Chess Life - April 2009

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April 2009

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Chess Life — April 2009

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Contributors Al Lawrence (“USCF History,” p. 10) served as both USCF and World Chess Hall of Fame executive director. His latest book, with Lev Alburt, is Chess Training Pocket Book II.

Jerry Hanken (“North American Open,” p. 18) is a frequent contributor with over 100 Chess Life articles carrying his byline since 1975 and is the president of the Chess Journalists of America.

Macauley Peterson (“Ray Robson Profile,” p. 24) is a media developer and foreign correspondent for the Internet Chess Club’s Chess.FM. He was voted 2008 “Chess Journalist of the Year” by the Chess Journalists of America. His written work has appeared in Chess Life, Chess Life Online, New in Chess, 64 (Russia), Chess (U.K.), and elsewhere. In 2006, he completed work as an editor on Adam

Nemett’s independent feature film, The Instrument, which appeared at the 2005 Dances With Films festival, in Los Angeles, and was part of New York’s Anthology Film Archives’ NewFilmmakers series, and he has pro duced the DVD releases of A Turnpike Runs Through It (2008), and Excess Hollywood (2006), for the Princeton Triangle Show. WIM Elizabeth Vicary (“2008 K12,” p. 27) is an expert rated player, teacher, and chess coach in Brooklyn, New York. She maintains a chess blog at lizzyknowsall.blogspot.com.

FM Alex Dunne (“Correspondence Chess,” p. 30) is a chess journalist and the correspondence chess director for the USCF. His monthly column, “The Check is in the Mail,” appears on uschess.org in the correspondence chess section under “Activities and Interests.”

April on uschess.org SuperNationals! KASPAROV AND KOSTENIUK BY CATHY ROGERS; SHULMAN BY LEWIS TOBY; ZATONSKIH BY BETSY DYNAKO; ALL GIRLS’ PHOTO COURTESY OF KCF

GARRY KASPAROV

ALEXANDRA KOSTENIUK

ANNA ZATONSKIH

YURY SHULMAN

JENNIFER SHAHADE

Look for videos from the scene of the SuperNationals (Nashville, April 2 5.) The videos will feature some of the stars who appeared in Nashville, including World Champions Garry Kasparov and Alexandra Kosteniuk and U.S. Champions Yury Shul man and Anna Zatonskih. CLO editor Jennifer Shahade will be onsite blogging about the fierce competition and festivities.

Foxwoods Open The Last St. Louis Spot

The final qualifier into the 2009 U.S. Championship (May 7 17) will be determined by the Champion of Champion Events, a state champi onship tournament hosted on the Internet Chess Club. Look for a profile of the winner on Chess Life Online after the finals on April 4 5. uschess.org

Look for news from the biggest event of the spring, the Foxwoods Open (Mashantucket, Connecticut, April 8 12) including blogs by teenaged chessmas ter and Ohio Chess Connection editor, Jonathan Hilton.

All Girls’ Nationals

Check out games and photos from the All Girls’ Nationals, sponsored by the Kasparov Chess Foundation and set for Dallas, Texas on April 24 26.

Chess Life — April 2009

3

April Chess Life Columns 12 CHESS TO ENJOY The Hoax is on You By GM Andy Soltis

14 SOLITAIRE CHESS A Troubling Doubling By Bruce Pandolfini

33 WHAT’S THE BEST MOVE? The Crown Prince By GM Larry Evans

42 LOOKS AT BOOKS The Epic Rivalry: Kasparov Ascends the Throne By GM Lev Alburt

44 BACK TO BASICS Queen to King’s Rook Five, Check(mate)! By GM Lev Alburt

46 ENDGAME LAB The Berlin Defense and the Endgame By GM Pal Benko

Departments

The Happy Warrior PREVIEW

6

COUNTERPLAY

8

FIRST MOVES

10 USCF HISTORY 11 USCF AFFAIRS 38 2008 YEARBOOK

By Jerry Hanken

GM Giorgi Kacheishvili, formerly of Georgia, wins the North American Open in Las Vegas. The new U.S. resident relates, “... I discovered that a lone Russian plane had passed over and dropped a 1,000 pound bomb ... . This brought the war with Russia too close for comfort. I now fully realized that the safest place in the world today is the USA!”

53 TOURNAMENT LIFE 70 CLASSIFIEDS 71 SOLUTIONS

24 | PROFILE

Going for “Grand” or Ray’s Road to the Title By Macauley Peterson

Ray Robson achieves a 2700 performance rating at the 2008 Miami Open.

27 | 2008 K-12

Crowning K-12 Kings

On The Cover

GM Giorgi Kacheishvili has relocated to the U.S., and with his 2600+ rating is now one of America’s top players. Here he is pictured on the Brooklyn Bridge, close to his new home in New York City. Cover Photo: Jeff Weiss Art Direction: Frankie Butler

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Chess Life — April 2009

By WIM Elizabeth Vicary

Toby Boas wins the 12th Grade Section in an event that was dominated by teams from New York.

30 | CORRESPONDENCE CHESS

2005 Electronic Knights By FM Alex Dunne

Gillmore Hoefdraad takes the title.

34 | 2009 ELECTION

USCF Executive Board Candidate Statements The candidates for the executive board introduce themselves; includes Call For ADMs.

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PHOTOS: CHRIS BIRD

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18 | COVER STORY

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Counterplay Not so secret Andy Soltis’ column is generally the first I turn to each issue; the information he compiles has a clever twist and is written in a clear and entertaining style. “Fischer Secrets” led me to look back and locate an old remembrance by Paul Hel big, a charter member of the now defunct Jersey City YMCA Chess Club and editor of the club newsletter, Chess Chat. In the November 1971 issue, Paul wrote:

“… Bill Walbrecht, who was our Presi dent …, discerned Bobby Fischer’s native ability at an early stage and arranged an exhibition for him at our Club. Both got acquainted by touring with the late Forry Laucks’ Log Cabin Chess Club, through the southern states and to Havana, Cuba. He played 20 simultaneously in the Y’s then stately lobby, on Thursday, March 29, 1956, and won overwhelmingly. He was barely 13 years old. We do not recall the exact score, but we remember he lost to someone we considered as the worst contestant not knowing any openings. The atmosphere was theatrical. A milk bottle was placed on the table, by his mother, in which we put in the contracted fee. Photographers were on hand, offering their service of taking the contestant’s picture while facing Bobby in his dunga ree pants. Before the start, rumors were spread that this exhibition would appear on television … “We, personally, were not overly impressed by Bobby’s feat, knowing the psychological advantage an exhibitioner has, but we reverted ourself shortly after wards when we watched powerful Dr. Mengarini heave a sigh of relief after Bobby accepted an offered draw in the Open New Jersey State Chess Tourna ment held in East Orange at the Independent Chess Club. We realized then, the kid was formidable. A picture of our exhibition appeared in Parade’s Octo ber 27, 1957 issue. Bobby’s picture, with the announcement of our exhibition, was on the back page of the Daily Mirror’s March 22, 1956 issue.” Frank E. Nothaft, life member Vienna, Virginia

Gunning for Alekhine On page 35 of your December 2008 issue of Chess Life, Mike Klein reports that Gregory Serper mentioned “Alekhine’s Gun” where he placed his two queens and rook on the same file. 6

Chess Life — April 2009

This would indeed be very rare if it was two queens and one rook instead of two rooks and one queen. Was this a typo or was it actually two queens? Mike Klein responds:

Bill Yeakel via e-mail

It was not a typo. In fact that is why Gre gory Serper referred to it as a rare version of Alekhine’s Gun. The normal version is a queen and two rooks, but in the game in question, there were two queens and one rook all of the same color on the same file, making it a very rare occurrence indeed. Detailing Sandrin In his provocative account of the sec ond decade of the USCF (1949 1958, February issue), Al Lawrence correctly reports that the winner of the 1949 U.S. Open was the “partially sighted Albert Sandrin of Chicago.” At that tournament I was an assistant to Al Ludwig, the chair man of the local host committee in Omaha. It was my duty to arrange the lighting for the table on which Al Sandrin played his games. Readers of Chess Life may enjoy a further report about his remarkable performance. Sandrin was almost completely blind. Perforce he played blindfold chess in all his games. He could sometimes sense the contrast of light and shadow, but he could not well make out the pieces on the board, which he often handled clumsily. He would stare at what he supposed was the board, but often what he was staring at in fact was a spot several feet to the side of the physical board, from which his body had shifted. In one of his later, more complicated games, while staring hard at the rug that he apparently thought to be the chessboard, he announced mate in seven! His overall victory was a triumph of intellect and will. Al Sandrin was a gentle, modest man. He was immensely grateful for the support he was given, and often made fun of his own disability with the most charming good humor. I became fond of him, and proud of him, and cheered silently for him each day of that extraordinary tour nament in the summer of 1949. Carl Cohen Ann Arbor, Michigan

Another player’s game from that 1949 U.S. Open can be found on page 8. ~ed.

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

Chess Life welcomes letters from its readers. Letters are subject to editing for content and length. Send your let ters to [email protected], and include your full name and a tele phone number. Senders should not expect a personal response.

Chess Moves #4 February 21–28, 2010 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

Join Former U.S. Champions 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 ˆ UNDER   

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First Moves

Phil LeCornu, Life Member USCF life member bequests $350,000 to USCF

By Dr. Tim Redman

The U.S. Chess Federation learned of the passing of a longtime member, Phil LeCornu, through a letter from the execu tor of his estate informing us that he had left the Federation a bequest of $350,000. I was sorry to hear of his death but not at all surprised at his generosity to chess, for Phil and I were good friends in Chicago in the sixties and seventies. I discovered chess as a teenager, age fif teen, and by sixteen attended the major clubs including the august Chicago Chess Club in the Loop, which boasted that it was the oldest seven day a week club in continual existence in the nation, having been founded in 1870. The club was quar tered on the fourth floor of an old office building that had seen better days, located at 64 East Van Buren. One entrance led to the elevators for the build ing, the other to what was then euphemistically referred to as an “art” movie theater. For a teenager from sub urban Hinsdale, it was all rather amazing. Most amazing of all were the people who frequented the club: Wiley Clements, insurance executive at CNA; Danny Fis cheimer, slumlord; hypochondriac Walter Grombacher, who boasted of being the only Jewish member of the Hitler Youth; Harold Leef, who beat Fischer at speed chess when he visited one day; George Leighton, one of the most distinguished black jurists of his generation; Norbert Leopoldi, who owned an import/export firm; Gene Martinowski, a psychiatrist; Norm Perrin, a distinguished New Testa ment scholar and professor at the University of Chicago; Richard Verber, a strong master. Phil LeCornu was very much part of that lively crowd. All of them came for the love of chess, but many also came for lively conversation and stimulating intellectual company, frequently over lunch or dinner at nearby restaurants: George Diamond’s Steak House, Jimmy Wong’s Chinese Restau rant, Miller’s Pub. Phil was in his early forties when I met him. He was of average height, had an oval face with a receding hairline, wore dark horn rimmed glasses, and dressed in the business uniform of middle man agement at that time: grey suit, white 8

Chess Life — April 2009

shirt, and tie. He was single but was on a first name basis with several of the younger waitresses in the local restau rants, who would greet him affectionately. Phil had a way in conversation of sharply questioning assertions, a manner which struck some as acerbic. I guess he was a skeptic, a word I didn’t know at the time. I guess all chess players are skeptics to

A LeCornu Game

Queen’s Indian Defense (E19) Phil LeCornu Anthony Santasiere U.S. Open, Omaha, Nebraska 1949 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Be7 6. 0-0 0-0 7. Nc3 Ne4 8. Qc2 Nxc3 9. Qxc3 f5 10. Ne1 Bxg2 11. Nxg2 Qe8 12. b3 d6 13. Bb2 Bg5 14. f4 Bf6 15. Rfe1 Qc6 16. Qd3 Qe4 17. Qxe4 fxe4 18. Ne3 c5 19. Nc2 Nc6 20. Red1 d5 21. cxd5 exd5 22. Rab1 Rfd8 23. dxc5 bxc5 24. Bxf6 gxf6 25. Kf2 a5 26. Ne3 d4 27. Nc4 Nb4 28. a3 Nd5 29. Rb2 Rdb8 30. a4 Kg7 31. Ra1 f5 32. Nd6 Kf6 33. Nb5 Rc8 34. Rc1 h5 35. Rbc2 d3 36. exd3 Nb4 37. dxe4 fxe4 38. Ke3 Nxc2+ 39. Rxc2 Ra6 40. Kxe4 Re6+ 41. Kf3 Kg6 42. Rc3 Kh6 43. Na3 Rd8, Draw agreed.

+

+

r 

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+

+

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

Final position

some degree. He was sociable and had a dry sense of humor and he was always a welcome meal companion among the crowd. I went along, too, though mostly to listen. I was getting far more of an education from these folks than at my affluent high school. Being a promising younger player was enough to gain admit

tance to that circle. He invited me to accompany him to dinner one evening and when his drink came, he lit in on fire. It burned with a blue flame. “I thought you had never seen this,” he said. Then he quickly put it out. “Don’t want to waste the alcohol,” he said. Like many in those days, he was a smoker, and matches were always at hand in restaurants. But what I remem ber most clearly was his constant question to me, stretching over many years: “Is chess all you want to do? Don’t you want to achieve something of real significance?” Phil loved chess. He was a master once, though when I knew him he was a strong expert in the mid 2100 range. And he made his way in the busi ness world. But I sensed that he had once held higher aspirations. When his father died in Florida, Phil said that he had founded a small com pany. “Which was something,” he added. “He gave people jobs.” When his mother died Phil inherited a modest estate and a condominium. He moved to Florida and we were then in only occasional contact, by letter. In one letter (I had asked him to help a mutual chess friend financially) he declined, say ing that he was living on a fixed income and had to be cautious. His caution led to his great generosity to the Federation, for which we are grateful. The executive board recently voted to use a substantial amount of the LeCornu bequest to pay down the mortgage on our headquarters in Crossville. A suitable memorial, such as naming the entry hall in the building after him, is being contemplated. A life member, Phil found great beauty and joy in our game. Chess had been a part of his life; he made it part of his legacy. As a life member, I invite other life members to follow Phil’s example. I will.

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At press time we learn that the USCF executive board has voted 6 0 to use $50,000 from the bequest to create a permanent Phil LeCornu Memorial Olympiad Fund to help fund future international team participation. Dona tions are welcome. Contact the USCF at 931 787 1234 or [email protected].

uschess.org

Chessboard

A former CEO finds herself playing the role of every piece on the chessboard, extending the “chess as life” metaphor.

PHOTO: CHRIS BIRD

By Emily Antonen

The game of chess trains us to become the masters of our fate as we learn intri cate strategies and study the unique potentials of each chess piece. As Samuel Clemens wrote about The Prince & The Pauper in a delightful treatise of life roles exchanged, so my life experiences have moved over life’s chessboard through all the varied positions. I hadn’t contemplated the chess metaphor until I assumed my current position in a large corporation. Having to accept an “entry level” position despite so many years of expertise in other fields, and having been a CEO twice, now I watch managers above me court my favor in order to advance their own promotions. In an illuminating “Aha!” moment I perceived myself as a pawn in a vast corporate game. And upon that realization, I did a ret rospect and saw that I have indeed played every role on the chessboard. When I was CEO, I ruled my small empire and was responsible for my “side of the board.” I was also the most vulnerable piece on the board, as the rest of my business could not carry on without me the game would be forfeit. When I became a wife and mother, I was the queen. My king presided on the throne of the empire to allow me scope to be on all fronts; helping him with our business, yet also tending to the kingdom and the baby, parents, relatives, friends and pets who were subjects. If I went down, the kingdom would suffer yet go on. Unfortu nately, it was the king who went down, accidentally knocked off the board by the careless hand of fate. The game should uschess.org

have ended there. For many sad days, I thought it surely had. Instead, I was shifted into a different position on a new board, and a different playing field. In this suddenly surreal chess game, I became a knight. As a widow with an infant, having lost my business along with my husband and business partner, I was suddenly besieged by sly attacks from all over (widowhood being considered a vulnerability in the business world.) I had to charge forward and defend my territory, be fearless in countless finan cial onslaughts, be valiant as a role model for my child’s sake. I developed a thick coat of emotional armor and kept us safe through years of skirmishes. During this time, my spiritual growth was my emotional outlet. I took ministry classes, training in healing modalities. I began to utilize healing ministry to human ity towards salvation for my kingdom. I was ordained, and thus officially became the bishop of my realm. I followed the straight and narrow path of avoiding fear while seeking out the holiness of love in each sit uation. Righteous living and freedom served as my regents for several years. Finally, a king piece was replaced on the chessboard, as I remarried. I reprised my queenly role, and together merged our duties in a complex new strategy, which was so successful to the kingdom that we obtained a new and vaster territory and our numbers swelled. It intrigues me now to contemplate what a chess game would be like in which the rules would be altered to allow the king and queen to switch attrib utes at will to baffle the opponents.

Alas, after many years, the king was wounded, though not lost. The kingdom is presently under siege. Were it not for the substantial might of our army we would be forced to surrender the game. Sacrifice was required, so I put aside my queenly garb once again. I first became the castle (or rook) with all concerns focused toward keeping our domicile from financial ruin. I felt so lim ited in scope, able to see potential gain but unable to make the necessary movements to acquire effective spaces on the board. Still, my linear purpose held the fort against the enemy, buying time for the king to heal, and allowing the children of the kingdom to mature and learn strate gies that might advance them to form their own solid kingdoms. These days, circumstance and duty require that I step forward into my new role as pawn, taking small, often painful, steps towards the goal of saving my king dom. The king is recovering and may once again grasp his sword with renewed strength and purpose and turn the tide of fortune. But the enemy is relentless and must constantly be engaged. Strategy being what it is, I have an alter nate concept in mind. Should the king be unable to regain all his powers in time to save us, then, by dint of presumed bravery I shall trudge on despite the fear and pain, and perhaps contrive to advance within the guise of my precarious pawn’s position to secure a checkmate for our worthy kingdom. There is such a great satisfaction to winning as a pawn. Prince or pauper, we are all valuable players on the chessboard.

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Chess Life — April 2009

9

USCF History

Both Sides of the Moon USCF’S 4TH DECADE: 1969-1978

I

USCF leaders went all in backing Bobby’s hand— but in the end Fischer folded.

70’s Psychedelic Trivia • Fischer approved the 1969 publication of his famous My 60 Memorable Games only because he believed Rapture was imminent. • January 1969 Chess Life used algebraic notation for the first time—in “Benko’s Bafflers.” • The first chess game from space was played on June 10, 1970 by the Soviet crew of Soyuz IX versus ground control. • Russian champion Leonid Shamkovich and Moscow champ Anatoly Lein settled in the U.S. in 1976, immediately co-winning the U.S. Open in Fairfax, Virginia. • James Slagle won the first U.S. Blind Championship in 1977.

10

Chess Life — April 2009

By Al Lawrence n 1969, as Neil Armstrong pressed the first human footprint into the powdery surface dust of the moon’s Sea of Tranquility, USCF was betting that frenetic Bobby Fischer had the right stuff to take America to the top of the chess world. That year Chess Life merged with Chess Review, becoming the U.S. chess magazine and gaining USCF an expanded readership. Young stars showed promise. John Watson of Omaha topped 370 at the first U.S. High School Championship, organized by Bill Goichberg in New York City. Ken Rogoff won his first of three U.S. Junior Invitational Championships. In 1970 two non-U.S. citizens captured titles: Chess 3.0 won the first Association for Computing Machinery championship in New York City; and Bent Larsen, “the great Dane,” won the Boston U.S. Open. FIDE’s first official rating list ranked Bobby Fischer number one at 2720, with world champion Boris Spassky second at 2670. Bobby validated Elo’s system. At the “USSR Versus the Rest of the World Match” in Belgrade, he defeated recently dethroned world champion Tigran Petrosian 3-1. Then Fischer humiliated the world’s elite at the unofficial world blitz championship in Herceg Novi. USCF President Leroy Dubeck, of New Jersey, and Executive Director (ED) Ed Edmondson successfully maneuvered to get Fischer, who hadn’t played in the U.S. qualifier, into the Palma de Mallorca Interzonal. Fischer ran away with the lead, but even his most rabid fans were dumbfounded by his follow-up. In 1971, as Ken Thompson wrote his first chess-playing program and Larry Christiansen won the National High School Championship, Bobby blanked both his first two candidates’ match opponents, Mark Taimanov and Larsen, 6-0. Fischer fever raged. After ending Bobby’s 20-game winning streak, Petrosian collapsed against him. Then began the well-documented 1972 dance to get Fischer to Reykjavik. Shortly after Frank Skoff was elected USCF president, Bobby became the first official American-born world champion. U.S. chess fans exulted in a moonwalk of their own. The nation in general took pride—and felt relief as American troops came home from Vietnam. Life was finally, well, groovy. Tournament attendance exploded. While Bobby and Boris were respectively fêted and flayed at home, San Antonio hosted a world-class turnout to the Church’s Fried Chicken tournament. Walter Browne bestrode the decade’s domestic events, winning three U.S. Championships, two U.S. Opens, two National Opens, two World Opens, and an American Open. Inventor Louis D. Statham’s Masters Tournaments in Lone Pine and winery Paul Masson’s outdoor championships created a bell-bottomed player’s paradise. USCF membership swelled from 13,488 in 1969 to just short of 60,000 by 1974. Martin Morrison took charge of burgeoning technical issues. Edmondson had leveraged USCF’s resources to get Bobby his title—hoping to hold court for the world chess king for 20 years. But all too quickly, both the U.S. and USCF saw the other side of the moon. As Watergate dispirited America and South Vietnam fell, Fischer resigned his title—restoring a Russian, Anatoly Karpov, to the throne. Blindfold champion George Koltanowski became USCF president only to see thousands who had been attracted by the meteoric Fischer fail to renew when he faded. Morrison took over as ED from Edmondson in 1977. Richard Meyerson and then George Cunningham of Maine served as ED in 1978. As the decade closed, USCF struggled to adjust.

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uschess.org

USCF Affairs April Legal Update As mentioned in the March Chess Life (page 48), Executive Board member Susan Polgar has filed a Texas lawsuit against USCF, most Executive Board members, and others. The $25 million suit alleged twelve causes of action. On February 19, the presiding judge dismissed four of these alleged causes, ordered the plaintiff to file an amended pleading to uphold jurisdiction over four defendants, and rejected defendants’ motion to require a more definite statement from plaintiff. On March 5, USCF filed a third party complaint against Paul Truong, alleging defamation, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and conspiracy. For details of this and other legal cases, see www.uschess.org/legalupdates. On February 13, Susan Polgar was served in the Illinois lawsuit USCF vs. Pol gar and Truong, which seeks to remove the defendants from the Executive Board. At the time of this writing (March 10), USCF has still been unable to serve this complaint on Paul Truong. Sam Sloan is appealing dismissal of his $20 million New York lawsuit against USCF, its Executive Board and numerous others. Sloan’s request for a delay in the deadline to file moving papers to April 3 was granted, and defendants have until May 4 to file opposition papers.

Life Memberships USCF has revised its member categories, dividing most into “Premium” with paper magazine and “Regular” with online magazine only. This allowed a necessary dues increase for those receiving the paper magazine, but with the option of a decrease in most categories for those who are price sensitive and/or comfortable reading an online publication. The new setup appears off to a good start financially. For Life Members, the new structure requires no major change. The Federation will soon send a letter to Life Members asking them to choose between Premium and Regular benefits. Those satisfied reading the online magazine may select Reg ular benefits, saving USCF some money; they will be able to switch back to Premium benefits at any time. Life Members who do not reply will be assigned Regular benefits, but can switch to Premium upon request. Our intention is to ask Life Members to recon firm their choice approximately once every three years, with no fee for Premium benefits. Benefactor Memberships A new option now available to donors is the Benefactor Membership, priced at $3000 (existing Life Members, $1500). Benefactors receive a special membership card, and are recognized on a Benefactor page of our website and periodically in Chess Life. LeCornu Bequest and Olympiad Fund USCF is greatly indebted to the late life member Philip LeCornu, a former Michi gan Open champion, who has left the Federation a $350,000 bequest. $50,000 of these funds are being used to start a Philip LeCornu Olympiad Fund, with 10% of the fund available each two years to support American teams. We expect investment and donations to exceed this payout so that the fund can grow to even tually provide significant, regular support for our players. USCF will also apply at least $100,000 of this bequest to pay down our building mortgage. For infor mation on how you can establish long term support for a favorite project, please contact Bill Hall at [email protected] or PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. ~Bill Hall, Executive Director

The USCF Mission

USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers

uschess.org

2009 U.S. Championship

Two dozen of the nation’s best chess players will be invited to participate in the 2009 U.S. Chess Championship, which will be held at the new Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The tournament, which dates back to 1845, will take place from May 7 17, 2009 and will offer a purse of more than $130,000. The 24 invited players will include: • The top 12 American players by rating, using the April rating supplement; • The top two female players by rating, using the April rating supplement; • 2008 U.S. Champion; • 2008 U.S. Jr. Closed Champion; • 2008 U.S. Open Champion; • 2009 U.S. State Champion of Champions; • A total of six wild card spots, to be determined later.

The winner will receive $35,000, with additional cash prizes awarded to all par ticipants, including $2,000 to the last place entrant. Cash prizes will be divided equally among tied competitors. Additionally, top youths from throughout America will be invited to compete. Spec tators will be welcome at the event. The championship will be a nine round Swiss with one round per day and a rest day between rounds five and six. Time controls will be 40 moves in two hours, with one hour sudden death. Guest com mentary will be provided by two world class grandmasters throughout the event. “We are delighted to host the prestigious U.S. Chess Championship in our first full year of operation,” said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. “It is exciting and gratifying for us to bring together the nation’s best players at our first class facility.” The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization. The club offers free classes for beginners, discounted tournament entry fees and discounted merchandise for club members. For more information, please visit www.saintlouischessclub.org or call 314 361 CHESS or uschess.org.

a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess Championship, an open tournament held every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its members. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and laws of the state of Illinois. Chess Life — April 2009

11

Chess to Enjoy

The Hoax is on You

Very short games are often very entertaining. But if a game seems too short and too entertaining to be real, well ... maybe it isn’t. By GM Andy Soltis

American players have contributed some incredible miniatures to chess lit erature. At least one of them was literally not believed. Sicilian Defense (B20) Richard Kujoth Fashingbauer Milwaukee 1950

1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 Nc6?! 4. axb4 Nf6?

Black follows the bad advice that the best answer to a gambit is quick develop ment, although that turns out poorly here. 5. b5 Nb8 6. e5 Qc7

Based on 7. exf6 Qe5+ and 8. ... Qxa1.

7. d4 Nd5 8. c4 Nb6 9. c5 Nd5 10. b6!, and Black resigned on move 16.

rnl+kl r ppqppppp P + + + + PnP + + P + + + + + + + + PPP RNLQKLNR

After 10. b6

If 10. ... Qd8 11. Rxa7! Rxa7 12. bxa7 Qa5+ White emerges at least a piece up after 13. Nc3!. When the game was published, some Europeans laughed at the rather obvious hoax. After all, a “fasching” is related to the German word for carnival and “bauer” is a pawn. The game could be described as a carnival of pawn moves, so “Faschingbauer” must have been con trived, they said. 12

Chess Life — April 2009

In fact, both the players and the moves were quite real, according to var ious American sources (although in one published version Black played on until move 16). Yet the skepticism was natural because of the recurring phenomenon of hoax miniatures. A remarkable number of the great short games you find in books and magazines just aren’t real. Every month in the Russian magazine 64 there’s a column of short games pre sented by master Anatoly Matzukevich, who has a piquant sense of humor. A few years ago he announced that a new miniature had been found in the archives of Moscow’s Lenin Library: Queen’s Indian Defense (E12) V. V. Starkov Vladimir Ulyanov Shushenskoe, April 1, 1898

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Bg5 Bb7 5. e3 h6 6. Bh4 Bb4+ 7. Nbd2?? g5! 8. Bg3 g4

rn qk+ r plpp+p+ p +pn p + + + + lPP +p+ + + PNL PP N PPP R +QKL+R

After 8. ... g4

Black wins a piece. The game ended with: 9. Ne5 Ne4, White resigned.

This would be the only known game of Ulyanov, who went into politics and became better known when he took the

name “Lenin.” But as the date indicated, this was a hoax. There’s more to this trap. It occurred in a real game, Tarrasch Bogolyubov, Gothenberg 1920, which was widely reported to be the shortest ever loss by Siegbert Tarrasch. He allegedly resigned after 9. a3 gxf3 10. axb4 fxg2 11. Bxg2 Bxg2. Not true: Tarrasch actually won that game in 28 moves. Furthermore, the position after 9. Ne5 Ne4 did occur in another game that was misprinted as a miniature loss by White. The reality is that the game, Turover Kupchik from the international tournament of Bradley Beach 1929, even tually ended in a draw after 10. Qxg4 Qg5? 11. 0 0 0 Bxd2+ 12. Rxd2 Nxd2 13. Kxd2. Some bogus games are a deliberate hoax, a joke played on the reader, like Matzukevich’s Lenin confection. But the origin of other phonies is unknown. They crop up in bestsellers, like Irving Chernev’s wonderful 100 Best Short Games of Chess, which includes two spu rious games played by Napoleon and the bogus “Gibaud Lazard, Paris 1924,” which is wrongly remembered as the shortest ever loss by a master. Harry Pillsbury is often credited with a brilliant miniature, versus F.J. Lee at Paris 1900, which went 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Nf3 b6 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bb5 Bb7 9. Ne5 0 0 10. Bc6! Bxc6 11. Nxc6 Qe8 12. Nxe7+ Qxe7 13. Nxd5 Qe4 14. Nxf6+ gxf6 15. Bh6. (see diagram top of next column)

And now “15. ... Qxg2 16. Qf3! Black resigns” was the finish according to more than one database. In Masters of the Chess Board, Richard Reti gave it as “15. ... Qxg2 16. Qf3! and wins.” At least Reti got the correct tournament, London 1899. But if you go back to the tournament uschess.org

Dresden Olympiad The tenth seeded American team surged to grab the bronze medal in the final round of the 38th Olympiad team tournament, held last Novem ber in Dresden, Germany. Each member of the U.S. team registered a solid plus score and contributed to the squad’s overall result of 29 points out of a possible 44. Games from the 154 team open event provided this month’s quiz. In each of the six positions you are asked to find the fastest winning line of play. This will usually mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material, such as a rook or minor piece. For solu tions, see page 71.

Problem I

GM Vassily Ivanchuk GM Murray Chandler

+

+RQ + p +r+p+k + P +p+ +P+ +q+p + + N P + l + P + + PK+ + + + +

After 15. Bh6

book you’ll be disappointed to find that Black really played 15. ... Rfd8 and lost in ten mundane moves after 16. 0 0. The book added that 15. ... Qxg2 would have been punished by 16. Kd2, intending Rg1. When 16. Qf3! was added to the tale is a mystery. Another mystery concerns a simultane ous game of Bobby Fischer’s that began 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Nd4 6. c3 b5 7. Bf1 Nxd5 8. cxd4 Qxg5 9. Bxb5+ Kd8 10. Qf3 Bb7 11. 0 0. According to various sources this was “Fischer NN, Montreal 1964” or “Fischer K. Burger, Montreal 1963” and it went 11. ... e4 12. Qxe4 Bd6 13. d3 Nf4 14. Bxf4 Qxb5 15. d5 Qxb2 16. Bxd6 and White eventually won. After the game it was discovered that 13. ... Bxh2+! would have been crushing, e.g. 14. Kxh2 Nf4! 15. Qxb7 Qh4+ 16. Kg1 Ne2 mate or 15. Bxf4 Qh4+ 16. Kg1 Bxe4 uschess.org

IM Stanislav Mikheev GM Tiger Hillarp Persson

r+r+ +k+ + + lp+ + p n p + + p p q+l+P+ + +N+RQPL PP+ +PP +KN R +

Problem III

GM Alexei Shirov GM Ziaur Rahman

r+ + k + + +p+r+ pp +p+Q+ + qlLp+ + + P + + + + + P+P+ +PK + +RR +

White to play

Black to play

White to play

GM Aloyzas Kveinys GM Liviu Nisipeanu

GM Alexander Grischuk GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly

GM Kaido Kulaots IM Oldao Adu

Problem IV

+

l

+rk + + +Rpp + + + + + p + + +N+ Pq+ + + Q + P + P P + + +K+

Black to play

r+ + rk+  p pn+p+p p + p L + + + + + Pq+ + + + P + PP + PPP R +QK +R

Problem II

Problem V

+ r + k +R+ + +p + + + + p pL+ P +P+ KP+ + + + + l+ + + + + + + +

White to play

and wins. Naturally 13. ... Bxh2+ 14. Kxh2 Nf4 White resigned became the fin ish of “Fischer K.Burger, San Francisco 1963” in various sources. The reality, according to Fischer researcher John Donaldson, is that the game was Fischer Robert Burger, San Francisco 1964 and it ended with 11. ... exd4 12. Qxf7 Nf6!, White resigns. One reason hoax games survive is that they are good teaching tools, dramati cally showing in detail how mistakes are punished. That was the case with Schlechter Perlis, Carlsbad 1911, which is often given as 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. Qb3 Qb6 6. cxd5 Qxb3 7. axb3 Bxb1 and now 8. dxc6 Be4 9. Rxa7!! Rxa7 10. c7 and wins. But that finish occurred only in the tournament book notes. The real game went 7. ... Nxc6 8. Rxb1. What isn’t well known is that a modern grandmaster game, Ehlvest Illescas Cordoba, Logrono 1991, went the same way. The punish ment of 7. ... Bxb1? is such a superb illustration of a queening combination that it keeps getting reprinted as the real game, e.g. in Chess Strategy (2003) by Eduard Gufeld and Nikolai Kalinichenko. Here’s another that illustrates the dan gers of leaving a piece unprotected: Ruy Lopez, Bird Defense (C61) Alexander Alekhine Joseph Blackburne St. Petersburg 1914

Problem VI

kq+ r + + + + pp pL p + + + +Ll + PP +P+ + + + + + P + +Qn + + +R+K

White to play

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nd4 4. Nxd4 exd4 5. 0-0 g6 6. d3 Bg7 7. f4 c6 8. Bc4 d5 9. exd5 cxd5 10. Bb5+ Kf8! 11. Nd2? Qa5! 12. a4 a6

The bishop is trapped. All About Chess by Anatoly Karpov and Yevgeny Gik (Moscow 2001) and several other sources say White resigned here. In fact, the game went on for another 33 moves, beginning with 13. Nb3 Qd8 14. Bd2 axb5 15. axb5 Rxa1 16. Bb4+ Ne7 17. Qxa1 and ended in a draw. An explanation for the “and wins” mythologizing comes from Russian histo rian V. G. Povarov. “There was a custom of ‘editing’ the text of chess games (at least in Russia) at the end of the 19th cen tury and the beginning of the 20th century,” he wrote me. As a result of so much deception, we tend to be skeptical about every short game. For example, Palau Kalabar, Lon don 1927 went 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 and now Black, intending 4. ... Qe7, played 4. ... Ke7?? instead. After 5. Bxb4+: He tried to play the remarkable 5. ... Kxb4. According to one version, White replied 6. Qb3+ Ka5 7. Qb5 mate. It’s one of those stories that can’t be true. Well, maybe it can. Mark Taimanov said something similar happened to him in the 1997 World Senior Championship. His opponent, Mark Usachy, also picked up his king at move four, realized his error, put the king on f8 “after which I took the bishop on b4 with check!”

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Chess Life — April 2009

13

Solitaire Chess

A Troubling Doubling

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble.” The three witches from Macbeth were trying to double his troubles, but doubled pawns don’t necessarily have to mean trouble in your games. By Bruce Pandolfini

Newcomers are generally dissuaded from accepting doubled pawns. Natu rally, when they have the opportunity beginners try to inflict the “weakness” on their opponents. But as experience sets in they soon come to realize that the creation of doubled pawns can have spe cific utility. Even though doubled they may not be attackable or exploitable. The new pawn placement may also guard key squares while opening lines for attack. Such was the result of the e3 exchange in this month’s game, where the doubled pawn soon disappeared and White used the opening of lines to build a deadly kingside assault.

correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes points are also rewarded for second best moves, and there may be bonus points or deductions for other moves and variations. Note that ** means that the note to Black’s move is over and White’s move is on the next line.**

Giuoco Piano (C54) James Mason Jackson Showalter New York 1889

12.

…

13.

Qe1

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3 d6 5.Be3 Bb6 6. c3 Nf6 7. Nbd2 0-0 8. Bb3 Ne7 9. Nc4 Bxe3 10. fxe3 Ng6 11. 0-0 b5

r+lq rk+ p p +ppp + p nn+ +p+ p + +N+P+ + +LPPPN+ PP + +PP R +Q+RK

Your starting position

Now make sure you have the above position set up on your chessboard. As you play through the remaining moves in this game, use a piece of paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next move only after trying to guess it. If you guess 14

Chess Life — April 2009

12.

Ncd2

Par Score: 4

After 12. Na3 (accept only 2 points part credit) 12. ... a6 13. Nc2, it’s not clear how the knight gets back into the game. Accept 1 bonus point if you knew the idea of developing the knights to the second rank, freeing both of White’s bishop pawns for movement. c5

Since Black has d6 d5 in mind it’s best to do without this advance.** Par Score: 5

White guards e3 against a surprise attack while aiming for the kingside, tak ing advantage of the open lines stemming from accepting doubled pawns. 13.

…

14.

exd5

14.

…

15.

Ne4

15.

…

16.

Nxc5

16.

…

17.

d4

There go the doubled pawns. **

d5

Par Score: 5 Nxd5 Par Score: 6 Nf6

Covering c5 hangs his knight: 15. ... Qb6? 16. Bxd5 (1 bonus point).** Par Score: 5

A pawn is a pawn in any country in the world. Qb6 Par Score: 5

This cements the knight on the strong c5 square. 17.

…

18.

Nh4

18.

…

19.

Qg3

19.

…

20.

Ng6

e4

Showalter tries to get some value out of his e pawn. Once White plays the queen to g3 the pawn will have to declare its intentions in any event.** Par Score: 4

Accept merely 3 points part credit for 18. Ng5, hitting f7 and e4. Black will defend by 18. ... Qc6. The text is better, looking to trade on g6 or enter at f5. Plus it keeps the g file clear for the queen. Ne7

On 18. ... Nxh4 19. Qxh4, White’s queen comes into play. Showalter avoids this and preserves his piece at the same time guarding f5.** Par Score: 5

White takes advantage of the missing f2 pawn to shift to an offensive post. With Black’s g pawn pinned, accept 1 bonus point if you sensed Rxf6 in the air. For example, 19. ... Bb7 20. Nxb7 Qxb7 21. Rxf6. On other bishop moves, such as 19. ... Bd7, 19. ... Be6, or 19. ... Bg5, 20. Rxf6 comes immediately. Probably the best reply is 19. ... Kh8, unpinning the g pawn. h6

If this was meant as a defensive move (to stop Qg5) it doesn’t work. The g6 square is weak.** Par Score: 5

On 20. ... Nxg6 21. Qxg6, Black’s king must defend the f pawn and the e pawn is under fire. After say 21. ... Qc6 White continues 22. Rf4 intending 23. Raf1 and 24. Rxf6 (1 bonus point). If Black tries 22. ... Be6, White has 23. Rxf6 fxg6 24. Rxe6, soon recovering the queen with uschess.org

Problem I

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

April Exercise: Start with a game collection. Go to the first diagram and reason how the position arose. Compare your analysis to the actual moves, making allowances for rea sonable transpositions. Then jump to the next diagram, again speculat ing on how it came about, probing forward and backward to connect points in the logical maze. If you’re working with “un diagrammed” soft ware, arbitrarily click on four equally distant places in the game to make these determinations. As you prac tice such tasks you’re honing skills at visualizing, planning, and think ing cohesively. It’s also fun playing Sherlock Holmes. discovered check (1 bonus point). 20.

…

Rxf5

Nf5

Par Score: 6

It’s nice to have an open f file. Receive only 2 points part credit for 21. Qf4. At least you didn’t lose your queen. 21.

…

22.

Ne7+

Bxf5 Par Score: 5

White wins two pieces for a rook, and that’s better than 22. Nxf8, which reduces to an even trade. 22.

…

23.

Nxf5

Kh7 Par Score: 5

The threat is 24. Qxg7 mate (add 1 bonus point for seeing this ahead of time). 23.

…

g6

The alternative is 23. ... Nh5 (not 23. ... Rg8? 24. Bxf7) 24. Qh4 Qg6 (24. ... g6 25. Nd7; or 24. ... Nf6 25. Rf1, threatening 26. Nxh6) 25. Rf1 Nf6 and if White has noth ing better, he can just take 26. Nxe4.** 24.

Nd6

Par Score: 5

Add 1 bonus point if you analyzed 24. Ne7, menacing 25. Bxf7 Rxf7 26. Qxg6+. Black might defend with 24. ... Nh5 25. Qe5 Qf6. So the text looks better as it cuts uschess.org

+

+

rk+ + p l +p+q+ + + + + +n+ + + +Q+ +N+ PL + PP+ + + +RK +

p

Problem IV

+

+

+

+k+ +pp l +p+ + + +n+ + + +r+ + +Q+ P P + + +P+ + + +RK +

24.

k + + + +p+ + + + + + + + + p + + +Q+ + + + +nqP + + rP+ + + +NRK

p

Problem VI

Fork

+k+ +pp + + + + + + + + + + +Q+ Pqr + + Pr+ + + KR+ + R +

+

Mating net

Problem V

Mating net

+

Problem III

Discovery

+

Fork

rk+ +rp + + + + + +p+ + +n+ + + +Q+ + + + + +PP R + +RK +

+

…

+ + rk+ +p+ + p + + + + + + + + +Pn N + + + + + P + +P+ + + +RK

+

the black queen off from the kingside.

If instead 20. ... Re8, then 21. Ne5 (1 bonus point). The text looks like an over sight but there aren’t many good moves to be found.**

21.

Problem II

Overload

ABCs of Chess

Nh5

27.

…

28.

Ne6

28.

…

29.

Nxf8+

Rad8

Black plays into White’s hands. A bet ter defense would have been 27. ... Ng7.**

The try 24. ... Kg7 can be answered by 25. Qe5, or perhaps 25. Rf1, threatening 26. Rxf6 Kxf6 27. Qe5 mate (1 bonus point). After 25. Rf1 there could follow 25. ... Nh5 26. Qe5+ f6 27. Qe7+ Kh8 28. Nf7+ Rxf7 (28. ... Kh7 29. Ng5+ Kh8 30. Qh7 mate) 29. Qxf7, winning more material while maintaining the attack. Meanwhile, on 24. ... Qc7, Black loses to 25. Ndxe4 Qxg3 26. Nxf6+ Kg7 27. hxg3 Kxf6 28. Nd7+ (2 bonus points).**

Take 1 bonus point if you foresaw that 28. ... Qxd6 29. Qxd6 Rxd6 is met by 30. Nxf8+.**

29.

…

25.

30.

Qb7+

30.

…

31.

Nf7+

31.

…

Qe5

Par Score: 5

The only move to save both queen and knight: add 1 bonus point if, like Mason, you saw it in advance. 25.

…

26.

Rf1

Qc7 Par Score: 5

Mason brings his last piece into play, via the open f file, increasing the pressure on f7. Less good is 26. Nxf7 (or Bxf7) 26. ... Rxf7 27. Bxf7 Qxf7. 26.

…

f6

Black’s move is pretty much forced, but a new weakness appears on e6.** 27.

Qd5

Par Score: 5

A mistake would have been 27. Qxe4?, hanging the knight at d6. And not 27. Qe6, taking away a key square from the c5 knight and running into 27. ... Ng7.

Par Score: 5 Qe7

Par Score: 5 Qxf8 Par Score: 5 Kh8

Marginally better was to block on g7. But Showalter, a piece down, wants to get it over with.** Par Score: 5

Since any king move leads to a quick mate, Black throws in the towel. Black resigned

.

Total your score to determine your approximate rating below: Total Score 95+ 81-94 66-80 51-65 36-50 21-35 06-20 0-05

Rating

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

Chess Life — April 2009

15

In association with

Present

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

Special Appearance by Anna Zatonskih

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

The Happy Warrior GM Giorgi Kacheishvili scores big in North American Open By Jerry Hanken

M Giorgi Kacheishvili had the tour nament of his life at the end of 2008 in Las Vegas. This was the 17th year in a row that the North Amer ican Open was held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino and the Georgian grandmaster was clear first at 6 1 in the 89 player championship section. He pocketed a tad under nine grand for his mighty effort. Of the five games he actually played (the other two were admitted GM draws), he won three with black. This gave him a half point win over tough opposition. There were a dozen GMs beside Giorgi and 21 others who hold international titles. The key to Giorgi’s victory came in round six when he bested Olympian Varuzhan Akobian with the black pieces. After the prizes were distributed, I had an enlightening talk with the winner. He was very pleased with his victory for a lot of reasons. Perhaps the most important one is that it bolsters his case for a spe cial artist exemption to seek a long term visa for which he has applied Giorgi has been in the U.S. off and on for 12 years but has always returned to his native Georgia where he has played on their Olympic team. However last year he had an experience which caused him to want to come to the U.S. permanently. I will let the champion tell it in his own words: “I was sound asleep in my apartment in Tblisi. It was about 3 a.m. and I was jarred from my slumber by the sound of a great blast. I almost fell out of my bed. I got up and went to a window but there was no light. The streetlight outside of my building was invisible in the black smoke which surrounded it. After the smoke lifted and my pulse stopped pounding, I discovered that a lone Russian plane had passed over and dropped a 1,000 pound

G

18

Chess Life — April 2009

bomb which actually hit almost a kilome ter away. This brought the war with Russia too close for comfort. I now fully realized that the safest place in the world today is the USA!” Giorgi’s mother, who looks so young that she is often mistaken for a sister, was settled in a New York apartment with his wife Elena and his two year old son David. They all have their visas. He now hopes he can join them permanently. When you first see Giorgi, you are struck by his handsome features. At 32 he has a little gray around the temples but his classic good looks have suggested to some that he resembles his namesake, the great actor George Clooney. Chris Bird, who operates the live broadcast for the MonRoi website, really loves to “get” me. He had me believing for a couple of sec onds that Clooney was playing in the tournament. It was only when I asked him in which section Clooney was playing and he said “the Open” that my bemused look led to Chris’ poker face dissolving into laughter. Only then did I catch on. The next thing you notice is Kacheishvili’s upbeat personality and keen sense of humor. He says he is never bored. He loves chess but can enjoy a lot of other pastimes also. His friend and fellow Geor gian GM Zviad Izoria has been playing a lot of big stakes poker recently. When Giorgi tried a few hands with Zviad, he says he held his own pretty well. Giorgi also enjoys ping pong, tennis, movies and books among a many other things. I see him as a kind of “happy warrior” like Hubert Humphrey. When I asked about how he learned chess he showed his keen humor. He said that his grandfather taught him when he was about five. He liked to play dominos

with grandpa even when he was only three but, even at that tender age, he won most of the time. His secret? He always kept an extra domino hidden and would place it on the board at the right strategic moment. Gramps never caught on and in frustra tion, the old fellow taught him chess. Giorgi immediately realized that it was not so easy fooling him at chess. It took him a couple of months until he could beat gramps at the more complex game. This amusing tale may be true or not, but as my old history professor liked to say, “if it’s not true, it’s good enough to be true!” Giorgi chuckled all through the telling of this story. I later interviewed Giorgi’s mother Nana and she told me some very interesting things. When he learned chess he would have a set in the bathroom which she was not allowed to touch. At about the same early age, Giorgi learned folk dancing and showed a lot of promise. Nana was against chess and wanted her small son to pursue the dance in which she felt he had a future. After he told her “in chess I use my mind. I don’t think with my legs.” After this precocious statement, she reluctantly took him to the Pioneer House. He was only five and could not write yet. She told me that the teach ers were impressed by his play but she had to stay with him to help him learn to write. He became a GM at 19 without ever using a computer. After he got his title in 1997 they could finally afford one. Giorgi has had many victories in chess to his credit. He told me though, that this title, North American Open Champion, was one of his most satisfying. Following is the pivotal game Giorgi played. His complex and exciting sixth round encounter with super GM Akobian with the black pieces was the key to his victory. uschess.org

PHOTO BY JEFF WEISS

uschess.org

Chess Life — April 2009

19

Cover Story Slav Defense (D15) GM Varuzhan Akobian (2678) GM Giorgi Kacheishvili (2670) North American Open, Las Vegas (6), 12.29.2008

21. ... Rxc8 22. Rxc7+ Rxc7 23. Qb3 Nd5 24. e4 Nf4+ 25. Ke3 Nxg2+ 26. Ke2

26. Kf3 c2 27. Qxb2 Ne1+ 28. Rxe1 Bxe1 29. Qc1 Bd2 wins on the spot! 26. ... Nf4+ 27. Ke3 Bd6 28. Qc2 Be5 29. Rd1 Ng6 30. h3 Bf4+ 31. Ke2 Bc1

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 5. a4 e6 6. Bg5 Nbd7 7. a5

Now Black has the position under con trol. He threatens ... Rb7 and a forced queening.

7. ... h6 8. Bh4 dxc4 9. e3 b5 10. axb6 e.p. Nxb6 11. Ne5 c5 12. Be2 cxd4 13. Bh5

32. Rxc1 bxc1=Q 33. Qxc1 c2 34. Ke3 Ne5 35. Kd4 Rc4+ 36. Ke3 Rc3+ 37. Kd4 Rc4+ 38. Ke3 Nc6 39. Kd3 Rc5 40. Qxh6 and White resigned.

We have already left mainstream Slav lines. An unexpected attempt to create weak nesses in the black camp which Black answers coolly. 13. ... Ra7 14. Nc6 Qc7 15. Nxa7 dxc3 16. Bxf6 gxf6 17. Nxc8 cxb2 18. Rxa6 Bb4+ 19. Ke2 c3 20. Bxf7+?

Who would think that this was the los ing move! 20. Ra8 Nxc8; 20. Nxb6 c2 21. Ra8+ Ke7 22. Nd5+ exd5 23. Qxd5. This

As Var sees no way to stop the wild beast from reaching d4 or b4, he falls on his sword. After Black queens, there is not even the breath of a perpetual check and Var was running out of time. This was a remarkable game by “K.” The tactics almost seemed to play themselves!

bian. He scored two wins and a draw against lower rated opposition, one of the wins being over FM Tom Brownscombe. 1. d4 b6 2. c4 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6 4. a3 f5 5. d5 Na6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 g6 8. Nh3 Bg7 9. 0-0 0-0 10. Qc2 Nc5 11. Rd1

Also strong is 11. b4 Nfe4 12. Bb2 Bxc3 13. Bxc3 Nxc3 14. Qxc3 Ne4 15. Bxe4 fxe4 16. dxe6 Qe7 17. exd7 Qxd7 18. Nf4. 11. ... exd5 12. cxd5 Re8 13. b4 Nce4 14. Bb2 Nd6 15. Rac1 a5 16. Qb3 a4 17. Qa2 Kh8 18. e3 Qe7 19. Ba1 Rec8 20. Nf4

White is better but is not winning instantly. He has a clear space advantage and more favorably placed pieces. 20. ... Nfe4

20. ... g5 21. Nfe2 Qf7 22. Nd4.

21. Nxe4 fxe4 22. Bxg7+ Qxg7 23. Rd4

Now the gang up on the artificially iso

remarkable sequence which yields equal ity “could only be found by a computer” says Giorgi. 20. ... Kxf7 21. Ra7

+N+ +  r R   q +k+ n +p  p  p + + + + l + + +  +  p  P + p +K  PP P + +Q+ +R

After 21. Ra7

Though about to lose his queen and be the equivalent of a rook down, Giorgi told me he was not worried at all. He had faith in his passers, and rightly so! 20

Chess Life — April 2009

This is K’s second round win over GM Anatoly Lein. English Defense (A40) GM Giorgi Kacheishvili (2670) GM Anatoly Lein (2335) North American Open, Las Vegas (2), 12.27.2008

This was one of Giorgi’s two wins with white. His other two whites were admit ted GM draws. Lein does not quite play GM level chess any more but his 2335 USCF rating is still remarkable. He is 78 (he still dismisses me at 74 as a “spring chicken” whom he would send out for cigarettes if he still smoked!). He is com ing off of a life threatening illness last year and I believe it is safe to say that Anatoly is by far the strongest player in his 70s still competing in high level sec tions. Aside from this loss, in the five games he played, he also lost to GM Ako

lated e pawn gives White a big plus. 23. ... Qe5 24. Rcd1 Ba6 25. h4

This solidifies the white knight on f4.

25. ... Re8 26. Qc2 Qe7

Black could not save both pawns.

27. Qxc7 Rec8 28. Qxb6 Rcb8 29. Qc5 Rc8 30. Rxe4

Black must have missed this move. Now he is three pawns down! 30. ... Rxc5 31. Rxe7 Rc3 32. Rxd7 Nb5 33. d6, Black resigned.

This pawn one of the “big three” will either run for a touchdown or cost Black a whole piece to stop it. Franco-Indian (Keres) Defense (A40) GM Giorgi Kacheishvili (2670) GM Slavko Cicak (2624) North American Open, Las Vegas (4), 12.28.2008 uschess.org

KHACHIYAN BY BETSY DYNAKO; SHABALOV, SHULMAN, CICAK BY CHRIS ROBERTS; SHANKLAND, ANTONIO, ADAMSON, SEVILLANO BY CHRIS BIRD

A North American Open gallery (left to right): GM Melikset Khachiyan, IM Sam Shankland, GM Alexander Shabalov, GM Slavko Cicak

This fourth round win over a fellow GM can almost be called a miniature. 1. d4 e6 2. c4 Bb4+ 3. Nc3 c5 4. Nf3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6

In this line of the Nimzo, Black can play either ... d5 or ... Nf6 to try for equal ity. Against this move, White has a clear edge. 6. Qb3 Ba5 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Nd7 9. 0-0 Qb6 10. Ne4

Winning a pawn.

10. ... Qc7 11. Qa3 Nc5 12. Nxd6+ Qxd6 13. Qxa5

Now the d4 knight is immune as we will soon see Black takes it anyway leading to a charming denuma. 13. ... Qxd4 14. Be3 Qxc4 15. Bxc5 Qb5 16. Qc7 Qd7 17. Qf4 Ne7 18. Rfd1

This is one badly embarrassed queen!

try. Although still rated in the 2200s (he broke 2300 in this event), he often plays on a solid 2400 plus level. His only loss was to his fellow Angeleno, IM Andranik Matikozyan, and he tied with Vadim Kudryavtesev for under 2300 money. I really like this game a lot. (Of course this reporter loves all victories in the English Opening!) 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nc6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7

I almost always play e2 e3 here and put my knight on e2 to keep the key diagonal open for the g2 bishop. There is nothing wrong with this system though. The joy of the English is that there are so many transpositions available and it is White who almost always has his choice. 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Nge7 7. d3 f5 8. 0-0 0-0 9. Nd5 Be6 10. Be3 Qd7

White has the edge here because of his space advantage.

+ + r k+ pp  pq+n lp +  p +p+ + +P p + +P+N+ + +P+ +r P P+  QN PK P +  R +R+

After 22. ... Nf7

intrinsic nature of the position. Greg’s reply shows a cool head. 23. Kxf3 Ng5+ 24. Ke3 Rf3 mate or if 24. Kg2 Qh3+ and mate after 25. Kg1 Nf3+ does the job. 23. ... Rf5 24. Rce1 Bh6 25. Qd3 Ng5 26. Nxg5 Bxg5 27. f3

The last white knight will soon replace his traded partner on e4.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr., FM Robby Adamson, GM Yury Shulman, IM Enrico Sevillano

What else? It is curtains after 18. ... Qb5 19. Qd6.

This rook is now placed better than before.

19. Bxd5 exd5 20. Qe5+, Black resigned.

12. ... Raf8 13. b3 Nc8 14. Rde1 Nd8 15. d4 fxe4 16. Ndc3 Bh3 17. d5 Bxg2 18. Kxg2 Ne7 19. Nxe4

Voilà! Now we see that the wonderful blockading knight is worth a lot more than the black strong point on f4. The black bishop is simply bad. The tall Mr. Small demonstrates this with flawless technique in the rest of the game.

19. ... Nf5 20. Rc1

35. ... Be7 36. Qc3 b6 37. Rf2 Kh7 38. b4 Rf7 39. Rb2 c6 40. dxc6 Qxc6 41. b5 Qc7 42. Qd3 Kg7 43. Qd5 Qc8 44. a4 Rf8 45. Ra2

If 20. ... Qe6 21. Qxg7 and it’s finis for Black.

There were other notable performances in this tournament; one is the following game. English Opening (A26) Gregg Small (2284) IM Michael Mulyar (2445) North American Open, Las Vegas (4), 12.28.2008

Gregg Small is originally from Texas and lived in Florida for a few years. Now he lives in Los Angeles and plays in a lot of major tournaments around the coun uschess.org

11. Qd2 Rf7 12. Rad1

27. ... R5f7 28. Re4 Qf5 29. Ne2 Kg7 30. Nc3 h5 31. Qc2 h4 32. g4 Qd7 33. h3 Rf4 34. Rxf4 Rxf4 35. Ne4

18. ... Nd5

It is now almost impossible to ever dis lodge this monster knight or it’s fellow.

Now the rook has found the right square. The extra tempi which Black had at his disposal has not helped him because of the fixed nature of the pawn position. 20. ... Nxe3+ 21. Qxe3 Rf3 22. Qd2 Nf7! (see diagram top of next column) 23. Ng1

A cute trick which does not change the

With the a4 a5 break stowed, Greg shifts his pieces to a frontal assault on the black backward pawn on d6. 45. ... Qc7 46. Rc2 Rf4 47. Rd2 Rf7 48. Qe6 Qb7 49. Rd5

As advertised, d6 is indefensible.

49. ... Bf8 50. Nxd6 Bxd6 51. Qxd6 Qc7 52. Qxe5+, Black resigned.

Chess Life — April 2009

21

Cover Story Another pawn bites the dust! This was a smooth performance by Mr. Small against a very strong international master (IM). Reti Opening, King’s Indian Attack (A07) GM Zviad Izoria (2652) IM Samuel Shankland (2470) North American Open, Las Vegas (6), 12.29.2008

Giorgi’s nearest competitor was one of five GMs who finished a half point back. In this sixth round encounter he hands the remarkable 16 year old IM Sam Shankland his only loss. 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Nc6 3. d4 Bg4 4. Bg2 Qd7 5. c4 e6 6. 0-0 0-0-0

This is a tad over optimistic. Whites’ attack comes first. 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Nc3 f6 9. Qa4 Nge7 10. b4 a6 11. b5 Nb8 12. Qb3 g5 13. bxa6 Nxa6 14. Rb1 b6

+k r  l  r +  pq n +p n p +  p + + +p+  p +  P +l+ +Q N +N P P+ +P PL P +R L +R K

After 14. ... b6

14. ... c6 15. Bxg5! fxg5 16. Ne5 and White wins on the spot. 15. Bd2 Nc6 16. Nb5 Bb4 17. Qa4 Kb7

It’s getting just a little tight on Black’s king position. 18. Bxb4 Naxb4 19. Rxb4

This move wins two knights for a rook.

19. ... Ra8 20. Qb3 Nxb4 21. Qxb4 Ra5

Not much better was Rhd8.

22. a4 Rha8 23. Nc3 Bh3

23. ... Bxf3 24. Bxf3 f5 25. Rb1 g4 26. Bg2 Qc6 27. Rc1 R8a7 28. Qb3 Ra8 29. Rc2 Kb8 30. Bxd5. 24. Bxh3 Qxh3

Allowing a fatal queen penetration.

25. Qe7 Qf5 26. Nb5 Rc8 and Black resigned.

Zviad showed his true GM credentials.

GMs Alexander Shabalov, the Cuban assassin Julio Becerra, Jaan Ehlvest and Melikset Khachiyan were the other four 22

Chess Life — April 2009

who came in a half point behind Giorgi. Closed Ruy Lopez, Worrall Attack (C86) IM Andranik Matikozyan (2491) GM Julio Becerra (2665) North American Open, Las Vegas (7), 12.29.2008

Here is a quickie by Julio which pro pelled him into the money in the last round. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. Qe2 b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. 0-0 0-0 8. c3 d5

r+l q  rk+ +  p  lp pp p+n+  n + +p+p p + + +P+ + +L P +N+ P P  PQ PP P RN  L +R K

After 8. ... d5

A sound pawn offer which gives Black the initiative. 9. d3

9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Qxe5 Bb7 and Black has full compensation for the pawn as in the game. 9. ... Bb7 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxe5 Nxe5 12. Qxe5 a5 13. d4 Re8 14. Bc2 c5 15. Na3 Bf6 16. Qg3 cxd4 17. Nxb5

17. cxd4 Bxd4 18. Bxh7+ Kxh7 19. Qd3+ Kg8 20. Qxd4 b4 21. Nc4 Ba6 22. b3?! Nc3 and Black stands better in spite of the pawn minus. 23. Qxd8 Raxd8 24. Be3 Bxc4 25. bxc4 Re4 26. c5 a4! And the b pawn is hard to stop. The knight on c3 dominates the position. 17. ... dxc3 18. Nxc3 Nxc3 19. bxc3

Now Black has the upper hand.

19. ... Ba6

And just like that, the rook has no place to go! 20. Qh3 g6 21. Bh6

21. Rd1 Qxd1+.

21. ... Bxf1 22. Rxf1 Qc8 23. Qf3 Qxc3, White resigned.

And White has no compensation for the Exchange. It is surprising that Black could win so easily. (see game top of next column)

Sicilian Defense, Nimzovich-Rossolimo Attack (B30) IM Vladimir Mezentsev (2441) GM Alexander Shabalov (2627) North American Open, Las Vegas (6), 12.29.2008

Shabalov takes the measure of a very strong IM in this entertaining game 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. 0-0 Nge7 5. c3 a6 6. Ba4 b5 7. Bc2 Bb7

Now we have a kind of reverse English with Black a couple of tempi down. These tempi don’t seem to matter. 8. d4 cxd4 9. Nxd4 Rc8 10. Be3 Qc7 11. Nb3 Ng6 12. Nc5 Bxc5 13. Bxc5 Nce5 14. Bd6 Qb6 15. b4 Nc4

+r+k+  r +l+p+p pp p q  Lp+n+ +p+ + + Pn+P+ +  +  P + + P+L+ P P P RN+Q+R  K

After 15. ... Nc4

Up until now it seems that White was playing reasonable moves but now we see that he has put too much faith in his black squared bishop which is over worked. 16. Bg3 0-0 17. a4 f5! 18. exf5 exf5 19. Qd4

This queen trade leads to disaster for White. 19. ... Qxd4 20. cxd4 f4 21. Bxg6

If White was relying on this move, he has a surprise coming! 21. ... fxg3 22. axb5 Ne3! 23. hxg3

23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 gxh2 and a new queen is born! 23. ... Nxf1 24. Bd3 Rc1 25. Bxf1 Re8 26. bxa6 Bxa6 27. Rxa6 Rxb1, White resigned.

And the other rook is ready to join his big brother on 8th street! Sharp play by the former U.S. champion.

Here is one of my favorite games from this year’s North American Open: Nimzo-Indian Defense, Classical Variation (E32) IM Justin Sarkar (2477) FM Eric Hansen (2368) North American Open, Las Vegas (7), 12.29.2008

uschess.org

Justin and Eric are both good friends of mine. I have published a few of Justin’s very good games as he seeks his last GM norm. Eric is a 16 year old Canadian who looks and acts 25. He carries the FM title and has an IM norm. I hope that Justin will not be annoyed at me for pub lishing this loss but I think it was one of the best games of the tournament. 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2

The Nimzo Indian has long been con sidered a great way for Black to fight for the initiative. Justin chooses an old but solid way to handle the “Nimzo.” In the ’70s and ’80s, it was even fashionable to avoid the Nimzo with 3. g3 or invite a Queen’s Indian with 3. Nf3. 4. ... 0-0 5. e4 d5

Offbeat, but Black still can maintain equality. 6. e5 Ne4 7. Bd3 c5 8. Nge2

Better was dxc5. Now Black has a slight edge. 8. ... Nc6 9. cxd5 exd5 10. 0-0 Bxc3 11. bxc3 cxd4 12. Ba3 Re8 13. cxd4 Qa5 14. Qb2 Bf5 15. Rfd1 Bg6 16. h4 Qd8 17. f3 Qxh4!?

Black boldly, but not quite soundly, offers a piece. 18. fxe4 dxe4 19. Bb5 Bh5 20. Bxc6 bxc6 21. Rf1 Rab8 22. Qc2 Bf3

Eric offers another piece to continue the attack. This one Justin should simply take as the next line (courtesy of Rybka 3.22), will demonstrate. 23. Rf2?

23. gxf3 Re6 24. Qxe4 Rg6+ 25. Qxg6

r 

+

+k+ p + +p  pp +p+ +Q+ + +  P + +  P +  q L + +P+  P+ +N+ + R + +R  K

Analysis after 25. Qxg6

25. ... hxg6 and the pieces will beat the queen. 26. Rac1 g5 27. Rc3 g4 28. f4 g3 29. Rxg3 Qh5 30. Kf2 Rb6 31. Rfg1 g6 32. R1g2 Kg7 and White should win with ease. 23. ... Re6 24. Rb1 Rd8 25. Bc1 Rg6 26. Be3 h5 27. Nf4 Rg4

Now there is no way to stop the raging attack! uschess.org

28. Qxc6 g5 29. Nd5 Rxd5 30. Qxd5 Qh3 31. Rbb2?

31. Qd8+ Kh7 32. Rbb2 Rxg2+ 33. Rxg2 Bxg2 34. Qf6 Qh1+ 35. Kf2 Qf1+ 36. Kg3 h4+ 37. Kg4 Bh3+ 38. Kxg5 “Buenes No checks” as the Spanish say. 31. ... Bxg2

The finishing touch.

32. Rxg2 Qxe3+ 33. Kf1 Qc1+, White resigned.

In a 600 plus tournament, there are always a few odd incidents. The oddest in this competition came in the under 1000 section. This section is mostly children, or adults playing in their first tourna ment. Among the latter was 40ish Crescencio Tolentino. Mr. Tolentino won his first game over a rated player. This was the forced three day schedule in this and the under 1300 sections. The second round began at 5:30 p.m., but there was no Mr. Tolentino to be found and he was duly forfeited. Normally, neglecting to report that you will no longer be playing leads to being dropped from the tourna ment. But chief tournament director (TD) Bill Goichberg had a feeling that, as a new player, the man might just have been confused about round times. This proved to be correct when Crescen cio made an appearance soon after and apologized profusely. He asked to be paired for the third round and was. That night, when the third round started he was again missing in action. Now any other TD would have simply removed him from the tournament and, if he did show up after the game, given him a severe reprimand. But Bill had a hunch that his absence was still inadvertent and waited to see if he would be around dur ing the third round. Goichberg’s flexibility paid off when an extremely apologetic Tolentino, contrite but bewildered, showed up before the fourth round. Instead of tossing him, Bill paired him, with a 1 2 score for the fourth round. Not only did he win that game, he also won his next three putting him in a tie for fifth through seventh and a small prize! This was one of the strangest scores ever recorded, five wins and two forfeits! The man got a rat ing of 1370 and, two weeks later, played In the Western Class at Agoura Hills and had no forfeits. The winners of the class sections were as follows: The strong 125 player, under 2100 money was shared by two Asian lads, Jared Tan and Vincent Huang. Under 1900 with 120 entrants was a big payday for Drayton Harrison with a clear win at 6½. The only perfect score came in Under 1700 when Seid Seidov swept the table clean with 7 0! This section had 119 players.

Under 1500 had 78 participants and again saw a single winner at 6½ by Melik Melikyan. Under 1300 had 60 and another clear winner at 6½ by the likes of Michael E. Thomas. The under 1000 drew 41 players with Menaka Narayanan and Adrian Nez both scoring six points. The staff was reduced by one when Brenda and Bill Goichberg, international arbiter Walter Brown, national tourna ment director Al Losoff, and Charles Hatherill all gave up the services of Chris Bird. He operated the live broadcast on the MonRoi website (MonRoi.com), pre serving the top boards’ games for our and future chess lovers’ enjoyment, for which he deserves a special nod. The Ong family of the chesspalace.com with Anthony at point, again provided a first class line of books and equipment for the players. They offered the last chance to purchase one of the superb sets and boards loaned to the tournament by TheChessPiece.com. Again, as in the American Open, their signature triple decker, the Alban, was used on board one throughout the tournament. Tim (Toby) Tobiason was a sub contrac tor and brought, along with his fascinating collection of CDs, and other chess “doodads,” a mysterious tale of a super program which has “solved” chess! Say it ain’t so Joe. It is always fun to spend time in Sin City. Bally’s remains a first class venue for a big tournament. In the heart of the fabulous “strip” it is like a spaceship. Everything from fast food to elegant food, clothing and jewelry, luxurious sleeping rooms, and never ending entertainment may be found while never leaving the hotel property! One could live there com fortably the year round if one could afford it or if reality did not intrude!

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North American Open At A Glance Date: December 26 29, 2008 Location: Bally’s Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada Top Finishers: Open, 1st: Giorgi Kacheishvili, 6. Under 2100, 1st: Jared Tan, Vincent Huang, 6. Under 1900, 1st: Drayton Harrison, 6½. Under 1700, 1st: Seid Seidov, 7. Under 1500, 1st: Melik Melikyan, 6½. Under 1300, 1st: Michael Thomas, 6½. Under 1000/Unrated, 1st: Menaka Narayanan, Adrian Nez, 6. Chief Tournament Director: William Goichberg.

Chess Life — April 2009

23

Profile

Going for “Grand” –OR–

Ray’s Road to the Title At the 2008 Miami Open, Ray Robson, America’s latest rising star, scores a 2700 performance rating By Macauley Peterson

ay Robson would like to be a grand master. As of this writing, his FIDE rating is 2455, but he has not yet earned a single grandmaster (GM) norm. This is not for a lack of stellar perform ances. In last September’s Miami Open, the 14 year old netted a performance rating over 2700, good enough for a norm save for a technicality: You have to play at least three existing grandmasters for the performance to count, whereas Ray faced only two. The two GM elects (Josh Friedel and Renier Gonzalez) were still considered international masters (IMs) during the event for norm purposes. It was a bitter footnote to a dreamlike tournament a disappointment to be sure, but Robson takes advice from the likes of Garry Kasparov, who told me in Decem ber, “Ray concentrates on the game of chess so he's making the fastest progress, and I think that with certain care and support he could be a very, very strong grandmaster.” It’s only a matter of time. When opportunities for norms are scarce on the U.S. Swiss circuit, an up and coming young player like Robson often heads overseas. So, it was no great surprise that to reach him during Febru ary, and a typical dearth of major U.S. tournaments, I had to dial a few extra dig its. What was a surprise was to track him down, finally, in the Crimea region of Ukraine! To be precise, we spoke during Robson’s visit to Sevastopol, and the fam

R

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Chess Life — April 2009

ily home of his new coach, GM Alexander Onischuk. I knew only that the pair was traveling to Moscow together for the Moscow Open and Aeroflot Open. So when I asked, naively, if Ray, in addition to playing him self, was seconding Onischuk in Moscow helping with opening study as a young IM might he laughed, and said, “No, I’m not helping him! He’s helping me!” For “The New Superstars” (Chess Life, June 2007), I interviewed GM Gregory Kaidanov (himself profiled in a Chess Life cover story in January 2009), then Robson’s coach of around three years, who spoke at length about Ray's talent and unusually strong work ethic. It was new to me to learn that, in fact, their relationship had ended not long afterward. In the summer of 2007, Kaidanov and Ray’s father, Gary, had a falling out, after disagreements about the best plans to further Ray’s training. The parting was not amicable. “After I wasn't working with Kaidanov we were looking for a coach, kind of,” Ray explained, “but we didn’t really find anyone at that time so I was just work ing by myself.” Working alone is quite common nowadays among the young elite set, as chess engines and computer data bases have revolutionized chess training, such that even when you’re on your own, you’re never really alone. Nevertheless, sometimes there’s no substitute for professional guidance, and

as Ray recalled, “my dad asked me, ‘which three coaches would you choose if you could work with someone?’, and I said Onischuk.” Also high on the imaginary list were Gata Kamsky and Hikaru Naka mura but neither of the two (highest rated) American GMs was available for coaching. Ray had limited his search to players from the U.S. and Onischuk is the next one down. “And yeah, he did win the U.S. Championship,” Ray added, “so I just thought he’d be a really strong player to work with.” In a curiously symmetrical turn, Onis chuk sought out advice from none other than Gregory Kaidanov. “[Onischuk] called me and asked whether he should take Ray as a student,” Kaidanov told me. “I begged him to do it. I love the boy, still miss him tremendously.” Kaidanov praised Onischuk’s coaching abilities as well. Robson and Onischuk have only been working for a handful of months, mostly over the phone and the Internet Chess Club. Onischuk lives in the Washington D.C. area and they met at the Eastern Open in December. The Moscow trip in February was only the second time they have worked together in person. Onischuk was a little under the weather when I phoned Sevastopol. After his Moscow Open win he needed the week to recover in time for Aeroflot. Alex did not have time to train Ray during the tourna ment, but they did analyze together. “It’s uschess.org

PHOTO: MONROI

Ray Robson at the 2007 U.S. Championship: A future homegrown GM?

not that I was his coach or something. We were more like partners,” he said. Ray is his only student, and he's not looking to take on any more. The Moscow Open wasn’t one of Rob son's best performances. Even after winning his last four games he remarked, “I still did badly, but not terribly.” The late winning streak couldn’t make up for his 1/5 start. “I just wasn’t playing very well at the beginning ... I wasn’t calculating very well.” Miami was another story. There Robson finished tied for first with 2629 rated GM Darmen Sadvakasov, ahead of a field that included six GMs and 16 IMs (including GM elects Gonzalez and Friedel). I asked Ray if this was his greatest success, to which he replied, “It’s probably my best tournament ever I mean so far,” he quickly corrected himself. Robson's win over Gonzalez in round seven was a 25 move miniature, but Ray doesn’t take all the credit for it. “For some reason everybody says that game [is the best], but actually it was a good game but I didn't think up the whole thing myself, I’d actually seen that line before, some of those sacrifices. I mean I was thinking over the board to make sure they were correct, but I’d seen that idea before, so it wasn’t entirely my creation,” he explained. Robson instead prefers his win over Friedel from round two more original. uschess.org

Sicilian, Kan (B42) IM Ray Robson (2467) GM elect Josh Friedel (2571) Miami Open (2), September 2008 Notes by Robson 1. e4

I have played Josh many times before, and every time I have been white. Every time he has played ... e5, in just about every game I had an advantage at some point, and I hadn’t managed to score one win! 1. ... c5

A surprise. After the game I remem bered I had seen a game of his vs. Erenburg as black, but during the game I didn't remember this. Before he’s played ... e5 against me like five times. 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Bd3 Bc5 6. Nb3 Ba7 7. Nc3 Nc6 8. Qg4 Nf6 9. Qg3 d6

So far all of this is theory. Here White has a choice between these two moves: 10. 0 0 and 10. Bg5. 10. Bg5 h6 11. Bd2 Nh5 12. Qf3 Qh4 13. g3 Ne5 14. Qe2 Qg4 15. 0-0-0 Nf6 16. f4 Qxe2 17. Bxe2 Neg4 18. Be1

This is still actually theory! This line was also played by Josh as black against Erenburg, and White also won that game.

18. ... g5

So, this is his improvement. 19. Kb1

With this move I am just getting out of the way of any ... Be3+ moves. 19. ... Be3 20. e5

An interesting idea, although it may not give White an advantage against cor rect play. 20. ... dxe5 21. h3 Nf2 22. Bxf2 Bxf2 23. fxg5

r+l+k+  r +p+ +p+ p+ +p n  p + +  p  P + + + + +N N +  PP P PP+L l + +K+R+ +R

After 23. fxg5

This was my idea. I had actually thought before that Black just can’t take on g5 because of 24. Rhf1 Bxg3 25. Rxf6, and here I stopped. Now I realized that Black had 25. ... Bf4. 23. ... hxg5?

A clever idea, but not the best. (23. ...

Chess Life — April 2009

25

Profile Nd5 24. Nxd5 [24. Ne4 Ba7 25. Rhf1 Ke7 26. Bh5 Rf8 27. Nf6 hxg5 28. Nh7 Bd7 29. Nxf8 Rxf8. Even though White is the Exchange up Black has great play here with his center pawns.] 24. ... exd5 25. Rxd5 Bxg3 26. g6! {Friedel} 26. ... fxg6 27. Rg1 Bf4 28. Rxg6 Bxh3 [it looks very dangerous for Black but I am not sure if White is better.] 29. Nc5 Rb8 30. Bh5 Ke7 31. Rg7+ Kf6 32. Rg6+ Ke7 is equal). 24. Rhf1 Bxg3 25. Rxf6 Bf4

So, here I am up a piece but my rook is locked in on f6. Eventually I found a good plan which for tactical reasons stops him from developing so easily. 26. Ne4 Ke7 27. Na5!

This is a good move, stopping the b pawn from moving and also bringing the knight to b6 or d6. 27. ... Rh7 28. Nc4 Bd7

My opponent decides to give up mate rial instead of being choked to death. 29. Rxd7+ Kxd7 30. Nb6+ Ke7 31. Nxa8 Rxh3 32. a3

32. a4 may have been more accurate.

32. ... Rh2 33. Bd3 g4 34. Nb6 g3 35. Nc8+ Kd8

On 35. ... Kf8 there is a very nice vari ation, which is pretty much forced: 36. Ned6 g2 37. Rxf7+ Kg8 38. Ne7+ Kh8 39. Ne8! g1=Q+ 40. Ka2. 36. Rxf7 Kxc8

After 36. ... g2 37. Rf8+ Kc7 38. Rg8 Rh1+ 39. Ka2 g1=Q 40. Rxg1 Rxg1 41. Ncd6 White is clearly better if not winning here. It is funny that the computer says that White is only slightly better. 37. Nd6+ Kd8 38. Nxb7+ Kc8 39. Nd6+ Kd8 40. Be4

This move threatens mate and at the same time slows down Black’s passed pawn by controlling g2. 40. ... Rd2 41. Nb7+ Ke8

After 41. ... Kc8, 42. Rg7 stops the pawn and wins. 42. Bg6 g2 43. Rxf4+ Kd7 44. Rg4 Rd1+ 45. Ka2 g1=Q 46. Rxg1 Rxg1 47. Be4

White is easily winning here.

47. ... Re1 48. b4, Black resigned.

At this point Black resigned, as he has no way of advancing his e pawns while I will either take his pawns or just push my own pawns. Robson had already secured a share of first after drawing GM Victor Mikhalevski in round eight, when he faced Sadvakasov with white in the final round. All he 26

Chess Life — April 2009

needed was a draw to win the tournament clear. “I was probably kind of nervous or something because I definitely didn't play my best ... I think I got worried about my time and then started to make bad moves.” In December, at the Kasparov Chess Foundation training session, Kas parov himself was amazed that Ray let the game get away from him. Robson maturely observes that the problem is chronic. “Generally, sometimes in the last rounds, when there's more pressure, I don’t always do as well as I wish I would.” Dealing with big “money” games is still what he needs to work on, it seems. To break the tie and decide the title, Robson and Sadvakasov then had to play an Armageddon style blitz game almost immediately, with only minutes to collect themselves after the ninth round. Robson said he didn't feel too much pressure, however. He had white once again, but this time essayed 3. Bc4 and went for a sideline that was tried even more recently by Sergei Movsesian in his win over Michael Adams at the 2009 Corus tour nament. “It’s not really well known, but it’s not that bad actually,” Ray explained, “and for blitz it’s good.” The critical moment came at move 33 when Robson overlooked that 33. d6 could be met by 33. ... Qe1+ winning for Sadvakasov. Ray held his breath. “I was just like ‘oh no, I hope he doesn't see that,’ ‘cause if he doesn't see that then I have those pawns.” Sadvakasov instead backed up 33. ... Qb6+ and lost on time in a fragile position shortly thereafter. Robson's spring schedule was still evolving when we spoke. Despite the Moscow jaunt, he’s not making a con scious decision to play outside the U.S., the way some players in the norm hunt do. “I pretty much just play in any strong tournaments that are available.” During February there simply weren’t any tour naments available at home. He’s considering playing in the U.S. Junior, which will be held in Wisconsin in July, especially if it turns out to be a stronger field this year than in the recent past, if guys like Ludwig, Hess, and Lenderman participate. Robson is circumspect when it comes to the grandmaster title. “You know, if I get better and I play stronger I’m gonna get the title anyway, so I guess that should just be my main goal.” He was echoing a sentiment expressed by Kasparov in December, who told him personally that if he continued to play at his present level, he would get there. Fortunately for Ray, it seems, patience is a virtue he has already mastered.

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USCF members: Download the .pdf version of this issue at uschess.org > Chess Life Magazine > Downloadable Files.

Miami Open

The Miami Open was the brain child of IM Blas Lugo, who founded the Miami International Chess Acad emy (MICA) in 1996. Lugo was dismayed at the lack of a major open tournament in the Miami area, and aspired to create one on par with the perennial Chicago Open. Ten years after its founding, MICA had been involved in the training of several up and coming young play ers like FM Marcel Martinez and Eric Rodriguez. Lugo wanted to host a major tournament in Miami in part to provide an opportunity for young players in the area to play against GMs from around the world. Initial financial backing came from one of Lugo’s own students, Elsa Echevarria, who sponsored the inau gural event along with local small businesses. The “1st Annual” Miami Open was held in September 2007 (there was a 2006 Miami “scholastic” Open), and drew 360 players. It yielded an eight way tie with the title going to GM Hikaru Nakamura after an Armageddon blitz tiebreak with none other than GM Darmen Sadvakasov. Ray Robson scored 4½ out of 9, two points behind the leaders, in 2007. In 2008, another student of MICA joined the venture Eric Hecht and together with Echevarria they kept the tournament going, despite the unfortunate arrival of Hurricane Ike, which may have caused the year over year decline in participation. Only 226 players took part and some would be participants called in last minute cancellations, citing the hur ricane threat, according to Lugo. The tournament has never been organized primarily for profit, Lugo says, adding, “the two main spon sors, Eric and Elsa have lost a lot of money with this project, together with the amount of hours that I have spent working on it. They simply wanted to bring the best players in the world to Miami and put our name on the map.” One facet of the tournament which is unusual in the U.S. is the offering of conditions for GMs. It is rather rare for U.S. tournaments to pro vide for players’ accommodation, an example of one way in which Lugo set out to create a more “European approach” to the organization. The 2009 tournament will be called the Florida State Champi onship and is planned for Labor Day weekend. ~M.P. uschess.org

2008 K-12

Crowning K-12 Kings New York Dominates Team Events at Grade Championships; Toby Boas Wins 12th-Grade Section

By WIM Elizabeth Vicary

he National Grade School Champi onship (Orlando, Florida, December 12 14) advertises itself as one big tournament with 13 sections (grades 1 12 plus kindergarten), but I’ve always known it was two distinct events. There’s a scholastic tournament, filled with wide eyed eight year olds wearing silly satin hats who routinely offer each other draws in completely won or lost positions out of a bizarre sense of the importance of forg ing interstate friendships. Simultaneously, they hold a real chess tournament for the older kids. Pretty much everyone in this is over 1500, and if someone is wear ing a hat, it’s to shut out the rest of the world from view. Obviously, this is an exaggeration great chess does get played in the lower sections but not an enor mous one. Sections for the lower grades tend to be much larger this year second through sixth grades had 131 152 play ers each, while ninth to 12th averaged only 48. Elementary grades also tend to have many more competitive teams in fifth grade, an amazing seven schools were within a point of first place going into the last round, while none of the upper grades had more than a few competitive teams. Finally, the older sections tend to be much more ‘top heavy’ in terms of the rating distribution of individual play ers. This means that points are very hard to come by in the high school sections: it’s not hard to find 1600s and 1700s who only manage an even score. Traditionally, New York teams domi nate national scholastic tournaments, but in recent years programs from Texas have done well. California, Florida, and Arizona are also hubs of scholastic activ ity. States’ turnout depends a lot on where the tournament is held, as strong Texas teams often don’t travel far, and Califor nia is a long way from the East Coast sites. This year, with cheap JetBlue flights

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working in their favor, New York schools dominated the team competitions, win ning seven sections and placing in the top three 20 out of 39 times. New York’s play ers are concentrated in the (upper) elementary and junior high school grades: Hunter won 2nd grade; PS 116 took 3rd; Horace Mann dominated in 4th and tied with two other New York teams in fifth and one in eighth; IS 318 swept the three junior high grades (6, 7, 8). The rest of the country revenged these losses in the pri mary and high school sections: Oak Hall of Gainesville, Florida won the kinder garten and 1st grade sections, while teams from New Jersey, Arizona, Texas and Ohio won the four high school grades. It’s always been true that upsets are a dime a dozen in scholastic tournaments: kids are inconsistent by nature, and the fast time control and multiple rounds per day leave a lot of room for error. But I suspect something more systemically strange is occurring in scholastic ratings across the country: I think kids are play ing the same kids over and over again in effectively closed rating pools, and this is causing scholastic ratings in certain areas to become skewed. For example, look at Florida. Players from this state won 15 out of 48 trophies for the best performance under a certain rating in grades 2 6, but no one from the state placed in the top five in any of these sections. Conversely, play ers from Texas won a fifth of the top five spots in grades 2 6, but none of the rat ing prizes. Of course, there is more than one possible explanation for this imbal ance, but it offers circumstantial evidence for the idea that some areas may be under or over rated. More anecdotal evidence of skewed rat ings can be seen in the surprising domination of the K 5 Under 900 sec tion by a low rated team from Stevenson Elementary. By playing mainly in tourna

ments that were not USCF rated, stu dents increased their skills but kept their ratings low. Nothing underhanded was going on, but the team’s commendable performance raised some questions about the meaningfulness of under sections. The possibility that some areas of the country are underrated (or opt out of the rating system altogether) raises another serious question of fairness, since having a high rating is vital to success in the open section of scholastic tournaments it determines whether you will be paired up or down in the crucial final round. Let’s look at one example: players with an even score in the 8th grade section after 6 rounds. A kid rated 1220 was paired up to a 1693; the 1300 above him, who made the rating cut, got a 1153. I don’t know what could be done about this effect, if indeed it exists, but it warrants further investigation as it could have large effects on the tournament outcomes. For the sake of consistency, let’s see the first upset of the tournament: Robert Kim (1529) beat top seed Jeffrey Haskel in round one on the top board of the 11th grade section. Kim is coached by Lorand Bela Kis and attends New Hope Acad emy in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He described 17. ... Nxe4 as the hardest decision he had to make in the game: “I got a pawn, but he got the bishop pair and some compensation.” King’s Indian Defense (E70) Jeffrey Haskel (2266) Robert Kim (1528) 2008 K 12 Championship, 11th (1), 12.12.2008 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nge2 c5 6. g3 Bg4 7. Bg2 cxd4 8. Qxd4 Nc6 9. Qe3 Rc8 10. f3 Nb4 11. Qd2

In fact, Jeffrey can get away with just

Chess Life — April 2009

27

2008 K-12 castling here, as he gets two pieces for the rook after 11. 0 0 Nc2 12. Qxa7 Nxa1 13. fxg4 Nc2 14. Qa4+. 11. ... Bd7 12. b3 Qa5

12. ... Qb6 preventing castling, also looks good. 13. Bb2 0-0 14. 0-0 b5 15. a3 Na6 16. cxb5 Bxb5 17. Kh1

+r+  rk+ p +   pp lp n+  p  np+ ql+ + +  + +P+ + PP  N +P P L   QN+L P R + +R+K 

After 17. Kh1

17. ... Nxe4!

Robert described this as the most dif ficult decision in the game: “I got a pawn, but he got the bishop pair and some com pensation.” 18. fxe4 Bxe2 19. b4 Bxc3 20. Bxc3 Qb5 21. Rfe1 Qd3 22. Rac1 Qxd2 23. Bxd2 Bb5 24. Bg5 f6 25. Be3 Rc7 26. Rxc7 Nxc7 27. Rc1 Ne6 28. e5 a6 29. exd6 exd6 30. Bd5 Re8 31. Bb3 Kf8 32. a4 Bd7 33. Bd1 Rc8 34. Rb1 Ke7 35. Kg1 Rc3 36. Bd2 Rd3 37. Rb2 Nd4 38. Kf2 Ra3 39. Be3 Nf5 40. Bc1 Rc3 41. Re2+ Kd8 42. Bb2 Rc4 43. Bxf6+ Kc7 44. Rc2 d5 45. Rxc4+ dxc4 46. Kf3 Kd6 47. Kf4 Kd5 48. Bf3+ Ke6 49. Bc3 Bxa4 50. Bg4 Bc2 51. Be2 Kd5 52. Bf3+ Kd6 53. Be5+ Ke6 54. h4 Nxg3 55. Bg4+ Nf5 56. h5 Kd5 57. Bf3+ Ke6 58. hxg6 hxg6 59. Bb7 g5+ 60. Kxg5 Kxe5 61. Bxa6 Nd6 62. b5 c3 63. b6 Be4 64. b7 Bxb7 65. Bd3 Be4, White resigned.

Second seed Abby Marshall (2151) fol lowed Haskel’s lead in the next round, losing to Steven McLaughlin (1652). Hap pily, both Abby and Jeffrey recovered, winning the rest of their games, to tie for first. Abby generously annotated her loss for Chess Life: Queen’s Gambit Accepted (D26) Abby Marshall (2151) Steven McLaughlin (1802) 2008 K 12 Championship, 11th (2), 12.12.2008 Notes by Marshall

So here is my second round game, where I blundered and was very upset the rest of the night, but it taught me a valu able lesson. But excuses first. So a friend of mine (Elizabeth Vicary) speculated that 28

Chess Life — April 2009

maybe why there are so many upsets and blunders is because nationals is complete chaos. Especially at Disney World, with the distractions of outra geous food prices, huge crowds of people, Mickey Mouse, the hyper competitive atmosphere, and overall the absurd extravagance of the hotel, could cause kids to get overloaded and go crazy. Basi cally by Friday night I was knocked out.

I probably shouldn't even offer him a draw here.

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. d4 cxd5 5. Nc3 dxc4 6. Bxc4 e6 7. Nf3 Qc7 8. Bd3 Bd7 9. 0-0 Bb4 10. Bd2?!

Probably the best lesson out of this game came from GM John Fedorowicz, who after listening to me cry about the game, told me not to do anything crazy. Kinda funny, though I mean it's true, nationals is a long tournament and tenac ity is vital. But man, it is really hard to lose like this on board one! Anyway, after this performance peo ple probably wondered not how I won nationals, but how I won any games at all. It shouldn't be surprising that my success is due to the sleeping habits of a third grader named Alana. Saturday night, I'm feeling OK now that I at least have a chance at the title, but I’m completely drained. I had three wonderful room mates, my friend Leondra, her mom, and little sister Alana. And because Alana did not snore that night, I slept amazingly well and was able to win two games on Sun day, enough to be co champ. Thanks Alana I owe it all to you!

This is just passive. Black has been playing very slowly, so I gotta take the ini tiative. 10. Bg5 Be7 (10. ... Bxc3 11. bxc3 Qxc3? 12. Rb1 Bc6 13. Bxf6 gxf6 14. d5 exd5 15. Qe2+ Kf8 16. Rfc1 Qa5 17. Nd4. The f5 square will be a great outpost; 10. ... Nc6 is best, though White is in control.) 11. d5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 exd5 13. Bxe7 Kxe7 14. Re1+ Kf8 15. Ng5 and wow, even materialistic Fritz says White is win ning despite being down a pawn. 10. ... 0-0 11. a3 Be7 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 Bc6 14. Bg3 Qd7 15. Ne5 Qd8 16. Bc2 Qb6 17. Qd3 Rd8 18. Rad1 Nbd7 19. f4?? Nf8?

19. ... Nxe5! 20. fxe5 Rxd4 same idea as what, sadly, still happens.

r+ + +k+ pp+   lp p ql+p  n  p + +  P + +  r + + P   NQ+  L PL+ +P  P + +R+R K

Analysis after 20. ... Rxd4

20. Bh4?

I don't know how I missed a simple tactic twice. Why am I so stupid? 20. ... Rxd4!

The horror! Now I’m losing. I should have just chilled out, took a walk and come back to think rationally, but we can’t always control our emotions. I hate being 17. 21. Nc4?

Not exactly brilliant. 21. Qxd4 Bc5 22. Qxc5 Qxc5+ 23. Bf2 Qe7 24. Bd4; okay, so objectively Black is winning. But come on, there's a lot of play in the position, f4 f5 is gonna be strong, and the pressure is on him now. Often it's difficult for the side with the queen cause you know you're winning but it's not so easy. Not to be biased, but as a 2100 against a 1700,

21. ... Rxc4+

Now he goes on to crush me.

22. Bf2 Qa6 23. Qe2 Rxf4 24. Bd3 b5 25. Rfe1 Rg4 26. Bg3 Bc5+ 27. Kh1 Ng6 28. Rd2 Qb7 29. Bxb5 Bxb5 30. Nxb5 Re4 31. Qf1 Rxe1 32. Bxe1 Ne4 33. Rc2 Rd8 34. Rc1 Ne5 35. Nc3 Qxb2 36. Rb1 Qc2 37. Rb5 f5 38. Nxe4 Qxe4 39. h3 Qd3, White resigned.

.

2008 National K-12 Championship At A Glance Date: December 12 14, 2008 Location: Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Top Finishers: Kindergarten, Awonder Liang, Arun Khemani, Zane Ice, 6. First Grade, Benjamin Lu, 7. Second Grade, Winston Ching Tze Zeng, William Radak, Albert Lu, Richard Qi, Kevin Zhou, Sam Ferguson, Sam Witwer, 6. Third Grade, William Graif, 6½. Fourth Grade, Matthew Zeitlin, 7. Fifth Grade, Kyle Shin, 6½. Sixth Grade, Michael Bodek, 6½. Sev enth Grade, Andy Wang, John Hughes, Nicholas Rosenthal, 6. Eighth Grade, Hengyi Wu, 6½. Ninth Grade, Bob Shao, 6½. Tenth Grade, Marc Arnold, Alexander Heimann, 6½. Eleventh Grade, Jeffrey Haskel, Abby Marshall, 6. Twelfth Grade, Toby Boas, 6. Tournament Director: Wayne Clark. uschess.org

Boas’ “Constricting” Win

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBJECT

Expert Toby Boas (2112) of Florida won the 12th grade section by half a point, despite losing in the last round. ELIZABETH VICARY: I feel like there are a set of openings where the most important thing is which player knows the weird, totally “unguessable” positional plans available to each side, and that the Benko is the best example of this (see game at end of sidebar). Agree or disagree? TOBY BOAS: Definitely. There are a lot of different maneuvers that are so common in Benko positions. For black: ... Ng4 e5, ... Qa6 to trade queens, ... e7 e6 to break in the center, ... f7 f5 to weaken the center in the endgame, ... ... c5 c4 to allow c5 for a knight, d3 and c4 as outposts for knights. What’s your favorite one? A knight on d3, because unless I'm getting mated, I'm probably winning! What was the biggest/most difficult decision you made in the game? Hmm, to tell you the truth, all the moves were so natural. I knew they had to be correct so they weren’t hard to make. Which of your games was the most challenging? Number five, against the top seed. It was the only one where I felt like I was in a worse position out of the opening. He sacrificed a rook for what he thought was mate, and I was able to defend and consolidate. If he had played the position more calmly, he would have had good chances to beat me, I think. When he sacked it, did you think it worked at first? Or had you already calculated it? Well, he was spending a lot of time on that move (maybe half an hour), so I knew he was most likely going to make the sacrifice, but I looked deeper and saw that he most likely wouldn't have enough material to mate me with. So you were willing him to make it? Secretly? I suppose, but I was a little nervous as well because my king would be in danger. Is this the first national title you've won? Yes it’s great, especially in 12th grade since this was my last chance to win something in high school. Tell me about the chess scene/scholastic chess scene where you live? How much do you play? Do you have a program at your school or a private coach? uschess.org

I live in central Florida, near Orlando, so there are quite a few tournaments in Orlando every year. I try to go to every major tournament in Florida (so I travel to south Florida if I need to) and I occasionally go to one day tour naments in Orlando, but I don't really play a huge amount of scholastic chess. I’m homeschooled, so no team, and I don't have a private coach. How long have you been homeschooled? How do you like it? I've never actually been to public school, but at 14 I started dual enrollment classes at the community college near me. I honestly like the classroom setting better than being homeschooled, mainly because I think I learn better that way. Because it’s more structured? Or because you are with other people? Structure mainly, and it helps to have a lecture and a teacher you can ask questions to. What kinds of questions could you ask a teacher that you couldn’t ask a parent or find on the Internet? For higher up math (which I’m majoring in), it helps to have someone who can explain the process in depth (there’s only so much math my parents know up to!). Do you think being home-schooled has affected how you’ve learned/studied chess? I’m wondering if being homeschooled has made you more thoughtful about how you learn, and if this is possibly very useful in chess? It definitely gave me more free time to study/play online. I suppose that by being homeschooled, there’s more of a sense of independence in learning, which I believe is necessary to study chess. So what was it like having a full-point lead going into the last round? There was one person who could catch me, but I knew even if I lost, I would win on tiebreaks (although I definitely didn't want that!). How did the game go? I offered a draw early on to try and secure clear first, but he declined. I got an advantage out of the opening and got a nice attacking position, but got too carried away and neglected my king safety. Did you think about offering a draw

again, mid-game? I did, but I really liked my position so I figured I should go for the win. Did your game finish before or after the second board? I think it was right around the same time, but I knew for a while he wasn't going to win since his position looked slightly worse, definitely not better. It was kind of scary though; I definitely didn't want him to catch me. His favorite win was a sixth round Benko Gambit against Adam Weser. Benko Gambit (A57) Adam Weser (2093) Toby Boas (2134) 2008 K 12 Championship, 12th (6), 12.14.2008 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. b6 a5 6. Nc3 Ba6 7. g3 d6 8. Bg2 Nbd7 9. Nf3 g6 10. 0-0 Bg7 11. Re1 0-0 12. e4 Ng4 13. h3 Nge5 14. Nxe5 Nxe5 15. Bf1 Bxf1 16. Rxf1 Qxb6 17. Qe2 Qa6 18. Nb5 a4 19. f4 Rab8 20. fxe5 Qxb5 21. Qxb5 Rxb5 22. exd6 exd6 23. Rb1 Rfb8 24. Bf4 Bxb2 25. Rbd1 Bd4+ 26. Kh1 R8b6 27. Rfe1 f6 28. Re2 a3 29. Rdd2 Rb2 30. g4 Rxd2 31. Rxd2 Rb2 32. g5 Rxd2 33. Bxd2 c4 34. Bf4 Be5 35. Bc1 Bb2, White resigned.

Chess Life — April 2009

29

Correspondence Chess

2005 Electronic Knights Gillmore Hoefdraad, a Suriname native with a globe-hopping resume, wins the 2nd Annual Electronic Knights Championship By FM Alex Dunne

Gillmore Hoefdraad

The hottest player in the 2005 Elec tronic Knights Championship has to be Gillmore Hoefdraad. From sunny Suri name where he was born in 1962, won several junior championships, and repre sented his home country at the Luzerne Olympiads, to Mexico where he was an economist for the Center of Monetary Studies for Latin America and the Caribbean, then to the U.S. in 1999 where he discovered correspondence chess, and finally to Beirut, Lebanon where he worked for the International Monetary Fund. Gillmore has annexed the second annual Electronic Knights Championship. Gillmore had played an earlier Interna tional Correspondence Chess Federation correspondence event, and he liked the taste. His second tournament was the 2005 Electronic Knights and notes that “e mail has made correspondence chess much more interesting. It is quick, effi cient, and helps you stay on top on current chess developments.” Gillmore has had to juggle chess with his world travel. He writes, “I have met, through the USCF correspondence tournaments very 30

Chess Life — April 2009

nice counterparts who have been always understandable to my frequent time out requests or delays in responding due to my loaded work related travel schedule. When possible I have tried to reply from any corner of the world I was in.” Gillmore’s advice to aspiring correspon dence players: “If you love chess, but have a busy life, please play correspon dence chess. It will be very helpful when you retire and would like to play over the board again.” How does Gillmore play? Here’s a taste from the final round. Sicilian Defense, Yugoslav Attack (B78) Gillmore Hoefdraad (2058) Zachary Cohn (1721) 2005 Electronic Knights Final

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 0-0 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bc4 Bd7 10. h4 h5

The Soltis variation has given new life to the Dragon variation. Black is willing to engage in a battle on the kingside in the hopes of surviving long enough to even tually counterattack on the queenside. 11. 0-0-0 Rc8 12. Bb3 Ne5 13. Bg5 Rc5 14. g4

Gillmore chooses the most directly aggressive line from among many. Only 14. Kb1 has more adherents, but Gill more’s reasoning is that Black's counterattack has been postponed by 10. ... h5 and so he aims for immediate bat tle. Nevertheless, the modern (2008) vote is for 14. Kb1. 14. ... hxg4 15. f4 Nc4 16. Qe2 Qc8

And by 2007 the majority preference leans toward 16. ... b5 here with an occa sional success for 16. ... Na5. 17. Bxf6

There are still a few diehard fans of 17. h5 here. 17. ... Bxf6 18. Nd5

+q+ r k+ pp+l  pp+ +  p l p+ +  rN+ + +n NP Pp P +L+ + + P PP+Q+ + +  KR+ +R

After 18. Nd5

In the battle of opening theory, a crit ical position has been reached. Black's choice of 18. ... b5 is quite playable, but the move that has had the greatest suc cess for Black here is 18. ... Rxd5! 19. exd5 b5 20. h5 g5 21. fxg5 Bxg5+ 22. Kb1 when it has been Black who has been marking up the plus scores. 18. ... b5 19. h5 g5 20. Nxf6+

This apparent theoretical novelty attempts to improve Kubach Habermehl, 19 World Championship, which continued 20. f5 Rxd5 and drawn shortly after. 20. ... exf6 21. Qh2!

White has his queen’s sight set on d6, Black fails to see White’s idea and his game collapses. 21. ... Be6? 22. f5 Bd7 23. Bxc4 bxc4 24. Qxd6

And with an unanswerable threat on f6, White wins. 24. ... c3 25. b4 Rc4 26. Qxf6 Qd8 27. Qh6, Black resigned.

No defense Rxd7!

27. ... f6 28. Ne6 Qe7 29. uschess.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUBJECTS

Ken Coryell on his 80-acre farm in Ohio

Ken Coryell takes second place Second place was earned by Ken Coryell. Ken is a 59 year old self employed consulting engineer. He, too, is widely travelled, having lived and worked in many locations in the United States and overseas. He graduated in 1973 with a Masters degree in engineering from Ohio State University. He moved back to Ohio in 2000 where he lives with his companion Mary on her 80 acre farm. He has two children Lee, who recently graduated from medical school and Vir ginia who is working toward a doctorate degree in psychology. He enjoys home brewing, cooking (especially barbeque), playing the piano, church work, geneal ogy (he is a Mayflower descendent) and life on the farm. At age four, Ken learned the game from his father. Ken remembers watching his dad make his postal moves in an old Post a Log album. Ken himself was first drawn to correspondence chess in 1970 using his father’s Post a Logs. After col lege, his chess activity slowed down considerably until the early eighties when he began playing online through Com puserve and Leisure Linc. During the nineties, Ken’s time was taken up raising uschess.org

his children, but now he has returned to the chess wars. At age 59 and after a heart attack, he finds he can no longer see as much over the board with the faster time limits, but correspondence chess still allows for careful analysis and sharp games can still be played.

Material is even again, but White now has two passed pawns.

Torre Attack (D03) Ken Coryell (2075) Brian Stewart (2228) 2005 Electronic Knights Semifinal (Notes by Ken Coryell)

26. h3 Qe7 27. a5 R8d7 28. a6 Rd8 29. a7 R2d7 30. Ra1 Rxa7?

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bg5 Bg7 4. Nbd2 d5

Preventing e4.

5. e3 0-0 6. c3 Nbd7 7. b4

Looking for space on the queenside.

7. ... Ne4 8. Nxe4 dxe4 9. Nd2 a5 10. Nxe4

I am leery of gift pawns, especially from stronger players. 10. ... axb4 11. cxb4 Nf6

Already down a pawn, Black’s ensuing doubled pawns give White a slight edge. 12. Bxf6 exf6 13. Bc4 f5 14. Nc5 b6 15. Nd3

Bb7 16. 0-0 Qg5 17. Nf4 Rad8 18. Qc1 c5 19. bxc5 bxc5 20. dxc5 Bxa1 21. Qxa1

21. ... Qe7 22. Rc1 Rd2 23. Qc3 Rfd8 24. Bb3 Bc6 25. a4 Qd7

Interesting is 25. ... Qg5, but Black keeps watch on the two passers.

+

r 

+k+ r +   qp+p +l+ +p+ +  P +p+ + + N  + +L Q  P +P + + P P+ R + +   K

After 30. ... Rxa7

The game changer This allows the queen to penetrate the kingside. Better seems 30. ... Ra8 as it keeps Black’s Chess Life — April 2009

31

Correspondence Chess queen more centralized.

to the task.

31. Rxa7 Qxa7 32. Qf6 Rf8 33. Qxc6

24. ... dxc5 25. Na4 Qxa5 26. Rg3 Kh8 27. Nxc5

I thought about 33. Ne6 fxe6 34. Bxe6+ Rf7 35. Bxf7+ Qxf7 36. Qxc6 Kg7 37. Qc8 f4 38. e4. 33. ... Rb8 34. Bc4 Rb1+ 35. Kh2 Rc1 36. Qe8+ Kg7 37. Qe5+ Kh6 38. h4 Rxc4 39. g4 Rxf4 40. g5+ Kh5 41. exf4 Qa3 42. Qe3, Black resigned.

Third place went to John Menke. John has retired, but his games work on. Here is a rousing game against vastly under rated Johnny Owens. At the end, Owen silently withdrew leaving Menke with a full point, but Menke had all but earned the point and a resignation would have been a more fitting conclusion. King’s Indian Defense, Averbakh Variation (E75) John Menke (2358) Johnny Owens (1709) 2005 Electronic Knights Preliminary 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. Nf3 Bg7 8. Be2 0-0 9. Bg5 h6 10. Be3 a6 11. a4 Nbd7 12. Nd2 Ne5 13. h3 Nh7 14. 0-0 g5

Black plays to keep e5 under control, but he cedes dangerous space on the kingside. 15. f4 Ng6 16. f5 Ne5

The last few moves have produced an interesting give and take. White has gained some white square control on the kingside; Black has eternalized possession of his e5 square. White is stuck with an e2 bishop that is semi bad, and Black has a c8 Bishop without a proper diago nal. Black has weakened his kingside structure and White’s e4 is his weak square in the center. How both sides plan to take account of these advantages and disadvantages is instructive. 17. a5 Re8 18. Ra3

The rook plans a journey across the board to g3. 18. ... Rb8 19. Qc2 Nf6 20. Rb1 g4 21. b4!?

To counter Black’s kingside activity, White opens up a second front on the queenside. 21. ... gxh3 22. gxh3 Nfd7 23. bxc5 Nxc5 24. Bxc5!?

A rather surprising choice: White has decided to transfer all the action to the queenside (for now) where his heavy pieces dominate. All this he does, in order to then go back to the kingside. This is high class strategy, but Black is also up 32

Chess Life — April 2009

Now the effects of White’s plan are clearer Black’s kingside is very lonely. Given a move or two, White’s pieces will overrun the black king but Owens is prepared. 27. ... Nd7!

Vacating the strong e5 square to offer an exchange of pieces, but more impor tantly to exchange queens via the long diagonal when White’s attack is greatly diminished. 28. Nd3 Qc3 29. Rc1 Bd4+ 30. Kg2 Qxc2 31. Rxc2

A new phase of the battle commences White’s advanced central pawn mass versus Black’s nearly unmoved connected passed pawns. White’s more active pieces give him some hope for an advantage. 31. ... Nf6 32. Rc4 Ba7

Unappetizing was 32. ... Nxe4 33. Nxe4 Rxe4 34. Bf3 Rh4 35. Bg4 Bf6 36. Rc7 h5 37. Rxf7 hxg4 38. Rxf6 gxh3+ 39. Kh2 Bd7 40. Ne5. 33. Bf3 Be3 34. Nf1 Bg5 35. Rd4 Nd7 36. Bh5 Nf6 37. Bxf7 Rxe4 38. Rxe4 Nxe4 39. Rf3 b5

The skirmishes have gone in Black’s favor. His pawn mass split up, his attack ing chamnces gone, Menke has to dig in to prevent being driven off the board. His solution? Reinvigorate his attack against the black king. 40. Be6 Bb7 41. h4! Bf6!?

Black passes up the draw in hopes of scoring the win. After 41. ... Bxh4 42. Rf4 Ng5 43. Rxh4 Nxe6 44. fxe6 Bxd5+ 45. Kf2 Re8 46. Nf4 Bxe6 47. Rxh6+ Kg7 48. Rxe6 Rxe6 49. Nxe6+ Kf6 which online endgame databases rank this position as drawn. 42. Ng3 Nd2?!

Black fails to see the oncoming assault. Exchanging on g3 might lessen Black’s winning chances but it would also lessen his losing chances. 43. Rf2 Nc4 44. Kh3 Rd8 45. Nf4 Bd4 46. Rc2 Be3 47. Ng6+ Kh7 48. Nh5

White has brought his army to bear on the black king and now needs only to find a file for his rook to invade on. 48. ... Bb6?

This helps the queenside pawns to advance but abandons a tempo in the defense of the king. 49. Rg2 Bd4 50. f6 Ne3 51. Rg3 Bxd5 52. Ngf4 Be4

There is no defense by 52. ... Bxe6+ 53. Nxe6 Rg8 54. Rf3 Kg6 55. f7 Rc8 56. Nxd4 and Black’s game has fallen apart. 53. f7 Bf5+ 54. Bxf5+ Nxf5 55. Ne6 Nxg3 56. Nxd8 Bg7 57. Kxg3 b4

Exciting to the end the electrons were buzzing in this game. 58. Ne6 Kg6

Also losing is 58. ... Be5+ 59. Nhf4 Bd6 60. f8=Q Bxf8 61. Nxf8+ Kg8 62. N8e6 b3 63. Nd3 Kf7 64. Nec5 and White wins. 59. Nexg7 Kxf7 60. Nf5 b3 61. Nd6+ Ke6 62. Nc4 Kd5 63. Nb2

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

After 63. Nb2

Black forfeits. The game ended here, but the reader might like to match Menke and solve the position as White wins. Menke has retired, so we won’t get to see his solution, but the game could have followed this line 63. ... Kd4 64. Nf4 Kc3 65. Nfd3 a5 66. Kg4 a4 67. Nxa4+ Kxd3 68. Nc5+ Kc4 69. Nxb3 Kxb3 70. Kh5 Kc4 71. Kxh6 Kd5 72. Kg7 Ke5 73. h5 and mate will follow in due time.

.

2005 Electronic Knights At A Glance Date: January 17, 2005 October 20, 2008 Three rounds (start and finish dates): Round 1 (17 sections): Jan uary 17, 2005 April 8, 2007; Round 2 (six sections): September 2, 2005 July 17, 2008; Round 3 (two sections): March 1, 2007 October 20, 2008. Entrants: 126 Top finishers (weighted points): Gillmore Hoefdraad, 39.60; Ken neth Coryell, 39.00; John Menke, 38.35; Dean Barclay, 37.85; Patrick Ryan, 35.05. Weighted points in round one, a win = 1.0, a draw = 0.5; in round two, a win = 2.2, a draw = 1.1; in round three, a win = 4.50, a draw = 2.25. uschess.org

What’s The Best Move?

The Crown Prince By GM Larry Evans Keres’ Endgame Studies “Chess is art, creativity, a clash of personalities,” said Estonian GM Paul Keres (1916 1975). Arguably the strongest player who never became world champion, he used to be dubbed the crown prince of chess. Some books devoted to his games seldom mention these won derful endgame studies that he composed by age 20. Solutions on page 71. Readers are invited to send their posi tions in for possible consideration in this column. Send to whatsthebest [email protected] or mail to Chess Life, c/o What’s The Best Move, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

1. White moves

+

+

+

+ + + + +l + + + + + + + + + + + p +pp + + + + + Q k K N +

(a) Nd3 (b) Qc2 (c) Nc2+

3. White moves

L q + + + + + + r+ + + l +p+ +K+p P +L+ + p Q + + k+ +N+ + n + + +

(a) Be5 (b) Qxa1+ (c) Bb1+

uschess.org

2. White moves

+

+

+

+

+

+

+ + + L + + +n+ + llp + + p PP+ + +K+ + + kL+ + + +

(a) Bxd4 (b) cxb4 (c) dxc4

4. White moves

+

L + + p + +pNPk + + +p+ p+ +PR K P p +p+ + + P p + + + + +

+

+

(a) Kg3 (b) exf5 (c) Bxg7+

Chess Life — April 2009

33

USCF Executive Board Candidate Statements

Michael Atkins

Dr. Eric Hecht I’m running in this election because I wish to serve the chess community. I’ve served as a governor of the Marshall Chess Club and Marshall Chess Foundation, and I’ve been a senior sponsor of the Miami Open. This year I’ll contribute to the NY International Chess Tournament. I’m a medical doctor and member of the business community. My background in business includes finance and governance. I was trained as an analyst by several of the largest banks on Wall Street, having been a senior member of several firms. Recently, I’ve served on the boards of several health care companies. The USCF is a sizeable non profit business, and as such, needs the type of governance and financial oversight that I’ve worked on for other organizations. I believe my background could prove useful to the successful running of the USCF. — Dr. Eric Hecht

My name is Michael Atkins. I’ve been a member of the USCF since 1973, and a Life Member since 1984. I’ve been a Tournament Director since 1974 and a National TD since 2000. For the past decade I’ve ran the USCF Tournament Clearinghouse for events happening from Baltimore down to Richmond. Doing this has required working with multiple organizers in the attempt to reduce unnecessary conflicts. In this same manner, I would like to help the USCF’s Executive Board return to civility in its actions and re direct it back to supporting and encouraging the growth of chess in the U.S. I have no agenda other than helping the USCF get back on track and doing what is best for chess. I will never sue the USCF and anyone who does should never be on the board. Whenever possible all USCF actions should be open and visible to all members. Thanks!

—Michael Atkins

IM Blas Lugo I learned chess in Havana, Cuba when I was 13 years old. Since then I’ve devoted my life to this wonderful game. I became an International Master at 23, and I achieved my first Grandmaster norm in 1996 at the NY Open. I’ve been an active chess player as well as an organizer and trainer for the last 25 years. In 1996 I founded the Miami International Chess Academy where I’ve taught countless players of all ages. For the last several years I’ve been organizing the Miami International Open and many other important events. I have solid proven success in multiple facets of chess. I can help our chess federation. If elected to the USCF executive board, I plan to bring harmony and new energy to our organiza tion. I’ll concentrate my efforts in raising memberships, securing much needed sponsorship, and finding effective ways to cut expenses to make this federation stronger. — IM Blas Lugo

Opinions expressed are solely those of the candidates. 34

Chess Life — April 2009

uschess.org

USCF Executive Board Candidate Statements

Mike Nietman

Bill Goichberg

Being a USCF Executive Board member is a privilege. I hope my candidacy will earn your support. My chess experience is substantial. First joined the USCF in 1976, I’ve served on the Wisconsin Chess Association Board of Directors since 1984, and President continuously since 1987. During this tenure Wisconsin hosted two national scholastic championships, the 1990 World Youth Champi onships, two Yasser Seirawan Chess Schools and sixteen State Scholastics averaging 400 players; I was Chief Local Organizer on each. I’ve been a USCF delegate since 1987 attending seventeen delegates’ meetings. My USCF Committee experience includes: Co Chair of the Scholastic Council that is the chair of the Scholastic Committee, the Chess In Education Committee, the States Committee and various MIS committees. Professionally, I am a senior programmer/analyst for a large non profit hospital working with the Finance, Payroll and HR departments. My ideas for a better USCF will follow next month.

USCF Original Life Master, FIDE Master, professional chess organizer (founded Continental Chess Association 1968), National TD, International Arbiter, USCF Office Manager 11/03 1/04, USCF Executive Director 1/04 12/04. Graduated NYU (1963), USCF Rating Statistician 1964 67, co editor Chess Life 1966 67, member Policy Board 1975 78, 1989 92, 1996 99, NYSCA President, USCF President 2005 09. First to run USCF rated scholastics (1966), Quads (1969), non smoking tournaments (1973). Originated National HS Championship (1969), National JHS (1973), World Open (1973), National Elementary (1976), USCF Grand Prix (1979), National K 12 Grade Championships (1991), Junior Grand Prix (2008), Tournament of College Champions (2008), organized tournaments in 27 states including many internationals. Captain, World Champion US Olympiad Team (1976). Co editor Official Rules of Chess (1993); added much new material. While Office Manager and Executive Director, USCF improved from approximately $400,000 debt to $200,000 surplus, not counting building sale, with record profits in fiscal 2003 04 and 2004 05 after seven consecutive years of losses. — Bill Goichberg

—Mike Nietman

Jim Berry Vice President of USCF 2007 to present. Highest USCF rating 2090. FIDE rated 2054. Since 1991: • Played in 245 USCF tournaments including 7 recent US Opens. • Senior Tournament Director of 85 events. • Coached 5 recent Denker representatives from Oklahoma Organized 2007 United States Chess Championship. Chief Tournament Director for 2007 United States Women’s Chess Championship. Chief Tournament Director/Organizer for 2008 United States Chess Championship. Chief Tournament Director/Organizer for 2008 United States Women’s Chess Championship. President of Oklahoma Chess Foundation (USCF’s 1st Silver Affiliate) Married to same gal for 40 years. US Military Veteran. Served for last 10 years on Board of Directors of Stillwater National Bank a $2.9 billion dollar bank. NASDAQ: OKSB) Your USCF Executive Board needs both financial expertise and financial professionalism as well as an abiding love of Chess. Our USCF will have all of the above when you vote JIM BERRY for re election. Thank you.

—Jim Berry

Opinions expressed are solely those of the candidates. uschess.org

Chess Life — April 2009

35

USCF Executive Board Candidate Statements

Brian Lafferty

Brian Mottershead After graduating from Harvard in 1976, I spent fourteen years as an Engineering Manager for Digital, a major computer manufacturer, eight of them in Europe. In 1993, I started an Internet development company. In 1998 I became a VP of Engineering at Oracle, a former client. Since 2001, I have been a consultant. I now live in Carlisle, Massachusetts with my wife and two children. Returning to chess as a “Chess Dad” in summer 2007 I volunteered full time on the redesign of the USCF website. I am an active board member of MACA. I help run a scholastic chess club. The USCF faces critical decisions, and I am running for the EB to be an independent voice on the Board and to bring my solid technical, management, and entrepreneurial experience to the USCF. For more about me and my views on the issues in this election, please visit http://micaissa.blogspot.com.”

— Brian Mottershead

I’m running for a position on the USCF Executive Board. I’m asking for your vote because, as an organization, we need a sea change in the way we function. We need leadership with a commitment to trans parency, openness and fiscal responsibility. I have no competing or conflicting financial interests and would certainly disclose them in the unlikely event that any developed. The USCF needs leadership with: 1. The ability to actively listen; 2. The desire and ability to set reasonable goals in concert with others; 3. The ability to work toward goals through a consensus approach; 4. The ability to admit mistakes and seek solutions.

I have demonstrated my capacity to utilize the aforementioned attributes and hope to put them to work for the betterment of the USCF. My resume can be found at http://mysite.verizon.net/ vzewuo9u/brianlaffertysuscfelecti onblog/index.html I look forward to telling you more about me in future issues of Chess Life.

Sam Sloan Regular members who joined or renewed after September 24, 2008 may be wondering why they have not received Chess Life magazine in the mail. The shocking answer is the current board voted unanimously to stop sending Chess Life in the mail to regular members and to stop sending Chess Life for Kids in the mail to regular scholastic members. They have also notified the Life Members that they provide no guarantee that they will receive a paper Chess Life after 2012. If elected, I will do everything in my power to reverse these decisions. I am committed to restoring to regular members the right to receive a paper Chess Life magazine, to scholastic members the right to receive a paper Chess Life for Kids magazine, and to Life Members the right to receive Chess Life magazine for the rest of their lives. We should also start selling Life Memberships again.

— Sam Sloan

See Sam Sloan’s 100 word felony statement, mandated by USCF bylaws, on page 37.

—Brian Lafferty

Opinions expressed are solely those of the candidates. 36

Chess Life — April 2009

uschess.org

USCF Executive Board Candidate Statements USCF Election Any Youth category member who wants the May candidates statements may receive them on request. This applies only to Youth members who will be 16 by June 30th, since otherwise the Youth member will not be receiving a ballot. In addition to the 150 word candidate statements that appear in this issue of Chess Life, there will be 500 word statements in the May and June issues. Youth members are not scheduled to receive the May issue.

Ruth Haring

Dr. Mikhail Korenman I am currently living in Chicago and coaching chess in local area elementary and secondary schools. Some of my strong chess credentials are:

• Extensive experience working in non profit organizations. • Excellent success in grant writing. • Organized many successful major chess events, including the U.S. Junior Open and Invitational, the Pan American, the Final Four, and numerous world class FIDE tournaments. • Initiated the internationally acclaimed “Chess for Peace” program with Gorbachev, Karpov, Onischuk, Shulman, Polgar, Krush, Zatonskih, etc., that was featured in National Geographic, The NY Times, NPR, NBC, PBS, and countless print and TV media across the U.S. and around the world. • Served on the USCF Scholastic Council. • Current member of the Scholastic Committee. • FIDE International Organizer.

With my experience in multiple facets of scholastic, college, adult, professional, and women’s chess, I can help make the USCF a much stronger organization.

I am running for the Executive Board because I love chess and want to see it grow. USCF leadership should have experience in both chess and success in business. For 23 years, I have success fully managed large complex projects for IBM, Lockheed, TRW, and eBay. My experience will be of immense help to the federation. It will be my privilege to give back to the community that supported me at five Olympiads and an Interzonal. I have no personal or professional conflict of interest. My income is derived from non chess sources. With “one member, one vote,” it has become more important for members to be informed on issues rather than attacks on personalities. USCF leadership should be more transparent in the details and the rationale for its decisions in communicating with the membership. I have the experience to work with the USCF leadership to achieve common goals for the membership. For more informa tion, visit www.RuthHaring.com. I look forward to serving on the executive board, and hope you will give me your support.

—Dr. Mikhail Korenman PhD Education, Kansas State University

— Ruth Haring

Call For ADMs Advance Delegate Motions for the Delegates’ meeting at this year’s U.S. Open are due before June 1, 2009. They can be sent to Cheryle Bruce, c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or e mailed to [email protected]. Ballots Ballots will be available to USCF members whose member ships are current through June 30th as of midnight on May 1, 2009, and who will be 16 by June 30th. Further details will appear in a future issue of Chess Life. Sam Sloan Felony Statement The delegates, in their wisdom, have voted to give me 100 words to explain my court case in Virginia. I have eight children. One of them is Shamema, whom many of you met when I used to bring her to international chess tournaments. When Shamema was eight years old, she was kidnapped by persons unrelated to us and taken to Virginia. When I came to Virginia to try to rescue my kidnapped daughter, I was immediately arrested, tried and convicted of attempted abduction of my daughter.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the candidates. uschess.org

Chess Life — April 2009

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2008 Yearbook

OUR HERITAGE 2008 U.S. CHESS FEDERATION YEARBOOK For the most part, the information in this yearbook is current as of December 31, 2008. For the full version of the 2008 Yearbook, including contact information for USCF delegates, please see uschess.org.

USCF ANNUAL MEETINGS, MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS, AND FUND BALANCES Year

U.S. Open Business Meeting

Membership Fund (1) Balance (2)

2007 2008

Cherry Hill, New Jersy Dallas, Texas

81,827 80,578

(182,842) (257,186)

(1) Membership totals are given as of May 31 Totals exclude Junior Tournament Players and tournament members (2) Figures enclosed in parentheses are deficits

USCF PRESIDENTS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Presidents (1) Beatriz Marinello Bill Goichberg

Years 2003-2005 2005-current

Executive Directors (2) Bill Goichberg Bill Hall

Years 2004-2005 2005-current

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 Alexander Shabalov

2008 Yury Shulman Tulsa, Oklahoma • May 2008

U.S. OPEN 2007 Boris Gulko, Alexander Shabalov, Sergey Kudrin, Benjamin Finegold, Michael Rohde, Michael Mulyar, Anton Del Mundo

2008 Enrico Sevillano, Alexander Shabalov, Rade Milovanovic Dallas, Texas • August 2008

U.S. WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 Irina Krush

2008 Anna Zatonskih Tulsa, Oklahoma • May 2008

NATIONAL OPEN EDMONDSON CUP WINNER* 2007 Hikaru Nakamura

2008 Gata Kamsky*, Laurent Fressinet, Tigran L. Petrosian, Atanas Kolev, Ben Finegold, Josh Friedel Las Vegas, Nevada • June 2008

ARMED FORCES (INDIVIDUAL* TEAM) 2007 Larry Larkins* Navy

2008 Jhonel Baniel* Air Force Tucson, Arizona • June 2008

U.S. SENIOR OPEN 2007 Joel Johnson

2008 Larry Kaufman Boca Raton, Florida • April 2008

U.S. CLASS

Frank Brack, Steven Chen, Mariano De Medina, Mitchell Powell; B: Dylan James; C: Stephen Rugh; D: Kyle Hecker; E: Robert Settles; Unr: Gheorghe Socaciu Houston, Texas • July 2008

U.S. JUNIOR INVITATIONAL

U.S. BLIND

2007 Ryan Moon

2007 Jeffrey Siebrandt

2008 Jeffrey Siebrandt, Alex Barrasso Buckhannon, West Virginia • June 2008

U.S. GAME/10 2007 Not Held

2008 Hikaru Nakamura Las Vegas, Nevada • June 2008

U.S. GAME/15

NATIONAL ELEMENTARY 2008 Aleksandr Ostrovskiy Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • May 2008

NATIONAL ELEMENTARY TEAM 2007 IS 318 (NY)

2008 IS 318 (NY) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • May 2008

NATIONAL JUNIOR CONGRESS 2008 Jonathan Hilton, Gautam Nagendra, Samuel Ludlow, Sean Vibbert, Epiphany Peters, Michael Chen Anderson, Indiana • March 2008

U.S. GAME/30

NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH

2007 Ashish Vaja

2007 Alec Getz

2008 Emory Tate, Kirill Kuderinov, Albert Chow Skokie, Illinois • June 2008

2008 Michael Lee Dallas, Texas • March 2008

U.S. GAME/60

NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH TEAM

2007 Not Held

2007 Hunter College Campus School (NY)

2008 Emory Tate Skokie, Illinois • June 2008

2008 Odle Middle School (WA) Dallas, Texas • March 2008

U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONS

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

2007 East: David Grasso, Alisa Melekhina, Andrew Shvartsman; South: Lawrence Cohen, John Roush; West: Kevin Zhang, Edward Yetman III

2007 Alex Lenderman

2008 East: Hanon Russell; South: Event Not Held; West: Richard Ding May 2008

U.S. AMATEUR TEAM 2007 West:

Orange County Chess Club (Alexander Kretchetov, Ilia Serpik, Takashi Iwamoto, Krishna Kaliannan) East: Beavis and Buttvinnik (FM James Critelli, Evan Turtel, Evan Rabin, Nick Panico, Alan Kantor) North: Repeat Offenders (John Cole, John Langreck, FM Jim Dean, Drew Hollinberger) South: Four Found Fischers (Daniel Ludwig, Corey Acor, Eric Rodriguez/Jeffrey De Jesus, Anthony Felicione) National Playoff Winner: Team South

2008 West:

We Have Cox (Ben Marmont, Jonathan Cox, Robby Adamson, Landon Brownell) East: GGGg (Zviad Izoria, Roman Dzindzichashvili, Eugene Perelshteyn, Stephen Fanning) North: WI Chess Academy’s Surprise (Alex Betaneli, Ashish Vaja, Erik Santarius, Trevor Magness) South: The Foreclosure Doctors LLC 305.300.2055 (Gilberto Luna, Javier Gonzalez, Jeffrey Haskel, Bruci Lopez) National Playoff Winner: Team South February 2008

TOURNAMENT OF COLLEGE CHAMPIONS 2008 Daniel Fernandez Dallas, Texas • August 2008

ARNOLD DENKER TOURNAMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONS 2007 Warren Harper

2008 Daniel Yeager, Julian Landaw, Scott Low Dallas, Texas • August 2008

SUSAN POLGAR NATIONAL INVITATIONAL FOR GIRLS

2008 M: Daniel Fernandez; X: Jeffrey De Jesus, Ernesto Malazarte, Anton Solovyov; A:

2008 Courtney Jamison Lubbock, Texas • July 2008

Chess Life — April 2009

2008 Tyler Hughes, Gregory Young Lindsborg, Kansas • June 2008

2008 Dionisio Aldama St. Petersburg, Florida • August 2008

2007 William Aramil, Jon Burgess

2007 M: Alejandro Ramirez; X: Artur Safin; A: Andy Lin; B: Bradley Anderson; C: Ricky Durbin; D: John Sefton; E: Peter Harris; Unr: Spencer Scorcelletti

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2007 Marc Tyler Arnold

2007 Julia Kerr, Eunice Rodriguez

2008 Daniel Yeager Atlanta, Georgia • April 2008

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TEAM 2007 Catalina Foothills School (AZ)

2008 Catalina Foothills School (AZ) Atlanta, Georgia • April 2008

U.S. JUNIOR OPEN 2007 Under 21: Brian Goldstein, Edward Ju; Under 16: Miguel Fonseca; Under 12: Haoqing Wang, Jared Lassner

2008 Under 21: Maxx Coleman, Tim Moroney; Under 15: Garrett Wirka; Under 11: Joseph Stafford Lindsborg, Kansas • July 2008

U.S. CADET 2007 Evan Ju, Warren Harper

2008 Conrad Holt Lindsborg, Kansas • June 2008

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC K-12 2007 K: Aravind Kumar, Colin Zhu, Garrett Wright; 1st: Raymond Sun; 2nd: Alex Liu; 3rd: Luke Harmon; 4th: Patrick Chi, Joel Pena; 5th: Jarod Pamatmat; 6th: Vincent Zhang, Robert Perez, Derek Chang; 7th: Justin Karp; 8th: Darwin Li, Andrew Ng, Ben Gershenov, Chaz Daly; 9th: Alexander Heimann; 10th: Shinsaku Uesugi, Thomas Riccardi; 11th: Scott Lalli; 12th: Warren Harper; Collegiate: Chaitanya Vaidya

2008 K: Arun Khemani, Awonder Liang, Zane Ice; 1st: Benjamin Lu; 2nd: Winston Zeng, William Radak, Richard Qi, Kevin Zhou, Sam Ferguson, Albert Lu, Sam Witwer; 3rd: William Graif; 4th: Matthew Zeitlin; 5th: Kyle Shin; 6th: Michael Bodek; 7th: Nicholas Rosenthal, John Hughes, Andy Wang; 8th: Hengyi Wu; 9th: Bob Shao; 10th: Alexander Heimann, Marc Tyler Arnold; 11th: Abby Marshall, Jeffrey Haskel; 12th: Toby Boas Lake Buena Vista, Florida • December 2008

NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC K-12 TEAM 2007 K: Oak Hall (FL); 1st: Hunter College Campus Sch. (NY); 2nd: The Village Sch. (TX); 3rd: Horace Mann (NY); 4th: Horace Mann (NY); 5th: PS 124 (NY); 6th: Canyon Vista Middle Sch. (TX); 7th: Horace Mann (NY); 8th: IS 318 (NY); 9th: Gilbert High Sch. (AZ), Hunter College Campus Sch. (NY); 10th: Bellaire High Sch. (TX); 11th: Patrick Henry High Sch. (VA);

uschess.org

12th: Hanna High Sch. (TX); Collegiate: University of Texas at Dallas (TX)

2008 K: Oak Hall (FL); 1st: Oak Hall (FL); 2nd: Hunter College Campus Sch. (NY); 3rd: PS 116 (NY); 4th: Horace Mann (NY); 5th: Horace Mann (NY), Mamaroneck Avenue Sch. (NY), Ramaz Sch. (NY); 6th: IS 318 (NY); 7th: IS 318 (NY); 8th: IS 318 (NY), Horace Mann (NY); 9th: Bergen County Academies (NJ); 10th: Gilbert High Sch. (AZ), Bellaire High Sch. (TX); 11th: Bellaire High Sch. (TX); 12th: Columbus Alternative High Sch. (OH) Lake Buena Vista, Florida • December 2008

NATIONAL YOUTH ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 K-3: Outeng He; K-6: Kevin Bu, Kevin Cao, Sean Vibbert, Robert Perez; K-9: Andrew Ng, Matthew Dahl; K-12: Stanley Yang

2008 K-3: Winston Zeng; K-6: Michael Brown; K-9: Jeffrey Hung, Ian Santos; K-12: Ted Belanoff Brownsville, Texas • November 2008

NATIONAL YOUTH ACTION TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 K-3: Sprague Half Day School (IL); K-6: Kings & Queens (IL); K-9: En Passant Chess Club (MO); K-12: Delmar Loop Chess Club (MO)

2008 K-3: Americo Paredes Elementary (TX); K-6: Vela Middle School (TX); K-9: Vela Middle School (TX); K-12: Hanna High School (TX) Brownsville, Texas • November 2008

AMERICAN WORLD CHAMPIONS WORLD SENIOR

2008 Larry Kaufman Bad Zwischenahn, Germany • October 2008

CORRESPONDENCE CHESS A great many players are active in tournaments run and rated by USCF Most popular is the annual Golden Knights Championship, a three-stage event, although USCF offers several other options You’ll find advertisements for these events in every issue of Chess Life Many over-the-board players find that correspondence chess improves their play, and correspondence also appeals to those who for various reasons cannot play in over-the-board tournaments There is no limit to the number of games one can have going at once For further information, contact Correspondence Chess Dept at the U S Chess Federation, P O Box 367, Sayre, PA 18840 The correspondence rating system is similar to the OTB system, and a written explanation is free on request (a stamped, self-addressed envelope is appreciated) Players who earn ratings over 2000 and have 25 or more games rated are issued special certificates If you qualify and haven’t received one, please write to us International correspondence chess titles are awarded by the International Correspondence Chess Federation, an affiliate of FIDE Titles are awarded for outstanding performance in ICCF-sponsored events

U.S. CORRESPONDENCE CHAMPIONS 2005-2006 Edward Duliba

2007-2009 Thomas Biedermann, Lawrence Coplin

GOLDEN KNIGHTS CHAMPIONS 1999 John Burton

2000 Abe Wilson

AMERICAN CLASSICS

USCF ABSOLUTE CHAMPIONS 2006 Laurence Anderson, Walter Brower

AMERICAN OPEN 2007 Alex Yermolinsky

2008 Melikset Khachiyan Los Angeles, California • November 2008

LINA GRUMETTE MEMORIAL CLASSIC 2007 Enrico Sevillano

2008 Melikset Khachiyan, Andranik Matikozyan Los Angeles, California • May 2008

WORLD OPEN 2007 Varuzhan Akobian, Alex Stripunsky, Hikaru Nakamura, Chanda Sandipan, Leonid Yudasin, Evgeny Najer, Alex Shabalov, Victor Mikhalevski, Julio Becerra

2008 Parimarjan Negi, Alexander Moiseenko, Evgeny Najer, Lubomir Ftacnik Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • June 2008

NORTH AMERICAN OPEN 2007 David Pruess, Hikaru Nakamura

2008 Georgi Kacheishvili Las Vegas, Nevada • December 2008

U.S. MASTERS (AKA MID-WEST MASTERS PRIOR TO 1990) 2007 Jaan Ehlvest

2008 Event not held

PAN-AM CHAMPIONSHIPS PAN-AM INTERCOLLEGIATE INDIVIDUAL 2007 Kurt Schneider, Andrew Hubbard, Axel Bachmann

2008 Salvijus Bercys Fort Worth, Texas • December 2008

PAN-AM INTERCOLLEGIATE TEAM 2007 University of Texas at Dallas, Team A

2008 University of Texas at Dallas, Team B; University of Maryland, Baltimore County Fort Worth, Texas • December 2008 uschess.org

2007 Edward Duliba

ELECTRONIC KNIGHTS CHAMPION 2004 John Menke 2005 Gillmore Hoefdraad

INTERNATIONAL TITLISTS FIDE awards titles for outstanding achievement in three areas of chess competition: Over-the-board play, correspondence play, and composition

OVER-THE-BOARD PLAY FIDE uses a complex but flexible formula to detemine eligibility for OTB titles Basically the average rating of a qualifying event is used to determine how many points a titled player — a grandmaster for example — would be expected to make Players who score that number of points achieve a “norm” toward that title To earn a title, a player must make several such norms and fulfill other requirements, such as maintaining a minimum rating The international arbiter title is awarded to tournament directors on the basis of applications submitted to FIDE

GRANDMASTERS Varuzhan Akobian • Lev Alburt • Babakuli Annakov • Maurice Ashley • Julio Becerra • Joel Benjamin • Pal Benko • Vinay Bhat • Arthur Bisguier • Peter Biyiasas • Walter Browne • Robert Byrne • Larry Christiansen • Nick de Firmian • Maxim Dlugy • Roman Dzindzichashvili • Jaan Ehlvest • Larry Evans • John Fedorowicz • Alexander Fishbein • Josh Friedel • Alexander Goldin • Renier Gonzalez • Eduard Gufeld • Boris Gulko • Dmitry Gurevich • Ilya Gurevich • Ron Henley • Ildar Ibragimov • Alexander Ivanov • Gregory Kaidanov • Gata Kamsky • Larry Kaufman • Lubomir Kavalek • Melikset Khachiyan • Jesse Kraai • Boris Kreiman • Sergey Kudrin • Anatoly Lein • William Lombardy • Hikaru Nakamura • Igor Novikov • Alexander Onischuk • Sam Palatnik • Eugene Perelshteyn • Susan Polgar • Ken Rogoff • Michael Rohde • Gennady Sagalchik • Gabriel Schwartzman • Yasser Seirawan • Gregory Serper • Alexander Shabalov • Tal Shaked • Miron Sher • Alex Sherzer • Yury Shulman • Andrew Soltis • Alex Stripunsky • James Tarjan • Michael Wilder • Patrick Wolff • Alex Yermolinsky • Gennadi Zaichik • Raset Ziatdinov

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS William Addison • Victor Adler • Levon Altounian • Armen Ambartsoumian • Nilton Arias • John Bartholomew • Leonid Bass • Salvijus Bercys • Calvin Blocker • Andrei Blokhin • Jay Bonin • Joseph Bradford • Michael Brooks • Karl Burger • Ronald Burnett • Omar Cartagena • Kim Commons • Richard Costigan • Kong Liang Deng • John Donaldson • Daniel Edelman • Larry D Evans • Joe Fang • Daniel Fernandez • Ben Finegold • Andrei-Costel Florean • Edward Formanek • Igor Foygel • Dumitru Ghizdavu • Mark Ginsburg • John Grefe • Robert Gruchacz • Robert Hess • Gregory Hjorth • Robert Hungaski • Dean Ippolito • Albert Kapengut • Julio Kaplan • Raymond Kaufman • Igor Khmelnitsky • Boris Kogan • Danny Kopec • Irina Krush • Cyrus Lak-

TOP 50 FIDE-RATED AMERICANS Active players from the January 2009 FIDE Rating List 1 Kamsky, Gata 2 Nakamura, Hikaru 3 Onischuk, Alexander 4 Shulman, Yury 5 Akobian, Varuzhan 6 Becerra, Julio 7 Ehlvest, Jaan 7 Kaidanov, Gregory S 9 Christiansen, Larry M 10 Ibragimov, Ildar 11 Benjamin, Joel 12 Shabalov, Alexander 13 Kudrin, Sergey 14 Gulko, Boris F 15 Goldin, Alexander 16 Stripunsky, Alexander 17 Dzindzichashvili, Roman 18 de Firmian, Nick E 19 Ivanov, Alexander 20 Perelshteyn, Eugene 21 Serper, Grigory 22 Fishbein, Alexander 23 Khachiyan, Melikset 24 Yermolinsky, Alex 25 Sevillano, Enrico 26 Friedel, Joshua E 27 Gurevich, Dmitry 28 Kraai, Jesse 29 Bhat, Vinay S 30 Finegold, Benjamin 31 Fedorowicz, John P 31 Schneider, Dmitry 33 Gonzalez, Renier 34 Hess, Robert L 34 Orlov, Georgi 36 Foygel, Igor 37 Palatnik, Sam 38 Root, Douglas 39 Brooks, Michael A 40 Smith, Bryan G 40 Zatonskih, Anna 42 Rohde, Michael A 43 Krush, Irina 44 Robson, Ray 44 Sarkar, Justin 46 Shankland, Samuel L 46 Lapshun, Yury 48 Annakov, Babakuli 49 Bartholomew, John 50 Lenderman, Alex

g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g g m g g g g m g m g m m m g m m m m g m m m m m g m m

Rtg. 2725 2699 2659 2639 2619 2614 2595 2595 2588 2586 2583 2578 2561 2561 2557 2556 2550 2545 2541 2539 2522 2520 2519 2518 2512 2511 2507 2506 2495 2493 2487 2487 2485 2483 2483 2474 2473 2470 2469 2462 2462 2460 2457 2455 2455 2453 2453 2451 2448 2444

dawala • Yury Lapshun • Alex Lenderman • Dmitri London • Blas Lugo • Josh Manion • Salvatore Matera • Vincent McCambridge • Eugene Meyer • Marlo Micayabas • Lev Milman • Rade Milovanovic • Nikolay Minev • Walter Morris • Stephen Muhammad • Michael Mulyar • Steven Odendahl • Georgi Orlov • William Paschall • Jack Peters • Vladimir Prosviriakov • David Pruess • Stuart Rachels • Vasik Rajlich • Vivek Rao • Kenneth Regan • Larry Remlinger • Guillermo Rey • Bruce Rind • James Rizzitano • Ray Robson • Doug Root • Anthony Saidy • Justin Sarkar • Dmitry Schneider • Jonathan Schroer • Enrico Sevillano • Gregory Shahade • Sam Shankland • James Sherwin • Walter Shipman • Igor Shliperman • Mikhail Shur • Jeremy Silman • Bryan G Smith • Leonid Sokolin • Alan Stein • David Strauss • Eric Tangborn • Emory Tate • Tim Taylor • Rostislav Tsodikov • David Vigorito • Mladen Vucic • Joshua Waitzkin • John Watson • Norman Weinstein • Jay Whitehead • Elliott Winslow • Jonathan Yedidia • Vitaly Zaltsman • Anna Zatonskih • Dmitry Zilberstein • Mikhail Zlotnikov • Bernard Zuckerman

WOMEN GRANDMASTERS Camilla Baginskaite • Anjelina Belakovskaia • Elena Donaldson • Sabina Foisor • Anna Gershnik • Rusudan Goletiani • Alla Grinfeld • Anna Gulko • Irina Krush • Irina Levitina • Katerina Rohonyan • Jennifer Shahade • Anna Zatonskih

WOMEN INTERNATIONAL MASTERS Tsagaan Battsetseg • Sharon Burtman • Rachel Crotto • Vesna Dimitrijevic • Esther Epstein • Gina Finegold • Elina Groberman • Anna Hahn • Ruth Haring • Shernaz Kennedy • Inna Koren • Yuliya Levitan • Beatriz Marinello • Alisa Melekhina • Liz Neely • Alexey Root • Diane Savereide • Marilyn Simmons • Dolly Teasley • Cindy Tsai • Batchimeg Tuvshintugs • Julia Tverskaya

INTERNATIONAL ARBITERS Todd Barre • Frank Berry • Jerome Bibuld • Harold Bogner • Frank Brady • E Steven Doyle • Eduard Duchovny • Adam Roy Gale • William Goichberg • Mike Goodall • John Hillery • Randy Hough • John Hudson • Carol Jarecki • Myron Lieberman • William Lukowiak • Jim Meyer • Glenn Petersen • Boris Postovsky • Timothy Redman • Ira Lee Riddle • L Thad Rogers • Sophia Rohde • Eric Schiller • Robert Singletary • Frank Skoff • Bill Snead • Harold Stenzel • Robert Sutter • Robert Tanner

Chess Life — April 2009

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2008 Yearbook TOP 50 CORRESPONDENCE PLAYERS (from International Correspondence Chess Federation) Rtg. 1 GM Hans Jack Berliner 2726 2 GM Robin Smith 2642 3 GM John C Timm 2642 4 GM Alik S Zilberberg 2613 5 GM Dr Jason Bokar 2585 6 GM Daniel M Fleetwood 2579 7 SIM Timothy J Murray 2567 8 GM V Victor Palciauskas 2567 9 IM Rene P DuCret 2549 10 SIM Dr Edward P Duliba 2540 11 SIM Jon Edwards 2531 12 SIM Stephen E Ham 2526 13 SIM Jerry Weisskohl 2522 14 SIM Christopher T Sergel 2520 15 SIM Gary L Kubach 2511 16 SIM Stephen L Jones 2505 17 SIM Dr Anatole L Parnas 2503 18 Randy Schmidt 2501 19 IM Keith Holzmueller 2487 20 SIM Prof Max E Zavanelli 2483 21 SIM Michael C Proof 2477 22 IM Frank A Camaratta, Jr 2474 23 SIM Jon Ostriker 2471 24 John R Menke, Sr 2467 25 SIM Kenneth M Reinhart 2467 26 IM William Boucher 2464 27 IM Jeffrey L Tilghman 2459 28 GM Joseph A DeMauro 2458 29 IM Prof Robert I Reynolds 2457 30 IM Dan Perry 2452 31 SIM Dr Michael Millstone 2449 32 IM Hisham N Sunna 2448 33 SIM John C Knudsen 2443 34 Wesley C Green 2440 35 Mehran Divanbaigyzand 2434 36 IM Edgardo V Limayo 2431 37 IM Keith A Rodriguez 2428 38 Terrence L Gildred 2427 39 IM David R Meyers 2422 40 Paul H Lields 2420 41 Richard P Fleming 2419 42 IM Dr Martin Stengelin 2417 43 IM William E Maillard 2412 44 James P Monacell 2409 45 IM Robert Merton Jacobs 2407 46 Daniel Kopec 2406 47 IM Allan George Savage 2405 48 IM John Mousessian 2403 49 Thomas Biedermann 2402 50 IM Craig W Jones 2401

FIDE SENIOR TRAINER (FST) GM Lev Alburt • GM Boris Gulko • lM Michael Khodarkovsky • GM Susan Polgar • Boris Postovsky • GM Yasser Seirawan

FIDE TRAINER (FT) GM Miron Sher • Lou Mercuri • FM Sunil Weeramantry

FIDE INSTRUCTOR (FI) John Buky • Colley Kitson • F Leon Wilson

DEVELOPMENTAL INSTRUCTOR (DI) Jon Haskel

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZERS (IO)

Tennant • Paul L Thompson • Jeffrey Tilghman • Chris Van Dyck • Alan Watson • Walter Wood

CORRESPONDENCE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN MASTERS Gina Lo Sasso • Christine Rosenfield

CORRESPONDENCE SENIOR INTERNATIONAL MASTERS Jason Bokar • Richard S Callaghan • Tony Cayford • Edward Duliba • Jon Edwards • Kevin W Embrey • Daniel M Fleetwood • Stephen E Ham • Stephen L Jones • John Knudsen • Gary L Kubach • Jerry Meyers • Michael Millstone • Tim Murray • Anotole Parnas • N Eric Pedersen • Christopher Sergel • Jerry Weisskohl • Max Zavanelli

CORRESPONDENCE INTERNATIONAL ARBITERS David Adamson • G S Benner • Ted Bullockus • J Franklin Campbell • Maurice Carter • Tom Dougherty • Grayling Hill • Alan A Jones • Ben Koppin • Keith Rodriguez • James Skeels • Wesley K Underwood • Allen Wright • Max Zavanelli For more information on ICCF, write to ICCF-US, 1642 V Volusia Ave , Orange City, FL 32763, or e-mail zprchess@aol com

COMPOSITION

Class B Class C Class D Class E Class F Class G Class H Class I Class J Minimum Rating

MASTERS EMERITI THE MASTER EMERITUS title is a special honor awarded to players, now for the most part inactive, who led distinguished chess careers before the institution of the USCF rating system Current ratings of masters emeriti are not published if they are below 2200, in which case 2200 is the rating used for pairing and reporting purposes •Armando Bucelo, Sr.•

USCF AWARDS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 2007 Fred Gruenberg

2008 Al Losoff

OUTSTANDING CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Titles for composers of chess problems and endgame studies are overseen by FIDE’s Permanent Commission for Chess Composition The commission periodically issues albums of composers’ best pieces A composer receives points for each problem and endgame chosen for an album Twenty-five points are needed for an international master title, 70 for a grandmaster title

2007 Fred and Carol Kleist, Gordon Barrett, Stephen Dann

GRANDMASTER FOR CHESS COMPOSITION

2007 Steve Doyle, Ernie Schlich

Toma Garai

INTERNATIONAL MASTER FOR CHESS COMPOSITION Pal Benko • George Sphicas

INTERNATIONAL JUDGE FOR CHESS COMPOSITION Robert Burger • Newman Guttman • David Brown • Toma Garai

2008 Selby Anderson, Glen Buckendorf, John Hillery

SPECIAL SERVICES AWARD 2008 Hal Karlsson, Tim Tobiason, Alexey Root, Jim Stallings, Russell Harwood, Kerry Lawless

MERITORIOUS SERVICES AWARD 2007 Richard Shorman, John Hilbert, Dan Heisman, Grant Perks

2008 Luis Salinas, Gary Dorfner, Lloyd Hunter

COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR 2007 Financial Review Committee

SOLVERS

2008 Bylaws Committee

These titles are awarded by the Society of U S Chess Problemists Master Solvers: Robert J Bales Jr • Paul Birnbaum • Ted Brandhorst • David Dana-Bashian • Kenneth Davenport • Matthew Dickey • Richard Fellrath • Barry Keith • Eugene Levin • William Longren • Eloy Martinelli • Stephanos Pantazis • Martin Rubin • Peter Szusz U.S. Expert Solvers: Walter Anthony • Gabriel Balinth • Todd Barre • Ladislav Belcsak • John Blood • Albert Bobb • Joseph Bohac • Edward Boyle • Brad Bradford • Donald Burden • Victor Burdick • Renato Casalino • Gennaro Cozzolino • K A Czerniecki • Rob deFonce • Jerry De Gattis • Karl Deibler • Steven Dowd • Dunn Danny • William Fraser • Anthony Friemoth • David Funston • Geoff Gawdun • J H Ghoraghi • Anatoly Goldberg • Fletcher Gross • Charles Harnach • Bruce Johnson • Frederick Kagan • Henryk Kalafut • Edward Knighton • Thomas Langland • Maurice Leysens • Martin Lubell • David P Lynn • Alex Markevitch • Dan Maxwell • Monte McClure • Terry McManus • Ryan McCracken • Louis Meaker • Martin Moskowitz • David Moulton • Jacob Nemchenok • Mario Pachajoa • Jose Antonio Pagan • Stanley Perlo • Joseph Rettegi • David Robinson • Thur Row • Paul Salem • Paul Sayre • Herbert Seidman • Ricky Shepherd • Jerry Slavich • Alwin Sopungco • William Sprague • Dailon Stauvers • Dr David Steinberg • Paul Steiner • Hisham Sunna • Harry Tamvakis • Robin Taylor • Donald Thompson • Row Thur • Yefim Treger • Gary Ware • Dennis Williams • Robert Williams • Sidney Zarkin

CITY OF THE YEAR 2007 Stillwater, OK

2008 Tulsa, OK; Lubbock, TX

KOLTANOWSKI AWARDS 2007 Gold: Frank K. Berry

2008 Gold: Hanon Russell

U.S. CHESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2007 No inductees

2008 Joel Benjamin, Larry Christiansen, Nick de Firmian

SCHOLASTIC SERVICE AWARDS 2007 Susan Polgar; Brownsville, TX School District

2008 Steve Shutt, Michael Khodarkovsky, Southern Arizona Chess Association

ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR 2007 Sevan Muradian

Frank Berry • Jim Berry • Jon Haskel • Mikhail Korenman • Sevan Muradian • Eric Schiller

USCF TITLES

If you would like more info on FIDE, please check their website at FIDE com

OVER-THE-BOARD PLAY

CORRESPONDENCE GRANDMASTERS

The Tournament Life section of Chess Life lists hundreds of tournaments each month in varying formats — quick chess, action chess — something for everyone. If you’re new to competitive chess, be sure to see “How to Get The Most From Tournament Life” on the first page of the Tournament Life section.

2007 Gregory Kaidanov

Over-the-board (OTB) ratings are calculated by computer using a complex formula. An explanation of the system is available through a link on the USCF website. Players who earn OTB ratings over 2200 are issued certificates to recognize their achievement. If you qualify for a certificate but have not received one, please write us. Here are the ratings classes:

2008 Gata Kamsky

Hans Berliner • Joseph DeMauro • Victor Palciauskas • Robin Smith • John Timm • Alik Zilberberg

CORRESPONDENCE INTERNATIONAL MASTERS Gary Abram • Tony Albano • Wayne Ballantyne • Wesley T Brandhorst • William Boucher • Joseph Callaway • Frank Camaratta • Wayne Conover • Robert Cross • Karl Dehmelt • Alfred Y Deuel • Rene duCret • Doug Eckert • David Eisen • Bart Gibbons • Isay Golyak • Steven Grant • Keith Hayward • Herbert Hickman • Robert Jacobs • C Bill Jones • Graig W Jones • John Kalish • Spencer Kell • Edgardo V Limayo • Marc Lonoff • William Maillard • Michael Melts • Kristo Miettinen • John Mousessian • Erik Osbun • Robert Reynolds • Robert Rizzo • Keith Rodriguez • Allan Savage • Corky Schakel • James Skeels • Dr Martin Stengelin • Hisham Sunna • Eric Tangborn • Steve

40

Chess Life — April 2009

1600-1799 1400-1599 1200-1399 1000-1199 800-999 600-799 400-599 200-399 199 & below 100

Senior Master Master Expert Class A

2400 & above 2200-2399 2000-2199 1800-1999

2008 Jerry Weikel, Tom Braunlich

FRANK J. MARSHALL AWARD 2008 John Watson

GRANDMASTER OF THE YEAR 2007 Gata Kamsky

HONORARY CHESS MATES 2007 Donna Gruenberg, Jan Rogers

2008 Janelle Losoff, Annette Buckendorf

THE GALLERY OF DISTINGUISHED CHESS JOURNALISTS 2007 Alex Dunne, Yasser Seirawan

2008 Bruce Pandolfini

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JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 2007 Mig Greengard

2008 Macauley Peterson

CHESS CLUB OF THE YEAR 2007 Atlanta Chess Center

2008 Dallas Chess Club

COLLEGE OF THE YEAR 2007 University of Texas at Brownsville

2008 University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Tech University

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 2007 Mike Atkins

2008 Frank K. Berry

SPECIAL FRIEND OF THE USCF AWARD 2007 Garry Kasparov

2008 None

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS SAMFORD FELLOWSHIP 2007 Josh Friedel

2008 Irina Krush, Vinay Bhat

SCHOLAR-CHESSPLAYER AWARDS 2007 Vaishnav Aradhyula, Eric Dong, Francisco Guadalupe, Trevor Jackson, Peter Yeh

2008 Sarkis Agaian, Jonathan Cox, Benjamin Marmont, Michael Sobin, Adam Weser

WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX 2007 GM Zviad Izoria

2008 Alex Lenderman

USCF GOVERNANCE NATIONAL OFFICERS These elected volunteer officers constitute the Executive Board, the executive committee to the Delegates They meet quarterly and monitor the affairs of the Federation on an almost daily basis • President: Bill Goichberg, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577, chessoffice@aol com • Vice President: Jim Berry, PO Box 351, Stillwater, OK 74076, jaberrycg@aol com • VP Finance: Randy Bauer, 3923 - 153rd Street, Urbandale, IA 50323, randybauer2300@ yahoo com • Secretary: Randall Hough, 1826 Garvey Ave, Unit 5, Alhambra, CA 91803 randallhough@yahoo com; • Members-atLarge: Susan Polgar, Susan Polgar, c/o Polgar Chess Center, 103-10 Queens Blvd , 1C, Forest Hills, NY 11375, susanpolgar@aol com; Paul Truong c/o Texas Tech University, Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409-5080, paultruong@aol com

U.S. CHESS TRUST Harold Winston, 904 Royal Blackheath Court, Naperville, IL 60563

2008-2009 USCF COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Audit Committee: Grant Perks, P O Box 9830, Bexley, OH 43209, gperks@aol com • Bylaws Committee: Harold J Winston, 904 Royal Blackheath Court, Naperville, IL 60563, HJWinston@aol com; Mike Nolan 2410 Bretigne Dr , Lincoln, NE 68512, mnolan@uschess org • Chess In Education Committee: John Buky, 5825 W Patterson Ave , Chicago, IL 60634, chessteacher@comcast net; Dr Joseph Eberhard, William Adams Middle School, 901 East 3rd, Alice, TX 78332, jeberhard@aliceisd esc2 net or rhinotrainer@hotmail com • College Chess Committee: James Stallings, 5850 Belt Line Road #1512, Dallas, TX 75254, james stallings@utdallas edu • Correspondence Chess Committee: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782, captnhal@optonline net • Cramer Awards Committee: Frank Brady, 175 West 72nd Street, Apt 7E1, New York, NY 10023, bradyfm@msn com • Denker Committee: Dewain Barber, 524 S Avenida Faro, Anaheim, CA 92807, AmChessEq@aol com • Election Procedures Committee: Mike Nolan, 2410 Bretigne Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512, mnolan@uschess org • Ethics Committee: Kenneth Sloan, 218 Richmar Drive, Birmingham, AL 35213, sloan@uab edu • Finance Committee: Charles D Unruh, 12723 East 111th Street North, Owasso, OK 74055, chunruh@aol com • Forum Oversight Committee: Allen Priest, 7803 Wolf Creek Ct , Louisville, KY 40241, tyron316@hotmail com • Hall of Fame Committee: Harold J Winston, 904 Royal Blackheath Court, Naperville, IL 60563, HJWinston@aol com • International Affairs Committee: Michael Khodarkovsky, 80 Jesse Court, Montville, NJ 07045, mkhodarkovsky@ yahoo com • LMA Committee: Tim Redman, PO Box 2016, Denton, TX 76202, redmanink@yahoo com • Military Chess Committee: MSGT Steven Rollins, P O Box 342, Quantico, VA 22134, marinechess@yahoo com • Outreach Committee: Myron Lieberman, 1444 West 6th St , Tempe, AZ 85281,

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azchess@cox net • Polgar Tournament Committee: Dewain Barber, 524 S Avenida Faro, Anaheim, CA 92807, AmChessEq@aol com • Professional Players Health and Benefits Committee: John McCrary, 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201, mccrary@nuvox net • Publications Committee: Jonathan Hilton, 2590 Jupiter Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014, johnnychess@cinci rr com • Ratings Committee: Mark Glickman, EN Rogers Memorial Hospital (152), Bldg 70, 200 Springs Rd , Bedford, MA 01730, mg@bu edu • Rules Committee: David Kuhns, 12 E Golden Lake Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014, e4e5@hughes net • Scholastic Council/Committee: Mike Nietman, 2 Boca Grande Way, Madison, WI 53719, mike nietman@charter net; Stephen Shutt, 871 N Woodstock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, stephenshutt@yahoo com • Senior Committee: Charles Hatherill, 2147 Long Creek Court, Henderson, NV 89044, Kingsgambit50@earthlink net • Sponsorship & Marketing Committee: Tom Braunlich, 1610 E 55th Place, Tulsa, OK 74105, tom braunlich@cox net • States Committee: Guy Hoffman, PO Box 259822, Madison, WI 53725, schachfuhrer@hotmail com • Survey Committee: Tony Pabon, 4851 Manitoba Dr , San Jose, CA 95130, tpabon@earthlink net • Top Players Committee: Greg Shahade, 1534 Addison Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, gregshahade@ yahoo com • Tournament Director Certification Committee (TDCC): Tim Just, 37165 Willow Lane, Gurnee, IL 60031, timjust@comcast net • U.S. Open Committee: Jerry Hanken, 2012 Yosemite, Apt 1, Los Angeles, CA 90041, jerryhanken@aol com • Women’s Chess Committee: Polly Wright, 57 Joyce Road, Eastchester, NY 10709, ppwchess@gmail com

USCF REPRESENTATIVES TO FIDE • FIDE Vice President: William J Kelleher, 20 Melendy Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 • Delegate: Donald D Schultz, 3201 S Ocean Boulevard, Apt 703, Highland Beach, FL 33487-4716 • Zonal President: John Donaldson, 57 Post Street, #408, San Fancisco, CA 94104 • General Secretary, Americas: Beatriz Marinello, 330 East 63 Street, #3G, New York, NY 10021

HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH USCF members are part of a nationwide network To find other chess players in your area, send us a stamped, self-addressed envelope and request any of these special lists: • STATE ORGANIZATIONS: Contacting your state organization is the best way to find chess competition in your area Many states have active organizations sponsoring official championships and publish newsletters and magazines for members • CHESS MAGAZINES: Everything from local club newsletters to general-interest magazines regularly published in the United States • CHESS CLUBS: The addresses of chess clubs in your area • TOURNAMENT CLEARINGHOUSES: If you direct tournaments, you should check your tournament dates with the clearinghouse in your area This list is on the USCF website: www uschess org

START YOUR OWN CHESS CLUB If there is no Chess Club in your area, don’t despair Anyone can learn to run tournaments and send the results in for rating Chess clubs or individuals can become affiliates of USCF for $40 a year For information or advice about starting a club in your area, write to USCF at PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 Affiliates may list their USCF-rated events in Chess Life For more information, request a free copy of “TLAs in Chess Life” which explains how announcements are submitted

STATE ORGANIZATIONS Your state organization may offer such services as: a state publication, state championships, and tournament sponsorship/coordination Joining your state organization can bring you great benefits in chess involvement You may also be interested in receiving the publication of a nearby state’s organization: write for specific information to the one(s) that interests you • Alabama: Alabama Chess Federation Contact: William Worley Phone: 256593-7154 E-mail: dworley1@yahoo com Web: www alabamachess com • Alaska: Far North Chess Contact: Mike Stabenow Phone: 907-770-6518 Email: dfensman@natca net Web: alaskachessleague com • Arizona: Arizona Chess Fed, Inc Contact: Myron Lieberman Phone: 480-967-4054 E-mail: azchess@cox net Web: www arizonachess org • Arkansas: Arkansas Chess Assoc Contact: Stephen Paulson Phone: 870-373-0150 E-mail: d4d5@ yahoo com Web: www arkansaschess org • California, Northern: Cal Chess Contact: Tom Langland Phone: 209-830-0368 E-mail: tom@tracychess org Web: www calchess org • California, Southern: Southern California Chess Fed Contact: Randall Hough Phone: 626-282-7412 E-mail: randallhough@yahoo com Web: www geocities com/colosseum/ field/8184/ • Colorado: Colorado State Chess Assn Contact: Thomas Mullikin Phone: 719231-5663 E-mail: tlm@orbdyn com • Connecticut: Connecticut Chess Assn Contact: Jim Celone (no contact numbers or email addresses provided) www ctchess com • District Of Columbia: DC Chess League Contact: Ralph Mikell Phone: 202-408-1950 Email: ralph mikell@prodigy net • Delaware: Delaware Chess Assoc Contact: David Power Phone: 302-762-4695 E-mail: bikedavid@aol com Web: www delawarechess org • Florida: Florida Chess Assoc Contact: Harvey Lerman Phone: 407-644-3542 E-mail: harveylerman@embarqmail com Web: www floridachess org • Georgia: Georgia Chess Assoc Contact: Scott Parker Phone: 770-939-5030 E-mail: parker5025@ comcast net Web: www georgiachess org • Hawaii: Hawaii Chess Fed Contact: Larry Reifurth E-mail: gambit7@hawaii rr com Web: www hawaii chess org • Idaho: Idaho Chess Assoc Contact: Jay Simonson Club Phone: 208-529-3909 E-mail: rooknjay@yahoo com Web: www idahochessassoc iation org • Illinois: Illinois Chess Assoc Contact: Carl Dolson Phone: 309691-5154 E-mail: treasurer@il-chess org Web: www il-chess org • Indiana: Indiana State Chess Assoc Contact: Gary Fox Phone: 574-722-4965 E-mail: info@indianachess org Web: www indiannachess org • Iowa: Iowa State

Chess Assn Contact: Ron Nurmi Phone: 515-262-3958 E-mail: chessplayer@netins net Web: www iowachess org • Kansas: Kansas Chess Assoc Contact: Laurence Coker Phone: 913-851-1583 E-mail: wlcoker@ kc rr com Web: www kansaschess org • Kentucky: Kentucky Chess Assoc Contact: Rory Fugate Phone: 502-298-2299 E-mail: miamifugatte@yahoo com Web: www kcachess org • Louisiana: Louisiana Chess Assoc Contact: Alex Steger E-mail: stegeralex@hotmail com Web: www louisianachess org • Maine: Maine Chess Assoc Contact: Philip H Lowell Jr Web: www mainechess org • Maryland: Maryland Chess Assoc Contact: Allen Beadle Phone: 410-923-0483 E-mail: ajbeadle@erols com Web: www serve com/ mdchess/ • Massachusetts: Massachusetts Chess Assoc Contact: Robert Messenger Web: www MassChess org • Michigan: Michigan Chess Assoc Contact: Brad Rogers Phone: 586-786-0096 E-mail: bradleyrogers22@ msn com Web: www michess org • Minnesota: Minnesota St Chess Assn Contact: David Kuhns Phone: 763-786-2006 E-mail: msca_board@charter net Web: www minnesotachess org • Mississippi: Mississippi Chess Assn Contact: Ralph McNaughton Phone: 601-278-9670 E-mail: ralphmcn@ comcast net Web: www mcachess org • Missouri: Missouri Chess Assoc Contact: William Wright Phone: 314-822-5334 E-mail: m_c_a@mochess org Web: www mochess org • Montana: Montana Chess Assoc Contact: Daniel McCourt Phone: 406-721-0254 E-mail: mccourtdj@msn com Web: www mon tanachess org • Nebraska: Nebraska St Chess Assoc Contact: Tom Lombard Phone: 402-438-1504 E-mail: twl@alltel net Web: http//nsca nechess com • Nevada: Nevada Chess Inc Contact: Allen P Magruder Phone: 702-871-7088 E-mail: magruderap@yahoo com Web: www nevadachess org • New Hampshire: New Hampshire Chess Assn Contact: John Elmore Phone: 603-9180386 E-mail: johnpelmore@yahoo com Web: www nhchess org • New Jersey: New Jersey State Chess Fed Contact: Roger Inglis Phone: 973-749-4601 E-mail: ringlis@NJoyChess com Web: www njscf org • New Mexico: New Mexico Chess Org Contact: Arthur Byers Phone: 505-450-5849 E-mail: nmco@q com Web: www nmchess org • New York: New York State Chess Assoc Contact: Karl Heck Phone: 518-966-8523 E-mail: sldkth@nyair net Web: www nysca net • North Carolina: North Carolina Chess Assn Contact: Randy Wheeless Phone: 704-535-8743 E-Mail: rwheeless@carolina rr com Web: www nc chess org • North Dakota: North Dakota Chess Assoc Contact: Joe McNamara E-mail: sackamunr@hotmail com Web: www ndchess org • Ohio: Ohio Chess Assoc Contact: Thomas Green Phone: 740-368-3236 Email: tagreen@owu edu Web: www ohchess org • Oklahoma: Oklahoma Chess Assoc Contact: Albert Rine Phone: 918-749-6795 E-mail: rineal@cox net Web: www ochess org • Oregon: Oregon Chess Fed Contact: Peter Prochaska Phone: 503-504-5756 E-mail: pete@chessodyssey com • Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State Chess Fed Contact: Tom M Martinak Phone: 412-908-0286 E-mail: martinak_tom_m@hotmail com Web: www pscfchess org • Rhode Island: Rhode Island Chess Assoc Contact: Frank C Delbonis Club Phone: 401-212-1335 E-mail: rhodeislandchess@yahoo com • South Carolina: South Carolina Chess Assn Contact: David Causey Phone: 843-881-8460 E-mail: causey6@bellsouth net Web: www scchess org • South Dakota: South Dakota Chess Assn Contact: Terry Dean Likens Phone: 605-718-4263 E-mail: sdchess@rushmore com Web: www sdchess org • Tennessee: Tennessee Chess Assoc Contact: Angela McElrath Prosser Phone: 615-399-8432 E-mail: tcanews@aol com Web: www tnchess org • Texas: Texas Chess Assoc Inc Contact: Barbara Swafford E-mail: barbrounds@ gmail com Web: www texaschess org • Utah: Utah Chess Assoc Contact: John Coffey Club Phone: 801-856-4812 E-mail: john2001plus@ yahoo com Web: utahchess com • Vermont: No affiliate information available at press time • Virginia: Virginia Chess Fed Contact: Mike Hoffpauir Email: president@vachess org Web: www vachess org • Washington: Washington Chess Fed Contact: Gary J Dorfner Phone: 253-535-2536 E-mail: ggarychess@ aol com Web: www wachess org • West Virginia: West Virginia Chess Assn Contact: Thomas Bergquist Phone: 304-529-1986 E-mail: bergquis@marshall edu Web: www wvchess org • Wisconsin: Wisconsin Chess Assoc Contact: Mike Nietman Phone: 608-467-8510 E-mail: mike nietman@charter net Web: www wischess org • Wyoming: Wyoming Chess Assoc Contact: Allan Cunningham Phone: 307-635-3102 E-mail: adcdac@bresnan net Web: www members aol com/DDDJon/Wyoming-chess html

2008 STATE CHAMPIONS Alabama: Joe Jurjevich, Brent Inman, Alex Weiner, Scott Varagona • Alaska: Marven Breis • Arizona: Levon Altounian • Arkansas: Tony Davis • California, Northern: Sam Shankland • California, Southern: Enrico Sevillano, Alexandre Kretchetov • Colorado: Philipp Ponomarev • Connecticut: Sergey Kudrin • Delaware: Jim Erskine, Phil Saponaro • District of Columbia: Marc Rotenberg • Florida: Julio Becerra, Ray Robson • Georgia: Ron Burnett • Hawaii: Cornelius Rubsamen, Robert Lau • Idaho: Jason Evers • Illinois: Alexander Stamnov, Angelo Young, Albert Chow, Jon Burgess • Indiana: Garrett Smith • Iowa: Tim McEntee • Kansas: Christopher Purdy • Kentucky: Glenn Johnstone, Davis Whaley • Louisiana: Alex Steger • Maine: Jason Spector • Maryland: Tegshsuren Enkhbat • Massachusetts: Denys Shmelov • Michigan: Ben Finegold • Minnesota: Alex Balandin, Victor-Edvin Adler • Mississippi: Douglas Stewart • Missouri: Ron Luther • Montana: David Duke, Jim Skovron • Nebraska: Keaton Kiewra • Nevada: Glenn Bidari • New Hampshire: Braden Bournival • New Jersey: Mackenzie Molnar • New Mexico: James Wilson, Lior Lapid • New York: Alex Lenderman • North Carolina: Ron Simpson • North Dakota: Mike Sailer • Ohio: Carl Boor • Oklahoma: Devin Hughes, Jared Taylor • Oregon: Radu Roua • Pennsylvania: Peter Minear • Rhode Island: Miro Reverby • South Carolina: Philipp Lamby • South Dakota: Sandor Kustar, Nels Truelson • Tennessee: Todd Andrews, Ron Burnett • Texas: Warren Harper • Utah: Vanel Sanchez, Josh Smith, Tory Anderson, Damir Trtanj • Vermont: Haizhou Xu • Virginia: Adithya Balasubramanian • Washington: Gregory Serper • West Virginia: Benjamin Good • Wisconsin: Eric Santarius • Wyoming: Bruce Johnson

Chess Life — April 2009

41

Looks at Books

The Epic Rivalry: Kasparov Ascends the Throne

The first Karpov-Kasparov match was terminated on February 15, 1985. A few days later, the New York Times editorialized “it matters when a country formerly accused of noncompliance with arms treaties is credibly charged with fudging even the clear rules of international chess.” The Politburo wasn’t amused.

By GM Lev Alburt

Like many other world champions, Garry Kasparov always has been a pro lific, and deservingly popular, chess writer. His writing moved to an even higher plateau with the My Great Predecessors series, a project remarkable both for its scope and its high quality. Garry’s latest work, Kasparov vs. Karpov, 1975 1985, is a logical continuation of The Predeces sors. The book (hardcover, $45, 424 pages, translation from Russian by Ken Neat) is very well designed, and manufac tured to last for a long time. It starts with a brief “parallel lives style” history of both heroes, then presents an exciting game which the 12 year old author lost to the world champion in a clock simul, and three “reconnaissance in force” draws from the year 1981. More “education of a young Garry,” both in chess (coach Nikitin, mentor Botvinnik) and in chess politics (aborted, and then reinstated, Candidates’ Match with Vik tor Korchnoi) leads directly into a large chapter two, the first (unlimited) match. Then chapter three the match stopped and de facto cancelled, in which person alities like Florencio Campomanes (FIDE president), Vitaly Sevastyanov (president of the Soviet Chess Federation and Ana toly Karpov’s friend) and Heydar Aliev (Politburo member, Kasparov’s patron) reign supreme. Finally, chapter four gives all 24 games of the second, (not unlimited) match, where Garry, after dramatic defenses, won the 24th game (a draw would suffice) to become the 13th world champion. All 76 games are well analyzed, provid ing “insider” background, first hand psychology of each game, opening theory 42

Chess Life — April 2009

as it evolves from game to game, and usually just the right amount and the right type of analysis. History lovers, as well as practical players, from category D to super grandmasters will find many things to enjoy, and to learn. The Lonely King September 26/27, 1984, match game #6

+r+ +k+ p + +p  pp l+ + + + +p+P+ + q + + +  lN  n +  P P+ +  PL P L +Q  R  K

After 24. ... Nc3

Writes Kasparov, “Here it would have done no harm for me to remember that in my childhood I liked to arbitrarily divide the chessboard into right and left halves, and see what the balance of forces was in each of them. In the given instance, all Black pieces are bunched together on the queenside, having left their lone king to its fate. The evaluation of the position is obvious: White has an irresistible attack.” Garry played 25. Qd4?, and now writes “To this day I just can’t understand why I went in for the exchange of queens, instead of making an obvious attacking move in my style 25. Qf3!? or 25. Qh5!”

The Time Control Is Over? Then, Stop, Calm Down And Think.

+

r 

+

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

The same game, after 40. ... Kc6

Garry quickly played the losing 41. Rh5?, and on 41. ... h6, 42. Re5. Too late! 41. Re5! would have saved the game, as the white rook in one key line devours both kingside pawns; after gift move 41. ... h6, these pawns are no longer on the same rank. Making a quick after time control move is common among players of all levels; usually it’s done in order to avoid a for feit in case you’ve missed writing down one of your moves. Personally, I was put on the right path here by Botvinnik, who told me “Lev, go over your games and see how often you missed a move. Then find out how many points you lost by making a 41st move quickly.” The results? One in four hundred vs. at least three points deficit in just one hun dred games! After that, I never made just in case a move was missing quick after time control move (of course, if you believe you’re lost, you may continue uschess.org

blitzing, hoping your opponent will do the same and blunder). In Chess, Unlike Checkers, (Re) Captures Aren’t Mandatory

+

+

+

+

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

1st match, 13th game, after 46. ... gxh4?

Commenting on 46. ... gxh4?, Garry writes, “In expectation of the automatic reply 47. gxh4 (the basis of our analysis), after which White cannot break through ...” The key words here are automatic (try not to reply automatically, and do not expect only automatic replies) and break through (as an opposite to “to build an impregnable fortress.”) Karpov played 47. Ng2!!. (“The unex pected and brilliant move” generously and objectively noted Kasparov). The game continued 47. ... hxg3+ 48. Kxg3 Ke6 49. Nf4+ Kf5 50. Nxh5 Ke6 51. Nf4+ Kd6 52. Kg4 Bc2 53. Kh5 Bd1 54. Kg6 Ke7 Surprisingly, Black is worse off with the d5 pawn, which “boxes in” his king. If 54. ... Bxf3, then 55. Kxf6 winning the d pawn at the right moment, and then the game. Here Garry quotes Mark Dvoretsky, “In such cases the method of gradually driv ing back the opponent’s king is employed: The knight is placed on f5, and after the forced retreat of the king (the pawn endgame is lost) the White king goes to e5 or e7, then the knight gives another check, and so on.” Garry’s extensive use of quotes by other experts greatly enriches his book! Back to the game. Knowing the rules is good; knowing both the rules and the exceptions (47. Ng2) is even better, but how to know when to apply which? This time Karpov took a pawn; 55. Nxd5+?, which allows Black to escape (55. Nh5! was winning, albeit mindbog glingly if Black defends perfectly, which even the greatest players are unlikely to do here). 55. ... Ke6

Better 55. ... Kd6, leading to a draw. But even 55. ... Ke6, which allowed 56. Nc7+, winning a second pawn, should have led to a draw if only Garry believed that a draw was still possible. uschess.org

Abundance of Riches If you are simply too busy to have the time to study meticulously, game by game, page by page, that’s OK too! Just browse through the book, searching for interesting statements and positions (dia grams). Some games provide a true gold mine! Take, for instance, game 11 of the second match. An interesting (could well be used today) opening, which also occurred in several previous games; an “isolani” posi tion, where White (Kasparov) exchanged his d4 pawn with a typical thrust (16. d5), achieving a small and temporary advantage. Then fast forward to the diagram after 22. Qg4!

+r+ +k+ pl+r+p  p pn+   q  p + +L+ + + + +Q+ P + +N  P P +   PP+ + +R R  K

After 22. Qg4

Here Karpov “almost without think ing” played 22 ... Rcd8??, and the following “petite combination” should be easy, amusing, and instructive to nearly all players: 23. Qxd7!, winning. Choosing Your Opening— Follow the Leader One effective way to choose your open ings is to find a grandmaster whose choice of openings and whose style (both of play and of annotations) you like and believe you can, to a degree, imitate. (In some cases you borrow just one variation, in another, the entire repertoire). And, of course, the world championship match, and a first person account of it, can be especially helpful. For instance, you can decide to learn the Tarrasch Defense, which served Garry so well before his match with Karpov and two match losses in games seven and nine were barely, if at all, connected to the opening stage. (Alternatively, you may like Karpov’s handling of the white pieces). Looking for something clear, simple, and safe? Here are numerous Queen’s Gambit, Orthodox battles, with oppo nents often willing to play both sides of the opening, learning from each other and enriching each other’s ideas. The same is true for the Petrov Defense. And, of course, complicated Sicilians: Anatoly with white, Garry with black.

While Garry’s writing still preserves a lot of his trademark passion, this work, compared with his earlier accounts of the same events, is much more calm, even somewhat detached. Still, it should be interesting to compare Garry’s views on chess and non chess matters, with those of Karpov and his helpers. For instance, was Karpov striving to get his six wins without a single loss even if trying to achieve this goal required greatly pro longing the match? (I doubt it: say +6, 2, =10 (11 7), taking six seven weeks, is more impressive than, for instance, +6, = 26 (19 13), reached in three months which would have happened if Karpov won the 32nd game. Were the outcomes predestined as Garry (gently) implies? Could Karpov over come his exhaustion as he did in Baguio? Take a look, for instance, at a diagram below.

+

+

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

41st game, after 31. ... Rd4

After 32. a5! Rxb4, Anatoly thought for eight minutes and played 33. Rxd1, reject ing “the pretty intermediate move,” 33. a6!, which would have, quite easily, won the game and the match. Would 33. a6 have changed the course of chess history? Probably not, as we’d still have “K K” matches in 1987, 1990 (and perhaps beyond) as close and unpredictable as they actually were. The unexpected victim of the K K 1983 1985 brawls was Soviet ruling Politburo. Soon after the first match was termi nated The New York Times (usually pro détente and pro arms control) lamented in its editorial that if the Sovi ets cheat even in a chess match and that between two of their own players, then how can we trust them in the more seri ous business of arms control? Thank you Garry Kasparov for recon structing those glorious days of our game. We look forward toward the “normalcy” of your next volumes.

.

Garry Kasparov on Modern Chess, Part 2: Kasparov vs Karpov 1975-1985 (2008) by Garry Kasparov. 424 pp., London: Everyman Chess. List Price: $45.00. Available on USCFsales.com with a member’s discount for $42.95 Chess Life — April 2009

43

Back to Basics

Queen to King’s Rook Five, Check(mate)!

Of course, games like 1. g4 e6 2. f4 Qh4 checkmate are extremely rare. However, Qh5 checks (or ... Qh4) are frequent, and often truly consequential. By GM Lev Alburt

Sometimes very bad moves provide very instructive examples. Consider, for instance, 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f6?. Black’s sec ond move is bad on many counts: it takes from the black king’s knight its best square; it doesn’t develop; and it makes castling problematic (after White’s 3. Bc4). Not surprisingly, normal moves like 3. d4 and 3. Bc4 give White a real edge. But 2. ... f6 has an additional drawback: it exposes the king on that vital h5 e8 diagonal, thus allowing 3. Nxe5!.

rnlqklnr pppp+ pp + + p + + + N + + +P+ + + + + + PPPP PPP RNLQKL+R

After 3. Nxe5

After 3. ... fxe5 4. Qh5+ the normal defense, 4. ... g6, loses material to 5. Qxe5+ Qe7 6. Qxh8, and now an attempt to catch the queen: 6. ... Nf6 7. d3, as well as 6. ... Qxe4+ 7. Kd1 leaves White with a big, even decisive, edge, which leaves 4. ... Ke7 5. Qxe5+ Kf7 6. Bc4+. Now 6. ... Kg6 loses quickly to 7. Qf5+ Kh6 8. d4+ g5 9. h4. Black’s best is 6. ... d5 7. Bxd5+ Kg6, controlling the f5 square with the bishop. White now has three pawns for a piece, and a wandering black king as a target. When calculating 3. Nxe5 on move three, there was no need to look any further! Now, however, let’s find the best plan, and the best move. 8. h4 (see diagram top of next column)

threatening 9. h5 and mate soon follows. 8. .... h5 9. Bxb7! deflecting the defender of the f5 square (the same blow follows 8. ... h6). 9. ... Bd6, and now the most pre 44

Chess Life — April 2009

rnlq lnr ppp + pp + + +k+ + +LQ + + +P+ P + + + + PPPP PP+ RNL K +R

After 8. h4

cise is 10. Qa5, to meet 10. ... Bxb7 with 11. Qf5+ Kh6 12. d4+, winning (12. ... g5 13. Bxg5+). Going back to the first diagram, Black’s best is 3. ... Qe7 (not 3. ... d5? 4. Qh5+ g6 5. Nxg6 another “trick” to remem ber) 4. Nf3 Qxe4+ and now, of course, 5. Be2, planning to exploit the e file with the black king and queen on it to gain even more developing tempi (Remember: if your king is safer than your opponent’s don’t exchange queens!) The winner of this month’s award, Pre ston Herrington, didn’t know this Qh5 check idea very well and thus didn’t rec ognize the opportunity when it occurred. Writes Mr. Herrington: This was a blitz Internet game. My blitz rating on that Internet site was 1231, and my opponent was rated 2123. I fig ured I would see how long I lasted. The game was over quickly, but not without some surprises. (As usual, Lev’s further comments are in italics). Englund Gambit (A40) Preston Herrington (1231) Anonymous (2123) Internet blitz

My standard opening move. Especially against someone rated 900 points higher, I thought I would stick with the familiar. 1. d4 e5

This gambit can’t be good for black against top players, but it seems to sac rifice a pawn in order to change from a typical “queen pawn” opening (more posi tional) to a “king pawn” opening (full of attacking possibilities). 2. dxe5 Nc6

Developing and attacking the pawn. I am already aware that he will ultimately win the pawn back. Not so see my comment to 3. ... f6. 3. Nf3

Developing and defending the pawn.

r+lqklnr pppp+ppp +n+ + + + + P + + + + + + + +N+ PPP+PPPP RNLQKL+R

After 3. Nf3

3. ... f6

Attacking the pawn again. This move seems risky, making the black kingside more vulnerable than necessary. Fritz 9 suggests 3. … Qe7. The theory goes 4. Qd5 f6 5. exf6 Nxf6, with only partial compensation for a pawn. 4. e4

Here I chose development over the hopeless prospect of saving my pawn. A reasonable decision in an unknown position but why not take a look into ECO after the game is over? White’s best is to play 4. exf6, with advantage. 4. ... Bc5

Black likewise develops rather than capturing the pawn. uschess.org

Black should play here 4. ... fxe5, e.g., 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bc5, unclear (ECO). 5. Bc4

I considered 5. exf6, but now that we have a “king pawn” opening, I wanted to develop rapidly and castle. Here not taking the pawn is the best, but for a different reason than simple castling: White now has higher goals. 5. ... Nxe5?

r+lqk+nr pppp+ pp + + p + + l n + +L+P+ + + + +N+ PPP+ PPP RNLQK +R

After 5. ... Nxe5

A big blunder, but I failed to take advantage. I’m afraid I had already the mindset that the huge rating difference meant my opponent wouldn’t blunder. Also bad now is 5. ... fxe5 as 6. Bxg8 Rxg8 7. Qd5 wins a piece. 6. Bb3

Perhaps still in the “queen pawn open ing” mindset, I liked my bishop on this diagonal, but I was nervous that it was unguarded. I wanted to avoid 6. … Nxc4. I missed 6. Nxe5!! since 6. … fxe5? allows 7. Qh5+!, winning material. Also very good was 6. Bxg8! Rxg8 setting up the fork 7. Qd5! where Black’s best hope is 7. … Bxf2+. 6. Bxg8 was completely counter to my strategic thinking: (1) Bishops are better than knights in open positions. (2) My bishop is more developed than his knight. (3) My bishop is preventing … 0 0. I missed winning tactics while focusing on strategy, since I assumed a much higher player wouldn’t blunder. Everybody can blunder, especially in blitz. And strategic thinking should be brought in only after tactical opportuni ties have been examined. 6. ... g6?!

This still leaves me the option of 7. Bxg8!, since his bishop on c5 is unpro tected. Better for Black was 6. … d6. 6. … g6 also seems to make the kingside rather “airy.” 7. 0-0

Again, safe development didn’t hurt me, but I missed 7. Bxg8!. uschess.org

7. ... d6

Perhaps he saw the need to defend the bishop. 8. Nc3

r+lqk+nr ppp + +p + p pp+ + l n + + +P+ + +LN +N+ PPP+ PPP R LQ+RK

After 8. Nc3

Continuing my development.

8. ... Bg4

Likewise developing. I was worried after this move since my f3 knight was pinned and I knew I would be forced to weaken my kingside pawn structure with gxf3. It was better to worry before “continuing development.” White could have played, for instance, 8. Nd4. 9. Ba4+?

I’m afraid I panicked here, hoping for Black to retreat the bishop from g4. I could have seized the initiative with 9. Bxg8! Rxg8 10. Qd5 (forking the rook and the b pawn) 10. … Rf8. Next my knight escapes the pin with 11. Nxe5. Of course, 9. Ba4+ is an inexcusable loss of two (!) tempi. Interestingly, besides the “normal” 9. Bxg8!, White also could play 9. Nxe5 Bxd1 10. Nf7 and here Black’s best would be to recognize that keeping the queen is too costly and to return it with 10. ... Qe7 11. Rxd1 Qxf7!. 9. ... c6

The right move. Fritz now says the position is almost even, but in the game it felt like I was losing. 10. Bb3

r+ qk+nr pp+ + +p +pp pp+ + l n + + +P+l+ +LN +N+ PPP+ PPP R LQ+RK

After 10. Bb3

10. ... Qd7?!

Again my opponent gave an opportunity to take the initiative with 11. Nxe5, since 11. ... Bxd1? will lose a piece after 12. Nxd7. Correct. Thus, Black should have exe cuted his plan with 10. ... Qc8 aiming to go to h3 while avoiding 11. Nxe5. 11. Be3?

Developing and hoping to simplify and distract Black from his attack on my kingside. Best was 11. Nxe5! (see above), but other moves that kept me alive were 11. Bf4 or 11. Kh1, anticipating the posi tion after ... Bxf3. 11. ... Bxf3 12. gxf3 Qh3!

r+ +k+nr pp+ + +p +pp pp+ + l n + + +P+ + +LN LP+q PPP+ P P R +Q+RK

After 12. ... Qh3

13. Be6?

My bishop has to be on f4 to guard h2. So either 13. Bf4 or 13. Kh1 Nxf3 14. Bf4 was called for. 13. ... Nxf3+!!, White resigned.

Tactics reigned supreme in this game: first, missing Qh5+; second, missing (after the in between Bxg8) the double attack Qd5; then ignoring and overreacting to the pin (8. ... Bg4); allowing and overlook ing 11. Nxe5; and finally, allowing checkmate or the win of decisive mate rial. A rich field for studying tactics!

.

Send in your games!

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

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

Chess Life — April 2009

45

Endgame Lab

The Berlin Defense and the Endgame

The Berlin Defense (C67) in the “Spanish torture” is designed to head right into an ending. Benko brings us up to date on the latest in this potent weapon against attacking players. By GM Pal Benko

The third Grand Prix event of 2008 was organized in Elista, Russia. The Berlin Defense variation of the Ruy Lopez, a system that leads to an early endgame, was played four times here. Even Garry Kasparov praised it, label ing it as an effective weapon against attacking players, as Kramnik showed when he successfully used it against him during their world championship match. Typical win example GM Dimitry Jakovenko (FIDE 2737) GM Yue Wang (FIDE 2736)

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. 0-0 Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 9. Nc3

r+lk l r ppp +ppp +p+ + + + + Pn+ + + + + + N +N+ PPP+ PPP R L +RK

After 9. Nc3

This will be the starting point for the games that follow. Black hopes to com pensate White’s kingside pawn majority with his own bishop pair. White also has some developmental advantages, but the black position is hard to penetrate. 9. ... Ke8 10. h3 Be7 11. g4!?

White believes that his kingside advance is prepared well enough. 11. ... Nh4 12. Nxh4 Bxh4 13. Rd1 Be7 14. Kg2 h5 15. f3 Be6 16. Ne2 Rd8 17. Be3 a6

Too cautious. Instead 17. ... Rd5! and after 18. Rxd5 cxd5 19. Bxa7 b6 20. a4 Kd7 favors Black. 46

Chess Life — April 2009

18. Nf4 g6

Better is 18. ... Rxd1 19. Rxd1 hxg4 20. hxg4 Bd7, keeping the bishop pair.

Starts an immediate demonstration of his kingside forces. No time is wasted.

19. Rxd8+ Kxd8 20. Rd1+ Kc8 21. Nxe6 fxe6 22. f4 b5 23. b3 Rh7 24. Bf2 hxg4 25. hxg4 Rh8 26. Rh1 Rxh1 27. Kxh1

11. ... Nh4 12. Nxh4 Bxh4 13. h3 Be7 14. Kg2 h5 15. f3 hxg4 16. hxg4 f5

After trading the rooks White can carry out the f4 f5 breakthrough. Black has no counterplay. 27. ... Kd7 28. Kg2 Bb4 29. Kf3 Ke8 30. Ke4 Ke7 31. Bh4+ Ke8 32. f5 gxf5+ 33. gxf5 exf5+

Blockading with either 33. ... Kd7 or 33. ... Kf7 may have provided longer resist ance but Black trusted in his chances with diminished material. 34. Kxf5 Bc3 35. Bf2 Ke7 36. e6 Ke8 37. Bg3 Ba5 38. Be5 Bb6 39. c3 c5

Since 39. ... Ba5 40. b4! Bb6 41. Bd4 would have resulted in a winning king and pawn ending for White. 40. c4 Ba5 41. Kf6 c6 42. e7!

Prepares a break in for the white king.

42. ... Be1 43. Ke6 Bh4 44. Kd6 Bxe7+ 45. Kxc6 bxc4 46. bxc4 Kd8 47. Bd6 Bh4 48. Bxc5 Kc8 49. Kb6 a5

In case of 49. ... Kd7 50. Kxa6?, then Kc6! draws but 50. Kb7 and pushing the c pawn wins easily enough. 50. Kxa5 Kb7 51. Kb5 Bg3 52. a4 Ka8 53. Be3 Bd6 54. Bd2, Black resigned.

Black gave up because of 55. Bb4 and c5 is not possible to prevent but the immediate 55. c5? would be a blunder since 55. ... Bxc5! could draw. A similar process should come at c7 too after push ing the pawns to a6 and c6. Two pawns more !? GM Alexander Grischuk (FIDE 2719) GM Pavel Eljanov (FIDE 2720) See diagram after 9. Nc3

9. ... Be7 10. Rd1+ Ke8 11. g4!?

Opening up the position is premature due to lagging development. 17. exf6 e.p. gxf6 18. Bf4 Be6

Gives up defending the c7 pawn. (The trouble would be even greater after 18. ... f5 19. Rh1 Rg8 20. Rae1.) 19. Bxc7 f5 20. gxf5 Rg8+ 21. Kf2 Bc5+ 22. Ke2 Rg2+ 23. Kd3 Bxf5+ 24. Ne4 Ke7 25. Rd2 Rxd2+ 26. Kxd2 Bxe4 27. fxe4 Rg8

+ + +r+ ppL k + +p+ + + + l + + + +P+ + + + + + PPPK + + R + + +

After 27. ... Rg8

28. Rh1

The situation has cleared up after some complications. White is a pawn up but realizing the advantage is not easy. 28. ... Bd4 29. b3 Rg2+ 30. Kd3 Bg7 31. Bf4 b5 32. Rh5 a6 33. a4 Rg4 34. Be3 Rg3 35. c4 Kd7 36. Ke2 bxa4 37. bxa4 Bc3 38. Rh7+ Ke6?!

Simpler was 38. ... Rg7. Trading either the rooks or the bishop would ease his defense. 39. Rc7

39. Bf4! would have thwarted the acti vation of Black’s king. uschess.org

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

39. ... Ke5 40. Rxc6 Bd4 41. Bd2 Ra3 42. Bc1

If 42. Rxa6 Ra2 43. Kd3 Ra3+ etc. is equal. 42. ... Ra1 43. Kd2 a5

After 43. ... Rxa4 44. Kd3 is strong.

44. Rh6 Rb1 45. Rh4 Bf2

45. ... Rb4 looks OK.

46. Rg4 Kd4 47. Kc2 Rb7 48. e5+ Kxe5 49. Bb2+

49. Bd2 is even better.

49. ... Kf5 50. Rg8 Bc5 51. Rd8 Bb4 52. Rd5+ Ke6 53. Bc3 Bxc3 54. Kxc3 Rb1 55. Kd4 Ra1 56. Rxa5 Kd6!

White has a rook and bishop plus pawns but it is a theoretical draw. 57. Ra6+ Kc7 58. Kc5 Kb7 59. Rb6+ Kc7 60. Rb4 Rh1!

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

k

+

+

+ K + + PRP+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +r

After 60. ... Rh1

The best place for the rook is this cor ner so as to be able to give checks from both directions. 61. Kb5 Rh5+ 62. c5 Rh1 63. a5 Kb7! 64. a6+ Ka7! 65. Rd4 Rb1+ 66. Kc6 Rh1 67. Rd8 Rh5??

It is a pity to make this mistake after defending so well. Black just should make waiting moves. For example 67. ... Rh2 68. Kc7 Kxa6 69. c6 Rh7+ 70. Rd7 Rh8 holds the draw. uschess.org

Problem I

Gerd Wilhelm Horning (Germany)

L

+N+ np + + + + + + K + k+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + p

+

+

+

White to play and win

68. Kb5! Rh7 69. Rd5 Rh1 70. Rd7+! Kb8 71. c6 Rb1+ 72. Kc5 Rc1+ 73. Kb6 Rb1+ 74. Kc5 Rc1+ 75. Kd6 Rd1+ 76. Ke7 Rc1 77. Rd8+

Of course not 77. a7+? Ka8 78. c7 Rxc7! 79. Rxc7 stalemate. 77. ... Ka7 78. Kd7 Rd1+ 79. Kc8, Black resigned.

In the next games Black successfully resolved the question of defense against the kingside advance learning from the two previous examples. Blockade GM Peter Leko (FIDE 2747) GM Evgeny Alekseev (FIDE 2715)

Problem II

Alain Pallier, (France)

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

White to play and draw

28. Nf3

White’s advantage is insignificant. While White may try 28. Ne4 followed by Nc3, Black has the opportunity of f6 at hand but neither player found it worthwhile to continue. 28. ... Rh6, Draw agreed.

A modern treatment GM Dimitry Jakovenko (FIDE 2737) GM Etienne Bacrot (FIDE 2705) See diagram after 9. Nc3

9. ... Ne7?!

See diagram after 9. Nc3

The knight is unsafe on f5 so it goes to the more secure and effective g6.

9. ... Ke8 10. h3 h5!

This makes 11. g4 doubtful and stabi lizes the f5 square for the knight but it leaves the g5 square uncontrolled.

10. h3 Ng6 11. b3 h6 12. Bb2 Nf4!?

Now the knight intends to occupy the e6 square. It is unbelievable how many tempi Black can lose!

11. Bg5 Be6 12. Rad1 Be7 13. Rd2 Rd8 14. Rfd1 Rxd2 15. Rxd2 h4!

13. Rad1+ Ke8 14. Nd4 a5 15. Bc1 Ne6 16. Nde2 b6 17. f4

A further blockade without fear of the pawn becoming vulnerable later. 16. Bxe7 Nxe7

16. ... Kxe7 is also good.

17. Ng5 Bc8 18. f4 Nf5 19. Kf2 Ke7 20. Nd1 b6 21. Ne3 a5 22. Nxf5+ Bxf5 23. Ke3 Rh6 24. Nf3 c5 25. Ng5 Rh8 26. Nf3 Rh6 27. Ng5 Rh8

+

+

+ r + p kpp p + + + p p PlN + + P p + + K +P PPPR +P+ + + + +

After 27. ... Rh8

Finally White can start the kingside pawn advance, but Black’s pieces jump into play very quickly. 17. ... Bc5+ 18. Kh2 Ba6 19. Rf3

He must get rid of the pin since 19. f5 could be answered by 19. ... Nd4. 19. ... Rd8 20. Rxd8+ Kxd8 21. Be3 Bxe3 22. Rxe3 c5 23. Nd5 Re8 24. c4 b5 25. cxb5 Bxb5 26. Nec3 c6 27. Nxb5 cxb5 28. Rd3 Kc8 29. Kg3 Nd4

Having the pawns balanced and con trolling the d4 square assures equality. 30. Kf2 Kb7 31. Nc3 Kc6 32. Ne2 Nxe2 33. Rd6+ Kc7 34. Kxe2 f6 35. Rd5 Kc6 36. Rd6+ Kc7 37. Rd5

There is nothing better. Yet 37. Ra6 Kb7 38. Rxa5 Kb6 is good for Black. 37. ... Kc6 38. Rd6+, Draw agreed.

.

See the Berlin Defense used in Wijk aan Zee in next month’s “Endgame Lab.” Chess Life — April 2009

47

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Name DING, KIMBERLY STEINBERG, MAX XU, HARDY RAMASWAMY, RAHUL MOORE, KENZIE L TAVERNIER, CHRISTOPHER VEECH, JOHN XU, DANIEL WENKAI SINGH, REVA SHREE COTTER, SAMUEL SEGALL, ETHAN R CAI, JESSE SHIN, PHILIP AYCOCK, SAM SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA KHAN, JAHAN YUNG, CHUN PAN SACHS, HARRISON IAN GUPTA, KARTIK PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U

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Chess Life — April 2009

49

Tournament Life

Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates To qualify, an event must be USCF rated (regular or quick) and meet these criteria: • All USCF rated players over 2199 must be eligible to play in the top (or only) section. • The prize fund for which all masters are eligible must equal or exceed $300 guaranteed. • Class prizes for Under 2300 or a higher rating requirement qualify towards GP points, but if they exceed 25% of the total qualifying Grand Prix money, they count as 25% of the total. • Other than entry fees and USCF dues, no charges over $25 are permitted. • The tournament must be submitted for the Tournament Life section of Chess Life and designated by the submitter as a Grand Prix tournament. • Only players who are USCF members during the tournament may earn GP points. Foreign GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs can play without being members, but they will not obtain Grand Prix points unless they join. • Conditions concerning USCF Grand Prix tournaments are subject to review and adjustment by the USCF Executive Director. The top prizes must be unconditionally guaranteed (or if a Grand Prix event’s prize fund is based on entries, only the absolutely guaranteed minimum payout counts for point awards) and announced in Chess Life. Even if prizes are raised at the tourna ment, no additional points can be awarded because the bonus would be unfair to players who may otherwise have entered. If you have questions about the Grand Prix, please contact Chuck Lovin good at [email protected] or 931 787 1234 ext. 148. Organizing a 2009 Grand Prix Event

The tournament director has the right to shorten the basic time control, in min utes, by the time delay used, in seconds. Example: Clocks for G/60 with 5 second time delay (t/d5) may be set at 55 min utes instead of 60. There is no requirement to advertise this option in advance. It may also be used for games starting later than the official starting time of any particular round even when not used otherwise. Tournament Directors

To speed up the processing of rating reports, USCF now asks that wherever possible these reports have IDs for every player. If you collect a new membership, do not submit your rating report until your disk and paper reports include that player’s ID number. To assist TDs in doing this, we have made several enhancements to our web server which will speed up online mem bership processing and give TDs a quick way to obtain USCF IDs for new member ships. We also recommend that TDs use the Member Services Area to check for mem ber IDs. The search capabilities of MSA have been enhanced to assist TDs in find ing existing member IDs. For more details, please check the USCF website: www.uschess.org/rtgchange.php. Organizers, TDs and Affiliates

Professional Players Health and Benefits Fund

Many Grand Prix tournament organiz ers will contribute $1 per player to the Professional Health & Benefits Fund. All Grand Prix tournaments that participate in this program are entitled to be pro moted to the next higher Grand Prix category for example, a 6 point tourna ment would become a 10 point tourna ment. Points in the top category are promoted 50%.

Guaranteed Grand Prix points awarded for: Top Prizes

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

$300-$499

6

Tot

$500-$749

8

2

10

$750-$999

10

5

15

$1,000-$1,499

12

8

20

$1,500-$1,999

14 10 6

30

$2,000-$2,499

16 12 8

$2,500-$2,999

18 14 10 6

2

$3,000-$3,999

20 16 12 8

4

$4,000-$4,999

22 18 15 12 8

$5,000-$5,999

24 20 17 14 11 8

$6,000-$9,999

26 22 19 16 13 10 8

6

4

40 50 60 5

80 6

100 6

120

$10,000-$29,999 30 26 23 20 16 13 10 8

4

150

$30,000 & up

36 32 29 26 21 18 14 12

8

4

200

$ (Enhanced)

54 48 44 39 31 27 21 18

12 6

300

Points involved divided equally (rounded to two decimal points) among tied players. 50

Chess Life — April 2009

Chess Life TLA Deadlines Cover date

TLA must be received by

Tournaments beginning

Expected release

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Nov. 10 Dec.10 Jan. 10 Feb. 10 March 10 April 10 May 10 June 10 July 10 Aug. 10 Sept. 10 Oct. 10

Jan. 15 Feb. 15 March 15 April 15 May 15 June 15 July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15 Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15

End Dec. End Jan. End Feb. End March End April End May End June End July End Aug. End Sept. End Oct. End Nov.

No Tournaments in your area? Why not organize one?

It’s not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if you use a low cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either a based on Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a tro phy tournament will virtually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out in prizes. The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating supplement and have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them wouldn’t be held if the organizer/TD couldn’t play. Want to know more? Contact Joan Du Bois at [email protected]. We’ll be glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess! If at all possible, please e mail your TLAs. This will help to reduce errors. [email protected] fax: 931 787 1200 TLA Department U.S. Chess Federation PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557 TLAs received after the 10th of the deadline month will not appear in the issue currently being processed. Submissions

.

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

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

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

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

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

**Purchased online only

uschess.org

Information for Players If not a member, add dues to advance entry fee or pay them with entry fee at site. U.S. Championship Qualifier. Tournament in which qualification spots for the U.S. Championship are awarded. American Classic. Generally, an event that has been held by one organizer for the last three years and has attracted more than 400 players each year. Heritage Event. Tournament held for at least 25 years. Quick Chess. Tournaments with time con trols of G/5 to G/29. There is a separate “quick” or “overall” rating system that includes these events, and games played in these tournaments will not affect a player's regular rating. Games played with a time control of G/30 through G/60 will be rated in both the quick/overall system and the regular system. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.

In most events, you don’t have to win the tournament to win a prize you can win a class prize as a top scorer of your rating group, or a section prize in a section restricted to your rating group. These rat ing groups are: Rating Classes

Senior Master - 2400 & up Master 2200-2399 Class C Expert 2000-2199 Class D Class A 1800-1999 Class E Class B 1600-1799 Class F

1400-1599 1200-1399 1000-1199 800-999

Class G 600-799 Class H 400-599 Class I 200-399 Class J 199/below

Some tournaments use different groups such as 1900 2099, and some have “under’’ prizes or sections including all below a specified level. You never lose your rating, no matter how long it has been since you last played. If you return after a long absence, please tell the director and USCF your approxi mate rating and last year of play. If you have a FIDE rating, or a rating or category from any other country, no mat ter how many years ago, you are not unrated. FIDE or foreign ratings may be Ratings Information

rejected or have adjustment points added. If details are not announced, players wish ing to use such ratings should contact the organizer in advance. For foreign players with multiple rat ings (USCF, FIDE, CFC, FQE, other foreign), the highest rating is used, with possible adjustment points added, unless otherwise announced. Ratings based on 4 25 games are called “provisional ratings” to indicate they are less reliable than established ratings. How ever, such ratings are valid for pairing and prize purposes at all USCF rated events, unless otherwise stated. A Director may assign an estimated rat ing to any player, and may expel an improperly rated player from an event.

TLA ads for entering options. Along with entry fee, send full name, address, USCF ID number, expiration date, and section desired (if any). Also, give your last official USCF rating from your magazine label (first 4 numbers on top row). If you are unrated, or have a rating from many years ago, be sure to indicate this. Your official USCF rating is on the top line of your mailing label: Regular, Quick, and Corre spondence. Mailed entries are usually not acknowl edged unless you enclose a self addressed postcard. If entering online, print confirma tion of entry. They are refundable if you withdraw before Round 1 is paired, unless otherwise stated. For National Events, refund requests must be submitted in writing no later than Hotel-Motel Rates 30 days after the tournament ends. Any Rates listed are often special chess requests made after this date may not be rates you must request “chess rates’’ or honored. you will be charged more. The chess rates may be unavailable if not reserved sev If You Must Withdraw If you enter by mail and cannot attend, eral weeks in advance, or if the block of chess rooms is used up. Hotel desk per or must drop out of a tournament in sonnel are often poorly informed about progress, it is important you give notice chess rates if that is the case, ask for the before pairings are started, so no one is Sales Office or contact the tournament deprived of a game. Mail entrants should send withdrawal notices at least a week organizer. beforehand phone any later than this. What to Take to a Tournament To withdraw by phone on tournament day, Along with a pen or pencil and your call the site and ask specifically for “the USCF ID card (or current Chess Life), take chess tournament.’’ E mail withdrawals a chessboard, set, and clock if you have several days in advance are acceptable if them. the TD’s e mail address is listed. Any later For prizes of $600 or more, bring your than this, both e mail your withdrawal U.S. Social Security card. If you have no and call the tournament site as the TD Social Security number, the organizer might not have access to his (her) e mail must deduct 30% from your prize for the account. If you forfeit without notice, you IRS (this includes foreigners). may be fined up to the amount of the Warning! The use of a cell phone in the entry fee. tournament room is prohibited at most tournaments. If your cell phone rings in a Tournament Directors Tournament Director Certification is an room with games in progress, you could be endorsement of professional competence penalized, or even forfeited. only. Such certification does not in itself How to Enter in Advance render any Tournament Director an agent Entering by mail or online (if available) of the USCF, nor is any Affiliate an agent is easier for both you and the tournament of the USCF. organizer and often costs less. Check the

.

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

uschess.org

Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous page). Ent: Where to mail entries. FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has 75 minutes for the entire game. GPP: Grand Prix Points available. HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. JGP: Junior Grand Prix Memb. req’d: Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers to state affiliate. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong players, but some eligible for lower sections can play for the learning experience.

OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues. PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits Fund. Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength players. RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day. Reg: Registration at site. RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). S: Smoking allowed. SASE: For more info, send self-addressed stamped envelope.

SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then complete the rest of the game in an hour. Section: A division of a tournament, usually excluding players above a specified rating. Players in a section face only each other, not those in other sections. SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of rounds). T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. Unr: Unrated. USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues. W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. WEB: Tournaments that will use a player’s on-line rating.

Chess Life — April 2009

51

52

Chess Life — April 2009

uschess.org

Tournament Life

USCF National Events See TLA in this issue for details: 2009 All Girls Open Championships April 24 26 • Dallas, Texas 2009 U.S. Amateur - West May 23 25 • Tucson, Arizona 66th Annual U.S. Amateur - East May 23 25 • Somerset, New Jersey 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship June 4 • Las Vegas, Nevada 2009 National Open Chess Festival June 4 7 • Las Vegas, Nevada 2009 U.S. Junior Open July 10 12 • Waukesha, Wisconsin 110th U.S. Open August 1 9 • Indianapolis, Indiana 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship August 22 • Skokie, Illinois 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship August 23 • Skokie, Illinois 2009 National Youth Action November 20 22 • Oak Brook, Illinois

Future Events (Watch for details)

2009 U.S. Championship May 7 17 • St. Louis, Missouri 2009 U.S. Cadet July 6 10 • Crossville, Tennessee 2009 U.S. Junior Closed July 12 17 • Waukesha, Wisconsin 2009 GM Susan Polgar National Invitational Tournament for Girls July 26 31 • Lubbock, Texas 2009 Denker Tournament of State High School Champions August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana 2009 Tournament of College Champions August 1 4 • Indianapolis, Indiana 2009 U.S. Senior Open September 5 7 • Tulsa, Oklahoma See www.uschess.org or May CL for details.

2009 U.S. Women’s Open (NEW) September 5 7 • Tulsa, Oklahoma

See www.uschess.org or May CL for details.

2009 U.S. Women’s Championship October 2 12 • St. Louis, Missouri 2009 National Scholastic (K-12) December 11 13 • Dallas, Texas 2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate December 27 30 • South Padre Island, Texas

2010 National Junior High Championship April 9 11 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 2010 Senior High Championship April 16 18 • Columbus, Ohio 2010 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 7 9 • Atlanta, Georgia 2010 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship Dec. 10 12 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2011 National Elementary (K-6) Championship May 6 8 • Dallas, Texas

Noote: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their events. Bids on the following tournaments are past deadline and will be considered immediately:

Overdue Bids

2009 U.S. Amateur (South, North, East) 2009 U.S. G/15 (QC) 2009 U.S. Masters 2009 Collegiate Final Four 2010 U.S. Open*

Bids due by June 15, 2009:

2010 U.S. Masters 2010 U.S. Amateur Team (East, North, South, West) 2010 U.S. Class Championship 2010 U.S. Amateur (East, North, South, West) 2010 U.S. Game/60 2010 U.S. Game/30 2010 U.S. Game/10 (QC) 2010 U.S. Game/15 (QC) 2010 U.S. Junior Chess Congress 2010 U.S. Junior Closed 2010 U.S. Senior Open 2010 National Youth Action 2011 U.S. Open*

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

Bidding Deadlines

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

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

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

uschess.org

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

TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of USCF members and for informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S. Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having questions concerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work. SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: [email protected] (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand Prix information see pg. 50-51 or check www. uschess.org/ tla/grprixstdarc.php and click on a WCL GP Summary. Payment can be done online through the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

Nationals

All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en try fee or pay them with entry at site. April 24-26, Texas Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships 6SS G/60, Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; Phone: (800) 233-1234 or 214-651-1234 Mention All Girls National Chess Tournament for special Hotel rate: $109 Reserve By 4/1. 6 sections: 8 years old and younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger. Age as of 4/1/2009. USCF rated. USCF membership is required. Winner of 18 years old and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The University ofTexas at Dallas, worth up to $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $45 if postmarked by 3/25. $70 at site. Do not mail after 4/16 as your entry may not be received. Trophies to top 15 ind. & top 3 teams (top three players added for team scores) Sat., April 25: Opening Ceremony: 9 AM, Rounds: 1 - 4; 9:30-11:30 AM; 12:00-2:00 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; 5:30-7:30 PM. Sun., April 26: Rounds 5 - 6; 9:00-11:00 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sun., April 26: Awards Ceremony: 2:30 PM One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), date of birth, grade & school and school location. Email: [email protected], 214-632-9000.Side events: Blitz tournament G/5 Friday April 24 3 pm, EF: $15 by 3-25, $25 on site. Simultaneous exhibition by Anna Zatonskih Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. Bughouse Tournament Fri April 24 5 pm. EF: $25/team. NS, NC, W.

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

Chess Life — April 2009

53

Tournament Life

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

A Heritage Event! May 23-25, New Jersey 66th Annual U.S. Amateur Championship East Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, Exit 12 off I-287 at Weston Canal Road. (732) 560-9880 Fax (732) 356-7455. In 3 Sections: Championship (U2200), Reserved (U1800), Booster (U1400) with two and three day schedules. Three Day Schedule: 6-SS, 50/2, SD1. Registration: Saturday 5/23, 9:30-10:45 am. Rounds 12-6, 11-5, 9-3. Two Day Schedule: First three games G/60, round four merges with 3-day schedule. Registration: Sunday 5/24, 8:30-9:30 am. Rounds 10-12:15-2:30. Championship: Trophies to top five, top Under 2000, Under 1900, Under 1800, Senior 55/over, Under 16, Under 13. Reserve: Trophies to top five, top Under 1600, Under 1500, Under 1400, Senior 55/over, Under 16, Under 13. Booster:Trophies to top five, top Under 1200, Under 1100, Under 1000, Under 900, Under 800, Senior 55/over, Under 16, Under 13. All sections: EF: $40 if postmarked by 5/20, $39 if by PayPal at EntryFeesRus.com. Pay $45 at playing site. Two half-point byes allowed in rounds 1-5 if requested before first round. Scholastic U1300 K-8 tournament will be held. April Rating supplement to be used. Hotel rates $79 with free breakfast, if by 5/10. Mention U.S. Amateur Chess to get rate. Call Ken if you have a problem. Entries: Make checks payable to NJSCF. Indicate clearly the section and playing schedule desired. Mail advanced entries to: KenThomas 115 West Moore Street Hackettstown NJ 07840. Information: 908-763-6468 or [email protected] NC W NS nor using any tobacco products. No ear covering allowed. No computers may be used by players or parents when games are in progress.

June 4, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) 6SS, G/10. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $$b/100 7,000 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600, U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated 150. EF: $79 by 5/19, $89 by 6/3, $100 on site.Late Registration 4-6:30 p.m. Rds: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks. 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4), must be requested with entry. HR: $65(not $75) single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-7917626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2009 National Open 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60).South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed).Championship. $$: 8000-40002000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500 2000, under 2400 1600, under 2300 1200, Unrated 600-400-200. $2,000 EXTRA for perfect score. The winner of the Championship section also receives a replica of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-25001300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1400. $$: 2500-1500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150-100-100-100-100-100-100100-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any other prizes, every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50 gift certificate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only.EF: $159 by 1/19, $179 by 5/19, $199 by 6/3, $220 on site. $41 less for unrated players, $99 more for players rated under 2100 in the Championship Section. This is an open tournament - you may play in any section at or above your rating level; unrated players may play only in Championship Section. Provisionally rated players may not win more than 3rd prize in any section except Championship. CCA minimum ratings or other ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m. Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg: 8-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds: 10-12:30-3-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half point byes available in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the start of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only, not for skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship and the Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Girls and Boys. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free lectures by GM Susan Polgar and others. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bisguier. Susan Polgar International Chess Camp all day Thursday. Grandmaster Simul Thursday afternoon. US. Game/10 Thursday night.Scholastic Tournament Friday. LOW room rates! HR: $65 (not $75) single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. Don’t be shut out; make your reservations early and be sure to

DROPPING OUT? Have to miss a round? It is very important that you

NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR before pairings are made, so no one is deprived of a game! If you forfeit without notice, you may be FINED up to the amount of the entry fee! 54

Chess Life — April 2009

ask for the chess rates; South Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 19th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May 19th. RESERVE NOW! Credit card or one night room deposit will be required to hold reservation, may be canceled 72 hours in advance for nominal fee.Tournament Registration: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112.NS. W. FIDE. WCL JGP.

July 10-12, Wisconsin 2009 U. S. Junior Open Championship Three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. 5SS, G/90. Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186. Chess Rate of $85.99 is valid until July 1st. Reserve early. (262)-574-0888. U21: $300+entry to 2010 Junior Closed-$150. Individual trophies: 1st overall, best player for ages 17-18, 15-16, under 15. Team trophies: top three high schools, top club.U15: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 11-13, under 11.Team trophies: top three middle schools, top club. U11: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 9, 8, 7, 6&under. Team trophies: top three elementary schools, top club. All participants receive commemorative medals. EF: $35 ($30 per player if 4 or more pre-register together) advance; $50 after July 10th. Cash only at site. Schedule: Opening ceremony: Friday at 2:45pm. Rounds: Friday 3:00pm, Saturday 10:00am and 2:00pm, Sunday 10:00am and 2:00pm. Closing ceremony: Sunday 5:30pm. Side Events: ($20/event) BLITZ: Friday at 7:00pm. BUGHOUSE: Saturday at 7:00pm. SIMUL: Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 7:00pm. PARENTS AND COACHES TOURNEY: 3SS G/30 (not rated) Saturday 10:30am, 2:15pm, 3:30pm. Info/questions: ashish@vaja chess.com or 414-234-1005, [email protected] or 608-334-2574. Make Checks Payable to and Send Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr., Glendale WI 53209 or online registration at www.wscachess.org. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, Indiana World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 110th annual U.S. Open CELEBRATE USCF’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS TRADITIONAL EVENT!New features this year include 4-day option requiring only 3 nights hotel stay for most players, and later start for 6-day option so most will need only 5 nights hotel stay. 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4 day option, Rds. 1-6, G/60). Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st St, Indianapolis IN 46219.Luxurious hotel with great lighting in tournament room! Phone: 317-352-1231. HR: $99 single/quad. $50,000 in prizes based on 500 paid entries, else proportional, except $40,000 (80% of each prize) minimum guarantee. A one section tournament with Class prizes. Top 5 US players qualify for 2010 US Championship. Many side events, including US Blitz Championship 8/8. USCF Delegates meeting 8/8-9, workshops 8/5-7, USCF Awards Luncheon 8/8 noon, GM lectures & simuls to be announced. Choice of three schedules: Traditional: 40/2, SD/1. One round daily at 7 pm, except rd. 9, 8/9 at 3pm. 6-Day Option: 8/4 7 pm, 8/5-7 12 noon & 7 pm, 8/8 7 pm, 8/9 at 3pm. 4-Day Option: 8/6 2 pm, 5 pm & 8 pm; 8/7 10 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm & 7 pm, 8/87 pm, 8/9 3pm. All schedules merge after Round 6 & compete for same prizes. Projected prizes: Top Places: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500, clear winner $200 bonus.If tie for first, top two on tiebreak play speed game (white 5 minutes, black 3 minutes and gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for bonus and title. Class Prizes: Top Master (2200-2399): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Expert (2000-2199): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class A (1800-1999): $2500-1200800-500. Top Class B (1600-1799): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class C (1400-1599): $2000-1000-600-400. Top Class D (1200-1399): $1500-700-500300. Top Class E or below (under 1200): $1500-700-500-300. Top Unrated: $800-400-200. Half Point Byes: must commit before round 4; up to 3 byes allowed for 2000/up, 2 byes for 1400-1999, one bye for Under 1400/Unr. Zero point byes are always available in any round. Entry Fee: Online, $135 by 5/15, $155 by 7/29. By mail, $137 postmarked by 5/15, $157 postmarked by 7/23. By phone, $140 by 5/15, $160 by 7/29. At site, all $180. GMs free. August official ratings used; unofficial ratings used if otherwise unrated. CCA ratings used if above USCF. Foreign player ratings: usually 100 points added to FIDE or FQE, 200+ added to most foreign national ratings, no points added to CFC. Highest of multiple ratings generally used. Ent: USCF, ATTN: 2009 US Open, PO. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Online entry: https://secure.us chess.org/webstore/tournaments.php. Phone entry: 800-903-8723. Tournament website: main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/usopen/. FIDE rated, no cell phones. Bring a clock - none supplied. Sets/boards supplied for tournament but not for skittles. WCL JGP.

Aug. 22, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship 4R-SS G/60 - $5000 b/150 fully paid entries. Holiday Inn Chicago - North Shore. 5300 W Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077 (see tournament website for directions). Free Parking. In 6 sections: M/X: $500-300-200-100Top U2400, U2300, U2200 each $150, Class A: $350-250-150-75, Class B: $350-250-150-75, Class C: $300-200-100-50, Class D: $300-200-100-50, Class E/F/U: $200-10050-25, Unrated Prize - Book Prize Only. Unrated must play in M/X or Class E/F/U sections. Trophies for 1st - 3rd place, scholastic players with non-cash prize entry fee. $10 extra to play 1 class up. Entry Fee: $80 adult, $40 scholastic (K-12), $20 anyone but not eligible for cash prizes thru 6pm 8/21. Onsite $100 adults, $60 scholastic (K-12), $20 anyone but not eligible for cash prizes. $5 refund at tournament with proof of ICA membership (Scholastic entries count as 1/2 entry, No-cash prize entry does not count towards based on) - non-cash prize entry fee not eligible for any discounts. SPECIAL COMBINED ENTRY FEES: Discounted Entry fees available for registering for the US G/60 & US G/30 ($5 off each tournament) - non-cash prize entry fee not eligible for any discounts. SPECIAL OFFER FOR ILLINOIS OPEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Enter either the US G/60 or US G/30 and receive a $5 rebate for your early registration to the 2009 Illinois Open State Championships. For more information visit www.chessforlife.com. Mail payments (made payable to) and registration information to: North American Chess Association, 2516 North Waukegan Road Suite 342, Glenview, IL 60025. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed. Rd 4 bye must commit by start of Rd 2. Re-enter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $50. August Supplement used. Schedule: Reg: 8:15am - 9:15am, Rds 10, 12:30, 3, 5:30. Hotel rates: $99+tax, 847-679-8900. Mention North American Chess Association rate. Reserve by 8/7 or as available only. Car rental: Hertz, 800-654-3131, Hertz CDP#178693. BRING BOARDS, SETS, CLOCKS - NONE PROVIDED.USCF membership required. USCF single tournament membership

available ($12 for adults, $7 for scholastic). NS,NC,W. Information: Sevan A. Muradian 888.80.CHESS or [email protected]. For further information, online registration and payment please visit www.nachess.org/g60. Checkmate Chess Supply Co will be bookseller onsite. Support local Illinois Organizers.

Aug. 23, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship 5R-SS G/30 - $2500 b/150 fully paid entries. Holiday Inn Chicago - North Shore. 5300 W Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077 (see tournament website for directions). Free Parking. In 6 sections: M/X: $250-150-100-50 Top U2400, U2300, U2200 each $75, Class A: $175-125-75-40, Class B: $175-125-75-40, Class C: $150-100-50-25, Class D: $$150-100-50-25, Class E/F/U: $100-50-25-25, Unrated Prize - Book Prize Only. Unrated must play in M/X or Class E/F/U sections. Trophies for 1st - 3rd place, scholastic players with non-cash prize entry fee. $10 extra to play 1 class up. Entry Fee: $60 adult, $40 scholastic (K-12), $20 anyone but not eligible for cash prizes thru 6pm 8/22. Onsite $80 adults, $60 scholastic (K-12), $20 anyone but not eligible for cash prizes. $5 refund at tournament with proof of ICA membership (Scholastic entries count as 1/2 entry, No-cash prize entry does not count towards based on) - non-cash prize entry fee not eligible for any discounts. SPECIAL COMBINED ENTRY FEES: Discounted Entry fees available for registering for the US G/60 & US G/30 ($5 off each tournament) - non-cash prize entry fee not eligible for any discounts. SPECIAL OFFER FOR ILLINOIS OPEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Enter either the US G/60 or US G/30 and receive a $5 rebate for your early registration to the 2009 Illinois Open State Championships. For more information visit www.chessforlife.com. Mail payments (made payable to) and registration information to: North American Chess Association, 2516 North Waukegan Road Suite 342, Glenview, IL 60025. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed. Rd 4 bye must commit by start of Rd 2. Re-enter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $50. August Supplement used. Schedule: Reg: 8:15am - 9:15am, Rds: 10, 12:30, 3, 5:30. Hotel rates: $99+tax, 847-679-8900. Mention North American Chess Association rate. Reserve by 8/7 or as available only. Car rental: Hertz, 800-654-3131, Hertz CDP#178693. BRING BOARDS, SETS, CLOCKS - NONE PROVIDED.USCF membership required.USCF single tournament membership available ($12 for adults, $7 for scholastic). NS,NC,W. Information: Sevan A. Muradian 888.80.CHESS or [email protected]. For further information, online registration and payment please visit www.nachess.org/g30. Checkmate Chess Supply Co will be bookseller onsite. Support local Illinois Organizers.

Nov. 20-22, Illinois 2009 National Youth Action 9SS, G/30, DoubleTree hotel, 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523,Tel: 1-630-472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE); $89 single/double/triple/quad. Four Sections – K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $40 by 10/25/09 USPS (or $40 on-line by 10/25, 6 pm); $60 by 11/13/09 USPS (or $60 on-line 10/25/09, after 6 pm - 11/13/09, 6 pm); $75 USPS 11/13 –11/17 (or $75 on-line 11/13/09, 6:01 pm – 11/19, 6 pm); $75 by 11/20/09 6 PM on site (on-site entries after 11/20/09 6 PM can not be guaranteed pairing for round 1, instead they may receive ½ point bye round 1). Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Individual:1st –20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12).Class Awards:1st-3rd Place, K-3:U800, U600, U400, Unr.K-6:U1000, U800, U600, Unr.K-9:U1200, U1000, U800, Unr.K-12:U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr.Teams:1st-10th Place in each section.Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Nov 21 at 9:30 am.Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm.Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament – Fri, Nov 20, 6:30 pm.EF $20 per team ($10 for individuals and we help you create a team). On site registration only. Registration closes at 5 pm, Fri, Nov 20.One section only, K-12. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place. Blitz Tournament – Sat, Nov 21, K-6 & K-12, 6:30 pm, EF $15 USPS/on-line by 10/25, 6 pm, $20 USPS from10/26 – 11/17; $20 on-line 10/26, 6:01 pm -11/19, 6pm; $25 on site.Registration closes at 5 pm, Sat, Nov 21. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section.Team:1st-10th in each section. Awards Ceremony for Blitz and Bughouse:Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Ceremony: Sun, Nov 22, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams allowed! Master simuls and analysis scheduled. Hotel Info: DoubleTree hotel, Oakbrook, Il (hotel registration code: NYA) www.doubletreeoakbrook.com, or doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/CHIOADT-NYA-20091120/index.jhtml (630) 472-6020 or 630 472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE), HR single/double/triple/quad $89. Enter on line (except Bughouse) at nya2009.com. Checks payable only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF or Mike Zacate): Mail registrations with name-contact info-gradebirthday-team/school-uscf ID & exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to Mike Zacate (Please, no checks payable to Mike or USCF), 9401 Birch, Mokena, IL 60448. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: nya2009.com. $10 service charge for on-site section/roster changes, and all refunds. Bookdealers scheduled.

Grand Prix Apr. 10-12, Nevada World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 9th Annual RENO-FAR WEST OPEN 6SS,40/2,20/1,G/1/2.Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N.Arlington Ave. Reno, NV 89501. 1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$22,500 b/250. $$15,000 Gtd. (Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). Free Lecture &Analysis Clinic by GM Larry Evans! 5 Sections. Open (2000 & above) EF: $137, (1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (3/21) or pay late fee at door). $$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300, (2399/below) - $1,000,(2299/below) - $1,000-500, (2199/below) - $1000-500-300-200 (If a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund). Sec.”A” (1800-1999) EF: $136; $$1,000-500-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. Sec.”B” (1600-1799) EF: $135; $$900-500-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. Sec.”C” (1400-1599) EF: $134; $$800-400-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. Sec.”D”/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$700-400-300-200-100-100-100-100; 1199/below $$300; Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.- $400-200. ALL: Entries must be postmarked by 3/28 or pay late fee-$11 until 4/3 (do not mail after 4/3), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st – 3rd.Unrated players are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament . 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem.$10 discount to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs

uschess.org

3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Thurs. (4/9) 6-7:15pm Free Lecture-GM Larry Evans; 7:30pm-GM Khachiyan Simul ($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney ($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/11) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - GM Larry Evans.ALL REG: 5-9pm (4/09), 9-10am (4/10). RDS: 12-7, 10-6, 9:30-4:30. Byes available any round (if requested by Rd.1). ENT: make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 3/28. $11 late fee if postmarked by 4/3. Do not mail after 4/3 or email after 4/08. $22 late fee at site. HR:(Sun-Thurs. $27!) (Fri. & Sat. $54!) + tax.1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS09 (Reserve by 3/21/09). INFO: Jerry Weikel 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, (775) 7471405, [email protected] Or check out our website at: www.renochess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. WCL JGP.

Apr. 11, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix 4SS RDS. 1 & 2 G/60, RDS. 3 & 4 G/90 @RCC (GTD) $150-90-60 class $80. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. RDS.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30 EF: $30 Adv Ent/Info: Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. (585)442-2430.

Apr. 16, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds. 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!

Apr. 17- May 8, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Queens Spring Open 4-SS, G/120, All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica NY 11432. EF: $40, QCC members $30.$$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes with advance notice (if declared before Rd 3). REG.: 7:30-8:00 RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT (mail by 4/11): Ed Frumkin, 445 E 14th St #10D, NYC 10009 (212-677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on Fri). WCL JGP.

Apr. 18-19, Louisiana World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 Louisiana Pro-Am 5-SS, G/2. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. EF: $45 if mailed by 4/10, $55 at site. LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult, $5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $2000 b/60, 50% Gtd. Two Sections: Pro (Open): $400-200-100; U2000 $200-100. Amateur (U1800): $250-100; U1600 $200-100; U1400 $150-100; U1200/UNR $100. Reg.: 4/18, 8:15-9:15am. Rds.: Sat: 9:302-6:30, Sun: 9:30-2. Bye: A 1/2 point bye is allowed but must be declared before round 2 begins.HR: Comfort Suites (very close to site), (225) 923-3377, call for rates. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, [email protected], (225) 933-9548. NS, NC. WCL JGP.

uschess.org

Apr. 19, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 2009 Westwood Spring Open

Apr. 21, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club

5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, 2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize guaranteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. Reserve (U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF: $47 if received by 4/18, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: limit 1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. 2 Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the building basement ($3). Inf: [email protected]. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry: www.westernchess.com. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.

4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCCThursday4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.

Apr. 19, District of Columbia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 G/60 Spring Sensation

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

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

Apr. 19, New Jersey World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages With Rating >1400 4SS G/60 U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required, Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund Will Not Be Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Apr 15th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry. Make EF: and/or USCF membership checks payable to: International Chess Academy. INFO 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: [email protected] (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.

Apr. 19, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Binghamton Monthly Tourney 4 Round SS, Time control G/60. Reg. 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. (Please register in advance if possible) ENTRY: $30/ $35 at site. Cash only at site. (checks payable to Cordisco’s Corner Store) ROUNDS: 9:15-11:45-2:15-4:30. PRIZES: 1st $200- 2nd $100- 3rd $50- Best Under 1600 $30. Guaranteed! Please bring clocks. Cordisco’s Chess Center, 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) [email protected].

Apr. 23-May 21, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) 2009 Hatboro Open

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, Iowa World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 3rd Annual Okoboji Open (Note: corrected to be a Grand Prix event.)Alex Yermolinsky to play, have a Lecture & do a Simul. 5SS, G/2, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, 1405 Highway 71 S, Okoboji, IA 51355. An Iowa Qualifying Points Event.Top five prizes ($1,000) Guaranteed! EF: $40 by 4/18 or $50 at site. Sr/Jr’s $25 by 4/24 or $35 at site. GMs and IMs Free Entry. Memb. Req’d: $15 (Jr/Sr $10). OSA. USCF reqd. $$50%GTD: Sr/Jr entry count as half. $400-250-150-100-100. U2200 $225-125-75-75, U2000 $200-125-75-75, U1800 $175-125-75-75, U1600 $175125-75-75, U1400 $150-75-50, U1200 $100-75-50, U1000/Unr $75-50.Trophies to 1st, top female, top Sr. and top Jr. 1/2 pt bye any round if req. before rd. 2. Satelitte Locations: 1st Round to be played at Chess Castle on Thursday 4/23 for metro area players; see website for details and refer back for other possible sites. Rds: 3-Day Option 4/24 6:00, 4/25 9:00-4:30, 4/26 9:00-2:30; 2-Day Option 4/25 9:00-1:00-4:30, 4/26 9:00-2:30. Reg: 4/24 5:00-5:45 and 4/25 9:00-9:45. Satellite locations may be available for 1st rd, see website for details. ENT: Jodene Kruse, 934 6th St, Sibley, IA 51249 [email protected]. INFO: [email protected]. HR: $89 by April 10, 1-800-727-4561 (Calls only), mention Chess group. www.fiorechess.org. Sponsors: GM Alex Yermolinsky, House of Staunton, GM Susan Polgar, SW Mn Chess, Crown Trophy. NS NC W. WCL JGP.

Apr. 24-26, Michigan World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 Great Lakes Open 3 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400.60% Guaranteed.2-Day & 3-Day schedules available for ALL sections. Merge after RD 2. Held at McCamly Plaza

Chess Life — April 2009

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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

Tournament Life Hotel, 50 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49037 (See Lodging below). SPECIAL EVENTS: Sat, 7pm Blitz Tournament, EF:$10 (90% payout).Sun, 9am IM or GM Lecture ($10).STRICT RULE ENFORCEMENT:Cell phones must be off or in silent mode in tournament room.1st infraction, deduct half remaining time or game forfeiture if less than 10 minutes remaining on clock; automatic forfeiture for 2nd infraction. Spectator infraction: Banned from tournament playing areas for remainder of tournament. Headphones cannot be used if opponent objects for any reason and cannot be used in last round by players with a plus score; must be willing to present headphones to TDs for exam at any time; failure to do so will result in removal from tournament without refund. Chief TD:Senior TD Ed Mandell.EF (Uage 16 deduct $10):By 4/1:OPEN:2-Day $72; 3-Day $73 (IM’s, GM’s Free; early EF deducted from winnings). U1800: 2-Day $62; 3-Day $63. U1400: 2-Day $52; 3-Day $53. By 4/20: 2-Day $82-$72$62; 3-Day $83-$73-$63.After 4/20 or on-site:2-Day $92-$82-$72; 3-Day $93-$83-$73. USCF and a State membership required; can be purchased on site. Up to TWO 1/2-pt. byes available; must request prior to start of RD 3.TL:3Day:Rds 1-3, G-2hrs; Rds 4-5, 40/2, SD1.2-Day:Rds 1-2, G-60; Rd 3, G-2hrs; Rds 4-5: 40/2, SD1.REG.:3-Day, Fri, 4/24:5:00-6:29pm.2-Day, Sat, 4/25:8:3010:29am.RDS.:3-Day:Fri, 7pm; Sat, 12, 4; Sun, 10, 4:30.2-Day: Sat, 11, 1:30, 4; Sun, 10, 4:30. $$:$5,000 Prize Fund (60% guaranteed): OPEN $2,500 (b/42, min. 6 per prize group):1st, 2nd $1000, $600; TOP X:$350, TOP A:$300; TOP U1800/UNR:$250 (UNR elig. only for OPEN or U1800 prize). U1800 $1,400 (b/32, min. 6 per prize group): 1st, 2nd $450, $300;TOP C:$250;TOP D:$225; TOP U1400/UNR:$175 (UNR elig. only for Top or U1400 prize).U1400 $1,100 (b/30, min. 6 per prize group): 1st, 2nd $425, $275; TOP E: $225; TOP U1000/UNR: $175 (UNR elig. only for TOP or U1000 prize). Lodging: For reservations, go online at www.mccamlyplaza.com or call toll-free: 1-888622-2659; ask for Great Lakes Open chess rate ($79/night if booked by April 3rd).Covered lot parking:$4 overnight (unlimited in/out privileges), free in nearby areas on weekends. For directions to hotel, go online to www.map quest.com or www.yahoo.com/maps. Info & Ent:Stan Beckwith, 84 Bond St., Battle Creek, MI 49037-1907; (269) 964-2927 OR Ed Mandell, AllThe King’s Men, (586) 558-4790, www.allthekingsmenchess.com.

rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1800 prizes). HR: $79-79, 1-800STRATTON, 802-297-2500, reserve by 4/10 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated.Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, Vermont World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced) 6th annual Vermont Spring Open

Apr. 25, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Chess Tournament

5 SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Stratton Mountain Inn, Middle Ridge Rd (take Stratton Mt Rd from center of Bondville), Stratton Mountain, VT 05155. Bondville is 13 mi SE of Manchester, VT on Rt 30; under 2 hours from Albany, NY or Springfield, MA. $$G 2000. In 2 sections. Open: $400-230-120, top 1800-2049/Unr $200-100, top Under 1800 $200-100. Under 1550: $250120-60, top Under 1300 $150-70, no unrated may win over $100. EF: 3-day $68, 2-day $67 mailed by 4/17, all $69 online at chesstour.com by 4/22, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/22 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available in Open section. GMs free; $50 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds. Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before

4SS, G/45. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34 St., NYC. 212-971-0101. EF: $15.$$G: $250-$175-$125, U2200 $100, U2000 $75, U1800 $60. Reg.: 11:1511:45, Rds.: 12-1:45-3:45-5:30pm. Ent: Cks or MO payable to Pat Bowyer, (be sure to specify “Grand Prix, Saturday”), c/o PAR Group, Inc., 119 N. Park Avenue, Suite 303, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limit 70 players & positively NO door ents. April 25th Bughouse team tourney starting time: 8pm. 5 minute Swiss or roundrobin depending on # of entries. 2 players per team. EF: $5/player. Cash to top team, trophies to top 2. PLEASE NOTE: Bring clocks and sets, none will be provided. $$$ payment must be received by Wednesday, April 22nd at the latest. Info: [email protected] or (Pat Bowyer) 516-371-3717. (See New York section for Apr. 26, 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Scholastic Tournament.)

A State Championship Event! Apr. 25, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 New Hampshire Quick Chess Championship (QC) A NH Grand Prix Event.8SS, GAME/25, Comfort Inn, 298 Queen City Ave., Manchester, NH 03102. EF: $20 postmarked by 18 April, $25 at site. NHCA Memb. Req’d: $8, Juniors $6. OSA. $$GTD: $200-$100. U2000 $100. U1600 $100. Plaque to top finishing NH resident. Registration: 9:00-9:45. Rds.: 10-11-12-3-4-6-7. Byes: available any round, limit two. Must be requested before round four. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, [email protected]. HR: (603) 668-2600. www.relyeachess.com. NS, W.

Apr. 25, New Mexico World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 15th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial United World College, Montezuma, NM.6 Sections.Professor: Above 1699 (U/age 21 above 1599) or UR. 1st 225 gtd, 2nd 125 gtd, U2000: 100 b/12.3SS, G/100. EF $32, $27 U/21. Tutor: 1300-1800 or UR. 1st 150 gtd, 2nd 100 b/20, U1550: 50 b/20. 4SS, G/60. EF $22, $17 U/21. Sophomore: Under 1350 or UR. 1st 100 gtd, 2nd 70 b/20, U1100: 40 b/20. 4SS, G/60.EF $22, $17 U/21. Scholastic:U/age 19 and U1200 or UR.4SS, G45. 1st 75 gtd, 2nd 45 b/20 + trophies. EF $12. Youth U17:U/age 17 and U900 or UR.4SS, G/45. EF $8. Youth U14:U/age 14 and U700 or UR.4SS, G/45. EF $8.Round 1 all sections 10 am. Late entries only by e-mail. Complete details at www.nmsco.org/Schedule. html or TD Andy Nowak at 505-310-0095 or [email protected].

Apr. 25, North Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) TACO 50 Brooks Avenue Church of Christ, 700 Brooks Ave., Raleigh, NC 27607. $$2050 b/40 in 2 Sections Open: 5SS, G/60, $550-300-150. Under 2000 - $125, Under 1800 - $125. Under 1600: 5SS, G/60, $350-200-125. Under 1200 - 125. ALL: EF: $55, by April 18th online registration, $65 onsite. Players Rated 2200+ as of April 2009. $25 by April 18th, $35 on site.NCCA Memb. Req’d: $5. OSA. ENT: Victor Beaman 252-413-9113. www.eastcarolinachess.com/taco50 entryform.htm. INFO: Victor Beaman, [email protected]. Link:www.east carolinachess.com/taco50.htm.

Apr. 25, Wisconsin World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 Hales Corners Challenge IX 4SS, G/60. Two Sections: Open & Reserve (under 1600).Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel, 4747 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee (414-481-8000). EF: $35-Open, $25-Reserve, both $5 more after 4/22.Comp EF for USCF 2200+, call TD for details. $$ Open (b/25)=1st-$325 (guaranteed), 2nd-$175 (guaranteed), A-$100, B & Below-$75; $$Reserve (b/25)=1st-$100, 2nd-$75, D-$50, E & Below$40.Reg.: 8:30-9:30, Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Ent: Payable to Southwest Chess Club, c/o Allen Becker, 6105Thorncrest Drive, Greendale, WI 53129 Questions to: TD Robin Grochowski: 414-744-4872 or 414-861-2745.

Apr. 25-26, California Northern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 4th Annual Frank Doyle Open Exchange Bank, 444 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. 4 round Swiss, G/120. In 3 Sections Open: $$GTD: $250-175. Reserve: Open to 1899 &

under. $$GTD: $200-125. Booster: Open to 1499 & under. $$GTD: $150-100. Unr. must play in Open Section. ALL: EF: $35 advance until 4/18, $45 at site. Reg.: 04/25 8:30am - 9:30am. Rds : Sat 10,3; Sun 10,3. ENT: Mike Goodall, 461 Peachstone Terrace, San Rafael, CA 94903-1327 (415) 491-1269. INFO: [email protected]. No phone or e-mail entries. Bring equipment, none provided. NS NC W. WCL JGP.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 26, Massachusetts World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 19th Massachusetts G/60 Championship 4SS, G/60, Kennedy Senior Center, 117 E. Central St., Natick, MA 01760. $$1700 guaranteed. 4 sections: Open: $$300-150, under 2150 $125. Under 2000: $$250-125, under 1850 $100. Under 1700: $$200-100, under 1550 $75. Under 1400: $$150-75, under 1200 $50. Unrated may play in any section but can’t win 1st except in Open. EF: $39 postmarked by 4/21 or online (PayPal) at www.MassChess.org by 4/24; $45 on site.$15 discount for unrated; $10 discount for seniors (65+) or additional family members (first pays full EF); GM, IM free. Limit one discount per player. Reg.: 8:30-9:30.Rds.: 10-1-3:155:30.Limit 1 half point bye, any round, requested with entry. MACA memb. required ($12, juniors $6), OSA. Ent: Ken Ballou, 27 Fenway Drive, Framingham, MA 01701-4012 or online (PayPal) at www.MassChess.org. Info: George Mirijanian, 978-345-5011, [email protected], www.MassChess.org.

Apr. 26, New Jersey World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 2009 South Jersey Open 4-SS, G/60, td/5. $2000 Guaranteed Prizes. Wyndham Hotel, 1111 Rt. 73 N., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Top South Jersey player to be named South Jersey Champion and receive a 1 year lease on the HoffmanTrophy! 4 Sections, Open: $500-250-150-100-50. U2000: $250-100-75-50. U1400: $250-100-75-50. U1000: 1st wins a House of StauntonTournament Pkg. valued at $175.Trophies to top 4.TD reserves the right to place unr. players at his discretion and/or limit an unr. player’s prize to $75. EF top 3 sections: $49 via mail by 4/20, $52 online by 4/25, $59 cash onsite. U1000 EF: $25 via mail by 4/20, $27 online by 4/25, $35 cash onsite. Reg.: 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Rds.: 10 AM, then ASAP. Lunch break after rd. #2. Two 1/2 pt. byes allowed (rounds 1-3) if requested with EF. ENT: All the King’s Men, 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 or YourChessSet. com/SJopen.INFO: Stephen Dick [email protected] or 856-582-8222. DIR: Just off the NJTurnpike exit 4 or 295 exit 36A. Hotel Ph #: 856-234-7000. Must bring your own equipment! Register online before April 15 and be entered to win a $70, NYTimes Deluxe Handheld Chess Computer by Excalibur. WCL JPG.

Apr. 26, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge 6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:005:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.

A State Championship Event! May 1-3, Georgia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 2009 Georgia State Championship Winship Ballroom, Dobbs University Center, Emory Univ. 5-SS. G/150 (2 day schedule rd.1 G/90) $5,175 b/110 full paid entries, 70%G. 3 Sections: Championship (over 1999): $750-450-300-225; U2200: $350-200-125; U2000: $350-200-125; U1800: $300-175-100; U1600/Unrated: $300-175-100; U1400: $250-150-100; U1200: $225-125; Unr: $75. Unr. may win Unr. prize only. Trophy to top Georgia resident each section. Rated players may play one section above current rating. EF: $30 to Unr. All others: $49 if money received by 4/29. $60 later or at site. Cash or check only. Make checks payable to: GCA. GCA membership required for Georgia residents. 1/2 pt. bye any round, limit 2. Must commit in advance. No changes. Reg.: 6-7 pm on 5/1 or 8:30-9:30 am on 5/2. Rds.: 7:30; 2-7:30; 10-4. 2 day schedule: rd.1 at 10 on 5/2, then schedules merge. GCA meeting at 3 on 5/3. Enter: GCA, PO box 1611, Decatur, GA 30031-1611. Info: ScottParker, 770-939-5030, [email protected]. WCL JGP.

May 1-3, South Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 Lee Hyder Memorial $2000 b/40 ($1000 Gtd.) 5SS, 30/90, SD/1, Tri-Development Center, 314 Hampton Ave, Aiken, SC 29801. (2day, Rd.1 - G/90 then merge with 3-day). EF: $55 if rec’d by Apr. 27, $65 at site, $35 re-entry. Free entry to Masters and above ($60 deducted from any prizes). Checks payable to W. Taylor. Memb. Req’d: OSA. $$b/40: $500-300-200. U2000, U1700, U1400 each $200-130. 3 day: Reg.: Fri. 6-7p - Rds.: 7:30, 1-7, 9-2:30 2 day: Reg.: Sat. 8-8:45a - Rd.1: 9 then merge with 3 day. Half pt. byes available all rounds. Must commit to rds.4/5 before rd.2. ENT: Bill Taylor 918 Seminole Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. INFO: [email protected]. www.aikenchess.net. WCL JGP.

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

May 2-3, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 11th Annual Los Angeles County Championship 5SS, 30/85, SD/30 (1st 3 rounds), 40/2, SD/1 (last 2 rounds). Sierra Vista Rec Center, 311 N Rural Drive, Monterey Park, CA 91755. $1000 guaranteed: $300150, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 each $100, U1200 $50. EF: $39 if rec’d

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Chess Life — April 2009

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by 4/30, $45 at door. Special option for HS/below: $15, 10 trophies only. SCCF membership req’d of So. Californians: $18, $10 jrs. Reg.: 9-9:40 am, Rds.: 102-6, 10-4. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, [email protected]. Ent: SCCF, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.

May 7, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 10 Grand Prix Points Older Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!

May 8-10 or 9-10, Florida World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 16th Space Coast Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day Rd. 1 G/60). Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL. $$10,000 b/165 pd., 60% Gtd. 6 Sections: Master/Expert: $1200+trophy-700-300, U2400 $600+trophy, U2200 $600+trophy-300. Class A: $600+trophy-300-200. Class B: $600+trophy-300-200. Class C: $600+trophy-300-200. Class D: $600+trophy-300-200. U1200: $600+trophy-300-200, U1000 $300+trophy-200, U800 $200+trophy-100, trophies to top Brevard County scholastics players in K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12, book to plus score not winning other prize. All: Rated players may play up one class only. Unr. may play in Master or U1200. Unr. limited to $100 prize unless place prize in Master. Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy and biggest upset rds 1-4, sponsored by Hollywood Kings. EF: $79, via mail or on-line by 4/30, $89 on-line by 5/6 or at site (no credit cards); $20 less if Unr. or under age 18. Reentry $40 by round 3 (1/2 point Byes for earlier rounds). GM/IM free entry available on-line until 4/15, else $80 from prize. Special EF for Brevard County students in any section: $20 on-line, $25 at site (counts as 1/4 entry for based on prize fund). Reg: ends 1 hr. before 1st rd. Rds: Rd. 1 8pm Fri (2-day 10am Sat. at G/60), Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1-7, Sun. 9-3. Side events: Space Coast Open Blitz. 4-SS (2 games/Rd), G/5. Prizes: Cash prizes based on entries. EF $10. Rds Sat. 12:30-6:30, Sun. 8:30-2:30. (i.e., Blitz rounds are prior to rounds 2-5 of main tournament). Other events: see sco2009.eventbrite.com.HR: $89.99 single-quad, $109.99 Kids Suite, $189.99 loft. 888-840-8601 or 321-783-2271, code SFT, reserve by 4/17. Ent: Space Coast Chess Foundation, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N.Thistle Ln, Maitland, FL 32751 or sco2009.eventbrite.com. Info only: Peter Dyson 321-452-9863, [email protected]. FIDE, W. WCL JGP.

May 9, New Hampshire World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Portsmouth Open A NH Grand Prix Event. Holiday Inn Portsmouth, 300 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801. In 2 Sections Open: 4SS, GAME/65, $$GTD: $250-150100. U1900 $100. U1650: 4SS, GAME/65, Open to 1649 & under. $$GTD: $150-100. U1300 $100. ALL: EF: $28 in advance, $33 at site. Registration: 9:009:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 5/01/2009. Rds.: 10-12:30-3:00-5:30. Unrated may only win 50% of top prize in U1650. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. NS W. WCL JGP.

May 9, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix 4SS RDS. 1 & 2 G/60, RDS. 3 & 4 G/90 @RCC (GTD) $150-90-60 class $80. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. RDS.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30 EF: $30 Adv Ent/Info: Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. (585)442-2430.

May 15-17 or 16-17, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 17th annual New York State Open 5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Howard Johnson Tiki Resort, 2 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 3000. In 2 sections. Open: $500-300200, U2100 $230-120, U1900 $220-110. Under 1700: $400-230-120, U1500 $200-100, U1300 $180-90, trophies to topU1100, U900, Unr, no unrated may win over $200. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY residents who are not members. EF: 3-day $78, 2-day $77 mailed by 5/8, $79 online at chesstour.com b y 5/13, $85 phoned by 5/13 to 406-896-2038 (payment only, no questions), $90 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available in Open Section. GMs free, $60 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1900 or U1300 prizes). HR: 59-59-70 (2 double beds), 65-65-76 (2 queen beds), 518-6685744, reserve by 5/5 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

May 16, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2nd Saturday Open CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole on Rte.25. In 2 sections: Open: 3SS, G/60, Prizes: 1st $300 Gtd. Rds.: 10:15 and as available. Under 1600/Unr.: 4SS, G/45, Prizes: $100-50 Gtd. Unrated may not win more than $50. Rds.: 10:15-11:45-1:30-3.EF: Both Sections: $25, $5 less if rec’d by 5/12. Reg.: 9:30-10.Ent: Glenn Budzinski, 1 Black Cherry Lane, Sandy Hook, CT 06482.Questions only: [email protected] be limited to first 50 players. NS, NC, W.

May 16, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 Walter Muir Memorial ROUNDS: 3-Round Swiss System Game/90. SITE: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4608 Brambleton Ave. SW Roanoke, Va. 24018. GUARANTEED PRIZES:Top Section: $125-$100-$75. Additional Sections: If Octagonals, Each is guaranteed

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$125-$100, If Hexagonals, Each is guaranteed $100-$75, If Quads, Each is guaranteed $100. ENTRY FEE: If received by May 15, $30.00. At site, $40.00. REGISTRATION: 6-9 pm on 5/15; 8-9:30 am on 5/16. ROUNDS: 10-2-6. BYES: One only per tournament; must request before 1st roundbegins. ADVANCE ENTRIES: Roanoke Valley Chess Club, P.O. Box 14143, Roanoke, Va.24038. PHONE: (540) 344-4446. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEB PAGE: roanokechess.com. NO SMOKING.NO COMPUTERS.

May 16-17, District of Columbia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 D. C. Class Championships 4-SS, U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St., NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202/857-4922. Free parking at site. Players may play only in their own section (May ratings used) except K-12 may play up one section. All: Reg: 10 – 11. Irrevocable byes only if requested before play begins. Master/Expert – Class D Sections TC: 30/90, SD/1, Rds.: 11:30 – 5, 11 – 4:30. Trophies to top 4 school teams (top 4 players make a team) Master/Expert prizes guaranteed. Class prizes b/16 per section. EF: $42 if mailed by 5/9, $50 at site. Sections: Master/Expert: $$G 400 – 225 – 125; Class A: $$300 – 200 – 100; Class B: $$300 – 200 – 100; Class C: $$300 – 200 – 100, Class D: $300 – 200 – 100. Classes E – G/Under: TC: G/45. Rds.: 11:15 – 1 – 3 – 5. Trophy prizes. EF: $15 if mailed by 5/9, $20 at site. Unrated EF: $20 but ineligible for cash prizes. Unrateds may use unpublished ratings at organizer’s discretion. Ent: US Chess Center. Mail to address above. www.chessctr.org. WCL JGP for Master/Expert – Class D sections.

May 17, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) Grandmaster Challenge (QC) 6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, limited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg.: ends 11:45 am. Prizes: G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.

May 19, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club 4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior month’s SJM) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. John’s University, and other generous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:159:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.

An American Classic! May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 18th annual Chicago Open 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/45). Under 900 section plays separate 2-day schedule only, G/45. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund.In 8 sections. Open: $8000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-400-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, top Under 2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each $6000-3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. U2300 Section is FIDE rated. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1200-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300.Under 1300: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300, top U1100 $800400.Under 1100 play for both U1300 section prizes & U1100 class prizes; receive larger if winning both. Under 900: $200-120-80, trophies to top 10. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/09 list may not win over $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/09 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/084/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $100 in U900, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100.4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/16; 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/13; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $200 by 3/16, $220 by 5/19, $250 after 5/20 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038: $205 by 3/16, $225 by 5/19 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/19. GMs free; $150 deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to all

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

May 23-24, Missouri World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Show Me Classic 5SS, G/90, two sections - Open and U1600. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. EF: $50, $40 for annual members of the club. MCA Membership Req’d from $5. OSA. PF: Guaranteed first, b/40 2nd-5th. Each section $300-200-150-100-50. Reg: 10-10:50, Rds: Sat 11, 2:15, 5:30, Sun 12, 3:15. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. WCL JGP.

May 23-24 or 24, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) New York May Open! 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5th-6th Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr. prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 5/21. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit by rd 2. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr. must enter Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone!WCL JGP.

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

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

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

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

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

**Purchased online only

Chess Life — April 2009

57

Tournament Life

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

An American Classic! May 23-25, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 2009 Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic 6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day schedule rds 1-3 G/60, then merges). LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each prize guaranteed. In four sections: Open: $$T+1800-750-400-300-200, U2400 400, U2200 700-300-200. Premier (under 2000): $$750-300-200-100. Amateur (Under 1800): $$750-300-200-100. Reserve (Under 1600/unrated): $$750-300200-100. U1400 400-200, U1200 150, Unr 150. (Unrated may win Unrated prize only.) Best game prize $25, all sections eligible. All: half-point byes available, limit 2, rds 5-6 must be requested with entry & cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. ($18, jr. $10), OSA. No checks or credit cards at door Reg.: 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, 10-4:30 Mon.2-day: 10-12:15-2:30 Sun., then merges. EF: $83 if received by 5-22, $95 door, U1400/unrated $67 by 5-22, $80 door. On-line entry: www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA 90038. HR: $109 (310) 410-4000, use group code LGM. Parking $10/day. Inf: [email protected]. NS, W, F. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! May 23-25, Oklahoma World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 27th North American FIDE Open 7-SS, G/90+30 sec, Quality Inn- 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51) Stillwater, OK 1405-372-0800. HR: 70-70-70. One section open to all. EF: $50 if postmarked and paid by cash or ck before May 20, $60 at door.Reg.: Sat Noon-12:45; Rds.:Sat 1, 5:30, Sun 9-1-5, Mon 9-1. $$G 5,700 will not be lowered. $$G, $800, $700, $600, $500.$$G $600 each class($300-200-100) Ex,A,B,C,D & below. Unr. competes in D & below. $50-$50 upset, 2 half pt byes rds 1-7, $10 OCF required from all players. Free Parking. Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis, Stillwater, OK 74074. 1-405-372-5758. [email protected] om NC, CMV, LS, W, FIDE. WCL JGP.

May 30, Tennessee World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 Rutherford County Open 5-SS, rd.1 G/30, rd.2 G/60, Rds.3, 4, 5 G/75. Grace Lutheran Church, 811 E. Clark Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN. EF: $25 by 5/28, $30 at site. $$ (1160, top 2 G, class prizes b/6 entries per class, else proportional): $200-120, X, A, B, C, D, E/below, Unr. each $120. Reg.: 8:00-8:45am. Rds.: 9:00-10:00-12:30-3:00-5:30. Ent: Rutherford County Chess Club, P.O. Box 1593, Murfreesboro, TN 37133. rccc.us/ (with map to site), [email protected] NS. NC. W.

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

June 4, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced) 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:

212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 78:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!

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

June 6, District of Columbia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 20th Annual DC Action Championship 6-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. Washington, DC 20005 EF: $32 if by 5/29, $40 at site. $$G400-250-100, U2200 $100, U2000 $80, U1800 $80, U1600 $80, U1400 $80, (Class prizes b/50, 4/class). Reg.: 10-11. Rds.: 11:301-3-4:30-6-8. Ent: DCCL, address above. Info: 202/857-4922. NS, NC, W. www.chessctr.org.

June 6, North Carolina World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) Orchard Lake Grand Prix 4SS, Rd1&2 G/61 Rd 3&4 G/90. Orchard Lake Campground, Saluda, NC. EF: $26.50, Special U1200 EF: $16.50 (incl $6.50 cmpgrnd fee). $$GTD: $200-10030-30-30-30-20-20-20-20. Rds.: 9:00-11:30-2:00-5:35. Accel pairings. ENT: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mtn Page Rd, Saluda NC 28773. 828-749-1625 hyde@ ioa.com. HR: 828-749-390. www.orchardlakecampground.com. www.ncchess. org. NCGP. WCL JGP.

A State Championship Event! June 6-7, Kentucky World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 The Kentucky Open 5rd SS, g/90. Location University of Louisville Shelby Campus, Founders Union Building, 8003 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40222. EF: $40 if received by 6/3, $45 after/on site. Current KCA membership required for all KY residents Regular $8, Youth and Senior $4. Reg.: 8:30 - 9:30. Rds.: Sat, 10, 2, 5:30. Sun, 9, 2. Half point bye 1-4, must request before rd 2, withdrawals are not eligible for prizes. Prizes: $5100 b/120 paid entries. 3 sections Open, U1800, U1400. Open prizes 1st 1000, 2nd 500, 3rd 300, M 200, X 200, A 200. Open 1-3 and M fully guaranteed - remaining prizes 50% guaranteed andmust have at least 3 in the rating class to award a prize in that rating class.U1800 1st $500, 2nd 300, B 200, C 200. U1400 1st 500, 2nd 300, D 200, E 200, U1000 200, Unrated 100.Ent: Ky Open, c/o Allen Priest, 7803 Wolf Creek Court, Louisville, KY 40241 or to the KCA P.O. Box. 8035, Louisville, KY 40257. E-mail questions or entries to [email protected] or call 502-228-5054. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! June 12-14 or 13-14, Ohio World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 51st Gem City Open Tournament

5 Rounds, SS.Time Controls: 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1 & 2 G/75). Dayton Chess Club, 18 W. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402.3 or 2 day option. Alexander Goldin will be playing in this Heritage Event - how about you? $$5,000 Gtd. 4 sections: OPEN: $1000-$550- $350-$250, FIDE Rated. Under2000: $500$300-$150, Under1800: $500-$300-$150, Under1600: $500-$300-$150. Unrated prizes limited to 1/3d except in the OPEN w/balance to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $67, 2-day $65 if mailed by 6/5.$77 at site 2 or 3 day.Free to GM or IM. No checks at site, MC/Visa okay.DCC Members $5 discount. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7:30 pm, rds Fri 8:00 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 a.m., rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: two ok - must commit by round 2. Hotel & rates TBD - see www.daytonchessclub.com. Ent: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 or register Online www.daytonchessclub.com.Look for 1/2 page ad in the May issue! Questions:[email protected] or call 937.461.6283 to lv msg. WCL JGP.

June 13, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 8th Annual New Yorker June Open! 5-SS, G/50, beautifully renovated, well-lighted 3rd Floor, New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Ave at 34th St, across from Penn Station, New York. $$2,200 Guaranteed prizes! 2 sections. Open, $$ 500-250-100, U2400/unr $160, U2200 $150, U2000 $140. Under 1800: $400-200-100, top U1600 $105, U1400 $95, $100 limit to Unr. EF: $56 postmarked by 6/5, $54 on-line thru 6/10 at www.chesscenter.cc, $60 by phone thru 6/10, $65 at site, $20 less to unrated players (only players with 3 games or less are unrated), $20 less to rated players in NY Junior Championship 6/14, GMs free ($30 from prize). Reentry $30; $10 charge for refunds.Questions, [email protected] or 845-569-9969 (credit card phone entries: 406-896-2191, 24 hours, no questions). After 6/10, enter at site. On-site reg ends 10:30 am. Rds. 11-1:30-3:30-5:307:30 pm. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. CCA ratings may be used. Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. Bring sets, clocks, boards— none supplied! W.

June 13-14, Virginia World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 6th Annual George Washington Open 5SS, Rds 1-3 G/2, rds 4-5 30/90 SD/1. $$2,200 (Top 3 G) B/90. Hotel Sierra, 45520 Dulles Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166. www.hotel-sierra.com luxurious single and double suites. 20 Reserved Single Suites available by June 6 at $99. Doubles are great for families! Contact hotel at 703-435-9002 or 1-800.4.SIERRA. Be sure to ask for Virginia Chess rates; or book it online at stay.hotelsierra.com/?id=VIR Near Dulles Airport. See tournament website for directions and more information. Open: $580-320-200 (G);Top X/A-Unr/B/C/D each $190, Top U1200 $150, Reg.: Saturday Jun 13: 8:30 am-9:45am. Rounds: Sat 10-2307, Sunday 10-3:30p. One 1/2 pt bye allowed, must commit to byes with entry, none allowed after 1st round starts and are irrevocable after play starts. EF: $50 if rec’d by Jun 7th, $60 at site. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138 (yes 6138!), Alexandria, VA 22306. Make checks to: “Virginia Chess”. Email: [email protected], but NO e-mail entries, just information Web: www.vachess. org/nova.htm W, NS, FIDE. WCL JGP.

June 19-21 or 20-21, Maryland World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced) Chesapeake Open 5SS, 40/120, SD/1, U1100 30/90 SD/1(All Rnd 1 G/120) (2-day option, rds 12 G/75 U1100 2-day, rnds 1-2 G/60) Charles Commons, 3301 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. $$Based on score. Last year paid out over $5000. 6 sections: Open FIDE rated: 5.0 = $1500, 4.5 = $700, 4.0 = $350, 3.5 = $150 (min $1500 payout, all payouts raised if less than $1500) U1900,U1700: 5.0 = $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0 = $300, 3.5 = $100U1500, U1300: 5.0 = $1000, 4.5 = $500, 4.0 = $250, 3.5 = $100U1100: 5.0 =$500, 4.5 = $250, 4.0 = $125, 3.5 = $50 Unrated may not win over $100 in U1100, $200 U1300, $300 U1500, $400 U1700, or $500 U1900.EF: $90 by 5/20, $100 by 6/16, and $105 online only by 6/18, $110 at the door. Special EFs: $35 less in U1100, GMs free; $50 deducted from prize, IMs 1/2 off entrance fee, $70 deducted from prize. Special HR: $40 single Sat. night, pay with registration. Free room Sat. night for GMs. $20 room Sat. night for IMs. Rooms may not be avail after 5/25. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2-6, 9-3:15. U1100 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-4, Sun 9-2:00. U1100 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am, rds 11-1:30-4, 9-2:00. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd, Towson MD 21204. Detailed rules and more information: www.baltimorechess.org/Chesapeake_Open.html, online entry: chesapeakeopen.eventbrite.com/. WCL JGP.

WA RN I N G ! CELL PHONE THE USE OF A

PROHIBITED! IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!

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

TURN IT OFF!

58

Chess Life — April 2009

uschess.org

June 19-23, New York World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) 2nd NY International 9SS 40/2 SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 2200 or above (USCF or FIDE) and special invitees. May be limited to the first 50 registrants. EF: $350 in advance, $400 on site. Players with USCF ratings over 2200 with no FIDE rating: $300 advance / $350 at site, Players with USCF ratings over 2200 and FIDE rating U2200: $250 in advance / $300 at site. USA players with FIDE ratings over 2200: $200 in advance, $250 at site. USA IMs, USA WGMs, and Foreign FIDE-rated players: $150 in advance / $200 at site. GMs, foreign IMs, and foreign WGMs $100, returned on completion of tournament; no money deducted from prize fund. Reg.: 6/19, 10:30-11:30. Rds.: 6/19-6/22, 12-7 and 6/23 12noon. $25 less for Marshall Chess Club Members. $10,000 guaranteed $5000-2500-1500-1000 Plus special brilliancy prize. Award ceremony to follow round 9. Every player will receive a special prize. WCL JGP.

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

A Heritage Event! An American Classic! July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced) 37th Annual World Open 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45),Under 900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule only, G/45.Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. Parking $5 for hotel

guests playing in tournament.Downtown location, Franklin Institute, many museums, stores, restaurants within a few blocks. Prizes $250,000 unconditionally guaranteed.Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik; free lectures by other GMs 9 am 7/3 & 7/4.In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open, Under 2400, or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-15001000-800-700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 7/5, 11 pm (White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible in 5-day & 7-day schedules. FIDE rated. Under 2400: $140007000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300 $2000-1000. FIDEUnder 2200: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $20001000. Under 2000: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-20001000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $100005000-2500-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1500-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300.Under 900/unrated: $300-200-100, trophies to top 10, no unrated may win over $100.Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/09 list may not win over $1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 to U1800. Games rated too late for 7/09 list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section maximum any month 7/08-6/09 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day $307, 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day $315, 4-day $314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day $323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325 by 5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24. GMs free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 EF deducted from prize. EF $100 less to all in U1200 Section and seniors over 65 in Under 1400 & above. Under 900/Unrated Section EF: $25 if mailed by 6/17, all $26 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $30 phoned by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site.FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U900/Unr Section.No checks at site; credit cards OK.Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40.5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thur 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Mon-Fri each 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Thurs 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr schedule: Fri 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sat 11, 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 12:30.Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3 and have under 2 pts. Entries, re-entries close 1 hourbefore your first game. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: 93-93, 215448-2000, may sell out about 5/31, two night minimum 7/3-4.Backup hotel: Radisson Plaza Warwick, 215-735-6000, $104-104, special chess rates for

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

SILVER

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

July 4, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 World Open G/10 Championship (QC) 5SS, G/10, Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open). $2200 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-100, top U2400/Unr $220, U2200 $200, U2000 $180. Under 1800: $300-150-80, top U1600 $160, U1400 $120, U1200 $90, no unrated may win over $200. EF: $40. Reg: 7-10:15 pm, Rds: 10:30-11:15-11:45-12:15-12:45. Bye: OK rd 1. Quick-rated (will not affect regular ratings); prizes based on higher of regular or quick ratings. Ent: at site only, no checks.

July 5, Pennsylvania World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 World Open Blitz Championship (QC) 5SS, G/5 (double round, 10 games), Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open). $2200 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-100, top U2400/Unr $220, U2200 $200, U2000 $180. Under 1800: $300-150-80, top U1600 $160, U1400 $120, U1200 $90, no unrated may win over $200. EF: $40. Reg: 6-11 pm, Rds: 11:15-12-12:30-1-1:30. Bye: OK rd 1. Quick-rated (will not affect regular ratings); prizes based on higher of regular or quick ratings. Ent: at site only, no checks.

July 10-12, Ohio World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) 2009 Columbus Open 5-SS, 30/90, SD/60 (2-day schedule, rd. 1 G/90), ALL PRIZES UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED. 3 sections: Open, open to all.G $1200, 800, 500; U2200, $500, 200; Premier, open to 1999. $500, 200;U1800, $500, 200; Reserve, open to 1599/below. $500, 200; U1400 $500, 200; All EF: $70 if rec’d by 7/1. $80 at site. $10 less for scholastic players under 1200. Free to Sr. Master/above who complete their schedule. 3-day schedule:Reg. Ends Fri. 6:30 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 schedule:Reg. Ends Sat. 9:30 a.m. Rd 1 at 10 a.m., then merges with 3-day schedule.Re-entry:

GOLD AFFILIATES

GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES GOLD

parking $8/day with guest room at Radisson. Special car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: 100 pts added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200 or more to most foreign, no pts added to CFC.Most foreign ratings other than CFC or FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: JULY LIST USED; FIDE ratings not used.Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director.In round 4 or after, players with scores over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may request “lowest possible section” if July rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds.Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com.Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied.WCL JGP.

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

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

Cajun Chess 7230 Chadbourne Drive New Orleans, LA 70126 504-208-9596 [email protected] www.cajunchess.com Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis 4657 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS [email protected] www.stlouischessclub.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

SILVER AFFILIATES Indiana State Chess Association www.indianachess.org

Oklahoma Chess Foundation www.OKchess.org

Sparta Chess Club (NJ) www.spartachessclub.org

Michigan Chess Association www.michess.org

Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) [email protected]

Renaissance Knights (IL) www.RKnights.org

Chess Life — April 2009

59

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

Tournament Life $20.Any player who loses Fri. night may re-enter for $20 and loss will not count in tournament standings!One 1/2-pt. Bye available in Rds 1-4 (request required prior to Rd 1). Unrated players may play in any section. $25 upset prize each section.N.S. A/C; HOTELS:HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT, 750 STELZER RD., COLUMBUS, 43219 (WITH EXPANDED PLAYING SPACE). (614) 237-6360.ROOM RATE:$89.00 plus tax. Chess rate available through July 1st while rooms last. ENT. C/O Lou Friscoe, 1645 Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Inquires: (614) 486-6856.Web site: www.centralchessclub.com. WCL JGP.

July 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, California Southern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 13th annual Pacific Coast Open 6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. Prizes $30,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries & U1000 count half), minimum $24,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $3000-1500-700-400, clear or tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $1800-1000. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000600-400. Under 1900: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1700: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1500: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1300: $1800-900-500-300. Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U2100 $900, U1900 $700, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 $200, U1000 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $144, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by 7/8, all $145 online at chesstour.com by 7/13, $150 phoned by 7/13 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $160 (no checks, credit cards OK) at tmt. Under 1000 Section EF: all $60 less. FREE TO UNRATED in U1000 or U1300 sections if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free; $140 deducted from prize. SCCF membership ($18, jrs $10) required for rated Southern CA residents. Re-entry $80; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 if mailed, phoned or paid at site. 4-day schedule: RegThu to 6:30 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, rds Fri 12-7, Sat 11-6, Sun 10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 9 am, rds Sat 10-12:45-3:15-6, Sun 10-4:30. All schedules: Bye all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. HR: $87-87, 818707-1220, request chess rate, reserve by 7/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9648. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

July 17-19 or 18-19, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced) 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75).Under 1000 & Under 700 Sections: 6SS, G/75, 7/18-19 only.Doubletree Hotel Chicago/ Oak Brook, 1909 Spring Rd (near I-88 Cermak Rd exit), Oak Brook, IL 60521. Free parking.No residence requirements.$20,000 guaranteed prizes and trophies. In 9 sections; no unrated in Master, unrated allowed in Under 700 only if age 15 or below. Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, top

60

Chess Life — April 2009

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, Florida World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced) 17th Annual Southern Open

U2300 $800-400.FIDE. Expert (2000-2199/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $1300-700400-300. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-400-200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $1000500-300-200.Under 1000: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 7.Under 700: Trophies to top 7.Rated players may play up one section. Unrated prize limit $80 U1000, $140 E, $200 D, $400 C, $500 B, $600 A.Top 7 sections EF: 3-day $93, 2-day $92 mailed by 7/9, all $95 online at chesstour.com by 7/13, $100 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/13 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. U1000 & U700 EF: $27 mailed by 7/9, $28 online at chesstour.com by 7/13, $30 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/13 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site.All: ICA memb. ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illinois residents.FREE ENTRYTO UNRATED in Class D, E, U1000 or U700 if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry.GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 if mailed, phoned or paid at site.Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 116, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. U1000 & U700 schedule: Reg. ends 9:30 am, rds. Sat 10-1:30-5, Sun 9-12:30-3:15.Bye: all, Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3.HR: $93-93, 800-528-0444, 630-573-1234, reserve by 7/3 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633.Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds.Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-965 8.Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.WCL JGP.

5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Ramada Orlando Celebration Resort, 6375 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (Rt 192), Kissimmee, FL 34747 (1.5 miles from Disney World). Day parking free, overnight $5. $12,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. In 4 sections. Open: $1500-700-500-300, top Under 2300/Unr $800-400. Under 2100: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1900 $700-300. Under 1700: $1000-500-300-200, top Under 1500 $700-300. Under 1300: $600-300-200-100, top Under 1100 $400-200. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1300, $300 U1700, or $500 U2100. Top 3 sections EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 7/23, all $105 online at chesstour.com by 7/28, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/28 (entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. Under 1300 Section EF: all $40 less. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paid with 1 year USCF dues. All sections: Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entryonline at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $79-79 plus $5 resort fee, includes breakfast, 877-467-5786, 407-3905800, reserve by 7/17 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess Association, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chess tour.com. WCL JGP.

July 24-26 or 25-26, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced) 14th Annual Bradley Open

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, Vermont World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) 20th annual Vermont Resort Open

5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking. $8000 guaranteed prize fund. In 4 sections. Open:$1000600-400, U2200 $500–250. Under 2000: $800-400-200, top U1800 $500-250. Under 1600: $700-400-200, top U1400 $450-250. Under 1200: $500-250150, top U1000 $200. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1200, $300 U1600, or $500 U2000.EF: 3-day $88, 2-day $87 mailed by 7/16, all $89 online at chesstour.com by 7/22, $95 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/22 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY T O UNRATED in U1200 if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. Mailed EF $3 less to CSCA or WMCA members. Re-entry $50; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 mailed, phoned or paid at site.3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 116, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. 11-2:30-6, 9-3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $93-93, 860-627-5311; reserve by 7/10 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

5 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Stratton Mountain Resort, Middle Ridge Rd (take Stratton Mtn Rd from center of Bondville), Stratton Mountain, VT 05155.Bondville is 13 mi SE of Manchester, VT on Rt 30; under 2 hours from Albany NY or Springfield MA. $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 3 sections. Open: $500-300-200, top Under 2100/Unr $230-120. FIDE. Under 1900:$320-160-100, top Under 1700 $200-100. Under 1500: $300-150-80, top Under 1300 $16080. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1500 or $200 in U1900. EF: 3-day $73, 2-day $72 mailed by 7/23, all $75 online at chesstour.com by 7/29, $80 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/29 (entry only, no questions), $85 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U1500 Section if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry.GMs free; $60 deducted from prize. Re-entry $40, not available in Open. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 by mail, phone or at site. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3. Half point byes OK all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $79-79, 1-800-STRATTON, 802297-2500, reserve by 7/17 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

uschess.org

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

Regional

May 2-3, 11th Annual Los Angeles County Championship

Alabama

May 23-25, 2009 Lina Grumette Memorial Day Classic

See Nationals.

B’ham C. C.

Aug. 7-9 or 8-9, Connecticut World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced) 15th Annual Northeast Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Holiday Inn Select, 700 Main St., Stamford, CT 06901. Free parking. $8000 guaranteed prize fund. In 4 sections. Open: $1000-600-400, U2200 $500–250. Under 2000: $800-400-200, top U1800 $500-250. Under 1600: $700-350-200, top U1400 $400-200. Under 1200: $500-300-150, top U1000 $200-100. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1200, $300 U1600, or $500 U2000. EF: 3-day $88.50, 2-day $87.50 mailed by 7/30, all $89 online at chesstour.com by 8/5, $95 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 8/5 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U1200 if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. Mailed EF $3 less to CSCA members. Re-entry $50; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 mailed, phoned or paid at site. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 93:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. 11-2:30-6, 9-3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $99-99, 800-408-7640, 203-358-8400; reserve by 7/24 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

A Heritage Event! Aug. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Massachusetts World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced) 39th annual Continental Open 6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St (Rt 20 West), Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. Experience early 19th century America at Old Sturbridge Village (see www.osv.org). Prizes $30,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries & U1000 count half), minimum $24,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $3000-1500-700-400, clear or tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $1800-1000. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1900: $2000-1000600-400. Under 1700: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1500: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1300: $1800-900-500-300. Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U2100 $900, U1900 $700, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 $200, U1000 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $144, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by 8/6, all $145 online at chesstour.com by 8/11, $150 phoned by 8/11 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $160 (no checks, credit cards OK) at tmt. Under 1000 Section EF: all $60 less. FREE TO UNRATED in U1000 or U1300 sections if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry. GMs free; $140 deducted from prize. MACA membership ($12, under 18 $6) required for rated MA residents, WMCA accepted for western MA residents. Re-entry $80; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- $30 online at chesstour.com, $40 if mailed, phoned or paid at site. 4-day schedule: RegThu to 6:30 pm, rdsThu 7 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, rds Fri 12-7, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 9 am, rds Sat 10-12:45-3:15-6, Sun 9-3:15. All schedules: Bye all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. HR: $84-84, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 7/30 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, P O Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9648. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

Aug. 21-23 or 22-23, California Northern World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced) Central California Open 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Ramada University Hotel, 324 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710 (CA-99 to CA-41 to Shaw Ave). Cosponsored by Fresno Chess Club.$$ 15,000 based on 150 paid entries (re-entries count half), minimum $10,000 (2/3 of each prize) guaranteed. In 4 sections: Open: $2000-1000-500-300, top U2200 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2000: $1500-700-400200, top U1800 $800-400.Under 1600: $1200-700-400-200, top U1400 $600-300.Under 1200: $1000-500-300-200, top U1000 $400-200. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U1200 $100, U1600 $300, U2000 $500. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 8/13, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 8/18, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 8/18 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. Mailed EF $10 less to Fresno Chess Club members. FREE TO UNRATED in U1200 section if paying 1 year USCF dues with entry.GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated.Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40.Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section.No checks at site, credit cards OK.3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 2. HR: $89-89, 800-241-0756, 559224-4040, request chess rate, reserve by 8/7 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.WCL JGP.

Aug. 22, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship See Nationals.

Aug. 23, Illinois World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship See Nationals.

uschess.org

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

May 2, Birmingham City Scholastic Championship

See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

May 24, MDC 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 5-22, $20 door. Inf: John Hillery, [email protected]. On-line ent: www.western chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA 90038.

5SS, TC: G/30.W. J. Christian School, 725 Mountain Drive Birmingham, AL35206. Scholastic (K-12): 6 Sections - Rated and Not Rated. Late REG.: May 2nd, 8:00-9:00. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45, 3. EF: $20/$10; if mailed by 04/25/2009. $10 more at site. Prizes: Trophies and Medallions – Top 3 each section. Checks PayableTo: Magic City Chess U. ENT: Magic City Chess U, PO Box 610570, Birmingham, AL 35261. Info: www.Alabamachess.com / [email protected].

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 section. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 10:45-2-5. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.

May 23, Birmingham Challenge

May 25, Memorial Day Action Swiss

May 25, MDC Hexes

4SS, TC: Rds 1-2 @ G/60 & Rds 3-4 @ G/75. Alta Vista Hotel & Conference Center, 260 Goodwin Crest Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209. Open ($475 b/25): $250/T-150-75; Reserve (U1500; $450 b/25): $225/T-150-75; Late REG.: May 23rd, 8-8:45am. Rds.: 9, 11:15, 2, 5. EF: $35, if mailed by 05/16/2009; $50 at site. ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882 McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Checks Payable To: Caesar Lawrence. Info: [email protected] or ACF: www.alabamachess.com.

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.: 10:15-11:3012:45-2:30-3:45. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.

Arizona

Aug. 21-23 or 22-23, Central California Open (Northern CA)

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

July 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, 13th annual Pacific Coast Open (Southern CA)

July 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, 13th annual Pacific Coast Open See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

Colorado Apr. 16, April 2009 G/29 Series Event - Greeley (QC)

See Grand Prix.

Part of the CO & WY G/29 Grand Prix, not a USCF GP Event.3SS, G/29, no delay.One Section, Accelerated Pairings with more than 12 entries. EF: $3.Prizes: 100% minus USCF rating fee.(60% for tourney prizes, rest to Grand Prix Prize Fund.)Reg.: 630-700pm onsite only, e-mail if you intend to come.Rds.: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm.Site: Zachariah’s Food Court, University of Northern Colorado campus, Greeley, Colorado, 80631.For Info: Lee Lahti, Phone: 970-372-8590, E-Mail: [email protected].

May 16-17, Berkeley Open

May 2, G/29 Super Saturday #1 - Fort Collins (QC)

See Grand Prix.

California Northern Apr. 25-26, 4th Annual Frank Doyle Open

4-SS, 90/90; G/60.Hillside School; 1581 Le Roy Ave, Berkeley, California. $$B 80 paid entries (not counting unrated entries ).Three Sections:Open: $320-225, U2200 $220-120; A/B Section: A $220-115, B $220-115; Reserve: C $220-115; D/E $220-115, Unr: Trophy First. Reserve players playing in the A/B section compete for the B prizes. All, EF: postmarked by 5/11 $40, $50 at site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or may play up to the Open section for the regular fee.$2 discount to CalChess members or to BCC Members.USCF memb. req’d. May play up for add’l $10 per section. Reg.: Sat 5/16 9:00-9:45 am. RDS.:Sat 10:00-3:30; Sun 10:00-3:30; One 1/2 pt bye available if requested in advance (bye in rds 3 or 4 must be requested before rd 1).2009 May Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible.Please bring clocks and equipment. INFO: (650)-224-4938. Email: [email protected]: Richard Koepcke, P.O. Box 1432, Mountain View, CA 94042.No Phone entries. WCL JGP.

July 4, 6th Pacifica Chess Open 5 rounds, G/30. 1125Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044. Contact: John Galpin, [email protected] or website: atcc.us/Index.htm for additional details.

Aug. 21-23 or 22-23, Central California Open See Grand Prix.

California Southern

LA CHESS CLUB * www.LaChessClub.com Fridays: 8 PM-10 PM (Blitz Tournament) Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Class& 2 Tournaments) Sundays: 12 PM-6 PM (Tournament) Tuesdays: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA90025 * (310) 795-5710(4 blocks West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor) Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments.

Part of the CO & WY G/29 Grand Prix, not a USCF GP Event.6-SS, G/29, no delay. One section.EF: $12, $9 for Jr/Sr/Unr.Prizes: 100% minus USCF rating fee. (60% for tourney prizes, rest to GP prize fund.)Reg.: 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: 9:45, 11:00, 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45. Site: Lory Student Center, 2nd Floor Food Court, CSU campus, Fort Collins, CO 80525.Info/Entries: Lee Lahti, 2836 Sombrero Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80525, Phone: 970-372-8590, E-Mail: fc-chess@com cast.net. A CO Tour Event, CSCA membership required, OSA.

Connecticut

UCONN Chess Club Tues. & Thurs 7:30PM. Castleman Building, Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Contact: TOM HARTMAYER. Contact Phone: 860-989-5394. Email: [email protected]. Web Site: www.uconnchess. uconn.edu. No dues required. Casual Play, USCF Rated Events, Blitz Events, League Play, Matches, Club Championships, Sets & Clocks Available, Chess Items for Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Beginners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may change, please check website or call contact phone #. May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY) See Grand Prix.

May 16, 2nd Saturday Open See Grand Prix.

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

July 24-26 or 25-26, 14th Annual Bradley Open See Grand Prix.

Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC) 5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 7:30-8. Rds.: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC LA Masters 4SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 5:30-6. Rds.: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 75% EF. 2 Free lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC Saturday Open 4SS, G/30 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots SW of S. Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.

Apr. 5, 12, LACC April Scholastics I & II

FOREIGN RATING? NOT UNRATED! If you have no USCF rating, but do have a rating or category from any other country, no matter how many years ago, you are not unrated.

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

If you have a FIDE rating, you are also not unrated.

Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC Sunday Open

Tell the Director of any event you enter about your foreign rating or category or your FIDE rating, so that you can be paired appropriately.

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

Apr. 19, 2009 Westwood Spring Open See Grand Prix.

Chess Life — April 2009

61

Tournament Life Aug. 7-9 or 8-9, 15th Annual Northeast Open See Grand Prix.

Aug. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 39th annual Continental Open (MA) See Grand Prix.

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

Delaware Apr. 18-19, Delaware Series Challenge Swiss

Florida

May 23, MAY OCG Open

Boca Raton Chess Club

June 26-28, World Open Senior Amateur (PA)

Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks. www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.

See Pennsylvania.

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

Orlando Chess and Games Center, 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes.EF: $30., members $24. PF-b/30: $175.-$110.- $75. Best U-1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65. each.Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. RDS.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm.Info: call 407-2480818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 17th Annual Southern Open

Union United Methodist Church, 345 School Bell Road, Bear DE 19701. In 2 Sections National: 5SS, G90, $75-50-25. American: 5SS, G90, Open to 1500 & under. $75-50-25. ALL: EF: $25 before 3/15/2008, $30 after 3/16/2008. Rds.: 9:45AM-1:30PM-4:30PM-1PM-4PM. 1/2 pt. byes avlble ifTD is informed before Rd.3. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-7536877. [email protected]. Event #3 in DE Series Challenge! NS W. WCL JGP.

Apr. 11, 2nd DBCC G/50 Open

See Grand Prix.

Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL 32118. 4SS, G50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 1011:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul B Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl #116, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: [email protected]. NS NC W.

Georgia

Apr. 25, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad

Apr. 18, Orlando Bonus Tornado

Howard Johnson’s Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. Perfect score = FREE next quad!! (Every 10th quad free!)(time controls: 40/75, s/d 30).: EF: $20. New players to Newark Quads only $10. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 99:30. Rds.: 9:45 1:15 5. ENT: Kevin Pytel 604 N. Walnut St. Newport DE 19804-2624 302-753-6877 [email protected]. INFO: Rick Lathem 302-2995407. NS W.

June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open Hilton Garden Inn, 1706 N. DuPont Highway, Dover DE 19901. In 2 Sections, Open: 5SS, G/90, $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. under 2000 10% under 1800 10%. Under 1600: 5SS, G/90, $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. under 1400- 10% under 1200 - 10%. ALL: EF: $35 before 6/13/09, $40 after. Memb. Req’d: DCA $10($5 under 18). OSA. Reg.: reg 8:45-9:45 am. Rds.: Sat 10, 2, 5:30 Sun 10, 2. Byes: limit 1, must commit by start of round 3. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St. Newport, DE 19804-2624. INFO: Kevin Pytel ([email protected] 302-7536877) or Dave Power ([email protected]). HR: ask for chess rate $89 302-674-3784. Please submit copies of all games played to the TD (scoresheets provided). NS NC. WCL JGP.

District of Columbia Apr. 19, G/60 Spring Sensation

4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400 $75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:303-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP. Orlando Chess and Games Center, 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes.EF: $30., members $24. PF-b/30: $175.-$110.- $75. Best U-1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65. each.Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. RDS.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm.Info: call 407-2480818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.

May 2, May Swiss Madness (QC) Orlando Chess and Games Center, 7SS G/29, EF: $30., members $24. PF-b/30: $175-$125-$100-$75, Lower Half Crosstable: $75-$50. Reg : 9:15am-9:45am, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30,2:30,3:30-4:30. Info: 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess. com.

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

May 2, St. Petersburg 66 Trophy RBO

May 3, Metro First Sunday Quads

See Grand Prix.

5rd Swiss G/30 USCF RBO 4 Sect.K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy; all others get medal.Also Trophies to top 12 teams.Team (2 or more) - take best four scores from all divisions.Bughouse at lunch.EF: $18.(SPCC members $15) Onsite reg. cash or chck 9-10AM.First round 10:15 AM.Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. 66 trophies every event.www.stpetersburgchessclub.com for dirctins and Paypal prergistration.Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman.727 822 1171.NS NC W.

June 6, 20th Annual DC Action Championship

May 8-10 or 9-10, 16th Space Coast Open

See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

May 16-17, D. C. Class Championships

See Grand Prix.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 17th Annual Southern Open (FL) See Grand Prix.

Idaho Apr. 17-18, 2nd Annual Farewell Bobby Fischer (UT) See Utah.

Apr. 25, APRIL OCG Open

See Grand Prix. 3-RR, G/90. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. EF: $20 $$ $40 each quad. Scholastic sections. EF: $10, Trophy prizes. Both: Reg.: 9:15 - 9:50. Rds.: 10 - 1 - 4. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org./quads.php.

May 1-3, 2009 Georgia State Championship

Illinois

North American Chess Association Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength. Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate. Monthly FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan A. Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer. www.nachess.org | [email protected] | 888.80.CHESS. A Heritage Event! Apr. 18-19, 44th Greater Peoria Open 5 rds., Swiss, regular rating system, G/120 with a 5 second time delay allowed. Lakeview Museum, 1125 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614. 80% of entries returned. 1 section open to all, $35 if rec’d by 4/13, $45 at the site, $20 if unrated, free if rated 2200 or higher,$5 discount to ICA members, $3 discount to GPCF members, 80% of entry fees, allocation to be determined. Reg.: 8:309:30. Rds.: 9:45, 2:15, 6:30 Saturday, 9:30, 2:00 Sunday. No State membership required.Other info:1/2 point bye in Rds. 1-4, but a bye in Rd. 4 must be elected before the start of Rd. 3. Non-smoking, no computers. www.gpcf.net, Advance entries:Wayne Zimmerle, 514 W. Loucks, #2, Peoria, IL 61604, 309-692-4480 day, 309-686-0192 night, [email protected], NS, NC, WCL JGP.

Apr. 25, 9th Annual April Open 4SS, G75. Joliet Jr. College, Bldg T, 1st floor, 1215 Houbolt Rd.(exit 127 off I80), Joliet, IL. (Note: the Chess club has moved the tournament from J0006 toT building, 1st floor.) $600 b/35: $150-90, A,B,C,D,E/F, Unr.each $60. (based on 4 per class)Top Jr. book. EF: $20 by 4/20, $25 at site, Masters(2200+) FREE, Entry subtracted from any prize won. Two 1/2 pt. byes max. Reg.: 9-9:30am.

CHECK OUT USCF’S CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS

USCF’s 62st ANNUAL 2009 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship $1,000 First Prize

(plus title of USCF’s Golden Knights Champion and plaque)

• 2nd place $600 • 3rd place $400 • 4th place $300 • 5th place $200 • 6th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25.

The entry deadline is November 30, 2009. These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF members who reside on the North American continent, islands, or Hawaii, as well as those USCF members with an APO or FPO address. USCF members who reside outside of the North American continent are welcome to participate in e mail events. Your USCF membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Those new to USCF Correspondence Chess, please estimate your strength: Class A: 1800 1999 (very strong); Class B: 1600 1799 (strong); Class C: 1400 1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level). Note: Prize fund based on 300 entries and may be decreased proportion ately per number of entries assigned. Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) • $5 entry fee per person with two, four or sixgame options. Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy • Four-player, double round-robin with class-level pairings. • 1st-place winner receives a trophy. • Entry fee: $10. Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments • Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with each of six opponents. • Players must have a USCF CC rating to enter. • 1st-place winner receives $130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor Palciauskas. • Entry fee: $25. John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments • Four-player, double round-robin with class-level pairings (unrateds welcome). • 1st-place winner receives a John W. Collins certificate. • Entry fee: $7.

62

Chess Life — April 2009

USCF’s 6th ANNUAL 2009 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship

(Seven player sections, one game with each of six opponents.)

$700 First Prize

(plus title of USCF’s Electronic Knights Champion and plaque)

• 2nd place $400 • 3rd place $300 • 4th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25.

The entry deadline is November 30, 2009. These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF members with e mail access. Your USCF membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the year for each player is ten. Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased propor tionately per number of entries assigned.

E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access): Lightning Match • Two players with two, four or six-game option. • Entry fee $5 per person. Swift Quads • Four-player, double round-robin format. • 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30. • Entry fee: $10. Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) • Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format tournament with class-level pairings. • 1st-place receives a certificate. • Entry fee: $7. Express Tournament • Seven-player events, one game with each of six opponents. • Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd place $20 credit. • Entry fee: $15. Please circle event(s) selected. NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express Tournaments, players will use post office mail, unless opponents agree to use e-mail.

To Enter: 800•903•USCF (8723), Fax 931•787•1200 or on-line www.uschess.org Name USCF ID# Address City State ZIP Phone E mail Est. Rating Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX) Exp. date If using VISA, need V code

□ Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may slow down your assignment.

Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 uschess.org

Rds.: 10-12:45-3:30-6:30. Ent/info: Checks payable to: Stephen Decman, 1418 Devonshire Drive, Joliet, IL 60435, no phone or credit card entries. Info: 815-744-5272. WCL JGP.

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

June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA)

choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess merchandise.A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details. Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF:Free. Adv. ENT:Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info:call Don at 317-634-6259 or e-mail [email protected]. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.

Apr. 18, Howard County Open

See Nationals.

UAW Local 1166, 2761 N. 50 E. (US 31), Kokomo, IN 46902. $$745 b/44. In 2 Sections Open: 4SS, Game/75, $$: $170. Expert $85, Class A $80, Class B $75. Reserve: 4SS, Game/75, Open to 1599 & under. $$: $140-70. Class D $65, u1200 $60. ALL: EF: $25 rcvd by 4/14, $30 at site. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: 10, 1, 4, 7. ENT: Terry Perkins, 4761 S. 400 E. Cutler, IN 46920. INFO: Terry Perkins, 765-566-2371, [email protected], www.indianachess.org. WCL JGP.

Aug. 23, 2009 U.S. Game/30 Championship

May 16, ISCA 428 Tourneys

See Pennsylvania.

July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships See Grand Prix.

Aug. 22, 2009 U.S. Game/60 Championship

Indiana

3SS, game/90, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2930 Waterfront Pkwy., West Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46214. 400 point rating margins/section. EF: $28 rcvd by 5-12, $35 at site. Bottom player in each section if outside the margin plays at half price. $$b/8: Quad 1st $60, if 5-8 players - 1st $80, 2nd $40. Reg.: 9:4510:45. Rds.: 11, 2:30, 6. ENT: ISCA, P.O. Box 114, Logansport, IN 46947. INFO: Gary Fox 574-722-4965 [email protected]. www.indianachess.org.

Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)

May 18, Indianapolis Youth Open (QC)

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 the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30 P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes: Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317) 634-6259 or e-mail [email protected].

4SS, G/12, Our Lady of Lourdes School Cafeteria, 30 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis IN 46219. Open to Age 18 and Under. EF: $5 onsite, $4 in advance. Unr: Free. Prizes: Trophies for 1st-3rd. Reg.: Anytime between 3:05pm and 3:55pm. Rds.: 4p, 4:30p, 5p, 5:30p. Clocks and boards provided. ENT: www.ollchessclub.org. INFO: Kieron Mitchell, 317-430-5254. info@ollchess club.org. NS NC.

Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT

See Grand Prix.

See Nationals.

Nov. 20-22, 2009 National Youth Action See Nationals.

5 Round, G/61, U.S.C.F. rated. 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free 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; 2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow. EF: $25 if rec’d one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount for your birthday month, FIDETitled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-6259 or e-mail [email protected]. Note: there must be at least 3 entries in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining class prizes are vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. News Flash!!! OCCC Has won the bid for 09 US Open. All Sat Monthly’s will offer Orange Points that may be used for FREE ENTRY to US Open in 09. WCL JGP.

FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the second Sat. of the Month G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes:First in each quad gets

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

July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Class Championships (IL) Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open See Nationals.

Iowa Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 3rd Annual Okoboji Open

may be no more than 1000 points higher than 4th. All teams are subject to TD approval. Ent: Stephen Miller, 859-200-8460, [email protected] or Jerry Baker, 859-806-0637.

June 6-7, The Kentucky Open See Grand Prix.

Louisiana Apr. 18-19, 2009 Louisiana Pro-Am See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! May 9, Louisiana G/60 Championship 4-SS, G/60.Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge, LA70808.EF: $30 if mailed by 5/1, $40 at site.LCA Memb. req’d ($10 Adult, $5 Schol.), OSA.Prizes: $600 b/30, 50% Gtd.$150-50.U2000: $80, U1800: $80, U1600: $80, U1400: $80, U1200: $80.Reg.: 8:30-9:15am. Rds.: 9:30-12-2:154:30. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817, [email protected],(225)933-9548. NS, NC.

May 23-24, Louisiana Open 5 SS, Rds: 1-3 G/90, Rds: 4,5 G/110. Reg.: Sat 8:45-9:30 am. ROUNDS: Sat 9:45, 1:15, 5:15, Sunday 10, 3. BYES: 1 bye % pt all rounds but last. EF: $75.00. Rtd 70% 1st 200, 2nd 150, MXA 1st 200, 2d 150, B 1st 200, 2d 150, C 1st 200, 2d 150, D 1st 200, 2d 150, E and below UNR 1 st 200, 2d 150 (UNR $100 max). 3 persons in each class or combined. Checks made payable to: Lafayette Chess Club.Contact: James MacManus (317) 234·1720. WCL JGP.

Maryland

Silver Knights Chess Tournaments We organize USCF-rated tournaments on Saturdays for adults and kids. Free analysis by a National Master at every tournament for the scholastic players.Trophies to top scholastic finishers; 70% of entries returned as prizes in open (adult) sections.To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess. com.Phone: 610-446-0818.Email: chess@silverknights chess.com. May 3, Catonsville First Sunday Action

See Grand Prix.

Kentucky A State Championship Event! Apr. 25, Kentucky State Team Championship 4rd SS, g/60 4 board team tournament. Location, UK Student Center Room #231, Avenue of Champions (Euclid Ave), Lexington, KY. EF: $80 per team. Current KCA membership required for all Ky residents Regular $8, Youth and Senior $4. Reg.: 9 - 9:45.Rds.: 10, 1, 3, 5. Prizes b/12 paid team entries, $500 1st, $240 2nd, $80 best team name, medals for top 3 teams. Maximum average team rating is 1750. Team board order is determined by rating. 1st board

5SS, G/30, EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 12:00-1:30-2:454:00-5:15. Reg.: 11:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, Md. 21228. $$b/24 $100-$50 U1800 $40 U1400 $40, more per entries. Bye: 1-4. Info: [email protected], www.geo cities.com/catonsvillechess. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Balt, MD. 21207. 410-788-1009.

May 10, Maryland Scholastic Chess Spectacular 4SS, G/20mins in 2 sections.University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in University Center Ballroom). Open to any student grades 1-12. Coaches welcome to attend free instructional

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS Free 8-Line Tournament Life Announcements!

Adult Dues Options! >> New Free TLA Categories Added! RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS SUMMER! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament between July and September 2009, if no TLA for such an event appeared in 2008, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs. SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines for events in the following categories, if submitted by e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs: NEW CATEGORY! SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a higher minimum age.

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

NEW CATEGORY! UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament that offers free entry to unrated players. If your prizes are based on entries, say “paid entries.”

SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc.

USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad that offers at least one per section.

USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/ forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.

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

One-year membership with Chess Life: If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $42 for Premium Membership, which includes a copy of Chess Life every month. Regular Memberships are available for $29 and give online-only access to Chess Life and a mailed TLA Newsletter (bi-monthly). (Note to affiliates: If you collect a $49 membership, you may submit it online to USCF for $42, in effect creating a $7 commission. If you submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission is $3.)

CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on one or more weekday evenings.

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Chess Life — April 2009

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SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

Tournament Life sessions.Spectators free and welcome. Quick Rated Open: 4SS. For rated and unrated scholastic competitors with prior tournament experience. Trophies to top ten finishers, top individuals (elementary, middle, high, unrated), top schools (elementary, middle, high).Top 10 finishers receive free entry to chess camp. Top four players, and anyone with a perfect score, advance to knockout playoffs.USCF membership required (may be purchased at event).Unrated Novice: 3SS. For unrated scholastic players with no prior tournament experience. Top 4 finishers receive trophy and free entry to chess camp (G/7mins playoff may be required). Certificate to everyone completing three games. Includes instruction on how to play in tournaments 10-10:45am. USCF membership not required. Unrated Playoffs (invitational): For finalists from Quick Rated Open. Single-elimination G/7mins (2-sec delay), two games per match, with move-by-move sports commentary.Ties broken by 5mins-4mins “shootout” in which White with 5mins must win.Coaches Session: 12:452:15.Advice on how to teach chess.All: EF: Free entry to any Maryland student who registers by 4-24.Limit 200.Late entries may be required to take 1/2-bye in Rd1. $20 per person for non-residents.Bring lunch (none will be provided). Teams: School score is sum of points earned by top four finishers from same school.Home-schooled students may play for their district school. Reg.: 8-9am, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30, playoffs begin 2:45 ending about 5pm.Byes:1/2 bye avail. in Rd 1 only.Directions:Take Exit 47B off I-95 and follow signs to UMBC.Ent/Info:Cks payable to UMBC, Dr. Alan T. Sherman, CSEE Dept, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, [email protected] online www.umbc.edu/chess/spectacular.W.

June 19-21 or 20-21, Chesapeake Open See Grand Prix.

June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open See Delaware.

Massachusetts

01420, [email protected], 978-345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org. Online ratings as of May 6 will be used. Italian-Swiss pairings possible in later rounds. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.

1/9 of the prize fund. One 1/2 point bye if declared by round 1. Annual club memb. req’d. MCA memb. req’d from $5 OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS. [email protected]. WCL JGP.

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

May 23-24, Show Me Classic

See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

July 24-26 or 25-26, 14th Annual Bradley Open (CT)

A State Championship Event! June 27-28, Missouri Class Championship

See Grand Prix.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 20th annual Vermont Resort Open (VT) See Grand Prix.

Aug. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 39th annual Continental Open See Grand Prix.

Michigan Apr. 24-26, Great Lakes Open See Grand Prix.

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

July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships (IL) See Grand Prix.

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

Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Tuesday night (QC)

Apr. 25, Dr. Joseph Platz Memorial Celebrating the life of a New England Chess Legend! 3SS G/90, UMass Student Union, UMass/Amherst, MA (Parking WILL BE validated); EF: $28, by 4/20, $35 at site. $700 Prize fund b/30 adv entries. OPEN 1st $175, 2nd $100 U1800 1st $100, 2nd $75 U1400 1st $75, 2nd $45; Reg.: 8:30. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4:15. Titled Masters of any kind, FREE ENTRY!! (Adv EF deducted from prizes won). New/UNR, $15 by 4/20 (must play in U1400 Section, not eligible for prizes). WMCA mem discount: $2 off EF. Adv Ent: Frank Kolasinski, 119 Brunswick Street, Springfield, MA 01108. Questions? Call Frank at 413-391-0860 or e-mail horseyman5000@aol.com.www.WesternMassachusettsChessAssociation.org.

Apr. 26, 19th Massachusetts G/60 Championship See Grand Prix.

May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, Wachusett CC “B” Championship 7SS. G/110, McKay Campus School, Room C199, Fitchburg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Open to Under 1800. EF: $15 discounted annual club dues or $1 per game played; free to Wachusett CC members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m., Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-6. limit three. Prizes: trophies, medals, chess books, etc. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA

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

Apr. 25-26, Saint Louis Open 5SS,G/120. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. $$ Guaranteed $300 first place. $$ based on 60: $150 each X,A,B,C,D,E,U 1000/Unr. EF: $40 if received by 4/17. $50 at site.K-12 may enter at half fee but are eligible for only half of class prize. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.: 10 - 2:30 - 7; 9:30 - 2 MCA membership req’d for MO residents, available at site from $5.Adv. Info/Entries: Missouri Chess Association, 7138 Lindenwood, St. Louis, MO 63109 314-645-2897. WCL JGP.

May 6, May Knights 4SS, G/90 Reg. Wednesday, May 6th, 6:00 - 6:45pm. Rounds (one per week) 7pm 5/6, 13, 20, 27. Check in with TD by 6:45 to be paired each week/round. No advanced entries.EF: $10. Prize fund is 90% payout, with 1st place getting 1/3 of the total prize fund and first A, B, C, D, E and U1000/unrated each take

MO Invitational Qualifier. 5SS, G/120; Best Western Inn, 3100 I-70 Dr SE, Columbia, MO 65201; Prizes: b/7 per class: $100-1st, $50-2nd, each: M/X, A, B, C, D, E, U1000/Unr;Missouri State Championship Plaque to winner of each section!M/X winner receives Invitation to the Missouri Invitational. Players play only those in their own Class. (Small sections may be combined.Combined section use prize pairing in last round) Reg.: 8:30-9:30; Round times: Sat-10-2:30-7, Sun-9:30-2.EF: $30 if marked by 6/20, $35 at site. Site entries cash only. Max 1 half bye; MCA required, O.S.A., available on site from $5. Hotel Rate: $69/night, Free breakfast & Free Wi-Fi w/ hotel room 573-474-6161, mention CHESS. Entries/Info: Bob Howe, 4403 Gage Pl., Columbia, MO 65203.(636) 234.7928. WCL JGP.

Montana A Heritage Event! Apr. 25-26, 74th Montana Open 5SS.G/2.Web. W. GranTree Inn, Bozeman, MT 59715.HR: $84, mention chess, Hotel ph: 800-624-5865.Open to all. EF: $30 by 4/24, $35 site, jrs 1/2.Reg.: 9:00-9:40 am. Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 9-3. MCA memb. Req’d. $12, OSA. Trophies to top MT sr, top MT jr, top in classes B-E/below, unrated.$$b/25, more per entries: $100-60-40, 2 biggest upsets, $30-25.1/2 pt bye for rds 4 or 5 must be requested by end of rd 3.Ent: Dan McCourt, 608 West Central, Missoula, MT 59801. Checks payable to MCA. Info:Dan McCourt, 406-721-0254, [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Nevada Apr. 10-12, 9th Annual RENO-FAR WEST OPEN See Grand Prix.

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

June 5, National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament 5-SS Game/30. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. Open to players Uage 20. In 3 sections. U1800, U1200, and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section must be under age 12.Trophies to top 4 in each section, top 1 in each 200 point rating group and unrated.EF $29 by 5/19, $35 by 6/3, $40 on site. REG 9-9:45 a.m. RDS 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $65 (not $75) single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.

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

June 6-7, Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and for Boys 5-SS, G/45. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under 15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives a MonRoi Personal Chess Manager. $$ 200-150-100-50 in chess prizes for 2nd thru 5th.Trophies for top 10 individuals, top 3 (3-player) school/club teams each section, special medals for next 10 individuals and next 3 school/club teams. Every player receives a special hand-signed certificate from Susan Polgar. Perfect score also wins a digital chess clock. Scholarships to Texas Tech will be awarded based in part on performance in this event. EF $45 by 1/19, $55 by 5/19, $65 by 6/3, $75 on site. Reg 4-8 p.m. Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rds 11-1:30-4, 11-1:30. Breakfast with Susan 9 a.m. Sunday. Opening Ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Awards Ceremony 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Blitz Championship 7 p.m. Saturday. Susan Polgar lecture 3:30 p.m. Friday, Puzzle Solving Competition 5 p.m. Friday, Simul 6:15 p.m. Friday. Chess Camp 9:00 a.m.Thursday. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL; see the National OpenTLA for otherThursday and Friday side events. HR $65 (not $75) single or double ($95 Fri/Sat). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. REG: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 890090125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at (702) 933-9112. No telephone entries. NS. W. NC.

New Hampshire Apr. 13, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 3rd Annual Knights CC Championship 5SS, 40/90, SD/15. Knights CC, E.F. Lane Hotel, 30 Main St., Keene, NH. EF: $17; KCC members, $14; Under 16, $10.Two Sections: Open & Under 1600. Prizes: 1st Trophy & $25, 2nd Trophy & $15 in each section. Club Championship goes to top KCC member. Reg.: Online at KnightsChessClub.org, or Onsite: 6:156:45pm. Rds.: 7:00pm each Monday. Questions: [email protected]. WCL JGP.

Apr. 25, New Hampshire Quick Chess Championship (QC) See Grand Prix.

May 9, Portsmouth Open See Grand Prix.

New Jersey

Geller Quads - First Friday Every Month! New Jersey Children’s Chess School, 862 DeGraw Ave., Forest Hill (Newark), NJ 07104. Open to K-8. 3 RR, G/35. Reg.: 6PM. Rds.: 6:30-7:40-8:40PM. Chess classes in NJCCS meet every Friday 6:30-9PM.Chess camp “Geller Kids” meets July & August, day & overnight. Website: www.kidschesscamp.com. Email: chesscamp@hot mail.com. Phone: 973-483-7927. Silver Knights Chess Tournaments 2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia

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area.Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel (NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.Tournaments are open to grades K-12.Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each tournament.We have players of all skill levels compete in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com.Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected]. The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave. Newark, New Jersey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.

Apr. 16, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads 3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the King’s Men Chess Shop, 62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot win more than $10.EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, [email protected], 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a clock!

Apr. 18, Hamilton Chess Club Quads 3RR 40/80 15/30 15/30. Full K. Ray Dwier Recreation Center, Bldg. 392, Groveville, NJ 08620. Quads open to all EF: $10. $25 per Quad. Reg.: 910:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W.

Apr. 18, Princeton Day School 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section. Medals to all players. Sections: FUTURE MASTERS and CLOSED begin 10:30 (must preregister). FUTURE MASTERS: G/60, 3 rounds (Players K-12 over 1200), CLOSED: G/45 (K-12 1000-1200) 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. 4 Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4pm. (times will be accelerated if possible) G/30: OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), Reserve (K-12 U-800), Novice II (K-8 U-600), Novice I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS G/30 rated, 3 rounds. Info and Register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin. [email protected]. Pre-registration $30 (On-site $40:11:30-12:30).

Apr. 19, 2009 Westfield Swiss #58 (QC) 5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500 Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350 $60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379 www.westfieldchessclub.com.

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

Apr. 19, ICA Spring 2009 Scholastic Championship 4 SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY!!! Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. U.S. CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR SECTIONS 1 AND 2. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741 E-mail: Diana@ icanj.net. (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) EF Adv (pmk by Apr 15th) $25 AT Site $30 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive 1/2 point bye for rnd 1. In 4 Sections Section 1: G/45 Open to players rated below 1200 K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 2: G/60 Open to players rated below 1600 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. Section 3: Open to unrated players K through 2nd grade. Rds.: 10:15 AM (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 4: Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds.: 10:00 AM (tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.

Apr. 23-May 28, 2009 ATKM Club Championship 5SS, G/90, t/d5, All the King’s Men Chess Shop & Chess Club, 62 S. Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. EF: $10 or FREE to non-USCF players who elect to join the USCF. ATKMCC membership required! Prizes: Trophies to 1st, Top U1400, Top U1000. Medal toTop K - 8. Unrated players are not eligible for class prizes. Reg.: Onsite only, now until 6:45 PM on 4-23. Rnds.: 7 PM. No byes allowed. INFO: Add’l details are available at YourChessSet.com/clubchamp or call 856-582-8222. WCL JGP.

Apr. 25, 2009 Spring WCCC Youth Chess Championship (In two sections by grade) K-6, 7-12, Warren County Community College, 475 Route 57, Washington, New Jersey. Info both sections: 5SS, Game/30, limited to players below 2200. EF: $11 if mailed by 4/1, $17.76 at site. Prizes: Top 10 in all sections win trophies. Must be USCF member. Reg.: until to 9:30 pm. Rds.: 10-11-1-2-3. Rounds will start earlier if possible. Chess boards supplied, but not sets, bring your set. Ent: LaMont Rouse, 475 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07782. Info: LaMont Rouse, (908) 835-4028, [email protected]. Make checks payable to: Warren County Community College.If you are not a USCF member, membership fee of $10 will be assessed in addition to tournament fee.

Apr. 26, 2009 South Jersey Open See Grand Prix.

Apr. 26, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

May 2, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8) For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info e-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.

May 2, Garden State Scholastic Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open to K-12; 4SS, G/30. Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if rec’d by 4/25, $20 on site. Reg.: 99:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881, [email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to Character Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please indicate section.

uschess.org

May 3, 2009 Westfield Quads

June 27, 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2, World Open G/60 Quads (PA)

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

See Pennsylvania.

May 9, Princeton Day School 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section. Medals to all players. Sections: FUTURE MASTERS and CLOSED begin 10:30 (must preregister). FUTURE MASTERS: G/60, 3 rounds (Players K-12 over 1200), CLOSED: G/45 (K-12 1000-1200) 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. 4 Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4pm. (times will be accelerated if possible) G/30: OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), Reserve (K-12 U-800), Novice II (K-8 U-600), Novice I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS G/30 rated, 3 rounds. Info and Register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin. [email protected]. Pre-registration $30 (On-site $40:11:3012:30).

A State Championship Event! May 9-10, New Jersey Junior Championship 5SS, G/100. Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738, Larrison Hall 116-117, use Parking Lot #2; 4 minutes from Garden State Parkway, Exit# 109. OPEN: (K-12) Trophies to top 10. Top High School player from NJ awarded entry to Denker Tournament of HS Champions. Top female player from NJ awarded entry to Polgar Invitational Tournament. RESERVE: (U1400) Trophies to top 10, U1300, U1200, U1000, Unr. ALL: Entry fee: $30 if received by 5/2, $45 at site. NJSCF memb. req $8, OSA. Reg.: Sat.910am, Rds.: 10:30-2:30-6:15 Sat., 10-2 Sun. ENT: NJSCF P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527 Make checks payable to NJSCF. Info:Hal Sprechman, 732-259-3881, [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.

May 17, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

May 21, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads

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

Aug. 7-9 or 8-9, 15th Annual Northeast Open (CT) See Grand Prix.

New Mexico Apr. 25, 15th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial See Grand Prix.

New York Apr. 2-May 7 FIDE Thursdays!! (note date, round, e.f. & prize corrections), 6SS (not 5SS), 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100. 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday. FIDE rated. WCL JGP.

Apr. 11, Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

Apr. 16, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! See Grand Prix.

Apr. 17- May 8, Queens Spring Open See Grand Prix.

Apr. 18, 2009 Syracuse University Spring Open 4SS Rds.: 1&2 G/60, Rds.: 3&4 G/90. Syracuse University, 304 Tolley Bldg. (I 81 Ex. 18, bear left & get in center lane, left E. Adams, Right Irving, Left Waverly, R Crouse to parking booth.) EF: $30. Prizes (b/20): $150, $100, Class $80. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 12:00, 2:15, 5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, PO Box 91, Minoa, NY 13116. (315) 436-9008. WCL JGP for Rds. 3&4.

Apr. 18, NY April Under 1600!

3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the King’s Men Chess Shop, 62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot win more than $10.EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, [email protected], 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a clock!

4-SS, G/50, open to U1600 or unr., Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. May be limited to 1st 26 entries. $$ (300 b/20 paid): 150-70-30, top U1300 $50, $70 limit to unr. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2:30. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12:30-2:30-4:306:30 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 4/16.$10 extra to “enter” by phone!

May 23-25, 66th Annual U.S. Amateur Championship East

Apr. 18, Prove Your Point!

See Nationals.

May 23, U.S. Amateur Championship - East U1300 K-8 Scholastic Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, Exit 12 off I-287 at Weston Canal Road. (732) 560-9880, Fax (732) 356-7455. Trophies Galore. In 4 Sections by rating. Sections: Hot Shots: U1300, Check Mates: U900, Rising Stars: U500 & Chess Bandits: Beginners/Unrated. Also open to U200. Details all sections: 5-SS, G/30, Trophies to Top 10, Others get choice of chess medallions or fun grab bag prizes. Unrated (grade K-4) may play in U500 section. Others may play in the top two Sections. Unrated may not win first prize in rated sections.Registration: Saturday 5/23, 11am-12pm. Rounds: 12:30pm, then ASAP with lunch break after round #2. All sections: EF: $20 if mailed by 5/18 or paid online by 5/22 on website EntryFeesRus.com, $30 at site. Special advanced EF only Combination:Pay $50 to play in both Saturday event and U.S. Amateur (2-day) Sunday and Monday. This special is not available at site. One half-point byes allowed in rounds 1-4 if requested with EF. April Rating supplement used. Mail entries to: Ken Thomas, 115 West Moore Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840-2233. Checks payable to NJSCF. Indicate section desired and your grade level. Information: Call 908-763-6468 or acn@goes .com. NS NC W.

3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30.

Apr. 18-19, NY April Under 2300! 4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 56 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY

May 31, 2009 Westfield Quads 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

May 31, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info. E-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.

June 6, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8) For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info e-mail Stephen at [email protected] or call 856-582-8222.

June 7, 2009 Westfield Swiss #59 (QC) 5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500 Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350 $60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.

June 13, Garden State Scholastic Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS, G/30.Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Scholastic Quads: open to K-12 G/60 Quads. Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if rec’d by 6/6, $20 on site. Reg.: 9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881, [email protected]. Ent: Please make checks payable to Character Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please indicate section.

June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open See Delaware.

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

June 26-28, World Open Senior Amateur (PA) See Pennsylvania.

June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA) See Pennsylvania.

Chess Life — April 2009

65

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

Tournament Life Apr. 25-May 16, 2nd Farmingdale CC Spring Swiss

Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, top U2000 $95, U1800 $85. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit by rd 2. Re-entry $20, counts half. Class pairings OK rd 4. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 4/16. $10 extra to “enter” by phone! WCL JGP.

4SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735.Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $105-85. Top U-1800, U-1500 $55 each. EF: $20. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each Saturday. 2 byes 1-4.Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. Please do not call the library. NS. W. WCL JGP.

Apr. 19, Binghamton Monthly Tourney

Apr. 26, April Polgar Scholastic Championship G/30

See Grand Prix.

4SS. K-12.Three sections: K-2, K-5 and 6-12. EF: $20 if rec’d by 4/19, after $30. PCC members $5 off. Trophies to top 3 in each section. Medals to others. More special prizes! Reg.: 12-12:30. Rds.: 12:45-2:00-3:30-4:45pm. (Mail checks to: Polgar Chess, 103-10 Queens Blvd. #1C, Forest Hills, NY 11375). 718-897-4600.

Apr. 19, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads! 3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less $36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! No phone entry!

Apr. 26 Grandmaster Challenge See Grand Prix.

Apr. 19, Polgar CC Quads G/30

Apr. 26, Studio April Quad

3RR. EF: $20 PCC members or all Scholastic $15. Prizes: $50 to first in each quad. 12:30-12:55. Rds.: 1-2:10-3:30pm. 718-897-4600.

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

Apr. 21, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club

Apr. 26, The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Scholastic Tournament

See Grand Prix.

Apr. 22-May 20, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.

Apr. 23, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

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

Apr. 25, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $12070-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.

Apr. 25, Syracuse Monthly Open 4SS, Rds 1 & 2 G/60, Rds. 3 & 4 G/90. Courtyard by Marriot, 6415 Yorktown Circle, E. Syracuse (exit 35 I-90, Carrier Circle, 298 E, left at Holiday Inn). $(b/14): $100-50, Class: $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:15, Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF: $30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Mineola, NY 13116.

Apr. 25, The 10th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Chess Tournament See Grand Prix.

5SS, G/30. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34th St., NYC, 212-971-0101. Open to all students thru grade 12, EF: $10. $$Gtd: $200-$125-$75, U1800 $50, U1600 $40, U1400 $30, U1200 $25. Trophy to winner, tiebreak order: Cumulative, Median, Solkoff. All players receive a medal and a T-shirt! Reg.: 10:15-10:45, X Rds.: 11am-12:30-2:30-4pm-5:30. Entries MUST be received by April 22nd! Ent: No door ents. Ck/MO payable to Pat Bowyer c/o PAR Group Inc., 119 N. Park Avenue. Suite 303, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limited to first 70 players. Provide name, add., school, USCF rating, ID#, & exp. PLEASE NOTE: Bring clocks and sets, none will be provided. Info: [email protected] or Pat Bowyer 516.371.3717.

Apr. 27-May 18, 23rd Nassau Amateur Team 4-SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. Open to teams of 3 (+ optional alternate). Ave rating must be U1800.Teams play in rating order. EF: $54/team by 4/25, $75 at site, $10 more per non-memb. $$ (504 b/12 teams) 252, U1600, 1400/UR each 126.Team byes 1-4 (Last rd bye must be req before rd 3 and is irrevocable). Teams seeking players call 631 218-4440 or [email protected]. Players looking for teams $18 by 4/25, $25 at site, $10 more for non-memb. May ratings used. Reg ends 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782. WCL JGP.

Apr. 27-May 25, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.

Apr. 30, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by

8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

May 2, New York May Action! See Grand Prix.

May 3, 18th Annual NY May Under 13 Open! 4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 5/3/96, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10th St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. May be limited to 1st 52 entries. 2 Sections. 1. Open, EF: $32 postmarked by 4/25. 2. Novice, for Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 4/25. Both, EF: $30 online at www.chesscenter.cc by 4/30, $35 by phone at 845-496-2191 by 4/30, $40 at site, Club members $10 less ($10 fee for refunds). Trophies to top 10, top Unr, top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks free entry to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit of 2 byes, commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2 pm.Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID, rating, section, school/grade, DOB.

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

May 3, Polgar CC Quads G/45 3RR. EF: $20 PCC members or all Scholastic $15. Prizes: $50 to first in each quad. Reg.: 12:30-12:55. Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30pm. 718-897-4600.

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

May 3, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads 3-RR, G/30,The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896.EF: $15$$:Trophies to top 2 in each quad.Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.

May 3, The Right Move #153 Team and Individual Championship FREE EF. 4SS, G/30.Play starts promptly at 10:00.Players must check in by 9:30A.M. Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave, Manhattan, NYC).Open to gr. K-12.Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600.(May renew or join USCF at tournament).Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.Trophies to top 3 in each section except Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points.Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section).Non-member sections offer additional prize of USCF membership to players scoring 4 points.To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop @aol.com or Fax to 718-455-

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): Richard Allen, Norman Forsythe, Clifford Lester, Rick Lester (Ursula Foster Scholarship), Henry Odell, Harold Winston, Steve Doyle, Ann Marks, Drs. Luann Mostello & Art Milholland, Bill & Vesna Kelleher, Eric Lester, Robert Messenger, Henry Terrie, Selden Trimble, Mosh & Arianne Weinberger, Yuriko Young, Randall & Leilani Sears, Dave Sutherland, Erland Millikan, J. William Cowart, Paul Albert. Associate Donors ($100 or more): Harvey Susswein, John M. Bartkiw, Randy Bauer/Deborah O’Leary, Walter Brown, Bernie Letner, David Kuhns, Jim Berry, Alan/Judy Cohen, Gary Fine, Martin/Joy Goldberg, Roger Gotschall, Jim Gray, Randy Hough, Christopher Lerbs, Myron/Rachel Lieberman, Luke Neyndorff, Glenn Petersen, Larry Weston, Charles/Debrah Unruh, Edward Zatorski, Joe Feagin, Marc Levine, Michael Goodall, Walter Buehl, Jr, GM Susan Polgar/Paul Truong, Dr. Jon E. Quinn, Burton Carpenter, Michael Clark, James Kelley, Jeffrey Davidson, Paul Tomaino, Phyllis Narveson, Brian Bezenek, Robert Emke, Scott Kenyon, Kenneth Rogoff, Hans Morrow, Robert Miller, George Berry, Dr. Ed Epp, Peter Dyson, Harold Blajwas, Denis Strenzwilk, Dr. Benton Wheeler, Donald Stetzer, Fred Gruenberg, Barbara Forbes, Lawrence Goch, James Wheeler, Carol McCloud, Arthur Montgomery, Andrew Marshall, Barbara Falcner, Alexander Blum, Helen Kittsley, Kent Bach, Peter Knopf, Zevi Miller, Dr. Rebecca Meyer, Bruce McMaster, Tim Redman, Robert Goodman, Rick Armagost, John Crawford, David Kerkhove, John Fitch, Jeffrey Quirke, Herbert Drechsler, Neil Levy, Richard Shuford, Roy Eikerenkoetter, Lewis Henry, Robert Pociask, Gail Maury, Dr. R.A. Letourneau, Gilbert Saulter, Roger Hale, Albert Epostein, John Elder, Dr. Joe Wagner, Peter Stasz, Community Health Charities, Dayton Foundation (Ken/Peg Champney), Peter Tamburro, Don Schultz, John/Eleanor Schweinsberg, Todd Lunna, Jorge Calderon, L.J. Lyell, Katherine Gasser, Richard Cheshire, Sheila Donoghue. Contributors ($50 or more): Alexander Reis, Anonymous WI, Frank Brady, Harvey Drutowski, Woodrow Harris, Michael James, Michael Nietman, Arlen Overvig, Robert Rasmussen, Thomas Richardson, Joseph Roster, Garret Sauber, Stephen Smith, Hal Sprechman, T. Torricellas, Donald Twombly, Douglas Southon, Robert Strickler, Charles Behler, Peter Scott, Thomas Bagby, Matthew Grinberg, Chess Now Ltd, Peter Spizzirri, Dan Mayers, Joseph Slawinski, Robert Werdan, Robert Rasmussen, Steve Krevinko, Karl Filzer, William McClain, Andrew Nowak, James Lorentz, Robert Carey, Richard Nepolitan, John Brendel, Edmund Breider, Peter Lahde, George Hermes, Ricard Vincent, Arhur Lewis, Allen Kaufman, Imgre Toth, Edward Dowdy, Gordon Gray, Baron Powell, Tony Newhall, Gerald Larson, Donald Farrelly, Kenneth John, David Sachs, Tom Beckman, Captn Gary Black, Peter Hanen, Richard Adams, Michael/Laurie Stein, Thomas/Nancy Simpson, John/Emily Summy, Ken Ballou, Ken Marks, Larry Reifurth. In Memory Of George Krauss: Blaine/Carol Asbrock, Edwary/Loretta Sytnik, Gabriel/Joann Trotta, Wayne Rahe, Robert Lardon, Richard Cheshire, Carberry, Mary Alice Burke, Carol Wirtz, James/Jennifer Roth.

THANK YOU

66

Chess Life — April 2009

uschess.org

2863 before 6:00 P.M. on Fri.Give full name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section.NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

May 5, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.

May 5-26, Polgar CC May G/90 4SS. EF: $30 PCC members $20, PCC juniors $15. ($310 b/20 paid entries): $120-70-50-$35,Top U-1800 $35.The winner of each category also wins a free GM lecture. Reg.:Tuesday 5/5 6-7pm. Rds.:Tuesdays 5/5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7:30 pm. Email: Ruth Arluck at [email protected] 718-897-4600. WCL JGP.

May 7, 10 Grand Prix Points Older Tonight! See Grand Prix.

May 9, Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix See Grand Prix.

May 9, Utica Four Seasons – Spring 4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit 31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway (2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, Cafeteria - Room 116. EF: $30. Prizes (b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:155:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116.

May 9-10, Marshall CC May Open Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716.; EF: $45, Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends 11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Byes: limit two, with entry. NO REENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players.

8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

A State Championship Event! May 30-31, New York State Senior Championship Open to all born before 5/30/59. 4-SS, 30/90, SD/60. Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10th St., NYC 10011. EF: $30 advance, $35 at site. $$500/20: $200-10050, $75 1700-1999, $75 U1700. 2 byes OK, 1 if U1700. Byes must be requested at start of your first round.Reg.: 11-11:45; Rds.: 12-5:30 each day. NYSCA membership required ($13/yr or $36/3 yrs), OSA.Mail advance entries and dues to Marshall CC (checks payable to Marshall CC).Title to top NYS resident.Players must bring proof of age.

A State Championship Event! May 30-31, New York State Women’s Championship Open to all women and girls. 4-SS, 30/90, SD/60. Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10th St., NYC 10011. EF: $30 advance, $35 at site. $$500/20: $200-100-50, $75 1500-1799, $75 U1500. 2 byes OK, 1 if U1500. Byes must be requested at start of your first round. Reg.: 11-11:45; Rds.: 12-5:30 each day. NYSCA membership required ($13/yr or $36/3 yrs), OSA. Mail advance entries and dues to Marshall CC (checks payable to Marshall CC).Title to top NYS resident.

June 1-July 6, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. Note: No round June 22nd.

June 2, Marshall CC New York Experts Open to U2200. 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.

May 10, Polgar CC Quads G/30

June 4, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!

3RR. EF: $20 PCC members or all Scholastic $15. Prizes: $50 to first in each quad. Reg.: 12:30-12:55. Rds.: 1-2:10-3:30pm. 718-897-4600.

See Grand Prix.

May 14, 4 Rated Games Tonight!

4-SS, G/120, All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. Two player teams —- ratings must average under 2000.$$ based on 10 teams (13 last year!):$100-$50 to top two teams, $60 each to top U1700 team, top Board 1, top Board 2. Prizes raised or lowered in proportion to number of paid teams. One 1/2 pt bye allowed.If one player needs a bye, replacement must have same or lower rating and must play on Board # of replaced player.EF: $25 per player, $20 QCC member; teams formed at site. REG.: 7:308:00. RDS: 8:15 each Friday. ENT: Ed Frumkin, 445 E 14th St #10D, New York, NY 10009 (212-677-3224—do not call on Thursday or Friday).WCL JGP.

4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

May 14-June 18, FIDE Thursdays!! 6SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100; 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm eachThursday; FIDE Rated. WCL JGP.

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

May 16, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.

May 17, Grandmaster Challenge (QC) See Grand Prix.

May 17, P.S. 158 Scholastic Chess Championships X 4-SS, G/30. 1458 YORK AVE. BETWEEN E. 77-78 ST. NYC. 4 SECTIONS.K-1 (grades K-1 only) U1000. PRIMARY (grades 5/below) U1100. UNRATED NOVICE (grades 2-5 only) U500. OPEN (grades 12/below). AWARDS: Trophies to top 15 in each section.Top U300 K-1, U400 Novice, U600 Primary, U800 Open.Special Prizes: Engraved digital chess clocks to Top Player in each section, all 4-0 scores & Top Unrated in Open Section.Engraved plaque to top UNR player in each section. High Scorer trophy to all who score 2 and do not get into top 15. Engraved medals to all others.Team Prizes:Trophies to top 4 teams in each section.Engraved digital chess clock to Top Team in each section.(Team score created by adding top 4 scores from same school).EARLY EF: $39 if received (postmarked by May 11). LATE EF: $45 Phoned, faxed or online thereafter until May 15, 7pm.Onsite EF: $55. Reg.9-9:30. Rds: All10-11:3012:45-2.Late entrants may not be paired for the first round.Mail Entries: and make check payable to Tri-State Chess, 1675 York Ave. #2M, N.Y. N.Y. 10128, Phone: (718) 645-5896Fax: (718) 535-7896Online Entry: www.TriStateChess.com.

May 19, St. John’s Masters at the Marshall Chess Club See Grand Prix.

May 21, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

May 23, Prove Your Point! 3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30.

May 23-24 or 24, New York May Open! See Grand Prix.

May 27-June 24, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednesday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3.

May 28, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by

uschess.org

June 5-26, 9th Queens Team Championship

June 6, NY June Under 1600!

$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! No phone entry!

June 7, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads 3-RR, G/30,The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896.EF: $15$$:Trophies to top 2 in each quad.Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.

June 11, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-10050, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:159:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.

June 13, 8th Annual New Yorker June Open! See Grand Prix.

A State Championship Event! June 13-14 or 14, 14th Annual New York Junior Championship (Out-Of-State Players Welcome)!5-SS, G/90, open to all born after 6/1/89 from any state, beautifully renovated, well-lighted 3rd floor, New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NYC. $$ prize fund b/150 total paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd. 3 sections. Open. $$ 400-200120, top U2000 $110, U1800 $100. Under 1600, $$ 300-150-110, top U1400 $100, $100 limit to Unr. Under 1200, $$ 300-150-110, top U1000 $100, $50 limit to unr, plaques to top 2 each grade, K-4 (OK to win both plaque & trophy). All, trophies to top 5 each section, free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 9/1/09 to top 3 each section. 2 playing options: 2-day schedule, reg. ends Sat 9:30 am, rds. Sat 10 am-1:30-4:30 pm, Sun 1:30-4:30 pm. 1-day schedule, reg. ends Sun 8:30 am, rds. Sun 9-10:30 am-12-1:30-4:30 pm (rds. 1-3 of 1-day schedule only are G/30); both merge for rd. 4. Mail entry fee, 2-day $58, 1-day $57 if postmarked by 6/5, all $65 at site, mail checks by 6/5 payable to: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List name, address, USCF ID, June rating, grade, birthday, section, schedule. Phone entries: $60 thru 6/10. Questions, [email protected] or 845-569-9969 (credit card phone entries: 406-896-2191, entries only, no questions). Online entries, $56 thru 6/10: www.chesscenter.cc (no mail after 6/5, no phone or online entries after 6/10). $10 charge for refunds. All entries $65 at site (specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free). Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 2. Re-entry: $30, counts half. HR: 212-971-0101. Bring sets, clocks, boards— none supplied! W. WCL JGP.

June 19-23, 2nd NY International See Grand Prix.

4-SS, G/50, open to U1600 or unr., Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. May be limited to 1st 26 entries. $$ (300 b/20 paid): 150-70-30, top U1300 $50, $70 limit to unr. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2:30. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12:30-2:30-4:306:30 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 6/4.$10 extra to “enter” by phone!

June 6, Prove Your Point! 3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30.

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

June 26-28, World Open Senior Amateur (PA) See Pennsylvania.

June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA) See Pennsylvania.

June 27-28, World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) See Pennsylvania.

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

June 6-7 or 7, NY June Under 2300!

See Grand Prix.

4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 56 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, top U2000 $95, U1800 $85. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit by rd 2. Re-entry $20, counts half. Class pairings OK rd 4. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 6/4. $10 extra to “enter” by phone!WCL JGP.

July 4, World Open G/10 Championship (QC) (PA)

June 7, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!

See Grand Prix.

3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-4773716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less

Aug. 7-9 or 8-9, 15th Annual Northeast Open (CT)

See Grand Prix.

July 5, World Open Blitz Championship (QC) (PA) See Grand Prix.

July 24-26 or 25-26, 14th annual Bradley Open (CT) See Grand Prix.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 20th annual Vermont Resort Open (VT)

See Grand Prix.

NO TOURNAMENTS IN YOUR AREA? WHY NOT ORGANIZE ONE? Do you need to go out of town for tournament play? Would you and others in your area like the convenience of an occasional event closer to home? Organize one! It’s not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if you use a lowcost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either a based-on Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a trophy tournament will virtually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out in prizes. The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating supplement and have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them wouldn’t be held if the organizer/TD couldn’t play. WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact Joan DuBois at [email protected]. We’ll be glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess!

Chess Life — April 2009

67

Tournament Life Aug. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 39th annual Continental Open (MA)

June 13, Toledo Jun Swiss

See Grand Prix.

Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43614.Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 6/11 $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.

North Carolina Apr. 25, TACO 50

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING APRIL 1-14

See Grand Prix.

June 6, Orchard Lake Blitz (QC) 8RR, G/5. Orchard Lake Campground, Saluda, NC. Between rounds of Orchard Lake Grand Prix. EF: $2. Plaque to 1st in each section. $10 to random entry. www.ncchess.org.

June 6, Orchard Lake Grand Prix

July 10-12, 2009 Columbus Open See Grand Prix.

July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships (IL) See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

Oklahoma

June 6, Orchard Lake RBO (U1000)

April 19, Seventh Annual Red River Shoot Out (Sunday)

5SS, G/30. Orchard Lake Campground, Saluda, NC. EF: $16.50 (incl $6.50 cmpgrnd fee). Prizes: Plaques to top 3. Rds.: 9:00-10:15-11:30-12:45-2:00. ENT: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mtn Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773. 828-749-1625. [email protected]. HR: 828-749-3901 www.orchardlakecampground.com www.ncchess.org.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 17th Annual Southern Open (FL)

StateTeam match open only to OK andTX residents.Two rounds G/60+30 sec. Must have USCF rating and current USCF membership.Treasure Valley Casino, I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030.EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration on site.Reg.: 9:30 to 10:45.Rds.: 11 and 2. OK players contact Frank Berry at [email protected];TX players contactTom Crane at [email protected] or by phone 817-296-4287.

See Grand Prix.

May 23-25, 27th North American FIDE Open

Ohio

See Grand Prix.

Apr. 18, 8th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament 5SS, G/30 Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH. 17 School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. (Grade K Non-Rated); (Grade 1 Non-Rated); (Grade 2 Non-rated); (Grade 3 Non-rated); (Grades K3<600); (Grades K-3 Open); (Grade 4 Non-Rated); (Grade 5 Non-Rated); (Grade 6 Non-Rated); (Grades 4-6<700); (Grades 4-6 Open); (Grades 7-9 Non-Rated); (Grades 7-9<900); (Grades 7-9 Open); (Grades 10-12 Non-Rated); (K-12 Open); (Collegiate). USCF membership is not required for the non-rated and K-3 rated sections. Registration form online at: www.queencityclassic.org. Prizes:Trophies to all who score 3.5 or higher, top five team trophies awarded medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, simul participation. Registration fee increases to $40 after March 15.After April 1, entry fee is $50.Registration closes Wednesday, April 15, 2009.NO SATURDAY REGISTRATIONS.Checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx accepted. Schedule: Friday, April 17, early check is 4-6:00 pm.FREE SIMUL at 6:30 p.m. for tournament participants, $20 for non-participants. SIMUL features International Master Irina Krush and International Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov. Saturday, April 18, check in 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. All Grandmasters will be available for questions and instructions in the skittles room all day Saturday. Entry/Info: Queen City Classic Chess Tournament; 5400 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213 [email protected]. 1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5339 or fax to 513.352.9359. Confirm all registrations at www.cpu-solutions.com.

Apr. 18, House of Chess Open 4SS, G/45 House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM.Rds.: 11:30-1:15-3:305:15.Prizes (b/25): Open 1st: $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve(U1600): 1st $100 Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail: [email protected]. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/.

May 9, House of Chess Open 4SS, G/45 House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM.Rds.: 11:30-1:15-3:305:15.Prizes (b/25): Open 1st: $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve(U1600): 1st $100 Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail: [email protected]. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/.

May 9, Toledo May Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Café, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43614.Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 5/7 $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.

Oregon Apr. 25-26, 3rd Annual Clark Harmon Memorial

Silver Knights Chess Tournaments 2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCFrated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area. Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel (NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.Tournaments are open to grades K-12.Free game analysis by a National or International Master at each tournament.We have players of all skill levels compete in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our website at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-4460818. Email: [email protected]. Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads 3-RR, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10. $30 Perfect Score, else $25 1st. Reg.: 12:30-1:15. Rds.: 1:30-3-4:30. Info: 610821-4320, [email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org/.

Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, Pa., 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads: 3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5. Scholastic Swiss: EF $15, ASAP $5 rec’d by Thursday before, $25 at the door. 3 sections: Open 3SS G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-3;1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200, top unrated; U1100 -1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated & U750K-6 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10, 11:45, 2, 3:45. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All Reg. ends 9:30am. Free parking on site! Ent: MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19119. Checks made payable to: MasterMinds CC Info: Bradley Crable, 215-844-3881, [email protected], or www.mastermindschess.org. See Delaware.

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

June 26-28, World Open Senior Amateur

June 27, 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2, World Open G/60 Quads 3RR, G/60, separate event each day, Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open). EF: $20. 1st prizeeach section: choice of $40, 2 year adult USCF membership with Chess Life, or 3 year Young Adult membership with Chess Life.Reg: 9-9:45 am each day, Rds: 10-12:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.

June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship 5-SS, G/90, Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open).Open to all girls born after 6/28/91.Trophies to top 5, 1st C, D, E, Under 1000, Under 800, Unrated; free entry in all CCA Swiss tournaments 7/15/09-12/31/09 to 1st.EF: $40.Reg. 6/27 9 to 9:30 am, rds. Sat 10-2-6, Sun 10-2.One half point bye allowed, must commit before rd 2.HR: See World Open.Ent: at site only, no checks.WCL JGP.

June 27-28, World Open Under 13 Championship

3RR, G/40. St. Luke’s Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12. $$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv. ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!

6-SS, G/65, Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open).Open to all born after 6/28/96.Trophies to top 5, 1st C, D, E, Under 1000, Under 800, Unrated; free entry in all CCA Swiss tournaments 7/15/09-12/31/09 to 1st.EF: $40.Reg. 6/27 9 to 10:30 am, rds. Sat. 11-2-5, Sun. 10-1-4.HR: See World Open.Ent: at site only, no checks.WCL JGP.

Every Friday Lehigh Valley “Doubleheader” 5-Minute Blitz Chess (QC)

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

Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads.

Note: new meeting location. 8SS each, G/5, St. Timothy’s Church, 140 Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104. EF: $5 each, Prizes: 50% of Entries, 1st -70%, 2nd -30%, if 12 or more players,$7 to top U1600, (If 24 or more players — then 2 sections/ 2 prize funds each event), One 1/2 bye only.Early Event Reg.: 6:30-6:50p. Rds.:7-7:15-7:30-7:42-7:55-8:10-8:25-8:40p. Late Event Reg.: 8:45-8:55p. Rds.:9-9:15-9:30-9:42-9:55-10:10-10:25-10:40p. Info:Bruce Davis, 610-6250467,[email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org/.

North Penn Chess Club Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA.See www.npchessclub.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.

A State Championship Event! Apr. 18-19, 2009 PA State Amateur Champ. Comfort Inn, 58 SR 93, West Hazleton, PA 18202, 1/2 mile from Exit 145 off I81. 2 sections: Champ (Sat & Sun): Open to U2200. 5SS. G/90. Rds: 10-1:30-5, 9:30-1. EF: $20 rec’d by 4/17, $30 later. Trophies: 1-3, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200/Unrated, School Team (top 4 scores). Top 2 receive entry into 2009 PA Champ. Title to top PA resident. Scholastic (Sat only): unrated or U1400 in grades K-12. 4SS. G/40. Rds.: 10:15-12-1:30-3. EF: $15 rec’d by 4/17, $20 later. Trophies: 1-2, U1100, U800/Unrated, School Team (top 4 scores). All: Reg.: 99:30am, PSCF $5, OSA. HR: 570-455-9300, 1-877-424-6423 $71.95+ tax by 3/18. Ent/Info: GHACC, c/o Michael Jemo, 567 Forest Hills Dr., Hazleton, PA 18201, [email protected] 570-455-9261. W. WCL JGP Champ section.

Apr. 19, PCL April Quick Quads (QC) 3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am, Rds.: 11:30amNoon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W.

Apr. 23-May 21, 2009 Hatboro Open See Grand Prix.

Chess Life — April 2009

May 3, MasterMinds CC 2nd Sunday Swiss/Open Quads

4SS, 40/2, SD/1, Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel (see World Open).Open to all born before 6/26/59 and rated under 2000 or unrated.Prizes $500 based on 16 entries, else in proportion: $200-100, Under 1750 $120, Under 1500/Unr $80.EF: $40. Reg. 6/26 noon to 5:30 pm, rds. Fri 6, Sat 11-6, Sun 11.One half point bye allowed, must commit before rd 2.HR: See World Open.Ent: at site only, no checks.

4SS, G/30.Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087.Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ.EF: $20 online by 4/15; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30.Rds.: 10-11-12-1.Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools.Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth.See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

68

Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30.United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St. West Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.

Pennsylvania

See Grand Prix.

Register at www.uschess.org/ forums

May 2, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads

June 20-21, 2009 Delaware Capital Open

June 12-14 or 13-14, 51st Gem City Open Tournament

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 participants.

4SS, G/120, Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. EF: $30 postmarked by 4/20, $40 later, $5 discount to PCC members.2 Sections: Open, Reserve (under 1800). Prizes: $$615 b/30.Open: 120-90, U2000 $80.Reserve: 100 - 70, U1600 $60, U1400 $50, U1200/Unr $45.Reg.: 9AM - 9:45AM on 4/25. Rounds: 10AM - 3PM both days. One 1/2 point bye permitted if requested before the start of Round 2.Info: 412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org.Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde Kapinos, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. WCL JGP.

5SS, Sat 40/90, SD 30; Sun 40/120, SD 60, Portland Chess Club, 8205 SW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. EF: $50. $40 for PCC members. Memb. Req’d: OCF/WCF: adult $25; junior $17. OSA. $$GTD: $500-300-150. U2000, U1700, U1400 each $150-$100. Rds.: 4/25 10,2,7; 4/26 9:30,4:30 or ASAP. 1 half-point bye if req. before round 1. INFO: www.pdxchess.org; [email protected]. Limited to first 50 to enter. NS NC. WCL JGP.

Apr. 18, April Showers

USCF ISSUES FORUM

A Heritage Event! Apr. 25-26, 49th Golden Triangle Open

Apr. 25, Spring Rumble 4SS, G/30.Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, 220 Big Road, Zieglerville, PA 19492.Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ.EF: $20 online by 4/22; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30.Rds.: 10-11-12-1.Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools.Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth.See www.silverknightschess.com to register.

See Grand Prix.

July 4, World Open G/10 Championship (QC) See Grand Prix.

July 5, World Open Blitz Championship (QC) See Grand Prix.

Rhode Island Apr. 11 & May 16, BK Tournaments 4SS, G/30,Trophies top 3 in each Section: 11&U/13&U (unrated), Open (rated). EF: $12 Advance, $15 at site. See full schedule, register online: www.rhodeislandchess.org, email: [email protected], (401)3591602. See website for venues

Apr. 18, 102nd Rhode Island Pawn Eater 4SS, G/60. RI College, Providence, RI.Sections & Prizes: $500 b/50: OPEN, U1900, U1500 EF: $20 by 4/16, $25 at site. REGISTER ONLINE at www.rhodeislandchess.orgReg.: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. Site tel. (401) 837-1302.NS, NC, W.

A State Championship Event! May 2-3, 2009 Rhode Island State Championship 5SS, Sat Rds 1-3 G/75; Sun Rds 4-5 G/120.RI College, Providence, RI 02908. Sections & Prizes: $1800 b/50 Open, U1900, U1500. Class Prize U2100.Trophies each section.EF: $45 ADVANCE by 4/30 $55 AT SITE.Reg.: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt.Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. NO EMAIL REG. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. Register online: www.richess.org.NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.

South Carolina May 1-3, Lee Hyder Memorial See Grand Prix.

South Dakota A Heritage Event! Apr. 18-19, 25th Revival of the Sioux Falls Open Location: Sioux Falls LaborTemple, 10th and Fairfax), Sioux Falls, SD USCF Membership required for all sections Open: (Open to all). REGISTRATION: 8:00 am to 8:45 am. Rounds at 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 9:00 am, 2:00pm. Time Control: 30/90, SD/60. Entry Fee: $25.00 per player if received by 4/15/09 $30.00 if received after 4/15/09. Free to GM, IM, former winners of Revival

uschess.org

of the Sioux Falls Open (Entry fee deducted from winnings). SDCA Membership required: Jr. (19 and under)$6.00; Adult $10.00; Family $15. Prizes: $200, $100, 1st B $50, 1st C $50, 1st D/J and unrated $50. Under 1200: (OPEN TO PLAYERS RATED UNDER 1200 AND UNRATED). REGISTRATION: 8:00 am to 8:45 am. It will be a 5 round tournament (Saturday April 18, 2009 only). Rounds at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm. Time Control: G/60. Entry Fee: $10.00 per player if received by 4/15/09. $15.00 if received after 4/15/09. Prizes:Trophies to top four.1st U1000 (no unr): top 2 teams(teams score = top 4 scores from each team.) U800: (OPEN TO PLAYERS RATED UNDER 800 AND UNRATED). REGISTRATION: 8:00 am to 8:45 am. It will be a 5 round tournament (Saturday April 18, 2009 only). Rounds at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm. Time Control: G/40. Entry Fee: $10.00 per player if received by 4/15/09. $15.00 if received after 4/15/09. Prizes: Trophies to top four.1st U600 (no unr): top 2 Teams (teams score = top 4 scores from each team.) ADVANCE ENTRIES: Checks payable to Wesley D. Schmidt. Send advance entries together with appropriate membership fees and entry fees to Wesley D. Schmidt, 2213 Tricia Lane, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Home: (605)339-2248 email:[email protected]. WCL JGP for Open section only.

Tennessee Apr. 18, Cumberland County Spring Open Cumberland Co. Community Complex, 1398 Livingston Road, Crossville, TN 38555. In 2 Sections, Open: 4SS, G/60, $$GTD: $50. 25-X,A,B,C,D,E/Below. Amateur: 4SS, G/60, Open to U1000 & under. $$GTD: $50. 25-G,H/Below. ALL: EF: $10 if mailed by 4/13, $15 at site. Memb. Req’d: TCA $15. ENT: Harry D Sabine, P. O. Box 381, Crossville, TN 38557. INFO: www.cumberlandcounty chess.com or Susan at 931-261-4024. NS, W.

Apr. 25, Bluff City Open 2 sections: Open and Under 1600. 4 round swiss, G/60. $525 guaranteed prize fund. EF: $30.00 by 04/18 $40 at site (MCC members $30 anytime). First 4 entries with uscf ratings greater than 2100 get free entry fee with fee subtracted from any winnings. Prizes: Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100 Under 1600: 1st $150, 2nd $75. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registration (4/25) 7:30am-8:45am. Rounds: 9-11-1:30-3:30. Entries: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, [email protected].

May 15-17, 2009 Tennessee Senior Open 4SS, G/120, Fair Park Senior Center, 1433 Livingston Road, Crossville, TN 38555. Open to Born Before 5/15/1959. EF: $25 if mailed by 5/8, $35 at site. 3-day: Reg. Friday 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Rds. 7, 3, 9-2. 2-day: Reg. Saturday 7:00 - 9:00 AM. Rds. 10 -3, 9-2. All times CDT. Memb. Req’d:TCA $15. $$GTD: $150100. 50-B/C,D/E,B1000,Age 60-69,Age-70 & Older, UNR (UNR eligible for UNR prize only).Trophies to top 3, B1400, Age 70+ (trophies toTennessee residents only). Medals to all participants. ENT: Harry D Sabine, PO Box 381, Crossville, TN 38557. INFO: www.tnchess.org orwww.cumberlandcountychess.com or call Susan at 931-261-4024. HR: $80 + tax 931-707-8638 Crossville Comfort Suites, 2581 E 1st St (I-40 at Exit 322), Crossville, TN. NS W.

May 30, Pawn Power Open 6 2 sections: G/60 (4 rds) and G/30 (7 rds),EF: $15 ($10 for MCC members) Trophies to top 3 in each section. Free blitz tournament for all entries after last rd! ($10 for blitz only), unrated g/5, trophy for 1st. Registration 5/30: 8-9:30am. Rounds(G/60): 10-1-3-5.Rounds(G/30): 10-11-1-2-3-4-5.Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Memphis,TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 7620056.www.memphischess.com, [email protected].

(PM) 7, 9:10 - Sat 10AM, 12:30PM, 4, 6:40. U-1200 (Sat only) 9:30AM, 10:45, 12, 1:30, 4, 5:45 $$: Open B/24 $110 (+Trophy), 80, 60. Class B 50, C 40, D&below/UNR 30, Top Female 20, Upset 10. ($102 Bonus for 6-0!)$$: U-1200 B/16 $50 (+Trophy), 40, 30. Class F 25, G 20, H&below/UNR 15, Top Female 10, Upset 5. ($50 bonus for 6-0!) Reg.: Fri 6-6:40PM, Sat 8:30AM-9:15.Two (1/2 pt.) byes allowed, req before Rd. 3. ENT: [email protected], or Morry Holland 801-562-0156. More info available atwww.farewellbobbyfischer.com. WCL JGP for Open section.

Vermont Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open

Wisconsin Apr. 25, Hales Corners Challenge IX

See Grand Prix.

See Grand Prix.

July 31-Aug. 2 or Aug. 1-2, 20th annual Vermont Resort Open

May 9, Madison Spring Rated Beginner Open (RBO)

See Grand Prix.

D240 Downtown MATC Campus, 211 N Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703. In 2 Sections Open: 5SS, G/30, EF: $13 adv/$20 at site. $$: $50-20. Trophies 1st/2nd/3rd Overall, 1st/2nd U1000/U800/Unr. Reserve: 5SS, G/30, Open to Age 12 or less. EF: $11 adv/$20 at site. Prizes: Trophies 1st/2nd for ages 1112/9-10/8 & Under. ALL: Open to 1199 & under. Reg.: 7:30am. Rds.: 8-9:15-10:30-12-1:15. ENT/INFO: George Alexander 608-669-3385. [email protected]. groups.google.com/group/madison-chess-league. NS NC W.

Virginia Apr. 17, 24, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder 30/90 SD/1. Lyon Village Community House, 1920 N Highland Rd, Arlington, VA. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Contact: Matt Grinberg for info: [email protected] No advance entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder 30/90 SD/1. Lyon Village Community House, 1920 N Highland Rd, Arlington, VA. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money too! Contact: Matt Grinberg for info: [email protected] No advance entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.

May 2, Kingstowne Quad #55/Action-Plus #27 Kingstowne South Center, 6080 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315.2 Events.Quad #55: 3RR G/100.EF: $10 if received by 4/29, $15 at site.Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd.Rds: 11-3-7.Action-Plus #26: 5SS G/45.EF: $15 if received by 4/29, $20 at site.Prizes $$250/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30.Rds: 11-1-3-5-7.Both: Reg. 10-10:45.Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152.e-mail (info only): [email protected].

May 16, 2009 Walter Muir Memorial

See Grand Prix.

June 27-28, World Open Girls Championship (PA) See Pennsylvania.

June 27-28, World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) See Pennsylvania.

April 24-26, Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships

West Virginia

See Nationals.

Apr. 18, WV Action Tournament

May 2, Texas Action Championship

7SS, G/30, Morgantown Chess Club, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV.Prizes: Trophy to #1 WV and #1 WV junior. $$300 b/15 $100-75, U2000 $50, U1800

May 16, Denton Open 4 Denton Public Library-N, 3020 N. Locust, Denton, TX 76209. Prize Fund: $1.050 based on 60 entrants. 3 Sections, Open, Reserve (U1400), Novice (U700)/Open. Prizes: $250 1st, $125 2nd, Class Prizes X,A,B,C & Below $75 @. Reserve 1st $150, 2nd $75, UR Prize $50. Unrated eligible only Open 1st, 2nd prize, Open C & Below class prize, & Reserve UR Prize. Novice section:Trophies top 5. 5 Round Swiss/Time controls-Open. Reserve: R1,2 G/30,R3,4 G/45,R5 G/60. Novice all R G/30. On-site reg: 9-9:45am, R1 all sections 10:00am, rest ASAP, w/45m lunch break a R2, EF: Open/Reserve $25, $20 Yth/Sr,Hdcp, Novice: $15. Register: Active.com or Rob Jones, Denton Chess Club, 1154 Bent Oaks Dr., Denton, TX 76210. Info: 214-212-0185. www.denton chess.org, [email protected].

Utah Apr. 17-18, 2nd Annual Farewell Bobby Fischer Salt Lake Comm College, Student Union Bldg, Rm A&B, 4600 S. Redwood Rd., SLC, UT 84123. 6SS, TWO Sections: Open & U-1200 (Open Section Fri & Sat, U-1200 Section Sat Apr 18 only) EF: Open $25 by Apr 15, $30 after. U-1200 $15 by Apr 15, $20 after.Time Controls: Open, Rd 1&2 G/58, Rd 3&4 G/64, Rd 5&6 G/72.U-1200, Rd 1&2 G/30, Rd 3&4 G/37, Rd 5&6 G/45. Rds.: Open Fri

uschess.org

5-SS30/90,SD/1.Comfort Suites, I-94 and WI-164, Pewaukee, WI. Hotel rates $85/night, must book by May 3rd. phone 262-506-2000 Two sections: Open and Reserve(U1800).EF: $35 Open, $25 reserve, both $5 more at site. Juniors -$3 from entry. At site registration: 9-9:30. Rounds: 10-2:30-7:30; 10-3:30. $$: b/40 Open: 1st $165, 2nd $140, A $95, U1800 $95. Reserve: 1st $90, 2nd $70, C $55, U1400 $55. Advance entries (check payable to WCA) to Ben Corcoran, N68 W24878 Stonegate Ct. #212, Sussex, WI 53089. Questions: 262-506-4203 or email at [email protected]. A Wisconsin Tour event! WCL JGP.

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

July 10-12, 2009 U.S. Junior Open Championship See Nationals.

July 17-19 or 18-19, 2nd annual Chicago Class Championships (IL) See Grand Prix.

Wyoming May 30-31, Wyoming Open 5SS, Rd. 1 = G/60. Rds. 2-5 = 35/90, G60.Laramie County Community College, Training Center, Room 120, 1400 East College Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming.Section: Open (All).EF: $20.$$ b/entries.Reg.: 8:30-9:30 am. Rds.: 9:45-12-5:30, 9-2:30.Ent: Allan Cunningham, (307)635-3102, e-mail: [email protected].

June 6, Kingstowne Quad #56/Action-Plus #28

June 13-14, 6th Annual George Washington Open

Hornbeak Bldg, 3rd floor Colorado Rm., 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 5SS, G/30. $$(1,000 b/40, 2/3 gtd.): $300-150, U2100 $125, U1900 $125, U1700 $100, U1500 $75, U1300 $75, Unrated $50. Unrateds eligible only for top or unrated prizes. EF: $30 if rec’d by 4/30, $35 site; Jr. U19 or Sr. 65+ entry $20 by 4/30, $25 site, counts 2/3 toward “based on”.TCA memb. req., $10 regular, $7.50 student. Reg.: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Rds.: begin noon with 15 min. breaks. Half pt. bye any 1 rd., notice before Rd. 2. Ent: SACC, POB 501, Helotes,TX 78023. Info:www.sanantoniochess.com, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W.

May 16-17, Arpad Elo Open

See Grand Prix.

April 19, Seventh Annual Red River Shoot Out (Sunday) StateTeam match open only to OK andTX residents.Two rounds G/60+30 sec. Must have USCF rating and current USCF membership.Treasure Valley Casino, I-35 Exit 55 & Hwy 7, Davis, OK 73030.EF: $5, Masters Free, all registration on site.Reg.: 9:30 to 10:45.Rds.: 11 and 2. OK players contact Frank Berry at [email protected];TX players contactTom Crane at [email protected] or by phone 817-296-4287.

4SS, G/75, Morgantown Chess Club, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV.$$500 b/28 2 sections, Open: $120-80, U2000 $60, Reserve (U1800): $90-60, U1600 $50 U1300 $40.Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1-4-7.EF: $25 by 4/25, $35 at site.Ent: Morgantown CC, c/o J.T. Wassell, 104 Dustin Lane, Morgantown, WV-26501.Info: Email: [email protected], web: morgantownchess.org. WCL JGP.

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

Texas

See Grand Prix.

May 2, Morgantown May Day Tournament

See Grand Prix.

Kingstowne South Center, 6080 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315.2 Events.Quad #56: 3RR G/100.EF: $10 if received by 6/3, $15 at site.Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else silver; bronze to 2nd.Rds.: 11-3-7.Action-Plus #28: 5SS G/45.EF: $15 if received by 6/3, $20 at site.Prizes $$250/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30.Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7.Both: Reg. 10-10:45.Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152.e-mail (info only): [email protected]. W.

May 30, Rutherford County Open

$50, U1300 $25. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-ASAP.EF: $25 by 4/11, $35 at site.Ent: Morgantown CC, c/o J.T. Wassell, 104 Dustin Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501. Email: [email protected], web: morgantownchess.org.

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Chess Life — April 2009

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A series of books to help you improve your chess visualization skills. Exercises taken from real games. www.chessvisualization.com. I CHECK THEREFORE I AM T-Shirt, Hats, Mugs and more! Visit www.iamsportswear.com today. World’s largest collection of scanned chess books, magazines, checkmates (12 million+), tactic puzzles (156,000+), Deep Tactics converts chess diagram on computer to interactive. New opening traps, solitaire chess, trainers & chess books on video. www.tobychess.com * CHESS BOOKS:* Out of print, used, rare. Large stock online at www.chessbooks.co.uk <www.chessbooks.co.uk> Two Knights’ Defense cooked: Berliner, Ulvestad, Traxler, Fried Liver +- guaranteed: Refute my analysis, get $10 off purchase price of Magic [email protected] $19.95 + S&H. See Correspondencechess.com for details. New opening for Black: g6/Bg7/e6/Ne7/d5! (eventually) Visit www.taoofthechessboard.com Say yes to chess, to life and to joy. ANCIENT CHESS.COM Chess variants through history and around the world. Unique sets, lessons and tales. http://ancientchess.com BILGUERS HAND BOOK and addendum. 1,300 pages 1873. Fine and complete. Rebound. Make offer. 702-438-1687.

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Solutions

Chess to Enjoy Problem I.

1. Nh3! threatens 2. Ng5+, and if 1. ... Bf6 2. Ng5+ Bxg5 3. Qh8 mate, or 1. ... f6 2. Qh8 mate. Problem II.

1. ... Bxd3? prolongs the game and isn’t as good as 1. ... Ra6!, which prepares 2. ... Rca8 and 3. ... Qa1+! 4. Nxa1 Rxa1 mate. If 2. c3 then 2. ... Bxb3 wins a piece, and if 2. Ne2 then 2. ... Bxb3 threatens 3. ... Qa1 mate. Problem III.

1. c4! and now 1. ... Qxc4 2. Bd6+ Ke8 3. Qg8+ and mates or 1. ... B-moves 2. Bd6+. Black resigned after 1. ... d6 2. Rxd5! in view of 2. ... exd5 3. Bxd6+. Problem IV.

The attractive fork 1. ... Qd1+ 2. Qe1 Qd5 fails to 3. Ne5. But 2. ... Qd3+! 3. Qe2 Qd5 wins (4. Ne5 Qh1 mate). Problem V.

Not 1. Rb2? Bxc4! 2. Bxc4 Rd4+ and 3. ... Rxc4. But 1. g6! threatens 2. Rxh7 mate or 2. g7 mate. After 1. ... hxg6 2. Kg5 White wins with either 3. Rb2 or 3. Kh6! and 4. Rh7 mate. Problem VI.

1. Ba7+! Kxa7 (1. ... Kc7 2. Rc1+) 2. Qg1+ Qc5! (not 2. ... Kb8 3. Qb6+ and mates) 3. Rxf8! (better than 3. bxc5 Rxf1+) 3. ... Qxg1+ 4. Kxg1 and wins.

What’s The Best Move? A. Hopeless is 1. Nd3 Bxd3 with the fatal threat of b2+. B. Also fatal is 1. Qc2? b2+ 2. Qxb2+ cxb2+ 3. Kd2 b1=Q. C. The right path is 1. Nc2+! Ka2 (if 1. ... Bxc2 2. Qb8! Bb1 3. Qxb3) 2. Nb4+ Ka1 (or 2. ... Ka3 3. Nd3! Bxd3 4. Qd6+ Ka2 5. Qd5!) 3. Qa2+! bxa2 4. Nc6 and then Nd4 followed by mate either on b3 or c2. 1. C. Composed in 1936.

A. The only way to draw is 1. Bxd4! Bxd3+ (if 1. ... Bxc3 2. dxc4) 2. Kxd3 Bxc3 3. Bxc3+ Nxc3 4. Kc2! Nxb1 5. Kb3 a2 6. Kc2 and despite the material advantage Black can’t extricate his king. B. Inadequate is 1. cxb4? Nxf6 2. Kc1 a2 3. Bxa2 Bxa2 with a standard book win. C. Also bad is 1. dxc4 Nxf6 2. cxb4 d3+ 3. Kc1 d2+ 4. Kc2 d1=Q+. 2. A. Composed in 1937.

A. No time for 1. Be5?? Qg5 (or 1. ... Qd7) mate. B. A miracle stalemate in the center of the board ensues after 1. Qxa1+! Kxa1 2. Be5+ Ka2 3. Nc1+! Bxc1 4. Bd5+! Kb1 5. Be4+ Ka2 6. Bd5+ Qxd5. C. White loses after 1. Bb1+ Kxb1 2. Qe1+ Ka2 3. Nc3+ Kb3 4. Qb1+ Kxc3 5. Be5+ Kd2 6. Qa2+ Ke3, etc. 3. A. Composed in 1936.

A. White draws with 1. Kg3! h1=Q (not 1. ... e5? 2. exf5 exf4+ 3. Kg4 h1=Q 4. Ng8 mate; or 1. ... c2? 2. Kxh2 c1=Q 3. Rxf3 and White is winning) 2. Rh4+ Qxh4+ 3. Kxh4 c2 (not 3. ... Kxg6 4. Nd7 c2 5. Ne5+ Kf6 6. Nd3 wins) 4. exf5 exf5 5. Ng4+! fxg4 6. Bd6! c1=Q 7. Bf4+ Qxf4 stalemate. B. No time for 1. exf5? h1=Q+ 2. Kg4 Qg2+ 3. Kh4 Qg5+ 4. Kh3 Qxf4 5. Bxg7+ Kg5. C. Suicidal is 1. Bxg7+? Kxg6 2. exf5+ exf5 3. Rxf3 h1=Q+. 4. A. Composed in 1935.

Endgame Lab – Benko’s Bafflers Problem I. 1. Kf6 1. Nf6? h5 is equal. 1. ... Nh5+ The knight goes after 1. ... Ne8+? 2. Kf7. 2. Kf7 a5 2. ... Kb3 3. Be5! Kc4 4. Ke6 Kd3 5. Kf5 Ke3 6. Kg4

Ke4 7. Bb2!! Nf4 8. Nf6+ Ke3 9. Bc1+ wins. 3. Be5 Kb3 4. Ke6 a4 5. Kf5 Kc2! 6. Kg4! a3 7. Ne7 a2 8. Nd5 Kd3 8. ... Kb1 9. Nc3+ keeps the pawn from queening. 9. Ba1 Kc2 10. Bh8! Kb1 11. Nc3+ wins. Problem II. 1. Kh7 Kh4 1. ... e1=Q 2. Ng7+ Kh4 3. Bg4 transposes to the main line; 1. ... a4? 2. Ng7+ Kh4 3. Bg4 e1=Q 4. Nf5 mate. 2. Ng7 e1=Q 3. Bg4 Qe7 3. ... Qb1+ 4. Nf5+ is even. 4. Kg6 Qd6+ 5. Kf7 Qd5+ 5. ... Qc7+ 6. Kg6 repeats (6. Kg8? Qxf4 and Black’s King has room). 6. Kg6 Qd6+ 7. Kf7 Qf8+ 7. ... Qxf4+ 8. Nf5+ will draw. 8. Kg6 Qg8 9. Be6 Qf8 10. Bg4 Bd4 11. Nf5+, Draws.

Solitaire Chess – ABCs of Chess Overload: The simple 1. ... Nxb2 wins a piece, since 2. Qxb2 is met by 2. ... Rxf3. Problem I.

Discovery: The queen is lost after 1. ... Rxe3. No matter where it goes, there’s an appropriate discovery that wins it. Problem II.

Mating net: Taking the knight (1. ... Rxf1), clearly wins, but 1. ... Qxg2+! 2. Rxg2 Rxf1+ 3. Rg1 Rxg1 mate is a little faster. Problem III.

Mating net: It’s over after 1. ... Qxa3+ 2. bxa3 Rxa3 mate. Problem IV.

Fork: Black simplifies to a winning fork, 1. ... Rxf1+ 2. Rxf1 Rxf1+ 3. Kxf1 Nd2+. Problem V.

Fork: Black gains a piece with 1. ... Rxf4, since 2. Rxf4 is answered by 2. ... Ne2+. Problem VI.

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 4. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without membership): $50. Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-3967 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents ©2009 by the United States Chess Federation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. Send all address changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible. This information may be e-mailed to addresschange@ uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C 6A8 uschess.org

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