Cal Journal Spring 2014

Northern Juniors Dominate at National Scholastic Events

Gomes Wins at National Elementary Aksithi Eswaran and Weibel Win at All-Girls Nationals Callaghan McCarty-Snead Wins at U.S. Junior Chess Congress

Cal Journal

Spring 2014

Table of Contents CalChess Board Presidents Message ...... 2 President: Tom Langland Recent Events ...... 3 Vice-President: Salman Azhar Treasurer: Joe Lonsdale Best of the West Championship ...... 3 Secretary: Richard Koepcke Berkeley Chess School 5th Annual Festival ..... 8 Members at Large: Ruth Haring National Elementary Championship ...... 9 Scott Mason Swaminathan Sankar Mechanics’ Spring Tuesday Marathon ...... 19 Stephen Shaugnessy College Chess Coordinator: CalChess Super State Championship ...... 20 Edward Detrick Scholastic Coordinator: CalChess Jr. High Championship ...... 23 Lynn Reed Scholastic Representatives: Imre Konig Memorial ...... 24 Aamir Azhar Hemang Jangle All Girls National Championship ...... 25 Jordan Langland CalChess Journal Editor: Black Dragon Spring ...... 27 Scott Mason

San Francisco Scholastic Championship ...... 28    Junior Chess Congress ...... 29 The CalChess Journal is published periodically by CalChess, the Mechanics’ Winter Tuesday Marathon ...... 31 Northern California affiliate of the Chess Federation. A Age Level Championship ...... 32 CalChess membership costs $5 for one year, and will include an email Tactic Puzzles from IM John Grefe’s games ...... 36 subscription to the CCJ plus Article: Chess is Forever! ‐ Reflection of an Amateur discounted entry fees into participating CalChess Chess Mom ...... 37 tournaments. Subscriptions, membership information, and Upcoming Scholastic Events ...... 44 related correspondence should be Upcoming Regular Events ...... 45 addressed to CalChess Membership at 2046 Vivian Ct., Tracy, CA 95377-5395. Cover Photos by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.(top left, bottom left), G. Julie Xie, Ph.D.(top right) and Richard Shorman(bottom right)

Page 1 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 CalChess President’s Message From Tom Langland

RATING FIXATION

No, this isn’t about fixing ratings, but about players and (more often) parents obsessing about USCF ratings. I cannot tell you how many times I get questions about ratings and more often a parent asking me as soon as a tournament is over what their child’s new rating will be. My question should be, what is the big deal? For 99% of the players, a change in their rating is not a life changing event. Your eight year old will not lose out on getting admitted to Berkeley someday, because they lost 20 rating points at the tournament today. There are maybe a few players that a few rating points raises their ranking in the top 100 list, or maybe qualifies them for a spot on a National Team. Those I can understand. In a recent tournament, we had a player near the 2200 rating level before the event started and after winning three games, he came up to me. I knew what he was going to ask. I was afraid to tell him, knowing the answer would mean he would withdraw from the tournament. I gave him the answer he wanted, which was his rating was going over 2200 and he was now a Chess Master. He withdrew from the tournament. That I understand. That I can deal with.

Since I run at least two to three tournaments a week, mostly with players under 1300, I constantly see a serious preoccupation with ratings. Ratings are simply a prediction of how well your child is playing at that single moment in time. Ratings can fluctuate at this level maybe 100‐200 points per tournament! Ratings at this level are not even a really good predictor of the outcome of a single match. Upsets are quite common! Yet, I still get questions about the opponents rating, or asking us to update their players rating in the tournament based upon their new rating from a tournament last weekend. Does it really matter? The kids themselves are barely concerned, unless their parents redirect their paranoia upon them! The child just wants to play chess. They just want to have fun. If your child should be rated 1100, then the rating formula will get them there. One of my college degrees is in Quantitative Business Analysis, and looking at the newer Glickman formula, it is clear that the best way to have your child’s rating reflect their true chess talents is to play more rated games. If they are supposed to be 1100, they will get there. If not, then they won’t, yet. If you want your child’s rating, or more importantly their chess skill) to improve, then let them practice more, send them to chess camp, get them an instructor. In fact, having them play higher rated player and lose is a very good way for players to advance. Let them learn. That will improve their inner ability and their rating will soon follow!

But remember, rating is still just a number. Do you really want to teach your child that how you feel about them, or how they are valued is based upon some relatively meaningless number? Let them know it is OK to lose sometimes. Reflect more upon did your child learn something from the loss, not how many rating points a game cost them. Teach them the value of learning from their mistakes. That is a skill that might actually get them into Berkeley someday, not their USCF rating!

Tom Langland CalChess President

Page 2 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Recent Events

Best of the West Championship

Every year on Memorial Day Melikset Khachiyan, National Weekend the “Best of the Master Craig Hilby and West Class Championship” is International Master Ricardo held. It is one of the larger De Guzman. Three players Best of the West tournaments held in Northern tied for the best under 2300 California and attracts some rating prize earning $186 each. Championship of the strongest players from They were NM Robert Hatarik, Open all over the state. This years Ladia Jirasek and NM Movses 1-2 GM Sam Shankland 5 event took place from May Movsisyan. FM Konstan Kavutskiy 24th to May 26th, 2014 drawing 3-6 IM Roman Yankovsky 4.5 190 players competing in five The “A” Section for players GM Melikset Khachiyan sections over six rounds. rated between 1800-1999 was NM Craig Hilby won outright by Alexandre IM Ricardo De Guzman Winning the event with 5 Birguer scoring 5.5 points and U2300 NM Robert Hatarik 4 Ladia Jirasek points each were earning $1335. Taking clear NM Movses Movsisyan Samuel Shankland and FIDE second place was Samir Master Konstan Kavutskiy Alazawi. Tied for third and Section A each winning $1500. Tied for fourth were George Wi Jeffers 1 Alexandre Birguer 5.5 third through sixth and and Teodoro Porlares. Four 2 Samir Alazawi 5 3-4 George Wi Jeffers 4.5 winning $188.75 each were players tied for fifth place. Teodoro Porlares International Master Roman They were Om Chichwadkar, 5-8 Om Chichwadkar 4 Yankovsky, Grandmaster Damon Moskaoyama, Michael Damon Moskaoyama Michael S Ho Joji Escoto

Section B 1 Chris Xiong 5.5 2 Seaver Dahlgren 5 3-4 Brian C Wen 4.5 Kevin Lin 5-6 Sos Hakobyan 4 William Sam Johns

Section C 1-3 Aleksan Kozminski 5 Joshya Grabinsky Kr Gopalakrishnan 4 Annapoo Meiyappan 4.5 5-9 Srinivas Suarla 4 Arijit Banerjee Kia Sadeghi Steven Hwang Raymond Tan 190 Players Participated. Photo by Richard Shorman

Page 3 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Michael Byan, Alexander Tian Section DE Hu and Karen Ke Minasyan. 1 Fujia Guo 5.5 Taking clear second under 2-4 Michael Byan 4.5 Alexander Tian Hu 1200 was Ahyan Zaman. Tied Karen Ke Minasyan for fith in the section were 5-6 Kayvon Sadeghi 4 Kayvon Sadeghi and Satvik Satvik Singireddy Singireddy. Four players tied for third under 1200. They U1200 1 Alexander Nishio 5 were Jaisu Kaleeswaran, 2 Ahyan Zaman 4 Anirudh Poranki, Cairo 3-6 Jaisu Kaleeswaran 3.5 Sodersten and Ratnakar Yedal. Anirudh Poranki Cairo Sodersten The tournament was Ratnakar Yedal organized by Salman Azhar and Bay Area Chess with John S Ho and Joji Escoto. McCumiskey and Tom GM Shankland tied for first in the Langland directing. Section “B” (ratings 1600- event. Photo by Richard Shorman 1799) also had a clear winner. Special thanks to FM Andy Black’s troubles can really be He is Chris Xiong scoring 5.5 Lee for annotating two of his traced to this move – it’s points and winning $1335. In games for us. The first is his dangerous to adopt such a second place was Seaver win from round three. passive setup. Dahlgren with 5 points. Tied for third and fourth were 8.e4 Bb7 9.h3 Brian C Wen and Kevin Lin. White: FM Andy Lee (2335) An important finesse. It’s best Two players tied for fifth place. Black: Trung Nguyen (2127) They were Sos Hakobyan and A45 Trompowsky Attack not to allow black to trade William San Johns. anything without incurring weaknesses. In the “C” Section (ratings Notes by FM Andy Lee Bg7 10.Bc4 O-O 11.O-O 1400-1599) three players tied 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 for first each scoring 5 points. Qc7 They were Aleksan Kozminski, As it turns out, a kind of a My young opponent was Joshya Grabinsky and Kr. bluff, as I never end up taking already using a great deal of Gopalakrishnan. Taking clear on f6. time. It’s not obvious what fourth was Annapoo black should be doing, but he 2… c5 3.d5 d6 4.Nc3 g6 Meiyappan with 4.5 points. doesn’t want to wait for white 5.Qd2 Five players tied for fifth place to pick the right time to break with 4 points each. They were Another bluff – I want black in the center. Srinivas Suarla, Arijit thinking about his kingside as Banerjee, Kia Sadeghi, Steven 12.Rad1 Rfd8 13.Qe2 Ne5 he considers how to finish his Hwang and Raymond Tan. 14.Nxe5 dxe5 15.Qf3! development. That said, the The “DE” Section was won by d2 square should really be I was happy with this move. Fujia Guo with 5.5 points reserved for the knight on its Now 15… Ne8 is met by 16 winning the top prize of $670. path to c4. Qxf7+ Kxf7 17 d6+, winning Alexander Nishio won the first back the queen and shattering 5… Nbd7 6.Nf3 a6 7.a4 under 1200 prize with 5 points. black’s pawns. b6?! Tied for second to fourth were

Page 4 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 15… Qd6 16.Nb1 29.e5 Qxe5? (diagram) 36.Qxf3 Bb7 37.Qe2 e5

If black does nothing the Alternatively, my computer Again, my computer suggests knight will be transferred to claims that after 29… fxe5 30 37… f5, but it’s much trickier c4, so he is forced to take Qxh7+ Kf7 31 Rg2 Qh6 32 d6+ than before. action. e6 33 Qf5+ Ke8 the position is equal, which is a hilarious 38.Qg4 Bc8 16… h6 17.Bh4 Bc8 18.g4? evaluation, even if it turns out A product of time pressure – to be correct. A bad mistake: immediately neither of us noticed that Qh7 after playing this move, I would defend g8 quite nicely. realized that I had blundered a pawn. Fortunately, white 39.Qg3 Rad7? still has some positional Right before time control, compensation. black finally makes a fatal 18… g5 19.Bg3 h5! mistake.

Suddenly there’s no good way 40.Rh2 Qf4 (diagram) to protect the kingside pawns. This makes it simple, but 40… 20.Qe3 hxg4 21.hxg4 Bxg4 Qg5 41 Qxg5 fxg5 42 Rf1+ Ke8 22.f3 Bh3 23.Rf2 Nh7 43 Be2! also wins in the end. 30.d6+? 24.Rh2 Bd7 25.Nc3 f6 And a mistake in return – I His knight is headed via f8 assumed it was good to give as and g6 to f4, followed by a many checks as possible, but transfer of the bishop to g6. I it’s bad to open the second decided to take immediate rank for black’s rooks to join action. the defense. Instead, 30 26.Qd3! Qxh7+ Kf8 31 Rg2 f5 32 d6 e6 33 Rd5! is the magnificent Attacking a6, but more winning idea. importantly, h7. 30…e6 31.Qxh7+ Kf8 26… Bc8 (diagram) 32.Re2 41.Rh8+ 1-0

I stopped to think a bit here,

as it occurred to me that I might not be winning.

32… Qg5+ 33.Rg2 Qh6 34.Qe4 Ra7 35.Qc6 f3?!

Natural, but the cold-blooded 35… f5 36 Qxb6 Rad7 37 Qxc5 Bb7 turns the tables – all of black’s pieces are now active and his king is quite safe. 27.f4! gxf4 28.Bxf4 exf4

Page 5 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 In the other game annotated 17.Rd1 Bb6 18.d4 Qe7 39.Re2 by FM Andy Lee, he shares his 19.Bd5! final round draw with It’s hard for white to avoid a Grandmaster . Demonstrating white’s transition into a drawish superiority on the light ending now – for example, 39 squares. Rd7 f5! 40 exf5 Ne7 41 Rxe7 White: GM W. Browne (2477) Rxd5 42 Rc2 Rxf5= Black: FM Andy Lee (2335) 19… b4 20.Be3 bxc3 C77 Ruy Lopez 21.bxc3 Nh4 22.Qg4 Kh8 39… f5 40.Rc7 fxe4 23.g3 Ng6 24.f4? 41.Rxc5?! (diagram)

Notes by FM Andy Lee White decides to take action, but this is premature. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.d3 b5 6.Bb3 24… exd4?! Bc5 7.a4 Rb8 8.axb5 axb5 9.Nc3 d6 10.Nd5 Missing 24… c6! 25 Bxc6 Rfc8 26 Bd5 Rxc3 with an Although it make look strange, improved version of the game. white is happy to initiate an exchange of the best defender 25.cxd4 c5 26.dxc5 Bxc5 of the black kingside. 27.Bxc5 dxc5 28.Qe2

The position is looser than 10… h6 41…Rd8! white would probably like, but The coffeehouse part of my there is no obvious way for Perhaps white expected brain decided that 10… Nxd5 black to take advantage. 11 Bxd5 Ne7 12 Bxf7+ was 41…f5, when black’s position dangerous – it’s not. However, 28… Rb4 29.Kh2 Rfb8 is still awkward. Now the black is likely to play h6 at 30.Ra2 Nf8 e-pawn is immune: 42 Bxe4 some point soon anyway. Re8 43 Bf3? Rxe2+ 44 Bxe2 Planning on getting the knight Rd2 winning. 11.c3 O-O 12.O-O Bg4?! into the game at last via e6 and d4. 42.Bb3 Rd2 43.Rc2 Rxe2+ I was concerned that after 12… Nxd5 13 exd5 Ne7 14 d4 exd4 31.Qh5 Ng6? 43… e3 doesn’t seem to 15 Nxd4 white would have an accomplish much after 44 Kg2 annoying initiative, but the Completely giving up the 44.Rxe2 f5 text gives away the bishop pair initiative – it was absolutely essential to play 31… Ne6 32 for nothing. This doesn’t mess anything up Qe5 Qd7 since 33 Bb3 Qc8 34 yet, but it sets the stage for 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 Nxd5 Bxe6 Qxe6 is just equal. future mistakes. It’s easier to 15.Bxd5 Ne7 16.Bb3 Ng6 32.Qf5 Rf8 33.Rc2 Rd8 defend with 44… Rd4. Black’s position is solid, but 34.Rdc1 Rd4! 35.Rg2!? 45.Ra2 Re8?! white holds all the cards. I Things are not so clear after spend the next bunch of Deactivating the rook. moves trying to devise 35 Rxc5 R8xd5! 36 Rxd5 Rxe4. 46.Kg2 Re7 47.Kf2 Rc7 something to do while white 35… Rf8 36.Rb1 Qf6 48.Ra5 Ne7 49.Re5 h5 improves his position. 37.Qxf6 gxf6 38.Rb7 Kg7

Page 6 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 It’s risky to put another pawn 67.Kd4 Nf7 68.Bc2 Nh6 18...Qa8! 19.Nc3 Ng4 on the light squares, but I was 69.Bxe4 20.Nd1 Re8 worried about g4. The last try, but it is not Keeping pressure on the e- 50.h4 Rb7 51.Bd1 Kf6 terribly dangerous. pawn. 52.Bxh5 Rb2+ 53.Kg1 Nc6 69… fxe4 70.Kxe4 Ke6 21.h3 Finally, the knight is moving 71.f5+ Nxf5 72.g4 Ng3+ White wants to prevent …b3. back towards d4! 73.Kf4 Nxh5+! 74.gxh5 An alternative is 21.Qd2 Kg7 1/2-1/2 22.h3 Ne5 23.Nxh4÷ 54.Rd5 Nb4?

Completely stupid – I can only 21...Bxe4! 22.Rxe4 Qxe4 Finally, we have tournament 23.hxg4 blame the short second time winner FIDE Master Konstan control for not playing 54… Kavutskiy’s final round win 23.Qxe4 Rxe4 24.hxg4 Rxg4 Ke6 first. over NM Kesav Viswanadha. 25.Kh2 trading off the queens Analysis computer assisted. might have been a safer 55.Rd6+ Ke7 56.Rb6 Nd3 option than in the game 57.Rxb2 Nxb2 White’s King isn’t currently White: NM Viswanadha(2372) the safest. Now I have to count on some Black: FM Kavutskiy (2388) kind of makeshift blockade in C78 Ruy Lopez 23...Qxg4!–+ 24.Qc6! Re7 order to hold the draw. 25.Kh2 Qf4+ 26.Kh1 b4 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 27.Bc2!? Bd4!? 28.Qc4!? 58.Kf2? 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0–0 b5 6.Bb3 h3! 29.Qd3 hxg2+ Bc5 7.a4 Bb7 8.c3 d6 9.d4 30.Kxg2 Qg4+ 31.Kf1? I can’t say for certain at which Bb6 10.Re1 0–0 11.Bg5 h6 point the position becomes 12.axb5 31.Kh2 Be5+ 32.Nxe5 Rxe5 definitively drawn, but this 33.Qg3 would make it more difficult for Black. helps black get the knight Alternately, White could keep back to the best blockading the tension on the queenside with 12.Bh4 as seen in 31...Qh3+ 32.Kg1 (diagram) square, h6. 58 Bc4 would Gashimov – Godena, Reggio have been much tougher to Emilia 2010. face, but we were both very low on time at this point. 12...axb5 13.Rxa8 Bxa8 14.Bh4 exd4 15.cxd4 g5 58… Nc4 59.Be2 Nd6 16.d5!? 60.Ke3 Nf7 61.Kd4 Previously played here was This might have been the best 16.Bg3 in Grego – Dunlop, opportunity for 61 g4, but it’s Corr. 2013. With the text, tricky with the wrong rook White gives up the bishop pair. pawn – all black needs is to 16...gxh4! 17.dxc6 Bxc6 find a way to sacrifice the 18.Qc2 knight for the f-pawn. 32...f6 0-1 18.Nc3 b4 19.Nd5³ would be 61… Kf6 62.Kd5 Nh6 another option, but Black is (32…f5 also works) 63.h5 Nf7 64.Kd4 Nh6 still better with the extra pawn And ...Rg7+ is crushing. 65.Bd1 Nf7 66.Ke3 Nh6 and two bishops.

Page 7 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Berkeley Chess School 5th Annual Chess Festival By Beth Slatkin

The Berkeley Chess School 5th included simuls with guests also enjoyed bughouse, Annual Chess Festival was on Grandmaster Jesse Kraai, BCS carnival games -- including a May 18th, and drew 350 instructor and Master Roger dunk tank and face painting -- children and adults who Poehlmann, and BCS' state and a chess-themed play celebrated the game of chess and national junior about the history of the game. in support of the Berkeley champions, including Below are pictures from the Chess School. Events at this Callaghan McCarty-Snead and event taken by Richard popular annual fundraiser Josiah Stearman . Festival Shorman.

BCS students test their skills against popular chess instructor Roger Poehlmann BCS founder and president Elizabeth Shaughnessy

BCS students were the stars of ʺThe Story of Chessʺ

An actor suits up for “The Story of Chess” Page 8 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 National Elementary Championship

The Bay Area is fortunate to National Elementary event from different teams. have many, many strong Championship in Dallas, TX. Both articles follow. young players. Quite a few We were fortunate enough to teams competed in the receive two reports on the Return to Nationals By G. Julie Xie, Ph.D.

Ever since the surprising win elementary schools that had will be stronger and more of the K-5 section National won a national title over the prepared, and others are more Championship at last April’s past 10 years. motivated to beat you. You Super National in Tennessee, can do it, but it won’t be easy, all members of the Gomes “The only thing harder than each of you must be Team were looking forward to winning a championship is committed.” the 2014 National Elementary repeating it.” So said Dominic, School Championship this William’s father, at the Each of our children worked April. The four children, celebration dinner in 2013. hard over the past 12 months Joanna Liu, Ganesh He spoke from his experience and their ratings steadily Murugappan, Jason Zhang during his youth when he improved. Joanna broke and William Sartorio, barely participated in debate and 2000 after her third World knew each other last spring academic teams that won Youth tournament, a big when one invitational email championships but never milestone that made her one from Joanna’s father, Jay, repeated. “The competition of the youngest Experts connected them in January 2013. Without any head coach, pep talk or even team shirt, they headed for Tennessee after just one meeting last May. Weibel Chess Director Dr. Kirshner kindly let them use his team room at Nashville but even there each member needed to find their own way to persist under the frustration of a mere 0.5 point out of 4 after the first round. That was why the victory of the K-5 championship felt so special when they added the name of “Gomes,” an unknown in the scholastic chess circle, to the list of Weibel, Mission San Gomes Elementary team and their trophies. (L to R) Jason Zhang, Ganesh Jose and Regnart, as the 4th Murugappan, Joanna Liu and William Sartorio. Photo courtesy of G. Julie Xie Northern California

Page 9 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 around the country. Ganesh bring a Gomes School spirit Grandparents have always broke 1900. Both Jason and wear with us instead of been very supportive to the William broke 1700. I am scrambling right before the boys’ interest in chess. very grateful that last year’s award ceremony for a uniform Grandpa used to Super National reignited last May. Dr. Kirshner kindly enthusiastically offer dollars William’s passion for chess at opened Weibel Chess team for winning games until we a time when he was ready to room door to the Gomes shared how material promises quit. I’m amazed to see how players again. He had written often diminish children’s joy he learned to focus more and on his famed chess blog in in what they do. His presence, slow down his game, with 3+ April that Gomes should win smiles and hugs are priceless hour games becoming more the K-6 section based on them rewards for them. common recently, which is having the highest average night and day from his 15 or rating of all schools registered The Hilton Dallas – Anatole 20-minute games two years at the time. possesses the grandness that ago. matches a national event. The Will Gomes team be able to unique Asian-designed atrium Last year, this team came meet the expectations? lobby is complemented by together just three months reflecting pools, a majestic before the Super National * * * moving chandelier and unsure what to expect, but convenient seating areas. The trip to started with this year there was a sense of Home to one of the largest delayed or cancelled flights mission. Last year, they Asian art collections in the due to bad weather in Dallas barely knew each other, but world, Hilton Anatole displays on Thursday, May 8. Our this year they were friends more than 1,000 pieces of fine family waited at the San and supportive to each other art throughout the hotel, Francisco airport with quite a in local chess tournaments. giving me the illusion of a few well-known scholastic They felt and acted like a team. museum. They also boast chess players’ families, over 349,000 sq. ft. of flexible including Joanna, David Pan With Dallas as their home- meeting space. The Trinity, from Mission San Jose field advantage, 789 out of the Chantilly and Cortez Elementary and Pranav from 2229 registered players, or Ballrooms where the K-5/K-6, Stratford. I joked with them 208 out of 604 teams, for the K3, and K-1 sections were that all children would play 2014 National came from playing respectively still very well at this tournament Texas. They were trailed by looked spacious after the 2229 because, as an old Chinese the 611 players, or 84 teams, players were seated. from New York. Only 77 saying states, “all things that players were from Northern have good endings start with The Weibel Chess team room California. While the more troublesome beginnings.” offered a sanctuary for our organized teams, such as players before and between When we finally got to Dallas Weibel and Mission San Jose rounds as all the public areas four hours behind our original Elementary, always come with were buzzing with excited schedule, William’s their Directors and Head children with their more grandparents were already Coach, Gomes continued to excited parents. waiting there with their van. have only the four players Chesskid.com was again a They had driven from Reno with their parents. There popular stop-by with laptops for two and a half days to were no additional players if to encourage children play cheer for William and his 6- one of the four wasn’t playing puzzles to win prizes. The year old brother David. well. We did remember to hotel does not offer free access

Page 10 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 to internet in the guest rooms were paired against lower- eat or sleep well since he got so we had to sit close to rated opponents, and won. to Dallas. Siva calmly went restaurants to get online. But for the second round, out to get food for him after That proved very inconvenient William was paired with the the third round. for those parents who were top rated player in this section, planning to work while their Brandon Nydick (2235) from All three boys won their 4th children were in each round, New York Collegiate School. round. Jason was especially and for children who used It was novel for him to sit in excited as he had won an 1800 sites to analyze Board 1 at a national player within 90 minutes. His games or practice tactics. tournament and Dominic got eyes were brighter than ever a good picture for him there. and his smile shone with Everywhere I went on Friday He did play slowly but lost confidence. Joanna faced a morning, I heard parents’ with 22 moves in two hours. tough 1800 opponent and conversations about how That round proved tough for drew that game. Our team difficult it was to get to Dallas both Ganesh and Jason as standing was back to the top with the delayed and cancelled well as both drew an opponent at that point but everyone flights from all over the in the high 1300’s from other knew that the more country. However, I rarely states. If anything, we’ve challenging rounds were yet to saw any weary faces on learned that never to come. children. On the contrary, our underestimate any lower rated William was paired with an children truly amazed us. players from other states as 1800 opponent for the fifth Anthony Zhou, a 6th grader chess ratings can have broad round on Saturday night. He from Weibel Chess, for discrepancies across states. lost in 27 moves in two hours. example, had to get up around What really woke us up was William had this game four a.m. that day to catch a when we saw that the New analyzed by Coach Demetrius flight after his original one on York Collegiate School team, from Weibel. He felt Thursday was cancelled. He which passed us to the top, William’s game was arrived at the Trinity had two players over 2100. Ballroom half an hour into the uncharacteristically first round and still won it as A national title is indeed hard conservative, as if playing not well as the following round to defend. to lose, instead of playing to that night. He continued with win. “If you play an opening another win Saturday Saturday started early as the gambit and your opponent morning and two impressive 3rd round began at 9 a.m. accepts it, you should attack! draws with two top seeded local time, or 7 a.m. California You have only a short window players over 2100. I was so time. Joanna, Jason and of advantage while he is still happy to see Anthony that day, William won their lower rated developing his pieces.” with the bright sparks of opponents but Ganesh drew Instead of planning an attack, passion in his eyes. Another again. Ganesh was with his he played defensively, as if Weibel play, Serafina Show, mother, Siva, as his father, overthinking what his also played well after missing Muru, had told us last April opponent might do. her first round due to a that pressure was difficult for “I better win my last two cancelled flight and won 4 out him to handle when rounds rounds, or I’m dragging my of 6 rounds. had unexpected outcomes. But Siva, on the other hand, team down,” William told Unlike last year, Gomes team has been used to working himself before going to bed started strong. K-6 had under pressure at her job. that night. regular pairings so all four Ganesh had not been able to

Page 11 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 “Please just focus on your next the next hour before the consistently. We were very game. One game at a time.” seventh and final round happy to see that he took his Reminded Dominic. started. time when it’s really critical for the team. After Jason also lost the fifth Chess, as an individual sport, round while Joanna and is indeed unique as a team Then another win from Jason! Ganesh drew, the team got event. While each win is He was very happy after one point between the four of enjoyed four-fold by all four winning against a higher- them and stood at the second members, each loss, instead of rated opponent that he had place, 0.5 point below the being shared like in a baseball struggled against in the past. New York Collegiate School team, also four-folds. Each team before the last day point or half a point counts. 2.5 points. Now it’s up to started Sunday morning. They had won their last Ganesh’s game to make the national championship by a difference between the two Sunday came with bright mere 0.5 point. Could they top teams. sunshine and sweet greetings hold the lead this time? of “Happy Mother’s Day” Siva saw my eyes and calmly everywhere we went in the William was paired with a told me that Ganesh would do hotel. Dominic surprised me player in his high 1300’s from well because he entered this with a dozen beautiful red Delaware. But his score in round with excitement. “You roses before David came out this tournament so far (3.5) can tell how he’d play on his from the sixth round of the K- was a better indicator of skill face before the round even 1 section with a win and a hug than his rating. William starts.” as his gifts. As I shared one looked ready and confident. At 5:47 p.m., over 4 and a half rose with each chess mom that We left him and our prayers at hours since the round started, I knew around the hotel, the his board in the massive Siva texted me: “Ganesh drew.” fragrance filled my heart with Trinity Ballroom. happiness. What a special We could finally jump up and For this last round, Ganesh way to celebrate being a mom down again. With this draw, had the toughest opponent as when our children played New York Collegiate School he was facing Brandon Nydick their hearts out on their team could only get a (2235), the top rated player favorite game at a national maximum of 3.5 points for from the New York Collegiate tournament! this round, which would mean School. a tie with us as the champion. Joanna rose above her If they got anything below 3.5, disappointing draw the night Joanna ended her game first it’d be a clear win for us. before and gained a smooth with another draw within two hours. We were a little taken win in the sixth round. Both David was not that happy. back because she usually likes Ganesh and Jason won too. When he had entered last playing long games. But again, But William drew a 1400 April’s K-1 section at the this was the last round. After player from Texas. He was Super National as an unrated three days, everyone was tired. noticeably worried, even after player, without any formal seeing the team returning to We were relieved after class, he won 4 out of 7 rounds, the first with 0.5 point ahead William finally came out with surprising all of us. He was of New York Collegiate. a win after almost three hours. disappointed that his little Instead of napping in-between Being the youngest and most “participant” trophy looked rounds as he did the previous inexperienced, he continued ignorable next to the Gomes days, he practiced tactics for to have difficulty playing team trophy last year, which

Page 12 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 was why he was determined to It is clear to see the effect of the strongest scholastic chess get a bigger one this year. proper training on Erin Law, a players in the country. With 4.5 points under his belt Weibel first grader. Last April, before the last round, his David had met her at Super Right before the award confidence was at all-time National and was able to win ceremony at 7 p.m., we saw high knowing that another 0.5 against her at that time. But our team being listed at the would give him a 30th place following another year of top of the K-6 section again. trophy out of the over 300 systematic instructions, Although this was more players. weekly tournament-style expected than last year’s, the game playing and analysis by excitement was fresh for In spite of his enthusiasm at professional coaches under everyone. his board before the last Weibel Chess’ structured team, What a proud moment when round, David was no match Erin has been improving our children got on the stage for his opponent in the 1200’s. steadily and is now rated over to receive their second He sat outside of the Cortez 900. Both Joanna and national championship trophy Ballroom with a cloudy face William have benefited from Sunday night! With the until he saw me. Then the Weibel Chess training in their courage and persistence at rain came down his face early years. With Erin’s calm each round, they did it again! uncontrollably. demeanor and strong The scholastic chess school attention skills, I will not be I was not surprised that David championship has been surprised if she becomes couldn’t win out. As much as dominated by NY teams over another Joanna in the near he loves the attention that the past ten years. Based on future. comes with chess, unlike his the USCF data, 25 out of the older brother, David only As we were waiting for the 43 school team practiced sporadically each final results, I saw another championships in 4 sections day. He liked playing online California player, Andrew (K-1, K-3, K-5, K-6) since games but disliked the module Zhang Hong, analyzing his 2005 were from NY. The work of solving puzzles, own last game with the kind of children were very proud that ignoring William’s advice that focus and ease that’s beyond they had left “Gomes” on the tactic practice is the key for his age in Weibel Chess team champion map. beginners. Although David’s room. Only 9 years of age, he We are proud of our Gomes rating started with an has risen to approach a kids for having worked hard to impressive 638 after his first Master title within less than prepare for and win another rated tournament last April, two years. "Geniuses are championship. It is really he has not improved much made, not born." Although gratifying to see their hard since then. He did amaze me Grandmaster Susan Polgar’s work pay off. This is also a with his ability to focus at the father, László Polgar's thesis story of these four kids staying chess tournaments as he had was proved not only by his together through another year no problem playing hour-long three master daughters but with their love and dedication games at age 6 when William also many researches, one has for chess. This more than could hardly sit for more than to recognize that some anything is what we hope they 15 minutes at that time. But children are born with more take with them as important without proper training and gift from the get go. Andrew lessons for success into their willingness to work hard, received 5.5 points and a fifth adult lives. that’s as far as a little “talent” place in the K-6 section, can carry him. confirming his place as one of Although their combined

Page 13 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 attendance was small won the 7th place in K-5 games were announced compared to Texas and New section with 6.0. promptly. The Chief TD, Bill York State, all 77 players from Snead, and his right-hand Northern California did Those made us feel very man, Wayne Clark, as well as amazingly well. In the K-3 fortunate to live in a the cadre of 26 other directors championship section, they supportive community where and dozens of volunteers took 7 out of the top 15 spots, chess is a respected deserve a standing ovation. including the individual extracurricular activity. For champion and team champion example, Weibel and NorCal Sitting in the Media (Mission San Jose House of Chess scheduled two restaurant after the award Elementary). tournaments in April with the ceremony, the celebration was same time control as the mixed with a bittersweet #1| BALAJI DAGGUPATI National and opponents with feeling. With their age #4 | MILIND MAITI similar ratings to prepare differences, this is the last #5 | ANDREW PENG Fremont players. Jason’s time that our four children #10 | CHINGUUN BAYARAA father, Haifeng, credited that could play on the same school #11 | CALLAGHAN MCCARTY-SNEAD as the best preparation for team for a while as Joanna #12 | OLIVER WU Jason before they headed for and Ganesh are moving on to #14 | RISHITH SUSARLA Dallas. Junior High in fall. We’ll certainly miss each other and Anvi Surapaneni, a fifth We were very happy to be part the friendship that had built grader from Weibel, won the of the 2014 National. It takes during those two national K-6 U1000 section with a a big, knowledgeable staff of tournaments. May their perfect 7.0. experienced personnel to run passion for chess persist so the nine sections smoothly. they can meet again as a team Aaron Hu, a second grader We were all amazed at how in high school. from Weibel, got 5.0 and his punctual each round was. K-1 rating jumped almost 300 section was ran with special Will they be able to defend points. care for the little ones as their national title as a team parents were seated across the again? David Pan, a fifth grader from Cortex Ballroom while Mission San Jose Elementary, children who finished their We’ll find out in spring 2020!

Page 14 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Report on Weibel Chess at the Elementary School Nationals 2014 By Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.

I am waiting for my plane to On the positive side: games. leave Dallas. I thought I might as well get a report out I was happy that I invited There were few negatives. to the Weibel Chess parents or Gomes (Fremont) and Bret One impacted our team and at least that one person sitting Harte (Modesto) to share our caused some unwanted on the edge of his chair large Team Room. We felt a tension and lack of sleep. waiting for this information. ;-) brotherhood/sisterhood of Almost all flights were being from Northern cancelled Thursday due to The Weibel news is mixed. California. Success and thunderstorms, hail and The good (almost great news) accomplishment come not just tornados in Dallas. Flights is that all but one person wore from trophies, but from being had to be rearranged to get to their Weibel Team T-shirts all a part of a community. Dallas. A number of our weekend. It helped the players had to take byes the players and parents bond as a Demetrius Goins, our coach, first round for fear of not team. Our spirit was high amazed people in his staying arriving in time on their re- even if our scores weren’t as power. He had few breaks booked flights. Anthony Zhou, high as we would have liked. I during the day as he threw all our highest rated player, was excited to see our elite his energy and extensive chess decided to gamble and try and players take pride in their knowledge in preparing our make the hour deadline before jackets. They wore them players and some of the being forfeited. He made it during most of the rounds. Gomes players for their next with about five minutes to spare and went on to win his game.

Almost everything went smoothly at the tournament. The Chief TD , however, apparently made a decision based upon his philosophy that reversed two years of a peace that had occurred between many teams and Washington State players. Washington State has its own rating system. When Washington State players enter at Nationals their USCF ratings are quite deceptive. Some feel that is intentional. For example, a Washington team in the K3 Under 800 One of the Playing Halls with parents watching. Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. section had players rated by their system over 1700 and others 1500 and 1300 and Page 15 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 they had played dozens of competition chess games. Their USCF ratings were way under 800 due to having played these games years ago. The Chief TD informed the large group of protesters that as far as he was concerned all non-USCF rating system and activities were illegal. Obviously, this was a business power ploy on his part that lacked any ethical considerations. He had, in my opinion, absolutely no concern for the players. I Bret Harte Team from Modesto Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. loved watching my brethren and sisters from New York Weibel? I was excited that all of the time control. Shivangi come down on the Chief TD our players were taking their Gupta seemed to do this in whom they viewed as arrogant. time before moving. Only almost every round. She, like I personally felt he was just a once or twice did a player a number of other Weibel snot. I think it is truly ugly return from his/her game in players, found themselves when those in a leadership under 20 minutes. A few playing higher rated players in structure disregard the young years ago a dozen players every round. I do want to chess players so they can would have been back in the provide my special kudos to maintain their power and Team room in that amount of second grade student protect their egos. time. Many of our players Dharsahan Vetrivelan as he went three hours and a couple used his full time during one How went the tournament for even lasted almost to the end of his games.

Another second grade student who deserves Kudos is Aaron Hu. He played a slew of people 400 to 500 points higher and finished the tournament with 5 out of seven points in the K-3 championships. He was by far the big surprise of the tournament and deserved his trophy and loads of accolades.

Anvi Surapaneni was the heroine of the team as she won the K-6 Under 1000 competition with a perfect score. While winners of any of th Anthony Zhou (1842, 6 grade) from Fremont going over a game with Andrew the Under or non-rated Zhang Hong (2038, 3rd Grade) from Saratoga. Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. Page 16 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 sections cannot use the title Champion, I would definitely call her a champion even if I must use a small c.

In the K-6 Under 1000 competition Sashrika Pandey also came home with a trophy for her five wins. Our Team took third in this section only a ½ point out of first. We had 20 points and the first place team had 20.5 points. Weibel’s Fourth Place K‐3 Team in the K‐3 Championship Division (one point out I believe in this year’s of first) Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. National Championships our finish strong. Weibel placed again when we dropped our players confronted their most fourth only one and a half position in the last two rounds difficult competition ever. points behind. As expected, and ended tied for ninth place. Despite this challenge the Oliver Wu led our players and To be fair our players defeated Weibel players faired better finished with 5.5 points. As a number of higher rated than last year. Our players noted earlier, Aaron Hu with a players, just not enough of may have failed to come home rating 600 points below Oliver them. While there were not with many individual awards was our second place player. any plaques for our K-5 this year, still all four Weibel In the last round Louis Law players, I would like to teams won trophies and were fought a player rated much personally thank all of them in contention for first place in higher than himself to a draw for their team spirit. I think their sections. and obtained 4.5 points. The this group enjoyed themselves The Weibel Team results: four highest scoring players a lot. I am sure some might count for team point no say too much, but I can’t help Based on the initial rankings matter how many players on a but get a warm feeling when a of the teams in the sections we team. If a team finishes in the group of students are laughing entered our final results were top five the four players get together while playing chess good. Translation—we placed plaques. Our final plaque was in the Team Room. They were higher than we entered. Yet, I awarded to Vincent Wang who like comrades in arms. Next had hoped we would do better. obtained 3.5 points. year, I hope the comrades in The K-3 Championships arms hit the target more provided our best chance for a Despite our K-5 directly. Our highest rated title. Through most of the Championship Team being play Atri Surapaneni (1496) rounds seven teams including seeded eleventh in the country, obtained the most points—4.5. Weibel were within one point I truly felt that we had the Prithvi Nagamanivel (1163), of first place. In the sixth talent to finish in the top five. showed he could still play round Mission San Jose took We had no heroes but we had chess as he did in second its turn in first by half a point a lot of depth. Through most grade. He destroyed many and held on to its lead in the of the tournament, we were in higher rated players and seventh to gain the victory. the top five. The bane of received 4 points. I think the Once again Mission has Weibel Chess’ existence in tension in the delayed flights proven that their players can recent years, not finishing and Jeremy Chen’s (1423) lack strong, raised its ugly face Page 17 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 points as did Daniel Emmanuel. They all received plaques for their accomplishment.

Fremont’s Gomes Elementary was the winner of the K-6 Championship group. They had been last year’s National K-5 Champions. Weibel was happy once again to share our Team Room with the Gomes players. I hold a special place in my heart for Gomes since it was the second school I taught Weibel at Nationals Photo courtesy of Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. at. I left Gomes when I turned Success Chess over to Bela of sleep hit him more than any of all they need to attend more Evans. Gomes, in the years I other Weibel player. We were tournaments. Every coach was there, mirrored Weibel. all incredulous when he lost wants to put his sport first. I They had great students who his first three games. With just hope I can get some of the were a pleasure to work with the help of Demetrius Goins, parents to do this. In no other plus loads of parent our onsite coach, he made a sport do the controlled studies volunteers. I even held comeback winning the next show the academic tournaments there and felt as four games. Enya Mistry, improvement that studying much thrill when they won another of our players that and playing chess does. I hear State Championships as I did can play three to four hour all these worries about when Weibel came out on top. games, added 3.5 points to our studying for tests and test I may have left Gomes in 2005, team. Suryateja Mandadi and scores. Yet, critical thinking but my ties remained. Gomes’ Rahul Ravishankar also had developed through chess is a number one player, National 3.5 points in the K-5 prime mover in education. Expert Joanna Liu (2016) tournament. Having sat on college started her chess during her admissions committees and three years at Weibel. She We tied for fourth in the K-6 speaking from the experience was one of the best students I Championships. This was a of my own boys, becoming a ever had and telling her respectable finish. Yet once standout chess player will get parents this inspired them to again we would have been more attention from most continue her in chess. Gomes higher if our players had college selection committees fourth player in their K-6 better conditioning to finish than the scores your child Championship Team is off the tournament as strong received on any Star test. William Sartorio (1603-now as they started. The Nationals Our two top players, Anthony close to 1800) who played and are grueling event with seven Zhou (1842) and Serafina interacted with our coaches at four hour games in three days. Show (1590) both brought 4.5 Weibel for two years. I felt There is little doubt in my points to the team score. honored (I had tears in my mind that our elite players Shivangi Gupta who I moved eyes) when the Gomes parents and even varsity players need up from fifth grade due to her asked me to be in a picture to play longer time controls fighting spirit obtained 3.5 with their Team. The other over two or three days. Most

Page 18 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 two outstanding players who other Northern California seventh. In K-5 David Pan were part, not only of Gomes’ winners. Balagi Daggupati , a (1839) tied for second. In K-6, National Championship team student of Ted Castro and his third grade student Andrew this year, but last year’s as famous NorCal House of Zhang Hong (2038) tied for well, were fourth grader Jason Chess, stood alone in first fifth along with Joanna Shuhe (1708) and sixth grader place in the K-3 National Liu(2016) and Jason Shuhe Ganesh Murugappan (1835). Championships. Northern Zhang (1708). This was a KUDOS! California has the most great year for Northern amazing group of third grade California players. They We did not have a team in the chess players ever. Seven of continue to show that they are K-1 Championship section, the first 15 positions were held once again a force to be but I hope to have one next by our players: Balaji reckoned with. year. Erin Law was the lone Daggupati (1919) in first; player in that section this year. Maiti Milind (1836) and Andrew Peng (1775) tied for I want to finish this article on second; Callaghan McCarty- Weibel at the 2014 Snead, Chingun Bayaraa Elementary School Nationals (1778), Rishith Susarla (1701) with a bit of information on and Oliver Wu(1713) tied for Mechanics’ Institute Spring Tuesday Night Marathon By John Donaldson

Reprinted with permission. TNM. Congratulations go From the Mechanics’ Institute to Uyanga Byambaa (best Newsletter. For games and under-2200), Enkhjin (Cindy) additional details about the Gomboluudev (best under- Mechanics’ Spring event please visits: 1400) and Renate www.chessclub.org Otterbach(best under-1200) Tuesday Night The latter started 0-4, but The Spring Tuesday Night won her last four games. Marathon Marathon had an exciting finish, as FM Andy Lee of Bryan Hood was the top 1 FM Andy Lee 7 Berkeley defeated NM Romy raining gainer, picking up a 2-3 IM Elliott Winslow 6.5 Steve Gaffagan Fuentes in the last round to whopping 166 points. Other U2200 Uyanga Byambaa take home first place with a big gains were achieved by U2000 Ozgur Sahin score of 7-1, good for Michael Askin $600. IM Ellliott Winslow and Renate Otterbach +125 Jason Ochoa Expert Steven Gaffagan also Robert Reyes +107 Robert Drane U1800 Sos Hakobyan won, to finish at 6½, taking Jamyandagva Zulkhuu +86 Togtokh Oyuntseren +81 James Cohee home $300 apiece for their U1600 Craig Yamamoto Enkhjin (Cindy) second place tie. U1400 Enkhjin Gomboluudev Gomboluudev +79 U1200 Renate Otterbach Three women finishing among Craig Yamamoto +77 the prize winners is likely a David Flores +74 record for the

Page 19 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 CalChess Super State Championship and Joe Lonsdale Elementary Championship

Each year as the school year winner for each title. nears an end the CalChess th Scholastic State In addition to individual titles, 39 CalChess Championship takes place. It each school or club can field a is an opportunity for all the team and compete for the Scholastic Super schools and students from team titles based on the total around Northern California to scores of the best scoring State meet and compete for the members of the team. Championship State Champion titles. Special thanks go to Joe This year the event took place Lonsdale who was a platinum Individual Champions from April 25th through April sponsor of the event. The Elementary State 27th and drew 774 players. It High School Championship(1600+) Championship is now named was held at the Santa Clara FM Cameron Wheeler Convention Center. Because after him. NM Kesav Viswanadha of a conflict with the National Jack Qijie Zhu Three students tied for the Junior High Championship, title of High School State High School JV(800-1599) those titles were awarded two Champion. They are FIDE Blake M. Wong weeks before this event (see Master Cameron Wheeler, next article). Because of the High School Beginner(u800) National Master Kesav large number of participants, Zi Chuan Tan Viswanadha and Jack Qijie the event is broken up into a Akhilesh Yeluru Zhu. The winning school number of sections to keep the team was Monta Vista High High School Rookie(unrated) skill levels fair and increase School from Cupertino and Nathan Kline the likelihood of a clear Elementary Championship 4-6(800+) David Pan

Elementary Championship 4-5(800+) Dani Mendelevitch

Elementary JV 4-6(500-799) Winbert Zhang Siddhar Mukherjee

Elementary Beginner 4-6(u500) Nicholas Wall-Feng Sanjana Das

Elementary Rookie 4-6(unrated) Saharsh Goenka

Primary Championship 1-3(800+) Maurya Palusa

Photo Courtesy of Bay Area Chess

Page 20 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 clear first place. The winning school team was Miller Middle Primary JV 1-3(500-799) School from Cupertino. Ruthvi Singireddy The Elementary Primary Beginner 1-3(u500) Championship for grades four Daniel Lief to six was won by David Pan. Vaibhav Wudaru The top school team was

Primary Rookie 1-3(unrated) Mission San Jose from Vihaan Shetty Fremont and the top club Alex Tholeen team was Norcal House of Sandeep Salwan Chess.

Kindergarten Championship In the Elementary Sriram Krishnakumar Championship for grades four Nicholas A. Boldi and five, the winner was Dani Blitz 7-12 Championship Mendelevitch with Mission FM Cameron Wheeler San Jose from Fremont FIDE Master Cameron Wheeler. Photo by Richard Shorman winning the school team title Modesto and Chess Mates Blitz 4-6 Championship and Berkeley Chess School Bryce M. Wong won the club title. winning the club team title. Blitz K-3 Championship Two players tied for the title For the Elementary Junior Robert Reyes in the Elementary Beginner Varsity title for grades four to section for grades four to six six and rated between 500 and a rating below 500. They the winning club team was and 799 there were two are Nicholas Wall-Feng and Berkeley Chess School. winners. They are Winbert Sanjana Das. Farmersville Zhang and Siddhar Mukherjee. In the High School Junior Elementary won the school Winner of the school team Varsity Section for players team title and Chess Mates title was Bret Harte from rated between 800 and 1599, the clear winner was Blake M. Wong. The top school team was Los Altos High School and the top club was the Liu Chess Club.

Two students tied for the title in the High School Beginner section for students rated under 800. They are Zi Chuan Tan and Akhilesh Yeluru. Winning the school team title was Evergreen Valley from San Jose. The top club team was Bay Area Chess.

In the rookie high school section, Nathan Kline took 774 Students Competed. Photo by Richard Shorman Page 21 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 won the club title. School Team Champions Club Team Champions Saharsh Goenka won the Elementary Rookie section High School Championship(1600+) High School Championship(1600+) for unrated players in Monta Vista High, Cupertino Berkeley Chess School grades four to six. Winning High School JV(800-1599) High School JV(800-1599) the school title was Mission Los Altos High School Liu Chess Club San Jose from Fremont and winning the club title was High School Beginner(u800) High School Beginner(u800) Chess Mates. Evergreen Valley, San Jose Bay Area Chess

Winning the Primary High School Rookie(unrated) Elementary Championship 4-6(800+) Championship title for Miller Middle School, Cupertino Norcal House of Chess grades 1 to 3 was Maurya Elementary Championship 4-6(800+) Elementary Championship 4-5(800+) Palusa. The title for top Mission San Jose, Fremont Berkeley Chess School Primary School Team went to Mission San Jose from Elementary Championship 4-5(800+) Elementary JV 4-6(500-799) Fremont and the top club Mission San Jose, Fremont Chess Mates was Norcal House of Chess. Elementary JV 4-6(500-799) Elementary Beginner 4-6(u500) Bret Harte, Modesto Chess Mates In the Primary Junior Varsity for students Elementary Beginner 4-6(u500) Elementary Rookie 4-6(unrated) between first and third Farmersville Chess Mates grade and rated between 500 and 799, Ruthvi Elementary Rookie 4-6(unrated) Primary Championship 1-3(800+) Mission San Jose, Fremont Norcal House of Chess Singereddy won the title.

Top school team was Primary Championship 1-3(800+) Primary JV 1-3(500-799) Mission San Jose from Mission San Jose, Fremont Norcal House of Chess Fremont and top club was Norcal House of Chess. Primary JV 1-3(500-799) Primary Beginner 1-3(u500) Mission San Jose, Fremont Chess Mates Two players tied in the Primary Beginner 1-3(u500) Primary Rookie 1-3(unrated) Primary Beginner Section St. Mark School, San Rafael Norcal House of Chess for grades first to third and ratings below 500. They are Primary Rookie 1-3(unrated) Kindergarten Championship Daniel Lief and Vaibhav Mission San Jose, Fremont Norcal House of Chess Wudaru. The winning Kindergarten Championship Blitz 7-12 Championship school team was the St. Mission San Jose, Fremont Coalinga Chess Club Mark School from San Rafael and the top club was Blitz 4-6 Championship Chess Mates. Coalinga Elementary

The Primary Rookie section San Jose from Fremont and Sriram Krishnakumar and for kids between grades one winning the club title was the Nicholas A. Boldi. The top and three was a three way tie Norcal House of Chess. school team was Mission San for the title between Vihaan Jose from Fremont and the Shetty, Alex Tholeen, and Two players tied for the title top club team was Norcal Sandeep Salwan. Winning the in the Kindergarten House of Chess. school team title was Mission Championship. They are Page 22 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 In addition to the regular and Coalinga Elementary for John McCumiskey and Jordan tournament, there was also a grades 4 to 6. Langland. Richard Koepcke Blitz event. The winners were directed the High School Fide Master Cameron The tournament was sections. A large event such Wheeler for grades 7 to 12, organized by Salman Azhar as this takes a number of Bryce M. Wong for grades 4 to and Judit Sztaray with Bay helpers to make it go off 6 and Robert Reyes for grades Area Chess. The Chief smoothly. Thank you to all Kindergarten through 3rd. The Tournament Director was those individuals who winning teams were Coalinga National Tournament volunteered their time to Chess Club for grades 7 to 12 Directors Tom Langland, assist with the event. assisted by computer TD’s

CalChess Junior High School Championship

Usually the CalChess Junior 2014. High Championship is held on the same weekend as the There were 121 participants Super State. Unfortunately in the event. The event was CalChess Junior this year the National Junior held at the Hyatt Regency by High Championship was on the Aiport. High State the same weekend so In addition to the individual Championship CalChess opted to hold the state titles, the players could tournament for the Junior also play on school or club High state titles on a teams and compete for those Individual Champions difference weekend. The titles as well. tournament took place on the Junior High Championship(1200+) weekend of April 13th and 14th, Ladia Jirasek was the clear Ladia Jirasek

Junior High JV(800-1199) Charles Clark Smith

Junior High Booster(u800) Harrison Wan Chen

Junior High Rookie(unrated) Ding Yaan Lim Donghyun Jeong Sai Satya Pr Sura

Elementary Open Eeswar Sree Kurli

Page 23 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Eighth Grade State Donghyun Jeong and Sai School Team Champions Champion. The school team Satya Pr Sura. The top rookie state title was won by team was Thomas Hart Junior High Championship(1200+) Mission San Jose Middle School. Mission San Jose Elementary Elementary and the winning In addition to the Junior High Junior High Booster(u800) club team was Marin Fresno Scholastic Chess. sections, there was also an elementary school section. It Junior High Rookie(unrated) Winning the junior varsity was won by Eeswar Sree Kurli. Thomas Hart Middle School section for those rated 800 The top elementary team was to 1199 was Charles Clark Garden Gate Elementary. Elementary Open Smith. The winning club Garden Gate Elementary The tournament was team was Marin Scholastic Chess. organized by Salman Azhar Club Team Champions and Judit Sztaray with Bay Junior High Championship(1200+) In the booster section for Area Chess. The Chief Marin Scholastic Chess those with ratings below 800 Tournament Director was the state title was won by National Tournament Junior High JV(800-1199) Harrison Wan Chen. The Director Tom Langland, Marin Scholastic Chess top school team was Fresno. assisted by computer TD

Scott Mason. Thank you to Three players tied for the those individuals who winner of the individual title in the rookie section. volunteered their time to Junior High State Champion They are Ding Yaan Lim, assist with the event. title. He is also the current

Hans Niemann Wins Mechanics’ Imre Konig Memorial By John Donaldson

Reprinted with permission. Vasudeva, who raised his From the Mechanics’ Institute rating over 2200 for the first Newsletter. For games and time with his 4–1 score. th additional details about the Congratulations, Tanuj! 14 Annual Imre event please visits: www.chessclub.org This event was truly Konig Memorial dominated by youth, as two Hans Niemann became the of the three players who tied 1 Hans Moke Niemann 5 youngest winner of for third at 3½, Callaghan 2 FM Tanuj Vasudeva 4 3-5 Chinguun Bayaraa* 3.5 a Mechanics’ Institute Chess McCarty-Snead and Callaghan McCarty-Snead* Club tournament when he Chinguun Bayaraa, are only Arthur G. Dembling* won the 14th Annual Imre eight years old. The third U1600 Aaron Thompson Konig Memorial, held April 12. player in the tie, U1400 Vincent Wang The 10-year-old from Orinda veteran Arthur Dembling, is defeated IM Elliott almost twice the combined

Winslow in the last round to age of the four youngsters, top the 25-player event with a which might just be a record. *These players also tied for U2200, 5–0 score. Second place was U2000 and U1800 taken by 12-year-old Tanuj

Page 24 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Weibel Girls Dominate the Under 12 Division of the All-Girls Chess Nationals By Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.

Nineteen CalChess girls attended the 11th Annual All- Girls Nationals the weekend of April 11 through the 13. Due to high hotel prices and a lack of available space in downtown Chicago where it had been held in past years, this year’s All-Girls Nationals took place in Northbrook, IL. The organizers of the tournament ran a very successful event despite the limitations they faced in a second choice location.

For the second straight year Weibel takes First in under 12. Photo courtesy of Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. the Weibel girls took a first in compared to the second place three players scores count. the Under 12 division. This team from Florida with 9.5 The organizers awarded 15 was accomplished even before points and the third place trophies in each section. In the last round started. Weibel team with 8 points from the Under 12 section there girls proved unquestionably . Weibel were 74 entries. This years that they were the best in the Elementary School Chess has Championships were the country in the Under 12 now won four National girls category. Weibel’s Team titles. finished with 14.5 points In the individual competition this year, four of the Weibel girls brought home trophies. I could claim a fifth trophy going to Weibel due to the fact that one of our girls, Aria Lakhmani, moved to Warm Springs Elementary School last year even though she continues her chess at Weibel. Obviously, her points could not count for the Weibel Chess Team. I Serafina Show with USCF President might note that no matter Prisha Jain enjoys her trophy Ruth Haring. how many people you have (tied for 6th) Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. on your team only the top Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.

Page 25 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 section at All-Girls National, Prisha Jain, tied for sixth in the Under 8 section. In the second round she was paired with the only other Fremont girl in her division, Allyson Wong from Fremont’s Mission San Jose Elementary School. Prisha won the game, but Allyson bounced back to win her other games and tied for third in the Under 8. This division was won by a seven year old Women’s Candidate Master from Silver Oak Elementary in San Jose, Aksithi Eswaran with her coach Ted Aksithi Eswaran. This was Allyson Wong (tied for 3rd) and her

Castro. Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. Aksithi’s second time as mom. Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. largest to date with 322 Champion in this division. Serafina Show, Weibel student players. Last year the event Ted Castro, who runs the school president and number drew 238 competitors. NorCal House of Chess in one Wunder Kind, went Fremont where most of the undefeated. She drew two All the Weibel girls did well. young chess champions in the and won four. Her two draws They are wonder girls. The Bay Area train, is her coach. were against the two highest youngest of our wonder girls, ranked players. In the last The wonder girls from Weibel and the only girl from Weibel round she fought hard for the were: to compete in a non-under 12 National title and a trip to the World Youth Championships in the Fall. Her draw placed her in a tie for second place so the World’s will have to wait until next year.

Enya Mistry, with five wins and one lose, also tied for second. She had, perhaps, the best tournament of her life. Enya came in ranked 24th in the competition.

Raisah Khan went 4.5-1.5 and tied for eighth. Raisah defeated a 1731 rated player in her way to winning a trophy. Raisah came into DO IT GIRL! Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. the completion ranked

Page 26 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 29th.. Other CalChess girls attended School in Fremont was in the the All-Girls Nationals: Arya Under 14 Section. Shivangi Gupta had a great Bhat from New Horizons in day as well. If she had won Fremont, Nivita Reddy, a I am convinced that while the her last round she would have Weibel alumna who now lives girls’ excellent training under tied for second rather than in San Ramon, and Sindhuja the Weibel chess instructors 10th. Shivangi’s rating was Dasari from Pleasanton and their own private tutors 1308 and that of her last competed in the Under 10 helped, the inspiration round opponent, 1711. division. Hiya Ghosh from provided by many other chess Shivangi ranked 19th in the Cupertino, who trained with teachers and family members beginning of the competition. the Weibel girls before this placed the finishing touch to year’s event, tied for second in their victories. We often see Aria Lakhmani, from Warm the Under 12 section. Simona one person taking credit for Springs, moved out of the Nayberg of the San Francisco the achievements of another, Weibel attendance area last Academy also took home a but in reality it takes a village year. Aria continued her trophy tying for tenth in the within which a child lives to training at Weibel this year. Under 12 section. Chenyi create their success. So She tied for 10th. Aria Zhao, a World youth Kudos to all those who helped entered the Championships competitor from Chadborne in the Weibel and other CalChess ranked number 20. Fremont, missed out on a girls learn to finish a competition in style. Sashrika Pandy, Amirah trophy by half a point in the Mohamed Rafi, Ambika Under 12 competition. Tiwari and Anvi Surapaneni Another Weibel alumna and finished the weekend close to World Youth attendee, Alisha the rankings they entered with. Chawla from Stratford Middle

Black Dragon Spring Tournament

East Bay afterschool The tournament was enrichment program Black organized by J.B. McCann Black Dragon Dragon Chess held its Spring and Black Dragon Chess. Invitational Tournament on Spring April 5th at the Walnut Creek Black Dragon Chess Library. There were 62 first to provides afterschool Tournament fifth graders participating in enrichment programs to 1 Adi Pradhan the event. schools in the San Ramon valley, Walnut Creek and 2 Julia Szambelan 3 Jessica Holstein The champion at the end of surrounding areas. For 4 Jon Carlo Romo the day was Adi Pradhan from more information visit the 5 Vincent Wu Walnut Grove Elementary Black Dragon website: 6 Jonathan Castagnini School. http://blackdragonchess.bl 7 Vishok Manoharan ogspot.com/

Page 27 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 San Francisco Scholastic Championship By John Donaldson

Reprinted with permission. 2900 employees on three From the Mechanics’ Institute continents. Baird not only Newsletter. For games and provided financial support, additional details about the but also manpower, as many 2014 San event please visits: of its employees volunteered www.chessclub.org their time to make this a Francisco successful event. Nearly three hundred school Scholastic kids descended on the Hall of Championship NM Cameron Wheeler won Flowers in Golden Gate Park the 2014 San Francisco on March 22 to contest Championship the 2014 San Francisco Scholastic Chess 1 FM Cameron Wheeler Scholastic Chess Championship. The 13-year- 2 Hans Niemann Championship organized by old Cupertino youth, who will 3 Jaysen Shi the Mechanics’ Institute and soon be rated over 2400 USCF, High School scored 4-0 in the 43-player sponsored by Robert W. Baird 1 Brandon Moren & Co., a wealth management top section, as did Hans 2 Jacky Kwang and investment banking firm Niemann and Jaysen Shi. In 3 Pierro Vo with $117 billion in assets the playoff Cameron emerged under management and over triumphant, and won an Grades 6-8 expense-paid trip 1 Zachary Agenbroad 2 Noah Heller to the 2014 3 Jade Greer Nationals. Hans and Jaysen won Grades 4-5 free entry to the 1 Steven Hwang 14th 2 Silas Grout 3 Ling Feng Ren Annual Mechanics’ Institute Chess Grades K-3 Camp for 1 Sophia Yang Advanced Players, 2 Philip Bluer which will be held 3 Aria Saluja July 14-18, with GMs John exhibition. Fedorowicz and The event was organized by GM Nick De the Mechanics’ Institute, Firmian as the under the direction of GM lead instructors. Nick DeFirmian, withStephen GM Daniel Brandwein as the chief Naroditsky, who tournament director. will play in the Below is a list of the top U.S. finishers. Championship this May, gave a Photo by Richard Shorman simultaneous

Page 28 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 First section - Championship - Second place - Jacky Kwang Section 4- Grades 4–5 U.S. Chess Federation rated, Third place - Pierro Vo First place - Steven Hwang open to all K–12 16 players Second - Silas Grout First place - Cameron Wheeler Third- Ling Feng Ren Second place - Hans Section three - grades 6–8 42 Players Niemann First place - Zachary Third place - Jaysen Shi Agenbroad Section 5 – kindergarten– 41 Players Second place - Noah Heller third grade Third place -Jade Greer First - Sophia Yang Section 2 - unrated high 32 players Second - Philip Bluer school (grades 9–12) Third- Aria Saluja First place - Brandon Moren 111 participants

2014 National Junior Chess Congress Win By Callaghan McCarty-Snead

Berkeley Chess School student Callaghan McCarty-Snead took clear first in the age 8 and under section of the 2014 National Junior Chess Congress held Feb. 28th-Mar. 2nd in Irvine, CA. Cal won all ten of his games winning his section by a margin of 1.5 points. He is one of Northern California’s up and coming players, last December representing the U.S. at the World Youth Chess Championship held in the UAE.

This was a tough tournament as I am used to playing long time controls. For some odd Photo Courtesy of Beth Slatkin reason, the organizers thought mistake playing so many K-3 should play 10, G/30 games. I got very tired. I was White: Callaghan McCarty- games in 2 days. I played 5 super happy I won all 10 Snead (1774) opponents as black and white. games and got to ride the Black: Ethan Pau (1537) I drink Gatorade at every carousel after the tournament tournament. It is my secret at the Great Park in Irvine. Notes by Callaghan weapon to give me energy and McCarty-Snead it helped me stay energized. The trophy I won was the tallest I had ever won! 1.Nf3 Although my opponents were much lower rated, I was After studying some of Bobby worried I would make a

Page 29 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Fischerʹs games, I thought I Stopping the knight. 51.dxe6 Kxe6 52.Ng4 Rh5 would try the Kings Indian. 53.Rxh5 gxh5 54.Nf6 h4 17.d4 c4 18.Qe2 Kf7 19.Bd2 55.Kf2 1...d5 2.g3 c5 Rhe8 20.Qf2 Blocking everything so my Controlling more of the center. Getting out of the pin. rook and knight are good. 3.Bg2 e6 4.d3 Nc6 5.0–0 Bd6 20...a5 21.Nh4 g6 22.Nf3 Re7 55...Ke5 56.Ng4+ Ke6 57.Rh1 6.Nbd2 23.Re2 Rb5 58.Bc1 a4 59.Rxh4 Kf5 Preparing e4. Both of us doubling rooks. 60.Nh6+

6...b6 7.e4 Nge7 8.Nh4 23...Rae8 24.Rae1 Bc6 25.Ra1 Getting my knight to a good Qd7 26.Bh3 h5 27.Bf1 Bxa4 place. Getting ready to play f4. Winning a pawn. 60...Kg6 61.Rxe4 8...Bb7 9.f4 Nd4 10.c3 28.h3 Bc2 29.Be3 Bb3 30.Bd2 Tearing apart his pawns. Kicking his great knight away. Bc2 31.Nh2 61...a3 62.bxa3 Rb3 63.Re3 10...Nb5?? (diagram) Getting ready for g4. Kxg5 64.Rxf3+ Kg6 65.Nf5 b5 66.Nd6 31...Bd3 32.Ree1 Bc2 33.g4 Rg8 34.Be2 hxg4 35.hxg4 Rh8 Locking the king and bringing my knight to the pawns. Controlling the file. 66...Rb1 67.Be3 Rb3 68.Bc5 36.Bd1 Be4 37.Bf3 Bd3 38.Qg2 Rb2+ 69.Ke3

Attacking d5. Bringing my king to c6.

38...Be4 39.Bxe4 dxe4 40.Be3 69...Rb3 70.Kd4 Rb2 71.Kd5 Kf8 41.Kf2 Reh7 42.Rh1 Qb5 Rb3 72.Kc6 Rb2 73.Nxb5 A terrible blunder losing a 43.Kg1 Qd7 44.g5 fxg5 45.fxg5 piece. f4 46.Rf1 Now the b5 pawn is eliminated and I win c4. 11.a4! Nc7 12.e5! Nf5 13.Nxf5 Pinning the pawn. 73...Rb3 74.Nd6 Rb8 75.Nxc4 Doubling his pawns and 46...f3 Ra8 76.Kb5 Rc8 77.a4 Ra8 winning an open file. 78.a5 Rb8+ 79.Nb6 Ra8 80.a6 Improving his pawn. 13...exf5 14.exd6 Qxd6 Rb8 81.a7 Ra8 82.Nxa8 Kg7 15.Re1+ Ne6 16.Nf3 47.Qg3 Ke7 48.Qe5 Rf8 49.d5 83.Nb6 Kg6 84.a8Q Kg7 85.Qf8+ Kh7 86.Rf7+ Kg6 Winning the pinned piece. Trying to come to g5. 87.Qg8+ Kh5 88.Rh7# 1–0 49...Rf5 50.Qxe6+ Qxe6 16...f6

Page 30 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Record Turnout for Mechanics’ Institute Winter Marathon By John Donaldson

Reprinted with permission. Ostrovsky to join Gaffagan in From the Mechanics’ Institute a tie for second at 6–2. Newsletter. For games and Uzzaman, who has played additional details about the very well the last two TNMs, Mechanics’ event please visits: is now 2147, while Ostrovsky www.chessclub.org The picked up 98 rating points Institute Winter Mechanics’ Institute in San and is almost an Expert Tuesday Night Francisco had their largest (1983). turnout ever for the Winter Marathon Tuesday Night Marathon Dramatic as both these with 100 players players rating gains were, 1 IM Ganbold Odondo 6.5 participating in the event. they were not the largest 2-5 IM Elliott Winslow 6 Quite an amazing feat for a among the 100 participants. Ashik Uzzaman* Steve Gaffagan* mid-week event spanning Top honors for biggest rating gain goes to Perry Rosenstein, Sergey Ostrovsky* eight weeks! U1800 Zolboo Lkhagvasuren who moved up an impressive Enkhmaa Nyangar International Master Ganbold 179 points (1546 to 1725) U1600 Perry Rosenstein Odondoo won the Winter with Enkhjin (Cindy) U1400 Adam Vichik Tuesday Night Marathon last Gomboluudev right behind, Enkhjin Gomboluudev evening. The former member advancing 157 points (1275 to U1200/U1000 David Ross of the Mongolian Olympiad 1432). Cindy’s Mark Schlosberg team defeated 10-year-old mom,Enkhmaa Nyangar, also Unrated Expert Hans Niemann in had a fine result, improving Ozgur Sahin round eight to finish with 6½ from 1739 to 1825. points, good for $650. Young Adam Vichik picked

up 127 points and is now Expert Steven Gaffagan, who rated 1609. Congratulations like Odondoo and Niemann also go to veterans (age entered the eighth round with 60+) Mike a 5½–1½ score, drew a hard- Anderson and Steven fought game last night with Krasnov, who regained their top seed NM Hayk Manvelyan. *These players also tied for U2200 Expert titles. and U2000 This result enabled IM Elliott Winslow and Class A players Ashik Uzzaman and Sergey

Page 31 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 The CalNorth Youth Chess Age Level—2014

By Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.

The 7th Annual CalNorth will take credit for my Youth Chess Age Level was greatness.” held Sunday, February 9, 2014. I created these championships The moral of the story is that CalNorth Youth six years ago to celebrate my while we as parents, friends, Chess Age Level 70th birthday. For the last teachers and coaches can few years I have held this inspire and provide 2014 opportunities to our children popular tournament at the Newark Pavilion--a family their ultimate success comes from within. A few weeks ago friendly venue. Individual Champions I had two of our Weibel In 2000, NM Sunil coaches patting themselves Open Age 4-9 Weeramantry, the father of on the back for training one Oliver Wu GM Hiraku Nakamura of our students. I had to step presently the number one US in and tell them of the long Age 13 Justin Hsu player, told me an interesting successful history this young story. When Hiraku was 12 girl had in chess before she Age 12 years old Sunil told him that entered any of their Ryan Yao he felt it was time to get him a classrooms. She took the best Sauray Raghavendra Grand Master as his coach. from each of them and Jason Zhong

Sunil reported that Hiraku succeeded because she was Age 11 told him that he definitely did the talent. I get sick to my Ajay Sunkara not want a coach. Sunil, stomach when someone in Gordon McNeil surprised, asked him why. the business of chess exploits Pratheek Sankeshi Hiraku said, “Well, then he the talents of a player who Age 10 took one lesson from them, Jeremy Chen went to their camp one Daniel Hwang summer or shook their hand. Tal Gaffan Granted, I know they are making a living at chess or Age 9 have a need to assuage their Vikram Iyer Andy Liu own ego, but I say, let the results speak for themselves. Age 8 My Kudos go out to all those Stephen Kwok young chess players who Artul Thiraumalai attended this year’s CalNorth Sasha Prakir

Youth Chess Age Level. Age 7 While the event was a roaring William Chui success, they made it so. Age 6 The CalNorth Youth Chess Samik Pattanayk Age Level Championships, Oliver Wu with the Kirshner Cup continues to be one of the Age 4-5 Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. Shreyas Jay largest youth chess events

Page 32 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 includes players who forfeited young players longer time Team Champions the first round. The actual controls. This year Carl Moy count was a bit under 500. decided to create a special Age 13 My response to this chess award called the Kirshner Cup Hopkins Junior High School organizer was that many for first place. He felt this parents, players, schools and would be a special legacy Age 12 programs have selected to award for my creation of this Tierra Linda Junior High School come to the CalNorth events event and my six years at its Age 11 to test their mettle in a helm. I felt thankful that one, Weibel Elementary School comfortable location. Added it did not yet have to be called to these numbers are the the Kirshner Memorial Cup Age 10 players who love good and two, he did not ask me to Weibel Elementary School competition wherever they pay to create this legacy cup. Age 9 can find it. Weibel Elementary School Let me begin the individual Chadborne Weibel Elementary School awards with the 4-9 Special took first place Team trophies Open. I worked a computer in Age 8 in the 6, 7, 8, 9 (here Weibel the younger players hall. Due Weibel Elementary School tied with Chadborne), 10, and to the longer time controls of

Age 7 11 year old divisions. In the 12 the 4-9 Special Open Division Weibel Elementary School year old Team division Tierra they played in the 10 through Linda Junior High School of 13 year-old building. After we Age 6 San Carlos won and in the 13 were done I walked over to the Weibel Elementary School year old division (the oldest other building and was met by age competing) Hopkins an excited third grader Oliver Junior High School took first. Wu who shouted out, “I think based solely on age in the There was no Team trophy in I have won the Kirshner Cup.” nation. This year Carl Moy, the 4-5 Age Group or the 4-9 I felt great for this was the Weibel Chess parent Special Open competitions. another birthday award for coordinator, skillfully me—Oliver is Weibel’s top organized the event. The 4-9 age group was third grade player and one of established to give the top I was asked a few weeks back the best in the country. I felt by a chess program director as to how all the CalNorth Youth events draw so many players— over 550 signed up this year for these championships and we averaged over 200 players in the three Fall Quads. Sadly, due to sickness and other reasons many players withdrew at the last minute from the Age Level Championships The final tally for this year’s Age Level on the U.S. Chess Federation site was 517. However, this Parents watching from the Kitchen Photo by Alan M. Kirshner Ph.D.

Page 33 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Madera) 3rd Tal Gaffan (Fair Meadow) 1st Akash Guntamadugu (Kolb) 3rd Jeremy Chen, Daniel Hwang, and Tal Gaffan tied for 1st. Daniel Hwang won the 1st SIX YEAR OLDS (51 Place trophy in a blitz playoff, entries): Jeremy Chen won the 2nd Samik Pattanayk (Delphi) place trophy, and Tal Gaffan 1st won the 3rd Place trophy. All Sean Evans (New 3 players are declared Horizions)2nd CalNorth Age 10 Champions A little bit of color Amar Dhami (Chadborne) Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D. 3rd Andrew Liang (Faria) 3rd honored to give him the David Sartorio (Gomes) 3rd ELEVEN YEAR OLDS (45 trophy at the awards’ Alex Luo (Sunflower) 3rd entries) ceremonies. Arnav Lingannagari (Mission San Jose) 3rd Ajay Sunkara (Oak) 1st Second place in this Special Rutansh Pathak (Weibel) 3rd Gordon McNeil (Unknown) Open division was a four way 1st tie between William Pratheek Sankeshi (Mission SEVEN YEAR OLDS (79 Valley) 3rd Sartorio(Gomes), Steven entries): Hwang (Corte Madera), Daniel Emmanuel (Weibel) Annapoorni Meiyappan William Chui (St. Marks) 1st 3rd (Mission San Jose), and Ethan V. Boldi (Heather) 2nd Ajay Sunkara and Gordon Jeffery Zang (Warm Springs). Dharshan Vetrivelan (Weibel) 2nd McNeill tied for 1st. Gordon Carl awarded 15 plus trophies McNeill won the 1st Place in all the sections. You can trophy in a blitz playoff, and EIGHT YEAR OLDS (109 check out all the winners and Ajay Sunkara won the 2nd entries) view photographs from the Place trophy. Both players are links at: Steven Kwok (Stockland) 1st declared CalNorth Age 11 http://www.CalNorthYouthC Artul Thiraumalai (Mission Champions hess.org/photographs.html San Jose) 1st

Carl awarded logo chess Sasha Prakir (Weibel) 1st

medals to all participants. TWELVE YEAR OLDS (25 The 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 year olds NINE YEAR OLDS (76 entries) entries) played 5 games. The 10, 11, 12. 13 year olds played 4 games. Vikram Iyer (Chadborne) 1st Ryan Yao (Matsumoto) 1st Here are the trophy winners: Andy Liu (Vintage) 1st Saurav Raghavendra Aaron Lee (Weibel) 3rd -- (Hopkins Jr. H.S.) 1st FOUR AND FIVE YEAR there was a nine way tie here Jason Zhong (Bowdit) 1st OLDS (23 entries):

Shreyas Jay (Mission San Jose) TEN YEAR OLDS (75 entries) 1st Aakash Koneru (Weibel) 2nd Jeremy Chen (Weibel) 1st Davis Gao (Weibel) 3rd Daniel Hwang (Corte Madera) Yiyang Zheng (Rushkin) 3rd 1st Jonathan Hwang (Corte

Page 34 CalChess Journal Spring 2014

Carl Moy needs a stronger voice Photo by Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.

THIRTEEN YEAR OLDS (10 February 8, 2015. The entries) tentative location is Ohlone College at the Newark campus.

Justin Hsu (Tierra Linda) 1st I hope you will be there to see Hiresh Jain (Hopkins) 2nd me blow out 77 candles on 77 Kyle Wu (Russell) 2nd cupcakes with 77 deep breaths.

Carl informs me that the tentative date for my annual birthday bash--The CalNorth Youth Chess Age Level-- is

The CalChess Journal accepts submissions pertaining to chess, especially chess in Northern California. All Organizers are encouraged to send in a story, pictures and games (with or without notes) from their events. Articles, games and photographs should be submitted in electronic form to [email protected]

Page 35 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 IM John Grefe Tactics International Master John Grefe (1947-2013) was known for his tactical prowess. The below positions are from his games. Solutions on page 46.

1 2 3

IM John Grefe – Sidney Rubin Kim Commons – IM John Grefe Eugene Levin – IM John Grefe Lone Pine 1971 U.S. Championship 1974 LERA 1998 White to play Black to play Black to play

4 5 6

IM John Grefe – Jon Frankle IM John Grefe – David Pruess IM John Grefe – Michael Ewell Bagby Memorial 1982 San Francisco 1998 Paul Masson 1974 White to play White to play White to play

7 8 9

Gordon Taylor – IM John Grefe IM John Grefe – Arthur Dake Ron Henley – IM John Grefe Keres Memorial 1979 Lone Pine 1976 Lone Pine 1977 Black to play White to play Black to play

Page 36 CalChess Journal Spring 2014

Chess is Forever! - Reflection of an Amateur Chess Mom

By G. Julie Xie, Ph.D.

5:30 a.m. on Sunday, “love at the first sight” is an lessons at US Chess Mates February 9, 2014, it was still understatement. William that also offers monthly dark outside but I was woke studied the rules and tried tournaments for beginners up by my son William. them out nonstop in the same where every participant chair for over 6 hours until I receives a trophy. Later he “Mom, I’m burning up!” threatened to cut off the had studied at the Success power. Chess afterschool program at Sure enough, he developed a his elementary school. Then fever of over 101. That was That summer, William played he played at NorCal House of totally unexpected as he was chess with everyone in our Chess club where more as lively as ever the day before, neighborhood who was willing advanced chess camps and looking forward to the highly to join him. While his friends group lessons are offered. anticipated CalNorth Age were complaining “that is so William especially loved the Level Championship, the boring – why you like it so Friday program at Weibel largest youth chess event in much,” his pursuit persisted. Chess where systematic Northern California. On our 11-hour flight to instructions are only matched Germany that month, “We have to withdraw from with a serious game with Dominic and his father got a today’s tournament.” That follow-up analysis in each headache by taking turns was my first reaction. session. Coaches there not playing chess with William on only pass on chess knowledge “No, I want to go … for the a small magnetic board but he but also love for the game, experience.” His voice was stayed alert and showed no along with sweet Dove weak but his tone was strong sign of fatigue. During the chocolate from Coach before he passed out after a three-week vacation with our Shorman. There was one dose of Advil. extended family there, while week in February 2012 when we enjoyed all the sightseeing, William was absent from Trying to dry his sweaty head he couldn’t wait to get back school due to side effects of in bed, I couldn’t help but each day so he could play antibiotics. However, he worrying. chess with his father’s cousin insisted on attending his and uncle. * * * * Weibel class that Friday afternoon where I had to stay Dominic was enthusiastically I still remember the first day around and remind him to use playing with William until he when William was introduced the bathroom every half an started losing to him by the to chess. It was his first day hour to prevent any accident end of that summer. Luckily of diarrhea while being too of summer break after we live in Fremont, one of the focused on chess. Coach Kindergarten. I was busy hottest chess communities in Shorman was always patient cleaning up in the kitchen that the country. Experienced when William argued with morning so I showed him the chess parents in our him at game analysis. He told website neighborhood directed his me that William reminded http://www.chesskid.com to way on the journey of learning. him of himself when he was a kill time. To say that it was William started with weekly child, “wild and stubborn.”

Page 37 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 With that caring and (followed by two pages of deeply. supportive chess culture at game notation). (Conclusion) Weibel, no wonder it has What a great vacation I had! He was right. Based on produced many star scholastic available data on internet, players for the country. (As if the historic castles, there are 400 different horseback riding, picking possible positions after one An avid reader since four blueberries in forest and other move each, 72,084 different years of age, William only interesting things on that possible positions after two read chess books during the vacation had never happened.) moves each, over 9 million entire year of first grade. different possible positions Watching him burying himself My Favorite Person after three moves each and the in the thick “How to Reassess number grows to 318 billion My favorite person is my Your Chess: 4th Edition” each after four moves each. grandpa. Grandpa plays night, I couldn’t help but chess with me every time he wondering how much he I couldn’t help but admiring visits. He always smiles and understood. But he was not William when I saw the focus, says “good game” even after worried, reading that book excitement and passion in his he loses to me. Here is what from cover to cover several eyes while reading a chess we do at our games … times that year. Every night book or playing a game online. (followed by two pages of was a struggle to negotiate Flow, the mental state of game notation). (Conclusion) when to turn off his reading completely focused motivation, That’s why my favorite light in bed. as described by one of the person is my grandpa. most prominent psychologists William had also loved writing Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the (All the other nice things that in Kindergarten. His teacher feeling of energized focus, full Grandpa does for him, like told me that she had never involvement, and enjoyment practicing baseball and seen a boy rather giving up in the process of an activity swimming with him, cooking recess to write more in journal that many adults are his favorite pasta, etc., did not during her 27 years at work. searching for but in vain, cross his mind.) What’s more, his writing was William was fully enjoying it always well organized and on His first grade teacher told me in chess at age 6 and 7. topic. However, all of those in frustration, “Can he write To find stronger opponents to were changed in first grade. about anything else other than play with, William started No matter what topic the chess?” teacher gave, William attending tournaments in fall consistently changed the William often reminded me 2011. I still remember his first subject to chess within the during that year, “if you are a rated tournament at Weibel first two sentences. For good mom, please let me play Quad on November 19, 2011. instance: chess every day.” I asked him Huge chess sets outside the why he loves chess so much. tournament hall made the My Best Vacation He told me that it was because event look like a festival for the learning is endless as one chess lovers. Dr. Kirshner and This summer I had a great can never exhaust the Coach Shorman roamed vacation in Germany. My possibilities on chess board. around with their cannon- father’s cousin played chess That makes the game so sized cameras, looking for with me every evening. He intriguing as players need to memorable moments to catch. likes to move his pawn to d4 think, constantly thinking Seeing over two hundred first when he is white and I … children playing chess under

Page 38 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 the same roof showered the president of Success Chess first-hand how people William with a sense of School. I called Mr. Evans interpret failure directly leads belonging as all of them that afternoon and shared my to how much they enjoy the shared the same excitement in confusion about William’s process and how well they their eyes as he did. Winning lack of progress. Mr. Evans perform. all three matches only made responded that it was a result that experience even more from too much stress over It was amazing how William joyful. winning tournament games. continued to love chess so much under the pressure from However, very soon we That message woke us up like us for him to win. Realizing noticed that William couldn’t an alarm in a foggy night. how our fixed mindset had win within a few minutes any Dominic and I had only negatively affected his more as he faced stronger and wanted to emphasize to performance, I apologized to more experienced opponents William that he should have William that evening. I shared at rated tournaments. What’s taken his time looking at his that we support his pursuit of more puzzling was that he board instead of moving chess only because that was often lost to players that he’d without planning ahead. We his choice of interest. win during practice games. kept on telling him that we did Winning or losing was also his Seeing him walking out of the not raise our voice because he choice, completely depending game room with tears in his had “lost” but because of the on how carefully he studied eyes was frustrating to both way he had “lost.” We had each board and how well he him and us. His initial rating meant for him to remember calculated his moves. From of 1048 dropped and lingered not to make careless blunders. now on, mom and dad would between the 800’s and 900’s never yell at lost games any for six months. But the fact is, while he enjoys more as they are neither the thinking part of the game, parents’ responsibility nor I consulted with several our attitude had dumped in something that we could coaches from William’s group his head the worry for losing. control. lessons but no one could give me an answer why he What a wrong message for a I saw the sign of relief in his performed poorly at games seven-year old! “Losing is so eyes. that actually count. I even unacceptable!” regretted for starting him on And to be honest, I felt more In her best seller, Mindset: rated tournaments. It seemed relieved than he did. His win The New Psychology of that the rating took away the or loss is NOT going to define Success (2006), renowned joy of the game as we now whether I am a good parent Stanford Professor Dr. Carol drove to tournaments with any more. Dweck divided people into doubts and fear, not two kinds, those with Fixed May 20, 2012, the very next excitement as before. Mindset vs. those with Growth day, William won 4 out of 5 On May 19, 2012, at a Weibel Mindset. While the former games at Fremont K-6 Spring Quad, one of the most does things to prove how Championship and his rating prominent Chess Dads, Mr. smart they are, the later sees finally went back over 1000, Moy, father of young Expert things as ways to grow and ending that six-month Kevin Moy, advised me that it develop continuously. An drought. Within 5 other might be a good time to find expert consultant for tournaments over the next 3 William a private coach. He professional athletes and months, his rating went over recommended Mr. Bela Evans, other fields, Dr. Dweck sees 1300.

Page 39 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 What’s more important, reading other books before championship trophy is our taking him to tournaments bedtime and took a new children’s passion for chess. became a joyful experience interest in Pokémon. On Throughout those three days again for both him and us over January 12, 2013, after losing at Nashville, I’ve met so many the next few months now that 4 out of 5 games at the 13th players and their parents who we recognized that it’s not the Bob Burger Open at participated in the rating but how we interpret Mechanics’ Institute Chess SuperNational not for any rating that affected our mood Club, William cried to us and trophy but for the joy of the and his performance. said that he would like to give game. There were hundreds up rated tournaments and of players in the unrated In November 2012, at his first only keep chess as a hobby. sections. Several of those tournament at Mechanics’ parents told me that they take Institute Chess Club, William I do not blame him for that their children to national buried himself in a chess book decision. After 1300, more chess tournaments every year that he found in the library than half of his opponents at as they enjoy playing with between his matches. Several tournaments became people other children around the experienced chess parents many years older than him. country. They don’t care were amazed at his focus. His experiences and ability to about any rating or winning. When I mentioned how much focus were no match for them. They just love playing the William loved chess, Mr. Zhou, As his sense of competence game with fellow chess lovers. father of one of the strongest was diminishing, so was his Many became friends who see scholastic players in the interest. Dominic and I each other once a year at this country Anthony Zhou, respected his choice. I had event. I am grateful for those commented that his interest thought that was the end of parents who reminded me would change with time. his chapter for chess. again how to keep the passion Anthony used to love chess for chess last forever with an Unexpectedly, two weeks later too. But when I asked him emphasis on the joy of the William received an invitation that day, he said that he is game by reducing the weight to join his school chess team good at chess but does not like on the outcome. it any more. How did that for the SuperNational happen? Tournament at Nashville in I was also impressed by the April 2013. I’ve documented 1,200 or so high school I was still suspicious of Mr. his experiences over those participants at this world Zhou’s prediction at that time: three and a half months in my record event with 5,000+ if anything, I was more previous blog, What Does It players. To me, every one of worried about how to divert Take to Make A National them is a winner for their William’s obsession with Champion Team?- From an persistence. There is an old chess to other fields. He used Inexperienced Chess Mom’s saying in China, “only long to love piano and mental math, Eyes. The rest was history. I distance can test a horse’s which had paled in front of am truly grateful that the power and only long time can chess. invitation to the Gomes team test a person’s heart.” As I reignited William’s passion for stay in the chess circle longer, However, by the end of that chess at the very point when I’ve observed many children month, William proved that he was ready to quit. disappearing from Mr. Zhou was correct. Chess tournaments as they grow was not the first thing that he What I also learned from that older, including several rushed to any more whenever experience was that what former star players. With he found free time. He started weighs more than the

Page 40 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 increasing responsibilities at I had no idea how he learned “I’m going for the experience.” school and other to post diagrams with He reiterated. extracurricular activities, it is annotations online. William indeed a struggle to manage has a more balanced take on William, David and I did not those 1- to 4-day tournaments his extracurricular activities arrive at Newark Pavilion at higher grades. I applaud now as chess does not take all until 9:30 a.m. and had to those high school participants, of his free time any more. He park our car in the dirt after a their parents and coaches for took a break from frantic search as the lot as well building a supportive tournaments between the end as the roadside spots were environment that successfully of July and mid-November completely full. The past two kept their flame for chess 2013 due to time conflicts years, without any illness, we burning. with Little League activities. did follow the instruction and Between the fall and spring arrived at 9 a.m., which gave While there are only about baseball seasons, he us a more relaxed mood 1,300 grandmasters out of the continued to play at before the first round. After 8 million registered chess tournaments once or twice a rushing David to the 6-year players representing over 160 month. I noticed that his old section in Hall 4 and countries in the world, as a duration of attention has William to the Open 4-9 game that trains planning and improved as his games grew section in Hall 1, I could attention while promotes longer and longer. Two of his finally look around and take sportsmanship, chess is well games in January 2014 lasted the whole event in. loved by the general 4 hours, which was Weibel Chess Director Dr. population. Based on data on unimaginable comparing with Kirshner started the CalNorth the internet, about 70% of the his initial games at a few Youth Chess Age Level adult population in the U.S minutes each just two years Championship in 2008 to has played chess at some ago. Although it has been a celebrate his 70th birthday as point during their lives. There grueling uphill battle to well as his legacy to young are at least 605 to 700 million improve after 1500, William chess players in California. people worldwide who play does not talk about quitting This competition remains chess, which is about 8.6% out any more. What’s more, his unique in the State as no other of the 7 billion people on earth. enthusiasm has spread to his major chess event in There are as many as 200 younger brother David who California has competition million people playing chess started taking an interest in according to age alone. on the Internet. I certainly chess too over the past year. prayed that William would Both William and David were grow into one of those adults * * * * excited about this tournament who would use chess to bring as all the other tournaments joy and relaxation to his busy When I finally woke up that they attend pair players life in the future. William at 8:30 a.m., his fever was under control but his nose by rating, which inevitably Since the SuperNational, became stuffed. He insisted gave them opponents much William continued to enjoy on going to the Age Level older than them. Although it studying and playing chess. Championship with full is critical for more serious He even started his own club knowledge that any loss, players to learn from more “the-chess-studiers” on which is very likely with his senior opponents if they want chess.com last summer and physical condition, would to advance in chess, it could enjoyed sharing interesting bring down his rating. be intimidating for beginners puzzles and games with others. like David who only enjoy it as

Page 41 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 a hobby. That’s why David Dr. Kirshner working hard to assumed, researchers have basically skipped to his board blow 75 candles on the 75 largely failed to confirm its with joy as he was surrounded cupcakes for his birthday, existence. For example, a by fellow six-year olds, which smiles and cheers made that 2006 study found no made him more comfortable. celebration so memorable. differences in fluid intelligence between strong William’s first Age Level The first round pairing was adult chess players and Championship in 2012 was already online the night regular people. There is some also with the 6-year old group. before, which helped to keep evidence towards a Last year he joined the Open the beginning of the event as correlation between 4-9 section that attracted orderly as I ever remembered performance in chess and more advanced scholastic at Weibel Chess events over intelligence among beginning players from all over the Bay the past two and a half years. players. However, Area. Dr. Kirshner has also Staff and volunteers in blue performance in chess also waived registration fee for shirts were friendly and relies substantially on one's those who made into the helpful. Foods and drinks are experience playing the game, USCF Top 100 list for their plenty in the kitchen at a and the role of experience age group in this section. much lower price than hotels may overwhelm the role of They are side by side with where most large chess events intelligence.” Another older players between age 10 are held these days. interesting finding is that “a and 13, having a longer time 2007 study of young chess David won his first four control (45 minutes vs. 30 per players in the United rounds at about 10 to 20 round) and quieter Kingdom found that strong minutes each and happily tournament hall. This year, players tended to have above- rolled around the yard on his the new organizer, Mr. Moy, average IQ scores, but, within new Heelys. He bought them made the Open 4-9 that group, the correlation with $50 that he had won at competition even more between chess skill and IQ an US Chess Mates attractive with the was moderately negative, tournament two weeks ago, inauguration of a special meaning that smarter which had boosted his crystal Kirshner Cup to honor children tended to achieve a confidence in chess to all-time Dr. Kirshner. lower level of chess skill. This high. “I want to win the first result was explained by a The signature gigantic white place!” he announced to me negative correlation between tent is still outside Hall 1. several times this week even intelligence and practice in With young children’s though I kept on reminding the elite subsample, and by laughter mixed with older him that there are 5 players in practice having a higher players checking various chess his section whose ratings are influence on chess skill.” books and products while much higher than his. renowned coaches analyzing "Geniuses are made, not I secretly hoped that David games between the matches born," was Grandmaster would lose his last round under the same roof, it always Susan Polgar’s father, László because he needs to learn the reminds me of a joyful Polgar's thesis. He sought to lesson that achievement only wedding with the perfect prove that children could comes with hard work. As combination of passion and make exceptional Wikipedia summarized, logic. I remember that last achievements if trained in a “although the link between Age Level Championship fell specialist subject from a very performance in chess and on the same day as Super early age. He and his wife Bowl. As our players watched general intelligence is often

Page 42 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Klara homeschooled their by their innate ability over the first grade). three daughters with chess as past 15 years at work. With the specialist subject. With that being said, there is no David only enjoys playing intensive practices each day, doubt that hard work and online games but rarely Susan became the first female achievement has a positive practices tactics as we has to earn the Grandmaster title correlation and no “talent” suggested. He is lucky to get and broke a number of gender could be fully developed over 700 with little practice barriers in chess. Her without effort. William but that’s as far as a little younger sisters are also very experienced that first hand “talent” can carry him. I was accomplished as Judit is a recently. He had the time relieved when he lost his last Grandmaster and Sofia an doing 300 online chess tactics round to a player whom he International Master. each day on our family was able to win a few months Intelligence may not directly vacation to Grandpa’s home in back. I hope that would be the correlate with chess Reno during winter break, beginning of two important performance but the amount which had resulted in his best life lessons for him. One, hard of practices sure does. This performance at the Bay Area work is the only way to was shown through researches Amateur Championship success, no matter what task on Susan. What was found between January 3 and 5, is in his hand. Two, never was that Susan could 2014 and pushed his rating underestimate opponents who remember positions from over 1600. However, since had lost to him before. games within seconds due to school started again, he only For William, I was more the repeated patterns that had time to play a couple worried about his health than were drilled into her memory quick online games between performance that day. After at a young age but her ability his homework, piano, cub winning the first two games, to remember random scouts, and regular Faith he had to lie down on a bench positions of chess pieces on Formation class at church. to rest and had a hard time board was no stronger than That clearly showed in his getting up. He rejected my people who has never played more recent tournament suggestion to go home and chess. results. We kept on insisted on staying for the last reminding William to adjust two rounds. He took some This is the same message that his expectations accordingly non-drowsy medicine to New York Times bestseller as there is no need to compare control his returning fever author Daniel Coyle repeated himself with other players after winning his third round. in his book, “The Talent Code: who take chess as the priority Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s in their lives. While he only William was exhausted after Grown.” After researching top works with Mr. Evans two losing his last round and we performers in different fields, hours a month on average, needed to take him home Mr. Coyle concluded that the there are other advanced right away and missed the formula to create “talent” is players receiving coaching a award ceremony. I’m glad the combination of Deep few hours per week. While we that the first Kirshner Cup Practice, Ignition of Passion highly respect chess as a great was won by a member of and Master Coaching. hobby, we have no intention Weibel Chess that carries on to encourage William pursuit As a school psychologist, I Dr. Kirshner’s legacy. My only it as a profession unless he have a more reserved take on regret was that I had missed chooses to do so (which did that belief as I have witnessed seeing Dr. Kirshner in front of not seem to be the case after many children’s development the 76 cupcakes that I had and progress being restricted baked for his birthday

Page 43 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 celebration. Did he announce As soon as we got home, I looked in his eyes, full of that “everyone who win their William, who had passed out wonder, love and hope. And I last round will get a cupcake in the car on our way, directly know at that moment, no along with their trophy or went to check his online chess matter what he decides to do medal” like last year? To me, club. with his life in the future, everyone who spent the day chess will always be part of it. participating in this chess “Mom,” he excitedly festival is a winner for their announced to me, “I got a NM As Dr. Kirshner always passion! joining my club! And another reminds everyone at the end member posted a puzzle on it!’ of his emails: Chess is Forever!

Upcoming Scholastic Tournaments

Sun, Jun 15th, 2014 Foster City Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Foster City Sat, Jun 21st, 2014 Milpitas Chess4Less Kids Swiss & Quads Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sun, Jun 22nd, 2014 Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sun, Jun 22nd, 2014 Berkeley San Ramon Quads Country Club Elem., San Ramon Sat, Jun 28th, 2014 Summer Quads Hillside Elem., Berkeley Sun, Jun 29th, 2014 San Ramon Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, San Ramon Sun, Jul 6th, 2014 Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Fremont Sat, Jul 12th, 2014 Foster City Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Foster City Sat, Jul 12th, 2014 Sacramento Quads Courtyard, Rancho Cordova Sun, Jul 13th, 2014 Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sat, Jul 19th, 2014 Summer Swiss Hillside Elem., Berkeley Sun, Jul 20th, 2014 Young Peoples Swiss & Quads Santa Clara Convention Center Sat, Jul 26th, 2014 Milpitas Chess4Less Kids Swiss & Quads Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sun, Jul 27th, 2014 Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sun, Jul 27th, 2014 San Ramon Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, San Ramon Sun, Jul 27th, 2014 NorCal House of Chess Quads NorCal House of Chess, Fremont Sun, Aug 3rd, 2014 Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Fremont Sat, Aug 9th, 2014 Sacramento Quads Courtyard, Rancho Cordova Sun, Aug 10th, 2014 Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sat, Aug 16th, 2014 Milpitas Chess4Less Kids Swiss & Quads Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sun, Aug 17th, 2014 Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sat, Aug 17th, 2014 Foster City Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, Foster City Sat, Aug 23rd, 2014 San Ramon Kids Swiss & Quads Courtyard Marriott, San Ramon Sat, Aug30th, 2014 NorCal Kids u1000 Class Champ Santa Clara Convention Center

For details please visit calchess.org

Page 44 CalChess Journal Spring 2014 Upcoming Regular Tournaments

Sat, Jun 14th, 2014 Milpitas $uper$wiss Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sun, Jun 15th, 2014 Foster City Luper$wiss Courtyard Marriott, Foster City Sat, Jun 21nd, 2014 William Addison Open G/45 Mechanics’, San Francisco Fri, Jun 27th‐Sun, Jun 29th, 2014 Summer Champ Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Fri, Jul 4th‐Sun, Jul 6th, 2014 Sacramento Champ Holiday Inn Express, Sacramento Sat, Jul 12nd, 2014 Charles Bagby Memorial G/45 Mechanics’, San Francisco Sat, Jul 12th, 2014 Milpitas $uper$wiss Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sat, Jul 12th, 2014 Sacramento $uper$wiss Courtyard, Rancho Cordova Sat, Jul 19th‐Sun, Jul 20th, 2014 Hans Poschmann Memorial Club Sport, Fremont Fri, Jul 25th‐Sun, Jul 27th, 2014 People’s Tournament Santa Clara Convention Center Sat, Aug 2nd, 2014 14th Vladimir Pafnutieff Mem. G/45 Mechanics’, San Francisco Sun, Aug 3rd, 2014 Cupertino Duper$wiss Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Fri, Aug 8th‐Sun, Aug 10th, 2014 August Champ Bay Area Chess Center, Milpitas Sat, Aug 9th, 2014 Sacramento $uper$wiss Courtyard, Rancho Cordova Fri, Aug 15th‐Sun, Aug 17th, 2014 5th Central California Radisson Hotel, Fresno Sat, Aug 16th‐Sun, Aug 17th, 2014 9th Bernardo Smith Mem. (U2200) Mechanics’, San Francisco Sun, Aug 17th, 2014 Foster City Luper$wiss Courtyard Marriott, Foster City Sat, Aug 23rd‐Sun, Aug 24th, 2014 Exchange Bank Open Exchange Bank, Santa Rosa Sun, Aug 24th, 2014 Cupertino Duper$wiss Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino Sat, Aug 30th‐Mon, Sep 1st, 2014 CalChess State Champ Santa Clara Convention Center

For details please visit calchess.org

IM John Grefe Tactics – Answers 1. White wins the queen: 1. Bxf8+ Kxf7 2. Qxd8 +- 2. Black wins a piece: 1…Qxh1+ 2.Kxh1 Nf2+ 3.Kg2 Nxd3 -+ 3. Black mates in three with 1…Bb2+ 2.Kb1 Bc3+ 3.K~ Qb2# 4. 1.Qa4!! +- 5. White mates in four with 1.Ne8+ Kg5 (1…Ke5 2.Qd6#) 2.Qe7+ Nf6 3.Qxf6+ Kh6 4.Qh4# 6. White won after 1.Rxh5! gxh5 2.Nf5!! exf5 3.Nd5 1-0 Mate is unavoidable 3…Qd8 4.Nf6+ Qxf6 5.gxf6 Nxf3+ 6.Kf2 ~ 7.Qg7# 7. Black wins a pawn and destroys the cover around Whites King with 1…Nxf3! 2. Nxf3 Qe2! 3.Qd1 Qxe3 -+ 8. White wins material with 1.Nxc6!! Qxc6 2. e5 dxe5 (2…Nd4 3.Bxe4 Qc5 +-;2…d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.Bxd5 Qc5 +-;2…Ng4+ 3.hxg4 Qc5 +-) 3.Bxc6 Rxd3 4.Rxd3 Rxd3 5.Rxd3 exf4 6.gxf4 +- 9. Black won material by 1…Nxb4! 2.Bxg7 Nxd3! 3.Ne4 (3.Qe2 Rxe3 -+ or 3.Qd1 Nxe3 4.Qe2 Nxf1 5.Qxd3 Nxd2 6.Qxd2 Kxg7 -+) 3…Nxe1 4.Nf6+ Kxg7 5.Nxd7 Nxg2 6.Nxb8 Ngxe3 -+

Page 45 CalChess Journal Spring 2014