2011 - Chess Life 11

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Samuel “Sammy” Herman Reshevsky would have turned

100 this month. We celebrate the life of one of the strongest American players of the 20th century.

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Chess Life — November 2011

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Contributors

November on uschess.org

Morgan Pehme (“First Moves,” p. 8) is a filmmaker, writer and producer and son of former Chess Life editor Kalev Pehme.

National Scholastic Season Kicks Off in Dallas

GM Joel Benjamin (“Looks at Books,” p. 12) is the youngest inductee in the World Chess Hall of Fame and was IBM’s grandmaster consultant on the Deep Blue team that defeated Garry Kasparov. GM Alejandro Ramirez (“2011 U.S. Open,” p. 18) attends the University of Texas in Dallas where he is currently pursuing a masters degree in arts & technology/design and production of videogames. Brad Rosen (“U.S. Chess League,” p. 32) is a Chicago-based attorney and freelance writer. He also serves in communications/public relations area for the Chicago Blaze of the U.S. Chess League, and is the father of National Master Eric Rosen. Neil Brennen (“History,” p. 36) is the former historian for the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation and winner of awards from the Chess Journalists of America for historical writing. Jenny Duggan (“Personal History,” p. 38) is the author of the nonfiction novel Eating Fish with Ice Cream and Other Truths: A Memoir in completion of her master of fine arts in creative writing at the University of Memphis. Al Lawrence (“Cover Story,” p. 40) is a former executive director of both USCF and the World Chess Hall of Fame. His latest book, with GM Lev Alburt, is Chess Training Pocket Book II.

This year’s National K-12 Championship will take place in Dallas, Texas from November 18-20. Check CLO for updates, games and photos as 13 champions are crowned in sections from kindergarten up to 12th grade.

Turkey and Chess Over Thanksgiving weekend, the U.S. Chess Scoop heads to the National Chess Congress in Philadelphia. Look for interviews with some of your favorite players! Also find updates from the American Open, held from November 24-27 in Los Angeles.

Top Juniors Head to Brazil This year’s World Youth Championship is set for Caldas Novas, Brazil from November 17-27. Look for updates on CLO as some of America’s top juniors go for gold.

Recent Highlights From the Archives: Draws to Bughouse Don’t miss Tom Braunlich’s commentary on proposals by GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov and IM Greg Shahade to limit draws. Also find Jonathan Hilton’s piece on “Chess Cosmopolitanism” and an interview with bughouse legend Kazim Gulamali.

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.

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November Chess Life Columns 12 LOOKS AT BOOKS Beyond Deep Blue By GM Joel Benjamin

14 CHESS TO ENJOY Hey, Adjudicator By GM Andy Soltis

16 SOLITAIRE CHESS The Combative Sicilian By Bruce Pandolfini

54 BACK TO BASICS What to do after a Blunder By GM Lev Alburt

56 ENDGAME LAB 50th World Junior Chess Championship By GM Pal Benko

Departments 3

PREVIEW

6

COUNTERPLAY

8

FIRST MOVES

10 USCF AFFAIRS

18

2011 U.S. OPEN

Lenderman Is First Among Equals

60 TOURNAMENT LIFE

GM Alex Lenderman wins a blitz match againt GM Alejandro Ramirez to claim the title over the other five tied wtih him. We also report on the inaugural Barber K-8 Championship, the U.S. Junior Girls Open, and the venerable Denker Tournament of High School Champions.

78 CLASSIFIEDS 79 SOLUTIONS

32

U.S. CHESS LEAGUE

The League of Extraordinary Players By Brad Rosen

IM Greg Shahade’s brainchild is inspiring cohesion within local chess communities.

36

HISTORY

A Game with Considerable Ego Involvement By Neil Brennen

When two of America’s leading correspondence players became embroiled in a dispute, the post did fly.

On The Cover Sammy Reshevsky was many things: prodigy, proud, pugnacious. And this month he would have turned 100 years old. Al Lawrence shows you all of Reshevsky’s sides in his report beginning on page 40. Cover photo from archives Design by Frankie Butler

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38

PERSONAL HISTORY

Chess Sets of the World By Jenny M. Duggan

A chess life through one’s chess sets.

40

COVER STORY

Never On the Sabbath, But Always With Sharp Elbows By Al Lawrence

Born a century ago this month, Samuel Reshevsky played nine decades of championship chess.

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Counterplay Judge Leighton

It was with great interest and fond memories that I read the article about the Honorable George N. Leighton by Dr. Tim Redman.

A group of chess players from the far south suburbs (Park Forest) of Chicago ventured to the Chicago Chess Club at 64 East Van Buren in February of 1967. Jay Toll, Dan Kulich, Fred Moosreiner, and I decided to play in the Championship section of the Chicago Chess Club Open. It was a well attended event and the club was crowded. Even though it was winter, it was unusually warm inside so windows were opened to moderate the temperature. Unfortunately the elevated (“EL”) train would make its’ rounds and the sparking, squealing brakes were just an added feature. I was not yet 16 years old, unrated and paired the first round against Judge George Leighton. The good judge had been in the news because of a controversial decision he made involving the arrest of a person carrying a broken bottle down the street. I’m not sure whether the noise from the “EL” or the judge’s docket distracted him, but I managed to get to his king before he got to mine. Of course, he was a gracious gentleman and shook my hand. After the game, I got a lot of ribbing from my “friends” about being put in jail for contempt. A memorable experience for an unrated kid going to the big city to play in a USCF-rated chess tournament. And Dr. Tim Redman (“Tim,” at that time!)

was one of the tournament directors. With great humility I submit the record of the game. Dutch Defense (A85) Wayne Palmquist (Unr) George Leighton (1857) Chicago Chess Club Open, Championship Section, 02.17.1967

1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e6 4. Bf4 Be7 5. g3 0-0 6. Bg2 Nh5 7. e3 Nxf4 8. exf4 d6 9. Nf3 Nd7 10. 0-0 c6 11. Re1 Rf6 12. d5 exd5 13. cxd5 c5 14. Bh3 Nf8 15. Re3 Rh6 16. Bg2 Bf6 17. Qd2 Bd7 18. Rae1 Ng6 19. Ng5 Ne5 20. fxe5 Bxg5 21. f4 Be7 22. e6 Be8 23. Bf1 Bh5 24. Bd3 Bg4

r+ q +k+ pp+ l pp + pP+ r + pP+p+ + + Pl+ + NLR P PP Q + P + + R K

After 24. ... Bg4

25. Be2 Bh3 26. Qd3 Qe8 27. Qb5 Qf8 28. Qd7 a6 29. Na4 b5 30. Nb6 Rb8 31. Qc7 Qe8 32. Ra3 g5 33. fxg5 Bxg5 34. Bf3 f4 35. g4 Be7 36. Rxa6 Rg6 37. Ra7 Rg7 38. Nd7 Rc8 39. Qb7 b4 40. Re4 Bxg4 41. Bxg4 Rxg4+ 42. Kf1 h5 43. Nf6+ Bxf6 44. Qh7+ Kf8 45. Rf7+, Black resigned.

Wayne Palmquist New Lenox, Illinois

Draw talk

Regarding the sidebar on page 34 of the September Chess Life, “Let’s Talk About Draws,” I would say IM Irina Krush comes off as a little arrogant regarding her point about lower-rated players offering draws to higher-rated players. I would argue that, in any rated game, both sides have the right to offer a draw without being accused of the “deterioration of chess etiquette” about which the writer seems to complain. Chess is supposed to be about the board, and if either player judges the position equal and is confident of his/her ability to hold a draw while being uncertain of how to win, then a draw offer is very reasonable. I personally offer draws to higher-rated players frequently, and I think the number of draws I have scored against higher-rated opponents validates my ability to make that judgment. I am also not offended when lower-rated players offer me draws. If I don’t agree, I just decline and move on with the game. I try to decline with a simple “no” or “not yet” or some other response that respects my opponent’s draw offer, even though I don’t agree with it.

I made class B about a year ago, and last December I played in a Game/75 tournament in which I offered a draw to an expert after about 30 moves. He declined, and about 75 moves later, when he was down to one second on the clock and blitzed off his entire endgame on delay time, the game ended in a draw anyway. I felt very satisfied, and even if pumping my fist in celebration on the way to the pairing chart was a breach of etiquette, the draw offer itself certainly was not. My advice to the lower-rated side of any rated game is that if you think a draw is reasonable, make the offer. The worst your opponent can do to you is say “no.” Play on. Doug Strout Montgomery, Alabama

Send your letters to letters@uschess. org. 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. 6


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2011 National Scholastic K-12 Championship November 18-20, 2011 Hilton Anatole

|

2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207

$120 single/double/triple/quad All guest rooms must be booked online at www.hiltonanatolehotel.com

Opening Ceremony

Friday

12:30pm

Rounds

Friday Saturday Sunday

1 pm, 6 pm 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm 9 am, 1 pm

Sunday

4:30 pm (K-1) approx. & 5 pm approx.

Awards Ceremonies

Special round times for K-1 sections

Friday Saturday

1:30 pm, 5:30 pm 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm 9:30 am, 1:30 pm

Sunday

7SS, G/90, 13 sections

Play only in your grade. November rating supplement will be used. Team Score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team, including ties, will be national champion for their grade.

Awards

Trophies to top 10 individuals & top five teams (minimum) in each grade. Many class prizes. Every player receives a commemorative item!

Blitz

Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections, individual, team and class prizes.

Bughouse

Top five teams.

Side Events Bughouse

Thursday 11 am On-site entry only Thursday, 8 am until 10 am. $25 per team.

On-site registration

11/17 11/18

9 am-10 pm 8 am-10 am

Blitz:

Thursday 5 pm On-site entry until 4 pm.Entry in advance $15 by 11/13, $20 after or on-site. Register at http://main.uschess.org/content/view/10014/95

Players registering after 10 am Friday will not be paired for round 1, will receive a half-point bye, and will begin play round 2.

Team Rooms are limited! Contact Cody Stewart 931-787-3916 or by e-mail: [email protected]

NAME ___________________________________________________________USCF ID #________________________________ RATING ____________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________ CITY_________________________________ STATE _________ ZIP_________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________ SCHOOL _______________________________________________________________________________ GRADE ________________ BYE REQUESTED: Rd. 1 q

2 q 3 q 4 q 5 q 6 q 1/2-pt bye available if requested in advance (except rd. 7)

USCF MEMBERSHIP DUES: Please go to www.uschess.org for appropriate membership category and rates. ENTRY FEES: $50/participant postmarked by 10/30, $70/participant postmarked by 11/13, $85 after 11/13 or $90 on site.

(Add $5 for phone entry.) Blitz entry: $15 until 11/13 or $20 after 11/13 or on-site. AMOUNT ENCLOSED: Entry Fee $ _________ Blitz $ __________ USCF Dues $ __________ TOTAL ENCLOSED $ _____________

In advance: Make checks payable to: U.S. Chess Federation (USCF). On site: Make payments in cash, by money order, or credit card. MASTERCARD

q

DISCOVER

q

EXPIRATION: ______ /______

AMEX

q

VISA

q

NUMBER _______________________________________________

V-CODE (last 3 digits on the signature line) ____________________________________________

SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: USCF membership is required and must be current. You may pay USCF membership with your entry. Adult: Please check our website (uschess.org) for Adult and Young Adult options. Advance entries must include player’s name and all fees to be accepted. Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged according to date received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even if no team), coach’s name, e-mail, birth date, USCF ID #, USCF expiration (enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Please bring clocks. Ent: “K-12 Championship,” c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. For more info or to register online: www.uschess.org. Please make all checks payable to USCF.

First Moves

Kalev Pehme (1949-2011) A chess son remembers his chess dad.

KALEV PEHME, A FORMER EDITOR OF Chess Life, passed away on August 26th at his home in Redondo Beach, California. Though he had been ill for some time, his death came unexpectedly. He was 61. Pehme’s time as editor of Chess Life was relatively brief, from January 2004 to March 2005, but he was long a part of the chess community, primarily through my years as a national scholastic champion, and as a result of his being depicted, by the actor David Paymer, in the film adaptation of Searching for Bobby Fischer. Outside of the chess world, Pehme was best known as a journalist. For much of the late 1970s through the 1980s, he was the managing editor of Our Town, an influential community newspaper covering the Upper East Side of Manhattan. At Our Town, Pehme made his mark as a muckraker, earning accolades for his investigations into political corruption and psychotherapy cults. Later in his life, Pehme taught the dying art of investigative reporting to the next generation of reporters as an adjunct professor of journalism at St. John’s University in Queens. My father was well suited to teaching. I dare say that there was no one who met him who was not awed by the breadth and depth of his learning. He was an expert in, to name but a few areas, classical Greek philosophy, Renaissance Hermeticism, horary astrology, Roman history, Marcel Proust and Leo Strauss. Name a masterwork of metaphysics, literature, or history, and the odds are he had not only read it, but that he could discourse on it at length. It is the excitement which he brought to learning that was doubtlessly the impetus for my success in chess. Just as he made the Battle of Agincourt and the voyage of the Argo come alive in my reveries, he thrilled me with tales of Tal and Capablanca, and infused Fischer’s improbable domination at Palma de Mallorca with all the drama of game seven of the World Series. What my father lacked over the board—he peaked as a solid B-player—he made up for with, what my former teacher Mark Dvoretsky called, “chess culture.” To my father, chess was a higher pursuit, on par with poetry and philosophy, and he taught the game to me with a Romantic reverence that made me imagine as a boy that centralizing a knight was not too far off from an act of chivalry. 8

Chess Life — november 2011

My father had learned the game from his beloved grandfather, Badma Oulanoff, a statesman and leading intellectual in his native Kalmykia, the Buddhist republic of the Eurasian steppe unusually familiar to the chess world as the stomping ground of its former president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. Badma and his family had been forced to flee Kalmykia by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution because of his outspoken Social democratic politics, and he settled first in Prague, then France during World War II. It was in Paris that my grandmother, a pianist by training, met a fellow émigré, the noted Estonian sculptor Karl Pehme, and the two were soon married. On December 18th, 1949, Kalev Pehme was born in Lariboisière Hospital, near Montmartre. Two years later, his family immigrated to the United States, eventually settling on Long Island. At North Shore High School, my father was an active member of the chess team, playing second board, and he ran successfully to serve as student government president in his senior year. Upon graduation, he received a full scholarship to Lake Forest College in Illinois, where he earned a degree in literature, studying with renowned academics Rosemary Cowler and David Daiches. Later, he would do graduate work at New York University under the philosopher Seth Benardete. Over the course of four decades, my father would write over a thousand articles, hundreds of sonnets, two novels, and countless works of criticism and hermeneutics. Among the published pieces of which he was most proud were two articles about the French thinker Alexandre Kojève that appeared in the journal Interpretation and the selfhelp book Men Are: A Book of Inspiration, which he co-authored with his best friend, Bradley Berger. Since having been asked by Chess Life to do this piece, I have found that writing an obituary for one’s father is a bit like analyzing a particularly hard loss without the benefit of your opponent’s insights to tell you what he was thinking. The tendency is to repeat certain lines of thoughts, to agonize over certain positions, to return time and again to certain key moments where he or I made a choice that forever altered the game. Often, there is a great desire to take back moves. And in the end, there is always uncertainty. Four years ago, my father sold our family home and moved to California in search of happiness. He became a devoted yoga practitioner, delved into Sanskrit, and spent long hours contemplating the ocean, as daily as he sifted his way across the Redondo Beach Riviera and up to the crest of the Palos Verdes bluffs. On my father’s 59th birthday, he became a grandfather with the birth of my daughter, Fiona, who held out 11 days past her due date to become, as he was fond of pointing out, my father’s “astrological twin.” Sadly, the continent that divided us ended up meaning that these kindred souls only got to meet twice in person. The last time they aligned, Fiona was only 10 months old. Since my father’s death, I have thought the most about what the two of them have lost by not having each other to learn from. I have found myself regretting that we hadn’t made it out to California this summer. By June, Fiona had turned two-and-a-half, and, like her father before her, had already discovered the chess pieces. If only we had made it out in August, the two of them would have been able to play a game.

.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF MORGAN PEHME

By Morgan PehMe

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USCF Affairs November

USCF EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT CHUCK LOVINGOOD Position: FIDE & Scholastic Associate Chuck Lovingood started with the USCF in June 2005 as a part-time employee and within six months was working full-time. Chuck’s chess knowledge is a great asset to our team. We depend on him for assisting some of the office’s non-chess players in understanding ratings and tournaments—his knowledge of titles and chess names is a marvel. Chuck works in many different areas including generating top-player lists and overseeing the Grand Prix rankings. Chuck also assists with the chess coach program, scholastic chess issues, and navigating FIDE requirements for our players. In his personal life Chuck buys and sells sports and toy memorabilia. But when he takes a vacation, what does he do? He teaches chess to children! We are extremely proud to have Chuck as an employee of the USCF.

MAJOR RULES CHANGES FOR 2012 AFFECT ORGANIZERS AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS RIGHT NOW! By Tim Just and David Kuhns

For tournaments starting on or after January 1, 2012 some new major USCF rules kick in. Some of the new 2012 rules will require a notice in the tournament life announcements (TLAs) and advanced publicity that typically have cutoff dates right now. Some of these new rules also affect how rating reports will be made. Let’s take a peek at the major “rules lite” versions:

dual rated games). G/60, d/5 is dual rated (60 + 5 = 65, the maximum total time for dual rated games). Those two or more time control tournaments work the same way, just total all of the time and the delay; 40/120, 20/60, d/5 yields: 120 + 60 + 5 = 185, which is regular rated. Increment math also works the same way; i.e., G/45 inc/30 is regular rated (45 + 30 = 75).

With the elimination of Rule 5Fa (subtracting time for using a delay clock), all clocks, including digital, delay, analog, increment ..., are to be set for the same starting time.

What about a multi schedule event that merges rounds? Example: a 3-day five round schedule is 40/2, SD/1. Before the merge, the 2-day schedule time control (TC) is G/45 for rounds 1-2. All that needs to be reported for the total game time is the longest TC of 40/2, SD/1 (120 + 60 = 180 minutes) as USCF cannot separate the schedules at this point.

Example: If the TLA indicates G/30, d/5 then there is no subtraction of five minutes on the delay clocks. Both analog and delay clocks (with the delay set for five seconds) are set for 30 minutes at the start of the game. If organizers and tournament directors (TDs) want to deduct the delay time then they will need to announce both the delay clock setting (G/25 d/5 in this example) and separate analog clock setting (G/30 in this example) in advance. Organizers are to indicate the time control, including the delay or increment, in all advance publicity and TLAs. E.g. G/90 inc/30 (or +/30); G/30 d/5; G/10 d/3; G/5 d/0 Blitz ... The word “Blitz” must be in the title of the event, or in the time control, in order for Blitz rules to apply and to be rated. Despite some minor tweaks, the essential time controls for determining Quick, Dual, and Regular ratings stays pretty much the same. The way to calculate which rating system applies is new. The arithmetic by hand goes like this: Sum all of the base time controls in minutes plus the delay/increment to get the total playing time in minutes (base time control[s] in minutes + delay/increment = total playing time in minutes). In the ratings report, TDs will need to indicate (1) the total playing time as minutes (the sum of the base time controls); and (2) separately the delay/increment value. Examples: G/25, d/5 is dual rated (25 + 5 = 30, the minimum total time for dual rated games). G/25, d/4 is Quick rated only (25 + 4 =29, which is less than the 30 minute benchmark for 10

ChessLife—November2011

For the exact wording of these major changes and all other new 2012 rules watch for their posting on the USCF website.

Update for Organizers of FIDE Rated Tournaments The title of International Organizer (IO) may soon be required to organize FIDE rated events. FIDE has made changes to the requirements for the IO title, which require urgent attention. The new regulations will be stricter, and go into effect after the 82nd FIDE Congress in Krakow, Poland that began October 15. The only way to receive the title will be, in addition to organizing tournaments, to attend seminars and pass an examination. There will be a fee for the application as well as a renewal fee every three years. The current fee, which must be paid by the applicant, is 100 Euros, though FIDE is asking for an additional unspecified “penalty” fee for applications submitted after July 20. For more details see uschess.org, Chess Life Online, September archives or fide.com.

uschess.org

National Youth action December 9-11, 2011

East

WEst

DoubleTree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel and Exhibition Center 711 NW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33126

Hyatt Regency 17900 Jamboree Boulevard, Irvine, California 92614

(888) 353-1995

(949) 975-1234

CHESS RATE: $129

CHESS RATE: $109

Single/double/triple/quad, mention NYA CHESS

Single/double/triple/quad, mention NYA CHESS

Enter online (except bughouse) at www.active.com/more-sports/ miami-fl/national-youth-action-east-2011 or mail registrations to: 305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City, TX 77573. Please make checks payable to Francisco Guadalupe (not USCF). For more information: e-mail [email protected] or call (713) 530-7820.

Enter online (except bughouse) at www.chessweekend.com or mail registrations to: 37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031. Please make checks payable to Chess Central (not USCF). Updated info/Hotels/Online Entries: www.chessweekend.com. $10 service charge for onsite section/roster changes, and all refunds.

schedule

side Event schedule awards List

Saturday, Dec. 10

Rounds 1-2-3-4-5;

10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm

Sunday, Dec. 11

Rounds 6-7-8-9;

10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 10

Blitz Tournament K-6 & K-12

7:00 pm (East) 6:30 pm (West)

Entry fee $15 if p/m by 11/30, $20 after or on site. Registration closes at 5 pm.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Bughouse Tournament

6:30 pm

Entry fee $20 per team. On site entry only. Registration closes at 6:30 pm (East), 5 pm (West).

Sunday, Nov. 11

Awards Ceremony

5:30-7 pm

Class awards

1st – 3rd place Individuals: K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12: 1st – 20th place Teams: 1st –10th place Club Teams Allowed!

K-3: U800, U600, U400, unrated K-6: U1000, U800, U600, unrated K-9: U1200, U1000, U800, unrated K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, unrated

Name______________________________ USCF ID #________________ Rating _____________________ Address______________________________________City____________________ State____________Zip_____________ School _______________________________Grade_________ e-mail Address ____________________________________ Section Options: K-12 o K-9 o K-6 o K-3 o Bye Requested: Round 1 o 2 o 3 o 4 o 5 o 6 o 7 o 8 o One 1/2-point bye available if requested in advance (except rd. 9). USCF Membership Types: Please go to www.uschess.org for appropriate membership category and rates. Entry Fees: $50 postmarked by 11/10, $70 postmarked by 11/20, $85 after 11/20 or on site. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Amount Enclosed: Entry Fee $_________ USCF Dues $________ Total Enclosed $_________________

Looks at Books

Beyond Deep Blue A useful, but bland, reference for computer chess buffs

By GM JOEL BENJAMIN

Monty Newborn, Beyond Deep Blue: Chess in the Stratosphere, 2011, Springer, 287 pp., $49.95

Any Book thAt openS with A piCture of me (with my iBM colleagues) on page one gets my attention. whole books can be, and have been written on the two matches between GM Garry kasparov and Deep Blue. Monty newborn has already written two books which focused on those matches, so we know he is quite knowledgeable on the subject. the opening chapter of Beyond Deep Blue: Chess in the Stratosphere effectively summarizes the games and events of those matches in a refreshingly objective fashion. newborn’s challenge was to maintain that momentum through the subsequent less compelling material. the GM Vladimir kramnik-Deep Fritz and GM Garry kasparov-Deep Junior matches are covered competently but without any particularly revelatory information. Most fans find man versus machine matches more interesting than computers playing themselves, so i would expect all such matches to be covered. newborn explains in the preface: 12


there have been games played between the top grandmasters and the top computers in recent years, but only those involving kasparov and kramnik are presented. omitting those played between hydra and British GM Michael Adams in 2005 in London was a difficult decision as the match perhaps marks the first major match in which a top grandmaster was taken to the cleaners by a chess engine. [preface vi] i certainly would have liked to learn why the scales were suddenly tipped so emphatically, especially since hydra was so enigmatic at the time. newborn started out writing a book on the kasparov and kramnik man-machine matches but changed his focus along the way: however, as i gathered material and began to write, it became clear that the real story was the chess engines themselves, and their steady improvement to the point now where there is little question whether man or machine is best. the issue is which engine is best now, how good it is, and perhaps, how much better it can get. [preface vi] From a historical standpoint newborn is certainly correct, but we can certainly debate whether this issue is especially interesting for readers. i would prefer a book about all the man-machine interactions, including the humbling handicap matches Jaan ehlvest and i played against rybka in 2007-8. how have we coped with our ever increasing inferiority? Chapter 21 “and Beyond rybka,” addressed these questions but all too briefly. of the 20 “milestones” presented in the book, sixteen of them involve all-computer play, chronicling the progression from Deep Blue to rybka and all in between. the book is packed with information, containing blow-by-blow descriptions of virtually every major computer event since the late nineties. Most chapters are supplemented by charts describing the technical details of a vast array of engines. the completeness of the record and technical info will likely please hardcore computer chess aficionados. there is also some good explanation of general developments like the increasing importance of opening books, endgame tablebases, and

improved heuristics. the games provided the greatest disappointment for me. there are lots of them, but outside of the kasparov-Deep Blue matches, the notes are very brief and not very enlightening. Games betweens engines are usually not pretty, and many games are unnecessarily extended with the losers insisting on being checkmated. i can do without a lot of opening analysis and alternate variations, but i would have loved to see a lot more context in the notes. i wanted to know why an engine might prefer a particular move, and what it says about its programming; what moves indicate an engine’s strengths or weaknesses. the following game caught my attention: Sicilian Defense, Scheveningen Variation (B80) Deep Junior Shredder 11th WCCC Graz (7), 2003 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. g4 h6 9. Qd2 Nbd7 10. 0-0-0 Bb7 11. h4 b4 12. Na4 Qa5 13. b3 Nc5 14. a3 Nxa4 15. axb4 Qc7 16. bxa4 d5 17. e5 Nd7 18. f4 Nb6 19. f5 Nxa4 20. fxe6 Nc3 21. exf7+ Kxf7 22. Bd3 Bxb4 23. Rdf1+ Kg8 24. Qf2 Ba3+ 25. Kd2 Ne4+ 26. Bxe4 dxe4 27. Qf5 Bb4+ 28. Kd1 Qc4 29. Ne6 Qd5+ 30. Ke2 Qc4+ 31. Kd1 Qd5+ 32. Ke2 Qc4+, Draw agreed

newborn comments: “Shredder faced the choice of being mated or settling for a draw.” he doesn’t mention that the whole game was well-known theory and had been played before. why did both engines go for this forced draw? Faulty human preparation, or the first “grandmaster engine draw?” Beyond Deep Blue may be a useful reference for computer chess geeks (don’t look at me; though i worked with Deep Blue, my degree is in history), but i didn’t find it entertaining or engrossing. i learned a lot about who-beat-who-when and with what technology. But i didn’t get a sense of how the various engines played in qualitatively different ways. in-depth profiles of the way these engines played could have made them come alive.

.

uschess.org

Chess to Enjoy

Hey, Adjudicator

Do you hate endgames, too? Once upon a time there was a way to avoid them entirely. By GM Andy Soltis

Imagine this: After four hours of a tough game, you’ve reached a double-edged ending. The reward for your hard work will be determined by your next moves. But suddenly the tournament director steps in, stops the clocks and says you don’t get to make another move. A master will take over and declare whether you win, lose or draw. This curious procedure, known as adjudication, was once as familiar a feature of weekend Swisses and team matches as the Sicilian Defense. And everyone seemed to have strong opinions about it. Some players hated adjudication because it took the game out of their hands. Others loved it because it was a good excuse for not learning how to play endgames: Why study pages of mindnumbing theory if your endings will probably be turned over to someone else? But the other issue that players disagreed about was how an adjudicator should adjudicate. Dream a little dream Bobby Fischer and Leonard Barden Jonathan Penrose and Peter Clarke BBC 1961

+

+ + + p rlk p + + p p R PLp +P +K+P+P+ + + +P+ + + + + + + + +

After 46. ... Ke7

The moves of this consultation game, played at the BBC studios, were reported on the radio, as the players talked about them. Columnist Leonard Barden was Bobby Fischer’s partner. “But the producer told me that my real job was to 14


encourage the sometimes taciturn Fischer to verbalize his ideas,” he recalled. Fischer had a lot to say when the program ran out of air time—and the Black team said the position was a draw. “Are you dreaming or something?” Fischer asked. The “Beeb” felt it had a fair way to decide the matter: Max Euwe agreed to adjudicate. After all, who would dispute a verdict by a former world champion? (Well, Fischer would: He had beaten Euwe in a rook and bishop endgame a year before.) When Fischer played the role of adjudicator, at weekend opens in New York a few years later, his criteria was strict: If Bobby didn’t see an overwhelming edge or a convincing line of play leading to one he would declare a draw. Here White has only a modest edge. The Black team lobbied Euwe by submitting analysis of plausible continuations such as 47. Kb4 Ke8 48. Ra2 Ke7 49. Rc2 Be8 50. Rc1 Bc6 and then 51. Bxc6 Rxc6 52. Rd1 a6 53. Rd5 Ke8 54. Kc4 Ke7 55. Rd1 Ke8. White can try 56. g5!? hxg5! 57. Rh1 and then 57. ... Ke7 58. h6 gxh6 59. Rxh6, they pointed out. But then comes 59. ... Rc7! 60. Rh7+ Kd8 61. Rh8+ Ke7 and White has nothing, e.g. 62. Ra8 Rd7 63. Rxa6 Rd4+ 64. Kb5 Rd3 65. Kb6 Rxf3 66. Ra7+ Ke6 67. c6 Rb3+. Euwe declared a draw. He said his judgment was subjective but it “can hardly be refuted. For others can no more disprove my adjudication than I can prove it.” Adjudications are supposed to be dispassionate, clinical dissections of a position. Instead, they’re often emotional, even angry, as in the case of the infamous Moscow-Leningrad match. For more than 50 years, these two powerhouse cities faced off in a large match, often a double-round affair on 40 boards. The matches were usually the strongest team events anywhere in the world in a

given year. But the tradition was broken off when this position was adjourned: No one is happy with a draw Vladimir Lyavdansky (Moscow) Anatoly Volovich (Leningrad) Team match, 1968

+

+

+K+ + + + + + + q + + +Q+ + + + + + +p+ + + k+ + + + + + + +

Black to play

The match score stood 39½-39½, so this game would determine the winner. A grandmaster commission was empaneled and after much discussion it declared a draw. The outraged Leningraders appealed with long (winning) variations that were later included in the Encyclopedia of Chess Endings. The Muscovites countered with their own analysis arguing for a draw. Back and forth it went. The bitterness escalated and the match rivalry was angrily put on hold. It didn’t resume until cooler heads prevailed, 16 years later. Adjudications, which are still used in some correspondence chess competitions, are supposed to reveal the absolute truth about a position. The pioneering program Kaissa, which won the first world computer championship, eventually found the truth about Vladimir LyavdanskyAnatoly Volovich. It’s a forced Black win. But in the pre-computer age, adjudicators rarely had the time or incentive for that. When all ten games of a British club match were turned over to the veteran master Jacques Mieses, he was overwhelmed by the task. “This is not Battersea versus the Metropolitan Club,” uschess.org

You Adjudicate Okay, let’s see how hard it is to be an adjudicator. This month’s quiz requires you to figure out whether there is a forced win in each of the following six positions. If there isn’t, you should declare the position a draw. These endgames are trickier than they appear: In two cases the player whose turn it was to move threw away a win or a draw—and in a third case he resigned in a drawn position. For solutions, see page 79.

Problem I

Problem II

k+ + + + P + + +R K+ + + + + + + + + l + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

This was played in the last round of a weekend tournament and the tournament director wanted to get it finished so he could go home. He asked the two strongest players in the room to adjudicate it. One of those he asked was ... Platz himself. (Chessplayers are notoriously ignorant of conflict of interest.) Platz proceeded to demonstrate to his co-adjudicator “a forced win at least 15 uschess.org

+ + + + +r+ + + + + + + + + + + pk+ + + + + +R+ +K+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

After 50. ... Kd7

+

+

+ + + + k + + p P+ + lP+ +K+ + + + + N p + + +N+

White to play

+ + + + +p+k+ +p p+ +n+ + + +pL P P+ P + P +P+K+ + + + + + + + + +

variations,” as he put it. He was duly awarded a full point. When a columnist in the New Haven Register questioned whether it was proper for a player to adjudicate his own game, the outraged Platz considered suing for libel, he wrote in his memoirs. Like many chess rules, adjudication gave players a new way to finesse the system. Barden devoted a whole chapter to adjudication in his book How to Play the Endgame in Chess. In it, he described a clever technique he called “window dressing.” “If you have no material edge, just put your pieces on the most active squares just before it is to be turned over to the adjudicator. Adjudicators will be impressed, other things being equal, by just the general look of the position,” he wrote.

Black to play

GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili GM Alexei Shirov

+

+

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

Problem VI

Problem V

White to play

(see diagram top of next column)

+

GM Alon Greenfeld IM Florian Jenni

+

IM Niclas Huschenbeth IM Sahaj Grover

+

GM Jan Timman GM John Nunn

Problem IV

+ + + + + + + + pk +q+ + + +R+ + KP+ + + + + + +

Self-adjudication Joseph Platz J. DePesquo Springfield, 1965

+

+

White to play

+

he exclaimed. “This is Mieses versus Mieses!” The easy way out for an adjudicator was to make a snap judgment. This helps explain Eliot Hearst’s classic definition of adjudication: “A binding decision about the outcome of an unfinished game by someone who is rated 200 points below you and who renders his judgment after spending a total time equal to only 5 percent of the time you devoted to the game.” But what if the adjudicator is stronger than you—and spent exactly the same amount of time? Dr. Joseph Platz, for many years the strongest player in New England, recalled this situation in his memoirs:

+

+

Black to play

+

Problem III

GM Wolfgang Uhlmann GM Boris Gulko

IM Ravi Hegde GM Semon Palatnik

+

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

Black to play

Dressing it up Leonard Barden A. Heaton Middlesex League, 1973

r

+ + + + pklprp + pn+ + +p+ p + + +P+ + + PPL P P + PK+ R +L+ +R

After 25. ... Rg7

White’s positional edge is slight but he dressed it up with 26. Kf3 Bg5 27. Bxg5 Nxg5+ 28. Ke3 Ne6 and now 29. b4! Kd8 30. Bb3! Kd7 31. Rh6!, just in time for adjudication. You could argue that Black’s position got better because he got rid of his bad bishop. But visually, White seems to have improved—because his king, bishop and rook have advanced. That was good enough for the adjudicator—who gave White a full point.

.

Archival Chess Life .pdfs and .pgn files are available on uschess.org, Chess Life Magazine, Downloadable Files. Issues are archived starting with October 2008. Chess Life — November 2011

15

Solitaire Chess

The Combative Sicilian

The Sicilian Defense (1. e4 c5) can be incredibly flexible, appealing to all kinds of players. Typically, White attacks early, with Black’s position improving as White’s attack runs out of steam—if it does. By Bruce Pandolfini

In the Sicilian Defense, with a central pawn majority and good counter-attacking resources, Black hopes for White to overextend, incurring weaknesses that produce enduring targets for Black to snipe at. But even when White’s pawns become very weak his attack can still be hard to blunt, as the following game between Malishauskas and Evigelsky (Black) played in 1981 in the USSR illustrates. In the end, White’s weaknesses don’t mean enough to offset White’s attack. The opening moves were: Sicilian Defense (B40) Vidmantas Malishauskas A. Evigelsky USSR, 1980 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4

rnlqklnr pp+p+ppp + +p+ + + + + + + pP+ + + + +N+ PPP+ PPP RNLQKL+R

Your starting position

Now make sure you have the above position set up on your chessboard. As you play through the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next move only after trying to guess it. If you guess correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes points are also rewarded for second-best moves, and there may be bonus points—or deductions—for other moves and variations. Note that ** means that the note to Black’s move is over and White’s move is in the next line.** 16


4.

Nxd4

4.

…

Nc3

Par Score 5

7.

…

Black assails White’s king-pawn, a primary target in the Sicilian Defense.**

This is played to double and weaken White’s c-pawns. On 7. ... Nxc3 8. bxc3, Black has to lose a tempo with his bishop and this was not so appealing. Still, it was preferable to giving up the king-bishop, after which the dark squares in Black’s camp become vulnerable.**

5.

8.

bxc3

This is the standard recapture. Accept only 2 points part credit for 4. Qxd4 Nc6, giving away a development tempo. Nf6

Par Score 6

Bxc3

Par Score 6

Accept only 3 points part credit for either 5. Bd3 or 5. f3, both of which guard e4. In “the old days,” White avoided Nb1-c3 because of the coming pin. Deduct 1 point for 5. e5? Qa5+, picking off the e-pawn. When I was younger, there was a familiar Washington Square Park player who called this and similar stratagems a “dead meat check.”

Add on 2 points part credit for 8. Bxc3 Nxc3 9. bxc3. Once Black has traded off his king-bishop, White wants to retain his queen-bishop to exploit the dark squares. 8.

…

5.

…

9.

f4

9.

…

6.

e5

10.

Qg4

10.

…

11.

c4

Bb4

Blacks pins the knight and renews the threat to capture e4 (1 bonus point). Since the 1930s players have become more suspicious of the bishop pin and the modern preference is for 5. ... Nc6 or 5. ... d6.** Par Score 6

Again, 6. Bd3 gets 3 points part credit. The aggressive pawn thrust (e4-e5) was once thought a mistake because of 6. ... Qa5 7. exf6 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Qxc3+. But take 2 bonus points if you knew (or found) the refutation: 9. Qd2! Qxa1 10. c3 (threat 11. Nb3 Qb1 12. Bd3) 10. ... Qb1 11. Bd3 Qb6 12. fxg7 Rg8 13. Qh6 etc. 6.

…

Nd5

The try 6. ... Ne4 can be met favorably by 7. Qg4 (1 bonus point). With the text Black intends 7. ... Nxc3 8. bxc3 Bxc3+, winning the Exchange (1 bonus point).** 7.

Bd2

Par Score 5

Receive only 4 points part credit for the overly aggressive 7. Qg4. The simple text defends the threat and insures a White plus.

Qc7

Give yourself 1 bonus point if you knew that Black would have threats to e5 and c3 ahead of time.** Par Score 6

White defends the more important center pawn. On 9. ... Nxc3, White has 10. Qf3 Nd5 11. Nb5 queen-moves (and not 11. ... Qxc2? 12. Rc1) 12. Nd6+, with plenty of compensation for the pawn. a6

Black wants to keep the white knight off of b5. Probably the immediate 9. ... 0-0 was best, though there is no denying White has pressure either way. Give yourself 1 bonus point if you so evaluated.** Par Score 6

Now is the moment for the queen to take up an aggressive post, inviting the try 10. ... Nxc3 11. Qxg7, which Black properly avoids. 0-0

Black trusts that his three unmoved kingside pawns will suffice for defense of his monarch.** Par Score 6

Even a doubled, weak c-pawn can cause trouble, here driving the enemy knight from the center. uschess.org

Problem I

These problems are all related to key positions in this month’s game. In each case, Black is to move. The answers can be found in Solutions on page 79.

November Exercise: This exercise bears on chess vision. Find a random game between strong players and print out the score without diagrams. Play over the game in your mind, following a four-step formula for each move: (1) say it in chess notation; (2) visually imagine it being played; (3) note its relationship to other moves; and (4) give the move a plausible reason so that it’s part of a logical narrative. If you’re not sure why a move was played distinguish it with a compelling explanation. Follow this formula rigorously, reviewing the early score whenever needed, and you should start retaining positions better.

11.

…

Qb6

Not liking 11. ... Ne7 12. Bb4, Black goes for counterattack: you take my knight, 12. cxd5, I take your knight, 12. ... Qxd4.** 12.

f5!

Par Score 6

This is lateral protection of the knight by the queen, 12. ... Qxd4? 13. Qxd4. There is also the prospect of 13. f6 g6, further weakening the dark squares around the castled position (1 bonus point). 12.

…

Problem II

Fork

ABCs of Chess

exf5

Black eliminates the f-pawn before it can get to f6. He’s looking to set up a defense by the black queen along the sixth rank. If instead Black tries 12. ... Nb4 (threat 13. ... Qxd4 14. Qxd4 Nc2+ —1 bonus point), White defends most simply with 13. c3.**

+

qk+ + p + + + n + + + N + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +QK + +

+

Problem IV

+

+

+

+

Fork

+

p

+

+

+

…

Par Score 7

Qxe5+

Like it or not, he has to go for the Exchange, otherwise he’s just down material.** Kf2

Par Score 5

White plays this way in order to get the bishop to c3 as quickly as possible. Accept 4 points part credit for 16. Be2 Qxa1+ 17. Kf2 Qxh1 (17. ... Qf6 18. Bc3), which should also work.

There’s a mate threat at g7 (1 bonus point).

16.

…

No backing out now. This is the followup to his previous moves.**

13.

…

17.

Bc3

14.

Qf3

13.

Nxf5

Par Score 5

Qg6

Clever. Black was relying on this defense to stop the queen mate.** Par Score 6

This is more promising than 14. Qxg6 hxg6 15. Nd6 (accept 3 points part credit). Add 1 bonus point if you realized that the black queen is in danger and cannot hang around to defend its king. uschess.org

Qxa1

Par Score 6

White takes control of the long dark squared diagonal. Since Black traded off his dark-square bishop at move seven, it’s hard for him to compete. 17.

…

Discovered attack

+

Qe6

Qb1

If 17. ... Qxa2, then 18. Ne7+ Kh8 19. Qf6! (accept 2 bonus points for seeing 19. ... gxf6 20. Bxf6 mate) 19. ... Qxc2+ 20.

+

+

Problem VI

Q+ + l r + k + +p + q + + + p + + + + + + + + + L + + +PK + + + R

p

Also not bad is 15. Qxd5 Qxf5 16. Bd3 (3 points part credit). The sacrificial text is more forcing.

16.

rk+ +pp + + + + + + P + l +n+ + + N + + P +L+ + R + K +

+ + +qpk + + +pp + + + + + N n + + + + QP + + PP+ + + + K +

Black counterattacks, for if the d5knight moves, White has 15. Ne7+, forking king and queen.**

15.

+

+

n + p + l +P+ + + N + + P +L+ + + + K +

…

cxd5!

+

+

Undermining

r+ +k+ + + Ql+p+ + + + + + + + + + p +n+ + + + + + PP+ + + L K +

15.

+

k

Problem V

Skewer

14.

Problem III

Pin

Be2 Rg8 21. Qxf7, and Black can’t guard g8 and g7. Add 2 bonus points more if you worked this out as well.** 18.

Bd3!

18.

…

19.

Bd4

19.

…

20.

Qg4

20.

…

Par Score 7

White develops with a threat (Rxb1). Deduct 2 points for 18. Qg4, which is answered by 18. ... Qxc2+ and 19. ... Qxc3. However, 18. Qg3 Qxc2+ 19. Kg1 seems to work, so full credit if you chose this path. Qb6+

Black saves the queen with check. If 18. ... Qxh1 19. Qg3[g4] g6, the knight mates at e7 or h6 (1 bonus point).** Par Score 5

This is better than moving the king. Qb4 Par Score 7

White guards the bishop and threatens mate at g7 (1 bonus point). If 20. ... g6, then 21. Nh6 mate; but not 21. Ne7+? Qxe7 (1 bonus point). Not wanting to play on without his queen, Black threw in the towel. Black resigned.

.

Visit Chess Life Online at uschess.org for daily chess news, including weekly updates on the U.S. Chess League. For scoring box, see page 79.


17

2011 U.S. Open

Lenderman Is Fir In Orlando, Florida, the USCF celebrates GM Alex Lenderman is the 2011 U.S. Open champion by virtue of a blitz playoff over GM Alejandro Ramirez.

All photos courtesy of MonRoi.com

Last year’s winner and one of this year’s players tied at 712⁄ in the logjam at the top, GM Alejandro Ramirez gives his thoughts and notes on this year’s Open: When I arrive at a tournament, I already have a relatively good notion of who will attend. Big tournaments, like the Chicago Open, U.S. Open, World Open, etc, are harder to predict than the more local events, but it isn’t rocket science to figure 18


out who will go and who won’t. For the U.S. Open this past July 30-August 7, I had seen GM Alex Lenderman and Bo Hansen registered, GM Timur Gareyev had told me he was going and I expected maybe five or six other grandmasters (GMs) to show up at some point. GM Loek van Wely was supposed to be the man to beat, and everything was going quite dandy by the end of my third round. I started 3/3 as the massive amount of

people in the U.S. Open makes the first few games relatively easy (though surprises do happen as Shabalov dropped half a point in his first round). The traditional schedule only had three GMs, while the six-day (which I was playing) had six. All was good and normal in the world. And then we got hit with a sledgehammer. The four-day schedule was infested with grandmasters. A whopping eight GMs entered that schedule, and they uschess.org

st Among Equals all things chess at the 2011 U.S. Open were led by international super star Hikaru Nakamura. The tournament was also unique in an unusual way: the lack of international masters (IMs) and FIDE masters (FMs). For example, in the fourday section only two IMs and two FMs registered, a number way below the amount of GMs. This caused grandmasters that lost to other grandmasters to play way down, which allowed them to bounce back rather easily. In the traditional schedule GM Alonso Zapata from Colombia came on top with 51⁄2/6, a solid score going into the seventh round when the large merge occurred. In the six-day schedule I was able to survive a crazy game against IM Marc Esserman, who had just crushed van Wely in the previous round with this game: Sicilian Defense (B21) IM Marc Esserman (2493) GM Loek van Wely (2750) 112th U.S. Open (5) 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3

This move is unnecessary. Marc still pokes fun of me for declining the sacrifice when I played against him in the World Open a few years ago with 3. ... Nf6, however I believe it is simply the strongest move.

TG: A nice positional retreat anticipating Black’s next move. 10. ... b5

TG: Worse is 10. ... Na5 11. Na4 allowing White to seize the terrible hole on b6. 11. Nd5 (! TG)

r+lwqkvl-tr +-+p+-zpp p+n+pzpn+ +p+N+-+-+-+P+-+ +L+-vLN+PzP-+-zPPzP tR-+Q+RmKAfter11.Nd5

As flashy as this move is, it has been played before. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is bold and risky. Black I’m sure is forced to accept this sacrifice. TG: I am sure White could not wait to stick that knight on d5 with complete disregard to Black’s strategy. 11. ... exd5 12. exd5 Nce5

TG: With 12. ... Na5 13. Re1 Black does not get enough time to coordinate his defensive forces.

4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 a6 7. 0-0 Nge7 8. Bg5 f6

13. d6

[GM Timur Gareyev also provide Chess Life with notes to this game, as indicated by “TG.”] TG: An awkward-looking move. It is hard to imagine an extra pawn is going be worth the inconvenience of holding the pressure once black plays … f6.

White is down a full piece, but his compensation is beyond obvious. Black will never castle, he has problems with his kingside development and his king is in ruins. Why do people take on c3? It will remain a mystery to me.

9. Be3 Ng6

13. ... Bb7 14. Nxe5 fxe5

The line 9. ... b5 10. Bb3 Ng6 simply transposes.

Just hopeless is 14. ... Nxe5 15. Re1 Qb8 16. Bc5.

10. Bb3

15. f4 (! TG)

uschess.org

TG: White’s game is simple and flawless. He is opening the game, leaving Black no time or space to unwind. 15. ... Qf6

Losing on the spot. However Black’s position was horrendous. 15. ... exf4 and any decent move probably gives White the advantage. 16. fxe5 Qxe5

r+-+kvl-tr +l+p+-zpp p+-zP-+n+ +p+-wq-+-+-+-+-+ +L+-vL-+PzP-+-+PzP tR-+Q+RmKAfter16....Qxe5

17. Bg5!

Unfortunately I can only give this move only one exclamation mark. There is a simpler and more efficient win, which Esserman saw as he informed later, but he wanted to play this way because it was prettier. Props to the man, who definitely made a service to humanity with this beautiful move. I wish there had been a brilliancy prize for this event, because this move would have won it easily. 17. Bf7+ Kd8 18. Bb6+ Kc8 19. Re1 and because of back rank checkmate the queen can’t move, which leaves White with a crushing attack and a material advantage to boot. TG: I give this two exclamation points. This is the move that Black must have missed in his slightly more optimistic calculations. The point is White’s queen attacks on the trajectory of e1-a5 along with Bf7+. Chess Life — November 2011

19

2011 U.S. Open 17. ... Be7

5. ... Nxh5 6. Rxh5

Just as bad is 17. ... Qxg5 18. Qe1+ Be7 19. Bf7+ Kf8 (It is mate after 19. ... Kd8 20. Qa5+ Kc8 21. Qc7.) 20. Bxg6+ Bf6 21. Qe7+! is the point 21. ... Kg8 22. Bf7 mate with the bishop, obviously, never the queen.

This move has scored a whopping 80 percent in the past five years. Who knew?

18. Bf7+ Kd8 19. dxe7+ Nxe7 20. Qd2

Black doesn’t even have an extra piece, and his king is dying. 20. ... Kc8 21. Rac1+ Nc6 22. Rfd1 Qf5 23. Bf4 Qxf7 24. Qd6 Kd8 25. Rxc6 Bxc6 26. Qxc6, Black resigned.

And the multiple threats cannot be stopped. An impressive demolition! The six-day schedule contained a lot of pitfalls for some of the rating favorites: van Wely lost to Esserman, Shabalov dropped a point to the young Andrew Schvartsman while Lenderman and GM Julio Sadorra both gave up two draws to lower rated opponents. The bloodbath that was the four-day schedule saw the rating favorite come out on top, also with 51⁄2/6, but not without some problems along the way. In a surprise game IM Daniel Fernandez was able to show his abilities by effortlessly holding Nakamura to a draw with the black pieces. Not one to be deterred by this result, Hikaru bounced back to the top with a win against FM Kazim Gulamali (in another display of craziness over the board) and GM Alexander Goldin, who I believe just made his first big tournament appearance in many years.

6. ... gxh5 7. e4 c6

Judit Polgar’s choice against Topalov was 7. ... Be6, and although she ended up winning the game her position was not very impressive out of the opening. 8. Be2 Bf7 9. Bxh5 Bxh5 10. Qxh5+ Kd7 11. Nf3 Qe8 and although this was a rapid game, I don’t quite understand why Topalov didn’t take on f5 followed by Qb5. 12. Qh3 Topalov-Polgar, UNAM Rapid 2010. 8. Qxh5+ Kd7 9. Qxf5+ Kc7 10. Qa5+ b6 11. Qa3

rsnlwq-vl-tr zp-mk-zp-+p -zppzp-+-+ +-+-+-+-+PzPP+-+ wQ-sN-+-+PzP-+-zPP+ tR-vL-mKLsNAfter11.Qa3

This is actually the game’s novelty. White had previously tried putting the queen somewhere else. Although he is down material, the compensation for the Exchange is quite obvious. White has a nice center, a pawn and Black’s king is not the best.

r+-+-+r+ zpk+-+-+-zppzpl+-wq +-+-sn-+p -+PsNP+-+ +QsN-+-zPPzP-+-zP-+ +K+R+L+After21....Ne5

24. f5 (A bit more speculative is 24. Ndb5 cxb5 25. Nxb5 a5 26. Nxd6+ Kc7) 24. ... Nc5 (24. ... Bf7? 25. Ndb5 is game.) 25. Qa3 Bd7 26. b4 is a mess, but it should favor White somehow. 23. ... Nc5!

A good practical decision. Black does not touch the knight and instead focuses on getting his pieces out driving the White forces away from the king. 23. ... Kxc6 It’s hard to accept this sacrifice when White has so many resources. 24. f5 (24. Nb5!? Nc5 25. Rxd6+ Kb7 26. Qd1 Looks like a decent attack for White.) 24. ... Nc5 (Also possible is 24. ... Rxg3 25. Qa4+ Kb7 26. Rxd6 Rc8 27. fxe6 Nc5 28. Qd1 when White has recovered all his material but now his position is a little loose.) 25. Qc2! (A ridiculous computer move.) 25. ... Bf7 26. b4 with a strong attack. 24. Na5+ Kc8

24. ... Kb8 25. Nc6+ is probably not what Hikaru had in mind. 25. Qb5 Bd7

11. ... e5 12. Be3

Dutch Defense (A85) FM Kazim Gulamali (2438) GM Hikaru Nakamura (2848) 112th U.S. Open (5)

Provoking c6-c5 with 12. d5 was one way to do things, after which it’s not so obvious how Black will arrange his queenside pieces. 12. ... c5 13. Be3 Kb7 14. 0-0-0.

1. d4 f5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. h4 d6 5. h5!?

12. ... exd4 13. Bxd4 Rg8 14. 0-0-0 Kb7 15. g3 h5 16. Be3 Qf6 17. Qb3 Be6 18. Nge2

rsnlwqkvl-tr zppzp-zp-+p -+-zp-snp+ +-+-+p+P -+PzP-+-+ +-sN-+-+PzP-+PzPP+ tR-vLQmKLsNR After5.h5

Quite an enterprising way of playing against the highest-rated player in the western hemisphere. This variation, which I was informed is known as the ‘musical chairs variation,’ seems to be more dangerous than I originally thought. 20


Black has managed to get some of his pieces out, but trouble still remains. Kazim has developed harmoniously and has strong pressure down the d-file and will be ready to pounce at Hikaru’s king within a few moves. 18. ... Nd7 19. Nd4 Bh6 20. Bxh6 Qxh6+ 21. Kb1 Ne5?! (see diagram top of next column)

This game was, after all, a rapid. I’m not entirely sure what Hikaru missed, as after White’s obvious reply the knight will be forced to retreat. 22. f4 Nd7 23. Nxc6!?

Fearless play from the Georgian FM. Georgian as in Atlanta, Georgia, not the country (for a change!). 23. Qa4 Rac8

And here Kazim misses a spectacular resource. 26. Nc6

And here it is 26. Bh3!! Bxh3 27. Qc6+ Kb8 28. Rxd6 Qg7 29. Qd5!.

rmk-+-+r+ zp-+-+-wq-zp-tR-+-+ sN-snQ+-+p -+P+PzP-+ +-sN-+-zPl PzP-+-+-+ +K+-+-+Analysisafter29.Qd5

It turns out Black is quite helpless against the multitude of threats, most of them stemming from Nc6. A pretty position. 29. ... Rc8 30. Nc6+ Rxc6 31. Qxc6 Bd7 32. Qd5 Qxg3 33. Qe5 Kb7 34. b4 And White should be better. How much is something else. uschess.org

Six of the Seven tied for first

Clockwise from top left: GM Alejandro Ramirez, GM Giorgi Kacheishvili, GM Timur Gareyev, GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Alonso Zapata, GM Tamaz Gelashvili.

26. ... Rxg3 27. Nd5 Qe6 28. b4 Qxe4+

r+k+-+-+ zp-+l+-+-zpNzp-+-+ +QsnN+-+p -zPP+qzP-+ +-+-+-trP+-+-+-+ +K+R+L+After 28. ... Qxe4

29. Kc1??

I’m guessing that this is a time trouble mistake. Kazim has done a wonderful job of providing entertainment, but Hikaru defended resourcefully and does not foruschess.org

give his opponent for this mistake. The correct move was quite difficult to find. 29. Kb2 Kb7 (29. ... Qe8! leads to an absolutely crazy line. The computer says its a draw, but considering that the players probably had under five minutes [or at least Kazim did] 30. Nf6 Qe3 [30. ... Bxc6 31. Nxe8 Bxb5 32. Nxd6+ Kb8 33. Nxb5 and Black’s rook is so bad that White can’t really be worse in this position.] 31. Nxd7 Qf2+ 32. Kb1 Ra3 33. Nxa7+ R3xa7 [33. ... R8xa7 34. Nxb6+ Kd8 35. Rxd6+ Ke7 36. Nd5+! Kf7 {36. ... Kxd6 37. bxc5+ Qxc5 38. Qe8 is an obvious draw, according to Houdini. Ridiculous.} 37. Rf6+ Kg7 38. Rg6+!! Kh7 39. Rh6+ Kxh6 40. Qc6+ Kh7 41. Nf6+ Kg7 42. Nxh5+ and Black can’t escape this bizarre perpetual ...] 34. Nxb6+ Kd8 35. a3! Rxa3 36. Rxd6+ Ke7 37. Rd7+ Nxd7 38. Qxd7+ Kf6 39. Qd6+ and a perpetual) 30. Na5+ Kb8 (Best is 30. ... Kc8

31. Nc6 drawing) 31. Nc6+ Bxc6 32. Qxc6 and Black has no useful checks, so he is lost. 29. ... Kb7 30. bxc5 Bxc6 31. Qb2 dxc5, White resigned.

During my chess career I’ve had to adapt to many situations. When I came to America for college I expected many culture shocks, but I did not expect to also have to get used to strange and at times senseless chess tournament nuances. Some little things I’ve learned to live with, such as pairings being posted five minutes after the start of the round, no Internet pairings, opponents using headphones, weddings in the next room of the event, etc. But one thing I still cannot do is play something like the four-day schedule of a major event. Chess Life — November 2011

21

2011 U.S. Open Their first day was bad enough, with three tough games of chess. However their second day is the most brutal day of chess I have ever heard of. After playing three games of rapid chess, which is bad enough in itself, the players were subjected to a further fourth round, except this time because of the merge everyone was playing with the traditional time control. That kind of stamina, mental concentration, and overall endurance is more than I can handle. Fatigue started to show in the seventh round as none of the leaders were able to convert a full point. Nakamura drew Esserman while I drew Zapata. A large amount of other draws in other boards meant that not a lot of people caught up with us. However things were much different in the eighth round. Nakamura easily dispatched GM Kidambi Sundararajan, Lenderman beat Esserman in a simple technical sweep, while I drew again, this time against Goldin, and what seemed like a million people sprung out of nowhere to tie my score. Caro-Kann Defense, Advance Variation (B12) IM Marc Esserman (2493) GM Aleksandr Lenderman (2622) 112th U.S. Open (8)

Lenderman played a very interesting tournament. After having a rough start, he was able to push his way into the top of the standings by beating Esserman in the next-to-last round, after which only himself and Hikaru had 7/8 points. An unplanned Swiss gambit worked out wonderfully for Alex in this event. 1. e4 c6

It is no secret that Alex has been taking lessons from GM Giorgi Kacheishvili, and the Caro-Kann seems to be as Georgian as khachapuri (a Georgian filled-bread dish). 2. d4 d5 3. e5

A product of fashion. Everyone seems to be playing this system nowadays. 3. ... Bf5 4. Nf3 e6 5. Be2 Ne7

Bad for Black is 5. ... c5 6. Be3 Qb6 7. Nc3.

Smirin-Seirawan played 10. Nbd2 c3 at the World Team Championship. This variation of the Caro-Kann is ridiculously popular. Smirin got nothing from the opening and the game was drawn soon afterwards. 10. ... c3 11. Qb3!?

r+-wqkvl-tr zpp+n+pzpp -+n+p+-+ +-zP-zPl+-+-+-+-+ sNQzp-vLN+PzP-+LzPPzP tR-+-+RmKAfter 11. Qb3

In the brilliant game KamskyKacheishvili from the World Open, 7. Na3 was played and I would have been intrigued to see what improvement Alex had planned.

A cool move and a novelty. I’m not sure if Marc prepared this before the game or not, but it is totally his style. He doesn’t care about the amount of pawns he has but does care about the initiative and creating threats. The move is quite unpleasant to meet over the board, but Alex does a great job neutralizing White’s initiative.

7. ... Nec6 8. Be3 Nd7 9. c4 dxc4 10. Na3

11. ... cxb2 12. Qxb2

6. 0-0 c5 7. dxc5

Nakamura being Nakamura GM Timur Gareyev provides his analysis of one of the most exciting games by one of the game’s most exciting players: Dutch Defense, Leningrad System (A87) GM Kidambi Sundararajan (2530) GM Hikaru Nakamura (2848) 112th U.S. Open (8) One of the more dynamic games by Nakamura played at the U.S. Open. 1. d4 f5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. 0-0 0-0 6. b3 d6 7. Bb2 c6 8. c4 Qc7 9. Nbd2 Re8 10. Qc2 Na6

This is a fairly standard position in the Leningrad system. Both sides developed harmoniously. Now Black is ready to push … e7-e5 in the center.

11. ... e5 12. c5

r+l+r+k+ zppwq-+-vlp n+pzp-snp+ +-zP-zpp+-+-zP-+-+ zPP+-+NzP-vLQsNPzPLzP tR-+-+RmKAfter 12. c5

11. a3

A smart prophylaxis move is 11. c5, preventing a central breakthrough. On the other hand, it weakens the white squares.

22

However, Black has an effective continuation as follows: 11. ... Nb4! making sure the knight gets in the game (11. ... Be6 12. a3 restricting the knight) 12. Qc4+ Nbd5 13. Rac1 Kh8 with the idea of developing the white-squared bishop saving the g8square versus the Nf3-g5 advance.


12. ... e4!

All of a sudden Black is gaining

space and his pieces get prime central squares. 13. cxd6 Qxd6 14. Ne5 Be6 15. b4 Bd5 16. Ndc4 Qe6

Black has a solid advantage due to White’s bad bishops on b2 and g2. In White’s defense, he does have a well placed knight on e5. Black spots that and takes immediate action. 17. Bc1 Ng4! 18. Nxg4 Bxc4 19. Ne5 Bb3 20. Qc3 Ba4

Black has loosened White’s center and is now ready to improve his knight with … Nc7-d5. 21. g4? (see diagram in sidebar, column right)

Without calculating it is obvious this move just cannot be good. White’s pieces are currently disconnected. White is opening the game but loosening the kingside defense. Another considera-

uschess.org

A more exact way of continuing the initiative was 12. Rad1! since Black cannot recapture on c5 right away. 12. ... Qc8 13. Qxb2 Bxc5 14. Nc4 is like the game, but about many times better for White since the inclusion of the moves ... Qc8 and Nc4 obviously favor him. 12. ... Bxc5

r+-wqk+-tr zpp+n+pzpp -+n+p+-+ +-vl-zPl+-+-+-+-+ sN-+-vLN+PwQ-+LzPPzP tR-+-+RmKAfter12....Bxc5

13. Rfd1?!

Overambitious. White had no need to do this, and he will spend the rest of the game trying to justify the sacrifice. Unfortunately, it was the time to think about equalizing, but that’s not a thought that enters Esserman’s chess mind too often. and Black is certainly OK after 13. Nc4 0-0 14. Qxb7 Be4.

r+-+r+k+ zpp+-+-vlp n+p+q+p+ +-+-sNp+lzP-zPp+P+ zP-wQ-+-+-+-+PzPLzP tR-vL-+RmKAfter21.g4

tion for Kidambi to keep in mind was the fact that he was facing one of the top tactical players in the world. I am sure Hikaru loved what was happening at the moment. 21. ... fxg4 22. Bxe4 Nc7

A solid, logical idea. Black creates harmony before going for an attack. 23. f4?!

13. ... Bxe3 14. fxe3 Rb8 15. Nd4 0-0 16. Nc4 Be4

This annoying resource is surprisingly common in the 3. e5 variation of the Caro. The bishop re-routes to d5, where it creates a fantastic blockade and it pressures the kingside. With the king safely tucked in the kingside, the good position of the knights, especially the advanced one on d6, is not enough to compensate for the pawn. 17. Nd6 Bd5 18. e4 Nxd4 19. exd5 Nxe2+

After 19. ... Nxe5 20. dxe6 Qxd6 21. exf7+ Rxf7 22. Rxd4 Qf6 Black retains the extra pawn, but the simplified nature of the position, the better activity for White and the bishop being much stronger than the knight gives White excellent drawing hopes. 20. Qxe2 Qe7

Black has consolidated but doesn’t have much activity. He still has to worry about a few things, such as b7 and f7, and White’s pieces will all be well placed. The natural result of this game should be a draw, but Esserman is too ambitious. 21. Qe4

21. Rac1 Nb6 22. dxe6 fxe6 23. Qe3 This move is kind of important, as it pins

Judging by my previous comments, which indicate that Black’s pieces were not as well placed as White’s, it makes little sense to trade all the rooks off. 25. ... Rxf1+ 26. Kxf1 Qg5 27. g3?

-+-+-+k+ zpp+-+-zpp -+-sNp+-+ +-+nzP-wq-+-+Q+-+ +-+-+-zPP+-+-+-zP +-+-+K+After27.g3

This weakening move immediately ends the game. 27. h3 and Black is far from winning. He is up a clear pawn but this game will take a long time to win, espe-

Bxc4+ 42. Rxc4 Rd7+ 43. Ke3 h5 44. Kf3 Kf6 45. h3 Rd5 46. Rc3 Ke6 47. Re3+ Kd6

Hikaru demonstrates outstanding technique, overcomes a few technical difficulties, and converts the advantage.

Kings and rooks are jockeying to decide on which side they are going to be more useful on for attack or defense. Black obviously gets to call the shots due to his greater ability to create threats.

32. Raf1 Kg7 33. Bc4 Rdd7 34. Be6 Rd1 35. Bc4 Rxf1+ 36. Rxf1 a6!

-+-+-+-+ +p+-tr-mkp p+p+-+p+ +-+-+-+lzPL+-+-+ zP-+-+-+-+-+P+-zP +-+-+RmKAfter36....a6

Black is preparing … Bb5 which will ease access to the e2 and a3 weaknesses. 37. Rf4 Bc2

23. ... gxf3 e.p. 24. Qxf3 Nb5 25. Bb2 Nxd4

For some reason Hikaru changes his mind.

uschess.org

21. ... Nb6 22. dxe6 fxe6 23. Rf1 Nd5 24. Rxf8+ Rxf8 25. Rf1?!

26. Bxd4 Bxe5 27. Bxe5 Qxe5 28. Qf7+ Kh8 29. Bd3 Re7 30. Qf6+ Qxf6 31. Rxf6 Rd8

White continues with his unfortunate strategy.

Simple, logical tactics net a pawn for Black.

the knight to the a7-pawn. A level continuation is 23. ... Nd5 24. Qxa7 Ra8 (24. ... Qg5! is better and gives Black some chances of an initiative.) 25. Qxb7 Qxb7 26. Nxb7 Rxa2 27. Ra1.

38. Kf2 Be4 39. Ke3 Bd5+ 40. Kd3 g5 41. Rd4

48. Re8 Rf5+ 49. Ke4 Rf4+ 50. Kd3 Rh4

A tactical subtlety that forces White back on the defensive. 51. Re3 a5!

Creates a second weakness. 52. Kc3 axb4+ 53. axb4 b5 54. Rg3 Rc4+ 55. Kd2 Rxb4

The connected passed pawns guarantee a comfortable win. 56. Rxg5 Rh4 57. Rg3 Kc5 58. Kd3 Rd4+ 59. Kc3 b4+ 60. Kb3 Kb5 61. Rg5+ c5 62. Rxh5 Re4 63. h4 Re3+ 64. Kc2 Rxe2+ 65. Kd3 Rh2 66. Rh8 c4+ 67. Kd4 c3 68. h5 c2 69. Rc8 b3, White resigned. ~TimurGareyev

ReadmoreaboutNakamura’s U.S.Openatuschess.org,Chess Life Online,Augustarchives.


23

2011 U.S. Open cially with the permanent weakness of the king on g8. White has chances. 27. ... Qd2 28. h4 Ne3+ 29. Kg1 Qd1+ 30. Kh2 Ng4+ 31. Kg2 Qd2+, White resigned.

A typical Caro-Kann win: Black took a pawn, did nothing special but played solidly, and enjoyed White’s overreach. So, the last round arrived, and it was a hard-fought one. Nakamura was black playing the only other player with 7/8, Lenderman. That game finished in a draw after Hikaru couldn’t make progress. That allowed, in the case of a decisive result, boards 2-5 to all tie for first place! In another outstanding show of fighting chess, not a single one of those boards ended in a draw. In board order, GM Tamaz Gelashvili defeated GM Julio Becerra in a long technical struggle, GM Timur Gareyev beat GM Dmitry Gurevich in a game that could’ve gone either way, I beat GM Julio Sadorra in a nice King’s Indian Defense and GM Giorgi Kacheishvili defeated GM Alexander Goldin. King’s Indian Defense, Fianchetto Variation (E69) GM Alejandro Ramirez (2674) GM Julio Sadorra (2561) 112th U.S. Open (9) This matchup was quite funny, as Julio and I had played against each other with the same colors and in the same round in last year’s U.S. Open. Unfortunately for both of us, we were better situated in the leaderboard last year. A draw would be absolutely no good to either of us, as the best case scenario with our scores was to get a victory and hope that board one (Lenderman-Nakamura) ended in a draw, which in fact it did. I have historically had an impressive record against members of the UTD team, and I didn't feel this was the time to lose the streak. 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. 0-0 0-0 5. c4 d6 6. Nc3 e5 7. d4 Nbd7

I was quite frankly not expecting this at all. I am very well aware that Sadorra sometimes studies with Sal Bercys, and that therefore it is not entirely impossible that he has learned some King’s Indian ideas from him, but it just didn't seem like Sadorra’s type of opening. It is understandable, however, as the King’s Indian Defense (KID) is known to create interesting unbalances and give Black good opportunity to complicate the game and create counterplay. 8. e4 c6 9. h3 Qa5 10. Re1 exd4 11. Nxd4 Ne5 12. Bf1

I was playing quite slowly by this point, as I was admittedly a little nervous. I had

24


played this position a few times recently and I had little doubt that Sadorra had seen those games and had something prepared. 12. ... Re8 13. Be3 c5

A common line, but not what I thought he was going to play. 13. ... Be6 14. Nxe6 Rxe6 15. Kg2 Rae8 16. c5!? was my game against Becerra earlier this year. I’m still not entirely sure how powerful this pawn sacrifice is (ironically enough, it forces Black to counter sacrifice a piece), but it served me well in the game and I won rather cleanly. I was wondering if Sadorra would go for this line and have an improvement, so I was going to think hard before going down that continuation again. 14. Nb3 Qb4

r+l+r+k+ zpp+-+pvlp -+-zp-snp+ +-zp-sn-+-wqP+P+-+ +NsN-vL-zPP PzP-+-zP-+ tR-+QtRLmKAfter14....Qb4

This is basically the only move played in this position, but I’m going to go ahead and question theory. As the reader will see from the continuation of the game, the queen must eventually go back to d8, as it is the most natural square for it. On b4 it encourages a2-a3, which is slightly weakening, and then White follows with Nd2, a move that simply helps him. If the queen is going to retreat to d8 after that, why not simply do it in this move?

this line. True, Bojkov got amazing counterplay and was better most of the game, which I survived somehow. However, Black’s position right now is just bad. Very bad. 17. b4? Ng4. 17. ... Qd8 18. Bg2 Be6 19. f4 Nd7 20. Nd5

r+-wqr+k+ zpp+n+pvlp -+nzpl+p+ +-zpN+-+-+P+PzP-+ zP-+-vL-zPP -zP-sN-+L+ +R+QtR-mKAfter20.Nd5

I think this is a good time to stop and take a look at the position. A swift glance will reveal nothing more than a normal KID/Benoni setup with Black having a ton of dark squares and White having a nice space advantage. A deeper study reveals that Black doesn't have a plethora of dark squares, he has one: d4. This square isn’t even heavily controlled by him, as soon as White is able to play b4 and put his knight back on b3, he will have full control over d4. White will then have a space advantage on the queenside, the kingside, and the center. Black, unlike most Benonis, has no targets. The d7knight has no squares. He doesn’t want to trade on d5, and at the same time he doesn’t have a useful move. Houdini might think that this game is about equal. I think Black’s position is awful. 20. ... Bxd5

Slightly better is 20. ... Nd4 21. b4 b6 22. Kh2, but Black is still worse.

15. a3!

15. Qxd6 wins a pawn. I’ll be honest. I didn’t notice the pawn on d6 was hanging. Then again, this move looks ridiculous. There is apparently a very pretty refutation given by Dejan Bojkov in his DVD on the KID. However, if you read any old books on the KID you’ll know d6 is always poisoned somehow or another. 15. ... Nf3+ 16. Kh1 Nxe1 17. Bxc5 Qxc3! Is apparently the ‘point.’ This isn’t what I was bargaining for when I played a chicken setup like the fianchetto KID. 18. bxc3 Nxe4 19. Qd5 Bf5 (or ... Bxc3) with serious compensation. Whatever.

21. cxd5 Nd4 22. b4

r+-wqr+k+ zpp+n+pvlp -+-zp-+p+ +-zpP+-+-zP-snPzP-+ zP-+-vL-zPP -+-sN-+L+ +R+QtR-mKAfter22.b4

15. ... Qb6 16. Nd2 Nc6 17. Rb1

I had played all this before against Bojkov, maybe four or five months ago. It was because of this that I was incredibly surprised that Sadorra was thinking in this position, and that he chose to repeat

22. ... b5

I wasn't expecting this move, but everything else looked pretty bad as well. Sadorra tries for complications but they don’t really work out. Here are a few sam-

uschess.org

ples: 22. ... b6 23. Nc4 Qe7 24. e5 and 22. ... Nb5 23. Nc4 Nc3 24. Qb3 Nxb1 25. Nxd6 Nc3 26. bxc5 Re7 27. Nxb7 Qe8 28. e5 when Black has to give a piece back and everything falls apart. 23. bxc5 Nxc5

Suicidal is 23. ... dxc5 24. e5. 24. Nf1

This move is simple and winning. Unfortunately for Black, it turns out that the knight on d4 is trapped. Not only that, it doesn't have enough protection. Oops. 24. Rb4 Nd3 was more complicated than I wanted it to be, although it should still be winning for White. 24. ... Qf6 25. Rb4 Ndb3

The try 25. ... Ncb3 loses even quicker to 26. Nd2, which is kind of funny, as the knight on d4 is still trapped. 26. Rxb3 Nxb3 27. Qxb3 Qc3 28. Qxc3 Bxc3 29. Rb1 Reb8

Possibly 29. ... a6 with the idea of taking over the c-file would’ve made me prove my endgame technique. However I’m sure I would’ve figured this out eventually. Bringing the king over is a good start. 30. e5

rtr-+-+k+ zp-+-+p+p -+-zp-+p+ +p+PzP-+-+-+-zP-+ zP-vl-vL-zPP -+-+-+L+ +R+-+NmKAfter30.e5

Black’s queenside majority isn’t as fast as White’s central pawns, so I win more material, but the game isn’t over yet. 30. ... a5 31. exd6 b4

Completely hopeless is 31. ... a4 32. d7 b4 33. d6. 32. a4 b3 33. d7 Rb4 34. Bc5 Rc4 35. Be7 b2

36. d8=Q+

In my infinite grandmaster wisdom I forgot to push 36. d6 with a free tempo. 36. d6 forces resignation. 36. ... Rxd8 37. Bxd8 Rxa4 38. d6 Ra1 39. Be4 f5 40. Bd3

Maybe I’ll excuse myself on this occasion because it was the 40th move. 40. d7 fxe4 41. Bg5 and it is quite over. 40. ... Kf7

-+-vL-+-+ +-+-+k+p -+-zP-+p+ zp-+-+p+-+-+-zP-+ +-vlL+-zPP -zp-+-+-+ trR+-+NmKAfter40....Kf7

I was mildly annoyed that there wasn't a completely obvious win, despite the fact that I’m up two pieces. So I decided to play it safe and sacrifice one to reach a completely winning endgame. 41. Bb6 Ke6 42. Ne3 a4 43. Nd1 Bf6 44. Nxb2 Rxb1+ 45. Bxb1 Bxb2 46. Bc5 Kd7 47. Bc2 Kc6 48. d7 Bf6 49. Ba3, Black resigned.

After the forced pawn trade the three on three endgame is beyond hopeless. I like this game because it was clean and unclear where Sadorra went particularly wrong—not that I’m a huge fan of this variation for Black. So at the end, no clear winner emerged from the nine rounds. Zapata had also scored 7/8, but due to family commitments had taken a last round bye. This allowed him to join the leaders and the grand total came to seven players with 71⁄2/9. Because the U.S. Open allows one player to qualify for the U.S. Championship and because it deserves a tournament winner, a blitz playoff was held between the two players with the

highest tiebreaks. I played black in an Armageddon game against Lenderman. I somehow have a disastrous result on tiebreaks. My first taste of a tiebreak came against GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov in the World Championship in Libya, in 2004. I lost horribly with my first game with white and could not win with black, which knocked me out. I didn’t play another tiebreak until I came to the U.S. I lost to Mark Paragua in the 2008 New York Invitational playoff to determine the tournament champion. Then I lost horribly to Ray Robson to determine a spot in the 2010 U.S. Championship. Not one to break my streaks, I obtained a fantastic position against Aleksandr Lenderman in the blitz game and then proceeded to basically blunder checkmate. Therefore, congratulations to Alex for winning the event and qualifying for the U.S. Championship, an event I hope to actually play some day. Last year I congratulated the organizers on hosting a relatively nice tournament. I feel compelled to do the same for this year. The pairings were a little late, but beside that the tournament ran rather smoothly. Another plus: the hotel. Choosing a hotel that is at the airport is a little double edged. A lot of chess tourists will feel it’s possibly the worst place to hold an event, as airports tend to be a little far from any actual attractions. However, for most of the players, the hotel was just perfectly situated. It was impossible to miss your flight, there were no cab fees, and the hotel was located next to basically a small mall with a food court. Awesome! Despite not defending my title I was still happy with my tournament, and I look forward to participating in next year’s event.

For more about the main event at the U.S Open, see Chess Life Online at uschess.org, July and August archives. Our feature continues on the next page with a look at the Barber K-8.

At A Glance: 2011 U.S. Open Date: July 30-August 7, 2011 Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Orlando, Florida Top Finishers: 1st-7th, 7½: Hikaru Nakamura, Tamaz Gelashvili, Timur Gareyev,Alejandro Ramirez, Giorgi Kacheishvili, Aleksandr Lenderman, Alonso Zapata; Master, 1st-4th, 61⁄2: Alex Barnett, Justin Sarkar, Robert Perez, Mark Ritter, Damir Studen, Andrew Shvartsman, Jeffrey Haskel, Christopher Gu; Expert, 1st-2nd, 61⁄2: John Edward Duggan, Richard D. Robinson; Class A, 1st, 6: Aakaash Meduri, Marcus Robinson; Class B, 1st, 51⁄2: Evan Cortes; Class C, 1st, 5: Cesar Gonell; Class D, 1st, 41⁄2: Brad Jackson; Class E/below, 1st-2nd, 4: Nicholas Naylor, Gary Michael Robinson; Unrated, 1st-2nd, 21⁄2L: Tim Andrew Brown, Sofie Huttl. Chief Tournament Director: Francisco L. Guadalupe.

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25

2011 U.S. Open

The Barber K-8 Championship

-+-tr-+k+ +pzpnwqpzpp+n+l+-zp +-+-zp-+-+-+P+-+ +-zP-wQNsNP PzPL+-zPP+ tR-+-+-mKAfter 19. ... Nd7

to become passive and is trying to defend instead of trying to attack. 20. ... Qc5!

Trading queens, Black stops all of White’s counterplay on the kingside and can solely focus on the queenside. 21. Qxc5 Nxc5 22. Kf1 a5

The start of a long-term plan. 23. b3 b5

I am trying to play ... b5-b4 to force him to make a weakness. 24. Ke1 b4 25. Rd1 The co-champions of the Barber K-8: Justus Williams (left) and Michael Brown.

Michael William Brown provides his notes as co-champion of the inaugural Barber K-8, named after Dewain Barber. The Barber attracted 46 players (representing all but five states and Washington, D.C.) and included five masters. Justus Williams’ notes for his win against Arthur Shen follow Grant Xu-Michael Brown.

Giuoco Piano (C54) Grant Y. Xu (2168) Michael William Brown (2244) 2011 K-8 Barber Championship (6)

11. Rd1

I guess this was the whole point of 5. Qe2, to get the rook on f1 to d1. 11. ... Be6 12. Bc2 Qe7

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. Qe2

This was the first surprise for me. Usually, people will play 5. d3 or 5. d4 in order to keep the position flexible.

13. Nf1 d5 14. Ng3 Rad8 15. Be3

5. ... d6 6. d3 a6

I basically play the same way that I would play if someone had played 5. d3 against me. The two positions are actually very similar. 7. Bb3 Ba7 8. Nbd2 0-0 9. 0-0 h6

This is to stop Ng5 or Bg5 so that I can choose from multiple plans.

This forces the trade of the dark-square bishops, and so I decided to trade down into an endgame because my pieces are better developed, better placed, and I thought I would have winning chances. 15. ... dxe4 16. dxe4 Bxe3 17. Qxe3 Rxd1+ 18. Bxd1 Rd8 19. Bc2 Nd7 (see diagram top of next column)

10. h3 Re8

Here, I realized I should have played 10. … Nh5, in order to move it to f4 or g3 and take advantage of White’s slow development and his queen placement. However, the move in the game is not bad either, just different plans. 26

I did not feel comfortable with my queen on the same file as his rook on d1, so I decided to move it out of the way.


In this position, I wanted to play ... Nc5, ... a6-a5, and ... b7-b5 in order to try to put pressure on White’s queenside. 20. Ne2?!

This move shows that White is starting

He offers a trade of rooks, but since the d-file is unusable for White because of my minor pieces, I decided to decline the trade and put my rook on a better square. 25. ... Rb8

In some cases, this is a good square for the rook. It forces him to play c3-c4 because if he doesn’t, I have ... a5-a4 coming and his position on the queenside collapses. 26. c4 f6

Reinforcing e5, so that my c6-knight is free to move about when I need it to. 27. Nc1 a4 28. Nd3

White is able to exchange one pair of knights on c5 and d3, but his position is still slightly worse. 28. ... Nxd3+ 29. Rxd3 axb3 30. Bxb3?!

-tr-+-+k+ +-zp-+-zp-+n+lzp-zp +-+-zp-+-zpP+P+-+ +L+R+N+P P+-+-zPP+ +-+-mK-+After 30. Bxb3

I did not think this move was good at all. The bishop now has to protect two

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pawns, a2 and c4, and it is stuck on b3. My rook, knight, and bishop will be able to coordinate attacks on the weak pawns so that White gets tied down. 30. ... Kf7 31. Ke2 Ke7

Here, I am bringing the king closer to the center so that it plays a major role in my strategy. White is stuck to the defense, so he has to do something, but he really can’t. 32. Ke3 Ra8 33. Rd1 Ra5

Stopping c4-c5 in case White wants to play it. 34. Rd2 Ra3

A change in strategy, but my main goal with this move is to take the outpost on c5 with a knight maneuver of Nc6-a5b7-c5, and then work on the d-file to try to control it so that White cannot do anything at all. 35. Rd3 Na5 36. Nd2 Nb7 37. Nb1 Ra5?!

This is a waste of time. I should have moved it to a6 straight away so that my strategy would not have to invest another tempo.

ing in the game. 46. ... Nd6

Now my strategy is complete. I have done everything I could on the queenside, so I move on to the kingside.

This pawn break is key in opening up the position. White can only sit and hope Black makes a mistake. 49. Ke3 f4+!

-+-+-+-+ +-+-mk-+-+-snl+p+ +-zp-zp-+p -zpPtrPzp-zP +L+-mKPzPP+-sN-+-+ +-tR-+-+After49....f4+

Now, my rook invades on the d-file. White is sitting in this position with nothing to do. 41. h4 Rd3+ 42. Ke2 Rd4 43. Ke3

50. gxf4 exf4+ 51. Ke2 Nf7

Basically, I have gained a tempo on him and now I gained back the tempo I lost.

The last knight maneuver. My knight has finally found its home on e5, which dominates the position.

43. ... h5 44. g3 Nb7

I am trying to close the position completely and play ... Nd6 to put my pieces on maximum. However, this knight maneuver is a little risky, because White can sacrifice his a-pawn, and gain some activity.

52. Rc2 Ne5 53. Rc1 Kf6

45. Rc1 c5 46. Rc2?

White is still resorting to passive defense, and we were both getting into time trouble. White had to try to get some activity with the move a3, because when I take the pawn he can try to use the open a- and b-files to his advantage and get some activity, making it very tough for Black to win. 46. a3 bxa3 47. Ra1 Nd6 48. Rxa3 Nxc4+ 49. Nxc4 Bxc4 50. Bxc4 Rxc4 This endgame, while still a win for Black, will be much harder to win than the end-

Symmetrical English (A30) Justus Williams (2230) Arthur Shen (2311) 2011 K-8 Barber Championship (4)

47. Rc1 g6 48. Ke2 f5

This forces White to make a weak square on e5 and to make a weak pawn on h4, so now Black has a pawn majority on the kingside, and White’s majority in the center is worthless.

38. Rd1 Nc5 39. Nd2 Ra6 40. f3 Rd6

And now Justus Williams:

1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 e6 6. 0-0 Be7 7. d4 cxd4 8. Qxd4 d6 9. b3 0-0 10. Bb2

The main line is 10. Rd1 and White has an advantage: 10. Rd1 a6 11. Ba3 Ne8 12. Rac1. 10. ... a6 11. Rfd1 Nbd7 12. h3 Qc7 13. Rac1 Rac8 14. g4 h6

-+r+-trk+ +lwqnvlpzppzp-zppsn-zp +-+-+-+-+PwQ-+P+ +PsN-+N+P PvL-+PzPL+ +-tRR+-mKAfter14....h6

Now my plan is to play h3-h4, g4-g5 since he played ... h7-h6, which was not necessary. 15. Qf4 Rfe8 16. h4 Bxf3 17. Bxf3

I felt that here I was better and I guess he thought that he was under attack and thought that trading pieces would simplify things.

Now I create a passed pawn on the kingside, and White cannot do anything about it.

17. ... Ne5 18. g5 hxg5 19. hxg5 Nxf3+ 20. Qxf3 Nh7 21. g6 fxg6 22. Qg4

54. Rc2 g5 55. hxg5+ Kxg5 56. Rc1 h4 57. Rg1+ Kh6 58. Ba4??

After this move I thought he would play ... Bf6 and Black is fine.

This overlooks a tactic that wins a piece and the game.

22. ... Nf8 23. Ne4 Rcd8 24. Qg2 Qb8 25. Qh2 b5 26. Rd3 bxc4 27. Rxc4 d5 28. Rc7

58. ... Rxd2+! 59. Kf1?

Getting mated in two, but 59. Kxd2 Nxf3+ was not a good future either. 59. ... Bxc4+ 60. Ke1 Nxf3 mate.

With this win, I was able to tie for first with Justus Williams. It was a great tournament, filled with lots of excitement all the way to the end.

(see diagram on page 31, column 3)

Now he misses the last defensive chance. 28. ... Nd7

After 28. ... Rd7 29. Qe5 Bh4 30. Qxg7+ Rxg7 31. Rxg7+ Kh8 32. Rb7+ Kg8 33. Rxb8 Rxb8 I’m probably still better Continued on page 31

At A Glance: 2011 Barber K-8 Championship Date: July 30-August 2, 2011 Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Orlando, Florida Top Finishers: 1st-2nd, 5½: Michael Brown, Justus Williams; 3rd, 41⁄2: Christopher Gu; 4th-13th, 4: Jeevan Karamsetty, Kapil Chandra, Arthur Shen, Neel Apte, Grant Xu, Matthew Fishbein, Benjamin Moon, Sean Vibbert, Gabriel Katz, Andrew Tang. Chief Tournament Director: Francisco L. Guadalupe.

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27

2011 U.S. Open

Denker Tournament of High School Champions By Michael Vilenchuk

Michael Vilenchuk (left) with Harold Winston, chairman of the U.S. Chess Trust.

A week before the Denker, I realized that there was no way to predict the outcome of the tournament. I came to the conclusion that anything can happen—and that anything will happen. Aiming for a college scholarship, I set the goal of playing for five points out of six. Preparation for the tournament started months prior. I created a daily schedule for the summer, attempting to study five days out of the week. Procrastination being a diligent enemy, this plan was not a success. Ultimately, when it came down to the line, from the second half of August after the World Open to the first game of the Denker, I prepared. I studied every single moment I would have otherwise spent in boredom. Endgames, openings, Perfect Your Chess, and Kasparians consumed my life for two straight weeks. In the end, I came up with a basic strategy for the tournament: preparation, sleep, superior opening knowledge, unclear positions, psychology, and luck. With those, on top of my master strength, I believed

28


I could reach my goal. There was, however, another integral factor required for success: winning the first half of my games. Having reviewed past Denker tournaments, there was a relatively consistent pattern where nearly every year the top seed started out hot. Due to the exceptionally strong tournament turnout, round two was the first of the very serious rounds. I had to play someone within 100 rating points of myself: my friend Nicholas Karas. Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation (B70) Nicholas Karas (2136) Michael Vilenchuk (2249) Denker Tournament of High School Champions (2) 1. e4 c5

Just a month before the Denker, Nicholas and I battled it out at the North American Youth in New York. Last time,

I played the Ruy Lopez with black. Paranoid he had prepared, I decided to switch things up a bit. 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Bg5

This was a scare. I had seen the line in a blitz match two days prior, but did not even consider analyzing it. 6. ... Bg7 7. Bb5+ Bd7 8. Qe2 0-0 9. 0-0-0

This line seemed to have been popular in the late ’90s and early 2000s, but went out of style because Black gets enough play and an easy game with proper play. 9. ... Bxb5?!

Possible is 9. ... Qa5; 9. ... Nc6 is GM Donan Rogozenko’s recommendation. 10. Bxc6 bxc6 11. e5 dxe5 (11. ... Qa5?? 12. Nb3 and a piece is lost.) 12. Nxc6 Qe8 13. Nxe5 Be6 14. Rhe1 Qc8 with an unclear position. 10. Ndxb5

White has a slight edge with 10. Qxb5

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Nbd7 11. f4 according to Rogozenko. 10. ... Qa5 11. f4 Nc6 12. h4

r+-+-trk+ zpp+-zppvlp -+nzp-snp+ wqN+-+-vL-+-+PzP-zP +-sN-+-+PzPP+Q+P+ +-mKR+-+R

17. ... f6

r+-+-trk+ +p+-zp-vlp -+-zp-zpp+ wqp+R+-vLn -+-+PzP-zP sN-+-+-+R PzPP+-wQP+ +-mK-+-+After17....f6

After12.h4

A little premature. While White’s pawns do get pushed, they are too slow. Simple play like 12. Kb1 and 13. Rhe1 would have been more correct. 12. ... Nh5 13. Rh3 a6 14. Na3 Nd4

Already slightly better, I was afraid to complicate too much in this high-risk game. Interesting would have been 14. ... f6 15. g4 (15. Nc4 Qc5 16. g4 [16. Rd5 Nd4 17. Qd3 Qa7 with a clear edge for Black.] 16. ... b5 17. Nd2 Nd4 18. Qd3 fxg5) 15. ... fxg5 16. gxh5 gxf4 17. hxg6 hxg6. Up a clear pawn, it is evident that Black is winning. Yet in my mind, I questioned if this position was defendable in time pressure. 15. Qf2

There is an edge for Black with 15. Qd3 f6 16. g4 fxg5 17. gxh5 g4! 18. Rg3 Qxh5 19. Qc4+ Rf7 20. Rxd4 Bxd4 21. Qxd4 Rxf4. 15. ... Nb5?!

Stronger is 15. ... Qc5 16. Kb1 f6 17. Na4 Qa7 18. g4 fxg5 19. gxh5 g4 20. Rg3 gxh5 and Black is near winning.

18. Rxb5 Qa4 19. g4 fxg5 20. gxh5 Rxf4 21. Qg2

White has lost all chances for survival. 21. ... Raf8 22. Rh1 Rf2 23. Qh3 Qxe4 24. Rd1 R2f3 25. Qg2 gxh4 26. hxg6 hxg6 27. Kb1 h3

More seductive is 27. ... Rd3! 28. Qg1 Rxd1+ 29. Qxd1 h3. 28. Qh1 Qe2 29. Rbd5 Rf1, White resigned.

Going into round five, only two players had a perfect score: David Golub and I. A fellow master, David had taken down the top two seeds. I, on the other hand, had just received a lucky win against my previous round’s opponent. Unable to find games of my opponent in my database, I called up a friend to help me search. He managed to find resources and, after finding a single game from dozens, I was prepared.

16. ... axb5 17. Rd5?!

Interesting, but too slow.

12. ... Rxg2? 13. Kf1 Rg8 14. Rg1 with great advantage for White; 12. ... Qxa5 13. Ng5 Rf8 14. a4 with great prospects for White. 13. Bxd7+ Bxd7 14. 0-0

r+-+k+r+ +pwqlsnp+Q p+-+p+-+ zP-+pzP-+-+-+-+-+ zP-zp-+N+-+P+-zPPzP tR-vL-+RmKAfter14.0-0

14. ... 0-0-0?!

Probably the best choice is 14. ... d4 15. g3 Bc6 16. Nxd4 0-0-0 17. Be3 Bd5 18. f4 unclear, with play for both sides; 14. ... Qc4 is what Kasparov recommends in My Great Predecessors. There has been a single game played 40 years ago: 15. Ng5 0-0-0 16. h3 Nf5 where White should have continued 17. Nxf7 Rdf8 18. Qxf5 Qxf1+ 19. Kxf1 exf5 20. Nd6+ with slight advantage to White. 15. Bg5 Bb5 16. Qxf7 Bxf1 17. Qxe6+ Qd7 18. Qxd7+ Rxd7 19. Kxf1 d4 20. h4 Nc6 21. Rd1 d3 22. cxd3 Nxa5 23. Rc1 Rc7 24. Nd4, Black resigned.

12. Bb5

In the final round, playing for the tournament title, I managed to draw. “Oh nahhh,” the words of Alex Barnett flitted through my mind. I had won Denker. I never expected to win the Denker Tournament of High School Champions. I had gone into the Denker hoping for a strong result and nothing more. I deeply owe it to my seconds Jonathan Doran, Jake Miller, John Gurczak, and Emily Tallo for calling me before every round and helping me prepare. I also want to thank Dewain Barber and anyone else affiliated with the Denker Tournament of High School Champions for organizing such a great event. I really enjoyed it and plan on coming back next year.

GM Viktor Bologan’s recommendation. I had prepared this line just minutes before the round.

Our story continues with the U.S. Junior Girls on the next page.

French Defense (C18) Michael Vilenchuk (2249) David Golub (2210) Denker Tournament of High School Champions (5)

16. Ncxb5

The line I saw as the most promising for White was 16. Naxb5 axb5 17. Bxe7. I was unclear on the outcome, but I needed a win, and complications helped the cause. 17. ... Rfe8 18. Bxd6 Bxc3 19. Rxc3 Qxa2 20. e5 (20. Rb3? Nf6! is very strong!!) 20. ... Qa1+ 21. Kd2 Qxb2 22. g4 Rec8 23. Qd4 Qxc3+ 24. Qxc3 Rxc3 25. Kxc3 Nxf4 with rough equality.

12. ... a6

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Ba5 6. b4 cxd4 7. Qg4 Ne7 8. bxa5 dxc3 9. Qxg7 Rg8 10. Qxh7 Nd7 11. Nf3 Qc7

The secondary Armenian line is 11. ... Nf8, which was refuted by Smyslov in the 1954 Botvinnik-Smyslov World Championship Match.

At A Glance: 2011 Denker Tournament of High School Champions Date: July 30-August 2, 2011 Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Orlando, Florida Top Finishers: 1st, 5½: Michael Vilenchuk; 2nd, 5: Nick Thompson; 3rd-7th, 41⁄2: Andrew Shvartsman, Jialin Ding, Bob S. Shao, Andrew C. Wang, Trevor S. Magness. Chief Tournament Director: Francisco L. Guadalupe.

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29

2011 U.S. Open

U.S. Junior Girls

Rachel Gologorsky

Elena Andreeva of Russia led the second annual U.S. Junior Girls Open through most of the event, but after a last round mishap, Rachel Gologorsky snuck through to win the championship and annotated the following game for Chess Life: Sicilian Defense, Richter Rauzer (B67) Jessica Regam (2032) Rachel Gologorshy (1992) 2011 U.S. Girls Junior Open (4) 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 a6 8. 0-0-0 Bd7 9. f4 b5

White has played the main line theory so

30


far. But now she goes for a dubious sideline: 10. e5? dxe5 11. Nxc6 Bxc6 12. Qxd8+?

A much better alternative was 12. Qe1, with interesting attack possibilities. However, after 12. ... Qa5 13. Nd5 (13. Qxe5 Nd7 14. Qd4 f6 15. Bh4 Bc5 16. Qd3 0-0, Black’s king is safe and he has gotten rid of the weak d6-pawn. Black’s bishops are active and Black’s rooks are going to be after ... Rfc8 and ... Rab8. Black’s knight is going to be relocated after ... Nb6 to c4, a4, or even d5. Black is perfectly poised to attack the white king, while White has still to connect her rooks and finish development. Black is better.) 13. ... Qxe1 Black is better—the classical Sicilian endgame. Sample game:

0-1 David Karatorossian (2375)-Tigran Kotanjian (2524), Yerevan 2007, CBM 116 ext (27). Usually, Sicilian endgames favor Black —and this is no exception. 12. ... Rxd8 13. Rxd8+ Kxd8 14. fxe5 h6 15. Bh4 g5 16. exf6

16. Bg3 was relatively better because it keeps the bishop pair on the board. 16. ... Nh5 17. Bf2 Black is better because of her more active pieces and better pawn structure, but White is still holding on. The e5-pawn is stable, because if ... Bg7 then Bd4 is a good, centralizing defense that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 16. ... gxh4 17. Be2 Bxg2

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Black is decisively better here already: g2 has fallen, and f6 will too. Black has the bishop pair in an open position, and her king is more actively placed. White’s only try is to try to make use of the doubled h-pawns and play Bh5, putting pressure on f7.

26. Ke3 Rg6 27. Ne4 Be5 28. b3 Kd8 (Weak is 28. ... Bxf6 allowing 29. Rf3 winning the pawn back.) 29. Nc5 Bxf6 30. Nxa6, etc. Even though Black has the bishop over the knight in an opposite side pawn race, it’s not so clear who’s going to win.

18. Rd1+ Kc7 19. Bh5

25. ... Rg4 26. Ng3

-+-+-vl-tr +-mk-+p+p+-+pzP-zp +p+-+-+L -+-+-+-zp +-sN-+-+PzPP+-+lzP +-mKR+-+-

-+-+-vl-+ +-mk-+p+p+-+pzP-zp +p+-+-+-+-+-+r+ +-+-+-sNR PzPP+-+-zP +-mK-+-+-

After19.Bh5

After26.Ng3

19. ... Rh7

Fatal, but White’s other option isn’t nice either, e.g.: 26. Re3 Bb4 27. Kd1 Kc6 28. h3 Rf4 29. Ke2 Kd5 30. Kd3 Ba5—the bishop is heading to d8. Black is going to win the f6-pawn and probably the game.

19. ... Rh7 was too passive—I was better, so I should have looked for an active defense, highlighting my advantage. So, I should have played: 19. ... Bd6! 20. Bxf7 b4 21. Ne2 Rf8 22. Bxe6 Rxf6 23. Bg4 Bxh2 24. Rd3 Rf2 (the immediate 24. ... h5! was good too) 25. Kd1 h5 26. Bxh5 h3 27. Bg4 Bf4 28. Nxf4 h2 29. Rd7+ Kb6 30. Rh7 Rxf4 31. Rxh2 Rxg4 Black should win the endgame. 20. Rd4 h3 21. Rg4 Bf3?

21. … Bd6 was screaming to be played: 21. ... Bd6! 22. Rg7 Bxh2 23. Nd1 (23. Rxh7 Bf4+ 24. Kd1 h2, winning. White has no way to stop the pawn from queening, indeed Rybka says that it’s mate in eight.) 23. ... Bf4+ 24. Kb1 h2 25. Nf2 Be4 26. Rxh7 Bxh7 27. Bf3 (27. Bxf7 Be3 No way to stop the pawn from queening without getting into a losing endgame.) 27. ... Kd6 Black is two, soon to be three, pawns up. This position is resignable. 22. Rh4 Bxh5?

I went from a winning position to an almost drawn one—now I have to win the game all over again. First order of business: activate the rook and put pressure on the weak f6-pawn. 23. Rxh5 Rh8 24. Rxh3 Rg8 25. Ne4

25. Kd2! would have held on: 25. ... Bd6

26. ... Bd6

Cleaner was: 26. ... Rf4 27. Nh5 Rf2-+, cutting off the king and tying down the rook to h2. White’s knight is awkwardly placed, and Black will soon activate his king and bishop. White has no counterchances. 27. Nh5 Rg1+

The h2-pawn falls, leaving Black with a pawn up and the f6 weakness to attack. 28. Kd2 Rg2+ 29. Kd3 Rxh2 30. Rxh2 Bxh2

Black is won, the rest is technique: activate the king, put pressure on f6, tie down the knight to the defense of f6, and force an eventual Zugzwang. 31. Ke4 Kd6 32. c3 Be5

I have activated my king and centralized my bishop so that it ties down the knight to f6. Step 2: Zugzwang White. 33. Kd3 Kd5 34. b3 Kc5 35. a3 a5 36. Kc2 a4 37. bxa4 bxa4 38. Kd3 Kd5 39. c4+ Kc5

Zugzwang! 40. Ng7

Now White loses the f6-pawn. If she tried to move her king, she would’ve lost

the a3-pawn: 40. Ke4 Bb2 41. Kd3 Bxa3 when the a-pawn will be a monster. 40. ... Bxf6 41. Ne8 Be5, White resigned.

A second Zugzwang! Black’s knight is completely restricted, so it can’t move. The king is forced to move and the a3pawn will be lost. White has no drawing chances here, so she resigned.

.

Continued from page 27

-wq-trrsnk+ +-tR-vl-zpp+-+p+p+ +-+p+-+-+-+N+-+ +P+R+-+PvL-+PzP-wQ +-+-+-mKAfter28.Rc7

because I have the e5-square and I have the long diagonal but it’s still a game. 29. Rh3 e5

A possible line: 29. ... dxe4 30. Rh8+ Kf7 31. Qf4+ Bf6 32. Bxf6 Rxh8 (No better is 32. ... gxf6 33. Rh7+ Kg8 34. Qh6) 33. Rxd7+ Rxd7 34. Be5+ Ke7 35. Bxb8 and White wins.

-vL-+-+-tr +-+rmk-zpp+-+p+p+ +-+-+-+-+-+pwQ-+ +P+-+-+P+-+PzP-+ +-+-+-mKAnalysisafter35.Bxb8

30. Bxe5 dxe4 31. Rh8+ Kf7 32. Qf4+ Nf6 33. Bxf6 gxf6 34. Rh7+, Black resigned.

.

At A Glance: 2011 U.S. Girl’s Junior Open Date: July 30-August 2, 2011 Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, Orlando, Florida TopFinishers: 1st, 5: Rachel Gologorsky; 2nd, 41⁄2: Elena Andreeva; 3rd-5th, 4: Jessica Regam, Katherine Wu, Amy Tsai; Class A, 21⁄2: Alexandra Wiener; Class B, 4: Amy Tsai; Class C, 3: Audrey Jin N. Zhao; Class D, 21⁄2: Saithanu Avirneni; Class E, 21⁄2: Samhitha Dasari; Under 1000, 21⁄2: Srihitha Dasari. ChiefTournamentDirector: Francisco L. Guadalupe.

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U.S. Chess League

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRA IM Greg Shahade’s brainchild is inspiring

By BRAD ROSEN league had eight teams. Now, there are two divisions, each with eight teams. The league founded the United States Chess League has also inspired cohesion within local chess communities and has provided chess fans (USCL) in 2005 in an effort to bring suc- throughout the nation with the opportunity to follow and root for their favorite playcessful chess league play to American ers and teams. Along with growing chess fandom, some healthy rivalries have emerged. shores on par with the contemporary All of the teams have colorful names (see sidebar) and all teams have a distinct prochess leagues in Europe. With the league fessionally designed logo. Shahade’s accomplishments in creating and growing the USCL are impressive and now in the midst of its seventh season, a mixed picture emerges whether Shahade most people familiar with the league’s history acknowledge its success. Currently, Shahas accomplished this lofty goal. Cer- hade and Sharma are fairly content with the league as it is currently structured and administered. “We are always open to new ideas, but I don’t see any tainly, the league has radical change coming anytime soon,” Sharma said. Not surprissteadily gained in ingly, as the league is made up of chess players, there is some popularity and made EASTERN DIVISION disagreement regarding the league’s future direction, and whether significant inroads the league is reaching its goals and potential. within the U.S. chess New York Knights In the latter part of 2005, Howard Goldowsky, a preeminent community, but it Boston Blitz chess journalist, exchanged a series of e-mails with Shahade about has fallen short in Manhattan Applesauce the prospects of the then just launched USCL. An edited transparking the kind Carolina Cobras script of that conversation is included in Engaging Pieces, a of interest that Baltimore Kingfishers wonderful collection of chess related interviews, fiction, and attracts corporate opinion pieces penned by Goldowsky. In that exchange, Shahade Philadelphia Inventors sponsorship which is articulated four goals for the USCL: commonplace on the New England Nor’easters European scene. New Jersey Knockouts 1. Create an outlet for communities and chess clubs to come Shahade, an innotogether. Give chess players in each of the league’s city somevative and creative one to root for; chess organizer, has WESTERN DIVISION 2. Raise sponsorship (on a team level) so top players can be paid; served as the league’s Chicago Blaze commissioner since 3. Create an exciting event that players all over the country will Los Angeles Vibe its inception. The talk about—create a buzz; and, league, commonly San Francisco Mechanics 4. Use the league as a platform to cultivate and showcase young known as the USCL Dallas Destiny talented players to the nation and world. (www.uschessleague. Arizona Scorpions com), is made up of Whether or not these goals have been met or fully realized Miami Sharks 16 teams from across depends on who you ask. Each team in the USCL has a distinct Seattle Sluggers the country, and conhistory and is subject to unique circumstances. As part of the Saint Louis Archbishops sists of the nation’s research for this article, a questionnaire was sent to each USCL most accomplished team manager seeking the team’s views regarding these goals. While players, as well as upShahade’s stated goals did not include “gaining recognition in the and-coming juniors. non-chess community,” the team representatives were also queried Each team has ten players on its roster. on this topic. Eleven of the 16 teams answered the questionnaires (68.75%), which Match play consists of four boards battling are summarized below. it out on the Internet Chess Club during the course of a ten week regular season, and playoff rounds for the top finishers. Has the USCL served as an outlet for communities and chess clubs to come together and Arun Sharma joined Shahade as the give chess players in each city someone to root for? According to ten of eleven team managers who responded, the League has been successful in bringing chess communities League’s second- in-command in 2008. In many respects the league has flour- together. Shaun Smith, the manager for the Manhattan Applesauce, remarked “NYC has ished over the years. In its first season, the a large chess population, both in terms of professional and scholastic players ... as such, INTERNATIoNAL MASTER GREG SHAHAdE

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ORDINARY PLAYERS

cohesion within local chess communities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEVAN MURADIAN

the uSCL in nYC serves as an outlet for our local community. Many players in our area visit our games or watch them online.” in arizona, the uSCL has served to bring two disparate chess communities together. “arizona is unique to the league because we represent two cities and two chess communities. We represent both Phoenix and Tucson. Both communities have been very supportive of the team. Many players follow the Scorpions, both on the internet Chess Club during the games and online during the week between games,” team Manager enrique Huerta said. in Chicago the uSCL has helped bridge the gap between generations of chess players. “Since the Blaze entered the uSCL, the local community has come out to support team events, from scholastic players to our retired chess veterans. it has provided a needed focal point in the local chess community to bridge the generational chess gap,” noted Chicago Blaze owner Sevan Muradian. Los angeles vibe Manager Kostya Kavutskiy, simply observed, “the team gives a chance for local players to bond and partake in their own version of ‘water-cooler talk’ about the uSCL.” Playing in the uSCL has also helped team members to get to know each other better and to develop closer bonds. “Being on the Mechanics has been great for the Bay area players who have participated in many of the seasons. in several cases, we already knew each other, and had worked together; but in some cases we really did not know each other all that well,” iM david Pruess, a player and manager for the San Francisco Mechanics, said. “it's always a joy to see another Mechanic at a chess tournament.” The uSCL has also been beneficial to scholastic players. Josh Sinanan, manager for the Seattle Sluggers observed “[m]any of the local players know of the Sluggers and follow the uSCL. i often have kids come up to me at scholastic tournaments and tell me how much they like the Sluggers. it is the goal of many young players to make the team.” in Chicago, the Blaze is specifically targeting the illinois scholastic chess community and provides puzzles derived from actual positions occurring in match games. Trevor Magness, a talented junior who played for the team for two years, now a freshman at the university of nebraska, creates a puzzle every week that is provided to the youth

because that's what dan Marino did.” Goldowsky said. Goldowsky suggests that concerted efforts on the league level would be required to make significant inroads within the scholastic chess community, a vast reservoir of potential uSCL followers that is just beginning to be tapped. Has there been adequate sponsorship on a team level so top players can be paid. Are your top players paid? it comes as no surprise

that sponsorship has been one of the toughest chess nuts to crack for uSCL teams and the league itself. Since the onset, the league’s main sponsor has been PokerStars, an offshore internet poker website. Of the 11 team managers who responded to the questionnaire, eight teams indicated that although raising sponsorship dollars was very difficult, some funds were raised. a few said they had limited success with a small number of individual donors. Just one team manager said his team raised no outside sponsorship funds and paid players from the $1,500 stipend it received from the league. Teams must be in the league for two years in order to be eligible for the stipend. all responding team managers

“It has provided a needed focal point in the local chess community to bridge the generational chess gap.” ~Sevan Muradian community through the illinois Chess association. “it’s a win-win for everyone,” Muradian said. interestingly, Goldowsky said were he to interview Greg Shahade again, he would ask him how he would make the league accessible, or market the league to the average inner-city third grader, rated 600, who participates in his or her city's elementary school chess program and would obtain inspiration from the “professionals.” “When i was eight and nine years old i went out to my backyard to toss around a football uschess.org


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U.S. Chess League

“Chess events, in any form, can only help increase interest in the game.” ~Tony rich its own.” Whether the league is receptive to playing a greater role in the realm of sponsorship remains to be seen. Has the USCL created exciting events that players from across the country talk about and has a buzz been created? all but one of the team managers responded “yes” to this

indicated that the top players received some compensation but in many cases the amounts paid were modest or nominal. Generally, respondents were reluctant to share details about raising funds and paying its players. “The issue with chess sponsorship in my view remains that chess does not provide enough visibility to attract real corporate money—instead, we depend on true amateurs who are wealthy enough to be benefactors,” GM Pascal charbonneau, the team manager and a player for the new york Knights, said. “The real avenue to raise money comes from the educational benefits of chess, and those organizations raise significant sums. it’s also possible for a talented youngster (Magnus carlsen, robert hess) to be a face for a company. but what can a uscl team bring to a corporation? That to me is unclear yet.” chicago’s sevan Muradian believes the league itself should take a more active role in supporting teams’ efforts to raise sponsorship money. “sponsorship has been a challenge,” he said. “With limited viewership statistics from the league and lack of direction on a unified marketing message, we have had to ‘make due’ with what team leadership devises on

question. saint louis’ Tony rich said “chess events, in any form, can only help increase interest in the game,” a view shared by many respondents. The league is fun and given the ease of exchanging information, buzz creation, at least at the level of the league itself, is very easy,” said GM charbonneau.” iM David Vigorito, manager and player for the new england nor’easters, pointed to the “bandwagon effect” and said “i think it caused quite a stir when we won the championship last year. We also did it with no grandmasters on the team.” in chess, like many competitive endeavors, everyone loves a winner. Most teams also have blogs and websites that report on matches and team news, and links to these stories are then aggregated on the uscl website. Through these efforts, the uscl has caught on with many in the organized chess community, and interest has steadily increased among uscl fans. Has the USCL served as a platform to cultivate and showcase young talented players to the nation and the world? on this score, all team representatives acknowledge the

league’s success in providing exposure and recognition for the top junior players in the u.s. Many teams reserve their board four for an up and coming junior player. The seattle sluggers traditionally invite the current high school champion, who also is designated as the Washington state’s Denker representative, to be a member of the team. The league has also provided opportunities for top juniors players to continue playing high level chess when they move on to college, a time when many talented junior players withdraw from the scene. “We have had national level junior players on our team via out-of-state players attending Duke university. lev Milman, oleg Zaikov and now Kassa Korley are a few,” said craig Jones, manager for the carolina cobras. Top junior players have reaped benefits from uscl play. “The league has been very good for the youngsters who man our fourth board. it has gotten them contact and advice from our other players, and allowed them to play against strong players from around the country without traveling. i think it has been huge for their development,” said iM Pruess. GM charbonneau echoes these sentiments and notes some similarities to the european chess scene. “in new york we are lucky to have a large pool of very talented youngsters. every year when we come up with the team, we look at the rating lists and find kids whose ratings have shot up, and see how we can include them. For some, i think it has been a motivating factor in trying to improve. For others, it’s an opportunity to get some practice against some good players. and finally, it’s a chance to interact with some real chess professionals who can even help them with their game, at no cost,” said charbonneau. “We very much care about how the team does, and so we help youngsters prepare and give some feedback after the games. This sort of environment is something that is omnipresent in europe but was lacking in the development of youngsters here until now.” The uscl’s success in cultivating up and coming chess players is no surprise. shahade himself was a very strong junior player, and the recipient of the samford Fellowship in 1999 and 2000, an award given by the u.s. chess Trust to the top u.s. prospect under 25. currently, shahade also oversees the u.s. chess school, a chess

“The real avenue to raise money comes from the educational benefits of chess, and those organizations raise significant sums.” ~GM Pascal charbonneau 34


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training program designed for the strongest players in the nation. Cultivating today’s best and the brightest junior chess players, as well as serving as a target for younger players just emerging on the national chess scene may be another factor contributing to the League’s future success.

PHOTOS: TONY RICH COURTESY OF ST. LOUIS CHESS CLUB; PASCAL CHARBONNEAU BY IRINA KRUSH; DAVID PRUESS BY PAUL TRUONG.

The USCL and Promoting Chess to the Non-Chess Community While the popularity of the usCL may have caught on with many in u.s. chess circles, the League appears to have fallen short in attracting followers outside the traditional chess community. seven of the 11 team managers who responded indicated their teams have gained little or no recognition within their local communities. Two team representatives indicated receiving some limited community recognition, while only two team managers stated that their local communities provided meaningful recognition for their usCL teams. GM Charbonneau believes outreach to the non-chess community should be pursued. “The danger facing the League is becoming a very niche or clique-oriented group, which has “apparent” buzz because of a huge flow of posts and comments, when in fact it’s just the same one hundred people who are obsessed with it. We must think of ways to go broader, attract the attention of sports followers,” he said. “Maybe we should post our results in the local papers? That can’t be too expensive.” rob Bernard, manager for the New Jersey Knockouts who is also known as the Bioniclime in chess-cyberspace, was less hopeful. “The lack of publicity for the league, and more generally for chess, makes buzz-creation difficult,” he said. While the usCL is packaged as an exciting, competitive, national sports league with no shortage of colorful characters and compelling stories for those within the chess community, the League has made few inroads to garner interest with the non-chess community. a majority of those team representatives who responded to the questionnaire favor the League’s continued growth and expansion in some form. Certainly, the potential market is enormous. “approximately 45 million people in the united states

sional league on par with other sports, even though chess is considered a mind sport. 3. Currently live usCL matches are available only to Internet Chess Club (ICC) members. This thwarts growing interest in the league. arrangements should be made so all fans could watch the matches live, either on ICC or another Internet chess platform. This would go far in extending the usCL fan base and interest in the usCL. 4. There should be more interdivisional play during the regular season. Currently, the first two rounds of the playoffs are also played by teams in the same division. This does not have to be the case. 5. Teams should have a greater voice in the league’s organizational and governance matters. rules should be enforced consistently and on a rational basis. a rules committee and appeals committee made up of team representatives should be created. 6. The League should have structures and plans in place to address leadership changes.

“It has gotten [junior players] contact and advice from our other players, and allowed them to play against strong players from around the country without traveling. I think it has been huge for their development.” ~IM DavID Pruess know how to play chess according to most accepted academic research,” said Dr. Gary Fine, a Northwestern university professor of sociology who has studied the u.s. chess community over the past few years. In europe, chess teams have garnered some moderate success in penetrating the non-chess community, Dr. Fine noted. “This success stems from the close connection between the chess team or club and its community,” he observed. unless and until these type of community connections are developed in the u.s., it’s unclear whether efforts to promote the usCL to the general population would bear fruit.

Final Thoughts and Observations In the course of conducting interviews for this article, many suggestions and ideas to improve the League were offered. as some people asked for anonymity on this point, no names will be mentioned here. suggestions included: 1. The usCL is a great idea and should keep expanding, perhaps with teams creating “B” and “C” teams to compete alongside the “a” teams.

While there is certainly room for improvement in every organization or endeavor, most every usCL observer credits Greg shahade and arun sharma with doing a remarkable job in creating and growing the League. “I am very, very impressed that the league has grown so nicely [and] not managed to implode,” remarked one of the longest-time usCL observers, chess writer Howard Goldowsky. His sentiments are most likely shared by many. One can only wonder where the usCL will be seven years hence. Only time will tell, but if the next seven years are anything like the previous seven, it should be an interesting ride.

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2. The League should grow and in order to do so more resources will need to be committed to further marketing, promotional activities and the League’s Internet presence. There is no reason that the usCL cannot be turned into a true profes-

See weekly highlights of U.S. Chess League action beginning in the September archives of Chess Life Online at uschess.org, reported by Kostya Kavutskiy.

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35

History

a game with

considerable ego involvement

he royal game got its nickname from its association with kings and courts, but it’s courts of law that chess players have wound up in in recent years. That said, redress for injuries over the chessboard don’t often wind up in trials, criminal or civil, but instead appear in kangaroo court. An entertaining example of such a dispute comes from the world of correspondence chess a century ago. Reuben Fine, not a correspondence player, would have agreed this protracted argument met his oft-quoted definition of chess as “a game with considerable ego involvement.” In his Chicago Tribune chess column of February 14, 1904, Sidney P. Johnston, the Illinois state champion and referee for the Pillsbury National Correspondence Chess Association, provided his readers a background on the long running adjudication of a dispute between two of America’s leading postcard “chessists.” “Walter Penn Shipley, Philadelphia,” Johnston wrote, “who shares with Franklin K. Young, Boston, the honor of being the best correspondence player in the country, barring Charles W. Phillips of Chicago, put in a claim October 16, 1903, for his game in the final round of the master’s tournament of the Pillsbury Association with Young for violation of the time limit. Under the rules of the Association a player is allowed 72 hours to reply to a move, and seven days, not cumulative (sic—the seven days WAS cumulative), during the game. As Mr. Young had consumed three days of extra time in June, and did not answer Mr. Shipley’s move sent September 29 until October 10, it would appear that he widely overstepped his Sidney P. time limit.” Or so it seemed. But then began the deluge of paper from Boston. As Johnston continued, “By introduction of envelopes, affidavits of a housekeeper, President Paul F. Brown, Steward John H. Chisholm, and three members of the Boston Press Club, Young proved he had not received Mr. Shipley’s letter prior to the afternoon of October 1, when he left for New York, where he remained until October 16 on business. Young also introduced an affidavit, dated November 5, from Robert G. Fitch, who stated he had forwarded Mr. Young’s mail, including a letter with Mr. Shipley’s name on the outside, to Mr. Young in New York “on or about October 8.” Young, not wanting to take any chances with his defense, also “entered a plea of extensive business interests, submitting twelve affidavits from business associates to prove he was unusually busy.” Then as now, claiming you are too busy to play your cor-

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respondence chess games wins no sympathy from opponents and referees. The dozen affidavits in support of Young’s frivolous claim of “extensive business interests” were dismissed, presumably along with the clubmen’s and the housekeeper’s, but the Fitch affidavit carried weight with Johnston. Shipley’s claim of a win on time was overruled. At this point Shipley filed the claim again, and offered two letters into evidence. One was a copy of what Johnston called a “hurry up” letter, sent from Philadelphia to the Boston Press Club on October 8. Shipley argued this “hurry up” letter, what a modern correspondence player would call a “repeat,” was the correspondence that Fitch had sent on to New York “on or about October 8.” Assuming an unusually fast mail delivery between the Quaker City and the Hub a century ago, Shipley’s argument is plausible. But there was more to Shipley’s case. The second letter Shipley provided the referee proved to be a smoking gun, or as Johnston wrote, the Philadelphian’s “principle ammunition.” The correspondence was from Young in New York to Shipley, dated October 10, and read “In reply to your move, received Friday morning, October 2 ... Charge me with five day’s extra time.” Again, the Philadelphia lawyer and the referee probably thought this made the case. In Young’s own hand, he admitted he received Shipley’s letter a week before replying with his move. Young’s first response to Shipley’s “principle ammunition” was to argue Johnston had no authority to reopen the case once a decision had been handed down. Johnstons’ report showJohnston ing that Young was “overruled” on that argument—by Johnston himself or others in the Pillsbury Association—is unrecorded. Forced to answer the statement in his own writing he’d received Shipley’s move October 2, he declared he’d made a “clerical error” when replying, and meant to write “Friday, October 9.” Young also provided a postmarked envelope showing the “hurry up” letter didn’t reach him in New York until October 11. If Young responded to the “hurry up” post or if his allegedly extensive business interests in Manhattan prevented him from doing so is a point left unexplored. Had he replied to the second letter and explained he’d only received it now and had replied to the previous request for a move, it would have bolstered his claim of the clerical error in the date on the first letter by showing his correspondence had been delayed. Along with the “clerical error” explanation and postmarked uschess.org

IMAGES: ARCHIVAL

By Neil BreNNeN

envelope, Young sent on four further affidavits. The first was (Presumably this was a book for the steward at the Club to note from Robert G. Fitch of the Boston Press Club again. This time arrivals of letters and cards for members, and not a personal Fitch testified, in his sworn statement of January 5, 1904, that notebook.) Young swore in his affidavit that he ordered his mail the letter from Shipley he forwarded on October 8 was post- forwarded to New York. And a Parker C. Kelly, yet another marked for “some date in September.” Shipley’s move, recall, club member, stated “When Mr. Young started for New York last was postmarked September 29. The remaining three affidavits fall, he told me to tell the steward to forward his mail. I forgot were from Boston Press Club President Brown endorsing Fitch’s to do so.” Four months had passed since Shipley sent his move to “high character,” and two from Club Steward Chisholm. The Chisholm affidavits, like Fitch’s date January 5, stated Young from his law office in Philadelphia. Since then letters had “the package of letters forwarded to Mr. Young last October con- gone back and forth among Boston, Philadelphia, New York and tained one letter labeled Shipley and Vaux [George Vaux Jr. was Chicago, postmarks had been examined, letters reread, and witShipley’s law partner], and only one so labeled. This letter was nesses sworn. The volunteer referee Johnston was surrounded postmarked September 29, 1903.” In with paper—seventy four pages of evidence, including the 21 affidavits, from the second affidavit Chisholm swore the Young, and 24 pages from Shipley. Also, letter from Shipley was forwarded “to by this point players in both Boston Mr. Young 3:00 p.m. October 8, 1903.” and Philadelphia were voicing support These last four of what were now 21 for their hometown players. This affidavits, along with Young’s plea of a included the Boston-born but now clerical error in dating his reply to ShipPhiladelphia domiciled Harry Nelson ley’s September 29 move, and the Pillsbury, American champion. Pillspostmarked envelope, were sent to bury was a close personal friend of Philadelphia for Shipley’s review. The Quaker lawyer examined them, and then Shipley, and had argued with Young in drew upon his professional training in his the press several times in recent years, so there was little surprise who he correspondence with the referee. Shipley, favored in the dispute. Johnston wrote, “attacked the Chisholm After four months of legalese being affidavits as showing an extraordinary rained down on him, poor Sidney Johnmemory, and brought up the point that ston had read enough to reach a decision. if Mr. Young did not order his mail forPerhaps he was dreading the prospect of warded to New York on October 1, he was Young sending copies of the Boston Press guilty of negligence, and if he did, he Club memorandum book to him in case was responsible for the agent’s negliof an adverse ruling, another flurry of gence.” Fitch, Shipley was arguing in effect, was in Young’s employ, and the affidavits, or more legal doctrine from Philadelphia. In what he called “the first legal principle of respondeat superior (“let case of chess litigation,” the Chicagoan the superior answer”) applied here. Walter Penn Shipley reaffirmed his initial ruling that Shipley’s Respondeat superior is the common law claim of a win on time was denied. The principle that holds an employer responsible for the actions of an employee in the work relationship—for Philadelphian, whether from fatigue over the matter or because example, a bank might be prosecuted for the actions of an he realized Young could produce someone in Boston and New York employee who engages in money-laundering. How Shipley’s to swear to anything, let the dispute drop. Amid all this back and forth about The Chicago Tribune brief might have played out in a court of law is problematic, since Fitch was technically an employee of the Boston Press Club, not chess column doesn’t include the game score, and it appears Young. Still, it was a strong argument, and might have prevailed to be lost. A search of New York, Boston, and Philadelphia newshad this been something other than a squabble over a late paper chess columns of the period failed to locate it. John move in a board game or if Young hadn’t been so determined Hilbert doesn’t include it in his 2004 biography of Shipley, and leaves this chessic contretemps unmentioned. Perhaps the to avoid a loss in said game. One wonders if the Boston Press Club had a notary public score was buried under the 98 pages of affidavits, envelopes, on staff, since at this point Young provided three more affidavits. and letters from the combatants in Johnston’s study. And it In his fourth time in front of a notary, on January 26, Chisholm might be just as well. As Johnston wrote “the game was a attested that the data on the forwarding of Young’s mail in his draw on its merits.” So no one won. Once again chess mirrored affidavits of January 5 came from a “memorandum book.” life; as lawyers say, everyone loses when you go to court.

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Chess life — November 2011

37

Personal History

CHESS SETS OF THE WORLD A CHESS LIFE THROUGH ONE’S CHESS SETS. By JENNY M. DUGGAN

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Ponziani Opening Dan McCarver (1030) Jenny M. Duggan (784) Amateur/Reserve 2006 (4) “Bring me back a chess set.” While those words have never actually crossed my lips, from the undercurrent of my great affinity for the game, coupled with the fact that I made the English composition students that I used to teach sit through Searching for Bobby Fischer each semester (it usually took up two class periods), I think many around me know that I wouldn’t mind having a chess set. Although I have been playing chess most of my life, at 27, I started playing competitively in tournaments, even if at a beginner’s level. 1. e4 The first chess set I ever owned came from “Most!” a small outlet store in South Memphis, Tennessee in the spirit of places called “Chism Trail” and “Food Depot.” While not exactly a food store itself, the store still allowed one to acquire most everyday discount needs. The most important of these items included cookies, candy, and different kinds of games. 1. ... e5 I think that milk and bread were even available at Most!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME

2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 It was on a “milk and bread” excursion during an early summer rain shower when I was seven years old that my father bought my sister Anita and I our first chess set with small plastic black and white pieces on a small brown and yellow cardboard board. I learned to play on that set. My father taught me how to play—rather, he and my older brother Russ beat me continually on that set. Daddy also played on the computer quite a bit and was very good. It was an old Tandy 2000 computer, the height of technological sophistication in 1985. 3. ... Nf6 4. d4 d6 My sister Anita, too, would beat me often. I taught her to play when we were children and then she began to “slaughter” me at my own game. When I was old enough and had played enough, I started winning again. I think that set is still somewhere in my mother’s house, now nestled in the anomaly called the “game closet.” My father has long been laid to rest and some of the pieces required Scotch tape a long time ago in order to fix, but as far as I can tell the set still works. 5. Bg5 Be7 6. Qd3

uschess.org

One of the only wooden sets that I owned came in college. My sister Anita knew that I played religiously with my friend Jason in the student lounge with that old plastic set from my father. We played on Fridays when our school did not have chapel. Jason won all the time. He was in a chess club in high school, so therefore he thought himself superior. When the time came, though, I started winning, and he did not want to play as much anymore. The set included a small wooden box with a small brass latch that opened into the brown and yellow painted wood board. This board contained holes to hold the pegs of the painfully small pieces that most of my friends complained were too hard to see at all. 6. ... Be6 For the black pieces I was given three knights instead of two knights and a king, but instead of taking the whole thing back to American Eagle Outfitters where my sister found it, I simply painted the offending piece with silver nail polish. Tada! We now have a king. This set served me well with many a game in the student lounge, a trip in Europe and two trips to Mexico. It was my “travel” set. I was going to get rid of it a couple of years ago, but my boyfriend, Jeremy, asked if he could have it instead. I am glad it is still around. 7. d5 Nb4 8. cxb4 The next chess set came from Mexico. My brother Russ who was living there at the time assured me while in a small shop on the San Miguel touristy strip that he wanted me to look at the chess set in my house (when I got back home) and think of him. “Put your money away, Jenny,” he said. Letting me buy the chess set with my own money was, of course, out of the question. 80 pesos might have not been a lot of money to him, but his buying it meant a lot to me. The set is made entirely of marble with salmon and grey-colored pieces and matching squares on the marble board. I don’t play on this set very much but it has followed me to various apartments that I have lived in. As my brother Russ said, whenever I put it out, I do think of him. I have had to Super Glue one of the pieces back together. The unsuspecting piece was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s all. It was the result of one of my moves. Apartments, I mean, not games. Since the glue, though, the piece stays together fine. I wish I could say the same of me. I have yet to unpack the set from this most recent move. Maybe the time isn’t right yet. 8. ... Bg4 9. Qb5+ I have only been a couple of

months in this apartment, it still doesn’t quite feel like home yet; but I know that at least the set is there waiting for me, just as my brother Russ has been there for me over the years. He is in China now, as he is working at a plant there, but not that far away by phone. Since my father passed away Russ has been the next in line to give me good advice. At least when I call him at three in the morning, I know that I am not waking him up. 9. ... Bd7 10. Qxb7 Rb8 I have worked at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, a fine art museum in Memphis, for many years, and in that time I accrued two different chess sets from people that work there. Two of the guards at the Museum knew that I am an avid chess player and gave me sets because of this. Plummer gave me the first one. 11. Qxa7 Rxb4 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 Plummer worked at the Dixon as a guard for over ten years. He knew all the local gossip and most likely could have worked many of the jobs at the museum. He had the set as a child and did not use it anymore. It is magnetic so if you turn it upside-down, theoretically, all of the pieces should stay intact. On one side of the board you can play chess and checkers, and on the other side you can play backgammon. I haven’t learned how to play backgammon, but I’m optimistic. I don’t think I would like it as much as chess, though. I used to leave this set in the teaching assistants’ (TA) office at school we lovingly referred to as “the dungeon,” in order to play chess with the other teaching assistants in all of that wonderful free time that we never had. 13. Qe3 Rxb2 14. Qc3 Rb7 15. Nfd2 The stats were as follows: Court, fellow teaching assistant and fiction writer, and I was 0 and 3. Scoundrel! However, in my defense, all three of those games were played on Ben’s, another TA, Peanuts chess set. It’s a little disconcerting when all the pawns are Snoopy and Sally is the knight. I don’t think I want one of those sets. I will look for a nice Lord of the Rings set instead. Glen, who started the MFA program when I did, and I were 1 and 1, and I think I ended by being two games ahead of C. D. who graduated that fall (I believe this bothered him just a little bit). 15. ... 0-0 16. Ba6 Rb6 The other chess set I have from the Museum is an all-glass set that Garland my “surrogate” grand-

father and other guard gave me. He found it when he and his wife were on one of their early morning “antique shopping” trips down in Mississippi. He brought it back and I have had it ever since. 17. Qa5 Qb8 18. Nc4 Rxb1+ I don’t play with it very much because being as accident prone as I am, I have never been that comfortable with the idea of glass pieces and a glass board, but someday, when I am more coordinated, maybe I will try it. It is pretty—one set of pieces is clear glass, and the other is frosted. 19. Rxb1 Qxb1+ 20. Ke2 Qxh1 The next chess set came from my ex-boyfriend Michael. who at that time was the president of the Memphis Chess Club. He is a great player and highly rated at 1587 (at least when he is compared to my measly 784). I will be a grandmaster someday, though, just wait. All I need is another 1800 rating points. Piece of cake. 21. Qxc7 Ba4 22. Ke3 Qc1+ Michael bought me the “good” weighted pieces to get me off to a good start. Just double-weighted not triple. But despite that, he loved me. He bought it when we first started going out. He ordered it from the USCF. It has a roll-up regulation-style board with the algebraic coordinates so helpful for recording moves. I learned to take notation on that set. Now I don’t make as many mistakes, even when I get flustered after I have dropped my queen. Grandmaster Sam Palatnik signed it for me when he still lived in Memphis, as did IM Josh Waitzkin of Searching for Bobby Fischer fame who was visiting for a tournament. Josh, now my age, wrote, “Wonderful to meet you, Jenny” on the back—practically a marriage proposal, right there. 23. Nd2 Bg5+ 24. Kd3 Bc2+ My life has been interesting since taking up chess. I have acquired a clock for tournament games at the club, and I am now actually winning more—though it is still a bit mortifying when you are defeated (as I was this past week in a Reserve tournament) by a twelve-year-old. 25. Ke2 The sets mean a lot to me. In some ways they mark my progress as a player, but they also remind me the there are people out there that care about me. They show me this by giving them to me. I am still collecting sets, so if I can get any from Europe, Asia, or even Kentucky, I will not turn them down. Now if I can just find a place to put them all. 25. ... Qd1 mate!

.


39

Cover Story

40


uschess.org

Never

On the Sabbath, But

Always

With Sharp Elbows

Born a century ago this month, Samuel Reshevsky played nine decades of championship chess. By Al Lawrence

T

he ten-year-old boy, tiny for his age, stood exhausted and sobbing in a South Bronx court. Arrested on what The New York Times reported as a charge of “juvenile delinquency” the previous evening, he had refused to lie down on the strange bed. His Polish parents, who couldn’t understand the language of their new country, sat behind their son, whom they called Schmulke. Judge Jacob Levy, taking pity, relaxed the rules a bit that day, referring to the accused as “a sort of super-boy” and releasing him on $1,000 bail—necessary, he said, because “the parents maintained no permanent address.” But the judge laid down a special restriction, one very unlikely to have been imposed in his, or any other, court before: the diminutive defendant could not play chess for a week. “CHESS PRODIGY FREED” read the headline over the story The New York Times ran the next day, October 24, 1922. The newspaper’s story of his arrest had described the boy’s “crime”: After singing on stage at a benefit for the National Hebrew Orphanage, he began a five-game simultaneous chess exhibition at 11:30 p.m. The superintendent of the Bronx Society for the uschess.org

Prevention of Cruelty to Children stepped onto the stage as soon as the first moves were made with a warrant to “prevent further exploitation of the boy for the financial gain of his father, mother, and manager.” The “super-boy,” born Szmul Rzeszewski 100 years ago this month, would soon become known by his Americanized name of Sammy Reshevsky. For generations of chess players in the U.S., the little boy— who would grow to be a bespectacled, chain-smoking, prematurely balding and stiffly formal man of barely five feet—was simply “Sammy.” He did indeed go on to find a permanent address in the U.S. and win his adopted nation’s championship six times. He would dominate American chess from the mid1930s until 1958, spanning two great rivals, Reuben Fine and Robert Fischer. He would become America’s first leading candidate for the modern world title, an avenue blockaded more than once by Soviet collusion. Often away from the board for years at a time to earn a living for his family as an accountant, Reshevsky held his own against the greats in all nine decades of his life. Along the way, he played every world

champion from Emanuel Lasker to Anatoly Karpov, and, it must be admitted, earned a reputation for “sharp elbows”— disregarding etiquette and sometimes even rules to save a game. Sammy was born November 26, 1911, in Ozorków, near the center of what is now Poland. Like Capablanca, he learned chess by watching his father, who, with the failure of his linen business at the outbreak of World War I, sat home playing chess. Sammy played his first game when he saw his papa resign to a neighbor and asked instead to take over the position. He did and won. The story is an early predictor of what later contemporaries and Sammy himself saw as his greatest asset. Rival Reuben Fine put it this way: “Others get tired or excited, rattled, or lose interest, or lose hope; Reshevsky never.” By six, Reshevsky could beat most of the players in his village, even giving a successful simul at the local club. Akiba Rubinstein predicted Sammy would someday be world champion. Rubinstein then showed off a victory against champion Emanuel Lasker. Sammy, too young and direct to be suitably awed, demonstrated a win that was two moves shorter. Chess Life — November 2011

41

Cover Story

Szmul Rzeszewski, at eight and already in his trademark sailor suit, gives a simultaneous exhibition in Paris in 1920, scoring 20-0. In a few months his family would sail for New York.

Exhibition Tours of Europe Reshevsky was quickly a national celebrity, even called on to play the hated German governor of Warsaw. “You can shoot but I can play!” Sammy exclaimed after beating him. By eight, Sammy was on tour giving simultaneous exhibitions throughout the capital cities of Europe—including Berlin, Vienna, London, just as the war ground to a halt. The sight of the wunderkind, tiny even for his age, marching around a table of stiff-collared greybeards and notching up success after success, must have provided an inspiring example of future human potential after the appalling, mechanized savagery of “The Great War.” At eight, Samuel Reshevsky left his native Poland as a famous chess prodigy. He was stared at, poked, hugged by strangers, and psychoanalyzed. Even his cranium was measured. He never studied chess and couldn’t explain why he 42


played chess so well—and he tired of being asked. He just knew it came as naturally to him as his love of singing. Even on the steamship voyage to America, Reshevsky gave exhibitions, including blindfold demonstrations. And while Sammy, his parents, and yet a different manager waited while the ship was still being held in routine quarantine in New York City’s harbor, Herman Helms subjected Sammy to a tricky test. Helms had set up a position on a pocket set from one of the hundreds of games Reshevsky had played in exhibitions around Europe, and asked the boy if he had ever seen the game before. After a moment, Sammy smiled and made the moves that had followed in his win of a mutually blindfolded contest against Richard Griffith, former British chess champion and editor of British Chess Magazine. Here’s the finish:

Samuel Reshevsky R. C. Griffith London, 1920 (Both played without sight of the board.)

r+-wq-trk+ zp-zp-vlpzpp -+p+-+-+ +-+pzPl+-+-vL-zP-+ +-sN-+Q+PzPP+-+PzP tR-+-tR-mKWhitetoplay

1. g4! Bxc2 2. Rac1 c5 3. Rxc2 cxd4 4. Nxd5 c5 5. f5 Bg5 6. Rxc5 Rc8 7. Rxc8 Qxc8 8. f6! Re8 9. Ne7+ Rxe7 10. fxe7 Bxe7 11. Rf1 Qe8 uschess.org

12. Qd5 Bd8

Black prevents e5-e6, but Sammy “sees” a combination that simplifies to an easily won pawn ending. 13. Rxf7! Qxf7 14. Qxd8+ Qf8 15. Qxf8+ Kxf8 16. Kf2, Black resigned.

Nifty play from a blindfolded eightyear-old who never took a lesson!

Barnstorming America in a Little Sailor Suit Less than a week after Sammy’s arrival, his manager had him giving an exhibition at West Point, where he scored 19 1⁄2 against 19 of the nation’s senior military strategists and one cadet. The feat captured the public’s imagination—and his parents’ choice to dress him in his trademark little sailor’s suit must have been an additional blow to Army pride. Performances for a price in Manhattan followed. Sammy worked these on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, 1920, with a repeat show on Saturday, thus avoiding the Friday Sabbath, on which Reshevsky would never play a game, which also happened to be Sammy’s ninth birthday. A two-year, coast-to-coast tour soon began. He played to packed halls across the country, and rarely lost, even though his opposition often included the best players in town, even regional champions. Sammy was clearly brought to the U.S. to work, and he grew testy with the routine. He traveled all the way to Hollywood, giving many exhibitions along the way, where he met stars Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and Charlie Chaplin, even posing for publicity photos for Chaplin’s film “The Champ,” with child star Jackie Coogan, both in boxing gloves. (Sammy complained that Coogan had punched him in the eye.) A measure of the impression the tiny chess prodigy made is the fact that the world-famous Chaplin devoted two pages of his own autobiography to meeting Reshevsky. The star tells of how excited Sammy was to hear, on visiting Chaplin’s house, that he could climb a tree to pick pears rather than play chess. Sammy’s tour was a promotional sensation for him and the game. Back in New York City in 1922, he was invited to his first master tournament. Reshevsky writes of his excitement at beating David Janowski (a game for which he won the brilliancy prize), a very famous master. Sammy couldn’t even sit down during his taxi ride home. “And then I sang,” he wrote. “I sang so loudly that nobody could talk.” Two weeks later, he was sobbing in Judge Levy’s court. During four years in America, Sammy had picked up English quickly and played a lot of chess, but learned little else. In fact, he had never gone to school! Julius Rosenwald, head of Sears, uschess.org

Reshevsky OTB What follows are a selection of games showing Reshevsky in combat against various world champions, closing with a game against a more run-of-the-mill opponent at a U.S. Open (but it is a game that Sammy considered one of his best). The games continue on the right hand pages throughout the feature.

Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Classical Main Line (D27)

15. ... Nxe5 16. dxe5 Qc7 seems solid as well.

Emanuel Lasker Samuel Reshevsky [D27] Nottingham, 1936

16. a4! Qd5

This was Reshevsky’s only game against the second world champion. 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. Nc3 a6 7. 0-0 b5 8. Bd3 cxd4 9. exd4 Bb7 10. Bg5 Be7

rsn-wqk+-tr +l+-vlpzpp p+-+psn-+ +p+-+-vL-+-zP-+-+ +-sNL+N+PzP-+-zPPzP tR-+Q+RmKAfter10....Be7

11. Qe2

Simplest is 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. Be4 Bxe4 13. Nxe4 0–0 14. Nxf6+ Qxf6 15. Ne5. 11. ... 0-0 12. Rad1 Nbd7 13. Ne5

r+-wq-trk+ +l+nvlpzpp p+-+psn-+ +p+-sN-vL-+-zP-+-+ +-sNL+-+PzP-+QzPPzP +-+R+RmKAfter13.Ne5

The f4-f5-push is in the air. So Reshevsky goes for simplification. 13. ... Nd5 14. Bc1

Lasker avoids simplification, and has his 16th move in mind. 14. ... Nxc3 15. bxc3 Nf6

r+-+-trk+ +l+-vlpzpp p+-+psn-+ +p+qsN-+P+-zP-+-+ +-zPL+-+-+-+QzPPzP +-vLR+RmKAfter16....Qd5

Reshevsky here called the “clash of ideas ... highly dramatic.” 17. Nf3

This may be Lasker's first mistake. After 17. f4 bxa4 18. f5, it’s an imbalanced fight right up the Old Street Fighter's alley! 17. ... Rfc8 18. Bb2 Ne4! 19. Rc1

r+r+-+k+ +l+-vlpzpp p+-+p+-+ +p+q+-+P+-zPn+-+ +-zPL+N+-vL-+QzPPzP +-tR-+RmKAfter19.Rc1

19. ... Ng5! 20. axb5 axb5 21. Bxb5? (see diagram top of page 45)

Lasker’s move loses quickly, but he was already in a bad position. Reshevsky gives a beautiful line: 21. Ne1 Nh3+ 22. Kh1 Nf4 23. Qg4 Bg5 24. Rc2 h5 25. Qg3 h4 26. Qg4 h3!. 21. ... Nxf3+ 22. gxf3 Qg5+, White resigned.


43

Cover Story

Sammy, not yet 11, takes part in his first-ever round robin, in New York in 1922. He’s pictured here playing Charles Jaffe, a famous master. Sammy drew the game.

Roebuck & Co., offered to pay for Reshevsky’s education if he would promise to apply himself and not be distracted by chess. So in 1924 Sammy’s career as a vagabond chess prodigy, unlike any who had come before and comparable perhaps only to the traveling performances of young Mozart, came to an end. He went to live in the Detroit home of a businessman who arranged a private tutor. In six months, Sammy passed the exam to enter high school. Besides the normal school subjects, he studied singing and Hebrew. He graduated in 1929, when he entered the University of Detroit, and after two years, he moved to Chicago and completed his degree in accountancy.

On the rise in the Great Depression The 1930s began with Reshevsky still a teenager and a “retired” prodigy. But well before the end of the decade, he would emerge from obscurity to gain acceptance as one of the world’s very 44


best players. And the decade of the Great Depression would see the beginnings of one of the great rivalries of American chess. Reshevsky-versus-Fine is in large part the history of championship chess in the U.S. during the next decade and a half. Not until the late 1950s would another player threaten Sammy’s national preeminence. Until his graduation from the University of Chicago in 1933, at the worst depth of the Depression, Reshevsky played only as his school holidays allowed. After all, that was part of the agreement with Lessing J. Rosenwald—and the sight of long breadlines in front of soup kitchens supplying meals to some of the millions out of work must have been additional motivation to study hard. In 1931, still 19, the former wunderkind took part in what was ironically his very first roundrobin! Reshevsky recalled the financial difficulties of playing tournament chess in the Depression era, writing that his prize for winning this event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was “a few cordial words.” Sammy went back to his university cur-

riculum in accounting. “These tournaments taught me a lesson,” Reshevsky later wrote. “Lack of knowledge of the openings had been unimportant in my barnstorming days as a child, but at this stage it was crippling! … I went home to study openings for the first time in my life!” Although Sammy did become an expert in certain openings, like the black side of the classical Ruy Lopez, he would gain notoriety for spending an inordinate amount of time on the first few moves, forcing himself to blitz later, critical parts of the game—most often with unnerving accuracy. His degree completed, Reshevsky was eager to test his mettle in international events. He won the inaugural event at the English seaside resort town of Margate, where the pre-tournament favorite was former world champion José Raúl Capablanca. Reshevsky, just 23, turned down Capa’s draw offer to win 20 moves later. In two months, Reshevsky won at Great Yarmouth, farther north on Britain’s east coast. uschess.org

First U.S. Championship In April and May of 1936, the very first U.S. Championship was held in New York City. (Frank J. Marshall had finally relinquished the throne he had “owned” since 1909.) But while Sammy faltered, a master named Simonson went on a rampage of winning chess, marking up nine victories, including his match-ups with Reshevsky, Fine, I. A. Horowitz, and Arnold Denker. As a thought-experiment to prove the importance of the national title, imagine how many more readers nowadays would know Simonson’s first name if Reshevsky had become disheartened by his early losses. But such a reaction was never a characteristic of Sammy, who came back with nine wins in his next eleven games to elbow out Albert Simonson by the narrowest possible margin. Fine had to settle for third. This was the beginning of Fine’s championship curse. The undisputed king of the Western Open-U.S. Open, with seven such firsts, would never take home his nation’s ultimate trophy. Reshevsky’s victories in England, combined with his winning the first U.S. Championship, made him the dominant master in America. He was no longer “the little boy who used to be a chess champion.”

Closing out the 1930s as world class That summer of 1936, Reshevsky was back in England at the power-packed, 15-player Nottingham round-robin, which included the current world champion, as well as every living former world champion. Two generations clashed at Hastings, and representatives of both shared the winners’ circle: Mikhail Botvinnik and Capablanca. Reshevsky, along with Fine and Max Euwe were a mere half-point behind. In his individual games with them, Reshevsky defeated Alexander Alekhine, Lasker, Milan Vidmar, and Efim Bogoljubow! In 1937 Reshevsky played his first Olympiad, leading the U.S. team to a gold medal in Stockholm. The next year got off to a spectacular start for Reshevsky but would end in the biggest victory ever for his American rival. Sammy won the 193738 Hastings event without losing a game. In April, he retained his title at the second, biennial U.S. Championship. Fine, despite a splendid result of his own, came up short again. Then in November came the legendary double-round robin, sponsored by the Dutch broadcasting company known by the four letters “AVRO,” organized to select the official challenger to Alekhine. The champion had held the world title since defeating Capablanca in 1927, allowing a brief interregnum intoxicatus, 1935-1937, when he lost to Euwe, regaining the throne by foreswearing alcohol. Alekhine, uschess.org

r+r+-+k+ +l+-vlpzpp -+-+p+-+ +L+q+-sn-+-zP-+-+ +-zP-+N+-vL-+QzPPzP +-tR-+RmKAfter21.Bxb5

Semi-Slav, Meran System (D49) Samuel Reshevsky Mikhail Botvinnik USSR-USA Moscow (1), 1955 This game created a sensation in Moscow—after this victory, Sammy was besieged with autograph seekers. 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 a6 9. e4 c5 10. e5 cxd4 11. Nxb5 Nxe5 12. Nxe5 axb5 13. Qf3 Qa5+ 14. Ke2 Bd6 15. Qc6+ Ke7 16. Bd2 b4

r+l+-+-tr +-+-mkpzpp -+Qvlpsn-+ wq-+-sN-+-zp-zp-+-+ +-+L+-+PzP-vLKzPPzP tR-+-+-+R After16....b4

17. Qxd6+! Kxd6 18. Nc4+ Kd7 19. Nxa5 Rxa5 20. Rhc1 Ba6 21. Bxa6 Rxa6 22. Rc4 Nd5 23. Rxd4 Rb8 24. Kd3 h5 25. Kc4 b3 26. a4 Rc6+ 27. Kd3 Rc2 28. Rb1 Rbc8 29. a5

-+r+-+-+ +-+k+pzp-+-+p+-+ zP-+n+-+p -+-tR-+-+ +p+K+-+-zPrvL-zPPzP +R+-+-+-

another world champ, this time in a demanding endgame. 29. ... R8c6

No better is 29. ... e5 30. Rxd5+ Ke6 31. Rb5 Rd8+ 32. Ke3. 30. Ke2 Rd6 31. Ke1 Nc7 32. Rxd6+ Kxd6 33. Bc3 f6 34. Ra1

-+-+-+-+ +-sn-+-zp-+-mkpzp-+ zP-+-+-+p -+-+-+-+ +pvL-+-+-zPr+-zPPzP tR-+-mK-+After34.Ra1

34. ... Na6

Botvinnik goes for a blockade, but 34. … Kc5, activating his king, was needed to keep the balance. 35. Ra3 Kc7

The continuation 35. ... Nc5 36. a6 Nd3+ 37. Kf1 Rc1+ 38. Ke2 Rxc3 39. a7 Nf4+ 40. Kd1 Rc8 41. a8=Q Rxa8 42. Rxa8 Nxg2 is a different try. 36. Rxb3 Nc5 37. Rb5 Na4 38. Bd4 e5 39. Kd1! Rc4 40. Be3 Kc6 41. Rb8 Kc7, Black resigned.

A likely followup would be 42. Rb5 Kc6 43. Rb3.

Queen’s Gambit Declined, Classical Variation (D62) Samuel Reshevsky Jose Raul Capablanca Margate (4), 1935 Reshevsky’s first game against a world-beater—and fellow prodigy! 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. cxd5

The Queen’s Gambit Declined Exchange Variation was a favorite weapon of Sammy’s. 5. ... exd5 6. e3 Be7 7. Bd3 0-0 8. Qc2 c5 9. Nf3 c4 10. Bf5 Re8 11. 0-0 g6

Bad is 11. ... Nf8? 12. Bxc8 Rxc8 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. Qf5 and White wins a pawn. 12. Bh3 Nf8

After29.a5

Also possible is 12. ... Nb6.

Reshevsky now simply outplays

13. Bxc8 Rxc8 14. Bxf6


45

Cover Story

LEFT: Reshevsky (left, front) off to the 1955 U.S.-versus-USSR match. Although the U.S. team took a beating, Reshevsky created a sensation in Moscow by besting World Champion Botvinnik 21⁄2-11⁄2. (Teammate Larry Evans is on the far right, Al Horowitz is in the dark suit on the left, and Arthur Bisguier is in the center.) RIGHT: Reshevsky, shaking hands with Al Horowitz, whom he defeated 91⁄2-61⁄2 in a match for the U.S. title in May of 1941.

on showing up at AVRO 1938, poured a sobering tankard of cold dispirits on the proceedings by saying that the prospective winner of the event would not, after all, hold the key to a title match. Nevertheless, the eight invitees— Alekhine, Capablanca, Euwe, Botvinnik, Keres, Salo Flohr, along with the Americans Fine and Reshevsky—had an opportunity to stake a moral if not contractual claim to a future match for the crown. It would be Fine’s finest hour. He tied for first with Keres at 81⁄2, a point ahead of Botvinnik. Sammy lost three of his first four games but then dug in to finish very respectably, just a half-point behind Botvinnik, tied with former champs Alekhine and Euwe and a point ahead of Capa. The decade closed with Reshevsky in an elite group of championship candidates. But as it did at about the time Sammy was learning chess as a little boy, the world was plunging itself into another catastrophic world war. German bombs were soon falling on England, and British chess players joined computer pioneer Alan Turing and others at Bletchley Park, north of London, to begin work on cracking the Nazi Enigma code. It would be seven years before international play was again possible. 46


The war at home Reshevsky won the third U.S. Championship in 1940 without a loss. But Reshevsky needed the help of an outrageous ruling to keep his championship streak alive in 1942. Denker had a drawish position against Reshevsky when Sammy’s time expired. But tournament director L. Walter Stephens grabbed the clock from behind, turned it around so that Reshevsky’s clock seemed to be on Denker’s side of the board—and, confused, forfeited Denker! No amount of rational argumentation could dissuade Stephens. Reshevsky remained notably aloof from the debate. “Sammy took what he could get,” as Arthur Bisguier told me. With the surrender of Germany and then Japan, Reshevsky’s first chance to play internationally didn’t even require a trip—a radio match with the USSR drew long lines to New York’s Henry Hudson Hotel to watch the American side, but the result was a devastating crush of the U.S. team. The next year, Reshevsky led a ten-man team to Moscow, hoping for revenge. But when the Americans again sat down against the 10 Soviet grandmasters, the American team was again

badly beaten. Chess could be a full-time profession in the Soviet Union, while American players had to work “real” jobs to support themselves, and the effects were clear.

One of five who would be king Back in New York in 1946, Reshevsky consoled himself with winning another U.S. Championship. The same year brought the death of Alekhine. FIDE, after fumbling about for a plan to crown a new champion, organized the 1948 World Chess Championship, a quadruple round-robin, played both in The Hague and in Moscow. When Fine declined, it was a mathematical certitude that Botvinnik, Euwe, Paul Keres, Vasily Smyslov, or Reshevsky would be the next champ. While the Soviet contingency numbered more than 20, including Botvinnik’s wife and young daughter, Reshevsky traveled alone to The Hague. In the end, Botvinnik won the grueling, two-and-a-half month contest by three points, with Smyslov, Keres, and Reshevsky bunched up in a tight pack behind him. But Keres’ four losses in a row to Botvinnik have stoked endless speculation about possible Soviet manipulation of the result. uschess.org

Soviet collusion—confessed! Reshevsky was still under forty, with a young family. He moved them to a small house in Spring Valley, New York, and worked for long stretches as an accountant, offering them a comfortable life—on a prudently middle class scale. He also received ongoing sponsorship. In 1951, Sammy lost his first game in the U.S. Championship since 1936. In the next few years, old rivals like Denker and new guns like Larry Evans and Art Bisguier won the title—but Sammy won again in 1957, after a playoff match that prevented Bisguier from repeating. For most of the new decade, Reshevsky was still seen as the player to beat west of the “Iron Curtain,” winning or placing highly in strong international events and defeating William Lombardy, Robert Byrne, Bisguier, Svetozar Gligoric and Miguel Najdorf in matches. The star-studded 15-player candidates’ tournament known as Zurich 1953 is one of the world’s celebrated events. The winner was to play Botvinnik for the world title. This was probably Reshevsky’s last realistic chance. But he could “only” tie for second-fourth with David Bronstein and Keres, behind Smyslov. Bronstein’s book of the tournament was lavishly praised for decades but turned out to be less than honest. In writings published after Reshevsky’s death, Bronstein confessed to the surreptitious dirty-dealings in Zurich that had been “a splinter in his heart,” confirming that Communist players there were under orders to prevent Reshevsky from winning, and that games between Russians were pre-arranged to assure it. The revelation fanned long-smoldering suspicions regarding the 1948 Championship and other critical qualifiers. In the summer of 1955, the U.S. team again went to Moscow, losing badly for a third time. But Reshevsky created a sensation by beating World Champion Botvinnik in the first round and holding the Hero of the Soviet Union to three draws after that. Sammy was lionized by Russian autograph seekers: even Nikita Khrushchev was solicitous. Then, a watershed event: Robert Fischer won the 1957-58 U.S. Championship, without a loss, a point ahead of Sammy. Bobby did the very same thing the next two years in the now annual championship. Reshevsky’s second great U.S. rival had emerged with an explosion of brilliance.

The Sabbath is impossible and 11 a.m. is too early The Kennedy decade started well for Reshevsky, who tied for first with Korchnoi at Buenos Aires, with Fischer buried in 14th place. Reshevsky bested new U.S. arrival Pal Benko in a 10-game match, but uschess.org

Reshevsky wants to prevent ... Ne4 once and for all, and remove a d5-defender. 14. ... Bxf6 15. b3 Qa5

-+r+rsnk+ zpp+-+p+p -+-+-vlp+ wq-+p+-+-+pzP-+-+ +PsN-zPN+P+Q+-zPPzP tR-+-+RmKAfter15....Qa5

Black just loses a pawn after 15. ... cxb3? 16. Qxb3 . 16. b4!

Threatening 26. Nc6! 25. ... Qe8 26. f4 f6 27. Ng4 Qd7 28. h3 Kg7 29. Nf2 Ba3 30. Ra2 Bd6 31. Nfd1 f5 32. Nb5 Ra5 33. Nxc7 Bxc7 34. Nc3 Qd6 35. Qf2 b6

Here Capa offered a draw; Sammy, all business and ambition, turned it down. 36. Qf3 Rd8 37. Rab2 Qe7!

-+-tr-+-+ +-vl-wq-mkp -zp-+-+p+ tr-+p+p+P+pzP-zP-+ +-sN-zPQ+P -tR-+-+P+ +R+-+-mK-

Quite an idea to try out against the most renowned positional player in the world!

After37....Qe7

16. ... Qd8

Capa had hoped for a swindle: 38. Rb5 Qa3! 39. Nxd5 Rxd5 40. Rxd5 Rxd5 41. Qxd5 Qxe3+ when Black gets significant play on the black squares.

The natural 16. ... Qxb4 plays into White’s hands: 17. Rab1. 17. Qa4

38. Rb4

White has succeeded in gaining queenside targets.

38. ... Rd7 39. Kh1 Bd8 40. g4 fxg4 41. hxg4 Qd6 42. Kg1 Bc7 43. Kf2 Rf7 44. g5 Bd8 45. Ke2 Bxg5

17. ... a6 18. b5 Re6

Stronger is 45. ... Qe6!.

Easier for White is 18. ... a5 19. b6! Qxb6 20. Nxd5. 19. Rab1 Rb8 20. Rb2 Be7 21. bxa6 Rxa6 22. Qc2

Sammy is happy to withdraw his queen and concentrate on b7. 22. ... Ne6 23. Rfb1 Ra7

-tr-wq-+k+ trp+-vlp+p -+-+n+p+ +-+p+-+-+pzP-+-+ +-sN-zPN+PtRQ+-zPPzP +R+-+-mKAfter23....Ra7

Black’s rooks are defending passively. Without a bad move to pin the blame on, the former world champ has a less-than-enviable position. But, of course, he doesn't fold easily! 24. a4! Nc7 25. Ne5

46. Rxb6 Qa3 47. Kd2 Be7 48. Rb7 Rxa4!?

-+-+-+-+ +R+-vlrmkp -+-+-+p+ +-+p+-+r+pzP-zP-+ wq-sN-zPQ+-+-mK-+-+ +R+-+-+After48....Rxa4

49. Qxd5!

49. Nxa4? Qd3+ 50. Kc1 Ba3+ 51. R1b2 Rxb7! (In Reshevsky’s Best Games, Sammy claims 51. ... c3 would win, but perhaps he missed the perpetual after 52. Rxf7+ Kxf7 53. Qxd5+ Kg7 54. Qe5+ Kh6 55. Qg5+. It’s an odd lapse in the notes, given it was such an important firstscalp.) 49. ... Ra5 50. Qxc4 Rh5 51. Kd3 Qa8 52. Qe6 Qa3 53. Rd7! Rhf5 54. Rb3 Qa1 55. Rxe7 Qf1+ 56. Kd2, Black resigned.


47

Cover Story

TOP: At home at the kitchen table, Sammy analyzes on his pocket set while his wife Norma pours him some hot coffee. BOTTOM: Sammy the proud family man. The Reshevskys of Spring Valley would grow to five. Norma and Sammy had two daughters, Sylvia and Malki, and a son, Joel.

48


the U.S. Championship ended the year with Fischer winning again. To settle who was top gun, the most notorious match of Reshevsky’s career was arranged in 1961. It would split American chess down the middle in acrimonious debate for decades. It all began as an act of well-intended patronage by sponsor Jacqueline Piatigorsky, daughter of one of the staggeringly wealthy Rothschild bankers, wife of famed concert cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, and a bronze-medal winner at the 1957 women’s Olympiad. The 16-game shoot-out was to start with four in New York City, then move to Los Angeles for eight games, then return to New York for the final four. The plan generated tremendous excitement in the chess world. Sammy and Bobby were clearly in a fighting mood. GM Larry Evans described the atmosphere in his This Crazy World of Chess: “They stopped talking. They wouldn’t ride to the games in the same car. Both were determined to win and neither gave an inch. They fought over every detail. If Sammy wanted the air conditioning turned on, Bobby thought it was too cold.” The last day in Los Angeles, with the match tied 51⁄2-51⁄2, a scheduling conflict became a show-stopper. Skipping the Sabbath for Reshevsky, a starting time of 1:30 p.m. Sunday had been set. But then Mrs. Piatigorsky realized that she wanted to see Gregor’s concert that night, so the clocks would need to start by 11 a.m. Fischer would simply not play that early. The organizers would not give way. Fischer forfeited the game, and when the match was moved back to New York, Bobby again didn’t show up, and the contest was officially awarded to Reshevsky. Then came Fischer’s dazzling 1963-64 U.S. Championship. Bobby won every game, putting up a “picket fence” of “1s” on the crosstable. Reshevsky could do no better than a tie for fourth. Evans even escaped from a losing position from the once iron-grasp of Reshevsky with “the swindle of the century,” snaring Sammy in a stalemate trap. Evans’ reaction—for years he delighted in recalling his elder’s look of self-disgust—indicated the feeling of the younger generation toward Sammy. Reshevsky had seemed a remote and self-absorbed champion, unconcerned with the general plight of U.S. chess masters but bulldoggish about what he could get. Even an admiring 1950 Sports Illustrated story portrayed him as “ice-cold.” With the national title Reshevsky once kept under lock and key now the property of a brash and swaggering genius who was one of their own, the up-and-comers saw a new day. Eisenhower had given way to Kennedy. Still, the old general remembered how to win battles. Six months later at the Amsterdam Interzonal, he earned a playuschess.org

off with Lajos Portisch. The winner would go on to the candidates’ elimination matches. Ironically, Sammy was able to place highly because Soviet representation had been limited. But this rule-change was too late for exhausted Reshevsky, who put up little resistance in the match to the grandmaster 25 years his junior. Sammy was back scrabbling for that one-more-shot at the elusive world title in 1967 at the Interzonal in Sousse, Tunisia. He qualified for a three-way playoff and this time got through to the candidates. But his first match was against Viktor Korchnoi, a player with many of the same strengths as Sammy (in a number of ways, Reshevsky is America’s Korchnoi) and two decades younger. Again, youth prevailed. An incident at the Sousse, Tunisia, Interzonal—remembered for Fischer’s herkyjerky presence and ultimate withdrawal while in the lead through 10 rounds—was another highly publicized and regrettable Reshevsky-Fischer moment. Before his game with Reshevsky, Fischer had declared that he was leaving, but the two were paired anyway. Sammy paced the tournament hall for 55 minutes, waiting for the initial hour to expire to claim the point. With five minutes left on his clock, however, Bobby dashed to the board and slammed out a win against a rattled Reshevsky. The older champion was bitterly critical of the way the organizers had handled the incident and called, some thought unpatriotically, for his countryman’s banishment for disrupting the tournament.

A few final exits and a dé tente Fischer would play in and win his last U.S. Championship in 1967, collecting a seventh title. In 1969, drawing close to 60, Reshevsky won his sixth—and last. At the start of the 1970s, Reshevsky still commanded enough respect to be chosen to play sixth board of 10 at the “Match of the Century,” the first U.S.S.R. versus the Rest of the World match, held in Belgrade. The free world came within a point of a drawn match. Reshevsky kept respect by splitting with former world champion Smyslov, but Sammy was forced to sit out the Saturday round because the Soviets would not honor his Sabbath, and his stand-in lost the crucial point. At the 1971 Interzonal at Palma de Mallorca in December, Reshevsky and Fischer arrived before the competition. Despite years of bitter rivalry and Fischer’s antiSemitic pronouncements, the old antagonists found a friendly détente. In a 1991 interview with Hanon Russell, Sammy recalled: “… we walked together, talked together … He has his views, I have my views. I tried to make him see the light. I didn’t succeed … .” They played their last game together there. They had played their first in 1956, when Sammy prevailed and uschess.org

King’s Indian Defense, Classical Main Line (E98) Samuel Reshevsky Robert Fischer New York/Los Angeles (11), 1961 This was the 11th and last-played game of the famous 1961 ReshevskyFischer match. Sammy told Hanon Russell in 1991 that Bobby had bragged at adjournment that he would win. But overnight Reshevsky found a drawing method. He maintained that the shock to Fischer’s confidence, not the 11 a.m. starting time of the next game, caused Bobby to walk out of the match. 1. c4 Nf6 2. d4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 0-0 5. Be2 d6 6. Nf3 e5

Fischer and the King’s Indian—Van Gogh and brightly colored paint. Reshevsky’s first choice is always a classical reaction. 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Ne1 Nd7 10. Nd3 f5 11. exf5 Nxf5 12. f3 Nd4 13. Ne4 b6 14. Bg5 Qe8 15. Bd2 a5 16. Re1 Nxe2+ 17. Qxe2 h6 18. b3 g5 19. a3 Qg6 20. b4 Nf6

r+l+-trk+ +-zp-+-vl-zp-zp-snqzp zp-+Pzp-zp-zPP+N+-+ zP-+N+P+-+-vLQ+PzP tR-+-tR-mKAfter20....Nf6

21. bxa5

Level is 21. Ndf2 Nxe4 22. fxe4. 21. ... g4 22. Ndf2 gxf3 23. Qxf3 Nh5 24. Qe3 bxa5 25. Rac1 Bf5 26. c5 Nf4 27. Qg3?

27. Qf3 is close to even. 27. ... Bxe4! 28. Rxe4 Qxe4! 29. Nxe4 Ne2+ 30. Kh1 Nxg3+ 31. hxg3 Ra6 (see diagram top of next column)

Bobby has achieved a much superior position. But now Sammy digs in. This is the last game of the match in Los Angeles. He’s not about to make it easy for Fischer to go ahead and pack up for New York. 32. cxd6 cxd6 33. a4 Rf7 34. g4 Bf8 35. Kh2 Kh7 36. Rc8 Rb6 37. Ra8 Rb3

-+-+-trk+ +-zp-+-vlr+-zp-+-zp zp-zPPzp-+-+-+N+-+ zP-+-+-zP-+-vL-+P+ +-tR-+-+K After31....Ra6

38. Bxa5 Rf4 39. Bc7 Rxe4 40. Rxf8 Rd3

-+-+-tR-+ +-vL-+-+k -+-zp-+-zp +-+Pzp-+P+-+r+P+ +-+r+-+-+-+-+PmK +-+-+-+After40....Rd3

The players have reached time control, and Fischer felt he had the point—one can see why. But across the board was a little man with a big fighting spirit. 41. Rf6 Rxg4 42. Rxd6 Rg7 43. Rc6 Rxd5 44. Rc2 e4 45. a5 Rd3 46. Bf4 Rf7 47. g3 e3 48. Rc1 Re7 49. Re1 Ra3 50. Re2

-+-+-+-+ +-+-tr-+k -+-+-+-zp zP-+-+-+-+-+-vL-+ tr-+-zp-zP-+-+R+-mK +-+-+-+After50.Re2

50. ... Kg6

The key: 50. ... Rxa5 51. Rxe3 Rxe3 52. Bxe3 is a draw. 51. Kg2 Rxa5 52. Rxe3 Ra2+ 53. Kf3 Rb7 54. Re6+ Kf5 55. Re5+ Kf6 56. Rd5 Rb3+ 57. Kg4, Draw agreed.

Although Sammy was awarded the match on forfeit, it settled nothing. And time was on Bobby's side.


49

Cover Story

Reshevsky rubs his head at the wallboards, musing over a game by Louis Persinger, a well-known violinist and conductor.

Reshevsky Redux •

•

•

50

•

He reportedly lost only 8 of 1,500 games during his 1920-1922 barnstorming, coast-to-coast tour of exhibitions as a child of 8-10. He played every world champion from Lasker to Karpov, scoring against all of them! Here are the world-beater wonlost-draw stats—R-Lasker: 1-0-0; R-Capablanca: 1-1-4; R-Alekhine: 1-2-2; R-Euwe: 6-2-6; R-Botvinnik: 2-5-7; R-Smyslov: 5-7-15; R-Petrosian: 0-2-8; R-Tal: 0-2-1; R-Spassky: 0-1-2; R-Fischer: 4-10-14; R-Karpov: 0-0-1. He played on eight U.S. Olympiad teams, from 1937 (his only team gold medal) to 1974.


• •

•

He won every U.S. championship he entered from the first one in 1936 until Larry Evans won in 1951, when Sammy’s 82-game unbeaten streak in the event was broken by Ariel Mengarini. Sammy won his last championship in 1969, 33 years after his first, notching up six in all. He won the inaugural National Open in Las Vegas in 1965. He was featured on the first full-color cover of Chess Life on the November 1981 issue, appearing bewhiskered since the photo was taken on the Sabbath. He and his rival Fine played the first official “Hall of Fame Game” on their mutual induction in 1986. (His other great adversary, Bobby Fischer, also inducted at the same ceremony, was “unavailable.”)

won the 3rd Rosenwald Memorial. This time Fischer took the point and won Palma. Ten months later, Reshevsky’s young rival Fischer would grasp the golden fleece of chess—the world championship. Ten months after that Sammy ended his own unsuccessful, 25-year odyssey with his final Interzonal appearance, in Petropolis, Brazil, where it was impossible to find kosher food. “Fortunately a mere 45 minutes away a Jewish school for children prevented Reshevsky from starving to death,” Stephen W. Gordon explains in McFarland’s Samuel Reshevsky. Worn out, Sammy finished in 11th place. The 1975 U.S. Championship gave rise to another uniquely Reshevsky contretemps. When it became clear in the last round that Reshevsky could not qualify for another Interzonal, he offered a draw to Pal Benko, who politely refused. Sammy became angry, slamming the clock and repeatedly demanding a draw. Tour-

uschess.org

nament Director (TD) Tim Redman told me, “I remember Sammy coming up to me saying ‘Mr. Redman, Mr. Redman, I demand that you forfeit Mr. Benko.’ When I asked him why, he said that they had prearranged a draw and Benko was not honoring the [illegal!] arrangement.” The game was played out to a draw. The “nogood-deed-goes-unpunished award” that day went to Lombardy, who had promised both Benko and Reshevsky a ride home. Reshevsky continued to be a dangerous man on any given board. And his sharp elbows continued to pierce etiquette. In a 1981 game at Lone Pine against John Fedorowicz, then a 22-year-old international master, Sammy, in a tough position, used one of his favorite ploys, one that had claimed a number of victims. “Are you playing for a draw?” he asked. Fed consumed nearly all of his remaining time considering, and then accepted. But Sammy, despite many witnesses, denied the offer. John stopped the clock to call for a TD, but Reshevsky kept starting it with a bang. “I finally had to stick the clock in my jacket pocket to keep my flag from falling,” John said. Although Kashdan restarted the game, he did put four minutes back on John’s clock. The outraged young gun channeled his temper into good moves to win. “Sammy Reshevsky was a great player, one of the best,” IM John Donaldson said, “but he wouldn’t have been a candidate for the Lady Byng Trophy for good sportsmanship.”

One last hurrah? At 70, Reshevsky, likely out of necessity, gave exhibitions and lessons, analyzed positions, and played correspondence games—all at “reasonable fees,” as he advertised in Chess Life. It was at this stage in his life that I met Sammy and even played him an official match. Eric Horsboll, a friend who organized the 1981 World Open in New Paltz, had answered Reshevsky’s ad, taken some lessons, and gotten friendly with the old champ—who, he learned, was interested in one last hurrah at the Interzonal via the 1981 U.S. Championship! But USCF rules had been changed to invite on the basis of rating, not past achievements. Sammy told Eric, “I know that all the younger players are playing in these weekend tournaments. But I can’t go because of my religious beliefs.” Eric asked, “Couldn’t you play matches here at your house?” So, soon Reshevsky had yet another manager, this one working for free. Eric began arranging official, twogame matches to allow Sammy the chance to raise his rating. IM Igor Ivanov had recently defected from the Soviet Union. He had defeated world champion Anatoly Karpov in a game and had just won the World Open. He uschess.org

French Defense, Classical System (C11) Samuel Reshevsky Arnaldo Vasconcellos U.S. Open, Boston, 1944 Reshevsky considered this one of his best games. 1. e4

Sammy plays 1. e4! He was out for some fun. He “happened to be” on vacation in Boston, where the U.S. Open was being held. “There didn't seem to be any harm in competing in this one tournament,” he wrote. He took clear first. 1. ... e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5

Not to a modern master’s taste, but it is by no means bad. Reshevsky had faith in the cramping effect of his pawn on e5. 3. ... c5 4. dxc5 Nd7

4. ... Nc6 is also good. 5. Nf3 Bxc5 6. Bd3 Ne7 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. Bf4

r+lwqk+-tr zpp+n+pzpp -+n+p+-+ +-vlpzP-+-+-+-vL-+ +-+L+N+PzPP+-zPPzP tRN+Q+RmKAfter8.Bf4

White has got a small plus out of the initial moves. Black has a difficult decision. French players I know would be grinding out the variations after 8. ... f6. 8. ... Qc7

After 8. ... 0–0, White has the classic Greek sacrifice in an effective form: 9. Bxh7+ Kxh7 10. Ng5+ Kg6 (10. ... Kg8 11. Qh5 Re8 12. Qxf7+ with mate in four.) 11. Qd3+ f5 12. Qg3; Reshevsky suggested 8. ... Be7 as safer. 9. Nc3 a6 10. Re1 Qb6 11. Bg3 Qxb2

Reshevsky criticizes this move because he puts great faith in his next. But objectively, Black seems a bit better.

play, it’s clear that he’s enjoying himself here. 12. ... exd5 13. Rb1 Qa3 14. e6 Nf6 15. exf7+ Kxf7 16. Bh4!?

Certainly an “ice-cold” move and the most promising in the position. Reshevsky targets the lone defender. (16. Ng5+ allows Black to consolidate.) 16. ... Nb4?

This plays into Reshevsky’s hand, but it's more difficult to defend than to attack, on any level. Reshevsky recommends 16. … Be7. 17. Ne5+!

r+l+-+-tr +p+-+kzpp p+-+-sn-+ +-vlpsN-+-sn-+-+-vL wq-+L+-+P+P+-zPPzP +R+QtR-mKAfter17.Ne5+

17. ... Kf8

The alternative 17 ... Kg8 18. Bxf6 Nxd3 19. Nxd3 gxf6 20. Rb3 Qa5 21. Nxc5 Qxc5 (Also bad is 21. … Kf8 22. Nxb7 Bg4 23. Qa1) 22. Re8+ leads to mate in five. Interestingly, Reshevsky intended 19. Qxd3 Qxd3 20. Nxd3 Bxf2+ 21. Kxf2 gxf6 22. Re7, and stated flatly that he would win the ending! 18. Bxf6 Nxd3 19. Bxg7+! Kxg7 20. Rxb7+ Be7 21. Qh5 Rf8 22. Qg5+! Kh8

r+l+-tr-mk +R+-vl-+p p+-+-+-+ +-+psN-wQ-+-+-+-+ wq-+n+-+P+P+-zPPzP +-+-tR-mKAfter22....Kh8

12. Nxd5!?

An amazing position! All four of White’s pieces are en prise! But it’s mate in six.

Reshevsky gives his sack “!!.” Although known for his positional

23. Ng6+! hxg6 24. Qh6+ Kg8 25. Qxg6+ Kh8 26. Rbxe7, Black resigned.


51

Cover Story

LEFT: Sammy on what became a Chess Life tradition—his birthday cover. RIGHT: In the December 1946 Chess Review coverage of the U.S. Championship win by Reshevsky, the editors wrote, “No trapeze artist and no tightrope walker was ever more skilled than Sammy in negotiating perilous passages.”

was ecstatic to play the legend. But Igor was lucky to escape losing only 1⁄2-11⁄2 in the 40/2 matchups, calling Sammy “an old fox.” In fact, Sammy won all of his matches, and he played at least four more very strong masters. There was one setback during a Newburgh, New York club tournament when Reshevsky lost on time to expert Ron Nichols. Sammy vehemently claimed “white space” between the flag and 12-o’clock-high mark on the mechanical clock. But there was none anyone else could see. The official-on-the-spot, Jon Fritchley, a mere club TD, held his ground against the insistent legend, who stomped out. But in the end, “Sammy got enough points, barely, to get into the Championship,” Eric recalled. Sammy did well in the Championship in South Bend, Indiana, losing only one game and tying for third with Larry Christiansen and Lubomir Kavalek, behind Walter Browne and Yasser Seirawan. A playoff was arranged in Jacksonville, Florida, for the sought-after third Interzonal spot. The games started late in the evening, requiring the 70-year-old to play into the wee hours. The result was a three-way tie. Christiansen, on tiebreaks, 52


went on to the Moscow Interzonal. “Sammy was a very tough fighter, even at 70,” Christiansen said. And Sammy was still tough three years later as well, tying for first at the 60-player Reykjavik Open. Reshevsky never retired from chess—in fact, he went out very much the way he came in. Nearing 90, he gave a simultaneous exhibition at the 1990 National Open in Las Vegas to a sellout-crowd. A few months later, I saw him, wearing his by-then-trademark Gatsby cap, play IM John Donaldson to a draw in Sammy’s last tournament in America, the U.S. Open in Jacksonville, where he went 7 out of 9. But Sammy ironically played his final tournament in the Soviet Union. In the 1991 Moscow Veterans Tournament, organized on the occasion of Smyslov’s 70th birthday, he characteristically gave no quarter, handing his old adversary his only defeat to keep Smyslov from winning his own special event. On April 4, 1991, at 80, Samuel Herman Reshevsky died of heart failure. Incredibly, given his achievements, he was forced to be a part-time accountant and only a part-time chess champion. To Garry Kasparov, he was “the lone warrior.” Larry

Evans, a member of the generation who waited to take over, wrote the required ending to any recap of Reshevsky’s storied career in This Crazy World of Chess: “Samuel Reshevsky, an Orthodox Jew, never played on his Sabbath. He was America’s greatest star for decades, the touchstone against which my generation measured its progress. Art Bisguier said that we would all beat him in a few more years when he got old. Meanwhile we got old waiting for him to get old.”

.

Resources The definitive work on Reshevsky is the meticulously researched Samuel Reshevsky by Stephen W. Gordon (McFarland & Co., 1997), containing a fascinating mini-essay on each decade of Reshevsky’s life, 1,768 game scores, every crucial crosstable, as well as player and opening indices. The best autobiographical material is found in Reshevsky’s Best Games of Chess, by Samuel Reshevsky (Dover, 1948). Hanon Russell’s complete 1991 interview with Reshevsky is available in the archives of Chess Cafe.com. uschess.org

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53

Back to Basics

What to do after a Blunder

Practical advice for both sides. By GM Lev Alburt

This month’s award goes to 11-year-old Benjamin Barth, who submitted the game he lost in a simul to young master Kassa Korley, plus a few (laconic) comments. The most interesting events occur after the master—two pawns up—blundered a piece. The game was brought to my attention by Renee Yarzig, who has been organizing many events in New York City for almost a decade, among them intergenerational one-day tournaments. Now, to the game. (My future comments will be in italics).

6. c4 dxc4 7. Na3 0-0-0 8. Be3

+kr l r pppqpppp +n+ n + + + +l+ +pP + + N + LNP PP +PPLP R +Q+RK

Queen pawn opening (D02) FM Kassa Korley (2320) Benjamin Barth (583) Simul at the Chess and Checkers House, Central Park, June 6, 2011

After 8. Be3

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. g3

9. Nxc4 g6

r+lqklnr ppp pppp +n+ + + + +p+ + + P + + + + +NP PPP+PP P RNLQKL+R

After 3. g3

Another good move here is 3. c4, transferring into the Chigorin Defense. 3. ... Nf6

I’d prefer to delay this move and to continue immediately with 3. ... Bf5, 4. ... Qd7 (like in the game, one move later), and then either 5. ... 0-0-0 or 5. ... Bh3.

4. Bg2 Bf5 5. 0-0 Qd7

I was preparing to castle on the queenside and also wanted to back up my bishop on f5. 54


8. ... Bh3

Freeing 8. ... e5!? deserves some serious attention.

I was preparing to fianchetto my bishop to g7. First real error. Because of White’s threat of Nf (or Nc)-e5, followed, after the forced ... Qe6, by Qb3 (see the game) Black had to make a concession and to play 9. ... Bxg2 (and, after 10. Kxg2, 10. ... Ng4, or 10. ... e6 or even—if he wants to fianchetto—10. ... g6. 10. Nfe5 Nxe5 11. Nxe5 Qe6

+kr l r ppp pp+p + +qnp+ + + N + + P + + + + L Pl PP +PPLP R +Q+RK

After 11. ... Qe6

The bishop on h3 is keeping my queen on the c8-h3 diagonal.

Ben foresaw, to his great credit, that 12. Bxh3 Qxh3 13. Nxf7 loses to 13. ... Ng4, and checkmate is unstoppable. And it was easy to overlook the master’s brilliant response, 12. Qb3. 12. Qb3 Bxg2 13. Qxe6+ fxe6 14. Kxg2 Rd5

+k+ l r ppp p +p + +pnp+ + +rN + + P + + + + L P PP +PPKP R + +R+

After 14. ... Rd5

Preventing the knight on e5 from moving to f7 and forking both of my rooks. Initially, I was thinking of moving 14. Rd6 but then realized he could still fork both of my rooks with 15. f7. This rook will be cut off from his forces and more likely to get in trouble than to create troubles for White. Better was 14. ... Rg8, also getting out of the fork—but even there White’s superior pawn structure secured him a big edge. 15. f3 Bg7 16. Bf2 Nd7 17. e4 Rb5 18. Nc4

+k+ + r pppnp lp + +p+p+ +r+ + + +NPP+ + + + +PP PP + LKP R + +R+

After 18. Nc4

18. ... Rb4 uschess.org

Threatening the knight on c4. Stronger was the immediate 18. ... Nb6. 19. b3 e5

Well, was there a better move?

20. d5 Nb6

Again, offering a trade.

21. Bc5 Rb5

Hoping he would take my pawn with his knight to break up the center. 22. Nxb6+ axb6 23. Bxe7

+k+ + r +pp L lp p + +p+ +r+Pp + + +P+ + +P+ +PP P+ + +KP R + +R+

After 23. Bxe7

23. ... Bf8

Why give away another pawn? First play 23. ... Re8 and only then, if you wish to, 24. ... Bf8. 24. Bf6 Rg8 25. Bxe5 Bd6 26. Bc3 c6

Trying to get rid of the d5-pawn.

27. e5 Rc5

+k+ +r+ +p+ + +p ppl +p+ + rPP + + + + + +PL +PP P+ + +KP R + +R+

After 27. ... Rc5

28. Bb4

A big, big blunder. After 28. Rac1 White preserved his winning (two pawns up) edge. 28. ... Rc2+ 29. Rf2 Rxf2+

Trapping his bishop on b4. Ben saw his chance and grabbed it— very well! 30. Kxf2 Bxb4 31. dxc6 bxc6 32. Rc1


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

After 32. Rc1

were discovered attack 28. ... Rc2+ and the in-between move 29. ... Rxf2+), and it’s high time for both sides to reassess the position. White—with two potentially connected, passed, well-advanced central pawns—is far from being hopeless, and his play is simple: play f3-f4, bring the king to e4, then play g3-g4 and f4-f5. Black should try to stop this (White’s pawns on e5 and f5) from happening or at least be ready for the ensuing fight. Above all, he must activate his rook (probably on the d-file) and his king. As we’ll see, White knew his objectives while Black didn’t. 32. ... Bc5+ 33. Ke2 Re8

This move makes no sense as it doesn’t fit Black’s plan as outlined in my comments to 32. Rc1. 33. ... Rd8, 33. ... Kd7, or 33. ... Kc7 all would be better here. 34. f4 g5

Trying to get rid of his f4-pawn and eliminate protection for his e5-pawn. In fact, Black is helping White to get his dream, two connected passers. 35. b4 Bxb4 36. Rxc6+ Kb7 37. Rc2 h6

+ +r+ + +k+ + + p + + p + + P p l + P + + + + P P+R+K+ P + + + +

After 37. ... h6

His pawn chain kept me on the defense. Black’s best was 37. ... Bc5 and then 38. ... Kc6, centralizing the king. 37. ... h6 is a pure waste of time—as proven by Black’s own 39th move, where he took on f4. 38. Kd3 Rd8+ 39. Ke4 gxf4 40. gxf4 b5


The dust has settled after White’s piecelosing blunder (for Black: winning tactics uschess.org

A serious error, as White could have won a pawn with 41. Rb2. Also, where is the b-pawn going? In fact, it is now best

placed on b6, to support 40. ... Bc5 and 41. ... Kc6, with the rook coming from behind. 41. e6 Re8 42. Ke5 h5 43. f5 Rd8 44. f6 Bd6+ 45. Kf5 Bb4

+ r + + +k+ + + + +PP + +p+ +K+p l + + + + + + + P+R+ + P + + + +

After 45. ... Bb4

Planning to protect the f8-square. Too late. Black squandered too many tempi and is now lost. 46. e7 Rd5+ 47. Ke6 Rd6+ 48. Ke5 Rd3 49. Ke4 Rd1 50. Re2

The game is over. In fact, Black should have realized this and resigned now (he was mated on move 56). Understanding when there is no practical chance (say, less than one in ten thousand) and resigning— for your own sake, not your opponent’s — is one of the signs of chess maturity. I’m sure young Benjamin will soon learn this, and many other chess wisdoms. After all, he already demonstrated many good chess qualities!

.

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.


55

Endgame Lab

50th World Junior Chess Championship

Even the world’s best youth players must study, practice, and execute endings to reap the rewards. By GM Pal Benko

The most prestigious tournament for players under the age of 20 was held this year over 13 rounds in Chennai, India at the 50th World Junior Championship. Polish GM Dariusz Swiercz and German IM Niclas Huschenbeth tied for first. Our own Ray Robson finished in fourth, though as we’ll see in a bit he was close to an even better finish.

Long run IM Niclas Hushenbeth (FIDE 2521) IM Nicolai Getz (FIDE 2385) 50th World Junior Championship, Chennai, 2011

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

p

p + r + +k+p + p + + + +P+ P + + PKP + + R +

White to play

It is hard to imagine that Black can lose this position. 51. Re4

The more active rook gives White a slight edge. 51. ... Ra4 52. Kf3 Kg6 53. h3 Kf7

Simpler was 53. ... f5 54. Re6+ Kf7 followed by ... Ra3, holding equality. 54. Re2 Ra5 55. Rb2 g5 56. Ke4 Ra4 57. Kf5 Ra5+ 58. Ke4 Ra4 59. f4

Another alternative was 59. g4!?

Kd5!? Re3?!

Too cautious. The natural 64. ... Rxd3+ draws even without the “h” pawn.

65. d4 h4 66. Kc6 h3 67. Rb2 Rd3 68. d5 Kg7 69. d6 Kh6 70. d7 Rc3+??

Chases the white king to a better place. Instead 70. ... Kg5! was still good. For example 71. Rb3 h2 72. Rxd3 h1=Q+ 73. Rd5 Qc1+ 74. Kd6 Qf4+ 75. Ke6 Qe4+ etc. leads to perpetual checks. Or 71. Rh2 Rc3+ 72. Kd6 Rd3+ 73. Ke7 Re3+ 74. Kf7 Rd3 75. Ke7 Re3+ also draws. 71. Kd6 Rd3+ 72. Ke6 Kg5

+

+ + + +P+ + + +Kp + + + +Pk + + + + + +r+ +p R + + + + + + + +

After 72. ... Kg5

73. Rb3!

The decisive turning point; White is winning.

73. ... Rxb3

This move gives the strongest resistance. After 73. ... Rxd7 74. Kxd7 Kxf5 75. Rxh3 wins, while after 73. ... Rd1 74. Rg3+ Kh4 75. Rg8 is the easiest win. 74. d8=Q Re3+ 75. Kf7 Kxf5

If 75. ... h2, 76. Qxf6+ ends matters.

59. ... gxf4 60. gxf4 Ra1

76. Qd7+ Kf4 77. Kxf6 Kg3 78. Qd6+ Kg2 79. Qd2+ Kf3 80. Kg5 Re4 81. Qh2 Rg4+ 82. Kf6

61. f5 Rh1 62. Rb7+ Kg8 63. Kxd4 Rxh3 64.

82. ... Rf4+ 83. Ke5 Re4+ 84. Kf5 Rh4 85. Qh1+ Kf2 86. Kg5 Rh8

At last the black rook also finds a target (the h3-pawn).

56


Faster is 82. Kh5 Rg3 83. Kh4.

+

+

+ r + + + + + + + + + + + K + + + + + + + +p + + k + + + + +Q

After 86. ... Rh8

This allows the white queen to win the rook. Giving the pawn away would have allowed Black to resist longer.

87. Qh2+ Kf1 88. Qf4+ Kg2 89. Qe4+ Kf1

No better is 89. ... Kg3 90. Qe5+

90. Qb1+ Kg2 91. Qb2+ Kg1 92. Qxh8 h2 93. Qd4+ Kg2 94. Qe4+ Kg1 95. Qe1+ Kg2 96. Qe2+ Kg1 97. Kg4, Black resigned.

If 97. ... h1=Q 98. Kg3 Qf3+ 99. Kxf3 Kh1 100. Qg2 mate.

The result of this next endgame by the co-winner is no less surprising.

Theoretical draw!? GM Ivan Salgado Lopez (FIDE 2626) IM Niclas Huschenbeth (FIDE 2521) 50th World Junior Championship, Chennai, 2011

+

+

+

+

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

Black to play

uschess.org

Problem I

Richard Becker ChessStar 2009

Benko’s Bafflers Most of the time these studies resemble positions that could actually over-the-board. You must simply reach a theoretically won or drawn position for White. Solutions can be found on page 79. Please e-mail submissions for Benko’s Bafflers to: [email protected]

Of course this position is a theoretical draw. Usually one extra pawn does not mean much when they are on the same side. Play could continue 94. ... Rg4 95. Rc7 Rg3+ 96. Kc4 Rg4+ 97. Kc5 Rg5+ 98. Kxc6 Rg4! 99. b5+ (The beauty of this is that 99. Kc5 Rxb4! 100. Kxb4 is a stalemate!) 99. ... Kxa5 100. Ra7+! Kb4 101. b6 Rg6+ 102. Kb7 Kb5 leads to a draw. 94. ... c5

This move is not bad but a bit more complicated. 95. Re6+ Kb5??

The losing move. Instead, 95. ... Ka7! 96. b5 (96. bxc5 Ra4 is level.) 96. ... Rb4 is a drawn position because the white king is closed out. After 97. Re7+ Kb8 98. b6 Ra4 (98. ... Rb5? 99. Kc4! wins.) 99. Ra7 Rb4 etc. holds on. 96. Rb6+ Ka4 97. a6 cxb4+

There is no escape. Either 97. ... Rh8 98. b5 or 97. ... Rh3+ 98. Kc4 cxb4 99. a7 Rh4+ 100. Kd3 Rh8 101. Rb8 wins. 98. Rxb4+!

A problem-like motif after which the new queen wins easily against the rook. 98. ... Rxb4 99. a7 Rb3+ 100. Kc2 Rb6 101. a8=Q+ Kb4 102. Qd5 Rb5 103. Qd4+ Ka5 104. Kc3 Rb7 105. Qc5+ Ka6 106. Qc6+

Not 106. Kc4? Rc7 107. Qxc7 with stalemate. 106. ... Rb6 107. Qe8 Rb7 108. Kc4 Rc7+ 109. Kd5 Kb6 110. Qb8+ Rb7 111. Qd8+ Kb5 112. Qe8+ Kb4 113. Kc6 Rb5 114. Qe1+, Black resigned.

A sharp bishop-ending developed on one of the top boards.

The race GM Robert Hovhannisyan (FIDE 2556) GM Ray Robson (FIDE 2560) 50th World Junior Championship, Chennai, 2011 uschess.org

+

K +p + + + + + + + + R+ + + + Pk+ + + + + + + + + + nr +

+

+

+

+

White to play and draw

+ + + + +l+ +p+ p+ +p+pk + + + + +P+p+ P P + P + +P+L+ + + +K+ +

Black to play

Black is better since he can form a protected passed pawn via … e6-e5, ... f7f5-f4.

Problem II

David Gurgenidze ChessStar 2009

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

White to play and draw

+

+

+

+

+ + + + p+l+ +p+ + PLpp+ +P+p+ k P + P + + + + + + +K+ +

After 32. Bd5

27. ... f5

Other alternatives like the simple 27. ... Kg7 or 27. ... g5 would have left White with fewer chances.

Apparently gaining a tempo, but in reality it only forces the white king towards the right direction. After 32. ... Bd7! White is in trouble. For example: 33. Bb7 f4! 34. c6 Bg4+ 35. Ke1 Kg3 wins for Black. White can improve with 33. c6 Bc8 34. Bf7 but either after 34. ... Kg5 or 34. ... Kg3 he is still fighting for a draw.

28. c5 e5 29. Bc4?!

33. Ke2 Kg3

White accepts the challenge, intending to find the most active counterplay instead of the simply stubborn 29. Kd2 or 29. Ke1. The short race has started. 29. ... Kh5 30. Be6

It looks to be too late now for 30. Bf7 because after 30. ... Kxh4 31. Bxg6 (though 31. Be8?! might be enough for a draw) 31. ... f4 32. Be8 a5 33. Bb5 f3 the advance of the f-pawn would win. 30. ... Bc6?!

30. ... Kxh4!? looks a bit better.

31. c4

It was time to think objectively about defense by playing 31. Ke1 f4 32. Kf2 with the idea of blockading on the f2square. 31. ... Kxh4 32. Bd5 (see diagram top of next column) 32. ... Ba4+?

It was time for Black to assure the draw by playing 33. ... Bd7 34. Bb7 Be6! 35. Bxa6 (35. c6 Bxc4+ 36. Kf2 Bd5 37. Ba8 Be6 38. Bb7 Bd5 is a perpetual) 35. ... Kg3 36. c6 f4 37. exf4! (37. c7? f3+ wins) 37. ... exf4 38. c7 and either 38. ... Bg4+ or 38. ... f3+ leads to a draw. 34. c6 g5??

There is no time for this. Possibly 34. ... f4 must be played. Then after 35. Bxe4 g5 36. exf4 exf4 37. c7 Bd7 38. Bb7 f3+ 39. Bxf3 Bc8 it is still a draw. But such long variations are hard to calculate with little time. 35. c7 Bd7 36. Bb7 f4 37. c8=Q Bxc8 38. Bxc8 Kg2 39. c5 f3+ 40. Kd2 f2 41. Bxa6 g4 42. c6 g3 43. c7 Kh2 44. c8=Q g2 45. Qh8+ Kg1 46. Qh3, Black resigned.

Top players cannot afford to lose deaddrawn endings. We can conclude that even the world’s best youth players must study, and practice, endings because sooner or later they will reap the rewards.

.


57

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 September 26 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.

OVERALL STANDINGS NAME

STATE

PTS.

1

GM Tamaz Gelashvili

NY

271.60

2

GM Timur Gareyev

TX

240.66

3

GM Sergey Kudrin

CT

213.82

4

GM Mikheil Kekelidze

NY

194.66

5

GM Aleksandr Lenderman

NY

169.67

6

GM Alexander Shabalov

PA

166.30

7

GM Alejandro Ramirez

TX

142.50

8

GM Alexander Ivanov

MA

138.18

9

GM Melikset Khachiyan

CA

126.33

10

GM Mesgen Amanov

IL

120.76

11

IM Yury Lapshun

NY

101.50

12

IM Enrico Sevillano

CA

91.22

13

GM Julio Becerra

FL

89.75

14

IM Irina Krush

NY

85.92

15

IM Justin Sarkar

NY

76.13

A strong finish in the 2011 World Open has helped GM MESGEN AMANOV maintain his spot in the top 10 of the 2011 Grand Prix.

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2011 CHESSMAGNETSCHOOL.COM JUNIOR GRAND PRIX TOP OVERALL STANDINGS Name

KORBA, NICKY SHUBEN, MATTHEW KUMAR, ARAVIND REEDER, CHARLIE PARKER MIZUSHIMA, DEREK BANERJEE, ABHIMANYU LIANG, ADREAM KOENIG, JAKE CAO, JONATHAN QAZI, RAFEH ATTANAGODA, ISURU ADEEPA VISWANADHA, KESAV YAN, KEVIN WIENER, ALEXANDRA PETERSON, DANTE ROACH, ANDREW CHEN, JASMINE SCHEIN, AARON O MOORTHY, SRINIVAS RAMANUJA ZHONG, HOWARD

State

CA-S CA-S NJ NY MD FL WI MD VA IL VA CA-N NY CT CA-S UT NY NY MD OK

Pts.

10450 8937 7185 6649 6594 6167 5941 5907 5623 5488 5435 5313 5311 5242 5156 5138 5081 4959 4923 4826

Name

PETERSON, GIA NGUYEN, TRUNG ZACK, DANIEL YEN, MICHAEL J CHEN, JUSTIN LU SUN, ABE RIVES, HAL RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS GAN, ERIC OFFERTALER, BENDEGUZ PETERSON, MICK JANNOL, AVI MC VAY, KIERNAN MOON, KYLE GAN, DANIEL LEVKOV, DANIEL SRIVASTAVA, VIKRAM XIANG, JOHN SETIADIKURNIA, SLOAN KADAVERU, AJIT

State CA-S VA NJ NJ MI IL NY VA VA MD CA-S CA-S NJ NY VA NY OH OH WA VA

Pts.

4781 4772 4769 4729 4723 4680 4630 4623 4620 4594 4499 4499 4491 4485 4473 4434 4421 4413 4410 4402

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uschess.org


59

Tournament Life

USCF National Events

Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events

SEE TLA IN THIS ISSUE FOR DETAILS 2011 National K-12 Championship November 18-20 • Dallas, Texas 2011 National Youth Action (West) December 9-11 • Irvine, California

Bids

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

2011 National Youth Action (East) December 9-11 • Miami, Florida

NOW PAST DEADLINE OF JUNE 1, 2010:

2011 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament December 27-30 • Ft. Worth, Texas

2011

2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - South Feb. 17-19 or 18-19 • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2011:

2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North Feb. 17-19 or 18-19 • Northbrook, Illinois

2012

U.S. Junior Chess Congress

2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship West Feb. 18-20 • Santa Clara, California

2012

U.S. Amateur (East, North, West)

FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details)

2012

National Open

2012

U.S. Game 10 Championship

2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship East Feb. 18-20 • Parsippany, New Jersey

2012

U.S. Game 60 Championship

2012 National High School (K-12) Championship April 13-15 • Minneapolis, Minnesota

2012

U.S. Action G/30 Championship

2012

U.S. Class Championship

2012

U.S. Masters Championship

2012

Collegiate Final Four (from 2011 Pan Am Intercollegiate)

2012 U.S. G/15 Championship Feb. 26 • Albuquerque, New Mexico

2012 National Junior High (K-9) Championship April 27-29 • San Diego, California 2012 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 11-13 • Nashville, Tennessee 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship South June 9-10 • Memphis, Tennessee 2012 U.S. Senior Open Championship July 9-14 • Houston, Texas

U.S. Masters

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2012:

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

2013

U.S. Senior Open

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

2013

U.S. Game/15 Championship

2012 National Scholastic (K-12) Nov. 30-December 2 • Orlando, Florida 2013 SuperNationals V April 5-7 • Nashville, Tennessee

DEADLINE JULY 1, 2013: 2014

U.S. Senior Open

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

OVERDUE BIDS

Please contact the National Office if you are interested in bidding for a National Event. The USCF recommends that bids be submitted according to the following schedule. However, bids may be considered prior to these dates. *USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organize the event itself.

ATTENTION AFFILIATES The United States Chess Federation has partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide USCF affiliates with affordable annual liability and short term event insurance. The liability coverage is available for approximately $265 per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insurance. Also available is contents property and bonding insurance. For more information, please go to www.rvnuccio.com/ chess-federation.html.For event insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com.

JUNIOR TOURNAMENT MEMBERSHIPS (JTMS) AVAILABLE USCF’s Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submissions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events. Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF-rated, and the USCF is concerned that the reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF-rated, promoting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause more USCF-rated tournaments to be held. More details on uschess.org. 60


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. uschess.org

See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of USCF members and for informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S. Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having questions concerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work.

allowed! Master simuls and analysis scheduled. , Hyatt Regency, 17900 Jamboree Blvd, Irvine, CA 92614, 949-975-1234, $109 (Single – Quad) reserve rooms by following links at http://chessweekend.com. Enter tournament on line (except Bughouse) at http://chessweekend.com. Checks payable only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF): Mail registrations with name-contact info-grade-birthday-team/school-uscf ID & exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to: Chess Central (Please, no checks payable to USCF), 37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: http://chess weekend.com. $10 service charge for on-site section/roster changes, and all refunds. Bookdealer scheduled.

Effective with TLAs submitted after November 10, 2010, the following additional rules apply to Grand Prix tournaments:

Dec. 9-11, Florida 2011 National Youth Action (East) 9SS, G/30. DoubleTree Miami Mart/Airport Hotel and Exhibition Center, 711 NW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33126, (888) 353-1995, www.doubletree miamimart.com. HR: $129, mention NYA Chess. Four Sections: K-3, K6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $50 by Nov 10; $70 by Nov 20, $85 after. On site registration Friday December 9, 3pm to 9pm. Players registering after that will receive 1/2-point bye in first round. Awards: Individual: 1st-20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards: 1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9: U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th Place in each section. Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Dec 10 at 9:30 am. Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm. Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament – Fri, Dec 9, one section only, K-12, on-site registration only, $20Team, closes at 6:30 pm, Fri, Dec 9. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place. Blitz Tournament, two sections: K-6 and K-12 - Sat, Dec 10, 7 pm. EF:$15 if p/m by Nov 30, $20 after or on site. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section. Team: 1st-10th in each section. GM/IM Simul and Lectures: TBA. Puzzle Solving Contest: TBA. Awards Ceremony for Side Events: Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Ceremony: Sun, December 11, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams allowed! Enter on line (except Bughouse) at www.active.com/ more-sports/miami-fl/national-youth-action-east-2011 or mail registrations to: 305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City, TX 77573. Please make checks payable to Francisco Guadalupe (not USCF). Include Name, USCF ID #, Date of Birth, School or Club Team Name, Grade, and Section. For more information and mailed registration form please email [email protected] or call (713) 530-7820. Participants of NYA, including Side Events, must be current members of USCF.

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 September 2011 Chess Life pg. 49 and 69 or check http://main. uschess.org/ go/tlainfo. Payment can be done online through theTD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess,TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

Nationals Nov. 18-20, Texas 2011 National K-12 Championship 7SS, G/90. Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas,TX. $120 single/double/triple/quad. All guest rooms must be booked online at: www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/D/DFWANHH-CHG-2011 1117/index.jhtml. 13 Sections. Play only in your grade section. November rating supplement will be used. 1/2-point bye available any round (except Round 7) if requested in advance of Rd 1 (Limit one).Team score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team, including ties, will be National Champion for their grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 pm. Rds.: Fri. 1 pm-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm-6 pm, Sun. 9 am-1 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun., approx. 5 pm. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sun. 9:30 am-1:30 pm. K-1 Awards Ceremony Sun. approx. 4:30 pm. EF:$50/participant postmarked or on line by 10/30, $70 postmarked or on line by 11/13, $85 after 11/13, $90 at site; $5.00 extra for all phone registrations; $20 fee for roster or section changes after 11/13 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 am-10 pm & Fri. 8 am-10 am. After 10 am players will have a 1/2-point bye for Rd 1. Awards: Trophies to top 10 individuals & top 5 teams (minimum) in each grade. Class prizes: 1st-3rd place K-1: 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr. 2-6: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. 7-9: 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr. 10-12: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Every player receives a commemorative item! Side Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 8 -10 am, $25/team. Blitz Sections: K-6 and K-12,Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. on site until 4 pm. Blitz EF:$15 by 11/13, $20 after or on site. Blitz Awards: Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Individual: Top 10, Team: K6 Blitz Class Prizes (Top 3): 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. K-12 Blitz Class Prizes (Top 3): 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr. Bughouse Awards:Top 5Teams.Team Rooms are limited. Contact Cody Stewart 931-787-3916 by email: [email protected]. Hotel info: www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/D/DFWANHH-CHG20111117/index.jhtml#hotel Questions: Cody Stewart 931-787-3916. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: K-12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville,TN 38557 or online at http://main.uschess.org/content/view/ 10014/95. Additional information about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings and registration forms: www.uschess.org/tourna ments/2011/k12/. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 9-11, California, Southern 2011 National Youth Action (West) 9SS, G/30. Hyatt Regency, 17900 Jamboree Blvd., Irvine, CA 92614, 949-975-1234, $109 (Single – Quad). Four Sections: K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $50 by 11/10/11 USPS (or $50 on-line by 11/10, 6 pm cst); $70 by 11/20/11 USPS (or $70 on-line 11/10/11, 6:01 pm cst - 11/20/11, 6 pm cst); $85 USPS 11/21-11/30 (or $85 on-line 11/20/11, 6:01 pm cst – 12/8, 6 pm cst); $85 by 12/9/11 6 PM on site (entries after 12/9/11 6 PM 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, 12/10 to be paired. Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Individual: 1st –20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards: 1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9: U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th Place in each section. Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Dec. 10 at 9:30 am. Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm. Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament – Fri, Dec. 9, 6:30 pm. EF:$20 per team ($10 for individuals and we help you create a team). On site registration only. Registration closes at 5 pm, Fri, Dec. 9. One section only, K-12. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place. Blitz Tournament – Sat, Dec. 10, K-6 & K-12, 6:30 pm, $15 postmarked by 11/30/11, $20 on-site ($15 on-line by 11/30/11, 6 pm cst, $20 on-line 11/30/11, 6:01 pm cst - 12/08/11 6 pm cst) Registration closes at 5 pm, Sat, Dec. 10. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section. Team: 1st-10th in each section. Puzzle Solving Contest: Sat. Dec. 10, 6:30 pm, Puzzle Solving Prizes: 1st-5th overall; 1st-5th U1000, EF:USPS: $15 postmarked by 11/30/11 (On-line: $15 until 12/08/11, 6 pm cst) $20 at the site by 5 pm. Awards Ceremony for Blitz/Bughouse/Puzzle Solving: Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Ceremony: Sun, Dec. 11, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams

uschess.org

Dec. 27-30, Texas 2011 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/dfwam-dfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&group Code=paipaia&fromDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink or call 800-2289290 reserve by 12/5 (or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American Chess rate. Free Parking. Tournament Dates: December 27-30, 2011. Intercollegiate Tournament Format: 4 PlayerTeams, up to 2 Alternates, traditional 6 round Swiss Tournament, Game/90 with a 30 second increment. Coach/captain must hand in proposed team roster changes one hour before the beginning of the round. Rounds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: 12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6: 12/30 9 am. Open to: College and University teams (at least two Players) from North and South America including the Caribbean.Teams must supply letter from University stating that the players meet eligibility requirements. Entry Fees: Priority Registration by December 1, 2011 $240 per team. After December 1, 2011 $295 per team. Prizes: 1st place team = $1400, 2nd place team = $800, 3rd place team = $600, 4th place team = $400, 5th place team = $250, Top International Team = $500, Top Division II Team = $400, Top 4 boards = $100 each. Team Trophies or Plaques: Division I Champion 2200 and above, Division II Champ 2000-2199, Division III Champion 1800-1999, Division IV Champion Under 1800,Top 5 teams,Top 3 InternationalTeams,Top four Boars, and Top Alternate. Tournament is Fide Rated but uses USCF rules. For Additional information or online registration go to: www.swchess.com or contact Barbara Swafford, 214-632-9000, [email protected]. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. NS. NC. W. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP. 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. $69 hotel chess rate until cut-off date, 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, 561-479-0875. 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, 2-day: rd.12 G/60. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062. 847-298-2525. $83.00 chess rate single-double-triple-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 on-line 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.chessweekend.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/check-in from 8:009:30am, rds. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Illinois Blitz Championship on Saturday night, $25 received by 2/14 USPS or online (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.chessweekend.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-Clocks for 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 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 inTop 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 8:3010:30pm. 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@ BayAreaChess. 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.

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

1 yr $49 $42 $41 $34 $36 $32 $27 $23 $24 $20 $16

2yr $85 $78 $70 $63 $65 $59 $49 $42 $43 $36 $28

3yr $120 $113 $98 $91 $93 $85 $70 $60 $61 $51 $39

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

**Purchased online only


61

Tournament Life T: 408-786-5515. E: [email protected]. NS, NC, W, F. 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.

Grand Prix Nov. 11-13 or 12-13, Florida Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 10th Annual Turkey Bowl 5SS, G/120, (2-day Option Rd. 1 G/60). Universal Palms Hotel, 4900 Powerline Rd., Ft. Lauderdale. $$6,500 b/200 paid entries, 60% min. Gtd. Open: $1,000/Trophy-600-400-200, U2300 $100. U2100: $500/Trophy300-150, U1950 $100. U1800: $500/Trophy-300-150, U1650 $100. U1500: $500/Trophy-300-150, U1350 $100. U1200: $500/Trophy-300-150, U1050100. U950: Trophies for 1st to 4th, Medals for all others. Unr. may enter Open, U1200 or U950 only. EF:$69 by Nov. 8, $10 more later and on-site, GMs & IMs free ($69 deducted from prize). U950 section $30 by Nov. 8, $10 more later and on-site. Re-entry cash prize sections $35. Reg.: ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10, Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:15, 6:30, Sun. 9:30, 2:30. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req'd before rd. 2. HR: $69 by Cut-off Date, 954-776-4880. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry & add'l info: www.bocachess.com, 561-479-0351. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 11-13 or 12-13, Ohio Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 20th annual Kings Island Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Kings Island Resort, 5691 Kings Island Drive (I-71, 6 mi north of I-275), Mason, OH 45040. Free parking. $$ 30,000 based on 350 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count as half entries); minimum $24,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $3000-1500-800-600-400, 1st on tiebreak $200

bonus, top U2300/Unr $1600-800. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-500400-300. Under 1900: $2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1700: $2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1500: $1800-900-500-300-200. Under 1250: $1400-700-400-300-200. Under 1000: $800-400-300-200-100. Unrated prize limits: U1000 $150, U1250 $300, U1500 $500, U1700 $700, U1900 $900. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF:3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 11/3, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 11/8, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/8 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. EF for all in Under 1000 Section and unrated in Under 1250 Section: all $60 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 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. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Byes: OK all; Open must commit by rd 2, others by rd 3. HR: $64-64, 800-727-3050, 513-398-0115, reserve by 10/21 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & cheapest transportation from Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour. com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 12, Connecticut Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 2011 Greater New Haven Fall Open $$1000 b/30 *Open, U1600, 4/SS, G/60. Rds.: 9-11:30-2-4. Rds.: 1 & 2 accl'rtd prngs. U1200, U1000, U800/UNR 5SS, G/30, Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Hopkins School, 986 Forest Rd., New Haven, CT 06515. www.hopkins.edu/ admissions/directions/. $$GTD: Open: $300, $200, $100, $100, 6x$50. Trophies to top five U1600, U1200, U1000, U800/Unrated.Top 3 ScholasticTeams! EF: $40 by 11/7, $70 at site. Reg.: 8:30-9:30, $5 CSCA Memb. req'd, OSA. Ent: Educational Technologies, PO Box 777, Orange, CT 06477. For more info or register online at www.edutechchess.com or www.CTChess.com. Nov. 13, California, Southern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 LACC - Westwood Fall Open 5SS, G/45. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. 2 sections: Open & U1800; EF:$48 (if received by 11/11), $55 at site; $40 LACC members (if received by 11/11), $45 at site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 am. Rds.: 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, 3:15, 4:45. Byes: Up to two 1/2 pt. byes available. Prizes: $$ 1,500 (b/45 - 50% Guaranteed). 1st-3rd $400-$200-$50 U2200: $125, U2000: $125. U1800: $200-$100; U1600: $100 – Saitek Digital Clock; U1400: $100 - Clock; U1200/unrated: $75 - Clock. Ent: LACC Box 251774, LA, CA 90025. Info: Mick Bighamian: Cell (310) 795-5710; Mick@LaChessClub. com or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking: Free street & BoA Parking; or in the building basement ($3).

Nov. 15, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters! 4-SS, G/30. 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. $$G250-150-100. Prizes to U2400, U2300 and biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 78:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available (Rd 1 or 4 only), request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org. Nov. 17, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. EF:$35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-11050, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! Nov. 19, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 2011 November LVCA Grand Prix 4SS, G/75. Lehigh County Senior Center, 1633 Elm St., Allentown, PA 18102. EF:$40, LVCA/LCSC Members $30. $$450 100% Gtd., $$150-100-50, top U18 $75, top U16/unrated $75. UNRATEDS FREE ENTRY, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two 1/2 pt byes (if declared by round 3). REG.: Ends 10am. RDS.: 10:30-1:00-4:00-6:30. Ent/Info: Check payable: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl. 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018 or 484-866-3045 or [email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. A State Championship Event! Nov. 19, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2011 PA State Game/15 Championship (QC) 7SS, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 2 Sections: Champ: EF:$25 by 11/11, $35 later. $$ (690G): $200100, 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 11/11, $25 later. Trophies to Top 7, 13 U600. ALL: Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 Clubs,Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 11-11:30am. Rds.: 12-12:45-1:30-2:153-3:45-4:30. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286. W. Nov. 19-20, Virginia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 19th David Zofchak Memorial 5SS, G/2. Site: Hampton Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hamp-

42nd annual NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS 6 rounds, Nov 25-27 or 26-27, Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia

$30,000 prize fund guaranteed, 29 trophies!

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6 rounds, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Trophy sections play separate G/65 schedule (rds 1-2 G/50), Nov 26-27. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia PA 19103. 150 GPP (enhanced). In 10 sections:

Unrated may enter U800 to U2200; Unrated age 14/below may enter U600. Student/Alumni trophies to top 5 teams of 4 (any sections) representing any US college, HS, or pre-HS players attend or have graduated from.

Premier: Open to 2000/over & juniors under 18 1800/over. $3000-1500-700400-200, clear/tiebreak win $100, U2400 $1400-700. FIDE rated. U2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. U2000: $2000-1000-500-300-200. U1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. U1600: $2000-1000-500-300-200. U1400: $1400-700-400-300-200. U1200: $1400-700-400-300-200. U1000: Trophies to top 8. U800: Trophies to top 8. U600: Trophies to top 8. No unrated may win over $150 in U1200, $300 U1400, $500 U1600, $700 U1800, or $900 U2000.

Top 7 sections entry fee: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 11/17, all $109 at chesstour.com by 11/21, $115 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/21, $130 at site. U1000, U800, U600 Sections entry fee: $27 mailed by 11/17, $28 online at chesstour.com by 11/21, $35 phoned by 11/21, $40 at site. All: USCF membership required. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry (except Premier) $60. Special 1 yr USCF membership with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. By mail, phone or at site, Adult $40, YA $30, Scholastic $20.


3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, rds Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day U1200/up: Reg. Sat to 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6; Sun 10 & 4:30. Trophy sections: Reg. Sat to 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30, Sun 10, 1, 4. Half pt byes OK all, limit 3, Premier must commit before rd 2, others rd 4. Bring set, board, clock if possiblenone supplied. Nov. ratings used (web unofficial usually used if otherwise unr). Hotel rates: 1-4/room $97, 215-4482000, reserve by 11/11. Parking $10/day with guest room, else $20 (garage next to hotel may cost much less). Entry: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Optional entry form faces inside back cover. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Side events: See chesstour.com or November Chess Life.

uschess.org


ton, VA 23666. EF:$45 if rec'd. by 11/17, else $55. $1000 b/o 30 70% guaranteed: $200-$150-$130; 1500-1800 & Unr. $100-$80: 1200-1499 $100-$80, U1200 $90-$70. Prizes increased above 35 entries. A VCF Cup event. REG.: 9-9:30. RDs.: Sat: 9:45-2:15-7, Sun: 9:30-2:00. MBR: VCF $10/$5 OSA. HR: See website for hotels. Entry & checks: Virginia Chess, c/o Ernie Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. (757) 853-5296. www.vachess.org. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! An American Classic! Nov. 24-27 or 25-27, California, Southern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced) 47th Annual American Open 8SS, 40/2, SD/1. Doubeltree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County. 100 City Dr., Orange, CA 92868. $$50,000 b/o 500 entries, $25,000 gtd. In 6 sections. Open: $5000-2400-1000-300-150, U2400/Unr. $1000-300-150, U2300/Unr. $600-180-150. U2200, U2000, U1800 Each $4000-2000-1000-300-150. U1600 $3000-1500-700-300-150. U1400/Unr: $2500-1000-500-200-150, U1200 $1400-400-150 (not a separate section; U1200s also eligible for U1400 prizes), Unrated: $500-200 (Unrateds in this section eligible for these prizes only). Plus score bonus ($2,000 in chess store gift cards) in addition to any other prizes, every player who finishes with 4-1/2 points or better who didn't place in the money prize wins a $20 gift certificate – redeemable only onsite. EF:$165 if rec'd by 11/12, $20 more after, $50 more for players rated under 2000 playing in Open, U1600 & U1400 save $10, Unrated save $65. All: $50 more at door. No checks at door – cash only, credit card accepted for a $7 fee. SCCF membership $18 required for So Cal residents. 4-day schedule: Reg. closes 11am on 11/24, (Rounds 12:30-7:30, 12:30-7:30, 10:30-5, 10-4:30). 3-day schedule: Reg. closes 9:30am on 11/25, Rounds. 11-2:30-5-8pm (G/60 min), schedules merge in Rd 5 and compete for common prizes. Two byes max with advance notice. CCA minimum ratings and TD discretion used to protect you from improperly rated players. November Rating Supplement used. Lectures and videos. LOW room rates! Five minutes away from Disneyland Theme Park. HR: Mention AAO for $89 single or double, rates may go up after. Call Doubletree (714) 634-4500. Don't be shut out; surrounding hotels in the area may be as high as $199/night; make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the special AAO rates; Doubletree sells out most weekends. Free customer gift bag on check-in. Cutoff for special hotel rate/offer is Oct 26th. Rates may be as high as $119 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 without penalty. Parking only $6. Info: organizing club - Chess Palace 714899-3421, [email protected]. Ent: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 or www.americanopen.org. NS, W, F. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 24-27, Texas Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) TexOhma Open 7SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$1000G. Open: This section is FIDE rated but uses USCF Rules, may use Fide pairing rules. $500-$250-$125, U2300 $125. EF:$65, Juniors (U19)/Senior/Hcap $45, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee if applicable. Registration: Thursday 5:00 pm - 5:45. Rds.:Thurs. 6 pm, Fri. 10 am and 2:16 pm, Sat 10 am and 2:16 pm, Sun 10 am and 2:16 pm. Two Byes allowed if requested before rd 3, but half point byes for rounds 6 AND 7 is not allowed. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not eligible for prizes. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000, [email protected]. NS. NC. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27, 26-27 or 25-26 (class D/E only), California, Northern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) California Super Class Championship 6SS 30/90 sd/60 (2-day rds 1-3 G/60 merge in rd 4), DE all 6SSxG/90. SFO Airport Waterfront Marriott, 1800 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA. Park $1. Hotel $89. Prize: $10,000 b/163 (90% guaranteed). 5 sects. Open (2000+ FIDE rated):1500-700-300-100, top u2300 200-100, top u2100 200-100. A: 1000-500-200-100, top u1900 100. B: 1000-500-200-100, top u1700 100. C: 700-300-200-100, top u1500 100. u1400/unr: 700-300-100, top u1200 400-200-100. 4th place prize in 2 largest sects only. Max unr $300 excp in Open. EF:$99 3-day, $98 2-day, mail by 11/21, online by 11/22, Onsite +$25, Play-up +$20. Re-ent $40. EF Econ Opt: EF-20 & 2/3 calc prize (not avail in Open). GMs/IMs free:prize-EF. Nov 2011 Supp, CCA min & TD disc to place players. Sched: 3-day Reg Fr 10-11, Rds Fr/Sa 11:30-5:30, Su 10-3:30; 2-day Reg Sa 9-9:30, Rds Sa 10-12:302:50-5:30, Su 10-3:30. u1400/unr all: Reg Fri 10-11, Rds Fr/Sa 11:30-3-6:30. Max two 1/2-pt byes, commit bef rd 3. Ent: BayAreaChess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95131. Rfnd fee $20. T: 408.786.5515. E: [email protected], Info: BayAreaChess.com/ tg11. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, Michigan Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) 2011 Motor City Open with Co-Sponsorship from Michigan Chess Festival, LLC. 6-SS (5SS in U1000 Section). 4 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400, U1000. OK to play up. Top Section FIDE-Rated. Prize Fund: $8,000. 80% Guaranteed! TOURNAMENT SITE: CROWNE PLAZA-AUBURN HILLS (Directions and Lodging Info below). All Sections except U1000 have 2-Day & 3-Day Schedules. No Re-Entries in OPEN or U1000 Sections. Up to three 1/2-pt. byes available; must be requested before start of RD 4. Sections merge after RD 3. Unrated eligible ONLY for Overall prizes in ALL sections; can play in any section. USCF and a STATE memberships required; can be purchased on site. EF BY MON., 11/21 (add $10 after): OPEN SECTION: IM's and GM's Free ($100 EF deducted from prize): 3DAY: $103. 2-DAY: $102. No Re-Entries Allowed. U1800 SECTION: 3-DAY: $83. 2-DAY: $82. Re-Entries: $40. U1400 SECTION: 3-DAY: $63. 2-DAY: $62. Re-Entries: $30. U1000 SECTION (1-Day 0nly): $30. TL: OPEN, U1800, U1400 Sections: 3-Day Schedule: 40/120, SD/30. 2Day Schedule: RDS. 1-3, G-45; RDS. 4-6, 40/120, SD/30. U1000 Section: 1-Day Schedule Only: G-30. REG.: 3-Day Schedule: Fri, 11/25, 8:3010:00am. 2-Day Schedule: Sat, 11/26, 8:30-10:00am. RDS.: 3-Day

uschess.org

Schedule: Fri, 12, 6. Sat, 11, 6. Sun, 10, 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: OPEN, U1800, U1400 Sections: Sat, 11, 1, 3, 6. Sun, 10, 3:30. U1000 Section (5-SS): Sat, 11, 1, 2:30, 4, 6. Cell Phone and Headphone Rules Posted at Site. IM or GM Lecture on Sat, 11/26, 5:00-6:00pm ($10). $$8,000 OVERALL (80% guar.), 30 GPP: OPEN: $3,300 (b/46): 1st-2nd3rd, $1,200-$700-$500; TOP U2200, U2000, U1800/UNR: $300 EACH. U1800: $2,400 (b/40): 1st-2nd-3rd, $800-$450-$300; 1st-2nd, U1600, $250-$175; 1st-2nd U1400/UNR, $250-$175. U1400: $1,750 (b/40): 1st-2nd-3rd, $450-$350-$250; 1st-2nd U1200, $225-$125; 1st-2nd U1000/UNR, $225-$125. U1000: $550 (b/24): 1st-2nd-3rd, $200-$120$80; T0P U800, U600/UNR, $75 EACH. Biggest Upset in Each section: Choice of Mechanical or Quartz Clock! Chief Sr. TD: Ed Mandell. Bring boards, pieces, clocks! Directions & Lodging: CROWNE PLAZAAUBURN HILLS, 1500 Opdyke, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, located off I-75 at Exit 79 (University Drive).Turn left over overpass, right at the first light (Opdyke). Go 1/2 block down. Go online at www.cpauburnhills.com for reservations or call toll-free at 1-800-593-5434. Ask for MCO chess rate ($79) by 11/14 for this great rate! Info, Ent: Ed Mandell (586) 5584790, All The King's Men Chess and Brain Games, 27170 Dequindre Rd., Warren, MI 48092. Fax (586) 558-2046. Ed's Cell (248) 635-2375. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.allthekingsmenchess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, Missouri Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Open 6SS, G/120(2-day option Rds 1-3 G/65). Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF:3 day $99 if received by 11/20. $119 at site. 2 day $98 if received by 11/20. $118 at site. 3 Sections: (Open, U1800, U1400) PF: $10,050 Unconditionally Guaranteed!! Open Section: $1,600-$1,000-$600-$400 U2200: $500-$300. U2000: $450-$250. U1800 Section: $1,000-$500-$300. U1600: $450-$250. U1400 Section: $1,000$400-$300. U1200: $250-$150. U1000: $225-$125. Unrated players may play in any section but are only eligible to win place prizes. 3 day schedule Reg: Fri. 11:00-12:30 Rds.: Fri 1, 6 Sat 1, 6 Sun 10, 3. 2 day schedule Reg: Sat. 8-8:45 Rds.: Sat: 9, 12, 3, 6. Sun: 10, 3. Schedules merge after Round 3. Re-entry: $60 (not available in Open Section) Top 3 overall qualify for 2012 Club Championship.Three 1/2 point byes available if declared before Round 1. Hotel (ask for chess rate): Chase Park Plaza Hotel 1-877-587-2427, $159/night. Parkway Hotel 314-256-7777, $97/night. Water Tower Inn 314-977-7500, $70/night. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org. Info: 314-361-CHESS [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27, Oklahoma Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 3rd Thanksgiving FIDE Open 8-SS, G/90 + 30 sec, $$G 2,400. Quality Inn-Stillwater, 2515 W. 6th Ave. (Hwy-51), Stillwater, OK 1-405-372-0800. HR: 68-68. Wi-Fi, EF:Open: $55, Reserve: $30 (deduct $10 only if ck postmarked before Nov 22): OCF $10 required OSNA. Two Sections: Open (FIDE): Gtd 1st 500, 300, 200, X: $200 A: $200-100, B: $200, C: $200, D: $100. Reserve: U-1350 1st $100, Other class prizes per entrees; Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds at 10-2:30-7, 102:30-7, 9-1:15. 2 half pt byes rds 1-6, FIDE (Open), LS, W, Free Parking. Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74074. [email protected], 405 372-5758. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! An American Classic! Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 42nd annual National Chess Congress

6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Trophy sections play separate 2-day schedule only, 11/26-27, (not 27-28), G/65 (rds 1-2 G/50). Sheraton Hotel Philadelphia City Center, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $30,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. In 10 sections. Premier, open to all rated 2000/above and juniors under 18 rated 1800/above. $30001500-700-400-200, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, U2400/Unr $1400-700. FIDE. Under 2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 2000: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1600: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1400-700-400-300-200. Under 1200: $1400-700-400-300-200. Under 1000: Trophies to top 8. Under 800:Trophies to top 8. Under 600: Trophies to top 8; unrated age 15/over may not enter Under 600. Unrated may not win over $150 in U1200, $300 in U1400, $500 in U1600, $700 in U1800, or $900 in U2000. Student/Alumni trophies to top 5 teams of 4 (regardless of section) representing any U.S. college, HS or pre-HS players attend or have graduated from. Top 7 sections entry fee: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 11/17, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 11/21, $115 phoned by 11/21 (406-896-2038, no questions), $130 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. Re-entry $60, not available in Premier. Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600 entry fee: $27 mailed by 11/17, $28 online at chesstour.com by 11/21, $35 phoned by 11/21 (406-896-2038, no questions), $40 at tmt. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Mailed EF $3 less to PSCF members. 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. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 11 am, rds. Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day top 7 sections schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600 schedule: Reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat 10, 12:45 & 3:30, Sun 10, 1 & 4. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit 3, Premier must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $97-97-97-97, 215-448-2000, reserve by 11/11 or rate may increase. Parking at hotel $10/day with guest room, $20 without; garage next to hotel may be about $10. Car rental: 800331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 845-4969658. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27, Tennessee Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 52nd Mid-South Open 5SS, G/120, $1,200 Prizes based on 60 entries. Greater Memphis Chess Center, 5796 Shelby Oaks Dr., Suite 11, Memphis, TN 38134. EF:$40 ($35 for MCC and GMCC members). Prizes: 1st $450, 2nd $300, 3rd $150,Top U1800, U1600, U1400: $100 each. Rounds: 3-day option: Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, Sun 9am & 2pm. 2-day option: Sat 9am, 2pm & 7pm; Sun 9am & 2pm. Register online: www.memphischess.com or by mail: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. Onsite registration: Fri 5:30-6:30pm or Sat 7:30-8:30am. TD: gpylant@ gmail.com, (901) 359-8616. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, Washington Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 Washington Class Championships 6SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-Day Option, Rds. 1-3, G/60), $6,000 Guaranteed. Free entry for GMs, IMs, WGMs. Seattle Airport Marriott, 3201 South 176th St., Seattle, WA 98188. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seawa-seattleairport-marriott. HR: $95-95 until 11/13. 206-241-2000, Group Code: CHECHEA. 7 Sections, MASTER (2200/up), FIDE Rated, $500-350-200 (U2300: $150), EXPERT (2000-2199), FIDE Rated, $400-300-175 (U2100: $125), CLASS A (1800-1999), $300-250-150 (U1900: $100), CLASS B (1600-1799), $300-250-150 (U1700: $100), CLASS C (1400-1599), $300-

NEW ENGLAND SENIOR OPEN and NEW ENGLAND AMATEUR December 9-11 or 10-11, Windsor Locks CT $2000 PROJECTED PRIZES IN EACH EVENT 5 rounds, Sheraton Hotel at Bradley Airport, between Hartford and Springfield. $87 room rates. Senior is open to all age 50/over; Amateur has two sections, U2200 and U1700. All offer choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule. Senior: Projected prizes $600-300-200, top Under 2010/Unr $300, Under 1810/Unr $250, Under 1610/Unr $200, Under 1410 $150. Amateur Under 2200: $400-200-100, top Under 1950 $250-150. Amateur Under 1700: $300-200-100, top Under 1450 $180-120, no unrated may win over $150.

CONCURRENT EVENT: New England Scholastics. See Tournament Life announcement under “Connecticut.” FOR FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue.


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Tournament Life 250-150 (U1500: $100), CLASS D (1200-1399), $300-250-150 (U1300: $100), CLASS E (U1200 & Unr), $150-125-100, (U1000: $75, U800: $75, Unrated: $75). Unrated players may only win 1st-3rd in MASTER or Unrated prize in CLASS E. Foreign ratings used for players with no USCF rating. EF:MASTER $90, EXPERT $85, CLASS A to D $80, CLASS E $75. Deduct $10 if postmarked or online by 11/18. Deduct $20 if postmarked or online by 10/28. Rated players may play up one class only, add $25 to EF. Special Medal Only EF:$30 Juniors U21. 3-Day Schedule: Registration Fri (11/25) 8-9am. Rds.: Fri 10am & 5pm, Sat 10am & 5:30pm, Sun 9:00am & 3pm. 2-Day Schedule: Registration Sat (11/26) 8-9am. Rds.: Sat 9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Bye: limit 2, request before end of Rd. 2. Memb. Req'd: $25 ($17 juniors). OSA. ENT: Checks payable to Washington Chess Federation. Mail to: Eddie Chang, c/o Warring Properties, 787 Maynard Ave. S, Suite C, Seattle, WA 98104-2987. Enter online: www.nwchess.com/OnlineReg istration. Info: [email protected], 425-922-7136. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 2-30, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Queens December Open 5-SS, G/120. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432. EF:$35, $30 QCC. $$200-$100 guaranteed to top 2, more per entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes ok with advance notice (byes for Rounds 4 and/or 5 must be declared before Round 3) REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT (mail by 11/26): Ed Frumkin, 445 E 14th St #10D, NYC 10009 (212-677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on Fri). Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 3, Massachusetts Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Harry Nelson Pillsbury Memorial 4SS, G/60. Leominster Veteran's Center, 100 West St., Leominster, MA. $$1,400 b/50 fully paid entries ($20 off entries count half), 75%G. In 3 sections. Open: $350-150, U2100 $150. U1900: $200-100, U1700 $100. U1500: $150-100, U1300 $100. Unrated may not win more than $100 in U1500 or $150 in U1900. EF:$39 postmarked by 11/28 or online by 12/1, $45 at site. $20 off to players rated under 1100 in U1500 section and to unrated. GMs and IMs free. No credit cards at site (cash or check OK). Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Bye: 1-4 with entry, limit 1. MACA memb. required for MA residents ($12 adult, $6 jr. U18, add $8 (optional) for Chess Horizons subscription.) Ent: Online at www.Mass Chess.org or mail check (payable to MACA) to Bob Messenger, 4 Hamlett Dr. Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062. Info: email to [email protected] or phone 603-891-2484. NS. NC. W. Dec. 3-4 or 4, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Marshall December Grand Prix! 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF:$50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105, U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, Rds. 12:305:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/30) 10-11:15AM-12:30-5:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 11, New Jersey Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Open Championship Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. Open To All Ages With Rating >1400. 4SS, G/60 USCF Memb Req'd Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100. Best U13 Yrs Old $75, Best O65 Yrs Old $75. Prize Fund Not Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 AM. Only one requested 1/2 pt bye allowed if requested before the start of rd two. EF Adv (pmk. By Dec 7th) $40 AT Site $45 GMs Free Entry. Info 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741. www.icanj.

net. Email: [email protected]. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Memb cks payable to: International Chess Academy. Mail to: DianaTulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. Dec. 17, North Carolina Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Tobacco Road Action Chess Tournament 7-SS, G/30. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF:$25 (rec'd by 12/16)/$30 at site. Prizes: $$800 b/40, OPEN: GTD$ 1st/2nd) $200-$100-$50, A,B,C,D,u1200 $90 ea. Unrateds will be assigned rating for prize purposes after round 6. Up to 3 1/2-pt. byes for players rated over 1800, two for all others. Must request upon entry. Reg.: 900950. Rds.: 1000-1110-1220-230-340-450-600. NCCA req'd OSA. Info: http://chesstract.info. Jeff Jones (919) 270-9948. RaleighChess@yahoo. com. Dec. 20, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Marshall Masters! 4-SS, G/30. Third Tuesday of every month. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring over 50% in any MCC Open or U2300 tournament since the prior month's Masters). EF:$40, members $30, GMs free. $$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. Dec. 22, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-11050, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! An American Classic! Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 21st annual North American Open (note reduced hotel rates) 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Bally's Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89103. $$ 120,000 based on 600 paid entries. Seniors, re-entries & GMs count as half entries, unrateds in U1250 or U1500 as 1/4, else in proportion; $90,000 minimum (75% each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak bonus $200, top Under 2500/Unr $2500-1200. FIDE. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900800-600-500-400-400. Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000-1200- 900-800-600500-400-400, no unrated may win over $2500. Under 1900: $70004000-2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1800. Under 1700: $6000-3000-1600-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1200. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1400-1000800-700-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $800. Under 1250: $4000-2000-1300-900-700-600-500-400-300-300, top Under 1000 $1000, no unrated may win over $400. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 12/11 list may not win over $1500 U1250, $2500 U1500 or U1700. Games rated too late for 12/11 list not counted. 2) If official rating was more than 30 points over section maximum any month 12/10-11/11, prize limit $1500. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF:4-day $244, 3-day $243 mailed by 10/15, 4-day $274, 3-day $273 mailed by 12/15. Online EF: $245 at chesstour.com or entry.cc by 10/15, $275 by 12/20, $300 12/21 until two hours before round 1. Phoned EF:$280 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/20 (no questions). No phone entry after 12/20. EF at site: $300. Spe-

38th annual Eastern Open 38th annual Eastern Open

DecemberDecember 27-3027-30 at Washington Westin at Washington Westin Hotel Hotel

$16,500 prize prizes $16,500 fund; prize fund;over over 6060 prizes awardedawarded 7-Round Swiss in 4 Sections: Open Section prizes guaranteed. Remaining prizes based on 200 entries. Open Section: $2,000-1,250-650-350 U2350: $500-250 FIDE Rated Under 2200 Section: $1,000-750-500-250 U2100: $500 U2000: $500 Under 1900 Section: $1,000-750-500-250 U1800: $500 U1700: $500 Under 1600 Section: $1,000-500-250-150 U1450: $250 U1300: $250 U1150: $250 U1000: $250 Special Prizes: Upset, Best Played Game, Brilliancy, and Best Opening Innovation. $1,600 in prizes. 4- & 3-day Schedules Time Control: 4-day schedule = 40/2, SD/1. 3-day option = G/60 for rds 1-3. Warmup Tourney: 12/27, 4 rds, $2,500, Open/U1800 sections. Blitz Championship: 12/28, $1,200. For Full Details: See Grand Prix section of TLA in this issue or easternopenchess.com.

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cial EF:Seniors 65/over except unrated in U1250 or U1500, $130 less. Re-entry $120; not available in Open Section. GMs $150 from prize. EF for unrated in U1250 or U1500: 4-day $54, 3-day $53 if mailed by 12/15, $55 online at chesstour.com by 12/20, $60 phoned by 12/20 (406-8962038, entry only, no questions), $70 at site. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. 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. 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds 12/26 6 pm, 12/27 11 & 6, 12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rds 12/27 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, 12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. Bye: all, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: Rate lowered to 65-65 for Dec. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, $95 Dec. 24, 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase if not reserved by 11/22, all rooms in chess block may sell out about 11/7. Free parking (garage at adjacent Paris Las Vegas Hotel is most convenient). Car rental: for special Avis rate reserve car through chesstour.com or call 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. 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: December list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or more and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission, and must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. Blitz & Quick side events to be announced. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 27, District of Columbia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Eastern Open Warmup Tourney 4-Rd-SS. TC: G/45. $2,500 in Prizes based on 60 entries. 2 Sections – Open Section: $400-200-100, U2200 $200-100, U2000: $200-100. Under 1800 Section: $400-200-100, U1500 $200-100, U1200 $200. On-Site Reg:Tues 12/27: 9-10:15am. Rds.: 12/27: 10:30, 1pm, 2:45, 4:30. Entries: $50 if postmarked by 12/19. Entries $65 at site! $10 service charge for refunds. Make checks or money orders payable to: Eastern Open. Mail entries to Tom Beckman, PO Box 42225, Washington DC 20015-2225. See Eastern Open TLA this issue or easternopenchess.com for details. A Heritage Event! Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 30th annual Empire City Open 6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). New Yorker Hotel, 481Eighth Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NY 10001. $10,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 5 sections. Open: $1000-500-300-150, clear or tiebreak 1st $50, top 2200-2299 $500, top U2200/Unr $500. FIDE. Under 2100: $800-400-200-100, top U1900 $500. Under 1800: $800-400-200100, top U1600 $400. Under 1500: $700-400-200-100, top U1300 $300. Under 1200: $600-300-150-100, top U1000 $250. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1200, $300 U1500, or $500 U1800. EF:3-day $98, 2-day $97 if check mailed by 12/18, $99 online at www.chesstour.com by 12/23, $105 phoned by 12/23 (406-896-2038, no questions), $120 at site. No mailed credit card entries. GMs free ($90 from prize). EF for unrated in U1200 or U1500: $50 less. All: Re-entry $50, not available in Open. No checks at site, credit cards OK. 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 at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 3Day Schedule: Reg. ends Tue 10:30 am. Rds. Tue 11 & 6, Wed 11 & 6, Thu 10 & 4:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Wed 9:30 am. Rds. Wed 10, 12:45, 3:15 & 6,Thu 10 & 4:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, Open must commit before rd. 2, others before rd 4. HR: $229229, 1-800-764-4680, 212-971-0101, reserve by 5 pm 12/13 or rate will increase, ask for Continental Chess Association rate. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-569-9969. Advance entries posted at www.chesstour.com. Bring set, clock, boardnone supplied. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 27-30, District of Columbia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced) 38th Annual Eastern Open 7 round-SS. TC: 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-3, G/60). Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel, 1400 M St. NW, Washington, DC. $16,500 prize fund! Over 60 prizes! Open section prizes guaranteed, others based on 200 entries. 4 Sections – Open Section: $2,000-1,250-650350, U2350 $500-250. FIDE Rated. Under 2200 Section: $1,000-750-500250, U2100 $500, U2000 $500. Under 1900 Section: $1,000-750-500250, U1800 $500, U1700 $500. Under 1600 Section: $1,000-500-250-150, U1450 $250, U1300 $250, U1150 $250, U1000 $250. For UR prize limits, see Web site. Special Prizes! Winners selected from any section. Upset: For each rd: $50-25 & 2 book prizes. Max 2 prizes per player. Best Played Game: $250-125-75. Brilliancy: $100-75-50. Opening Innovation: $100-75-50. Selected winning games, positions, and openings must be annotated and will be submitted for publication in Chess Life. 4-Day Reg.: Tues 12/27: 4-6:30pm. Rds.: 12/27: 7pm, 12/28-30: 10-5. Make Metro connections after evening rds. 3-day Reg.: Wed 12/28: 3-5pm. Rds.: 1-3: Wed 12/28: 5:30pm, 7:45, 10:00. Byes available any rd but rds 4-7 must commit before rd 3 and are irrevocable. Limit 2 byes for class prizes. Free Lecture on 12/27 4-6pm. Warmup Tourney: 12/27, 10:306pm, see TLA this issue. Blitz Championship: 12/28 at 10:30pm, see TLA this issue. HR: Only $79!! To reserve, go to easternopenchess.com or call 888-627-9035 by 12/15. Entries: If postmarked by Dec 19: Open $125; U2200 $120; U1900 $110; U1600 $100; U1300/UR $85. Entries $25 more at site! Reentry $100 and limited to rounds 1-3. GMs: free entry, but $125 deducted from prize; IMs: $65 advance entry, but $60 deducted. $10 service charge for refunds. No credit cards. Make checks or

uschess.org


money orders payable to: Eastern Open. Mail entries toTom Beckman, PO Box 42225, Washington, DC 20015-2225. For entry forms and info, easternopenchess.com or [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 28, District of Columbia Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC) 5-Rd Double Swiss. TC: G/5. In One Section: $1200 in prizes based on 40 entries. Open $350-250-100, U2200 $150; U1900 $150; U1600 $100; U1300 $100. EF:$35 if postmarked by 12/19. $45 at site, only cash entries. On-Site Reg: At any time during tournament and 12/28 until 10:15pm. Rds begin at 10:30pm promptly and successive rds posted as soon as ready. For late entry, one bye allowed for two-1/2 points. Higher of USCF and Quick used for pairings and prizes. See Eastern Open TLA this issue or easternopenchess.com for details. Dec. 29, Nevada Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) North American Blitz (QC) 5-SS, G/5 (double round, 10 games). Bally's Las Vegas (see North American Open). $$G 2500. In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-150, top U2300/Unr $240-120, U2100 $220-110. Under 1900: $300-150-100, top U1700 $180-100, U1500 $150, U1300 $80. EF:$40, no checks, enter at site only. Quick-rated, but higher of regular or quick USCF rating used for pairings, prizes. Reg. ends 10:15 pm, rds. 10:45-11:30-12:15-12:45-1:15. Bye: 1. A Heritage Event! Dec. 31, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Your Last Blunder Of 2011! Ring In The New Year With An Annual NY Tradition - Now In its 25th Year!! 5-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., between 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF:$40, Club membs. $30, GMs free ($25 from prize). $$1,000 b/50 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-100, top U2200/unr. $150, U2000 $130, U1800 $120. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-1:30-2:45-4-5:20 pm. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 12/29. Phone entry a Big Mistake! Dec. 31-Jan. 1, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Chessaholics Anonymous New Year's Eve Insanity Championship!! 10-SS, G/30. Frankie Jay's Speakeasy Center of NY, 23 West 10 Street, between 5-6th Ave, "just 12 steps from the Street," NYC: 212-477-3716. EF:$40, Club membs. $30, $5 less to 12/31 "Last Blunder of 2011" entries, free to player rejoining USCF after longest membership lapse (minimum 1 year). Top 5 prizes guaranteed, others b/60 paid entries: $$199-101-48-1-1, top rated 1960-2189, 1776-1958, 1492-1775, Under 1492 each $102. Bonus Prizes: $29 to best score with 1. g4 or 1...g5! $50 to best combined score in 12/31 Last Blunder + Insanity (15 games), $60 to best combined score in both events rated Under 1960 (limit of 4 byes total in both events may count towards bonus prizes). Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: Best male/female duo combined score (must declare by 9 pm): $100-99, $1.99 to TD with stupidest question. Reentry $13.95, counts 0.454-entry. Limit 4 byes in rds. 1-7. Reg. ends 19 min. before game. Rds. 8:01-9:19-10:29 pm-12:09-1:23-2:34-3:45-4:56-6:167:34 am. Phone entry ridiculous. Proper attire appreciated. Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Texas Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) DCC Insanity 10-double SS (Play white and black against each opponent). G/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottownwood Dr., #C, Richardson, TX 75080. EF:$49 ($34 Jr/Sr/Hcap), plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. House players welcome for $1 per game. Reg.: 11:45-12:10 pm. Round 1 at 12:30 pm rest ASAP with hour breaks at around 6:30 pm, 12:30 am and 7:30 am. 4 (double) rounds of 1/2 point Byes allowed. Byes for rounds 9 and 10 must be requested before round 6. $$ 350 GTD, $200-$100$50, class prizes based on entries. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000, [email protected], www.dallaschess.com. NS. NC. Dec. 31-Jan. 2 or Jan. 1-2, California, Northern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced) New Year Open 6SS 30/90 sd/60 (2-day rds 1-3 G/60 merge in rd 4). Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA. Hotel $79! free parking. $6,000 b/97 (80% guar). 3 sects. Open (2000+ FIDE rated): $Gtd 1000-500-200, top u2300 200-100, top u2100 100-100. 1500-1999: 700-300-100, top u1800 400-200, top u1600 200-100. Under1500: 700-300-100, top u1300 300200, top u1100 100. Unr max $200 except in Open. EF: $99 3-day, $98 2-day mail by 12/27, online by 12/28, Onsite +$25, Play-up +$20. Reentry $40. EF Econ Opt: EF-20 & 2/3 of calc prize (not avail in Open). GMs/IMs free: prize-EF. Dec 2011 Supp, CCA min &TD discr to place players. Sched: 3-day Reg Sat 10-11, Rds Sa/Su 11:30-5:30, Mo 10 3:30; 2-day Reg Su 9-9:30, Rds Su 10-12:30-2:50-5:30, Mo 10-3:30. Max two 1/2-pt byes & commit bef rd 3. Ent: BayAreaChess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95131. Rfnd fee $20. T:408-786-5515. E: [email protected], Info/Form: BayAreaChess.com/ny12. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 6-8, Maryland Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 2012 Chesapeake Open 5SS, 40/100, SD/45 inc/30, (Rnd 1 G/90 inc/30) (2-day schedule: rds 12 G/45 inc/30) U1400 & U1100 G/120 d/5(2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d/5). Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. $$Based on score. 6 sections: Open (min. rating of 1800) FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1500, 4.5 =$700, 4.0=$350, 3.5=$150 [min $1500 total payout, top score group raised if less than $1500] top Expert=$145. U2000 & U1800: 5.0= $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0= $300, 3.5= $100. U1600: 5.0= $1000, 4.5 = $500, 4.0= $250, 3.5= $100. U1400 & U1100: 5.0 =$500, 4.5 =$250, 4.0 =$125, 3.5 =$50. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1100, $200 U1400, or $300 U1600. Sets and board provided. Clocks provided in

uschess.org

the Open section. Optionally, pairings can be texted to your phone. Free Sunday morning continental breakfast for players. Free parking for day guests. EF:$90 by 12/21, $100 by 1/3, and $105 online only by 1/5, $110 at the door. Special EFs: $35 less for U1400 & U1100, GMs free, $50 deducted from prize, IMs $45 off entrance fee, $20 deducted from prize. HR: $75, limited number of free rooms Sat. night for GMs. Room rate not avail after 12/30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&6, Sun 9&3. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds11, 2:15&6, Sun 9&3. 3-day schedule for U1400 & U1100: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&3:30, Sun 9&1:00. 2-day schedule for 1400 & U1100: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds 11, 1:15 & 3:30, Sun 9&1:00. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd, Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information and registration at http://thechesapeakeopen.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Texas Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 2nd annual Austin Chess Club Championship 5SS, G/90+60sec increment (2-day option, Rd.1 G/90+5sec delay). Bridge Center of Austin, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin,TX 78752.Total entries limited to first 130 registrants due to limited playing space. Prize Fund: $3,350 unconditionally guaranteed! In 3 sections: Championship (1800+), Reserve (1500-1799), and Booster (U1500). May play up one section. EF:$45 in the top 2 sections, $35 for Booster players if postmarked or online by 12/15, $15 more thereafter/site. Online Registration preferred. No Credit Cards onsite. PRIZES: Championship: $600-300-200, U2200 $250-100, U2000 $200-100.Top ACC member is the Austin Chess Club Champion! Reserve: $400-250-150, U1600 $100. Booster: $250-150-100, U1300 $100, U1100 $100. Unrateds placed at TD's discretion, may only win place prizes. 3-day Schedule: Onsite Registration Friday 01/06 6-7pm, Rounds: 01/06 7:30pm, 01/07 1pm, 7pm, 01/08 9:30am, 3:30pm. 2-day Schedule: Onsite Registration Saturday 01/07 8-8:40am, Rounds: 2-day Rd. 1 01/07 9am, then merges with 3-day. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before the end of Rd. 2. ENT: online at www.austinchessclub.com. Mail entries to AustinChessTournaments. com, P.O. Box 1386, Round Rock, TX 78680. INFO: Lori Balkum Lori. [email protected], tel: 512-417-9008, www.Austin ChessClub.com. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 7-8 or 8, New York Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Marshall January Grand Prix! 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF:$50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105, U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, Rds. 12:305:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/30) 10-11:15AM-12:30-5:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 13-15 or 14-15, Florida Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 Central Florida Class Championships 5SS, G/120 (2-day: Rd.1 G/60). DoubleTree Hilton Orlando Downtown, 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. $$7,000/b130, 70% Guaranteed. 6 Sections: Mast/Exp: $1000-400-200, U2200 $250. Class A: $600-300, U1900 $150. Class B: $600-300, U1700 $150. Class C: $600300, U1500 $150. Class D: $600-300, U1300 $150. U1200: $500-300, U1000 $100, U800 $50. Rated players may play up one class only. Unrateds limited to $70 unless Place prize in Mast/Exp. EF:3-day $75, 2-day $74 by Jan 2, both $80 later and on-site. Re-entry $40. $15 less to students in grades K-8 in U1200 section. CFCC memb discount: $10 ($5 for Jr/Sr memb). Trophies to top in each section (& Class X) also Class F, G, H, I, J & Unr in U1200 having more than one entry.Trophies and titles lim-

ited to Florida residents. Reg.: ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rd.1: 8pm Fri (2-day: 10am Sat at G/60). Rds.: 2-5: Sat 1 & 6, Sun 9 & 2. 1/2 pt. byes if req'd before rd. 2 (max 2). HR: $89 (No Resort Fee) (407) 425-4455; (Mention "Chess"); or at http://tinyurl.com/Jan2012Hotel. (24-hr Cancellation or Checkout penalty.) Reserve by Dec 23. Hot Breakfast Buffet at $5/person/day with room at checkin. Complimentary parking, Fitness Center, and Internet with sleeping rooms. Other covered Day parking available at $5 per day. Ent: CFCC, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751; or online: 2012CFclass.eventbrite.com by Jan 11. Info: 407-629-6946 or www.centralflchess.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, California, Northern Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced) 3rd annual Golden State Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). No 2-day Open Section. Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord, CA 94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART station, free parking, many restaurants within walking distance. Prizes $30,000 based on 290 paid entries (re-entries & $70 off entries count as half entries), minimum guarantee $21,000 (70% of each prize). In 5 sections. Open, open to all. $2000-1200-800-700-600500, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300/Unr $1000-500, top U2200/Unr $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-1000-800-600-500400, top U1900 $800-400. Under 1800: $1500-1000-800-600-500-400, top U1600 $800-400. Under 1500: $1200-800-600-500-400-400, top U1300 $700-400. Under 1200: $1200-800-600-500-400-400, top U1000 $500. Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with maximum prize U1200 $300, U1500 $500, U1800 $700, EF:4-day $129, 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 1/5, all $130 online at chesstour.com by 1/10, $135 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/10 (entry only, no questions), $150 at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to unrated in U1200 or U1500 section. All: Special 1 yr 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 (except Open) $60. Mailed EF $5 less to CalChess members. 4-day schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9:30 am, rds Sun 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:45 pm & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 4:30 pm. No 2-day Open Section. Byes: OK all, limit 3, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player ratings: See chesstour.com. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 12/30 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia, CA 91066. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Pennsylvania Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 44th annual Liberty Bell Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/70; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/35). No 5 minute deduction for delay clocks. U900 Section plays 1/15-16 only, G/35, no 5 minute deduction. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section or unrated count as 1/3, U1100 & U1300 2/3, GMs 1/2), else in proportion, except minimum 70% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006 to 2011, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected prize fund was increased in proportion. In 9 sections. Open: $17001000-500-300-200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2400

CONTINENTAL AMATEUR in BOSTON Jan 6-8 or 7-8, Hyatt Harborside Hotel- $79 rooms!

$10,000 PROJECTED PRIZES for UNDER 2250 Luxurious hotel at Boston’s Logan Airport (free shuttle), dramatic view of Boston harbor and downtown, soundproof guestrooms, adjacent to Water Taxi (7 minutes to downtown). FREE PARKING and GREATLY REDUCED ROOM RATES of $79! 5 rounds, prizes $10,000 based on 200 paid entries. Group 1, open to 1900-2249. $1000-500-300-200, top U2100 $400-200. Group 2, open to 1600-1949. $1000-500-300-200, top U1800 $400-200. Group 3, open to 1200-1649 or unrated. $1000-500-200-100, top U1500 $400-200. No unrated may win over $500. Group 4, open to under 1350 or unrated. $600-300-200-100, top U1200 $300-150. No unrated may win over $300. Group 5, open under 1050 or unrated. $300-150-100, trophy to first 5, top U900, U700, U500, Unrated. No unrated may win over $100. FULL DETAILS: see “Massachusetts” this issue or chesstour.com.


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Tournament Life $800. FIDE. Under 2300: $1000-600-400-300-200. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500: $900-500-400-300-200. Under 1300: $600-300-200-150-100. Under 1100: $600-300-200-150100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $200 in U1100, $300 U1300, $500 U1500, or $700 U1700. Top 6 sections EF:4 day $99, 3 day $98, 2 day $97 if check mailed by 1/5, all $100 online at chesstour.com by 1/9, $105 phoned by 1/9 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) atsite. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. U1300, U1100 Sections EF:All $30 less than top 6 sections. EF for U900, or unrated in U1100 or U1300: $32 mailed by 1/5, $33 online by 1/9, $35 phoned by 1/9, $40 at site. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. No mailed credit card entries. 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 $15. Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re entry (except Open Section) $80. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 &4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 4 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2 & 4, Mon 10, 12 & 2. Bye: all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $99-99-99-99, 215-448-2000, reserve by 12/30 or rate may increase. Parking: $10/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest room, parking lot 1 block from hotel may be much less than $20. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633 or reserve through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP (except Under 900). A State Championship Event! Jan. 14-15, Michigan Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6 2012 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships 5-SS. Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N Grand Ave., (517) 482-0188. HR: $98+tax by 1/2/12, after if space available. www.radisson.com/lansingmi - Code: CHESS12. 7 Sections: M/X, A, B, C, D, E (U1200), Novice (U1000/Unr). Most recent USCF rating supplement used for ratings. Players must play in class of their rating. Unrated players must play in Novice sect. Players may request to play up in class (or unrated players may request being seeded into a class) if their recent tournament history shows achievement into that class.TD must approve all requests and will assign a rating to the player within the rating window of that class. EF:M/X, A, B, C: $40 (U18 $10 off); D, E: $30 (U18 $10 off); Novice: $20 (U18 $5 off). Free entry to GM, IM, FM, & 2200+, advanced entry fee deducted from prize. Advance entries must be received by 1/13/12. Email entries OK, but must pay by end of on-site registration. ALL on-site entries $10 more. Make checks payable to MCA. MCA memb req'd 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. 11/11-13: Kings Island Open, Mason OH* 11/25-27: National Chess Congress, Philadelphia PA* 12/9-11, 10-11: New England Senior, Amateur & Scholastics, Windsor Locks CT* 12/26-29: North American Open, Las Vegas NV* 12/27-29: Empire City Open, New York NY* 1/6-8: Continental Amatrur, Boston MA* 1/13-16: Liberty Bell Open, Philadelphia PA* 1/13-16: Golden State Open, Concord CA* 3/2-4: Eastern Class Championshipos, Sturbridge MA* 3/3-4: NY State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs NY* 3/9-11: Western Class Champs, Agoura Hills CA* 3/16-18: Mid-America Open, St Louis MO* 3/16-18: Long Island Open, Ronkonkoma NY* 3/23-25: Pittsburgh Open, Pittsburgh PA 3/30-4/1: Southern Class, Orlando FL 4/4-8: Philadelphia Open, Philadelphia PA* 5/4-6: Western Team Championship, Los Angeles CA 5/24-28: Chicago Open, Wheeling IL 6/28-7/2: Philadelphia International, Philadelphia PA 7/4-8: World Open, Philadelphia PA 7/20-22: Chicago Class, Wheeling IL 7/20-22: Pacific Coast Open, Agoura Hills CA 7/27-29: Southern Open, Orlando FL 7/27-29: Bradley Open, Windsor Locks CT 8/3-5: Cleveland Open, Cleveland OH 8/10-12: Continental Open, Sturbridge MA 8/17-19: Central California Open, Fresno CA 8/17-19: Indianapolis Open, Indianapolis IN For later events, see chesstour.com.

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Michigan residents, other states OK. Reg.: Sat, 8-9am. Rds.: Sat 10am2:30pm-7pm, G/120; Sun 10am-3:30pm, G/150. $$Gtd: $2555; M/X: $280-$180, X: $210 U2100: $110; Class A, B, C: $175-$115; U1900/U1700/U1500: $95; Class D, E: 1st $145 2nd $95; U1300/U1100: $70; Novice:Trophies toTop 3 Overall,Top U900,Top U800,Top U700,Top Unr. Top Michigan finisher each class: State Championship title. Trophies for all place-winners. Ent & Info: Jeff Aldrich, 7453 Whippoorwill Ln., Davison, MI 48423; [email protected]; (810) 955-7271. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Jan. 27-29, North Carolina Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) Land of the Sky XXV 5SS, 40/2, SD/30 (U12 G/90). Crowne Plaza Resort, One Resort Dr., Asheville, NC 28806. Weekend before Super Bowl. In 4 Sections. $$20,000 b/320, $11,000 gtd. Open (FIDE-rated, 2/3 gtd): $2400-1200-600-500400. U2300 $600-300. Asheville (U2200): $1600-800-400. 1999-1900, 1899-1800, U1800 $600-300 each; Unr: $75. Buncombe (U1700): $1600800-400. 1599-1500, 1499-1400, 1399-1300, U1300 $600-300 each; Unr: $75. U12 (U1200): $800-400-200. U1000: $300-150 Unr: $75. Upset: $25. EF (Open, Asheville, Buncombe): $84 by 1/20. EF (U12): $42 by 1/20. Discounts (pre-reg or on-site, one per player): $10 off for players new to Land of the Sky, 2nd family member, or under age 18. All Sections: "No-prize" EF for under age 18 or Unrated EF in Asheville, Buncombe, U12: $21 (no discounts, unr elig for unr prizes only). All on-site entries $10 more. Rds.: 1st rd either Fri 7pm or Sat 9am (G/90), then Sat 1pm-7pm, Sun 9am-3pm. ENT: WW, PO Box 1123, Weaverville, NC 28787. INFO: Wilder Wadford, [email protected] 828-645-4215. HR: $89 for up to four occupants. 828-254-3211 or 800-733-3211. More details and special events like chess360, blitz, lectures, and simuls at www.nc chess.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, Ohio Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 35th Cardinal Open Holiday Inn Downtown Columbus (newly renovated), 175 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215, reservations 800-HOLIDAY, direct 614-221-3281, www.holidayinn.com/cmh-cityctr. $89/night chess rate thru Jan 2, code FKC. 5-SS, 40/120, SD/60 d/5 (2-day rds 1&2 G/75 d/5). Sets provided, bring clocks. Max 2 byes rds 1-4 or 1 in rd 5. $8,200 in 5 sections, 1st 4 prizes guaranteed, rest b/150 paid entries (154 entries last year), re-entries & U1300 students = 1/2. Prizes added if more than 150. Open (FIDE) $1200-800-500-250, all gtd; U2206 $600-300-200; U2100 $700400-200; U1800 $700-400-200; U1500 $500-250-150, U1300 $300-200-100. Upset $50 each section. Unrated prize limit $150 except in Open. EF:$85 if recd by 1/23, then $95; students in U1300 $25 less; re-entry $30; no credit cards. Free to IM/GM, $75 deducted from winnings (waived if 150 paid entries). OCA membership reqd of OH residents. 3-day Schedule: Reg. Fri 5-6:30pm, Rds. 7pm; Sat 11-5:30; Sun 9:304. 2-day: Reg. Sat 9-10:30, Rds. 11-2 then merge w/ 3-day. Blitz tourney Sat night. Enter FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219. Full details & entry form: www.neilley.com/chess or [email protected], 614-314-1102. NS, W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, Maryland Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 2012 Baltimore Open 5SS, 40/100, SD/45 inc/30 (Rnd 1 G/90 inc/30) (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/45 inc/30) U1300 G/120 d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d/5). DoubleTree BWI, 890 Elkridge Landing Rd., Linthicum, MD 21090. 3 sections (all prizes guaranteed): Open (FIDE rated) $600-400-200, top U2100 $150, top U1950 $125. Under 1800 $500-250-150, top U1600 $125, top U1450 $100. Under 1300 $400-200-125, top U1100 $75, top U900 $50, top unrated $50. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1300 or $300 in U1800. Sets and board provided. Clocks provided in the Open section. Optionally, pairings can be texted to your phone. EF:$55 by 1/27 mail or online, $65 by 2/7 online, and $70 online or at the door (cash or CC). Special EFs: GM&IMs free; $50 deducted from prize. HR: $92, ($15 EF discount if staying in hotel room block) may not be avail after 1/20, Limited number of free Sat. night rooms for GMs registering early. Open & U1800 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&6, Sun 9&3. Open & U1800 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2:156, 9-3. U1300 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&3:30, Sun 9&1:00. U1300 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. Detailed rules, more information,

WARNING! CELL PHONE THE USE OF A

PROHIBITED! IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS

AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!

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

TURN IT OFF!

link for hotel reservation, & online entry at http://thebaltopen.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. 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): $$350, (B/35) $200-100, U1200 $75, U1000 $75. Unrated: (B/20) $150+Trophy-100-75. 1-Day Scholastics Sat. & Sunday (K-9, U1200). Trophies 1st-5th, 1st K-6, K-3, & 1st 2-day score. EF (if by 1/23): Open $79, Res. $49, Booster $35, Unr. $25. $10 late fee after 1/23, $20 after 2/16 or at site. Free Entry for GM/IM/WGM. Scholastic $15/Day - $25/Both days. 3-Day Schedule: Fri. (Reg: 5-5:30PM) Rds at 6PM; Sat. 10AM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day: Sat. (Reg: 8:30-9AM) Rds at 9:30AM, 1:30PM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day Rds 1-2, G/90 and merges into 3-Day G/90+30s at rd. 3. Scholastic: Rounds: 9:30, 10:45, 1, 2:30, 4:00 each day. All games G/30. Up to 2 half point byes upon req. before rd 1 in all sections. NS NC W. ENT: Wired Kings CC; 12004 Prospect Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87112. HR: $71 505-944-2599 Hilton Homewood Suites – ABQ Airport, available until 2/1/12 or room block full. GM Khachiyan and GM Yermolinsky Simuls and Lectures -Thu. and Fri. at 3:30p and 6:30p. Thursday events at rec'd hotel. Online Entry & add'l info: www.SouthernRockyOpen.com, [email protected], 505-5504654. U.S. G/15 Championship held after SRFO on Sunday 2/27, – See National Events. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 26, New Mexico Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC) See Nationals. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, Massachusetts Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced) 21st annual Eastern Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds1-2 G/75, d/5). Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 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. 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. 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

uschess.org


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. 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 $200 in U1200, $400 U1400, $700 U1600, or $900 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 406-896-2038 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, 888-3031746, 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: DirectorAtChess.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) guar-

anteed; re-entries & $50 off entries count as half entries. In 4 sections. Open: $1500-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, topU2300/Unr $600, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600400-300, top U1900 $500, U1800 $400. Under 1700: $900-500-300-200, top U1500 $450, U1400 $350. Under 1300: $800-400-200-100, topU1100 $300. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1300 or $400 in U1700. EF:3day $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 unrated in U1300: $50 less. 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, 845-4969658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. 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 St., 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 by 3/4, $30 online by 4/2, $50 online or at site until 6 pm 4/4; $150 deducted from prize. Free entries must reconfirm entry 4/4 online or in person by 6 pm. 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, 406896-2038 (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, Sat11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. endsThu 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: Half point byes OK all rounds of U2200 to U1000; limit 4, must commit before rd 4. No half point byes allowed in Open Section; zero point byes available all rounds. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possiblenone supplied. HR: $98-98-123-123, 215-6271200, 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. 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. 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: DirectorAt Chess.us, 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request "lowest

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS Free 8-Line Tournament Life Announcements!

Adult Dues Options! >> NEW FREE TLA CATEGORIES ADDED! RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament between January and March 2012, if no TLA for such an event appeared in 2011, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs. SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines for events in the following categories, if submitted by e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs: NEW CATEGORY! SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a higher minimum age. NEW CATEGORY! UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament that offers free entry to unrated players. If your prizes are based on entries, say “paid entries.” USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section. CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on one or more weekday evenings.

uschess.org

RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr. Tournament name must include “Rated Beginners Open” or “RBO.” BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as “USCF-rated Blitz every Friday 7 pm” are accepted. COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students. JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible). NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tournament for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a scholastic tournament that in its previous year drew at least 50 players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold open or collegiate events on the side.

Ages 21-24 dues lower than Adult dues! The membership category once called “Youth” has been renamed “Young Adult,” and eligibility has changed from under 21 to under 25. Annual dues for this category are only $32 with paper Chess Life or $24 with the online version!

One-year membership with Chess Life: If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $42 for Premium Membership, which includes a copy of Chess Life every month. Regular Memberships are available for $34 and give online-only access to Chess Life and a mailed TLA Newsletter (bi-monthly). (Note to affiliates: If you collect a $49 membership, you may submit it online to USCF for $42, in effect creating a $7 commission. If you submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission is $3.)

SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc. USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess. org/ forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.


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Tournament Life possible section" if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Regional Alabama Nov. 12, Dancing Knights Scholastic 5SS, TC: G/30. Valley Intermediate School, 2200 Hwy 33, Pelham, AL 35124. Rated: OPEN (K-12) EF:$20; Not Rated: MIDDLE (K-8); ELEMENTARY (K-4): EF:$10, if mailed by NOV 5th. Trophy: Top 3 Individual, Top 2 Teams; Medals 4th-6th. Late REG: NOV 12th at 8-8:40AM. Rds.: 9-10:15-12-1:15-2:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT: Caesar Chess, LLC 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34-PMB 310, Birmingham, AL 35244. Info: [email protected], www.AlabamaChess.com.

Arizona Nov. 12-13, Arizona Senior Open Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S Palo Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85714, 520799-8622. 1 SECTION: Open to USCF members born on or before Nov. 12, 1961. SCHEDULE: 5/SS, Rds 1-2 G/90, Rds. 3-5 30/90, SD/1; Round times: 10-1:30-5, 9-3. Byes: 1/2 pt byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior to start of Round 2 (2 max). PRIZES: Highest Placing AZ Resident is AZ Senior Champion, Plaques to 1st(+$100)2nd-3rd, Top Senior 60+, 70+, and 80+; EF: FREE to GM/IM/WGM/ WIM, otherwise $40. Late Fee: Additional $10 if entering after 11/09. ENTER: www.sazchess.org/store/store.php or mail to (make checks payable to "SACA"): SACA, Attn: AZ Senior Open, PO Box 36149, Tucson, AZ 85740 or at site on 11/12 at 8:30 - 9:30am. HR: $79 (single/double) or $99 (suite), mention "SACA Chess". INFO: Enrique Huerta, 520-2616149, email: [email protected], web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix.

California, Northern Capital City Chess Club Monthly (Sundays) LOCATION: Thee Upper Crust Pizza, "13th" & "K", Sacramento. TOURNAMENT/ENTRY FEES: Open Swisses, Quick ($3) & Slow (&$15). GUARANTEED: 100% Return in Cash & Plaques. SCHEDULE: Sundays 11am-4pm. DETAILS: capitalcitychessclub.com. DIRECTOR: John C. Barnard (209) 450-6133. Nov. 12, BCS Walnut Creek Scholastic Quads 3 Rounds, G/30. JCC Contra Costa, 2071Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94595. Entry Fee: $25. Trophies for each quad winner. Signup:

www.berkeleychessschool.org. Info: tournaments@berkeleychess school.org, (510) 843-0150.

3xG/30. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95101. EF: Pre-reg $25, Onsite $40. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS. NC.

Nov. 12, San Jose Quads Trophies: Players w/winning record. Check-in 4p. Games: 4:30-6:30p. 3xG/30. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95101. EF:Pre-reg $25, Onsite $40. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS. NC.

Dec. 17, San Jose Swiss Trophies: Players w/winning record & teams with 2+ players. Medals to others. Games: 10a-2p. 3 Sections: u500, u900, 900+. u900: 5xg30, 900+: 4xg45. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95101. EF:Pre-reg $33, Onsite $48. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS. NC.

Nov. 12, San Jose Swiss Trophies: Players w/winning record & teams with 2+ players. Medals to others. Games: 10a-2p. 3 Sections: u500, u900, 900+. u900: 5xg30, 900+: 4xg45. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95101. EF:Pre-reg $33, Onsite $48. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS. NC. Nov. 19, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #2 Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Info & Entry Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/Fall Quads11-GP/. Open to all scholastic players who are USCF members.Trophies to winners of each Quad. Chess medals to all who do not win a trophy. Info: Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D., [email protected], (510) 659-0358. Nov. 25-27, 26-27 or 25-26 (class D/E only), California Super Class Championship See Grand Prix. Nov. 27, California Kids Class Championship 5 rounds, G/30. SFO Airport Waterfront Marriott, 1800 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA. Park: $1. Hotel: $89. Prizes:Top 10 players in each section & Top 10 teams in all sections combined (min 2/team, top 5 count). K-12 kids only. 5 sections based on rating: F(800-999) G(600-799) H(400-599) I(200-399) J(under 200). Reg.: 9-9:30a. Games 10, 11:30a, 1, 2:20, 3:45p. EF:$39 mail by 11/21, online by 11/22, Onsite +$20, Playup +$10. Nov 2011 Supp &TD disc to place players. Ent: BayAreaChess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose 95131. Rfnd fee $20. E: [email protected], Info/Form: BayAreaChess.com/tg11s,T: 408786-5515. NS, WC. A State Championship Event! Dec. 3 (Gr. 4-12)-4 (KG-3), CalChess State Scholastics Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA. Free parking. Hotel $89. Main Event: Trophies to top 20 players w/ winning record & top 10 teams in each section of Grades 1-12. Medals to others. Trophies to all players in KG. Sections based on grade. KG-3 Su 12/4, 5SSxG/30: Reg. 8-8:30am. Games 9 10:30-12-1:30-3. Grades 4-12 12/34, 6SSxG/60: Reg Sa 8-8:30am. Games Sa/Su 9-11:30-2. Side events 5:30-8: Blitz (Sat), Bughouse (Sun), in 3 sects (K-3 4-6 7-12). EF by 11/24: K-3 $37, 4-12 $47, Blitz/Bughse:$12 ea. Add $20 11/25-11/30, $40 11/30-onsite. USCF & CalChess Mem reqd. Dec 2011 Supp & TD disc to place players. Info: BayAreaChess.com/stategrade11. E: ask@BayArea Chess.com, T: 408.786.5515. NS, NC, W. Dec. 17, San Jose Quads Trophies: Players w/winning record. Check-in 4p. Games: 4:30-6:30p.

Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Dec. 31-Jan. 2 or Jan. 1-2, New Year Open See Grand Prix. Jan. 2, NorCal Team Championship Prepare for USATW! 5SS, G/30. Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. Hotel $79, free parking! Prizes:Trophies to each player in top 3 teams & top team u1000, u800, u600, u400 (based on top 4 avg rating), & top player on each board.Team is 4 or 5 players (4 play/round). EF: $33/player, $132/team mail by 12/27, online by 12/28, Onsite +$16/player +$32/team. Dec 2011 Supp & TD discretion for rating. Sched: Reg. 9-9:30, Rds. 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4. Ent: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose 95131. E: [email protected], Info/Form: BayAreaChess.com/nyteam12, T: 408-786-5515. NS, NC, W. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 18-20, 29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West See Nationals. Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CAS) See Grand Prix.

California, Southern

LA CHESS CLUB www.LAChessClub.com. Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Novice Class & 3 Tournaments). Sundays: 12-6 & 1-4 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). Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments. Nov. 5&6, 19&20, 26&27, 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. Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC - 10 Blitz (G/5) Saturday Night (QC) 5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4

3rd annual GOLDEN STATE OPEN Jan 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Martin Luther King weekend at Concord Hilton 7 rounds, $30,000 projected prizes, $21,000 minimum guaranteed! 7 rounds, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5, 2-day option except Open Section, rds 1-4 G/40, d/5), Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord CA 94520, I-680 to Willow Pass Rd. Free BART shuttle, free parking. In 5 sections. Prizes $30,000 based on 290 paid entries (reentries & $70 off entries count half), min. guarantee $21,000 (70% each prize). Open: $2000-1200-800-700600-500, clear/tiebreak win $100, top U2300 $1000-500, U2200/Unr $800-400. FIDE, 120 GPP. Under 2100: $1500-1000-800600-500-400, top U1900 $800-400. Under 1800: $1500-1000-800600-500-400, top U1600 $800-400. Under 1500: $1200-800-600500-400-400, top U1300 $700-400. Under 1200: $1200-800-600500-400-400, top U1000 $500. Unrated prize limits: U1200 $300, U1500 $500, U1800 $700.

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Entry Fee: 4-day $129, 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 1/5, all $130 online at chesstour.com by 1/10, $135 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/10 (entry only, no questions), $150 at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. No phone entry after 1/10. Entry fee $70 less to unrated in U1200 or U1500 Section. No checks at site; credit cards accepted. Re-entry: $60 (except Open). 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 at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. USCF membership required. Choice of schedules. All merge & compete for same prizes: 4-day late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rounds. Fri 7 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 4:30 pm.

3-day late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rounds Sat 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day late reg. ends Sun 9:30 am, rounds Sun 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:45 pm & 6 pm, Mon 10 am and 4:30 pm. No 2-day Open Section. Half-pt byes: OK all, limit 3, limit 2 in last 4 rds. Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. January official USCF ratings used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Bring set, board, clock if possiblenone supplied. Hotel rates: $99-99-109, 925827-2000, ask for chess rate, reserve by Dec 30 or rate may increase. Entry: Continental Chess, Box 661776, Arcadia CA 91066. Optional entry form faces Chess Life inside back cover, or see entryblank.com. $15 charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.

uschess.org


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 at BoA & streets ($3 basement). Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, 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. Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, 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. Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC - Every Sunday Chess 4 Jrs. 4 separate events – 2 Sections: 1000+ & U1000 (latest rtgs used), 4SS, 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@LAChess Club.com. Nov. 6, 20, 27, 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.: 11-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Parking: Free at BoA and streets ($3 basement). Info: 310/795-5710. Nov. 13, LACC - Westwood Fall Open See Grand Prix. Nov. 19, Victorville Quads 13393 Mariposa Rd., Victorville, CA 92395. Reg.: 9:30 A.M. Rds.: 10, 1, 3 pm. EF:$10. Winner: $30/quad. INFO: [email protected] or 760245-6598. Nov. 24-27 or 25-27, 47th Annual American Open See Grand Prix. Nov. 26 or 26-27, 2011 American Open Scholastic NOTE CORRECTION: Junior Varsity is Sunday 11/27 NOT Saturday 11/26. Doubletree Anaheim/Orange County. 100 City Dr., Orange, CA 92868. Hotel rate $89 only. Main Event: Brand new netbook prize for each

Varsity champion and Saitek chess computer prize for each Junior Varsity winner. Trophies to top 10 players and top 3 teams, in each section. Finalist medals to all above-mean scorers. 9 Sections based on grade and rating: Varsity K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12; Junior Varsity K-1, K-3 rated U600, K-6 rated U800, K-9 rated U1000, K-12 rated U1200. Pre-Registration only (onsite reg. pay more and receive 1st round bye): Round Times: Saturday & Sunday 9am, 12:15, 3:15pm for Varsity sections; and Saturday 9, 10:45, 12:15, 1:45, 3:15pm for Junior Varsity sections. Time Controls: All rounds will be G/75 for Varsity and G/30 for Junior Varsity sections. EF by 10/26: Varsity $55, Junior Varsity $35, after late fees may apply. Play-up +$5. Register in advance by 10/15 save $5. Limited space for onsite reg +$30! Side events: Blitz (Fri Reg: 5:30-6pm, Games 6:30-8:30p) and Bughouse (Sat Registration: 5:30-6pm, Games 6:30-8:30p) in 3 sections (K-3, 4-6, 7-12). EF: Blitz $15, Bughouse $15. USCF Membership required for all sections. November 2011 Supplement & TD discretion to place players accurately. National Tournament Director: Randall Hough. More info, register online & flyer: americanopen.org/scholastic.htm. Inquire: [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP for Varsity Sections. Dec. 9-11, 2011 National Youth Action (West) See Nationals. Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open (CA-N) 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.

Colorado Dec. 3-4, Manitou Springs: Winter Springs Open 4-SS, 40/2 and G/1. Masonic Lodge, 455 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs. 3 Sections: June (open to all), July (U1800), August (U1400). Entry fee $30 if rec'd by 12/1, $35 at site. $8 off EF for Juniors, Seniors, Unrated. Cash prizes per entries. Register 8:30-9:30, rds schedule 10, 4; 9, 3.

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Tech University SPICE Box 45080 Lubbock, TX 79409 806-742-7742 [email protected] www.SPICE.ttu.edu Tri-State Chess The Chess Exchange 325 East 88th Street New York, NY 10128 212-289-5997 [email protected] www.TriStateChess.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 Western PA Youth Chess Club Attn: Jerry Meyers 4101 Windsor Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412-422-1770 [email protected] www.youthchess.net

SILVER AFFILIATES Bay Area Chess (CA) www.BayAreaChess.com

Indiana State Chess Association www.indianachess.org

Oklahoma Chess Foundation www.OKchess.org

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

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

Silver Knights (PA) www.silverknightschess.com

En Passant Chess Club (TX) [email protected]

Marshall Chess Club (NY) www.marshallchessclub.org

Sparta Chess Club (NJ) www.spartachessclub.org

Michigan Chess Association www.michess.org uschess.org

Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix.

Connecticut Nov. 12, 2011 Greater New Haven Fall Open $$1000 b/30 See Grand Prix. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 42nd annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Amateur 5SS, 40/100, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70). Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I91Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all under 2200 or unrated. Prizes $2000 based on 40 paid entries ($40 off entries & re-entries count half), else in proportion except $1000 minimum guaranteed: In 2 sections. Under 2200: $400-200-100, Under 1950 $250-150. Under 1700: $300-200-100, Under 1450 $180-120, no unrated may win over $150. EF:3-day $68.50, 2-day $67.50 mailed by 12/1, $70 online at chesstour.com by 12/7, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/7 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. Unrated in U1700 section, $40 less. Reentry $40. 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. 3-day late reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. 2-day late reg. ends Sat. 10:30 am, rds Sat 11 am, 2:15 pm & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25 or rate may increase. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577 (chesstour.com, [email protected]). Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP.

GOLD & SILVER

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

Entries to Richard Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail [email protected]. CSCA membership required ($15, 10 for juniors/seniors), OSA. Colorado Tour Event. 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.


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Tournament Life Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Senior Open 5SS, 40/100, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70). Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I91 Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all born before (not after) 12/12/61; no residence requirements. Prizes $2000 based on 40 paid entries, else in proportion except $1000 minimum guaranteed: $600-300-200, Under 2010/Unr $300, Under 1810/Unr $250, Under 1610/Unr $200, Under 1410 $150. EF:3-day $68, 2-day $67 mailed by 12/1, $70 online at chesstour.com by 12/7, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/7 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. GMs $60 from prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult (under 65) $30, Senior (65/up) $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Senior $30. 3-day late reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. 2-day late reg. ends Sat. 10:30 am, rds Sat 11 am, 2:15 pm & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. Half point byes OK all, limit 1 bye, must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25 or rate may increase. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Dec. 10-11, 8th annual New England Scholastic Championships 7SS, G/65, Sheraton Hotel, 1Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt. 20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all K-12 students; New England titles limited to players & teams from schools in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, or VT. Team prizes based on top 4 scores from school combined. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 5 sections: High School (K-12), Middle School (K-8), Elementary (K-5), Primary (K-2), Scholastic Novice (K-9 under 700 or unrated). Players face only those in their section. EF:HS $42.50, Middle School $42.40, Elem $42.30, Primary $42.20, Scholastic Novice $42.10 if mailed by 12/1, all $43 online at chesstour.com by 12/5, $60 at site. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Young Adult (age 24/below) $20, Scholastic (age 12/below) $12. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $15. Trophies to top 8 players, top 4 teams, top 3 unrated in each section, top D, E, U1000, U800 (HS), E, U1000, U800 (MS), U1000, U800, U600 (Elem), U700, U500, U300 (Primary), U500, U300 (Scholastic Novice). Free entry in all Continental Chess Association Swiss tournaments until 5/15/12 to top New England player each section. Late reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat 10, 1, 3:45 & 6:30, Sun 9, 12 & 2:45. Awards Sun 5:30 pm. Half point byes allowed any round, limit 2 byes, must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25 or rate may increase. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: chesstour at aol.com, www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Include school, grade, birth date, USCF ID, address of each player. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix.

Delaware Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland. A State Championship Event! Nov. 19-20, 2011 Delaware State Open Championship Milford Public Library (302)-422-8996, 11 SE Front St., Milford, DE 19963. Time Control (all sections): Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4&5 G/120. Prizes based on 60 total players, 40 in Open, 20 in U1600. In 2 Sections, Open: 5SS, EF:$45 before 11/18, $50 afterwards. $$: Prizes: 1st $500, 2nd $300, U2100 $150, U1900 $150, U1700 $150, DE Champion trophy to highest placed DE player, Trophy to 1st non-DE player in section. Reserve (U1600): 5SS, Open to 1599 & under. EF:$40 before 11/18, $45 after. Prizes: 1st $250, 2nd $150, U1400 $75, U1200 $75, U1000 $75, Trophy for 1st. ALL: Memb. Req'd: DCA $10,($5 under 18). OSA. Reg.: Sat 8:459:45 am. Rds.: Sat 10, 2, 5:30 Sun 10, 3. Byes: Limit 1. byes in rds4&5 are irrevocable & must be declared by start of Rd3. DCA meeting, 9am Sun. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. INFO: [email protected], 302-740-3442. HR: 302-422-4320, Hampton Inn in Milford. www.delawarechess.org. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

District of Columbia Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland. Nov. 19, Arlington Rumble (VA) St.Thomas More School, 105 N.Thomas St., Arlington, VA 22203. In 4 Sections: K-12, K-12 U/800, K-3 U/400, 4-8 U/400. Trophies to top individuals and schools. 4SS, G/30. Games begin at 1:00pm. EF:$20 by 11/16. Onsite registration ($30) closes at 12:30pm. Free game analysis by NM Jeremy Kane. See www.silverknightschess.com for complete information or to register. Dec. 10, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) 4-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open to players rated under 1200 or unrated. EF:$30 ($20 if by 12/3). 5 sections by age. Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/ rbo.php. Dec. 27, Eastern Open Warmup Tourney See Grand Prix. Dec. 27-30, 38th Annual Eastern Open See Grand Prix. Dec. 28, Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC) See Grand Prix. Jan. 2, Metro Sunday Quads 3-RR, G/90. U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. EF: $20 $$ $40 each quad. Scholastic sections. EF: $10, Trophy prizes. Both: Reg: 9:15-9:45. Rds. 10-1-4. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org./quads.php. Jan. 14-15, DC Junior Open U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW. Washington, DC 20005 Open to all under age 21. 4-SS. EF: $30 if by 1/8, $20 at door. 6 Sections, Under Age 21, Under Age 21 and rated Under 1000, Under Age 13, Under Age 13 and rated Under 800, Under Age 13 and rated Under 600, Under Age 13 and rated Under 400. $100 Savings Bond prize forTeen Champion.Trophies in all sections. Reg.: 12-12:45. Top Section: G/90. Rds.: 1-4, 12:30-3:30 This section determines the DC Scholastic male and female Champions. Other 5 Sections TC: G/30 with all games played on Saturday. Info: (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org/DCJunior.php. Chess Magnet School JGP for Top Section.

Florida 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. Miami Country Day Grand Prix Series Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections. More info at www.bocachess.com or call 954-421-8222 or 561-479-0351. Pine Crest School Grand Prix Series, Boca Raton Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections. More info at: www.bocachess.com or call 561-479-0351. Nov. 11-13 or 12-13, 10th Annual Turkey Bowl See Grand Prix. Nov. 12, CFCC Quick-Chess (QC) 4SS, G/29 (G/25, T/D5). Casselberry Chess Club (CCC), Wirz Park, 806 Mark David Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707. EF: $30, CFCC/CCC mbr $25, Masters free (EF deducted from any prize). $$480 b/25, 160-80-60, Classes B, C, D/under 60 ea. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10, 11:15, break, 1:30, 2:45. Ent: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751. Info: (407) 629-6946 or www.centralflchess.org. Nov. 12, November 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]. Dec. 3, December 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]. Dec. 9-11, 2011 National Youth Action (East) See Nationals. Jan. 13-15 or 14-15, Central Florida Class Championships See Grand Prix. Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship South See Nationals.

ONCE RATED, ALWAYS RATED You never lose your rating, no matter how long it has been since you last played. If you return to tournament play after a long absence, please tell the director your approximate rating and year of play. If you rejoin USCF after many years without being a member, please provide this information to the TD and to USCF as well. 70


Idaho Nov. 12, 2011 Southern Idaho Open 4SS, Time Control: G/60. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400), sections may be combined based on entries. Site: Obenchain Insurance Building, Community Room – Rear Entrance, 260 South Main, Twin Falls, ID. USCF mem req., EF by 11/6 $30 (U18 & 60+ $25) $5 more for all if after 11/6. Email entries OK to lock in lower rate. Register & check in: 8-8:30am 11/12. Rd times: Sat 9am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm. 1/2 pt bye: Max 1, Rds. 1-3 only. 1st rd, must notifyTD before rd is paired; all others, before rd 2 is paired. Prizes: $$ b/30; Open: $150-125-100-75; Reserve: $10075-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA, Contact: Barry Eacker, 963 Delmar Dr., Twin Falls, ID 83301. 208-733-6186 or email: [email protected], www.idahochess association.org. NC, NS, W. Dec. 10-11, 2011 Western Idaho Open 5SS, Time Control: G/90 Rd 1, G/120 Rds 2-5. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400). Site: BSU, Student Union Bldg., Hatch Ballroom, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID. USCF mem req., EF by 12/5 $30 (U18 & 60+ $25), BSU students $10, $5 more for all if after 12/5. Email entries OK

to lock in lower rate. Register & check in: 8-8:30am 12/10. Rd. times: Sat 9am, 1pm, 6pm; Sun 9am, 2pm. 1/2 pt byes: Max 1, Rds 1-4 only. 1st rd, must notify TD before rd is paired; all others, before rd 2 is paired. Prizes: $$ b/30 non-BSU; Open: $200-100-75; Reserve: $10075-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA, Contact: Jeff Roland, 1511 S. Leadville Ave., Boise, ID 83706. 208-424-9847. [email protected], www.idahochess association.org. 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@ nachess.org. Nov. 12, Members Only Special Event North Shore Chess Center, 5500 WestTouhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. Open only to members of the North Shore Chess Center. Free simultaneous exhibition and lecture with a local master. Starts at 4pm. Additional questions: [email protected]. For a complete listing of events visit www.nachess.org/events. Nov. 20, North Shore Chess Center G/45 4R-SS, G/45 + 10/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 West Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. EF: $20 for non-members of the chess center, $15 for members of the chess center received by 11/19. All $5 more onsite. Onsite registration - up to 15 minutes prior to round 1 or round 2. If registering prior to round 2, you will receive a half-point bye for round 1. Round times: 1pm for round one and then 15 minutes after final game from previous round completed. Half-point byes available in any round. Prizes: Book prizes for top three finishers. Biggest upset (150+ points): Free entry to following month G/45 + book prize. Parking: Free self-parking. Mail entries with registration information to: North American Chess Association (make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. Online registration preferred. Additional questions email to: sevan@nachess. org. USCF rated. For online registration and list of more events please visit - www.nachess.org/events. Nov. 25-27, 2nd North American Amateur Closed 9R-RR, G/60 + 30/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 WestTouhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. Players will be contacted by invitation. Must be FIDE rated less than 2200. USCF rated only players must be at least 1700. 2-4 sections based on player availability. No byes or withdrawls allowed. EF: Free to FIDE rated players; $50 for nonFIDE rated players with $20 returned upon completion of all 9 rounds. Round times: Friday: 10am, 2pm, 6pm; Saturday 10am, 2pm, 6pm; Sunday 10am, 2pm, 6pm. Parking: Free self-parking. Additional questions email to: [email protected]. USCF and FIDE rated. For online registration and list of more events please visit - www.nachess.org/ events. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 10, Members Only Special Event North Shore Chess Center, 5500 WestTouhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. Open only to members of the North Shore Chess Center. Free simultaneous exhibition and lecture with a local master. Starts at 4pm. Additional questions: [email protected]. For a complete listing of events visit www.nachess.org/events. A State Championship Event! Dec. 10-11, 2011 IL Class 4SS, G90 + 30 sec. U1000/U700 sections plays 5SS, G/75 with separate schedule. Orland Park Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, 60090 (from I-355 take IL-171 Archer Rd Exit toward 143rd Street (7.5 mi), take West St toward 147th St and follow the curve. From I-55 take US-12E/US-20E/US-45E/ S LaGrange Rd (10 mi); take W 144 PL and follow the curve). Free parking. Prizes $2,000 based on 80 paid entries. In 8 sections; no unrated allowed in Master/Expert section. Master/Expert (2000/up): $250-175-150-100-75. FIDE. Class A (1800-1999/unr): $12575-50. FIDE. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $125-75-50. Class C (1400-1599/ Unr): $125-75-50. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $125-75-50. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $125-75-50. Under 1000 (K-12 only):Trophies to top 5. Under 700 (K-12 only): Trophies to top 5. Rated players may play up one section (additional $10). Unrated prize limit $50 on each section. Top 6 sections EF: $50 by 11/20, $60 after 11/20; $70 at site. U1000/U700: $25 by 11/20, $30 after 11/20; $40 at site. No credit cards on site! Online reservations and payments at www.intecsus.org Official USCF December supplement for ratings will be used if otherwise unrated. Schedule: Reg. on Dec. 10th at 8:30 – 9:30 amTop 6 sections: Sat: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm; Sun: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm U1000/U700 sections: Sat: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm; Sun: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm Bye: all, must commit before rd 2 or not have plus score. Boards, Sets, and Clocks will be provided by the North American Chess Association. Organizer supplied equipment must be used. Hotels: Comfort Inn Suites (8800 W 159TH ST Orland Park, IL 60462); HR: $85; Homewood Suites by Hilton (16245 LaGrange Road Orland Park, IL 60467); HR: $135 Both hotels are located in 10-15 minutes drive from the tournament site. Ent: IntECS, Inc., 63 W 75th St., Willowbrook, IL 60527 www.intecsus.org 630-789-2951. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 11, North Shore Chess Center G/45 4R-SS, G/45 + 10/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 West Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. EF: $20 for non-members of the chess center, $15 for members of the chess center received by 12/10. All $5 more onsite. Onsite registration - up to 15 minutes prior to round 1 or round 2. If registering prior to round 2, you will receive a half-point bye for round 1. Round times: 1pm for round one and then 15 minutes after final game from previous round completed. Half-point byes available in any round. Prizes: Book prizes for top three finish-

uschess.org


ers. Biggest upset (150+ points): Free entry to following month G/45 + book prize. Parking: Free self-parking. Mail entries with registration information to: North American Chess Association (make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. Online registration preferred. Additional questions email to: sevan@nachess. org. USCF rated. For online registration and list of more events please visit - www.nachess.org/events. Dec. 16-18, 9th North American Amateur Open 5R-SS, G/90 + 30/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 West Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. Open to players with any established FIDE rating or an established USCF rating of 1600+. All participants compete in a single section. EF: $40 for non-members of the chess center, $30 for members of the chess center received by 12/15. All $10 more onsite. Onsite registration - up to 15 minutes prior to round 1 or round 2. If registering prior to round 2, you will receive a halfpoint bye for round 1. Round times: Friday - 7:00pm, Saturday 12pm and 6pm, Sunday 11am and 5pm. Half-point byes available in any round. Prizes: 1st - $60 Best Buy Gift Card, 2nd - $30 Barnes & Noble Gift Card, 3rd - $15 Starbucks Gift Card. Parking: Free self-parking. Mail entries with registration information to: North American Chess Association (make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. Online registration preferred. Additional questions email to: [email protected]. USCF and FIDE rated. For online registration and list of more events please visit - www.nachess.org/events. Chess Magnet School JGP. Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship North See Nationals.

Maryland

Jan. 6-8, 2012 Chesapeake Open See Grand Prix.

Nov. 13, Anne Arundel Scholastic Quads Shipley's Choice Elementary School, 310 Governor Stone Parkway, Millersville, MD 21108. See: www.silverknightschessdc.com for complete information or to register.

Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships Roland Park Country School, 5204 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210. Play in an all-girl tournament. Open to K-12 girls. 4 Sections: Championship (K-12, at least 900): 4-SS, G/65, D/5, trophies to top 8 players + 3 teams; Contenders (K-12, U1000 or unrated): 4-SS, G/65, D/5, trophies to top 8 players + 3 teams; Reserve (K-12, U600 or unrated): 5-SS, G/45, D/5, trophies to top 10 players + 3 teams; Novice (K-5, U200 or unrated): 5-SS, G/30, D/5, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams. Team score is top 3 players. Rds.: Rd 1 for all sections: 9:30 AM; subsequent rds ASAP. Number of rds, time control, & number of trophies may change based on number of players. School Opens: 9 AM. EF: $20 by 11/15, $30 by 11/18, $40 at the door (mandatory 1/2 point bye in Rd 1). Entry: Online registration at www.mdchess.com/tourneyreg. Mail registration: $20, if rec'd by 11/15; contact Chris Kim for address. Sets and boards provided; bring chess clock. Food available for purchase. Info: Chris Kim, [email protected], 410-794-6312. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 19-20, 2011 Delaware State Open Championship (DE) See Delaware. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 42nd annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix.

Indiana

Dec. 2, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #129 (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://mysite.veri zon.net/vze12d59q/. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009, josephas2@ verizon.net.

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+. FIDETitled 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.

Dec. 3, Catonsville Saturday Action Plus/RBO 4SS, T/D 45/5. EF: $20 by Dec 2, $25 at door. Under 18 $5 off. Rds.: 111-3-5. Reg.: 10:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Two Sections: Open $$b/24 $125-$75-$50 U1850 $45 U1550 $45. RBO U1200 $$b/18 $80-$50-$30 U1000 $25 b/4 U800 $25 b/4. Bye: 1-4, max 1. Info: [email protected]. Online Reg.: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Balt., MD 21207. Include USCF ID, rating and section. PH: 410-788-1009.

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].

Dec. 10, 1st Annual Silver Knights Cup Chess Championship (VA) Haycock Elementary School, 6616 Haycock Rd., Falls Church, VA 22043. In 4 Sections: K-1, K-3, K-6, and K-12. 5SS, G/30. EF: $30 online by 12/7; $35 online by noon 12/9; $40 on-site from 8:45am-9:15am. Rds.: 10:0011:15-12:45-1:50-3:00. Large trophies to top individuals and teams, and participation trophies to all players. Free game analysis by NM Jeremy Kane. Space is limited to first 136 players that register, so check website for availability of on-site registration. See: www.silverknightschess. com for complete information or to register.

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

Iowa Nov. 19, 3rd Annual Des Moines Fall Classic-IASCA Mini Qualifier 4 round SS, G/75 with 5 second delay. Where: Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, IA 50316. Reg.: 8:00-9:00 am. Rounds: 9:30, 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 (earlier if agreed upon). Entry Fee: Open Section, $35 if received by November 17th, $45 on-site. IASCA membership or OSA required. Reserve Section, $20 if received by November 17th, $30 on-site. IASCA membership not required. Prize Info: Open Section, $100, $75: U1900, $60, $40 (Based on 18). Reserve Section, $50, $25: U1300, $35, $15 (Based on 12). U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) membership required. On-Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd., Windsor Heights, IA 50324. Additional Info: Call 515-205-8062 or send e-mail to [email protected] for more information. Byes are available for rounds 1-3 if TD is contacted in advance. One bye per player. Organizer andTD, Bill Broich. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Dec. 11, Howard County Chess Tournament 4SS, G/30. Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723. Sections: K-5 Unrated, 6-12 Unrated, K-12 Rated. EF: $25 in advance; $35 on-site 1:00-1:30. Rds.: 2:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis. Register at www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP or 410-313-4714. Dec. 16, Catonsville Blitz Championship (QC) 5 Dbl SS, T/D 4/2. EF: $18, club members $15. Rds.: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00. Bye: 1-4 Max 4. Reg.: 7:15pm. $$Gtd: $120-$60-$40 U1900 $30 U1600 $30 U1300 $30. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009. [email protected]. Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q.

Feb. 4, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 4th Annual Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championships Poly High School, 1400 W. Cold Spring Ln., Baltimore, MD 21209. Open to K-12 players. 8 Sections. 4 sections are 5-SS, G/40, D/5: HS Championship (grades K-12, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), MS Championship (grades K-8, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), ES Championship (grades K-5, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), PS Championship (grades K-3, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 3 teams). 4 sections are 5-SS, G/30, D/5: HS Junior Varsity (grades K12, rated Under 1000 or unrated, trophies to top 7 players + 3 teams), MS Junior Varsity (grades K-8, rated Under 800 or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), ES Junior Varsity (grades K-5, rated Under 600 or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), PS Junior Varsity (grades K-3, rated Under 400 or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 3 teams). Rds.: Rd 1 for all sections: 9:30 AM; subsequent rounds ASAP. Number of rds, time control, + number of trophies may change, based on number of players. EF: $30 by 1/31, $40 by 7 PM on 2/2, $50 at the door (8:30 - 10 AM, mandatory 1/2 point bye in Round 1). Entry: Online registration at www.mdchess.com/tourneyreg. Mail registration: $30, if rcv'd by 1/31. Include: player's name, USCF ID #, USCF exp. date, section, grade, school, phone #, email address, + check (made payable to Maryland Chess Association). Mail to: Maryland Chess Association, c/o Mike Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Road, Towson, MD 21204. Sets + boards provided; bring chess clock. Food available for purchase. Info: John D. Rockefeller V, [email protected], 443-621-4557. Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open See Grand Prix.

Massachusetts Nov. 12, 2011 Greater New Haven Fall Open $$1000 b/30 (CT) See Grand Prix. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, George Sturgis Memorial 5SS, G/110. Wachusett CC, McKay Campus School, Room C159, Fitchburg State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game played; free to Wachusett CC members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: Chess Informants to winner(s). Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, [email protected], 978345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. Online ratings as of Nov. 30 will be used. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Billerica Friday Swiss 5 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA 01821. EF: $15. Reg.: 7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533. NS, NC. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 3, Harry Nelson Pillsbury Memorial See Grand Prix. Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Amateur (CT) See Connecticut. Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Senior Open (CT) See Connecticut. Dec. 10-11, 8th annual New England Scholastic Championships (CT) See Connecticut. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur 5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d5). Hyatt Harborside at Logan Airport, 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA 02128. Free parking, free airport shuttle. $$ 10,000 based on 200 paid entries (re-entries count half, Group 4 2/3, Group 5 1/3), minimum $7000 (70% of each prize) guar-

Kentucky Elizabethtown Chess Club Rated tournament the 2ndTuesday of each month and we meet everyTuesday between 7:00 pm-10:30 pm. We meet at the Elizabethtown Community andTechnical College, in Room 108A of the OccupationalTechnical Building. For further details visit our website at http://etownchess.blogspot. com/. Nov. 5, Every 1st Saturday Lexington Event 3 Rounds, G/60. EF: 1 penny per USCF rating point, minimum $10. Reg.: 11:30am. Rounds: RD 1 starts at Noon, RD 2-3 asap. Prizes: 90% of entry fees returned, 1st in each class X/above,A,B,C,D/E. Format: Quad or Open depending on entries, All prizes paid regardless of format. Location: Expansive Art, 3320 Nicholasville Rd #161, Lexington, KY 40503, Directly behind ToysRUs. Contact: Matt Gurley, [email protected], Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, Lexchess.com. Side Event: Speed chess afterwards. A Heritage Event! Dec. 3, 28th Pink Floyd Open Every 1st Saturday Lexington Event. 3 Rounds, G/60. Music played during rounds. EF: 1 penny per USCF rating point, minimum $10. Reg.: 11:30am. Rounds: RD 1 starts at Noon, RD 2-3 asap. Prizes: 90% of entry fees returned, 1st in each class X/above,A,B,C,D/E; Format: Quad or Open depending on entries, All prizes paid regardless of format. Location: Expansive Art, 3320 Nicholasville Rd #161, Lexington, KY 40503, Directly behindToysRUs. Contact: Matt Gurley, [email protected], Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, Lexchess.com. Side Event: Speed chess afterwards.

Maine Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts.

uschess.org

8th annual NEW ENGLAND SCHOLASTICS Dec 10-11, 2011 - Windsor Locks, CT 7 rounds, G/65, Sheraton Bradley Airport (I-91 exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking. Chess rates $87 single or twin (860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25 or rate may increase). In 5 sections: High School (K-12), Middle School (K-8), Elementary (K-5), Primary (K-2), and new Scholastic Novice (K-9 under 700 or unrated). Open to all, New England titles & free entry prizes limited to CT, MA, ME, NH, RI or VT. Combined individual/team event; top 4 scores from school each section added to give team score, team entry not required. Trophies each section to top 8 players, top 4 teams, plus 30 class trophies. Free entry each section to all CCA tournaments until 5/15/12 to top New England player. Full details: See chesstour.com or TLA under “Connecticut.” Chess Life — November 2011

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Tournament Life anteed. In 5 sections: Group 1, open to 1900-2249. $1000-500-300-200, top U2100 $400-200. Group 2, open to 1600-1949. $1000-500-300- 200, top U1800 $400-200. Group 3, open to 1200-1649or unrated. $1000-500300-200, top U1500 $400-200. Group 4, open to under 1350 or unrated. $600-300-200-100, top U1200 $300-150. Group 5, open to under 1050 or unrated. $300-150-100, trophy to first 5, top Under 900, Under 700, Under 500, Unrated. Unrated prize limits: Group 5 $100, Group 4 $300, Group 3 $500, balance goes to next player(s) in line. Groups 1-3 EF: 3day $88, 2-day $87 mailed by 12/29, all $89 online at chesstour.com by 1/3, $95 phoned by 1/3, $100 at site. Group 4 EF: 3-day $58, 2-day $57 mailed by 12/29, all $59 online at chesstour.com by 1/3, $65phoned by 1/3, $70 at site. Group 5 EF: 3-day $28, 2-day $27 mailed by 12/29, all $29 online at chesstour.com by 1/3, $35 phoned by 1/3, $40 at site. Phone entry: 406-896-2038, entry only, no questions, no phone entry after 1/3. All: 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 $50. 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. Byes: OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $79-79, 617-568-1234, request chess rate, reserve by 12/23 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-3311600, 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. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Michigan Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 2011 Motor City Open See Grand Prix. Jan. 14-15, 2012 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Missouri Every Monday Night: Monday Night Cash Prize Quads G/60 The Kansas City Chess Club, 7667 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO 64151. Non-Cash Prize EF: 20/$15 club members. Cash Prize EF: $35/$30. Prizes: $60 1st place each quad b/4 cash prize EF. Free Quad entry 1st each quad…must use within 3 months. No cash substitute! EF. USCF & KC Chess Association memb. required. Reg.: 7:15. Rds.: 7:30PM. ENT: Onsite. INFO: Ken Fee [email protected]. www.kansascitychessclub. com. Free Coffee. Chess Books and Equipment for Sale onsite. Nov. 12, Cape Girardeau Chess 4SS, G/75. Auburn Place Hotel & Suites (previously Victorian Inn), 3253 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; I-55, exit 96. Sections: Open and U/1400: Prizes: b/30: Each Section: $100 1st, $50 2nd, $30 "best score in lower half" of each section. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Round times: 10, 1, 3:30, 6:30. EF: $20 rec'd by 11/7, $25 on site. Site entries cash only. Max 1 half bye; MCA required, O.S.A., available on site. Entries/Info: Bob Howe, 311 E. Walnut, Pacific, MO 63069. (636) 234.7928. (Tournament room 2nd floor, stairway accessible only.) Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Open See Grand Prix. Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open See Grand Prix

Nevada Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (note reduced hotel rates) See Grand Prix. Dec. 29, North American Blitz (QC) See Grand Prix. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open (CA-N) See Grand Prix.

New Hampshire Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts.

New Jersey Caffeine Swiss G/10 (QC) G/10. Wednedays 7-9:30 p.m. Located at CoffeeWorks at the Voorhees

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!

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Town Center, 8109 Town Center Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. Reg.: 6:307:00. EF: $10. $$ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd =50% of registrations. More info: call Dan at (856) 287-2393, email [email protected] or www.south jerseychess.com. Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Every Wednesday Open G/5 Blitz & Chess Lessons (QC) GM Yudasin's "Chess Lessons: 3:15pm-8:00 pm, EF: $15 (3 different classes). Blitz: 8:00pm-10:15pm. EF: $20/$15. GM Free - $15 deducted from prize. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ (732) 499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 5, Chess mates Saturday Open G/15 (QC) 7-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:10, 3:50, 4:30pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20 deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 4990118/760-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj. A State Championship Event! Nov. 6, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship 5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade! Grades K-6: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams - top 3 from each school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Grades 7-12: Trophies to top 10 individuals, top 5 teams; Rds.: 10am and ASAP. EF: $35 by 10/29, $55 at site. USCF mem req'd. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd 1. Info: 732 259-3881, [email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to NJSCF and send to NJSCF, PO Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Entries must include name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration, mailing address, phone number & entry fee, please include email address. Register online at: www.character kings.org. Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Every Sunday Scholastic Quad G/30 Quad G/30: 3pm-6pm, Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $15/non-member and $10/member. Prizes Quad: 1st Place:Trophy or $25. (732) 499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmates nj.com. Nov. 7, 14, 21, Meschugge Quads/Swiss Quads or 3-SS, b/o entries. 40/90, SD/60 or faster by agreement. Community Cntr., 293 Main St. (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $10. Prizes (b/16): $60/30/20, U1800 $20, free entry top U1500. Reg.: 7 pm 11/7. Rds.: 7:30 pm each Monday. [email protected]. Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Every Monday Open G/5 Blitz & Chess Lessons/Simul (QC) GM Yudasin's "Chess Lessons: 3:15pm-8:00 pm, EF: $15 (3 different classes). Blitz: 8:00pm-10:15pm. EF: $20 /$15. GM Free - $15 deducted from prize. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ (732) 499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 12, Chess Mates Saturday U1800 G/45 4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20 deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118 /760-5043604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 13, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championship (PA) Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K1, K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. K-1, K-3, K-6: 5SS, G/30. Rds.: 10-11:15-12:40-1:503:00. K-8, K-12: 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:20-2:40. EF: $30 online by 11/9; $35 by noon 11/11; $40 on-site from 8:45-9:15. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools; all players in K-1, K-3, and K-6 receive a participation trophy. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See: www.silverknightschess.com to register. Nov. 13, 27, Chess Mates Sunday Camp Every Other Sunday Camps: 10am-3pm and FREE EF (full-day enrollees) for Scholastic Tournament G/30 participation (3pm-6pm), Entry Fee: $90/day (non-club member); $80/day (club member); Other Options: 10am-12:30pm ($40); 12:30pm-3pm ($40); 10am-3pm ($75) OR $20/hour. $5 OFF for advance entry at least 4 days prior. Includes: FREE Lunch and Snacks. Instructor/s: GM Leonid Yudasin and NM Arthur Macaspac. 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. 732-499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 17, 3rd Thursday Quads 3 RR, G/35 t/d5. Quads grouped by rating. All the King's Men Chess & Games Center (Just 22 mins. from Center City Philadelphia), 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ. 856-582-8222. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unr. cannot win more than $10. EF: $12, members $10. Reg.: 6-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. Info: [email protected]. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1surcharge. Bring a clock! Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland. Nov. 19, 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. Nov. 19, Central Jersey Chess Tournament 4SS, G/30. All Saints' Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. Beautiful location: Plenty of Parking, Playground, Wi-Fi, etc. 5 Sections: 3 Rated, 2 Unrated. All: Game in 30 minutes, everyone plays 4 rounds, no eliminations. Unrated Sections: "K-1", "Novice" (2nd-8th grade). Rated Sections (all K-8): "Experienced" (below600), "Reserve" (600-900), "Open": (above900). Trophies: 1st - 3rd in each section, medals to all. Pre-reg. at NJChess.com, pay $30 (cash or check) on-site by 12. Those who pre-

register after Thurs., 9/15 or on site: pay $40 (cash or check) by 1:00. Round 1 starts at 1:30, next rounds start ASAP. Separate Section Awards ceremony around 3:00-5:00. USCF membs, Chess merchandise sold onsite. Send questions to: Grant Oen, Jairo Moreira: NewJerseyChess@ gmail.com. Nov. 19, Chess Mates Saturday U2200 G/45 4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20 deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118/760-5043604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 19-20, 2011 Delaware State Open Championship (DE) See Delaware. Nov. 20, 2011 Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, Members $15. Reg.: 1:30-2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 42nd annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. Nov. 26, Chess Mates Saturday Open G/45 4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20 deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes: based on the # of participants Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com. Nov. 27, 2011 Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, Members $15. Reg.: 1:30-2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Nov. 28, Not Another G/10? (QC) 6-SS, G/10. Community Cntr., 293 Main St. (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $10. Prizes (b/16): $60/30/20, U1800 $20, free entry top U1500. Reg.: 7 pm 11/28. Rds.: ASAP. [email protected]. Dec. 3, The Greater Princeton Championship Princeton Day School: 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section. Trophies 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 K12 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 $40. Parents play free. On-site 11-12 noon $50. Info and register online: www.pds.org/ chess. Inquires to: Bonnie Waitzkin, [email protected]. Dec. 4, 2011 Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, Members $15. Reg.: 1:30-2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Dec. 5, 12, 19, HoHoHo Is Not a Dirty Word Quad/Swiss Quad or 3-SS, b/o entries. 40/90, SD/60, faster by mutual agreement. Community Cntr., 293 Main St. (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $12. Prizes (b/16): $75/40/25, U1800 $25, free entry top U1500. Reg.: 7 pm 12/5. Rds.: 7:30 pm each Monday. [email protected]. Dec. 10, Central Jersey Chess Tournament 4SS, G/30. All Saints' Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. Beautiful location: Plenty of Parking, Playground, Wi-Fi, etc. 5 Sections: 3 Rated, 2 Unrated. All: Game in 30 minutes, everyone plays 4 rounds, no eliminations. Unrated Sections: "K-1", "Novice" (2nd-8th grade). Rated Sections (all K-8): "Experienced" (below600), "Reserve" (600-900), "Open": (above900). Trophies: 1st - 3rd in each section, medals to all. Pre-reg. at NJChess.com, pay $30 (cash or check) on-site by 12. Those who preregister after Thurs., 9/15 or on site: pay $40 (cash or check) by 1:00. Round 1 starts at 1:30, next rounds start ASAP. Separate Section Awards ceremony around 3:00-5:00. USCF membs, Chess merchandise sold onsite. Send questions to: Grant Oen, Jairo Moreira: NewJerseyChess@ gmail.com. Dec. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Open Championship See Grand Prix. Dec. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Scholastic Championship in 5 Sections 4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 PTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE ATROPHY! USCF Memb Req'd For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, www.icanj.net. Email: [email protected]. ADV EF (pmk by Dec 7th) $25 At Site $30 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd 1. BERGEN ACADEMY, 200 HACKENSACK AVE., HACKENSACK, NJ 07601. In 5 Sections, Section 1 Junior Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 2nd grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section 2 Novice: Open to unr players K thru 4th grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Section 3 G/45 Reserve: Open to players rated below 800 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45: Open to players rated below 1200 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60: Open to players rated below 1700 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Memb chks payableTo: International Chess Academy Mail. To: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646.

uschess.org


Dec. 11, ICA RBO Scholastic Championship 2011 (RBO) 4SS, G/45. RNDS.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Players K thru 12 th grd with pts =/> 2.5 will receive aTrophy. BERGAN ACADEMY, 200 HACKENSACK AVE., HACKENSACK, NJ 07601. USCF MEMB Req'd. INFO: 201 287 0250 OR 201 833 1741. www.icanj.net. EMAIL: [email protected]. ADV Ent pmk Dec 7th $25 At Site $30. Make EF and/or Memb, cks payable to: International Chess Academy. Mail to: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646. In 2 Sections, NOVICE U800/UNR and RESERVE U1200/UNR. Dec. 11, 2011 Westfield Quads 3 RR, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, Members $15. Reg.: 1:30-2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.com. Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

New Mexico Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 26, 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC) See Nationals.

New York Nov. 10, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF: $35, Club membs $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Nov. 11-13 or 12-13, 10th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) See Grand Prix. Nov. 12, 2011 Greater New Haven Fall Open $$1000 b/30 (CT) See Grand Prix. Nov. 12, Utica Four Seasons - Fall 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, (IT Building upstairs). EF: $30. Prizes b/20: $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15-5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Ln., Minoa, NY 13116, 315-436-9008. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 15, Marshall Masters! See Grand Prix. Nov. 17, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix. Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland. Nov. 19, Marshall Saturday U1600! 4-SS, G/45. 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.marshallchessclub.org. Nov. 19-20, Marshall CC November U2300! 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. 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/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.

35th

BINGHAMTON MONTHLY $1000 TOURNAMENT !!!! PRIZE MONEY INCREASED !!!!

NOVEMBER 20th 607-772-8782 [email protected]

Binghamton, NY

Nov. 20, 35th Binghamton Monthly $1000 Tourney! Prizes Increased! $1000 b/32. 4SS, Rds. 1-3 G/65 Rd.4 G/75. Entry: $49. Cash only at site. Reg.: 8:45 to 9:15 AM. Rds.: 9:30, 12:00, 2:30, 4:45. Open: $250, $200, $100. Reserve: $200, $150, $100. Trophies: 1st – 4th, both sections. Make checks payable to: Cordisco's Corner Store, 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) 772-8782. [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 21-Dec. 19, 24th Nassau Amateur 5SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2 sections. Amateur: U2000/UR. EF: $33 by 11/19. $$ (435 b/15) 195, U1800, 1600 each 120. Booster: U1400/UR. EF: $18 by 11/19. $$ (140 b/10) 80, U1200/UR 60. All: EF:Non memb $11 more. All $8 more at site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 23-Dec. 21, Marshall Wednesday U2000! 5-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($300/20): $160-80, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 42nd annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. Nov. 26, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/60. 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.marshallchessclub.org. Nov. 27, NEW! Marshall Open & U1500 Sunday Game/45! 4-SS, G/45. 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. Dec. 1, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF: $35, Club membs $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Dec. 3-4 or 4, Marshall December Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. Dec. 4, The Right Move 174 Team and Individual Championships Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10031. EF: FREE. 4SS, G/30. Open to grades 2-12. Three USCF rated sections: Open, Under 1400 & Under 700. Two Beginner Non-member sections by grades: 2-5 & 6-12. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Player check-in required by 9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). Prizes: Trophies to top 3 in each section (except Open: $50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points.Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each section. To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email registration@theright move.org by Friday 8:00 PM before the tournament. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION. Dec. 8, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF: $35, Club membs $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Amateur (CT) See Connecticut. Dec. 10, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/60. 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. Dec. 11, NEW! Marshall Open & U1500 Sunday Game/45! 4-SS, G/45. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC. 212-477-3716.Two sectionsyou 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. Dec. 12-Jan. 9, Marshall Monday U1600! 5-SS, G/90. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($300/20): $160-80, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7 pm each Monday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Dec. 2-30, Queens December Open See Grand Prix.

Dec. 15, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $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. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

Dec. 3, Marshall Saturday U1800! 4-SS, G/45. 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.marshallchessclub.org.

Dec. 17, Marshall Saturday U1400! 4-SS, G/45. 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.

Dec. 3, Syracuse University Dec 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.

Dec. 17-18 or 18, Marshall December U2100! 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U1800/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/30) 10-11:15-12:30-5:30 Sun; both merge

Dec. 1-29, Marshall Thursday Members-Only Swiss! 5-SS, G/120. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to MCC members only. EF: $20. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7PM each Thursday. Limit 2 byes, request by rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

30th annual EMPIRE CITY OPEN Dec 27-29 or 28-29 at New Yorker Hotel 6 rounds, $10,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND! New Yorker Hotel, 8th Ave & 34th St, across from Penn Station. Choice of 3-day or 2-day schedule, Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Thursday. In 5 sections: Open Section: Prizes $1000-500-300-150, clear/tiebreak win $50 bonus, top 2200-2299 $500, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE rated, 60 GPP (enhanced). Under 2100 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1900 $500. Under 1800 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1600 $400. Under 1500 Section: $700-400-200-100, top U1300 $300. Under 1200 Section: $600-300-150-100, top U1000 $250. Unrated limit $200 in U1200, $300 in U1500, or $500 in U1800. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.

See “New York” for details uschess.org


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Tournament Life Rd 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.marshallchess club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Jan. 7-8 or 8, Marshall January Grand Prix! See Grand Prix.

Dec. 20, Marshall Masters! See Grand Prix.

Jan. 9-Feb. 13, FIDE Mondays!! 6-SS, G/120. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175125-100, U2000 $100; 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7PM each Monday; FIDE rated. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Dec. 22, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix. Dec. 24, Marshall Saturday G/60! 4-SS, G/60. 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. Dec. 25, Marshall Open & U1500 Christmas Game/45! 4-SS, G/45. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.Two sectionsyou 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. Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open See Grand Prix. Dec. 28-Jan. 25, Marshall Wednesday U2000! 5-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. ($300/20): $160-80, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshall chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 29, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Dec. 31, Your Last Blunder Of 2011! Ring In The New Year With An Annual NY Tradition - Now In its 25th Year!! See Grand Prix. Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Chessaholics Anonymous New Year's Eve Insanity Championship!! See Grand Prix. Jan. 5, 1st 4 Rated Games Tonight In 2012! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Jan. 5-Feb. 2, Marshall Thursday Members-Only Swiss! 5-SS, G/120. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to MCC members only. EF: $20. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7PM each Thursday. Limit 2 byes, request by rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts. Jan. 7, Marshall Saturday U1800! 4-SS, G/45. 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.

Jan. 12, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $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. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Jan. 14, Marshall Open & U1500 Saturday Game/45! 5-SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.Two sectionsyou 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. A Heritage Event! Jan. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual Greater NY Junior High Championship - USCF's Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/28/96 not yet in 10th grade, New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $48.60 postmarked by 1/6/12.Trophies to top 12, top U1500, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1200 or unrated. EF: $48.50 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $48.40 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 45 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/141/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: [email protected] (Jan 27-28 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards!

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.

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Jan. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 33rd Annual Greater NY Primary Championship! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/28/02 in grades 3/below, New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $46.60 postmarked by 1/6/12. Trophies to top 12, top rated U900, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 8/1 to 2nd, thru 7/1 to 3rd. Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. K-1, open to grade 1/below. EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/14-1/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: [email protected] (Jan 27-28 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards! A Heritage Event! Jan. 29, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual Greater NY Elementary Championship - USCF's Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/29/99 not yet in 7th grade, New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $47.60 postmarked by 1/6/12. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $47.40 postmarked by 1/6.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/14-1/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. Onsite entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: [email protected] (Jan 27-29 only: 212-9710101). Bring sets, clocks, boards! A Heritage Event! Jan. 29, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual Greater NY High School Championship - USCF's Longest-Running Scholastic! 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 1/29/92, New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $49.60 postmarked by 1/6/12. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by 1/6.Trophies to top 12, top U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 7-9 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score; no combined schools, even if one school "feeds" another). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 45 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/141/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: [email protected] (Jan 27-29 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards!

uschess.org


Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. A Heritage 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 6 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. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Bring set, board, clock if possiblenone supplied. Chess Magnet School JGP (except K-1). Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open See Grand Prix. Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) See Grand Prix.

North Carolina Nov. 26, TACO 79 4-SS, G/61. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF: $21(rec'd by 11/25)/$25 at site. Prizes: $$500 b/32. OPEN: $110-60 A, u1800 $50 ea. U1600: $100-50 D, u1200 $40 ea. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 101-3:30-5:45. NCCA req'd OSA. Info: chesstaco.info. Jeff Jones (919) 270-9948. [email protected]. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 17, Tobacco Road Action Chess Tournament See Grand Prix.

of JC Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM. Rds.: 11:301:15-3:30-5:15. Prizes (b/25): Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve(U1600): 1st $100. Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail: [email protected]. Web: www.thehouseof chess.com/.

Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Nov. 11-13 or 12-13, 20th annual Kings Island Open See Grand Prix.

Nov. 12-13, Oklahoma Fall Open OKC 5-SS, G/90 + 30 sec. Days Inn NW, 2801 NW. 39th Ave. (NE corner May/I44) Okla City, OK 73112 / ph 405-946-0741. HR: 50. Wi-Fi, EF: RR: $50 Open: $50, Reserve: $25 (deduct $10 only if ck postmarked before Nov 9): OCF $10 required OSNA. Three Sections: 6 Player-RR FIDE Invitational – $300-200-100-100-50-50 see: [email protected]. Open (FIDE): Gtd 1st $100 A: $200-100, B: $200, C: $200, D: $100. Reserve: U-1350 1st $100, Other class prizes per entrees; Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds at 10-2:30-7; 9-1:15. 2 half pt byes rds 1-4 allowed for Open and Reserve only, FIDE (Open+RR), LS, W, Free Parking. Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74074. [email protected], 405 372-5758. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Nov. 19, Progress with Chess Monthly Open 4SS, G/30. Fairhill Center, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. EF: $15. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30. Open/Reserve (U-1500) $250 Guaranteed 1st $100, 2nd $50. Reserve: 1st $65, 2nd $35. Entries: Progress with Chess, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. Info: www.progresswithchess.org. Contact: Mike Joelson 216-321-7000. Nov. 19-20, 6th Annual Early Turkey Open 4 Rounds SS, Time Controls: G/90, 30 sec increment. Prizes $650 b/32 paid entries, re-entries $15 count as 1/2 entry. Prizes: OPEN: $225 (gtd)125. U1800: $200-100. USCF Rated. One bye permitted - sign up prior to start of round 2. Reg.: Sat: 12:00-12:45 pm. Rds.: Sat - 1:00 & 5:45, Sun - 10:00 & 2:30. EF: $25/$35 adv/after Nov 11. DCC mbr disc. $3. Mail EF's to Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402 or register at www.daytonchessclubcom. Email [email protected] or call 937.461.6283 for information. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 26, House of Chess Open 4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM. Rds.: 11:301:15-3:30-5:15. Prizes (b/25): Open 1st $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve(U1600) 1st $100. Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.the houseofchess.com/. A State Championship Event! Dec. 10, 2011 Ohio Grade Level Championships 5SS, 13 separate sections for each grade. Open to students enrolled in Ohio schools in grades K-12 or home schooled in Ohio, age 19 and under. The University of Akron Student Union, 303 Carroll St, Akron, OH 44325. Hotel: The Akron City Centre, 20 W. Mill St., Akron, OH 44308. $75, up to 4 per room, (330) 384-1500. Reserve by 11-18-2011. EF: $30 if received by 12-1 $35 after. Free and reduced lunch students $10. No on-site registrations. Awards: Trophies to all scoring 3.5 or more, top three teams each section. Medals to all in sections K-8. BUGHOUSE TOURNAMENT at host hotel at 8pm Friday 12-9-2011. See website for full details. Contact: Mike Joelson, 216-321-7000, [email protected]. Info/Forms: www.progresswithchess.org. Dec. 10, Christmas Season Pawn Storm V G/45 Tmt, td/5, 5 rounds at Dayton Chess Club. Free Parking. EF: $25 until 3 Dec then $35. EF refunded to players rated 2200 or higher who complete their schedule. Prizes (b/25 paid): Open $200-101, U1900 $100, U1600 $99. Reg.: 10-10:45am. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Info: Questions [email protected] or 937.461.6283. Mail EF to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402 or register online at www.dayton chessclub.com. Dec. 10, Toledo Dec Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 12/8 $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

Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, 35th Cardinal Open See Grand Prix.

Oklahoma

Nov. 25-27, 3rd Thanksgiving FIDE Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix.

Oregon Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open (CA-N) See Grand Prix.

Pennsylvania

Every Second Saturday of the Month Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads 3RR, G/40. St. Luke’s Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12. $$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv. ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week! www.freewebs.com/allentown centercitychessclub. Every Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads & G/10 (QC) (NO QUADS OR BLITZ ON LVCA GRAND PRIX DATES LISTED IN CHESS LIFE) G/40 Quads, 3-RR. Reg.: 1p. Lehigh County Senior Ctr., 1633 Elm St., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10, $30 for 3-0 score, else $25 for 1st. G/10 Quick Chess, 5-SS, Reg.: 5-6:15 pm. EF:$5, Prizes: 50% of Paid Entries. Info: [email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Nov. 12, 10th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Fall Chess 5SS, G/30. 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. Non-rated 1st round starts at 9:30am, subsequent rounds start 10 min after last game completed. EF: $30 postmarked by November 9th, $35 later & on site. Prizes: Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600, UNR. Non-RatedTrophies b/o age. For rated section, please bring chess equipment. Random draw prizes between rounds. Sudden death, if necessary for 1st-4th - G/10, tie breaks determines color and clock placement. Ent: Online reg: forms atwww.northampton.edu/CommunityPrograms/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@lehighvalley chess.org.

Jan. 27, Land of the Sky Chess960 3SS, G/30. Start 8pm at Land of the Sky XXV (see GP TLA). Free entry, plaque to first. www.ncchess.org. Jan. 27-29, Land of the Sky XXV See Grand Prix. Jan. 28, Land of the Sky Blitz (QC) G/5, unrated. Start 10am at Land of the Sky XXV (See GP TLA). EF: $20. 100% of entries paid as prizes. www.ncchess.org.

Ohio Nov. 5, House of Chess Open 4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W

FOREIGN RATING? NOT UNRATED! If you have no USCF rating, but do have a rating or category from any other country, no matter how many years ago, you are not unrated. If you have a FIDE rating, you are also not unrated. Tell the Director of any event you enter about your foreign rating or category or your FIDE rating, so that you can be paired appropriately. uschess.org

44th annual LIBERTY BELL OPEN 7 rounds, Jan 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Philadelphia

$20,000 projected prize fund, $14,000 minimum This traditional Martin Luther King weekend event has paid MORE than its $20,000 projected prize fund every year since 2006! In 9 sections: Open Section: $1700-1000-500-300-200, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top Under 2400/Unr $800. FIDE rated, 80 GPP (enhanced). Under 2300 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. FIDE rated. Under 2100 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1700 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. Unrated limit $700. Under 1500 Section: $900-500-400-300-200. Unrated limit $500. Under 1300 Section: $600-300-200-150-100. Unrated limit $300. Under 1100 Section: $600-300-200-150-100. Unrated limit $200. Under 900 Section: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unr limit $100. FULL DETAILS: see “Grand Prix” in this issue or chesstour.com.


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Tournament Life

Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open See Grand Prix.

One bye available if requested by end of round 2. However players in the Pan Am Intercollegiate may have byes any time as long as requested 45 minutes before round starts AND as long as they are paired in the Pan American Intercollegiate. Open section is Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Sections may be combined if there is a low turnout in one of the sections. More info: www.swchess.com or contact Barbara Swafford, 214-632-9000, [email protected]. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. FIDE. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Rhode Island

Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament See Nationals.

Nov. 18, Friday Night Action #35 Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. In 2 Sections: Open, U/1400. 4SS, G/30. EF: $20 online, $30 onsite till 6:45. Rds.: 7:00pm, then ASAP. Limited to first 20 players that register. Prizes: $100 to first overall, others per entries.

Cranston Chess Club Monthly Every Tuesday. 4SS, 40/70, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF: $5/game (club mbrs: $3/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.: 1st 4 Tuesdays of the month, 7pm sharp! 5th Tuesday extra rated games and events. One bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.cranstonchess.org, 401-575-1520. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Nov. 19, 2011 November LVCA Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

Nov. 12, 2011 Greater New Haven Fall Open $$1000 b/30 (CT) See Grand Prix.

Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland.

Nov. 19, 120th Rhode Island Open 4SS, G/60. New England Institute ofTechnology, 2500 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886. Sections & Prizes: $1000 b/40 Open, U1900, U1500.Trophies each section. EF: $35 Advance by 11/17, $45 at site. Reg.: 8:45-9:15. Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, PO Box 40604, Providence, RI 02940. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. Register online: www.richess.org. NS. NC. W.

Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Under 20 Scholastic Chess Championships Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ dfwam-dfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&groupCode= paipaia&fromDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink or call 800-228-9290 reserve by 12/5 (or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American Intercollegiate Chess rate. Free Parking. Tournament Dates: December 27-30, 2011. Under 20 years old Scholastic Tournament Format: Open to players under 20 years old who are not yet enrolled in college. This is a 6 round Swiss, Game/90 with a 30 second increment. Rounds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: 12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6: 12/30 9 am. Entry Fees: Priority Registration by December 1, 2011: $45. After December 1, 2011: $60. Prizes: Four-year scholarship toThe University ofTexas at Dallas to winner. UT Dallas Chess II Scholarship as the first prize. The Chess II scholarship is worth approximately $105,000 to an out of state (Texas) student and $45,000 to an In-State student. For some more details about the UTD Chess Scholarships please see www.utdallas.edu/chess/scholarships/chess-pro gram-scholarships.html Winner must meet UTD entrance requirement and follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins the scholarship.Top 10 trophies, medal to all participants. For Additional information or online registration go to: www.swchess.com or contact Barbara Swafford, 214-632-9000, [email protected]. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Nov. 13, PCL November Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 juniors. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am. Rds.: 11:30am-Noon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412908-0286. W. Nov. 13, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K1, K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. K-1, K-3, K-6: 5SS, G/30. Rds.: 10-11:15-12:40-1:503:00. K-8, K-12: 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:20-2:40. EF: $30 online by 11/9; $35 by noon 11/11; $40 on-site from 8:45-9:15. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools; all players in K-1, K-3, and K-6 receive a participation trophy. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See: www.silverknightschess.com to register.

Nov. 19, 2011 PA State Game/15 Championship (QC) See Grand Prix. Nov. 19-20, 2011 Delaware State Open Championship (DE) See Delaware. A State Championship Event! Nov. 19-20, 2011 Welsh S. White PA State Senior Championship 5SS, G/120. Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Open to ages 50 & Up. $$ (420G): 120-80, Ages 65 & Up $70, U1800 $60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40. Trophies to Champion & Top Ages 65 & Up. EF: $30 by 11/11, $40 later, PSCF required $5, OSA. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 10-2:30. Info: 412-908-0286. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St, Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. W. Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, 42nd annual National Chess Congress See Grand Prix. Nov. 26, National Congress Game/15 (QC) Sheraton Hotel (see National Chess Congress). 4SS, G/15 + 3 seconds delay. Prizes $300 based on 20 entries, else in proportion: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only. Reg. ends 9 pm, rds. 9:15, 10:15, 11, 11:45. Half point bye available rd 1. Quick rated, but higher of regular or quick used for pairings & prizes. Nov. 27, National Congress Blitz & Game/7 (QC) 2 separate tournaments at Sheraton Hotel (see National Chess Congress). Each is a double round 4SS (8 games), with prizes $300 based on 20 entries, else in proportion: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800$50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only. Blitz: G/5. Reg. ends 1 pm, rds. 1:15, 2, 2:30, 3. Game/7: G/7 plus 2 seconds delay. Reg. ends 9 pm, rds. 9:15, 10:15, 11, 11:45. One pair of half point byes available rd 1. Quick rated, but higher of regular or quick used for pairings & prizes. Dec. 3, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads Our 22nd year! 3RR, 40/80, sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19382. EF:$20. Prizes: $$40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164. Dec. 4, December Crush Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. In 4 Sections: K-12, K-12 U/800, K-3 U/400, 4-8 U/400.Trophies to top individuals and schools. 4SS, G/30. Games begin at 1:00pm. EF: $25 by 10/5. Onsite registration ($35) closes at 12:30pm. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See: www.silverknightschess.com for complete information or to register. Dec. 4, PCL December Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am, Rds.: 11:30am-Noon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. Dec. 9, Friday Night Action #36 Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. In 2 Sections: Open, U/1400. 4SS, G/30. EF: $20 online, $30 onsite till 6:45. Rds.: 7:00pm, then ASAP. Limited to first 20 players that register. Prizes: $100 to first overall, others per entries. Dec. 10, MasterMinds CC 2nd Saturday Swiss/Quads Blair Christian Academy, 220 W. Upsal St., Philadelphia, PA. Quads 40/80 SD/30TD/5. EF: $20 cash, Perfect score winner $50 else $40. Rd 1 10AM then asap. Scholastic SS, EF $15 rec'd by Thursday before, $25 at the door. 3 sections Rd 1 10AM then asap: K-12 3SS, G/60 TD/5 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200, top unrated; K-8 4SS, G/40 TD/5.1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated; K-6 4SS, G/40TD/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. Dec. 10, 32nd Abel Bomberault Memorial 4SS, G/60. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $20 postmarked by 12/6, $25 later, $4 extra to play up one section, $3 discount to PCC members. 2 Sections: Championship, open to 1800-up: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U2000. Reserve Section, open to U1800: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U1600 - 1st U1400 - 1st U1200/Unrated. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rds.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. Info: 412-4211881, 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.

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Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open See Grand Prix. Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open (MD) See Grand Prix.

Dec. 11, 115th Rhode Island Pawn Eater 4SS, G/55. RI College, Providence, RI 02908. Sections & Prizes: $500 b/30: OPEN, U1900, U1500. EF: $25 by 11/9, $30 at site. REGISTER ONLINE at www.rhodeislandchess.org. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rd 1 at 9:30. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 40604, Providence, RI 02940. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA) See Massachusetts.

Tennessee

Dec. 31-Jan. 1, DCC Insanity See Grand Prix.

Nov. 25-27, 52nd Mid-South Open See Grand Prix.

Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, 2nd annual Austin Chess Club Championship See Grand Prix.

Texas

Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM) See Grand Prix.

Nov. 18-20, 2011 National K-12 Championship See Nationals.

Utah

Nov. 24-27, TexOhma Open See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! Dec. 2-4, Utah State Championship 5SS, G/120. Research Administration Building, University of Utah. See utahchess.com for map/directions and eligibility details. Eligibility: 1800 and above USCF rating or per webpage. Prizes: $150, $75, plus $50 to 1st U2000 & trophies. Top Utah resident earns 2011 Utah Champion title and corresponding trophy. EF: $25 if received by 30 Nov, $30 on-site. Reg.: 5:30-6:15 pm. Rds.: Friday 6:30 pm, Saturday 10-3:30, Sunday 92:30. 2 byes available if requested before 2nd round. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Dec. 10, Steven Grubbs Memorial 5SS, G/30. Student Union Galaxy Rooms atThe University ofTexas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080. Three rated sections Opened to all in grades preK - 12th: HS/MS(K-12), Elem (K-6), Primary(K-3). One Not Rated section: Elem Not Rated (K-6). This section is opened to all players in grades K-6 including rated players. $$Trophies: HS/MS:Top 10 ind., top 3 teams; Elem:Top 10 ind., top 5 teams; Primary: Top 10 ind., top 3 teams; Elem Not Rated: Top 10 Ind, top 5 teams. EF: $19 if postmarked by 12/3; $28 thereafter and on site. Add $5 for phone entries. On site registration may result in 1/2 point first round bye. Reg.: 8:00-8:45am, Rd 1 pairing posted at 9:20am, all others ASAP with 45-minute lunch break. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before end of Rd 2. Tournament is not elimination, play all 5 rounds. Pre-Registration requires prepayment with complete information. All changes after 12/8/11 to be made on site only. Make Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. US Chess Federation Membership is required for all Rated sections. Not Rated sections do not require US Chess Federation membership. Enter: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. www.dallaschess.com, www.utdallas.edu/chess. E-mail: info@dallas chess.com, 214-632-9000. Note that seating is limited and is on a first come first serve basis. Park on metered parking by Student Union or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitor's parking. Due to construction, check website for parking updates. All proceeds from this tournament will go to the Steven M Grubbs Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas at Dallas. NS. NC. W. Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Class Championships Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwamdfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&groupCode=paipaia&fro mDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink , or call 800-228-9290 reserve by 12/5 (or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American Intercollegiate Chess rate. Free Parking. Tournament Dates: December 27-30, 2011.Tournament Format: 6 round Swiss System, Game/90 with a 30 second increment. 7 Sections. Open: Open to all, U2000: Open to 1999 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds: Open to 1599 & under. Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win unrated prizes that are determined by unrated entry fees. The unrated entry fees do not apply for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. U1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. U1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not play in this section. Rounds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: 12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6: 12/30 9 am. Entry Fees: Priority Registration by December 14, 2011: $60. After December 14, 2011: $75. Prizes: Open: 1st= $600, 2nd = $300, 3rd = $200, 1st U2200 = $400, 2nd U2200 $200. For all other sections (U2000, U1800 etc.) 60% returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd and 10% for 3rd). Additional Info:

Virginia Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder 30/90, SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Most monthly game points: $50; most total points Jan. to Dec.: $100. Must join club to play. Yearly dues: $50 adults, $40 seniors and U18, cash or check. Dates found on our website: http://mem bers.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/. Reg.: weekly sign-up from 7:00-8:00, games start by 8:10, no advance entries. Contact for info only: [email protected]. W, NS. Chess Magnet School JGP (if 4 rounds/games played in that one month). Arlington Chess Club's Monthly Action Tournament Once each month, the ACC sponsors an action tournament (dates found on our website: http://members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/.) 3SS, G/30. Prizes b/entries: 80% returned as prizes. Held concurrently with club ladder. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22202. Reg.: 7:00-8:15. Rd. 1: 8:20. EF: $15 ($10 for ACC Members), no advance entries, cash only. Contact for info only: [email protected]. W. NS. Nov. 12, Kingstowne Quad #79/Action-Plus #51 KingstowneThompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. 2 Events. Quad #79: 3RR, G/100. EF: $10 if received by 11/9, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 30 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #51: 5SS, G/45. EF: $15 if received by 11/9, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 910:30. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. Email (info only): [email protected]. W(please give 48-hour notice if needed). Nov. 19, 2011 Mid-Atlantic Girls Chess Championships (MD) See Maryland. Nov. 19, Arlington Rumble St.Thomas More School, 105 N.Thomas St., Arlington, VA 22203. In 4 Sections: K-12, K-12 U/800, K-3 U/400, 4-8 U/400. Trophies to top individuals and schools. 4SS, G/30. Games begin at 1:00pm. EF: $20 by 11/16. Onsite registration ($30) closes at 12:30pm. Free game analysis by NM Jeremy Kane. See www.silverknightschess.com for complete information or to register. Nov. 19-20, 19th David Zofchak Memorial See Grand Prix.

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Nov. 26, Sterling Chess November Open and RBO 4SS, G/61. St. Francis Episcopal Church, Harris Hall, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Two sections: Open $$85 b/16, 50/25/10. U1200, medal to winner. EF: Open $8, U1200 $6. Unrateds free. Preregister online at www.meetup.com/sterling-chess-tournaments. Pay on website. Reg.: 11:30-12:00. Rds.: 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:30. Info: news@ serranoassociates.com. Bye: Half-point, any round. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 3, Kingstowne Quad #80/Action-Plus #52 Kingstowne South Center, 6080 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. 2 Events. Quad #80: 3RR, G/100. EF: $10 if received by 11/30, $15 at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 30 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #52: 5SS, G/45. EF: $15 if received by 11/30, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $10060, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Space may be limited. Reg.: 9-10:30. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. Email (info only): [email protected]. W. Dec. 10, 1st Annual Hanover County Open! Atlee HS, 9414 Atlee Station Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116. 4SS, G/60. Reg.: 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-12-2:45-5:15. 2 Sections- OPEN/ EF: $30 pd by 12/7, $35 at site, $135-80, Top X,A,B ea. 60; RESERVE (U1700) EF: $28 pd by 12/7, $33 at site. $120-70, Top C/D/E-unr $55 ea. No credit cards. Mail EF to: Andrew Rea, 6102 Lundy Pl., Burke, VA 22015. A VCF Cup event. 1/2pt bye avail. at reg. or at site before Rd2. More prize$ if more than 45 players! Info: www.vachess.org or [email protected]. NS. NC. Dec. 10, 1st Annual Silver Knights Cup Chess Championship Haycock Elementary School, 6616 Haycock Rd., Falls Church, VA 22043. In 4 Sections: K-1, K-3, K-6, and K-12. 5SS, G/30. EF: $30 online by 12/7; $35 online by noon 12/9; $40 on-site from 8:45am-9:15am. Rds.: 10:0011:15-12:45-1:50-3:00. Large trophies to top individuals and teams, and participation trophies to all players. Free game analysis by NM Jeremy Kane. Space is limited to first 136 players that register, so check website for availability of on-site registration. See: www.silverknightschess. com for complete information or to register. Dec. 11, Howard County Chess Tournament (MD) 4SS, G/30. Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD

21723. Sections: K-5 Unrated, 6-12 Unrated, K-12 Rated. EF: $25 in advance; $35 on-site 1:00-1:30. Rds.: 2:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free game analysis. Register at www.howard countymd.gov/RAP or 410-313-4714. Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix. Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open (MD) See Grand Prix.

Washington Nov. 25-27 or 26-27, Washington Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Wisconsin Nov. 19-20, Greg Knutson Memorial 5-SS, TC rds 1-3,5 45/2, 25/1, SD/1 rd 4 45/2, SD/1. Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI. 608-263-2600. Rds.: 10, 2:30, 7:30, 10, 3:30. EF: $16 if received by 11/17, $20 at site. $$ $650 guaranteed: 1st 140, 2nd $120, A $90, B $80, C $70, D $60, U1200 $50, unrated $40. Entries: Guy Hoffman, PO Box 259822, Madison, WI 53725-9822. NC. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP. Nov. 25-27, Wm Martz Memorial/North Central Open Hilton Garden Inn, 11600 W. Park Pl., Milwaukee, WI 53224. In 2 Sections, Open: 6SS, 45/2, SD/1, EF: $45 by 11/23; $5 more later; Jr and new members $3 less. $$b/50: $350-200. X $150 A $125 B $120 C $115 D $110 U1200 $100 Unr $80. Reg.: 11/25 10-11:30 AM. Rds.: 12-7; 105; 10-3:30. Scholastic: 4SS, G/60, EF: $10 by 11/23; $5 more later. Prizes: Trophies to Top 3 and Top Girl; Medals to 2+ scores. Reg.: 11/26 8-9:30 am. Rds.: 11/26: 10-1-3:30-6. ENT: Ben Corcoran, 2711 N. University Dr. #64, Waukesha, WI 53188 262-506-4203. INFO: [email protected]. HR: $84 (Mention chess) 414-359-9823. www.wis chess.org. Make checks payable to WCA. Chess Magnet School JGP. Dec. 10-11, The Wisconsin Memorial 5SS, 45/2,25/1,SD/1 (45/2,SD/1 Rd 4 only). Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 53715. EF: $22 (Juniors $18) by Dec. 6. $3 more later or on site. $$b/50 and 4 per class: $160-110. A - $90; B - $80; C - $70; D - $60; E - $50; U1000 - $40; Unr - $40; Upset - $50. Reg.: 9-9:30 A.M.

Dec. 10. Rds.: 10:00-2:30-7:30; 10:00-3:30. WI Chess Tour Event!. ENT: Dennis Kosterman, 28 Singleton Ct., Madison, WI 53711. INFO: Dennis Kosterman, (608)770-3133, [email protected]. HR: $130 (608)-263-2600. Free Parking Lot 20. www.wischess.org. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. A Heritage Event! Jan. 14-15, 47th Northeastern Open SECTIONS: Three: OPEN, RESERVE (U/1500), and NOVICE (U/1000). All are USCF-rated. FORMAT: OPEN and RESERVE: 5/SS,T/C: 35/90, G/60, Rds. at 10-2:30-7:15 and 10-3. One half-point Bye in any Round. Full-point Bye in Rd 1 to players 2100+ if pre-registered. NOVICE: 6/SS, G/60, Rounds at 10:15, 1, 3:30, 6:30 and 10:15, 1:00. Two half-point Byes allowed. PLAYING SITE: Holiday Inn – Neenah, 123 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI 54956. PH: 1-920-725-8441. Site has 24-hour pool, exercise/workout rooms, video game area and sports bar. ROOM RATES: $79 for 1-bed King, or 2-bed double. Must mention chess. REGISTRATION: 8:30 – 9:30 on 1/14/12. ENTRY FEES: OPEN = $39, RESERVE = $18, NOVICE = $16. All are $7 more if emailed, phoned-in or mailed after 1/9/12. Checks payable to: Mike Selig – TD. PRIZE FUND: OPEN ($ 1400 b/60) $330, $220, best 1900 - 180, 1800 - 170, 1700 - 160, 1600 150, U/1600 - $120, U/1400 - 70. RESERVE: $60 - 40. Trophies to: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, best 1200, 1100, 1000, U/1000, Unrated. NOVICE: $30,Trophies to: 1st, 2nd, best U/800, U/600, Unrated. ADVANCE ENTRIES: 47th NORTHEASTERN OPEN, Mike Selig – Director, 2895 W. Fourth St. Condo "B" Appleton, WI 54914-4330. TD Phone: 920-739-7550. Email: [email protected]. OTHER INFO: Special USCF "Tournament Membership" for players age 24/Under is only $ 7.00. Fox River Mega-Mall – 183 stores – is 4 miles from the site! Chess Magnet School JGP.

Wyoming Nov. 5-6, 2011 Wyoming Open 5SS, rd1 G/60, rds, 2-5 35/90 G/60. LCCC Conference Center, Training Room 112. 1400 E. College Drive Cheyenne, WY 82001. Section: Open to All. PF b/entries, EF: $20 pre-entry, $25 at door. Reg.: 8:30-9:30 am Sat 10:00am, 12:30pm, 5:30 pm, Sun: 9:00, 2:30. Ent: Brian Walker, 2835 Forest Dr., Cheyenne, WY 82001. Email: [email protected]. NS, NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.

Membership Appreciation Program (MAP) The MAP program continues in 2011. See details at main.uschess.org/go/MAP. Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life.

Overall Affiliate Standings Name

State

CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS BAY AREA CHESS SILVER KNIGHTS WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS DALLAS CHESS CLUB SUCCESS CHESS SCHOOL TRI-STATE CHESS SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA

NY TX CA VA PA NY TX CA NY IN

Small State Affiliate Standings Name

State

MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES METRO CHESS OMAHA CHESS COMMUNITY SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG CMC- LLC MESA CHESS CLUB ST MARYS PARISH SCHOOL CC WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL LONE KINGS CHESS CLUB

ME DC NE SD NM RI NM ME NH NM

State Chapter Affiliate Standings Name

State

MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION KENTUCKY CHESS ASSOCIATION NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN VIRGINIA CHESS FEDERATION TENNESSEE CHESS ASSOCIATION

MI PA MN MA MD KY NJ NH VA TN

Count 811 598 467 262 223 220 217 211 191 158

Count 123 85 51 48 33 31 21 15 14 13

Count 330 195 139 77 69 61 56 50 32 32

Adult Membership Standings Name CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE MARSHALL CHESS CLUB CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CTR DALLAS CHESS CLUB SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB BAY AREA CHESS LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS ROCHESTER CHESS CENTER

Scholastic and Youth Membership Standings Name PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS BAY AREA CHESS SILVER KNIGHTS WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB SUCCESS CHESS SCHOOL LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS TRI-STATE CHESS CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN DALLAS CHESS CLUB OAK VIEW CHESS CLUB

State

Count

NY NJ NY MO TX CA CA CA TX NY

638 94 94 87 84 82 61 56 47 47

State

Count

TX CA VA PA CA NY NY NY TX CA

Member Standings Name

State

DOCKERY, JOHN T CAMPBELL, TIM V SYGIEL, CHET BERRY, FRANK K STALLINGS, JAY S THOMAS, KENNETH RYAN, BEN J DELAPAZ, FELICIANO MCDONALD, THOMAS D FUSSELMAN, LEONARD

FL MO KY OK CA NJ TX TX TX TX

551 406 234 214 211 206 189 173 133 129

Count 60 28 27 27 26 20 17 16 15 12

PCT Gain Standings State VT DC RI

Dec10 207 190 247

uschess.org

Sep11 251 219 279

PCT 21.3 15.3 13.0

State VT DC RI

Dec10 207 190 247

Sep11 251 219 279

PCT 21.3 15.3 13.0

State VA CT TX

Dec10 2694 1164 7839

Sep11 2880 1228 8141

PCT 6.9 5.5 3.9

State SC

Dec10 534

Sep11 552


PCT 3.4

77

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Learn Chess Online Experienced chess coaches from India, starting at $9/hour. URL: www.my chessguru.com Phone: (732) 207-6203 e-mail: [email protected] $10/hour Chess Lessons, Shogi Lessons. Master Gary Pickler, 2207. I pay phone costs! (808) 982-7172.

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Games SchemingMind.com for correspondence chess. Trial members get 50 games free. Vermonty will be your guide.

Instruction TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, the Mid-Atlantic Chess Instruction Center is the best in the business. We specialize in adult students. We offer 32 different courses as well as individual game analysis. Center Director: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out when you call, please leave your name & tel. #. LEARN CHESS BY MAIL: Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs. Alex Dunne, 324 West Lockhart Street, Sayre, PA 18840. [email protected]. YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 3- Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt! Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive Chess

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]

ChessMate® Pocket & Travel Sets Perfect chess gifts for the chess lover in your life: The finest magnetic chess sets available. Handmade in the USA 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! WWW.CHESSMATE.COM Phone: 425.697.4513

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Solutions CHESS TO ENJOY (page 15)

SOLITAIRE CHESS ABCs of Chess (page 17)

ENDGAME LAB Benko’s Bafflers (page 57)

Problem I.

Problem I.

Koyenco, 1988 Black resigned but it’s a draw after 1. ... Bg7! (2. Rxg7 stalemate).

Fork: Black has a “dead meat”check, 1. ... Qa5+, gaining the e5-knight. Problem II.

Problem I. 1. Ra8 h5 2. a4 Kb4 3. a5 Kb5 4. a6 Kb6 5. Rb8+ Ka7 6. Rb7+ Kxa6 7. Rb1 Ka5 8. Kh7 Ka4 9. Kh6 Ka3 10. Rb5 h4 11. Rb1 Ka2 12. Rf1 Kb3 13. Kh5 Kc3 14. Rf4 h3 15. Rf2 Kd3 16. Kg4 Ke3 17. Rb2 Nf3 18. Rb3+ Ke4 19. Rb4+ Nd4

Problem II.

Niksic, 1978 White lost after 1. Rb3?? Ra6 (threatening 2. ... Ra1+ and mates) 2. Rb1 Rh6! 3. Kg1 Rg6+ 4. Kf1 e2+. But it should have been drawn after 1. Rb2! in view of 2. Rf2+! exf2 stalemate. Problem III.

World Junior Championship 2011 It’s a win if Black can take the a-pawn and prevent White’s king from reaching a1. That means 1. ... Kxa5?? 2. Kc3 draws but a “pass” such as 1. ... Bg6! wins, e.g. 2. Ke3 Kxa5 3. Kd2 Kb4 4. Kc1 Kb3 and ...a5-a4-a3 etc. Problem IV.

Wijk aan Zee 1982 The proper result is a draw, after 1. Ra3!. But White lost after 1. Ka2?? a3! in view of 2. Rxa3 Qxc2+ or 2. Rb3+ Kc4 3. Kxa3 Qxc2 or 2. Kb1 Qe1+ 3. Ka2 Qc1!. Problem V.

Biel, 1999 1. Nxh2! Bxh2 2. Nh3 wins. Black can’t stop both passed pawns if he allows 3. Nxg5. He loses the pawn race after 2. ... Bf4 3. Nxf4 gxf4 4. Kc4! and 5. g5. Problem VI.

Madrid, 1996 White can queen the h-pawn if he can play his pawns safely to f5 and g4. But this is a draw because Black can stop that plan with 1. ... Bf3!. Play went 2. Kf5 Kd5 3. g4 Kd6 4. h5 Kd5 5. Kf4 Bd1 6. Kg5 Bf3!,

Pin: Black can just play 1. ... Nxe4, and that will win two pawns. Removing the guard, 1. ... Bxc3+ 2. bxc3 Nxe4 3. c4 Kd6, doesn’t fare too badly either. Fork: White has no good answer to 1. ... Nxc3, since 2. bxc3 drops the rook to the forking 2. ... Bxc3+. Problem III.

Skewer: Black wins back the queen with 1. ... Rc8. Problem IV.

Undermining: Black wins the knight by 1. ... c5 (or 1. ... Qf6 2. Qe3 Qxd4), since it can’t move (White’s queen would be lost). Problem V.

Discovered attack: Black saves the day with 1. ... Qxg3+ ! 2. Kxg3 Bd6+. Problem VI.

Total your Solitaire Chess score to determine your approximate rating below: Total Score 95+ 81-94 66-80 51-65 36-50 21-35 06-20 0-05

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

19. ... Ke3 20. Rb3+ Ke2 21. Rb2+ Nd2 22. Ra2 Ke3 23. Ra3+ draws. 20. Ra4 Ke3 21. Ra3+, Draws. “Double edged interesting battle with mutual Zugzwang in the background.” Problem II. 1. Rb6+ 1. b8=Q? Rh8+ 2. Ke7 Rxb8 3. Rxb8 h3 4. Rb2 h2 5. Re2 Kb5 6. Ke6 Kc4 7. Ke5 Kd3 wins for Black. 1. ... Ka5 2. Rb5+ Ka4 3. Rb4+ Ka3 4. Rb3+ Ka2 5. b8=Q Rh8+ 6. Ke7 6. Kd7? Rxb8 7. Rxb8 h3 wins. 6. ... Rxb8 7. Rxb8 h3 8. Rf8 h2 9. Rf2+ Kb3 9. ... Kb1 10. Kf6 Kc1 11. Kf5 Kd1 12. Kf4 Ke1 13. Ke3 Kd1 14. Ra2 is even. 10. Kf6 Kc3 11. Kf5 Kd3 12. Kf4, Draws. “Ingenious maneuvers of the white pieces lead to a famous finale.”

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.

U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). (1) Title of publication: Chess Life. (1) Publication number: 102-840. (3) Date of filing: September 15, 2011 (4) Frequency of issue: Monthly. (5) No. of issues published annually: 12. (6) Annual subscription price: $50. (7) Complete mailing address of known office of publication (street, city, county, state, and ZIP code) (Not printers): P.O. Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557 (8) Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business office of the publisher (Not printers): PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. (9) Full names/complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor (this item must not be blank). Publisher (name/complete mailing address): Bill Hall, USCF, PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Editor (name/complete mailing address): Daniel Lucas, P.O. Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. Managing Editor (name and complete mailing address): same as above. (10) Owner. (If owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately there under the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a partnership or other incorporated firm, its name and address, as well as that of each individual must be given. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, its name and address must be stated.) (Do not leave blank.): United States Chess Federation, PO Box 3967, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557. (11) Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities (if there are none, so state): none. (12) For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates section 423.12, DMM only). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and tax exempt status for Federal income tax purposes (check one): þ has not changed during preceding 12 months; ¨ has changed during preceding 12 months. (If changed, publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.) (13) Publication Name: Chess Life. (14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2011. (15) Extent and nature of circulation. (a) Total number copies printed (net press run): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 28,693; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 27,355 (b) Paid and/or requested circulation: (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 25,879; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 24,689. (2) Paid in-county subscriptions (include advertiser’s proof copies/exchange copies): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales (not mailed): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 640; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 1,575. (4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS (e.g. First Class Mail): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 432; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 509. (C) Total paid distribution (sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4),: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 26,951; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 26,773. Free or nominal rate distribution; (15d (1), (2), (3); average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. 15d (4); average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 215; actual number of copies of single published nearest to filing date, 215. (e) Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4): 215; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 215 . (f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 27,166; average number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 26,988. (g) Copies not distributed: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,527; average number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 367. (h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g) average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 28,693; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 27,355. (i) Percent paid. 15c divided by 15f × 100), per cent on average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 99.2; per cent on actual no. copies of single issue published nearest filing date, 99.2. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership. Publication of this statement will be printed in the November 2011 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete (signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner): Bill Hall (sig.), Publisher. P.S. Form 3526, September 2007.

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 66 No. 11. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without membership): $50. Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-3967 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents ©2011 by the United States Chess Federation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. Send all address changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible. This information may be e-mailed to addresschange@ uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C 6A8

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