ALSOALSO IINN TTHISHIS IISSUE:SSUE: DDINGING LLIRENIREN WWINSINS TTHEHE 22019019 SSINQUEFIELDINQUEFIELD CCUPUP

October 2019 | USChess.org

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www.uschess.org 3 14 CHESS TO ENJOY / ENTERTAINMENT True Confessions By GM Andy Soltis

16 BACK TO BASICS / READER ANNOTATIONS Chess A Strong Finish in the BenkoLife By GM Lev OCTOBERAlburt 18 IN THE ARENA / PLAYER OF THE MONTH Opening Salvo COLUMNS By GM Robert Hess COVER STORY / U.S. AMATEUR TEAMS BOOKS CHESS AND TO BEYOND ENJOY / /SHOULD ENTERTAINMENT I BUY IT? 20 22 A Spirited Weekend 16 Avrukh’s Equal Repertoire Isn’t Easy BY AL LAWRENCE (EAST), ABEL TALAMANTEZ (WEST), By JohnBY GM Hartmann ANDY SOLTIS BETSY ZACATE (NORTH), BEN SILVA (SOUTH) Camaraderie, competition, and team spirit highlight our annual 44 SOLITAIRE BACK TO CHESS BASICS / INSTRUCTION / READER 18 Capa ANNOTATIONS at Play U.S. Amateur Teams roundup. By BruceTurning Pandolfini a into a Passed Pawn BY GM INTERVIEW / FRED WAITZKIN 46 THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / INSTRUCTION 32 What IN THEAm IARENA Missing? / Deep Dive 20 By GMPLAYER Daniel OF Naroditsky THE MONTH BY GM Dominguez Perez Dominates Over 30 years after Searching For , author Fred BY GM ROBERT HESS Waitzkin delves into mastery, his new book, and life after chess. GM DING LIREN JOINS THE ROSTER OF CHAMPIONS. DEPARTMEnTS BOOKS AND BEYOND / 22 SHOULD I BUY IT? INTERNATIONAL / WORLD TEAMS JUNE PREVIEW / 5 Quest or Obsession? 38 THIS MONTH IN CHESS LIFE AND CHESS U.S. World Teams Exceed Expectations BY JOHN HARTMANN GRANDBY GM ELSHAN CHESS MORADIABADI TOUR / SINQUEFIELD CUP LIFE ONLINE 24 GM Sam Sevian brings home bronze in team events complicated SOLITAIRE CHESS / INSTRUCTION A Spectacular Finish COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND by short notice and player unavailability. 6 48 The Two Sacrifice BY WGM TATEV ABRAHAMYAN 8 FIRST BY MOVESBRUCE /PANDOLFINI GM Ding Liren wins the Sinquefield Cup in a stunning blitz playoff CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S against GM . THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / 50 FACES INSTRUCTION ACROSS THE BOARD / 9 COVER STORY / CHRISTOPHER YOO BY CalculationAL LAWRENCE Fatigue 38 BY GM DANIEL NARODITSKY Milestone Maker PRESIDENT’S COLUMN / 11 BY IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY ACROSS THE BOARD IM Christopher Yoo, 12, is running out of age records to break. 12DEPARTMENTS US CHESS AFFAIRS / NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS GRAND PRIX EVENT / WORLD OPEN COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND JUNE 44 50 5 TOURNAMENT LIFE / Payback Time THIS MONTH IN 71 6 CLASSIFIEDS OCTOBER / PREVIEWJUNE / BY JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM CHESS LIFE AND CHESS LIFE ONLINE World Open champion GM Le Quang Liem turns the tables on last 71 SOLUTIONS / JUNE year’s winner, GM . 8 FIRST MOVES / CHESS NEWS FROM 72 MY AROUNDBEST MOVE THE / PERSONALITIESU.S. THIS MONTH: EDWARD LATIMORE 9 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD / BY AL LAWRENCE US CHESS TURNS 80 THIS DECEMBER! ON THE COVER Chess Life is turning this milestone birthday into a year-long celebration. US CHESS AFFAIRS / NEWS FOR OUR Costume winners from the USATE, the Morden Throughout the year, look for fun facts on our infographics page as 14 MEMBERS Incredibles, featuring dad Ben Morden and well as features and tidbits that revisit our organization's rich history. daughters Estelle, 14; Simone, 11; and Rose, 9. Want to join in the fun? Send your best memories, stories, and ACROSS THE BOARD / PRESIDENT’S photos to [email protected]. Your story may appear in our COVER 15 PHOTO:COLUMN MIKE SOMERS December issue! 54 TOURNAMENT LIFE / OCTOBER June 2019 | Chess Life 4 CLASSIFIEDS / OCTOBER ON THE COVER Christopher Yoo is currently the youngest international 71 SOLUTIONS / OCTOBER master in U.S. history—his latest achievement in an impressive string of shattered records. COVER: AUSTIN FULLER; THIS PAGE, CRYSTAL MY BEST MOVE / PERSONALITIES 72 THIS MONTH: JOHN URSCHEL FULLER, BOTH COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS CAMPUS.

4 October 2019 | Chess Life Counterplay / Readers Respond Letters: Grand Chess in Africa

GRACIOUS ABIDJAN I read with great interest Maria Emelianova’s REMEMBERING DON article on the in Abidjan, Don Carrelli, 37, was my good friend who died tragically on Côte d’Ivoire [August 2019]. I was also a May 25th in Wallingford, Connecticut, while bike riding with a foreign journalist who traveled to the bustling friend. He was hit by a car driven by someone who later was economic capital to cover the historic event. charged with driving under the influence and illegal possession While it is unfortunate that Africa gets little of narcotics (heroin). attention in the chess media, this event gave Don was the former president of the Kenilworth Chess Club in the continent a spotlight it sorely needs to New Jersey. He taught many students chess in New Providence, promote our game. It is one of the missions New Jersey, and passed several of his chess students to me through I have tried to fulfill since 2001 with the the years for the Chessaholics teams at the U.S. Amateur Team events. The strongest one founding of “The Chess Drum.” was Varun Maheshwari, who played for one of our Chessaholics teams for many years. Don was very smart and had a great sense of humor. He was a juggler, a businessman who worked for Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, a children’s chess teacher, a class A player, and a veteran of the United States Marines. He was a traveler as well, and told me all about his travels to Thailand and Switzerland when he visited me in Las Vegas several months ago. A strong player who won the A section in the 2009 New Jersey state tournament, Don had wanted to resume playing on the Chessaholics team in February of 2020. Expert player Ian Mangion sent me one of Don’s games from when he was a B player. [In his annotations Ian wrote, “Moves like Black’s 12th are rare gems to be treasured in the collection of any amateur’s finest moments.”] After looking at it, I think Don played this game like a master!

SLAV DEFENSE (D17) Re1 Bb4 25. Rf1 a5 26. g4 Re8 27. Qd4 David Pawlowski (1777) Rad8 28. Rd1 c5 29. Qd3 c4 30. Qxc4 Donald Anthony Carrelli (1794) Ne3 31. Rxd8 Rxd8, White resigned. Kenilworth Chess Club Summer Tournament, 06.2009 Don was supposed to come see me at the Marathon in November. He 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 told me he wanted to run that marathon dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. Ne5 Nbd7 7. Nxc4 someday. Qc7 8. f3 e5 9. e4 exd4 10. exf5 dxc3 I will run for Don at the New York 11. Bd3 cxb2 12. Qe2+ Qe5 13. Nxe5 FC AUGUST 2019_01.indd 1 11/07/2019 12:07 bxa1=Q 14. Nxc6+ Ne5 15. 0-0 bxc6 Marathon on November 3, 2019. May he rest in peace. We miss many beautiful stories of Africa 16. Bb2 Bc5+ 17. Kh1 Qxb2 18. Qxb2 Michael David Wojcio while unconsciously focusing on the continent’s Nxd3 19. Qe2+ Be7 20. Qxd3 0-0 21. via email destitution. Perhaps we need to hear more of Rc1 Rfd8 22. Qe3 Nd5 23. Qe4 Ba3 24. the positive stories that emphasize a continent brimming with potential. While Côte d’Ivoire boasts some of the world’s strongest draughts, Dr. Essoh Essis has begun to place chess on the Corrections

Ivoirian cultural landscape. He was a capable The gremlins have been out to play recently, much to our chagrin. We WOJCIO and gracious host. Only the spotting of Ivorian discovered, too late, the following errors in our August and September issues:

soccer legend Didier Drogba in the dining DAVID room of the Pullman Hotel eclipsed the world’s In the August issue, Dr. Kenneth Kiewra’s name was misspelled several times top chess brass residing in the same location. throughout his interview with Dr. Alexey Root, WIM. It was also misspelled in It was a landmark event, and its importance the contributor’s section on page nine. MICHAEL will shape the continent’s vision for the next In the September issue, the imps went to town on page 10. The deck for the OF few decades. article by Dennis J. McGrath should read, “The Minnesota chess community Dr. Daaim Shabazz inducts new members into its Hall of Fame.” Also, on page 22 in our Books The Chess Drum and Beyond column, Dada Cabrales-Goldstein’s age should be six, not seven. www.thechessdrum.net COURTESY via email While we were unable to correct the print editions, we have updated both online versions to reflect the changes. We regret these errors. PHOTO:

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO [email protected]. LETTERS ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING FOR STYLE, LENGTH, AND CONTENT.

www.uschess.org 5 October Preview / This month in Chess Life and Chess Life Online CHESSCHESSCHESS LIFE LIFELIFE ONLINE ONLINEONLINE CHESSJUNEJUNEJUNE LIFEPREVIEWPREVIEWPREVIEW NLINE CHESS LIFE ONLINE OCTOBER PREVIEW

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Tune in and listen to our podcasts at uschess.org ListenListen toto ourour monthlymonthlyCHESS LIFE podcastpodcast ONLINE lineup!lineup! COVERListen STORIES WITHto CHESSour LIFE monthlyLADIES podcast lineup! For the October edition of Cover Stories, available on the Autumn guests include IM Danny Rensch, our first male guest, CoverCoverfirstCover Tuesday Stories Stories ofStories each month, with with Seniorwith Chess Director Chess Chess of StrategicLife: Life: Life: For For For the the the whoJune June June will edition talkedition edition about ofChess.com’s of of Cover Cover Cover efforts Stories, Stories,Stories, to grow available the availableavailable game among on onon thetheCommunicationthe first first first Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Dan Lucasof of eachof willeach each talk month, month, withmonth, IM KostyaSenior Senior Senior Director Director Director womenof of of Strategic Strategic Strategicand girls and Communication Communication Communicationbest practices for tackling Dan DanDan online Lucas LucasLucas harrassment. will willwill Kavutskiy about IM Christopher Yoo, currently America’s We also welcome Saint Louis University student IM Dorsa talktalkyoungesttalk with with with international Steve Steve Steve Doyle, Doyle, master.Doyle, organizer And organizer organizer don’t miss of the of ofthe “Best the the U.S. U.S. U.S. Amateur Amateur AmateurDerakshani, Team Team Team who East. recentlyEast. East. And And gaveAnd adon’t TEDx don’tdon’t talk miss missmiss on making the thethe “Best “Bestbrave“Best choices Question” contest sponsored by USCFSales.com and your as well as ideas to bring more young women into the game. In 2017, Question”Question”chanceQuestion” to win contest acontest $50contest gift sponsoredcertificate! sponsored sponsored Send by your by by USCFSales.com questionsUSCFSales.com USCFSales.com to and and Dorsaand your your yourswitched chance chance chance federations to to to win fromwin win aIran aa$50 $50 $50to the gift gift giftU.S. certificate! andcertificate!certificate! published a [email protected] your your your questions questions questions and put to “Cover to topodcast@uschess podcast@uschess podcast@uschess Stories with Chess.org Life.org.org” andandand put put searingput “Cover “Cover “Cover New York Stories Stories Stories Times op-ed with with with on Chess the ChessChess importance Life LifeLife” ”in” of inin genderthe thethe equality in the subject line. and freedom. Tune into Ladies Knight every third Tuesday. subjectsubjectsubject line. line. line. ONE MOVE AT A TIME THE CHESS UNDERGROUND One Move at a Time, hosted by Senior Director of Strategic Hosted by Assistant Director of Events Pete Karagianis, The OneCommunicationOne Move Move Dan at atLucas, a a Time:highlights Time: people In In June, June,around our theour podcast podcastChess that that Underground highlights highlights explores people people the subculture whowho areare (and advancingadvancing occasionally, ourour Onecountry Move who are advancingat a Time: our mission In statement June, to our “Empower podcast subversivethat highlights culture) that people is chess—all who of its are eccentricities, advancing our missionmissionpeople,mission enrich statement statement statement lives, and toenhance to to“empower “empower “empower communities people, people,through people, chess.”enrich enrich enrich lives, lives, peculiarities,lives, and and and enhance andenhance enhance theoretical communities communities communities novelties. The Chess through throughthrough Underground chess” chess”chess” One Move is available the second Tuesday of every month. is available the fourth Tuesday of the month. willwillwill feature feature feature tournament tournament tournament director director director and and and organizer organizer organizer Chris Chris Chris Wainscott. Wainscott. Wainscott. One One One Move MoveMove is isis available availableavailable the thethe secondsecondsecond Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday of of everyof every every month. month. month. And And And listen listen listen for for for your your your chance chance chance to to to win win win a a a$50 $50$50 gi gigiftftft certificate certificatecertificate to toto USCFSales.com!USCFSales.com! USCFSales.com! New to podcasting? Ladies Knight: Jennifer Shahade’s upcoming episodes of Ladies Knights, available the LadiesLadies Don’t Knight: knowKnight: how Jennifer to Jennifer begin? Shahade’sFor Shahade’s some simple upcoming upcoming instructions, episodes episodes of of Ladies Ladies Knights, Knights, available available the the third Tuesday of every month, will include live guests from her trips to the Girls’ Club room at thirdthird Tuesdaygo Tuesday to YouTube of of every andevery search month, month, “How will will Do include Iinclude Listen tolive live Podcasts?” guests guests from from her her trips trips to to the the Girls’ Girls’ Club Club room room at at theThe 2019 first National video is a Elementaryshort and simple (K-6) introduction. Championship in Nashville and the U.S. Women’s Open thethe 2019 2019 National National Elementary Elementary (K-6) (K-6) Championship Championship in in Nashville Nashville and and the the U.S. U.S. Women’s Women’s Open Open in Las Vegas. Also be sure to out her interview with WIM Carolina Blanco, which inin Las Las Be Vegas. Vegas. sure Also toAlso subscribebe be sure sure to to check checkto our out out familyher her interview interview with with WIM WIM Carolina Carolina Blanco, Blanco, which which dropped May 21. droppeddroppedof USMay May Chess 21. 21. podcasts on your favorite The Chess Underground: Hosted by Assistant Director of Events Pete Karagianis, TheThelistening Chess Chess Underground: platform!Underground: Hosted Hosted by by Assistant Assistant Director Director of of Events Events Pete Pete Karagianis, Karagianis, thisthis newest newest entry entry to to our our podcast podcast family family explores explores the the subculture subculture (and (and occasionally,occasionally, subversivesubversive this culture) newest Available that onentry iTunes, is chess—all to Spotify our podcast& Google of its Podcasts eccentricities,family explores peculiarities, the subculture and (andtheoretical occasionally, novelties. subversive In June, culture)culture) that that is ischess—all chess—all of of its its eccentricities, eccentricities, peculiarities, peculiarities, and and theoretical theoretical novelties. novelties. In In June, June, TheTheFIND Chess Chess ALL Underground OFUnderground OUR PODCASTS visits visits ONwith with OUR Ron Ron WEBSITE Suarez, Suarez, AT chess chess NEW.USCHESS.ORG/CATEGORY/PODCAST/ equipment equipment collector collector extraordinaire.extraordinaire. TheThe Chess episode Underground will be available visits withon the Ron fourth Suarez, Tuesday chess of equipment the month. collector extraordinaire. TheThe episode episode will will be be available available on on the the fourth fourth Tuesday Tuesday of of the the month. month. 6 October 2019 | Chess Life FindFind all all of of our our podcasts podcasts on on our our website website at atnew.uschess.org/category/podcast/ new.uschess.org/category/podcast/ Find all of our podcasts on our website at new.uschess.org/category/podcast/ the chess director of the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club in San Francisco. He founded his October Previewown /chess This month school, in Chess Life and Kids, Chess andLife Online also has served as deputy director for Bay Area SEAT OPEN IN IOM! The big international event is the FIDE Chess. He is aCONTRIBUTORS US Chess northern California Chess.com Grand Swiss Tournament, held in delegate and will become a FIDE arbiter this the Isle of Man from October 8th-22nd. IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY The winner gets a seat in the 2020 Candidates month. (Cover Story) is a professional monthlyTournament. podcast CLO will keep alineup! close eye on chess player, writer, and coach the games, with a special emphasis on BETSY ZACATEcurrently living in Mountain View, American players, including 2019 U.S. California, with aims of earning the Life: (Cover Story,grandmaster USATN) title. is a photographer For the Junechampion, edition Hikaru of Cover Nakamura Stories, (pictured). available on Director of Strategic Communication Dan Lucas will and digital multimedia design artist living in WGM TATEV ABRAHAMYAN U.S. Amateur Team East. And don’t miss the “Best Chicago, Illinois.(Sinquefield She also Cup) isis onea national of the USCFSales.com and your chance to win a $50 gift certificate! tournament directortop rated female and FIDEplayers arbiter.in the country. She has been a member .org and put “Cover Stories with Chess Life” in theCELEBRATE WITH of the Olympiad team since US CHESS BEN SILVA2008, representing the U.S. in five National Chess Day is October(Cover Story,Olympiads USATS) and has four written World Team for both 12th, and event organizers will Championships. She finished be invited to submit newsChess and Life andsecond Chess in Life the 2019 Online. U.S. Women’sHis article, our podcast that highlights people who are advancingphotos for our inclusion in “Thea feature View FromChampionship. the Other End of the enrich lives, and enhance communities throughcelebrating chess” the diversity of chess around our country. Playing Hall,”JAMAAL landed ABDUL-ALIM in the #10 spot in the organizer Chris Wainscott. One Move is available the 2015 Best of CLO(Worldcountdown. Open) is an award-winning listen for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to journalist based in Washington, D.C. You can often find him

OEN GM ELSHAN MORADIABADI US CHESS WOMEN (World Teams)playing is anchess active in DuPont coach Circle, and PROGRAMS KICK OFF a chess hotspot in the nation’s GRANT In June 2019, 11 outstanding applicants from player. Originallycapital. from He was Iran, named Elshan the 2013 came to upcoming episodes of Ladies Knights, available the Chess Journalist of the Year and around the country received grants to promote the U.S. for graduate school and to join girls and women in the game, as funded by a won the 2017 award from the include live guests from her trips to the Girls’ Club room at Chess Journalists of America for a BOTTOM, generous partnership with the Saint Louis Chess Texas Tech’s chess program. He won the Championship in Nashville and the U.S. Women’s Open series about chess inventions that Club. Several applicant events kick off in October, 2017 US Chess Grand Prix and the her interviewincluding with Chess WIM Moms Play Carolina Chess Too! Blanco, in North which ranged from wacky to cool. Carolina and the third annual Mid-Atlantic Washington International in 2016. In Regional in Washington, D.C. on October 19th. DR. ALEXEY ROOT, WIM March, he coached(First Moves, Team Chinese USA schools) at the 2019 SHUTTERSTOCK; World Teamis Championship the author of seven books,in Kazakhstan. Hosted by Assistant Director of Events Pete Karagianis, including Read, Write, : LEFT, GM MAURICEEnrich ASHLEYLiteracy with Chess explores the subculture (and occasionally, subversive Activities (Libraries Unlimited, eccentricities, peculiarities, and theoretical novelties. In June, (Waitzkin) madeSanta Barbara,history California, as the first2009). African- CENTER She teaches college credit courses, Ron Suarez, chess equipment collector extraordinaire. American to availableachieve worldwide the grandmaster via UT title. fourth Tuesday of the month. He has translatedDallas eLearning,his love aboutfor chess chess toin others CAMPUS; education. as a three-time national championship

website CHESS at new.uschess.org/category/podcast/ coach, two-timeALEX author, KING iPhone app (First Moves, Sabine) is Chess designer, puzzleOperations inventor, Manager and for motivational LOUIS SCHOLASTIC GLOBE TROTTING the Memphis Chess Club We’ll keep tabs on American entrants in three international youth events—thespeaker. World Ashley also is a popular (memphischesslub.com) and SAINT Youth U14/U16/U18 Chess Championships, held from October 1st-13th in Mumbai, Chess features an innovative format to prevent draws, and commentatorthe for 2016 high-profil Tennessee statee chess events.

OF India; the World Junior & Girls Chess Championships, held from October 14th-26th in champion. His writing has CaruanaNew and Delhi, Wesley India; andSo. the Look FIDE for World coverage Youth U16 onChess CLO Olympiad,of held from October previously appeared in Chess 28th-November 6th in Corum, Turkey. for June 3-15. Life and Chess.com.

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for coverage TOP, SOCIALIZE of the Las Vegas International Chess Join us on Instagram @US_Chess and Twitter @USChess as well as on Open (Juneour 12-16), accounts now @USChessWomen a nine round. And benorm sure to tournament. bookmark and visit Women’sPHOTOS: Openuschess.org/clo (June to 11-12)ensure you and catch the the latestWalter news Browneon our digital presence. Jennifer Shahade will be on hand for the Youth Festival, Join us on Instagram @US_Chess and @USChess www.uschess.org the scene. Twitter as well as on our accounts7 @USChess Women. And be sure to bookmark First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.

THE MOST RECENT EDITION OF HARRY’S FAMOUS ORANGE SNEAKERS.

TD with the “Big Orange” Sneakers Harry Sabine left some big shoes to fill (above) and even bigger footsteps to follow.

By ALEX KING

met Harry Sabine in 2000 when I was in The other kids and I were spellbound but not Anyone who dared chal lenge one of his rulings fifth grade playing for Meigs Magnet Middle afraid—after all, how scared could you be of would find him as knowledgeable as he was I School at the Tennessee Scholastic Team someone wearing bright orange sneakers? unflappable. “He’d tell you what the rule was, finals. Actually, I didn’t so much meet him I would see Harry at the same tournament the and you’d believe him,” said Chris Prosser, as stare in awe at a gigantic man with bushy following year, as well as the North Tennessee who worked alongside him as a tournament eyebrows and a military crew cut towering over Winter Open, the Tennessee Open, and other director (TD) at dozens of local, state, and the tournament hall, issuing instructions in a tournaments around the state. He ran every national tournaments. “He was scholastic chess

stentorian voice to the assembled participants. event with Marine efficiency and preparedness. in Tennessee.” Apparently, Harry was one of OF SUBJECT’S FAMILY COURTESY PHOTO:

8 October 2019 | Chess Life First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.

At the US FACES OPEN! ACROSS THE BOARD By AL LAWRENCE KLAUS POHL GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA Overcoming obstacles

Life Master Klaus Pohl has been the “most senior” competitor in both this year’s National Tournament of Senior Champions and in its inaugural last year. But events of his youth THE UNFLAPPABLE HARRY SABINE RAN HIS TOURNAMENTS WITH EFFICIENCY AND PREPAREDNESS, IN THE SPIRIT OF INTEGRITY AND SERVICE TO OTHERS. nearly intervened. In the winter of 1945, during the final months only two people to earn a perfect score on the for US Chess, its move to his hometown of of World War II, Klaus was seven and living national tournament director exam. I’ve heard Crossville in Cumberland County, where with his family in Dresden in Hitler’s this test described as comparable in difficulty it is still located today. As scholastic coach crumbling Third Reich. Readers of Kurt to the bar exam, but that would have been FM Robby Adamson put it, Harry “put Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five will no obstacle to Harry, who was a lawyer by Tennessee on the map,” and I feel this is remember that its protagonist Billy Pilgrim, profession. the accomplishment that made him the like the real-life Vonnegut, was an American Harry was unapologetically old-fashioned, proudest. prisoner of war in Dresden when British and Harry was not just a model of hard work filling out physical pairing cards for tour- American bombers fire-bombed the city in naments in case the computer died, and and responsibility but an active cultivator four successive raids. Pilgrim-Vonnegut for years lugging around the same ancient of those virtues in others. “Harry put me survived because he was held in the oversized printer until he could no longer to work,” remarked Paul Semmes, Harry’s basement of Schlachthof-fünf. Klaus has his find the discontinued replacement toner chosen successor as scholastic coordinator own parallel: “My father had a butcher shop.” cartridges on eBay. He was sometimes gruff for the Tennessee Chess Association. He His family crouched along the stone walls and uncompromising, but always in the spirit was a tireless mentor of children, leading a listening to “the bombs whistling on the way of integrity and service to others. Once when Boy Scout troop (he and his late son Steve down.” The attack killed 25,000. Pohl’s family I was in seventh grade, I received a stern were both Eagle Scouts) and frequently survived, emerging to what Vonnetgut’s phone call from him informing me that I had taking young chess players along with him Pilgrim said “looked like the surface of the not deposited a check from the Foundation to play at the U.S. Open while he attended moon.” for Tennessee Chess in a sufficiently timely the US Chess delegates meeting. US Chess manner. I was careful never to make that staff member Susan Kantor recalls hearing Klaus learned chess at about 10. Banned from school because of his family’s political views, mistake again! her teenage son Cecil proudly describe a he eventually escaped to attend college in Harry was instrumental in the founding of cross-country road trip “with my friend, West Germany. He found a job in Switzerland the Nashville Chess Center, my second home as Harry Sabine” as if they were school buddies and met his future wife at a dance, only to a young player, and he introduced the Tennessee instead of over 50 years apart in age. discover they worked at the same company. scholastic regional qualifying system, greatly The last time I saw Harry was in March By the mid-1960s, his new family had made it increasing school tournament participation of this year at the Tennessee scholastic team to Montreal, where he began playing tourna- throughout the state—my Meigs Magnet team finals, the same tournament where I first ments. In 1970, they immigrated to the U.S., being just one example. But his ideas were not met him nineteen years ago as a middle- settling in Greenville. “We never looked back, limited to the local or state level—he served schooler. After his passing on July 31 at the and today we are proud grandparents.” many terms as a board member for US Chess, age of 78, the tournament will be called the and he was deeply involved in developing Harry D. Sabine Tennessee State Scholastic Chess historian John McCrary has written that SuperNationals in 1997, organizing its first Championship going forward, and he can the 13-time state champ has, “surmounted edition in Knoxville. Perhaps an even more finally take his rightful place in the Tennessee many competitive obstacles in becoming famous tournament he directed was the Chess Association Hall of Fame, an honor he perhaps the strongest player in South Carolina scholastic national championship portrayed in refused to accept during his lifetime. history.” So much trauma early in life could the climactic final scene of the movie Searching Harry was a larger-than-life figure who excuse a dark outlook. But Klaus gives you an for Bobby Fischer. left behind size-15 orange sneakers that no easy laugh and an eye-twinkle—and is quick In the early 2000s Harry performed one of one person could ever fill, but at least his to explain his gratitude to America for permit- his most important acts of service to American footprints are easy to spot, and I, for one, ting him to earn a great life. chess by facilitating, at a time of financial crisis will try my best to follow them. Write to [email protected]

www.uschess.org 9 First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S. More Than Academics At Chinese schools across the country, chess is becoming an increasingly important part of the offerings. By DR. ALEXEY ROOT, WIM

hinese schools can be found throughout the United States and typically offer courses all day on either Saturdays or Sundays, with some having after-school instruction on weekdays as well. The curriculum at Chinese schools usually includes courses in Chinese language and Cculture, SAT/ACT preparation, and group or individual tutoring in math and English. Most also offer enrichment courses, such as dance and chess. You do not have to be of Chinese heritage to take or teach courses at a Chinese school.

Although (Chinese chess) is taught at some Chinese schools, others—such as the Ohio Chinese School in Columbus, Ohio—provide courses in chess (Western chess). GM is a well-known student from the Ohio Chinese School. As I wrote in a December 2016 Chess Life article (“Raising a Chess Champion”), “Wayne and Jenny Xiong have two children, Meryl and Jeffery. When the family lived in Columbus, Ohio, the children attended Chinese school once a week. After two hours of instruction in the Chinese language, six-year-old Meryl took a dance class and five-year-old Jeffery went to a chess class. Because Jeffery was young, Wayne sat with him. The instructor, Mike Dixon, put a checkmate- in-two problem on the demonstration board. Jeffery whispered the answer to his dad, as he was too shy to say it. Wayne raised his hand, answered correctly, and soon after hired Dixon, rated in the 1700s, as Jeffery’s private chess teacher.”

FIDE Master (FM) Christopher Shen currently teaches chess at the same Ohio Chinese School that Jeffery attended. Shen became a US Chess national master at age 10, was the Under 8 bronze medalist at the 2012 World Youth Championship, and has been a seven-time All-America chess team member. In 2017, Shen finished as the runner-up in the K-8 section at the 2017 SuperNationals VI and also represented Ohio at the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions, held alongside the U.S. Open. With better tiebreaks over Justin Wang of Texas—who, like Shen, scored 5-1—Shen won the $5,000 college scholarship donated by Dewain Barber through the U.S. Chess Trust. Shen is the current U.S. Junior Open champion, qualifying him for a seat at the 2020 U.S. Junior Championship. I asked Shen about his experiences with the Ohio Chinese School, both as a student and a teacher.

Tell me about learning chess at the Ohio Chinese School to playing later. Today, we still see more boys than the Ohio Chinese School. Did in US Chess-rated tournaments? girls learning and playing chess. I’ve asked you have the same teacher, Mike In Columbus, we have a scholastic one of my students to convince his younger Dixon, that Jeffery Xiong had? tournament nearly every month sister to play chess because I know that girls I did not have Mr. Dixon as my classroom during the school year. It was very can play chess just as sharply as boys. teacher, probably because he did not teach natural and convenient for my parents I have seen many women in tournaments the Chess 1 class in the year that I joined. to bring me to a tournament. playing chess extremely well—for example, I was six years old when I started learning my friends Maggie Feng, Annie Wang, and chess in 2010. Because of this interview, I In the Xiong family, the female Jennifer Yu. Maggie Feng is from the same Ohio asked my parents about how chess classes child (Meryl) went to dance class Chinese School as me. Maggie became the first evolved at the Ohio Chinese School. I was and the male child (Jeffery) went girl in the U.S. history to win the national K-9 told that as the chess curriculum expanded, to chess class. Does that division championship. Annie Wang and Jennifer Yu many kids were split into different classes. of activities by gender still both shined in the World Youth Championship I started learning chess with many other happen today? It looked like all and in the U.S. Women’s Championship (for children and we all heard Jeffery Xiong’s story the students in your spring 2019 more on Annie Wang, see sidebar.) from our teacher. In the same year, 2010, semester chess class were boys. Jeffery won his silver medal (for under age Actually, I have a girl student in my chess Is teaching chess at the Ohio 10) in the World Youth in Greece. We were all class, but she was not pictured on that day. Chinese School your first chess wondering what the World Youth was like. When I was younger, my older sister was teaching experience? What are also learning and playing chess with me your future plans as a chess How did you transition from chess at but ended up quitting as she lost interest teacher or as a chess player?

10 October 2019 | Chess Life First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S.

When I started high school, I cut down on playing long and highly competitive tournaments during the school year. WGM ANNIE WANG, TEACHER Therefore, I decided to teach chess, which Foothill Chinese School was something new for me. Teaching chess is heartwarming and is a way to give WGM Annie Wang became back to my local chess community and a US Chess national master to influence the next generation of young in 2014, when she was 11 chess kids. My plan is to teach for as long years old. At that time, as I can because I see a need for highly- she was the youngest qualified chess teachers in my town. Once I became a chess teacher, I girl to have her rating go understood how my parents knew from my above 2200 in the US eyes that I liked to play chess when I was . For young. I see in the eyes of my students that that accomplishment, they like chess too. During the 2017 Barber the October 2014 issue championship, I learned from Dewain Barber of Chess Life magazine that the mission is to teach one hundred kids featured Wang on its about chess. Thus it is a calling to go back to cover. In 2017, Wang won where I started and teach young children, to a gold medal at the World inspire them just as I was inspired. I also want Youth Championship, Girls to have more boys and girls in my town start Under 16 section, with playing chess, because having a solid pool of players growing up together not only forms the commanding score of connections, but also sparks competitiveness. 10½/11. Wang’s astonishing For the 2013 World Youth, as many as five run at the 2018 U.S. chess players qualified from Columbus, Ohio. Women’s Championship, Meanwhile, as a chess player, I will continue where she finished second to compete in tournaments to achieve the after an Armageddon international master title or higher. showdown with IM Nazi Paikidze, further electrified Are your Ohio Chinese School chess the chess world. Wang continued her winning ways in August of this students playing in US Chess-rated year with an impressive gold medal performance in the Open section tournaments? How did you facilitate at the Pan American Youth Chess Championship (Campeonato that transition and how are they doing in those tournaments? Panamericano Sub-20 Absoluto) that should grant her the direct Yes, some of my students play in US Chess- international master title and earned her a grandmaster . rated tournaments, and they do quite well. For example, in the state grade levels, one of Unlike Jeffery Xiong and Christopher Shen, Wang did not learn how my students earned first place, another one to play chess at a Chinese school. She emailed, “I learned how to play got runner-up, and one got third place. I also chess from Beyond Chess, a Los Angeles-based chess academy run by had students who won money prizes in the IM Kong Liang ‘Ben’ Deng and WIM Sarah Xiaosha Lu.” King’s Island Open and Cincinnati Open. Each of them gained rating points too. Beginning in October of 2018, and continuing for the 2018-2019 school I always encourage my students to play year, Wang taught chess at the Foothill Chinese School in La Cañada in tournaments. Drawing lessons from my Flintridge, California. She reported, “At the start, most of my students own life, tournament experience is one key factor to sharply improve one’s chess skills. were beginners, although I did have a few more advanced players rated I also help my students find a good-fitting at around 1300 (US Chess). Some of my beginners have begun to play SUBJECTS. tournament. For example, some like to in US Chess-rated tournaments; one parent of a beginner told me that OF play quick chess such as Game/30 or faster, their child had won first in a tournament.” Wang’s chess class attracted while others play much better in an open many girls. She emailed, “The majority—around 60%—are girls.” tournament with a longer .

COURTESY Wang added, “I always tell my students that it’s okay if they don’t What inspirational quote do you get a certain concept or problem today, since they’ll get it eventually. share with your students? Young children sometimes get a bit discouraged and upset that they PAGES: Irving Chernev said, “Every chess master don’t pick chess up that easily. I hope my advice encourages them to was once a beginner.” This quote can continue playing and enjoying chess, instead of quitting out of anger BOTH be applied to all aspects of life, not just chess. It means that the top chess players, or frustration.” pro-athletes, successful musicians, and

PHOTOS, more all started on square one.

www.uschess.org 11 TRICKY TRAPS In the spirit of the season, Digital Editor John Hartmann scared up some clever traps for this month’s infographic. Each trap has been set for unwary victims in the diagrams below, with the “wrong move” at the bottom of the page. Can you avoid the trick to get the treat? For more details on these traps, check uschess.org/news on October 1st.

1) 2. Nf3 VS. 2) 2. Bg5 VS. DUTCH CARO-KANN 1. d4 f5 2. Bg5 h6 3. Bh4 g5 1. e4 c6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Nf3 4. e4!? Bg7 5. Bg3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Position reached 107 times Position reached 6,711 times Trap successful Trap successful % of the time % 40 24 White won White won of the time& % & % 66of those games. 69of those games. 3) ACCELERATED 4) “NOAH’S ARK” DRAGON 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 c5 3. Nf3 Nc6 a6 4. Ba4 d6 5. d4 b5 6. 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 g6 6. e4 d6 Bb3 Nxd4 7. Nxd4 exd4 7. Be2 Bg7 8. Be3 0-0 9. 0-0 Position reached 934 times Position reached 15,741 times Trap Trap successful successful % of the time 14 % of the time 1 White won Black won & % & % 88of those games. 78of those games. 5) CAMBRIDGE 6) LEVENFISH ATTACK SPRINGS DEFENSE 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. f4 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6 5. Bg5 Nbd7 Bg7?! 7. e5 dxe5 8. fxe5 6. e3 Qa5 7. Bd3 Ne4 Position reached 688 times Position reached 130 times Trap successful % Trap successful 37of the time of the time 19% & White won Black won % % & of those games. 69of those games. 90 “WRONG MOVES” WORLD OPEN FUN FACTS 1) 4. ... Bf5?! All five members of the gold medal All five members of the 2019 World Senior 2) 5. ... f4? 2019 World Senior Team (GMs Team were part of the World Open’s 1999 3) 9. ... Ng4?? Joel Benjamin, , ten-way tie for first place with 7/9. 4) 8. Qxd4?? , Jaan Ehlvest, Igor Novikov) have won first place Joel Benjamin is the team 5) 8. Qc2?? at least once in the World Open. member with the most wins (six). 6) 8. ... Ng4? Look here throughout 2019 for fun facts about US Chess as we celebrate our 80th anniversary. Statistics from the ChessBase Online Database.

12 October 2019 | Chess Life 2019 NATIONAL K-12 GRADE CHAMPIONSHIPS December 13-15 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

REGISTER AT www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/k12/ or mail your entries to: US Chess, Attn: 2019 K12, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2020 SPRING SCHOLASTIC COMING ARE THE NATIONALS SOON!

2020 NATIONAL 2020 NATIONAL 2020 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR HIGH ELEMENTARY (K-12) (K-9) (K-6) CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP APRIL 3-5 APRIL 24-26 MAY 8-10 GreaterG t CColumbusl b HyattH tt RRegency Gaylordd OprylandO l d Resort Convention Center Jacksonville Riverfront and Convention Center COLUMBUS JACKSONVILLE NASHVILLE Ohio Florida Tennessee

www.uschess.org 13 US Chess Affairs / News for our Members

US CHESS AFFAIRS

US Chess Executive Board 2020 Elections The US Chess Federation (US Chess) will hold an election in 2020 for three at-large positions on the US Chess Executive Board for a term of three years expiring in 2023. Any current US Chess member who is not a current US Chess employee or designated contractor (as defined in the US Chess bylaws) may be nominated for election to the Executive Board. Nominations must be made by petition containing the signatures of fifty (50) or more members of US Chess who are either registered or eligible to register to vote, and by payment of a filing fee of $100 to the US Chess Federation. ABHI (CENTER) WITH HIS FATHER HEMANT The members signing the nomination (LEFT) AND GM MAX DLUGY (RIGHT). petition must include at least fifteen (15) US Chess delegates representing at least five (5) Abhimanyu Mishra Sets Record states. (Signatures of alternate delegates do not History was made on Saturday, August 9th, at count toward this requirement.) The petition New York City-based Chess Max Academy’s to nominate a candidate and the filing fee First Invitational Grandmaster (GM) and must be postmarked by Tuesday, December International Master (IM) Norm tournament. 31, 2019. Send petitions and the filing fee to: Abhimanyu “Abhi” Mishra of Englishtown, US Chess Federation, ATTN: Governance New Jersey, at age 10 years, seven months and Coordinator, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN three days old, beat the previous world record 38557-3967. Petitions may also be submitted by 15 days to become the youngest person electronically to [email protected]. ever to earn an international master norm. The nomination petitions must contain the Previously, he set another record in April 2018, dated signature, printed name, and US Chess when—at nine years, two months and 17 days ID number of each signer, and should contain old—Abhi was “knighted” youngest national the following text: chess master in the United States. “We, the undersigned members of the US “Abhimanyu Mishra now has three months Chess Federation, nominate _(candidate and 19 days to make two additional norms to name goes here)_ as a candidate for election complete his international master title and to the US Chess Executive Board in the 2020 set a second world record,” said Grandmaster election. We also consent to having our names Maxim Dlugy, founder and lead instructor at and US Chess ID numbers published as having Chess Max Academy. GM Dlugy is a former signed this petition.” World Junior Chess Champion, was ranked GOLD MEDALIST ANNIE WANG AT THE PAN AMS JUNIOR U20 CHAMPIONSHIP A sample nomination form will be made number one in the world in the World available on the US Chess website. Blitz Chess Association, and was elected Candidates must consent to be on the youngest president of the United States Chess Annie Wang Wins Gold ballot either by signing their own nomination Federation at age 23. A “sparring partner” Congratulations to Annie Wang, who won the petition or by separate notice to US Chess. of former world champions Pan-American Junior Under 20 Championship A voting member for this election is any and , he is the author of with a 7/9 score. She earned a grandmaster current US Chess member (active as of May 4, Grandmaster Insides (2017). norm and should be granted the international 2020) whose membership expires on or after Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa from master title. The nine round tour nament was June 30, 2020, who will be age 16 or older as Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, currently holds held from August 1-6, 2019 in Cochabamba, of June 30, 2020, and who registers to vote by the world record as the youngest international Bolivia. May 1, 2020. Members with memberships of master in history, achieving the feat at the age Wang spoke briefly about her time in less than one year duration at their start are of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days. Bolivia. “I took AP Spanish, so in theory, my not eligible to become voting members. GM Dlugy has confirmed that Abhi will Spanish should be pretty functional. However, Ballots will be distributed to voting participate in Chess Max Academy’s Fall 2019 since I haven’t spoken or studied Spanish in a members who are registered to vote as of May Invitational GM and IM Norm tournament on long time, I’ve forgotten a lot of it. My most- 1, 2020. Ballot distribution will occur around November 2nd-8th. Online registration is now useful phrases were probably various iterations June 10th and returned ballots will be counted open for grandmaster and international master of ‘Where is (fill in the blank)?’” She added, “I in July. The terms will begin at the conclusion norm seekers at www.chessmaxacademy.com/ had a good experience in Bolivia; everything of the 2020 delegates’ meeting. gm-and-im-norm-tournaments/. was very well-organized.” OF SUBJECT ANNIE, COURTESY MAX ACADEMY; OF CHESS ABHI, COURTESY PHOTOS:

14 October 2019 | Chess Life President’s Column / Across the Board President’s Column / Across the Board ACROSS ACROSS THE THE

BOARD By ALLEN PRIEST, PRESIDENT, US CHESS EXECUTIVE BOARD BOARDBy ALLEN PRIEST, PRESIDENT, US CHESS EXECUTIVE BOARD

n prior months we have been exploring the strategic vision and goals established by the in several projects to make sure we continue to Executivehe mission Board of to US meet Chess the is501(c)(3) to empower mission people, of US enrich Chess. lives,Last monthseniors we discussedare growing the as providea percentage the services of our our national members population, expect, and they Iinevitabilityand enhance of the communities changes that through are occurring, chess. thatWe willenvision occur, theand thatface must challenges occur to due US to thethat impacts will impress of aging those and new declines to our in community. both mental Chessday to remainwhen chess a viable is recognized and vibrant as anentity essential for decades tool that to iscome. inclusive, But nowand let’s physical talk about health. what ChessWe canhave serve issued as athe tool contract to prevent for isolationphase one and does notbenefits change. education and rehabilitation, and promotes recreation to maintain mental acuity.of two That for a isre-write the subject of our of entire some database potential andT friendlySince itscompetition. founding 80 years ago, the focus of US Chess has always been chess.partnerships That seems that like we willstructure. discuss nextThis time. system refresh will give us a Wesuch have an setobvious five goalsstatement. for US But Chess I mention to guide that usbecause to reach I have toward received the feedbackBut that one some of our think more more active flexible groups systemright now and is one our thatwomen’s is easier chess visionwe and are accomplishdrifting away the from mission. focusing Those on are:chess. 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But US Chess continues to provide many opportunitiesdiscouraged and servicesor even preventedcommunications from participating. throughout There our have team, been for the active tournament player. We certify tournament directors, provide tournament life pro vide a place for committee collaboration, 3) Develop the depth and breadth of our partnerships; pioneers blazing trails for other young women to follow, but it helps announcements in various formats, maintain ratings and rules, resolve disputes through and solidify the rating report database. We will when those new female participants know how to find the trail and get 4)our Use ethics chess and to increase other process, opportunities publish formagazines, under-represented provide news electronically, and provide have a greater ability to easily query the new some encouragement along the way. a segmentsmechanism of tosociety; coordinate the chess activities of the various states. A large majority of our system for ad hoc reporting. Our women’s committee has started with the youngest players in our 5)budget Continuously goes to support improve these internal services operations to members. and These core functions are going to remain Then we will finish our website refresh. game to provide support and encouragement for young women just member services. Planned changes will make it easier to update beginning to play. We find that in early grades the numbers of players the information provided through the site to are about split equally by gender. However, as these children grow up, Last month I discussed our work to achieve goal number five. This members. The tournament director and affiliate month our countdown points us to goal four. Just what are under- the dropout rate is muchside higher of forour girls, site needsleaving to the be game easier predominately to use. 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We are involved Life Magazine,” and then “Archives.”

www.uschess.org 15 Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment

Equal Isn’t Easy Many times, an equal position that can’t be improved is worse than an inferior position that can. By GM ANDY SOLTIS

WE ALL KNOW BY NOW THAT COM- the game: 30. Qd5+ Kb6 31. Qd6+ Ka5 32. think—regarded the position as equal. Some puters play complex positions much better b4+! Ka4 33. Qd7+ Kxb4 34. Qb5+ Kc3 35. engines evaluated it as “0.00.” than we do. They can calculate their way to Rh3+ Kd2 36. Qb2+ (Black resigned here) But by “equal” we usually mean “equal an advantage amid the most head-spinning 36. ... Ke1 37. Rh1+ Qf1 38. Qc1+ Ke2 39. Qxf1+ chances of winning.” That doesn’t mean it is complications. Ke3 40. Qf3+ Kd4 41. Rd1+ Kxe5 42. Rd5+ Ke6 equally easy to find the best white moves and But they also have what seems to be an 43. Qf5+ Ke7 44. Rd7+ Ke8 45. Qf7 mate. the best black moves. irrational desire ... to force an equal position. Few humans would see more than a fraction Here there are few constructive moves This struck me when I used this position in a of that. But we have a different problem with that stand out for Black. Some machines recent monthly quiz. so-called equal positions. rec ommended the equivalent of “I pass,” such Emanuel Lasker said they were more as 16. ... Kb8. Caruana had considered this position when TRY AGAIN difficult to play than complicated positions. he prepared the opening for his tournament. Kurt Richter Handling simple, balanced positions was the But, as he said after the game, “It was only after Willi Kretzschmar last chess skill that he mastered, he said. a few moves that I realized I really can’t do Berlin 1925 But Lasker would have been at home in this position, from the game that endangered anything.” ’s chance of becoming the Caruana eventually played a do-something world championship challenger last year. move, 16. ... Bg4. After 17. Bxd5! Bxd1 18. Rxd1. Some computers said the position was still dead even. (Houdini claimed Caruana had DO SOMETHING a substantial edge.) GM (FIDE 2763, RUS) But it was much easier for White to find GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2784, USA) good moves and they slowly improved his 2018 (12), Berlin, position: 18. ... Qc7 19. c4! Rge8 20. Qf2! Germany, 03.24.2018 b6 21. g4! Bf6 22. Kb1 Rd7 23. Rd3 g5 24. Ka2 Ree7 25. Qf3. By move 33 even Houdini conceded that White was much better and he won 15 moves later. AFTER 28. ... Kc5 “There are two kinds of equal positions,” When I gave this to Stockfish 9, it quickly once said. “Equal posi tions replied that the best moves for both sides were you like to play and equal positions you can’t 29. Qe7+ Kb6 30. Qe6+ Kc5 31. Qe7+, with a stand the sight of.” by repetition. Knowing the difference between the two is If I forced it to look at the move White one of the few remaining advantages that we actually played, 29. Bf2!, it told me that best have over computers: We understand that a play was 29. ... Qxf2 30. Qd5+ Kb6 31. Qd6+ position should be evaluated in terms of which Ka5 32. Qa3+ Kb6 33. Qd6+ with another side has the greater chances of improvement. draw by perpetual check. AFTER 16. Bf3 An equal position that can’t be improved can Only when I plugged in Black’s reply, 29. be worse than an inferior position that can. ... Qxf2, and asked it nicely to try again did it The online grandmaster commentators The great Danish grandmaster find the mate in 16 moves that White saw in —and the computers that told them what to even claimed that when a game begins Black

16 October 2019 | Chess Life Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment

PROBLEM I. PROBLEM II. PROBLEM III. Gibraltar Open Paul Obiamiwe IM Evgeny Zanan Said Francois-Haugrin FM Konstantinos Nikolaidis IM Srivatshav Rahul Sead Kozarcanin Seven Americans, including super-GMs and , took part in the top section of the annual international open at Gibraltar this year. The 10-round tournament, won by of Russia, provides our six quiz positions this month. In each diagram you are asked to BLACK TO MOVE BLACK TO MOVE WHITE TO MOVE find the fastest winning line of play. This will usually mean the PROBLEM IV. PROBLEM V. PROBLEM VI. forced win of a decisive amount GM Rauf Mamedov WFM Camille De Seroux GM Miguel Santos Ruiz FM Vaso Blesic FM Adam Taylor GM Pavel Eljanov of material, such as a rook or minor piece. For solutions, see page 71.

WHITE TO MOVE WHITE TO MOVE BLACK TO MOVE

should not seek equality. He had this to say Computers suggest 25. Bxc5 dxc5 26. Nf4 in the January-February 1980 issue of Chess and possibly drawn bishops-of-opposite-color Horizons, the Massachusetts Chess Association endgame (27. Nxe6). But as mutual time pressure magazine: intensified, he rejected the prospect of equality: “My own opinion is that if you reach an 25. b4? Nd7 26. Rc1 Ne5 27. Rdc2 d5 28. equal position as Black, then it is usually a cxd5 cxd5 29. Nf4 dxe4 30. fxe4 Rad8 draw. If you obtain a slightly inferior position, 31. Nd5 Bxd5 32. exd5 Nd3 33. Rd1 Ne1 then you have good chances to win!” 34. Rcd2 Re3 35. Bc1 Bd6 36. a3 Rc8 37. During his heyday, Larsen played dubious Bb2 Rc2?! 38. Bd4? Re8? 39. Rxc2?? and variations of the Sicilian and Alekhine White forfeited on time. De fenses as Black. After 15 moves he regularly found himself with positions that computers today call unmistakably favorable to White. Black can approach equality with 10. ... exd4 But Larsen col lected a big plus score from and then 11. Nxd4 Nxd5 12. cxd5 Nxd4 13. them, even against grandmasters. exd4 b6. But those trades suck much of the life To support his claim, Larsen cited the case of out of the position. Paul Keres in the 1959 Candidates tournament. Instead, Keres played 10. ... Ne4?! and Keres scored minus-one as White. But he White was a bit better after 11. Rd1 h6 12. Qc2 nearly won the tournament because he went exd4 13. Nxd4 Nxd4 14. Rxd4 Nc5 15. b3 12-2 as Black. c6 16. Nc3 a5 17. Ba3. But a slight advantage can be a psychological , burden. As Max Euwe wrote in Chess Review, FOUR KNIGHTS VARIATION WITH the player with the upper hand “tends to omit Black’s knight would have been trapped after 4. g3 (A29) in his calculations consideration of any and 39. Bh1! and Kf1. According to computers, the GM Pal Benko all continuations which give results inferior proper end of the game would have been 39… GM Paul Keres to his expectations.” Benko fell victim and Nxc2 40. Bc5 Rd8 41. Bb6 Ra8 42. Bc5 Rd8 Candidates tournament, Bled-Zagreb- rejected moves that merely maintained his Belgrade, 09.14.1959 and—you guessed it— a draw by repetition. advantage. Did you know you could read archival copies of 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 Bc5 17. ... Qg5 18. Re1 Bf5 19. Qd1 Qg6 20. e4 “Chess to Enjoy” (and all columns and features)? 5. Bg2 0-0 6. 0-0 Re8 7. e3 Bb4 8. Nd5 Bg4 21. f3 Be6 22. Ne2! Qg5 23. Qd2? Go to uschess.org, click on “Chess Life Magazine,” Bf8 9. d4 d6 10. Qb3 Qxd2 24. Rxd2 a4! and then “Archives.”

www.uschess.org 17 Back to Basics / Reader annotations

Turning a Rook into a Passed Pawn Ups and downs in a classic endgame

By GM LEV ALBURT

HERE IS A SUBMISSION FROM A TRUE In a bad position, White further blunders with endgame lover—this month’s writer, Eric 12. Re1, and now Black could achieve a winning Henry. (My further comments are in italics.) edge with 12. ... c4, followed by 13. ... Nd4. I played this one a few months ago. I’ve gone 13. c3 c4 14. N3d2 Rd3 over it several times now, and of all the games I’ve played, I think this particular game has My plan is to turn this rook into a passed contained the most lessons for me. My favorite pawn. part of a chess game is the ending, and this one An amazing turn of phrase! definitely solidified my love for it. I think that 15. Re3 Bc5 a lot of Chess Life readers will find something Very strong is 15. ... Rxe3! instructive in the game, so I’d love to share it! 16. Rg3 9. ... 0-0-0 10. e5? , EXCHANGE VARIATION (C68) This seems to waste a tempo for no reason. Alex Ramirez (1429) Much worse—White is now losing at least a Eric Henry (1550) pawn. ISCA Class Championship, Class C (4), 10. ... c5 Indianapolis, Indiana 09.16.2018 Also strong is 10. ... Ng6 11. Bg3 h5 12. h3 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 (12. h4 Be7) 12. ... Bxh3, and now 13. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d4 bxc6 14. gxh3 h4 saves White from immediate material loss, but not from a much worse By the 19th century, the coming endgame position, equivalent to being nearly two was already considered, and rightly so, dead- pawns down. drawish. Thus Bobby Fischer introduced 5. 0-0—still popular today. 11. Nb3 Nc6 12. Re1 Better to comply: 16. Rxd3. 5. ... exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 Bd7 16. ... g6 The endgame is even and should remain 16. ... Rxg3 is best because of 17. Bxg3 Rd8, uneventful. (Recommended reading: Garry and White’s knights are clumsy. Kasparov, in My Predecessors, Volume I, on True. Here an open file trumps the passed Emanuel Lasker-José Raúl Capablanca, St. pawn. Petersburg, 1914.) 17. Rxd3 cxd3 8. 0-0 Ne7 I was happy to get the passed pawn but (see diagram next column) wonder if it’s vulnerable because it’s so far advanced. And protecting it with an eventual 9. Bf4 ... c7-c5-c4 doesn’t seem practical because I’d A slight inaccuracy—with the black knight on e7, have to displace two well-positioned minor why give up a tempo (by eventually inviting ... Ng6)? 12. ... Be6 pieces first.

18 October 2019 | Chess Life Back to Basics / Reader annotations

18. Ne4 Be7 19. Ng5 After 19. Bh6, White is only a bit worse. 19. ... Bd5 20. Nd2 h6 21. Nge4 g5 22. Bg3 Kd7 Black picks the wrong time for this plan of centralizing his king via the light squares. 23. Nf6+ Ke6?? The move 23. ... Bxf6 was necessary, but the potential for an opposite-color bishop ending makes the passed pawn less of an advantage. Both statements are true. as shown by 41. Rxd6 Kxc3 42. Rxa6 Rb8 Too greedy, but White is also getting into 24. c4 43. Rxh6 Kb2 44. Rc6 c3 45. Ke2 c2 46. Kd2 time trouble. Better was 56. Nc5+ Ke2 57. Nb3 c1=Q+ 47. Rxc1 Rd8+. Kd3 58. Nc5+ Ke2 59. Nb3 Kxf2 but Black still 41. ... Bf8 42. Ke1 c3 43. Rd4+ Kc5 has the better of it. 56. ... Rb1 The alternative 43. ... Ka3 is better, since the king is then positioned to best assist the I noticed 56. ... Ra1+ during the game, passer: 44. Rc4 Kb2. but since White doesn’t have to take the 44. Rd3 Bg7 45. Rd7 Be5 rook, I didn’t look at it further and therefore didn’t find the follow-up 57. Kb4 Bc3+ 58. Covering White’s checking square and Kc5 Rb1, winning the knight, followed by centralizing nicely. the pawn promotion. If 59. Rb6 Rxb3 60. 46. Kd1 Rb8 47. Nc1 Kc6 48. Rh7 Rd8+ Rxb3 c1=Q. 49. Kc2 Rd2+ 50. Kb3 Kb5 57. Rc6 Bc3 58. Ka2 24. ... Bxc4 I was expecting 58. Nc5+, but that holds Not time to resign—Black still has the only for a little bit longer: 58. ... Ke2 59. Re6+ passed pawn to fight with. Kd1 60. Rd6+ Bd2. 25. Nxc4 b5 26. Ne3 Nxe5 27. Bxe5 Kxe5 58. ... Rxb3! 59. Rd6+ Ke2 60. Rc6 c1=N 28. Nd7+?? mate. White gets too casual and matches Black’s earlier blunder. 28. ... Kd6 29. Rd1

The c-pawn is all that matters, and Black is best in this position when he doesn’t stress about losing his kingside pawns. 51. a4+ Worse is 51. Rxh6 Rb2+ 52. Ka3 Bg7! when White loses the rook or gets mated after 53. A nice ending to make up for the game Rg6 Bf8+ 54. Rd6 Bxd6 mate. altering blunders shared by both players. 51. ... Kc5 52. Ka3 Rd1 A self-critical—and fair—summary of a truly instructive endgame! 29. ... Kxd7 30. Rxd3+ Ke6 The move 52. ... Kc4 makes the task simpler: 53. Rxh6 Bd6+. Black has reached the ending with an extra 53. Nb3+ Kc4 54. Rxh6 c2 pawn. White’s plan is to keep the rooks on the SEND IN YOUR GAMES! board for best drawing chances, while Black Too soon! The pawn is harder to hold on the wants to simplify to a king and pawn endgame. light square. White’s rook will move behind it, If you are unrated or rated 1799 or forcing the king to protect from a light square, 31. Nd5 Bd6 32. Nc3 Re8 33. Ne4 f5 34. be low, then GM Lev Alburt invites Nc3 Kd7 35. g3 c5 36. b3 Kc6 37. Kf1 c4 at which point the knight moves with check. you to email your most instructive 38. bxc4 bxc4 39. Rd4 Kc5 40. Rd5+ Kb4! Black is feeling time pressure with about 20 annotated game to backtobasics@ minutes left. (see diagram top of next column) uschess.org 41. Ne2 55. Rc6+ Kd3 White doesn’t have time to get to Black’s (see diagram top of next column) www.ChessWithLev.com pawns because of the passed pawn’s power 56. Rxa6

www.uschess.org 19 In The Arena / Player of the Month

Dominguez Perez Dominates Leinier Dominguez Perez’s subtle yet deadly style has led to impressive results.

By GM ROBERT HESS

LEINIER DOMINGUEZ PEREZ HAS HAD The opening hardly could have come as a A curious option, as in many closed Ruy a triumphant return to classical chess. complete surprise to Postny, seeing as Michael Lopez structures, is 13. ... c4. But this will Following a two and a half year hiatus, Adams opted for 10. ... Bxf3 11. Qxf3 Na5 12. transition into a “bad Sicilian” where White he finished a half point shy of the U.S. Bc2 c5 13. axb5 axb5 14. d3 Qd7 15. Nd2 Nc6 seizes control of the d5-square. Even in the Championship title and impressed in the 16. Rb1 d5 17. exd5 Nxd5 18. Nf1 Kh8 19. Bd2 event of bishops of opposite colors, White Russian Team Championship. Tournament f5 and quickly drew in Dominguez Perez-GM obtains the edge. victories in Netanya, (with GM Michael Adams, World Cup 2015. 14. cxb4 ) and the famed 11. d3 Na5 tournament catapulted Dominguez Perez The first new move. into the world top 10. His subtle yet deadly 14. ... cxb4 15. Nbd2 Rb8 style was on full display against the strong Israeli GM Evgeny Postny. More or less forcing White’s hand. Although bishops are often valued more than knights, in this structure the d5-square is CLOSED RUY LOPEZ (C90) the target. Therefore, 15. ... Nd7 preserving a GM Leinier Dominguez Perez (FIDE 2760, defender of d5 has merit. USA) GM Evgeny Postny (FIDE 2601, ISR) 16. Bxf6 Netanya International Chess Festival 2019 White did not have the time needed to (6.2), Netanya, Israel, 06.28.2019 harmonize his pieces, since 16. Rc1 is met by 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 16. ... b3 17. Nxb3 Nxb3 18. Bxb3 Bxf3 19. gxf3 5. 0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 Nh5 with dark square domination for Black. 12. Ba2 The immediate 8. c3 is the most common 16. ... Bxf6 17. Bd5 Qd7 18. g4 Bg6 theoretical line. Play continues 8. ... 0-0 9. h3 The line 12. Bc2 c5 13. Nbd2 is standard, but Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Qc7 and there are many Dominguez Perez’s play is sensible. The bishop branches. is a much stronger piece on the a2-g8 diagonal. Postny had previously played 13. ... b4 14. Qe2 8. ... Bg4 Qc7 15. Nf1 bxc3 16. bxc3 c4 17. Bg5 cxd3 18. In order to defend the pawn, Black can also Bxd3 Nb3 19. Ra3 Nc5 and was better as Black push it. 8. ... b4 9. a5 0-0 10. d3 Be6 11. Nbd2 but ultimately drew in GM Pawel Czarnota- has a long history, including game one of the Postny, Greek Team Championship 2016. Kasparov-Short PCA World Championship 12. ... c5 13. Bg5 Match in 1993. The a5-pawn is a potential liability, though White has firm control over It’s at this very moment that Black regrets important queenside squares. having the bishop on h5, totally locked out of 9. c3 0-0 10. h3 Bh5 play. The d5-square is White’s for the taking. White’s position looks more or less perfect. 13. ... b4 An understandable decision, given that elite The bishop on d5 is the game’s best piece, while players love their bishop pairs. Taking on f3 Necessary before White can open up the its counterpart on g6 lacks a proper diagonal. probably felt too accommodating. a-file and plant the bishop on d5. Black can initiate a slow plan of maneuvering,

20 October 2019 | Chess Life In The Arena / Player of the Month but there are no tangible weaknesses in either 21. ... Nxc4 22. dxc4 Kh8 There was an absolutely ridiculous resource camp. What exactly is White’s plan? available here that no human is finding over While, objectively, Black may be fine here, the board as Black: 30. ... Be6 stops Nf5 but 19. Nf1 Bd8 the position is miserable to play. The side that walks into a blistering attack. The main line is controls the pawn breaks tends to have the An inaccuracy that relies on White’s 31. Bxe6 Qxe6 32. Nxg6+ hxg6 33. Qh6+ Kg8 advantage, and here is no exception. Black has unwillingness to break in the center. 34. Qxg6+ Kh8 35. Qh6+ Kg8 36. g5 f5 37. g6 few actual plans and is playing defense against The move 19. ... Nb7 would be a better Re7 38. Rg5 fxe4 39. Rh5 Qf6 40. g7 Rxg7 41. White’s progress on the kingside. Postny’s inactive piece to reroute. This way the bishop Qh7+ Kf7 42. Rxg7+ Ke8 and Black somehow latest move ensured that he would not obtain still serves a purpose—preventing d3-d4—as is kicking. Black coordinates. Importantly, this poses a queenside initiative. To me, this was the losing 31. Nf5 Qa7 difficult question to White: should he trade off decision. his beautiful bishop to prevent the impending The try 22. ... b3!? sacrifices a pawn for the 31. ... gxf5 32. gxf5 is devastating. The plan knight jumps (perhaps as far as ... Nc5-e6- compensation of tying White’s pieces down of Qh6 followed by Rg7 is unstoppable. and using the dark squares. 23. Ra3 Bc5 24. f4)? 20. Bxb7 (Clearing the d5-square for the 32. Kh1! knight while keeping the bishop is probably Rxb3 Qe7 25. Kg2 Qf6. a better option. Still, Black’s position is much 23. b3 Prophylaxis. improved after, say, 20. Ne3 Nc5 21. Bc4 Rfc8 Of course White would have preferred 32. 22. a5 h6 23. Nd5 Bd8 with chances for both Shutting down the queenside for good. Qh6 Bxf2 33. Rxf2 but the queen recapture is sides.) 20. ... Rxb7 21. Ne3 b3 22. Nd5 Bd8 is 23. ... f6 24. Qd2 Be8 with check! 33. ... Qxf2+. starting to look good for Black, who will play ... In retrospect, allowing Dominguez Perez to 32. ... Re7 f7-f6 and free the light-square bishop. keep the monster bishop on d5 proved fatal. A desperate attempt that fails to majestic 20. Ne3 The continuation 24. ... Bf7 25. Bxf7 Qxf7 tactics. Here and on the next move, 20. d4 is a critical looks very unappealing for Black, who will be The followup 32. ... Bb7 33. Ne3 Bxe3 34. variation. However, in a closed position where forced to shuffle around as White adopts the Rxe3 Bxd5 35. Qxd5 is also painful for Black, your opponent has two (inactive) bishops it is setup of his choosing. who has the only weaknesses on the board. psychologically difficult to open up the board. 25. Kh2 Bc5 26. Rg1 g6 27. Rg3 Qe7 28. But, at least Black can put up resistance here. 20. ... Nc6 (20. ... exd4 21. Nxd4 Bf6 22. Qd2 Rag1 Bd7 33. Qh6 Rfc8 23. Ne3 White’s minor pieces are superior. Again Postny refrains from trading the A typical means of challenging an extended Greed is not always good. 33. Nxe7 Qxe7 light-square bishops. He likely was anticipating kingside is 20. ... h5 21. Ne3 hxg4 22. hxg4 Nc6 gives Black hope. There are few ways to break a kingside pawn storm. The move 28. ... Bf7 23. Kg2, but this could backfire and result in a open new files for the rooks, so the surplus would have prevented the game continuation. mate down the h-file; 20. ... Re8 21. Ng3 Bb6 Exchange is not the greatest advantage possible 22. Nf5 is a straightforward space grab.) 21. 29. R1g2 in this position with no usable files. Bxc6 Qxc6 22. dxe5 Bxe4 23. Nd4 Qa8 (23. ... 33. ... Rg7 34. g5 fxg5 35. Rxg5 Rf6 Incredible restraint by Dominguez Perez, Qd5 24. exd6 Bf6 would be good for Black if illustrating how helpless Black is. not for 25. Nf5 Qxd1 26. Ne7+! Bxe7 27. Raxd1 An impatient approach was to go full steam with a favorable ending.) 24. exd6 would be ahead with 29. h4 Kg7 when there is danger best summarized as murky compensation for that the position is too locked up to make the pawn, with White to be preferred. Control headway. If White ever pushes h4-h5, Black of the long diagonal is visually appealing but responds with ... g6-g5. devoid of concrete threats. 29. ... Rbe8 20. ... Bb6 21. Nc4 Considering the bind he achieved in the game, it’s understandable that Dominguez Perez did not want to hand Postny any active plans. The continuation 21. d4 allows Black to trade pieces, which usually is beneficial for 36. Rxg6! the side with less space. Most continuations A fantastic shot to end the game. prove favorable for White, though precisely evaluating them at the board is extremely 36. ... Rfxg6 37. Rxg6 difficult. 21. ... Nc6 22. a5! Nxa5 (22. ... Ba7 23. The rook is immune due to the back rank Bxc6 Qxc6 24. Nd5 Rb7 25. Rc1 Qd7 26. dxe5 mate. dxe5 27. Qe2 The pawn on a6 is loose, and White’s knights control the board. The bishop 37. ... Bxf5 on g6 is doing nothing and it takes precious 30. Nh4! 37. ... Rxg6 38. Qf8+ Rg8 39. Qxg8 mate. time to regroup with ... f7-f6 and ... Bg6-Bf7. A brilliant idea by Dominguez Perez. Postny 38. exf5 Qd7 39. f6, Black resigned. (Not 27. Nxe5? Qd6, when 28. ... Qg3+ can’t was waiting for the inevitable pawn storm, be stopped.) 23. dxe5 steals a center pawn for a Did you know you could read archival copies of but it is the knight that uses the h4-square to flank one, a good trade for White. Practically, “In the Arena” (and all columns and features)? sacrifice itself and expose the black king. though, Black’s position is more flexible than Go to uschess.org, click on “Chess Life many of the other variations. 30. ... Bc8 Magazine,” and then “Archives.”

www.uschess.org 21 Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It?

Quest or Obsession? The tale of one man’s journey to become an expert sometimes misses the mark.

By JOHN HARTMANN

asha Chapin’s All the Wrong Moves: A and finally Los Angeles, where a win over a class Memoir About Chess, Love, and Ruining A player and a draw with an expert brings the SEverything (Doubleday, 2019) is, on first journey to its completion. blush, a fairly conventional tale of a young man’s Quest narratives like Chapin’s are not obsession with chess. Chapin first approached only about actions and deeds, but also about the board as a troubled teen, and in the book’s meaning and growth. The hero is supposed early chapters, he recounts his early dalliances to have learned something, become different with the game on his school’s chess team. and wiser, in his travels. What is the net result Already in these initial pages we find the for Sasha Chapin after his sojourn in the chess two competing elements of Chapin’s life in world, and what should we take from it? chess. He describes the “ecstatic flight from There is no small difficulty in reviewing a [him]self” that he discovered in the game, memoir. Any criticism runs the risk of reading and the growing importance it held in his like bad psychoanalyzing, and as someone day-to-day living: who writes about chess for a living, it’s tricky to avoid expecting too much from a trade “... I lost interest in all of my other typical book aimed at non-specialists. Still, with these activities. The brief thrills of breaking the law admonitions firmly in mind, we might hazard or almost breaking a condom felt like shallow the following reading. flutters compared to the sustained joy of playing There is a chasm in Chapin’s tale between over one of Bobby Fischer’s masterpieces.” (24) the descriptions of the joy he finds in chess and the agony losing brings him. On the one hand, But for all of the pleasure that chess provides he senses and articulates quite well the beauty him, Chapin also discovers that he’s not a very of the game (25, 52, 88-90), but the pleasure he good player. While he can deal with losing to finds pales in comparison to the self-loathing other “chess nerds,” a series of ego-crushing followed by a painful loss at the Bangkok wrought by defeat. defeats by his older brother is a step too far. Open that prompts him to withdraw from the For much of the book Chapin simply cannot Chapin swears off the game (33), assuming tournament. He heads to New York and then abide the blows to his ego brought on by that it’s “just one of those things I liked when Toronto, intending to exile himself from the losses. After a child beats him, he says, “I feel I was a kid, like cartoons, or Sartre, or weed game, but instead falling deeper under its spell. nothing but rage, and I am its only object.” ... ” (Here, as above, we see Chapin’s repeated Here the story takes a turn. Chapin meets Later he decides that perhaps “the essential sensationalism in action.) a woman and comes to make a bold decision. ingredient to good chess play was self-hatred ... Chapin’s “remission” ends when, during Instead of fleeing from chess, and in an effort I made sure to be as sad and uncomfortable as a hastily arranged reporting trip to Nepal, to overcome the shame he feels in his divided possible.” (103, 107) he encounters street hustlers in Katmandu. attention, Chapin rips off the band-aid. He It is odd that of all the methods Chapin Predictably, he loses, but the obsession returns, effectively “goes pro,” trying to improve employs to try and win more games, the most and while Chapin wonders if it’s not due to the seriously over the course of a year, with the logical—study—never appears in the book. In effect the heat is having on his mood stabilizers goal of defeating a player rated 2000.1 224 pages there is no mention of chess books or (45-6), soon he is passing up the pleasures of This quest—and it’s clear that Chapin has videos, no effort expended in showing readers the flesh to play chess on the internet. shaped his tale as a quest—takes the author to the day-to-day work of chess improvement. The bulk of All the Wrong Moves is devoted St. Louis for a month, where he hates everything Instead we get tales of days-long internet blitz to Chapin’s abandoning himself, sometimes about the city save the Saint Louis Chess Club benders, which are fun, but which do little to against the advice of his better angels, to and his lessons with GM Ben Finegold. He plays improve his play. chess. He starts with a local club in Bangkok, rated games in Toronto, New York, Hyderabad, And it’s not as if Chapin is unaware of chess

22 October 2019 | Chess Life Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It? literature and culture. He name-checks Aron “I looked myself in the eyes. I was greenish, would bet good money that more than a few Nimzowitsch, Jonathan Rowson, and Peter tired, and covered with a grimy residue of readers understand what I mean. Svidler during his August 13th appearance boomtown pollution commingled with sweat. ... I will not speculate on why Chapin does not on Ben Johnson’s Perpetual Chess Podcast. How would the rest of this go? I wondered. Like, make this final connection, but it may explain He ominously cites “the Database” (47) the rest of my life? Probably like this, because this why he misunderstands the example of Marcel as something that the best players have to was it. How cute. Running from one distraction Duchamp, to whom he dedicates a chapter of master. So why doesn’t any of the hard work of to another. Finding any defined life unbefitting of All the Wrong Moves. Chapin takes Duchamp’s improvement appear in the book? a never-ending sense of grandiosity. Neglecting a self-abandonment to the game as the model Part of this omission may have to do with good woman in favor of a form of comfortable for his own quest, but ultimately deems him a his audience. A memoir that details weeks self-imprisonment. Just like a few girlfriends prior, failure who wasted his creative powers. analyzing the Sveshnikov probably won’t tear whom you’d abandoned so you could experience I think Chapin underestimates Duchamp’s up the best-seller list, and Chapin admits on mental episodes in peace. This is how you are. achievements. Far from being “never excellent,” the Podcast that he made an authorial decision You know all this stuff. And now you’re spending as Chapin claims (69), Duchamp was of master- to “compress” the technical content. all of your time learning it all over again. Super, level strength, a member of the French national But I suspect that the lack of focus on super cute. Welcome to Hyderabad.” (167) team, and the winner of both over-the-board training has more to do with the almost and correspondence tournaments ... none of Manichean framework of Chapin’s tale. Chapin The final pages on the Los Angeles tour- which, it turns out, is relevant to the question is a believer in talent—you either have it, or nament seem anti-climactic after his Hyderabad at hand. you don’t. He incorrectly thinks that Magnus revelation. While Chapin is happy to draw a Duchamp’s “gambit”—his abandoning the art Carlsen is “infamous for not needing to study player rated 2040, he seems almost relieved world in favor of chess—can only be understood quite as hard as other high-level players” (77) to lose his last over-the-. Why? as a personal quest for meaning. Because chess due to his innate talent, while he laments his Are Finegold’s teachings, and in particular, his could not be commercialized, because it was personal lack of any such gift. “secret to chess”—the capstone to the book beautiful like art, but without economic value, The upshot, on this account, is that you which I will not spoil here—a mantra to bring outside “social position,” as he told Time in 1952, can’t hate yourself for not being great. (77) peace to patzers everywhere? it took hold of him, giving him an axis mundi Hard work and deliberate practice, the kind It’s clear that the final pages of the book are around which to build a life. Even if he had never originally championed by Anders Ericsson, meant as a grand denouement, a big reveal. won a game, that would be enough reason to give can only paper over a lack of talent. So it’s Chapin achieves some kind of equanimity himself to Caïssa and become her servant. not Chapin’s fault he’s bad at chess—it’s his where everything—wins, losses, brilliancies We are now far afield of the typical “book inability to create mental images (43), his and blunders—are all “mostly fine,” but the report” review some may have expected. My lack of God-given ability, or his opponent’s side effect is that the passion drains from trip into the weeds has been an effort to take odorous distractions (153), but never the fact Chapin and from his chess. Is this indeed Chapin’s book seriously and to do it justice. that, at least in the book, he doesn’t seem to enlightenment, or is it resignation? It is a raw, intimate, unvarnished look at one actually try to improve. I am of two minds here, and so I leave it man’s journey through the chess world, and There is more than a bit of magical thinking to the reader to decide which is more true. it’s a good read to boot. Many of us, myself on Chapin’s part. Is it rational to move to St. Louis (Perhaps both are?) But the second possibility included, will see more of ourselves in it than for a month to take lessons with a grandmaster? raises a troubling question for chess players. Is we might want to admit. Certainly it’s good for the book. The pages it possible to love chess without excelling at it? I found the end of All the Wrong Moves on Finegold are delightful, and the koan-like Is it okay to be obsessed with a game that, for unsatisfactory and unfinished. That may be lessons he recounts are memorable. But it also all of its pleasures, will break your heart again more about me than about Chapin’s book; may be the case that the bitter truths Finegold and again and again? in any event, my feeling was meliorated in tries to impart—have less fun! never sacrifice! For Chapin, the answer seems to be no. But no small part by Chapin’s appearance on the don’t lose all your pieces! marriage is ok!—are if we shift our thinking a bit and understand Perpetual Chess Podcast, where his eventual self-fulfilling for Chapin’s understanding of the the object of our infatuation with chess less in return to chess is left open. For his sake, I hope game’s value, and his along with it, as wholly terms of wins and losses, and more in terms he finds a way to give it a go. measured in wins and losses. of beauty and meaning, the answer (even on Stranger still is the decision Chapin makes to Chapin’s own account) may be yes. travel to Hyderabad, taken as part of a desire to There are pages where Chapin hints in this find “some way to speed things up a bit—some direction (54, 84-89), towards viewing chess 1 Note that there’s slightly more to the story here way to sell my soul to chess itself—some great as “the most human thing you can do,” as than the book lets on. Chapin was supporting and costly hero’s errand [he] could embark on, violence made beautiful through abstraction himself as a feature writer during these months, with epiphany as its reward.” (142) So he decides and sublimation. But he never gets to the key and on the basis of a feature that eventually to play a tournament in India to “find Caïssa,” point; namely, that to be human is to be a became Chapter 3 of All the Wrong Moves, he the goddess of chess, in the place where chess creature in search of meaning. had already secured a publishing contract for was born. Nevermind that Caïssa is a Greek Tarrasch was right when he said that chess, the book under review. dryad, or tree nymph, in William Jones’ poem! like love and music, has the power to make us Chapin’s “pilgrimage” makes for good happy. But more to the point, chess, like its Chapin, Sasha. All the Wrong Moves: reading, but what effect does it have on his more respected cousins, can orient a world. It A Memoir About Chess, Love, and Ruining chess career? He plays a few games with poor doesn’t happen automatically or for everyone— Everything. Doubleday, 2019. ISBN results, gets violently ill, and is forfeited out of an act of apprenticeship is required, as Gilles Hardcover: 9780385545174. 224 pages. the tournament. Something shatters in him; as Deleuze said of Marcel Proust’s apprenticeship (Available from penguinrandomhouse.com, he writes in a key passage: to signs in his Search for Lost Time—but I $24.95).

www.uschess.org 23 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

GM Ding Liren wins the Sinquefield Cup in a stunning blitz playoff against GM Magnus Carlsen. A Spectacular Finish

By WGM TATEV ABRAHAMYAN

he crown jewel of the action-packed summer season at the Saint Louis Chess Club is the Sinquefield Cup, the strongest event in the U.S. and the second Tclassical stop of the Grand Chess Tour. Once again, 12 of the best grandmasters in the world gathered in the midwestern town to battle it out over 11 days, from August 15th-29th, for a record high prize fund of $325,000 and highly coveted tour points. With 2019 being the year of Magnus Carlsen—the World Champion won every tournament he played in and reached his peak rating of 2882 once again—the chess world was wondering if anyone would be able to step up, challenge him, and end his SUBJECT

winning streak. OF As a spectator and a fan, the transition from the fast-paced Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz—held from August 10th-15th, directly before the Sinquefield Cup—to the longer time control of the Sinquefield Cup was not an easy one; the classical event was marred by a high number of draws and lacked the excitement that quicker games tend to COURTESY produce. In fact, were it not for the astonishing blunder by , there would be no decisive results in the first three rounds. PHOTO:

24 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

GMs Ding Liren and Magnus Carlsen prepare for their playoff rounds, which ended so incredibly that Carlsen couldn’t help but smile through his disappointment. Photo: Lennart Ootes, courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Campus.

www.uschess.org 25 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

ASTONISHING BLUNDER MISSED OPPORTUNITY 29. f3 GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE 2774, RUS) GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2818, USA) Fabiano successfully consolidates his position. GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2756, IND) GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE 2774, RUS) 2019 Sinquefield Cup (1), St. Louis, Missouri, 2019 Sinquefield Cup (2), St. Louis, 29. ... Rc4 30. Rh1 Qc7 31. Qh2 Bg7 32. 08.17.2019 Missouri, 08.18.2019 Qe2 Bf8 33. Qh2 Bg7 34. Qe2 Bf8 35. Qh2 Bg7, Draw agreed.

What I like the most about working in the basement of the club, right outside of the studios, is the easy access to the players. As they are required to go downstairs for their interviews immediately following the game, many of them are eager to check their game with an engine, which makes my readily-available computer the perfect stop. After I showed Nepomniachtchi the variation, he lamented by saying, “Story of my life!” though I didn’t sense too much AFTER 76. ... Kg5 AFTER 28. Qg2 disappointment behind his words. 77. Kc4?? The position became the quiz of the day the 77. Kc5 Rd7 78. Ra8 followed by a6, trading the remaining pawns. The resulting rook and knight versus rook ending is an easy draw. ... if there were a theme for this tournament, 77. ... b5+, White resigned.

Picking up the rook, as the it would be missed opportunities. capture is met with a recapture with a check.

Nepomniachtchi was understandably in 28. ... Bf8 disbelief after his blunder, but immediately next round, with commentator GM Maurice went into analysis mode, discussing the game After 28. ... Rxa3! 29. bxa3 Qxa3. This part Ashley curious about how quickly, if at all, the with his opponent. “Look, I’ll take it,” was is easy to spot. The question is what happens other players could find the answer. The general Anand’s attitude towards the gift, as he was after 30. f3. consensus was that had Nepomniachtchi known mentally prepared to peacefully shake hands there was a tactic in the position, he would have after two more correct moves. To his credit, found it immediately. Caruana actually spotted the game was an exhaustive grind where the the win during the game and was quite relieved Russian player had to defend for a long time. to escape unscathed. With this win, Anand remained unchallenged Speaking of missed opportunities, the final on top for the next few rounds. moments GM -GM are It is easy to dismiss a tournament as boring a perfect example of resourcefulness in defense due to the high number of draws, but final and the need to tend to endgames with care. results don’t always tell the full story. This is CAMPUS a point that was passionately argued by Anish RESOURCEFUL DEFENSE Giri, who insisted that the appreciation of GM Anish Giri (FIDE 2779, NED) CHESS the games comes from the moves and not the GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2765, ARM) ANALYSIS AFTER 30. f3 final result. In fact, he had another theory to 2019 Sinquefield Cup (2), St. Louis, LOUIS explain the high number of draws: Usually 30. ... Qa7!! is the only move that wins. Missouri, 08.18.2019 Carlsen is off to a flying start, taking the lead

The queen is eyeing the rook on g1 while SAINT early, which puts pressure on everyone else to threatening b2, which makes Qb2 impossible. chase him. With Carlsen struggling to win, OF 31. Rdd1 b2 32. Kc2 (White solves immediate the pressure was off. difficulties with 32. Qxb2 Rxb2+ 33. Kxb2 Qf2+ There was certainly no lack of fighting however because the white king is so weak, the spirit in many of the games, but if there were a

queen is completely dominant against the two COURTESY theme for this tournament, it would be missed rooks.) 32. ... Qc5+ 33. Kb1 (33. Kd2 Rb3 34. opportunities. The most unfortunate victim of Rge1 Qc4 followed by ... Bd8-a5 checkmate!) this trend was Anand, who felt “gutted” with 33. ... Qa3 34. Kc2 Bd8 bringing another piece FULLER, his final result, lamenting that “Magnus would into the attack. Due to the b2-pawn, White is have made +6” with his positions. completely paralyzed on the first rank. This

Nepomniachtchi kicked off the trend AUSTIN position is yet another great example of the in his very next game, where he had an AFTER 47. ... Rb5 excellent opportunity to bounce back against usefulness of having opposite colored bishops

48. b7? PHOTO: Caruana. during an attack.

26 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

The players are introduced at the Sinquefield Cup opening ceremonies, with GM Maurice Ashley emceeing. The tournament is considered the crown jewel in the action- packed summer season at the Saint Louis Chess Club.

Best was 48. Nf6+. Transitioning to the blood was spilled in round four as Caruana Levon must have been expecting 7. Nbd2 a6 rook endgame wins the game. After 48. joined the leader with a win over Aronian. 8. Bxc6 dxc6 9. Nc4, as Fabiano has played this ... Nxf6 49. gxf6 e4 50. Kg3 e3 51. Kf3; for The main culprit behind Aronian’s loss was his line several times before. example, if Black wants to get the f-pawn 51. poor time management, which in part was due 7. ... Bb6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Nxe5 Nxe4 10. Qf3 ... Rf5+ 52. Kxe3 Rxf6 53. Kd4 White wins to Caruana’s excellent opening preparation Nf6 11. d6!? N this endgame by not committing the pawn stemming from the 2018 World Championship to the seventh rank, which gives his king a match. shelter from Black’s rook checks.

48. ... Rb2 49. Ne7 RUY LOPEZ, BERLIN DEFENSE (C65) White can’t easily bring the king into action GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2818, USA) because after 49. Kg4 Rb3!! (Black threatens GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2765, ARM) mate!) 50. Nf6+ Nxf6+ 51. gxf6 Rb6 52. Kf3 2019 Sinquefield Cup (4), St. Louis, Rxf6+ 53. Ke4 Rb6 54. Kxe5 we get to the Missouri, 08.20.2019 same endgame, but now it’s a draw because the king can’t hide on b7 behind the pawn. As 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 0-0 6. 0-0 Re8 the white king gets closer to the b-pawn, the black rook will keep checking it. A sideline. The main move in this position is 6. ... d6. Interesting pawn sacrifice. The idea is to 49. ... Nd6 50. Ng8 Ne4 51. Ne7 Nd6 52. ruin Black’s pawn structure and slow the Nd5 Ne4 53. Ne7, Draw agreed. 7. d4 piece development. When Anish Giri entered Already a rare move, indicating prep- the confessional booth, he jokingly started After a peaceful round three, finally some aration from Fabiano. his confession with a moment of silence for

www.uschess.org 27 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup CAMPUS CHESS LOUIS SAINT OF

GM Magnus Carlsen was in a must-win situation with COURTESY the white pieces for the final playoff game. PHOTOS BOTH Levon’s c8-bishop. hangs on to the material. 42. Qe7 Qd2 43. Re3 Qd6 44. Qe4 Qd5 45. Qb4 Rc8 11. ... cxd6 12. Nc4 d5 13. Nd6 26. Qf3 Bb6 27. Nc2 Na5 28. Bxd5 Bxd5 29. Rxd5 Bxe3+ 30. Nxe3 Qb6 31. Rd3 Best was 45. ... Qf5! The queen is quite FULLER. White can also try 13. Nxb6 Qxb6 14. Na3, Nc4 32. Qd5+ Kf8 33. Qxc4 Rxe3 34. dominant here. The powerful piece defends b5 grabbing the bishop pair. Rxe3 Qxe3+ 35. Kh1 while simultaneously attacking f4, sheltering 13. ... Rf8 14. Bg5 Ne4 There is still a lot of work to do to convert the black king on the b1-h7 diagonal and CRYSTAL Black correctly gives the pawn back. the extra pawn but Levon was already very low threatening to bring the rook into the game. After 14. ... Ng6 15. Bxf6 Qxf6 16. Qxf6 gxf6, on the clock. 46. a4 Qc5?? PAGE, Black’s pawn structure is simply hideous. 35. ... Rd8 36. h3 b5 37. Qc6 Qe2 38. Rf3

15. Nxe4 dxe4 16. Qxe4 f6 17. Be3 d5 18. Qxb2 FACING Qf3 Hard to play this with no time on the clock, Black has successfully freed his position but after 38. ... h5 39. Qxa6 h4 Black has some KELLAR; since the c8-bishop will finally join the game serious threats against the white king with ... shortly, but is left with an isolated pawn that Rd2 or ... Rd1 and ... Qe1. JUSTIN will need constant attention. 39. Qxa6 h5 40. Kh2 h4 18. ... Ng6 19. Na3 Bc7 20. Rad1 Ne5 21.

Excellently played by Aronian with no time PAGE, Qe2 a6 22. Ba4 Bg4 23. f3 Be6 24. Bb3 Re8 25. f4 Nc6 on his clock. THIS 41. Qa7 Kg8 This move gives up the d5-pawn. However, 25. ... Ng4 26. Bd4 Qd7 27. Nc2 Aronian made this move with a second left A terrible blunder that costs Black the game. still looks nice for White but at least Black on his clock. After 46. ... bxa4 47. Qxa4. White would PHOTOS:

28 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

Sinquefield Cup winner GM Ding Liren (center), with tournament founders Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield (left) and Rex Sinquefield.

still need to convert his extra pawn, but with MAKING WAVES has to make a committal decision. In return, Aronian relying solely on delay, it’s hard to GM Liren Ding (FIDE 2805, CHN) the white rooks will take over the d-file. imagine him holding this. GM Anish Giri (FIDE 2779, NED) 22. ... Rxc5 23. Rd4 Bf7 24. Rcd1 Rdc8 25. 47. Re8+ Kh7 48. Rxc8 Qxc8 49. axb5 Qf5 2019 Sinquefield Cup (5), St. Louis, Bb5 g6? 50. b6 Qd3 51. c4 Qg3+ 52. Kh1 Qd3 53. Missouri, 08.21.2019 The whole sequence of ... Bf7 and ... g6 simply c5, Black resigned. weakens the squares around the black king. 26. Ne2 Qf6 27. Ba4 Qe5 28. Bb3 Action picked up in the round before the rest day. Nepomniachtchi finally bounced back Great bishop maneuver forcing an exchange from his round one tragedy, but he somehow on the b3-square, improving the pawn structure. made his victory sound burdensome. It turned 28. ... Nxb3 29. axb3 R5c7 30. c4 a6 31. out he had given up on his tournament after Nf4 b5 32. Nd5 Rc6 33. c5! the first round loss, but was all of a sudden within striking distance of the leaders. (see diagram page 31, column one) After four draws, the eventual hero of the tournament made some waves. Ding Liren’s When one has a dominant position, tactics win against Giri impressed everyone: From the AFTER 21. ... f5 usually work out in their favor! commentators, to Giri himself, and to none 33. ... a5 other than Garry Kasparov, who called the 22. dxc5! game a “positional masterpiece.” Needless to say Not an easy move to play as White gives After 33. ... Rxc5 34. Nb6 R8c6 35. Nd7 wins that Ding was quite pleased with this victory. himself a permanent pawn weakness. At this . (see diagram next column) point, he can’t make any more progress and 34. b4 axb4 35. Qxb4 Rb8

www.uschess.org 29 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

GM Levon Aronian won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title after a tense final round loss to GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, leaving his fate in the hands of the game between GMs and .

2019 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz its own way, as it marked Magnus Carlsen’s first CAMPUS appearance in this event, and subsequently, the

“The chess world is a better place when Aronian is end of his 2019 tournament winning streak. CHESS playing well!” ~ GM Garry Kasparov

The Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz took place over five LOUIS This popular quote has been recycled many times days, from August 10th-15th, 2019. Nine games of

because it accurately describes Levon Aronian: rapid—25-minutes, 10 second delay—were played SAINT

something about the mischievous, infectious in the first three days, followed by 18 games of OF laughter of a victorious Aronian makes any room blitz—five minutes, three second delay—in the he walks into a better place. next two. Through and through the competition was tight between GMs Levon Aronian and COURTESY Since its inception in 2017, the Saint Louis Rapid Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who were joined by & Blitz has been a staple stop on the Grand Chess GMs Ding Liren and Yu Yangyi in the latter part

Tour and is overall one of the best events that the of the competition. The tournament was “do or FULLER, Saint Louis Chess Club hosts. After all, who can die” for Vachier-Lagrave, as this was his final forget Garry Kasparov coming out of retirement rapid and blitz event of the tour and he needed

in 2017 to play in his first rated tournament in 12 as many GCT points as possible to secure his CRYSTAL years? This year’s Rapid & Blitz was historic in spot to the London finals. Yangyi, as the wildcard PHOTO:

30 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

of the event, didn’t need any GCT points, while as his second, GM Manuel Petrosyan of Armenia, Liren had another rapid and blitz event to look tapped him on the shoulder to deliver the good forward to. news. Instantly, a huge smile radiated across his face, followed by the infamous Aronian laugh. After the rapid portion, Aronian and Vachier-Lagrave emerged on top with 13 points “I’m not the guy who plays safe,” Aronian told each, three points ahead of the field. Day one commentator GM Maurice Ashley in the postgame of blitz caused some turmoil in the standings, interview about his approach to the last round. leaving Vachier-Lagrave in the sole lead, half a point ahead of Aronian. Unlike classical chess, Although his journey to the top was turbulent, where a bad day means just one loss and time Aronian was jubilant about his win because it to readjust, in blitz a bad day can cause colossal marks his first tournament victory of the year. He damage to one’s standings, which is what reflected on his only World Blitz Championship win, happened to Vachier-Lagrave with his three losses noting that there, too, he lost his last two games. in a row during day two. He joked that he has a tendency to somehow win from a losing position. The tournament finale was a tragicomedy of sorts. Aronian only needed a draw in the final game “I love playing in the city of St. Louis, where chess to clinch the title, but he lost to none other than players are proud to be chess players,” Vachier-Lagrave, putting the Frenchman only half Aronian started his remarks at the closing a point behind him. This result left the fate of the ceremony. This sentiment comes as no surprise tournament in the hands of Yu, who needed a win as this is his second time winning this event in against GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to tie for first. its short three-year history. After thanking his The Chinese player came close, but he let the win wife, family, the fans, and the sponsors, Levon slip from his hands in time trouble. The moment signaled the start of the Sinquefield Cup with his Aronian found out about his tournament win final remarks: “It’s a good warm up for the main was perfectly captured by the cameras: He was event, and I am very excited once again to try and standing with the spectators watching the games compete against the best in the world.”

Zero-esque precision required to seal the deal Maintains the advantage, but Anand had proved too elusive. a winning alternative which was 20. Qf1!! Qxa2 21. Re1! Rf8 22. Qe2! (This sequence is extremely difficult to find.) 22. ... Kh8 ON THE ROPES (Running away from the check on e6.) 23. GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2756, IND) Ne6 Rb8 (Defending against c4-c5, as the GM Wesley So (FIDE 2776, USA) rook on b8 will defend the knight.) 24. Nd8!! 2019 Sinquefield Cup (4), St. Louis, (Exploiting the back rank.) 24. ... h6 25. Nf7+ Missouri, 08.20.2019 Kh7 26. Nxd6 cxd6 27. Bxb4. 20. ... h6 21. Bxb4 Qxb4 22. Qd5+ Kh8 23. Nf7+ Kh7 24. Rf1 Re1 25. Qxf5+ Kg8 26. Nxd6 cxd6 27. Qd3 Rxf1+ 28. Kxf1 Qb2 Once again the pawn is untouchable. 35. ... 29. a3 d5 30. cxd5 Qa1+ 31. Ke2 Qa2+ 32. Rxc5 36. Nb6 for the same reason. 36. ... R8c7 Ke3 Qxd5 33. g3 b5 34. Qc3 Qe6+ 35. 37. Nd7. Kd3 a5 36. Qxa5 Qc4+ 37. Ke3 Qe6+ 38. Kd2 Qa2+ 39. Ke1 Qb1+ 40. Kd2 Qa2+ 41. 36. Nb6 Be6 37. Nd7 Bxd7 38. Rd5 Qe7 Ke3 Qe6+ 42. Kd2 Qa2+, Draw agreed. 39. Rxd7 Exploiting the weakness of the black king. With Anand, Ding, and Caruana tied for first, the first half of the tournament was in the 39. ... Qxc5 40. Qb3+ Qc4 41. Qb2 Qc3 42. Qa2+ Rc4 43. g3 books and it was time for a rest day. Some of AFTER 19. ... Nb4 the braver souls decided to attend a karaoke There is no rush. party, forever leaving a digital trail of their Up until now, Anand has played 43. ... Rbc8 44. R1d6 Kf8 45. Rxg6 b4 46. singing skills on the interwebs. Rxh6 f4 47. gxf4, Black resigned. energetically, and it looks like the So should be The rest day means something unique to getting checkmated. each player: Some went sightseeing, others Anand had So on the ropes, but the Alpha 20. Qf3?! played sports or simply rested, while Magnus

www.uschess.org 31 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup CAMPUS. CHESS

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBERS MARCUS BATTON, GAFFER/GRAPHICS ENGINEER; KEVIN DUGGIN, DIRECTOR OF LOUIS PHOTOGRAPHY; AND JUSTIN KELLAR, FIELD FLOOR MANAGER/PHOTOGRAPHER. SAINT

The Production Team OF It would be unfair to go into detail about any high-level event held at the Saint Louis Chess Club

without acknowledging the hard-working people COURTESY who make it come to life. Although countless people work around the clock to help BOTH things run smoothly—including General Manager Joy Bray, Executive Director Tony Rich, Club Manager Ryan Chester, Event Coordinator STUDIOS. Rebecca Buffington, and the rest of the staff at the club—I feel as though the work the production

crew does is too often unappreciated or SPECTRUM completely disregarded by the viewers.

When I was invited to work at the Saint Louis BOTTOM, Chess Club covering the Paris and Leuven Grand Chess Tour tournaments in 2016, I dreaded what I foresaw as a lonely experience. Since the OOTES; tournaments were in a foreign country, there were no players around, and my counterpart, GM Alejandro Ramirez, was doing his commentary LENNART

from Europe. Little did I know that I would TOP, quickly be adopted into the production team STUDIO PRODUCER JEN HUEMMER (LEFT) POSES WITH GOOD FRIEND ERIC MOUSEL, WHO DOES GRAPHICS FOR THE TEAM. PHOTOS:

32 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

family, a relationship I will always cherish. some fruity cocktail that would probably make me feel terrible the next morning. As many of my social interactions go, my official introduction to the production team was If you have ever enjoyed commentary provided by awkward. I don’t remember the exact details, the Saint Louis Chess Club, please take the time but after introducing myself to one of them I to simply read over the names of the people who got a reply: “Yeah, I know who you are. I’ve been work like maniacs to make it happen: Tom typing your name for years.” I immediately felt Williamson, director; John Starks, technical embarrassed and ashamed of my disregard for director; Kyutae Lee, chief engineer; Kevin the people I’d been sharing space with for years. Duggin, director of photography; Justin Kellar, field It is easy and understandable to get caught up in floor manager/photographer; Eric Mousel, graphics; “tournament mode” and completely forget about Bryan Adams, sound; Marcus Batton, gaffer/ the world outside of it. So there I was, graphics engineer; Jen Huemmer, studio producer; surrounded by the people who’ve watched me at David Anderson, editor; Tammy Hyde Lee, IT my most intimate moments at the chess board. manager; Jesse Richardson, software From my triumphs to my heartbreaks, they had developer; Lennart Ootes, DGT operator/ probably seen me experience and express photographer; Randy Sinquefield, president of countless of emotions, yet I didn’t even know their Spectrum Studios. names. The next thing I knew, my summer evenings were spent sitting outside at Brennan’s—the bar I could write enough about this group to fill up the conveniently located next to the club—chatting and rest of the magazine, but I will let the photographs laughing with Jen, Eric, and Brian while sipping on do some of the talking.

Carlsen was invited to throw the first pitch separated themselves from the pack with wins didn’t sense the danger. for the Cardinals in their game against the over Caruana and So. Reflecting back on the Best was 31. ... Nd7! trading some of the pieces. Colorado Rockies. The World Champion was tournament, the eventual champion pinpointed And after 32. Rxd8+ Qxd8 33. Nc6 Qb6 34. Ne7+ practicing for this event, but felt overwhelmed this game as the moment when the dream of Kh7 35. Nc8 Qxa6 36. Qc2+ Rd3 37. Rd1 Nc5 nonetheless, joking that home plate seemed winning the tournament became realistic. In and all of Black’s pieces are defended tactically. so far away once he got on the field. Carlsen the meantime, Carlsen was still searching for 32. Qf3 R2d5 33. R1c7 Kh7 34. Kh2 Rxc8 admitted to feeling embarrassed by his his first win as he remained at 50 percent with 35. Rxc8 Qxa6 36. Ra8? pitch, explaining that he felt nervous by the all draws. unfamiliarity of it all and unable to “handle White wins material with 36. Rf8 Nd7 37. the limelight.” It was quite unusual, but also ALMOST FLAWLESS Nxd7 Rxd7 38. Qe4+ f5 39. Rxf5 exf5 40. somewhat refreshing, to see the normally Qxf5+ Kg8 41. Qxd7 but Ding thought that GM Ding Liren (FIDE 2805, CHN) confident Magnus sound so unsure of himself. Black would have good drawing chances. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2818, USA) All the games in the next two rounds after the 2019 Sinquefield Cup (9), St. Louis, 36. ... Qb7 37. Rf8 Rb5? rest day were drawn, thus bringing no changes Missouri, 08.26.2019 to the standings. As previously mentioned, An understandable mistake as the correct Anand had many misses in this tournament continuation is nearly impossible to come up but the most regrettable one has to be the with at the board. game against Ding. The Chinese player was And that continuation was 37. ... Qb4 38. close to resigning many times, but somehow he Rxf7 Qb1 39. Qg3 Nh5 40. Qg4 Rd1 41. Qxh5 miraculously saved the game. Rh1+ 42. Kg3 Qe1+ 43. Kg4 Qe2+ 44. Kh4 In round eight GM Sergey Karjakin and Rxh3+!! An amazing resource that forces a Nepomniachtchi defeated Vachier-Lagrave and perpetual. 45. gxh3 Qf2+ 46. Kg4 Qe2. Aronian respectively, joining the leaders for a 38. Qf1! five-way tie with three rounds to go! The clash Excellent move, planning to bring the queen between Carlsen and Ding was a phenomenal onto the b1-h7 diagonal. affair. The World Champion came to the game 38. ... Qd5 39. Nxf7 Nd7 40. Rd8 Rb8 41. equipped with preparation in a very sharp AFTER 30. ... Qa5 line, sacrificing a pawn and keeping the attack Rxb8 Nxb8 42. Qb1+ Qf5 43. Qb7 31. f4 going even after exchanging queens. Ding had The material is equal, but Black’s vulnerable to find only moves for almost the entirety of White is trying to create chances on the king can’t survive the attack, even with limited the game to fend off his opponent. At the end, kingside by affixing the knight on e5. material on the board. an exasperated Carlsen had to settle for the 31. ... Rd2? inevitable draw. 43. ... Nc6 44. Nd6 Qc5 45. Ne4 Qc2 In round nine Ding and Nepomniachtchi This move is very loose. Perhaps Caruana The continuation 45. ... Qxe3 46. Qxc6

www.uschess.org 33 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

Qxf4+ gives Black some practical drawing DOMINATING THE BOARD SPECTACULAR FINISH chances. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2882, NOR) 46. Nf6+ Kg6 47. Ne8 (FIDE 2778, FRA) GM Ding Liren (FIDE 2805, CHN) GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2882, NOR) 2019 Sinquefield Cup (15.1), St. Louis, A little knight dance. The knight could have 2019 Sinquefield Cup (9), St. Louis, Missouri, 08.29.2019 gone to e8 directly, but first it chased the queen Missouri, 08.27.2019 away and forced the king to a worse square. 47. ... Qc3 48. e4!

AFTER 32. g5 AFTER 22. Nf3 It looks like Black is losing a piece but ... 22. ... Bxc3! 32. ... Ba8!! 33. Qxa6 Stopping the escape path of the king via f5 Parting with the fianchettoed bishop isn’t and threatening e4-e5. easy, but Carlsen has an idea in mind. Black forces a draw after 33. gxf6 Qb7 34. Kf1 Qg2+ 35. Ke2 Qf3+ as 36. Kd2 loses to 36. 48. ... a5 49. Qd7 a4 50. Qxe6+ Kh7 51. 23. Rxc3 e5 24. Rd3 ... Bd8! 37. Qxa6 Qd5+ 38. Ke2 (or 38. Qd3 e5 Nd4 52. Qd7 Kg6 53. Qxg7+ Kf5 54. Ba5+ 39. Ke2 Qf3+ 40. Kf1 Qg2+ 41. Ke2 Bf3 Nd6+ Kxf4 55. Qf6+ Ke3 56. e6 Kd3 57. Desperate attempt, but it’s hard to suggest mate) 38. ... Rc2+ and mate is coming. e7, Black resigned. anything better. The continuation 24. Bh6 f4 traps the bishop. 33. ... Nd5 34. Ba7 Qc7 35. Rec1 Qxc1+ Flawless technique by Ding! 24. ... exf4 25. Qb2+ Rbg7 26. h6 fxe4 27. 36. Rxc1 Rxc1+ 37. Kh2 Bc6 38. Qxa3 Rd2 exf3 28. hxg7+ Rxg7 29. Rxf3 Qg5 Bxg5 39. Qxd6 Bf4 40. Bc5 Ne7!!, White A solid draw in the penultimate round was 30. Rdf2 Nd4 31. Rxf4 Bf5 resigned. enough for Ding to take the sole lead of the Black is up material and is dominating the tournament, as Nepomniachtchi got his knight board. The rest is just a matter of time. trapped against Vachier-Lagrave, subsequently losing the game. While he did not lose the knight, 32. b4 Be6 33. Rf8+ Bg8 34. bxc5 dxc5 extracting it cost him material. At that point the 35. Qb8 Qe3 36. Qd6 Qc1+ 37. Kh2 Qg5 Frenchman went inside the confessional booth 38. Qd5 Qh4+ 39. Kg1 Qe7 40. Qh5 Qe3 and called the mistake a “payback for playing 41. Qh4 Ne2+ 42. Kh1 Qc1+ 43. Rf1 Ng3+ 44. Kg1 Qe3+, White resigned. too fast the whole tournament.” Maybe it wasn’t Nepomniachtchi’s quick play that caught up to him, but rather his overall “I don’t care about It was finally time for Ding to face the man winning, I just want to be done with this who is known for never losing a tiebreak. The tournament” approach. two rapid games that ended in a draw were Carlsen finally scored his first victory of the contentious battles, but it was the ensuing blitz What a spectacular way to win the game! tournament against the struggling So. Giri had games that kept everyone on their toes. a theory about the World Champion’s result, In the first blitz game, Carlsen had the black calling the first nine draws “therapeutic”— pieces and fell behind on the clock significantly. The finish was so stunning that even a way to recover from his less-than-ideal He sacrificed a pawn before entering an opposite- Carlsen couldn’t help but smile as he shook showing in the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz. color bishop endgame where he was slowly being his opponent’s hand twice: once for winning Going into the final round, Ding held a half outplayed. With seconds left on the clock, Ding the game and once again for winning the a point lead over a pack of players: Carlsen, kept missing direct wins while Carlsen missed a tournament. Carlsen praised Ding in the Nepomniachtchi, Karjakin, and Anand. The threefold repetition claim. On move 86, Carlsen postgame interview, saying, “He was a lot tournament was still wide open. placed his rook on g4, but the piece didn’t quite better than I was today, so he won absolutely In the final round, the Chinese superstar land on the square properly. As he reached for deservedly,” while graciously accepting his first took the practical approach of playing safely the piece to adjust it and hit the clock, he ran out tiebreak defeat since 2007. and guaranteeing at least a tie for first. He was of time. Ding didn’t notice, and the players made Ding was all smiles during his interview, actually in a bit of trouble against Mamedyarov another set of moves before the arbiter stopped explaining that after clinching a tie for first he but navigated the storm with relative ease. the clock, calling the result of the game. was able to put the stress of the tournament Carlsen had the black pieces against a player he The loss put Carlsen in a must win situation behind him and clear his mind for the playoffs. does quite well against, Vachier-Lagrave, and with the white pieces. The beauty that was the “Today I’m much different than yesterday,” he found his way to join Ding in first place with final game of the playoffs is how this edition of said. “Yesterday I was playing a tournament; some spectacular moves. the Sinquefield Cup will forever be remembered. today I just played a match.”

34 October 2019 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

With the weight of the tournament behind him, GM Ding Liren was all smiles during the post-tournament photo shoot. Ding said after clinching the tie for first, he was able to focus on clearing his mind for the playoffs.

CL_10-2019_Sinquefield-Cup-crosstable_AKF_r2_chess life 9/12/2019 7:26 PM Page 6

2019 SINQUEFIELD CUP CAMPUS August 15-29, 2019 | Hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club

CHESS Fed. Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Score 1. GM Ding Liren CHN 2805 x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ 6½

LOUIS 1. GM Magnus Carlsen NOR 2882 ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ 1 6½ 3. GM Sergey Karjakin RUS 2750 ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ 6

SAINT 3. GM Viswanathan Anand IND 2756 ½ ½ ½ x 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 6 OF 5. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi RUS 2774 ½ ½ ½ 0 x ½ ½ 0 1 0 1 1 5½ 5. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov AZE 2764 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 5½ 5. GM Fabiano Caruana USA 2818 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ 5½

COURTESY 5. GM Anish Giri NED 2779 0 ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ 5½ 9. GM Hikaru Nakamura USA 2743 ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ 5

FULLER, 9. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2778 ½ 0 0 ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ 5 11. GM Levon Aronian ARM 2765 ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ x ½ 4½ 12. GM Wesley So USA 2776 ½ 0 ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x 4½

CRYSTAL For more games and information, see the official website: https://grandchesstour.org/2019-grand-chess-tour/2019-sinquefield-cup PHOTO:

www.uschess.org 35 October 10, 2019-Spring 2020 worldchesshof.org | Mind. Art. Experience. | 4652 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 367-WCHF (9243) | @WorldChessHOF #DrummondChess      This exhibition is generously supported by Emerson. Additional financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council and the Regional Arts Commission. Photo: Michael Drummond, Qxa8, 2019. Photo by Carmody Creative. October 10, 2019-Spring 2020 worldchesshof.org | Mind. Art. Experience. | 4652 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 367-WCHF (9243) | @WorldChessHOF #BeautifulGameChess      This exhibition is supported by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Photo: Mary Chess, Chess Piece Perfume Set in Spice Box, After 1957, Collection of the , www.milton-lloyd.com UK’s favourite fragrance company. Cover Story / Christopher Yoo Milestone Maker IM Christopher Yoo, 12, is running out of age records to break. By IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY

rom winning his first grade state championship to becoming the youngest international master in American history, 12-year-old IM Christopher Yoo has blown past nearly every milestone set in front of him. Raised in the chess hotbed that is northern California, Christopher Fhas been fortunate to have access to a wide variety of players, coaches, classes, and tournaments. He learned the rules of the game a few months before his seventh birthday during weekly after school classes at the Berkeley Chess School. His progress wasn’t immediate—his father, Young-Kyu Yoo, had to help him understand how the knight and bishop moved—but once he got the basics down pat, he took off. Christopher soon started playing tournaments, and just four months after he was taught how to play, he had his first huge success: becoming the first grade state champion—not a small feat in highly competitive “NorCal.” According to his father, “his interest skyrocketed from there.” One year later, Christopher had already broken 1700 (US Chess rating) and had won the second grade state championship as well. Christopher took a few lessons with the late IM Emory Tate (known for his own brilliantly dynamic style), but his first regular coach was Wei Lu, a local chess trainer. Along with weekly lessons, Lu would assign homework that consisted of solving puzzles either from tactics books or the popular CT-Art chess software. Later, Christopher moved on to solving puzzles on Chess.com and Chesstempo. In the earlier years, Christopher would spend anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours per day on chess, mostly working on tactics. As he grew older, he started to study more and more, upping his workload to several hours per day.

A TALENT FOR HARD WORK few months later. But he continued to work hard, and as soon as he Christopher’s early success could be attributed to a few factors that managed to find the confidence to play aggressively without worrying melded well together. According to Young-Kyu, Christopher’s initial about risking rating points, Christopher soon broke out of the slump strengths were his pattern recognition and his ability to focus. That’s and started quickly heading towards the national master (NM) title. already a great start, but when you combine it with an intense passion Skipping to the end of 2016: Christopher had great chances to become for chess as well as a desire to work, you have a solid recipe for a future the youngest NM in US Chess history, needing to reach 2200 by about superstar. As his father recalls—and as anyone who’s met Christopher a month before his 10th birthday. With just a week to go Christopher can tell you—Christopher has an unusual curiosity about the game. had a golden opportunity to break the record, but in time trouble he This curiosity and pure enjoyment might explain why Christopher put spoiled a winning endgame against a master and lost. Although it in a lot of training hours at an exceptionally early age. As former world was devastating, just a few days later Christopher bounced back and champion GM Garry Kasparov might describe it, Christopher has a defeated another master, crossing 2200 in the process and earning the natural talent for hard work! And it may be this curiosity that spurred NM title with just two days to spare. Christopher to start an early career in chess problem composition as During this time Christopher’s main coach was Khachiyan, but he well—but more on that later. also worked occasionally with esteemed coaches Bruce Pandolfini When he was a class A player, Christopher started working with and GM Gregory Kaidanov. According to Khachiyan, along with his GM Melik Khachiyan of southern California, an exceptional coach fantastic tactical ability, Christopher was born for dynamic play. His who trained and developed the talent of none other than GM Levon two annotated games against GM Conrad Holt and FM Marcel Harff, Aronian. Christopher continued to make rapid progress, earning presented later in the article, are certainly representative of that. his next success by winning the expert (U2200) section in the 2015 Upon reaching master, Christopher did not stop working and his CalChess State Championship—quite an achievement for a player who lightning-fast progress continued to be impressive. In the summer of had not yet reached 2000! This big win allowed Christopher to become 2017, Christopher won the U16 section of the North American Youth a US Chess-rated expert himself at the age of eight years, nine months. Championships, earning an international master (IM) norm with the Not a record, but an incredible feat! title. One year later, during a streak of 15 straight tournaments with a As often happens when milestones are reached, Christopher hit a rating gain, Christopher earned his second IM norm in a round-robin slump after he reached expert. Despite continuing to train and play, organized by the Berkeley Chess School. He also crossed the 2400 FIDE

his rating did not improve—in fact, it dropped nearly 100 points a rating requirement for the international master title in the process. LLADA DAVID PHOTO:

38 October 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / Christopher Yoo

Christopher’s initial strengths were his pattern recognition and his ability to focus.

www.uschess.org 39 Cover Story / Christopher Yoo

RECORD-BREAKER The following month, Christopher won the CalChess State Championship, becoming the youngest state champion in California history (11 years, nine months), beating GM ’s record by five years. Christopher considers this win one of his biggest achievements. With his FIDE rating already over 2400, Christopher spent a few months hunting the final IM norm. He finally got it at the 2019 Berkeley International, and, at the age of 12 years and 19 days, Christopher became the youngest international master in American history. While achieving his final norm, Christopher also played one of the most memorable games of his life, scoring a huge upset win over super-GM Le Quang Liem:

CARO-KANN DEFENSE, EXCHANGE VARIATION (B13) FM Christopher Yoo (2438) GM Lê Quang Liêm (2793) 2019 Bay Area International (3), Burlingame, California, 01.03.2019 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bb5 e6 6. c4 dxc4 7. 0-0 Bd6 8. Nc3 Nge7 9. Bg5 0-0 10. Bxc4 b6 11. a3 Bb7 12. Re1 Rc8 13. Ba2 h6 14. Bh4 Qd7 15. d5 exd5 16. Nxd5 Nxd5 17. Bxd5 Rfe8 18. Rxe8+ Rxe8 19. Kh1 g5 20. Bxg5!? In danger of being worse, Christopher decides to sacrifice a piece for a potential attack against Black’s king. After 20. Bg3 Bxg3 21. hxg3 Rd8 22. Bb3 Kg7 Black would have a small edge. 20. ... hxg5 21. Nxg5 Nd8 A good response, covering f7 and forcing a trade of light-square bishops. 22. Bxb7 Nxb7 23. Qd3 Kf8 The move 23. ... f5! would have strongly CHRISTOPHER JOINED SOME OF AMERICA’S TOP YOUTH CHESS TALENTS AT THE 40TH U.S. CHESS SCHOOL, HELD IN JULY IN ST. LOUIS. LEFT TO RIGHT: IM ARTHUR GUO, CHRISTOPHER, limited White’s attack, but it’s not easy to push GM , LIREN ZHOU. pawns in front of your king when under fire. 24. Qd4! 27. Nh7+ Ke7 28. Qf6+ Kd7 29. Qxd6+! 41. Nxb5 Nf5 42. Rxh6 Nxh6 43. Kf2 are both Threatening 25. Nh7+ Ke7 26. Qf6 mate, or lost for Black. if 25. ... Kg8 26. Nf6+. Puzzle Rush. 41. h6! 29. ... Nxd6 30. Nf6+ Ke6 31. Nxg4 Rxb2 24. ... Re5? 32. Ne3 All of a sudden Black has a very hard time Black needed to run with 24. ... Ke7! White has been left with an extra pawn but stopping White’s pawn. 25. f4?! Black’s pieces are quite active. 41. ... Nf5 42. h7 Re1+ 43. Kf2 Rh1 44. Natural, but missing an immediate win. 32. ... Re2 33. Nd5 Nc4 34. h4 Kf5 35. h5 Nd5! Re6 36. Rc1 Nd6 37. Kg1 Kg4 38. Rc7 a5 The move 25. Nh7+! was actually winning Defending h7 from afar. Black must give up here, with a very nice point 25. ... Kg7 (25. ... The position after 38. ... Kxh5 39. Rxa7 b5 the knight for the pawn. Ke7 26. Qh4+ Ke6 27. f4 Rf5 28. Re1+ Kd5 29. would be quite tough for White to win. Nf6+ Rxf6 30. Qxf6+–) 26. f4 Qg4 27. Nf6! and 44. ... Ng3 45. Rc8 Ne4+ 46. Ke3 Rxh7 47. 39. Rc6 b5? only this move (!), luring the king to f6. 27. Kxe4 Rh6 48. Ne3+, Black resigned. The final mistake. ... Qh4 (27. ... Kxf6 28. fxe5+ Kg5 29. Qxg4+ Down a piece Liem resigned. A messy but 39. ... Kxh5 40. f5 Rh6 41. f6! would not be Kxg4 30. exd6) 28. Nd7!. adventurous win for Christopher! so rosy for Black. But 39. ... Kg3! 40. Kf1 b5 41. 25. ... Qg4! Nc7 Rf6! would hold, as 42. Nxb5 doesn’t work Becoming America’s youngest-ever IM A nice active defense. due to 42. ... Rxf4+. seems like a natural trajectory for a kid who 26. Rd1 Re2?! 40. Nc7! had already hit master after just a little over Threatening mate but allowing a trick. Grabbing the chance to get the h-pawn three years of tournament chess. And to add The bold 26. ... Rf5! was best, which could running. yet another record to his already huge list, after the above game Christopher likely became the lead to 27. Qh8+ Ke7 28. Re1+ Kd7 29. Qe8+ 40. ... Re7 Kc7 30. g3! with a complex situation and all youngest player ever to defeat a 2700 rated PHOTOS: THIS PAGE, ERIC ROSEN; RIGHT, COURTESY OF SUBJECT COURTESY RIGHT, ERIC ROSEN; THIS PAGE, PHOTOS: three results still possible. The lines 40. ... Rf6 41. Nxb5 and 40. ... Rh6 player in a classical tournament game.

40 October 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / Christopher Yoo

TRAINING HABITS In his earlier years, Christopher’s training mostly consisted of solving tactics. But in more recent years Christopher has developed a large interest in endgames as well. Somewhat contrary to his dynamic style, Christopher’s favorite books include ’s The Art of the Endgame: My Journeys in the Magical World of Endgame Studies plus and Oleg Pervakov’s Studies for Practical Players: Improving Calculation and Resourcefulness in the Endgame. Christopher has also been spending time on the popular website Chessable, studying the classic Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual, Van Perlo’s Endgame Tactics, and another one of his favorites, Game Changer: AlphaZero’s Groundbreaking Chess Strategies and the Promise of AI, the recent work by and Natasha Regan. Christopher’s favorite chess players? GMs , Magnus Carlsen, and Garry Kasparov. When asked about his time spent studying on chess, Christopher said “I do a lot of chess, but not like the kids in India.” Apparently, Christopher had heard about their training habits from his friend, one of India’s top prospects, GM D Gukesh. Christopher graciously agreed to annotate two games for this article. The first, a win over GM Conrad Holt, features a stunning sacrifice:

FRENCH DEFENSE, CLASSICAL SYSTEM (C11) FM Christopher Yoo (2455) GM Conrad Holt (2646) 2018 Fall Chess Classic - Section B (8), St. Louis, Missouri, 10.17.2018 Notes by Yoo. 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 My opponent does not usually play this move. He probably went for this because of our previous game. 3. ... Bb4 4. e5 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Ne7 7. Qg4 0-0 8. Bd3 Nbc6 9. Bg5 Qa5 10. Ne2 Ng6 11. 0-0 Qa4 12. f4 c4 13. Bxg6 fxg6 14. f5! This pawn sacrifice helped me win a nice game. 14. ... gxf5 15. Qg3 b5 16. h4 a5 17. h5 Qxc2 18. Nf4 Ra7 19. h6 Rff7 20. Bf6 g6 21. Nxg6 hxg6 22. Qxg6+ Kf8 23. Rf3 Qb2 24. Rd1 Ne7 25. Bxe7+ Raxe7 26. Rg3 Ke8 27. h7 Kd7 28. h8=Q 1-0 Yoo-Holt, Berkeley 2018. 4. Bg5 dxe4 5. Nxe4 Be7 6. Bxf6 Bxf6 7. Nf3 0-0 8. Bc4!? This sideline threw my opponent off. White is preparing to queenside castle. ENJOYING A GAME IN HISTORIC WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK, NEW YORK CITY, 2016 8. ... Nd7 9. Qe2 c5 a5 Qc7 21. Ba4 Black does not have enough This is Black’s best option. 16. Kb1 a6 17. Rhf1 The continuation 9. ... a6 10. 0-0-0 (10. c3 compensation. when White has a much easier position to [This is another plausible move.] 10. ... b5 11. play than Black. 15. ... Bb7? Bd3 Bb7 12. 0-0 Be7 13. b4. [White has a slight 16. Bxh7+!! pull, but there is a long game ahead.]) 10. ... b5 11. Bd3 Bb7 is unclear. This is the star move of this game. 10. 0-0-0 Be7 11. Nxc5 Nxc5 12. dxc5 Qc7 16. ... Kxh7 17. Rd7 Qc8 This is a typical idea, but I had something Also decisive is 17. ... Qb6 18. Qh5+ Kg8 19. prepared before the game. Nxf7. 13. Ne5 Bxc5 18. Rhd1! Another possibility is 13. ... Qxc5. 14. f4 Rb8 Bringing the last piece into the attack! (Another plan for Black is 14. ... a6!? 15. Bd3 18. ... Kg8 19. R1d3 Bc6 20. Rh3! Ra7 16. g4 b5 17. g5 Rc7 18. Kb1 Bb7 19. Rhf1 Bd5 when Black’s position is playable.) 15. Bd3 The king is more important than the rook! b5 16. Kb1 Bf6 17. Qe4 g6 18. h4 Bb7 19. Qe2. 20. ... Qxd7 White will go h4-h5 with an attack. White is also better after 15. ... f6 16. Qh5 g6 17. Nxg6 hxg6 18. Bxg6 Be3+ 19. Kb1 Bxf4 No better is 20. ... Bxd7 21. Qh5 Be3+ 22. 14. f4 b5 15. Bd3 20. Rhf1 e5 21. g3 Bg5 22. h4 Be3 23. Be4 Bb7 Kb1 or 20. ... g6 21. Nxg6! Qxd7 22. Ne7+! I did not go for 15. Bxb5 because I was 24. Qg4+ Qg7 25. Qxg7+ Kxg7 26. Bxb7. This Qxe7 23. Qg4+ Qg5 24. Qxg5 mate. thirsty for mate. However, after 15. ... Rb8 16. is an example of how play would follow if 21. Qh5 Be3+ 22. Kb1! Qd1+ 23. Qxd1 Rfd8 Rhf1 Qb6 17. c4 f6 18. Nc6 Rb7 19. a4 a6 20. both sides were to play perfectly; 15. ... Rb8 24. Qh5, Black resigned.

www.uschess.org 41 Cover Story / Christopher Yoo

11. ... Nxc6 12. Rd1 Qe8 13. h3 White prevents ... Bg4 from Black. The line 13. Be3 Bg4 14. h3 Bxf3 15. Bxf3 Rc8 16. Nc3 Nc4 is slightly better for Black. 13. ... Be6 14. Nc3 Nb4 15. Qb1 Black’s lead in development gives him an advantage after 15. Qe2 Bc4 16. Qd2 Rd8 17. Qxd8 Qxd8 18. Rxd8 Rxd8 19. Be3 Nc2. 15. ... Rd8 I decided to fight for the d-file. 16. Be3 Rxd1+ 17. Qxd1 Qc8! 18. Rc1 Rd8 19. Nd5 I also considered 19. Nd4. 19. ... Qb8!. I did not consider this move. (19. ... Nc6. This is what I was planning to do. 20. Nd5 Bxd5 [20. ... Nxd5 21. Nxe6 Nxe3 22. Qxd8+! This is the difference!] 21. exd5 Bxd4 22. Bxd4 Nxd5) 20. a3 Nc6 21. Nd5 Bxd4 22. Bxd4 Nxd5 23. exd5 Bxd5 when Black is better. 19. ... Qd7 20. Bxb6 Not 20. Rc7 Qxc7! 21. Nxc7 Rxd1+winning a rook. 20. ... axb6 21. Qb3 Nxd5 22. exd5 Better was 22. Rd1! h6 23. exd5 Bxd5 24. Qxb6. (White is threatening Ne5.) 24. ... Ra8 25. a3 e6 26. Ne1 Qc6 27. Qxc6 bxc6 when Black is slightly better because of the weakness on b2. 22. ... Bxd5 23. Qxb6 Bc6 Even stronger was 23. ... Bxa2!? 24. b3 (After 24. Rc7 Qd1+ 25. Kh2 Bf6 26. Rxb7 Kg7 Black’s two bishops are superior.) 24. ... Rc8 25. Rxc8+ Qxc8 26. Nd2 Qc1+ 27. Nf1 e6 28. Qxb7 Qb2 29. b4 Bd4 30. Ne3 Kg7. 24. b3?!

POSING WITH SUPER-GM FABIANO CARUANA AT THE 2015 OPEN IN LAS This move does not improve White’s VEGAS. position. Better was 24. h4 e5?! (24. ... Ra8 25. Qb3 The second game is a complex struggle b6 9. Nc3 Bb7 the pawn structure leads to a h6 26. Rd1 Qc7 27. Ne1) 25. Ng5! (This is the against FM Marcel Harff that ended in a rare somewhat dry position. point of h4.) 25. ... Qd2 26. Rc4. “four queens” endgame: 24. ... e5 25. Re1? 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. e4 Nb6 9. d5 Na5 10. Qc2 This move lets me get more space. FIANCHETTO GRÜNFELD, Better was 25. Qa5 Qe7 (After 25. ... e4 26. MAIN LINE (D74) I did not know of this move before the game. Ne5. [This is the point of White’s last move.] FM Marcel Harff (FIDE 2412, GER) The main line is 10. Nc3 c6. There are lots 26. ... Bxe5 27. Qxe5 Qd2 28. Ra1 Rd6 when IM Christopher Yoo (FIDE 2414, USA) of possibilities for White; most of them lead to Black has the initiative, but converting is not 6th GM double-edged positions. an easy task.) 26. Nd2 Bh6 27. Rc2 e4. tournament 2019 (5), Heraklion, 10. ... c6 11. dxc6?! Greece, 05.03.2019 25. ... e4 26. Nh2 Bc3! Notes by Yoo. This move gives me a comfortable position. The white rook has no good squares. He gives up his strong d5-pawn. Now my 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 0-0 27. Re2 pieces have more space. 5. d4 d5 The continuation 11. Bd2!? Nac4 12. Bc3 After 27. Rc1 Bd4 28. Qb4 e3! 29. Bxc6 I decided to go for a complicated position. cxd5 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. exd5 Bf5 15. Qc3+ Kg8 exf2+ 30. Kg2 bxc6 31. Nf3 c5 32. Qc4 Qc6 33. After 5. ... c6 6. 0-0 d5 7. cxd5 cxd5 8. Ne5 a4 Re8 White cannot defend his exposed king. 16. Nd4 Bxb1 17. Raxb1 Rc8 is equal. OF SUBJECT COURTESY PHOTO:

42 October 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / Christopher Yoo

27. ... Qd1+ 28. Bf1 f5?! Chess Life sent Christopher’s puzzles to the legendary GM Pal This move weakens my king. It is not Benko for his comments in late August, shortly before he died. necessary in this position. While Benko declined to do a full analysis, he did have this to The best followup was 28. ... h5 29. g4 (No better is 29. b4 Rd3 30. b5 [After 30. Re3 Rxe3 say about Christopher: 31. Qxe3 Bxb4 Black’s material advantage and “ Obviously ... he is a great talent. His third initiative gives him a winning position.] 30. ... Rxg3+ 31. fxg3 Bd4+) 29. ... Be5 30. gxh5 gxh5 prize in the FIDE tournament speaks for itself.” 31. Qe3 Rd6 when White has no good way to stop ... Rg6+ from Black. 29. Re3 Bf6 30. b4 Re8?! A NEW HOBBY Christopher started composing endgame studies for fun a few years ago, but he recently decided to take things more seriously and began entering problem compo- This allows a clever resource from White. sition tournaments earlier this year. Despite his youth, Christopher has already made serious More precise was 30. ... Qd6! 31. Bc4+ Kg7 waves in the world of composition. In February, a study he composed won third prize in the 32. Qc5 Qxc5 33. bxc5 Rd1+ 34. Nf1 Rc1 35. Helmut Steniczka Memorial Tournament. Later, on an even bigger stage, Christopher ended Be2 Rc2 and Black’s two bishops will decide up earning the bronze medal again, this time the game. in the FIDE World Cup of Composing. This 31. Qc5?! made Christopher the youngest med alist STUDY 2 A bit better was 31. Nf3! exf3?? (However, ever in the event—but of course! Black’s best is 31. ... Bd8! 32. Qd4 Qxd4 33. Christopher provided two of his com- WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN Nxd4 Bb6 34. Bc4+ Kg7 35. Re2! Bxd4 36. b5 posed studies for Chess Life readers to solve IM Christopher Yoo, 2019 Bd7 37. Rd2 Bxf2+ 38. Rxf2 Kf6 when Black’s (warning: they’re not easy!): passed pawn and more active king will decide the game.) 32. Rxe8+ Bxe8 33. Qxf6. STUDY 1 31. ... Bd4 32. Qc4+ Kh8 33. b5!? WHITE TO PLAY AND DRAW This leads to four queens! IM Christopher Yoo, 2019 33. ... Bxe3 34. bxc6 Bxf2+! 35. Kxf2 e3+ 36. Kg2 e2 37. Qc3+ Kg8 38. Qc4+ Maybe better was 38. cxb7!? e1=Q?? (After 38. ... exf1=Q+ 39. Nxf1 Qd5+ 40. Kg1 Qxb7. Black is up a clean Exchange.) 39. Bc4+ Kf8 40. Qf6 mate. 1. g8=B!! 38. ... Kg7 39. cxb7 e1=Q 40. Qc7+! Other promotions lead to various White prepares to get another queen. : 1. g8=Q Qxd5+ 2. Qxd5; 1. d8=R 40. ... Kh8 41. b8=Q Qdd2+ 42. Kh1 Qe4+ 43. Kg1 Qde3 mate! Qxd5+ 2. Rxd5; 1. Kb8 Qxd5 2. d8=N Qxd4. A unique final position! White is almost stalemated and can 1. ... Qb1 only strive for this drawing chance. CURRENT TRAINING AND Forced, threatening 2. ... Qb7 mate. FUTURE GOALS 1. g7! Bxg7 2. f6! Bxf6 3. e5 dxe5! 1. ... Qxd5+ 2. Bxd5 is notably not Recently, Christopher has started to receive a ! The only try for Black. lot of world-class coaching. His main coaches 2. d8=N! 4. Rb6! include GM Zviad Izoria, openings expert GM Another underpromotion, needed to Boris Avrukh, and author/trainer GM Jacob The try 4. Rb3+? fails to 4. ... Ka4! cover the b7-square. Aagaard. Thanks to support from the Kasparov and White is lost. (4. ... Kxb3 is another Chess Foundation, Christopher also works 2. ... Qb4 3. e8=R!! stalemate.) 5. Rxd3 e4+ 6. Kb1 exd3. with GM a few times per 4. ... Bg7 5. Rb7 3. e8=Q? Qb7+ 4. Nxb7 is another year, in addition to attending training sessions stalemate!; 3. d6 Qxd4 4. Nc6 Qe4 5. with Kasparov himself. Lastly, thanks to Not 5. Rg6? when Black has 5. ... Bf8 Bd5 Qxd5 6. e8=Q Qxd6. funding made available by winning the 2019 followed by ... Bc5-d4 winning. 3. ... Qb7+ Samford Fellowship (of which Christopher is 5. ... Bh8 6. Rb8 Bf6 7. Rb6 Bg5 the youngest recipient), Christopher recently The line 3. ... Qxd4 4. Re6+ Kb5 5. d6 To avoid the repetition, Black’s bishop started working with GM Boris Gelfand. eventually wins. has to leave the a1–h8 diagonal, which Christopher’s main focus seems to be on allows ... 4. Nxb7 , 1–0 getting better. This is welcome news for chess fans: over the coming years we’ll be treated 8. Rb3+! Kxb3 stalemate. No stalemate! to incredible chess from one of America’s brightest talents. Stay tuned.

www.uschess.org 43 W began when Nyzhnykbegan when fought a grueling way Nyzhnyk it, was “owed” Le sees agame. blundered acheckmate endgame. inthe the So ultimately tournament—simply the Le because World in2018,he won —and the University, Quang GMLe Liem. againstseven his former teammate at Webster Nyzhnykwinner GM Illia squared off in round Philadelphia, four-time when World Open themselves out. 44 Grand PrixEvent /World Open The circumstancesthat set paybackthe up Thelast time Nyzhnyk playedLe the at itAnd so was at 2019World the in Open

October 2019 | Chess Life not long before things balance you should have lost, it’s usually henever you agame win that Payback Time GM Illia NyzhnykGM Illia wins, then World the Championship Open GM Le Quang Liem turns tables the Quang Liem on last year’sGM Le winner, in an Armageddon showdownXiong. with GMJeffery spot,” Nyzhnyk says. up my lines and found difficult myself inavery Instead, heup messed big opening. inthe time to clinchpoised his fifth Open title. World and appeared—at least insome respects— player entering round with 5½ points seven Heseven. tournament the had led as only the six, fatigue followed Nyzhnyk into round prepare,” Nyzhnyk recalls. won game, the it wore himdown. Bruzon Batista of . Although Nyzhnyk five-hour round six game againstLazaro GM Le capitalizedLe on mistakes, the just as “Somewhere first in the 15 moves, Imixed Whereas took ahalf-point Le bye inround limited“I to time had eat, very rest, and By JAMAALBy ABDUL-ALIM “very strong”“very year. this “So happy Iam very well, but my missed chances at end.” the two years—2017 and played 2018—I also quite nament on my third attempt,”last says. Le “The of 2019World the Open. says he was delighted crowned to be winner the toughest games tournament.” inthis later article. inthis “It was probably one of my game against Nyzhnyk, is which annotated allowed me to win,” says Le of his round seven a year prior. Nyzhnyk capitalized on Le’s endgame blunder Le said field the Le the at World was Open “It for is really special me totour this win graduatedLe—who from Webster in2017— “Luckily committed Illia afew mistakes that -

PHOTOS: AUSTIN FULLER, COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS CAMPUS Grand Prix Event / World Open that I played decent chess and added one more was very vulnerable. The material is equal, but the combination coveted title to my resume,” Le says. The best move is 16. ... Rae8, but Illia was of White’s queen and knight is a deciding “This year he got me back,” Nyzhnyk says. likely worried about some tactics with 17. c4 factor. Moreover, Black’s pawn on f5 is very “It’s actually a fair result this happened.” (The position is equal after 17. Bxe6 Rxe6 18. weak. Black’s bishop cannot help to defend this Rxe6 fxe6 19. c4 Qa4! 20. Qxa4 Nxa4.) 17. ... very important pawn. Bb4 18. Re5 Qa3 19. Nf5 Bxf5 20. Rxf5 Bxd2 PETROFF DEFENSE (C42) 37. ... Qg6 38. Qh2 Qf6 39. Qb8 Qb6 40. GM Le Quang Liem (2789) 21. Qxd2 Qd6 and Black can hold here. Qf4 Qf6 GM Illia Nyzhnyk (2754) 17. Qg4 g6 40. ... Qxb3 41. Qxf5+ Kg8 42. Qd5+ Kh8 47th Annual World Open (7), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 07.06.2019 White also has better chances after 17. ... f5 43. Qh5+ Kg8 44. Qe8+ Kh7 45. Ng5+ Kh6 Notes by Le. 18. Qh5 Qd5 19. Bc2. 46. Nf7+ Kh7 47. Qe4+ Kg8 48. Qd5 Qb1+ 49. Kh2 Kh7 50. Ng5+ Kh6 51. Qxc5 should 18. Nf3? Illia Nyzhnyk is one of the most successful be winning. players in the history of the World Open, Returning the favor. This move is too slow 41. g3 b6 42. Nh4 Ke6 43. Qc7 Qe5 44. having won it four times from 2014-2018. and allows Black time to consolidate. Qc6+ Kf7 45. Qg6+ Kf8 46. Qxf5+ Qxf5 Before this round, Illia played a very good Instead, 18. f4 would be very strong with 47. Nxf5 game to beat Lazaro Bruzon Batista and was direct threats against Black’s king 18. ... f5 (The the sole tournament leader by half a point. endgame after 18. ... Qh5 19. Qxh5 gxh5 20. The rest is simple. Black does not have any Therefore, this was a must-win game for me! Nf5 is difficult.) 19. Qg3 Rf7 20. Nf3 Re7 21. real counterplay on the queenside. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 Ne5 Qd5 22. Bc2. 47. ... Bf6 48. Kg2 a6 49. Kf3 Kf7 50. Ke4 Ke6 51. f4 b5 52. Ne3 Bd4 53. Nd5 Kd6 I was slightly surprised here, as the Petroff 18. ... Qd5 19. Bh6 Rfe8 20. Nd2 Bxb3 21. axb3 f5 22. Qh4 Rxe1+ 23. Rxe1 Qf7 24. 54. g4 Kc6 55. Kd3, Black resigned. Defense is not one of his main openings. c4 Re8 25. Rxe8+ Qxe8 Overall, this was an exciting, although far 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Black managed to simplify into an equal, but from perfect, game. It was my favorite because Bd6 7. 0-0 0-0 8. c4 c6 9. Nc3 Nxc3 10. from a psychological point of view, it is much bxc3 dxc4 11. Bxc4 Bf5 12. Re1 perhaps slightly unpleasant, endgame. harder to win when you are in a must-win 12. Bg5 Qa5 (12. ... Qc7?! 13. Re1 h6? 14. 26. Bf4 Be7 27. Qg3 Nd7 28. Qe3 Kf7 29. situation and your opponent is not. Fortunately Nf3 Bf6 30. Be5 Nh4! Bh7 15. Bxh6 is known to be bad for for me, Illia was the last one to make a mistake. Black since the game GM Ian Nepomniachtchi Black’s king is little bit exposed, so I had to With this critical win, I joined the lead with -GM , 2017.) 13. Nh4 this line is not keep the queens on the board to create some three other players. I managed to play good dangerous for Black because of 13. ... Be6! 14. pressure. chess until the end to become the champion. Bxe6 Qxg5 15. Nf3 Qd8 16. Bb3 Nd7 and Black is very solid. 12. ... Nd7 13. Bg5 Qa5 Illia was blitzing out the moves up to this “ Nobody can walk into the point, which worried me a little bit. I could not recall exactly all my analysis, but I thought my tournament and say that they’re moves seemed natural. The continuation 13. ... Qc7 14. Nh4 Bg6 15. gonna be a favorite.” Nxg6 hxg6 16. h4 gives White a nice advantage. 14. Nh4 Nb6 ~ GM JOHN FEDOROWICZ The move 14. ... Be6? now does not work because of 15. Rxe6 fxe6 16. Bxe6+ Kh8 17. 30. ... Qe7 31. h3 c5 32. Qh6 Nxe5? Le’s win marks the fifth time since 2014 that Qh5. a Webster University student or alum has won This was Black’s second mistake in this 15. Bb3 Be6 first place at the World Open. Asked if that’s game. Luckily I did not miss my chances after testament to the strength of the chess program The try 15. ... Bd7 deserves consideration. that. at Webster, Nyzhnyk says: “Absolutely.” 16. Bd2 Rae8. 32. ... Bxe5 was the only move to maintain Le shared first place with GM Jeffrey equality 33. dxe5 (33. Nxe5+ Kg8) 33. ... Kg8 16. Bd2 Xiong, although he beat Xiong in an exciting 34. Qe3 Nf8 with a beautiful knight on e6, Armageddon tiebreaker that drew dozens of The position after 16. Rxe6 Qxg5 17. Re4 this position is most likely heading to a draw. onlookers. (Worse is 17. Nf3 Bxh2 or 17. Rxd6? Qxh4 White obtains a powerful passer after 32. ... Still, Xiong accomplished an impressive feat when the rook is trapped) 17. ... Rae8 18. Nf3 Kg8 33. Bxf6 Nxf6 34. d5. Qa5 or 16. Bxe6 Qxg5 17. Nf3 Qa5 18. Qb3 of his own. At 18 years old, Xiong became one Rad8 19. Bg4 Rfe8 is equal. 33. dxe5 Bxe5 34. Qxh7+ Bg7 35. h4! of the youngest players in the history of the World Open to win first place. 16. ... Bc4? Just in time to open up the kingside. GM John Fedorowicz, himself a five-time My opponent spent almost an hour on this 35. ... Qf6 36. h5 gxh5 winner of the World Open, says Xiong’s move, which was very atypical of his style. accomplishment is more impressive than Perhaps he was tired or feeling uncomfortable No better is 36. ... g5 37. h6 Qxh6 38. Qxf5+. when Fedorowicz won the World Open at age with the position. After this move, his kingside 37. Qxh5+ 18 back in 1977.

www.uschess.org 45 Grand Prix Event / World Open

GM LE QUANG LIEM, WHO WON THE WORLD OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP IN AN EXCITING ARMAGEDDON TIEBREAKER OVER GM JEFFERY XIONG, SHOWN HERE AT THE 2019 SUMMER CHESS CLASSIC AT THE SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB.

“Back then, even in the mid-80s, I’d go chess in the United States. football. Even if a school with a powerhouse to the World Open and I knew I would “He’s inching his way up there to the top five chess team were to recruit him, Xiong says be a contender for first place no matter or so in the United States,” Fedorowicz says of he’s still inclined to choose a school that has who played because I was pretty strong,” Xiong. a strong sports program. He plans to major in Fedorowicz says. “For some reason, a lot of Indeed, as of August, US Chess records something related to sports or finance. the foreign GMs didn’t come to play in the showed Xiong ranked as number six in the Le says he is playing chess full time. World Open. That was another thing that United States. “I plan to do it for the foreseeable future made it easier on us.” and see how far I can go as a professional chess But now, Fedorowicz says, “Nobody can So what can we expect from these young player,” Le says. Le says he sometimes gives walk into the tournament and say that they’re champions in the future? private lessons and tries other chess activities, gonna be a favorite. Xiong—who says he puts in five to seven such as giving a or “It’s unbelievable,” he says. “The two guys hours of chess study per day—is delaying creating chess instructional materials. that won [Le and Xiong] are strong. And college to play chess. He turns 19 in October. Nyzhnyk, who is set to graduate with a everybody, all the GMs are young now. It’s Although not quite sure what college he master’s degree in cybersecurity next fall, says CAMPUS really a tough tournament.” plans to attend, Xiong says, “I’m a big fan of he also plans to see how far he can go in the

Fedorowicz says Xiong’s victory bodes well sports, so I would like to go to a school that has world of chess. He says, “I want to give myself CHESS for both his chess career and the future of a sports program,” referring to basketball and a chance to go higher.” LOUIS

At A Glance 47th Annual World Open SAINT OF Date: July 2-7, 2019 | Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 9 sections | 1,348 players | Open: 1st-2nd, 7½: Le Quang Liem, Jeffery Xiong; 3rd-7th, 7: Hrant Melkumyan, , , Zaven Andriasian, Fidel Corrales Jimenez; 1st 2300-2449, 6½: Bryan G. Smith; 8th-10th, 6: Illia Nyzhnyk, , Jianchao Zhou, Arman

Pashikian, Sergey Erenburg, Yasser Quesada Perez, Carlos A Hevia Alejano; Under 2200, 1st, 8½: Rocky G. Pabalan; 2nd-3rd, COURTESY 7½: Igor Kovalchuk, Serik Kenzheyev; Under 2000, 1st, 8: Joshua Lewis-Sandy; 2nd-3rd, 7½: Nathaniel Albion Zhang, Adharsh Rajagopal; Under 1800, 1st, 8: Rama Yalavarthi; 2nd-4th/Other, 7½: Chris Williams, Grey Sosa, Ryan Arab; 2nd-4th/1st U1700,

7½: Max Li; Under 1600: 1st, 8: John Myles Flynn; 2nd-3rd, 7½: Michael W. Chen, Collin Smelcer; Under 1400, 1st-3rd, 7½: Daniel FULLER, George, Arav Patel, Guy Cardwell; Under 1200, 1st, 8: Sebastien Dstair; 2nd, 7½: Amy Huang; 3rd-6th, 7: Haibo Zhang, Gregory Klopper, Aram Atayan, Craig Hinkley; Under 900, 1st-2nd, 8: Ekeoma Osondu, Soham Patel; 3rd-5th, 7: Aiden Andrew Kuriakose, AUSTIN Grace Bady, Rachel Crystal Du; Unrated, 1st, 8½: Yonathan A. Sosa; 2nd, 8: Mikayel Andriasyan; 3rd, 6½: Boris Docevski. | Chief Tournament Director: William Goichberg.

See the complete standings at chessevents.com/worldopen/ PHOTOS: ALL

46 October 2019 | Chess Life The United States’ Largest Chess Specialty Retailer

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The Two Bishop Sacrifice English GM Anthony John Miles emerged victorious in this 1982 match against GM Walter Browne. By BRUCE PANDOLFINI

ANTHONY JOHN MILES (1955-2001) WAS White strengthens the long diagonal, but it’s the first English chess player to earn the Black who gets to castle first. grandmaster title in actual over-the-board 9. ... 0-0 play. Miles had some of his best results in the 1970s and 1980s with victories over a number The position is about even. Reasonable of world champions, including GMs Vasily variations from here offer equal chances.** Smyslov, Mikhail Tal, , and 10. Rc1 Par Score 5 Anatoly Karpov. This month’s column features White continues his development, but he an exciting victory over another champion, might have considered first playing 10. Qc2, GM Walter Browne (Black), who captured the with the idea of 11. Rd1. U.S. Championship six times. From a modest beginning, the game took a sudden turn when 10. ... d4 of either accepting or instilling an isolated Miles unleashed a winning kingside assault, This advance avoids any possibility of d-pawn by a timely central exchange.** fueled by two bishops. The opening moves of accepting an isolated pawn.** this Queen’s Gambit Declined (D40) were: 6. dxc5 Par Score 5 11. exd4 Par Score 5 6. ... Bxc5 QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED, White must take Black’s d-pawn, resulting Browne takes back and develops his SEMI-TARRASCH (D40) in a fairly balanced position. king- bishop.** GM Anthony Miles 11. ... Nxd4 GM Walter Browne 7. a3 Par Score 5 (11), Lucerne, Switzerland, Black seeks some trades to keep his balance. 11.11.1982 Miles prepares the advance b2-b4, which At this point, White doesn’t really have would gain space and clear b2 for the queen- anything.** 1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e6 4. e3 Nc6 5. bishop. Nevertheless, Black’s position is fine. d4 d5 12. c5 Par Score 5 7. ... a6 (see diagram next column) For now, the d4-knight hangs. Black guards b5 and gives the c5-bishop 12. ... Nxf3+ Now ensure that the position at the top of a retreat at a7. But he could just as well have the next column is set up on your chessboard. castled, with at least equality.** Black is okay after trading down, but that As you play through the remaining moves in 8. b4 Par Score 5 doesn’t mean White is without resource.** this game, use a piece of paper to cover the 13. Qxf3 Par Score 5 article, exposing White’s next move only after White continues with the plan, seizing trying to guess it. If you guess correctly, give space, without loss of time. Suddenly, it seems White has a little pressure yourself the par score. Sometimes points are 8. ... Ba7 against Black’s queenside and a slightly freer also awarded for second-best moves, and there game. In turn, Black stays with his plan, retreating may even be bonus points—or deductions—for 13. ... Bd7 other moves and variations. Note that ** means to a7. For the move 8. ... Bd6 please see the that White’s move is on the next line.** entertaining game Georg Rotlewi-Akiba Black relies on tactics to complete his In these symmetrical queen-pawn setups, Rubinstein, Lodz 1907.** development.** both sides keep their eyes on the possibility 9. Bb2 Par Score 5 14. Bd3 Par Score 5

48 October 2019 | Chess Life Solitare Chess / Instruction

PROBLEM I. PROBLEM II. PROBLEM III. ABCs of Chess Mating net Mating net Mating net These problems are all related to key positions in this month’s game. In each case, Black is to move. The answers can be found in Solutions on page 71.

October Exercise: Many diagrams show problems to be solved, tactics to be found, plans to be implemented, and simply positions to be remem- bered. Finding the solutions and ideas can be challenging. But PROBLEM IV. PROBLEM V. PROBLEM VI. there are other things to be gotten Mating net Mating net Mating net from diagrams, too. It helps to ask exploratory questions: How were the pawns doubled? Why are certain pieces off the board? What was the opening? Such queries should be part of an analytic investigation. As you get more logical and relevant in posing these kinds of questions, your overall game should improve.

Miles declines taking the b-pawn. Give 18. ... Kxh7 Black has no defense. Give yourself 1 bonus yourself 1 bonus point if you saw that 14. Qxb7, point more if you planned to answer 23. ... Rfe8 Add 1 bonus point if you saw that 18. ... Kh8 while playable, allows Black to complicate by 24. Rh4, with mate to follow. would be refuted by 19. Qh5.** matters with 14. ... Bxc5 15. bxc5 Rb8. 23. ... Black resigned. 19. Qh5+ Par Score 6 14. ... Bc6 19. ... Kg8 If you liked the two-bishop sacrifice in this Black defends b7 with a gain of time.** game, here are a few other examples: Lasker- How is White to continue? If 20. Qg4, Black 15. Ne4 Par Score 5 Bauer 1889 and Nimzowitsch-Tarrasch 1914. holds with 20. ... f5.** Did you know you could read archival copies Accept full credit for 15. Qh3. With 15. Ne4, 20. Bxg7 Par Score 8 White opens the b2-bishop’s line of attack. of “Solitaire Chess” (and all columns and The two bishop sac! White clears away features)? Go to uschess.org, click on “Chess Life 15. ... Nxe4 Black’s kingside pawn cover. Magazine,” and then “Archives.” And if you have a scholastic player in the house, be sure to check out Black still hopes to keep the position 20. ... Kxg7 together by logical central trades.** Pandolfini’s column in Chess Life Kids, “Avoid the Give yourself 1 bonus point if you saw Trap,” which teaches openings by helping young 16. Bxe4 Par Score 5 that 20. ... f6 could be met by 21. Qh8+ Kf7 readers avoid opening traps, and is also available 16. ... Qc7 22. Bxf8, when 22. ... Rxf8 loses the queen to members online at uschess.org. Black defends c6 and gets his queen off to 23. Qh7+.** the d-file. However, safer was 16. ... Bxe4 17. 21. Qg5+ Par Score 6 TOTAL YOUR SCORE TO Qxe4 Qc7.** DETERMINE YOUR White maneuvers his queen to a stronger APPROXIMATE RATING BELOW: 17. 0-0 Par Score 5 place. White finally castles, but you can accept full 21. ... Kh8 Total Score Approx. Rating credit for the logical exchange, 17. Bxc6. Black hopes to move the f-pawn, allowing 95+ 2400+ 17. ... Rad8 his queen to help in defense.** 81-94 2200-2399 Having cleared d8, Black naturally makes 22. Qf6+ Par Score 7 66-80 2000-2199 use of that square. But Browne, a pugnacious This check seals Black’s fate. Subtract 3 51-65 1800-1999 defender, may have fallen asleep for a moment points for the hasty 22. Rc4 which allows 22. ... and misses his last chance to avoid White’s 36-50 1600-1799 f5 23. Rh4+ Qh7 when Black lives on. attack with 17. ... Bxe4.** 21-35 1400-1599 22. ... Kg8 18. Bxh7+ Par Score 7 06-20 1200-1399 No better is 22. ... Kh7.** And now the game turns. Black doesn’t have 0-05 under 1200 much choice. 23. Rc4 Par Score 6

www.uschess.org 49 The Practical Endgame / Instruction

Calculation Fatigue The dangers of delving too deeply into one particular variation

By GM DANIEL NARODITSKY

THE REALIZATION THAT ONE HAS put ourselves in GM Georgiadis’ shoes. We squandered an opportunity to win the have exactly five minutes remaining (with brilliancy prize spawns a kind of stinging a 30 second increment), and our task is to pain that is among the nastiest sensations a determine whether there is a forced win. The chess player can experience. At the same time, following is an attempt to construct a train of it is a feeling that any chess player worth his thought that would have enabled White to get salt has experienced countless times. For the to the bottom of the position: brilliant tactician and flawless technician alike, Okay, I know that 27. Qxa3 gives me decent what-ifs and could-have-beens are inevitable winning chances, so I will take the knight if I’m by-products of a long tournament career. down to 30 seconds and don’t see anything clear. In this month’s column, we will examine a 27. Qxe7 looks awesome: the passed pawns are botched brilliancy of the most painful sort, AFTER 26. ... Qxc8 clearly overwhelming after 27. ... Nc4 28. b7 a game in which White came within a hair’s Qb8 29. d6 Nxe5 30. Qc7. But ... wait a second, breadth of crushing his higher-rated opponent attempt to promote his passed pawns in one Black can try to exploit my weak king with 27. with a gorgeous tactical sequence. Yet we do so of three ways: 27. b7, 27. Qxe7, and 27. d6. ... Qc1+ 28. Kg2 Nc2, threatening ... Ne1+. If not to rub salt in GM Nico Georgiadis’ wound After spending over half of his remaining five my king runs to h3, Black has a check on h6. nor to passively marvel at the beauty of the minutes, Georgiadis decided to play it safe: Unclear. What about 27. b7? Okay, then Black combination he overlooked. Rather, we seek 27. Qxa3 has 27. ... Qc1+ 28. Kg2 Bxe5. I can start with to deepen our understanding of the logic that 27. d6 to avoid that sequence—after 27. ... There is no doubt that Nico understood undergirds such a combination in an ultimate exd6 28. b7 I’m winning. But Black has 27. ... that Black’s drawing chances in the position quest to make it possible for us to find such Bxe5 and after 28. dxe7 something like 28. ... after ... Bxe5 and ... Qb8 would be quite high. ideas with regularity. Nb5. But now I don’t even have to hurry; I can At the same time, he probably also noticed the just transfer my queen to c6 with 29. Qe4 and far-advanced b-pawn and the fact that Black I really doubt that Black has enough firepower BRILLIANCY OR BUST has to simultaneously maintain the defensive to stop all of the threats. Worse comes to worst, GM Nico Georgiadis (FIDE 2488, SUI) construction along the dark squares and keep I can bail out by forcing Black to give up one of GM Santosh Gujrathi Vidit (FIDE 2689, IND) his king protected. Combine this with the his minor pieces. Let’s go for it! Grandmaster Rapid 2019 (4.4), Biel, additional presence of an (extra and passed) “Pah,” I can hear you saying, “you’ve got Switzerland, 07.25.2019 d-pawn, and the logic behind White’s decision the cart before the horse. If you didn’t know (see diagram next column) is rendered perfectly clear. 27. d6 was correct, you would have come up How does one approach this position with a completely different train of thought!” We join the battle right at its climax. After with only five minutes on the clock? There is This point is reasonable, but I believe that what uncharacteristically misplaying the opening, obviously no general algorithm to guarantee Georgiadis overlooked was not an esoteric Vidit managed to orchestrate a trade of rooks the correct decision; everything hinges on tactical detail deep into the variation, but along the c-file and it appears that his last-ditch the ability to swiftly and accurately calculate rather the fact that 27. d6 covers up the b8-h2 attempt at liquidation may just work. After 27. a daunting amount of variations, having first diagonal. Once this detail is noted, there Qxa3 Bxe5 28. Qxe7, Black responds with 28. made note of all relevant tactical patterns. should remain little doubt in White’s mind that ... Qb8, constructing an impenetrable barrier Is this even hypothetically possible, given this line yields by far the most promise. along the dark squares. However, capturing the stated time constraints? I believe that In fact, after 27. d6 Bxe5 28. dxe7, Black has on a3 is clearly not forced: White can instead the answer is yes. By way of proof, let us a far more resilient defense in 28. ... Kg7!

50 October 2019 | Chess Life The Practical Endgame / Instruction

PROBLEM I: 1500 LEVEL PROBLEM II: 2000 LEVEL Practicum Zurkhon Rizvonov GM Varuzhan Akobian (2645) Garry Kasparov GM Sam Shankland (2666) Each month GM Naroditsky will USSR Championship (U18), Vilnius 1975 U.S. Championship 2017, 04.02.2017 present two problems taken from actual games that illustrate the theme of this month’s column. Your task is to find the best line of play. Problem I should be solveable by a player at roughly a 1500 rating and Problem II by a player roughly at a 2000 rating.

See the solutions on page 71. BLACK TO MOVE BLACK TO MOVE

Given the 30-second increment, there is no Starting with 35. Qe8 would have led reason that he could not have waited until he nowhere due to 35. ... Qd6, with 36. h4 always had 30 seconds or even less, since Qxa3 and met by 36. ... h5. Qxe7 can be executed almost instantly. Yet 35. ... Qd6 36. Qc4 Qc7 37. Qe4 Qe5 38. having found none, he became discouraged. Qd3 h5 39. h4 Qd6 40. Qb3 Qf6 41. Qa4 The lesson, then, is clear: as infuriating as a Qd6 42. Bb3 Qb6 43. Bd5 Qd6 44. Qd4+ particular variation may be, it is crucial to Qe5 allocate your time so that you give yourself at least a few moments to consider all of your candidate moves. Had Nico looked at 27. d6, I am practically certain that he would have ANALYSIS AFTER 28. ... Kg7 chosen this continuation on the strength of his intuition alone. The fact that he took the The reason ChessBase News called this game a knight has nothing to do with the presence missed game of the year candidate is contained of a brilliant continuation down the road, in this position. When I first looked at it, the and everything to do with an understandable simple 29. Qd2 sprang to mind, intending 30. psychological error that we are all prone to Qd8 (immediately or after b7). But the line given making. in the article is far more beautiful: 29. b7 Qe8 27. ... Bxe5 28. Qxe7 Qb8 29. Qa7 a5! (Also losing is 29. ... Qb8 30. Bc6.) 30. b8=Q!! 45. Qxe5+?! (a stunning distraction tactic!) 30. ... Bxb8 31. Qd4+ f6 32. Qd8 Kf7 33. Bd5+, winning. Surely, This is tantamount to a draw offer. It was I figured, there must be something wrong with perhaps more prudent to continue grinding 29. Qd2, but upon checking with an engine, I with 45. Qc4, but I have no doubt that Vidit discovered that it was just as effective as 29. b7!. would have been able to hold the draw. The presence of this simpler, more utilitarian 45. ... Bxe5 46. Kf3 Bb8 47. Ke3 Kf6 48. path to victory casts into serious doubt the Kd4 Ke7 49. Kc5 Ke8 50. Kb6 Ke7 51. Ba2 notion that Nico was a millimeter away from Ke8 52. Bc4 Ke7 53. Bb3 Ke8 54. f3 Ke7 playing the game of the year. Avoiding 54. ... Bxg3?? 55. Ka7. Furthermore, the post-mortem confirms that this narrative should be nuanced. Both 55. g4 hxg4 56. fxg4 Ke8 57. Kc6 Ke7 players saw that 27. Qxe7 Qc1+ 28. Kg2 Nc2 is 58. g5 Ke8 59. Kc5 Ke7 60. Kd4 Kf8 61. Ke3 Bc7 62. Kf3 Kg7 63. Kg4 Bb8 64. unclear, and that 27. b7 Qc1+ leads nowhere. A pretty idea, even though Black would h5 gxh5+ 65. Kxh5 f6 66. g6 f5, Draw However, the possibility of 27. d6 went un- have remained within the confines of a draw agreed. men tioned by either player, leading me to even had he given up the pawn. After 30. Qxa5 believe that GM Georgiadis fell prey to what Bd4 Black wins the b-pawn, so White will have And so, in the process of looking behind the I call “calculation fatigue.” Calculation fatigue no choice but to give up one of his pawns in scenes of a botched brilliancy, we have realized occurs when you delve too deeply into the order to kill off the pesky a-pawn. that there really was no botched brilliancy to speak of! Yet this realization contributes intricacies of one particular variation. After 30. Qa6 Kg7 31. b7 a4 32. d6 Qxd6 33. to, rather than detracts from, this game’s failing to discover a favorable continuation, it Qxa4 Qb6 becomes tempting to revert to the safe option instructive value. without spending any time on the remaining The computer assigns White an over whelming Did you know you could read archival copies of candidate moves. advantage, but to my eye he has absolutely no way “The Practical Endgame” (and all columns and To this end, Georgiadis took the knight to make progress if Black exercises caution. features)? Go to uschess.org, click on “Chess Life with over two minutes left on his clock. 34. Kg2 Bb8 35. Bd5 Magazine,” and then “Archives.”

www.uschess.org 51

Grand Prix / Junior Grand Prix

2019 US CHESS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS NAME STATE PTS. 2019 AWARDS 1 GM HOVHANNES GABUZYAN TX 243.86 2 GM ILLIA NYZHNYK MO 240.30 $12,500 3 GM JEFFERY XIONG TX 163.08 IN CASH PRIZES! 4 GM ALEKSANDR LENDERMAN NY 162.00 5 GM ALEXANDER IVANOV MA 157.11 FIRST PRIZE: $5,000! 6 GM LAZARO BRUZON BATISTA MO 156.00 2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000 7 GM FIDEL CORRALES JIMENEZ MA 148.83 4th: $900 | 5th: $800 8 GM TIMUR GAREYEV KS 134.83 6th: $700 | 7th: $600 9 GM KAMIL DRAGUN TX 120.88 10 IM JOHN DANIEL BRYANT CA 120.41 8th: $500 | 9th: $300 11 IM ALEXANDER KATZ NJ 114.58 10th: $200 12 GM JIANCHAO ZHOU MA 112.80 13 GM DARIUSZ SWIERCZ MO 111.25

14 GM ELSHAN MORADIABADI NC 108.75 The Grand Prix point totals reflect all 15 GM BRYAN G. SMITH PA 106.38 rated event information as of September 4, 2019 for the 2019 Grand Prix.

2019 US CHESS JUNIOR GRAND PRIX STANDINGS The top prize for 2019 is a Chess.com one-year Diamond membership valued at $100, a Chess.com gear/merchandise package valued at $100, a US Chess award, free entry into the 2020 U.S. Open, and $1,000 of expense money from US Chess to offset the trip. For the top five players on the overall list and to each state winner, Chess.com also awards a choice of a one-year ChessKid.com gold membership (valued at $50/annually) or a one- year Chess.com Gold membership (valued at $40/annually). US Chess gratefully acknowl edges the participation of Chess.com !

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N

Name State Pts. State Leaders State Pts. State Leaders State Pts. T

ARIVOLI, SADHANA CA-N 8778 RAJ, RIA IL 6515 WU, ABBIE OR 5241 S ZHANG, ROGER NJ 8223 CHENG, ALEX IN 5548 XIAO, JAMES PA 4896 C ARUTLA, ADITYA CA-N 8034 SHESHAPPA, SAMEETH KS 3295 LITMANOVICH, JOSHUA RI 2550 ZHAO, MAXWELL ZHIYUAN IL 7989 MARJADI, DWINATA R KY 1960 LIU, CONNOR SC 2003 C ZHAO, SOPHIA ZIYAN IL 7815 WATSON, THOMAS, III LA 2708 BENGOA, KATSI TERR 1050 O

KUNAMNENI, SUJAY MA 5683 VADDI, GIRISH TN 3838 K State Leaders State Pts. SHIMAN, ANDREW LEWIS MD 6282 VELICHETI, PRAJITH TX 6020 K BORBRIDGE, WALTER AK 564 THOMAS, AIDAN ME 2325 RAY, UJAN UT 4671 ENGERISER, WILSON CHARLES AL 5056 WANG, RYAN R MI 6633 ZHUANG, KYLE VA 7427 D LEE, KENNETH AR 1807 NARAYANAN, SAMRUG MN 3903 COLLINS, ALEXANDER VT 2251 L XU, JAYDEN WA 5208 REMPE, LENNIK AZ 3720 PANDA, AARADHYA MO 4052 G SINGH, HERSH WI 4401 PULLELA, SRICHARAN CA-N 7625 WILKINSON, PARKER MS 2717 ROBERTSON, CHAEL WY 456 G ATWELL, ROSE CA-S 5479 FINK, CHRISTIAN PAUL MT 1750 IJJU, RITHVIK CO 2857 RAMESH, RAHUL NC 6080 K SU, JASMINE ZHIXIN CT 7138 KOLLI, SAI NE 2410 P ALTMAN, JOSHUA A DC 6270 SAWDEY, THOMAS NH 1148 B BOSE, SIDDHARTH DE 5146 MISHRA, ABHIMANYU NJ 7247 J VUDUTALA, SAKETH K FL 4755 SCOTT, JOHN JULES NM 2338 GUO, ARTHUR GA 4792 CHONDRO, WILLIAM NV 1510 T KIM, BENJAMIN YUNE HI 3400 CHAN, JADEN J NY 6628 P RAO, ANJANEYA IA 5304 SONI, ARJUN GORAKH OH 4341 KODIHALLI, KAUSTUBH ID 2465 HUANG, MIRANDA JOY OK 5687 Official standings for events received and processed by September 10, 2019.

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54 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

The Tournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of US Chess members and for Nationals informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither US Chess nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of A Heritage Event! anything contained in these tournament announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having OCT. 12-14, NORTH CAROLINA 2019 (60TH ANNUAL) U.S. ARMED FORCES OPEN (USAFO) questions con cerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP diligence in providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such 5-SS, 40/2, SD/30 d5, FIDE-rated. USCF Ratings will be used for pairing work. purposes. MCB Camp Lejeune, NC. 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Byes for rounds 3, 4 & 5 may not be changed after the start of round Note: US Chess Junior Grand Prix events do not have to necessarily be Scholastic or Youth tournaments. They do, 2. Hotels: See website. Info: For all questions contact Sara Walsh, at however, have to have the required number of rounds and time control in order for scholastic and youth players to gain [email protected], or 910-546-5250. Bring your delay-capable clocks and sets! Limited sets and boards provided. JGP points for prizes. For more information, please see the JGP rules at http://www.uschess.org/datapage/JGP-Rules.php. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! DEC. 13-15, FLORIDA $225 per team by December 1, $275 after or on-site. Online entry: www.char- ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than 1000. January 2020 Supplement, 2019 NATIONAL K-12 GRADE CHAMPIONSHIPS lottechesscenter.org, Mailed entry: Charlotte Chess Center, 10700 Kettering CCA min, & TD discretion used to place players accurately. Main Event 7SS, G/90 d5. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 W. Buena Vista Dr., Charlotte, NC 28226. Prizes: Top 4 teams, on tiebreaks if necessary, Prizes: Special 4 commemorative clocks and team plaque to the team for Dr., Orlando, FL. Guest rooms can be booked, NLT 11/8/2019, by calling qualify for 2020 Final Four of College Chess Championship. Plaques to top Top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400, and u1200. (407) 939-1000, mention “US Chess”. HR: $135 Single/Quad (fees and 10 teams, top team 2000-2199 (Division II), 1800-1999 (Division III), 1600- Trophies to all players of the top “Female” team, top “College” team, top applicable taxes not included). 13 Sections. Play only in your grade 1799 (Division IV), 1400-1599 (Division V), top International team, top “High School” team, top “Elementary School” team, top “Club” team, and section – No “playing up” allowed. December Rating Supplement will Community College, mixed doubles team (2 male/2 female), top four-year top “Family” team. Clocks to top scorer on each board (1-4), trophy to top be used. Only one 1/2-point bye available in any round, if requested small college (<5000 enrollment), top all-female team, board prizes, upset reserve as well as second and third scorers on each board (1-4). Main prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of top three (minimum prizes, etc. Rules: FIDE Laws of Chess apply, no electronics, players and Event EF: $276/team or $69/player by 2/7. 2/8-14: $20 extra per player two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and teams will generally be ranked based on December US Chess supplement or $80 per team & Onsite. A change fee equal to the late fee will apply for team, including ties, will be the National Champion for their grade. ratings, College Chess Rules: www.collegechess.org/Files/final-four- any changes, other than bye requests within 3 days of the tournament. 3- Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 PM. Rds.: Fri. 1 PM – 6 PM, rules.pdf Schedule: Friday 12/27 On-site Registration 10am-2pm. Coaches day Sched: Onsite Registration @ Sat 9-10a, Round Times @ Sat & Sun Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM - 6 PM, Sun. 9 AM - 1 PM. Awards Ceremony: Sun., Meeting 4:30-5:00pm, Opening Ceremony 5:00pm, Organizer’s Reception 11a 4:30p, Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: 40/120 SD/30 d5. 2-day Sched: approx. 5 PM. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 PM - 5:30 (open to all) 5:30pm. Rounds 12/27: 6:30pm, 12/28: 12 & 6, 12/29: 12 & Onsite Registration @ Sun 8-8:30a, Round Times @ Sun 9a 11:30a 2p PM, Sat. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sun. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM. K-1 6, 12/30: 10am, Awards Ceremony 3:30. USCF College Chess Committee 4:30p; Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: G/61 d5 in Rounds 1-3, 40/120 SD/30 Awards Ceremony: Sun. approx. 4:30 PM. EF: $60/participant postmarked meeting Sat 10am. Hotel: Beautiful lakeside Hilton University Place Charlotte, d5 in Rounds 4-6 (merge in Round 4 with 3-day schedule). Info: www.mili- or online by 11/25, $80 postmarked or online by 12/2, $95 by 12/11, 8629 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte, NC, many food options in walking distance. brary.org/chess/usatw Scholastic Event Prizes: Trophies to each player $100 on site; $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $30 fee for roster 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Free parking, in Top 3 teams overall, Top u1200 team ,u900 team, u600 team, u300 or section changes after 12/5 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration free wifi. Hotel rate $101 - king bed or 2 doubles (up to 4 in room), reserve team. Trophies to top “Girls” team, top “School” team, and top “Club” Thurs. 9 AM to 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM to 11 AM. Players who register or by 12/1. All participants invited to Charlotte Open “super swiss” open team. Trophies to top two scorers on each board (1-4). Commemorative change sections after 11 AM on Friday will receive a 1/2-point bye for tournament, Jan 1-5 at same location. Registration, Info: www.charlot- medals to all others. Scholastic Event EF:$196/team or $49/player by Rd. 1. Awards: Awards to top individuals & top teams in each grade. techesscenter.org [email protected]. College Chess 2/7. 2/8-14: $15 extra per player or $60 per team & Onsite. Sched: Onsite Every player receives a commemorative medal! Full list of awards on Committee Chair: Kelly Bloomfield, [email protected] Registration: Sat 8-9a | Games @ Sat 10a 11:30a 1p 2:20p 3:40p. Info: tournament info page. Side Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11 AM, Reg. www.milibrary.org/chess/usatw Guest room: discounted rooms onsite only Thurs. 9-10 AM, $25/team. Blitz: K-6 and K-12, G/5 d0, A Heritage Event! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! @145/night, link to room is on website. Contact: Organized by Judit Thurs. 5 PM, Reg. onsite until 4 PM. Blitz EF: $20 by 11/25, $25 after or Sztaray and Abel Talamantez. Chief TD: John McCumiskey. Online entry at at site. Blitz Awards: Awards in K-6 and K-12 sections. Full list of awards FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN www.milibrary.org/chess/usatw or mail to Mechanics’ Institute Chess on tournament info page. Bughouse Awards: Top 5 Teams. Team Rooms 36TH ANNUAL (2020) U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Club, 57 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94104. For questions or help in forming are limited. Contact Pete Karagianis at 931-200- 9477 or by email: - WEST teams email [email protected]. W. [email protected]. General Questions: Susan Kantor at Scholastic on Feb. 15 only. Sponsored by Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club. 931.787.1234 ext.136. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: 2019 K- Hyatt Regency SFO, 1333 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010. Discounted US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at parking for $15/day. Teams: Four-player teams plus optional alternate, FEB. 21-23, ILLINOIS https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. See website average rating of four highest must be under 2200, difference between 2020 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - NORTH for additional information about the event, advance entries, awards, team rooms, meetings, updates, corrections, and registration forms, www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/k12/ US Chess Junior Grand Prix! ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS DEC. 21-22, WISCONSIN TOURNAMENT LIFE: 2019 U.S. AMATEUR NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised. Playing site: Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 S. 13th St., Mil- waukee, WI 53221; 414-764-5300. **This event is held concurrently BLZ: Blitz rated. Memb. Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers with the North Central Championship—see Grand Prix.** Three sec- Quick Chess events. req’d: to state affiliate. tions: u2200, u1400 (Saturday only), Scholastic u1000 (Saturday only). QC: EF: $35 by December 9th, $40 by December 19th, $50 after December $$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong 19th. U2200 Section (Saturday-Sunday): 4SS, G/90, inc/30. Prizes: players, but some eligible for lower sections can plaques to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and top u2000, top u1900, top u1800, $$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed to play for the learning experience. top u1700, top u1600, top u1500, top u1400 Schedule:l ate registration: payfull prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised 9:30-10:15am on Saturday, rds. Sat: 11am & 4pm, Sun: 10am & 3pm. prize fund of $501 or more must be awarded. Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength players. U1400 Section & U1000 Scholastic (Saturday only): 4SS, G/40+5 Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it second delay. Rounds: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm. U1400 Prizes: plaques RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and top u1100, top u1000, top u900, top u800, inconvenient to play may take 1⁄2-point byes top Unrated. U1000 Scholastic Prizes: plaques to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means 1⁄2-point Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For 5th, top u900, top u800, top u700, top u600, top u500, top Unrated. byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3. example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & Blitz Championship: Saturday at 8:00pm. HR: $75, mention chess Ent: CC: Chess club. 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the (include name, contact email and phone number) ViaPayPal (preferred): second day. log in, choose “send money” option selecting to send to abetaneli@hot- dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. mail.com, pick “sending to a friend” and enter the appropriate amount. Reg: Registration at site. Via mail: checks to WI Chess Academy, 1280 Greenway Terrace #1, +xx: Time increment, xx = number of seconds added Brookfield, WI 53005. All entries confirmed via email. More information: after each move. RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). [email protected] or [email protected]. EF: Entry fee. SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Where to mail entries. DEC. 27-30, NORTH CAROLINA Ent: player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then 2019 PAN-AMERICAN INTERCOLLEGIATE TEAM CHESS FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. complete the rest of the game in an hour. CHAMPIONSHIP Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has Hilton University Place Charlotte, 8629 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte, NC. 6 G/: SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of round, team swiss, G/90 inc/30, FIDE-rated. Open to collegiate 4-player 75 minutes for the entire game. rounds). teams plus up to 2 optional alternates from university, college, community GPP: Grand Prix Points available. Unr: Unrated. college, and technical college teams from North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. All teams and team members are HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. subject to US Chess College Chess Eligibility Rules (www.collegechess.org), single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. Tournaments that will use a player’s online rating. teams must supply a letter for their universities stating that the players WEB: meet eligibility requirements. All colleges/universities may enter multiple JGP: Junior Grand Prix. teams. Chess boards and sets provided, please bring clocks. Entry Fee:

www.uschess.org 55 Tournament Life / October

Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2-day: rd.1-2 G/60 d5. Hyatt Regency $100; U2000: $100. U1800: $300-150; U1600: $300-150; U1400/U: Two use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. 847-605-1234 $50 Book prizes; Free for GMs, WGMs, IMs; unless win prizes. Info: Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, 347- $105.00 chess rate single-double-triple-quad until 2/10/20, Free WiFI (310) 795-5710; [email protected] or www.LAChessClub.com. 201-2269, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries included with Room! Please reserve early. MORE PRIZES this year! Open Parking: Free on streets or BoA or basement. Register Online: posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tour- to 4 player teams with one optional alternate. Two sections: Open www.LAChessClub.com for 5% off EF. nament Sun. 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. and Reserve. Team average (4 highest ratings – Jan 2020 Rating List) must be under 2200 for Open, average must be under 1600 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A Heritage Event! for reserve. EF: $180 per team if received USPS or online 6pm by Feb. OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14, VIRGINIA US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 7, $200 if received USPS or online 6pm by Feb. 15, $220 online until US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) OCT. 11-13 OR 12-13, ILLINOIS Feb. 21 9:30am and on site. Individuals wishing to play send $60 by 11TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON CHESS CONGRESS US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) USPS or on-line by 2/15 6pm, $70 thereafter, and request to be put on Premier Section, 9SS, Oct 10-14, 40/100, SD/30 d10; GM & IM norms 28TH ANNUAL MIDWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS a team. (Note: we can guarantee you will play, but can’t guarantee possible, FIDE rated. Other Sections, 7SS, Oct 11-14 or 12-14, 40/100, 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Chicago which schedule, which board you will play, or the ratings of your team). SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rounds 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Tysons Corner, North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Team changes on site or after 2/21 6pm, $20. See www.chessweek- 7801 Leesburg Pike (VA-7), Falls Church, VA 22043. Free parking, free Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 to Lake Cook Rd end.com for more info, team rules and categories, complete prize shuttle to Tysons Corner Center and Metro. $26,000 guaranteed prizes. to US-45 south). Free parking. $20,000 guaranteed prizes.. In 7 sections. list. Open Section Prizes: Winning team qualifies for national play- In 4 sections: Premier: Open to FIDE 1900/over, USCF 2000/over, and all Premier (1900/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak offs. Awards to top 3 teams, top teams u2000 and u1800, top college foreign FIDE rated. $3000-2000-1000-800-700-600-500-400, clear or $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. 1700-2099: $1400-700-400-200. 1500- team, top HS team, top junior team (HS and under), top mixed doubles tiebreak first bonus $100, top FIDE Under 2300/Unr $1400-700. FIDE. 1899/Unr: $1400-700-400-200. 1300-1699/Unr: $1300-700-400-200. team (2 men and 2 women), top senior team (all 50 & over), top individual Minimum prize $700 to first 7 foreign GMs to enter online by 9/27 who 1100-1499/Unr: $1200-600-400-200. Under 1300/Unr: $1000-500-300- score each board. Reserve Section Prizes: top 2 teams, top teams play all 9 rounds with no byes, minimum prize $400 to first 7 foreign 200. Under 1100/Unr: $500-300-200-100, plaques to top 3, top U900, U700, u1300 and U1000, top K-8 team, top female team and top individual IMs/WGMs to enter online by 9/27 who play all 9 rounds with no byes, U500, Unrated. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player score each board. Special prizes: best team name, best costume or minimum prize $300 to the following who enter online by 9/27 and play combined score among all sections: $800-400-200. Must average under theme. Prizes are clocks or book store credit. Books and equipment by all 9 rounds with no byes: other foreign GMs, US GMs, foreign WIMs. 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 10/12. Rochester Chess. Rounds: 3-day: on-site registration/check-in 2/21 Under 2100: $2000-1000-500-300-200, top Under 1900 (no Unr) $1200- Unrated prize limits: $100 U1100, $200 U1300, $300 1100-1499, $400 5:30-6:30pm, rds.: 7pm; 10:00am & 4:00pm; 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2- 600. Under 1700: $1700-900-500-300-200, top Under 1500 (no Unr) 1300-1699, $500 1500-1899. Top 6 sections EF: $113 online at day: on-site registration/check-in 2/22 8:00-9:30am, rds. 10:00am & $800-400. Under 1300: $1000-500-300-200-100, top Under 1100 (no Unr) chessaction.com by 10/9, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 10/4, all $130 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Northern Blitz Championship Saturday $400-200. Prize limits: Unrated cannot win over $200 in U1300, $400 in at site, or online until 2 hrs before round 1. Under 1100 EF: all $50 less night, $25 by 2/21 USPS or online, $30 online or at site. First round U1700, or $600 in U2100. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female than above. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5 less to ICA 8pm, 5/SS double rounds G/3, inc. 2 (2 games w/each opponent), Blitz 2-player team combined score among all sections: $1000-500. Only first 7 members; join/renew at il-chess.org. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually is FIDE rated, see www.chessweekend.com for details. All: Register rounds of Premier counted. Team must average under 2200; may play in used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with at www.kingregistration.com Checks made payable and sent to: different sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423. Please include 2. Ratings: October FIDE ratings used in Premier, USCF October official $15. Mailed or paid at site, $40, $25 & $17. Re-entry $50; not available in Team’s name and roster (plus ID#), captain’s email and phone number, in other sections. Unofficial web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated, Premier. GMs $100 from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. and desired schedule. Info: www.chessweekend.com, glenn@chess- Top 3 sections EF: $158 online at chessaction.com by 10/9, 5-day $165, Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, weekend.com. Boards and Sets provided, must bring clocks. 4-day $164, 3-day $163 if check mailed by 10/1, all $180 at site until 1 rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; Premier must commit hour before rd 1, or online at chessaction.com until 2 hours before rd. 1. before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $113-113-113-113, 800-937-8461, Car rental: U1300 Section: all EF $60 less than top 3 sections EF. Premier Section 847-777-6500, reserve by 9/27 or rate may increase. Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental GMs, IMs, WGMs: free, $150 deducted from prize; no deduction from Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc- Grand Prix minimum prize. Premier FIDE rated foreign: EF $60 less than top 3 torAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Special 1 yr USCF dues sections EF. with magazine if paid with entry: posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Bring set, OCT. 4-6, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. board, clock if possible- none supplied. Blitz tmt. Sat 9:30 pm, reg. by 9:15. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re- MARTIN SOONG’S MEMORIAL OPEN FIDE entry: $80, no Premier to Premier. 5-day schedule (Premier only): Reg. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! (Sponsored by Law Office of Danny Soong, a Professional Corporation) ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 1 pm & 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5 pm, Sun 11 OCT. 12-13, IDAHO 5SS, G/90’ inc 30. One section. FIDE & USCF rated - FIDE rules. USCF am & 5 pm, Mon 10 am & 3:30 pm. 4-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 rating & pairing rules. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd floor. rds. Fri 7 pm. Sat 11 & 5, Sun 11 & 5, Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-day schedule: 2019 NORMAN FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL & NATIONAL CHESS Siblings, new members, no prizes 1/2. EF: $55 (extra $20 non-LACC Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 11 & 5, Mon 10 & 3:30. Byes: DAY TOURNAMENT mbrs)2 Siblings, new members, no prizes 1/2. Reg.: Fri 6-7 pm. Rds.: OK all; limit 3 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd. 4. Bring set, 5 SS, TC: G/120 d5. Northwest Chess Grand Prix. Site: The Riverside Fri. 7pm, Sat & Sun 11 & 3 pm. Max two byes; request by Rd. 3. Prizes: board, clock if possible- none supplied. HR: $109-109-109, 866-716-8108, Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714. US Chess membership $$ $3,000 (b/45), 1,500 Gtd. OPEN: 1st-3rd $1,000-500-200. U2200: reserve by 9/19 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, req’d. One Section: Open, USCF rated. EF: $30 per player ($10 for blitz) GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

GOLD Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 US Chess memberships during the Berkeley Chess School Continental Chess current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to become a 2622 San Pablo Avenue Association Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a special list in larger type in Tournament Life each Berkeley, CA 94702 P.O. Box 8482 month, giving the affiliate name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and website. Gold 510-843-0150 Pelham, NY 10803 Affiliation costs $350 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month [email protected] 201-347-2269 remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver www.berkeleychessschool.org [email protected] Affiliation. By paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may www.chesstour.com be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted. Cajun Chess 12405 Hillary Step Drive Bay Area Chess Olive Branch, MS 38654 23 West 10th Street 2050 Concourse Drive #42 SILVER Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 US Chess 504-208-9596 New York, NY 10011 San Jose, CA 95131 memberships during the current or previous calendar year, or is the [email protected] 212-477-3716 408-409-6596 recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver Affiliate. These www.cajunchess.com [email protected] [email protected] affiliates will be recognized in a special list in Tournament Life each www.marshallchessclub.org month, giving the affiliate name, state, and choice of either phone www.bayareachess.com Chess Club and number, e-mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs $150 per Scholastic Center PaperClip Pairings year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining of Saint Louis c/o Remy Ferrari on their regular affiliation. Alternatively, for an annual payment of 4657 Maryland Avenue 4 Jalapa Court $250.00 (instead of $150), the requirement for a minimum number St. Louis, MO 63108 Brownsville, TX 78526 of US Chess members will be waived. 314-361-CHESS 956-621-0377 Dallas Chess Club (TX) Little House of Chess, Inc. (NY) Parkway Chess (TX) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] littlehouseofchess.com [email protected] www.saintlouischessclub.org San Diego Chess Club En Passant Chess Club (TX) Los Angeles Chess Club (CA) ChessNYC.com 2225 Sixth Avenue [email protected] www.lachessclub.com Rochester Chess Center (NY) Michael Propper San Diego, CA 92101 www.chessset.com P.O. Box 189, 1710 1st Avenue 619-752-4377 Evangel Chess Club (AL) Michigan Chess Association (MI) www.evangelchurch.me www.michess.org New York, NY 10128 [email protected] 212-475-8130 www.sandiegochessclub.org Jersey Shore HS Chess League (NJ) Oklahoma Chess Foundation (OK) Sparta Chess Club (NJ) [email protected] [email protected] www.OCFchess.org www.spartachessclub.org www.chessnyc.com UPDATED 06-03-2019

56 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

Discount for online registration, over 80, IMs, FMs, GMs free. Check-in: $600-2nd, $400-3rd. Class Prizes: $300-1st in each: Master (2200-2399), US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 9:30 - 10 am. Opening Cer. 9 am, Rd times: 10/12 9 am, 2 pm, 7 pm, X, A, B. RESERVE (U1600): Overall Prizes: $500-1st, $400-2nd, $300- OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, NEW JERSEY 10/14 9 am, 2 pm. 1/2 pt. bye avail: Rnd 1-4, Max 1, Notify TD before Rd. 3rd. Class Prizes: $200-1st in each C, D, E, U1000/Unr. State Championship US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) 2 is paired. Prizes: $750 guaranteed! 1st - 3rd place Overall $200, $150, plaques to highest finishing Missouri resident in each section. EF: $50 by 23RD ANNUAL EASTERN CHESS CONGRESS 100, 1st place B, C, D, E, F, & unr. $50/class. Side Events: Blitz 10/11, 6 6pm 10/18, $60 on site. Online payment: www.paypal.me/mochess. 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Hyatt Regency pm continuous. Format: 6 SS dbl. rnd., G/5 d0 Blitz prizes: 1st - 3rd overall, (Please include Name/USCF ID/Section in the notes.) Cash or credit card Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540. Free parking, $75, $50, $25. Contact: [email protected], www.ida- accepted on site. Special Discounts: $10 off entry fee for: Seniors (55+), wireless & fitness center,10% discount in hotel restaurant (except alco- hochessassociation.com, 208-450-9048. New/Unrated, and Players traveling 120+ mi one-way, only 1 special hol). $$20,000 guaranteed. In 7 sections. Premier (1900/up): $2000- discount can be applied. Reg.: Sat-8:30-9:45am. Rounds: Sat-10/2:30/7, OCT. 15, NEW YORK 1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, top U2300 $800-400. Sun-9:30/2. Max one 1/2-pt bye if declared by Rd. 2. MCA membership FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400-200. Under 1900: $1400-700-400- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 req’d, available on site from $5, OSA. Entries/Info:Thomas Rehmeier, 34 MARSHALL MASTERS 200. Under 1700: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1500: $1200-600-400-200. Aspen Pointe Dr., St. Peters, MO 63376. [email protected], 573- Under 1300: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1100: $500-300-200-100, 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 291-0852. GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25 EF: plaques to top 3, 1st U900, U700, U500, Unr. Mixed doubles: best $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg OCT. 19-20, NEW HAMPSHIRE male/female 2-player combined score among all sections: $800-400- hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Max one bye, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 200. Must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- NEW HAMPSHIRE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (no extra fee) by 2 pm 10/26. Unrated prize limits: $100 U1100, $200 shallchessclub.org/register. 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment. Courtyard Manchester-Boston U1300, $300 U1500, $400 U1700, $500 U1900. Top 5 sections EF: Regional Airport, 700 Huse Rd., Manchester, NH 03103. DOB MUST be $118 online at chessaction.com by 10/23, 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed An American Classic! included with entry. Open to players born before 20 Oct 1969. EF: $53 by 10/16, all $140 at site, or online until 2 hrs before round 1. Under A Heritage Event! postmarked by 12 Oct. $58 at site. Memb. Req’d: $8 NHCA Membership 1100 EF: all $50 less than above. All: No checks at site, credit cards US Chess Junior Grand Prix! required for rated NH residents. OSA. $$GTD: $300-200. 50-54 $100, OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated, or OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, NEVADA 55-59 $100, 60-64 $100, 65-69 $100, 70-74 $100, 75+ $100. Ages as of to qualify for Premier. Special 1 year USCF with magazine if paid with US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) 20 Oct. $100 bonus and plaque to top New Hampshire resident. Reg.: 9- entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic 37TH ANNUAL SANDS REGENCY RENO - WESTERN STATES 9:45. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. One 1/2 point bye rounds 1-3. ENT: Alex Relyea, $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. Re-entry$50 (except Premier). OPEN - FIDE $$27,500 B/275 ($17,000 GTD.) 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFORMATION: Alex Relyea GMs $100 from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, 6SS, OPEN Section 40/2, G/55 Min-d5, (“X”,“A”, “B”, “C”, “D” Sections email [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. HR: $139 by 20 Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. 40/2, G/1-d5 - 2-Day Schedule G/1-d5) . Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, September, 603-641-4900, mention Relyea Chess Tournament. W. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; Premier must commit 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $120-120, 609-987-1234 or use 2200. $$27,500 b/275. $$17,000 Gtd. (Prizes 1-7 in Open Section Gtd. link at chesstour.com, reserve by 10/10. Car rental: Avis, 800-331- plus 1/2 of all other prizes). 6 Sections. Open (2200 & above) EF: $169, OCT. 19-20, VIRGINIA 1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, (2000-2199) EF: $250 (1999 & below) EF: $300) (GMs & IMs free but US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc- must enter by (9/18) or pay late fee). $$2,000-1,000-900-800-700-600- 2019 FREDERICKSBURG OPEN torAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries 500, (2399/below)- $1,000-500, (2299/below)- $1,000-500. (If there is 5SS. Rd. 1 G/75 d10; Rds. 2-5 G/90 d10. Country Inn & Suites South, posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Bring set, a tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Expert 5327 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Chess Rate is board, clock if possible- none supplied. Blitz tournament Sat. 9:30 pm, $79 per night plus tax, call hotel at 540-898-1800 by Fri. 10/4. Sect.: Section (2000-2199) EF: $169; $$2,000-1,000-500-300-300. Sec. ”A” enter by 9:15 pm. (1800-1999) EF: $168; $$1,800-900-500-300-300, Sec. ”B” (1600-1799) Two Sections, Open and U1800. Prizes: $2,800 b/o 70 players. Open- EF: $167; $$1,700-800-400-300-300, Sec. ”C” (1400-1599) EF: $166; 1st-3rd ($600, $400, $250), U1800 ($400, $260, $150), 1st-3rd place A State Championship Event! $$1,500-700-400-300-300, Sec. ”D”/under (1399 & below) EF: $160; amounts guaranteed in Open and U1800 sections. Top Xpert $200, Top OCT. 26 NOT OCT. 16, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN $$1,000-500-300-200; (1199 & below) - $$300; 2-Day EF: $165 (No Open A $180, Top C $135, Top U1400 $125, Top Unrated $100. Unrated limited US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Section). Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club Champ. -$600-300. ALL: Entries to $250 when winning place prize, must play in the U1800 section. EF: 2019 CALCHESS RAPID STATE CHAMPIONSHIP must be postmarked by 9/18 or pay late fee-$11, do not mail after 10/11 $65 if rec’d by Sat. 10/12, $80 starting Sun. 10/13 and at the tournament. Note date change: Oct. 21 NOT Oct. 16 as advertised in Sept CL issue. or email after 10/15, $22 at site. Trophies: Open Champion, 1st Senior, Re-Entry $30 after Rd 1 with half-point bye. Rds.: Sat. 10am, 2pm, 7pm; Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor) San Francisco, 1st Unrated, 1st Expert and 1st – 3rd (“A” – “D” sections). Unrated Sun. 9:30am, 2:30pm. Byes: One half-point bye allowed if req. by 1:30pm CA 94104. 7SS, G/15 +2. Sections: Open (2000+), AB (1500-1999), players are free entry but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF 10/19. US Chess memb. req’d. VA Chess Fed memb. req’d for VA resi- CDEu (under1500). All sections FIDE rated. Oct 19 Suppl. Prizes: $5000 for 1 full year thru this tournament. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF dents. Both avail. at site; other state memberships honored. Reg.: b/90 60% guaranteed. Open: $1000 $500 $350 $200, AB: $700 $350 Mem. Senior discount (65+ yrs.) $10. Players may play up. Provisionally Online www.vachess.org or on-site Fri. 6-9pm, Sat 7:30-9:15am. Send $250 $150, CDEu: $700 $350 $250 $150. Entry: $80, $70 MI members. rated players may only win 1/2 of 1st place money (except Open Section mail-in entries to Mike Hoffpauir, ATTN: Fredericksburg Open, 405 Play-up $20 (within 200 rating), Late fee: $20 after 10/12. Byes: max 1 – 7). CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings not changed for color Hounds Chase, Yorktown, VA 23693. Hotel rooms and other Info: 2 byes, last round to request bye Rd2 and are irrevocable. Reg.: Sat unless 3 in a row or cause a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 www.vachess.org. VCF Cup Tour. 9:30-9:45a. Rounds: 10a, 11a, 12p, 1:30p, 2:30p, 3:30p, 4:30p. Contact: colors in a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (10/16) 7:00pm US Chess Junior Grand Prix! [email protected], chessclub.org. W. GM Sergey Kudrin – Clock Simul with game analysis (ONLY $30!); Thurs. (10/17) 6-7:15pm Lecture by IM John Donaldson (FREE); 7:30pm- GM OCT. 22-27, MISSOURI Alex Yermolinsky - Simul ($20); 7:30pm-Blitz (G/5 d0)) Tourney ($25) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (10/19) (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position 13TH ANNUAL SPICE CUP OPEN Analysis - IM John Donaldson. REG.: (10/17) 5-8pm (10/18) 9-10am and 9SS, G/90 + inc/30 Days Inn Hotel, 3660 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St Louis, CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE $15,500 in prizes - all guaranteed. GM and IM norms (10/19) 9-10 am. RDS.: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 9:30-4:30. 2-Day MO 63127. More details at chesstour.com. For late possible. One Section, minimum 2000 FIDE to play. FIDE ratings used (10/19) Rd. 1 (10:30 am), Rd. 2 (12:45 pm), Rd. 3 (3:00 pm), Rd. 4 merge news, hotel availability, lectures, results, with regular schedule – (6:00 pm). Byes available any round if requested for pairings and prizes. G. $5000-3000-2000-1500-1000- top U2450 by Rd.1 (Open Section 2 byes max). ENT: make checks payable and send $500-250 top U2300 $500-250. Special prizes (which can be won in games, etc, sign up for free CCA Newsletter at to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 9/18. $11 addition to place or class prize): Top Woman/ Top Junior (born after chesscalendar.com or chesstour.com. late fee if postmarked after 9/18. Do not mail after 10/11 or email after 1/1, 2004)/ Top Senior (born before 1/1, 1969) $500 each. Limited free Most tournaments have alternate schedules 10/15. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $65.30) (Fri. & Sat. $106.16) hotel accommodation at event hotel for GMs. All equipment provided. with less or more days than below. 1-866-386-7829 Reservation Code: CHESS1019 (Reserve by 10/1/19 to EF: Free to GMs, IMs, WGMs, WIMs (must complete all 9 rounds). Foreign FIDE-rated players/US FIDE Masters/US 2300+ $100 by 9/15, Asterisk means full details in this issue- get Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV otherwise, see future issues or chesstour.com. 89523, (H) 775-747-1405 or (Cell) 775-354-8728 (AFTER 10/15/19 please $125 by 10/13, $150 later or on onsite. US players 2200-2299 FIDE, call cell number ONLY). [email protected] or check out our website at: $150 9/15, $175 by 10/13, $200 later or on onsite. US players 2100- Events in red offer FIDE norm chances. www.renochess.org. To verify entry check website. 2199 FIDE, $200 9/15, $225 by 10/13, $250 later or on onsite. US 10/10-14: Washington Congress, Falls Church VA* players 2000-2099 FIDE, $300 9/15, $350 by 10/13, $400 later or on US Chess Junior Grand Prix! onsite. Schedule: Reg. ends Tue 3pm, rds. 10/22 5pm, 10/23 & 24 10/11-13: Midwest Class, Wheeling IL* OCT. 19-20, NEW YORK 10am & 5pm, 10/25 5pm, 10/26 10am & 5pm 10/27 10am HR: $69 (for 10/25-27: Eastern Chess Congress, Princeton NJ* US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) King room) or $79 (for 2 doubles) including free continental breakfast, 11/1-3: Los Angeles Open, Van Nuys CA* 6TH ANNUAL CENTRAL NEW YORK OPEN internet & parking. For reservations call 314-821-3000 and use “Chess 11/1-3: Stamford Open, Stamford CT* 5SS, rounds 1-2 G/90 d10, rds. 3-5 40/100, SD/30 d10. Hall of Languages, Tournament” code. Ent: Webster University SPICE, c/o Clare Brown, 11/15-17: Kings Island Open, Blue Ash OH* Syracuse University, S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse 13210. $2500 guaranteed. 314-246-8075, [email protected] 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, In 3 sections. Open: $500-300-200, top U2100/Unr $210. Under 1900: MO 63119. More info @ www.webster.edu/spice/spicecup 11/23-24: Schenectady Open, Schenectady NY* $300-150-70, top U1700 (no unr) $160. Under 1500: $200-100-50, top 11/29-12/1: National Chess Congress, Phila PA* US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1300 (no unr) $110. Unrated may not win over $140 in U1500. Mixed 12/26-28: Empire City Open, New Yirk NY* doubles: $150 bonus to best male/female combined score among all OCT. 22, 29, NOV. 5, 12, 19, 26, DEC. 3, 10, 17, CALIFORNIA, sections. Team must average under 2200; may enter different sections; NORTHERN 12/26-30: North American Open, Las Vegas NV* register by 2 pm 10/19. College team prizes: Plaques to first 3 teams US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 1/3-5: Boston Chess Congress, Boston MA* (top 3 from school, all sections). Top 2 sections EF: $68 online at ches- 2019 FALL TUESDAY NIGHT MARATHON 1/17-20: Liberty Bell Open, Philadelphia PA* saction.com by 10/16, $72 mailed by 10/10, $80 at site, or online until Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor) San Francisco, 1/17-20: Golden State Open, Concord CA* 8 am 10/19. Online entry $5 less to NYSCA members (may join with CA 94104. 9SS, G/120 d5 Sections: Championship (2000+), AB (1600- entry). U1500 Section EF: all $20 less. No checks at site, credit cards 1999), CDEu (under1600). All sections FIDE rated. Oct 19 Suppl. Prizes: 2/13-17: Southwest Class, Fort Worth TX OK. GMs, IMs & WGMs: $60 from prize. Re-entry (no Open Section) $3075 b/100 paid entriesChamp: $700 $400 $275, u2000: $150; AB: 2/21-23: George Washington Open, Reston VA $40. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. $300 $200 $125 u1800: $75; CDEu: $300 - $200 $125 u1400: $75; Top 3/6-8: Western Class, Van Nuys CA Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessac- Female: $150. Entry: $60, $50 MI members. Play-up $10 (within 200 3/14-15: NY State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs tion.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, rating), Late fee: $10 after 6pm on 10/22. Byes: Rds. 8 & 9 must be $40, $25 & $17. Reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds. Sat 10, 2 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. requested before Rd. 5. Rds. 1-7 byes: must be requested by Monday 3/27-29: Mid-America Open, St Louis MO Bye: all, limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: See travel websites. noon the day before. All byes are irrevocable. Reg.: until 6:15pm each 3/27-29: Southern Class, Orlando FL Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. night. Rounds: 6:30p each Tuesday. Contact: [email protected], 4/8-12: Foxwoods Open, Mashantucket CT $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, Direc- chessclub.org. W. 4/24-26: Eastern Class, Sturbridge MA torAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list after entering). OCT. 25, NEW YORK 5/21-25: Chicago Open, Wheeling IL US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 6/12-14: Cleveland Open, Cleveland OH US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) 6/19-21: Continental Class, Reston VA A State Championship Event! 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used OCT. 19-20, MISSOURI for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, 7/1-5: World Open, Philadelphia PA US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late 7/7-12: Philadelphia International, Phila PA 2019 MISSOURI OPEN - $5000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm 5SS, G/115 d5. Saint Louis University-Busch Student Center, 20 N. Grand and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: For later events, see chesstour.com. Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103. 2-sections: OPEN: Overall Prizes: $800-1st www.marshallchessclub.org/register.

www.uschess.org 57 Tournament Life / October

OCT. 26, ALABAMA 6 sects. Open Section: $400-200, top U2300 $200. Under 2100 Section: prizes: best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sec- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 $300-150. Under 1900 Section: $275-125. Under 1700 Section: $225- tions: $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200; may play in THE MOBILE OPEN 100. Under 1500 Section: $200-100. Under 1200 Section: $150-75, different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 11/2. Top 5 sections Site: Volunteers of America, 1204 Hillcrest Rd., Mobile, AL 36695. USCF trophies to top 3, top Under 1000, Under 800, Unrated. All: Unrated EF: $108 online at chessaction.com by 10/30, 3- day $113, 2-day $112 rated tournament. Open Section: 4SS, G/45 d5. EF: $30. Pay on site. can play in any sect. but can’t win more than $75 in U1200, $100 in mailed by 10/23, $120 online until 2 hours before round 1 or at site. Prizes: $225-150-75. Scholastic Section: K-12, unrated, 4SS, G/45 U1500, $125 in U1700, $150 in U1900, $200 in U2100. Unpublished Under 1200 EF: all $40 less than top 5 sections EF. GMs, IMs & WGMs d5. EF: $15. Pay on site. 1st-3rd place trophies. Round Times: 9am,11am, uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. EF: $39 if mailed free; $100 deducted from prize. No checks at site; credit cards OK. 2pm, 4pm/ASAP. Send Name, USCF ID# to [email protected] by 10/22 or online by 10/25, $50 at site. GMs and IMs free. $10 discount Online EF $5 less to SCCF members; join/renew at scchess.com. All: to register and request copy of tournament flyer. Registration deadline: for U1200 sect. MACA memb. req’d for Mass. residents ($12 adult, $6 Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at ches- Oct. 18. junior U18). Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 am. Rds.: 10 am, 1 pm, 3:30 pm, 6 pm. saction.com. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at Bye: all, limit 1, must commit before round 2. No half point byes for site, $40, $25 & $17. Re-entry (except Major) $60. 3-day schedule: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! players receiving full point byes. Ent: payable to MACA and mail to Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: OCT. 26-27, TEXAS Robert Messenger, 4 Hamlett Dr., Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062, or enter Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all rds, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) online at www.MassChess.org. Info: email to [email protected] or limit 2; Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $109- DCC FIDE OPEN XI phone 603-891-2484. Day of the tournament phone 603-557-1732. Please 109, 818-997-7676, reserve by 10/18 or rate may increase. Car rental: 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, bring chess set and clock. W. Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US [email protected], 347-201-2269. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. OCT. 27, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Blitz tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. 2019 CALCHESS BLITZ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (9SS, G/3+2) Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. (BLZ) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $$ $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor) San Francisco, NOV. 2-3, VIRGINIA U1600 $125, Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member CA 94104. 9SS, G/3 +2. Sections: Open (2000+), AB (1500-1999), US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 $55. Dallas Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member CDEu (under1500). All sections FIDE rated. Oct 19 Suppl. Prizes: $5000 23RD (2019) ANNUAL NORTHERN VIRGINIA OPEN! fee. Small Minimum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM b/90 60% guaranteed. Open: $1000 $500 $350 $200, AB: $700 $350 5SS. US Chess and FIDE-rated, FIDE Rules, 30-minute default period for must play all rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted $250 $150, CDEu: $700 $350 $250 $150. Entry: $80, $70 MI members. late arrivals. Hotel and Tournament Site: Washington Dulles Airport from prize). Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This Play-up $20 (within 200 rating), Late fee: $20 after 10/22. Byes: max 2 Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166, 703-471-9500. Chess section is not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. byes, last round to request bye Rd2. Reg.: Sun 9:30-9:45a Rounds: Rate: $98 plus 13% tax, identify yourself as “Northern Virginia Open Note that if the reserve has few players, it may be merge with the Open 10a, 10:30a, 11a, 11:30a, 12p, 1:30p, 2p, 2:30p, 3p. Contact: chess- Chess Tournament”, reserve by Fri. Oct 11. PRIZE: $$4000-GUARANTEED, and all open rules will be observed. EF: $40. $10 non Dallas Chess Club [email protected], chessclub.org. W. $900, $600, $400, $290, $235, Top X/A/B/C/D/ $225 each, Top U1200- UNR $200, Top Upset Sat & Sun $125 each. Unrated winning place prize membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free limited to $225. Reg.: www.vachess.org, Onsite Fri 11/1 7-10PM, Sat entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, CONNECTICUT 11/2 7:30-8:45AM. Rds.: Sat. 9:30AM-2PM-7PM, Sun. 9:30AM-3:30PM; the right to use FIDE rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) TC: Sat G/90 inc/30, Sun. 40/90, SD/30 inc/30. EF: $85 thru 10/26, $100 clock at start of a round. Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: 5TH ANNUAL STAMFORD OPEN starting 10/27 and on site. VCF membership required for VA residents. Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Sheraton Entries: Online www.vachess.org or Postal Mail to Mike Hoffpauir, ATTN: Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One half point Bye allowed if requested before end Hotel, 700 Main St., Stamford, CT 06901. Parking $12. $8500 guaranteed NoVA Open, 405 Hounds Chase, Yorktown, VA 23693. Checks payable to of round 2 and before getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point prizes. In 4 sections. Major (1800/up): $1000-600-400, top U2210 $400- “VCF” or “Virginia Chess.” Byes: See website. Info: www.vachess.org last round byes are not eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if 200. Under 2010: $800-500-300, top U1810 $400-200. Under 1710: or [email protected], 757-846-4805. No email or phone entries. required) must pay $5 per round and be US Chess members. ENT: $700-400-300, top U1510 $370-180. Under 1310: $500-300-200, top U1110 $200-100. Unrated prize limits: U1310 $100, U1710 $200. Mixed US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, NOV. 8-10 OR 9-10, GEORGIA 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $300-150. Must average under 2200; may play in different sec- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! tions; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 11/2. Top 3 sections EF: $88 2019 GEORGIA OPEN/KELLY HOLLINS MEMORIAL OCT. 26-27, ILLINOIS online at chessaction.com by 10/30, 3-day $93, 2-day $92 if check mailed 6-SS; G/90 d10 (2 day schedule, rd. 1 G/45 d10). Radisson Hotel, 1775 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 by 10/23, $100 at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. Under Parkway Pl SE, Marietta, GA 30067; HR: $89, must reserve by 5 pm on QUAD-CITIES OPEN (USCF AND FIDE RATED) IASCA IOWA 1310 Section: all EF $20 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs 10/8 or cannot be guaranteed; All Prizes 100%G! Open: $650-$350- GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER & IMs free, $80 deducted from prize. Online EF $3 less to CSCA members. $250; X, A, B, C, D, U1200: $250-$150-$100, Unr: $200; 3 day schedule : 5-SS, G/90, i30. Loc: Western Illinois University Quad-City Campus,(1 Re-entry $40 (except Major). Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used Fri: 7:30; Sat: 12-4-8; Sun: 10-2; 2 day schedule : Sat: 9:30, then merges mile east of I-74) 3300 River Dr., Moline, IL (Riverfront Hall, Rooms if otherwise unrated, or to qualify for Major. Special 1 yr USCF with with 3 day. EF : $74 if rec’d by 11/6, $85 later or at site. Two 1/2 pt. byes 104-105). Reg.: Onsite Saturday 9 a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. Rds.: Sat magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young available any round. Must commit before rd. 3. No changes. On site reg - 10:00, 2:30, 6:30; Sun 9:15 & 1:30 or ASAP. EF: $40 if postmarked Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3-day sched- istration : 6:30-7pm on 11/8 or 8:30-9 on 11/9. On-line registration: before 10/23; $50 at site. IM & GM free-EF deducted from any prize. ule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day www.georgiachess. org; Mailed registration : GCA, c/o Scott Parker, Prize Info: 1st $250, 2nd $200, 3rd $150, 4th $75. U.S. Chess Federation schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: 5025 Antebellum Dr., Stone Mtn., GA 30087, must be rec’d by 11/6 for (USCF) membership required. On Site Available. IASCA membership all, limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: $105-105, 800-408-7640, 203- early EF. No registrations after start of round 3. GCA membership req’d required, ($10 regular, $25 patron or Out of State Accepted (OSA). On- 358-8400; reserve by 10/28 or may increase. Ent: chessaction.com or for GA residents, OSA; Scholastic Section : Nov. 9 ; 3 sections: K-3, K- Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Illowa Chess Club, c/o Rick Rector, Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service 5, K-8 . Trophies to top 5, top unrated, top girl each section. Medals to 3614 Thornwood Ave., Davenport, IA 52806 or register online at charge. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, www.chesstour.com, 347-201- non-trophy winners. Sections combined at TD’s discretion. US Chess www.onlineregistration.cc Additional Info: USCF and FIDE Rated!! Byes: 2269. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after membership req’d. EF : $30 if rec’d by 11/6. $35 later or at site. On-site 1/2 point bye request must be made before round 2. FIDE rules will be entering). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. reg . 10:30-11. Rds.: 11:30-1-2:30-4. Info: David Hater, 914-299-4457 or Scott Parker 770-939-5030. Sets and boards supplied. Please bring clocks. used. Call 563-940-0179 (leave message) or [email protected]. Direc- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! tions:Take River Drive exit off I-74 in Moline, Ill. Travel east on River NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Drive for about a mile. Also under 1400 section (NOT FIDE rated) A State Championship Event! Saturday, Oct. 26. 4-SS, G/65 d5 at same location. Rds.: 10 a.m., 1:00, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED) 14TH ANNUAL LOS ANGELES OPEN NOV. 8-10 OR 9-10, NEW MEXICO 3:30, 6:00 or ASAP. EF: $20 if postmarked before 10/23; $30 at site. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Prize Info: 1st $150, 2nd $100, 3rd $50. U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) 5SS, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Airtel Plaza membership required. On Site Available. Send Entry Fee to: Illowa Chess Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406. Parking $8/day, $12 NEW MEXICO OPEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP including overnight. Flyaway bus, LAX-Van Nuys about $10 each way; 6SS, G/120 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/40 d10), 4SS Scholastic, G/30 Club, c/o Rick Rector, 3614 Thornwood Ave., Davenport, IA 52806 or d5. Nativo Lodge, 6000 Pan American Fwy. NE , Albuquerque, NM 87109. register online at www.onlineregistration.cc free shuttle to bus and train station. Free wireless, gym, indoor pool, hot tubs; restaurants within walking distance. $15,000 guaranteed Tel: 505-798-4300. Sections each (b/30). Open: $500 - 250, 1st U2000 A Heritage Event! prizes. 6 sections. Major: Open to 1800/up. $1500-700-500-300, clear $150. Reserve: U1800 $250-150, 1st U1500 $100. Novice: U1200 $200- OCT. 27, MASSACHUSETTS or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top U2250 $600-300. FIDE. Under 2050: 150, 1st U/1000 $75. Scholastic: (Sat. only) 1-3rd awards: K-2, 3-5, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) $1200-600-300- 200. Under 1850: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1650: 6-8, 9-12 grades. Plaques: 1st ea. sect. Unr. only eligible half sect. 86TH GREATER BOSTON OPEN $1100-600-300-200. Under 1450: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1200: prizes except open sect. EF: Open $55, Reserve $50, Novice $45. Scholas - 4SS, G/60 d5. Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton $600-300-200-100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if oth- tic, $15. Discount $15 (except schol.) before 10/1/19, $10 before Rd., Westford, MA 01886 (I-495, exit 32). 978-692-8200. $$ 2,500 b/110 erwise unrated, or to qualify for Major. Unrated prize limits: U1200 11/3/19. Refunds contact NMCO. Reg.: at site: 9-9:30 on 11/9 and 8- paid entries (U1200 counts 75%), $2,000 minimum (80% of each prize). $100, U1450 $200, U1650 $300, or U1850 $400. Mixed doubles bonus 8:30 on 11/10. Schol. 8-8:30 on 11/9. USCF memb. (all sects.) prior to reg. Rds.: 3-day: 10-3 Fri/Sat, 9-3 Sun. 2-day: Sat 9-10:45-12:30 and 3 pm merge sects. Byes: two 1/2 pt. if req’ before Rd. 1. Schol: 9-10:10- 1-2:10 (no byes). Annual NMCO memb. meeting 2-3pm Sun . Top finishing NM resident (co-champs. if tied) receives 2019 title. Ent: PayPal via nmchess.org or checks payable to: NMCO, P.O. Box 4215, Albuquerque, 5th annual NM 87196. Info: nmchess.org/events or Richard: 505-850-8063. NOV. 9-10, SOUTH CAROLINA STAMFORD OPEN US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 11TH ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA SENIOR OPEN 2019 Ages 50+, born before 01/01/1970. 4SS, G/90, +30. Accelerated pairings Nov 1-3 or 2-3, Sheraton Hotel, Stamford CT possible. Hampton Inn, 255 Congaree Rd., Greenville, SC 29607, 864-516- 2400; http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com. HR: $110 by 5PM 9Oct19; block may fill sooner. EF: $50 if rec’d by 11/7; $60 at site. Re-entry $25 Bye: Once per player, any round, must commit before round 2. USCF, SCCA membership $105 rooms, frequent trains from NYC required. Other states OK. 1 Open section. Prizes: $250- 150-100; U1600: $100-75. Trophy to top SC player & top SC U1600. Schedule: Reg ends: 10:30am on 11 Nov. Rds.: Sat 11 & 5; Sun 9 & 2. Info: Greenville Chess $8500 GUARANTEED PRIZES Club, c/o Gene Nix, 119 Northcliff Way, Greenville, SC 29617, eenixjr@ yahoo.com, 864-905-2406. Checks to Greenville Chess Club. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. A State Championship Event! NOV. 9-10, VERMONT US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 2019 VERMONT OPEN

58 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

4SS, 40/90, SD/30 d5. Contois Auditorium, Burlington City Hall, 149 Church mention “Turkey Bowl”. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 NW Executive 5-SS; G/90+30 inc. Holiday Inn, 6111 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321. St., Burlington, VT 05401. Three sections. Open: EF: $54 if rec’d by 11/6. Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. $10 service charge for refunds. 515.287.2400. HR: $104 plus tax. Round times: Saturday: 10:00; 2:30; $$b/16: 325-225-150, U1990 150-100, G$90 and State champion title to Online entry & add’l info: www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. 7:00. Sunday: 9:30; 2:00. Entry fee: $62 (on-line) $60 be mailed before top-scoring Vermont resident. Under 1790: EF: $44 if rec’d by 11/6. $$b/16: November 16th, $70 on site. Prize info: $1000 b/30 entries. Top 3 225-150-100, U1590 125-75. Under 1390: EF if rec’d by 11/6: $34, U1090 A Heritage Event! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! guaranteed. $350, $200 & $150 U2200 $125 U2000-$100 U1800-$75. or unrated player - $20. $$b/16: 130-85-60, U1190 70, U990 40. All sections: Unrated eligible for Open prizes only. NOVEMBER 16th: Des Moines EF $6 more if paid after 11/6 or at site. No unrated player may win more NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, OHIO Reserve U1600-Not FIDE Rated.4-SS; G/75 d5. Round times: Sat- than $100 except in Open. Reg.: Sat. 9:30-10:30 a.m., Rds.: 11-4, 10-3. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) urday: 10:00; 1:00; 4:00; 7:00. Entry fee: $47 (on-line) $45 be mailed Half-point bye OK except for Open round 4. Ent: David Carter, 36-B Mansion 28TH ANNUAL KINGS ISLAND OPEN before November 16th, $55 on site. Prize info: $400 b/16 entries. St., Winooski, VT 05404; [email protected], cell 802-324-1143. Reg- 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Embassy Suites U1600 $150-$100; U1400-$75 U1200-$75. Registration: On-site reg- Cincinnati NE, 4554 Lake Forest Dr., Blue Ash, OH 45242 (I-71 to Exit 15 ister online at www.relyeachess.com. istration 8:30-9:45am on Saturday November 16th or pay on-line prior or I-275N to Exit 47). Free parking. $$ 30,000 based on 350 paid entries to November 16th at: https://www.onlineregistration.cc/ USCF mem- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! (GMs, re-entries & U1000 Section count as half entries); minimum $24,000 bership required. On-site available. IASCA membership required: $10. NOV. 9-10, OKLAHOMA (80% each prize) guaranteed. 7 sections: Major (1800/up): $3000-1500- Additional information: Byes: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 700-500-300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, top U2300 $1600-800. FIDE. On-site available. Other states accepted. One 1/2 point bye per player. Last round bye must be requested prior OKLAHOMA CITY OPEN Under 2100:$2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1900: $2000-1000-500- 5-SS, G/90;+30. Site: Residence Inn OKC, (North-Quail Springs) 1-405- 400-300. Under 1700: $1800-900-500-300-200. Under 1500: $1500-800- to the start of the 1st round. All other rounds a bye must be requested 286-1020. 13900 McAuley Blvd., OKC (2 miles West of Quail Springs 400-300-200. Under 1250: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1000: $800- 1 hour prior to the start of the round. FIDE: USCF rating used for pairings Mall on Memorial Rd.) HR- $99 chess rate for a suite — Ask for “US 400-250-150-100. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team and prizes. FIDE rules used for floor rulings. USCF November supplement Chess” rate. EF: $40 if mailed by Nov. 6, $50 thereafter, free for Masters combined score among all sections: $1000-500-300. Must average under used for ratings. FIDE rule 11.3 enforced with regards to electronic (deducted from prizes). Two Sections: Open and U1600. Prizes: $$2,200 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm devices. NO ELECTRONIC SCORESHEETS. Contact: Bill Broich by phone all guaranteed. Open: $$500-250, X 200, A 200, B 200. Reserve: $$200- 11/16; prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Unrated prize limits: at (515) 205-8062 or email [email protected] 100, D 200, E 200, Below 1000 $100. Unr $50. Registration: 9-9:45 U1000 $100, U1250 $200, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, U1900 $500. Balance NOV. 17, NEW JERSEY a.m. Sat. Nov. 9. Byes: Only one 1/2-pt bye for Rds. 1-4. Rounds: 10- goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: $118 online at chess- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 2:30-7, 9-1:15. Entries: Jim Berry, PO Box 351, Stillwater, OK 74076. action.com by 11/13, 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed by 11/6, $140 at WESTFIELD GRAND PRIX Questions: [email protected]. Web: www.ocfchess.org. site or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. GMs $100 from prize. Under 1000 4-SS. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 3 Section EF: all $40 less than above. OCA members: online EF $5 less. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Sections: Open, U1800, U1200. Open Section: EF: $45, $35 members, All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry $60; not available in GM free (-$30 from prize). Prize Fund: $900 b/30 paid section entries. NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, FLORIDA Major. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. 70% guaranteed. Prizes: $240-200-160. U2400 $120, U2200 $100, U2000 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry- online at chess- $80. U1800 Section: EF $30, $25 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1600 18TH ANNUAL TURKEY BOWL action.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, 5SS, Premier section (FIDE-rated) G/90+30 sec. incr., All other sec- $50, U1400 $40. U1200 Section: EF $30, $25 members. Prizes, b/14: $40, $25 & $17. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat $80-60, U1000 $50, U800 $40. Register: 10:30-11:20 a.m. Those regis- tions but U1100 G/120 d5, U1100 section G/90 d5 (2-day Option all 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, sections Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Marriott Hotel, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral tering before 11:00, or lined-up to do so, will be charged $5 less! 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all; limit 2, Major must commit by rd. 2, Rounds: 11:30 a.m., 1:15, 3:00, 4:45 p.m. Byes: 1 per player allowed. Springs, FL 33076. $$11,000 b/200 paid entries, 70% min. Gtd. Premier: others by rd. 3. HR: Suite with king bed & queen couch/bed $107, suite $1100/Turkey Bowl-700-600, U2300/Unr. $400-300. U2100: $1000/Tro- Must declare before round 3. Info: westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html, with 2 beds & queen couch/bed $117, more than 2 in room $10 more [email protected] phy-600-400, U1950 $300-250. U1800: $1000/Trophy-600-400, U1650 each additional. Free hot breakfast for all room occupants, free wifi. Up $300-250. U1500: $1000/Trophy-600-400, U1350/Unr. $300-250. U1100: to 4 allowed in king suite, to 6 in larger suite. 513-733-8900, reserve by NOV. 19, NEW YORK Trophies for 1st to 3rd, 1st U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. Top 11/1 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 Senior Prize (among all cash prize sections, must be at least 60 on #D657633, or reserve through chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & MARSHALL MASTERS November 15) $250. Unr. may enter U1500 or U1100 only. In U1500, cheapest transportation from Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Chessaction.com 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 Unr. only eligible for Unr. prizes. Min. USCF or FIDE rating of 1800 or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Chesstour.com, Direc- GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25. required for premier section. Prizes. EF: All but U1100 $99 by November [email protected], 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries EF: $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person 12, $10 more later, $15 more on-site, GMs & IMs free ($99 deducted posted at chessaction.com (click on “entry list” after entry). Blitz tour- reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one from prize). U1100 section $45 by November 12, $10 more later, $15 nament Sat 9:30 pm, reg. by 9:15 pm. bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- more on-site. Re-entry cash prize sections $49. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before shallchessclub.org/register. 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30; 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 1:15; 3rd Rd. all sections but U1100 6:30, 3rd Rd. U1100 5:45; 4th NOV. 16-17, IOWA US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Rd. Sun. 9:30, 5th Rd. all sections but U1100 2:30. 5th Rd. U1100 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 NOV. 23-24, NEW YORK 1:45. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req’d before rd. 2. HR: $129 by cut-off date, 11TH ANNUAL DES MOINES FALL CLASSIC - OPEN SECTION US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) includes Internet & refrigerator, free parking. Call 954-753-5598 and FIDE-RATED (IASCA GP QUALIFIER) 4TH ANNUAL SCHENECTADY OPEN AT PROCTORS

Categories  Added    Chess Life RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up  Premium Adult Membership is $49, Chess Life to 8 lines and up to 2 issues of , for any tournament between January and March 2020, if no TLA for such an event ap- which includes a print copy of Chess Life peared in 2019, and the TLA is e-mailed by the appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs. every month. Regular Adult SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up Memberships are $40 and allow online- to 8 lines for events in the following categories, if submitted by e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs: only access to Chess Life. (Note to affiliates: If you sell one of these Regular SENIOR For age 50 or above, or a CHESS CLUB SPECIAL A tourna- COLLEGIATE A tournament limited to or Premium memberships, you may higher minimum age. ment playing only on one or more college students. submit it online through the TD/ weekday evenings. UNRATEDS FREE Any tournament JUNIOR For age 20/below (age 20 Affiliate area or mail to US Chess for that offers free entry to unrated players. must be eligible). $3 less than sales price.) RBO Open to Under 1200/ Unr or If your prizes are based on entries, say Under 1000/ Unr. Tournament name NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC “paid entries.”  must include “Rated Beginners Open” A tournament for all ages held concur- US CHESS BOOSTER TOURNAMENT or “RBO.” rent (same location) with a scholastic A tournament that offers at least two tournament that in its previous year US Chess membership renewal BLITZ Time control of Game/5. TLAs drew at least 50 players. We encourage prizes, or a quad that offers at least such as “USCF-rated Blitz every Friday organizers of scholastics to hold open one per section. 7 pm” are accepted. or collegiate events on the side.

SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, contact info, etc. US CHESS DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess Club Organization, Tournament Direction, US Chess Issues.

www.uschess.org 59 Tournament Life / October

5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (rds. 1-3 G/90 d10). Proctors Theatre, 432 U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late the I-696 Freeway at Orchard Lake Road. From I-696, exit at the Orchard State St., Schenectady 12305 (park free in Broadway Garage). $$G fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm Lake Road Exit and, from the east, turn right into the left lane, from the 1700. 3 sections. Open: $300-150-70, U2050/Unr $140-70. Under 1850: and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: west, turn left into the left lane, go to the first light (12 Mile Rd) and turn $200-100-50, U1650 (no unr) $120-60. Under 1450: $120-80-40, U1250 www.marshallchessclub.org/register. left. Then, nearly immediately, turn left into the Hotel parking lot. For (no unr) $70-30, unr limit $60. Mixed doubles: top male/female combined Maps, go online to: www.mapquest.com, www.google.coom/maps score $100, averaging U2200, any sections, reg. by 3 pm 11/23. Open, An American Classic! www.yahoo.com/maps. Amenities include Full Breakfast, Two In- U1850 EF: $65 at chessaction.com by 11/20 or mailed by 11/14, $80 A Heritage Event! House Restaurants, Complimentary Coffee and Tea all day long, Swimming US Chess Junior Grand Prix! online or at site to 10 am 11/23. NYSCA mem. online entry $5 less. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, PENNSYLVANIA Pool, Fitness Room, and much more. Room Rate: $79 by FRI., NOV. $20 less. at site, credit card OK. AFTER only if rooms are available. go online to U1450 EF: No check GM/IM/WGM US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) 15th; TO RESERVE, $50 from prize. (no Open) $40. usually used https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-farmington-hills Re-entry Unofficial rating 50TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS if otherwise unr. Special 1 yr Premium USCF with online entry: Adult or Call the Hotel to reserve at (800) 333-3333. Ask for the MOTOR CITY $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 6SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/50 d10). Trophy OPEN CHESS Rate. Entries/Info: Mrs. Marcie Kahn, (586) 806-5114 Reg.: Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11-3-7, Sun 10-3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; must sections play separate 2-day schedule only, 11/30-12/1, G/50 d10. or (248) 890-9039; Dr. Ed Mandell, (248) 635-2375 or allthekings- commit before rd. 2. Hotels nearby: see travel sites. Ent: chessaction.com Philadelphia 201 Hotel (was Sheraton), 201 N 17th St., Philadelphia, PA [email protected]; Jack Kahn, [email protected]; Gregory or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service 19103. December ratings used. $40,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 10 Harris, (313) 465-2579 or [email protected]. sections. Premier (1900/over): $3500-1800-1000-600-400, clear win charge. Questions: [email protected]. Entry list: chessaction.com, NOV. 30, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN click “entry list” after entry. or tiebreak 1st $200, U2400 $1800-900. FIDE. Under 2200: $2400- 1200-600-400-300. Under 2000: $2400-1200-600-400-300. Under 1800: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 A Heritage Event! $2400-1200-600-400-300. Under 1600: $2000-1000-600-400-300. Under AMERICAN OPEN BLITZ (BLZ) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 1400: $1600-800-500-300-200. Under 1200: $1600-800-500-300-200. Costa Mesa. 5 rounds, double swiss, G/5 d0. Site: Hilton Hotel, 3050 NOV. 23-24, VIRGINIA Under 1000: Trophies to top 10. Under 800: Trophies to top 10. Under Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prizes: Guaranteed $1500 in all! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 600: Trophies to top 10. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1200, Section 1: Open $400-200-100; Top U2200 and U2000, $100 each. 27TH ANNUAL DAVID ZOFCHAK MEMORIAL $400 U1400, $600 U1600, $800 U1800, or $1000 U2000. Mixed doubles: Section 2: U1900 $250-150; Top U1600, $100; U1400, $100. Reg.: 5SS, G/120 d5, 2 Sections. Prizes: $2000 b/o 50 entries. OPEN Section: top male-female combined score $2000-1000-600-400, averaging under ends 8:30 pm. EF: $35 by November 27th, $50 after (onsite). Rounds: $500-300-150, U1900 $100. U1800 Section: $350-175-125, U1600/U1300/ 2200, any sections, reg. before both players begin rd. 2, teams including 9:30 pm -10 - 10:30-11-11:30 pm. Contact Info: 714-899-3421. Mail U1000 each $100. One upset prize per sect Location: Sleep Inn Lake an unrated limited to $400. Student/Alumni plaques to top 7 teams Entry: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 or Wright, 1521 Premium Outlets Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502 (757-461-6251) of 4 (U1000, U800 & U600 sections only, combined score in these Online Entry: http://americanopen.org/ $69 w/free breakfast. Reserve by 10/10. Sat: 10:00-2:30-7:30, HR: Rds.: sections) representing any U.S. college, HS or pre-HS players attend or US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Sun: 9:30-2:00. Byes: single 1/2 point bye if req’d before rd. 2. Reg.: 9:00- have graduated from. Top 7 sections entry fee: $138 online at chess- NOV. 30-DEC. 1, MAINE 9:45am EF: $55 by 11/20, else $65. VCF Mbrshp: req’d for VA residents action.com by 11/27, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by 11/20, $160 at US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) $15 (Jr $8). On-line Entry: www.vachess.org Mailed Entry: Zofchak site, or online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs $120 from prize. Re-entry 2019 SACO OPEN Memorial, 1370 S. Braden Cresent, Norfolk, VA 23502. Checks payable to: (no Premier) $60. Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600 EF: $48 online “Virginia Chess.” Info only: [email protected] Hampton Inn Saco, 48 Industrial Park Rd., Saco, ME 04072. Open & at chessaction.com by 11/27, $52 mailed by 11/20, $60 at site. All: No U1800 sections, both 40/90, SD/30, +:30 inc. Registration: 9 to 9:45 A State Championship Event! checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 yr USCF with magazine paid AM on 11/30. Rounds on 11/30 at 10 AM and 4 PM, on 12/1 at 9 AM NOV. 24, ILLINOIS with entry. At chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic and 3 PM. Entry fee: $50 until 11/16/19, $60 after. Maine Chess Asso- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri ciation members $4 off. GMs free. FMs and IMs free, $40 deducted 2019 ILLINOIS CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP 11 am, rds. Fri 12 & 6, Sat 12 & 6:15, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day top 7 from prizes. Open prizes GTD: $450/250/100, top U2000 $75. U1800 An Illinois Chess Tour Event. 4/SS. Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E. sections schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30 & prizes based on 15 entries: $250/150, top U1400 $50. Room rate for Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-605-1234. Sections G/60;d5: M/X, 6:15, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day trophy sections schedule: Reg. ends Sat Friday/Saturday $89, mention Saco Open. Preregistrations to Michael A, B, C, D, E. Sections G/45 d5: U1000, U800. Nov. supplement determines 9 am, rds. 10, 12:45 & 3:30 each day. Half point byes OK all rounds; Dudley at [email protected]. eligibility. Schedules: M/X through Class E (G/60 d5): 10, 12:30, 3, 5:30. limit 3, Premier must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4. HR: $110-110-130, link at chesstour.com or 215-448-2000, reserve by 11/15. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1000 and U800 (G/45 d5): 10, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30. One half-point bye OK DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, MARYLAND any round, must commit by end of round 2. Prizes (fully guaranteed): Parking: Hotel 201, chess rate 50% off regular (about $20). Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St/1540 Vine St (1 block from site), about $7/day US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 M/X $500-200-50; A thru D: $150-75-50; E, U1000, U800: Trophies to 1- 2ND ANNUAL OLD LINE OPEN 2-3, medals to 4-5. $50 M/X and Class A-D; $30 Class E, Sat & Sun, $22 other days. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 Entry Fee: 5SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30” incr, (Rnd. 1 G/90 +30” incr) (U2300 – U1500 U1000, U800 at or USPS postmarked by 11/15. or link at chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, kingregistration.com 2-day schedule: rds. 1-2 G/45+30”incr) U1300 2-day & U1000 G/90 $10 increase on all EFs after 11/15. Class A, B, C, D, E (1000-1199) Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service charge. Questions: [email protected], chesstour.com, chesstour.info, or leave message d5 (rds. 1-2 G/45 d5), U1300 3-day option rds. 1&2 G/90 d5. Rockville players may play up ONE class for $20 play-up fee. 800-999 players may Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. $$Based on score. 8 play up to Class E at no add. charge. U800 players above 600 may play at 347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com (click “entry list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm; enter by 9:45 pm. sections: Championship (min. rating of 2000) FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1500, up to U1000 at no add. charge. $5 discount for ICA members (annual 4.5 =$750, 4.0=$450, 3.5=$175, 3.0=$50 [min $1000 payout, top dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic), join at www.il-chess.org. Mail checks US Chess Junior Grand Prix! score group raised if less than $1500]. U2300 (min. rating of 1900) postmarked by 11/15/19 to Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1500, 4.5 =$700, 4.0=$350, 3.5=$150, 3.0=$40. IL 60423. No phone entries. Free entry if requested by 11/8 to Illinois MICHIGAN U2100 (min. rating of 1700) FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1500, 4.5 =$700, GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs; email [email protected] US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED) 4.0=$350, 3.5=$150, 3.0=$40. U1900: 5.0 =$1200, 4.5 =$650, to request. On-site registration: 8:30-9:30am. Entries after cutoff 2019 ANNUAL MOTOR CITY OPEN 4.0=$325, 3.5=$125. U1700: 5.0= $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0= $300, receive 1/2-point byes for round 1. Boards, sets, and clocks will be Co-Sponsored by Michigan Chess Festival, LLC. 4 Sects.: OPEN, 3.5= $100. U1500: 5.0= $1000, 4.5= $500, 4.0= $250, 3.5= $100. provided by The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and U1800, U1400, U800. 6-SS (4-SS in U800). 3- 2- and 1-Day Schedules. U1250: 5.0= $500, 4.5= $250, 4.0= $125, 3.5= $50. U1000 (no adult tournament conditions subject to change without notice; changes will Site: Radisson Hotel, Farmington Hills, MI (Dirs/Lodg below). TOP UNR): 5.0= $250, 4.5= $125, 4.0= $50, 3.5= $20. Trophies to top 5 be posted ASAP at the site & online. INFO: [email protected]. Sect. FIDE- and USCF-Rated. (Pairing and Prizes by USCF Rating. If & U800 in U1000. If no 5-0 in section, then sole 1st @ 4.5 or shared An American Classic! USCF rating is not established, then add 50 pts to FIDE rating. Also add 1st at lower score receive bonus (added to score prize) - Champi- A Heritage Event! 50 pts to Canadian rating. Sections merge after RD 3. 2-DAY OPEN onship: $300, U2300 $250, U2100 $200, U1900 $150, U1700 & U1500: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! FIDE-Rated after the merge. Prize Fund $10,000. 40 Grand Prix $100; U1250 & U1000: $50. Unrated limited to $100 in U1000, $200 in NOV. 28-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 29-DEC. 1, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN Points (Enhanced). USCF and any State memberships required—can U1250, and $400 in U1500. Sets, boards and clocks provided in all US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) be purchased on site or on online registration at www.onlineregistration. sections. Optionally, pairings can be texted/emailed to your phone. 55TH ANNUAL AMERICAN OPEN cc. Chief TD: FA, SR. TD Bradley Rogers. Asst. TD: Jack Kahn. Organ- Free Sunday morning continental breakfast for players. Free parking for day guests. EF: $109 by 11/23, $119 by 12/4, and $124 online only Costa Mesa. 8 rounds, 40/120, SD/55 d5. (3-day option, rounds 1-4, G/60 izers: Dr. Ed Mandell and Gregory Harris. Bring boards, pieces, clocks! None supplied except for U800 sect. Strict Cell Phone, Headset Rules in by 12/5, $130 later. Special EFs: $55 less for U1000, $35 less for U1250, d5). Site: Hilton Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prizes: effect. Rules posted at site. There are 2 SIDE EVENTS: EVENT #1: GMs free, IMs $45 off EF. HR: $99, ($5 EF discount, if staying at hotel $25,000 Prize Fund guaranteed. Breakdown below is guaranteed. In 6 using the group rate). Rooms may not be avail after 11/22. 3-day sections: Open section: $2500-1250-600-400-300-150, U2450/Unr. $750- GM/or/IM/or/FM LECTURE SAT., 5:45-6:45pm. FREE! to tournament participants; minimum $10 donation for family, coaches, spectators, all schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds. Fri 8, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3:30. 2- 350-250, top U2300/Unr. $400-200. FIDE Rated. Under 2200 section: day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. 11, 2:15 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3:30. $1500-750-500-250-200-150. FIDE Rated. Under 2000 section: $1500-750- others. EVENT #2: BEGINNER/UNRATED SEMINAR FRI., 7-9pm. FEE: $30. No Beginner should miss this! This 2-HOUR SESSION is for U1250 & U1000 schedule Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. 11, 12:45 & 3:00, 500-250-200-150. Under 1800 section: $1500-750-500-250-200-150. Under Sun 9:30 & 12:45. U1250 3-day schedule Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds. Fri 8, 1600 section: $1500-750-350-250-200-150. Under 1400/Unr: $1000-500- relative beginners, unrated players and parents, especially those playing in the U800 Section on Sat. It will cover information regarding playing Sat 11 & 3:00, Sun 9:30 & 12:45. Ent: MCA, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., 250-150-100-50, U1200 $500-250-150 (not a separate section; U1200s Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information and registration also eligible for U1400 prizes), Unrated: $150-100-50 (Unrated players in under tournament conditions,use of a chess clock, scorekeeping, opening traps, good and bad opening moves, etc. By Mon, Nov. 25th (add $10 at http://odlineopen.com. this section are eligible for these prizes only). Mixed Doubles: Top 3 best EF: male and female team $500-250-125. Plus-score bonus for every player after, add additional $10 on site): 3-Day Schedules: OPEN $134. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! who finishes with 4-1/2 points or better who didn’t place in the money GMs/IMs/FMs FREE! ($130 EF deducted from prize). U1800: $104). DEC. 6-8, 13-15, NEW YORK prize wins a $25 gift certificate towards chess store - redeemable onsite U1400: $84. 2-Day Schedules: OPEN: $133. U1800: $103. U1400: $83. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 No Re-Entries allowed in only. EF: $185 by Nov. 10th, additional $15 after. (Onsite registration $220) 1-Day Schedule: U800: $25. RE-ENTRIES: JERRY SIMON MEMORIAL/MCC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Re-entry $100. Membership required USCF and SCCF. (Please note USCF OPEN or U800. U1800: $80. U1400: $50. TL: 3-Day Schedules: OPEN, 9-SS, G/90 +30. FIDE rated. $4,500 based on 70 paid entries: $2,000- membership MUST be active until December 2019!) No checks at door – G/90 +30 inc. U1800, U1400: G/90 d5. 2-Day Schedules: OPEN: RDS. 1,000, U2100: $750, U1800: $750. Title of 2019 MCC Open Champion goes 1-3, G/45 d5. RDS. 4-6, G/90 +30 inc. RDS: 1-3, G/30 cash or credit card only. Schedule: 4-day schedule Reg. closes 9:30 am U1800, U1400: to the winner(s)! EF: $150; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr fee. ($5 late d5. RDS. 4-6, G/90 d5. : : G/25 d5. on 11/28, (Rounds 11-6, 10:30-5:30, 10-5, 9:30-4:00). 3-day schedule: 1 Day Schedule U800 RDS.: 3-Day fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Fri 12/6: 7pm, Sat Reg. closes 9:30am on 11/29, Rounds. 11-2:30-5-8pm (G/60 min d5), Schedules: FRI,12,7 PM. Sat, 11, 7. Sun, 10, 3. 2-Day Schedules: OPEN: 12/7: 12:30 & 5:30pm, Sun 12/8: 12:30 & 5:30pm, Fri 12/13: 7pm, Sat Sat, 11, 1:15, 3:15, 7. Sun, 10, 3. Sat, 12, 2:30, 4, 7. Sun schedules merge in Rd. 5 and compete for common prizes. Bye: Two half- U1800, U1400: 12/14: 12:30 & 5:30pm, Sun 12/15: 12:30pm. Max three byes; request at point byes may be requested in advance. Lectures and videos playing 10, 3. U800 Schedule: Sat, 11:30, 1:15, 2:30, 3:45. BYES: Up to TWO entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 1/2-point byes allowed in Sects.; allowed in throughout the weekend. HR: Reduced rate of $129/day single or double OPEN, U1800, U1400 ONE U800 Sect.; must be requested before start of RD. 4; before RD. 3 in US Chess Junior Grand Prix! for our group. Group Code “CHESS”. Call Hilton (714) 540-7000. Cutoff is DEC. 21-22, TEXAS Nov. 1st. Best to reserve through online link in our website. Parking: $7 U800. REG.: 3-Day Schedules: OPEN: Fri, 9-11am. 2-Day Schedules: OPEN: Sat, 9-10:15am. U1800, U1400: 9-11am. U800 Schedule: Sat, 9- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) per day. Ratings: November USCF Rating Supplement used. CCA minimum DCC FIDE OPEN XII ratings and TD discretion are used to protect you from improperly rated 10:30am. U800 ORIENTATION: 11:15am $$: $10,000 (b/46 per sect.; b/min. 6 per prize sect.). 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, players. Info: organizing club - ChessPalace 714-899-3421, play@ameri- Each sect. 60% Guar. TOP Sect. FIDE- and . 1st-2nd-3rd-4th: $1,200-$600-$500-$400. TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. $$875G. FIDE and US canopen.org. Mail Entry: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden USCF-Rated OPEN: $4,500: Open: 1st, 2nd 2200-2399, X, A, 1800/UNR $300, $150. 1st- Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for Grove, CA 92845 or Online Entry: www.AmericanOpen.org. W. FIDE. U1800: $3,000: 2nd-3rd-4th: $800-$600-$450-$400. 1st-2nd 1100-1299, U1400/UNR: pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. NOV. 29, NEW YORK $275, $125. U1400: $2500: 1st-2nd-3rd-4th: $700-$500-$400-$300. 1st- TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 2nd 1400-1699, U1100/UNR: $200, $100. U800: LARGE TROPHIES for must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) 1st-2nd-3rd. Also TROPHIES for Top U600-U400-U200, UNR. LODG/DIRS: Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used RADISSON HOTEL, 31525 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. $$ $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, (248) 553-0000. EMAIL: [email protected]. Located just North of U1600 $125, Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member

60 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

$55. Dallas Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member rate may increase. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box & 4:30. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rds. 12/27 11, 2:30 & 6, 12/28 11 fee. Small Minimum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc- & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. Bye: all, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must must play all rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted torAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4. HR: $99-99, 800-833-3308, 702- from prize). Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tour- 739-4111, rate may increase or chess block sell out about 11/15. Free section is not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. nament 12/27 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. parking if guest room at Ballys. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD Note that if the reserve has few players, it may be merge with the Open #657633. Ratings: December FIDE used in Open, December official USCF and all open rules will be observed. EF: $40. $10 non Dallas Chess Club An American Classic! in others. For foreign players in U2300 & below, see www.chesstour.com/for- membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes and if at least 8 A Heritage Event! eignratings.htm; highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail US Chess Junior Grand Prix! paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner receives free DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, NEVADA to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. Special rules: CCA entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tournament reserves US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) electronic devices rules used; see www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Blitz the right to use FIDE rules on electronic devices and on starting White’s 12/29 10 pm. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury clock at start of a round. Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: 29TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN OPEN Mills, NY 12577 (DirectorAtChess.us, www.chesstour.com, 347-201-2269). Reg.: Saturday from 9:45–10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Open Section, Dec 26-30: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. GM & IM norms possible. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (Click Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One half point Bye allowed if requested before end Other sections, Dec 26-29 or 27-29: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, on “entry list” after entry). of round 2 and before getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point rds 1-2 G/60 d10). Bally’s Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las last round byes are not eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if Vegas, NV 89103. $120,000 guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections. Open: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st DEC. 28-29, NEW JERSEY required) must pay $5 per round and be US Chess members. ENT: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, on tiebreak bonus $200, top FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2400-1200. FIDE 2019 SOUTH JERSEY OPEN DR. LEROY DUBECK CUP 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. rated, GM & IM norms possible. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000-1200- 800-600-500-500-400-400. Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600- $5,000 guaranteed! 5 rounds, Time control G/90 d5. Crowne Plaza A Heritage Event! 500-500-400-400. Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-500- Philadelphia Cherry Hill, 2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 400-400. Under 1700: $6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400. across from Garden State Park - 5 miles from Philadelphia City Center. DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, NEW YORK Under 1500: $5000-2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under In 3 section: Open Section: $1000-500-300, top Under 2100 $300-100. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) 1250: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top Under 1000 Under 1900 Section: $550-400-200, top Under 1700 $250. Under 1500 38TH ANNUAL EMPIRE CITY OPEN (no unr) $1000-500. No separate U1000 section; under 1000 in U1250 Section: $500-300-200, top Under 1200 $200. Special prizes $100 each 6SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/40 d10). Hotel Penn- play for both U1250 and U1000 prizes; receive larger if winning both. Prize for best parent/child and siblings scores Entry Fee: Online $85 by sylvania, 401 Seventh Ave. (32nd-33rd St, across from Penn Station), limits: 1) Unrated limit $500 in U1250, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 12/15 $95 by 12/27, $105 at site. 10% “siblings” cashback, 20% “par- New York 10001. FOOD NOT PURCHASED FROM THE HOTEL IS NOT U1900, $2000 U2100. 2) Under 26 games played as of Dec 2019 official ent/child” cashback. GMs, IMs free; $100 deducted from prize. Re-entry ALLOWED IN THE HOTEL. $$15,000 guaranteed. Free lecture by IM may not win over $1500 U1250, $3000 U1500 or U1700. Games rated too - $50. Registration: www.snjchess.com/register. Schedule: Reg ends , Sat 9 am. 6 sections. Major (1800/up): $1500-800-500-300, late for Dec 2019 list not counted. 3) If post-event rating posted 12/20/18- Saturday 9:45 pm, rds. Sat 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm Sun 10 am, 2 pm. Time clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top USCF U2300 $600-300. FIDE. Under 12/20/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit Control: G/90 d5. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before 2100: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1900: $1000-500-300-200. Under $2000. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mixed rd. 2. Hotel rates: $109 - “Chess Rate”, 1-856-382-6120; reserve by 1700: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1500: $900-500-300-200. Under doubles bonus prizes: best male/female combined 2-player team score: 12/15. Ratings: November official USCF rating list. Contact: 1200: $800-500-300-200. Unrated limits: U1200 $200, U1500 $300, $2000-1000-500-300-200. Only rounds 1-7 of Open Section counted. Team [email protected], (703) 989-6867. U1700 $400, U1900 $500. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no exta team combined score among all sections: $600-400-200. Must average fee) by 3 pm 12/27; prize limits do not apply to doubles. Top 6 sections A State Championship Event! under 2200; may play different sections; register before both begin rd EF: Online at chessaction.com: $245 by 9/15, $275 by 12/23. Mailed by DEC. 28-29, NEW JERSEY 2. Top 6 sections EF: $123 online at www.chessaction.com by 12/24, 12/15: 5-day $280, 4-day $279, 3-day $278. Do not mail entry after 12/15. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 12/17, all $140 at site, or online until Online 12/24 to 2 hours before round 1, or at site 12/26 to 1 hour before 2019 NJ SENIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIAL NJSCF 2 hrs before rd 1. GMs $100 from prize. All: Re-entry $50 (no Major to round 1: $300. Open Section EF $100 more to US players if not USCF or TOURNAMENT Major). Online EF $5 less to NYSCA members; $12 NYSCA dues may be FIDE rated 2200/over. Under 1250 Section EF: All $120 less than above. $2,000 guaranteed! 5 rounds, Time control G/90 d5. Crowne Plaza paid with EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org Seniors 65/over in U1500/over: All $120 less than above. Re-entry Philadelphia Cherry Hill, 2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF with $120; not available in Open Section. GM, foreign IM/WGM/WIM in Open across from Garden State Park - 5 miles from Philadelphia City Center. magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Section: Free; minimum prize $300 if playing all 9 games with no byes; Winner of the Open section represents New Jersey at the National Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3-Day $200 EF deducted from prize (cannot lower prize to below minimum). US Senior Tournament during the U.S. Open. Eligibility: Must be 50 or Schedule: Reg. ends Thu 11 am. Rds. Thu 12 & 6, Fri 11 & 5, Sat 10 & IM/WGM, foreign FM/WFM in Open Section: Entry fees $100 less than older on December 1, 2019. In 2 sections: Open Section and Reserve 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 9 am. Rds. Fri 10, 12:15, 2:30 & above. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 yr USCF dues with (Under 1750 or unrated). Schedule: Reg ends Saturday 9:45 pm, rds. 5, Sat 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Sat 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm Sun 10 am, 2 pm. Time Control: G/90 d5 Prizes: Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR: Upgraded Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 5-day reg. $2,000 guaranteed. Open Section: $500 - 200; Under 2000: $250 - 150. Penn 5000 rooms $189-199, regular rooms $169-179. Reserve at chess- ends 12/26 10 am, rds. 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30, 12/30 10 am. Reserve (Under 1800) Section: $400 - 200; Under 1400: $200 - 100. tour.com or call 1-800-223-8585 or 212-736-5000, reserve by 12/12 or 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds. 12/26 6 pm, 12/27-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 Entry Fee: Online $75 by 12/15 $85 by 12/27, $95 at site $10 discount

29th annual NORTH AMERICAN OPEN Dec 26-30, 26-29 or 27-29, Las Vegas - GM & IM norms possible! $120,000 PRIZE FUND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!

Open Section: 9 rounds, Dec Prize limits: If under 26 games 5-day late reg. ends 12/26 10 26-30, 40/2, SD/30 d10. as of Dec 2019 official, U1250 am, rds 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & Other sections: 7 rounds, Dec $1500, U1500 or U1700 $3000. Unr 4:30, 12/30 10 am. 26-29, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day in U1250 $500, U1500 $1000, U1700 4-day late reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10). $1300, U1900 $1600, U2100 $2000. rounds 12/26 6 pm, 12/27-28 11 & 6, At Bally's Casino Resort, 3645 If post-event rating posted 12/20/18- 12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm. Las Vegas Blvd So, Las Vegas NV 12/20/19 was more than 30 pts over 3-day late reg. ends 12/27 10 89103. Free parking for guests. section maximum, limit $2000. am, rounds 12/27 11, 2:30 & 6, 12/28 In 7 sections. Open Section Mixed doubles prizes: $2000- 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. uses December FIDE ratings, other 1000-500-300-200. Male/female, any 1/2-pt byes OK all, limit 4 (limit sections December official USCF sections, must average under 2200. 2 in last 4 rds). Open must commit ratings. Open, only rds 1-7 count. Reg. by 3 before rd 3, other before rd 4. pm 12/27 (no extra fee). Open Section: $10000-5000- Bring set, board, clock if 2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400- Top 6 sections entry fee: $275 possible- none supplied. USCF mem. 400, clear/tiebreak win $200 bonus, at chessaction.com by 12/23, $300 required. top FIDE U2400/Unr $2400-1200. until 2 hrs before rd 1 or at site until Unofficial uschess.org ratings FIDE rated, 200 GPP. 1 hr before. Open $100 more if not usually used if otherwise unrated. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000- FIDE or USCF 2200/over or foreign. Special room rate at Bally’s 1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. See Chess Life or chesstour.com for $99 single or twin. Reserve now at Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000- mailed entry. 800-833-3308 or 702-739-4111. 1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. Special entry fee: all in U1250 Rooms may sell out about Nov 15. Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000- or Senior 65/over in U1500/up, $120 Blitz tournament 12/29 10 pm. 1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. less. Re-entry (no Open) $120. $3000 GUARANTEED! Enter by 7 pm Under 1700: $6000-3000-1500- GM, foreign IM/WGM/WIM in 12/29 for lowest fee. 1000-800-600-500-500-400-400. Open free, $200 from prize. Entry: chessaction.com or Under 1500: $5000-2500-1300- US IM/WGM & foreign Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury 1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. FM/WFM in Open, $100 less. Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge Under 1250: $3000-1500-1000- No check at site; credit card OK. for refunds. Eentries posted at 800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top Special USCF dues if paid with chessaction.com (click “entry list” Under 1000 (no unr) $1000-500. entry: see chesstour.com or TLA. after entering).

www.uschess.org 61 Tournament Life / October

for SNJCC members Free entry to GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs. $150-75. Unrated qualify for top prizes only. EF: $75 on-line by 12/28/2019. post-event rating posted 1/14/19-1/14/20 was more than 60 points over All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. Hotel $80 by 1/3. $90 after that or onsite. Add $15 if playing up from Reserve section maximum, prize limit $500. Top 4 sections EF: $138 at rates:$109 - “Chess Rate”, 1-856-382-6120; reserve by 12/15. Ratings: into Open section. Schedule: Sat. 9am, 2pm, 7pm; Sun. 10am, 3pm. Re- chessaction.com by 1/15, 4-day $144, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by November official USCF rating list. Contact: [email protected], entry: $45 with 1/2pt bye. Byes OK all rounds must commit by end of round 1/8, all $160 (no check, credit card OK) at site, or online to 2 hrs before rd (703) 989-6867. Registration: www.njscf.org/register 2. Register online at https://www.kingregistration.com/event/winteropen20. 1. GMs $120 from prize. U1200 Section EF: $30 less than top 4 sections. Winter scholastic on Jan 5. G/25 d5. Two sections: Under 1200 and All: Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry. At chessaction.com, A Heritage Event! Under 700. Trophies to top 10 in each section. Schedule: 12pm, rest ASAP. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & DEC. 29, NEVADA EF: $25 by 12/28/2019. $30 by 1/3. $35 day of or onsite. Register online at $17. Re-entry (no Major to Major) $60. Online EF $5 less to CalChess mem. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) https://www.kingregistration.com/event/winterschol20. 4-day schedule: Late reg. to Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat/Sun 12 & 6, Mon 28TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN BLITZ (BLZ) 10 & 3:30. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds. Sat 12, 3 & 6, 5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Ballys Casino Resort (see North US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds. American Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections. Open: $500- JAN. 17-19 OR 18-19, ILLINOIS Sun 10-12-2-3:45-6, Mon 10-3:30. No 2-day Major. Byes: OK all, limit 2; 300-200, U2300/Unr $230-120, U2100/Unr $220-110. Under 1900: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED) must commit before rd. 3. Unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise $400-200-100, U1700 $220-110, U1500 $140-70, U1300 $80. EF (at site CHICAGO CHESS CENTER 3RD JANE ADDAMS MEMORIAL unrated, or to qualify for Major. Foreign player ratings: See only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 12/29, $50 after 7 pm 12/29. GMs $40 $5,550 GUARANTEED! $8,600 b/120 Student Center East, Univ. of Illinois foreignratings.com. HR: $119-119-129, 877-286-8389, 925-825-7700, reserve from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rds. 10 pm, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15. at Chicago, 750 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60607. In 7 Sections, 2 schedules: by 1/3 or may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Bye: 1. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings & Hull House Open: Top section prizes 100% guaranteed! FIDE. 5SS, 40/100, Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. SD/30; +30. Rds.: Fri. 7, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-4. EF: $83, $99 after Jan.9, chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Refunds, $15 service $109 after Jan. 16 & onsite. U2000 $35 more. GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs charge. Bring set, board, clock if possible; not supplied. Entries posted at US Chess Junior Grand Prix! free with advance registration. $$Gtd: $1000-600-400, U2300 $500. EF JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5, NORTH CAROLINA chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sun 10 based on US Chess rating; pairings & prizes based on FIDE rating. Under pm, enter by 9:45 pm. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) 2100: 5SS, 40/100, SD/30; +30, Rds: Fri. 7, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-4. EF: $83, 2020 CHARLOTTE OPEN $99 after Jan. 9, $109 after Jan. 16 & onsite. U1800 $35 more. $$ b/120 Championship section 1/1-1/5, 9SS, G/100 inc/30, lower 4 sections $625-310-165. Under 1900: 5SS, 40/100, SD/30; +30, Rds.: Fri. 7, Sat. 1/3-1/5, 6SS, G/120 d10 (or 2-day 1/4-1/5 rds. 1-3 G/40 d10). Hilton 10-4, Sun. 10-4. EF: $83, $99 after Jan. 9, $109 after Jan. 16 & onsite. Regional University Place Charlotte, 8629 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte, NC. $20,000 U1600 $35 more. $$ b/120 $625-310-165. Under 1700: 5SS, 40/100, guaranteed prize fund in 5 sections, plus scholastic section. Cham- SD/30; +30, Rds.: Fri. 7, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 10-4. EF: $83, $99 after Jan. 9, pionship (2100+): $3000-1500-800-500-300-200, top FIDE U2400 $109 after Jan. 16 & onsite. U1400 $25 more. $$ b/120 $625-310-165. ALABAMA $1000, top FIDE U2250 $600, top FIDE U2100/Unr $500. FIDE, GM/IM Under 1500: 6SS, G/65 d5. Rds: Sat. 10-2-5, Sun. 10-2-5. EF: $83, $99 norms possible. Under 2200: $1600-800-400-200, top U2050 $400. OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 2019 Atlanta Class Championships (GA) after Jan. 9, $109 after Jan 16. & onsite. U1200 $15 more. $$ b/120 $625- See Georgia. FIDE. Under 1900: $1400-700-400-200, top U1750 $400. Under 1600: 310- 165. Under 1300: 6SS, G/65 d5, Rds.: Sat. 10-2-5, Sun. Sat. 10-2-5. $1200-600-300-200, top U1450 $300. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200, EF: $73, $89 after Jan. 9, $99 after Jan. 16 & onsite. $$ b/120 $625-310- OCT. 26, The Mobile Open top U1100 $200. Must be 2100+ to enter Champ, $100 extra fee for 165. Under 1000: 6SS, G/65 d5, Rds.: Sat. 10-2-5, Sun.10-2-5. EF: $53, See Grand Prix. players rated U2200 in Champ. Championship EF: $240 by 12/15, $69 after Jan. 12, $79 onsite. $$b/120: $300-200-100. ALL: ENT: $270 after. IMs $100 less, $100 from prize. GMs who reg by 12/1 and www.chichess.org/events. Unrated cannot win more than 50% of 1st prize ARIZONA complete 9 rounds receive a minimum prize of $100 and no deduction in any class section. REG.: Fri. 5:30-6:30 or Sat 8:30-9:30. Reentry: $50. from prize, otherwise free entry, $240 from prize. U2200-U1300 sections NO PHONE ENTRIES. Sets, boards, clocks supplied by Chicago Chess US Chess Junior Grand Prix! EF: $140 by 12/15, $170 after. Enter online at www.charlottechesscen- Center! Byes: Limit 2 (limit 3 in U1500/U1300/U1000), must commit before Tuesday Night Open ter.org or mailed to CCCSA, 10700 Kettering Dr., Suite E, Charlotte, NC rd. 2; 2nd Sun. bye counts as 0.4 towards prizes. PARKING: $7/day at 28226, $10 EF discount if staying at hotel, up to 2 discounts per room. 4 or 5 round, USCF rated tournament; ROUND TIMES: 7:00pm. One 760 W. Taylor St. HOTEL: $99/night at nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago game every Tuesday of the month: Time Control: 40/120, SD/60 d5. Saturday U1000 K-12 Scholastic: Sat 1/4 only, 4SS, G/25 d5, rounds Downtown, 506 W. Harrison, Chicago, 60607, 312-957-9100, ask for 10-11:15-1:00-2:00, trophies to top 10, EF $35 by 12/29, $45 after. Blitz PRIZES: 1st Place and Class Prizes based on number of entries; ENTRY “Chicago Chess Center” rate. INFO: chichess.org/events, (773) 294-1709, FEE: $45; TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE: tourney Sat night, register on-site. Hotel: $101-101, free parking, [email protected]. W. free wifi, reserve by 12/26! 5-day schedule (Champ only): Reg Wed 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite H-1910, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. 5-6:15pm, rds. Wed 7pm, Thurs-Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. 3-day (U2200 An American Classic! NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 14th annual Los Angeles Open (CA-S) to U1300 sections): Reg Fri 10-11:15am, rds. Fri-Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & A Heritage Event! See Grand Prix. 3:30. 2-day (U2200 to U1300 sections, rds. 1-3 G/40 d10): Reg Sat US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 8:45-9:30am, rds. 10, 12:45, 3:15, then merge with 3-day. Must be JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, PENNSYLVANIA NOV. 2-3, 1st Annual Arizona Fall Festival within 100 points of next section to play up. Jan FIDE rating used in US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) Tucson Woman’s Club, 6245 E. Bellevue St., Tucson, AZ 85712, 520-296- Champ for pairings/prizes, Jan USCF used for other sections. Byes: Up 52ND ANNUAL LIBERTY BELL OPEN 3142. Three Separate Events: 1. Southwest Regional Women’s Chess to 3 half point byes available, commit before round 3. Unrateds must 7SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option in Championship (All female U.S. residents) : Two Sections: Championship enter U1300 section. Re-entry: $50, no Champ to Champ. Chess sets U2100 & below, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market St., (Open), Reserve (U1400); 2. AZ Senior Open (AZ residents born on or provided, bring clocks. Co-organized by the Charlotte Chess Center Philadelphia 19103. Prizes $20,000 based on 320 paid entries (re-entries, before 11/2/1969), 3. AZ Fall Chess Festival Quads, more info at and Carolinas Chess Initiative after the 2019 Pan-Am Intercollegiate GMs/IMs & U1200 section count 70%), else proportional, except min. 75% sazchess.org. SCHEDULE: Women’s/Senior, 5/SS, G/75;+30. Rds.: Championship. www.charlottechesscenter.org, grant@charlottechess- each prize guaranteed. 6 sections. Major (1800/up): $2000-1200-600- Sat., 10, 2 & 6; Sun., 9 & 1; Quads: 2 one-day tournaments, G/60;+5; center.org. 400-300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, top U2300 $1000-500. FIDE. Sat.: 10, as available; Sun.:9, as available. PRIZES: SW Women’s: Cham- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Under 2100: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1200-600-400-300- pionship ($$Gtd.): $250+Plaque to 1st, $75 to Top 1800, $50 to Top JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, MASSACHUSETTS 200. Under 1700: $1000-500-400-300-200. Under 1500: $1000-500-400- U1600, Winner and Top U18 will receive FE choice of 2020 All-Girls Nation- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) 300-200. Under 1200: $700-400-300-200-100. Unrated may not win over als, 2020 US Women’s Open, or 2020 US Open; Reserve: Trophies to $100 in U1200, $200 U1500, $300 U1700 or $400 U1900. Mixed doubles: 8TH ANNUAL BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS 1st- 3rd, Top U1000, Top U800; $25 SACA GCs to Biggest Upset Rounds 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Hyatt Boston best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: 1-4. Medallions to all players. AZ Senior Open ($$Gtd.):$100+Plaque to Harbor, 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA 02128. Free parking, free $1000-600-400. Must average under 2200; may play different sections; 1st; Trophies+ SACA GCs to 2nd-3rd, Top Senior 60+, 70+, 80+; airport shuttle. Prizes $12,000 based on 220 entries (U1250 & re- register (no extra fee) before both begin round 2. Prize limits: If any Highest Placing AZ Resident will be the 2019 AZ Senior Champion & Rep. entries count 60%), min. guarantee $8000 (2/3 each prize). 6 sections. post-event rating posted 1/14/19-1/14/20 was more than 60 points over for the 2020 National Senior Tournament of Champions; $25 SACA GC to Premier (1900/over): $1200-600-400, clear/ tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, section maximum, prize limit $400. Top 5 sections EF: $108 online at Biggest Upset, Rounds 1-4. Quads: $75 to 1st, each quad. EF: (All events) top U2300 $500-250. Under 2100: $1000-500-300. Under 1900: $1000- chessaction.com by 1/15, 4-day $114, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if check GM, IM, FM, WGM, WIM, WFM FREE! SW Women’s: $50 (+$10 if 1300- 500-300. Under 1700: $900-500-300. Under 1500: $800-400-300. Under mailed by 1/8, $130 (no check, credit card OK) at site, or online to 2 hrs 1399), $65 after 10/22, $75 on-site; Reserve (U1400): $30; $45 after 1250: $400- 200-150. Unrated limit $100 in U1250, $200 U1500, $300 before rd. 1. GMs/IMs $80 from prize. U1200 Section EF: All $30 less 10/22, $55 on-site. AZ Senior Open: $50, $65 after 10/22, $75 on-site. U1700. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined than top 5 sections. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if oth- Quads: $30, $35 after 10/22, $45 on-site. SW Women’s & Senior Open: score among all sections: $800-400-200. Must average under 2200; erwise unrated, or to qualify for Major. Special 1 yr USCF dues with 1/2 pt. byes all rounds but must be requested prior to start Rd. 2 (max may play different sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 1/4. magazine paid with entry: At chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, 2). HR: Sonesta ES Suites, 6477 East Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710 Top 5 sections EF: $87 at chessaction.com by 1/1, 3-day $93, 2-day Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. Re-entry (no Major to (8-minute walk to site). $109 up to 2 per room (+$10 ea. for 3-4), $159 $92 if check mailed by 12/23, $100 at site, or online until 2 hrs before Major) $70. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat/Sun up to 6 in 2BR suite. Breakfast included! 520-721-0991. Book by 10/22, rd. 1. GMs $80 from prize. U1250 Section EF: All $40 less than above. 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11 am, rds. Sat 12, after, rates will be on a space available basis. Ask for chess tournament All: Online EF$5 less to MACA members; join/renew at masschess.org. 3 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule (no Major): Reg. ends rate. Info: Martha Underwood, 520-990-6765, or Michelle Martinez, 520- Re-entry $50 (no Premier to Premier). No checks at site, credit cards Sun. 9 am, rds. Sun 10-12-2-3:45-6, Mon 10-3:30. Bye: all, limit 3, must 615-1308; email: [email protected] Ent: Events4Chess.com; OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unr. Special commit before rd. 3. HR: $107-107-107-107, 1-800-SONESTA, 215-561- postal reg. available (checks payable to SACA) if postmarked by 10/25 to 1 year USCF dues if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com, Adult $35, 7500, request Continental Chess rate, reserve by 1/3 or may increase. SACA, Attn: 2020 Tucson Open, PO Box 40663, Tucson, AZ 85717. W. On- Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3- Parking: Chess rate at Sonesta approx. $20/day (half normal rate). 1540 site Reg.: 11/2 9:00-9:45AM. Day Schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Spring St., 12 minutes walk, about $7/day Sat & Sun, $22 other days. Car DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American 2-Day Schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or chesstour.com. Ent: Open (NV) 1/2-pt byes available all rds, limit 2 byes, Premier must commit before chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. See Grand Prix. rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $109-109, link at chesstour. com or 617- Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, www.chesstour.com, 347-201-2269. $15 568-1234, request chess rate, reserve by 12/20 or may increase. Car service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Ent: chessaction. com list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sun. 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm. (CA-N) or Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service See Grand Prix. charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Entries posted at www.chesstour.com (Click “entry list” after entering). JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN Blitz Sat. 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN 11TH ANNUAL GOLDEN STATE OPEN A Heritage Event! 7SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE CHESS CLUB US Chess Junior Grand Prix! except in Major Section, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John The oldest chess club in the United States, running since 1854! JAN. 4-5, ILLINOIS Glenn Dr., Concord, CA 94520 (free BART shuttle often available). Prizes 57 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94104 - 4th floor. Contact: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 $25,000 guaranteed. 5 sections. Major (1800/up). $3000-1500-700-500- Phone: (415) 393-0110, [email protected], www.chess TIM JUST WINTER OPEN XXXVII 300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100, top USCF U2300 $1000-500. FIDE. Under club.org. Monthly FIDE Rapid tournament on last Mondays An Illinois Chess Tour Event.5SS. G/90 inc 30.Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 2100: $1700-900-500-300-200, top U1900 $800-400 . Under 1800: $1700- of each month. Tuesday Night Marathons throughout the year 1800 East Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173, (847) 605-1234. $100 if reserved 900-500-300-200, top U1600 $600-300. Under 1500: $1400-700-400-300-200, with 3 FIDE rated sections. Free lecture before TNM rounds by 12/20 at https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G- top U1300 $400-200. Under 1200: $1000-500-400-300-200, top U1000 by 3-times US Champion, GM . FREE classes: WINA $4,600 in prizes. Two Sections plus Winter Scholastic on Jan 4. $200-100. Unrated prize limits: U1200 $200, U1500 $350, U1800 $500. GM Nick deFirmian on Wednesdays, FM Paul Whitehead on Open Section: open to all (FIDE rated!). Open Prizes: $750-350-250-150; Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score among Thursdays, WGM Carla Heredia on Saturdays for kids, and U2200: $300-150; U2000: $300-125. Reserve Section (Under 1800). Reserve all sections: $1000-500-300. Must average under 2200; may play different Ewelina Krubnik on Sundays for women exclusive. Weekend Prizes: $700-300-200-125; U1600: $225-150; U1400: $200-100; U1200: sections; register (no extra fee) before both begin rd 2. Prize limits: If any tournaments for regular and scholastic players at MI and other

62 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

locations! Seasonal camps, enrichment classes at schools, centers 22753 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505. Group Classes 714-899-3421. Mail Entry: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden and at the club throughout the year. Chess coaches wanted * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. 5% off everything Grove, CA 92845 or online entry at: http://americanopen.org/ throughout the year, apply now and get the best pay in the with online sign ups. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American area! Details on our website. OCT. 4-6, Martin Soong’s Memorial Open FIDE Open (NV) OCT. 21, Monday Night Rapid - Oct 2019 (4SS, G/15 +2s) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor) San Francisco, OCT. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 26, 27, Every Saturday & Sunday Chess DEC. 29, 28th annual North American Blitz (BLZ) (NV) CA 94104. 4SS, G/15 +2s. Sections: Open (1600+), Reserve (u1600). 4 Juniors See Grand Prix. All sections FIDE rapid & USCF action rated. Oct 19 Suppl. Prizes: 50% of total EF. Entry: $20. Play-up $5 (within 200 rating). Byes: Max two 8 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler, LA, JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open 0.5 byes. Reg: 5:30-5:45p. Rounds: 6p & onwards. Contact: chess- 90025, 2nd floor. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No prize (CA-N) [email protected], chessclub.org. W. 1/2 EF, siblings 1/2, 1st tourney free for new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 See Grand Prix. pm. Rds.: 1pm & asap; done by 4. Prizes: Trophies & medals; All players OCT. 22, 29, NOV. 5, 12, 19, 26, DEC. 3, 10, 17, 2019 Fall receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Free refreshments. Info: Tuesday Night Marathon (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com or [email protected]. COLORADO See Grand Prix. Register Online:www.LAChessClub.com for 5% off EF. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! , 2019 CalChess Rapid State Championship OCT. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC Saturday Blitz FIDE (BLZ) OCT. 26 NOT OCT. 16 NOV. 5, 12, 19, 26, November Swiss 90 See Grand Prix. 4 separate events- 9SS, G/3’+2’’ FIDE & USCF rated (Blitz). FIDE & USCF rated. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd floor. EF: $20 4SS. TC: G/90+30. Site: Ballroom in the Acacia Apartment Bldg., 104 OCT. 27, 2019 CalChess Blitz State Championship (9SS, G/3+2) (extra $10 non-LACC mbrs). No prizes, Siblings 1/2 EF. Reg.: 6-6:30 E. Platte, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Open: USCF membership required (BLZ) pm. Rds.: 6:30 and ASAP thereafter. Prizes: 1/2 Collections. Parking: EF: $10 (1 game / week); $5 discount for CSCC Supporting Members. See Grand Prix. Free on streets & BoA. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com Prizes: Cash prizes TBA. Reg.: About 6:00pm until 6:45pm each week or [email protected] Register Online: www.LAChessClub.com Rds.: 7:00pm. Ent: Paul Anderson. Phone: (719) 551-9833 SMS. E-mail: NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 14th annual Los Angeles Open (CA-S) [email protected]. Players must check-in by 6:45pm each week. See Grand Prix. for 5% off EF. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NOV. 2, Weibel Fall Youth Quads #2 OCT. 6, 13, 20, 27, Every Sunday Chess 4 Juniors G/30 d5. Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer, Fremont, CA 4 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 22753 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA DEC. 7-8, Winter Springs Open - Manitou Springs, CO 94539. AWARDS: Trophy for first place in each Quad including ties, 90505. EF: $20 ($10 extra non-SBCC memb, siblings 1/2, 1st tourney 4-SS. Time Control G/90 with 30 seconds increment. Manitou Springs medals to all others. SCHED: Check-in by 9:30 AM, RDS. 10:15, 11:30, free with SBCC membership sign up.) Reg.: 11-12 pm. Rds.: 1pm & City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs. Sections: June (open), 1:00, INFO/REG: www.CalNorthYouthChess.org/Applications/FallQuads19- asap; done by 4 pm. Prizes: Trophies & medals; All players receive July (U 1800 & Unrated), August (U1400 and Unrated). EF: $40 if rec’d GP CONTACT: Alan Kirshner, [email protected] (510) 659-0358. prizes! Free refreshments. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.SouthBay- by 12/4, $45 at site. $5 discount members of Colorado State Chess ChessClub.com or [email protected]. Register Online: Assn, OSA. Additional $5 discount for Supporting Members of Colorado US Chess Junior Grand Prix! www.SouthBayChessClub.com for 5% off EF. Springs Chess Club. Cash prizes per entries. Second day Byes must be NOV. 2-3, 48th Capps Memorial Tournament (4SS, G/90 +30) requested before Round 1. Register: 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Rounds: 10 AM, Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th fl.), San Francisco, OCT. 12, 19, 26, LACC Saturday G/60 3 separate events- 1 open section, 3SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica 3 PM both days. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd., Manitou CA 94104. 4SS, G/90 +30, FIDE rated. Sections & Prizes: Total Springs, CO 80829. Information (719) 685-1984 or [email protected] $1080/b40. 1800+: $325 $215 $110; u1800: $217 $107 $106. Nov 19 Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $20 (extra $10 non-LACC mbrs). No prizes, suppl. Entry: $50, $45 MI members, playup: $10 (if rating 1600+), late Siblings 1/2 EF. Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Prizes: 1/2 col- DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American fee: $5 after 8/14. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rounds: Sat & Sun 10a, 2:30p. lections. Parking: Free on streets. Info: (310) 795-5710 or Open (NV) Contact: [email protected], chessclub.org. W. www.LAChessClub.com or [email protected] Register Online: See Grand Prix. www.LAChessClub.com for 5% off EF. NOV. 10, San Francisco Swiss & Blitz - November (PK-12) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th fl.), San Francisco, OCT. 13, 20, 27, LACC Sunday G/60 (CA-N) CA 94104. 4SS, G/30 d5. Sections: 700+, 400-699, u400. Nov 19 suppl. 3 separate events- 1 open section, 3SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica See Grand Prix. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5 each section, medals to others. Entry: $35, Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $20 (extra $10 non-LACC mbrs). No prizes, playup: $10, late fee: $10 after 11/4. Reg.: 9:30-9:45am. Rounds: 10- Siblings 1/2 EF. Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Prizes: 1/2 col- 2:30pm. Blitz: G/5 d0. Reg.: 2:30-2:45pm, Rounds: 3-5pm. Entry: $20. lections. Parking: Free at BoA & streets. Info: (310) 795-5710 or CONNECTICUT Contact: [email protected], chessclub.org. W. www.LAChessClub.com or [email protected] Register Online: www.LAChessClub.com for 5% off EF. OCT. 19, 2019 Connecticut Harvest Open , 19th Pierre St. Amant Memorial Championship (5SS, 3SS, G/60 d5. Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main St. (Rt 31), Coventry, CT 06238. NOV. 16 , 2019 SoCal All Girls Chess Championship G/40 d5) OCT. 20 EF: $35 Cash Only Onsite Only. $$GTD: $160-80. Reg.: 9:45 am - 10:10 4 sections K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12 Time Control for K-3 & K-5:5SS, G/30 Rds.: INFO: Dir: Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor) San Francisco, d5. Time Control for K-8 & K-12: 4SS, G/55 d5. 11514 Santa Monica am. 10:30, 1:30, 3:45. [email protected] CA 94104. 5SS, G/40 d5. Sections: one Open section for all players. Nov Blvd. & Butler LA, 90025, 2nd floor. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $40 by One Section. Accel.Pairings. https://ConnecticutChess.blogspot.com W. 19 suppl. Prizes: $720 b/40 50% guaranteed. $240 $120 u2200: $85 8/31; $60 after. Reg.: Please register by mail before October 20. If OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) u2000: $80 u1800: $70 u1600: $65 u1400: $60. Entry: $35, $30 MI mem- registering on site on October 20, it is from 8-8:30 am and Rd. 1 would See Grand Prix. bers. Late fee: $5 after 11/12. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rounds: 10a, 11:30a, be a 1/2 point bye. Rds.: K-3 & K-5 - 9:30, 11, 1, 2:30, 4 pm – Awards 1p, 2:30p, 4p. Contact: [email protected], chessclub.org. W. NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 5th annual Stamford Open at 6 pm. Rds.: K-8 & K-12 – 9, 11:15, 1:45, 4 pm – Awards at 6:15 pm. See Grand Prix. NOV. 23, Cupertino Swiss & Blitz - November (PK-12) Payment: Mail check to: 1155 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., #T, Diamond Bar, Juniper Cupertino, 10050 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. 4SS, CA 91765 – Attn: Jason Chen. Refunds: Full refund if notified by 10/10. NOV. 16, 2019 Yankee Peddler Open G/30 d5. Sections: 700+, 400-699, u400. Nov 19 suppl. Prizes: Trophies $15 charge afterwards. Prizes: $100 for 1st place in each section – 3SS, G/60 d5. Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main St. (Rt 31), Coventry, CT 06238. to Top 5 each section, medals to others. Entry: $35, playup: $10, late Also, trophies for top 5 in each section. For K-3, trophy for U400 and EF: $35 Cash Only Onsite Only. $$GTD: $160-80. Reg.: 9:45 am - 10:10 fee: $10 after 11/19. Reg.: 9:30-9:45am. Rounds: 10-2:30pm. Blitz: best unrated. For K-5, trophy for best U600 and best unrated. For K-8 & am. Rds.: 10:30, 1:30, 3:45. INFO: [email protected] Dir: G/5 d0. Reg.: 2:30-2:45pm, Rounds: 3-5pm. Entry: $20. Contact: chess- K-12, trophy for best U1000 and best Unrated. Parking: Free on streets One Section. Accel.Pairings. https://ConnecticutChess.blogspot.com W. Info: [email protected], chessclub.org. W. & BoA. Free refreshments. Harlin Chen @ 909-992-9592 or Jason NOV. 23-24, 4th annual Schenectady Open at Proctors (NY) Chen @ 626-757-3922 or Mick Bighamian @ 310-795-5710 or See Grand Prix. DEC. 7, Weibel Fall Youth Quads #3 www.LAChessClub.com or [email protected]. G/30 d5. Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer, Fremont, CA NOV. 23-24 OR 24, 4th Annual NY State Girls Championship! (NY) 94539. AWARDS: Trophy for first place in each Quad including ties, NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 14th annual Los Angeles Open See New York. medals to all others. SCHED: Check-in by 9:30 AM, RDS. 10:15, 11:30, See Grand Prix. 1:00, INFO/REG: www.CalNorthYouthChess.org/Applications/FallQuads19- , 55th Annual American Open NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National NOV. 28-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 29-DEC. 1 Chess Congress (PA) GP CONTACT: Alan Kirshner, [email protected] (510) 659-0358. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American NOV. 30, American Open Blitz (BLZ) Open (NV) See Grand Prix. DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 38th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. , American Open Action DEC. 1 , 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open Costa Mesa. 5 rounds, G/30 d5. Site: Hilton Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5 See Grand Prix. Mesa, CA 92626. Prizes: $500, 80% Guaranteed! EF: $35 by November See Grand Prix. 27th. $50 after (onsite). Onsite registration between 10:00 to 11 am. JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 36th Annual (2020) U.S. Amateur Team Championship - West Rounds: 12 pm - 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Contact Info: See Grand Prix. See Nationals.

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB 14th annual The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. * LACC: www.LAChessClub.com; VCC: www.ValleyChess LOS ANGELES OPEN Club. com; Contact: [email protected]; Saturday & Sundays: 10 am-10 pm (Novice & Interm. classes + 3 Tour- naments). Sundays: 11 am - 7 pm (Novice & Interm. classes class + 2 Tournaments. FIDE & USCF tournaments. Details Nov 1-3 or 2-3, Airtel Plaza Hotel, Van Nuys on our web site. Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (4 blocks W of 405, SW corner of Santa Monica & Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) Group Classes * Tournaments * $109 rooms, parking day $8, overnight $12 Private (1:1) Lessons. Note our monthly major tournaments. Also, we have the best Weekly BLITZ tournament on Saturday $15,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES nights at 6:30 pm!! THE SOUTH BAY CHESS CLUB The Only Junior Chess Club in South Bay! (310) 795-5710. * For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. LACC: www.SouthBayChessClub.com; Contact: Mick@South- BayChessClub.com; Sundays: 11am-4 pm (Novice & Interm. classes + a Junior Tournaments). Details on our web site.

www.uschess.org 63 Tournament Life / October

DELAWARE HAWAII IOWA OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open OCT. 26-27, Quad-Cities Open (USCF and FIDE rated) IASCA See Grand Prix. (CA-N) Iowa Grand Prix Qualifier (IL) OCT. 27, Scholastic Chess at South Jersey Innovation Center (NJ) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See New Jersey. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NOV. 23-24 OR 24, 4th Annual NY State Girls Championship! (NY) IDAHO NOV. 8-10, 7th Annual Ice Harbor Scholastic Open See New York. A Weekend Scholastic Tournament with extra events including Friday Chandra Alexis Chess Club Night Blitz, Saturday Open & Reserve Bughouse, and Friends & Family. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National Monthly Rated Game per Week. Meridian Library, 1326 W. Cherry Ln., 144 Individual and 54 Team Awards. Where: The Grand River Center 500 Chess Congress (PA) Meridian, ID 83642. Every Tuesday 5:30pm-8pm – unfinished games Bell St., Dubuque, IA 52001. Reg.: Online: www.onlineregistration.cc See Grand Prix. are adjourned. USCF rated G/60 d5; Qualifying FIDE section G/90+30. under “Chess in Iowa.” On-Site: Fri: 6:00 pm –7:00 pm. Sat: 8:00am– DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) EF: Free. Reg: chandraalexischessclub.org. George (208) 375-1211. 9:30am. Mail: Checks payable to “ Chess in Iowa,” c/o James Hodina, See Grand Prix. 3411 Blue Pt. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Include name, USCF ID, OCT. 12-13, 2019 Norman Friedman Memorial & National Chess Section, Team & Email address. All Ages Master/Expert (FIDE/US Chess JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) Day Tournament See Grand Prix. Rate) G/90 +30, 4 Rds: Sat 10-3 Sun 9-2. 6 Scholastic Sections: K-12 See Grand Prix. Open & K-6 Open: G/75 d5, 5 Rds: Sat 10-1:30-4:30, Sun 9-12:30; K-12 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1200, K-6 U800, K-3 Open, K-6 Unrated: G/45 d5, 6 Rds: Sat 10-12:30- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OCT. 26-27, October MexInsurance.com at Boise State Student 2:30, Sun 9-11-1:30. Entry Fee: $50 by 10/1, $55 by 10/31, $60 after Union 11/1, $70 on-site. Prize Info: Main Event Awards: Master/Expert:Top NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National 1700 W. University Dr., Boise, ID 83725. Bishop Barnwell Room, Second 6 Overall. K-12 Open: Top 10 Overall, Top 3 U1600 & U1400 each. K-12 Chess Congress (PA) Floor. SS: 5, Rds.: Sat: 9, 12:30, 4; Sun: 9, 12:30. USCF G/60 d5 FIDE: U1200: Top 6 Overall, Top 2 U900, U600, Unrated each. K-6 Open: Top 6 See Grand Prix. 4+ Qualifying FIDE Rated G/90,+30. Prizes: $130 based on 10 paid Overall, Top 2 U1000, U800, U600 each K-6 U800: Top 6 Overall, Top 2 U600, U300, Unrated, each. K-3 Open: Top 6 Overall, Top 2 U800, U400, DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open (MD) entries. EF: $16 - Unrated Free. Reg.: chandraalexischessclub.org, George See Grand Prix. (208) 375-1211, Senior TD and FIDE National Arbiter George Lundy. Unrated, each. K-6 Unrated: Top 5 Overall, Top Score each grade. Club Team Awards: (Total of top 3 individual scores): Plaques Each Player of US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Top 3 Teams in Each Section: K-3, K-6 Open & U800, K-12 Open & U1200. FLORIDA NOV. 5, 12, 19, 26, Chandra Alexis Chess Club November Teams may be of common school or chess club per USCF current regula- Monthly FIDE Invitational tions. Top Pair Awards: (players may be from different sections): Top 3 Boca Raton Chess Club 5 Rds. Meridian Library, 1326 W. Cherry Ln., Meridian, ID 83642. Every Boy/Girl Pairs, Top 3 Parent/Child Pairs. Hotel: Grand Harbor Resort Friday night tournament games, one game a week for 4 weeks. Tuesday 5:30pm-8pm – unfinished games are adjourned. USCF rated and Waterpark, 350 St. Dubuque, IA 52001, $119 chess rate includes 4 www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. G/60 d5; Qualifying FIDE section G/90+30. EF: Free. Reg.: chandraalex- passes to the waterpark. Rate guaranteed through October 9 for the first The Stormont Kings Chess Center in Miami, FL ischessclub.org, George (208) 375-1211. 85 reservations. Reservations: Phone (866) 690-4006 and ask for the Ice We have a beautiful office with multiple rooms located in the NOV. 9, 2019 Southern Idaho Open & Veteran’s Day Tournament Harbor Chess Group rate. Side Events: Entry Fee = $10 per player per Kendall/Falls/Pinecrest Area. We offer Private and Group Lessons, 4SS, Time Control: G/60 d5. Section: Open. Site: Holiday Inn Express, event. Blitz Chess Tournament Fri 7 pm; Bughouse Reserve Tournament Homeschool Activities, Tournaments, Camps, Family Game Nights, 1554 Fillmore St., Twin Falls, ID. Call for Chess Rate, 208-734-2233. US Sat 4:30 pm; Bughouse Open Tournament Sat 7:30 pm; Friends and Parents Night Out, Casual Chess Play TSK Rated and more! Chess Chess mem. req. EF: Veterans free, $30 per player, over 80, IMs, FMs, Family, Sat-Sun, 4 Rds, Rated & Unrated Sections. Additional Info: Visit Sets and equipment for sale. Complimentary Bottled Water, Ample GMs free. Discount for online registration. Check in: 9:00-9:30am. Rd. www.iceharborchess.com for more details on the tournament, playing Parking, Comfortable Waiting Room with legos, and other activities times: 10:00am, 1:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm. 1/2 pt bye avail: Rnd 1-3, Max site, hotel, and area attractions or email: [email protected]. for siblings while waiting. Located at 8353 SW 124 St., Suite 201-A, 1, Notify TD before Rd. 2 is paired. $$ (based on 30) 1st - 2nd place Overall US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Miami, FL 33156. Contact Chris Stormont, Phone: 786-303-2437, E- $100, $75. $50/class: B, C, D, E, F, & unr. Details: idahochessassociation@ NOV. 9-10, Ice Harbor All-Ages Master/Expert Tournament mail: [email protected], Web: www.StormontKings gmail.com, Online registration at www.idahochessassociation.com, (208) (FIDE/US Chess Rated) Chess.com 450-9048. Four Round Swiss, G/90 +30, Sat 10-3 Sun 9-2. Reg.: Online: www.online OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 2019 Atlanta Class Championships (GA) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open registration. cc. Entry Fee: US Masters free entry, enter “Master” with See Georgia. (CA-N) online registration or email [email protected]. Experts $50 by 10/1, $55 by 10/31, $60 after 11/1, $70 on-site. See tournament listing NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 18th Annual Turkey Bowl See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. for event and hotel details. Event held concurrent with Ice Habor Scholastic Open, Friday night blitz and Saturday night bughouse. DEC. 13-15, 2019 National K-12 Grade Championships See Nationals. ILLINOIS NOV. 16-17, 11th Annual Des Moines Fall Classic - Open Section FIDE-Rated (IASCA GP Qualifier) , 28th annual Midwest Class JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5, 2020 Charlotte Open (NC) OCT. 11-13 OR 12-13 See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Championships See Grand Prix. JAN. 4-5, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVII (IL) See Grand Prix. GEORGIA OCT. 26-27, Quad-Cities Open (USCF and FIDE rated) IASCA Iowa Grand Prix Qualifier OCT. 12, Metro Atlanta Chess Partners’ 4th Annual National Chess See Grand Prix. KENTUCKY Day Tournament , 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) Location: NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17 NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) TBA. Register @ macpchess.org, $40.00 Fee. Opening Cer- See Grand Prix. emony will begin at 9:30am. This will be a 4 round G/30 d5 tournament. See Grand Prix. 2 sections: K-3rd (800 and under) K-12th (1200 and under). *Must NOV. 23, 2019 Midwest All-Girls & Women’s Championships JUNE 20, West Louisville Chess Classic be a member of the United States Chess Federation (uschess.org)* presented by Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, All Ameri- Regional tournament...Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Prizes: Individual Cash Prizes ($100, $50, $25) and Trophies for Top 3 cas Chess & USCF - FREE Lunch & Raffle Prizes Held at the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. See: (www.thewest- Players (both sections), Trophies and medals for Top 3 Teams. *50 Embassy Suites, 5500 N. River Rd., Rosemont. 4-SS. G/60 d5 - Rounds: louisvillechessclub.com) and/or our facebook page: The West Louisville player maximum-no onsite registration. Coach Thomas Clem, 404-604- 9:30, 12:30, 2:45, & 5:00 - Awards: 7:00. ALL GIRLS TOURNAMENT 6 Chess Club official page for more information and to register. 0370, www.macpchess.org, Metro Atlanta Chess Partners, Inc. Sections: U18, U16, U14, U12, U10, U8. EF: $32 by 10/28, $40 by 11/11, $50 after 11/11, Trophies: top 2 in U18, U16, & U14 sections & top 3 in US Chess Junior Grand Prix! WOMEN’S OPEN EF: MAINE , 2019 Atlanta Class Championships U12, U10, U8 sections. $49 by 10/28, $57 by OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20 11/11, $65 after 11/11, Prizes: $450 b/20; $200-125, U1800 $75, 5-SS, (NEW SITE SAME CAMPUS) Interactive College of Technology, NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 2019 Saco Open U1500/Unrated $50. Entry/More Info: www.rknights.org. 5241 (Not 5227) New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341. $3500 See Grand Prix. b/85, $2100 guaranteed. 6 sections. “Expert:” Open to USCF 2000 NOV. 24, 2019 Illinois Class Championship JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) thru 2199. $500-300. Class “A:” Open to USCF-rated 1800 thru 1999. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. $475-275. Class “B:” Open to USCF-rated 1600 thru 1799. $450-250. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, Class “C:” Open to USCF-rated 1400 thru 1599. $425-225. Class 2019 Annual Motor City Open (MI) “D:” Open to USCF-rated Under 1400 and Unrated. $400-200. Class MARYLAND “E:” Open to USCF-rated Under 1200 and Unrated. Trophies, 1st thru See Grand Prix. 7th places; Under 900, 1st and 2nd places. (Classes “D” thru “Expert” JAN. 4-5, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVII MARYLAND CHESS TOURNAMENTS entries only count towards the 85-player prize base). Class “D” thru See Grand Prix. Maryland Chess runs 21+ annual K-12 tournaments every “A” rated players may elect to enter the next higher section. Entry other Saturday from September through June & 12+ annual JAN. 17-19 OR 18-19, Chicago Chess Center 3rd Jane Addams 1-day or multi-day open tournaments for adults & K-12 Fee: $56 (3-Day), $55 (2-Day) — if received by October 17; $60 at Memorial site. Unrated: $35. Class “E:” $30. Re-Entry: $40. 3-Day Schedule: players on weekends. See www.MDChess.org for tournament Reg. ends Fri 7:00pm. Rds. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun See Grand Prix. announcements, registration for tournaments, updated 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10:00am. Rds. FEB. 21-23, 2020 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North wallcharts, live standings, signup for K-12 & open e-newslet- Sat 10:30am, then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Time controls: See Nationals. ters, lists of coaches & clubs, camp announcements, & news. “Expert” Section: “40/90, SD/30 d10.” Other sections: “G/120 d5.” K-12 MD players who compete in the Varsity section (for All sections: 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 “G/90 d5.” 1/2-Pt. Byes: Available players rated 1600+) of 1 of 8+ annual MD-Sweet-16 Qualifiers any round (limit two) — must request 1/2-Pt. Byes before Round INDIANA can qualify for the $48,000+ scholarship to the University of One (no changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards, Maryland, Baltimore County awarded annually. UMBC is a and Clocks – None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. OCT. 11-13 OR 12-13, 28th annual Midwest Class perennial top-10 contender for the collegiate national chess Entries and Information: americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 Championships (IL) championship. See Grand Prix. – 9389. PHONE CALLS ONLY AFTER OCTOBER 17 – no e-mails or TEXT OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14, 11th annual Washington Chess messages, please. NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) Congress (VA) NOV. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 Georgia Open/Kelly Hollins Memorial See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 18th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) 2019 Annual Motor City Open (MI) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5, 2020 Charlotte Open (NC) JAN. 4-5, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVII (IL) Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

64 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open Rds.: 10:00am, 2:00pm, 5:15. Limit of one 1/2 point bye, specify round See Grand Prix. with entry. Advance entry: $25 if postmarked by 11/11/2019. ENT: WMCA MISSOURI c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413)695- DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) Knights of the Chess Table Chess Club See Grand Prix. 7689 [email protected]; WMCA web-site: www.wmass-chess.us. Edward Jones YMCA, St. Louis, MO - All skill levels welcome. Play casual Please bring set and clock. W. NOTE: This version supercedes what chess or blitz chess. For club info, address and hours, go to https://knight- JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) appeared in Sept. CL issue. See Grand Prix. softhechesstable.com , 4th annual Schenectady Open at Proctors (NY) NOV. 23-24 OCT. 19-20, 2019 Missouri Open - $5000 Guaranteed Prize Fund See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. MASSACHUSETTS NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National OCT. 22-27, 13th Annual SPICE Cup Open US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. OCT. 9, 16, 23, 30, NOV. 6, Ernest E. Fandreyer Memorial NOV. 2, $5 Thanksgiving Open Satellite 5SS, G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Room C159, Fitchburg DEC. 14, 10th St. Nick 3SS, G/75 d5 . Saint Louis Chess Club, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20 annual 4SS, G/60 d5. Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St., Holyoke, MA 01040. MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF: $5 Three Sections: Open, club dues or $1 per game. Reg.: 6:30-7 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. each EF: $30 at site; $5 WMCA discount; Unr: unrated FREE. USCF membership U1800 and U1400. Champion of each Section receives free entry to the Wed. Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books to 1st-2nd, top required. $$500b/30 paying entries: $100 1st Open; Top A: $100; Top Thanksgiving Open. Armageddon game (s) will be played in case of tie U1800, U1650, U1400. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., B: $90; Top C: $80; Top Under 1400: $70; Top Unrated: $60. Reg.: 8:45- to determine Champion. Reg.: 10-10:45. Rounds: 11:00, 2:00, 5:00. Fitchburg, MA 01420, [email protected], 978-345-5011. Website: 9:30am Saturday 12/14/2019. $25 if postmarked by 12/9/2019. Rds.: One 1/2 point bye available in any round if declared before round 1. www.wachusettchess.org WEB: 10/9. Free parking. “Chess Chat” 10:00am, 12:15pm, 3:15, 5:30. Limit of one 1/2 point bye, specify round Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saint- DVD shown at 6:40 p.m. W. with entry. ENT:WMCA, c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview Palmer, MA 01069. louischessclub.org Info: 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. INFO: Ron Gist (413) 695-7689, [email protected]. Please bring set OCT. 27, 86th Greater Boston Open NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) See Grand Prix. and clock. W. See Grand Prix. , 8th annual Boston Chess Congress NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 5th annual Stamford Open (CT) JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5 NOV. 16, Saturday Night Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 7SS, G/5 d0. Saint Louis Chess Club, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, NOV. 9-10, 2019 Vermont Open (VT) MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF: $10. One Section. $200 See Grand Prix. MICHIGAN UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!! $50-$40-$30-$25 U1800: $20 U1400: $15 Biggest Upset: $20. Blitz Ratings will be used as event is USCF Blitz , 3rd Leaf Blower Open - Note Date Change NOV. 16 NOT NOV. 9 NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) Rated. TD has discretion to appoint ratings. One 1/2 point bye available 3SS, G/90 d5, The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., See Grand Prix. in any round if declared before round 1. Reg.: 6-6:45. 1st Round starts Amherst, MA 01002. EF: $30 on-site; Check, cash or credit card; WMCA @ 7:00 with event finishing by 9:00. $5 discount; Unr: Unrated FREE; USCF membership required; $$450b/30 NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, paying entries: $100 1st Open; Top A: $90; Top B: $80; Top C: $70; Top 2019 Annual Motor City Open US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1400: $60; Top Unrated; $50. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 Saturday 11/16/2019; See Grand Prix. NOV. 29-DEC. 1, Thanksgiving Open (FIDE Rated) 10K Prize Fund Membership Appreciation Program (MAP) The MAP program continues in 2019. See details at main.uschess.org/go/MAP. Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life.

Overall Affiliate Standings Adult Membership Standings Name State Count Name State Count CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 984 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 764 BAY AREA CHESS CA 689 CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CTR MO 124 THE BERKELEY CHESS SCHOOL CA 276 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 105 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 221 BAY AREA CHESS CA 93 NEW YORK CITY CHESS INC NY 180 ROCHESTER CHESS CENTER NY 85 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 158 MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 66 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 145 LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB CA 65 CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CTR MO 135 JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 53 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 134 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 46 ROCKS & ROOKS CHESS CLUB TX 126 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 45 Small State Affiliate Standings Scholastic and Youth Membership Standings Name State Count Name State Count JOHN BAPST MHS CHESS CLUB ME 74 BAY AREA CHESS CA 596 ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL CC ME 49 THE BERKELEY CHESS SCHOOL CA 252 METRO AREA CHESS DC 46 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 220 WVSCA WV 25 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 206 BANGOR AREA CHESS ASSOCIATION ME 16 NEW YORK CITY CHESS INC NY 173 TOURNAMENT IN A BOX NH 11 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 126 KAUAI CHESS HI 10 EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 119 RELYEA CHESS NH 10 ROCKS & ROOKS CHESS CLUB TX 115 TWIN STATE MONTY VT 9 BEYOND CHESS CA 113 KNIGHTS CHESS CLUB NH 9 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 112 LITTLE HOUSE OF CHESS INC NY 112 State Chapter Affiliate Standings Name State Count Member Standings MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MD 281 Name State Count MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 133 WOLF, TODD W ND 62 WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION WA 99 STALLINGS, JAY CA 49 PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 91 TUSING, TIMOTHY A FL 22 NEVADA CHESS INC NV 51 LUNA, GILBERTO, II FL 19 NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 48 HAILE, NADEW UT 19 MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MA 41 KRANICH-RITTER, TANIA FL 16 MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 28 SYGIEL, CHET KY 12 IOWA STATE CHESS ASSOCIATION IA 23 BRAUNLICH, THOMAS OK 11 NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN NH 14 FAY, BRYAN WI 11 CAMPBELL, TIM V MO 10 HAMILTON, SCOTT WV 10

PCT Gain Standings State Dec17 Aug19 PCT State Dec17 Aug19 PCT State Dec17 Aug19 PCT State Dec17 Aug19 PCT AK 59 81 37.3 OK 340 370 8.8 ME 525 550 4.8 ID 271 280 3.3 KS 431 488 13.2 WA 1324 1410 6.5 DC 337 352 4.5 HI 161 177 9.9 MS 468 493 5.3 CT 1316 1366 3.8

www.uschess.org 65 Tournament Life / October

6SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Saint Louis Chess Club, 4657 Maryland 11:50, or lined-up to do so, will be charged $5 less! Prizes: $60 to first Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs if registered NEW JERSEY in each section. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess by 11/2, else $100 deducted from prize. EF: $110, $100 if registered by , 11th annual Washington Chess club.org/Events.html, [email protected] 11/22, $80 if registered by 11/2. Register early and save! Space is limited OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14 Congress (VA) OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress to 150 players. Three Sections: Open (FIDE Rated), U1800, U1400. Prize See Grand Prix. Fund: $10,000 UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!! Open: $1,500-$1,000- See Grand Prix. $750-$500 U2250: $600-$400 U2050: $350-$200 U1800 Section: OCT. 12, ICA Super Saturday Quads OCT. 26, ICA Super Saturday Quads $1,000-$500-$350-$250 U1600: $400-$200 U1400 Section: $1,000-$400- 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). $300 U1200: $200-$100. Reg.: 10:00 am-12:30pm on Friday 11/29. Rounds: 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:15 PM at the day of the 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:15 PM at the day of the Friday: 1 & 6, Saturday: 12 & 5, Sunday: 11 am & 4 pm. Two 1/2 point tournament or on-line: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments. tournament or on-line: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments. byes available in any round if declared before round 3. Re-entry available Entry Fee: $25 (check or cash) or $28 (on-line). Rounds: 1:30 and Entry Fee: $25 (check or cash) or $28 (on-line). Rounds: 1:30 and in U1800 & U1400 Section for $60. Unless provisionally rated, ratings ASAP. Prize: $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email ASAP. Prize: $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email based on November Supplement for Pairing & Prize purposes. Unrated [email protected] for more information. [email protected] for more information. Players may play in any section, but are only eligible for Place Prizes. OCT. 19, Hamilton Chess Club Quads OCT. 26, King’s Chess Club Quads Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouis- 3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave., Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30 d5, Kindergarten-undergrad- chessclub.org. Info: 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per uate (scholastic, youth, and young adult memberships). Grace Church Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. More Bethlehem Campus, 758 Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: information: hamiltonchessclub.com or 609-758-2326 leave message 9- 9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr. by 12:30 pm to reg. only for afternoon MONTANA or text 609-351-2437. W. quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Email Bob McAdams at fam- [email protected] or call at 973-694-3988. JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open OCT. 19, ICA Super Saturday Quads (CA-N) 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). OCT. 27, Westfield G/45 Quads See Grand Prix. 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:15 PM at the day of the 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $30, tournament or on-line: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments. $25 members. Registration: 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Those registering Entry Fee: $25 (check or cash) or $28 (on-line). Rounds: 1:30 and before 11:50, or lined-up to do so, will be charged $5 less! Prizes: $60 NEVADA ASAP. Prize: $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email to first in each section. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. Info: westfield- chessclub.org/Events.html, [email protected] OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 37th Annual Sands Regency Reno - [email protected] for more information. Western States Open - FIDE $$27,500 b/275 ($17,000 Gtd.) OCT. 19, 109th Central Jersey Chess Tournament OCT. 27, Scholastic Chess at South Jersey Innovation Center See Grand Prix. Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Rd., Princeton. 4 rated sections, each K- 2003 Lincoln Dr., West Marlton, NJ 08053. 4 rds. G/25 d5, Beginning at 12, 4 rds., G/25 d5: Open (1100+), U1100, U800, U500. 2 unrated 12:15 and ASAP: OPEN (Players K-12), RESERVE (K-12 U-1000), NOVICE NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 14th annual Los Angeles Open (CA-S) II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-8). Plaques to top 3 school teams, See Grand Prix. sections, 4 rds. Intermediate (K-8), Beginners (K-2). Trophies to 1st-3rd and top school/club team per section, medals to all! $40 pre-reg online by top 5 in each section Medals to all players. Pre-registration online, $35 DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American Open 10/17, $50 on-site 1:15-1:45. Rd. 1 at 2pm. [email protected], Info and online registration at https://snjchess.com/register. On-site See Grand Prix. www.njchess.com 11-12 noon $45. Inquiries to [email protected] DEC. 29, 28th annual North American Blitz (BLZ) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 5th annual Stamford Open (CT) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. OCT. 19-20, 2nd Adults Only FIDE Swiss JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open Guaranteed $1,000 Prize Fund!! 4SS, G/90;+30 seconds per move. NOV. 2, ICA Super Saturday Quads (CA-N) Dean of Chess Academy, 3322 Route 22 West, Branchburg Commons, 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). See Grand Prix. Building 15, Suite 1501, Branchburg, NJ 08876. (908) 595-0066. Open 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:15 PM at the day of the to all players 18 and over. $$GTD: $250-$200-$150-$100, U2300: $100 tournament or on-line: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments. U2100: $100 Over 50: $100. Entry Fee: $45 if received by 10/11 or Entry Fee: $25 (check or cash) or $28 (on-line). Rounds: 1:30 and NEW HAMPSHIRE online at deanofchess.com until 10/11. After 10/11 and Onsite: $55. ASAP. Prize: $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email IMs and GMs free, early entry fee deducted from prize. USCF ratings [email protected] for more information. OCT. 19-20, New Hampshire Senior Championship used for pairings and prizes. Two 1/2 point byes if requested before See Grand Prix. NOV. 3, Westfield G/50 Quads start of round 2. Onsite Registration: 12:00-12:45pm. Rounds: Sat 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $30, NOV. 9-10, 2019 Vermont Open (VT) 1pm, 5:30, and Sun 10, 2:30, FIDE. $25 members. Register: 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Those registering before See Grand Prix. OCT. 20, Westfield G/60 Quads 11:50, or lined-up to do so, will be charged $5 less! Prizes: $60 to first JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) 3-RR. G/55 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $30, in each section. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: westfieldchess See Grand Prix. $25 members. Register: 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Those registering before club.org/Events.html, [email protected]

23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress October 25-27 or 26-27, 2019 - 7 sections, Hyatt Regency Princeton

$20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES 5 rounds, Hyatt Regency, Unrated prize limits: U1100 3-day schedule: Reg. to Fri 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton $100, U1300 $200, U1500 $300, 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & NJ 08540. 40/100, SD/30 d10 U1700 $400, U1900 $500. 5 pm, Sun. 10 am & 3:30 pm. (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10, Mixed doubles: best 2-day: Reg to Sat 10 am, rds merges with 3-day after rd 2). male/female 2-player team (average Sat 11, 2 & 5; Sun 10 & 3:30. $120 chess rate, free under 2200) combined score: $800- 1/2 pt bye OK all (limit 2), parking, link at chesstour.com or 400-200. May play in different Premier must commit by rd 2, 609-987-1234, reserve by 10/10. sections; register by 2 pm Oct 26. other by rd 3.

Premier (1900/up): $2000- Top 6 sections entry fee: Bring set, board, & clock if 1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak $118 at chessaction.com by 10/23, possible- none supplied. 1st $100 bonus, top Under 2300 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed by Re-entry (no Premier): $50. $800-400. FIDE rated, 120 GPP. 10/16, $140 at site (no check, credit U2100: $1400-700-400-200. OK), or online to 2 hrs before rd 1. Entry: chessaction.com or U1900: $1400-700-400-200. U1100 Section: all $50 less. Continental Chess, Box 8482, U1700: $1300-700-400-200. Unofficial uschess.org ratings Pelham NY 10803. $15 service U1500: $1200-600-400-200. usually used if otherwise unrated. charge for refunds. Entries U1300: $1000-500-300-200. Special USCF dues with posted at chessaction.com (click U1100: $500-300-200-100, magazine with online entry: Adult “entry list” after entering). plaques to top 3, top U900, $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 U700, U500, Unrated. $15. USCF memb. required. pm, enter by 9:15 pm.

66 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

NOV. 9, Princeton Day School Chess Tournament pm (earlier if feasible) each match date. EF: $30 each date per player if OCT. 27, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) 650 The Great Road, Princeton. MORNING SECTIONS: 3 rds. G/55 d5, paid by 6 pm the day before match, $35 later, at least 30 min. before 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: Sections for OVER 1000 rated players begin at 10:30 and must prereg- game, $10 less if rated over 1999. Optional $550 EF per school for up $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC ister: NEAR MASTERS (players K-12 OVER 1400), FUTURE MASTERS to 6 players for all 7 dates (school EF $10 less per player over 1999). Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before (players K-12 1200-1400), CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). AFTERNOON SEC- Ent: www.magnusleague.org. Each date’s games submitted for USCF Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. TIONS: 4 rds. G/25 d5, Beginning at 12:20 (round times will be rating prior to next date’s games; Varsity games may be submitted to Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 FIDE on separate schedule. Players must re-confirm before each date; U- 800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated), official USCF rating list in effect on each date used for that date (unofficial US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NO SCORE K-1 (novice). Plaques to top 3 school teams under 1000, top ratings usually used if otherwise unrated or if requesting to play in Var- OCT. 28, NOV. 4, 11, 18, 25, DEC. 2, Marshall FIDE 8 in each section under 1000, and to top 6 in each section over 1000. sity). Limit 8 half-point byes (2 byes max. rds. 11-14), commit by Feb. 9 Monday/U1800 Medals to all players. Pre-registration online, $40 paid at the door. Info (by May 1 for players with minus scores if team also has minus score); 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE and online registration at https://www.pds.org/school-life/chess-tour- TD may assign byes to players whose ratings exceed previous match Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25) naments. On-site 11-12 noon $50. Pizza bar will be open. Inquiries to section limit. $20 fine for forfeits. $60 refunded to schools paying $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Jairo or Bonnie at [email protected] school EF if no forfeits for entire season. Teammate pairings avoided Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: but possible. Free entries divided on ties. See www.magnusleague.org 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: NOV. 10, Westfield G/60 Quads www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 3-RR. G/55 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $30, for rules and special situations. Bonus Points and/or prizes may be $25 members. Register: 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Those registering before awarded each date! Bring clocks! Info: [email protected], US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 11:50, or lined-up to do so, will be charged $5 less! Prizes: $60 to first [email protected]. $15 service charge for refunds. School purchase OCT. 30, NOV. 6, 13, 20, DEC. 4, 11, Marshall Weekly Wednesday in each section. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess orders: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553.W. 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; club.org/Events.html, [email protected] Note: this version supercedes what appears in Sept. CL issue. U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1100: $100. EF: $40; NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 18th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14, 11th annual Washington Chess Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour See Grand Prix. Congress (VA) before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 17, Westfield Grand Prix See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. OCT. 31, Marshall Thursday Action US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: , 9th Long Island CC Fall Open NOV. 23-24 OR 24, 4th Annual NY State Girls Championship! (NY) OCT. 10, 17, 24, 31, NOV. 7 $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- See New York. 5SS, G/90 d5. United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Open to all. $(b/20 pd. ent.): Meadow, NY 11554. $110-90. Top U- Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: A State Championship Event! EF: 2000, U-1500/unr. $60 ea. $35. Non-LICC members +$10. UNRATED www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 24, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship FREE! Reg.: 6:45 - 7:15 PM, no adv. ent., Rds.: 7:30 PM ea. Thursday. 2 5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ byes 1-5. Info: www.lichessclub.com. NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3, 5th annual Stamford Open (CT) 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from Garden See Grand Prix. State Parkway exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade! Grades K- OCT. 15, Marshall Masters 12: Trophies to top 10 individuals, top 3 teams - top 3 from each See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! , Marshall PREMIER school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Rds.: 10am and OCT. 17, Marshall Thursday Action NOV. 1-3 ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/17, $55 at site. USCF mem req’d. Reg.: 8-9:00am 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: 5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd. 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Halsprechman@ $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions. gmail.com Ent: Please make checks payable to NJSCF and send to Hal person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Limited to 34 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: $100; Sprechman, 66 Cromwell Lane, Jackson, NJ 08527. Entries must include Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 late fee: in-person name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration, mailing address, www.marshallchessclub.org/register. reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited to 40 players. phone number & entry fee, please include email address. Register online ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC at: www.njscf.org until 9pm 11/23. OCT. 18, Marshall Friday Quads Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each winner. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request NOV. 24, Westfield $5 Quads EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $5. hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes allowed; $25 Register: 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Prizes: None. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of the tournament. NOV. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Rochester Chess Center Saturday 3:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html, westfieldchess- Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Tournaments! [email protected]. Note: Westfield Club Championship 12/1 & 12/8. 3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National OCT. 18-20, Marshall Monthly U2400 Chess Congress (PA) for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available, 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5, See Grand Prix. $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5. $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open (MD) , Marshall Rated Beginner See Grand Prix. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- NOV. 3 ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 38th annual Empire City Open (NY) ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. See Grand Prix. OCT. 19, Marshall G/50 (U1700) ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Register Online: DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup continue ASAP. No byes. www.marshallchess Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before club.org/register. See Grand Prix. Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register , Marshall Guaranteed Action! DEC. 28-29, 2019 NJ Senior State Championship Official NJSCF Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 7 Tournament 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; Non- OCT. 19-20, 6th annual Central New York Open MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Max one bye, for JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) OCT. 20, TRM244 Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess - See Grand Prix. Riverbank State Park, 145th St & Riverside Dr., NYC 10025. Free. 4 club.org/register. Rounds. G/30 d5. Preregister (required) www.chesstrm.org/NYC/. JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) NOV. 8 , Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix. OCT. 20, Marshall Rated Beginner 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used for pairings & 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person NEW MEXICO ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue NOV. 8-10 OR 9-10, New Mexico Open State Championship continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchess ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar - See Grand Prix. club.org/register. shallchessclub.org/register. , Marshall Thursday Action DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American OCT. 24 NOV. 9 , Marshall U1900 Morning Action Open (NV) 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC EF: See Grand Prix. $25. $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NEW YORK NOV. 9 , Marshall G/50 Open OCT. 6, NOV. 10, DEC. 8, JAN. 12, FEB. 9, MAR. 1, MAY 3, 7th US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Annual Magnus High School and Junior High Chess League! OCT. 24, 31, NOV. 7, 14, 21, DEC. 5, Marshall Thursday Open Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Columbia Grammar and Prep. High School Cafeteria, 36 W. 93rd St. 6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40; Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. (bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave., near 96th St. subways), NYC. Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request 14-SS, open to grades 7-12 born after 5/3/20. 3 sections: 1. Varsity NOV. 10 , Marshall Rated Beginner (over 1799 at match date, and invitees), G/90 +30, FIDE. 2. Junior- by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. Varsity (Under 1800 official rating at match date or unr.), G/75 d10. 3. OCT. 25, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. Novice (Under 1200 official rating at match date or unr.), G/60 d10. See Grand Prix. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & All: May be limited to 64 players each date (entries may be subject to OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchess waiting list). Individual prizes: free entry to 3 specified Continental See Grand Prix. club.org/register. Chess tmts. thru 12/31/20 to 1st, 2 free entries to 2nd each section. OCT. 26, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) NOV. 10 , Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) Plaques to top 3 each section. Second-Half Bonus Prize: 1 free entry 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: to top-scorer (not counting half-point byes), among all 3 sections, in 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC rds. 8-14. Varsity Section Bonus Prize: 1 extra free entry to Clear Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before First in Varsity (playoff between top 2 on tiebreak if tie for 1st in Varsity: Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. may be fast game). Team prizes: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/20 Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. to the 4-top-scoring players from same school across all 3 sections, Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. plaques to top 3 overall team scores. Mixed Doubles (2-player OCT. 27, Marshall Rated Beginner US Chess Junior Grand Prix! male/female team, avg. rating U2200, may be in different sections and 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. NOV. 14-18 , 103rd Edward Lasker Memorial/MCC Closed from different schools, must sign-up by 2/9, no extra fee): free entry to ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr Championship 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/20 to 1st Mixed Doubles team, chess sets to fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9-RR, 40/90, SD/15 +30. FIDE rated. $10,000 GTD: 1st-4th Place: top 3 Mixed Doubles. Free entries courtesy of Continental Chess and 9am & continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchess $2,500- 2,000-1,500-1,000; 5th-10th place: $500 each. Title of “2019 are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% guaranteed prizes. Rds. 10 am, 1:30 club.org/register. Marshall Chess Club Champion” goes to the winner. Tie break for

www.uschess.org 67 Tournament Life / October

the title and 1st prize will be decided by a four game blitz playoff match 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- NY Champions. Nov. 2019 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings at (G/3 +2) and an Armageddon game (bidding for time) if necessary. ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. uschess.org usually used if otherwiseunrated. TD reserves right to assign estimated ratings to players with non-USCF ratings. All substitutions from Entry: By invitational only. Invitations are at the discretion of the club’s NOV. 23, Marshall G/50 (U1700) advance entry list charged late fee. Section switches subject to $10 extra selection committee. MCC Members who have played at least one tour- 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC nament at the club in the calendar year are eligible to receive invitations. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before charge per player after 11/21. $15 service charge for each player refund. TD reserves right to reassign sections for advance entries with incorrect The reigning club champion will be guaranteed an invitation. Additional Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register or unclear registrations. Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 3. see travel criteria for selection will include: rating, frequency of play at the club, Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. HR: former club champions, and top junior players. (Consideration will also websites for nearby hotels in NYC. Info, help with entries, parking, etc: be given to players federations in order for GM Norms to be possible.) NOV. 23-24, 4th annual Schenectady Open at Proctors www.chessgirls.win. Questions: [email protected], chess- Rds.: Thurs 2/28: 12 & 6pm, Fri 3/1: 12 & 6pm, Sat 3/2: 12 & 6pm, Sun See Grand Prix. [email protected] (or 347-201-2269: leave message, email is much 3/3: 12 & 6pm, Mon 3/4: 12pm. No byes available: players who fail to US Chess Junior Grand Prix! better). Team rooms: [email protected]. Sets provided by complete all 9 rounds will be barred from future MCC round robins and A State Championship Event! Little House of Chess— bring clocks! School purchase orders payable to: W. be subject to a $250 fine before participating in another MCC event. NOV. 23-24 OR 24, 4th Annual NY State Girls Championship! Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. (Top 3 Championship Sections US Chess Junior Grand Prix Only) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Open to all girls, out of state welcome, Columbia Grammar and Prepara- NOV. 24 NOV. 14-18, Marshall FIDE Round Robin - IM Norm tory School, 36 West 93rd St. (some sections may be across the street, , Marshall Rated Beginner 9-RR, 40/90, SD/15 +30. FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes. at 5 West 93rd St.), both are between Central Park West & Columbus 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. FIDE norms possible. Registration by invitation only; to request a Ave., NYC. Subways: Broadway & 96th Street (1,2,3 trains), Central ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. spot please email [email protected]. $1500 GTD: $1,000-500. Park West & 96th Street (B, C trains). Online entries at www.chess- ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & EF: $550. (MCC Membership required.) Conditions available for foreign girls.win (2-Day Championship sections): $75 thru 11/18/19, $85 continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchess GM & IM players.; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $100 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: 11/19-21; (1-Day sections): $70 thru 11/18/19, $80 11/19-21. All club.org/register. in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Thurs 2/28: 12 & 6pm, Fri 3/1: sections: $90 after 11/21 or at site, at least 1 hour before game. May be NOV. 29 Entries may be subject to waiting list. , Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) 12 & 6pm, Sat 3/2: 12 & 6pm, Sun 3/3: 12 & 6pm, Mon 3/4: 12pm. No limited to 350 players! For details See Grand Prix. on mail entries see www.chessgirls.win or www.chesscenter.cc. byes available: players who fail to complete all 9 rounds will be barred NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 from future MCC round robins and be subject to a $250 fine before par- In 7 sections. Each section has its own age, (grade) and rating requirements , 50th annual National ticipating in another MCC event. (Championship sections open to all who are under age (and grade) limits; Chess Congress (PA) unrated allowed all sections). Open Championship, open to all girls born See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! after 11/24/99 (top NYS K-12 girl qualifies for 2020 National Girls Tour- NOV. 30 NOV. 15-17 nament of Champions in St. Louis), and , Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) , Marshall U2200 Premier K-6 Championship K-3 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: 5-SS, G/90 +30. Limited to 40 players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1900: Championship are each 2-days: 6-SS, G/60 d10. Rounds: 10 am-1-4 Open: $75. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. $20; Non-MCC $150, U1600: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 pm each day. K-12 Under 1200, K-6 Under 900, K-3 Under 600 and K- U1800: EF: late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 1 Championship are each 5-SS, G/30 d5. Rounds: 10 am-12-1:30-3-4:45 Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rds.: Rd. 1.) GMs Free. 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online: pm Sunday. K-1 open to grades 1/below born after 11/24/11. Both K-3 Rds.: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. sections open to grades 3/below born after 11/24/09. Both K-6 sections Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17 open to grades 6/below born after 11/24/06. K-12 Under 1200 section DEC. 1, Marshall Rated Beginner , 18th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) open to grades 12/below born after 11/24/99. to top 12 each See Grand Prix. Trophies 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. section and top 3 Unr. in each 1-Day section. Grade plaques: top 3 K/below ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. NOV. 19, Marshall Masters in K-1 section, top 3 scorers below 9th Grade in K-12 U1200, top 3 below ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & See Grand Prix. 4th grade in K-6 U900, and top 3 below 2nd grade in K-3 U600 (you can continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchess NOV. 22, Marshall Friday Quads win both plaque + trophy). All players scoring 4 or more (5 or more in 2- club.org/register. Day sections) who don’t win a trophy receive a medal! Speed playoff for 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each winner. DEC. 1, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg 5-0 or 6-0. Plaques also to top 4 teams each section (top 3 scorers from same school = team, all on team must attend same school: no combined 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes allowed; $25 $75. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. $20; Non-MCC teams, even if one school “feeds” another). Individual free entry prizes U1500: EF: Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of the tournament. 2-Day specified Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. (in each Championship section): Free entry to 3 Continental Chess tournaments thru 12/31/20 to 1st , 2 free entries to 2nd, 3 free to Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 3rd! One free entry to 1st in each 1-Day section! Free entries courtesy of Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 22-24, Marshall Monthly U2400 Continental Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% unconditionally DEC. 5, Marshall Guaranteed Action! 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: guaranteed prize funds (not valid for NYS Scholastics in Saratoga Springs). 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; Non- $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional See www.chesstour.com for complete details and restrictions. All: Out- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. of-state eligible for prizes but top NYS player and team each section are before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Max one bye, for CHECK OUT US CHESS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS!

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) 2019 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship TWO OR SIX-GAME OPTIONS. ENTRY FEE: $5. US CHESS $800 FIRST PRIZE ❑ WIN A CORRESPONDENCE CHESS TROPHY st ANNUAL Four-player, double round-robinwith rating-level (0000-1499; 72 (PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS GOLDEN KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE) 1500-1799; 1800-2000+) pairings. 1st-place winner re ceives a trophy. 2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25 ENTRY FEE: $10. These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members who reside on the North American continent, islands, ❑ VICTOR PALCIAUSKAS PRIZE TOURNAMENTS or Hawaii, as well as those US Chess members with an APO or FPO address. US Chess members who reside outside of the North Amer ican con- Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with each tinent are welcome to participate in e-mail events. Your US Chess membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees of six opponents. 1st-place winner receives $130 cash prize must be paid in U.S. dollars. Those new to US Chess Corre spond ence Chess, please estimate your strength: Class A: 1800-1999 (very strong); and a certificate signed by Victor Palciauskas. Class B: 1600-1799 (strong); Class C: 1400-1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level). Note: Prize fund based on 200 ENTRY FEE: $25. entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned. ❑ JOHN W. COLLINS MEMORIAL CLASS TOURNAMENTS Four-player, double round-robin with rating-level (0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+) pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place 2019 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship winner receives a John W. Collins certificate. (SEVEN-PLAYER SECTIONS, ONE GAME WITH EACH OF SIX OPPONENTS.) ENTRY FEE: $7. US CHESS $800 FIRST PRIZE 16th ANNUAL Email Rated Events (need email access) (PLUS TITLE OF US CHESS ELECTRONIC KNIGHTS CHAMPION AND PLAQUE) ❑ LIGHTNING MATCH 2ND PLACE $500 • 3RD $300 • 4TH THRU 10TH PLACE $100 EACH • ENTRY FEE: $25 Two players with two or six-game option. ENTRY FEE: $5. These US Chess Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all US Chess members with e-mail access. Your US Chess membership must remain current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the ❑ SWIFT QUADS year for each player is ten. Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased proportionately per number of entries assigned. Four-player, double round-robin format. 1st-place prize US Chess CC entry credit of $30. Rating-Levels 0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+. TO ENTER: 800-903-USCF(8723) OR FAX 931-787-1200 OR ONLINE AT WWW.USCHESS.ORG ENTRY FEE: $10. Name______US CHESS ID#______❑ WALTER MUIR E-QUADS (WEBSERVER CHESS) Address ______City______State ___ ZIP ______Four-player, double round-robin webserver format tournament Phone ______E-mail______Est. Rating ______with class-level pairings. 1st-place receives a certificate. ENTRY FEE: $7. To pay with credit card please call US Chess. Please check event(s) selected. ❑ Check here if you do not wish to have an opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may slow down your assignment. NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads, Walter Muir E-Quads & Electronic Knights, players will use post office mail, MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO US CHESS AND MAIL TO: JOAN DUBOIS, US CHESS, PO BOX 3967, CROSSVILLE, TN 38557 unless opponents agree to use e-mail.

68 October 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing October 1-14

Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess- OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 2019 Atlanta Class Championships (GA) NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, club.org/register. See Georgia. 2019 Annual Motor City Open (MI) DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open (MD) NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. DEC. 6-8, 13-15, Jerry Simon Memorial/MCC Open OKLAHOMA DEC. 27-30, 2019 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship NOV. 9-10 See Grand Prix. Championship , Oklahoma City Open See Nationals. See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5 DEC. 9, 16, 23, 30, JAN. 6, 13, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 , 2020 Charlotte Open 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE See Grand Prix. OREGON Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25) DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 OHIO Open (NV) Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: See Grand Prix. 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! www.marshallchessclub.org/register. OCT. 12, Toledo October Swiss JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open Open, 4SS, Rnds. 1-4, G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science DEC. 12, Marshall Thursday Action (CA-N) 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, See Grand Prix. OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. $20 by $25. $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- EF: EF: 10/10, $25 at site. 9-10 a.m., 10, 1, 4, & 7. $450 person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. 7-8:10-9:20-10:30pm. Reg.: Rds.: Prizes: Rds.: b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: [email protected]. PENNSYLVANIA Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NORTH PENN CHESS CLUB US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.northpennchess- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NOV. 9 DEC. 12, 19, 26, JAN. 2, 9, 16 , Toledo November Swiss club.org for schedules & info or 215-699-8418. , Marshall Thursday Open Open, 4SS, Rnds. 1-4, G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science 6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40; Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14, 11th annual Washington Chess Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by Congress (VA) before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request 11/7, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 See Grand Prix. by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: [email protected]. OCT. 19-20, 6th annual Central New York Open (NY) DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28, 38th annual Empire City Open 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. A State Championship Event! OCT. 20, PCL October Blitz Hexes (BLZ) DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) NOV. 9, 2019 Ohio Grade Level Championships 5RR, G/5 d2. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow See Grand Prix. 5SS; All players must reside or attend school in Ohio. Sections: Each grade Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $30 to 1st/hex. Reg.: JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) is a section, K through 12. Players must play in the section for their grade. 11:30-11:45am. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. See Grand Prix. All sections are rated. Grades K-6 G/30 d5. Grades 7-12 G/45 d5. Site: Embassy Suites, 4554 Lake Forest Dr., Blue Ash, OH 45242. EF: $35 through OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) Nov 1, then $40. Limited reduced entries at $15/$20 available for qualifying See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. players. Entries must be received by noon, Friday, November 8. No onsite OCT. 27, Scholastic Chess at South Jersey Innovation Center (NJ) registration. USCF Membership: Required for grades 4-12; optional for See New Jersey. grades K-3. Awards: Individual trophies to top 5 places in each section NOV. 1-3 OR 2-3 NORTH CAROLINA and all others scoring 3.5 or more; team trophies to top 3 teams in each , 5th annual Stamford Open (CT) See Grand Prix. OCT. 12-14 section. Complete information at: www.chesscininnati.com/grade-level. , 2019 (60th Annual) U.S. Armed Forces Open Contact: Alan Hodge 513-600-9915, [email protected]. NOV. 2 (USAFO) Chess Championship , 2nd Annual NEW HORIZONS LVCA Fall Scholastic RBO See Nationals. NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open $375 GTD. 5SS, G/30 d5.College Hill Moravian Church, 72 W. Laurel See Grand Prix. St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Reg.: 10 am, Rds.: 11 am, ASAP. 2 Events:1) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Open, 2) U1200; EF: $40 by 10/27, $45 after. Prizes: OPEN $200- OCT. 15, 22, 29, NOV. 5, 12, H’ville Championship NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National 1st, + $100-2nd;+Trophys-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, U14; U1200 5SS, G/36 inc30. 699 North Grove St., Hendersonville, NC. EF: $1. Rds.: Chess Congress (PA) $75-1st+Trophys 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U10, U8, U6, UNR. If Open Tie (Blitzoff). 1 round 6pm each night. INFO: [email protected] See Grand Prix. 1/2 point byes: limit 2. Info: www.lehighvalleychesscub.org, 484-

28th annual KINGS ISLAND OPEN EMBASSY SUITES CINCINNATI NORTHEAST, Blue Ash, Ohio 5-round Swiss, November 15-17 or 16-17, 2019 PRIZES $30,000 PROJECTED, $24,000 MINIMUM GUARANTEED

5 rounds, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day Mixed Doubles bonus prizes: best 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10), Embassy Suites male/female 2-player combined score rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5 pm, Sun 10 Cincinnati Northeast, 4554 Lake Forest among all sections: $1000-500-300. Team am & 3:30 pm. Drive (1 mile from I-71 Exit 15), Blue Ash, must average under 2200; teammates may 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 10 Ohio 45242. Free parking. play in different sections; must register (no am, rds. Sat 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Sun 10 Prizes $30,000 based on 350 paid extra fee) by 2 pm 11/16. am & 3:30 pm. entries (re-entries, GMs & U1000 count All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2; 50%), else proportional; minimum 80% Top 6 sections entry fee: $118 Major must commit before rd 2, others each prize guaranteed. online at chessaction.com by 11/13, 3-day before rd 3. Bring set, board, clock if $123, 2-day $122 mailed by 11/6. $140 at possible- none supplied. In 7 sections: site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. Major: Open to 1800/up. Prizes $3000- Re-entry $60, not available to go from Hotel rates: Suite $107 with king bed 1500-700-500-300, clear/tiebreak 1st Major to Major Section. & queen couch/bed, $117 with two beds & bonus $100, Under 2300 $1600-800. Under 1000 Section entry fee: all queen couch/bed, over 2 in room $10 FIDE, 150 GPP (enhanced). $40 less than top 6 sections entry fee. each, all include free hot breakfast. 513- U2100: $2000-1000-500-400-300. No checks at site, credit cards OK. 733-8900, reserve by 11/1. U1900: $2000-1000-500-400-300. OCA members: Online EF $5 less. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, U1700: $1800-900-500-300-200. Special 1 year USCF dues with #D657633, or reserve at chesstour.com. U1500: $1500-800-400-300-200. magazine if paid with entry: at Entry: chessaction.com or Continental U1250: $1200-600-400-300-200. chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803. U1000: $800-400-250-150-100. $22, Scholastic $15. By mail or at site, $15 service charge for refunds. Entries Unrated prize limits: U1000 $100, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic posted at chessaction.com (click on “entry U1250 $200, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, $17. list” after entering). Blitz tournament Sat U1900 $500. USCF membership required. 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.

www.uschess.org 69 Tournament Life / October

866-3045. Entry payable to: Bruce Davis,1208 Linden St., Fl. 1, Beth- JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5, 2020 Charlotte Open (NC) lehem, PA 18018. SOUTH CAROLINA See Grand Prix. NOV. 2, W. Chester 1st Sat Quads OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 2019 Atlanta Class Championships (GA) JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) Our 30th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. NEW LOCATION: Masonic Lodge 10 See Georgia. See Grand Prix. EF: Reg.: S. Church St., #1, West Chester, PA. $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. NOV. 9-10, 11th Annual South Carolina Senior Open 2019 9am. Rds.: 9:40, 1:00, 4:00. Info: [email protected] See Grand Prix. , MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads WASHINGTON NOV. 9 JAN. 1-5, 3-5 OR 4-5, 2020 Charlotte Open (NC) Esperanza Academy, 421 W. Bristol St., Phila., PA 19140. Quads: 3RR, See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! G/70 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rds. 9:30, 12:30, OCT. 12, National Chess Day Lynden U2000 3. Scholastic: 4SS, K-12 Open, K-8 U1100, K-6 U800, K-3 U500 G/40 4SS, G/60 d10. The Inn at Lynden, 100 5th St., Lynden, WA 98264. Open to d5, EF: $10 rec’d by Thurs. before, $25 on site. Reg. ends 9AM. Rd. 1 TENNESSEE 1999 & under. Open to Player Limit: 30 / Age 18+ only. EF: $39 pre- 10AM then asap. Mail Ent: payable to MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter register by 10/1, $48 at the door. $$b/30: $500 projected for full attendance. St., Philadelphia, PA 19119. Info: mastermindschess.org or brad@mas- OCT. 18-20 OR 19-20, 2019 Atlanta Class Championships (GA) See Georgia. $400-100. 1st place - Trophy. Reg.: 9:00 AM. Rds.: 10:00, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00. termindschess.org 1/2 pt. bye, round 1 only. ENT: [email protected] 801-960- , 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 18th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17 8863. INFO: James Eisert [email protected]. http://james See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. eisert.com/kingmakers-2/. W. NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. TEXAS OCT. 12, National Chess Day Lynden U2000 NOV. 23-24 OR 24, 4th Annual NY State Girls Championship! (NY) OCT. 26-27, DCC FIDE Open XI 4SS, G/60 d10. The Inn at Lynden, 100 5th St., Lynden, WA 98264. Open See New York. See Grand Prix. to 1999 & under. Open to Player Limit: 30. EF: $39 pre-register by 10/1, $48 at the door. $$b/ 30: $500 projected for full attendance. $400-100. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National A State Championship Event! 1st place - Trophy. Reg.: 9:00 AM. Rds.: 10:00, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00. 1/2 pt. Chess Congress NOV. 1-3, 23rd Annual North/Central Texas Grade Championships bye, round 1 only. ENT: [email protected], 801-960-8863. See Grand Prix. Hilton Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Dr., Houston, TX 77060. HR: INFO: James Eisert, [email protected]. http://jameseisert.com/ $95/$95/$95/$95, 281-875-2222 or 866-577-1154. Mention “North/Cen- kingmakers-2/. W. NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1 OR 1-DAY FOR U800, tral Texas Grade Chess Championship” group code to get rate. Room 2019 Annual Motor City Open (MI) comes with 2 breakfast coupons. Reserve by Oct 11 or rate may not be DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American See Grand Prix. honored. Each grade is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas Open (NV) DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open (MD) schools. Note players cannot play in two separate closed scholastic See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. state championships in different states and be eligible to play. Players JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open , 38th annual Empire City Open (NY) must play in their own grade. Note that small sections may be merged (CA-N) DEC. 26-28 OR 27-28 with another section. Also if sections are small you may have to play a See Grand Prix. teammate or play someone twice. One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, See Grand Prix. DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full See Grand Prix. point bye or forfeit win. Team pairings may be turn off for later rounds. WEST VIRGINIA JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 52nd annual Liberty Bell Open Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team See Grand Prix. scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) EF: $36 if NOV. 15-17 OR 16-17, 28th annual Kings Island Open (OH) postmarked by 10/13/19, $49 if postmark by 10/26, $63 thereafter or See Grand Prix. on site. Do not mail after 10/26 as your entry may not be received on RHODE ISLAND time. Grades 6-12: 6SS, G/60 d5. Schedule: Reg: Fri 6:30 pm – 7:30 NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National pm. Rd. 1 Fri. 7:45 pm, Sat 10am-1:00pm-4pm, Sun. 10 am and 1:00 Chess Congress (PA) JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) pm. Grades K-5: Nov 3 – Nov 5. 6SS, Rds. 1 G/45 d5; Rds. 2-6 G/60 d5. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Schedule: Reg: Fri 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Rd. 1 Fri. 7:45 pm, Sat 10am- 1:00pm-4pm, Sun. 10 am and 1:00 pm. All: Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. WISCONSIN Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry OCT. 11-13 OR 12-13, 28th annual Midwest Class NO TOURNAMENTS fee. No refunds after 10/31. Email: [email protected] 214-632- Championships (IL) 9000. Do not call after 10/30 as we are traveling. Online registration See Grand Prix. IN YOUR AREA? and team room information on website at www.dallaschess.com Side US Chess Junior Grand Prix! events: Unrated Blitz open tournament on Saturday at 7 pm. EF: $15, NOV. 2-3, WCA Veterans’ Tournament WHY NOT ORGANIZE Trophy prizes. Bughouse Open Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. 5SS, G/90 +30, Gruenhagen Conference Center, UW-Oshkosh, Corner of Trophy prizes. Registration for side events onsite only. W. High and Osceola St., Oshkosh, WI 54901. HR: $40 (dorm room) 920-424- ONE? DEC. 21-22, DCC FIDE Open XII 1106. Open to Age 18 and over. 2020 Nat’l Senior Tournament of Champions See Grand Prix. qualifier. EF: $30 by 10/29; $40 at site. $$b/40 and 3 per class: $200- 130. A-$95; B-$85; C-$70; D-$60; E/Unr-$60. Reg.: 11/2 8:45-9:30 A.M. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 29th annual North American Rds.: Do you need to go out of town for tour- Open (NV) 10:15-2:30-7:15; 10:00-3:00. Held in conjunction with the WI Junior Open but in a separate room. ENT: Mike Nietman, 2 Boca Grande Way, nament play? Would you and others in See Grand Prix. Madison, WI 53719. INFO: Mike Nietman, 608-467- 8510 (evenings before your area like the convenience of an occa- 11/1) [email protected]. www.wischess.org. W. Online registration UTAH at https://onlineregistration.cc/. sional event closer to home? Organize one! JAN. 17-20, 18-20 OR 19-20, 11th annual Golden State Open US Chess Junior Grand Prix! It’s not much work to hold a small tourna- (CA-N) A State Championship Event! See Grand Prix. NOV. 2-3, 2019-2020 Wisconsin Junior Open ment, and there is little risk if you use a Gruenhagen Conference Center, UW-Oshkosh, Corner of High and Osceola St., Oshkosh, WI 54901. HR: $40 Full Service (dorm room) 920- low-cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. VERMONT 424-1106. 2020 Denker/Barber/Haring qualifier; Open to Grades K-12. In 6 Sections, High School: EF: $17 in advance by 10/29; $22 at site. You might even make a profit! Either a NOV. 9-10, 2019 Vermont Open Trophies: Top 5, Top 2 each B, C, D and E/Unrated. K-8: EF: $17 in based-on Swiss with projected prizes up to See Grand Prix. advance by 10/29; $22 at site. Trophies: Top 5, Top 2 each C, D and NOV. 23-24, 4th annual Schenectady Open at Proctors (NY) E/Unrated. Girl’s Junior Open: EF: $17 in advance by 10/29; $22 at $500, a Quad format, or a trophy tourna- See Grand Prix. site. Trophies: Top 4. Reserve (U900 or Unrated): EF: $17 in advance ment will virtually guarantee taking in more JAN. 3-5 OR 4-5, 8th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) by 10/29; $22 at site. Trophies: Top 5, Top 2 each 600, 500, U500 and See Grand Prix. Unrated. Non-Rated Beginner’s Grade 7-12: Open to Grades 7-12. in fees than you pay out in prizes. EF: $16 in advance by 10/29; $21 at site. Trophies: Top 5 and top 3 Grade 7-9. Non-Rated Beginner’s Grade K-6: Open to Grades K-6. The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You VIRGINIA EF: $16 in advance by 10/29; $21 at site. Trophies: Top 5 and top 3 Grade K-3. ALL:5SS, G/120 d5. Reg.: 11/2 8:45-9:30 A.M. Rds.: 10:15- will receive the annual rating supplement OCT. 10-14, 11-14 OR 12-14, 11th annual Washington Chess 2:30-7:15; 10:00-3:00. ENT: Mike Nietman, 2 Boca Grande Way, Madison, Congress and have access to the TD/Affiliate area of WI 53719. INFO: Mike Nietman, 608-467-8510 (before 11/1) mike.niet- See Grand Prix. [email protected]. www.wischess.org. W. Online registration at our website. OCT. 19-20, 2019 Fredericksburg Open https://onlineregistration.cc/. See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Remember, you can both run and play in OCT. 25-27 OR 26-27, 23rd annual Eastern Chess Congress (NJ) DEC. 7-8, The Wisconsin Memorial a small event. Many of them wouldn’t be See Grand Prix. 5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/120 d5. Rds. 4-5 40/120, SD/60 d5. Madison Marriott NOV. 2-3, 23rd (2019) Annual Northern Virginia Open! West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton, WI 53562. HR: $115 + held if the organizer/TD couldn’t play. See Grand Prix. $5 Parking. Rate gtd until 11/5. 888-745-2032. EF: $30 by Dec. 3. $10 more later or on site. $$b/50 and 4 per class: $160-110. A - $90, B - , 27th Annual David Zofchak Memorial NOV. 23-24 $80, C – $70, D - $60, E - $50, U1000 - $40, Unr - $40. Upset $50. Reg.: Want to know more? See Grand Prix. 9-9:30 AM 12/7. Rds.: 10-2:30-7:30; 10-3:30. ENT: Mike Nietman, 2 NOV. 29-DEC. 1 OR NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 50th annual National Boca Grande Way, Madison, WI 53719, 608-467-8510. INFO: mike.niet- Contact Joan Du Bois at Chess Congress (PA) [email protected]. www.wischess.org. Online registration at https:// [email protected]. We’ll be See Grand Prix. onlineregistration.cc/. WI Chess Tour Event. W. glad to help you be part of the DEC. 6-8 OR 7-8, 2nd Annual Old Line Open (MD) DEC. 21-22, 2019 U.S. Amateur North Championship See Grand Prix. See Nationals. promotion of American chess! DEC. 28-29, 2019 South Jersey Open Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) JAN. 4-5, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVII (IL) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

70 October 2019 | Chess Life Classifieds / Solutions / October

Classifieds Solutions US Chess Membership Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these cate- Rates: Premium (P) gories: Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Page 17 / GIBRALTAR OPEN Miscellaneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only and Regular (R) typed or e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no PROBLEM I. 26. ... Qxf2+! and mate next (27. telephone orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 Rxf2 Rd1 mate.). PROBLEM II. 27. ... Rc3! 25. (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) insertions $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions $1.00. Qxc3 Nxh3! forces mate, e.g. 26. Nd3 exd3 27. Affiliates pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. Advertisements Rd2 Rxf2+. PROBLEM III. 26. c4! threatens 27. Type 1 yr 2 yr with less than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per c5+ Qxc5 28. Rc1. Black resigned after 26. ... c5 Adult P $49 $95 issue. Post office boxes count as two words, telephone 27. Nxf5+! (27. ... Bxf5 28. Rxd5 mate). PROBLEM numbers as one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must IV. 27. Qf3! threatens 28. Nf6+ and 29. Qxc6 as Adult R $40 $75 accompany all advertising. All advertising published well as 28. Bh6 and a mate. For example, 27. ... in Chess Life is subject to the applicable rate card, Senior (65+) $40 $75 available from the Advertising Department. Chess Life Qc4 28. Nf6+ Kg7 29. Bh6+! Kxh6 30. Rxf7 and reserves the right not to accept an advertiser’s order. wins. PROBLEM V. 25. Rxh6! Rae8 26. Rxf6! Young Adult P (25 & UND)* $35 $65 Only publication of an advertisement constitutes (Also winning is 26. Rxh7+ Nxh7 27. Qh6 [or 27. final acceptance. For a copy of these complete set of Young Adult R (25 & UND)* $26 $48 regulations & a schedule of deadlines, send a stamped, Bxg7+]) 26. ... Rxe6 27. Rxf8 mate or 26. ... gxf6 self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, PO 27. Bxf6+. PROBLEM VI. 26. ... Rxd1 27. Rxd1 Youth P (16 & UND)* $30 $55 Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Ads are due two months exf3! 28. gxf3 (28. Qxf3 Ne2+) 28. ... g4 29. Rf1 prior (by the 10th) of the issue cover date you want your Qg6, White resigned. Also winning is 28. ... Re8!. Youth R (16 & UND)* $22 $40 ad to appear in. (For example: October CL ads MUST be submitted no later than August 10th). You can e-mail Scholastic P (13 & UND)* $25 $45 your classified ad to Joan DuBois, [email protected]. Page 49 / ABCs OF CHESS Scholastic R (13 & UND)* $17 $30 For Sale PROBLEM I. Mating Net: Black mates by 1. ... *WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS* Qh3+ 2. Kg1 Rg6 mate. PROBLEM II. Mating Net: Premium membership provides a printed copy of *The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably It’s mate in three: 1. ... Qa3+ 2. Kb1 Qb4+ 3. Ka2 Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life Kids (bimonthly) the finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major Ra6 mate. PROBLEM III. Mating net: The mate is Credit Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.; plus all other benefits of regular membership. Regular 1021 Production Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758. simple: 1. ... Bg3+ 2. Kg1 Qh2 mate. PROBLEM IV. membership provides online-only access to Chess Life *Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256)858- Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Ba3+ 2. Rb2 Qxb2 and Chess Life Kids. Youth provides bimonthly Chess 8070; email: [email protected] mate. PROBLEM V. Mating net: Black mates in Life, Scholastic bimonthly Chess Life Kids, others listed two: 1. ... Qh3 2. Bd4 (for example) 2. ... Bg3 mate. above monthly Chess Life. See www.uschess.org for Instruction PROBLEM VI. Mating net: Black mates in three: 1. other membership categories. Dues are not refundable TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY . PHONE ... Bxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Qh4+ 3. Kg1 Qh1 mate and may be changed without notice. With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, *Ages at expiration date of membership being purchased the Mid-Atlantic Chess Instruction Center is the best in Page 51 / PRACTICUM the business. We specialize in adult students. We offer 35 different courses as well as individual game analysis. PROBLEM I. Even in his preteen years, Garry Center Director: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) demonstrated a sharp eye for killer tactical 344-4446. If we are out when you call, please leave your name & tel. #. Our Webpage is at: chessinstructor. sequences: 36. ... Qxe2! The bishop is untouchable org. NEW: FREE powerful analysis engines + FREE due to … Qg4 mate (or … Qh5 mate), so White’s screen-sharing! response is forced: 37. Bb7 But now a second blow does him in: 37. ... Bg1!, White resigned. Simple, YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 3-Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt! but pretty! PROBLEM II. In this position, Sam Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. decided to approach the b-pawn with 55. ... Ke7, Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive losing quickly after 56. Kb5 Kd7 57. Ka6 Kc6 58. b7. Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534, Gracie Instead, active defense would have saved a draw: Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706. 55. ... Kg5!! 56. f3 (56. Kb5 Kg4 57. Rh1 Rf8 is even Wanted simpler.) 56. ... Rc8+ 57. Kb5 Rc1! Active defense * CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS * part two: maneuvering the rook behind the pawn. in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and 58. Rh2 Rb1+ 59. Kc6 Rc1+ 60. Kb7 Rb1. White can CHESS LIFE USPS # 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 74 No. SAT (math + critical reading + writing) > 2150 for possible make absolutely no progress, since Black pushes 10. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. the pawn as soon as the rook leaves h2. is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250. [email protected] Chess Life remain the property of USCF. 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www.uschess.org 71 MY BEST MOVE “ I am always happy to survive my opponent’s t h e o r y.”

a passive position. The text move results in weak doubled pawns. After 21. Nb2 Rba8 22. Rxa7 Rxa7 with ... Ra3 coming, this is an unenviable position. 21. ... Nxc5 22. bxc5 The followup 22. Rxa7 Nxd3 23. Rd1 Ne5 is a much worse continuation. 22. ... Rba8 23. Rxa7 Rxa7 24. Rb1 Kf8 Avoiding mate in two. 25. Kf2?! John Urschel The line 25. Rb6 Ra3 puts up much more Retired NFL Player • Ph.D. Candidate in Mathematics, MIT resistance. 25. ... Ra3!

learned to move the pieces when I was a kid, played a few games for fun if a set was around, My Best Move. I force the white rook to a and nothing more. This changed in college when a friend took up the royal game; we played more passive square before collecting the c5 at lunch every week. Chess had become a full-blown hobby by the time I met and became pawn. Small nuances such as these can often I be the difference between converting an friends with GM Robert Hess. These days I mostly study endgames, have a weekly lesson with IM on Chess.com, and analyze old games of my favorite player, . I advantage and settling for half a point. very rarely play, but this past June I competed for the first time in a year. I hope the following 26. Rc1 Ra5 27. Ke3 Rxc5 28. Kd4 Ra5 29. game is one Ulf would approve. Ke5 Ke7 Here I had my longest think of the game. While 29. ... Ra2 looked winning, 29. ... Ke7 SCOTCH, FOUR KNIGHTS To fight against the b-pawn. felt like was a more prudent approach. The line VARIATION (C47) 17. Na4 29. ... Ra2 30. Kd6 Rxg2 31. g4 Rg3 32. Bf1 Rg1 Calvin Hori (1831) was my calculation, but I preferred restricting John C. Urschel (1723) A step in the wrong direction. The knight on my opponent’s activity with the text move. BCF Milestones Sunday (1), Cambridge, a4 has limited prospects. 17. b4 seemed more 30. Rc2?? Massachusetts, 06.02.2019 appropriate. For instance, 17. ... axb4 18. axb4 Nd7 19. b5 cxb5 20. Nxb5. He was oblivious to the danger his king 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 17. ... Nd7 was in. 30. Kf4 Ra2 31. Kf3 c5 still requires 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 0-0 8. technique. 0-0 d5 9. exd5 cxd5 10. h3 h6 11. Qf3 c6 Improving my knight and immobilizing his. 12. Bf4 Be6 13. a3 30. ... Ra4 18. b4 Rfb8 19. c3?! Threatening mate.

My opponent’s “first” move. I have never SUBJECT A better continuation was 19. Nc5 Nxc5 20. enjoyed openings as much as other aspects of 31. c4 bxc5. OF the game, and was on my own after 4. d2-d4. Forced. I am always happy to survive my opponent’s 19. ... axb4 31. ... dxc4 32. Be4 theory. I wanted to fix a weakness on c3, play against

13. ... Bd6 14. Bxd6 Qxd6 15. Qg3 a bad knight, and activate my rooks. Loses a piece at least, but there is nothing COURTESY better. I expected 15. b4. I thought this move was 20. axb4 Ra7 21. Nc5

32. ... c3 PHOTO: inaccurate, but the engine does not mind. I expected 21. Nb2, but I cannot fault my 15. ... Qxg3 16. fxg3 a5 opponent for not wanting to defend such ... and White resigned.

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