R ank & File

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 VOLUME XXXIII, NO. 6 $3.00

GM Melikset Khachiyan

Southern Cal Open Champion Century West Open January 8-10, 2010

$10,000 Prize Fund (based on 200 players, 50% of each prize guaranteed)

at the Open LAX Hilton 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90045 1st: $1500 Five Rounds — Swiss System 2nd-5th: $1000-$800-$400-$200 3-day schedule 40/2, SD/1; 2-day schedule rounds 1-2 G/60 U2400: $200 U2300: $200 Entry Fees: U2200: $750-$500-$300 Open, Premier: $83 if received by 1/8, $95 at door. U2100: $200 Amateur:$67 if received by 1/8, $80 at door. SCCF membership required of rated state residents ($18, jr. $10) U2000: $200 Registration: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, 9-10 a.m. Saturday  Rounds: 3-day 7 p.m., 11-5:30, 10-4:30; 2-day 10:30-1:30 Premier Saturday (G/60), then merges (Under 1900) Entries: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los $750-$500-$300-$100 Angeles, CA 90038 U1700: $500-$300-$200 HR: $99 single or double. (310) 410-4000. Use Group Code  CWO. Parking $8/day Amateur On-line entry, advance entry lists: (Under 1500/unr) www.westernchess.com $400-$250-$100 U1300: $100-50 Also U1100: $100 January 10 Unrated: $100 CWO SCHOLASTICS. 5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los (Unrated may win Unrated prize only in this section) Angeles, CA 90045. Open to gr. 12-below. $25 Best Game prize, all sections eligible. January 10 CWO HEXES. 3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 . Six-player sections by rating.

2 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 AroundAround thethe NNationation

American Open the United States in the 2010 Pan This was a sore point not only with Southern California’s premier American Youth Championship in the Mexican players who at the end tournament, the American Open, Brazil in July. of the ceremony began to yell out, will be held for the 45th straight Emily Nguyen from Texas won “las medallas” “the medals”, but year, Thanksgiving weekend (No- the bronze medal for the United also for the Canadian and American vember 26-29 or 27-29; choice of States in the U-8 girls. WCM Clau- delegation. Raul Hernandez stated playing schedules) at the spacious dia Munoz came in 5th place in the that the Sinaloa State Sport’s Min- LAX Renaissance Montura Hotel. U-12 girls. Madhu Karamsetty also istry had made a financial cutback but that he would personally mail Full details are in this issue. proudly represented the red, white us the medals during the week. This year’s American Open will and blue! be in memory of Jerry Hanken, who Embarrassingly, the Mexican Instead of medals we received played all 44 years and was instru- Chess Federation (FENAMAC) did paper certificates with misspelled mental in saving the tournament not provide medals to the winners names as well as incorrect catego- after we lost our corporate spon- of the three competing countries. ries. sorship in 1990 (he served as chief organizer until 2003), and we hope it will be a fitting memorial. As al- ways, there will be special prizes, ONTENTS lectures (including GM Melikset CCONTENTSONTENTS Khachiyan and the ever-popular AROUND THE NATION ...... 3 IM Jeremy Silman), videos, and AROUNDAROUND THETHE NATIONNATION ...... 3 side events. Questions should be 21ST ANNUAL U.S. AMATEUR TEAM addressed to Randy Hough, (626) SOUTHERNSOUTHERN CCALIFORNIAALIFORNIA OOPENPEN ...... 5 282-7412 or randallhough@yahoo. WEST ...... 5 com. Don’t miss this classic! – Ran- LOSLOS AANGELESNGELES OOPENPEN ...... 1010 WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS ...... 10 dy Hough PPROFILE:ROFILE: ARLARL ILNICKILNICK TACTICS C P BYBY JOHNOHN DONALONALDSONDSON ...... 12 by Tim Hanks ...... 12 Six Medals for USA TACTICSTACTICS in Mexico HBYBYERE TIMIM &HANKSA NTKSHERE ...... 14 Six Americans won medals at HHERE E ClubRE & THERETnews,HERE local tournaments, the 2009 North American Youth scholasticClubClub news,news, localloca eventsl tournaments,tournam en. . t. s., ...... 15 Championship in Mazatlan, Mexico...... The United States came in second scholscShoTATElaasticstic eevents vCenHAMPIONSHIPts aandnd moremore QUALIFIERS ...... 1 197 place in the final team standings, ...... despite having only ten players out IINNG AMESPPASSINGASSI NFGROM RECENT EVENTS ...... 191 219 of 123. Four of our young talents SSTATETTAHETE L CHAMPIONSHIPCIGHTERHAMPI OSNIDESHI. .P . . .Q . . . UUALIFIERS. . .A . .L . .I . F. . I. .E . .R . . S...... 2241 won gold medals: Stuart Finney, Deepak Aaron, Kayden Troff) and UPCOMINGUUPPCOMINGCOMING EVENE EVVENTSENTSTS ...... 2262 Winston Zeng. Along with their gold medal, they earn the FIDE CCHESSCHHESSESS QQUIZ QUUIZIZ ...... 2244 title of Candidate Master. Finally, they have the honor of representing

3 RANKANK & FILEILE NOVEMBEROVEMBER-D-DECEMBERECEMBER 20092009 Beyond the issues mentioned, TEAM USA was extremely united Southern California Chess starting from the parents and ex- Federation tending to the children and youth.. President – Abed Munoz, USCF news release Elliot Landaw Vice President Ron Rezendes Secretary Chuck Ensey Winston Zeng in Treasurer John Hillery Executive Board World Youth Randy Hough We are pleased to report that Mike Nagaran Winston Zeng of Irvine, who won a Steve Morford gold medal for the U-8 section with Anna Zatonskih Jim Bullock Mick Bighamian 7-0 (the only perfect score in the Saint Louis agreed to host the US Jerry Yee tournament) at the recent North Women’s Championship in Saint Anthony Ong American Youth Championships in Louis in 2010. The news incited a Takashi Iwamoto Mexico will represent the United standing ovation. States at the World Youth Champi- Rank & File onships in Turkey next mouth. Best Anna, along with several of Editor John Hillery of luck to Winston! the other competitors got a large 835 N. Wilton Pl. # dose of glamour in on the free day Los Angeles CA 90038 when they were invited to pose for [email protected] Suzy Gorman, a Saint Louis fix- U.S. Women’s ture whose subjects have included Publisher David Argall Championship Bill Clinton and the rapper Nelly. Contributing Editors – USCF news release Jack Peters The U.S. Women’s Championship Tim Hanks (October 3-13, Saint Louis) closed Rusudan Goletiani (2391) – Anna Al Pena with Anna Zatonskih picking up Zatonskih (2462) Contributors a $15,000 check for her incredible U. S. Women’s Championship, St. Chuck Ensey Randy Hough 8½/9 score! Zatonskih also won the Louis 2009 Mick Bighamian Goddesschess fighting spirit award A09 BENONI DEFENSE Barbara McCaleb ($500) and the 9queens #1 best 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. g3 Nc6 4. Chris Roberts game prize ($300) for her win over Bg2 e5 5. d3 Nf6 6. 0–0 Nd7 7. e3 John Donaldson Melekhina. Be7 8. exd4 exd4 9. Re1 0–0 10. Na3 Another very happy player at Nc5 11. Ne5 Nxe5 12. Rxe5 c6 13. Subscriptions/Address Changes the closing ceremony was Camila Nc2 a5 14. b3 Bd6 15. Rh5 Ne6 16. Randy Hough, Membership Secretary Baginskaite, who took clear second Bb2 Be7 17. Re5 Bf6 18. Re1 Qb6 19. P.O. Box 205 for $12,000. She also picked up the Rb1 Bd7 20. h4 c5 21. Qh5 Bc6 22. Monterey Park CA 9754 2nd World Women’s Championship Bh3 g6 23. Qg4 Rfe8 24. f4 Ng7 25. (626) 282-742 [email protected] spot and an IM norm. Tied for 3rd- Qd1 Nh5 26. Kh2 Qc7 27. Bg4 4th were Alisa Melekhina and Irina Rank & File — ISSN 8750-964 USPS Krush, good for $7500 each. Tatev Continued on page 9 ... 738-230, published bimonthly by the Abrahamyan’s second half rally put Southern California Chess Federation, 300 her in clear fifth. Her prize was PHOTOS. Cover, pp. 6, 8: John Hillery. P. Ballista, La Puente CA 9744. Periodical $6000. 2: Suzy Gorman. P. 19: Chris Roberts. postage paid at Industry, CA. POST- Executive director Bill Hall an- P. 20: Sheri Reneau. MASTER: Send changes of address to nounced that the USCF and the SCCF, PO Box 205, Monterey Park CA Chess Club and Scholastic Center of 9754. Subscriptions: $8 adult, $0 junior. Copyright © SCCF 2009. One-time only publication rights have been obtained from Advertising Rates: Full page $80, half page $45, signed contributors. All other rights are 1/4 page $25, 1/8 page $15, back cover (3/4 page) SCCF Online hereby assigned to the authors. The opinions $80. (All rates are for camera-ready copy.) Flyer expressed are strictly those of the contribu- insert $50 (advertiser must supply flyers). 50% The SCCF Web discount for tournaments requiring SCCF mem- tors and do not necessarily reflect the views bership. Display ads should be sent to the Editor, page is located at: of the SCCF, its officers or members. flyers to the Publisher (addresses at right). Pay- ment should be sent with order to the Editor. SCCF www.scchess.com reserves the right to reject any advertising.

4 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 31st Annual Southern California Open

he 31st Annual Southern California Open, held at the Crowne 39. … Rxg1 40. Nxg1 Nh2 41. Qh3 Qxe4+ 42. Kd1 Qxa4+ 43. Kc1 TPlace Hotel in San Diego September 5-7, saw a slightly disap- Qa1+ 44. Kc2 Nf1 45. Rxe7 Ne3+ pointing turnout of 131, but the strength of the top section, with 46. Kb3 a4+ 47. Kb4 Nxd5+ 48. three GMs and three IMs, more than made up for it. Kc4 Ne3+ 49. Kb4 Qxb2+ 50. Kxa4 Qa2+ 51. Kb4 Nd5+ 52. Kb5 Qa6# Tying for first were GM Melisket GM Jesse Kraai (2584) – Evgeny 0–1 Khachiyan, GM Alejandro Ramirez, Shver (2233) and master Evgeny Shver, with Southern California Open, San GM Jesse Kraai was awarded Khachiyan taking the State Cham- Diego 2009 the 2nd Best Game Prize for his pionship title of tiebreak. All three E99 KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE, game against young star Konstan- scored 5-1, but their paths to the Classical Variation tin Kavutskiy. top were quite different. Ramirez, 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 GM Jesse Kraai (2584) – Kon- in clear first, was committed to a 4. e4 d6 5. d4 0–0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0–0 stantin Kavutskiy (2157) last round bye. Shver scored a star- Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Ne1 Nd7 10. Be3 Southern California Open, San tling upset of GM Jesse Kraai, in a f5 11. f3 f4 12. Bf2 g5 13. a4 a5 14. Diego 2009 game that went the full six hours. Nd3 Rf7 15. c5 Bf8 16. cxd6 cxd6 17. E01 CATALAN OPENING And Khachiyan, on first board, was Nb5 Nf6 18. Qc2 Ng6 19. Rfc1 Ne8 (Notes by Los Angeles Times almost oversahdowed by his victim, 20. Ra3 h5 21. Rc3 Bd7 22. h3 g4 23. chess columnist Jack Peters) 11-year-old Kayden Troff. Troff, fxg4 hxg4 24. Bxg4 Bxg4 25. hxg4 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 e6 3. g3 c5 4. rated only 2100, had previously up- Qg5 26. Ne1 Qxg4 27. Nf3 Rg7 28. Bg2 Nc6 5. 0-0 Nf6 6. c4 set an IM and two masters, losing Kf1 Nf6 29. Qe2 Rh7 30. Nc7 Rc8 This variation of the Catalan only to Khachiyan and Ramirez. A 31. Rc4 Ne7 32. Ne6 Rxc4 33. Rxc4 Opening resembles a Reversed future master? Sure looks like it! Rh1+ 34. Ng1 Qg6 35. Qf3 Ng4 36. Gruenfeld. Other section winners included Ke2 Rh2 37. Nh3 Bh6 38. Bg1 Rh1 6. … Be7 7. dxc5 Esteban Escobedo (Premier), Ren- 39. Rc7 If 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Nc3, it’s a Tarr- eray Valdez (Amateur), Sven Myrin XIIIIIIIIY asch Defense. (Reserve), and Leonard De Leon 7. … Bxc5 8. a3 0-0 9. b4 Be7 (Booster). John Hillery and Bruce 9-+-+-+k+0 10. Nbd2 Baker directed for the sponsor- 9+ptR-sn-+-0 Usual is 10. Bb2 dxc4 11. Nbd2 ing San Diego Chess Club. Special 9-+-zpN+qvl0 Qc7 12. Rc1, as in Kraai’s game Thanks to Chuck Ensey of the against Akobian in the 2008 U.S. SDCC, whose yeoman work and 9zp-+Pzp-+-0 Championship. financial support made the tourna- 9P+-+Pzpn+0 10. … b6!? ment possible. 9+-+-+Q+N0 Also reasonable are 10. … dxc4 In addition to earning a share and 10. … Bd7. of first place, Evgeny Shver’s last- 9-zP-+K+P+0 11 Bb2 Bb7 12 Rc1 Rc8 13 round upset of GM Jesse Kraai re- 9+-+-+-vLr0 Qa4 a5?! ceived the Best Game prize. xiiiiiiiiy Black gets only a tiny disadvan-

5 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 tage from 13. ... dxc4 14. Nxc4 a6 15. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. a5 Qa7 Rfd1 Qc7 16. Nce5 b5. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be2 Nf6 7. XIIIIIIIIY 14. cxd5?! 0–0 Nc6 8. Be3 d6 9. a4 Be7 10. 9-tr-+r+k+0 Inaccurate, as 14. ... Qxd5! 15. Nb3 b6 11. f4 Bb7 12. Bf3 0–0 13. b5 Na7 is fine for Black. Instead, Qe2 Rfe8 9wq-+n+pzpp0 White should keep an edge with 14. Or 13. ... Rab8 14. g4 Rfe8 15. 9p+-zPp+-+0 b5 Na7 15. Rfd1 or 14. b5 Nb8 15. g5 Nd7 16. Bg2 Bf8 17. Rf3 Na5 18. 9zPp+-+-+-0 cxd5. Rh3 g6 19. Rf1 Bg7 20. Qf2 Rbc8 14. … Nxd5?! 15. b5 Nb8 16. 21. Nd2. This is what official theory 9-+-tR-+-+0 Rxc8 Qxc8 17. Rc1 Qd8 18. Ne5 was saying. Obviously I knew the 9+NtR-+-zP-0 The Knight heads for c6. In a line with g4, but I had a very dif- 9-zPP+Q+P+0 difficult situation, Black tries a ficult time at the tournament, and flawed tactic. had decided to play more something 9+-+-+-mK-0 18. … Ne3? 19. Bxb7 Qxd2 20. more secure. xiiiiiiiiy Qd4! 21. ... Nc4 27. Qf2! The refutation. Black must en- Here it is also possible to play After some thought, I figured ter a miserable endgame with 20. ... 14. g4, pretty much transposing the out what to do to get an advantage. Qxd4 21. Bxd4 Nf5 22. Bxb6 Bxa3 game to the previous line, but as I I just need to trade a few pieces, es- 23. Rd1 Nd6 24. Ba6, when the b- mentioned before, I wasn’t really pecially a Queen and Knight. And pawn is powerful and the a-pawn is wiling to play that way. it all comes from controlling c5 loose. 14. Rad1 Bf8 15. Bf2 square. 20. … Qxe2? 21. Nc6 This is one of the forgotten ideas 27. ... Rbc8?! Gaining at least a piece. in this type of position. White is Another dubious move. I prefer 21. … Bf6 trying to support e4-e5, by trans- 27. ... Rec8 with idea of meeting XIIIIIIIIY ferring the Bishop from e3 to g3. 28. Rdd3 with 28. ... Qxf2 and 29. ... The idea of e4-e5 is one of the most Ne5. Black would have chances to 9-sn-+-trk+0 important for White to play in such fight for equality. 9+L+-+pzpp0 position. 28. Rdd3 Qxf2+ 29. Kxf2 e5? 9-zpN+pvl-+0 15. ... Rab8?! The last chance was to repostion I would prefer here 15. … Nd7 the King with 29. … Kf8. Now Black 9zpP+-+-+-0 with the idea of moving a Knight to simply can not hold the position. 9-+-wQ-+-+0 c5. 30. Rc7 Rcd8 31. Nc5 9zP-+-sn-zP-0 16. Bg3 Ne7 17. e5 dxe5 18. fxe5 Nd7 19. Ne4 Nf5 20. Nd6 9-vL-+qzP-zP0 Nxg3 21. hxg3 Bxf3 22. Rxf3 9+-tR-+-mK-0 Bxd6 23. exd6 xiiiiiiiiy After a series of more or less forced moves, White gets very a Or 21. ... f6 22. Nxe7+ Kf7 23. strong pawn on d6, which will fxe3. give him a little edge. 22. Ne7+ Kh8 23. Qxf6! 23. ... Qc6 Qxb2 I believe 23. … Qa7 was A joke, as 23. ... Qg4 24. Qc3 is stronger, with the idea of strik- resignable. ing back with … b5. 24. Qxb2, Black Resigns. 24. Rd4 b5 25. Rc3 Qb6 26.

Tournament winner Khachiyan annotates his key fifth-round vic- tory over IM Dionisio Aldama. The spacious and elegant GM Melikset Khachiyan (2610) Crowne Plaza Hotel – IM Dionisio Aldama (2489) provided an attractive Southern California Open, San Diego 2009 site, though a few players B85 SICILIAN DEFENSE, Taimanov managed to get lost in Variation its winding corridors. (Notes by GM Melikset Khachi- yan)

6 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 The simplest way. I knew 31. Ra6 was probably stronger, but 31. Prize Winners Nc5 is simpler. 31. ... Nxc5 32. Rxc5 Kf8 33. Open Rc6 e4 34. Rd5 e3+ 35. Ke2 Re6 1st-3rd: GM Melikset Khachiyan, GM Alejandro Ramirez, Evgeny Shver, 36. Rxa6 5-1; 4th-7th: IM Enrico Sevillano, IM Dionisio Aldama, Joel Banawa, Alexan- The game is over. dre Kretchetov, 4½-1½; U2300: 1st: Vadim Kudryavtsev, 4½-1½; 2nd: Ryan 36. ... Rg6 37. Kxe3 Re8+ 38. Porter, Avram Zaydenberg, 4-2; U2200: 1st-2nd: John Funderburg, Kayden Kf4 Rf6+ 39. Rf5 Rfe6 40. Ra7 Troff, 4-2; 3rd-4th: Robert Akopian, Konstantin Kavutskiy, Show Kitagami, Re4+ 41. Kf3 Re3+ 42. Kg4 f6 Michael Brown, Raoul Crisologo, Leo Raterman, Jared Tan, 3½-2½. 43. Rxb5 Re1 44. Re7 R! 8xe7 45. dxe7+ Kxe7 46. b4 Rf1 47. Rb7+ Premier Ke6 48. Rxg7 h6 49. a6 1–0 1st: Esteban Escobedo, 5-1; 2nd: Jesse Orlowski, 4½-1½; 3rd-4th: John Badger, Luke Neyndorf, Madhaven Vajepeyam, Christian Glawe, 4-2. IM Ed Formanek (2266) – Jamieson Pryor (2027) Amateur Southern California Open, San 1st: Reneray Valdez, 5-1; 2nd: Mike Bynum, 4½-1½; 3rd-4th: Marcos Fer- Diego 2009 rer, Ronaldo Salenga, 4-2. E26 NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE, Saemisch Variation Reserve (Notes by Los Angeles Times 1st: Sven Myrin, 5-1; 2nd: Craig Hilby, 4½-1½; 3rd-4th: Timothy Jao, Ste- chess columnist Jack Peters) ven Dahl, Thomas Glazier, 4-2. 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 The reliable Nimzo-Indian De- Booster fense. 1st: Leonard De Leon, 5-1; 2nd: Willie Roy, 4½-1½; 3rd-4th: Ramon Umad- 4. e3 d5 5. a3 hay, Jennifer Lu, 4-2; U1200: 1st: Claire Negus, 4-2; 2nd: Kenneth Xu, Shel- Transposing to the Saemisch ley Anthopoulos, 3½-1½. variation. 5. … Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. Bd3 Qa5 XIIIIIIIIY dxe6+) 22. Qb7+ Kf8 23. dxe6. The Queen will be misplaced af- 9r+-+k+-tr0 19. Rxf7+ Ke8 20. Rc7, Black ter White’s reply. Either 7. ... 0-0 or Resigns. 7. ... dxc4 8. Bxc4 0-0 improves. 9zpR+l+ptRp0 8. Bd2 dxc4 9-+nsnp+-+0 IM Enrico Sevillano (2560) Also 8. ... Bd7 9. Nf3 Ba4 10. Qb1 9+-+-+-+-0 – Ryan Porter (2287) Qc7 11. cxd5 exd5 12. dxc5 Nbd7 13. Southern California Open, San c4 gives White an edge. 9-+LzP-+-+0 Diego 2009 9. Bxc4 cxd4?! 9zP-+-zPN+q0 B06 PIRC-ROBATSCH DEFENSE The Queen should retreat to c7. 9-+-vLKzP-zP0 (Notes by Los Angeles Times 10. cxd4 Qg5?! 11. Nf3! Qxg2 chess columnist Jack Peters) 12. Rg1 Qh3 13. Rxg7 9+-+Q+-+-0 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Now both Kings are stuck in xiiiiiiiiy Be2 a6 the center, but only Black’s will fall Better was 15. ... Qh6 16. Qg1 A form of the Modern Defense. under attack. White already has Kf8 17. Rg2 e5, although 18. d5 Ne7 5. Bg5 h6 6. Be3 b5 7. Bf3 c6 a large advantage, thanks to his 19. Bb4 keeps White in charge. 8. Nge2 extra center pawn and his pair of 16. Rxb7 Nd6 17. Rxd7! Kxd7 An unusual but effective setup, Bishops. 18. Qa4! assuring White a small advantage. 13. … Nc6 14. Rb1 Threatening 19. Ne5+. 8. … Qc7 White could even allow the Rook 18. … Nxc4 White would not mind 8. ... b4 trap 14. Rxf7 Qh6 15. Rc7 Kd8, as Black cannot survive 18. ... Kc7 9. Nb1 Nf6 10. 0-0 Ng4, as 11. Bd2 16. Rxc8+ Rxc8 17. Bxe6 is crush- 19. Ba5+ Nxa5 20. Qxa5+ Kd7 21. Qb6 12. a3! opens the position. ing. Ne5+ Ke8 22. Qc7 Qh5+ 23. Ke1 9. Qd2 Nf6 10. h3 Nbd7 11. 0- 14. … Ne4 15. Ke2 Kf8 24. Rg4. Trickier is 18. ... Ke7, 0 Bb7 12. Rad1 Nb6 Freeing the Queen to move to a4 hoping for 19. Qxc6 Rhc8. Instead, Perhaps 12. ... c5 improves. or g1. White wins with the spectacular 18. 13. b3 0-0-0?! 15. … Bd7? ... Ke7 19. d5! Qh6 20. Qxc6! Rhc8 Not a safe hideout for the King, 21. Rxf7+! Nxf7 (or 21. ... Kxf7 22. as Sevillano will demonstrate.

7 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 Again, 13. ... c5 seems more Chess at any age? In the final challenging. round, Board 1 saw Kayden 14. a4 Kb8 Troff, one of the youngest Black cannot keep players in the tournament, Queenside files closed per- manently by 14. ... b4 15. challenge GM Melikset Na2 c5, as 16. Qd3 defends Khachiyan, while on Board 5, e4 and prepares c2-c3. IM Dionisio Aldama faced Leo 15. axb5 cxb5 16. d5 Raterman, one of the oldest. Intending 17. Nd4, pos- sibly followed by Nc3-a2-b4 and c2-c4. 16. … Rc8?! 17. Qd4! Nfd7? Imaginative, but faulty. Only 17. In the final round, Khachi- ... Qc5 resists, although 18. Qxc5 yan faced 11-year-old “giant- dxc5 19. Bf4+ Ka7 20. Ra1 is very killer” Kayden Troff, but expe- strong for White. rience prevailed. 18. Qxg7 Ne5 Kayden Troff (2100) - GM Isn’t the Queen trapped? Melikset Khachiyan (2610) 19. Bd4! Southern California Open, Inviting 19. ... Rcg8 20. Bxe5 San Diego 2009 Rxg7 21. Bxg7, with plenty for the A48 TROMPOWSKY ATTACK Queen. 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bg5 Bg7 XIIIIIIIIY 19. … Nbd7 20. Bg4! 4. Nbd2 0–0 5. e3 d5 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3 9-+-+-+-+0 The refutation. Qb6 8. Rb1 Nc6 9. 0–0 e5 10. Nxe5 9+-+-+-zp-0 20. … Rcg8 Nxe5 11. dxe5 Ng4 12. Nf3 Nxe5 13. XIIIIIIIIY Nxe5 Bxe5 14. Bc2 Bg7 15. Qf3 Be6 9-+-+-zpp+0 9-mk-+-+rtr0 16. Bb3 c4 17. Bc2 Qa5 18. Be7 Rfe8 9+-+-+-+-0 19. Bb4 Qc7 20. a4 a5 21. Ba3 Rad8 9-zp-+-+-+0 9+lwqnzppwQ-0 22. h3 Bd7 23. Ra1 Bc6 24. Qg4 b6 9p+-zp-+pzp0 25. Rfe1 f5 26. Qd1 Qb7 27. g3 Re6 9+P+-+-+P0 9+p+Psn-+-0 28. Kh2 Rde8 29. Qd2 Bf6 30. b4 9P+k+KzPP+0 Qg7 31. Bxf5 gxf5 32. Rec1 Be5 33. 9+-+-+-+-0 9-+-vLP+L+0 Ra2 Rh6 34. f4 Rxh3+ 1–0 9+PsN-+-+P0 xiiiiiiiiy 40. Ke3 Kc3 41. Ke4 f5+ 42. Kd5 9-+P+NzPP+0 GM Alejandro Ramirez (2563) 1–0 9+-+R+RmK-0 – Larry Stevens (2095) xiiiiiiiiy Southern California Open, San Steve Dahl took the Best Game Diego 2009 prize for the non-Open sections. 21. Qxh8 Rxh8 22. Bxd7 Qxd7 D25 QUEEN’S GAMBIT ACCEPTED Jim Krooskos (1484) – Steve Dahl 23. f4 f6 24. fxe5 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. (1496) The Rook and two pieces consti- e3 Bg4 5. Bxc4 e6 6. h3 Bh5 7. Nc3 Southern California Open, San tute a winning advantage against Nbd7 8. 0–0 Be7 9. e4 Nb6 10. Bb3 Diego 2009 the Queen. 0–0 11. e5 Nfd5 12. Ne4 Nd7 13. Ng3 D07 QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED, 24. … dxe5?! Bg6 14. Qe2 c5 15. Rd1 Rc8 16. Bxd5 Chigorin Defense Black could last a little longer exd5 17. dxc5 Nxc5 18. Be3 Qd7 19. 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. with 24. ... fxe5, but White would Nd4 f6 20. e6 Nxe6 21. Ndf5 Rfe8 22. Nc3 e5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bc4 Nxc3 7. invade on the f-file. Bxa7 Bc5 23. Bxc5 Nxc5 24. Qf3 Re5 bxc3 exd4 8. exd4 Qe7+ 9. Be3 Bd7 25. Bc5 f5 25. Rxd5 Rxd5 26. Qxd5+ Qxd5 27. 10. Nf3 0–0–0 11. 0–0 Bg4 12. Re1 Inserting 25. ... Rc8 26. b4 Ne7+ Kf7 28. Nxd5 Nd3 29. b3 Ke6 Ne5 13. Be2 Nxf3+ 14. Bxf3 Bxf3 doesn’t help Black. 30. Nb6 Rc1+ 31. Rxc1 Nxc1 32. Na4 15. Qxf3 Qd7 16. Rab1 c6 17. a4 f6 26. Nc1 a5 27. Nd3 b4 28. Na4 b5 33. Nc3 b4 34. Nge2 Nxe2+ 35. 18. a5 Qd5 19. a6 Qxf3 20. axb7+ fxe4 29. Nxe5 Qc7 Nxe2 Kd5 36. Nf4+ Kd4 37. Nxg6 Kb8 21. gxf3 Rd7 22. Bf4+ Bd6 Or 29. ... Qe8 30. Rf7. hxg6 38. Kf1 Kc3 39. Ke2 Kc2 23. Bxd6+ Rxd6 24. Re7 g6 25. Rf7 30. d6, Black Resigns. h5 26. Kg2 Rg8 27. Kf1 Rgd8 28. h4 R8d7 29. Rf8+ Rd8 30. Rxd8+

8 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 Rxd8 31. f4 Rd7 32. Ke2 Rxb7 33. XIIIIIIIIY ... Continued from page 4 Ra1 Rb2+ 34. Kf3 f5 35. Ra6 Kb7 9r+-wq-+-tr0 36. Ra4 Kb6 37. c4 Rb3+ 38. Ke2 XIIIIIIIIY Rb2+ 39. Kf1 a5 40. Ra3 Rb4 41. 9zp-snlzp-vlk0 Rc3 a4 42. Ke2 Rb2+ 43. Ke1 Ka5 9-+p+-+pzp0 9r+-+r+k+0 44. d5 cxd5 45. cxd5 Kb4 46. Rd3 9+pwq-+p+p0 a3 0–1 9+-+pzP-+-0 9-zp-zPL+-+0 9-+l+-vlp+0 Alexandre Kretchetov (2403) 9zp-zp-+-+n0 – GM Jesse Kraai (2584) 9+-+-vL-zPP0 Southern California Open, San 9PzPPwQN+-+0 9-+Pzp-zPLzP0 Diego 2009 9tR-+-+RmK-0 9+P+P+-zP-0 D00 TROMPOWSKY ATTACK 9PvLN+-+-mK0 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 d5 3. Bxf6 exf6 xiiiiiiiiy 4. e3 Bd6 5. Bd3 Nd7 6. Qf3 Nb6 7. 18. Bxg6+ Kg8 [18. … Kxg6 19. 9+R+QtR-+-0 Nd2 Be6 8. Ne2 Qd7 9. h3 0–0 10. Qd3+ Kh5 20. Nf4+ Kg5 21. Ne6+ xiiiiiiiiy c3 c5 11. dxc5 Bxc5 12. Nb3 Bd6 13. Kh5 22. Nxg7#] 19. Bf7+ 1–0 Nbd4 Rad8 14. Nf4 g6 27. … Nxf4 28. Rf1 Be5 29. gxf4 XIIIIIIIIY Bxf4+ 30. Kh3 h5 31. Bxh5 gxh5 32. Qxh5 Bd7+ 33. Kg2 Ra6 34. Rf3 9-+-tr-trk+0 Solutions to Chess Rg6+ 35. Kf1 Bg4 36. Qd5 Re5 0–1 9zpp+q+p+p0 Quiz 9-sn-vllzpp+0 (see page 24) Anna Zatonskih (2462) – Alisa Melekhina (2220) 9+-+p+-+-0 Isakov – Pichelaury, USSR, U. S. Women’s Championship, St. 9-+-sN-sN-+0 1978: After 1. ... Qxg3 (removing Louis 2009 9+-zPLzPQ+P0 the guard), it’s obvious that 2. fxg3 E62 King’S INDIAN DEFENSE Rxh2# and 2. Rxg3 Rxh2+ 3. Kg1 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. g3 9PzP-+-zPP+0 Rh1# are losers, So White tries the 0–0 5. Bg2 d6 6. Nf3 Bd7 7. 0–0 Qc8 9tR-+-mK-+R0 zwischenzug 2. Qxd5+. But then 8. Re1 Bh3 9. Bh1 Bg4 10. Bg5 Re8 xiiiiiiiiy comes 2. … Rxd5 3.fxg3 (3. Rxg3 11. Qd2 c6 12. Rad1 Nbd7 13. Bh6 Rxd1+is trivial) 3. ... Rxh2+! 4. Bh8 14. Ng5 Nf8 15. Bg2 Ne6 16. f3 15. Nh5 gxh5 16. Qxh5 Rfe8 17. Kxh2 Rh5# Nxg5 17. Bxg5 Bh3 18. Bxh3 Qxh3 Qh6 Qc7 18. Bxh7+ Kh8 19. Bg6+ Bjornland – Valtysson, Nor- 19. e4 Nh5 20. Qf2 Bf6 21. Be3 b6 22. Kg8 20. Bh7+ Kh8 ½–½ way, 1979: The White Queen is f4 c5 23. e5 cxd4 24. Bxd4 dxe5 25. pinned, but it still rules the long di- fxe5 Bh8 26. Nd5 Rac8 27. b3 Qe6 Carey Milton (2013) – F. Perez agonal after 1. Nxg6+ fxg6 ( or1. ... 28. Bb2 Ng7 29. Rf1 h5 30. Nf4 Qf5 Blanco (1927) Kg8 2. Qxc5 Rxc5 3. Nxe7+ Kh8 4. 31. Qe2 Ne6 32. Nd5 Qg4 33. Qg2 h4 Southern California Open, San Rxh7#) 2. Rxh7+ Kg8 3. Rxg7+ 34. gxh4 Qxh4 35. Rd3 Bg7 36. Rh3 Diego 2009 Kh8 4. Rh7+ Kg8 5. Rh8# Qg5 37. Rg3 Qh5 38. Rh3 Qg5 39. B07 KING’S FIANCHETOO OPEN- L. Loshinsky, Tijdschrift Rg3 Qh5 40. Qf2 g5 41. a4 Rcd8 42. ING NSB, 1930: A famous example Qf5 Qg6 43. Qg4 Kh7 44. h4 Bh6 45. 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. of the Grimshaw problem theme. Qf3 Rf8 46. h5 Qc2 47. Rg2 g4 48. g3 Bg7 5. Bg2 0–0 6. Nge2 c6 7. In order to defend against a mate Qxg4 Rg8 49. Rxf7+ Kh8 50. Rxc2 0–0 Bd7 8. Bg5 h6 9. Be3 Na6 10. threat, Black must one of his pieces Rxg4+ 51. Rg2 Rxg2+ 52. Kxg2 Qd2 Kh7 11. h3 Nc7 12. f4 Rh8 with another, allowing an entirely Nf4+ 53. Nxf4 Rd2+ 54. Kf3 Rxb2 13. f5 b5 14. fxg6+ fxg6 15. e5 b4 different mate. Here we see both 55. Ng6+ Kg8 56. Rxe7 Rxb3+ 57. 16. Ne4 Nxe4 17. Bxe4 d5 Roks and both Bishops blocking Ke4 Rb4 58. Rc7 Rxa4 59. e6 Ra1 one another in different variations. 60. Rc8+ Kg7 61. e7 Re1+ 62. Kd5 1. Bb3 and now: Kf7 63. Rf8+ 1–0 1. … Rb7 2. Rc6# 1. … Bb7 2. Re7# 1. … Rg7 2. Qe5# 1. … Bg7 2. Qxf7# 1. … Ra1 2. Re7# 1. … Rh1 2. Qxf7# 1. … f6 2. Qe4# 1. … f5 2. Qd6#

9 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 Los Angeles Open October 9-11, 2009

M Andranik Matikozyan took clear first in the 2009 LAO with I4½. out of 5, defeating IMs Tim Taylor and Enrico Sevillano, and drawing in the final round with GM Melikset Khachiyan. Tied for 2nd a half-point behind were Khachiyan, IM Jack Pe- ters, and master Alexandre Kretchetov. Both of the lower sec- tions also saw clear winners, as Gautam Nipanakar score 5-0 in the Premier, and Ishan Bose-Pyne notched 4½ in the Amateur. In the Hexes, Henry Castro, Ray Wong, and Vincent Nguyen tied for first with 2½. IM Andranik Matikozyan IM Enrico Sevillano earned the Logical, but too slow. Best Game prize for his victory over 13. … 0-0 14. a4 Ne7 15. Nxe7+ 20. … e4! 21. Qe2 Qc3+ 22. fast-rsing Varun Krishnan. Qxe7 16. c4? Qc7! Kd1 Rxf5, White Resigns. The refutation, as 17. cxb5 Qc3+ Varun Krishnan (2129) – IM Enrico is too ugly to contemplate. IM Andranik Matikozyan (2525) Sevillano (2559) 17. Qd3 Be6! 18. axb5 axb5 19. – IM Enrico Sevillano (2559) Los Angeles Open, Los Angeles cxb5 f5. 20 exf5?! Los Angeles Open, Los Angeles 2009 Hoping for 20. … Bxf5? 21. Qc4+. 2009 B33 SICILIAN DEFENSE, Svesh- Even the tougher 20. f3 fxe4 21 fxe4 A08 KING’S INDIAN ATTACK nikov Variation won’t last long, as 21. … d5! further 1. e4 e6 2. d3 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. Ngf3 (Notes by Los Angeles Times exposes White’s King. Nc6 5. g3 Bd6 6. Bg2 Nge7 7. 0–0 chess columnist Jack Peters) XIIIIIIIIY 0–0 8. Nh4 f6 9. f4 dxe4 10. dxe4 b6 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 11. c3 a5 12. a4 Ba6 13. Re1 Kh8 14. 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 9-tr-+-trk+0 Bf1 Bxf1 15. Rxf1 Bc7 16. Nc4 f5 17. The Sveshnikov variation of the 9+-wq-+-zpp0 exf5 exf5 18. Qxd8 Raxd8 19. Be3 Sicilian Defense. 9-+-zpl+-+0 g6 20. Nf3 Nd5 21. Rad1 h6 22. Rd3 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 Nf6 23. Rfd1 Rxd3 24. Rxd3 Rd8 25. b5 9. Nd5 Be7 10. Bxf6 Bxf6 11. 9+P+-zpPvl-0 Rxd8+ Bxd8 26. Kf1 Kg7 27. Ke2 c3 9-zP-+-+-+0 Ne8 28. Kd3 Bc7 29. Na3 Ne7 30. A popular response. White con- 9+-+Q+-+-0 Nb5 Bd8 31. Ne5 Kf6 32. Kc4 Ke6 trols d5, but Black will find coun- 33. b3 Bc7 34. Nf3 Nc8 35. Kd3 Bd8 terplay with … f7-f5. 9-+N+-zPPzP0 36. Ne5 g5 37. Nc4 g4 38. Bd2 Be7 11. … Bg5 12. Nc2 Rb8 9tR-+-mKL+R0 39. Ne3 Ncd6 40. Na3 h5 41. Be1 To parry 13. a4 with 13. … bxa4. xiiiiiiiiy Bd8 42. Nac2 Bc7 13. b4

10 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 XIIIIIIIIY Prize Winners 9-+-+n+-+0 9+-vl-+-+-0 Open 9-zp-snk+-+0 1st: IM Andranik Matikozyan, 4½-½; 2nd-4th: GM Melikset Khachi- 9zp-zp-+p+p0 yan, IM Jack Peters, Alexandre Kretechtov, 4-1; 5th/1st U2400: Tim Taylor, Garnik Baghdasaryan, 3-1; 2nd U2400: Gregg Small, Ryan Porter, Eugene 9P+-+-zPp+0 Yanayt, Christian Tanaka, 3-2; 1st U2200: Vadim Kudryavtsev, 3-1; 2nd- 9+PzPKsN-zP-0 3rd U2200: David Adelberg, Robert Akopian, John Funderburg, Konstantin 9-+N+-+-zP0 Kavutskiy, 3-2. 9+-+-vL-+-0 Premier xiiiiiiiiy 1st: Gautam Nipanikar, 5-0; 2nd-3rd: Willis Kim, Yusheng Xia, 4-1; 1st 43. b4 axb4 44. cxb4 Nb7 45. U1800: Nathan Ogata, 4-1; 2nd-3rd U2400: Bill Conrad, Babken Krbashian, Nc4 h4 46. Bf2 hxg3 47. hxg3 Nf6 Richard Varela, 3½-1½; 1st U1600: Annie Wang, 3½-1½; 2nd-3rd U1600: 48. bxc5 bxc5 49. Be1 Nd7 50. Na1 Numan Abdul-Majeeb, Joshua Sheng, Scott Xue, 2½-2½. Nb8 51. Nb3 Na6 52. Bd2 Bd8 53. Be1 Bc7 54. Na1 Nd8 55. Ne3 Nb7 Amateur 56. Nc4 Nd8 57. Nc2 Nb7 58. N2a3 1st: Ishan Bose-Pyne, 4½-½; 2nd: John Gardner, 3½-1½; 3rd: Chantelle Bd8 59. Nb5 Nb4+ 60. Bxb4 cxb4 Field, Beverley Woolsey, 3-2; U1200: Jouaquin Perkins, Michael Tornabane, 61. Nd4+ Kf6 62. Nb3 Bc7 63. a5 2½-2½; Unrated: Joshua Miler, 3-2. Nd8 64. Nd4 Bb8 65. a6 Ne6 66. Nxe6 Kxe6 67. Nb6 b3 68. Kc3 Kd6 Scholastic Open: Stephanie Shao, 5-0. Scholastic Reserve: Alice 69. Nc8+ Kd5 70. Kxb3 Ke4 71. Ne7 Salvaryan, 5-0. Hexes: Henry Castro. Ray Wong, Vincent Nguyen, 2½-½. 1–0 XIIIIIIIIY IM Jack Peters (2399) – Ron Her- d6 Nc6 33. dxe7 Bxe7 34. Bxe7 Rxe7 9-+-+-trk+0 mansen (2271) 35. Rxe7 Nxe7 36. Nd4 1–0 Los Angeles Open, Los Angeles 9zp-+n+-zpn0 2009 Alexandre Kretchetov (2418) 9-+-+-+q+0 B06 PIRC-ROBATSCH DEFENSE – Vadim Kudryavtsev (2194) 9+pvlPzprzPp0 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Los Angeles Open, Los Angeles Be3 a6 5. f4 b5 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. Nf3 2009 9-+-+N+-zP0 Nd7 8. e5 c5 9. Be4 Bxe4 10. Nxe4 E20 NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE 9zP-+-+N+-0 cxd4 11. Bxd4 dxe5 12. fxe5 Nh6 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. 9-zP-+Q+K+0 13. e6 Nf6 14. Neg5 Qd5 15. Qe2 f3 d5 5. a3 Be7 6. e4 dxe4 7. fxe4 e5 0–0 16. exf7+ Nxf7 17. Ne6 Rfc8 18. 8. d5 Bc5 9. Nf3 Ng4 10. Na4 Bf2+ 9tR-vL-+R+-0 0–0–0 Bh6+ 19. Kb1 Qc4 20. Rhe1 11. Ke2 Bh4 12. g3 Be7 13. h3 Nf6 xiiiiiiiiy Qxe2 21. Rxe2 Rc6 22. Bc5 Re8 23. 14. Nc3 0–0 15. g4 c6 16. Kf2 cxd5 29. Ng3 R5f7 30. Qe4 Qxe4 31. Bb4 Rcc8 24. a3 Rc6 25. Ned4 Rc7 17. cxd5 h5 18. g5 Nh7 19. h4 Bg4 Nxe4 g6 32. Bd2 Bd4 33. Bb4 Rc8 26. Re6 Nd5 20. Bh3 f5 21. Kg2 Bc5 22. Rf1 Nd7 34. Nxd4 Rxf1 35. Rxf1 exd4 36. XIIIIIIIIY 23. exf5 Bxf5 24. Bxf5 Rxf5 25. Ne4 Nd6 Rd8 37. Nf7 Rc8 38. Nh6+ Qb6 26. Qd3 Qg6 27. Qc4 b5 28. Kh8 39. Rf7 Nhf8 40. Kf1 Re8 41. 9-+-+r+k+0 Qe2 Raf8 Be7 d3 42. Bb4 a6 43. Bc3+ Ne5 44. 9+-tr-zpn+p0 d6 a5 45. Re7 1–0 9p+-+R+pvl0 9+p+n+-+-0 9-vL-sN-+-+0 45th Annual 9zP-+-+N+-0 American Open 9-zPP+-+PzP0 9+K+R+-+-0 LAX Renaissance Hotel xiiiiiiiiy November 26-29 27. Nxb5 Rd7 28. c4 Nd8 29. Ree1 $$37,500 b/400, $18,000 guaranteed! axb5 30. Rxd5 Rxd5 31. cxd5 Bf8 32. see page 22 for full details

11 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 Profile: Carl Pilnick by John Donaldson

Immediately after the US ational Master Carl Pilnick has long been known as one of Championship Carl was inducted Nthe finest players and greatest gentlemen of Southern Cali- into the US Army and served in the fornia chess. This pieces starts what we hope will be a series of Army Air Corps from 1942-46. He completed college and started work- articles devoted to preserving American chess history. We thank ing in the late 1940s. During this Mr. Pilnick for his assistance in providing details of his career time Carl’s chess development was and selecting some of his favorite games. aided by his nearby neighbor Ar- thur Bisguier, like Carl a resident time but remembers hearing Den- Carl Pilnick, like most of the of the Bronx ker complaining loudly and that strong American players of his gen- Pilnick married in 1951 and Sammy just walked out. Other par- eration, was born in New York City has two children. With the notable ticipants and spectators supported (December 24, 1923). Carl learned exception of the 1952 US Open in Denker but to no avail. Pilnick, like to play when he was 8 or 9 but did Tampa he rarely played outside of many American players of the time, not get serious until he was 15 when the Eastern seaboard and mostly did not have a high opinion of the he joined the Marshall Chess Club. confined himself to events in NYC Tournament Director Walter Ste- He remembers the late 1930s as until moving to Los Angeles in 1961. phens who he recalls as “a pompous a grand time at the Marshall CC. His best results were tying for first ass who knew nothing about chess Frank Marshall was still alive and with Santasiere in the 1953 Mar- but had money and liked to direct Carl got to play Edward Lasker in shall Chess Club Championship tournaments.” various events. Marcel Duchamp and sharing top honors at the 1971 came frequently to the club to play Pilnick felt the incident was typi- American Open (he won on tiebreak but didn’t speak much. cal of Reshevsky who would take any over Evans, Browne and a couple of Carl was the Captain of his advantage he could get. When Pil- other players). The victory in the City College of NYC team in 1942 nick swindled Sammy into a stale- American Open earned him a Chess when he qualified to play in the US mate later in the tournament (Qf2!) Life cover (March 1972), almost Championship Finals. He was not the latter slammed down ... Qxf2 30 years to the month that he ap- a first hand observer of the famous and immediately rushed out of the peared on the cover of Chess Review Reshevsky-Denker incident as he room. No hands were shaken nor ( April 1942). was playing his own game at the scoresheets signed. Carl’s favorite game is his win over Mednis in a Queen versus two Rooks ending. His favorite players XIIIIIIIIY “... But here an extraordinary thing hap- that influenced him the most were 9-+-+-+-+0 pened: The tournament director, L. Walter the top Soviets in the late 1940s and 9+-+-+-+-0 Stephens, was standing behind the board and 50s. He subscribed to both Chess 9-+-+pmk-+0 could not see the clock directly. He picked it Review and the American Chess 9tR-+-+-zp-0 up, turned it around, and examined the faces. Bulletin throughout the 1940s and 9Ptr-+-+P+0 Resehvsky’s side showed a few seconds past 12 50s and generally read whatever he 9+-+-+-mKP0 ... Denker’s side still had a few seconds left. could get his hands on, especially in 9-+-+-+-+0 “But in turning the clock around, Ste- the late 1930s and early 1940s. He 9+-+-+-+-0 phens—Vice President of the USCF and high found Modern Chess Openings and xiiiiiiii school teacher—made an incredible error. Den- Basic Chess Endings quite useful. RESHEVSKY-DENKER ker forfeits, he announced. U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP 1942 “... Finally a semblance of calm was reached Herman Steiner – Carl Pilnick AFTER 45. ... RB4 and several witnesses pointed out to Stephens U. S. Open, Tampa 1952 what he had done in turning the clock around. D70 GRUNFELD DEFENSE ... But Stephens would not change his mind. ‘Does Kenesaw Mountain Larry Evans won this 76-player Landis ever reverse himself?’ he asked.” event with an undefeated 10 from 12. Carl Pilnick was fifth on tie- McCormick & Soltis, The U.S. Chess Championship, 1845-1985 break with 8 points. 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. f3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nb6 6. Bb5+ c6

12 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 7. Ba4 Nxa4 8. Qxa4 Bg7 9. Ne2 f4 Qf3 20. Ne5 Rxd1+ 21. Rxd1 33. Rf1 Qe7 34. Rg5 Rb8 35. f5 Nd7 10. Be3 0–0 11. Nd2 e5 12. Qe3+ 22. Kc2 Kf5 23. Qe7 Qe4+ exf5 36. Bxf5 Qg7 37. Qh2 Rb6 Qc2 exd4 13. Nxd4 c5 14. Ne2 24. Kb3 Qe2 38. e6 Rb7 39. Rg3 Re7 40. Bd3 b6 15. 0–0–0 Qe7 16. h4 Ne5 17. XIIIIIIIIY Rd4 41. Rgf3 Rxd3 Nc4 Nxc4 18. Qxc4 Be6 19. Qc2 XIIIIIIIIY Qb7 20. Kb1 Qa6 21. Nc3 Rfd8 9-+-+-+-tr0 22. Nd5 Rxd5 23. Rxd5 Bxd5 24. 9zpp+-wQpvlp0 9-+-+-snk+0 exd5 Re8 25. Qd2 Qb5! 9-+-+p+p+0 9zp-+-tr-wqp0 XIIIIIIIIY 9+-+-sNk+-0 9-+-+P+p+0 9-+-+r+k+0 9-+-+-zP-+0 9+-zpp+-+-0 9zp-+-+pvlp0 9+KzP-+-zP-0 9-+-+-+-+0 9-zp-+-+p+0 9PzP-+q+-zP0 9zP-+r+R+-0 9+qzpP+-+-0 9+-+R+-+-0 9-+-+-+PwQ0 9-+-+-+-zP0 xiiiiiiiiy 9+-+-+RmK-0 9+-+-vLP+-0 25. Qxf7+ Bf6 26. g4+ Ke4 27. xiiiiiiiiy 9PzP-wQ-+P+0 Rd4+ Ke3 28. Nc4+ Kf3 29. Qxf6 42. Rxf8+ Qxf8 43. Rxf8+ Rc8 30. Qe5 Qxe5 31. Nxe5+ Ke3 Kxf8 44. Qf4+ Kg7 45. Qe5+ Kh6 9+K+-+-+R0 32. Nc4+ Kf3 33. g5 b5 34. Ne5+ 46. Qf6 Rxe6 47. Qxe6 c4 48. Qe2 xiiiiiiiiy Ke3 35. h4 Rg8 36. h5 Rf8 37. h6 a5 49. a4 Kg5 50. Kf2 Kf4 51. g3+ The threats of ... Rxe3 and ... Bxb2 Rxf4 38. Rxf4 Kxf4 39. Nc6 e5 40. Kf5 52. Qe1 Kg4 53. Qe6+ Kh5 54. are too much for White to handle. Nxa7 e4 41. Nxb5 1–0 Ke2 h6 55. Qf7 Rxg3 56. Qxd5+ 26. Re1 Bxb2 27. Qxb2 Qd3+ Rg5 57. Qxc4 Rf5 58. Ke3 Kg5 59. 28. Qc2 Rxe3 29. Rxe3 Qxe3 30. Carl Pilnick – Edmar Mednis Qc1 h5 60. Ke4+ Kf6 61. Qh6 Kf7 Qd1 Qd4 31. Qxd4 cxd4 32. Kc2 Marshall Chess Club Champion- 62. Qh8 Rg5 63. Kf4 Rc5 64. Kg3 Kf8 33. Kd3 Ke7 34. Kxd4 Kd6 ship, 1955-56 Rg5+ 65. Kh3 Rc5 66. Kh4 Rd5 35. g4 f5 36. Kc4 a6 37. h5 Ke5 38. C18 FRENCH DEFENSE, Winawer 67. Qh7+ Kf6 68. Qa7 Re5 69. Qb7 hxg6 hxg6 39. f4+ Kd6 40. gxf5 Variation Ke6 70. Qg7 Re4+ 71. Kg5 Rg4+ gxf5 41. a3 b5+ 0–1 This event was won by Herbert 72. Kh6 Rxa4 73. Qxg6+ Kd5 74. Seidman with 11 from 15. Edmar Qc2 Rd4 75. Qa2+ Ke4 76. Kxh5 Carl Pilnick – Arnold Denker Mednis and Anthony Santasiere a4 77. Kg4 Ke5+ 78. Kf3 Kd6 79. Marshall vs. Manhattan 1955 shared second with 10 1/2. Pilnick Ke3 Kc5 80. Qa1 Rb4 81. Kd2 B24 SICILIAN DEFENSE, Closed had 8½ points. This game is in Chess Kb5 82. Kc2 Rb3 83. Qd4 Ka5 84. Variation Base (presumably from a Spence Qc4 Rb5 85. Qc7+ Ka6 86. Qc6+ 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. bulletin) but only the first third of Ka5 87. Kc3 Rb6 88. Qd5+ Ka6 Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 e6 6. Be3 Nd4?! it is given. 89. Kc4 Ka7 90. Qd7+ Kb8 91. Denker made this same mistake 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Kc5 Ra6 92. Kb5 Ra7 93. Qd8+ against Smyslov in the USA-USSR e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Qc7 7. Kb7 94. Qb6+ Ka8 95. Qc6+ Kb8 match in 1946. It’s strange he re- Nf3 Bd7 8. Be2 Ba4 9. 0–0 Nd7 96. Kb6 1–0 peats himself. 10. c4 Ne7 11. Bg5 Nb6 12. dxc5 7. Nce2! d5 Qxc5 13. Be3 Qc7 14. c5 Nd7 15. Sources: This score is from a Denker tried 7. ... d6 against Rb1 Nf5 16. Rb4 Bc6 17. Qd2 Qa5 Herman Helms column dated Janu- Smyslov. His “improvement” also 18. Nd4 Nxe3 19. Qxe3 Qxc5 20. ary 21, 1956, but with no indication lands him in hot water. Qg5 0–0 21. Nxc6 bxc6 22. Rg4 of the newspaper. It was likely ei- 8. c3 Nxe2 9. Nxe2 dxe4 10. g6 23. Bd3 Rfb8 24. h4 Qa5 25. ther the NY Times or the NY Sun. Bxc5 exd3 11. Nf4 Qc7 12. Nxd3 h5 Nf8 26. Qh6 Qc7 27. f4 c5 28. The first two games were entered Bd7 13. Qb3 Bc6 14. Bxc6+ Qxc6 c4 Rb3 29. Rd1 Rd8 30. hxg6 using Pilnick’s scoresheets. 15. 0–0–0 Rd8? fxg6 31. Bc2 Rc3 32. Bb1 Rxc4 15. ... 0–0–0 was indicated. 16. Rhe1! Ne7 16. ... Rxd3 doesn’t work because of the variation 17. Rxd3 Qxc5 18. Qxb7 Nf6 19. Qa8+ Ke7 20. Qb7+ Kf8 21. Rd8+ Ne8 22. Qb8 Bh6+ 23. f4 Qe7 24. Red1. 17. Bxe7 Kxe7 18. Qa3+ Kf6 19.

13 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 TacticsTactics by NM Tim Hanks the “solution” or best moves. But practicing will help to relieve this anxiety. Soon it becomes so much seemed bewildered and acted as if fun and almost effortless to solve my request was some kind of joke. problems. To help and to avoid that He insisted we play again. The next dreaded “being tested” feeling I set game lasted a bit longer. Here are up positions and ask what are some the moves with me playing with the ideas you have. For example, see Black pieces. 1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 Nc6 Position No. 1. It’s Black to move. 3. Qh5 e6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Qg5 Nxe4 How would you proceed? 6. Qe3 d5 7. Bd3 Nf6 8. c4 Nb4 9. b3 dxc4 10. Be4 Nfd5 11. Qg5 Be7 12. Qxg7 Bf6 13. Qh6 Bxa1 Position No. 1. From Stier vs Jar- 14. bxc4 Nf6 15. Qh4 Rg8 16. 0–0 nuczak, Pinneberg 1994 any club players are notori- Rg4 17. Qh3 Rxe4 18. Ba3 b6 19. XIIIIIIIIY ous for playing their pet lines M Qh6 Qd3 20. Qxf6 Bxf6 and he and sticking to what they believe is 9-+-+r+k+0 resigned. Once again I offered to best to play. After all, if they keep review the game and told him I re- 9zp-zp-+pzp-0 winning with what they play, why member all the moves. He said no. 9-+-+-+-zp0 change? So I thanked him for the games I’ve met many “club” players 9+-zP-snP+-0 and went to watch some others who who don’t even know how to read were playing. 9P+-+qtR-+0 chess notation and at this stage 9vLQzP-zp-zP-0 in their lives have no intentions of The point of this and many simi- learning. Amazingly, some of these lar experiences is to realize that 9-+-trP+-zP0 players actually have a rating but many people, and this includes 9+-+R+-mK-0 have only played at one specific tournament players, love to play xiiiiiiiiy club where writing the game moves chess but have no interest in study- was “optional.” Recently I had the ing chess. There can be so much to Some people try to analyze a chance to play one of the local play- learn and benefit from both these position quickly and thus miss hid- ers in a casual game. He was in his games but for some people the study den opportunities and better moves. 70s and as we briefly talked about part of chess is not on their agenda. The knee jerk reaction in this game chess while setting up the pieces I You’re probably reading this article by most people is to relocate the learned he had been playing chess because you know when it comes to Queen or try the Knight check and for over 50 years. He seemed anx- improving and getting better at tac- “hope” it will lead to something. ious to play and I rarely pass on a tics and chess in general you really Some of you may have found that friendly request by someone for a must study. The old timer would 1. … Rxe2 (a decoy which threat- game since I may learn something not care less about this article as ens mate on g2) wins for Black by new. Here’s the game: Hanks vs for him studying chess was most force. For example if a. 2. Rxe4 Club Old timer 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 likely too much work. then Nf3+ and it’s mate next (on f2 3. d4 Bg4 4. Bc4 Bxf3 5. Qxf3 There are no shortcuts to im- or h2) and if b. 2. Qd5 then Re1+ Qf6 6. Qb3 b6 7. Nc3 exd4 8. proving at tactics and getting bet- (deflection) 3. Rxe1 Qxd5 and Nd5 Qd8 9. Nxb6 axb6 10. Bxf7+ ter at chess and going over games Black will win easily. So for those Kd7 11. Qe6+ Kc6 12. Qd5+ Kd7 to learn tactical motifs, patterns of you who discovered the winning 13. Qf5+ Ke7 14. Qe6#. Without and themes is absolutely necessary. combination what led you to find hesitation he quickly wanted to Tactical study is hard work and 1. … Rxe2? How could you leave play another game. I said would can be frustrating for many people your Queen undefended like that? you like to go over the game. He especially when they cannot find The answer is probably from rec-

14 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 ognizing a tactical theme that em- in just about every case they chose to study and teach. Most novices ployed the Knight and Rook setting the overly aggressive and unsound are usually very weak in the end- up a mating net on the back rank. 1. … g5. Savielly Tartakower (1887 game and simply have no concept Strong chess players see these – 1956), renowned for so many chess of what to do even when given a kinds of combinations in short time variations, systems and chess apho- winning advantage. But along this and work to create opportunities risms, amazingly played the same same concern is recognizing how like this in their games. incorrect move. This move cre- tactics are still a major part of the Some chessplayers have a ten- ates weaknesses on a1-h8 diagonal, endgame where recognizing key dency to be overly aggressive in the which can be exploited by timely and positions could allow for a draw or Tactics opening. They look to attack before forceful counter-play in the center. stalemate. In it’s simplest form see by NM Tim Hanks making adequate preparations. The game continued 2. Rfd1 fol- Position No. 3. It’s White to move. Many of these same people play lowing the rule that when attacked on the flank seek to counter in the blitz chess and win not so much Position No. 3. It’s White to move. center. 2. … Nf8 (not 2. … g4, as because their attacks were sound XIIIIIIIIY but because their opponents spent after 3. Nh4 the White Knight will too much time trying to exploit the invade the Black Kingside creating 9-+-+-+-+0 premature attack and lose on time. havoc) 3. dxe5 dxe5 4. Nxe5! no- tice how quickly the overly aggres- 9+-vlP+-zp-0 Thus the aggressive player devel- 9-+-+-+-sn0 ops a style that is based on a belief sive play is punished. 4. … Be6 that quick and aggressive action is (not 4. … Qxe5 since 5. Nd5 Qxb2 6. 9+-+k+-+p0 the right way to play to win. Unfor- Nc7# -- thanks to Black not taking time to castle) 5. Nb5! Qb8 (other 9-+-+-+-+0 tunately players like this quickly 9+-+-vL-+-0 find in a slower time controls that moves are no better) 6. Qa5! Bd8 7. it’s not as easy to win as opponents Rxd8+ Qxd8 8. Nc7+ and Black 9-+-+-+-+0 exploit the premature attacking resigned as if 8. … Ke7 9. Ba3+ Qd6 10. Bxd6+ Kxd6 11. Nxa8 and 9+-+-+-mK-0 moves. Here’s an example. See xiiiiiiiiy Position No. 2. It’s Black to move. Black is completely lost. Not one of Savielly’s finer moments. Black is up a full piece and a Position No. 2. From Castaldi vs Over the years as I worked to pawn yet the position is completely Tartakower, Stockholm, 1937 teach tactics and stressed how im- equal. White draws with 1. Bxh6 XIIIIIIIIY portant it is to study and solve prob- gxh6 and no matter what Black lems I learned there’s no definitive does the White King will be able to 9r+l+k+-tr0 method to impact the knowledge of reside around the corner squares 9zppwqnvlpzp-0 tactical motifs like you can the prin- preventing the Black Pawns from 9-+pzp-sn-zp0 ciples of chess openings and general ever Queening. This is automatic fundamental strategic ideas. I’ve for the experienced player since he 9+-+-zp-+-0 also come to discover that end- know instinctively that Black has 9-+-zPP+-+0 games are another area so difficult the “wrong colored” Bishop to win 9+PsN-+N+-0 9PvLPwQLzPPzP0 9tR-+-+RmK-0 xiiiiiiiiy The best move for Black in this position is probably just to castle and to gradually regroup, remain- ing patient and to not create any serious weaknesses. Overly aggres- sive players almost feel obligated to make things happen quickly especially in the openings. They do not like to defend and feel very uncomfortable when they are not creating and generating the tension in the game. I tested a few players who tend to have this behavior and

15 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 in this endgame. culate and visualize tactical com- d) Black is slightly better. Okay … let’s look at Position No. binations takes practice. Tactical e) Black has a won game. 4. It’s White to move. What would problem solving will help in this Validate your answer with some you do in this case? development. Avoid moving the moves and analysis. pieces when solving problems so as

to strengthen your over-the-board Position No. 4. White to move. Problem No. 3. It’s Black to move play. Be alert, play sharp and al- and he’s considering 1. … Rae8. XIIIIIIIIY ways remember to do your safety How do you assess this move? 9-+-+-+-+0 check. Good luck and happy solv- 9+-+k+-+-0 ing! Solutions on page 21. XIIIIIIIIY 9-+p+-+-+0 9r+-+-tr-mk0 9+-+-+-+-0 Problem No. 1. White to move. 9zplzpqtR-zpp0 What’s your assessment after 9-zp-zp-+-+0 9p+p+-+-+0 White plays 1. Bxe6? 9+-+-+-+-0 9zPpzP-+-+-0 XIIIIIIIIY 9-+-+-+-+0 9-zP-+L+-+0 9r+lsn-tr-mk0 9+QzP-+P+-0 9tr-sNK+-+-0 9zpp+nvl-zpp0 9PzP-sN-+PzP0 xiiiiiiiiy 9-+-+p+-+0 9+-+-tR-+K0 This is a tricky problem and re- 9+q+pzP-+-0 xiiiiiiiiy quires deep insight to solve. The 9-+-zP-sN-+0 Black Rook is menacing to attack 9+-+-+NzPL0 a) 1. … Rae8 is correct and Black the White Pawn via a2 or b2. If will be slightly better. allowed the ensuing passed Pawn 9PzP-+-+-zP0 b) 1. … Rae8 is unclear with could prove dangerous. White has 9tR-vLQ+R+K0 chances for both sides. a couple of choices: 1. Bxc4 and 1. xiiiiiiiiy c) 1. … Rae8 is incorrect and Bg4+. White will be better. To decide how to proceed re- a) Black is better. Prove your choice with some quires keen positional observation b) White is slightly better. analysis or a variation. and endgame tactical understand- c) Black is winning ing. If you look at the position of d) White is winning Poblem No. 4: White to move. What the Black Rook it’s really out of e) The position is unclear. would you do? play, almost entombed. Watch how Prove your answer with analysis XIIIIIIIIY White can force an amazing draw and a variation. that most computer chess pro- 9r+-+-trk+0 grams will never be able to solve. Problem No. 2. It’s White to move. 9zppzp-+pzpl0 The main line goes 1. Bg4+! Kd6 What would you do and how would 9-snnvl-wq-zp0 2. Bf5!! (this takes guts) 2. … Ra2 you assess this position? 3. Nxa2!! (looks crazy, right?) 3. … XIIIIIIIIY 9+-+-zp-+-0 bxa2 4. Kc1 a1=Q+ 5. Bb1 which 9-+-+-+-+0 draws. No matter what Black does 9l+r+-trk+0 9+LzPP+NsNP0 the Queen is entombed, unable to 9zp-wq-+pzpp0 ever escape as all White does is 9Pzpp+n+-+0 9PzP-+-zPP+0 move his King from c1 to c2 and 9tR-vLQtR-mK-0 Black cannot make progress. This 9+-+nsN-+-0 xiiiiiiiiy is certainly a lot easier to play than 9-+LzPN+Q+0 the N+B vs Rook endgame if you 9tR-+-+-+-0 a) 1. Nh5 is premature and Black chose the other move. will win material. Understanding this endgame 9-zP-+-zPPzP0 b) 1. Nh5 is correct and White tactical ploy can only come from 9+-+-tR-mK-0 will be better studying and playing over tactical xiiiiiiiiy c) 1. Nh5 is unclear with chances themes. This is one of the best way for both sides. to open your mind to discover and a) White is slightly better. Prove your choice with a varia- reel in amazing resources to use in b) The position is unclear with tion and analysis. your own games. chances for both sides. Improving your ability to cal- c) White is winning.

16 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 3. Good for $300 each, and a Rick Borgen in the final round to cologne to Alex for having a finish with 5 1/2 of 6. Larry Stevens slightly better tie break! and Randy Hough were a half-point behind. Four points earned class • NM Show Kitagami made a prizes for Phil Chase, Tim Thomp- good showing by beating all son, and Yusheng Xia (Under 2000), his opponents and only losing Ryan Yeung and Gerald Ruiz (Un- to the top 2; winning the Un- der 1800), and Rafael Jones (Under der 2200 prize of $125, 13 rat- 1600). Other class winners included ing points, as well as a nice co- Huansheng Xue (Under 1400) and logne! Shelley Anthopoulos, Jim Marshall, • Cheston Gunawan, played on Brian Cheng, and Larry Hu (Under Saturday, won 2 games, and 1200). The Pasadena Club meets Arcadia Chess Club asked for three½ point byes Fridays at 7 pm at the Boys and The Bill Smith Memorial, with for Sunday games. His score of Girls Club, 3230 East Del Mar. For 45 players, saw a tie for first at 5-1 3½/6.0 points was good enough information call Neil Hultgren at between Jesse Victoria and Ran- for winning the under 2000 (818) 243-3809/. – Randy Hough dy Hough. Both downed the early prize of $125 and a nice co- leader, 11-year-old Alexander Xie, in logne. the final rounds. David Argall, Phil • 'A' player Willis Kim's 3 wins Chase (A), and Arnor Bieltvedt (B) was also good enough for win- Exposition Park trailed by a half-point. Among the ning the 3rd prize of $50. Chess Club 4-pointers, 12-year-old Fei Yue Yang Highlights (U1800 section): earned Unrated honors and now has • Mitch Jayson, the only player On September 6, Dave Matson a provisional rating of 1894. The Ar- in the tournament to win all and Juan Munguia won their sec- cadia Club meets Mondays at 6:30 his games. Having had asked tions at the Exposition Park Chess at the Senior Center, 405 S. Santa for two½ point byes in rounds 1 Club’s monthly free tournament, Anita Ave. For details call Mel Clark, and 4 – he still was the winner while Luis Brioso and Richard (626) 447-9355. – Randy Hough of this 12-player section. He Luchetta tied in a third and Rey- got away with the first prize of naldo Cruz and Frank Ottolino $200. shared top honors in a fourth. On Eclectic Collections • Peter Joseph, came in clear October 4, section winners were September 12-13 second with 4½; good for $100. Juan Munguia, Ben Cheng and We had 24 participants in both • Eliot Jeong and Joshua Sheng Reynaldo Cruz. For photos of the sections: each scored 4.0 points and were club, see chess. expoparkla. com. Crosstable: the co-winner of the U1600 The club meets every Sunday after- http://www.uschess.org/msa/Xt- prize. noon in the public library at 3900 S. blMain.php?200909131031.0 • David Steinhart and David Western Ave. in Los Angeles. ECLECTIC COLLECTIONS, Koller each scored 3.0 points. the generous sponsor of this tour- David also won the U1400 prize nament also offered 5 perfumes of $100 San Luis Obispo and colognes to the top winners … – Mick Bighamian County Championship thanks Yuda! Highlights (Top section): The annual SLO County Cham- • FMs Alex Kretchetov and Joel Pasadena Chess Club pionship tournament was held on Banawa, as the highest rated The San Gabriel Valley Cham- September 12 in Pismo Beach. Craig players in the tournament, pionship set another club record Faber, Chris Roberts, and Warren jointly won this 12-player Open for recent years, with 56 players. Williamson tied for first place in section. They only conceded a Second seed Konstantin Kavutskiy the 14-player Open Section, scoring draw to each other in round emerged on top, downing top-rated 3-1. Warren Williamson became the

17 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 SLO County Champion, and Faber III topped the K-3 U400 with 4½-½. that included 3 Masters and 12 Ex- and Roberts became State Champi- Haut Keshishan directed. perts. In the Sharpshooter (U2000) onship Qualifiers. Mark Donovan section, Marty Lower claimed took the U1700/Unr prize with 2½- 1st Place with 5 points, trailed by 1½. The 13-player Reserve Section Gambito Open News Chuck Ensey with 4½ and Chris was won by Chris Becker, 3½-½; The October Super Gambito Wonnell with 4. In the Sniper Sec- with Fred Brown and Isaac Ruddell Open (#438) drew 25 players, in- tion (U1800), Maria Elena Villar- taking second place, 3-1; and the cluding 3 Masters and 9 Experts. real hit the bull’s-eye with a perfect U1200/Unr prize being shared by Cyrus Lakdawala won the First 6-0 score, two points ahead of Jerry Michel D’Acri, Todd Elder, Michael Place prize of $125 with a 3½ point Soelberg, Julian Rodriguez and her McCreary, and Ryan Murphy. Bar- score, plus the Best Game Prize for sister, Carolina Villarreal. In the bara McCaleb directed the tourna- a win over Ronald Bruno. Cyrus Bounty Hunter Section (U1600), ment. – Barbara McCaleb drew with Bruce Baker in the last Mark Lawless shot the sheriff for round to clinch the win. Bruce tied 1st Place with 4½, while Jim Kroos- Bakersfield Fall for 2nd/BU2400/BU2200 with Eric kos and Michael Ryan were hot on Montany and Kyron Griffith, all of his trail with 4 points. Finally, in Classic whom scored 3. A score of 2½ was the Greenhorn Section (U1400), Joel Banawa and IM Enrico Se- good enough for 2nd U2400/2200 for Jerry Qu put on an impressive dis- villano scored 4½-½ to tie for first Experts Varun Krishnan, Hin Tsang play for his first Wednesday night in the Bakersfield Fall Classic, held and Dimitry Kishinvsky. Madhavan tournament, lassoing 5 full points East Hills Mall September 26-27. Vajapeyam and Chuck Ensey split to take clear First Place. Maria Bryon Doyle and Indra Lahiri took the BU2000 prize with 1½ points Murra was 2nd with 4 and Morgan top U2000. In the U1600 section, each. In the Reserve Section, young Fox 3rd with 3. Alexander Pearson, Solomon Rud- Aaron Householder continued his Next was the Roger Dooc Decath- dell and Jimmy Sweet tied for first, winning ways, scoring 3½ and win- alon, a 10 round blitz event with 40 while Sanya Bykovtsev and Isaac ning by a full point over Jason Ar- players in 3 sections. All games were Ruddell earned class prizes. Mick beiter and Kimberly Ogden. Aaron at G/7 with 2 second delay and were Peterson scored 5-0 to win the scho- is now poised to go over 1800 which played on the same night, September lastic tournament. will push him into the Open Section. 23rd. Jim Humphrey scored 8½ out The competition will then be much of 10 to win the Open section, even tougher for him, but it could provide though he was only the 7th highest La Palma Chess Club a big boost to his understanding of rated player. Paul Agron was 2nd Roger Dellaca won the Undisput- the royal game. Aaron also won the with 8 and Dimitry Kishinevsky ed Championship of the Universe, a Best Game Prize with a sophisticat- 3rd with 7. In the Premier Section 39-player ending in October. An- ed attack against Kimberly Ogden. (U2000), Chris Wonnell topped the derson Ju and Gregory Parker tied Scott Householder, Aaron’s proud charts with an amazing 9 points, for first in the Black Hole section. father, took BU1600 with 2 points. followed by Robert Belenzon with The La Palma Chess Club meets Fred Cleveland and Armando Gar- 7½ and Saeid Abdoli with 7. In the 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fridays cia tied for 2nd U1600. There was Reserve Section (U1600), they were in Central Park, 7821 Walker St. no September Super Gambito due only 10 players, so it was a true round For information, call Mike Hene- to the Southern California Open. robin with 9 rounds instead of 10, as bry at (562) 370-2146 or Leigh Chuck Ensey in the two higher rated sections that Hunt at (714) 635-0448 or write to had 14 in the Open and 16 players in [email protected]. the Premier. Jim Krooskos scored 8 . San Diego Chess Club for 1st Place in the Reserve, followed THE SAN DIEGO SHOOTOUT by James Coulston, David Peabody AAACC Fall In August and September, 62 and Edgar Lopez, all with 6. Scholastic players saddled up for the San Di- Coming up next is the Dr. Carl ego Shootout, a 6 round event in 5 Wagner Open and then the Class This scholastic event, held at the sections. All games were played at Championships in November and First Lutheran Church in Glendale G/90 with 10 second delay. In the December, followed by a one night on October 17, drew 64 participants. Gunslinger Section, IM Felix Villar- Quick Championship (G/15) on Tying for first in the K-12 section real won 1st Place with 5½. His only 12/23 another blitz event on 12/30. were Boris Kitapszyan and Asa- draw was with Alejandrino Baluran, For more information on the San Di- tur Dovlatyan with 4½-½. In the who tied for 2nd Place with Roberto ego Chess Club, call 619-239-7166 or K-7 Under 800, Khachik Minasyan Aiello at 4½ points. Jason Qu came visit our website at sdchessclub.mul- swept with 5-0, while Peter J. Hyatt in 4th in the large 20 player section tiply.com Chuck Ensey

18 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 In Passing

man with a well-earned reputation JERRY HANKEN for human rights violations in his 1934 – 2009 Russian satrapy) was introduced as an honored guest at the USCF del- Randy Hough writes — egates meeting. This writer (sitting Jerry passed away from com- in the corner of a semicircular room) plications of diabetes on October turned his chair around, a gesture 1. His family was with him, and a that went unnoticed. Jerry, joined number of chessplayers had visited by Bill Goichberg and a few others, him in the hospital during the pre- forthrightly walked out. That’s the ceding days. Jerry is survived by Jerry Hanken I will remember. RIP, his former wife, Barbara, and their my friend. children, Andrea and Dan Chess was an avocation for Jer- John Donaldson writes – ry, who was an admired probation One of the giants of Ameri- officer for Los Angeles County for can chess passed away in October. 39 years, but it was clearly what he Though he didn’t learn the rules most enjoyed. He was widely noted of the game until he was 19 (an as a journalist, with many dozens of incident he wrote about in a story articles published in Chess Life and called “The Hook” – see Chess Chow, other magazines. His “parting with March-April 1994), few American the lady” series on queen sacrifices As an organizer, Jerry was re- players have been bitten by the (generally with necessity or des- sponsible for bringing two success- chess bug harder than Jerry Han- peration as the mother of invention) ful U.S. Opens to Los Angeles, in ken. He played in his first USCF was widely noted and enriched the 1991 and 2003. His efforts saved the tournament in 1957 and fifty years chess lexicon. In recent years Jerry American Open after it lost its corpo- later he had lost none of his love for reported on most of the major open rate sponsorship in 1990 (he played the game. Whether it was playing, tournaments for Chess Life. He won in 44 straight American Opens since writing or organizing Jerry enjoyed many awards from the Chess Jour- its inception in 1965). His work with all of it. nalists of America and served as the late Louis Statham and Isaac Though he had already played its president for the last four years, Kashdan contributed to the success in the 1957 US Open in Cleveland signing up many members with his of the Lone Pine grandmaster tour- (the one where Bobby Fischer tied infectious enthusiasm. naments between 1972 and 1981. for first at 14) Jerry’s chess career In chess governance, Jerry However, Jerry was proudest of really began when he moved to Los served on USCF’s Policy Board (to- his accomplishments as a player. He Angeles in 1960. That November he day called the Executive Board) for won the California Open against a first came to the attention of Cali- ten years between 1978 and 1994 strong field in 1964, and earned fornia players by tying for second and was a regular at the Delegates the Life Master title (300 games with 4½ from 6 in a strong Palo meeting until this August, when ill as a Master) many times over. (He Alto open won by William Addison. health kept him from his first U.S. coined the term “Original Life Mas- He improved steadily the next few Open since 1972. Never shy about ter” when less-meaningful versions years and won the California Open asking questions or making sugges- of that title came along.) In what in Fresno in 1964, one of the high tions, Jerry made many contribu- turned out to be his penultimate points of his career. tions to the organization’s health. tournament, the 2009 World Open, Jerry was always a self-taught His oratory, influenced by his he upset young FM Daniel Yeager, practical player without much for- Shakespeare scholarship, carried a game that earned publication in mal training. Such players tend to the day more often than not. He the master-oriented New in Chess do best when they play a lot which was instrumental in the creation of magazine. may explain why Jerry’s rating was the Southern California Chess Fed- Jerry had a strong personality still near its peak, and close to 2300, eration in 1977, when California and could be difficult to work with. at age 60 – being retired and no was split for USCF purposes, and One aspect of this personality was longer with family responsibilities served on its board for many years, a devotion to principle, displayed in gave him more time for chess. Jerry including a term as president. 2002, when the president of FIDE (a definitely had his way of handling

19 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 the opening and with White loved 1. Jerry was not a man of preten- c4, 2. Nc3, 3. g3, 4. Bg2, 5. e3 and sions. Earthy and indifferent to per- 6. Nge2 against most Black setups sonal appearance he nonetheless cut – Hanken’s English he dubbed it. an imposing figure in his prime at During the 1966 US Open in around 6’ 2” and 230 pounds. His al- Seattle Jerry met Bill Goichberg ways present bushy beard and mus- who would become one of his clos- tache gave him the look of an Old est friends for the rest of his life. Testament patriarch but Jerry was Jerry’s primary interest in chess up anything but a prude. He was full to that point had been playing but of life and while he might not have under Bill’s tutelage he developed a loved his Los Angeles Lakers as passion for USCF governance. He much as Caissa they were definitely served three terms on the USCF a close second. Jerry may not have Policy (later Executive) Board and been center court with Jack Nichol- when not holding elected office rel- sen but his friends quickly learned ished his self-appointed role as the never to call him when the Lakers Federation’s consigliere. Jerry defi- were playing. nitely loved to be in the center of Jerry would be the first person organization of chess tournaments the action! to tell you that he wasn’t a saint. across the US since 1991. He Most chess players will remem- He had a terrible temper and more revived the Memorial Day Classic ber Jerry primarily as an organizer than once in his days serving on when it was moribund in the mid- and a writer but may be surprised the USCF Policy Board friends had Nineties, and served on the SCCF to learn that both of these were rela- to walk him around the block after Board of Directors for 13 years. Jay tively late developments in his life. he exploded, but he never held a began working for American Chess It was only around 1990 that Jerry grudge. One of the few USCF mem- Equipment in 1990 selling books and started to organize the American bers from the 1950s still active, Jer- equipment at chess tournaments. Open tournaments that he became ry could remember back to the days He then started his own business, synonymous with. The US Opens when the Federation had less than National Chess & Games, in 1992. of 1991 and 2003 as well several 5,000 members – to the time when He closed it last year in July 2008 US Championships were his babies. it was more was like a large family. and sold some of his inventory to Jerry was one of the first Ameri- He took matters involving the USCF Chess Palace in Garden Grove. Jay can organizers to offer conditions very personally and when he was moved to Lucerne Valley in 2001. to Grandmasters who attended his convinced he was right it was hard He is credited with turning around events and the 1991 US Open re- to dissuade him. the flailing Crossroad Little League mains the second strongest in the The last few years of his life organization. He was the President series stretching over 100 years be- found Jerry in and out of the hos- in 2003 & 2004, and Umpire in Chief hind only Reno (1999). pital and often in constant pain. in 2002. He continued to umpire This past decade it was hard to There were financial problems as and attend games whenever he was open an issue of Chess Life without well but Jerry soldiered on in large in town. Jay began driving truck finding an article by Jerry – usually part because of the love he had for in 2004. His fellow truck drivers a tournament report on one of the big the game and the many friends he stated that you could set your watch opens. Though Jerry loved to write he made through chess. by him; he was that dependable. Jay had one major problem. He couldn’t was a good friend to many, many type and his handwriting could gen- people. He was always ready to offer erously be described as challenged. It JAY (GERALD) BLEM assistance or just moral support. He was a blessing when he found that 1957 - 2009 will be greatly missed, but his light his good friend Randy Hough could still shines very brightly. Jay was actually decipher the Hanken scrawl. Sheri Reneau writes – predeceased by his father Donald Later Frank Berry taught him how My benevolent and well admired Blem. He is survived by his mother, to use ChessBase and Jerry was fully- brother passed away Friday, Sept Rita, stepfather, J.D. MacArthur armed. It’s a pity that he did not live 18th from a sudden heart attack. of Wendover, NV, his brother, Ken long enough to complete his memoirs Jay’s love of chess took him from Blem, of Riverside, CA, and his or his long-planned interview with President of Buena Park High School sister, Sheri Reneau of Ontario, Jacqueline Piatigorsky, a project he Chess Club to Senior Tournament CA, along with many aunts, uncles, was uniquely equipped for as the Director and Life Member of US cousins, nieces, nephews and all the two had been friends for close to fifty Chess Federation where he was friends that he made family along years. involved in the direction and his journey in life.

20 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 and if 1. ... Qe7 then 2. Bxh6! gxh6 3. attack) Kh8 5. Rad1 (Black is com- Solutions to Tactics Qd2 with a winning attack) 2. Nh4 pletely lost) Qb5 6. Bg7+ Kg8 7. by Hanks Qxd3 3. Qg4! g6 4. Bxh6!? (better Nxg6!? (better was 7. ... Nf5! with was 4. Re3! and if 4. ... Qb5 then 5. a forced mate in 3) Qxb3 8. axb3 (see apge 16) Nxg6 and the White Knights dance and White went on to win. Problem no. 1: d. White is the tango for an irresistable mating winning. This is from the game B. Potts vs Z. Zhu, U. S. Amateur 2009-2010 State Championship Team West, Woodland Hills 2009. eeded into the Championship are 2009 champion Enrico Sevillano, up The main line goes 1. Bxe6! and if Sto three players selected on the basis of rating, and four from the 2010 1. … Nxe5? which was played (per- Candidates Tournament. Below is a list of players who will be invited to the haps 1. … Nb6 improves, but White Candidates, and of upcoming qualifying tournaments. is still winning) then 2. Nxe5! (White missed this and played 2. Qualifiers Bxd5!? which left him only slightly July 3-5 Pacific Southwest Open Melikset Khachiyan better, but he still went on to win) Joel Banawa 2. … Nxe6 3. Nfg6+! Kg8 (mate July 17-20 Pacific Coast Open Andranik Matikozyan looms regardless) 4. Nxe7+ Kh8 5. Garush Manukyan Rxf8+ Nxf8 6. Nf7#. Christian Tanaka Vadim Kudryavtsev Problem no. 2: c. White is July 26 Westwood Summer Open Ryan Porter Tim Taylor winning. This is from the game Jeremy Stein Rossolimo vs Reissmann, San Juan August 8-9 San Diego Cty Open Evgeny Shver 1967. The main line goes 1. Bxd5 Leonard Sussman cxd5 (forced as there’s no time for August 15-23 State Championship Tianyi He 1. … f5) 2. Nf6+ Kh8. So now what Alexandre Kretchetov does White do? 3. Qg6!! A power- Jack Peters ful shot, but wait it’s not over. 3. … Elliott Liu Qc2! (Black tries to hang in there Tatev Abrahamyan with best defense resources) 4. September 5-7 Southern California Open Avram Zaydenberg Rh3! A chilling and beautiful move. John Funderburg 4. … Qxg6 (Of course 4. … Ng5 will September 12 San Luis Obispo Cty Open Craig Faber last a little longer but oh the pain) Chris Roberts 5. Nxg6+ and mate next. 1-0 Warren Williamson September 12-13 Eclectic Collections Show Kitagami Problem no. 3: c. 1. ... Rae8 Cheston Gunawan is incorrect and White will be September 26-27 Bakersfield Fall Classic Indra Lahiri better. This is from the game E. Alejandro Ruiz Sevillano vs J. Peters, LA Open Alexander Person 2009. Black’s move is refuted with Solomon Ruddell Jimmy Sweet a startling zwischenzug by Whi- te. The game concluded with 1. ... October 9-11 Los Angeles Open Garnik Baghdasaryan Gregg Small Rae8?? (perhaps Qf5 improves but Eugene Yanayt White will still be better) 2. Qf7!! Robert Akopian Qxe7 3. Rxe7 1-0 (mate follows in Konstantin Kavutskiy 3 moves). Upcoming November 8 Westwood Fall Open Waet LA Problem no. 4: b. 1. Nh5 is November 22-23 Harold Valery G/60 Champ. West LA correct and White will be bet- November 26-29 American Open LAX ter. This is from the game A. Ka- January 8-10 Century West Open LAX voukjian vs D. C. Oldham, 6th Wes- January 31 Westwood Winter Open Waet LA tern Pacific Open, 2008. The main Each event qualifies two players (highest scoring Southern California line goes 1. Nh5! This move which residents not previously qualified) except that 1) In the event of a tie, all tied at first glance looks wrong actually players will advance; 2) A score of 60% is required to qualify; and, 3) The causes all kinds of problems for Bla- SCCF Amateur, SCCF High School and any one-day event will each have ck. 1. ... Qg6 (1. ... Qf5 is no better one qualifying spot.

21 RANKANK & FILEILE NOVEMBEROVEMBER-D-DECEMBERECEMBER 20092009 Upcoming Events

November 8 a.m. 11/14, Rds. 10:30, 12:15, 2:45, 75, best tactical game non-Master WESTWOOD FALL OPEN. 5-SS, G/40. 4:30, Sat & Sun. (Lunch break 1:45 175, biggest rating gain by woman Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 San- - 2:45) Byes (2 max) in rounds 1-6, 200, biggest rating gain under age 13 ta Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, 2nd no byes last 2 rounds. WEB: On- 100 (established ratings over 1000). floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). line unofficial web ratings used. Special cumulative upset prizes $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize TD may assign a higher rating to $500 gtd. donated by Dr. Harold guaranteed. In two sections: Open: sandbaggers, check with TD before Valery: Open, Under 2200, Under $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 event if you think you may be a sus- 2000 Each $100; Under 1800 $75; 125. Reserve (U1800): $$200-125, pect. No Smoking, No Computers, Under 1600, Under 1400 Each $50; U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated No Whiners, strict $5 fine for cell Under 1200 $25. EF: Open, U2200, $100, U1200 $75. EF: $47 if re- phone and noise violations. Keep U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 $120 ceived by 11/7, $55 at site. SCCF the noise down, respect your fel- if rec’d by 11/24, $50 more for play- memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for low chess players. Parking: Free ers rated under 2000 playing in rated S. CA residents. No checks or spots on street, but arrive early for Open, Unrated $40. All: $30 more credit cards at site. Half point byes: closest ones. Hotel: Suggested hotel at door. SCCF membership req’d, limit 1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: for out-of-towners is the Crowne $18, $10 jrs under 19 includes Rank 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30- Plaza Hotel in Misson Valley (home & File magazine, OSA. No checks 3:15-4:45. 2 free parking lots on the of 2009’s So Calif. Open), just four at door – cash, credit card or money SW corner of Santa Monica & Pur- miles from the chess club at 2270 order only. 4-day schedule: Reg. due, or in the building basement Hotel Circle North, San Diego CA closes noon 11/26, Rds. 12:30-7:30, ($3). Inf: admin@westernchess. 92108, (619) 297-1101, see hotel info 12:30-7:30, 10:30-5, 10-4:30. 3-day com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, at www.cp-sandiego.com. Info: call schedule: Reg. closes 11:30 a.m. 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Ange- Bruce Baker at (619) 239-7166 or 11/27, Rds. 12-2:30-5-8 (G/1), sched- les, CA 90038. On-line entry: www. email [email protected]. ENT: ules merge in Rd 5 and compete for westernchess.com. GP: 10. State San Diego Chess Club, PO Box common prizes. Byes (2 max) with Championship Qualifier. 120162, San Diego, CA 91112 or see advance notice. CCA minimum rat- our website at http://sdchessclub. ings and TD discretion. November November 14-15 multiply.com. Rating Supplement used. Lectures 9TH ANNUAL SUPER DOUBLE GAM- and videos. HR: $99, (310) 337- BITO OPEN. 8-SS, G/45, San Diego November 26-29 2800, mention chess. Parking only Chess Club, 2225 Sixth Ave, San 45TH ANNUAL AMERICAN OPEN. 8-SS, $6. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282- Diego, CA 92101. $$2,000, 100% 40/2, SD/1. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 7412, [email protected]. of all prizes are guaranteed. In 2 9620 Airport Bl, Los Angeles, CA Ent: American Open, PO Box 205, sections: Open: $300-200-100 90045. $$37,500 b/o 400 entries, Monterey Park, CA 91754 or www. U2200, U2000: Each $200-100-50. $19,500 gtd. In 6 sections (Unr. americanopen.org. NS, W, F. WCL Reserve (U1800): $200-100-50. must play in Unr. or Open). Open: JGP. GP: 100. State Champion- U1600: $150-75-25 U1400: $50-20 $3600-1800-800-600-500-400, ship Qualifier. and a Best Game Prize of $15 for U2450/Unr. $800-400, U2300/Unr. both Open and Reserve Sections. $600-300. U2200, U2000, U1800: November 28 EF: $50 if rec’d by 11/13, $10 more Each $3000-1500-700-300. U1600 AMERICAN OPEN SCHOLASTIC. 5-SS, at door for late entry walk-ups on $2400-1200-500-300. U1400/Unr: G/45. Open to HS/below. LAX Re- event day. SCCF membership req’d, $2000-1000-500, U1200 $900-450 naissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl, $18, $10 Juniors under 19, includes (not a separate section; U1200s also Los Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections Rank & File magazine. Special en- eligible for U1400 prizes), Unrated: K-12: trophies top 5, 2 each grades try fee of only $25 if rated U1400, $300-150 (Unrateds in this section 9-12, 1 each K-8. K-8: trophies top unrated or if playing in the Gambi- eligible for these prizes only). Spe- 5, 2 each K-8. K-6: trophies top 5, to Open for the first time ever. Un- cial prizes $1000 gtd. in memory 2 each K-6. K-3: trophies top 4, 2 rated players are eligible for a book of Joyce Jillson: Best tactical games each K-3. EF: $16 received by 11/25, prizes only. Reg: 10 a.m. to 10:25 200-100, best positional games 150- $20 at door. Reg: 9-9:45 Rounds:

22 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 10-11:30-1-3-4:30. Ent: www.ameri- lastic rounds: 10-11:30-1-2:30-4. Angeles, CA 90045. Open to gr. 12- canopen.org or American Open, PO Info: Kenneth Poole 661-304-7468. below. In two sections: Open: Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Ent: Bakersfield Chess Club, P.O. Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, Box 176, 3501 Mall View Rd., Suite 2 Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000: [email protected]. 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306. WCL Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top JGP. GP: 6 2 Unrated. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: November 28 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if re- AMERICAN OPEN QUICK CHESS January 8-10 ceived by 1/8, $20 door. Inf: John CHAMPIONSHIP. 5-SS (double round), 2010 CENTURY WEST OPEN. 5-SS, 3- Hillery, [email protected]. G/10. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds 1-2 G/60 On-line ent: www.westernchess. Airport Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90045. then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, $$1000: $250-150; U2200, U2000, W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles CA 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, U1800, U1600, Unr. each $100 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each CA 90038. (Unrated eligible only for Open prize guaranteed. In 3 sections: and Unr. prize). EF: $30 received Open: $$1500-1000-800-400-200, January 23-24 by 11/25, $35 at site. Reg closes 8 U2400 200, U2300 200, U2200 ORANGE COUNTY OPEN. 5-SS, Rds. 1- pm. Rounds: 8:15-9-9:45-10:30- 750-500-300, U2100 200, U2000 3 G/90, Rds. 4 & 5 40/2, SD/1 (No 11:15. Double bye (1 pt) available 200. EF $83 by 1/8, $95 door. Pre- time delay). Hanley Chess Acad- for round 1. Ent: www.americano- mier (U1900): $$750-500-300-100, emy, 7390 Center Ave. Huntington pen.org or American Open, PO U1700 500-300-200. EF: $83 by Beach, CA. 92646. $$5,000 b/120, Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. 1/8, $95 door. Amateur (U1500): 50% of each prize guaranteed. One Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, $$400-250-100, U1300 100-50, Section: Open: 1000-500-300-200, [email protected]. GP: 6. U1100 100, Unr 100. EF: $67 by Top X: 400-225-125, U2000: 250- 1/8, $80 door. Reg: 5:30-6:30 1/8, 9- 125-75, U1800: 250-125-75, U1600: November 29 10 a.m. 1/9. Rds: 3-day: 7, 10:30-5, 250-125-75, U1400: 250-125-75, AMERICAN OPEN ACTION. 5-SS, G/30. 10-4:30. 2-day: 10:30-1 (G/1), then U1200/UNR: 250-125-75. EF: $55 if LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Air- merges with 3-day at 5. All: SCCF received by 10/8, $65 door. On-line port Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90045. EF: membership req. ($18 re, $10 jr). entry: www.hanleychessacademy. $20 received by 11/25; $25 at door. $25 Best Game prize, all sections org. No checks at door. All: One half 80% of entry fees returned in priz- eligible. 1 half-point bye rds 1-4 if point bye if requested with entry, es Reg: 11-11:45 a.m. Rounds: 12- requested at least 1 round in ad- rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. Reg.: 1:15-3-4:15-5:30. Ent: www.ameri- vance, rd. 5 must be requested with 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Sat 1/9. Rds.: canopen.org or American Open, PO entry. HR: $99, (310) 410-4000, use 10 a.m.-1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.- Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Group Code CWO. Parking $8/day. 4 p.m. Sun. Info: refchess@gmail. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, Info: [email protected]. com. Web site: www.hanleyches- [email protected]. Web site, on-line entry: www.west- sacademy.org. Ent: Hanley Chess ernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Academy, c/o Joe Hanley, 7390 December 19-20 Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Center Ave. Huntington Beach, CA BAKERSFIELD OPEN II. 5-SS, G/90 Angeles, CA 90038. NS. NC. F. GP: 92646. Side Event: Hexes on 1/10; (rds. 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (rds. 4-5), East 40. State Championship Quali- 3SS G/90. EF: $25. Reg: 9:30 a.m.- Hills Mall, 3000 Mall View Rd., Ba- fier. 10:15 a.m. Prizes: $50-$25-$15 in kersfield, CA 93306. $$1,500 b/o each Hex. Rds: 10:30-2-5. NS. NC. 40, 80% GTD. Open: $400 (GTD!!)- January 10 F. GP: 20. $250-$150 top U2000 $200, U1800 CWO HEXES. 3-SS, G/90. LAX Hil- $200, U1600/Unr $175-125. Scho- ton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los lastic (K-8): 5-SS, G/30, Trophies Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player sec- awarded to 1st-3rd place Overall, tions by rating. EF: $20 if received & 1st-3rd place in scholastic cat- by 1/8, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each egories. All: 1/2-pt bye available section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: with entry any round. Reg.: 8:45- 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o 9:30 a.m. EF: Open $45 by 12/17, John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, $55 after, Scholastic $20 by 12/17, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at $30 after, $5 discount for BCC & www.westernchess.com. FCC members. All USCF 2400+ rated free ($45 from prize). Open January 10 rounds: Saturday 10-1:30-5 p.m, CWO SCHOLASTICS. 5-SS, G/30. LAX Sunday 9 am & 3:30 p.m. Scho- Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los

23 RANK & FILE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 SCCF PO BOX 205 MONTEREY PARK CA 9754

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Solutions on page 9