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May on uschess.org
The strongest U.S. championship in years is set for May 7-17 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis.
24 players including Gata Kamsky, Hikaru Nakamura, Alexander Onischuk and defending champion Yury Shulman will battle
for a prize fund of over $135,000. Look for blogs, videos and the twitter feed from Saint Louis on uschesschamps.com and
uschess.org. CLO editor Jennifer Shahade, a commentator for the 2009 Championship will also weigh in from the scene.
14 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Capasizing Capablanca
By Bruce Pandolfini
16 LOOKS AT BOOKS
Metaphilosophy or The
By Howard Goldowsky
Philosophy of Mate
By GM Larry Evans
38th Chess Olympiad
52 BACK TO BASICS
Shock And Awe Out Of The
Blue Sky
By GM Lev Alburt
54 ENDGAME LAB
The Berlin Defense and the 18 | COVER STORY
Endgame, Part II Who Dares Wins? By GM Ian Rogers
By GM Pal Benko
GM Gata Kamsky falls just shy of being the first American
to compete for the world championship since 1972.
Departments
28 | USAT EVENTS
3 PREVIEW Teeming Chess:
The 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Events
By Jonathan Hilton, Harvey Lerman,
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES FM Alex Betaneli, & John Hillery
10 USCF HISTORY Reports from across the country about the USCFs premier amateur events.
40 | PROFILE
Where Do Chessplayers Go
When They Die?
By FM Alex Dunne
White to play 1. Na3 and win.
On The Cover
42 | CHESS EDUCATION
From Rodman to Research:
Kamsky lost to Topalov, but for Chess Educator 2009
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
a brief moment American chess
fans were able to entertain the
thought of one of our players
45 | CJA/CRAMER AWARDS
competing for the classical world
2009 Chess Journalists of America
championship for the first time Awards Announcement
By Jonathan Hilton
in decades.
Cover art: Shirley Szymanek,
dog4design.co.uk 46 | 2009 ELECTION
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
M A K E R E S E R VAT I O N S AT
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/inddt-indianapolis-marriott-east/
HR: $99 Single/Quad
PRIZE FUND
$40,000 Guaranteed: A one section tournament with Class prizes.
WORKSHOPS
USCF awards luncheon on August 8 at noon.
The abuse of time delay player in severe time trouble can execute second is a major change to the rules and
when using digital clocks? numerous moves without his clock presenting it to the delegates is the right
All clocks should advance at least one advancing at all. road to take. Typically major rules changes
second per move! Hence, a motion will be made at the presented to the delegates end up being
Time stands still for no man is irrel next USCF delegates meeting to change referred to the rules committee so that the
evant when this feature is in use! Many the rule accordingly: The advance of at committee can study all the issues involved
years ago, we played chess with mechan least one second per move will occur for and report back to the delegates next year
ical clocks. Each player was allotted the all clocks using time delay. Dont worry, at their annual meeting. Delegates, sea
same amount of time. If your time ran out, the clock manufacturers will gladly sell soned tournament directors, organizers,
you lost the game period. Now, a player you a new clock with that feature (if they and players all regularly make use of the
can run his clock down to seconds left, dont already have it built in now). USCF forums. Perhaps posting this pro
but if he makes his move quickly enough Leland Fuerstman posed motion on the forums for comments
his clock doesnt advance at all. The first Charlotte, North Carolina and debate might prove to be a helpful
player who has properly paced himself practice run before it travels to the meet
and used his time wisely is confronted Chess Life asked Tim Just, the editor ing in Indianapolis. ~Tim Just
with a circumstance whereby both play of the fifth edition of the Official Rules of
ers end up thinking on his time. If the Chess and a member of the rules commit
tee, to respond: Chess Life welcomes letters from its
second player who is in time trouble con
readers. Letters are subject to editing
tinues to move rapidly his clock will not
With the advent of faster time controls for content and length. Send your let
advance at all! In effect, time stands still!
came the dawning of time delay. Time ters to letters@uschess.org, and
Therefore, in order to try to win, it is
delay put the outcome of the game back include your full name and a tele
quite common for the first player to pick
into the hands of the players instead of at phone number.
up his pace of play in order to hope to
cause the second player to pause for a the mercy of the clock. Currently the
moment and think! amount of time each player is given to
Why this rule was put into play I will conduct their game is the same, including
never know. It simply makes no sense that three five seconds of delay per move. USCF ISSUES FORUM
that the player who has conducted his Each player has the same opportunity to
use their time as they see fit, including how
A forum for discussion of USCF
game properly should be penalized and
his opponent rewarded by having three to they choose to use that three five second
issues, open to all members age
five seconds to reflect before his clock delay per move. Before time delay there
16 or over. Candidates for the
begins to advance again. Simply put, cor were time scrambles. Since time delay,
executive board (ballot in
rect play gets tossed out the window and there are still time scrambles.
June issue) are among the
a wild scramble ensues? Why is this good Tournaments that dont use delay at all
participants.
for chess? are still ratable by USCF. So, if someone
Therefore, I believe it would only be is not a TD or an organizer they can sim
Registe
er at www.usschess.org/forums
fair to require that at least one second ply sponsor such events. Manufacturing
come off of the clock for each move exe new clocks is not much of a concern; how
cuted! ever, selling them may prove to be an Chess Moves #4
The delay crowd wants five seconds, entirely different issue. Given all the hid
the rest of us want one back. Think about den features that some of the current
February 2128, 2010
it. Its only fair. Furthermore, the clock clocks possess it might be that the one sec w w w. I n S i g h t C r u i s e s . c o m / C h e s s
was introduced in order to prevent play ond procedure described here might
ers from sitting and not moving. already be available.
Join Former U.S. Champions
It simply doesnt make sense that a Forcing all clocks to advance at least one
GM Joel Benjamin and GM Larry Christiansen
s 4WELVE
MINUTE CLASSES TO CHOOSE FROM
s 4WO CONCURRENT CLASSROOM hTRACKSv
s 4WO 53#&
RATED TOURNAMENTS WITH EXPERT POST
GAME ANALYSES
s 4WO '-
PLAYED 3IMULS UNDER
ADULT (PAID ONLINE) $42 $78 $113 ADULT (PAID ONLINE) $29 $52 $74
ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE) $49 $85 $120 ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE) $36 $59 $81
SCHOLASTIC (1) $23 $42 $60 SCHOLASTIC (1) $16 $28 $39
YOUTH (2) (6 ISSUES CL) $27 $49 $70 YOUTH (2) $20 $36 $51
YOUNG ADULT (3) $32 $59 $85 YOUNG ADULT (3) $24 $43 $61
achieved renown for his chess organizing 1972. The Dubeck board and Executive Samurai, Frank posed the question:
abilities. He founded Gompers Park Chess Director Ed Edmondson had worked What would you say was the theme of
Club, the second strongest club in mightily to get Fischer into the candi that story? Always the English teacher!
Chicago. He was one of a group of people, dates tournament and through the Frank was interred at St. Josephs Ceme
including Jim and Helen Warren, Eva legendary matches against Taimanov, tery in Joliet.
Tim Redman served twice as USCF president.
The Turn-Around
USCFS 5TH DECADE: 1979-1988
By Al Lawrence
s new leadership took over in our fifth decade, a wolf seemed to be at every
USCF door. Disgruntled members had resented being ignored while USCF
A focused, single beam, on Bobby Fischer. Finances were bleak after the burst
of the Bobby bubble. Income from life membership payments had been spent,
leaving USCF with the ongoing obligation of serving these thousands of mem
bers. The U.S. government suddenly dunned USCF six figures for unpaid
import taxes. All six senior staffers resigned. But master players dont
panic. Somehow, over the next ten years, a series of leaders, each one build
ing on the achievements of his predecessor, rebuilt our organization.
New president Gary Sperling, a New York City attorney, provided steady direction.
He began the turnaround by developing fair, open policies and handling legal work
pro bono (and he saved us from the huge import tax bill). Treasurer George Cunning
ham of Maine recruited and trained staff. In 1979 the two convinced Dr. Gerry Dullea
to take on the executive director position, and USCF operations remained in skill
ful hands for the decade. His vision was to build the organization not on a
single chess personality, but on solid services to members.
Chicagoan Tim Redman, elected president in 1981, pushed staff to improve and
expand book and equipment services. By 1983 this income alone topped one
million dollars and steadily increased, helping to pay the bills. In 1984 Steve Doyle
became the youngest ever USCF president. A financial expert and driving force, he
reigned over the three most financially successful years USCF has ever enjoyed. USCF
paid off the mortgage on its building with a six foot check and accumulated more
than one million dollars in reserves to offset the obligation to life members.
Even a partial list of organizational accomplishments during this decade impresses.
GM Lev Alburt on a 1986 cover of Chess Life
In master chess, the decade began with Lev Alburt defecting from the USSR to the
appeared on the January 1982 issue,
U.S. at the height of the cold war. During our fifth decade, he was the clear winner
showing Sammy Reshevsky21
of two U.S. championships and a U.S. Open, and the winner of the very first U.S.
years after the magazines first cover,
Game 60 Championship, with Michael Wilder, in 1988. Young native born players
on which Sammy appeared with Fischer.
captured more than their share of titles: Larry Christiansen took two U.S. Champi
Forgetting his eyeglasses, managing
onships and three U.S. Opens; Nick deFirmian won the U.S. Championship and the
editor Frank Elley drove to Spring Valley,
U.S. Open. Joel Benjamin won the U.S. Championship, the U.S. Open, the National
New York, to photograph Reshevsky at
Open, two U.S. Masters, and a slew of junior and scholastic events. Their accom
70. Frank was surprised when the
plishments later carried all four grandmasters into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.
developed photos showed Sammy
Rea Hayes won the first U.S. Senior in 1981. In 1982 Leonid Bass won the first
with a Sabbath stubble.
U.S. Masters one of the many lasting contributions of Chicagoan Helen Warren. Steve Doyle was the youngest-ever
Alex Sherzer won the first U.S. Cadet Championship in 1986. USCF president, elected in 1984,
Four editors carried on after Burt Hochberg departed in 1979, having built at the age of 25.
Chess Life into a magazine of worldwide importance: Fairfield Hoban, Frank Elley,
Larry Parr, and Don Maddox.
In the 1988 American Open, GM Bent
In 1987, Chicagoan Harold Winston, who had organized the first Midwest Amateur
Larsen became the first grandmaster
Team Championship, was elected president. Al Lawrence took over as executive direc
to lose to a computer, Deep Thought,
tor in 1988, signing up new corporate sponsors. As the decade ended, USCF, with nearly
54,000 members, stood once again on a solid foundation. . in a major tournament.
Tell Al Lawrence what he left out or got wrong! In his wrap up article, hell acknowledge the best suggestions. E mail letters@uschess.org
USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extend- a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its mem-
ing the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study bers and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess
and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and Championship, an open tournament held every summer, and other
enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its
informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (profes- members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its mem-
sional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the bers. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States
development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the and as a participant in international chess organizations and
growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures
and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers in accord with its bylaws and laws of the state of Illinois.
One of the reasons for the social gap in view of 8. Nxb5! cxb5 9. Qxc8+. But he ory. You actually have to think.
that separates chessplayers from the rest said he allowed 7. Bxf6 because he liked Chessplayers use practical in other
of humanity is a failure to communicate. the dynamic nature of the position after ways that no other humans do. This
We set ourselves apart with our own lan 7. ... gxf6. idea might work in a practical game, an
guage, Chess speak. Translation: He wants to play ... Rg8. annotator writes. He seems to mean a
Chess speak isnt just a lot of techni His kingside pawns are weak and would real game. But later in his notes he may
cal terms, like Zugzwang or fianchetto. be weaker if they moved further. But add, White has no real winning chances,
No, its the words we share with the rest Black is more interested in moving his only practical ones.
of the world that are the real problem. We pieces than his pawns. Do annotators ever explain what they
chessplayers just use those words in our Then theres the word theoretical. mean? Practically never.
own unique way. You might assume this means what it A new page of Chess speak was opened
Take the case of dynamic. We say does in dictionaries hypothetical or four years ago when Garry Kasparov said
Garry Kasparov played dynamic chess speculative. he was giving up professional chess.
but Anatoly Karpov didnt. Magnus But if it did mean that, we wouldnt be This sounded like he had given up earn
Carlsen seems to be dynamic but maybe talking Chess speak, would we? ing money from chess. Or maybe he had
Vladimir Kramnik isnt. No, theoretical is a synonym for stopped playing in grandmaster events.
If you open a dictionary, it says book. A theoretical opening is one you No, it means he no longer considers
dynamic is related to energy or physi cant play based on general principles. chess his day job, even when he plays pro
cal force in motion. Not much help. A You have to know the book analysis. A opponents, as in this game.
thesaurus might offer energetic or vig theoretical endgame is one you can play
orous. But thats not quite it. simply by repeating moves you can find Bogo-Indian Defense (E11)
No, in Chess speak the word dynamic in an endgame book. GM Garry Kasparov
usually means something specific the GM Viktor Korchnoi
emphasizing of piece play over pawn Lichtof 2006
moves. ++k+ +
Dynamic
R + + + 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 a5 5.
GM Viktor Korchnoi
Nc3 b6 6. e3 Bb7 7. Bd3 0-0 8. 0-0 d5 9. cxd5
+ K + +
GM Jeroen Piket
exd5 10. a3 Bd6 11. Ne5 c5 12. f4 Nc6 13.
Sarajevo 1998
+ + P + Nb5 cxd4 14. exd4 Ne7 15. f5! Ne4 16. Bxe4
dxe4 17. f6 Bxe5 18. dxe5 Ng6 19. fxg7 Kxg7
+ + + + 20. Nd6 Ba6
rnlqkl r + + + +
p + +ppp + + + + r+ q r +
+p+pn + + + +r+ + + +pkp
+p+ + L Black to play lp N +n+
+QP + + If you had to think this one out, few p + P +
+ N + + amateurs would hit on 1. ... Re1!, Black + +p+ +
draws. Youre supposed to know 1. ...
Re1! by memorizing the book.
PP +PPPP P + + +
R + KLNR But add a piece or a pawn to each side P L +PP
After 6. ... b5 and its no longer theoretical. It magi
cally becomes a practical endgame. You R +Q+RK
Black saw 7. Bxf6 Qxf6? was not good can play a practical endgame from mem After 20. ... Ba6
+r+r+k+ + + + + l + q +
pn+ +p+p + +k+ +p +p+ + pk
pP+ +p+ p + P + p+p+ + +
+ + + + + + p + + + rp+l
+ p + P p+P+P+ + + + + +
q +NQ P P + + + PPQ P PL
P+ + P + P + + + L + P +
+ RR+ K + +K+ + +K+ + +R
White to play White to play White to play
Capasizing Capablanca
Although the Cuban champion Jose Capablanca seemingly owned the American
By Bruce Pandolfini
More than fifty known games were second best moves, and there may be Accept full credit also for 11. 0 0.
played between U.S. champion Frank bonus points or deductions for other
Marshall and the immortal Jose Ral moves and variations. Note that ** means
11. Nf6
Capablanca. The bulk of the victories that the note to Blacks move is over and
went to Capa, including some very Whites move is on the next line.**
12. a4 Par Score: 5
famous ones. But Marshall did win a few, Again 12. 0 0 receives full credit. Mar
one of which is the following game played shall anticipates ... b7 b6 and wants to be
6. Bxe7 Par Score: 5
in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1909 dur This is preferable to 6. Nxe4 (4 points ready to attack the b pawn with a4 a5.
ing their historic match (won by Capa, part credit) 6. ... dxe4 7. Bxe7 Qxe7. The
8 1). Indeed, with the white pieces, Mar pawn at e4 inhibits Nf3 and can easily be
12. c5
shall wound up looking much more like defended by ... f7 f5. Trying to make use of his queenside
Capablanca than his esteemed Cuban pawn majority, but at c5 the pawn
rival did. The American chose a queenside becomes a target. 12. ... c6 was less com
6. Qxe7
campaign, implemented it, and his oppo The capture 6. ... Nxc3 can be answered mitting.**
nent seemed helpless to stop it. by 7. Bxd8 Nxd1 8. Bxc7. Black recovers
his pawn, 8. ... Nxb2, but the two bish
13. Qa3 Par Score: 5
ops give White the edge. Accept 1 bonus Deduct 2 points for 13. 0 0?, overlook
Queens Gambit Declined (D55) point if you so evaluated.** ing 13. ... c4, forking queen and bishop.
Frank Marshall The text sidesteps the threat and pins
Jose Ral Capablanca the c5 pawn.
7. Bd3 Par Score: 5
Scranton, Pennsylvania (1909) White attacks the knight to induce the
exchange at c3. Another way was 7. cxd5
13. b6
(accept full credit) 7. ... Nxc3, but not 7. Guards c5. The alternative was 13. ...
... exd5? 8. Nxd5 (1 bonus point). Be6 or 13. ... Bg4, and if 14. dxc5, then
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5.
Your starting position The idea 9. ... dxc4 10. Bxc4 b6 does
14. Bb7
nt quite work due to 11. Bb5 Bb7 (11. ... There doesnt seem to be a better place
Now make sure you have the above a6 12. Bc6) 12. Ne5 (1 bonus point).** ment for the bishop. If 14. ... Be6, then 15.
position set up on your chessboard. As axb6 axb6 16. Qxa8 Rxa8 17. Rxa8+
you play through the remaining moves in favors White (1 bonus point).**
10. cxd5 Par Score: 5
this game, use a piece of paper to cover
the article, exposing Whites next move
10. exd5 15. 0-0 Par Score: 5
only after trying to guess it. If you guess Marshall has postponed castling so
correctly, give yourself the par score. long because there were other useful
11. Qb3 Par Score: 5
Sometimes points are also rewarded for Marshall attacks d5 and pressures b7. moves to play. Now he needs his king
rook to add to the pressure on the b file. taking at d7. 29. Qb6, and White is ready to push his
a pawn. After 24. ... Rb1+ 25. Rxb1 Qxb1+
26. Kf2 Qc2+ 27. Kg3, there are no more
15. Qc7 19. Bc6
checks and his bishop is lost, 27. ... Be8
28. Qe7; or 27. ... f6 28. Qxc6 fxe5 29.
16. Rfb1 Par Score: 5 20. dxc5 Par Score: 5
Qe8 mate. Attacking the knight by 24. ...
f6 runs into the complicated refutation 25.
16. Nd7 20. bxc5
This is played partly to discourage Nf3 g4, after which Nxc6 can be played with
e5 and partly to lend added protection to out having to fear perpetual check: 25. ...
21. Qxc5 Par Score: 5
b6 and c5.** Not only has White won a pawn, but Qe4 26. Nxc6 Rb2 Qxd5+!; or 25. ... Qc2
now his knight has access to the dark 26. Nxc6 Rb2 27. Qxd5+ Kf8 28. Qd8+ Kf7
squares e5 and d4. 29. Qe7+ Kg6 30. Qe8+ Kh6 31. Qh5
17. Bf5! Par Score: 6
Afterwards, Capablanca admitted he mate. These lines were given by Mar
overlooked the possibility of this move. shall.**
21. Rab8
The best chance of resisting was 21. ...
f6, stopping Ne5. However, Capablanca
17. Rfc8 25. Qxb6! Par Score: 6
Compounding the error of his previ concluded that his game was lost in the Deduct 3 points for 25. Nxc6?, letting
ous move. If 17. ... Bc6 18. Bxd7 Bxd7 19. long run and decided to play for a trap.** the win slip away: 25. ... Rb1+ 26. Rxb1
axb6 axb6 20. Qxa8 (1 bonus point). Open Qxb1+, with perpetual check along the
ing the c file, 17. ... cxd4 18. cxd4, doesnt b1 g6 diagonal.
22. Rxb8 Par Score: 5
bring relief either. A sample continua White draws off a defender of the c6
tion is 18. ... Nf6 19. Rc1 Qd8 20. Ne5 Re8 bishop.
25. Black resigned
21. a6 Bc8 22. Nc6 Qc7 23. Bxc8 Raxc8 The queen sac settles matters, since 25.
24. Ne7+ Qxe7 25. Rxc8 Qxa3 26. Rxe8+, ... axb6 26. Nxc6 Qe6 27. a7 wins (1
winning the Exchange. Probably best was
the retraction of his last move, 17. ...
22.
23.
Metaphilosophy
OR
By Howard Goldowsky
PHILOSOPHY LOOKS AT CHESS (Open Court, value of the pieces, as well as an uncertainty the computer related essays include Evan
2008) is a collection of twelve essays each about the importance of each positional Selingers Chess Playing Computers and
written by a professional philosopher and col parameter. Sometimes two or more positional Embodied Grandmasters, which tackles the
lectively edited by Benjamin Hale that parameters conflict. In Casuistry and Chess, general question of what it means for humans
explore chess through a lens of philosophi Peter Morriss explores this idea by compar to have subjective chess knowledge; Andy
cal thought. The books format is modeled ing the process of choosing a chess move to Miahs A Deep Blue Grasshopper, which
after, but not included in, Open Courts Pop that of making a moral decision, and he argues that chess play by computers does not
ular Culture and Philosophy series, which relates casuistic (the inappropriate applica demonstrate a form of artificial intelligence;
covers a variety of trendy topics such as tion of general principles) and non casuistic and Tama Coutts Playing Chess in the Chi
Bruce Springsteen, iPods, and, to chess protocols from ethics theory to the evaluation nese Room, which argues that it does.)
players envy, even poker. So it was no sur of chess positions. Like making a moral deci Even in Hip Hop Tactics, a piece that
prise to read midway through the poignant sion, deciding on a chess move requires one purveys Tommy Currys views about the role
and sobering essay, The Reviled Art, about African culture plays in formulating the moves
the disdain for chess in American culture, of African American chess players, an argu
written by International Master and Profes ment is made that players choose moves
sor Stuart Rachels, that when comparing through an elaborate internal narrative, and
the profit potential of Philosophy Looks at that the African American players narrative
Chess to books about other cultural topics, is determined to some extent at least by
[ ... the publishers] thought it would not sell. African culture. Curry quotes liberally from
Most of the essays in the book vaunt a tech strong players like Jonathan Rowson, Mau
nical approach targeting chess and rice Ashley, Rashid Ziatdinov, and Jeremy
philosophy cognoscenti, with some even Silman, all known for their work on the sub
retreating into that dense academic style jective side of the chess thought process.
appreciated only by philosophers. Finally, as an ironic testament to the
Chess is so complex that, like the human navet toward chess in American culture,
mind, even todays best computer algorithms even the editor committed or allowed a num
running on the fastest hardware surrender, ber of factual errors. He incorrectly identified
at a finite depth after a fixed amount of time, Rachels as the youngest American master
to the endless variations. Unless there is a ever; he called the Expert class the Excep
forced win, this complexity results in both tional category; and he allowed one
humans and computers making subjective contributor to label a writer notorious for
decisions every move. It is this subjectivity errors in his opening books a renowned
that ultimately links philosophy a mainstay opening specialist. But perhaps Hales most
of rhetoric and debate with strategy and, to hilarious remark appears in the Introduction,
some extent, tactics. So, despite four excep Philosophy Looks at Chess (2008) where he writes, sarcastically or not, Often
tions Bernd Graefraths unique essay about edited by Benjamin Hale. 288 pp., we catch only momentary snippets of philo
how retrograde chess analysis relates to Open Court. List Price: $19.95. sophical insight from chess players as they
epistemology, Ahti Veikko Pietarinens histor shuffle away from the game table, granting
ical survey of major philosophers who have to lean towards general principles, but make throngs of sportscasters brief interviews
used chess in their work, Deborah Vossens a final evaluation on a case by case basis. In between sleep and study (italics added).
debate whether or not chess can be defined the second part of John Hartmanns essay, Rachels, in his essay, counters closer to the
as a game, and Rachels piece mentioned Garry Kasparov Is a Cyborg, which dis truth: When chess players call chess a
above Philosophy Looks at Chess is a study cusses the fuzzy boundary between sport, this strikes me not only as false, but
in the subjective methods of chess players; computer aided human play and pure com as pathetic. Its pathetic in the same way its
besides these exceptions, every essay touches puter play, Hartmann builds on Morriss pathetic to ask someone out on a date who
this idea of subjectivity, some with more work by summarizing the related rule inde said no the last three times you asked. Amer
distinction and some, unfortunately, with
more excessive verbiage than others.
pendence vs. rule based move selection
debate perpetuated by John Watson and
ican culture has rejected chess. .
In every non forcing chess position there Jacob Aagaard. This summary is practically Chapter titles have been abbreviated
is a degree of uncertainty about the relative a summary for the whole book. (The rest of due to space considerations. ~ed.
Who
Dares
Wins
Topalov defeats Kamsky to secure a world
title challenge against the winner of
Kramnik/Anand, dashing the Americans
and Americashopes
By GM Ian Rogers
n paper, Veselin Topalov was 17th and his last hit out was a mod venue which the American had fought
more than a hot favorite to defeat est 50% score at the Wijk aan Zee strenuously to avoid.
O Gata Kamsky and secure a sec
ond world title challenge he was an
tournament. In eight games dating back
to 1994 Kamsky, 34, had never beaten
The bookmakers had installed Topalov
as a three to one favorite to become
absolute certainty. Topalov and had lost four times. The Viswanathan Anands challenger and
Topalov, 33, sat atop the world rank match was being played in Topalovs few grandmaster judges gave Kamsky,
ings while Kamsky was ranked only backyard, the Bulgarian capital Sofia, a with only his legendary resilience to
French Defense,
Tarrasch Variation (C07)
GM Veselin Topalov (FIDE 2796)
Gata Kamsky GM Gata Kamsky (FIDE 2725)
Sofia Candidates Final (7), 02.26.2009
AGE 34
WORLD RANKING 17 1. e4 e6
Again a French Defense from Kamsky
game 5 was not a one off.
JANUARY 2009 ELO 2725
REPRESENTING USA
2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Ngf3 cxd4
MANAGER 6. Bc4 Qd6 7. 0-0 Nf6 8. Re1!?
Well known, but the immediate 8. Nb3
Emil Sutovsky (Israel)
SECONDS Evgeny Najer is far more usual.
(Russia) and Andrei Volokitin
(Ukraine) 8. ... Be7 9. Nb3 Nc6 10. Nbxd4 Nxd4 11.
Nxd4
11. Qxd4 would be a de facto draw
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1999: Briefly takes a break from law studies to compete in Las Vegas r+ + rk+
FIDE World Championship Knockout Tournament. Loses to even +p+l+ppp
tual winner, Alexander Khalifman.
2004: Returns to chess with new attitude and enthusiasm, competing
+ +p+ +
in New York Masters. + ln+
L
2006: Returns to the elite with a second place in the Mtel Masters p+ N + +
PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS
23. ... exd5? 24. Qxb7 would simply 28. ... Bc2! 29. Qd7
the saving queen sacrifice 32. ... Bd3!! 33.
lose a bishop. 29. Qe3 was best, to win the a pawn Rxc4 bxc4 when it is White who must find
and hold the balance, because Black has the narrow path to the draw after 34. h4
no time for 29. ... a2? 30. d6!. (34. Qxb8+! is also good enough [just!],
24. Be7! Rfe8 25. Qd6
Wang Yue
ing between the text move and 25. ...
Kf7! with the idea 26. Qxd7? Rxe7 27.
dxe6+ Qxe6!! when Black wins. I was
Aronian
asking for trouble.
there was fighting in all games. The result Kamskys move, which allows a relieved Another ambitious move criticized by
was finally decided by his time trouble. Topalov to force an immediate draw, was Kamsky after the game since it was based
Kamsky pinpointed his lack of self a reasonable decision given that the above on a tactical oversight but in any case 17.
confidence, leading to time trouble as a analysis shows that Black only has min Qxc5 Nxc5 18. Bc4+ Kh8 19. Ne2 would
key factor. I made some serious mis imal winning chances after 28. ... Kg8. only leave White grovelling for a draw.
takes while Veselin made fewer mistakes,
was his assessment of the consequences
29. Nf6 Rg7 30. Nxh7! Rxh7 31. Qxg6 Qe3+ 17. ... Rf7
ately after the opening but his attack has A terrific idea, which Topalov took 12
8. ... Nxc5 9. Nc3 Ng6
been neutralized and Kamsky must now 9. ... c6?! 10. Re1 f6 11. f4 would be minutes, time enough for Kamsky to real
able but given Kamskys time trouble his JANUARY 2009 ELO 2796
survival chances were bleak. For exam
ple, Black can try 25. ... d3! when 26. h3?!
REPRESENTING Bulgaria
Topalov
Quietly accepting his fate. The advance
23. ... d5 allows 24. hxg6 fxg6 25. exd5
Nbxd5 26. Nxd5 Nxd5 27. Be4 when
The level [of play] I showed was not really good. White controls some key squares.
+ + r +
+ + rp
lk
r+l+ rk+ r+ qrlk+ pnq
plnpp
+ L pp
lp +lp +ppp +p+ p +P
p+ + np+ p+np n + + +P+ +
+ +P+ + +p+ p + + P NQ
N
Np
nP+ + +
PP+ + PPL+ PP+
+ +L+ + +LP +N+P R
LR+ K
PP + PPP PP
N PP+ After 25. ... Be6
R +
K
NR R
LQR
K
After 13. Bd3 After 11. ... Bf8
26. b3!
Without this long term pawn sacri
fice, White would struggle to make
progress but now Topalov must grab the
13. ... Bd7! 14. Nb6 Bb5! 15. Be5! 12. Ng5!?
By far the safest move. 15. Nxa8?! Bxd3 The first real surprise; an idea sug pawn since allowing 27. Ba3 would lead
16. Rd1 Nc2+ 17. Kd2 Bxe4 18. f3 Bh6+ gested to Kamsky by his second GM to similar positions to the game without
19. Ke2 Bxd5 would be terrific for Black Andrei Volokitin. Rather than enter any the material solace. It's a very logical
despite his Exchange deficit; White's fashionable variations, Kamsky heads for move, said Kamsky. My queenside pieces
pieces are horribly scattered. a position that has not been thought to werent playing but after 27. Bd2 I defi
be dangerous for many years. nitely had compensation for the pawn.
15. ... Nxe4!
All according to preparation for Kam
12. ... Re7 13. d5 Nb8 26. ... Qxc3 27. Bd2 Qc7 28. Ba5 Qb8 29.
sky. Had Black been desperate for a win The modern preference, although GM Rd2! Nc8
he could have tried 15. ... Bxd3!? 16. Anatoly Karpovs choice of 13. ... Na5 29. ... Rd7 30. Rad1 Rc8 keeps some
Bxd4 Rab8 intending to meet 17. f3 with has never been refuted. activity but Black is still suffering after 31.
17. ... Bb5 when the knight on b6 is in Bb4 Rc6 32. Nd5!.
trouble. The critical line appears to be 17.
14. Nf1 Nbd7 15. Ng3 g6 16. Bc2
e5 Rxb6! 18. Bxb6 (18. exf6 Rxf6!) 18. ... The first new move and an eminently
30. Rad1 b4?
Nxd5 19. Bd4 Nf4 when Black has a sur logical one. In the original 1979 game in Topalovs first bid for counterplay and
prising amount of compensation for the this line Oleg Romanishin had used 16. a serious mistake. The threat to trap
Be3 to beat Alexander Beliavsky. Whites bishop is easily parried and
Exchange, albeit probably not enough
Blacks queenside pawns soon become
for an advantage.
chronically weak. I had some idea but I
16. ... h6 17. Nf3 Nb6
missed one variation then I sort of blun
dered a pawn.
16. Bxg7 Kxg7 17. Bxe4 Rab8
r+ q lk+
The final point behind Kamskys prepa
ration. The knight is trapped and the +lp rp+
game was drawn 20 moves later.
31. Qe2! Kh8 32. Bd3 Na7 33. Rc1! Nb5 34.
pn
p npp Bxb5 axb5 35. Bxb4 Rd7 36. Rc6 Rfd8 37. Qd1
Bf8 38. Qc2! Kh7 39. Ba5 Re8 40. hxg6+ fxg6
The previous game may have given +p+P p + The time control has been safely
Kamsky heart but what followed was a + +P+ + reached but Kamsky continued playing
shock, most visibly for Topalov. Not only quickly he had already calculated that
did Kamsky score his first career victory + P +NNP the d pawn can safely be captured.
over Topalov but he did it via a positional PPL+ PP+
master class which made the highest 41. Bc7 Qb7
rated player look planless and desperate. R
LQR
K
After 17. ... Nb6 + +rl +
Closed Ruy Lopez (C92)
+q
Lr+ +k
GM Gata Kamsky (FIDE 2725)
18. h4!
+Rpl
np p
GM Veselin Topalov (FIDE 2796) The start of a very annoying plan. Kam
Sofia Candidates Final (4), 02.21.2009 sky knows that Black wants to play ... +p+ p +
c7 c6 and later ... d6 d5 so he makes + +P+ +
sure that he will have a weakness to
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 attack on g6 if Black manages to exe +P+ N N
No sidelines for Topalov today. cute his plan. P+QR P
P+
4. Ba4 Nf6 5. 0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. 18. ... Qd7 19. Nh2 Bg7 20. h5 Rf8 21. Nhf1 + + + K
After 41. ... Qb7
c3 0-0 9. h3 Bb7 10. d4 Re8 11. Nbd2 Bf8 c6 22. dxc6 Qxc6 23. Ne3 Kh7
into the National Palace of Culture (NDK) myself, admitted Sutovsky. The guy
building, tired of watching the game sees everything.
42. Bxd6! Bf7
13 minutes were spent on this move
online and hoping to provide some sup
part bluff, part despair.
port for his charge after his inevitable
54. ... Qf6 55. Qc8 Qh4+
defeat. In the event, he had to wait much 55. ... Qxf2 loses the rook on a1 after
longer than expected for Topalov to stop two checks.
43. Bb4
Played after half an hours cogitation.
fighting.
I thought that 43. Bxf8!! Rxd2 44. Qc1!!
was winning, said Kamsky and it is
56. Qh3 Qxh3+ 57. Kxh3 Rd1 58. Ne4 Ba3
Anand
45. Rxf6 Re6 46. Nd5 Bf8 47. Rf3! Kg7 48.
Rc3 Ra6 49. Rc7 Qd6 50. Qe2!
The dual threats of 51. Qxb5 and 51.
Qg4 ensure that Black cannot maintain
his position. Kamsky lost many games in the middlegame.
Its funny we expected it to be Topys
PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS
prise his first ever French Defense shot and could do nothing with his sec
Sofia was not seen at his best. ond last game with the white pieces.
upper floors!) The NDKs 1980s Kamskys head in hands, thought for be important if White can open up the
brown dcor has seen better days two minutes before recapturing, realizing position, a task Kamsky now undertakes.
but the small theatre in which the that his intended 36. ... axb4 37. Rxd4
grandmasters competed provided Rxc2 38. Rxd6 Rxd6 loses to 39. Qa8+ 12. c4! Bg7 13. cxd5 Nxd5 14. Bc5 Bf8
ideal playing conditions, even if the Kh7 40. Qe4+.
spectator seating of around 160 was r+ qk
l r
full only on weekends. ~I.R.
36. ... axb4 37. Rxd4 Qf8?!
Played after 10 painful minutes work
pp+ +p+p
ing out that the rook endgame after 37. +n+p+p+
White, said Kamsky. ... Qxd4 38. Rxc7 Qd5 39. Rb7 will be
hopelessly lost. 37. ... Qf8 was also a big + Ln
P +
64. ... Kf7 65. Rb7+ Kf8 66. Kf2 Rc2+ 67. Kf1 mistake, said Topalov, but I think objec + + + +
tively the position was already lost.
However Kamsky's choice only makes
Rc1+ 68. Ke2 Rc2+ 69. Kd3 Rxg2 70. Ra7
+ + +N+
matters worse.
Be7 71. d6 Bd8 72. Nc5
72. Ra8 Ke8 73. Nf6+ Kf7 74. Rxd8! PP +L
PP P
Kxf6 75. Re8! was again a faster route to R +Q+R
K
victory.
38. Rxd8! Qxd8 39. Rxc7 Qxc7 40. Qa8+ Kh7
After 14. ... Bf8
41. Qe4+ Kg8 42. Qxb4
These endgames are usually winning
even with only one queenside pawn, so
72. ... Ke8 73. Rh7, Black resigned.
I played very badly, was Topalovs
Kamsky would not have been criticized for
15. Qc1?
blunt assessment of the game. A miscalculation by Kamsky which
resigning immediately.
allows Black instant equality. After 15.
Both players appeared exhausted after Rc1! Black still has some problems to
this marathon battle, but Topalov was
42. ... Qc6+ 43. Kg1 Qc1+ 44. Kh2 Qc2 45.
solve after 15. ... Bxc5 16. Rxc5 0 0 17.
probably the most relieved to have a rest
Qe1 Kf8 46. a3 Qb2 47. Qb4+ Kg8 48. Kg2
Qd2 Kg7 18. h4 h6 19. Rfc1, although
day before the fifth game.
Qe5 49. Qg4 Qb2 50. Qc8+ Kh7 51. Qc4
Qxa3 52. Qxf7 Qb4 53. Qc4 Qb7+ 54. Kg1 whether White can increase the pressure
After relaxing at the exclusive Tabiet Qf3 55. g4, Black resigned. is uncertain.
restaurant away from his seconds on the
night before the fifth game, Topalov The next game, viewed as a good
15. ... Rc8! 16. Bxf8 Nd4!
seemed refreshed while Kamsky, despite chance to bounce back was all Topalov Oops!
frantic preparation for a big opening sur after Kamsky missed another tactical 17. Qd1 Nxe2+ 18. Qxe2 Kxf8
to study; there are many other things in playing hall installed only midway See additional match reports on Chess Life
my life. through the first game was operational Online at uschess.org, February archives.
Qualification Quarrels
The world body FIDE had decided in When his player lost in Elista, 2007) should have qualified directly to
2006 that the winner of the 2007 World Danailov spared no effort to ensure that play Anand by winning the World Cup
Cup in Khanty Mansiysk would qualify Topalov would not have to wait years for but then Topalov was added to the cycle.
to play the world champion in a title his next challenge and, though he failed So we could go to war a legal war
match but in mid 2007 the rules were to have Topalov added to the 2007 World or renegotiate and play; a difficult
altered and it was announced that the Championship tournament in Mexico choice. If we took the legal route, some
World Cup winner would have to play City, Danailov did succeed in having would say that we were doing it because
against Topalov before challenging for Topalov included as an extra obstacle for we were scared about the outcome
the world title. the World Cup winner. not true at all. So I advised Gata to
Why such a late change to the world Topalov rationalized: This was a priv agree to Sofia.
championship system? ilege but also compensation [to me] for Kamskys decision to play in Sofia
In essence, the answer is a tribute to the changes FIDE made to the cycle. had one huge positive spin off for the
the negotiating skills of Topalovs man The unorthodox nature of this agree American; one not entirely unexpected.
ager IM Silvio Danailov. ment in part explains why it was so In March FIDE changed the rules for the
In 2006 when the contracts for the difficult to find a neutral sponsor for 2010 11 world championship cycle and
Kramnik Topalov match in Elista were the match. announced a new eight player candi
being negotiated, Danailov made sure As Kamskys manager Sutovsky dates tournament to find a world title
that a clause was included to exclude explained, In some ways the match challenger. Only two players were pre
the loser which at that time looked was only of interest to the Bulgarians. qualified for the new tournament the
likely to be Kramnik from the next It was an artificial match Gata (or loser of the Anand Topalov title match
world championship cycle. eventually, any winner of World Cup and ... Kamsky! ~`I.R.
Teeming Chess:
The 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Events
The USCFs premier amateur event continues to attract players across the country
fter attending the U.S. Amateur game nerves receding as I lost my guard, tournament that would bring even the
Team East for the first time this I stooped over to pick up the Frisbee and most reticent players out of their shells;
A year, my perspective on the royal
game has been altered. Nearly a year of
toss it back.
Had I been attending a scholastic tour
those who would normally be undergoing
solemn pre game routines at the start of
traveling the country in pursuit of tour nament, I wouldnt have given the incident a round could be found chatting with
nament play has, gradually, developed a second thought. As I entered the hotel their opponents and teammates as if at a
in me a certain mind frame that of the building, however, I knew this was no family reunion. Anticipation or anxiety
intense chess competitor, or perhaps even scholastic event. Few opens can boast before matches was replaced with festiv
the rambling chess warrior. Like most even half as many titled players as the ities each round and with charismatic
other players, the focus of my typical U.S. Amateur Team East (USATE), and organizer Steve Doyle at the microphone,
chess tournament experience is on myself: when I saw grandmasters like Nick deFir there was always spirited entertainment.
my games, my performance, my rating. mian, Joel Benjamin, John Fedorowicz, There was ceremony as well before the
Yet Steve Doyles yearly team event in and Giorgi Kacheishvili around me, I felt start of round one, members from all 283
Parsippany, New Jersey encourages com the inescapable sensation that I had sud teams in attendance said the Pledge of
petitors like me to expand our mindsets denly stepped into The Twilight Zone. The Allegiance together as a flag ceremony
and embrace a bustling atmosphere of cluttered hallways, the chess moms was performed by cadets from West Point.
community, friendship, and openness. and chess dads congregating in the
I had initially noticed something strange lobby area, and the myriads of small chil
was afoot when, in the freezing parking lot dren moving underfoot screamed of a
Youth Versus Experience
of the Parsippany Hilton, I noted a group SuperNationals style event. The grand The fusing of the lively scholastic
of what appeared to be young chess play masters, the presence of chess veterans atmosphere with that of a heritage event
ers I couldnt know for sure, but I felt like IM Jay Bonin, and the decorum of the yielded explosive results over the chess
intuitively that they were who had for sizable tournament hall which, this year, board. So called youth versus experience
saken their traditional pre tournament held 1,203 players embodied the essence matchups were frequent, and their essence
blitz to play with a Frisbee outdoors. I was of a strong open. What kind of tourna was best captured when a team from
lugging my bags to the door when a green ment is this? I thought, bewildered. Hunter College High School in New York
disk gently landed at my feet. Unsure of The answer, of course, was a tourna faced the posse of reigning World Senior
myself, I paused and, feeling my pre ment unlike any other. This was a Champion GM Larry Kaufman. Kaufmans
while, Hunter Chess High School was on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Excalibur
0-0 6. e3 Nbd7 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Nxd5 exd5 9.
Michael Thaler, freshman FM Alec Getz, and as the event was sparsely
seventh grade student CM Aleksandr attended, there were enough for each
r+l q
rk+
Ostrovskiy, and freshman expert Aaron
pp pn+ppp participant to receive one. Writes
Landesman. Hunter is a school for the tournament winner Adithya Bala
gifted or lucky, remarked Getz. subramanian, The entry fee was
+ + + +
Both teams finished with 5 1 records + +p+ + $10, and we were getting $40 clocks,
and had dreams of winning the whole so it was a win win situation.
thing. Larry Kaufmans team was a top Balasubramanian, who finished
l
P
L +
seed, and an improving Ray Kaufman had + +L PN+ with 2/3 after ceding a wild, dou
recently earned his IM title while playing ble flag fall draw to Scott Low, was
in Europe. The players from Hunter had played in his first ever Chess 960
PP + PPP
an average team rating of 2159 but were
R +Q+K+R event. I ended up using a lot of
clearly underrated, as they have bene After 10. Kf1 my time trying to figure out how to
fited from playing at the Marshall Chess castle.
Club. We all know each other well, said I was surprised by this move, but after Clearly, the different starting order
Getz, and were all improving fast. The a minute I started to feel uncomfortable of the pieces along the back rank
two teams faced each behind the rope with my position. White loses castling didnt faze Balasubramanian too
partition in a critical fourth round match. rights, but the king is not in danger since much after finishing his game with
PHOTO: ROBERT ORESICK
First board Thaler got a sizable edge White controls the center. The rook might Low, he replayed the entire game
against the senior world champion in an prove more useful on h1 than f1, but from memory so that it could be
Exchange Ruy Lopez, and with the bottom more importantly, White wants to keep his written down! Expect the Chess 960
two boards appearing to favor Hunter, knight on f3, where it can jump to e5 or event to grow in future years. ~JH
Getz found a creative plan to hold a draw g5. Retreating to d2 would not be as
with the black pieces: active. Black's bishop is aiming at air
and is a target in light of White's Qd1 b3 make the time control at move 40. In the
or a2 a3 and b2 b4 with a minority end, it was Kaufman who made the fabled
attack. Black needs to find a good second to last blunder.
The Other
Championship defense or he will succumb to an attack
or be squeezed off the board. Perhaps
Kaufman had seen the game Korchnoi Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation (C68)
As the U.S. Amateur Team East
Portisch, played last year in Corus, where Michael Thaler (2298)
(USATE) grows, so does its premier
Viktor the Terrible squeezed his oppo GM Larry Kaufman (2452)
side event: the Sunday night bug
nent off the board. Portisch in that game U.S. Amateur Team East (4), 02.15.2009
house tournament, which started at
played 10. ... Nf6 to secure d5, but when Notes by Kaufman
11:00 p.m. after most of the fourth
Korchnoi stuck his knight on e5 it was
round battles had ended. This year
stuffy for Black.
was a lot more competitive than pre 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5.
vious years, observed Japanese 0-0 Qf6
American talent Shinsaku Uesugi.
10. ... Bd6!!
If this move looks ridiculous at first sight, This move is only sixth in popularity,
There were more teams, and the but it scores well and is recommended in
it should. Isnt Black just giving himself
teams were stronger more FMs and some books.
doubled pawns? Yes, but after Black plays
IMs chose to play this year than ever
... Nf6, it will be difficult for White to win
before. Uesugi, who paired up with
either of the d pawns. Also, Black can now
6. d4
fellow bughouse guru Jason McKin Roughly equal is 6. d3 Bg4.
challenge Whites control of the c file rather
ney to win last years USATE
than allowing White to start a minority
bughouse championship, formed the
attack. One might also think White is
6. ... exd4 7. Bg5 Qd6 8. Nxd4
team Asian Domination with multi Taking with the queen would please
playing a pawn up, but this is not the
time National Open Bughouse Black, because the bishop pair tends to
case, as both d pawns pull their weight. The
Champion Nephtali Diaz to once gain in value with a queen trade.
d6 pawn forever secures e5 and c5, and the
again take the top prize. The two
d5 pawn gives Black a stronghold on e4
had strong team chemistry and the
and c4. If White wants to make progress
8. ... Be7
quickest hands Ive ever seen, Black doesn't really want to exchange
with e3 e4, he will allow Black to "undou
according to WFM Abby Marshall, bishops when he has the bishop pair,
ble" his pawns yet another reason Black
who partnered with IM Alex Lender but otherwise his development is diffi
is not playing down a pawn.
man for the event. She jokingly cult. 8. ... Bd7 is the move to go all out
added that the pair should have for the win, but it carries some risk.
been called World Domination, and
11. Bxd6 cxd6 12. g3 Nf6 13. Kg2 Qb6 14.
to fish out the excellent opening repertoire though some, such as Scumdog Bil players. Not a bad result for a single
book The Chess Advantage in Black and lionaire Bernie, combined economic or three day weekend.
White by GM Kaufman himself. As I leafed political allusions with cinematic ones. Finally, I would like to leave you with
through it for ideas of what to play, I Less common but still packing a punch the following impression of the exciting,
bounced ideas off Alan, and finally con were those names reflecting recent high level chess that occurs when the
cluded that the Giuoco Piano would be the developments in top level chess, such as top boards of the top teams are in top
best approach for me to take with white. Magnus Cum Laude and Vendi, Vidi, form. GM Pascal Charbonneau, playing
A serious misstep in the opening left Vishy. Some teams even paid homage for the 13th seeded team Quantum of
Kaufman with an abysmal position, and to USATE itself Rules According to Soltis which was in contention for the
after just 33 moves, he conceded the Doyle was one. Finally, it would be a title throughout the tournament cre
match by offering a draw. I never thought travesty not to note that the theme this ated this round three masterpiece:
I would ever win a USATE event in my life, year was The 60s, and thus the Best
says Mac Intyre. Of his teams reaction, he Gimmick award went to the Parsip
says, We were simply thunderstruck. pany Chess Club Band, whose song Sicilian Defense, Kan Variation (B43)
When they went to nearby Chevys restau parodied the famous Beatles Sergeant GM Pascal Charbonneau (2552)
rant to celebrate, IM Yury Lapshun Pepper tune. Arthur Feuerstein (2200)
approached them with a group of young Another example of the spirit of fun I U.S. Amateur Team East (3), 02.15.2009
students and made a display of asking the found at USATE was the willingness of Notes by Charbonneau
team members for their autographs. Soon parents to enter the fray. One group of
afterwards, their names were to be brave chess moms and chess dads was After the game, during analysis, I found
engraved on the giant plaque of past the Slowskys, led by the fearless, amiable, out that my opponent had drawn against
USATE winners. Palin Gambit had and dashing Richard Yeager. With an Bobby Fischer on five occasions, before
made history. established rating well above 1400, the finally losing one at the breakthrough
father of reigning Denker champion FM U.S. Championship Fischer won at the
Daniel Yeager bravely put himself up as the age of 14.
team sacrifice on board one, losing his
A Take-Home Message
After all the festivities had ended and first four games but coming back to win the
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5.
I was safely on a plane flight headed last two. On boards two and three were
Nc3 b5 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. 0-0 b4!?
home to Ohio, I was still trying to piece William Moore and Tom Douris, respec A risky move. Black usually waits for
together all that I had seen. As a devoted tively, and serving as the team anchor White to play a2 a4 to make this push. The
chess enthusiast, I have always loved the was Timothy Low, father of Denker co problem is that Black is still several moves
game passionately. Never before, how champion Scott Low. Rounding out the away from castling, and White can easily
ever, had I imagined it possible that so team was Masako Uesugi, mother of the open some lines with c2 c3 or a2 a3.
many people could have so much fun strong master Shinsaku Uesugi.
playing it. The devotion of many people is neces
8. Na4
Take, for example, the rapture sary to promote, organize, and host Playable is 8. Nce2 but the text is more
induced by the Best Team Name com such an incredible event. Excalibur aggressive, keeping an eye on the b6
petition. Of all the bragging rights a Electronics donates the numerous chess square, and leaving the e file open for
team can garner at USATE, perhaps clock prizes, and volunteers such as the rook or queen.
none is more coveted than that of hav Bill Townsend work tirelessly to con
ing the best named team. Before the tribute to the event using their time, 8. ... Qa5 9. c3 Nf6 10. Re1 bxc3
start of round four, organizer Steve talent, and skills. Townsend is renowned This would be OK if Black could develop
Doyle read aloud from a select list of for his dedication to ensuring the car normally afterwards, but tactically there
names. The one evoking the strongest bon copy game scores are all entered is a flaw. Better was 10. ... Nc6 when I was
reaction from the tournament hall would into the computer database, a feat which considering the sneaky 11. a3!? bxc3 (11.
be declared the winner. Although each can take months to complete. The play ... bxa3 12. b4! is the point) 12. Nxc6
of the names in contention was met ers of USATE are particularly grateful to Bxc6 (12. ... cxb2 13. Nxa5 bxa1=Q 14.
with mild applause, the crowd erupted the many men and women who serve on Nxb7 is good for White) 13. Nxc3 with a
into cheers and laughter at I Can See the tournaments staff: Steve Doyle, preferable position for White but nothing
Russians from My Board, which Carol Jarecki, Sophia Rohde, Mike extraordinary.
became an instant classic and the over Somers, Hal Sprechman, Steve Immitt,
all Best Team Name victor. Roger Inglis, Larry Constance, Aaron 11. Nxc3 d6 12. Qb3! Qc7 13. Bg5 Nbd7
As usual, political puns were found in Kiedes, Joe Ippolito, Walt Heerschapp,
abundance: Blago Defense: Never Judy Heerschapp, Noreen Davisson, r+ +k l r
Resign, Biden My Time for a Barrack Mark Doyle, and Bernadette Doyle. Spe
Rank Mate, Reti for Change, and cial recognition this year also goes to the
+lqn+ppp
Chess We Can, were just a few. This R yatt Squad, which celebrated 35 p+ ppn +
year, however, politics took a back seat years of uninterrupted USATE atten
to the economy. Fan favorites included dance this year.
+ + + L
GM Team Needs a Bailout and New Having attended this event which I +
NP+ +
York Stock Exchange Sac. At least a would describe as a sort of chess
dozen names targeted fraudster Bernard revival will undoubtedly influence my
+QNL+ +
Madoff, from the straight shooting Mad outlook on chess in the months and years PP + PPP
off with Your Pieces to the sophisticated to come. Already, I have felt the three
Bernie Made Off with My Check. Par word take home message of USATE sink
R +
R
K
odies of movies, such as Harold & in: chess is fun! I feel more in tune with After 13. ... Nbd7
Kumar Take Your White Castle, were my inner ability to revel in the friend
scarcer this year than in past years, ship and camaraderie of my fellow chess 14. Bxf6
il Luna, captain of last years U.S. So the top three teams were: fourth board match, Perinne Krienke, was
Amateur Team South (USATS) win drawn as well. Boas then was able to beat
G ners that also won the national
playoff, put together another team for this
#1 MYGIRL My girl is pissed! (2193.3) Luna, leaving everything up to Heung
Alvarez. Haskel needed a draw to win the
years USATS in Orlando by combining Bruci Lopez (2485) match which would leave these top three
three players from Miami and then search Ernesto Alvarez (2185) teams tied for first, but it looked like
ing the list of rated Florida players to Gilberto Luna II (2069) tiebreaks would favor Mygirl. The game
choose one from central Florida to give his Makaio W. Krienke (2009) was a rook and pawns endgame that was
team a 2193 rating. The team was named drawn, and Mygirl won on tiebreaks.
My girl is pissed!, reflecting the fact The Scholastic section was won by
that many wives and girlfriends were a #2 HASKEL Pawnographers (2145.5) Ludwig's Warriors, named after the
little upset to be left alone on Valentines teams coach, Daniel Ludwig, and older
Day! Jeffrey Haskel (2258) brother of 8 year old John Ludwig who
Jeff Haskel, who was on Gils winning Christopher Heung (2123) was on the team. John was rated only 842
team last year, meanwhile led a team of Toby Boas (2112) in the year end ratings used for this
four of Floridas top teenagers. Jeff indi Dalton Perrine (2089) event, so had to play fourth board, as
cated his pleasure with being included on the War team consisted of:
this team with those players, saying sar #3 NOBAIL No Bailout For You (2133.5)
castically, I would not have to face them WAR Ludwigs Warriors (1140.5)
over the board! This team formed by John P. Nardandrea (2200)
Toby Boas, who recently won the National Lawrence A. Storch (2200) Samuel Leavitt (1370)
Grade 12 championship, was second Peter Dyson (2071) James W. Barrick (1336)
highest rated at 2156. The team eventu Jeremy Mandelkern (2063) Amy Tsai (1014)
ally named themselves Pawnographers Charles S. Hall (2040) John G. Ludwig (842)
and explained that it had to be said with
a southern twang. These top three teams won their first But John Ludwig has been tutored by
The third highest rated team in the two matches and then Haskel had to his famous older brother and his cur
event was made up mostly of oldtimers face Nobail. Maybe Haskels strategy rent rating is over 1200 and many are
that play in every USATS, consider it backfired as their team lost 3 to predicting that he is improving faster
their favorite event, and play in very few, these oldtimers, which would really hurt than his brother had. Ludwig was the
if any other, events. This team rated 2133, their tiebreak points. Going into the last only player in the scholastics to win all five
was named No Bailout For You, reflect round Mygirl was alone at 4 0 and games, as War won all five matches.
ing the fact that as businessmen they would face Haskel at 3 1. While Nobail Terminators, the highest rated team in
normally were more concerned with the who had lost to the leaders in the previ the scholastics finished second.
economy than playing chess. This team ous round faced the Tampa Tornadoes
had a fifth player, to allow any player a rated 2116, and without their first board,
rest if needed. In fact while reviewing TERMIN Terminators (1160.3)
as Nardandrea sat out. But this might
the wallcharts before the event to plan his have been part of Nobails strategy as
team strategy, Haskel sluffed off the this moved Larry Storch (2200, floor) up Edward Li (1443)
Nobail team as no threat as they were to play Corey Acor (2274) and as Storch Nick Moore (1340)
playing at their floors! Little did he know later pointed out I normally do well Kevin Hu (1238)
at the time that this would do his team in! against Corey. Larry's win against Corey Amelia A. Langford (620)
gave Nobail the match 2 1.
The Mygirl Haskel match was the But Termin scored the most points
(16), and their top three boards won
See more Teams reporting on Chess Life Online
in the February archives last one to finish. Haskel did his job by
at uschess.org! drawing Bruci as Nardandrea (2200, floor) board prizes. They won all their matches
had done in the previous round, and the except for the one against War.
The event was held at the Orlando behind 14. h4; I felt like I was doing OK
International Airport Hotel and was after this.
17. Rfd1? b5! 18. Qc2 b4!
A remarkable position; White is helpless
organized by the Central Florida Chess
against Blacks knight, bishop and pawn,
Club (CFCC). Harvey Lerman was chief
despite having a fully developed position.
15. Bf1? Bxf1 16. Kxf1
tournament director and the Hollywood I thought the trade of the light square
Kings Chess Club ran the book store bishops was mistimed since his king was
where mostly DVDs and equipment is now on an awkward square; for a long r+ q rk+
sold. time I pondered on moves such as ... c5 p +
pplp
c4 or ... f7 f6 but I changed my mind
BOARD PRIZE WINNERS when I saw 16. ... cxd4 and he does not + + +p+
have to take back with the pawn which n
P + +
OPEN would have allowed me the nice knight
1. Bruci Lopez 4 1 outpost on b4. pl
P + +
2. Christopher Heung 4 1 + N
L +
3. Alexander Malekan 4 1
16. ... cxd4 17. Nbxd4 Nxd4 18. Nxd4 Nc5 19.
4. Michael Elgart 5 0
Kg2 Qd7 20. Bf4 Rfe8 21. Rh1 f6 P+Q+N PP P
This move was most likely wrong but I + RR+ K
SCHOLASTIC felt as if I needed to make a break in
After 18. ... b4
1. Edward Li 4 1 order to attain some sort of play.
2. Nick Moore 4
3. Kevin Hu 4 1
22. g4? 19. Na4 b3 20. Qb2 bxa2 21. Rxc4
4. John Ludwig 5 0 Perhaps a little too aggressive. Otherwise, White has no play.
French Defense (C00) I didn't like the lines after 28. ... Rb2 29.
Nxb2 Qxa1 30. Nd3 when Whites
Gilberto Luna (2053)
+ rk+
r
Carl Scarpati (1756) + + + p advanced pawns will be annoying.
U.S. Amateur Team South (1), 02.14.2009 p
qp+ p
Notes by Scarpati
29. Nc6 Rc4
p +p+ +
Losing immediately, but Whites posi
1. e4 e6 2. d3 P+ +n+P P tion was already desperate.
I have never played Gil before, so when
he played the Kings Indian Attack I was
+ PN+ + 30. Qa2 Rb7 31. Na5 Qf6+ 32. Ke2 Re4 33.
d6 10. Qb3+.
Qa4 Na5
Setting up a tactical threat which White
13. ... Ba6 14. h4 h6
I really didnt understand the meaning underestimates. 9. Qxf3
things out.
18. Qe5
This move is important. I cannot give
him time to activate the other rook. 18.
20. h4
This is the best move. I am now threat
Qe7 is probably a little better, but I wanted ening h4 h5 h6.
9. ... Qe7
I didnt like this move. Better is 9. ... Be7. to maintain pressure along the a1 h8
diagonal and following up with the idea of 20. ... Bg6
h4 h5 h6. Now if 21. h5 then 21. ... Rf5. He is also
10. Bc4+
Here I gain an important tempo. If 9. ... threatening ... a5 a4 with tempo to play
Be7 then on 10. Bc4+ he can play 10. ... d5. 18. ... Qb6 Ra5.
Maintaining pressure on f2, which is the
only weak point in my position.
10. ... Kh8 11. Nd2 c6 12. Bxc5 21. Be6
I thought for a while before this move This is a key move. Now ... a4 threaten
and wasnt sure exactly how to follow up. ing the bishop with tempo and ... Rf5 are
no longer threats. Nor is ... Rae8 or Rfe8.
19. Re3
However I knew that with the queen on c5 Here I must block the queen from the
I would gain a tempo and some space at key f2 square and I must be able to use
some point. my other rook. Also d3 was a soft spot in
21. ... a4 22. h5 Ra5 23. Rf3!
I am sure he missed this idea.
12. ... Qxc5 13. Rae1 d5 14. Bb3 e4 my position.
isconsin hosted the north leg of while the team of juniors (Team Pan: Queens Gambit Declined (D53)
the United States Amateur Team Hongkai Pan, Neil Strugnell, Suhas Jeremy Kane (2184)
W Championships for the second
straight year. As the weather was nicer
Kodali, and Tim Broman) played well
above their expected rating average and
Jim Dean (2219)
U.S. Amateur Team North (2), 02.14.09
this time around, more teams from other won the u1600 prize. The junior prize Notes by Dean, Kane, Betaneli]
states made an appearance. Although it went to WePawns of Mass Destruction
is just a five round tournament, five fight (John Veech, Andrew Gorectke, Troy
ing games per player still add up to a lot Zimmermann, Thomas Schneider) and
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5.
of chess. The happy winners from Indiana the u1300 prize was awarded to the
Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 dxc4
appeared truly exhausted on Sunday University of Chicago B (Mike Mei, JK: I have seen this move before. JD: I
night, but how deceiving are appearances! Jason Cigan, Ken Yuan, Allison Hegel). first came across this variation while
Upon the conclusion of the last round, an The Midwest Blitz Championship was watching a live GM game between Sha
intense blitz game was played in order to held on Saturday evening and was balov and Kaidanov. Later I learned more
test the prize in action (first place team accompanied by juice and dessert for about it from GM Goldin.
received the slick Duel Timer digital everyone. Kevin Fyr, Leslie Kistler, Erik
wooden clocks). The clock passed the Santarius and Alexander Velikanov fin
7. e3 c5 8. Bxc4 cxd4 9. exd4 0-0 10. 0-0 Nc6
stern test and the winners were pleased ished with eight out of 10 points to tie
11. Re1 Nh5
Santarius, Ashish Vaja, Joe Richards, Knudsen, Ngai Seng Kenny Yeng) and
Rad1 Bc6
Jake Kohlenberg) and to the third place won by the score of 2 1. Here is the
Chicago Industrial Chess League critical game with annotations. It was
(see diagram top of next page)
(Anastasya Antipova, Fred Allsbrook, played in round two of the 2 day sched JK: I was surpised that Jim allowed
Yuri Fridman, Suman Kalavagunta, Tom ule, so time control was Game/60 the sacrifice on f7, but I passed it up
Friske). Green Bay Team (Kelly Bor instead of 30/90 followed by SD/60: hoping for more. JD: I have had this posi
man, Josiah Stein, Luke Ludwig, Tim tion before, so I played quickly. Given
Bogenschutz) captured the u1900 prize,
(see game top of next column) this was Game/60, it was quite helpful to
JD: I became worried after Jeremy queens, but letting my queen wander
r+ q rk+ tossed out this move. I felt my position away from the kingside was a fatal mis
was solid, but there was no concrete plan take. JD: This was a mistake clearly
brought on by time pressure, but it is dif
pp+
np
p yet for handling the pawn advances on the
+l+pn p kingside. ficult to come up with a constructive plan
immediately. AB: Its too bad that time
trouble influences an otherwise high cal
+ + N + 19. ... Rfd8 20. g4
+L
P + + JK: I went all out for the black king. The iber game. A line of 26. Re5 exf5 27. Ne7+
threat is g4 g5 hitting the knight and Kh7 leads to unbalanced equality.
+ NQ+ + allowing the queen to enter on h7. On the
other hand, the bishop on d5 is granted
26. ... Kh7
PP + PPP
full access to the white king. AB: A good move, especially consider
ing your opponents time pressure.
+ +R R
K
After 15. ... Bc6 20. ... Rac8 21. g5
get an early time advantage. JD: I was actually more concerned with
27. Qe7 Qxf5 28. Ne5 Nf4 29. Re3 Qc2,
play if the Exchange sacrificed was not The scholastic section was a one day
allowed. event on Saturday and saw University
16. Bb3
AB: It is indeed difficult to evaluate the
consequences of the sacrifice and comput School of Milwaukee (James Bowen, Sap
ers are of no particular help: 16. Nxf7 Rxf7 tarshi Ghose, Alex Yerukhimov, Ishan
21. ... Rxc2
JD: I was not confident that my sacrifice Sinha) take the top honors.
(16. ... Kxf7? 17. Bxe6+ Ke8 leads to deci
was sound, but I very much liked the idea Best high school prize went to P0N3YZ
sive advantage for White) 17. Bxe6 Ned5
of changing the momentum of the game (Vince Paasch, Eli Baumann, Marshall
and now, for example: (17. ... Be8 18. d5
and getting to attack instead of defending. Sumwalt, Thomas Lyneis), best middle
Qd6 19. Ne4 and White is in charge) 18.
Re5 Nf4 19. Bxf7+ Kxf7 20. Qg3 N4d5 21. school was Chocolate Banana ROOK
Rde1 leads to a complicated battle where ies (Aaron Jing, Mihir Kansara, Andrew
22. Qxc2
Even worse is 22. gxf6? Rg2+. McNeel, Noah Zamzow Schmidt), and the
it is somewhat easier to play for White, but
all three outcomes are possible; JD: I Knights of Muskego (Gregory Reese Jr.,
once was outplayed by FM Andrew Evan Seghers, Reid Seghers, Kolton Otter
22. ... Nh5
JK: I picked up the Exchange, but bacher) was the top elementary school
Boekhoff after 16. Nxf7 Rxf7 17. Bxe6 Black gained serious chances to bother
Ned5 18. Bxf7+ Kxf7 but I feel that result team.
my king. Its especially difficult to face The tournament was co sponsored by
ing position is dynamically balanced. time pressure here. JD: I think this is the Vaja International Chess Academy, Wis
strongest move as it allows Black to put consin Chess Academy, and Wisconsin
pressure on f4 while attacking g5. Scholastic Chess Association. National
16. ... Ned5 17. Nxd5 Bxd5 18. Bc2 Qe7
JD: This was my first significant think
tournament director (NTD) Glenn Pan
of the game. Naturally, I was concerned
ner was the chief TD and Mike Nietman
about Ng4. I felt a little weird about 18.
23. Qd2 f6
JD: White might be objectively OK here, helped to run the scholastic section
... Qe7 as I always teach my students but it is tough to play this position in time smoothly. Please visit www.wichessacad
not to put their queen on the same file as trouble. emy.com for complete results.
the opposing rook. Nevertheless, there is
not much for the queen to fear in this spe 24. Ng6 Qf7 25. f5 fxg5 26. Qb4?
See more Teams reporting on Chess
cific position. JK: Here I came up with the unfortu Life Online in the February archives
nate plan of trying to force the trade of at uschess.org!
19. f4
our teams tied with 5 1 in the 26th Robert Feldstein and Michael Ambart cial mention, as in addition to first their
Annual U.S. Amateur Team West soumian) had to be content with the teams won top junior (ACA The Dark
F (USATW), held at the Warner Cen
ter Marriott in Woodland Hills, California,
honor, though both Sevillano and
Matikozyan (6 0!) took home board prizes.
Knights) and top U1800 (ACA Youth).
Forty six teams competed in the main
from February 14 16. First on tiebreak And the relevance of the headline? Well, event, down a bit from last year but still
were the ACA Beasts!, with John Daniel two years ago, the Beasts or at least pretty good. The Sunday Scholastic Ama
Bryant, Michael Yee, Vincent Huang and 3/4 of them, under a different name also teur Team drew 33 teams, with first
Santy Wong. Second went to Yellow is tied with Orange County CC, and seemed place on tiebreak going to BEYOND chal
Mellow (Joel Banawa, Cau Duong Le, about to win on tiebreak; until victory lenge, one of 9(!) teams from Ben Dengs
Takashi Kurosaki, Jonathan Soo Hoo was snatched from the jaws ... er, lets not Beyond Chess.
and Stewart Yanez), and third to OC go there. Anyway, they were aced out on And even the losers can be winners at
Chess Club (Alexandre Kretchetov, a recalculation. This time, we checked the USATW. The best team name prize
Takashi Iwamoto, Krishna Kaliannan and the calculations three times, and the went to Voyage to the Bottom of the Pair
Michael Brown). ACA Chess Club Beasts got to roar with victory. ings, a team we put together from
(Enrico Sevillano, Andranik Matikozyan, American Chess Academy deserves spe feathers and tails on Saturday morning.
Andranik Matikozyan received the best Now White needs just one more piece
game prize for this sacrificial attack in the attack ...
17. ... Nbd7
After 17. ... g6 18. axb5 cxb5 19. 0 0
against junior star Derek Tan.
Nbd7 20. Be3, Black still cant castle, 22. ... d5
and White will prepare for a breakthrough A nice finish after 22. ... exd4 would be
with f2 f4. Black should try for counter 23. Rd1 dxc3 24. Rxd6 cxb2 25. 0 0,
Ruy Lopez (C77)
play in the center with 17. ... 0 0!? 18. winning the queen for a start.
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2515)
axb5 cxb5 19. Nf5 exd4 20. N3xd4 d5 21.
Derek Tan (2172)
exd5 Re8+.
U.S. Amateur Team West (3), 02.15.09
23. h4! dxe4 24. Rh3 Qd7
Even worse is 24. ... exd4 25. Rg3 Qxg3
26. Ne7 mate.
18. Nf5 0-0
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5.
Qe2 r+ + rk+ 25. Ne6! Nh7
The Wormald Attack, a rare sideline. Its + qn+pp There is no defense: 25. ... fxe6 26.
not especially dangerous, but Black must plpp n p Rg3+ Kf7 27. Qg6 mate, or 25. ... Ng4 26.
be careful not to open the center too early Qg5+ Kh8 27. Qh5+ Kg8 28. Qxg4+ Kh8
or too late. +p+ pN+ 29. Qh5+ Kg8 30. Rg3+.
5. ... b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. c3 Qe7 8. d3 d6 9.
Nbd2 Be6 10. h3 h6 11. Bc2 Bb6 12. Nf1 Nb8
This repositioning maneuver would
P+
+
PP+ +
PQ+N+P resigned. .
26. Rg3+ Kh8 27. Rg7 Nef6 28. Rxh7+, Black
GM GATA KAMSKY
One of the top players in the
POSSIBLE SURPRISES
world, coming off a world These are mostly very strong players who in their prime
championship match loss to would have been top contenders but now are behind a
Topalov. His chances to win few guys at the top. They all are capable of big
are great, but I ranked him performances if the cards break right (18%)
slightly below Nakamura due
to Hikarus tendencies towards GM Larry Christiansen: Relatively out of practice,
uncompromising chess. Also but his fighting spirit may give him better chances
can he bring his A game to this than most. Just a few years ago he had a very good
event after recently playing for U.S. championship performance in a similar situation.
the world championship? Also won Linares in 1981!
IM Ray Robson: A plus score would be quite solid for The sponsors of the U.S. championship, the St. Louis
Robson too, but Ray is obviously very talented and his Chess Center, had the right to choose six wild cards
fans shouldnt be too satisfied unless he achieves it. for the championship. They chose a mixture of former
Hopefully he can earn his first GM norm in the process. champs, young rising stars and local heroes. Those six
wild cards are:
Look for daily U.S. Championship updates and the official twitter feed on uschess.org and uschesschamps.com. Also join in on the fun by
entering the 2009 Fantasy Chess Competition where you pick the winner in head to head match ups like Kamsky vs. Nakamura.
Where Do Chessplayers Go
When They Die?
REMEMBERING A PLAYER WHO THOUGHT WOMAN PLAYERS SHOULD
SIT ON SUITCASESAND WHO ENJOYED SUCCESS WITH 1. Na3
By FM Alex Dunne
re chess players different from is also about all chess players. This chess of the 50s and 60s, a rich era in the
other people? Yes, they play player had a name, and flaws, and a drive, history of chess in the United States. It
chess. Of course there are dif and a rating, and dreams. was the battle ground of some famous (for
about his opening, and once again N Independent Chess Club 1959
0-0
QR3 became his middle name, only this As White has more space on the king
time he adopted it properly. He signed side, his king is relatively safe, for now,
his letters Bob N QR3 Durkin. Bob but 14. 0 0 0 would give White the bet
1. Na3
played a lot of N QR3s. But even with his Durkin was fearless. He would play his ter chances.
own opening he did not regain his masters 1. N QR3 against anyone; Weaver Adams
rating, but he didnt stop trying. And so his was a leading master of the time, the
14. ... 0-0 15. Rae1 c6 16. Nc3 Ng6 17. Qd2
tournaments continued. author of several books, including White Qb6+ 18. d4 Rae8 19. f4 Rxe1 20. Rxe1 Nh4
Bob had a non chess life, too. His per to Play and Win. 21. Nd1 f6 22. Qe3
sonal correspondence searched for a Both sides have conducted the game
mate. Bob courted a number of women by well, but White missteps slightly here.
1. ... d5 2. f4 Bg4 3. h3 Bh5 4. g4
correspondence, but apparently he never He should have kept his queenside safe
found one he liked, or probably more with 22. c3. Now Black gets a small edge.
rn
qklnr
likely, never liked him. Bobs letters pp
p pp
pp
showed him a man of his time. He had the
22. ... fxg5 23. fxg5 Nf5 24. Qe6+ Kh7 25. c3
students need motivation to be thinkers. MacEnulty contributed curriculum, which fifth grader from Brownsville, Texas recog
Lipschultz explained his software Lipschultz programmed for MacIntosh nized Think Like A King on the computer
design: Think Like A King was designed computers. Later, programmers adapted monitors in our display booth, and came
to be about more than learning chess. the software to Windows. GM Miron Sher running up to show me that hed already
Our goal is not to create a new generation wrote advanced chess curriculum. TLAK earned his Red Belt hed even taken the
of highly competitive grandmasters, but became the official scholastic software of tokens and made a necklace out of them.
to make it easy for schools to use chess the USCF. As of 2009, TLAK helps run His face was absolutely glowing with pride
as a vehicle to teach critical thinking chess programs in over 1,600 schools in at this learning achievement, which was
By Jonathan Hilton
Jerry Hanken, President of the Chess members or others interested in chess lessons. (Should be a lesson, not just an
Journalists of America (CJA), and journalism should contact Jonathan annotated game.)
Jonathan Hilton, Chairman of the CJA Hilton at cja awards@chessjournalism.org 16. Best Humorous Contribution: Open
awards committee, announce their for information. to chess jokes, satire, irony, parody, etc.
annual call for entries to the 2009 awards Judges decide appropriateness.
program. All winners will be recognized in 17. Special Recognition Award: For
Chess Life and The Chess Journalist and CJA Award Categories entries that do not fit comfortably into any
will receive certificates. 1. Chess Journalist of the Year: other category.
Please note that submission rules have Awarded to the person who has con 18. Excellence in Chess Writing, Main-
changed from past years. The chief judges tributed the most to chess journalism in stream Media: Entries ineligible for other
storage space for print entries is limited the past year. Only work from the past categories. Awarded to chess writing in a
this year, so he would like to encourage year will be considered. CJA members mainstream publication (defined as a mag
CJA members to submit their entries via vote by mail ballot to select the winner; azine listed in the Readers Guide to
e mail. E mail entry is now available for please provide rsum for CJA website. Periodical Literature). Regular chess fea
every category and is preferred when pos tures ineligible. No fees are applicable for
2. Best Chess Column: Submit three
sible. To submit an e mail entry, simply this category.
columns from the past year.
e mail a filled out cover sheet to cja
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write Awards Entry in the subject line. issues from the past year. Cramer Awards
Attach the actual entry as a .pdf or .doc 4. Most Notable Achievement in Corre- This years Cramer awards for excel
file or include a web link to it in the body spondence Chess: For journalistic work lence in chess journalism will be:
of the e mail. Then, mail a check for the of any type regarding correspondence Best Book and induction of one or two
appropriate amount to the address below. chess. journalists to the Gallery of Distin-
If you must submit a print entry, mail 5. Best Chess Art: Send a magazine cover, guished Chess Journalists. Recommen
five copies of the entry (photocopies are Internet display, cartoon, etc. dations and copies of best book nomina
acceptable) to the aforementioned 6. Best Photograph: A single photograph tions should be sent to: Don Schultz,
address; then, e mail a copy of the cover portraying some aspect of chess. 3201 South Ocean Dr. #703, Highland
sheet to cja entries2009@chessjournal Beach, FL 33487 and Dr. Frank Brady,
7. Best Tournament Report: A story of
ism.org. By submitting an entry to the Apt. 7E1, 175 West 72nd St., New York,
one tournament occurring in the past
awards, you are giving the CJA the right NY 10023.
year.
to display the entry on its website. The best book award is open to all
8. Best Newspaper Column: Send three
Eligibility: Entries must be for work pub books published between April 1, 2008
columns from the past year. Special
lished between 6/1/08 and 5/31/09. and May 31, 2009.
Submitted articles may be entered within award given to best column of local inter
The author of the best book will receive
multiple categories. est; please mark the appropriate box on
an engraved Obelisk marble pyramid tro
the cover sheet if the entry is eligible for
Fees: All entries, except category 18, this award.
phy and recognition in Chess Life.
require an entry fee of $15 for the first An engraved plaque bearing the names
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Cover Sheets: One cover sheet must be 10. Best Historical Article: For articles Francisco, California and USCF head
stapled to each copy of print entries (orig describing an aspect of chess history, quarters in Crossville, Tennessee.
inals and copies). Sheets are available at especially those tying chess history to Current members are: Hermann Helms,
http://chessjournalism.org or by mail social or cultural events from the past. Burt Hochberg, Dr. Frank Brady, GM
upon request. 11. Best Interview: Shows skill in elic Larry Evans, IM Al Horowitz, Harold
Entry Deadline: Entries should be post iting instructive, revealing responses. Dondis, GM Andy Soltis, Fred Reinfeld,
marked by 6/1/09 or submitted by e mail 12. Best Editorial: Clear stand on a GM Robert Byrne, Irving Chernev, Lubosh
by 6/3/09. chess issue. Kavalek, George Koltanowski, Alex
Dunne, Yasser Seirawan, Glenn Petersen
13. Best Review: For reviews of books,
Address: Mail checks (or print entries) to
Chief Judge Jonathan Hilton, 2590
Jupiter Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. Make
software, etc.
14. Best Analysis: For openings, mid
and Bruce Pandolfini. .
For more about the CJA, see
checks payable to Chess Journalists of dlegames, endgames, games, or groups of www.chessjournalism.org. For more
America. games analyzed deeply. about the Cramer awards, see
Judges: Volunteer judges needed. CJA 15. Best Instructive Lesson: For written www.chessdon.com/cramer awards.htm.
I am a candidate as a director for the USCF for no other I dont think I am the most qualified, or the least qual-
Eric Hecht reason than I believe all members of an organization ified candidate. I have a background in finance, and I
should have an opportunity to make a contribution. have served as a director for both private as well as
I have been a member of the USCF since 1999 when public companies. I am a governor of the Marshall
I first started to play Tournament chess. During that time Chess Club. I have worked for several large banks
I have had little interaction with the organization. One during my career as a financial analyst, and I have been
might ask, how can you want to be a director of an a private investor for the last several years. I have a
organization when you have had so little interaction with strong interest in chess, education, kids, and charita-
those that run the organization? Actually, it is for this ble giving. My intentions are pure. I am dispassionate
reason that I am running. The USCF appears to not about winning or losing this election. I am willing and
reach out to its members in such a way, that they ready to serve, or not depending upon what the mem-
reached me; a member for almost ten years!! This is bers of the USCF want. For sure, I believe the USCF
not a passing shot at those who run the organization, members should want and expect, that the USCF be a
because perhaps they do not view it as their respon- well run organization that is financially secure.
sibility to reach out and touch their members. And In addition, the members should feel secure that those
again, this is exactly the point. The USCF should be running the organization are not conflicted. Finally,
touching its members. It should be sponsoring events, the members should feel that their organization is
championships, etc. Some of this responsibility appears working for them, promoting chess education, and
to have been relegated to the private sector. Some chess activities. As a financial analyst, I do hope I
efforts made by the private sector have outshone the could make a strong contribution to the financial
USCF. Other efforts are run by those who govern the integrity of the organization.
USCF, but are not done under the banner of the USCF.
Maybe this is inefficient, or a conflict of interest, or Thank you for your consideration.
maybe not. It does beg the question however as to
whether the current directors and management of the
USCF are motivated to help the USCF succeed,
or whether they are content to see their efforts in the
private sector succeed. My view is that those who
are fully engaged in the business of chess should
probably not be running the largest non profit chess
organization in the U.S.
I am 52 years old and have been involved with You hear every election that the USCF should be run
Michael Atkins chess since the Fischer boom started in 1972. I as a business. While that is true, we should keep in
became President and Team Captain of my High mind that this is a small national Not For Profit
School team in Baltimore and became a TD so that whose agenda should be to support and encourage
we could have tournaments. I went on to become an chess in the United States. Getting control of
officer and club champion (1976) at Towson Chess expenses, increasing revenue and bringing in new
Club. I've been helping Arlington Chess Club in Vir- supporters and investors will help that task. I view
ginia by doing its website and running its every one of the hundreds of tournaments I have
tournaments since 1996, about the time I got organized as a little business. Having planned tour-
involved with Virginia Chess Federation. The VCF naments with the long-run in mind, I increased prize
has allowed me to serve as President for 4 years and funds when the turnout was good because that's
VP for Tournaments for the other years. I've worked what I would want as a player. Treating people right,
at various National events and CCA events over the providing a good environment where the rounds
years, while becoming an NTD, all the time devel- start on time, all of this is part of making players want
oping what I hope is the ability to work with almost to come back to tournaments. This philosophy applies
anyone in getting the job done. Part of my "real-life" to the USCF as well.
job as counselor and mental health therapist is to lis- The USCF exists to serve its members, not the
ten to people and help them deal with issues and other way around. We need to create a USCF in
reach their goals. which people want to renew their membership,
That ability to listen, to cut to the core of an issue, where the modal age of members is not 10 years old
and to establish a tone of civility is part of what I hope but remains consistently high throughout the age
to bring to the USCF Executive Board. The Board spectrum. I'll help create a USCF which is more
has been contentious and litigious for way too long. responsive to the needs of its members. Thank you.
I bring no personal agenda to the Board other than
to do my best for the USCF and help the Board effec- Please visit my web page at:
tively guide the Executive Director in reaching our www.members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/uscf_eb.htm
collective goals. I think the Board has often gotten too
involved in the day to day management of the USCF.
Its best function is to set policy and goals, and both
help the Executive Director meet those goals and hold
him so accountable.
events. I have much proven success in multiple facets interested in political power. I am only interested in
IM Blas Lugo of chess. I am absolutely positive that I can help our making the USCF stronger and better.
chess federation in many ways if I am given the If elected, one of my first motions will be to stop
opportunity to serve. wasting what is left of members valuable resources
If elected to the USCF Executive Board, I plan to on legal fees by ending all lawsuits immediately. Money
bring harmony and new energy to our organization. saved could be redirected to better adult, scholastic,
I would concentrate my efforts in raising member- collegiate, correspondence, and military chess.
ships, securing much needed sponsorship, and
finding effective ways to cut expenses to make this Specifically, if elected, here are my pledges to
federation stronger. I have immeasurable experi- USCF members:
ence and success in these areas, and I can help I will work hard to restore and maintain
make the same happen for the USCF. a sound and balanced budget every year
This is an absolutely important election because that I am on the board
the USCF needs a new course of direction immedi-
I will work hard to protect members assets
ately. You, the members, can make this happen! We,
as an organization, cannot afford to continue throw- I will work hard to find ways to cut
ing away money frivolously, especially in this very unnecessary expenditures
difficult economy. We, as a members organization, I will work hard to develop a strong support
must be fiscally responsible. system for adult, scholastic, collegiate,
The current financial state of the USCF is extremely correspondence, Internet and military chess
I learned chess in Havana, Cuba when I was 13 fragile! According to the Federations statistics, the I will work hard to find ways to raise the
years old. Since then I have devoted my life to this USCF lost approximately 1,500 members between membership level
wonderful game. I became an International Master at February 2008 and February 2009. The USCF also
lost $419,968 in the first 7 months of this fiscal year I will work hard to bring in new sponsors for
23, and I achieved my first Grandmaster norm in
the USCF
1996 at the NY Open. I have been an active chess (this information was provided by USCF Chief Finan-
player as well as an organizer and trainer for the cial Officer Joe Nanna). I will work hard to promote full transparency
last 25 years. In 1996 I founded the Miami Interna- Instead of investing money wisely in areas that can in all USCF dealings.
tional Chess Academy where I have taught countless help the USCF grow, hundreds of thousands of dol-
players of all ages. lars were wasted on unnecessary lawsuits in the
For the last several years I have been organizing the past two years.
Miami International Open and many other important I am not interested in chess politicking. I am not
With scholastic members being a large percentage As co-chair of the Council for the past four years one
Mike Nietman of our membership and revenue, issues dealing with of my frustrations with the EB has been in the area of
scholastic chess were and are extremely important communication. We havent been alerted to impor-
for the EB. Id like to clear up a long running miscon- tant scholastic discussions in a timely enough manner
ception that Ive heard from several different sources in order to have meaningful exchanges before devel-
about what the Scholastic Council is and what role oping recommendations. Agendas have come out less
it plays. than a week before the meetings. Agendas should be
The Executive Board appoints about two dozen com- available at least a month before an EB meeting. If an
mittees with areas of expertise ranging from finance important item comes up after the publishing of the
to postal chess to international affairs to senior chess. agenda, it can always be added. To further publicize our
The model then is to have the committees discuss meetings, the agenda should be sent out electronically
issues pertaining to their area of expertise and advise to all committee chairs. Once approved minutes should
the Executive Board so they may make the most follow after the meeting.
informed decisions possible. An EB liaison is assigned Another economic area in which scholastic chess
to each committee who communicates with the com- could significantly impact the USCF is with sponsorships.
mittee chair. USCF has had sponsors for some programs and events
In 2000 the Scholastic Committee chair was such as the Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix and National
extremely busy dealing with multiple scholastic ques- Elementary. But we could do better! So one must ask
tions and issues from the EB, the office and the Why dont we get more sponsorships? At every Del-
scholastic community, that he and other senior com- egates Meeting Ive attended it has been asked Where
mittee members asked the EB to create a Scholastic are the sponsorships? We should be getting corporate
Council that could respond more quickly to the needs sponsorships especially for our youth tournaments
of everyone. The EB agreed and voted to create a five and programs. Fact is that we have had some inquiries.
person Scholastic Council. Council members must be However, when these companies do their due dili-
scholastic committee members and are voted on annu- gence and research what the USCF is about they
ally for alternating two year terms. In essence I view invariably come across our current state of lawsuits and
the Council as the Chair of the Scholastic Committee politics and that negates their interest immediately! We
just as every other committee has a chair. Optimally this need to clean up our act to secure these corporate
allows for discussions amongst a small, responsive donations.
leadership group to give quick answers to the EB, the If you agree, please lend me your support in
office and the scholastic community. this election!
It has been my privilege to serve as USCF President and resulting in elimination of their printed magazine.
Bill Goichberg since August 2005. The Executive Board will select a new During the past three years, this destructive deteri-
President this August, as there is a four year term limit. oration was finally halted, as our age 20 & older
USCF has seen many changes since 2005. Our web- member total increased slightly. Under 20 numbers
site now has interesting chess news and games, not were not as good, as overall membership declined by
just ratings and technical info. Chess Life has been 1,481, but this was still much better than the previous
modernized and upgraded, and a scholastic maga- three years, in which we lost 13,145 members.
zine again offered (Chess Life for Kids, better than Financial losses were also once a persistent USCF
the old School Mates.) Adult dues have been lowered, problem, especially in fiscal 1997-2003 when money
new national events initiated, tournament memberships was lost each year and the Federation almost went
restored to encourage rated activity after a 15 year bankrupt. 2004 and 2005 had surpluses, but since
lapse, and low cost insurance offered to chess clubs. then, breaking even has been difficult as expected
We are fortunate to have outstanding sponsors includ- relocation savings did not materialize, though Execu-
ing the Saint Louis Chess Club (U.S. Championship, U.S. tive Director Bill Hall has held expenses down. We are
Womens), Kasparov Chess Foundation (Olympiads), and paying off an extra $100,000 of our mortgage this
World Chess Live (Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, Col- year. A new membership structure including online-only
lege Tournament of Champions). And we are the only magazine options is off to a good start, but will be of
nation to have both our overall and womens Olympiad far more benefit in fiscal 2010. The 2006-2009 fiscal
teams win medals in Dresden! period should end at roughly breakeven, with unusual
For many years, USCFs most persistent problem was negative and positive events approximately balancing
declining Adult membership. Beginning with 1995 when each other out:
dues rose from $30 to $40, we lost at least 400 Adult Negative: 1) High legal fees due to improper behav-
members each year, an average of over 1,000 per year, ior by two board members and USCF being sued by a
for 11 consecutive years. Senior membership also board member (see www.uschess.org/legalupdates),
declined steadily. This type of deterioration tends to be 2) Auditing fees and funding issues regarding past
a vicious spiral, as fewer members means fewer clubs handling of the 1999-2002 employee profit sharing
and tournaments, which in turn hurts membership, etc. plan, 3) 2006 began with over $100,000 in unrealis-
This trend was not unique to USCF, as similar organ- tic accounts receivable which had to be written off.
izations such as the American Contract Bridge League Positive: the $350,000 bequest from Phil LeCornu.
and Chess Federation of Canada also had large For further comment, please see my campaign
declines, the latter being even more severe than USCF website, www.checkmate.us.
As members of the USCF in 2009, you and I are meals, hotels, nada ... chess is my passion.
Jim Berry faced with many problems and challenges. Exciting and The new dues structure recommended by the USCF
crucial times are ahead. Together, we can promote Executive Board and voted in by the USCF delegates
chess to the next level in the United States. I love the in Dallas in 2008 should result in a $150,000 savings
game, but enjoy the people at tournaments even more. in the 2010 fiscal year. Taking all income and expenses
into account, our USCF will show a healthy surplus in
Here is what I bring to the table: 2009 and for the two years I have served on the USCF
board. We are also in a position to retire our Crossville,
Vice President of USCF from 2007 to present TN headquarters building mortgage in the near future,
Rated 1906 USCF and 2054 FIDE in fact, the EB has voted to pay at least $100,000
Played 1,400 USCF rated games since 1962 towards the mortgage.
Played in 7 recent U.S. Opens The 2007 and 2008 U.S. Championships held in
Played in 247 USCF tournaments Oklahoma were very successful and exciting ... but the
Directed 87 tournaments as a Senior 2009 U.S. Championships held in St. Louis, MO, will be
Tournament Director even better. If you plan to visit the championships,
Chief TD of 2007 and 2008 United States will you take the time to introduce yourself to me?
Womens Chess Championships Your USCF Executive Board needs financial expert-
Chief TD of 2008 United States Chess ise and financial professionalism as well as an abiding
Championship love of chess. Our USCF will have all of the above
when you vote for Jim Berry for re-election. THANK YOU.
I have served for the last 10 years on the Board of I have known USCF VP Jim Berry for 20 years and
Directors of the Stillwater National Bank, a $2.9 bil- have the greatest respect for his contributions to chess
lion dollar bank. (NASDAQ: OKSB) No toxic assets as a player, organizer, and tournament director.
here. We are one of the good banks. I have insisted His experience serving on the Board of Directors of the
that the USCF executive board set the budget with Stillwater National Bank (NASDAQ: OKSB) and his
care and include a small profit and an emergency many years of service to chess in Oklahoma com-
fund. All financial moves must be calculated ... like bined with his easy going manner and team spirit
in a chess game. make Jim Berry an ideal candidate for re-election to
All expenses incurred while serving on the Executive the USCF Executive Board.
Board by Jim Berry have and will be paid out of my own IM John Donaldson
pocket. I will not bill the USCF for any transportation, (2008 USA Olympiad Team Captain)
The most important issue facing the new Executive account over 100 times; that she received the stolen
Brian Mottershead Board next August will be how to proceed with the law- e-mails; and that she published them on her web-
suits that embroil the USCF and two of the EB members site, seeking to embarrass the other members of the
who were elected in 2007; namely, Susan Polgar and Executive Board, knowing that they were stolen.
Paul Truong (a married couple). The Secret Service is also investigating this affair as
In September 2007, while working as a volunteer a criminal matter.
System Administrator for the USCF on its web site, The fourth case was brought by Susan Polgar after
I uncovered technical evidence that Paul Truong had she was subpoenaed in the e-mail-hacking case.
authored thousands of vulgar, obscene, Usenet posts, She seeks $25 million in damages for unspecified
impersonating various chess personalities, and defamation and other claims.
viciously attacking the USCF and numerous USCF The last case was filed by the USCF to have a judge
officials, employees, and volunteers. These posts, order the removal of Polgar and Truong from the
commonly referred to as Fake Sam Sloan posts, Executive Board for misconduct and failure to fulfill their
continued after Truong became an Executive Board duties to the USCF as Executive Board members.
member in August 2007. I put my findings into a con- I believe that it is incumbent on all candidates in
fidential report (the Mottershead Report) to the this election to make their position on these law-
Executive Board, which was soon leaked on the Inter- suits clear, especially those candidates who are
net, though I was not the person who leaked it. apparently being sponsored or supported by Susan
Truongs Fake Sam Sloan activity has led, ultimately, Polgar and Paul Truong.
to five lawsuits for the USCF. My position is that the USCF must defend itself
First, the USCF found itself as a co-defendant with vigorously in the $25 million lawsuit against it filed
Truong in two lawsuits by people he impersonated: one by Susan Polgar. My view is that this lawsuit (in which
brought by the real Sam Sloan and a second by I am also one of the defendants) is without merit and
another person. The USCF is now out of these cases. that it was filed to keep the USCF and the Executive
A third case arose when the USCF filed suit against Board from holding Polgar and Truong accountable
John Does, trying to discover how confidential e-mails for their misconduct.
between the USCF and its lawyers had been leaked and I also believe that the USCF must proceed with the
came to be posted on her blog by Polgar. lawsuit to have Polgar and Truong removed from its
After obtaining information through subpoenas, Executive Board by a judge.
the USCF eventually alleged that a confederate of For more information on this and other issues, please
Polgars had hacked into an EB members e-mail visit my blog at http://micaissa.blogspot.com.
Proven ability to work in unison with How Has A Lack of Transparency Hurt the USCF?
Brian Lafferty staff, volunteers and board of directors. The USCF and several USCF members (myself
My Background included) are presently mired in several lawsuits
By training I am an attorney, having practiced as a involving two recently elected board members,
litigator in New York City. I also served the City of New Paul Truong and Susan Polgar. During the last USCF
York as an administrative law judge appointed by election campaign these two board members hid
Mayors Koch, Dinkins and Guiliani. their marriage to each other. Mr. Truong repeatedly
Since 1996 I have been an educator. Ive taught failed to provide verifiable data regarding his
middle and high school and have increasingly been employment background. That background as rep-
working with children at risk. resented to the membership turned out to be false
I became involved in scholastic chess when my then and fraudulent. Not only was Mr. Truong not the
third grade daughter showed an interest in chess. We business maestro he claimed to be, he was filing
started a successful chess club at her school and not for personal bankruptcy during the election cam-
only were the kids hooked by the gameso was I. paign. Both Mr. Truong and Ms. Polgar kept this
I have served as a board member of the Massachu- filing secret, all the while touting his business
setts Chess Association and continue to serve that acumen and ability to financially save the USCF.
organization as the coordinator for several programs. There is presently a criminal bankruptcy fraud
The USCF needs a new direction in leadership. investigation of Mr. Truong ongoing by the U.S.
We need: Attorney in Brooklyn, NY where Truongs bank-
ruptcy petition was filed.
My name is Brian Lafferty and Im running for the Transparency in all USCF dealings.
Ms. Polgar clearly appears to be under investigation
USCF Executive Board. Fiscal responsibility and accountability.
by the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task
Ethical behavior.
More than 20 years experience as Force for involvement leading up to the breaking into
an Attorney, Judge, Teacher, Anti- In my view there are several attributes which the e-mail account of a board member and stealing
Violence Educator and Grant Writer I have that make for effective management: privileged e-mails between the USCF and its attorney.
Ability to direct complex projects 1. The ability to actively listen; Ms. Polgars web developer, Gregory Alexander, has
from concept to operational status. 2. The desire and ability to set been identified as her alleged accomplice. Mr. Alexan-
Goal-oriented individual with reasonable goals in concert with others; ders home was searched on February 4, 2009 by the
strong leadership capabilities. 3. The ability to work toward goals U.S. Secret Service under a search warrant issued by
Organized, highly motivated, and through a consensus approach; a federal judge.
collaborative problem solver. 4. The ability to admit mistakes and seek solutions. We deserve better. I pledge to do better.
I AM A MAN WITH A PLAN. I have a specific plan Regular members who joined or renewed after Sep-
Sam Sloan on how to fulfill our mission to promote chess and to tember 24, 2008 may be wondering why they have
bring more players into our game, plus more money not received Chess Life magazine in the mail. The
into our Federation so that we can promote chess. shocking answer is the current board voted unani-
My plan involves big promotions of scholastic mously to stop sending Chess Life in the mail to
chess, an area that is being completely ignored by regular members and to stop sending Chess Life
the current board. My plan will help all members, for Kids in the mail to regular scholastic members.
because it will provide chess teaching jobs for the In tiny print in footnote 8 on page 7 of the March
adult members to teach chess to all the kids that my Chess Life, the following statement is made: Pre-
plan will bring in. mium benefits for life and sustaining members are
I will restore Chess Life to ALL adult members only guaranteed through 2010.
and Chess Life for Kids to ALL scholastic mem- I consider this to be an outrage. The current board
bers. I will guarantee that all Life Members receive claims that it is saving money by no longer send-
a printed copy of Chess Life magazine for the rest of ing Chess Life to regular members. What they
their lives, and not the online Chess Life that life overlook is that once the regular members realize that
members are now told that they may be receiving they are no longer entitled to receive Chess Life, they
soon. will not renew and membership will plummet.
To do this, I will cut expenses to the bone and I was on the board for one year. That was the only
exterminate the sacred cows that have been milk- year since 1995 that the USCF did not show a loss
ing this Federation for years. I will restore the printed in real money. That was the only year since 1996 that
Chess Life to its former size. I will institute the there has been an increase in membership. I am not
novel concept of honest accounting and do away taking credit for these things but I am pointing out
with the Old Shell Game Accounting System that that there is no reason why the USCF has to lose
has been hiding the horrific financial losses of the last money every year.
few years. I will restore the Federation to profitabil- This year, the USCF was fortunate to receive a
ity and a financial surplus. bequest of $350,000. The money is now almost all
In short, I will reverse the bad decisions that have gone, completely wasted in just one year. Elect me
been made over the past four years. Say goodbye and throw the bums out.
and wish farewell to the corrupt old guard. Throw
the bums out!
Scholastic chess program, organized by Mikhail, Dr. Korenmans Statement for the USCF
Mikhail Korenman involve a lot of kids in Kansas and now in Illinois. I am currently living in Chicago and coaching chess in
IM Anna Zatonskih, 2008 U.S. Womens Champion: local area elementary and secondary schools. Some of my
Mikhail Korenman is an excellent organizer and strong chess credentials include:
dedicated chess enthusiast. He does a lot for Extensive experience working in non-profit
popularity of chess in the U.S. organizations.
Wes Fisk, Lindsborg, KS, City Council: Mikhail has Excellent success in grant writing.
worked tirelessly on the behalf of chess and Organized many successful major chess events,
chessplayers. He is a visionary, who thinks including the U.S. Junior Open and Invitational, the
outside the box. Pan-American, the Final Four, and numerous world
class FIDE tournaments and matches.
Support for the election was also received by U.S. Initiated the internationally acclaimed Chess for
Champions Onischuk, Shulman, Zatonskih, Goletiani; Peace program with Gorbachev, Karpov, Onischuk,
Grandmasters Akobian, Kaidanov, Ehlvest, Ibragimov, Shulman, Polgar, Krush, Zatonskih, etc., that was fea-
Stripunsky, Khachiyan, Perelshteyn, Goldin, International tured in National Geographic, The NY Times, NPR,
Masters Donaldson, Schneider. NBC, PBS, and countless print and TV media across
the U.S. and around the world.
National media on Dr. Korenmans chess Served on the USCF Scholastic Council.
achievements:
Current member of the Scholastic Committee.
I am grateful for your hard work to promote peace.
Support for Dr. Korenmans Candidacy FIDE International Organizer.
Letter from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
GM Anatoly Karpov, 7-time World Champion: In recent years Lindsborg has witnessed a minor Additional Chess Awards:
I am very impressed with the tremendous progress and revolution in self-identity, and one man is largely 2006 USCF Special Service Award
development of the chess programs by Mikhail Koren- responsible for the shift: Mikhail Korenman 2005 Rotary International Service Award
man over the years. He has done so much for chess. has made this town crazy for the game of chess. 2005 Community Service Award (Lindsborg)
IM John Donaldson, Captain - U.S. Olympiad Teams: I National Geographic magazine 2005 FIDE International Organizer
believe Mikhail has the leadership ability, energy, and Mr. Korenmans enthusiasm, imagination and 2004 USCF Chess Organizer of the Year
vision to help the USCF out of its current problems. web of contacts have been crucial to the burgeoning With my experience in multiple facets of scholastic, col-
GM Alexander Onischuk, 2007 U.S. Champion: appeal of chess here. The New York Times lege, adult, professional, and womens chess, I can help
Dr. Korenman understands professional, amateur, and In the United States, Korenman has built an make the USCF a much stronger organization.
scholastic chess. Hell be a big asset for the USCF EB. impressive rsum as competitor, teacher and tour- Vice-President, Illinois Chess Association
GM Yury Shulman, 2008 U.S. Champion: nament organizer. The Star President, International School of Chess
sent the members of the USCF. I am a club is managed like a business, and includes appli-
Ruth Haring player and a current active tournament com- cations for funding from corporate entities, Local
petitor. I also have family members who play and State governments, and private foundations.
and enjoy tournament chess. I understand
As an executive board member who sets policy for
chess from the viewpoints of both the avid
the organization, my experiences as a chess player,
player and the chess professional.
advocate, and professional manager have prepared me
I believe it is important to understand and improve the for the duties and responsibility of being an executive
service we provide to the membership that pays the dues board member. I have played tournament chess since
which are the bread and butter of the USCF budget. As 1969, represented the USA in five Womens Olympiads
a board candidate, I am primarily interested in: and an Interzonal, published articles on chess and
taught my children to play chess. I will be a thought-
1) Promoting chess ful and effective advocate for the organization.
With my 20 plus years experience in management and
1) Bring in new membership consulting, I am well equipped to be part of the exec-
2) Develop excellence (grow the population utive team which monitors, approves, evaluates, and
of International Masters and Grandmasters) troubleshoots the organizations operations. The exec-
3) Opportunity development, promotion and utive board should not concern itself with the day-to-day
showcasing of premiere events management of the organization. That is the Executive
4) Expanding media coverage. Huge strides have Directors job. The executive board will take recommen-
been made with Internet reporting. The USCF dations from the Executive Director, staff, delegates, and
My name is Ruth Haring and I am running for USCF should expand into partnerships with outside membership and make independent decisions.
Executive Board for two reasons: companies and individuals to increase coverage. I have experience making thoughtful decisions which
1) I love chess and want to see it grow. I want to
2) Fund Raising are in line with the organizational mission, on behalf
see more people play, more events, greater
of and in the best interests of an organization. I have
recognition of our sport amongst the general 1) The USCF should have a fundraising plan no conflict of interest and and my income is
public, and better media coverage. I believe in which will grow the organization and ensure from non-chess sources. I am eager to channel my
starting a program to develop IMs and GMs, the future. energy and efforts into helping USCF reach the next
and that it is necessary to develop funding 2) This plan should include membership level. I am looking forward to serving on the USCF
sources and corporate sponsorships to achieve dues, Benefactor memberships, gifts Executive Board and hope you will give me your
these goals. and endowments. support. For more information, visit my website at
2) I believe that the Executive Board should repre- 3) We should ensure that the fund raising program www.RuthHaring.com
The winner of this months Game lenge the center while keeping a potential
Annotation award, Shannon Fox marked rn qkl r line open for the light square bishop. The
his letter to me When opportunity plpp+ppp time control in this quad was Game/60
knocks. When his opportunity did knock, with a five second delay and as a result,
Shannon was ready. (My future comments p +pn + I was keeping my opening moves in the
will be italics). Writes Shannon: + + + + one to three minutes range, so I didnt
look for long at the alternate d5 move
Ive read several of your books and my + P + + before I chose c5.
favorite is Chess Openings for Black + +LPN+
Explained. Ive used that book to help
10. e5 dxe5 11. dxe5 Nd5
me with ideas and to build confidence PPPN PPP
when playing against the most popular R LQK +R r+ q rk+
opening lines as Black. In the following
After 5. Bd3
game I played a quad at the U.S. Air
pl+nlppp
Force Academy in Colorado Springs on p +p+ +
December 20th, 2008 utilizing some of the
books positional ideas. My opponent is
5. ... Be7
+ pnP +
Id prefer 5. ... c5, limiting Whites
Tony Telinbacco, rated 1825, whom I pre options. + + + +
viously played in the same venue earlier
this fall. In that match, Tony played a
+P+L+N+
sound, conservative first game, winning
6. 0-0 d6
Instead of ... d7 d6, I quite often play PLPN PPP
a pawn in the middlegame and then ... c7 c5 and put pressure on Whites
grinding me through a long endgame
R +Q+RK
center. With ... d6 Im a bit passive but it
which he eventually won. does allow for the logical development of
After 11. ... Nd5
In our second game, I had a fairly good the knight from b8 to d7 with additional
idea of what to expect from Tony so I I was surprised at e4 e5 by White
support for ... e6 e5. because it strengthened Blacks light
decided to stick with lines Im familiar As in the note above, Id prefer 6. ... c5.
with and try to avoid the mistakes from square bishop and it seemed a bit pre
I think that after 6. ... d6 7. e4 White is a mature to lose the tension in the center.
our prior match. little better. The black and white light square bish
Queens Indian Defense (A47) ops neutralize each other, while Whites
Tony Telinbacco (1825) space advantage gives him the overall
7. b3 0-0 8. Bb2 Nbd7
that side of the board. I didnt see White playing Na3, stopping GM Alburt will select the most
my attack with the hopeful ... b6 b5 pawn instructive game and Chess Life
push, so I moved the rook back to the d will award an autographed copy of
file again, looking for an active square and
23. Qe2 Nf4
White makes an inferior queen move Levs newest book, Chess Training
possibly to break into Whites position. Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
giving me a tempo and now I get the
knight to f4 and on to d5! Lawrence) to the person submitting
the most instructive game and anno
29. Rd1 Rd7
Last month we looked at how the Berlin Defense manifested itself in endgames at
By GM Pal Benko
the Elista Grand Prix event. This month, we continue the theme using games from
the Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee.
This month I continue my article on the Simplifying with the knights fifth move.
Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez,
11. ... Bb7 12. Bf4 Rc8 13. g4 Ne7 14. e6
Starts attacking instantly but it is not
an opening that quickly turns into an
as dangerous as it seems.
13. Nxh4 Bxh4 14. Ne2 Bd7 15. e6 Bxe6 16.
endgame. To illustrate this, well look at
Nd4 Bf6 17. Nxe6 fxe6 18. Bxc7 Rc8
games played at the traditional Corus Blacks isolated pawn is not much of an
chess tournament Wijk aan Zee 2009. issue due to the limited material.
16. ... fxe6 15. Ng5 Nd5 16. Nxe6 Nxf4 17.
Nxf4 Bd6 18. Ne6 Kf7 19. Ng5+ Kg6 20. Nce4
Be5 21. Nf3 Bxb2 22. Rd7
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. 0-0 Nxe4 5. 19. Bf4 Ke7 20. Be3 b6 21. b3 Rhd8 22. g4
d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ hxg4 23. hxg4 Bc3 24. Bg5+ Bf6 25. Be3 Bc3
Kxd8 9. Nc3 +r+ + r 26. Rxd8 Rxd8 27. Kg2 Bd2 28. Rd1
plpR+ pp The pawn ending is only a draw, but 28.
r+lk l r pp+ +k+ Kf3 Bxe3 29. Kxe3 does not promise
ppp +ppp much either.
+ + + +
+p+ + + + +N+P+ 28. ... Bxe3 29. Rxd8 Kxd8 30. fxe3 Ke7 31.
Kf3 Kf6 32. Kf4 e5+ 33. Kf3 Kg5 34. Kg3 a5
+ + Pn+ + + +N+P 35. c3 b5, Draw agreed.
+ + + + PlP+ P +
+ N +N+ Changing chances
R + + K IM Ali Bitalzadeh (FIDE 2400)
PPP+ PPP After 22. Rd7 IM Dronavalli Harika (FIDE 2473)
R L +RK Corus, Wijk aan Zee, 2009
After 9. Nc3 22. ... Bf6 See position after 9. Nc3
A heroic attempt but objectively 22. ...
These are the main line moves in the
Bxa1 23. Nh4+ Kh6 24. Nf5+ Kg6 25.
9. ... Ke8 10. h3 h6
Berlin Defense and is the starting position A careful move not afraid of g2 g4.
Nh4+, acquiescing in perpetual check, is
for the next five games. There are other
more reasonable.
alternatives, like 4. Qe2 a6 or 6. dxe5 11. Rd1 Be6 12. g4 Ne7 13. Nd4 Rd8 14. f4
Nxb5 7. a4 Nxe5 which was played twice Bc4 15. b3 Ba6 16. Ne4
at Corus, but somehow Black won both
23. Nxf6 Kxf6 24. g5+ Kg6 25. Re1 Rhe8 26.
It appears that 16. Be3 Nd5 17. Nxd5
of those games.
Ne5+ Kxg5 27. Rxg7+ Kf6 28. Rf7+ Ke6 29.
Rxh7 Rg8+ 30. Ng4+ Kd5 31. Ree7 c5 32. cxd5 18. a4 is better.
Magnus
Rxc7 Rxc7 33. Rxc7 Bc8 34. Rxa7
This only draws; 34. f3 could have been
16. ... b6 17. Bb2 c5 18. Nf5 Nxf5 19. gxf5
GM Daniel Stellwagen (FIDE 2612)
played with some winning hopes.
Rxd1+ 20. Rxd1 Bc8 21. f6 Bb7
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2776) A mistake would be 21. ... Bxh3? since
Corus, Wijk aan Zee, 2009 34. ... Bxg4 35. hxg4 Rxg4+ 36. Kf1, Draw 22. e6! Rg8 23. Rd8+ Kxd8 24. exf7 wins.
See position after 9. Nc3
agreed.
22. fxg7 Bxg7 23. Ng3 Bf8 24. Kh2 Rg8 25. c4
Easy draw
Be7 26. Rd2 Bh4 27. Nh5 Bc8
GM Leinier Dominguez Perez (FIDE 2717) Now Black could have taken the initia
9. ... Ke8 10. h3
The most frequent continuation. GM Yue Wang (FIDE 2739) tive with 27. ... Kf8!? and even after 28.
Corus, Wijk aan Zee, 2009 Bc1 Ke7 (threatening with ... Bf3) 29. Nf6
Bxf6 30. exf6+ Kxf6 31. Bb2+ White fights
10. ... b6
While this prepares the long diagonal See position after 9. Nc3 for a draw.
for the bishop, it takes too much time, so
I would not expect many followers.
28. Nf6+ Bxf6 29. exf6 Bd7 30. Re2+ Kd8,
9. ... Ke8 10. h3 h5!? 11. Bf4
For 11. Bg5 see the April column.
Draw agreed.
The next two games show Blacks king
11. Rd1
First 11. Bf4 then Rad1 looks better. 11. ... Be7 12. Rad1 Nh4!? visiting the queenside.
27. cxd3 (27. Bxd8?! Bxc2!) 27. ... Rd5 28. This maintains the theme, but the sim
ple 46. ... Bh8 was good.
+ +RR +
exf7 Rd7 29. Ne4 may have given control
After 24. Na5
to White. 47. gxf5 Rxh4 48. Ng3 a4 49. Ra2 Be5 50.
26. ... Bxf7 27. Ne4 Bc4 28. Bf6 Re8 29. Kf3 Rd5 Bd6 51. Rxd6
Desperation. White could have played
24. ... Rxe5?
Why not 24. ... Nxe5! when 25. Rd5
Ka7! 30. Ndf2 Ba6 31. h4 gxh4 32. Bxh4 Bb7
could have continued fighting, but instead meant much. More resistance is given by 53. Ne4.
agreed to the draw.
Finally, lets see the most thrilling and
36. Nfe4 Nc5 37. Nf6 Re7 38. Nh5? 53. ... Rf4+ 54. Ke3 Rxf6 55. Ra1 Ng5
complicated game with this theme. This knight should be placed on d5 55. Ne4 Nc5! is also easy for Black,
instead of moving away from the action. who won in 80 moves.
Exchange sacrifices As you can now see, there is no clear
GM Gata Kamsky (FIDE 2725)
38. ... Rf7 39. Nb5+ Kb7 40. Ra2 Re8 41. Nf6 way for White to achieve any significant
GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2750) advantage, so endgame lovers: use the
Corus, Wijk aan Zee, 2009
Ree7 42. Nd4?!
The threat was 42. ... Bg7. Berlin! .
uschess.org Chess Life May 2009 55
2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY
World Chess Live sponsors over $25,000 at the 2009 Grand Prix!
Welcome, Members!
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family- merchandise from WCL sponsorship and it makes for three years agolong past due. Faithful readers of Chess
friendly service with special benefits for USCF members. another banner year for the Grand Prix program. Life know Emory can trade combinations with the best
Once again, WCL is pleased to sponsor USCFs 2009 At first blush, it doesnt look as if much has changed of the best, and we hope the WCL Grand Prix will afford
Grand Prix (GP) and 2009 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Were from last month. GMs Alex Lenderman and Sergey him enough opportunities to earn the grandmaster
providing prize funds of $25,080 and $10,200 (cash, mer- Kudrin are still numbers one and two in the standings norms he needs for his next international title.
chandise, and memberships), and will also be running just the way they finished in 2008. But look a little We would be remiss during this, our 70th year, if we
online grand prize satellite events throughout the year. closer and youll see that IM Emory Tate has leap- did not note the leader in the senior category. Klaus
As we finish up the first quarter of 2009, we note that frogged from 14th place to seventh. Pohl, 72, of Greenville, South Carolina, leads with 9 GP
over 50 WCL GP events have been rated through the end Has it really been 26 years since Emory won the first points, and we hope local organizers will provide Klaus
of March, offering up over 1,200 Grand Prix Points. of his five U.S. Armed Forces Championships? Represent- with many more opportunities to add to his total.
Depending on the degree of enhancement, that repre- ing the Air Force, he won in 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, and Spanning three decades (1980 through 2006), Klaus
sents a minimum of $60,000 in prizes offered by again in 1989. Its a record that may never be equaled. Pohl has won or shared the title of South Carolina
~Glenn Petersen
organizers throughout the United States, and online by The footloose Mr. Tate (hes liable to show up any- state champion, 12 TIMES!
World Chess Live. Add to that the $25,000 in cash and where) was awarded the international master title just
valued at $60.
16th-25th: $200 26th-50th: $250 For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a
3 year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd 5th places are
Top 40 non titled players: 1 year WCL membership worth $50. awarded a 2 year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th 10th
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Reserve by 8/7 or as available only. Car rental: Hertz, 800-654-3131, Hertz point bye round 1). Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Indi- uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Ent:
CDP#178693. BRING BOARDS, SETS, CLOCKS - NONE PROVIDED. USCF mem- vidual: 1st 20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for
bership required. USCF single tournament membership available ($12 for 1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9: refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries
adults, $7 for scholastic). NS,NC,W. Information: Sevan A. Muradian U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
May 16-17, District of Columbia (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for May 22-25 or 23-25, Texas
title & bonus prize. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each
D.C. Class Championships $6000-3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. U2300 Section is FIDE Texas State and Amateur Championship
4-SS, U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St., NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202/857-4922. rated. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1200-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under 7SS, Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk, 889 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX
78205, United States. $$8350 b/175, full entries 75% Guaranteed, 2 Sec- U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr. prize A Heritage Event!
membership required. Other States accepted. EF: $74 if received by 5/15, $85
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
May 23-25, California Southern $600, $500. $$G $600 each class($300-200-100) Ex,A,B,C,D & below. Unr.
at site. $65 Junior(U19) if received by 5/15 else $77 (juniors count as 90% competes in D & below. $50-$50 upset, 2 half pt byes rds 1-7, $10 OCF required
toward base), Senior(over 65)/Handicapped/additional family participant $45 2009 Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic from all players. Free Parking. Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis, Stillwater, OK
if receive by 5/15 else $60 (Senior/Handicap/ Additional family participant 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day schedule rds 1-3 G/60, then merges). LAX Hilton, 5711 74074. 1-405-372-5758. FKimBerry@aol.c om NC, CMV, LS, W, FIDE. WCL JGP.
counts 60% toward base). Add $5 for CC phone entries; pre-reg requires pre-
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each prize May 23-25, Washington
paymt. After 5/20/09 all registration and changes on site only; all changes guaranteed. In four sections: Open: $$T+1800-750-400-300-200, U2400 400,
including withdrawals, $10 after 5/20/09. 4 day: Reg Friday 5/22, 6:15pm-7:15. U2200 700-300-200. Premier (under 2000): $$750-300-200-100. Amateur
Rds Fri: 7:45, Sat: 2:30pm-8:00, Sun: 10am-4:00, Mon: 9am-2:30. 3 day: Reg Washington Open Chess Tournament in Spokane!
(Under 1800): $$750-300-200-100. Reserve (Under 1600/unrated): $$750-300- Red Lion River Inn, 700 N Division Street, Spokane, WA 99202. This location is
Sat 5/23 9-9:30 am, Rd 1 at 10 am then merge with 4 day. Foreign Unrated must 200-100. U1400 400-200, U1200 150, Unr 150. (Unrated may win Unrated
play in Championship section. Registrations that do not indicate 4 or 3 day sched- 100 yards from the Spokane clubs normal tourney site at the Schoenberg Cen-
prize only.) Best game prize $25, all sections eligible. All: half-point byes avail- ter at Gonzaga University. Hotel reservations: (509) 326-5577, or toll free
ule will be put in the 3 day. HR: $105/105/105/105. 800-228-9290 reserve by able, limit 2, rds 5-6 must be requested with entry & cannot be revoked. SCCF
5/1 (or rate may go up) and ask for SA Chess Tournament rate. Note that this (800) Red-Lion. Ask for $99 chess rate. (Some Red Lion customers may qual-
membership req. ($18, jr. $10), OSA. No checks or credit cards at door Reg.: ify for a lower online rate. Washington Chess Federation. WA Open
hotel has no free parking. Up to two 1/2 pt byes available if requested before 3-day 9-10 a.m. 5-23, 2-day 8:30-9:30 a.m. 5-24. Rds.: 3-day: 10:30-5 Sat-Sun,
rd 2, but byes for both rd 6 AND 7 is not permitted. K-12 Scholastic on Sat- Sections/Entry Fees (by April 15/May15 on site) OPEN: EF $79 / $89 / $99,
10-4:30 Mon. 2-day: 10-12:15-2:30 Sun., then merges. EF: $83 if received by PREMIER (U2000): EF $69/$79/$89, RESERVE (U1700): EF $59 / $69 / $79,
urday, 5/23. 5-SS, Rds 1-3 G/30, rds 4-5 G/45, EF: $28 by 5/15, $40 after; CC 5-22, $95 door, U1400/unrated $67 by 5-22, $80 door. On-line entry:
phone entries add $5. Pre-reg. requires pre-paymt. After 5/20/09 all registra- BOOSTER (U1400): EF $49/$59/$69. Free entry to GMs, IMs, WGMs. $25
www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los entry option for juniors under age 21 playing for medal only. Three medals
tion and changes on site only; all changes $10 after 5/20/09. No refunds after Angeles CA 90038. HR: $109 (310) 410-4000, use group code LGM. Parking
5/21/09, $10 handling fee for refunds before 5/21/09. Entries do not count awarded per section. $8,000 Prizes Guaranteed by the Gary Younker
$10/day. Inf: admin@westernchess.com. NS, W, F. State Championship Foundation! Hosted by the Spokane Chess Club. Prizes: Open: $1,000-$600-
toward base in Championship and Amateur. Registration: 8:15-8:45 am, Rd Qualifier. WCL JGP.
1 at 9:30 am, rest ASAP with small lunch break. Sections: K-12 Championship $400-$300-$200, Premier: $400-$300-$250-$200-$150, Reserve: $350-$250-
and K-12 U750. Prizes:Trophies toTop 12 individuals, 5 teams in each section. A Heritage Event! $200-$150-$100, Booster: $300-$150-$100-$100-$100, U2150: $400-$250-
K-12 U750 also top 3 unrateds. Medals to plus scores who do not win a tro- A State Championship Event! $150-$100, U1850: $250-$150-$100-$100, U1550: $200-$100-$100-$100,
WA RN I N G !
MCA memberships required (can be purchased on site). EF by Tues., 6/2 (Add in the May issue! Questions: dcc.18W5@sbcglobal.net or call 937.461.6283
$10 after): OPEN: 3-DAY: $63 ($53 for Oage 64, Uage 16, or UNR). 2-DAY: $62 to lv msg. WCL JGP.
($52 for Oage 64, Uage 16, or UNR). IMs and GMs FREE (EF deducted from
prize). No Re-Entries allowed in Open Section. RESERVE (U1600): 3-DAY: $53
($43 for Oage 64, Uage 16, or UNR). 2-DAY: $52 ($42 for Oage 64, Uage 16,
or UNR). Re-Entries from 3-Day to 2-Day: $40. Schedules merge after Rd
2. Up to TWO 1/2-pt. byes allowed-must be requested prior to start of RD 4.
CELL PHONE
TL: 3-Day: Rds. 1-3, G-90; Rds. 4-6, G-120. 2-Day: Rds. 1-2, G-45; Rd. 3, G-
THE USE OF A
90; Rds. 4-6, G-120. REG.: 3-Day: Fri, 4:00-6:30pm. 2-Day: Sat, 10-11am.
RDS: 3-Day: Fri, 7pm. Sat, 11, 3:30, 7. Sun, 11, 3:30. Headphones cannot
be used if opponent objects for any reason. Must be willing to present same
PROHIBITED!
to TD for exam at any time. Failure to do so will result in removal from tour-
TURN IT OFF!
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
Be sure to ask for Virginia Chess rates; or book it online at stay.hotel- $150 (min $1500 payout, all payouts raised if less than $1500) U1900,U1700: NYC: 212-477-3716. $$1,500 Guaranteed Prizes!! 2 sections, Open, $$ 500-
sierra.com/?id=VIR Near Dulles Airport. See tournament website for directions 5.0 = $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0 = $300, 3.5 = $100 U1500, U1300: 5.0 = $1000, 250-140-100, U2400/unr. $160. Under 2200, $$ 150-100, top U2000 $100, $100
and more information. Open: $580-320-200 (G);Top X/A-Unr/B/C/D each $190, 4.5 = $500, 4.0 = $250, 3.5 = $100 U1100: 5.0 =$500, 4.5 = $250, 4.0 = prize limit to unr. Both, EF $40, Club membs. $30, GMs free ($25 from prize),
Top U1200 $150, Reg.: Saturday Jun 13: 8:30 am-9:45am. Rounds: Sat 10-230- $125, 3.5 = $50 Unrated may not win over $100 in U1100, $200 U1300, $300 specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Limit 2 byes (commit by 8:15).
7, Sunday 10-3:30p. One 1/2 pt bye allowed, must commit to byes with entry, U1500, $400 U1700, or $500 U1900. EF: $90 by 5/20, $100 by 6/16, and $105 Re-entry: $20, counts half. CCA Ratings may be used. Reg. ends 15 min. before
none allowed after 1st round starts and are irrevocable after play starts. EF: online only by 6/18, $110 at the door. Special EFs: $35 less in U1100, GMs game. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 6/23. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45
$50 if recd by Jun 7th, $60 at site. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138 (yes 6138!), free; $50 deducted from prize, IMs 1/2 off entrance fee, $20 (not $70) deducted pm. Phone entry often impossible!
Alexandria, VA 22306. Make checks to: Virginia Chess. Email: matkins2@ from prize. Special HR: $40 single Sat. night, pay with registration. Free
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
June 25-29, Pennsylvania
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
cox.net, but NO e-mail entries, just information Web: www.vachess.org/nova.htm room Sat. night for GMs. $20 room Sat. night for IMs. Rooms may not be
W, NS, FIDE. WCL JGP. avail after 5/25. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 3rd annual Philadelphia International
9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2-6, 9-3:15. U1100 3-day
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
June 16, New York 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts.,
schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-4, Sun 9-2:00. U1100 2-day Philadelphia, PA 19103. Special parking rate for players with guest rooms
St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club schedule: reg ends Sat 10am, rds 11-1:30-4, 9-2:00. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 $5/day; may be available for players without guest rooms, through 6/29 only.
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open Thornton Ridge Rd,Towson MD 21204. Detailed rules and more information: $$G 10,000: $3000-1500-1000-600-400-300-200, top FIDE 2200-2399 $1000-
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY www.baltimorechess.org/Chesapeake_Open.html, online entry: chesa- 500, top FIDE under 2200 or unrated $1000-500. Minimum prize if completing
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40, peakeopen.eventbrite.com/. WCL JGP. all games: $500 to foreign GMs, $200 to US GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs,
www.lindsborg.org/tourism.html. Special: KCA membership required of KS res- 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 1000 & Under 700
idents to participate; $7 adult, $5 junior, $10 family. Annual meeting of KCA JGP. Sections: 6SS, G/75, 7/18-19 only. Doubletree Hotel Chicago/ Oak Brook, 1909
on 7/12 at 8 am Site: Lindsborg, KS. Ent: Laurence Coker, 8013 W 145th St, Over- Spring Rd (near I-88 Cermak Rd exit), Oak Brook, IL 60521. Free parking. No
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
July 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, California Southern
land Park, KS 66223. Checks payable to Kansas Chess Association Ph: residence requirements. $20,000 guaranteed prizes and trophies. In 9 sec-
913-851-1583. E-mail: wlcoker7@hotmail.com. Website: www.kansaschess.org. 14th annual Pacific Coast Open tions; no unrated in Master, unrated allowed in Under 700 only if age 15 or below.
(2009 Kansas Open ad.) WCL JGP for Open section. 6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, top
U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
July 10-12, Ohio 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit).
Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles A (1800-1999/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $1300-700-
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
2009 Columbus Open from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. Prizes $30,000 based on 400-300. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-400-200. Class D
5-SS, 30/90, SD/60 (2-day schedule, rd. 1 G/90), ALL PRIZES UNCONDITION- 250 paid entries (re-entries & U1000 count half), minimum $24,000 (80% of each (1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $1000-
ALLY GUARANTEED. 3 sections: Open, open to all. G $1200, 800, 500; U2200, prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $3000-1500-700-400, clear or tiebreak 500-300-200. Under 1000: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Under 700:
$500, 200; Premier, open to 1999/below. $500, 200; U1800, $500, 200; win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $1800-1000. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000- Trophies to top 7. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated prize limit
Reserve, open to 1599/below. $500, 200; U1400 $500, 200; All EF: $70 if recd 600-400. Under 1900: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1700: $2000-1000-600-400. $80 U1000, $140 E, $200 D, $400 C, $500 B, $600 A. Top 7 sections EF: 3-day
by 7/1. $80 at site. $10 less for scholastic players under 1200. Free to Sr. Mas- Under 1500: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1300: $1800-900-500-300. Under $93, 2-day $92 mailed by 7/9, all $95 online at chesstour.com by 7/13, $100
ter/above who complete their schedule. 3-day schedule: Reg. Ends Fri. 6:30 1000: $1000-500-300-200. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U2100 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/13 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. No
p.m., Rds.: Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. 2-day sched- $900, U1900 $700, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 $200, U1000 $100; bal- checks at site, credit cards OK. U1000 & U700 EF: $27 mailed by 7/9, $28 online
ule: Reg. Ends Sat. 9:30 a.m. Rd 1 at 10 a.m., then merges with 3-day schedule. ance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $144, 3-day $143, at chesstour.com by 7/13, $30 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/13 (entry only, no
Re-entry: $20. Any player who loses Fri. night may re-enter for $20 and loss 2-day $142 mailed by 7/8, all $145 online at chesstour.com by 7/13, $150 phoned questions), $40 at site. All: ICA memb. ($15, scholastic $10) required for
will not count in tournament standings! One 1/2-pt. Bye available in Rds 1-4 by 7/13 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $160 (no checks, credit rated Illinois residents. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in Class D, E, U1000 or
(request required prior to Rd 1). Unrated players may play in any section. $25 cards OK) at tmt. Under 1000 Section EF: all $60 less. FREE TO UNRATED U700 if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize.
upset prize each section. N.S. A/C; HOTELS: HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT, 750 in U1000 or U1300 sections if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free; Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at
STELZER RD., COLUMBUS, 43219 (WITH EXPANDED PLAYING SPACE). (614) 237- $140 deducted from prize. SCCF membership ($18, jrs $10) required for rated chesstour.com, $40 if mailed, phoned or paid at site. Re-entry $60; not avail-
6360. ROOM RATE: $89.00 plus tax. Chess rate available through July 1st while Southern CA residents. Re-entry $80; not available in Open Section. Unofficial able in Master Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games
rooms last. ENT. C/O Lou Friscoe, 1645 Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Spe- used if otherwise unrated. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat
Inquires: (614) 486-6856. Web site: www.centralchessclub.com. WCL JGP. cial 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6,
chesstour.com, $40 if mailed, phoned or paid at site. 4-day schedule: RegThu Sun 9-3:15. U1000 & U700 schedule: Reg. ends 9:30 am, rds. Sat 10-1:30-
pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11- 13,000. In 4 sections. Open: $1600-800-400-200, top U2300/Unr $700, U2200
2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 2. HR: $89-89, $600, U2100 $500. FIDE. Under 2000: $1200-600-300-200, top U1800 $700- Regional
800-241-0756, 559-224-4040, request chess rate, reserve by 8/7 or rate may 350. Under 1600: $1000-500-300-150, top U1400 $600-300. Under 1200:
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car $800-400-200-100, top U1000 $300-150. Unrated may not win over $100 in Alabama
online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury U1200, $300 in U1600, or $500 in U2000. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY Bham C. C.
Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chess- residents paying EF who are not members. EF: 4-day $99, 3-day $98, 2-day $97 Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg.
tour.com. WCL JGP. mailed by 8/27, all $100 online at chesstour.com by 9/2, $105 phoned to 406- Ctr.) Bham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns. planned
896-2038 by 9/2 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. FREE ENTRY TO in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; Bham City Cships-Aug.; Magic
Aug. 22, 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
UNRATED in U1200 if paying 1 year USCF dues. All: Unofficial uschess.org rat- City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W. Ellis 205-979-
See Nationals.
ings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF 6068, kee@bellsouth.net.
Aug. 23, 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed,
See Nationals. phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $70, all sections but Open. GMs free, $80 May 30 (not May 23), Birmingham Challenge
deducted from prize. No checks at site, credit cards OK. 3-day schedule: Reg. 4SS, TC: Rds 1-2 @ G/60 & Rds 3-4 @ G/75. Alta Vista Hotel & Confer-
A Heritage Event! ence Center, 260 Goodwin Crest Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209. Open ($475 b/25):
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
Aug. 28-30 or 29-30, District of Columbia ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 9-3:15. 4-day schedule: Reg.
ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 11-6, Mon 9-3:15. 2-day sched- $250/T-150-75; Reserve (U1500; $450 b/25): $225/T-150-75; Late REG.: May
ule: Reg. ends Sun. 10:30 am, rds Sun 11-1:30-3:30-6, Mon 9-3:15, no 2-day 23rd, 8-8:45am. Rds.: 9, 11:15, 2, 5. EF: $35, if mailed by 05/16/2009; $50
41st annual Atlantic Open at site. ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882 McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Checks
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Washington Westin Hotel, 1400 schedule in Open. Bye: all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $96-96, 800-
443-8952, 518-458-8444, reserve by 8/21 or rate may increase. NYSCA meeting Payable To: Caesar Lawrence. Info: CaesarChess@yahoo.com or ACF:
M St NW atThomas Circle, Washington, DC 20005. $$G 20,000 GUARANTEED www.alabamachess.com.
PRIZE FUND. In 7 sections. Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak 1st 9 am Sun. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633, or reserve car online
$100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $1200-600. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-700-400- through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY A State Championship Event!
200. Under 1900: $1500-700-400-200. Under 1700: $1500-700-400-200. 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted June 20, Alabama Quick Chess Championship (QC)
Under 1500: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200. Under at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. 5SS, G/25 with t/d 3 (G/28), Forest Lake United Methodist Church - Commu-
1000: $400-300-200-100. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1000, $200 U1300, A State Championship Event! nity Center, 1711 4th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Prizes b/28 for Open &
ONCE RATED,
ALWAYS RATED
You never lose your rating, no matter how
long it has been since you last played.
If you return to tournament play after a long
absence, please tell the director your
approximate rating and year of play.
If you rejoin USCF after many years with-
out being a member, please provide this
information to the TD and to USCF as well.
PM-6 PM (Tournament) Tuesdays: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Begin-
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
(Intermediate/Advanced Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica ners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks change, please check website or call contact phone #.
May 16, 3rd DBCC G/50 Open
West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor)
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments. May 16, 2nd Saturday Open 32118. 4SS, G50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 10-
See Grand Prix. 11:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul B Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl #116, Daytona
May 15, 22, 29, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC) Beach, FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: pibit@cfl.rr.com. www.daytonabchcc.org.
5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks June 13, 8th Annual New Yorker June Open (NY) NS NC W.
W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 7:30-8. Rds.: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking See Grand Prix.
May 16, CFCC May QuickChess (QC)
lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310) June 13-14 or 14, 14th Annual New York Junior Championship (NY) 7SS, G29 (G25 w/5 sec. delay) NOTE: New Location! Orlando Chess and Games
795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com. See New York.
Center, 8751 Commodity Circle Suite 9, Orlando, FL, 32819. EF: $25 CFCC or
May 16, 23, 30, LACC LA Masters June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA) OCG member $20. Masters free - EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-
4SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. See Pennsylvania. 100-80, Class B, Class C, Class D/Under $75 ea. Reg.: 9:30 AM. Rds.: 10, 11:15,
EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 5:30-6. Rds.: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 75% EF. 2 Free 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6. Info: (407) 629-6946 or (407)-484-4226, www.centralfl
July 24-26 or 25-26, 14th Annual Bradley Open
lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or chess.org. W, WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix.
www.LaChessClub.com.
July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 20th annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) May 23, MAY OCG Open
May 16, 23, 30, LACC Saturday Open Orlando Chess and Games Center, 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30.,
See Grand Prix.
4SS, G/30 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20 members $24. PF-b/30: $175.-$110.- $75. Best U-1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65.
($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots Aug. 7-9 or 8-9, 15th Annual Northeast Open each. Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. RDS.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm. Info: call 407-248-
SW of S. Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or See Grand Prix. 0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.
www.LaChessClub.com.
Delaware June 4-7, 5-7, Orlando After Memorial Open and Scholastic
May 17, LACC April Scholastics I & II See Grand Prix.
5SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. May 23, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
June 13, 4th DBCC G/50 Open
EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 1:30-2. Rds.: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes: Trophies, Howard Johnsons Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. Perfect
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
Medals, special prizes (every player wins a prize!). Free parking on streets. Inf: score = FREE next quad!! (Every 10th quad free!) (time controls:40/75, s/d
32118. 4SS, G/50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 10-
(310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com. 30): EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45, 1:45, 5:30. ENT: Kevin Pytel
11:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul BTomaino, 575 N Williamson Bl #116, Daytona Beach,
604 N. Walnut St. Newport DE 19804-2624 302-753-6877 kevinjpytel@aol.com.
May 17, 24, 31, LACC Sunday Open FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: pibit@cfl.rr.com.
INFO: Rick Lathem 302-299-5407. NS W.
3SS, G/60 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
May 30, 2009 Delaware Series Challenge Event #4 June 13, June Swiss Madness (QC)
EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free
Orlando Chess and Games Center, 7SS G/29, EF: $30., members $24. PF-b/30:
parking on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com. Bear Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701. In 2 Sections, Open: 5SS,
$175-$125-$100-$75, Lower Half Crosstable: $75-$50. Reg : 9:15am-9:45am,
G/29, $$: $50-30. Under 1000: 5SS, G/29, $$: $40-20. ALL: EF: $15. Memb.
May 23-25, 2009 Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30,2:30,3:30-4:30. Info: 407-248-0818, www.orlando
Reqd: DCA $10($5 jr). OSA. Reg.: starts at 10:05. Rds.: 10:35, 11:40, 1:20,
See Grand Prix. chess.com.
2:20, 3:20. INFO: David Power, bikedavid@aol.com. NS NC W.
May 24, MDC Scholastics June 27, JUNE OCG Open
June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open Orlando Chess and Games Center, 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30.,
Hilton Garden Inn, 1706 N. DuPont Highway, Dover DE 19901. In 2 Sections,
to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2 members $24. PF-b/30: $175.-$110.- $75. Best U-1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65.
Open: 5SS, G/90, $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. under 2000 10% under 1800 10%.
Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated. each. Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. RDS.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm. Info: call 407-248-
Under 1600: 5SS, G/90, $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. under 1400- 10% under
Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 5-22, $20 0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.
1200 - 10%. ALL: EF: $35 before 6/13/09, $40 after. Memb. Reqd: DCA $10($5
door. Inf: John Hillery, admin@westernchess.com. On-line ent: www.western
under 18). OSA. Reg.: reg 8:45-9:45 am. Rds.: Sat 10, 2, 5:30 Sun 10, 2. Byes: July 17-19 or 18-19, 2009 U.S. Class Championships
chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA
limit 1, must commit by start of round 3. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St. See Nationals.
90038.
May 25, MDC Hexes
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player
sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 5-22, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each sec-
tion. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 10:45-2-5. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835
N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
May 25, Memorial Day Action Swiss
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$500
b/40, else proportional: $150-70-40, U2100/Unr $80, U1800 $80, Under 1500
$80. EF: $20 if received by 5-22, $25 at door. Reg.: 9-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:15-11:30-
12:45-2:30-3:45. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles
CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
May 30, San Luis Obispo County Open
South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402. So. Cal-
ifornia State Qualifier. 4SS,G60 5 sec delay. In 2 Sections: (OPEN: EF $35; $45
at site) (RESERVE U1400/Unrated: EF $25; $30 at site) ALL: Cash only at site.
$5 discount to SCCF, SLOCC, Scholastic (Age 12 and Under). Prizes: 80% of
entries. Reg.: 9:00-9:30 at site. Rds.: 10:00 - 12:15 - 2:45 - 5:00. One 1/2 pt.
bye any round if requested with entry. ENT: Payable to San Luis Obispo Chess
Club, c/o B. McCaleb, 234 Via La Paz, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. INFO: Bar-
bara McCaleb, 805-540-0747 bmccaleb@ calpoly.edu. DIR: Hwy 101 to Los Osos
Valley Rd; 10 miles West to Palisades Ave.
July 3-5, 49th Annual Pacific Southwest Open
See Grand Prix.
July 4, PSW Scholastics
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open
to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2
Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated.
Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 7-2, $20
door. Inf: John Hillery, admin@westernchess.com. On-line ent:
www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los
Angeles, CA 90038.
July 5, PSW Hexes
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player
July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 17th Annual Southern Open Indiana May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
Aug. 1-4, World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions
Georgia 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church. Entrance
is in the back, down the stairs by the office. When: Starts Every Friday except
See Nationals.
May 16, 2009 Atlanta G/45 Championship the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30 Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open
4-SS, G/45. Atlanta Chess Center, 3155A East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Scottdale, P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if See Nationals.
Georgia 30079. In 2 sections: Open: EF: $23. ($540 b/35): $150-90-60; received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes:
u1900, u1700, u1500, u1300 each $60. Under 1100: EF: $16 (not part of base) Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each Iowa
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
Trophies to top 7. Registration: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. sharp. Rounds: 11-1-3-5. quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501
Info: atlantachess@yahoo.com or (404)-377-4400. Enter: Same as above: N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317) A State Championship Event!
634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net. May 23, 2009 Iowa Class Championship
www.atlantachessclub.com.
G/75 with 5 second delay. Prizes: based on 40, 1st place for each class, $75
May 29-31 or 30-31, 40th Annual Southern Congress FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the sec- plus Trophy. Holiday Inn, 1050 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314. Minimum
See Grand Prix. ond Sat. of the Month of 6 players per class (classes may be combined if less than 6 players).
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Classes: Expert/Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E. Memberships
June 19-21, 2009 Castlechess Grand Prix Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, required: USCF and IASCA or OSA. Registration: 8:30-9:15. Rounds: 9:30,
See Grand Prix. by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets 12:30, 3:30, 7:00. Entry: $20 if received by 5-21-09. $30 at site (make check
choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess payable to Bill Broich). Contact: Bill Broich Phone 515-205-8062 or E-mail
Illinois merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details.
North American Chess Association
broich01@yahoo.com. Send entry fees to Bill Broich 7149 Wilshire Blvd.,
Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free. Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart, Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50322. WCL JGP.
Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength.
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate.
6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT. July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships (IL)
CHESS.
Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office.
Late Ent. 8-9am, Rd 1, 9:30am. Prizes: $465.00 b/o 20 full pd. Ent. 1st $150; July 10-12, 2009 Kansas Open
2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow. See Grand Prix.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open EF: $25 if recd one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount
See Grand Prix. for your birthday month, FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT: Kentucky
June 13, 2009 U.S. Game/15 Championship (QC) Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call June 6-7, The Kentucky Open
See Nationals. Don at 317-634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net. Note: there must be at See Grand Prix.
least 3 entries in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining
June 27, Sixth Annual David Mote Memorial Open
4SS, G/75 (1st round G/60). Carpenters Local 16, 211 W. Lawrence Ave.,
class prizes are vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. News Flash!!! OCCC
Has won the bid for 09 US Open. All Sat Monthlys will offer Orange Points
Louisiana
Springfield, IL 62704. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10,12:30,3:15,6. EF: $17 by 6/24, $20 that may be used for FREE ENTRY to US Open in 09. WCL JGP. May 23-24, Louisiana Open
at site, $2 less for SCC members. Prizes: $$400 b/30. 140-80, 1600-1999 60, 5 SS, Rds: 1-3 G/90, Rds: 4,5 G/110. Reg.: Sat 8:45-9:30 am. ROUNDS: Sat
May 16, ISCA 428 Tourneys 9:45, 1:15, 5:15, Sunday 10, 3. BYES: 1 bye % pt all rounds but last. EF:
1200-1599 50, Under 1200 40, Unrated 30. Ent/Info: David Long, 401 S. Illi- 3SS, game/90, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2930 Waterfront Pkwy., West
nois St., Springfield 62704. 217-726-2584. Information and directions at $75.00. Rtd 70% 1st 200, 2nd 150, MXA 1st 200, 2d 150, B 1st 200, 2d 150, C
Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46214. 400 point rating margins/section. EF: $28 rcvd by 1st 200, 2d 150, D 1st 200, 2d 150, E and below UNR 1 st 200, 2d 150 (UNR
springfieldchessclub.110mb.com. WCL JGP Rds 2, 3, 4. 5-12, $35 at site. Bottom player in each section if outside the margin plays at $100 max). 3 persons in each class or combined. Checks made payable to:
July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships half price. $$b/8: Quad 1st $60, if 5-8 players - 1st $80, 2nd $40. Reg.: 9:45- Lafayette Chess Club. Contact: James MacManus (317) 2341720. WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix. 10:45. Rds.: 11, 2:30, 6. ENT: ISCA, P.O. Box 114, Logansport, IN 46947. INFO:
Gary Fox 574-722-4965 info@indianachess.org. www.indianachess.org. Maryland
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
Aug. 22, 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship
May 18, Indianapolis Youth Open (QC)
We organize USCF-rated tournaments on Saturdays
See Nationals.
4SS, G/12, Our Lady of Lourdes School Cafeteria, 30 South Downey Avenue,
Aug. 23, 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship Indianapolis, IN 46219. Open to Age 18 and Under. EF: $5 onsite, $4 in for adults and kids. Free analysis by a National Master
See Nationals. advance. Unr: Free. Prizes: Trophies for 1st-3rd. Reg.: Anytime between at every tournament for the scholastic players. Tro-
3:05pm and 3:55pm. Rds.: 4p, 4:30p, 5p, 5:30p. Clocks and boards provided.
phies to top scholastic finishers; 70% of entries returned
as prizes in open (adult) sections. To see a list of dates
Nov. 20-22, 2009 National Youth Action ENT: www.ollchessclub.org. INFO: Kieron Mitchell, 317-430-5254. info@ollchess
and locations, see our website at www.silverknights
See Nationals. club. org. NS NC.
chess.com. Phone: 610-446-0818. Email: chess@silver
knightschess.com.
May 22, June 5, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #81, #82 (QC)
5SS, G/15, Catonsville Chess Club, Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Blooms-
bury Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. EF: $5.00 Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30,
10. Prizes based on entries with 65% returned in prize fund. Info: Joe Sum-
mers josephas2@comcast.net or 410-788-1009. www.geocities.com/catonsville
chess. Dir: 695 to exit 13 West, left at second light, 3 blocks on right.
June 7, Catonsville First Sunday Tornado
4SS, G/61, EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 10:30-1:00-3:15-
5:30. Reg.: 9:45am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury
Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. $$b/24 $100-$50 U1800 $40 U1400 $40, more per
entries. Bye 1-3. Info: josephas2@comcast.net 410-788-1009. www.geocities.
com/catonsvillechess. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave, Baltimore, MD
21207. Include USCF ID. Checks payable to Joe Summers. WCL JGP.
June 19-21 or 20-21, Chesapeake Open
See Grand Prix.
June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open (DE)
See Delaware.
rb June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA)
Supe
ities! See Pennsylvania.
Facil ing
Board ptions
uter o
or commailable
av
USCF EXECUTIVE BOARD
ELECTION
All age 16/over may vote. Bal-
lot will be in June Chess Life.
Las Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under in rated sections. Registration: Saturday 5/23, 11am-12pm. Rounds: 12:30pm,
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives then ASAP with lunch break after round #2. All sections: EF: $20 if mailed
Geller Quads - First Friday Every Month! June 7, 2009 Westfield Swiss #59 (QC)
New Jersey Childrens Chess School, 862 DeGraw Ave.,
May 21, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500
Forest Hill (Newark), NJ 07104. Open to K-8. 3 RR,
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop,
Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350
G/35. Reg.: 6PM. Rds.: 6:30-7:40-8:40PM. Chess classes
62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
$60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m.
in NJCCS meet every Friday 6:30-9PM. Chess camp
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379.
Geller Kids meets July & August, day & overnight. Web-
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
site: www.kidschesscamp.com. Email: chesscamp@hot
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access):
$5 entry fee per person with two, four or six- Lightning Match Two players with two, four or
game options.
To Enter: 800903USCF (8723), Fax 9317871200
six-game option. Entry fee $5 per person.
Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin Name
or on-line www.uschess.org
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level format. 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30.
pairings. 1st-place winner receives a trophy. Entry fee: $10. USCF ID#
Entry fee: $10.
Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments
Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) Address City
Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format
Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with tournament with class-level pairings. 1st-place State ZIP Phone
each of six opponents. Players must have a USCF receives a certificate.
CC rating to enter. 1st-place winner receives Entry fee: $7. E mail Est. Rating
$130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor
Express Tournament Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Palciauskas.
Entry fee: $25. Seven-player events, one game with each of six Exp. date
opponents.
John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd If using VISA, need V code
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level place $20 credit.
pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place winner Entry fee: $15. Check here if you do not wish to have an
receives a John W. Collins certificate. Please circle event(s) selected.
opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may
Entry fee: $7. slow down your assignment.
NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads,
Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express
Tournaments, players will use post office mail, Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan
unless opponents agree to use e-mail. DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
3716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 48. Class D/E/UR, U1400/UR. EF: $16 by 5/30. $$ (96 b/8) 64, U1200 32. All, June 6-7 or 7, NY June Under 2300!
7:30-8:30-9:30. EF: $7 more at site. Non-mem $10 more. 2 byes 1-4. Rds.: 7:15 Mons. 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-
May 23-24 or 24, New York May Open! captnhal@optonline.net. Reg.: 7-7:15 PM. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., 6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY
See Grand Prix. Sayville, NY 11782. WCL JGP. Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, top U2000 $95,
June 1-July 6, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss U1800 $85. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30
May 27-June 24, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit by rd 2. Re-entry $20, counts half. Class pair-
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes- ings OK rd 4. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 6/4. $10 extra to
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. Note: No round June 22nd. WCL JGP.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
USCF ISSUES
FORUM
A forum for discussion of USCF
issues, open to all members age
16 or over. Candidates for the
executive board (ballot in June
issue) are among the partici-
pants.
Register at www.uschess.org/
forums
July 9, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! July 11, Toledo Jul Swiss
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix. Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
See Grand Prix.
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
June 26-28, World Open Senior Amateur (PA) July 11-12, July Grand Prix! 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 7/9 $25 at site.
See Pennsylvania. See Grand Prix. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class
A,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck 1st 2nd 3rd: Gold, Silver, & Bronze medals, E.F. $10. Registration: 9-9:45am. 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20 Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5. Reg.
Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP. Rd.: 10, then ASAP. Buttermilk Falls Building, RT. 209 Seven Bridge Rd. & But- ends 9:30am. Info: Bradley Crable, 215-844-3881, www.mastermindschess.org.
termilk Falls Rd., (Near Shawnee). Info: Mike Laverty, 570-421-9802. Email: June 20, 2009 PA State Game/45 Championship
Oklahoma pack92chess@yahoo.com. See Grand Prix.
May 23-25, 27th North American FIDE Open May 30, 2009 LCCC Scholastic K-12 Championship (9 Trophies) June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open (DE)
See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/30, EF: $30, $35 CASH ONLY after 5/27/09 AT SITE , Trophys to 1st, See Delaware.
June 27-28, 64th Oklahoma Open State Championship 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Top U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600, Door Prizes For All Play-
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix. ers, Free Coffee & Donuts. Rds.: 10-11:30-12:45-2-3:30; Reg.: ends 9:30am,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MAY 1-14
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
6/28/96. Trophies to top 5, 1st C, D, E, Under 1000, Under 800, Unrated; free
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED TO THE U.S. CHESS TRUST! (June 2007 through March 2008)
Legacy Donors: Deborah Doll, Nearing, GM Arnold Denker. Future Legacy Donors: Harold B. Dondis, Wil Wakely. Corporate Donors: Aetna, Exxon, IBM,
Microsoft, WalMart, X3D, Mobil, WaMu, Nugent & Haussler, PC Partners. Chess Philanthropists ($50,000 or more): Harold B. Dondis, Frank P. Samford
III. King Supporters ($10,000 or more): Frank Berry, Mark Fins. Friends of Chess ($5,000 or more): Anonymous, Mitchell Denker, Gerald Hoag, Adam
Sufrin, JDG Management, Shane Samole, Nearing Trust. Ben Franklin Donors ($1,000 or more): Anonymous NJ, Joel & Susan Channing, Gary Cooper,
John Dozier, Leroy Dubeck, Jim Eade, Leonard Helman, Roger Spero, Sunil Weeramantry (National Scholastic Foundation), Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Graves,
Dr. William Henkin, Karl Irons, Victor Laurie, Harvey Schein, Mark Schein, Adam J. Semler, Randy Slifka, Mariko Zeitlin. Heritage Donors ($500 or more):
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Chess to Enjoy A. Trying to trap the bishop backfires after 1. Rb2 Rd3 Qe5 10. Ne8 Qh8+ 11. Ke7 Qe5+.
Bxc4! 2. Bxc4 Rd4+ 3. Kf5 Rxc4. 8. ... Kc7 9. Rd4! Kc6 10. Kg7 Qg3+ 11. Kf6 wins
B. Also inadequate is 1. Ra7? Bxc4 2. Bxc4 Rd4+ 3.
Problem I.
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Nxe2+. Kf5 Rxc4. with 12. Nf5.
Problem II. C. Black had to resign after 1. g6! hxg6 2. Kg5 Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess
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Problem III. Ukraine) Problem II.
1. c5! and 2. Nc4/3. Nb6 wins the pinned knight.
Problem IV. dictably bit the dust after 1. Rd8? Re3! Bc3 Qxc4.
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