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Chess Life — January 2010
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January on uschess.org < Hikaru in Corus
Our U.S. champion, GM Hikaru Nakamura, will be playing in the "A" group of Corus (Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, January 15-31) this year. His opponents will include World Champion GM Anand and current top gun 2800+ GM Magnus Carlsen, who Nakamura defeated recently in a blitz chess match. GM Ian Rogers will report from the scene.
Chess stars: they’re just like us!
The U.S. is sponsored this year by the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St, Louis on their trip to the World Team Championship, January 3-14 in Bursa, Turkey. The squad consists of GMs Nakamura, Onischuk, Shulman (right), Akobian and Hess. IM Donaldson will captain. See CLO for updates including blogs!
<
From St. Louis to Turkey >
Nominations for Best of CLO
In January, we’ll countdown the ten best articles of 2009 so you can catch up on some of the timeless web pieces you may have missed. Nominees for best articles include stories by GM Pascal Charbonneau, GM Josh Friedel, FM Mike Klein, WFMs Abby Marshall and Elizabeth Vicary.
This Month’s Contributors
Paul Gold (“Profile,” p. 30) is a chess master/promoter and occasional Chess Life contributor living inTucson, Arizona.
<
NAKAMURA AND SHULMAN BY BETSY DYNAKO
Mike Klein (“Cover Story,” p. 18) is a a frequent contributor to Chess Life.
The Scoop on Martin Luther King weekend tourneys
The U.S. Chess Scoop will do spot interviews with participants at the Liberty Bell Open in Philadelphia. Also on Martin Luther King Day weekend (January 15-18), look for updates from the Golden State Open in Concord, California. uschess.org
Dr. Alexey Root, WIM (“2009 U.S. Women’s Open,” p. 34) is a frequent contributor to Chess Life and is the author of Read, Write, Checkmate: Enrich Literacy with Chess Activities (2009), Westport, Connecticut: Teacher Ideas Press. GM Ian Rogers (“Instruction,” p. 37) is a frequent contributor to Chess Life.
Chess Life — January 2010
3
January Chess Life Columns 12 LOOKS AT BOOKS Diary of a Chess Queen By GM Alexandra Kosteniuk
14 BACK TO BASICS Zwischenzug! By GM Lev Alburt
16 SOLITAIRE CHESS Young Fischer By Bruce Pandolfini
42 CHESS TO ENJOY EGTN By GM Andy Soltis
44 ENDGAME LAB Pawn Mate By GM Pal Benko
PHOTO: BETSY DYNAKO
46 WHAT’S THE BEST MOVE? Tricky Endgames By GM Larry Evans
Departments 3
PREVIEW
6
COUNTERPLAY
8
FIRST MOVES
10 USCF AFFAIRS 50 TOURNAMENT LIFE 70 CLASSIFIEDS 71 SOLUTIONS
Special Issue!
In addition to focusing on women in chess, this issue takes a special look at endgames. On page 37, GM Rogers gives you a shortcut to endgame study. Additionally, our columnists GM Andy Soltis, GM Larry Evans, and, of course, GM Pal Benko, all examine endgames and are grouped together following Roger’s feature (see p. 42). Finally, “First Moves” on page 8 combines both our themes this month, looking at a particularly exciting endgame from the World Blitz Championship by GM Kosteniuk.
On The Cover
Yes, this is still Chess Life and not a fashion magazine. But we couldn’t resist the glamour shot of our new U.S. women’s champion by St. Louis photographer Suzy Gorman. Cover design by Frankie Butler
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Chess Life — January 2010
18 | COVER STORY
“My mom is the champion of America”
By FM Mike Klein IM Anna Zatonskih captures her second U.S. Women’s Championship.
30 | PROFILE
E Squared: Empowerment, Exposure
By Paul Gold Jean Hoffman has taken an uncoventional path towards her chess promotion efforts.
34 | 2009 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN
Opening Up
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM The first U.S. Women’s Open draws 16 to Oklahoma—Saheli wins, and Zenyuk qualifies for 2010 Women’s Championship.
37 | INSTRUCTION
Lazy Endgames
By GM Ian Rogers GM Rogers shows you endgames that can be played almost on autopilot. (Article will conclude in February 2010 issue.) uschess.org
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Counterplay Improving on Carlsen I had a dispute occur when my opponent, playing the black pieces, ran out of time on his clock. The tournament’s time control was 60 minutes for the first time control of 30 moves, and game 90. (Each player had one hour to make his first 30 moves, and then 30 minutes after that to make the remainder of his moves.) My opponent ran out of time before making his 30th move. The clock beeped, his time showed “0.00,” and I looked up at him, thinking that the game was over. He quickly made his 30th move and hit the clock, and then I said that the game was over because he ran out of time. He claimed that because I had not voiced a claim that he ran out of time before his 30th move, that he then got the additional 30 minutes. I claimed that because he had not made the first time control, he does not get the extra 30 minutes, and therefore I can claim a time victory when I did. Please let me know the ruling on this dispute. The tournament director (TD) did not know the ruling, but in the end sided with my opponent. You may also want to publish this and other common rules disputes, or tournament etiquette, as it would be very beneficial to others like me who are not well versed in tournament settings. David Seidel Oakland, California
David Kuhns, a National Tournament Director and chair of the USCF rules committee, responds: You are correct, and your opponent (and the TD) are not correct. The rule states: “9F. Last move of the time control. When determining whether the prescribed number of moves has been made in the allotted time, the last move is considered complete only after the player presses his clock. … if the flag is down (time expired) after the move and the opponent has not yet handled the clock, the player has failed to make the time control.” There should never be a dispute whether or not the last move of time control was made or the flag fell first, as a move is not complete until the clock is pressed. In order to make a time control the time must not have expired on the clock at the time the clock is pressed. If the time has expired (flag down or time reads 0:00 or advances to the next time control), the player has not accomplished this task, and the director must rule that the move had not been completed in time. 6
Chess Life — January 2010
November cover Our November cover showing GM Lev Alburt with two models was apparently a “love it or hate it” item, generating more reader response than usual. Below, Mr. Chressanthis best states the case of those who did not like our attempts at creating a James Bond-like movie poster:
As a member of the USCF spanning almost 45 years, I was appalled by the cover of the Chess Life November 2009 issue. After getting over the brief chuckle of the pun from an old James Bond movie (which I’m sure had to be explained to our younger members, and that’s if they even realized the pun), I was then taken back by the cover and what disturbing messages this sends to our younger and female members. The cover was totally inappropriate for our scholastic members. Are these the images we want our scholastic members to be associated with chess? To our male members, the cover further perpetuates an image of men versus women where the former has the brains and where the latter having only the beauty and desire to serve them. But moreover, did anyone reflect how the portrayal of women on the cover as mere sex objects to serve the egos of men would be received by our female members? The cover portrayed a disturbing lack of editorial judgment, poor taste, and insensitivity to a segment of our membership that is likely tired of seeing this type of stereotypical portrayal of women. This is not about political correctness. This is about making editorial decisions that are in keeping with the mission and values of the USCF. I strongly suggest that an apology is in
order to our members as well as a need for steps to ensure this type of poor judgment is not repeated that is offensive, insensitive, and not in keeping with our USCF mission and values. We deserve better. George Chressanthis via e-mail
Scholastic members receive Chess Life For Kids, not Chess Life, and Youth members (who only receive six issues per year) did not receive the November issue. Chess Life is strongly committed to promoting women in chess (for example, open to just about any page in this issue), but that does not necessarily preclude having fun with pop-culture imagery. We will let regular contributor FM Mike Klein have the last word:
The addition of the women to the photo, from my view, was meant to enhance the James Bond motif and was not gratuitously salacious. Still, it was a great pun, very apropos to the article, and fitting, seeing as how he dressed in a tux in that photo of him playing blitz, and Bond being a Cold War-era hero. Chess Life welcomes letters from its readers. Letters are subject to editing for content and length. Send your letters to
[email protected], and include your full name and a telephone number.
If Chess Life publishes your letter, you will be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate and Improve Your Chess (see ad below).
uschess.org
First Moves
Kosteniuk Blitzes in Moscow
From Miami to Moscow, Kosteniuk continues to be, along with U.S. Champion Hikaru Nakamura, one of our most visible representatives on the world stage.
Kosteniuk (left) accepts Polgar’s resignation
AT THE WORLD BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP IN MOSCOW, held November 16-18, the Women’s World Champion and Miami, Florida resident GM Alexandra Kosteniuk showed her win at the U.S. Open blitz tournament was no fluke (see November Chess Life). Though she finished at the bottom of the strong 22-player field, with GM Magnus Carlsen emerging as champion, she scored some impressive victories, including wins over current world number one GM Carlsen, GM Viswanathan Anand, and GM Judit Polgar. Kosteniuk was the only representative from the U.S. in the event. Below, she annotates her game against Polgar.
+
+n+ + + + + + + + p + + + pN pp +k+ + P + + + P + +K P + + + + +
White to play
63. g4!!
That's what we call pattern recognition!
63. ... Nc7
Despite the unpleaseant surprise Judit is choosing the most stubborn way to defend. 64. gxh5 Ne6 65. h6 Nf8 66. hxg5 fxg5 67. Kf3 Kd3 68. Kg4 Ke2 69. Kxg5?!
Wins, but much eaiser would have been 69. f3 Nh7 70. Ng3+ winning the g-pawn without giving away the f-pawn. 69. ... Kxf2 70. Kf6?
According to the tablebase, here White wins in 32 moves after 70. Kg4 or 70. Nd6; all other moves (except 70. Nd4 or 70. Ne3) lead to a draw. 70. ... e4?
8
Chess Life — January 2010
The only move that saves the game here is 70. ... Kf3! 71. Kxe5 Nh7! again, the only move. 71. Kf7
The immediate 71. Nd4 was also possible, but I needed to gain extra time. 71. ... Nh7 72. Kg6 Nf8+ 73. Kg7 Ne6+ 74. Kf6 Nf8
Here I had 10 seconds left on my clock but I managed to find the winning continuation. 75. Nd4! e3 76. Kg7 Ne6+
Black also loses after 76. ... e2 77. Nxe2 Ne6+ 78. Kf6 Nf8 79. Nd4. 77. Nxe6 e2 78. Nf4!, Black resigned.
Video of this game is available at: www.tubechess.com/index.php?id=160 uschess.org
PHOTO: DIEGO GARCES
Besting Judit Polgar GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2517) GM Judit Polgar (FIDE 2680) World Blitz Championship 2009, Moscow Notes by Kosteniuk
In association with Present
The Seventh Annual All-Girls Open National Championships April 16 –18, 2010 – Columbus, Ohio 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 $68,000 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. Entry Fee $50 if postmarked by March 21, 2010, $70 if by April 4, 2010. On-site registration is $90. USCF membership required. All events will be hosted at Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH. Entry & Info Make checks payable to: United States Chess Federation, Attn: All Girls, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
Side Events Bughouse Tournament Friday April 17, 1:00 PM Entry fee: $25 per team
6-SS, G/90, 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 Main Event Friday, April 16 6:00 PM–Opening Ceremony 6:30 PM–Round 1 Saturday, April 17 10:00 AM–Round 2 2:30 PM–Round 3 6:30 PM–Round 4
Sunday, April 18 9:00 AM–Round 5 1:00 PM–Round 6 5:00 PM–Awards Ceremony
Blitz Tournament (G/5) Friday April 17, 3:00 PM Entry fee: $15 if p/m by April 4, $20 on-site Online registration https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/ tournament.php?wkevent=2010AG or www.kasparovchessfoundation.org Hotel Hyatt Regency Columbus 350 N. High Street Columbus, OH 43215 Hotel Chess Rate: $127 if reserved by April 1, 2010 For hotel reservations: Please call (800) 233-1234 or (614) 280-1234
USCF Affairs January Across the Board
USCF PRESIDENT JIM BERRY
Your USCF Executive Board consists of myself (Oklahoma), Ruth Haring (California), Randy Bauer (Iowa), Bill Goichberg (New York) and Mike Atkins (Virginia). Ruth and Mike are our newest executive board members, bringing breathtaking enthusiasm to our meetings from the get-go—no learning curve for these two. Their agenda is to volunteer for every assignment and question all things standard. Actions and solutions are their mantra, not the status quo. I say, “Good job!” to my fellow USCF members for electing them. Their excitement causes Bill Goichberg, Randy Bauer and me to all raise our eyebrows in amazement. They are like the cavalry to the rescue. This may be the best executive board in recent memory, and if you add two more people to the mix: executive director Bill Hall and Chess Life editor Dan Lucas—both of whom I find delightful, diligent and dedicated in their commitment to the USCF membership—we have a bright future ahead. These seven people bring over 250 years of USCF experience to the table. I wish to adapt U.S. President John Kennedy’s famous quote to chess, “Ask not what the USCF can do for you, but ask what you can do for your Federation.” Organize, sponsor, promote, direct or just play in a local upcoming tournament event. That’s how you can do your part to help build chess in America.
Organizer and Director Seminars
To encourage USCF rated tournaments to be held in more areas throughout the United States, we are asking those with experience to consider volunteering to help train new or inexperienced organizers and directors. If you are a tournament director certified at the senior level or higher, or a member who has organized USCF-rated tournaments with at least 100 players, and are willing to conduct a free seminar, lecture, or question and answer session regarding organizing, directing, or both, Chess Life and uschess.org will provide free publicity for this event in a new monthly box in Tournament Life and seminar page on the USCF website. The Tournament Life box is expected to begin with the March issue, and the webpage is at uschess.org/seminars. Though such events may be held anywhere at any time, they may be especially successful at weekend tournaments which draw out of town players, providing an extra attraction for players who are considering getting into organizing or directing. To submit seminars for announcement by USCF, indicate date, time and location, who will conduct the event, and subject (organizing, directing, or both). The usual TLA deadlines will apply, and events submitted early enough will be publicized in multiple issues of Chess Life.
~Jim Berry, USCF President
Jerry Hanken games
Denis Strenzwilk of the U.S. Open committee is compiling a database of Jerry Hanken games. If you have games you can contribute, please e-mail them to:
[email protected].
JERRY HANKEN
Committee corrections
The USCF Mission
USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess Championship, an open tournament held every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its members. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and laws of the state of Illinois.
10
Chess Life — January 2010
uschess.org
JERRY HANKEN BY CHRIS BIRD
We have two corrections from the USCF committee list that appeared in the December 2009 issue. The Polgar Invitational committee no longer exists. Also, IM Greg Shahade is no longer chair of the Top Player’s Committee; that seat is currently vacant.
Looks at Books
Diary of a Chess Queen
In excerpts from her new book, Women’s World Champion and Miami, Florida resident GM Alexandra Kosteniuk writes about being a woman in the chess world. By GM Alexandra Kosteniuk often hear the question, “Why do women not play chess as strongly as men?” Having been in chess for so long, I cannot answer precisely for myself. It’s very difficult to explain to those who don’t play chess themselves that a game of chess creates enormous nervous and physical tension, and, consequently, great expenditures of strength and energy. The fact that men are physically stronger is a factor that tells in an extended battle. Of course, in contrast to other forms of sport, our physical strength does not play the main role here; thus, women can play against men with increasing success— and they have been doing so in recent years. I believe the main reason there are more men GMs than women GMs is that far fewer girls start playing chess than do boys. For the last two years, I have been holding a children’s tournament, the Alexandra Kosteniuk Cup, for children 6-8 years old, and I can see for
I
12
Chess Life — January 2010
myself that the ratio of boys to girls is about 70 to 30 percent. If only a few girls start playing chess, then that many fewer will remain in the professional game. For a talented girl who finds a strong trainer and has the opportunity to work with him starting at the earliest possible age, I see no barrier to her eventually being able to play on an equal footing with men grandmasters. Here I should also note that talent does not simply mean the purely chess abilities nature has given us, but also the ability to work hard, to keep up the drive to win during difficult tournaments, and much else. All this can be found in numbers small enough to count, especially among girls, whose very natures are ill-designed for the waging of constant war against an opponent and against oneself. Besides enormous effort, working with chess requires financial outlays too, especially during a player’s development. You must understand that it’s very hard to
earn a living at chess—and in children’s tournaments there are no cash prizes at all. There are very few who can allow themselves the luxury of playing steadily and training with the finest specialists. Besides the player’s individual determination to grow and mature, she must have serious financial support in order to be able to focus on nothing but her chess and her training. And once a girl decides that it’s time for her to start a family, there’s no point in even thinking about competing with men, because children take up all of a woman’s time and energy. The most she can allow herself after starting her family is the occasional tournament. So my advice to all girls who dream of playing chess professionally is: “Start working seriously on chess as early as you can.” The career of a chessplayer may be long, but the career of a professional woman chessplayer is bound to be a short one. uschess.org
Men’s events Women chessplayers often face the question of whether or not they should play in men’s tournaments. On the one hand, competing in a strong men’s competition, especially a round-robin, would be excellent training. On the other, it’s far more difficult to win any kind of prizes playing against men. A few years ago, you could count the number of women’s events on your fingers. But lately, individual and team events for women have multiplied; in fact, one could spend the whole year playing in nothing but women’s events. Of course, as far as our professional development is concerned, competing in one men’s round-robin can aid us far more than competing in three women’s events. So I would recommend to young women that they regularly test their strength by playing not only against the girls, but against the boys, too. Women play fighting chess WGM Tatiana Kosintseva (FIDE 2447) IM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2469) Dresden 2004
r
+r+k+ + + + p p+p Pp+ p + + + q + + +n+ + NQ+ + P PP+ +P+ +K+R+R+
White to play
22. d7 Red8 23. Qd6?
This gives Black’s knight a chance to get into the game. 23. Ne4 was better.
23. ... Ne3 24. Qxe6+ Kh8 25. Qxc6 Nxf1?
Passing on the chance to draw by 25. ... Rxb2+ 26. Kxb2 Rb8+ 27. Nb5 Rxb5+ 28. Qxb5 Nxd1+ 29. Rxd1 Qxb5+ 30. Ka1 Qe5+ 31. c3 Qxc3+ 32. Kb1 Qb4+, with perpetual check.
26. Rxf1 Qa5 27. Rd1 Rb6 28. Qc8 Rb8 29. Qc6 Rb6 30. Qc8 Rb8 31. Qc4?
Of course, White should have taken the draw, which would have cost me my shot at the gold medal. But women players aren’t famous for their fighting spirit for nothing: the game is always played out to the last pawn, and agreeing to a draw is considered a sign of weakness.
31. ... Rb7 32. Qe4 Qb4 33. Qe8+??
The fatal error: 33. Qxb4 Rxb4 34. Rd6 Rf4 35. a4 Rf6 36. Rd5 Rf7 37. Ra5 would uschess.org
lead to an approximately equal ending. 33. ... Kh7 34. Na4 Rbxd7, White resigned.
+ rQ+ + + +r+ pk p+ + + p + + + + N q + + + + + + + P PP+ +P+ +K+R+ +
After 34. ... Rbxd7
Those wonderful childhood years I first became acquainted with chess more than twenty years ago. On April 23, 1989, my birthday present was a board and a set of chess pieces, and my first lesson from Dad. After two months’ work, I had already learned the rules and could play the game. In the fall of that same year, Dad took me to the Hall of Pioneers near the Medvedkovo subway station, where I succeeded in outplaying several players older than me, and was awarded the 4th category (roughly equivalent to a U.S. Chess Federation rating of 1200-1400 - ed.). From my earliest lessons, Dad devoted a lot of time to blindfold training. First I would try to guess the color of a square without looking at the board. Then, when I had absorbed this lesson, and could easily see the entire board with my eyes closed, we played over many of the elementary positions and solved problems blindfolded. The first major tournament for me—which did not end very successfully— was the Little Octobrists Tournament in the fall of 1990 (which in those days had replaced the Moscow Championship) for children below age 10. At that time there were very few girls playing, and boys and girls played in the same tournament. I scored 2 points out of 8, winning my first- and last-round games. The following year, playing in the same age group, my result improved to 6 out of 8. I lost just two games—to Alexander Grischuk and Vitaly Kunin—showed the best result among the girls, and was awarded the title of Moscow Champion among girls under 10. Immediately after this tournament, the newspaper Moskovskaya Pravda ran an article about me under the heading, “Remember This Name!”, and I had to sign my first-ever autographs. Those were not the easiest of times in Russia. In order to feed his family and still have the opportunity to work with me, Dad—who had by then decided to
resign his Army commission—went to various institutions, firms, and acquaintances, looking for those who would be willing to give financial assistance to a small but talented little girl. Sometimes I would also have to earn money by playing for stakes. Dad would take my sister and me to hotels, such as the Rossiya, Intourist, or Slavyanskaya, and leave us there to play for stakes. Since I had been a very introverted child from my earliest years, Oxana would be the one to find opponents for me; my job was to beat them. Since that time, I have been very careful with money, because I knew what it was worth from a very young age. Thankfully, Russia has always been a country as rich in philanthropists as it is in talent; and people were found who supported and aided both me and my family, providing us with funds for training and for traveling to tournaments. A month after winning the Moscow Championship, in January 1992, I made my first trip to the Russian Junior Championship. The Under-10 Russian Championship took place in Lipetsk; and I only remember that we had to stay in an unheated hotel. Nevertheless, in spite of my youth I performed very successfully, taking second place with 6 out of 9 points. A few months after the Lipetsk championship, it was announced that, in order to select representatives for the 1992 World Youth Championships in Europe, an additional Russian Championship would be organized, this one to take place in St. Petersburg. At this championship, I was not as successful as in Lipetsk; returning to Moscow empty-handed, we once again set to work. In the fall of 1992, at 8 years of age, I became Moscow Champion once again, scoring 9 out of 9 in the Girls’ Under-10 section. It was my sister Oxana’s first championship; at age 5 she was fighting on equal terms with ten-year-olds. For this championship, we were intentionally paired in the first round, to prevent us from fixing our game in the later rounds. There are times when life in children’s tournaments resembles a tragicomedy. At this level, the battles between parents and between trainers have already begun. Each one thinks that his children, or his students, are the best. Ksiusha and I were always suspected of telling each other moves, or of being told moves, so we were always followed and watched. Today it’s really funny to look back on this; but the most interesting thing is that, when I read various articles about Moscow junior tournaments now, I find that nothing has changed.
.
Diary of a Chess Queen Mongoose, 2009 Alexandra Kosteniuk 244 pages, $24.95 (paperback) available on uscfsales.com (B0044EU) Chess Life — January 2010
13
Back to Basics
Zwischenzug!
Some games are roller coasters. In others, there is just one critical position, the handling of which determines the future course of the game. By GM Lev Alburt
The winner of this month’s award, Stephen Kuzma, suggested as a title “Control the Center.” Indeed, most of the action in his game below occurs there. The key moment happened when White grabbed the central pawn on move 18. (Lev’s further comments are in italics). Sicilian Defense (B33) Stephen M. Kuzma (1314) Zachary High (1586) U.S. Open, 2009 (6)
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
r+lqkl r pp+ppppp +n+ n + + + + + + NP+ + + + + + PPP+ PPP RNLQKL+R
After 4. ... Nf6
5. Nxc6
Too quick, as we trade knights and I soon lose control of the center. This capture—which allows Black to retake toward the center, makes sense only if White can then play e4-e5, harassing the f6-knight (not possible here, as after 5. ... bxc6, 6. e5 loses a pawn to 6. ... Qa5+). 5. ... bxc6 6. Nc3 e5 7. Bd3 Be7 8. Bg5 0-0 9. 0-0 Bb7 (see diagram top of next column)
Black wants to play ... d7-d5. Also good was 9. ... d6, or 9. ... Rb8. 10. a3 14
Chess Life — January 2010
r+ q rk+ pl+plppp +p+ n + + + p L + +P+ + + NL+ + PPP+ PPP R +Q+RK
After 9. ... Bb7
Too cautious. Stronger is 10. Re1, indirectly stopping 10. ... d5 (Black’s e5-pawn will hang after 10. ... d5 11. exd5). 10. ... d5 11. exd5 cxd5
Black now has control of the center with both the d- and e-pawns while I have none. 12. Re1
r+ q rk+ pl+ lppp + + n + + +pp L + + + + P NL+ + PP+ PPP R +QR K
After 12. Re1
12. ... e4 13. Bf1
More of an escape than anything else. I also moved the same piece twice in the opening, which breaks one rule of development. This rule isn’t applicable any more, as the game is long out of the opening.
13. ... Re8 14. Bb5
Now three times, but I wanted to force the rook off the king file. Of course! 13. ... Re8 was a waste of time, as 14. Bb5 reveals. Better was 13. ... Qa5, preparing Ra or f-d8. 14. ... Rf8 15. Qd4
Fighting to regain some control of the center. A natural move, but perhaps more the subtle 15. Qd2 was stronger, because—as we’ll see—the queen on d4 is unprotected, as many following lines illustrate.
15. ... a6 16. Ba4 Qd6
r+ + rk+ +l+ lppp p+ q n + + +p+ L L+ Qp+ + P N + + PP+ PPP R + R K
After 16. ... Qd6
A grandmaster (GM) once told me to always take enough time—especially as a new player. I studied this position for about 15 minutes. If 17. Bxf6 Qxf6, material is even; however, Black has two bishops working together. But the gamble paid off. Grandmaster knows best! (Seriously, that was very good advice). 17. Bxf6 Bxf6 18. Nxe4! (see diagram top of next column)
Now if 18. ... Bxd4 19. Nxd6 Bxb2 20. Rab1, pinning the black bishops.
18. ... Qd8 uschess.org
r+ + rk+ +l+ +ppp p+ q l + + +p+ + L+ QN+ + P + + + PP+ PPP R + R K
After 18. Nxe4
In this truly critical position, Black goes wrong, meekly accepting the loss of a pawn and other calamities. Both opponents overlooked (and Stephen also missed it when annotating), the powerful Zwischenzug (in-between move) 18. ... Qxh2+. After 19. Kxh2 Bxd4 not only does Black get a pawn back, but White’s f2-pawn is no longer protected by the white king. Suddenly, the position is likely to favor Black again. 19. Nxf6+
Forcing either (1) a queen exchange and/or (2) a doubled pawn on the black king bishop file, while opening up Black’s king on the knight file. 19. ... gxf6
r+ q rk+ +l+ +p+p p+ + p + + +p+ + L+ Q + + P + + + PP+ PPP R + R K
After 19. ... gxf6
Since move 18 helped me regain some control of the center, I now concentrated on capturing Black’s isolated d5-pawn. The last move, 19. ... gxf6, leaves Black down a pawn, with many pawn weaknesses and a very vulnerable king. However, the ending after 19. ... Qxf6 was equally bad. 20. Rad1 Rc8 21. Bb3
Going for the d5-pawn.
21. ... Kg7
Thinking, I guess, I’ll forget my c2pawn. 22. c3 Qd7 23. Bxd5 Bxd5 24. Qxd5 Qg4 25. Re4 Qg6 (see diagram top of next column) uschess.org
26. h3 Kh8
+r+ r + + + +pkp p+ + pq+ + +Q+ + + +R+ + P P + + P + PPP + +R+ K
After 25. ... Qg6
A smart move by Black to save his queen. After 26. ... Rcd8 22. Rg4 Rxd5 23. Rxd5 Rb8 24. Rxg6+ (now or on a later move) hxg6 Black would improve his kingside pawns—but being two pawns down should still lose the game. 27. Rde1 Rb8 28. b4 Rbc8 29. Qb3 Qh6 30. c4 Qd2 31. c5
Up two pawns, I’m now pushing a queenside attack. 31. ... Kg8 32. R4e2 Qd4 33. Qf3 Qh4
+r+ rk+ + + +p+p p+ + p + + P + + P + + q P + +Q+P + +RPP+ + + R K
After 33. ... Qh4
34. Qg4+
Although I double the pawn, I check the king and force a queen exchange. Remember, GMs know how to win with style, but D players just want to win—period! I like 34. Qg4+. By the way, White’s kingside pawns are not significantly hurt by the trade (even if the g-pawns are doubled)—but Black’s pawns are. 34. ... Qxg4 35. hxg4 Kg7 36. Re3 Kg6 37. Kh2 Kg5 38. f3 h6 39. Re7 Kg6 40. Rc1 Rfd8 41. a4 (see diagram top of next column)
Positioning to keep the b-and c-pawns working together.
41. ... Rd4 42. Rb7 Kg7 43. d6 Rd6 44. c7 Rd7 45. b5 axb5 46. axb5 Kf8 47. Rb8, Black resigned.
And Mr. Kuzma, nicely, concludes:
Note I have great respect for Zachary as
+rr + + + + Rp+ p+ + pkp + P + + PP + +P+ + + +P+ + + +PK + R + +
After 41. a4
I’m still working to attain the rating he has already achieved. This was one of my better games which I was fortunate enough to win. Now, a quick review of the game. White erred on move 5, improving, for no good reason, Black’s pawn formation; then he failed to prevent, on move 10, the creation of Black’s d5 and e5 duo. On the black side, 13. ... Re8 was clearly also an error. All in all, through most of the early game, Black’s strong center was a factor in his favor—however White wasn’t left without his chances, as his pressure on the center could, in some cases, become quite annoying (see, for instance, my recommendation on move 15.) But the real climax happened after White, correctly, went for “clarification” with 17. Bxf6, and, after 17. ... Bxf6, played—as he should—18. Nxe4. In this truly crucial position Black missed the inbetween move 18. ... Qxh2+, still with somewhat better chances, and de-facto accepted defeat.
.
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated 1799 or below on your Chess Life (CL) label, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to send your most instructive game with notes to: Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557-3967
Or e-mail your material to
[email protected] GM Alburt will select the “most instructive” game and CL will award an autographed copy of Lev’s newest book, Chess Training Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence) to the person submitting the most instructive game and annotations. Do not send games with only a few notes, as they are of little instructive value and can’t be used. Writing skills are a plus, but instructiveness is a must! Make sure your game (or part of it) and your notes will be of interest to other readers.
Chess Life — January 2010
15
Solitaire Chess
Young Fischer
A classic Fischer game that shows the ease with which even the teenage Bobby could manipulate the pieces in the Najdorf variation. By Bruce Pandolfini
At his best, Robert James Fischer’s games play themselves, everything seeming inevitable, with opponents falling apart under the incessant pressure manifested by his moves and very presence at the board. A case in point is then 16year-old Fischer’s game against Olicio Gadia from a 1960 event at Mar del Plata, Argentina. Fischer plays his pet system in the Sicilian, gets a dominant knight against a mired bishop, and easily finds a resource that capitalizes, blunder or not. But let’s see what we’re talking about. With Black playing the Najdorf variation, the game began: Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation (B87) Robert Fischer Olicio Gadia Mar del Plata (3), 1960 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
rnlqkl r +p+ pppp p+ p n + + + + + + NP+ + + N + + PPP+ PPP R LQKL+R
Your starting position
Now make sure you have the above position set up on your chessboard. As you play through the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next move only after trying to guess it. If you guess correctly, give yourself the par score. 16
Chess Life — January 2010
game. Generally, Black tries 9. ... b4, 9. ... Nxe4, or 9. ... Nbd7.**
Sometimes points are also rewarded for second-best moves, and there may be bonus points—or deductions—for other moves and variations. Note that ** means that the note to Black’s move is over and White’s move is on the next line.**
10.
Nxc6
Deduct 2 points for 10. f5? Qb6 11. Be3 e5, winning a piece.
6.
Bc4
There are lots of sixth moves here: 6. a4, f3, f4, g3, h3, Be2, Bd3, Be3, Bg5. Take full credit for any of them. Add 1 bonus point if you knew that.
10.
…
No credit for other moves if you're scoring for Black. For instance, 10. ... Qb6+ 11. Nd4 e5 12. Be3 Ng4 13. Qxg4 exd4 14. Bf2, gains White a piece.**
6.
…
Add 1 bonus point if you knew why Black can't win a pawn here: 6. ... b5 7. Bb3 b4 8. Na4 Nxe4? 9. Bd5!, forking rook and knight.**
11.
f5
Deduct 1 point for 11. e5 dxe5 12. fxe5 Bc5+ 13. Kh1 Qxd1 14. Rxd1 Ng4. Conversely, add 1 bonus point if you saw and avoided it.
7.
Bb3
11.
…
7.
…
8.
0-0
8.
…
12.
Qd3
12.
…
13.
Bg5
Par Score: 5
e6
Par Score: 5
Accept only 4 points part credit for 7. a3, making a home for the bishop at a2. b5 Par Score: 5
Assume only 4 points part credit for any of these eighth moves: a3, Qf3, f3, Be3, Bg5, Qe2 and f4. They are sidelines to the main move, 8. 0-0. In fact, accept full credit if you planned to play 7. 0-0 and then 8. Bb3. These two moves are virtually interchangeable. Bb7
Accept 1 bonus point if you understood that 8. ... b4 9. Na4 Nxe4 10. Re1 gives White compensation for his pawn. 9.
f4
9.
…
Par Score: 5
Accept full credit for 9. Re1, a move Fischer played in later games. Nc6
This move does not really fit into Black’s setup and has disappeared from practical play, perhaps as a result of this very
Par Score: 6
Bxc6
Par Score: 6
e5
Black plays into White's hands, a tougher response being 11. ... Qd7. Add 1 bonus point if you then intended to continue 12. fxe6 fxe6 13. Qd4 Be7 14. Bg5, with a pretty good sized initiative. What were you going to do if Black played 11. ... b4? Hopefully, not 12. Na4 e5!, when the knight is quite unable to reach the outpost square d5. Add 2 bonus points if your thinking was to sacrifice the knight, 12. fxe6! bxc3 13. exf7+ Ke7 (13. ... Kd7 14. e5); and now, perhaps 14. Qd4 or 14. Qe1, both intending 15. e5, with a terrific attack against Black's king.** Par Score: 5 Be7
Black develops and gets ready to castle. He might have postponed this for one move and played 12. ... h6.** Par Score: 6
Part of White's strategy is to gain permanent control of d5. He's going to trade off the f6-knight, one of Black's two minor pieces that can contest d5. 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.
January Exercise: Let’s say you try to solve a block of tactical problems of a certain difficulty and set aside a fixed period for solving each problem. Completing the group, solve the same problems a week later. Now, a minute a problem should be sufficient, just enough to get your bearings. Repeat the process a week after that and the answers should be a matter of instant recognition. Your aim should be to build a data pool of many useful setups. As your bank account of concepts grows you can feel more confident. You become armed with tools, poised for real thinking.
13.
…
14.
Kh1
Qb6+ Par Score: 4
Deduct 3 points for the self pin 14. Rf2?, which allows Black to pile on with 14. ... Ng4. 14.
…
0-0
Add 2 bonus points if you saw the clean refutation of 14. ... Ng4, namely 15. Nd5! Nf2+ (15. ... Bxd5 16. Qxd5) 16. Rxf2 (and not 16. Kg1?, allowing Black a smothered mate after 16. ... Nh3+ etc.) 16. ... Qxf2 17. Bxe7 Bxd5 18. Qxd5 Kxe7 19. f6+ (the cleanest) 19. ... Qxf6 20. Qb7+ Ke8 21. Qxa8+ Qd8, and White, a piece ahead, can trade off the queens or, better yet, collect queenside pawns.** 15.
Bxf6
Par Score: 6
No credit for other moves. The bishop went to g5 to trade off the f6-knight, so it should be done.
15.
…
16.
Bd5
…
17.
Bxc6
Problem IV
+ +k+ p + p +n+l+ + + +P+ + + + p + + P + + L+ + + + + + + K
Rxc6
In the event of 17. ... Qxc6, White would have to guard c2 before Nd5 can be played. So add 1 bonus point for 18. Rf2.** Rad1
18.
…
Par Score: 7
Receive only 3 points part credit for the premature 18. Nd5. Rfc8
Add 2 bonus points for seeing 18. ... Qd4 19. Qg3 Qc4 20. Nd5 Bd8 21. f6 g6 22. Qe3!, with a mating attack. Receive an additional 3 bonus points if you took it further with 22. ... Kh8 23. b3! (aiming to push the queen away from e4 and e2) 23. ... Qc5 (if 23. ... Qxc2 24. Rc1) 24. Qh6 Rg8 25. Rd3 (the threat is 26. Qxh7+ Kxh7 27. Rh3 mate) 25. ... g5 26. Rh3, with inevitable mate.** 19.
Nd5
19.
…
20.
c3
20
…
21.
Ra1
Rac8 Par Score: 6
Problem VI Fork
r+ + +k+ + + +p+ +Q+ + q + +r+ + + + + + + + +pP + + P P + R + RK
…
18.
+ + +k+ q + + +p p+ + n Q +p+ + + + + + + + + + + P + RP+ + + + K
Mating net
r k +p+p + + +p+ + +Np + Q +P+ + + + q + + + nPP + + +RK 17.
+
+
+
Problem V
Mating net
+
Fork
+
Par Score: 6 Qd8 Par Score: 4
Par Score: 6
Accept no credit for other moves.
uschess.org
+ + + + +p+ + + k+ + + + p + N + r + + + + + +P+ + +K+ + R + + l
+
Problem III
Pin
Bxf6
Fischer targets the c6-bishop, which is currently pinned to the rook. Accept only 3 points part credit for 21. Nd5 Bxd5 22. Q or Bxd5. The piece White ultimately wants on d5 is the c3-knight.
16.
Problem II
Fork
ABCs of Chess
Be7 Par Score: 7
A nice, simple Fischer-like move. The rook has served its purpose at d1 (the black queen no longer can enter d4) and now looks for an open file. The d-file is not suitable; the d5-knight jams things up. The answer is open the a-file. There’s a convenient target at b5. Accept only 3
k r + + +p+ +p+ p+ p +p+ + +q+ +p P+ n + + +P+ +P+ +P+L+PP R +Q+ K
points part credit if you tried to force your way through on the kingside with 21. f6 Bxf6 22. Rxf6 gxf6 23. Rf1. 21.
…
22.
a4
22.
…
23.
Nxe7+
23.
…
f6
This is designed to prevent f5-f6, but there's a problem: the a2-g8 diagonal is weakened. On 21. ... Bf8 White continues his plan, 22. a4; and if 22. ... Rb8, then 23. Nb4 Rcb6 24. a5 R6b7 25. Nc6 (2 bonus points). Nor does 21. ... Rc4 22. b3 R4c6, followed by 23. a4 hold up White (1 bonus point).** Par Score: 5
White threatens to win a pawn by capturing twice on b5 (1 bonus point). Rb8
If Black instead takes, 22. ... bxa4, then 23. Rxa4, followed by doubling rooks on the a-file, will lead to the win of the a6pawn. Add 2 bonus points for so concluding. The advance 22. ... b4 doesn’t help either. White doesn’t take with the c-pawn, opening the file for the rooks, but simply 23. Nxb4 (1 bonus point). ** Par Score: 7 Black resigned
On 23. ... Qxe7 there follows 24. Qd5+ and 25. Qxc6, gaining a full rook (1 bonus point). It’s hard to play a rook down.
.
For scoring box, see page 71. Chess Life — January 2010
17
Cover Story
“My mom is the champion of America.” Anna Zatonskih defends her championship with style, dominating the field with a 2700+ performance rating. By FM Mike Klein
efore the first round of the 2009 U.S. Women’s Championship, top-seeded IM Anna Zatonskih professed an especially modest goal for a defending champion. She only wanted to finish the event. A stalwart Zatonskih did more than that, overwhelming nearly every other player with positional dominance and blistering counterattacks en route to victory and the $15,000 winner’s check. Returning to St. Louis for the first time since withdrawing from the U.S. Championship in May after two rounds for health reasons, Zatonskih compiled eight wins and one draw against the field, clinching the tournament with one round to spare. The tournament took place from October 3-13 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis. Her error-free play resulted in a 2700+ performance rating. Coupled with the statistically improbable low number of draws, the tournament pro-
B
18
Chess Life — January 2010
duced a sea change in domestic women’s chess. Playing for a record $64,500 prize fund, the ten competitors played 20 consecutive decisive games over the final four rounds, debunking any stereotypes of an effete style. “I think it is the strongest U.S. Championship I ever played,” Zatonskih said. “It is the best result of my chess career. I never had such a high performance [rating].” Motivation came in many forms. After her illness in May, tournament sponsor Rex Sinquefield and his wife Jeanne used their house as a makeshift infirmary before Zatonskih could fly back to her home in Germany. She later referred to them as her family in St. Louis. Zatonskih wanted to play well as a gesture toward both the Sinquefields’ hospitality and the exemplary conditions at the playing site and host hotel. She said the quality of the tournament organization “made me feel like I am doing something important ... They
treated us like celebrities!” Then there was her disastrous result in September in China at the Women’s World Team Championships, in which Zatonskih only scored two points in seven games. She had no wins and a performance rating nearly 500 points lower than in St. Louis as the American team limped to eighth place out of ten teams. One other reason for her inspired wire-to-wire title defense came from a desire to win fashionably. The drawing of lots at the opening ceremony morphed into the selection of scarves, and Zatonskih’s choice of a turquoise scarf resulted in getting more blacks than whites. “I was not happy about this,” she reasoned midway through the Championship, “but I really like the scarf, so this is the price to pay.” She ended a perfect 5-0 as Black. Zatonskih continually showed perspicacious opening preparation tailored to each opponent’s tendencies. In round
uschess.org
PHOTO: SUZY GORMAN
uschess.org
Chess Life — January 2010
19
Cover Story one, she sought to defuse the aggressiveness of WIM Iryna Zenyuk with a surprise, the Dutch Defense. The defending champion had not played it in four years, and though Zenyuk still found a way to sacrifice for the initiative, the early decisions in the opening left Zenyuk with too little time to find the right path. Zenyuk missed an equalizing pawn thrust and flagged in a lost position just before the time control. In round two, Zatonskih adopted another shrewd opening. Playing white, she uncorked the solid Fianchetto Variation of the King’s Indian Defense, stifling WIM Battsetseg Tsagaan’s position and inducing an unsound piece sacrifice. Zatonskih found a few easy defensive moves to consolidate her position, and she moved to 2-0. Her march to sole leader only took two games as every other woman already had a blemished record. Second-seeded IM Irina Krush could only muster a draw in her first game, and then she beat thirdseeded IM Rusudan Goletiani in the next round to puncture her hopes of keeping pace. For the next several rounds, the closest challengers came from two different generations, 41-year-old WGM Camilla Baginskaite (champion in 2000) and 18-year-old WIM Alisa Melekhina (playing in only her second championship), respectively the oldest and youngest players in the field. Chess fans with good memories circled the third round on their tournament calendar. Not only were the top two seeds slated to play, but it would also be the first encounter between Zatonskih and Krush since their infamous episode at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Championship. Last year the duo tied for first place and played a series of tiebreaker games that still left them deadlocked. During the final Armageddon blitz match, Zatonskih called Krush’s flag and claimed victory with a solitary second left on her clock. Nonplussed by what she perceived as unsporting manners during the final moves, Krush slapped her king across the room and rushed out of the room. The two did not speak for months until the chess Olympiad, when Krush claimed they began to reconcile for the team’s benefit (they were also teammates in China). Both women downplayed any special significance to the third round, but Krush, perhaps alluding to her behavior last year, allowed that she has come to view chess as an outlet for correcting items in her personality that she wished to improve. Going into the game, Krush said, “I’m going to let my moves do the talking.” Born of a stolid opening, the game produced the most memorable move of the tournament, sure to find its way into a tactics book soon. 20
Chess Life — January 2010
Queen’s Gambit Declined, Lasker’s Defense (D56) IM Irina Krush (2491) IM Anna Zatonskih (2470) 2009 U.S. Women's Championship (3) 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 0-0 7. e3 Ne4
Initiating the Lasker Defense, which Zatonskih used in China as well. 8. Bxe7 Qxe7 9. Rc1 Nxc3 10. Rxc3 c6 11. Qc2
According to GM-elect Ben Finegold, 11. Bd3 is more common but White is trying to make productive moves to induce ... dxc4 and not waste a tempo with the bishop. The position is unclear after 11. Bd3 dxc4 12. Bxc4 Nd7 13. 0-0 e5 14. Bb3 Re8 (FM Graham Burgess). 11. ... Nd7 12. cxd5?!
This lets Black’s bishop out too easily. White should begin to prepare for a minority attack by advancing a2-a3 and b2-b4. There is a plan with cxd5 but it usually involves putting the queen on b3 and recapturing with bxc3 on move 10. Then, White pressures b7 and can also advance with c3-c4. 12. ... exd5 13. Bd3 Nb6!
Most spectators assumed 13. ... Nf6, but Black's idea is to clog the c-file by playing ... Be6 and plopping the knight on c4 as soon as White gets in b2-b4. White has an edge after 13. ... Nf6 14. 0-0 Ne4 15. Bxe4 dxe4 16. Ne5 (Zatonskih). 14. 0-0 Be6 15. Rb1
Preparing b2-b4, perhaps with Nd2 first to prevent ... Nc4.
15. ... a5 16. Nd2 Nc8
Now that the knight has been blocked from c4, it heads to d6, where it will have the most options. 17. Ra3
The tournament had many rook levers, but this one has little point since Black wanted to play 17. ... Nd6 anyway, thereby connecting his rooks. Krush’s plan to pin the knight is also dubious. 17. ... Nd6 18. Qc5
Better is 18. Nb3 with the idea of Nc5 because ... b7-b6 gravely weakens the cpawn.
know how close his prediction would come to reality. 21. h3 Bf5 22. Bf1?
r+rq +k+ +p+ +pp +pn + p p Qp+l+ + P + + + R P +P PP N PP+ + R +LK
After 22. Bf1
White should admit his bishop is no longer better and simply trade into an equal game.
22. ... b5!!
r+rq +k+ + + +pp +pn + p ppQp+l+ + P + + + R P +P PP N PP+ + R +LK
After 22. ... b5
The move of the tournament. It is hard to see the idea for many reasons: ... Nb7 had previously not been legal, and Black normally would never want to move his bpawn off the protection of c6. The threat is simply 23. ... Nb7 24. Qa3 b4. White's rooks are too cumbersome to give the queen any room to breathe. 23. Rb3?
It is hard to fault Krush after such a shocking turn of events. Assistant arbiter Chris Bird said her “eyes were working overtime” to find a solution. In fact, her best practical chance is the paradoxical 23. Bd3 right back where it came from! 23. ... Nb7 24. Bxf5 Nxc5 25. Bxc8 Rxc8 26. Rxc5 when White may hold by not allowing a queen breakthrough.
23. ... Nb7 24. Qa3 b4 25. Qa4 c5
18. ... Qc7 19. Rc3 Rfc8 20. Rbc1
25. ... Bd7 also wins after 26. Rd3 c5 27. Qd1 c4 but White can last longer than in the game with 26. Rc5.
20. ... Qd8
26. dxc5 Nxc5 27. Qb5 Rab8!
Unknowingly entombing the queen.
Here Finegold joked that if White played 21. a3 to prepare b2-b4, then Black could win the queen with 21. ... b6. Little did he
Accurate until the end—this wins a whole rook. 28. Qe2 a4, White resigned. uschess.org
The Opposition
WIM Iryna Zenyuk Rating: 2271
IM Rusudan Goletiani Rating: 2437
IM Irina Krush Rating: 2490
WGM Camilla Baginskaite Rating: 2356
WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor Rating: 2379
WIM Battsetseg Tsagaan Rating: 2265
WFM Tatev Abrahamyan Rating: 2342
Yun Fan Rating: 2134
PHOTOS BY BETSY DYNAKO
WIM Alisa Melekhina Rating: 2253
uschess.org
Chess Life — January 2010
21
Cover Story
AT A GLANCE
Mariupol, Ukraine City (Adult) Championship
1991:
Bulgarian Women’s Champion
1993:
Third Place World Junior Championship (Girls Under 16)
1994:
Awarded WGM title
1999:
Ukrainian Women’s Champion
2001:
Ukrainian Women’s Co-champion
2002:
Chess Olympiad silver medal with U.S. team
2004:
Chess Olympiad bronze medal with U.S. team and individual gold medal
2008:
U.S. Women’s champion
2006, 2008, 2009:
22
Chess Life — January 2010
(see game top of next column)
King’s Indian Defense, Classical Variation (E94) WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor (2383) WIM Alisa Melekhina (2291) 2009 U.S. Women's Championship (4) Notes by GM-elect Ben Finegold 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3
Foisor surprises us once again by avoiding her usual Saemisch variation with 5. f3.
5. ... 0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. Be3 Na6 8. 0-0 Ng4
In round two, Foisor got this position against Tatev Abrahamyan. However, the move order was slightly different (7. 0-0 Na6 8. Be3 Ng4). Melekhina said she looked at ths line, and thought she could improve on Black’s play.
9. Bg5 Qe8 10. c5 h6 11. Bh4 exd4 12. Nxd4 dxc5 13. Nb3 c4
This was Melekhina’s prepared improvement. The idea is to stop White from destroying the black pawn structure on the queenside with the usual Bxa6 ideas (as seen in the Abrahamyan game: 13. ... g5 14. Bg3 Ne5 15. Bxa6 bxa6 16. Nd5 Rb8 17. Nxc7 Qa4 18. Qd6 Rb6 19. Qxc5 Rc6 20. Qxa7 Nd3 21. Nd5 Kh8 22. e5 Nxe5 23. Nc3 Qb4 24. Rae1 Nd3 25. Re4 Qb6 26. Qxb6 Rxb6 27. h4 Nxb2 28. Be5 Bb7 29. Bxg7+ Kxg7 30. Re2 Nd3 31. hxg5 hxg5 32. Rd2 Nf4 33. f3 Rh8 34. Ne2 Nxe2+ 35. Rxe2 Bd5 36. Re5 Bxb3 37. axb3 f6 38. Ra5 ½-½ Foisor-Abrahamyan). 14. Bxc4 Nb4
r+l+qrk+ ppp +pl + + +pp + + + + nL+P+nL +NN + + PP + PPP R +Q+RK
After 14. ... Nb4
15. Bb5
Played after long thought (apparently, a novelty—M.K.). During the live commentary, I did not understand this move. However, Melekhina thought it was a fantastic improvement! If Black tries the “obvious” 15. ... c6, then Alisa was worried about 16. Be2, and the ... Nb4 has trouble finding a safe haven, after 17. a3.
15. ... Nc6?
Pinning the knight cannot be correct. uschess.org
PHOTO: SUZY GORMAN
Zatonskih
After most matches, a phlegmatic Zatonskih usually entered the press room shyly, head down, claiming almost accidental success. But after the relative ease and relief of the match with Krush, she exuded more excitement. She did not let reporters finish their questions before beginning her answers, and gave rapidfire variations through her glistening lip gloss. She called 22. ... b5 a “very unusual tactic.” Grandmaster-elect commentator Ben Finegold admitted he overlooked ... b7-b5 “and it wasn’t the first move I overlooked in this game. It was just shocking—such a great move.” “... b7-b5 doesn’t come in my mind first,” Zatonskih said. “But it’s only two moves. I’m kind of upset I didn’t find it sooner. I’m a very emotional person. I went to bed early and tried to calm down.” She said that she sequestered herself from chess media during the event, not wanting to read her name in print. Zatonskih deflected questions of whether she could go 9-0 or even tie Krush’s outstanding score of 8½/9 at the 1998 Championship. She speculated that 7½ would be the winning score, as it was for her last year. Little did she know how close she would come to perfection. The win meant that Zatonskih has still never lost to Krush in a classical time control. Baginskaite could only draw Goletiani but Melekhina ended a streak of two draws by winning. Both women had one win and a pair of draws, while WGM Sabina Foisor held sole second with two wins and a draw. Round four turned into moving day at the Championship, as all four undefeated women met over the board. Zatonskih had White versus Baginskaite and Foisor took White against Melekhina. Zatonskih, who is notoriously hard to prepare for, threw another curveball with a prepared novelty on move 13. Baginskaite said even her husband, GM Alex Yermolinsky, cannot guess Zatonskih’s openings. As became her convention, the defending champion gained a sizeable advantage on the clock, and after Baginskaite went in the tank for 40 minutes on one move, Zatonskih had nearly an extra hour to figure out how to turn the screws. Though always slightly worse, Baginskaite talked her position back from the edge and drew to keep the gap between her and Zatonskih at one point. Melekhina-Foisor thus became a battle for second. In a battle of Drexel versus UMBC, the two college students played a tactical melee. Though Foisor found a strong novelty, Melekhina was not fazed. “I play better when I get in worse positions,” she said.
Black should bite the bullet and either move her queen or play 15. ... c6. The long think Foisor spent over her accidental novelty pays off quickly. 16. h3
Even better is the immediate 16. Nd5! which we expected in the commentary room. If Black tries 16. ... Qxe4, then 17. f3! is most annoying. 16. ... Nf6?!
In the commentary room, we were looking at 16. ... Bxc3 17. bxc3 Qe5 18. hxg4 Qxb5. Rybka thinks this line is best, and that only holds a small advantage. 17. Re1 Nh5 18. Nd5
I thought 18. e5 was stronger, but, Rybka agrees with Foisor’s choice. White has a clear advantage.
18. ... Qe5 19. Rc1! Re8?
This loses immediately. Black is worse, but still fighting after the expected 19. ... Qxb2. 20. Rxc6?
Throws away the win. In the commentary room, we all thought 20. Na5! won outright. I asked Melekhina after the game, and, she agreed, and expected Foisor to play this way. Rybka is absolutely giddy after 20. Na5 Be6 21. Nc4 Qd4 22. Qxd4 Bxd4 23. Nxc7, but now, after the text move, White is only a little better. 20. ... bxc6 21. Bxc6 Be6 22. Bxa8 Rxa8
r+ + +k+ p p +pl + +l+pp + +Nq +n + +P+ L +N+ + +P PP + PP+ + +QR K
After 22. ... Rxa8
23. Bd8!?
A bolt from the blue, and probably the reason Foisor went in for 20. Rxc6. Black needs to play 23. ... c6 now, and after 24. Ne7+ Kh7 25. Nxc6 Qxb2, the game is about equal. Alisa thinks she sees a win, and plays too aggressively with ... 23. ... Bxh3? 24. Nxc7?
24. f4! A very difficult move to find! 24. ... Qe6 (24. ... Nxf4 25. Bxc7; 24. ... Qxb2 25. gxh3) 25. Bxc7 Bg4 26. Qd2.
24. ... Bg4! uschess.org
Now the players were in time trouble, as the game has been so tactically rich. 25. Qd2 Rc8 26. Rc1?
Loses. Best was the unusual 26. Na6, and White is worse, but not losing. Now, it's all over. 26. ... Qf4! 27. Qd3 Be5 28. g3 Qf3!
Melekhina had seen this idea when playing 26. ... Qf4.
29. Qxf3 Bxf3
White loses a piece, and the rest is easy for Black. 30. Rc5 Rxd8 31. Nd5
31. Rxe5?? Rd1+.
31. ... Bxe4 32. Ne3 Bxb2 33. Rc7 a6 34. Nc5 Bf3 35. Nxa6 Ra8 36. Nb4 Ba3 37. Nbc2 Bd6 38. Rd7 Bc5 39. Ne1 Bxe3 40. Nxf3 Bc5 41. Rc7 Bf8 42. Rc2 Bg7 43. Kg2 Nf6 44. Ne5 Nd5 45. Nd3 Ra3 46. Nc1 Rc3 47. Rd2 Nf4+ 48. gxf4 Rxc1 49. Rd8+ Kh7 50. Rd7 f5 51. Ra7 h5 52. a4 Kh6 53. a5 Rc2 54. Rd7 Ra2 55. Rd5 Bc3, White resigned.
With Zatonskih at 3½/4, Melekhina jumped to sole second with 3/4. “I wasn’t expecting to have such a good start,” Melekhina said. “It’s dangerous to start thinking about [winning] this early in the tournament.” Though humility prevailed with most players throughout the event, Melekhina had more reason than most to expect a good result. She entered the championship as a newly-crowned gold medalist. Representing the U.S. in her first international team event, she was heavily utilized as the team’s fourth board at the Women’s World Team Championships. Melekhina played three 2400s and went undefeated over six games, playing at a level almost 250 points above her rating. Her win against a Chinese WGM secured the match win for the Americans in the team’s lone bright spot of the event. “Alisa made a very strong impression on me during the World Team Championship,” said U.S. Coach GM Gregory Kaidanov. “Unfortunately her opening preparation is much weaker than her overall chess skill.” To help make up for this, Melekhina trotted out some variety in her openings, using new systems at the U.S. Women’s Championship. Melekhina survived the next big test of the event, playing a solid draw against Goletiani in round five. She used the c3Sicilian for the second time in the event, as opposed to her usual Closed Sicilian, but Goletiani said she did not see the first incarnation. The action reached a heightened state during the time control period of the fifth round, as all ten women were at or below five minutes with ten moves remaining.
Everyone made the mark, and once again Zatonskih outplayed an opponent in an otherwise evenhanded middlegame. This time her victim was fellow China and Olympiad teammate WFM Tatev Abrahamyan, but the lesson was basic— opposite-colored bishops favor the attacker. Krush continued to struggle, only managing to draw against good friend Zenyuk. The two Iri(y)nas met at the 2007 U.S. Women’s Championship. As roommates, Krush said she observed Zenyuk’s fighting spirit and unbridled will to find every available resource. Many of the women at the championship count their fellow players as friends, and the two Irinas are especially close—after the sudden thirdround loss to Zatonskih, Krush waited at her board for about an hour until Zenyuk finished her game. Zenyuk overlooked 23. b4, but true to Krush’s description of her, she found an obscure defense culminating with 26. ... Ba2! that gave her enough complications to make the win too hard to find in time pressure. An obscure defense IM Irina Krush (2491) WIM Iryna Zenyuk (2276) 2009 U.S. Women's Championship (5)
+r+ +k+ pr+ pplp + +l+p+ +q+ + + +pPp+ + + P P LP PQ+LPP+ R + R K
After 22. ... Qxb5
23. b4!
Burned by the b-pawn once, now Krush uses the unexpected thrust herself.
23. ... cxb3 e.p.!?
Objectively best, otherwise White will have a free hand to attack all the weak black pawns now that there is no more backward pawn on b2.
24. Bxb5 bxc2 25. Ba6 Rb1 26. Bxc8 Ba2!
The amazing point of Black’s 23rd move. Down a rook and with White seemingly guarding against promotion, Black puts his bishop en prise with the idea of trading rooks on a1 and playing ... Bb1. 27. Raxb1
Forced ...
Chess Life — January 2010
23
Cover Story 27. ... cxb1=Q 28. Rxb1 Bxb1 29. c4 e5 30. d5 Ba2
30. ... Kf8 may be an improvement, but both players were down to less than one minute and were playing largely on instinct. 31. Ba6?
Missing the first win—Krush mentioned some analysis in the post-mortem where she would actually lose by allowing the advance of the a-pawn. With the seconds ticking away, 31. Ba6 is a very human choice, taking away the possibility of the dreaded third result. White wins with 31. d6 Bxc4 (31. ... Bf8 32. c5 f6 33. Bb7! would also eventually win) 32. Bh4! Bb5 33. d7 Bxd7 34. Bxd7. 31. ... f6 32. d6 Kf7 33. c5 Bf8 34. f4 exf3 e.p. 35. gxf3
Which piece should Black put on e6?
35. ... Ke6?!
The bishop may have preferred to go here in light of the game continuation. 36. Be1 Kd5
This should lose quickly. 36. ... Bd5 was the only other chance. 37. Bb4?
37. d7 Be7 38. Ba5 and White would win prosaically. 37. ... Kc6 38. Kf2 Be6 39. h4 f5 40. Ba3 h6 41. Bd3
+
p
+
l
+
+ + + +kPl+pp + P pp+ + + + P L +LPP+ + + K + + + + +
After 41. Bd3
41. ... Bg7!
The waiting move matters! Black avoids any pitfalls with the unattended f8bishop. White picks off a piece after 41. ... Bc8 42. Bc2 Kb5 43. c6! Kxc6 44. d7.
ing a win part of a “never ending disappointment.” Zenyuk, who is in graduate school, said she usually awakens at 6:30 a.m. to study chess. “It’s insane, but it pays off,” she said. Baginskaite kept pace by eking out a long victory over Yun Fan, who recently moved to the U.S. to attend college in Indiana. Fan’s inexperience in high level tournaments landed her in severe time trouble for most of the tournament. Foisor dropped her second game in a row, this time to Tsagaan, so the three-woman troika of Zatonskih (4½), Baginskaite (3½) and Melekhina (3½) all remained undefeated, with an important battle looming after the coming rest day. In round six, Zatonskih took white against Melekhina. Zatonskih again tried to diffuse the King’s Indian bomb with her tournament-favorite, the Fianchetto System. Melekhina took the non-classical approach of playing ... Bd7 followed by ... Qc8. Her unorthodox idea has good company; the maneuver is similar to an idea that GM Hikaru Nakamura used with success at both Foxwoods 2009 and as white (with Bd2, Qc1) against 2650+ GM Pentala Harikrishna at the 2008 Chess Olympiad. For her part, Zatonskih played a near flawless game that featured her favorite move of the tournament. Though in stark contrast to the tactical shot ... b5 versus Krush, her move appeals to more Karpovian sensibilities, not surprising since Zatonskih’s father, a former coach, used to study his games. Karpovian IM Anna Zatonskih (2470) WIM Alisa Melekhina (2291) 2009 U.S. Women'’s Championship (6)
+r+r+k+ p + ppl p +n+ + + +NP pq +P+ + + +P+ + R PL + Q P + + +RK
After 40. ... g5
42. Bc2
Now Black just needs to keep control of the a4-e8 diagonal to hold the balance.
42. ... Kb5 43. Bd3+ Kc6 44. Bc2 Kb5 45. Bd3+ Kc6, Draw agreed.
With her chances to win the event now basically nonexistent, Krush called miss24
Chess Life — January 2010
41. a4!
Only a deep understanding of the position gives credence to Zatonskih’s idea. She reasoned that most of Black’s pieces are tied down to defense, except the c8rook. The ... b6-b5 lever is Black’s only source of counterplay, which would loosen the outposted knight on d5 and open the
c-file for a later rook invasion to the second rank. White takes time out from offensive operations to prevent any queenside turmoil. This was an especially important idea considering how saavy Melekhina has become at fighting back from worse positions. Though more of a body blow compared to her round three ... b7-b5 uppercut, Zatonskih called this her favorite move of the tournament. 41. ... Rcd8 42. Qf5 Qg6 43. Qg4 Kh7 44. h4 Bh6 45. Qf3 Rf8
The next few moves show the culmination of White’s suffocation—Melekhina tosses in all of her kingside pawns to try to avoid being run over. 46. h5 Qc2 47. Rg2 g4 48. Qxg4 Rg8 49. Rxf7+ Kh8 50. Rxc2 Rxg4+ 51. Rg2 Rxg2+ 52. Kxg2 Nf4+ 53. Nxf4 Rd2+ 54. Kf3 Rxb2 55. Ng6+ Kg8 56. Rxe7 Rxb3+
+
+
+k+ p + R + p + +Nl + + P +P P+P+ + + +r+ +K+ + + + + + + + +
After 56. ... Rxb3+
But the counterplay is too late—White’s e-pawn is too fast.
57. Ke4 Rb4 58. Rc7 Rxa4 59. e6 Ra1 60. Rc8+ Kg7 61. e7 Re1+ 62. Kd5 Kf7 63. Rf8+, Black resigned.
“Alisa defended her position very well,” Zatonskih said. “Even in a very bad position, she came up with some very interesting ideas. “I don’t know why her rating is only 2220 (FIDE). It is paradoxical to me. She is very underrated. She has more energy to me.” After the event, Melekhina said that the King’s Indian Defense might be the next opening that she may strike from her repertoire. Round six also began a streak of a score of decisive games. The twenty consecutive drawless contests may be unprecedented in a tournament of this caliber, and several spectators in attendance noted that Bobby Fischer’s ridiculous streak of consecutive wins in candidates matches was “only” 19. The games of the Championship petered out without a victor only ten times out of 45, for a draw rate of 22 percent. Finegold, along with tournament chairperson WGM Jennifer Shahade, gave live uschess.org
Zatonskih taking blindfold chess literally.
Ceremonies Fit for a Queen ST. LOUIS, A CITY FOUNDED BY THE FRENCH, OFFERED a veritable mélange of activities to promote and enhance the round robin main event. Kicking off the fortnight was the “Queens of Jazz” concert at the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis, where the ladies and tournament staff “dressed to the nines” for performances by platinum composer, crooner and Tonynominee Ann Hampton Calloway and guest Denise Thimes (Denise is from St. Louis, also a vocalist). The following day at the same location, the community got a chance to face off against the women in a “Bounty Blitz” event, whereupon only a few highly rated tournament players nicked the women for a spot draw or an even rarer win. In the highlight of the day’s festivities, Anna Zatonskih conducted a blindfold simultaneous, scoring 50 and setting the tone for the remainder of the event. Also fitting was that the last man standing was club founder and president, Rex Sinquefield. That evening, in a drawing of lots tailored to the championship, players chose from designer scarves—on each, a pairing number was stitched. The players were then blindfolded on stage, sat on alternating red and silver chairs and contested a five versus 5 group blindfold blitz game. Black won with the Najdorf but all ten ladies got a standing ovation for their efforts. After round five, the off-day was in name only. The players attending a morning breakfast to jump start the “Chess for Life” program, meant to use the game to help patients in a hospital setting. A pair of simultaneous exhibitions for children followed at a local science center and at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis. Many women then chose glamour over rest by attending a fashion shoot with oversized chess pieces in the landscape. At the closing ceremony, organizers rented the top floor of the host hotel. The executive director of the chess club, Tony Rich, presided and awarded checks and special prizes. Zatonskih won the best game honors for her win over Melekhina and made it a clean sweep by winning the fighting chess award. The mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay also spoke. Jeanne Sinquefield got the biggest laugh when she said she originally allowed her husband, Rex, to play chess again, figuring it was cheaper than most activities. Rex Sinquefield is the main sponsor of both the chess club and the 2009 U.S. Women’s Championship and 2009 and 2010 U.S. Championship. At the close of the ceremony, players gave a standing ovation when USCF Executive Director Bill Hall announced that the USCF and Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis had agreed in principal to host the 2010 U.S. Women’s Championship. The women headed downstairs to dance the night away. The championship events continued for one more day, as Zatonskih and Sinquefield played a new kind of chess at the Chance Aesthetics Show at the Kemper Art Museum. Roulette chess, which was created by Jennifer Shahade and curator Larry List, was inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s wish that chess and chance ought to meet in the middle. Zatonskih’s luck was finally mitigated by a spinning wheel; Sinquefield held the draw. uschess.org
Chess Life — January 2010
25
Cover Story commentary during each round. “Of all the round robins I’ve seen, this has had the most fighting chess,” Finegold said. Tournament rules prohibit draw offers before move 30, and Zatonskih admitted that in at least three of her games, she would have offered draws before then if she were allowed (she called the rule “very good for chess”). She also said that women played more attacking chess than men. The prize structure may have also dictated play—every place earned different payouts, so even a half point could mean as much as a few thousand dollars, much more than the amount that many weekend Swisses offer for first place. In other round six action, Fan began her good second half play with her first point, and Krush won a “creative struggle” with 2. ... a6, the offbeat O’Kelly Sicilian, an opening she first prepared for the final round of the 2007 U.S. Women’s Championship. “Some lines you just have affection for,” Krush said. “I was just attracted by the fact that on move two Black can just avoid mainstream theory.” It was her first win since round two. Melekhina’s loss took her out of the hunt for first, but Baginskaite benefited from Zenyuk’s ill-timed eschewal of a three-fold repetition. Her will to win hurt her on this occasion. The game’s continuation resulted in an easily winning endgame for Baginskaite, who still lurked only one point behind the leader. She remained one mistake away from the top of the tables. Round seven could not produce a change at the top either. Zatonskih won, but again Baginskaite kept pace. Zatonskih’s game had similarities to her round five win—she attacked on the dark squares as black and again defeated a teammate from the U.S. women’s team. Reti Opening (A09) IM Rusudan Goletiani (2429) IM Anna Zatonskih (2470) 2009 U.S. Women’s Championship (7) Notes by GM-elect Ben Finegold from Tournament Bulletin 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. g3 Nc6 4. Bg2 e5 5. d3 Nf6 6. 0-0
A sort of Reverse Benoni. The fact that Black has not played ... c7-c5 early, means that she can maneuver her knight to that square.
commentary, but, White also plays 10. Nbd2 in this position. I thought the text move made more sense, and White can play Nc2 later, attacking d4, preparing b2b4, and the Qd1 protects the d3 pawn, unlike when White plays the knight to d2. 10. ... Nc5 11. Ne5 Nxe5 12. Rxe5 c6 13. Nc2 a5 14. b3 Bd6
r+lq rk+ +p+ +ppp +pl + + p n R + +Pp + + +P+P+ P P+N+ PLP R LQ+ K
After 14. ... Bd6
Surprisingly, this has all been played before! White played 15. Re1 in the game Barle-Mikhalchisin, 1995, which Black eventually won. Here, I suggested 15. Rh5 in the commentary room, but, I thought it was more of a “fun, blitz move” than a serious move. Imagine my surprise when that is exactly what Goletiani played! After the game, Zatonskih said she thought 15. Rh5 was fine. 15. Rh5!? Ne6
This is what I expected during the live commentary. Rybka prefers 15. ... g6.
16. Bb2 Be7 17. Re5 Bf6 18. Re1
After a little detour, the rook finds a reasonable home on e1. Zatonskih has done well to protect her d4-pawn, and now, she completes development with simple moves. 18. ... Qb6 19. Rb1 Bd7
I thought the position was about equal, and Zatonskih agreed. Now, Goletiani plays a move I did not like, but, she thought it was okay, but that her later 24. f4? was to blame. I dislike moving the pawns in front of White’s king, as it seems to weaken her king more than it does to put pressure on Black’s king. 20. h4!? c5
Anna solidifies her d4-pawn, and at the same time attempts to trade off the strong Bg2.
21. Qh5 Bc6 22. Bh3?
This is the most common move in the position. White wants to open up the center whilst Black has yet to castle.
Jen (Shahade) did not like this move. She thought giving away the a8-h1 diagonal was more important than the pressure White gets with Bh3. I agree.
7. ... Be7 8. exd4 exd4 9. Re1 0-0 10. Na3
22. ... g6 23. Qg4 Rfe8 24. f4?
6. ... Nd7 7. e3
I expected this move when doing live
26
Chess Life — January 2010
This is the losing move. Now White has
too many weaknesses around her king. Zatonskih’s play hereafter is aggressive and accurate. 24. ... Ng7 25. Qd1 Nh5 26. Kh2 Qc7 27. Bg4?
Losing quickly. A spectator in the live audience suggested 27. Qg4! which allows White to still play on. Now Zatonskih executes a brutal sacrificial mating attack. 27. ... Nxf4! 28. Rf1
28. gxf4 Qxf4+ 29. Kh3 Qf2.
28. ... Be5! 29. gxf4 Bxf4+ 30. Kh3
The alternatives fare no better: 30. Kg1 Bh2+ 31. Kf2 Qg3 mate; 30. Rxf4 Qxf4+ 31. Kh3 h5.
30. ... h5! 31. Bxh5 gxh5 32. Qxh5 Bd7+! 33. Kg2 Ra6!
Normally, I do not give exclamation points to so many moves, but, in this game, Zatonskih played so many powerful/best moves, it is easy to see why she has 6½-½!
34. Rf3 Rg6+ 35. Kf1 Bg4 36. Qd5 Re5, White resigned.
+ + +k+ +pq +p+ + + +r+ p pQr + +Pp llP +P+P+R+ PLN+ + + +R+ +K+
An incredible final position
“In the beginning, I was happy with a draw,” Zatonskih said. “I have a very bad score with Goletiani.” In fact, Zatonskih had never defeated her before this game. With Zatonskih refusing to falter, an interesting subplot became the focus. The battle for second place began in earnest—the winner would earn a few extra thousand dollars and the second of two automatic invitations to the Women’s World Championships, to be held next year in Turkey. Baginskaite held the inside track with 5½, but Krush won her second game in a row to get to 4½ and the two were scheduled to meet in the next round. Melekhina equaled Krush’s 4½ by rebounding with a win of her own. “I’m not chasing Anna [Zatonskih] so much anymore,” said Baginskaite. “Realistically it will be difficult to catch her.” The race to qualify bunched up even tighter in round eight. Krush coolly rebuffed Baginskaite’s rare Chigorin Defense in their head-to-held duel. The victory pulled the two women into a tie for uschess.org
Left to right: Sabina-Francesca Foisor, Yun Fan, Irina Krush (top), Iryna Zenyuk (in front of Krush), Rusudan Goletiani, Battsetseg Tsagaan, Camilla Baginskaite, Alisa Melekhina, Anna Zatonskih (lying down), and Tatev Abrahamyan
Making it special The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis rolled the red carpet down the d-file for the ten queens of American chess. With an attentive eye toward professionalism and finery, the organizational team made this a championship to cherish for the ladies. “The organization and planning that went into this event was evident, and produced the most professional atmosphere out of any tournament I’ve participated in,” said Melekhina. “The small details that went into ensuring the players were treated not only with respect, but like celebrities, was amazing.” Zatonskih and others echoed the feeling of being in the limelight. Players eagerly attended elaborate opening and closing ceremonies, and most took advantage of the off-day to attend a glamorous photo shoot. Afterward, players studied their proofs with about as much scrutiny as their games, nixing some shots while showing off their favorites. Tournament participants, including commentators and arbiters Carol Jarecki and Chris Bird, were all treated to private suites at the Chase Park Plaza, a hotel with numerous accolades in a trendy neighborhood (Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi gave a $2,400 per person fundraising event at the Chase during the tournament, held in the same penthouse ballroom as the championship’s clos-
uschess.org
ing ceremonies). The Chase also features a first-rate spa and gym as well as an art-house movie theater. Melekhina called the hotel “posh” and the transportation to and from the airport “luxurious.” After several rounds, players wanting to explore the city were given chauffeured car service. Sumptuous daily catering for players and spectators came from the artisan bakery next door and tournament sponsor Rex Sinquefield commonly hosted after-round dinners at local white-tablecloth restaurants. Melekhina added, “Even things usually taken for granted such as having comfortable playing conditions, which included comfortable room temperature, each game having a roomy, individual table with a separate table behind it for placing belongings and drinks, and having professional wooden chess sets and digital clocks provided made a difference.” Rich said the chess tables were custom-made and designed specifically for the club. The club also offered more than a dozen flat-screen televisions which broadcasted games live, a documentary film group that followed the action, and a support staff that Melekhina said promptly addressed any player concerns. The daily personnel on hand to assist players included two arbiters, three commentators, two security guards, two caterers, and a club staff of about ten.
Chess Life — January 2010
27
Cover Story second and it was Baginskaite’s first loss of the event. After the game, Baginskaite remained at her board for ten minutes, reviewing her notation and longingly searching for the answers that she could not find during the game. Melekhina lost to Zenyuk and fell one point off the pace for second. Zatonskih’s inexorable march to her second title in as many years also ended in round eight. She played the longest game of the round, and though she only needed a draw to clinch first place, she was never in danger at the end and fittingly played for the win, as she had done all tournament. “I could easily spoil everything ... I was playing for a draw, as safe as I can,” she said of her initial play. “But I realized it’s not any way to play chess.” By refusing to settle, she was rewarded with a chance to win the title in style. The final blow reminded many of Shirov’s 47. ... Bh3 against Topalov in Linares 1998. Though ranking as one of the best moves of all time on several lists, Zatonskih could not recall ever seeing the move! Recalling Shirov WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor (2383) IM Anna Zatonskih (2470) 2009 U.S. Women's Championship (8)
+
+
+
+ + + + +p +k+ + + + +pLl+ p+ P + + + + +P+p + K + + + + + +
After 56. Be5
king would be mated. She also reasoned that her opponent would not be so reckless as to “bluff,” so Krush made the decision to decline the offer and walk her king to the middle of the board. She lost shortly thereafter. Abrahamyan’s “mistake” (she later said she did not see her opponent’s winning variation either) produced her third win in a row. Of the fighting chess exhibited over the final four rounds, she benefited the most. Abrahamyan started round seven in a tie for last and finished the tournament in clear fifth—fighting chess netted her $6,000, or $4,000 more than if she had remained in the cellar. Melekhina kept her longshot hopes of qualifying when Tsagaan allowed a mating tactic in time pressure. Melekhina gained a substantial amount of time in the opening by again expanding her repertoire; she played 1. d4 for the first time in her life, wanting to finally be on the white side of a King’s Indian. Maybe youth is blessed with confidence—at the U.S. Championship, Robert Hess, then still an IM, trotted out his first ever Sicilian against GM Gata Kamsky. Tsagaan lamented her slow play but insisted that the Championship is also her vacation. “My husband keeps saying, just make the first 20 moves in one hour, but it never happens,” Tsagaan said with a laugh. Melekhina and Krush now had to wait to see if Baginskaite would falter; looming was a potentially messy three-way tiebreaker to decide who would go to the World Championships. Baginskaite played the longest game of the round, but the tournament’s elder stateswoman removed the drama by eventually grinding down Foisor to clinch clear second. “I did not expect Krush to lose,” Baginskaite said. “It was very likely I would need to win today.” She said overcoming
56. ... Be4!, White resigned.
White resigned since 57. fxe4 (57. Kc3 Kb5 58. Bg3 Bxf3 59. Bh2 Bd1 60. Bg3 a3 61. Bh2 a2 62. Kb2 Bb3 and White’s paralyzed pieces cannot stop a king invasion; 57. f4 h2) 57. ... dxe4 58. Ke3 Kd5.
+
+ +p + + + + + +kL + p+ Pp+ + + + K +p + + + + + + + + +
+
+
+
+
Analysis after 58. ... Kd5
Zatonskih expressed relief—the pressure from playing from the leader’s spot was finally over. “I’m very glad that in my last round I don’t need anything,” she said. “I don’t even need a draw.” The title decided, now the trip to Turkey was the only final-round drama. Several games produced severe time pressure, curious since the 40/2 SD/1 controls are more leisurely than the international standard of Game/90 that many of the players are accustomed to. Krush had the worst final-round time management of the leaders—she had only 30 seconds to make six moves. She made a host of small mistakes leading up to move 40, capped by a bit of bad luck on her 38th move. Her opponent, Abrahamyan, was also low on time and sacrificed a rook confidently and quickly to break through Krush’s pawn shelter around her king. There were two lines to consider after capturing the rook—Krush only had time to look at one, and saw her
2009 U.S. WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP #
1 2
3
October 3-13, 2009 Chess Club and Scholastic Center, St. Louis, Missouri Chief Tournament Director: Carol Jarecki Player
USCF
FIDE
1
2
Camilla Baginskaite
2356
2317
½
XX
Anna Zatonskih
Alisa Melekhina
2492
2253
2462
2220
XX
0
½
½
3
4
5
6
½
0
1
1
XX
0
1
XX
1
XX
1
½
1
1
4
Irina Krush
2490
2458
0
1
½
6
Sabina-Francesca Foisor 2379
2320
0
0
0
0
½
Iryna Zenyuk
2285
0
0
1
½
0
5
7
8
9
Tatev Abrahamyan Rusudan Goletiani
Battsetseg Tsagaan
10 Yun Fan 28
2342 2437
2271
2265
2134
Chess Life — January 2010
2275 2391
2258
1935
0 0
0
0
0 ½ 0
0
0
½ 0
0
1
0
0
½
XX
½ 0
1
1
1
7
8
½
1
1
1
1
½
9
10
1
1
½
1
½
1
0
1
XX
½
1
0
XX
1
0
½
½
0
XX
1
0
½
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1 1 1
XX
1
Score 8½
6½
1
5½
0
4
0
3½
1
5½ 3½ 3
2½ 2½ uschess.org
PHOTOS: BETSY DYNAKO
Irina Krush (on floor) and Iryna Zenyuk dance the night away at the closing ceremonies.
her round eight defeat was “psychologically difficult” and she decided to refocus on the final round without regard to tournament standing (she did not even know the complex tiebreaker format).When asked why she did not take a draw to ensure qualification after Krush’s loss, Baginskaite seemed to regard such an action as impure. “I couldn’t see any way for [Foisor] to hold. Why should I agree to a draw? It’s about self-respect. You have to win this position.” She added that even Kasparov once offered a draw in a winning position to clinch a world championship against Karpov. Then came her most shocking revelation of the tournament: she did not use a computer to prepare for any of her games. “I remember I had some very bad tournaments where I studied too much,” Baginskaite said. “As for preparation itself, there is really no substitute for daily work.” In her game with Zatonskih, her opponent knew she played the opening the same as from a game in 1994, but uschess.org
Baginskaite had forgotten! With a score of 6½, she earned her first international master norm, a $12,000 payday, and she punched her ticket to Turkey in December, 2010. “This will be good incentive to buy my own laptop!” Zatonskih’s victory lap went as smoothly as her previous eight games. Though she admitted nerves, she used her last-round spatial advantage to once again overwhelm an opponent. Her win over Fan typified her play over the ten days, and her score of 8½/9 was the highest since Krush’s similar tally in 1998. The 2009 performance was more sensational in that the average rating was nearly 100 points higher than in 1998, and this year was the first championship in which every player was a master. Zatonskih, however, discounted the significance of the winning score (which won the championship by two points) by continually alluding to Anna Aksharumova, who won with a perfect score in 1987. Zatonskih did say it was
the strongest U.S. Women’s Championship field that she had ever faced. “I concentrated on every game without thinking about my points,” she said. Her celebration schedule was almost as long as the tournament. Zatonskih celebrated with her friends/fellow players after she clinched in round eight, then again after the finale, then once more after arriving back home in Germany, where her parents were visiting for the first time, and a final time after her husband, GM Daniel Fridman, finished the European Team Championships. Despite the five collegians competing, the two women who qualified for the Women’s World Championship, Zatonskih and Baginskaite, were two of the three oldest women in the event. “It is a pleasure to feel young competing with a younger generation and still be able to beat them,” Zatonskih said. “I am glad that two mothers qualified ... It means we can have a family and play good chess at the same time.” Baginskaite has two school-aged children. While Zatonskih is a chess professional (she jokingly called herself a “professional mom”), Baginskaite is studying to become an art teacher. Prior to the event, she said that she wanted to become serious about chess again, especially once her children get more self-sufficient. She said after learning of her norm, “now I almost have an obligation to play more often.” Zatonskih’s daughter is two and necessarily was not old enough to understand when her mother won the title in 2008. This year, upon returning home, Zatonskih’s parents, visiting from the Ukraine, taught the toddler to surprise mom with a sentence in English: “My mom is the champion of America.”
.
Once again, Rex Sinquefield’s (seated) sponsorship helped create a world-class championship. In background is Tony Rich, executive director of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis. Chess Life — January 2010
29
Profile
E SQUARED:
Empowerment, Exposure By Paul Gold
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” ~Albert Einstein
S
Jean Hoffman
ome people possess a certain kind of energy. This is the vigor with which a story is told, the force breathed into spoken words and especially the way faces express excitement. Vitality enhances powerful ideas and often accompanies an idiosyncratic style. Actions, of course, say the most about someone. This is a story about Jean Hoffman—about the way she articulates her ideas and more tellingly, the way she acts. I first met Jean almost twenty years ago when I became her chess teacher. Jean was just 10 or 11 but even then I remember something unusual about her. Certainly her family contributed to this— it was not long before I got to know her parents well enough to trade novels with them. And the eclectic bent in their wonderful home was immediately apparent in their taste in art, buying locally from artists whose work I also happened to enjoy. Jean and I would be formally connected 30
Chess Life — January 2010
as teacher/student for just a year or two —she stopped playing tournament chess at the end of eighth grade. “I have always had a complicated relationship with chess,” she said when we got together to chat in late April this year. Complicated, indeed, for Jean possesses a number of traits that combine to form the unique chess personality that she has become. Jean is a passionate chess promoter while not being a particularly strong player herself; it is more usual for highly rated players to have an egoistic attraction to the game that is rooted in their expertise. She also has degrees from Yale and Harvard, a pedigree that might suggest a lucrative job, perhaps in the field of finance or academics, but not so for Jean. Now, just a couple years shy of 30, what is she doing with her life? She has decided to explore the strong possibilities chess offers as an educational tool. “Chess empowers kids, says, ‘I can do this.’” After many years being away from chess as a competitor, Jean discovered that the path to her quest was a journey she had actually been on for quite some time. After completing her undergraduate degree in history at Yale, she considered a civil rights internship with the idea of possibly becoming an attorney. “My parents always reminded me of the security and privilege that I had enjoyed but they also stressed a focus on being happy. I think they were afraid I would become a lawyer or maybe even a Republican.” Jean’s father, Rick, remembers that “Jean had a love/hate relationship with chess, ultimately leading to her quitting playing tournaments. But on her college entrance forms she wrote that she is and will always be a chess player. The learning, the experience stuck.” Unsure exactly how to proceed, Jean started studying for the Law School Admis-
sion Test (LSAT) and taking an “easy job” teaching chess at the New York based Chess-in-the-Schools program. Three years later she had still not taken the LSATs. By now she had earned her masters in education degree at Harvard but found conventional teaching unappealing. “I was horrible as a seventh grade geography teacher, was miserable and looking for a job. I came back to Tucson in 2007. I wanted to do something with chess and education but not work within the traditional public education system.” Jean began to assimilate the best lessons learned from her time spent at Chess-in-the-Schools. “Chess teaching was challenging, not instant gratification —I did not get that teaching geography.” Playing chess had given Jean self-confidence and helped her with real-life problem solving, as well as helping her tackle academics; she also learned that not everyone has the capability to overcome situations by analysis. “Chessin-the-Schools serves about 20,000 students, a number of whom have been underprepared by our educational system. Many conventionally-minded teachers did not see the potential regarding kids who were good at chess but not academics. Chess made them aware that they could be good at something, providing identification; perhaps seeing themselves as someone.” Along the way Jean was influenced by chess teacher/ player/writer Elizabeth Vicary—“She is amazing – you should see her. She may be the best middle school teacher in the country! She brought 58 kids to the SuperNationals in Nashville.” Vicary is something of a hybrid, a credentialed secondary school teacher in Brooklyn who also carries an impressive chess resume as a teacher and player. uschess.org
PHOTOS BY JEFF SMITH / WWW.JEFFSMITHUSA.COM
In 2007 Jean returned to Tucson and co-founded 9 Queens with WGM Jennifer Shahade, the editor of Chess Life Online. 9 Queens is a tax deductible nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to extending the benefits of chess to those most in need of its benefits, especially girls and at-risk youth.” There are 9 Queens programs/affiliations in Tucson, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina. Another 9 Queens’ description on a recent event flyer read “A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved and under-represented populations through chess.” Jean’s informal description of 9 Queens’ goals: “Go after chess as a powerful tool. A lot of kids are not being reached in our educational system; a lot of kids experience no success as a thinker.” 9 Queens holds a number of chess workshops with a decidedly female lean, but there is no doubt that Jean’s theme song is chess for everyone. Kids ask her if chess can get them into college. “UTD (University of Texas at Dallas) gives chess scholarships, but those are few. Because the benefits are not easily articulated, programs can get cut. It can be frustrating—hard to sell someone on chess in general, when people don’t even try it ... maybe it was the way that chess was first taught to someone. Tucson has great chess coaches but there are not necessarily as many chess teachers able to correlate chess to life.” In addition to her role as the 9 Queens executive director, Jean also serves as the general manager for Chesspark, an online chess venue designed to be a fun place for anyone to pick up a game. Chesspark is not intended to be another ICC (Internet Chess Club); the interface is easier, not as “techie”; the premise is to reach closeted players. Like 9 Queens, the Chesspark plan is to slowly grow and eventually support salaried positions. Jean is wellconnected inside and outside of Tucson. She has affiliations with the Tucson mayor’s office, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the Tucson city council. She has relationships with the USCF, Chessin-the-Schools and more contemporary chess personalities in the Hip Hop Chess Federation and chess player/rapper RZA. But the manifestation of Jean’s vision is most evident in her organization of Chess Fest. In its second year in Tucson, the Chess Fest is a kaleidoscope of chess events and people, a downtown Tucson chess party with everyone invited. 9 Queens is the sponsor/benefactor of Chess Fest, which has attracted 300-500 people per event. Held May 2nd at the Hotel Congress, this year’s event agenda included chess workshops, lessons and lectures, a human chess match on a life-size board, a blindfold chess exhibition, blitz tournament, art uschess.org
“Chess empowers kids, says, ”
‘I can do this.’ Chess Life — January 2010
31
Profile
“I am intrigued by the educational potential of chess… my kids have achieved so much in such a short time.” 32
Chess Life — January 2010
fun; 9 Queens was created with the idea of presenting chess in a relaxed environment with an emphasis on enjoyment.” The workshop into which I’d intruded was actually advertised in the local newspaper as chess for women and girls of all ages. The event was ably run by Jean, Amanda Mateer and Jenelle Wallace, with about a dozen young girls in attendance and two adult women who had come to learn how to play. I talked to the husband of one of the women (she was busy!) who informed me that his wife wanted to learn how to play so she might know what is
From all the happy faces on these pages, Jean Hoffman’s organization of Chess Fest has been a success.
going on when her son plays in tournaments. I chatted with a couple of parents about 9 Queens’ all-girl events and they said the kids love them, enjoying having the chance to play against other girls, not so usual in tournaments in which mostly boys participate. The moms also said that they like their girls being exposed to great role models like Jenelle (a National Merit Scholar headed for Stanford) and Amanda (expert rated, effervescent, personality-plus college student). We talked about what it is like for girls to play boys. “Boys playing girls might feel confused, intimidated, defensive, can even be mean, afraid to lose
(but boys cry just as much as girls when they lose).” They also noted the general noise level. “It is decidedly lower at this all-girl event. Boys are wild and run around. I don’t think we have ever had to ask the girls to quiet down at these workshops. Maybe girls are quieter because they are able to focus better.” Martha Underwood is a notable 9 Queens advocate and volunteer. The positive influence of organized chess is visible through the aperture of her kids, Zak and Aiya Cancio. “In one year since getting involved in chess, my kids have improved so much in everything they do. I am intrigued by the educational potential of chess ... my kids have achieved so much in such a short time.” Martha has been pulled into the chess vortex herself. “I’m in love with the game, drawn to even the physical aesthetics of the boards and sets.” Martha’s predilection for statistics and crunching results has made her discover an interest in tournament directing. A special education professor at the University of Arizona, Martha has insight into the mechanics of research grants; she pondered translating the benefits of chess uschess.org
PHOTOS BY JEFF SMITH / WWW.JEFFSMITHUSA.COM
auction, face painting, hula hoop contest, wine tasting and a live musical performance by a local rock band. The noon-to-whenever event hosted a variety of Tucson celebrities, both chess playing (masters) and otherwise (political personalities). The hipster hotel was packed with players, sets and boards everywhere, from the front room site of the blitz tournament to the lobby, bar area and disk jockey (DJ)-manned back patio. In one room was how-to-play instruction not far from a 60-player speed chess event. There were a lot of people there whom I had not seen in a long time and everyone was having a marvelous time. There is something about this event that gets people’s juices going; Jean seems to have tapped into the main artery of Smile City. Rick Quesada, now a teacher and a DJ, recalled the importance of being in chess tournaments as a kid. “It has meant a lot to me to be involved in chess, which started with a middle school teacher/coach I will always remember. Now I’m a teacher too.” Parent Mark Kinsey watched his young daughter play in the blitz tournament. I asked what he thinks she gets from chess and he said “it’s the manipulation; I think she likes to beat people.” As we watched she sat down to play an adult who politely asked her if she knew how to play. Within minutes she was up a queen, knight and a pawn. A week later I stopped by at a 9 Queens’ workshop and asked Jean for a recap of Chess Fest. She thought a lot of the preparation paid off and overall the event met her expectations. She noted useful feedback from participants which she will use in planning for next year’s event. Apparently there were dozens of players who had never before played in an organized tournament. Local support was tremendous. The musical act, Golden Boots, had committed to the free benefit concert when Jean met with them months earlier (the band loves chess; they play each other when they are touring). It was interesting to note some of Jean’s comments measuring the success of Chess Fest. “I remember the stress and pressure of playing organized chess as not always so
Chess Fest:
A kaleidoscope of chess events and people, a downtown Tucson chess party with everyone invited.
into funding for programs like 9 Queens. Martha also noted the social value that chess events offer. “The kids experience morality, ethics, even justice. And there is a community of chess families. We have met some really wonderful people at chess events and support for the players is reciprocal, everyone pulling for each other. My son could lose his game in the tournament hall and then bring his opponent, now a new friend, into the area where the families hang out. I don’t see any Little League syndrome in chess.” uschess.org
So what does the future hold for 9 Queens and Jean Hoffman? Will the organization stay low-key, pursuing its grass roots approach to providing chess for the masses via local workshops and events? Or will a spiffy consultant be brought in to create the business cases, plans and milestone charts to predict future growth and chart revenue-capture progress? One thing seems certain—people who care in organizations like 9 Queens will indeed have a clear impact on those they touch, whether as an uncon-
ventional start-up or in a more traditional business setting. It’s all good! And Jean will continue to distinguish herself and her quest—promoting the benefits of chess with heart and selflessness. Her immediate reply to my asking why she does what she does seems like a rationale for success in any endeavor. “This line of work makes me feel happy and fulfilled.”
.
Read this issue online or download a .pdf file by going to uschess.org, “Chess Life magazine” link. Chess Life — January 2010
33
2009 U.S. Women’s Open
Opening Up The first U.S. Women’s Open draws 16 to Oklahoma—Saheli (left) wins, and Zenyuk qualifies for 2010 Women’s Championship By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM he first World Series of Poker tournament in Vegas in the 1970s had less than a dozen players,” said the Okie Chess Festival’s chief tournament director and sponsor International Arbiter Frank K. Berry. “We have 16 women participating in this first-ever U.S. Women’s Open. It’s a start, and I hope it will continue and grow.” Berry added that he and organizer Tom Braunlich like to challenge themselves by creating new tournaments and new combinations of tournaments. The Women’s Open was one of four tournaments in the 2009 Okie Chess Festival, held over Labor Day weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My wrap-up of the other three tournaments (the U.S. Senior Open, Okie Open, and Master Invitational) appeared in the December 2009 Chess Life. The U.S. Women’s Open had four women international masters and two women FIDE masters. My USCF rating of 2000 put me at the top of the bottom half of the field, so I played top seed WIM Iryna Zenyuk in round one. After Zenyuk defeated me, in a game I annotated for Chess Life Online, Zenyuk drew WIM Karina Vazirova. Also in round two, WFM Nath Saheli drew WFM Bayaraa Zorigt. Both Zenyuk and Nath won in rounds three and four. Thus the stage was set for their round five encounter, which Berry and Braunlich selected as the tournament’s best game. Harry Payne of Oklahoma donated the $100 best game prize.
“T
See game on p. 36. 34
Chess Life — January 2010
uschess.org
Player Profile: Dr. Marilyn Pelias From Katrina to Caissa
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August of 2005, Marilyn Pelias and her four children hunkered down in their home. School was cancelled. Israeli guards were hired to protect their uptown neighborhood from looters. Sometimes, the guards played chess. Pelias had learned the rules of chess from Alfred Carlin, the coach at her sons’ Country Day School. She played several games against the guards. “Of course,” she said, “I lost every game. But it piqued my interest.” After Carlin moved to Texas, she took a few lessons with IM Stan Kriventsov, who was attending graduate school at Tulane but then moved to Canada. Now her teacher is Jude Acers, whenever she finds time for a lesson. Finding time for chess is not easy with Pelias’ schedule. She teaches surgical anatomy at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, practices as a general (vascular) surgeon, and volunteers teaching chess at Country Day School. Yet, since January 2007, she has played 23 tournaments and her rating has risen from the 700s to the 1400s. The U.S. Women’s Open was her first time to be paired with other women. Pelias said, “I thought this was a unique opportunity to play awesome women who are better than me.” In the last round, she lost to Natasha Christiansen, who competed in the 1989 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship. Afterwards, she, Natasha, and GM Larry Christiansen analyzed together on Larry’s computer. Here are GM Christiansen’s annotations:
Sicilian Defense (B20) Marilyn Pelias (1436) Natasha Christiansen (1823) Notes by GM Larry Christiansen 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 Nc6
3. ... d5! 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. d4 Nf6 7. c4 bxc3 e.p. 8. Nxc3 Qa5 9. d5 Qxc3+ 10. Bd2 Qc5 11. dxc6 Qxc6. 4. d4
4. axb4 d5 5. b5.
SAHELI BY ALEXEY ROOT; PELIAS BY TOM BRAUNLICH
4. ... e6 5. Nf3
5. d5 exd5 6. exd5 Ne5 7. f4 Ng6 8. d6 Qf6. 5. ... bxa3 6. Nxa3
With compensation for the material. 6. d5! exd5 7. exd5 Qe7+ 8. Be2; 6. c4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Qxd2. 6. ... Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Qxd2 Nf6 9. Bd3 0-0 10. e5 Ne8 11. Qe3
11. Nc4 d6 12. 0-0; 11. 0-0 d6 12. Nc4 dxe5 13. dxe5 Qe7 14. Qf4 f6 15. Qh4 f5 16. Qxe7 Nxe7 17. Nb6 Rb8 18. Rxa7 with a slight advantage to White.
uschess.org
11. ... Qa5+ 12. Kf1
12. Ke2! Get those rooks connected!!
12. ... f6
r+l+n rk+ pp+p+ pp +n+p p + q + P + + P + + N +L QN+ +P+ PP P R + +K+R
After 12. ... f6
White has a strong initiative after 12. ... d5 13. h4 Bd7 14. Ng5 g6 15. h5 Ng7. 13. Bxh7+
This is very optimistic but inspired. 13. Qe4 f5 14. Qh4 Qd8 15. Qxd8 Nxd8 16. Nc4 with a slight advantage to White. 13. ... Kxh7 14. Qe4+ Kg8 15. Qg6
15. h4.
Dr. Pelias (right) with Iryna Zenyuk by the playing site pool.
15. ... b6?! 16. h4! Ba6+ 17. Kg1 Qc3 18. Rb1 Qxa3 19. Ng5
r+ +n rk+ p +p+ p l pn+p pQ+ + + P N + P + P q + + + +P+ PP+ +R+ + KR
After 19. Ng5
19. ... fxg5 20. hxg5 Nxe5! 21. dxe5 Qc5
21. ... Rf5 22. Rh7.
22. Qh7+ Kf7 23. g6+ Ke7 24. Qh4+ Nf6 25. exf6+
25. Re1.
25. ... Rxf6 26. Rh3 Qxc2 27. Qb4+ d6
27. ... Qc5.
28. Rb2 Qxg6 29. Rg3 Qh6 30. Rd2 e5 31. Rh3 Qf4 32. Qb2 Rh6 33. Qc3 Rc8 34. Qb2 Rxh3 35. gxh3 Bb7, White resigned.
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2009 U.S. Women’s Open Sicilian Dragon, Yugoslav Attack (B76) WFM Nath Saheli (2026) WIM Iryna Zenyuk (2272) Notes by IM Doug Root 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
r+l q rk+ pp+ pp lp +n p np+ + + + + + NP+ + + N LP+ P PP Q +P P + KR+L+R
After 9. 0-0-0
9. ... Nxd4
9. ... d5 is more common.
10. Bxd4 Be6 11. Kb1 Nd7
11. ... Qc7 is a better move. The move played abandons Black’s king.
12. Bxg7 Kxg7 13. Nd5 Bxd5 14. exd5 f6 15. h4 Rc8 16. f4 Rc5 17. h5 Nb6 18. hxg6 hxg6 19. f5 Rh8 20. Bd3 Rxd5 21. fxg6 Nd7 22. g4 Nc5 23. Qg2 Rd4
+ q + r pp+ p k + p pP+ + n + + + r +P+ + +L+ + P PP+ +Q+ +K+R+ +R
After 23. ... Rd4
24. g5
24. Rxh8 Qxh8 25. Rh1 Rxg4 is not as good as what Saheli played.
24. ... fxg5 25. Qxg5 e5 26. Rh7+, Black resigned.
Black resigned because if 26. ... Rxh7 27. Qxd8.
In the last round, Saheli secured first place, with a score of 5 points out of 6, by drawing Jennifer Acon. Zenyuk defeated Zorigt to finish clear second with 4½ of 6. Tied for third through fifth places were WFM Chouchanik Airapetian, Acon, and Medina Parrilla, each with 4 of 6. The 2009 U.S. Women’s Open champion, WFM Nath Saheli, is from Kolkata 36
Chess Life — January 2010
(Calcutta), India. In her high school graduating year (2008), she was the all-India topper in the all-India senior school certification examination in the humanities (arts) stream. A Calcutta newspaper article cited her exam score and chess credentials, “Nath Saheli: 95.2% (arts) ... A national-level chess player, she won national age group title under-9 in 1998, under-14 in 2002 and under-16 in 2004.” Saheli told me, “In India, you hear more about Ivy League schools such as Harvard or Princeton. But thankfully because of chess, I also heard of The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). When the director of Eugene McDermott scholars program visited India, I talked to her and was convinced that UTD is really the place that I wanted to be.” Saheli is majoring in economics and finance. In addition to being a UTD chess team member, she also participates in Model United Nations, Give to Live, as well as the Financial Leadership Association. The top U.S. finisher in the Women’s Open was WIM Iryna Zenyuk. Therefore, Zenyuk qualified for the 2010 U.S. Women’s Championship. Zenyuk is a graduate student in mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon. She is researching renewable energy. Her chess accomplishments include earning a woman’s grandmaster norm and an international master norm. Zenyuk writes a weekly chess column on Chess.com The only controversy in the Okie Chess Festival happened in round 1 in the Women’s Open. As I played my game with Zenyuk, I heard Airapetian saying something about passing move 40. How odd, I thought. The time control was Game/90 plus a 30 second increment, so move 40 was not a magic number. But Airapetian thought the time control was 40/90. She offered her score sheet to her opponent, Julia Jones. Airapetian figured that Jones should catch up her score sheet since it was already move 42 or 43. Jones had not kept score since move 32, which, she told me later, was because of her listening to Frank Berry’s announcement at the start of round one. Then Airapetian’s flag fell. More precisely, the display on the digital clock read 0:00. The floor tournament director (TD) believed that, with a 30-second increment, Jones should not get the win because of her incomplete score sheet. He added 30 seconds to Airapetian’s clock. With the added time, and with a flustered Jones, Airapetian later won the game by checkmate. For round two, Airapetian was paired as a win and Jones as a loss. After round two, Frank Berry ruled the game a draw. I interviewed him about what he called his King Solomon decision. Before the first round, Berry said that he told the players, “It is desirable to keep score because we collect score sheets here. I also said that we go by USCF
rules. If you have less than five minutes, you can stop keeping score. Please contact the TD or a nearby interested spectator if you want them to keep score for you.” I did not hear this announcement, because I was retrieving my clock from my hotel room. But several players confirmed that Berry mentioned not keeping score if under five minutes. After the first round began, Frank Berry left the tournament for six hours. When he came back, he overruled the floor TD because, “Julia was not keeping an accurate score sheet with a 30-second increment. Yet I could not reward Chouchanik for letting her flag fall. Chouchanik mistakenly thought the time control ended at move 40. She could have kept her flag up if she had known her time control.” Berry added, “The pages in the rulebook regarding keeping score and score sheets during a flag fall contradict each other.” I traveled to the Okie Chess Festival with four students from UTD: freshman Parrilla, sophomore Saheli, junior Vazirova, and senior Zorigt. I learned that Parrilla begins every other sentence with, “In New York we.” For example, when Zorigt prepared herself a big breakfast, Parrilla said, “You call that a big breakfast? In New York we eat everything under the sun when we have a big breakfast.” We learned the meaning of each other’s first names. Mine, Alexey, is because my mom was reading Russian novels when she was expecting me. She thought that changing Alexei to Alexey would make my name a girl’s name. According to every Russian chess player I’ve met, including Vazirova, my mom was wrong. Karina means pretty. Medina [pronounced MehDEEN-ah] is a kingdom in Africa and a city in the Middle East. Bayaraa [BY-rah] means happiness. And Saheli [Sa-HEElee] means friend. One of UTD’s goals for our Okie road trip was to develop friendships. From what I saw, goal achieved.
.
2009 U.S. Women’s Open At A Glance Date: September 5-7, 2009 Location: Tulsa Best Western Trade Winds Central, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Top Finishers: 1st, Nath Saheli, 5; 2nd, Iryna Zenyuk, 4½; 3rd5th, Chouchanik Airapetian, Medina Parrilla, Jennifer Acon, 4; 6th-7th, Bayaraa Zorigt, Karina Vazirova, 3½; 8th, Natasha Christiansen, 3; 9th-12th, Courtney Jamison, Alexey Root, Margaret Hua, Brianna Conley, 2½. Chief Tournament Director: Frank K. Berry. uschess.org
Instruction
ERSON’S GUIDE P Y Z A TO . . THE L .
Don’t like to study endgames? Here is a painless method to help you in this often-avoided area. By GM Ian Rogers
PART 1
Most chess players don’t have the time or the inclination to study endgames. They hold the view that endgames don’t turn up too often and, if they are unlucky enough to be forced to play one in one of their own games, they should be able to work out what to do over the board. Endgame books tend not to appreciate the sort of information which could be useful for a reluctant endgame player. Rather than fill their heads with methods of winning certain technical positions, your endgameuschess.org
averse player would rather know what chance they have to work out the right moves in actual play. When swapping off pieces, the essential advice needed is whether the resulting position will be easy to win or draw, not whether it can be done by stringing together a series of excellent but impossible-to-find moves. Luckily, most technical endgames can be divided into three broad groups: easy, easy if you know what you are doing, and difficult. Positions from the first two groups can be solved over the board with knowledge of general ideas or certain positions to aim for. The latter group requires advanced techniques (i.e. spe-
cific moves) to win or hold, which a lazy endgame player should avoid as they may cost valuable time and brain cells. In this article I will survey the basic pawn-free endgames, most of which are much easier than they look. In later parts I will introduce pawns and show many common types of endgames which can also be played on auto-pilot.
QUEEN VERSUS ROOK
Status: Win Assessment: Easy Comments: Two decades ago GM Walter Browne accepted a bet that he could beat a chess computer in this endgame but
Browne failed to win within the 50-move rule. Although the six-time U.S. champion was successful on his second try, the endgame subsequently gained an undeserved reputation for being quite difficult. In fact it’s hard to go wrong with the queen.
+ +Q+ + + + + rk + + K + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Diagram 1
Chess Life — January 2010
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Instruction Once you have brought up your king and reached the position in diagram 1, Black will be forced to move the rook away from his king and you should be able to pick it off with a series of checks. (If you find that you have reached the diagrammed position with White to move, you can lose a move through 1. Qe4+ Kg8 2. Qa8+ Kh7 3. Qe8.) Diagram 2 shows the only type of trap into which White can fall—Black has perpetual check because of the stalemate trick 1. Kh6 Rh7+! 2. Kg6 Rg7+ 3. Kf6 Rg6+!. This trick also works one file to the right.
+ + k + + + + r + +Q+ + + + + K + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Diagram 2
ROOK VERSUS BISHOP Status: Draw Assessment: Easy, if the defending king runs to the correct corner.
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+ k
+ +
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+ +
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+
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+ + + r KL+ + +
Diagram 3
Comments: If the white king runs to a corner not covered by the bishop, there’s nothing the rook can do. It is worth playing on with the rook, but only until your opponent’s king is at the right corner.
ROOK VERSUS KNIGHT
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy Comments: Keep the knight near your king and nothing 38
can go wrong—even if your king is stuck on the back rank, the knight can usually check the opposing king away whenever it tries to set up a mate by taking the opposition. With the rook, this endgame is only worth playing from a favorable starting position; e.g. when the knight and king have been separated.
ROOK AND BISHOP VERSUS ROOK
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy, if you know the key defensive position
+R+ + + + + + + + + + l + + +k+ + + + + + r+ + + + + + K + +
+
+
Diagram 4
Comments: To defend, keep the rook on the opposite side of the board to your king and use it to pin the bishop. When your opponent’s king tries to unpin, head in the other direction with your own king. (e.g. 1. ... Kf4 2. Kd1 Bd4 3. Re2 and the white king can leave the first rank. White will probably soon reach a rotated version of diagram 4 when the king gets to a4.) If trying to win with the rook and bishop—and it is certainly worth a try—you will need to know certain techniques which, unfortunately, border on the difficult zone.
+ R + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + l + + + +k+ + r+ + + + + + K +
Diagram 5
In diagram 5, White has allowed the bishop and king to move too close to his own king
Chess Life — January 2010
but after 1. Kf1 there is only one way for Black to win: 1. ... Rf2+ 2. Ke1 Rf7! and now White will be mated after both 3. Rd6 Rg7! and 3. Rd5 Re7+! 4. Kd1 Rh7, or 4. Kf1 Rg7.
ROOK AND KNIGHT VERSUS ROOK
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy Comments: The knight is weak at covering checks from the back; so weak, that if the defender is alert it may never be necessary even to retreat the king to the back rank. For the attacking side, this ending is barely worth playing unless the defender’s king is already near a corner.
QUEEN VERSUS TWO BISHOPS
Status: Drawn Assessment: Easy, but handle with care. Comments: Set the bishops next to each other and your king and the opposing king will not be able to break through the barrier. This ending is definitely worth playing on with the queen. The queen should try to tie down a bishop by pinning it—you may force some lack of coordination in the defending camp and be able to move in with your king.
QUEEN VERSUS BISHOP AND KNIGHT
Status: Win Assessment: Easy Comments: With one exception, the bishop and knight cannot set up a permanent barrier to the attacking king.
+ + + k + + + l + +K+ + + + nQ+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Diagram 6
Diagram 6 is Black’s perfect blockade—there is no way for White to bring in his king and Black will play ... Kg8-h8g8 or ... Bg7-h8-g7 ad infinitum. In most cases it should not be a problem for the attacker to prevent this position from arising.
QUEEN VERSUS TWO KNIGHTS
Status: Win Assessment: Easy—for the defender! Comments: As with the two bishops, the defender should put the knights adjacent to each other and the king next to the knights. Keeping your king in front of the knights to head off the attacking king also makes sense. The queen has an easier job when the knights merely protect each other—they tie each other up and the attacking king can often walk around them.
QUEEN AND KNIGHT VERSUS QUEEN
Status: Draw Assessment: Difficult, for the defender Comments: The knight is very good at sheltering a king from checks, so an immediate perpetual for the defending side is rarely available. Checks will however tend to distract your opponent from the task of building a cage around your king. When playing with the queen and knight, an opponent’s king on the edge can constitute a winning advantage as in diagram 7, a Troitzky study.
+ + + + + + K + + + + + + + + Nk + + + + + + + + + + +Q+ +q+ + +
Diagram 7
uschess.org
After 1. Ne6 Black is helpless because the checks run out after 1. ... Qb4+ 2. Kf6 Qc3+ 3. Kf7 and running with the king is not an option—1. ... Kh4 2. Qg5+ Kh3 3. Nf4+ and mate next move. None of this would be very difficult to work out over the board.
The tricky part is Troitzky’s main line which runs 1. ... Qc1 2. Qh3+ Kg6 3. Qg4+ Kh6 4. Qh4+ Kg6 5. Nf4+ Kf5 6. Qh7+! Kg4 7. Qh5+! and Black’s queen will be lost. Once aware of this theme— John Nunn calls the knight on f4 an ‘unguarded pivot’—play-
ing for a win with the queen is easy and may be worthwhile.
of queens, White would probably not be able to win but with queens on the board White’s life could not be much easier—White pushes the apawn and then moves the queen out of the way and creates a new queen. Black can try to whip up counterplay but against White’s perfect kingside pawn structure he has no hope, e.g. 1. a4 f6 2. a5 g5 3. hxg5 fxg5 4. a6 h4 5. Qb7+ Kg6 6. a7 h3+ 7. Kxh3 Qxf2 8. a8=Q and Black has no more than some checks (Rule 2). When the kings are more exposed than in example 1, it is necessary to implement Rule 3—A centralized queen is the best insurance against perpetual check.
Example 2 is typical of most Q+P versus Q endgames—even a pawn much further back can slowly advance supported by the king. The winning technique is as easy as it sounds— escape the checks and push the pawn. The exception is a lone aor h-pawn, which provides less protection against checks. In that case a lazy player might quite reasonably decide that he should not bother trying to convert the extra pawn into a point, while a more motivated player could try maneuvering their king close to the opponent’s king to increase the crosscheck possibilities. Even then, a win is not guaranteed—unfortunately Rule 2 does not always apply. So how should a lazy player defend a queen versus queen and pawn endgame? Since perpetual check will rarely be possible, the key is to maneuver your king to a useful square, as in the following two examples:
QUEEN AND BISHOP VERSUS QUEEN Status: Draw Assessment: Easy
Comments: The bishop is hopeless at stopping checks so given a free move the defender can almost always secure a perpetual check. With the queen and bishop, if you can’t force a win directly, don’t bother playing this out.
PART 2
Queen Endings
Lazy chessplayers tend to be scared of queen endings, believing that they require hard work to win or draw. While this may be true occasionally, if a player can overcome their fear of checks and acquire knowledge of a few general rules, queen endgames should prove much easier to play than rook endgames. Rule 1: An outside passed pawn almost always wins, unless the defender has perpetual check. Rule 2: In a queen endgame, there is no such thing as perpetual check. Clearly rule 2 is not universal, but it is true more often than not and should give the lazy player confidence that, even if you can’t calculate a way out of a series of checks, an escape will present itself sooner or later.
Q+ + + + + + +p k + + +p+ + + + +p + + + P P + + P q+ + PK+ + + + +
Example 1
Status: Win Assessment: Very easy Comments: With rooks instead uschess.org
Status: Win Assessment: Easy
Comments: The kingside pawns are not particularly relevant—they provide no protection for either king and White would win just as easily without them. The winning technique involves White’s king charging up the board to c7 whereupon Black’s checks will run out due to White’s many cross-checking possibilities.
+ + + + +P+ + + + + + k + +Q+ +p + + + P + + + + +q+ K + + + + +
Example 2
+k+ + + + + + + + + + + + PQ K + + + + + + + + + +q+ + + + + + +
Example 3
Assessment: Easy Comments: If the defender
manages to get his king in front of the pawn the draw should be safe. Once the defender begins checking, a queen interposition or crosscheck can usually be answered by an exchange of queens and a drawn pawn endgame. If the defender’s king is behind the pawn, there is only one chance to make a comfortable draw:
+ + + + + + + +K + + + + + + + + +Q+ P + + + + + + k + + q + + +
Example 4
Status: Draw (but only just!) Assessment: Easy, if you know how. Comments: Generic positions such as this, with Black’s king badly offside, tend to be lost and a slack move such as a random queen check or 1. ... Ke3, allowing 2. f5, would doom Black to a painful and probably unsuccessful defense. However 1. ... Qb1+! 2. Kg7 Ke3! hangs on to the back of the pawn and, by tying up the White queen, forces a draw. White can do nothing with his king alone, e.g. 3. Kf6 Qb2+ 4. Kf7 Qb1! and White can make no progress.
Continue to Part 3 >
Chess Life — January 2010
39
Instruction PART 3
Opposite Colored Bishop Endings Lazy chessplayers usually enjoy endgames where the bishops run on opposite colors. Winning or drawing plans tend to be obvious, pawns are easy to protect and blockade, and kings can often charge up the board without challenge. Even better, the lazy player is rarely challenged if they reduce brainwork and calculation to a minimum by agreeing to a draw, since everybody knows how drawish opposite bishop endings are. While this is an understandable attitude, some of these draws can be turned into wins and painful defense made easier with knowledge of just a few key principles and positions.
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy, if you know how—easy to lose if you don’t. Comments: Countless games have been lost from this type of position because Black assumed that preventing e4e5+ was the necessary strategy. However this is merely a delaying tactic—if the black bishop goes to the f4-h2 diagonal with 1. ... Bg3 White would have the simple plan of 2. Ke2-f3-g4-f5, after which e4-e5+ cannot be stopped. The correct defense involves maneuvering the bishop to the front of the pawns, i.e. 1. ... Ba5!! 2. e5+ Ke7 3. Ke4 Bc7 4. d5 Bb8 and White can make no progress. Note how the bishop not only holds up d5d6+, it also attacks one of the pawns and ties down the white king. (Unfortunately this defense does not work once the pawns reach the sixth rank as the black pieces run out of space.) Positions with more pawns may involve some work but there are a few principles which have a general application.
PRINCIPLE 2
PRINCIPLE 1
Two connected pawns should not be sufficient to win unless the pawns can reach the sixth rank.
If the attacking side can create two widely separated passed pawns which cannot be controlled by a bishop on a single diagonal, a win is usually assured.
Corollary 1a There is only one, far from obvious, drawing technique, so if you have the connected pawns it is always worth testing your opponent’s knowledge of the technique.
Corollary 2a Passed pawns do not provide serious counterplay for the defending side if they can be stopped by the opposing bishop on the same diagonal that it uses to defend its own pawns.
Example 1
Example 2
+
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k + + + + + +L PP+ + + +K+ + + + + + + + l + +
Black to play
40
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P
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+ K +l+p + + Lp k + + + +
Black to play
Chess Life — January 2010
Status: Win Assessment: Tricky Comments: An exception to 2a which is worth knowing. It would be easy to believe that Black can make no progress, until you see 1. ... g1=Q! 2. Bxg1+ Kg2!!. Now White has run out of moves, and giving up his prized pawn only delays the inevitable after 3. a8=Q Bxa8 4. Kg4 Bb7! 5. Kh4 Bf3.
PRINCIPLE 3
When your opponent has an outside passed pawn, use your bishop to stop the pawn only when you can use your king to block the opposing king. (Otherwise the king will walk in and win your bishop.) In most cases you will need to use your king to stop the passed pawn and your bishop to guard the other flank. (If the bishop can’t do the job, you are probably losing.) A typical example is the following:
Example 3
+ + + + + + +p+ + +k+p+ + +l+ +p + + + P Kp+ L P + + P + + + + +
White to play
Status: Draw Assessment: Reasonably easy Comments: White seems to have a perfectly secure kingside but he cannot afford to sit tight, since if Black achieves the plan ... Ke6-f5-g4, ... f7-f6 and ... g6-g5 he will be able to create a winning second passed pawn. Realizing that Black’s plan involves ... f7-f6 and ... g6-g5 makes the defensive plan rather easy to find: 1. Bb6 f6 2. Bd8! Kf5 3. Be7 g5 4. Bd8 and there is no danger of Black creating a second passed pawn so a draw is inevitable. Bishops have much more
trouble holding a pawn chain from the back.
Example 4
+
+ +p + + +p+ + +l+p+ + +k P P +p K + P + + + + + + L + +
+
+
+
+
Black to move
Comments: The technique for winning the g-pawn is straightforward and is worth remembering: 1. ... Kf3 2. Kb2 Ke2 3. Bc3 Kf2!. That was quick—the slower part is creating a second passed pawn, but after 4. Bf6 Kxg3 5. Bg5 Kg4 6. Kc3 Kh5 7. Bf6 h6 8. Bg7 g5! the goal is achieved. Black will eventually win the bishop for the f-pawn and win with the b-pawn. Divided pawns are harder for the bishop to defend, but it is easy to get overconfident.
Example 5
+ + + + + + + + + + p p + lL+ + + + + P pK+ kP+ + + + + + + + +
Black to play
Status: Win Assessment: Easy—if you see White’s threat Comments: The obvious try 1. ... Kf4 2. h5! Kg5 3. Bf7 Kf4 4. Bd5 leads nowhere for Black, so it becomes easy to find the winning line: 1. ... h5! 2. Bf7 (otherwise ... Ke3-f4-g3 wins the h-pawn) 2. ... Kxf3 3. Bxh5+ Kg3 when the White h-pawn again falls and the White bishop will be lost for the f-pawn.
uschess.org
PART 4
Rook Endgames Lazy players have terrible trouble with rook endgames. There are so many tricky techniques to learn that it is tempting to throw your hands up in the air and say “Too much information! I’ll work everything out when I get there.” Luckily there is one rule— secretly guarded by grandmasters who want to maintain the mystery of their profession—which enables a lazy player to defend most rook endgames without calculating any variations. Rule number 1, 2 and 3 of rook endgames is ... Put your king in front of their passed pawn. See—that wasn’t so difficult was it?
The corollary to the rule is that if your king is cut off from their passed pawn, you are likely to be in trouble, possibly big trouble. To show how this rule works in practice, here are a few examples. (Truly lazy players, however, do not need to read any further.)
+ +k+ r R + + + + + +P K + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Position 1
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy
This one is simple—with a side pawn (h, g, b or a) and his king in front of it, Black can defend passively with no danger. Drawing with ... Rc8-b8- c8-b8; you can’t get lazier than that! uschess.org
With a more central pawn, passive defense fails so you’ll need some other method.
+ + + + + + k + R + + + + + + + + +P K + + + + + + + + + r + + +
Position 2
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy With a pawn closer to the center, you can’t be completely lazy—1. ... Ra7?! 2. Kf5 Ra5+ 3. e5 Ra7 4. Rh6! sets problems that a lazy player doesn’t want to have to solve. Here the main goal is to stop the white king from moving in front of the pawn. Thus 1. ... Ra5! 2. e5 Ra1! draws, since Black can now start checking along the back rank.
+
+ + + +R + +K+ + + + P + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +r+ +
k
+
Position 3
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy, if you know how Once White’s king gets too close to yours, the defender has a problem. The problem can be solved by hanging on to the back of the pawn as follows: 1. ... Re1! 2. Rh8+ Kc7 3. Kf6 Kd7!
Suddenly White has no good move. The pawn cannot advance while rook moves along the h-file allow Black’s king to jump back in front of the pawn. If White waits, through a move of the rook on the eighth rank, Black can
wait on the e-file.
+ R + + + + K k + +P+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + r + + +
Position 4
Status: Draw Assessment: Difficult, but this is your last chance! Things are looking worse and worse for Black. His king is being forced away from the pawn and the hanging on defense no longer works (e.g. 1. ... Re1 2. Rd2! Re3 3. Rg2+, forcing the Black king away, after which the white pawn can keep advancing.) Fortunately the last line of defense, the check from a distance defense, is still enough, i.e. 1. ... Ra7+ 2. Rd7 Ra8!! The key is to prevent White’s king reaching the back rank. So many defenses, so much to remember, I hear you cry. However don’t forget that any one of these defenses is enough to hold the draw—it doesn’t matter which one you implement. Once your king is separated from the passed pawn, you are in big trouble. Your first task is to see if you can sneak your way back in front of the pawn.
+
+ r +k+ + + + + + +P+ + +K+ + + + + + + + + + + + + R + +
+
+
Position 5
Status: Draw Assessment: Easy, if you know how.
Black’s only hope lies in 1. ... Re8! when White must either swap into a drawn pawn endgame—even a lazy player should know this much!—or allow your king to run in front of the white pawn.
+ + + r + + + + + + k + + K + + + P + + + + + + + + + + + + R +
Position 6
Status: Draw Assessment: Difficult Since the white king has moved ahead of the pawn, a pawn ending is not going to save you now. Your last hope here lies in the “hanging on to the pawn from the front defence”, preventing White from pushing his pawn. This can be achieved by checking the white king, and whenever it moves away from the c-file, playing ... Rd8. If White then tries to protect the pawn with Re4 you must be ready to knock the rook away with ... Kf5.
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+ + +k+ + PR+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Analysis after ... Kf5
This is probably too challenging for most lazy players, so it is better to follow rules 1, 2 and 3 and avoid the position unless absolutely necessary. See the conclusion of this article, examining endgame injustices and ones with more pawns, in the February 2010 Chess Life.
Chess Life — January 2010
41
Chess to Enjoy
EGTN
Opening ideas come and go. But endgame theory changes with the speed of glaciers. So why don’t we appreciate it when a glacier takes a big step? By GM Andy Soltis
In every game, there’s a new move. It’s typically an opening idea that hasn’t been played before. When one occurs in an international tournament, it’s hailed as a “theoretical novelty,” or TN, and quickly becomes one of the rock stars of opening theory. Fans following a game online eagerly watch for them, such as in last year’s Melody Amber tournament, when they plugged Gata Kamsky’s opening moves into a database and realized he had just introduced a TN in the Caro-Kann Defense. But in the same round as Kamsky’s novelty, there was another innovation that should have drawn more attention. It was that rarity we can call an “EGTN,” a new idea in the endgame. EGTN GM Yue Wang (FIDE 2739) GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2791) Melody Amber (blindfold) 2009
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+
+
+ + + +k+ + + K + + + + + + + + P +nn + + + + + + + +
After 61. Kxa5
What you need to know to appreciate this is: A king and two knights cannot beat a lone king because whenever they get close to checkmate, they allow stalemate. But stalemate isn’t possible if the defender has a pawn to push. That pawn allows Black to try a four42
Chess Life — January 2010
step winning plan. First, he blockades the pawn. Then he nudges the White king to the edge of the board. At the right moment, Black releases the blockade— and uses all his pieces to deliver mate. The reason the blockade is step one is that books say the winning chances depend on which square the pawn is stopped. Here they would say Black has a forced win if the pawn is stopped on c4 but White can usually draw if it reaches c5. Let’s see why. The first step is 61. ... Ne4 62. c4 Nc5!—blockade. Step two begins with 63. Kb4 Kb6 64. Kc3 Ne5 65. Kd4 Ned3! 66. Kd5 Kc7 67. Kd4 Kd6 68. Ke3 Ke5 69. Kf3 Nf4 70. Ke3 Nfe6 71. Kf3 Kf5 72. Ke3 Kg4!. It continues with 73. Kf2 Kf4 74. Ke2 Nd4+ 75. Kd2 Ke4 76. Kc3 Nc6! 77. Kd2 Kf3! 78. Kd1 Ke3 79. Ke1 Nd4 80. Kf1 Nf5! 81. Ke1 Ng3 82. Kd1 Nge4 83. Ke1 Kf3. Now 84. Kf1 would allow Black to release the blockade and carry out step three, 84. ... Nd3! 85. c5 Nd2+ 86. Kg1 Kg3 87. c6 Ne5! 88. c7. In step four White promotes but it’s one move too late: 88. ... Nef3+ 89. Kh1 Ne4 90. c8=Q Nf2 mate. But if the pawn had reached c5 before step three, it would have queened more quickly, and averted mate. So far, nothing new to theory. But this game didn’t go according to book. Back at the diagram Black played 61. ... Kc5. This blockaded with the wrong piece. Since two knights alone cannot nudge the king, Black had to switch blockaders. There followed 62. c4 Ne4 63. Ka4 Nd4 64. Ka5. (see diagram top of next column)
What few people appreciated before this game is that Black can still win— even though he let the pawn go “too far.” After 64. ... Nc6+ 65. Ka6 Kd6!! 66. c5+
+
+
+ + + + + + + + + + K k + + +Pnn+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
After 64. Ka5
Kc7 White will be mated—in a mere 58 more moves, according to databases. It turns out that even if the pawn gets to c5, White loses if his king enters a danger zone (63. Ka4??). Now, this may not seem like much. But when an endgame discovery is made, it’s a big deal. Back in 1978, a Soviet grandmaster named Adrian Mikhalchishin had a queen, king and doubled c-pawns against a queen and king. Many onlookers thought it was a draw. But Mikhalchishin showed it was an easy win because two pawns, even if doubled, do a lot better at avoiding perpetual check than one pawn. His victory rewrote theory by indicating the general case of Q+doubled Ps-versus-Q is a forced win. But if that game is remembered today it’s because it was one of the rare losses for a 15-year-old named Garry Kasparov. Among those who paid the price for not knowing that theory had changed was Bobby Fischer. In 1992, Fischer had a chance to get Q+doubled c-pawns-versus-Q in his rematch with Boris Spassky. But Fischer, who kept abreast of all opening TNs, didn’t know of the endgame novelty and only drew. Mikhalchishin’s game, like Wanguschess.org
U.S. Chess League This month’s quiz features games from the most recent season of the 14-team U.S. Chess League. The weekly four-board matches, played online at the Internet Chess Club, have produced some of the best games between Americans in the last five years. In each of the following six positions your task is to find the fastest winning line of play. Usually this will mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material, such as a rook or minor piece. For the solutions, see page 71.
Problem I
FM Oleg Zaikov IM Blas Lugo
r+ +r+ k p + +p+ + + + p +PNn+q+ + + + + + +Q+ +p P +LPlP + +RK R
Black to play
Problem IV
GM Josh Friedel IM Marko Zivanic
r+l+ + Q +pqpkpr p+ +p+ + + + + + + l P + + N + +P PPL+ +P+ R + +R+K
White to play
Anand, added a new insight to an old question. But there are also EGTN’s that add a specific new move to what was an old technique.
GM Lev Aronian (FIDE 2739) GM Vassily Ivanchuk (FIDE 2751) Wijk aan Zee 2008
+ + + + +R+ +p+ + +k+p+ +P+ + +p + + + P + + + P r + P + + + K +
After 46. Ke1
The books have a lot to say about positions like this, in which one player enjoys an extra queenside pawn. White’s plan is to shift his king to shepherd his passer. That allows Black to pick off kingside pawns. But eventually he must give up his rook to stop the b-pawn. Then the game’s outcome hinges on how far Black’s pawns get before White rushes back from the queenside and wins them. Nevertheless, we know a lot more about the Sicilian Defense than about precise positions like this. We can only reach a uschess.org
Problem II
Problem III
IM Marc Esserman IM Yury Lapshun
GM Leonid Kritz GM Larry Christiansen
k+ r + + pr+ + P +Q+ + + +P+ + +p + + + + + + + +P + + PK+ + + + +
+Q+ + + p + +r+k + + qpp +pL + + + +p+ + +P+ + nP +P+ PP+ + +RK +
White to play
Black to play
FM Bruci Lopez IM Jan Van De Mortel
GM Jaan Ehlvest GM Alejandro Ramirez
Problem V
R+ + n k + + +Ll + p + p + + p + + + + Q + P + + qNK Pr+ + + + +
White to play
consensus. Thirty years ago, the experts liked White’s chances in these positions. But since then the consensus has leaned towards a draw. For example, GM Mark Dvoretsky said Black survives if he leaves his pawns where they are and keeps his king around f6, e.g. 46. ... Kf6 47. b6 Ke6 48. f3 Rb3 49. Ke2 Kf6. There is no better time for 50. Kd2 than now, and Dvoretsky’s analysis continued with 50. ... Rxf3 51. Rc7 Rb3 52. b7 Kf5 53. Kc2 Rb6 54. Rxf7+ Kg4 and ... Kxg3 draws. But as IM Igor Yanvarjov pointed out on Chesspro.com, there’s a flaw. White can win with 55. Rg7! since 55. ... Kxg3 allows Rxg6+!. And if Black can’t play ... Kxg3 he is helpless against Kc3-c4-c5, etc. So once again, theory was in flux. The passive ... Kf6-e6 plan seemed doomed. We were back where we were 30 years ago: White might be winning in the diagram after all. That’s where the Vassily Ivanchuk’s EGTN comes in. He played 46. ... f6! followed by ... g5. A similar idea had been tried before, in a Portisch-Petrosian candidates game, but failed. This time play went: 47. Kf1 Kf5 48. b6 Ke6 49. f3 Rb1+ 50. Kf2 Rb3 51. Ke2 g5!, in order to quickly create a passed black pawn. After White played 52. hxg5 fxg5 53. Rb8 he threatened 54. b7 followed by 55. Re8+ and 56. b8=Q.
Problem VI
+ r + + +pr pklQ + + +p+ + PP+ +p q+ + + + p + +LPP P+RR +K+ + + + +
White to play
If Black’s king runs left, he loses both kingside pawns. So he ran right, 53. ... Kf7 54. b7 Kg7 (otherwise a familiar trick, 55. Rh8! Rxb7 56. Rh7+, wins).
R + + + +P+ + k + + + + + + + pp + + + + +r+ +PP + +K+ + + + + +
After 54. ... Kg7
His aggressive defense was tested by 55. f4!. White threatens to push the f-pawn as far as it will go. But Black rewrote endgame theory with 55. ... h4!!. The point is that 56. f5 h3 57. f6+ Kf7! 58. Rh8 does not win this time in view of 58. ... h2!. Then 59. Rxh2 Kxf6! is a draw and 59. b8=Q? Rxb8 is worse. In other words, the previous diagram— and the general case of an extra b-pawn —is looking drawish again. And Ivanchuk, who gets credit all the time for coming up with new opening ideas, may have made one of the biggest contributions to theory with this EGTN.
.
Chess Life — January 2010
43
Endgame Lab
Pawn Mate
Paring down to pawns By GM Pal Benko
Mate can be a valid theme in artistic endgame compositions. However, it should not be a forced-mate problem with a given number of moves, but a game-like composition. As seen in “Baffler” problem I as well as early as the 18th century, it is possible to deliver mate even with a single pawn. Technique has advanced significantly since the 18th century, so see the same idea explored in “Baffler” problem II. For this column, we add pieces while exploring the same theme. One composer sent in the following work that nicely illustrates our topic. Geoffrey Caveney, Illinois
+
+Q+ + + +p+ + Klp + + pn+ +q+ k+ + + + pR+ + + P+ + + + + + + +L
White to play and win
1. Qe3
White now threatens both 2. Rxa3 and 2. Rb4+ followed by 3. Qb3 mate. The white bishop was originally on a8, but this allows a 1. ... Qd5 cook. With Caveney’s consent, I eliminated the cook simply by placing the bishop in the opposite corner!
1. ... Qc5+ 2. Qxc5 dxc5 3. Bxc6 dxc6 4. Rxb5!!
4. Kxc5 fails because of 4. ... Nc3! 5. Rxc3 stalemate. 4. ... cxb5 5. Kxc5 b4 6. Kc4 b3 7. axb3 mate.
The author writes “White trades off all his pieces one by one and mates with only a king and a pawn.” 44
Chess Life — January 2010
Generally, if the purpose of the pieces is simply to be traded off, this is not a strong selling point. However, the stalemate possibility absolves this composition. Unfortunately, it is hard to see anything new within this old-hat theme—found at least 30 similar compositions. Let us see how this motif has been developed and refined. Rook sacrifices L. Prokes, 1924
+
+
+
+
+
+ + + + + + + pp+ + +R k+ + + p + K + + P + +p+ + + + +
White to play and win
In most of these compositions, the mate was spiced up via a rook sacrifice. Prokes was a pioneer in this field.
1. Rg5 h3 2. Rg4+ b4+ 3. Kc4 h2 4. Rg3 g1=Q 5. Ra3+! bxa3 6. b3 mate.
This was a good start, but the following is a masterpiece.
A. Maximovskikh-V. Shupletsov, 1987 (see diagram top of next column) 1. h6! gxh6 2. Rd4+ Kh5
2. ... g4 3. Kf5 h5 4. Rxd3 a2 5. Kf4 a1=Q 6. Rh3+ gxh3 7. g3 mate.
3. Kf5 b2 4. g3 b1=Q 5. Rh4+! gxh4 6. g4 mate.
The rook fights the advancing pawns, finally sacrificing itself. Let’s take a look at some further rook sacrifice ideas.
+
R
+ + + + + p + +K+ + + + + pP + + + k pp+p+ + + + +P+ + + + +
White to play and win
A. Wotawa 1953 (Correction by Pal Benko)
+ + + + +p+ + +p +pP + k + + + +p + +r+P+ P + + + +K+ + + + R + +
White to play and win
Originally there was another white pawn on a4—but this allowed a cook. 1. Rd1 Re8 2. gxh5 Rd8 3. Kc3 Kxh5 4. Kc4 b6 5. a5! bxa5 6. Kc5 etc. also winning. Solution:
1. d7 Rc4+ 2. Kd3! Rxc1 3. Ke2 Rc2+ 4. Ke3 Rc3+ 5. Ke4 Rc4+ 6. Ke5 Rc5+ 7. Kf6 Rd5 8. d8=Q Rxd8 9. g5 mate.
Eliminating the superfluous a4-pawn corrects the composition. A king walk gives us a game-like position. J. Fritz, 1950
(see diagram top of next column) uschess.org
Benko’s Bafflers Most of the time these studies resemble positions that could actually occur over-the-board. You must simply reach a theoretically won position for White. Solutions can be found on page 71.
Please e-mail submissions for Benko’s Bafflers to: pbenko@us chess.org
k + + + ppp pK+ n + + + +P+ + + l+ + + + P +R+ + L+ l + + + + + +
White to play and win
1. Rd8+ Nc8 2. Be6 a6 3. Bxc8 Ba5 4. Bd7+ Ka7 5. b6+ cxb6 6. Bxa4 b5 7. Rd5 bxa4 8. Rxa5 b5 9. Kxe7 Kb6 10. Kd6 Kxa5 11. Kc5 b4 12. axb4 mate.
In the majority of the previous problems the “problem” king has started on the board’s edge. However, in this problem his arrival there is set up by the innocentlooking a3 pawn. This is a brilliant conception.
Bishop sacrifice L. Prokes, 1924
+
+
+
+
I. Votruba, 1887
+
+ + +p+ + + p p + + +KPk + + + p + + + +P + + + + + + + + +
+
+
White to play and win
+
K
+
+
White to play and win
1. Bf5+ Kxh4 2. Bh3 g5 3. Kf5 g4 4. Kf4 gxh3 5. g3 mate.
The bishop maneuver is a surprise.
(see next position, next column)
The only solo knight sacrifice I found is 100 years old!
Problem II
A. Kazantsev, 1985
+ + + + + + + p p+ + +p+ kp+ + p + K + + + + + P PP + + + + + + +
White to play and win
L. Ulanov, 1983
Knight sacrifice I. Trestling, 1910
+
+ + + + +p + + + + + + +NPp + + +p+ + + +k+P + + + P + + + +
White to play and win
1. Ke7 gxh3 2. Nh4+ Kg4 3. Kf6 Kxh4 4. Kf5 h6 5. Kf4 hxg5+ 6. Kf3 g4+ 7. Kf4 g3 8. hxg3 mate.
This composition is skillfully done and completely correct.
Multiple sacrifices G. Kasparian, 1929
+
+ p + +K+L+ + + + +p + + +kP + + + + + + +P+ + + + +
uschess.org
Problem I
+ + + + +p+ + p + + + pk+P+ + Rr + + + p + K + PN P + + + + + +
White to play and win
Several composers have introduced the idea of a series of sacrifices containing a variety of mating patterns. 1. Nd1 Rxa4 2. Nc3+ Kb4 3. Kd4 d6
3. ... b5 4. Ne4 d6 5. Nc5 dxc5+ 6. Kd3 c4+ 7. Kd4 c3 8. dxc3 mate. 4. Nxa4 Kxa4 5. Kc4 b5+ 6. Kc3 b4+ 7. Kc4 b3 8. axb3 mate.
+ + + + pp+p+ + + + + R k KN+ + p+pN + + + + + + q+P+ + + + + + +
White to play and win
1. Ra6+ bxa6 2. Nc6+ dxc6 3. Nb4 Qa3 4. c3 Qxc3
4. ... Qxb4+ 5. cxb4 mate
5. Nxc6 mate.
Curbing the black queen via Zugzwang should be noted.
Queen sacrifice E. Pogosyants, 1964
+
K
+ + + + + +p + +PLpk + + + +p + + + + + + +r+P + + + + + + + +
White to play and win
1. e7 Re3 2. h4 Re6 3. e8=Q Rxf6 4. Qe3+ Kg7 5. Qe5 Kh6 6. Ke7 Rf5 7. Qf6 Rxf6 8. Kxf6 g5 9. hxg5 mate
Breaking the fortress with the surprising queen-sacrifice is an excellent discovery.
.
Renew your USCF membership at uschess.org, click on “Join/Renew.” Chess Life — January 2010
45
What’s The Best Move?
Tricky Endgames By GM Larry Evans
Deceptive Simplicity Endgames may seem deceptively simple because so few pieces remain on the board, yet many players frequently go astray in this phase of the game. These notable hits and misses were made by some of the world’s premier players in 2009. Solutions to this month’s quiz positions are on page 71.
1. Black moves
+
2. Black moves
+ + +pkp P + p + +R+ p + K + +P+ + + + +P + + + + + r + + +
+
+
+k+ + +p+ + LpKp+ + + PPP l+ + + P + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+
(a) Rc8 (b) Rb1+ (c) e4
(a) Bc2 (b) exf5 (c) gxf5
3. Black moves
+
+
4. Black moves
+
+ + + + +kpp + +pp + + + + + n K + + +P+ + + L + PPP + + + +
+
+n+ + + + k + KP+ +p+ + + P + L+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
(a) Ke7 (b) Ke8 (c) Nc2+
(a) Kd8 (b) Ke6 (c) g5
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Chess Life — January 2010
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uschess.org
2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY World Chess Live sponsors over $25,000 at the 2009 Grand Prix!
Welcome, Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new familyfriendly service with special benefits for USCF members. Once again, WCL is pleased to sponsor USCF’s 2009 Grand Prix (GP) and 2009 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). We’re providing prize funds of $25,080 and $10,200 (cash, merchandise, and memberships), and will also be running online grand prize satellite events throughout the year. The 2010 Grand Prix kicks off a new season this month while points are still trickling in to close off the 2009 race. But rest assured GM Alex Lenderman has an unassailable 132-point lead at the top over GM Sergey Kudrin to clinch his second successive title. Kudrin is clearly determined to hold on to second place and his 67 point advantage over third place GM Jaan Ehlvest should be enough to secure him the runner-up
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position. The real race though still up for grabs for third to seventh spot, where just 26 points separates Ehlvest and fourth place GM Giorgi Kacheishvili, with the rest of the chasing pack just 2 points apart. GM Ben Finegold, once regarded as the most over-qualified international master (IM) in America, is inching his way to the top ten of the GP list. His three-way tie for first at the 18th Kings Island Open certainly helped, but given the year that Finegold has had, Lady Luck alone will surely push him from 12th to 10th ... if not higher. After 20 years as an IM, it was a case of the old cliché that life begins at 40 for Finegold, who has finally became a grandmaster (GM)! Finegold was hired as cocommentator at the 2009 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship, where during his often lively and entertaining
broadcasts he obviously made an unforgettable impression on the locals at the club, because St. Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center founder Rex Sinquefield offered him the plum job of GM-in-residence there, starting this month. It is understandable after all these years for people to ask how Finegold finally got that elusive third GM norm. He didn’t change his openings. He didn’t study with any of the world’s elite players. He didn’t even lock himself away in a room with a laptop filled to the gunnels with million-game databases or the latest playing engines as most do these days. No, none of the above for this easy-going, popular player—he simply attributes his success to one key thing; when asked he says, “I quit FaceBook.” ~Betsy Dynako (WCL)
2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of November 24 for the 2009 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
JUNIOR CATEGORIES
NAME 1 IM Alex Lenderman GM Sergey Kudrin 2 GM Jaan Ehlvest 3 GM Giorgi Kacheishvili 4 5 GM Alexander Ivanov 6 IM Enrico Sevillano 7 GM Melikset Khachiyan 8 IM Bryan Smith 9 IM Jay Bonin 10 GM Alexander Shabalov 11 GM Varuzhan Akobian
STATE NY CT NY NY MA CA CA PA NY PA CA
PTS. 415.27 283.08 216.79 190.70 188.97 179.36 175.33 141.43 121.04 115.54 112.34
12
IM Ben Finegold
MI
106.88
13 14 15
GM Dmitry Gurevich GM Alejandro Ramirez GM Jesse Kraai
IL TX CA
104.66 104.33 95.58
PA NY NY
26.00 25.46 18.86
SENIOR CATEGORY Players born 1944 and before: 1 FM Alex Dunne 2 FM Isay Golyak 3 FM Asa Hoffmann
America’s newest grandmaster, Ben Finegold: See next month’s issue for a feature article recounting Ben’s career!
STATE PTS. NAME Players born between 1986 and 1988 inclusive: 1 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 104.33 2 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 95.00 3 IM Jecek Stopa TX 93.40 Players born between 1989 and 1991 inclusive: 1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 2 IM Samuel Shankland CA 3 FM John Daniel Bryant TX
415.27 71.25 51.66
Players born between 1992 and 1993 inclusive: 1 FM Conrad Holt KS 80.82 2 Michael Thaler NY 30.20 3 Toby Boas FL 24.03 Players born between 1994 and 1995 inclusive: 1 Parker Zhao NY 2 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 3 Deepak Aaron NY
34.50 32.33 12.77
Players born 1996 and after: 1 Yian Liou 2 FM Darwin Yang 3 David Adelberg
28.40 26.00 22.66
CA TX AZ
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3rd: $250 6th: $100
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The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and a trophy 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 special prize valued at $60.
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2009 World Chess Live
Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings Name WINTER, CURTIS A DOMMALAPATI, ABHINAY MIZUSHIMA, DEREK ATTANAGODA, ISURU ADEEPA PISANI, NICHOLAS RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS HUANG, WINSTON TROFF, KAYDEN W SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MARUPUDI, PRANAV RICHMAN, JONATHAN HUGHES, JOHN LODGER QU, CHEN KARAMSETTY, JEEVAN PISANI, PAUL CHEN, JEREMY HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA DING, JIALIN KUMAR, ARAVIND
State MD VA MD VA WA VA MA UT MD NJ NY OH NY VA WA NJ ID MI MO NJ
Pts. 285 285 225 190 180 180 175 170 170 170 165 160 145 145 145 140 135 135 135 130
Name SINGH, REVA SHREE PILLAI, KADHIR ANDRES FU, JASON VIRKUD, APURVA JOHNSTON, DANIEL F GURCZAK, JOHN TUHRIM, RICHARD J SEVIAN, SAMUEL FINEGOLD, SPENCER JACOBS, CASEY MOORTHY, SRINIVAS R FISHER, WILLIAM ZHOU, JASON KOGEN, JONATHAN S GADSON, ISAIAH LATHAM, ANDREW TANENBAUM, ZACHARY CHEN DANG, MICHAEL TALWAR, JAMES V VEECH, JOHN
State NY NY TN MI NY AZ NY CA-N MI NY MD PA MO IL MO KS CT MI NY WI
Pts. 130 125 125 125 125 125 120 120 120 120 115 115 115 110 110 110 110 110 105 100
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Chess Life — January 2010
49
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life
USCF National Events See TLA in this issue for details: 2010 U.S. Amateur Team - South Feb. 12-14 or 13-14 • Orlando, Florida 2010 U.S. Amateur Team - North Feb. 12-14 or 13-14 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2010 U.S. Amateur Team - West Feb. 13-15 • Woodland Hills, California 40th Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Amateur Team - East Feb. 13-15 • Parsippany, New Jersey 2010 U.S. Junior Chess Congress Feb. 19-21 • Indianapolis, Indiana 2010 U.S. Masters March 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21 • Hendersonville, North Carolina 2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship March 19-25 • Skokie, Illinois 2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team Chess Championship March 26-28 • Skokie, Illinois 2010 All Girls National Championships April 16-18 • Columbus, Ohio 2010 U.S. Amateur West Championship May 29-31 • Tucson, Arizona 2010 National Open June 11-13 or 12-13 • Las Vegas, Nevada
Future Events (Watch for details)
2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship April 9-11 • Minneapolis, Minnesota Final Four (playoff from 2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate Championship) April 9-11 2010 National High School (K-12) Championship April 16-18 • Columbus, Ohio 2010 U.S. Championship April 23-May 6 • St. Louis, Missouri 2010 Burt Lerner National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 7-9 • Atlanta, Georgia 2010 U.S. Open July 31-Aug. 8 • Irvine, California 2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions July 31-Aug. 3 • Irvine, California 2010 Tournament of College Champions July 31-Aug. 3 • Irvine, California 2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open July 31-Aug. 3 • Irvine, California 2010 U.S. Senior Open August 22-27 • Boca Raton, Florida 2010 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 10-12 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2010 Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship Dec. 27-30 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2011 National Junior High (K-9) Championship April 15-17 • Columbus, Ohio 2011 National High School (K-12) Championship Apr. 29-May 1 • Nashville, Tennessee 2011 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 6-8 • Dallas, Texas
2011 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 9-11 • Dallas, Texas 2012 National High School (K-12) Championship April 13-15 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 11-13 • Nashville, Tennessee 2012 National Scholastic (K-12) Nov. 30-Dec. 2 • Orlando, Florida 2013 SuperNationals V TBA • Nashville, Tennessee 2013 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2014 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 9-11 • Dallas, Texas 2014 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 12-14 • Orlando, Florida 2015 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee 2015 National Scholastic (K-12) Dec. 5-7 • Orlando, Florida
Note: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their events.
Overdue Bids
Bids on the following tournaments are past deadline and will be considered immediately: 2010 U.S. Class Championship 2010 U.S. Amateur (East, North, South) 2010 U.S. Game/60 2010 U.S. Game/30 2010 U.S. Game/10 (QC) T.B.A. 2010 U.S. Game/15 (QC) 2010 U.S. Junior Closed - TBA 2010 U.S. Junior Open - TBA (see box) Deadline: June 1, 2010: 2010 Collegiate Final Four 2011 U.S. Junior Chess Congress 2011 U.S. Amateur Teams (East, North, South, West) 2011 U.S. Amateur (East, North, South) 2011 National Open 2011 U.S. Game 10 2011 U.S. Game 15 2011: Game 60 2011 U.S. Action G/30 2011 U.S. Masters 2011 U.S. Class Championship 2011 Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship 2011 Collegiate Final Four 2011 U.S. Junior Open 2011 U.S. Junior Closed 2011 U.S. Armed Forces Open
Bidding Deadlines
Please contact the National Office if you are interested in bidding for a National Event. The USCF recommends that bids be submitted according to the following schedule. However, bids may be considered prior to these dates. *USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organize the event itself.
Tournament memberships not valid for National events 50
Chess Life — January 2010
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available
USCF’s Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submissions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events. Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF-rated, and the USCF is concerned that the reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF-rated, promoting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause more USCF-rated tournaments to be held. More details on uschess.org. Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month, unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for pairing or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.
The TLA pages “Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Players” can now be found online at main.uschess.org/ go/tlainfo. TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of USCF members and for informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S. Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having questions concerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work. SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to:
[email protected] (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand Prix information see November 2009 pg. 53-54 or check http://main. uschess.org/go/tlainfo. Payment can be done online through the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
Nationals
All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance entry fee or pay them with entry at site. Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, Florida 2010 U.S. Amateur Team South 5SS, G/120 (2-day option, rd 1 G/60). Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. 4-player teams (plus alternate). 2 Sections (using Yr-end ratings): OPEN, Team Avg rtng<2200. SCHOLASTIC, Game/60, Team avg<1200. 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: plaques and four Excalibur Clocks, 3rd: plaques; SCHOLASTIC 1st, 2nd teams: plaques and four Excalibur Clocks, 3rd: trophies; Board Prizes: each section: Brds. 1-4, Excalibur Clocks. Class Prizes: OPEN: U2000,
uschess.org
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): 10-1-4, 9-12, Awards 2:30. HR: $79 (888) 627-8525 or (407) 425-4455; (Mention “Chess”). Complimentary parking voucher & internet with sleeping rooms; other parking at $5 per day. Reserve by Jan 29, ALL HOTELS FILL UP USATS WEEKEND! ENT: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 or online usats2010.eventbrite.com. See www.centralflchess.org for details or call (407)629-6946. WCL JGP.
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, Wisconsin 2010 U.S. Amateur Team Championship – North Two sections: Open and Scholastic (Saturday only) Open: 5SS, G/90+30/move/increment (G/120 if digital clocks not available; 2-day: rd.12 G/60). Crowne Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221. 1-414-764-5300. $79.99 chess rate, please reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate.Team average (4 highest ratings—2009 Annual Rating List) must be under 2200. EF: 3-day $140, 2-day $141 per team if received by February 9th, $180 thereafter. Individuals wishing to play, send $35 and request to be put on a team. Team changes on site $20. Check out official website: www.wichessacademy.com. All advance entries will be posted on February 10th. Prizes: Awards to top two teams, top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Prizes to best team composed of juniors (high school and younger). Prizes to top score on each board. Rounds: 3-day: on-site registration/check-in 5:30-6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 11:00am & 5:00pm, 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site registration/check-in 9:00-10:30am, rds. 11:00am & 2:00pm then merge with 3-day. **Saturday Only** Scholastic section. 4SS, G/60. Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate.Team average (4 highest—2009 Annual Rating List) must be under 1600. EF: $120 per team if received by February 9th, $150 thereafter. Individuals wishing to play, send $30 and request to be put on a team.Team changes on site $20. All advance entries will be posted on www.wichessacademy.com on February 10th. Prizes: awards to top team overall, top three High School Teams, top three Middle School Teams, top three Elementary School Teams. Prizes to top score on each board. Rounds: on-site registration/check-in: 9:00am-10:30am; rds.: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:45pm, 6:00pm. Checks made payable to and send to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr., Glendale WI 53209. Please includeTeam’s name and roster, captain’s email and phone number, and desired schedule. Info:
[email protected], ashish@ vajachess.com, 608-334-2574, 414-234-1005. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Feb. 13-15, California Southern 27th 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: $132 per team if received by 2-12, $36 individual (on line only), $148 at site, under age 18 or HS/below $96 by 2-12, $110 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 50), U1200. Clocks to best score each board, alternate, and any 6-0. Gift certificate prizes for best team names (1st/2nd). Reg.: 9-10 a.m. 2-13. 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. 20 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS, NC, W. F. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Feb. 13-15, New Jersey
40th Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East – Ruby Anniversary 6SS, 40/2, SD/1. Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany, NJ. 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—2009 Annual Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $145 postmarked by 2/5/10. Scholastic teams College and below $140 per team, ALL-$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; Top Team (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; Company Team (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, RI, OH, Canada, each plaque top team; team traveling longest distance—entry refunded. Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0 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—gourmet dinner for four. Reg.: 9-12 Sat 2/13. 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. HR: Parsippany Hilton, chess rates expire 1/16/2010. Rates $119 (up to 4 in room) 2nd hotel now attached to Hilton also up to 4 in room $117 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 2/05 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.
Feb. 19-21, Indiana 2010 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress 6SS, Rds. 1-4 G/60, Rds. 5-6 G/90. Radisson Hotel at the Indianapolis Airport, 2500 S. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN. NEW sections this year: 12th grade & Under, 8th grade & Under, 6th grade & Under, and 3rd grade & Under. CLUB TEAMS are welcome! Club and school teams are the top 4 scoring team members (minimum 2). Schedule: Blitz side event Fri. (2/19) at 7 pm, see below. Regular 6/SS tournament Sat. and Sun only. Opening Ceremony Sat. 2/20 at 8:30 am, Rds 1-4 at 9am, 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Bughouse tournament side event Sat. evening at 7:00 pm, see below. Sun 2/21 Rds. at 9am, 1pm. Awards
uschess.org
at 4:30pm. Entry Fee: $40 by 2/8/10, $50 by 2/18/10, $60 after and onsite. Register: Make checks payable to East Side Middle School Chess Club and mail to: 2010 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.2010ChessCongress.com as they are received. Onsite entries will be accepted Friday evening after 5 pm (and during the blitz tournament) and from 6:30am to 8:00am on Sat. morning, 2/20. 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 2/20 at 7:00 pm. Register for bughouse onsite ONLY for $10 per player Friday evening or during the day on Saturday. 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: Indianapolis Airport Radisson. Conveniently located at the Indianapolis International Airport and offering free shuttle service from airport terminals 24/7. FREE PARKING at hotel. $70 per night room rate!!! Hotel offers free wireless internet access. Additional Info: Limited team rooms available, contact number below for details. Concessions and chess merchandise will be available onsite. All event details at www.2010Chess Congress.com. Questions, call (765) 617-3845 after 3pm. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, North Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 2010 U. S. Masters 9SS, 40/2,SD/30. Hendersonville, NC. $$5000 b/50 fully paid: $1500-900300-200-200-200-200-200-200. U2300: $300-200-200-200-200. Open only to players who have ratings over 2200, those who have ever been so rated, foreign FIDE-rated players, and juniors (under age 21) rated over 2000. Concurrent with N.C. Sub-Masters for those with lower ratings. Rds (2 schedules merge round 5): 2-Weekend schedule: Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7, Fri 7, Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7; 7-Day schedule: Mon 7, Tue 7, Wed 7, Thurs 7, Fri 7, Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7 EF: $150 by Feb 13, $160 by Mar 9, $170 at site. GMs, IMs, and foreign FIDErated players receive reduced fee entry of $30 if preregistered (counts as 1/5 entry toward prizes). Byes: 4 available rds 1-5. HR: Quality Inn & Suites, 201 Sugarloaf Rd,, Hendersonville, NC 28792. $60 or $68/night with hot breakfast, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and mini-golf. 800-581-4745, www.qualityinnsuiteshvl.com. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773.
[email protected] www.ncchess.org. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-25, Illinois 2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship - an Official FIDE World Chess Championship! 9R-SS G/90 + 30/sec increment. Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077. 847.679.8900. $20,000 Guaranteed. Open to players with no FIDE title and rated under 2000 FIDE. All players compete in a single section. Please see tournament website for more detailed rating regulations. Overall: $3000-2000-1600-1400; Top Women: $1000-600-400-200; (17991600): $1000-600-400-200; (1599-1400): $1000-600-400-200; (U1400): $1000-600-400-200; (Unrated): $1000-600-400-200. EF: $120 by 6pm 02/15, $150 by 6pm 03/15; $200 thereafter and onsite. No re-entries allowed. No halfpoint byes allowed (zero point byes only). Onsite registration from 3-5pm 03/19. Rds.: 3/19 – 6:30pm; 3/20-21- 12pm and 6:30pm per day; 3/22-25 – 6:30pm per night. Mail entries with registration information to: North American Chess Association (make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. More information and online registration available at: www.worldchesschamps.com. Questions via email only: sevan@worldchess champs.com. No smoking. For more information on additional prizes such as FIDE titles, Scholarships toTexasTech University, a progressive prize fund, entry fee specials, and more, please visit the tournament website. Boards, sets, clocks provided. Tournament provided equipment must be used. WCL JGP.
Mar. 26-28, Illinois 2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team Chess Championship - an Official FIDE Intercontinental Chess Championship! 7R-SS G/90 w/5-sec delay. Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077. 847.679.8900. Open to players in 5 age categories in teams of 4: U10, U12, U14, U16, U18. Please see tournament website for more detailed age and team regulations. Prizes: Team-winners of First, Second and Third places in each age category and the members of the teams will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, Diplomas and Special Trophies. Team trophies will be awarded also teams finished in 4th – 20th places in each age category. EF: $150 by 6pm 02/01, $175 by 6pm 03/01; $200 thereafter. No onsite registrations allowed. No re-entries allowed. No half-point byes allowed (zero point byes only). Rds.: 3/26 – 6:00pm; 3/27 & 28 – 9am, 12pm and 6:00pm. Mail entries with registration information to: IntECS (make checks payable to), 63 75th Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527. More information and online registration available at: www.worldchesschamps.com. Questions via email only:
[email protected]. No smoking. Boards, sets, clocks provided. Tournament provided equipment must be used. WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18, Ohio 2010 All Girls National Championship presented by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the USCF and UTD. 6SS, G/90. Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215, (614) 280-1234, Hotel Rate $127. 6 Sections: 8 years old and younger; 10 and younger, 12 and younger, 14 and younger, 16 and younger, 18 and younger. Age as of 4/1/2010. USCF membership required. Winner of 18 years old and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship toThe University of Texas at Dallas, worth $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $50 if postmarked by 3/21; $70 if by 4/4; $85 by 4/15 or $90 on-site. Do not mail after 4/8 as your entry may not be received on time. Opening Ceremony: 6pm, Friday. Rounds: Rd 1 - 6:30pm Fri; Rounds 2-4 - Sat 10am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm; Rounds 5-6 - Sun 9am & 1pm. Awards Ceremony: Sun. 5pm. Trophies to top 15 indiv & top 3 teams (top 3 players added for team scores). Bye: 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. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament - Fri. 1pm, EF $25/team. Blitz Tournament - Fri. 3pm, EF $15 by 4/4, $20 after or on site. Entries: Mail to USCF, Attn: All Girls, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at http://uschess.org/tournaments/2010/allgirls. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
May 29-31, Arizona 2010 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-6 and U1000). Scholastic section is 3 separate 1-day tournaments. SCHEDULE: (Championship, Reserve, and Booster) 6/SS, 40/2, 25/1. Reg.: 5/29, 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4, 9-3. (Scholastic) 4/SS, G/40. Reg: 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, 1700-1799, 1600-1699, and U1600; Plaque to top Senior 50+, Junior U20 and Junior U14. (Reserve) Chronos clock + plaque to 1st; Digital clock + plaque to 2nd, 3rd, Top 13001399, 1200-1299, and U1200; Plaque to top Senior 50+ and Junior U14. (Booster) Chronos clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top Unrated and Junior U11. (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 rec’d by 5/26, $65 if after 5/26. (Booster) $40 if rec’d by 5/26, $50 if after 5/26. (Scholastic) $15 each day or $40 for all three days if by 5/26, additional $5 if after 5/26. ALL: Half-point byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior to start of Round 2. SIDE EVENT: Blitz tournament Friday 5/28; G/5, 5 Rounds, Double SS; Entry Fee: $10 ($15 to non-tournament players); Reg.: 6:00–6:45pm at site; Rounds: begin at 7:00pm. Prizes: ($$b/20) $75-$45, Top U1600 $30, Medallion to top K-12, K-8, K-6. ENTER: www.sazchess.org/store/store.php or mail to (make checks payable to “SACA”): SACA, Attn: US Amateur West, PO Box 42407, Tucson, AZ 85733 or at site. HR: $69 (single/double) or $85 (suite) if by 5/14, mention “SACA”. INFO: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, email:
[email protected], web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! June 11-13 or 12-13, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2010 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. $$: 80004000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500 2000, under 2400 1500, under 2300 1000. $2,000 EXTRA for perfect score.The winner of the Championship section also receives a replica of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$: 5000-2500-1300600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1400. $$: 25001500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100. Unrated, $$: 600-400-200-100-100-100. 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 5/17, $199 by 6/9, $220 on site, $100 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 Unrated or Championship Section. Provisionally rated players may not win more than 3rd prize in any section except Championship. CCA minimum ratings or other ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m. Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day
USCF Membership Rates Premium (P) and Regular (R) (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) Type Adult P Adult P ** Adult R Adult R ** Senior (65+) ** Young Adult P (U25)* Youth P (U16)* Scholastic P (U13)* Young Adult R (U25)* Youth R (U16)* Scholastic R (U13)*
1 yr $49 $42 $41 $34 $36 $32 $27 $23 $24 $20 $16
2yr $85 $78 $59 $52 $65 $59 $49 $42 $43 $36 $28
3yr $120 $113 $81 $74 $93 $85 $70 $60 $61 $51 $39
Premium membership provides a printed copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular membership. Regular membership provides online-only access to Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholastic members three times per year. Youth provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed above monthly Chess Life. See www.us chess.org for other membership categories. Dues are not refundable and may be changed without notice.
*Ages at expiration
**Purchased online only
Chess Life — January 2010
51
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life 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 other championship events. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Chess Camp for all ages onThursday. Grandmaster Simuls Thursday afternoon. US. Game/10 Thursday night. Scholastic Tournament Friday. Girls & Boys Championships Saturday & Sunday. LOW room rates! HR: $65 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1866-791-7626 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 15th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May 15th. 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.
Grand Prix Jan. 9-10, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 Tim Just’s Winter Open/Reserve XXIV 5SS, 40/90, SD/30. New Site: DoubleTree Hotel, 1909 Spring Road, Oakbrook, Illinois 60523, (630) 472-6020, (630) 472-6000, Lower $70 room rate for a limited time. More prizes! $$ (4,175 b/125 pd players, Guaranteed $$$ increased to maximum as attendance increases!). 2 Sections: Open: open to all. Open Prizes: $$ 700-300-200; U2200, 300-150; U2000 $300-125; Unr. can win top three only. Reserve: open to U1800. Reserve Prizes: $700-300-200; U1600, $225-150; U1400. $200-100; U1200, 150-75, Unr. qualify for top prizes only. Both:, EF: $64 (add $10 if playing up from Reserve into Open section) with name, id, e-mail/phone, to current/renewing USCF if rec’d by 1/5/10; Both $80 at site 8-8:30 AM; $85 at site 8:30-8:45 AM; $10 to play up from Reserve to Open section. Rds.: 9-1:30-6; 10-2:30. Re-Entry $40 with 1/2 pt Bye round 1, Byes Rnds 1-4, unretractable rnd 5 at Registration, Bring sets, boards, clocks, none provided, Ent: Tim Just, 37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031 (847) 244-7954 before 6 PM. e-mail for info only (sorry, e-mail entries not available):
[email protected], Checks payable to Chess For Life, LLC, info and PayPal early entries until 6 PM 1-8-10: http://chessforlife.com. NS, NC, W. Book Dealers: Checkmate Chess Supply: www.checkmatechesssupply.com/. WCL JGP.
Jan. 10, New Jersey World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 ATKM 2nd Sunday Swiss (2 Sections) ATKM Chess Center, 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ, 856-582-8222. 1600+ Section: be limited to 1st 20 entries. 4SS, G/60. Prizes: 80% Guaranteed. $250, $125, $75. U2200, U1900 $50 ea. EF: $35. IM’s, GM’s Free ($35 from prize). U1600 Section: 3SS, G/80 May be limited to 1st 14 entries. Prizes (chess shop gift certificates): $50, $35, U1200 $25. EF: $20. Reg. ends: 9:45 AM. Rds.: 10 AM, then ASAP with lunch break. Byes: 1/2 pt. bye allowed, rd 1 only, if reqstd with EF. Space is limited so reg. early at YourChessSet.com/sunswiss. Bring equipment!
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, Florida World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 Central Florida Class Championships G/120 (2-day: Rd.1 G/60). Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. $$7000/ b130, 60% Guaranteed. 6 Sections: OPEN: $1000-400-200, U2200 $150, U2100 $100. Class A: $600-300, U1900 $150. Class B: $600-300, U1700 $150. Class C: $600-300, U1500 $150. Class D: $600-300, U1300 $150. U1200: $500-300, U1000 $100, U800 $50. Rated players may play up one class only. Unrateds limited to $50 unless Place prize in OPEN. EF: 3-day $69, 2-day $68 by Jan 2, both $80 later and on-site. Re-entry
$40. $15 less to students in grades K-8 in U1200 section. CFCC memb discount: $15 ($5 for Jr/Sr memb).Trophies to top in each section (& Class X) also Class F, G, H, I, J & Unr in U1200 having more than one entry. Trophies and titles limited to Florida residents. FCA membs eligible for FL GP Awards. Reg.: ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rd.1: 8pm Fri (2-day: 10am Sat at G/60). Rds.: 2-5: Sat 1 & 6, Sun 9 & 2. 1/2 pt. byes if req’d before rd. 2 (max 2). HR: $79 (888) 6278525 or (407) 425-4455; (Mention “Chess”). Reserve by Dec 30. Complimentary parking voucher & internet with sleeping rooms; other parking at $5 per day. Ent: CFCC, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751; or online: 2010CFclass.eventbrite.com. Info: 407-629-6946 or www.centralflchess. org. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-17, Texas World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced) JG’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters 5SS, G/90 with 30 sec increment. Student Union Galaxy Rooms at The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080. Open to 1.) players rated 2200 and above or who have been rated 2200 on any crosstable on MSA or 2.) any Fide rated over 2000/Fide titled player and 3.) players who do not meet previous criteria can play by paying a hefty entry fee. FIDE rated. Please do not mail entries after January 6. You may register on active.com until Jan 12th. EF: USCF +2400 $50, USCF 2200-2400 or fide rated $90, otherwise $200. Fide GMs Free. Online Registration (note that Active.com charges fee.): www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id= 1796624. TCA Memb. req’d: Regular $11, Jr/Student $8.50, No Magazine $5, Family $16. OSA. USCF Membership Required. $$b/20:75% Guaranteed. $1500-750-250. U2400 $500. Reg.: 1/15: 6:00-7:00 pm. Rds.: 7:20 pm, 12:30 pm - 5:15 pm, 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 1 bye if requested before round 2. Park on metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitor’s parking. Due to contruction, check website for parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites Richardson, 250 Municipal Dr., Richardson,TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR: $79 for 1 bedroom will pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bedroom plus pullout couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems booking your room, please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel room. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000. INFO: Barb Swafford,
[email protected] www.swchess.com. NS, NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, California Northern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) Golden State Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option rds. 1-2 G/75, 2-day option rds. 1-4 G/35, no 2-day Open Section.) Under 900 Section plays separate 2-day schedule Jan 17-18 only, G/35. At Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord, CA 94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART station. Free parking. $$60,000 based on 450 paid entries (re-entries & U900 Section count as 1/3 entries), minimum guarantee $40,000 (2/3 each prize). Open, open to all. $$4000-2200-1300-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner $300, top U2400 $2000-1000. FIDE. Under 2200: $30001500-800-700-600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 2000: $3000-1500-800700-600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 1800: $3000-1500-800-700-600-500-400300-200-200. Under 1600: $2500-1300-700-600-500-400-300-300-200-200. Under 1400: $2000-1000-700-500-400- 300-200-200. Under 1200: $2000-1000700-500-400-300-200-200. Under 900: $800-400-200-150-100-80-70. Prize limits: 1) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with maximum prize U900 $200, U1200 $400, U1400 $600, U1600 $900, U1800 $1200, U2000 $1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated may not win over $400 in U900, $800 in U1200 or $1200 in U1400. 3) If more than 30 points above section maximum on any list 1/09-12/09, prize limit $1000. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections EF: 4-day $174, 3day $173, 2-day $172 mailed by 1/7, all $175 online at chesstour.com by 1/12, $180 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $200 at site. GMs free; $150 deducted from prize. Under 900 Section EF: $52 mailed by 1/7, $55 online at chesstour.com by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $60 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/12, $70 at site. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult
PLAN AHEAD! NEW: 2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open Championship (see TLA page 51) 2010 Tournament of College Champions 2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions July 31-Aug. 3, 2010 - Irvine, California
AND 2010 U.S. Open July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or Aug. 5-8
$20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed EF $5 less to rated CalChess members. 4-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:15 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10:15 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sun to 9:15 am, rds Sun 10-122-4-6, Sun 10-4:30, not available for Open Section. Under 900 schedule: Reg. Sun to 9:15 am, rds. Sun. 10-12-2-4, Mon. 10-12-2. Byes: OK all; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4; limit 3 byes in Open. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player ratings: See chesstour.com. HR: $99-99-109, 925-8272000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia, CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/40). U900 Section plays 1/17-18 only, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section counts 1/3, GMs 1/2), else in proportion, except minimum 60% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006 to 2009, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was increased. In 8 sections. Open: $2000-1000-500-300200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, 2300-2399 $800-400, U2300/Unr $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1300: $700-400-200-150-100. Under 1100: $700-400-200-150-100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $200 in U1100, $300 U1300, $400 U1500, $500 U1700, or $600 U1900. Top 5 sections EF: 4 day $99, 3 day $98, 2 day $97 mailed by 1/7, all $100 online at chesstour.com by 1/11, $105 phoned by 1/11 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. U1300, U1100 Sections EF: All $20 less. U900 Section EF: $32 mailed by 1/7, $33 online by 1/11, $35 phoned by 1/11, $40 at site. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re-entry (except Open Section) $80. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds.Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-122-4-6, Mon 10-4:30. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-2-4, Mon 10-12-2. Bye: all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $95-95-95-95, 215-448-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Parking: $8/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $15/day chess rate without guest room, parking lot 1 block from hotel may be less than $15. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Jan. 16-17, Minnesota World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Minnesota 2010 Winter Open Roseville Civic Center Skating Arena, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113. In 5 Sections, Premier: 5SS, Round 1: G/60, 30 sec inc. Rounds 2 through 5: G/90, 30 sec. inc. EF: $40 advance if received by 9 Jan, $50 at site. Memb. Req’d: 18. OSA. $$b/30: $400-200. U2200 $100, U2000 $100. Reg.: Saturday, January 16, 8:00-9:00am. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-1-6, Sun. 10-3. Reserve (Open to under 1700): 5SS, Round 1: G/60, 30 sec inc. Rounds 2 through 5: G/90, 30 sec. inc. Open to 1699 & under. EF: $35 advance if received by 9 Jan, $45 at site. Memb. Req’d: 18. OSA. $$b/35: $250-150. U1600, U1400 $70 each. Reg.: Saturday, January 16, 8:00-9:00am. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-1-6, Sun. 10-3. Bantam (Open to under 1200): 5SS, Round 1: G/60, 30 sec inc. Rounds 2 through 5: G/90, 30 sec. inc. Open to 1199 & under. EF: $25 advance if received by 9 Jan, $35 at site. Memb. Req’d: 18. OSA. $$b/35: $125-75. U1000, Unrated $50 each. Reg.: Saturday, January 16, 8:00-9:00am. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-1-6, Sun. 103. Saturday Non-Rated Beginners Tournament: 5SS, G/30, td 5, Open to 799 & under. EF: $15. Prizes: 1st: Free entry to Sunday Blizzard tournament. USCF & MSCA memberships for all players scoring 4 points in 5 rounds. Reg.: Saturday, January 16, 10:00-10:30 am. Rds.: 5 Rounds Saturday, as time permits. Winter Blizzard: 4SS, G/60, td 5, EF: $20 advance if received by 9 Jan, $25 at site. $$GTD: Minimum 50% of entry fees returned as prizes, prize for the top score in the “lower half”. Reg.: Sunday, January 17, 10:00-10:30 am. Rds.: Sun. 11-1:30-4:00-6:30. ENT: MSCA, PO Box 582754, Mpls. MN 55458. WCL JGP.
Jan. 16-17, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) Portsmouth Open A NH Grand Prix Event. Holiday Inn Portsmouth, 300 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801. In 2 Sections, Open: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. Analog clocks play GAME/115, FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150, U2000 $150. U1750: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. Analog clocks play GAME/115, Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD: $400-200. U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Reg.: Registration 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 1/09/2010. 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,
For details on
2010 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS
More details to be announced in February 2010 Chess Life!
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Chess Life — January 2010
East, North, South, West See Nationals Section! uschess.org
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea
[email protected]. HR: $79 by 16 December, Mention Relyea Chess (603) 431-8000. www.relyeachess.com. NS, W. WCL JGP.
Jan. 23-24, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 Orange County Open
Jan. 19, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters (formerly the St. John’s Masters)
5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4 & 5 40/2, SD/1 (No time delay). Hanley Chess Academy, 7390 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. 92646. $$5,000 b/120, 50% of each prize guaranteed. One Section: Open: 1000-500-300-200,Top X: 400-225125, U2000: 250-125-75, U1800: 250-125-75, U1600: 250-125-75, U1400: 250-125-75, U1200/UNR: 250-125-75. EF: $55 if received by 10/22, $65 door. On-line entry: www.hanleychessacademy.org. No checks entries at door. All: One half point bye if requested with entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. Reg.: 8:30am-9:30am Sat 1/23. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Info:
[email protected]. Ent: Hanley Chess Academy, c/o Joe Hanley, 7390 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646. NS. NC. F. Side Event: Hexes on 1/24; 3SS G/90. EF: $25. Reg.: 9:30am-10:15am. Prizes: $50-$25-$15 in each Hex. Rds.: 10:30-2-5. WCL JPG.
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCC Thursday 4 Rated Games Tonight! since the prior month’s Masters) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament).Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 250-150-100.Top U2400 and Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration.
Jan. 21, 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. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
Jan. 23-24 or 24, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 January Open 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. $$625 Gtd: 250-100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
Jan. 22-24 or 23-24, Arizona World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) Tucson Open and Scholastics
Jan. 25-Feb. 8, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 21st Nassau G/60 Championship
Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd.,Tucson, AZ 85714, 520-746-1161. SECTIONS: Open, Reserve (U1800), Booster (U1400) & Scholastics (K6/U1000). Scholastic section is 2 separate 1-day tournaments. Open, Reserve, & Booster Schedule: (3-day) 5/SS, 40/2, SD/1; Reg.: 1/22 5:30-6:30 PM; Rds.: 7, 10-5, 9-4. (2-day) 5/SS, Rds 1-2 G/90; Rds. 3-5 40/2, SD/1; Reg.: 1/23 8:30-9:30 AM; Rds.: 10-1:30-5, 9-4. (Scholastics) 4/SS, G/40; Reg.: 1/23-25 8:30-9:30 AM; Round 1 at 10am then as availble. PRIZES: (Open) $$G: $600(plaque)-400-300-200; $$b/4 X, A, B/below $150 ea. Trophy Top Jr. U20, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+; (Reserve) $$b/38: $250(plaque)-150(plaque); $$b/4 C, D/below $100 ea.Trophy toTop UNR, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+; (Booster)Trophy toTop 1st - 5th Place, Top E, U1000/Unr and Jr. U11; (Scholastic each day) Trophy to 1st - 5th Place, Top U800, U600, and Unrated. EF: GM/IM are FREE!; if rec’d by 1/21 Open: $55, Reserve: $45, Booster: $25, Scholastics: $15 for one day or $25 for both days; after 1/21 Open: $65, Reserve: $55, Booster: $35, Scholastics: $20 for one day or $30 for both days; DISCOUNT: $10 off EF for Juniors (under age 20) and Seniors (age 50+) in Open and Reserve. ALL: 1/2 pt byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior to start of Round 2 (max 2). No Re-entries. ENTER: www.sazchess.org/store/store.php or mail to (make checks payable to “SACA”): SACA, Attn: Tucson Open, PO Box 42407, Tucson, AZ 85733 or at site. HR: $99 (single/double), $109 (jr. suite), or $129 (suite) if by 1/8, mention “SACA”. INFO: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, email:
[email protected], web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
6-SS, G/1. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts, Mineola. EF: $37 by 1/23, $44 at site, non-memb $9 more. $$ (800 b/25, top 2 G) 180-120, U2100, 1900, 1700, 1500, 1300/UR each 100. 3 byes 1-6. Rds.: 7:15-9:25 each Mon. Rule 14H not used.
[email protected]. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782.
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Chess Life — January 2010
Jan. 29-31, North Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) Land of the Sky XXIII Note new time controls. 5SS, 30/90, then G/60 (2-day option, Rd 1, 30/90, G/30). Crown Plaza Resort Asheville, One Resort Dr., Asheville, NC 28806, 828254-3211 or 800-733-3211. HR: $87 for up to four occupants, reserve early, mention tournament. $$20,000 b/320, $10,000 Gtd. Open - FIDE rated: 1st $2500, 2nd $1000, 3rd $800, 4th $500, 5th $400, 2299-2200, 2199-2100, 2099under each category $700-400. Amateur: (U2000) 1st $1600, 2nd $800, 3rd $400, 1899-1800, 1799-1700, 1699-under each category $700-400. Booster: (U1600) 1st $1500, 2nd $800, 3rd $400, 1499-1400, 1399-1300, 1299-under ea. category $500-300, Unr. $300. Unr. eligible for unr. prize only. EF: $84 postmarked by 1/16, $10 more at site or $44 postmarked by 1/18 and $40 at site. $10 off pre-entry or at site for players new to Land of the Sky. Family discount: first member full EF, $20 off each additional (immediate family only, d/n apply to trophy entries). Players under 18: Trophy only-$20, pre or at site, no discounts, if playing for money $10 off pre or at site EF. One discount per player. Visa &
Mastercard Accepted (add $3 to EF). Optional Re-entry: Re-enter for $47 after Friday rd, counts as 1/2 entry toward based-on prize fund. Reg.: Fri. 3pm-7:30 pm for Friday round, anytime until Saturday 1pm (one 1/2 pt bye avail rds 13). Rds.: 1st rd-Your Choice-Fri. 8pm or Sat. 10am (will assume Sat. Rd. if no choice made), other 2:15-7:15 on Sat., 9-2:15 on Sun. Blitz Tournament: Saturday morning. U1200 Section (rated): 5SS, G/60. 70% of EF paid in prizes. EF: $40 pre (no discounts), $10 more at site. $$ 20% to 1st, 15% to 2nd, 10% to 3rd, U900 10% to 1st, 5% to 2nd, Unr. 10% to 1st. Unrated eligible for unrated prize only. Reg.: anytime up to one hour before any round (one 1/2 point bye available rds 1-3). Rds.: Sat. 10:30-1:30-4, Sun. 9-1:30. Ent: Checks payable to: WW, PO Box 1123, Weaverville, NC 28787, 828-645-4215, fax: 828-645-4216,
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, Ohio World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 33rd Cardinal Open Concourse Hotel, 4300 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219, free parking, $79/night chess rate thru 1/8. 5-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day rds 1&2 G/75). Max 2 byes rds 1-4. Sets provided, bring clocks. $$6,800 b/126 pd entries, re-entries & U1200 students = 1/2. 5 Sections: Open (FIDE) $1000-600-400, U2300 $500-250 U2200 $300-100, U2000 $700-350-200, U1800 $600-300-150, U1500 $500-250, U1200 $400-200 & trophies top 5 students. Unrated prize limit $150 any section except Open. EF: $80 if received by 1/28, then $90; students in U1200 $30 less; re-entry $40 (not in Open). Free to IM/GM, $80 deducted from winnings. OCA membership required of OH residents. 3-day Schedule: Reg. Fri. 5-6:30pm, Rds. 7pm; Sat. 10-5:30; Sun. 9-3:30. 2-day: Reg. Sat. 9-10:30am, Rds. 11-2-5:30; Sun 9-3:30. Ent: FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219. Info:
[email protected], www.neilley.com/chess, 614-314-1102. WCL JGP.
Jan. 29-31, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 Springfield Open 5SS, Rd 1 Friday G/120, Rds 2-5 30/90 SD/60 $$ 2,200 (top three G) b/80. Holiday Inn Express, 6401 Brandon Ave., Springfield, VA. 22150. Conveniently located at the junction of I-95, I-495 and I-395. AMAZING renovations to the hotel since last tnmt here!! Ph: at 1-877-834-3613 Ask for chess rate and mention NoVa Chess HR: $79 reserve before Jan 15, 2009. One section: Open: $550-350-200 (G); top X/A/B/C/D and top U1200 each $170, top Unrated $100. Reg.: Fri, Jan 29: 5pm - 7:45 PM. Rounds: Fri 8pm Sat. 10-4, Sunday 10-3:30 pm. One 1/2 pt bye all, must declare before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. EF: $50 if rec’d by Jan 22, 2009, $60 later and at site. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria VA 22306. Make checks to “Michael Atkins”. Email Information:
[email protected], NO E-MAIL ENTRIES Web: http://members.cox.net/tourna ments/springfield.htm. W, NS, FIDE. WCL JGP.
Jan. 30-31, Florida World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 North Florida Classic Chess Championships 5SS, G/90. Price-Martin Center, 220 N 11th Street, Palatka, Florida. $500 to First Place Unconditionally Guaranteed. 2nd Place $ 250, 3rd $ 125, Top
uschess.org
U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200/UNR Each $ 150. First Place Fully Guaranteed, other prizes based on entries (b/38) More Entries Mean More Prize Money! EF: $37 if by Sep 30, $45 if by Nov 30, $ 50 at Site. USCF Rated. TD Ben Cody & Jim Hedge. Reg ends 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rounds: 10-1:30-5, Sunday 11-3. ChampionshipTrophy to First,Trophies toTop each class listed above. 5-SecondTime Delay permitted. NS NC W. Advance Entries: Jim Hedge, 4502 Pontiac Street, Palatka, FL 32177. www.palatkachessclub.com,
[email protected], (386) 972-4225. Sponsored by The Palatka Chess Club and the City of Palatka. Contact us for special rates Before you book Hotel rooms. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30-31, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 34th Queen City Open 4SS, 40/100, SD/1. Comfort Inn, exit 4 (Queen City Bridge) off I-293, Manchester, NH. 603-668-2600. HR: $80, mention “NH Chess”, reserve early. $$2,225 b/65, 75% Gtd. 4 sections: Open: EF: $42 by 1/28, GMs/IMs free. $300-200100, U2100 $125-75. U1900: $150-100-75, U1750 $100-50. No Unr. may win over $75. U1600: $150-100-75, U1450 $100-50. No Unr. may win over $75. U1300: $150-100-75, U1000 $100-50. No Unr. may win over $75. All: EF: $42 by 1/28. Special EF for jrs U21 in U1300 section only, $26 if by 1/28. Sunday Swiss (1/31 only). 3SS, G/60. EF: $25 if by 1/28. $$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: 10-3:30, 9:30-3.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.
Jan. 31, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 2010 Westwood Winter Open 5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, 2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize guaranteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. Reserve (U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF: $48 if received by 1/30, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: limit 1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. 2 Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the building basement ($3). Inf:
[email protected]. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry: www.western chess.com. State Championship Qualifier.
Jan. 31, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge (QC) 6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5). Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
A Heritage Event! Feb. 5-7, Bermuda World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 2010 Bermuda International Open 5SS, 40/2, G/1. FIDE. Fairmont Southampton Resort & C.C. Feb 4 (Thurs.): Cocktail reception 6:00 followed by 8 pm Blitz tournament. Rounds: Friday 8pm, Sat./Sun. 9am, 3pm. Closing party: Sun. 7:30pm Buffet dinner, open bar, free for all players and spouses. Coffee/pastry served during rds. S & S. Prize fund Gtd. $5000: Open $1000 (plus airfare NEast and hotel room for 2011), $800, $600, $400, $200. U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 all $250, $150, $100. Top non-titled also wins airfare from NEast and hotel for 2011. EF: $100, payable on site cash pls. Free to GMs, IMs, $100 deducted from prize. Sets provided, bring clock. Fairmont Southampton, (866) 540-4497 “chess rate” $179+tx (reduced from previous $199). More info contact:
[email protected] or Chief Arbiter
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event! Feb. 5-7, South Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 36th Snowstorm Special 5SS, 35/90, SD/1 (2 day schedule rd. 1 G/90). Best Western CharlestonDowntown, 250 Spring St., Charleston, SC 29403. EF: $60 if rec’d by 2/03, $70 at site, $35 re-entry. USCF & SCCA memberships req’d, OSA, $$1,600 b/40 ($800 Gtd.), One section, Open to all. Prizes: $400-200-100, Top Expert,A,B,C,D,E&under - 1st-$100, 2nd-$50 (Unrateds will be based on perf. rating after 4th rd.). 3 day schedule: Reg:-Fri.6-7pm, Rds.: 8, 2-8, 9-2:30. 2 day schedule: Reg.- Fri. 6-7pm, Sat. 8-9am, Rd. 1: 10am, then merge with 3 day schedule. Half pt. byes: avail. all rds., must commit before Rd. 2 for Rds. 4&5 (irrevocable) HR: $74.99 (mention “Snowstorm Special”) reserve by Jan. 29, 2010 (843-722-4000 or toll free 1-888-377-2121) Other info: Free entry to Masters and above; $60 deducted from any winnings. Info/Reg/Pmt: Charleston Chess Club c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (email:
[email protected]) (Please indicate whether playing in 2 or 3 day schedule when registering.) WCL JGP.
Feb. 6, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 23rd Annual Super Saturday in New York! 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 $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 920 b/46 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100, U1800 $80. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30 pm. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. 12-1:30-2:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/4; $10 extra to “enter” by phone.
A Heritage Event! Feb. 6-7, Alabama World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Queen of Hearts - 38th Annual 5SS, TC: 30/90; SD/30. AUM Taylor Center, 7440 East Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117. OPEN ($900 b/25; PF: 50% GTD): $300-200-150-A: $150-U1800:
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Chess Life — January 2010
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life $100; RESERVE ($725 b/25; PF: 50% GTD): $250-150-125-E: $125-U1000: $75. Late REG.: FEB 6th, 8-8:40am. Rds: 9-2-7; 9-3. EF: $40, if mailed by JAN 30th; $50 at site. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): 5SS, TC: G/40. AMATEUR (600-999), PREMIER (UNR-599) and NOVICE (Not Rated): EF: $20/$10, If mailed by JAN 30th, $30/$20 at site. Trophy: Top 3; Medals 4th-6th and Top Team Trophy each section. Rds: 9-10:30-12:30-2, 3:30. Checks payable to: Montgomery Chess Club. ENT: Montgomery Chess Club, 2624 Burkelaun Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111. Info:
[email protected], www.alabama chess.com. WCL JGP.
Feb. 7, New Jersey World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 ICA Winter 2010 Open Championship Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages With Rating >1400 4SS, G/60. U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required, Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $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 AM Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Feb 3rd) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry. INFO: 201-287-0250 or 201-833-1741, Email:
[email protected] (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Membership checks payableTo: International Chess Academy. Mail to: DianaTulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 12-14, Texas World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 South Houston Open 5SS, G/120, FIDE rated. Free entry for GMs and IMs (EF deducted from winnings). SIDE EVENTS: (Schol.Team & Ind., 5SS, G/30, 1-day only, Sat. Feb. 13th); 5-min. Blitz “CAJUN KNOCK-OUT” (Sat. night after Rd. 3). Separate room for schol. Players - A trophy or medal will be awarded to each schol. player. Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake, 3000 NASA Road One, Houston (281-333-9300). 5 Sects. PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 paid ent. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; U2200: $700-400; U2000: $800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-10050; U1600/Unr*: $800-400-200-100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50. *Unrated players may only win 50% of the prize fund except in the Open Sect. where they must pay full EF and are eligible for full prize fund. Schol. Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12. Prizes:Trophies to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each section (more ind. trophies depending on attendance). Every non-trophy winner receives a souvenir chess medal.Teams may have as many players as they wish from the same school in the same section but must have a minimum of 3 players to be considered a team; the top 3 scores will count for final team score. Scholastic players may play in both adult and scholastic tournaments by registering for both tournaments and taking a bye for Rd. 2 in the adult tournament. USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements for winners of all schol. sections. Free chess clock to player who travels farthest to tourn. in both adult and schol. tournaments. CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat the top ranked player and win free entry to our next tournament! EF: $79 by 2/10; $89 at site; Unr. (U1600) and Jrs. (under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sections) $49 by 2/10; $59 at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 2/10; $25 at site; Re-Entry Fee: $25 (avail. up to Rd. 4 - in all sections; 3 re-entries or 2 Jr. entries count as one additional entry for prize fund). 3-
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Chess Life — January 2010
day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; Sat. 11-6:30, Sun. 9:30-2:30. 2day Sched: Reg. Sat. 8:30-10am, (Rds 1 & 2, G/75) Sat. 11-2:30-6:30, Sun. 9:30-2:30. Both schedules merge at Rd. 3. Schol. Sched: (All 5 rds G/30— one day only, Sat., Feb. 13). Reg. Sat. 8:30-9:30am, Rd. 1 at 10am; Other rds will follow immediately. Byes: Avail. all Rds. (commit before Rd. 3). HR: $89 for single or double; $99 for triple; $109 for quad (281-333-9300), reserve by Jan. 29 and mention Cajun Chess tournament to assure group rate. ENT: On-line registration and printable entry form at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to: Franc Guadalupe, 305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City,TX 77573. Info or Phone Ent: 713-530-7820 or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at site). FIDE. WCL JGP.
Feb. 13-14, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 Kingstowne Chess Festival Kingstowne Snyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA 22315. 4 Sections. Open (FIDE-rated): 4SS 40/100, SD/60. EF: $40 if received by 2/10, $50 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $84 if received by 2/10, $94 at site. Prizes $$1000G: $400-250-125. U2000, U1800, Unr. each $75. Rds.: 115, 10-4. Amateur (U1800-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $20 if received by 2/10, $30 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $64 if received by 2/10, $74 at site. Prizes $$500 b/32: $180-100-70. U1600-U1400-Unr. each $50. No unrated may win more than $150. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Booster (U1600-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $15 if received by 2/10, $25 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $59 if received by 2/10, $69 at site. Prizes $$370 b/32: $150-80-50. U1400U1200-Unr. each $30. No unrated may win more than $100. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Novice (U1400-unr.): 6SS G/75. EF: $10 if received by 2/10, $18 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $54 if received by 2/10, $62 at site. Prizes $$285 b/32: $100-70-40. U1200-U1000-Unr. each $25. No unrated may win more than $80. Rds.: 11-2-5-8, 12:30-4. All: One half-point bye allowed in Open, two in other sections. Last-round bye must commit by end of play Sat. and irrevocable. Reg.: 9:30-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
[email protected]. FIDE. W. WCL JGP.
Feb. 13-15, Oklahoma World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 Jerry Hanken FIDE Winter Open 7-SS, G/90+30 sec, Quality Inn, 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51) Stillwater, OK 1405-372-0800. HR: 70-70-70. One section open to all. EF: $40 if postmarked or received by cash or ck before Feb 10, $50 at door. $10 OCF membership required from all players. Reg.: Sat 10:30-11:45; Rds.: Sat 12, 4:30, Sun 9-1:155:30, Mon 9-1:30. $$G 2,450 will not be lowered. $$G, $400, 300, 200. $$G $300 each class ($150-100-50) Ex,A,B,C,D & below. Unr. competes in D & below. $50 - upset, One (1) half pt bye rds 3-7. Free Parking. Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis, Stillwater, OK 74074. 1-405-372-5758.
[email protected] NC, CMV, LS, W, USCF, OCF, FIDE. WCL JGP.
Feb. 16, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters (formerly the St. John’s Masters) 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 MCC Thursday 4 Rated Games Tonight! since the prior month’s Masters) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament).Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 250-150-100. Top U2400 and Top 2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45PM. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration.
Feb. 18. New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
A Heritage Event! Feb. 19-21, 20-21 or 21, Minnesota World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 117th Warren Stenberg Memorial Annual Minnesota Open Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN 55441. In 5 Sections, Premier: Open to All. 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, 5 sec. delay (2day option rds 1-2 G/90), EF: $65 (3-day option) or $64 (2-day option) by 2/12; $75 on site. $$b/35: $500-300-150. U2200, U2100 each $125. Amateur (U2000): 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, 5 sec. delay (2-day option rds 1-2 G/90). Open to 1999 & under. EF: $55 (3-day option) or $54 (2-day option) by 2/12; $65 on site. $$b/35: $400-250-125. U1900, U1800 each $100. Reserve (U1700): 6SS, Game/2, 5 sec. delay (2-day option rds 1-2 G/60), Open to 1699 & under. EF: $50 (3-day option) or $49 (2-day option) by 2/12; $60 on site. $$b/40: $350175-100. U1600, U1500, U1400 each $75. Sophomore (U1400): 6SS, Game/2, 5 sec. delay (2-day option rds 1-2 G/60), Open to 1399 & under. EF: $40 (3-day option) or $39 (2-day option) by 2/12; $50 on site. $$b/45: $300-150-75. U1300, U1200, U1100 each $60. Bantam (U1100): 6SS, Game/2, 5 sec. delay (2-day option rds 1-2 G/60), Open to 1099 & under. EF: $35 (3-day option) or $34 (2-day option) by 2/12; $45 on site. $$b/42: $250-100-50. U1000, U900 each $50. ALL: MSCA Memb. Req’d: $18. OSA. Class prizes based on 5 per class. Ratings based on February 2010 Supplement. Discounted EF must be received by 2/12/2010, please specify 3-day or 2-day option. 3-day option schedule: On site Reg.: 5-6pm Fri, Feb 19. Rnds.: Premier and Amateur: Fri 7; Sat 10-4:30; Sun 10-4:30; Reserve, Sophomore, and Bantam: Fri 7; Sat 102:30-7.; Sun 10-3. 2-day option schedule: On site Reg.: 8-8:30am Sat, Feb 20. Rnds.: Premier and Amateur: Sat 9-1-4:30, Sun 10-4:30; Reserve, Sophomore, and Bantam: Sat 9-11:30-2:30-7; Sun 10-3. 2 Side Events: Saturday Non-rated Beginners Tournament: Open to players rated below 800 or unrated, who have never won a membership at a Novice tournament. EF: $15. Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd all get trophies. All players who score 4 out of 5 points receive USCF and MSCA memberships. Reg.: 10-10:30 Sat, Feb 20. Rnds.: Sat (approx): 11-12:15-1:30-3:15-4:30. Sunday Tornado: EF: $15 by 2/12/2010: $20 at site. $$b/14: $100-50. $50 for the top player in the lower rating half. Reg.: Sun 9-9:45. Rnds.: Sun (approx): 10-12:30-3:00-6:30. ENT: MSCA, PO
uschess.org
Box 582754, Minneapolis, MN 55458-2754. INFO: Shu Lee shuman.lee@ gmail.com. HR: $89 special rate at the Radisson. Send email to shuman. lee@gmail. com to check on availability and make reservations (763) 559-6600, Reservations 1-800-395-7046 US/CanadaToll-free Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441. Round one start time is approximate. It will begin at the conclusion of the General Membership Meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday evening. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
Feb. 19-Mar. 19, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Queens Late Winter Open 5-SS, G/120. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. EF: $35 advance, $40 at site, $5 less to QCC members. $$200-$100 gtd to top 2, more per entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes ok with advance notice (byes for Rounds 4 and/or 5 must be declared before Round 3). REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT: (mail by 2/12) Ed Frumkin, 445 E. 14th St. #10D, NYC 10009 (212-677-3224 before 10 pm - do not call on Friday). WCL JGP.
Feb. 20, 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 $30, GMs free ($25 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 15 min. before game. Online entry at www.chess center.cc thru 2/18; $10 extra to “enter” by phone!
Feb. 20-21, Texas World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) Southwest Collegiate Championships 5-SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. Sheraton Dallas North (Formerly Adams Mark), 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201. HR: $105-$105-$105-$105, 888-6278191, MentionTexas Chess Association to get Hotel Chess Rate. One night hotel deposit may be required. Open to any college student or team. Top 4 count for team score. USCF membership required. EF: $49 by 2/11/10, $69 thereafter. Don’t mail after 2/14, entry may not be received. Online/Credit Card registration link at www.swchess.com Note that active.com charges a small fee. Reg.: Fri 7-9 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. $$ $500-$250-$125, 1st U2000 $150, 1st U1600 $150, 1st U1200 $150, Unrated eligible for U1200 prize. Plaques to top 10 Individuals, Plaques to top 5Teams. Open Blitz Tourney: Open, Fri 2/19, 8:00 pm, $10, $$ Plaques to Top 5 individual. Ent: Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. (Make Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. One check can be sent for multiple players.) Entries must include name, USCF ID or new/pending (include a copy of the receipt), rating, USCF expiration date & school. All incomplete registrations will be charged the late EF, additionally there will be a $5 per player surcharge on registration received without payment, these players could possibly not be paired for round 1 and not be paired until payment is received.
uschess.org
Refunds will be given only up to 2/17 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/17 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/17. There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations. USCF membership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must join/renew their memberships. No registration/ changes/or withdrawals after 2/17/10. After that date you must make changes at site (Sheraton Dallas North). February Supplement will be used. Chess In Education Conference for coaches, teachers and administrators, contact
[email protected] for more info. Tournament Info: Barbara Swafford, 214.632.9000 please do not call after 2/17,
[email protected]. Website: www.swchess.com. NS. NC. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Feb. 20, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 2010 Presidents Week LVCA Grand Prix 4SS, G/90. St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid entries. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATEDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two 1/2 pt byes (if declared before round 3). REG.: Ends 10am. RDS.: 10:30-1:304:45-7:45. Ent/Info:Check payable:Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. or call 610-625-0467 or
[email protected]/. WCL JGP.
Feb. 26-28, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 4th annual Saratoga Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1, Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. $$G 1200. In 2 sections: Open: $$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$ 150-90-50, U1600 100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/19, $53 online at chesstour.com by 2/23, $55 phoned by 2/23, $65 at site. Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-4:30, Sun 9-2:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for room cancellation. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Feb. 27-28, Florida World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Central Florida Chess Club Championship 5SS, G/120. Orlando Chess & Games Ctr, 8751 Commodity Cir., Suite 4, Orlando, 32819. EF: $40. CFCC mem req @ $25 ($15 Jr/Sr). $$G 600: 190100-70, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 each 60, plaques (if mem as of Jan 27) to Club Champion, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, & top under age 16. Reg.: Sat 9:15am. Rds.: 10-2-6, 9-2. CFCC elections 1pm Sun. Ent: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751. Info: (407) 629-6946 or www.centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.
Feb. 28, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge 6-SS G/30, (NOTE CHANGE). Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC 212 477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet to participants) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 AM. G$$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. Rds.: 12-1:20-2:40-4-5:20-6:40. (NOTE CHANGE) Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
A State Championship Event! Mar. 5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2010 PA Quick Chess Championship (QC) 6SS, G/10, T/D3. 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. 3 sections, EF rec’d by 2/16: Open: $12. U1500: $10. U1100: $8. $$ (730G): Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. U1500: 125-75-50, U1200 $40, Unr $30. U1100: Trophies: 1-5, U800, U600, 1-2 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/16, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 6-6:30pm. Rd 1: 7pm. Feb 2010 Regular ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info:
[email protected]. 412-908-0286. W.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, Massachusetts World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 19th annual Eastern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 Section is 6 rounds playing March 6-7 only, G/75. Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 one-third), minimum $12,000 (60% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-300. Class B: $1400-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-200100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter U900 through A, with prize limits: U900 $100, E $200, D $300, C $400, B $500, A $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 2/25, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/2, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/2 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Class E EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. MACA memb. ($12, under 18 $6) required for MA residents; WMCA accepted for western MA res. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 800-582-3232, 508347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/19 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through
Chess Life — January 2010
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Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
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.
A Heritage Event! Mar. 5-7, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 42nd 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 27. 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 inTwo 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 3/5 5:30p-7:45p Rds 8pm Friday, Sat. 10a4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: $60 if received by Feb 28, $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 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 NS, NC, W. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 6-7, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2010 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. $$ (1260G): Open: 180-120, U2200 $110, U2000 $100, U1800 $90, U1600 $80. U1500: 150-100, U1400 $90, U1200 $85, U1000 $80, Unr $75. All: College Tr: 1-2 in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over both sections). EF: $29 rec’d by 2/16, $39 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 am. Rds.: 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Feb 2010 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: martinak_tom_m@ hotmail.com. 412-908-0286. W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 17th annual Western Class Championships Note corrections: 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75), Under 900 Section is 6 rounds. G/75 playing Mar 13-14 only. Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. $$20,000 based on 230 paid entries (re-entries, U900 count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500300, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1400-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-150. Class E (1000-1199): $1000-500-300-150. Under 900: $300-150-100-50. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated must play in A or below with maximum prize A $600, B $500, C $400, D $300, E $200, U900 $100; balance goes lineto next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections EF: 3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/4, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 3/9, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/9 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. Special EF: $60 less to unrated in A through E. $60 less to all in Under 900. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com. Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry (except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated Southern CA residents. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 10-4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 10-4:15. U900 schedule: Reg Sat to 9:30 am, rds 10-1-4 each day. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by Mar 3 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury
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Chess Life — January 2010
Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, Louisiana World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2010 Louisiana Pro-Am 5-SS, G/2 (Round 1: G/90). Site: Holiday Inn New Orleans Westbank, 275 Whitney Ave., Gretna, LA 70053. EF: $50 if mailed by 3/6, $60 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 adult, $5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $1800 b/60, 50% Gtd. Two Sections: Pro (Open): $400-200; U2000 $200-100. Amateur (U1800): $250-100; U1600 $200-100; U1400 $150; U1200/UNR $100. Reg.: 3/13, 8-9am. Rds.: Sat: 9:151-5:30, Sun: 9:30-2. HR: $99, (504) 366-8535. Ent/Info: Adam Caveney, 1301 Gen. Taylor St., New Orleans, LA 70115,
[email protected], (504) 8954133 (evenings), (504) 615-6730 (on day of tourney). NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14 or 14, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 March Open 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. $$625 Gtd: 250-100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U 2000 $100. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, commit at entry, NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, North Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 2010 U. S. Masters See Nationals.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, Missouri World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 14th annual Mid-America Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 is 6 rounds playing March 20-21 only, G/75. Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 Section one-third), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections: Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2200: $1400-700-400-300. Under 2000: $1400700-400-300. Under 1800: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1600: $1200-600-300200. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $800-400-200-100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $100, U1200 $200, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108.50, 2-day $107.50 mailed by 3/9, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/16, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/16 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Under 1200 EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/3 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) Philadelphia Open Open Section, Mar 31-Apr 4: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. U1300 to U2100, Apr 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 12 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). U1000, April 3-4: 7SS, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, reentries, GMs, WGMs & foreign IMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum
$70,000 (70% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-50002500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-400, clear first bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500-700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: each $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500400-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/10 list may not win over $500 in U1000, $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating supplement 4/09-3/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day $204, 3-day $203, 2-day $202 if mailed by 1/13; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 mailed by 3/23; all $250 at site. PSCF members may deduct $3 from mailed EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207 by 1/13, $227 by 3/29, $250 after 3/29 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/13, $230 by 3/29. No phone entry after 3/29. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. Special EF: $100 less for Under 1000 section. $50 less to unrated in U1300 to U2100 sections. $70 less to rated seniors 65/over in U1300 & above sections. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm,Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat. 10. 12. 2, 3:45, Sun. 10, 12, 2. 4-day, 3-day, & 2-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all; limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-4482000, reserve by 3/23 or rate may increase. Parking $8/day with guest room, $15/day without; garage near hotel is about $10 on weekend. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no points added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: April list used; FIDE ratings used in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section” if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (except U1000).
Apr. 2-4, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 10th Annual Reno-Far West Open 6SS,40/2,20/1,G/1/2. Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave. Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$21,200 b/250. $$14,200 Gtd. (Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). Free Lecture & Analysis Clinic by GM Larry Evans! 5 Sections. Open (2000 & above) EF: $137, (1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (3/13) or pay late fee). $$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-400-300-300-300-300, (2399/below)- $1,000, (2299/below)- $1,000, (2199/below) -$1000-500-300200 (If a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Sec.”A” (1800-1999) EF: $136; $$1,000-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec.”B” (16001799) EF: $135; $$900-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec.”C” (1400-1599) EF: $134; $$700-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec.”D”/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$600-400-300-200-100-100-100;Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.$400-200. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 3/13 or pay late fee-$11 until
uschess.org
3/26 (do not mail after 3/26), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st – 3rd. Unrated players are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. $10 discount to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS:Thurs. (4/1) 6-7:15pm Free Lecture-GM Larry Evans; 7:30pm-GM YERMOLINSKY Simul ($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney ($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/3) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - GM Larry Evans. ALL REG: (4/1) 5-9pm,(4/2) 9-10am. RDS: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat)10-6, (Sun)9:30-4:30. Byes available any round (if requested by Rd.1 2 max in Open sect.). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 3/13. $11 late fee if postmarked after 3/13 and before 3/26. Do not mail after 3/26 or email after 3/31. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $27!) (Fri. & Sat. $47!) + tax. 1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS410 (Reserve by 3/15/10) to get Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, (775) 747-1405,
[email protected] check out our website at: www.reno chess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) Hartford Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking. $$ 15,000 based on 220 paid entries, $10,000 (2/3 each prize) minimum guaranteed. U1105 Section & re-entries count as 60% entries towards prize fund. In 7 sections. Open: $1500-700-500-300, top Under 2305 $800–400. Under 2205: $1000-500-300-200. Under 2005: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1805: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1605: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1405: $800-400-300-200. Under 1105: $500-300-200-100. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1105, $200 U1405, $300 U1605, $400 U1805, or $500 U2005. Prize limit $300 if official rating was 50 or more points over section or prize maximum on any list 4/08 to 3/09. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $98, 2day $97 mailed by 4/8, all $99 online at chesstour.com by 4/14, $105 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/14 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. Under 1105 Section EF: 3-day $58, 2-day $57 mailed by 4/8, all $59 online at chesstour.com by 4/14, $65 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/14 (entry only, no questions), $70 at site. $20 less to unrated in U1105 Section. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. Mailed EF $3 less to CSCA or WMCA members. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entryonline at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 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. 112:30-6, 9-3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311; reserve by 4/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-3311600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. 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.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, Tennessee World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) 9th Southern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Radisson Hotel at Opryland, 2401 Music Valley Drive (TN-155 to West McGavock Pike Exit 12), Nashville, TN 37214. Free parking. Prizes $10,000 based on 160 paid entries (Class E, unrated, & re-entries count as half entries), $7500 (minimum 75% each prize) guaranteed. In 6 sections; no unrated allowed in Master-Expert. MasterExpert (2000/up): $1000-500-300-150, clear win or first on tiebreak $50, top U2200 $700-400. FIDE. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $800-400200-100. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $700-400-200-100. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $400-300-200-100. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated prize limit $100 E, $200 D, $300 C, $400 B, $500 A. Top 5 sections
EF: 3-day $88, 2-day $87 mailed by 4/15, all $89 online at chesstour.com by 4/20, $90 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/20 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special EF for all in Class E Section and unrated in Class C or D: all $40 less. Special Radisson entry fee: $20 less if staying at Radisson with chess rate 4/24 (limit one deduction per guest room). All: TCA memb. required for TN residents. GMs free, $70 deducted from prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $50; not available in Master Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. 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. Bye: all, Master-Expert must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $92-92, 615-889-0800, 800-395-7046, ask for chess rate, reserve by 4/9 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Ent: Continental Chess, 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.
Apr. 29-May 27, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 2010 Hatboro Open 5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road (near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$950 b/30. In one section: $400-200, U1900 $100, U1700 $100, U1500 $100, Upset Prize $50. EF: $30 if postmarked by 4/8, $35 at site, $5 less to Chaturanga CC members. Write checks to “Chaturanga Chess Club.” Reg.: 7-7:20pm. Rds.: 7:30pm each Thursday. Bye: limit 1, any round, must request before Round 3 starts. Ent/Info: Jorge Amador, POB 387, Forest Grove, PA 18922, (215) 794-8368,
[email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
April 30-May 2 or May 1-2, Vermont World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 21st annual Vermont Resort Open 5 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Lake Morey Resort, 1 Clubhouse Rd., Fairlee, VT 05045 (I-91 to Exit 15; less than a mile to the resort on Lake Morey Rd). 2 1/2 hours from Boston or Hartford, 1 hour 45 minutes from Manchester, NH, 20 minutes from Dartmouth College. 600 acre lake with boating, indoor pool, health club, tennis, basketball, biking, hiking, etc. $4000 guaranteed prizes. In 5 sections. Open: $500-300-200, top Under 2200/Unr $350-150. FIDE. Under 2000: $400-200-100. Under 1800: $400-200-100. Under 1600: $300-150-100. Under 1400: $300-150-100. Unrated may enter any section but may not win over $80 in U1400, $160 in U1600 or $240 in U1800. EF: 3-day $73, 2-day $72 mailed by 4/22, all $75 online at chesstour.com by 4/28, $80 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/28 (entry only, no questions), $85 at site. $50 less to unrated. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs free; $60 deducted from prize. Re-entry $40, not available in Open. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30, 6, Sun 9 & 3:15. Half point byes OK all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $85-85-95, 800-423-1211, 802-3334311, reserve by 4/16 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. May ratings used. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
kee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-700-600500-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500- 700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-300-300-200-200-200-200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/10 list may not win over $500 U1000, $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/09-4/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $200, 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/15; 5-day $220, 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/19; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $203 by 3/15, $223 by 5/24, $250 after 5/24 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $205 by 3/15, $225 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/24. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. Special EF: $50 less to unrated in U1000 to U2100 section. $70 less to rated seniors 65/over in U1300 & above sections. Under 1000 EF: $82 if mailed by 5/19, $83 online at chesstour.com by 5/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illinois residents. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Mon. 10, 12, 2. Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Hotel rates: $98-98-98-98, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/14 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings used; May FIDE ratings used for Open Section. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones, or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-
An American Classic! May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 19th annual Chicago Open Open Section, May 27-31: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, GM & IM norms possible. Under 1300 to Under 2100, May 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). Under 1000, May 30-31: 7SS, G/40. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwau-
NATIONAL OPEN June 11-13 or June 12-13 Las Vegas INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL www.VegasChessFestival.com uschess.org
Chess Life — January 2010
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Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request “lowest possible section” if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (except U1000).
A Heritage Event! June 11-13 or 12-13, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2010 National Open See Nationals.
June 25-29, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 4th annual Philadelphia International 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. Valley Forge Convention Center (and Scanticon & Radisson Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. $$G 7000: $2000-1200-800-600-400-300-200, top FIDE under 2300 or unrated $1000-500. Minimum prize $600 to foreign GMs who complete all games with no byes, $300 to foreign IMs & foreign WGMs who complete all games with no byes. IM & GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: Free to GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs; $100 deducted from prize of US GMs. 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 OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life: see World Open. Schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 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: $99-99, 610-337-2000, reserve by 6/5 or rate may increase. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none 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! June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 38th Annual World Open 9 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Open Section plays 5-day July 1-5 or 7-day June 29-July 5 only. Under 900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule July 3-5 only, G/45. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (and Scanticon & Radisson Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. 20 miles west of Philadelphia (PA Turnpike to I-76 East to Exit 327, right on N Gulph Rd, right on 1st Ave, or from Philadelphia, I-76 West to Exit 328B-A, right on Mall Blvd, right on N. Gulph Rd., right on 1st Ave.). For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport or 30th St train station, call 800-559-2040 or 215-616-5370. All play in same room (brightly lighted exhibit hall with capacity 1800 players). Radisson and Scanticon hotels are connected to Convention Plaza. Prizes $250,000 based on 1100 paid entries (seniors, reentries, U1200 Section, GMs, WGMs count as 50% entries, rated players in U900 as 25% entries, Unrated in U900 or U1400 not counted), $175,000 minimum (70% of each prize) guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam
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Chess Life — January 2010
Palatnik; free GM lectures 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open, Under 2400, Under 1400 or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-50002500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top FIDE U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/5 for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600- 500, top U2300 $2000-1000. IM norms may be possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200: $13000-7000-30002000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000-1000. Under 2000: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800, top Unrated $200-100, no unrated may win over $400. Unrateds may be paired against each other in later rounds, even with different scores. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700600-500-400-300, top U1050 $1000-500. Under 900/Unr: $1000-600-400300-300-300-200-200-200-200, no unrated may win over $200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/10 list may not win over $500 in U900, $1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 or U1600. Games rated too late for 7/10 list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section maximum any month 7/09-6/10 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day $307, 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day $315, 4-day $314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day $323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325 by 5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24. GMs free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; $150 EF deducted from prize. EF $150 less to all in U1200 Section and rated seniors over 65 in Under 1400 & above. Under 900/Unr Section EF: $78 if mailed by 6/17, $80 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. Special EF to unrated in U900 or U1400 Sections: $28 mailed by 6/17, $30 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $35 phoned to 406896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 5-day schedule: Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Tue-Thu each 7 pm, Fri-Sat each 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Sat 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr schedule: Sat 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Sun 11, 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Mon 10 & 12:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 5. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Scanticon or Radisson $99-99, 610-337-2000, 888-267-1500 ask for chess rate, may sell out about May 25, two night minimum July 3-4. Backup hotel: Dolce (formerly Hilton),
$99-99, 610-337-1200 ask for chess rate. Special car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 pts added to FIDE (except Open Section), 100 to FQE, 200 or more to most foreign, no pts added to CFC, Puerto Rico or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: Official JULY ratings used; FIDE ratings (May list) used for Open Section only. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may request “lowest possible section” if July rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. WCL JGP (except U900).
Regional Alabama Jan. 16, MLK Scholastic 5SS, TC: G/40, Kingwood Christian School, 1351 Royalty Dr, Alabaster, AL 35007. RATED: (K-12), (K-6); (K-3) – EF: $20 and NOT RATED: (K-6) and (K-3) - EF: $10, If mailed by JAN 9th; $30/$20 at site. Trophy: Top 3; Medals 4th-6th and Team Top 2 ea section. Rds.: 9-10:30-12:30-2, 3:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT: Caesar Chess LLC, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34 – PMB 310, Birmingham, AL 35244. Info:
[email protected].
Feb. 6-7, Queen of Hearts - 38th Annual See Grand Prix.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championships (TN) See Grand Prix.
Arizona Every Friday - Friday Night Action SS G/30, Every Friday, Rounds 7, 8, 9, 10pm. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 82% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-4824867.
Every Tuesday - Tuesday Night Action SS 45/2 SD/1, 1 round every Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Registration first Tues. of month. Chess Emporium, 10801 N 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 60% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-4867. WCL JGP.
Jan. 22-24 or 23-24, Tucson Open and Scholastics See Grand Prix.
uschess.org
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships (CA-S) See Grand Prix.
May 29-31, 2010 U.S. Amateur West Championship
90211. Prizes: Trophies, medals, & gift certificates. Reg.: 12-12:45 pm. Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 pm. Complimentary Lecture 11- 12 pm. Lunch: $5 Pizza & Soda. Web Site: www.bhchessclub.com. Info: Robert Minoofar, 888-91CHESS, 888-912-4377 or email us:
[email protected].
See Nationals.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, LACC LA Masters G/15 (QC)
California Northern
5SS, G/15. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Floor. 4 blocks 405 West. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Rds.: 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30. Prizes: 3/4 EF. Q-rated. Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3).
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open
Jan. 31, 2010 Westwood Winter Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 6 & 20, Beverly Hills SATURDAY Scholastic Tournament (K-12) 5SS, G/30. BHCC, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. EF: $20 if received one week in advance, $25 after, $30 at site (Siblings $5 off). Mail checks to Beverly Hills Chess Club. Prizes:Trophies, medals, & gift cert. Reg.: 12-12:45 pm. Rnds.: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 pm. Comp. Lecture 11-12 pm. Lunch: $5 Pizza & Soda. www.bhchessclub.com. Info: Robert Minoofar, 888-91-CHESS (24377), or 310-274-7873,
[email protected].
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, LACC Saturday G/60
Jan. 23, Visalia Chess for Kids
3SS, G/60. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Parking: 2 Free lots SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Feb. 13-15, 27th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, LACC Saturday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC)
4-SS, SD/45. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, Grade 12/below, average rating of four highest must be U1200. (Dec. 2009 rating list used, Feb. 2010 used for previously unrated players.) EF: $75 per team received by 2/12, $85 at site. Trophies (team & individual) to top 3 teams, top U1000, U800, U400/unr. Reg.: 9:00-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1-2:45-4:30. Info, help in forming teams:
[email protected]. Web site, advance entry list: www.westernchess. com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 20 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS, NC, W.
Freedom Elementary, 575 E. Citrus, Farmersville, CA 93223. In 3 Sections, 912: 5SS, Game/30, 7-8: 5SS, Game/30, K-6: 5SS, Game/30, ALL: EF: $13 pre-registered by mail or fax; $20 at the door. Individual and Team Trophies. Reg.: 8:30-9:20 AM. Rds.: Games start at 10; Rounds thereafter ASAP. ENT: Chess for Kids, PO Box 27, Visalia, CA 93279. Fax 559-636-8045 Sequoiachess@ sbcglobal.net. INFO: Allan Fifield 559-734-2784; Cell 559-967-3379. http://SequoiaChess.Com. Event includes Non Rated K-3 and 4-6 sections. Food & chess vendor at site. NS W.
Feb. 14, CalNorth Youth Chess Age Level Championships San Mateo Marriott, 1770 South Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402. Room Rate is $89. A $15 rebate from the tournament will be provided for hotel guests reducing the room cost to $74. Free shuttle service from the San Francisco Airport. Info & Entry: Form at www.calnorthyouthchess.org/AgeLevel2010. Open to 4 through 13 year olds who are USCF members. Competition by age not grade. Minimum of eight trophies to winners of each age group + a special 4 through 9 open group with longer time controls. Ages 4-5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Game/30, 5 Rds.: Ages 10, 11, 12, 13 + Open 4 to 9 Game/60, 4 Rds. Club/SchoolTeam trophies. Chess medals to all who do not win a place trophy. Info: Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.,
[email protected], (510) 659-0358.
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships (CA-S) See Grand Prix.
California Southern
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 9-9:30 pm. Rds.: 9:30, 9:50, 10:10, 10:30, 10:50 pm. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3).
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Junior Grand Prix Sunday Scholastics 5SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blocks 405 West. EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, Free for new LACC memb). Reg.: 12-1 pm. Rds.: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes: A Disney prize for each player and top 10 qualify for the Junior Grand Prix with trophies, medals distributed at the end of the month. Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3). Free refreshments. Free class (12-1 pm). Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Sunday G/60 3SS, G/60. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blocks 405 West. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Free BOA or street parking. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N)
Feb. 15, 13th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team
Feb. 15, AT HEXES 3-SS, G/90. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-12, $25 door. $$4020-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com.
Feb. 21, Beverly Hills AFTERNOON Blitz Tournament (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 23-24, Orange County Open See Grand Prix.
LA Chess Club www.LAChessClub.com. Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Class & 3 Tournaments). Sundays: 12-6 & 1-5 PM (Adult & Junior Tournaments). Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 795-5710. (4 blocks 405 West, Santa Monica& Butler, 2nd Floor). Private (1:1) Lessons, Group Classes, Tournaments.
Jan. 24, Beverly Hills Sunday Scholastic Tournament (K-12)
Jan. 2 & 16, Beverly Hills Saturday Scholastic Tournament (K-12)
4SS, G/60, T/D:0. Reg.: 8-9:15. Rnds.: 9:30, 11:45, 2:45, 5:00. Faith Lutheran Church, 6336 Hallee Rd., Joshua Tree. (2 blks N. of Hwy 62), EF: $30. Prizes: 70% EF. Info and Ent: Mark Muller, P.O. Box 502, 29 Palms, CA 92277 (760)3672311, Email:
[email protected]. NS, NC, W.
5 SS, G/30. BHCC, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, BH, 90211. EF: $20 if received one week in advance, $25 after, $30 at site (Siblings $5 off) – Mail checks to Beverly Hills Chess Club, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, Beverly Hills, CA
See Nationals.
5 SS, G/30. BHCC, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, BH, 90211. EF: $20 if received one week in advance, $25 after, $30 at site (Siblings $5 off) – Mail checks to Beverly Hills Chess Club, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Prizes: Trophies, medals, & gift certificates. Reg.: 12-12:45 pm. Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 pm. Complimentary Lecture 11- 12 pm. Lunch: $5 Pizza & Soda. Web Site: www.bhchessclub.com. Info: Robert Minoofar, 888-91CHESS, 888-912-4377 or email us:
[email protected].
Jan. 30, Joshua Tree Chess Fest
5 DSS, G/5 Q-Rated. BHCC, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. EF: $10 if received one week in advance, $15 after, $20 at site (Members $5 off). Mail checks to Beverly Hills Chess Club. Prizes: 80% of EF ($100 Guaranteed) – 1st/2nd/3rd: 40%,25%,15%. Reg.: 1-1:30 pm. Rnds.: Starts at 2 pm. Free Parking. www.bhchessclub.com. Info: Robert Minoofar, 888-91-CHESS (24377), or 310-274-7873,
[email protected].
Feb. 28, Beverly Hills SUNDAY Scholastic Tournament (K-12) 5SS, G/30. BHCC, 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., #210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. EF: $20 if received one week in advance, $25 after, $30 at site (Siblings $5 off). Mail checks to Beverly Hills Chess Club. Prizes:Trophies, medals, & gift cert. Reg.: 12-12:45 pm. Rnds.: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 pm. Comp. Lecture 11-12 pm. Lunch: $5 Pizza & Soda. www.bhchessclub.com. Info: Robert Minoofar, 888-91-CHESS (24377), or 310-274-7873,
[email protected].
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships See Grand Prix.
ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS Free 8-Line Tournament Life Announcements!
Adult Dues Options! >> New Free TLA Categories Added! 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 2010, if no TLA for such an event appeared in 2009, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline.The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tournament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or “RBO.”
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 CATEGORY! SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a higher minimum age.
BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCFrated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted. COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students. JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible).
NEW CATEGORY! UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament that offers free entry to unrated players. If your prizes are based on entries, say “paid entries.”
SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc.
USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section.
USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/ forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.
Ages 21-24 dues lower than Adult dues! The membership category once called “Youth” has been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has changed from under 21 to under 25. Annual dues for this category are only $32 with paper Chess Life or $24 with the online version!
One-year membership with Chess Life: If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $42 for Premium Membership, which includes a copy of Chess Life every month. Regular Memberships are available for $29 and give online-only access to Chess Life and a mailed TLA Newsletter (bi-monthly). (Note to affiliates: If you collect a $49 membership, you may submit it online to USCF for $42, in effect creating a $7 commission. If you submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission is $3.)
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on one or more weekday evenings.
uschess.org
Chess Life — January 2010
61
Tournament Life Colorado
3 only, no last round byes. Info:Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ charter.net. WCL JGP.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Jan. 21, January 2010 G/29 Grand Prix Event – Greeley (QC) Part of the Colorado G/29 Grand Prix, not a USCF GP Event. 3SS, G/29, no delay. One Section, Accelerated Pairings with more than 12 entries. EF: $3. Prizes: 100% minus USCF rating fee. (70% for tourney prizes, rest to Grand Prix Prize Fund.) Reg.: 6:30-7:00pm onsite only, e-mail if you intend to come. Rds.: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm. Site: Zachariah’s Food Court, University of Northern Colorado campus, Greeley, Colorado, 80631. For Info: Lee Lahti, Phone: 970-372-8590, E-Mail:
[email protected].
Feb. 20, Newtown Dead-of-Winter G/30 CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte.25. 3SS or 3RR, depending on number of entries and ratings, G/30, Prizes: $75 = 1st each quad or section, $40 = 2nd if Swiss. Rds.: 1:15, and as available thereafter. EF: $20 at door only. Reg.: 12:30-1. Info:
[email protected]. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtown chessclub.wetpaint.com. NS, NC, W. Space is limited, arrive early.
Feb. 26-28, 4th annual Saratoga Open (NY)
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30-31, Loveland Open
See Grand Prix or www.chesstour.com.
4SS, 40/2, SD/1. Larimer County Fairgrounds, 1st Nat. Bank Exhib. Hall, 5280 Arena Cir., Loveland, CO 80538. 2 sections: Open: open to all; Santa Fe: open to U1610 & unr. EF: $35 ($30 if rec’d by 1/28). Jr., Sr., unr $7 discount. Prizes: based on entries. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-4, 9-3. State memb. req’d, $15, OSA. Adv. Ent: Randy Reynolds, 1839 Thyme Ct., Ft. Collins, CO 80528.
[email protected]. Colorado Tour Event. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP.
Connecticut Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 10th Nick Stevens Memorial 4-SS, G/90. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. EF: $10, students free. Reg.: 7:15-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$ 50%-30%-20% net proceeds from EF’s. 1/2 point byes available in rounds 13 only, no last round byes. Info: Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ charter.net. WCL JGP.
Jan. 16, Newtown Winter G/30 CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte. 25. 3SS or 3RR, depending on number of entries and ratings, G/30, Prizes: $40 = 1st each quad or section, $20 = 2nd if Swiss. Rds.: 1:15, and as available thereafter. EF: $10 at door only. Reg.: 12:30-1. Info:
[email protected]. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtown chessclub.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 4, UCONN Open House & Winter Blitz Championship (QC) Format TBD b/attendance, G/5, 2. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. EF: $5, students free. Reg.: 7:15-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$ 50%-30%-20% net proceeds from EF’s. Pizza & refreshments, used book sale. Info: Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394,
[email protected].
Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, UCONN Winter Tune Up 2010 4-SS, G/90. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. EF: $10, students free. Reg.: 7:15-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$ 50%-30%-20% net proceeds from EF’s. 1/2 point byes available in rounds 1-
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastics (out of state welcome)
Continental Chess Association PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. 845-496-9658
[email protected] www.chesstour.com En Passant Chess Club 1301 North Shore Drive San Benito, TX 78586 956-399-9724
[email protected]
Boca Raton Chess Club Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks. www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Palm Beach Gardens Chess Club
Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, $500 Guar. Cash Opens
Mar. 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, UCONN Chess Club Championship 2010
5rd Swiss, G/30. EF: $25; $30 at door. SPCC mems $5 off. $100-$60-$40; U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30-$20 each. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Pete. NC, W. prereg at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
4-SS, G/90. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. EF: $20, students free. Reg.: 7:15-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$ 35%-30%,Top U-1600 20%-15% net proceeds from EF’s.Trophy toTop Student. 1/2 point byes available in rounds 1-3 only, no last round byes. Info:Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394,
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Hartford Open See Grand Prix.
Delaware Jan. 9, Greater Cherry Hill Chess Quads
Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1 St. Petersburg Rated Beginner’s Opens (RBO’s) 5rd Swiss, G/30. USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy (all K-2 get trophy) all others medal.Team (2 or more) - best four scores from all divisions trophy to top 12. EF: $18. SPCC mems $15. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. NC, W. pregister online at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, Central Florida Class Championships
See New Jersey.
Jan. 23, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 30, January OCG Quick-Rated Swiss Madness (QC)
Howard Johnson’s Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. (time controls:40/75, s/d 30) EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-1:45-5:30. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624 302-753-6877.
[email protected]. INFO: Email is the best way to contact me. NS, W.
7SS G/29 (USCF Quick-Rated). Reg.: 9:15-9:45am. Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30-2:303:30-4:30. Ent: $30, OCG Mem: $24. PF-b/30: $175-125-100-75, Lower Half Crosstable: $75-50. Info: www.orlandochess.com, 407-248-0818.
District of Columbia
Jan. 30-31, North Florida Classic Chess Championships
Jan. 16-17, DC Junior Open
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, 2010 U.S. Amateur Team South
U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open to all under age 21. 4-SS. EF: $15 if by 1/9, $20 at door. 5 Sections, Under Age 21, Under Age 21 and rated Under 1200, Under Age 13, Under Age 13 and rated Under 900, Under Age 13 and rated Under 600. $100 Savings Bond prize forTeen Champion. Trophies in all sections. Reg.: 12-12:45. Top Section: G/90. Rds.: 1 - 4,
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
See Grand Prix. See Nationals.
Feb. 20, Palm Beach Day Academy Scholastic Located at 1901 South Flagler Drive, WPB, Fl. 33401. K-12, 5 Divisions, 5-SS, G/30, Saturday, 2/20/10. Trophies for Top 5 Players and Top 5 Teams in each
GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES San Diego Chess Club 2225 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-7166
[email protected] http://sdchessclub.multiply.com Tri-State Chess 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 1-888-CHESS-35
[email protected], www.TriStateChess.com
PaperClip Pairings c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari 6005 Forest Blvd Brownsville, TX 78526 956-459-2421
[email protected]
Unity Chess Club 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100 Office 136, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-949-5464 (KING)
[email protected], unitychess.com
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation PO Box 1074 Northbrook, IL 60065 773-844-0701
[email protected] www.renaissanceknights.org
Western PA Youth Chess Club Attn: Jerry Meyers 4101 Windsor Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-422-1770
[email protected] www.youthchess.net
Chess Center of New York (NY) www.chesscenter.cc
Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) 516-739-3907
Oklahoma Chess Foundation www.OKchess.org
Indiana State Chess Association www.indianachess.org
Marshall Chess Club (NY) www.marshallchessclub.org
Orange Crush Chess Club (IN)
[email protected]
International Chess Academy (NJ) www.icanj.net
Michigan Chess Association www.michess.org
Sparta Chess Club (NJ) www.spartachessclub.org
Chess Life — January 2010
Florida
See Grand Prix.
SILVER AFFILIATES
62
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
Jersey Shore High School Chess League PO Box 773, Lincroft, NJ 07738
[email protected]
Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis 4657 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108. 314-361-CHESS
[email protected] www.stlouischessclub.org
Feb. 13-14, Kingstowne Chess Festival (VA)
Meets every Saturday 9 am till 4 pm. 4-SS Rated Games G/75 or G/120 (WCL JGP). Also, Scholastic Games G/30, 4-SS. For more info: see www.palmbeach chessclub.info or call President/TD John Dockery at 561-762-3377.
See New York.
GOLD AFFILIATES Cajun Chess 7230 Chadbourne Drive New Orleans, LA 70126 504-208-9596
[email protected] www.cajunchess.com
12:30 - 3:30. This tournament determines the DC Scholastic male and female Champions. Other 4 Sections TC: G/30 with all games played on Saturday. Info: (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org/DCJunior.php. WCL JGP.
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 special 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 existing affiliates may substract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver Affiliation. 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
Division. For more info: see www.palmbeachchessclub.info or call President/TD John Dockery at 561-762-3377.
Jan. 16, Gerald Anderson Memorial
Jan. 15-16, Ogden Airport Chess Odyssey (UT)
4 rounds Swiss, regular rating system, G/75 with 5 second delay. Scovill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522. ENTRY FEE: $15 if received by 01/15/2010, $18 at site, free to masters. PRIZES: Prizes 100% of entry fee. 1st place: 30%, 2nd place: 20%, 3rd place: 10%, A/B: 10%, C/D: 10%, under 1200: 10%, unrated: 5%, upset: 5%. Registration: 8 - 8:45 AM. Rounds: 9, 12, 2:45, 5:30 no state membership required. OTHER INFORMATION: halfpoint bye in any round, Rd. 4 must be elected before start of Rd. 3. Website: www.decaturchessclub.com. CONTACT FOR ADVANCE ENTRIES: Jeremy Milligan, (217) 619-3532,
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
See Utah.
Jan. 16, Swiss Tournament
A State Championship Event! Feb. 13-15, 2010 Idaho State Closed Championship
4SS, G/60. Holiday Inn Hotel, 495 Airport Road, Elgin, IL 60123. (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 at 9:30, 11:35, 2:25, 4:30. 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.
Feb. 27-28, Central Florida Chess Club Championship See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 4th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix.
Idaho
IDAHO RESIDENTS ONLY! Boise State University (BSU) Student Union Building, 1910 University Dr., Boise, Idaho 83725. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60. Rounds: 9, 4, 9:30, 4, 8, 3. One 1/2 point bye, rounds 1-5, must commit before 2nd rnd pairings. Chk in & Reg: 7am-8am, Sat., Feb 13. Those not Reg. by 8am may not be paired in 1st rnd. One Section: Open. EF: $35 (includes $10 ICA Membership) by February 9, 2010. $30 (includes $10 ICA Membership) for Seniors (60+) and Juniors (under 18) by February 9, 2010. $10 for the host BSU Chess Club members (plus $10 ICA Membership) by February 9, 2010. $50 (includes $10 ICA Membership) for EVERYONE after February 9, 2010. Prizes: Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall; 1st, 2nd: Class X, A, E, F, Woman, Junior, Senior, Unrated; 1st, 2nd, 3rd: Class B, C, and D. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA % Jay Simonson, 391 Carol Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83401, 208-206-7667, email
[email protected], www.idahochessassociation.org. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP.
Illinois
North American Chess Association Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength. Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate. Monthly FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan A. Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer. www.nachess.org |
[email protected] | 888.80.CHESS. Jan. 9-10, Tim Just’s Winter Open/Reserve XXIV See Grand Prix.
Jan. 30, 2010 Peoria Winter Tornado Lakeview Museum, 1125 W. Lake Ave., Peoria IL 61614. 2 sections, Open: 4 Rds., Swiss, G/80 with 5 second delay. Entry fee: $17 if received by 1-28-10, $20 at site, $2 discount to ICA members, $2 discount to GPCF members, free to Masters. Prize fund: 80% of EF’s, 1st: 25%, 2nd: 15%, A, B, C, D & below: 10% each. Registration, 8-8:45 AM, Rds. 9, 12, 2:45, 5:30. Novice (1399 & below): 4 Rds., Swiss, G/45 with 5 second delay. Entry fee: $12 (includes USCF Tournament Membership if needed). Prizes: 1st: trophy (includes free entry to next 1 day Peoria tournament. Top Unrated: trophy (includes free entry to next 1 day Peoria tournament). Registration, 9-10 AM, Rds. 10:15, 12, 1:45, 3:30. Other information: half-point bye in any 1 round, but a bye in Rd. 4 must be elected before the start of Rd. 3, www.gpcf.net. Advance entries: Fred Malcome, 1000 Lilac Lane, Metamora, IL 61548, 309-367-4833, malcomef@mtco. com, NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Feb. 27, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights Greater Chicago Junior High Championship! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 8/below. Crowne Plaza Northbrook, 2875 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062 (free parking). 2 sections: 1. Varsity: open to all. Trophies: top 6 players, the top 3 schools, top rated Under 1200
and top 3 unrated. 2. Junior Varsity: Open to Under 1000 or unrated.Trophies: top 6 players, top 3 schools, top rated Under 700 and top 3 unrated. Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesn’t win a trophy will receive a medal! EF: $35 per player postmarked by 2/8/10. All EF $7 extra per player postmarked 2/9-15 (no mail accepted postmarked after 2/15). Mailed entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! Mail Entries: list name, rating USCF ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary) school, grade, birth date, address & section. Checks payable & mailed to: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online entries at www.rknights.org $35 thru 2/15, $42 2/15-23, No online entries after 2/23. $5 extra to switch sections. Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refunded. On-Site entry fee: $50. On-site registration: ENDS 9:15 AM. RDS.: 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Byes: Limit 2. More info: www.rknights.org. Questions:
[email protected] (773) 844-0701. HR: $79 chess rate, reserve by 2/12, may sell out,Tel: 847-298-2525. Sets provided, bring clocks.
Feb. 27, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights present Greater Chicago Primary Championship! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 3/below. Crowne Plaza Northbrook, 2875 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062 (free parking). 2 sections: 1. Varsity: open to all.Trophies: top 6 players, top 3 schools, top rated Under 900 and top 3 unrated. 2. Junior Varsity: Open to Under 700 or unrated. Trophies: top 6 players, top 3 schools, top rated Under 500 and top 3 unrated. Trophies to the top 3 Kindergartners! Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesn’t win a trophy will receive a medal! EF: $35 per player postmarked by 2/8/10. All EF $7 extra per player postmarked 2/9-15 (no mail accepted postmarked after 2/15). Mailed entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! Mail Entries: list name, rating USCF ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary) school, grade, birth date, address & section. Checks payable & mailed to: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online entries at www.rknights.org $35 thru 2/15, $42 2/15-23, No online entries after 2/23. $5 extra to switch sections. Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refunded. On-Site entry fee: $50. On-site registration: ENDS 9:15 AM. RDS.: 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Byes: Limit 2. More info: www.rknights.org. Questions:
[email protected] (773) 844-0701. HR: $79 chess rate, reserve by 2/12, may sell out, Tel: 847-298-2525. Sets provided, bring clocks.
Membership Appreciation Program (MAP) Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life. More frequent MAP standings and details will appear at main.uschess.org/go/MAP.
Overall Affiliate Standings
Adult Memberships Standings
Name
State
Count
Name
State
Count
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB DALLAS CHESS CLUB LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW SILVER KNIGHTS
TX NY CA TX PA TX NY IN CA PA
1076 705 322 307 300 263 249 209 186 186
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE DALLAS CHESS CLUB SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB THE ATLANTA CHESS & GAME CNTR PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS MARSHALL CHESS CLUB MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK HAMILTON ELEM SCH CHESS CLUB
NY NJ TX CA GA TX NY ME NY MI
643 168 107 94 85 81 80 76 73 59
Name
State
Count
Name
State
Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES METRO CHESS SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION MESA CHESS CLUB WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG AIRLINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL RELYEA CHESS WETZEL COUNTY CHESS CLUB
ME DC SD NM DE NM ME NH NH WV
152 104 54 36 24 23 21 20 18 16
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW SILVER KNIGHTS DALLAS CHESS CLUB SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA CHESS NUTS
TX TX PA CA NY CA PA TX IN FL
995 296 285 268 239 186 171 156 155 151
Name
State
Count
Name
State
Count
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION GEORGIA CHESS ASSOCIATION WISCONSIN CHESS ASSOCIATION
MI PA MD MA MN NJ NH WA GA WI
362 218 149 114 110 72 52 42 33 30
DOCKERY, JOHN T NAVARRO, DANIEL A DIXON, MARK A BERRY, FRANK K RYAN, BEN J ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER CHRISMER, GARIE L CLARK, MIKE WILLIS, MARVIN, P SYGIEL, CHET
FL TX TX OK NE IA TX MO CA KY
48 44 25 23 20 20 20 17 15 14
Small State Affiliate Standings
State Chapter Affiliate Standings
Scholastic and Youth Memberships Standings
Member Standings
PCT Gain Standings State
Dec08
Nov09
Pct
MT AR NV
76 278 811
87 312 908
14.5 12.2 12.0
uschess.org
State
Dec08
Nov09
Pct
DC SD TN
247 228 1597
275 251 1718
11.3 10.1 7.6
State
Dec08
Nov09
Pct
State
Dec08
Nov09
Pct
NE IN LA
296 1610 601
313 1693 626
5.7 5.2 4.2
NM
748
776
3.7
Chess Life — January 2010
63
Tournament Life
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Feb. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights Greater Chicago Elementary Championship! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 6/below. Crowne Plaza Northbrook, 2875 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062 (free parking). 2 sections: 1. Varsity: open to all. Trophies: top 6 players, top 3 schools, top rated Under 1000 and top 3 unrated. 2. Junior Varsity: Open to Under 800 or unrated. Trophies: top 6 players; top 3 schools, top rated Under 600 and top 3 unrated. Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesn’t win a trophy will receive a medal! EF: $35 per player postmarked by 2/8/10. All EF $7 extra per player postmarked 2/9-15 (no mail accepted postmarked after 2/15). Mailed entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! Mail Entries: list name, rating USCF ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary) school, grade, birth date, address & section. Checks payable & mailed to: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online entries at www.rknights.org $35 thru 2/15, $42 2/15-23, No online entries after 2/23. $5 extra to switch sections. Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refunded. On-Site entry fee: $50. On-site registration: ENDS 9:15 AM. RDS.: 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Byes: Limit 2. More info: www.rknights.org. Questions:
[email protected] (773) 844-0701. HR: $79 chess rate, reserve by 2/12, may sell out,Tel: 847-298-2525. Sets provided, bring clocks.
Feb. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights Greater Chicago High School Championship!
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open
Feb. 27, Drake Chess Festival 2010-Reserve
See Grand Prix.
NOTE CORRECTIONS: 4SS, G/75-T/D 5. Open to 1599 & under. Where: Olmsted Center on the Drake University Campus, at the corner of 29th Street and University Avenue, (North of University Avenue), Des Moines, IA 50311. Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 am. Rounds: 9:45-1:15-4:00-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). Entry Fee: $20.00 if received by February 25th, $30.00 at site. Prize Info: $40.0020.00-10.00. U1400 1st $20.00, 2nd $10.00. One prize per player. Prizes based on 20 entries for Reserve section. US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On-Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324 Additional Info: Phone 515-205-8062 or
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
June 25-29, 4th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Indiana Feb. 19-21, 2010 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress See Nationals.
Feb. 27-28, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights present Greater Chicago Scholastic Championships! See Illinois.
Iowa Feb. 6, 2010 Cedar Rapids Leatherjackets - IASCA Mini Qualifier One-day, 4 Round Swiss. Where: Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Hall, Iowa Room, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Reg.: Advanced entries postmarked by 1/30. On-site 8:30 - 9:30 am. Rounds: 10-1-3:15-5:30. G/60 T/D5. Entry Fee: $18 in advance, $22 on site. Prize Info: 1st $50+Trophy, 2nd $30+Trophy, U1900, U1700, U1500, U1300, U1100 each $20+Trophy. US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On-Site Available. IASCA membership required or OSA, $15, $10 Jr. or Sr. On-Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: James Hodina, 3411 Blue Pt. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404 Additional Info: James Hodina, 319-390-6525 or
[email protected]. See www. chessinowa.org for flyer.
5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below. Crowne Plaza Northbrook, 2875 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062 (free parking). 2 sections: 1. Varsity: open to all.Trophies to the 6 top-scoring players and the 3 top-scoring schools, the top rated Under 1500, and the top 3 unrated. 2. Junior Varsity: Open to Under 1200 or unrated. Trophies: top 6 players; top 3 unrated, top 3 schools, top Under 900 and top 3 unrated. Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesn’t win a trophy will receive a medal! EF: $35 per player postmarked by 2/8/10. All EF $7 extra per player postmarked 2/9-15 (no mail accepted postmarked after 2/15). Mailed entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! Mail Entries: list name, rating USCF ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary) school, grade, birth date, address & section. Checks payable & mailed to: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online entries at www.rknights.org. $35 thru 2/15, $42 2/15-23, No online entries after 2/23. $5 extra to switch sections. Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refunded. On-Site entry fee: $50. On-site registration: ENDS 9:15 AM. RDS.: 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Byes: Limit 2. More info: www.rknights.org. Questions:
[email protected] (773) 844-0701. HR: $79 chess rate, reserve by 2/12, may sell out, Tel: 847-298-2525. Sets provided, bring clocks.
NOTE CORRECTIONS: 4SS, G/75 T/D 5. Open. Where: Olmsted Center on the Drake University Campus, at the corner of 29th Street and University Avenue (North of University Avenue), Des Moines, IA 50311. Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 am. Rounds: 9:45-1:15-4:00-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). Entry Fee: $20.00 if received by November 12th, $30.00 at site. Prize Info: 1st $75.00, 2nd $40.00, 3rd $20.00, U1900 1st, $30.00, 2nd $15.00. One prize per player. Prizes based on 20 entries for Open section. US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On-Site Available. IASCA membership required, $15, $10 Jr. or Sr. On-Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324. Additional Info: Phone 515-205-8062 or E-mail
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
Feb. 27, Drake Chess Festival 2010-Rated RBO
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 19-25, 2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship - an Official FIDE World Chess Championship! See Nationals.
Mar. 26-28, 2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team Chess Championship - an Official FIDE Intercontinental Chess Championship! See Nationals.
64
Chess Life — January 2010
Feb. 27, Drake Chess Festival 2010-IASCA Mini-Qualifier
5SS, G/30 with 5 second delay. Open to 1199 & under. Where: Olmstead Center on the Drake University Campus, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311. Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 am. Rounds: 9:45-11:00-1:00-2:15-3:30. Entry Fee: $10.00 if received by February 25th, $15.00 at site. Prize Info: Trophies for the Top Score U1200, U1000, U800, U600, U400, U200. US Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On-Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, Iowa 50322. Additional Info: Phone 515-205-8062 or E-mail
[email protected].
Kentucky Winchester Chess Club Open & Scholastic tourneys. Regular sessions 1st Monday of each month 6 pm. More info. at winchesterky.com. (click on chess club link).
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championships (TN) See Grand Prix.
Louisiana Mar. 13-14, 2010 Louisiana Pro-Am See Grand Prix.
Maryland Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #94 & 95 (QC) 5SS, G/15. EF: $8, club members $5. Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10. $$b/24 1st=$50, 2nd=$25, U1850 12. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009,
[email protected]. Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q/.
Jan. 23, MCA Boonsboro Scholastic Boonsboro Middle School, 1 JH Wade Dr., Boonsboro, MD 21713-1152. 4 sections: Rally: K-12, 3SS, G/90 MD Sweet 16 Rally Section; Under 1200: K-12 and U1200, 4SS, G/65; U900 K-8, 4SS, G/30; Novice: K-5 U500, 5SS G/30. EF: $12 by 1/19, $20 by 1/22, $25 at the door reg. Trophies top individuals in each section. At door reg 8:30-9:00 receives 1st rnd 1/2 pnt bye. 1st rnds at 9:30 for top 2, and 10:00 for bottom two. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, info, & online entry: http://boonsboro.eventbrite.com/. WCL JGP for K-12 sections.
Jan. 24, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Championships! 5-SS, G/30. Hilton Garden Inn, Baltimore/ Arundel Mills, 7491-A, New Ridge Rd., Hanover, MD 21076. Tel: 410-878-7200. 8 sections: 1. Primary Varsity, open to all grades 3/ below. 2. Primary Novice, grades 3/ below, rated Under 700 or Unrated. 3. Elementary Varsity, open to all grades K-6/blow. 4. Elementary Novice, grades 6/ below, rated Under 800 or Unrated. 5.
uschess.org
Junior High Varsity, open to all grades 9/ below. 6. Junior High Novice, grades 9/ below, rated Under 1000 or Unrated. 7. High School Varsity, open to all in grades K-12. 8. High School Junior, rated Under 1200 or Unrated. Entry Fee (EF): $30 per player postmarked by 1/11/10. Trophies to the 6 topscoring players, the 3 top-scoring schools and the top 3 Unrated in each section. Special Trophies to the top rated Under 900, Under 500, Under 1000, Under 600, Under 1200, Under 700, Under 1500 and Under 900. Trophies to the top 3 Kindergartners! Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesn’t win a trophy will receive a medal! Top individual player in each “Varsity” section also win 50% discount into one of KCF weekend chess camps - saving more than a hundred of dollars! All entry fees $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refund. $5 extra to switch sections. Current USCF Membership is required to participate. TO REGISTER, list each player’s name, USCF ID# and expiration (new players write “NEW”) address, birth date, school and grade. BE SURE TO INDICATE THE CORRECT SECTION. Make checks for entry fees + all USCF dues (1check for total mount is best) payable and mail to: CHESSPRO, 14 Hartley Circle, #532, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Questions :( 443)-660-8025. All entry fees $7 extra per player postmarked January 12-18 (no mail accepted postmarked after Jan.18. On-Site Entry fee: $40 per player at the tournament! On-site registration ENDS 9:15 AM.
A State Championship Event! Jan. 30, 6th Annual Maryland State Girls Chess Championship Roland Park Country School, 5204 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210. Come out and play in an all-girl environment - limited to Maryland girl residents in grades K-12. Winner of Championship section will be the 2010 Maryland Girls Champion. Prizes to be determined. In 3 sections: Championship (National Qualifier): 4-SS, G/65. Reserve (U800): 5-SS, G/30. Novice (U500): 5-SS, G/30. Number of rounds and time control may change based on number of players. Sets and boards provided, please bring chess clock. Check-in: 9:00-9:50am. Rds.: Rd. 1 Championship at 9:30; Reserve/Novice at 10:00. EF: $20 by 1/23; $25 by 1/28; $30 at door. Ent: Online registration at http://mdgirls10.event brite.com. Mail registration: if rec’d by 1/28, mail name, section, USCF number, grade, school, phone, and email plus check to Chris Kim, 3903 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218. Info: Chris Kim,
[email protected], 410-794-6312. WCL JGP for Championship section.
9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 1 & 4:15. One 1/2 pt Bye available with advance entry. $$600 b/30. Sections: Open: 1st $140,Top A $100. U1800: 1st $120,Top C $80. U1400: 1st $100, Top U-1200 $60. EF: $27, Rated over 2200 & up and Unr (Unr not eligible for prizes) $7, postmarked by 1/12. EF ALL: Add $5 at site late reg. fee, WMCA discounts apply. Ent: W.M.C.A., c/o Edward Kostreba, P.O Box 1372, Ware, MA 01082-5372, 413-967-3242, www.wmass-chess.us, NS, NC.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 Billerica Friday Night Swiss 4 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA. EF: $15. Reg.: 7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Feb. 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3, 10, George E. O’Rourke Memorial 5SS, G/110, T/D5. Wachusett Chess Club, McKay Campus School, Room C188, Fitchburg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played; free to Wachusett CC and Mass. Chess Assn. members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420,
[email protected], 978345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org. Online ratings as of Feb. 10 will be used. W. WCL JGP.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastics (out of state welcome) See New York.
Entries & info: Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108.
[email protected]. (314) 361-2437. WCL JGP.
Jan. 23, Mikhail Botvinnik Open 3SS, G/75. UMC Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia, MO. Directions: From I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on Hitt. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 4:00. EF: $1, no prizes — just the satisfaction of playing well.Two ratings-equivalent sections if 18+ players. Info:
[email protected]. W.
Jan. 30, Blame Ben Open Presented by Westport Chess Club of KC. 4 Rd Swiss System, G/30. Reg.: 9-10 a.m. Rds.: 10, 11:30, 1:30, 3:00. Prizes: Guar 50% of EF returned: Prizes (based on 25 entries): 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50; U1795 1st $75, 2nd 60 3rd $40. Book prizes to 1st three schoolkids. EF: $20, $10 to schoolkids. At: Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO. EF to: Ray Birt, PO Box 32774, Kansas City, MO 64171. No Checks at site. Make checks payable to Ray Birt and mail (postmark) by 1/23.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL)
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open (VT)
Montana
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 16-17, Joyce’s January Thaw
Michigan
Open, 5SS, G/90: Red Lion Colonial Inn, 2301 Colonial Dr., Helena, MT. EF: $25 by Jan 14, $30 at site, jrs 1/2. Reg.: 10:15-10:45 am. Rds.: 11-2:30-7, 9-12:30. $$b/$320 (more per entries), $50, $30, $25. Biggest upset (both non-prov) $25. Info and entries (payable to): Mel Drake, 5950 Canyon Ferry Rd., Helena, MT 59602, 406-475-3481 (no phone entries please). MCA req’d ($12), OSA. NC. 1/2 pt bye for rd 5 if requested before rd4. WCL JGP.
Feb. 27-28, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights present Greater Chicago Scholastic Championships! See Illinois.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Nevada
Minnesota
Apr. 2-4, 10th Annual Reno-Far West Open
Jan. 16-17, Minnesota 2010 Winter Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 13-14, Kingstowne Chess Festival (VA)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
June 11-13 or 12-13, 2010 National Open
Feb. 19-21, 20-21 or 21, 117th Warren Stenberg Memorial Annual Minnesota Open
See Nationals.
Massachusetts Jan. 10, Williams College Open 3SS, G/90, Griffin Hall Room 3 and 4, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267. EF: $12. Prizes: $355 b/17. Sections: Open and U1600. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 10, 1:30 and 5. Info: Email Trevor at
[email protected] with questions.
Jan. 16, 19th Mid-Winter Classic 3SS G/90. Florence Congregational Church, 130 Pine St., 01062. Reg.: 8:30-
See Grand Prix.
New Hampshire
Missouri
Jan. 16-17, Portsmouth Open See Grand Prix.
Jan. 16, Winter Open 4SS, G/75. EF: $25 or $20 for annual members of the club. Free entries for GMs and IMs, deducted from earnings. Not counted in b/40. PF ($750 b/40): 1st $100, 2nd $25 in each M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200/UNR. 1st overall qualifies to play in the CCSCSL club championship. Reg.: 9-9:50am. Rnds.: 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6.
Jan. 30-31, 34th Queen City Open See Grand Prix.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix.
CHECK OUT USCF’S CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS
USCF’s 63rd ANNUAL 2010 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.
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 proportionately 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.
uschess.org
USCF’s 7th ANNUAL 2010 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.
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 proportionately 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 Chess Life — January 2010
65
Tournament Life New Jersey
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
International Chess Academy (Fair Lawn, NJ) Chess Classes: Tuesday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Add. 14-25 Plaza Rd. N., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Phone 201797-0330. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250. Email:
[email protected]. Fair Lawn facility offers Advance Chess Training for serious chess players (rating > 1800).
International Chess Academy (Teaneck, NJ) Chess Classes: Monday 6:30 – 7:30 PM, Wednesday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Add. 185 Court Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Phone 201833-1741. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250. Email:
[email protected] facility offers a Summer Chess Camp and Monday night tournaments 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Jan. 9, Greater Cherry Hill Chess Quads EF: $25. $$50. Pre-register online at www.greaterchchess.com. Any questions, contact Dan:
[email protected] or (856) 287-2393.
Jan. 9, The Greater South Jersey Individual Chess Championship back at its original site, Oakcrest High School, 1824 Dr. Forman Drive, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, just off Route 322, Route 40 and Cologne Ave. Three divisions: K-5, 6-9 and 10-12. Entry fee: only $35 (if USCF member only $20) All Sections: 5-SS, G/30, Trophies to Top 10, all ties decided by Game 5. Registration: by mail with post mark of Saturday 12/30. First round will start at 10am sharp, then ASAP with lunch bar available at site. Late entrees: $50 at site between 8:30 to 9:00. Make checks payable to: Oakcrest H.S. Chess. Indicate section desired and your grade level. Information contact: David Jungblut, at
[email protected], for more information.
Jan. 10, ATKM 2nd Sunday Swiss See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
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@fambright. com.
Jan. 31, Westfield Quads
A State Championship Event! Mar. 6-7, New Jersey High School Chess Championships
3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfield chessclub.com.
Feb. 7, ICA Winter 2010 Open Championship See Grand Prix.
Feb. 7, ICA Winter 2010 Scholastic Championship in 5 sections. 4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE ATROPHY! US CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR SECTIONS 4 AND 5. Info: 201-287-0250 or 201-833-1741. E-mail:
[email protected] (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) ADV EF (pmk Feb 3rd) $25 At Site $30. Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 point bye for rnd. 1. Site Address: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice: Open to unrated players K through 2nd grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 2 Novice: Open to unrated players K through 4th grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 3 Reserve: Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 4 G/45: Open to players rated below 1200 K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60: Open to players rated below 1700 K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Membership checks payableTo: International Chess Academy MailTo: DianaTulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.
Feb. 13-15, World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East See Nationals.
Jan. 16, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000, Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Section D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all others. EF: $25 if rec’d by 1/9, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00 AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 908-705-7958 or
[email protected]. Ent: Make checks payable toThe Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF ID# and section.
Jan. 17, Westfield Quads 3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfield chessclub.com.
Jan. 22, ATKM‘s 4th Friday G/10 Swiss (QC) (6 Rounds) For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/g10. For more info e-mail Stephen at
[email protected] or call 856-582-8222.
Jan. 23, 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.
Jan. 24, Westfield Winter Scholastic Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 3 Sections k-12 full k Open, Under 1250, Under 750. Open Section 3 SS game/45 trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:25-6:05 p.m. Under 1250 4 SS game/30 Trophies to top 5 in each section Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 Members. Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:156:30 p.m. Under 750 trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:454:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
[email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send Advance Entries to:Todd Lunna, 36 Maple Drive, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 by January 20th.
Jan. 30, Super Scholastics Saturday Swiss K-8 Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Ln., Somerset, NJ Exit #12 off I-287. (In 4 Sections/& skittles) Trophies to top 5, others get medals/prizes. Hot Shots (always U1700): 4SS G/45, $150-100-50, b/10. Checkmates (always U1300): 4SS G/45, $100-50 b/10, New Stars (always U1000): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10, Chess Pirates (always U600): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10. Player’s high-
WA RN I N G ! CELL PHONE
Feb. 21, Westfield Quads 3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfield chessclub.com.
Feb. 27, Super Scholastics Saturday Swiss K-8 Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Ln., Somerset, NJ Exit #12 off I-287. (In 4 Sections/& skittles) Trophies to top 5, others get medals/prizes. Hot Shots (always U1700): 4SS G/45, $150-100-50, b/10. Checkmates (always U1300): 4SS G/45, $100-50 b/10, New Stars (always U1000): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10, Chess Pirates (always U600): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10. Player’s highest life time rating used. Rds.: 11am then ASAP, lunch break. EF: $27 mailed by 02/22 or paid online, entryfeesrus.com. EF at site $35. Cash only. Reg.: before 10:45am. Ent: 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Info: Ken Thomas
[email protected] or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastics (out of state welcome) See New York.
A State Championship Event! Feb. 28, New Jersey Junior High School 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. 5SS, G/30. Section: JHS (K-9). More Trophies! ALL: Trophies to top =2 015 individuals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP.Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $30 before 2/20, $50 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,
[email protected]. ENTRY: Aaron Kiedes, 4 Seymour Terrace, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Entries must include name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID #, & expiration date, mailing address, phone number & entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
A State Championship Event! Feb. 28, 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.: 10am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute the team score for Elementary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $30 before 2/21, $50 at site. USCF memb. req’d. EF includes 1 year Atlantic Chess News for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 point bye for round 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Ent: Aaron Kiedes, 4 Seymour Terrace, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Entries must include name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID and expiration date, mailing address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
Feb. 28, Westfield Quads
THE USE OF A
3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfield chessclub.com.
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
PROHIBITED! AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
TURN IT OFF!
66
est life time rating used. Rds.: 11am then ASAP, lunch break. EF: $27 mailed by 01/25 or paid online, entryfeesrus.com. EF at site $35. Cash only. Reg.: before 10:45am. Ent: 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Info: Ken Thomas
[email protected] or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
Chess Life — January 2010
See Grand Prix.
5SS, G/90. Rutgers University - Rutgers Student Center, 126 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 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: $150-/team before 2/27. $185/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: $120/team before 2/27, $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: $30 before 2/27, $37 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.
Mar. 7, Westfield Swiss #62 (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 5 SS game/15 (QC) full k. $425 Guaranteed $125, $60 U2100, U1850, U1600, U1350 $60 each. Entrance Fee: $35, $25 Members. Reg. : 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Mar. 14, Westfield Quads 3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfield chessclub.com.
A State Championship Event! Mar. 20-21, First Only New Jersey State Championship (Only for NJ Players and Past NJ Champs.) Dean of Chess Academy, 3150 US Rt. 22, Branchburg, NJ. In 3-Sections: G$$2800. Only NJ Masters-Experts section: 4SS, TC: 40/2hrs, SD/60. G$$: $500-300-200-100. Top Expert $100. Only one Sat half point bye. Rds. Sat. 10am- 4:30pm, Sun. 9am-4pm. Only NJ Class A-B section: (Only for 1600-1999) $300-200-100. Top Class B $100. Only NJ Class C section: (Only U1600) $300-200-100. Top Class D, E, & F $100 each. Lower Sections: 5SS, TC: G/100. Only 2 byes in rounds 1-4. Rds.: Sat: 10-2-6, Sun: 11-3. Trophies: Top 3 each section, Top Expert, Class B, D, E, F & Unrated, Senior age 65. & K-8. (Only rated players win cash) Early EF: Only Master-Exp: $70, Other sections $65 if by 3/15. Past NJ Champs EF is $35 if early, but $80 at site: Please join online at entryfeesrus.com. On site EF: Master-Exp $80, Lower sections $75. Cash only at site. Reg.: 3/20, 8am-9:45am. Hotel Sierra is nearby and a great deal. Hotel Rates $89/free Breakfast. (908) 704-2191. The playing hall accommodates Only 100 players, so the only the first 100 EF’s received will play. Ent: KenThomas, 115 West Moore Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840-2233. Make checks payable to NJSCF. For info contact Ken,
[email protected] or (908)763-6468. Players and spectators cell phones & ear covering are restricted. FIDE, NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 21, Westfield Spring Scholastic Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 3 Sections k-12 full k Open, Under 1250, Under 750. Open Section 3 SS game/45 trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:25-6:05 p.m. Under 1250 4 SS game/30 Trophies to top 5 in each section Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 Members. Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:156:30 p.m. Under 750 trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:454:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
[email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send Advance Entries to:Todd Lunna, 36 Maple Drive, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 by March 17th.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
New Mexico Jan. 30-31, 2010 Don Wilson Memorial/Senior Championship Open to all ages. 4/SS, G/2. Rio Rancho Meadowlark Sr. Center, 4330 Meadowlark Ln. SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Co-sponsored by the Meadowlark Chess Group and the New Mexico Chess Organization. $$: 1000 b/80. Sections: Keffer Open to1600 & above EF $30. Reserve U1700 EF $25. Booster U1300 EF $20. Rds.: 9-2, 9-2 Best finish by NM Senior in Tom Keffer section: name inscribed on the permanent plaque. Reg.: Sat. 8-8:30. $10 late fee if entry not received by 1/29. $5 Family discount after one full-price entry. Byes: one 1/2 pt available Rds. 1-3 if req’d before Rd. 1. ENT: checks payable to NMCO, P.O. Box 4215, Albuquerque, NM 87196. Recommended Motel: Super8 (505)-896-8888 ask for chess rate. Entry form w/directions, & Map: Website nmchess.org. W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 6, King’s Chess Club Quads
New York
Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, K-12, Bethlehem Church, 758
Jan. 9-Feb. 6, 3rd Farmingdale CC Winter Swiss
For details on
2010 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS East, North, South, West See Nationals Section!
5SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $200-100, Top U-1800 $80, U-1500, U1300/unr. $60 each. EF: $30. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each Saturday. 2 byes 1-5. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. NS. W. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Jan. 16, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
uschess.org
Jan. 17, 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. One bye available, request at entry.
Jan. 19, Marshall Masters (formerly the St. John’s Masters) See Grand Prix.
Jan. 21, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix.
Jan. 23-24 or 24, January Open See Grand Prix.
Jan. 24, Binghamton Monthly Tourney FREE USCF ONLINE MEMBERSHIP ($34 VALUE, call for details) WITH ENTRY FEE. 4 ROUND SS, GAME/60. Reg.: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. ENTRY: $35 Cash only on site. Please register in advance if possible. (Checks payable to “Cordisco’s Corner Store.”) Rounds: 9:15, 11:45, 2:15, 4:30. Prizes: Guaranteed. Open Section. 1st- $130, 2nd - $70, 3rd- $30. Trophies 1st - 3rd. Under 1700. 1st- $65, 2nd- $30.Trophies 1st - 4th. Please bring clocks. Cordisco’s Chess Center, 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) 772-8782. jcordisco@ stny.rr.com.
in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 1012-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-30 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
Jan. 30, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Jan. 31, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
Jan. 24, SAR Academy Scholastic Chess Championship VIII
See Grand Prix.
4-SS, G/30. 655 W. 254 St., Bronx (RIVERDALE), NY. 5 SECTIONS. BEGINNER (grades K-1 only) Unrated Players Only. NOVICE (grades 2/below) U600. RESERVE (grades 2-6 only) U500. PRIMARY (Grades 5/below) U1000 CHAMPIONSHIP/OPEN (grades 12/below). AWARDS: Trophies to top 15 in each section. Top U400 NOVICE, U700 PRIMARY, U800 CHAMPIONSHIP. Special Prizes: Engraved digital chess clocks toTop Player in each section, all 4-0 scores &Top Unrated in Open Section. Engraved plaque to top UNR player in each section. High Scorer trophy to all who score 2 and do not get into top 15. Engraved medals to all others. Team Prizes: Trophies to top 4 teams in each section. Engraved digital chess clock to Top Team in each section. (Team score created by adding top 4 scores from same school). EARLY EF: $39 if received (postmarked by JAN 19). LATE EF: $45 Phoned, faxed or online thereafter until Jan 22, 5pm. Onsite EF: $55. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: All 10-11:30-12:45-2. Late entrants may not be paired for the first round. Mail Entries: and make check payable to Tri-State Chess, 1675 York Ave. #2M, N.Y. N.Y. 10128. Phone: (718) 645-5896. Fax: (718) 535-7896 Online Entry: www.TriStateChess.com.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY Elementary Championship - USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic!
Jan. 25-Feb. 8, 21st Nassau G/60 Championship See Grand Prix.
Jan. 27-Feb. 24, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss 5SS, 30/90, SD/1. 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.
Jan. 28, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 31st Annual Greater NY Primary Championship 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/00 in grades 3/below. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $46.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top rated U900, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. K-1, open to grade 1/below. EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 45 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chess center.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-30 only: 212-9710101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/31/97 not yet in 7th grade. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $47.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $47.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event! Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY High School Championship - USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 1/31/90. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $49.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except
quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 7-9 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don’t win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score; no combined schools, even if one school “feeds” another). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms:
[email protected] (Jan 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards— NONE SUPPLIED!
Feb. 2, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200. 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Feb. 4, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 6, 23rd Annual Super Saturday in New York! See Grand Prix.
Feb. 6, Syracuse University Winter Open 4SS Rds.: 1&2 G/60, Rds.: 3&4 G/90. Syracuse University, Carnegie Hall, Rm. 222 (Fr 81N, Ex. 690E, Ex. 14, Son Teal to Columbus, L on E. Genesee, R. Westcott, R. Euclid, to Park Check Pt, 3rd right. Fr 81S, Ex. E. Adams, R on E. Adams, R on Comstock, R Euclid, to Park Check Pt, 3rd right). EF: $30. Prizes (b/20): $200, 125, 75 Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 12:00, 2:15, 5:30. Ent: Joe Ball (315) 436-9008. WCL JGP.
Feb. 7, Super Rated Beginners’ Open! RBO 4-SS, G/50. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St., between 56 Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969, for Under 1200 or those not rated in any country. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40. Reg. ends 11:45 am. Rds. 12-2-4-6 pm. No advance entries.
Feb. 7, Super Sunday (Pre) Game/60 Quad! 3-RR, G/60. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet. 5-6th Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $30, Club membs. $20— NO FREE ENTRIES!! $$ (60 to 1st each quad, b/4 per quad). Reg. ends 11:50 am. Rds. 12-2-4. All players must agree to play all 3 games. NO PHONE ENTRIES!
Feb. 7, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads 1st Sunday every month. 3-RR, G/30.The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Bklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15. $$:Trophies to top 2 in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Feb. 7, The Right Move #159 Team and Individual Championship FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:15 A.M.
A Heritage Event! Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual Greater NY Junior High Championship - USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/94 not yet in 10th grade. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $48.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1500, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1200 or unrated. EF: $48.50 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $48.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF’s $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life (Latecomers will not play in round one). Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave., Manhattan, NYC). Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.Trophies to top 3 in each section except Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points. Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section). To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop@aol. com or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Feb. 11, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 13, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Feb. 14, Marshall CC Sunday Action 5SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($360 b/24), 1/2 price for couples in honor of St. Valentine’s Day: 12070-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-4-5:20pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Feb. 16, Marshall Masters (formerly the St. John’s Masters) See Grand Prix.
Feb. 18, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix.
Feb. 18-Mar. 25, FIDE Thursdays!! 6SS, G/120. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100; 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7PM each Thursday; FIDE rated. WCL JGP.
Feb. 19-Mar. 19, Queens Late Winter Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 20, New York February Action! See Grand Prix.
Feb. 21, 11th Annual NY February Under 13 Open! 4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 2/21/97. 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 2/12/10. 2. Novice, for Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 2/12. Both, EF: $30 online at www.chesscenter.cc by 2/18, $35 by phone at 406-896-2191 by 2/18, $40 at site, Club members $10 less ($10 fee for refunds). Trophies to top 10, top Unr, top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks free entry to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit of 2 byes, commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2 pm. Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID, rating, section, school/grade, DOB.
Feb. 21, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads! 3-RR, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212477-3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less $36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! No phone entry!
Feb. 21, Sunday Under 1400 Action! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St., between 56 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members
$20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $10060-40, $60 limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.
Feb. 22-Mar. 22, Marshall CC Under 1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7 PM each Monday. Byes OK, limit 2, request by Rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Feb. 25, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 26-28, 4th annual Saratoga Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27, 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.: 11:15-11:45AM. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
A State Championship Event! Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each section are NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 6 sections, each is a 6SS, G/60 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Feb 28 only. High School, grades K-12. EF $38 mailed by 2/5. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for DenkerTournament of HS Champions. Junior High, grades K-9. EF $37.90 mailed by 2/5. Elementary, grades K-6. EF $37.60 mailed by 2/5. Elementary Novice, grades K-6 under 800 or unrated. EF $37.50 mailed by 2/5. Primary, grades K-3. EF $37.30 mailed by 2/5. K-1, grades K-1. EF $37.10 mailed by 2/5. Postmarked 2/6-16: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $40 by 2/6, $50 by 2/22. No online entry after 2/22. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sections: EF $45 by 2/6, $55 by 2/22. No phone entry after 2/22. Entry at site: all $60. Trophies to top 20 players, top 3 Unrated, and top 8 teams each section and top each U1400, U1200, U1000 (HS), U1200, U1000, U800 (JHS), U1000, U800 (Elem), U600, U400 (Elem Novice). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2010 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:30. K-1 schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-1:30-3-4:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for room cancellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, 2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members enclose dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from advance list charged $60. Questions: chesstour.com, 845496-9658. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied.
Feb. 28, Grandmaster Challenge See Grand Prix.
Mar. 2, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50. U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available, request at entry.
Mar. 3-31, Marshall CC Under 2000 Wednesday Swiss 5SS, 30/90,SD/1. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds..: 7 PM each Wednesday. Byes OK, limit 2, request by Round 3.
Mar. 4, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.
Mar. 6-7 or 7, Marshall March U2300 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. 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 12:15PM. 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, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. may be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
Mar. 7, Rodeph Sholom Scholastic Chess Championship III 4-SS, G/30. 7 WEST 83 ST., NYC. 5 SECTIONS. BEGINNER (grades K-1 only) Unrated Players Only. NOVICE (grades 2/below) U600. RESERVE (grades 26 only) U500. PRIMARY (Grades 5/below) U1000. CHAMPIONSHIP/OPEN (grades 12/below). AWARDS: Trophies to top 15 in each section. Top U400 NOVICE, U700 PRIMARY, U800 CHAMPIONSHIP. Special Prizes: Engraved digital chess clocks to: Top Player in each section, all 4-0 scores & Top Unrated in Open Section. Engraved plaque to top UNR player in each section. High Scorer trophy to all who score 2 and do not get into top 15. Engraved medals to all others. Team Prizes: Trophies to top 4 teams in each section. Engraved digital chess clock to Top Team in each section. (Team score created by adding top 4 scores from same school). EARLY EF: $39 if received (postmarked by March 1). LATE EF: $45 Phoned, faxed or online thereafter until March 5, 5pm. Onsite EF: $55. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: All 10-11:30-12:45-2. Late entrants may not be paired for the first round. Mail Entries: and make check payable to TriState Chess, 1675 York Ave. #2M, N.Y. N.Y. 10128 Phone: (718) 645-5896 Fax: (718) 535-7896 Online Entry: www.TriStateChess.com.
Mar. 11, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Mar. 13-14 or 14, March Open See Grand Prix.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Hartford Open (CT) See Grand Prix.
North Carolina Jan. 16, TACO LVIII 3-SS, G/90. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF: $21 (rec’d by 1/14)/$25 at site. Prize fund: $$640 b/40. OPEN: $120-$60 u2000: $60, U1800: $100-$50 u1600 $50, U1400: $100-$50 u1200 $50. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1:45-5. NCCA req’d $5 OSA. Info: http://raleighchess.freewebpages. org/taco.html. Jeff Jones (919)270-9948.
[email protected].
Jan. 29-31, Land of the Sky XXIII See Grand Prix.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, Raleigh Tournament Chess Club #7 4-SS, G/75 one game per week, Explore! 6801 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC. EF: $3/night Prizes: 75% GTD. Info: http://raleighchess.freewebpages.org. Jon Achelpohl (740)466-8995.
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
Feb. 20, TACO LIX 3-SS, G/90. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF: $21 (rec’d by 2/18)/$25 at site. Prize fund: $$640 b/40. OPEN: $120-$60 u2000: $60, U1800: $100-$50 u1600 $50, U1400: $100-$50 u1200 $50. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1:45-5. NCCA req’d $5 OSA. Info: http://raleighchess.freewebpages. org/taco.html. Jeff Jones (919)270-9948.
[email protected].
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, 2010 U. S. Masters See Nationals.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, N.C. Sub-Masters 9SS, 40/2,SD/30. Hendersonville, NC. $$1670 b/50. Rds.: Concurrent with U.S. Masters. EF: $50 by Feb 13, $55 by Mar 9, $60 at site. HR: Quality Inn & Suites, 201 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville NC 28792. $60 or $68/night with hot breakfast, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and mini-golf. 800-581-4745, www.qualityinnsuiteshvl.com. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773.
[email protected] www.ncchess.org. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, Sub-Sub-Masters RBO 9SS, 40/2,SD/30. Hendersonville, NC. Rated U1000 or unrated. Plaque to 1st. Rds.: Concurrent with U.S. Masters. EF: $10. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773.
[email protected] www.ncchess.org. WCL JGP.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.
Ohio Jan. 16-17, 6th Annual Holiday Blues Open 5 Round – SwissTmt, Rds. 1&2, G/75, td/5; Rds. 3, 4, & 5, G/2h30m, td/5. Reg.: Sat: 9:30-10:30 am. Rds.: Sat 11-2-5:30, Sun 10-3:30. One BYE permitted. Declare prior to R2. 3 Sections: OPEN/U1900/U1500. EF: $26/$40 - adv/after 01/13/10. DCC mbr discount $3. EF refunded to 2200 & up who complete sched-
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ule. PRIZES: OPEN: $250-125. U1900: $225-100. U1500: $200-100. $1000 b/48 paid entries, re-entries $15 count as 1/2 entry. LOC: Dayton Chess Club - 18 West Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Call 937.461.6283 or email
[email protected] or go to www.DaytonChessClub.com for additional info (directions, parking, hotels, etc.). Register online at www.daytonchess club.com or mail to Dayton Chess Club location address above (please note which section you intend to play in). WCL JGP.
Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, 33rd Cardinal Open See Grand Prix.
Feb. 13, Toledo Feb Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds. 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave.,Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 2/11 $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. Mar. 13, 9th 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 K-3<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 points or higher, top five team trophies awarded medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, medal, simul participation. Registration fee increases to $40 after February 1. After March 1, entry fee is $50. Registration closes Wednesday, March 10, 2010. NO SATURDAY REGISTRATIONS. Checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx accepted. Schedule: Friday, March 12, early check in from 4-6 p.m. FREE SIMUL at 6:30 p.m. for tournament participants, $20 for non-participants. SIMUL features International Master Irina Krush, International Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov and special guests. Saturday, March 13, check in 7- 8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. 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. 1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5038 or fax to 513.352.9370. Confirm all registrations at www.cpu-solutions.com.
Mar. 13, Toledo Mar Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 3/11 $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. 16-18, 2010 All Girls National Championship presented by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the USCF and UTD. See Nationals.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.
Oklahoma Feb. 13-15, Jerry Hanken FIDE Winter Open See Grand Prix.
$10 more on-site 6:30-6:45; $10 less for players under 18. Rds.: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 to 1st overall; others per entries. Register at www.silverknights chess.com. Registration limited to first 30 players.
Jan. 30, ASAP Chess Challenge Tournament Great Hall, 2nd Floor, Winnet Building, Comm. College of Phil., 1700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. 6 Sections. ALL SECTIONS FREE. Scholastic Rated Sections: K-5: 4SS G/45, K-8: 4SS G/45, K-12: 3SS, G/60. Trophies for top 5. Scholastic Non-Rated Sections: K-5: 4SS, G/40, K-8: 4SS, G/40, K12: 4SS, G/45. Non-USCF-rated. Medallions to winners. All: Depending upon entries, an additional round may be added or sections divided. Reg.: 8:30am9:30am. 1st Rd at 10am. Ent/Info & Pre-Reg (by Wed 5pm): Windsor Jordan, 1520 Locust St., Suite 1104, Phila., PA 19102,
[email protected], 215545-2727 ext. 18.
Jan. 31, PCL January 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.
A State Championship Event! Feb. 6, 2010 PA State Amateur Team Championship 4SS, G/75. William Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 4-player teams, average rating U2200, alternates allowed. EF: $60/team by 1/29, $80 later. $$ (700 b/16 teams): $250-100, U2000 $95, U1800 $90, U1600 $85, U1400 $80. Reg.: 9-9:30 Rds.: 10-1-4-7. PSCF $5, OSA. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223, 412908-0286,
[email protected]. W. WCL JGP.
Feb. 6, Chess Bowl 2010 4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 2/3; $27 online by noon 2/5; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections for unrated players.
Feb. 19, Friday Night Action #14 4SS, G/30. Belmont Park Classroom, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Sections: Open, U/1400. EF: $30 online by noon the day of the event; $10 more on-site 6:30-6:45; $10 less for players under 18. Rds.: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 to 1st overall; others per entries. Register at www.silverknights chess.com. Registration limited to first 30 players.
Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads 3RR, G/40. St. Luke’s Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12. $$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv. ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!
North Penn Chess Club Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchess club.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418. Jan. 9, Greater Cherry Hill Chess Quads See New Jersey.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open See Grand Prix.
Jan. 16, Winter Blast 4SS, G/30. Doylestown Activity Center, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA 18901. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 1/13; $27 online by noon 1/15; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections for unrated players.
Jan. 23, 6th William J. Browne Memorial Quads 3RR, G/60. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $12 by 1/19, $17 later, $2 discount to PCC Members. $30 to first each quad. Reg.: 10-10:45am, Rds.: 11AM-1:30PM-4PM. Info: 412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org. Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Mike Holsinger, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC, W.
Jan. 23, January Joust 4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 1/20; $27 online by noon 1/22; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections for unrated players.
Jan. 29, Friday Night Action #13 4SS, G/30. Belmont Park Classroom, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Sections: Open, U/1400. EF: $30 online by noon the day of the event;
uschess.org
Jan. 9, Cumberland Chessfest for kids Register online website: www.richess.org, email: rhodeislandchess@yahoo. com. (401) 359-1602.
Jan. 23 & Feb. 27, BK Tmt for kids Register online website: www.richess.org, email: rhodeislandchess@yahoo. com. (401) 359-1602.
South Carolina Jan. 23, 5th Patrick D. Hart Memorial Scholastic (Chess Adventures South Carolina Grand Prix tournament, for info, go to www.chessadventures.com) 4SS, G30. Best Western Charleston-Downtown, 250 Spring St., Charleston, SC 29403. EF: $20 if rec’d by 1/20/10; $25 at site. USCF & SCCA memberships req’d. OSA,Trophies to 1st, 2nd & 3rd plus free 1yr USCF memberships each. Reg.: 8-9:30am. Rds.: 10am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm. In four USCF rated sections: K-3, K-5, K-8 & K-12 (Sections may be combined for pairing purposes, if necessary.) Special Non-rated Beginners section - 4 rds, G/30 Open to beginning players. No USCF membership req’d. EF: $15 Prize for top finisher/s - free 1 yr USCF membership. HR: $69.99 plus 12.5% tax (mention tournament) Adv. Ent: Charleston Chess Club c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Email:
[email protected].
Feb. 5-7, 36th Snowstorm Special See Grand Prix.
Tennessee Feb. 27, Pre-Spring Special 3 sections: G/60 (4 rds) and G/30 (7 rds) and U1200 G/45 (5 rds), EF: $20 ($15 MCC members) 1st G/30-$100; 1st G/60-$100 guaranteed prizes. U1200:Trophies to Top 3. Free blitz tournament for all entries after last rd! ($10 for blitz only), unrated g/5, trophy for 1st. Registration 2/27: 8-9:30am. Rounds (G/60): 10-1-3-5. Rounds (G/30): 10-11-1-2-3-4-5. Rounds (G/45): 10 and as soon as possible. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Entries: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com,
[email protected].
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championships See Grand Prix.
Feb. 20, 2010 Presidents Week LVCA Grand Prix
Texas
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9-10, Texas Team Championship
Feb. 21, PCL February Quick Quads (QC)
4SS, G/90 with 30 sec. increment (G/120 if no increment clock available). Bridge Center of Austin, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin,TX. Open to four-player teams avg. U2200 based on Dec. 2009 rating list. One alternate allowed, must be lowest rated. EF: $100/team if rec’d by Jan 7th, $125 at site.TCA memb. req. ($10 reg. $7.50 jr. U19, $1 jr. tmt), o.s.a. $$($1325 b/16 teams): 1st - $500 + trophy, 2nd - $250, 1st U1900 - $250 + trophy, 2nd U1900 - $125. Board prizes: Top scorer on each board - $50 + plaque. Reg.: 10:30-11:45 am. Rds.: 12:306:00, 9:30-3:00. Ent: online at www.AustinChessTournaments.com or mail entry to AustinChessTournaments.com, P.O. Box 1386, Round Rock,TX, 78680; 512-417-9008;
[email protected] NS. NC. W. WCL JGP.
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. 27, State Warm-Up 4SS, G/30. Mother of Divine Providence School, 405 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 2/24; $27 online by noon 2/26; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections for unrated players.
Mar. 5, 2010 PA Quick Chess Championship (QC) See Grand Prix.
Mar. 6-7, 2010 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship See Grand Prix.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
A State Championship Event! Mar. 6-7, 2010 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 3/6 & 7 unless indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/6 only) $29. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/6 only) $27. K-9 U1000: (Sun 3/7 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 2/16, $10 more rec’d 2/17-3/2, $20 more after 3/2. Feb 2010 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. Reg Fri 3/5 6-10 pm, Sat 3/6 9:30-10:15 am, Saturday at site entries get 1/2-bye. $5 charge for changes/refund after 2/16. Rds (Sat 3/6 1-day sections): G/40T/D5; 10-11:45-2-3:45-5:30; (Sun 3/7 K-9 U1000): G/40, T/D5; 9-10:30-12:30-2-3:30; (2-day sections): G/90, T/D5; 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg on-site only until Sat 3/6 8:30pm. Rds begin Sat 3/6 8:45pm. EF: $20/team. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: Steve: 215-784-5938
[email protected] Dan: 610649-0750
[email protected] www.pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/. W.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, JG’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Class Championships University ofTexas at Dallas, Galaxy Rooms At Student Union, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson,TX 75080. 5SS, G/120, Rd 1 of 2 day is G/60. In 7 Sections Under 2200: Open to 2199 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but are ineligible for prizes. Under 2000: Open to 1999 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds: Open to 1599 & under. Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win unrated prizes that are determined by unrated entry fees. The unrated entry fees do not apply for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. Under 1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. Under 1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. ALL: $$ 60% returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd and 10% for 3rd.). EF: $49 by 1/6/10, Juniors U19/Seniors Over 65/Handicap $30 by 1/6/10. Else $65 or Jr/Sr/Hcap $40. Please do not mail after Jan 6th. Register online until Jan 12th: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id= 1796626. Two 1/2 pt. byes if requested before rd 2, but byes for both round 4 and round 5 is not allowed. Two schedules: 3 day and 2 day. 3 day Onsite Registration: 1/15: 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Rounds: Fri 7:20 pm, Sat 12:30 pm - 5:15 pm, Sun 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 2 day Onsite Registration: 1/16: 8:00 - 8:30 am. Rounds: Sat 9 am then merge with 3 day. Park on metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitor’s parking. Due to contruction, check website for parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites Richardson, 250 Municipal Dr., Richardson,TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR: $79 for 1 bedroom will
Mar. 20, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-1, K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-1, K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $30 online by 3/17; $35 by noon 3/19; $40 on-site if at least 30 minutes before round 1. Rds.: K-1, K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3:00, awards ceremony at 4:00; K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:35-3:40, awards ceremony at 5:40. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. All players in K-1, K-3, and K-6 sections get trophies. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open See Grand Prix.
Apr. 29-May 27, 2010 Hatboro Open See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 4th annual Philadelphia International See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open
DROPPING OUT? Have to miss a round? It is very important that you
NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR before pairings are made, so no one is deprived of a game! If you forfeit without notice, you may be FINED up to the amount of the entry fee!
See Grand Prix.
Chess Life — January 2010
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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Tournament Life pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bedroom plus pullout couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems booking your room, please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel room. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000 INFO: Barb Swafford,
[email protected], www.swchess.com. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-17, JG’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters See Grand Prix.
Jan. 23, 2010 HCC Closed OPEN TO HCC MEMBERS ONLY. 9000 SW FRWY STE. 428, Houston, TX 77074. 713-773-2437, EF: $40 BEFORE Jan. 23, 2010, $50 at the door. REG.: 7:30 to 8:30 am Jan. 23, 2010. 60% of entries will be paid out. Rd times: 9am, 12 pm, 2pm, 4 pm. Time control: G/60. Please contact: MARK D. at:
[email protected] or DENNIS at:
[email protected].
Feb. 12-14, South Houston Open See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event! Feb. 19-21, 2010 Texas State Scholastic Championships 7SS. Sheraton Dallas North (Formerly Adams Mark), 400 North Olive Street, Dallas,TX 75201. HR: $105-$105-$105-$105, 888-627-8191, MentionTexas Chess Association to get Hotel Chess Rate. One night deposit may be required by Hotel. 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: $39 by 2/11; $69 after 2/11 or on site. February Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership required (may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Friday, 7-9pm, 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. Also www.sw chess.com also has eligibility rules. 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. Trophies for top 20 individuals and top 15 teams in each section plus participation medals for all, and plus Score Awards for players scoring 4 or more points that do not win an individual tro-
phy. Schedule: Round times vary depending on the Championship; Time control also varies. For round times and time control, see: www.swchess.com. Side Events: Blitz Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Friday 8pm. EF: $15. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each section. Bughouse Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $20 Team (On site registration only). trophies to top 10 teams in each section. All registrations (except Bughouse) available on line: see www.swchess.com and you can download flyers and entry forms. Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. Mail entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. For tournament info, visit our website or contact Barbara Swafford,
[email protected] or 214-6329000. Refunds will be given only up to 2/17 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/17 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members.There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/17.There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations USCF membership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must join/renew their memberships. No registration/changes/or withdrawals after 2/17/10. After that date you must make changes at site (Sheraton Dallas North). Chess In Education Conference for coaches, teachers and administrators, contact
[email protected] for more info. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 20-21, Southwest Collegiate Championships
Virginia Jan. 29-31, Springfield Open See Grand Prix.
Jan. 31, Springfield Sunday Quads 3-RR, G/61. EF: $25 Adv if rec’d by 1/22/2009, $30 at site. $$80 1st. Reg.: Sunday 1/31 9a-10:25a. Rds.: 10:30a - 1:30p - 3:45p. See Springfield Open for site and entry details.
Feb. 13-14, Kingstowne Chess Festival See Grand Prix.
Feb. 20, February Freeze K-8 Chess Tournament 4SS, G/30. Montessori School of McLean, 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101. Sections: K-8 Rated, K-8 Unrated. EF: $20 online by 2/17; $25 online by noon 2/19; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Mar. 5-7, 42nd Annual Virginia Open See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
West Virginia
Utah
Feb. 13-14, Kingstowne Chess Festival (VA)
Jan. 15-16, Ogden Airport Chess Odyssey Kemp Jet Services (Ogden Airport), 4282 So. 1650 West, Ogden, UT 84405. 4SS, ONE Section ONLY. EF: Paid entries in by Jan 12, $25. Entry info in by Jan 13, $30, can pay at tournament. ON-site, $35. Time Controls: Rd 1&2 G/90, Rd 3&4 30/60 SD/60 (ALL td/5). Rds.: Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 9AM, 1:15PM, 5:30. $$: B/32 $150, $100 (Top 2 Prizes 100% Guaranteed!) A 70, B 60, C 50, D 40, E & below/ UNR 30, Female 25, Upset 10. Reg.: Fri 6PM-7:10, Sat 8:30AM-8:45. FOUR(1/2 pt.)byes allowed, req before Rd. 2. Mail paid entries to: Morry Holland, 1470 E. Valley Ridge Dr., Sandy, UT 84093. Please make checks payable to Morry Holland. Entry info to:
[email protected], or 801-562-0156. More info at www.utahchess.com. Pre-registration list will soon be at www.farewellbobbyfischer.com Drawings will be held for a free airplane ride! This is simply a beautiful facility to hold a chess tournament. The lighting is EXCELLENT. No outside food. Check it out at www.kempjet.com. WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix.
Wisconsin Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, 2010 U.S. Amateur Team Championship North See Nationals.
Feb. 27-28, Kasparov Chess Foundation & Renaissance Knights present Greater Chicago Scholastic Championships! See Illinois.
Foreign Events Feb. 5-7, 2010 Bermuda International Open See Grand Prix.
Vermont April 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open See Grand Prix.
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telephone numbers as one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must accompany all advertising. All advertising published in Chess Life is subject to the applicable rate card, available from the Advertising Department. Chess Life reserves the right not to accept an advertiser’s order. Only publication of an advertisement constitutes final acceptance. For a copy of these complete set of regulations & a schedule of deadlines, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
For Sale
Instruction
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[email protected]. World’s largest collection of scanned chess e-books, magazines, checkmates & tactic puzzles www.tobychess.com
TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, the Mid-Atlantic Chess Instruction Center is the best in the business. We specialize in adult students. We offer 32 different courses as well as individual game analysis. Center Director: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out when you call, please leave your name & tel. #.
Chess Art Paintings. www.rogermorinartgallery.com Unique holiday gift: Magic: Endorsed by GM Lev Alburt, ICM John Elburg and FM Alex Dunne. Best Odds game ever. Best Individual Game For Instructional Aid (Q & A format) Over 300 Diagrams. Supersedes all Ng5 TKD books + Anti-English, Anti-Reti, Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT FULLY SATISFIED. Just return undamaged book for full refund. $19.95 + $5 S&H. Autographed (non-refundable) $24.95. Addendum Ng5:TKD $5 (Non-refundable) Richard Moody 777 Treadlemire Rd. Berne, N.Y. 12023 Seventy (70) Staunton sets for sale. Great money makers! Email:
[email protected]. Address: Colmac, PO Box 48299, Coon Rapids, MN 55448. Visit www.taoofthechessboard.com Say yes to chess, to life and to joy.
70
Chess Life — January 2010
LEARN CHESS BY MAIL: Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs. Alex Dunne, 324 West Lockhart Street, Sayre, PA 18840.
[email protected]. YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 3- Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt! Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534, Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706. Study chess with Grandmaster Sam Palatnik! A series of lectures will nurture your talent and your rating will soar. Visit: www.chessinn.com; e-mail:
[email protected]; Call: 443-660-8025.
Miscellaneous SAVE IT FOR POSTERITY! Artist will paint your favorite chess position or best move on canvas for all to admire your brilliancy! Basic chess painting $395. Satisfaction guaranteed. Write to: A. G. Pader, PO Box 1908, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741.
FREE computer program for Hostage Chess (“fascinating, exciting, extremely entertaining”: Grandmaster Kevin Spraggett. “I believe Hostage the most interesting, exciting variant that can be played with a standard chess set”: Grandmaster Larry Kaufman.) Prisoners can be exchanged, then dropped onto empty squares. Go to www.hostagechess.com for the rules, and to download the program. Try to defeat it, or watch it play against itself.
Wanted CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and SAT > 1400 for possible college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250. 410-455-2666,
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ChessMate ® Pocket & Travel Sets Magnetic sets w/ genuine & simulated leathers, durable boards, 4 extra piecedisks per side. Handmade in the USA 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE !
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uschess.org
Solutions
Chess to Enjoy (page 43) Problem I.
1. ... Nf4! prompted resignation in view of 2. Qxf5 Rxe2 mate or 2. Qc3+ Kh7 3. Rd2 Qb1+. Problem II.
1. Qd5! wins a rook in view of 1. ... Rxd5 2. g8=Q+. Problem III.
1. ... Qc3+ 2. Rd2 e3! wins (3. Bxe3 Qxc8; 3. fxe3 Rf1 mate). Problem IV.
1. Nd5+! exd5 2. Rfe1+ Kd6 (2. ... Kf6 3. Qh4+!) 3. Qf8+ Kc6 4. Ba4+ b5 (4. ... Kb6 5. Qb4+ Ka7 6. Qxd4+ and 7. Qxg7) 5. Rac1+ Kb6 6. Rxc7 and wins. Problem V.
1. Rxf8+! Bxf8 2. Qf6+ and now 2. ... Bg7 3. Qd8+ or 2. ... Rg7 3. Qxh6+ Rh7 4. Qxf8 mate or 2. ... Kh7 3. Bd5! and 4. Qxf8 or 4. Bxg2. Problem VI.
1. Rf2! Qxc2! 2. Be2+! (not 2. Rxc2 Rh8!) and wins, e.g. 2. ... Ke8 3. Bb5+. Or 2. ... Qf5 3. Rxf5+ gxf5 4. Bxh5+ Kf8 5. Qxf5+ Kg8 6. Bf7+ Kf8 7. Be6+ or 6. ... Kh8 7. Qh5+. (Also lost is 5. ... Bf6 6. Qg6.)
What’s The Best Move? (page 46) 1. C. GM Nakamura-GM van Wely, Amsterdam 2009.
A. Inadequate is 1. ... Rc8? 2. b7 Rb8 3. Kc5 Kg6 4. Kc6 Kg5 5. Kc7 Rxb7+ 6. Rxb7 Kh4 7. Rb3. B. Equally hopeless is 1. ... Rb1+? 2. Kc5. C. The wily Dutchman found 1. ... e4! 2. b7 e3 3. b8=Q e2 and drew many moves later with careful defense after 4. Rg5+ fxg5 5. Qe5+ Kf8 6. Qxe2 Rc6 7. Qe5 h6 8. Kb5 Re6, etc. A. Black drew with 1. ... Bc2! 2. fxe6 fxe6 3. Kxe6 Bb3+ 4. Kf6 Bc2.
2. A. GM Gelfand-GM Shirov, Romania 2009.
B. A deadly Zugzwang ensues after 1. ... exf5? 2. e6 Bb3 (if 2. ... fxe6 3. Kxg6 f4 4. Bxf4 Kf8 5. Kf6 wins) 3. exf7+ Bxf7 4. Kg7 f4 5. Bxf4 Ke7 6. Bd6+ Ke8 7. Bc5. C. On 1. ... gxf5? 2. h5 f4 3. g6 fxg6 4. h6 this pawn queens. 3. B. GM Grischuk-GM Shirov, 2nd Grand Slam Masters, Spain 2009.
A. The knight gets pinned after 1. ... Ke7? 2. Ba3. B. The best chance to hold even if insufficient, is 1. ... Ke8 2. Bc3 Nd5 3. Bd2 Kd7 4. Kc5 Kc7 5. b4 Nb6 6. Kb5 Kb7. C. Shirov went down fighting with 1. ... Nc2+!? 2. Kc5 Ne1 3. Kc6 Nxg2 4. b4 Nf4 5. b5 Nd5 6. Kd6 Kg6 7. Bd4 Kg5 8. b6 Nxb6 9. Bxb6 e5 10. Ke6 e4 11. Kf7 f5 12. Kxg7 h5 13. Kf7 f4 14. Ke6 Kg4 15. Ke5 Kf3 16. h4! and Black resigned in view of 16. ... e3 17. Kf5! e2 18. Ba5 Kxf2 19. Kxf4. 4. B. GM Kramnik-GM Khalifman, Champions Rapid, Switzerland 2009.
A. Black lost after 1. ... Kd8? 2. Bc2 g5 3. Bf5 Nc7 4. Bh3 Na8+ 5. Kc5 Ke7 6. Kd5 Nc7+ 7. Kc5 Na8 8. Bg4 Nc7 9. Kb6 Kd8 10. Kb7 Ne8 11. e6 Nd6+ 12. Kb8 Nb5 13. Bh3. B. The knight must get to e7 to draw: 1. ... Ke6! 2. Bc2 Kxe5 3. Bxg6 Nd6 4. c7 Ke6 5. Bh5 Nc8+ 6. Kb7 Ne7 7. Bg4+ Kd6 with a fortress. C. Inadequate is 1. ... g5 2. Bd1 Kd8 (or 2. ... Ke6 3. Bh5) 3. e6 Ke7 4. Bg4 Kd8 5. Kb7 Nd6+ 6. Kb8 Nb5 7. Bh3 Nd6 8. c7+ Ke7 9. c8=Q Nxc8 10. Kxc8.
Endgame Lab – Benko’s Bafflers (page 45) Problem I. 1. g6 fxg6+ 2. Kxf6 g5 3. Kf5 g4 4. hxg4 mate.
Problem II. 1. Kc5 g4 1. ... Ka4 2. g4 b4 3. Kc4 a5 4. a3 bxa3 5. b3 mate. 2. b3 g5 3. a3 g6 4. a4 bxa4 5. b4 mate.
Solitaire Chess – ABCs of Chess (page 17) Fork: Black wins at least the knight with 1. ... Bd4. Problem I.
Pin: With 1. ... Bf7, Black keeps a pin on the d5pawn and saves a piece. Problem II.
Fork: Black sacs to get it back: 1. ... Qxf2+ 2. Kxf2 Ng4+. Problem III.
Mating net: The game ends by 1. ... Nh3+ 2. Kh1 Qg1+ 3. Rxg1 Nf2 mate. Problem IV.
Mating net: Black wins quickly, 1. ... Qxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Rh5 mate. Problem V.
Fork: It’s simple: 1. ... Nxe2+ wins a piece, since 2. Qxe2 allows 2. ... Qd4+. Problem VI.
Total your score to determine your approximate rating below: Total Score 95+ 81-94 66-80 51-65 36-50 21-35 06-20 0-05
Approx. Rating 2400+ 2200-2399 2000-2199 1800-1999 1600-1799 1400-1599 1200-1399 under 1200
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