-ARCH USCHESSORG

ONE OF OUR
YOUNGEST
TEAMS EVER.
AVERAGE
AGE: 25

U.S. TEAM
WINS
Seeded
only fifth
among
ten
SILVER
squads. IN TURKEY
Our team won six
matches and two
individual gold
medals to take
second place at the
2009 World Team
Championship.
uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 1
 Chess Life
Editorial Staff
Chess Life Editor &
Director of Publications Daniel Lucas dlucas@uschess.org
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IT Director, Webmaster &
Tournament Director Certification Phillip R. Smith philsmith@uschess.org ext.134

USCF Executive Board

President Jim Berry jaberrycg@aol.com
PO Box 351
Stillwater, OK 74076
Vice President Ruth Haring ruth@ruthharing.com
PO Box 1993
Chico, CA 95927
Vice President Finance Randy Bauer randybauer2300@yahoo.com
3923 - 153rd Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
Member at Large Michael Atkins matkins2@cox.net
PO Box 6138
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PO Box 249
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577

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2 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 March on uschess.org

World Amateurs
The 2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships come to Skokie, Illinois from March
19-25. The event is open to players rated under 2000. In March, Skokie will also host the
Intercontinental School Team Championship, a masters event and a FIDE Arbiters seminar.
CLO coverage of the festivities will include photo albums by Betsy Dynako.

March Grand Prix Madness

Major Grand Prixs crowd the March chess calendar. Check CLO for the scoop on events such
as the Mid-America Open (March 19-21) in St. Louis, Missouri and the Western Class Champi-
onships (March 12-14) in Agoura Hills, California.

k Masters Only
In case the masters are jealous of the World Amateurs, they have their very own event in
Hendersonville, North Carolina, the 2010 U.S. Masters, set for March 13-21.

Easter Chess Hunt

The end of March and the very beginning of April brings Easter chess action to Reno for
the Far West Open and to the city of brotherly love for the brand new Philadelphia Open
(which replaces the Foxwoods Open). Coverage of the Philadelphia Open will include U.S.
Chess Scoop videos.

Follow Us On Facebook
Follow Chess Life and Chess Life Online on Facebook! Get regular updates as part of your
news feed, post comments, and easily communicate directly with the editorial staff.

This Months Contributors

Dr. Alexey Root, WIM (Looks at Books p. 12) is the author of four books on chess in education, including her
latest People, Places, Checkmates: Teaching Social Studies with Chess (March 30, 2010, Westport, Connecticut:
Teacher Ideas Press).

IM John Donaldson (Cover Story, p. 18) is not only the frequent U.S. team captain, he has an extensive
chessjournalism resume, including 22 books he has penned.

FM Alex Dunne (Correspondence Chess, p. 38) is the USCF correspondence chess director.

GM Ian Rogers (London 2009, p. 30) is a frequent contributor to Chess Life.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 3

March Chess Life
Columns

12 LOOKS AT BOOKS 18 | COVER STORY

A Great Big Fairytale
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM Talking Turkey
By IM John Donaldson
14 CHESS TO ENJOY
Plugging Away at the Petroff The U.S. team, one of our youngest ever,
By GM Andy Soltis takes silver at the 2009 World Team Championship.

16 SOLITAIRE CHESS
You Better Look a Little
Further
By Bruce Pandolfini

42 BACK TO BASICS
Ignore Threats At Your Own
Peril
By GM Lev Alburt

44 ENDGAME LAB
The 2009 Tal Memorial
By GM Pal Benko

46 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?

AVRO 1938
By GM Larry Evans

Departments

3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES
10 USCF AFFAIRS
50 TOURNAMENT LIFE GM Robert Hess intensely analyzing; GM Ray Robson, the only
American GM younger than Hess, watches.
70 CLASSIFIEDS
71 SOLUTIONS
30 | 2009 LONDON
Nakamura Goes Super
By GM Ian Rogers
Hikaru Nakamura continues his international escapades,
this time with a tough outing against some of the worlds best.

On The Cover
Hikaru Nakamura and Alexander
Onischuk won individual gold
medals and our youngest
grandmasters, Robert Hess and
Ray Robson, continued mightily
to the silver-medal winning team
that included former U.S. cham-
pion Yury Shulman and Varuzhan
34 | COLLEGE CHESS
Merry Times For Maryland
By GM Timur Gareev
Near the spring-break beaches of South Padre Island, Texas,
UMBC wins one of the strongest college events ever.
38 | CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
All Chess Players Should Have A Hobby
By FM Alex Dunne
PHOTO TONY RICH

Akobian. IM John Donaldson
captained and wrote the main
story, beginning on page 18.
Photos by Tony Rich; cover design by
Frankie Butler
The 2002 Golden Knights featured something for everybody.
There were 420 entries from 42 states, plus five from
Canada, one from Puerto Rico, and one who was deported
to the Ukraine in the middle of the first round (he did
not finish). Then there is the one who photographed
volacanoes for the National Geographic ...

4 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

New Membership Options!
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Counterplay
Corrections
In the February article by Dr. Alexey
Root, A UTD Thanksgiving: Roses and
Recognition, Chess Life incorrectly
reversed the names of two players from the
way Dr. Root had them listed. The proper
listing of the two affected players are
Bayaraa Zorigt and Saheli Nath. Chess Life
regrets the error.
In the January Back to Basics, p. 15,
a move pair was inadvertently left out:
Move 26 should be 26. h3 Kh8. On the
same page, 43. d6 should have been 43.
c6.
Lazy endgames
I have been reading Chess Life for
nearly 40 years and I cant remember a
better piece of reference than Ian Rogers'
story (The Lazy Persons Guide to
Endgames, January/February 2009
Chess Life). He has summarized in a few
pages what it would otherwise take years
to learn. I have always had the hope I can
figure it out attitude to endgames and
this story gives us lazy people some hope.
David Lazarus
Fanwood, New Jersey
Pawnography
Thanks for a job well done. There is
more in every issue of Chess Life than I
6 Chess Life March 2010
can possibly take ingood taste, interest-
ing content. Artistic presentation trumps
so-called political correctness every time.
Here at the East Lansing, Michigan
chess club we feel that the November
and January issues, photographs, and
content are instances of pawnography
and not in any real sense of the word
pornography.
Personally I can use all of the pawnog-
raphy I can get and Chess Life is my
current source.
Thanks again for a job well done.
Mervin J. Draper
President, East Lansing Chess Club
via e-mail
I feel that Mr. Chressanthis letter (Jan-
uary Counterplay) about the November
Chess Life cover needs a reply, so here is
mine: relax and grow up. Stop finding
the boogeyman behind everything that
offends your sensibilities. Its just a mag-
azine cover; save your self-righteous
indignation for something worthwhile.
Bill Conrad
Los Angeles, California
International coverage
Just a few words about your December
issue. It is excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed
it.
May I make one suggestion? In 72
pages there are very few facts about inter-
Chess Life welcomes letters from its readers. Letters are subject to editing for content and length. Send
your letters to letters@uschess.org, and include your full name and a telephone number. If Chess Life
publishes your letter, you will be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate and Improve Your Chess (see ad below).
national chess. How about one page?
New In Chess is, I think, too expensive for
most of us.
Keep up your fine work.
Alex Seabrook
Illinois
USCF Governance Information
Call for ADMs
Advance Delegate Motions for the
Delegates meeting at this years U.S.
Open are due before June 1, 2010.
They can be sent to Cheryle Bruce,
c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville,
TN 38557 or e-mailed to cbruce@
uschess.org.
Special Election
There will be a special election
this summer to fill the two vacant
executive board seats. The candi-
dates, in ballot order, are:
1. Gary Walters
2. Sam Sloan
3. Mike Nietman
Look for more details in the April
issue.
uschess.org
First Moves
An Earthquake Will Not Kill Chess in Haiti
On January 12, 2010, a powerful earthquake reduced the Haitian capital of Port
au Prince into ruin. It has been nearly a month since screams and panicked cries
echoed throughout the land of approximately 10 million. by Dr. Daaim Shabazz
Sabine BonnetPresident of Acadmie dchecs
Botswana versus Haiti at the 2006 Olympiad
Acadmie dchecs
8 Chess Life March 2010
Since that fateful day, relief efforts have streamed in from around the
world, but these efforts are a fraction of what Haiti will need to rebuild.
As we have seen events unfold, one of the first priorities has been edu-
cation. Children have been seen in makeshift schools happily learning
once again. Perhaps somewhere there is a chess board or two.
Many countries around the world have begun to establish chess pro-
grams as a part of educational curricula. In January 2008, the Haitian
Chess Federation supported an organization called Academie dEchecs
or Chess Academy. This organization was designed to promote chess
throughout the island, but targeted its energy specifically toward mid-
dle school students. The organization had an energetic president in
Sabine Bonnet and with support from the Sports Ministry, held events
both in Port au Prince and the Dominican Republic.
Chess is not new in Haiti. If we examine history, we may be able to find
some chess players among the soldiers of Toussaint LOuverture. This
powerful leader helped Haiti throw off the yoke of slavery from the
French and also defeated Spanish and British armies. In 1804, Haiti
became the first successful slave revolt leading to independence. Unlike
its adjoining neighbors in the Dominican Republic, chess had not seen
much activity in the island.
In 1986, Haiti sponsored a national team to attend their first chess
Olympiad in Dubai. After they last attended the 2006 chess Olympiad in
Turin, Italy they appeared happy to have rejoined the chess community
of nations in the marquee event. Led by national champion Piersont
Lebrun and top scorer Jocelyn Bazile (8/13), the Haitians ended on 21
points (+3 =4 -6). While this was a modest showing, it provided them
momentum for rebuilding their confidence and to make progress as an
active federation.
Most chess federations in developing countries had limited administra-
tive capacity and small budgets. Haiti pressed on to continue building chess
programs despite the struggle to find sponsorship for their programs. Bon-
net had traveled to the U.S. and competed in the 2007 U.S. Open and made
a few friends. One such friend was Adia Onyango of the Bronx who has
been an organizer in her own right. The two established a friendship and
shared ideas. Onyango had shared with me the works of Bonnet.
The Haitians had planned to send a delegation for the 2008 chess
Olympiad in Dresden, Germany, but a series of hurricanes swept through
the Caribbean, killing 800. Before the earthquake struck, the country was
still recovering from damages stemming from the hurricanes. In the
absence of the Haitian delegates, Rohan Waite of Barbados took the floor
and made comments in support of the ravaged island.
Weeks after the 2009 Haitian national championship, the earthquake
turned Haiti upside down. Onyango and I made repeated attempts to con-
tact Bonnet via e-mail and Facebook. A week into the earthquake disaster,
Bonnet responded and stated that she was in Miami with her family. In
a phone call, she described the situation as very difficult. We have lost
everything, she sighed. She did not know the whereabouts of the other
chess players, but her husband Jean Ren Bonnet and two children (Jean-
nissah, seven years and Sarjeah, five years) were able to escape serious
injury.
Despite the tragic event, the Haitians are singing, dancing, smiling and
PHOTOS BY DAAIM SHABAZZ
showing unbridled optimism. One may think that chess is the last thing
on the minds of Haitians. However, this may be a chance to promote
chess as a way to pass time and to spread goodwill through international
chess diplomacy. Unfortunately, FIDE failed to demonstrate moral support
of Haiti in the spirit of GENS UNA SUMUS. Hopefully the world chess com-
munity will provide support in the coming years. Several players have already
raised funds in this vein. One day we will again see chess return to the streets
of Port au Prince! As in the Haitian national anthem, we say, marchons,
marchons, marchons unis!
uschess.org

The Seventh Annual All-Girls Open National Championships
April 16 18, 2010 Columbus, Ohio
Awards
The University of Texas at Dallas,
www.utdallas.edu, has established an
Academic Distinction Scholarship to the
winner of the 18-years-old and younger
section. The scholarship is valued at
$68,000 for an out-of-state student.
Trophies to top 15 individuals and top
3 teams in each section. 3 or more
players from the same school to make
a team (top 3 scores added to give
team nal standings). Every player
receives a souvenir medal.
Entry Fee
$50 if postmarked by March 21, 2010,
$70 if by April 4, 2010. On-site registra-
tion is $90. USCF membership required.
All events will be hosted at Hyatt
Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street,
Columbus, OH.
Entry & Info
Make checks payable to: United States
Chess Federation, Attn: All Girls,
P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
In association with
Present
6-SS, G/90, Sections
8-years-old and younger
10-years-old and younger
12-years-old and younger
14-years-old and younger
16-years-old and younger
18-years-old and younger
Main Event
Friday, April 16
6:00 PMOpening Ceremony
6:30 PMRound 1
Saturday, April 17
10:00 AMRound 2
2:30 PMRound 3
6:30 PMRound 4
Sunday, April 18
9:00 AMRound 5
1:00 PMRound 6
5:00 PMAwards Ceremony
Side Events
Bughouse Tournament
Friday April 17, 1:00 PM
Entry fee: $25 per team
Blitz Tournament (G/5)
Friday April 17, 3:00 PM
Entry fee: $15 if p/m by April 4,
$20 on-site
Online registration
https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/
tournament.php?wkevent=2010AG or
www.kasparovchessfoundation.org
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Columbus
350 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Hotel Chess Rate: $127
if reserved by April 1, 2010
For hotel reservations: Please call
(800) 233-1234 or (614) 280-1234
USCF Affairs March

USCF legal issues

FIDE fees
I am happy to report to our members that the recent flurry that the USCF has been increased for
involved with has ended. From the USCF official press release: 2010
The USCF announced it has agreed to a settlement with Susan Polgar and Paul
Truong stemming from lawsuits filed by both parties. Polgars lawsuit, filed in August Fees for submitting events to
2008, alleged libel, slander, defamation and other claims. USCFs California lawsuit, FIDE increased in 2010. Here
adding claims against Susan Polgar in October 2008, alleged e-mail hacking and wire is the motion that the Execu-
fraud. The USCF also filed an Illinois lawsuit against Susan Polgar and Paul Truong tive Board passed:
to remove them as executive board members and end their relationship with the
USCF for not acting in the best interests of the USCF. Moved: That the fee that USCF
charges to affiliates for the
Under the settlement agreement, all named parties except Gregory Alexander and FIDE rating of events be raised
Sam Sloan have agreed to dismiss all claims and counter-claims in the actions in
effective March 1, 2010 for
Texas and California. The Illinois lawsuit will end with a judgment confirming that
Susan Polgar and Paul Truong are no longer executive board members. The USCFs Swisses and January 1, 2010
civil case against Alexander for e-mail hacking and wire fraud continues, and for round robins [or matches].
Alexander is also facing similar federal criminal charges in California. The new fee for Swisses shall
be $2 per FIDE ratable perform-
As part of the settlement, Polgar and Truong have agreed to never contest the USCF
ance, with a minimum fee of
executive boards action in revoking their USCF memberships; acknowledge that they
are no longer members of the USCF or members of the USCF executive board; agree $60 per section. The new fee for
to never seek, run for, or accept a leadership position in the USCF; and will never round robins or matches shall
contest the delegates actions that ratified the decisions of the USCF executive board be, in dollars, an amount similar
at the August 2009 Annual DelegatesMeeting. to the fee charged in Euros by
FIDE to USCF. The exact amount
Under the settlement, the USCF will allow Polgar and Truong to be playing, non-
members of the USCF and will be listed as Playing Non-Member Status. will be determined by the execu-
tive director after consideration
The USCF insurer, Ansur America Insurance Company, a member of Frankenmuth of the likely value of the Euro.
Financial Group, has agreed to provide $131,000 to the USCF and $39,000 to
This fee may be reviewed quar-
Polgars attorneys.
terly, with changes taking effect
The USCF is pleased that this matter is finally settled and that no USCF funds will go to three months after that review.
Polgar and Truong. Additionally, the USCF receives $131,000 to agree to asettlement. Upon passage of this motion, the
This has been a difficult period for the organization. I want to thank the executive USCF website shall immediately
board members for working together in a cohesive fashion through such a troubling begin to prominently publicize
period. I would also like to thank the members of the joint defense agreement and our the new fees, which will also be
attorneys for all of the input and guidance. It is very challenging in the face of such announced in Chess Life begin-
a lawsuit for so many varied perspectives to be able to come together and reach a ning with the December issue.
peaceful resolution. I also want to give a special thanks to my staff. They have been
tremendous throughout, even in the face of staff reductions, reductions in pay, and The initial exchange rate for
serious uncertainty. You have a lot of good people working for you, and they have been round robin and match events
through a difficult period. There are also a lot of issues pending out there that have not will be $1.55 per Euro. Here
received my proper attention through this process, and to any of you affected by this, are the fees in Euros as given
I apologize and begin some much needed catch up work so we can turn our attention in section 12.2 of the FIDE
to the future of the Federation. handbook:
I think we can all agree that there is a lot of debate and disagreement that occurs Tournaments with an aver-
here within the USCF governance in general. What has pleased me in talking with age rating of:
so many during this process is just how much we all really do have in common. It
is easy to get mired in a contest of wills over our differences, but to be great we must Up to 2300: 50 Euro
find a way to recognize our commonalities and grow from there. That is how we must
2301-2400: 100 Euro
move forward. Chess is bigger than each of us, but chess can only grow through all
of us. I owe so much to chess. That is why I am here. I want kids to have the same 2401-2500: 150 Euro
opportunities that I have had, and I want adults to have the opportunity to enjoy and
love the game as I have grown to love it. In 70 years the Federation has had its ups 2501-2600: 200 Euro
and downs and it has persevered. 70 years is something to fight for. 2601 or higher: 300 Euro
~Bill Hall, USCF Executive Director

10 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 E!
WAIT A MINUT
o n t h e c o v e r o f C H E S S L IF E ?
A V E G A S S H O W G IR L
ncer at
ve r fe atured Pa tricia Johnson, a da
co
The January 1965 players to the first Natio
nal
vu e. Sh e invited
the Lido de Paris Re cov ers like
in Las Vegas. You don t see
Open at the Stardust Hotel
a Zatonskih will
that any mor e. January 2010 cover girl IM Ann
give a simultaneous exhibition at this years National Open.
Weve come a long way, baby!
The National Open has come a long way, too. In 1965 the record-breaking $4,500
prize fund drew 138 players for a week long tournament. GM Sammy Reshevsky won
the title on tie break over GM Robert Byrne. In 2010 over a thousand players includ-
ing dozens of titled players will participate in a weekend chess festival centered on the
National Open and a $100,000 projected prize fund.

Patricia Johnson 1965 The tournament carries a rich history and tradition. Probably no tournament
in U.S. history was handled with more regard for the comfort and convenience of the
players than the first National Open wrote Chess Life editor J.F. Reinhardt about that
first National Open. This year IM Irina Krush (who has also appeared on the cover of
Chess Life) called it one of the most player-friendly tournaments on the circuit. We expect
to continue that tradition this year and in the years to come.

Another part of the tradition is Las Vegas. Although the tournament has been
held elsewhere at times, Las Vegas is its home. The National Open was born at the Star-
dust and for most of the first fifteen years was played there. In 1983, after a few years
away, the tournament returned to Las Vegas, where it has remained for all but two years
(1989 and 1981) in Chicago. The MGM Grand, Imperial Palace, Rivera and most
recently South Point have hosted the National Open with style.

Come to Las Vegas. There are always new things to see and do between rounds; come
earlier and stay later to take advantage of the South Point Hotels special tournament
rates. South Point has a fabulous tournament site and is among the best places to stay
and play in Las Vegas. The casino, sports book and poker room are top notch. Movie
Anna Zatonskih 2010 theaters, a bowling alley and other features make South Point one of the most family-
friendly hotels in town.

The National Open also has a tradition of showcasing the worlds greatest and most interesting chess personalities.
Anatoly Karpov, Mikhail Tal, David Bronstein, ZsuZsu, Judit and Sofia Polgar, Sammy Reshevsky, Victor Kortchnoi and Gata Kamsky
have been among the many featured players. Hikaru Nakamura gave a simul at the age of 10. Gata Kamsky won the tournament
in 1993 and returned as guest of honor in 2008 and won it again. Even the Turk, the famous 18th century chess automaton,
has made an appearance.

The National Open is now the premier feature of The Las Vegas International Chess Festival. This unique chess
experience boasts two national championships, a scholastic event, the Susan Polgar Girls and Boys Championships,
a one-day Grandmaster Chess Camp for all ages, analysis by GM Arthur Bisguier (who participated in the first National Open),
free lectures, a Tournament Director Workshop and more.

Be a part of National Open History. Dont miss out on the fun!

The National Open is co-sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation and Vegas Chess Festivals.
For more information see the TLA in this issue or go to the web site at

www.VegasChessFestival.com
Looks at Books
ANATOLY KARPOVS charming introduc-
tion to Diary of a Chess Queen begins
with Alexandra Kosteniuk at a Moscow
chess club in 1990. Mirroring Karpovs
words is a photo of Kosteniuk, adorable at
six years old, crowded by an older boy and
several adult men. All of them seek Kar-
povs autograph, and Kosteniuk could be
pushed aside. She stands her ground,
however, and Karpov signs her card.
Kosteniuk showed similar determination
in her chess games. At age seven, Kosteniuk
was Moscow champion among girls under
10, a feat she repeated the following year
with a score of 9 out of 9. As a pre-teen,
Kosteniuk competed in Russian, European,
and World Junior championships. Docu-
menting her successes are photos of her at
the board and at award ceremonies.
In addition to being Kosteniuks first
chess trainer, her father kept a constant
lookout for sponsors. Sometimes money
ran out. At nightfall in Paris, stranded
after snapping photos at the Eiffel Tower,
Kosteniuk and her father didnt have bus
fare to the European championships in
Verdun. A resourceful 11-year-old Koste-
niuk played chess for stakes, earning
enough for the bus. Even better, she
attracted a 1500-franc donation from a
generous passerby, an enormous sum
for us, on which our family was able to live
that whole summer.
In 1997, her father decided that Koste-
niuk should stop playing in junior
tournaments to improve more rapidly.
Kosteniuk wrote, I switched to adult
chess early on, and often look back with
regret on those junior events, and how lit-
tle time I was able to spend playing in
them. Kosteniuk grew up fast in other
ways too. At age 16, she met her future
husband while on a trip to Switzerland.
She participated in her first modeling
12 Chess Life March 2010
A Great Big Fairytale
A world champions rise from a child playing for
bus fare to an adult on the worlds chess stage.
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
shoot nine months later. She and Diego
Garces married when she turned 18.
When she was 22 she gave birth to their
daughter Francesca.
At age 24, in September of 2008, Koste-
niuk became womens world champion.
She wrote, For the closing ceremony, the
organizers had had specially made for me
a baronesss costume from the Kabardino-
Balkaria region, which made me really
feel like a queen. Color and black-and-
white photos show Kosteniuk wearing the
regal costume, her face glowing with pride
and happiness.
Alongside photos of every stage of Koste-
niuks growth from little girl to world
champion are Kosteniuks words, trans-
lated by James Marfia. Kosteniuk shares
her poetry, fitness regime (running), love
for her parents and chess-playing sister,
and delight at being a mother. In con-
trast to personal joys were tribulations
caused by her chess federation. For exam-
ple, about the semi-finals of the 2001
World Championship, Kosteniuk wrote,
Even though I was playing for the world
title, no one (not even from the Russian
Chess Federation, which should have
been aiding their own players) asked even
once if I could use any help with prepara-
tion. Just as when Kosteniuk played for
bus fare, I felt both sympathetic to her and
eager to read what happened next. Diary
of a Chess Queen is a page-turner featur-
ing a compelling heroine.
Diary of a Chess Queen is also instruc-
tive. It has sixty-four annotated games and
several more game fragments. The book
concludes with annotated games from the
2008 World Championship and from the
Intellectual Games tournament in Beijing
two weeks later. In her annotations, Koste-
niuk explains why she chose moves. Typical
are her annotations of the first three moves
Beating a GM
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk
GM Sergey Kudrin
Port Erin, 1999
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+
In 1998 and 1999, I would often
play Bb5+ when I had white against
the Sicilian. Even today, sometimes
I still play this line. The main idea
behind the Bb5+ variations is to
avoid the sharp Sicilian main lines.
By playing Bb5+, White often
reaches positions where her advan-
tage is minimal; on the other hand,
she runs no risk of losing, as often
happens, for example, in the Naj-
dorf Variation.
3. ... Nc6
All three of Blacks replies... Nc6,
... Bd7, and ... Nd7are feasible
here. The move chosen by Black in
this game is one that I frequently
prefer myself when I play on that
side of this variation. It usually leads
to positions featuring a slow maneu-
vering type of game, where Black
has the same chances of winning
as White.
of her first win over a grandmaster, Sergey
Kudrin of the United States.
Following the Kudrin game is a Koste-
niuk poem, with the phrase a great big
.
fairytalea possible subtitle for the
enjoyable troubles-to-triumphs story,
Diary of a Chess Queen.
Diary of a Chess Queen (2009) by Alexandra
Kosteniuk. Mongoose, 244 pages, $24.95
from uscfsales.com (catalog number
(B0044EU).
uschess.org
Chess to Enjoy
Plugging Away at the Petroff
By GM Andy Soltis
Openings fall inand outof fashion. But the reputation of one defense has
steadily improved for more than 30 years, as any aggravated 1. e4 player
can tell you.
The truth is that a few years ago I
came to hate chess, GM Alexander
Grischuk told an interviewer last year.
OK, everyone has moments when they
feel like theyd be having a lot more fun
playing something else, even Chutes and
Ladders. But why would one of the worlds
top-10 players turn against chess?
Grischuk explained: I spent months
studying the Russian Game (Petroff
Defense) and couldnt find a refutation.
Like many people who earn a living from
1. e4, he was frustrated by the inability
to find a good way to handle 1. ... e5 2.
Nf3 Nf6!.
How did we get to this point? After all,
the Petroff was considered barely playable
by kings pawn mavens like Bobby Fis-
cher. In Bobbys day, White was supposed
to guarantee himself an advantage with
3. d4!. The key line was 3. ... Nxe4 4. Bd3
d5 5. Nxe5.
rnlqkl r
ppp +ppp
+ + + +
+ +pN +
+ Pn+ +
+ +L+ +
PPP+ PPP
RNLQK +R
After 5. Nxe5
But in 1967, David Hooper of England
presented the case for Black in a book, A
Complete Defense to 1. P-K4. A new gen-
eration of Petroff players soon emerged,
and among the members was a teenager
from Rochester, New York named Ken
Rogoff.
Rogoff, who had learned the moves at
14 Chess Life March 2010
age 12, found the defense was a great
weapon against other juniors because
they tried to crush it. They often reacted
impatiently to it, expecting a quick
advantage, because the Petroff was
regarded as too passive, he recalled
recently.
Rogoff discovered improvements on
book theory. For example, Hoopers book
said 5. ... Nd7? was refuted by 6. Qe2,
which threatens to win a pawn with 7.
Bxe4. After 6. ... Qe7 7. Bf4, Blacks devel-
opment is a mess, as was shown in an
1896 match game between John F. Barry
of Boston and Jackson Showalter of Ken-
tucky.
But instead of the painfully defensive 6.
... Qe7?, Black should play 6. ... Nxe5!,
Rogoff realized. After 7. Bxe4 dxe4 8.
Qxe4 Be6 Black has great play for a pawn.
Rogoff demonstrated this in a 1973
game against George Kane, then one of
the highest-rated players in the U.S. After
9. dxe5? Bd5 10. Qg4 h5! 11. Qh3 Qe7
12. f4 Qe6!, Black traded off Whites only
good piece, his queen, and was clearly bet-
ter following 13. Qxe6+ fxe6 14. 0-0 Bc5+
15. Kh1 0-0-0 16. Nc3 Bc6.
+kr + r
ppp + p
+l+p+ +
+ l P +p
+ + P +
+ N + +
PPP+ +PP
R L +R+K
After 16. ... Bc6
White tried to free his bishop with 17.
f5 but that made 17. ... Rd4! devastating,
e.g. 18. Be3 Rg4 19. Bxc5 Rxg2 followed
by a killing discovered check. The game
ended with 18. h3 Rg4!! White resigned
(19. hxg4 hxg4+ and mates).
Of course, there were improvements
for White, and an obvious one was 9.
Qxe5!, which GM Wolfgang Unzicker
played against Rogoff at Amsterdam,
1980. Ken had worked out a good reply
in the late 1960s but had never had a
chance to use it until that game.
He gained time with 9. ... Qd7 10. Nc3
0-0-0 11. Be3 Bb4 12. 0-0 f6 13. Qf4
Bd6. Then 14. Qh4 h5 sets up a nasty
threat of 15. ... g5. White allowed a bish-
ops-of-opposite-color ending, 14. Qf3 Bg4
15. Qd5 Bxh2+ 16. Kxh2 Qxd5 17. Nxd5
Rxd5, and a quick draw.
This game should have set off alarm
bells. If 6. ... Nxe5 was sound, then 3. d4
wasnt the great move that opening the-
ory claimedand the Petroff was for real.
But in those days, only the ideas of high-
profile GMs seemed to get noticed, and
Unzicker-Rogoff passed under the radar.
However, Bent Larsen recognized the
value of the black gambit. Three months
after Unzicker-Rogoff was played, he used
it against World Champion Anatoly Kar-
pov at Tilburg 1980. That game went 13.
Qg3 and 13. ... Bxc3 14. bxc3 h5!.
Larsen tried to prove that even though
Black is a pawn down, he stands well
because he can pound Whites weak light
squares, such as with ... h4-h3. After 15.
h4 Black continued 15. ... g5!, based on
16. hxg5? h4 17. Qh2 h3! with great play.
Karpov chose a different defense, 16. f3
Rdg8 17. Rf2 Qc6 18. Bd2, and then
came 18. ... g4 19. f4 Bc4.
(see diagram top of next column)
Black has an advantage of half a
bishop as the Russians say: His bishop
can play. Whites bishop cant. Karpov
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II Problem III
2009 World Junior IM Pandian Karthikeyan Pablo Salinas Herrera Eugenio Crespo
Hernan Catelli GM Dariusz Swiercz Martin Ondrus

Only 18 players competed when + + r +  r+ + +

k + r k +
the World Junior Championship was +p+ +pk +p+ +R+p +p+ + p
first contested, 59 years ago. The
2009 version, held in Puerto Madryn,
+ +lR + p+ +Q+ + p+ rqp p
Argentina, drew 84 players, includ- + +q+ pL q l P + P +Rp +
ing Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of + +p+ + + p + + P +P+ +
France, who won, and Alex Lender- r + + +P + +R+ + + + Q P
man of the U.S., who tied for third.
The tournament provides this
P+ +Q+P+ PPr+ + P + + PKP
months quiz positions. In each of the + + +R+K +K+N+ + + +R+ +
six diagrams you are asked to find White to play Black to play White to play
the fastest winning line of play. Usu-
ally this will mean the forced win of Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
a decisive amount of material, such Andres Gallego Alcaraz IM Baskaran Adhiban Arno Bomans
Ramon Morales Sergio Mig Garcia Fuentes IM Giorgi Margvelashvili
as a rook or minor piece. For Solu-
tions, see Page 71. r+l+r+k+ r+ + kr+ q+ + r +
pp+n+pp +lq + pp +l+Q+Nlk
+pP + p + p + + pp +p+p+
+ l + + +Qnn+pP + + + Ln
+L+N+ + + + L + P + +r+
qP+ +N+ + + R +P P N + P
+PLQPPP PPP+ PL+ + + + P
+ + +RK + + R K + R R K
White to play White to play Black to play

+k+ +rr
Predecessors series. game in perpetual check.
In fact, the sacrifice is much older and Zaitsev annotated the game for
ppp + + may have first been analyzed by Karpov Shakhmaty v SSSR, the most important

+q+ p +
himself. When he was 15, he tried 5. ... magazine of the day. His key notes con-
Nd7 against an opening expert named cerned the move that wasnt played, 6.
+ + + +p Igor Zaitsev in a Leningrad tournament. Qe2. Zaitsev pointed out that Black could

+lP PpP
That may have been the first time Karpov obtain excellent compensation by means
played the Petroff in a serious game. of 6. ... Nxe5 7. Bxe4 dxe4 8. Qxe4 Be6
+ P + Q Zaitsev replied 6. Nxf7!?. This is based 9. dxe5 Bd5 10 Qg4 h5 11. Qh3 Qe7 12.

P+PL RP+
R + + K
After 19. ... Bc4
tried to change that with 20. d5 Bxd5
21. f5.
But Black made steady progress, 21. ...
Re8 22. a3 Re4 23. Re1 Rhe8 24. Rxe4
Rxe4 25. Kh2 Qc5 26. Bf4 Re1 27. Bd2
Ra1 28. Qe3 Qd6+ 29. Rf4 b6. White gave
up another pawn but lost a long endgame
after 30. c4 Bxc4 31. Qd4 Qxd4 32. Rxd4
Bb5 and ... Rxa3.
Since Karpov was considered virtually
unbeatable with White in those days,
Larsens annotation of the game in the
Chess Informant was widely read. He did-
nt claim any of his moves were new. He
gave the Kane-Rogoff game in a note but,
following the Informant policy of the day,
there was no attribution, so they looked
like Larsens home analysis.
It seemed that it was the Dane who
on the king hunt that begins with 6. ... f4 g5 or 9. Qxe5 Qd7 10. 0-0 0-0-0 11. c3
Kxf7 7. Qh5+ Ke6!? 8. Bxe4 dxe4 9. d5+ Bd6 12. Qa5 Bd5. The last line is based
Ke7 10. Bg5+ Nf6 11. Nc3.
Instead, Karpov chose the cautious 6.
on 13. Qxd5? Bxh2+ or 13. Qxa7 Qg4.
Whether this was Zaitsevs own analy-
... Qe7, which threatens 7. ... Nc3+ and sis or something Karpov showed him in
8. ... Nxd1 as well as 7. ... Qxf7. White a post-mortem was unclear. But somehow
found an ingenious defense7. Nxh8! it didnt get any more attention than the
Nc3+ 8. Kd2 Nxd1 9. Re1 and then 9. ... Rogoff games.
Nxf2 10. Bxh7!. In any event, the remarkable come-
back of the Petroff was in full swing by the
r+l+kl N early 1980s, thanks in large part to Kar-
pov, who made the Petroff one of his main
pppnq pL
weapons, and to Zaitsev, who had become
+ + + + his second.
Karpovs opponents tried to squeeze
+ +p+ +
an edge out of other Petroff lines, such as
+ P + + 3. Nxe5 instead of 3. d4. But, as they
and countless other 1. e4 players, includ-
+ + + +
ing Grischuk, found, Black has plenty of
PPPK nPP defensive resources there, too.
And Rogoff? He never got another
RNL R +
chance to show what else he had discov-
ered. He gave up competitive chess soon
After 10. Bxh7
after the Unzicker game to pursue what

.
had come up with a major new weapon in Black has nothing better than 10. ... turned into a brilliant career in econom-
6. ... Nxe5!. Garry Kasparov repeated this Ne4+ after which 11. Rxe4! dxe4 12. Bg6+ ics. The Petroff revival took place without
myth in the fourth volume of his Great Kd8 13. Nf7+ Ke8 14. Nd6+ ended the him.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 15

Solitaire Chess
You Better Look a Little Further
By Bruce Pandolfini
Be careful what you wish for ...
Heres a scenario: a player senses a
tactical opportunity and begins to deploy
forces so that the sought after possibility
might arise. Everything gets into place
and suddenly its all there. The hoped
for combination is played, and just as
envisioned, material is won, with the
queens even coming off the board. After
the dust clears the combining player may
indeed have gained material, but he has-
nt appreciated the counterattack coming
from the queenless forces, which still
could be lethal. Such was the case in the
game Rolf Wiemer vs. Heinz Winz played
in Berlin in 1960. Black may have thought
he was coping with Whites Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit, but there was so much
more to it. The opening setting was
achieved after:
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (D00)
Ralf Wiemer
Heinz Winz
Berlin, 1960
1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3 exf3 5.
Nxf3 e6 6. Bc4 Be7
rnlqk+ r
ppp lppp
+ +pn +
+ + + +
+LP + +
+ N +N+
PPP+ +PP
R LQK +R
Your starting position
Now make sure you have the above
position set up on your chessboard. As
you play through the remaining moves in
this game, use a piece of paper to cover
16 Chess Life March 2010
the article, exposing Whites next move Now when pawns are exchanged the
only after trying to guess it. If you guess rook enjoys activity on the open d-file.
correctly, give yourself the par score.
10. b5
Sometimes points are also rewarded for
second-best moves, and there may be
11. dxc5 Par Score: 5
bonus pointsor deductionsfor other
moves and variations. Note that ** means Theres not much choice. On 11. Bb3?
that the note to Blacks move is over and c4 (deduct 2 points) White drops the
Whites move is on the next line.** bishop. And if 11. Bd3, then 11. ... c4 12.
Be4 Nxe4 13. Nxe4 Bb7 gives Black more
7. 0-0 Par Score: 5 or less what he wants.
In the Blackmar-Diemer White sacri- 11. Qc7
fices a pawn for a lead in development, Black saves his attacked queen and
leading to an attack on the enemy king. sets out to recover the c5-pawn.**
By castling, the attacker prepares to
exploit the half-open f-file. 12. Bd3 Par Score: 4
7. 0-0 White figured that 12. Bb3 runs into a
wall at e6, so he relocates to attack h7.
The advance ... c7-c5 is on Blacks
agenda. He could have played it on move 12. Bxc5
six, or even now, but he prefers first to get
his king castled.** 13. Ng5 Par Score: 5
8. Qe2 Par Score: 5 This is consistent with his last move. In
the air is the Exchange sac Rxf6 followed
This last move was played mainly to by a break-in at h7.
avoid an exchange of queens, as after 8.
Be3 c5 9. dxc5 Qxd1. The gambiteer, 13. Bxe3+
with an attacking mentality, generally The turning point of the game; Black
wants to keep his queen on the board. allows himself to get distracted by a clever
combination. The safe move was 13. ...
8. c5
Nbd7, shoring up f6; and if 14. Bxc5?,
Here is the programmed move for this then 14. ... Qxc5+, picking off the g5-
variation. Black wants to destroy Whites knight.**
pawn grip on the center.**
14. Qxe3 Par Score: 4
9. Be3 Par Score: 5
There is still time for 14. ... Nbd7, plus
White relies on development. Take full he can also force the queens off, 14. ...
credit for 9. dxc5, and on 9. ... Bxc5+, Qa7. However, when trading at e3, Black
White intended 10. Kh1. had something else in mind.
9. a6
14. Qxh2+
He could also remove the d-pawn. The Ah! These brilliant queen sacs look so
text is more ambitious, looking forward to tempting, they are hard to resist.**
placing his bishop on the long diagonal
after ... b7-b5 and ... Bc8-b7.** 15. Kxh2 Par Score: 4
10. Rad1 Par Score: 5 Theres no point declining the queen as
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II Problem III
ABCs of Chess Trapping Removing the guard Pin

+ + + + + + r k q+n+ + +
These problems are all related to
key positions in this months game.
+p+k+ + + + + p + + + +k
In each case, Black is to move. The +l+ + + + l + p + + +pp
answers can be found in Solutions + + + + + + q + + + + +
on page 71. L+p+ + + ++ + + + Q + +
March Exercise: Find a good collec-
+ + + + + +N+ + + + + +
tion with games from topflight play. P+K+ + + + + +PP L + + +
Pick out a game youd like to learn + + + + + +Q+R+K + + + K
more about. Working with just the
bare score (you can get it from a
database, for instance), annotate the Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
game in full. Make certain your notes Fork Back row Mating net
include necessary variations and all
plans and key ideas are expressed in + +k+ + r+ + + k + + + +
words. Then see how well youve + q
+pp  q + + pp + + + +
done, comparing your work with the + + n + + + + + + + + +
commentary in the collection. Imag- + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
ine how much more youll derive
from the experience by testing your p+ + + + + + + + + + +n+
analysis against the annotators, + + Q + + + + + + +n+ k
having first invested time trying to P + +PL + + QPP + +LrPp
understand the game on your own. + + + +K + + +R+K + R +R+K

15. Kf2?, which runs into 15. ... Ng4+ any- fails to 20. Bxf5+ (1 bonus point). 24. Bxe6+ Par Score: 4
way.
19. Ra7
24. Rf7
15. Ng4+
This move is played to save the rook
16. Kg3! Par Score: 6 and guard f7. On 19. ... Rb8 there follows 25. Bxf7+ Par Score: 4
20. Rxf8+ Nxf8 21. Nf7 is mate (1 bonus
Best. The king has to clear the way for point).** 25. Kf8
a rook to utilize the h-file.
20. Nce4 Par Score: 6 White has regained his sacrificed rook
16. Nxe3 and now looks to wind up with mate.
Whites classy move tightens the
At first glance Black appears to have screws. Otherwise, White could have 26. Ne6+ Par Score: 5
done rather well. Queens are off the board played 20. Bf5+ Kg8 21. Bxe6 (5 points
and the knight forks both rooks. But the Another way, slightly longer, but worth
part credit). White rightly sees that Black
knight is the only black piece in play full credit is is 26. Rh8+ Kg7 (26. ... Ke7
has no way to improve his position in
while White has his entire army ready to 27. Re8 mate) 27. Rg8+ Kh6 28. Rg6+ Kh5
one move.
go to work. In fact the e3-knight never 29. Rf6 mate.
gets to take either of the rooks.** 20. Rc7
26. Black resigned.
17. Bxh7+ Par Score: 5 21. Bf5+ Par Score: 5 Black prefers resigning to 26. ... Ke7 27.
Bg8+ Ke8 28. Nd6 mate (2 bonus points).

.
17. Kh8 This move has been in the air since
The straightforward 27. Nxc7 (1 bonus
19. Rh1. He could still delay it with 21.
point) would likely have brought about
18. Rxf7! Par Score: 6 Nd6 (3 points part credit) threatening 22.
resignation also.
Rxf8+ Nxf8 23. Nf7+ Rxf7 24. Nxf7 mate.
White threatens 19. Rxf8 mate. This is
better than 18. Rh1 (accept only 3 points 21. Kg8
part credit) 19. ... Nxd1 19. Be4+ Kg8 20.
Nxd1 Ra7, and White has to take the 22. Rxg7+ Par Score: 6 Solitaire Chess scores:
draw with 21. Bh7+ Kh8 22. Bg6+ etc. Total your score to determine
The gambit player feels cheated if he your approximate rating below:
18. Nd7 doesnt get a chance to sacrifice. Receive
full credit for 22. Bxe6, and if 22. ... Rxf7 Total Score Approx. Rating
Not 18. ... Rxf7 19. Rd8+ and mate 95+ 2400+
23. Bxf7+ Kf8 24. Rh8+ Ke7 25. Re8
next move (1 bonus point). If 18. ... Re8, 81-94 2200-2399
mate.
then 19. Rh1.** 66-80 2000-2199
22. Kxg7 51-65 1800-1999
19. Rh1 Par Score: 6 36-50 1600-1799
Now the other rook is safe and White 23. Rh7+ Par Score: 5 21-35 1400-1599
06-20 1200-1399
threatens 20. Be4+, picking up the a8-
0-05 under 1200
rook (1 bonus point). Note that 19. Nf5+ 23. Kg8

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 17

Cover Story
Talking
Hikaru Nakamura and Alexander Onischuk Win Individual Gold Medals
T
he United States continued its tra-
dition of excellent results in FIDE
team competitions by finishing sec-
ond in the 2009 World Team Champ-
ionship (WTC) held January 4-13, 2010,
in the Merinos Congress Center in Bursa,
Turkey. Seeded fifth in the ten-team round
robin the U.S. won six matches, drew one
and lost two to score thirteen match points
and take home the silver medals. Hikaru
Nakamura (6 from 8) and Alex Onischuk
(6 from 9) led the team, winning individ-
ual gold medals on boards one and two.
The World Team Championship fea-
tured the top three teams from the 2008
Olympiad (Armenia, Israel and the United
States), the Continental champions from
the Americas (Brazil), Europe (Russia),
Africa (Egypt) and Asia (India substitut-
ing for China which dropped out at the
last minute), host country Turkey, and
two wild cards chosen by the organizers
(Azerbaijan and Greece). That world-class
players like Boris Gelfand, Vugar
Gashimov and Alexander Morozevich,
rated number 6, 7 and 17 in the world on
the January 2010 FIDE rating list, failed
to score fifty percent, illustrates how
tough the event was.
18 Chess Life March 2010
The United States sent one of its
youngest ever teams averaging 25 years
of age with Hikaru (age 22) on board one,
Alex (34) on two, Yury Shulman (34) on
three, Varuzhan Akobian (26) on four,
18-year-old Robert Hess as first reserve
and 15-year-old Ray Robson as second
reserve. Ray broke Bobby Fischers record
(age 17 at Leipzig 1960) as the youngest
player ever to compete for the United
States in a FIDE team competition. Inci-
dentally, the Leipzig team, with two other
young players on it19-year-old Ray
Weinstein and 22-year-old William Lom-
bardyalso took home the silver medals.
Originally, the team was going to con-
sist of the top four boards mentioned
above and Gata Kamskythe unit that
beat Ukraine 3- in the last round of
the 2008 Olympiad to take the bronze
medalsbut two things changed this
plan. The first was that the organizers
shifted the dates of the event from May
2009 to early 2010. This made it impos-
sible for Gata, who had already committed
to playing in Reggio Emilia in late Decem-
ber/early January, to play for the team.
The second was that FIDE, which now
plays team competitions on four boards
with only one reserve, had not changed its
old regulations for the World Team and
two reserves were part of the team. This
meant that both Robert and Ray were
able to play. They did not see a lot of
action in Bursa but their contributions to
the team were considerably greater than
the four games they played. Both came up
with many important opening ideas and
their enthusiasm and energy were conta-
gious. This will certainly not be the last
time they play for the U.S. team!
ROUND 1
Turkey (TUR) (2483) 1-3
United States (USA) (2658)
GM Kivanc Haznedaroglu (2498) 0-1
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708)
IM Mustafa Ylmaz (2478) 0-1
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670)
PHOTO: TONY RICH
IM Emre Can (2442) 1-0
GM Yury Shulman (2624)
IM Baris Esen (2513) 0-1
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628)
uschess.org
 Turkey
in Turkey to Lead U.S. to Silver in World Team Championship
The tournament started out well as we
convincingly defeated a dangerous young
Turkish team that would later defeat the
2008 silver medal winning Israelis. Hikarus
quick win on board one with black was a
harbinger of the excellent form that he
would enjoy throughout the event. Ako-
bian had a nice win in a Semi-Slav:
Semi-Slav (D46)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (FIDE 2628, USA)
IM Baris Esen (FIDE 2513, TUR)
WTC (1), 01.05.2010
(Notes by Akobian)
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3
Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. Bd3 0-0 8. 0-0 dxc4 9.
Bxc4 b5 10. Be2 Bb7 11. Rd1 Qc7
Another possible Black move here is 11.
... Qb8.
12. e4 e5 13. Bg5 exd4
13. ... Rfe8 14. Rac1 a6 (14. ... Rac8 15.
Qd2 and White is slightly better) 15. dxe5
Nxe5 16. Bxf6 gxf6 (16. ... Nxf3+ 17. Bxf3
gxf6 18. g3 and White is slightly better)
17. Nd4 Ng6 18. g3 and White is slightly
uschess.org
better due to the better pawn structure
and the weaknesses that Black has; 13.
... b4 14. Na4 exd4 15. Bxf6 gxf6 (15. ...
Nxf6 16. Rxd4 c5 17. Rxd6 Qxd6 18. e5
with a big advantage for White) 16. Nxd4
Bxh2+ 17. Kh1 Be5 18. Nf5 and White
has good compensation for the sacrificed
pawn (in the form of Blacks weakened
pawn structure and attacking chances
on Blacks king due to these weaknesses).
14. Rxd4 Ne5
A new move, but one my teammate
GM Ray Robson mentioned to me before
the game. We had analyzed this position
so I had a lot of confidence and knew
exactly what to do to obtain a nice advan-
tage. 14. ... b4 15. Rad1 Bc5 16. Rxd7
Nxd7 17. Na4 Bb6 18. Be7 was played in
my game versus GM Julio Becerra from
the 2009 U.S. Championship where White
is slightly better.
15. g3!
(see diagram top of next column)
Restricting Blacks dark-square bishop,
controlling important squares, and giving
me some luft, which will prove important
By IM John Donaldson
r+ + rk+
plq +ppp
+pl n +
+p+ n L
+ RP+ +
+ N +NP
PPQ+LP P
R + + K
After 15. g3
in the endgame. 15. Bxf6 gxf6 16. Nh4
Ng6 17. Nf5 Bxh2+ 18. Kh1 Be5 19.
Qd2 Bc8! with an unclear position.
15. ... Bc5 16. Rd2 Nfg4
We also analyzed this possibility for
Black: 16. ... Neg4 17. Bxf6 Bxf2+ 18. Kh1
Ne3 (18. ... gxf6 19. Nh4 Ne3 20. Qc1 b4
21. Nb5 Qe7 22. Nd6 and White has a
winning position due to a strong attack
and Blacks trapped knight on e3 and
bishop on f2.) 19. Qc1 gxf6 20. Nxb5!
Qe7 21. Nd6 Rad8 22. Nxb7 Qxb7 23. Bf1
(23. Nd4 c5 position is very unclear) 23.
Chess Life March 2010 19
 Cover Story
... Qb6 24. b3 Nxf1 25. Qxf1 Rxd2 26.
Nxd2 Qd4 27. Nf3 Qc3 28. Kg2 and White
is still slightly better but it is very difficult
for Black to find all these good moves.
17. Nd1! Bb4 18. Rd4 Ba5
Winning immediately is 18. ... c5 19.
Rxb4.
19. Nxe5 Nxe5
White is slightly better after 19. ... Qxe5
20. Rd7 Qxg5 (After 20. ... Bc8 21. Bf4
Qh5 22. Bxg4 Qxg4 23. Rd3 Bb6 24. a4
White also has a small edge) 21. Rxb7.
20. Ne3 f6
White is slightly better after 20. ... Bb6
21. Rdd1 due to his more active pieces
and superior development.
21. Bf4 Bb6 22. Rdd1 Rad8 23. a4
The idea here is to put more pressure
on Blacks queenside pawns and create
more weaknesses.
23. ... a6 24. Nf5 g6 25. Qb3+ Kh8 26. Rxd8
Qxd8
Interesting is 26. ... Rxd8 27. Qe6 Qf7
28. Qxe5!
+ r + k
+l+ +q+p
plp+ pp+
+p+ QN+
P+ +PL +
+ + + P
P +LP P
R + + K
Analysis after 28. Qxe5
28. ... Bxf2+!! (28. ... fxe5 29. Bxe5+ Kg8
30. Nh6+ Kf8 31. Nxf7 Kxf7 32. Rd1 and
White converts his edge into a winning
endgame.) 29. Kg2 (29. Kxf2?? fxe5 30.
Bxe5+ Kg8 and my knight is pinned and
I dont have the Nh6 fork, which is the
main idea.) 29. ... gxf5 30. Qc7 Qxc7 31.
Bxc7 Rd7 32. Kxf2 Rxc7 33. exf5 with a
small endgame advantage for White.
27. Rd1 Qe8 28. Nd6 Qe7 29. Be3
Here I should have played the stronger
29. Bh6! Rd8 (29. ... Ra8 30. Be3 Bxe3 31.
Qxe3 Nf7 32. Nxf7+ Qxf7 33. Rd6 is the
better version of what might have hap-
pened in the game for White) 30. Nxb7
Rxd1+ 31. Bxd1 Qxb7 32. Qe6 and White
is winning because of the mating threat
from e8 and the pawn hanging on f6.
29. ... Bxe3 30. Qxe3 Nf7 31. Nxb7 Qxb7 32. a5!
(see diagram top of next column)
I must fix the a6-weakness and secure
20 Chess Life March 2010
+ + r k
+q+ +n+p
p+p+ pp+
Pp+ + +
+ +P+ +
+ + Q P
P +LP P
+ +R+ K
After 32. a5
the b6-square for my queen. Also, the
a5 pawn will be valuable in the endgame.
32. ... Re8 33. Rc1 c5!
At this point my opponent was in time
pressure but managed to find the strong
... c5! to give him some drawing chances.
34. Qxc5
Stronger then 34. Rxc5 Qxe4 35. Qxe4
Rxe4 36. Rc7 Rxe2 37. Rxf7 Rxb2 38.
Rxf6 b4 39. Rxa6 Ra2 40. Rb6 Rxa5 41.
Rxb4 when Black should be able to draw.
34. ... Qxe4 35. Bf1 Qe6 36. Bg2 Ne5 37. Qb6
Nd3 38. Rd1
With 38. Rc7 Qf5 39. Bh3 Re1+ 40.
Bf1, White is winning.
38. ... Nxb2 39. Rd8 Kg7
Again, my opponent finds the only move
that keeps him from losing immediately!
40. Rxe8 Qxe8 41. Qxa6
As we reach the time control, I have a
winning position thanks to the strong
passed pawn on a5. Black resigned on
move 52.
ROUND 2
United States (USA) (2658) 3-1
India (IND) (2639)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708) 1-0
GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2653)
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670) 1-0
GM Pentala Harikrishna (2672)
GM Yury Shulman (2624) -
GM Surya Ganguly (2654)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628) -
GM S. Arun Prasad (2567)
This was a satisfying win over a strong
team. Little did we know at the time how
important this victory would later prove as
India would bounce back from this defeat
and lose only one other match the rest of
the competition.
Sasikiran and Ganguly played particu-
larly well with the latter winning the gold
medal for best individual result on board
number three.
ROUND 3
Russia (RUS) (2719) 3-1
United States (USA) (2658)
GM Alexander Grischuk (2736)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708)
-
GM Alexander Morozevich (2732) -
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670)
GM Vladimir Malakhov (2716) 1-0
GM Yury Shulman (2624)
GM Nikita Vitiugov (2692) 1-0
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628)
The last two matches between the
United States and Russia, in the 2006
and 2008 Olympiads, saw many tense
moments with the teams trading a pair of
2-1 victories. That was not the case
this time. Hikarus game was equal
throughout and while Alex was probably
better at one point, he had to be careful
near the end so a draw in his game was
a fair result.
Yury got into trouble in the early mid-
dlegame, while Varuzhan transposed
moves in the opening and lost a pawn for
negligible compensation and was duly
ground down by Nikita Vitiugov whose
score of 5 from 6, good for a 2940 per-
formance rating, earned him an individual
gold medal for best second reserve.
ROUND 4
United States (USA) (2610)
Egypt (EGY) (2514)
3-1
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670) 1-0
GM Ahmed Adly (2591)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628) -
GM Bassem Amin (2544)
GM Robert Hess (2572) 1-0
IM Mohamed Ezat (2471)
IM Ray Robson (2570) -
IM Imed Abdelnabbi (2448)
This was a good recovery from the loss
the day before. Egypts two young grand-
masters, Ahmed Adly (2007 World Junior
Champion) and Bassem Amin, allowed it to
be competitive in all of its matches. Adly fin-
ished the event with a plus score on board
one and a performance rating over 2700,
though here he has a tough time against
PHOTO: TONY RICH
our eventual board two gold medalist, who
writes:
Hikaru had a rest against Egypt, so I
played board one in this match. My oppo-
nent, a young and talented GM, had a
uschess.org
 USA Individual Performances
Name Rating Board Team Pts* G + - = % Op. Avg. Perf. Rtg.

GM Nakamura, Hikaru 2708 1 USA 6 8 5 2 1 75.0 2658 2851

GM Onischuk, Alexander 2670 2 USA 6 9 4 5 0 72.2 2643 2809
GM Shulman, Yury 2624 3 USA 2 7 0 5 2 35.7 2618 2516
GM Akobian, Varuzhan 2628 4 USA 4 8 2 5 1 56.3 2578 2621 Holding the trophy is team
GM Hess, Robert 2572 1r. USA 1 2 1 0 1 50.0 2564 2564 captain IM John Donaldson.
With the flag, l-r, Alexander
IM Robson, Ray 2570 2r. USA 1 2 0 2 0 50.0 2548 2548 Onischuk, Hikaru Nakamura,
Robert Hess, Varuzhan
* Weighted scores Akobian, Yury Shulman,
and Ray Robson.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 21

 Cover Story
very good tournament in Bursa. I knew
him a little bit from Khanty-Mansiysk
where he lost to my friend Viktor Bologan
in the first round.
Semi-Slav (D46)
GM Alex Onischuk (FIDE 2670, USA)
GM Ahmed Adly (FIDE 2591, EGY)
WTC (4), 01.08.2010
Notes by Onischuk
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. e3
Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. Bd3 0-0 8. 0-0 dxc4 9.
Bxc4 e5
A rare continuation. The two main moves
in this position are: 9. ... a6; 9. ... b5.
10. Rd1 Qe7 11. h3 e4 12. Ng5 Nb6 13. Bb3
Bf5 14. f3 Rae8 15. Ngxe4 Nxe4 16. fxe4 Bxe4
17. Nxe4 Qxe4 18. Qxe4 Rxe4 19. Bc2 Re7
+ + rk+
pp+ rppp
npl + +
+ + + +
+ P + +
+ + P +P
PPL+ +P+
R LR+ K
After 19. ... Re7
All this has been played before, but we
did not know this during the game. Objec-
tively the position is equal, but Black still
has to be careful. The position can open
up making the two bishops potentially
very dangerous.
20. e4 Rfe8 21. a4 Rxe4!
A correct decision. Black should have
enough compensation for the Exchange.
22. Bxe4 Rxe4 23. Bd2! Nd5
A big mistake would be 23. ... Rxd4 24.
Be3 Rxd1+ 25. Rxd1 Nd5 26. Bxa7 since
the resulting trades open the board for
Whites rook.
24. Re1 Re7
Still bad is 24. ... Rxd4 25. Re8+ Bf8 26.
Be1! and Black is in trouble. For exam-
ple: 26. ... Rc4 (Black is reduced to
passivity after 26. ... Nf4 27. Rb8 Rd7 28.
Bb4 Ne6 29. Bxf8 Nxf8 30. Re1 f5 31.
Ree8 Rf7 32. a5 a6 33. Ra8 g6 34. Reb8
Kg7 35. Ra7) 27. Rb8 b6 28. Bg3 and
Black is going to lose some material.
25. Rxe7 Bxe7 26. a5 Bf6 27. Ra4 Kf8 28. Rc4
(see diagram top of next column)
28. ... Ke7?
22 Chess Life March 2010
+ + k +
Kb6 57. Rf7 Kb5 58. Rxf5 Kb4 59. Kc2 c4 60.
bxc4 Kxc4 61. Kd2 Kd4 62. Ke2 Ke4 63. Ra5
pp+ +ppp Kf4 64. Ra4+ Kf5 65. Kf3 Be1 66. Rc4, Black
+p+ l +
resigned.
P +n+ +
+RP + +
Caro-Kann Defense,
Panov-Botvinnik Attack (B13)
+ + + +P GM Robert Hess (FIDE 2572, USA)
P L +P+
IM Mohamed Ezat (FIDE 2471, EGY)
WTC (4), 01.08.2010
+ + + K Notes by Hess
After 28. Rc4
This game was played in round four of
My opponent's only mistake in this the World Team Championship in our
game. He should have played 28. ... a6 match versus Egypt. We had lost round
when it seems that he has created a three to Russia and were sitting both
fortress. I would probably try to advance Hikaru and Yury to allow me to man
my pawns on the kingside, but I doubt it board three and Ray handle board four.
can yield a winning advantage. 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5
29. a6 I succeeded in surprising my opponent
Now my rook finds the open files, which after only three moves! I had only played
gives me a big advantage. the Panov once before and that game was
never published.
29. ... bxa6
3. ... cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6
I think he missed that after 29. ... b6
30. Rxc6 Bxd4+ 31. Kf1 Kd7 (31. ... Bxb2 I had prepared for this line as my oppo-
32. Rc8 and he is losing one of the pawns nent had played it several times in the
on the queenside) I have 32. Rc2. past, but was expecting 5. ... g6 6. Qb3
Bg7 7. cxd5.
30. Bc3 Kd6 31. Ra4 Nc7 32. Kf2 Kd5 33. Ke3
Nb5 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Qb3 Bxf3 9. gxf3
Nb6
+ + + + This was the exact line he had played
p + +ppp in the past, but also interesting (and
played more frequently) is 9. ... e6 10.
p+p+ l + Qxb7 Nxd4 11. Bb5+ Nxb5 12. Qc6+ Ke7
+n+k+ + 13. Qxb5 Qd7 14. Nxd5+ Qxd5 15. Qxd5
(15. Bg5+ f6 16. Qxd5 exd5 17. Be3) 15.
R+ P + + ... exd5 16. Be3.
+ L K +P 10. Be3 e6 11. 0-0-0 Be7 12. f4
P + +P+ I switched my move order purposely, but
+ + + + the main line is as follows: 12. d5 exd5 13.
Nxd5 Nxd5 14. Rxd5 Qc7 15. Kb1 0-0
After 33. ... Nb5 16. f4 Nb4 17. Rd4 Nc6 18. Rd1 when
White has a slight pull since he has the
34. Kd3! bishop pair on an open board.
The pawn on a6 will not go away. The 12. ... Qc8??
rest of the game is not very difficult. The
A huge blunder, when Black could have
position is already won; I just need to
forced a trade of queens with a slight
collect his weak pawns.
disadvantage. Instead, this allows White
34. ... Bh4 35. Rxa6 f5 36. Bb4 Bf6 37. Bc5 to take full control of the game. 12. ... 0-
Nxd4 38. Bxd4 Bxd4 39. Ra5+! c5 40. b3 0 13. f5!? (13. d5 exd5 14. Nxd5 Nxd5 15.
Rxd5 Qc8 16. Kb1 Nb4 17. Rd4 Qf5+ 18.
Now Black will lose the a7-pawn.
Bd3 Nxd3 19. Qxd3 Qxd3+ 20. Rxd3 Rfd8
40. ... h5 21. Rxd8+ Bxd8 22. Rd1 a6 23. Rd7 b5
where Rybka suggests equality, but in
Or 40. ... Ke5 41. Kc4.
reality the White position is much easier
41. Rxa7 h4 42. Rd7+ Ke6 43. Rc7 to play with his rook on the seventh rank)
13. ... exf5 14. d5 Ne5 15. Kb1 A) 15. ...
Threatening b3-b4.
Bd6 16. Nb5 Ng4 17. Bd4 Re8 (17. ...
43. ... Kd6 44. Rc8 Kd7 45. Ra8 Bf6 46. Ra6! Be5 18. h3 Bxd4 19. hxg4 Be5 20. Bd3
Bg5 47. Ra7+ Ke6 48. Rxg7 Bf4 49. Ra7 Kd5 with initiative); B) 15. ... Ng4 16. d6! Bh4
50. Ra5 Bc7 51. Rb5 Bd6 52. Ke3 Kc6 53. (The pawn is poisoned: 16. ... Bxd6 17.
Ra5 Kb6 54. Ra4 Bg3 55. Kd3 Kb5 56. Ra7 Nb5 Nxe3 18. fxe3 Nc8 19. Nxd6 Nxd6 20.
uschess.org
Qb4) 17. Bh3 is unclear.
13. f5! 0-0 14. fxe6 Na5 15. exf7+ Rxf7 16.
Qc2
Not 16. Qb5? Nac4 which gives Black
the initiative with an impending attack on
the white king.
16. ... Nac4 17. Bd3 Qh3 18. Kb1
Before playing this safe move, I was
worried about our team. I was pretty con-
fident that I was going to win at this point,
but Ray was in deep trouble. Var seemed
to have no problems and the draw that
eventually occurred was likely, while Alex
was in an endgame where only he could
win, but Black had chances to split the
point. Taking all this into account, I
wanted to win as quickly as I could to
put pressure on the Egyptian team.
18. ... Rc8 19. Qb3 g6 20. Nd5!
After this move, things were pretty simple.
20. ... Bh4 21. Nxb6 Nxb6 22. Rc1 Rxc1+ 23.
Rxc1 Qxh2 24. a4!?
The move I played is of high quality, but
the following move is much better accord-
ing to our lovely non-human friend
(Rybka). Both moves are winning for
White though. For example: 24. Qe6! Bd8
(White nets an Exchange after 24. ... Kg7
25. Bh6+ Kxh6 26. Qxf7) 25. Bxg6 hxg6
26. Qxg6+ Rg7 27. Qe8+ Kh7 28. Qxd8.
24. ... Qd6 25. a5 Nd5 26. Bh6 Rd7 27.
Rc8+ Bd8
+Rl +k+
pp+r+ +p
+ q +pL
P +n+ +
+ P + +
+Q+L+ +
P + P +
+K+ + +
After 27. ... Bd8
28. Bb5
A classic example of removing the
guard. Blacks rook is forced to move,
and I just attack the d5-square, winning
the knight.
28. ... Re7
Ray had drawn his game by the time
this move was played, and I could see
John trying to hide a smile. He knew the
end was near.
29. Rc5 Qe6 30. Qxd5 Qxd5 31. Rxd5 Bc7 32.
Bc4 Kh8 33. Bg5, Black resigned.
And Black conceded defeat. I won the
first game I ever played in an international
uschess.org
team tournament. Honestly it is quite an
amazing feeling, and I was honored sim-
ply to be included on the team! But you
know whats funny?I got a serious
handshake from John, but he simply
went back to his chair, a serious look on
his face even though we had essentially
locked up the match. The signs of a great
captain!
ROUND 5
Israel (ISR) (2684) 1-2
United States (USA) (2630)
GM Boris Gelfand (2761) 0-1
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708)
GM Ilia Smirin (2668) 0-1
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670)
GM Emil Sutovsky (2657) 1-0
GM Robert Hess (2572)
GM Evgeny Postny (2648) - 21. ... axb6 22. Bg1
IM Ray Robson (2570)
This was another excellent win over a
quality opponent. Israel started well in
Bursa, but finished terribly losing their
last three matches. Emil Sutovsky was
their only player in good form.
Hikaru gave notice that he was in great
form with the following sensational win
that definitely made a statement.
Kings Indian Defense,
Classical Main Line (E97)
GM Boris Gelfand (FIDE 2761, ISR)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2708, USA)
WTC (5), 01.09.2010
Notes by Nakamura
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3
0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Nd2
Ne8!?
According to theory this variation is
supposed to be bad for Black. The first
time this variation came to my attention
was in 2008 when I played in the Mon-
treal International. In the first round of
the tournament my good friend, GM Pas-
cal Charbonneau, won a nice miniature
in this variation. Later on, I found out that
another friend, FM Jack Yoos also has
played the variation. In many ways, they
both inspired me to take up this variation,
and I will definitely be buying the next
round of drinks we have together!
10. b4 f5 11. c5 Nf6 12. f3 f4 13. Nc4 g5 14.
a4 Ng6 15. Ba3 Rf7 16. b5
This following variation remains far
from clear, even though I went on to win
this game: 16. a5 h5 17. b5 dxc5 18. b6!
(18. Bxc5 g4This transposes back to the
game.) 18. ... g4 19. bxc7 Rxc7 20. Nb5
g3 21. Nxc7 Nxe4! Beliavsky-Nakamura,
New Hampshire chess tournament, 2009.
16. ... dxc5 17. Bxc5 h5 18. a5 g4 19. Kh1 g3
20. b6 Bf8 21. d6!
A novelty. 21. Bg1 was the variation
played in the game which first caught
my attention. 21. ... Nh4 22. Re1 Nxg2!
23. Kxg2 Rg7 24. Nxe5 gxh2+ 25. Kh1
Nxe4! 0-1 Roozmon-Charbonneau, Mon-
treal 2008. Had I not stayed at the
Charbonneaus house in Montreal during
that tournament, I very well might have
never noticed this variation! Fortunately,
I did and it has rekindled my love for the
Kings Indian. Shortly after this game, I
noticed on various chess websites that a
few people thought 21. Bxf8?? was win-
ning for White. In reality, it simply loses
on the spot! 21. ... Nxe4! 22. Nxe4 Qh4 23.
h3 Bxh3 and Black wins due to the mat-
ing threats on h2.
Black should be winning after 22. axb6
Rxa1 23. Qxa1 cxd6 24. Rd1 Ng4! 25. fxg4
Qh4 26. Bg1 hxg4 with ... f4-f3 and ... g3-
g2 coming in the next few moves. Also bad
is 22. dxc7 Qxd1 23. Rfxd1 Bxc5 24.
Nxb6 Bxb6 25. axb6 Rxa1 26. Rxa1 Kg7
and though it is not easy for Black to
untangle the pieces, this should be win-
ning in the long run.
22. ... Nh4 23. Re1 Nxg2
r+lq lk+
+pp +r+
p P n +
P + p +p
+N+Pp +
+ N +Pp
+ +L+nP
R +QR LK
After 23. ... Nxg2
24. dxc7??
A surprising blunder played under
immense pressure. It turns out that 24.
Kxg2 draws, but to paraphrase The
Matrix, We are still only human! 24.
Kxg2 Rg7 25. dxc7 (25. hxg3 Qd7!? [25.
... Rxg3+ is a slightly safer variation and
I probably would have chosen it in the
game. 26. Kh1 Rh3+ 27. Bh2 Ng4 28.
Qd5+ Kh7 29. Qf7+ Bg7 30. fxg4 Rxh2+
31. Kxh2 Qh4+ 32. Kg2 Qg3+ 33. Kh1
Qh3+ 34. Kg1 Qg3+ 35. Kf1 Qh3+ 36.
Kf2 Qg3+ with a forced repetition of
moves.] 26. g4 hxg4 27. fxg4 Nxg4 28.
Bxg4 Rxg4+ and wild tactical complica-
tions abound here, and it is unclear who
is playing for what.) 25. ... gxh2+ 26. Kh1
hxg1=Q+ 27. Rxg1 Qxc7 with a lot of play
Chess Life March 2010 23
 Cover Story
left here, although the position is roughly
balanced.
24. ... Nxe1 25. Qxe1
25. cxd8=Q g2 mate.
25. ... g2+!
Black is still significantly better after
25. ... Qxc7 26. hxg3, but it will require
some work.
26. Kxg2 Rg7+ 27. Kh1 Bh3 28. Bf1
r+ q lk+
+pP + r
p + n +
P + p +p
+N+Pp +
+ N +P+l
+ + + P
R + QLLK
After 28. Bf1
28. ... Qd3!!
A complete shocker. At this point, Boris
sunk into a deep think and started shak-
ing his head. Indeed, there really is no
worse feeling than when you think you
have weathered the storm only to face
more unpleasant surprises.
29. Nxe5 Bxf1 30. Qxf1 Qxc3 31. Rc1 Qxe5
32. c8=Q Rxc8 33. Rxc8 Qe6, White
resigned.
Caro-Kann Defense,
Two Knights Variation (B11)
IM Ray Robson (FIDE 2570, USA)
GM Evgeny Postny (FIDE 2648, ISR)
WTC (5), 01.09.2010
Notes by Robson
1. e4 c6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Nf3!? Bg4 4. h3 Bxf3 5.
Qxf3 e6
This is more flexible than Nf6 as
Black may want to develop his other
pieces first.
6. Be2
Not the most popular nor the most
aggressive-looking move but Black still
doesn't have easy equality. 6. d3 Nd7 7.
Bd2 is the main line, followed by queen-
side castling.
6. ... Nd7 7. d3 Ngf6 8. Qg3!
Now Black will probably have to make
a concession by playing g7-g6.
8. ... Qb8!?
I hadn't prepared for this move. 8. ... g6
9. 0-0 Bg7 10. Bf4 Qb6! has been known
24 Chess Life March 2010
to be fine for Black since Smyslov-Botvin-
nik, 1958.
9. f4 g6 10. 0-0 Bc5+ 11. Kh1 Qc7
Black just improves his queens posi-
tion. The reason he can do this is that
White doesn't really have that many use-
ful moves. Playing e4-e5 is never really an
option as Blacks knight will come to f5
where it will be happy. White always has
to worry about h5-h4 when he will
probably have to put his queen on e1.
12. a3!?
I decided to prepare b2-b4. Now if Black
plays a7-a5 I will at least know he won't
castle queenside soon.
12. ... h5 13. b4 h4?!
The critical move is 13. ... Bd4. After 14.
Bb2 dxe4 15. Nb5 (15. dxe4 e5! looks
fine for Black, 15. ... Nxe4?! 16. Nxe4
Bxb2 17. Rad1 gives White the initiative)
15. ... cxb5 16. Bxd4 Qxc2 leads to an
unclear situation. White has a lot of com-
pensation for the two pawns due to his
bishop pair and lead in development. A
possible continuation is 17. Rae1 0-0 18.
Qh4 exd3 19. Bd1 Qc4 20. Bxf6 d2 21.
Re2 Nxf6 22. Qxf6 Rfd8 23. f5! exf5 24.
Rxf5 gxf5 25. Qg5+ with a draw by per-
petual check.
14. Qe1 Be7 15. Be3 Nh5
Black didn't have many other useful
moves as castling queenside could be
dangerous and kingside castling would-
nt be good because of his loosened
kingside pawns.
16. Bxh5 Rxh5 17. exd5?
r+ +k+ +
ppqnlp+
+p+p+p+
+ +P+ +r
P + P p
P NPL +P
+P+ +P+
R + QR+K
After 17. exd5
I thought this was a good move but
perhaps it wasn't as good as I thought.
17. ... cxd5?
17. ... exd5 was the critical recapture.
I was intending 18. f5 Rxf5 19. Rxf5 gxf5
20. Bg5 but Black should be fine after 20.
... Qe5 21. Bxh4 (21. d4 Qxe1+ 22. Rxe1
f6 23. Bxh4 Kf7 when Black will have
counterplay on the queenside with ... a7-
a5 or ... Nb6-c4.) 21. ... Bxh4 22. Qxh4
Qxc3 23. Re1+ Kf8 24. d4 Nf6! 25. Qh6+
Kg8 26. Qg5+ Kf8 with a draw by perpet-
ual check.
18. Nb5 Qc6
If 18. ... Qxc2?? 19. Rc1 wins.
19. Nd4 Qc8
During the game I thought that 19. ...
Qa6 was better. The point of putting the
queen on a6 is to tie down the rook to a1
and also to keep on eye on c4 at the same
time.
20. Rc1 Nf6 21. Bf2! Ng8 22. c4 dxc4 23. dxc4
Tempting is 23. Rxc4 but Black isn't
doing so badly after 23. ... Qd7 24. Qc3
(24. Qc1! is actually better because of
24. ... Bd6 25. Nf3 when White wins a
pawn but ruins his structure a little bit.)
24. ... Bf6.
23. ... Nh6 24. Qe4
A nice-looking move, but probably not
decisive enough. 24. c4-c5 made more
sense. Then Black always has to worry
about c6 and White is clearly better.
24. ... Nf5 25. Rfd1
Avoiding the knight trade with 25. Nf3
doesn't help because Black can defend
with 25. ... a5 26. c5 Qc6.
25. ... a5!
A good defensive move exchanging
pawns and opening the a-file for the rook.
26. c5 axb4 27. axb4 Nxd4 28. Bxd4
I wasn't sure which way to take,
because if 28. Qxd4 Black might get coun-
terplay with ... Qc6 and ... Ra2. That
actually isnt that dangerous so 28. Qxd4
was another alternative.
28. ... Rd5 29. Bb2
I had lost the thread of the game and
allowed Black significant improvement
of his position. With this move I decided
to just go into the endgame.
29. ... Qd7 30. Rxd5 Qxd5 31. Qxd5 exd5
32. Re1!
This is the best move, threatening Bf6.
32. ... Kd7!
Black has to activate his king even at
the cost of a pawn. Once he does that he
should have enough activity to hold a
draw. 32. ... Kf8? 33. Bg7+! Kxg7 34.
Rxe7 leads to a bad endgame for Black.
33. Re5 Ra2 34. Rxd5+ Kc6 35. Rd2 b6?
(see diagram top of next column)
The most natural movebut also a los-
ing one. 35. ... f5 36. Bc3 Rxd2 37. Bxd2
Kb5 38. Kg1 Bf6 should lead to a draw.
36. Bc3?
uschess.org
 + + + +
+ + lp+
pk+ +p+
+ P + +
P + P p
+ + + +P
rL R +P+
+ + + +K
After 35. ... b6
We both missed 36. b5+!. After the
game several of my teammates pointed
this out and I had to be reminded of this
missed opportunity several times. The
idea of b5+ is to put Blacks king in front
of Whites passed b6-pawn so that it does-
n't have enough time to blockade it. 36. ...
Kxb5 37. cxb6 (37. ... Kc6 38. b7 Kxb7 39.
Rd7+ Kc6 40. Rxe7 Rxb2 41. Rxf7 Rb1+
42. Kh2 Rb4 gives excellent drawing
chances) 37. ... Bd6 38. Rxd6 Rxb2 39. Rf6
Kc4 40. Rxf7 Rxb6 41. Rh7 Kd4 42. Rxh4
Ke4 leads to an endgame which White
should win by putting the rook on g5
(after playing g2-g3 and exchanging pawns
with h3-h4-h5). Whites king will be sub-
jected to checks and may have to go to the
queenside but I think it should be winning
eventually; 36. cxb6 Bxb4 37. Rc2+ Kb7
and only White can lose this.
36. ... Rxd2 37. Bxd2 bxc5 38. bxc5 Kxc5 39. g4
This adds some excitement to the game.
39. Kg1 Kd4 40. Kf2 Ke4 41. Ke2 was also
a simple draw. When Black plays 41. ...
Bd6, White has 42. Be1 so the position is
a dead draw.
39. ... hxg3 e.p.
Playing 39. ... Kd4 40. f5 gxf5 41. gxf5
Ke4 42. Kg2 Kxf5 43. Kf3 leads to a sim-
ple draw because all White has to do is give
up his bishop for Black's f-pawn since the
h-pawn is the wrong-colored rook pawn.
40. Kg2
+ + + + GM Gilberto Milos (2618)
+ + lp+
+ + +p+
+ k + +
+ + P +
+ + + pP
+ L +K+
+ + + +
After 40. Kg2
uschess.org
40. ... Bh4
We both made the time control with
about a minute left. To be honest, I thought
I might be lost after 40. ... Kd4. 40. ...
Kd4 41. f5! Postny told me this after the
game. (41. Kxg3 Ke4 might be lost for
White. For example: 42. Kg4 f5+ 43. Kg3
Bd6 44. h4 Bc7 [Zugzwang] 45. Bc1 Ba5
46. h5 Be1+! 47. Kg2 gxh5) 41. ... gxf5 42.
Kxg3 Ke4 (42. ... Kd3 43. Bc1 Ke2 44. Kf4
is just a draw.) 43. Kf2 In this position and
White can just put his king on f1 and
move his bishop forever. Black can never
make progress because he doesn't have
any piece that can force Whites king to
move.
41. Be1 Kd4 42. Bxg3
After I made the time control on move
40 I realized that the position was a sim-
ple draw due to stalemate tricks.
42. ... Bxg3 43. Kxg3 Ke3
Losing for Black is 43. ... Ke4 44. Kg4
f6 (44. ... Kd5 draws) 45. h4.
44. Kg4 f6 45. Kg3 Ke4
The natural move is 45. ... f5, but then
I had 46. Kh4! and Black is forced to
take on f4 resulting in stalemate.
46. Kg4 Kd4 47. f5 g5 48. h4
I still had to be careful. 48. Kh5?? Ke4
49. Kg6 (49. Kg4 Ke5) 49. ... Ke5 wins for
Black.
48. ... gxh4 49. Kxh4 Ke5 50. Kg3
Now I am just in time to get the oppo-
sition after ... Kxf5.
50. ... Ke4 51. Kf2 Kf4 52. Ke2 Kxf5 53. Kf3
Ke5, Draw agreed.
ROUND 6
United States (USA) (2658) 3-1
Brazil (BRA) (2584)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708) 1-0
GM Rafael Leitao (2620)
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670) - Armenia (ARM) (2683)
GM Alexandr Fier (2601)
GM Yury Shulman (2624) - GM Levon Aronian (2781)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628) 1-0
GM Andre Diamant (2497)
Brazil looked to be a very solid team
before the start of the tournament with its
top four players averaging 2625 but fin-
ished below expectations principally
because top board GM Giovanni Vescovi
(2660) was very rusty scoring only one
point from seven games. The Brazilian
captain rested him against us but Hikaru
won a very nice game against their second
board GM Rafael Leitao, handing him his
only defeat of the event.
Varuzhan Akobian, a member of the
U.S. bronze-medal winning teams in the
2006 and 2008 Olympiads came up big
in this match. He and Yury Shulman
struggled to find their best form the first
half of the tournament but in the last
four matches both were undefeated.
ROUND 7
Greece (GRE) (2600) 1-2
United States (USA) (2658)
GM Vasilios Kotronias (2599) 0-1
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708)
GM Ioannis Papaioannou (2625) -
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670)
GM Hristos Banikas (2608) -
GM Yury Shulman (2624)
GM Stelios Halkias (2566) -
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628)
Difficult opponents in the last two
rounds meant we had to win against
Greece if we were to medal. The recipient
of an organizers wild card, the Greeks
were considered unqualified for this event
by some, but such talk quickly faded
when they defeated Russia early on and
later crushed Armenia 3-1.
Several hours into the match, and with
boards two to four drawn, everything
hinged on Hikarus game where he looked
to be a little worse with no winning
chances. He engaged in some Lasker-
like risk-taking to goad his opponent into
attacking himbut at the cost of consum-
ing large amounts of time. This approach
proved successful when Kotronias blun-
dered in a complicated position with his
flag hanging.
ROUND 8
2-1
United States (USA) (2658)
1-0
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708)
GM Vladimir Akopian (2678) -
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670)
GM Arman Pashikian (2647) -
GM Yury Shulman (2624)
GM Tigran Petrosian (2627) -
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628)
This match was eerily similar to the
one before. Again boards two to four were
drawn or on the way to being so after a
Chess Life March 2010 25
 Cover Story
few hours of play and everything hinged
on the showdown at the top. This time
things did not go Hikarus way and he lost
his only game of the event in a titanic
struggle with the fifth-rated player in the
world, Levon Aronian. Later Garry Kas-
parov complimented both players on the
creativity and fighting spirit they showed
in this game.
Kings Indian Defense,
Classical Main Line (E99)
GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2781, ARM)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2708, USA)
WTC (8), 01.09.2010
Notes by GM Ben Finegold, courtesy of
saintlouischessclub.org
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d6 5. e4
0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Ne7
Naka plays the Kings Indian again,
after his great victory earlier against
Gelfand.
9. Ne1
Gelfand played 9. Nd2, so Aronian tries
another main line.
9. ... Nd7 10. Nd3 f5 11. Bd2 Nf6 12. f3 f4 13.
c5 g5 14. cxd6 cxd6 15. Nf2 Ng6 16. Qc2 Rf7
17. Rfc1 Ne8
The players are playing the main line of
the 9. Ne1 variation thus far, but here,
Hikaru plays a lesser known move. More
common are 17. ... a6 or 17. ... h5. The
ideas are basically the same; White plays
for queenside pressure, and tries to stop
Black from building up a big kingside
attack (see Gelfand-Nakamura from ear-
lier in the article!).
18. a4 h5
r+lqn+k+
pp+ +rl
+ p +n+
+ +Pp pp
P+ +Pp +
+ N +P+
PQLLNPP
R R + K
After 18. ... h5
19. Ncd1
A novelty from Aronian. 19. h3 is the
main line. Now the players are on their
own, and a heavyweight positional
maneuvering game commences.
19. ... Bf8 20. Ra3 a6 21. Qc3 Bd7 22. Qa5
White always wants to trade queens
in these long main lines, so that getting
26 Chess Life March 2010
checkmated is less of a threat. Hikaru
does not acquiesce.
22. ... b6 23. Qb4 Rg7 24. Rac3 Nh4 25. h3
Be7 26. Be1 Qb8 27. Kf1 Bd8 28. Rb3 Bc7
29. Qa3 Qd8 30. Rbc3 Bb8 31. b4 Ra7
l
 n+k+
q An amazing tactical resource, and easy
r +l+ r
pp p + +
+ +Pp pp
PP +Pp n
Q R +P+P
+ +LNP+
+ RNLK+
After 31. ... Ra7
Both sides have held their ground, and
tried to reposition their pieces to thwart
their opponents plans. Now Aronian tries
to crack open the queenside with an
Exchange sacrifice.
32. Rc6!? b5
Hikaru prefers to keep the queenside
closed, and not give White a passed c-
pawn and the d5-square, but, Aronian is
quite insistent!
33. axb5 axb5 34. Ra6 Rb7 35. Rcc6! Bxc6
Hikaru decides White is infiltrating too
much, so, he might as well have some
material for his trouble. White has broken
through on the queenside, while Blacks
kingside attack is stalled.
36. dxc6 Ra7 37. Nc3 d5!?
Naka does not want his ... Bb8 entombed
behind the d6-pawn, and decides to jetti-
son the little guy so he can use the
d6-square later.
38. Nxd5 Nf5 39. exf5 Qxd5 40. Ne4 Rgc7
Time trouble is over, and White has a
very strong position. Now 41. Qa5! is the
strongest, but Aronian decides to take a
pawn, and attempt to improve his already
powerhouse knight.
41. Nxg5 Ng7?
l +k+ + Although the Armenians placed their star
r r + n
R+P+ + +
+p+qpPNp
P + p +
Q + +P+P
+ +L+P+
+ + LK+
After 41. ... Ng7
After great defense against one of the
worlds best players, Hikaru falters, miss-
ing an amazing tactic. Relatively best was
41. ... Nd6 and Black may hold.
42. Rb6!!
to overlook in the heat of the battle.
Hikaru plays the best way after this hay-
maker. If Black tries 42. ... Rxa3, White
should win after 43. Rxb8+ Ne8 44. Rxe8+
Kg7 45. Ne6+ Kh7 46. Nxc7.
42. ... Nxf5 43. Rxb8+ Kg7 44. Qb2! Ra2?
Better was 44. ... Ne3+ 45. Kg1 Rxc6,
and, although Black may still be losing,
it is more difficult for White than the text
move. The position is so complicated,
and the players both have less than 20
minutes, so mistakes in these positions,
from both players, are obviously under-
standable.
45. Qb1 Rc2 46. Rxb5!
Both players are using their knights to
protect the rooks from afar!
46. ... Qd6 47. Rb7 Kh6 48. Kg1!
Aronian is in serious time trouble, but
keeps making excellent moves.
48. ... Qxc6 49. Nf7+ Rxf7 50. Rxf7
Black is down too much material. A
valiant effort by both players, but Hikaru
could not recover from the brilliant tac-
tical shot, 42. Rb6!
50. ... Ne3 51. Ra7 Qd5 52. Qa1 Nxg2 53.
Qa6+, Black resigned.
Semi-Slav Defense,
Botvinnik System (D44)(
GM Arman Pashikian (FIDE 2647, ARM)
GM Yury Shulman (FIDE 2624, USA)
WTC (8), 01.09.2010
Notes by Shulman
The day we played against Armenia, I
had mixed feelings. Our team was doing
extremely well, but my play really was not
up to the proper level. I lost two games
with no wins and most of the responsibil-
ity I felt was on my shouldersI was
playing black against Olympic champions.
GM Gabriel Sargissian in reserve, whose
effort brought Armenia two gold medals,
my opponent GM Arman Pashikian was
not any easier. After our usual prepara-
tion in room 434, with Ray and Robert
acting like experienced coaches, we were
ready to fight for the gold!
1. d4
Finally, no French! Our captain John
Donaldson said, Yury, please do any-
thing, but French, where you lost your
uschess.org
 A Tradition of Excellence
The U.S. men are never a favorite to medal by Elo rating at World Team Championships and Olympiads. The condo-
miniums and BMW cars awarded to the gold medal winning Armenian teams of 2006 and 2008 are but a dream to American
players that often have to struggle for funding. Jet lag is a guarantee as finances dictate the teams arrive as close to the
events as possible.
American teams also never have the pre-tournament training camps for bonding and preparation that are a tradition
for most medal contenders. Still, they get the job done and they do it well with a record of excellence that ranks among
the U.S. Chess Federations proudest accomplishment the past thirty years. Check out the track record since 1978: one
gold, four silver and seven bronze team medals in 21 competitions. The teams never finished lower than fourth except
1994, 2000 and 2002.

World Team Championship Chess Olympiad

1985: Lucerne (did not play) - 1978: Buenos Aires3rd 1994: Moscow5th-7th (7th)

1989: Lucerne5th 1980: La Valletta4th 1996: Yerevan3rd-4th (3rd)

1993: Lucerne1st 1982: Lucerne3rd 1998: Elista2nd

1997: Lucerne2nd 1984: Thessaloniki3rd 2000: Istanbul26th-32nd (26th)

2001 Yerevan (did not play) 1986: Dubai3rd 2002: Bled37th-45th (41st)

2005: Beer Sheva5th 1988: Thessaloniki4th-5th (4th) 2004: Calvia4th

2009: Bursa2nd 1990: Novi Sad2nd-3rd (2nd) 2006: Turin3rd-4th (3rd)

The World Team Championship 1992: Manila4th 2008: Dresden3rd-4th (3rd)

is held as a ten-team round robin
every four years. The U.S. was The Chess Olympiad is held as a Swiss every two years. The U.S. team
seeded 5th in Bursa. was seeded 10th in Dresden.

first two games with black! I could not
disobey our coach!
1. ... d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 c6 5. Bg5
Arman plays lots of different lines,
including 1. e4, but 5. Bg5 was among our
expectations. Armenian first board Levon
Aronian has lots of experience with both
colors in the Anti-Moscow variation.
5. ... dxc4
Levon, lets test your team in the
Botvinnik instead of your favorite Anti-
Moscow!
6. a4
Not the most popular, but getting more
fashionable. Anands team probably had
prepared this line in their match against
Kramnik since Anands second, GM
Radoslaw Wojtaszek, played it against
GM Pavel Eljanov.
6. ... Bb4 7. e4 Bxc3+
Another line is 7. ... b5.
8. bxc3 Qa5 9. e5 Ne4 10. Bd2
The Wojtaszek-Eljanov game contin-
ued 10. Rc1 Nd7 (10. ... Qd5 11. Be3) 11.
Nd2! Then 11. ... Nxg5 12. h4 Nb6 13.
hxg5 Qxa4 14. Qxa4 Nxa4 15. Nxc4 with
strong pressure!
10. ... Qd5 11. Qc2
Black is close to full equality after 11.
a5 c5 12. Qa4+ Bd7 13. Qxc4 Qxc4 14.
Bxc4 Bc6 Wang-Carlsen, Melody Amber,
2009.
11. ... c5 12. Be3 cxd4
Black is under a very dangerous attack
after 12. ... Nc6 13. Rd1! cxd4 14. Nxd4!.
13. cxd4 Qa5+
An alternative is 13. ... Nc6 14. Bxc4
Qa5+ 15. Ke2, but then the white king
gets the e2-square, and then easily mobi-
lizes his pieces. With the two bishops
and the insecure position of Blacks
knight on e4, White has better chances.
14. Nd2 Nxd2 15. Bxd2 Qd5 16. Bxc4
After 16. Qxc4 Qxc4 (16. ... Nc6 is also
playable) 17. Bxc4 Nc6 18. Be3 (18. Bc3
Bd7 19. d5 Rc8! and Black is absolutely
fine) 18. ... 00, White has a small advan-
tage. But this should be neutralized by
Black because of the weak d4-pawn and
weak d5-squareand the potential trou-
bles with the dark-square bishop.
16. ... Qxd4
Losing is 16. ... Qxg2?? because of the
spectacular 17. Bf1! Qc6 18. Bb5.
17. 0-0 Nc6
Black must stop Whites bishop from
getting to the a3-f8 diagonal. For instance,
17. ... 0-0 18. Bb4 Re8 19. Rad1 would
give White a very dangerous initiative.
Although some might argue that it seemed
pretty dangerous in the game as well!
18. Rad1
A novelty, and a very dangerous one!
Ray Robson and I spent some time on this
move, but it turned out that it was not as
much time as our opponents spent. This
was the fruit of Armenian team home-
work. Black is under a dangerous attack,
and it seems that that he is walking a thin
line. My good friend GM Alex Goldin
played 18. Rae1 against Stitis in 1996
(Israel team championship), but the game
soon ended peacefully. 18. ... Bd7 (The
immediate 18. ... Qc5 deserves serious
attention) 19. Re4 Qc5 20. Be3 Qa5 21.
Qb2 Ne7 22. Qxb7 Bc6 23. Bb5 Qxb5
24. Qxb5 Bxb5 25. axb5 Nd5 26. Ra1
and a draw was agreed to.
18. ... Qxe5
I was considering 18. ... 0-0, but after
19. Bd3 I could not find any satisfactory
way to protect a pawn on h7: 19. ... h6 20.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 27

 Cover Story
Bxh6! exploits discovery ideas along the
d-file. 20. ... gxh6? 21. Bh7+.
19. Bc3
Another alternative is 19. Rfe1, but
Arman was following his home preparation.
19. ... Qg5 20. Rd3 e5
When I finally felt that my position
looks satisfactory, lightning strikes:
21. Bxe5!?
Occurring right in front of my eyes!
When I played 20. ... e5, I felt that 21. ...
Bf5 or even 21. ... Qxe5 might be alterna-
tives to the move played in the game and
did not really expect it to happen, but the
more I looked into the position the more
I understood that this solution might be
the only one! A very interesting alternative
which consumed most of my time was
21. Rg3. Some unbelievable tactics occur
after 21. ... Qh4!. It is important to attack
the white bishop on c4 and prevent White
from capturing the g7-pawn.
Of course, it is impossible to see all
variations during the game, but I felt that
since all of the black pieces need only
one move to enter the game (and there are
no direct threats) Black should be able to
hold the position: (21. ... Qh6 22. f4 with
initiative) 22. Bxf7+!! Kxf7 23. Qb3+ Ke8
(After a series of only moves Black finds
himself in trouble after 23. ... Be6 24.
Qxb7+ Ne7 25. Bxe5 Rhg8 [or 25. ... Rag8
26. Re1 Bd5 27. Qxa7 and his pieces look
extremely uncoordinated] 26. Rf3+ Kg6 27.
Re1! [27. Bg3 Qxa4 28. Qxe7 Rae8 and
Black seems to survive] 27. ... Nf5 28.
Rf4 Qe7 [28. ... Qg5 29. Qe4!] 29. Qxe7
Nxe7 30. Bc3 Bf5 31. Rxe7 and White
ends up being up a pawn with more active
pieces in an opposite-color bishop ending)
24. Bxe5 Nxe5! (24. ... Qb4? 25. Qxb4
Nxb4 26. Re1 and although Black is up a
piece, he cannot hold the position together)
25. Re1 Qe7 26. Rge3 Be6 27. Qb5+ Kf7
28. Rxe5 Rhd8! (28. ... Rad8 29. f4 Qd7 30.
Rxe6 Qxb5 31. Re7+ Kf6 32. R1e6+ Kf5
33. axb5 and White still holds the an ini-
tiative!) 29. f4 Qd7 30. Rxe6 Qxb5 31.
Re7+ Kf8! (which was the point of 28. ...
Rhd8) 32. axb5 Rd1! and Black equal-
izes!
21. ... 0-0!
After spending so much time and hav-
ing resisted to so many temptations, I find
the correct path. 21. ... Qxe5 22. Re3 0-0
23. Rxe5 Nxe5 24. Bd5 does not look like
a piece of cake for Black. The bishop on d5
exerts too much pressure on Blacks posi-
tion. Those who think that it is easy to hold
rook and bishop versus queen fortresses
(after something like 24. ... Nc6) should
refer to Kramnik-Shirov, Wijk aan Zee,
1999; For a while I could not believe that
there is no improvement for Black after 21.
28 Chess Life March 2010
... Nxe5 22. Bb5+ Kf8 23. Qc5+ Kg8 24.
Qxe5 h6 (24. ... Bf5 25. Rg3) 25. Qe8+
Kh7 26. Qxf7 and Whites attack did not
cool down at all. I did not feel like captur-
ing a piece, and of course I only calculated
around a quarter of all those variations! I
must still search for a healthier solution;
21. ... Bf5 22. Bxf7+! Kxf7 23. Qb3+ did not
appeal to me at all. Arman said after the
game that his computer gives this contin-
uation as only a draw. I really would like
to get his computer since mine evaluates
the position as hopeless for Black!
22. Bxg7!
The only alternative is 22. Bd6, then
after 22. ... Bf5 23. Bxf8 Bxd3 24. Bxd3
Kxf8 forces White to be precise in search
for equality.
22. ... Qxg7!
I really hoped to make 22. ... Nb4 work,
but when I saw 23. Bh6! Qg6 24. Bxf7+!!
Kxf7 I stopped my hopeless attempts to
resurrect 22. ... Nb4.
23. Rg3 Bg4 24. h3
r+ + rk+
pp+ +pqp
+n+ + +
+ + + +
P+L+ +l+
+ + + RP
+Q+ PP+
+ + +RK
After 24. h3
24. ... Ne5!
Still playable for White is 24. ... h5 25.
hxg4 h4 26. Re3. The black king is
exposed and the position is still full of
heavy artillery!
25. f4
I felt that Arman still could have played
on with 25. Bd5 Rad8 26. Qb3 but after
26. ... Rd6 27. hxg4 Rfd8 28. Be4 Black
should be able to hold with not much
difficulty.
25. ... Nxc4 26. Rxg4 Qxg4 27. hxg4 Ne3 28.
Qc5 Nxf1 29. Qg5+ Kh8 30. Qf6+ Kg8 31.
Qg5+ Kh8 32. Qf6+ Kg8 33. Kxf1 Rac8 34.
Qg5+ Kh8 35. Qf6+ Kg8 36. Qg5+
After several more repetitions Arman
accepted that two rooks will be able either
to create enough counterplay or block
Whites passed pawns. The only way for
White to play on could be to attack the
king, but if White is able to put his pawn
on f6 and queen on h6, Black will get
his king to h8 and rook to g8 and White
won't be able to create any kingside
threats. The queenside also looks like an
unlikely place for White to promote his
only pawn. A perpetual is the logical con-
clusion to this hard-fought game.
36. ... Kh8 37. Qf6+, Draw agreed.
The most curious thing happened right
after the game ended. When we were on
the way to the analysis room, Armenian
board three Gabriel Sargissian came over
and said: Only Arman can get in time
trouble in a position which he analyzed at
home! I was shockedall of it was pre-
pared by our opponents. From another
point there is something flattering in it
I walked into home preparation, but was
able to find all the best moves.
Also, I really want to thank Ray Robson
for helping me prepare for most of the
games so that I was not clueless about the
lines I played. When we finished our game
analysis all our attention shifted to the
remaining two boards. Alex seemed to be
defending pretty well, but Hikarus position
was not getting better. Finally he got his
chance: ... Nd6the entire U.S. team
including our sponsor and supporter Tony
Rich was praying in the skittles room:
Hikaru, ... Nd6!, ... Nd6! Hikaru touched
the knight on e8 and played knight to g7.
All of us exhaled a sigh of dissapointment.
The match was lost as well as our hopes for
the gold. From another point, it was not the
first time when we were waiting for Hikarus
last game. The day before, he had a tough
position against Greece and all of us were
rooting him on. That day he won!
Before the last round the U.S. found
itself in a strange position. Having won six
of its eight matches the team could still
finish anywhere from first to fifth place
depending on how things turned out in
the last round. Passing Russia seemed
unlikely as it would not only require a win
over Azerbaijan in the last round but also
for Israel to defeat Grischuk and com-
pany. The latter seemed an especially tall
order considering how the two teams had
been playingRussia quite well and Israel
below par.
A loss for the U.S. would allow not only
Azerbaijan to pass us but India as well
with Armenia coming up to the same
number of match points and finishing
ahead on the game points tiebreaker.
A draw on the other hand would lock
in second as even an Indian win by 4-0
would only tie us on match and game
points and we had them on the head-to-
head tiebreaker having beaten them in
round two.
The night before the match we were
not sure exactly what lineup Azerbaijan
would play. They had started the tourna-
ment well with a win over bitter rival
Armenia in round one but in the middle
of the event had lost matches to Russia
uschess.org
 dropped Guseinov and put Radjabov on
ROUND 9 one and Mamedyarov on two but Guseinov
has a reputation for being solid with black.
United States (USA) (2658) 2-2 This may have been part of the reason for
Azerbaijan (AZE) (2651)
putting him ahead of Mamedyarov at the
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2708) - start of the event.
GM Gadir Guseinov (2614) One thing about team tournaments is
that you can never know exactly what
GM Alexander Onischuk (2670) -
really is going on with other teams. Rad-
GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2741)
jabovs absence from the lineup could
GM Yury Shulman (2624) - have been due to not feeling well. The
GM Rauf Mamedov (2640) late cancellation of the Chinese team
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2628) - caused the first round to start a day later
GM Nidjat Mamedov (2610) than scheduled leading to the elimina-
tion of the rest day in the middle of the
tournament. This led to some tired chess
and India and drawn with Israel. The players in the later rounds. In the end, one
team, with three players rated over 2740, cannot be certain why the Azeris chose the
was not going to repeat its success of a few lineup they did but we were happy to see
months before when it won the European their top two boards resting and the win-
Team Championship ahead of Russia but ning of the silver medals after a solidly
a win would give them the silver medals. played 2-2 result was a dream come true.
We sort of expected the Azeris to play This was my eleventh time serving as
the first four but were uncertain about U.S. captain and I cannot recall a more
Gashimov, who had already lost three close-knit team than this one. They spent
games (and nearly a fourth to Kotronias all their time together whether it was
the round before) and may not have rel- preparing for the next round, playing,
ished playing Hikaru as black. We were supporting their teammates during
not astonished when his name was absent matches, dining together or relaxing with
from the lineup the next morning but it the regular evening walk. There were
was a genuine surprise to see GM many spirited foosball matches and bat-
Teimour Radjabovs name missing. The tles over the pool table. Everyone came
second best scorer on the team after away with great memories.
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who was in sen- The World Team Championship was
sational form in Bursa, Radjabov had well organized. The playing hall and hotel
played well for his team scoring 5 from 7. were both comfortable and organizer Ali
With Gashimov out, Radjabov would Nihat Yazici and his chief assistants
have been black on board one. Then if Kuvay Sanli and Melih Sagit did an excel-
regular third board Gadir Guseinov also lent job making sure the players needs
played, Mamedyarov (placed on board four were met. The past decade the Turkish
before the tournament for tactical reasons Chess Federation has organized an
to shift to board two, three or four depend- increasingly larger and larger number of
This reporter would be remiss if he did
not mention that the U.S. teams second
place finish, Hikarus beautiful win over
Gelfand, and the debuts of teenagers Hess
and Robson almost did not happen. Back
in November of 2008 the U.S. men and
women qualified for their respective world
team championships by each finishing
third in the Dresden Olympiad. The U.S.
Chess Federation planned to send both
teams, assisted by the Kasparov Chess
Foundation, a strong supporter of top-
level American chess since 2004.
The first part of the plan was realized
when the American women competed in
the Womens World Team Championship
in China last September but then things
turned south. The cost of ongoing litiga-
tion prevented the USCF funding the men
and the KCF, faced with a decline in
donations in an economic downturn, was
unable to assist. The situation was bleak
enough that as late as September for-
mer USCF President Bill Goichberg
advised the USCF executive board to drop
the idea of sending a team.
Luckily for American chess the Chess
Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis
and its founder Rex Sinquefield came to
the rescue. They not only generously
offered to sponsor the team but also sent
Executive Director Tony Rich to Turkey
to help. He quickly became the teams
secret weapon. Every day Tony not only
took hundreds of photos of the team in
action and sent articles to Chess Life
Online and the Chess Club and Scholas-
tic Center of St. Louis website (where
everyday its new grandmaster-in-resi-
dence Ben Finegold annotated many
interesting games from the event) but
he also served as the teams man Friday.

.
ing on the situation) would have had black FIDE events. If they are organized to the No job was too small for him and his
and we guessed correctly that they would standards of the World Team, players efforts allowed the team to concentrate
want to give him white. They could have should be very grateful. fully on chess matters. Thanks Tony!

Final Standings
No. Team Code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MP Pts + = -

1. Russia RUS 3 2 2 2 1 3 2 3 3 15 24 7 1 1
2. United States USA 1 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 3 13 21 6 1 2
3. India IND 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 13 21 6 1 2
4. Azerbaijan AZE 1 2 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 12 22 5 2 2
5. Armenia ARM 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 12 20 5 2 2
6. Greece GRE 2 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 2 8 18 4 0 5
7. Israel ISR 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 7 17 3 1 5
8. Brazil BRA 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 12 2 0 7
9. Egypt EGY 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 12 1 1 7
10. Turkey TUR 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 11 1 1 7

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 29

2009 London

Is it a bird? A plane? No, its Americas Super-GM.

Nakamura Goes
SUPER By Ian Rogers
 S
uper-tournaments are
hard to define but easy
to recognize.
An all-grandmaster field with
a high average rating is not
enough; a super-tournament
must also contain superstars.
Coming to the end of the
decade there are four marquee
playersWorld Champion GM
Viswanathan Anand, GM
Vladimir Kramnik, GM Veselin
Topalov and GM Magnus
Carlsenand any event with-
out at least one of these stars
expensive starsis destined
to be just another grandmas-
ter tournament. The top four
are very choosy about the
tournament invitations they
accept, so to be able to play
alongside and against the
chess gods is an honor
bestowed on few.
In December, U.S. Cham-
pion GM Hikaru Nakamura
had his first taste of life at the
top when he competed in the
London Classic, an eight-
player, invitation-only round-
robin tournament featuring
two of the modern giants,
Kramnik and Carlsen.
Nakamura had performed
consistently well in 2009,
breaking through the 2700 Elo
rating barrier, but the London
Classic was a step up and the
22-year -old from New York
knew it; This is the strongest
event of my life, Nakamura
admitted the day before the
Classic began. It is an unusual
[super-tournament] with a cou-
ple of clearly weaker players
[locals Luke McShane and
David Howell]. I just want to
play solidly against Magnus
and Vlad and see how I go.
From the very first press con-
ference, Nakamura must also
have realized the gap between
the life of a mere 2700 player
and the world elite; almost every
question from the press corps
was directed to Kramnik or
Carlsen, though mostly the latter.
Carlsen was already on the
verge of becoming the youngest
number one ranked player in
PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS
history and the shy Norwegian,
just 19, was the reason why
Londons Olympia Conference
Centre was filled to overflow-
ingdespite a hefty 10 entry
charge (about $15). Carlsen
was the main focus of the
uschess.org
pressfrom Time to Norwe-
gian televisionthe autograph
hunters and the casual visi-
tors. The teenager was
challenged to a game by a
Guardian journalist, was the
subject of a photo-op on the
London Eye, was taken to
Wimbledon to play tennis with
Australian legend Pat Cash
and was a guest at White Hart
Lane to watch Premier League
soccer team Tottenham beat
Manchester City.
Playing in a 500-seat the-
ater at Olympiawalking tled on f4, Howell was able to
distance from where Kramnik
had dethroned GM Garry Kas-
parov in 2000Nakamura
could begin to understand that
even Kramnik was just one of
the extras. (The Russian
played the fall guy to perfec-
tion by losing to Carlsen in
the first round and then
unsuccessfully chasing the top
seed all the way to the finish.)
Yet the London tournament
probably also showed Naka-
mura that he was not so far
from the top as reputation and
rating might have indicated.
Carlsen may have won the
London Classic (and finished
two points ahead of Naka-
mura) but instead of the
imperious dominator of Nan-
jing, in London Carlsen needed
to scrap and scrape for every
point and half point. Apart
from his smooth first round
victory over Kramnikthe
Russians first loss since his
2008 world title defeat against
AnandCarlsen struggled to
assert himself.
The first sign that Carlsen was
human came in the third round,
when the 19-year-old, on 2/2,
met David Howell, the lowest
rated player in the field and just
two weeks Carlsens junior.
Missed opportunity
GM David Howell (FIDE 2597, ENG)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2801, NOR)
+
+k+ +
p +
+ +R
+ + p +
+P+ +N+
+ +p+P+
r + P +
+ + +K+
+ +r+ +
Carlsen had been pushing for
a win in a difficult technical
endgame when suddenly a
chance to win Whites knight
aroseand Carlsen missed it!
52. ... Rd7??
After 52. ... Ra2+! 53. Kg3
Rg1+ 54. Kf4 (54. Kh3 Rh1+)
54. ... Rf2+ 55. Kxe4 Rxg4+
the knight on f5 falls. How-
ever instead play continued:
53. Rh8+ Kf7 54. Kg3
and after Whites king set-
had the new world number
scramble a draw 24 moves later.
While Carlsen was racing to
the lead, Nakamura was dis-
covering just how hard it
would be to win a game
against the mortals.
In the first round Nakamura
had Chinas Hua Ni on toast,
thanks to a clever tactic:
Clever tactic
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2715, USA)
GM Hua Ni (FIDE 2665, CHN)
r+ q rk+
+p+l+pp
p+ + l p
+ +pN +
P+ P + +
+Q+ + +
P L PPP
+ R +RK
Hua Ni seemed quite satisfied
with his position until Naka-
mura played:
19. Ba5!!
Whereupon Hua sank into
thought, realizing that he must
lose material. He finally played ...
19. ... Qe8
... but after:
20. Bb4 Bxa4 21. Qa3
... the rook on f8 was
doomed. But, Hua Ni headed
for an endgame and after:
21. ... Bxe5 22. dxe5 Bb5 23.
Rfe1 d4 24. Bxf8 Qxf8 25. Qxf8+
Kxf8
a few inaccuracies by
Nakamura enabled the Chi-
nese grandmaster to scramble
to a draw after 20 more moves.
The next day Nakamura
turned the tables and hung
Chess Life March 2010
on to a desperate endgame
against Englands best player
for the past decade, Michael
Adams, after which an
uneventful draw against for-
mer world title challenger Nigel
Short must have come as
something of a relief.
Three games, three draws
was not a bad return but the
toughest challenge in modern
chess lay aheadblack
against Carlsen.
The game itself provided a
real fillip for Nakamura, who
one under pressure through-
out much of the game before
Carlsen managed to force a
perpetual check.
However a real shock came
at the post-game press con-
ference, where both players
explained their ideas to the
standing room only crowd in
the commentary room.
Shocker
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2801, NOR)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2715, USA)
+ + rk+
+p+ + pp
+p+p+ +
p Pn+q+
P+Q+ + +
+ + + P
P + PKP
+ N R +
32. Qe2
During the press confer-
ence, Carlsen said that he was
kicking himself for not playing
32. Re2!, because he had seen
that the attack with 32. ...
Qf3+ 33. Kg1 Rf4 doesnt work
for Black in view of 34. gxf4
Nxf4 35. Qe4. Nakamura, after
a cursory analysis, conceded
that White might well be bet-
ter after 32. Re2.
In fact Carlsen was very
lucky he didnt play 32. Re2??
as Nakamura would no doubt
have found 32. ... Ne3+!! in a
shot, and won immediately!
The next day, Carlsen pref-
aced his press conference with
an apology for his oversight
It is very embarrassing, he
admitted.
A win the following day over
Ni kept Carlsen ahead of a
31
2009 London
resurgent Kramnik but Naka-
mura found out the hard way
that weaker players in a super-
tournament can still be very
dangerous. Against McShane,
Nakamura was hit by a strong
opening novelty and spent the
rest of the game trying to hang
on, without success. To add
insult to injury, McShane was
laterrather surprisingly
awarded the $15,000 brilliancy
prize for his win.
By now Nakamura had re-
alized another truth about
super-tournaments; because
competition is so fierce, a win
is priceless while a single loss
can push you to the foot of
the crosstable.
In the final two rounds
Nakamura worked hard to pull
back to 50% but neither How-
ell nor Kramnik gave him a
real winning chance and two
more draws were registered.
I am not thrilled with the
result but also not as disap-
pointed as I might have
expected, Nakamura admit-
ted. I held my own against
the top two players, which is a
good sign for the tournaments
ahead [the World Team Cham-
pionship and Wijk aan Zee]. I
played well but for one game
and a couple of blunders.
While Nakamuras many
fans might have hoped for a
repeat of Gata Kamskys stun-
ning super-tournament debut
in Tilburg 1990, the current
U.S. champion was right not to
be discouraged. Nakamura had
played at a high level but has
not yet found the consistency to
add to his obvious talent.
In addition he could see
first-hand that Carlsen, de-
spite being the top-ranked
player in the world, was beat-
able. In fact in the final two
rounds the wheels almost
came off the Carlsen band-
wagon entirely. The Norwegian
was on the edge of defeat
against Englands long-time
top two players, Adams and
Nigel, before hanging on to
draw both games. (A loss by
Carlsen in either game would
have seen GM Veselin Topalov
remain as the worlds highest
rated player.)
(see game next column)
32 Chess Life March 2010
The edge of defeat
GM Nigel Short (FIDE 2707, ENG)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2801, NOR)
+ +k+ +
+ +p+ +
+ + P +
p + + +q
+P+Q+ p
+ + + +
K + + +
+ + + +
A couple of moves earlier
Carlsen had passed up the
chance to take Whites f6-
pawn with a slow but sure
win, believing that in the dia-
grammed position White
would have no chance against
the advancing black h-pawn.
Wrong!
56. c5!
Desperation, Carlsen had
thought, whose hand now
reached out to play 56. ...
Qxc5. Then at the last possi-
ble moment he suddenly saw
57. Qg2+! Kf8 58. Qa8+! and
mate next move. Despite run-
ning down to less than two
minutes on the clock to reach
move 60, Carlsen refused to
panic and found:
56. ... h3! 57. c6 a4! 58. Ka2!
Tricky play, avoiding a pos-
sible check on b5. However
again Carlsen kept his head
and, with 18 seconds left,
found the only saver.
58. ... Qd1! 59. Qe8+ Kh7 60.
Qxf7+ Kh6 61. c7 Qc2+ 62. Ka3
h2!
Now, because Whites queen
must keep an eye on the b3
square, there is no way for
White to make progress and
the game concluded.
63. Qg7+ Kh5 64. Qh8+ Kg6 65.
Qg8+ Kxf6 66. c8=Q Qxc8 67.
Qxc8 h1=Q 68. Qa6+ Ke5 69.
Qb5+ Qd5 70. Kxa4 Qxb5+ 71.
Kxb5, Draw
A relieved Carlsen had man-
aged to finish just ahead of
Kramnik, and take the top spot
on the world rankings, but he
had also shown that he was
human, capable of having a
mediocre tournament. Then
again, Nakamura might have
asked himself, if Carlsen play-
ing inconsistently can win an
event such as the London Clas-
sic, what hope is there for
himself and other top grand-
masters when Carlsen finds
his best form?
Games
One of the special features of
the London Classic was the
requirement for players (losers
excepted) to demonstrate their
just-completed game to the
audience in the commentary
room, with the post-mortem
being broadcast live on the
Internet.
While Carlsens demonstra-
tions were always in front of a
full house, Vladimir Kramnik
was always the crowd favorite,
explaining his games with
enthusiasm and authority, at
a level which could be under-
stood by both amateurs and
grandmasters alike.
The annotations to the fol-
lowing gamea game where
Carlsen makes former World
Champion Kramnik look like a
weak playeris an edited ver-
sion of the winners comments
and provides some insight into
the mind of the best player in
the world.
English Opening, Four
Knights Variation (A29)
GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2801, NOR)
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772, RUS)
1. c4!?
This was not intended as a
tribute to my first time in Eng-
landI only thought of that
halfway through the game.
Garry, who has helped me a
lot psychologically, told me
that he thought that Kramnik
might be uncomfortable in this
type of position.
1. ... Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4.
g3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Nb6
7. 0-0 Be7 8. a3 0-0 9. b4 Be6 10.
Rb1 f6 11. d3 a5
This is a rich position with
many possible plans; thats
what I was aiming for when I
played 1. c4. In recent games
11. ... Nd4 has been more pop-
ular.
12. b5 Nd4 13. Nd2
(see diagram next column)
r+ q rk+
+pp l pp
n +lp +
pP+ p +
+ n + +
P NP+ P
+ NPPLP
+RLQ+RK
13. ... Qc8
I knew that 13. ... Nd5?
loses a piece after 14. Bxd5!
Bxd5 15. e3 but now I could-
nt remember the concrete
theory, so I just played logical
moves.
14. e3 Nf5 15. Qc2 Rd8 16. Bb2
a4
A sound move; he has to
create some counterplay.
17. Rfc1 Nd6 18. Nde4 Ne8
Again the best move; c7
has to be protected.
19. Qe2!
I was happy with this move.
I would like to go 19. Ne2 but
then 19. ... Bb3 is quite
unpleasant. Now after 19. ...
Bg4 I can play 20. Qf1 and
later h3, while if 19. ... Bh3 I
simply play 20. Bf3.
19. ... Bf8 20. f4 exf4?!
Taking on f4 is risky, but it
is also the principled move.
My king is weakened and if I
dont manage to create play
in the center it can be quite
unpleasant. After 20. ... Qd7!
I would have played 21. fxe5
but I am not saying that Black
is not fine after 21. ... Qxd3.
21. gxf4 Qd7 22. d4 c6
My main line. After 22. ...
Nc4 23. d5! is winning, while
after 22. ... Bc4 23. Qf2 Bd3 I
would have been very happy
because I have 24. Nc5!! Bxc5
25. dxc5 Bxb1 26. Rxb1 with
big compensation for the
Exchange.
23. Nc5 Bxc5 24. dxc5 Nc4 25.
Rd1 Qc7 26. Bc1
I wasnt sure at all that my
position was so good here. If I
manage to consolidate then my
bishop pair could be useful but
I have many weak pawns.
26. ... Na5
uschess.org
 Its hard to suggest another
move for Black; if 26. ... f5
then 27. bxc6 bxc6 28. Rd4
might be good.
27. bxc6 bxc6 28. Nxa4
At first I wasnt sure that I
could take on a4 without losing
too much coordination. How-
ever at least his knight will be
stuck on e8 for some time and
that gave me some confidence.
28. ... Rxd1+?!
I didnt like this for him at
all. I was expecting 28. ... Nb3
29. Nb6 Nxc1 30. Rbxc1
Rxd1+ 31. Qxd1 Rxa3 32.
Qd4! when I believe White has
a comfortable edge. The queen
is very well placed on d4 and
next move I can play 33. Ra1
and his c6-pawn will probably
fall quite soon.
29. Qxd1 Rd8 30. Qc2 Qf7 31.
Nc3 Qh5?!
Not a great move. I think he
missed something very simple.
32. Ne2! Bf5 33. e4 Bg4
I thought he should play
33. ... Bh3 when 34. Bxh3
Qxh3 35. Bd2 was my plan.
34. Ng3 Qf7
I assume when he played
31. ... Qh5 that his idea had
been to play 34. ... Rd1+ but
then after 35. Bf1! (35. Qxd1?
Qxc5+!), my next move is 36.
Be3 and White is winning.
35. Bf1!
+ rn+k+
+ + +qpp
+p+ p +
n P + +
+ +PPl+
P + + N
+Q+ + P
+RL +LK
Now I was really enjoying
my position. I have both bish-
ops back on their original
square and they are both very
well placed.
35. ... Be6 36. Qc3 Ra8 37. Rb4!
At this point I started look-
ing for a forced win, and from
his body language I could
sense that he was not going to
put up much resistance.
uschess.org
37. ... Qd7 38. f5 Bf7 39. Bf4 Qd1
On 39. ... Nb7 I intended
40. e5! fxe5 41. Bxe5 followed
by 42. Rg4 with a huge
attack.
40. Kf2! Nb3
I thought 40. ... Qd8 was
necessary, but I think he
wanted to get it over with.
41. Be2 Qb1 42. Bc4 Rxa3 43.
Ne2, Black resigned.
He is getting mated or los-
ing material.
After their exciting final round
game, Kramnik and Nakamura
shared the commentary room
and demonstrated their ideas.
As usual, Kramnik wowed the
crowd with some amazing
variations.
Queens Gambit Declined,
Ragozin Defense (D38)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2715, USA)
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772, RUS)
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4.
Nf3 d5 5. Qa4+ Nc6 6. e3 0-0 7.
Qc2 Re8
(K) With my knight on c6,
Blacks only plan is to try to
break with ... e5.
8. Bd2 Bf8 9. a3 e5 10. dxe5
(K) The tactical justification
for 9. ... e5 was that 10. cxd5
allows 10. ... Nxd4!! 11. exd4
exd4+ 12. Ne2 Qxd5 with a
very strong attack.
10. ... Nxe5 11. cxd5 Nxd5 12.
0-0-0
(K) I also analysed 12. Nxe5
Rxe5 13. 0-0-0 but I think I
can get away with 13. ... Bf5!
14. e4 Nxc3 15. Bxc3 Qg5+
16. Qd2 Qxd2+ 17. Rxd2 Rxe4
18. Bd3 Rf4 19. Be5 and now
I must lose the Exchange but
I think that after 19. ... Rxf2!
20. Rxf2 Bxd3 Black is fine.
12. ... Nb6 13.Ne4
(N) The most aggressive
move.
13. ... Nxf3 14. gxf3 Qh4 15. Bc3
Bf5 16. Bd3 Bg6 17. f4 Rad8
(K) Now I was expecting 18.
Ng3 Bxd3 19. Rxd3 Rxd3 20.
Qxd3 c6 when I would prefer
to be black.
+ +rlk+
pp+ +ppp
np+ + +
+ + + +
+ + P q
P LQP N
P + P P
+ K + +R
18. f5! Rxd3!?
(N) Actually, I wasnt sure
what to do if he played 18. ...
Bh5.
19. Nf6+! gxf6 20. Qxd3 Qxf2!
(N) After 20. ... Bh5 I was
intending 21. Rdg1+ Kh8 22.
Rg3 and if 22. ... Bd6 23. f4
threatens 24. Be1 to trap the
queen.
21. fxg6 hxg6 22. Bd4!
(K) I was looking mostly at
22. Rhf1 Qxe3+ 23. Qxe3 Rxe3
24. Rd8 when I planned to
play 24. ... Rxc3+! 25. bxc3 f5
26. Rb8 Nc4 27. Re1 Kg7 28.
Rxb7 Bxa3+ 29. Kc2 Bd6
which is a strange position
but I think offers some
chances for Black to win.
22. ... Nd5 23. Kb1
(K) Now White is threaten-
ing 24. e4 and if I play 23. ...
Qh4 White can just play 24.
Bxa7.
23. ... c5
(K) I wondered about 23.
... Qf3 24. Bxa7 c6 25. Bd4
Qe4 26. Qxe4 Rxe4 27. Rd3 f5
but I think White should be
able to draw this.
24. Rhf1 Qxh2
+ +rlk+
pp+ +p+
+ + pp+
+ pn+ +
+ L + +
P +QP +
P + + q
+K+R+R+
25. Bxf6!
(K) I didnt really believe
you could play 25. Bxf6, so I
was calculating 25. Bxc5 Bxc5
Chess Life March 2010
26. Qxd5 Qe5 27. Qxe5 Rxe5
28. Rxf6 Rxe3 29. Rd7 Re7
30. Rxe7 Bxe7 31. Rf1 f5 but
now I think White can hold a
draw with 32. Rd1!, e.g. 32. ...
f4 (32. ... Kf7 33. Rd7 g5 34.
Kc2 g4 35. Kd3) 33. Kc2 and
Whites king comes across in
time.
25. ... Nxf6 26. Rxf6 Bg7
(K) I had the feeling I should
be winning here, but I could-
nt find any clear way.
27. Qb5! Bxf6 28. Qxe8+ Kg7 29.
Qb5 Qg2
(K) I wanted to push my g-
pawn but after 29. ... b6 30.
Rd7 g5 31. Rxa7 g4 White has
32. Ra4! and even 30. ... c4
31. Rxa7 Qe2 doesnt win
because after 32. Ka2! Im not
threatening 32. ... c3 because
of 33. Qb3!
.
30. Rd7 Qe4+ 31. Ka2 Qe6+ 32.
Kb1 Qe4+ 33. Ka2 Qe6+ 34. Kb1
Qe4+, Draw.
Read more dispatches from
Ian Rogers in London on
Chess Life Online, December
archives, at uschess.org.
Chess Life wants to hear
from you! Send your letter
to letters@uschess.org. If we
publish your letter, you will
receive a copy of Test, Evalu-
ate, and Improve Your Chess.
2009 London
Chess Classic
At A Glance
Date: December 7-15,
2009
Location: Olympia
Conference Centre,
Kensington, London
Top Finishers:
1st, Magnus Carlsen
(NOR), 13; 2nd,
Vladimir Kramnik
(RUS), 12; 3rd-4th,
David Howell (ENG),
Michael Adams (ENG),
9; 5th, Luke McShane
(ENG), 7; 6th-7th, Hua
Ni (CHN), Hikaru Naka-
mura (USA), 6; 8th,
Nigel Short (ENG), 5.
Win = 3 points
Loss = 0 points
Draw = 1 point
33
College Chess

Merry Times For Maryland

Near the spring-break beaches of South Padre Island, Texas, UMBC wins one
of the strongest college events ever.
By GM Timur Gareev

T
he University of Maryland at Baltimore
County was victorious in arguably the
strongest tournament in the history of
collegiate chess. The furious tactician Leonid
Kritz led his team to wins in all six of their
matches at the 2009 Pan American Intercolle-
giate Team Chess Championship, held
December 27-30 at South Padre Island, Texas.
Additionally, three of the Maryland players won
individual prizes.
In the third round the top Texas teams, Dal-
las and Brownsville, had to battle it out while
UMBC ran over New York University (NYU)
University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), the
host team, struggled against Dallas-B. UTBs GM
Axel Bachmann, Paraguays superstar, com-
pletely demolished the out-of-shape Amon
Simutowe also known as the King.
Round four witnessed the collision of the two
major collegiate chess powers. UTD went up
against UMBC. GM Sergey Erenburg displayed
impressive opening preparation and had IM
Daniel Ludwig on the defensive. IM Marko
Zivanic was pushing an opening edge against
UMBCs freshman IM Giorgi Margvelashvili.
Kritz was struggling but not giving in against GM
Alejandro Ramirez. Marylands IM Sasha Kaplan
was consuming a lot of time and grabbing more
of IM Puchen Wangs pawns in the process.
Erenburg and Kaplan succeeded while Ramirez
and Zivanic did not manage to convert. In the
end, UMBC secured the tournament lead.
Meanwhile, UTB and Texas Tech were trying
to catch up to the leaders. The NYU squad
could not hold their ground against Brownsville
and lost 3-1.
In the fifth round UTB showed real strength
in their fight for a win. UMBC got ahead right
off the bat after Kritz broke through Gareevs
hedgehog. UMBC won the team match and
essentially the tournament.
ALL PHOTOS BY LUCIANA MORALES MENDOZA .

The sixth round was a formality. UMBC did

not have much difficulty versus Brownsvilles
second team, finishing with a 4-0 last-round vic-
tory. UTD and UTB were not in a fighting mood
and all their games finished peacefully. Teams
qualifying for the next stage include UMBC,
UTD, Texas Tech, and UTB (who will host the
Final Four in early April).
UTB President Juliet Garcia honored the
team and the players with her presence. Thanks
to Dr. Silva and Dr. Solis for supporting the team
and taking the role of the promised cheerlead-
ers! Thanks to the director of UTB chess
program Russell Harwood for organizing this
magnificent event.

34 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

Sicilian Defense,
Scheveningen Variation (B80)
GM Sergey Erenburg (2602, UMBC-A)
IM Daniel Ludwig (2547, UTD-A)
Pan Am (4), 12.29.2009
Notes by Erenburg
Unlike other years, UMBC was ranked
only third, even though our FIDE rating
average was the highest! However, the
starting ranking did not have any impact
on our ambitions and goalswe wanted
to win the event. I felt that this year we
had the most united team since I started
to play chess on the college level; we sup-
ported each other by helping prepare for
the game and defined a team strategy
before every match. I simply enjoyed play-
ing with my teammates; I knew that I
didnt have to win every single game since
we have three other extremely strong
players who can bring home a victory.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
The All-Girls Teams
In 2007 the University of Texas at
Dallas lined up a team composed only
of girlsthree of them were titled play-
ers. Since then their combined rating
increased every year allowing them to
compete for the top places in ascending
Pan-Am divisions.
WFM Bayaraa Zorigt plays along with
WIM Karina Vazirova, WFM Nath Saheli
and Medina Parrilla for UTD-C, a team
that GM Sergey Erenburg labels as tal-
ented and ambitious.
The question was inevitable as the
debate deserves to be heated up from
time to time. Asked about what she
thinks about why guys in general per-
form better than girls, Bayaraa said,
Girls most likely do not play chess
cause its very time consuming and we
have lots of things to do. Then the
Mongolian player added with a smile,
men can concentrate and sit down.
One may think that having so many
strong teammates there would be
always someone to study chess with
but she reminds me that school has its
own masterful ways to take away time,
especially before and during the final
exams which are in December as well.
Bayaraas number one concern is
now school; the senior finance and
accounting major reckons, When I
was in middle school and high school
I had plenty of time to prepare for
chess but not anymore. In the middle
of the last months of the semester she
finds good preparation in playing the
uschess.org
Nc3 a6 6. Be3 e6 7. f3 b5 8. Qd2 Nbd7 9. g4
Nb6 10. a4 Nc4
Another theoretical line is 10. ... bxa4.
11. Bxc4 bxc4
This variation is extremely complicated
to evaluate: Each side has his own strong
points. On the one hand, White is defi-
nitely better developed and his pieces will
occupy very active positions after the
queenside knight is transferred to b6.
On the other hand, Black has a pair of
bishops and his king seems to be safer
than his counterpart.
12. a5
Preparing to transfer the knight to b6.
12. ... Bb7 13. Na4 Rc8 14. Nb6
Surprisingly enough, nobody has played
this logical move. White has previously
preferred placing the queen on c3, appar-
ently preventing the c4-c3 strike and
invitational tournaments organized at
UTD as a preface for the Pan-Am. In
fact, in the most recent one she earned
a womans international master norm.
Her victory over Aaron Kahn of
UMBC-Bs was admittedly her best
game in this tournament. I usually
play Dragon and he played me Dragon
so I was really excited, Bayaraa said
with cute enthusiasm. I really enjoy
playing Dragon!
UTB tried to join the all-girls club for
a while but for better or for worse WIM
Nadya Ortiz and I were enlisted in the
A-team in 2007 and 2008 so that year
we were part of the team that made it
to the Final Four. As for 2009, Nadya
and I were first and second board,
respectively, of UTB-B along with Javier
Nieto, Alan Gracia and fresh recruit
Julia Jones from Denton. This mixed
group collected four points (losing to
UMBC-A and UTD-A) to get the trophy
for the best team in the third division
and tied for the 5th-7th place in the gen-
eral classification.
It is worth to mention that there are
other teams who have girls in their ros-
ters, for example Maryland, Miami Dade
College, University of Utah and Florida
Atlantic University.
At last, in 2009 Texas Tech presented
an all-girls team. WFM Lilia Doibani,
former UTD player who got into TTUs
law school, led the team composed of
Rebecca Lelko, Stephanie Ballom and
Ananya Roy. ~ By WIM Luciana Morales
placing pressure on Blacks kingside.
14. ... Rc7
+ qkl r
+lr +ppp
pN ppn +
P + + +
+pNP+P+
+ + LP+
PPQ + P
R + K +R
After 14. ... Rc7
15. g5
I didnt play 15. Ne2, mostly because I
was worried about 15. ... Bxe4 16. fxe4
Nxe4. However, White is clearly better
after both 17. Qd1 and 17. Qd4: 17. Qd4
(17. Qd1 is even simpler if one finds such
an inhuman move. 17. ... Qh4+ 18. Ng3
d5 19. Qf3) 17. ... d5 (17. ... Qh4+ 18.
Ng3 Nxg3 19. Bf2 h5 20. Bxg3 Qxg4 21.
Qxg4 hxg4 22. 0-0) 18. Ng3 Qh4 and
now White can castle! 19. 0-0-0 Bc5 20.
Qe5 Bxe3+ 21. Kb1+-.
15. ... Nd7 16. Ne2
Preventing c4-c3 and preparing to cas-
tle long.
16. ... Be7 17.0-0-0 0-0
17. ... Nxb6 is refuted by 18. Bxb6
Bxg5 19. f4 Be7 20. Rhg1 0-0 21. e5 d5
22. f5 exf5 23. Qh6 g6 24. Nf4+-.
18. Rhg1
Protecting the g5-pawn and moving the
rook from the unpleasant opposition with
Blacks light-square bishop.
18. ... Qe8 19. Nc3
Covering the a4-square and preparing
the advance of the f-pawn.
19. ... Nxb6 20. axb6!
This is probably better than capturing
with the bishop since it is more difficult
for Black to get rid of the pawn than to
eliminate the bishop. Also, the pawn can
become an advanced one in the future.
20. ... Rd7 21. f4
Perhaps I should have attacked the c4-
pawn before starting the kingside attack:
21. Qe2!?
21. ... f5
Black had to activate his rook. Black is
strategically lost after 21. ... d5 22. exd5
exd5 23. f5.
22. gxf6 e.p. Bxf6 23. e5 Be7 24. exd6
24. Bc5 comes to mind. For example,
Chess Life March 2010 35
 College Chess

The International Teams

The University of West Indies from Barbados

Every year at the Pan-Ams a prize is Ferreira jokes that perhaps this pre- Unlike the Caribbean players, the
awarded to the top non U.S. team. Sur- vented the B-team from taking the top Canadians found themselves comfortable
prisingly enough, in 2008 the trophy international team prize again. But in in the island: The weather is warm for
went to the Toronto-B team, which is South Padre Island both teams were us coming from Canada, Ferreira said.
significantly lower rated than Toronto- surpassed by the University of West Eventually the two ladies teams
A. This time the leapfrog-like action did Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados. played off and the Dallas ladies won by
not repeat. Its difficult. We dont have a Martyn del Castilho and Shamel How- 3-; the only draw occurred in the
coach, says Alex Ferreira, A-teams sec- ell, first and second board respectively, game Lelko-Vazirova. I was lucky to
ond board. We just do some analysis, have played for Barbados in the escape, says Rebecca Lelko, top scorer
opening preparation and everyone is Olympiads. Howell, a math and physics of the Lubbock team.
pretty busy at school. University of major, says, In all my games I had fun, Lelko, 18, is a freshman math major
Toronto is one of the teams that have even if I didnt win. Chess is always who plays second board for the Knight
played the Pan-Ams regularly over the fun, he added. Indeed the Barbados Raiders. Unlike her teammates, she is
years. I believe we have the record of team enjoyed playing chess and could be not reluctant to talk about her teams
most Pan-Ams played, Ferreira said. seen playing chess at all hours and in performance. Originally from Ohio, she
Ferreira recalls how he and his team- between rounds. won scholarships to play for Texas
mates had to go through a long and This was the second time that How- Tech in tournaments organized by GM
difficult journey that included three ell and his teammates played the Susan Polgar, who is now her coach.
hours of painful U.S. customs. The Pan-Amthe first time was in Miami, Its amazing to train with her, she
Toronto players caught a flight to 2007. They didnt experience the diffi- says succinctly. I love it, I just love it.
Chicago and later, some of them went to culties of the Canadian players but The Dallas girls squad scored three
Houston and others to Dallas expecting they pointed out that they were not points while the Texas Tech ladies
to meet in Brownsville. used to carrying their own clocks to scored two and a half. Although this
The delay of a flight caused them to the tournament. time the Dallas ladies did not win a
miss another and hence they requested In any case, they praised the organi- division prize, Bayaraa expressed her
a bye to the tournament director and got zation and the location choiceright in wish to see her all-girls team doing
half a point. However, that would not be front of the beach. Theres no winter in better in the future. Hopefully in the
the end of their inconveniences. The Barbados, says Howell. But here we next year we can fight for the first divi-
fourth player of the B-team arrived so have to stay in the hotel all the time sion prize, she giggled.
late he missed three games. because its too cold. ~ WIM Luciana Morales

24. ... d5 25. Bxe7 Qxe7 26. Ne4 leads to
Whites obvious advantage.
24. ... Bxd6! 25. Qe2 Bd5? 26. Kb1!
A very strong prophylactic move, pro-
tecting the f4-pawn. Of course not 26.
Nxd5 exd5 which would create a strong
center for Black and activate his pieces.
26. ... Rf5
Trying to hold the d5 outpost.
help much: 30. Rxd5 Rxd5 31. Qxc4+-.
27. Bd4!
Now it is clear that White dominates the
board. My king is much safer and other
pieces have occupied superior positions.
27. ... g6 28. Nxd5
Simple and strong. Black is lost due to
the vulnerable position of his king.
28. ... Rxd5 29. Bc3 Bc5
Loses on the spot. 29. ... Bxf4 doesn't
30. Rxd5 Rxd5 31. b7!
Winning the game quite effectively.
The rest needs no comment.
31. ... Kf7 32. Re1 Bd6 33. Qxc4 Qd7 34. Qc8
Bxf4 35. Qxd7+ Rxd7 36. Rf1 Rxb7 37. Rxf4+
Ke7 38. Bb4+ Ke8 39. Rf8+ Kd7 40. Rf7+,
Black resigned.

36 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

Sicilian Defense,
Taimanov Variation (B44)
GM Leonid Kritz (2654, UMBC-A)
GM Timur Gareev (2644, UTB-A)
Pan Am (5), 12.29.2009
Notes by Gareev
1. e4 c5?!
Not the best opening from a psycholog-
ical standpoint according to Kritz. I agree
with that to a certain extent.
2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nb5 d6 6.
c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3
Even though the knight does not look
very attractive here, I think there is more
to it than just appearances. The advan-
tages of the knight on a3 can be
summarized this way: 1) The d-file is wide
open; 2) the c4-pawn is over-protected;
3) b5 is well-guarded (8. Nd4 is another
playable option).
8. ... Be7 9. Be2 0-0 10. 0-0 b6 11. Be3 Ne5?!
12. f4! Ng6 13. g3 Bb7 14. Bf3 Qc7 15. Rc1!
Politely acknowledging the presence of
the c7-queen. This type of move should be
made automatically.
15. ... Rfe8 16. Qe2
This doesnt seem to make much sense
in terms of the e-file dynamic. But the
queen will not stay on e2 for too long.
16. ... Rac8 17. Qf2 Nd7
+r+r+k+
+lqnlppp
pp pp+n+
+ + + +
+P+PP +
N N LLP
PP + Q P
+ R +RK
After 17. ... Nd7
White is ahead with an obvious space
advantage. Black hasnt come up with a
Calling all College Players and Girls!
In conjunction with the Denker Tournament of High School Champions and the U.S. Open in Irvine, California (July
31-August 8), one brand new event will be held, the 2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open Championship (July 31-August 3).
The third annual Tournament of College Champions (July 31-August 3) will also kick off, and if youre a college stu-
dent, dont miss it. University of Texas at Dallas chess program director Jim Stallings said, The WCL Tournament of College
Champions is an emerging tournament of great strength that recognizes the top individual college player in the United
States. It is hotly contested each year, and this year will be no different. Sign up for the U.S. Open and get a free entry
fee to the TOC!
2010 Chess Scholarship Opportunities
See www.uschess.org/content/view/8164/131/ for current scholarship opportunities.
uschess.org
single potential threat. The knight on g6
has no good squares to target. White will
decide whether he wants to expand on the
kingside or queenside.
18. b4!?
During the game I was wary of kingside
slow expansion, along with general pro-
phylaxis. 18. h4 Ngf8The whole idea
that saves Black is ... Bf6 along with
pressure versus e4: 19. Rfd1 (19. h5 h6
followed by ... Nh7 with hopes for a block-
ade; 19. g4!? Bf6! is the only way to get
counterplay20. b4! [preventing ... Nc5]
20. ... Bxc3 21. Rxc3 e5 22. f5 d5 23. exd5
e4 24. Bg2 Bxd5 with some counterplay)
19. ... Bf6! 20. Nab5!? axb5 21. Nxb5
Qb8 22. Nxd6 e5 23. b4 Be7 24. Nxe8
Rxe8 is great for Black.
18. ... Qb8 19. Na4? d5?
Seemed like a necessity. However, Black
is not ready for this standard hedgehog
breakthrough. That is mainly due to the
out-of-game knight on g6.
20. exd5 Bxb4 21. Nc2 Bc5 22. Bxc5 Nxc5
22. ... bxc5? loses on the spot to 23. Rb1.
23. Nxb6 Nd3 24. Qd4 Nxc1 25. Nxc8 Qxc8
26. Rxc1 Ne7!
The only way to fight for equality.
27. Ne3 Nxd5! 28. Rb1 Nc3! 29. Bxb7
29. Rxb7? loses to Qxb7!.
29. ... Ne2+ 30. Kf2 Nxd4 31. Bxc8 Rxc8 32.
Rb6 h5?!
32. ... a5 33. Ra6 Nc6 with extremely
favorable chances for White.
33. Ke1?!
33. Rxa6!Fritz is not trying to stay a
vegan for too long: 33. ... Rb8 34. Nf1
Rb2+ 35. Ke3 Nf5+ 36. Kd3 Rf2 37. Nd2
Rxh2 38. c5 Kf8 39. c6 Ke7 40. Nc4. The
c-pawn is definitely going for it.
.
33. ... a5 34. Kd2 Rd8! 35. Kc3 Ne2+ 36. Kc2
h4?! 37. c5 hxg3 38. hxg3 Kf8 39. c6 Rd6?
40. c7 Nd4+, Black resigned.
Chess Life March 2010
Division Winners
Division I (2200/above):
The University of Maryland,
Baltimore County B Team
Division II (2000-2199):
Princeton University
Division III (1800-1999):
University of Texas at
Brownsville B Team
Division IV (Under 1800):
Yale University A Team
2009 Pan American
Intercollegiate Team
Championship At A
Glance
Date: December 27-30, 2009
Location: Sheraton South Padre
Island Beach Hotel, South Padre
Island, Texas
Top Finishers: 1st, University of
Maryland at Baltimore County A
(Leonid Kritz, Sergey Erenburg,
Giorgi Margvelashvili, Sasha
Kaplan, Sabina-Francesca Foisor),
6; 2nd-4th, University of Texas at
Dallas A (Alejandro Ramirez,
Jacek Stopa, Daniel Ludwig,
Marko Zivanic, Puchen Wang);
Texas Tech University (Davorin
Kuljasevic, Gabor Papp, Gergely
Antal, Chase Watters);
University of Texas at Dallas B
(Julio Sadorra, Salvijus Bercys,
John Bryant, Daniel Yeager, Amon
Simutowe) 4.
Chief Tournament Director:
Jon Haskel
37
Correspondence Chess

All Chess Players

Should Have
A Hobby.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF R. SCOTT IRELAND

The 2002 Golden Knights featured something for everybody. There were 420
entries from 42 states, plus five from Canada, one from Puerto Rico, and one who
was deported to the Ukraine in the middle of the first round (he did not finish).
Then there is the one who photographed volcanoes for the National Geographic ...
By FM Alex Dunne

The 2002 Golden Knights started on
January 2, 2002 and the last game of
the third and final round ended on Sep-
tember 26, 2009. Although there were
many familiar names competing for the
top prize, it was a trio of new names that
ended up on top. And three of those new
names caused this writer to ask himself
two questionswhich would be most
exciting: Building your own dream house
on nationwide TV, photographing erupt-
ing volcanoes around the world, or
working the midnight shift as a police offi-
cer in a major American city? Or finishing
1-2-3 in the 2002 Golden Knights Corre-
spondence Chess Championship? The
top finishers in the recently concluded
championship confirm Tartakowers
advice that all chess players should have
a hobby.
The top finishers had very different
styles, although a winning one seemed to
be a common denominator. Let the games
of the champions illustrate what it takes
to finish at the top of the Golden Knights
championship. Here are three from the
2002 final round:

38 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

Kings Gambit Accepted, 6. Qxf3 This is the choice of Thomas Stock,
Muzio Gambit (C37) one of the few masters playing the Muzio
Don Schultheis (2363) Whites plan is brutal and simple by CC. The alternative 11. Bxf4 has been
Robert Miehm (2161) open the f-file and play against f7. scoring fairly well (54%) but Schultheis
2002 Golden Knights final 6. ... Qf6 7. e5 Qxe5 8. Bxf7+ choice is relatively unexplored territory.

1. e4 e5 2. f4
Yes, Virginia, such openings do exist,
even at the top level. Fischers analysis of
the Kings Gambit may have chased the
grandmasters away from the opening,
but 2. f4 hasnt been refuted yet. But
dont breathe easily. There is more to
come, much more.
2. ... exf4
Following sage advice: the only way to
refute a gambit is to accept it.
3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. 0-0
Paging 1860, paging 1860, come in
1860! The MuzioWhites philosophy is
very simple: developed pieces are more
potent than undeveloped ones. There
were two great periods for the Muzio
Gambitover-the-board (OTB) the gam-
bit was played from 1840 to 1890 by
some of the brightest stars of the game
Anderssen, Morphy, Blackburne,
Zukertort, Chigorin, Marshall, Spielmann.
The Muzio scored about 55% for White in
my database.
5. ... gxf3
But around the turn of the century
came the spoilerBlack found 5. ... d5!
and suddenly Whites chances dropped to
42% and the Muzio largely disappeared
from master play. It would have been
interesting to see what Schultheis had
prepared in answer to 5. ... d5. But there
are more mysteries to come.
Schultheis is not content with one
Muzio. He opts for the infamous double
Muzio. The double Muzio had a reincar-
nation at correspondence chess (CC) play
from the 1980s to 2000. Although most
of the players were not very strong, White
scored an amazing 59% in a series of
some 200 games. In the double Muzio,
Whites strategy is very simple: mate.
8. ... Kxf7 9. d4 Qxd4+ 10. Be3 Qg7
Over the board in the last twenty years
10. ... Qf6 has been a catastropheWhite
has scored 51. As an example of Whites
resources, witness a young Alexey Shirov
vs. J. Lapinski, Daugavpils 1990: 10. ...
Qf6 11. Bxf4 Ke8 12. Nc3 Nc6 13. Nd5
Qg6 14. Rae1+ Be7 15. Bd6 Kd8 16. Qf8+
Bxf8 17. Bxc7 mate. Again, OTB 10. ...
Qg7 is rareonly two examples from
master play, both winning for White.
11. Qxf4+
rnl+ lnr
pppp+kqp
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + Q +
+ + L +
PPP+ +PP
RN+ +RK
After 11. Qxf4+
11. ... Nf6 12. Nc3 Nc6
With 12. ... Nc6 we are out of book.
Black has two extra pieces and a badly
exposed king. Previously played here has
been 12. ... Rg8 as in Jewell-Hartmann,
IECC 1999, which looks OK for Black
but needs further exploration.
13. Nd5 Be7 14. Qh4 Rg8 15. g3 d6 16.
Rxf6+!
Now comes retributionone piece falls
prisoner to the White camp. After 16. ...
Bxf6 17. Rf1 White will be down a rook
with a winning attack after 17. ... Bd7 18.
Qh5+!
16. ... Ke8 17. Raf1
Black has an extra piece and a difficult
game. He is essentially playing without his
a8-rook against a completely mobilized
army. If he can get his rook into the fight,
he has a chance. If not, the Muzio strikes
again!
17. ... Qg4 18. Qxh7 Rg7 19. Qh6 Kd8 20. Bf4!
Rg8
Black cannot take on f620. ... Bxf6
21. Qh8+ Rg8 22. Qxf6+ is a killer.
21. Nxe7 Nxe7 22. Re1 Qg7
It looks like the last chance to hold
was 22. ... Ke8 23. Qh7 Rg7 but now
Schultheis pressure finally breaks
Miehms will.
23. Qh4 Bg4 24. Bh6 Qh7 25. Rf4!
It is said the hardest attacking moves

Photo finish
R. Scott Ireland was born August 23, 1953. He has lived in South Florida
since the age of six and is a commercial real estate developer by trade. Scott
holds a bachelors degree in music performance and a masters in business
administration in finance. He studied chess for several years with Grand-
master Lev Alburt. His lessons have clearly paid off with this second place
finish and a masters correspondence chess rating in the USCF.
Apart from chess, Scott is interested in early music. He plays modern and
baroque flutes and performs periodically with the Camerata del Re early music
ensemble in Delray Beach, Florida.
If you visit Scotts website at www.rsiphotos.com you will find Scotts other
interestphotography. Scotts photographs of volcanoes, astronomical bod-
ies, and nature have appeared in many books, magazines, and calendars as
well as many museums and gallery exhibits. Scott was part of the National Geo-
graphic film team for a 2004 television documentary entitled Volcano Hunters
(that is his volcano photo leading this article). Scotts work was recently pub-
lished as a customer success story in a special Adobe 25th anniversary
promotion!

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 39

 Correspondence Chess

to foresee are the ones involving retreat-
ing a piece. Here the rook threatens both
Rxg4 and Rfe4, the e7-knight is now
pinned by the queen and Bg5 will place
further pressure on e7. Black is lost.
25. ... Rc8 26. Rfe4 Rg6 27. Bg5!
White avoids the strong-looking 27.
Rxe7 Qxh6! in favor of a simply strong
move.
27. ... Qxh4 28. gxh4 Rxg5 29. hxg5, Black
resigned.
And now for folks who like their chess
a little quieter:
Open Catalan (E05)
R. Scott Ireland (2195)
David Porter (2179)
2002 Golden Knights final
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. g3
For a man who photographs volcanoes
and shoots the stars, Irelands choice of
opening is subdued but tinged with that
drop of poison that is necessary for suc-
cessful CC play.
4. ... Be7 5. Bg2 0-0 6. 0-0 dxc4 7. Qc2 a6 8.
a4 Bd7 9. Qxc4 Bc6 10. Bg5 a5 11. Nc3 Na6
Black aims for the one weakness in
Whites position, the b4 square. White
reacts by accentuating his strength, the
superior center.
12. Bxf6!?
Surrendering the bishop pair but gain-
ing control of e4 and aiming to increase
his kingside space.
12. ... Bxf6 13. e4 Nb4 14. Rfd1 b6
Black prepares against a possible d5
advance.
15. Ne1
And White plays to remove the best-
placed black piece. After the exchange of
the knight on b4, Blacks queenside
pawns are weak and will need defense.
Then White will switch to kingside play.
15. ... g6 16. Nb5 Qd7
Up to this point the players have been
following a game between two CC world
champions. Umansky-Rittner, ICCF 2001
continued 16. ... Bg7 17. Nd3 Bxb5 18.
axb5 Qe7 19. e5 which was favorable for
White. Porter seeks to improve with more
piece activity.
17. Nd3 Nxd3 18. Rxd3 Rfd8 19. Rad1
Whites strong center keeps the bishops
at bay and the threat of d5 keeps Black
passive. Ireland now gradually improves
his position square by square.
19. ... Bg7
Black can only wait19. ... Bxb5 20.
Qxb5 leaves Blacks queenside hopelessly
weak.
20. f4 Rac8 21. Nc3 Bb7 22. d5
+rr +k+
+lpq+plp
p +p+p+
p +P+ +
P+Q+PP +
+ NR+ P
P + +LP
+ +R+ K
After 22. d5
This is a graphic illustration of what
Nimzowitsch called over-protection
all Whites forces concentrate their energy
on the d5-square and this advance
improves the fire power of each of them.
22. ... e5
Black may have some slight drawing
chances after 22. ... exd5 23. Nxd5 Bxd5
24. Rxd5 Qe7 25. e5 Rxd5 26. Bxd5 Kf8
27. Kf2 Rd8 28. Rd3 Qc5+ 29. Qxc5+
bxc5 30. Ke3 f6 31. Ke4 but such a
painful endgame is not to Porters taste.
23. f5!?
And now White claims kingside space.
Black cannot tolerate 23. ... gxf5 24. Bh3.
Instead, Black will activate his king bishop
and keep the kingside relatively closed.
Blacks problem is deep, howeverhis

Renaissance Man
Chuck Cullum was born July 17, 1944 at Dorchester (a section of Boston). His victory in the 2002 Golden Knights cham-
pionship was part of a progression17th in the 1998 event, 9th in 2000, and now first in 2002. Chuck has been married
for the past eight years to his beautiful southern belle. He has three grown children from his first marriage and five grand-
kids. Chuck went to work in 1960 for his dad in a small locksmith shop. He eventually took over the business and in the
1970s converted it into a security hardware distribution business. He now has three branches around the country with
salespeople in several states. Blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit, Chuck has several other business interests includ-
ing an award winning bead store he runs with his wife in their hometown. He also has interests in real estate, a restaurant,
and a 500-foot radio tower.
In 1999, Chuck was in his own prime time TV seriesHGTVs Dream House series featured Chuck in 13 half hour episodes
going through the process of dealing with all the aspects involved from tearing down the old beach shack to the final beau-
tiful new home put up in its place. Chuck never imagined how popular this series was until he received hundreds of letters
from around the country, including one from a girl in Alabama who became his bride a year later! You can find the episodes
at http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-16934/episodes/604053/05x01.
Chuck learned chess in his early teens and played casually until he went into the Coast Guard where he and two oth-
ers operated a small patrol craft on weekends in search and rescue operations. After this rewarding time Chuck got back
into chess in the mid-seventies and began playing correspondence chess (CC) through USCF. Once again the pressures of
job, family, and life caused him to stop playing chess and attend to those more demanding issues. Finally, in 1997, he rejoined
USCF and began playing CC again. It has been 13 years now and he has enjoyed it tremendously! CC has always been his
escape from the rigors of his life. It is his island of calm in a troubled sea. Chuck has never played a rated over-the-board
(OTB) game and probably never will. He has attended a few OTB tournaments and they remind him too much of his nor-
mal life: hectic, fast-paced and constantly dealing with sometimes annoying people.
Chucks approach to correspondence chess echoes that of Burton, Duliba, OConnell and others: Take your time! Study!
Use the books and databases that are so readily available. Set up the position on the board and move the pieces around.
And above all, leave it alone if you are preoccupied with other matters. He adds that everyone should put in and get out of
correspondence chess whatever it is that most pleases them. His style and commitment is his way of doing that. Others should
do it their way. In the 2002 Golden Knights, Chuck Cullum has done it his way!

40 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org


3rd: Donald
Schultheis
Donald Schultheis was born June
5, 1946. Raised in Baltimore, he
attended Baltimore Junior College
where he earned an associates
degree in music in 1966 and fin-
ished his college in 1970 with a
degree in education from Anderson
College in Indiana. Returning to Bal-
timore, he became a police agent
now with 30 years experience on the
force, the last twenty on the midnight
shift. After the stress of the night,
Don unwinds and keeps mentally
fit by playing correspondence chess
and has done so for three decades.
Don keeps physically fit by running
and competes in about ten races a
year. He is an avid reader currently
enjoying the Casca novels by Barry
Sadler and the Jack Reacher novels
by Lee Child. Besides reading, run-
ning, and chess, Don is interested in
singing, especially barbershop. He is
currently single, but on Facebook
he lists women as another of his
interests.
Don is the father of two boys, Don
Junior and Shane Schultheis, both
of whom attained a masters rating
at correspondence chess. The three
of them at one time were playing
from their Baltimore home, making
that residence almost certainly the
strongest correspondence chess
household in America and possibly
the world. Dons strategy for the
2002 Golden Knights was to enter a
few tournaments at a time over the
year until at the end he had entered
eight sections, qualifying for the
semifinals in six of those sections.
During the course of the 2002 cham-
pionship, Don raised his rating by
just shy of 400 pointsnot a bad
way to unwind after a busy night!
pieces have no targets and no play.
23. ... Bf8 24. Bh3 Bc5+ 25. Kg2 g5 26. Bg4
f6
Sooner or later this will be forced so
Porter elects to play it sooner. Now White
begins the final assault. He reasons that
Blacks b7-bishop is a long-time queen-
side piece as is the c8-rook. These pieces
out of play should give White a decisive
attack.
27. h4! h6 28. Rh1 Kg7 29. Bh5 Rh8 30. g4
Giving the other rook access to the h-
file and opening up the possibility of
uschess.org
tripling on the h-file before playing hxg5.
Its too much for Black who now cracks
under the defensive strain and weakens
his kingside one more square.
30. ... gxh4?!
Maybe 30. ... Qe7 holds, but Porter
doesnt trust it. His idea is that h6 can be
adequately protected.
31. Rxh4 Rcf8 32. Rh1
White still wants to double rooks on the
h-file, but there is no hurry. On h1 the
rook has more choices of what to do.
32. ... Bd4
Black has no planhe cannot even
play to exchange the light-square bishop
by ... Qd8, ... Bc8-d7-e8 as White plays
Ne2-g3 and Black cannot tolerate the
knight.
33. Ne2 Bc5 34. Bg6 Ra8 35. Nc3 Ba6 36.
Nb5 Rac8 37. Rdh3 Bxb5 38. axb5 Bd4 39.
Qb3
White cant go after h6 by 29. Qc1
Qxb5 and the black queen invades Whites
territory, but there is another way.
39. ... a4
This slows down White, but just for a
moment.
40. Qxa4 Ra8 41. Qb3 Qe7 42. d6!
The final eruption of the attackBlack
could resign here.
42. ... cxd6 43. Rxh6! Rxh6 44. Rxh6 Rh8
If 44. ... Kxh6 45. Qh3+ Kg5 46. Kf3!
seals the escape routes.
45. Rxh8 Kxh8 46. Qe6 Qf8 47. g5, Black
resigned.
Our final game illustrates the sustained
attacking style of the 2002 Golden Knights
champion.
Kings Indian Defense (E97)
David Lay (2096)
Chuck Cullum (2416)
2002 Golden Knights final
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3
0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. b4 Nh5
10. Re1 Nf4 11. Bxf4
White has two main choices here: this
capture or 11. Bf1. Lay chooses the most
forward going.
11. ... exf4 12. Rc1 a5 13. a3 f5
This natural looking reaction seems to
be a TN [theoretical novelty] by Cullum
and certainly worth trying again. Previ-
ously played here has been 13. ... axb4
14. axb4 h6 15. Nd4 c6 when Black has
fair chances for equality.
14. Bd3 fxe4 15. Bxe4 Bg4 16. Nb5 axb4 17.
axb4 Nf5 18. h3 Bxf3 19. Qxf3
r+ q rk+
+pp + lp
+ p +p+
+N+P+n+
PP+Lp +
+ + +Q+P
+ + PP+
+ R R K
After 19. Qxf3
White is still playing for the advantage,
but the queen is exposed here and Cul-
lum shows who the real attacker is. After
19. Bxf3, the game is still somewhat in
balance.
19. ... Nh4 20. Qg4 h5!
David must have overlooked the
strength of this advance. Now the kings
defenses are breached.
21. Qd1 f3 22. g3
After 22. Bxf3 there is a mass slaugh-
ter22. ... Rxf3! 23. gxf3 Qg5+ 24. Kf1
Qg2+ 25. Ke2 Qxf3+ 26. Kd2 Ra2+ 27.
Rc2 Bh6+ 28. Re3 Qxf2+ 29. Qe2 Bxe3+
etc.
22. ... Be5 23. Kh2 Ng2 24. Rg1 h4 25. Bxf3
hxg3+, White resigned.
.
The finish is too brutal for White to stick
around26. Kxg2 gxf2 27. Kxf2 Ra2+ 28.
Ke3 Qf6 29. Rg4 Bf4+ and Black wins.
2002 Golden Knights
At A Glance
Date: January 2, 2002-September
26, 2009
Weighted Standings: 1st, Chuck
Cullum, 41.70; 2nd, R. Scott
Ireland, 39.55; 3rd-4th, Chuck
Cullum, Donald Schultheis,
39.50; 5th, Donald Schultheis,
39.10; 6th, Donald Schultheis,
38.50; 7th, John Hillery, 37.50;
8th, Laurence Bonsack, 37.25;
9th, Bleys Rose, 35.05; 10th, Brad
Lundstrom, 34.95; 11th, Michael
Buss, 33.90; 12th, Paul Albanesi,
32.40; 13th, Corky Schakel,
32.35; 14th, Robert Miehm, 31.75;
15th, Gerald Weiner, 31.60; 16th,
Preston Polasek, 29.50; 17th,
William Jempty, 29.50; 18th,
Walter Brower, 29.40
Chief Arbiter: Alex Dunne
Chess Life March 2010 41
 Back to Basics

Ignore Threats At Your Own Peril

By GM Lev Alburt

A good question to ask in the heat of battle:

What are the implications of my opponents last move?

Writes the winner of this months
award, Robert Getty: Summary: 1276
versus 1900. Game shows the dangers of
getting locked into a plan without con-
stantly re-evaluating the position: twice
I have a win that is overlooked.
(Levs comments are in italics).
Kings Indian Variation,
Smisch Variation (E81)
Zach Kinney (1900)
Robert Getty (1276)
2007 Armed Forces Open (1)
1. d4 Nf6
Ive never learned the Queens Gambit,
so I always respond to 1. d4 with a Kings
Indian (KI).
2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 g6 4. e4
rnlqkl r
pawn centerand, more broadly, to Bd7
develop his pawns and pieces any way he
wants, for at least the first six moves.  r q rk+
Black meanwhile plays ... Nf6, ... g6, ...
Bg7, ... d6, and ... 0-0, achieving two out +p+lpplp
of the three usual opening goals: harmo- p+ p np+
nious development of pieces (a fianchettoed
bishop is usually very good in KI) and + pPn +
castling. After that Black will challenge P+P+P+ +
Whites center with either ... e5 or ... c5,
depending on how White used his first + NLLP+
six moves. 4. ... c5 is a small error, as the P QN+PP
ending after 5. dxc5 dxc5 (a common trick,
5. ... Qa5, doesnt work here: After 5. dxc5 R + K +R
Nxe4 7. Qd4 -the g7-bishop is badly miss- After 11. ... Bd7
ing) 6. Qxd8+ Kxd8 7. e5.
5. d5 12. Kf2
Now its back to theory. Note that if With Black ready to open the center,
Black wants to get this position, he can placing the king on f2 is simply wrong.
and should do it via a different move order, After the normal 12. 0-0, White is better.
for instance 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 g6 4. 12. ... e6 13. b3 exd5 14. exd5 Re8

ppp pp+p
Nc3 d6 5. e4. Exactly the position reached
in the game! r qr+k+
+ p np+ 5. ... Bg7 6. Bd3 0-0 7. Nge2 +p+l+plp
+ + + + p+ p np+
+PPP+ + rnlq rk+
pp+ pplp + pPn +
+ N + + P+P+ + +
PP + PPP + p np+
+ pP+ + +PNLLP+
R LQKLNR + QNKPP
+P+P+ +
After 4. e4
+ NL+ + R + + +R
4. ... c5 PP +NPPP After 14. ... Re8

Im no longer playing from an opening

book; Im just instinctively reacting to
not liking Whites pawn center.
Not liking Whites center shows Roberts
good positional sense; what he needs is a
bit more knowledge of the openings he
plays. Here is the Kings Indian in a nut-
shell: Black gives his opponent full freedom
to build a strong (or even super-strong,
with pawns on c4, d4, e4, and f4 or f3)
R LQK +R 15. h3
After 7. Nge2
Defending against 15. ... N(any)g4+ 16.
fxg4 Nxg4+, with an extra pawn and great
7. ... a6 position for Black.
A waste of time. Better was to play 7. ... 15. ... Nxd3+
e6 and then ... exd5, or even 7. ... Nbd7,
The sharp 15. ... Nh5 deserves atten-
as Black played on his next move.
tionbut Roberts choice is logical, solid
8. f3 Nbd7 9. Be3 Ne5 10. Qd2 Rb8 11. a4 and good.

42 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 + +r+k+ + + + +
16. Qxd3 Re7 17. Rac1 I

 r q +k+ +p+ +pl +pQ + lk

+p+lrplp p+ L n p p+ + + p
p+ p np+ + pP+qp + +P+ p
+ pP+ + P+P+ + + P+P+ +n+
P+P+ + + +PN rP+P +PN r +q
+PNQLP+P + QNK + + +N+ +
+ +NKP+ + R R + + R +RK
+ R + +R After 26. ... Re3 After 36. Qc7
After 17. Rac1
for my rooks. Instead, he has let me back I can STILL climb back into this game.
into the game. Here, Im thinking that I Right now, all Im thinking is that my
17. ... Qc7 king looks safer on h5 on the other side
can snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat,
The queen on c7 will be out of action. Id and develop a situation for a perpetual of the pawns. However, Im still threaten-
prefer 17. ... Qf8. check with the white king looking ing mate with ... Qh2 mate if I can just get
exposed. When given the opportunity for the queen off of the h2-b8 diagonal. The
18. Bg5 Rbe8 19. Rhe1 h6 20. Bh4 Bf5 21. move 36. Re7! provides the potential to
a win, I turn it down in a misguided
Qd2 g5 22. Bg3 get the bishop to e5 where it is covered by
attempt for a draw.
the knight (36. ... Re7 37. Qd6 Rd7 38.
+ +r+k+ 27 ... Qxf3+?? Qb8 Be5 39. Qxe5 Nxe5).
+pq rpl Black wins after 27. Rxf3+! 28. Kg1 36. ... Kg6? 37. c5 Rd3 38. Ne4 Kh5??
p+ p n p Qxh3 29. Nf4 Rxe1+ 30. Rxe1 Rxf4 31.
Qxf4 (31. Re2 Rf1 mate) 31. gxf4 Immediately loses.
+ pP+lp 28. Kg1 Rd3 29. Qc2 Ree3
Robert missed another good check with
his queen, on the same e3-square.
P+P+ + + Even here its not too late to remove a 39. N2g3+ Kh4 40. Nf5+, Black resigned.
+PN +PLP defender for freeto capture the h3-pawn.
With Qf7 mate staring at me.
+ QNKP+ Im still looking for a perpetual check,
and willing to give up the Exchange to After this game, my opponent said to
+ R R + remove defenders. me, You pressed me really hard; how
can you be a 1276? I asked him, Did I
After 22. Bg3 30. Rf1 Qxh3 31. Bxe3 find the win? After his no, my response
was, THAT is why Im a 1276.
22. ... Nh5?! + + +k+ Self-criticism is OKespecially if com-
+p+ +pl bined with a program for improvement.

.
What real value is there in chasing the Study openings (a bit); watch opponents
bishop?
Perhaps Black should relocate his knight
p+ + n p threatsand remember, checks (being
to e5. + +P+ p very forceful) are often the best moves!

23. Bh2 P+P+ + +

I attacked the bishop, so I expect it to
move.
23. ... Qd7? 24. g4!
How can I miss this? Everyone knows
that when determining your move, one of
the questions you have to ask yourself is,
What are the implications of my oppo-
nents last move?
24. ... Nf6 25. gxf5 Qxf5 26. Bxd6
Im down material to a higher rated
player. Right now, I need to attack while
I still have a chance.
26. ... Re3
(see diagram top of next column)
27. Bxc5?
My moment of truth. White could have
moved his knight to g1 to swap off rooks,
or even swapped his queen and h-pawn
+PNrL +q
+Q+N+ +
+ R +RK
After 31. Bxe3
This move loses, demonstrating how
strong Blacks attack became after the
suicidal 27. Bxc5all Blacks real and
imagined inaccuracies notwithstanding.
31. ... Rxe3
Why not take on e3 with check, with a
perpetual check both guaranteed and easy
and a win (for Black) very likely?
32. Qf5 Ng4 33. Qxf7+
Things are starting to look really bad.
33. ... Kh7
Black can avoid checks with 33. ... Kh8.
34. Qf5+ Kh8 35 Qc8+ Kh7 36. Qc7?
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated
1799 or below on your Chess Life
(CL) label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
you to send your most instructive
game with notes to:
Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557-3967
Or e-mail your material to
backtobasics@uschess.org
GM Alburt will select the most
instructive game and CL will award
an autographed copy of Levs newest
book, Chess Training Pocket Book II
(by Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence) to
the person submitting the most in-
structive game and annotations.
Do not send games with only a
few notes, as they are of little instruc-
tive value and cant be used.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 43

 Endgame Lab

The 2009 Tal Memorial

By GM Pal Benko

Ten of the worlds strongest players travelled to Moscow at the end of 2009
to play in this traditional event. Kramnik came out on top, and Anand only
could muster a 5-6.
Here are some of the most instructive Rc1+ 57. Rd1 Rxd1+ 58. Kxd1 Bxg5 with 61. ... Be1 62. Re3 Bf2 63. Re6+ Kf7 64. Kf5
endgames from the 2009 Tal Memorial. a better outcome for Black than in the Bg3 65. Re4 Bf2 66. Kg5 Bg3 67. Re2 Kg7
game. 68. Re7+ Kf8 69. Kf6 Bf2 70. Re6 Bg3 71.
Up the Exchange Kg6 Bh2 72. Re4 Bg3 73. Kf6 Bf2 74. Kg6
49. Rge6 Kh7?
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772, RUS) Bg3 75. Re2 Bd6 76. Kg5 Bg3 77. Kf6 Bf4 78.
GM Ruslan Ponomariov (FIDE 2739, Better is 49. ... Bc5; but not 49. ... b3 Re4 Bd6 79. Rd4 Bc7
UKR) because of 50. g6!.
A longerbut stillhopeless defense

+ +k+ + 50. f5 Bc5 51. Re8 Rxe8 52. Rxe8 b3 53. Kg2
Be3
attempt is 79. ... Be7+, since the bishop
is already on the wrong side. Thus after
+ + r p The last attempt to escape could have
80. Ke6 Bg5 81. Rd7 Be3 82. Rf7+ Kg8 83.

+R+ + + been 53. ... Bd6!? 54. Rxe4 b2 55. Re1

Kf6 etc. wins even without the pawns.

+ + +R+ Bf4 56. Rb1 Bc1 57. Kf3 g6 58. Kg4 gxf5+
59. Kxf5 Kg7 60. g6 Kf8 61. Kf6 Kg8 62.
80. Kg6 Bg3 81. Re4, Black resigned.

p +pP p g7 Bh6! etc.

Two pawns plus
+ + P +P 54. Rxe4 Bxg5 55. Rb4 g6 56. Rb7+ Kh6 57. GM Peter Leko (FIDE 2752, HUN)

+ l +PK fxg6 Kxg6 58. Kf3 Bd2 GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2801, NOR)

+ + + + If 58. ... Bf6 59. Rxb3 Kf5, then the eas-

iest win is 60. Rb4!, not letting the bishop + +k+ +
White to play get to g3. + +
l p
43. g4?! 59. Kg4 Be1 60. Rxb3 Bg3 + + + p
In this complicated position, an advan- + + + + +p+ +p+
tageous simplification could have been
forced. After 43. Rc8+ Kh7 44. Rh5+ Kg6 + + + + +r+ + +
45. Rxh4 Bxe3 46. Rf8! Rf7 (since there + + +k+ + P + L
is hardly anything else) 47. Rxf7 Kxf7
48. f5 and White has a serious advantage. + + + + P + PP+
43. ... Re8! + + +Kp + KR+ +
Black trusts his passed pawn but 43. +R+ + lP White to play

... hxg3+ e.p. 44. Kxg3 Bxe3 was a reason-

able alternative.
44. Re5 Rb8
Or 44. ... Rxe5!?.
45. g5?
Better is 45. Rce6.
45. ... Kh7!? 46. Re7 Bxe3 47. Rh6+ Kg8 48.
Rg6 Bd4
Both players overestimated Whites ini-
tiative. Here Black could have tried 48. ...
Bxf4+ 49. Kg2 Kh8 50. Rgxg7 Rc8!,
threatening perpetual check and after
51. Rh7+ Kg8 52. Reg7+ Kf8 53. Rd7
Rc2+ 54. Kf1 Rc1+ 55. Kf2 Rc2+ 56. Ke1
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 60. ... Bg3
We have arrived at a theoretical posi-
tion. It is important to know that the
black king should not be allowed on the
d-file since it leads to a draw. (So, play-
ing to drive the black king further from his
pawn, as was done in the past, is incor-
rect.)
61. Rf3!
White does not let the prey slip away,
though he does not follow the most effi-
cient method.
The position looks to be balanced. After
30 moves it would be reasonable to agree
to a draw but maybe both players hoped
for something more. For example, 31.
Rd5 b4 (or 31. ... f4 32. Bh4 f3 33. g3 b4
34. Kd2 [or 34. Bxe7]) 32. Rxf5 bxc3 33.
bxc3 Rxc3+ would result in a significant
advantage for White.
31. Rd8+ Kh7 32. Rd7 Rg4!
Creating new possibilities for his oppo-
nent to get confused.
33. Bb8?!
Obviously, White fears the long varia-
tions that arise after 33. Rxe7. Then after
33. ... f4 34. Bh2 Rh4 35. Bg1 Rh1 36.

44 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 Benkos Bafflers Problem I
Geoffrey Caveney (Illinois)
Problem II
Bob Baker (California)

Most of the time these studies + +

k + + + + +
resemble positions that could actu- + +
+P+ + + r +
ally occur over-the-board. You must + + +K+ + + +P+
simply reach a theoretically won or
drawn position for White.
pp+ + + + pkP R
Solutions can be found on page + + + + + + + +
71. P P + + + p + +
Please e-mail submissions for + + + + +K+ + +
Benkos Bafflers to:
pbenko@uschess.org
+ + + + + + + +
White to play and win White to play and win

Re1 f3! 37. g3 the white bishop would be 50. Re3 Kg5 51. Kg1 Kg4 52. Ra3 f4 53. Ra8 approach.
entombed, though possibly not fatally. Rd2!
32. Bxf4 f6 33. Rd2 Kf7 34. Kf2 Ke6 35. Ke3
Or after 33. ... f4 34. Re4 h5 35. Bxf4 Rxf4 Preventing later side checks.
36. Rxf4 Bh6 37. Kc2, White can hope to
draw since after trading the b-pawn, 54. Ra7 Kg3 55. Rg7+ Kf3 r
+ + +
Blacks bishop is the wrong color for the Giving only equality is 55. ... Kh3? + +n+ p
h1-corner. This all shows that Black has
taken the initiative. 56. Ra7 Rd1+ 57. Kh2 Ke2 58. Kh3 f3 59. + Pkp p
33. ... Rxg2 34. Rxe7 Kg6
Ra2+ Rd2, White resigned.
+p+ + +
More promising than 34. ... Rxf2 35. One pawn plus + + L +
Be5 Rg2 36. Rf7 etc. GM Vassily Ivanchuk (FIDE 2739, UKR)
GM Boris Gelfand (FIDE 2758, ISR)
+P+ K +P
35. Bg3 P R +P+
Why not try to escape with 35. Re6+ Kf7 +  k+
r + + + + +
36. Rb6 Rxf2 37. Rxb5, followed by Kd1,
like happens later (but then the white
L + +pp After 35. Ke3

queenside pawns are gone)? p + n p This is a critical moment. Black has

35. ... h5 36. Kd1? + +Pp + several choices.

Still OK here is: 36. Rb7 Bf6 (36. ... f4!?) + + + + 35. ... Rc8
37. Rb6 Kf7 38. Rxb5 h4 39. Bxh4 with
equality.
+P+ + +P Or 35. ... Ra8. Thus either 35. ... Ne5

36. ... Bf6 37. Re6 Kf7 38. Re3 h4 39. Bc7
Rxf2 40. b3
Whites passive play gets him into seri-
ous trouble.
40. ... Rf1+ 41. Ke2
(41. Kc2 f4 etc.)
41. ... Rc1 42. c4 bxc4 43. bxc4 Rxc4 44. Bb8
Rc2+ 45. Kf1
Worthy of attention is 45. Kf3 Rc3 46.
Rxc3 Bxc3 47. Kg2, which is only a draw,
but 45. ... Bd4! 46. Re2 (46. Rd3 Rf2
mate) 46. ... Rxe2 47. Kxe2 h3! wins for
Black.
46. ... Kg6 46. Re2 Rc8
Or 46. ... Rxe2, also winning.
47. Bd6 Rc6 48. Be7 Bxe7 49. Rxe7
P + PP+
+ +R+ K
Black to play
The queens have just been traded and
Black is a pawn behind. He still has hope
since the extra white pawn is doubled.
26. ... Rd8
The other playable alternative was 26.
... Nd7 27. Rc1 Ra8 28. Rc7 Nf6 29. d6
Ne8 followed by ... Nxd6.
27. d6!?
Here White had the choice of 27. Bxb6
Rxd5 28. Rxd5 and a rookless
endgamewhich is simplerbut it was
difficult to decide which gives the best
winning chance for White. The d6-pawn
for the time being is an unpleasant thorn
in Blacks paw, but it might prove weak
36. Ke4 Nf7 or 35. ... Nc5 36. b4 Nb7 or
even 35. ... g5 36. Bh2 Rc8 (36. ... f5 37.
Kd4 f4 38. g3) 37. Kd4 Rc1! 38. Re2+
Ne5 39. Bxe5 Rd1+ 40. Kc5 Rd5+ etc.
and all of these were playable and provide
equal chances.
36. Kd4 g5
Now 36. ... Rc1 is not possible since
previously Black misplayed the move
order. (36. ... b4?! might have given the
most resistance.)
37. Re2+ Ne5
This leads to a lost rook ending, but 37.
... Kf5 would not have helped since 38.
Be3, preparing Kd5, could follow.
38. Bxe5 fxe5+ 39. Rxe5+ Kxd6 40. Rxb5
Rc2 41. g4 Rxb2 42. Rb6+ Kc7 43. Kc3!,
Black resigned.
Offered several promising lines of play,

If the white king gets to the second
rank, the position is a theoretical draw
but alas it is Black to play here.
49. ... Rc2!!
Seals the win.
later.
27. ... b5 28. f3 Ra8 29. Be3 Nd7 30. Rd5 Rb8
31. f4 exf4
Strengthens the d6-pawn, but after 31.
... f6, 32. f5 cuts off the the black kings
.
even the worlds best players can miss the
best path, though they tend to find rea-
sonable choices in theoretical endings.
USCF members: download the .pdf ver-
sion of Chess Life at uschess.org!

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 45

Whats The Best Move?

AVRO 1938
By GM Larry Evans

The strongest 1. White moves 2. White moves

tournament ever?
AVRO 1938 in Holland was the + + + r + +R++
strongest tournament of all time + +
+kp + +p+ +
according to statistician Jeff Sonas + Pqp p + +pk +
on his website Chessmetrics.com,
mainly because all eight of the
+ + + +P + + + p
worlds top players competed (Keres, p R + + + +p+ P
Fine, Botvinnik, Alekhine, Euwe, + +Q+ P + + P K
Reshevsky, Capablanca, Flohr). (See + + P K r + P +
http://tinyurl.com/ygs2qj6 for more
details.)
+ + + + + + + +
AVRO is an acronym for Alge- (a) Qg6+ (b) Rxb4 (c) d7 (a) Rxg5 (b) hxg5+ (c) h5
meene Vereeniging Radio Omroep, a
3. Black moves 4. Black moves
Dutch radio company that spon-
sored this elite double round robin + + + + r+ q rk+
in the hope that the victor (if not
Alekhine himself, who tied for 4-5-6) pl+r+ + pp+ pplp
would earn the right to challenge + +q+pk + + +p+
him for the crown (Keres and Fine PPpL+ +p +Nn + +
shared first prize). These highlights + + P P n +P+ +
include one of Capablancas greatest
oversights. +Q+ p P + + LN+
Solutions to this months quiz L + P + PP + PPP
positions are on page 71. + +R+ K RQ+ +RK
(a) Rxd5 (b) exf2+ (c) e2 (a) Qd3 (b) Qa5 (c) Ncd3

FIDE Trainers
Seminar for Women
P RESENT ED BY
FIDE Womens Commission & FIDE Trainers Commission
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
U.S. Chess Federation & American Chess University
FREE OF CHARGE
L E CTUR E R S/SEMINAR LEADERS I NCLU DE:
Womens World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk
FIDE Senior Trainer and GM Alexander Chernin, 2004 U.S. Womens Olympiad Team Coach
FIDE Senior Trainer Michael Khodarkovsky, 2004, 2008 U.S. Womens Olympiad Team
Head Coach and Captain, 2005 2009 U.S. World Youth Teams Coach

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE

Burt Lerner National Elementary Championships in Atlanta, GA
May 7-9, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency

SCHEDULE: Fri., May 7 10:00 am 7:00 pm | Sat., May 8 10:00 am 7:00 pm | Sun., May 9 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Participants will be certified upon conclusion of the seminar by FIDE Trainers Commission.

Contact/registration by phone: (201) 317-8581 By e-mail: info@americanchessuniversity.com

46 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GP FINAL RESULTS
World Chess Live sponsors over $25,000 at the 2009 Grand Prix!

Welcome,
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family-friendly serv-
ice with special benefits for USCF members. Once again, WCL is
pleased to sponsor USCFs 2009 Grand Prix (GP) and 2009 Junior
Grand Prix (JGP). Were providing prize funds of $25,080 and $10,200
(cash, merchandise, and memberships), and will also be running
online grand prize satellite events throughout the year.
The 2009 GP final standings are officially in. This years spirited com-
petition led to a new high by defending champion GM Alex
Lenderman, who becomes the first winner of the GP to cross the
300-point mark as he blew away the opposition with his remark-
able final tally for the season of 512 points. Congratulations yet
again, Alex!
While it could be argued that this was simply Lendermans year,
as among other accomplishments he scored his final grandmas-
ter norm, many would argue that he knows the GP system and how
best to maximize his scoring potential by playing not just the big
Members!
events but also the smaller club tournaments and even the regu-
lar weekly online USCF competitions held on World Chess Live.
Lenderman rarely let a chance go by to continually add to his GP
total, sofor the second year running, to the winner of a hard-
fought, year-long campaign goes the spoils of $5,000.00. It was also
deja vu for GM Sergey Kudrin, who yet again gave chase to Lender-
man but couldn't keep up the winners relentless pace, as he
finished 226 points behind. Fortunately though, Kudrin still had a
solid 70-point cushion over 3rd place and takes home $2,500.00.
GMs Ehlvest, Ivanov, Sevillano, and Khachiyan battled to the bit-
ter end this season to determine 3rd-6th places. Only 15 points
separated the pack in the final standings for 3rd through 6th
place. Month after month, these GMs fluctuated in the standings
and often faced each other over the board in GP tournamentseach
deserve praise for the chase, but Jaan Ehlvest improved his sixth
place finish last season securing third place in the GP after his tie
for first place at the 18th Midwest Class Championships. This
caused GM Alexander Ivanov to finish a place lower in this years
GP dropping to fourth while good friends GMs Enrico Sevillano and
Melikset Khachiyan took fifth and sixth.
At the other end of the top 15 slots (where not cash prizes, but mer-
chandise rewards reside), five grandmasters made it on to the list
after being absent in 2008. Taking places 11-15th were Akobian,
Rohde, Finegold, Gurevich, and Kraai. Perhaps they will take a les-
son from Lenderman and take full advantage this year of the fine
play that WCL offers online.
All good things must come to an end, and it is with deep regret we
have to announce the ending of the World Chess Live sponsorship
agreement with the USCF. WCL has informed me that they were
grateful for the opportunity to reach out to the grassroots of U.S.
Chess with their involvement in the Grand Prix and wish it noth-
ing but continued success!
~Betsy Dynako (WCL)

2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of January 27 for the 2009 World Chess Live Grand Prix. These are the official 2009 results.

OVERALL STANDINGS JUNIOR CATEGORIES

NAME STATE PTS. NAME STATE PTS.
1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 512.02 Players born between 1986 and 1988 inclusive:
2 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 286.61 1 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 106.33
3 GM Jaan Ehlvest NY 216.79 2 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 95.00
4 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 205.47 3 IM Jacek Stopa TX 93.40
5 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 202.66 Players born between 1989 and 1991 inclusive:
6 GM Melikset Khachiyan CA 201.33 1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 512.02
7 IM Bryan Smith PA 193.68 2 IM Samuel Shankland CA 85.25
8 GM Giorgi Kacheishvili NY 190.70 3 FM John Daniel Bryant TX 59.66
9 IM Jay Bonin NY 153.38 Players born between 1992 and 1993 inclusive:
10 GM Alexander Shabalov PA 146.29 1 FM Conrad Holt KS 92.82
11 GM Varuzhan Akobian CA 143.09 2 FM Steven Zierk CA 49.66
12 GM Michael Rohde NY 120.51 3 Michael Thaler NY 30.20
13 GM Ben Finegold MI 118.88
Players born between 1994 and 1995 inclusive:
14 GM Dmitry Gurevich IL 115.66
1 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 43.33
IM Alex Lenderman wins the Grand 15 GM Jesse Kraai CA 109.58
2 Parker Zhao NY 34.50
Prix for the second year in a row! Will 3 Adarsh Jayakumar TX 22.00
there be a three-peat in 2010? SENIOR CATEGORY
Players born 1996 and after:
Players born 1944 and before:
1 FM Darwin Yang TX 39.00
1 FM Asa Hoffmann NY 28.86
2 Yian Liou CA 28.40
2 FM Isay Golyak NY 27.96
3 David Adelberg AZ 22.66
3 FM Alex Dunne PA 26.00

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$10,000 IN CASH PRIZES! SENIOR CATEGORY: MERCHANDISE PRIZES $10,200 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!

FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 1944 / before 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 4th: $750 JUNIOR CATEGORIES: MERCHANDISE PRIZES 2nd: $500 3rd: $250 4th: $150
5th: $500 6th: $250 (according to date of birth) 5th: $100 6th: $100
1986-88 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUBJECT

a trophy from the USCF. 1st-10th place winners will receive 2-year
$4,900 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! 1989-91 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th-20th place
1992-93 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 winners will receive 1-year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
7th: $250 8th: $225 9th: $200 memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1-year WCL jun-
1994-95 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
10th: $175 11th: $150 12th: $125 ior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a special prize
1996/after 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 valued at $60.
13th: $100 14th: $75 15th: $50
16th-25th: $200 26th-50th: $250 For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a
3-year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd-5th places are
Top 40 non-titled players: 1-year WCL membership worth $50. awarded a 2-year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th-10th
(FIDE-titled players are always free on WCL) places awarded 1-year WCL junior memberships ($25 value). Addi-
tionally, all GP/JGP place prize winners will receive a special prize
valued at $60.

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

 World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2009 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). These are the official standings for events received and processed by February 3, 2010. Top prize includes
$1,000 cash, trophy and free entry to the 2009 U.S. Open. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top
individual in each state.

2009 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings

Name State Pts. Name and State Winners State Pts. Name and State Winners State Pts.
WINTER, CURTIS A MD 325 SEVIAN, SAMUEL CA-N 120 KOPPINGER, MATTHEW ND 10
DOMMALAPATI, ABHINAY VA 310 MCCREARY, TAYLOR CA-S 110 SELVARAJ, JASON NE 35
POLSKY, RYAN CA-S 110 MORAN, HARRISON M NH 30
MIZUSHIMA, DEREK MD 265 SPANN, NABIL J CO 50 MA, KEVIN NH 30
ATTANAGODA, ISURU ADEEPA VA 245 TANENBAUM, ZACHARY CHEN CT 110 WANG, XIAOMING TIM NJ 135
MARUPUDI, PRANAV NJ 240 HAUGE, DAVID RICHEY DC 30 SERNA, JEFFREY MICHAEL NM 115
PISANI, NICHOLAS WA 230 D'SOUZA, DEAN DE 55 HALL, MYLAN D NV 30
PISANI, PAUL WA 205 DALY, TROY FL 90 JOHNSTON, DANIEL F NY 125
RICHMAN, JONATHAN NY 180 SANJAY, PRAVEEN GA 85 PILLAI, KADHIR ANDRES NY 125
RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS VA 180 NAKAGAWA, ELDON MASAO HI 50 RAMASWAMY, RAHUL OH 105
PERRY, PATRICK F HI 50 HUGHES, DEVIN L OK 85
HUANG, WINSTON MA 175 IYER, VENKAT IA 110 PARNON, CALVIN JAY OR 65
FISHER, WILLIAM PA 175 TYAGI, KUSHAN IA 110 MO, KEVIN PA 110
TROFF, KAYDEN W UT 170 HARMON-VELLOTTI, CARL HONOR ID 100 FINNEY, STUART S RI 70
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MD 170 KOGEN, JONATHAN S IL 110 TEMPLETON, ZACHARY SCOTT SC 60
HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE ID 165 MANCHANDA, SAMEER IN 100 STORMENT, EZRA LEE SD 20
CHEN, JEREMY NJ 160 LATHAM, ANDREW KS 110 MARIKLE, JOSEPH WALTER SD 20
HUGHES, JOHN LODGER OH 160 BAGLEY, TAYLOR MICAJAH KY 65 VAZQUEZ, RAUL TERR 25
CHADHA, SIMARPREET LA 70 FU, JASON TN 125
KARAMSETTY, JEEVAN VA 150 ANGERMEIER, DANNY MA 85 WANG, ANDY TX 80
VIRKUD, APURVA MI 145 MOORTHY, SRINIVAS RAMANUJA MD 135 UNRUH, DAVIS UT 60
QU, CHEN NY 145 REALE-HATEM, MATTHEW ME 55 RAJASEKARAN, VIGNESH VA 110
TUHRIM, RICHARD JACOB NY 140 SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA MI 135 KATZ, GABRIEL VT 65
ZANG, KEVIN MN 65 DING, JEFFREY WA 70
Name and State Winners State Pts. ZHOU, JASON MO 135 NARAYANAN, MADHAVI WA 70
PARSHALL, MATTHEW AK 30 DING, JIALIN MO 135 DIXON, DAKOTA ELLIS WA 70
HELLWIG, LUKE AL 45 GOLDMAN, ADAM MS 40 SCHNEIDER, THOMAS GEORGE WI 115
XU, ZHUOWEI AL 45 MADDOX, CONNER MS 40 CHEN, KELLY WV 25
CRAIG, ROBERT S AR 60 KAGIROV, BULAT MT 5
GURCZAK, JOHN AZ 125 MOODY, CHAD NC 95

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since joining the USCF...

Dont miss one of this years top

benefits of USCF membership.

Claim your six-month free trial now at World Chess Live, the only online
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uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 49

 Tournament Life

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

See TLA in this issue for details: 2010 U.S. Game/60 Championship 2013 SuperNationals V
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14

2010 U.S. Masters Oct. 23 Skokie, Illinois TBA Nashville, Tennessee

March 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21 2010 U.S. Game/30 Championship 2013 National Scholastic (K-12)
Hendersonville, North Carolina Oct. 24 Skokie, Illinois Dec. 13-15 Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2010 National Junior High (K-9) 2014 National Elementary (K-6)
FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details) Championship
Championship
2010 U.S. Senior Open May 9-11 Dallas, Texas
April 9-11 Minneapolis, Minnesota
August 22-27 Boca Raton, Florida 2014 National Scholastic (K-12)
2010 National High School (K-12)
2010 National Youth Action Dec. 12-14 Orlando, Florida
Championship
Nov. 3-5 Long Branch, New Jersey 2015 National Elementary (K-6)
April 16-18 Columbus, Ohio
2010 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship
2010 All Girls National Championship
Dec. 10-12 Lake Buena Vista, Florida May 8-10 Nashville, Tennessee
April 16-18 Columbus, Ohio
2010 Pan-American Intercollegiate 2015 National Scholastic (K-12)
2010 Burt Lerner National Elementary (K-
Championship Dec. 5-7 Orlando, Florida
6) Championship
Dec. 27-30 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 7-9 Atlanta, Georgia FIDE EVENTS
2011 National Junior High (K-9)
2010 U.S. Amateur West Championship
Championship 2010 FIDE World Amateur
May 29-31 Tucson, Arizona
April 15-17 Columbus, Ohio Chess Championship
2010 U.S. Amateur East Championship
2011 National High School (K-12) March 19-25 Skokie, Illinois
May 29-31 Somerset, New Jersey
Championship 2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team
2010 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
April 29-May 1 Nashville, Tennessee Chess Championship
June 10 Las Vegas, Nevada
2011 National Elementary (K-6) March 26-28 Skokie, Illinois
2010 National Open
Championship
June 11-13 or 12-13 Las Vegas,
May 6-8 Dallas, Texas
Nevada
2011 National Scholastic (K-12)
2010 U.S. Game/15 Championship (QC)
Dec. 9-11 Dallas, Texas
June 19 Joliet, Illinois
2012 National High School (K-12)
2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open
Championship
July 31-Aug. 3 Irvine, California
April 13-15 Minneapolis, Minnesota
2010 Tournament of College Champions
2012 National Elementary (K-6)
July 31-Aug. 3 Irvine, California
Championship
Jerry Hanken Memorial - 2010 U.S. Open
May 11-13 Nashville, Tennessee
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8 Irvine,
2012 National Scholastic (K-12)
California
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Orlando, Florida

BIDS 2011 U.S. Amateur Teams (East, North,

South, West)
2011 U.S. Armed Forces Open
Note: Organizers previously awarded options for USCF Bidding Deadlines
National Events must still submit proposals (including 2011 U.S. Amateur (East, North, South)
2011 National Open Please contact the National Office if you are interested
sample budgets) for their events. in bidding for a National Event. The USCF recommends
2011 U.S. Game 10
Overdue Bids 2011 U.S. Game 15 that bids be submitted according to the following sched-
Bids on the following tournaments are past deadline and 2011 U.S. Game 60 ule. However, bids may be considered prior to these
will be considered immediately: 2011 U.S. Action G/30 dates.
2010 U.S. Class Championship 2011 U.S. Masters *USCF reserves the right to decline all bids and organ-
2010 U.S. Amateur 2011 U.S. Class Championship ize the event itself.
(North, South) 2011 Pan-American Intercollegiate
2010 U.S. Junior Closed - TBA Championship
2010 U.S. Junior Open - TBA 2011 Collegiate Final Four
2011 U.S. Junior Open
Deadline: June 1, 2010: 2011 U.S. Junior Closed
2011 U.S. Junior Chess Congress

The TLA pages Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates and Information for Players (page 70) can now
be found online at main.uschess.org/go/tlainfo.

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 mod-
ified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submissions.
They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid
for National events.
Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF-rated, and the USCF is concerned that the reason is that organizers fear losing players unwill-
ing or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF-rated, promoting
membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause more USCF-rated tournaments to be held. More details
on uschess.org.

Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each monthly rating supplement will be used for all tour-
naments beginning in that month, unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists
unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for
pairing or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at their discretion, even with-
out advance publicity of such a policy.

50 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided
for the convenience of USCF members and for informational pur-
poses only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S.
Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything
contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested
in additional information about or having questions concerning any
of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed.
Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate
typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibil-
ity for errors made in such work.
SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: tla@uschess.org
(Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
Prix information see November 2009 pg. 53-54 or check http://main.
uschess.org/go/tlainfo. Payment can be done online through the
TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967,
Crossville, TN 38557.
Nationals
All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF
rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en-
try fee or pay them with entry at site.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, North Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
2010 U.S. Masters
9SS, 40/2,SD/30. Hendersonville, NC. $$5000 b/50 fully paid. Prizes: $$5000
b/50: $1500 $900 $300 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 U2300: $300 $200 $200
$200 $200. Open only to players who have ratings over 2200, those who have
ever been so rated, foreign FIDE-rated players, and juniors (under age 21) rated
over 2000. Concurrent with N.C. Sub-Masters for those with lower ratings. Rds
(2 schedules merge round 5): 2-Weekend schedule: Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7, Fri
7, Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7; 7-Day schedule: Mon 7, Tue 7, Wed 7, Thurs 7, Fri 7,
Sat 12, 7, Sun 12, 7 EF: $150 by Feb 13, $160 by Mar 9, $170 at site. GMs, IMs,
and foreign FIDE-rated players receive reduced fee entry of $30 if preregis-
tered (counts as 1/5 entry toward prizes). Byes: 4 available rds 1-5. HR:
Quality Inn & Suites, 201 Sugarloaf Rd,, Hendersonville, NC 28792. $60 or
$68/night with hot breakfast, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and mini-golf. 800-
581-4745, www.qualityinn-suiteshvl.com. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705
Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773. hyde@ioa.com, www.ncchess.org.
FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-25, Illinois
2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship - an Official FIDE
World Chess Championship!
9R-SS G/90 + 30/sec increment. Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave.,
Skokie, IL 60077. 847.679.8900. $20,000 Guaranteed. Open to players with
no FIDE title and rated under 2000 FIDE. All players compete in a single sec-
tion. Please see tournament website for more detailed rating regulations.
Overall: $3000-2000-1600-1400; Top Women: $1000-600-400-200; (1799-
1600): $1000-600-400-200; (1599-1400): $1000-600-400-200; (U1400):
$1000-600-400-200; (Unrated): $1000-600-400-200. Additional Prizes: $500
clear first place Overall; $500 clear first place Womens. EF: $120 by 6pm 02/15,
$150 by 6pm 03/15; $200 thereafter and onsite. No re-entries allowed. No half-
point byes allowed (zero point byes only). Onsite registration from 3-5pm 3/19.
Rds.: 3/19 6:30pm; 3/20-21- 12pm and 6:30pm per day; 3/22-25 6:30pm
per night. Mail entries with registration information to: North American
Chess Association (make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113,
Skokie, IL 60077. More information and online registration available at:
www.worldchesschamps.com. Questions via email only: sevan@worldchess
champs.com. No smoking. For more information on additional prizes such as
FIDE titles, Scholarships to Texas Tech University, a progressive prize fund, entry
fee specials, and more, please visit the tournament website. Boards, sets, clocks
provided. Tournament provided equipment must be used. WCL JGP.
Mar. 26-28, Illinois
2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team Chess Championship - an
Official FIDE Intercontinental Chess Championship!
7R-SS G/90 w/5-sec delay. Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL
60077. 847.679.8900. Open to players in 5 age categories in teams of 4:
U10, U12, U14, U16, U18. Please see tournament website for more detailed
age and team regulations. Prizes: Team-winners of First, Second and Third
places in each age category and the members of the teams will be awarded
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, Diplomas and Special Trophies. Team tro-
phies will be awarded also teams finished in 4th 20th places in each age
category. EF: $150 by 6pm 2/01, $175 by 6pm 3/01; $200 thereafter. No
onsite registrations allowed. No re-entries allowed. No half-point byes allowed
(zero point byes only). Rds.: 3/26 6:00pm; 3/27 & 28 9am, 12pm and
6:00pm. Mail entries with registration information to: IntECS (make checks
payable to), 63 75th Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527. More information and
online registration available at: www.worldchesschamps.com. Questions via
email only: mikhail@worldchesschamps.com. No smoking. Boards, sets, clocks
provided. Tournament provided equipment must be used. WCL JGP.
Apr. 9-11, Minnesota
2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship
(Apr. 8 Bughouse & Blitz)
7SS, G/120, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN
55403, 1-800-233-1234 or 1-612-370-1234, Chess Rate $125. 6 Sections: K-
9 Championship, K-9 Under 1250, K-9 Unrated, K-8 Championship, K-8
Under 1000, K-8 U750. March Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated
players may play in the Championship or Unrated sections only. One 1/2-point
bye for any round, except Rd. 7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if p/m by 14
March, $70 if p/m by 28 March, $85 after 28 March or $90 at site. Mailed entries
must be p/m by 3 April. $5 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee
for roster or section changes after 28 March. On-site registration:Thurs. 9am-
10pm & Fri. 8am-10am. Players registering after 10am will get 1/2-point for
Round 1. Awards: A minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team
trophy per 15 players (average attendance in the past two years, not incl. SN
IV) plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams in each section. Class
trophies to the top three in the following classes: K-9 Championship:
1400-1599; 1200-1399; 1000-1199; U1000; Unrated. K-8 Championship: 1500-
uschess.org
1599; 1400-1499; 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099. All partici-
pants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final
round. Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum
number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team
score. All on team must attend the same school. Opening Ceremony: 12:30pm
Friday. Main Event rounds: Friday 1pm, 7pm; Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sun-
day 9am, 2pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx 7pm Sunday. Special Events:
National Junior High Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11am; EF (on site
only) $25 per team. Bughouse registration ends at 10am Thurs. National
Junior High Blitz Championship: Thursday 5pm; EF $15 per player, $20
after 28 March or on site. Coaches and Parents Meeting: 11am Friday.
Scholastic Meeting: 3pm Saturday. Coaches Forum: 7pm Saturday. Tour-
nament Feedback Meeting: 9:30am Sunday. Parents and Friends
Tournament: 4SS, Saturday 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. On site reg-
istration only. Rated and Unrated sections. Trophies for parent and child
combined results. ALL: Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided.
USCF membership required. Questions and team room requests:
cbruce@uschess.org, 931-787-1234, Ext 147. Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Fed-
eration, Attn: Junior High, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Additional details
and on-line registration: www.uschess.org/tournaments/2010/jhs/.
WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18, Ohio
2010 National High School (K-12) Championship
(Apr. 15 Bughouse & Blitz)
7SS, G/120. Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH
43215, 1-800-233-1234 or 1-614-463-1234, Chess Rate $127. 5 Sections: K-
12 Championship, K-12 Under 1600, K-12 Under 1200, K-12 Under 800,
K-12 Unrated. April Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated players
may play in the Championship or Unrated section only. One 1/2-point bye for
any round, except Rd. 7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if p/m by 21 March,
$70 if p/m by 4 April, $85 after 4 April or $90 at site. Mailed entries must be
p/m by 10 April. $5 extra for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for ros-
ter or section changes after 4 April. On site registration: Thurs. 9am-10pm
& Fri. 8am-10am. Players registering after 10am will get 1/2-point for Round
1. Awards: A minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team tro-
phy per 15 players (average attendance in the past two years, not incl. SN IV)
plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams in each section. Class
trophies to the top three in the following classes: K-12 Championship: 1900-
1999; 1800-1899; 1700-1799; 1600-1699; 1500-1599; 1400-1499; 1300-1399;
1200-1299; U1200. All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the
completion of the final round. Teams: A team must have at least two players,
although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section
will count for the team score. All on team must attend the same school. Open-
ing Ceremony: 12:30pm Friday. Main Event rounds: Friday 1pm, 7pm;
Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday 9am, 2pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx
7pm Sunday. Special Events: National High School Bughouse Champi-
onship:Thursday 11am; EF: (On site only) $25 per team. Bughouse registration
ends at 10am Thurs. National High School Blitz Championship: Thursday
5pm; EF: $15 per player, $20 after 4 Apr or on site. Coaches and Parents Meet-
ing: 11am Friday. Scholastic Meeting: 3pm Saturday. Coaches Forum: 7pm
Saturday. Tournament Feedback Meeting: 9:30am Sunday. Parents and
Friends Tournament: 4SS, Saturday 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. On
site registration only. Rated and Unrated sections. Trophies for parent and child
combined results. ALL: Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided.
USCF membership required. Questions and team room requests:
cbruce@uschess.org, 931-787-1234, Ext 147. Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Fed-
eration, Attn: High School, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Additional
PLAN AHEAD!
2010 U.S. Amateur Team Playoff
March 27 - Online at Internet Chess Club
Final Four
(playoff from 2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate Championship)
April 9-11
2010 U.S. Championship
April 23-May 6 - St. Louis, Missouri
2010 U.S. Cadet
July 12-16 - Crossville, Tennessee
NEW: 2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open Championship
2010 Tournament of College Champions
2010 Denker Tournament of High School Champions
http://main.uschess.org/content/view/7867/131/
July 31-Aug. 3, 2010 - Irvine, California
AND
2010 U.S. Open
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or Aug. 5-8
More details on page 52!
details and online registration: www.uschess.org/tournaments/2010/hs/.
This event will be held in conjunction with the 2010 All Girls National
Championships (See separate TLA). WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18, Ohio
2010 All Girls National Championship presented by the Kasparov
Chess Foundation in association with the USCF and UTD.
6SS, G/90. Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215,
(614) 280-1234, Hotel Rate $127. 6 Sections: 8 years old and younger; 10 and
younger, 12 and younger, 14 and younger, 16 and younger, 18 and younger. Age
as of 4/1/2010. USCF membership required. Winner of 18 years old and
younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The University of
Texas at Dallas, worth $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $50 if postmarked
by 3/21; $70 if by 4/4; $85 by 4/15 or $90 on-site. Do not mail after 4/8 as
your entry may not be received on time. Opening Ceremony: 6pm, Friday.
Rounds: Rd 1 - 6:30pm Fri; Rounds 2-4 - Sat 10am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm; Rounds
5-6 - Sun 9am & 1pm. Awards Ceremony: Sun. 5pm. Trophies to top 15 indiv
& top 3 teams (top 3 players added for team scores). Bye: One 1/2-pt bye avail-
able, any round, if requested before end of Rd. 2 and if player has not received
a full-point bye. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament - Fri. 1pm, EF $25/team.
Blitz Tournament - Fri. 3pm, EF $15 by 4/4, $20 after or on site. Entries: Mail
to USCF, Attn: All Girls, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at
http://uschess.org/tournaments/2010/allgirls. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
May 7-9, Georgia
2010 Burt Lerner National Elementary (K-6) Championship
(May 6 Bughouse & Blitz)
7SS, G/120, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303,
1-800-233-1234 or 1-404-577-1234, Chess Rate $125. 9 Sections: K-6 Cham-
pionship, K-6 Under 1000, K-6 Unrated, K-5 Championship, K-5 Under 900,
K-3 Championship, K-3 U800, K-3 Unrated, K-1 Championship. April
Rating Supplement will be used. Unrated players may play in the Champi-
onship or Unrated sections only. One 1/2-point bye for any round, except Rd.
7, if requested in advance. EF: $50 if p/m by 11 April, $70 if p/m by 25 April,
$85 after 25 April or $90 at site. Mailed entries must be p/m by 1 May. $5 extra
for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after
25 April. On-site registration:Thurs. 9am-10pm & Fri. 8am-10am. Players reg-
istering after 10am will get 1/2-point for Round 1. Awards: A minimum of 1
individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team trophy per 15 players (average atten-
dance in the past two years, not incl. SN IV) plus plaques for 4 players and coach
of top five teams in each section. Class trophies to the top three in the fol-
lowing classes: K-6 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199;
1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899. K-5 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299;
1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899. K-3 Championship: 1100-1199;
1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; 700-799; 600-699. K-1 Championship: All play-
ers in this section receive a trophy. All participants will receive a commemorative
medal at the completion of the final round. Teams: A team must have at least
two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in
any section will count for the team score. All on team must attend the
same school. Opening Ceremony: 12:30pm Friday. Main Event rounds: Fri-
day 1pm, 7pm; Saturday 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday 9am, 2pm. Schedule for K-1:
Friday 1:30pm, 6:30pm; Saturday 9:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm; Sunday 9:30am,
1:30pm. Awards Ceremony: Approx 7pm Sunday. Awards Ceremony for K-
1: Approx 5:30pm Sunday. Special Events: National Elementary Bughouse
Championship:Thursday 11am; EF (on site only) $25 per team. Bughouse reg-
istration ends at 10am Thurs. National Elementary Blitz Championship:Two
sections: K-6 and K-3. Thursday 5pm; EF $15 per player, $20 after 25 April or
on site. Coaches and Parents Meeting: 11am Friday. Scholastic Meeting:
3pm Saturday. Coaches Forum: 7pm Saturday. Tournament Feedback Meet-
Chess Life March 2010 51
 Tournament Life
ing: 9:30am Sunday. Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, Saturday
10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm. On site registration only. Rated and
Unrated sections.Trophies for parent and child combined results. ALL: Please
bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided. USCF membership required. Ques-
tions and team room requests: cbruce@uschess.org, 931-787-1234, Ext 147.
Mail entries to: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn: Elementary, P.O. Box 3967,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Crossville, TN 38557. Additional details and on-line registration:.
www.uschess.org/tournaments/2010/elem/. WCL JGP.
May 29-31, Arizona
2010 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-6 and U1000). Scholastic section is 3 separate 1-day
tournaments. SCHEDULE: (Championship, Reserve, and Booster) 6/SS, 40/2,
25/1. Reg.: 5/29, 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4, 9-3. (Scholastic) 4/SS, G/40.
Reg: 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; Digi-
tal clock + plaque to Top 1900-1999, 1800-1899, 1700-1799, 1600-1699, and
U1600; Plaque to top Senior 50+, Junior U20 and Junior U14. (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 U14.
(Booster) Chronos clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top Unrated and
Junior U11. (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-scholas-
tic sections. Biggest Upset of each round in the non-Scholastic sections.
Chronos clock to Scholastic player with the highest combined score over the
three 1-day tournaments. EF: (Championship & Reserve) $55 if recd by 5/26,
$65 if after 5/26. (Booster) $40 if recd by 5/26, $50 if after 5/26. (Scholas-
tic) $15 each day or $40 for all three days if by 5/26, additional $5 if after 5/26.
ALL: Half-point byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior to start
of Round 2. SIDE EVENT: Blitz tournament Friday 5/28; G/5, 5 Rounds, Dou-
ble SS; Entry Fee: $10 ($15 to non-tournament players); Reg.: 6:006:45pm at
site; Rounds: begin at 7:00pm. Prizes: ($$b/20) $75-$45, Top U1600 $30,
Medallion to top K-12, K-8, K-6. ENTER: www.sazchess.org/store/store.php
or mail to (make checks payable to SACA): SACA, Attn: US Amateur West,
PO Box 42407,Tucson, AZ 85733 or at site. HR: $69 (single/double) or $85 (suite)
if by 5/14, mention SACA. INFO: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, email: kpen-
nock_83@yahoo.com, web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
May 29-31, New Jersey
66th Annual U. S. Amateur Championship East
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, Exit 12 off I-287 at
Weston Canal Road. (732) 560-9880, Fax (732) 356-7455. In 3 Sections: Cham-
pionship (U2200), Reserved (U1800), Booster (U1400) with two and three day
schedules. Three Day Schedule: 6-SS, 50/2, SD1. 3-Day Registration: Sat-
urday 5/29, 9:30-10:45 am. Rounds 12-6, 11-5, 9-3. Two Day Schedule: First
three games G/60, round four merges with 3-day schedule. 2-Day Registra-
tion: Sunday 5/30, 8:30-9:30 am. Rounds 10-12:15-2:30. Championship:
Trophies to top five, top Under 2000, Under 1900, Under 1800, Senior 55/over,
52 Chess Life March 2010
Under 16, Under 13. Reserve:Trophies to top five, top Under 1600, Under 1500,
Under 1400, Senior 55/over, Under 16, Under 13. Booster:Trophies to top five,
top Under 1200, Under 1100, Under 1000, Under 900, Under 800, Senior
55/over, Under 16, Under 13. All sections: EF: $50 if postmarked by 5/25, $50
if by PayPal at EntryFeesRus.com. Pay $60 cash only (no checks) at playing site.
Three half-point byes allowed in rounds 1-5 if requested before first round. WCL
JGP.
June 10, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
2010 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
6SS, G/10. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las
Vegas, NV 89183. $$b/100 7,000 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600,
U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated
150. EF: $89 by 5/19, $95 by 6/3, $100 on site. Late Registration: 4-6:30 p.m.
Rds.: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring
clocks. 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4) if requested with entry.
HR: $65 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or
(702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925,
Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS, NC, W.
A Heritage Event!
June 11-13 or 12-13, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
2010 National Open
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60). South Point Hotel, Casino and
Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund
based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed). Championship. $$: 8000-
4000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500
2000, under 2400 1500, under 2300 1000. $2,000 EXTRA for perfect score.The
winner of the Championship section also receives a replica of the Edmondson
Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-
100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 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. $$: 2500-1500-
1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1200. $$:
1500-1000-500-250-150-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100-100. Unrated,
$$: 600-400-200-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any
other prizes, every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50
gift certificate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only. EF: $179 by
5/17, $199 by 6/9, $220 on site, $100 more for players rated under 2100 in
the Championship Section. This is an open tournament - you may play in any
section at or above your rating level; unrated players may play only in Unrated
or Championship Section. Provisionally rated players may not win more than
3rd prize in any section except Championship. CCA minimum ratings or other
ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m.Thurs-
day, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg: 8-9 a.m.
Saturday. Rds.: 9:30-12-2:30-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half point byes
available in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the start
of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only, not for
skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS
FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship and other
championship events. Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free
raffle with great prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games.
Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. Grandmaster Simuls Thursday after-
noon. US. Game/10 Thursday night. Scholastic Tournament Friday. Girls &
Boys Championships Saturday & Sunday. LOW room rates! HR: $65 sin-
gle or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702)
796-7111. Dont be shut out; make your reservations early and be sure to
ask for the chess rates; South Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for
special hotel rate is May 15th. Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May
15th. RESERVE NOW! Credit card or one night room deposit will be required
to hold reservation, may be canceled 72 hours in advance for nominal fee.Tour-
nament Registration: National Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125,
on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. W. FIDE.
WCL JGP.
June 19, Illinois
2010 U.S. Game/15 Championship (QC)
6SS, G/15. Joliet Jr. College, Bldg J, 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431 (Park
in J lot). $1,700 b/80 paid entries, $225-125, A,B,C,D,E/F each 140-80-50,
unrated $25 book prize, prizes based on 4 per class. EF: $30 if by June 16th,
$40 at site (over 60 $5 discount EF), one half pt bye max. Reg.: 9:50am-
10:50am. Rds.: 11:00-11:45-12:30-2:15-3:00-3:45. Checks Payable to: Dennis
R. Doyle, c/o JJC Chess Club, 536 Springwood Drive, Joliet, IL 60431 No
phone or credit card entries, bring chess sets and clocks, none provided.
Bring USCF id card to tournament. NTD: G. Panner. E-mail questions only:
ddoyle@jjc.edu.
July 31-Aug. 3, California Southern
2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open Championship
6SS, 40/2, SD/1, Hyatt Regency Irvine (see U.S. Open). Open to all females born
after 7/31/89. EF: Free if playing in US Open, otherwise $50 mailed by 7/22
or online by 7/28, $60 at site. Prizes to be announced. Reg. ends Sat 6:30
pm, rds. Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun/Mon 12:30 pm & 7:30 pm, Tue 11 am. Ent: USCF
(Girls Junior Open), PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Online entry:
https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. WCL JGP.
July 31-Aug. 3, California Southern
World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions
6SS, G/90(+30), Hyatt Regency Irvine (see U.S. Open). Sponsored by World
Chess Live, open to all undergraduate or graduate college students. EF: Free
if playing in US Open, otherwise $50 mailed by 7/22 or online by 7/28, $60 at
site. $5000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND! In 2 sections. Championship, open
to all rated 2000 or over, plus one under 2000 player per college if designated
as an official representative. $$G 1000-500-300-200, U2200 $400-200, US
Individual Collegiate Champion trophy to top US college player. Under 2000,
open to all under 2000 or unrated. $$G $500-300-150-100, top U1800 $320-
160, U1600 $300-150, U1400/Unrated $280-140. Reg. ends Sat 6:30 pm, rds.
Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun/Mon 12:30 pm & 7:30 pm,Tue 11 am. Ent: USCF (Tmt of Col-
lege Champions), PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. FIDE. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300
Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th annual U.S. Open
Includes traditional one game per day schedule (9 days), also 6-day slow
time control option and 4-day option, initiated last year, requiring only 3 nights
hotel stay for most players. 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4 day option, Rds. 1-6, G/60).
Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine CA 92614. Special park-
ing $5. Free shuttle from John Wayne Orange County Airport. HR: $99
single/quad, 949-975-1234, reserve by July 10 or rate may increase. $50,000
in prizes based on 500 paid entries, else proportional, except $40,000 (80%
of each prize) minimum guarantee. A one section tournament with Class
prizes. Top U.S. player not otherwise qualified qualify for 2011 U.S.
Championship. Many side events, including US Blitz Championship 8/7. USCF
Delegates meeting 8/7-8, workshops 8/4-6, USCF Awards Luncheon 8/7 noon,
GM lectures & simuls to be announced. Choice of three schedules: Traditional:
40/2, SD/1. One round daily at 7:30 pm, except rd. 9, 3 pm 8/8. 6-Day Option:
7:30 pm 8/3, 12:30 pm & 7:30 pm 8/4-6, 7:30 pm 8/7, 3 pm 8/8. 4-Day
Option: 2 pm, 5 pm & 8 pm 8/5; 10 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm 8/6, 7:30
pm 8/7, 3 pm 8/8. 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.
Limit one bye in last two rounds. Zero point byes are always available in any
round. Entry Fee: Online, $145 by 5/15, $165 by 7/28. By mail, $147 postmarked
by 5/15, $167 postmarked by 7/22. By phone, $150 by 5/15, $170 by 7/28. At
site, all $190; entries close 1 hour before your first game. Late entry with round
1 bye accepted until 4 pm 8/1, 11:30 am 8/4, or 4 pm 8/5. USCF full member-
ship required (no tournament members). 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 mul-
tiple ratings usually used. Ent: USCF, ATTN: 2010 US Open, PO Box 3967,
Crossville,TN 38557. Online entry: https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/ tour-
nament.php. Phone entry: 800-903-8723. Tournament website: main.uschess.
org/tournaments/2010/usopen/. FIDE rated, no cell phones. Bring a clock -
none supplied. Sets/boards supplied for tournament but not for skittles. WCL
JGP.
Note: Golf tournament, for the US Open Chess Players, morning of Thursday,
Aug. 5th.Those eligible will be all US Open Chess Players, side event chess play-
ers, and delegates. Please contact Michael Wojcio for more details at,
chessgolfmarathons@verizon.net.
Oct. 23, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
2010 U.S. Game/60 Championship
4SS, G/60, Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077.
847.679.8900. $4,000 Guaranteed. Prizes- in 3 sections: Open: $500-375-250;
Top 2299-2200, U2199-2000, 1900-1899 - $150 each; Reserve Section
(U1800): $450-325-200; Top 1699-1600, 1599-1500,1499-1400 - $125 each;
Booster (U1400): $400-275-150; Top 1399-1300, 1299-1200, 1199-1000 -
$100 each. EF: $60 by 6pm 10/22, $80 onsite; $100 Combined EF with US G/30
by 6pm 10/22, $140 Combined EF with US G/30 onsite. Play Up - $10 more. $50
Re-entry (per event). No half-point byes allowed (zero point byes only).
GM/IM/WGM/WIM/FM/WFM free entry with nothing deducted from winnings.
Onsite Registration: 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: 10am-12:30pm-3pm-5:30pm. Mail
entries with registration information to: North American Chess Association
(make checks payable to) 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. More
information and online registration available at: www.nachess.org/g60.
Questions via email only: sevan@nachess.org. No smoking. Boards, sets,
clocks provided.Tournament provided equipment must be used. No exceptions.
October Supplement. USCF Membership Required. Bookseller onsite.
Oct. 24, llinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
2010 U.S. Game/30 Championship
5SS, G/30, Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077.
847.679.8900. $4,000 Guaranteed. Prizes- in 3 sections: Open: $500-375-250;
Top 2299-2200, U2199-2000, 1900-1899 - $150 each; Reserve Section
(U1800): $450-325-200; Top 1699-1600, 1599-1500,1499-1400 - $125 each;
Booster (U1400): $400-275-150; Top 1399-1300, 1299-1200, 1199-1000 -
$100 each. EF: $60 by 6pm 10/22, $80 onsite; $100 Combined EF with US G/60
by 6pm 10/22, $140 Combined EF with US G/60 onsite. Play Up - $10 more. $50
Re-entry (per event). No half-point byes allowed (zero point byes only).
GM/IM/WGM/WIM/FM/WFM free entry with nothing deducted from winnings.
Onsite Registration: 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: 10am-11:30am-1pm-2:30pm-4pm.
Mail entries with registration information to: North American Chess Asso-
ciation (make checks payable to) 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077.
More information and online registration available at: www.nachess.
org/g30. Questions via email only: sevan@nachess.org. No smoking. Boards,
sets, clocks provided. Tournament provided equipment must be used. No
exceptions. October Supplement. USCF Membership Required. Bookseller
onsite.
Grand Prix
Mar. 13, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jenifer Woods Memorial
4SS RDS. 1 & 2 G/60, RDS. 3 & 4 G/90 at RCC (GTD) $150-90-60 class $80. Reg.:
8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF: $30. Adv Ent/Info: Rochester
Chess Center, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. (585)442-2430. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, Louisiana
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2010 Louisiana Pro-Am
uschess.org
5-SS, G/2 (Round 1: G/90). Site: Holiday Inn New Orleans Westbank, 275 Whit-
ney Ave., Gretna, LA 70053. EF: $50 if mailed by 3/6, $60 at site. LCA Memb.
reqd ($10 adult, $5 Schol.), OSA. Prizes: $1800 b/60, 50% Gtd. Two Sections:
Pro (Open): $400-200; U2000 $200-100. Amateur (U1800): $250-100; U1600
$200-100; U1400 $150; U1200/UNR $100. Reg.: 3/13, 8-9am. Rds.: Sat: 9:15-
1-5:30, Sun: 9:30-2. HR: $99, (504) 366-8535. Ent/Info: Adam Caveney, 1301
Gen. Taylor St., New Orleans, LA 70115, cb20234@yahoo.com, (504) 895-
4133 (evenings), (504) 615-6730 (on day of tourney). NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, Texas
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
TexOhma 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: $55, Juniors (U19)/Senior/Hcap
$35, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee if applicable. 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 and zero point last round byes are not eligible for prizes.
Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000,
info@dallaschess.com. NS. NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, North Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
2010 U.S. Masters
See Nationals.
Mar. 16, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Marshall Masters
(formerly the St. Johns Masters) 4SS. G/30. Third Tues. of every month. 23
W. 10th St., NYC 212 477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all play-
ers scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCC Thursday 4 Rated Games Tonight!
since the prior months Masters) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned
on completion of tournament). Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 250-150-
100. Top U2400 and Top 2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.:
6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45PM. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only;
declare at registration.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, Missouri
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
14th annual Mid-America Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 is 6 rounds playing
March 20-21 only, G/75. Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet
Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Han-
ley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 Section
one-third), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections:
Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top
U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2200: $1400-700-400-300. Under 2000: $1400-
700-400-300. Under 1800: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1600: $1200-600-300-
200. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $800-400-200-100. Under
900: $200-100-60-40. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U900
$100, U1200 $200, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $600. Bal-
ance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108.50, 2-day $107.50 mailed
by 3/9, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/16, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 3/16 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from
prize. Under 1200 EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. All: No checks
at site, credit cards OK. 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, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available
in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) required for MO residents. 3-day sched-
ule: 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. Under 900 schedule: Reg.
ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open
must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314-
726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/3 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. Ques-
tions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service
charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
Mar. 20, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
11th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Class Tournaments
4SS, G/45. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34 Street, New York City, NY. 212-
971-0101. EF: $15. $$G: $250-$175-$125, U2200 $100, U2000 $75, U1800 $60.
Reg.: 11:15-11:45, Rds.: 12-1:45-3:45-5:30pm. Ent: Cks or MO payable to Pat
Bowyer (be sure to specify Grand Prix, Saturday), c/o PAR Group, Inc., 119
N. Park Avenue, Suite 303, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limit 70 players & pos-
itively NO door ents. Info: pbowyer@bbowyer.org or (Pat Bowyer) 516.641.4521.
PLEASE NOTE: Bring clocks and sets, none will be provided. $$$ Payment must
be received by Wednesday, March 17th at the latest. Tshirts from last year will
be provided as per list from 2009. Side event, Mar. 20th: Bughouse team tour-
ney starting time: 8pm. 5 minute Swiss or round robin depending on # of entries.
2 players per team. EF: $5/player. Cash to top team, trophies to top 2. Note:
See New York, March 21 for details for the 11th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memo-
rial Scholastic tournament.
Mar. 20, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
2010 March LVCA Grand Prix
4SS, G/90. St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF:
$40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid
entries. FREE ENTRYTO UNRATEDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two 1/2
pt byes (if declared before round 3). REG.: Ends 10am. RDS.: 10:30-1:30-4:45-
7:45. Ent/Info: Check payable: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl. 1, Bethlehem,
PA 18018 or call 610-625-0467 or bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 20, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2010 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
5SS, G/29. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 3/12, $35 later. $$ (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:

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 53

 Tournament Life
$15 by 3/12, $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.
Mar. 20-21, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Kern County Open Championship II
5-SS, G/90 (rds. 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (rds. 4-5). East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Rd.,
Bakersfield, CA 93306, $$1,300 b/o 40, 80% gtd. Open: 1st $400 GTD!!; 2nd-
$225, 3rd-$150. Top U2000, U1800, U1600/Unr $175 each. Scholastic (K-8):
5-SS, G/30. All: 1/2-pt bye available with entry any round Reg.: 8:45-9:30am
EF: Open $45 by 3/18, $55 after, Scholastic (K-8, U1200) $10 by 3/18, $20 after,
$6 discount for BCC, FCC, & SCCF members. ALL USCF 2400+ rated FREE.
Open rounds: Saturday 10-1:30-5pm Sunday 9am & 3:30pm, Scholastic rounds:
10-11:30-1-2:30-4. Info: Kenneth Poole, 661-304-7468. Ent: Bakersfield Chess
Club, P.O. Box 176, 3501 Mall View Rd., Suite 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306.
State Championship Qualifier. WCL JGP for Open Section.
Mar. 21, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Grandmaster Challenge
6-SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC 212 477-3716, limited to first 64
entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members
(free buffet to participants) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45
AM. Prizes: G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000,
$50 U1800, top over 55 $=age, top under 18 $= 3x age, top scoring female
$=# of players. Rds.: 12-1:20-2:40-4-5:20-6:40. (NOTE CHANGE) Byes: limit
2, request before Round 3. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
Mar. 25, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may
be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105,
U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA
ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game.
Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
Mar. 27, New Jersey
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix
5SS, Game 30. SECTION 1: 1st $450, 2nd $300, 3rd $150. SECTION 2: U1800
1st $125, 2nd $75, 3rd $50. $$ 100% guaranteed. FIRST 5 GMs and Ims PRE-
REGISTER FREE! ($50 deducted from winnings). EF online: $50 by 2/15, $60
by 3/5, after 3/5 $70. $75 ONSITE. Register at www.greaterchchess.com. Cherry
Hill Library Multi-cultural room from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Onsite reg. 9:30-10 a.m.
1st rd. 10:15. More info: hermanator3@comcast.net or (856) 287-2393.
Mar. 27-28, Florida
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
54 Chess Life March 2010
North Florida Classic Chess Championships II
5SS, G/90. Price-Martin Center, 220 N 11th Street, Palatka, Florida. $500 to
First Place Unconditionally Guaranteed. 2nd Place $ 250, 3rd $ 125, Top
U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200/UNR Each $ 150. First Place Fully Guaranteed,
other prizes based on entries (b/38) More Entries Mean More Prize Money! EF:
$45 if by Feb. 28, $50 at Site. USCF Rated.TD Ben Cody & Jim Hedge. Reg ends
9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rounds: 10-1:30-5, Sunday 11-3. Championship Trophy to
First, Trophies to Top each class listed above. 5-Second Time Delay permitted.
NS NC W. Advance Entries: Jim Hedge 4502 Pontiac Street, Palatka, FL
32177. www.palatkachessclub.com, bencodychess@yahoo.com, (386) 972-
4225. Sponsored byThe Palatka Chess Club and the City of Palatka. Contact us
for special rates before you book Hotel rooms. WCL JGP.
Mar. 27-28 or 28, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
New York March Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10 St., bet. 5th-
6th Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each
prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-
100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr.
prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at
www.chesscenter.cc thru 3/25. 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., both 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.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Philadelphia Open
Open Section, Mar 31-Apr 4: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible.
U1300 to U2100, Apr 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-
2 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). U1000, April 3-4: 7SS, G/40. Sheraton
City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Prizes $100,000
based on 650 paid entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-
entries, GMs, WGMs & foreign IMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum
$70,000 (70% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-
2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-400, clear first bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449
$3000-1500-700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2
on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100,
Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-
300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: each $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-
400-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize lim-
its: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/10 list may not win
over $500 in U1000, $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late
for 4/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on
any USCF rating supplement 4/09-3/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 life-
time games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500,
$1200 U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of limited prize
goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day $204,
3-day $203, 2-day $202 if mailed by 1/13; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day
$223, 2-day $222 mailed by 3/23; all $250 at site. PSCF members may deduct
$3 from mailed EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at
chesstour.com: $207 by 1/13, $227 by 3/29, $250 after 3/29 until 2 hours before
rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/13, $230
by 3/29. No phone entry after 3/29. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free;
$150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. Special
EF: $100 less for Under 1000 Section. $50 less to unrated in U1300 to U2100
sections. $70 less to rated seniors 65/over in U1300 & above sections. Spe-
cial 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com,
Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $30. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from
Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Wed
6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm,Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day sched-
ule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11
& 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 10 am,
rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to
U2100): Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under
1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat. 10. 12. 2, 3:45, Sun. 10, 12, 2.
4-day, 3-day, & 2-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all; limit 4
(limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Bring
sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-448-
2000, reserve by 3/23 or rate may increase. Parking $8/day with guest room,
$15/day without; garage near hotel is about $10 on weekend. Car rentals: Avis,
800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. For-
eign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more
to most other foreign, no points added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Some foreign
ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually
used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US
player ratings: April list used; FIDE ratings used in Open Section. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: Players
must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round
3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over and their opponents may not use
headphones, earphones or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel with-
out Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request low-
est possible section if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (except U1000).
Apr. 2-4, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
10th Annual Reno-Far West Open
6SS,40/2,20/1,G/1/2. Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno,
NV 89501. 1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$21,200 b/250. $$14,200 Gtd.
(Prizes 1-10 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of all other prizes). Free Lecture &
Analysis Clinic by GM Larry Evans! 5 Sections. Open (2000 & above) EF: $137,
(1999 & below = $151) (GMs & IMs free but must enter by (3/13) or pay late
fee). $$2,000-1,200-1000-800-600-400-300-300-300-300, (2399/below)- $1,000,
(2299/below)- $1,000, (2199/below) -$1000-500-300-200 (If a tie for 1st then
a playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Sec.A (1800-1999) EF: $136;
$$1,000-500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec.B (1600-1799) EF: $135; $$900-
uschess.org
500-400-300-200-100-100. Sec.C (1400-1599) EF: $134; $$700-500-400- ifier. WCL JGP. Round 3. Additional class prize: $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
300-200-100-100. Sec.D/under (1399-below) EF: $133; $$600-400-
300-200-100-100-100; Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ.-$400-200. ALL: Apr. 10-11, Nebraska Apr. 20, New York
Entries must be postmarked by 3/13 or pay late fee-$11 until 3/26 (do not mail World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
3rd Annual Spring Open Marshall Masters
after 3/26), $22 at site. All classes have trophies 1st 3rd. Unrated players
5 SS, Rnd 1 G/90, Rnd 2-5 G/120. Site: Creighton Univ. Harper Center, Rm (formerly the St. Johns Masters) 4SS. G/30. Third Tues. of every month. 23
are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for 1 full year
#2066, 590 N 20th St., Omaha, NE 68102. EF: $25 if payment received by 4/8. W. 10th St., NYC, 212 477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all play-
thru this tournament. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. $10 discount
$30 on-site. Prizes: $$G $150-85-65, U1700 $50, U1500 $50, U1300 $50. ers scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY at MCC Thursday 4 Rated Games Tonight!
to Seniors (65+ yrs.) & Juniors (19-under). Players may play up. Provisionally
USCF & NSCA memb. reqd ($10 adult, $6 under 20) Other states honored. Reg.: since the prior months Masters) EF: $40, members $30, GMs $10 (returned
rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money. CCA ratings may be used.
9am-9:45. Rds.: Sat 10-1:45-6:30, Sun 10-3. ENT: Ben Ryan, 4423 Frederick on completion of tournament).Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 250-150-100.
Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the
St., Omaha, NE 68105. 402.452.7686 ben.j.ryan@hotmail.com. WCL JGP. Top U2400 andTop 2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45.
unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS:Thurs.
Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45PM. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at reg-
(4/1) 6-7:15pm Free Lecture-GM Larry Evans; 7:30pm-GM YERMOLINSKY Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Connecticut istration.
Simul ($15); 7:30pm-Blitz (5 Min) tourney ($20) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
(4/3) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - GM Larry Evans. ALL REG: (4/1) Hartford Open Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, California Southern
5-9pm,(4/2) 9-10am. RDS: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat)10-6, (Sun)9:30-4:30. Byes available 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Air- World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40
any round (if requested by Rd.1 2 max in Open sect.). ENT: make checks port (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt 8th Ann. Western Pacific Open
payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 20). Free parking. $$ 15,000 based on 220 paid entries, $10,000 (2/3 each prize) 5-SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds. 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W.
3/13. $11 late fee if postmarked after 3/13 and before 3/26. Do not mail after minimum guaranteed. U1105 Section & re-entries count as 60% entries Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each prize guar-
3/26 or email after 3/31. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $25!) (Fri. & Sat. towards prize fund. In 7 sections. Open: (FIDE rated) $1500-700-500-300, top
$455!) + tax. 1-866-386-7829 mention (Code) CHESS410 (Reserve by 3/15/10) Under 2305 $800400.. Under 2205: $1000-500-300-200. Under 2005: $1000-
to get Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, 500-300-200. Under 1805: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1605: $1000- 500-300-
(775) 747-1405, wackyykl@aol.com Or check out our website at: www.reno 200. Under 1405: $800-400-300-200. Under 1105: $500-300-200-100. Unrated USCF Membership Rates
chess.org/fwo. To verify entry check website. WCL JGP. may not win over $100 in U1105, $200 U1405, $300 U1605, $400 U1805, or $500
U2005. Prize limit $300 if official rating was 50 or more points over section Premium (P) and Regular (R)
Apr. 3-4, Texas or prize maximum on any list 4/08 to 3/09. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $98, 2- (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced) day $97 mailed by 4/8, all $99 online at chesstour.com by 4/14, $105 phoned
North Texas FIDE Open to 406-896-2038 by 4/14 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. Under 1105 Type 1 yr 2yr 3yr
5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr. Section EF: 3-day $58, 2-day $57 mailed by 4/8, all $59 online at chess-
#A, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G. Open: This section is FIDE Adult P $49 $85 $120
tour.com by 4/14, $65 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/14 (entry only, no
rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. EF: $55, Juniors (U19)/Senior/Hcap questions), $70 at site. $20 less to unrated in U1105 Section. All: No checks Adult P ** $42 $78 $113
$35, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee if applicable. Registration: 9:45 -10:15 at site, credit cards OK. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. Mailed EF $3 less
am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested Adult R $41 $59 $81
to CSCA or WMCA members. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section.
before rd 2, withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not eligible for prizes. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth- Adult R ** $34 $52 $74
Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallas erwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry-
chess.com. NS. NC. FIDE. WCL JGP. Senior (65+) * $43 $72 $100
online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Senior (65+) ** $36 $65 $93
Apr. 4, California Southern Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. 11-
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 Young Adult P (U25)* $32 $59 $85
2:30-6, 9-3:15. Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87,
2010 Westwood Spring Open 860-627-5311; reserve by 4/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331- Youth P (U16)* $27 $49 $70
5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, 1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent:
2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize Scholastic P (U13)* $23 $42 $60
Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for
guaranteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries Young Adult R (U25)* $24 $43 $61
Reserve (U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
$75. EF: $48 if received by 4/3, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10)
Youth R (U16)* $20 $36 $51
req. for rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: Apr. 17, Wisconsin Scholastic R (U13)* $16 $28 $39
limit 1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
2 free parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the build- Hales Corners Challenge XI Premium membership provides a printed
ing basement ($3). Inf: admin@westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 4SS, G/60. Two Sections: Open & Reserve (under 1600). Crowne Plaza Mil-
waukee Airport Hotel, 6401 S. 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI (414) 764-5300. EF: copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for
835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry: www.western
$35-Open, $25-Reserve, both $5 more after 4/14. Comp EF for USCF 2200+, Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of
chess.com. NS, NC, W. State Championship Qualifier.
call TD for details. $$ Open: 1st-$325 (guaranteed), 2nd-$175 (guaranteed), regular membership. Regular membership
Apr. 10, Kentucky A-$100, B & Below-$75; $$ Reserve: 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, D-$50, E & Below-$40; provides online-only access to Chess Life
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 plus Goddesschess sponsored prizes for female players. Reg.: 8:30-9:30,
Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Ent: Payable to Southwest Chess Club, c/o Allen Becker, 6105
and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be
Western Kentucky University Open mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas-
4SS, G/60, USCF rated. PRIZES: $1500 b/50 full pd. ent.Top 4 places gtd. Free Thorncrest Drive, Greendale, WI 53129. Questions to: TD Robin Grochowski,
Entry for GMs and IMs (EF deducted from winnings). OPEN SECTIONS, PRIZE 414-744-4872 or 414-861-2745. tic members three times per year. Youth
FUND: 1st - 4th place (Gtd): $325,175, 80, 50, Class A $100, 65, 35, Class B Apr. 18, New York provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic
$100, 65, 35, Class C $100, 65, 35, Class D $75, 35, Class E and below $75, 35, World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed
Top Unrated $50. *Unrated players can only play in unrated section. If we reach Grandmaster Challenge above monthly Chess Life. See www.us
75 full pd ent then we will double the prize fund. SIDE EVENTS: College team 6-SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC 212 477-3716, limited to first 64
tournament: Sat. Only 3/27. 4SS, G/60. Trophies to top three teams, Medals entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to Marshall members
chess.org for other membership categories.
to top five players. EF: $25 by March 31st, $35 on site. Reg. Sat. 8-9 am. Rds: (free buffet to participants) GMs free, $25 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 11:45 Dues are not refundable and may be
10-1-3-5. Format: Mod. Swiss (players may play other players from own school AM. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100 U2200, $75 U2000, $50 changed without notice.
and will be mixed in with open section), open to College and University teams U1800, top over 55 $=age, top under 18 $= 3x age, top scoring female $=# *Ages at expiration **Purchased online only
from North America.Teams must provide current college ID w/ picture (shown of players. Rds.: 12-1:20-2:40-4-5:20-6:40. Byes: limit 2, request before
at registration). Tiebreak: All Ties will be broken. G/10 playoff for first place.
SIDE EVENTS: Scholastic Tournament: Sat. Only 4/10. 5SS, G/30. Trophies to
top five teams in each section, medals for top 8 players in each section. EF:
$15 postmark by March 31st, $25 on site. Reg: Sat. 8-9 am. Rd 1: 10 am. Rds:
2-5 ASAP/ as announced. SECTIONS: High School (open to grades 9-12), Jr. High
(open to grades 6-8), Elementary (open to grades 4-5), Primary (open to
grades k-3). Format: 5 Round Swiss. Top 4 scores count towards team total.
Tiebreak: see above. OPEN EF: $35 if postmarked by 4/2/2010, $50 at site.
GMs and IMs receive free entry (EF deducted from winnings). Dues Required:
USCF membership, Kentucky Chess Association for KY residents (Adult $8, Youth
$4). Reg. Sat. 8-9 am.; Byes: 1/2 point for any Rd. (limit 1), must commit by
April 16-18 or 17-18, Windsor Locks CT
reg. HR: Hampton Inn (270) 842-4100, $79.00, includes continental breakfast
and free internet, Reserve by Mar. 10 and mention WKU Open to assure group
rate. Airport Shuttle: Bowling Green Shuttle (866) 234-8705 will provide air-
port shuttle from Nashville Airport to Bowling Green: reservations:
www.BGShuttle.com. Playing site: Garrett Conference Center WKU Campus.
Chief TD: Chris Prosser. ENT: Online registration & directions: www.hilltopper
chess.net (accepts check or credit card; cash or check at site). Info or phone
entry: Samuel J. Hunt (918) 809-6278.

Apr. 10-11, Missouri

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
The Bill Wright Saint Louis Open
Battle wits with 2009 U.S. Champion GM Hikaru Nakamura and GM Ben
Finegold at the most beautiful and technologically advanced Chess Club in the
world! 5SS, G/120. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Mary-
land Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs, deducted from
prize. EF: $60, $50 for annual members of the club if registered by 4/9. MCA
Membership Reqd from $5. OSA. One Section. PF: $3,700 Unconditionally
Guaranteed! 1st Place: $750. 2nd Place: $450. Top U2300: $350. 2nd U2300:
$150. $300 1st/$100 2nd in each A, B, C, D, U1200. Top 2 finishers qualify for
2011 Club Championship. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 2:15, 6:30. Sunday: 9, 1:15.
Two 1/2 point byes available if declared before round 1. Hotel (ask for chess
rate): Chase Park Plaza Hotel, 1-877-587-2427, $159/night. Parkway Hotel, 314-
256-7777, $97/night. Water Tower Inn, 314-977-7500, $70/night. Ent: 4657
Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org. Info:
314-361-CHESS or info@saintlouischessclub.org. Missouri Invitational Qual-

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 55

 Tournament Life
anteed. In 3 sections: Open: 1600-1000-800-400-200, U2400 300-200, U2200
700-500-300. EF: $83 if received by 4/23, $95 door. Premier (U2000): $$ 700-
500-300-100, U1800 400-200-150, U1600 400-200-150. EF: $83 if received by
4/23, $95 door. Amateur (U1400/Unrated): $$400-200-100, U1200 100, Unr
100, unrated may win unrated prize only. EF: $68 if received by 4/23, $80 door.
On-line entry: www.westernchess.com. No credit card entries at door. All: $25
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
Best Game prize, all sections eligible. One half point bye if requested with entry,
rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. of S. Cal. res., $18 reg, $10
junior. Reg.: 5:00-6:00 p.m. Fri, 9-10 a.m. Sat. Rds.: 3-day 6:30 p.m. Fri, 11-
5:30 Sat, 10-4:30 Sun. 2-day: 10:30-1:30 Sat. (G/60), then merges. HR: $109,
(310) 410-4000. Use Group Code WPO. Parking $8/day. Info: admin@western
chess.com. Web site: www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835
N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS. NC. F. State Championship Qual-
ifier. WCL JGP.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, Florida
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
17th Space Coast Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day Rd. 1 G/60). Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront
Resort and Spa, 2605 N. Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL. $$10,000 b/165 pd., 60%
Gtd. 6 Sections: Master/Expert: $1200+trophy-700-300, U2400 $600+tro-
phy, U2200 $600+trophy-300. Class A: $600+trophy-300-200. Class B:
$600+trophy-300-200. Class C: $600+trophy-300-200. Class D: $600+tro-
phy-300-200. U1200: $600+trophy-300-200, U1000 $300+trophy-200, U800
$200+trophy-100, trophies to top Brevard County scholastics players in K-3,
K-5, K-8, K-12, book to plus score not winning other prize. All: Rated players
may play up one class only. Unr. may play in Master or U1200. Unr. limited to
$100 prize unless place prize in Master. Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy and
biggest upset rds 1-4, sponsored by Hollywood Kings. EF: $79, via mail or on-
line by 4/17, $89 on-line by 4/21 or at site (no credit cards); $20 less if Unr.
or under age 18. Re-entry $40 by round 3 (1/2 point Byes for earlier rounds).
GM/IM free entry available on-line until 3/31, else $80 from prize. Special EF
for Brevard County students in any section: $20 on-line, $25 at site (counts as
1/4 entry for based on prize fund). Reg.: ends 1 hr. before 1st rd. Rds.: Rd. 1
8pm Fri (2-day 10am Sat. at G/60), Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1-7, Sun. 9-3. Side events:
Space Coast Open Blitz. 4-SS (2 games/Rd), G/5. Prizes: Cash prizes based on
entries. EF: $10. Rds Sat. 12:30-6:30, Sun. 8:30-2:30. (i.e., Blitz rounds are prior
to rounds 2-5 of main tournament). Other events: see sco2010.eventbrite.com.
HR: $95. 321-777-4100, code CHS, reserve by 3/31. Ent: Space Coast Chess
Foundation, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 or
sco2010.eventbrite.com. Info only: Peter Dyson 321-452-9863, peter200@
modusoperandi.com. FIDE, W. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, Maryland
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
50th Maryland Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (Rnd 1 G/120) (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Rockville Hilton,
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. All prizes guaranteed. 3 sec-
tions: Open: $1200-600-350-250-100, top U2100 $200. Amateur Section
(U1900): $800-450-300-150-100, top U1700 $150, top U1550 $150. Reserve
Section (U1400): $650-350-250-150-100, top U1200 $100, top U1000 $100.
Unrated may not win over $200 in U1400 or $400 in U1900. EF: $60 by 4/18
mail or online, $65 by 4/22 online, and $70 at the door. Special EFs: GM & IMs
free; $60 deducted from prize. Special HR: $69, may not be avail after 4/8,
free Sat. night room for GMs registering early. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri
7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am rds
11-2-6, 9-2:15. Ent: MCA, c/o Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Tow-
son, MD 21204. Online entry at http://mdopen.eventbrite.com. Questions:
mregan@baltimorechess.org. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, Michigan
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
2010 Grrreat Lakes Open
$$2860 GTD. 5-SS. MCCAMLY PLAZA HOTEL 50 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek,
MI 49017. HR: chess rate $89+tax/night. www.mccamlyplazahotel.com 269-
963-7050. 3 Sections: OPEN (anyone), RESERVE (U1600), SCHOLASTIC
April 23-25 or 24-25, Nashville TN
56 Chess Life March 2010
(U1200). Rds: (OPEN & RESERVE 3-day) Fri 7pm; Sat noon, 7pm; Sun
9:00am, 3:30pm; (OPEN & RESERVE 2-day) Sat 11:00am, 1:30pm, merge w/
3-D at 7pm. (SCHOLASTIC U1200 1-day) Sat 9:00am, noon, 2:30pm, 5pm. TC:
(3-day) Rnds 1-3 G/120; Rnds 4-5 40/2 G/60. (2-day) Rnds 1,2 G/60 (merge
w/ 3-day for rnds 3-5); (Scholastic) rnds 1-4: G/45. EF: IMs and GMs free (sub-
tract advance entry from prize); Advance (by 4/1) OPEN: 2-day $52, 3-day $53
RESERVE: 3-day $43, 2-day $42. SCHOLASTIC: $15 All $10 more on-site. $10
Junior discount for O and R. USCF memb req d. MCA memb req d for Michi-
gan residents. Please make checks payable to Stan Beckwith. Reg.: Advance
Stan Beckwith, 84 Bond St., Battle Creek, MI 269-964-2927. Jennifer Skidmore,
jmscamelot@gmail.com 734-678-0463. On-Site (3-day) Fri 5:45-6:30. (2-day)
Sat 9:45-10:30am. (S) Sat 7:45-8:30am. $$: OPEN: 1st $650, 2nd $400, 1st X
$200, 1st A $200, U1800 $150, U1600 $150. RESERVE: 1st $400, 2nd $200, 1st
D $150, 1st E $150, U1000 $105, UNR $105. SCHOLASTIC: 1st trophy, 2nd tro-
phy, 3rd trophy, 1st U1000 trophy, 1st U800 trophy, 1st U600 trophy All players
with 3 points get a trophy. WCL JGP in Open and Reserve Sections.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, Tennessee
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
9th Southern Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Radisson Hotel at Opryland, 2401
Music Valley Drive (TN-155 to West McGavock Pike Exit 12), Nashville, TN
37214. Free parking. Prizes $10,000 based on 160 paid entries (Class E,
unrated, & re-entries count as half entries), $7500 (minimum 75% each prize)
guaranteed. In 6 sections; no unrated allowed in Master-Expert. Master-
Expert (2000/up): $1000-500-300-150, clear win or first on tiebreak $50, top
U2200 $700-400. FIDE. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class
B (1600-1799/Unr): $800-400-200-100. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $800-400-
200-100. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $700-400-200-100. Class E (Under
1200/Unr): $400-300-200-100. Rated players may play up one section.
Unrated prize limit $100 E, $200 D, $300 C, $400 B, $500 A. Top 5 sections
EF: 3-day $88, 2-day $87 mailed by 4/15, all $89 online at chesstour.com by
4/20, $90 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/20 (entry only, no questions), $100 at
site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special EF for all in Class E Section
and unrated in Class C or D: all $40 less. Special Radisson entry fee: $20
less if staying at Radisson with chess rate 4/24 (limit one deduction per guest
room). All: TCA memb. required for TN residents. GMs free, $70 deducted
from prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online
at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult
$40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $50; not available in Master Section. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise
unrated. 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. Bye: all, Master-Expert must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3.
HR: $92-92, 615-889-0800, 800-395-7046, ask for chess rate, reserve by 4/9
or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633.
Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Ent: Continental Chess, 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.
Apr. 24, New Mexico
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
16th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial
United World College, Montezuma, NM. 7 Sections. Professor: Above 1650. 1st
$220 gtd, 2nd $120 gtd. U1900 $80 b/10. 3SS, G/100. EF: $32, $27 U/21.
Instructor: 1500-1750 or UR. 1st 120, 2nd 80 b/10. 3SS, G/90. EF: $27, $22
U/21. Tutor: 1150-1600 or UR. 1st $120 gtd, 2nd $80 b/20. 4SS, G/60. EF: $22,
$17 U/21. Sophomore: U1250 or UR. 1st $90 gtd, 2nd $60 b/20. 4SS, G/60.
EF: $22, $17 U/21. Scholastic: U/age 19 and U1200 or UR. 4SS, G45. 1st $60
gtd, 2nd $40 b/20. EF: $13. Youth U17: U900 or UR. 4SS, G/45. EF: $9. Youth
U14: U600 or UR. 4SS, G/45. EF: $9. Round 1 all sections 10 am. Class prizes
most sections. Late entries only by phone or e-mail by 4/23. Adv. entries
must be postmarked by 4/19. Flier with complete details at www.nmsco.org/
Schedule.html orTD Andy Nowak at 505-310-0095 or anowak@cybermesa.com.
Apr. 24-25 or 25, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Marshall April Grand Prix
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, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL
JGP.
Apr. 29, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may
be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105,
U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA
ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game.
Rds 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
Apr. 29-May 27, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
2010 Hatboro Open
5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road
(near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$950 b/30. In one section: $400-200,
U1900 $100, U1700 $100, U1500 $100, Upset Prize $50. EF: $30 if postmarked
by 4/8, $35 at site, $5 less to Chaturanga CC members. Write checks to Chat-
uranga Chess Club. Reg.: 7-7:20pm. Rds.: 7:30pm each Thursday. Bye: limit
1, any round, must request before Round 3 starts. Ent/Info: Jorge Amador, POB
387, Forest Grove, PA 18922, (215) 794-8368, chaturanga@verizon.net. NS, NC,
W. WCL JGP.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, Vermont
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
21st annual Vermont Resort Open
5 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Lake Morey Resort, 1 Clubhouse
Rd., Fairlee, VT 05045 (I-91 to Exit 15; less than a mile to the resort on Lake
Morey Rd). 2 1/2 hours from Boston or Hartford, 1 hour 45 minutes from Man-
chester, NH, 20 minutes from Dartmouth College. 600 acre lake with boating,
indoor pool, health club, tennis, basketball, biking, hiking, etc. $4000 guaran-
teed prizes. In 5 sections. Open: $500-300-200, top Under 2200/Unr $350-150.
FIDE. Under 2000: $400-200-100. Under 1800: $400-200-100. Under 1600:
$300-150-100. Under 1400: $300-150-100. Unrated may enter any section but
may not win over $80 in U1400, $160 in U1600 or $240 in U1800. EF: 3-day $73,
2-day $72 mailed by 4/22, all $75 online at chesstour.com by 4/28, $80 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 4/28 (entry only, no questions), $85 at site. $50 less to
unrated. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs free; $60 deducted from prize.
Re-entry $40, not available in Open. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess
Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20.
Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 3-day schedule: Reg.
ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9 & 3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg
ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30, 6, Sun 9 & 3:15. Half point byes OK all,
limit 2; must commit before rd 2. HR: $85-85-95, 800-423-1211, 802-333-
4311, reserve by 4/16 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600,
AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continen-
tal Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658,
www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. May ratings used. Advance
entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
May 1-2, California Northern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Summer Open
6SS, G/100. Bay Area Chess Center, 4423 Fortran Ct., San Jose, CA 95134. Free
parking. Prizes: $3,000 b/77 - $$Gtd 2,000. 3 Sections. Open: $$ Gtd. 500-
200-100-100-100. 1400-1799: $500-200-101 (u1600=100-66-66). u1400:
500-200-101 (u1200:100-66). Unrated prize limit of $200 in all sections except
Open. Sections EF: $66 mail/online by 4/28, onsite +$19 play-up +$19. GMs
& IMs free before 4/28. Re-entry $33. May 2010 Supp, CCA min & TD discre-
tion will be used to place players accurately. Sched: Reg. Sat 10-10:30a,
Games- Sat 10:30, 2, 5:30; Sun 10, 1:30, 5. Ent: BayAreaChess, 4423 Fortran
Ct., Ste. 160, San Jose, CA 95134. $20 serv charge for refund. Questions: con-
tact@BayAreaChess.com, Tel 408-786-5515. Info & Entries: BayAreaChess.
com/events/10/summer. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
May 14-16 or 15-16, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)
18th annual New York State Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60). Howard Johnson Tiki Resort,
2 Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845. $$G 4000. In 3 sections. Open: $$ 500-
250-130, top 1910-2109 $200-100, top Under 1910 $200-100. Senior, open to
under 2010 or unrated born before 5/17/60. $$ 400-200-100, top Under 1810
$200-100, top Under 1610 $170-90. Under 1710: $$ 400-200-100, Under 1510
$200-100, Under 1310 $170-90. No unrated may win over $250 in Senior or $150
in Under 1710. All: 1 year NYSCA membership to NY residents who are not mem-
bers. EF: 3-day $78, 2-day $77 mailed by 5/7, $79 online at chesstour.com by
5/12, $85 phoned by 5/12 to 406-896-2038 (payment only, no questions), $90
at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. $40 less to unrated in U1710 or Sen-
ior sections. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online
at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site,
Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 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 U1910, U1610 or U1310 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 usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Sal-
isbury 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!
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
19th annual Chicago Open
uschess.org
Open Section, May 27-31: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, GM & IM norms possible. Under
1300 to Under 2100, May 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day
option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). Under 1000, May 30-31:
7SS, G/40. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave.,
Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwau-
kee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. $100,000
guaranteed prize fund. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-
700-600-500-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500-
700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak
play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under
1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500,
Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300- 300-300. Under 1000:
$1000-600-400-300-300-300-200-200-200-200. Prize limits: 1) Players with
under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/10 list may not win over $500 U1000,
$1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/10 list not counted.
2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/09-4/10, prize
limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in
U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth-
erwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line.
Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $200, 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197
mailed by 3/15; 5-day $220, 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/19;
all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chess-
tour.com: $203 by 3/15, $223 by 5/24, $250 after 5/24 until 2 hours before rd
1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $205 by 3/15, $225
by 5/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/24. GMs, foreign
IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120
deducted from prize. Special EF: $50 less to unrated in U1000 to U2100 sec-
tions. $70 less to rated seniors 65/over in U1300 & above sections. Under 1000
EF: $82 if mailed by 5/19, $83 online at chesstour.com by 5/24, $85 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions), $100 at site. No checks at
site, credit cards OK. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated
Illinois residents. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry:
Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Sec-
tion to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds
Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day sched-
ule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11
& 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat 10 am,
Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to
U2100): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above
schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 schedule: Reg.
ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Mon. 10, 12, 2. Byes: OK all, limit 4
(limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Hotel
rates: $98-98-98-98, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/14 or rate may
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online
through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to
FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or
Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of mul-
tiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings
may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings used; May FIDE rat-
ings used for Open Section. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search
for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with
scores of 80% or over and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones,
cellphones, or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-
496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request lowest possible section if
May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be
posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (except U1000).
June 10, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
2010 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
A Heritage Event!
June 11-13 or 12-13, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
2010 National Open
See Nationals.
June 11-13 or 12-13, Vermont
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
7th annual Vermont Spring Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60). Stratton Mountain Inn, Middle
Ridge Rd. (take Stratton Mountain Road from center of Bondville), West Wards-
boro, VT 05360. 35 minutes east from Manchester, VT or 55 minutes west from
Brattleboro on Rt 30; under 2 hours from Albany, NY or Springfield MA. $$G
2000. In 3 sections. Open: $300-150-80, top Under 1950/Unr $180-90. Under
1750: $250-120-60, top Under 1550 $160-80, no unrated may win over $150.
Under 1350: $200-100-50, top Under 1150 $120-60, no unrated may win over
$80. EF: 3-day $68, 2-day $67 mailed by 6/4, all $69 online at chesstour.com
by 6/9, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 6/9 (entry only, no questions), $80 at
site. $40 less to unrated in U1350 or U1750 Section. No checks at site, credit
cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry.
Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $40, not available in Open. GMs
free; $40 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 1 bye towards class prizes. HR: $79-79, 1-800-STRATTON, 802-297-2500,
reserve by 5/28 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 usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: Con-
tinental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658,
chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at
chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
June 19, 2010 U.S. Game/15 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
June 25-29, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
4th annual Philadelphia International
uschess.org
9SS, 40/2, SD/1. Valley Forge Convention Center (and Scanticon & Radisson
Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. $$G 7000:
$2000-1200-800-600-400-300-200, top FIDE under 2300 or unrated $1000-500.
Minimum prize $600 to foreign GMs who complete all games with no byes, $300
to foreign IMs & foreign WGMs who complete all games with no byes. IM &
GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: Free to GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs;
$100 deducted from prize of US GMs. 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 OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life:
see World Open. Schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 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: $99-99, 610-337-2000, reserve by 6/5 or rate may
increase. Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. Ent: Continen-
tal 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!
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
38th Annual World Open
9 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Open
Section plays 5-day July 1-5 or 7-day June 29-July 5 only. Under 900/Unr Sec-
tion plays separate 3-day schedule July 3-5 only, G/45. Valley Forge
Convention Plaza (and Scanticon & Radisson Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King
of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. 20 miles west of Philadelphia (PA Turnpike
to I-76 East to Exit 327, right on N Gulph Rd, right on 1st Ave, or from Philadel-
phia, I-76 West to Exit 328B-A, right on Mall Blvd, right on N. Gulph Rd., right
on 1st Ave.). For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport or 30th St train station,
call 800-559-2040 or 215-616-5370. All play in same room (brightly lighted exhibit
hall with capacity 1800 players). Radisson and Scanticon hotels are connected
to Convention Plaza. Prizes $250,000 based on 1100 paid entries (seniors, re-
entries, U1200 Section, GMs, WGMs count as 50% entries, rated players in U900
as 25% entries, Unrated in U900 or U1400 not counted), $175,000 minimum
(70% of each prize) guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam
Palatnik; free GM lectures 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only
for Open, Under 2400, Under 1400 or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-
2500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top FIDE U2500
$2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/5
for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr:
$13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600- 500, top U2300 $2000-1000.
IM norms may be possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200: $13000-7000-3000-
2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000-1000. Under 2000:
$13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000.
Under 1800: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1700
$2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-
500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-
900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800, top Unrated $200-100, no unrated
may win over $400. Unrateds may be paired against each other in later rounds,
even with different scores. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-
600-500-400-300, top U1050 $1000-500. Under 900/Unr: $1000-600-400-
300-300-300-200-200-200-200, no unrated may win over $200. Prize limits:
1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/10 list may not win over $500
in U900, $1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 or U1600. Games rated too late for 7/10
list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over sec-
tion maximum any month 7/09-6/10 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of
any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day
$307, 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day
$315, 4-day $314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day
$324, 3-day $323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry
at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24
until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325
by 5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24.
GMs free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; $150 EF deducted from
prize. EF $150 less to all in U1200 Section and rated seniors over 65 in Under
1400 & above. Under 900/Unr Section EF: $78 if mailed by 6/17, $80 online
at chesstour.com by 6/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no
questions), $100 at site. Special EF to unrated in U900 or U1400 Sections:
$28 mailed by 6/17, $30 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $35 phoned to 406-
896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. No checks at site;
credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for
switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid
with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 5-day schedule:Thu 7 pm,
Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm.
7-day schedule: Tue-Thu each 7 pm, Fri-Sat each 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm,
Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 &
6, Mon 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Sat 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sun 11 & 6, Mon
10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr
schedule: Sat 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Sun 11, 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Mon 10 & 12:30. Half
point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd
2, others before rd 5. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Scanticon or
Radisson $99-99, 610-337-2000, 888-267-1500 ask for chess rate, may sell out
about May 25, two night minimum July 3-4. Backup hotel: Dolce (formerly Hilton),
$99-99, 610-337-1200 ask for chess rate. Special car rental rates: Avis,
800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 pts added to FIDE (except Open Section),
100 to FQE, 200 or more to most foreign, no pts added to CFC, Puerto Rico or
Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of mul-
tiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings
may be expelled. US player ratings: Official JULY ratings used; FIDE ratings
(May list) used for Open Section only. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on
4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Play-
ers must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In
round 3 or after, players with scores over 80% and their opponents may not
use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel
without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may request
lowest possible section if July rating unknown. $15 service charge for
refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board, clock
if possible- none supplied. WCL JGP (except U900).
July 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
14th annual Pacific Coast Open
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel,
30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit).
Adjacent to the Santa Monica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles
from Malibu, 28 miles from Ventura. Free parking. Prizes $25,000 based on
230 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half), minimum $20,000 (80%
each prize) guaranteed. In 6 sections. Open: $3000-1500-700-400, clear or
tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr $1600-800. FIDE. Under 2100:
$2000-1000-500-300. Under 1900: $2000-1000-500-300. Under 1700: $2000-
1000-500-300. Under 1500: $1800-900-500-300. Under 1200: $1000-500-300-
200. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U2100 $1000, U1900 $800,
U1700 $600, U1500 $400, U1200 $200; balance goes to next player(s) in line.
Top 5 sections EF: 4-day $134, 3-day $133, 2-day $132 mailed by 7/7, all $135
online at chesstour.com by 7/11, $140 phoned by 7/11 (406-896-2038, entry
only, no questions), $150 (no checks, credit cards OK) at tmt. GMs free; $120
deducted from prize. EF for all in U1200 and unrated in U1500: all $60 less.
SCCF membership ($18, jrs $10) required for rated Southern CA residents.
Re-entry $70; not available in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year
USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult
$30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30. 4-day schedule: Reg Thu to 6:30 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6,
Sun 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, rds Fri 12-7, Sat 11-6, Sun
Chess Life March 2010 57
 Tournament Life

10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 9 am, rds Sat 10-12:45-3:15-6, Sun 10-
4:30. All schedules: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before
rd 2, other sections before rd 4. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, request chess rate,
reserve by 7/1 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD
#D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15
service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9648.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
7/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge
for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted
at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
July 30-Aug. 1 or July 31-Aug. 1, Florida
A Heritage Event!
Aug. 12-15, 13-15 or 14-15, Massachusetts
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
40th annual Continental Open
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366
Main St (Rt 20 West), Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free

Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
July 16-18 or 17-18, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
3rd Annual Chicago Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 1000 & Under 700 Sec-
tions: 6SS, G/75, 7/17-18 only. Doubletree Hotel Chicago/Oak Brook, 1909
Spring Rd (near I-88 Cermak Rd exit), Oak Brook, IL 60521. Free parking. No
residence requirements. $20,000 guaranteed prizes and trophies. In 9 sections;
no unrated in Master, unrated allowed in Under 700 only if age 15 or below.
Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100,
top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199/Unr): $1300-700-400-300.
Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr):
$1300-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-400-200. Class D
(1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $1000-500-
300-200. Under 1000: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Under 700: Trophies
to top 7. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated prize limit $100
U1000, $200 E, $300 D, $400 C, $500 B, $600 A. Top 7 sections EF: 3-day $93,
2-day $92 mailed by 7/8, all $95 online at chesstour.com by 7/12, $100 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 7/12 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. No checks at
site, credit cards OK. U1000 & U700 EF: $27 mailed by 7/8, $28 online at chess-
tour.com by 7/12, $30 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/12 (entry only, no
questions), $40 at site. All: ICA memb. ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated
Illinois residents. EF $50 less to unrated in Class D or E if paid with 1 year USCF
dues. GMs free, $90 deducted from prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with
Chess Life if paid with entry- Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult
$20. Mailed, phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not
available in Master Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more
games usually used if otherwise unrated. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm,
rds. Fri 7, 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. U1000 & U700 schedule: Reg. ends 10 am,
rds. Sat 11, 2:30, 6, Sun 9, 12:30, 3:15. Bye: all, Master must commit before
rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $93-93, 800-528-0444, 630-573-1234, reserve by
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
18th Annual Southern Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001
International Drive, Orlando 32819. Free parking. $$18,000 based on 220 paid
entries (re-entries & $50 off entries count half), $12,000 (2/3 each prize)
minimum guaranteed. In 6 sections. Open: $2000-1000-600-400, clear or
tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $1200-600, FIDE. Under 2100:
$1500-700-400-300. Under 1900: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1700: $1300-600-
400-300. Under 1500: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $700-400-200-100.
Unrated may not win over $150 in U1200, $300 U1500, $500 U1700, or $700
U1900. Top 5 sections EF: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 7/22, all $109
online at chesstour.com by 7/28, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 7/28 (entry
only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK)at site. GMs free; $100
deducted from prize. EF for all in U1200 or unrated in U1500: all $50 less.
Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry. Online at chess-
tour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40,
Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day sched-
ule: 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. All: Half
point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3.
HR: $69-69 plus resort fee (currently 7.5%), 1-800-421-8001, 407-351-2420;
reserve by 7/16 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD
D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess,
Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.
WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, California Southern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300
Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th annual U.S. Open
See Nationals.
parking. Experience early 19th century America at Old Sturbridge Village (see
www.osv.org). Prizes $30,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries & $60 less
EF count half), minimum $24,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections.
Open: $3000-1500-700-400, clear or tiebreak win $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr
$1800-1000. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1900: $2000-1000-
600-400. Under 1700: $2000-1000-600-400. Under 1500: $2000-1000-600-400.
Under 1300: $1800-900-500-300. Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200. Unrated
may enter any section, with prize limit U2100 $900, U1900 $700, U1700 $500,
U1500 $400, U1300 $300, U1000 $200; balance goes to next player(s) in line.
Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $144, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by 8/5, all $145
online at chesstour.com by 8/9, $150 phoned by 8/9 (406-896-2038, entry only,
no questions), $160 (no checks, credit cards OK) at tmt. GMs free; $140
deducted from prize. EF for all in Under 1000 Section & unrated in U1300:
$60 less. All: MACA membership ($12, under 18 $6) required for rated MA res-
idents, WMCA accepted for western MAresidents. Re-entry $80; not available
in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usu-
ally used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if
paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 4-day schedule: Reg Thu
to 6:30 pm, rdsThu 7 pm, Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 3-day schedule: Reg.
Fri to 11 am, rds Fri 12-7, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to
9 am, rds Sat 10-12:45-3:15-6, Sun 9-3:15. All schedules: Bye all, limit 2, Open
must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. HR: $87-87, 800-582-3232,
508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 7/29 or rate may increase. Car
rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, PO
Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9648. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.
WCL JGP.
Oct. 23, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
2010 U.S. Game/60 Championship
See Nationals.

Membership Appreciation Program (MAP)

Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life. More frequent MAP standings and details will appear at main.uschess.org/go/MAP.

Overall Affiliate Standings Adult Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 1237 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 706
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 769 JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 168
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 358 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 111
BAYAREACHESS CA 329 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 106
EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 315 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 94
DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 277 THE ATLANTA CHESS & GAME CNTR GA 93
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE MO 273 MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 83
LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 249 HAMILTON ELEM SCH CHESS CLUB MI 81
SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 238 MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 76
SILVER KNIGHTS PA 209 CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK NY 74

Small State Affiliate Standings Scholastic and Youth Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 152 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 1143
METRO CHESS DC 121 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 342
MESA CHESS CLUB NM 59 EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 304
SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION SD 54 BAYAREACHESS CA 270
WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB DE 25 LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 239
AIRLINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ME 24 GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE MO 207
NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG NM 23 CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW CA 198
WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL NH 20 SILVER KNIGHTS PA 192
WETZEL COUNTY CHESS CLUB WV 20 SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 179
RELYEA CHESS NH 18 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 166

State Chapter Affiliate Standings Member Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 363 DOCKERY, JOHN T FL 51
PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 220 NAVARRO, DANIEL A TX 48
MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MD 149 CHENEY, WILLIAM G AZ 32
MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MA 114 DIXON, MARK A TX 27
MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 113 BERRY, FRANK K OK 24
NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 74 RYAN, BEN J NE 21
WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION WA 60 CHRISMER, GARIE L TX 20
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN NH 52 ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER IA 20
KENTUCKY CHESS ASSOCIATION KY 35 CLARK, MIKE MO 18
WISCONSIN CHESS ASSOCIATION WI 33 WILLIS, MARVIN P CA 15

PCT Gain Standings

State Dec08 Dec09 Pct State Dec08 Dec09 Pct State Dec08 Dec09 Pct State Dec08 Dec09 Pct
MT 75 87 16.0 NV 813 893 9.8 SD 228 234 2.6 VA 2778 2836 2.1
AR 277 310 11.9 MN 1020 1076 5.5 MO 1253 1282 2.3
DC 246 273 11.0 NE 296 309 4.4 IN 1610 1646 2.2

58 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

Oct. 24, Illinois
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
2010 U.S. Game/30 Championship
See Nationals.
Regional
Alabama
Mar. 27, Birmingham Mar Tornado
4SS, TC: G/75. Homewood Community Center, 1632 Oxmoor Road, Home-
wood, AL 35209. OPEN ($375 b/15): $200-100-75; RESERVE (U1500; $375
b/15): $200-100-75; Late REG.: MAR 27th, 8-8:40am. Rds.: 9, 11:30, 2:30, 5.
EF: $30, if mailed by MAR 20th; $40 at site. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): 5SS,TC: G/40
- AMATEUR (UNR-999). EF: $20, If mailed by MAR 20th, $10 more at site. Tro-
phy: Top 3. Rds.: 9-10:30-12:30-2, 3:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess.
ENT: Caesar Chess, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34-PMB 310, Birmingham,
AL 35244. Info: info@CaesarChess.com, www.CaesarChess.com. WCL JGP
in Open and Reserve Sections.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championships (TN)
See Grand Prix.
Arizona
Every Friday - Friday Night Action
4SS, G/30, Every Friday, Rounds 7, 8, 9, 10pm. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd
St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 82% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-
4867.
Every Tuesday - Tuesday Night Action
SS 45/2 SD/1, 1 round every Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Registration first
Tues. of month. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF:
$35. 60% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-4867. WCL JGP.
May 29-31, 2010 U.S. Amateur West Championship
See Nationals.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
California Northern
March (NOT MAY) 19-21, Denker Qualifier and Regional Champi-
onship Event!
NOTE DATE CORRECTION. Free parking. Hotel: Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, 5101
Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054. Hotel rate $99 code G-BACH. 12
sections. Trophies to top 10 players & top 10 teams in each section. Trophies
to all KG players & teams. Sched: KG, 1-3 new & under 800, 4-6 new & under
600> Sat 9-4:30 only * 7-8 Varsity & 9-12 Varsity> 6 x G/120 Fri 5:45, Sat
9, 1:15, 5:45, Sun 10, 2:15. 2-day opt. Sat 9, 12, 3 merges with the 3-day sched
in rd 4. All other sections> Sat & Sun 9-6. Blitz & Bughouse in 4 sections
(K-3 4-6 7-8 9-12) on Fri 6-9 & Sat 6-9, respectively. EF for sections: 1-day>
$48, 2-day> $60, Blitz & Bughouse: $15. 10% discount to first 100 entries, 5%
to next 100, 2.5% to next 100. Register early to save your money & help our
planning. More info at: CalChessScholastics.org. NS, NC, W.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 16-18, CalChess State Scholastics 2010
at Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA
95054. Free parking. Hotel: Hyatt Regency, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa
Clara, CA 95054. Hotel rate $99 code G-BACH. 14 sections.Trophies to top 20
players & top 10 teams in each section. Trophies to all KG players & teams.
Sched: KG or 1-3 new & under 800> Sat 9-4:30. 4-6 new & under 600> Sun
9-4:30. All other sections> Sat & Sun 9-6. Blitz & Bughouse in 4 sections (K-
3 4-6 7-8 9-12) on Fri 6-9 & Sat 6-9, respectively. EF: 1-day> $48, 2-day> $60,
Blitz & Bughouse: $15. 10% discount to first 400 entries, 5% to next 200, 2.5%
to next 200. Register early to save your money & help our planning. More info
at: CalChessScholastics.org. NS, NC, W.
May 1-2, Summer Open
See Grand Prix.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
California Southern
LA Chess Club
www.LAChessClub.com. Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Class
& 3 Tournaments). Sundays: 12-6 & 1-5 PM (Adult &
Junior Tournaments) Details on our website. Tuesdays:
7:30-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lecture). 11514
Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 795-
5710. (4 blocks 405 West, Santa Monica & Butler, 2nd
Floor). Private (1:1) Lessons, Group Classes, Tourna-
ments.
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC LA Masters G/15 (QC)
5SS, G/15. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Floor. 4 blocks 405
West. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Rds.: 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30.
Prizes: 3/4 EF. Q-rated. Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3).
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Saturday G/60
3SS, G/60. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA ,90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20
($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Parking:
2 Free lots SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Info: (310) 795-5710
or www.LAChessClub.com.
Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Saturday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC)
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4
blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 9-9:30 pm. Rds.: 9:30, 9:50, 10:10, 10:30,
10:50 pm. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3).
Mar. 7, 2010 California G/30 Scholastic Championship (K-12)
6 SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor, 4 blocks 405 W - LA, CA 90025.
uschess.org
Free refreshments& parking on the streets & BOA parking; or in the building
basement ($3). Free lecture & Q/A by LA Times Columnist IM Jack Peters (11-
12 noon). EF: $30 ($25 LACC members; $10 off siblings, Free New/Renewing
LACC members; LACC Junior Memb: $100/Yr). Reg.: 10-11:45 am. Rounds:
6 rounds at 12, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30. 4 Sections: 1) OPEN; 2) U1700;
3) U1400; 4) U1000. Byes: Up to two 1/2 point byes available. Prizes:Trophies
(top 3 each section), Medals (the rest), Gifts & Raffles (wooden pieces& Dig-
ital clock). Info: Mick Bighamian: Cell (310) 795-5710; Mick@LAChessClub.com.
URL: www.LAChessClub.com. NS. NC. W.
Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Junior Grand Prix Sunday Scholastics
5SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blocks 405
West. EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, Free for new LACC memb). Reg.: 12-1 pm. Rds.:
1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes: A Disney prize for each player and top 10 qualify for the
Junior Grand Prix with trophies, medals distributed at the end of the month.
Free BOA or street parking; or underground ($3). Free refreshments. Free class
(12-1 pm). Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Sunday G/60
3SS, G/60. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blocks 405
West. EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Free BOA
or street parking. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Mar. 20-21, Kern County Open Championship II
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 27-28, SCCF Super State Scholastic Championship
HS and JH Championship section 6-SS, G/80. Elem and Primary (K-3rd) 6-SS,
G/60. K-1 section 5-SS, G/30. OC Great Park, Irvine, Marine Way Irvine, CA
92618. Free parking. LaQuinta Inn & Suites $75 rate code Chess Palace. 14972
Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine, CA-- (949) 551-0909-. Trophies to top 10 players,
top 3 teams, and top 3 clubs in all sections. 9 Sections. Sat 9a-4:30p only: K-
1, Primary Reserve, Elementary Reserve Sun 9a-4:30p only: Jr. High
Reserve, High School Reserve, unrated section. Sat & Sun 9a-6p: all Champi-
onship sections (Elementary, Jr. High, and High). Sat 6-9: Bughouse in 4
sections (K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12). Entry Fee: for 1-day sections: $35, 2-day sec-
tions: $45, Blitz & Bughouse: $15 each. 10% discount to first 50. 5% to next
50. Register early to save your money and our time. More info at:
www.chesspalace.com. WCL JGP for HS and JH Championship section.
Apr. 4, 2010 Westwood Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, April Swiss Tournament
Santa Monica Bay Chess club will hold a 4 round Swiss Tournament on Mon-
day evenings from April 5 to April 26. Rounds: begin at 7:10 p.m. continuing
no later than 11:00 p.m. Time control: G/1:50 (w/5 sec. delay). Registration:
begins 7:00 p.m. on April 5. Entry fee: $10 with Club membership ($60 per year).
The event is USCF rated. Cash prizes, based on number of entries will be
awarded by class based sections. The Club is located in the St. Andrews
Church Library at 11555 National Blvd., West Los Angeles at corner of Fed-
eral/Barry Ave. at National Blvd. Contact:TD Pete Savino (310) 827-2789. WCL
JGP.
Apr. 10-11, 2010 SCCF Senior/Junior Open
5-SS. San Diego Chess Club, 2225 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101. $3,200, based
on 60 players (60% of each prize guaranteed) In 2 sections: Senior = must
be at least 50 years old, Junior = must under 50 years old. Both Sections:
$300-150-50 U2400 $150-50 U2200 $150-50 U2000 $150-50 U1800 $150-50
Plus $100 for Best over 60 years old, $100 for BU 20 years old. $100 for Best
over 70 years old, $100 for BU 16 years old, $100 for Best over 80 years
old, $100 for BU 12 years old. Each player is eligible for only one of all the
above prizes! Rounds: 10 AM, 2 PM and 6 PM on Saturday, G/90 with 10 sec-
ond delay. 10 AM and 3 PM on Sunday, G/120 with 10 second time delay. EF:
$50 if recd by 4/09, or $10 more on event day. Mail to address below. SCCF
membership reqd, $18, $10 Juniors under 19 includes Rank & File magazine,
OSA. Special rate for players rated U1500 is only $25. One half point bye OK
in Rds 1- 4, but please request by Rd 1, no last round byes. Unrated players
can win only the top 3 prizes, no rating or age prizes. Reg: 9 AM to 9:45 AM
on 4/10, please bring your own chess equipment, but we do have sets, boards,
bags and digital clocks for sale at a good price. WEB: Online unofficial web rat-
ings used. No Smoking, No Computers, cell phone and serious noise violations
subject to $5 fine. Parking: Free spots on street, arrive early for closest
ones. Info: Bruce Baker at (619) 239-7166 or also see our website at
http://sdchessclub.multiply.com for further info. Mail Entries to: SDCC, PO Box
120162, San Diego, CA 91112. WCL JGP.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 8th Ann. Western Pacific Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 25, 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 4/23, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each sec-
tion. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery,
835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Apr. 25, WPO Scholastics
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open
to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2
Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated.
Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 4/23, $20
door. Inf: John Hillery, admin@westernchess.com. On-line ent: www.western
chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA
90038.
July 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 14th annual Pacific Coast Open
See Grand Prix.
July 31-Aug. 3, 2010 U.S. Girls Junior Open Championship
See Nationals.
July 31-Aug. 3, World Chess Live Tournament of College Champi-
ons
See Nationals.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open
See Nationals.
Colorado
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
Connecticut
Mar. 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, UCONN Chess Club Championship 2010
4-SS, G/90. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs,
CT 06269. EF: $20, students free. Reg.: 7:15-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$
35%-30%,Top U-1600 20%-15% net proceeds from EFs.Trophy toTop Student.
1/2 point byes available in rounds 1-3 only, no last round byes. Info:Tom Hart-
mayer, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@charter.net. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 28, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
Championship
Out of state welcome & prize eligible. Sponsored by the UCONN School of
Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building, rooms 204 & 206, 261
Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 - SS, G/30. 5 Sec-
tions: K - 6 Open, (Open to all), Reserve K - 6 U-700, K - 3, Reserve K - 3
U-700. All EF: $50 by 3-24, $60 after. Checks payable to UCONN. Reg.: 8-
9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-11-12-1. Half point byes available in rds. 1 - 3 only, no last
round byes. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5 in each section. Trophies to Top 5 teams
of top 4 from 1 school combined from all sections. All players with plus scores,
2.5 or better, get free entry into CSCA K-8 Championship on April 4th.
Ties broken by USCF tiebreak rules. Info & Entries: John Fikiet, 15 Holly Dr.,
Storrs, CT 06268. 860-429-1350, fikiet@eng2.uconn.edu, www.uconnchess.
Chess Life March 2010 59
 Tournament Life
uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map http://admissions.uconn.edu/
virtualtour/search/.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 11 NOT Apr. 4, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State
Open Championship
NOTE: date change. Out of state welcome & prize eligible. Sponsored by
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building
Rooms 204 & 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North
Garage. 4- SS, G/60. EF: $50, by 4-1, $60 later. 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:Trophies toTop 5 overall,Top 5 Grade
7, Top 5 Grade 6. Trophy to Top 5 teams of 4 or less from 1 school. Ties for Top
5 individual places broken by G/60 playoff tournament or match on May 16th
same location, round 1 at 10 AM. All other ties broken according to USCF tiebreak
rules. All players with plus scores, 2.5 or better, get free entry into CSCA
K-12 Championship on April 25th. Info & Entries to: John Fikiet, 15 Holly
Dr., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-429-1950. fikiet@eng2.uconn.edu, www.uconn
chess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map http://admissions.uconn.
edu/virtualtour/search/.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Hartford Open
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 25, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham-
pionship
Out of state welcome & prize eligible except for Denker/2010 U.S. Girls
Open Chess Championship awards. Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engi-
neering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook
Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in North Garage. 4 - SS, G/60. EF: $50 by 4-21,
$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/2010 U.S. Girls Open Championship
$300 Award & trophy to highest scoring CT male/female residents in grades
9-12. UCONN School of Engineering Scholarships to Top 3, (out of state eli-
gible), 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 winners are eligible for trophy & titles only. Trophy to top 3 teams of 4
or less from 1 school. Ties for top 3 individual places broken by G/60 playoff
tournament or match on May 16th same location, round 1 at 10 AM. Other ties
broken by USCF tiebreak rules. Info & Entries: John Fikiet, 15 Holly Dr.,
Storrs, CT 06268, 860-429-1950. fikiet@eng2.uconn.edu, www.uconnchess.
uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map http://admissions.uconn.edu/
virtualtour/search/.
60 Chess Life March 2010
May 14-16 or 15-16, 18th annual New York State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
June 25-29, 4th annual Philadelphia International (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Delaware
Mar. 27, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
Howard Johnsons Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. (time con-
trols:40/75, s/d 30). EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-1:45-5:30.
ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-740-3442.
KevinJPytel@aol.com. INFO: Email is the best way to contact me. Delaware
Series Challenge Event #2. NS, W.
Mar. 27, Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix (NJ)
See Grand Prix.
District of Columbia
Mar. 28, Metro Sunday Quads
3-RR, G/90. U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. EF: $20 $$ $40 each quad.
Scholastic sections. EF: $10,Trophy prizes. Both: Reg.: 9:15 - 9:50. Rds.: 10-
1-4. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org./quads.php.
Apr. 11, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
4-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open to
players rated under 1200 or unrated. EF: $20 ($15 if by 4/3). 5 sections by age.
Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/rbo.php.
Florida
Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Palm Beach Gardens Chess Club
Meets every Saturday 9 am till 4 pm. 4-SS Rated Games G/75 or G/120 (WCL
JGP.). Also, Scholastic Games G/30, 4-SS. For more info: see www.palmbeach
chessclub.info or call President/TD John Dockery at 561-762-3377.
Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, $500 Guar. Cash Opens
5rd Swiss, G/30. EF: $25; $30 at door. SPCC mems $5 off. $100-$60-$40;
U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30-$20 each. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Cen-
ter, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Pete. NC, W. prereg at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com.
727-822-1171.
Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1 St. Petersburg Rated Beginners Opens (RBOs)
5rd Swiss, G/30. USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000;
top 12 in each get trophy (all K-2 get trophy) all others medal.Team (2 or more)
- best four scores from all divisions trophy to top 12. EF: $18. SPCC mems $15.
1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. NC, W.
pregister online at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Mar. 13, March OCG/Central Florida Quick-Rated Madness (QC)
7SS G/29 (USCF Quick-Rated). Reg.: 9:15-9:45am. Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30-2:30-
3:30-4:30. Ent: $30, OCG Mem: $24. PF-b/30: $175-125-100-75, Lower Half
Crosstable: $75-50. Info: www.orlandochess.com, 407-248-0818.
Mar. 20, March OCG/Central Florida Open
4SS, G/90. Reg.: 9:15-9:45am. Rds.: 10-1pm-4pm-7pm, Ent: $30, OCG Mem:
$24. PF-b/30: $175-110-75, Best U-1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65 each. Info:
www.orlandochess.com, 407-248-0818.
Mar. 27-28, North Florida Classic Chess Championships II
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 10, The Benjamin School Scholastic
Located at 1100 Ellison Wilson Road, NPB, FL 33408. K-12, 5 Divisions, 5-SS,
G/30. Trophies for Top 5 Players and Top 5 Teams in each Division. For more
info. see: www.palmbeachchessclub.info or call President/TD John Dockery
at 561-762-3377.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 17th Space Coast Open
See Grand Prix.
July 30-Aug. 1 or July 31-Aug. 1, 18th Annual Southern Open
See Grand Prix.
Georgia
May 7-9, 2010 Burt Lerner National Elementary (K-6) Champi-
onship
See Nationals.
Illinois
North American Chess Association
Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing
strength.Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate.
Monthly FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan
A. Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer.
www.nachess.org | info@nachess.org | 888.80.CHESS.
Mar. 13, 8th Annual Mark Oestreich Memorial Chess Tournament
Time controls 30/70, then 40/60. No sudden death. Salem Community 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: janda-
davies@sbcglobal.net.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 19-25, 2010 FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship
See Nationals.
Mar. 20, Swiss Tournament
4SS, G/60. Holiday Inn Hotel, 495 Airport Road, Elgin, IL 60123. (Interesection
uschess.org
of I-90 & Rt. 31.) Entry fee is $20 (cash or check only), cash prizes based on
entries. Registration begins at 8:30 A.M. Round times at 9:30, 11:35, 2:25,
4:30. 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.
Mar. 26-28, 2010 FIDE Intercontinental School Team Chess Cham-
pionship
See Nationals.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 27-28, 45th Greater Peoria Open
5 SS, G/120T/d5. Lakeview Museum, 1125 Lake Ave., Peoria IL 61614. EF: $35
mailed by 3/22, $45 at site, $20 Unr, $0 if 2200 & up, $5 disct ICA memb, $3
disct GPCF memb. $$Gtd: 80% of EFs. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-2:15-6:30,
9:30-2:00. Other information: Bye 1-4. www.gpcf.net. Ent: Wayne Zimmerle,
514 W. Loucks, #2, Peoria, IL 61604, 309-692-4480 day, 309-686-0192 night,
wzim@sbcglobal.net. WCL JGP.
Apr. 11, Knights Quest #52
4SS, Game/30. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd.,
Northbrook, IL. 4 Sections: Open & U1400 (Juniors & Adults), Juniors only in
U1000 & U600. Prizes: Trophies top five each section, medals all others. EF:
$25 by 4/3, $30 after. $5 off to siblings and team members when registering
together. Reg.: 12:00-12:30 pm. Rds.: 1 at 1:00 pm, rest ASAP. Ent: Renais-
sance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online Ent/Info:
www.rknights.org, Sheila Heiser 847-526-9025.
Apr. 24, Seventh Annual David Mote Memorial Open
4SS, G/75 (1st round G/60). Carpenters Local 16, 211 W. Lawrence Ave.,
Springfield. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-12:30-3:15-6. Lunch break at noon. EF: $17
by 4/21, $20 at site, $2 less to SCC members. Prizes: $$400 b/30. 140-80, 1600-
1999 60, 1200-1599 50, Under 1200 40, Unrated 30. Ent/Info: David Long, 401
S. Illinois St., Springfield 62704. 217-726-2584. Information and directions avail-
able at: http://springfieldchessclub.110mb.com. WCL JGP.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open
See Grand Prix.
June 19, 2010 U.S. Game/15 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
July 16-18 or 17-18, 3rd Annual Chicago Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 23, 2010 U.S. Game/60 Championship
See Nationals.
Oct. 24, 2010 U.S. Game/30 Championship
See Nationals.
Indiana
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church. Entrance
is in the back, down the stairs by the office. When: Starts Every Friday except
the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30
P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if
received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes:
Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each
quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317)
634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net.
Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
5 Round, G/61, U.S.C.F. rated. 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free
Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office.
Late Ent. 8-9am, Rd 1, 9:30am. Prizes: $465.00 b/o 20 full pd. Ent. 1st $150;
2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow.
EF: $25 if recd one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount
for your birthday month, $5.00 discount for any state associaton (except
ISCA), FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net. Note: there must be at least 3 entries in
a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining class prizes are
vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. WCL JGP.
FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the sec-
ond Sat. of the Month
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St.
Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs,
by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets
choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess
merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details.
Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free if played in a Orange Crush
pay event in last two months otherwise $2.00 Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.
Mar. 18, 1st Choice Caf & Bakery Open (QC)
3SS, G/29. First Choice Cafe and Bakery, 8714 East 21st Street, Indianapolis,
IN 46225. Open to All. EF: $5.00. Unr: Free. Prizes: $50 Gift Certificate to Bak-
ery. Rds.: 6:30p, 7:30p, 8:30p. 1/2 point bye for first round only, for any rea-
son. An outreach of the Our Lady of Lourdes Chess club (www.ollchess club.org).
ENT: info@ollchessclub.org. INFO: Kieron Mitchell, 317-376-8112. Clocks
and boards provided. NS, NC, W.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
Kentucky
Mar. 27, Carpetbagger Minus Score Quick #1 (QC)
5-SS. G/25. The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne St. (corner of Clifton & Payne),
Louisville, KY. EF: $24 if by 3/17/10, $30 at site. Prizes (260 b/30): $60, U1950
$56, U1700 $52, U1450 $48, U1200/Unr. $44. MINUS SCORE (if you are not a
prize winner & have a score under 2.5 then you get money): 2pts $5, 1.5pts $4,
1pts $3, 0.5pts $2, 0 pts $1. Rds.: 1:15-2:25-3:30-4:30-5:30. Reg.: 12:30-
1pm. Half point bye available (2 max) any round w/registration. Info via
e-mail (chess in subject) to: carpetbaggerchess@yahoo.com. ENT: Lawrence
Cohen, P.O. Box 6632, Villa Park, IL 60181. NS, NC.
Apr. 10, Western Kentucky University Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 17, EGG SALAD Open
4SS, G/45. Elizabethtown Community & Technical College; Room 303, Occupa-
tional-Technical Building, Elizabethtown, KY. EF: $20, at site $25 (Cash Only).
$$b/20: 1st $100, 2nd $50, Class A, B, C, D, E & Below/unr $40. Reg.: 8:15-
8:45 am. Rds.: Round 1-9:00 am (EST), others ASAP. Ent: Johnny Owens, P.O.
Box 226, Elizabethtown, KY 42702, (270) 272-3061. Info: Email chess-
nut@insightbb.com. POC: Johnny Owens (270) 706-8854.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championsihps (TN)
See Grand Prix.
Louisiana
Mar. 13-14, 2010 Louisiana Pro-Am
See Grand Prix.
Maryland
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 20-21, 2010 Maryland Scholastic Championships
5SS, 9 sections. Hagerstown Hotel and Convention Center, 1910 Dual Highway,
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. MD Residents only. 2-Day Sections: HS

GOLD AFFILIATES GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

Cajun Chess Jersey Shore High School Renaissance Knights GOLD
7230 Chadbourne Drive Chess League Chess Foundation
PO Box 1074 Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
New Orleans, LA 70126 PO Box 773, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Northbrook, IL 60065 USCF memberships during the current or
504-208-9596 jbart1517@yahoo.com
773-844-0701 previous calendar year, or is the recognized
cajunchess@yahoo.com renknights@aol.com State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold
New Jersey State Chess Federation
www.cajunchess.com www.renaissanceknights.org
c/o Roger Inglis Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe-
Chess Club and Scholastic 49-A Mara Rd. San Diego Chess Club cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 2225 Sixth Avenue month, giving the affiliate name, address,
Center of St. Louis San Diego, CA 92101
4657 Maryland Avenue 973-263-8696, rwij@njoychess.com phone number, e-mail address, and website.
619-239-7166
St. Louis, MO 63108. 314-361-CHESS www.njscf.org chucnglo@aol.com Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist-
info@stlouischessclub.org http://sdchessclub.multiply.com ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month
New York City Chess Inc
www.stlouischessclub.org c/o Russell Makofsky remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20
Village Chess Shop of NYC for each month remaining on their Silver Affil-
234 Thompson Street c/o Michael Propper
Continental Chess New York, NY 10012 iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an
Association 230 Thompson Street
646-707-3587 info@chessnyc.com New York, NY 10012 annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, www.chessnyc.com 212-475-9580 Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no
NY 12577. 845-496-9658 info@chess-shop.com minimum requirement for memberships sub-
PaperClip Pairings www.chess-shop.com
chesstour@aol.com
c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari mitted.
www.chesstour.com
6005 Forest Blvd Western PA Youth Chess Club
En Passant Chess Club Brownsville, TX 78526 Attn: Jerry Meyers
4101 Windsor Street
SILVER
1301 North Shore Drive 956-459-2421
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
San Benito, TX 78586 jejrhoughtaling@bisd.us 412-422-1770 USCF memberships during the current or
956-399-9724 catnipper99@yahoo.com previous calendar year, or is the recognized
edguetzow@sbcglobal.net www.youthchess.net
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
in a special list in Tournament Life each
month, giving the affiliate name, state, and
SILVER AFFILIATES choice of either phone number, e-mail
address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs
Chess Center of New York (NY) Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) Oklahoma Chess Foundation $150 per year, and existing affiliates may
www.chesscenter.cc 516-739-3907 www.OKchess.org subtract $3 for each month remaining on
Indiana State Chess Association Marshall Chess Club (NY) Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,
www.indianachess.org www.marshallchessclub.org akakarpov@att.net by paying an annual payment of $250.00
(instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be
International Chess Academy (NJ) Michigan Chess Association Sparta Chess Club (NJ) obtained with no minimum requirement for
www.icanj.net www.michess.org www.spartachessclub.org memberships submitted.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 61

 Tournament Life

Championship (9-12)Winner is Denker rep for MD; MS Champ (6-8); Elem
(K-5) Champ; 1-Day Sections: HS JV(<1000); MS JV(<900); Elem JV(<1000);
Elem Novice (<600), Primary (K-3) Champ; Primary JV(<400). HS, MS, and
Elem Champ sections are 2-day sections Rds. 1-3 G/65, Rds. 4-5 G/90 2-day
sched Sat 10:00-12:30-3:00, Sun 9-12:15. All JV and K-3 Champ are 1-day. 1-
day sched G/30, 1st rnd 9:30, then ASAP. EF: $17 by 2/20, $22 by 3/16, $30
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
playoffs. USCF membership required (may be purchased at event). Unrated
Novice: 3SS. For unrated scholastic players with no prior tournament expe-
rience. Players with established ratings not permitted in this section. Top 4
finishers receive trophy and free entry to chess camp (G/7mins playoff may
be required). Certificate to everyone completing three games. Includes instruc-
tion on how to play in tournaments 10-10:45am. USCF membership not required.
Apr. 25, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham-
pionship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open (VT)

online only by 7pm 3/18, $35 at the door (1/2 point bye in Rnd 1). HR: $69. Ent:
Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Road, Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules
for all and more information at www.baltimorechess.org, online entry at
http://mdstates10.eventbrite.com. WCL JGP for two day schedule.
Mar. 27, Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix (NJ)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 10-11, Catonsville-Fells Point Open
Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228.
2 Sections, Open: 5SS, G/90, $$b/30 $225-$110-$85 U2200 $75 U2100 $75
U2000 $75 b/4, more per entries. U1900: 5SS, G/90,
ED
LL$30
$$b/30 $200-$100-$75
U1700 $70 U1500 $70 U1300 $70 b/4. EEF:
CAll before March 28, $40 after,
AN
under 17 $10 off. GMs or IMs:Cfree entry but $40 deducted from any prize. Reg.:
9:45-10:45am. Rds.: Sat 11:00-3:00-7:00 Sun 10:00-2:00. Bye: 1-4, max 2. Info:
josephas2@verizon.net, Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent:
Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Balt., MD. 21207. 410-788-1009. Make checks
payable to Joe Summers, include USCF ID and section, Open or U1900. Dir:
695 to Exit 13 West, Left at second light (Bloomsbury Ave),Three blocks on right.
WCL JGP.
Apr. 11, Catonsville Second Sunday Tornado
4SS, G/61. EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 10:30-1:15-3:30-
5:45. Reg.: 9:45am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106 Bloomsbury
Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Two Sections: Open $$b/24 $100-$60-$42 U1850
$40 U1550 $40, more per entries. U1200 $$b/12 $50-$25 U1000 $25 b/4
U800 $25 b/4. Bye: 1-3. Info: josephas2@verizon.net Website: http://
mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Baltimore,
MD 21207. Include USCF ID, rating and section. Checks payable to Joe Sum-
mers. PH: 410-788-1009. WCL JGP.
Apr. 11, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) (DC)
See District of Columbia.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 50th Maryland Open
See Grand Prix.
May 2, Maryland Scholastic Chess Spectacular
4SS, G/20mins in 2 sections. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC),
1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in University Center Ballroom).
Open to any student grades 1-12. Coaches welcome to attend free instructional
sessions. Spectators free and welcome. Quick Rated Open: 4SS. For rated and
unrated scholastic competitors with prior tournament experience. Trophies to
top ten finishers, top individuals (elementary, middle, high, unrated), top
schools (elementary, middle, high). Top 10 finishers receive free entry to chess
camp. Top four players, and anyone with a perfect score, advance to knockout
Unrated Playoffs (invitational): For finalists from Quick Rated Open. Single-
elimination G/7mins (2-sec delay), two games per match, with move-by-move
sports commentary.Ties broken by 5mins-4mins shootout in which White with
5mins must win. Coaches Session: 12:45-2:15. Advice on how to teach chess.
All: EF: Free entry to any Maryland student who registers by 4-9. Limit 200. Late
entries may be required to take 1/2-bye in Rd1. $20 per person for non-resi-
dents. Bring lunch (none will be provided). Teams: School score is sum of
points earned by top four finishers from same school. Home-schooled students
may play for their district school. Reg.: 8-9am, Check In: Each player must check
in by 9:30am (or will be given a 1/2 bye in Rd 1), Rds 10-11-12:30-1:30, play-
offs begin 2:45 ending about 5pm. Byes: 1/2 bye avail. in Rd 1 only. Directions:
Take Exit 47B off I-95 and follow signs to UMBC. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC,
Dr. AlanT. Sherman, CSEE Dept, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250,
ATTN: Spectacular, sherman@umbc.edu. Register on-line www.umbc.edu/
chess/spectacular. W. WCL JGP.
Massachusetts
Mar. 28, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
Championship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, Wachusett CC Championship Prelims
5SS, G/110,T/D5. McKay Campus School, Room C188, Fitchburg State College,
67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20; free to Wachusett CC members.
Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m., Rds.: 7:15 p.m. No byes. Prizes: top 8 scorers qualify for
A division round-robin championship finals starting May 5. Info: George Mir-
ijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling@aol.com,
978-345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org Online ratings as of March
31 will be used. W. WCL JGP.
Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, Billerica Friday April-May Swiss
6 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. EF: $17. Reg.:
7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533.
NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Apr. 11 NOT Apr. 4 Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State
Open Championship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Hartford Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
June 11-13 or 12-13, 7th annual Vermont Spring Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
Aug. 12-15, 13-15 or 14-15, 40th annual Continental Open
See Grand Prix.
Michigan
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 2010 Grrreat Lakes Open
See Grand Prix.
Minnesota
Apr. 9-11, 2010 National Junior High (K-9) Championship
See Nationals.
Missouri
Friday Action Quads - Every Friday Night (QC)
3RR, G/29 Quick Rated. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave.,
Saint Louis, MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad. Club mem-
bership reqd. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7. Site entries
only. Info: 314-361-CHESS, www.saintlouischessclub.org. NS, NC, W.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 27-28, The 2010 Kansas City Chess Club Championship
The Kansas City Chess Club, 7667 NW Prairie View Rd. #201, Kansas City, MO
64151. Kids U1200 Club Championship Sat. 27th. U1200 Reg.: Sat. 9:00.
3SS, G30 Rd. 1 at 9:30. EF: $15/$25. Prizes: Medals. 1st Club Champ.Trophy/
$80 memb. KC Club. Open/U1600 Club Championship 27th-28th. Sect:
Open/U1600. Reg.: Sat.12:30, Rd. 1 at 1PM. Rds.: 4SS, G90. Sat. 1/5, Sun. 11/3.
EF: $20/$25. Prizes: Champ.Trophy Open/U1700/U1500/U1300. 1st Open $120
KC Club Memb. Ent: Kenneth Fee, 1537 Baker Street, Liberty, MO 64068. Ques-
tions: 816-399-3703. Req. Memb: USCF & KC Chess Association. Sold onsite.
www.kansascitychessclub.com. WCL JGP in Open/1600 section.
Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, April Knights
4SS, G/90. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland
Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Reg.: Wednesday, April 7, 5:30-6:15pm. Rounds
(one per week) 6:30pm: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28. Check in with TD by 6:15 to
be paired each week/round. No advanced entries. EF: $10. Prize fund is 90%

CHECK OUT USCFS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS

USCFs 63rd ANNUAL USCFs 7th ANNUAL

2010 Open Correspondence Chess 2010 E-mail Correspondence Chess
Golden Knights Championship Electronic Knights Championship
$1,000 First Prize (Seven-player sections, one game with each of six opponents.)
(plus title of USCFs Golden Knights Champion and plaque) $700 First Prize
2nd place $600 3rd place $400 4th place $300 5th place (plus title of USCFs Electronic Knights Champion and plaque)
$200 6th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25. 2nd place $400 3rd place $300 4th thru 10th place $100
each. Entry fee: $25.
These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF
members who reside on the North American continent, islands, or Hawaii, These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF
as well as those USCF members with an APO or FPO address. USCF members with e-mail access. Your USCF membership must remain
members who reside outside of the North American continent are welcome current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S.
to participate in e-mail events. Your USCF membership must remain dollars.
current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the year for each
dollars. Those new to USCF Correspondence Chess, please estimate your player is ten.
strength: Class A: 1800-1999 (very strong); Class B: 1600-1799 (strong);
Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased propor-
Class C: 1400-1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level).
tionately per number of entries assigned.
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.
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. or on-line www.uschess.org
Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin
Name_________________________________________
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 _________
Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Express Tournament
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

62 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

payout, with 1st place getting 1/3 of the total prize fund and first A, B, C, D, E
and U1000/unrated each take 1/9 of the prize fund. Winner qualifies for 2010
Knights Championship in December. One 1/2 point bye if declared before
round 2. MCA memb. reqd from $5 OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@ saint-
louischessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, Wednesday Night G/75 April Fools Cash
The Kansas City Chess Club, 7667 NW Prairie View Rd. #201, Kansas City, MO
64151. 4SS, G75. Play one game each Wednesday. EF: $30/$40 onsite. Prizes:
Open 1st $90-$50 /U1600 1st $70-$40. $250 b/20. Reg.: 6:30. Rds.: 7PM.
Questions: 816-399-3703. Ent. Ken Fee, 1537 Baker St., Liberty, MO 64068. Req.
Memb: USCF & KC Chess Association sold onsite. www.kansascitychessclub.com.
WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-11, The Bill Wright Saint Louis Open
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
June 12-13, The Peabody Energy Missouri Junior Championship
Out-of-State Players Welcome! 5SS, G/90, open to all born after 6/14/1989 from
any state, PF: $5,050 GTD. EF: $60 ($55 if received by 6/11), $50 ($45 if
received by 6/11) for annual members of CCSCSL.Two Sections (Open, U1600).
Open: 1st overall: $2,000 scholarship and $300, 1st X: $250 2nd X: $100, 1st
A: $200 2nd A: $75, 1st B: $150 2nd B: $50. Under 1600: 1st overall: $500 schol-
arship and $300, 1st C: $250 2nd C: $100, 1st D: $200 2nd D: $75, 1st E: $150
2nd E: $75, 1st U1000: $125 2nd U1000: $50. Unrated can play in the open sec-
tion for 1st place prize, or in U1600 for $50 max prize. Highest scoring female
in each section: $50. Trophies to 1st in each class. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Registra-
tion limited to the first 150 entrants! Pre-register to guarantee your spot. Rnds.:
Sat 10-2-6. Sun: 10-2. One half point bye available, must commit before Round
1. Entries: Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland
Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108 or 314-361-CHESS (2437) or info@saintlouischess
club.org. All equipment supplied! WCL JGP.
Email: Diana@icanj.net. Fair Lawn facility offers Advance Chess Training for
serious chess players (rating > 1800).
International Chess Academy (Teaneck, NJ)
Chess Classes: Monday 6:30 7:30 PM, Wednesday 6:30 9:00 PM, Sunday
10:00 AM 3:30 PM. Add. 185 Court Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Phone 201-
833-1741. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250.
Email: Diana@icanj.net.Teaneck facility offers a Summer Chess Camp and Mon-
day night tournaments 7:30 PM 9:30 PM.
Mar. 1, Quick Monday (QC)
Open, 4-SS, G/25. Rds.: 7, 8, 9, 10 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving
St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min.
train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $40,
members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees,
1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50 pm.
Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before
game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell: (760)583-
8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 2, Quad Tuesday
Open, G/30. Rds.: 7, 8:15, 9:30. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $25, members
$20, GM Free. Prizes: 1st - $50 and 2nd - $20 Per Quad. Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 3, Every Wednesday G/30
Open, 4-SS, G/30. Rds.: 7, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50
pm. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 6, Saturday G/60 U2400
4-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:00 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd, and Top U2200,
U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit by 11:30 am. Re-entry $15, counts half
(no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10 min.
before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#: (760) 583-8429, www.chessmates
corporation.com.
Mar. 7, Sunday G/45 Open
5-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit
by 11:30. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends

Nebraska
Apr. 10-11, 3rd Annual Spring Open
See Grand Prix.

Nevada
Apr. 2-4, 10th Annual Reno-Far West Open
See Grand Prix.
June 10, 2010 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
June 11, 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: $33 by 5/19, $39 by 6/3, $45 on site.
REG.: 9-9:45 a.m. RDS.: 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $65 single or double
($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las
Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-
0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS, NC, W.
June 11-12, Susan Polgar World Championship for Girls and 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 11). Prizes: In each section 1st
place receives a netbook computer loaded with chess programs. $$ 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 individ-
uals and next 3 school/club teams. Perfect score also wins a digital chess clock.
Scholarships to Texas Tech will be awarded based in part on performance in
this event. EF: $59 by 5/19, $69 by 6/9, $75 on site. Reg.: 4-8 p.m. Friday, 8:30-
9:30 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 11-1:30-4, 11-1:30. Breakfast with Susan 9 a.m.
Sunday. Opening Ceremony: 10 a.m. Saturday, Awards Ceremony: 4:30
p.m. Sunday. Blitz Championship: 7 p.m. Saturday. Susan Polgar lecture 3:30
p.m. Friday, Puzzle Solving Competition 5 p.m. Friday, Simul 6:15 p.m. Friday.
Chess Camp 9:00 a.m. Thursday. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL
CHESS FESTIVAL; see the National Open TLA for other Thursday and Friday
side events. HR: $65 single or double ($95 Fri/Sat). 1-866-791-7626 or (702)
796-7111. REG: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Hen-
derson, NV 89009-0125, on line at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at
(702) 933-9112. No telephone entries. NS. W. NC.
June 11-13 or 12-13, 2010 National Open
See Nationals.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
SEE TLA ON PAGE 54
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.

New Hampshire
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.

New Jersey
Bergen Chess Mates (Formerly Dumont Chess Mates)
Sundays 1-6 and Monday Nights 7-11:30. Ridgewood United Methodist Church,
100 Dayton Street, Ridgewood, NJ. USCF rated tournaments, free lessons
(adult and scholastic) with expert and master rated players. Simuls, lectures,
club rental library. Yearly membership fee of $10 for adults and $8 seniors, mem-
bership free to scholastic players. Cash prizes and trophies. For more
information and calendar of events visit the club website at www.bergenchess
mates.com or contact Lawrence Constance at 201-568-1506 or lacon1963@
yahoo.com. Casual play does not require membership.
International Chess Academy (Fair Lawn, NJ)
Chess Classes: Tuesday 6:30 9:00 PM, Thursday 6:30 9:00 PM, Saturday
10:00 AM 1:00 PM. Add. 14-25 Plaza Rd. N, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Phone 201-
797-0330. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250.

uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 63

 Tournament Life
10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra.
Cell#: (760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 8, Quick Monday (QC)
Open, 4-SS, G/25. Rds.: 7, 8, 9, 10 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving
St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min.
train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $40,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees,
1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50 pm.
Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before
game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell: (760) 583-
8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 9, Quad Tuesday
Open, G/30. Rds.: 7, 8:15, 9:30. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $25, members
$20, GM Free. Prizes: 1st - $50 and 2nd - $20 Per Quad. Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 10, Every Wednesday G/30
Open, 4-SS, G/30. Rds.: 7, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50
pm. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 12-Apr. 2, Long Game Friday
Open, 4-SS, 30/90, SD60. Rds.: 7pm each Friday. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$50, members $40. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd, and Top U2200,
U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, request before round 2. Re-entry $20, counts
half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Cell#: (760)583-8429, www.chessmates cor-
poration.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13, Greater Cherry Hill Chess Quads
EF: $25. $$50. Pre-register online at www.greaterchchess.com. Any questions,
contact Dan: hermanator3@comcast.net or (856) 287-2393.
Mar. 13, Saturday G/60 U2400
4-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:00 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd, and Top U2200,
U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit by 11:30 am. Re-entry $15, counts half
(no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10
min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#: (760)583-8429,
www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 14, Sunday G/45 Open
5-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit
by 11:30. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends
10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra.
Cell#: (760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 15, Quick Monday (QC)
Open, 4-SS, G25. Rds.: 7, 8, 9, 10 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving
St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min.
train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $40,
members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees,
1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50 pm.
Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 16, Quad Tuesday
Open, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:15, 9:30. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $25, members
$20, GM Free. Prizes: 1st - $50 and 2nd - $20 Per Quad. Reg. ends 10 min. before
game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#: (760)
583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 17, Every Wednesday G/30
Open, 4-SS, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50
pm. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 20, 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.
Mar. 20, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 3/13, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00
AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 908-705-7958 or johnpburke@yahoo.com. Ent:
Make checks payable to:The Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF
ID# and section.
64 Chess Life March 2010
Mar. 20, Saturday G/60 U2400
4-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:00 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd, and Top U2200,
U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit by 11:30 am. Re-entry $15, counts half
(no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10
min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#: (760) 583-8429,
www.chessmatescorporation.com.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 20-21, First Only New Jersey State Championship
(Only for NJ Players and Past NJ Champs.) Dean of Chess Academy, 3150 US
Rt. 22, Branchburg, NJ. In 3-Sections: G$$2800. Only NJ Masters-Experts sec-
tion: 4SS, TC: 40/2hrs, SD/60. G$$: $500-300-200-100. Top Expert $100. Only
one Sat half point bye. Rds. Sat. 10am- 4:30pm, Sun. 9am-4pm. Only NJ Class
A-B section: (Only for 1600-1999) $300-200-100. Top Class B $100. Only NJ
Class C section: (Only U1600) $300-200-100. Top Class D, E, & F $100 each.
Lower Sections: 5SS, TC: G/100. Only 2 byes in rounds 1-4. Rds.: Sat: 10-2-6,
Sun: 11-3. Trophies: Top 3 each section, Top Expert, Class B, D, E, F & Unrated,
Senior age 65. & K-8. (Only rated players win cash) Early EF: Only Master-Exp:
$70, Other sections $65 if by 3/15. Past NJ Champs EF is $35 if early, but $80
at site: Please join online at entryfeesrus.com. On site EF: Master-Exp $80,
Lower sections $75. Cash only at site. Reg.: 3/20, 8am-9:45am. Hotel Sierra
is nearby and a great deal. Hotel Rates $89/free Breakfast. (908) 704-2191.
The playing hall accommodates Only 100 players, so the only the first 100 EFs
received will play. Ent: KenThomas, 115 West Moore Street, Hackettstown, NJ
07840-2233. Make checks payable to NJSCF. For info contact Ken,
acn@goes.com or (908)763-6468. Players and spectators cell phones & ear
covering are restricted. FIDE, NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Mar. 21, Sunday G/45 Open
5-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit
by 11:30. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends
10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra.
Cell#: (760)583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 21, Westfield Spring Scholastic
Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 3 Sections k-12 full k Open,
Under 1250, Under 750. Open Section 3 SS game/45 trophies to top five play-
ers in each section. Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members at site $30, $25
Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:25-6:05 p.m. Under 1250 4 SS
game/30 Trophies to top 5 in each section Entrance Fee: $20, $15 Members
at site $30, $25 Members. Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15-
6:30 p.m. Under 750 trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance Fee:
$20, $15 Members at site $30, $25. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-
4:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send Advance Entries to:Todd
Lunna, 36 Maple Drive, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 by March 17th.
Mar. 22, Chess Mates G/5 Blitz Open (QC)
and Chess Lessons. 7-SS, 7 pm-9 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irv-
ing St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from RahwayTrain Station and 40 min.
train ride from NY Penn Station. Cell: (760)583-8429. May be limited to first
48 entries. EF: $15, members $10. GM Free, $10 deducted from prize. Prizes:
80% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd and top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. No re-entry
or bye. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and
phone entry, $5 Extra. ***After the blitz tournament, GM Yudasins Chess Les-
son, 9 pm-11 pm. Members: FREE, Non-members: $20.
Mar. 23, Quad Tuesday
Open, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:15, 9:30. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $25, members
$20, GM Free. Prizes: 1st - $50 and 2nd - $20 Per Quad. Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 24, Every Wednesday G/30
Open, 4-SS, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50
pm. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 26, ATKMs 4th Friday G/10 Swiss (QC)
(6 Rounds) For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/g10. For more
info e-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Mar. 27, Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 27, Saturday G/60 U2400
4-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:00 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. Prizes: 70% of the Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd, and Top U2200,
U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit by 11:30 am. Re-entry $15, counts half
(no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10
min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#: (760) 583-8429,
www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 27, Super Scholastics Saturday Swiss K-8
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Ln., Somerset, NJ Exit #12 off I-287. (In
4 Sections/& skittles) Trophies to top 5, others get medals/prizes. Hot Shots
(always U1700): 4SS G/45, $150-100-50, b/10. Checkmates (always U1300):
4SS G/45, $100-50 b/10, New Stars (always U1000): 5SS G/30, $100-50
b/10, Chess Pirates (always U600): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10. Players high-
est life time rating used. Rds.: 11am then ASAP, lunch break. EF: $27 mailed
by 03/22 or paid online, entryfeesrus.com. EF at site $35. Cash only. Reg.: before
10:45am. Ent: 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Info: Ken Thomas
acn@goes.com or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
Mar. 28, Sunday G/45 Open
5-SS, Rds.: 10:30, 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. Limit 2 byes, commit
by 11:30. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends
10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra.
Cell#: (760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 28, Westfield Quads
3 RR, game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first
in each quad. Entry Fees $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m.
Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Mar. 29, Chess Mates G/5 Blitz (QC)
and Simul. 7-SS, 7 pm- 9 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. Cell: (760)583-8429. May be limited to first 48 entries.
EF: $15, members $10. GM Free, $10 deducted from prize. Prizes: 80% of the
Entry Fees, 1st, 2nd and top U2200, U2000, 1800, 1600. No re-entry or bye. Reg.
ends 10 min. before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry,
$5 Extra. ***After the blitz tournament, GM Yudasins Simul, 9 pm - 11 pm.
Members: $10, Non-members: $20.
Mar. 30, Quad Tuesday
Open, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:15, 9:30. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40 min. train ride
from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF: $25, members
$20, GM Free. Prizes: 1st - $50 and 2nd - $20 Per Quad. Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 31, Every Wednesday G/30
Open, 4-SS, G30. Rds.: 7, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1523
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. A block away from Rahway Train Station and 40
min. train ride from NY Penn Station. May be limited to first 50 entries. EF:
$40, members $30. GM Free, $30 deducted from prize. Prizes: 70% of the Entry
Fees, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top U2200, U2000, 1800. Limit 2 byes, commit by 7:50
pm. Re-entry $15, counts half (no re-entry after 2nd round). Reg. ends 10 min.
before game. Entering 10 min. before game and phone entry, $5 Extra. Cell#:
(760) 583-8429, www.chessmatescorporation.com.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 5-26, First Monday Swiss
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46),
Hackettstown, NJ (convenient to northern, western, southern NJ and eastern
PA). EF: $12. Prizes guaranteed: $60/40/20, $25 each U1800, U1400. Reg.:
7-7:30 p.m. April 5. Rds.: 7:30 p.m. each Monday. Half-point byes available for
any round; last-round bye must be requested with entry. ENT: Eric Mark, 609
Thomas St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 ericmark4@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10, Princeton Day School
650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section.
Medals to all players. Four sections for OVER 1000 begin at 10:15 and must
preregister: OVER 1600 (K-12) NEAR MASTERS (K-12 over 1400) and
FUTURE MASTERS (Players K-12 over 1200) G/60, 3 rds. CLOSED (K-12
1000-1200) G/45 4 rds. ALL OTHER SECTIONS. G/30 4 rds. beginning at 12:00
noon. (round times will be accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000),
RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-6), K-1
(unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated G/30 3
rounds. Pre-registration online, pay at the door $35. On-site 11-12 noon $45.
Info and register online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin
Chessteach@gmail.com.
Apr. 11, Westfield Quads
Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. $50 to first in each quad. Entry
Fees: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 p.m Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10
p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Apr. 17, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 4/10, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00
AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 908-705-7958 or johnpburke@yahoo.com. Ent:
Make checks payable to:The Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF
ID# and section.
Apr. 24, Super Scholastics Saturday Swiss K-8
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Ln., Somerset, NJ Exit #12 off I-287. (In
4 Sections/& skittles) Trophies to top 5, others get medals/prizes. Hot Shots
(always U1700): 4SS G/45, $150-100-50, b/10. Checkmates (always U1300):
4SS G/45, $100-50 b/10, New Stars (always U1000): 5SS G/30, $100-50
b/10, Chess Pirates (always U600): 5SS G/30, $100-50 b/10. Players high-
est life time rating used. Rds.: 11am then ASAP, lunch break. EF: $27 mailed
by 04/20 or paid online, entryfeesrus.com. EF at site $35. Cash only. Reg.: before
10:45am. Ent: 115 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Info: Ken Thomas
acn@goes.com or 908-763-6468. NS, NC, W.
A State Championship Event!
May 15-16, New Jersey Junior Championship
5SS, G/100. Dean of Chess Academy, 3150 Route 22 West, Branchburg, NJ
08876. 908 595-0066. OPEN: (K-12) Trophies to top 10. Top High School player
from NJ awarded entry to Denker Tournament of HS Champions. RESERVE:
(U1400) Trophies to top 10, U1300, U1200, U1000, Unr. ALL: Entry fee $35 if
received by 5/8, $45 at site. Reg. Sat. 9-10am, Rds.: 10am-2pm-6pm Sat., 10am-
2pm Sun. ENT: NJSCF P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Make checks payable
to NJSCF. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732-259-3881, hsprechman@characterkings.
org. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
uschess.org
May 15-16, New Jersey Senior Closed Championship
(Limited to NJ residents over age 59) 5SS, G/100. Dean of Chess Academy, 3150
Route 22 West, Branchburg, NJ 08876. One section: $$ 200-100-50. Age 70,
$100. Trophies to top 3, Age 70, Class A, B, C. Top player gets free entry to NJ
Open Championship. All: Entry fee $40 if received by 5/8 or Paid on website,
Entryfeerus.com by May 13th, $50 at site. Reg.: Sat. 5/15, before 10am,
Rds.: Sat: 10-2-6, Sunday 10-2. Mail Entries to: NJSCF, 115 West Moore
Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Make checks payable to: NJSCF. Enter on
Website, entryfeesrus.com. Info: KenThomas, 908-763-6468, acn@goes.com.
NS, NC, W.
May 29, U.S. Amateur Kids Championship - East U1200 K-8
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, Exit 12 off I-287 at
Weston Canal Road. (732) 560-9880, Fax (732) 356-7455. Trophies Galore. 5-
SS, G/30,Trophies toTop 10, Others get choice of chess medallions or fun grab
bag prizes. Unrated may not win first prize. Registration: Saturday 5/29, 11am-
12pm. Rounds: 12:30pm, then ASAP with lunch break after round #2. EF: $30
if mailed by 5/25 or paid online by 5/27 on website EntryFeesRus.com, $40 cash
at site.Trophies toTop 10 &Top U1000, U800, U600, U400 & unrated. One half-
point bye in rounds 1-4 if requested with EF. April Rating supplement used. Mail
entries to: Ken Thomas, 115 West Moore Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
Checks payable to NJSCF. Please indicate your grade level. Information: Call
908-763-6468 or acn@goes.com. NS NC W.
May 29-31, 66th Annual U. S. Amateur Championship East
See Nationals.
June 25-27, 2nd annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
June 26-27, 2nd annual World Open Girls Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
June 26-27, World Open Under 13 Championship (PA)
See Pennsylvania.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
New Mexico
Apr. 24, 16th Annual Pir Maleki Memorial
See Grand Prix.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
New York
Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dutchess County Championship
5SS, G/90. EF: $5.00. Rockefeller Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Prizes:
Trophies for first and second place overall, and for each class consisting of 4
or more players. Adv. Ent: David Antonucci, Davidchessgeek@aim.com. Club
website: www.vassar-chadwick.com. NS. WCL JGP. Mar. 25, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 6-27, 3rd Farmingdale CC March Swiss
4SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Mar. 27, Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix (NJ)
Open to all U-2300/unr.: $: 100% of EFs to be returned as prizes! 1st: 35%, See Grand Prix.
2nd: 25%, Top U-1800, U-1500/unr. 20% each. EF: $20. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM.
Mar. 27, Prove Your Point!
No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each Saturday. 2 byes 1-4. Info: www.farmcc.
3-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-
webs.com. NS, W. WCL JGP.
3716. EF: $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
Mar. 13, Jenifer Woods Memorial 7:30-8:30-9:30.
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 13, Utica Four Seasons Fall Mar. 27-28 or 28, New York March Open!
See Grand Prix.
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 High- Mar. 28, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
way (2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, IT Building. EF: $30. Prizes Championship (CT)
(b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15- See Connecticut.
5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116. WCL JGP.
Mar. 29-Apr. 26, Marshall CC Under 1600 Monday Swiss
Mar. 16, Marshall Masters (formerly the St. Johns Masters) 5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
See Grand Prix. b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7 PM each Monday.
Byes OK, limit 2, request by Rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Mar. 18, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA)
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF: $30, Club membs $20, See Grand Prix.
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
Apr. 1, Fools Rush In Tonight!
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Fools Paradise, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
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.
Please join us again this year, at the
Mar. 20, 11th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Class Tournaments
See Grand Prix. 11th
Mar. 20, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($360 b/24)
Annual Bruce Bowyer
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45AM. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request
Memorial Chess Tournaments
at entry.
March 20 & 21st, 2010
Mar. 21, 11th Annual Bruce Bowyer Memorial Scholastic Tourna-
ment
5SS, G/30. Hotel New Yorker, 8th Avenue & 34 St., NYC. Open to all students
at the Hotel New Yorker,
thru grade 12. EF: $10. $$Gtd: $200-$125-$75, U1800 $50, U1600 $40, U1400 for the years friendliest chess event!
$30, U1200 $25.Trophy to winner, tiebreak order: Cumulative, Median, Solkoff.
All players receive a medal. Reg.: 10:15-10:45, Rds.: 11am-12:30-2:30-4pm- See TLAs for details.
5:30. Entries MUST be received by MAR 17th! Ent: No door ents. Ck/MO
payable to Pat Bowyer, c/o PAR Group Inc., 119 N. Park Avenue. Suite 303, We look forward to seeing you again.
Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Limited to first 70 players. Provide name, add.,
school, USCF rating, ID#, & exp. PLEASE NOTE: Bring clocks and sets, none
E-mail queries to:
will be provided. Info: pbowyer@bbowyer.org or Pat Bowyer 516.641.4521. pbowyer@bbowyer.org
Mar. 21, Grandmaster Challenge
See Grand Prix.

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uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 65

 Tournament Life
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 40 entries. EF $2. Everyone wins a
prize! Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry very foolish!
Apr. 1-May 6, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss
6SS, G/120. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only. EF: $30.
$$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm eachThurs-
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
day Byes ok, limit 3, request before round 4. WCL JGP.
Apr. 3-4 or 4, Marshall April Open
4SS, 30/90, SD1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45,
Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends
11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds
1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes,
request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
Apr. 4, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads
1st Sunday every month. 3-RR, G/30,The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club,
288Third Ave., Bklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$:Trophies to top 2 in each quad.
Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Apr. 6, New York Experts
Open to U2200. 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.:
7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Apr. 7-May 5, Marshall CC Under 2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/1. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7 PM each
Wednesday. Byes OK, limit 2, request by Round 3. WCL JGP.
Apr. 8, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Apr. 10, NY April Under 1600!
4-SS, G/50, open to U1600 or unr. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W.
10th St, bet 5-6 Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, speci-
fied Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. May be limited to 1st 26
entries. $$ (300 b/20 paid): 150-70-30, top U1300 $50, $70 limit to unr. Limit
2 byes, commit by 2:30. Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12:30-2:30-4:30-
6:30 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru
4/8. $10 extra to enter by phone!
Apr. 10, 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.
Apr. 10, Syracuse University Spring Open
4SS Rds.: 1&2 G/60, Rds.: 3&4 G/90. Syracuse University, Carnegie Hall,
Rm. 222 (Fr 81N, Ex. 690E, Ex. 14, Son Teal to Columbus, L on E. Genesee, R.
Westcott, R. Euclid, to Park Check Pt, 3rd right. Fr 81S, Ex. E. Adams, R on E.
Adams, R on Comstock, R Euclid, to Park Check Pt, 3rd right). 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 (315) 436-9008. WCL JGP.
Apr. 10-11 or 11, NY April Under 2300!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet
5-6 Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $25, specified Greater NY
Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, top U2000 $95,
U1800 $85. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30
pm each day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both
merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes, commit by rd 2. Re-entry $20, counts half. Class pair-
ings OK rd 4. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 4/8. $10 extra to
enter by phone! WCL JGP.
Apr. 11 NOT Apr. 4, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State
Open Championship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 11, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
3-RR, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-
477-3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (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!
Apr. 11, P.S. 9 Scholastic Chess Championships I
4-SS. 100 West 84th Street NYC. 4 SECTIONS. BEGINNER G/30 (grades K-1
only) Unrated Players Only. NOVICE G/30 (grades 2/below) U600. RESERVE
G/30 (grades 2-6 only) U600. CHAMPIONSHIP G/45 (Grade8/below) U1200.
AWARDS: Trophies to top 15 in each section. Top U300 Novice, U400 Reserve,
U700 Championship. Special Prizes: Engraved digital chess clocks to Top
Player in each section & to all 4-0 scores & Top Unrated in Championship Sec-
tion. Engraved plaque to top UNR player in each section. High Scorer trophy
to all who score 2 points and do not get into top 15. Engraved medals to all oth-
ers. Team Prizes:Trophies to top 4 teams in each section. Engraved digital chess
clock to Top Team in each section. (Team score created by adding top 4 scores
from same school). EARLY EF: $39 if received (postmarked by April 5). LATE
EF: $45 Phoned, faxed or online thereafter until April 9, 5pm. Onsite EF: $55.
Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: Beginner Novice, Reserve 10-11:30-12:45-2. Championship
10-11:45-1:15-3:00. Late entrants may not be paired for the first round. Mail
Entries: and make check payable to Tri-State Chess, 1675 York Ave. #2M, N.Y.
N.Y. 10128. Phone: (718) 645-5896. Fax: (718) 535-7896. Online Entry:
www.TriStateChess.com.
Apr. 11, The Right Move #161 Team and Individual Championship
FREE EF.
4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:15 A.M.
(Latecomers will not play in round one). 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
66 Chess Life March 2010
to top 3 in each section except Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each
player with 2.5 or more points. Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with
top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section).
To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop@
aol.com or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full name, school,
grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Apr. 15, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry very taxing! $5 late penalty for missing reg.
deadline.
Apr. 16-18 or 17-18, Hartford Open (CT)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 17, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45AM. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request
at entry.
Apr. 18, Grandmaster Challenge
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 20, Marshall Masters
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 22, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (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. 24-25 or 25, Marshall April Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 25, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham-
pionship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 29, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open (VT)
See Grand Prix.
May 1-2 or 2, Marshall May U2300
4SS, 30/90, SD/1. 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
12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, rds 12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (rds
1-2 G/30) 10-11:15 AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes,
request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
May 3-31, Marshall CC Under 1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7 PM each Monday.
Byes OK, limit 2, request by Rd. 3. WCL JGP.
May 4, Marshall U1400 4 Quick Games Tonight (QC)
4/SS, G/15. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($200 b/20): $80-
50-30, U1100 $40. EF: $25, members $15. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-7:40-8:20-
9pm. One bye available, request at entry. Quick rated; regular ratings used for
pairings and prizes.
May 6, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (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.
May 7-28, 10th Queens Team Championship
4-SS, G/120. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY
11432. Two player teams - ratings must average under 2000. $$ based
WARNING!
THE USE OF A
CELL PHONE
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
PROHIBITED!
AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
TURN IT OFF!
on 10 teams (14 last year!): $100-$50 to top two teams, $60 each to top
U1700 team, top Board 1, top Board 2. Prizes raised or lowered in proportion
to number of paid teams. One 1/2 pt team bye allowed. If one player needs a
bye, replacement must have same or lower rating and must play on Board #
of player replaced. EF: $25 per player, $20 QCC member; teams formed at site.
REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 each Friday. ENT: Ed Frumkin, 445 E. 14th St. #10D,
New York, NY 10009 (212-677-3224do not call on Thursday or Friday).
More detailed contact information at: www.queens-chess.com. Mail entry by
May 1.
May 8, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45AM. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request
at entry.
May 9, Marshall CC Sunday Action
5SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-
2:45-4-5:20pm. One bye available, request at entry.
May 12-June 9, Marshall CC Under 2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90,SD/1, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7 PM each
Wednesday. Byes OK, limit 2, request by Round 3. WCL JGP.
May 13, 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. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
May 13-June 17, FIDE Thursdays!!
6SS, G/120. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to all players rated 1600
or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100; 2
byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7PM each Thursday;
FIDE rated. WCL JGP.
May 14-16 or 15-16, 18th annual New York State Open
See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
North Carolina
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, 2010 U.S. Masters
See Nationals.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, N.C. Sub-Masters
9SS, 40/2,SD/30 Hendersonville, NC. $$1670 b/50. Rds.: Concurrent with U.S.
Masters. EF: $50 by Feb 13, $55 by Mar 9, $60 at site. HR: Quality Inn & Suites,
201 Sugarloaf Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792. $60 or $68/night with hot break-
fast, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and mini-golf. 800-581-4745, www.qualityinn-
suiteshvl.com. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705 Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda,
NC 28773. hyde@ioa.com hwww.ncchess.org. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, 19-21 or 15-21, Sub-Sub-Masters RBO
9SS, 40/2,SD/30 Hendersonville, NC. Rated U1000 or unrated. Plaque to 1st.
Rds.: Concurrent with U.S. Masters. EF: $10. Info and entry: Kevin Hyde, 705
Old Mountain Page Rd., Saluda, NC 28773. hyde@ioa.com www.ncchess.org.
WCL JGP.
Mar. 20, TACO LX
3-SS, G/90. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF: $21
(recd by 3/18)/$25 at site. Prize fund: $$640 b/40. OPEN: $120-$60 u2000:
$60, U1800: $100-$50 u1600 $50, U1400: $100-$50 u1200 $50. Reg.: 9-9:45.
Rds.: 10-1:45-5. NCCA reqd $5 OSA. Info: http://raleighchess.freewebpages.
org/taco.html. Jeff Jones (919)270-9948. kwyjibo924@aol.com.
Ohio
Mar. 6, Cleveland Scholastic North
Hampton Inn Cleveland, 1460 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44114. OPEN:
$$GTD: $200 1st, trophies top 3 under 1200, top 3 under 800. EF: $25 if by 2/27,
$30 on site. (UNR. may not win cash) NOVICE: Open to unrated. EF: $15 if by
2/27, $20 on site. Trophies to top 3. BOTH: 4SS, G/30, Open to students in K-
12. Reg.: 8:45am-9:30am. Rd. 1 at 10. ENT: Dan Patterson, 11313 Lake Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Info: 216-281-1313. Email: bsq451@sbcglobal.net.
Mar. 7, Ides of March Mini-Swiss
3SS, 30/60, 30/30, 30/30. Hamilton Williams Campus Center, Benes Room, Ohio
Wesleyan University, Delaware. $$75 b/8: $50-25. Sections of 8-10 by rating.
EF: $12 if recd by 3/5, $15 at site. Reg.: 9:30-10:15, Rds.: 10:30, 1:30, 4:30.
Ent: Tom Wolber, 272 Hearthstone Dr., Delaware, OH 43015. 740-368-3681 w.,
363-9612 h., tkwolber@owu.edu. NS, NC, W.
Mar. 13, 9th 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 points or
higher, top five team trophies awarded medals to all others. EF: $35 early bird
fee which includes lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, medal, simul participa-
tion. Note correction: Registration fee increases to $50 after February 16.
Registration closes Wednesday, March 10, 2010. NO SATURDAY REGIS-
TRATIONS. Checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx accepted. Schedule:
Friday, March 12, early check in from 4-6 p.m. FREE SIMUL at 6:30 p.m. for tour-
nament participants, $20 for non-participants. SIMUL features International
Master Irina Krush, International Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Gregory
Kaidanov and special guests. Saturday, March 13, check in 7- 8:30 a.m.,
uschess.org
matches begin at 9:00 a.m. Grandmasters will be available for questions and
instructions in the skittles room all day Saturday. Entry/Info: Queen City Clas-
sic Chess Tournament; 5400 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213.
1.866.772.4377, 513.924.5038 or fax to 513.352.9370. Confirm all registrations
at www.cpu-solutions.com.
Mar. 13, Cleveland Scholastic East
Hilton Cleveland East, 3663 Park East Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122. OPEN:
$$GTD: $200 1st, trophies top 3 under 1200, top 3 under 800. EF: $25 if by 3/6,
$30 on site. (UNR. may not win cash) NOVICE: Open to unrated. EF: $15 if by
3/6, $20 on site. Trophies to top 3. BOTH: 4SS, G/30, Open to students in K-
12. Reg.: 8:45am-9:30am. Rd. 1 at 10. ENT: Dan Patterson, 11313 Lake Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Info: 216-281-1313. Email: bsq451@sbcglobal.net.
Mar. 13, 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. 20, Hudson Scholastic Tournament!
5 Round Swiss, G/45. Hudson High School on Hudson, Aurora Rd., Hudson, Ohio
44236. Reg. ends at 10a.m. Trophies to be distributed by grade! Some spe-
cial prizes! EF: $25.00 in advance. $30.00 at the door. Carl R. Boor, 244 S. Adams
St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902 to pre-register.
Mar. 20, Superman Open-G/45 Tmnt.
td/5, 4 rounds. Free parking. EF: $25 until Mar 17, then $35. EF refunded to
players rated 2200 or higher who complete schedule. Prizes (b/25 pd): $200-
$101, U1900 $100, U1600 $99. Reg.: 10-10:45a.m. Rds.: 11:00, 1:00, 3:15, 5:00.
Info: Riley Driver at dcc.18w5@sbcgloabal.net or call 937.461.6283. Site/Mail
EF to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St., Dayton, Ohio 45402. Register
online at www.daytonchessclub.com.
Apr. 3-4, Mid-Ohio Super Tournament
5 Round Swiss, G/90. Mansfield YMCA, 750 Scholl Rd., Mansfield, Ohio 44902.
To be split into sections according to entries. Open Section, Under 2200,
U2000, U1800, U1600 U1400 U1200. Prizes will be the same in all sections based
on Entries. 70% to players. Reg. ends 9:30 a.m. Apr. 3rd, Rds at 10 a.m. 1:15
p.m. 4:30 p.m. Apr. 4th, 10:a.m. 1:15p.m. Enter in Advance $30.00. At Door
$35.00.TD. Carl R. Boor, 244 S. Adams St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902, 419-566-4029.
WCL JGP.
Apr. 10, Cleveland Scholastic West
Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport, 4900 Emerald Court SW, Cleveland, OH
44135. OPEN: $$GTD: $200 1st, trophies top 3 under 1200, top 3 under 800.
EF: $25 if by 4/3, $30 on site. (UNR. may not win cash) NOVICE: Open to unrated.
EF: $15 if by 4/3, $20 on site. Trophies to top 3. BOTH: 4SS, G/30, Open to stu-
dents in K-12. Reg.: 8:45am-9:30am. Rd. 1 at 10. ENT: Dan Patterson, 11313
Lake Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Info: 216-281-1313. Email: bsq451@ sbc-
global.net.
Apr. 10, Toledo Apr Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/8 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A
,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd.,
Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Apr. 16-18, 2010 National High School (K-12) Championship
See Nationals.
Apr. 16-18, 2010 All Girls National Championship presented by
the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the USCF and
UTD.
See Nationals.
Apr. 17, Cleveland Scholastic South
Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, 5300 Riverside Drive, Cleveland, OH 44135.
OPEN: $$GTD: $200 1st, trophies top 3 under 1200, top 3 under 800. EF: $25
if by 4/10, $30 on site. (UNR. may not win cash) NOVICE: Open to unrated. EF:
$15 if by 4/10, $20 on site. Trophies to top 3. BOTH: 4SS, G/30, Open to stu-
dents in K-12. Reg.: 8:45am-9:30am. Rd. 1 at 10. ENT: Dan Patterson, 11313
Lake Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Info: 216-281-1313. Email: bsq451@ sbc-
global.net.
May 8, Toledo May Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 5/6 $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.
Oklahoma
Mar. 6, Sooner Chess Series #2
(sponsored by the Challengers Chess Club of Oklahoma City) Second of
10 one-day events held the first Saturday each month alternating betweenTulsa
or Okla. City (see www.okchess.org for details). 3-SS. G/55(+15). Episcopal
Church of the Resurrection, 13112 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City. 73142
(located on the east side of Rockwell Ave., 1/2 mile south of John Kilpatrick
Tpke/Memorial Road and 1/2 mile north of NW 122nd St). EF: $25, cash or
check, at site only. Free EF for players rated 2000+ (deducted from their prize
winnings, if any). Reg.: 8:30-9:20. OCF mem. optional ($10). Rds.: 9:30, 12:30,
3:00. Prizes: 1st $100 (G), plus class prizes per entries - plus Series Prizes:
$7.50 from each EF goes to a series prize fund to be distributed at end of series.
Info: jtloki@gmail.com. NS. W.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 13-14, 25th Annual Phillips 66 Chess Classic
(FIDE Rated) - 4 round Swiss, time controls: primary - 40 moves/2 hours, sec-
ondary 30 minutes/game. Registration limited to first 48 players. Advance
uschess.org
registration recommended by March 6th. On-site registration (if available) from
8:30 to 9:30 AM. Entry fee: $100/person. OCF membership required ($10). 100%
of entries returned as prize fund. Woolaroc Events Center, highway 123 south
of Bartlesville, OK. Rounds: Sat. 11 & 5, Sun. 9 & 2. Brunch served Satur-
day and Sunday. Dinner served Saturday. (no charge). Free entry to
Woolaroc. Hotel: Microtel Inn, 2696 SE Washington Blvd., $55/single, $64/dou-
ble, free continental breakfast, (918) 333-2100. Entries to: Steve Wharry,
8409 N. 70th East Ave., Owasso, OK 74055, phone: (918) 376-9698, email:
p66@smwharry.net. See: www.okchess.org or www.smwharry.net/Woolaroc.
htm for more details. WCL JGP.
Mar. 27-28, OKC Spring Open
5SS, G/2. Quality Inn, I-240 & S. Western, Oklahoma City. EF: $30 if recd by
3/24, $35 at site, OCA membership included. $$/entries, plaques. Reg.: 9-
9:45am. Rds.: 10-2:30-7 and 10-2:30. One 1/2-point bye Rds 1-4. HR: $54.99
plus tax, 800-843-4241 or 405-632-6666, reserve by 3/13 to get chess rate.
Ent: Jim Gray, PO Box 848, Stillwater, OK 74076, 405-624-1777 or 405-612-0379,
jaimegris@juno.com. More info: www.ochess.org. WCL JGP.
Oregon
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
Pennsylvania
North Penn Chess Club
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchess
club.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.
Every Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads and G/10 (QC)
(NO QUADS OR BLITZ ON LVCA GRAND PRIX DATES LISTED IN CHESS LIFE)
G/40 Quads, 3-RR. Reg.: 1p. St. James Church, 11th &Tilghman Sts., Allentown,
PA 18102. G/10 Swiss, 5-SS. Info: bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org,
www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Mar. 13, Greater Cherry Hill Chess Quads (NJ)
See New Jersey.
Mar. 20, 2010 March LVCA Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 20, 2010 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 20, Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Championships
Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Sections: K-1,
K-3, K-6, K-8, K-12. Time Control: K-1, K-3, K-6 5SS, G/30; K-8, K-12 4SS, G/60.
EF: $30 online by 3/17; $35 by noon 3/19; $40 on-site if at least 30 minutes
before round 1. Rds.: K-1, K-3, K-6 10-11:05-12:30-1:45-3:00, awards ceremony
at 4:00; K-8, K-12 10-12:30-2:35-3:40, awards ceremony at 5:40. Prizes: tro-
phies to top individuals & schools. All players in K-1, K-3, and K-6 sections get
trophies. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. Winner of K-12 is seeded
into Greater Philadelphia Junior Invitational. See www.silverknightschess.com
to register.
Mar. 21, 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. 26, Friday Night Action #15
4SS, G/30. Belmont Park Classroom, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA
19406. Sections: Open, U/1400. EF: $30 online by noon the day of the event;
$10 more on-site 6:30-6:45; $10 less for players under 18. Rds.: 7:00, then ASAP.
Prizes: $100 to 1st overall; others per entries. Register at www.silverknights
chess.com. Registration limited to first 30 players.
Mar. 27, Greater Cherry Hill Super Sunday Grand Prix (NJ)
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 28, 65th Pittsburgh Metropolitan Open
3 Rds. G/90, Hybrid pairing format - One open section, but all pairings between
players with similar ratings. All opponents will be three places or less from a
players own position on the crosstable. For more details: www.PittsburghCC.
org/hybrid. EF: $20 postmarked by 3/22, $25 later, $5 discount to PCC mem-
bers. Prizes: $$50 for every 4 entries.Total prize fund divided equally between
all tied for 1st, up to $50 per person, with remaining $ passed down to the next
score group. Reg.: 9:00-9:45AM. Rds.: 10:00AM, 1:30PM, 5:00PM. No byes.
Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Mike Holsinger, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209,
Pittsburgh, PA 15217. (412)421-1881 www.PittsburghCC.org. Make checks
payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC. W.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 3, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Our 21st year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St., West
Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win
if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.
Apr. 10, 9th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Spring Chess Tour-
nament
5SS, G/30. Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Main Cam-
pus, College Center Building, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 7:30-8:45am, Rds.:
9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, 3:30. Sections: Rated Section Age 18 and under. Non-
Rated Sections ages 14 and under. EF: $30 postmarked by April 6th, $35 later
& on site. Prizes: Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800,
U600, UNR. Non-RatedTrophies b/o age. For rated section, please bring chess
equipment. Random draw prizes between rounds. Ent: Online reg: forms at
www.northampton.edu/Community-Programs/Horizons-For-Youth/Special-
Events-and-Partnerships.htm or call Holly at 610-861-4120. Please print and
mail form with payment (CC or check) to Horizons for Youth, 3835 Green Pond
Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Info: Holly 610-861-4120, Scott Zrinski (TD),
sazrinski@gmail.com or Bruce Davis (ChiefTD), BDavis@lehighvalleychess.org.
Apr. 11, April Showers
4SS, G/30. Doylestown Activity Center, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA 19801.
Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by noon 4/7; $27 online by
noon 4/9; $35 on-site 12:00-12:30. Rds.: 1:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to
top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections
for unrated players.
Apr. 11, PCL April Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am, Rds.: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
Apr. 24, Spring Finale
4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087.
Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 4/21; $27 online by
noon 4/23; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to
top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Peter Minear. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections
for unrated players.
A State Championship Event!
Apr. 24-25, 2010 PA State Amateur Champ.
Ramada Inn, 1213 N. Church St., SR 309, Hazleton, PA 18202. 2 sections:
Champ (Sat & Sun): Open to U2200. 5SS. G/90. Rds: 10-1:30-5, 9:30-1. EF:
$20 recd by 4/23, $30 later. Trophies: 1-3, U1800, U1600, U1400,
U1200/Unrated, School Team (top 4 scores). Top 2 receive entry into 2010 PA
Champ. Title to top PA resident. Scholastic (Sat only): unrated or U1400 in
grades K-12. 4SS. G/40. Rds.: 10:15-11:45-1:15-2:45. EF: $15 recd by 4/23,
$20 later.Trophies: 1-2, U1100, U800/Unrated, SchoolTeam (top 4 scores). All:
Reg.: 9-9:30am, PSCF $5, OSA. HR: ramadahazleton@yahoo.com 570-455-2061,
1-800-272-6232 $60-70. Ent/Info: GHACC, c/o Jerry Flynn, 404 Cedar Street,
Freeland, PA 18224-1702, gsf2@verizon.net, 570-455-9261. W. WCL JGP
Championship Section.
Apr. 29-May 27, 2010 Hatboro Open
See Grand Prix.
May 15, Silver Knights Cup
4SS, G/45. Radnor Middle School, 150 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. One
Section: open to four-player teams with average rating under 1800. EF: $100
per team by 5/12; $112 per team by noon on 5/14. $120 per team on-site from
8:00-8:30. Rds.: 9:30-11:15-1:30-3:15. Plaques to top 5 teams, top scholas-
tic team, top team U/1500, U/1200, U/900, U/600. See www.silverknights
chess.com to for complete rules and to register. Blitz tournament immediately
following the main event from 5:00 7:30.
June 25-27, 2nd annual World Open Senior Amateur
5SS, 40/2, SD/1. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World Open). Open to all
born before 6/28/60 and rated under 2010 or unrated. Prizes: $2000 based
on 35 entries, else in proportion except $1000 minimum guaranteed: $500-250-
125, Under 1810 $300-150, Under 1610/Unr $250-125, Under 1410 $200-100.
EF: $68 mailed by 6/16, $70 online at chesstour.com by 6/23, $75 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 6/23, $80 at site. Reg. ends 6:30 pm 6/25, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Byes: OK all, limit 2 byes if 1810/over, limit 1 bye oth-
erwise, must commit before rd 2. Special USCF dues: see chesstour.com. HR
& Ent: See World Open.
ATTENTION AFFILIATES
The United States Chess Federation has
partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates
Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide USCF
affiliates with affordable annual liability
and short term event insurance. The lia-
bility coverage is available for
approximately $265 per year for a
$1,000,000 limit of insurance. Also avail-
able is contents property and bonding
insurance. For more information, please go
to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federa-
tion.html. For event insurance, please go
to www.rvnuccio.com.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
HEALTH AND BENEFITS FUND
Many Grand Prix tournament organizers
will contribute $1 per player to the Pro-
fessional Health & Benefits Fund. All
Grand Prix tournaments which partici-
pate in this program are entitled to be
promoted to the next higher Grand Prix
categoryfor example, a six-point tourna-
ment would become a 10-point
tournament. Points in the top category
are promoted 50%.
Chess Life March 2010 67
 Tournament Life
June 25-29, 4th annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix.
June 26-27, 2nd annual World Open Girls Championship
5SS, G/90. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World Open).Open to all girls
born after 6/28/92.Trophies to top 5, 1st C, D, E, Under 1000, Under 800,
Unrated; free entry in all CCA Swiss tournaments 7/15/10-12/31/10 to 1st.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14
EF: $41 mailed by 6/16, $43 online at chesstour.com by 6/23, $45 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 6/23, $50 at site. Late reg. 9 to 9:30 am 6/26, rds. Sat 10-
2-6, Sun 10-2. One half point bye allowed, must commit before rd 2. HR & Ent:
See World Open. WCL JGP.
June 26-27, World Open Under 13 Championship
6SS, G/65. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World Open). Open to all born
after 6/28/97. Trophies to top 5, 1st C, D, E, Under 1000, Under 800, Unrated;
free entry in all CCA Swiss tournaments 7/15/09-12/31/09 to 1st. EF: $42
mailed by 6/16, $43 online at chesstour.com by 6/23, $45 phoned to 406-896-
2038 by 6/23, $50 at site. Reg. 6/26 9 to 10:30 am, rds. Sat. 11-2-5, Sun. 10-1-4.
One half point bye allowed, must commit before rd 2. HR & Ent: See World Open.
WCL JGP.
June 26, 28, 30, World Open G/65
4SS, G/65, separate event each day. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World
Open). Open to under 2050 or unrated. EF: $40. Prizes $500 based on 16 entries,
otherwise raised or lowered in proportion: Top 2 $150-80, Under 1800 $100,
Under 1550 $90, Under 1300 $80. Reg: 9-9:45 am each day, Rds: 10-1-3:30-
6. Ent: at site only, no checks. WCL JGP.
June 27, 29, World Open G/30
5SS, G/30, separate event each day. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World
Open). Open to under 2150 or unrated. EF: $40. Prizes $500 based on 16 entries,
otherwise raised or lowered in proportion: Top 2 $150-80, Under 1900 $100,
Under 1650 $90, Under 1400 $80. Reg: 9-9:45 am each day, Rds: 10-11:30-1-
2:30-4. Ent: at site only, no checks.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
July 1, World Open G/20 (QC)
5SS, G/20. Valley Forge Convention Plaza (see World Open). Open to under 2200
or unrated. EF: $40. Prizes $500 based on 16 entries, otherwise raised or low-
ered in proportion: Top 2 $150-80, Under 1950 $100, Under 1700 $90, Under
1450 $80. Reg: 9-9:45 am each day, rds. 10-11-12-1:30-2:30. One half point bye
allowed, must commit before rd 2. Ent: at site only, no checks. Quick rated, but
higher of quick or regular rating used for pairings & prizes.
Rhode Island
Cranston-Warwick CC Monthly
Every Tuesday. 4SS, 40/75, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF: $3/game
(club mbrs: $2/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.: 1st 4 Tues-
days of the month, 7pm sharp! 5thTuesday extra rated games and events. One
bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.
cranstonchess.org, 401-575-1520. WCL JGP.
68 Chess Life March 2010
Mar. 13, 1st La Salle Open for Kids
Register online website: www.richess.org, email: rhodeislandchess@
yahoo.com. (401) 359-1602.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 27, R.I. Scholastic State Championship
Open to Out Of State Players. All Sections USCF Rated. Individual & team tro-
phies for top 3 in each section. K-4, Gr 5-6, Gr 7-8, Gr. 9-12. EF: $22 (not $20)
advance by 3/19, $27 (not $25) by 3/24, $35 (not $40) at site. Register
online: www.richess.org email: rhodeislandchess@yahoo.com. Phone: (401)
359-1602.
Mar. 28, 107th Rhode Island Pawn Eater
4SS, G/60. RI College, Providence, RI. Sections & Prizes: $500 b/40: OPEN,
U1900, U1500. EF: $25 by 3/26, $30 at site. REGISTER ONLINE (Paypal) at
www.rhodeislandchess.org. NO EMAIL ENTRIES. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rd 1 at 9:30
prompt. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box 15444, River-
side, RI 02915. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. NS, NC, W.
Mar. 28, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
Championship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 11 NOT Apr. 4, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State
Open Championship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Apr. 25, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham-
pionship (CT)
See Connecticut.
Tennessee
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 27, Jack Smith Memorial 6
Two sections: (Open 4SS, G/60) and (U1200 5SS, G/45), EF: $20 (MCC mem-
bers $15), Prizes: $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150, top U1600: $50,
U1200:Trophies to top 3. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Mem-
phis, TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registration (3/27)
8-9:30am. Rounds: Open 10-1-3-5, U1200 10 etc. Entries: Memphis Chess Club
Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, gpy-
lant@gmail.com.
Apr. 23-25 or 24-25, 9th Southern Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 24, Bluff City Open
Two sections: (Open 4SS, G/60) and (U1200 5SS, G/45), EF: $20 (MCC mem-
bers $15), $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150, top U1600: $50. (EF: U1200:
$10.) Trophies to top 3. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady Grove Rd., Mem-
phis, TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registration (4/24)
8-9:30am. Rounds: Open 10-1-3-5, U1200 10 etc. Entries: Memphis Chess Club
Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com , gpy-
lant@gmail.com.
Texas
Mar. 13-14, Houston Absolute City Chess Championship
EF: $40 for CLUB MEMBERS, $50 for NON-MEMBERS if received by 3-11, ALL
$10 MORE AT DOOR. PRIZES: $1500 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 A.M. March 13, 2010. ADVANCE ENTRIES: ADDRESS BELOW or
contact: MARK DIXON at: dixonmark82@yahoo.com or DENNIS NG at:
dng0215@hotmail.com. RD TIMES: SAT MARCH 13, 2010 10AM-1PM-4PM, SUN
MARCH 14, 2010 10AM-2PM. TIME CONTROLS: RDS. 1-3 G/90, RDS 4-5
G/120. USCF RATED USCF MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. HOUSTON CHESS CLUB,
9000 SW FRWY STE 428, HOUSTON, TX 77074, 713-773-2437, www.houston
chessclub2000.com. WCL JGP.
Mar. 13-14, TexOhma FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 27, Spring Slammer
Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229. 5-SS, Rd.
1 G/30, Rds. 2-5 G/60. $$1,000 b/40: $250-150; A, B, U1600 ea. $100-$75.
U1400/unr. $75. EF: $30 if recd by 3/25, $35 at site. Junior (18/under) or Sen-
ior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward based-on): $20 by 3/25, $25 at site. Reg.:
9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10:30-11:30-2-4:30-7:30. Half-pt. bye any 1 rd., notice before
rd. 2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes, TX 78023. Info: www.sanantonio
chess.com, 210-695-2324. NS. NC. W.
Mar. 27, Victoria Open
Victoria College, 2200 E. Red River, Victoria, TX. 4SS, G/60. EF: $10 if recd by
3/20, $15 at site, Masters free ($10 from prize). 65% prize fund. Reg.: 8-8:45a.
Rds.: 9am, others ASAP w/ 1hr between Rd2/3. Entries: Lisa DeVries, 217 Nan-
tucket Ave., B103, Victoria, TX 77904. Info: 361-237-4177. LS, NC, W.
Apr. 3-4, North Texas FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 10, Plano Spring Open
Plano CC, 4504 Legacy Drive, Suite 100, Plano,TX 75024. 5 Rounds: 1&2 G/30,
3&4 G/45, R5 G/60, 3 Sections: Open, Reserve U1300, Novice U700. Prizes:
Open 1st $ 175, 2nd $ 80, A,B,C,D&below class prizes $ 40 at UR eligible only
for 1st/2nd. Reserve: 1st $ 75, 2nd $50, UR $ 40. Novice: Trophies top 4. EF:
20 reg, $ 15 JR/SR/HDCP, if rec by 4.3.10, else $ 10 additional. Prizes b/40.
Apr. 24, Texas Action Championship
Hornbeak Bldg, 3rd floor Colorado Rm., 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 5-
SS, G/30. $$(1,000 b/40, 2/3 gtd.): $300-150, U2100 $125, U1900 $125,
U1700 $125, U1500 $100, U1300/unr. $75. EF: $30 if recd by 4/22, $35 site;
Jr. U19 or Sr. 65+ entry $20 by 4/22, $25 site, counts 2/3 toward based on.
TCA memb. req., $10 regular, $7.50 student. Reg.: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Rds. begin
noon with 15 min. breaks. Half pt. bye any 1 rd., notice before Rd. 2. Ent: SACC,
POB 501, Helotes, TX 78023. Info: www.sanantoniochess.com. 210-695-2324.
NS. NC. W.
May 8, Ed Gurukul Institute Spring Scholastic
4504 Legacy Drive, Suite 100, Plano,TX 75024, 214-232-4010. 4 rated sections:
K-3, Elem U500, Elem Open, & MS/HS. Open/5 rounds, Game/30. Trophies:
Individual Top 3 each Section, Team: Top 3 overall. USCF rules, notation not
required. EF: $20 if rec by 5/3/10, else $30. Boards/sets provided. On-site
Registration: 1-1:45 PM, R1 2:15 PM. 1/2 pt bye if req in advance, no 1/2 pt
byes round 5. Send registrations to: Sri Srikanth, at above address. Ques-
tions: ksrikanth@edgurukul.com.
Utah
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 27, Utah Game in 60 Championship
5SS, Two Sections: Open & U1200. Univ. of Utah, Union Bldg., SLC, UT
84112. EF: Open $20. U-1200 $10. Both $5 more on-site. Time Controls:
Open-G/60. U-1200: Rds. 1-4 G/30, Rd. 5 G/60. (ALL td/5) Rds.: Open: 9AM,
11:15, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45. U1200 10AM, 11:15, 12:30, 2:15, 3:30. OPEN $$:
B/32 $120, $90, Plaques to top 2, A 70B 60, C 50, D&below/UNR 40, Female
30, Upset 10. U-1200$$:B/32 $60, $45, Trophies to top 2, F 35, G 30, H 25 I
& below/UNR 20, Female 15, Upset 5. Reg.: Open 8AM-8:40, U-1200 8AM-9:40.
Two (1/2 pt.) byes allowed, req before Rd. 2. Mail paid entries to: Morry Hol-
land, 1470 E. Valley Ridge Dr., Sandy, UT 84093. Please make checks payable
to: Utah Chess Assoc. Entry info to: Mochess@comcast.net, or 801-864-9023.
More info at www.utahchess.com.
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
Vermont
Apr. 17, Vermont Amateur
4SS, G/60. Courtyard Marriott, 309 Court St. (Route 7), Middlebury, VT 05753.
In 3 sections: Championship, open to U2200. Intermediate, open to U1700
or Unr. Novice, open to U1200 or Unr. All, EF: $24 if paid by 4/15, $30 at door;
half-price for distant Vermonters and most non-Vermonters. $$G: 100% of paid
EFs. Contact Monty for detailed prize list. Rds.: 10-12:30-3:30-6. Ent: Parker
Montgomery, P.O. Box 831, Middlebury, VT 05753-0831. Info: green-
monty@earthlink.net or 802-388-7215 (home) or 603-499-2139 (cell). NS, W.
Apr. 30-May 2 or May 1-2, 21st annual Vermont Resort Open
See Grand Prix.
May 14-16 or 15-16, 18th annual New York State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
June 11-13 or 12-13, 7th annual Vermont Spring Open
See Grand Prix.
Virginia
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 12-14, Virginia State Scholastic & College Chess Champi-
onships
6SS, Rds. 1-3 G/60; Rds. 4-6 G/90. Virginia Tech University, Squires Student
Center, Blacksburg, VA. Organized by VA Chess Federation. Blitz Champi-
onships Friday March 12, 6PM. Main Tournament Saturday and Sunday,
March 13-14. Players in MainTournament must be K-12 & college players attend-
ing school or college in Virginia beginning Jan. 10, or must be Virginia residents.
Virginia residency is not required for the Blitz Tournament. Registration, eli-
gibility, tournament details and hotels at www.vachess.org or www.vschess.org.
Questions to Mike Hoffpauir, mhoffpauir@aol.com, or 757-846-4805. WCL JGP.
Mar. 12, 19, 26, Apr. 9, 16, 23, 30, Arlington Chess Club Friday
Night USCF Rating Ladder
30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points
March - December wins $50. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check
web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlington chess-
club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money
too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info: Chrisney2@gmail.com. No advance
entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly
events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.
Mar. 20, HR Spring Swiss
4SS, G/70. Holiday Inn, 1815 Mercury Blvd., Hampton. Prizes: $700 b/o 30 $200,
$100, A-B & unr-C-D-U12 each $80 Increased with 35+. EF: $37 by 3/18 else
$45. Reg.: 8:30-9:00. Rds.: 9:20-12:15-2:45-5:15. Entries/Cks: Ernest Schlich,
1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. (757) 853-5296. http://mysite.verizon.
net/eschlich. WCL JGP.
Mar. 20, Kingstowne Quad #62/Action-Plus #34
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #62: 3RR, G/100. EF: $10 if received by 3/17, $15 at
site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else
silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #34: 5SS, G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 3/17, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr.
each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 9:30-10:45. Ent (checks payable to):
Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Apr. 3, Kingstowne Quad #63/Action-Plus #35
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #63: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 3/31, $15 at
site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else
silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #35: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 3/31, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr.
each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 9:30-10:45. Ent (checks payable to):
Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Apr. 11, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) (DC)
See District of Columbia.
A State Championship Event!
June 12-13, 2010 Virginia Senior Championship
4-SS. G/150. Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria,
VA 22312. Open to all USCF Members (including out of state) born before
June 12, 1960 (50+). VCF Membership Req for VA Residents. Prizes $1000
uschess.org
(G): 1st - $300 2nd - $175 3rd - $150 Top U2000-$130, Top U 1700-$125,
U1400-$120. Top Age 60-69 - and Top Age 70+ Plaques. Top Virginia resident
receives State Title/Plaque and Free Entry & $250 expenses for 2010 US Sen-
ior Championship, played at Marriott Boca Raton, Florida, Aug 20-29, 2010 and
organized by USCF. EF: $35 if recd by 6/5, $45 at site. Reg.: 6/12 8:45-
9:45am. Rds.: Sat 10-4 p Sun 9-3:00pm. Byes: One 1/2 point bye available if
requested before Rd 2. Standard USCFTiebreaks for title if needed. Hotel: Com-
fort Inn Landmark, 6253 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22312 703-642-3422 $75/day
rates available Fri-Sun (hotel .33 miles from Lincolnia) Info: matkins2@cox.net,
www.vachess.org/senior.htm. Entry: Make checks to Virginia Chess and mail
to Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria, VA 22306. NS. W.
Washington
July 31-Aug. 8, Aug. 3-8 or 5-8, Jerry Hanken Memorial - 111th
annual U.S. Open (CA-S)
See Nationals.
West Virginia
Apr. 17, WV Action Tournament
7SS, G/30. Judge Black Annex, 319 Market St., Parkersburg, WV 26101.
Prizes: $$300 b/15 $100-75, U2000 $50, U1800 $50, U1300 $25. Reg.: 9-9:45.
Rds.: 10-ASAP. EF: $25 by 4/10, $35 at site. Ent: Matt Richardson, 1225 20th
St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. Email: movchessclub@gmail.com, Web: http://
movcc.blogspot.com/.
Wisconsin
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 27, 29th Annual Waukesha Memorial
A Wisconsin Tour Event! 4SS. G/60. Dual rated. Comfort Suites Hotel, Exit
294, I-94 and WI 164, Pewaukee, WI 53072. $$Non-monetary, traveling tro-
phy to First, books for class winners. Open to all. EF: $15 ($12 by 3/26). Reg.:
9:00-9:45, Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. No state memb. reqd. OSA. Mail entries
to Waukesha CC. 1911 Stardust Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186. Phone Info: Jim Nick-
ell (262) 544-6266. Online info: jnickell@wi.rr.com.
Mar. 27, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
4SS, G/60. Dual rated. Comfort Suites Hotel, Exit 294, I-94 and HWY 164, Pewau-
kee, WI 53072. Open to players rated under 1200 or unrated. Prizes: Trophy
to first, book prizes for class winners. EF: $15 ($12 by 3/26). Reg.: 9:00-9:45,
Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. Mail entries to: Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust
Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186. Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info:
jnickell@wi.rr.com.
Apr. 17, Hales Corners Challenge XI
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 24, Madison Spring Rated Beginner Open (RBO)
D240 Downtown MATC Campus, 211 N. Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703. Open
to 1199 & under. In 2 Sections, Open & Reserve (age 12 or less), 5SS, G/30.
EF: Open $13 adv/$20 at site, Reserve $11 adv/$20 at site. Reg.: 7:30am. Mail
to: 2025 E. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53704. Rds.: 8:15-9:25-10:35-12:05-1:15.
INFO: George Alexander 608-669-3385 or checkmate@tds.net. http://groups.
google.com/group/madison-chess-league. NS, NC, W.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
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Do you need to go out of town for tournament play? Would you and others in Wanted
your area like the convenience of an occasional event closer to home? Organ- CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS
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a low-cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either
a based-on Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a tro-
Rating supplements will be updated
phy tournament will virtually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out EACH MONTH on the USCF website,
in prizes. and each monthly rating supple-
ment will be used for all
The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating supple- tournaments beginning in that
month, unless otherwise announced
ment and have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. in Chess Life. The USCF website at
www.uschess.org also frequently
Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them would lists unofficial ratings.The purpose
not be held if the organizer/TD couldnt play. of unofficial ratings is to inform
you of your progress; however, most
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact Joan DuBois at tournaments do not use them for
pairing or prize purposes. If you
joandubois@uschess.org. Well be glad to help you be part of the would otherwise be unrated, organ-
izers may use your unofficial rating
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uschess.org Chess Life March 2010 69

 Tournament Life

Information for Players

SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING MARCH 1-14

USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.

If not a member, add dues to advance
entry fee or pay them with entry fee at
site.
U.S. Championship Qualifier. Tournament
in which qualification spots for the U.S.
Championship are awarded.
American Classic. Generally, an event that
has been held by one organizer for the
last three years and has attracted more
than 400 players each year.
Heritage Event. Tournament held for at
least 25 years.
Quick Chess. Tournaments with time con-
trols of G/5 to G/29. There is a separate
quick or overall rating system that
includes these events, and games played
in these tournaments will not affect a
player's regular rating. Games played with
a time control of G/30 through G/60 will
be rated in both the quick/overall system
and the regular system.
Rating Classes
In most events, you dont have to win the
tournament to win a prizeyou can win a
class prize as a top scorer of your rating
group, or a section prize in a section
restricted to your rating group. These rat-
ing groups are:
Senior Master - 2400 & up
Master 2200-2399 Class C 1400-1599
Expert 2000-2199 Class D 1200-1399
Class A 1800-1999 Class E 1000-1199
Class B 1600-1799 Class F 800-999
Some tournaments use different groups
such as 1900-2099, and some have
under prizes or sections including all
below a specified level.
Ratings Information
You never lose your rating, no matter
how long it has been since you last played.
If you return after a long absence, please
tell the director and USCF your approxi-
mate rating and last year of play.
rejected or have adjustment points added. TLA ads for entering options. Along with
If details are not announced, players wish- entry fee, send full name, address, USCF
ing to use such ratings should contact ID number, expiration date, and section
the organizer in advance. desired (if any). Also, give your last official
For foreign players with multiple rat- USCF rating from your magazine label
ings (USCF, FIDE, CFC, FQE, other (first 4 numbers on top row). If you are
foreign), the highest rating is used, with unrated, or have a rating from many years
possible adjustment points added, unless ago, be sure to indicate this. Your official
otherwise announced. USCF rating is on the top line of your
Ratings based on 4-25 games are called mailing label: Regular, Quick, and Corre-
provisional ratings to indicate they are spondence.
less reliable than established ratings. How- Mailed entries are usually not acknowl-
ever, such ratings are valid for pairing edged unless you enclose a self-addressed
and prize purposes at all USCF-rated postcard. If entering online, print confirma-
events, unless otherwise stated. tion of entry. They are refundable if you
A Director may assign an estimated rat- withdraw before Round 1 is paired, unless
ing to any player, and may expel an otherwise stated.
improperly rated player from an event. For National Events, refund requests
must be submitted in writing no later than
Hotel-Motel Rates
30 days after the tournament ends. Any
Rates listed are often special chess
requests made after this date may not be
ratesyou must request chess rates or
honored.
you will be charged more. The chess rates
may be unavailable if not reserved sev- If You Must Withdraw
If you enter by mail and cannot attend,
eral weeks in advance, or if the block of
chess rooms is used up. Hotel-desk per- or must drop out of a tournament in
sonnel are often poorly informed about progress, it is important you give notice
chess ratesif that is the case, ask for the before pairings are started, so no one is
Sales Office or contact the tournament deprived of a game. Mail entrants should
organizer. send withdrawal notices at least a week
beforehand phone any later than this.
What to Take to a Tournament To withdraw by phone on tournament day,
Class G 600-799 Along with a pen or pencil and your call the site and ask specifically for the
Class H 400-599 USCF ID card (or current Chess Life), take chess tournament. E-mail withdrawals
Class I 200-399 a chessboard, set, and clock if you have several days in advance are acceptable if
Class J 199/below them. the TDs e-mail address is listed. Any later
For prizes of $600 or more, bring your than this, both e-mail your withdrawal
U.S. Social Security card. If you have no and call the tournament site as the TD
Social Security number, the organizer might not have access to his (her) e-mail
must deduct 30% from your prize for the account. If you forfeit without notice, you
IRS (this includes foreigners). may be fined up to the amount of the
Warning! The use of a cell phone in the entry fee.
tournament room is prohibited at most
tournaments. If your cell phone rings in a Tournament Directors
room with games in progress, you could be Tournament Director Certification is an
penalized, or even forfeited. endorsement of professional competence
only. Such certification does not in itself

If you have a FIDE rating, or a rating or
category from any other country, no mat-
ter how many years ago, you are not
unrated. FIDE or foreign ratings may be
.
How to Enter in Advance render any Tournament Director an agent
Entering by mail or online (if available) of the USCF, nor is any Affiliate an agent
is easier for both you and the tournament of the USCF.
organizer and often costs less. Check the

Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms

All tournaments are non-smoking with no comput-
ers allowed unless otherwise advertised by S
and/or C (see below for explanations).
QC: Quick Chess events.
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes.
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries
needed to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the
advertised prize fund of $501 or more must be
awarded.
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it
inconvenient to play may take -point byes instead.
For example, Bye 1-3 means -point byes are avail-
able in Rounds 1 through 3.
C: Computers allowed.
CC: Chess club.
EF: Entry fee.
Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous
page).
Ent: Where to mail entries.
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rat-
ing.
G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side
has 75 minutes for the entire game.
GPP: Grand Prix Points available.
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means
$60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix
Memb. reqd: Membership required; cost fol-
lows. Usually refers to state affiliate.
Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong
players, but some eligible for lower sections can
play for the learning experience.
OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues.
PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits
Fund.
Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar
strength players.
RBO: Rated Beginners Open.
Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For
example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. &
5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the sec-
ond day.
Reg: Registration at site.
RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
S: Smoking allowed.
SASE: For more info, send self-addressed stamped
envelope.
SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of
game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means
each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes,
then complete the rest of the game in an hour.
Section: A division of a tournament, usually exclud-
ing players above a specified rating. Players in a
section face only each other, not those in other
sections.
SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of
rounds).
T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
Unr: Unrated.
USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues.
W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.

70 Chess Life March 2010 uschess.org

 Solutions

Chess to Enjoy (page 14)
Problem I.
With 1. Qb2! White threatens the rook as well as
double checks (2. Rg6+ and 3. Qg7 mate).
Problem II.
1. ... Ba3! threatens 2. ... Rc1 mate, e.g. 2. bxa3
Rc1+ 3. Kb2 R8c2+ 4. Kb3 Qb5 mate or 2. Qh6
Qc5..
Problem III.
1. Qc5! is a killer pin in view of 1. ... Ke7 2. f4! fol-
lowed by 3. fxe5 fxe5 4. Rxe5 (or 2. ... exf4 3. e5).
Problem IV.
1. Bxf7+! Kxf7 2. Neg5+! hxg5 3. Nxg5+ Kf8 4. Qh5
threatening 5. Qh8 mate or 5. Qf7 mate. Or 2. ... Kf8
3. Qc4 hxg5 4. Nxg5 threatening 5. Nh7 mate and 5.
Qf7 mate.
Problem V.
Not 1. Re8+ Kf7! but 1. Bxd5! Bxd5 2. Rd1! does (2.
... Bb7 3. Bxd6+; 2. ... Bc6 3. Qxc5 or 2. ... Qc6 3.
Qxc6 Bxc6 4. Bxd6+).
Problem VI.
Take credit if you saw 1. ... Bc8! followed by 2. ...
Nxg3! or the reversed idea 1. ... Nxg3! and ... Bc8.
For example, 1. ... Bc8 2. Qc7 Nxg3! 3. hxg3 Rxf7
wins (4. Qxf7 Rxg3+ and mate or 4. Qd6 Rd7!).
Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess
(page 16)
Problem I.
Trapping: The advance 1. ... b5 wins the white
bishop.
Problem II.
Removing the guard: Black breaks through
with 1. ... Rxf3, when the rook cant be taken
because of mate at h2.
Problem III. Kb3 10. Rc5 Rxg6 11. Rxc3+ Kb4 12. Rc4+ Kb5
Pin: The pinning 1. ... Qa7 stops the mate and 13. Re4 Rg8 14. e7 Re8 15. Re6! wins.
reduces to a winning endgame.
Problem IV.
Whats The Best Move? (page 46)
Fork: Black wins a piece with 1. ... Qxh2+ 2. Kxh2 1. B. Alexander Alekhine-Paul Keres
Ng4+. A. White only drew after 1. Qg6+? Kf8 2. Qh7 Kf7.
Problem V. B. Decisive is 1. Rxb4! Qxd6 (or 1. ... Rxd6 2. Qg6+)
Back row: After 1. ... Qxf2 White is unable to take 2. Qc4+ Kf8 3. Rb7 Rd7 4. Qc8+ Ke7 5. Rb3 Rd8
back because of the weak back rank. 6. Qg4 Kf8 7. Rb7 wins.
Problem VI. C. Whites progress stalls on 1. d7 Kf8 2. Rd6 Qe7.
Mating net: Its mate after 1. ... Rxf1+ 2. Rxf1 2. C. Jose Capablanca-Reuben Fine
Ndf2+ (or Ngf2+) 3. Rxf2 Nxf2 mate. A. It was drawn by 1. Rxg5? Rb8 2. Kh3 e5 3. Rg1.
B. Also level is 1. hxg5? Kf5.
Endgame Lab Benkos Bafflers C. Capa missed an easy win by 1. h5! Rb1 2. Kg2
(page 44) g4 3. h6 Rb5 4. h7 Rh5 5. h8=Q+ Rxh8 6. Rxh8.
Problem I. Curiously, Dr. Arthur S. Antlers tournament book
A.V.R.O. 1938 (Chess Digest 1993) doesnt point
1. Kg5!!
out this gaffe.
1. Kf6? b4! is equal; 1. Kf5? Kxf7 2. Ke5 b4! 3. cxb4
3. C. Max Euwe-Paul Keres
axb4 4. axb4 Ke7 5. Kd5 Kd7 6. Kc5 Kc7 7. Kb5 Kb7
A. Inferior is 1. ... Rxd5? 2. Rxd5 Qxd5 3. Qxd5
is also equal.
exf2+ 4. Kxf2 Bxd5 5. Ke3.
1. ... Kxf7 2. Kf5 b4 3. cxb4 axb4 4. axb4 Ke7 5. Ke5
B. Ditto 1. ... exf2+? 2. Kxf2 Rxd5 3. Qc3! Qg8 4.
Kd7 6. Kd5 Kc7 7. Kc5 Kb7 8. Kb5 Ka7 9. Kc6 Ka6
Rxd5 Bxd5 5. Qxc5.
10. b5+ Ka7 11. Kc7
11. b6+?? Ka8! draws. C. Keres drew by 1. ... e2! 2. Re1 Qxd5 3. Qxd5
Rxd5 4. f3 Rd1.
11. ... Ka8 12. Kb6! Kb8 13. Ka6 wins.
4. B. Max Euwe-Mikhail Botvinnik
Problem II.
A. Black lost material and ultimately the game after
1. Kd3!
1. ... Qd3? 2. Nc7 Nxe4 3. Nxa8 Rxa8 4. Rd1
1. Kxc3? c4 2. Kd2 Rg8! 3. g7 (3. Ke3 c3 4. Kd3 c2!
Qxb1 5. Raxb1.
5. Kxc2 Ke4! is even) 3. ... Ke6! 4. Kc3 Kd5! 5. Kb4
(5. Kd2 Ke6 repeats the position) 5. ... Rb8+! 6. Ka3 B. Euwe suggested 1. ... Qa5 2. Bxc5 Qxb5 3. Bxe7
(6. Ka4? Ra8+! equalizes) 6. ... Rg8 keeps White Rfe8 with adequate compensation for a pawn.
from making progress. C. Ugly is 1. ... Ncd3? 2. a3 Qd7 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Rd1
1. ... c4+ 2. Kxc3! Kc5 3. Kd2! Kc6 4. Ke2 Kc5 5. Rad8 5. Ne1.
Kf3 Kd5 6. Ke3 Kc5 7. Ke4 Kb4 8. e6 c3 9. Kd3

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