2012 - Chess Life 02

February 2012

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winning vision combines hip-hop, chess, and martial arts with life-strategy coaching to educate children around the country and the world.

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The TheEighth Ninth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships April 20 – 22, 2012– -Chicago, Chicago, Illinois Illinois April 8–10, 2011

Awards

Hotel

Trophies will be awarded to the top 15 individual players and top three teams in

Swissotel Hotel; 323 E. Wacker Dr,Mile, Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Chicago, IL 60601

each section. Three or more players from the same school make up a team (team scores will be calculated based on the top 3 scores to give teams their final standings). All players will receive a souvenir to honor their participation. 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 standSIDE EVENTS MAIN EVENT ings). Every player receives a souvenir.

300 East Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 Hotel Chess Rate:

$169 15,by 2012 $139byif March reserved March 11, 2011 Breakfast included.

Hotel Reservations: 888-737-9477 Please call (312) 787-6100

Friday, April 208 Friday, April

Bughouse Tournament

Entry & Info

6:00 PM Opening Ceremony MAIN EVENT 6:30 PM Round 1 Friday, April 8

Friday, April 20 Friday April 8, 1:00 PM

Make checks payable to: RKnights, Attn: All Girls, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065

6:00 PM April Opening Saturday, 219 Ceremony Saturday, April 6:30 PM Round 10:00 AM Round 21 2:30 PM Round 3 Saturday, April 6:30 PM Round94 10:00 AM Round 2 2:30 PMApril Round Sunday, 2210 3 Sunday, April 6:30 PM Round 9:00 AM Round 54 1:00 PM Round 6 Sunday, April 10 Ceremony 5:00 PM Awards 9:00 AM Round 5 1:00 PM 5

Round 6

SIDE EVENTS Entry fee: $25 per team Bughouse Tournament Blitz FridayTournament April 8, 1:00(G/5) PM Entry fee: per team Friday, 20 Friday April$25 8, 3:00 PM Entry fee: $15 by March 27, $20 Blitzon-site Tournament (G/5) Friday April 8, 3:00 PM Entry fee: $15 by March 27, 6-SS, G/90, Sections $20 on-site

• • • • •

• 8-years-old and younger • 10-years-old and younger 10-years-old and younger • 10-years-old and younger • 10-years-old and younger •6-SS, 12-years-old and younger 12-years-old andG/90, younger Sections • 12-years-old and younger •• 12-years-old and younger 10-years-old andyounger younger •• 14-years-old and 14-years-old and younger 8-years-old and younger • 14-years-old and younger •• 14-years-old and younger 12-years-old and younger •• 16-years-old and 16-years-old and younger 10-years-old and younger younger • 16-years-old and younger •• 16-years-old and younger 14-years-old and younger •• 18-years-old and 18-years-old and younger 12-years-old and younger younger • 18-years-old and younger •• 18-years-old and younger 16-years-old and younger • 14-years-old and younger • 18-years-old and younger • 16-years-old and younger • 18-years-old and younger

Tel: (773) 844-0701 E-mail: [email protected] Entry Fee $50 if postmarked by 3/25; 3/13; $70 by 4/8 3/27; 4/19;or$90 onon-site site $85 by 4/7 $90 USCF membership required Hotel; All events held at Swissotel the Doubletree, 323 Wacker 300 E. East OhioDr, St, Chicago, Chicago,ILIL60611

Online Registration www.renaissanceknights.org/allgirls

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JUNE 15–17 OR 16–17

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IVIERA HOTEL - CASINO - LAS VEGAS

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H $59 ($89 weekend) Room Rates H All new remodeled rooms H Over $20M in Renovations H Great New Restaurants H Expanded Food Court

June 14th – 17th, 2012 NATIONAL OPEN H U.S. GAME/10 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP SIMULS H LECTURES H SCHOLASTICS GRANDMASTER CHESS CAMP H AND MORE

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Contributors Al Lawrence (“Looks at Books,” p. 12) is a former executive director of both USCF and the World Chess Hall of Fame. His latest book with GM Lev Alburt, Chess for the Gifted and Busy, can soon be previewed at www.chesswithlev.com. Macauley Peterson (“Looks at Books,” p. 14) is a freelance mediamaker, currently for hire. His written work has appeared in New in Chess magazine and Matten (The Netherlands), 64 (Russia), Chess (U.K.), Peón de Rey (Spain) and Schach (Germany). Eric K. Arnold (“Cover Story,” p. 20) is a freelance photojournalist based in Oakland, California. A lifelong chess aficionado, Arnold won a 2011 award from the Society of Professional Journalists for multimedia arts and culture coverage of Oakland’s hip-hop scene. Nelly Rosario (“Chess and Love,” p. 26) is the author of Song of the Water Saints and currently teaches creative writing in the MFA program at Texas State University. GM John Fedorowicz (“2011 World Youth,” p. 30) is in the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, has captained the U.S. Olympiad team on two occasions and has frequently acted as a second or advisor to Gata Kamsky. Jamaal Abdul-Alim (“2011 K-12,” p. 36) is a journalist and chess teacher in Washington, D.C. Dr. Tim Redman (“Education,” p. 42) has been a contributor to this magazine for more than 35 years. He served twice as president of the USCF. Dr. Alexey Root, WIM (“Education,” p. 44) is the author of The Living Chess Game: Fine Arts Activities for Kids 9-14 (Libraries Unlimited, Santa Barbara, CA; 2011) and a frequent contributor to Chess Life and Chess Life Online.

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February on uschess.org Team Time The U.S. Amateur Team Championships are widely considered the most fun tournament series in the national calendar of events. CLO will feature coverage from all four events, held over President’s Day weekend from February 17-20 in Northbrook, Illinois (North), Parsippany, New Jersey (East), Fort Lauderdale, Florida (South) and Santa Clara, California (West). Also look for U.S. Chess Scoop videos from the U.S. Amateur Team East in Parsippany.

Improve Your Rep

IM Greg Shahade follows up his piece on opening books with an essay on opening repertoires, and the kinds of openings he believes most suitable for various playing strengths.

Chess on the Rock

The 10th year anniversary Gibraltar Chess Congress features a star-studded field including many Americans such as Varuzhan Akobian, reigning Women’s Champ Anna Zatonskih, Irina Krush and Marc Arnold. Top seeds include Peter Svidler and Judit Polgar—look for reportage by Macauley Peterson.

Jonathan Hilton on Chess Around the World

From chess cosmopolitanism to his adventures in Central America, Jonathan Hilton continues to reveal how chess has influenced his education off the board. In February’s installment, he completes his piece on learning firsthand about the experience of being an immigrant in Belgium. As usual, a blindfold chess game is involved! Follow Chess Life and Chess Life Online on Facebook®! Get regular updates as part of your newsfeed, post comments, and easily communicate directly with the editorial staff. Chess Life — February 2012

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February Chess Life Columns 12 LOOKS AT BOOKS Small Scenes with Big Players Behind the Old Iron Curtain By Al Lawrence

14 LOOKS AT BOOKS Still Going Strong: Yuri Averbakh By Macauley Peterson

16 CHESS TO ENJOY Will You Walk Into My Parlour? By GM Andy Soltis

18 SOLITAIRE CHESS The Great Vera Menchik By Bruce Pandolfini

46 BACK TO BASICS Corporal Aventura’s Borodino By GM Lev Alburt

48 ENDGAME LAB A Master of the Endgame By GM Pal Benko

Departments 3

PREVIEW

6

COUNTERPLAY

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USCF AFFAIRS

10 FIRST MOVES 52 TOURNAMENT LIFE 70 CLASSIFIEDS 71 SOLUTIONS

On The Cover

PHOTO: ERIC K. ARNOLD

It is hard to believe that at one time the dominant image the public had of a chess player was an old man with a long, gray beard. Perhaps he had a pipe. My, how things have changed. The Hip Hop Chess Federation is the latest organization combining chess with pop culture elements, in this case hip hop and martial arts. Adisa Banjoko’s organization celebrates its fifth anniversary this month; our report begins on page 20.

Cover photo by Eric K. Arnold Design by Frankie Butler

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Counterplay

A sour Dutch treat?

In Bruce Pandolfini’s normally excellent “Solitaire Chess” column, I have noticed a couple of errors, the most striking of which occurs in the analysis to White’s 14th move (“Dutch Treat,” September 2011). White played 14. Be6+, certainly a reasonable move, and after 14. ... Kh8 15. Qe2 White won a nice game. But in the notes, Pandolfini only gives 2 points part credit for the (significantly stronger) sacrifice 14. Bxg6 hxg6 15. Qxg6+, writing, “The queen, by herself, can effect a draw ... But there is probably no more attack. ... Accept 1 bonus point if you realized this.”

rsn-wq-trk+ zpp+-vl-+-+pzp-+Q+ +-+-zP-+-+P+-+-+ +-+-+-zPPzP-+-zP-zP tR-vL-+RmKAfter 15. Qxg6

In fact I think White should take penalty points for stopping his analysis at this point, as there is a forced win to be had: 15. ... Kh8 16. Qh5+! (Pandolfini only analyzes 16. Qh6+, which wins by repeating the position and then playing Qh5, but this move is necessary at some point, as well as

16. Bh6 Rg8 17. Qh5 Qe8 which also clearly favors White but does not represent an immediate winning attempt like my main line) 16. ... Kg8 (or 16. ... Kg7 17. Bh6+, where 17. ... Kg8 gets mated in two and the other king moves lose the rook with check while White continues the assault) 17. Bh6 (threatening mate in two) after which there is no defense that does not lose a lot of material. The only real try is 17. ... Bf6 (17. ... Qe8 gets mated by 18. Qg4+) and White just captures on f6, 18. exf6, after which Black is totally lost, much more so than in the game continuation. Christopher Girardo via e-mail

Simple but profound?

There are an unlimited number of chess variants we can imagine—the Fischer Random position is just one, but the one rule’s change that may impact the royal game the least is to give the second player, the choice of color i.e. even though he/she moves second, he/she can have the white pieces so that the first move goes to the player with the black pieces. For tournaments the player who moves first is identified on the chart with the player of the black pieces getting to choose the color. To a computer it won’t matter, but I predict that a player who moves second with the white pieces will play more aggressively. It might make for an interesting psychology experiment. Richard Moody, Jr. Schoharie, New York

Corrections

In the January 2012 issue, “USCF Affairs,” IM John Donaldson has replaced John McCrary as the chair for the Professional Players Health and Benefits committee. Donaldson’s e-mail is [email protected]. Donaldson is also chair of the Awards committee using the same email address. Further, in the same committee list, there was a typo in Rules committee chair David Kuhns’ e-mail address, which should read [email protected]. In the December 2011 issue, ICCM Bart Gibbons’ article “Retreat To The First Rank ... And Win!” incorrectly stated that the 1957 U.S. Championship game Bobby Fischer/James Sherwin was included in Fischer’s My 60 Memorable Games. Thanks to many readers for pointing out that it was actually their game three months earlier at the New Jersey Open that Fischer used in his book. In the December 2011 “Endgame Lab,” the game Coen Zuidema/Pal Benko was incorrectly identified as being played at the 1972 U.S. Championship. It was played at Skopje, Yugoslavia, at the 20th Olympiad. Thank you to IM Anthony Saidy and Howard Sample for the correction. In the November 2011 issue, reader Vladimir Zelevinsky caught two errors: In “Chess to Enjoy,” the players’ cities were reversed; Vladimir Lyavdansky played for Leningrad and Anatoly Volovich played for Moscow. Also, in our Reshevsky cover story, we listed the 1948 World Championship (The Hague - Moscow) as a “quadruple,” but the event had five rather than four rounds.

Send your letters to [email protected]. If Chess Life publishes your letter, you will be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate and Improve Your Chess (see ad to the left). Letters are subject to editing for content and length.

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Chess Life — February 2012

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USCF Affairs February

USCF EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT SUSAN HOUSTON Position: Accounting Associate

Susan started as a USCF employee in February, 2005. For those of you who remember the phrase “gal Friday,” Susan is ours! Working in our accounting department, not only does she take care of daily accouting duties including invoicing advertisers with USCF publications, she also assists in the membership/ratings department with the processing of memberships, inputtting tournaments, and assisting organizers with getting set up in our TD/Affiliate area of uschess.org. Susan just recently added overseeing the Junior Grand Prix, Grand Prix and chess coach program to her duties. Susan is very active in the Cumberland County Chess Club with running chess events and inputting the tournaments and memberships. We are delighted with and proud of the dedication that Susan shows to the USCF and all of our members and organizers.

USCF Remembers ART WANG: 1942-2011 By JIM EADE

Art Wang passed away on Monday, December 12, 2011. The cause of death was esophageal cancer. Art was a chess master when chess masters were few and far between. He was born in Chungking, China in June of 1942. He came to the United States in 1946 with his mother and older brother, Harvey. His father stayed behind as head of security for Chiang Kai-shek. His father did not survive the year. Things were difficult for Mrs. Wang, who had lost everything but a small inheritance. They ended up in Berkeley, California, where Art grew up. Art learned to play chess at a Koltanowski chess festival in Sonoma. Koltanowski was an extremely active chess promoter, and there was always someplace to play chess in northern California when Art was a kid. He became a regular at the Berkeley YMCA, and later at the Mechanics’ Institute of San Francisco. Art participated in the 1957 U.S. Junior, which was won by Bobby Fischer. Art later won the California Junior Championship in 1960. Art considered a 1960 Mechanics’ tournament to be his best ever. He tied for first with Bill Addison, who later became one of the leading players in the United States. Art enlisted in the Army in 1962, got

married and started a family. He returned to chess as a member of the famous Castle Club in the late 1960s. Members would take turns hosting events in their homes, and Art recalled those days fondly. Those were good memories, in part, because he won or was co-champion of the club nine times. Art’s other main hobby was golf. He was not very good at golf (one mutual friend said it was more like watching polo) but he was very good at betting. Whenever he was behind, he would offer a new bet, and more often than not would figure out a way to break even, if not come out ahead. The following game was played against another promising junior player at the time. The two players remained friends to the very end. Queen’s Gambit Declined (D30) Art Wang Don Sutherland Oakland YMCA Invitational, 1960 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Nxc4 b5 8. Nce5 Bb7 9. 0-0 Bd6 10. a3 0-0 11. e4 Qc7 12. Nxd7 Nxd7 13. e5 Be7 14. Ng5 g6 15. b4 a5 16. Rb1 axb4 17. axb4 Nb6 18. Qg4 Nd5 19. Ne4 Rfd8 20. Bg5 Ra4 21. Qh4 Rda8 22. Bc2 R4a7 23. Bb3 Bxg5 24. Nxg5 h5 25. Bxd5 cxd5 26. Qf4 Qe7 27. g4 hxg4 28. f3 g3 29. Qxg3 Kg7 30. h4 Ra2 31. h5 Rh8 32. hxg6 Rhh2 33. f4 fxg6 34. Rfc1 Ba8 35. Rc5 Bb7 36. Rbc1 Rag2+ 37. Qxg2 Rxg2+ 38. Kxg2 Kg8 39. Rh1, Black resigned.

BOB DONALDSON, 1920-2011 By STEVE DOYLE

Bob Donaldson with his son Robert

Bob Donaldson, a long-time New Jersey chess leader, died at the age of 91. Bob was active in the Wilmington YMCA Chess Club in the ’50s and ’60s before moving to Toms River, New Jersey and starting the Toms River Chess Club in 1964. Bob was instrumental in representing New Jersey to the USCF and attended many delegate meetings and U.S. Opens. He was active in chess up until nine years ago as illness prevented him from going to tournaments and clubs. Bob promoted chess in a small shore community and the club that he founded eventually grew to 200 plus members and was one of the largest chess clubs in the country. Through the 1980s Bob stayed involved with the club on its advisory board. He was a gracious and kind man that loved chess and will be long remembered by all who touched this knight of our royal game.

Chess Life’s obituary policy: Generally, only players who impacted the national chess scene are eulogized. Occasionally, as space allows, players of local or regional importance are included. The USCF maintains an “In Passing” section of uschess.org at the “About USCF” link. Send Joan DuBois the obituary at [email protected].

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Diving chess: The latest idea for combining physicality with our mind game.

From Diving Chess to Painted Games: Adventures in British Chess Chess Life Online Editor Jennifer Shahade reports from England CHESS CAN LITERALLY take your breath away in “diving chess,” a new form that Etan Itfeld debuted at the Mind Sport Games in London last August. Imagine being engrossed in the intricacies of a pawn endgame or a complex Sicilian, while your thinking time is limited by the strength of your lungs. Itfeld, who previously lived in California, is the organizer of the Mind Sport Games. The one-week competition series held annually in London in August consists of 10

Chess Life — February 2012

dozens of games including several chess-based competitions, such as speed chess, Chess960 and bughouse. Over tea near Etan’s art gallery, Tenderpixel, he explained the rules and inspiration behind Diving Chess. Players compete using a floating chessboard and waterproof set—you can only think about your moves underwater. Once a player emerges from the water, he must move within five seconds. If he fails to, he receives a penalty. Three penalties equals a time forfeit. “If someone surprises you with a tactical trap, it’s hard to hold your breath for over a minute [to analyze the lines].” Etan said, “It’s a way to bring the physical into chess.” When you hear chess and physical, I can’t blame you for thinking of chessboxing (though in my case, I think of hula chess!). Chessboxing, a striking visual combination, was invented by Berlin-based artist Iepe B.T. Rubingh and has since exploded into a phenomenon, with its own organization and clubs from India to Los Angeles. The hybrid sport has been featured in news networks all over the world, and draws hundreds to events for the fight cards, and also to London, which has one of the most active clubs. Malcolm Pein, organizer of the London Chess Classic, said it’s thrilling to call the play to hundreds of spectators at chessboxing matches. It’s the most accessible analysis he has ever ventured. Malcolm points out the most esoteric things for non-chessplayers is algebraic notation. “I never call out the name of a square (i.e.- g5) unless I’m sure it’s highlighted on the screen.” Malcolm is also the manager of the London Chess Centre, which was just a block away from my hotel on the famous Baker Street, home of fictional Sherlock Holmes. At the shop I met Sabrina Chevannes, an energetic chess expert, promoter and founder of the Chevannes Academy. She also works with Malcolm on various projects, including publicity for the London Chess Classic. Sabrina told me about her passion for promoting women in chess. Like in the U.S., many people she spoke to about sponsorship and support took a hyper-logical approach that constantly asked questions like “Why support a female player who would not get any special attention for her accomplishments if she was male?” rather than asking a question we both felt more connected to: “Why is promoting women in chess important to bringing more players and attention to chess?” Sabrina organized the 1st English Women’s Rapid Play, which featured over a dozen players including Jovanka Houska, the number one woman player in England. Although I’d love to see a higher ratio of female players in all tournaments, there is much to be proud of stateside. When I told Sabrina about the prize fund, structure and publicity scope of the U.S. Women’s Championship, she was impressed. At the British Championship, women play in the overall competition along with the men. The women’s prizes and title goes to the player who scores the most points. In 2011, IM Jovanka Houska scored 7/11 and received 1,000 pounds (about $1,600) for winning the British and English women’s titles. Anna Zatonskih earned over ten times more ($18,000) at last year’s U.S. Women’s Championship at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. My final adventure in British chess promotion was at the University of Greenwich at a gallery show by Lizi Sanchez and Tom Hackney, The Knight Turns its Head and Laughs. Many of Tom Hackney’s paintings were abstract works, painted according to chess games. Paint is applied whenever a piece travels through a particular square, leaving a visual impression of the most heavily trodden paths of a chessboard. Over traditional pub fare by the river Thames, Hackney and I spoke about his work and the intersections of chess and art. He told me he uses the moves of a chess game to “generate form, whereby that form is encoded.” His painted abstract works feature games from the Spassky versus Fischer match as well as two victories by Marcel Duchamp. “Working with Duchamp games is kind of like playing a guitar Johnny Marr (of The Smiths) played.” This was more than just a cute metaphor—Hackney once strummed the legend’s guitar at a friend’s apartment. The annual London Chess Classic made the city an international chess center, piquing American interests as we watch our Hikaru Nakamura battle the likes of Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. From diving chess to painted chess games, my trip to London showed there are plenty of chess adventures to explore under the surface.

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PHOTO: ETAN ITFELD

First Moves

Tracing the life of the troubled chess genius from brilliant beginning to shocking endgame. Bobby Fischer Against the World is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, from his troubled childhood, to his rock star status as World Champion and Cold War icon, to his life as a fugitive on the run. This film explores one of the most infamous and mysterious characters of the 20th century. In 1972, an epic chess match took place in Iceland between representatives of the two great super-powers of the world: Bobby vs. Boris. Boris was backed by the Mighty Soviet Union, with late night phone calls coming from his handlers in Moscow, telling him what his next move should be. Meanwhile, Bobby stood alone against the might of the opposing nation. But, Bobby was not exactly alone. The Americans did not need to tell him what moves to make on the chessboard. Bobby already knew how to do that. Rather, what the Americans needed to do was somehow to get him to sit down at the board and play the game. Here is the story of that titanic struggle: One half of the world trying to get Bobby to play, while the other half was trying to defeat him assuming that he did play.

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The US Chess Federation

Small Scenes with Big Players Behind the Old Iron Curtain Yuri Averbakh has been influencing many important aspects of chess for the better part of a century.

Yuri Averbakh, the world’s oldest living grandmaster, turns 90 this month. He was of worldwide importance in no fewer than four areas of our game—playing, writing, coaching, and governing. He won the Moscow Championship in 1949, became a grandmaster in 1952, and was a candidate for the world championship at Zurich in 1953. He competed in the USSR championship (the most powerful national chess championship that ever existed) 16 times, winning the title in 1954, ahead of a constellation of now legendary stars—including Mark Taimanov, Viktor Korchnoi, Tigran Petrosian, Efim Geller and Salo Flohr. He tied for first in 1956 with Boris Spassky and Taimanov. In 1958, Averbakh qualified for the Potoroz interzonal, barely missing the cut for the candidates tournament. For decades he edited the highly influential Shakhmaty v SSSR (Chess in the USSR) and Shakhmatny Bulletin (which Bobby Fischer called the world’s best chess magazine). The publication of Averbakh’s five-volume Comprehensive Chess Endings cemented his reputation as a renowned expert on the endgame. As a trainer and second, he aided, among others, four world champions—Mikhail Botvinnik, Mikhail Tal, Petrosian, and Spassky. Averbakh held important positions within the Soviet Chess Federation, becoming its president in 1972.

AVERBAKH AT 90

Over the next few pages, Macauley Peterson provides a brief profile of Yuri, while Al Lawrence reviews Averbakh’s autobiography, just this year translated into English.

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Chess Life — February 2012

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PHOTO: MACAULEY PETERSON

Looks at Books Yuri Averbakh, walking treasure-house of chess history, championship match. Two years later, after Korchnoi’s defeccomrade and confidant of the greatest generations of Soviet tion while in Holland, then-federation president Averbakh champions from Andor Lilienthal and Mikhail Botvinnik to was asked to sign an official letter of condemnation. “Failing Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov, and for many years one to return from a trip abroad was then considered a criminal of the most powerful men in the USSR’s chess apparatus, has offence, tantamount to defecting from one’s nationality,” Averbakh writes. Next come two sentences exquisitely framed to hundreds of historically revealing insider-stories to tell. confess the pettiest instincts of man. “But that was not the But he’s keeping those to himself. Instead, with the less-than-modestly entitled Centre Stage and main thing, of course. Given that Korchnoi had only recently Behind the Scenes: The Personal Memoir of a Soviet Chess Leg- written me an apologetic letter, I had absolutely no desire to end, he gives us chatty, jumbled reminiscences of small scenes support him now.” Averbakh signed. And he catalogs some with the big chess players—enjoyable enough for a real fan of notables who had also signed—Tal, Vassily Smyslov, Petthe game. Along the way, we get a taste of what it was like to steer rosian, Taimanov, and others—, and goes on to write that “Only a wary course through the Kafkaesque chambers of the old a few failed to sign”—Botvinnik didn’t, Gulko, who “immediSoviet hierarchy, with divisions like the “Department of Propa- ately fell out of favor,” and David Bronstein, who then “became a neviezdny for a long time.” ganda and Agitation,” a phrase Averbakh shrugs off the arranged right at home in an old Monty draws between Soviets during Python skit. But it wasn’t funny at interzonals with an “after-allthe time. A scribbled note made “in they’re-friends” attitude, never your file” could wreck a career or, acknowledging the USSR’s “colduring Stalin’s reign, get you sent lective” approach to producing right to the Gulag or even shot. communist challengers while conAnd the “offense” needn’t be structing a Berlin Wall of collusion important or even political. to block the progress over three In 1954, despite being national decades of Western threats like champion, Averbakh himself was Sammy Reshevsky and Fischer. made a neviezdny—one who wasAverbakh cruises through a quick n’t allowed abroad—because, recollection of 1953 Zurich withcranky and tired from losses to out even a whisper of the Donald Byrne in the USA-USSR conspiracy now acknowledged match, he refused instructions to (with at least ostensible repenhelp with teammate Alexander tance) by the super-tournament’s Kotov’s adjournment. Averbakh chief chronicler and second-place rehabilitated himself by joining finisher, Bronstein. the Communist Party. Always and Ironically, Bobby Fischer made everywhere, life is a series of Averbakh president of the USSR accommodations. Chess Federation. Soviet chess The next year he served as apparatchiks were diving out of teenage Boris Spassky’s second the way before the bulldozer to the 1955 World Junior ChamBobby was driving left them trypionship. After winning the event, ing to explain the shambles to Spassky, channeling his saltytheir bosses. There were no othtongued trainer Alexander Tolush, ers who “wanted to put their neck issued a barrage of foul language on the line.” That left Yuri. So while playing billiards in Antwerp they made him an offer he couldwith the Soviet ambassador, who n’t “refusenik.” dutifully reported the lapse in Averbakh felt compelled to visit comportment to the Sports ComCentre Stage and Behind the Scenes: The Personal Spassky’s training camp, and the mittee. Spassky was immediately Memoir of a Soviet Chess Legend by Yuri Averbakh. New In Chess, 2011, 272 pages, $32.95 from uscfpeek we get confirms the legend of recalled to Moscow for a hearing— sales.com (catalog number B0109NIC). Boris as the loveable, lazy Russwhich would have kept him from ian bear of chess. “The table was going to the Interzonal in Stockholm and perhaps derailed his career. Luckily for his charge, covered with dominos and playing cards, and when it came to Averbakh knew how to ooze just the right oil on the perilous lunchtime, a smiling Boris produced a bottle of whisky.” With all the pressure from the Kremlin to stop Fischer, you might waters, and the young champ went on to play in Sweden. Like anyone, Averbakh seeks to put himself in a good light. expect instead a dour cadre of Russian theoreticians laboring Three-time U.S. and Ukrainian champion GM Lev Alburt, who into the wee hours to uncover ambushes in the Najdorf Sicildefected in 1979, told me that “Averbakh never did anything ian. So I asked Alburt if he could verify Averbakh’s image. hurtful unless he was really forced to.” High praise, I suppose, “Well, not exactly,” he laughed. “When I visited, it was only a for a long-term Soviet apparatchik. After all, few have the con- bottle of vodka.” Oddly, there’s nary a diagram or a chess move in the book, victions and courage of a Boris Gulko, who, in The KGB Plays Chess—a truly revelatory and important book—, recalls Aver- which seems a strange omission when the onboard position is bakh as a willing KGB-collaborator. Sometimes, even in central to a specific reminiscence. Just a dozen or so well-placed Averbakh’s own version, we can see through the cracks in the game snapshots would have added a lot of interest for the book’s target audience. book’s persona. If a book, like a restaurant meal, has to be judged in part In 1974 Viktor Korchnoi had written Averbakh an insulting letter blaming him for the late starting time for his finalist based on its potential, then this one is like getting a plate of match with Anatoly Karpov, which turned out, when Bobby beans at Morton‘s Steakhouse. They’re nice beans, but you’d Fischer refused to defend his title, to be the de facto world expect a meatier dish.

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Chess Life — February 2012

13

Looks at Books

Still Going Strong: Yuri Averbakh This month a great chess player, historian, author and trainer turns ninety years old. Yuri Lvovich Averbakh lives in Moscow, and during a visit to the Tal Memorial in November, he invited me to the Moscow Central Chess Club (now dedicated in honor of Mikhail Botvinnik) on Gogolevsky Boulevard, for a friendly chat. In a hall flanked by black and white portraits of grandmasters and formal world champions, with a chessboard in front of him, Averbakh shared some of his insights into professional chess, and how he approaches the game, both as a competitor, and now as a coach and mentor. Of particular interest to me was his characterization of players based on stylistic archetypes. He has six: Killers: Marked by the desire not only to win, but to score decisive knockout blows. Alexander Alekhine, Viktor Korchnoi, and Mikhail Botvinnik were killers.

Fighters: Have an extreme will to win, but not necessarily by knockout. “[Garry] Kasparov is a fighter with strong motivation. Let’s say he’s half fighter, half killer.”

Averbakh notes that the necessary qualities of fighters and killers may be harmful to a player’s life away from chess. Kasparov, he suggests, isn’t a successful politician because he’s too much of a killer, too eager to score that knockout blow, which runs counter to the political requirement of compromise. Sportsmen: View chess like any other game. They play to win, but lack any obsessive tendencies, and away from the chessboard are readily able to lead a normal life. José Raúl Capablanca and Boris Spassky are two. Gamblers: Enjoy many games, such as billiards or cards. Karpov is the classic example.

These first four groups all have strong motivation, endemic to their character.

Scientists (also known as Explorers): Approach chess the way they would science, with a particular fondness for analysis. Chief among their aims is the accumulation of knowledge—they seek to understand chess, but may lack the single-minded focus on victory that it takes to reach the absolute summit of the chess hierarchy. These include Aron Nimzowitsch and Akiba Rubinstein. And finally:

Artists: For artists, it is not only impor14

Chess Life — February 2012

tant to win, but to do so artistically. Each chess game is an opportunity for artistic expression. The Russian grandmaster Vladimir Simagin was one.

Sometimes a player doesn’t fit neatly into one category, but is instead a hybrid of two. David Bronstein and Mikhail Tal, for instance were both fighters and artists. Averbakh counts himself among the scientists, and in fact he studied engineering before becoming a professional chess player. “I discovered immediately when I started ... that I have not enough motivation to be a real champion. But from another point [of view] I like to analyze, I like to work on chess, and of course my approach was scientific.” As a professional, Averbakh tried methodically to improve his game by exercising his subconscious mind, and intuition. “It is very important to raise consciousness when you are working in chess,” he explains. Theatre has long played an important role in Russian culture, and Averbakh found inspiration as a player in the method-acting training approach of Constantine Stanislavski. It turns out a relative of Averbakh’s wife was a student of Stanislavski, and recommended that the young Averbakh examine Stanislavski’s oeuvre. “May I say I was looking for what I have found in Stanislavski’s work—a way how to approach chess [analysis]. To use the same system which Stanislavski used in [the] theatre. The same approach.” “For instance I was working on some ideas in endings ... I had one problem to solve and I couldn't find the solution. And when I was not working on this ... I was away somewhere, not over the chessboard, but immediately I found the solution, because my mind was working. The gap between a strong grandmaster and a world championship candidate is partly a difference in the ability to attain peak performance during the game. Averbakh thinks this is about more than just study of positions, but it lies in the subconscious churning away while the player is, for instance, walking in a park or sitting in the theatre watching a performance. “I believe it is the best way to create real chess masters: To use Stanislavski’s system.” But what does this mean in practice? It’s clearly an individual process, which may not be amenable to sweeping generalizations. Averbakh seemed to be describing the need for a player to get himself into a particular frame of mind at the board,

By MACAULEY PETERSON

whereby he or she may hit that peak of concentration and creativity. Finding a personal approach is important for Averbakh. In the West we have often heard lauded the “Botvinnik school,” the training methods followed by many of today’s top grandmasters—including Kasparov and Kramnik. But Averbakh stresses that Botvinnik’s method only works for Botvinnik, citing as an example Taimanov’s crushing defeat at the hands of Bobby Fischer in their 1971 Candidates Match. “[Botvinnik] wrote ‘this is my method’ and you can see the story of Taimanov ... He asked Botvinnik to help him and Botvinnik gave him lots of advice. This advice was very good for Botvinnik but not for Taimanov, because Taimanov was a completely different man—completely different—in approach to life [and] to chess.” Taimanov, a concert pianist has an “artistic personality,” says Averbakh, and therefore an artist such as Mikhail Tal would have been better suited to aid his match preparation. Nevertheless, Taimanov counted himself as a pupil of Botvinnik and so sought his help instead. Avarbakh sees this as a mistake. “It was necessary to think about Fischer too, because [Botvinnik] gave advice, not thinking about what personality Fischer [had], because he wanted to fight Fischer on Fischer’s territory. And Fischer on his territory was too strong for Taimanov —too strong,” he emphasizes. Nowadays, Averbakh says he is trying to combine the scientific and artistic approaches. “When I look at chess, I try to represent games as theatre. You can show on a chess board, any kind of play —drama, tragedy, comedy, ballet. All what is typical for art, you can represent on a chess board.” In the theatre you may find a tragedy in four acts, but Averbakh showed me the “tragedy of one tempo.”

-+-tr-+r+ +-+-+-+k -+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+K -+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+RtR-+White to move and win or Black to move and draw

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If it were Black to play after exchanging rooks he would reach an easy draw. But White to move can win.

1. Re7+ Kh8 2. Kh6 Rge8 is forced. 3. Rdd7! Kg8 4. Kg6 and the rooks will soon mate.

Averbakh moves on to a “comedy.”

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+K -tR-+-+-vL +-+-+k+-zp-+-+-+ +PzP-+-+pvl-+-+-+ +-+-+-+White to move

White has an extra rook, but Black threatens to queen his a-pawn. 1. Rb5+

Black cannot move the king to the fourth rank because of Rxb4+ and Ra4 stopping the pawn. Therefore: 1. ... Ke6 2. Ra5

Now if 2. ... a1=Q, 3. Rxa1 Bxa1 4. cxb4, and only White can win. So ... 2. ... Ba3, renewing the threat.

3. Bg7 a simple move, but one which doesn’t obviously solve White’s problem. 3. ... a1=Q 4. Re5+ Kd6 (4. ... Kf7 5.

Rf5+, etc.).

5. Rd5+! Kc6

The rook cannot be captured in view of c4+ winning the queen! 6. Rc5+! Kb6 Again the rook is immune. 7. Rb5+! Ka6 8. Ra5+!

At the end of this illustration, it’s nearly impossible to hide my amusement. Yuri Lvovich pounces: “You are smiling! It is a comedy!” Even dance can be found on the chessboard, and here is an example of a “ballet”:

-+-+q+k+ +-+-+-+-+-+-mK-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+R+-+-+-+ +-+-+R+White to move

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White has two rooks against the queen, and the move.

1. Rg2+ Kf8 (Of course 1. ... Kh8 allows mate on the h-file.)

“And now the ballet starts.”

2. Kg5+! Kg7 Moving to the e-file allows

the king and queen to be skewered.

3. Kf4+ Kf6 4. Kg3+ Kg5 5. Kf2+ Kf4 6. Kg1+! And Black finds himself without a

partner, and soon without a queen!

“It means that you can represent on the chessboard, all kinds of dramas—of theatrical exhibitions. And this is a very interesting approach because it shows that chess is not only a sport, but chess is an art. It is very good for teaching, for instance, girls, because not every girl likes to fight, but for them a theatrical approach is more interesting.” Averbakh finds the pedagogical device is equally effective amongst young children and his work with elderly people, using chess as a means of fending off Alzheimer’s disease. Middle-aged women have no interest in fighting either, but show them a position where the movement of the pieces mirrors a ballet or comedy and they can become happily engaged. Of course, Averbakh retains a wealth of first hand knowledge about chess as a sport. In his professional career, the high point was his 1954 win of the USSR Championship, at the age of thirty-two. “In my time, the best time to be a world champion was before forty. Thirty-two or thirty-three is best. Bronstein, Geller, Taimanov, and Petrosian were all within five years of each other. Petrosian was the best because he was younger.” Thirty years later, in 1984, Averbakh served as an arbiter of the first KarpovKasparov World Championship match. “Theoretically [the] first match should be a win by Karpov, because at that time Karpov was practically much stronger. But Karpov wanted not only to win, Karpov wanted to win 6-0, to crush Kasparov. But it was too much. Karpov was not so strong to play five months, and in the final he couldn’t play. He was in very bad condition. His people were trying very much to help him but he was helpless. He overestimated himself.” Averbakh believes that the controversial decision by FIDE President Florencio Campomanes to stop the match was inappropriate, in part because Karpov had a rematch clause in the rules. The intervention “was not sportsmanlike,” he says. He marvels at the effect the epic match had on Kasparov, who was still just twenty-one at the time. “Kasparov began this match as a young boy, and finished as a man.” Averbakh played his last tournament in

1993 at age 71, but since then he has worked extensively as a coach. He relates an observation working with children from remote areas of Russia during a summer camp. “I discovered these children are not developed—not on the same level as [children in] Moscow or [St. Petersburg] or a big city ... And chess can help them to take the necessary level,” not with the aim of training new chess professionals, but simply to prepare them academically. “Teaching in chess is also an art,” Averbakh suggests, “because it’s necessary to have an individual approach. Let’s say you have thirty people, and [not all of them can] be world champion. Maybe one from thousands. But for many people it is just amusement, practically, and good spending of time.” For a child to succeed “it’s necessary [that] he must be interested in it. If he’s not interested, it will be no good really.” Chess has the advantage that it’s such a rich game, allowing for a variety of styles and approaches. Unlike cards or other games, Averbakh thinks, “chess can help anybody with the right approach.” If a child is to move on to study chess more seriously, he adds, “first of all it’s necessary to understand what he wants,” whether it be to become world champion, or simply to use chess as a means of self-development. “And after you discover [that], it’s necessary to work to develop his best qualities in this direction.” As he moves into his ninth decade, Averbakh remains active, busying himself with work on the history of chess. Interestingly, the memoir, recently published in English by New in Chess, was written in Russian a few years ago, but it has yet to be published in Russia. Averbakh reports that he now has a contract with a Russian publisher and expects the work to appear there sometime this year. Averbakh is in remarkable shape for his age, a fact he attributes to an athletic lifestyle. “When I was a young boy, I was a sportsman. I played volleyball, hockey and skating. I was in a school where sport was on a very high level.” He was also a strong swimmer, and a boxer. Ironically, it was only after he began to focus on chess that Averbakh experienced an unusually late growth spurt; he says he grew more than three inches between the ages of eighteen and twentyfive. As a volleyballer, he could have really used that height! The chess world can hope that, from this giant of the game, still of sound body and mind, his memoir will not be the last word. These books by Averbakh are also available on uscfsales.com: Chess Endings Essential Knowledge and Chess Tactics For Advanced Players.

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Chess Life — February 2012

15

Chess to Enjoy

Will You Walk Into My Parlour?

By GM Andy Soltis

Greed is punished most dramatically in opening traps. But these days it’s other transgressions that can cost you the game. Opening traps used to be the morality tales of chess. They were mini-parables about the wages of sin, particularly the sin of avarice: One side delays development to win a pawn. He knows the dangers of pawngrabbing but goes ahead anyway—and gets crushed. The moral was clear. Don’t be greedy. Play safe moves and live a clean life. But a new generation of devilish traps punishes players for making ... well, safelooking moves. Consider the following position, which appears hundreds of times in databases. It can come about from several openings, including 1. c4, 1. Nf3, and 1. d4. One popular route is 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Qc2 dxc4 5. Qxc4 Bf5 6. Nc3 e6 7. g3 Nbd7 8. Bg2 Be7 9. 0-0 0-0.

r+-wq-trk+ zpp+nvlpzpp -+p+psn-+ +-+-+l+-+QzP-+-+ +-sN-+NzPPzP-+PzPLzP tR-vL-+RmKAfter 9. ... 0-0

White needs a solid, developing move. What is more solid than 10. Rd1 ? But this is a losing blunder because 10. ... Bc2! threatens the rook and also cuts off the queen’s retreat (11. ... Nb6!). White is lost. At least 15 strong players, including grandmasters like Maya Chiburdanidze and Istvan Csom, have fallen for this. This is another feature of today’s traps. They often claim a great player as their victim—even their first victim. That was the case when Tigran Petrosian, in his first game in a Soviet championship, met 1. d4 with the safest defense there was, the Queen’s Gambit Declined, 1. ... d5 2. 16

Chess Life — February 2012

c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6. After 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 c6 7. Qc2 Black usually castles and looks for an opportunity to simplify his way to safety by trading pieces, such as 7. ... 00 8. Nf3 Ne4, e.g. 9. Nxe4 dxe4 10. Qxe4? Bxg5.

rsnlwqk+-tr zpp+-vlpzpp -+p+-sn-+ +-+p+-vL-+-zP-+-+ +-sN-zP-+PzPQ+-zPPzP tR-+-mKLsNR After 7. Qc2

But Petrosian chose the immediate 7. ... Ne4?? and discovered to his horror that he was lost after 8. Bxe7 Qxe7 9. Nxd5! cxd5 10. Qxc8+. Accident? Yes, but in the 60 years since it was first sprung, more than 60 other players have blundered exactly this way, according to databases. This could be called the “Petrosian Trap.” He’s not the only world champion with that kind of dubious distinction. There are two candidates for the title of the “Fischer Trap.” One occurs in the Caro-Kann, 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5. Bobby experimented with 5. Nc5. It’s not a bad move. But twice on his Fischer’s celebrated 1964 simultaneous exhibition tour he met 5. ... b6 with 6. Na6?. (see diagram top of next column)

Neither of his opponents found the punishing 6. ... Nxa6 7. Bxa6 Qd5!, which threatens to win the bishop with 8. ... Qa5+ and to raid the kingside with 8. ... Qxg2. White may not be completely lost after 8. Be2 Qxg2 9. Bf3 Qg6 but his position isn’t promising.

rsn-wqkvlntr zp-+-zppzpp Nzpp+-+-+ +-+-+l+-+-zP-+-+ +-+-+-+PzPP+-zPPzP tR-vLQmKLsNR After 6. Na6

The other Fischer Trap arises in the Sicilian Defense’s Accelerated Dragon, 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 and now 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4 00. Bobby loved to set up an attacking formation, with Qd2, f2-f3, Bb3, 0-0-0 and h2-h4-h5. To reach the desired position, White should play 8. Bb3 and then 8. ... d6 9. f3 and 10. Qd2. But in his first Interzonal in 1958, Fischer played 8. f3? and was surprised by 8. ... Qb6!. Black’s obvious threat is 9. ... Qxb2 but he also has two subtle ones, 9. ... Nxe4 and 9. ... Ng4, followed by 10. ... Bxd4. Fischer thought for more than an hour—his longest ever “think”—and managed to draw after 9. Bb3 Nxe4?! (9. ... Ng4!) 10. Nd5!. Since he already had a reputation as an opening expert, the trap should have become world-famous. Yet 8. f3? Qb6! has occurred more than 1,000 times(!), according to databases. Among the victims was Paul Keres. Today’s traps occur in modern openings but they often use tactical tricks that are well over a century old. One arises in a trendy line of the Trompowsky Attack, 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. Bf4 c5 4. c3 Qb6. A natural move is the innocent-looking 5. Qb3. How could offering to go into an endgame be risky? The answer lies in 5. ... cxd4, so that 6. cxd4 Qxd4. White can avoid this with 6. Qxb6 axb6—but would be in trouble after uschess.org

Olaf This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of America’s least known stars. Olaf Ulvestad won no titles higher than Washington state champion but amassed an impressive record over 40 years that included wins over Lajos Portisch and David Bronstein and a tie for third place in the 1948 U.S. Championship. The Two Knights Defense line that runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 b5!? could be known as the Ulvestad Variation, thanks to his extensive analysis. The Chessmetrics website figures he was the 81st strongest player in the world at his peak, in 1946. Ulvestad, who spent his later years in Spain, provided us with games for this month’s quiz. In each of the following positions you are asked to find the fastest winning line of play. This will usually mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material, such as a rook or minor piece. For solutions, see page 71. 7. cxd4 Nc6 8. e3 Nb4. So he tries to escape with 7. Bxb8.

rvLl+kvl-tr +p+pzppzpp -zp-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-zpn+-+ +-zP-+-+PzP-+PzPPzP tRN+-mKLsNR After 7. Bxb8

But now 7. ... dxc3! threatens to queen after 8. ... cxb2. White can stop that with 8. Be5 but then 8. ... Rxa2! won in several master games. If the idea seems familiar it’s very similar to what might have happened in a celebrated game of Karl Schlechter’s back in 1911. A Russian master named Vladimir Doroshkevich explained how he became one of the victims of a trap that begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 f5. He was white in a Soviet championship game in 1970 and recalled that 4. d4 and then 4. ... e4 5. Bg5 had been played before. But his memory gave out when Black replied 5. ... Nf6. Doroshkevich spent 15 minutes trying to recall whether the right response was uschess.org

Problem I

Problem II

Problem III

Olaf Ulvestad Al Horowitz

Larry Yeager Olaf Ulvestad

Olaf Ulvestad Anthony Santasiere

-+-+-+k+ zpL+-zpp+p Pzp-trl+p+ +-+-+-+-zP-+-+-+ +-+-vL-zPn -+-+-zPKzP +-tR-+-+-

-+-tr-+-+ zpl+-vl-mk-zpq+p+-+ +-zp-zP-+Q -+-+-zP-+ zP-+-vL-mK-zPP+-+-+ +-+-+R+-

-+-+rtrk+ zppzp-+pzpp -+-vl-wq-+ +-+-+-+-+Lsn-+-+ +P+-sN-+P P+-wQ-zPP+ tR-+-+RmK-

White to play

Black to play

White to play

Problem IV

Problem V

Problem VI

Olaf Ulvestad Arpad Elo

Olaf Ulvestad Herman Steiner

Herman Hesse Olaf Ulvestad

lsn-+kvl-tr +-+p+pzp-+-+-+-zp +LzpPzP-+-wq-+-+-+ +Q+-+N+-+-sN-zPPzP +-+-+RmKWhite to play

r+-wq-trk+ +-zp-+p+p+n+-+pzp +p+-+-zPPvl-+-+nzP +PsNp+N+-zP-+-zP-vL +-+RwQK+R

-+q+-trk+ +-+ntRp+p -+-zp-+p+ +-zp-+-wQP -zp-zP-+-+ +L+-+-+-zPP+-zPP+ +-+-+-mKWhite to play

6. Nd2 (and then 6. ... Nxd4 7. Ndxe4) or something else. He decided to play more sharply and looked at 6. d5. The point is that 6. d5 exf3 7. dxc6 fxg2 seems to win material (8. Bxg2 bxc6) but White can avoid that by inserting a check, 8. cxd7+. “Instantly I played the moves. In my calculation I supposed that after 8. ... Qxd7 or 8. ... Bxd7 I’d get the better endgame,” he wrote in Shakhmaty v SSSR. “As soon as my hand released the pawn I realized with horror that it loses.” Black won a piece after 8. ... Nxd7!, threatening both 9. ... Qxg5 and 9. ... gxh1=Q. He was more upset when he realized the trap had occurred in another Soviet event that year. (In fact, two of them.) What makes some modern traps so diabolical is that you can fall into them via different move orders. That didn’t happen much with old-style traps, which typically began with 1. e4. But it occurs a lot in today’s 1. d4 games. For example, check out this position. (see diagram top of next column)

Seems routine, right? Wrong. Black is better after 6. ... e5! as Reuben Fine learned when he lost a miniature as White after 7. Ndb5 a6 and then 8. Nxd5? axb5 9. Nxf6+. He expected to win after 9. ... gxf6 10. Qxd8+ and 11. Bxf6+. But 9. ... Qxf6!

Black to play

rsnlwqkvl-tr zpp+-+pzpp -+-+psn-+ +-+p+-vL-+PsN-+-+ +-sN-+-+PzP-+PzPPzP tR-+QmKL+R Black to play

10. Bxf6 Bb4+ turned the tables. Fine’s game began 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5? cxd4 6. Nxd4 and the moral seemed to be that White just had to avoid his faulty fifth move. But there have been dozen of victims of 6. ... e5 since Fine—because they kept reaching the diagram by other sequences: Some fell into it via 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg5 c5 and now 5. Nf3? cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5. Others got there via the Benoni, 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 and now 4. Nc3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 d5 6. Bg5? e5. And in a 1984 match, Sammy Reshevsky began a game with 1. d4 e6 2. Nf3 c5 3. c4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d5 6. Bg5?—and was punished by Larry Christiansen’s 6. ... e5!.

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Read Chess Life Online’s daily news updates. Chess Life — February 2012

17

Solitaire Chess

The Great Vera Menchik

By Bruce Pandolfini

Join the club!

Vera Menchik (1906-1944) was possibly the first woman to compete successfully with the top male players. She captured the first official women’s title in 1927 and wound up defending her women’s world championship all six times it was contested. It was master Albert Becker who supposedly made up the concept of the Vera Menchik Club, which consisted of top men Menchik defeated. Soon thereafter Becker became its first member. In the following game between Menchik and George Thomas (Black), played in London in 1932, Thomas is added to the club very nicely. The game began:

that the note to Black’s move is over and White’s move is in the next line.**

Kings Indian Defense, Sämisch Variation (E70) Vera Menchik George Thomas London, 1932

6.

…

7.

Nge2

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6

rsnlwqk+-tr zppzp-zppvlp -+-zp-snp+ +-+-+-+-+PzPP+-+ +-sN-+-+PzP-+-zPPzP tR-vLQmKLsNR Your starting position

Now make sure you have the above position set up on your chessboard. As you play through the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next move only after trying to guess it. If you guess correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes points are also rewarded for second-best moves, and there may be bonus points—or deductions—for other moves and variations. Note that ** means 18

Chess Life — February 2012

5.

f3

5.

…

6.

Be3

Par Score 4

White plays the Sämisch Variation, securing e4 and g4. Receive full credit for the alternatives 5. Nf3, the Classical System; 5. f4, the Four Pawns Attack; 5. Be2, the Averbakh System; and 5. g3, the Fianchetto Variation. 0-0 Par Score 5

Accept full credit for 6. Nge2 e5 7. Bg5. If 6. Bg5, there follows 6. ... c5. e5

Even here 6. ... c5 can be played as a gambit, but no one knew that in 1932. Well, no one talked about it in public.** Par Score 5

This was Alekhine’s recommendation in place of the immediate 7. d5 (for which we award full credit). The idea 7. dxe5 dxe5 8. Qxd8 Rxd8 (only 4 points part credit) was Botvinnik’s choice versus Tal, 1961. It doesn’t offer advantage, but against Tal it usually wasn’t a bad notion to get queens off the board. 7.

…

b6

Black’s choice is a rightly forgotten move that reduces options on the queenside. Today, 7. ... c6, with 8. ... Nbd7, is the main line. Perhaps Sir George wanted to avoid 7. ... Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. c5.** 8.

Qd2

8.

…

9.

d5

Par Score 5

Menchik prepares 0-0-0 in the short run and Bh6 in the long run. Add 1 bonus point for each thought. Nc6 Par Score 5

Menchik is agreeable as the advance comes with tempo on the knight.

9.

…

10.

g4

10.

…

11.

Rg1

11.

…

12.

0-0-0

12.

…

13.

Ng3

Ne7

Not 9. ... Nd4?, dropping a pawn after 10. Nxd4 exd4 11. Bxd4 (1 bonus point). If 9. ... Na5, then 10. b3, with 11. g4, and then 12. Ng3 offers full play on the kingside. Sir George’s countrymen, Amos Burn and F.D. Yates, retreated 9. ... Nc6b8, following up with ... a7-a5, ... Nb8-a6, and ... Na6-c5. It’s awfully slow, and when the knight reaches c5, it butts up against the solidly guarded e4-pawn.** Par Score 5

White stakes out space on the kingside. Nd7

Black is thinking about reposting the knight at c5, but there’s also the idea of following with the advance ... f7-f5. As we already know, c5 is not a great square versus the Sämisch, so maybe 10. ... Ne8, guarding g7, with the idea of playing ... f7f5, is probably better.** Par Score 5

Often the rook remains on h1 to support the advance, h2-h4-h5. But as the present game shows the h-pawn can advance without rook support. It’s placement at g1 is to discourage f7-f5. Now White is poised to open the g-file against the black king. a5

Black aims to prevent b2-b4, thus securing c5 for the knight. Despite White’s last move, 11. ... f5 should be played, because without this advance Black is sure to get out-spaced on the kingside. After 11. ... f5 12. gxf5 gxf5 13. Bh6, the move 13. ... Ng6 defends and even threatens ... Qd8-h4+.** Par Score 5

To quote the great Fred Reinfeld: “Castles queenside!” Nc5 Par Score 5

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Problem I

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

February Exercise: Create a special book or file. Every time you play a game, or analyze through one, summarize the three most important ideas you’ve derived from that experience. The notations might refer to moves, maneuvers, plans, techniques, pitfalls, or anything of consequence. You may even go elsewhere, if the chess material suggests useful or intriguing matters in other areas of your life. Make a habit of reviewing this mounting register at least several times a week. Such reinforcement will naturally strengthen your game as it suggests something else: that so much of learning has to do with relearning.

No credit for 13. Bxc5 bxc5. This would be a misuse of the dark-square bishop, which has a more important role to play. 13.

…

Bd7

Now it’s too late for 13. ... f5, which would have been answered by 14. gxf5 gxf5 15. Nh5 Ng6 16. Nxg7 Kxg7 (16. ... f4 17. Bxc5) 17. Bh6+, winning the Exchange (accept 2 bonus points for so analyzing).** 14.

h4

…

a4

Better 14. ... f6, to answer 15. h5 with 15. ... g5. That would have kept the lines closed. There’s also the trap 14. ... f6 15. Bh6 Bxh6 16. Qxh6 Kh8 17. h5? g5, with Ne7g8 catching the entombed queen. Add 1 bonus point if you saw through that one. On 14. ... f6 White would probably have played 15. Be2 and 16. f4 (1 bonus point). Note that 15. ... Qc8 16. f4 exf4 17. Bxf4 Bxg4 fails to 18. Bxg4 Qxg4 19. Nf5 and wins.** 15.

h5

15.

…

Par Score 5

White maintains the general plan of a kingside attack, thinking of opening lines. Qb8

Perhaps Black eyed some hope of sacking on a3, opening the b-file.** uschess.org

-+-wq-+k+ +-+-+pzpp -+-+-+-+ +-+pzp-+-+-+P+-+ +-+P+-+P -+-+-zPP+ +-+Q+-mKProblem IV

-+-mk-+r+ +-zpq+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-zp-+-+-vL-+ +-+P+-+l -+-+-zPL+ +-+Q+RmK-

Par Score 5

…

Qa7

If 16. ... Bxh6, then 17. Qxh6 brings the queen too close to the king.** 17.

Bxg7

17.

…

18.

Nf5+!

18.

…

Par Score 5 Kxg7 Par Score 6 Nxf5

If 18. ... Kf6, then 19. g5 is mate (1 bonus point). On 18. ... gxf5 there follows 19. gxf5+ Kh8 20. Qh6 Rg8 (20. ... Ng6 21. hxg6 fxg6 22. fxg6) 21. Qf6+ Rg7 22. Qxg7 mate (2 bonus points). Better would have been 18. ... Bxf5, since the bishop plays no role in the subsequent proceedings.** 19.

gxf5

19.

…

20.

f6+

Problem VI Mating net

-+k+-+r+ +-zp-+-+-+-zpq+n+ +-+-zp-wQ-+-+-+-zP +-+-+-+-+P+-vL-mK +-+-+R+-

White eliminates a key defender, after which the dark squares around the black king are weak. 16.

-mk-tr-+-+ +pzpq+-+-+-zpl+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-sn +-+P+-vL-+P+-+L+ +-+Q+RmK-

Trapping

-+-+-+-mk +-+-snr+p -+-+-zppwQ +-+-+-+P -+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-zP-+-+-+ +K+-+-+-

Bh6

Skewer

Problem V

Trapping

16.

Problem III

Pin

Par Score 5

White seeks contact with the g6-pawn and the eventual opening of the h-file (1 bonus point). 14.

Problem II

Pin

Par Score 5 a3

There is no satisfactory way to strengthen the kingside defenses, so Black goes all out on the queenside.** Par Score 5

If 20. bxa3, then 20. ... Qxa3+ plays into Black’s hands. The same would have been true for 20. b3 Nxb3+ 21. axb3 a2.

-+-+-+-+ +-+k+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-zp-+-+-zpPsn-+ +-+-+KvLq -+-wQ-zP-+ +-+RtR-+-

Deduct 2 points for making either bad choice. 20.

…

21.

Qh6

21.

…

22.

Kb1

22.

…

23.

hxg6

23.

…

24.

Qxh7+

24.

…

Kh8

If 20. ... Kxf6, then 21. Qg5+ Kg7 22. h6+ Kg8 23. Qf6 and mate at g7 to follow (1 bonus point).** Par Score 5

White infiltrates on the weak dark squares and threatens mate. axb2+ Par Score 5

Here the white king is safe. Rg8 Par Score 5

Threatening Qxh7 mate (1 bonus point). fxg6

If 23. ... Rxg6, then 24. Rxg6 (1 bonus point).** Par Score 5

On 24. ... Kxh7, it’s over with 25. Rh1+ Bh3 26. Rxh3 mate (1 bonus point). This is more potent than 24. Rh1 (only 3 points part credit), allowing 24. ... Bh3 25. Rxh3 c6, delaying mate. Black resigned.

For scoring box, see page 71.

Chess Life — February 2012

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Cover Story

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Cover Story

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Adisa Banjoko: “I’m not trying to really cultivate competitive chess players out of these kids. I just want them to survive.” Behind Banjoko, left to right: Sam Martin, Shanghua Zhong, Warren Medina, Jesus Medina.

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Chess Life — February 2012

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By NELLY ROSARIO

February is the month for lovers, including, and especially, chess mates.

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Chess Life — February 2012

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Chess & Love HESS PLAYERS, REJOICE. You would have been sexy in the Middle Ages, when skills on the chessboard was what separated the wheat from the chaff among singles looking for mates of distinction. The chessboard came to qualify as a sexual space after the queen’s appearance drew more and more women and girls to the game, according to historian Marilyn Yalom in Birth of the Chess Queen. For the nobility in Europe, a highly ritualized and hierarchical game like chess, where each piece moves in its prescribed directions, served as the perfect excuse for lovebirds to spar their hearts out on a level playing field. Chess and romance are no longer bedfellows in our collective psyche. Online dating sites like www.chesslover.co.uk, which markets itself as helping singles find their “perfect match,” elicit chuckles from chess players and non-players alike. The crudest and most literal image I have of chessboard as sexual space is from Brian Kaplan, a high-school classmate who told me that he “once saw two homeless people [embraced] on the chess tables in Washington Square Park back in the ’80s.” Far more telling of the contemporary divorce of chess from sex or romance is the fact that Kaplan prefaced this anecdote with: “Probably inappropriate for [Chess Life]”. For those who live and breathe chess, discussing the game in relation to that other game describes a game unto itself. “In most games, I am thinking about girls for about 50-75 percent of the time,” says Grandmaster and American champion Alexander Shabalov in Jennifer Shahade’s 2005 book Chess Bitch, “another 50 percent goes to time management, and with

The Medieval troubadour was in part responsible for landing the queen on the chessboard and thus sexualizing the game, according to Yalom. It was the troubadour’s verses that put women on pedestals and at the center of romantic conquest. He sang of checkmate in the game of love, of suffering under the multi-squared wiles of his beloved, of woman as the object of conquest and as the font of a male bliss earned valiantly through knightly trial and tribulation—jousting, difficult journeys, pain, injury, and other acts of chivalry that further popularized the erotic nature of chess. Circa 2003, Carl sits in my apartment in Brooklyn. We’re listening to Dead Prez, warily measuring the strange chemistry between us. Definitely not my type, this ‘round the way boy. Way too young. Uniformed in baggy jeans, baseball caps, sneakers, and Tshirts. Line of work unclear. Built like a football player. Not much of a talker, either, save for the occasional disyllabic phrase: “whattup,” “don’t know,” “hey ma.” “You play?” he says, fiddling with the chessboard on my coffee table. “Why else would I have a set?” I say. “True, true.” No sir, no way, no how, I’m thinking. He sets up the pieces. Queens on their colors, white square to the right, all that jazz. He chooses black. When I offer a switch, he shrugs, says, “Nah. White makes the first mistake, ma.” And then we spar our hearts out, right beside the fica tree in the living room.

Love and War are the same thing, and stratagems and policy are as allowable in the one as in the other. —Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes

what’s left over I am calculating.” “It’s actually a sexy game,” British international master Jovanka Houska tells The Telegraph. “It’s the clash of wills, the intellectual battle, the power struggle between a man and a woman. That’s quite romantic.” Guardian writer Stephen Moss’ view is that the true nature of chess is “a Darwinian struggle for power and sexual supremacy.” He echoes the common Freudian view that the desire to play chess in males is born out of a subconscious desire to kill the father, that the importance/impotence of the king is what attracts boys to the game, whose rules mirror those of sex. Shahade scoffs at these kinds of Oedipal models. The writer and woman grandmaster prefers a more Jungian reading of the game “as a system of opposites ... knowing when it is time to attack and when to defend.” White or black, yin or yang, Freud or Jung—whichever side of the board one chooses, most talk of chess can be boiled down to coded definitions of courtship and sex.

Queen’s Gambit, Accepted or Declined

It’s time for some mind sex, we ain’t got to take our clothes off yet ... Relax, I got the good vibrations ... Before we make love let’s have a good conversation ... African princess, tell me yo’ interests ... we can play a game of chess on the futon ... When you show me your mind, it make me wanna show you mines…Before the night’s through, we could get physical too ... Opposites attract that’s the basis ... Our sex is the wind that separates the yin from the yang —“Mind Sex”, Dead Prez

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He plays like his build, steadily forging ahead and gaining territory with his quarterbacks. Oh, how he works those little men. It’s sexy as all hell, the leaden simplicity and perseverance of his game. Touchdown, checkmate, whatever ... Serbian Woman GM Maria Manakova had her own sweet surrender. Here’s how she describes to The Telegraph her first game against ex-husband Serbian grandmaster Miroslav Toši : “I made a move. I didn’t go with my king to the corner, I went to the center, and my ex-husband thought, ‘Oh, she’s so brave.’ He fell in love with me immediately, because in this move was my character, my wish to be with him. Maybe I didn’t want to show it, but maybe I wanted him to win a little bit. I surrendered myself to him. He liked that.” Then there’s the love story of Zhu Chen, which Shahade writes about in her book. China’s second women’s world chess champion and the country’s 13th grandmaster first met her husband at a 1994 Asian youth tournament in Malaysia. Mohammad Al-Modiahki was Qatar’s first grandmaster and named player of the century within the Arab countries. Before Chen could improve her English, which Al-Modiahki speaks fluently, chess and love was their lingua franca. Their parents disapproved of the union, believing that there were too many differences between them—a sentiment that Chen refers to as a “cold war.” But Chen and Al-Modiahki stayed together. “There are many combinations with the king and queen that are quite beautiful,” she says in an Asian Times interview. And in her own autobiography she writes, “Chess is a good way to bridge different cultures in a peaceful way, and my relationship with Al Modiahaki is a great example of this.” Chess Life — February 2012

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Chess & Love Chess is also a good way to bridge gay characters with straight moviegoers. “[C]ultural divisions over race have been supplanted in the popular American consciousness by a debate over gay rights,” says E! Online writer Jennifer Arrow. She’s referring to the tacit love affair between future archenemies Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) of Marvel Comic’s X-Men saga. The 2011 summer blockbuster X-Men: First Class includes a chess game between them that’s all too reminiscent of the famous sexually-charged scene between Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen in the 1968 crime thriller The Thomas Crown Affair. Arrow points to scenes in which the two mutants (i.e., gay) “loll around together on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while ‘playing chess’ and gazing at the oh-so-phallic Washington Monument. No, seriously, ‘playing chess’ is obviously PG-13 movie code for ‘And then Magneto and Professor X did it ... again.’” And there it is, a modern-day take on the Medieval association of the image of the (mixed-sex) chess match with romance. In fact, according to Yalom, the image of chess play between a man and a woman came to be so strongly linked to romance in the Middle Ages that the mere use of it as cover art suggested love and sex as subject matter, whether or not actual game play factored in the content. But alas, though it’s 2011, proponents of gay marriage believe that we’re still living in the Dark Ages. Unlike Chen and Al-Modiahki, Professor X and Magneto must remain closeted forevermore. “They should be married and living happily ever after,” insists Arrow, but for now “they’ll spend the rest of their lives in miserable devotion ... facing each other from across the line, instead of living together in Westchester mansion splendor, ‘playing chess’ until they’re too old and creaky to ‘move the pieces’.” My own miserable devotion was to an online player named “peaceart.” That “marriage” lasted a month. He was a trash-talking, 45-year-old Aquarius from Canada, miles ahead of me in rank. A rather abusive relationship. Our chat box would be just as often littered with at-sign bleeps as with civil digressions on the nature of peace and art. He had a crush on my avatar, a curly-haired brown girl in a blue halter top, back-dropped by soaring dolphins. Yes, I’m a blundering fish of a player. And peaceart’s aggressive game aroused me. We flirted in English, Spanish, and Italian. He mentioned his amazing trip to the Dominican Republic, the beaches, the music, the women, how an Italian stallion and a Dominicana would be explosive—a remote possibility, further sabotaged by his constant play on the word “checkmate,” along with a porn clip he e-mailed that went straight to my spam folder. After two weeks of humiliating games, peaceart was the devil I knew. He played in that romantic chess style of the 19th century, gambits galore. Cheap tactics included chats in all-caps

about spirituality and the state of the Middle East. But Carl had taught me a thing or two about perseverance. One day, two of my queens mated peaceart’s king to death, and I haven’t played him since.

Kibtizin’

The mating game seems to amount to a certain type of chess problem addressed by Vladimir Nabokov in the preface to his novel The Luzhin Defense: “... the point is not merely the finding of a mate in so many moves, but what is termed ‘retrograde analysis,’ the solver being required to prove from a back-cast study of the diagram’s position that Black’s last move could not have been castling or must have been the capture of a white knight en passant.” In other words, a good part of the pleasure we derive from romance is not merely in the culmination of the sex act itself (a petite mort lasts seconds), but in the chase (pre-mort) and in the Monday-morning quarterbacking (post-mort). Before and after the king is dead, then, it’s off to the skittles room for all matter of pre- and post-mortem kibitzing, of wheeling and dealing and quickies. In The Chess Artist, writer and chess enthusiast J. C. Hallman recalls his first visit to a World Open skittles room in Philadelphia with the kind of melancholy a church boy would on being introduced to a brothel: “I watched them play for a time, two or three dollars a game ... and the room’s mood was lively. But I found the Skittles Room depressing ... I wanted organized chess to be a thing that elevated culture ... Here in the Skittles room, chess was still just a toy ...” Yes, kid, sex is just a toy, is the message proposed by a good number of self-published “dating-advice” books geared towards men. I’ll reluctantly mention Bettor[sic] Off Single: Why Commitment Is A Bad Gamble For Men by one Ray Gordon, if only because it’s chess-sex kibitzing gone wild. In this e-clunker, a middle-aged, self-avowed “PUA” (pick-up artist) and amateur chess player performs “a meticulous post-mortem on his entire career.” The manual, priced at a whopping $0, is geared towards the “seduction community” and divided into two volumes, comprised of 44 lessons further subdivided into Field Reports. Each field report concludes with an Obligatory Postgame Network Press Conference, followed by an After Further Review. (It’s worth mentioning here that the character of Grandmaster Luzhin in Vladimir Nabokov’s novel suffers a nervous breakdown). “Chess was my way of making seduction my top priority ... and this is why I was getting results: I was actually trying, while most of my peers were living on autopilot, not developing any alpha gimmicks,” writes Gordon in what has to be the most

Gift ideas for the afficionado... • White- and milk-chocolate chess sets—$45 to $300 • “Love Chess Heart” sticker by HappyDoggies—$6 RockLove Jewelry’s “King and Queen” sterling-silver earrings • (or any same-sex pair from the Chess Earring collection)—$96 to 9Queens, an organization that “provides chess • Donation instruction to those most in need of the game’s benefits, especially girls and at-risk youth”—$1 and up.

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TMI’d, bizarre, and psychotic PDFs I’ve ever scrolled through— an endless string of projected moves, crackpot tactics, and strategies on how to find “love,” or at least try to. Chess is not an easy [conquest], says even Burt Hochberg, game expert and former Chess Life editor. Apparently, neither are women, because it takes Gordon 591 pages to demonstrate to the grandmaster the delicate art of picking-up “SHBs” (smoking-hot babes). At one point, Gordon considers quitting chess altogether, evoking Hallman’s realization that he no longer wanted to be a serious chess player after panning the “watered-down machismo and bent personalities” of the Skittles room. A woman plays chess with the devil in the 14th-century moral treatise The Edifying Book of Erotic Chess by French physician Evrart de Conty. First meant as commentary on the allegorical work of a poet, the extensiveness of de Conty’s notes made it a popular work in its own right. This “manual of seduction” offered highly symbolic descriptions of a series of “love battles” between the narrator and his lady. The move-by-move narrative was meant to clarify respective—and respectable—gender roles in courtship (and to guide a future narrator during her online games with a so-called peaceart). One of the original manuscripts was destroyed in the firebombing of Dresden in 1945.

Knights in Shining Armor: Love Triangles on Squares

Back to square a1: Chess and romance are no longer bedfellows in our collective psyche. However, the game pieces still embody the notions of chivalry and romance that are still big players in Western consciousness. Women are to wait (in vain) for their knights in shining armor, having been raised on Disney-princess paraphernalia. A king-sized bed is a requisite of the consummate bachelor pad. Men are to be knightly and fight for a woman’s honor, be it in a sports arena, on the silver screen or in a nightclub in Turin. Chaste or not, the bride is to say ‘yes!’ to the corset and white dress, made popular during the Middle Ages by Anne of Brittany as a symbol of virginity. And because illicit affairs never go out of fashion, we’re still in love with legends of knights who squarely gallop into triangles. Many films have revisited the legend of Tristan and Iseult. King Mark (Rufus Sewell!) sends his nephew Tristan (James Franco!) to Ireland to fetch the princess Iseult (Sophia Myles!), who is betrothed to the king. On the trip back, Tristan and Iseult accidentally drink a love potion meant for the bride and groom, after which viewer discretion is advised. Instead of depicting the lovers in flagrante delicto, a 14th-century carving renders them, well, engaged in a game of chess. The legend of Tristan and Iseult is said to have influenced that other one we treasure, Lancelot and Guinevere. It’s a familiar story: Lancelot, King Arthur’s trusted knight, falls in love with the king’s wife Guinevere. A 14th-century painting depicts Lancelot sending Guinevere his prize after winning a chess game: a magic chessboard in which the pieces move on their own accord. The lasting power of these legends is especially not lost on marketing forces. In 1997, Playboy ran a Smirnoff’s print ad that was captioned “Pure Mate.” The photograph captures a chess game in progress, during which the white queen (e1) is swept off her pedestal by a black knight (e2). Their embrace is made to look illicit in a number of dramatic ways. That the queen is white and the knight is black immediately appeals to taboos about crossing class and racial lines, not to mention the implied “beauty and beast” (white-princess and black-horse-man). And whether positioned deliberately or by artistic license, the black king stands in his queen’s square and the white queen in her king’s square (‘off her color’). The uschess.org

kiss is made further secretive by the framing of the couple inside the product bottle, which stands rather erect in the foreground. Behind the couple and partly framed within the bottle is a naughty little voyeur—the black bishop (f5)! Refraction bends the bishop’s upper body to suggest that he’s leaning towards the couple in a gesture of curiosity and disapproval. Meanwhile, beyond the frame of the bottle, the game of life appears to be in stasis for those chess pieces not immersed in vodka or in the throes of lust. These poor souls include: 1) a black pawn standing alone (c3), 2) a black rook (a8) facing a white bishop (a5) and a white pawn (b6), 3) a white pawn (d5) singlehandedly confronting the black king (d8), and 4) the God-fearing half of the aforementioned black bishop (f5). I leave it to the chess analyst to divine any other subliminal messages from the board positions of this ridiculously staged game: White and Black to mate after choosing to drink love potion.

r+-mk-+-+ +-+-+-+-zP-+-+-+ vL-+P+l+-+-+-+-+ +-zp-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+(Smirnoff, 1997)

Making Moves

The most talked about convergence of alcohol, chess, love and battle took place in 2006, after the 37th World Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy. In this contemporary legend, coined ‘Gormallygate’ by the media, British GM Danny Gormally punches Armenian GM and world number three Levon Aronian in a jealous fit after Gormally sees Aronian dancing with Australian Woman International Master Arianne Caoili. The duel takes place at a nightclub with the impossible name of Hiroshima Mon Amour. Revenge comes a few days later, when Gormally is allegedly assaulted by several of Aronian’s teammates. In the end, the chess world gets more press coverage than ever, the dueling knights patch up, and Aronian and Caoili live on happily ever after as a couple. Caoili has since won the London Chess Classic Women’s Invitational Tournament and appeared as a celebrity dancer in Australia’s fifth season of “Dancing with the Stars.” “When two people make moves, like in sex, like in love, they do some moves to win,” says Maria Manakova, ex-wife of Yugoslav grandmaster Miroslav Toši . “Yes, not only he, but she, the woman.” The Erotic Book of Chess encourages women to play an active role in seduction. According to Yalom, not only does the woman make the first move by playing white, but “she initiate[s] the course of love through her most strategic weapon,” a weapon Manakova deployed when she posed nude for the Russian men’s magazine Speed. “Once people see that chess is not just for nerds,” says American International Master Jeremy Silman, “but also for real people who love all that life has to offer, more people might give [chess] a serious try.” If he’s right, Chess and Romance might just be pausing their game to open a bottle of wine.

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PHOTO: ANDI ROSEN

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2011 World Youth

Awonder Liang takes gold and Ruifeng Li takes silver at the 2011 World Youth Championship

F

By GM JOHN FEDOROWICZ

or the first time the World Youth Chess Championship was played in South America. Previous tournaments were played in Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, The Republic of Georgia, and Vietnam. This year’s event was hosted from November 17th to the 27th by the Brazilian town Caldas Novas, famous for it’s water parks and hot springs. I traveled with Aviv Friedman, Armen Ambartsoumian, Gennady Zaitchik and Michael Khodarkovsky. We always leave a few days early just in case we encounter travel snafus. JFK airport got us off to a bad start with our flight departing two hours late. We made up some time on our way to Sao Paulo, but not enough to save our connection. After a seven-hour wait in Sao Paulo we finally made it to Goiânia where we were met by a small car. With poor Aviv cramped into a backseat we made our way to Caldas Novas in a driving rain storm. We conversed in Spanish with our enthusiastic young driver. GM Joel Benjamin had bigger problems as his ride from Brasilia to Caldas Novas failed to find him. The tired grandmaster arrived about 10 hours later than he should’ve after some unwanted adventures, but in one piece. Just like a year ago in Halkidiki, Greece, we had our largest delegation ever. With over 60 players, it was about 20 more than last year. Also like last year, the group was dominated by our under 8 and under 10 (30 players), making for a very inexperienced team something like we are used to. Our two highest-rated players were Eric Rosen, 2305 FIDE, and Michael Vilenchuk at 2219 FIDE. Despite this we felt we still had good medal chances. Good experienced coaches of course can help a lot and we had quite a strong crew. In addition to this author and my four travel companions we were helped by GMs Joel Benjamin, Nick de Firmian, Sam Palatnik, Yury Shulman, and IM Andranik Matikozyan. I can’t imagine any country coming too close to this staff of coaches. In addition, Yury Shulman and Shaun Smith helped out with Justus Williams, James Black and Rochelle Ballantyne who were sponsored by Chess In the Schools. The coaches were responsible for six players each with 20 to 30 minutes of preparation time. Thanks to organizer GM Darcy Lima and the Thermas di Roma Hotel for providing us with a team room; with 10 coaches we needed a good-sized room and we got one. We gathered there for our all important post-game analysis. The way Team USA is set up, as in past world youths, our strong medal contenders come from relatively unknown youngsters. This year was no different. Wisconsin’s Awonder Liang dominated the boys under 8 section. He started with seven wins then had a draw followed by a last round loss to Ram Aravind L N of India. His tiebreaks were so strong he had clinched the gold medal before the last game. I chose these two Awonder games because he won the games while exhibiting different styles. His round five game took a positional path while his round seven win flashed big tactics (with help from his opponent).

Sicilian Defense, Scheveningen Variation (B83) Awonder Liang (FIDE 1872, USA) CM Matvey Pak (FIDE 1860, RUS) World Youth 2011 (5), 11.22.2011 1. e4

This is my favorite game from Awonder’s event. For such a young player he showed a Karpovian positional sense. 1. ... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Be3 Be7 7. Be2 Nc6 8. 0-0 0-0 9. Qd2

Typical of the Boleslavsky variation is 9. f4 e5 10. Nb3 exf4 11. Bxf4 Be6. 9. ... e5?!

This move can be played if White’s pawn is on f4, when Black would secure e5 for a knight. 10. Nb3 Be6 11. Rad1

Attacking the d5 point with positional ideas similar to the Sveshnikov with 11. uschess.org

Bg5!? is more to the point. 11. ... a5!?

r+-wq-trk+ +p+-vlpzpp -+nzplsn-+ zp-+-zp-+-+-+P+-+ +NsN-vL-+PzPPwQLzPPzP +-+R+RmKAfter 11. ... a5

Black should charge this pawn down to a3. 12. f3

Black’s main idea is 12. a4 Nb4 playing for a fast d5; 12. a3!? slowing down Black’s a5-pawn keeps things under control.

12. ... Re8?!

Black keeps playing moves without finding a constructive plan. 12. ... a4 13. Nc1 a3 14. b3 Nb4 gives Black good counterplay. 13. Kh1 h6?!

Black’s best is again 13. ... a4 14. Nc1 a3 15. b3 Nb4. 14. a3!

As we’ve seen in previous notes, it’s important to keep Black from pushing to a3. 14. ... a4?

The pawn on a4 is easy pickings.

15. Nc1 Qa5 16. Nb5

White sees that the trade of queens leaves Black with two targets on a4 and d6. 16. ... Qxd2 17. Rxd2 Red8 18. Rfd1 Ne8 19. Nc3! Bf6 20. Bb5 Nd4 21. Bxe8

Taking with 21. Bxa4!? looks like it

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2011 World Youth snags a pawn, but Awonder elects to play it safe. 21. ... Rxe8 22. N1e2 Nxe2 23. Rxe2 Bc4 24. Red2 Be7 25. Nd5 Bxd5 26. Rxd5

White is clearly better here. Black’s queenside will come under heavy pressure. 26. ... Rec8 27. c3 Rc6 28. Rb5 Rc7 29. Rdd5 Ra6 30. Ra5!

-+-+-+k+ +ptr-vlpzpr+-zp-+-zp tR-+Rzp-+p+-+P+-+ zP-zP-vLP+-zP-+-+PzP +-+-+-+K After 30. Ra5

Forces the a win of clear pawn with no compensation for Black. 30. ... Rcc6 31. Rxa6 Rxa6 32. Rb5 Bg5 33. Bxg5 hxg5 34. Rxb7

Now it’s just a mopup operation.

34. ... g6 35. Kg1 Kg7 36. Kf2 Kf6 37. Ke3 Ke6 38. Kd3 f5 39. c4 Ra8 40. h3 fxe4+ 41. fxe4 Rf8 42. Rg7 Kf6 43. Ra7 Rb8 44. Kc2 Rb3 45. Rxa4 Rg3 46. b4 Rxg2+ 47. Kd1 Rg3 48. b5 Rxh3 49. b6 Rh7 50. Rb4 Rb7 51. a4 g4 52. a5 Kg5 53. Ke2 Rf7 54. b7, Black resigned.

Colle System (D05) Awonder Liang (FIDE 1872, USA) Cenker Eren Tan (FIDE Unrated, TUR) World Youth 2011 (7), 11.24.2011

This was Awonder’s seventh straight win and virtually clinched the championship.

r+lwq-trk+ zpp+-+pzpp -+nvlpsn-+ +-zpp+-+-+-zP-+-+ zP-zPLzPN+-zP-sN-zPPzP tR-vLQ+RmK-

3. ... d5 4. Bd3 c5 5. c3

16. ... Bd5 17. Qd3 f5 18. Rce1 Nc6

8. ... d6

15. Rc1 Qd7 16. Bb1!

Playing 18. ... Be4!? would force an important decision for White ... sac or not sac? 19. However, after Rxe4 fxe4 20. Qxe4 g6 21. Ng5 collapsing e6 looks very good for White.

Playing 8. ... d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 Bb7 12. d3 with an improved version of the Marshall Gambit for White since his c-pawn is on c2 not hampering his development.

19. b4 a6 20. Bc2 Bxf3??

9. c3 Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Nc6 12. d5 Nb8

The beginning of a “chess blindness” combination that loses a piece and the game. 21. Qxf3 Nxd4

r+-+-trk+ +-+q+-zpp pzp-vlp+-+ +-+-+p+-zP-sn-+-+ zP-+-+Q+-vLL+-zPPzP +-+-tRRmKAfter 21. ... Nxd4

22. Bxd4 Bxh2+ 23. Kxh2 Qxd4

Black must’ve been wondering, “How did this happen”? 24. Rxe6 Rad8 25. Kg1 Rc8 26. Bb3 Kh8 27. Rfe1 h6 28. Qe3 Qb2 29. Rxh6+ gxh6 30. Qxh6 mate.

5. ... Nc6 6. 0-0 Bd6 7. Nbd2 0-0 8. a3

Another young player that finished with a medal was Ruifeng Li. I helped Ruifeng and his dad with some opening preparation for his late-round games. I was impressed with his systematic way of studying and all the ChessBase work he had done. Having organized openings and a willingness to study will help Ruifeng’s progress a lot.

8. ... b6

There is a slight edge after 8. ... e5!?, freeing the position. 9. b3 Qc7 10. e4 cxd4 11. cxd4 dxe4 12. Nxe4 Nxe4 13. Bxe4 Bb7 14. Bb2 Ne7!

So far he is playing the moves the

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1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. 0-0 b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. Re1 0-0 8. h3

White correctly keeps this important attacking piece.

position requires. The d5 point is an excellent outpost.

The Colle System is a popular, but passive opening.

(see diagram top of next column)

Ruifeng got the ball rolling towards medal contention with this round one win. The so called “Anti Marshall” system is a good way for White to channel Black into normal Ruy lines. 8. c3 d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 c6 12. d4 Bd6 13. Re1 Qh4 14. g3 Qh3 15. Be3 Bg4 16. Qd3 Rae8 is an example of main line Marshall theory. If anyone is looking for a solid defense versus 1. e4, this variation must be considered.

After 8. a3

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3

Better in this position is 3. Bg5 or 3. Bf4, getting the bishop out before playing e2-e3.

Closed Ruy Lopez, Chigorin Defense (C96) Ruifeng Li (FIDE 1919, USA) Erdemdalai Yondonjamts (FIDE UNR, MGL) World Youth 2011 (1), 11.18.2011

(see game top of next column)

rsnlwq-trk+ +-+-vlpzpp p+-zp-sn-+ +pzpPzp-+-+-+P+-+ +-zP-+N+P PzPL+-zPP+ tRNvLQtR-mKAfter 12. ... Nb8

13. Nbd2

13. a4!? gives White a potential target on b5 and takes advantage of Black’s suspicious move order. 13. ... Bb7 (13. ... Bd7 14. axb5 Bxb5 15. Na3 Bd7 16. Nxe5! dxe5 17. d6) 14. axb5 axb5 15. Rxa8 Bxa8 16. b4 c4 is one of my favorite Ruy Lopez games of all time, KarpovUnzicker, Nice 1974, where White won in painful positional style. 13. ... Nbd7 14. Nf1 Nb6 15. b3 h6 16. Ng3 Kh7?!

This doesn’t feel right in principle. Black is looking for trouble from the Bc2. 17. Be3

Moving the knight with 17. Nh2!?, playing for a rapid f2-f4, is a good alternative. 17. ... Re8 18. Qd2 Bf8 19. Nh2 g6 20. f4!

As a rule, White should play this when Black can’t establish a strong ... Ne5. uschess.org

Black is under heavy pressure with 21. ... Nfd7 22. Rf1 Qe7 23. Ng4.

Bg7. Black could also try 6. ... b5 7. Bb3 Na5 gaining the bishop pair, but falls behind in development after 8. d4 Nxb3 9. axb3.

22. Rad1 Ng8 23. Nf3

7. c3 0-0 8. h3 b5 9. Bc2 d5?!

20. ... exf4 21. Bxf4 Bg7

Playing for a timely e4-e5.

23. ... Bb7 24. h4!

r+-wqr+n+ +l+-+pvlk psn-zp-+pzp +pzpP+-+-+-+PvL-zP +PzP-+NsNP+LwQ-+P+ +-+RtR-mKAfter 24. h4

White is picking apart Black’s kingside. 24. ... Nf6 25. h5 Bc8 26. hxg6+ fxg6 27. Bb1 Bg4 28. Qc2

Loading up for e5!

28. ... Nh5 29. Nxh5 Bxh5 30. Rf1 Rf8 31. Be3 Bxf3?

The ... Bh5 was holding things together.

32. gxf3 Qh4 33. Rd2 Nd7 34. Rh2 Qg3+ 35. Rg2 Qh3 36. Rh2 Qg3+ 37. Qg2 Qe5?

White has chances to blast g6 after 37. ... Qxg2+ 38. Rxg2, but at least Black is still playing. 38. Qh3!

This simple double attack does the job.

38. ... Nf6 39. Bxh6 Nh5 40. f4 Qf6 41. e5, Black resigned.

One of our oldest representatives was Eric Rosen, who competed in the open under 18. Eric started the tournament with a rank of 27, meaning a lot of hard work and highly-ranked opponents lay ahead of him. He was up to the task. Congratulations to Eric for making an international master norm. Seven out of Eric’s nine opponents were higher-rated, making his 6-3 score an impressive achievement. Here is one of Eric’s easier victories: Closed Ruy Lopez (C87) FM Eric Rosen (FIDE 2305, USA) FM Toms Kantans (FIDE 2338, LAT) World Youth 2011 (5), 11.22.2011 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. 0-0 a6 5. Ba4 Nf6 6. Re1 Be7

A good way for Black to develop in the Steinitz system is 6. ... Bd7 7. c3 g6 8. d4 uschess.org

r+lwq-trk+ +-zp-vlpzpp p+n+-sn-+ +p+pzp-+-+-+P+-+ +-zP-+N+P PzPLzP-zPP+ tRNvLQtR-mKAfter 9. ... d5

An odd-looking move, getting into some kind of Marshall but down some time.

King’s Indian Defense, Classical Variation (E92) WCM Sarah Chiang (FIDE 2056, USA) Julia Alboredo (FIDE 1813, BRA) World Youth 2011 (2), 11.19.2011 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 g6 4. e4 Bg7

The King’s Indian Defense is a popular, complicated, and somewhat antipositional opening. 5. Be2 0-0 6. Nf3 e5 7. d5

The Petrosian Variation, named after the former world champion, the late great Tigran Petrosian. 7. ... a5 8. Bg5 h6 9. Bh4 Bd7

With 9. ... g5 10. Bg3 Nh5 11. Nd2 Nf4 12. 0-0, White has the positional idea of Bg4 or play on the queenside. 10. Nd2 Na6 11. a3 Qe8 12. b3 Nh7 13. f3 g5?!

Compare the position after 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxe5 Nxe5 12. Rxe5 c6 13. d4 to a Marshall and we must agree this is good for White.

This move weakens crucial light squares near Black’s kingside. Better is 13. ... h5!? 14. Rb1 Nc5 15. 0-0 Bh6 16. Qc2 f5 17. b4 axb4 18. axb4 Na4 19. Nb5 with some advantage for White.

10. ... Nxe4 11. dxe5 f5

14. Bf2 f5 15. exf5 Bxf5

10. d4!?

After 11. ... Nc5!? the game has transposed into an Open Ruy Lopez-type of position. 12. exf6 e.p. Nxf6 13. Bg5 Bc5 14. Nbd2 Qd6 15. Nb3 Bb6 16. Nbd4 Nxd4 17. cxd4 Ne4 18. Bxe4 dxe4 19. Rxe4 Qg6?

r+l+-trk+ +-zp-+-zpp pvl-+-+q+ +p+-+-vL-+-zPR+-+ +-+-+N+P PzP-+-zPP+ tR-+Q+-mKAfter 19. ... Qg6

The bishop move 19. ... Bb7!? 20. Be7 Qd7 21. Bxf8 Bxe4 leaves Black down a pawn, but with some chances. 20. Qb3+ Kh8 21. Rae1 h6 22. Be7 Bf5 23. Ne5, Black resigned.

Black’s queen lacks a good square. Our highest-scoring girls were WCM Sarah Chiang, Mariya Oreshko and Agata Bykovtsev. Take a look at Sarah’s handling of the Petrosian variation against her Brazilian opponent. The game starts off as a positional struggle favoring White, but the early c4-c5 push allowed crazy complications.

r+-+qtrk+ +pzp-+-vln n+-zp-+-zp zp-+Pzplzp-+P+-+-+ zPPsN-+P+-+-sNLvLPzP tR-+QmK-+R After 15. ... Bxf5

Black has given White a strong outpost on e4 for no good reason. 16. Nde4 Nf6 17. Bd3 Bg6 18. 0-0 Nh5 19. c5!?

I felt that Black’s lack of active play means White was better off keeping the tension. 19. Rb1! followed by b3-b4 leaves the Na6 looking ridiculous was the patient approach. It’s hard to find a decent plan for Black. 19. ... Nxc5 20. Nxc5 dxc5 21. Bxc5 e4!?

Why not? Black confuses the issue.

22. Bb5

Safer was 22. Nxe4!? Bxa1 23. Qxa1 with White still holding on to a slight advantage. 22. ... c6 23. dxc6 Bxc3 24. cxb7 Qxb5 25. Qd5+ (see diagram top of next page)

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2011 World Youth

r+-+-trk+ +P+-+-+-+-+-+lzp zpqvLQ+-zpn -+-+p+-+ zPPvl-+P+-+-+-+PzP tR-+-+RmKAfter 25. Qd5+

25. ... Bf7??

Black falls apart in the complications, losing a lot of material. 25. ... Kh7! Going over the game afterwards this move concerned us. It seems that it wins for Black. 26. bxa8=Q Rxa8 27. Qxa8 Qxc5+ 28. Kh1 Bxa1 (28. ... e3!?) 29. Rxa1 e3. 26. bxa8=Q Rxa8 27. Qxa8+

All of a sudden Sarah is up two Exchanges. 27. ... Be8 28. Qd5+ Bf7 29. Qd8+ Kh7 30. Qe7 Qxb3 31. Qxe4+ Kg8 32. Rad1 Nf6 33. Rd8+ Kg7 34. Bf8+ Kg8 35. Bxh6+ Be8 36. Qg6+, Black resigned.

Mate follows on g7.

Mariya employed her favorite anti-Sicilian weapon (the Wing Gambit) to good effect in the following game. White’s development and pressure caused a terrible blunder. Sicilian Defense (B20) Mariya Oreshko (FIDE 1694, USA) Karamcheti Priyamvada (FIDE 1782, IND) World Youth 2011 (5), 11.22.2011

Mariya was one of our top scorers in the girls under 12 along with Agata Bykovtsev, both at 61⁄2. 1. e4 c5 2. b4!?

The Wing Gambit is a tricky gambit that isn’t seen much nowadays. The idea is to clear out Black’s wing pawn and gain control of the center. 2. ... cxb4 3. a3 bxa3?!

White gets too much play after this. Declining the gambit is best with 3. ... d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 (5. axb4?? Qe5+ 0-1 was the unfortunate game Shirazi-Peters, 1984 U.S. Championship, Berkeley) 5. ... e6 6. Bb2 Nf6 7. c4 bxc3 e.p. 8. Nxc3 Qd8 was coach Armen’s excellent preparation from last year’s World Youth in Greece. In Vetoshko-Troff, White was down a pawn in an isolated-pawn position with zero attacking chances. 34

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4. d4 g6

This was Mariya playing white two rounds earlier versus Nominerdene: 4. ... d6 5. Nf3 Nf6 6. Bd3 e6 7. 0-0 (7. c3 Be7 8. Qe2 0-0 9. e5 dxe5 10. dxe5 Nd5 11. h4 It might be easier for White to create kingside threats without castling. The Rh1 could help with Bh7 Ng5 ideas) 7. ... Be7 8. Bxa3 0-0 9. e5 Ne8 10. Nc3 with attacking chances in a French Defense type position. 5. Nf3 Bg7 6. Bc4 d6 7. 0-0 Nf6 8. e5!?

White needs to play aggressively or the compensation could dry up. 8. ... dxe5 9. Nxe5 0-0 10. Bxa3

White’s bishops are exerting great pressure on Black’s kingside, making developing difficult. 10. ... Nc6 11. Nxc6 bxc6 12. Re1 Re8 13. Bc5 a5 14. Qf3 Bb7??

r+-wqr+k+ +l+-zppvlp -+p+-snp+ zp-vL-+-+-+LzP-+-+ +-+-+Q+-+P+-zPPzP tRN+-tR-mKAfter 14. ... Bb7

Black cracks under the pressure. 14. ... Ba6 gives Black good defensive chances.

7-2 score, good enough for fifth place in the open under 12. Still it had to be a bit of a disappointment after last year’s unbelievable 9-2 and second on tiebreak finish (tied for first place). I like Jeffrey’s style: good, crisp, aggressive chess mixed with good preparation. He’ll be a perennial contender as he moves up in the age groups. This game shows Jeffrey catching his opponent in a theoretical spin cycle. Black was in trouble early with no chance to defend. Ruy Lopez (C77) FM Jeffrey Xiong (FIDE 2056, USA) Joshua Johnson (FIDE 1862, TRI) World Youth 2011 (2), 11.19.2011

In this game Jeffrey takes care of his Trinidadian opponent in tactical style. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d4!?

One of the many “trappy” tactical lines White can try. 5. ... b5

Black’s results from this position are horrible. 5. ... exd4!? 6. e5 Ne4 7. 0-0 Be7 8. Nxd4 Nxd4 9. Qxd4 Nc5 is a much better and safer path than what Black played in the game. 6. Bb3 exd4 7. e5 Ng4 8. 0-0 Be7 9. Bf4 Bb7

White has compensation after 9. ... h5!? 10. c3 g5 11. Bd2 Ngxe5 12. Nxe5 Nxe5 13. cxd4 Nc6 14. Qf3 because of Black’s unsafe king. 10. Bd5 Qb8 11. Bxc6 dxc6 12. Nxd4

15. Qb3!

This nasty double attack wins a lot of material. 15. ... Ba6 16. Bxf7+ Kh8 17. Bxe8 Nxe8 18. c3 Bf6 19. Qa3 Bd3 20. Bxe7 Bxe7 21. Qxe7 Qxe7 22. Rxe7 a4 23. Na3 Nd6 24. Re6 Rd8 25. f3 Kg7 26. Re7+ Kh6 27. Rc7 Bb5 28. h4

How about 28. Rc1!.

28. ... Re8 29. g4 g5 30. hxg5+

With 30. Nxb5!? cxb5 31. Rc6 Black’s remaining forces will be tied up. 30. ... Kxg5 31. Kf2 Kf4 32. Nxb5 cxb5 33. Rd7 Re6 34. Rb1 Rh6 35. Rxd6!

This simplifying combo takes care of Black’s small hopes. 35. ... Rxd6 36. Rxb5

The mate threat allows White’s rook to get behind Black’s passed pawn. 36. ... Rf6 37. Ra5 h5 38. Rxh5 a3 39. Ra5 a2 40. Rxa2 Rh6 41. Kg2, Black resigned.

Jeffrey Xiong finished with an excellent

rwq-+k+-tr +lzp-vlpzpp p+p+-+-+ +p+-zP-+-+-sN-vLn+ +-+-+-+PzPP+-zPPzP tRN+Q+RmKAfter 12. Nxd4

Already Black is in big trouble. 12. ... Nh6 13. Bxh6 gxh6 14. e6 c5 15. exf7+ Kf8 16. Ne6+ Kxf7 17. Nxc5!

Winning a pawn and leaving Black with a leaky king position. 17. ... Rg8 18. Nxb7 Qxb7 19. g3

This forced defensive move ends any hope Black has for attack or defense. 19. ... Rg5 20. Nd2 Bf6 21. c3 Rd8 22. Qc2 Rg6 23. Rad1 Qc8 24. Ne4 Rdg8 25. a4 h5

uschess.org

26. axb5 h4 27. bxa6 h3 28. Qd3 Be7 29. a7 Kg7 30. Qd7 Qf8 31. a8=Q!

This deflection wins the bishop and the game. 31. ... Qf3 32. Qxe7+ Kh8 33. Ng5, Black resigned.

Last up in our game section is a game played by one of our youngest participants, seven-year-old Jason Metpally, showing a tactical alertness that will serve him well in future battles.

Nb5 Qd7 19. Nd4 Qc7 20. c3 Qc4 21. Qf2??

-+r+-trk+ zp-+-zppvlp -zp-zp-snp+ +-+-snP+-+qsNP+-+ +-zP-+-+P PzP-+-wQLmK tR-vL-+R+After 21. Qf2

Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation (B70) Dmitry Minko (FIDE 1375, RUS) Jason Metpally (FIDE Unrated, USA) World Youth 2011 (5), 11.22.2011

At SEVEN years old Jason was our youngest representative. Here he takes care of his Russian counterpart. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6

The Dragon Variation is very popular with young players. 6. g3 Bg7 7. Bg2 0-0 8. 0-0 Nc6 9. Nce2 Bd7 10. h3 Rc8 11. Be3 b6 12. f4 Be6 13. Kh2

About equal is 13. Nxe6 fxe6.

13. ... Na5 14. g4??

Walking into a nice tactic that wins an important pawn. 14. ... Bxg4! 15. f5

With 15. hxg4 Nxg4+ White’s game collapses. 15. ... Bxe2 16. Qxe2 Nc4 17. Bc1 Ne5 18.

White is having problems with tactics on the g4-square and this one ends the game. 21. ... Neg4+! 22. hxg4 Nxg4+ 23. Kg1 Nxf2 24. Kxf2 Bxd4+ 25. cxd4 Qxd4+ 26. Ke1 Qb4+ 27. Kd1 Kg7 28. Rh1 Qd4+ 29. Ke1 Rxc1+!

Jason continues to play accurately.

30. Rxc1 Qxb2 31. Kd1 Qxg2 32. Re1 Qxa2 33. Re2 Qb3+ 34. Rec2 Qd3+ 35. Rd2 Qxe4 36. fxg6 Qxg6 37. Rcc2 Qg1+ 38. Ke2 Qg2+ 39. Kd3 Qf3+ 40. Kc4 Rc8+ 41. Kb4 Rxc2 42. Rxc2 Qe4+ 43. Kc3 h5 44. Rc1 h4 45. Rg1+ Kh7 46. Kd2 Qd4+ 47. Ke1 Qxg1+ 48. Kd2 Qg3 49. Ke2 h3 50. Kd2 h2 51. Ke2 h1=R 52. Kd2 Rh2+ 53. Kd1 Qg1 mate.

The city of Caldas Novas is a Brazilian tourist attraction because of it’s agua quente (“hot water” in Portuguese). Hot tub springs were everywhere. Most of the USA contingent stayed at the Thermas di Roma Hotel. For safety reasons, the best world youth venues are always self-contained. (It wouldn’t be good to have the

little ones going for a subway ride!) The tournament hall was a short 100 yard walk from the hotel lobby. Across the street from our hotel was an enormous water park with some incredible pools and water slides. The atmosphere was always festive and upbeat, conducive for relaxation and good chess. The accommodations were fine as was the food, with many choices. One thing that bothered me was FIDE changing the format from 11 rounds to nine rounds. I figure if we’re traveling that far, more games are better. Most sections were decided by tiebreak, 11 rounds would most likely bring a clear winner. I hope next year it reverts back to 11 games. I’d like to extend a special thanks to the U.S. Chess Trust for their generous contribution of $11,000. With many coaches and travel expenses it was greatly appreciated. The chess is very serious, but when it’s done it was fun hanging out with friends and parents thanks to them. The group of players I was assigned were hard working and cooperative. We didn’t win any team medals, but we fought hard and won some nice games. Thanks to Emily, Joshua, Michael, Apurva, Kadhir, Josiah and Ben for making my job easy. Next year’s tournament will be played in Maribor, Slovenia. I wish all of our kids the best of luck, keep playing and studying! See you all in Maribor!

.

Read more USCF reporting from Brazil on Chess Life Online, November archives, including Andrea Rosen’s “Sucesso in Brazil” where she wraps-up the World Youth and declares it “Sucesso” even beyond fantastic quantifiable achievements such as Liang's gold medal.

2011 World Youth Championship At A Glance Date: November 17-27, 2011 Location: Caldas Novas, Brazil U.S. Results: Under 8 Girls: 6 points—Kaavya Ramesh, Naomi Bashkansky, Chenyi Zhao; Under 8 Open: 71⁄2 points—Awonder Liang, 61⁄2 points (GOLD)—David Peng, 6 points—Brian Gu, 51⁄2 points—Ben Rood, 5 points—Josiah Stearman, Ethan Joo, Aydin Turgut, 41⁄2 points—Jason Metpally, Ajay Krishnan, 4 points—Arman Baradaran Hosseini, Nguyen Dang Minh; Under 10 Girls: 6 points—Annie Wang, 51⁄2 points—Emily Nguyen, Katherine Davis, Devina Devagharan, 4 points—Sadia Qureshi; Under 10 Open: 7 points—Ruifeng Li (SILVER), Tianming Xie, 61⁄2 points—Albert Lu, 6 points—Tanuj Vasudeva, John Burke, 51⁄2 points—Michael Wang, Bovey Liu, Marcell Szabo, Thomas Knoff, 41⁄2—Nicolas Checa, 4 points—Brandon Nydick; Under 12 Girls: 61⁄2 points—Mariya Oreshko, Agata Bikovtseva, 6 points—Simone Liao, 51⁄2 points—Kimberly Ding, 5 points—Maggie Feng; Under 12 Open: 7 points—Jeffrey Xiong, 6 points—Cameron Wheeler, 51⁄2 points—Kesav Viswanadha, Michael Chen, Allan Beilin, 5 points—Jonathan Chiang, 41⁄2 points— Andrew Tang, 4 points—Kadhir Pillai; Under 14 Girls: 7 points—Sarah Chiang, 51⁄2 points—Rachel Gologorsky, 41⁄2 points—Lillia Poteat, Apurva Virkud; Under 14 Open: 61⁄2 points—Kevin Wang, Varun Krishnan, 6 points—Michael Bodek, 51⁄2 points—Justus Williams, Jarod Pamatmat, Michael Brown, Tommy He; 41⁄2 points—James Black, 4 points—Jialin Ding, Joshua Colas; Under 16 Girls: 5 points— Jessica Regam, 41⁄2 points—Rochelle Ballantyne; Under 16 Open: 41⁄2 points—John Hughes; Under 18 Girls: 5 points—Emily Tallo; Under 18 Open: 6 points—Eric Rosen, 5 points—Michael Vilenchuk. Full results can be found here: http://www.wycc2011.com/ Coaching Staff: —IM Armen Ambartsoumian, GM Joel Benjamin, GM Nick de Firmian, GM John Fedorowicz, FM Aviv Friedman, FST Michael Khodarkovsky, IM Andranik Matikozyan, GM Sam Palatnik, GM Yury Shulman, GM Gennady Zaitchik.

uschess.org

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2011 K-12

Perfect scores abound in Texas, led by 12-year-old Christopher Wu, with 17-year-old Matthew Dahl taking top honors in the National K-12 Championships. By JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM

f all the youths who’ve competed in the National K-12 Championships over the years, few have matched the accomplishments of 12year-old Christopher Wu. Ever since he first came on the chess scene as a young tyke in 2004, Christopher has won first place at the K-12 Championships on four different occasions—and three times he did so with perfect scores. The first perfect score took place when Christopher competed in his National K12 Championship as a kindergartner in 2004. He accomplished the feat again in 2005 as a first-grader. Over the past few years, he never finished the grade-level competition in less than second place, and he won first place for a third time in 2009 with 6 1⁄2 points—just a half point shy of a perfect score. Now a seventh grader at Walter R. Satz School in Holmdel, New Jersey, this past fall, Christopher regained his status as undefeated champion in his section of the National K-12 Championships, held 36

Chess Life — February 2012

November 18-20 at the opulent Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, by securing his third perfect score of 7 points at the national scholastic tournament. Even though he was the highest-rated player in his section, which he entered with an official rating of 2256, Christopher says achieving a perfect score during this last goround was more difficult than a simple calculation of the odds might suggest. “A lot of people think that it is very easy for the top seat to win first place,” Christopher told Chess Life. “However, it is actually harder if you are the first seat. You're expected to win first place and beat everyone else ... and if I don't it will be a disappointment.” At the time of the tournament, Christopher was a full 120 rating points higher than the second-highest-rated player, Andrew Liu, whom he defeated in an exciting round six game that is annotated on page 38. Only one other youth in the seventh grade section had cleared the 2000 rating threshold. Christopher wasn’t the only youth who finished the 2011 K-12 Nationals as a sole victor with a perfect score.

The others who achieved perfect scores were fifth-grader Christopher Chen, of Texas; third-grader Marcus Ming Miyasaka, of New York; and first-grader Aryaman Bansal, of Texas. The top honor went to 17-year -old Matthew Dahl, a senior at Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Though one point shy of a perfect score, Dahl emerged as the sole victor in the 12th grade section, thereby securing a four-year scholarship to the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). “It’s a great opportunity for chess players to get a full-ride to college and really continue their chess careers beyond the high school level,” said Chief Tournament Director Jonathan David Shacter. “The USCF really appreciates having UTD provide that for the students.” Dahl, a student of Life Master Victor Adler, told Chess Life he plans to accept the scholarship and study business at UTD. The K-12 Championship, he said, was really tough. “A lot of games I got really lucky in,” Dahl said, recounting one game in which he and his opponent agreed to a draw uschess.org

PHOTOS: JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM

Matthew Dahl wins, and plans to accept, a four-year scholarship to the University of Texas at Dallas.

when Dahl had only one second on his clock and his opponent had five seconds. Although chess is a big part of the culture at UTD, Jim Stallings, Director of the Chess Program at UTD, told the youths that there are easier ways to get into the university than battling it out on the chessboard: “And that is through good academics,” Stallings told the youths. “We have far, far more scholarships for good academics. So just because we only give out one scholarship here today doesn’t mean you can’t get an academic scholarship.” Judging by his sheer dominance at the K-12 Championships over the years, Christopher, a student of GM Alexander Shabalov, seems well-positioned to collect the UTD scholarship should he decide to compete for it as a high school senior in 2016. Asked how he won so many K-12 Championships at such an early age, Christopher attributed his success to natural talent and a simple love for the game. “Ever since I started playing, I have enjoyed the game and thought it was interesting,” Christopher said. “There was also a natural talent involved. uschess.org

Christopher Wu: His fourth first K-12 first-place finish and third perfect score.

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37

2011 K-12

Coach Tim Tusing of Oak Hall School in Gainesville, Florida: “We just have a nice family network that sticks together and helps support me and support chess.” Left to right, with Tusing: Kindergartners Hailey Griffis, Emory Ezzell, Will Guan, Aryaman Sriram, Rikhil Venkataperumal.

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Modern Defense (B06) Christopher Wu (2256) Andrew Liu (2136) National K-12 Championships, Round 6 Notes by Wu 1. e4 g6

I prepared against this.

2. d4 d6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Be3 a6 5. Bd3 e6 6. Nf3

I wasn't sure if my setup was good, because it blocks the f- and c-pawns. 6. ... Ne7 7. Qd2 h6

Stops Bh6 but now he can’t castle.

8. h4

Maybe playing for h4-h5.

8. ... Nd7 9. 0-0

Castling queenside he could play ... b7-b5 and ... c7-c5 and open up the queenside, weakening my king.

9. ... b6

If 9. … b5 then I could attack with 10. a4 and break open the queenside. 10. Ne2 Bb7 11. Nh2

Opening up the c- and f-pawns.

11. ... Nf6 12. Ng3 c5 13. c3 Nd7?

Why does he go back?

14. h5 g5?!

Not sure if this is necessary; he could just leave the pawn structure as it is. This allows the f2-f4 lever. 15. Bc2 (see diagram top of next column)

Defending d4 to prepare for f2-f4 (15. f4 gxf4 16. Bxf4 e5 17. Be3 cxd4 18. cxd4 exd4 19. Bf4 Ne5). 15. ... e5!

He has to play this to stop f2-f4 to uschess.org

PHOTO: COURTESY OF TIM TUSING

“Some people are good at certain things, and other people are good at different things. I just happen to have a natural talent for chess, and that is how I got so good when I was young.” On a more specific level, Christopher credits his various K-12 Championship victories over the years to the fact that he always gets a good rest before each game and regularly reviews his openings. At larger tournaments, he occasionally reviews opponents’ games as well. “But, by far, the most important thing I do that helps me succeed is that I always focus as hard as I can, every round at the board,” Christopher said. “Even if I’m exhausted, I keep pushing at the board, and sometimes can salvage a win out of a losing position.” Here are notes from Christopher’s round-six game against Andrew Liu; he says. “Strength wise, this was the hardest game to play because my opponent was the strongest.”

r+-wqk+-tr +l+nsnpvlpzp-zpp+-zp +-zp-+-zpP -+-zPP+-+ +-zP-vL-sNPzPLwQ-zPPsN tR-+-+RmK-

r+-+-trk+ +lwq-+pvlpzp-+-+-zp +-+pzpPzpP -+-zPP+-+ +L+-vL-+PzP-wQ-+P+ +-+R+RmK-

After 15. Bc2

After 23. gxf5

break open the center.

24. dxe5 Qxe5 25. exd5 Qg3?

16. Rad1

Thinking about cracking open the d-file.

16. ... Qc7 17. Bb3

Aiming for the f7-weak spot so he can’t castle queenside (17. dxc5 dxc5 and not much play on the d-file. 18. Qd6 Rc8). 17. ... Nf6?

Goes back again to try to attack pawns.

18. f3 0-0

Brings his king to relative safety so that he can try something in the center. 19. Ng4 Nxg4

He doesn’t really have a choice. (19. ... Rad8 20. Nxh6+ [20. Bxg5 hxg5 21. Qxg5 also a possibility] 20. ... Bxh6 21. Bxg5 Bg7 22. h6 Bh8 23. Bxf6 Bxf6 24. Nh5 Bh8 25. Qg5+ Ng6 26. Qxg6+). 20. fxg4 cxd4?!

A bad move, he has to play 20. ... c4 to lock out my key bishop. 21. cxd4 d5?

Looks good, but White is better developed so any center break is bad for Black. 22. Nf5

Getting the knight out of the queen’s range. 22. ... Nxf5

Pretty much forced because I can take out his good bishop and have some sacrifice ideas. 23. gxf5 (see diagram top of next column 23. ... Bf6

Has to stop the powerful f6 from trapping is bishop. (23. ... dxe4 24. f6 Bh8 25. Bxg5 hxg5 26. Qxg5+ Kh7 27. Be6 Bc8 28. Rc1; 23. ... Rfe8 24. f6 Bf8 25. exd5 e4 26. Rf5 White is still better because of more space and potential sacs on g5; 23. ... Rad8 24. f6 Bh8 25. dxe5 dxe4 26. Bd4). uschess.org

Maybe a better defense could have been offered. 25. ... Qd6 blockades the pawn and keeps on applying pressure. 26. Bd4 Bd8 27. Qc3 Qh4

Trying to come up with something.

28. Bg7

Not the most precise, but I felt the endgame was winning after 28. ... Rc8 29. Qd4 Qxd4+ 30. Bxd4. 28. ... b5?

No better is 28. ... Re8 29. Bh8 f6 30. Bxf6 Bxf6 31. Qxf6. 29. Bxf8 Bb6+ 30. Bc5 Rc8 31. Bxb6 Rxc3 32. bxc3 Qg4

A little better is 32. ... g4, but he is still lost. 33. Rd4. 33. Rde1 Kh7 34. f6, Black resigned.

White is completely winning since when his rook arrives on e7 his bishop can check on c2 and eventually he will double up on the e-file and play Re8. Many parents of children who competed in the K-12 Championships in Dallas this year said they believe strongly in the benefits of hired coaches. Dilesh Bansal, a management consultant in Dallas and father of first-grade, first-place winner Aryaman Bansal, is not one of them. “I have strong opinions on this, and I have surveyed so many chess parents here in Dallas so I will say this,” Bansal said. “For my son, Aryaman, I self coach.” He relates that he hired three different coaches on different occasions, paying them each for about two or three lessons for Aryaman. “But I did not find value for money in them at $50 an hour,” Bansal said. “Using tactics books, online video lessons is much better.” Whatever one thinks about Bansal’s disdain for hired chess coaches, the fact remains that his son not only took first place in the first grade section, but did so by achieving a perfect score.

Bansal’s father estimates that in the past year, Aryaman has spent about 300 hours on study, another 300 hours at or traveling to tournaments, and about 200 hours of “just fun play-chess-at-home time.” “This last part does not contribute to chess, and is just poor discipline on our part,” Bansal explains apologetically. In his peer group, Bansal’s son is a relative rarity in that his only coach is his dad. “Almost all my son’s chess friends have coaches weekly, though,” Bansal said. Below is an annotated game from round six between Bansal’s son and Rishith Susarla. “I think this game was pretty good,” Bansal said. “Short, dynamic, full of tactics and counterplay, with some instructive tactical errors from both sides.” The father and son regularly review Aryaman’s games together. “Any lines missed we look through using Fritz,” Bansal says of the computer-based chess program. “The commentary is all what my son says, and I type it up in Fritz for him, mostly to remember what was going through his mind while he played the game.” Elephant Gambit (C40) Aryaman Bansal (1413) Rishith Susarla (1422) National K-12 Championships, Round 6 Notes by Bansal 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 Bd6

He plays an opening that I don't know!

4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Bb5+ c6 6. dxc6 bxc6 7. Bc4 0-0 8. 0-0 e4

rsnlwq-trk+ zp-+-+pzpp -+pvl-sn-+ +-+-+-+-+L+p+-+ +-sN-+N+PzPPzP-zPPzP tR-vLQ+RmKAfter 8. ... e4

9. Nd4?

My best move is 9. Ng5 Bxh2+ 10. Kxh2 Ng4+ 11. Kg1 Qxg5 (11 ... Qd6 12. g3?? Qh6) 12. d4 Qh5 13. Bf4. 9. ... Bxh2+ 10. Kxh2 Qxd4

My opponent missed the Greek-gift mating line. 11. d3 Qe5+ 12. g3 Ng4+?

Too late for the Greek gift; there is no

Chess Life — February 2012

39

2011 K-12 more mate threat (12. ... Bg4 bishop could own the weakened light-square complex 13. Qd2 Qh5+ 14. Kg1 Bf3 leads to mate). 13. Kg2 Qh5? 14. Rh1

Now his queen is under fire!

14. ... Qe5 15. Qe2 Re8 16. dxe4 Qc5 17. Be3!

rsnl+r+k+ zp-+-+pzpp -+p+-+-+ +-wq-+-+-+L+P+n+ +-sN-vL-zPPzPP+QzPK+ tR-+-+-+R After 17. Be3

With the idea of baiting his knight to get an open file against f7. 17. ... Nxe3+ 18. fxe3 Nd7 19. Raf1 Ne5 20. Bb3 Bg4

An overloaded knight and a free f7-pawn.

21. Bxf7+! Kh8??

The decisive blunder giving a mate in two. Check-Sac-Mate! 22. Rxh7+ Kxh7 23. Rh1+, Black resigned.

Though not everyone believes in hired coaches, it’s hard to make a case against private lessons when you consider the success of the students of NorCal House of Chess instructor Ted Castro. Three of his students won first place at the K-12 Championships, and many others would have done better were it not for the fact that they had to play each other. In the kindergarten section of this year’s K-12 Championships, one of Castro’s students, Maurya Palusa, of Fremont, California, tied for first place. Another student, Rayan Taghizadeh, won first place in the fourth grade section, and boosted his rating from 1970 to 1984. “This is his third national title,” Castro says of Rayan, who also finished first with a perfect score at the National K-12 Championships in 2009. More recently, he finished first place with a perfect score in the 11-and-under section of the National Junior Congress Championships in Santa Clara, California last October. “Both he won convincingly and won clear first,” Castro says. At the most recent National K-12 Championships, the only thing that stopped Rayan from achieving a perfect score was a round six draw against the higher-rated Praveen Balakrishnan, who dropped slightly at the K-12 Championships, from 2031 to 2029. 40

Chess Life — February 2012

When Praveen drew in the seventh round, too, it enabled Rayan to finish with clear first at 61⁄2 points to Praveen’s 6 points. Rayan and Praveen—who have become friendly rivals—both represented the United States and finished with seven out of 11 points at the World Youth Chess Championships in Greece (held in 2010) and finished 22nd and 21st place, respectively. Both youths plan to compete at the World Youth Chess Championships set to take place this November in Maribor, Slovenia. Another one of Castro’s students, Vignesh Panchanatham, tied for first in the sixth grade section at this year’s National K-12 Championships. Like Rayan, Vignesh won clear first at the National Junior Congress Championships, even though he played up in the 13-and-under section. He also finished ninth at the 2010 World Youth Chess Championships in Greece, and, like Rayan, plans to compete at the World Youth in Slovenia this year. Castro notes that 20 of his other students also fared well in various sections at the K-12 Championships. “In the sixth grade section, five out of the top ten are my students and unfortunately had to play against each other,” Castro said. “In the final round, Vignesh had to play another student of mine, Kevin Moy, who also did pretty well in that tournament. Two of my students—Jeffrey Tao and Kevin Moy—who ended up in the top five, only lost to Vignesh.” The K-12 Championships were about far more than just wins and losses. It was largely about learning. As youths played out their games in the various ballrooms on the ground floor of the hotel, dozens of chess educators from across the country—including this writer —gathered for the 2nd George Koltanowski Memorial Conference on Chess and Education (see story on page 42). Just outside the chess and education conference, members of the University of Texas at Dallas team set up a table and made themselves available to play matches with youths or go over their tournament games. “Priceless,” said Robert Friedlander, when asked what he thought of the fact that his two sons, Benjamin, 7, and Justin, 5, were able to go over their games with UTD chess team player Daniel Gater (2174), a freshman majoring in economics and pre-med. “We’re kind of here on our own without a coach,” Friedlander said. “Our coaches are involved with a tournament in Arizona. Our coaches are very upset they could not travel with us to help the boys during their tournament in Dallas.” Gater—in an interview with this writer’s daughter, Hadiyah Abdul-Alim, 10, who also competed in the K-12 Champi-

onships for the experience—said he enjoyed making himself available to help the young players improve. “I like looking at games, looking at what they did, and I like to have something to offer them,” Gater said. Gater had plenty to offer young Benjamin, including some tips on how he could have taken a strong position and made it even stronger in a game that he was clearly winning. “He’s really tied down,” Gater said of Benjamin’s opponent. “I don’t know if it’s clear you can checkmate him by force, but you’ve got some good stuff going on.” But instead of moving his queen to e6, Ben played queen to f3, traded away a bishop that he had positioned on a “very dangerous diagonal,” and missed an opportunity to gain tempo and a better position with a check. Still, with Black’s king stuck in the center, Gater said, Benjamin did a good job of “trading off all the pieces that were defending his king.” “So now you need to get the rest of your attacking pieces in,” Gater said. But in a series of trades, Benjamin mistakenly left his king vulnerable to a stunning back-rank checkmate, a lastchance opportunity to win that his otherwise losing opponent saw and seized. “Black got really lucky,” Gater told Benjamin. “No one likes to lose like this.” The K-12 Championships aren’t always about scoring the most points as an individual. Sometimes, it’s about scoring the most points as a team. One person who knows something about putting together a good chess team is Tim Tusing, chess coach at Oak Hall School in Gainesville, Florida, which won first-place team trophies in the kindergarten and first-grade sections after they scored 101⁄2 and 13 points, respectively. The winning Oak Hall first-grade team members were Nicholas Dang, Avery Bernstein, and Frederick Huang. The kindergartners were Richard Ezzell, Aryaman Sriram, and Hailey Griffis. Tusing, their coach, is a military aircraft parts broker by day and front man in a fledgling Florida-based rock band called Radio Ghost by night. “You gotta be a front man if you’re going to be a chess coach,” Tusing said after he and his kindergarten and firstgrade students collected their first-place team trophies. Chess is serious business at Oak Hall School. “We do chess club four days a week,” Tusing said. “Kids do a lot of puzzles, a lot of homework, a lot of private lessons.” The average chess student at Oak Hall, he said, puts in up to two hours of study per day. Computer programs aren’t a

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part of the chess team. Tusing says previous awards won by Oak Hall students help motivate current students to win. “They see what the other kids have done,” Tusing said. “That’s a good confidence builder.” Parents play a major role, too. “We just have a nice family network that sticks together and helps support me and support chess,” Tusing said.

At tournaments such as the K-12 Championships, Tusing says, he has students ask themselves a series of basic questions before every move. “There is a list of ‘idiot’ questions that they ask,” Tusing said. “Like, ‘Can he take my queen?’ ‘Can he checkmate me?’ ‘Can I checkmate them?’” Evidently, asking the “idiot questions” has its rewards.

.

The USCF was deeply saddened to learn of the death of K-12 participant 17-yearold Quinton Smith from Lubbock, Texas. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. For information, including a link to a memorial fund, please see main.uschess.org/content/view/11492/3 19/. For scholarship information, please see main.uschess.org/content/view/ 8164/131.

2011 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship At A Glance Date: November 18-20, 2011 Location: Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas Chief Tournament Director: Jonathan David Shacter Top Finishers: 12th grade—1st, 6: Matthew Dahl, 2nd-4th, 51⁄2: Ben Gershenov, Jason Altschuler, Zhou Fang; 11th grade—1st, 61⁄2: Christopher Heung, 2nd, 6: Kevin Chandra; 10th grade—1st, 61⁄2: Sam Schmakel, 2nd-3rd, 51⁄2: Derek Chang, Eve Zhurbinskiy; 9th grade—1st, 61⁄2: Bryan Hu; 2nd, 6: Tyler Rhodes; 8th grade—1st, 61⁄2: Mika Brattain, 2nd-3rd, 51⁄2: Andy Shao, Akshay Malhotra; 7th grade—1st, 7: Christopher Wu, 2nd, 6: Andrew Liu; 6th grade—1st-2nd, 61⁄2: William Graif, Vignesh Panchanatham; 5th grade—1st, 7: Christopher Chen, 2nd, 6: Rishi Rajendran; 4th grade—1st, 61⁄2: Rayan Taghizadeh, 2nd-3rd, 6: Praveen Balakrishnan, Dante Peterson; 3rd grade—1st, 7: Marcus Miyasaka, 2nd-5th, 6: Akshita Gorti, Maanav Ganthapodi, Akash Vijay, Anirudh Ganesh; 2nd grade—1st-6th, 6: Christopher Shen, Daniel Levkov, Rohan Suryawanshi, Constantine Oskiper, Corwin Cheung, Luke Robitaille; 1st grade—1st, 7: Aryaman Bansal, 2nd-4th, 6: Rishith Susarla, James Cooper, Milind Maiti; Kindergarten—1st-2nd, 6: Chinguun Bayaraa, Maurya Palusa. 12th grade team—1st-2nd, 14: Solomon Schechter Westchester, University High; 11th grade team—1st, 151⁄2: Plano East High School, 2nd, 15: Horace Mann; 10th grade team— 1st, 141⁄2: Westwood, 2nd-3rd, 121⁄2: St. John’s School, Hanna High School; 9th grade team—1st, 15: Catalina Foothills High School, 2nd, 13: Trinity Prepatory School; 8th grade team—1st, 14: I.S. 318, 2nd, 10: Canyon Ridge Middle School; 7th grade team—1st, 131⁄2: Hunter College Campus School, 2nd, 2nd, 13: I.S. 318; 6th grade team—1st, 14: Canyon Vista Middle School, 2nd, Quail Valley Middle School; 5th grade team—1st-2nd, 131⁄2: Scicore Academy, Dalton; 4th grade team—1st-3rd, 121⁄2: Dalton, Aspen Elementary, Skaggs Elementary; 3rd grade team—1st, 17: Universal Academy, 2nd, 151⁄2: Dalton; 2nd grade team—1st-2nd, 141⁄2: Scicore Academy, Columbia Grammar; 1st grade team—1st, 13: Oak Hall, 2nd, 12: Dalton; Kindergarten team—1st, 101⁄2: Oak Hall, 2nd, 10: Dalton.

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Chess Life — February 2012

41

Education

Reaching the Next Level The Second Koltanowski International Conference on chess and education By DR. TIM REDMAN

fter a ten-year interval, Kolty 2 was held Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, in conjunction with the National K-12 Championship. A lot has happened in the field of chess and education in the last ten years. Joseph Eberhard, in one of the two talks in plenary session on Friday afternoon, described a key change: “Neuroscience is taking us to the next level.” He observed that cognitive neuroscience is helping us understand how people learn, but he also challenged: “Can we now use neuroscience to better understand affective development?” Dr. Eberhard was one of the returning veterans. His talk in 2001 was on the benefit of chess instruction for economically disadvantaged children. In his talk at the one-day Chess in Education workshop held in conjunction with the U.S. Open in Oakbrook, Illinois, in 2006, his thinking had evolved. There he suggested a change in the language of the claims we are making for chess, from “chess makes you better in math, reading, etc.” to “chess develops the thinking skills that are at the foundation of improvement in math and reading.” At Kolty 2 he said simply: “Much has been learned about how we learn.” This discussion about neuroscience

A

started at Kolty 1. In an essay based on their talk, William Bart and Michael Atherton gave an introduction to the neuroscientific basis of chess playing and provided fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans that were published in the conference book, Chess and Education: Selected Essays from the Koltanowski Conference. At Kolty 2, Stephen Lipschultz spoke on “Advances in Cognitive and Neurosciences: the Impact on Educational Chess.” Acknowledging that he is a physi-

to find skill transfer—that learning chess will help student performance in math, reading, science, and social science. With some limited evidence to support the benefit of chess on reading (Margolies, Rifner) which is my own area of interest, nothing has been found to demonstrate that domain mastery in chess transfers to other academic areas. Anecdotal evidence abounds and we teachers can see the benefits of chess for our students, but scientific evidence is lacking. So concluded several papers from both Koltanowski conferences. The United States has a proud tradition of local control of schools so research is needed to make the case for chess one school district at a time. We don’t have a national ministry of education. And yet, Dr. Lipschultz pointed out, we are confronted by the absolutely terrifying data on low socio-economic status children who enter school with deficient language skills. As David Barrett pointed out in his study about “Using Chess to Improve Math Achievement for Students Who Receive Special Education Services,” the gap, as registered on the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) exam widens as time goes on. The gap between the special education students and the overall student score for math is

“More artists fail for lack of character than for lack of intelligence.”

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Chess Life — February 2012

~EZRA POUND

cian not a neuroscientist, Dr. Lipschultz then proceeded to give a bravura summary of the current state of cognitive neuroscience with particular emphasis on chess. Although he said that there is not much science to support our claims that chess helps with reading and math skills, he pointed to a promising area of research that could demonstrate the educational benefits of chess. Until now, the Holy Grail of research in chess and education has been the attempt

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-6.0 in third grade growing to -35.4 in eleventh grade. We could expect the same worsening problem in other areas. Economically disadvantaged students begin their education with poor “cultural capital,” the subject of another university conference on chess and education held in Aberdeen, Scotland, a few years ago and covered in Chess Life. These students begin the game giving rook odds. Dr. Lipschultz believes that poverty affects brain development in a potentially reversible way. The single most important new approach coming out of Kolty 2 has to do with the potential benefit of chess not on skill transfer but on improved “executive functions.” Inhibition, what we call self control, positively affects life success in areas such as health and wealth. To the extent that chess can improve metacognition, impulse control, planning, and restraint, it can be of great benefit to children. David MacEnulty’s talk on “Preparing Children for Tournament Play” had nothing to do with openings, middlegames, or endgames and everything to do with psychological preparation. After regaling the audience with a number of horror stories from his experience as a coach—intimidating behavior before the game and during the game, breaking rules, and other examples of unethical behavior, not just on the part of the children playing, but also on the part of parents, coaches, and tournament directors—he explained how he prepared uschess.org

his students to deal with these obstacles. David’s approach is to highlight the primacy of character in his preparation. Dr. Teresa Parr presented the most tangible evidence of the promise contained in this new approach in her talk “Exploring the Malleability of Executive Control.” After touching on the problems with existing research in chess and education, she narrowed her focus to exploring the question: How and why does chess have its impact? She and her colleagues have just received a million-dollar grant from the Department of Education to explore the impact of chess on beneficial character traits, grouped under the umbrella term “executive control.” These include habits promoted through chess such as metacognition (thinking about thinking), inhibition versus impulsivity (consider the “touchmove” rule), and immediate feedback on hypotheses tried over the board. Funding agencies don’t want to hear about chess, she advised, thus the indirect approach taken. Her work, aside from the promise of its research, inaugurates a new rhetorical basis for arguing for the benefits of chess, an approach advocated by Dr. Eberhard five years ago. [See Dr. Root’s interview with Dr. Parr in this issue.] Of course, Fernando Moreno has been saying this for some years now. He spoke about the perspective from counseling, and how he uses chess metaphors to help students make good life choices. Dmitry Schneider spoke about chess and finance

and specifically about how skills and character formation acquired through chess transfer into the world of investment banking. To remind us that Kolty 2 was an academic conference, not a cheerleading convention, University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) undergraduate Saheli Nath reported on “The Effects of Playing Chess on Selfesteem: A Case-Control Pilot Study.” Her project was funded through a scholaraward by the UTD Office of the Vice President for Research and it was supervised by Dr. Alexey Root. The group studied consisted of forty college students ages 18-40 divided into chess players and non chess players (experimental and control groups) and it concluded that there were no significant differences between the self-esteem scores of the two groups. Julie Blasingame disagreed, arguing that chess builds self-esteem. Returning to the increasing importance of neuroscience in chess and education, three cognitive psychologists from the University of Texas at Dallas, James Bartlett, Amy Boggan, and Daniel Krawczyk, spoke about their work. UTD Chess Program Director James Stallings approached Professor Krawczyk after hearing him talk about brain health and suggested that he use chess in his research. UTD has two centers, The Center for Brain Health and the Center for Vital Longevity whose research interests can coincide with interests in chess and education. With an assist from IBM executive Rodney Thomas, the Chess Life — February 2012

43

Education chair of the Chess Program Advisory Board at the University, the research went forward. Professor Bartlett gave a general orientation to their work on face recognition, UTD Ph.D. student Amy Boggan explained how chess is an area particularly suited for this kind of study, and Professor Krawczyk gave a detailed explanation of brain function and chess perception. Dr. Krawczyk noted that “chess is a very emotional game” and Dr. Bartlett confirmed that “emotional-affective systems play a critical role in chess.” A traditional subject of discussion in the field of chess and education—chess as social good—was also prevalent. Texas Chess Association President Clemente Rendon gave an uplifting talk about how chess made a difference in Brownsville County, Texas, one of the poorest counties in the United States. He correctly pinpointed the rhetorical interest in the Brownsville story on the part of the national media as the timeless appeal of the underdog. Kevin O’Connell in the second plenary session presented an account of the runaway success of the scholastic chess program in Turkey. Professor Charles Moura Netto of Brazil gave a moving presentation about the use of chess in prisons in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo. Noting a partnership between the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá’s pro-chess pedagogical program and the State Secretary of Justice to place chess in prisons in Espirito Santo, Professor Netto described a classic win-win outcome. The scholastic program developed cognitive ability in students and the prison program reduced prisoner violence and aimed to reduce the rate of recidivism. UTD Senior Lecturer Tom Lambert assisted with a simultaneous translation from and into Spanish for Professor Netto.

When the essential funding for the Kolty 2 Conference was in place, Dr. Alexey Root approached UTD alumnus Clemente Rendon about additional support. As a result, the Texas Chess Association provided significant funding. We decided that those funds would be best used for Texas teachers. As a result, and due to Dr. Root’s efforts, four ninety-minute sessions on Friday (so teachers could get excused participation) were available to provide six-hour potential clock hours for Texas gifted and talented teachers (G/T). The sessions were comprised of 45 minutes on the nature and needs of G/T Learners, 45 minutes for creativity and instructional strategies, 90 minutes for social and emotional needs, 90 minutes for differentiated curriculum, and 90 minutes for identification and assessment. The latter session was a plenary session in which Dr. Eberhard presented his ideas (see above) and Dr. Root presented some intriguing lesson plans that will be included in her next book, Thinking with Chess: Teaching Children Ages 5-14, forthcoming from Mongoose Press in October 2012. Frank Brady’s personal memories of Bobby Fischer provided a great close in his keynote address. As you can well imagine, much more of great worth was presented. PDFs of all the talks or powerpoint presentations are available at The University of Texas at Dallas chess website, www.utdallas.edu/ chess/kolty2. George and Leah Koltanowski were dear friends of mine for several decades. I enjoyed reminiscing with Myron and Rachel Lieberman, also their good friends, about stories we recalled. It is fitting that a second Kolty Conference be dedicated to their memory. The Second International Koltanowski

Conference on Chess and Education was sponsored by the U.S. Chess Trust and the University of Texas at Dallas. The U.S. Chess Trust chair, Harold Winston, has been a tireless advocate for the value and importance of this kind of academic conference. As a proud member of the board of the U.S. Chess Trust, I am particularly grateful for its support. Myron Lieberman wrote an article about the Conference that can be found at the Chess Trust website www.uschesstrust. org. The University of Texas at Dallas was an equal sponsor with the Trust. From the outset of the chess program at UTD, Provost Hobson Wildenthal has stressed that the function of a university is not just to field a championship chess team, but to do research, hold conferences, and teach online courses on chess and education. His vision has held, and although we are very proud of the great successes of our chess team, UTD also values the academic side of chess. I have already noted the great value provided by the co-sponsorship of the Texas Chess Association. The U.S. Chess Federation also contributed by providing us with meeting rooms during their national K-12, as they did for Kolty 1 in 2001. I am proud to have served as Conference chair for this second Koltanowski Conference on Chess and Education. But I must emphasize that the entire Conference was an effort by Team UTD. Associate Chair Dr. Alexey Root organized all of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented sessions and chaired several sessions. Associate Chair James Stallings handled all matters of logistics flawlessly, helped by Assistant Chair Luis Salinas. And eleven (11!) UTD students from the chess club and the chess team all volunteered their time to make this event happen. To all, my thanks.

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Chess and the Marshmallow Test The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $1,049,094 to research how chess might help with executive control and, also, with academic achievement. GM Maurice Ashley and Teresa Parr, Ph.D. (photo, left), are part of the research team. The grant’s title is Exploring the Malleability of Executive Control1. Just before I learned of this grant, I read the marshmallow test chapter of Daniel Akst’s We Have Met the Enemy: Self-control in an Age of Excess. In typical experiments, a four-year-old child would be left alone with “a single marshmallow, a pair of marshmallows, and a bell. The experimenter would explain that he had to leave for a bit and that the child would have a choice. If he waited for the adult’s return, he could have the pair of marshmallows. But if he didn’t want to wait, he could summon the grown-up by ringing the bell—in which case he could only have one marshmallow.” Waiting longer for two marshmallows is associated later in life with good grades in school and getting along well with others. Akst wrote, “If self-control is so important for kids, can it be taught? There is every reason to believe that it can. ... Martial arts, music lessons, or other activities requiring sustained attention probably help.” When I read that last sentence, I thought that chess, like martial arts and music, might teach self-control. I interviewed Dr. Parr via e-mail to find out more. 44

Chess Life — February 2012

uschess.org

PHOTO: ALEXEY ROOT

By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM

Are self-control and executive control similar? Executive control is an umbrella term which includes our ability to reason, plan ahead, multi-task or switch between tasks, sustain attention, delay gratification, and make complex decisions. So, depending on how broadly you are using the term ‘self-control,’ you could say that it is an aspect of executive control. What do you hope to find about connections between chess, executive control, and academic achievement? What implications will this research have for chess in schools? Those of us who work in the field have no doubts that broad-based implementation of chess programs across the country would have a dramatic impact on academic achievement. Schools, however, are inundated with such claims, and are looking for evidence before they invest ever-decreasing funds into a program or curriculum. There is a lot of anecdotal and correlational research that supports the benefits of chess as a way of boosting success; however, correlational research can only tell us whether changes in one variable (in this case, chess) are associated with changes in another variable (academic performance). So, in our case, we cannot know with certainty whether other factors cause the relationship we see. Perhaps, for example, the relationship between the coach and the students, rather than playing chess, causes students to study harder. We are interested in whether chess might have its impact by improving executive functions. If that is the case, it would help explain why playing chess seems to impact performance in so many areas. If we can begin to narrow down the mechanisms of change involved, the case for chess in schools is that much stronger. Tell me about how the grant came about, since one of the collaborators is from the University of Cambridge in England. My training is in clinical psychology, so when I became interested in the potential of chess to enhance academic success, I naturally started combing journals to learn more. I found numerous studies from all over the world that reported correlations between playing chess and improvements in academics and behavior. I was intrigued that playing chess seemed to impact subjects not obviously related to chess. Intuitively, we assume that playing chess enhances skills such as planning ahead and focusing which likely uschess.org

leads to improvements in achievement. However, I did not find a single study that directly examined this relationship. Since executive functions is not my area of expertise, a colleague of mine recommended that I talk to Dr. Ellefson, who was, at the time, a faculty member at nearby Virginia Commonwealth University. She specializes in executive functions and curriculum development, so she was the perfect person for me to consult. After several conversations, we began to concoct a plan to conduct this research ourselves. As our study started to take shape, we realized we needed additional expertise, so we reached out to Dr. Serpell at Virginia State University. Dr. Serpell also has expertise in the area of executive functions, but has additional expertise and experience in conducting school-based research in urban settings. Our next goal was to find a school system interested in partnering with us. Fortunately, we found a large urban school system in the mid-Atlantic region willing to work with us. They already had chess programs in some of their schools and a strong commitment to chess, so they were a natural fit. The next step was to find a funding agency. The Department of Education’s Institute for Education Sciences was another good fit. Their mission, as stated on their website, is to provide “rigorous and relevant evidence on which to ground education practice and policy.” We applied to their program on cognition and student learning which focuses on research designed to improve educational practices through the use of advances in cognitive science which matched well with the focus of our study on executive functions. What chess curriculum (software, teacher instruction) will be used with the subjects? We are working with graduate students from Virginia State University and Morgan State University to run the program. They will be using a curriculum designed by GM Ashley and me. The curriculum is based on methods GM Ashley has used for over twenty years. A key component of his approach is the disaggregated teaching method in which complex subjects are broken down into their constituent parts and studied in depth before being taught as a whole. So, for example, participants will work on gaining fluency with each piece before playing a full game. We also include opportunities for students to explore connections between chess and other

Dr. Teresa Parr Dr. Teresa L. S. Parr has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. She has spent years working with families and children of all ages in a variety of therapeutic, educational, medical, and research settings. Dr. Parr’s undergraduate and graduate work was completed at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her clinical internship was completed at the University of North Carolina Medical School at Chapel Hill. Her scholarly writing has been published in book chapters and research articles in the field of psychology. Dr. Parr lives outside of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three children. subjects, as well as activities that might appeal to students with different interests and learning styles. It is important that we provide a uniform experience to all of the students involved in the project, so we have to use a very detailed curriculum and provide rigorous training and oversight. Most chess coaches have other responsibilities which would prohibit their involvement in such a comprehensive project. What roles do you [Teresa] and GM Ashley have in the research? Drs. Serpell and Ellefson and I worked together to write the proposal, and, now, to run the research project. GM Ashley’s primary responsibilities are curriculum design and training. The initial U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences grant is listed at http://ies.ed.gov/funding/ grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1202. Where will Chess Life readers be able to learn more about this research as it progresses? Chess Life readers can follow our progress via our blog at www.mauriceashleychampions.com/researchnews.

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1The program is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through grant R305A1 10932 to the University of Cambridge for an internationally collaborative project between the University of Cambridge, Virginia State University and Ashley-Parr, LLC. The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education, University of Cambridge or Virginia State University.

Chess Life — February 2012

45

Back to Basics

Corporal Aventura’s Borodino

By GM Lev Alburt

At Borodino (September 7, 1812) Napoleon, ill and uncharacteristically overcautious, allowed a Russian army under Kutuzov to escape to fight another day—a sort of chess draw. The winner of this month’s award, Rene Aventura (U.S. Army) filled his annotations with military terms, which I found quite contagious. (My further comments are in italics). Slav Defense (D15) Enrico Balmaceda (2037, U.S. Navy) Rene Aventura (1720, U.S. Army) 2011 U.S. Interservice Chess Championship, 06.15.2011 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 a6

The Slav Defense is not my favorite opening as black in response to 1. d4. I played this Slav simply because it was fashionable in the 2011 All Army Chess Championship held May 15-19. 5. e3 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Qxf3 e6

rsn-wqkvl-tr +p+-+pzpp p+p+psn-+ +-+p+-+-+PzP-+-+ +-sN-zPQ+P PzP-+-zPP+ tR-vL-mKL+R After 7. ... e6

The Navy’s two-bishop advantage is purely academic. 8. cxd5 cxd5 9. Bd3 Nc6 10. 0-0 Bd6 11. Rd1 0-0 12. a3 Rc8 13. Bd2 Bb8 (see diagram top of next column)

Around this time, I was quite happy with my position as all my pieces are developed to reasonable squares. I felt that I had equalized the position. 14. Be1 g6 15. g3 Kg7

My opponent seems to be content with

46

Chess Life — February 2012

-vlrwq-trk+ +p+-+pzpp p+n+psn-+ +-+p+-+-+-zP-+-+ zP-sNLzPQ+P -zP-vL-zPP+ tR-+R+-mKAfter 13. ... Bb8

the passive position after move 14, so I decided to make a weakening move 14. ... g6 in front of my king with the intention of positioning my pawn in support of my pieces to attack first before he can react. Mr. Aventura is quite correct in the assessment of the game and in the chosen plan (to play ... h7-h5). 16. Bf1

At this time, I took a badly needed break, closing my eyes for 25 minutes as my headache was unbearable and the medicine didn’t seem to work. The headache continued to linger with little relief. After the break I made the casual move … Re8. 16. ... Re8 17. Bg2

-vlrwqr+-+ +p+-+pmkp p+n+psnp+ +-+p+-+-+-zP-+-+ zP-sN-zPQzPP -zP-+-zPL+ tR-+RvL-mKAfter 17. Bg2

17. ... Ne7

Signaling my intent to reposition my knight in preparation for an attack against my opponent’s kingside. 18. Qe2 b5 19. Rac1 h5 20. h4 Qd6 21. Na2?!

-vlr+r+-+ +-+-snpmkp+-wqpsnp+ +p+p+-+p -+-zP-+-zP zP-+-zP-zPNzP-+QzPL+ +-tRRvL-mKAfter 21. Na2

At first, I was surprised to see the Sailor’s move, it does not seem right to retreat an active piece during the battle. History check! Navy Admiral Nimitz did not retreat during the Battle of the Midway, General MacArthur retreated to Australia in the Battle of the Philippines. I like 21. Na2, as it allows the activation of the otherwise very passive bishop. The knight could be brought into the fray then. 21. ... Nf5 22. Bb4!

A nice counterattack from the Sailor, taking control of the a3-f8 diagonal. 22. ... Qd7 23. Qe1

-vlr+r+-+ +-+q+pmkp+-+psnp+ +p+p+n+p -vL-zP-+-zP zP-+-zP-zPNzP-+-zPL+ +-tRRwQ-mKAfter 23. Qe1

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23. ... Ng4 24. e4

Suddenly the quiet positional game opens up and becomes very sharp and tactical. 24. ... dxe4 25. Rxc8 Rxc8 26. Bxe4

-vlr+-+-+ +-+q+pmkp+-+p+p+ +p+-+n+p -vL-zPL+nzP zP-+-+-zPNzP-+-zP-+ +-+RwQ-mKAfter 26. Bxe4

26. ... Ba7?

Black should either take the pawn on d4 (why not?) or block it with 26. ... Ne7 and then 27. ... Nf6—eventually, with ... N (either) d5. 27. Bxf5 exf5

A big mistake, paving the way for a winning naval passed pawn. Correct. 27. ... gxf5 weakens the black king’s guard—but White’s strong passer is a greater evil. 28. Bc5?!

My opponent missed the opportunity to take advantage of my mistake. The Sailor was short on time with less than five minutes left on his clock while I had 14 minutes. A better move for White would have been 28. Bc3, grabbing a tempo while solidifying the center. If 28. ... Qd5 then 29. Nb4 followed by f2-f3 and Kg2 with a comfortable position for the Navy. 28. ... Re8!

A fine move by this Soldier, forcing the Sailor’s queen to go to a passive square. The Soldier seized the initiative. 29. Qd2 Bb8

-vl-+r+-+ +-+q+pmkp+-+-+p+ +pvL-+p+p -+-zP-+nzP zP-+-+-zPNzP-wQ-zP-+ +-+R+-mKAfter 29. ... Bb8

30. Nc3

uschess.org

Too slow. White had to play 30. d5 and (if allowed) 31. d6. 30. ... f4!

A key move. The Army intends to use the light squares of the h3-c8 diagonal with the intended target on the g4-square for his powerful queen. Then the weakness on h4 and f4 will tell. The Navy will not be able to mount a counterattack with an extra pawn on d4 quickly enough to deflect the Army’s plan. (31. gxf4 Nf6, followed by ... Qg4+.) 31. Ne2 fxg3 32. Nxg3 Bxg3 33. fxg3 Re3

-+-+-+-+ +-+q+pmkp+-+-+p+ +pvL-+-+p -+-zP-+nzP zP-+-tr-zP-zP-wQ-+-+ +-+R+-mKAfter 33. ... Re3

34. d5

Other moves also lose, e.g. 34. Qg2 (or 34. Kg2) 34. ... Qc7. 34. ... Rxg3+ 35. Kh1 Qf5!

With the threat to mate in three moves.

36. Qe2

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+pmkp+-+-+p+ +pvLP+q+p -+-+-+nzP zP-+-+-tr-zP-+Q+-+ +-+R+-+K After 36. Qe2

36. ... Ne5??

White has 19 seconds left and I have five minutes. I completely missed checkmating Black in three moves. 36. ... Nf2+ 37. Bxf2 Qh3 checkmate (37. Qxf2 Qe4+ 38. Kh2 Qxh4 checkmate). The last checkmate is tricky and difficult to see in time pressure. 37. Bd4 f6 38. Bxe5 fxe5 39. d6 Rh3+ 40. Kg2 Rxh4

At this time I offered a draw to my friendly colleague in the U.S. Armed Forces despite my superior position, but he refused.

41. d7 Qh3+ 42. Kf2 Rf4+ 43. Ke1 Qh1+, Draw agreed.

-+-+-+-+ +-+P+-mkp+-+-+p+ +p+-zp-+p -+-+-tr-+ zP-+-+-+-zP-+Q+-+ +-+RmK-+q Final position

This is the first time in my life that I played a game of chess for more than five hours. I never knew that chess concentration could last this long. All I wanted was to rest my head and I offered him a draw for the second time despite my positional and material advantage and my friend gladly accepted it. The ending would have been 44. Kd2 Rd4+ 45. Kc2 Qc6+ and 46. ... Rxd7, winning. A good chessplayer, like a good Soldier, should train himself to be able to play/fight reasonably well even when sick or tired. Kibitz ... (chess) History check! About twenty years ago British-American Grandmaster Tony Miles played all his games in a super-strong Wijk aan Zee tournament lying on his stomach (due to a serious back injury)—and came in first! But, in fairness, both players can be proud of this game—and learn a lot from it.

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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 — February 2012

47

Endgame Lab

A Master of the Endgame

By GM Pal Benko

GM Gedeon Barcza (1911-1986) 1911 was a good year for grandmaster births. Besides Sammy Reshevsky, Mikhail Botvinnik and Andor Lilienthal, the strong Hungarian GM Gedeon Barcza also entered this world. Champion of Hungary eight times and a member of his country’s Olympic team (among other international successes), he was a mathematics professor who later became editor of the Hungarian chess magazine. As a teacher he left his mark on multiple generations. Endgame students will find his games valuable for study since he was, first of all, an endgame specialist. Barcza Opening (A11) GM Gedeon Barcza GM Vasily Smyslov Moscow Ol, 1956 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 Bf5 (?)

This opening used by GM Barcza (and named after him) often transfers into other systems. The bishop excursion is one of these transpositions, but it is safer to prepare for it with … c6 first. 4. c4 c6 5. cxd5 cxd5 6. Qb3 Qc8 7. Nc3 e6 8. d3 Nc6 9. Bf4 Be7 10. 0-0 0-0 11. Rac1 Qd7 12. e4!

With a significant development advantage, White is correct in opening lines to secure an endgame edge. 12. ... dxe4 13. dxe4 Nxe4 14. Nxe4 Bxe4 15. Ne5 Nxe5 16. Bxe4 Nc6 17. Rfd1 Qc8 18. Qa4 Rd8 19. Rxd8+ Qxd8 20. Bxc6 bxc6 21. Qxc6 h6 22. Be5 Bg5 23. Rc4 Qd1+ 24. Kg2 Rd8 25. Qf3! Qxf3+ 26. Kxf3 Bf6(?)

Trading for White’s strong bishop but weakening his own pawn-structure. Instead 26. ... Rd5 followed by … a7-a5 was more advisable. 27. Bxf6 gxf6

After 27. ... gxf6

the queenside pawn minority, but two other factors demonstrate the inferiority of the black position: Black is unable to create a passed pawn on the kingside because of his doubled pawns, and the king is confined to his feeble h-pawn. 28. ... Rd5 29. b4! Kg7 30. a4 e5

30. ... a5 31. Rc5!

31. b5 Rd1

In case of 31. ... Rd7, 32. a5 followed by b4-b5-b6 and Rb4 wins. 32. Rc7 a6 33. bxa6 Rd4 34. a7 Rxa4 35. Kd3 f5 36. Kc3 Kf6 37. Kb3 Ra1 38. Kb4 Kg5 39. Kb5 Kh5

In time trouble Black realized only after touching the king that 39. ... Kg4 is losing after 40. Rc4+ followed by 41. Ra4. 40. Kb6, Black resigned.

Barcza played very accurately.

Mutual Passed Pawns GM Paul Keres GM Gedeon Barcza Tallin, 1957 (see diagram top of next column) 57. ... Rd6

(see diagram top of next column) 28. Ke3!

Black’s difficulty will mainly be due to

48

-+-tr-+k+ zp-+-+p+-+-+pzp-zp +-+-+-+-+R+-+-+ +-+-+KzPPzP-+-zP-zP +-+-+-+-

Chess Life — February 2012

Black plays carefully. Either 57. ... Kd3 or 57. ... c5 58. Rh8 Rb6 look forceful. 58. Ke2 Kf4

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+p+-+r+ +p+-+p+R -+-+k+-zP +-zP-+-+-+-+-mK-+ +-+-+-+Black to play

Also good was 58. ... f4 59. Rc5 f3+ then after 60. Ke1 Ke3 61. Re5+ Kf4 62. Rc5 Kg3 63. Rf5 Rd3 etc. 59. Rh8 Kg4 60. Rh7 Re6+ 61. Kd3

If 61. Kf2 Re4! followed by 62. ... Rc4 wins. 61. ... f4 62. h5 Kf3 63. h6 c5 64. Rh8

After 64. c4 b4 65. Rh8 b3 66. h7 Re7 wins. 64. ... Rd6+ 65. Kc2 c4 66. Kb2 Re6 67. Ka3 Ke3 68. Kb4 f3 69. h7 Re7 70. Kxb5 f2 71. Rf8 Rxh7 72. Re8+ Kd3 73. Rf8 Rh5+ 74. Kb4 Ke3 75. Re8+ Kf4, White resigned.

Whenever GM Barcza found himself a pawn up, he usually managed to win even theoretically drawn positions. King Misstep Gedeon Barcza Petar Trifunović Budapest, 1948 (see diagram top of next column)

The position is drawn but transferring theory into practice does not always go smoothly. 1. Ke4 Kg3

Either 1. ... Rh8 or 1. ... Rg5 were still playable. This is a draw, but converting theory into practice does not always go smoothly. 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 or drawn position for White. Solutions can be found on page 71. Please e-mail submissions for Benko’s Bafflers to: [email protected]

-+-+-+-+ tR-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+r -+-+-+k+ +-+-mK-+-+-+P+-+ +-+-+-+-

Problem I

O. Pervakov Harold van der Heijden 50 JT, 2010

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-tr +-trk+-+-mK-+R+-+ +-+-+-+p+-+-tR-+ +-vL-+-sN-

Problem II

R. Becker Harold van der Heijden 50 JT, 2010

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+p -+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+l -zpR+-+-+ +-zp-+-+K -+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+k

White to play and win

White to play and draw

-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+N -+-+-+-+ +-+n+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-mK-mk-+-+-zP +-+-+-+-

-+-+-+-+ +-vL-+-+-+-+-+-+ zP-+-+kzpp -+-+-zp-+ +-+-+P+P r+-+-+P+ +-+-+-mK-

White to play

Black to play

White to play

1. Ke4 Kg3

52. Kf3 Nf5 53. Nf8 Kc3 54. Kf4 Nh4 55. Kg3 Nf5+ 56. Kg4 Ne3+ 57. Kg5 Kd4

Rf4 67. Kh3 Kf3 68. Bc7 Rxf5 69. Kxh4 Ke4 70. Bd8 Rb5 71. Bc7 Kf5 72. Bd6 Kg6 73. Bc7 Rb4+ 74. Kh3 Rg4 75. Bd6 Kf5 76. Bc7 Ke4 77. Bd6 Kf3 78. Bc7 Rg1 79. Kh2 Rc1 80. Bb8 Kg4 81. Be5 Rc2+ 82. Kh1 Kh3 83. Kg1 Rc5 84. Bb8 Rg5+ 85. Kf1 Rg4!, White resigned.

Both 1. ... Rh8 and 1. ... Rg5 are playable.

2. Re7 Ra5 3. e3 Kg4??

The losing move as the black king gets pushed to the side of the board. Either 3. ... Rc5, 3. ... Rg5 or even 3. ... Rh5 are good, but 3. ... Rb5? would lose to 4. Rg7+ Kf2 5. Kf4 Rb8 6. Rf7 Rb3 7. Kg4+ Kxe3 8. Rf3+. Computers are required for such finesses. 4. Rg7+ Kh5 5. Kf4 Ra8 6. e4 Kh6 7. Rg1 Kh7 8. Kf5 Ra7

After 8. ... Rf8+ 9. Ke6 Re8+ 10. Kf7 wins. 9. e5 Ra2 10. Kf6 Rf2+ 11. Ke7 Ra2 12. e6 Re2 13. Kf7 Rf2+ 14. Ke8 Ra2 15. e7 Rd2 16. Rg4, Black resigned.

Again, simpler and better was 57. ... Ng2 58. Ne6 Kc4, etc. 58. h4 Ke5 59. h5 Nf5 60. Ng6+ Ke6 61. Nf4+ Ke5? 62. Nd3+ Ke6 63. Nf2 Ke5 64. Ng4+! Ke6

After 64. ... Ke4, 65. Ne3 would quickly win. 65. Kg6 Nh4+ 66. Kg7 Nf5+ 67. Kf8! Kd6

Mutual Zugzwang. If 67. ... Kd5, then again 68. Ne3+! would win. 68. Kf7 Kd7 69. Kf6 Ne7 70. Ne3 Kd6 71. Kf7 Nc6 72. Nc4+ Kd7 73. h6 Nd8+ 74. Kf6 Black resigned.

Since he sees the “Lucena position” 16. ... Rd1 17. Kf7 Rf1+ 18. Ke6 Re1+ 19. Kf6 Rf1+ 20. Ke5 and the coming win.

An Exchange Up GM Jan Hein Donner GM Gedeon Barcza Budapest, 1967

Zugzwang GM Gedeon Barcza Hans-Joachim Hecht Budapest, 1962

(see diagram top of next column)

(see diagram top of next column)

Here 52. Kf3 would be winning but it is Black’s turn. 51. ... Ne3

This is OK since 52. h4 meets 52. ... Nf5+ but 51. ... Kc3 was simpler. uschess.org

53. g4+?

White feared the g5-g4 breakthrough. But, as we will see later, this fear was unfounded. Now Black wins with long, accurate, and instructive play. 53. ... fxg3 e.p. 54. Bxg3 Rxa5 55. Bc7 Ra2 56. Bg3 Ke6 57. Bc7 Rc2 58. Bb8 Kd5 59. Ba7 Ke5 60. Bb8+ Kd4 61. Ba7+ Kd3 62. Bb6 Ke2 63. Kg2 Rc8 64. h4 gxh4 65. f4 Rc4 66. f5

It is useful to be aware of the fact that the position is drawn if the pawn is on h4. Turn back to the above diagram, the right defensive method could have been: 53. Kf1 Ra3

Now after 53. ... g4 54. hxg4+ hxg4 55. g3! fxg3 56. Bxg3 gxf3 57. Bc7 the position is a theoretical draw. 54. Bb6 g4 55. hxg4+ hxg4 56. fxg4+ Kxg4 57. Bf2 Rxa5

GM Barcza proved that this position cannot be won. 58. Ke1

Not 58. Be1?

58. ... Ra1+ 59. Ke2 Rc1

If 59. ... Rh1 then 60. Be1!

60. Kd2! Rh1 61. Ke2 Rh2 62. Kf1 f3 63. Kg1!! Rxg2+ 64. Kf1

And again the so-called “del Rio position” draw appears. This endgame, a valuable addition to endgame theory, was later confirmed by computer.

.

Chess Life — February 2012

49

2011 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX SUMMARY Trophies Plus awards $12,500 in cash prizes in the 2011 Grand Prix!

2011 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of December 28 for the 2011 Grand Prix. All Grand Prix updates are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

Several strong tournament finishes, including the 42nd Annual National Chess Congress and the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis Invitational, helped elevate IM IRINA KRUSH to a current 15th place in the 2011 Grand Prix.

OVERALL STANDINGS NAME 1

CT

GM Mikheil Kekelidze

NY

276.07

GM Alexander Shabalov

PA

205.20

GM Tamaz Gelashvili

6

GM Alexander Ivanov

MA

GM Melikset Khachiyan

CA

IM Enrico Sevillano

CA

IM Justin Sarkar

NY

111.10

GM Varuzhan Akobian

CA

97.33

8 9

10

11

12

GM Alejandro Ramirez

GM Aleksandr Lenderman

GM Mesgen Amanov

13

IM Yury Lapshun

15

IM Irina Krush

14

TX

356.77

4

7

12 ,500

GM Sergey Kudrin

GM Timur Gareyev

5

$

PTS.

2

3

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

STATE

NY

TX

NY IL

NY

NY

290.56

271.60 195.58

174.83

173.28

169.67

127.22

120.76

101.50 93.20

Trophies Plus: IT’S NOT JUST A TROPHY. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT.

IN CASH PRIZES!

Proud sponsor of USCF National Scholastic tournament awards since 1999.

FIRST PRIZE: $5,000!

Proud sponsor of the USCF 2007-2011 All-America Team.

4th: $900 | 5th: $800 6th: $700 | 7th: $600 8th: $500 | 9th: $300 10th: $200 315 W. 1st St., Templeton, Iowa 51463 | 800.397.9993 | www.trophiesplus.com

IRINA KRUSH BY JEFF WEISS

2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000

ChessMagnetSchool.com is the sponsor of the 2011 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by January 4, 2012 are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. 2011 JGP prizes were not available as of press time and will be announced at a later date. The method for calculating points has been modified; see uschess.org for the most up-to-date information. Chess Magnet School provides computer-based online chess training for both adults and children, including those who study independently and those who study under the guidance of a coach or teacher, as well as support for chess coaches and others who teach chess. Chess Magnet School has been a partner with USCF on a number of projects and activities since 2006, and has provided the free program that teaches the rules of chess to newcomers in the “New to Chess” section of USCF’s website. USCF members are invited to learn more about Chess Magnet School at www.ChessMagnetSchool.com.

2011 CHESSMAGNETSCHOOL.COM JUNIOR GRAND PRIX TOP OVERALL STANDINGS Name

KORBA, NICKY SHUBEN, MATTHEW MIZUSHIMA, DEREK ROACH, ANDREW ZHONG, HOWARD BANERJEE, ABHIMANYU KUMAR, ARAVIND SOHAL, TANRAJ S CAO, ALVIN VISWANADHA, KESAV MOTURI, SOUREESH REEDER, CHARLIE PARKER SETIADIKURNIA, SLOAN RICHMAN, JONATHAN LIANG, ADREAM ATTANAGODA, ISURU ADEEPA SCHEIN, AARON O KADAVERU, AJIT WIENER, ALEXANDRA SCHNEIDER, THOMAS G

State CA-S CA-S MD UT OK FL NJ

VA CA-N PA NY WA NY WI VA NY VA CT WI

Pts.

11735 10888 8556 8512 8437 7848 7712 7152 6909 6700 6650 6649 6525 6373 6345 6261 6207 6128 6120 6120

Name

State

YAN, KEVIN CHEN, JASMINE KOENIG, JAKE ZHAO, CHENYI GORTI, AKSHITA QAZI, RAFEH R LUO, MAGGIE CAO, JONATHAN PETERSON, DANTE MOON, KYLE GAN, ERIC MOORTHY, SRINIVAS RAMANUJA ESWARAN, ASHRITHA HAIRAPETYAN, ARMAN LEVKOV, DANIEL TURE, TANER GHATTI, SANJAY SANT, AMIT RIVES, HAL PETERSON, GIA

NY NY MD CA-N VA IL VA VA CA-S NY VA MD CA-N CA-S NY NY GA CA-N NY CA-S

Pts.

6086 6066 5907 5728 5698 5684 5666 5623 5479 5477 5451 5413 5407 5406 5394 5332 5320 5267 5142 5140

In future support of the work of the U.S. Chess Trust, I want to provide for future generations and to ensure the continuity of services by the U.S. Chess Trust. Therefore, I have made provision

I will make provision

to support the U.S. Chess Trust by: making a bequest or endowment provision in my Will creating a charitable remainder or lead trust naming the U.S. Chess Trust as a beneficiary. establishing an endowment or special fund at the U.S. Chess Trust. directing the trustees or directors of my foundation to continue beyond my lifetime making an annual gift to the U.S. Chess Trust. Making an outright gift to the U.S. Chess Trust during my lifetime in the sum of $_____________. This Letter of Intent represents my commitment to the work of the U.S. Chess Trust. It does not represent a legal obligation and may be changed by me at any time. Whatever the amount of your gift, when you leave a legacy for the future of the U.S. Chess Trust, you are an important part of the Promise for Tomorrow. Please send with your name, address, phone, and email contact information and email Barbara DeMaro at [email protected] (845-527-1167)

*Please note that there is a required amount in order to be listed as a Future Legacy Donor. Write or send an email to Barbara DeMaro, [email protected] for this amount. Donations to the U.S. Chess Trust are tax-deductible. A 501(c)(3) organization. BD:08/03

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Chess Life — February 2012

51

Tournament Life

Bids

USCF National Events Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events

SEE TLA IN THIS ISSUE FOR DETAILS 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - South Feb. 17-19 or 18-19 • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North Feb. 17-19 or 18-19 • Northbrook, Illinois 2012 29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West Feb. 18-20 • Santa Clara, California 2012 42nd Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East Championship Feb. 18-20 • Parsippany, New Jersey 2012 U.S. Game/15 Championship Feb. 26 • Albuquerque, New Mexico

Note: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their events.

NOW PAST DEADLINE OF JULY 1, 2011: 2012

U.S. Amateur (North, West)

2012

U.S. Class Championship

2012

U.S. Masters Championship

2012 U.S. Junior Chess Congress March 3-4 • Burlingame, California 2012 National High School (K-12) Championship April 13-15 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 2012 All-Girls National Championships April 20-22 • Chicago, Illinois 2012 National Junior High (K-9) Championship April 27-29 • San Diego, California

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2012: 2013

U.S. Amateur Team Championship (North, South, West)

2013 2013

U.S. Amateur (East, North, South, West) U.S. Senior Open

68th Annual (2012) U.S. Amateur East Championship May 26-28 or 27-28 • Somerset, New Jersey

2013

National Open

2013

U.S. Game 10 Championship

2012 U.S. Amateur South Championship June 9-10 • Memphis, Tennessee

2013

U.S. Game/15 Championship

2012 U.S. Game/10 Championship June 14 • Las Vegas, Nevada

2013

U.S. Game 60 Championship

2012 National Open June 15-17 or 16-17 • Las Vegas, Nevada

2013

U.S. Action G/30 Championship

FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details)

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2013:

2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 11-13 • Nashville, Tennessee

2014

2012 U.S. Senior Open Championship July 9-14 • Houston, Texas

U.S. Senior Open

2012 U.S. Junior Open Championship July 13-15 • Houston, Texas

OVERDUE BIDS

2012 U. S. Open Aug. 4-12 • Vancouver, Washington

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 consi- dered prior to these dates. *USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organize the event itself.

2012 U. S. Game/60 Oct. 27 • Pleasanton, California 2012 U. S. Action Game/30 Oct. 28 • Pleasanton, California 2012 National Scholastic (K-12) Nov. 30-December 2 • Orlando, Florida 2013 SuperNationals V April 5-7 • Nashville, Tennessee 2013 National Scholastic (K-12) December 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2014 National High School (K-12) Championship April 4-6 • San Diego, California 2014 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 9-11 • Dallas, Texas 2014 National Scholastic (K-12) December 12-14 • Orlando, Florida 2015 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee 2015 National Scholastic (K-12) December 5-7 • Orlando, Florida

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

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.

Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised by S and/or C (see below for explanations). QC: Quick Chess events. $$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. $$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised prize fund of $501 or more must be awarded. Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it inconvenient to play may take ½-point byes instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means ½-point byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3.

52

CC: Chess club. EF: Entry fee. Ent: Where to mail entries. FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has 75 minutes for the entire game. GPP: Grand Prix Points available. HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. JGP: Junior Grand Prix.

Chess Life — February 2012

Memb. req’d: Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers to state affiliate. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong players, but some eligible for lower sections can play for the learning experience. Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength players. RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day. Reg: Registration at site.

RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then complete the rest of the game in an hour. SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of rounds). T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. Unr: Unrated. W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. WEB: Tournaments that will use a player’s on-line rating.

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

The Tournament 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. Effective with TLAs submitted after November 10, 2010, the following additional rules apply to Grand Prix tournaments: 1) The guaranteed first prize must be at least $150. 2) No more than one prize under $100 may count towards the Grand Prix point total. 3) Prizes below the maximum entry fee do not count towards the Grand Prix point total. SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: [email protected] (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand Prix information see January 2012 Chess Life pg. 48-49 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 Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, Florida 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - South 5SS, G/120 (2-day option, Rd. 1 G/60). Universal Palms Hotel, 4900 Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Only 10 mins. to the Beach. HR: $69 hotel chess rate expires Dec. 14, then $89 is the hotel chess rate, 954-776-4880. 4-player teams (with one optional alternate). Team average (4 highest ratings - January rating list) must be under 2200. Winning team qualifies for National playoff online. EF per player: $40 by 2/10, $49 later. SPECIAL EF: Team (one entry must be made for all players) $150 by 2/10, $190 later (any team changes $10). Teams from outside Florida will receive $25 off team entry fee. PRIZES:Top 1-3rd place teams; Top class teams: U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1000, U800; Top Senior team (all 50 & above), Top Female team, Top College team (same school), Top High School team (same school), Top Middle School team (same school, grades 6-8), Top Elementary School team (same school); Top Boards 1-4. Schedule: 3-day: 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat. 10; Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:30, 6:45, Sun. 9:30, 2:45. Free parking and Free Internet. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry & add'l info: www.bocachess.com, 561479-0351. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, Illinois 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North One section: Open. Sets-Boards-Clocks provided for USAT only by North American Chess Association. Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2day: rd.1-2 G/60. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062. 847-298-2525. $83.00 chess rate single-doubletriple-quad until 2/3/12, FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET INCLUDED WITH ROOM! Please reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings - January Rating List) must be under 2200. EF: 3-day $140, per team if received USPS or online 6 PM by February 4th, $160 if received USPS or on-line 6 PM by Feb. 14th, $180 on-line until Feb. 16th 6 PM and at door. Individuals wishing to play, send $35 and request to be put on a team by USPS (received by 2/14) or on-line by 2/16 6 PM, $45 thereafter. Team changes on site or after 2/16 6 PM $20. Check out official website www.chessweek end.com for more info and complete prize list. Prizes: Awards to top two teams, top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Award for Best Team Name. Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Prizes to best team composed of juniors (high school and younger-must declare eligibility to win prize). Prizes to top score on each board. Rounds: 3-day: on-site registration/check-in 5:30-6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 10:00am & 4:00pm, 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site registration/checkin from 8:00-9:30am, rds. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Illinois Blitz Championship on Saturday night, $25 received by 2/14 USPS or on-line (2/17), $30 at site. Illinois FIDE titled players get free entry-contact us for more info. First round 8 PM, 2 games with each opponent, 5 rounds, bring sets, clock, & boards for Blitz. See www.chessweek end.com for details. All: Checks made payable to and sent to: Chess Central, 37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031. Please include Team's name and roster (plus ID#s), captain's email and phone number, and desired schedule. Info: www.chessweekend.com, 847-773-7706 before 6 PM. North American Chess Association will provide Sets-Boards-Clocksfor USAT only. Chess Magnet School JGP for US Amateur Team – North, Open Section. Feb. 18-20, California, Northern 29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West (Blitz/Scholastic Feb. 20 only.) Main event: 6SS, 30/90 sd/60. Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking! Hotel: Free Parking! $109 call 800-233-1234 for chess rate. Reserve by Feb. 4 or rates may increase. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest must be under 2200, difference between ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than 1000. January 2012 Supp, CCA min & TD discretion to place players accurately. Main Event Prizes: Exclusive commemoratively inscribed digital clocks to each player and trophy to the team for top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400, and u1200; top “industry” team (all players from the same company), top “family” team (siblings, cousins, parents, uncle/aunts, grandparents), top junior team, and top school team; top scorer on each board (1-4). Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main

uschess.org

Event EF: $188/team or $47/player by 2/14, 2/15-17: $197/team, $56/player, Onsite: $217/team, $66/player. Main Event Sched: Registration: Sat 9:30-10:30am. Rounds: Sat 11:30 5, Sun 11:30 5, Mon 10, 3:30. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usatw12. Scholastic Side Event: 5SS, G/30. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, may be from same or different schools. Jan 2012 Supp, CCA min & TD discretion to place players accurately. Prizes: Trophies to each player in Top 3 teams overall, Top team u900, u800, u700, u600, u500, u400, u300, u200, Top scorer on each board (1-4). EF: $156/team or $39/player by 2/14, 2/15-17: $175/team, $48/player, Onsite: $185/team, $58/player. Registration: Mon 8-9am. Rounds: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usatws12. Blitz Event: Registration Mon 7-8pm, Rounds 8:30-10:30pm. EF: $12. 75% of entry fees returned as prizes. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usatw12. Help in forming teams: a player and see bayareachess.com/events/12/usatw or email teamhelp@Bay AreaChess.com for teams seeking players & players seeking teams. Contact: For all these events, online entry at BayAreaChess.com/my/ usatw12 and contact Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose 95131. T: 408-786-5515. E: [email protected]. NS, NC, W, F. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Feb. 18-20, New Jersey 42nd Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East 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 1-800HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings - 2012 January Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $150 postmarked by 2/5/12. Scholastic teams College and below $145 per team, ALL-$185 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; Special Plaque to Top College (NJ , NY, Pennsylvania), 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 2/18: Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special Events!! Surprises and special give-aways each round. Mystery Guest and special Sunday morning panel on 72 match! Sunday night - Bughouse $20 per team. Cash prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton, chess rates expire 1/16/2012. Rates $119 (up to 4 in room) 2nd hotel now attached to Hilton also up to 4 in room $126 per night-Hampton Inn---includes breakfast for 4 each day. Back up hotel - Sheraton Parsippany-about 2 miles. 973-515-2000. $99 per night. For help forming teams and more information contact: [email protected] or Facebook: ATETeam. 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). No team can include more than two GM's. Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, No registered or certified mail accepted. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 26, New Mexico Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC) 6SS, G/15. University of New Mexico – Student Union Building, Albuquerque, NM 87131. USCF Membership required - available onsite. One section, all players have an opportunity to win a U.S. Championship! $$400-200-100 (B/50) U2400, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200: $100 each, unrated: $50. Higher of regular or quick rating used for prize eligibility. EF: $39. $10 late fee if after 1/23. Free entry to GMs, IMs, and WGMs. Rds.: 6:30pm, 7:10pm, 7:50pm, 8:30pm, 9:10pm, 9:50pm. Up to 2 half point byes upon req. before rd 1. NS NC W. ENT: Wired Kings CC; 12004 Prospect Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87112. HR: $71 505944-2599 Hilton Homewood Suites – ABQ Airport, available until 2/1/12 or room block full. Online Entry & add'l info: www.SouthernRockyOpen. com, [email protected], 505-550-4654. Part of the 2012 Southern Rocky FIDE Open Chess Festival. See 2012 Southern Rocky FIDE Open in Grand Prix for more information. Mar. 3-4, California, Northern 2012 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (Blitz on Mar. 2) San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency, 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA 94010. Experience Spring in San Francisco! Hotel rate $99 only. 8 sections based on age: 6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, 18 & under, 20 & under. Individual Trophies: All (6 & under), top 20 (8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under), top 15 (14 & under), or top 10 (16 & under, 18 & under, 20 & under). “Super Performance” trophies to players tied for last place with a trophy award and the top player(s) in each rating class who did not get a place trophy. Participation medals to all entrants. Team Trophies: Top 10 (6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under) or top 5 (14 & under, 16 & under, 18 & under, 20 & under) based on section. Winning record required for all trophies. Time control: G/90 except G/30 for Ages 6 & under and Ages 8 & under) Schedule: Onsite Registration: Saturday 7:30-8:30am. Rounds: Saturday 9am, 12:45, 4:30pm, and Sun 9, 12:45pm. Ages 6 & under: Saturday 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm. Ages 8 & under: Onsite Registration: Sunday 7:30-8:30am. Round: Sunday 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm. Byes: Max one 1/2-point bye except last round (must request before start of 1st round). Entry Fees by 2/18: 1-day $48, 2-day $60, Add $10 (2/19-25), $20 (2/26-3/1), $40 (3/2-3 & onsite). Blitz: Friday Registration: 5-5:30pm, Games 6-8pm. 2

sections (11 & under, 20 & under). Bughouse: Sunday Registration: 55:30pm, Games 6-8pm. 1 section. Side Event Fees: Blitz $15, Bughouse $15, Bughouse team $25. Onsite +$2. Side Event Prizes: Top 3 players and top 3 teams in each section. USCF Membership required for all events except bughouse. March 2012 Supplement & TD discretion to place players accurately. Commemorative T-shirts: $15 pre-order, $20 onsite. Organizers/TDs: S. Azhar, R. Koepcke, T. Langland, & J. McCumiskey. Sponsored by CalChess and Bay Area Chess. More info & flyer: BayArea Chess.com/usjr12.php. Register online at BayAreaChess.com/my/usjr12. php. Mail entries to Bay Area Chess, 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. Register early to save. Questions: [email protected]. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP for G/90 rounds. Apr. 13-15, Minnesota 2012 National High School (K-12) Championship (Apr. 12 – Bughouse & Blitz) 7SS, G/120. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, 612-370-1234. Chess Rate $125. 5 Sections: K-12 Championship, K-12 Under 1600, K-12 Under 1200, K-12 Under 800, K-12 Unrated. April Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated players may play in the Championship or Unrated section only. One 1/2-point bye for any round, except Rd. 7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if by March 25, $70 if by April 8, $85 by 6 PM CDT on April 12 or $90 at site. Mailed entries must be p/m by April 8. $5 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after April 8. Onsite registration: Thurs. 9am-10pm & Fri. 8am-10am. Players registering after 10am will get 1/2-point for Round 1. Awards: A minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team trophy per 15 players (average attendance in the past two years, not incl. SN IV) plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams in each section. Class trophies to the top three in the following classes: K-12 Championship: 1900-1999; 1800-1899; 1700-1799; 1600-1699; 1500-1599; 1400-1499; 1300-1399; 1200-1299; U1200, K-12 UNR. All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final round. Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score. All on team must attend the same school. Opening Ceremony: 12:30pm Friday. Main Event rounds: Friday 1pm, 7pm; Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday 9am, 2pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx 7pm Sunday. Special Events: National High School Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11am; EF: (On site only) $25 per team. Bughouse registration ends at 10am Thurs. National High School Blitz Championship:Thursday 5pm; EF: $15 per player, $20 after April 8 or on site. Scholastic Meeting: 3pm Saturday. Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, G/30, Saturday 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Onsite registration only. Rated and Unrated sections. Trophies for Parents/Friends, participant and student combined results. ALL: Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided. USCF membership required. Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn: High School, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Additional details, updates, corrections and on-line registration: www.uschess.org/tournaments/2012/hs. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 20-22, Illinois 2012 All-Girls National Championships presented by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation & USCF 6SS, G/90 d5. Swissotel, 323 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, 888-7379477, Hotel Rate includes full breakfast & children under 18 stay free. 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

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

1 yr $46 $40 $40 $33 $26 $28 $22 $24 $17

2yr $84 $72 $72 $61 $47 $51 $40 $43 $30

3yr $122 $104 $104 $88 $67 $73 $57 $61 $42

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; a tournament life announcement newsletter will be mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholastic members three times per year. Youth provides bimonthy Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed above monthly Chess Life. See www.uschess.org for other membership categories. Dues are not refundable and may be changed without notice. *Ages at expiration

Chess Life — February 2012

53

Tournament Life

NATIONAL SPRING

SCHOLASTIC

CHAMPIONSHIPS

2012 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (K-12) CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 13–15, 2012 Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 1300 Nicolett Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-370-1234 Chess rate: $125 single/double/triple/quad

NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH (K-9) CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 27–29, 2012 Town and Country Resort 500 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108 1-800-772-8527 Chess rate: $125 single/double/triple/quad

NATIONAL ELEMENTARY (K-6) CHAMPIONSHIP MAY 11–13, 2012 Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 615-889-1000 or 888-777-6779 Chess rate: $139 single/double/triple/quad

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT USCHESS.ORG

54

Chess Life — February 2012

4/1/2011. USCF membership required. EF: $50 if postmarked/online by 3/25; $70 if by 4/8; $85 by 4/19; $90 after/ on-site Do not mail after 4/13 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 4/19, $20 after or on site. HR: $169-169 includes full breakfast, children under 18 stay free, 888-737-9477, reserve by 3/15 or rate may increase. Entries: online/info at: www.renaissanceknights. org/allgirls or mail to RKnights, Attn: All Girls, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065, include name, section, rating, USCF ID#, date of birth, grade, school name city & state. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 27-29, California, Southern 2012 National Junior High (K-9) Championship (Apr. 26 – Bughouse & Blitz) 7SS, G/120. Town and Country, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108, 1-619-291-7131 or 800-772-8527, Chess Rate $125. 6 Sections: K-9 Championship, K-9 Under 1250, K9 Unrated, K-8 Championship, K-8 Under 1000, K-8 U750. April Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated players may play in the Championship or Unrated sections only. One 1/2-point bye for any round, except Rd. 7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if by April 8, $70 if by April 22, $85 by 6 PM PDT on April 26 or $90 at site. Mailed entries must be p/m by April 22. $5 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after April 22. On-site registration:Thurs. 9am10pm & Fri. 8am-10am. Players registering after 10am will get 1/2-point for Round 1. Awards: A minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team trophy per 15 players (average attendance in the past two years, not incl. SN IV) plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams in each section. Class trophies to the top three in the following classes: K-9 Championship: 1400-1599; 1200-1399; 1000-1199; U1000; Unrated. K-8 Championship: 1500-1599; 1400-1499; 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; U1000; UNR. All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final round. Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score. All on team must attend the same school. Opening Ceremony: 12:30pm Friday. Main Event rounds: Friday 1pm, 7pm; Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday 9am, 2pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx 7pm Sunday. Special Events: National Junior High Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11am; EF (on site only) $25 per team. Bughouse registration ends at 10am Thurs. National Junior High Blitz Championship:Thursday 5pm; EF $15 per player, $20 after April 22 or on site. Scholastic Meeting: 3pm Saturday. Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, G/30, Saturday 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Onsite registration only. Rated and Unrated sections. Trophies for Parent/Friends participant and student combined results. ALL: Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided. USCF membership required. Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn: Junior High, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Additional details, updates, corrections and on-line registration: www.uschess.org/tournaments/2012/jhs. Chess Magnet School JGP. May 11-13, Tennessee 2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship (May 10 – Bughouse & Blitz) 7SS, G/120, K-1 G/90. Gaylord Opryland, 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. 615-889-1000 or 888-777-6779 Chess Rate $139. 9 Sections: K-6 Championship, K-6 Under 1000, K6 Unrated, K-5 Championship, K-5 Under 900, K-3 Championship, K-3 U800, K-3 Unrated, K-1Championship. May Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated players may play in the Championship or Unrated sections only. One 1/2-point bye for any round, except Rd. 7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if by April 22, $70 if by May 6, $85 by 6 PM CDT on May 10 or $90 at site. Mailed entries must be p/m by May 6. $5 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after May 6. On-site registration: Thurs. 9am-10pm & Fri. 8am-10am. Players registering after 10am will get 1/2-point for Round 1. Awards: A minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team trophy per 15 players (average attendance in the past two years, not incl. SN IV) plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams in each section. Class trophies to the top three in the following classes: K-6 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; U800; UNR. K-5 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 11001199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; U800; UNR. K-3 Championship: 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; 700-799; 600-699; U600; UNR. K-1 Championship: All players in this section receive a trophy. All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final round. Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score. All on team must attend the same school. Opening Ceremony: 12:30pm Friday. Main Event rounds: Friday 1pm, 7pm; Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday 9am, 2pm. Schedule for K-1: Friday 1:30pm, 6:30pm; Saturday 9:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm; Sunday 9:30am, 1:30pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx 7pm Sunday. Awards Ceremony for K-1: Approx 5:30pm Sunday. Special Events: National Elementary Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11am; EF (on site only) $25 per team. Bughouse registration ends at 10am Thurs. National Elementary Blitz Championship: Two sections: K-6 and K-3. Thursday 5pm; EF $15 per player, $20 after May 6 or on site. Scholastic Meeting: 3pm Saturday. Saturday. Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, G/30, Saturday 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. Trophies for Parents/Friends, participant and student combined results. Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn: Elementary, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Additional details, updates, corrections and on-line registration: www.uschess.org/tournaments/2012/elem. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! May 26-28 or 27-28, New Jersey 68th Annual U.S. Amateur East Championship 6-SS, 50/2, SD/1. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 110 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ,

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Tournament Life Telephone 732-560-0500 (NYC train to Bound Brook 1 miles away). In 3 Sections: Championship (U2200), Reserved (U1800), Booster (U1400). 2-day & 3-day schedules. 3-Day Registration: Saturday May 26, 9:3010:45 am. Schedule: Rounds 12-6, 11-5, 9-3. 2-Day Registration: Sunday May 27, 8:30-9:30 am. Schedule: First 3 games, 5/27, G/60. Rounds 10-12:15-2:30. All schedules merge in round four. Each Sections: Trophies to top five and top Senior 55/over and Jr's under ages 16 & 13. Championship:Trophies to top U2000, U1900 and U1850. Reserve:Trophies to top U1600 and U1500. Booster: Trophies to top U1200, U1100, U1000, U900 and U800. EF: $49 if postmarked by May 23, or paid online via EntryFeesRus.com. EF: at site $60 cash. Byes: Three 1/2 point byes allowed in rounds 1-5. Ent: Ken Thomas, 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Checks to NJSCF. Info: 908-619-8621 or [email protected]. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. June 9-10, Tennessee 2012 U.S. Amateur South Championship University of Memphis, University Center, 499 University St., Memphis, TN 38152. SECTIONS: Championship (U2200) & Reserve (U1600). SCHEDULE: 5/SS, G/90 td/5. Reg.: Sat. 9:00-9:45AM. Rds.: Sat. 10-26; Sun. 9:30-1:30. PRIZES: $1000 of Gift Certificates and awards based on 60 paid entries. (Championship): 1st-“ River Cup” trophy + $150 GC, 2nd-plaque +$100 GC, 3rd-plaque+$75 GC; U2000 1st-small trophy+$50 GC. (Reserve): 1st-large plaque+$125 GC, 2nd-plaque+$75 GC, 3rd-plaque+$50 GC; U1400 1st-small trophy+$50 GC; Unrated 1st-$50 GC. EF: $40 ($10 less to Juniors under age 18 or Seniors over age 60), $50 on-site. MISC: One requested half-point bye allowed, any round, must request before the start of Round 3. SIDE EVENT: SATURDAY ONLY—Scholastic (K-12) sections in a separate room from main tournament: U1000, U550, & Unrated. 4/SS, G/30 td/5. Reg. 11-11:45AM. Rd. 1 at 12PM, rest ASAP. EF-$15 by two days before the event, $20 after & on-site. Trophies or Medals for all Side Event players! ADDL. DETAILS: www.shelbycountychess.org. ENTRY: Online entry at www.cajunchess.com or mail registration to Shelby County Chess, ATTN: Amateur South, 1614 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN 38104. INFO: Arlene Kleiman, midsouthchess@ hotmail.com; Korey Kormick, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP for main event. June 14, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 2012 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) 6SS, G/10. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89109. $$G 5,000. 1500-800-500, U2300 450, U2100 400, U1900 350, U1700 300, U1500 250, U1300 200, U1100 150, unrated 100. There must be 3 players eligible for each prize to be awarded. EF: $69 by 5/28, $79 by 6/13 $100 on site. REG.: 2-4 p.m. Rds.: 5-5:30-66:30-7-7:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks. 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 2). HR: $59 single or double ($89 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-800-634-6753 or (702) 734-5110. ENT: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line www.Vegas ChessFestival.com or fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. NC. W. A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 15-17 or 16-17, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2012 National Open 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/45). Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89109. $80,000 Guaranteed Prize Fund will not be reduced. Championship. $$: 6400-3200-1600800-500-300-300-300-300-300-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500 1600, under 2400 1200, 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. $$: 3200-1600-800-500-400-250-250-250-250-250-

200-200-200-200-200. Under 2000. $$: 3200-1600-800-500-400-250-250250-250-250-200-200-200-200-200. Under 1800. $$: 3200-1600-800-500400-250-250-250-250-250-200-200-200-200-200. Under 1600. $$: 3200-1600-800-500-400-250-250-250-250-250-200-200-200-200-200. Under 1400. $$: 2000-1000-700-400-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under 1200. $$: 1200-600-400-300-250-200-200-200-200. Unrated, $$: 500300-200. Plus Score Bonus ($14,000 guaranteed) 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 awarded on site only. Players under age 15 are eligible for best game prizes including the Freddie award plus $200 (donated by Fred Gruenberg). Top 2 sections FIDE rated. EF: $169 by 2/29, $199 by 5/28, $219 by 6/13, $240 on site. $40 discount for seniors 65 and over. Add $120 for adults rated under 2100 or juniors under 2000 playing 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.: 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, 88:30 a.m. Friday. Rds.: 11-6, 10-5, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 10-12-2-5: 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, the International Youth Championship and other events. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Grandmaster Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. U.S. Game/10 and Grandmaster Simuls Thursday afternoon. Youth Tournaments Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Poker Tournament Monday morning. LOW room rates! HR: $59 single or double ($89 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-800-634-6753 or (702) 734-5110. Don't be shut out; make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the chess rates; The Riviera sells out most weekends. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 28th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night later. 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. Info: (702) 560-0955 and leave a message. NS. W. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Grand Prix Feb. 11, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) New Yorker Winter Game/75! 4-SS, G/75 + td/5. Chess Center at the New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $40, $33 postmarked by 2/3, $35 phoned with credit card by 2/8 to 406-896-2191 (credit card entries only), $32 online at www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/8, GMs free ($25 from prize), free to specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners! $$1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-100, top U2200/unr. $150, U2000 $130, U1800 $120; Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: best male/female duo combined score (must declare by 1:30 pm): $125-75. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 2 pm. Re-entry $20. Ent (mail by 2/3): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. CCA ratings may be used. Reg. ends 30 min before game. Rds. 11 am-2-4:45-7:45 pm. Bring sets, clocks! Chess Magnet School JGP.

18th annual WESTERN CLASS March 9-11, Sheraton Hotel, Agoura Hills, CA

$20,000 projected prizes, $16,000 minimum guaranteed 5 round Swiss in 7 sections, you play only those in your section (may play up one class). Choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule, both merge after round 2. Prizes based on 230 paid entries (Class E & re-entries count half); min. 80% of each prize guaranteed.

Master Section (2200/up): Prizes $2000-1000-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE rated, 100 GPP (enhanced). Expert Section (2000-2199): $1500-800-400-200. Class A Section (1800-1999): $1500-800-400-200. Class B Section (1600-1799): $1500-800-400-200. Class C Section (1400-1599): $1400-700-400-200. Class D Section (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-200. Class E Section (Under 1200): $600-300-200-100, trophies to top Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600, Unrated Unrated limit $150 in E, $250 D, $400 C, $600 B, $800 A. $500 limit if post-event rating more than 30 pts over section max 12/8/11-3/8/12. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

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Feb. 11-12, California, Southern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 “What's in a Name?” (Sponsor: Harold C. Valery, MD, INC.) Open (6SS, G/60, No time delay), Reserved (7SS, G/60, No time delay) 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. 2 sections: OPEN & RESERVED. EF: $60 at the door ($55 if received by 2/10); $50 LACC members ($45 if received by 2/10); Siblings $15 off, $30 new LACC members, Free new LACC Life members! 20% off EF for each friend you bring in. Reg.: Sat 2/10 11-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point byes available. 1-Day option I: Play 1 day- no 1/2 pt byes- 1/2 EF. 1-Day option II: Play 1 day & receive three 1/2 pt byes- full EF. Prizes: $$ 1,500 Cash & Gifts (b/45, 2/3 Guaranteed). 1st-3rd $400-200-75 U2200: $125. U1900: $200-100; U1700: $100–50-Digital Clock; U1500: $100-50; U1300/unrated: $75. Ent: LACC, Box 251774, LA, CA 90025. Info: Mick Bighamian: Cell (310) 7955710; [email protected] or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking: Free street & BoA Parking; or building basement ($3). Feb. 11-12, Missouri Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 2012 Club Championship 5SS, G/90. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. PF: $1,200 UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED: 1ST Place-$400 + Plaque, 2nd Place-$300, 3rd Place-$200. Top Under 2100--$150-$100-$50. Registration: 10:00-10:45. EF: $60, $50 for annual members of the club if registered by 2/10. Round Times: Saturday: 11, 2:30, 6. Sunday: 11, 2:30. One 1/2 point bye available if declared before round 2. MCA Membership required from $5. OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 16, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 7-8:15-9:3010:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! Feb. 18-19, Virginia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 3rd Annual Hampton Chess & Sport Festival 5SS, G/2. Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. 2 sections: Open & U1600. Prizes: $1500 b/0 50 Increased with 56+ entries. Open Section: $250-200-150 1800-1999 $120 U1800 $110. U1600 Section: $200-150-120 1200-1399 $100 U1200 $100. Free tee shirt & athlete badge to every entry. HR: See website for hotels. EF: $40 by 2/15 else $50. Reg.: 9:00-9:40. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:30-7, Sun. 102:30. Entries/Cks: Virginia Chess, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. Info: Ernie (757) 853-5296, [email protected]. www.vachess. org. Single half pt. Bye available. Chess Magnet School JGP. NOTE: VCF Cup Simul. Exhibition by IM Adu Fri. at 7pm EF: $15. This is part of a sports festival and your athlete badge gives you free entry to watch other sports. Scholastic event Sat. 2/18. Feb. 18-20, California, Southern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) The Recession Buster Open (over Presidents' Day weekend) 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1, or 2-day schedule rds 1-3 G/60, then merges; 5 second time delay for all games, no deduction. Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel, 1433 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108. $$20,000 Guaranteed prize fund. 5 Sections. Prizes: Open Sec 1st $2,600-1,800-1,200-900-600500-400, BU2300 $800-400, BU2200 $1,000-600-400-200; Premier Section (U2000): $1,000-600-400-200; Amateur Section (U1800) $1,000-600-400-200; Reserve Section (U1600) $1,000-600-400-200; Booster Section (U1400) $600-400-200-100, BU1200 $300-150, Best Unrated $100. Plus Best Game Prizes: $75-50-25, one reserved for non-open sections. Reg.: 3-day: 9 to 10:30 AM Saturday, Feb official rating list used. 2-day: 9 AM to 10 AM Sunday. Rds.: 3 day: 11 AM & 6 PM on Sat & Sun; 10 AM & 4:30 PM on Mon. 2-day: 10:30 AM, 12:45 & 3 PM Sun, then merges. EF: Only $100 if received by 2/12, or $120 at door. No credit cards at door, checks or cash only. Special rate of only $75 if U1400 or unrated and received by 2/12, or $90 at door. Also special rate for GMs and IMs: $20 if recv'd by 2/12, or $60 at door. Open section expected to be FIDE rated unless prohibitively expensive. Unrateds may play in any section, but can win only $100 in the Booster Section and $200 in all other sections, except the Open where they can win place prizes only. SCCF membership req'd ($18 Adult, $10 Jr) for all So Cal residents. Two half point byes OK in rds 1- 4 only, must be requested at least one hour before round. Byes in rd 5 - 6 must be requested before Rd 2, and are irrevocable. Re-entry Fee: from 3 day to 2 day is $75, for non-Open sections only. Ent: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego, CA 92112 or enter online at www.scchess.com. For more info call Bruce Baker of SDCC at (619) 239-7166 or see our website at sdchessclub.multiply.com. Hotel Rates: Special rate of only $110 single or double, 619-260-0111. Please book ASAP, ask for chess rate, as rates will go up and rooms may sell out. See www.sheraton.com/sandiegomv Close to airport, great attractions such as Sea World, the SD Zoo. Big parking lot allows large vehicles to be just steps away. This is a State Championship Qualifier. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 18-20, Oklahoma Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 3rd Jerry Hanken FIDE Open 8-SS, G/90+30spm, (Reserve: 10-SS, G-60+15spm dual rated) $$G 2,400. Quality Inn-Stillwater, 2515 W. 6th Ave. (Hwy-51) Stillwater, OK 1405-372-0800. HR: 68-68. Wi-Fi, EF: Open: $55, Reserve: $30 (deduct $10 only if ck postmarked before Feb 15): OCF $10 required OSNA. Two Sections: Open (FIDE): Gtd 1st 500, 300, 200, X: $200 A: $200-100, B: $200, C: $200, D: $100. Rds. at 10-2:30-7, 10-2:30-7, 9-1:15. 2 half pt byes rds 1-7, FIDE (Open) Reserve: U-1350 1st $100, Other class prizes per

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

entries; Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds at 10-1-4-7, 10-1-4-7, 9-Noon. 3 half pt byes rds 1-9 for Reserve, LS, W, Free Parking. Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74074. [email protected], 405 372-5758. Chess Magnet School JGP for Open Section. Feb. 21, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters! 4-SS, G/25d5. Third Tuesday of every month. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring over 50% in any MCC Open or U2300 tournament since the prior month's Masters). EF: $40, members $30, GMs free. $$G250-150-100. Prizes to U2400, U2300 and biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 78:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available (Rd 1 or 4 only), request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, New Mexico Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) Southern Rocky Fide Open 5SS, G/90+30s inc, University of New Mexico - Student Union Building. Albuquerque, NM 87131. USCF Membership required - available onsite. Prizes: $5,275 Guaranteed, $6,000 projected in 6 sections. Open (FIDE Rated): (G/$) $1,500-800-500, U2400 $200, U2200 $200-100, U2000 $200-100. Reserve (U1800): (G/$) $600-300-200, U1600 $15075. Booster (U1400): $$350, (B/35) $200-100, U1200 $75, U1000 $75. Unrated: (B/20) $150+Trophy-100-75. 1-Day Scholastics Sat. & Sunday (K-9, U1200). Trophies 1st-5th, 1st K-6, K-3, & 1st 2-day score. EF (if by 1/23): Open $79, Res. $49, Booster $35, Unr. $25. $10 late fee after 1/23, $20 after 2/16 or at site. Free Entry for GM/IM/WGM. Scholastic $15/Day - $25/Both days. 3-Day Schedule: Fri. (Reg: 5-5:30PM) Rds at 6PM; Sat. 10AM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day: Sat. (Reg: 8:30-9AM) Rds at 9:30AM, 1:30PM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day Rds 1-2, G/90 and merges into 3-Day G/90+30s at rd. 3. Scholastic: Rounds: 9:30, 10:45, 1, 2:30, 4:00 each day. All games G/30. Up to 2 half point byes upon req. before rd 1 in all sections. NS NC W. ENT: Wired Kings CC; 12004 Prospect Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87112. HR: $71 505-944-2599 Hilton Homewood Suites – ABQ Airport, available until 2/1/12 or room block full. GM Khachiyan and GM Yermolinsky Simuls and Lectures - Thu. and Fri. at 3:30p and 6:30p. Thursday events at rec'd hotel. Online Entry & add'l info: www.SouthernRockyOpen.com, WiredKingsCC@gmail. com, 505-550-4654. U.S. G/15 Championship held after SRFO on Sunday 2/27, – See National Events. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 24-26, Iowa Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge 5SS, 30/60, SD/60. The Lodge, 900 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, IA 52722. Iowa Qualifier $$500 gtd. $150-100-50, U1600, U1400, U1200, U1000 $50 each. EF: $20 by Feb 22 ($5 more if on-site). Rds.: 1st rd either Fri 8pm or Sat 9am, then Sat 2:30pm-8pm, Sun 9am-2:30pm. Info: Kevin Hyde, [email protected], 828-674-6073. HR: $89 www.lodgehotel.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 24-26 or 25-26, Tennessee Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Greater Memphis Open 2 6SS, G/120 (Open & U1600). Site: Greater Memphis Chess Center, 5796 Shelby Oaks Dr., Suite 11, Memphis, TN 38134. Round times: Fri 7pm, Sat 9-2-7, Sun 9-2. Optional 2 day with round 1 and 2 as G/60 911:30 and merge. EF: $45 before 2-20-12, $55 after and onsite. GMCC and MCC members $40 anytime. USCF Youth and Scholastic Players may enter either Section to compete for no prize money for $25 anytime. Reentry after round one: $25. Guaranteed Prize Fund: Open: 1st $250, 2nd 125, 3rd 75, Top U1600: 1st 125, 2nd 75, 3rd 50. Special U1000 Scholastic section. 4 round G/1. Entry fee: $15. Round times: Sat 9-11:30, 2, 4:30. Trophies to top 10. Onsite Registration: Friday 2/24: 5pm-6:30pm, Saturday 2/25: 7am-8:30am. Tournament Director: Gary M. Pylant, [email protected], 901-359-8616. memphischess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP for Open & U1600 Sections. Feb. 24-Mar. 9, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Queens Late Winter Open 6-SS, G/45 (G/40d5). All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432. EF: $40, $45 at site, $10 less to QCC members. $$200$100 guaranteed to top 2, more per entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes ok with advance notice (all byes must be declared at entry). REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 and 10:00 each Friday. ENT (mail by 2/17/12): Ed Frumkin, 445 E. 14th St. #10D, NYC 10009, (212-677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on Fri). Feb. 25-26, Maryland Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament 5SS, 20/1, SD/60;D/5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore (in Commons, 3rd floor). Held concurrently with Maryland “Sweet 16” (Invitational) - winner to receive in-state fixed-dollar tuition scholarship to UMBC. Open: (All) $$1050: $350-200-100 Gtd., Class prizes $100 ea. To top U2250, U2150, U2050, U1950. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$765 b/40: $250-175-100, Class prizes $80 ea. to top U1600, U1400, U1200 (b/4). No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this section. All: EF: $40 if postmarked by 2/10, $50 later, $10 less if under age 20. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds.: 10-3-7:30pm Sat, 10:30-3:30pm Sun. Byes: Up to three 1/2pt. byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if req'd at least 1 hr. before Rd. (before Rd 2 for any Rd. 4-5 bye), but only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds. 4-5. HR: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1734 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask for UMBC chess rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards BWI Airport. Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 & follow signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent: Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, Attn: Open, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. Make out check to UMBC. For more information: [email protected], (410) 455-8499, www.umbc.edu/chess. NS, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

uschess.org

A Heritage Event! Feb. 25-26, New Hampshire Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 36th Queen City Open 4SS, 40/100, SD/1, d5. Comfort Inn, exit 4 (Queen City Bridge) off I-293, Manchester, NH. 603-668-2600. HR: $80, mention “NH Chess” , reserve early. $$2,225 b/65, 75% Gtd. 4 sections: Open: EF: $44 by 2/23, GMs/IMs free. $300-200-100, U2100 $125-75. U1935: $150-100-75, U1750 $100-50. No Unr. may win over $75. U1635: $150-100-75, U1450 $100-50. No Unr. may win over $75. U1335: $150-100-75, U1000 $10050. No Unr. may win over $75. All: EF: $44 by 2/23. Special EF for jrs U21 in U1335 section only, $29 if by 2/23. Sunday Swiss (2/26 only). 3SS, G/60. EF: $28 if by 2/23. $$100-50-30 (b/8). Two sections w. duplicate prizes if entries permit. Sun. Swiss Reg: 9:30-10:30am Sunday, Rds: 11-1:304. All EF: $5 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 in two-day sections 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. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 25-26, Texas Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Winter Open Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229. 4-SS, 30/90, SD/60. $$1,450 b/40 full entries, 2/3 gtd., 2 sections. Open: $300-200, U2200 $150, U2000 $150. Reserve (U1800): $200-150, Class C $150, U1400 $100, unr. $50. Unrated may play only for top Open prizes or Unrated. EF: $40 if rec'd by 2/23, $45 at site. Option: play for 1/2 prizes, EF $20 by 2/23, $25 at site, counts as 1/2 entry towards based-on. Reg.: 11 am.-12:30 p.m., Rds.: 1-6, 10-3. Swap & shop used books, equip. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Half-pt. bye any one rd., notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, 9306 Autumn Sunrise, San Antonio, TX 78254. Info: sanantoniochess.com, [email protected]. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 25-26, Washington Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 20th Dave Collyer Memorial 5SS, G/115. St. Anne's Children's Center Conference Room, W. 25 Fifth Ave., Spokane WA 99201. Sleep-in Option: Players may play round 1 beginning at noon with a G/60 t/c. EF: $27 if received by 2/24; $33 at door Under 19 $5 less. $$GTD: $400-250-175. Ex -- $100; A; B; C; D; E/Unr: $100-75; Biggest Upsets: $100-50-50 (non-provisional ratings only). One prize per player except for biggest upset. Reg.: Feb. 25 8:30-9:30 am (sleep-in option must register by 11:40). Rds.: 2/25: 10(or 12) -- 2:30 -- 7:00; 2/26: 9:00; 1:30. one 1/2 point bye available. Players meeting at 9:45 Feb. 25. ENT: Spokane CC, c/o Kevin Korsmo, 9923 N. Moore, Spokane, WA 99208-9339. INFO: www.spokanechessclub.org, [email protected]. NS NC W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 25-26, Wisconsin Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 UW Winter Open 5-SS, TC rds 1-3 G/120 rds 4-5 45/2, SD/1. Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715, 608-263-2600. Rds.: 10, 2:30, 7:30; 10, 3:30. EF: $20 if received by 2/23, $25 at site. $$ $1000 GTD. 1st $200, 2nd $165, 3rd $135, A $100, B $90, C $80, D $70, E $60, U1000 $55, Unr $45. Entries: Guy Hoffman, 1305D Tompkins Dr., Madison, WI 53716-3279. Phone: 920-279-0701 NC. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 26, New Mexico Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC) See Nationals.

Feb. 27-Mar. 26, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 92nd Nassau Grand Prix 5-SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2 sections: Open: EF: $38 by 2/25, $$ (630 b/18, top 2 G) 200-100, U2100/UR, 1900, 1700 each 110. Booster: open to U1500/UR, EF $22 by 2/25. $$ (270 b/15) 100, U1300, 1100/UR each 85. Both: non-memb EF $11 more. EF at site $7 more. 2 byes 1-5. Reg ends 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. captnhal@opt online.net. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 2, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2012 PA Quick Chess Champ (QC) 6SS, G/7d3. 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 2/13: Open: $12. U1500: $10. U1100: $8. $$ (730G): Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. U1500: 12575-50, U1200 $40, Unr $30. U1100: Trophies: 1-10, U800, U600, 1-2 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/13, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 6-6:30pm. Rd 1: 7pm. Feb 2012 Regular ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “ PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: martinak_tom_m@hot mail.com, 412-908-0286. W. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, Massachusetts Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 21st annual Eastern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 18,000 based on 220 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half), minimum $12,000 (2/3 of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Master (2200/up): $1700-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, 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): $1200-600-300200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $400-200-120-80, trophies to top U1000, U800, U600, Unrated. Rated players may play up one section. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over $150 in E, $250 D, $400C, $600 B, or $800 A. If any post-event rating posted at uschess.org 12/1/11-3/1/12 is more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 2/23, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 2/28, $110 phoned to 406896-2038 by 2/28 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. EF for all in Class E, and unrated in Class D: all $60 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Advance EF $5 less to MACA members; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $89-89-99, 800-582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/17 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: DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP.

16th annual MID-AMERICA OPEN Mar 16-18 or 17-18, Clayton, MO (Saint Louis) $18,000 projected prizes, $12,000 minimum guaranteed 5 round Swiss, 7 sections, play only those in your section. Choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule, both merge after rd 2. Prizes based on 220 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half, U900 Section 1/4); 2/3 each prize minimum guaranteed.

Open Section: Prizes $2000-1000-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100 $700. FIDE rated, 80 GPP. Under 2000 Section: $1400-700-400-200. Under 1800 Section: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1600 Section: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1400 Section: $1000-500-250-150. Under 1200 Section: $1000-500-250-150. Under 900 Section: $200-100, trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, Unr. Unrated limit $100 in U900, $200 U1200, $400 U1400, $700 U1600, $900 U1800. $500 limit if post-event rating is more than 30 pts over section max 12/15/11-3/15/12. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

Chess Life — February 2012

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Tournament Life A Heritage Event! Mar. 2-4, Virginia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 44th Annual Virginia Open 5SS, Rd. 1 G/120 D/5, Rds. 2-5 40/2 SD/1 D/5. DoubleTree Hotel Dulles Airport - Sterling 21611 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA 20166. Tel: 1-703-2300077. Fax: 1-703-230-0078. $69(!!)Rooms. Reserve by Friday Feb 17th to ensure chess rate. Direct link for hotel registration by 12/1 available on tournament website. $$ $3400 in Two Sections, Top 4 G in Open, rest Based on 140 Open $600-400-300-200 (G) Top X, A each $180. Winner gets plaque as 2012 Virginia Open Champion. Amateur (U1900): $400200-150, Top B, C, D, U1200 Each $160, Top Unrated $100. Amateur winner gets plaque and 2012 Virginia Open Amateur title. ALL: Reg. Friday 3/2 5:30p-7:45p. Rds.: 8pm Friday, Sat 10a-4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: (Reduced!) $50 if received by Feb 25, $60 later and at site. $30 Re/entry allowed from Rd. 1 into Rd. 2 only. Sat Reg. 9-9:45. One 1/2 point bye allowed with entry, declared before Rd. 1 and then irrevocable. VCF membership required for Virginia residents ($10 Adults, $5 U19) Ent: Make checks payable to “Virginia Chess” and mail to: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria, VA 22306, website: www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm, [email protected] for questions, NO INTERNET or PHONE entries. NS, NC, W. FIDE (Open). Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 3-4 or 4, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Marshall March Grand Prix! 4-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 4773716. EF: $50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105, U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, Rds. 12:30-5:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:305:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 3-4, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2012 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship 5SS, G/90d5. 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. $$ (1260G): Open: 180-120, U2200 $110, U2000 $100, U1800 $90, U1600 $80. U1500: 150-100, U1400 $90, U1200 $85, U1000 $80, Unr $75. All: College Tr: 1-2 in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over both sections). EF: $29 rec'd by 2/13, $39 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 am. Rds. 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Feb 2012 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: [email protected], 412908-0286. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, California, Southern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 19th annual Western Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds.1-2 G/75, d/5). Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel (formerly Renaissance), 30100 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. $$20,000 based on 230 paid entries (reentries, Class E count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, topU2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500-800-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1500800-400-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1500-800-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1400-700-400-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600-300200. Class E (Under1200): $600-300-200-100, trophies to top U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Rated players may play up one section. Prize limits:

Unrated may not win over $150 in E, $250 D, $400 C, $600 B, or $800 A. If any post-event rating posted at uschess.org 12/8/11-3/8/12 is more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/1, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 3/6, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/6 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. EF for all in Class E Section, and unrated in Class D: all $60 less. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com. Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 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 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by 3/5 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658, DirectorAtChess.us. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 10-11, Louisiana Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2012 Louisiana Pro-Am 5-SS, G/2 (Round 1: G/90). Site: Holiday Inn Metairie New Orleans Airport, 2261 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70001. EF: $50 if mailed by 3/5, $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 $200100. Amateur (U1800): $250-100; U1600 $200-100; U1400 $150; U1200/UNR $100. Reg.: 3/10, 8-9am. Rds.: Sat: 9:15-1-5:30, Sun: 9:302. HR: Call for Rates, (504) 373-5946; rates will be high and availability low because the SEC Basketball Tournament is in New Orleans at the time, cheaper lodging may be available at the following hotels within walking distance: Days Hotel (504) 833-8201; LaQuinta Inn (504) 835-8511. Ent/Info: Adam Caveney, 1301 Gen. Taylor St., New Orleans, LA 70115, [email protected], (504) 895-4133 (evenings), (504) 615-6730 (on day of tourney). NS, NC. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24, May 8, New Jersey Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 West Orange CC 2012 Championship 7 rds., G/100 (5 sec. delay), Reg. 7-7:30 P.M., rds. start at 8:00. EF: $30.00, members $25.00. Prizes: 1st $150, 2nd $100, 3rd $75, Best under 1900 $60, 1700 $50, 1500 $40. All prizes guaranteed. Details: westorangechessclub.blogspot.com and [email protected] or 973-7363433. Byes: Three 1/2 byes available in any rd; must know by the end of rd.4. Address: Toby Katz Community Center, 650 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052. Advance entrees welcome. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, California, Northern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Bay Area Chess Spring Open 5SS, G/120 (2day rds 1-2 G/45). 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas. Park free. Prize: $2,400 b/55. 3 sections. 1900+ $300-200-100 u2100:100-80. 1500-1899 $300-200-70 u1700:100-70-70. U1500 $300-200-70 u1300:10070-70. Unr max $100 exc Open. EF: $67 (2d $66) by 3/14, Onsite +15 Playup +20, r/e 33 EconOpt: EF-20, 1/2 of calc prize. GMs/IMs free: prize-EF. Mar 12 Supp, CCA min & TD disc used. Sched: Reg F 6-6:30p, Rds F 7, Sa/Su 9:30, 2 (2 day Reg Sa 8:30-9a Rds Sa 9:30, 11:30 merge rd3). Max two 1/2-pt byes commit bef rd3. Info: BayAreaChess.com/ spring12. E: [email protected], NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

13th annual PITTSBURGH OPEN March 23-25 or 24-25, Doubletree Green Tree

$12,000 projected prizes, $9,000 minimum! 5 round Swiss, choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule. Prizes $12,000 based on 150 paid entries (re-entries & $50 off entries count half), with 75% of each prize minimum guaranteed. In 5 sections: Open Section: Prizes $1500-800-400-200, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $700, U2200/Unr $600. FIDE rated, 60 GPP Under 2100 Section: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1900 $400. Under 1800 Section: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1600 $400. Under 1500 Section: $800-400-300-200, top Under 1300 $300. Under 1200 Section: $400-250-150-100, trophy to top Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600, Unrated. Unrated limit: $150 in U1200, $300 U1500, or $500 in U1800. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

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Chess Life — February 2012

Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Missouri Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 16th annual Mid-America Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75,d/5). 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). $$ 18,000 based on 220 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half, U900 Section 1/4), minimum$12,000 (2/3 each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100 $700. FIDE. Under 2000: $1400-700400-200. Under 1800: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1600: $1200-600-300200. Under 1400: $1000-500-250-150. Under 1200: $1000-500-250-150. Under 900: $200-100, trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, Unrated. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over $100 in U900, $200 U1200, $400 U1400, $700 U1600, or $900 in U1800. If any post-event rating posted at uschess.org 12/15/11-3/15/12 is more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $109, 2-day $108 mailed by 3/8, all $110online at chesstour.com by 3/13, $115 phoned to 406-8962038 by 3/15 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. $60 less to unrated in U1200 or U1400. U900 Section EF: All $80 less than top 6 sections EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online atchesstour. com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $89-89, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/2 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: DirectorAt Chess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) Long Island Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2G/75, d/5). Holiday Inn Long Island - Islip Airport, 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Free parking, free shuttle from LIRR or Islip Airport. Prizes $12,000 based on 150 paid entries, $8000 minimum (2/3 each prize) guaranteed; re-entries & $50 off entries count as half entries. In 4 sections. Open: $1500-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $600, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400300, top U1900 $500, U1800 $400. Under 1700: $900-500-300-200, top U1500 $450, U1400 $350. Under 1300: $800-400-200-100, top U1100 $300. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1300 or $400 in U1700. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/8, all $105 online at chesstour.com by 3/13, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/13 (entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. EF for Under 1000 or unrated in U1300: (NOTE CHANGE): $50 less. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $75-75, 631-471-0401, reserve by 3/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, 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, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658.Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 17, New Jersey Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) St. Patrick's Day Somerset Holiday Inn, 195 Davidson Ave., Somerset: Exit #10 off I-287, off Easton Ave. (One Open Section and K-8 Quads). Grand Prix Section: 4SS, G/60, $$G: $300-200-100-100-50. Also $75 Minimum Prize (not a class prize-see web site) Top Expert, A, B, and U1600 No pooling nor duplicate prizes! Trophies to 1st, Top Exp. A, B, C, D/E, Sr., Jr. EF: $39 on entryfeesrus.com. $49 cash at site. Reg.: 9-10am. Starts at 10 am then ASAP With lunch break. Scholastic Quads (K-8): 3RR, G/45, EF: $15 early EntryFeesRus.com or $20 cash at site by 10am. $$G: $40 or Trophy, all get awards. 1st round 10am then ASAP with lunch break. Info: call Ken at 908-619-8621 or email, [email protected]. NS, NC, W. Mar. 17-18, Tennessee Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Saint Patrick's Day Open 5SS, G/120 (Open & U1600). Site: Greater Memphis Chess Center, 5796 Shelby Oaks Dr., Suite 11, Memphis, TN 38134. Round times: Sat 9-27, Sun 9-2. EF: $25 before 3-15-12, $30 after and onsite. GMCC and MCC members $25 anytime. USCF Youth and Scholastic Players may enter either Section to compete for no prize money for $15 anytime. Re-entry after round one: $15. Guaranteed Prize Fund: Open: 1st $200, 2nd 100, 3rd 50, Top U1600: 1st 100, 2nd 50, 3rd 25. Special U1000 Scholastic section. 4 round G/1. Entry fee: $15. Round times: Sat 9-11:30, 2, 4:30. Trophies to top 10. Onsite Registration: Saturday 3/17: 7am-8:30am. Tournament Director: Gary M. Pylant, [email protected], 901-3598616. www.memphischess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 20, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters! 4-SS, G/25d5. Third Tuesday of every month. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring over 50% in any MCC Open or U2300 tournament since the prior

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

month's Masters). EF: $40, members $30, GMs free. $$G250-150-100. Prizes to U2400, U2300 and biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 78:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available (Rd 1 or 4 only), request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 13th annual Pittsburgh Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1. d/5 (2-day option,rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree (formerly Radisson), 101 Radisson Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205. 3 miles south of downtown, 13 miles from Pittsburgh airport (free shuttle). Free parking. $$12,000 based on 150 paid entries (reentries & $50 off entries count half), $9000 (75% each prize) minimum guaranteed. In 5 sections. Open: $1500-800-400-200, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $700, Under 2200/Unr $600. Under 2100: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1900 $400. Under 1800: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1600 $400. Under 1500: $800-400-300200, top Under 1300 $300. Under 1200: $400-250-150-100, trophies to top Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600, Unrated. Unrated may not win over $150 in U1200, $300 U1500, or $500 U1800. Top 4 sections EF: 3day $103.50, 2-day $102.50mailed by 3/15, all $107 online at chesstour.com by 3/20, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/20 (entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. Under 1200 Section EF: $50 less than above. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Reentry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:15 pm. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:15 pm. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd3. HR: $91-91-91-91, 1-800-395-7046, 412-922-8400; reserve by 3/9or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWDD657633, 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, [email protected], 845496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, Florida Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) 10th Annual Southern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5(2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando 32819. Free parking. $$14,000 based on 200 paid entries (re-entries & $50 off entries count half), $10,500 (3/4 each prize) minimum guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master (2200/up): $1200-600-400-300, clear or tiebreak winner$100 bonus. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1000-500-300-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1000500-300-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1000-500-300-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1000-500-300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $800-400300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-300-200. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter A through E, but may not win over $200 in E, $350 D, $500 C or $650B. EF: 3-day $98, 2-day $97 mailed by 3/23, all $99 online atchesstour.com by 3/27, $105 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/27 (entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free; $90 deducted from prize. EF for under 1000 or unrated in E: all $50 less. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11& 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $81-81 plus resort fee (currently 7.5%), 1-800421-8001, 407-351-2420; reserve by 3/16 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, 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,

DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour. com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286, W.

Mar. 30-Apr. 1, North Carolina Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) The Big Enchilada II Holiday Inn - Highwoods, 2805 Highwoods Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604. 5SS, 30/90 SD/60 or Rd.1 G/90 for two day. $7,000 b/132. $5,000 GTD!! OPEN (FIDE rated): $1,000-$500-$300-150-100. X, u2000 $300-$100 ea. U1800: $800-$400-$250-150-100. u1600 $250-$100. U1400: $700-$350$200-150-100. u1200 $200-$100 Top Upset in each section: $60-40. ALL: EF: $70 (by 3/23)/$80 on site. +$2 for PayPal Re-entry $40 (counts as 1/2 EF). GM/IM Free. $70 deducted from any prize. NCCA req'd OSA. Up to 2 byes allowed. Must request by noon Sat. Reg.: Fri. 6PM-7:45PM. Sat. 8AM-9:45AM. Rds.: Fri. 8PM or Sat. 10AM. Then 2PM-8PM, Sun. 9AM2:30PM. Unr. may not win 1st prize in U1400 or U1800. INFO: Jeff Jones (919) 270-9948. [email protected]. ENT: RTCC, PO Box 37331 Raleigh, NC 27627. HR: $79 1-4. (919) 872-3500. Ask for the Chess rate by 3/23 to guarantee. Website: www.chesstbe.info/. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 6th annual Philadelphia Open In 8 sections. Open Section, Apr 4-8: 9SS, 40/90, SD/30, inc30. GM & IM norms possible, FIDE rated. U2200 to Under 1200 Sections, Apr 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75, d/5, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40, d/5). Under 1000 Section, Apr 7-8: 7SS, G/40, d/5. At the upscale, luxury Loews Philadelphia Hotel, rated Four Diamonds by AAA, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Prizes $80,000 based on 500 paid entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs count as half entries, U1200 Section 40%entries, U1000 Section 15% entries), else proportional, minimum $60,000 (75% of each prize) guaranteed. Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak first $200 bonus, FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000. Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800: each $5000-2500-1200-800-600500-400-300-300-300. Under 1600, Under 1400: each $4000-2000-1000700-500-400-300-200-200-200. Under 1200: $1500-800-500-300-200-200200-100-100-100. Under 1000: $400-200-100, trophies to first 5, top U800, U600, U400, Unrated. Prize limits: 1) If official rating 4/11-3/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted at uschess.org 4/4/11-4/4/12 is more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $1500. 2) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1200, $800 U1400, $1200 U1600, $1600U1800, or $2000 U2000. Unofficial uschess. org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. 3) Provisional (4-25 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $800 U1200, $1500U1400, or $2500 U1600. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Open EF: free to GMs, IMs, WGMs; $150 deducted from prize. US players with current or former FIDE ratings of 2200/over: $225 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $250 at site. Foreign FIDE rated players: $175 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $200 at site, Others: $375 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $400 at site. U2200 through U1400 Sections EF: 4-day $224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 mailed by 3/27, $225 online by 4/2, $250 at site. U1200 Section EF: 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by 3/27, $85 online by 4/2, $100 at site. U1000 Section EF: $32 mailed by 3/27, $35 online by 4/2, $50 at site. Phone EF: All $5 more than online EF, 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions), available only through 4/2. Online late entry after 4/2: available until 2 hours before your first game, same price as entry at site. EF $100 less to rated seniors 65/over in U2200 through U1400. Special 1 year USCF membership with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 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 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Sat. 9am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day, 3-day, & 2-day merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12, 2 & 3:45, Sun 10, 12 & 2. Byes: NOTE CHANGE: Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 4 byes, Open Section must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $98-98-123-123, 215-627-1200, reserve by 3/21 or rate may increase. Parking: Hotel has valet parking only, with a special chess rate of $30/day. Many parking lots nearby charge much less, with rates lowest on the weekend. Gateway Garage, 1540 Vine St (1 block from Sheraton Hotel) is about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other days. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Ratings: FIDE used for Open, USCF April list for U2200 & below; note that ratings after the April list (see above) may result in a $1500 prize limit. Foreign player ratings: For U2200 and below, usually100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 100/more to most other foreign, no points added to CFC, PR 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.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 31, Connecticut Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 2012 CT Open State Championship $$2000 b/60. 4-SS, G/60. Hopkins School, 986 Forest Rd., New Haven, CT 06515. Two Sections: OPEN, U1600. EF: $60 Online or mail, $100 at site. Prizes: Open $500-$300-$200 3x$100, 5x$50, U1600 $300- $100$50. Trophies: CT Open Champion, U1600 Champion, ONE DAY Reg.: 8:00-8:45. Rds.: 9-11-1-3. Register Online: www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com. Mar. 31-Apr. 1 or Apr. 1, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Marshall March/April Grand Prix! 4-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 4773716. EF: $50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105, U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, Rds. 12:30-5:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:305:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Mar. 31-Apr. 1, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced) 2012 Marchand Open (34th Annual) Dr. Erich Marchand “requested that his friends play chess in his memory.” 5SS, 30/60, SD/60 5 Sec delay. Location: Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY. $$10750 Gtd. Open Section: $2000-1300-850-550-300, Under 2200 & U2000 each $500300. FIDE Rated EF: $70. U1800 Section: $600-400-250. Under 1600 $400-250. EF: $65. U1400 Section: $400-275-175. Under 1200 $275-175. EF: $60. U1000 Section: $260-190-130-70. Under 800 $150-90-60. EF: $55. Unrated players in the U1800 section can only win $125, in U1400 & U1000 $55. IM and GM's free if registered by 3/17. Great food available at site. Reg.: 8:30-9:15 am. Rds.: 10-2:15-6:30, 10-2:15. One 1/2 point bye available in rd 1. 2, 3, or 4 if requested at entry. Info: 585-4422430. Ent: Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 1, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2012 PA State Game/29 Champ. (QC) 5SS, G/29d0. O'Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 3/24, $35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 1-3 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 3/24, $25 later. Trophies to Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 Clubs, Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 10-10:30am. Rds.: 11-

40th annual WORLD OPEN Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia - $254,000 projected prizes, $204,000 minimum! Open Section: 9 rounds, July 4-8 or 2-8, FIDE norms possible Under 2400 through U1600: 9 rounds, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8 Under 1400, Under 1200: 9 rounds, July 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8 Under 900: 9 rounds, July 6-8 Senior Amateur, Women’s Championship: 6 rounds, July 1-3* Under 13 Championship: 9 rounds, July 1-3* Under 13 Booster: 6 rounds, July 4-5*

Open through Under 1200 schedules merge and compete for same prizes. Also Philadelphia International June 28-July 2. See Tournament Life or chesstour.com for details. *Schedule allows play in more than one section.

uschess.org

Chess Life — February 2012

59

Tournament Life 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 cell phones 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, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. You may request “lowest possible section” if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

4/12, free Sat. night room for GMs registering early. Open, U2000, & U1600 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&6, Sun 9&3. Open, U2000, & U1600 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2:156, 9-3 U1200 3-day schedule Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&3:30, Sun 9&1:00 U1200 2-day schedule Reg. ends Sat 10am rds 11, 1:15 & 3:30, Sun 9&1:00. Ent: MCA, c/o Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Online entry and link to room reservations at: http://the mdopen.com. Questions: [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Apr. 12, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. 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 prize winners 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. 7-8:15-9:3010:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!

Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, Vermont Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60, d/5). Holiday InnRutland/Killington, 476 Holiday Drive (near intersection US-4 and US-7), Rutland, VT 05701. Free shuttle to Amtrak, bus terminal or Rutland Airport. Free parking, free wireless, heated pool, whirlpool, exercise room; restaurants within easy walking distance. $2000 guaranteed prizes. In 3 sections. Open: $400-200-150, top Under 2010/Unr $220-110. Under 1810: $300-150-80, top Under 1610 $160-80, no unrated may win over $150. Under 1410: $100-50, trophies to first 3, top Under 1210, Under 1010, Under 810, Unrated. Top 2 sections EF: 3-day $68, 2-day $67 if check mailed by 4/20, all $69 online at chesstour.com by 4/25, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/25 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. Under 1410 Section EF: All $40 less than top 2 sections EF. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $40, not available in Open. GMs & IMs free; $60 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 9 & 2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 9 & 2:15. Half point byes OK all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $89-89, 802-775-1911, reserve by 4/13. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, Maryland Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 50 2012 Maryland Open 5SS, 40/100, SD/45 inc/30, (Rnd 1 G/90 inc/30) (2-day schedule: rds 12 G/45 inc/30) U1200 G/120 d/5(2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d/5). Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-468-1100. All prizes guaranteed. 4 sections: Open FIDE: $1200-600-300-200-100, top U2201 $125, top Life Master $100. Amateur Section (U2000): $800-400-250-125-75, top U1800 $125, top 1st Cat $90. Reserve Section (U1600): $650-350-200-100-75, top U1400 $110, top 3rd Cat $80. Novice (U1200): $500-250-150-100-75, top U1000 $100, top unrated $70. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1200 or $300 in U1600. A free continental breakfast for participants will be provided on Sunday morning. We will optionally text your pairings to your cell phone. EF: $60 by 4/12 mail or online, $70 by 4/24 online, $75 by 4/26 online, and $80 at the door. Special EFs: GM&IMs free; $60 deducted from prize. Special HR: $99, ($25 EF discount if staying in hotel) may not be avail after

Shore HS Chess League PO Box 773 Lincroft, NJ 07738 [email protected]

San Diego Chess Club 2225 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101, 619-239-7166 [email protected] http://sdchessclub.multiply.com

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

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

Texas Tech University SPICE Box 45080 Lubbock, TX 79409 806-742-7742 [email protected] www.SPICE.ttu.edu

New York City Chess Inc c/o Russell Makofsky 230 Thompson Street New York, NY 10012, 212-475-8130 [email protected] www.chessnyc.com

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

Tri-State Chess The Chess Exchange 325 East 88th Street New York, NY 10128 212-289-5997 [email protected] www.TriStateChess.com

North American Chess Association 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113 Skokie, IL 60077, 888.80.Chess [email protected] www.nachess.org

Dallas Chess Club 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. Suite C Richardson, TX 75080 972-231-2065 [email protected] www.dallaschess.com

Village Chess Shop of NYC c/o Michael Propper 230 Thompson Street New York, NY 10012 212-475-9580 [email protected] www.chess-shop.com

PaperClip Pairings c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari 6005 Forest Blvd Brownsville, TX 78526, 956-459-2421 [email protected]

Western PA Youth Chess Club Attn: Jerry Meyers 4101 Windsor Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-422-1770 [email protected] www.youthchess.net

International Chess Academy (NJ) 28 Canterbury Lane New Milford, NJ 07646 201-287-0250 [email protected], www.icanj.net

SILVER AFFILIATES

60

Bay Area Chess (CA) www.BayAreaChess.com

Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) 516-739-3907

Oklahoma Chess Foundation www.OKchess.org

Beverly Hills Chess Club (CA) www.bhchessclub.com

Marshall Chess Club (NY) www.marshallchessclub.org

Our Lady of Sorrows Academy (AZ) [email protected]

En Passant Chess Club (TX) [email protected]

Michigan Chess Association www.michess.org

Silver Knights (PA) www.silverknightschess.com

Indiana State Chess Association www.indianachess.org

Monmouth Chess School & Club (NJ) www.monmouthchess.com

Sparta Chess Club (NJ) www.spartachessclub.org

Chess Life — February 2012

May 18-20 or 19-20, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) 20th annual New York State Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60). Tiki Resort (formerly Howard Johnson), 2 Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 3000. In 4 sections. Open: $$ 400-200-150, top Under 2010 $230-120, top Under 1810/Unr $220-110. Senior, open to under 1910 or unrated born before 5/21/62. $$ 300-150-80, top Under 1710 $120-60. Under 1610: $$ 300150-80, Under 1410 $120-60, unrated limit $150. Under 1310: $100-50, trophies to first 3, top U1000, U800, Unr. All: 1 year NYSCA membership prize to NY residents who are not members. EF: 3-day $78, 2-day $77 mailed by 5/11, both $79 online at chesstour.com by 5/16, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/16 (entry only, no questions), $90 at site. No

GOLD & SILVER

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

A Heritage Event! May 4-5 or 5-6, Ohio Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 48th Cincinnati Open 5SS. Hilton Garden Inn, 5200 Natorp Blvd., Mason, OH 45040. Five Sections: Open, U2200, U1900, U1600, U1300. Time Control: 40/2, SD/60 d/5; 2-day rds 1&2 G/75 d/5. Prizes: Open: $1,000-750-500-250; U2200: $700-500-300-150; U1900: $400-300-200-100; U1600: $300200-150-100; U1300: $225-150-125-100. Open section prizes guaranteed; other prizes in the under sections based on 100 total entries for the tournament, else proportional. (No unrated may win more than the third-place prize amount except in Open.) Entry fee: $95 if mailed/emailed by April 30, 2012; $115 after April 30/onsite. Re-entry $50. Free entry to GMs/IMs who complete schedule; $95 deducted from prize. Registration: Friday, May 4 5:00-6:30; Saturday, May 5 9:00-10:30. 3-day schedule: Friday 7:00, Saturday 11:00 and 5:30, Sunday 9:30 and 4:00. 2-day schedule: Saturday 11:00 and 2:00, then merge with 3-day. Byes: Maximum two half-point byes, must commit before round 3. HR: $99, group code COT, reserve by 4/13/2012 or rate may go up; reservations 800-560-7843 or 513-204-6000 or www.cincinnatimason.hgi.com. Bring sets and clocks. Advance entries: Cincinnati Open, PO Box 499006, Cincinnati, OH 45249-9006 or by email to [email protected]. Registration form and complete information at www.Chessinnati.com. Questions: Alan Hodge 513-697-6930, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP.

AFFILIATES 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

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

checks at site, credit cards OK. Entry fee $50 less to all in U1310. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Reentry $40, not available in Open Section. GMs free, $60 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds Sat 12, 3 &, 6, Sun 10 & 3:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye if under 1810/unr in Open). HR: 65-65 (poolside), 7575 (regular), call 518-668-5744 Mon-Fri 9 am-5pm, reserve by 5/5 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

May 26-28 or 27-28, California, Northern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) Best of the West Class Championship 6SS 30/90 sd/60 (2-day rds 1-3 G/60 merge in rd4). Marriott, 2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA. Hotel $89. Prize: $17,000 b/264 (2/3rd guaranteed). 6 sections. Open (2200+ FIDE rated 82% Gtd): 25001200-600-200, top u2300 300-100. Expert/A/B/C: 1200-600-300-100-100100. D/E/unr: 1000-400-200-100, top u1200 600-300-100. Unr max $300 exc in Open. EF by 5/22: $99. Onsite +$25, Play-up +$20. r/e $40. Econ Opt: EF-20 & 2/3 calc prize (not avail in Open). GMs/IMs free: prize-EF. May 2012 Supp, CCA min, & TD disc to place players. Sched: 3-day Reg Sa 10-11, Rds Sa/Su 11:30-5:30, Mo 10-3:30; 2-day Reg Su 9-9:30, Rds Su 10-12:30-2:50-5:30, Mo 10-3:30. Max two 1/2-pt byes, commit bef rd 3. Parking $5. Ent: Bay Area Chess, 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035. Rfnd fee $20. Info: BayAreaChess.com/bestwest. E: ask@Bay AreaChess.com. T: 408.786.5515. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

An American Classic! May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, Illinois Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 21st annual Chicago Open Open Section, May 24-28: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5, GM & IM norms possible, all Open entry fees $100 more than below for US players never rated 2200/over by FIDE. Under 2300 to Under 1300, May 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40, d/5). Under 1100 (NOTE CHANGE), May 26-28 or 27-28: 7SS, G/90, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-4 G/40, d/5). Under 900, May 27-28: 7SS, G/40, d/5. All: No 5 minute time deduction. At Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. Free analysis of your games by GM John Fedorowicz, beginning two hours after the start of each 4-day round. Free lectures by GM Fedorowicz 5pm Friday, 9 am each day Saturday, Sunday, Monday. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 9 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300, clear or tiebreak winner bonus $200, top FIDE Under 2500/Unr $20001000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible. Under 2300: $5000-25001200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. FIDE rated. Under 2100: $50002500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1900: $5000-25001200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1700: $5000-2500-1200900-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500: $4000-2000- 1000-800-600500-400-400-300-300. Under 1300: $4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400400-300-300. Under 1100: $1500-700-400-300-200-200- 100-100. Under 900: $500-300-200, trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, U300, Unrated. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/12 list may not win over $800 U1100, $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/12 list not counted. 2) If official rating 5/11-4/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted 5/24/11-5/24/12 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 inU900, $400 U1100, $700 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1500 U1700, $2000 U1900 or $2500 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections Mailed EF: 5-day Open $205, 4-day $204, 3-day$203, 2-day $202 mailed by 3/29; 5day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 mailed by 5/16; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Top 7 sections online EF atchesstour.com: $207 by 3/29, $227 by 5/21, $250 after 5/21 until 2 hours before rd 1. Top 7sections phoned EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $230 by 5/21 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/21. GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FMs free in Open; $200 deducted from prize. All Open Section EF $100 more for US players never rated 2200 or over by FIDE. EF $100 less to seniors age 65/over in top 7 sections. Under 1100 EF: $85 mailed by 5/16, $87 online at chesstour.com by 5/21, $100 at site. Under 900 EF: $35 mailed by 5/16, $37 online at chesstour. com by 5/21, $50 at site. Online or mailed EF $5 less to ICA members; join at il-chess.org. An ICA Tour Event. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open to Open. 5day schedule (Open): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U2300 to U1300): Reg. ends Fri 6pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U2300 to U1300): Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day U2300 to U1300 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day, 3-day & 2-day U2300 to U1300 schedules merge & compete for same prizes. 3-day Under 1100 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 1 pm, Rds Sat 2 pm & 6 pm, Sun 10, 2 & 6, Mon 10 & 2. 2-day Under 1100 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 2. 3-day & 2-day U1100 schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900 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: $103-103-103-103, 800-937-8461, 847777-6500, reserve by 5/11 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800331-1600, 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; FIDE ratings used for Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings 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 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: DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658, 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. Chess Magnet School JGP.

June 14, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 2012 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) See Nationals.

uschess.org

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 15-17 or 16-17, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2012 National Open See Nationals. June 29-July 3 (New date), Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 9th annual Philadelphia International 9SS, 40/90,SD/30, 30 second increment. Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Parking $10/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest room, parking lot next to hotel may be much less than $20. $$G 8000: $2000-1200-800-700-600-500-400-300, top FIDE under 2300 or unrated $1000-500. Minimum prize $800 to foreign GMs who complete all games with no byes (limited to first 5 foreign GMs to enter), $300 to US GMs, foreign IMs & foreign WGMs (all must complete all games with no byes.) IM& GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: Free to GMs, IMs, WGMs. Foreign FIDE rated players: $125 mailed by 6/18, $127 online by 6/23, $150 at tmt. USA current or former FIDE 2200/up rated players: $225 mailed by 6/18, $227 online by 6/23, $250 at tmt. Others: $325 mailed by 6/18, $327 online by 6/23, $350 at tmt. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine: see World Open. Schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri through Mon 11 & 6, Tue 11. Two half point byes available (must commit before rd 2); norm not possible if taking bye. HR: $99-99, 215-448-2000, 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. Invitations: GoAtChess.us (use @ instead of at). Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! An American Classic! July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 40th Annual World Open 9SS (Senior Amateur, Women's Championship and Under 13 Booster are 6SS). Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport, call 800559-2040 or 215-616-5370. Parking $10/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest room, Gateway lot at 1540 Vine, 1 block from hotel, is about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other days. In 13 sections with $250,000 projected prizes, $200,000 minimum. 80% of each prize guaranteed based on 1180 paid entries total in first 9 listed sections, all prizes guaranteed in Senior Amateur, Womens Championship, Under 13 Championship, and Under 13 Booster. GMs, IMs, WGMs, Under 1200, seniors count as 50% entries, Under 900 as 15%entries. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik 7/4-8; free GM lectures 9 am 7/6 & 7/7. Time controls: Open 40/90, SD/30, 30 second increment. U2400, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (4-day option rds 1-2 G/75, d/5, 3-day option rds 1-5 G/45, d/5). U900, Under 13 Championship, Under 13 Booster G/65, d/5. Senior Amateur, Womens Championship 40/2, SD/1,d/5. Open, 9SS, July 4-8 or 2-8: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-600500, clear winner bonus $300, top FIDE U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/8 for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated. Under 2200/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 (no unr) $2000-1000. FIDE rated. Under 2000/Unr, 9SS, July 48, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 (no unr) $2000-1000. Under 1800/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1700 (no unr) $2000-1000. Under 1600/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $11000-6000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top 1500 (no unr) $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8: $100005000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500-400, top U1300 (no unr) $1600-800. Under 1200/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8: $5000-25001200-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300, top U1100 (no Unr) $1200-600. Under 900/Unr, 9SS, July 6-8: $1000-700-500-400-300-300-300, trophies to first 10, top U700, U500, U300, Unrated. Senior Amateur, 6SS, July 1-3: Open to Under 2010 or unrated born before 7/4/62. $$ 500300-200, topU1810 $280-140, top U1610/Unr $250-130, top U1410 $200. Women's Championship, 6SS, July 1-3: Open to all females. $$ 500300-200, top U1800 $240, U1600 $220, U1400 $200, U1200 $180, U1000 $160, trophy to top U800, U600, Unrated. FIDE rated. Under 13 Championship, 9SS, July 1-3: Open to all born after 7/3/99. Trophies to top 10, 1st C, D, E, Unrated. Free entry to all CCA tournaments 7/15/1112/31/11 to 1st. Under 13 Booster, 6SS, July 4-5: Open to all born after

7/5/99 rated under 1000 or unrated. Trophies to top 10, 1st U800, U600, U400, U200; free entry to all CCA tournaments 7/15/12-10/31/12 to1st. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/12 official list may not win over $600 in U900, $1500 in U1200, $3000 in U1400 or U1600. Games rated too late for 7/12 list not counted. 2) If official rating 7/11-6/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted 7/3/11-7/3/12 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $2000. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $300 in U900, $800 U1200, $1200 U1400, $1600 U1600, $2000 U1800, or $2500 U2000. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Open, U2400, U2200, U2200, U1800, U1600, U1400 EF: Mailed by 2/15, all 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303, 7-day $307. Open has 5-day and 7-day only; no 7-day in U1400 orU1200. Mailed by 5/15 all $10 more, mailed by 6/20 all $20 move. Online at chesstour.com, all $307 by2/15, $317 by 5/15, $327 by 6/25, $350 6/26 to 2 hours before round 1 or at site. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all $330 by 6/25. At site, all $350; no checks, credit cards OK. GMs free in Open; $200 deducted from prize. IMs, WGMs EF $100 less, $100 deducted from prize. All Open Section EF $100 more for US players never rated 2200 or over by FIDE. Under 1200 Section EF: all $150 less. EF for U900 Section, or unrated in U1200 Section: $43 mailed by 6/20, $47 online at chesstour.com by 6/25, $60 online to 2 hours before round 1 or at site. Rated seniors 65/up in U1400 or over: all $150 less. Senior Amateur or Women's Championship EF: $76 mailed by 6/20, $78 online by 6/25, $90 at site. Under 13 Championship or Under 13 Novice EF: $39 mailed by 6/20, $41 online by 6/25, $50 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 7/3. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Open to U1200 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thu 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. U2400 to U1200 4-day schedule: Thu 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. U2400 to U1200 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. Open to U1600 7-day schedule: Mon-Wed 7 pm, Thu-Fri 6 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. All above schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900 schedule: Fri 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Sat & Sun each 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm. Senior Amateur & Women's Championship schedule: Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 & 5, Tue 10 & 4:30. Under 13 Championship schedule: Sun 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Mon 10, 1 & 4, Tue 10, 1 & 4. Under 13 Booster schedule: Wed 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Thu 10, 1 & 4. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Limit 1 half point bye in 6 round sections. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $99-99, 215-448-2000, ask for chess rate, may sell out about May 31, two night minimum July 6-7. Special car rental rates: Avis, 800331-1600, 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 for-

CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE Visit our website at www. chesstour. com for late news, results, games, CCA minimum ratings, advance entries, and more! Most tournaments have alternate schedules playing less or more days than listed below. Asterisk means full details in this issueotherwise, see future issues or our website. 3/2-4: Eastern C lass C hampionshipos, Sturbridge M A* 3/3-4: N ew Y ork State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs N Y * 3/9-11: W estern C lass C hampionships, Agoura Hills C A* 3/16-18: M id-America O pen, St Louis M O * 3/16-18: Long Island O pen, R onkonkoma N Y * 3/23-25: Pittsburgh O pen, Pittsburgh PA* 3/30-4/1: Southern C lass, O rlando FL* 4/4-8: Philadelphia O pen, Philadelphia PA* 4/27-29: G reen M ountain O pen, R utland V T* 5/4-6: W estern Amateur, Los Angeles C A* 5/18-20: N ew Y ork State O pen, Lake G eorge N Y * 5/24-28: C hicago O pen, W heeling IL* 6/29-7/3: Philadelphia International, Philadelphia PA* 7/4-8: W orld O pen, Philadelphia PA* 7/20-22: C hicago C lass, W heeling IL 7/20-22: Pacific C oast O pen, Agoura Hills C A 7/27-29: Southern O pen, O rlando FL 7/27-29: Bradley O pen, W indsor Locks C T 8/3-5: C leveland O pen, C leveland O H 8/10-12: C ontinental O pen, Sturbridge M A 8/17-19: M anhattan O pen, N ew Y ork N Y 8/17-19: C entral C alifornia O pen, Fresno C A 8/24-26: Atlantic O pen, W ashington D C 9/1-3: N ew Y ork State C hampionship, Albany N Y 9/21-23: Louisville O pen, Louisville KY 10/4-8: C ontinental C lass, Arlimgton V A 10/5-7: Los Angeles O pen, Los Angeles C A 10/12-14: M idw est C lass, W heeling IL 10/19-21: Boardw alk O pen, Asbury Park N J 11/9-11: Kings Island O pen, M ason O H F or later events, see chesstour.com .

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Tournament Life eign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: Official July ratings used; FIDE ratings used for Open Section only. Unofficial uschess.org ratings 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 of 80% or over and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cell phones 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, DirectorAtChess.US, 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. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jul. 28-Aug. 1, Maryland Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 2012 Washington International 9SS, 40/90, SD/30 inc/30. Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-468-0308. Guaranteed Prizes: $5000-3000-2000-1000900-800-700-600-500-500, top U2500 $700-300, top U2300 $700-300. (minimum 2100 FIDE to play. FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes). Sets, board and clocks provided. GM and IM norms possible. Free Continental breakfast every morning. Optionally, pairings can be texted to your phone. EF: GMs, non-US IMs, or FIDE over 2500 Free, US IMs, non-US FIDE rated, or FIDE over 2400 $200, FIDE over 2300 $300, FIDE over 2200 $400, FIDE under 2200 $500. All $25 more after 6/1, $50 more after 6/29, $75 more after 7/24, $100 more at the door. Special EFs: ALL EFs $50 less, if staying at the Hilton. Schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds 7/28-7/31:11&6, Wed 8/1 10am. HR: $98. Ent: MCA, c/o Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. More information, link for hotel reservation & online entry at: http://washington internationalchess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Regional

Mar. 3, Alabaster Scholastic 5SS, TC: G/30. Thompson Intermediate School, 10019 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007. Open (K-12): EF: $20; Middle (K-8), Elementary (K4): EF: $10, if mailed by FEB 25th. Trophy: Top 3 Individual, Medals 4th-6th. Late REG.: MAR 3rd at 8AM. Rds.: 9-10:15-12-1:15-2:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT: Caesar Chess LLC, 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 204 - 202, Birmingham, AL 35244. Info: CaesarChess@yahoo. com/www.AlabamaChess.com.

9-9:30 4ssxG/60 10 12:30 2:50 5:10. 2 Sects: u1700, 1700+. EF: $44 by 2/9. Info: BayAreaChess.com/superswiss12. NS, NC, W.

Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Championships (FL) See Grand Prix.

Feb. 18-20, 29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West See Nationals.

Arizona Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix. Feb. 25, Liulia Cardona's Tempe Open 4 round, USCF rated tournament; SECTIONS: USCF: 2000 & up/16001999/1200-1599/U1200. ASCF: U1000; G/60 for the top 4 sections. G/30 for U1000; ROUND TIMES: 4 top sections: 9am/11:15am/1:30pm/ 3:30pm. 5:30pm Ceremony. U/1000: 9am/10:15am/12:00pm/1:15pm. 2:30pm Ceremony. PRIZES: $200 1st, $100 2nd 2000 & up/ Top 3 trophies in 1600-1999, 1200-1599, and U1200/ Top 5 U1000 plus best U800 and U600; ENTRY FEE: $20 by 2/22, $23 by 2/23, $26 by 2/24, $30 at site. $10 to play up. TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE: 1835 E. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ. Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CA-S) See Grand Prix. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

California, Northern

Alabama A Heritage Event! Feb. 18-19, Queen of Hearts - 40th Annual 5SS, TC: 30/90; SD/30. AUM Taylor Center. 7401 East Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117. OPEN ($$b/25): $325-200-150-A:125-U1800: $100; RESERVE ($$ b/25): $275-150-125-E:100-U1000: $75. Late REG.: FEB 18th, 88:45am. Rds.: 9-2-7; 9-2:30. EF: $40; if mailed by FEB 11th; $50 at site. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): 5SS, TC: G/30. PREMIER (UNR-1200) and NOVICE (K-8; Not Rated): EF: $20/$10; if mailed by FEB 11th, $10 more at site. Trophy: Top 3; Medals 4th-6th. Rds.: 9-10:15-12-1:15, 2:30. Checks payable to: Montgomery Chess Club. ENT: Montgomery Chess Club, 2625 Burkelaun Dr., Montgomery, AL 36111. Info: ChessClubMont [email protected]/www.AlabamaChess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Capital City C. C. Sundays Chess for Kids Round Table Pizza, 3005 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento. Quads (3/RR). T/C: G/30 w/5 Second Delay. RDS.: 12pm/Ongoing. PRIZES: 1st - Trophy or Inscribed Chess Clock, 1st thru 4th - Medals or Pins. TIE-BREAK: G/7 w/3 Second Delay. EF: $20 (Includes $5 Food Gift Certificate). REG.: 11am at Site Only. DIRECTOR: John C. Barnard 209-450-6133. JohnCharles [email protected], capitalcitychessclub.com.

Feb. 11, Pleasanton Taco Bell Swiss at Hilton Hilton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Trophies: Players w/winning record, teams w/2+ players. Sched: Reg 9-9:30a. Games 10a-2p. 3 Sections: u500 5xG/30, u900 5xG/30, 900+ 4xG/45. EF: $33 by 2/9, Onsite +$15. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/tacobell12. NS. NC.

Mar. 3-4, 2012 U.S. Junior Chess Congress See Nationals. Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CAS) See Grand Prix. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Bay Area Chess Spring Open See Grand Prix. Mar. 31, Santa Clara County Elementary Championship Harker Middle, 3800 Blackford Ave., San Jose. Trophies: Top 7 players & Top 5 teams in each section. 7 sections based on grade KG-6. Sched: Reg. 8:30-9a. KG, Gr 1 2 3: 5xG/30 games 9:30, 10:45, 12:30, 1:45, 3. Gr 4 5 6: 4xG/45 games 9:30, 11:15, 1:15, 3. EF: $37 by 3/28. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/santaclara12. NS, NC, W. Apr. 7, May 6, Bay Area Chess4Less Quads 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas. Trophies for winning record. Sched: Checkin by: 3:15p, 3xG/30. Games: 3:45-6. EF: $19 by Wed before tourney. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/chess4less. NS. NC. Apr. 7, May 6, Bay Area Chess 4 Less Swiss 1639A S. Main St., Milpitas. Trophies: Players w/winning record, teams w/2+ players. Sched: Reg. 8:30-9a. Games: 9:30a-2p. 3 Sections: u500 5xG/30, u900 5xG/30, 900+ 4xG/45. EF: $27 by Wed before tourney. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/chess4less. NS. NC.

Feb. 11, Pleasanton Taco Bell Quads at Hilton Hilton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Trophies: Players w/winning record. Sched: Check-in 4p, Games 4:30-6:30p. 3xG/30. EF: $25 by 2/9, Onsite +$15. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/tacobell12. NS. NC.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 20 or 21 or 22 or 21-22, CalChess State Scholastics Championship 2012 Note corrections: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Park free. Hotel $109: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. Main Event: Trophies to all KG & top 20 players (winning record) in each section. Medals to others. K-3 u900 sections: Sat 9a. K & 4-6 u750: Sun 9a. Blitz Fr 6-8:30p. Bughouse Sa 6-8:30p. EF by 4/10: 1-day $48, 2-day $60. Onsite+$40. Apr Supp & TD disc to place players. Info/reg: CalChessScholastics.org. Quest: [email protected]. USCF+CalChess Mem reqd. NS, NC, W.

Feb. 11, Pleasanton Taco Bell $uperSwiss at Hilton Hilton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Prize: $1,000 b/44. Sched: Reg

May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

CHECK OUT USCF’S CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS! 2012 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship th $1,000 F IRST P RIZE USCF ’s 65 (plus title of USCF’s Golden Knights Champion and plaque) ANNUAL 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.

2012 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship (Seven-player sections, one game with each of six opponents.) th USCF ’s 9 $700 FIRST PRIZE (plus title of USCF’s Electronic Knights Champion and plaque) ANNUAL 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.

CORRESPONDENCE CHESS MATCHES (TWO PLAYERS) Two or six-game options. ENTRY FEE: $5. 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. 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.

E-MAIL RATED EVENTS (NEED E-MAIL ACCESS): Lightning Match Two players with two or six-game option. ENTRY FEE: $5. Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin format. 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30. ENTRY FEE: $10.

Address _______________________________________ City___________________ State ___ ZIP ____________

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.

Phone __________________________ E-mail____________________________________ Est. Rating __________

Please circle event(s) selected.

TO ENTER: 800-903-USCF(8723) OR FAX 931-787-1200 OR ONLINE AT WWW.USCHESS.ORG Name_________________________________________ USCF ID#_______________________________________

Credit card # (VISA, MC, Disc., AMEX) _________________________________________ Exp. date ________________

If using VISA, need V-code ________________ q Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may slow down your assignment.

NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir E-Quads & Electronic Knights, players will use post office mail, unless opponents agree to use e-mail.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO U.S. CHESS AND MAIL TO: JOAN DUBOIS, USCF, PO BOX 3967, CROSSVILLE, TN 38557

62

Chess Life — February 2012

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

May 26-28 or 27-28, Best of the West Class Championship See Grand Prix. May 27, Azhar Memorial NorCal Grade Level Champ Marriott, 2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA. Hotel $89. Trophies: Top 20 players & Top 10 teams in ea section. 8 sections: KG 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-12. Sched: Reg. 8:30-9a. K-3: 5xG/30 games 9:30 11 12:30 1:50 3:15. Gr 4-12: 4xG4/5 games 9:30 11:20 1:15 3:15. EF by 5/22: $39. Info: BayAreaChess.com/grade12. NS, NC, W.

California, Southern Los Angeles CHESS CLUB The premier chess club in Southern California! (310) 7955710 * www.LAChessClub.com. The premier chess club in Southern California! Saturdays: 10AM-10 pm (Novice Class & 3 Tournaments) Sundays: 12-6 & 1-5 pm (Beginner class & 2 Tournaments) – Details on our web site Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Intermediate/Advance Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks 405 West, Santa Monica& Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) * Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. Feb. 4&5, 18&19, 25&26, LACC - Sat & Sun G/61 6SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $45 ($35 LACC memb). Reg.: 11-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. Parking: Free at BoA and streets ($3 basement). Info: 310/7955710 or [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC - LA Masters G/30 3SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $30 ($20 memb). Reg.: 5-6 pm. Rds.: 6, 7, 8 pm. Prizes: ($180 b/10, 75%); Parking: Free at BoA ($3 basement). Info: 310/795-5710. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC - Sat Nite Blitz (G/5) (QC) 5DSS, (10 Games). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 8-9 pm. Rds.: 9, 9:20, 9:40, 10, 10:20. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Parking: Free on Butler ($3 basement). Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC - Saturday G/61 3SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. ($320 b/20), $100/50/30; U1800-1200:$50/40/30/20. EF: $25 ($20 memb). Reg.: 1112 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Parking: basement ($3). Info: 310/795-5710. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC - Sunday G/61 3SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025 2nd fl. ($320 b/20), $100/50/30; U1800-1200:$50/40/30/20. EF: $25 ($20 memb). Reg.: 1112 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Parking: Free at BoA and streets ($3 basement). Info: 310/795-5710. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC - Every Sunday Chess 4 Jrs. 4 separate events – 2 Sections: 1000+ & U1000 (latest ratings used), 5SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks W 405. EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, $10 off siblings, Free new LACC memb). Reg.: 12-1 pm. Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4 pm; Prizes: Trophies (Top 3) & Medals (rest); each player receives a prize! Parking: Free at BoA and streets. Free snacks & free class (12-1). Info: (310) 795-5710 or Mick@LAChessClub. com. Feb. 11-12, “What's in a Name?” See Grand Prix. Feb. 18-19, LACC - Sat & Sun G/90 4SS, G/90. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $45 ($35 LACC memb). Reg.: 11-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 3 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. Parking: Free on Butler ($3 basement). Info: 310/795-5710 or [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 18-20, The Recession Buster Open (over Presidents' Day weekend) See Grand Prix. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix. Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships See Grand Prix. Mar. 17, Joshua Tree March Madness 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)367-2311, Email: [email protected]. NS, NC, W. Apr. 27-29, 2012 National Junior High (K-9) Championship See Nationals. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Sheraton Four Points LAX, 9750 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Special parking $5/day. $$10,000 guaranteed. In 5 sections. Under 2300: $1000-500300-200, top Under 2100/Unr $400-200. FIDE. Under 2000: $1000500-300-200, top Under 1800 $400-200. Under 1700: $800-500-300-200, top Under 1500 $400-200. Under 1400: $600-300-200-100, top Under 1200 $300-150. Under 1100: $400-200-100-50, trophies to top 3,1st Under 900, Under 700, Under 500, Unrated. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1100, $300 U1400, or $500 U1700. Top 3 sections EF: 3-day $83, 2day $82 mailed by 4/26, all $85 online at chesstour.com by 5/1, $90 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/1 (entry only, no questions), $100 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. U1400 Section EF: All $20 less than top 3 sections EF. U1100 Section EF: All $40 less than top 3 sections EF. All: re-entry $60. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if other unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic$15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 3. HR: $89-89, 1-800-529-4683, 310-649-7025; reserve by 4/20 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWDD657633, or reserve car

uschess.org

online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chess tour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

website in case of inclement weather: newtownchessclub.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W.

Colorado

Mar. 31, 2012 New Haven Scholastic Championship 5-SS, G/30. Hopkins School, 986 Forest Rd., New Haven, CT. 06515. Three Sections: U1200, U1000, U800/unrated. EF: $50 Online or mail, $100 at site. Trophies: Top 5 each section, Top 3 Scholastic Teams. ONE DAY Reg.: 9:00-9:45. Rd. 1 10am then asap. Register Online: www.edu techchess.com or www.CTChess.com.

Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix. Mar. 10-11, Manitou Springs: COLORADO SPRINGS OPEN 5-SS, Rds. 1-3 40/90 and G/1; Rds. 4-5 40/2 and G/1. Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave., One open section. EF: $30 if rec'd by March 8, $35 at site. $8 EF discount for juniors, seniors, unrated. CSCA required, ($15, jrs & srs 10), OSA. Cash prizes per entries. Registration: 8:30-9:30, Rds. 10, 2:30, 7:00; 9:00 AM, 3:00. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail [email protected]. COLORADO TOUR EVENT. Chess Magnet School JGP. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

Connecticut Feb. 4, Brown University Open (RI) See Rhode Island.

Mar. 31, 2012 CT Open State Championship See Grand Prix.

Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

Delaware Newark Chess Club 4-SS, G/75. USCF-rated games every Thursday 7-10 PM. 345 School Bell Rd., Bear, DE 19701. For a full year of weekly games $22 for in-state players, $15 out-of-state! www.newarkchessclub.blogspot.com, newark [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Florida

Feb. 11, Blizzard Open CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte. 25. 3SS, G/45. Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:15, and as available thereafter. EF: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-12. Info: [email protected]. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtownchessclub.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W.

Boca Raton Chess Club Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks. www.bocachess.com, 561-479-0351. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Feb. 25, Mikhail Tal Memorial 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/45. Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:15, and as available thereafter. EF: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-12. Info: licensingagent@ yahoo.com. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtownchess club.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W.

Pine Crest School Scholastic Grand Prix Series, Boca Raton More info at: www.bocachess.com or call 561-479-0351.

Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. Mar. 10, Fischer Memorial CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte.25. 3SS, G/45. Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:15, and as available thereafter. EF: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-12. Info: [email protected]. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtownchessclub.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open (NY) See Grand Prix. A State Championship Event! Mar. 24, 2012 K-6, K-8, K-12 Connecticut Scholastic Championships Held at RLMS on the Same Day! (A CT State Chess Association (CSCA) sanctioned event hosted by the Roger Ludlowe Middle School PTA and DJA Chess Instruction) 5SS, G/30. Roger Ludlowe Middle School (RLMS), 689 Unquowa Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824, (203) 255-8345 (I-95 exit 21 – Mill Plain Road). Out of state players: prize and scholarship eligible except for 2012 Dewain Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions awards. Championship Sections: Middle School (Grades 6 through 8), Elementary (Grades 4 and 5), Primary (Grades 2 and 3), First Grade, Kindergarten; Novice Sections: Middle School (Grades 6 through 8 U1000), Elementary (Grades 4 and 5 U800), Primary (Grades 2 and 3 U600); EF: $55 if postmarked by 3/11; $75 by 3/18; $100 by 3/23 or later. NO ONSITE ENTRIES! Entry Fee includes $5 CSCA annual membership and participation fee. RDS.: 9:15-11:30-1:00-2:30-4:00 or as soon as possible if round finishes earlier; team pairings in rounds 1-4 only. Awards Ceremony: 6:00 PM. Grade Champion Plaques: Grade champions will be awarded for each grade in the Championship and Premier sections. A Grade champion will be awarded for each grade; Top CT resident or top out-of-state resident attending a CT school full-time receives a plaque as top overall CT grade champion of that section. Championship and Premier Section; The highest scoring Connecticut player in the Middle School Championship Section will be awarded the K-8 Open State Champion Title and eligibility for the 2012 Dewain Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions; $300 CSCA grant applied as assistance in travel expenses to this national tournament event for the winner. Trophy Prizes Based on 50 entries PER SECTION (400 total entries). Trophy Prizes may be scaled down (or up). Individual and team trophies to be awarded as follows: Trophies to top 10; Trophies to top 5 unrated in each Premier Section. Team trophies to top 10 in each section; Large medals to all non-trophy winners; Top 10 schools “combined sections” team awards. All Sections: 3/2012 Supplement used for Ratings and Pairings; Minimum of 2 players comprise a team, top 4 scores counted as team score. Team Rooms: Available through the RLMS PTA at $100/room/day. Contact Mrs. Laura Bernaschina ([email protected]) for reservations and details. ENT: DJA Chess Instruction, 248 Mill Street, Southington, CT 06489. NO PHONE ENTRIES. Please include name, grade, school, section, USCF ID#, Exp. Date, home address, birth date, parent home and work phone numbers, parents' names, e-mail address, and name of adult supervisor if under 16. INCOMPLETE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NOTE: MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CT ST SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP. Info: DJA Chess Instruction office (860) 628-6777. Mar. 24, Newtown Spring Open CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte.25. 3SS, G/45. Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:15, and as available thereafter. In 2 Sections: Open, Under 1200/Unrated. Unrated may not win more than 50% of prizes. EF: Both Sections: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-12. Info: [email protected]. Check

Epicure Grand Prix Series at Miami Country Day Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections. More info at: www.bocachess.com or call 954-421-8222 or 561-479-0351.

South Florida Chess Club Wednesday's 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G/90 Tournaments and skittles. Most tournaments are 4+ rounds Call 561-573-3677 or 954-304-0928 or email [email protected] or visit www.SouthFloridaChess Club.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 4, February OCG Open Orlando Chess and Games Center. 4SS, G/75. EF: $30. PF: $650 b/30 $250-$150-$100 best U-1600, U-1200, $75 each. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 am. RDS.: 10am-12:30pm-3pm-6pm, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407248-0818 or email [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 11, February OCG Quick Open (QC) Orlando Chess and Games Center. 6SS, G/29. EF: $30. PF: $650 b/30: $250-$150-$100, U-1600, U-1200 $75 each. Reg.: 9:15-9:55 am. RDS.: 10-11-12:30-1:30-2:30-3:30, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407-2480818 or email [email protected]. Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship South See Nationals. Feb. 25, February Scholastic Tournament Orlando Chess and Games Center. 5SS, G/30. EF: $30. Trophies and medals to all players, awards at 3:30 pm. Reg.: 9:15-9:55 am. RDS.: 1011-12-1:30-2:30, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407-248-0818 or email [email protected]. Mar. 3, March OCG Open Orlando Chess and Games Center. 4SS, G/75. EF: $30. PF: $650 b/30: $250-$150-$100 best U-1600, U-1200, $75 each. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 am. RDS.: 10am-12:30pm-3pm-6pm, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407248-0818 or email [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 10, March OCG Quick Open (QC) Orlando Chess and Games Center. 6SS, G/29. EF: $30. PF: $650 b/30: $250-$150-$100, U-1600, U-1200 $75 each. Reg.: 9:15-9:55 am. RDS.: 10-11-12:30-1:30-2:30-3:30, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407-2480818 or email [email protected]. Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Georgia Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Championships (FL) See Grand Prix.

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!

Chess Life — February 2012

63

Tournament Life Idaho A State Championship Event! Feb. 18-20, 2012 Idaho Closed State Championship IDAHO RESIDENT'S ONLY! Chief TD: Jay Simonson. AmeriTel Inn (Boise Towne Square), 7965 W. Emerald St., Boise, ID 83704. 208-378-7000. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60, d5. Annual ICA Business Meeting beginning at 8 AM prior to rnd 3. Rds.: 9, 4, 10, 4:30, 8, 3. Byes: One 1/2 pt Bye, rnds 1-5, One 0 pt bye avail rnd 6, must notify TD before rnd 2. Reg. & Ck in: 7:30-8:30 Sat Feb 18. One Section: Open. EF: $35 (includes $10 ICA Membership) if registered by February 14, 2012. $30 (includes $10 ICA Membership) for Seniors (60+) and Juniors (under 18) if registered by February 14, 2012. $50 (includes $10 ICA Membership) for EVERYONE if registered after February 14, 2012. Optional Northwest Chess memberships available for additional $15. Prizes: Trophies or plaques, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall; 1st, X, A, Woman, Junior, Senior, Unrated; 1st-2nd, B thru E. HR: $69.95 mention chess, 208-378-7000. Contact: Jay Simonson, [email protected], 391 Carol Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83401, 208-206-7667. NC, NS, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Illinois North Shore Chess Center 5500 W. Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077, 847.423.8626, www.nachess.org/nscc. Multiple monthly chess events: Quick and Regular rated tournaments, FIDE amateur tournaments, simuls and lectures by masters. Private & Group lessons for all ages and strengths available. Home of the Chicago Blaze US Chess League team. Contact: Sevan A. Muradian International Arbiter & International Organizer - sevan@na chess.org. Feb. 12, Knights Quest #74 4SS, G/30,d5. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL. Presented by Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation. USCF Rated Sections: Open (K-12 & Adults), U1400 (K-12 & Adults), U1000 (K-8) & U600 (K-8). Awards: Top 5 each section, Top 2 teams (except open), medals all others. Reg.: 12:00-12:30 pm. Rds.: 1 at 1:00 pm, rest ASAP. EF: $25 by 2/6, $30 after, $35 on-site. Online Registration: http://events.r20constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=mlwzh 4bab&oeidk=a07e5a1217j49897fla. Mail-in Reg: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. $5 discount to siblings and team members when registering together. Info: www.rknights.org, 773-844-0701. Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North See Nationals. Feb. 24-26, Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge (IA) Across the river from Moline, IL. See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! Mar. 2-4, 2012 Illinois K-8 State Championships 7SS. Clock Tower Resort, 7801 State St., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)3986000 Toll Free: 1-800-358-7666, rooms: $95 (single-quad), Free Wi-Fi at hotel, free parking, indoor water park, video arcade. Four Sections: K1 (G/25 d/5), Grades 2-3 (G/40 d/5), Grades 4-5 (G/55 d/5), Grades 6-8 (G/55 d5). Entry Fee: $35 postmarked by 2/20/12 USPS (or $35 on-line by 2/20, 6 pm); $50 postmarked 2/21 � 2/27 or On-Line by 3/1/12, 6 pm, or on-site by 3/2/12(on-site entries after 3/2/12 cannot be guaranteed pairing for round 1, instead they may receive 1/2 point bye round 1). Must be current USCF member by 8:30 am, 3/3 to be paired. Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Individual: 1st-25th Place in each section (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8). Grade Awards: 1st-2nd each grade. Class Awards: 1st-2nd Place with several classes per section. Commemorative medal or ribbon to all players. Teams: 1st-10th Place in each section. Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., 3/2/12 at 9:30 am. K-1: Sat. 10-12:30-2-3:30, Sun. 9-10:30-12:30; Grades 2-3: Sat. 10-12:30-2:30-4:30 Sun. 9-11-1; Grades 4-5 & Grades 6-8: Sat. 10-12:45-3:15-5:45 Sun. 9-11:30-2. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament Fri, 3/2/12, 6:15 7:45 pm. EF at site only: $20 per team ($10 for individuals and we help you create a team) FREE INDIVIDUAL BUGHOUSE ENTRY WITH RECEIPT FOR BOTH BLITZ & PUZZLE SOLVING! Registration closes at 5:45 pm, Fri, 3/2/12. One section only, K-8. Bughouse Awards: 1st-3rd Place. Blitz Tournament 5 SS Fri, 3/2/12, 8-9:30 pm, $15 postmarked by 2/20/12 or on-line 2/20/12 until 6 pm, $20 USPS post marked 2/21/12 - 2/27/12, or on-site or on-line until 3/1/12, 6 pm. Registration on site closes at 7:30 pm, 3/2/12. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-5th plus class awards. Puzzle Solving Contest: Sat. 3/3/12, 6:30 pm, Puzzle Solving Prizes: 1st-5th overall; 1st-5th U1000, EF: USPS: $15 postmarked by 2/20/12 or On-line until 2/20/12, 6 pm. $20 USPS post marked 2/21/12 - 2/27/12 or on-line by 3/2/12, 6pm or at site by 5:45 pm. Awards Ceremony for Blitz/Bug house/ Puz zle Solving: Sun, 9 am. K-8 Awards Ceremony: Sun, 3/4/12, 5:30-7 pm. Enter tournament on line (except Bughouse) at http://chessweekend. com. Checks payable only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF or Mike Zacate): Mail registrations with name-contact infograde-birthday-team/school-uscf ID & exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to: Mike Zacate, 9401 Birch Ave., Mokena, IL 60448. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: http://chessweekend.com. $10 service charge for on-site changes, and all refunds. Bookdealer scheduled to be there. Mar. 10, 10th Annual Mark Oestreich Memorial Tournament Time controls: 30/70, then 40/60. No sudden death. Salem Community Center, 416 Oglesby St., Salem, IL. EF: $15.00. Prize fund: $360.00, based on 30. 1st $80, 2nd $40. Classes: A, B, C, D/E/Unrated $60.00 each. Registration: 8:00–9:15. Rounds: 9:30, 1:00, 5:00. Entries: Jim Davies 314-721-4967, 7358 Shaftesbury, St. Louis, MO 63130. jandadavies@ sbcglobal.net.

Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. Mar. 17-18, 48th Greater Peoria Open 5 SS, G/120 T/d5. Lakeview Museum, 1125 Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614. EF: $35 by 3/12, $45 at site, $20 Unr, $0 to Masters, $5 disc't ICA memb, $3 disc't GPCF memb. $$GTD: 80% of EFs. REG.: 8:30-9:30. RDS.: 9:452:15-6:30, 9:30-2:00. INFO: Bye 1-4. www.gpcf.net. ENT: Wayne Zimmerle, 514 W Loucks #2, Peoria, IL 61604, 309-692-4480 day, 309-686-0192 night, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 18, Knights Quest #75 4SS, G/30,d5. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, IL. Presented by Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation. USCF Rated Sections: Open (K-12 & Adults), U1400 (K-12 & Adults), U1000 (K-8) & U600 (K-8). Awards: Top 5 each section, Top 2 teams (except open), medals all others. Reg.: 12:00-12:30 pm. Rds.: 1 at 1:00 pm, rest ASAP. EF: $25 by 3/12, $30 after, $35 on-site. Online Registration: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk= a07e5a13wj1a2054394&11r=m1wzh4bab. Mail-in Reg: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. $5 discount to siblings and team members when registering together. Info: www.rknights.org, 773844-0701. Apr. 20-22, 2012 All-Girls National Championships presented by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation & USCF See Nationals. May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open See Grand Prix.

Indiana Every Second Saturday of the Month 4SS, G/61d5. Donatos Pizza, 825 W 10th St., Indianapolis. Reg.: 1111:30AM, Rd 1, 11:40AM. $$:b/20 1st $200; 2nd $100; Class (A, B,) (C, D, E, Unr) $70 each. Prizes increased if + 20. EF: $27 - $5.00 BD month, - $5.00 for any state association (except ISCA), OCCC Memb.req'd Memb. includes magazine+. FIDE Titled Players Free. Ent: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Info: at 317-634-6259 or email [email protected]. 3 entries in a class req'd for that class prize to be awarded. Chess Magnet School JGP. Orange Crush Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC) Burger King, 410 E Morris St. (E. Morris St. and S. East St). Show your OCCC card for free upsize. Reg.: 6-6:25pm, starts at 6:30pm. Type: 3 RR Quad, G/5d2, QC. EF: $8.00, $$4-Quad 1st $25.00. Ent: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St., #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Info: Don at 317-634-6259 or email [email protected]. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.

21st annual CHICAGO OPEN May 24-28 (norms possible), 25-28, 26-28, 27-28 or 25-26, Westin North Shore Hotel

$100,000 PRIZE FUND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED! Free lectures & analysis by GM John Fedorowicz, free entry to IMs, WGMs, foreign FMs Open Section, May 24-28: 9 rounds, 5 days, 40/90, SD/30, inc/30. 200 GPP. U2300 to U1300 sections: 7 rds, choice of 3 schedules. 4-day, 5/25-28, 40/2, SD/1, d/5. 3-day, 5/26-28, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5, then 40/2, SD/1, d/5. 2-day, 5/27-28, rds 1-4 G/40, d/5, then 40/2, SD/1, d/5. All merge & play for same prizes. U1100 section: 7 rds, 5/25-26, G/40, d/5. U900 section: 7 rds, 5/27-28, G/40, d/5. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090. Free parking. In 9 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400300, clear or tiebreak first $200 bonus, top FIDE U2500/unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible. U2300: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. FIDE rated. U2100: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. U1900: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. U1700: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-300. U1500: $4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300. U1300: $4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. U1100: $1500-700-400-300-200-200-100-100. U900: $500-300-200, trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, U300, Unrated. Unrated limits: U900 200, U1100 $400, U1300 $700, U1500 $1000, U1700 $1500, U1900 $2000, U2100 $2500.

64

Chess Life — February 2012

FIDE ratings used for Open, May official USCF for others. Unofficial web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Prize limits: 1) If under 26 lifetime games as of 5/12 list, limit $800 U1100, $1500 U1300, $2500 U1500. 2) If official rating 5/11-4/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted 5/24/115/24/12 was/more than 30 pts over section max, limit $1500. 5-day schedule (Open only): entries end Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule: entries end Fri 6, rds Fri 7, Sat/Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: entries end Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: entries end Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. U1100 schedule: Fri 7 pm & 9 pm, Sat 10, 12, 2, 3:45, 6. U900 schedule: Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Mon 10, 12, 2 Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (2 last 4 rds). Open must commit before rd 2, others rd 4. Hotel rates: 1-4 in room $103, 800-937-8461, 847-7776500, reserve by 5/11. Full details: see TLA this issue or chesstour.com. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Entry: Chesstour.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds.

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009, joseph [email protected].

Iowa

Feb. 25-26, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament See Grand Prix.

Feb. 24-26, Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge See Grand Prix.

Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open Action Quads (PA) See Pennsylvania.

Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open G/15 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania.

Mar. 24-25, TNT FIDE Rating Tournament 5 Rounds SS-Dual Rated-FIDE & USCF. Gentlemen Chess Club, 1101 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801. Reg. Onsite: 8:30AM-9:30AM, Sat., March 24, 2012. Sections: Open to players with FIDE rating, USCF rating, or unrated. EF: $50.00. FREE for players with FIDE or USCF rating of 2200 and over. Prizes (Based on 14): 1st: $150, 2nd: $100; U1800 $75, $25 Best Unrated FIDE: $50. Prizes will be adjusted up based on attendance. Time Control for all 5 rounds: Game/90 + 30 sec cumulative increment per move. Round Times: Sat., March 24; 1st Rd. 10:00AM, 2nd Rd.: 3:00PM, 3rd Rd.: 7:30PM, Sun., March 25; 4th Rd.: 10:00AM, 5th Rd.: 3:00PM. Entries: Advanced entries with entry fees quoted above must be postmarked by March 23rd. All entries postmarked after this date or submitted onsite will incur an additional $10. Make checks payable to Bill Broich. Mail entries to: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, IA 50324. Questions/information: [email protected]. Other information: One 1/2 - Pt Bye will be allowed in Rds. 1-4. Request for Byes must be submitted during registration or by the end of Rd. 1. USCF – March 2012 Rating List will be used for pairing purposes. FIDE rules will be used.

Apr. 8, Philadelphia Open Blitz & G/7 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania.

May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Kansas Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix.

Kentucky Feb. 11, The Nativity Academy Urban Chess Tournament 529 East Liberty Street (www.mapquest.com), Louisville, KY. Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The first round starts promptly at 9:15 a.m. and subsequent rounds as soon as possible. The entry fee is a material donation (soap, winter caps, scarves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, dental floss, deodorant, etc.). All donated materials will be given over to The Jefferson Street Baptist Center for distribution to homeless families (www.jeffersonstreet.org). The sections are unrated, K/4, K/6 and K/8. The top 5 winners in each section (4) will be awarded trophies. This is a rated tournament. USCF membership is required. Contact: [email protected] for a registration form. Access www.pottershousechess.com for more details on the tournament. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. Mar. 24, Knights of Northern Kentucky Scholastic Chess Tournament 5 Rounds, G/30 Rounds 1-3, G/45 Rounds 4-5. Rated (USCF member) $15 and Non-rated/Novice $10 before 3/17/2012. RD 1 starts at 9:30 AM, RD 2-5 ASAP. Prizes: Top 25% of each section get trophies in both rated and non-rated/novice, sections are K-1, K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12 and will combine and divide depending on entries. All participants get a memento of the day. Location: Walton-Verona High School/Middle School, 30 School Rd., Walton, KY 41094. Contact: Linda Fritz, [email protected], 859.630.2694. See website for more info: www.knightschess.org.

Louisiana

Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 2012 Maryland Open See Grand Prix. July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, 40th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Jul. 28-Aug. 1, 2012 Washington International See Grand Prix.

Massachusetts Feb. 4, Brown University Open (RI) See Rhode Island. Feb. 15, 22, 29, Mar. 7, 14, George E. O'Rourke Memorial 5SS, G/110. Wachusett CC, McKay Campus School, Room C159, Fitchburg State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played or $20 annual club dues for all games played in 2012. 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 Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling@ aol.com, 978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. Online ratings as of Feb. 15 will be used. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Feb. 25-26, 2012 87th W. Mass/Conn Valley The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., Amherst, MA 01002. Two Sections: Two-Day: 5SS, G/90. EF: $30. $25 postmarked by 2/20/2012. Reg.: 8:30am-9:15, Sat 2/25. Rds.: Sat: 9:30am, 1:30pm, 5:30; Sun: 1:45pm, 5:15. One-Day: Sunday, 2/25, 5SS, 1-3 G/45; 4&5 G/90. EF: $25. $20 if postmarked by 2/20/2012. Reg.: 8:00am-8:15, Sun 2/26. Rds.: Sun: 8:30am, 10:15, 12:00pm, 1:45, 5:15. ALL: $2 discount for WMCA members; $5 for members under 18. USCF Membership Required. 1st overall: revolving trophy and keeper, Trophy to top X, A, B, C, D, E, UNR. Limit of 1/2 point bye; specify round with entry. ENT: Payable to WMCA, c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INF: Ron Gist (413)695-7689, [email protected]. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix. Mar. 31, 2012 CT Open State Championship (CT) See Grand Prix. Mar. 31, 2012 New Haven Scholastic Championship (CT) See Connecticut.

MI 49017. EF: (Add $10 after May 5, $15 at site) Open: 3 day $53; 2 day $52, IM/GMs free!(EF deducted from winnings). U1700: 3 day $43; 2 day $42. U1000: $20. USCF and a State membership required(can be purchased on site). Reg.: 3 day: Fri. 5-6:30. 2 day and 1 day: Sat. 9-11. TC: 3 day: Rds 1-3 G/2; Rds 4-5 40/2 SD/30. 2 day: Rds 1-2, G/60; Rd 3 G/2; Rds 4-5 40/2 SD/30. 1 day (U1000): G/45. Rds.: 3 day: Fri. 7, Sat. 12-4:30, Sun. 10-3:30. 2 day: Sat. 11:30-2-4:30; Sun. 10-3:30. 1 day: 11:45-2-3:45-5:30. Prizes: Open:(b/36) $1500-700, Top X-A-U1800/Unr $250. U1700: (b/36) $400-250, Top C-D-U1200/Unr $125. U1000: (b/22) $125-$75, Top 700-899, U700/Unr $50 (Unrated eligible for top/Unr prizes only). Special Events: Blitz tournament: 7 Saturday. EF: 10 ( 85% payout). IM/Gm Lecture-$10. Hotel: McCamly Plaza Hotel, Chess rate $91/night, must reserve by Apr. 9th. Parking $8 a day. Info and Entries: Stan Beckwith, 269-964-2927, 84 Bond Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037-1907. Chess Magnet School JGP. May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28, or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Minnesota Apr. 13-15, 2012 National High School (K-12) Championship See Nationals. May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Missouri Feb. 11-12, 2012 Club Championship See Grand Prix. Feb. 18, 4th Annual Metro Saint Louis Class Championships 3SS, G/85. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF: $35, $30 for annual members of the club if registered by 2/17. MCA membership req'd from $5. PF: $1,200 UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED: $200 + Trophy for 1st in each Section: M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200/UNR. Players must compete in their own class. Winner of M/X Section qualifies for 2013 Club Championship. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 1:30, 5. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1. MCA Membership required from $5. OSA. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischess club.org. Info: 314-361-CHESS [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 3, 3's are Wild 3xtravaganza 3SS, G/85. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. EF: $10, $3 for annual members of the club if registered by 3/2. 3 Sections: 1800+, 1400-1799, Under 1400. Winner of each section receives a $33 Gift Certificate to the club. Winner of 1800+ Section qualifies for the 2013 Club Championship. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 1:30, 5. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1. MCA Membership required from $5. OSA. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org. Info: 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Michigan

Mar. 10, Mizzou Quads 3RR, G/70 d/5. UMC Memorial Union room S203, 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: $20 if mailed by 3/3, $25 at site; site entries cash only. $70 first prize each quad. Entries/info: Charles Ward, 2400 Cimarron Dr., Columbia, MO 65203; [email protected]. W.

Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix.

May 11-13, 12-13 or 13, 9th Great Lakes Chess Open 5SS, U1000 4SS. McCamly Plaza Hotel, 50 Capital Ave., SW, Battle Creek,

May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix. July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, 40th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 10-11, 2012 Louisiana Pro-Am See Grand Prix.

Maine A State Championship Event! Mar. 3, Maine State Scholastic Team Tournaments University of Maine, Orono. Elementary (K-3 and K-6 divisions) and Junior High; each with Championship and Novice Sections; all sections four rounds, G/45. High School Teams (Championship, Reserve and Novice Sections), all sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registration required ($5 per player – late fees may apply). All scholastic event sections except Novice are USCF-rated. Non-USCF members can obtain memberships with entry. Download information and entry forms at: http://ChessMaine.net, or contact Ron Lewis, evenings 207-781-3962 or email at [email protected]. A State Championship Event! Mar. 17, Maine State Scholastic Individuals Tournaments Individuals: HS (Championship and Under 1200 Sections); JHS (one section); and Elementary (K-3 and K-6 Sections). All sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registration (EF $10); or register on-site (EF $15). All individuals event sections are USCF-rated. Non-USCF members can obtain memberships with entry. Download information and entry forms for all events at: http://ChessMaine.net, or contact Ron Lewis, evenings 207-781-3962 or email at [email protected]. Mar. 17, Sidekick Quads 8 University of Maine, Orono. Adults-only USCF-rated (EF $15) and nonrated quads (EF $10) tournament, G/30, register on-site; no prizes, all net proceeds to benefit Maine Scholastic Chess. Enter at site (8:30 9:00AM) or for pre-registration and additional information visit: http://ChessMaine.net.

Maryland Feb. 17, Mar. 2, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #133 & #134 (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. Website: http://my site.verizon.net/vze12d59q/. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury

uschess.org

21st annual EASTERN CLASS Mar 2-4 or 3-4, Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, Sturbridge MA $18,000 projected prizes, $12,000 minimum guaranteed 5 round Swiss, 7 sections, play only those in your section. Choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule, both merge after rd 2. Prizes based on 220 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half); 2/3 each prize minimum. Rated players may play up one section.

Master Section (2200/up): Prizes $1700-1000-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top Under 2300 $800-400. FIDE rated, 80 GPP (enhanced). Expert Section (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-200. Class A Section (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200. Class B Section (1600-1799): $1400-700-400-200. Class C Section (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-200. Class D Section (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E Section (Under 1200): $400-200-120-80, trophies to top Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600, Unrated Unrated limit $150 in E, $250 D, $400 C, $600 B, $800 A. $500 limit if post-event rating is more than 30 pts over section max 12/1/11-3/1/12. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

Chess Life — February 2012

65

Tournament Life Nevada Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CAS) See Grand Prix. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern. June 14, 2012 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) See Nationals. June 15, National Open Schoalstic Trophy Tournament 5-SS, Game/30. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89109. Open to players 18 and under. In 3 sections: U1800, U1200, and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section must be age 11 or under. Trophies to top 5 in each section, top 2 in each odd 200 point rating group and unrated. EF: $33 by 5/28, $39 by 6/13, $45 on site. REG.: 9-9:30 a.m. RDS.: 10-11:15-12:15-3:30. Blitz 6:30 p.m. ($15 by 5/28 $20 on site) HR: $59 single or double ($89 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-800-634-6753 or (702) 7345110. ENT: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line www.VegasChessFestival.com or fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. NC. W. June 15-17 or 16-17, 2012 National Open See Nationals. June 16-17, International Youth Championship 5SS, Game/60. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas 89109. In 4 Sections by age: 14 and Under, 14 and Under Reserve (rated below 1100), 9 and Under, 9 and Under Reserve (rated below 900). Trophies to top 10 in each section plus class trophies and team trophies. 1st Place in each section wins a Computer loaded with Chess Software, 2nd-4th win chess prizes valued at 250-150-100. Unrated players may not win 1st in Reserve sections. EF: $59 by 5/27, $69 by 6/13, $80 on site. 1/2 point bye in any round (limit 2) if requested in advance. REG.: 8-9 a.m. RDS.: 10-1-4, 10-1. Blitz 6/15 at 6:30 p.m. ($15 by 5/28 $20 on site) HR: $59 single or double ($89 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-800-634-6753 or (702) 734-5110. ENT: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line www.VegasChessFestival.com or fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. NC. W.

New Hampshire Feb. 25-26, 36th Queen City Open See Grand Prix. Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

New Jersey Fair Lawn Saturday Quads Schedule through June 30, 2012. 3RR, G/60 for quads with rating above 1000; G/30 for quads with rating below 1000 or unrated ICA. 9 - 10 SADDLE RIVER RD., FAIR LAWN, NJ 07410. EF: $25 Prizes: $50 to 1st place in each quad. Reg.: 1-1:15 PM. Rds.: 1:15 PM-3:30-5:40 (rating above 1000). Rds.: 1:10 PM-2:20-3:30 (rating below 1000 or unrated). Info: Diana 201-797-0330, [email protected]; www.icanj.net. EVERY SATURDAY. ALL: ICA provides breakfast & lunch. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Wednesday G/90 (4SS, Monthly) and Chess Lessons Round starts: 7pm. EF: $30/$25. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes (based on the # of participants). 1 bye available, commit at least two days before the next round. No re-entry. GMs free entry ($20 deducted from prizes). Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. Info: Arthur Macaspac (732)499-0118/(760)583-8429. www.chessmatesnj.com. Lessons: 5pm- 6:30pm, Under 1600 USCF. Lessons fees: Monthly: $95 (Monday and Wednesday)/Daily: $15. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 5, 12, 26, Chess Mates Saturday Quad G/45 3 RR, G/45. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. GMs - Free entry. ($15 deducted from prizes). EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 12:30-1:15pm. Rds.: 1:30pm, 3:15pm, 5pm. Info: Arthur Macaspac (732)499-0118/(760) 583-8429. www.chessmatesnj.com. Feb. 6, 13, 27, Sunday Camp and Scholastic Tournament Sunday Chess Camp: 10am – 6pm. Registration fee: $85 members / $95 Non-members. Snacks and lunch included. Quad G/30: 3pm-6pm EF: $15/non-member and $10/member. Prize per Quad: 1st Place: Trophy or $25. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)583-8429/(732)499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Feb. 6, 13, 27, Sunday Open Blitz (G/5) (QC) RR, start: 7pm. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. GMs - Free entry ($15 deducted from prizes). Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)583-8429/(732) 499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Feb. 7, 14, 28, Monday Quad G/30 and Chess Lessons 3RR, Rds.: 7pm, 8:15pm, 9:30pm. EF: $20/$15. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. GMs - Free entry. ($15 deducted from prizes). Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)5838429/(732)499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Chess Lessons: 5pm 6:30pm, Under 1600 USCF. Lessons fees: Monthly: $95 (Monday and Wednesday) and Daily: $15. Feb. 18-20, 42nd Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East See Nationals. Feb. 25, 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. Prizes: $25 per Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30/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.

66

Chess Life — February 2012

A State Championship Event! Feb. 26, New Jersey State Elementary Championships 5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., 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 2/18, $45 at site. USCF memb. req'd. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 point bye for round 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Ent: Hal Sprechman, P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527 or online at www.characterkings.org. 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. A State Championship Event! Feb. 26 NOT Mar. 4, New Jersey Junior High School Championships NOTE DATE CORRECTION. 5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., 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). ALL: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $30 before 2/18, $45 at site. USCF memb. req'd. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259-3881, [email protected]. ENT: Hal Sprechman, P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527 or online at www.characterkings.org. Entries must include name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID #, & expiration date, mailing address, phone number & entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF. Feb. 26, Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:302:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Wednesday G/90 (4SS, Monthly) and Chess Lessons Round starts: 7pm. EF: $30/$25. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes (based on the # of participants). 1 bye available, commit at least two days before the next round. No re-entry. GMs free entry ($20 deducted from prizes). Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. Info: Arthur Macaspac (732)499-0118/(760)583-8429. www.chessmatesnj.com. Lessons: 5pm- 6:30pm, Under 1600 USCF. Lessons fees: Monthly: $95 (Monday and Wednesday)/Daily: $15. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 3, Central Jersey Chess Tournament 4SS, G/30. All Saints' Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. Parking, playground, wi-fi & lounge. 3 rated sections (all K-8, G/30): Open (above 900), Reserve (600-900), Experienced (below 600). 3 unrated sections: K-1, Novice (2nd-8th grade), Parents/Adults. Trophies to 1st, 2nd, 3rd per section, 1st school/club team per section, $20 & Free EF to 1st in Parents/Adults. EF: $30 online at njchess.com by 3/1, $40 after or on-site. Check-in/Reg ends 1pm, first round starts 1:30. Late arrivals may not be paired in first round. Late arrivals may not be paired in first round. Late arrivals may not be paired in first round. Separate awards ceremonies 4-5:30pm. Snacks & drinks sold on-site. Questions: [email protected]. A State Championship Event! Mar. 3-4, New Jersey High School Chess Championships 5SS, G/90. Union County Vocational – Technical School, 1776 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. 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 2/25. $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. 102-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $120/team before 2/25, $150/team on site. $5 per change on site. Booster (K-12): Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams, top 2 JHS teams, & top 2 elementary teams (K-6). Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun 10-2. Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $30 before 2/25, $37 at site. All: USCF memb. required. Reg.: Sat. 8-9:00am. After 9:00am, 1/2 Point bye for round one. Ent: Hal Sprechman, P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527 or online at www.characterkings.org. 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. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 4, Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:302:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Chess Mates Saturday Quad G/45 3 RR, G/45. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. GMs - Free entry. ($15 deducted from prizes). EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 12:30-1:15pm. Rds.: 1:30pm, 3:15pm, 5pm. Info: Arthur Macaspac (732)499-0118/(760) 583-8429. www.chessmatesnj.com. Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Sunday Camp and Scholastic Tournament Sunday Chess Camp: 10am – 6pm. Registration fee: $85 members / $95 Non-members. Snacks and lunch included. Quad G/30: 3pm-6pm EF: $15/non-member and $10/member. Prize per Quad: 1st Place: Trophy or $25. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)583-8429/(732)499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Sunday Open Blitz (G/5) (QC) RR, start: 7pm. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. GMs - Free entry ($15 deducted from prizes). Chess

Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)583-8429/(732) 499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Monday Quad G/30 and Chess Lessons 3RR, Rds.: 7pm, 8:15pm, 9:30pm. EF: $20/$15. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. GMs - Free entry. ($15 deducted from prizes). Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ. Info: Arthur Macaspac (760)5838429/(732)499-0118. www.chessmatesnj.com. Chess Lessons: 5pm 6:30pm, Under 1600 USCF. Lessons fees: Monthly: $95 (Monday and Wednesday) and Daily: $15. Mar. 10, King's Chess Club Quads Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, Kindergarten-undergraduate (scholastic, youth, and young adult memberships). Bethlehem Church, 758 Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr. by noon to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Bethlehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-6943988, [email protected]. Weather closings will be posted on church homepage at www.bethlehemchurch.org by 7:30am. Mar. 10, Princeton Day School 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section. Medals to all players. Four sections for OVER 1000 begin at 10:15 and must preregister: OVER 1600 (K-12), NEAR MASTERS (K-12 over 1400) and FUTURE MASTERS (Players K-12 over 1200) G/60, 3 rds. CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200) G/45 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. G/30 4 rds. Beginning at 12:00 noon. (round times will be accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated G/30 3 rounds. Pre-registration online, pay at the door $35. Parents play free. On-site 11-12 noon $45. Info and register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin [email protected]. Mar. 11, Westfield Swiss #71 (QC) 5 SS, G/15 (QC). Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. $425 Guaranteed $125, $60, under 2100, under 1850, under 1600, under 1350 $60 each. EF: $35, $25 Members. Reg.: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-3:25-4:054:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Mar. 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24, May 8, West Orange CC 2012 Championship See Grand Prix. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open (NY) See Grand Prix. Mar. 17, St. Patrick's Day See Grand Prix. Mar. 18, Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:302:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Mar. 25, Westfield Spring Scholastic Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. K-12 3 Sections: Open, Under 1250, Under 750. Open: 3 SS, G/40 T/D 5 s, G/45. Trophies to top 5 in each section. EF: $20, $15 at site $30, $25 members. Reg.: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-4:25-6:05 p.m. Under 1250: 4 SS, G/25 T/D 5s, G/30. Trophies to top 5 in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 members. Reg.: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-4:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Under 750: 4 SS, G/25 T/D 5s, G/30. Trophies to top 5 in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25 Members. Reg: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds: 2:45-4:00-5:156:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send advance entries to: Todd Lunna, 36 Maple Dr., Colts Neck, NJ 07722 by March 21, 2012. Make checks payable to Westfield Chess Club. Apr. 1, Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:302:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open Action Quads (PA) See Pennsylvania. Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open G/15 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania. Apr. 8, Philadelphia Open Blitz & G/7 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania. May 26, U.S. Amateur K-8 East U1200 5-SS, G/30. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 110 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ, Telephone 732-560-0500. In 3 Sections (U1200, U900, & U600). Trophies to Top 10, Others win chess medallions. Unrated may not win first. Registration: Saturday May 26, 11am-12pm. Rounds: 12:30pm, then ASAP with lunch break after round #2. EF: $29 if mailed by May 25 or paid online via EntryFeesRus.com, EF: $40 cash at site. One 1/2 point bye allowed if requested with EF. April Rating supplement used. Ent: Ken Thomas, 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Checks to NJSCF. Indicate grade level. Info: 908-619-8621 or [email protected]. NS. NC. W. May 26-28 or 27-28, 68th Annual U.S. Amateur East Championship See Nationals. June 29-July 3 (New date),9th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix. July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, 40th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

New Mexico Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open See Grand Prix.

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

Feb. 26, 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC) See Nationals. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

New York Feb. 9, 3rd Long Island CC G/10 (QC) 7SS, G/10(t/d5). United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all U-2300/unr. $(b/20): $100-80. Top U1800, U-1500, U-1300 $60 ea. EF: $25. Non LICC members +$5. Reg.: 6:40-7:10 PM, no adv. ent. Rds.: 7:15-7:45-8:15-8:45-9:15-9:45-10:15. 3 byes 1-7. Info: www.lichessclub.com. NS. Feb. 11, New Yorker Winter Game/75! See Grand Prix. Feb. 11, “Point Me” To The New Yorker! 3-SS, G/30. Chess Center at New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave at 34th St, across from Penn Station, NYC. EF: $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg. ends 7:15 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. Bring sets, clocks! Feb. 16, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix. Feb. 16-Mar. 8, Long Island CC Late Winter Open 4SS, G/90(t/d5). United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all U-2300/unr. $(b/20): $105-85. Top U-1800, U-1500/unr. $55 ea. EF: $30. Non-LICC members +$10. Reg.: 6:40-7:10 PM, no adv. ent., Rds.: 7:15 PM SHARP ea. Thursday. 2 byes 1-4. Info: www.lichessclub.com. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 18, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/55d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24): $160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org. Feb. 18, Syracuse University Feb Open 4SS. Rds.: 1&2 G/60, Rds.: 3&4 G/90. (Syracuse University, Hall of Languages, Room 101). EF: $30. Prizes: (b/20) $200, 125, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 12:00, 2:15, 5:30. Contact: Joe Ball 315-436-9008. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 19, Marshall Open & U1500 Sunday Game/45! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Two sections-you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-80, U2100 $65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Feb. 20, Presidents' Day Madness 6-SS, G/25d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $45, members $25. ($480/24): $200-100, U2000 $70, U1700 $60, U1400 $50. Reg.: 10:15-10:45. Rds.: 11-12:15-1:30-3:00-4:15-5:30. Two byes available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Feb. 20-Mar. 19, Marshall Monday U1600! PRIZES INCREASED BY 50%! 5-SS, G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($675/30): $360-180, U1300 $135. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7 pm each Monday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 21, Marshall Masters! See Grand Prix. Feb. 23, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0, 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Feb. 24-Mar. 9, Queens Late Winter Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 25, Marshall Saturday U1600! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1300 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org. Feb. 25-26 or 26, Marshall February U2300! 4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U2000/unr $95, U1700 $85. Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds. 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 26, 36th Binghamton Monthly Tournament 4SS, G/65 d/5. Prizes: $500 b/26 Open-$150-$100-$50 Reserve-$100$75-$25 (U1700). Advance Entry: Open-$35 Reserve-$25 (U1700) $5 more on site-cash only on site. Schedule: Registration on site 8:45–9:15 AM. Rounds: 9:30-12Noon-2:30-4:45. Free USCF 90-day membership (call for details) Mail Entry: checks payable to: “Cordisco's Corner Store” 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 772-8782 cordiscos@stny. rr.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 27-Mar. 26, 92nd Nassau Grand Prix See Grand Prix. Feb. 27, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dutchess County Championship 5SS. G/90, 5 second delay. EF: $5.00. Rockefeller Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Prizes: Trophies for first and second place overall, and for each class consisting of 4 or more players. Adv. Ent: Michael O'Connor, [email protected]. Club website: www.vassar-chadwick.com. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP.

W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Mar. 5-Apr. 9, FIDE Mondays!! 6-SS, G/120d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/24: $175-125-100, U2000 $100; 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7PM each Monday; FIDE rated. www.marshallchess club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.

Mar. 7-Apr. 4, Marshall Wednesday U1400! A NEW REGULAR MARSHALL CHESS CLUB TOURNAMENT! 5-SS, G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1100 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchess club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Mar. 3, Marshall Saturday U1800! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1500 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org. Mar. 3-4 or 4, Marshall March Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. A Heritage Event! A State Championship Event! Mar. 3-4, 45th annual 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. Free parking. Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 8 sections, each is a 6SS, G/61 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Mar 4 only. No 5 minute time control deduction. High School, open to all in grades K-12. EF $38.20 mailed by 2/10. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions. High School Reserve, open to K-12 under 1200 or unrated. EF $38 mailed by 2/10. Junior High, open to all in grades K-9. EF $37.90 mailed by 2/10. The higher rated (post-tournament) of the top NYS K-8 in JHS or top NYS K-8 in HS qualifies for Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions. Middle School Reserve, open to K-8 under 1000 or unrated. EF $37.80 mailed by 2/10. Elementary, open to all in grades K-6. EF $37.60 mailed by 2/10. Elementary Reserve, open to grades K-5 under 800 or unrated. EF $37.50 mailed by 2/10. Primary, grades K-3. EF $37.30 mailed by 2/10. K-1, grades K-1. EF $37.10 mailed by 2/10. Postmarked 2/11-21: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/21. Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $40 by 2/10, $50 by 2/27. No online entry after 2/27. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sections: EF $55 per player by 2/27. No phone entry after 2/27. Entry at site: all $60. Trophies to top 15 players and top 7 teams each section, top 3 unrated in Primary, K-1, and each reserve section, and top U1500, U1300 (HS), U900, U700 (HS Reserve), U1200, U1000 (JHS), U700, U500 (MS Reserve), U1000, U800 (Elem), U500, U300 (Elem Reserve). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2012 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 2:30, awards 5 pm. K-1 schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 1:30, 3, 4:30, awards 5:45. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-117, 888-9994711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/18 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. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phones or paid at site, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Chess Magnet School JGP (except K-1).

Mar. 7-Apr. 4, Marshall Wednesday U2000! PRIZES INCREASED BY 50%! 5-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1700 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 8, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0, 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Mar. 10, Marshall Saturday U1400! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1100 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Mar. 10-11 or 11, Marshall March U2100! 4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U1850 $95, U1600 $85. Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds. 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (Rds 1-2 G/35) 9:40-11:05AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 15, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Mar. 15-Apr. 12, Marshall Thursday Members-Only Swiss! 5-SS, G/115d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to MCC members only. EF: $30. ($450 b/20): $240-120, U2000 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7PM each Thursday. Limit 2 byes, request by rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open See Grand Prix. Mar. 17, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/55d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24): $160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org.

NEW YORK STATE SCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS March 3-4, 2012 - Saratoga Springs, NY 6 rounds, three each day, G/61 (except K-1), 5 second delay, open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team each section are NY champs). Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; individual entries welcome. 203 trophies to be awarded, plus free entries for NY players! Reserve hotel room by Feb 18. In 8 sections: High School (K-12), High School Reserve (K-12 under 1200/unr), Junior High (K-9), Middle School Reserve (K-8 under 1000/unr), Elementary (K-6), Elementary Reserve (K-6 under 800 or unrated), Primary (K-3), K-1 (K-1; this section is G/30 and plays Sunday, March 4 only, 5 rounds, G/30, 5 second delay). See TLA under “New York” for full details.

Mar. 1, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23

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Tournament Life Mar. 17, Utica Four Seasons - Winter 4SS, Rds. 1-2 G/60; Rds. 3-4 G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit 31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway (2.3 miles, left Sherman, right into MVCC, Payne Building 3rd Floor). EF: $30. Prices b/20: $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:309:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15-5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Ln., Minoa, NY 13116. 315-436-9008. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 18, 37th Binghamton Monthly Tournament 4SS, G/65 d/5. Prizes: $500 b/26 Open-$150-$100-$50 Reserve-$100$75-$25 (U1700). Advance Entry: Open-$35 Reserve-$25 (U1700) $5 more on site-cash only on site. Schedule: Registration on site 8:45–9:15 AM. Rounds: 9:30-12Noon-2:30-4:45. Free USCF 90-day membership (call for details) Mail Entry: checks payable to: “Cordisco's Corner Store” 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 772-8782 cordiscos@stny. rr.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 18, Marshall Open & U1500 Sunday Game/45! 5-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Two sections-you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-80, U2100 $65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Mar. 20, Marshall Masters! See Grand Prix. Mar. 22, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Mar. 23, Marshall Friday Quads! 3-RR, G/40d5. Open to all levels; Quads formed by rating. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $25, members $20. $50 for each winner. Reg.: 5:15-5:45. Rds.: 6-7:30-9PM. Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Mar. 24, Marshall Saturday U1600! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1300 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org. Mar. 24-25 or 25, Marshall CC March U2300! 4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U2000/unr $95, U1700 $85. Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds. 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 26-Apr. 23, Marshall Monday U1600! 5-SS, G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1300 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7 pm each Monday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchess club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 29, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if

U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Mar. 31, 2012 CT Open State Championship (CT) See Grand Prix. Mar. 31, 2012 New Haven Scholastic Championship (CT) See Connecticut. Mar. 31, Marshall Saturday U1800! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1500 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org. Mar. 31-Apr. 1 or Apr. 1, Marshall March/April Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 2012 Marchand Open (34th Annual) See Grand Prix. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Apr. 7, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/55d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24): $160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar shallchessclub.org.

Apr. 14-15 or 15, Marshall April U2100! 4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U1850 $95, U1600 $85. Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds. 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (Rds. 1-2 G/35) 9:40-11:05AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix. May 18-20 or 19-20, 20th annual New York State Open See Grand Prix. July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, 40th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open G/15 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania.

North Carolina

Apr. 8, Marshall Open & U1500 Sunday Game/45! 5-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Two sections-you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-80, U2100 $65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.

Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Championships (FL) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 8, Philadelphia Open Blitz & G/7 (QC) (PA) See Pennsylvania. Apr. 11-May 8, Marshall Wednesday U1400! 5-SS, G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1100 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchess club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 11-May 8, Marshall Wednesday U2000! 5-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-4773716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1700 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Apr. 12, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix. Apr. 13, Marshall Friday Quads! 3-RR, G/40d5. Open to all levels; Quads formed by rating. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $25, members $20. $50 for each winner. Reg.: 5:15-5:45. Rds.: 6-7:30-9PM. Apr. 13-May 4, 12th Queens Team Championship 4-SS, G/115/d5. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432. Open to two player teams with April ratings averaging U2000. $$100-50 to top 2 teams, $60 top U1700 team, $60 each

Mar 16-18 or 17-18, Holiday Inn Islip Airport - $75 rooms! $12,000 projected prizes, $8,000 minimum guaranteed FIRST CCA TOURNAMENT ON LONG ISLAND SINCE THE 1970s! 5 round Swiss in 4 sections; you play only those in your section. Choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule, both merge after rd 2. Prizes based on 150 paid entries (re-entries & $50 off entries count half); two-thirds of each prize minimum guarantee. Special $75 room rates, free parking, free airport shuttle.

Open Section: Prizes $1500-800-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $600, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE rated, 60 GPP. Under 2100 Section: $1000-600-400-300, top U1900 $500, U1800 $400. Under 1700 Section: $900-500-300-200, top U1500 $450, U1400 $350. Under 1300 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1100 $300. Unrated prize limits: $200 in U1300, $400 U1700. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

Chess Life — February 2012

Apr. 14, Marshall Saturday U1400! 4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U1100 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.

Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open Action Quads (PA) See Pennsylvania.

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to top Board 1 and Board 2 scorers/10 teams (prizes raised or lowered proportionally). One 1/2 point team bye permitted, which must be requested at entry. If one player on team is unavailable, replacement player must be rated lower and occupy board of player replaced, regardless of rating. EF: $35 per player, $25 QCC members. REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT: Ed Frumkin, 445 E 14th St #10D, New York, NY 10009 (212-677-3224—do not call on Thursday or Friday). More detailed contact information at www.queens-chess.com. Mail entry by April 6. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Mar. 30-Apr. 1, The Big Enchilada II See Grand Prix.

Ohio Feb. 11, Progress with Chess Monthly Open 4SS, G/30. Fairhill Center, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. EF: $20. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30. Prizes: $350 Guaranteed: Open (1st $100, 2nd $50 U-2000 $50). Reserve U-1500: (1st $70, 2nd $40 U-1000 $40). Entries: Progress with Chess, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. Info: www.progresswithchess.org. Contact: Mike Joelson 216-321-7000. Feb. 17, DCC #7 Quick 2012 (QC) 4SS, G/25, td5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. One bye. Prizes based on entries. EF: $10 ($8 DCC mbrs). Rds.: 7:30/8:30/ 9:30/10:30. Info: [email protected] or 937-461-6283. Feb. 24, DCC #8 Quick 2012 (QC) 4SS, G/25, td5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. One bye. Prizes based on entries. EF: $10 ($8 DCC mbrs). Rds.: 7:30/8:30/9:30/ 10:30. Info: [email protected] or 937-461-6283. Mar. 2, DCC #9 Quick 2012 (QC) 4SS, G/25, td5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. One bye. Prizes based on entries. EF: $10 ($8 DCC mbrs). Rds.: 7:30/8:30/9:30/ 10:30. Info: [email protected] or 937-461-6283. Mar. 9, DCC #10 Quick 2012 (QC) 4SS, G/25, td5. Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH. One bye. Prizes based on entries. EF: $10 ($8 DCC mbrs). Rds.: 7:30/8:30/9:30/ 10:30. Info: [email protected] or 937-461-6283. Mar. 10, Toledo Mar 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, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 3/8, $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. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 16-17, 11th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament 5SS, G/30. Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH. 14 School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. Grade K Non-Rated, 1 Non-Rated, 2 Non-rated, 3 Non-rated, K-3 Open, 4 Non-Rated, 5 NonRated, 6 Non-Rated, 4-6 below 700, 4-6 Open, 7-9 Non-Rated, 7-9 Open, 10-12 Non-Rated, K-12 Open. USCF membership is not required for the non-rated and K-3 rated sections. Prizes: Trophies to all who score 3.5 points or higher, top three team trophies awarded and medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee and $45 EF after February 17th. EF includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, medal, and simul participation. Registration closes Wednesday, March 14, 2012. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS. Schedule: Friday, March 16, check in from 5-6 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. March 17, check in 7-8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. Grandmasters will be available for questions and instructions all day. Entry/Info: 1-866-PS-CHESS (7724377) or www.queencityclassic.org. Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Mar. 24-25, MOTCF (Midwest Open Team Chess Festival) 5SS, Rds. 1&2 G/90, td/5, Rds 3-5 G150, td/5. Location: Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402. Four players/team plus one alternate. Team ratings for pairings determined by average of highest four ratings with imputed ratings for players rated more than 400 points below team average. Reg.: Sat. Mar 24, 9-10:30am. Rds.: Sat 11, 3, & 7 - Sun 10 & 3:30. Entry fee: $160/team prior to Mar 24. $200/team at site. Prizes: (Based on 28 teams). Open: $1,050-$750, U2000: $700, U1800:

uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

$600, U1600 $500. Top boards (1-4) $75. Hotel: TBD/See website. Register: Mail - Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402 or at www.daytonchessclub.com and use entry forms there as well. MC/V at site, no checks. Info: [email protected] or 937.461.6283. Chess Magnet School JGP.

only until Sat 3/3 8:30pm. Rds. begin Sat 3/3 8:45pm. EF: $20/team. HR: Mention “PA States” for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: 412-908-0286, [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP for 2-day sections.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 14, Ohio Elementary Championships 5SS; Sections: Primary Championship (K-3), Elementary Championship (K-6), Elementary Reserve (K-6 U750), plus K-6 Non-Rated section. G/30 d5 except Championship sections round 5 G/45 d5. Open to K-6 students enrolled in Ohio schools or home-schooled in Ohio. Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Rd., Montgomery (Cincinnati), OH 45242. EF: $25 through Mar 31, then $35 through Apr 11. ($10/$15 for federal lunch program students.) No onsite registration. Awards: Individual trophies to top 10 places in each section, and all scoring at� least 3.5 and top five K-3 Non-Rated who do not win a place trophy; team trophies to top 5 teams in each section. Complete information at: www.Chessinnati.com. Contact: Alan Hodge 513-697-6930, [email protected].

Mar. 10, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads Blair Christian Academy, 220 W. Upsal St., Philadelphia, PA. Quads: 40/75 SD/30 TD/5. EF: $20 cash, Perfect score winner $50 else $40. Rd. 1 10AM then asap. Scholastic SS, EF $5 rec'd by Thursday before, $15 at the door. 3 sections Rd. 1 10AM then asap: K-12 3SS, G/55 TD/5 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200, top unrated; K-8 4SS, G/35 TD/5.1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated; K-6 4SS, G/35 TD/5.1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All Reg. ends 9:30am. Ent: MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., Philadelphia, PA 19119. Checks made payable to: MasterMinds CC. Info: Bradley Crable, 215-844-3881, [email protected], or www.masterminds chess.org.

Apr. 14, Toledo Apr 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, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/12, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Mar. 18, PCL March Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15d3. 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.: 11:30am-Noon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 14, Tennessee All-Girls Scholastic State Championship 5SS, G/40. 3rd Floor, Keathley University Center, MTSU 1301 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Two Sections: Championship Section open to all TN girls ages 18 & under. EF: $20 pstmkd by 4/10/12, $25 later. Competition Section open to all TN girls ages 12 & under. EF: $15.00 if pstmkd by 4/10/12, $20.00 later, USCF and TCA membership req'd., Trophies 1st–6th place, medals 7th–10th place, plus prizes to 1st–3rd place in each section. Rds. both sections: 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 1:30 3:00, Playoff if needed: G/10, G/5, Coin toss, Winner of Championship Section will be crowned TN All-Girls State Champion and receive Grand Prize of partial scholarship to college of choice. Special events: Exhibits & Seminars for players and Parents from WiSTEM, GRITS, NGCP, MTSU, Free games analysis by NM. Inq.: [email protected]. Ent: Clarksville Chess Club, c/o Roy Manners, 1215 Cumberland Heights Rd., Clarksville, TN 37040. Online: www.tnchess.org.

Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open See Grand Prix.

May 11-13, 2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship See Nationals.

Mar. 24, 11th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Spring Chess Tournament 5SS, G/30, d/5. Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Rd., Main Campus, College Center Building, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 7:30-8:45am. Rds.: 9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, 3:30. Rated Section Age 18 and under. Non-Rated Sections ages 14 and under. EF: $30 postmarked by March 22nd, $35 later & on site. Prizes: Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600, UNR. Non-Rated Trophies b/o age. For rated section, please bring chess equipment. Random draw prizes between rounds. Sudden death, if necessary for 1st-4th – Non-Rated G/7, d/3, G/6vG/4.5, d/0 Armageddon if necessary, tie breaks determines color and clock placement. Ent: Online reg: forms at www.northampton.edu/ Community-Programs/Horizons-For-Youth/Special-Events-and-Partnerships.htm or call Horizons for Youth at 610-861-4120. Please print and mail form with payment (CC or check) to: Horizons for Youth, 3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Info: Jane 610-861-4120, Scott Zrinski (TD), [email protected] or Bruce Davis (Chief TD), BDavis@ lehighvalleychess.org.

June 9-10, 2012 U.S. Amateur South Championship See Nationals.

May 4-5 or 5-6, 48th Cincinnati Open See Grand Prix. May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Oklahoma Feb. 11, OCA Dog Fish Action Swiss 5SS, G/30 (3-second delay), one section, dual rated Regular & Quick. Best Western Airport Hotel, Garnett & I-244 (222 N. Garnett Rd.), Tulsa, 918438-0780. EF: $20, OCA membership included, registration at door. USCF membership required. Prizes: All entry fees returned as prizes; Plaques to 1st and Class winners A, B, C and D&Under; $50 HOS gift certificate to top K-12; Additional prizes based on entries. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am; Accelerated pairings may be used; Only one 1/2-point bye available in Rds 1-4. Rds.: 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, 3:00, 4:30. Contact: Chuck Unruh, PO Box 340, Collinsville, OK 74021, 918-371-2978 or 800-460-2794, [email protected]. More info: www.ochess.org/events. Feb. 18-20, 3rd Jerry Hanken FIDE Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix. Mar. 25, 10th Annual Red River Shoot Out State Team match open only to OK and TX residents as defined as to where USCF has your address. Two rounds, G/60+30 sec. Must have USCF rating and current USCF membership. Treasure Valley Casino, I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030. EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration on site. Reg.: 9:30 to 10:45. Rds.: 11 and 2:30. For questions OK players contact: Frank Berry at [email protected]; TX players contact: Rob Jones at 214-212-9185, [email protected].

Pennsylvania Feb. 19, PCL February Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15d3. 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.: 11:30am-Noon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. A Heritage Event! Feb. 25, 67th Pittsburgh Metropolitan Open 3SS, G/90, d/5, accelerated pairings used for first two rounds. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway St., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $25 postmarked by 2/21, $30 later, $5 discount to PCC members. Prizes $$450 b/25: $120 - 80, U2000 $70, U1800 $60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40, U1200/Unr $30. Reg.: 9:00-9:45AM. Rds.: 10:00AM, 1:30PM, 5:00PM. Requests for half-point byes must be made by the start of Round 2. Info: (412)421-1881, www. PittsburghCC.org. Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Mike Holsinger, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC. W. Mar. 2, 2012 PA Quick Chess Champ (QC) See Grand Prix. Mar. 3, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads Our 23rd year! 3RR, 40/75, sd/30, td/5sec. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4:30. Info: [email protected]. Mar. 3-4, 2012 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship See Grand Prix. Mar. 3-4, 2012 PA State Scholastic Championships 5SS. 184 Trophies!! (With 128 Individual & 56 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 3/3 & 4 unless indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/3 only) $29. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/3 only) $27. K-9 U1000: (Sun 3/4 only) $27.25. K-6 Open: $30.50. K-8 Open: $31.50. 7-12 U1000: $28.50. 7-12 U1300: $29.50. K-12 Open: $32.50. All: EFs if rec'd by 2/13, $10 more rec'd 2/14-2/27, $20 more after 2/27. Feb 2012 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. Reg Fri 3/2 6-10 pm, Sat 3/3 9:30-10:15 am, Saturday at site entries get 1/2-bye. $5 charge for changes/refund after 2/13. Rds. (Sat 3/3 1-day sections): G/40d5; 10-11:45-2-3:45-5:30; (Sun 3/4 K-9 U1000): G/40d5; 9-10:30-12:30-23:30; (2-day sections): G/90d5; 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg on-site

uschess.org

Mar. 17, St. Patrick's Day (NJ) See Grand Prix.

Apr. 1, 2012 PA State Game/29 Champ. (QC) See Grand Prix. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open See Grand Prix. Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open Action Quads 3RR, G/25, d/5, dual rated. Loews Philadelphia Hotel (see Philadelphia Open). EF: $20, at site only. $$ 50 1st each section. Reg. ends 1:45 pm, rds. 2, 3, 4. Apr. 7, Philadelphia Open G/15 (QC) 4SS, G/15, d/3. Lowes Philadelphia Hotel (see Philadelphia Open). Prizes $300 based on 20 entries, else in proportion: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only. Reg. ends 10:15 pm, rds. 10:30, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15. One half pt bye available, must commit before rd. 2. Quick rated, but higher of regular or quick used for pairings & prizes. Apr. 8, Philadelphia Open Blitz & G/7 (QC) 2 separate tournaments at Loews Philadelphia Hotel (see Philadelphia Open). Blitz: G/5, no delay. G/7: G/7, d/2. Each is a 4-SS, double round (8 games) with prizes $300 based on 20 entries, else in proportion: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only. Blitz: reg. ends 12:45 pm, rds. 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30. Game/7: reg. ends 10:15 pm, rds. 10:30, 11:15, 12, 12:45. Both: One pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd 2. Quick rated, but higher of regular or quick used for pairings & prizes. June 29-July 3 (New date), 9th annual Philadelphia International See Grand Prix. July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 2-8, 1-3 or 4-5, 40th Annual World Open See Grand Prix.

Rhode Island Feb. 4, Brown University Open 4SS, G/60. Prizes & Trophies. Alumnae Hall, 194 Meeting St., Providence, RI. See details at website: www.richess.org or call (401) 212-1335. Mar. 17, RI Chess Association Quads 3RR, Game/45 +TD 5. Blackstone Chess Academy, 250 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. EF: $20 cash at site or online at www.richess.org. First each Quad $50. Reg.: ends 10:50. RD1 at 11 AM then ASAP. Info: 401837-1302. NS. NC. Mar. 31, 2012 CT Open State Championship (CT) See Grand Prix. Mar. 31, 2012 New Haven Scholastic Championship (CT) See Connecticut.

South Carolina Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Championships (FL) See Grand Prix. Mar. 30-Apr. 1, The Big Enchilada II (NC) See Grand Prix.

Tennessee Feb. 24-26 or 25-26, Greater Memphis Open 2 See Grand Prix. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. Mar. 17-18, Saint Patrick's Day Open See Grand Prix.

Texas Feb. 18-19, Southwest Collegiate Championships 5-SS, G/90 inc/30. 5SS. Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 North Olive St., Dallas, TX 75201. HR: $109-$109-$109-$109, 214-922-8000 or 888-627-8191, Mention Texas Chess Association to get Hotel Chess Rate. Reserve by 1/27/12 or rate may go up. One night deposit may be required by Hotel. Top 4 count for team score. USCF membership required. Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Fide pairing rules may be used. Monroi devices may be provided and their use is mandatory. EF: $49 by 2/03/12, $69 thereafter. Don't mail after 2/03, 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 5 Teams. Ent: Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. (Make Checks payable to Texas Chess Association. 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 may possibly not be paired for round 1 and not be paired until payment is received. Refunds will be given only up to 2/15 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/15 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/15. 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 2/15/12. After that date you must make changes at site (Sheraton Dallas Hotel). February Supplement will be used. Tournament Info: Barbara Swafford, 214.632.9000 please do not call after 2/15, [email protected]. Website: www.swchess.com. NS. NC. W. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP. A State Championship Event! Feb. 18-19, 2012 Texas State Scholastic Championships 7SS. Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 North Olive St., Dallas, TX 75201. HR: $109-$109-$109-$109, 214-922-8000 or 888-627-8191, Mention Texas Chess Association to get Hotel Chess Rate. Reserve by 1/27/12 or rate may go up. 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: $41 by 2/03/12; $69 after 2/03 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 (912 Under 1000). See Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for each section's eligibility requirement, www.texaschess.org/2007/03/bylaws.html. Also www.swchess.com has eligibility rules. Four-year Chess II 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. For more information on UTDallas Scholarships see: www.utdallas.edu/chess/scholar ships/chess-program-scholarships.html 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 trophy. 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: $20. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each section. Bughouse Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $30 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 Texas Chess Asso-

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Tournament Life ciation. Mail entries to:Texas Chess Association, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. For tournament info, visit our website or contact: Barbara Swafford, [email protected] or 214-632-9000. Refunds will be given only up to 2/15 with a $10 surcharge for withdrawing, after 2/15 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 2/15. 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 2/15/12. After that date you must make changes at site (Sheraton Dallas Hotel). NS, NC, W. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix. Feb. 25-26, Winter Open See Grand Prix. Mar. 24, Spring Slammer Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229. 5-SS, Rd. 1 G/30, Rds. 2-5 G/60. $$ 700 b/40: $175-100; A, B, U1600 ea. $75$50; U1400/unr. $50. EF: $20 by 3/22, $25 site. Book & supply sales and swap during registration. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10:30-11:30-2-4:30-7:30. Half-pt. bye any 1 rd., notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, 9306 Autumn Sunrise, San Antonio, TX 78254. Info: sanantoniochess.com, jphyltin@ yahoo.com. NS. NC. W.

Mar. 10, First Saturday Quad Ashburn Chess Center, 44927 George Washington Blvd. #120, Ashburn, VA 20147. 3RR, G/30 Open to all players, grouped to quads according to their ratings. Trophies to each winner of the quad. Points for winners to win $300 before July 31, anniversary of Ashburn Chess Club. EF: $7 Preregistered, $8 at site. Members discounted. Send your pre-registration to [email protected]. Mar. 17-18, VA Scholastic & Collegiate Championships 6SS, Rds. 1-3 G/60; Rds. 4-6 G/90. Organized by VA Chess Federation. Blitz Championships Friday at 6PM before the main tournament. Main tournament is Saturday and Sunday, March 17-18. Players must be K-12 or College players attending school or college full time in Virginia as of Jan. 2012, or must be Virginia residents. Virginia residency is NOT REQUIRED for the Blitz Tournament. Online registration, eligibility, other details and hotel info at: www.vachess.org or www.vschess.org. Questions to: Mike Hoffpauir, [email protected], or 757-846-4805. Chess Magnet School JGP. Mar. 30-Apr. 1, The Big Enchilada II (NC) See Grand Prix. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Classifieds Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories: Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Miscellaneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no telephone orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions $1.00. Affiliates pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. Advertisements with less than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per issue. Post office boxes count as two words, 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.

Washington

For Sale

May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

Feb. 25-26, 20th Dave Collyer Memorial See Grand Prix. May 4-6 or 5-6, Western Amateur (CA-S) See California, Southern.

Vermont

Wisconsin

Apr. 27-29 or 28-29, 23rd annual Vermont Resort Open See Grand Prix.

Feb. 25-26, UW Winter Open See Grand Prix.

Virginia Arlington Chess Club's Friday Ladder 30/90, SD/1. Most monthly game points: $50; most total points Jan. to Dec.: $100. Must join club to play. Yearly dues: $50 adults, $40 seniors/U18. Cash or check. Reg.: weekly sign-up from 7:00-8:00pm, games start by 8:10, no advance entries. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. Contact for info only: [email protected]. W, NS. Chess Magnet School JGP (if 4 rounds/ games played in that one month).

Mar. 3, March Madness!! (QC) Hilton Garden Inn, 11600 W. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53224. Elimination bracket: 6 rounds playing one as White and one as Black, G/15. EF: Early bird special $38 by 2/17; $3 more by 3/2, $45 on site; Jr and new members $3 less. $$b/64: $450-300-200-150. Once you get eliminated, you play in the Swiss. Swiss prizes: 1st.100 2nd $85 A $75 B $70 C $65 D $60 E $55 U1000 $50 Unr $50. Reg.: 3/2 8-9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:303:00-4:30-6:30. ENT: Ben Corcoran, 2711 N. University Dr. #64, Waukesha, WI 53188 262-506-4203. INFO: www.benzochess.com/marchmadness. html.

* WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS * *The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably the finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.; 1021 Production Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758. *Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070; email: [email protected] Saragossa Opening: The 2. Qc2 System by David Lonsdale, 36 pages, 83 diagrams, and 86 games for $9 US; email [email protected] for details.

Arlington Chess Club's Friday Action Tournament 3SS, G/30. Once a month we run a Friday night event - dates are on the club website: www.arlingtonchessclub.com. Prizes b/entries: 80% returned as prizes. Reg.: 7:00-8:15pm. Rd. 1: 8:20. EF: $15 ($10 for ACC Members), no advance entries, cash only. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22202. Contact for info only: [email protected]. W, NS.

Mar. 31, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) 4SS, G/60. Dual rated. Country Springs Hotel, (262.547.0201); Exit 291, I-94 and Hwy G, Waukesha, WI 53187. Open to players rated under 1200 or unrated. Prizes:Trophies to top 3, book prizes for class winners. EF: $15 ($12 by 3/30). Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. Mail entries to: Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186. Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: [email protected].

Feb. 11-12, Longwood Open 5SS, Rds 1-3 G/90, Rds 4-5 G/120. Longwood University, Farmville, VA. $$500 b/o 20 players: 1st-3rd overall, $200-120-80 (Gtd); Top U1700 and Top U1200, $50 ea. EF: $35 if rec'd by 2/8, $45 on site. No credit cards. Reg.: 7:30-9:30AM. Rds.: Sat 10-2-6, Sun 9-1:30. One half-point bye allowed if req. by 1:30PM Feb 11th. USCF Memb. req'd, avail. at site. Event & hotel info at: www.vachess.org or [email protected]. Ent: mail to Mike Hoffpauir, 405 Hounds Chase, Yorktown, VA 23693. Chess Magnet School JGP.

A Heritage Event! Mar. 31, Waukesha Memorial (31st Annual) A Wisconsin Tour Event! 4SS, G/60. Dual rated. Country Springs Hotel, (262.547.0201); Exit 291, I-94 and Hwy G, Waukesha, WI 53187. $$Nonmonetary, traveling trophy to First, books for class winners. Open to all. EF: $15 ($12 by 3/30). Reg.: 8:30-9:30, Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. No state memb. req'd. OSA. Mail entries to: Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186. Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: [email protected].

TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, the MidAtlantic Chess Instruction Center is the best in the business. We specialize in adult students. We offer 34 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. #. Our Webpage is at: chessinstructor.org. NEW FOR 2012: Two additional courses + FREE powerful analysis engines + FREE screen-sharing! 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 3Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt! Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive Chess Courseonly $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534, Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706. Internet and Telephone Chess Lessons for all ages with N.M. Peter Aravena Sloan www.TeachesChess.com 347-451-1154.

May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28 or 27-28, 21st annual Chicago Open (IL) See Grand Prix.

Miscellaneous

Utah

Feb. 18, Third Saturday Swiss Ashburn Chess Center, 44927 George Washington Blvd. #120, Ashburn, VA 20147. 4SS, G/61 Open & U1200 sections. Prizes: 50% back to top 3 per section. EF: $18 Preregistered. $20 at site. Members discounted. Reg.: 9-9:30AM. Rd.: 1 10AM. Half pt. Bye: 1-3. Preregistration and more info at www.loudounchess.org/reg/accregister.htm. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 18-19, 3rd Annual Hampton Chess & Sport Festival See Grand Prix. Feb. 25, Sterling Chess February Open and RBO Hilton Inn & Suites Dulles, 22700 Holiday Park Dr., Sterling, VA 20166. Two sections: Open 4SS, G/61 d5, $$125 b/22, 75/35/15. U1200 4SS, G/25 d5, medal to winner. Rds.: Open 11:15, 1:45, 4:15, 6:30. U1200 11:30, 12:45, 2:00, 3:15. Check-in: 10:30-11:00. EF: Open $15, U1200 $10. Unrateds free. Entries limited: Register online at www. meetup.com/sterling-chess-tournaments. Pay on website. Bye: Halfpoint, any round. Info: [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP for Open section. Mar. 2-4, 44th Annual Virginia Open See Grand Prix. Mar. 3, Virginia Queens Scholastic Championship (QC) 5SS, G/25. Norfolk State University Student Center. Virginia Girls Only Rated & Unrated Sections. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rd. 1 at 10. Then ASAP. K-12 Rated Section. $1000 scholarship & trophies. Unrated Section $1000 scholarship & trophies. Unrated section is only for those who have never been USCF members. EF: FREE! Info/Reg: Ernest Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502, www.nicechess.net/ or [email protected]. Please e-mail the entry information from the website to enter. All players MUST check in during registration to be paired for the first round. Single halfpt. bye available. Friday 3/2. Free GM Susan Polgar exhibition match and simultaneous exhibition 4-6 PM Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. Visit the website for details. Mar. 10, Kingstowne Quad #82 3RR, G/100 d/5. Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. EF: $10 if received by 3/7, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Reg.: 9-10:30. Rds.: 11-3-7. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only): [email protected]. W (please give 48-hour notice if needed).

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Chess Life — February 2012

Instruction

Chess Gazette Monthly FREE. Reviews, stories, sales. PDF download. Send email address and name: [email protected]

Clubs Committee The USCF is appointing a Clubs Committee with Bob Rasmussen, President of the Fresno Chess Club, as chair. Anyone interested in discussing how to build a chess club or joining the committee is welcome to call Bob at 559-708-8100.

Wanted * CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS * in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and SAT (math + critical reading) > 1400 for possible college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250. 410-455-2666, [email protected]

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ORGANIZER AND DIRECTOR SEMINARS

TURN IT OFF!

If you are a senior level TD or higher and willing to conduct a free seminar about organizing/ directing USCF-rated tournaments, please contact Joan Dubois at [email protected].

IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!

uschess.org

Solutions CHESS TO ENJOY (page 17)

ENDGAME LAB Benko’s Bafflers (page 49)

Problem I.

Problem I. 1. Rd4+ The first thematic try is 1. Re5+? Kxe5 2. Bxh6 a1=Q 3. Bg7+ Ke4 4. Bxa1 Rc1 5. Rf4+ Ke3, however White cannot force a win. 1. ... Kxd4 2. Bb2+ Ke3 3. Rf3+ 3. Re2+? Kd3 4. Kxc5 Rh5+ 5. Kb4 a1=Q 6. Bxa1 Rb5+ 7. Kxb5 stalemate. 3. ... Ke4 4. Kxc5 a1=Q 5. Bxa1 Rc6+ 6. Kb5! wins. Of course not 6. Kxc6? yielding stalemate. 6. ... Rc5+ 7. Ka6 Rc6+ 8. Kb7 Rc1 9. Rf4+ Kd5 10. Bd4 wins.

U.S. Championship 1946 1. Bc8! and Bxe6 wins the trapped knight at h3. Problem II.

U.S. Open 1946 1. ... Nf3+! 2. gxf3 Qg5+ 3. Kh1 Qf4 threatens mate on h2 (4. Ng4 Qxd2). Problem III.

Ventnor City 1939 White won after 1. Rg1! Qf3+ 2. Qxf3 but 2. Kh2+! leads to mate. Also, 1. ... Kf8 2. Kh2! followed by 3. Qh8+ leads to mate.

ational Championship Problem IV.

NAL OPEN

Problem II. 1. Re4 The thematic try is 1. Rxb4? c2 2. Rc4 Bg6 3. Kg3 Kg1 Zugzwang 4. Kf3 Kf1 Zugzwang 5. Ke3 Ke1 Problem V. E 15–17 OR 16–17 Zugzwang 6. Rc8 Kd1 7. Rd8+ Kc1 8. Rb8 h5 9. Rb4 U.S. Open 1946 Kd1 10. Rd4+ Ke1 11. Rc4 Bf5 12. Kf4 Bd3 wins for 1. h6! threatens 2. Rxd7 Qxd7 3. Qf6 and 4. Qg7 RANTEED PRIZE FUND SIMULS Black. mate, e.g. 1. ... Qd8 2. Ba4! Nb6 3. Qf6 or 2.S... f6 3. CHOLASTICS Qd5+ or 2. ... Re8 3. Rxe8+ Qxe8 4. dxc5 (4. ... dxc5 LECTURES & MOREThe real solution runs: GRANDMASTER 5. Qd2). While the game continuation is the CHESS CAMP1. ... Kg1 2. Rxb4 c2 3. Rc4 Bg6 4. Kg3 Zugzwang IRLS BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP4. ... Kf1 5. Kf3 Zugzwang 5. ... Ke1 6. Ke3 strangest, 1. hxg6 will G also doAND the job. h, 2012 Zugzwang 6. ... Kd1 7. Rd4+ Kc1 8. Rb4 Kd1 9. Problem VI. Rd4+ Ke1 10. Rc4 Bf5 11. Rc5 Kd1 12. Rd5+ Ke1 U.S. Championship 1948 13. Rc5 Bg6 14. Rc4 h6 15. Rc8 (15. Rc7; 15. Rc5) 1. ... Re8 2. Qd2 Re2!, e.g. 3. Qxd3 Rxf2+ 4. Kg1 15. ... h5 16. Rc6 Zugzwang 16. ... Kd1 17. Rd6+ Rxb2 followed by ... Bxc3 or ... Bc5+, or 4. ... Qxd3 Ke1 18. Rc6 Bf5 19. Kf4 Bd3 20. Kg5 Draws. 5. Rxd3 Bc5 (6. Ne4 Rxh2+ 7. Nxc5 Rxh1+ 8. Kxh1 Nf2+). U.S. Open 1946 1. Qa2! wins a piece, e.g. 1. ... Qxb5 2. Rb1 or 1. ... Bb7 2. Qa7.

National Championships CHESS SOLITAIRE

ONAL OPEN ABCs of Chess (page 19) Problem I.

Pin: The simple capture 1. ... dxe4 gains material.

JUNE 15–17 ORII.16–17 Problem

Pin: After 1. ... gxf4 White is going to lose material. GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND

Problem III. Rated H 200 Grand Prix Points ons H USCF & FIDE

0 P

Skewer: Black gains the Exchange by 1. ... Nxg2. If 2. Kxg2, then 2. ... Bh3+. Problem IV.

IVIERA

NATIONAL OPEN JUNE 15–17 OR 16–17

Laass Veg

Trapping: AfterHOTEL 1. ...- g5 White’s queen has no CASINO - LAS VEGAS way out. The knight soon snares it. Trapping: Black traps the queen with 1. ... Nf4. Problem VI.

June Mating 14th – net: 17th, The2012 game ends with 1. ... Qh5 mate.

SCHOLASTICS H GRANDMASTER CHESS CAMP YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP H LECTURES H AND MORE

Total your Solitaire Chess score to determine your approximate rating below:

Approx. Rating 2400+ 2200-2399 2000-2199 1800-1999 1600-1799 1400-1599 1200-1399 under 1200

ONAL OPEN

GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND

ns H USCF & FIDE Rated H 200 Grand Prix Points uschess.org

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Problem V.

Total Score 95+ 81-94 National Championships 66-80 51-65 36-50 21-35 06-20 JUNE 15–17 OR 16–17 0-05

PROMOTE AMERICAN CHESS

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 67 No. 2. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without membership): $50. Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-3967 and additional mailNational Championships ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents ©2012 by the United States Chess Federation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. The JUNEare 15–17 opinions expressed strictly those OR of the 16–17 contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. Send all addressGUARANTEED changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO Box $80,000 PRIZE FUND 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible. This information may be e-mailed to addresschange@ uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C 6A8

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IVIERA

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Luxurious site, IM and GM norms possible in Open Section!

PHILADELPHIA OPEN Easter weekend, April 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, Loews Philadelphia Hotel Prizes $80,000 projected, $60,000 minimum guaranteed! Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19107, rated Four Diamonds by AAA. Chess rate $98-98-123-123, 215-627-1200, reserve by 3/21 or rate may increase. $30 chess rate for valet parking, or use Gateway Garage, 1540 Vine St (1 block from Sheraton Hotel), about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day Wed-Fri. Easy walk to restuarants, shops, museums; one block from Reading Terminal Market. In 8 sections- you play only those in your section. Open: 9 rounds, Apr 4-8, 40/90, SD/30, inc/30. U2200 to U1200: 7 rounds, choice of 4-day schedule April 5-8 (40/2, SD/1, d/5), 3-day Apr 6-8 (rounds 1-2 G/75, d/5, then merges into 4-day), or 2day Apr 7-8 (rds 1-4 G/40, d/5, merges into 4-day). U1000: 7 rounds, Apr 7-8 only (G/40, d/5). Prizes based on 500 paid entries with 75% each prize minimum guarantee. Seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs count as half entries, U1200 40% entries, U1000 15% entries. April official USCF ratings used, except FIDE ratings used in Open. Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-700-600-500400-400, clear or tiebreak win $200 bonus, FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000. GPP: 200 (enhanced). Under 2200: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500400-300-300-300. Under 2000: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500400-300-300-300. Unrated limit $2000. Under 1800: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500400-300-300-300. Unrated limit $1600. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400300-200-200-200. Unrated limit $1200. Under 1400: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400300-200-200-200. Unrated limit $800. Under 1200: $1500-800-500-300-200-200-200100-100-100. Unrated limit $400. Under 1000: $400-200-100, trophies to first 5, top U800, U600, U400, Unr. Unrated limit $200. Prize limit: If official rating 4/11-3/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted 4/4/11-4/4/12 was more than 30 pts over section maximum, prize limit $1500.

Open Section entry fee: Free to GMs, IMs, & WGMs; $150 deducted from prize. US players with current or former FIDE ratings of 2200/over: $225 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $250 at site. Foreign FIDE rated players: $175 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $200 at site. Others: $375 mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $400 at site. U2200 through U1400 Sections EF: 4-day $224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 if mailed by 3/27, all $225 online by 4/2, $250 at site. U1200 Section EF: 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 if mailed by 3/27, $85 online by 4/2, $100 at site. U1000 Section EF: $32 mailed by 3/27, $35 online by 4/2, $50 at site. Phone EF: All $5 more than online, 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions), available only through 4/2. Online late entry after 4/2: available until 2 hours before rd 1, same price as entry at site. Entry fee $100 less less to rated seniors 65/over in U2200 to U1400. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 5-day schedule (Open): Late entry ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day (U1200-U2200): Late entry ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day (U1200-U2200): Late reg ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day (U1200U2200): Late reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under 1000: Reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Sun 10, 12, 2. Half-point byes available all rounds, limit 4, Open must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. $15 service charge for refunds. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#657633. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: see chesstour.com.