250; K-8 U1000; K-8 U750; K-9 Unrated. Elementary: K-6 Championship; K-5 Championship; K-6 U1000; K-5 U900; K-3 Championship; K-3 U800; K-1 Championship; K-6 Unrated; K-3 Unrated. EF: $40 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/5, $60 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $75 after 3/19, $80 on site. DO NOT mail entries after March 19 – they may not be received in time. $5 extra for all phoned registrations. $20 change fee for roster or section changes after March 19. USCF membership is required (may be paid with entry). AWARDS: Trophies awarded in accordance with Scholastic Regulations and based on number of participants.Team score = total of top four (min. two) finishers from each section. March 2009 rating supplement will be used. BYES: One 1/2 –pt. bye available in rounds 1-6 if requested prior to 10am, Fri (4/3). On site entries after 10am, Fri 4/3 will receive a 1/2-point bye for the first round. SCHEDULE: Rounds 1-2: Friday (4/3) 1:00pm & 7:00pm, Rounds 3-5: Saturday (4/4) 9:00am, 2:00pm, & 7:00pm, Rounds 6-7 (4/5) 9:00am, & 2:00pm. Main Event Awards Ceremonies, Sunday (4/5); K-1 at approximately 5pm, all others approximately 7pm. SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse Championships:Thursday, 4/2, 11:00am, Register ON SITE ONLY by 10:00am. EF: $20 per team/2. Blitz Championship:Thursday, 4/2, 5:00pm. EF $15 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $20 after 3/19 or on site. On site registration ends at 4pm. Please refer to the website: www.SuperNationalsIV.com for updated schedule details, Simuls, lectures, and other activities. Advance entries must include player’s name/information and all fees to be accepted. Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged according to date received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even if no team), coach’s name, email, birthdate, USCF ID number, USCF expiration (enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Entries may be faxed to: 931787-1238. Mail Entries To: 2009 SuperNationals IV, P. O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Enter online at: www.uschess.org. WCL JGP.

April 24-26, Texas Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships 6SS G/60, Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; Phone: (800) 233-1234 or 214-651-1234 Mention All Girls National Chess Tournament for special Hotel rate: $109 Reserve By 4/1. 6 sections: 8 years old and younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger. Age as of 4/1/2009. USCF rated. USCF membership is required. Winner of 18 years old and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The University ofTexas at Dallas, worth up to $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $45 if postmarked by 3/25. $70 at site. Do not mail after 4/16 as your entry may not be received. Trophies to top 15 ind. & top 3 teams (top three players added for team scores) Sat., April 25: Opening Ceremony: 9 AM, Rounds: 1 - 4; 9:30-11:30 AM; 12:00-2:00 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; 5:30-7:30 PM. Sun., April 26: Rounds 5 - 6; 9:00-11:00 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sun., April 26: Awards Ceremony: 2:30 PM One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), date of birth, grade & school

and school location. Email: [email protected], 214-632-9000. Side events: Blitz tournament G/5 Friday April 24 3 pm, EF: $15 by 3-25, $25 on site. Simultaneous exhibition by Anna Zatonskih Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. Bughouse Tournament Fri April 24 5 pm. EF: $25/team. NS, NC, W.

May 23-25, Arizona 2009 U.S. Amateur West Championship Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S Palo Verde Rd.,Tucson, AZ 85714, 520-746-1161. SECTIONS: Championship (U2200), Reserve (U1600), Booster (U1200) & Scholastic (must be K-8 and U1000). Scholastic section is 3 separate 1-day tournaments. SCHEDULE: (Championship, Reserve, and Booster) 6/SS, 40/2, 25/1. Reg: By mail or 5/23, 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Rds: 10-4, 10-4, 9-3. (Scholastic) 4/SS, G/40. Reg: By mail or 8:30 - 9:30 AM each day. Rds: Round 1 at 10 AM then as available for Rounds 2-4. PRIZES: (Championship) Chronos clock + plaque to Top 3; Digital clock + plaque to Top 1900-1999, 1800-1899, 17001799, 1600-1699, and U1600; Plaque to top Senior 50+, Junior U19 and Junior U13. (Reserve) Chronos clock + plaque to 1st; Digital clock + plaque to 2nd, 3rd, Top 1300-1399, 1200-1299, and U1200; Plaque to top Senior 50+ and Junior U13. (Booster) Chronos clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top Unrated and Junior U10. (Scholastic, each day) Digital clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top U800, U600, and Unrated. 1-yr USCF membership for perfect scores that don’t win the clock. SPECIAL PRIZES:Top 2 Family Pairs in the non-scholastic sections. Biggest Upset of each round in the non-Scholastic sections. Chronos clock to Scholastic player with the highest combined score over the three 1-day tournaments. EF: (Championship & Reserve) $55 if by 5/20, $65 if after 5/20. (Booster) $40 if by 5/20, $50 if after 5/20. (Scholastic) $15 for each tournament or $40 for all three days if by 5/20, additional $5 if after 5/20. ALL: Half-point byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior to start of Round 2. HR: (if by 5/8): $64 (single) or $72 (suite), mention “SACA”. ENT: Make checks payable to SACA, entry form available at www.sazchess.org. Info: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, e-mail: kpennock_83@ yahoo.com, web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.

June 4, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) 6SS, G/10. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $$b/100 7,000 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600, U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated 150. EF: $79 by 5/19, $89 by 6/3, $100 on site. Late Registration 4-6:30 p.m. Rds: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks. 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4), must be requested with entry. HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2009 National Open 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60). South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed). Championship. $$: 80004000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500 2000, under 2400 1600, under 2300 1200, Unrated 600-400-200. $2,000 EXTRA for perfect score.The winner of the Championship section also receives a replica of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-25001300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1400. $$: 2500-1500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150-100-100-100-100-100-100100-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any other prizes, every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50 gift certificate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only. EF: $159 by 1/19, $179 by 5/19, $199 by 6/3, $220 on site. $41 less for unrated players, $99 more for players rated under 2100 in the Championship Section. This is an open tournament - you may play in any section at or above your rating level; unrated players may play only in Championship Section. CCA minimum ratings or other ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m.Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg: 8-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds: 10-12:30-3-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half point byes available in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the start of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only, not for skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship and the Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Girls and Boys. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free lectures by GM Susan Polgar and others. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bisguier. Susan Polgar International Chess Camp all dayThursday. Grandmaster SimulThursday afternoon. US. Game/10Thursday night. Scholastic Tournament Friday. LOW room rates! HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. Don’t be shut out; make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the chess rates; South Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 19th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May 19th. RESERVE NOW! Credit card or one night room deposit will be required to hold reservation, may be canceled 72 hours in advance for nominal fee. Tournament Registration: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.

July 10-12, Wisconsin 2009 U. S. Junior Open Championship Three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. 5SS, G/90. Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186. Chess Rate of $85.99 is valid until July 1st. Reserve early. (262)-574-0888. U21: $300+entry to 2010 Junior Closed-$150. Individual trophies: 1st overall, best player for ages 17-18, 15-16, under 15. Team trophies: top three high schools, top club. U15: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 11-13, under 11.Team trophies: top three middle schools, top club. U11: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 9, 8, 7, 6&under. Team trophies: top three

uschess.org

World Amateur Team A N D

th

39 Annual U.S. Amateur Team East F EBRU ARY 14 -16, 20 09

PARSIPPANY HILTON

Co me ce le br at e th e ‘60 s wi th th e mo st en th us ia st ic pl ay er s in th e wo rl d! m Name awards, Best Team Costume and Best Tea ays each round, make along with surprises and give-aw ʼt want to miss. this a three day experience you won and prizes. See our TLA for complete details ur. Clock awards supplied by Excalib d to bring Boards are supplied, but youʼll nee nds! a set and a clock—and THREE frie

PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY Need help in forming a team? Want to be on a team? Contact Steve Doyle at [email protected].

Your hosts are the USCF and the New Jersey State Chess Federation.

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

Tournament Life elementary schools, top club. All participants receive commemorative medals. EF: $35 ($30 per player if 4 or more pre-register together) advance; $50 after July 10th. Cash only at site. Schedule: Opening ceremony: Friday at 2:45pm. Rounds: Friday 3:00pm, Saturday 10:00am and 2:00pm, Sunday 10:00am and 2:00pm. Closing ceremony: Sunday 5:30pm. Side Events: ($20/event) BLITZ: Friday at 7:00pm. BUGHOUSE: Saturday at 7:00pm. SIMUL: Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 7:00pm. PARENTS AND COACHES TOURNEY: 3SS G/30 (not rated) Saturday 10:30am, 2:15pm, 3:30pm. Info/questions: ashish@vajachess. com or 414-234-1005, [email protected] or 608-334-2574. Make Checks Payable to and Send Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr., Glendale WI 53209 or online registration at www.wscachess.org. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, Indiana World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 110th annual U.S. Open CELEBRATE USCF’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS TRADITIONAL EVENT! New features this year include 4-day option requiring only 3 nights hotel stay for most players, and later start for 6-day option so most will need only 5 nights hotel stay. 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4 day option, Rds. 1-6, G/60). Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st St, Indianapolis IN 46219. Luxurious hotel with great lighting in tournament room! Phone: 317-352-1231. HR: $99 single/quad. $50,000 in prizes based on 500 paid entries, else proportional, except $40,000 (80% of each prize) minimum guarantee. A one section tournament with Class prizes. Top 5 US players qualify for 2010 US Championship. Many side events, including US Blitz Championship 8/8. USCF Delegates meeting 8/8-9, workshops 8/5-7, USCF Awards Luncheon 8/8 noon, GM lectures & simuls to be announced. Choice of three schedules: Traditional: 40/2, SD/1. One round daily at 7 pm, except rd. 9, 8/9 at 3pm. 6-Day Option: 8/4 7 pm, 8/5-7 12 noon & 7 pm, 8/8 7 pm, 8/9 at 3pm. 4-Day Option: 8/6 2 pm, 5 pm & 8 pm; 8/7 10 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm & 7 pm, 8/8 7 pm, 8/9 3pm. All schedules merge after Round 6 & compete for same prizes. Projected prizes: Top Places: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500, clear winner $200 bonus. If tie for first, top two on tiebreak play speed game (white 5 minutes, black 3 minutes and gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for bonus and title. Class Prizes: Top Master (2200-2399): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Expert (2000-2199): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class A (1800-1999): $2500-1200800-500. Top Class B (1600-1799): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class C (1400-1599): $2000-1000-600-400. Top Class D (1200-1399): $1500-700-500300. Top Class E or below (under 1200): $1500-700-500-300. Top Unrated: $800-400-200. Half Point Byes: must commit before round 4; up to 3 byes allowed for 2000/up, 2 byes for 1400-1999, one bye for Under 1400/Unr. Zero point byes are always available in any round. Entry Fee: Online, $135 by 5/15, $155 by 7/29. By mail, $137 postmarked by 5/15, $157 postmarked by 7/23. By phone, $140 by 5/15, $160 by 7/29. At site, all $180. GMs free. August official ratings used; unofficial ratings used if otherwise unrated. CCA ratings used if above USCF. Foreign player ratings: usually 100 points added to FIDE or FQE, 200+ added to most foreign national ratings, no points added to CFC. Highest of multiple ratings generally used. Ent: USCF, ATTN: 2009 US Open, PO. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Online entry: https://secure. uschess.org/webstore/tournaments.php. Phone entry: 800-903-8723. Tour-

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Chess Life — February 2009

nament website: main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/usopen/. FIDE rated, no cell phones. Bring a clock - none supplied. Sets/boards supplied for tournament but not for skittles. WCL JGP.

Grand Prix A Heritage Event! Feb. 7-8, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 33rd Queen City Open 4SS, 40/2, SD/1. Comfort Inn, exit 4 (Queen City Bridge) off I-293, Manchester, NH. 603-668-2600. HR: $79, mention “NH Chess”, reserve early. $$2000 b/65, 75% Gtd. 4 sections: Open: EF: $42 by 2/5, GMs/IMs free. $300-200-100, U2100 $125. U1900: $150-100-75, U1750 $100. No Unr. may win over $75. U1600: $150-100-75, U1450 $100. No Unr. may win over $75. U1300: $150-100-75, U1000 $100. No Unr. may win over $75. All: EF: $42 by 2/5. Special EF for jrs U21 in U1300 section only, $26 if by 2/5. Sunday Swiss (2/8 only). 3SS, G/60. EF: $25 if by 2/5. $$80-50-30 (b/8). Sun. Swiss Reg: 9:30-10:30am Sunday, Rds: 11-1:30-4. All EF: $6 more if at site. Two-day Reg: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds: 10-4:30, 9:30-4.One 1/2 pt. bye OK for Rds.1-3 if rec’d with ent. Ent: NH Chess Assoc., Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. #23, Manchester, NH 03103. Info: 603-668-8368 or [email protected]. W. WCL JGP.

Feb. 14-16, Oklahoma World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 Stillwater Winter FIDE Open 7 – SS, G/90+30. Quality Inn, 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51), Stillwater, OK. 1-405372-0800. HR: $70. Free Parking. Reg.: Sat 11-Noon. One section open to all. RDS.: 1-5; 10-2-6:30; 9-1:15. EF: $50 if postmarked before Feb 9, or $60 at door. $10 OCF required from all players (includes 4 issues of OCQ). $$4,500G: $600, $400, $300, $200; $600 each class ($300-200-100) Ex,A,B,C,D & below. Unr. competes in D & below. 2 half pt byes rds 1-7; Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis, Stillwater, OK 74074. NC, CMV, LS, W, USCF, FIDE. [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Feb. 14-15, Texas World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) DFW FIDE Open 5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S Cottonwood Dr #A, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G.: Open: This section is FIDE rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. EF: $50, Juniors(U19)/Senior/Hcap $30, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. Registration: 9:45 -10:15 am. Rds. Sat 10:45 - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested before rd 2, withdrawals are not eligible for prizes. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000, [email protected], www.dallaschess.com NS. NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.

Feb. 14-15, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 Kingstowne Chess Festival Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA

22315. 4 Sections. Open (FIDE-rated): 4SS 40/100, SD/1. EF: $40 if received by 2/11, $50 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $84 if received by 2/11, $94 at site. Prizes $$1000G: $400-250-125. U2000, U1800, unr. each $75. Rds.: 11-5, 10-4. Amateur (U1800-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $20 if received by 2/11, $30 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $64 if received by 2/11, $74 at site. Prizes $$500 b/32: $180-100-70. U1600-U1400-unr. each $50. No unrated may win more than $140. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Booster (U1600-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $15 if received by 2/11, $25 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $59 if received by 2/11, $69 at site. Prizes $$370 b/32: $150-80-50. U1400-U1200-Unr. each $30. No unrated may win more than $100. Rds.: 113-7, 11:30-4. Novice (U1400-unr.): 6SS G/75. EF: $10 if received by 2/11, $18 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $62 if received by 2/11, $70 at site. Prizes $$285 b/32: $100-70-40. U1200-U1000-Unr. each $25. No unrated may win more than $80. Rds.: 11-2-5-8, 12:30-4. All: One half-point bye allowed in Open, two in other sections. Last-round bye must commit by end of play Saturday and irrevocable. Reg.: 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only): [email protected]. FIDE. W. WCL JGP.

Feb. 17, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club 4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.

Feb. 21, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) New York February Action! 5-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 12-1:302:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/19; $10 extra to “enter” by phone!

Feb. 21, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Winter Seasonal Special 3-round Swiss System. Game / 90 with 5 seconds delay. Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Corner of Grandin Rd. and Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke, Va. 24038. GUARANTEED PRIZES: Top Section: $125-100-75. Additional Sections: If Octagonals, Each is guaranteed $125 - $100. If Hexagonals, Each is guaranteed $100-75. If Quads, Each is guaranteed $100 1st. ENTRY FEE: If received by Feb. 20, $30.00. At site, $40.00. REGISTRATION: 6-9pm 02/20; 8-9:30am 02/21. ROUNDS: 10-2-6. BYES: Only one per tournament; must request before

uschess.org

SuperNationals IV

$50,000 in cash scholarships to be awarded! www.SuperNationalsIV.com for tournament information and registration. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center 2802 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 (615) 883-2211 Chess Rate: $139.00 Single – Quad ENT R IES TO: US Chess Federation Attn: SuperNationals P. O. Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557

Questions and Team Rooms: Cheryle Bruce – [email protected] 931-787-1234 ext. 147 On site entries after 10 a.m., Friday 4/3/2009 will receive a 1/2-point bye for the first round.

See TLA this issue (Nationals section) for detailed tournament information.

Tournament Life

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

1st round begins. ADVANCE ENTRIES: Roanoke Valley Chess Club, P.O. Box 14143, Roanoke, Va. 24038. PHONE: (540) 344-4446. E-MAIL: info@ roanokechess.com WEB PAGE: roanokechess.com.

Feb. 22, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Binghamton Monthly Tourney 4 Round SS, Time control G/60. Reg. 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM. ENTRY: $30/ $35 at site.Cash only at site. (checks payable to Cordisco’s Corner Store). ROUNDS: 9:45-12:30-3:00-5:30. Prizes: 1st $200 - 2nd $100 - 3rd $50. Guaranteed! Limited to first 24 entries. Please bring clocks. Cordisco’s Chess Center 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 772-8782 [email protected].

Feb. 23-Mar. 23, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 83rd Nassau Grand Prix 5-SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts, Mineola. 2 sections: Open: EF: $38 by 2/21, $$ (630 b/18, top 2 G) 200-100, U2100/UR, 1900, 1700 each 110. Booster: open to U1500/UR, EF $22 by 2/21. $$ (270 b/15) 100, U1300, 1100/UR each 85. Both: non-memb EF $11 more. EF at site $7 more. 2 byes 1-5. Reg ends 7:15 PM. Rds: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. [email protected]. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 41st Annual Virginia Open 5SS, Rd1 G/2, Rds 2-5 40/2 SD/1. Crowne Plaza, Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean 22102. www.cptysonscorner.com. Chess room rates of $79 for Single and Double, reserve before Feb 6. Walk-up chess rate possible, but not guaranteed, reserve early!! No Outside Food allowed in Tournament Playing Room! See www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm for online link to register for hotel. $3400 in Two Sections, Open and Amateur (U1900) Top 4 G in Open, rest based on 140. Open: $600-400-300-250 Top X,A Each $180 Winner also gets plaque and title 2009 Virginia Open Champ. Amateur: $400-200-150, Top B,C,D, U1200 Each $160, Top Unrated $100. Amateur winner gets plaque and 2009 Virginia Open Amateur title. ALL: Reg. Friday 2/27 5:30p-7:45p. Rds. 8pm Friday, Sat 10a-4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: $60 if received by Feb 21, $70 later and at site. $5 discount to active military personnel. $35 Re/entry allowed From Rd 1 into Rd 2 only Sat Reg. 9-9:45. One 1/2 point bye allowed with entry, declared before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. VCF membership required for Virginia residents ($10 Adults, $5 U19) Ent: Make checks payable to “Virginia

For details on

2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS East, North, South, West See Nationals Section!

Chess” and mail to: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138 Alexandria VA 22306 website: www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm. [email protected] for questions, NO INTERNET or PHONE entries only by mail, at site or Arlington Chess Club and Tidewater Chess Club in Norfolk. NS, NC, W. FIDE (Open). WCL JGP.

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 3rd annual Saratoga Open 6SS, G/65, Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Discounted parking. $$G 1200. In 2 sections: Open: $$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$ 150-90-50, U1600 100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/20, $53 online at chesstour.com by 2/25, $55 phoned by 2/25, $65 at site. Reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:45. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $114-114, 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. 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. March official ratings used; unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Washington World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 17th Dave Collyer Memorial 5SS, g/120, St. Anne’s Children’s Center Conference Room, W. 25 Fifth Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. Sleep-in Option: Players may play round 1 beginning at noon with a g/60 t/c. EF: $27 if received by 2/27; $33 at door Under 19 $5 less. $$1600GTD: $325-200-125. Ex — $100; A; B; C; D/E/Unr: $100-75; Biggest Upsets: $100-50 (non-provisional ratings only). One prize per player except for biggest upset. Reg.: Feb. 28 8:30-9:30 am (sleep-in option must register by 11:40). Rds.: 2/28: 10(or 12) — 2:30 — 7:00; 3/01: 9:00; 1:30. one 1/2 point bye available. Players meeting at 9:45 Feb. 28. ENT: Spokane CC c/o Kevin Korsmo 9923 N. Moore, Spokane, WA 99208-9339. INFO: www.spokanechess club.org, [email protected]. NS NC W. WCL JGP.

Mar. 1, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge (QC) (NOTE: Mar. 1 Marshall CC Sunday Action now moved to Mar. 15.) 6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $35 others, $10 less to Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:005:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.

Mar. 6, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 PA Quick Chess Champ. (QC) 6SS, G/10, T/D3. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg

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Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turnpike. 3 sections, EF rec’d by 2/17: Open: $12. U1500: $10. U1100: $8. $$ (730G): Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. U1500: 125-75-50, U1200 $40, Unr $30. U1100: Trophies: 1-5, U800, U600, 1-2 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/17, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg: 6-6:30pm. Rd 1: 7pm. Feb 2009 Regular ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: [email protected] 412-908-0286 W.

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, California Northern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) Western Chess Congress 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75; U1100 & U900 sections are 6SS, 3/7-8 only, G/65). Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord CA 94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART station. Free parking. In 8 sections. $$G 20,000. Premier, open to all over 1950 and juniors under 18 over 1800: $1600-900-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1900: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1500: $1200-600300-200. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1100: $600-300-200-100. Under 900: $600-300-200-100. Unrated must play in U1900 or below with maximum prize U1900 $600, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 $300, U1100 $200, U900 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $119, 3-day $119, 2-day $118 mailed by 2/26, all $120 online at chesstour.com by 3/3, $125 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $140 at site. U1100, U900 Sections EF: $57 mailed by 2/26, $60 online at chesstour.com by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $65 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3, $70 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30; mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed EF $7 less to rated CalChess members. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7:30, Sat 116, Sun 9-3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9:30-4. U1100 & U900 schedule: Reg. Sat to 11:30 am, rds. Sat. 12-3-6, Sun. 9-12:303:30. All schedules: Byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 3 and have under 2 pts. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 2/20 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.

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Massachusetts World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 18th annual Eastern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 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), minimum $12,000 (60% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 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): $1200-600-400-300. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $1000-500-300-200.

uschess.org

Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter A through E, with prize limits: E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 2/26, all $105 online at chesstour.com by 3/3, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. All: FREE TO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. 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. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. HR: $84-84, 800582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/15 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. 7-8, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 New York Marshall CC March GP! 4SS, 30/90, SD/1; Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. $$625 Gtd: 250 -100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Rds : 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.

Mar. 7 & 8, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship 5SS, G/90, T/D5. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turnpike. 2 sections: Open & U1500. $$ (1260G): Open: 180-120, U2200 $110, U2000 $100, U1800 $90, U1600 $80. U1500: 150-100, U1400 $90, U1200 $85, U1000 $80, Unr $75. All: College Tr: 1-2 in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over both sections). EF: $29 rec’d by 2/17, $39 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg: 8:45-9:30 am. Rds 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: [email protected] 412-908-0286 W. Feb. 2009 ratings used. WCL JGP.

Mar. 13-15, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 7th Annual Western Pacific Open 5-SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds. 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$6000 b/160, 50% of each prize guaranteed. In 2 sections: Open, $$1200-700-400-200-100, U2200 $400-250. Amateur (U2000/Unr), $$500-300-150, U1800 400-200-100, U1600 400-200100, U1400 200, U1200 100, Unr. 100. Unr. may win Unrated prize only. Reg.: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fri., 9-10 a.m. Sat. Rds.: 3-day 7 p.m., 10:30-5, 10-4:30. 2-day:

uschess.org

10:30-1 (G/60), then merges. EF: $69 if received by 3-13, $79 at site. All: $25 Best Game prize, all sections eligible. One halfpoint bye if requested with entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. of S. Cal. res., $18 reg, $10 jr. HR: $109, (310) 410-4000. Ask for “7th Annual Western Pacific Open.” Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com. Inf: admin@western chess.com. NS, W, F. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, Missouri World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 13th Annual Mid-America Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70), Crowne Plaza Hotel St. LouisClayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 Section one quarter), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100/Unr $700. FIDE. Under 2000: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1800: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1600: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $1200-600-300-200. Under 900: $100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $50, U1200 $150, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $700. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/5, all $105 online at chesstour.com by 3/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. Under 900/Unr Section EF: 3-day $23, 2-day $22 if mailed by 3/5, $25 online at chesstour.com by 3/10, $27 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10, $30 at site. FREETO UNRATED IN U900 OR U1200 SECTIONS. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MCA memb. ($5; higher with printed magazine) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 2/27 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

Mar. 14-15, Maryland World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament 5SS, 20/1, SD/1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in Commons Bldg, 3rd floor). Held concurrently with separate Sweet 16 Invitational, which determines MD Scholastic Champion who wins 4-year tuition scholarship to UMBC (worth over $35,000). Spectators free & welcome. Open: (All) $$650: $350-200-100; $$400 (b/40): Top U2250, U2150, U2050, U1950 $100 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$765 b/40: $250-175-100, Top U1600, U1400, U1200 (b/4) $80 ea. No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this sect. All EF: $40 if postmarked by 2/27, $50 late, $10 less if under 20. Reg: 8:30-

9:30am Sat., Rds: 10am-3-7:30pm, 10:30am-3:30. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if req’d at least 1 hr. before Rd (before Rd 2 for any Rd. 4-5 bye), but only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds 4-5. Hotel: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1734 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask for UMBC chess rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards BWI Airport.Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 & follow signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC, Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, Attn: Open. [email protected], 410-455-8499, www.umbc.edu/ chess. W. WCL JGP.

Mar. 17, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club 4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.

Mar. 19, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!

A State Championship Event! Mar. 21-22, Alabama World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship 5-SS, G/90 SD 30, Quality Inn & Suites, 2705 E South Blvd., Montgomery, Al 36116. EF: $39 by 03/14, $49 at site. ACF memb req ($10) OSA. ALL PRIZES 100% GUARANTEED! (see full flier at www.teachmechess.com for info on Beach Vacation prize option; cash alternative available to beach vacation) Four Sections: Open G$$: $250 or Beach Vacation, $120. Class A/B G$$: $200 or Beach Vacation, $100. Class C/D G$$: $170 or Beach Vacation, $90. Class U1200/Unr G$$: $150, $80. Byes 1-4; commit before round 1. Reg.: 89. Rds.: Sat 9:30, 2, 7, Sun 9, 1:30. Info: www.teachmechess.com. Questions: [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.

Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) New York March Open! 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5th-6th

Chess Life — February 2009

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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

Tournament Life Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr. prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 3/19. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit by rd 2. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr. must enter Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL JGP.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand Prix UCONN Castleman Bldg., Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. 4SS, G/90. EF: $35, FREE to all students. $$ 200-100 both gtd., Top U-2200, Top U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 $100 each b/30. Trophy to top student. Prizes increased as entries allow. Reg.: 7 -7:30 PM, Rounds at 7:30 PM. Parking is across the street behind the Bronwell building. Advance Entry & Info: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. Make checks payable to: “Tom Hartmayer”. 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconn chess.uconn.edu. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, Ohio World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) 47th Cincinnati Open Four sections: Open, Under 2000, Under 1600, Under 1200. Holiday Inn, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. 5 Round Swiss System, USCF and FIDE (Open) rated.Time Control: 40/2 SD/60, (2 day option rds 1-2 G/70). Prizes $5,000 (Guaranteed): Open: $800-400-300, Under 2200: $300-150, U2000: $500-250-150, U1800 $300-150, U1600: $400-200-150, U1400 $250-150, U1200: $300-150-100 U1000 Trophies to top 5.(no unrated may win over $100 in U1200, $200 in U1600 or $300 in U2000. EF: $68, if mailed by 3/23 $80 at site. Under 1000 and unrated, $28 if mailed by 3/23, $40 at site. Free to GM/IM who complete schedule, $80 deducted from prize. Registration: Friday March 27th ends 6:30pm. Saturday March 28th ends 10:30am. Rounds: 3 day option: Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. 2 day option: Saturday 11am, 2:30pm, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. Byes: Maximum two 1/2 point byes, must commit before round 3. Hotel: $79 Holiday Inn, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. Call 513-752-4400 (mention chess). Advance Entry & Questions: Central Ohio Chess c/o Grant Perks, PO Box 9830, Bexley, Ohio 43209, [email protected], (614) 774-2532. WCL JGP.

Mar. 28-29, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 Kern County Open Championship 5-SS, 25/75, SD/30 (Rounds 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (Rounds 4-5). Clarion Hotel 3540 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 326-1111. $1700 prize fund b/o 40, 80% GUARANTEED: $500 (Gtd!) 300-200 top U2000 $250, U1800 $200, U1600/Unr $150-$100. EF: $45 by 3/25, $55 after; $6 discount for BCC members and SCCF members. GMs & IMs FREE ($45 from prize). Special K-8 Tournament: March 28 5-SS G/30, Rounds 10-11:30-1pm-2:30-4 EF: $20 by

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3/25, $30 after; prizes 1st–3rd place Overall & 1st – 3rd place trophies in scholastic categories. All: 1/2-pt bye available any round with entry Reg.: 8:459:30 a.m. Saturday Rds.: Saturday: 10am-2pm-6pm, Sunday: 10am-4:30pm. Info: Kenneth J. Poole 661-304-7468, [email protected] or visit www.bakers fieldchessclub.com. HR: $59 special rate, mention “BakersfieldChessClub” reserve by 3/13 or rate may go up! Ent: Bakersfield Chess Club, P.O. Box 176, 3501 Mall View Rd., Suite 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP for Open Championship only.

Mar. 28-29, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) Nashua Open Holiday Inn Nashua, 9 Northeastern Blvd. Nashua, NH 03062. In 2 Sections: Open: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150, U2000 $150. U1750: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD: $400-200. U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Registration: 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 3/21/2009. Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 9:30-2. Unrated may only win 50% of place prizes in U1750. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. NS W. WCL JGP.

Mar. 29, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge (QC) 6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $35 others, $10 less to Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:005:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 29, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC) 5SS, G/29. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh PA 15213. 2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 3/21, $35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 13 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 3/21, $25 later.Trophies toTop 7, 1-3 U600. ALL:Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 Clubs, Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg 1010:30am. Rds: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286. W.

An American Classic! Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 11th annual Foxwoods Open Open Section, Apr 8-12: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. Lower Sections, Apr 9-12 or 10-12: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-4 G/50).

Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, Rt 2, Mashantucket CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit 92 to Rt 2 West, or I-395 to Exit 85 to Rt 164 to Rt 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles fromT.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Airport; for shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus transportation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum, largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-entries, GMs, WGMs & foreign IMs/WIMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum $70,000 (70% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-15001000-700-600-500-400-400, 2300-2499 $3000-1500-700, Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for title & free room at 2010 Foxwoods Open. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/09 list may not win over $500 in U1000, $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/09 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating supplement 4/08-3/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Initial ratings that will appear after the 4/09 list used at Director’s discretion; if used, rule 1 applies. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day $204, 3-day $203 if mailed by 1/10; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223 mailed by 3/31; all $250 at site. CSCA members may deduct $4 from mailed EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207 by 1/10, $227 by 4/6, $250 after 4/6 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/10, $230 by 4/6. No phone entry after 4/6. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs, foreign WIMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Under 1000 Section EF: 4-day $104, 3-day $103 if mailed by 3/31, all $107 online at chesstour.com by 4/6, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/6 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED IN U1000 OR U1300 SECTIONS. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day Open Section schedule: Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day Lower Sections schedule: Reg. endsThu 6 pm, rds.Thu 7 pm, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day Lower Sections schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Sat 10,12:30, 3, 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day & 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: OK all; limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Grand PequotTower (tournament site, very luxurious) $132-132, Great Cedar Hotel (connected building; very close) $118-118, Two Trees Inn (15 minute walk; free shuttle) $108-108. 1-800-FOXWOOD, must reserve by 3/26 or you will have to stay at least 3 miles away. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE,

uschess.org

100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Most foreign ratings other than CFC, PR, FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: April list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with scores of over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section” if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, Colorado World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 Boulder Open 5-SS 40/120 G/60 (2-day schedule, Rds 1-2, G/90). Best Western Boulder Inn, Flatirons room, 770 28th Street, Boulder, CO. Two sections. Open, U1600. EF: $50, $10 less if rec’d by 4/8, $10 less for Jr/Sr/Unrated. Prizes: $1500 b/50. Open: $300-175-125, U2000, U1800 $100 ea. Reserve: $250-150-100, U1400, U1200 $100 each. 3-day Regis: Fri 6-6:30 PM, Rounds: Fri: 6:30, Sat: 10, 5, Sun 9:30, 4. 2-day Regis: Sat 9-9:45 AM, Rds Sat 10, 1:30, merge with 3-day at 5. Entries: Klaus Johnson, 3605 Endicott Dr., Boulder, CO 80305. Email: [email protected]. A CO Tour event, CSCA membership req’d ($15/yr, $10 for Jr/Sr), OSA. WCL JGP.

Apr. 19, District of Columbia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 G/60 Spring Sensation $2,200 in prizes for a 1 day, 5 round event! Caldwell Hall Auditorium, 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064. Open: $600-400-200 Top A,B/unr $120 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $55 deducted from any prizes, preregistration required. U1600: $300-200-100, Top U1200/U1000 $80 ea. Unr. player must play in Open Section. All prizes b/o 50, U1600 players count as 2/3 entry. 50% of all prizes guaranteed. Rds. 9:30-11:45-2:30-4:45-6:30. Entry: $50 rec’d by 4/13, $60 after. $20 off for U1600. 2 half point byes available - must be requested at registration. Mail EF to CUA Chess, 204 Pryzbyla, 620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20064, Visit studentorg.cua.edu/chess for online registration/information.

Site Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.

Apr. 23-May 21, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 2009 Hatboro Open 5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road (near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$950 Gtd. In one section: $400-200, U1900 $100, U1700 $100, U1500 $100, Upset Prize $50. EF: $35 at site, $5 less to Chaturanga CC members. Write checks to “Chaturanga Chess Club.” Reg.: 6:45-7:20pm. Rds.: 7:30pm each Thursday. Bye: limit 1, any round, must request before Round 3 starts. Info: Jorge Amador, POB 387, Forest Grove PA 18922, (215) 794-8368, [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, Vermont World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) 6th annual Vermont Spring Open 5 SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Stratton Mountain Inn, Middle Ridge Rd (take Stratton Mt Rd from center of Bondville), Stratton Mountain, VT 05155. Bondville is 13 mi SE of Manchester, VT on Rt 30; under 2 hours from Albany, NY or Springfield, MA. $$G 2000. In 2 sections. Open: $400-230-120, top 1800-2049/Unr $200-100, top Under 1800 $200-100. Under 1550: $250120-60, top Under 1300 $150-70, no unrated may win over $100. EF: 3-day $68, 2-day $67 mailed by 4/17, all $69 online at chesstour.com by 4/22, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/22 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available in Open section. GMs free; $50 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds. Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1800 prizes). HR: $79-79, 1-800STRATTON, 802-297-2500, reserve by 4/10 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

Apr. 19, New Jersey World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship

A State Championship Event! Apr. 25-26, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand Prix

Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages With Rating >1400 4SS G/60 U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required, Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund Will Not Be Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Apr 15th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry. Make EF: and/or USCF membership checks payable to: International Chess Academy. INFO 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: [email protected] (Web

Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 201, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 – SS, G/120. 2 sections, Open & Reserve (U-1800). Both EF: $50 by 4-22, $60 later. Checks payable to “UCONN”. GM’s & IM’s free if no prize won. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-3, 9-2. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. $$ 700-500-300, Top U-2200 $200, Top U-2000 $200, Reserve $250-$100,Top U-1600 $150-$100.Trophy and state title to top CT resident in Open. All cash prizes, $2500, unconditionally guaranteed! Lodging

uschess.org

available, please ask. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconn chess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map www.admissions.uconn. edu/virtualtour/search/. WCL JGP.

May 15-17 or 16-17, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 17th annual New York State Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Howard Johnson Tiki Resort, 2 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 3000. In 2 sections. Open: $500-300200, U2100 $230-120, U1900 $220-110. Under 1700: $400-230-120, U1500 $200-100, U1300 $180-90, trophies to top U1100, U900, Unr, no unrated may win over $200. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY residents who are not members. EF: 3-day $78, 2-day $77 mailed by 5/8, $79 online at chesstour.com b y 5/13, $85 phoned by 5/13 to 406-896-2038 (payment only, no questions), $90 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available in Open Section. GMs free, $60 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1900 or U1300 prizes). HR: 59-59-70 (2 double beds), 65-65-76 (2 queen beds), 518-6685744, reserve by 5/5 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

An American Classic! May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 18th annual Chicago Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/45). Under 900 section plays separate 2-day schedule only, G/45. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections. Open: $8000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-400-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, top Under 2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $6000-3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. U2300 Section is FIDE rated. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1200-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1300: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300, top U1100 $800-400. Under 1100 play for both U1300 section prizes & U1100 class prizes; receive larger if winning both. Under 900: $200-120-80, trophies to top 10. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/09 list may not win over $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/09 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/08-4/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $100

Chess Life — February 2009

59

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

Tournament Life in U900, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/16; 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/13; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $200 by 3/16, $220 by 5/19, $250 after 5/20 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038: $205 by 3/16, $225 by 5/19 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/19. GMs free; $150 deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to all in Under 1300 Section and to seniors over 65 in Under 1500 & above sections. Under 900 EF: $24 if mailed by 5/13, $25 online at chesstour.com by 5/19, $30 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/19 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. All: FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U900 or U1300 Sections. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illinois residents. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 5/19. 4day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 7, Sun 12 & 7, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 11 am, Rds. Sat 12, 3:30 & 7, Sun 12 & 7, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 & up): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10-12:30-2:30-4:30-7, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10-12:30-2:30-4:30, Mon. 10-12:30-2:30. Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3 having under 2 pts. Hotel rates: $94-94-94-94, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/9 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or Jamaica. Most foreign ratings other than CFC, FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings used; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with scores over 80% in U1300/up and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones, or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section” if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

June 4, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) See Nationals.

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2009 National Open See Nationals.

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Chess Life — February 2009

June 25-29, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 3rd annual Philadelphia International 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Special parking rate for players with guest rooms $5/day; may be available for players without guest rooms, through 6/29 only. $$G 10,000: $3000-1500-1000-600-400-300-200, top FIDE 2200-2399 $1000500, top FIDE under 2200 or unrated $1000-500. Minimum prize if completing all games: $500 to foreign GMs, $200 to US GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs, foreign WIMs. IM & GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs, foreign FIDE rated players $115 mailed by 6/16, $117 online by 6/23, $125 phoned by 6/23 (406-896-2038, payment only, no questions), $150 at tmt. USA FIDE 2100/up rated players: $215 mailed by 6/16, $217 online by 6/23, $225 phoned by 6/23, $250 at tmt. Others: $315 mailed by 6/16, $317 online by 6/23, $325 phoned by 6/23, $350 at tmt. All: No checks at site, credit cards accepted. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entryonline at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Reg. endsThu 10 am, rds Thu through Sun 11-6, Mon 11. Two half point byes available (must commit before rd 2); norm not possible if taking bye. HR: $93-93, 215-448-2000, reserve by 6/5 or rate may increase. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possiblenone supplied. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 37th Annual World Open 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Under 900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule only, G/45. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. Parking $5 for hotel guests playing in tournament. Downtown location, Franklin Institute, many museums, stores, restaurants within a few blocks. Prizes $250,000 unconditionally guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik; free lectures by other GMs 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open, Under 2400, or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-800700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 7/5, 11 pm (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible in 5-day & 7-day schedules. FIDE rated. Under 2400: $14000-70003000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300 $2000-1000. FIDE Under 2200: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $20001000. Under 2000: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-20001000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $100005000-2500-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1500-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300. Under 900/unrated: $300-200-100, trophies to top 10, no unrated may win over $100. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/09 list may not win over

$1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 to U1800. Games rated too late for 7/09 list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section maximum any month 7/08-6/09 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day $307, 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day $315, 4-day $314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day $323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325 by 5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24. GMs free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 EF deducted from prize. EF $100 less to all in U1200 Section and seniors over 65 in Under 1400 & above. Under 900/Unrated Section EF: $25 if mailed by 6/17, all $26 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $30 phoned by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. FREE ENTRYTO UNRATED in U900/Unr Section. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thur 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Mon-Fri each 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Thurs 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr schedule: Fri 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sat 11, 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 12:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3 and have under 2 pts. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: 93-93, 215-4482000, may sell out about 5/31, two night minimum 7/3-4. Backup hotel: Radisson Plaza Warwick, 215-735-6000, $104-104, special chess rates for parking $8/day with guest room at Radisson. Special car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: 100 pts added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200 or more to most foreign, no pts added to CFC. Most foreign ratings other than CFC or FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: JULY LIST USED; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with scores over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may request “lowest possible section” if July rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 See Nationals.

uschess.org

Regional

[email protected] or [email protected] Ent: Ken Zowal, P.O. Box 3211, Fremont, CA 94539. No Phone entries. WCL JGP.

Alabama

July 4, 6th Pacifica Chess Open

B’ham C. C. Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg. Ctr.) B’ham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns. planned in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; B’ham City C’ships-Aug.; Magic City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W. Ellis 205-9796068, [email protected].

5 rounds, G/30. 1125Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044. Contact: John Galpin, [email protected] or website: atcc.us/Index.htm for additional details.

California Southern

Feb. 20-22, 2009 Rondezvous Chess Tournament

LA CHESS CLUB * www.LaChessClub.com Fridays: 8 PM-10 PM (Blitz Tournament) Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Class& 2 Tournaments) Sundays: 12 PM-6 PM (Tournament) Tuesdays: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor) Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments.

See January Chess Life.

Feb. 1, 15, LACC February Scholastics I & II

Arizona

5SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb). Reg: 1:30-2. Rds: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes:Trophies, Medals, special prizes (every player wins a prize!). Free parking on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Mar. 21-22, 2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship See Grand Prix.

Alaska

May 23-25, 2009 U.S. Amateur West Championship See Nationals.

California Northern Feb. 22, Cupertino G/60 Open Tournament! 4SS, G/60. 10675 S. De Anza Blvd., #4, Cupertino, CA 95014. 408-996-1236. ($500 b/32) 1st overall: $100, u2000 $100, u1800 $100, u1600 $100, u1400 $100. EF: $30 by 2/21, $40 same day. Reg.: 10-10:45 Rds.: 11-1:30-3:45-6:15. Site capacity: 32. Info: [email protected].

uschess.org

See Grand Prix.

Mar. 13-15, 7th Annual Western Pacific Open See Grand Prix.

Mar. 14-15, 2009 SCCF State Scholastic Championship

Mar. 15, WPO Hexes

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. 2008 rating list used, Feb. 2009 used for previously unrated players.) EF: $69 per team received by

3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 3-13, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 10:45-2-5. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC LA Masters

4-SS, 30/90; SD/60 Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont, CA 94538. $$B 80 paid entries (not counting unrated entries) Three Sections: Open: $350-225 U2200 $220-115; A/B (1999-1600): A $220-115 B $220115; Reserve (U1600): C $220-115 U1400 $220-115 Unr:Trophy First. All, EF: postmarked by 3/16 $50, $60 at site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or may play up to the Open section for the regular fee. USCF memb. req’d. May play up for add’l $10 per section. Reserve players in the A/B section compete for the B prize. Reg.: Sat 3/21 9:00-9:45am. RDS.: Sat 10:00-3:30; Sun 10:003:30; One 1/2 pt bye available if requested in advance (bye in rds 3 or 4 must be requested before rd 1). 2009 March Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible. Please bring clocks and equipment. INFO: Ken Zowal (510)-623-9935 Email: ken-

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N)

Feb. 15, 12th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC)

Mar. 8, Western Chess Congress USCF Booster Quads

Mar. 21-22, Hans Poschmann Memorial

3-SS, G/90. Marina Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-13, $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 Place #1A, Los Angeles CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com. See Nationals for details for 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West.

See Nationals.

3SS, G/60 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free parking on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

See Grand Prix. 3RR, G/30, Concord Hilton (see Western Chess Congress). EF: $20. 1st prize each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.

Feb. 16, AT HEXES

LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections: HS (gr 12-below), 5-SS, G/75. Reg ends 2 p.m. 3/14. Rds.: Sat 2:20-5:30, Sun 9:301-4. Top HS student receives invitation to Denker Tournament of High School Champions, top girl invitation to Susan Polgar Invitational Tournament for Girls. Trophies to top 10, best grade 12-11-10, 1-3 U1200/unr, best club team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later). State Championship Qualifier. JHS (gr 9-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 10, best grade 9-8-7, 1-3 U1000/unr, best club team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later). Elementary (gr 6-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 8, 1-2 U800, best club team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later), best grade 6-5-4. Primary (gr 3-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 6, 1-2 U600, best club team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later), best grade 3-2-1/below. All: SCCF membership ($10) required of players rated 800/above. Best Game prize $100, all sections eligible. Refreshments! EF: $35 adv, $40 door. HR: $109. (310) 410-4000. Ask for “7th Annual Western Pacific Open.” Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com. Inf: [email protected]. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP only for HS section.

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, LACC Sunday Swiss Open

5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg: 7:30-8. Rds: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress

2/13, $84 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: Info, help in forming teams: Jim Bullock, 714-848-4377, [email protected]. Web site, advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 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. See Nationals for 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West details.

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: 75% EF. 2 Free lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Saturday Swiss Open 4SS, G/30 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). I nf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Feb. 14-16, 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West

Chess Life — February 2009

61

Tournament Life Mar. 28-29, Kern County Open Championship

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

See Grand Prix.

Colorado Mar. 7-8, Manitou Springs: COLORADO SPRINGS OPEN 5-SS, Rds.: 1-3 40/90 and G/1; Rds.: 4-5 40/2 and G/1. Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave. One open section. EF: $30 if rec’d by March 5, $35 at site. $8 EF discount for juniors, seniors, unrated. CSCA required, ($15, jrs & srs 10), OSA. Cash prizes per entries. Registration: 8:30 - 9:30, Rds.: 10, 2:30, 7:00; 9:00 AM, 3:00. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 844B Prospect Place, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail [email protected] . COLORADO TOUR EVENT. WCL JGP.

Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, 2009 Boulder Open

Reserve K–6th U-700, K – 3rd, Reserve K–3rd U-700, 1st Grade Open, Kindergarten Open. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60 after. CSCA membership required, $5, other states OK. Checks payable to “UCONN”. Reg.: 8–9:30 AM, Rds. 10–11–12:30–1:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5, Books to 6th8th CT residents in each section. Books donated by USCF Sales/Chess Cafe.com.Top 5 in each section eligible to play in CSCATournament of Scholastic Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs. Trophies to Top 5 teams of top 4 from 1 school combined from all sections. Free commemorative UCONN chess sets to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess. uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map www.admissions.uconn. edu/virtualtour/search/.

Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State Championship Preliminaries - WEST

See Grand Prix.

Connecticut

UCONN Chess Club Tues. & Thurs 7:30PM. Castleman Building, Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Contact: TOM HARTMAYER. Contact Phone: 860-989-5394. Email: [email protected]. Web Site: www.uconnchess. uconn.edu. No dues required. Casual Play, USCF Rated Events, Blitz Events, League Play, Matches, Club Championships, Sets & Clocks Available, Chess Items for Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Beginners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may change, please check website or call contact phone #. Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic Preliminaries – EAST Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Rooms 204 & 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 – SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K–6th Open, (Open to all),

For details on

2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS East, North, South, West See Nationals Section!

Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Stamford Campus, One University Place, Stamford, CT 06901. Parking in Washington Blvd. Garage. 4-SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K– 6th Open, (Open to all), Reserve K–6th U-700, K–3rd, Reserve K–3rd U-700, K–1st. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60 after. CSCA membership required, $5, other states OK. Checks payable to “UCONN”. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes: Trophies & Books toTop 5, Books to 6th-8th, CT residents in each section. Books donated by USCF Sales/ChessCafe.com.Top 5 in each section eligible to play in CSCATournament of Scholastic Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs.Trophies to Top 5 teams of top 4 from 1 school combined from all sections. Free commemorative UCONN chess sets to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN-Stamford Map stamford.uconn.edu/maps.htm.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 29, Connecticut State Chess Association Tournament of Scholastic Champions Finals Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering and the UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 – SS, G/30. 3 Sections: K–6, K–3, K–1.Trophies to 1st Place CT residents in each section, medals for all others. Open to top 5 finishers in all sections in both EAST & WEST Scholastic Prelims and any K-6 player over 1000. EF: FREE to qualifying prelim players, $50 by 3-25, $60 later to eligible over 1000 who did not play in prelims. Checks payable to “UCONN”. Reg.: 8 – 9:30 AM, Rds. 10 – 11 – 12:30 – 1:30. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.

GOLD AFFILIATES

Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis 4657 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS [email protected] www.stlouischessclub.org

New York State Chess Association c/o Karl Heck 5426 Wright Street County Route 67, East Durham, NY 12423, 518-966-8523 [email protected] www.nysca.net

Continental Chess Association PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577 845-496-9658 [email protected] www.chesstour.com

SPICE Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409 806-742-7742 [email protected] www.SPICE.ttu.edu Susan Polgar Foundation 6923 Indiana Avenue, Suite 154, Lubbock, TX 79413 212-748-9584 [email protected] www.SusanPolgarFoundation.org Tri-State Chess 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 1-888-CHESS-35 [email protected], www.TriStateChess.com

North American Chess Association 2516 North Waukegan Road Suite 342,Glenview IL 60025 888-80-CHESS [email protected] www.nachess.org

DC Chess Association 2520 Tenth St. NE, Suite 28, Washington, DC 20018 202-506-2927 [email protected] www.dcchess.com

Unity Chess Club 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100 Office 136, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-949-5464 (KING) [email protected] unitychess.com

SILVER AFFILIATES

62

Indiana State Chess Association www.indianachess.org

Oklahoma Chess Foundation www.OKchess.org

Sparta Chess Club (NJ) www.spartachessclub.org

Michigan Chess Association www.michess.org

Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) [email protected]

Renaissance Knights (IL) www.RKnights.org

Chess Life — February 2009

See Grand Prix.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 25-26, Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State Open Championship Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 – SS, G/60. EF: $50, by 4-22, $60 later. Reg.: 8 – 9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5. Trophy to Top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & Entries to:Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-9895394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Championship Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 – SS, G/60. EF: $50 by 4-22, $60 after. Checks payable to “UCONN”. Reg.: 8 – 9:30 AM, Rds.: 10 – 12:30 – 2:30 – 4:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Prizes: State Champ title, CSCA Denker/Polgar $300 Award & trophy to highest scoring CT male/female residents in grades 9-12. UCONN School of Engineering Scholarships to Top 3 in grades 9-12, 1st:Trophy plus $2000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 2nd: Trophy plus $1000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 3rd: Trophy plus $500 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 4th 5th:Trophies. Scholarships are available only to tournament winners in grades 9-12 who are admitted to and enroll in an engineering program at the UCONN School of Engineering. Scholarships are not transferable and are renewable for a maximum of 4 years. Students are limited to 1 scholarship in the School of Engineering. Prior winners are eligible to upgrade only, prior 1st prize winners are eligible for trophy & titles only. Other previous winners may upgrade only. Trophy to top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.

May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY) See Grand Prix.

GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

New Jersey State Chess Federation c/o Roger Inglis 49-A Mara Rd., Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 973-263-8696 [email protected] www.njscf.org

Cajun Chess 7230 Chadb30ourne Drive New Orleans, LA 70126 504-208-9596 [email protected] www.cajunchess.com

Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open

GOLD

Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 USCF memberships during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, address, phone number, e mail address, and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver Affil iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted.

SILVER

Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 USCF memberships during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized in a special list in Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, state, and choice of either phone number, e mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs $150 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an annual payment of $250.00 (instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted. uschess.org

Delaware Feb. 28, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad Howard Johnson’s Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. Perfect score = FREE next quad!! (Every 10th quad free!) (time controls: 40/75, s/d 30). EF: $20. New players to Newark Quads only $10. $$GTD: Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45 1:15 5. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-753-6877 [email protected]. INFO: Rick Lathem 302-299-5407. NS W.

Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA) Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25 online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3; K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

Two sections if attendance warrants, otherwise one section with class and upset prizes. For more information see: www.mchenryareachess.org, or call Bob at 815-519-3323.

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 14, 7th Annual Mark Oestreich Memorial Chess Tournament 3 rounds. Time controls 30/70, then 40/60. No sudden death. Salem Community Center, 416 Oglesby St., Salem, Illinois. Entry fee: $15.00. Prize fund: $360.00, based on 30 players. 1st $80, 2nd $40. Classes: A, B, C, D/E/Unrated $60.00 each. Registration: 8:00 – 9:15. Rounds: 9:30, 1:00, 5:00. Entries: Jim Davies phone 314-721-4967, 7358 Shaftesbury, St. Louis, MO 63130. email [email protected].

May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open See Grand Prix.

District of Columbia

June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)

Apr. 19, G/60 Spring Sensation See Grand Prix.

Indiana

Florida

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress

South Florida Chess Club Wednesday’s 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G90 Tournaments and skittles. 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.

Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg $500 Absolutely Guaranteed Cash Open 5rd Swiss, G/30. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. EF: $25; $30 at door. (SPCC Mems. $5 off) $100-$60-$40; U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30$20 each. Part of the lucrative and prestigious FCA Grand Prix. Preregister www.stpetersburgchessclub.com with Paypal. Cash or check only onsite 910 AM. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.

Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg 66 Trophy RBO 5rd Swiss G/30 USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy; all others get medal. Also Trophies to top 12 teams.Team (2 or more) - take best four scores from all divisions. Bughouse at lunch. EF: $18. (SPCC members $15) Onsite reg. cash or chck 9-10AM. First round 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. 66 trophies every event. www.stpetersburgchessclub.com for dirctins and Paypal prergistration. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.

See Grand Prix.

3 and K-6 divisions) and Junior High; each with Championship and Novice Sections; all sections four rounds, G/45. Also High School Teams (Championship, Reserve and Novice Sections), all sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registration required ($5 per player – late fees may apply). March 21 - Individuals: HS (Championship and Under 1200 Sections); JHS (one section); and Elementary (K-3 and K-6 Sections). All sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registration (EF $10); or register on-site (EF $15). All scholastic event sections except Novice are USCF-rated. Non-USCF members can obtain memberships with entry. Download information and entry forms for all events at ChessMaine.net, or contact Ron Lewis, evenings 207-781-3962 or e-mail at [email protected].

Mar. 14, Fourth Annual Maine State Scholastic Girls Championship University of Maine, Orono, Memorial Union. 4SS, G/60, to determine the Official State Scholastic Girls Champion and the Maine qualifier to the annual Susan Polgar National Invitational Championship for Girls. Championship and U600 sections. Trophies: top Grade K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 finishers and to the top three overall; awards to all participants. Pre-register: (EF $5) or register at site 8:00 to 8:30 AM (EF $10). USCF membership required, available with registration. Information and registration forms at ChessMaine.net or from Dan DeLuca, 80 Giles Pond Road, Aurora, ME 04408. Phone (207) 584-3370 or email [email protected].

See Nationals.

Mar. 21, Sidekick Quads 5

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO)

See Nationals.

Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono. Adults-only USCF-rated (EF $15) and non-rated quads (EF $10) tournament, G/30, register on-site; no prizes, all net proceeds to benefit Maine Scholastic Chess. Enter at site (8:30 9:00AM) or to pre-register and for additional information e-mail Alba Briggs at [email protected].

Kentucky

Maryland

See Grand Prix.

Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open

Mar. 7, Lexington Stampede 5SS, G/30. U1600 or U1400 section depending on entries. UK Student Center Room #231, Avenue of Champions (Euclid Ave), Lexington KY. 2200+ rated players get FREE entry. EF: $1 for every 100 rating points. Minimum $10. PRIZES: 90% of entry fees returned. RDS: 10:15-11:15-lunch-1-2-3:30. ENT: Stephen Miller, 859.200.8460, [email protected], Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, [email protected]. Lexchess.com.

Louisiana A State Championship Event! Mar. 14, 2009 Louisiana G/30 Championship

Silver Knights Chess Tournaments We organize USCF-rated tournaments on Saturdays for adults and kids. Free analysis by a National Master at every tournament for the scholastic players. Trophies to top scholastic finishers; 70% of entries returned as prizes in open (adult) sections. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess. com. Phone: 610-446-0818. Email: chess@silverknights chess.com. Feb. 20, Mar. 6, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #78, #79 (QC) 5SS, G/15, Catonsville Chess Club, Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. EF: $5.00 Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10. Prizes based on entries with 65% returned in prize fund. Info: Joe Summers [email protected] or 410-788-1009. www.geocities.com/ catonsvillechess Dir: 695 to exit 13 West, left at second light, 3 blocks on right.

See Nationals.

5-SS, G/30. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. EF: $30 if mailed by 3/6, $40 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult, $5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $600 b/30, 50% Gtd. $150-50. U2000: $80, U1800: $80, U1600: $80, U1400: $80, U1200: $80. Reg : 9:15-10:15am. Rds.: 10:30-12-1:152:30-3:45. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, [email protected], (225) 933-9548. NS, NC.

Feb. 21, February OCG Open Tournament

Maine

5SS, G/30, EF: $18, under 15 $5 off. Rds.: 12:00-1:30- 2:45- 4:00-5:15. Reg.: 11:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, Md. 21228. $$b/24 $100-$50 U1800 $40 U1400 $40, more per entries. Bye: 1-4. Info: [email protected] 410-788-1009 www.geocities.

Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South

4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30. PF-b/30: $175-$110-$75. Best U1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65 each. Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm. Info: call 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.

Mar. 7, Orlando Bonus Tornado 4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400 $75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:303-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.

Apr. 18, Orlando Bonus Tornado 4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400 $75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:303-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.

June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix.

Idaho A State Championship Event! Feb. 14-16, 2009 Idaho Closed IDAHO RESIDENTS ONLY! Shilo Inn, 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd No., Twin Falls, ID 83301. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60. Rounds: 9, 4, 9, 4, 8, 3. One 1/2 Pt Bye, Rounds 1 - 5, Must notify TD before second round. Reg.: 8am - 8:30am Saturday Feb 14. One Section: Open. EF: $30 by 2/10/2009, $40 at door. Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall - 1st, 2nd XThru F, Junior, Senior, Unrated. HR: $79/2-4 People, $15 Each Additional Person. FREE breakfast for each occupant. 866-539-0036, Ask for Darlene or mention chess. Contact: ICA % Jay Simonson, 208-206-7667. Mailto: [email protected]. NS, NC, W.

Apr. 4-5, 2009 Idaho Open Chess Championship 5SS, G/120. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400). Site: ISU, Student Un Bldg, Salmon River Suites, 1065 S. 8th St., Pocatello, Idaho. EF: USCF mem req., $30 (U18 & 60+ $25), ISU students and ISU Chess Club $10, by 3/28/09. $40 (all) after. Reg & Ck in: 7:30-8:30 AM 04/04/09. Those not paid & ck’d in by 8:30 AM may not be paired in 1st rnd. RNDS.: 9,2,7,9,2. 1/2 pt byes: Max 1, Rd 1-4 only. Commit by end of rd 2. Prizes: $$ b/30 non ISU; Open: $200-10075; Reserve: $100-75-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA % Jay Simonson, 391 Carol Ave. Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, 208-206-7667, [email protected], www.idahochess association.org. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP.

Illinois Feb. 21, Inaugural CU64 Open, Champaign-Urbana is Back! 4 round Swiss/G75. EF: $20. 100% of EF returned - guaranteed prize fund of $1000 - minimum $100 prize for every class!! (u1200, u1400, u1600, u1800 & u2000.) Registration begins at 9 am, Rounds at 10, 1, 4 & 7. Location: Presby Hall, 405 E. John. 3rd floor. Free parking in garage on east side of the building. Contact: Tobias Simpson, [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Mar. 7 & 21, Maine State Scholastic Tournaments University of Maine, Orono, Memorial Union. March 7 -Teams: Elementary (K-

Mar. 1, Catonsville First Sunday Action

2009 PwC TORONTO OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 17-19, 2009

Location: The Suites at 1 King West, Finan Style: 5 round Swiss, 3 Sections (Open, <2000, <1600), CFC rated.

Time Control: Rd. 1 30/90 + 1hr SD, Rds. 2 5 40/120 + 1hr SD. Rounds: Fri. 7pm sharp!, Sat. 11/5, Sun.10 /4, awards at 10:45pm

Prize Fund: $CDN 16,000+ Guaranteed! Open $3,000 2,000 1,000 etc. Prizes for top 5 & top juniors, seniors, females in each section, plus class prizes (<2200, <1800, <1400) & individual game prizes (biggest upset, brilliancy prize) as well as special prizes for chess trivia contest win ner, best dressed etc. Entry Fee: $CDN 90 (or $US 77), Partici pants must be or become CFC members (go to www.chess.ca for special non res ident rates) Accommodation: Special chess rate (10B3TP) of $CDN 169 offered by The Suites. 416 548 8100 or 1 866 470 5464 www.one kingwest.com Book early! Limited number of rooms available at this rate.

Byes: Maximum of 2 through rounds 1 4 Equipment: Bring your own chess sets and clocks. None provided. To Enter: Mail to Brian Fiedler P.O. Box 67083, Yonge & Eglinton P.S., 2300 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. M4P 3C8 Canada. Make cheques / money orders payable to: “2009 Toronto Open Chess” Deadline for entries April 13, 2009 NO entries accepted at site on day of tournament . Full refund if you change your plans prior to April 13, 2009. Additional Info: Bryan Lamb 905 554 4548, 416 904 5938 [email protected] Brian Fiedler 416 733 3199, 416 480 8801 [email protected] or go to www.monroi.com for further info. & entry form.

cial District, Downtown Toronto, Canada

SPONSORED BY

Feb. 21, Swiss Tournament 4SS, G/60. Holiday Inn Hotel, 495 Airport Road, Elgin, IL. (Intersection of I-90 & Rt. 31). Entry fee $20 (cash or check only), cash prizes based on entries. Registration begins at 8:30 A.M. Round times are 9:30, 11:35, 2:25, 4:30.

uschess.org

Chess Life — February 2009

63

Tournament Life

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

com/catonsvillechess. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave, Balt, MD. 21207. Include USCF ID. Checks payable to: Joe Summers.

Mar. 14-15, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament

Michigan May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)

U1600), EF: $15: PF: 85% of entries per class to 1st in that class. Reg.: 5:005:30. Rds.: 5:45, 6:45, 8, 9. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS, [email protected].

See Grand Prix.

May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)

July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)

Missouri

See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

Friday Action Quads - Every Friday Night (QC)

Nebraska

Massachusetts

3RR, G/29 QR, Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad. Club membership req’d. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS [email protected].

See Grand Prix.

Feb. 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, George E. O’Rourke Memorial 5SS, G/110, 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 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], 978-345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org Online ratings as of Feb. 18 will be used. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 21-22, 84th Annual Western Mass/Connecticut Valley Championship 5SS, G/90, Kittredge Center @ Holyoke Comm. College, Holyoke, MA. Sections/Prizes: Open; Revolving trophy to 1st, trophy to top X, A, B, C, D, E, UNR. Reg.: 2-day ends 10 AM; 1-day registration ends 9 AM Sun. Rds.: (2 day) 10:30, 2, 5:30 Sat., 1:30, 5 on Sun.; (1 day) 9:15, 10:40, 1/2 point bye, 1:30, 5, Sun. (Rds. 1 & 2, G/40). $2 EF disc. to WMCA members. EF: 2-day $26, or 1-day $24 mailed by 2/16/08, $29 at site. Mail check, payable to WMCA, and entry form to: Frank Kolasinski, 119 Brunswick St., Springfield MA 01108 More info:www.WesternMassachusettsChessAssociation.org. WCL JGP.

Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Tuesday night (QC) 5SS, G/5 QR, Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. EF: $5. Prize fund 100% payout! First overall will take home 75% of all entry fees, and the highest scoring player in the bottom half takes 25%. Club membership req’d. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 7. Rds.: 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, 8. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS. [email protected].

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix.

Mar. 15, Mid-America Open USCF Booster Quads 3RR, G/30, St. Louis Host Hotel (see Mid-America Open). EF: $20. 1st prize each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.

Mar. 21, Mizzou Quads

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open (NY)

3RR, G/75. Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia. Directions: From I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on Hitt. Entry fee: $20 if mailed by 3/14, $25 at site. First prize each quad: $70. Site entries cash only. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rounds: 10:30-1:15-4:00. Entries/Info: Charles Ward, 2400 Cimarron Drive, Columbia MO 65203, 573-443-6685, czar8196@tran quility.net. W.

See Grand Prix.

Mar. 21, The 2009 Kansas City Chess Club Championship

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, NY State Scholastics (out of state welcome)

The Kansas City Chess Club, 2512 NW Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64150. Reg.: Online at www.kansascitychessclub.com or 9:30-10AM onsite. Sections: Open, U1700, U1500, U1300, and U1000. 3SS G90. Special U1000 section is 4SS G30. Online: $15/ Onsite: $25. Prizes: $100 1st Place and KC Chess Club Champion Trophy each section. Cash prizes b10 each section. Req. Mem: USCF and KCCA. Ken 816-835-7529/e-mail [email protected].

Feb. 22, BCC Sunday Scholastic See January Chess Life.

See New York.

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Mar. 8, Eastern Class USCF Booster Quads 3RR, G/30, Host Hotel (see Eastern Class). EF: $20. 1st prize each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Rds: 12:301:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.

Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

64

Chess Life — February 2009

Mar. 28, March Action Madness (CCSCSL Quick Championships) (QC) Three events, same day! 8SS G/5, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. MCA Membership Req’d from $5. Armageddon playoff used in case of tie for each event. Trophy for 1st in each section. EF: $10. PF: 40% of entries to overall, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.: 10:30-10:50. Rds.: 11, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 12, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45. 6SS G/10, EF: $10: PF: 40% of entries to overall, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.: 1:30-1:50. Rds.: 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30, 4, 4:30. 4SS G/30 Two sections (Open and

Feb. 21, Feb Plus Score 4 SS, G/75. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm #2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $15 if payment received by 2/19. $20 on-site. Plus Score prize format: 4.0$80, 3.5$45, 3.0$20, 2.5$7.50. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 9am-9:45. Rds.: 10:00, 1:00, 3:45, 7:00. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St., Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Feb. 21, Rated Beginners Open VII (RBO) 6 SS, G/30. A “Play for Pieces” Event. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm #2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $10 if payment received by 2/19. $15 on-site. Prizes: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st U800, 2nd U800. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 9am-9:45. Rds.: 10:00, 11:15, 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St., Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 ben.j.ryan@ hotmail.com.

Apr. 4-5, 2nd Annual Spring Open 5 SS, Rnd 1 G/90, Rnd 2-5 G/120. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm #2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $25 if payment received by 4/2. $30 on-site. Prizes: $$G $140-75-60, U1600 $45, U1400 $45, U1200 $45. USCF & NSCA memb. req’d ($10 adult, $6 under 20) Other states honored. Reg.: 9am-9:45. Rds.: Sat 10-1:45-6:30, Sun 10-3. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St. Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Nevada Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N) See Grand Prix.

June 4, 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) See Nationals.

June 5, National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament 5-SS Game/30. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. Open to players Uage 20. In 3 sections. U1800, U1200, and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section must be under age 12.Trophies to top 4 in each section, top 1 in each 200 point rating group and unrated. EF $29 by 5/19, $35 by 6/3, $40 on site. REG 9-9:45 a.m. RDS 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.Vegas ChessFestival.com. NS NC W.

June 5-7 or 6-7, 2009 National Open See Nationals.

uschess.org

June 6-7, Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and for Boys

p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com

5-SS, G/45. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under 15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives a MonRoi Personal Chess Manager. $$ 200-150-100-50 in chess prizes for 2nd thru 5th.Trophies for top 10 individuals, top 3 (3-player) school/club teams each section, special medals for next 10 individuals and next 3 school/club teams. Every player receives a special hand-signed certificate from Susan Polgar. Perfect score also wins a digital chess clock. Scholarships to Texas Tech will be awarded based in part on performance in this event. EF $45 by 1/19, $55 by 5/19, $65 by 6/3, $75 on site. Reg 4-8 p.m. Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rds 11-1:30-4, 11-1:30. Breakfast with Susan 9 a.m. Sunday. Opening Ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Awards Ceremony 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Blitz Championship 7 p.m. Saturday. Susan Polgar lecture 3:30 p.m. Friday, Puzzle Solving Competition 5 p.m. Friday, Simul 6:15 p.m. Friday. Chess Camp 9:00 a.m.Thursday. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL; see the National Open TLA for other Thursday and Friday side events. HR $75 single or double ($95 Fri/Sat). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. REG: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at (702) 933-9112. No telephone entries. NS. W. NC.

Mar. 1, 2009 Westfield Swiss #57 (QC) 5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500 Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350 $60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 1, New Jersey State Elementary Championships 5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) & Primary (K-3). All: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary & Primary: Top 5 in each grade. Rds.: 10 am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute the team score for Elementary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $25 before 2/23, $45 at site. USCF memb. req’d. EF includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After 9:00 am, 1/2 point bye for round 1. INFO: 973-228-7039, ENT: Mike Somers, 29 Oakland Ave., West Caldwell, NJ 07006. Entries must include name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.

New Hampshire

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)

Feb. 7-8, 33rd Queen City Open

A State Championship Event! Mar. 7-8, New Jersey High School Championships

See Grand Prix.

Feb. 14, February Freeze Scholastic 4SS, G/30. Wells Memorial School, 235 Chesham Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450. 3 Sections: K-5 U800; K-8 U1000; and Open K-12. EF: $5 if info rec’d by 5/19, $9 at site. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rd 1: 10:00, Rds 2-4 ASAP. Trophies and medals awarded. Entries should include name, section, USCF ID. Refreshments & hot food will be sold by PTA. Checks payable to: Chess Club, More info: 603-8273272. [email protected]. NS, W.

Mar. 28-29, Nashua Open See Grand Prix.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

New Jersey

Silver Knights Chess Tournaments 2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area. Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel (NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more. Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected].

See Grand Prix.

5SS, G/90. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Call (732) 445-6127 for directions. 3 sections: Varsity Championship (9-12): 5 player teams with one alternate allowed. Coaches set order by player strength. Order must not be changed. Team avg. based on top 5 highest ratings. Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top three players, boards 1-5. Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $125/team before 2/28. $175/team at site. $5 per change on site. Junior Varsity (9-12): 4 player teams with one alternate allowed. Team avg. based on top 4 highest ratings. Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top 3 players, boards 1-4. Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $100/team before 2/28, $150 team on site. $5 per change on site. Booster (K-12):Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams, top 2 JHS, & top 2 elementary (K-6). Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun 10-2. Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $25 before 2/28, $35 at site. All: USCF memb. required. EF includes 1 year membership to NJSCF for NJ residents. Reg.: Sat. 8-9:00am. After 9:00am, 1/2 Point bye for round one. Info: 973-794-4601. ENT: Make checks payable to NJSCF and send to Roger Inglis, 49A Mara Rd., Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Entries must include, name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID# & exp. date, mailing address, email address, phone number and entry fee. WCL JGP.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 8, New Jersey Junior High School Championships 5SS, G/30. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Trophies to top 15 indi-

viduals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP.Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $25 before 2/28, $45 at site. $5 for changes at site. USCF memb. req’d. EF includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259-3881, hsprechman@ aol.com. ENT: New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCF), PO Box 1511, Jackson, New Jersey 08527. Entries must include name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.

Mar. 8, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

Mar. 14, Princeton Day School 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section. Medals to all players. Sections: FUTURE MASTERS and CLOSED begin 10:30 (must preregister). FUTURE MASTERS G/60 3 rounds (Players K-12 over 1200), CLOSED G/45 (K-12 1000-1200) 4 rds, ALL OTHER SECTIONS On Site Reg.: 11:30-12:30. 4 Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4pm. (times will be accelerated if possible) G/30: OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U600), NOVICE I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS G/30 rated, 3 rounds. Info and Register online: www.pds.org/ chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin. [email protected]. Pre-registration $30 (On-site $40).

Mar. 15, 2009 Westfield Spring Scholastic 3 SS, game/30. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, N.J. Sections: k-2,35, 6-12, trophies to top 3 in each section (tiebreaks). Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Unrated 3 ss, game/30. 3 sections k-2,3-5, 6-12, gold medal to first, silver medal to second, bronze medal to third. Entrance Fee: $10. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfield chessclub.com.

Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA) Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25 online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3; K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

Mar. 28, King’s Chess Club Quads Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, K-12, Bethlehem Church, 758 Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr. by noon to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Bethlehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988, rwm@fam bright.com.

Mar. 29, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50

Wizards of the Mind Chess School 15 Center Street, Springfield, NJ - Lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Scholastic USCF-rated tournaments. For schedule and information visit our website at www.wizardsofthemind.com, email info@wizards ofthemind.com or call 973-262-1395. The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave. Newark, New Jersey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.

Feb. 8, ICA Winter 2009 Scholastic Championship 4 SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY!!! Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. U.S. CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR SECTIONS 1 AND 2. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741 E-mail: [email protected]. (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) EF Adv (pmk by Feb 4th) $25 AT Site $30 Reg ends ½ hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive 1/2 point bye for rnd 1. In 4 Sections Section 1: G/45 Open to players rated below 1200 K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 2: G/60 Open to players rated below 1600 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. Section 3: Open to unrated players K through 2nd grade. Rds.: 10:15 AM (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 4: Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds.: 10:00 AM (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.

Feb. 14-16, World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East See Nationals.

Feb. 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!

Feb. 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.

Feb. 22, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15

uschess.org

Chess Life — February 2009

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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 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.westfieldchessclub.com.

Apr. 5, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com

Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 19, ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship See Grand Prix.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix.

New Mexico

100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Feb. 21, New York February Action!

4SS, Rds 1 & 2 G/60, Rds. 3 & 4 G/90. Courtyard by Marriot, 6415 Yorktown Circle, E. Syracuse (exit 35 I-90, Carrier Circle, 298 E, left at Holiday Inn). $(b/14): $100-50, Class: $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:15, Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF: $30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Mineola, NY 13116. WCL JGP.

See Grand Prix.

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open

Feb. 22, 10th Annual NY February Under 13 Open!

See Grand Prix.

4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 2/22/96, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10th St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. May be limited to 1st 52 entries. 2 Sections. 1. Open, EF: $32 postmarked by 2/14. 2. Novice, for Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 2/14. Both, EF: $30 online at www.chesscenter.cc by 2/20, $35 by phone at 845-569-9969 by 2/20, $40 at site, Club members $10 less ($5 fee for refunds). Trophies to top 10, top Unr, top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks free entry to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit of 2 byes, commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2 EDT! Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID, rating, section, school/grade, DOB.

A State Championship Event! Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York State Scholastic Championships

Feb. 22, Binghamton Monthly Tourney

Feb. 28, David Quadderfield Quads

See Grand Prix.

3-RR, G/60. Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Community Room (lower level). 4-player sections determined by rating. EF: $10. NO ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes: $30-1st in each section. Check-in: 10:00. Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 3:30. USCF memb. req’d. but not available at site. N/S, No food or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes allowed. Entries must be rec’d by 2/25/2009. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87112. Checks payable to: Chad Schneider. Info: (505) 5504654. E-mail: [email protected]. Library info: www.cabq.gov/library/ main.htm. NM Cup points awarded.

Feb. 22, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!

3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639 Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.

Mar. 28, The Chessplayer’s Guide to the Galaxy Octagons

Feb. 22, Sunday Under 1400 Action!

3-SS, G/60. Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Community Room (lower level). 8-player sections determined by rating. EF: $10. NO ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes $$b/40: $40-$20 in each section. Check-in: 10:00. Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 3:30. USCF memb. req’d. but not available at site. N/S, No food or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes allowed. Entries must be rec’d by 3/25/2009. Info: (505) 550-4654. E-mail: [email protected]. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87112. Checks payable to: Chad Schneider. Library info: www.cabq.gov/library/main.htm. NM Cup points awarded.

4-SS, G/30, Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St, between 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40, $60 limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.

3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less $36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! No phone entry!

Feb. 22, Studio Feb Quad

Feb. 23-Mar. 23, 83rd Nassau Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

Feb. 24, Marshall CC Victory U-1800

New York

4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1400 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:3010:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.

The Chess Exchange: Chess and Games Club

Feb. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!

G/30 Rated Quads 1st Sunday of every Month. G/5 BlitzTournaments Last Sunday of every Month. 288Third Ave., Brooklyn (718) 645-5896. Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Sun 12-6pm. www.TheChessExchange.com www.TriStateChess.com Email: [email protected].

Feb. 15, Marshall CC Sunday Action 5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:302:45-4-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry.

Feb. 16-Mar. 16, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.

Feb. 17, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club

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): 150100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Feb. 26-Mar. 26, FIDE Thursdays!! (NOTE: this replaces the Feb. 26-Mar. 26 Thursday Members Only.) 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $45, $25 members. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday; Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. FIDE. WCL JGP.

See Grand Prix.

Feb. 28, Marshall CC Saturday G/60

Feb. 19, 4 Rated Games Tonight!

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 CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.

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-

Feb. 28, Syracuse Monthly Open

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. Discounted parking. 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/65 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Mar 1 only. High School, grades K-12. EF $42 mailed by 2/6.Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions (Indianapolis, 8/1-4). Junior High, grades K-9. EF $41.90 mailed by 2/6. Elementary, grades K-6. EF $41.60 mailed by 2/6. Elementary Novice, grades K-6 under 800 or unrated. EF $41.50 mailed by 2/6. Primary, grades K-3. EF $41.30 mailed by 2/6. K-1, grades K-1. EF $41.10 mailed by 2/6. Postmarked 2/7-17: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $43 by 2/6, $53 by 2/23. No online entry after 2/23. Phoned to 406-8962038, all sections: EF $55 by 2/23. Credit cards only, no questions. No phone entry after 2/23. Entry at site: all $60. 1 year NYSCA membership to all NY residents who are not members. 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 2009 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:45. Awards 5:30-6 pm. 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: $114-114, 888-999-4711, 518584-4000, reserve by 2/14 (note correction) 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, 845-496-9658. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. March official ratings used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. WCL JGP (top 5 sections – except K-1 section).

Mar. 1, Grandmaster Challenge (QC) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Dutchess County Championship 5SS, Game/90, Rockefeller Hall, Vassar College, Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604. EF: $5.00. Prizes: Trophies for first and second place overall and for first place in any class consisting of 4 or more players. Rds.: 7:30 Mondays. Byes available for all rounds, except that last round byes must be announced before the second to last round. ENT: Michael J. O’Connor (845) 392-8814 [email protected]. INFO: Michael J. O’Connor. www.vassarchadwick. com. NS. WCL JGP.

Mar. 3, Marshall CC New York Experts 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.

Mar. 5, 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): 150100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 7-8, New York Marshall CC March GP! See Grand Prix.

Mar. 7-28, 2nd Farmingdale CC March Swiss Slowest club time control! 4SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $105-85. Top U-1800, U-1500 $55 each. EF: $20. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each Saturday. 2 byes 1-4. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. Please do not call the library. NS. W. WCL JGP.

Mar. 8, The Right Move #151 Team and Individual Championship FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:30A.M. Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave, Manhattan, NYC). Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.Trophies to top 3 in each section except Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points.Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section). Non-member sections offer additional prize of USCF membership to players scoring 4 points. To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop @aol.com or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00 P.M. on Fri. Give full name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

Mar. 12, 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-

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Chess Life — February 2009

uschess.org

100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Mar. 28, Marshall CC Saturday G/60

Apr. 12, Marshall CC Sunday Action

4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:1511:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.

5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($$360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:454-5:20pm. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.

Mar. 14, Marshall CC Saturday G/60

Mar. 29, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)

4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $12070-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.

See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

Apr. 2, 4 Rated Games Tonight!

May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open

4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

See Grand Prix.

Mar. 14, Utica Four Seasons – Winter 4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit 31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway (2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, Cafeteria - Room 116. EF: $30. Prizes (b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:155:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116.WCL JGP.

Mar. 15 (not Mar. 1), Marshall CC Sunday Action 5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:454-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry.

Mar. 17, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club

Apr. 4-5 or 5th, Marshall CC April Open!

See Grand Prix.

30/90, SD/60 for 2-day. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716.; EF: $45, Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends 11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Byes: limit two, with entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP for 2-day rds. 1-4 and 1-day rds. 3-4 sections only.

5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.

Mar. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix.

Mar. 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.

Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York March Open! See Grand Prix.

Mar. 23-Apr. 20, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.

Mar. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

See Grand Prix.

North Carolina July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 2-30, FIDE Thursdays!! 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $45, $25 members. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday; Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. FIDE. WCL JGP.

Mar. 18-Apr. 15, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss

June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)

Ohio Feb. 28, 2009 North Coast Scholastic 4SS, G/30, Cleveland Airport Marriott, 4277 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135. Open to all students in grades K-12. Reg. 8:45am - 9:30am Round 1 at 10:00am. Four sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. EF: $25 if postmarked by 2/14, $30 thereafter. Prizes: Trophies to top five in each section. ENT: Dan Patterson 11313 Lake Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Tel. 216-281-1313. INFO: [email protected]. HR: 85.00 single or double 216-252-5333. Mention Westside Christian Academy to secure rate. NS.

Feb. 28, House of Chess Open

Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)

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/.

See Grand Prix.

Mar. 14, Toledo Mar Swiss

Apr. 9, 4 Rated Games Tonight!

Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 3/12 $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.

Apr. 7, Marshall CC New York Experts 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.

4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Apr. 11, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $12070-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.

Mar. 21 & 22, 2009 Ohio High School & Middle School Championships Wooster High School, 515 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Format: 6ss Rnds 1-4 Sat, Rds 5-6 Sun. HS Ch (9-12), MS Ch (6-8): Rds 1-3 G/60, Rds 4-6 G/90. HS Reserve (U1000), MS Reserve (U800): All Rds G/60. Trophies: All who score 4.0, Team trophies. EF: $25 by Mar. 4, $35 thereafter. Side Event: Free Bughouse Tnmt. Flyer/Entry Form: ohioscholasticchess.org. Info: [email protected] 330-494-2833.

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS New Affiliate programs, lower dues specials!

Adult dues specials! >> Free LONGER Tournament Life Announcements! RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS SPRING! 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 April and June 2009, if no TLA for such an event appeared in 2008, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs.

COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students. USCF dues have recently been drastically reduced for most college students!

SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines for events in the following categories, if submitted by e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs:

NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tournament for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a scholastic tournament that in its previous year drew at least 50 players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold open or collegiate events on the side.

NEW! USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section. CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on one or more weekday evenings. RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tournament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or “RBO.”

STUDENT. For college students or below or age 25 or below (age 25 must be eligible). JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible).

Dues slashed for age 20-24! The membership category previously called “Youth” has been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has changed from under 21 to under 25. As a result, annual dues for those aged 20 through 24 have been almost cut in half, from $49 to $25!

One-year membership with Chess Life: If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $41 for everyone! The sale is in effect through December 31, 2008 and may be extended if the response is sufficient. Two year memberships are now $76 and three year memberships $109. (Note to affiliates: If you collect a $49 membership and submit it online to USCF, there is a $10 affiliate commission; if you submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission remains $2.)

SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc. USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/ forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.

BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCFrated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted.

uschess.org

Chess Life — February 2009

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Tournament Life 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!

Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, 47th Cincinnati Open

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

See Grand Prix.

Apr. 4, Ohio Collegiate Chess Championship 4SS, G/90. Full-K. Beeghly Library, Bayley Room, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware. $$275 Gtd. Open to full-time Ohio college students. EF: $15 if rec’d by 4/1, $20 at site. Prizes: $100-50, $25 top each class, trophy top individual, traveling trophy top team (4 best scores same college). Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1-4-7. Adv. Ent:Tom Green, 196 Georgetowne Dr. #25, Delaware, OH 43015, 740-803-2532. [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.

Apr. 11, Toledo Apr Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/9 $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.

Apr. 18, 8th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament 5SS, G/30 Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH. 17 School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. (Grade K Non-Rated); (Grade 1 Non-Rated); (Grade 2 Non-rated); (Grade 3 Non-rated); (Grades K3<600); (Grades K-3 Open); (Grade 4 Non-Rated); (Grade 5 Non-Rated); (Grade 6 Non-Rated); (Grades 4-6<700); (Grades 4-6 Open); (Grades 7-9 Non-Rated); (Grades 7-9<900); (Grades 7-9 Open); (Grades 10-12 Non-Rated); (K-12 Open); (Collegiate). USCF membership is not required for the non-rated and K-3 rated sections. Registration form online at: www.queencityclassic.org. Prizes:Trophies to all who score 3.5 or higher, top five team trophies awarded medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, simul participation. Registration fee increases to $40 after March 15. After April 1, entry fee is $50. Registration closes Wednesday, April 15, 2009. NO SATURDAY REGISTRATIONS. Checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx accepted. Schedule: Friday, April 17, early check is 4-6:00 pm. FREE SIMUL at 6:30 p.m. for tournament participants, $20 for non-participants. SIMUL features International Master Irina Krush and International Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov. Saturday, April 18, check in 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. All Grandmasters will be available for questions and instructions in the skittles room all day Saturday. Entry/Info: Queen City Classic Chess Tournament; 5400 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213 [email protected]. 1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5339 or fax to 513.352.9359. Confirm all registrations at www.cpu-solutions.com.

Silver Knights Chess Tournaments 2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area. Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel (NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more. Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected].

4SS, G/30. Hillside Elementary School, 507 Howellville Road, Berwyn, PA 19312. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $20 online by 2/25; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10-11-12-1. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 64th Pittsburgh Metropolitan Open

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/.

Every Friday Lehigh Valley “Doubleheader” 5-Minute Blitz Chess (QC)

Mar. 1 (not Mar. 8), MasterMinds CC 2nd Sunday Swiss/Open Quads

8SS each, G/5, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $5 each, Prizes: 50% of Entries, 1st -70%, 2nd -30%, if 12 or more players,$7 to top U1600, (If 24 or more players — then 2 sections/ 2 prize funds each event), One 1/2 bye only. Early Event Reg.: 6:30-6:50p. Rds.:7-7:15-7:307:42-7:55-8:10-8:25-8:40p. Late Event Reg.: 8:45-8:55p. Rds.:9-9:15-9:309:42-9:55-10:10-10:25-10:40p. Info: Bruce Davis, 610-821-4320, bdavis@ lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/.

Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, Pa., 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads: 3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5. Scholastic Swiss: EF $15, ASAP $5 rec’d by Thursday before, $25 at the door. 3 sections: Open 3SS G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-3; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200, top unrated; U1100 -1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated & U750K-6 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10, 11:45, 2, 3:45. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All Reg. ends 9:30am. Free parking on site! Ent: MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19119. Checks made payable to: MasterMinds CC Info: Bradley Crable, 215-844-3881, [email protected], or www.mastermindschess.org.

Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads

North Penn Chess Club Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchessclub.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.

Feb. 14, ASAP Chess Challenge Tournament

Oklahoma Feb. 14-16, Stillwater Winter FIDE Open

Feb. 20, Friday Night Action #2

See Grand Prix.

4SS, G/30. Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. EF: $30 online; $15 online for players under age 18; $5 more on-site 6:30-6:45. Rds: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 guaranteed 1st, others per entries. See www.silverknightschess.com to register or for more information.

Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads 3RR, G/40. St. Luke’s Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St.,

Feb. 28, State Warm-Up

4SS, G/120, Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $30 postmarked by 2/23, $40 later, $5 discount to PCC members. 2 Sections: Open, Reserve (under 1800). Prizes: $$615 b/30. Open: 120-90, U2000 $80. Reserve: 100 - 70, U1600 $60, U1400 $50, U1200/Unr $45. Reg.: 9AM - 9:45AM on 2/28. Rounds: 10AM - 3PM both days. One 1/2 point bye permitted if requested before the start of Round 2. Info: 412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde Kapinos, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to: Pittsburgh Chess Club. WCL JGP.

Great Hall, Moore College of Art and Design, 20th St. and the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103. 5 Sections. ALL SECTIONS FREE. Scholastic Rated Sections: K-5, K-8, K-12: 3SS, G/60.Trophies for top 5. Scholastic Non-Rated Sections: K-6, 6-12: 4SS, G/40. Not USCF-rated. Medallions to winners. All: Depending upon entries, an additional round may be added or sections divided. Reg.: 8:30am-9:30am. 1st Rd at 10am. Ent/Info: Justin Ennis, 1520 Locust St., Suite 1104, Phila., PA 19102, [email protected], 215-545-2727 ext. 17.

Pennsylvania

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.

Feb. 22, PCL February Quick Quads (QC)

Mar. 6, 2009 PA Quick Chess Champ. (QC) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 7, 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.

Mar. 7 & 8, 2009 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 7 & 8, 2009 PA State Scholastic Championship 5SS. 142 Trophies!! (With 107 Individual & 35 Team). Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turnpike. 8 sections (Sat & Sun 3/7 & 8 unless indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/7 only) $29. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/7 only) $27.

CHECK OUT USCF’S CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS

USCF’s 62st ANNUAL 2009 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship $1,000 First Prize

(plus title of USCF’s Golden Knights Champion and plaque)

• 2nd place $600 • 3rd place $400 • 4th place $300 • 5th place $200 • 6th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25.

The entry deadline is November 30, 2009. These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF members who reside on the North American continent, islands, or Hawaii, as well as those USCF members with an APO or FPO address. USCF members who reside outside of the North American continent are welcome to participate in e mail events. Your USCF membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Those new to USCF Correspondence Chess, please estimate your strength: Class A: 1800 1999 (very strong); Class B: 1600 1799 (strong); Class C: 1400 1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level). Note: Prize fund based on 300 entries and may be decreased proportion ately per number of entries assigned. Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) • $5 entry fee per person with two, four or sixgame options. Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy • Four-player, double round-robin with class-level pairings. • 1st-place winner receives a trophy. • Entry fee: $10. Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments • Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with each of six opponents. • Players must have a USCF CC rating to enter. • 1st-place winner receives $130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor Palciauskas. • Entry fee: $25. John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments • Four-player, double round-robin with class-level pairings (unrateds welcome). • 1st-place winner receives a John W. Collins certificate. • Entry fee: $7.

68

Chess Life — February 2009

USCF’s 6th ANNUAL 2009 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship

(Seven player sections, one game with each of six opponents.)

$700 First Prize

(plus title of USCF’s Electronic Knights Champion and plaque)

• 2nd place $400 • 3rd place $300 • 4th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25.

The entry deadline is November 30, 2009. These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF members with e mail access. Your USCF membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the year for each player is ten. Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased propor tionately per number of entries assigned.

E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access): Lightning Match • Two players with two, four or six-game option. • Entry fee $5 per person. Swift Quads • Four-player, double round-robin format. • 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30. • Entry fee: $10. Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) • Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format tournament with class-level pairings. • 1st-place receives a certificate. • Entry fee: $7. Express Tournament • Seven-player events, one game with each of six opponents. • Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd place $20 credit. • Entry fee: $15. Please circle event(s) selected. NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express Tournaments, players will use post office mail, unless opponents agree to use e-mail.

To Enter: 800•903•USCF (8723), Fax 931•787•1200 or on-line www.uschess.org Name USCF ID# Address City State ZIP Phone E mail Est. Rating Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX) Exp. date If using VISA, need V code

□ Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may slow down your assignment.

Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 uschess.org

K-9 U1000: (Sun 3/8 only) $27.25. K-6 Open: $30.50. K-8 Open: $31.50. 712 U1000: $28.50. 7-12 U1300: $29.50. K-12 Open: $32.50. All: EFs if rec’d by 2/17, $10 more rec’d 2/18-3/3, $20 more after 3/3. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. Reg Fri 3/6 6-10 pm, Sat 3/7 9:30-10:15 am, Saturday at site entries get 1/2bye. $5 charge for changes/refund after 2/17. Rds (Sat 3/7 1-day sections): G/40 T/D5; 10-11:45-2-3:45-5:30; (Sun 3/8 K-9 U1000): G/40, T/D5; 9-10:3012:30-2-3:30; (2-day sections): G/90, T/D5; 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg on-site only until Sat 3/7 8:30pm. Rds begin Sat 3/7 8:45pm. EF: $20/team. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: Steve: 215-784-5938 [email protected] Dan: 610-649-0750 [email protected] www.pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/ W. Feb. 2009 ratings used. WCL JGP (2-day sections).

Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25 online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3; K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

Mar. 22, PCL March Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg: 11-11:15am, Rds: 11:30amNoon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W.

Mar. 29, 2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC) See Grand Prix

Apr. 23-May 21, 2009 Hatboro Open See Grand Prix.

June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International See Grand Prix.

July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open See Grand Prix.

Rhode Island

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Pre-Spring Open Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 4-SS, 30/90, SD/60. $$1,100 b/40, 2 sections. Open: $250-150, U2100 $100, U1900 $100. Reserve (U1800): $150-100, U1700 $100, U1500 $75, U1300/unr. $75. Unr. may play for top Open section prizes or U1300/unr. only. EF: $30 if rec d by 2/26, $35 at site. Junior (18/under) or Senior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward basedon): $20 by 2/26, $25 at site. Reg. 11 am.-12:30 p.m., Rds. 1-6, 10-3. Half-pt. bye any one rd., notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes,TX 78023. Info: home.satx.rr.com/sachess/, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP.

Reg. online: www.rhodeislandchess.org email: [email protected] phone: (401) 359-1602. See CL4K.

Mar. 14, 102nd Rhode Island Pawn Eater 4SS, G/60. RI College, Providence, RI. Sections & Prizes: $500 b/50: OPEN, U1900, U1500. EF: $20 by 3/12, $25 at site. REGISTER ONLINE at www.rhode islandchess.org Reg: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get ½ point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. NS, NC, W.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 21, R.I. Scholastic State Championship 4SS G/45, Held at R.I. College. Gr. K-5, Gr. 6-8, Gr. 9-12. Trophies top 3 teams in each section. EF: $48 per team of four by 1/14, $68 at site. Players can be from different schools. Full schedule & Register at: www.rhodeislandchess.org email: [email protected]. phone: (401) 359-1602.

Tennessee Mar. 21-22, Jack Smith Memorial 5 Site: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 474, 1870 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, phone: (901) 726-4060. Registration: Saturday, 03/21/2009, 7:45am to 8:45am. Three Sections: Open and Under 1600 Sections: 5 round swiss (5SS), Game in 120 minutes with 5 second delay (G/120, TD5), Rounds 9-2-7, 9-2. Novice Section: (not rated) 5 round swiss (5SS), Game in 30 minutes with no delay (G/30, TD0), Rounds: 9-10-11-1-2. Prizes based on 30 entries @30$. Open $250, $175, and $75, Under 1600 $150, $75, $25. Trophies to top 10 in Novice! Entry fee: $30 by March 14, $40 at site for Open and U1600. $30 for MCC members anytime. $15 entry fee for Novice section anytime. Special Entry Fee: In Open Section all entries rated over 2000 get free entry fee deducted from winnings! Send entries to: Memphis Chess Club Inc. P.O. Box 17864, MemphisTN 38187-0864.Tournament Director: Gary Pylant (901) 359-8616. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.memphischess.com. WCL JGP for Open and Under 1600 sections.

Apr. 3-5, SuperNationals IV See Nationals.

Texas

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open See Grand Prix.

May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY) See Grand Prix.

Virginia Feb. 14-15, Kingstowne Chess Festival

Mar. 14-15, Houston Chess Club Absolute Championship

See Grand Prix.

Houston CC, 9000 Southwest Freeway, Suite 290, Houston, TX, 77074, 5–SS, Rds.: 1-3 G/90; Rds.: 4-5 G/120. Schedule Sat 10-1-4; Sun 10-2. EF: $40 for Club Members and Under 21, $50 for non members if received by 3/11, all $10 more at door. Prizes: $1,500 based on 50, Open: 350 – 200, Under 2200: 200 Under 2000: 250 - 100, Under 1800, 1600, 1400, 1200: 100 each. Reg.: 9:00 to 9:50 AM. Advance Entries: Houston Chess Club (address above), Info: 713773-2437 or [email protected], NC, NS, Please bring sets and clocks. WCL JGP.

Feb. 21, Winter Seasonal Special

Mar. 20-22, Southwest Collegiate Championships 5-SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 & S. Ware Rd., McAllen,TX 78501. Open to any college student or team. USCF membership required. EF: $43 by 3/13, $63 thereafter. March Rating Supplement will be used. FIDE rated but uses USCF rules. Reg: Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 7-7:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2- pt. bye. One 1/2-pt. bye allowed if requested by end of rd. 2. Rds: Sat 9-1:30-6, Sun 9-1:45. $1,500 scholarship awarded by SBCISD to the top Female and Male. Other cash prizes will be listed at the event’s website, www.2009texas chesstourney.com/. Plaques to top 10 Individuals, Plaques to top 5 Teams. Open Blitz Tourney: Open, Fri 3/20, 8pm, $10, Plaques to Top 5 individual. Registrations available on line or you may download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess Program. Mail entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586. For tournament info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399. For questions pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc Guadalupe, 713-530-7820. NS, NC, W, FIDE. WCL JGP.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 20-22, Texas State Scholastic Championships

Feb. 28 & Mar. 7, BK Tournaments for Kids

Vermont

7SS, McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 & S. Ware Rd., McAllen, TX 78501. Hotel Rates vary – 12 great hotels to choose from! Check out website links at tournament website (listed below). Four championships in one great location: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholastic Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High School Scholastic Championships. EF: $37 by 3/13; $59 after 3/13 or on site. March Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership required (may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Friday, 5-9pm, Saturday, 7-7:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. One 1/2-pt. bye (for any round) allowed if requested by the end of Rd. 2. Sections: K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3 w/Ratings Under 700), Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV (K-5/6 Under 800), Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School (6-8/9) Championship, MS JV (6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under 600), High School (9-12) Championship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for each section’s eligibility requirement, www.texaschess.org/2007/03/ bylaws.html. Four-year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas to winner of High School Championship section. Winner must meet UTD entrance requirement and follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins the scholarship. Also, $1,500 scholarship awarded by SBCISD to the top Female and Male of HS Championship! Trophies for top 20 individuals and top 15 teams in each section plus participation medals for all K-1 and 21st-30th in each division. Schedule: Round times vary depending on the Championship; Time control also varies. For round times and time control, see: www.2009texaschesstourney.com/, (Divisions). Side Events: Blitz Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Friday 8pm. EF: $15. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each section. Bughouse Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $20 Team (On site registration only). rophies to top 10 teams in each section. All registrations (except Bughouse) available on line at www.2009texaschess tourney.com/ or you may download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess Program. Mail entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586. For tournament info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399. For questions pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc Guadalupe, 713-530-7820. NS, NC, W.

See Grand Prix.

Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 41st Annual Virginia Open See Grand Prix.

Mar. 7, Kingstowne Quad #53/Action-Plus #25 Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. Two Events. Quad #53: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 3/4, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad; gold to first if perfect score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #25: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if received by 3/4, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only): [email protected]. W.

Mar. 7, VB Spring Swiss 4SS G/70. Springhill Suites, 6350 Newtown Rd., Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Phone: 1-757-333-3100. Prizes: $700 b/o 30 $200, $100, A-B & unr-C-D-U12 each $80 Increased with 35+. EF: $37 by 3/5 else $45. Reg.: 8:30-9:00. Rds.: 9:20 12:15 – 2:45 – 5:15. Entries/Cks: Ernest Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. (757) 853-5296. mysite.verizon.net/eschlich. WCL JGP.

Mar. 13-15, 2009 VA Scholastic & Collegiate Chess Championships Organized by VA Chess Fed at Monticello High School, Charlottesville, VA. Two tournaments: Blitz Championships Friday evening March 13, main chess tournament Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15. Individual and team trophies in both tournaments. Eligibility, rules, hotel deals and entry info at www.vachess.org or www.vschess.org or email to Mike Hoffpauir, [email protected].

Apr. 4, Kingstowne Quad #54/Action-Plus #26 Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. 2 Events. Quad #54: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 4/1, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #26: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if received by 4/1, $20 at site. Prizes $$250/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 232152. e-mail (info only): [email protected]. W.

Washington Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 17th Dave Collyer Memorial See Grand Prix.

Wisconsin Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Championship North See Nationals.

A Heritage Event! Feb. 28, 28th Annual Waukesha Memorial 4SS. G/60. Dual rated. Comfort Suites Hotel, I-94 and WI 164, Pewaukee, WI 53072. $$Non-monetary, traveling trophy to First, books for section winners. Open to all. EF: $10 if rec’d by 2/27, $15 at site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45, Rds.: 10-13:30-6. No state memb. req’d. OSA. Info: A Wisconsin Tour Event. Dir: Exit 294 North from I-94, then first left. Mail Entries: Waukesha Chess Club, 1911 Star-

For details on

2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS East, North, South, West See Nationals Section!

April 24-26, Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships

Feb. 14-15, DFW FIDE Open

See Nationals.

See Grand Prix.

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.

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Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous page). Ent: Where to mail entries. FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has 75 minutes for the entire game. GPP: Grand Prix Points available. HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. JGP: Junior Grand Prix. Memb. req’d: Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers to state affiliate. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong players, but some eligible for lower sec-

tions can play for the learning experience. OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues. PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits Fund. Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength players. RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day. Reg: Registration at site. RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). S: Smoking allowed. SASE: For more info, send self-addressed

stamped envelope. SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then complete the rest of the game in an hour. Section: A division of a tournament, usually excluding players above a specified rating. Players in a section face only each other, not those in other sections. SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of rounds). T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. Unr: Unrated. USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues. W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. WEB:Tournaments that will use a player’s on-line rating.

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Tournament Life

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

dust DR, Waukesha, WI 53186. Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: [email protected]

July 10-12, 2009 U. S. Junior Open Championship See Nationals.

Wyoming Feb. 19, February 2009 G/29 Series Event - Cheyenne, Wyoming (QC) A Colorado G/29 Grand Prix Event (Not a USCF GP Event) 3SS, G/29, no delay. One Section, Accelerated Pairings with more than 12 entries. ENTRY FEES: $3.

PRIZES: 100% minus USCF rating fee (60% for tourney prizes, remainder to Grand Prix Prize Fund). REGISTRATION: 6:30-7:00 pm, onsite only, e-mail if you intend to come. ROUNDS: 7:00-8:00-9:00 p.m. SITE: Laramie County Community College Cafeteria, 1400 East College Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming. For Info or Directions: Allan Cunningham, (307)635-3102, e-mail: [email protected].

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For Sale WHOLESALE LIST OF CHESS BOOKS Three pages. Send SASE. Thinkers' Press, 1101 West 4th, Davenport, IOWA 52802. 24 PAGE CHESS CATALOG FREE Previously owned books and DVDs, new, old, and really old. Big savings on everything. Souvenirs, photos, autographs and more. Complete catalog of Thinkers’ Press books and Chess Reports. PDF brochure on running part time chess retail business. Send your name and e-mail address to: [email protected] and get your catalogs pronto. Visit www.chessco.com daily for updated information. www.stores.ebay.com/4yourdeskinc Electronic Chess, PurchaseThe Grandmaster, Brand New, 4 Your Desk Inc., 471 North Broadway, Suite 196, NY 11753, (516) 409-8213, NYS Buyers Must Include Sales Tax. BOOK COMPARING CHESS960 (FRC) AND CHESS1, modifies our understanding of chess principles. Search Amazon.com for “chess960”. Visit www.CastleLong.com. For a FREE copy of Confidential Chess Lessons send name and address to James Schroeder, 3011 E 9th St #15, Vancouver, WA 98661. Attractive Chess Art Portraits, done in chalk pastels, prints or originals available for all world champions, and legends. Very reasonalbly priced. Free Catolog for your selection. Call (937) 313-8379 or E-mail at [email protected] Chessvideo.com is now ChessOndvd.com The World’s Largest DVD ChessStore. Over 200Titles. Get Private Lessons from GrandMasters, Polgar Roman, Kasparov, Shirov. Karpov on Fischer, Foxy Openings, Fischer Spassky. Rematch and more. Retain 70% more than reading a book. ChessOndvd.com, 1-877chessdvd. Deep Tactics 6.0 combo $49, Chess Life & Reviews 33-75 $39, Much more, 928-246-1580 www.stores.ebay.com/toby-chess NEW AND ANTIQUE CHESS SETS The House of Staunton, sole U.S. distributor for Jaques of London, produces unquestionably the finest Staunton Chess sets currently available and offers the world’s largest selection of antique chess sets dating from 1780. PayPal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. For our new products catalog send $5.00 or for a 70 page plus color-illustrated catalog of our new and antique items send $15.00 to:The House of Staunton, Inc.; 362 McCutcheon Lane;Toney, AL 35773. Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070; email: [email protected]. LEATHER CHESS BOARDS BY STUMPY: Squares & designs burned on to suede. Can be customized. Prices range according to size & design. Phone: 423-364-1117. Visit WWW.ITALIANGAMBIT.COM A Comprehensive Book for 1. e4 players by Chess Master Jude Acers. ANTIQUARIAN AND OUT OF PRINT CHESS BOOKS For sale. Free catalog. Kramer-books, PO Box 243, Whitehall, PA 18052-0243. TREASURE CHESS: rare, used and new books bought and sold, bargains. 650-856-2346; [email protected]; members.aol.com/chess316 “TWO DEANS OF AMERICAN CHESS AND THE ORIGIN OF CHESS” send $15 and address to Jerry DeGattis, 3955 Coffee Rd. #76 95355 Be part of history, the next revolution in chess! Forget Steinitz! Forget Nimzovich! For $35 (negotiable), includes $5 priority mail, you get a working draft of Magic (Greatest odds game?!). If you send me your rated games, they may be included in later editions. Check Correspondencechess.com for more details. You get major TN’s in the Petroff, Berliner Variation, Fried Liver, Traxler, Latvian Gambit, Philidor, Alekhine Defense and a whole new opening repertoire with Black, the Universal Attack i.e. (g6/Bg7/e6/Ne7, followed by an early d5, never d6) Try it; you’ll really like it! Richard Moody Jr., 777 Treadlemire Rd., Berne, N.Y. 12023 [email protected] Visit www.thechesslibrary.com NEW BOOK: Bronstein: Fifty Great Short Games—IM Minev. Free tournament crosstable archives.

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Solutions

Chess to Enjoy Problem I.

3. A. This mate-in-3 was composed by Novotny in 1854 and is considered the debut of his famed interference theme.

Problem III.

A. The only solution is 1. Rf5! (threatens Rf4). If 1. ... Rf8 2. Bf6!! Rxf6 (also doomed is 2. ... Bxf6 3. Rf4) 3. Re5 mate. Or 1. Rf5! Bxf5 2. Nf7! Rxh4 3. Nd6 mate. B. If 1. Nf5? Nxb5 foils the threat of 2. Nd6 mate. C. Equally inadequate is 1. Nf7? Nxb5 2. N7g5+ Kf5.

1. e7! Bxe7 2. Qb8+ mates (2. ... Kg7 3. Qg8 mate or 2. ... Bf8/2. ... Qf8 3. Bxf6+!).

4. B. Emanuel Berg - Jurij Zezulkin, Poland 2000.

1. b6! queens after 1. ... axb6 2. a7 or 1. ... Bb8 2. Kb5 (threat of Kc6-b7, also 2. c6 axb6 3. c7 wins) 2. ... Kd7 3. c6+ Kc8 4. c7 in view of 4. ... Bxc7 5. bxa7. Problem II.

1. Bg5! Rg4 2. Rxd8+! Kxd8 3. f7+ and White will win soon—but not 2. f7?? Rxg5+! 3. Kxg5 Ne6+.

Problem IV.

1. ... Qd5+! and now 2. Kf1 Qh1+ or 2. Kf2 Qc5+ are easy and 2. Kh3 Kg6! sets up ... g4+ and mates. Problem V.

1. Rxf7+! Bxf7 2. Rxd6+! in view of 2. ... Kxd6 3. Qxd8+ mate or 2. ... Kc7 3. Qxd8+ and mates. Problem VI.

1. Rxg7+! Kxg7 2. Qh6+ Kf7 3. Qh7+ Kf6 4. dxe5+ Kxe5 and now 5. f4+ is good enough to win. But 5. Qg7+! mates (5. ... Kxf5 6. Qg6+ Ke5 7. f4+ Kd4 8. Be3 mate).

What’s The Best Move? 1. C. GM Sergey Karjakin-GM Evgeny Alekseev, World Chess Cup, Russia 2008.

A. White can win routinely by 1. Bxc4 Bxc4 2. Ne4 Qxe5 3. Nf6+ Kh8 4. Qxe5 Rxe5 5. Nd7. B. Inadequate is 1. Qf6? Qxe5 2. Bxc4 Bxc4. C. White won with the elegant 1. Nd5!! Qxd5 (if 1. ... Bxd5 2. Qf6) 2. Bxc4 Qxc4 3. Qf6 and Qg7 mate. Named in honor of Anton Novotny (1829-1871) this theme seldom occurs in real games. 2. A. Composed in 1858 by Joseph Plachutta (1828-1883).

A. The only way to mate in three is 1. Rg7!! (threatens Qg3 and/or Bc7 mate). If 1. ... Rgxg7 2. Bc7+! Rxc7 3. Qg3. Or 1. ... Rhxg7 2. Qg3+! Rxg3 3. Bc7. Even quicker is 1. ... Bxg7 2. Bc7 mate. B. Mate takes longer after 1. Qxf6+ Kd6 2. Qd4+ Kc6 3. Qxc5+ Kb7 4. Rb1+ Ka8 5. Qc6+ Ka7 6. Qa4 mate. C. Black can delay his doom after 1. Kxc5 Be7+ 2. Bxe7 Rc8+.

A. After 1. Qe6? White somehow managed to draw despite a two pawn deficit. B. White missed a mate via the Novotny theme: 1. Nf6!! (threatens Rg8 or Qxh7). If 1. ... Rxf6 2. Qg7 mate. Or 1. ... Bxf6 2. Qf8 mate. C. Black’s extra material will triumph after 1. Qxf4? Bxf4.

Endgame Lab – Benko’s Bafflers Problem I. I. 1. Kf6 White only draws with 1. Kf7 Ke5 2. Ke7 Kd5 3. Kd8 Kc6 4. a7 Na8 5. Kc8 Nb6. 1. ... Nd5+ 2. Kf7 Ke5 3. a7 Nc7 4. Ke7 Kd5 5. Kd7 Na8 6. Kc8 Kc6 7. Kb8 Nc7 White decoys the defender after 7. ... Nb6 8. Nc4. 8. Nc2 Na6+ 9. Kc8 Nc7 10. Nb4+ Kb6 No better is 10. ... Kd6 11. Kb7 Kd7 12. Nd5 Na8 13. Nb6+. 11. Kb8 Na8 12. Nd5+ Kc6 13. Kxa8 wins. II. 1. Kf7 It is drawn after 1. Kf6 Nd5+ 2. Kf7 Ke5 3. a7 Nb6 4. Ke8 Kd6 5. Kd8 Kc6 6. Na5+ Kb5. 1. ... Ke5 2. Ke7 Nc8+ The pawn promotes after 2. ... Kd5 3. Kd8 Kc6 4. Nd4+ Kc5 5. Kc7 Nc8 6. Kb7 (6. Kxc8 Kb6 draws) 6. ... Nd6+ 7. Kb8. 3. Kd7 Na7 4. Kc7 Kd5 5. Nd2 Nb5+ 6. Kb6 Nd6 7. Nb1 Nc8+ 8. Kb7 Nd6+ 9. Kc7 Nb5+ 10. Kb6 Kc4 11. Na3+ queens. Problem II.

1. a4 Ka2 2. a5 Ka3 3. Rb1!! Ka4 4. Kb6 Re6+ 5. Kc5 Re5+ 6. Kd4! Re6 7. Rb6! Re1 8. a6 Ka5 8. ... Rd1+ 9. Kc5 Rc1+ 10. Kd5 Rc8 11. a7 Ra8 12.

Rb7 (12. Rb1) 12. ... Ka5 13. Kc6 Ka6 14. Rb1 Rc8+ 15. Kd7 Ra8 16. Kc7 e5 17. Rb6+ Kxa7 18. Rb3 wins. 9. a7 wins. 1. b4 Re4 White is better after 1. ... Kb2 2. Rc6! Kb3 3. b5. 2. b5 Ra4+ 3. Kb7 Rb4! 4. Kc6 4. Ra6+? Kb2! is equal. 4. ... Kb2 4. ... e5 5. Kc5! is better for White. 5. Kc5 5. Rb7? e5 is even. 5. ... Kb3 6. Re6 Ka4 White has the upper hand after 6. ... Rc4+ 7. Kb6+7. Ra6+! 7. b6 Ka5! is drawish. 7. ... Kb3 8. Ra1! There is no edge after 8. b6? Rc4+ 9. Kb5 Rb4+ 10. Kc6 Rc4+ 11. Kd7 Rb4 12. Kxe7 Kc4 13. Kd7 Kb5. 8. ... Rc4+ 9. Kd5! wins. 9. Kb6? e5! 10. Re1 e4 11. Ka5 Ra4+ 12. Kb6 Rc4 is even.

Solitaire Chess – ABCs of Chess Trapping: After 1. ... Bc4, White must jettison the c2-bishop to save the queen. Problem I.

Trapping: White’s bishop is lost after 1. ... a4. There’s simply no safe place to go. Problem II.

Driving off: White loses the queen after 1. ... Bxe3+, when 2. Qxe3 is met by the deflecting 2. ... Nh3+. Problem III.

Discovery/Simplification: Black clears the board with 1. ... Bxc2+, when 2. Ke1 Bxd1 3. Kxd1 Rf1+ 4. Kc2 Rxb1 5. Kxb1 h5 soon queens. Problem IV.

Desperado: Since Black’s queen is lost anyway, he gives it up to win the b8-bishop and the f1-rook: 1. ... Qxf1+ 2. Kxf1 Rxb8, and White has a lost position, the Exchange down. Problem V.

Mating net: Black has a forced win: 1. ... Be4+ 2. Kg1 Bxe3 mate. Problem VI.

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 2. 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 ©2008 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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