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 Chess Life
Editorial Staff
Chess Life Editor &
Director of Publications Daniel Lucas dlucas@uschess org
Chess Life Online Editor Jennifer Shahade jshahade@uschess org
Chess Life for Kids Editor Glenn Petersen gpetersen@uschess org
Senior Art Director Frankie Butler fbutler@uschess org
Editorial Assistant/Copy Editor Alan Kantor akantor@uschess org
Editorial Assistant Jennifer Pearson jenpearson@uschess org
Technical Editor Ron Burnett
Advertising Supervisor Ray West rwest@uschess org
TLA Joan DuBois tla@uschess org
Advertising inquiries: (931) 787-1234, ext. 132. All TLAs should be e-mailed to
tla@uschess.org or sent to P.O Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Letters to
the editor should be submitted to letters@uschess.org.

USCF Staff Main Office in Crossville, TN (931) 787-1234

Executive Director Bill Hall bhall@uschess org ext. 189
Assistant Executive Director
& National Events Director Patricia Knight pknight@uschess org 931-200-3411
Administrative Assistant Cheryle Bruce cbruce@uschess org ext. 147
Clubs & Membership Associate Alan Kantor clubs@uschess org ext. 128
Chief Accountant Peggy Stephens pstephens@uschess org ext. 131
Chief Financial Officer Joe Nanna jnanna@uschess org ext. 150
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Membership & Ratings Supervisor Jim Johanson jjohanson@uschess org ext. 127
Mailing Lists/Membership Assoc. Traci Lee tlee@uschess org ext. 143
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Director of Communications
& Affiliate Relations Joan DuBois jdubois@uschess org ext. 123
Correspondence Chess Alex Dunne cchess@uschess org
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Scholastic Director & FIDE Jerry Nash jnash@uschess org ext. 145
FIDE & Scholastic Associate Chuck Lovingood clovingood@uschess org ext. 148
OTB Ratings/FIDE Walter Brown wbrown@uschess org ext. 142
Computer Consultant Mike Nolan mnolan@uschess org ext. 188
IT Director, Webmaster &
Tournament Director Certification Phillip R. Smith psmith@uschess org 931-787-2244

USCF Executive Board

President Bill Goichberg chessoffice@aol com
PO Box 249
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577
Vice President Jim Berry jaberrycg@aol com
PO Box 351
Stillwater, OK 74076
Vice President Finance Randy Bauer randybauer2300@yahoo com
3923 - 153rd Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
Secretary Randall Hough randallhough@yahoo com
1826 Garvey Ave, Unit 5
Alhambra, CA 91803
Member at Large Susan Polgar susanpolgar@aol com
c/o Polgar Chess Center,
103-10 Queens Blvd , 1C
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Member at Large Paul Truong paultruong@aol com
c/o Texas Tech University, Box 45080
Lubbock, TX 79409-5080

To subscribe to Chess Life, join the USCF or enter a USCF tournament, go to

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1234, fax (931) 787-1200.

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PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557
1 800 903 USCF (8723) (931) 787 1234

2 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

Contributors
WIM Elizabeth Vicary
(Looks at Books, p. 16) is an expert rated player,
teacher, and chess coach in Brooklyn, New York. She
maintains a chess blog at lizzyknowsall.blogspot.com.
GM Larry Kaufman
(World Senior, p. 18) is Americas newest grandmaster
(he became an international master [IM] in 1980), was a
chess software developer and magazine editor from
1986 to 1995, and has been a chess teacher/writer/
competitor since. His tournament successes span a
forty year period, from the American Open champi
onship in 1966 to the Virginia Open and Delaune
Memorial championships in 2006. He was chairman of
the USCF ratings committee in the 1980s, and has
been the world's top ranked non Japanese Shogi player
for the past quarter century. He has three children, one
of whom, Raymond, has recently made his first IM
norm. He is the author of The Chess Advantage in
Black and White.
GM Josh Friedel
(Pan Am Continental, p. 22) is the 2007 Samford
fellowship recipient and a frequent contributor for
Chess Life Online.
Zachary Kinney, Major, USAF, Ret.
(U.S. Armed Forces Open, p. 26) is a retired major
in the U.S. Air Force and the unofficial historian of
the U.S. Armed Forces.
Jerry Hanken
(American Open, p. 28) 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.
FM Mike Klein
(Olympiad, p. 32) is a frequent contributor
to Chess Life.

February on uschess.org

Indiana Preview
Look for coverage of
the U.S. Junior Chess
Congress in Andersen,
Indiana (February 28
March 1), which will be
a welcome preview of the
even larger chess festival
that will go down in
Indianapolis: the U.S.
Open, August 1 9.

Grandmaster Chess Escape

Its not getting any warmer unless
like GM Pascal Charbonneau, you
escape to Bermuda for the USCF
rated International Open (January
30 February 1). If youre not lucky
enough to be there this year, check
CLO for games, photos and a blog
from Pascal.

Amateur Team Extravaganza

Look out for games and blogs from all
four amateur team competitions over
The Match is on! Presidents Day weekend, the East
(Parsipanny, New Jersey), the West
After a long series of negotiations that left many fans wondering
(Woodland Hills, California), the North
if the Kamsky Topalov match would materialize, the match is
(Waukesha, Wisconsin) and the South
set for Sofia, Bulgaria from February 16 28. Look out for onsite
(Orlando, Florida). Bloggers will
blogs by GM Ian Rogers. The winner will play Anand for the
include USCF publications chair
world championship.
Jonathan Hilton and 11th grade
champion Abby Marshall (photo, left).

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 3

February Chess Life
Columns

12 CHESS TO ENJOY
Stop the Presses!
By GM Andy Soltis

14 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Sammy the Position Player
By Bruce Pandolfini
16 LOOKS AT BOOKS
The Diversity of

By WIM Elizabeth Vicary

Chess Teaching

17 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?

By GM Larry Evans
Practical Problem Themes

44 BACK TO BASICS
The Roller Coaster
By GM Lev Alburt

46 ENDGAME LAB
White to Play and Twin
By GM Pal Benko

Departments

3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY

PHOTO: TOM MOORE

32 | COVER STORY
8 FIRST MOVES
Bronze Times Two!
9 USCF HISTORY By FM Mike Klein
The U.S. Mens and Womens Olympiad teams both bring home a bronze
medal, knocking off some powerhouse teams in the process.
43 USCF AFFAIRS
51 TOURNAMENT LIFE
70 CLASSIFIEDS 18 | 2008 WORLD SENIOR
Americas Newest GM
By GM Larry Kaufman
71 SOLUTIONS
IM ... excuse us, GM Larry Kaufman reports on a well planned
and well executed victory, becoming Americas latest world
champion and newest grandmaster.

22 | 2008 CONTINENTAL
Beautiful Chess, Dangerous Tactics:
Ehlvest Captures Continental
By GM Josh Friedel
The Americas came to Florida to compete in the prestigious event
organized by former USCF President Beatriz Marinello.

On The Cover
WGM Rusudan Goletiani (also
pictured above right), a silver
medalist in Dresden, proudly
represents our two bronze winning
Olympiad teams. Both the men
and women won their team
medals in dramatic fashion.
Cover photo by Tom Moore; design by
Frankie Butler
26 | MILITARY CHESS
The Pentagon Five
By Zachary Kinney, Major, USAF, Ret.
Five players tie for first at the annual event to determine
the old military games best U.S. military player.
28 | 2008 AMERICAN OPEN
Khach as Khach Can
By Jerry Hanken
GM Melikset Khachiyan was the only GM at the venerable
American Open, but he had to beat U.S. Open champion
IM Enrico Sevillano to claim the title.

4 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

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Counterplay
Devouring December
I am writing regarding Chess Lifes
December 2008 cover article, The Grand
master Diet.
I am not, nor ever have been, a chess
enthusiast. I dont know the difference
between a bishop and a knight. However,
my sweetheart is.
Indeed, the man has a genuine passion
for all things chess, and pores over each
page of your magazine the minute it
arrives. I affectionately refer to it as geek
porn. Please, dont take offense Im a
geek as well.
But I digress. You see, years of nagging
and guilt trips couldnt accomplish what
your cover story did in the short time it
took for my aforementioned love to devour
it (pun intended). The man who got nearly
all of his nutrition from quick service
value menus now takes vitamins. He,
who once ate Chihuahua endorsed fast
food tacos daily for nearly two months,
now supplements his diet with fish oil
capsules. More rice and less caffeine are
changes that dont bode well for many
local pizza delivery drivers, either.
I hoped he would change his diet
because we all absolutely adore him and
want him around for a long time. He
finally changed his diet for positive results
in chess. Its truly a win win situation
and his young children and I thank you.
Stephanie A. Colwell
Duluth, Minnesota
This article generated an unusually high
response on the uschess.org forums. A
sampling:
From gusgusthegreat:
I have to agree with the idea that other
foods aside from junk food be sold at tour
naments. Its certainly nice to have your
favorite candy bar after a taxing match, but
it certainly doesnt help your next round.
I lost my first game at state to someone
rated significantly lower than me to a sim
ple blunder, and, now that I think back on
it, it was likely due to the food Id eaten
that day. A later game, I dropped my
queen. The next day, I had a healthy
breakfast and I did much better.
From ppwchess:
Excellent article. Im used to reading
such articles in the running and triathlon
publications I subscribe to. This is the first
time Ive seen nutrition covered in a chess
magazine. What we put in our body is the
fuel that makes us function. Too much
junk food has a detrimental impact on our
6 Chess Life February 2009
ability to stay focused. I usually bring
lunch with me, particularly if Im playing
a tournament that has very little time
between rounds. This way I can control
what Im eating, and when Im eating.
Golden praise
I just wanted to drop you an e mail to
say that the last few issues of Chess Life
have been better than what I remember.
I especially want to add that the article
on correspondence chess by Alex Dunne
(1998 and 2000 are Golden for CC Play
ers, December) is one of the best articles
that I have read for a long time in Chess
Life. The writing made the two tourna
ments come alive as each round was
explained and the top personalities and
performers were given credit for their
accomplishments. This was a fairly long
article and to me well worth the space in
the magazine.
I would love to see more Chess Life
articles in the future that devote sufficient
space to detail the progress of important
tournaments.
Ed Addis
life member
via e-mail
Fischer-Random, anyone?
I am writing this letter on behalf of all
students and enthusiasts of chess which
includes everyone from unrated players
to veteran GMs.
My major contention is that deep
emphasis given to learning opening lines
often dissuades genuinely good chess
from arising. Yes, there are established
principles that are now taken for granted,
such as vying for the center, whether one
does so in a style that is considered clas
sical, hypermodern, modern, or unor
thodox (the last of which GM Benjamin is
happily notorious for incorporating into
his repertoire).
However, the statistical turnouts, such
as White gains the advantage, or Black
now equalizes, are often skewed and
blatantly precarious means of utilizing
one opening over another. Part of this is
the pure logic that certain openings may
have been clearly refuted and then no
longer used: So the records may show
that Opening Line X resulted in a vic
tory for White 98% of the time. Such data
does not necessarily reveal that the
remaining two percent of games might
have convinced players to stop using it
entirely because a sound parry was dis
covered.
Furthermore, openings are also affected
by the dictates of fashion and simply
human psychology or entertainment per
spectives all of which are ambiguous
beasts likely never beholden to numeri
cal analysis. As an example, Fischer
derided the Kings Gambit, yet still used
it much (even against the MIT computer,
for instance). Or, consider the Scotch
Game, which fell out of interest until Kas
parov analyzed and re enlivened it.
So I find it hardly fair that, for exam
ple, the Alapin Opening or the Nimzovich
Defense, among others, are described as
relics or having only surprise value.
Then, suddenly, because an official source
has made such pronouncements, players
start learning what they believe are win
ning opening lines by rote. In my opinion,
this denudes chess of its integral vitality
and dynamism, and contributes to the
atrophy of what any skilled player values:
the development of profound intuition
the ability, so to speak, to play the
board, not some memorized rule.
Saif Patel
Rochester, Minnesota
uschess.org
First Moves
Some of the newer Cornerstone team members (l-r): Brandy Copeland, Lauren Bradford,
Dominick Phifer, Immanuel Lindsay. Across from Brandy is Shyra Northington.
Cornerstone School Chess Team:
Playing tough, overcoming the odds
The Detroit team raised the funds to travel to the
Nationals in Dallas, but they arrived at the airport
only to find their airline had gone bankrupt ...
By Cornelius A. Fortune
ased in Detroit, Cornerstone School
chess team was a newly minted
B batch of unrated players, all of
whom found a love of the game under the
inspiration and support of their coach,
Kevin Fite.
A natural instructor, Fite has helped
numerous children from the inner city find
their voice through the rich competition of
the chessboard at both tournament and
recreational levels. He is also the founder
and Chief Operating Officer of Detroit City
Chess Club, a city wide chess club aimed
at kids from the metro Detroit area.
Though he was charged with building
a team of fledgling chess players from
the ground up, it was a challenge he was
used to overcoming. In fact, hes made it
a kind of personal crusade and likens
chess instruction to the crafting of an
effective sales pitch, aimed at a reluc
tant, though curious buyer.
The thing is youve got to sell it to
them, its like a product, Fite says. When
I was at Duffield (an elementary school in
Detroit) that was in a pretty hardcore
8 Chess Life February 2009
area in the city and chess was perceived
as nerdish. A lot of the kids just pretty
much dogged them; called them names.
Then I got a couple of cool students (a
basketball player and a cheerleader) and
all of a sudden, if you didnt play chess
you were a nerd we changed the whole
culture around and thats what happened
here at Cornerstone.
While the team accumulated an impres
sive collection of chess trophies, Fite with
the help of the parents, devised creative
strategies for fundraising, determined to
give the kids a shot at the Nationals.
Those efforts included bake sales, skat
ing parties, and anything else they could
think of. After hitting their numbers, it
seemed the rest would be easy.
Fite, along with a portion of the team
had already arrived in Dallas, but parent
and co organizer T. C. Yanish and her
group of kids were having difficulty using
their boarding passes: the airline (ATA)
had gone bankrupt without notice and
refused to honor their flight arrangements.
Yanish started making phone calls.
One such call was to the Fox 2 News, local
affiliate. This served two purposes: it gave
the network an exclusive and it shined an
unsuspecting spotlight on the airlines
economic woes, leading to an exclusive.
Apparently the news hadnt gotten out
(about the bankruptcy), says Yanish.
They immediately came over and started
doing a story on us. As the word began to
go out, we were told that they would allow
us to fly. Our tickets were exchanged and
we were put on a waiting list. An alter
nate flight was found for the group.
We didnt make it to Dallas until 10
p.m., the night before the tournament
began, Yanish says. Imagine how tired
they were, but they still came out to be
number one. They kept believing.
Not only were they state and city
champs, they were now the unrated
National (Jr. High) section champs.
As great as winning can be, Fite is
equally proud of the effect that chess has
had on some of his students academic
performance. A math teacher by training,
he found this inspiring.
It actually helps me in the classroom,
Fite says. Your trouble kids are not really
going to give you trouble anymore because
they know if you do that, you cant play.
Its a win win. Chess empowers kids.
They get confidence and it really helps me
as a teacher. Thats how I knew it was my
calling: I just saw it change kids and it
was really fun. I think I had more fun
than the kids did sometimes.
Chess has actually become a very big
institution at the charter school, with a
waiting list of would be grandmasters
thats still growing. Chess, by Fites own
admission, has become more popular
than basketball and cheerleading at Cor
nerstone School. (The team itself has
expanded from 30 to 70 members since
the Nationals.)
Who would ever have thought that you
would have to have a waiting list for a
chess team in one school? says Fite, a
look of mysticism on his face. And the
school is not big, probably under 300
students. Everyone plays and its cool. The
kids walk around and they talk chess
and you just change the culture of it. I
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CORNERSTONE CHESS CLUB
think thats a big reason weve been suc
cessful is because weve changed the
climate of the school. Now they want to
think, they want to do things thats a lit
tle different, a little out of the box.
Not taking last years victory for
granted, the team is busily prepping for
the SuperNationals in April.
The parents have stepped up a lot.
Its gotten so big, and theyve done a real
good job, says Fite. Were just going to
keep doing what were doing. We do want
to plan an international tournament.
Thats on our radar because weve done
everything but international. .
uschess.org
 Ratings, Rules, and Rockets
USCFS 2ND DECADE: 1949-1958
By Al Lawrence
orn into a world in combat, USCF would
grow to maturity in its second decade
B amidst a baby boom and a Cold War.
In 1949 the Omaha U.S. Open became
the grand old events golden jubilee, since
the tournament traces its history back to
the first Western Open in 1900 and
since USCF decided to celebrate the num
ber of events rather than the number of
passing years. Members paid $10 to enter.
Partially sighted Albert Sandrin of Chicago
won an expanded, 70 player tournament,
The dean of American chess, GM Arthur Bisguier, in his heyday.
pocketing $500 at a time the minimum
wage was 40 cents an hour. Paul Geirs
became USCFs third president.
The same year, Art Bisguier won the
Junior Championship, while a young
Texan named Ken Smith, later to become
a poker champion and a leader of the
U.S. chess publishing revolution, fin
ished fifth. An international result in
1950 gives us a sense of the history
embodied in the person of GM Bisguier,
now dean of American chess. At the South
Seas International in England, he tied
PHOTO: ARCHIVAL
for first with the legendary Savielly Tar
takower, outpacing Efim Bogolyubow, as
well as lesser legends Edgard Colle and
Harry Golombek.
uschess.org
In November, Chess Life published
USCFs first rating list, showing Reuben
Fine first at 2817 and Samuel Reshevsky
second at 2770. (Fred Reinfelds sixth
place at 2593 reminds us that the prolific
writer could play.) The under credited
Kenneth Harkness was the hero behind
chess rating systems. You can see his
original rating calculations, literally res
cued from the garbage by USCF president
Bill Goichberg, at the World Chess Hall of
Fame in Miami.
In 1951, the year Alan Turing con
ceived the first computer program
capable of playing a full game of chess,
New York attorney Harold Phillips took
over as USCF president. Life member
ships cost $50. George Koltanowski
made headlines by playing 50 blindfold
games in succession at 10 seconds per
move! But it was Larry Evans tourna
ment year: The 19 year old won both
the 98 player U.S. Open in Fort Worth
and the U.S. Championship, aided by Dr.
Ariel Mengarinis 27 move win over
Reshevsky.
In 1953 USCF made a star move, hir
ing Kenneth Harkness as its first business
manager. Harkness established the orga
nizations book and equipment business,
promoted the Swiss pairing system, fos
tered the idea of national events being
co sponsored by local clubs, wrote the
first rulebooks, invented the median tie
breaker, and co authored, with Irving
Chernev, one of the most popular chess
books of all time, An Invitation to Chess.
Future executive directors found his foot
prints always in front of them. Frank
Graves, elected USCF president in 1954,
announced the next year that USCF was
EN PASSANT
1949-50: Gisela Kahn Gresser and
Mona May Karff journeyed behind
the Iron Curtain to play for the womens
world championship. Gresser wrote an
article entitled I Went to Moscow for
the Ladies Home Journal.
1954: The second face-to-face U.S.A.-
U.S.S.R chess match, this time in New
York, ended in a Soviet 20-12 victory.
1958: In Portoroz Fischer became the
youngest-ever world championship
candidate, winning the grandmaster
title at 15. USCF membership hit 2,668.
Trivia: French immigrant Nicolas
Rossolimos first prize at the 156-
player Long Beach 1955 U.S. Open
was a new Buickunfortunately, he
lived in New York City. This grandmas-
ter worked as a bellhop, a taxi driver,
an accordion player, a singerand ran
a chess studio in Greenwich Village,
where you can still see his sign.
financially sound, crediting Harkness.
After Evans match win against Steiner,
Bisguier won the U.S. Champinship in
1954. But by the time Jerry Spann took
over as president in 1957, it was all
about a kid named Bobby, who that year
became the youngest ever master. It was
the same year that an American was
being born every seven seconds and that
an orbiting, beeping U.S.S.R. satellite
put the fear of Soviet missiles in Ameri
can hearts and minds. A few months
later, Fischer won the U.S. champi
onship, his first of eight in a row. USCFs
second decade ended with the dual
rocket launchings of Sputnik and the
Fischer phenomenon. .
Chess Life February 2009 9
 In association with
Present
The Sixth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships
April 24 26, 2009 Dallas, Texas
Awards Main Event
The University of Texas at Dallas, Saturday, April 25
www.utdallas.edu, has established an 9:00 AMOpening Ceremony
Academic Distinction Scholarship to the Rounds 14:
winner of the 18-years-old and younger 9:3011:30 AM; 12:002:00 PM;
section. The scholarship is valued at 3:005:00 PM; 5:307:30 PM
$80,000 for an out-of-state student.
Sunday, April 26
Rounds 56:
Trophies to top 15 individuals and top
9:0011:00 AM;
3 teams in each section. 3 or more
11:30 AM1:30 PM;
players from the same school to make
2:30 PMClosing Ceremony
a team (top 3 scores added to give
team final standings). Every player Entry Fee
receives a souvenir medal. $45 if postmarked by March 25th,
$70 on-site. USCF membership required.
All events will be hosted at Hyatt Regency
Special Appearance by Anna Zatonskih 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 PMSimultaneous Exhibition by
WGM Anna Zatonskih.
Reigning U.S. Womens Champion, Please bring clocks for all the events.
two-time winner of U.S. Womens Championship;
U.S. Olympiad team member since 2004, including
Chess sets and score sheets provided
Bronze Medal team of 2008, Silver medalist at 2004 for the Main and Side Events.
Olympiad, Gold Medalist for Board 2 at 2008 Olympiad.
6-SS, G/60, Sections
U 8-years-old and younger
U 10-years-old and younger
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 Official Sponsor of the 2008 US Mens and Womens Olympiad Teams.

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 Chess to Enjoy
Stop the Presses!
Whatever happened to newspaper coverage of chess? Read all about it.
By GM Andy Soltis
Its hard to imagine but it was only a
decade ago when some smart people con
sidered the Internet to be a threat to
chess.
Promoter Luis Rentero banned live web
coverage of the biggest event of 1998, a
Vladimir Kramnik Alexei Shirov match
he was organizing in Spain.
Rentero, who is best known for his
super tournaments in Linares, wanted
to attract print reporters, not web journal
ists. He feared that newspaper and
magazine writers might ignore the match
if their exclusive access was lost by letting
in the bloggers and other riff raff.
The ban didnt work. Even though the
match was supposed to choose Garry
Kasparovs next world championship chal
lenger, few print journalists showed up.
But the Internet coverage appeared any
way, with only a slight time delay.
Today no one dares keep the web out:
The great debate
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772)
GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2783)
World Championship 2008, game 3
+ +r+ +
+ + + +
q +pp k
+L+ + +p
P+ + P +
+ + + +l
P +QP P
R + K +
After 28. ... Bh3
This was the first turning point of the
Anand Kramnik match. The Internet
turned into a debating society about the
dangers of 29. ... Rg1+.
On ChessPro.com, IM Maksim Notkin
12 Chess Life February 2009
recommended 29. Rd1. He said Black
can win material with 29. ... Bg4 30. Qe3
Qxe3+ 31. fxe3 Bxd1 32. Kxd1 Rg2 33.
Kc1 Rxh2. But then White has the prom
ising 34. a5 and Bc6, Notkin added.
Before you could hit the refresh button,
GM Sergey Shipov, was pointing out a
tricky alternative to 29. ... Bg4 over at
Crestbook.com:
29. ... Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Rg2!? and then 31.
Qe3 Rxf2+ 32. Be2 Rxe2+! 33. Qxe2 Bg4
34. Qd3 Qxb2+ 35. Qc2 Qd4+ 36. Kc1
with unclear chances.
The analysis came fast and furious.
When White played 29. Ra3 instead of 29.
Rd1, Shipov said he was lost in view of 29.
... Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Qd4+ 31. Kc2 Bf5+ and
then 32. Bd3 Bg4 and 33. ... Bd1+.
Not much better was 32. Kb3 Rc1, win
ning the queen in view of ... Bc2+ or ...
Rc2, he added.
But over at Chessdom.com, GM
Vladimir Dimitrov had already advised
fans that White would get a strong passed
pawn after 33. a5 Bc2+ 34. Qxc2 Rxc2 35.
Kxc2 Qc5+ 36. Kb1 Qxb5 37. a6.
The analytical battle raged on at other
sites, including foidoschess and the Inter
net Chess Club, all part of the New Media.
This wasnt the first world champi
onship match that was covered heavily by
New Media. Far from it. But it was the first
one that Old Media hardly noticed. It
received a fraction of the newspaper atten
tion of, say, any of Kasparovs title
matches.
This is a trend that, as a chess player,
Im sad to see. But as a newspaper
reporter, I know it makes sense. And in
the long run it can be good for chess.
Let me explain:
Players have always wanted Old Media
to cover chess like a sport. They say news
papers should answer their basic
questions: What happened today in the
fourth round at Wijk aan Zee? Who won?
How many moves?
But the reality is that the real reason
many players want newspaper coverage
is that they think it promotes chess. They
hope non players will see articles and
say, Hey, if chess is in the newspaper, it
may be worth my time.
Players feel so strongly about wanting
chess coverage that they have a stan
dard rant against Old Media: Dont they
know there are tens of thousands of seri
ous players in the U.S.?
But Old Media has an easy answer.
The one Id give is:
Yes, and we also know there are twice
as many serious bridge players as serious
chess players. Yet weve always given
chess a lot more coverage than bridge, for
reasons that have nothing to do with
numbers.
And Id add, If chess people really
wanted to find out who won today at Wijk
aan Zee, theyre not going to wait for
tomorrows newspaper. Theyll find out in
ten seconds, and in much greater detail,
from the Internet.
The truth is most newspapers have
given up on what we call hard news
coverage of chess. They gave up because
they cant compete, in terms of the space
and expense, with New Media. (Its time
to stop repeating the nonsense that the
real reason they gave up is that newspa
per editors dont like Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.)
The disappearing of newspaper cover
age is a historic change. We cant reverse
it. But we may get some benefit from it.
For example, we can recognize that a big
deal match or tournament should be
organized for the benefit of chessplay
ers, not for the comfort of newspapers.
Up until now, decisions were made
about the location, schedule and even
the number of games in a world champi
onship match with Old Media in mind.
Organizers felt that the press and general
public wouldnt have the attention span
for the good, old 24 game, two month
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II Problem III
2008 World Open Marc Esserman GM Alexander Shabalov IM Robert Hess
GM Eugene Perelshteyn GM Surya Sekar Ganguly GM G. N. Gopal

More than 1,200 competed in the + + + + +  n R + + +

 l k
36th annual World Open last sum
mer, including 35 grandmasters
p + + + + +k+ + + + +L+p
seeking the $30,000 first prize in
P+ +k+ + p + PK+ + pPp q
the top section. When it was over GM +PP + p p +p+ + + nP+P+
Evgeny Najer broke the four way tie +K+ l p P+pP L r pQ + + L
for first place in his favor. Games
from the Philadelphia tournament
+ + + +P + P + + + + + +P
provide this months quiz positions.
+ + +L+ +P+ + + + + + K
In each one you are asked to find the + + + + + + + + + + + +
fastest winning line of play. Usually White to play White to play White to play
this will mean the forced win of a
decisive amount of material or the Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
queening of a pawn. But look out for GM Abhijit Kunte FM Teddy Coleman GM John Fedorowicz
FM Daniel Yeager
IM Kirill Kuderinov Robert Akopian
quick mates as well. For solutions,
see page 71. + + ++ + r + + r+ +r+k+
p + +pk + +k+p+ + + + p
p + + + + p +lR q+p+p+ +
+ + q pp p pPr + plPpnL+P
+ + + + q +p+ Q p P +R+
+P+ + P + + L P +P+ + +
+ + +KP P + RK+ P+ Q P K
+ Q + + + + + + + LN+ +
Black to play White to play White to play

matches of yesteryear. When the Tal Memorial was held in

The official book of the 2000 World
Championship explained that the match
was cut to 16 games because any event
which goes beyond a month (compare
the length of the Olympics) is liable to for
feit public interest and be considered old
fashioned.
With that in mind, the 2008 Anand
Kramnik match was reduced further, to
a maximum of 12 games in 18 days. (It
lasted 11 games and 16 days.)
But this is depriving the real audi
ence the serious players who want to see
a lot of championship chess for the
chimera of attracting an Old Media that
doesnt care any more.
Its also time to abandon that old pro
motional principle that says tournaments
and matches should be held in big city
auditoriums because it brings in Old
Media attention and spectator hordes.
The truth is if its a good story the
Toiletgate scandal of the 2006 World
Championship, for example newspapers
will follow it even if its happening in an
obscure place like Elista, Russia.
And as for spectators, the Russian
magazine 64 recently wrote there are
seven rules for holding successful inter
national tournaments. One was: Dont
expect spectators. Even in Moscow, you
cant count on a lot of interest, editor
Mark Glukhovsky wrote. Dont book the
Bolshoi Theater and dont try to sell tick
ets. No one will come!
Moscows most famous department store
this year, Vladimir Kramnik commented
on the lack of spectators: A few come to
tournaments but everyone prefers to sit
at home, watch games and sip tea.
We understand that the fundamental
auditorium is on the Internet, Kramnik
said.
But thats a good thing.
Theres an old joke about tournaments
that are held in obscure places like
Linares. Someone notices the empty seats
and says sarcastically, There are more
journalists here than spectators.
But thats a good thing.
Once organizers recognize they arent
going to attract thousands of ticket buy
ers, theyll concentrate instead on making
life easier for online journalists. In that
way, theyll reach a much larger audi
ence.
This happens at major tournaments
like Wijk aan Zee, which is hardly a big
city. Organizers contractually require the
uber GMs to appear in post game press
conferences. The rules for the Bonn match
said the players had to attend confer
ences for at least 20 minutes.
What you see in Internet videos on
sites like Chessvibes is revealing.
Post Mortem
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772)
GM Viswanthan Anand (FIDE 2783)
World Championship 2008, game 10
r+r+ +k+
p + +ppp
n + + +
Q p p +q
+ +P+ +
+ P L P
P+ +lPLP
R + R K
After 22. Be3
Fans were mystified because Black
seemed to be only slightly worse here yet
he resigned soon after 22. ... Bg4 23.
Qa6 f6 24. a4 Qf7 25. Bf1 Be6 26. Rab1.
It turned out, the players were also a bit
mystified.
Anand conceded that after 24. a4 he
stood worse. But he confessed he hadnt
a clue as to where I made the decisive
error. Or even where I could have played
better.
It was a pleasant surprise for me,
said Kramnik. I didnt do anything spe
cial and then basically the position was
winning.
It was a refreshing bit of candor and
another reason why New Media is beat
ing the Old. .
See page 5 for all of your USCF membership
options then visit uschess.org and renew!

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 13

Solitaire Chess

Sammy the Position Player

One of Americas greatest players was Samuel Reshevsky. Typical of a prodigy,

By Bruce Pandolfini

he had an innate flair for tactics, a skill he would use in later life to bring home
precisely executed positional wins--as he did against Weaver Adams in this
months game.

Perhaps Samuel Reshevskys (1911
1992) chief weakness was a lack of deep
opening preparation, which often led to
over calculation and time trouble. But
that drawback didnt play a role in his
encounter with Weaver Adams (Black),
from the U.S. Open of 1939. With previ
ous experience handling the line,
especially from Blacks side, Sammy
was able to milk it for a nicely maneu
vered win. The game began:
Closed Ruy Lopez,
Chigorin Defense (C98)
Samuel Reshevsky
Weaver Adams
U.S. Open, New York, 1939
tions for other moves and variations. Black is aiming to get in ... a5 a4. If the
Note that ** means that the note to bishop backs off, say 17. ... Bd7, then 18.
Blacks move is over and Whites move is Bb3 Be8 (or 18. ... Rf8) 19. Nd5 with a
on the next line.** very nice position for White (1 bonus
point).**
13. dxc5 Par Score: 5
Reshevsky tells us that I have played
18. Nxe6 Par Score: 5
against this variation so often that I was Reshevsky removes the bishop, which
curious to see how it felt to play on the is consistent with his previous move.
other side! Perhaps a better move is 13.
d5 (full credit), but until Karpov came
18. fxe6
along much of the theory hadnt been Adams removes the enemy knight
worked out. before it takes the black queen.**
13. dxc5 19. Bb3 Par Score: 6
Now theres a target, the e6 pawn, and
White starts to line up against it.
14. Nf1 Par Score: 5
White intends to move the knight to e3,
and from there to d5 or f5 (1 bonus point).
19. Qc8

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. Naturally, Black defends his pawn.**
14. Rd8
More typical these days is to place the
0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 0-0 9. h3 20. Qc4 Par Score: 5
queen rook at d8 after first playing Bc8 Its time to gang up on the e6 pawn,
Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Qc7 12. Nbd2 Nc6

e6.** which White is now threatening to win by

21. Qxe6+ Qxe6 22. Bxe6+. Accept 1
r+l+ rk+
+ q lppp bonus point if you had the idea of this in
15. Qe2 Par Score: 5
This is not a concession, since Whites mind earlier.
queen often goes to e2 with purpose.
p+np n +
+pp p + 20. Kf7
Black must do this to uphold the e6
15. Be6
This is a natural development, hoping pawn, but in so doing exposes his king to
+ PP+ +
+ P +N+P to insert the bishop on c4 if White allows potential attack along the f file, should it
PPLN PP+ it.** open.**

R LQR K 16. Ne3 Par Score: 6 21. a4 Par Score: 6

Your starting position Deduct 3 points for 16. Be3? Bc4. White safeguards the placement of the
b3 bishop; otherwise Black plays 21. ...
Now make sure you have the above a4, pushing the bishop back.
16. b4
position set up on your chessboard. As This is a slight error, turning over the
you play through the remaining moves in light squares of b3 and c4 to Whites
21. g6
this game, use a piece of paper to cover pieces.** Here Black stops the invasion 22. Nf5.
the article, exposing Whites next move After a possible Ne3 f5, White might con
only after trying to guess it. tinue with Bc1 e3, targeting the
17. Ng5 Par Score: 7
If you guess correctly, give yourself the White aims to trade or drive off the c5 pawn.**
par score. Sometimes points are also light square bishop.
rewarded for second best moves, and
22. Ng4 Par Score: 7
there may be bonus points or deduc Now White menaces 23. Nh6+ Kg7 24.
17. a5

14 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 Problem I Problem II Problem III
ABCs of Chess Trapping Trapping Driving off

These problems are all related to

q +k+ r +
+ nk+ +
+ +k+
key positions in this months game.
+ +
+pp + + +pp q + + p
In each case, Black is to move. The + +l+ + +q+p+ + lp+ + p
answers can be found in Solutions +p+ p + pp+ + + + + p n
on page 71. + +P+ + + +P+ + +P+ + +
February exercise: For the ensuing
+ P LN+ +LP + + + + PNP
exercise you will need analytic soft +L+QP + P+Q+ PP+ + +LK P
ware. Consider any standard + + K + + + + K + Q + +
opening variation to its assessments
end, with one side having a minimal,
but non decisive edge. Then cham Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
pion the inferior sides perspective, Discovery/Simplification Desperado Mating net
repositioning any piece of your meas
ured preference. Just pick it up and + rk+ + L
+ + r k+ + r +
put it there, even if it cant be trans + ++p + + +k++  p + + +
ferred directly, until you change the + + + + + +p+ + + + + +
evaluation to your advantage. Make
sure not to cross the frontier line or
+ + +l+ + + + + + + +l+
alter a bishops color of movement. + + + + +q+ + + + + l +
This unusual workout is excellent for + + + + +L+ + + + + L +
flexing strategic and positional mus +P+ K + + + +P+ + + + P
cles, especially honing the faculties
of maneuvering and global board
+N+R+ + + + +RK Q + + +K
thinking.

Qxe6 (1 bonus point). instead, 25. ... Na6, then 26. Rf1 Kg7 bishop? It turns out there is no satisfac
27. Be5+ Kh6 28. Qe2 followed by Qe3+ tory way.
should win.**
22. Nxg4
If 22. ... Ng8, White increases the pres
29. Bd6
sure by 23. Be3 h5 24. Nh2 Nb8 25. Nf3 Black is lost no matter what. For exam
26. Rf1 Par Score: 6
(2 bonus points).** White threatens discovery by 27. Bxb8+ ple, if 29. ... Bg5, then 30. Bg7 mate; if 29.
(1 bonus point). ... Bh4, then 30. Bg7+ Kg5 31. Bf6+; if 29.
... Bf8, then 30. g5+ Kh5 (if 30. ... Kxg5,
23. hxg4 Par Score: 4
Blacks position is under assault from either 31. Bf6+ or 31. Bf4+ wins) 31.
26. Qxc4
several fronts. The pawns at c5 and e6 At least Blacks plan is consistent: hes Be2+ Kh4 32. g3+ Kh3 (32. ... Kxg5 33.
require protection. The h file will be avail been trying to get the queens off the Bf4 mate) 33. Rxh7+ Bh6 34. Rxh6 mate.
able to White after g3, Kg2, and Rh1. board.** There are various other defensive tries,
Plus the f file is also a factor (Re1 e3 f3, but they all lose material or lead to Black
or simply f2 f4, with Re1 f1). getting mated. Accept 3 bonus points if
27. Bxc4 Par Score: 4
Deduct 3 points if you thought you you saw the general outline of the winning
could get away with 27. Bxb8+?; it fails variations (the mates, forks, discoveries
23. Nb8
Adams clears the sixth rank so he can to the desperado 27. ... Qxf1+. and so on).
play his queen to a6 without losing the e6
pawn. Another try might be to play 23. ...
27. Kg7 30. Bg7+ Par Score: 6
Re8, but Blacks position is still dubious A safety move: Black removes his king Black resigns, in view of 30. ... Kg5
after 24. Be3 Nd8.** from the f file and out of the line of pos
sible discovery. It means abandoning the
31. Bf6+, winning a rook. .
e6 pawn, but by now thats the lesser Visit uschess.org to download a .pgn file
24. f4 Par Score: 6
This is more potent than 24. Rf1 (3 evil.** of all the games in this issue or to down
points part credit), since it leads to the load the .pdf file of this issue and Chess
development of the queen bishop while Life for Kids. You must login using your
28. Be5+ Par Score: 6
still forcing open the f file. Reshevsky has determined that the e6 USCF ID number.
pawn will keep and he has better fish to
fry. Total your score to determine your
24. exf4
The f4 pawn has to be removed else approximate rating below:
White takes at e5 or pushes to f5.** Total Score Rating
28. Kh6
Of course, on 28. ... Kg8, Reshevsky
takes the pawn as 29. Bxe6 is mate (1 95+ 2400+
25. Bxf4 Par Score: 4
81-94 2200-2399
At last the bishop is out and the white bonus point).** 66-80 2000-2199
rooks are connected. 51-65
36-50
1800-1999
1600-1799
21-35 1400-1599
29. Rf7 Par Score: 7
Whites intrusion is much better than 06-20 1200-1399
25. Qa6
0-05 under 1200
Black wants to trade queens. If he plays 29. Bxe6. How does Black defend his

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 15

Looks at Books
The Diversity of Chess Teaching
New In Chess puts together a collection of essays examining how
to teach chessfrom the beginner on up to Magnus Carlsen
ts rare that a collection of essays
is uniformly excellent, but The Chess
I Instructor 2009 comes very, very close.
Ill save my one complaint for later and will
sing its praises now. Editors Jeroen Bosch
and Steve Giddens deserve enormous
kudos for the consistently high quality of
both their authors and their essays, and also
for the diversity of the chess teaching that
they manage to represent: an account of
how Michael Basman created and maintains
a grassroots tournament league of 74,000
British schoolchildren sits comfortably next
to Simon Agdesteins reflections on the edu
cation of Magnus Carlsen.
The degree of technical chess knowl
edge required of the reader also varies
enormously. Some essays are essentially
instructional articles aimed at 2000+
players; others are written for club play
ers; another sizable portion are
perspectives on chess from the fields of
pedagogy and cognitive and sports psy
chology. Limited space prevents me from
discussing each essay in the detail I would
like, but I mention my three favorite
below, and offer one criticism.
While reading about an idea of Dutch
chess teacher Cor van Wijgerden, I had
that feeling one sometimes experiences
when you see an idea explained and you
immediately recognize it as something
you have always felt but never been able
to articulate. When teaching beginning
classes of young children, his Step by
Step Method advocates delaying teaching
checkmate for as long as possible. The
reasoning is that there are two basic
strategies for beginners to learn in chess:
winning by capturing and winning by
checkmate. And that its much easier to
learn these one at a time.
Imagine a game just like chess, but
without kings, where the object is simply
to capture your opponents pieces. Ive
used this game as an activity in my begin
ning classes for the one week between the
knight and the king, but Im definitely
going to start having kids play this game
for a much longer time. It allows stu
16 Chess Life February 2009
By WIM Elizabeth Vicary
The Chess Instructor 2009:
The New in Chess Compendium
for Chess Teachers, Coaches
and Parents (2008)
by Jeroen Bosch (author)
and Steve Giddins (editor).
230 pp., New In Chess.
List Price: $26.95. Available on
USCFsales.com with a members
discount for $25.95
dents to practice piece movement in real
istic situations. It teaches a lot about
development, tactics, relative piece value,
exchanging, etc. And children under
stand it easily: they are already good at
counting and instinctively know that more
is better. They also love to win things, and
then to line them up, admire them, and
count them. Reporting good results with
his method, van Wijgerden says students
become naturally conscious of material
early on and are less likely to hang pieces
in later stages of development.
In Learning an Opening ... by Study
ing the Endgame! Steve Giddens
annotates five endgames with the charac
teristic pawn structure of the French or
Caro Kann Advance. (Both sides have
seven pawns no c pawn; White has
pawns on d4 and e5; Black has pawns on
e6 and d5.) After each fragment, Giddens
summarizes the key lessons; an example:
White must be very careful about play
ing a2 a4 in such positions, even if the
b file is closed. This is because Black
gains the use of the b4 square for his
minor pieces, and a later ... b7 b5 by
Black will open up the b file against the
backward pawn on b2.
Useful knowledge and a well organized
lesson, I thought, and since Im currently
teaching units on the French and Caro
Kann in my advanced classes at IS 318,
I decided to test drive the lesson. Students
had to play each position before we dis
cussed it, and sometimes afterwards as
well. I wrote up the key lessons on over
sized sheets of paper and taped them on
the walls. I worried a little that the chess
level might be over the heads of my stu
dents under 1200, but also figured that
any endgame study was probably a good
thing. The unit went better than I
expected: the kids recognized the pawn
structure as something they do often see
in games and were consequently inter
ested in the positions.
Turning to the highest levels of chess
instruction, Simon Agdesteins account of
teaching Magnus Carlsen offers an inter
esting first hand look into the prodigys
character and development. The most
surprising revelation is that Garry Kas
parov himself offered to be Magnus full
time trainer, but the boy refused.
The only essay that I cant praise is
Alexander Vaismans self titled Hon
oured Trainer of the Ukraine. These two
sentences explain my reservations:
Although it is impossible to say exactly
what chess talent consists of, an experi
enced trainer can detect it almost
immediately, and I said to her, You
are a girl! You should have some feeling
for beauty! And I took her on a visit to a
local museum of art. Now she is a grand
master. This glibness permeates the
essay, but this piece is the only weak link
in an otherwise ground breaking collec
tion of thought. .
uschess.org
Whats The Best Move?

Practical Problem Themes

By GM Larry Evans

Novotny and Plachutta 1. White moves 2. White moves

Lovely maneuvers in the arcane
world of problem terminology are + rk++ + +r+ L
often named for 19th century com + + rp+p + + + +r
posers. The Novotny theme sacrifices
a piece on a square where it must be
p+ +l+pP + +pl +
captured by either of two different
+pq P P + n k +
enemy units, leading to doom. (Prob +np Q + +K+P+ +
lem 1 is a practical example). The + NL+ + + pP+Q+
Plachutta interference theme also
exposes a piece to capture by either
PPP+ + + + + + +
of two similar enemy units (Prob +K+R+ +R + + + R
lem 4 is a practical example). A (a) Bxc4 (b) Qf6 (c) Nd5 (a) Rg7 (b) Qxf6+ (c) Kxc5
distinction without a difference?
3. White moves 4. White moves
Solutions on page 71.

Readers are invited to send their posi

+l+ + r + + + k
tions in for possible consideration in + n + l + + + +p
this column. Send to whatsthebest + + + N p+ p + Q
move@uschess.org or mail to Chess +R+ + + + + lr+
Life, c/o Whats The Best Move, PO
Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
+P+k+ L + +pqN+
+ + +NP + + + R
P +K+ + + + P P
+ + + + + + + +K
(a) Rf5 (b) Nf5 (c) Nf7 (a) Qe6 (b) Nf6 (c) Qxf4

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 17

 2008 World Senior
Americas Newest GM
The 18th World Senior Chess Championship results in Americas
latest GM and world champion: GM Larry Kaufman
By GM Larry Kaufman
n recent years, when asked whether
I still aspired to the grandmaster (GM)
I title, I would reply that I was too old
to make three norms (not to mention hit
ting 2500 FIDE) without playing full time
in Europe, which was not practical, but
that when I reached age 60 I would try to
win the world senior championship, which
carries with it an automatic GM title. I
knew that this was no easier than mak
ing a normal GM norm, but at least Id
only have to do it once. Still, in view of the
famous names of past winners (Smyslov,
Geller, Taimanov, Korchnoi), I thought
of it as a long shot. But dreams do come
true; in my first year of eligibility, I won
the championship and the GM title!
By winning the U.S. Senior last May,
I won most of my expenses to the World
Senior in Bad Zwischenahn, Germany,
held from October 28 November 8. Hav
ing read favorable write ups of this event
in Chess Life in the past I might have
played anyway, but after my U.S. Senior
win I didnt hesitate. I decided to go all out
for first place, although I had no real
expectation of victory. After all, I was only
17th rated, and the field included ten
GMs! Based only on the ratings, my
chances of victory were probably only
1%, but I knew that they were much
greater than this in actuality.
18 Chess Life February 2009
Here is why: there are two types of
FIDE rated chess tournaments; one round
a day events where there is plenty of time
to prepare for each opponent, and two or
three round a day events where prepara
tion is generally impractical as you learn
your pairing only shortly before the round.
Living in the U.S., most of my events are
necessarily of the second type. However
I have always done much better in the
events where preparation is possible,
because I can prepare for my opponents
who often have narrow, predictable open
ing repertoires, whereas they can hardly
prepare for me, because I play almost all
GM approved openings. Probably my rat
ing in one round a day events would be
about a hundred ELO above my rating in
other events. Furthermore my work on
Rybka has made me an expert in the
proper use of computer programs for
preparation, and has apparently also
helped my basic playing level, as my rat
ing has been rising steadily since I started
this work. So, while any one players
chances of winning such an event are
not good, I felt that my chances were at
least on a par with most of the other top
players.
To maximize my chances, I spared no
expense. I bought a faster laptop. I stayed
five days in Bonn prior to the tourney
to get over jet lag, to watch the Anand
Kramnik match, to get used to Germany,
and to prepare my openings without dis
traction. Finally, I paid the difference in
cost to get a hotel with both Internet
service and a swimming pool, on the the
ory that exercise might help. It was a
fairly long walk to the tournament site,
but that just meant more good exercise.
I also ate a lot of fish. Maybe all of this
would only add a half point to my score,
but thats the difference between suc
cess and failure!
Bad Zwischenahn is a small town, very
nice and safe, where many elderly and ill
people go to recover from serious ill
nesses. Its mostly a summer town; in
November it was not very crowded. There
are plenty of nice restaurants and places
to shop. The opening ceremony featured
a dance by some local children, and the
closing ceremony had live music. Maybe
there wasnt so much to do there, but I
hardly noticed; my routine was the same
almost every day, namely play my game
(at 10 a.m.; Im usually awful at morning
play, but here I adjusted my routine for
it), have lunch, review my game and
answer e mails, check the pairings, go
swimming, eat dinner, and prepare! I did
play in the World Senior blitz one evening
(tied for third), and went on an excursion
uschess.org
 WIM Esther Epstein at the 2008 U.S. Championship
on the free day. On that excursion, some
one asked me if I was a GM, and I replied,
No, IM. Not being a native English
speaker, he thought I said, I am. After
we realized this and laughed, I said that
now Ill have to win the tournament so
that what he thought I said would be
true!
There were eight other players in the
event representing the U.S., but many
of them I knew only slightly, and I hardly
knew anyone else in the event except for
three players I had met at student
olympiads in 1967 and 1972 and an
Israeli tournament in 1973 (GM Vlas
timil Jansa and IMs Mikhail Podgaets
and Ole Jakobsen). IM Albert Kapengut
and Jude Acers scored a respectable 7 4,
and WIM Esther Epstein tied for second
in the womens section. By a quirk of fate,
the only player I met and spent much
time with there was top seed GM Mihai
Suba, with whom I ultimately tied for
first. The tournament was an 11 round
open (except for age) Swiss, separate for
PHOTOS: BETSY DYNAKO
the 300 men and 36 women (though one
or two women were allowed to play in
the mens event, only because of their
low ratings according to the organizer).
The organizer, Jurgen Wempe, did a
splendid job and is a very friendly and
generous host; I highly recommend any
uschess.org
GM Larry Kaufman at the 2008 U.S. Championship
event he runs. I note that the midpoint of
the tournament was over 2050 rating,
vastly higher than a U.S. Open, probably
because there were no class prizes.
Strangely enough, the only game in the
whole event where I was clearly losing
was in round one, against a mere 2044
rated player, after I adopted a faulty late
opening plan. OK, he made mistakes and
lost, but in round two, after winning a
pawn with the better position, I care
lessly allowed my 2166 rated opponent to
simplify to a pawn down but drawn end
ing with all pawns on one wing. This was
a severe blow, because the Internet site
of the tournament listed progressive
(sum of scores after each round) as the
tiebreak, so an early loss or draw would
likely be fatal even if I managed to tie for
first. I was discouraged, but I did not
alter my routine. In round three I won
quite easily in 23 moves against a 2172
rated player who didnt know the opening,
although it was a normal enough Nimzo
Indian.
Round four was my first titled oppo
nent, FM Boris Gruzmann. I noted that he
always played the Advance Variation
against the French, and I expected that
he would follow my preparation until
move 11, where I prepared and played a
novelty proposed by Rybka. It led to a
pleasant game for me, which became a
winning one after some errors, though he
lasted 80 moves. Then as white against
Viachesiav Agzamov, I achieved a huge
edge against his off book Kings Indian,
won a pawn, and soon won more pawns,
while his only trump was an advanced,
passed, edge pawn. I missed multiple
easy wins and finally had to settle for
perpetual due to his threats. Now I was
really discouraged; my 4 1 score wasnt
so bad, but it should have been 5 0.
In round six I faced FM Christian
Clemens, who always opens 1. g3 and
plays for c4 and a double fianchetto
against 1. d5. Here my preparation
could only get me an equal game. We
had a very complex game, where I missed
an easy win at one point (spotting it right
after hitting the clock), again reached a
won position and finally won a long
endgame. So I went into the free day with
a decent 5 1 score, half a point off the
lead, but had yet to play up. I could
hardly imagine that I was going to score
4 1 in the remaining games despite being
paired up in every round!
Finally I met my first GM, defending
World Senior Champion Algimantas But
norius. He played a not recommended
Nimzo line, but I met it imprecisely and
he was fine. Then he went after a poi
Chess Life February 2009 19
2008 World Senior
Does Kaufman
Deserve the
GM Title?
Do I really deserve the GM title?
I never reached the normally
required 2500 FIDE rating. My peak
was 2445 (though I reached 2538
USCF in 1997), but in 1979 and
1980 I performed well above FIDE
2500 level but didnt play enough
FIDE rated events for my rating to
reach it. Now at least Ill be back
over 2400 FIDE, and I believe that if
only one round a day events were
rated, I would be near 2500 now.
Ive won the American Open (1966)
and two Eastern Opens, tied for sec
ond in the U.S. Open twice, qualified
for the U.S. Championship four
times, and won about 15 state cham
pionships. I know Im not as strong
as most active grandmasters (GMs)
in the U.S., who are usually over
2500 FIDE, but in Europe there are
many active GMs below or around
2400, as its much easier to earn
the title there, and having scored
3 out of 4 against GMs above 2400
in the Senior I feel I earned it. ~LK
soned pawn, clearly hoping for the full
point, but I got both an attack and my
pawn back, and by move forty he was
two pawns down and soon resigned. Then
I was paired with three time senior cham
pion GM Janis Klovans. I saw in my
preparation that he had hardly any expe
rience against the French line I was
playing, and although I could not predict
his choices after move eight, I was pre
pared with the help of Rybka for all
reasonable continuations. He followed
my analysis (after using half an hour)
until his 14th move, when he attacked a
rook rather than moving his attacked
knight as I had expected.
Since it was clear that his queen move
was helpful if I saved my rook and since
I knew that Rybka had not suggested the
queen move, I reasoned that Rybka must
have planned to sacrifice the Exchange for
a pawn or two, and after some calcula
tions convinced me that the sac was at
least reasonable so I played it. But after
the obvious captures he retreated his
attacked knight to a square that took
away his queens retreat, a move that I
had dismissed (correctly) as an obvious
blunder. I was soon up by two pieces for
a rook and won in just 25 moves. I later
learned that the correct knight retreat
had been played in a GM game shortly
before my own, and the drawn result
confirmed Rybkas evaluation of equality.
20 Chess Life February 2009
So with this point, I was tied for the lead
at 7 1! My reward for this was to play the
top seed, GM Suba (2531). He followed my
earlier win over Butnorius until move 13,
and although I did not expect this I was
at least reasonably comfortable due to
the time I spent on the post mortem of
that earlier win. Still, I played impre
cisely and he chose the sharpest line,
forcing me to sacrifice a pawn for a nasty
looking pin. It did net me the Exchange,
but as he had a pawn and much better
pawn structure for it in the endgame we
agreed to a draw.
Suddenly victory no longer seemed
like a pipe dream. I was tied for first, and
I was given the good news at this point
that the website was in error (it quoted an
obsolete FIDE rulebook), and that FIDE
rules (posted on the FIDE website) actu
ally mandate average of opponents
ratings (except the worst) as the tiebreak
for this title. I looked much better on this
tiebreak than on progressive. Still, I had
to play Black against the #2 GM, Miso
Cebalo (2493). I felt that if I could draw,
I would only have to win in the final
round, most likely with the White pieces,
to have good chances to win the event. I
chose the Slav. On move 12 he varied
from an earlier game with a move still
known to theory. My prepared reply sur
prised him, as after long thought he
played a most unexpected surrender of
the bishop pair. Still, he reached an equal
position, but I was starting to get an edge
when I made a serious mistake on move
24, which fortunately he did not punish.
After making a natural but bad move
shortly after this, he was forced to choose
between an awful position and a risky
knight placement on the edge. This knight
was doomed and I soon won it, and while
his resultant attack looked scary I was
able to defend and force resignation after
move 40. I now had a half point lead over
the field.
In the final round I faced Russian IM
Alexander Zakharov (2413). The previ
ous night, organizer Jurgen Wempe
carefully did and redid the tiebreak cal
culations (which being based on average
ratings didnt depend on the final round
outcome) and told the interested parties
that in the event of a tie, 73 year old
Wolfgang Uhlmann would be first, I would
be second, Suba third, and the other
candidates below that. So I didnt know
whether a draw would be enough or not,
as an Uhlmann victory over Cebalo would
make him the winner if I drew. Still,
Uhlmann was black and lower rated, so
the odds were in my favor. I decided to
play for advantage without taking much
risk, by choosing a line (against my oppo
nents expected Grnfeld) that often leads
to an early queen trade and a slightly
more pleasant but drawish endgame for
White. He avoided the trade but soon
was in a noticeably worse position, and
after 16 moves offered a draw. Although
I was better, I could hardly play for a win
without risk. I decided to consider his
offer at length as I had far more time
than he. I kept an eye on the Uhlmann
game, and when it became clear that
Uhlmann was much worse, I shook hands
and accepted the championship and
grandmaster title which were mine when
Uhlmann resigned, although I could not
be certain as Suba had stated his inten
tion to protest the failure to use the
incorrectly announced tiebreak if he
should tie with me. At this point it looked
like I would be a clear winner or tied with
FM Jefim Rotstein who had poor tiebreaks
since Suba was much worse against Rot
stein, but eventually Rotstein missed first
wins and then draws.
So I was tied with Suba at 9 2, but was
declared the winner by four Elo points dif
ference in average opponents ratings.
Ironically, I would not have won the tour
nament and the GM title if my own rating
had been fifty points higher, as Suba
would have had higher average oppo
nents! Suba did protest the failure to use
the tiebreak listed on the tournament
website, and the Romanian Chess Feder
ation on his behalf asked FIDE to award
the World Senior Title 2008 for both Suba
and Kaufman based on this. I dont know
how FIDE will rule on this, but it should
have no practical significance for me if
they do decide to call Suba co champion
due to this error, as FIDE has officially
given me the GM title and Ive already
received the first place trophy and gold
medal (prize money was shared). Third
thru sixth place at 8 were GM Cebalo,
FM Boris Khanukov, IM Zakharov, and
GM Klovans.
To what do I owe my new titles? I would
not say I was lucky in my games, as
although I did get some breaks I should
easily have won the two early draws and
if needed perhaps the final game. Of
course I was lucky in the tiebreak, though
I did play the second, third, fifth, and
sixth place finishers, but unlucky in that
Suba should never have won his final
game. I would say that my superior prepa
ration, due in part to my ability to play
new openings, helped both in getting
familiar positions and in giving me time
advantages. My relative youth (I turned 60
just a month and a half before the Decem
ber 31, 2007 deadline) surely helped,
though of my opponents only Klovans at
73 was much older than I. My opening
choices proved to be excellent. But above
all, I think that it was the time spent
teaching and observing the worlds best
player, Rybka, and her grandmaster oppo
nents in her many official handicap
matches at my home (Ehlvest, Benjamin,
uschess.org

A Double World
Champ?
The Championship may have
given me two world records. My son
Raymond Kaufman officially received
his international master (IM) title
just a few days after I received my
grandmaster (GM) title, making us
perhaps the only father/son GM/IM
pair in the world, though Thomas
and Elizabeth Paehtz are such a
father/daughter pair. Also, since
Rybka is the reigning computer
world chess champion and I am
listed as co author, I may be the
first player in chess history to hold
two official world chess champi
onships at once. ~LK
Dzindzichashvili, Perelshteyn, and Milov)
that really made the difference.
The site for next years event has not
been chosen at this writing, but Im told
it will probably be in Austria or Italy. I
hope to play, and recommend playing to
those eligible.
Here is my game with bronze medal
ist GM Cebalo, which effectively won the
tournament for me.
Slav Defense (D17)
GM Miso Cebalo (FIDE 2493)
IM Larry Kaufman (FIDE 2391)
World Senior Championship, 11.7.08
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4
Bf5 6. Ne5 Nbd7 7. Nxc4 Nb6 8. Ne5 a5
Play the Slav by James Vigus has
excellent coverage of this line.
9. Bg5 g6 10. e3 Bg7 11. Bd3 Be6 12. Be2
12. 0 0 is well met by ... Nfd5. Cebalo
previously played 12. Nf3, when ... Nbd5
aiming to go to b4 Black equalizes.
12. ... Nbd5
Which knight? 12. ... Nfd5 is more
common as it forces a retreat, but the text
has been played at top level and also has
13. ... Bxf6 28. Na5??
The knight now gets trapped, but after
r+  qk+ r the better 28. axb5 cxb5 29. Nd2 Rc3
White will surely lose a pawn or more
+p+  pplp
with no counterplay, as a capture on c3
+p+l Lp+ would be disastrous.

p +n N +
28. ... Bc3! 29. Qf3 Qc5 30. axb5 cxb5 31. f5
P+  P + + Qb6 32. f6 Qxa5 33. Qf4
+  N 
P + He threatens 34. Rxc3 and 35. Qh6.
P +L
 PP
P 33. ... Qa7

R +Q K +R 33. ... Qb6 34. Rd6 Be5! was a quicker
and prettier win.
After 13. Bxf6
Rybka would take with the pawn, so
34. Rd5 Rc6 35. Rcd1 Bxf6 36. Rd7 Rb7 37.
that a later Bg4 can be met by ... f6 f5. I
Qe4 Rxd7 38. Qe8+ Kg7 39. Rxd7
doubt that many GMs would do this, as
it looks ridiculous, but Rybka is usually
+
+Q+ +
right. q +R+p
 kp
14. Nd3 0-0 15. 0-0 b6 16. Rc1 Rc8 17. Bg4 +r+ l
p+
Bxg4 18. Qxg4 Nb4 19. Nxb4 axb4 20. Ne4 +p+ + +
Bg7 21. Qe2 e5 22. dxe5 Bxe5
So half my bishop pair has been traded
p + + +

away, but my bishop still looks a bit bet +P+ P +
ter than the knight, while White has
slightly better major pieces. The game is
+ + +P P
even. + + +  K
After 39. Rxd7
23. f4
This is slightly suspect, as it leaves a
weak e pawn behind.
39. ... Rc1+
OK, I missed mate in seven with 39. ...
Qa1+, but theres a Russian proverb that
23. ... Bg7 24. Rfd1 Qe7?
This is a serious error; now I can't expel says that winning a piece is better than
the knight from d6 by ... Rcd8 due to a long mate, as you might miss something
Rxc6. Correct was 24. ... Qc7 with a slim in the mate.
edge for Black.
40. Kf2 Qa2+, White resigned.
Fortunately the capture on b3 also
25. Nd6 Rc7 26. Nc4?
I have no idea why he retreated instead
of playing the natural 26. e4 and 27. e5,
guards f7, so White resigned. .
with a plus. Now I'm again slightly better. Some of the other games described in this
article can be found on Chess Life Online
at uschess.org, October archives. Others
26. ... Rb8
Rybka prefers 26. ... b5 directly. are on the World Senior Open 2008 web
site, www.seniorenschach.de/en. See
the July 2008 Chess Life to read about
27. b3??
This obvious move loses, due to allow Kaufmans U.S. Senior Championship.
ing Black a decisive rook invasion to the
c3 square.
The U. S. Contingent
27. ... b5!

a threat (... Nxc3 and ... Ne4). It has the r

 +k+ + Men [Open]
advantage that it does not leave a poorly IM Larry Kaufman 2391 9
placed knight on b6. Still, I suspect the + r 
qplp IM Albert Kapengut 2430 7
text move may be a bit weaker if White +p+ +p+ Jude Acers 2225 7
replies 13. Rc1. I was still playing from my Dan Mayers 1990 5
preparation, but Cebalo took a long time +p+ + + Eduard Zelkind 2226 5
here. P
pN+  P + Leonid Bondar 2048 5
Hans Morrow 1917 5
+P+ P + Natalya Zelkind 1795 5
13. Bxf6?!

Women
(see diagram top of next column) + +Q+P P
I would not even consider such an + RR+ K WIM Esther Epstein 2159 7
unprovoked loss of the bishop pair. After 27. ... b5

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 21

2008 Continental
Beautiful Chess,
Ehlvest Captures
Former USCF president Beatriz Marinello, on behalf of the Confederation of
Chess for America, Chess Educators LLC, and the USCF, organizes a FIDE
World Cup Qualifier in Boca Raton, Florida.
By GM Josh Friedel
aan Ehlvest won the Continental
Championships in Boca Raton,
J Florida with an impressive 7/9. Along
with a $4,000 payday, he earned himself
a spot in the 2009 World Cup. This was
a major coup, as unlike past Continental
Championships, there was only one spot
to be had. It is easier to qualify when
you can coast the last couple of rounds,
but when you need to outdistance the
whole field matters are more complicated.
Jaan proved up to the task. Through
out the November 2 7 tournament, he
played steady, solid chess. This is usually
a given when you score 7/9 with no losses
in a tournament. However, he also showed
he could win when he had to. This was
especially important in the last round,
when he needed to beat the always dan
gerous GM Alex Shabalov in order to
clinch first.
Tied for second at 6/9 were GM Alex
Ivanov and myself. A large group tied for
fourth, including: GMs Julio Becerra
Rivero, Alex Stripunsky, Vinay Bhat (all
USA), Manuel Leon Hoyos (MEX), Darcy
Lima (BRA), IM and rising American star
Ray Robson, Colombian IM Sergio Barri
entos, and Peruvian FM Renato Terry.
Though many people came close, only
22 Chess Life February 2009
two norms were achieved. Terry achieved
an international master (IM) norm for
tying for fourth, and Alisa Melekhina
made her final womans international
master norm as well as snagging the
$300 top woman prize. Colombian IM
David Arenas didnt manage to norm,
but he had a strong event and won the
$300 junior prize.
Sixty players showed up for the nine
round Continental Championships. The
participating federations included the
U.S. (38 players), Colombia (12), Brazil (3),
Mexico (3), as well as representatives
from Bolivia, Peru, Nicaragua, and even
Cuba. This included nine GMs and a slew
of other titled players. This impressive
field did battle at the luxurious Marriott
Hotel in Boca Raton, Florida.
Contrary to what Id heard from certain
misleading friends of mine, the city name
does not mean rats tail. Shockingly,
they were somewhat close: it literally
translates to mouses mouth, but it was
in reference to the rocks sailors saw when
they came ashore. Yes, I looked it up.
This was an enjoyable event to watch.
Aside from the excitement factor as far as
who would qualify, it was really easy to
follow. You could follow games on the
official website, MonRoi, and on the ICC.
It is nice enough when an event has cov
erage on one site, never mind three. It was
also useful to the players to have a site for
pairings, checking standings and to see
other games. This was especially useful
for those of us staying at other hotels.
There were only one or two things Id
have done differently. Having half the
rounds at 10 a.m. was a bit rough, espe
cially as it got later into the tournament.
Having one round a day would be ideal for
such an important event, but if that isnt
possible, at least an 11 a.m. start would
be a bit less harrowing. I was certainly
thankful on the penultimate day that
only one round was at 5 p.m!
On the whole, however, the tourna
ment was an enjoyable one. It is rare to
be able to play and interact with such a
diverse group, especially in the U.S., and
it is nice to play a different set of people
than just the usual suspects you typi
cally get at most American Swisses.
The Continental Championship is a
unique event, with many factors differen
tiating it from other events. According to
organizer Beatriz Marinello, there are four
Continental Championships that are held
around the world; the African, Asian, and
uschess.org
Dangerous Tactics:
Continental
European Continentals are the others.
However, Europe has so many strong
tournaments and events serving as qual
ifiers they dont usually bother even
holding one. These events are normally
sponsored by FIDE, though the Boca
Raton event wasnt (the main sponsor
was the U.S. Chess Trust), which is the
reason only one spot was available.
It is well known that many different
federations participate in the Continen
tal, making it a strong and diverse
tournament. It also makes it ideal for
acquiring title norms. Not only are there
many different federations, making it
easy to meet the foreign player require
ment, but also there is a special rule for
continentals regarding performance rat
ing. Basically, the performance rating
requirement for each category is 50 points
lower! This means that if you are playing
for a grandmaster (GM) norm, you only
have to perform at 2550 instead of the
usual 2600. This rule doesnt seem to be
well known I certainly had no clue about
it. Id think this alone would encourage
more norm seekers to attend this event.
The tournament was an exciting one to
participate in. It is unusual for a continen
tal to only have one qualifying spot, and
while this is a negative, it certainly cre
ates excitement going into the final
rounds. I dont think there have been
many times in my chess career where I felt
as much pressure as I did in my must
win, last round game against Becerra
Rivero. While this was nerve wracking
as a player, Im sure it made it very excit
ing to people following the event.
The event had some nice features. One
was that before each round, they gave
away a free Excalibur clock. This worked
out particularly well for me as I had lost
my clock at the Miami Open, and hadnt
yet picked up a new one somehow, I
ended up winning one in round four! In
uschess.org
fact, a suspicious number of GMs won the
clocks, most of whom of course dont
have clocks. Call me crazy, and youd
probably be right, but I have a hard time
believing this was mere coincidence!
Beatriz Marinello related to me an anec
dote about the Colombian delegation, the
second largest one to show up. Appar
ently, this was the first U.S. trip for most
of them. Just after arriving, they all got
stuck in the train stations elevator! Talk
about a warm welcome into our country.
They got out of it unharmed, however, and
arrived in full force in Boca.
Another strange incident occured just
before round three started. All the lights
went off. At first it was thought some
patzer leaned on the light switch, but it
turned out the entire area of town we
were in had lost power. It was decided that
if power did not return by 7 p.m. (the
round was scheduled for 5 p.m.), wed
have to postpone the round until the next
day. Of course, its easy to guess what
happened: The power came back on at
exactly 6:50.
Almost unbelievably, the round was
underway by 7:05 p.m., and the games
werent completed too late. Of course
unexpected problems like this occur in
every tournament; some of them, like
this one, completely out of the organizers
control. The key is how the organizers
handle the problem, and this one was
handled quite well.
Thats enough about the playing site,
rats mouths, and power outages. Its
time for the games. There were no huge
upsets in the early rounds, and there
were no surprising names amongst the
leaders. There were a few surprises, how
ever. Unfortunately the first of them
involved myself! I got nicked for a draw in
round one by a dangerous master from
Wisconsin, Erik Santarius.
Erik came very close to scoring an IM
norm, but just missed out by losing the last
round. Arenas showed he was a force to be
reckoned with by knocking off Bhat in
round two.
In round three Lima of Brazil took out
Shabalov. It looked like Shabba got an
awkward position out of the opening, and
though he managed to untangle some
what, Whites powerful d pawn proved
its worth in the endgame.
To add to Shabbas woes, he lost to
me in round five. Once again, he got into
some trouble in the opening, and while he
was able to stir up some trouble, he never
really recovered. This was the game that
propelled me into the leaders group.
French Defense,
Classical System (C11)
GM Josh Friedel (FIDE 2498)
GM Alexander Shabalov (FIDE 2585)
Pan Am Cont. (5), 11.04.2008
Notes by Friedel
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4
c5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. Be3 a6 8. Qd2 b5 9. dxc5
Nxc5
The French was a surprise from Sha
balov (if anything can be called a surprise
from him), but here he gets weird. 9. ...
Bxc5 is standard.
10. Qf2 Na4
More strangeness, but after this Blacks
position just seems bad.
11. Nxa4 bxa4 12. c3 Be7 13. Bd3 a3
Not a pleasant move, but it seems nec
essarily. (13. ... 0 0 14. Qc2 picks up a
pawn for nothing.)
14. b4 0-0 15. 0-0 f6
It is understandable he wants to create
counterplay, but this just doesn't work.
16. Qc2 h6
Chess Life February 2009 23
 2008 Continental
... and this is nearly suicidal. 16. ... f5
was necessary, though Blacks position
really looks ugly after that.
17. Nh4! f5
An unfortunate necessity, as otherwise
18. Bh7+ and 19. Ng6+ are decisive.
18. Ng6
Snagging the bishop pair and winning
the a3 pawn with ease.
18. ... Rf7 19. Nxe7+ Rxe7 20. Bc5 Rd7 21.
Qa4 Bb7 22. Qxa3 g5
Though this really weakens his king
more than mine, it is tough to see what
Black can do otherwise.
23. Qc1
23. Qb2 was more accurate, as I have
to go there in the game anyway.
23. ... Rg7 24. Bd4!
I refuse to let his bishop out with d4.
24. ... Rc8 25. Qb2 Nxd4 26. cxd4 Qb6 27.
Rac1
This allows him to win a pawn, but my
goal was to make sure the bishop on b7
stayed out of the game.
27. ... Rxc1 28. Rxc1 gxf4 29. Rc5
A risky decision, but I was playing for
control. This time I was making sure his
queen couldnt hit d4.
29. ... f3 30. g3 f4 31. Kf2 h5
This looks scary, but he really can't
get access to my king easily. Keep in
mind also that my bishop on d3 is play
ing, while his will always be a spectator.
32. Qd2 fxg3+
Opening up his king, but the alterna
tives weren't much better. 32. ... h4 33.
g4 Rxg4 34. Kxf3 is also good for White.
33. hxg3 h4 34. g4 Qd8 35. Qh6 Qe7 36. Qh5
Creating a nasty threat.
36. ... h3
+ + +k+
+l+ q r
p+ +p+ +
+ Rp
P +Q
P 
 P +P+
+ +L+p+p
P+ +  K +
+ + + +
After 36. ... h3
37. Rc7!, Black resigned.
I had my chance to take the clear lead
24 Chess Life February 2009
in round six against Ehlvest, but failed to
convert in a promising ending.
Ehlvest took the lead himself the next
round with a nice win against Ivanov.
There were some other interesting games
at the top that round, but only Ehlvest
was able to win. GM Bhat, after recover
ing from his second round loss, pushed
Stripunsky to the brink in a rook ending.
However, in the end, the experienced
GMs defenses held:
Brinksmanship
GM Vinay Bhat (FIDE 2497)
GM Alexander Stripunsky (FIDE 2553)
Pan Am Cont. (7), 11.05.2008
+
+ + +
+ + +k+
+R+ +p+
pp+r+p+
 Black has outplayed White for most of
+ + P P
P + + 
 P
P +K+ +
 24. ... Rd6?
+ + + +
Black to play
This ending looks promising for White.
However, GM Stripunsky finds a power
ful maneuver.
catch up to him with my win against
49. ... Kg7 50. b3 Kh6 51. Ra6 b4 52. axb4
axb4 53. Rc6 Kh5
Now White has to deal with ... Kg4
threats, making his task a lot tougher.
54. Ke3 Rd1 55. Rb6 Rg1 56. Kf2 Rc1 57.
Rxb4
White wins the b4 pawn, but his king
side falls in return. The resulting ending
is easily drawn.
57. ... Rc2+ 58. Kf3 Rc3+ 59. Kf2 Kg4 60.
Rb6 Rf3+ 61. Ke2 Kxg3 62. Rxg6+ Kxf4 63.
Rb6 Rh3 64. Rb4+ Kg3 65. Ke3 Rh1 66. h5
Re1+ 67. Kd2 Re6 68. Rb8 f4 69. Rg8+, Draw
agreed.
Becerra Rivero Hoyos was also quite a
battle. Becerra Rivero seemed to have a
slight edge out of the opening, and pushed
it from a rook ending, to a king and pawn
ending, and finally to a queen ending!
However, he was unable to come away
with the win.
In round eight, it seemed Ehlvest would
totally pull away, but he blew a rosy posi
tion against Stripunsky in time pressure.
French Defense,
Classical System (C13)
GM Alexander Stripunsky (FIDE 2553)
GM Jaan Ehlvest (FIDE 2581)
Pan Am Cont. (8), 11.06.2008
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 dxe4 5.
Nxe4 Be7 6. Bxf6 gxf6 7. Be2 f5 8. Ng3 c5 9.
d5 exd5 10. Nh3 Qd6 11. Qd3 Nc6 12. 0-0-0
Nd4 13. c3 Nxe2+ 14. Nxe2 Be6 15. Nef4
0-0-0 16. g3 Qb6 17. Kb1 Rd6 18. Rhe1 Rhd8
19. Re2 Bf6 20. Ng1 c4 21. Qc2 d4 22. cxd4
Rxd4 23. Rxd4 Rxd4 24. Nf3
+k+ + +
pp+ +p+p

q +l
 l +
+ + +p+
+p
r N
 +
+ + +N P
PPQ+R
P  P
+K+ + +
After 24. Nf3
the game. He was in severe time trouble,
which often leads to throwing away a
win.
24. ... Re4 and Black maintains the
extra pawn as well as a big advantage.
25. Nxe6, Draw agreed.
Now White wins back the pawn, and a
draw is agreed upon. This allowed me to
Brazilian IM Everaldo Matsuura.
So, going into the last round, it was
Ehlvest and I leading the pack, with a
large number of people half a point back
just waiting to catch us. He got the resur
gent Shabalov as white, while I got black
against Becerra Rivero. It was clear
Shabba was going for it when he played
a risky Dutch. It seemed like it was
unclear for awhile, but then Shabalov
went for a sacrificial melee which didnt
work out at all. Ehlvest beat back his
attack and mopped up pretty easily.
English Opening (A10)
GM Jaan Ehlvest (FIDE 2581)
GM Alexander Shabalov (FIDE 2585)
Pan Am Cont. (9), 11.07.2008
1. c4 f5
As is often the case when first place is
valued far above second, both players
come to the board in a fighting mood.
2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. e3 0-0 6.
Nge2 Nc6 7. 0-0 a6 8. b3 Rb8 9. Bb2 b5 10.
Rb1 e6 11. d4 Qe8 12. Nf4 g5 13. Nd3 d6 14.
Rc1 bxc4 15. bxc4 e5 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. Ba1
c6
(see diagram top of next page)
uschess.org

rl+q
 rk+
+ + +  lp
p+p p n +
+ +  npp
+P+ + +
+  NN
P P
P+ +  PLP
L 
 RQ+RK
After 17. ... c6
Blacks opening appears to be a suc
cess. The position is not only double
edged, but Black is somewhat solid, at
least as solid as you could hope for in a
Dutch.
18. Nxe5 dxe5 19. Qd6 Bd7 20. Rfd1 Qh5
This looks like the right idea, but
Blacks attack lacks some punch. 20. ...
Rf7 is a more solid alternative, threaten
ing to evict the queen with ... Bf8 if
necessary.
21. Na4 Rbe8
21. ... f4 looks strong, but White can
defend against it pretty easily, as shown
after 22. exf4 gxf4 (22. ... exf4?? 23. Bxf6
loses a piece; 22. ... Bg4 23. fxe5 Bxd1 24.
exf6 favors White) 23. Qxe5 Qg6 24. Nc5
and White seems to be on top.
22. Nb6
22. Nc5 looked better to me.
22. ... Be6
22. ... Re6 followed by ... Be8 and the
position is still not so clear.
23. Qxe5
23. Qxc6 followed by Nd5 looks even
clearer.
23. ... Rf7
23. ... Bxc4 24. Qc3 Be6 25. Qxc6 and
Blacks position is falling apart.
24. Qc5 Ng4
This desperate attack doesn't work,
though Blacks situation was rather hope
less anyway.
25. h3 Nxf2 26. Kxf2 f4 27. Qxc6 fxe3+ 28.
Kg1
Now White should win easily, but time
pressure always complicates matters.
28. ... Rf2 29. g4 Qf7 30. Bxg7 Kxg7 31. Qe4
This move is strange. Id suspect both
players were in time pressure at this
point. 31. Rf1 kills Blacks attack rather
easily.
31. ... Bc8
31. ... Bxc4 was actually possible,
uschess.org
though in time pressure it's tough to play
such a move. It would still lose, but it's
likely Ehlvest might not see it with limited
time. 32. Qc6 (32. Qd4+ Kh6 33. Nxc4
Rxg2+ 34. Kxg2 Qf2+ with a perpetual; 32.
Qb7 Re7) 32. ... Re6 33. Qd7! Rxb6 34.
Rxc4 and White is still winning.
32. Qd4+ Kh6 33. Rf1
Now it is truly over.
33. ... Bb7 34. Nd5 Bxd5 35. cxd5, Black
resigned.
A well deserved victory, propelling
Ehlvest into the World Cup.
131-move marathon
GM Julio Becerra Rivero (FIDE 2602)
GM Josh Friedel (FIDE 2498)
Pan Am Cont. (9), 11.07.2008
After Ehlvests win, only I could catch
him. However, to do this I had to take
down, with black, the highest rated player
in the event. Alas, I was unable to do so.
I managed to get a solid position out of the
opening, and then a better one after my
40th move:
+
+ 
r  k
+ +R+  p
+ +L+  p
+ +p+ +
p 
 Pl+ +
+ n + +P
+ + +P+
+ N + K
After 40. ... d5
I felt my position should be winning. Of
course it is never easy with Julio, as hes
an amazingly tenacious defender who
will rarely let you win easily. As often
happens, I then blew it. I played:
41. Rb7 Ra8
This looks strong, but 41. ... Nd1! was
better. Then 42. ... Rf2 is a killer threat,
and if 42. Bf7 then simply 42. ... Ne3
and hes falling apart. I thought after I
took on g2 it should be won, but his king
got way too active, and after 46. Nc5 I
knew it was going to be a tough road to
victory. I tried for many moves, turning
down several draws in the process Id
take in a normal situation. Eventually, I
even blundered, forcing me to sac an
Exchange. Luckily, the resulting ending
is a fortress, but Julio made me play it out
till the bitter end. I managed a draw after
a grueling 131 moves.
So after that, it was merely a fight to tie
for second. Still, that didnt make the
games any less exciting. The only player
to succeed in winning, however, was
Ivanov against Columbian IM Alder Esco
bar. He did it by winning a three vs. two
on the kingside with minor pieces, fol
lowed by queen vs. knight and pawn!
The others with 5 points managed
only to draw. Hoyos looked like he was on
his way to taking out Stripunsky, but in
the end his defenses miraculously held
together.
Bhat had a topsy turvy game with
Lima. First Bhat was better, but then
after a nice pawn sac things got crazy.
Then Lima seemed to have the definite
edge, but threw it away just before time
control, allowing Bhat to get an unusual
perpetual.
So that left Ehlvest in first, Ivanov and
me in second and third, plus a large
number of people tied for fourth 11th.
Other than the top guys, there were sev
eral notable performances. Terry had an
excellent performance and finished with
the large group tied for fourth.
I thank Beatriz Marinello for her orga
nizational efforts as well as for her help
with information on the event. I dont
think there was a single moment during
the tournament that she wasnt running
around doing something. Id also like to
thank chief tournament director (TD) Bill
Snead, assistant TD Ivan Ochoa, and Jon
Haskel who helped with MonRoi. Without
them the event wouldnt have run any
where near as smoothly. Ivan was
especially useful for translating purposes,
as several of the South American players
spoke little or no English. Also, not only
did Jon take care of all the MonRois, but
he set at least ten clocks per round! It was
rather impressive to behold. Lastly, Id like
to thank the U.S. Chess Trust, who
funded the event. Without all these peo
ple, this event certainly wouldnt have
been possible. I hope they continue to
run it in the future! .
See more coverage on Chess Life
Online at uschess.org, November
archive, including more commentary
and annotations by Josh Friedel.
A games database can be found
at MonRoi.com. More tournament
information and a photo gallery can
be found at chesseducators.com
2008 Pan American
Continental Champi-
onships At A Glance
Date: November 2 7, 2008
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Top Finishers: 1st: Jaan Ehlvest,
7; 2nd 3rd: Alexander Ivanov,
Josh Friedel, 6.
Chief TD: Bill Snead
Chess Life February 2009 25
Military Chess

THE
PENTAGON
FIVE Five tie for first in the annual contest of our
militarys best players, with Larry Larkins
coming out on top for the second year in a row.

By Zachary Kinney,
Major, USAF, Ret.
he 2008 U.S. Armed Forces Open
Chess Championship (USAFO) Tourn
T ament is now in the books. The event
to some was the 49th Annual, while to
others, it was the 7th Annual. Regardless
of the way you count it, the event was
another smash hit. A total of 57 military
chess players from around the U.S. con
verged on the campus of the National
Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in
Bethesda, Maryland on October 11 13,
2008, to participate.
Following three days of hand to hand
fighting, Larry Larkins (2116), a retired
U.S. Navy man, eked out his second con
secutive championship win. Larkins
finished the contest with a score of four
wins and two draws. He wrestled the
title on tiebreak points from four other
players in the field: Air Force Lieutenant
Colonel Douglas Taffinder, Jr. (2058), Air
Force Technical Sergeant Robert Keough
(2033), Armyman Edward Pabalan (1905),
and Air Forceman Dale F. Szpisjak (1792).
Larkins also lead the Navy team to top
team honors. The Air Force team clinched
second place while the Army team fought
its way to third place. The Marine team
managed to pull up the rear at the 2008
AFO. The West Point Cadet team shot its
way into first place among the academy
teams while the Air Force Academy team
bombed its way into second place.
Special thanks are in order to retired
Navy Petty Officer Ernest Schlich, who
served as the tournament director, and
his lovely bride, Joan H. Schlich, who
served as the assistant tournament direc
tor. Special thanks are also in order to
retired Marine Gunny Sergeant Steven
Rollins, who also chairs the military
chess committee, along with Navy
Reserve Captain Thomas Belke; Booz
Allen; retired Marine Sergeant John Far
rell, and several other personalities who
made the event possible.
Lets take a look at a fighting draw
between two of the top competitors:

26 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org


Sicilian Defense,
Rossolimo Attack (B51)
Larry Larkins (2116)
Douglas Taffinder (2058)
PHOTOS: LARRY LARKINS BY ERNIE SCHLICH; ALL OTHERS BY BRYAN GODA
49th AFO, Bethesda, Maryland, 10.2008
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+
White chooses the Rossolimo Attack,
which avoids many of the popular open
variations.
3. ... Nd7
Also playable is 3. ... Bd7.
4. 0-0 Nf6 5. Re1 a6 6. Bf1 e6 7. c3 Be7 8. d4
b6 9. e5 dxe5 10. dxe5 Nd5 11. c4 Nb4 12.
Nc3 Bb7 13. Be2 Qc7 14. Bf4 0-0 15. a3 Nc6
16. Bd3 Rfd8 17. Qc2 h6 18. Qe2 Nf8
Black puts his trusty knight at f8 to
prevent the coming White mate threat
when the white queen goes to e4. It has
been said that the knight is the best
defender of the castled king and since f6
is unavailable to the black knight, f8
works just as well.
uschess.org
clockwise, from left: Larry Larkins, Edward
Pabalan, Douglas Taffinder, Robert Keough,
Dale Szpisjak
in war, it is very important to see the
moves of the enemy and to take evasive
19. Qe3 Nd4 20. Nd2
This key knight move allows White to
action to prevent him from successfully
move his queen to the pivotal square g3
attacking. Black's move was made in the
for the start of a kingside attack.
spirit of this principle.
20. ... Rd7 21. Qg3 Kh8 22. Qh3
23. Nxf3 Rxd3 24. Ne4 Bxe4 25. Rxe4 Rad8
26. Rae1 Ng6 27. Qg4 Nxf4 28. Qxf4 Kg8 29.
r+ +  n k
h4 Rd1 30. g3 Qd7 31. Kg2 Rxe1 32. Rxe1
+l qr
lpp Qc6 33. Qe4 Qxe4 34. Rxe4 Rd1 35. Re1 Rxe1
36. Nxe1 b5 37. b3 Kf8 38. Kf3 Ke8 39. Ke4 g6
pp +p+  p
+  p 
P + Kc6 44. Kf4 Bd8, Draw agreed. .
40. Nd3 bxc4 41. bxc4 h5 42. Nc1 Kd7 43. Nb3
+Pn L +

P  NL+ +Q 2008 Armed Forces
P 
 N PPP Open At A Glance

R +  R K
Date: October 11 13, 2008
After 22. Qh3
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Top Finishers: 1st 5th: Larry
22. ... Nf3+!
Larkins, Douglas Taffinder, Jr.,
An excellent move. Black finds an inter Robert Keough, Edward Pabalan,
ference tactic to eliminate the white Dale Szpisjak, 5
bishop, which is poised for an assist in a Chief Tournament Director:
later mating attack by White. In chess as Ernest Schlich
Chess Life February 2009 27
 Khach
as
2008 American Open
Khach
Can
GM Melikset Khachiyan takes the venerable American Open for the fourth time
irst things first. The clear winner of
the 44th American Open held this
F past November 27 30 was the only
grandmaster (GM) who played, Melikset
Khachiyan of Southern California. Yes,
you may say, form held up, but it was no
foregone conclusion. He had to beat the
U.S. Open champion, Enrico Sevillano, an
international master with a GM norm
and a USCF rating of 2565, in round
eight to score the clear victory. Had Enrico
won, he would have tied for first and
probably won on tiebreaks, (as he seems
to always do) over the surprising expert,
Giovanni Carreto of Baja California. Gio
vanni, a Mexican national who often plays
in San Diego, achieved the score of six
points and took clear second. Although he
did not have to play the champion due to
GM Melikset Khachiyan
(Photo from 2007 National Open) his round one and four losses to IM Emory
Tate and IM Vladimir Mezentsev, he fin
ished powerfully with four straight wins.
28 Chess Life February 2009
by Jerry Hanken
Melikset had other challengers for this
title but he outlasted all for his fourth
American Open (AO) victory. He has a
way to go to catch David Strauss record
eight or even Walter Brownes seven, but
he is only 38 and has a lot of AOs left.
The Glendale, California GM, whose
love and joy of chess literally ooze from his
pores, considers himself an amateur. He
runs his own very successful Chess Acad
emy and is unfailingly cheerful and in
high spirits. He can always be seen in the
halls outside of the tournament room
with five or six players, enthusiastically
analyzing a game or position. He plays in
almost all Los Angeles tournaments and
PHOTO: BETSY DYNAKO
wins frequently. He always brings a num
ber of his young students who play in
many sections and who usually distin
guish themselves.
Here is how he won in the last round
against Enrico Sevillano:
uschess.org
Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation, Three connected passers are just too
Yugoslav Attack (B76) much. The tournament is over. n
 
k r
 +
IM Enrico Sevillano (2565) + + + pp
GM Melikset Khachiyan (2587)
41. hxg5 hxg5 42. Ra6 g4 43. Rh1+ Kg8 44.
American Open, Los Angeles (8), + +Qn +
Ra8+ Kf7 45. Ra7+ Kg6 46. Ra6+ Bf6, White
11.30.2008
resigned.
+ +lN +
This next game won the best tactical l + + +

game prize for Enrico. Its a gem.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 Nc6 8. Qd2 0-0 9. + p 
L +
0-0-0 d5 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxc6 bxc6
P
p +KPPP
This was the events key game. French Defense,
Exchange Variation (C01)
+ + + +R
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2482) After 20. ... Bd5
12. Bd4
This is a well known variation of the IM Enrico Sevillano (2565)
Sicilian but Whites move here is hard to But not so clear!
American Open, Los Angeles (7),
understand. He yields one tempi for what? 11.30.2008 21. Qb6 Be7 22. Qc7 Nc6 23. Nxc6 Bc4+
12. ... e5 13. Bc5 Be6 14. Ne4 Sharp play indeed by the U.S. Open
After 14. Bxf8 Qxf8 and the latent
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 Champ. Now the pawns march home, or
threats on the dark squares yield at least This line, the Exchange Variation of so it seems.
equality. the French, used to be considered a ho
hum draw and that may have been what
24. Kf3 c2 25. Qxe7
14. ... Re8 15. h4 h6 16. Ba3 f5 17. Nc5 Bf7
White had in mind. Lately, however, Black 25. Nxe7 Rf8 26. Qb7 and, believe it or
18. Nb7 Qb6 19. Na5
has often been turning this peace offer not, White is safe and wins!
19. Nd6 e4 20. Nxe8 e3 21. Qd3 Rxe8 ing into a bloody street fight!
and the passer seems to be worth more
25. ... Bd5+ 26. Kf4?

than an Exchange. 4. Nf3 c6 5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 dxc4 8. It seems that Black can only repeat
Bxc4 moves after 26. Ke2.
Well, there goes the tempo.
19. ... Ne3 20. Re1 f4
The old rusty nail in the knee!
26. ... Re8 27. Qb7 Re4+ 28. Kg5 h6+ 29. Kg6
8. ... 0-0 9. Ne5 c5 10. Be3 b5!? Won't you come into my parlor said
21. Nb3 Red8 22. Qa5 Rd5 23. Qxb6 axb6 24. the spider to the fly, Its the nicest little
Bd3 rnlq rk+ parlor than ever you may spy.
White offers a button to get some play 
p + +p pp
but he is already worse.
29. ... Rg4+ 30. Kf5 Be4+ 31. Ke6 b1=Q 32.

24. ... Nxg2 25. Reg1 Rxd3

+ +  n + Qc8+ Kh7 33. Rc1 Qxa2+ 34. Ke7 Qa3+,
White resigned.

Nicely timed!
+p p 
N +
lL
 P + + +Q+ + +
26. cxd3 Ne3 27. Nd2 Kh7 28. Bd6 Bxa2 29.
Ne4 Nf5 30. Bc7 Nd4 31. Rf1 Bd5 32. Bxb6 +  N 
L + + + 
K pk
Nxf3 33. Kc2 PP +  PP
P +N+ n 
p
r+ + + + 
R +Q K +R + + + +
After 10. ... b5 + +l+r+
+ + + lk
Lp+ +p
 p Black mixes it up! Anything but a quiet q + 
 L +
draw now! +p+ PP
P
+ +l
p +
+ +Np 
P 11. Qf3 + R + +
Black has pleasant play after 11. Bxb5 After 34. ... Qa3+
+ +P+n+ Ne4 12. Qc2.
The former AO Champ has had enough.
It was getting embarrassing. Mate looms!
PK+ + +
 11. ... bxc4 12. Qxa8 cxd4 13. Rd1 dxc3
+ + +R+R This is the point. A Parting with the This was not a perfect game but it sure
After 33. Kc2 Lady! was entertaining!

33. ... Ra4
Another shot! The knight is tactically
defended (34. Rxf3 Rxe4 35. dxe4 Bxe4+)
and wins. Charming.
14. Rxd8 cxb2+ 15. Ke2 Rxd8 16. Qxa7
Not 16. Qxb8? Bg4+! Flashy and enter
taining tactics.
16. ... Ba6 17. Qxf7+ Kh8 18. Qe6 c3+ 19. Kf3
The following game was a contender
for the non master best game prize, but
was certainly flawed. I really liked it
though.

Irregular Opening (A00)

Bb7+ 20. Ke2 Bd5
34. Nc3 Nd4+ 35. Bxd4
Black has two solid pawns for the Francisco Alonso (2001)
Simone Sobel (1936)
(see diagram top of next column)
Exchange and is close to winning. That is worth another diagram. It stops
smothered mate and prepares the coro American Open U2200, Los Angeles (5),
35. ... Rxd4 36. Nxd5 cxd5 37. Ra1 f3 38. Rhf1
nation of at least one of the pawns. Right? 11.28.2008
e4 39. dxe4 dxe4 40. Ra3 g5

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 29

2008 American Open
An American Open Tale
The American Open is the biggest and
best attended chess tournament on the
West Coast and has retained this distinc
tion for all 44 years of its existence, with
one notable exception. That year was
1988 and there is quite a story behind
that fact.
This tale of triumph and near tragedy
began in 1987 and, as you will see, ended
in 1989. It has never been told publicly but
now that its two main characters have per
manently departed from this planet the
time has come to tell it. There are no
heroes or villains in this story, only a
good chess yarn. Your reporter was in
the very middle of these events.
First let me introduce to you the late
John Varis, a powerful man of Greek her
itage who was president of the Santa
Monica Bay (SMB) chess club for many
years. Varis was a great promoter of chess
who played in the high A range and had
large ideas for the game. Tibor Weinberger,
a close friend of Varis, was an immigrant
from Hungary who dominated the Los
Angeles chess scene in the 1960s 1970s.
He was over 2400 in those days and once
played in the U.S. closed championship.
As related last year in these pages, the
SMB chess club owned the American
Open (AO). In the 70s the AO had drawn
400 entries routinely and even broke 500
on at least one occasion. But by 1986
the decline of West Coast chess had
become quite noticeable. Varis longed for
the old huge turnouts and went in search
of sponsorship or a patron for the AO. He
found one in the person of Les Crane, a
former TV and radio shock jock, who had
made a fortune by inventing and mar
keting software.
He founded Software Toolworks, the
parent company of the Chessmaster series
of computer programs which were the
best commercially available chess engines
at that time. I dont know how he and
John got together originally but it was a
marriage made in heaven. John was
smooth as silk, cool, ever smiling, and
always impeccably dressed in suit and
colorful tie.
Les, by contrast, was a somewhat crude
but dynamic man who drove a Jaguar and
had a girlfriend half his age. He lived in an
estate in Brentwood with a large swim
ming pool and was almost always dressed
in brown jumpsuits. He smoked big sto
gies, wore tinted Armani sunglasses even
at night, and always had a drink in his
hand. He was a near beginner at chess but
seemed enthusiastic about chess.
You may wonder at the discrepancies
between these two, but they were alike
under the skin. They were hard driving
30 Chess Life February 2009
promoters with an eye on the bottom line
and meshed perfectly. When the fiftyish
Crane wanted a difficult job done (like
firing someone), the sixtyish, tan, leather
skinned Varis would do the job with
finesse. When a complaint was brought to
Les about John, he would say, I know
John is an S.O.B., but he is my S.O.B!
Together they set out to create a huge
money tournament with the name Soft
ware Toolworks in its title. The first year
of this collaboration, the tournament was
The Software Toolworks $100,000 23rd
American Open and it was held at the
LAX Marriott. Crane funded Boris
Spasskys non playing appearance which,
aside from the unprecedented guaran
teed prize fund, gave the tournament its
high visibility. But Les was not happy
with the turnout, as John had predicted
1,000 players and considerably less
showed up.
For 1988 Crane wanted to increase the
prizes to at least $130,000 and to drop
the American Open name altogether.
Originally Les wanted to put the tourna
ment in Las Vegas but after some
negotiations, it was placed at the very ele
gant Hyatt Regency in nearby Long Beach.
Thus the Software Toolworks $130,000
Championship came to be in 1988. Varis
assured Crane it would easily draw a thou
sand players but, when it was over, it drew
only 739 and Les spent over $100,000 pay
ing for grandmaster (GM) expenses great
for the GMs, but not for Les.
But what of the 23 year (at that time)
traditional American Open? This was no
slight problem.
Crane stubbornly refused to use that
name in his extravaganza. After much
lobbying by traditionalists with Varis and
your reporter leading the way, he finally
and reluctantly agreed to give an extra five
grand to the SMB club to have the 24th
American Open in October at a more
modest venue. It drew a modest (by that
years standards) turnout of around 200
participants and was won by a local lad:
IM Jack Peters, the Los Angeles Times
chess editor.
So that is the story of the American
Open which almost wasnt. But it didnt
end there. The next year we were able to
prevail by dangling the Software Tool
works U.S. Championship, which
convinced Les to let us once again call the
tournament the American Open with a
title sponsor, The Software Toolworks
American Open. We were thus able to
grab back our traditional weekend for the
tournament. We then surrounded it on
both sides with the 16 player round robin
U.S. championship, with Software Tool
works in that title also. Crane got a cover
picture of Chess Life with him holding
the Software Toolworks cup over his head
(see photo), and great promotion for his
Chessmaster computer. The prize fund
was a relatively modest $100,000 based
on 750 players with 75% guaranteed,
leading to a payout of $77,000 to 662
players. It was a major task to explain the
based on concept to Crane. Heck, why
not offer ten million based on three mil
lion players! But alas, Varis had again
promised 1,000 players. Crane showed up
only once during the American Open,
asked how many were playing, and when
told it was about 650, he took a huge
puff from his stogy as his eyes narrowed
behind his tinted Hollywood glasses, and
said with a sour tone, Next year Ill do
skateboarding! Exit stage left, sponsor
ship, (really patronage) and a good bet.
John Varis continued to promote the
U.S. Championship and organized the
92 version in Colorado. He was chosen to
receive the USCF organizer of the year
award and was head of the USCF promo
tions committee until his untimely death
in 1994. Cranes company was later sold
for a hundred million or so and chess
never saw him again. However, the suc
cessor of the Software Toolworks still puts
out the Chessmaster series of computer
programs with the goofy looking wizard on
the cover. (They are up to version 10 now.)
As to the American Open, in 1990 we
offered a guaranteed prize fund of 25K and
lost a couple of hundred bucks. Eighteen
years of tinkering with based on prize
funds and sporadic patronage have led us
to the place we are today. Reduced in
size of prizes, staff and players, the Amer
ican Open is still the major west coast
tournament. ~J.H.
The March 1989 Chess Life
uschess.org
 Black can only stave off mate with a
couple of spite checks.
1. b4
Franciscos pet opening move to get
his opponents out of book.
Randy Hough very ably served as both
chief director and chief organizer for the
sixth year in a row. Randy has done a
1. ... d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. Nf3 Bf5 4. e3 e6 5. c4
All of these winners and their prizes are
to be found on the American Opens excel
lent website, americanopen.org, kept up
to date by our webmaster, original life
master John Hillery.
Jennifer Acon tied for best woman

remarkable job since taking over from player and also won the prize in the Open
Nbd7 6. c5 c6 7. Be2 Qc7 8. Nc3 e5 9. d4 b6
Lots of what Hans Kmoch liked to call
your reporter. He has kept expenses down for biggest upset. Her victim? Your
levers (pawn breaks) here, but White has
and has found backers who actually made reporter! I also lost to my old friend Ruth
an edge.
a profit this year! Anthony Ong did a Haring who equaled Jennifers score. Both
magnificent job as Randys only assis ladies played well against this geezer but
tant while he also headed up the family to be honest, I lost four out of the five
10. b5 e4 11. Nh4 Be6 12. bxc6 Qxc6 13. Bb5

team as The Chess Palace book and games I played for my worst score in all
Qc7 14. c6 Nb8 15. f4 Be7 16. f5 Bc8 17. g4

equipment vendor. (See chesspalace.com, 44 American Opens in which I have

a6 18. Rc1

r
nl+k+  r their fine website.) Anthony, as part of his played. I managed one non memorable
assistant director duties, single hand win but if the Lord (or my doctors!) grant
+ q 
lppp edly ran the one day 142 player American me another year, I will be back.
p
pP+  n + Open scholastic tournament. The AO again provided a first rate hotel,
The American Open has had sponsor round the clock chess movies and DVDs,
+L+p+P+ ship from Saitek for years now but that and free lectures. I gave the first when not
+ Pp+PN company merged into a much larger game too many players were around, Khachiyan
and accessories manufacturer, Mad Catz and IM Armen Ambartsoumian pitched
+ N 
P + Software (madcatz.com). Their chess in, and the indefatigable and wildly pop
P
L + +  P department generously gave us some ular Jeremy Silman, as usual, drew the
clocks to use. largest audience.
+ RQ
K +R We had a great new sponsor this year Only 223 played in the Open (an
After 18. Rc1 in the maker and designer of very beau increase of 20 over 2007), half of those in
tiful chess sets and boards, thechesspiece. the three day schedule, but the atten
But this piece sac is not necessary and com. When you visit their website prepare dance of 142 kids in the one day
shifts the balance in Blacks favor. to be dazzled! scholastic makes us cautiously optimistic
Steve Livingstone at The Chess Piece for the future. We do hope to be back at
very generously allowed us to use some the unusually fine Renaissance Montura
.
18. ... axb5 19. Nxb5 Bb4+ 20. Bc3 Bxc3+ 21.

of the finest of his sets and boards on the Hotel in 2009.

Rxc3 Qe7 22. g5 Ng8 23. Qh5 Ba6?
The move 23. ... Qb4 would have been
difficult to answer here.
24. f6 Qb4 25. 0-0
White misses the powerful 25. Nd6+!,
when 25. ... Qxd6 is met by 26. fxg7.
25. ... Qxb5 26. Rcc1 g6 27. Nxg6!
r
n +k+n r
+ + +p+p
l
pP+ PN+
+q+p+ PQ
+ Pp+ +
+ + P +
P+ + +  P
+ R +R
K suspect you will be hearing quite a lot
After 27. Nxg6
It was this move, which would not have
been available if Black had played better
before, that, nevertheless, attracted me to
this game.
27. ... Nxc6 28. Nxh8 0-0-0 29. Nxf7 Kb7 30.
Qxh7 Qd3
That's not going to help in the face of
the killer discovery which follows, but it
is not easy to find a good move in that
position. There doesn't seem to be one.
31. Nxd8+ Ka8 32. Nxc6, Black resigned.
first 13 boards. He paid the shipping (a
More American Open coverage can
pretty penny indeed!), and allowed us to
be found on Chess Life Online at
use his brand new unique sets and
uschess.org, December archives,
boards, referred to by them as the worlds
including Khachiyans entertaining
first triple decker chess set featuring The
annotations of his fourth round win
Alban chessmen and double sided ebony
over Gregg Small. In the November
and red sandalwood chessboard, for use
archives, you can read Jerry Hankens
on our top board. They also allowed us to
AO preview with some more entertaining
auction it off with the proceeds going to
history. On the tournament website,
the American Open! This combo retails for
Americanopen.org, you can find final
over $1,300!
standings, prize winners, and the
Thechesspiece.com is located in south
games in .pgn format as well as on a
Florida and has been trading for nearly
java player.
ten years but is still relatively new in the
high end chess set and chess collectors
market. I first met Steve at the U.S. Sen
44th Annual American
ior Open earlier in 2008 when he let that
national event use 45 of his luxury chess Open At A Glance
sets to cover the entire tournament! I
Date: November 27 30, 2008
from this fine company in the near future. Location: LAX Renaissance Hotel,
Through the efforts of former Chess Los Angeles, California
Life columnist IM Jeremy Silman, we had Top Finishers: Open, 1st:
$1,400 in special prizes generously Melikset Khachiyan, 6; 2nd:
donated by the family of the late, well Giovanni Carreto, 6; 3rd 5th:
beloved Joyce Jillson, an actress, talk Andranik Matikozyan, Vladimir
show host, astrologer, and enthusiastic Mezentsev, Emory Tate, 5.
tournament player who died in 2004. Under 2200, Marian Nita, 6.
Dr. Harold Valery, a well known Los Under 2000, Varun Krishnan,
Angeles sponsor, was going to offer $500 6. Under 1800, Juan Franco,
for a perfect score in the Open but when 7. Under 1600, Yusheng Xia, 7.
we explained to him that this had never Under 1400, Naveen
happened and was very unlikely to ever Janarthanan, 6.
happen, he switched his donation to the Chief Tournament Director:
biggest upsets in each of the sections. Randall Hough

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 31

Cover Story

BRONZE
Times Two

So it goes: with both the mens and womens teams taking

bronze in Dresdenand the men doing it by crushing
powerhouse Ukraine in the last roundthe U.S. has
emerged as an international chess power, backed by
players such as current U.S. Womens Champion Anna
Zatonskih, who also won an individual gold medal.

By FM Mike Klein

32 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 alse hope is officially a thing Exchange Grnfeld (D85)
of the past. The next time GM Alex Onischuk (FIDE 2644)

F
you hear that a team is
mathematically alive for a
certain placement, remem
ber Dresden, 2008 and the
American teams two bronze medals.
Going into the final round of the 38th
Chess Olympiad, held November 12 25,
2008 in Dresden, Germany, the U.S.
womens chances for a podium finish were
shaky. The mens odds were highly improb
able. So many teams needed to win, lose or
draw in just the right way, but the two
quintets took care of their end of the equa
tion and waited for the tournament calculus
to decide their fate. The resulting mutual
third place finishes, the first time both
teams medaled in the same Olympiad,
punctuated a historic fortnight for Amer
ican chess.
Going into the 11th and final round,
the U.S. men and women were on the out
side looking in at the race for team medals.
The men, still trying to make up ground
after defeats to higher ranked Azerbaijan
and Russia earlier in the tournament, had
given themselves a glimmer of hope after
crushing India 3 in round nine and
then getting by the hometown German
squad one match later. Still, they were
mired in eighth place with one round
remaining, with the worst tiebreaks of any
team in the top 12. The caveat for the
Americans was the obscure tiebreak sys
tem, one of the many rule changes for the
Olympiad. The complicated methodology,
which multiplied a teams game points by
the match points of its opponents, was
GM Pavel Eljanov (FIDE 2720)
38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (11),
11.25.2008
Notes by Onischuk
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5
Id prepared for the last game with our
fifth board player GM Varuzhan Akobian
and my old friend GM Roman Slobod
jan, who came to Dresden to support me,
for about five hours, but we almost did not
look at the Grnfeld. Somehow I did not
believe Pavel would play it. I guess I did
not realize that not only us, but also the
Ukrainian team wanted to score big in the
final round.
4. Nf3 Bg7 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3
c5 8. Rb1 0-0 9. Be2 b6 10. 0-0 Bb7
I think this system is quite dubious
for Black. White can choose now between
the quiet 11. Qd3 and more aggressive 11.
d5. Both moves should give him some
advantage.
11. d5 Bxc3 12. Bc4 Bg7 13. Qe2 Nd7
With a different move order we got a
position from the game GM Hikaru Naka
mura GM Shakhrivar Mamedyarov,
which was played in the fifth round of the
Olympiad. Hikaru lost that game but we
looked together at this position at the
team meeting and found some new plans
for White.
14. Bf4 Nf6 15. Rfd1 Qd7
r+q+n rk+
p + 
 pp
lp
pP+ +p+

+  p + +
+L+PL +
+ + + +P
P+ +Q PP+
+R+R+  K
After 19. dxc6
give me any edge; b) 20. Ba6 Qxc6 21.
Bb5 Qb7 22. Rd7 Qc8 23. Ba4 c4!?; c) 20.
a4!? Qxc6 21. Bb5 Qb7 (21. ... Qc8 22.
Ba6 Qc6 23. Bb5 is even) 22. a5 bxa5 23.
Rd7 Qc8 24. Qc2.
20. Rbc1 e5 21. Bh6 Ng7 22. Bd5 Qc7 23.
Rd3!
This is a strong maneuver, placing my
rook where it can pressure Blacks posi
tion where necessary (the f and a files) are
very strong avenues of attack for White.
23. ... Kh8 24. Rf3 f5 25. Qa6 Rab8 26. Ra3
When I made this move I stood up and
I saw that GM Gata Kamsky had won
against GM Vassily Ivanchuk. Other posi
tions were still complicated with some
advantage for the U.S. team.
26. ... fxe4
In case of 26. ... Bb2?! 27. Qxa7 Rfc8
28. Ra6 Bxc1 29. Bxc1 White gets a big
advantage. Two bishops are extremely
strong in that position.

highly volatile, impossible to predict, and
heavily influenced by crushing wins or
defeats. This meant that in order to medal,
the U.S. men would not only have to beat
Ukraine a team that had not lost a match
Good move. The idea is to play ... Rad8
and ... Qc8, improving the placement of
his pieces on the back row.
27. Qxa7
Objectively moves like 27. Rf1 and 27.
Rc2 were stronger here, but my move is
definitely more fun.
16. Ne5!?

all tournament they would have to
trounce them. In addition, Russia and
Spain had to tie their match, Armenia had
to beat China, Israel had to beat Nether
In order to prevent his plan, Nakamura
played 16. h3 in this position.
16. ... Qc8 17. h3 Ne8!
27. ... Rxf2!
This is better than 27. ... Bxf2+ 28.
Kh2 Rfc8 (28. ... Rbc8 29. Qb7!?) 29. g4!

lands, and a bevy of past opponents had It was already not so easy to find a with a clear advantage to White.
to perform well too. But as countless sports move here. The only alternative I see is 17.
sound bite clichs go, they could only con ... Rd8. 28. Kh2!
trol their own games. We just have to 28. Qxc7 Rf7+ 29. Kh2 Rxc7 30. Rf1
play the match with Ukraine and do our Nf5 31. Bg5 h6!
18. Nc6

best, Team captain IM John Donaldson This move looks good, but unfortu
said before the 11th round. nately it should only lead to a draw.
Probably the best way to keep pressure
28. ... Ne8 29. Bxe4
2006 U.S. Champion GM Alex Onis
chuk expresses a typical team thought: was 18. Rbc1!? Nd6 19. Bd3 with enough r
+n+ k
compensation.
Shortly before the last round I met the Q
  + +p
q
U.S. womens team and their captain GM
Gregory Kaidanov at breakfast. We dis
18. ... Bxc6 19. dxc6
pP+ +p
 L
cussed our chances for medals. It turned +  p p +
out that our women had not an easy task:
(see diagram top of next column)

they had to beat a strong French team. +  lL+ +

When I told them that for us the only
19. ... Bd4!?
During the game I also considered this R + + +P

chance to get medals was beating Ukraine
move to be the main one. It turns out that
3 , we all sincerely laughed. P+ + r PK
after the strongest 19. ... e6 he can
Left: Anna Zatonskih defend, and now I can also try moves +  R + +
Photographed by Mike Klein
like 20. e5!? or a) 20. Qc2 but they dont After 29. Bxe4

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 33

 Cover Story

world number three Ivanchuk in less

He took off his watch,

than three hours. The American leader
usually left the playing hall immediately

Kasparov-style,
following his games, but this time he
stayed for a while to follow the progress

at a pivotal moment ...

of his teammates, who all fielded comfort
able positions. Onischuk, who said he
thinks it is positive to be a little nervous
before a game, must have felt some relief
to enter an opening that was fresh in his
memory. He began playing the 8. Rb1
variation of the Grnfeld Defense only in
September, but had been studying sys
did not focus on the scenarios. Unlike tems like it with teammates Shulman
the first ten rounds, the final round was
29. ... Bb2?
This is a blunder. Pavel had less than and Akobian prior to the Olympiad.
held in the morning, which made her We looked at some positions, Onis
five minutes after this move. In all other
restless. I couldnt sleep because I just chuk said of the long distance training
lines White should be better anyway,
wanted to get up, she said. I was ready sessions. It is funny that sometimes we
although there is still significant work to
to play. had conference calls with Yury and
be done to realize that advantage. 29. ...
As the American teams took their seats Var(uzhan) together. I had bad internet
b5!? 30. Qxc7 Nxc7 31. Ra7 Rc8 32. Bf3!
at the crowded Dresden Convention Cen and I would get disconnected all the time.
e4 33. Bg4 Be5+ 34. Kg1; 29. ... Rf7 30.
ter playing hall, their focus became Sometimes they had not noticed that I
Qxc7 Nxc7 (30. ... Rxc7? 31. Rf1 Nd6 32.
evident. Players did not speak at all to was missing. I learned about some nov
Raf3 Rg8 33. Bd5 and White has a large
their opponents and only very briefly with elties we found in Dresden.
edge) 31. Ra7 and White is a bit better; 29.
teammates. The cold of the recent snow Onischuks enterprising pawn sacri
... Rc8 30. Qb7! Nd6 31. Qxc7 Rxc7 32.
falls had crept into the Olympiad itself. fice was researched during those sessions,
Ra8+ Rc8 33. Rxc8+ Nxc8 34. c7 when
The mens and womens teams both hap and after a failed attempt with it by Naka
White has some pull.
pened to be playing on board three, mura in the ill fated Azerbaijan match,
directly opposite each other, creating a Onischuk slowly stepped up the pres
symbolic but silent unity in their shared
30. Rc2!! Qxa7
Black loses immediately after 30. ... sure of the bishop pair and center pawns
mission. to score the point. The Americans had
Rxc2 31. Rf3!
When the games began, the pace of used their two whites perfectly, and with
several of the mens games suggested the score now 2 0, Nakamura bore down
that the opening had gone the way of
31. Rxa7
There was another more beautiful way even more, knowing that a big score could
pregame preparation. On board one, Kam be attainable. Scores are posted in the
to win the game: 31. Rxf2!? Qe7 32. Raf3
sky got a comfortable position against playing hall as they are decided, and
Nc7 33. Rf7! (33. Rf8+ Rxf8 34. Rxf8+
Ivanchuks French Defense, and next to spectators and top players began to rec
Qxf8 35. Bxf8 Ne8 with good winning
him Nakamura played with his usual ognize that an improbable result was
chances for White) 33. ... Qd8 34. Rf8+
celerity from the start. On board three, becoming likely. GM Veselin Topalov came
Qxf8 35. Bxf8 when Whites better coor
Onischuk, who would finish with a 2700+ up to Onischuk and asked if he thought
dinated forces will win.
performance rating, repeated a dangerous a 4 0 sweep was possible. With other
pawn sacrifice (sac) of an earlier Naka results falling the right way, Donaldson
mura game, and GM Yury Shulman faced
31. ... Rxc2 32. Bxc2 e4 33. Bf4 Rc8 34. Bxe4
began calculating if 3 or 4 0 was
the system he was expecting to see.
Nf6 35. Bf3 g5 36. Bxg5
After the game Hikaru and Varuzhan needed for a medal. We have two winning
The games continued and players positions, Onischuk said at that point.
asked me if I saw 36. c7! gxf4 37. Ra8.
assumed the stylized poses they had con Donaldson, who had a train to catch later
Honestly I did not, but of course the posi
jured all tournament. Kamsky would that night in the middle of the awards cer
tion is completely won anyway.
either sit up professorially or lean for emony, began to rethink his itinerary.
ward and spread his hands in a Believe me, if we get 3 or four, Ill be
V formation over his forehead, wrinkling
36. ... Be5+ 37. g3 c4 38. Re7 Bd4 39. c7 Ng8
glad to change my ticket.
skin toward his hairline. Nakamura
40. Re4 Bf6 41. Bf4, Black resigned.
When I looked at other boards I could Nakamura pressed for a win as Black
offered more animation, alternating against the forever teenage GM Sergey
not believe my eyes; the score 3 and
between scrunching his brow, staring Karjakin, at one point eschewing an oppo
even 4 became real.
down his opponent, and walking around site colored bishop ending. He took off his
confidently in between moves. Onischuks watch, Kasparov style, at a pivotal
The American women had better
face belied the pressure as he remained moment, at which point his stepfather,
prospects of a medal, if only by a small
stoic while he cupped his hands over his FM Sunil Weeramantry, gauged his con
percentage. They ranked fifth after ten
ears. Shulmans over the board demeanor fidence as a sign that he would win.
rounds and had reasonable tiebreaks,
was the most pronounced in its consis However the U.S. needed to first secure
owing to prior matches against top enders
tency and tension his universal reaction the match. With some chances for both
Poland, Russia and China, but they
was to raise his shoulders even with his sides lingering in the position, Nakamura
trailed on match points. Their calculations
neck, clasp his hands tight, and occasion agreed to a draw to clinch victory. He
were simpler but they also did not control
ally sweep his chair closer to the table would then join Donaldson and Onis
their own fate. The women needed a win
with his feet. chuk in the press center to follow
over France (like the mens team, the big
The attempt at the nearly impossible Shulmans game live and calculate
ger win the better, to avoid being
mission passed its first hurdle, which tiebreaks.
overtaken on tiebreaks) and most cru
stood to be the largest of them all, when The trio of men directed blazingly fast
cially needed Poland and Ukraine to avoid
Kamsky made relatively short work of variations and counters at the LCD
a drawn match. Top board IM Irina Krush

34 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 Open Olympiad, U.S. Team Scores

Player ISL GRE RSA AZE HKG CUB HUN RUS IND GE1 UKR
GM Gata Kamsky 2729 0 1 1 1 1 6/10
GM Hikaru Nakamura 2704 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 6/10
GM Alexander Onischuk 2644 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 6/10
GM Yury Shulman 2616 0 1 1 1 1 5/8
GM Varuzhan Akobian 2606 1 0 1 1 0 1 4/6
TEAM SCORE 2 2 3 1 4 2 2 1 3 2 3 29/44

ISL=Iceland; GRE=Greece; RSA=South Africa; AZE=Azerbaijan; HKG=Hong Kong; CUB=Cuba; HUN=Hungary;

RUS=Russia; IND=India; GE1=Germany; UKR=Ukraine

Womens Olympiad, U.S. Womens Team Scores

Player MNE ISR TKM MDA NOR ROU CHN RUS POL UZB FRA
IM Irina Krush 2452 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 7/10
IM Anna Zatonskih* 2440 1 1 1 1 1 1 8/10
WGM Rusudan Goletiani** 2359 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9/11
WGM Katerina Rohonyan 2344 0 1 1 0 0 1 5/10
WFM Tatev Abrahamyan 2228 0 1/3
TEAM SCORE 3 1 4 3 3 4 2 3 1 3 3 30/44

MNE=Montenegro; ISR=Israel; TKM=Turkmenistan; MDA=Moldova; NOR=Norway; ROU=Romania; CHN=China;

RUS=Russia; POL=Poland; UZB=Uzbekistan; FRA=France
*Board 2 Gold Medalist **Board 3 Silver Medalist

screen, wanting their teammate to find the
way as his clock crept below two minutes.
They picked out sequences and tried to
guess which was the safest path that
allowed the least counterplay, thinking
that even a draw would give them medal
hopes (as it would later turn out, it would
not). Meanwhile Shulman, who made the
only decisions that mattered, had his
hands full with Ukrainian GM Zahar Efi
menko, who was performing over 2800
going into the round and was in line for
an individual medal. Efimenko has been
their hero so far this tournament, Don
aldson said, He has been their designated
hitter.
In general, we thought they would put
the toughest match on board four, Shul
man said. He was aware of the score but
oblivious to the tiebreaks and medal
chances, having thought going into the
round that a 3 1 win would do the trick.
But he was too low on time to ask Ako
bian what result was needed (Akobian
was acting as floor captain for many of the
rounds that he did not play, including the
11th round). Fortunately for the Ameri
can squad, Shulman was in a position
without losing chances, and with a 30
second increment and an extra pawn,
there was no reason to bail out. Shulman
shuffled his rook around for a half dozen
moves. Spectators, including Akobian,
could not figure out if he was gaining
time or flummoxed. Akobian had to con
stantly leave and return amidst the
tension, but finally Shulman marched
his king and pawns forward. Because of
time pressure, I couldnt find the correct
order, Shulman said. Soon after, Efi
menko conceded and the rout of 3
became the worst loss Ukraine has ever
suffered in an Olympiad. More impor
tantly for the U.S., the lopsided win
vaulted them into a tie with Ukraine and
a date with the tiebreak algorithms. Shul
man said his strategy to play a bland
system worked to perfection. He expected
Efimenko, whose Ukrainian teammates
had relied on often for match victories, to
press too far, and that is exactly what
happened. If I trade, hes not going to be
happy at all, Shulman said. His team
was doing poorly and he started playing
very sharp.
At first, Donaldson seemed assured
that his team had won by enough to
ensure third place. But unlike normal
individual tournaments where final round
results can be ascertained and computed,
too many teams and results were involved
to be sure. Ukraine and U.S. had to watch
prior opponents and follow the games of
ignominious federations like Hong Kong
and New Zealand. After calculating and
double checking with GM Yasser
Seirawan, Donaldsons initial hopes were
dashed when a volley of unfavorable
results arrived. He went as far as calling
his team, by this time out at dinner, to
inform them of the tough luck news. But
less than five minutes later, the official

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 35

Cover Story
We just have to play the
match with Ukraine and
do our best.
~IM JOHN DONALDSON
standings were posted. The U.S. had done
just enough to squeak by Ukraine. Don
aldson hit redial.
Weve had good last rounds before but
never against a team like this, said Don
aldson, who has captained the team eight
times. He said Dresden was the strongest
Olympiad by far, and that going into the
tournament, GM Larry Christiansen told
him that a top five finish should be con
sidered a good result.
In 2006, the U.S. defeated Norway in
the final round, also 3 , to clinch the
bronze then as well. Of course this one
is bigger since we beat one of the strongest
teams ever, Onischuk said. Akobian,
who was irritated that his bronze medal
in Turin was criticized because of their
softer last round pairing, concurred with
Onischuk. Were showing the world that
we are a chess power, he said. This
kind of win shuts down everything. I
never had it in my mind that we were not
going to beat Ukraine. I definitely think we
had a chance for gold if there were two
rounds left, but bronze I think is great.
Akobian, who played six rounds, also
served as captain and as a second for
other team members, especially Onis
chuk and Shulman. We had a long day,
he said of the rest day prior to the final
round. We shared ideas. We dont hide
anything from each other. My contribu
tion to this Olympiad was with the
preparation. Akobian also earned a key
victory in round one. His win against his
Icelandic opponent was the final game
to finish and the conversion of a queen
and pawn endgame ensured a positive
start to the event.
Onischuk also got off to a running
start. He won his first two games against
grandmasters and held 2700+ GMs Vugar
Gashimov and Alexander Morozevich (at
2787 the highest third board in history)
to draws. Even his two losses were timely.
Physiologically it was a great relief for me
that both matches in which I lost, the
team won, Onischuk said. In fact, both
times I managed to win on the next day
after the defeat, and these wins were
probably my most important wins in the
Olympiad, against Hungary and Ukraine.
Other players got going later, most
36 Chess Life February 2009
notably Kamsky and Shulman. With the
uncertainty of his match with Topalov
still looming as the tournament com
menced, Kamsky got off to a sluggish
start. With only one point in his first
three games, he entered the first rest day
with a win over an untitled player. But
during the day off, his friend turned man
ager GM Emil Sutovsky helped resolve the
deadlock. Free from extraneous issues,
the U.S. number one went on a remark
able run. He drew Cuban GM Leinier
Dominguez Perez in round six and then
GM Peter Leko, who went on to win a
gold medal on board one. Kamskys win
over GM Peter Svidler in round eight
helped the U.S. tiebreaks despite the
match loss. He then beat GM Krishnan
Sasikiran and drew the overperforming
GM Arkadij Naiditsch in the penultimate
round, before his win against Ivanchuk.
His final six rounds netted a 2925 per
formance rating.
Shulman, who had a decade long hia
tus from the Olympiad, improved his play
and results in the second half as well.
Shulman was a little nervous in his
debut for the first couple of rounds, Don
aldson said. The game against South
Africa was unsettling. Since then he has
been on a tear. Shulman also started
with one out of three, escaping with a
draw against a much lower rated player
from South Africa in round three. But
he went on to win 3 out of his last four.
His victory over Efimenko as black was his
highest rated opponent of the event.
Nakamura, still only 20 but playing in
his second Olympiad (moving up one
board from 2006), had a seesaw event,
with key wins interspersed with two losses
to 2700s. He used a jury rigged opening
system with both white and black in sev
eral rounds in which his pawns pushed
to the third or sixth ranks, creating highly
malleable but non theoretical formations.
[Nakamura] took two well known theo
reticians and played g3 on the first move,
Donaldson said of two of his players key
wins.
Nakamura said his play differs much
from the Russian School. I play unbal
anced positions that have different
structures, he said. I can outplay any
one in the world if I get into a playable
position. He did just that previous to
Dresden, having just come off a spectac
ular victory at Cap DAgde in France, in
which he beat GM Anatoly Karpov and
later Ivanchuk in the final. Nakamura
returned to that form near the end of the
Olympiad, with 2 out of his last three.
In his final round draw against GM
Teimour Radjabov, equalizing so early as
black buoyed the team according to Ako
bian. Right out of the gate, Karjakin was
struggling out of the opening, he said.
In a curious twist, while the men were
trouncing the Ukrainians, the American
women were rooting for the Ukrainian
womens team to beat Poland. The quar
tet of women needed to first win against
fifth seed France however. Save a nomi
nal advantage on board three, the U.S.
entered the match outrated on the other
three boards. France boasted a GM on
first board and a former womens Euro
pean champion on board two. Still, the
American contingent came in confident.
A second round loss to Israel was now a
distant memory, and a more understand
able loss in round nine to Poland was
reversed by a crush of Turkmenistan in
round three. They still felt deserving after
their first ever win over top seed Russia
and a hard earned draw versus then
perfect China.
IM Anna Zatonskih was the first to fin
ish. The U.S. womens champion was
offered a three fold repetition before the
time control and had to decide quickly
whether to accept. After a fleeting glance
at her teammates games, she settled.
My position was not better, Zatonskih
said of her decision, which preserved an
undefeated Olympiad. From there, the
U.S. looked to its lower boards, as it had
for much of the tournament. With top
board IM Irina Krush struggling against
her grandmaster opponent, WGM Rusu
dan Goletiani on board three and WGM
Katerina Rohonyan on board four needed
to score. Like all the other Americans,
they insisted they blocked out thoughts
of medals during their games. Instead,
they channeled advice from earthly and
divine sources.
After the beginning of the tournament
that didnt go well for me, the pattern of
my mistakes was clear I wanted to win
over weaker, lower rated, players, even in
equal positions, Rohonyan said. In the
first game I gave a file in an equal posi
tion, got into a worse position then [I
was] losing, but managed to draw with my
opponents help. However, when I did it
the same in the second game gave up a
file in the equal position to try to win or
fish for chances by making my position
worse I got punished. Thus, the advice
was to never give a file and be satisfied
with what I have. (Team coach and GM
uschess.org
 Left to right: IM Irina Krush, IM Anna Zatonskih, WGM Rusudan Goletiani, WFM Tatev Abrahamyan, WGM Katerina Rohonyan,
team captain FST Michael Khodarkovsky
Gregory) Kaidanov said, Draw is a good
result. The sayings about open file and
draw is a good result were going around
during the whole tournament. So, in the
last game, Rusa (Goletiani) said when
she was considering a variation where
she had to give up an open file for attack,
she remembered how they teased me and
stopped considering the variation.
Throughout the tournament I didnt
think about a medal that we could win,
because it could have created unneces
sary stress. There is a Buddhist saying:
Dont live in the past, you cannot change
it. Dont live in the future, it doesnt
belong to you. Live in the present.
She let the action come to her, and
after the French woman across the table
pressed too hard, Rohonyan swooped in
and took the point. The U.S. now led 1
with Krush and Goletiani still battling.
Krushs queen was becoming impotent
against her opponents two rooks despite
a furious attempt to pry open the black
kingside. Goletiani, like Zatonskih, was
also trying to keep her unbeaten record
intact (she was the only member of either
PHOTO: MIKE KLEIN
American team to play all 11 rounds). In
a symbolic linkage, she chose a slow
opening system where all of her pawns
pushed only one square much like
uschess.org
Nakamuras flexible repertoire. Goletiani
eventually picked off her opponents kings
shelter, one pawn at a time. She chased
the enemy monarch across the board.
Ahead a piece and now with an armada
of kingside pawns, France laid down its
arms. Goletiani called it her best game of
the tournament. Although Krush would
eventually lose, the U.S. had already
clinched the match. But the murkiness
remained. The team was left to wonder.
Was 2 1 enough? And could Ukraine
beat tournament leader Poland?
A Serbia Georgia draw could also post
problems on tiebreaks for the Americans,
but Georgia dispelled that possibility by
winning earlier. They went on to place
first, their first title since their third con
secutive gold in 1996. Second seeded
Ukraine managed to get by Poland, but
only 2 1. Like the men, the women
would have to wait out the tiebreaks. But
unlike their comrades, they decided to
forgo the convoluted calculations and
head to dinner, that is, except Krush.
Thinking that her loss fatally injured the
teams tiebreaks, she left for an art gallery
and was consoled by team captain FIDE
Senior Trainer (FST) Michael Khodark
ovsky. Playing a barrage of 2500s, she
admitted to being worn down.
The last half was [exhausting], said
Krush. She sat out the first round and
then played ten straight. She vomited
before her round nine game against
Poland. Physically there is a lot of stress.
Every game is a big game. Its a special
responsibility being on first board. I wish
I could have done more but I feel like I did
a good job. She finished with six wins,
three losses and one draw, performing
slightly above her rating.
The other team members Zatonskih,
Goletiani, Rohonyan, and WFM Tatev
Abrahamyan (who, like Akobian, was
praised for her preparation of team mem
bers) convened in the hotel to await the
results. Zatonskihs mom, at home in the
U.S., had a faster internet connection
and delivered the news over the phone.
The U.S. nipped Poland and Russia for the
bronze, only their second medal ever. The
foursome screamed loud enough to
arouse the curiosity of Kaidanov, who
was staying in the next room. He came
over and joined the celebration. Krush got
the news later while riding the hotel ele
vator. A member of the Turkish womens
team came up to congratulate her only 15
minutes before the awards ceremony.
We thought four boards would hurt us,
but we played really well, Krush said. Im
Chess Life February 2009 37
 Cover Story
gonna dance and scream. Im gonna hug
my teammates and tell them that they are
great.
The team rebounded well after a disap
pointing second round loss to Israel. The
experience and guidance of Kaidanov, a
veteran player of the last six Olympiads,
proved helpful. Both Mike (Khodark
ovsky) and Gregory made it a point to
tell us the medals are decided during the
last few rounds, Goletiani said. Krush,
the most experienced member of the team,
did not dwell on the early loss. Sitting at
her board before the third round sweep
of Turkmenistan, she brushed off the
setback by mocking its importance. Yeah,
were just going to pack it in and go
home, she chaffed. The team won the
next two matches 3 1, and then com
pleted another sweep, of Romania in
round six. They followed with a tie of
tournament leader China and then
knocked off Russia for the first time ever,
including Krushs win over Womens
World Champion GM Alexandra Koste
niuk. Everyone congratulates you when
you beat the world champion, Krush
said. But I feel like we both blundered.
It was very tense.
Nimzo-Indian Defense,
Rubinstein Variation (E55)
IM Irina Krush (FIDE 2452)
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2525)
38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (8),
11.21.2008
Notes by Krush
This game came on the heels of my
first loss of the tournament, to WGM
Yifan Hou. Quite a painful loss, too, as I
ruined a winning position in time trouble,
and then inexplicably threw away the
remnants of my position with my 41st
move. So I wasnt in the best psycholog
ical state going into round eight.
1. d4 Nf6
Blacks first move indicates that itll
be a Nimzo Indian Defense. Alexandra
used to play the Meran, but has recently
switched to the Nimzo. Of course, there
are lots of interesting things to be said
about the opening preparation for this
game, but it wouldnt be wise to reveal
them.
2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 0-0 5. Bd3 c5 6. Nf3
d5 7. 0-0 dxc4 8. Bxc4 Nbd7 9. Qe2
In a blitz game the previous month, I
had tried 9. Qb3 against Alexandra, a
move which brought me a very nice vic
tory earlier in the year, against Swedish
GM Pontus Carlsson in Wijk aan Zee.
The game Alexandra continued 9. ... a6
10. a4 Qc7 11. Rd1 b6 12. d5 exd5 13.
Nxd5 Nxd5 14. Bxd5 Bb7 15. e4 Bxd5 16.
38 Chess Life February 2009
Qxd5 Rad8 17. Bg5 Nf6 18. Qf5 Rxd1+ 19.
Rxd1 Qc6 20. e5 Qe4 21. Qxe4 Nxe4 22.
16. Bg5?
I really like Pascals postgame sugges
Be3 and it was drawn many moves later,
tion of 16. a4!? the main idea of which is
Krush Kosteniuk, World Mind Sports
to prepare Ba3, but which also supports
Blitz, 2008.
the knights arrival on b5. Meanwhile the
c3 pawn is immune: 16. ... Rxc3 (16. ...
Nfd7 looks natural, intending to meet
9. ... b6 10. Rd1 cxd4 11. Nxd4
11. exd4 is more common.
Ba3 with ... Nc5) 17. Bb2 Rcc8 18. Nxe6
Nxf3+ 19. Qxf3 fxe6 20. Bxf6 gxf6 21.
Qg4+ Kh8 22. Bxe6 with initiative against
11. ... Bb7 12. e4!?
This was the move I had in mind when
Blacks open king; 16. Nb5, which I con
choosing 11. Nxd4. Its a very rare move
sidered during the game, would also have
(at first glance it appears to lose a pawn)
been preferable: 16. ... Ba6 17. c4 I
that was noticed by Pascal (Charbon
thought that this move wasnt possible
neau), and struck him as an interesting
due to 17. ... Nxc4 but overlooked a typ
continuation that would be hard to deal
ical tactical idea for this position (which
with over the board.
Pascal had pointed out in the pregame
prep!): 18. Bxc4 Qc5+ 19. Be3 Qxc4 20.
Rd8+! and White wins the queen, as in the
12. ... Bxc3 13. bxc3 Qe7
A natural square for the queen. Black
Ivanov Efimenko game above; 16. Bf4!?
connects the rooks and gives much
was suggested by Kaidanov to push the
needed protection to the e6 pawn, whose
knight out of the center. 16. ... Ng6 17.
vulnerability, as we see in the variations
Bd2; Even the meek looking 16. Bd2
below, was what justified Whites offer of
would have accomplished the task of
the e pawn. Accepting the pawn with 13.
developing a piece and not losing a pawn.
... Nxe4 is the most critical test of 12. e4,
but so far it hasnt appealed to players of
the black pieces, who have chosen the
16. ... Rxc3
There goes the pawn.
solid setup that Alexandra found in this
game. Of course, its clear that Whites
response will be 14. Nxe6 and its rather
17. Kh1
Tucking the king away; now f4 is a
daunting to try to work out the ensuing
threat but its Black to move. The intended
complications over the board; 13. ... Bxe4
f4 and e4 e5 idea is met with 17. ... Nc6!
also runs into 14. Nxe6 fxe6 15. Bxe6+
18. e5? Qc5 and White is lost due to the
Kh8 (15. ... Rf7 16. Rxd7 Nxd7 17. Qxe4)
collapsing g1 a7 diagonal.
16. Bxd7 and White is much better.
17. ... h6 18. Bh4 Rc5
I didnt find this move so convincing,
14. f3
Now White hurries to strengthen his
but I guess its not clear what is truly
center. Whites pawn formation looks very
convincing for Black here. For sure,
effective against the ... Bb7 and the ... Nf6;
Black is doing well, but White does have
the drawback in his position is the weak
some compensation for the pawn in the
ness of the c3 pawn.
form of the bishop pair. Something like
18. ... Rac8 looked natural to me, and
then I was planning to harrass the rook
14. ... Ne5
Black immediately attacks the Bc4;
with 19. Be1 R3c7 20. Nb5 Ba6 21. a4.
however, its probably more accurate to
begin with 14. ... Rfc8, keeping the threat
of ... Ne5 for the next move. That way
19. Bf2
Targeting the rook.
White wont be able to move away to b3
without offering the c3 pawn. 14. ... Rfc8
15. a4 Ne5 16. Ba3 Qc7 17. Bb3 Nc4??
19. ... Ng6 20. Nb5
Getting the knight to d6 is Whites main
Black falls for a deadly trap: 18. Nb5 Qc6
source of counterplay.
19. Bxc4 Qxc4 20. Rd8+! Rxd8 21. Qxc4
Rac8 22. Qe2 GM Sergey Ivanov GM
Zahar Efimenko, 1 0, 2004.
20. ... Rh5
After 20. ... Rg5 21. Be3 holds g2 and
15. Bb3 f4.
This much was obvious; White has to
conserve the bishop pair.
21. Nd6 Bd5
Another blunder by me I completely
missed this interception. At first sight, it
looks devastating (particularly in the lines
15. ... Rfc8
Now I was out of preparation as well as
where I take the bishop) but then I real
obvious, rote moves (i.e., Bb3) so it was
ized I had two decent ways of dealing
time to think about a) what to do about
with it, and the question was, which one
the c3 pawn and b) how to deploy the
to choose.
Bc1. After a 40 minute think, I played a
move that failed on both counts. 22. Nc4
uschess.org
 Left to right: GM Yury Shulman, GM Gata Kamsky, GM Varuzhan Akobian, GM Hikaru Nakamura,
GM Alexander Onischuk, GM Gregory Kaidanov

22. Bg3, simply defending the Nd6,

was my first instinct, as it forces Black to
23. g3 Bc6
23. ... Bxc4 was worth considering,
r+ + +k+
trade on b3 and in consequence opens up
though making that trade is psychologi p 
 q +p
p
the a file for my rook. Any move that lets
cally difficult for Black; now Whites
a new piece into the game seemingly cost pl
 Np+np
weakening of the h1 a8 diagonal will go
free is a strong contender for best move
unpunished and Blacks kingside gather +  n + +r
in the position, but after 22. ... Bxb3 23.
ing will have led nowhere. And it will
axb3 Rg5 with ideas of ... Nh5 f4, I still felt + +PP +
finally be clear that White has full com
like White had no clear path to equality,
pensation for the pawn after 24. Bxc4. +L+ +  P
and meanwhile the position had simpli
fied. So I chose the more complicated 22. P+ +Q L P
Nc4. Clearly awful is 22. exd5 Qxd6
24. Rac1
Bringing the remaining piece into the +  RR+ +K
(threatening mate on h2) 23. g3 exd5.
game. After 26. f4

And this is the paradoxical move I had

22. ... Qc7
Now White faces an important choice
24. ... Nd7
Directing the knight to c5, where it will prepared after 24. ... Nd7. It opens a dis
between how to defend h2, 23. Bg1 or 23. covered attack on the ... Rh5, which
block the c file very effectively. When I saw
g3. Both moves have their pluses and suddenly finds itself out of squares and
the ... Nd7 c5 maneuver, I was very con
minuses. Moving the g pawn weakens out of defenders. It is just kind of surpris
cerned it looks like that one knight can
the h1 a8 diagonal and forces White to ing that a move which weakens such a
completely stifle Whites play. But then I
reckon with sacrifices on e4 for the rest critical diagonal against my king can be
noticed a surprising possibility for White
of the game. Retreating the bishop to g1 good.
...
seems rather passive, and does nothing
to take control of the f4 square. Its the
sort of decision where calculation adds
25. Nd6 26. ... Nxf4
Funny how the knight comes back to Black embarks on a tactical solution.
almost nothing, so in the end you just go
PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS

that square! Now White is already threat I hadnt calculated this move in this par
with your feel. My instinct was to limit the ticular position, but it didnt come out of
ening things like Nxf7 followed by Qc4.
g6 knight, so I played 23. g3. 22. ... Nf4 the blue, either, as I had been watching
was an alternative, after which White has for these possibilities ever since I played
several queen retreats, though the solid
25. ... Nc5 26. f4!
23. g3. Black could have opted for 26. ...
23. Qf1 was probably the one Id go for. Rd8 27. Qxh5 Rxd6 28. Bxc5 Bxe4+ (28.

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 39

 Cover Story
... Rxd1+ 29. Bxd1!) 29. Kg1 bxc5 30.
Qxc5 Rc6 31. Qe3, however White is
clearly winning; at first 26. ... Nxb3 27.
axb3 Ra5 seemed like a defense, but then
I saw that 28. b4! Ra3 29. b5 wins for
White.
27. gxf4 Nxe4 28. Nxe4
28. Kg1! is much, much stronger than
what I played. The king calmly leaves the
perils of the h1 a8 diagonal, while the ...
Rh5 and ... Ne4 remain en prise. In terms
of material balance, 28. ... Nxf2 29. Qxf2
Black is doing fine (three pawns for the
piece) but in terms of position not so
well. Whites pieces are extremely well
coordinated, and the pin on the c file is
a heavy burden on Black. If Black tries to
dislodge the Nd6 with 29. ... Rd8 then
White has the nice tactic 30. Nxf7! Rxd1+
(Black is also lost after 30. ... Kxf7 31.
Rxd8 Qxd8 32. Rxc6 ) 31. Bxd1! attack
ing the ... Rh5.
28. ... Qxf4 29. Bg3
The only move; now Black has a choice
between taking on e4 with the queen and
playing the endgame, or taking with the
bishop, with a much sharper game. Black
chose to keep queens on the board, which
is what I also thought was best during the
game. To me, it seemed that without
queens, Whites king suddenly and thank
fully stops being a liability, and while the
International Youth Camp
During the Olympiad, the German
Chess Youth sponsored a multicultural
chess jamboree they dubbed the Inter
national Youth Camp. National
federations from eleven countries Ger
many, Austria, Sweden, France, Russia,
Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, the
United Arab Emirates, and the United
States sent a total of forty two young
men and women to the event, which
was held from November 16 22. Repre
senting the United States were Courtney
Jamison of Texas, Tyler Hughes of Col
orado, and Jonathan Hilton of Ohio.
The International Youth Camp, which
was modeled after the youth camps that
are traditionally held during the Olympic
Games, was intended to bring the youth
of the chess world together. Although
many of the participants were strong
players, the focus of the camp was not
chess instruction. According to the vice
president of the German Chess Feder
ation, Hans Jrgen Gieseke, the goal of
the camp was to cultivate contacts and
friendships across national borders and
to increase ... the [cultural] understand
ing of the participants. Throughout the
40 Chess Life February 2009
endgame would still be far from winning,
it would be much easier for White to play.
29. ... Bxe4+
Even worse is 29. ... Qxg3 30. Rxc6.
30. Kg1 Qf5
Alexandra used up much of her remain
ing time here; during the game I wasnt
sure what she was thinking about as 30.
... Qf5 seemed like the obvious move.
But now I can see that she was probably
deciding between 30. ... Qf5 and 30. ...
Rg5.
31. Rd7
I had to be careful about which rook to
bring to the seventh, as 31. Rc7 runs
into 31. ... Bf3.
31. ... Qg6
It was at this point that I finally realized
that my evaluation of the position that
arose on the 29th move was too opti
mistic. Basically, I thought that White
had a significantly superior position with
the piece against the four pawns (thats
probably what kept me from finding 28.
Kg1! I was already very satisfied with the
bishop versus four pawns outcome), but
now I saw that Black had real counterplay
with ideas like ... Rg5 and ... h5 h4!
32. Rcc7 Rf8
week, workshops on topics such as eth
nic cooking, Cold War history, and
national sports were offered. Cultural
expeditions included a boat trip down
the Elbe River, sightseeing in Dresden
in Berlin, a tour of a German high
school, church and museum visits, and
a chance to watch a live performance of
Schach, the German language version
of the musical Chess. All campers
received a pass to watch the Olympiad
and free access to Dresdens thorough
tram system, giving participants the
opportunity to tour both the Olympiad
and the city in their free time. At
Olympiad events such as the Bermuda
Party, many participants had the
chance to meet grandmasters such as
Loek van Wely, Magnus Carlsen, and
Veselin Topalov.
Measured by the sheer strength of
the bonds formed between participants,
it is fair to say that this first ever Inter
national Youth Camp proved successful
in its lofty ambitions. The students
smashed through cultural, religious,
political, and language barriers to form
deep connections with one another.
++ r
k+
p 
 RR+pp
p +p+q
 p
+ + + +r
+ +l+ +
+L+ +  L
P+ +Q+  P
+ + +  K
After 32. ... Rf8
I had spent quite a while on the obvi
ous Rcc7, because I was having a hard
time dealing with Blacks best move, 32.
... Rf5 33. Bxe6! Gregory pointed out that
this idea still works here, which I didnt
see during the game. I was going to make
a reasonable, but hardly killer move like
Rd4, attacking the bishop and controlling
the fourth rank in anticipation of the ...
h5 h4 advance. (The queen sacrifice was
tempting, but unfortunately not convinc
ing: 33. Qxe4 Rf1+ 34. Kxf1 Qxe4 35.
Rxf7 and there are various moves for
Black here, such as ... Rf8 or ... Qd3+.) 33.
... Qxe6 34. Re7! the point 34. ... Qf6 35.
Rxe4 White retains a significant advan
tage.
33. Bxe6!
I had noticed this refutation of ... Rf8
Although there was no shortage of frank
discussion about the global economy,
military conflicts, the environment, and
the recent U.S. election, the most mean
ingful interactions were acts as simple
as smiling. For a talent show on Friday,
the final night of the camp, the stu
dents found ways of combining their
different talents to sing, dance, and
perform incredible feats of skill together,
such as catching marshmallows
hurtling through the air at high speeds
in their mouths. Emotions ran high as
the camp came to a close. Having to say
goodbye to all the kids that I had known
for only a week, but felt so close to,
was incredibly tough! remarked Court
ney Jamison.
It is the hope of the German Chess
Youth, which generously covered all the
participants expenses once they arrived
in Dresden, that future hosts of the
Olympiad will also sponsor such a
camp. Were hoping this could bring
about world peace and all that kind of
stuff, said Eike Schwede, one of the
camps organizers. Perhaps it will.
~Jonathan Hilton
uschess.org
a while back.
33. ... Qxe6
White nets a queen for a rook after 33.
... fxe6 34. Rxg7+ Qxg7 35. Rxg7+ Kxg7
36. Qxh5.
34. Qxh5 Qxa2
Here there were two possibilities to
defend against the mate threat; Bf2 and
Qh3. At first I had planned Bf2, but when
I saw Qh3, it looked more natural to me.
35. Qh3 Bd5 36. Qf1 Qd2
++ 
rk+
p 
 RR+pp
p + + 
 p
+ +l+ +
+ + + +
+ + +  L
+ q +  P
+ + +Q K
After 36. ... Qd2
37. h4!
I was really pleased to have found this
move with around a minute on the clock.
It gives some much needed air to the
white king.
37. ... Re8
The final mistake. Something like 37.
... a5 needed to be played. Whites up a
rook, but Black still has a bunch of pawns
... White should be able to make his mate
rial advantage tell eventually, though.
38. Rxf7!
I made this move with three seconds
left! That was pretty dramatic, but I had
seen 38. Rxf7 right away and was just
making sure I wasnt missing anything.
38. ... Qe3+ 39. Kh2
39. Bf2 was even stronger.
39. ... Qd2+ 40. Rf2 Qd4 41. Rxa7
And with two of Blacks pawns gone,
White is essentially up a rook for free
and wrapped up the game with a few
more careful moves.
41. ... Qg4 42. Ra1 Bc4 43. Qd1 Qe4 44. Qf3
Qe6 45. Ra8, Black resigned.
I was happy with my individual result,
but I was even more happy that the team
won. Weve pulled off a number of upsets
in years past, but this one really stands
out to me in the convincing way [two
wins, two draws] we beat such a formida
ble adversary as the Russian team. Id like
to thank our team captain, FST Michael
Khodarkovsky, and our coach, GM Gre
uschess.org
gory Kaidanov, for both their hard work
and great attitude during the event. And
last but not least, Id like to thank my
teammates, each of whom came up with
big wins at critical moments to make our
bronze medal possible.
The womens team bought into the con
cept of unity, continuing to gel as the
tournament progressed, including a truce
between the top two players. Krush and
Zatonskih, still at odds over the contro
versial time scramble finish at the 2008
U.S. Womens Championship, had not
spoken in six months. They played beside
each other round after round, silently
rooting for the result, if not the person.
After a loss to Poland, the team entered
a must win round 10. Krush had sat
down for lunch prior to the round. Zaton
skih came to eat beside her.
I remember thinking how incredible
and ironic it was that we were having
this lunch together, and how it was a
great sign for the team, Krush recalled.
If Anna and I could sit down for lunch,
surely our team was a winning combina
tion. She insisted they did not make
peace, but rather put aside personal
grievances. Zatonskih agreed, but said
that after the lunch they became closer.
I think we were both just influenced
by the teams interest, Krush said. And
for that end, we just pulled together as a
team. It was kind of extraordinary, actu
ally, with our acrimonious past and all.
I think team chemistry is huge if you
want to medal, Goletiani said after the
tournament ended. Little things make a
big difference. For example I met Katerina
for the first time and we became friendly
right away. Before each game we would
secretly pump our fists under the table for
good luck. It was like a secret handshake.
Its silly but it helped.
I liked competing as a team a lot.
When you are having a good tournament
you begin to understand how important
your result is for the team. Winning feels
good twice.
The mens team also clicked. Donald
son called the team cohesive and
mentioned that they ate and went to the
sauna and gym together. Both teams
arrived at the playing hall in unison before
each round.
Zatonskih said that playing as a team
makes her play better. Her performance
rating was the highest of any women on
second board, earning her an individual
gold medal. Goletiani called the Olympiad
one of the best tournaments of my life.
She captured an individual silver.
Goletiani and Zatonskih, both recent
mothers, also had the shared experience
of missing their children. I feel tired,
Zatonskih said after the closing cere
mony. I want to go home. I miss my
daughter.
Goletiani, who was in touch with her
16 month old daughter Sophie three
times per day, was worried what gift she
could get from Dresden. Everyone jokes
that you have to have something to bring
her. Now I have two. After returning
home to New York, she said that her indi
vidual and team medal are actually both
on display at the Westchester Chess Acad
emy, where she works as a chess teacher.
Her students followed her play and e
mailed her throughout the event.
Here she annotates her favorite game
from the event:
Reti Opening (A04)
WIM Ljilja Drljevic (FIDE 2259)
WGM Rusudan Goletiani (FIDE 2359)
38th Olympiad, Dresden, GER (1),
11.13.2008
Notes by Goletiani
This is the first round of the Olympiad
and it turns out to be a wild one. So
much for a nice quiet game and easing
myself back into competitive chess.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d3 d6 4. g3 Nc6 5. Bg2
g6 6. 0-0 Bg7 7. c3 e5
More common is 7. ... Nge7 but this is
a solid line with ... Nge7 and ... f7 f5
coming in the future.
8. Be3 Nge7 9. d4 exd4 10. cxd4 Bg4 11.
dxc5
Black has the option of taking on c5 or
b2. It turns out that the c5 pawn is the
safer choice.
11. ... Bxb2 12. Nbd2 dxc5 13. Bxc5
r+ qk+  r
pp+ 
 np+p
+n+ +p+
+ L + +
+ +P+l+
+ + +N P
Pl 
N PLP
R +Q+R
 K
After 13. Bxc5
I used a lot of time calculating her
Exchange sac. Black can grab the rook
and keep the material but is left with
weak dark squares and very little piece
play.
13. ... Bxa1 14. Qxa1 0 0 15. Nc4 This
was the kind of position I felt was difficult
to go for a win with so I turned down the
Exchange and brought the bishop back
home. (15. Qf6 This seems more logical
but Black can follow up with ... Qd7
Qe6).
Chess Life February 2009 41
 Cover Story
13. ... Bg7 14. h3 Be6 15. Ng5 Qd7 16. Nxe6
Qxe6 17. Rb1 Qxa2 18. e5
18. Rxb7 Rd8 (18. ... 0 0 0? Long
castling wins the Exchange again ...
ahhhh no thanks! 19. Rxe7 Nxe7 20.
Bxe7 Rxd2 21. Qg4+ when my poor king
has no pawn cover) 19. Be3 0 0 (Not 19.
... Bc3, when 20. Qb3 escapes the pin by
force) and White would have the advan
tage in that position.
18. ... Rd8 19. Rxb7 Rxd2
Castling is safer but having already
turned down two Exchanges I couldnt
resist the knight on d2 and now things get
out of hand.
20. Bxe7
Probably better than the game is 20.
Bxc6+ Nxc6 21. Qg4 Qe6 22. Qxe6+ fxe6
23. Rxg7 Rd7 24. Rxd7 Kxd7.
20. ... Nxe7
Too greedy is 20. ... Rxd1 21. Bxc6+
Rd7 22. Bd6.
21. Rb8+ Kd7 22. Qg4+ Nf5
White breaks through on the queenside
after 22. ... Qe6 23. Qa4+.
23. Rb7+ Ke6
(see diagram top of next column)
24. Qb4
24. Be4 is necessary to maintain the
KCF Sponsors U.S. Teams to the tune of $40K
There are many KFCs in Dresden,
but the U.S. team dined thanks to the
KCF Kasparov Chess Foundation. The
non profit is the chief charitable arm of
former World Champion Garry Kas
parov and provided the lions share of
financial support to both the mens and
womens teams.
The KCF began funding American
Olympiad teams in 2004, when the
womens team received training and
had all of their expenses paid (they went
on to win the silver, their first team
medal in history). Beginning in 2006,
both the mens and womens teams were
sponsored. According to FIDE Senior
Trainer Michael Khodarkovsky, who is
president of KCF in addition to being the
womens team captain, KCF contributed
$30,000 plus $10,000 in bonuses for
this event. The U.S. Chess Trust also
contributed additional funds. The KCF
is not involved with the selection of
players, and Khodarkovskys nomina
tion as captain was independent of his
position within KCF. The players chose
him after their selections.
42 Chess Life February 2009
+ + +  r
pR+ +p
 lp
+ +k+p+
+ + Pn+
+ + +Q+
+ + +  PP
q+ r 
PL+
+ + +R K
After 23. ... Ke6
pressure. After 24. Qb4, the game move,
I have time to eliminate the e5 pawn and
relocate the king. 24. ... Bxe5 25. Qg5 Re8
(25. ... Bf6? 26. Bxf5+ gxf5 27. Qh5!; 25.
... f6? 26. Bxf5+ gxf5 27. Qg7) 26. Bxf5+
gxf5 27. Qh6+ f6 28. Qxh7 when Black
has an extra piece and a shaky king.
24. ... Bxe5 25. Qb5 Kf6
Taking on g3 is also good but time
pressure was creeping in so hiding the
king was my first reaction.
26. g4 Nd6 27. g5+ Kf5 28. Qd7+ Kxg5 29.
Qe7+ f6 30. h4+ Kxh4 31. Qg7 h5
I can save the rook but would lose the
king! White is threatening 32. Qh6+ Kg4
33. Bh3+ Kf3 34. Qe3 mate.
32. Rb4+ Kg5 33. Qxh8 a5
I was happy to find this in time pres
sure. The idea is to deflect the rook so I
The funding helps ensure that play
ers are adequately compensated during
their fortnight of chess. Many are chess
teachers, or have other sources of
income, that are necessarily suspended
during the Olympiad. Some teams, even
from medium sized federations like Aus
tralia, had to pay their own way to
compete in Dresden.
All players were very appreciative of
KCFs sponsorship, as well as USCF,
so we believe it does make a difference,
Khodarkovsky said. We are willing to
continue our support for 2010 Olympiad
teams as well.
The funding provided a competitive
advantage according to mens team cap
tain IM John Donaldson. With the
advent of the be on time rule and with
players hotels splayed all over the city,
including some several tram connec
tions away on the other side of the Elbe
River, teams had to curtail preparation
in favor of a prudent departure.
(FIDE Vice President George)
Markopoulos called [the rule] a per
fectly reasonable request but it is not a
can swing the queen to the kingside.
34. Rbb1 Qc4
Even better is 34. ... Rxf2.
35. Qd8?
White has to play Re1xe5 to stop the
mate.
35. ... Qf4, White resigned.
This game set the tone for the rest of my
Olympiad. I remained undefeated
throughout all 11 rounds making it one
of the most memorable tournaments in
my career. Anna Zatonskih said it was a
pleasure playing next to me because all
the games were sharp and exciting.
The only blunder for the American
teams came at the awards ceremony.
Armenia repeated as mens champion
and took the stage adorned in its red, blue
and orange flag. Israels iconic Star of
David banner flew as they received the sil
ver. On the womens podium, Georgia
dusted off its cross laden ensign while the
Ukrainian delegation flew its gleaming
blue and yellow flag. The two American
squads, however, had forgotten to bring
the Stars and Stripes. In Khanty Man
siysk, 2010, they left room for
improvement. .
Many more games and photos can be
found on Chess Life Online at uschess.org,
November archives, including reports by
GM Ian Rogers and FM Mike Klein.
good condition with unequal condi
tions, Donaldson said. If you have to
leave your hotel at one oclock to be
confident to make it at three, that is not
an equal playing field. A noticeable
upgrade from more budget choices, the
U.S. teams stayed at the closest possi
ble accommodation, only about a
30 second walk away. I am extremely
grateful the USCF put us in the Maritim
Hotel.
The KCF no longer provides training
sessions for the players, but it does
conduct invitation only sessions for U.S.
youth taught by Kasparov himself. The
most recent class took place in Decem
ber in New York. Additionally, the KCF
developed a curriculum in use in
schools around the country, founded
and organizes the All Girls National
Championships (the next is April 24 26
in Dallas, Texas), and sponsors the
Greater New York Scholastic Champi
onships. ~M.K.
See kasparovchessfoundation.org for
more information.
uschess.org
 USCF Affairs February
Volunteer of the Month: Joe Lux Almost $400,000 bequested to USCF
Joe Lux has been on the chess scene The USCF is proud to announce that we
since the early 1970s, first with the Jer have received a bequest in the amount of
sey City Chess Club, and then as part $350,000 from the estate of the late Philip
of Bill Goichbergs stable of young tour C. LeCornu of Florida. We only have a few
nament directors (TD). He was one of details about Mr. LeCornu, a life member,
the first people to qualify as a certified at this time, but he was believed to be an
national tournament director (NTD). active and strong player in the 1950s.
He remained active with the TD Certi The gift to the USCF was not targeted
fication Committee throughout the to a specific endeavor. The USCF plans to
years and many of todays NTDs had honor Mr. LeCornus generous act by per
their tests graded by Joe. manently naming the King chess piece
As an active member of the New at the USCF headquarters after him and
Jersey State Chess Federations signifying this with a plaque in his honor.
(NJSCF) board of trustees, he has been We also received a bequest from the
instrumental in organizing non rated Herbert W. Gustafson (from California)
scholastic events in Paterson and estate in the amount of $24,625.77. Pre
The USCF Volunteer of the Month is named Newark. Under Joes leadership, the viously, we had received $23,055.55 for
by a different member of the executive
board each month. This month, Randy NJSCF hopes to expand these activi a total of $47,681.32. This bequest did
Bauer named our honoree. ties into other parts of the state. have a request that a portion of it be
But if your beard isnt gray, you used in support of correspondence chess.
probably know Joe as a past candidate for the USCFs executive board. The expe The office is working on some ideas to
rience was an eye opener for Joe, and at first left Joe enervated, then energized. present to the executive board. We plan
He has been a professional chess coach and teacher since 1994 and now teaches to similarly memorialize Mr. Gustafson.
at five schools in New York City and New Jersey. It is not unusual for Joe to show Chess Life plans an article on these
up at a state scholastic event with a busload (yes, a busload!) of students. two benefactors. If you knew either of
Although he is trying hard to regain his USCF master rating, when you talk to these gentlemen, have information regard
him he is far more likely to talk about the recent successes of his students: This ing them, or have access to any of their
one tied for second, that one gained 40 rating points against adults. The pride games, e mail us at letters@uschess.org.
he feels from their accomplishments is genuine! On behalf of the Federation, I say to
Joe is a frequent poster on the USCF Issues Forum on uschess.org and is never both of these gentlemen, Thank you and
shy about offering an opinion or a solution. And he frequently comes up with your generosity will not be forgotten. To
new ideas to benefit all. the friends and family of Mr. LeCornu
He is currently working on a project for the USCF. In his words: and Mr. Gustafson, we in the chess com
Ken and Kevin Olenwalder and I are contacting scholastic affiliates [telling them] munity like to offer you our condolences
that it is possible to get funding from the Jordan Fundamental Grants Program, for your loss, but rest assured that their
sponsored by Nike and Michael Jordan. The program offers grants of $2,500 for memory will be honored.
teacher programs that encourage students to excel and to be on your best game ~Bill Hall, USCF Executive Director
every day. After school chess programs have received funding before. Ken, Kevin
and I offer our services to help others through the process of designing and sub Cramer Awards
mitting potentially successful grant applications. The Chess Journalist of America
Joe Lux is our Volunteer of the Month. Would that we all shared his enthu awards were announced in the October
siasm and dedication to promoting the royal game! ~Glenn Petersen 2008 Chess Life. The Cramer Best Book
award was still being decided at that
time. Former USCF President Don
Would you like to be profiled in Chess Life? Schultz, head of the Cramer Committee,
In an issue later this year we will profile seven USCF members examining how has announced that the book of the year
the USCF has been important to them and for this we need your help. Would for 2008 is Modern Chess Openings, 15th
you like to be profiled? Do you know someone who should be profiled? If you were edition, by GM Nick de Firmian.
born in the year 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, or 1999 and you are will This book was also the subject of a
ing to be interviewed and have your photograph published in Chess Life, please September 2008 Chess Life cover story
contact us at letters@uschess.org. If you dont have e mail access, please see our written by 2007 U.S. Champion GM
address on p. 2. Alexander Shabalov.

The USCF Mission

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUBJECT

USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extend-
ing 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 (profes-
sional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the
development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the
growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations,
and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers
a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its mem-
bers 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 mem-
bers. 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.

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 43

 Back to Basics

The Roller Coaster

Even after blundering a piece, a true master remains calm, resilient, resourceful
By GM Lev Alburt

and ready for a comeback. This months exciting game contains an unorthodox
opening, a blunder, and a spectacular reversal.
Writes the winner of this months award: positional style? Chesswise, 7. Bc4 is
My name is Victor Baserga and I am rnl+klnr fine of course, only if not followed by 8.
currently unrated. I learned to play chess ppp +ppp 0 0.
at the age of 23 when I got locked up.
Recently, on the advice of a master (Rajan + + + + 7. ... Nc6
Ayyar, aka Raj) I subscribed to Chess q + P +
Life. Im also the proud owner of two r+ +k+nr
chess books, The Big Book of Busts by + + + + ppp +ppp
Watson & Schiller, and Volume C of ECO. + N + +
I hope to add one of yours to my humble +n+ + +
collection. PPPP +PP q + P +
The following game took place at Pleas R LQKLNR
ant Valley State Prison last year. lL+ +l+
After 5. fxe5
+ N +N+
Falkbeer Counter Gambit (C31) Transposing to the Scandinavian
Rajan Ayyar (Master) Defense, e.g., 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3.
PPPP +PP
Victor Baserga (Unrated) Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. dxe5 Bb4 ... except R LQK +R
that Whites hanging pawn came from After 7. ... Nc6
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 the f row instead of the d row.
I dont appreciate being on the black A good example of how ideas from one
side of the Kings Gambit, so I offered opening can help you on a totally different
8. 0-0??

Raj a counter gambit of my own, the Falk opening! Of course, the two positions (with After 8. Bxf7+ Kxf7 9. Ng5+
beer. the d or f pawn on the fourth rank) are
very different; still, Victors 5. ... Bb4 is r+ + +nr
more challenging than 5. ... Qxe5+, which
3. exd5
ppp +kpp
leaves Black behind in developing, or than
rnlqklnr 5. ... Nc6 6. Bb5. +n+ + +
ppp +ppp 6. Nf3 Bg4 q + P N
+ + + + l + +l+
+ +Pp + rn +k+nr + N + +
+ + P + ppp +ppp PPPP +PP
+ + + + + + + + R LQK +R
PPPP +PP q + P + Analysis after 9. Ng5+

White is up a pawn, while non capturing

RNLQKLNR l + +l+
After 3. exd5 + N +N+ eighth moves also have drawbacks and
should favor White. Raj decided not to
check these complex lines and played
PPPP +PP
R LQKL+R safe. And blundered.
3. ... Qxd5
Black usually plays here 3. ... e4, 3. ... After 6. ... Bg4
c6, or 3. ... exf4. 8. ... Qc5+

4. Nc3 Qa5 5. fxe5 7. Bc4? (see diagram top of next column)

This move is uncharacteristic for Raj. I was very excited at this point!
This statement is somewhat ambigu
(see diagram top of next column)
ous. Does Victor mean that 7. Bc4 is bad,
9. d4 Qxc4
5. ... Bb4
or simply too aggressive for Rajs more Im up a bishop for my pawn!

44 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 after 17. ... f6 18. Bh4, 18. ... 0 0 0 is
r+ +k+nr r+ +k+nr both safe and clearly in Blacks favor.
ppp +ppp ppp +ppp 18. Nd6+ Kd7
+n+ + + + +l+ + I strained at a gnat and swallowed a
+ q P + l + P L camel!

lL+ +l+ +q+N+ + 19. Nxf5 Bxf5 20. Rad1+, Black resigned.

+ N +N+ P + +P+ r+ + +nr

PPPP +PP PP+ + P pp+k+ppp
R LQ+RK R +Q+R+K +p+ + +
After 8. ... Qc5+ After 14. Ne4
l + +lL
10. a3 14. ... Qd5 +P+ P +
The move 14. ... h6, questioning his P + + +
r+ +k+nr bishop, would have been better, e.g., 15. P +Q+ P
ppp +ppp Bh4 g5 16. Bg3 Ne7 with the idea 17. ...
Nd5 and my only worry is which side to + +R+R+K
+n+ + + castle on. Final position
+ + P + 15. Qe2
I resigned. All the kings horses and
lqP +l+ all the kings men ...
P N +N+ r+ +k+nr Yes, the resistance is futile. Not only is
ppp +ppp White ahead in material (Q vs. B+N+pawn)
PP+ +PP but hell soon win more: 20. ... Kc7 21. b4
R LQ+RK + +l+ + Bb6 22. c5, or 20. ... Kc8 21. Qe8+.
l +qP L Thank you for your time and patience
After 10. a3
in looking over this game. I think theres
+ +N+ + a lot more in this game that I am miss
P + +P+ ing, and I believe Chess Life readers would
benefit from my blunders.
10. ... Ba5
In retrospect, I should have retreated to
e7 or captured his knight.
PP+Q+ P P.S. Just out of curiosity, what would
Of course, all three moves should win. R + +R+K my approximate rating be, based on the
Id prefer 10. ... Bxc3 11. bxc3 Qxc3, grab above game against a master?
bing a pawn and going for the queens
After 15. Qe2
I think Chess Lifes readers will benefit
trade (after 12. ... Bxf3) after an eventual both from the errors, and from the accom
Bxf3; the solid 11. ... Nge7 is also convinc plishments, of both players. My guess,
the rating would be in the 1500 1900
15. ... Qxe5?
ing. Greed on my part. 15. ... Ne7, 15. ... h6,
or 15. ... f5 all seem better. range; but, of course, being based only
Certainly not 15. ... f5 16. exf6 e.p., on one game, and the notes to it (albeit they
are good ones) this is only a guess. What
11. Bg5 Nxd4!
and if 16. ... gxf6, then 17. Bxf6!
r+ +k+nr
ppp +ppp 16. f4 Qf5 17. c4
do the readers think? .
+ + + + r+ +k+nr
l + P L ppp +ppp Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated
+qn +l+ + +l+ + 1799 or below on your Chess Life
P N +N+ l + +qL label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
you to send your instructive games
PP+ +PP +P+NP + with notes to:
R +Q+RK P + + + Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
After 11. ... Nxd4 PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557 3967
P +Q+ P
Very good! If 12. Qxd4?, then 12. ... R + +R+K Or e mail your material to
Bb6. After 17. c4 backtobasics@uschess.org
GM Alburt will select the most
instructive game and Chess Life
12. Kh1 Nxf3
Better 12. ... h6 13. Bf4 0 0 0! with will award an autographed copy of
17. ... c6??
pressure, and no counter attack for White; The price of not protecting the king is Levs newest book, Chess Training
if 13. Bh4, then 13. ... g5 followed by 14. soon evident! 17. ... f6 18. Bh4 a6 19. Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
... 0 0 0 and White is still in trouble. Rad1 Ne7 and 20. ... 0 0 and all White can Lawrence) to the person submitting
hope for is a stalemate. If 20. c5, Bd5!. the most instructive game and anno
I like 17. ... f6. By stalemate I guess tations.
13. gxf3 Be6 14. Ne4

(see diagram top of next column) Victor means draw or equality. And

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 45

Endgame Lab

White to Play and Twin!

One of the satisfying aspects of a composed twin is that significantly different

By GM Pal Benko

themes can be examined with only small changes on the board.

Twins are rare in artistic endgames.
The main reason is that the composer
must discover and combine ideas with
only one change in the original starting
Pal Benko - after Kling & Horwitz I. 1. Kf8 Kg5 2. Kf7! h4 3. Ke6 Kg4 4. Ke5
h3 5. Ke4 Kg3 6. Ke3 Kg2 7. Ke2! h2 8.
+ + + +
White has preserved the e7 pawn; oth
Rg8+ Kh3

position. This task has become easier + + + + erwise there is the 8. ... Kh1 stalemate
due to computers. + + + + defense.
Acceptable changes include moving a
piece from one square to another, remov + + K +
Rg7 Kh2 13. Rxe7 wins.
9. Kf2 h1=N+ 10. Kf3 Kh2 11. Rg2+ Kh3 12.
ing it, or replacing it entirely with another + + + R
piece. Most gratifying is when a small II. Move the rook to h7.
change yields a big effect. It is both sur + + p +
prising and amusing when distinct ideas + + + +
are hiding in two practically identical
1. Rg7+! Kf5 2. Kh7! h4 3. Kh6 h3 4. Kh5 Kf4

positions. This month we will briefly

5. Kh4 h2 6. Rf7+ Ke3 7. Rf1 e5 8. Kg3 e4 9.
+ k r +
review some technical aspects of the twin. wins.
Kxh2 Kd2 10. Kg2 e3 11. Kf3 e2 12. Rf2
White to play and draw
Here is an old but practical example:
I. 1. Ke4!
Pioneer Winning for Black is 1. Kd4? Kd2 2. Stalemates!
Kling & Horwitz,1851 Rh3 Ra1. Twins are a good form for the expres
sion of different ideas. It is even better
1. ... Kd2 2. Rh3 Re2 3. Kd4! Re1 4. Ke4! e2 5. when a motif is connected thematically.
+ + + + Rd3+ Kc2 6. Re3!, Draw. Below, I use a great composers work as
+ + + + II. All pieces one file left. Then White to an example of this.
play and draw.
+ + + + L. Kubbel 1916
+ + + + Solution for II: 1. Kc4! Kc2 2. Rg3 and
we have seen the rest already. + +r+ +
Now there is only a single change, and
+K+ + R
only one drawing motif.
+ +p+ + Kp+ + +
+ + P +
Next I give a twin of my own with sim
+k+ + +
ilar material but with more ideas.
+ +r+ + +k+ P +
White to play and draw + + + +
Race
I. 1. Rh3 d2 2. Rc3+ Kb2 3. Rb3+ Ka2 4. P. Benko 1986
+ + + +
Kc3, Draw. + + + +
++KR +
II. All men one file to right. White to play
+ + + +
but Black wins. + + p + I. White to play and draw

+ + +k+
The position shift works, but in the
first diagram the white rook would be
1. f7 Rf8 2. e6 b6 3. Kb7 Kc5 4. e7! Rxf7 5.
+ + + +p
better positioned on g4.
Ka6 Rxe7, Stalemate.
+ + + + This widedly published endgame, a
Solution for II: 1. Rh3 Ra1 2. Rxe3
nice miniature, has a twin possibility:
Ra4+ wins for Black. This example has the + + + +
drawback of a black win a new condi + + + + P. Benko - After L. Kubbel
tion yielding two changes. Therefore I
suggest: + + + + II. Move the e8 rook to h2; White to play
(see top of next column)
I. White to play and win and draw.

46 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 Problem I Problem II
Bill Alexander, California Janos Mikitovics, Hungary, 2008
Benkos Bafflers
Most of the time these studies + + + + + + + +
resemble positions that could actu + + + + + + p +
ally occur over the board. You must
simply reach a theoretically won
Pn + +K+ KR + + +
position for White. Solutions can be
+ + + + + + r +
found on page 71. + + k + + + + +
N + + + + + + +
Please e mail submissions for
Benkos Bafflers to: pbenko@
+ + + + P+ + + +
uschess.org
+ + + + k + + +
White to play and win White to play and win
Position with Nb3 (instead of a3) Position with Pb2 (instead of a2)

1. f7 Rf2 2. e6 Kc6 3. f8=Q! Rxf8 4. e7 Rg8 5. P. Benko - 1st prize Sakkelet 1985 P. Benko, Sakkelet 1998 first prize
e8=Q+! Rxe8, Stalemate.
The added chameleon echo at least +L+ + + + lrk +
doubles the value of Kubbels endgame. + + + + + + + N
Here is another twin idea with a central P+ + + + + + + +
stalemate motif. + +p+ + + + + +
P. Benko 1996 p+ + + + + L + K
+k+ + + + + + r
k
+ + + + +K+l+ + + + P
+ +p+ p + + + + + + + +
+p+ + + I. White to play and win I. White to play and draw
+ + +P+
+P+K+ + Multi Twins
8. Qg4+ Kc1 9. Qg5+ Kc2 10. Bxe4+ Kc3 11.
Multiple twins are also possible but
Qc5+
+ + + + The try 11. Qe5+ Kd2 12. Qxa1? only usually quality will suffer. I have com
+ + + + draws. posed only one.
+ + + + 11. ... Kb3 12. Bd5+ Kb2 13. Qd4+ Kb1 14. 1. Ne6+ R3g7 2. Kh5 Kh7 3. Bxg7 Bxg7 4.
I. White to play and draw
Ke1! wins.
Be4+ Ka2 15. Qa4+ Kb2 16. Qb4+ Kc1 17. Ng5+ Kh8 5. Nf7+ Kh7 6. Ng5+ Kh8 7. Nf7+
Draw by perpetual check.

II. Move the h4 king to e4. White to play

1. Kf4! Kc7 2. Ke5! Kc8!?
+L+ + +
The try 2. ... Kd8 3. Kd6 Ke8 4. c5 Kd8
and draw.
5. f6 gxf6 leads to stalemate. + + + +
3. Kf4 Kd8 4. Kg5 Ke7 5. Kg6 Kf8 6. c5 Kg8 P+ + + + 1. Nh5+ R3g7 2. Kf5 Kh7 3. Nf6+ Kh6 4.

Rxe3 8. hxg5+ Draw, material being level.

Be3+ Rg5+ 5. Ke4! Rg7 6. h4 Re7+ 7. Kd4!
7. Kh5! Kf7 8. Kg5 Ke7 9. Kg6 Kf8 10. Kh5, + +p+ +
III. Move h4 king to d5. White to play
Draw.
p+ + + +
II. All pieces one file to right
+ + + + and draw.
1. Kg4! Kd7 2. Kf5! Kd8 3. Ke6! Ke8 4. d5 Kf8
+ +K+l+
Be7 5. Ne6, Positional draw.
1. Ne6+ R3g7 2. Ng5! Ba3 3. Ne6 Bf8 4. Ng5
5. Kd7 Kf7 6. Kc6 e5 7. Kxd6 e4 8. Kc6! e3 9.
+ k + +
IV. Move d4 bishop to f6. White to play
d6 e2 10. d7 e1=Q 11. d8=Q, Draw.
The stalemate possibility was seen II. White to play and win
and draw.
before, but in my composition the stale
mate is a mere sideline.
Nf6+ Bxf6, Stalemate.
1. Kf2 Bh1 2. Kg1 Bf3 3. Bg4! Be4 4. Bf5! Bf3 1. Nh5+ R3g7 2. Kh3 Kh7 3. Bxg7 Bxg7 4.

Mixtures
An old motif, twinned, may be consid
ered original. A better presentation
naturally raises its value.
(see diagram top of next column)
1. Kf2 Be4 2. Bb7 a3 3. a7 a2 4. a8=Q Kb2 5.
Qb8! a1=Q 6. Bxd5+ Kc1 7. Qf4+ Kd1
5. Kf2 Bh1 6. Be4! Bxe4 7. Ke3 Bg2 8. Kd4
All possible draw outcomes are demon
wins.
This idea is also known from P. strated in the oxymoronic quad twin.
Heuacker 1930. But in mine there are Two more twins can be found in the
three bishop sacrifices. The only aes
thetic shortcoming is the solutions length
Benkos Bafflers section. .
See all of your USCF membership options
compared to the first twin.
on page 5, then visit uschess.org and click
on join.
(See diagram top of next column)

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 47

 2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY
World Chess Live sponsors $20,000 at the 2008 Grand Prix!

Welcome,
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family-
friendly service with special benefits for USCF members.
WCL is pleased to sponsor USCFs 2008 Grand Prix (GP)
and 2008 Junior Grand Prix. Were providing prize funds
of $20,000 and $7,500 (in cash, merchandise, and mem-
berships), and will also be running online grand prize
satellite events throughout the year.
This months WCL GP standings reflect a battle between
youth and experience in which both sides came out
ahead. On the experience side, the rankings show Los
Angeles GM Melikset Khachiyan rewarded for his recent
strong performances. The 38-year-old Khachiyan achieved
Members!
Khachiyan started to make some headway in the GP by
finishing in the money at the Los Angeles Open in early
November. But it was winning the 44th Annual American
Open, an 80 GP point tournament, that catapulted
Khachiyan into fame, fortune, andmost importantly
the fifth-place spot in the Grand Prix rankings.
On the youth side, IM Alex Lenderman of Brooklyn Col-
lege in New York is just points away from making GP
history. A single tournament winno matter how few GP
points are up for grabscould allow the young interna-
tional master to pull off a major upset against 2008s
front-runner, GM Sergey Kudrin. Lenderman has been
ing us how small numbers can add up to big ones by play-
ing in as many Grand Prix events as possible. Lenderman
has now scored Grand Prix points in an astonishing 28
tournaments, more tournaments than Kudrin and
Khachiyan combined. As the final scores of the 2008
Grand Prix are tallied, recounted, and tallied again, will
Lenderman find the few extra points he needs to tri-
umph? Or will experience dominate youth in a
photo-finish? Keep track of the latest Grand Prix stand-
ings by going to http://main.uschess.org/datapage/
GP-standings.php, and be sure to visit the Grand Prix
headlines homepage at http://www.worldchesslive.com/

~Jonathan Hilton
an all-time high official rating of 2519, according to the pulling closer to Kudrin since the start of the race, and uscf/GrandPrix08/Standings.html for the latest report-
January 2009 FIDE supplement. at just 19 years old, the aspiring mathematician is show- ing and news from WCL.

2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of December 23 for the 2008 World Chess Live Grand Prix. All Grand Prix updates are unofficial and subject
to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS JUNIOR CATEGORIES

NAME STATE PTS. NAME STATE PTS.
1 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 270.28 Players born between 1985 and 1987 inclusive:
2 IM Alex Lenderman NY 264.51 1 IM Kirill Kuderinov TX 133.86
3 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 244.51 2 IM Joshua Friedel NH 83.00
3 GM Hikaru Nakamura NY 66.71
4 GM Julio Becerra FL 205.93
Players born between 1988 and 1990 inclusive:
1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 264.51
6 GM Alexander Shabalov PA 162.66 2 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 98.50
7 GM Sergey Erenburg NY 150.54 3 Daniel Ludwig FL 45.16
8 GM Jaan Ehlvest NY 150.38 Players born between 1991 and 1992 inclusive:
9 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 147.91 1 FM Daniel Yeager PA 45.66
10 GM Mark Paragua NY 141.63 2 IM Robert Hess NY 36.80
11 GM Alex Yermolinsky SD 136.96 3 FM Warren Harper TX 36.00
12 IM Kirill Kuderinov TX 133.86 Players born between 1993 and 1994 inclusive:
1 IM Ray Robson FL 88.01
2 Mark Heimann PA 43.50
SENIOR CATEGORY 3 Steven Zierk CA 27.08
Players born 1943 and before: Players born 1995 and after:
GM Melikset Khachiyan made a move 1 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 26.25
on the leaders this monthsee page 28 1 FM John Curdo MA 26.00
2 GM Anatoly Lein OH 18.33 2-3 FM Darwin Yang TX 12.00
and read how he captured 22 GP
points by winning the American Open. 3 FM Isay Golyak NY 14.66 2-3 Aquino Inigo CAN 12.00

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$12,000 IN CASH PRIZES! SENIOR CATEGORY $7,500 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 1943 / before 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 4th: $800 2nd: $600 3rd: $300 4th: $200
5th: $700 6th: $600 7th: $500 JUNIOR CATEGORIES 5th: $150 6th: $100 7th: $75
(according to date of birth)
8th : $400 9th: $300 10th: $200 8th : $50 9th: $25
1985-87 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
1988-90 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
$4,000 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! a plaque from the USCF. 1st 10th place winners will receive 2 year
1991-92 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th 20th place
11th: $200 13th: $200 15th: $150 1993-94 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 winners will receive 1 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
PHOTO: CHRIS BIRD

12th: $200 14th: $150 1995/after 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1 year WCL
junior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a $20 WCL store
Top 40 non titled players: 1 year WCL membership worth $50. For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a gift certificate.
(FIDE titled players are always free on WCL) 3 year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd 5th places are
awarded a 2 year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th 10th
places awarded 1 year WCL junior memberships ($25 value).

www.worldchesslive.com Real chess. Real people. Real fun!

 World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2008 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by January 7, 2009 are unofficial and subject to
change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 5,035 players with JGP points. 499
JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes free entry and $1,000 in expense money to the 2009 U.S.
Open as well as a plaque. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.

2008 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings

Name State JGP Pts. Name State JGP Pts.

PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U NJ 250 LARSON, ERIC DANIEL MI 135
HEUNG, CHRISTOPHER FL 220 SCHNEIDER, THOMAS GEORGE WI 135
KUTIKOFF, ADAM FL 185 DANG, MICHAEL MI 130
DEJONG, ANDREW NC 185 AGARWAL, ROHAN CA-N 125
GIANNATOS, PETER NC 180 POLSKY, RYAN CA-S 125
PINKERTON, JAMES CARL MD 180 HELLWIG, LUKE AL 125
HUTTON, JACK NY 175 CLAYTON, RYAN DANIEL OH 120
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MD 170 SHEN, ARTHUR NJ 120
SINGH, REVA SHREE NY 160 GUREVICH, DANIEL GA 120
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM UT 160 LI, BRIAN S VA 120
BODEK, MICHAEL H NY 160 GRAIF, WILLIAM NY 120
ROSENTHAL, NICHOLAS FL 155 FISHER, WILLIAM PA 115
ZHAO, SHICHENG VA 150 DELLOMARGIO, ANGELO PA 110
HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE ID 145 COGHLAN, TOMMY J NJ 110
CHEN, JEREMY NJ 145 CACHAY, JOHN JEFFERSON CA-S 110
PAPALIA, STEVEN A UT 140 BAT-AMGALAN, MARAL CA-N 110
VIRKUD, APURVA MI 140 CHANDRAN, KAPIL CT 110
CHIANG, MICHAEL NY 140 KARAPETYAN, ANNA CA-S 110
KLEINMUNTZ, ROBBIE S IL 135 AMARASINGHE, PRASHANTHA N MI 110
SHEINWALD, NOWELL R NY 135 IYER, VENKAT IA 110

A new family-friendly online

chess service from the Internet
Chess Club, is pleased to
welcome our friends from
the U.S. Chess Federation.

To celebrate its launch, this year WCL will be:

Sponsoring the USCFs 2008 Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix
Running weekly and monthly Online Grand Prix tournaments
Giving every USCF member a free six-month subscription to WCL
And more...

For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 49

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2009 Tournament of College
Tournament memberships not valid for National events
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available
USCFs 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
USCF List. Players need not be from the same school. Teams can be formed
on-site. ***FCA members in Open are eligible for FL GP Points. *** Win-
ning Open team competes in national playoff online. EF: per player:
OPEN $30 by 2/6, $40 later. SCHOLASTIC $20 by 2/6, $25 later. SPECIAL EF:
5-player team $140 by 2/6, $180 later. PRIZES: OPEN 1st,2nd teams: plaque
and four Excalibur specials, 3rd: plaques; SCHOLASTIC 1st, 2nd teams:
plaques and four Excalibur specials, 3rdTrophy Board Prizes: each section:
Brds1-4, Excalibur specials; Class Prizes: OPEN: U2000, U1800, U1600,
U1400; Scholastic: U1000, U800Trophies. Other awardsTBD. Schedule: OPEN
3-day: rds 8, 1-7, 9-3, 2-day: rds 10-1-7, 9-3; SCHOLASTIC (Sat & Sun): 10-
1-4, 9-12, Awards 2:30. HR: $85 (Interior) 407-859-2711; $69 (exterior)
407-367-4225; (mention Chess) Reserve by Jan 30, ALL HOTELS FILL UP
USATS WEEKEND! ENT: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 or online

to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events.
usats2009.eventbrite.com. See www.centralflchess.org for details or call

Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF rated, and the USCF is concerned that the
(407)629-6946. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 USAT Playoff is scheduled

reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The
for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.

availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF rated, pro
Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, Wisconsin

moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause
2009 U.S. Amateur Team Championship North

more USCF rated tournaments to be held.

Two sections: Open and Scholastic (Saturday only) 5SS, 30/90, SD/60

More details on uschess.org.

(rounds 1-2 for 2-day schedule G/60; scholastic section G/60 all four rounds).
Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186.
Chess Rate of $85.99 is valid until Feb. 1st. Reserve early (262) 574-0888.

Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each
OPEN: Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate (individuals can enter

monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month,
and be assigned teammates). Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual

unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also
Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $140 ($141 if 2-day schedule) postmarked

frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of

by 2/5/09; $180 after or at door. Prizes: 4 clocks to top two teams, 4 clocks

your progress; however, most tourna- ments do not use them for pairing or prize pur-
to top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Prizes to best team

poses. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at
their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.
composed of juniors (high school and younger). Special prizes to top score on
each board. Best game prize. Schedule: 3-day: Late Registration: 6-7pm on
02/13. Rounds: 7:30pm; 10:00am-4:00pm; 10:00am-4:00pm. 2-day: Late Reg-
istration: 9-10:30am on 02/14. Rounds: 11:00am-1:30pm-4:00pm;

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 51

 Tournament Life

10:00am-4:00pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tournament with
$$ prizes. SCHOLASTIC: Open to 4 player team with one optional alternate (all
players must be High School age or younger; individuals can enter and be
assigned teammates). Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual Rating
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
scholastic) each plaque top team; Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6- and school location. Email: info@dallaschess.com, 214-632-9000. Side
0 scores each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross events: Blitz tournament G/5 Friday April 24 3 pm, EF: $15 by 3-25, $25 on
pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best Chess related name, Sunday site. Simultaneous exhibition by Anna Zatonskih Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. Bug-
night Best Chess Related costumes or gimmick1960s themegour- house Tournament Fri April 24 5 pm. EF: $25/team. NS, NC, W.

list) must be under 1200. EF: $120 postmarked by 2/5/09; $150 after or at door.
Prizes: Prizes to top team overall, top three High SchoolTeams, top three Mid-
dle SchoolTeams, top three Elementary SchoolTeams. Special prizes to top score
on each board. Schedule: Late Registration: 8:30-9:30am on 02/14. Rounds:
10:15am-1:00pm-3:30pm-6pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tour-
nament with $$ prizes. Information/Help with Teams: ashish@vajachess.com,
414-234-1005 or abetaneli@wichessacademy.com. Make Checks Payable to
and Send Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr, Glendale, WI 53209.
Please include captains email and phone number. Online Registration:
www.wscachess.org. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 USAT Playoff is
scheduled for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 14-16, California Southern
26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills,
CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four high-
est must be U/2200, diff. between bds. 3 & 4 may not exceed 1000. Dec. list
used. EF: $118 per team if received by 2-13, $30 individual (on line only), $136
at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-13, $100 site. EF: $118 per team if received by
2-15, $30 individual (on line only), $136 at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-15, $100
site. Trophies and 4 clocks to top 3 teams, U2100, U2000, U1800, U1600,
U1400/unr. Trophies (1 large, 4 small) to top college, industrial, junior (under
18), Senior (over 55), U1200. Clocks to best score each board, alternate, and
any 6-0. Gift certificate prizes for best team names (1st/2nd). Reg.: 8:30-10
a.m. 2-14. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. On-line entry, help in forming teams,
advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for
Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent:
SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS,
NC, W. F. WCL JGP. 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Playoff will be held March
21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 14-16, New Jersey
World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East
39th Annual Celebrate the 60s!
6SS, 40/2, SD/1. Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany, N.J. 07054. Chess
Rate valid until 1/16. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1- 800-HILTONS. Mor-
ris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4- player teams with one
optional alternate.Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual Rating list)
must be under 2200, no more than 1000 points between 3rd & 4th board if team
average over 2000. EF: $140 postmarked by 2/5/09. $180 after or at door.
all teams, any changes at site $25 charge. Check out official website
www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4 digital clocks;TopTeam
(Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400,
1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Digital Clocks; Top college team (same
school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque; Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school),
Top Middle School (grades 5-9 same school), Top Elementary School (grades
K-6 same school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) (Collins
Award), Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all play-
ers over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team;
CompanyTeam (same employer) Old Timers Trophy (all players over 65), Fam-
ily (4 family members), State teamsCT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY, (Benjamin
Award), PA, VA, NC, Canada, Ethel Collins Perseverance (lowest scoring
USCF Membership Rates
met dinner for four. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/14. Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special
Events!! Surprises and special give-aways each round. Sunday night
Bughouse $20 per team-cash prizes, Sunday Morning 960 Tournament
8AM-Two Person team event $20 per teamprizes per entries. HR: Parsip-
pany Hilton, chess rates expire 1/16/2009. Rates $117 (up to 4 in room) 2nd
hotel now attached to Hilton also up to 4 in room $112 per night-Hampton Inn
-includes breakfast for 4 each day. For help forming teams and more information
contact esdoyle@aol.com: Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/01 to: E.Steven
Doyle, 17 Stonehenge Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name,
Captain, players full names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board
order). Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, No registered or certified mail
accepted. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP. 2009 USAT Playoff will be held March 21,
2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Indiana
2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress
6SS, Rds. 1-4 G/60, Rds. 5-6 G/90. East Side Middle School 2300 Lindberg Rd.
Anderson, Indiana 46012. 6 Sections based on age! 18 & Under, 16 & Under,
14 & Under, 12 & Under, 10 & Under, 8 & Under. CLUBETEAMS are welcome!
Club and school teams are the top 3 scoring team members (minimum 2).
Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat. 2/28 at 8:30 am, Rds 1-4 at 9am, 11:30am,
2pm, 4:30pm. Sun 3/1 Rds. at 9am, 12:30pm. Awards at 4pm. Entry Fee: $40
by 2/16/09, $55 by 2/23/09, $75 after and onsite. Register: Make checks
payable to East Side Middle School Chess Club and mail to: c/o 2009 Chess Con-
gress, East Side Middle School, 2300 Lindberg Rd., Anderson, IN. 46012. Email
entries to Register@2009ChessCongress.com. EMAIL ENTRIES are NOT con-
firmed until receipt of entry fees. Entries will be posted at www.2009Chess
Congress.com as they are received. Onsite entries will be accepted from
6:30am to 8:00am on Sat. morning. Any player not registered by 8am will receive
a half-point bye for round one and begin play in round two. Side event: Bug-
house tournament Sat. evening 2/28 at 7:00 pm. Register for bughouse onsite
ONLY for $10 per player between 10am and 6pm on 2/28. Bughouse awards
to each team member of at least the top 5 scoring teams in 2 sections, 12th
grade & Under and 6th grade & Under. Awards: More trophies this year! Tro-
phies to at least the top 20 individuals in each section, top 5 teams. Numerous
additional class prizes for each section. See website for details. Hotel: Sev-
eral close to school, Holiday Inn (765) 644-2581, Comfort Inn (765) 649-3000,
Hampton Inn (765) 622-0700. Additional Info: Limited team rooms available,
contact number below for details. Concessions and chess merchandise will be
available onsite. All event details at www.2009ChessCongress.com. Ques-
tions, call (765) 617-3845 after 3pm. WCL JGP.
Apr. 3-5, Tennessee
SuperNationals IV
2009 Elementary, Junior High and High School National Championships in one
great event! 7SS, G/120 (K-1 G/90), Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention
Center, 2802 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. (615) 883-2211 HR: $139 sin-
gle-quad. All under one roof! $50,000 in Cash Scholarships!! 20 Sections
(Select only one): High School: K-12 Championship; K-12 U1600; K-12 U1200;
K-12 U800; K-12 Unrated. Junior High: K-9 Championship; K-8 Championship;
K-9 U1250; K-8 U1000; K-8 U750; K-9 Unrated. Elementary: K-6 Champi-
onship; K-5 Championship; K-6 U1000; K-5 U900; K-3 Championship; K-3 U800;
K-1 Championship; K-6 Unrated; K-3 Unrated. EF: $40 postmarked, faxed or
online by 3/5, $60 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $75 after 3/19, $80
on site. DO NOT mail entries after March 19 they may not be received in time.
$5 extra for all phoned registrations. $20 change fee for roster or section
changes after March 19. USCF membership is required (may be paid with entry).
AWARDS: Trophies awarded in accordance with Scholastic Regulations and
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. (Scholas-
tic) 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, 1700-
1799, 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 dont win the clock. SPECIAL PRIZES:Top 2 Family Pairs
in the non-scholastic sections. Biggest Upset of each round in the non-Scholas-
tic 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: kpennock_83@
yahoo.com, web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
June 4, Nevada
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 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600,
U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated
150. EF: $79 by 5/19, $89 by 6/3, $100 on site. Late Registration 4-6:30 p.m.
Rds: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks.
1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4), must be requested with entry.
HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or
(702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925,
Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada
2009 National Open
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60). South Point Hotel, Casino and
Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund
based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed). Championship. $$: 8000-
4000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, 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. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-
250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-
250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-2500-
1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$:
5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under
1400. $$: 2500-1500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100-

(U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)

Premium (P) and Regular (R)
Type
Adult P
Adult P (online purch)
Adult R
Adult R (online purch)
Senior (65+)
Young Adult P (U25)*
Youth P (U16)*
Scholastic P (U13)*
Young Adult R (U25)*
Youth R (U16)*
Scholastic R (U13)*
Premium membership provides a printed
based on number of participants.Team score = total of top four (min. two) fin- 100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150-100-100-100-100-100-100-
ishers from each section. March 2009 rating supplement will be used. 100-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any other prizes,
BYES: One 1/2 pt. bye available in rounds 1-6 if requested prior to 10am, Fri every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50 gift certifi-
(4/3). On site entries after 10am, Fri 4/3 will receive a 1/2-point bye for cate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only. EF: $159 by 1/19, $179
1 yr 2yr 3yr the first round. SCHEDULE: Rounds 1-2: Friday (4/3) 1:00pm & 7:00pm, by 5/19, $199 by 6/3, $220 on site. $41 less for unrated players, $99 more for
$49 $85 $120 Rounds 3-5: Saturday (4/4) 9:00am, 2:00pm, & 7:00pm, Rounds 6-7 (4/5) players rated under 2100 in the Championship Section. This is an open tour-
9:00am, & 2:00pm. Main Event Awards Ceremonies, Sunday (4/5); K-1 at nament - you may play in any section at or above your rating level; unrated
$42 $78 $113 approximately 5pm, all others approximately 7pm. SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse players may play only in Championship Section. CCA minimum ratings or other
$36 $59 $81 Championships:Thursday, 4/2, 11:00am, Register ON SITE ONLY by 10:00am. ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m.Thurs-
EF: $20 per team/2. Blitz Championship:Thursday, 4/2, 5:00pm. EF $15 post- day, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg: 8-9 a.m.
$29 $52 $74 marked, faxed or online by 3/19, $20 after 3/19 or on site. On site registration Saturday. Rds: 10-12:30-3-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half point byes avail-
$36 $65 $93 ends at 4pm. Please refer to the website: www.SuperNationalsIV.com for able in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the start
updated schedule details, Simuls, lectures, and other activities. Advance of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only, not for
$32 $59 $85 entries must include players name/information and all fees to be accepted. skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS
$27 $49 $70 Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged accord- FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship and the
ing to date received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Girls and Boys. Many free extras
$23 $42 $60 if no team), coachs name, email, birthdate, USCF ID number, USCF expiration and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free lectures by
$24 $43 $61 (enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play GM Susan Polgar and others. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bis-
in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Entries may be faxed to: 931- guier. Susan Polgar International Chess Camp all dayThursday. Grandmaster
$20 $36 $51 787-1238. Mail Entries To: 2009 SuperNationals IV, P. O. Box 3967, Crossville, SimulThursday afternoon. US. Game/10Thursday night. Scholastic Tourna-
$16 $28 $39 TN 38557. Enter online at: www.uschess.org. WCL JGP. ment Friday. LOW room rates! HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and
April 24-26, Texas Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. Dont be shut out;

copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for

Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the chess rates; South

Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of

USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 19th.

regular membership. Regular membership

6SS G/60, Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; Phone: Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May 19th. RESERVE NOW! Credit

provides online only access to Chess Life

(800) 233-1234 or 214-651-1234 Mention All Girls National Chess Tournament card or one night room deposit will be required to hold reservation, may be can-
for special Hotel rate: $109 Reserve By 4/1. 6 sections: 8 years old and celed 72 hours in advance for nominal fee. Tournament Registration: National
and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be
younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line at

mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas

younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger. Age as of www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. W. FIDE. WCL

tic members three times per year. Youth

4/1/2009. USCF rated. USCF membership is required. Winner of 18 years old JGP.

provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic

and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The Univer- July 10-12, Wisconsin
sity ofTexas at Dallas, worth up to $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $45
bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed
2009 U. S. Junior Open Championship
if postmarked by 3/25. $70 at site. Do not mail after 4/16 as your entry may

above monthly Chess Life. See www.us

Three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. 5SS, G/90. Mil-
not be received. Trophies to top 15 ind. & top 3 teams (top three players waukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186. Chess
chess.org for other membership categories.
added for team scores) Sat., April 25: Opening Ceremony: 9 AM, Rounds: 1 Rate of $85.99 is valid until July 1st. Reserve early. (262)-574-0888. U21:

Dues are not refundable and may be

- 4; 9:30-11:30 AM; 12:00-2:00 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; 5:30-7:30 PM. Sun., April $300+entry to 2010 Junior Closed-$150. Individual trophies: 1st overall, best
26: Rounds 5 - 6; 9:00-11:00 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sun., April 26: Awards Cer-
changed without notice.
player for ages 17-18, 15-16, under 15. Team trophies: top three high schools,
emony: 2:30 PM One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end top club. U15: Individual trophies: top 3 overall, best player for ages 11-13, under
*Ages at expiration
of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Entries to: Dallas 11.Team trophies: top three middle schools, top club. U11: Individual trophies:
Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry top 3 overall, best player for ages 9, 8, 7, 6&under. Team trophies: top three
must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), date of birth, grade & school

52 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

 World Amateur
Team
A N D
th
39 Annual
U.S. Amateur Team
East
F EBRU ARY 14 -16, 20 09 PARSIPPANY HILTON PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY

Co me ce le br at e th e 60 s wi th th e mo st Need help in forming

a team? Want to
en th us ia st ic pl ay er s in th e wo rl d! be on a team?
m Name awards, Contact Steve Doyle at
Best Team Costume and Best Tea
ays each round, make esdoyle@aol.com.
along with surprises and give-aw
t want to miss.
this a three day experience you won Your hosts are the USCF
and prizes. and the New Jersey State
See our TLA for complete details Chess Federation.
ur.
Clock awards supplied by Excalib
d to bring
Boards are supplied, but youll nee
nds!
a set and a clockand THREE frie
 Tournament Life
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
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
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@vajachess.
com or 414-234-1005, abetaneli@hotmail.com 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!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, Indiana
110th annual U.S. Open
CELEBRATE USCFS 70TH ANNIVERSARY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS TRADI-
TIONAL 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. Luxuri-
ous 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 propor-
tional, except $40,000 (80% of each prize) minimum guarantee. A one section
tournament with Class prizes. Top 5 US players qualify for 2010 US Cham-
pionship. 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, 8/8 7 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): $2500-1200-
800-500. Top Class B (1600-1799): $2500-1200-800-500. Top Class C
(1400-1599): $2000-1000-600-400. Top Class D (1200-1399): $1500-700-500-
300. 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.
uschess.org/webstore/tournaments.php. Phone entry: 800-903-8723. Tour-
54 Chess Life February 2009
nament website: main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/usopen/. FIDE rated,
no cell phones. Bring a clock - none supplied. Sets/boards supplied for tour-
nament but not for skittles. WCL JGP.
Grand Prix
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Feb. 7-8, New Hampshire
33rd Queen City Open
4SS, 40/2, SD/1. Comfort Inn, exit 4 (Queen City Bridge) off I-293, Manches-
ter, NH. 603-668-2600. HR: $79, mention NH
Chess, reserve early. $$2000 b/65, 75% Gtd. 4 sections: Open: EF: $42 by
2/5, GMs/IMs free. $300-200-100, U2100 $125. U1900: $150-100-75, U1750
$100. No Unr. may win over $75. U1600: $150-100-75, U1450 $100. No Unr. may
win over $75. U1300: $150-100-75, U1000 $100. No Unr. may win over $75. All:
EF: $42 by 2/5. Special EF for jrs U21 in U1300 section only, $26 if by 2/5. Sun-
day Swiss (2/8 only). 3SS, G/60. EF: $25 if by 2/5. $$80-50-30 (b/8). Sun.
Swiss Reg: 9:30-10:30am Sunday, Rds: 11-1:30-4. All EF: $6 more if at site.
Two-day Reg: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds: 10-4:30, 9:30-4.One 1/2 pt. bye OK for
Rds.1-3 if recd with ent. Ent: NH Chess Assoc., Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. #23,
Manchester, NH 03103. Info: 603-668-8368 or halterrie@comcast.net. W.
WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Feb. 14-16, Oklahoma
Stillwater Winter FIDE Open
7 SS, G/90+30. Quality Inn, 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51), Stillwater, OK. 1-405-
372-0800. HR: $70. Free Parking. Reg.: Sat 11-Noon. One section open to all.
RDS.: 1-5; 10-2-6:30; 9-1:15. EF: $50 if postmarked before Feb 9, or $60 at door.
$10 OCF required from all players (includes 4 issues of OCQ). $$4,500G:
$600, $400, $300, $200; $600 each class ($300-200-100) Ex,A,B,C,D & below.
Unr. competes in D & below. 2 half pt byes rds 1-7; Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis,
Stillwater, OK 74074. NC, CMV, LS, W, USCF, FIDE. FKimBerry@AOL.com. WCL
JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Feb. 14-15, Texas
DFW FIDE Open
5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S Cottonwood Dr
#A, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G.: Open: This section is FIDE
rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. EF: $50, Juniors(U19)/Senior/Hcap
$30, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. Registration: 9:45 -10:15 am. Rds. Sat
10:45 - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested before rd
2, withdrawals are not eligible for prizes. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address
above. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com, www.dallaschess.com NS.
NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Feb. 14-15, Virginia
Kingstowne Chess Festival
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 4 Sections. Open (FIDE-rated): 4SS 40/100, SD/1. EF: $40 if received
by 2/11, $50 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $84 if received by 2/11,
$94 at site. Prizes $$1000G: $400-250-125. U2000, U1800, unr. each $75. Rds.:
11-5, 10-4. Amateur (U1800-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $20 if received by 2/11,
$30 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $64 if received by 2/11, $74 at
site. Prizes $$500 b/32: $180-100-70. U1600-U1400-unr. each $50. No unrated
may win more than $140. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Booster (U1600-unr.): 5SS
G/100. EF: $15 if received by 2/11, $25 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time,
USEF $59 if received by 2/11, $69 at site. Prizes $$370 b/32: $150-80-50.
U1400-U1200-Unr. each $30. No unrated may win more than $100. Rds.: 11-
3-7, 11:30-4. Novice (U1400-unr.): 6SS G/75. EF: $10 if received by 2/11, $18
at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $62 if received by 2/11, $70 at site.
Prizes $$285 b/32: $100-70-40. U1200-U1000-Unr. each $25. No unrated
may win more than $80. Rds.: 11-2-5-8, 12:30-4. All: One half-point bye
allowed in Open, two in other sections. Last-round bye must commit by end of
play Saturday and irrevocable. Reg.: 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don
W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. FIDE. W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Feb. 17, New York
St. Johns 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 months SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Feb. 21, New York
New York February Action!
5-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC:
845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 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. 12-1:30-
2:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at
www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/19; $10 extra to enter by phone!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Feb. 21, Virginia
Winter Seasonal Special
3-round Swiss System. Game / 90 with 5 seconds delay. Virginia Heights Bap-
tist Church. Corner of Grandin Rd. and Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke, Va. 24038.
GUARANTEED PRIZES: Top Section: $125-100-75. Additional Sections: If
Octagonals, Each is guaranteed $125 - $100. If Hexagonals, Each is guaran-
teed $100-75. If Quads, Each is guaranteed $100 1st. ENTRY FEE: If received
by Feb. 20, $30.00. At site, $40.00. REGISTRATION: 6-9pm 02/20; 8-9:30am
02/21. ROUNDS: 10-2-6. BYES: Only one per tournament; must request before
uschess.org
 SuperNationals IV

$50,000 in cash scholarships to be awarded!

www.SuperNationalsIV.com
for tournament information and registration.

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

2802 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 883-2211
Chess Rate: $139.00 Single Quad

ENT R IES TO:

US Chess Federation
Attn: SuperNationals
P. O. Box 3967
Crossville, TN 38557

Questions and Team Rooms: Cheryle Bruce cbruce@uschess.org 931-787-1234 ext. 147
On site entries after 10 a.m., Friday 4/3/2009 will receive a 1/2-point bye for the first round.

See TLA this issue (Nationals section) for detailed tournament information.
 Tournament Life
1st round begins. ADVANCE ENTRIES: Roanoke Valley Chess Club, P.O. Box
14143, Roanoke, Va. 24038. PHONE: (540) 344-4446. E-MAIL: info@
roanokechess.com WEB PAGE: roanokechess.com.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
Feb. 22, New York
Binghamton Monthly Tourney
4 Round SS, Time control G/60. Reg. 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM. ENTRY: $30/ $35
at site.Cash only at site. (checks payable to Cordiscos Corner Store). ROUNDS:
9:45-12:30-3:00-5:30. Prizes: 1st $200 - 2nd $100 - 3rd $50. Guaranteed! Lim-
ited to first 24 entries. Please bring clocks. Cordiscos Chess Center 308
Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 772-8782 jcordisco@stny.rr.com.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Feb. 23-Mar. 23, New York
83rd Nassau Grand Prix
5-SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts, Mineola. 2 sections: Open:
EF: $38 by 2/21, $$ (630 b/18, top 2 G) 200-100, U2100/UR, 1900, 1700 each
110. Booster: open to U1500/UR, EF $22 by 2/21. $$ (270 b/15) 100, U1300,
1100/UR each 85. Both: non-memb EF $11 more. EF at site $7 more. 2 byes
1-5. Reg ends 7:15 PM. Rds: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr.,
Sayville, NY 11782. captnhal@optonline.net. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Virginia
41st Annual Virginia Open
5SS, Rd1 G/2, Rds 2-5 40/2 SD/1. Crowne Plaza, Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain
Bridge Rd., McLean 22102. www.cptysonscorner.com. Chess room rates of $79
for Single and Double, reserve before Feb 6. Walk-up chess rate possible, but
not guaranteed, reserve early!! No Outside Food allowed in Tournament Play-
ing Room! See www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm for online link to register for hotel.
$3400 in Two Sections, Open and Amateur (U1900) Top 4 G in Open, rest
based on 140. Open: $600-400-300-250 Top X,A Each $180 Winner also gets
plaque and title 2009 Virginia Open Champ. Amateur: $400-200-150, Top
B,C,D, U1200 Each $160, Top Unrated $100. Amateur winner gets plaque and
2009 Virginia Open Amateur title. ALL: Reg. Friday 2/27 5:30p-7:45p. Rds. 8pm
Friday, Sat 10a-4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: $60 if received by Feb 21, $70 later
and at site. $5 discount to active military personnel. $35 Re/entry allowed From
Rd 1 into Rd 2 only Sat Reg. 9-9:45. One 1/2 point bye allowed with entry,
declared before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. VCF membership required for Vir-
ginia residents ($10 Adults, $5 U19) Ent: Make checks payable to Virginia
For details on
2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS
East, North, South, West
See Nationals Section!
56 Chess Life February 2009
Chess and mail to: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138 Alexandria VA 22306 web-
site: www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm. matkins2@cox.net for questions, NO
INTERNET or PHONE entries only by mail, at site or Arlington Chess Club and
Tidewater Chess Club in Norfolk. NS, NC, W. FIDE (Open). WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York
3rd annual Saratoga Open
6SS, G/65, Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north
on US 9), Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Discounted parking. $$G 1200. In 2 sec-
tions: Open: $$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$
150-90-50, U1600 100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/20, $53 online at chess-
tour.com by 2/25, $55 phoned by 2/25, $65 at site. Reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds
Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:45. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before
rd 2. HR: $114-114, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may
increase. 48 hours notice required for room cancellation. Backup hotel: Court-
yard by Marriott, 2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box
249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chess-
tour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
March official ratings used; unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Washington
17th Dave Collyer Memorial
5SS, g/120, St. Annes Childrens Center Conference Room, W. 25 Fifth Avenue,
Spokane, WA 99201. Sleep-in Option: Players may play round 1 beginning at
noon with a g/60 t/c. EF: $27 if received by 2/27; $33 at door Under 19 $5 less.
$$1600GTD: $325-200-125. Ex $100; A; B; C; D/E/Unr: $100-75; Biggest
Upsets: $100-50 (non-provisional ratings only). One prize per player except for
biggest upset. Reg.: Feb. 28 8:30-9:30 am (sleep-in option must register by
11:40). Rds.: 2/28: 10(or 12) 2:30 7:00; 3/01: 9:00; 1:30. one 1/2 point
bye available. Players meeting at 9:45 Feb. 28. ENT: Spokane CC c/o Kevin
Korsmo 9923 N. Moore, Spokane, WA 99208-9339. INFO: www.spokanechess
club.org, kmkorsmo@comcast.net. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Mar. 1, New York
Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
(NOTE: Mar. 1 Marshall CC Sunday Action now moved to Mar. 15.)
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, lim-
ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $35 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-
5:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings
used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250
2700+.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 6, Pennsylvania
2009 PA Quick Chess Champ. (QC)
6SS, G/10, T/D3. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg
Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turn-
pike. 3 sections, EF recd by 2/17: Open: $12. U1500: $10. U1100: $8. $$ (730G):
Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. U1500: 125-75-50, U1200 $40, Unr
$30. U1100: Trophies: 1-5, U800, U600, 1-2 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/17, PSCF
$5 OSA. Reg: 6-6:30pm. Rd 1: 7pm. Feb 2009 Regular ratings used. Bye: limit
1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention PA States for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent:
PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: mar-
tinak_tom_m@hotmail.com 412-908-0286 W.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, California Northern
Western Chess Congress
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75; U1100 & U900 sections are 6SS,
3/7-8 only, G/65). Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord CA
94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART
station. Free parking. In 8 sections. $$G 20,000. Premier, open to all over 1950
and juniors under 18 over 1800: $1600-900-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner
$100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1900:
$1400-700-400-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1500: $1200-600-
300-200. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1100: $600-300-200-100.
Under 900: $600-300-200-100. Unrated must play in U1900 or below with max-
imum prize U1900 $600, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 $300, U1100 $200,
U900 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day
$119, 3-day $119, 2-day $118 mailed by 2/26, all $120 online at chesstour.com
by 3/3, $125 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $140
at site. U1100, U900 Sections EF: $57 mailed by 2/26, $60 online at chess-
tour.com by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $65 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3,
$70 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4
or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with
Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30; mailed, phoned or
paid at site $40. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed EF $7 less to rated
CalChess members. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7:30, Sat 11-
6, Sun 9-3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9:30-4.
U1100 & U900 schedule: Reg. Sat to 11:30 am, rds. Sat. 12-3-6, Sun. 9-12:30-
3:30. All schedules: Byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 3 and have
under 2 pts. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 2/20 or rate may
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chess-
tour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776,
Arcadia CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted
at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Massachusetts
18th annual Eastern Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366
Main St, Sturbridge MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 20,000
based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half), minimum $12,000 (60% of
each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300,
clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert
(2000-2199): $1400-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-300.
Class B: $1400-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-400-300. Class
D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $1000-500-300-200.
uschess.org
Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter A through E, with
prize limits: E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $600. Balance goes to next
player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 2/26, all $105 online
at chesstour.com by 3/3, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no
questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. All: FREE TO
UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used
if otherwise unrated. 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
$60; not available in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MACA
memb. ($12, under 18 $6) required for MA residents; WMCA accepted for west-
ern MA res. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun
9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15.
Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. HR: $84-84, 800-
582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/15 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 chess-
tour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 7-8, New York
New York Marshall CC March GP!
4SS, 30/90, SD/1; Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45, Mem-
bers $25. $$625 Gtd: 250 -100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg.
ends 15 min. before game. Rds : 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each
day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3.
Limit 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players.
WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 7 & 8, Pennsylvania
2009 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship
5SS, G/90, T/D5. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg
Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turn-
pike. 2 sections: Open & U1500. $$ (1260G): Open: 180-120, U2200 $110,
U2000 $100, U1800 $90, U1600 $80. U1500: 150-100, U1400 $90, U1200 $85,
U1000 $80, Unr $75. All: College Tr: 1-2 in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over
both sections). EF: $29 recd by 2/17, $39 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg: 8:45-9:30
am. Rds 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention PA States for
best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pitts-
burgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com 412-908-0286 W.
Feb. 2009 ratings used. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Mar. 13-15, California Southern
7th Annual Western Pacific Open
5-SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds. 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W.
Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$6000 b/160, 50% of each prize guar-
anteed. In 2 sections: Open, $$1200-700-400-200-100, U2200 $400-250.
Amateur (U2000/Unr), $$500-300-150, U1800 400-200-100, U1600 400-200-
100, U1400 200, U1200 100, Unr. 100. Unr. may win Unrated prize only. Reg.:
5:30-6:30 p.m. Fri., 9-10 a.m. Sat. Rds.: 3-day 7 p.m., 10:30-5, 10-4:30. 2-day:
uschess.org
10:30-1 (G/60), then merges. EF: $69 if received by 3-13, $79 at site. All: $25
Best Game prize, all sections eligible. One halfpoint bye if requested with
entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. of S. Cal. res., $18 reg,
$10 jr. HR: $109, (310) 410-4000. Ask for 7th Annual Western Pacific Open.
Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Ange-
les, CA 90038, on line at www.westernchess.com. Inf: admin@western
chess.com. NS, W, F. State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, Missouri
13th Annual Mid-America Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70), Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis-
Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B,
1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries
count half, U900 Section one quarter), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize)
guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on
tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100/Unr $700. FIDE.
Under 2000: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1800: $1500-700-400-300. Under
1600: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200:
$1200-600-300-200. Under 900: $100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Unrated may
enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $50, U1200 $150, U1400 $300,
U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $700. Balance goes to next player(s) in line.
EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/5, all $105 online at chesstour.com by
3/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10 (entry only, no questions), $120
at site. Under 900/Unr Section EF: 3-day $23, 2-day $22 if mailed by 3/5, $25
online at chesstour.com by 3/10, $27 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10, $30 at
site. FREETO UNRATED IN U900 OR U1200 SECTIONS. All: Unofficial uschess.org
ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chess-
tour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available
in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MCA memb. ($5; higher with
printed magazine) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri
6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10
am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, hav-
ing under 2 pts. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate,
reserve by 2/27 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.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Mar. 14-15, Maryland
UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament
5SS, 20/1, SD/1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hill-
top Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in Commons Bldg, 3rd floor). Held concurrently
with separate Sweet 16 Invitational, which determines MD Scholastic Cham-
pion who wins 4-year tuition scholarship to UMBC (worth over $35,000).
Spectators free & welcome. Open: (All) $$650: $350-200-100; $$400 (b/40):
Top U2250, U2150, U2050, U1950 $100 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from
any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$765 b/40: $250-175-100, Top U1600,
U1400, U1200 (b/4) $80 ea. No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this sect.
All EF: $40 if postmarked by 2/27, $50 late, $10 less if under 20. Reg: 8:30-
9:30am Sat., Rds: 10am-3-7:30pm, 10:30am-3:30. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point
byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if reqd at least 1 hr. before Rd (before Rd 2 for any Rd.
4-5 bye), but only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds 4-5. Hotel: La Quinta Inn
and Suites, 1734 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask
for UMBC chess rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards
BWI Airport.Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bear-
ing right onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95
& follow signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC,
Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD
21250, Attn: Open. ChessClub@umbc.edu, 410-455-8499, www.umbc.edu/
chess. W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Mar. 17, New York
St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Mar. 19, New York
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. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may be lim-
ited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000
$95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings
may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 7-
8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
A State Championship Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 21-22, Alabama
2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship
5-SS, G/90 SD 30, Quality Inn & Suites, 2705 E South Blvd., Montgomery, Al
36116. EF: $39 by 03/14, $49 at site. ACF memb req ($10) OSA. ALL PRIZES
100% GUARANTEED! (see full flier at www.teachmechess.com for info
on Beach Vacation prize option; cash alternative available to beach vaca-
tion) Four Sections: Open G$$: $250 or Beach Vacation, $120. Class A/B G$$:
$200 or Beach Vacation, $100. Class C/D G$$: $170 or Beach Vacation, $90.
Class U1200/Unr G$$: $150, $80. Byes 1-4; commit before round 1. Reg.: 8-
9. Rds.: Sat 9:30, 2, 7, Sun 9, 1:30. Info: www.teachmechess.com. Questions:
pawnsaretasty@teachmechess.com. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York
New York March Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5th-6th
Chess Life February 2009 57
 Tournament Life
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. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr. prize
limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc
thru 3/19. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds 1-2 G/30),
10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit by rd 2. Reg.
ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr. must enter
Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, Connecticut
UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand Prix
UCONN Castleman Bldg., Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. 4-
SS, G/90. EF: $35, FREE to all students. $$ 200-100 both gtd., Top U-2200, Top
U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 $100 each b/30. Trophy to top student. Prizes
increased as entries allow. Reg.: 7 -7:30 PM, Rounds at 7:30 PM. Parking is
across the street behind the Bronwell building. Advance Entry & Info: Tom
Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. Make checks payable
to: Tom Hartmayer. 860-989-5394, tomhart3@charter.net, www.uconn
chess.uconn.edu. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, Ohio
47th Cincinnati Open
Four sections: Open, Under 2000, Under 1600, Under 1200. Holiday Inn,
4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. 5 Round Swiss System, USCF and
FIDE (Open) rated.Time Control: 40/2 SD/60, (2 day option rds 1-2 G/70). Prizes
$5,000 (Guaranteed): Open: $800-400-300, Under 2200: $300-150, U2000:
$500-250-150, U1800 $300-150, U1600: $400-200-150, U1400 $250-150,
U1200: $300-150-100 U1000 Trophies to top 5.(no unrated may win over $100
in U1200, $200 in U1600 or $300 in U2000. EF: $68, if mailed by 3/23 $80 at
site. Under 1000 and unrated, $28 if mailed by 3/23, $40 at site. Free to
GM/IM who complete schedule, $80 deducted from prize. Registration: Fri-
day March 27th ends 6:30pm. Saturday March 28th ends 10:30am. Rounds:
3 day option: Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. 2
day option: Saturday 11am, 2:30pm, 6pm, Sunday 9:30am, 3:30pm. Byes: Max-
imum two 1/2 point byes, must commit before round 3. Hotel: $79 Holiday Inn,
4501 Eastgate Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. Call 513-752-4400 (mention
chess). Advance Entry & Questions: Central Ohio Chess c/o Grant Perks, PO
Box 9830, Bexley, Ohio 43209, GPerks2@aol.com, (614) 774-2532. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Mar. 28-29, California Southern
Kern County Open Championship
5-SS, 25/75, SD/30 (Rounds 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (Rounds 4-5). Clarion Hotel
3540 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 326-1111. $1700 prize fund
b/o 40, 80% GUARANTEED: $500 (Gtd!) 300-200 top U2000 $250, U1800 $200,
U1600/Unr $150-$100. EF: $45 by 3/25, $55 after; $6 discount for BCC mem-
bers and SCCF members. GMs & IMs FREE ($45 from prize). Special K-8
Tournament: March 28 5-SS G/30, Rounds 10-11:30-1pm-2:30-4 EF: $20 by
58 Chess Life February 2009
3/25, $30 after; prizes 1st3rd place Overall & 1st 3rd place trophies in
scholastic categories. All: 1/2-pt bye available any round with entry Reg.: 8:45-
9:30 a.m. Saturday Rds.: Saturday: 10am-2pm-6pm, Sunday: 10am-4:30pm. Info:
Kenneth J. Poole 661-304-7468, kpchessman@yahoo.com or visit www.bakers
fieldchessclub.com. HR: $59 special rate, mention BakersfieldChessClub
reserve by 3/13 or rate may go up! Ent: Bakersfield Chess Club, P.O. Box 176,
3501 Mall View Rd., Suite 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306. State Championship
Qualifier. WCL JGP for Open Championship only.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)
Mar. 28-29, New Hampshire
Nashua Open
Holiday Inn Nashua, 9 Northeastern Blvd. Nashua, NH 03062. In 2 Sections:
Open: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150,
U2000 $150. U1750: 5SS, GAME/110 + 10 Sec. Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD:
$400-200. U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Reg-
istration: 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be postmarked by 3/21/2009.
Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 9:30-2. Unrated may only win 50% of place prizes in U1750.
ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex
Relyea, relyea@operamail.com. www.relyeachess.com. NS W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Mar. 29, New York
Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5), Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716, lim-
ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $35 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players), special beauty prize. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-
5:15-6:30. Byes: limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings
used for pairing and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250
2700+.
A State Championship Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Mar. 29, Pennsylvania
2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
5SS, G/29. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh PA 15213.
2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 3/21, $35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000
$90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 1-
3 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF:
$15 by 3/21, $25 later.Trophies toTop 7, 1-3 U600. ALL:Trophies: 1-2 Schools,
1-2 Clubs, Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg 10-
10:30am. Rds: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25
Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286. W.
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, Connecticut
11th annual Foxwoods Open
Open Section, Apr 8-12: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. Lower
Sections, Apr 9-12 or 10-12: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-4 G/50).
Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, Rt 2, Mashantucket CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit
92 to Rt 2 West, or I-395 to Exit 85 to Rt 164 to Rt 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles
fromT.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Air-
port; for shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus
transportation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum,
largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid
entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-entries, GMs, WGMs
& foreign IMs/WIMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum $70,000 (70%
of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-
1000-700-600-500-400-400, 2300-2499 $3000-1500-700, Under 2300/Unr
$3000-1500-700. 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 &
free room at 2010 Foxwoods Open. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900,
Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under
1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under
1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with
under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/09 list may not win over $500 in U1000,
$1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/09 list not
counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating
supplement 4/08-3/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games
rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300
U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Initial ratings that will appear after the
4/09 list used at Directors discretion; if used, rule 1 applies. 4) Balance of lim-
ited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day
$204, 3-day $203 if mailed by 1/10; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223
mailed by 3/31; all $250 at site. CSCA members may deduct $4 from mailed
EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207
by 1/10, $227 by 4/6, $250 after 4/6 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at
406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/10, $230 by 4/6. No phone
entry after 4/6. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs, foreign WIMs free; $150
deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF
$70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Under 1000 Sec-
tion EF: 4-day $104, 3-day $103 if mailed by 3/31, all $107 online at
chesstour.com by 4/6, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/6 (entry only, no ques-
tions), $120 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED IN U1000 OR U1300 SECTIONS.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth-
erwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online
at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. No checks at site,
credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Sec-
tion. 5-day Open Section schedule: Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm,
Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day Lower Sections schedule:
Reg. endsThu 6 pm, rds.Thu 7 pm, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day Lower
Sections schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Sat 10,12:30, 3, 6, Sun
10 & 4:30. 4-day & 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: OK all; limit
4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. Bring sets,
boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Grand PequotTower (tournament
site, very luxurious) $132-132, Great Cedar Hotel (connected building; very close)
$118-118, Two Trees Inn (15 minute walk; free shuttle) $108-108. 1-800-FOX-
WOOD, must reserve by 3/26 or you will have to stay at least 3 miles away.
Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online
at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE,
uschess.org
100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC, PR or
Jamaica. Most foreign ratings other than CFC, PR, 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: April
list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: Players must submit to a search
for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with
scores of over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones
or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permis-
sion. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions:
845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request lowest possible section
if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will
be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, Colorado
2009 Boulder Open
5-SS 40/120 G/60 (2-day schedule, Rds 1-2, G/90). Best Western Boulder Inn,
Flatirons room, 770 28th Street, Boulder, CO. Two sections. Open, U1600. EF:
$50, $10 less if recd by 4/8, $10 less for Jr/Sr/Unrated. Prizes: $1500 b/50.
Open: $300-175-125, U2000, U1800 $100 ea. Reserve: $250-150-100, U1400,
U1200 $100 each. 3-day Regis: Fri 6-6:30 PM, Rounds: Fri: 6:30, Sat: 10, 5,
Sun 9:30, 4. 2-day Regis: Sat 9-9:45 AM, Rds Sat 10, 1:30, merge with 3-day
at 5. Entries: Klaus Johnson, 3605 Endicott Dr., Boulder, CO 80305. Email: boul-
derchessclub@yahoo.com. A CO Tour event, CSCA membership reqd ($15/yr,
$10 for Jr/Sr), OSA. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Apr. 19, District of Columbia
G/60 Spring Sensation
$2,200 in prizes for a 1 day, 5 round event! Caldwell Hall Auditorium, 620 Michi-
gan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064. Open: $600-400-200 Top 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 recd 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.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Apr. 19, New Jersey
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 ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each
$100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund Will
Not Be Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point
Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Apr 15th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry.
Make EF: and/or USCF membership checks payable to: International Chess
Academy. INFO 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: Diana@icanj.net (Web
uschess.org
Site Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT:
Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Apr. 23-May 21, Pennsylvania
2009 Hatboro Open
5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road
(near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$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, elcid@compuserve.com. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, Vermont
6th annual Vermont Spring Open
5 SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60), Stratton Mountain Inn, Mid-
dle 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. $$G 2000. In 2 sections. Open: $400-230-120,
top 1800-2049/Unr $200-100, top Under 1800 $200-100. Under 1550: $250-
120-60, top Under 1300 $150-70, no unrated may win over $100. EF: 3-day $68,
2-day $67 mailed by 4/17, all $69 online at chesstour.com by 4/22, $75 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 4/22 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. No checks at
site, credit cards OK. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED if paying 1 year USCF dues.
Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chess-
tour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $40, not available
in Open section. GMs free; $50 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends
Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11:30
am, rds. Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, must commit before
rd 2; limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye towards U1800 prizes). HR: $79-79, 1-800-
STRATTON, 802-297-2500, reserve by 4/10 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online at chesstour.com.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if otherwise
unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Ques-
tions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Apr. 25-26, Connecticut
Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand
Prix
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
man Building, Room 201, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
North Garage. 4 SS, G/120. 2 sections, Open & Reserve (U-1800). Both EF:
$50 by 4-22, $60 later. Checks payable to UCONN. GMs & IMs free if no prize
won. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-3, 9-2. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only,
no last round byes. $$ 700-500-300, Top U-2200 $200, Top U-2000 $200,
Reserve $250-$100,Top U-1600 $150-$100.Trophy and state title to top CT res-
ident in Open. All cash prizes, $2500, unconditionally guaranteed! Lodging
available, please ask. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City
Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@charter.net, www.uconn
chess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map www.admissions.uconn.
edu/virtualtour/search/. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
May 15-17 or 16-17, New York
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: $500-300-
200, U2100 $230-120, U1900 $220-110. Under 1700: $400-230-120, U1500
$200-100, U1300 $180-90, trophies to top U1100, U900, Unr, no unrated may
win over $200. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY residents who are not mem-
bers. 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 pay-
ing 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), 518-668-
5744, 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.
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, Illinois
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, I-
294 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 $800-400.
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 lim-
its: 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 5/08-4/09,
prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $100
Chess Life February 2009 59
 Tournament Life
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
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
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 Illi-
nois 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. 4-
day 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 chess-
tour.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 sub-
mit 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 low-
est possible section if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
June 4, Nevada
2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada
2009 National Open
See Nationals.
60 Chess Life February 2009
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
June 25-29, Pennsylvania
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 $1000-
500, 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 possible-
none supplied. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577.
$15 service charge for refunds. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com.
Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, Pennsylvania
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 Cen-
ter Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. Parking $5 for hotel guests
playing in tournament. Downtown location, Franklin Institute, many muse-
ums, 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: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-800-
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 min-
utes & gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms
possible in 5-day & 7-day schedules. FIDE rated. Under 2400: $14000-7000-
3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300 $2000-1000. FIDE Under
2200: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000-
1000. Under 2000: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top
U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-
600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000-
1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $10000-
5000-2500-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, 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 lim-
its: 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 max-
imum 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 chess-
tour.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 ENTRYTO 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 hour before your first game.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: 93-93, 215-448-
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
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 oppo-
nents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor
of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Sal-
isbury 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.
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open
See Nationals.
uschess.org
Regional
Alabama
Bham C. C.
Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg.
Ctr.) Bham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns. planned
in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; Bham City Cships-Aug.; Magic
City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W. Ellis 205-979-
6068, kee@bellsouth.net.
Mar. 21-22, 2nd Annual Alabama Class Championship
See Grand Prix.
Alaska
Feb. 20-22, 2009 Rondezvous Chess Tournament
See January Chess Life.
Arizona
May 23-25, 2009 U.S. Amateur West Championship
See Nationals.
California Northern
Feb. 22, Cupertino G/60 Open Tournament!
4SS, G/60. 10675 S. De Anza Blvd., #4, Cupertino, CA 95014. 408-996-1236.
($500 b/32) 1st overall: $100, u2000 $100, u1800 $100, u1600 $100, u1400 $100.
EF: $30 by 2/21, $40 same day. Reg.: 10-10:45 Rds.: 11-1:30-3:45-6:15. Site
capacity: 32. Info: albertjrich@yahoo.com.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 8, Western Chess Congress USCF Booster Quads
3RR, G/30, Concord Hilton (see Western Chess Congress). EF: $20. 1st prize
each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year
USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon,
Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.
Mar. 21-22, Hans Poschmann Memorial
4-SS, 30/90; SD/60 Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont, CA
94538. $$B 80 paid entries (not counting unrated entries) Three Sections:
Open: $350-225 U2200 $220-115; A/B (1999-1600): A $220-115 B $220-
115; Reserve (U1600): C $220-115 U1400 $220-115 Unr:Trophy First. All, EF:
postmarked by 3/16 $50, $60 at site. Unrateds $20 in the Reserve section or
may play up to the Open section for the regular fee. USCF memb. reqd. May
play up for addl $10 per section. Reserve players in the A/B section compete
for the B prize. Reg.: Sat 3/21 9:00-9:45am. 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 March Ratings List, CCA minimums and Direc-
tors discretion will be used to place players as accurately as possible. Please
bring clocks and equipment. INFO: Ken Zowal (510)-623-9935 Email: ken-
uschess.org
neth.zowal@sbcglobal.net or richardkoepcke@yahoo.com Ent: Ken Zowal, P.O.
Box 3211, Fremont, CA 94539. No Phone entries. WCL JGP.
July 4, 6th Pacifica Chess Open
5 rounds, G/30. 1125Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044. Contact: John Galpin,
JohnGalpin@atcc.us or website: atcc.us/Index.htm for additional details.
California Southern
LA CHESS CLUB * www.LaChessClub.com
Team West details.
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, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks
West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor)
Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments.
Feb. 1, 15, LACC February Scholastics I & II
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.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, LACC Sunday Swiss Open
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 park-
ing on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, 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.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, 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.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Saturday Swiss 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). I nf: (310) 795-5710 or
www.LaChessClub.com.
Feb. 14-16, 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
See Nationals.
Feb. 15, 12th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team
4-SS, SD/45, Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA
91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, Grade 12/below, aver-
age rating of four highest must be U1200. (Dec. 2008 rating list used, Feb.
2009 used for previously unrated players.) EF: $69 per team received by
2/13, $84 at site. Trophies (team & individual) to top 3 teams, top U1000, U800,
U400/unr. Reg.: 9:00-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1-2:45-4:30. Info, help in forming
teams: Info, help in forming teams: Jim Bullock, 714-848-4377,
jim.bullock@boeing.com. Web site, advance entry list: www.westernchess.com.
HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 or rates
may go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A,
Los Angeles CA 90038. NS, NC, W. See Nationals for 26th Annual U.S. Amateur
Feb. 16, AT HEXES
3-SS, G/90. Marina Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland
Hills, CA 91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-13, $25 door.
$$40-20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent:
SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles CA 90038, on line
at www.westernchess.com. See Nationals for details for 26th Annual U.S.
Amateur Team West.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 13-15, 7th Annual Western Pacific Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 14-15, 2009 SCCF State Scholastic Championship
LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections: HS
(gr 12-below), 5-SS, G/75. Reg ends 2 p.m. 3/14. Rds.: Sat 2:20-5:30, Sun 9:30-
1-4. Top HS student receives invitation to Denker Tournament of High School
Champions, top girl invitation to Susan Polgar Invitational Tournament for
Girls. Trophies to top 10, best grade 12-11-10, 1-3 U1200/unr, best club team,
school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or
changes later). State Championship Qualifier. JHS (gr 9-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.:
8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 10,
best grade 9-8-7, 1-3 U1000/unr, best club team, school team (sum of all
scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later). Elemen-
tary (gr 6-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun
9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 8, 1-2 U800, best club team, school team (sum
of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no additions or changes later), best
grade 6-5-4. Primary (gr 3-below): 7-SS, G/45. Reg.: 8-9 a.m. Rds.: Sat.
9:30-11:30-2:30-4, Sun 9:30-11:30-2:30. Trophies to top 6, 1-2 U600, best club
team, school team (sum of all scores, must declare by end of rd. 1, no addi-
tions or changes later), best grade 3-2-1/below. All: SCCF membership ($10)
required of players rated 800/above. Best Game prize $100, all sections eli-
gible. Refreshments! EF: $35 adv, $40 door. HR: $109. (310) 410-4000. Ask for
7th Annual Western Pacific Open. Parking $8/day. Ent: SCCF, c/o John
Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at
www.westernchess.com. Inf: admin@westernchess.com. NS. NC. W. WCL
JGP only for HS section.
Mar. 15, WPO Hexes
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player
sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 3-13, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each sec-
tion. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 10:45-2-5. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835
N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Chess Life February 2009 61
 Tournament Life

Mar. 28-29, Kern County Open Championship Reserve K6th U-700, K 3rd, Reserve K3rd U-700, 1st Grade Open, Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open
See Grand Prix. Kindergarten Open. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60 after. CSCA membership required, See Grand Prix.
$5, other states OK. Checks payable to UCONN. Reg.: 89:30 AM, Rds.
Colorado 101112:301:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14

Mar. 7-8, Manitou Springs: COLORADO SPRINGS OPEN
5-SS, Rds.: 1-3 40/90 and G/1; Rds.: 4-5 40/2 and G/1. Manitou Springs City
Hall, 606 Manitou Ave. One open section. EF: $30 if recd by March 5, $35 at
site. $8 EF discount for juniors, seniors, unrated. CSCA required, ($15, jrs &
srs 10), OSA. Cash prizes per entries. Registration: 8:30 - 9:30, Rds.: 10, 2:30,
7:00; 9:00 AM, 3:00. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 844B Prospect Place,
Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail buck-
peace@pcisys.net . COLORADO TOUR EVENT. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-12 or 11-12, 2009 Boulder Open
See Grand Prix.
Connecticut
UCONN Chess Club
Tues. & Thurs 7:30PM. Castleman Building, Room 204,
Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5, Books to 6th- See Grand Prix.
8th CT residents in each section. Books donated by USCF Sales/Chess
Apr. 25-26, Connecticut State Chess Association State Champi-
Cafe.com.Top 5 in each section eligible to play in CSCATournament of Scholas- onship Grand Prix
tic Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs. Trophies to Top 5 teams of top 4 from See Grand Prix.
1 school combined from all sections. Free commemorative UCONN chess sets
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State Open
to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd.,
Championship
Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, tomhart3@charter.net, www.uconnchess.
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map www.admissions.uconn.
man Building Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
edu/virtualtour/search/.
North Garage. 4 SS, G/60. EF: $50, by 4-22, $60 later. Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds.:
Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes.
Championship Preliminaries - WEST
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Stam- Prizes: Trophies to Top 5. Trophy to Top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info &
ford Campus, One University Place, Stamford, CT 06901. Parking in Washington Entries to:Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-
5394, tomhart3@charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu,
Blvd. Garage. 4-SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K 6th Open, (Open to all), Reserve

261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Contact: TOM

K6th U-700, K3rd, Reserve K3rd U-700, K1st. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60 UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.

HARTMAYER. Contact Phone: 860-989-5394. Email:

tomhart3@charter.net. Web Site: www.uconnchess.
uconn.edu. No dues required. Casual Play, USCF Rated
Events, Blitz Events, League Play, Matches, Club Cham-
pionships, Sets & Clocks Available, Chess Items for
Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Begin-
ners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may
change, please check website or call contact phone #.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic Pre-
liminaries EAST
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
man Building Rooms 204 & 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking
in North Garage. 4 SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K6th Open, (Open to all),
For details on
2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS
East, North, South, West
See Nationals Section!
after. CSCA membership required, $5, other states OK. Checks payable to
UCONN. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30. Half point byes available
in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes:
Trophies & Books toTop 5, Books to 6th-8th, CT residents in each section. Books
donated by USCF Sales/ChessCafe.com.Top 5 in each section eligible to play
in CSCATournament of Scholastic Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs.Trophies
to Top 5 teams of top 4 from 1 school combined from all sections. Free com-
memorative UCONN chess sets to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom
Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394,
tomhart3@charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu,
UCONN-Stamford Map stamford.uconn.edu/maps.htm.
Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, UCONN Chess Club Championship Grand
Prix
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 29, Connecticut State Chess Association Tournament of
Scholastic Champions Finals
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering and the UCONN CC. UCONN
Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking
in North Garage. 4 SS, G/30. 3 Sections: K6, K3, K1.Trophies to 1st Place
CT residents in each section, medals for all others. Open to top 5 finishers
in all sections in both EAST & WEST Scholastic Prelims and any K-6 player
over 1000. EF: FREE to qualifying prelim players, $50 by 3-25, $60 later to
eligible over 1000 who did not play in prelims. Checks payable to UCONN.
Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds. 10 11 12:30 1:30. Info & Entries to: Tom Hart-
mayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, tomhart3@
charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map
admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham-
pionship
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
man Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
North Garage. 4 SS, G/60. EF: $50 by 4-22, $60 after. Checks payable to
UCONN. Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds.: 10 12:30 2:30 4:30. Half point byes
available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Prizes: State Champ title, CSCA
Denker/Polgar $300 Award & trophy to highest scoring CT male/female res-
idents in grades 9-12. UCONN School of Engineering Scholarships to Top 3 in
grades 9-12, 1st:Trophy plus $2000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4
GPA, 2nd: Trophy plus $1000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA,
3rd: Trophy plus $500 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 4th -
5th:Trophies. Scholarships are available only to tournament winners in grades
9-12 who are admitted to and enroll in an engineering program at the UCONN
School of Engineering. Scholarships are not transferable and are renewable
for a maximum of 4 years. Students are limited to 1 scholarship in the School
of Engineering. Prior winners are eligible to upgrade only, prior 1st prize win-
ners are eligible for trophy & titles only. Other previous winners may upgrade
only. Trophy to top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & Entries to: Tom Hart-
mayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@
charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map
admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.

GOLD AFFILIATES GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

Cajun Chess New Jersey State Chess Federation SPICE GOLD
7230 Chadb30ourne Drive c/o Roger Inglis Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409 Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
New Orleans, LA 70126 49-A Mara Rd., 806-742-7742 USCF memberships during the current or
504-208-9596 Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 SPICE@ttu.edu previous calendar year, or is the recognized
cajunchess@yahoo.com 973-263-8696 www.SPICE.ttu.edu State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold
www.cajunchess.com rwij@njoychess.com Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe
cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each
www.njscf.org Susan Polgar Foundation

month, giving the affiliate name, address,

Chess Club and Scholastic 6923 Indiana Avenue, Suite 154,

phone number, e mail address, and website.

Center of St. Louis New York State Chess Lubbock, TX 79413

Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist

4657 Maryland Avenue Association 212-748-9584

ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month

St. Louis, MO 63108 c/o Karl Heck PolgarFoundation@aol.com

remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20

314-361-CHESS 5426 Wright Street www.SusanPolgarFoundation.org

for each month remaining on their Silver Affil

info@stlouischessclub.org County Route 67,
Tri-State Chess
iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an
www.stlouischessclub.org East Durham, NY 12423,
518-966-8523 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Continental Chess sldkth@nyair.net 1-888-CHESS-35
Association annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
www.nysca.net MKurtzman@TriStateChess.com, Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, www.TriStateChess.com
NY 12577 845-496-9658 minimum requirement for memberships sub-
North American Chess
chesstour@aol.com Association Unity Chess Club mitted.
www.chesstour.com 2516 North Waukegan Road 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
SILVER
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
Suite 342,Glenview Office 136,

USCF memberships during the current or

DC Chess Association IL 60025 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
2520 Tenth St. NE, Suite 28,
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
888-80-CHESS 480-949-5464 (KING)
Washington, DC 20018
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
info@nachess.org info@unitychess.com
202-506-2927
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
www.nachess.org unitychess.com
vbennett@dcchess.com
www.dcchess.com 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
SILVER AFFILIATES $150 per year, and existing affiliates may
subtract $3 for each month remaining on
their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,
Indiana State Chess Association Oklahoma Chess Foundation Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
www.indianachess.org www.OKchess.org www.spartachessclub.org by paying an annual payment of $250.00
(instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be
Michigan Chess Association Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) Renaissance Knights (IL) obtained with no minimum requirement for
www.michess.org akakarpov1@mw.net www.RKnights.org memberships submitted.

62 Chess Life February 2009 uschess.org

Delaware
Feb. 28, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
Howard Johnsons 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: Reg.: 9-9:30.
Rds.: 9:45 1:15 5. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624.
302-753-6877 kevinjpytel@aol.com. INFO: Rick Lathem 302-299-5407. NS W.
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA)
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to register.
District of Columbia
Apr. 19, G/60 Spring Sensation
See Grand Prix.
Florida
South Florida Chess Club
Two sections if attendance warrants, otherwise one section with class and upset
prizes. For more information see: www.mchenryareachess.org, or call Bob
at 815-519-3323.
tion required ($5 per player late fees may apply). March 21 - Individuals:
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 14, 7th Annual Mark Oestreich Memorial Chess Tournament
3 rounds. Time controls 30/70, then 40/60. No sudden death. Salem Commu-
nity Center, 416 Oglesby St., Salem, Illinois. Entry fee: $15.00. Prize fund:
$360.00, based on 30 players. 1st $80, 2nd $40. Classes: A, B, C, D/E/Unrated
$60.00 each. Registration: 8:00 9:15. Rounds: 9:30, 1:00, 5:00. Entries: Jim
Davies phone 314-721-4967, 7358 Shaftesbury, St. Louis, MO 63130. email jan-
dadavies@sbcglobal.net.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Indiana
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress
See Nationals.
3 and K-6 divisions) and Junior High; each with Championship and Novice Sec-
tions; all sections four rounds, G/45. Also High School Teams (Championship,
Reserve and Novice Sections), all sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registra-
HS (Championship and Under 1200 Sections); JHS (one section); and Elemen-
tary (K-3 and K-6 Sections). All sections four rounds, G/60. Pre-registration
(EF $10); or register on-site (EF $15). All scholastic event sections except Novice
are USCF-rated. Non-USCF members can obtain memberships with entry.
Download information and entry forms for all events at ChessMaine.net, or con-
tact Ron Lewis, evenings 207-781-3962 or e-mail at raltiger@aol.com.
Mar. 14, Fourth Annual Maine State Scholastic Girls Championship
University of Maine, Orono, Memorial Union. 4SS, G/60, to determine the Offi-
cial State Scholastic Girls Champion and the Maine qualifier to the annual Susan
Polgar National Invitational Championship for Girls. Championship and U600
sections. Trophies: top Grade K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 finishers and to the top
three overall; awards to all participants. Pre-register: (EF $5) or register at
site 8:00 to 8:30 AM (EF $10). USCF membership required, available with reg-
istration. Information and registration forms at ChessMaine.net or from Dan
DeLuca, 80 Giles Pond Road, Aurora, ME 04408. Phone (207) 584-3370 or e-
mail dcdeluca@yahoo.com.
Mar. 21, Sidekick Quads 5

Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G90 Tournaments

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO) Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono. Adults-only USCF-rated (EF $15)

and skittles. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com.

Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg $500 Absolutely Guar-
anteed 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 9-
10 AM. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg 66 Trophy RBO
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 pre-
rgistration. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South
See Nationals.
Feb. 21, February OCG Open Tournament
4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30. 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 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL
JGP.
Mar. 7, Orlando Bonus Tornado
4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters
free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400
$75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:30-
3-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.
Apr. 18, Orlando Bonus Tornado
4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters
free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400
$75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:30-
3-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Aug. 1-9, 4-9 or 6-9, 110th annual U.S. Open
See Nationals.
Kentucky
Mar. 7, Lexington Stampede
5SS, G/30. U1600 or U1400 section depending on entries. UK Student Center
Room #231, Avenue of Champions (Euclid Ave), Lexington KY. 2200+ rated play-
ers get FREE entry. EF: $1 for every 100 rating points. Minimum $10. PRIZES:
90% of entry fees returned. RDS: 10:15-11:15-lunch-1-2-3:30. ENT: Stephen
Miller, 859.200.8460, zepper55@yahoo.com, Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, Lex-
chess@insightbb.com. Lexchess.com.
Louisiana
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 14, 2009 Louisiana G/30 Championship
5-SS, G/30. Site: Baton Rouge Bridge Center, 3033 Old Forge Dr., Baton Rouge,
LA 70808. EF: $30 if mailed by 3/6, $40 at site. LCA Memb. reqd ($10 Adult,
$5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $600 b/30, 50% Gtd. $150-50. U2000: $80, U1800: $80,
U1600: $80, U1400: $80, U1200: $80. Reg : 9:15-10:15am. Rds.: 10:30-12-1:15-
2:30-3:45. Ent/Info: Alex Steger, 14946 Currency Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
70817, stegeralex@hotmail.com, (225) 933-9548. NS, NC.
Maine
Mar. 7 & 21, Maine State Scholastic Tournaments
University of Maine, Orono, Memorial Union. March 7 -Teams: Elementary (K-
2009 PwC TORONTO OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
APRIL 17-19, 2009
Location: The Suites at 1 King West, Finan
cial District, Downtown Toronto, Canada
Style: 5 round Swiss, 3 Sections (Open,
<2000, <1600), CFC rated.
and non-rated quads (EF $10) tournament, G/30, register on-site; no prizes,
all net proceeds to benefit Maine Scholastic Chess. Enter at site (8:30 -
9:00AM) or to pre-register and for additional information e-mail Alba Briggs
at ahbriggs@rcn.com.
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. Tro-
phies 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.
Feb. 20, Mar. 6, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #78, #79 (QC)
5SS, G/15, Catonsville Chess Club, Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Blooms-
bury Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. EF: $5.00 Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30,
10. Prizes based on entries with 65% returned in prize fund. Info: Joe Sum-
mers josephas2@comcast.net or 410-788-1009. www.geocities.com/
catonsvillechess Dir: 695 to exit 13 West, left at second light, 3 blocks on right.
Mar. 1, Catonsville First Sunday Action
5SS, G/30, EF: $18, under 15 $5 off. Rds.: 12:00-1:30- 2:45- 4:00-5:15. 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: josephas2@comcast.net 410-788-1009 www.geocities.
Time Control: Rd. 1 30/90 + 1hr SD, Rds.
2 5 40/120 + 1hr SD.
Rounds: Fri. 7pm sharp!, Sat. 11/5, Sun.10
/4, awards at 10:45pm

Idaho Prize Fund: $CDN 16,000+ Guaranteed! Byes: Maximum of 2 through rounds 1 4
A State Championship Event!
Feb. 14-16, 2009 Idaho Closed
Open $3,000 2,000 1,000 etc. Prizes for Equipment: Bring your own chess sets
IDAHO RESIDENTS ONLY! Shilo Inn, 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd No., Twin Falls, ID top 5 & top juniors, seniors, females in and clocks. None provided.
83301. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60. Rounds: 9, 4, 9, 4, 8, 3. One 1/2 Pt Bye, Rounds
1 - 5, Must notify TD before second round. Reg.: 8am - 8:30am Saturday Feb
each section, plus class prizes (<2200, To Enter: Mail to Brian Fiedler P.O. Box
14. One Section: Open. EF: $30 by 2/10/2009, $40 at door. Prizes: 1st, 2nd, <1800, <1400) & individual game prizes 67083, Yonge & Eglinton P.S., 2300 Yonge
3rd Overall - 1st, 2nd XThru F, Junior, Senior, Unrated. HR: $79/2-4 People, $15 (biggest upset, brilliancy prize) as well as St., Toronto, Ont. M4P 3C8 Canada. Make
Each Additional Person. FREE breakfast for each occupant. 866-539-0036,
Ask for Darlene or mention chess. Contact: ICA % Jay Simonson, 208-206-7667. special prizes for chess trivia contest win cheques / money orders payable to: 2009
Mailto: rooknjay@yahoo.com. NS, NC, W. ner, best dressed etc. Toronto Open Chess Deadline for entries
Apr. 4-5, 2009 Idaho Open Chess Championship
5SS, G/120. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400). Site: ISU, Student Un
Entry Fee: $CDN 90 (or $US 77), Partici April 13, 2009 NO entries accepted at site
Bldg, Salmon River Suites, 1065 S. 8th St., Pocatello, Idaho. EF: USCF mem req., pants must be or become CFC members on day of tournament . Full refund if you
$30 (U18 & 60+ $25), ISU students and ISU Chess Club $10, by 3/28/09. $40 (go to www.chess.ca for special non res change your plans prior to April 13, 2009.
(all) after. Reg & Ck in: 7:30-8:30 AM 04/04/09. Those not paid & ckd in by
8:30 AM may not be paired in 1st rnd. RNDS.: 9,2,7,9,2. 1/2 pt byes: Max 1, ident rates) Additional Info: Bryan Lamb 905 554
Rd 1-4 only. Commit by end of rd 2. Prizes: $$ b/30 non ISU; Open: $200-100-
75; Reserve: $100-75-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA % Jay Simonson, 391 Carol Ave.
Accommodation: Special chess rate 4548, 416 904 5938 bryan.lamb@rogers.com
Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, 208-206-7667, rooknjay@yahoo.com, www.idahochess (10B3TP) of $CDN 169 offered by The Suites. Brian Fiedler 416 733 3199, 416 480 8801
association.org. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP. 416 548 8100 or 1 866 470 5464 www.one fiedlerbrian@yahoo.com.au or go to
Illinois kingwest.com Book early! Limited number www.monroi.com for further info. & entry
Feb. 21, Inaugural CU64 Open, Champaign-Urbana is Back! of rooms available at this rate. form.
4 round Swiss/G75. EF: $20. 100% of EF returned - guaranteed prize fund of
$1000 - minimum $100 prize for every class!! (u1200, u1400, u1600, u1800 &
u2000.) Registration begins at 9 am, Rounds at 10, 1, 4 & 7. Location:
Presby Hall, 405 E. John. 3rd floor. Free parking in garage on east side of the
SPONSORED BY
building. Contact: Tobias Simpson, tsimpson@horizonhobby.com. WCL JGP.
Feb. 21, Swiss Tournament
4SS, G/60. Holiday Inn Hotel, 495 Airport Road, Elgin, IL. (Intersection of I-90
& Rt. 31). Entry fee $20 (cash or check only), cash prizes based on entries.
Registration begins at 8:30 A.M. Round times are 9:30, 11:35, 2:25, 4:30.

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 63

 Tournament Life
com/catonsvillechess. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave, Balt, MD. 21207.
Include USCF ID. Checks payable to: Joe Summers.
Mar. 14-15, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
See Grand Prix.
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Massachusetts
Feb. 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, George E. ORourke Memorial
5SS, G/110, Wachusett Chess Club, McKay Campus School, Room C199, Fitch-
burg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game
played; free to Wachusett CC members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m., Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes:
1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill
Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling@aol.com, 978-345-5011, Website:
www.wachusettchess.org Online ratings as of Feb. 18 will be used. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 21-22, 84th Annual Western Mass/Connecticut Valley Cham-
pionship
5SS, G/90, Kittredge Center @ Holyoke Comm. College, Holyoke, MA. Sec-
tions/Prizes: Open; Revolving trophy to 1st, trophy to top X, A, B, C, D, E, UNR.
Reg.: 2-day ends 10 AM; 1-day registration ends 9 AM Sun. Rds.: (2 day) 10:30,
2, 5:30 Sat., 1:30, 5 on Sun.; (1 day) 9:15, 10:40, 1/2 point bye, 1:30, 5, Sun.
(Rds. 1 & 2, G/40). $2 EF disc. to WMCA members. EF: 2-day $26, or 1-day $24
mailed by 2/16/08, $29 at site. Mail check, payable to WMCA, and entry form
to: Frank Kolasinski, 119 Brunswick St., Springfield MA 01108 More
info:www.WesternMassachusettsChessAssociation.org. WCL JGP.
Feb. 22, BCC Sunday Scholastic
See January Chess Life.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, NY State Scholastics (out of state welcome)
See New York.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 8, Eastern Class USCF Booster Quads
3RR, G/30, Host Hotel (see Eastern Class). EF: $20. 1st prize each section:
choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young
Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Rds: 12:30-
1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
64 Chess Life February 2009
Michigan
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (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 reqd.
available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only.
Info: 314-361-CHESS info@saintlouischessclub.org.
Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Tuesday night (QC)
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 reqd. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 7. Rds.: 7, 7:15, 7:30,
7:45, 8. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@saintlouischessclub.org.
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 15, Mid-America Open USCF Booster Quads
3RR, G/30, St. Louis Host Hotel (see Mid-America Open). EF: $20. 1st prize
each section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year
USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon,
Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.
Mar. 21, Mizzou Quads
3RR, G/75. Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia. Directions: From
I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on Hitt. Entry fee:
$20 if mailed by 3/14, $25 at site. First prize each quad: $70. Site entries cash
only. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rounds: 10:30-1:15-4:00. Entries/Info: Charles Ward,
2400 Cimarron Drive, Columbia MO 65203, 573-443-6685, czar8196@tran
quility.net. W.
Mar. 21, The 2009 Kansas City Chess Club Championship
The Kansas City Chess Club, 2512 NW Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64150. Reg.:
Online at www.kansascitychessclub.com or 9:30-10AM onsite. Sections: Open,
U1700, U1500, U1300, and U1000. 3SS G90. Special U1000 section is 4SS
G30. Online: $15/ Onsite: $25. Prizes: $100 1st Place and KC Chess Club Cham-
pion Trophy each section. Cash prizes b10 each section. Req. Mem: USCF and
KCCA. Ken 816-835-7529/e-mail chessclub@powerpawn.net.
Mar. 28, March Action Madness (CCSCSL Quick Championships)
(QC)
Three events, same day! 8SS G/5, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108.
MCA Membership Reqd from $5. Armageddon playoff used in case of tie for
each event. Trophy for 1st in each section. EF: $10. PF: 40% of entries to over-
all, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.: 10:30-10:50. Rds.:
11, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 12, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45. 6SS G/10, EF: $10: PF: 40%
of entries to overall, 40% to top player of bottom half based on rating. Reg.:
1:30-1:50. Rds.: 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30, 4, 4:30. 4SS G/30 Two sections (Open and
U1600), EF: $15: PF: 85% of entries per class to 1st in that class. Reg.: 5:00-
5:30. Rds.: 5:45, 6:45, 8, 9. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
314-361-CHESS, info@saintlouischessclub.org.
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
Nebraska
Feb. 21, Feb Plus Score
4 SS, G/75. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm #2066, 590 N 20th St.,
Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $15 if payment received by 2/19. $20 on-site. Plus Score
prize format: 4.0$80, 3.5$45, 3.0$20, 2.5$7.50. USCF memb. reqd. Reg.:
9am-9:45. Rds.: 10:00, 1:00, 3:45, 7:00. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St.,
Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 ben.j.ryan@hotmail.com. WCL JGP.
Feb. 21, Rated Beginners Open VII (RBO)
6 SS, G/30. A Play for Pieces Event. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm
#2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $10 if payment received by 2/19.
$15 on-site. Prizes: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st U800, 2nd U800. USCF
memb. reqd. Reg.: 9am-9:45. Rds.: 10:00, 11:15, 1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45. ENT:
Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick St., Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 ben.j.ryan@
hotmail.com.
Apr. 4-5, 2nd Annual Spring Open
5 SS, Rnd 1 G/90, Rnd 2-5 G/120. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm
#2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $25 if payment received by 4/2.
$30 on-site. Prizes: $$G $140-75-60, U1600 $45, U1400 $45, U1200 $45.
USCF & NSCA memb. reqd ($10 adult, $6 under 20) Other states honored. Reg.:
9am-9:45. Rds.: Sat 10-1:45-6:30, Sun 10-3. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick
St. Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 ben.j.ryan@hotmail.com. WCL JGP.
Nevada
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
June 4, 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
June 5, National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament
5-SS Game/30. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South,
Las Vegas, NV 89183. Open to players Uage 20. In 3 sections. U1800, U1200,
and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section
must be under age 12.Trophies to top 4 in each section, top 1 in each 200 point
rating group and unrated. EF $29 by 5/19, $35 by 6/3, $40 on site. REG 9-9:45
a.m. RDS 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Sat-
urday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International
Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.Vegas
ChessFestival.com. NS NC W.
June 5-7 or 6-7, 2009 National Open
See Nationals.
uschess.org
June 6-7, Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and for
Boys
5-SS, G/45. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las
Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under
15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives
a MonRoi Personal Chess Manager. $$ 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. Per-
fect 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. Sat-
urday. 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 Cham-
pionship 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.Thurs-
day. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL; see the
National Open TLA for other Thursday and Friday side events. HR $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 89009-0125, on line
at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at (702) 933-9112. No telephone
entries. NS. W. NC.
New Hampshire
Feb. 7-8, 33rd Queen City Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 14, February Freeze Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Wells Memorial School, 235 Chesham Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450.
3 Sections: K-5 U800; K-8 U1000; and Open K-12. EF: $5 if info recd by
5/19, $9 at site. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rd 1: 10:00, Rds 2-4 ASAP. Trophies and medals
awarded. Entries should include name, section, USCF ID. Refreshments & hot
food will be sold by PTA. Checks payable to: Chess Club, More info: 603-827-
3272. vbradley@sau29.org. NS, W.
Mar. 28-29, Nashua Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
New Jersey
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCF-
rated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379.
www.westfieldchessclub.com
Mar. 1, 2009 Westfield Swiss #57 (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.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 1, New Jersey State Elementary Championships
5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from Garden State
Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) & Primary (K-3). All: Tro-
phies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary & Primary: Top 5 in each
grade. Rds.: 10 am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute the team score for Ele-
mentary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $25 before 2/23, $45 at site. USCF memb. reqd.
EF includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am.
After 9:00 am, 1/2 point bye for round 1. INFO: 973-228-7039, ENT: Mike
Somers, 29 Oakland Ave., West Caldwell, NJ 07006. Entries must include
name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing
address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 7-8, New Jersey High School Championships
5SS, G/90. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd.,
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Call (732) 445-6127 for directions. 3 sections: Var-
sity Championship (9-12): 5 player teams with one alternate allowed.
Coaches set order by player strength. Order must not be changed. Team avg.
based on top 5 highest ratings. Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top
three players, boards 1-5. Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $125/team before
2/28. $175/team at site. $5 per change on site. Junior Varsity (9-12): 4 player
teams with one alternate allowed. Team avg. based on top 4 highest ratings.
Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top 3 players, boards 1-4. Rds.: Sat.
10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $100/team before 2/28, $150 team on site. $5 per change
on site. Booster (K-12):Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams, top 2 JHS,
& top 2 elementary (K-6). Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun 10-2. Top 4 scores constitute
team score. EF: $25 before 2/28, $35 at site. All: USCF memb. required. EF
includes 1 year membership to NJSCF for NJ residents. Reg.: Sat. 8-9:00am.
After 9:00am, 1/2 Point bye for round one. Info: 973-794-4601. ENT: Make
checks payable to NJSCF and send to Roger Inglis, 49A Mara Rd., Lake
Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Entries must include, name, grade & school, date of
viduals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP.Top 4 scores constitute team score.
EF: $25 before 2/28, $45 at site. $5 for changes at site. USCF memb. reqd. EF
includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After
9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259-3881, hsprechman@
aol.com. ENT: New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCF), PO Box 1511,
Jackson, New Jersey 08527. Entries must include name, grade & school, date
of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing address, email address, phone
number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
Mar. 8, 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.
Mar. 14, 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 On Site
Reg.: 11:30-12:30. 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. Chessteach@gmail.com. Pre-registra-
tion $30 (On-site $40).
Mar. 15, 2009 Westfield Spring Scholastic
3 SS, game/30. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, N.J. Sections: k-2,3-
5, 6-12, trophies to top 3 in each section (tiebreaks). Entrance Fee: $20, $15
Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Unrated 3
ss, game/30. 3 sections k-2,3-5, 6-12, gold medal to first, silver medal to sec-
ond, bronze medal to third. Entrance Fee: $10. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m.
Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfield
chessclub.com.
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships (PA)
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to regis-
ter.
Mar. 28, Kings Chess Club Quads

Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel

Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, K-12, Bethlehem Church, 758
birth, USCF ID# & exp. date, mailing address, email address, phone number
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.
Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr.
and entry fee. WCL JGP.
Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analy-
by noon to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Beth-

sis by a National or International Master at each

A State Championship Event! lehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988, rwm@fam

tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete

Mar. 8, New Jersey Junior High School Championships bright.com.

in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up

5SS, G/30. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd.,
Mar. 29, 2009 Westfield Quads
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Trophies to top 15 indi-
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
site at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-446-
0818. Email: chess@silverknightschess.com.
Wizards of the Mind Chess School
15 Center Street, Springfield, NJ - Lessons on Wednes-
days and Saturdays for beginners, intermediate and
advanced students. Scholastic USCF-rated tourna-
ments. For schedule and information visit our website
at www.wizardsofthemind.com, email info@wizards
ofthemind.com or call 973-262-1395.
The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club
Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave. Newark, New Jer-
sey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF
rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.
Feb. 8, ICA Winter 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., Hacken-
sack, 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 Feb 4th)
$25 AT Site $30 Reg ends 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). Sec-
tion 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 Can-
terbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W.
Feb. 14-16, World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East
See Nationals.
Feb. 19, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings 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, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
Feb. 21, 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.: 9-
10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no
dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W.
Feb. 22, 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

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 65

 Tournament Life
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 PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
Apr. 5, 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
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 19, ICA Spring 2009 Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
New Mexico
Feb. 28, David Quadderfield Quads
3-RR, G/60. Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Commu-
nity Room (lower level). 4-player sections determined by rating. EF: $10. NO
ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes: $30-1st in each section. Check-in: 10:00. Rds.:
10:30, 1:15, 3:30. USCF memb. reqd. but not available at site. N/S, No food
or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes allowed. Entries
must be recd by 2/25/2009. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE,
Albuquerque NM 87112. Checks payable to: Chad Schneider. Info: (505) 550-
4654. E-mail: WiredKingsCC@gmail.com. Library info: www.cabq.gov/library/
main.htm. NM Cup points awarded.
Mar. 28, The Chessplayers Guide to the Galaxy Octagons
3-SS, G/60. Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Commu-
nity Room (lower level). 8-player sections determined by rating. EF: $10. NO
ONSITE ENTRIES. Prizes $$b/40: $40-$20 in each section. Check-in: 10:00.
Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 3:30. USCF memb. reqd. but not available at site. N/S, No
food or beverage. Open to first 40 registered players only. No byes allowed.
Entries must be recd by 3/25/2009. Info: (505) 550-4654. E-mail: Wired-
KingsCC@gmail.com. Ent: Chad Schneider, 12004 Prospect Ave. NE,
Albuquerque NM 87112. Checks payable to: Chad Schneider. Library info:
www.cabq.gov/library/main.htm. NM Cup points awarded.
New York
The Chess Exchange: Chess and Games Club
G/30 Rated Quads 1st Sunday of every Month. G/5 BlitzTournaments Last Sun-
day of every Month. 288Third Ave., Brooklyn (718) 645-5896. Mon-Fri 12-8pm,
Sun 12-6pm. www.TheChessExchange.com www.TriStateChess.com Email:
TheChessExchange@TriStateChess.com.
Feb. 15, Marshall CC Sunday Action
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-
2:45-4-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry.
Feb. 16-Mar. 16, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Mon-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Feb. 17, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 19, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-
66 Chess Life February 2009
100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), com-
mit by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds.
7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if enter-
ing under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 21, New York February Action!
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 22, 10th Annual NY February Under 13 Open!
4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 2/22/96, 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 2/14. 2. Novice, for
Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 2/14. Both, EF: $30 online at
www.chesscenter.cc by 2/20, $35 by phone at 845-569-9969 by 2/20, $40
at site, Club members $10 less ($5 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 EDT!
Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID,
rating, section, school/grade, DOB.
Feb. 22, Binghamton Monthly Tourney
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 22, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-
3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less
$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!!
No phone entry!
Feb. 22, Studio Feb Quad
3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639
Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.
Feb. 22, Sunday Under 1400 Action!
4-SS, G/30, Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St, between 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40, $60
limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.
Feb. 23-Mar. 23, 83rd Nassau Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 24, Marshall CC Victory U-1800
4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1400 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Feb. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-
100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit
by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Feb. 26-Mar. 26, FIDE Thursdays!!
(NOTE: this replaces the Feb. 26-Mar. 26 Thursday Members Only.) 5SS,
30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated
1600 or above. EF: $45, $25 members. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60.
Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday; Byes ok, limit 2, request by round
3. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Feb. 28, 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 CHANGE: One bye available, request
at entry.
Feb. 28, 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. WCL JGP.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York State Scholastic Championships
Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each section are
NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north
on US 9), Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Discounted parking. Team prizes based
on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams allowed even
if one school feeds another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a
disadvantage. In 6 sections, each is a 6SS, G/65 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 play-
ing Mar 1 only. High School, grades K-12. EF $42 mailed by 2/6.Top NYS grade
9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions (Indianapolis, 8/1-4).
Junior High, grades K-9. EF $41.90 mailed by 2/6. Elementary, grades K-6.
EF $41.60 mailed by 2/6. Elementary Novice, grades K-6 under 800 or
unrated. EF $41.50 mailed by 2/6. Primary, grades K-3. EF $41.30 mailed by
2/6. K-1, grades K-1. EF $41.10 mailed by 2/6. Postmarked 2/7-17: All EF
$10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online at chesstour.com, all sections:
EF $43 by 2/6, $53 by 2/23. No online entry after 2/23. Phoned to 406-896-
2038, all sections: EF $55 by 2/23. Credit cards only, no questions. No phone
entry after 2/23. Entry at site: all $60. 1 year NYSCA membership to all NY
residents who are not members. Trophies to top 20 players, top 3 Unrated,
and top 8 teams each section and top each U1400, U1200, U1000 (HS),
U1200, U1000, U800 (JHS), U1000, U800 (Elem), U600, U400 (Elem Novice).
Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship,
Labor Day weekend 2009 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late
reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:45. Awards 5:30-6 pm. K-1
schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-1:30-3-4:30. Half point byes
OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $114-114, 888-999-4711, 518-
584-4000, reserve by 2/14 (note correction) or rate may increase. 48 hours
notice required for room cancellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott,
2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #657633. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills
NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members
enclose dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player.
Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for
refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from advance list
charged $60. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Bring set, board,
clock if possible- none supplied. March official ratings used. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise
unrated. WCL JGP (top 5 sections except K-1 section).
Mar. 1, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Dutchess County Championship
5SS, Game/90, Rockefeller Hall, Vassar College, Raymond Avenue, Poughkeep-
sie, NY 12604. EF: $5.00. Prizes: Trophies for first and second place overall
and for first place in any class consisting of 4 or more players. Rds.: 7:30 Mon-
days. Byes available for all rounds, except that last round byes must be
announced before the second to last round. ENT: Michael J. OConnor (845)
392-8814 ocnnr@aol.com. INFO: Michael J. OConnor. www.vassarchadwick.
com. NS. WCL JGP.
Mar. 3, Marshall CC New York Experts
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. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.
Mar. 5, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-
100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit
by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 7-8, New York Marshall CC March GP!
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 7-28, 2nd Farmingdale CC March Swiss Slowest club time con-
trol!
4SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY
11735. Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $105-85. Top U-1800, U-1500 $55
each. EF: $20. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each
Saturday. 2 byes 1-4. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. Please do not call the library.
NS. W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 8, The Right Move #151 Team and Individual Championship
FREE EF.
4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:30A.M.
Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave, Manhattan, NYC).
Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under
800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-member
sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.Trophies to top 3 in each section except Open
($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more points.Team
plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting in each sec-
tion (minimum 3 players on team in section). Non-member sections offer
additional prize of USCF membership to players scoring 4 points. To regis-
ter: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop @aol.com
or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00 P.M. on Fri. Give full name, school, grade,
USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Mar. 12, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-
uschess.org
100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit
by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Mar. 14, 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 CHANGE: One bye available, request
at entry.
Mar. 14, Utica Four Seasons Winter
4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit
31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway
(2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, Cafeteria - Room 116. EF: $30. Prizes
(b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15-
5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116.WCL JGP.
Mar. 15 (not Mar. 1), Marshall CC Sunday Action
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-
4-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry.
Mar. 17, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 18-Apr. 15, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 21, Prove Your Point!
3-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-
3716. 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.
Mar. 21-22 or 22, New York March Open!
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 23-Apr. 20, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Mon-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Mar. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Mar. 28, 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.
Mar. 29, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 2, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Apr. 2-30, FIDE Thursdays!!
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to all players rated
1600 or above. EF: $45, $25 members. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60.
Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Thursday; Byes ok, limit 2, request by round
3. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Apr. 4-5 or 5th, Marshall CC April Open!
30/90, SD/60 for 2-day. 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 RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP
for 2-day rds. 1-4 and 1-day rds. 3-4 sections only.
Apr. 7, Marshall CC New York Experts
4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 9, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Apr. 11, 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.
Apr. 12, Marshall CC Sunday Action
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-
4-5:20pm. Note: Only one bye available, request with entry.
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
North Carolina
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Ohio
Feb. 28, 2009 North Coast Scholastic
4SS, G/30, Cleveland Airport Marriott, 4277 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH
44135. Open to all students in grades K-12. Reg. 8:45am - 9:30am Round 1 at
10:00am. Four sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. EF: $25 if postmarked by 2/14,
$30 thereafter. Prizes: Trophies to top five in each section. ENT: Dan Patter-
son 11313 Lake Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Tel. 216-281-1313. INFO:
Bsq451@sbcglobal.net. HR: 85.00 single or double 216-252-5333. Mention
Westside Christian Academy to secure rate. NS.
Feb. 28, 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.: 11:30-1:15-3:30-
5:15. Prizes (b/25): Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve
(U1600): 1st $100. Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess,
Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail:
info@houseofchess.com. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/.
Mar. 14, Toledo Mar Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave.
Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 3/12
$25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50,
1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031
Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Mar. 21 & 22, 2009 Ohio High School & Middle School Champi-
onships
Wooster High School, 515 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Format: 6ss Rnds
1-4 Sat, Rds 5-6 Sun. HS Ch (9-12), MS Ch (6-8): Rds 1-3 G/60, Rds 4-6 G/90.
HS Reserve (U1000), MS Reserve (U800): All Rds G/60. Trophies: All who
score 4.0, Team trophies. EF: $25 by Mar. 4, $35 thereafter. Side Event: Free
Bughouse Tnmt. Flyer/Entry Form: ohioscholasticchess.org. Info:
bill.malloy@att.net 330-494-2833.

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS

New Affiliate programs, lower dues specials! Dues slashed for age 20-24!
The membership category previously called Youth has

Adult dues specials! >>
Free LONGER Tournament Life Announcements!
RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS SPRING!
Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8
lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament
between April and June 2009, if no TLA for such an event
appeared in 2008, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appro-
priate 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! USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that
offers at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or
a quad that offers at least one per section.
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on
one or more weekday evenings.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tourna-
ment name must include Rated Beginners Open or RBO.
BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as USCF-
rated Blitz every Friday 7 pm are accepted.
been renamed Young Adult, and eligibility has changed
from under 21 to under 25. As a result, annual dues
for those aged 20 through 24 have been almost cut
in half, from $49 to $25!
One-year membership
COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students.
USCF dues have recently been drastically reduced for with Chess Life:
most college students! If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $41 for
STUDENT. For college students or below or age 25 or below everyone! The sale is in effect through December
(age 25 must be eligible).
31, 2008 and may be extended if the response is suf-
JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible). ficient. Two year memberships are now $76 and three
NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tournament year memberships $109. (Note to affiliates: If you collect
for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a scholas-
tic tournament that in its previous year drew at least 50
a $49 membership and submit it online to USCF, there
players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold is a $10 affiliate commission; if you submit it by mail
open or collegiate events on the side. or phone the affiliate commission remains $2.)
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, con-
tact info, etc.
USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/
forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess
Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.

uschess.org Chess Life February 2009 67

 Tournament Life
Mar. 27-29 or 28-29, 47th Cincinnati Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4, Ohio Collegiate Chess Championship
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING FEBRUARY 1-14
4SS, G/90. Full-K. Beeghly Library, Bayley Room, Ohio Wesleyan University,
Delaware. $$275 Gtd. Open to full-time Ohio college students. EF: $15 if
recd by 4/1, $20 at site. Prizes: $100-50, $25 top each class, trophy top indi-
vidual, traveling trophy top team (4 best scores same college). Reg.: 9-9:45.
Rds.: 10-1-4-7. Adv. Ent:Tom Green, 196 Georgetowne Dr. #25, Delaware, OH
43015, 740-803-2532. tagreen@owu.edu. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Apr. 11, Toledo Apr Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave.,
Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/9
$25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50,
1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031
Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Apr. 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 K-
3<600); (Grades K-3 Open); (Grade 4 Non-Rated); (Grade 5 Non-Rated);
(Grade 6 Non-Rated); (Grades 4-6<700); (Grades 4-6 Open); (Grades 7-9
Non-Rated); (Grades 7-9<900); (Grades 7-9 Open); (Grades 10-12 Non-Rated);
(K-12 Open); (Collegiate). USCF membership is not required for the non-rated
and K-3 rated sections. Registration form online at: www.queencityclassic.org.
Prizes:Trophies to all who score 3.5 or higher, top five team trophies awarded
medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, pro-
gram/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-partic-
ipants. 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 qccchess@proscan.com. 1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5339
or fax to 513.352.9359. Confirm all registrations at www.cpu-solutions.com.
Oklahoma
Feb. 14-16, Stillwater Winter FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
Pennsylvania
Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads
3RR, G/40. St. Lukes Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St.,
CHECK OUT USCFS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS
USCFs 62st ANNUAL
2009 Open Correspondence Chess
Golden Knights Championship
$1,000 First Prize
(plus title of USCFs 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 six-
game 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.
68 Chess Life February 2009
Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12.
$$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv.
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg: 11-11:15am, Rds: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCF-
Feb. 28, State Warm-Up
rated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.
4SS, G/30. Hillside Elementary School, 507 Howellville Road, Berwyn, PA
Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel
19312. Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $20 online by 2/25; $30 on-site
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.
9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10-11-12-1. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analy-
game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See www.silverknightschess.com to
sis by a National or International Master at each
register.
tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete
A Heritage Event!
in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 64th Pittsburgh Metropolitan Open
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
4SS, G/120, Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh,
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
PA 15217. EF: $30 postmarked by 2/23, $40 later, $5 discount to PCC members.
site at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-446-
2 Sections: Open, Reserve (under 1800). Prizes: $$615 b/30. Open: 120-90,
0818. Email: chess@silverknightschess.com.
U2000 $80. Reserve: 100 - 70, U1600 $60, U1400 $50, U1200/Unr $45. Reg.:
9AM - 9:45AM on 2/28. Rounds: 10AM - 3PM both days. One 1/2 point bye per-
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads mitted if requested before the start of Round 2. Info: 412-421-1881,
www.pittsburghcc.org Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde Kapinos, 5604
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: 610- Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to: Pittsburgh
Chess Club. WCL JGP.
821-4320, bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Every Friday Lehigh Valley Doubleheader 5-Minute Blitz Chess Mar. 1 (not Mar. 8), MasterMinds CC 2nd Sunday Swiss/Open
(QC) Quads
8SS each, G/5, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, Pa., 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads:
EF: $5 each, Prizes: 50% of Entries, 1st -70%, 2nd -30%, if 12 or more play- 3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5.
ers,$7 to top U1600, (If 24 or more players then 2 sections/ 2 prize funds Scholastic Swiss: EF $15, ASAP $5 recd by Thursday before, $25 at the door.
each event), One 1/2 bye only. Early Event Reg.: 6:30-6:50p. Rds.:7-7:15-7:30- 3 sections: Open 3SS G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-3; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200,
7:42-7:55-8:10-8:25-8:40p. Late Event Reg.: 8:45-8:55p. Rds.:9-9:15-9:30- top unrated; U1100 -1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated & U750K-6 - 1st,
9:42-9:55-10:10-10:25-10:40p. Info: Bruce Davis, 610-821-4320, bdavis@ 2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated 4SS, G/40. Rds.: 10,
lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/. 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.
North Penn Chess Club 19119. Checks made payable to: MasterMinds CC Info: Bradley Crable,
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchessclub.org for schedules & 215-844-3881, info@mastermindschess.org, or www.mastermindschess.org.
info or call 215-699-8418.
Mar. 6, 2009 PA Quick Chess Champ. (QC)
Feb. 14, ASAP Chess Challenge Tournament See Grand Prix.
Great Hall, Moore College of Art and Design, 20th St. and the Parkway, Philadel-
phia, PA 19103. 5 Sections. ALL SECTIONS FREE. Scholastic Rated Sections: Mar. 7, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
K-5, K-8, K-12: 3SS, G/60.Trophies for top 5. Scholastic Non-Rated Sections: Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St. West
K-6, 6-12: 4SS, G/40. Not USCF-rated. Medallions to winners. All: Depending Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win
upon entries, an additional round may be added or sections divided. Reg.: if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.
8:30am-9:30am. 1st Rd at 10am. Ent/Info: Justin Ennis, 1520 Locust St., Suite Mar. 7 & 8, 2009 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship
1104, Phila., PA 19102, jennis@phillyasap.org, 215-545-2727 ext. 17. See Grand Prix.
Feb. 20, Friday Night Action #2 A State Championship Event!
4SS, G/30. Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA Mar. 7 & 8, 2009 PA State Scholastic Championship
19010. EF: $30 online; $15 online for players under age 18; $5 more on-site 5SS. 142 Trophies!! (With 107 Individual & 35 Team). Hotel Carlisle & Embers
6:30-6:45. Rds: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 guaranteed 1st, others per entries.
Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit
See www.silverknightschess.com to register or for more information.
52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turnpike. 8 sections (Sat & Sun 3/7 & 8 unless
Feb. 22, PCL February Quick Quads (QC) indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/7 only) $29. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/7 only) $27.
USCFs 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 USCFs 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
To Enter: 800903USCF (8723), Fax 9317871200
six-game option. Entry fee $5 per person.
Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin Name
or on-line www.uschess.org
format. 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30.
Entry fee: $10. USCF ID#
Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) Address City
Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format
tournament with class-level pairings. 1st-place State ZIP Phone
receives a certificate.
Entry fee: $7. E mail Est. Rating
Express Tournament Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Seven-player events, one game with each of six Exp. date
opponents.
Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd If using VISA, need V code
place $20 credit.
Entry fee: $15. Check here if you do not wish to have an
Please circle event(s) selected.
opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may
slow down your assignment.
NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads,
Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express
Tournaments, players will use post office mail, Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan
unless opponents agree to use e-mail. DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
uschess.org
K-9 U1000: (Sun 3/8 only) $27.25. K-6 Open: $30.50. K-8 Open: $31.50. 7-
12 U1000: $28.50. 7-12 U1300: $29.50. K-12 Open: $32.50. All: EFs if recd
by 2/17, $10 more recd 2/18-3/3, $20 more after 3/3. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd
2. Reg Fri 3/6 6-10 pm, Sat 3/7 9:30-10:15 am, Saturday at site entries get 1/2-
bye. $5 charge for changes/refund after 2/17. Rds (Sat 3/7 1-day sections):
G/40 T/D5; 10-11:45-2-3:45-5:30; (Sun 3/8 K-9 U1000): G/40, T/D5; 9-10:30-
12:30-2-3:30; (2-day sections): G/90, T/D5; 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg
on-site only until Sat 3/7 8:30pm. Rds begin Sat 3/7 8:45pm. EF: $20/team.
HR: Mention PA States for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom
Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: Steve: 215-784-5938
piecebreaker@hotmail.com Dan: 610-649-0750 danheisman@comcast.net
www.pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/ W. Feb. 2009 ratings used. WCL JGP
(2-day sections).
Mar. 21, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-3,
K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60. EF: $25
online by 3/18; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3;
K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Prizes: trophies to top individuals & schools. Free
game analysis by IM Bryan Smith. Winner of K-12 is seeded into Greater
Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com to regis-
ter.
Mar. 22, PCL March Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg: 11-11:15am, Rds: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
Mar. 29, 2009 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix
Apr. 23-May 21, 2009 Hatboro Open
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 3rd annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix.
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island
Feb. 28 & Mar. 7, BK Tournaments for Kids
Reg. online: www.rhodeislandchess.org email: rhodeislandchess@yahoo.com
phone: (401) 359-1602. See CL4K.
Mar. 14, 102nd Rhode Island Pawn Eater
4SS, G/60. RI College, Providence, RI. Sections & Prizes: $500 b/50: OPEN,
U1900, U1500. EF: $20 by 3/12, $25 at site. REGISTER ONLINE at www.rhode
islandchess.org Reg: 9-9:30 Rd 1 at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get point
bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, Riverside, RI 02915. Site tel. (401) 837-1302.
NS, NC, W.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 21, R.I. Scholastic State Championship
4SS G/45, Held at R.I. College. Gr. K-5, Gr. 6-8, Gr. 9-12. Trophies top 3 teams
in each section. EF: $48 per team of four by 1/14, $68 at site. Players can be
from different schools. Full schedule & Register at: www.rhodeislandchess.org
email: rhodeislandchess@yahoo.com. phone: (401) 359-1602.
Tennessee
Mar. 21-22, Jack Smith Memorial 5
Site: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 474, 1870
Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, phone: (901) 726-4060. Registration:
Saturday, 03/21/2009, 7:45am to 8:45am. Three Sections: Open and Under
1600 Sections: 5 round swiss (5SS), Game in 120 minutes with 5 second delay
(G/120, TD5), Rounds 9-2-7, 9-2. Novice Section: (not rated) 5 round swiss
(5SS), Game in 30 minutes with no delay (G/30, TD0), Rounds: 9-10-11-1-2.
Prizes based on 30 entries @30$. Open $250, $175, and $75, Under 1600
$150, $75, $25. Trophies to top 10 in Novice! Entry fee: $30 by March 14,
$40 at site for Open and U1600. $30 for MCC members anytime. $15 entry fee
for Novice section anytime. Special Entry Fee: In Open Section all entries
rated over 2000 get free entry fee deducted from winnings! Send entries to:
Memphis Chess Club Inc. P.O. Box 17864, MemphisTN 38187-0864.Tournament
Director: Gary Pylant (901) 359-8616. Email: gpylant@gmail.com. Website:
www.memphischess.com. WCL JGP for Open and Under 1600 sections.
Apr. 3-5, SuperNationals IV
See Nationals.
Texas
Feb. 14-15, DFW FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Pre-Spring Open
Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 4-SS, 30/90,
SD/60. $$1,100 b/40, 2 sections. Open: $250-150, U2100 $100, U1900 $100.
Reserve (U1800): $150-100, U1700 $100, U1500 $75, U1300/unr. $75. Unr. may
play for top Open section prizes or U1300/unr. only. EF: $30 if rec d by 2/26,
$35 at site. Junior (18/under) or Senior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward based-
on): $20 by 2/26, $25 at site. Reg. 11 am.-12:30 p.m., Rds. 1-6, 10-3. Half-pt.
bye any one rd., notice before rd. 2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes,TX 78023.
Info: home.satx.rr.com/sachess/, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 14-15, Houston Chess Club Absolute Championship
Houston CC, 9000 Southwest Freeway, Suite 290, Houston, TX, 77074, 5SS,
Rds.: 1-3 G/90; Rds.: 4-5 G/120. Schedule Sat 10-1-4; Sun 10-2. EF: $40 for
Club Members and Under 21, $50 for non members if received by 3/11, all $10
more at door. Prizes: $1,500 based on 50, Open: 350 200, Under 2200: 200
Under 2000: 250 - 100, Under 1800, 1600, 1400, 1200: 100 each. Reg.: 9:00
to 9:50 AM. Advance Entries: Houston Chess Club (address above), Info: 713-
773-2437 or arconsul@aol.com, NC, NS, Please bring sets and clocks. WCL
JGP.
Mar. 20-22, Southwest Collegiate Championships
5-SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 &
S. Ware Rd., McAllen,TX 78501. Open to any college student or team. USCF mem-
bership required. EF: $43 by 3/13, $63 thereafter. March Rating Supplement
will be used. FIDE rated but uses USCF rules. Reg: Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 7-7:45am.
Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2- pt. bye. One 1/2-pt. bye
allowed if requested by end of rd. 2. Rds: Sat 9-1:30-6, Sun 9-1:45. $1,500 schol-
arship awarded by SBCISD to the top Female and Male. Other cash prizes will
be listed at the events website, www.2009texas chesstourney.com/. Plaques
to top 10 Individuals, Plaques to top 5 Teams. Open Blitz Tourney: Open, Fri
3/20, 8pm, $10, Plaques to Top 5 individual. Registrations available on line or
you may download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess Pro-
gram. Mail entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586. For
tournament info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399.
For questions pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc
Guadalupe, 713-530-7820. NS, NC, W, FIDE. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 20-22, Texas State Scholastic Championships
7SS, McAllen Convention Center, W. Expressway 83 & S. Ware Rd., McAllen, TX
78501. Hotel Rates vary 12 great hotels to choose from! Check out website
links at tournament website (listed below). Four championships in one great
location: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholas-
tic Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High
School Scholastic Championships. EF: $37 by 3/13; $59 after 3/13 or on
site. March Rating Supplement will be used. Current USCF membership
required (may be obtained on site). On Site Registration: Friday, 5-9pm, Sat-
urday, 7-7:45am. Saturday registrants may receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. One
1/2-pt. bye (for any round) allowed if requested by the end of Rd. 2. Sections:
K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3 w/Ratings
Under 700), Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV (K-5/6 Under 800),
Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School (6-8/9) Championship, MS
JV (6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under 600), High School (9-12) Cham-
pionship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for
each sections eligibility requirement, www.texaschess.org/2007/03/
bylaws.html. Four-year scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas
to winner of High School Championship section. Winner must meet UTD
entrance requirement and follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins
the scholarship. Also, $1,500 scholarship awarded by SBCISD to the top
Female and Male of HS Championship! Trophies for top 20 individuals and top
15 teams in each section plus participation medals for all K-1 and 21st-30th
in each division. Schedule: Round times vary depending on the Championship;
Time control also varies. For round times and time control, see:
www.2009texaschesstourney.com/, (Divisions). Side Events: Blitz Tourney:
K-6 and K-12, Friday 8pm. EF: $15. Trophies to top 15 Individual in each sec-
tion. Bughouse Tourney: K-6 and K-12, Saturday, 8:35pm. EF: $20 Team (On
site registration only). rophies to top 10 teams in each section. All registra-
tions (except Bughouse) available on line at www.2009texaschess tourney.com/
or you may download entry form. Checks payable to San Benito CISD Chess
Program. Mail entries to SBCISD, 450 S. Williams Rd., San Benito, TX 78586.
For tournament info, visit our website or contact Lali Betancourt, 956-893-0399.
For questions pertaining to tournament rules, you may call the Chief TD, Franc
Guadalupe, 713-530-7820. NS, NC, W.
April 24-26, Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD,
DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships
See Nationals.
Vermont
Apr. 24-26 or 25-26, 6th annual Vermont Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
May 15-17 or 16-17, 17th annual New York State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Virginia
Feb. 14-15, Kingstowne Chess Festival
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 21, Winter Seasonal Special
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 41st Annual Virginia Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 7, Kingstowne Quad #53/Action-Plus #25
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. Two Events. Quad #53: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 3/4, $15
at site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad; gold to first if perfect score,
else silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #25: 5SS G/45. EF: $15
if received by 3/4, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/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): dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Mar. 7, VB Spring Swiss
4SS G/70. Springhill Suites, 6350 Newtown Rd., Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Phone:
1-757-333-3100. Prizes: $700 b/o 30 $200, $100, A-B & unr-C-D-U12 each $80
Increased with 35+. EF: $37 by 3/5 else $45. Reg.: 8:30-9:00. Rds.: 9:20 -
12:15 2:45 5:15. Entries/Cks: Ernest Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Nor-
folk, VA 23502. (757) 853-5296. mysite.verizon.net/eschlich. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-15, 2009 VA Scholastic & Collegiate Chess Championships
Organized by VA Chess Fed at Monticello High School, Charlottesville, VA. Two
tournaments: Blitz Championships Friday evening March 13, main chess tour-
nament Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15. Individual and team trophies in both
tournaments. Eligibility, rules, hotel deals and entry info at www.vachess.org
or www.vschess.org or email to Mike Hoffpauir, mhoffpauir@aol.com.
Apr. 4, Kingstowne Quad #54/Action-Plus #26
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #54: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 4/1, $15 at site.
Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else sil-
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All tournaments are non-smoking with no comput-
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 Solutions

Chess to Enjoy 3. A. This mate-in-3 was composed by Rb7 (12. Rb1) 12. ... Ka5 13. Kc6 Ka6 14. Rb1 Rc8+
Novotny in 1854 and is considered the 15. Kd7 Ra8 16. Kc7 e5 17. Rb6+ Kxa7 18. Rb3
Problem I.
A. The only solution is 1. Rf5! (threatens Rf4). If 1.
debut of his famed interference theme. wins.
1. b6! queens after 1. ... axb6 2. a7 or 1. ... Bb8 2.
Kb5 (threat of Kc6-b7, also 2. c6 axb6 3. c7 wins) 2. 9. a7 wins.
... Rf8 2. Bf6!! Rxf6 (also doomed is 2. ... Bxf6 3.
... Kd7 3. c6+ Kc8 4. c7 in view of 4. ... Bxc7 5. 1. b4 Re4
Rf4) 3. Re5 mate. Or 1. Rf5! Bxf5 2. Nf7! Rxh4 3.
bxa7. White is better after 1. ... Kb2 2. Rc6! Kb3 3. b5.
Nd6 mate.
B. If 1. Nf5? Nxb5 foils the threat of 2. Nd6 mate.
Problem II. 2. b5 Ra4+ 3. Kb7 Rb4! 4. Kc6

C. Equally inadequate is 1. Nf7? Nxb5 2. N7g5+

1. Bg5! Rg4 2. Rxd8+! Kxd8 3. f7+ and White will 4. Ra6+? Kb2! is equal.
win soonbut not 2. f7?? Rxg5+! 3. Kxg5 Ne6+. 4. ... Kb2
Problem III. Kf5. 4. ... e5 5. Kc5! is better for White.
1. e7! Bxe7 2. Qb8+ mates (2. ... Kg7 3. Qg8 mate 4. B. Emanuel Berg - Jurij Zezulkin, Poland 5. Kc5

A. After 1. Qe6? White somehow managed to draw

or 2. ... Bf8/2. ... Qf8 3. Bxf6+!). 2000. 5. Rb7? e5 is even.
Problem IV. 5. ... Kb3 6. Re6 Ka4
despite a two pawn deficit.
B. White missed a mate via the Novotny theme: 1.
1. ... Qd5+! and now 2. Kf1 Qh1+ or 2. Kf2 Qc5+ are White has the upper hand after 6. ... Rc4+ 7. Kb6+-
easy and 2. Kh3 Kg6! sets up ... g4+ and mates. 7. Ra6+!
Problem V. Nf6!! (threatens Rg8 or Qxh7). If 1. ... Rxf6 2. Qg7 7. b6 Ka5! is drawish.
mate. Or 1. ... Bxf6 2. Qf8 mate. 7. ... Kb3 8. Ra1!
C. Blacks extra material will triumph after 1. Qxf4?
1. Rxf7+! Bxf7 2. Rxd6+! in view of 2. ... Kxd6 3.
Qxd8+ mate or 2. ... Kc7 3. Qxd8+ and mates. There is no edge after 8. b6? Rc4+ 9. Kb5 Rb4+ 10.
Bxf4. Kc6 Rc4+ 11. Kd7 Rb4 12. Kxe7 Kc4 13. Kd7 Kb5.
Problem VI.
8. ... Rc4+ 9. Kd5! wins.
1. Rxg7+! Kxg7 2. Qh6+ Kf7 3. Qh7+ Kf6 4. dxe5+
Endgame Lab Benkos Bafflers 9. Kb6? e5! 10. Re1 e4 11. Ka5 Ra4+ 12. Kb6 Rc4 is
Kxe5 and now 5. f4+ is good enough to win. But 5.
Problem I. even.
Qg7+! mates (5. ... Kxf5 6. Qg6+ Ke5 7. f4+ Kd4 8.
I. 1. Kf6 Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess
Be3 mate).
White only draws with 1. Kf7 Ke5 2. Ke7 Kd5 3. Kd8 Kc6
Trapping: After 1. ... Bc4, White must jettison the
Problem I.
Whats The Best Move? 4. a7 Na8 5. Kc8 Nb6.
1. C. GM Sergey Karjakin-GM Evgeny 1. ... Nd5+ 2. Kf7 Ke5 3. a7 Nc7 4. Ke7 Kd5 5. Kd7 Na8 c2-bishop to save the queen.
A. White can win routinely by 1. Bxc4 Bxc4 2. Ne4
Alekseev, World Chess Cup, Russia 2008. 6. Kc8 Kc6 7. Kb8 Nc7
Trapping: Whites bishop is lost after 1. ... a4.
Problem II.
White decoys the defender after 7. ... Nb6 8. Nc4.
Qxe5 3. Nf6+ Kh8 4. Qxe5 Rxe5 5. Nd7.
B. Inadequate is 1. Qf6? Qxe5 2. Bxc4 Bxc4.
8. Nc2 Na6+ 9. Kc8 Nc7 10. Nb4+ Kb6
Theres simply no safe place to go.
No better is 10. ... Kd6 11. Kb7 Kd7 12. Nd5 Na8 13.
C. White won with the elegant 1. Nd5!! Qxd5 (if 1. ... Driving off: White loses the queen after 1. ...
Problem III.
Nb6+.
Bxd5 2. Qf6) 2. Bxc4 Qxc4 3. Qf6 and Qg7 mate. 11. Kb8 Na8 12. Nd5+ Kc6 13. Kxa8 wins.
Bxe3+, when 2. Qxe3 is met by the deflecting 2. ...
Named in honor of Anton Novotny (1829-1871) II. 1. Kf7 Nh3+.
this theme seldom occurs in real games. It is drawn after 1. Kf6 Nd5+ 2. Kf7 Ke5 3. a7 Nb6 4. Ke8
Discovery/Simplification: Black clears the
Problem IV.
2. A. Composed in 1858 by Joseph Kd6 5. Kd8 Kc6 6. Na5+ Kb5.

A. The only way to mate in three is 1. Rg7!!

Plachutta (1828-1883).
(threatens Qg3 and/or Bc7 mate). If 1. ... Rgxg7
2. Bc7+! Rxc7 3. Qg3. Or 1. ... Rhxg7 2. Qg3+!
Rxg3 3. Bc7. Even quicker is 1. ... Bxg7 2. Bc7
mate.
B. Mate takes longer after 1. Qxf6+ Kd6 2. Qd4+
Kc6 3. Qxc5+ Kb7 4. Rb1+ Ka8 5. Qc6+ Ka7 6.
Qa4 mate.
1. ... Ke5 2. Ke7 Nc8+ board with 1. ... Bxc2+, when 2. Ke1 Bxd1 3. Kxd1
The pawn promotes after 2. ... Kd5 3. Kd8 Kc6 4. Nd4+ Rf1+ 4. Kc2 Rxb1 5. Kxb1 h5 soon queens.
Kc5 5. Kc7 Nc8 6. Kb7 (6. Kxc8 Kb6 draws) 6. ... Nd6+ 7.
Desperado: Since Blacks queen is lost anyway,
Problem V.
Kb8.
3. Kd7 Na7 4. Kc7 Kd5 5. Nd2 Nb5+ 6. Kb6 Nd6 7. Nb1
he gives it up to win the b8-bishop and the f1-rook:
Nc8+ 8. Kb7 Nd6+ 9. Kc7 Nb5+ 10. Kb6 Kc4 11. Na3+ 1. ... Qxf1+ 2. Kxf1 Rxb8, and White has a lost posi-
queens. tion, the Exchange down.
Problem II.
Mating net: Black has a forced win: 1. ... Be4+ 2.
Problem VI.

C. Black can delay his doom after 1. Kxc5 Be7+ 2.

1. a4 Ka2 2. a5 Ka3 3. Rb1!! Ka4 4. Kb6 Re6+ 5.
Kc5 Re5+ 6. Kd4! Re6 7. Rb6! Re1 8. a6 Ka5
Kg1 Bxe3 mate.
Bxe7 Rc8+. 8. ... Rd1+ 9. Kc5 Rc1+ 10. Kd5 Rc8 11. a7 Ra8 12.

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I N T I O NA L C HE
CHESSS S F E S T
FESTIVALIVAL featuring the

V e g $100,000 NATIONAL OPEN

$100,000 NATIONAL OPEN
JUNE 4th
~ JUNE 4th - 7th
7th ~
SUSAN POLGAR WORLD OPEN CHESS
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR GIRLS AND BOYS
~ even better in our new facility ~

SUSAN POLGAR INTERNATIONAL CHESS CAMP

~ featuring a full or half day session ~
Play with the Stars . . .
U.S. GAME 10/CHAMPIONSHIP . . . in the City of the Stars
and the
NATIONAL OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP
PLUS...
SCHOLASTIC TROPHY TOURNAMENTS
INTERGALACTIC BUGHOUSE CHAMPIONSHIP
GRANDMASTER SIMULS
BREAKFAST WITH SUSAN POLGAR
TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS WORKSHOP
FREE LECTURES

SOUTH POINT is a truly unique resort...

...with great festival room rates
Join us for our 25th Anniversary Celebration! 16-screen theater complex 64-lane bowling center
eight affordable restaurants spa gaming and more....