SINQUEFIELD CUP ENDS IN A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST

November 2018 | USChess.org

TIMUR FLIES HIGH

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Free Ground Shipping On All Books, Software and DVDs at US Sales $25.00 Minimum - Excludes Clearance, Shopworn and Items Otherwise Marked GOOD LUCK TO SAINT LOUIS’ OWN

2018 World Chess Champion Challenger

First American chess player to qualify for the undisputed since 1972

saintlouischessclub.org | #STLChessClub Photo by Nick Dunaevsky, official photographer of World Chess

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2 November 2018 | Chess Life 2018 NATIONAL K-12 GRADE CHAMPIONSHIPS DECEMBER 14-16, 2018

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OPENING CEREMONY 7SS, G/90 D5 13 SECTIONS Play only in your grade. December rating Friday: 12:45 p.m. supplement will be used. Team Score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team, ROUNDS (GRADES 2-12) including ties, will be national champion for their grade. Friday: 1 p.m., 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. AWARDS Trophies to top individuals & top teams in each grade. Every Sunday: 9 a.m., 1 p.m. participant receives a commemorative item! Full list of trophies on tournament info page. ROUNDS (GRADES K-1) Friday: 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., SIDE EVENTS 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:30 am, 1:30 p.m. BUGHOUSE: Thursday: 11 a.m. Registration onsite only Thurs. 9-10 a.m., $25/team. Trophies to top five teams. AWARD CEREMONIES Sunday: 4:30 p.m. (K-1) approx. BLITZ: Thursday: 5 p.m. Registration onsite until 4 p.m. Entry in & 5 p.m. approx. advance $20 by 11/26, $25 after or at site. Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Full list of trophies on tournament info page. ON-SITE REGISTRATION 12/13: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Saturday 10:30 a.m. Registration onsite only; 12/14: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. ends Sat. 9 a.m.

Register at https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php Players who register or change sections late (after 11 a.m. Friday) will not be paired for round 1, will receive a half-point bye, and will begin play with round 2. Team Rooms are limited! Contact Pete Karagianis 931-200-9477 or by email [email protected].

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14 BACK TO BASICS / READER ANNOTATIONS Dutch and Anti-Dutch By GM

16 IN THE ARENA / PLAYER OF THE MONTH Caruana Does His Homework By GM Robert Hess

18 LOOKS AT BOOKS / SHOULD I BUY IT? Publishers Catch World Championship Fever By John Hartmann

46 SOLITAIRE CHESS / INSTRUCTION The Great Botvinnik By Bruce Pandolfini

48 THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / INSTRUCTION False Narratives By GM

DEPARTMENTS 5 NOVEMBER PREVIEW / THIS MONTH IN CHESS LIFE AND CHESS LIFE ONLINE 20 PREVIEW / WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND 6 Caruana versus Carlsen 7 US CHESS AFFAIRS / BY GM IAN ROGERS NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS A preview of the World Championship showdown in London 8 FIRST MOVES / CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S. 24 COVER STORY / U.S. OPEN 9 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD / Gareyev Soars to Victory BY AL LAWRENCE BY AL LAWRENCE 52 TOURNAMENT LIFE / NOVEMBER Blindfold Timur Gareyev plays ambitious, take-it-all chess to win the U.S. Open. 74 CLASSIFIEDS / NOVEMBER 74 SOLUTIONS / NOVEMBER 34 IN MEMORIAM / KEN CLAYTON 76 MY BEST MOVE / PERSONALITIES Remembering Kenneth Clayton THIS MONTH: ALEX KING BY JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM Jeffrey R. Thompson reminisces about his friendship with Kenneth Clayton and a remarkable victory. ON THE COVER U.S. Open champion GM Timur Gareyev didn’t drop the board—or the position (based on a / reputed 1760 game between Jean-Jacques 38 Rousseau and Prince Conti)—as he leapt from a Novelties & Negotiations at the 2018 Sinquefield Cup plane for this month’s cover. BY FM MIKE KLEIN COVER PHOTO AND THIS PAGE BY JOE JENNINGS With qualifications for the Grand Chess Tour finals at stake, the three players tied at the top opted against a playoff.

4 November 2018 | Chess Life November Preview / This month in Chess Life and Chess Life Online

CHESS LIFE ONLINE PREVIEW November CONTRIBUTORS AL LAWRENCE (U.S. Open) is the former executive director of both US Chess and the World CLO IS BACK! Chess Hall of Fame. He is currently the managing director for the US Chess Inspired by our burgeoning online presence, Trust. His latest book, with GM Lev US Chess welcomes back an old friend with a Alburt, is Chess for the Gifted and Busy. new look. We’ve restored the catchy acronym, CLO (which stands for Chess Life Online) and are unveiling an updated logo this GM ALEXANDER IPATOV CHESS LIFE ONLINE tournament-packed month to celebrate U.S. (U.S. Open) is a Ukrainian-born , the top player in Turkey, chess—from world champion contender GM and a two-time Turkish chess champion. Fabiano Caruana to our skyrocketing youth, Olympic, women, and senior teams. Logo He currently is pursuing his second designer Frankie Butler says, “CLO is cooler than ever, so we wanted to create something fresh master’s degree at Saint Louis University and new that caught peoples’ eyes and tied in with the US Chess look.” Be sure to bookmark where he also captains the chess team. uschess.org/clo as a quick link to follow our CLO news feed. In his free time, he is doing research on offbeat opening lines.

FM MIKE KLEIN ALL EYES ARE ON LONDON (Sinquefield Cup) is the Chess Journalist of the Year and is the director of content November is finally here—the month the American chess world has been waiting for. World for Chess.com. He also teaches, freelances, championship challenger GM Fabiano Caruana faces GM for the ultimate bikes, and snowboards, though never crown from November 9-28. CLO coverage will be daily and will include exclusive reports more than any two at the same time. from GM Ian Rogers, as well as social media takeovers from IM Eric Rosen. Other bonus features to be announced on our social media feeds @USChess. GM IAN ROGERS (World Championship preview) of Australia covers international events for SABINA AND IRINA IN Chess Life. The Women’s World Championship spans from November 1-25 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Root for our U.S. representatives, GM Irina Krush and 2017 U.S. Women’s Champion JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM WGM Sabina-Francesca Foisor, on their quest for the crown. (Thompson/Clayton) is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C., where he covers higher education policy. He also is an instructor and program WORLD CADETS IN SPAIN developer with Chess Challenge in DC, Rounding out our suite of world championships this month an after-school program that brings are the Cadets in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain chess to youths in elementary and from November 3-16. We have some of the strongest young middle schools throughout the city. players in the world and will be cheering them on as they aim for medals, all while forming lifelong international friendships. DAVID LAZARUS US Chess also is thrilled to announce that Two Sigma will (First Moves, U.S. Open sidebar), a again be sponsoring our Youth and Cadet teams, who will journalism major at the University of proudly sport Two Sigma gear. Maryland, has had three careers—as a software developer for more than three decades, as a part-time writer for several LISTEN TO newspapers, and currently as a full-time chess teacher in New Jersey at numerous OUR PODCAST! elementary schools. He also helps direct In the November edition of Cover Stories, Senior Director of the Westfield Sunday Quads. Strategic Communcation Dan Lucas interviews Al Lawrence about his cover story on the U.S. Open. Senior Digital Editor Jennifer Shahade also discusses what is coming up in Chess Life Online at uschess.org and on our social media network. Find Cover Stories on iTunes, as well as on our website under the GIVING AND CHESS category “Podcast” on our new.uschess.org/news/ page. And don’t Let us know what chess has given you this miss the “Best Question” contest sponsored by USCFSales.com and your chance to win a $50 gift holiday season using #ThanksTo Chess on certificate! Send your questions to [email protected]. our Twitter and Instagram networks.

www.uschess.org 5 Counterplay / Readers Respond

LETTERS: PRACTICAL ENDGAME AND A TRIBUTE

IN BENKO’S FOOTSTEPS three highest financial earnings years US Chess provide new and instructive content every month. I am ever had, fanned by the computer wave and usually aware of the problems I already gave, but this I have really been enjoying [Daniel] Naroditsky’s incredible success of our then-sales program. time, I got tempted by the same game. It is certainly my own responsibility to cross-check exercises, and the mistake column of late. When Pal Benko retired it was During those days we also created [a new] US Chess publication for children and new is entirely on me. (The Chess Life staff and I also should hard to imagine that Chess Life would ever have caught this. ~ed.) approach that same level of quality in an membership categories. He personally oversaw However, I must firmly and respectfully disagree with endgame column for no other reason than the [all of the preparation for] the first installation your conclusions; namely, that the problem is “certainly impossibility of ever truly replacing a living of the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame and Museum not both” 1500 and 2000 level and that “someone is not legend. and the purchase of scholastic paying proper attention to published material.” Yet GM Naroditsky has managed to put his events, which are greatly successful still today 1. In fact, the problem given in the September 2018 own unique imprint on the column in fine (the scholastic events previously had been privately column is not quite the same as the one given three months style! It’s been informative and instructive and run by Continental Chess Association ~ed.). previously. In the June 2018 column, the position is given has easily become my favorite part of the Now that is a legacy. Thank you, Gerry. Rest after Rc7+ Kh8. Finding 1. Bh6 in that position is, in my view, a fairly straightforward tactical exercise. magazine. in peace. As you will note, in the September 2018 column, the I would like to make one minor request, position is given before Rc7+ Kh8. however. I don’t think that enough diagrams E. Steven Doyle This may strike you as a purely semantic difference, are always allotted to the column. Of course US Chess past president but I believe that it isn’t. The placement of the on c6 there are space considerations, but I think that via email adds a cornucopia of tempting yet incorrect moves, such as an additional one or two strategically placed 1. Rcxg6 or 1. Bh6. Finding the Bh6 idea with the king still diagrams would help more than hurt. on h7 is quite a bit more difficult, which is why I believe DIAGRAM DISCUSSION that, yes, the same game can be fashioned into problems of Chris Wainscott two different levels. I hope you find this reasonable. via email To be clear, I am decidedly not trying to exonerate Hopefully you can forward this to the appro- myself from my gaffe, for that is what it was. But these priate person. are still two different positions. Senior Director of Strategic Communication Dan Lucas Someone is not doing their homework. On 2. I understand your frustration, but I can assure you responded to Chris’ request for additional diagrams in page 51 of the September 2018 Chess Life that both the Chess Life staff and I take the writing and an email: “... about the diagrams, I think we’ve hit the magazine, the “Practicum, Problem II: 2000 production of the column very seriously. I have been a balance we want. We decided that most readers aren’t Level” [from GM Daniel Naroditsky’s column, columnist since 2014, and can attest to the professionalism, going through this column in their heads, but with the patience, and competence of my editors and the entire help of either a physical board or the .pgn files. Therefore, “The Practical Endgame”] is a repeat of the very Chess Life staff. On my end, I spend many hours on it didn’t seem worth it to cut back on [Daniel’s] text.” same problem that was published in the June 2018 Chess Life magazine as “Problem I: 1500 each column, verifying each variation with several engines Level.” The problem shown is either a 1500 and analyzing on my own. I read it over many times to ensure that there are no mistakes in the variations and level or a 2000 level, but certainly not both and that the exercises match the theme of each column and fit it is obvious someone is not paying proper each rating level. attention to published material. With that said, as I’m sure you can understand, if something is done continuously for a very long period of time, especially Dave Lewis when that something is creative work that requires a great via email deal of effort to produce, mistakes and oversights of various kinds are bound to rear their ugly heads once in a blue moon. GM Daniel Naroditsky responds: The fact that they do speaks to our imperfection as humans, not to the fact that someone is treating their job frivolously or Dear Mr. Lewis: carelessly. I will do my best to deliver high-quality content in Thank you for writing. Your letter speaks to the fact the months to come, and my hope is that these and other that you carefully read the column and solve the exercises, mistakes will not repeat themselves. which I appreciate greatly. You are absolutely correct that Thank you very much for your submission. If people the problem given in the June 2018 and September 2018 did not have high expectations for my work, I would not DULLEA TRIBUTE columns, Karpov-Kasparov, is taken from the same game. have been a columnist! Please feel free to respond with That was an honest mistake on my part, and I truly any questions. Best of luck in your chess adventures, and I was very sorry to hear about the passing of apologize for that. I value my readers and try my best to happy reading! former US Chess Executive Director [Gerald “Gerry” Dullea]. He served faithfully for 10 plus consecutive years and then again as interim Send your letters to [email protected]. Letters are subject to director. editing for style, length, and content. Gerry was the executive director during the PHOTO: US CHESS ARCHIVES

6 October 2018 | Chess Life US Chess Affairs / News for our Members

US CHESS Empowering people through MISSION chess one move at a time.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST TITLE HOLDERS FIDE approved the following title applications at its Presidential Board meeting, held July 9, 2018 in Bucharest, Romania:

Grandmaster: Woman International Master: Steven Zierk (far left) Maggie Feng, Carissa Yip Woman Grandmaster: International Arbiter: Jennifer Yu (left) Korey Kormick, Grant Oen International Master: FIDE Arbiter: Matthew Larson, Bradley Rogers, Gregory Levy Rozman, Erik Santarius, Vaserstein Sam Schmakel

AWARDS: CHESS JOURNALISTS OF AMERICA

Best Review Webster University Wins Sixth Straight PanAmm Intercollegiate Championship CHESS LIFE “Eat Your Oatmeal!” Best Story of the Year February 2018, John Hartmann “Cuban Chess,” September 2017, FM Jacob Chudnovsky and Irina Best Humorous Contribution Medvedev “Our 14th Annual Trivia Quiz,” December 2017, Best Column GM Andy Soltis A Fellow of Looks at Books, John Hartmann    Best Feature “Chess in Excelsis,” January 2018, Joshua Anderson US CHESS NEWS Best Chess Magazine/ Best Tournament Newsletter Layout Report-National/International August 2017 issue, Dan Lucas “The American Open,” GM and Frankie Butler Vanessa West WINS EASTERRN OPEN Best Single Photo Best Tournament Alexander Shabalov, March 2018 Report-State/Local March2018 | USChess.org cover, Michael Williams “Vegas, Vacations, and Victories,” FM Alisa Melekhina The Chess Journalists of America Best Chess Art honored the best chess journalism of 2018 U.S. Championship Preview, Best Review “A ‘Behind the Scenes’ Guide 2017 at their annual meeting, held in April 2018 cover, Paul Dickinson to Brilliant Attacks,” Madison, Wisconsin on August 3, 2018. Best Instructive Lesson Vanessa West US Chess was pleased to receive “How to Reduce Your Chess recognition in many categories, Blunders,” December 2017, For the complete list of winners, including: ICCM Bart Gibbons visit chessjournalism.org/Awards.

Our vision is to enrich the lives of all persons US CHESS and communities through increasing the play, VISION study, and appreciation of the game of chess.

www.uschess.org 7 First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S. “Doc” Lewis to the Rescue Long-time East Coast fixture uses chess to share his gifts.

By DAVID LAZARUS

DR. RICHARD LEWIS WATCHES THE CAMPERS SWIMMING AND BOATING ON ECHO LAKE AT CAMP WINNEBAGO IN FAYETTE, MAINE, WHERE HE SERVES AS THE CAMP’S CHESS COUNSELOR.

challenge waged by a good friend more than a half century ago US Chess tournaments to prepare for the challenge match. By the time was the springboard to a remarkable chess career for Dr. Richard Doc was ready to play, his friend was divorced and had moved away. A“Doc” Lewis, who at the age of 75 is still quite active in the Doc never played the challenger. Ten years later, when his friend game and has shown a proclivity for giving his time freely to a widely remarried, Doc met the challenger at the wedding. “I’m not playing diverse group of grateful students. you,” the challenger said. “I heard you won top-under-1800 at the New Lewis gave up chess for eight years while tackling college, dental York Open and top-under-1900 at the World Open!” school, and his first two years as a dentist. But then an old friend made I recently caught up with Lewis between rounds of the 2018 U.S. a $50 challenge to a new neighbor that Rich Lewis could beat him at Amateur Team East (USATE) tournament in Parsippany, New Jersey, chess. Doc brushed off his old chess books, studied with Grandmaster where he was still slightly annoyed that he had allowed his opponent to Nicolas Rossolimo in his Greenwich Village chess shop, and entered slip away with a . Lewis has played in nearly every USATE since

8 November 2018 | Chess Life PHOTO: LEFT, TOM HOEGEMAN; THIS PAGE, (AWONDER AND AMANDA) HENK PRINSLOO; (AMANDA) COURTESY OF SUBJECT dental work. Evans, andGMRomanDzindzichashvili, whobarteredchesslessonsinexchangeforneeded devoted moretimetothegame,” saidLewis. windowed doorandwewouldplay chessforanhour,”saidLewis. I’d haveanotetoleaveclassandgohisprivateoffice.He’dpull downtheshadeonhis well-known openingsandtryingideasthatwouldcausemyopponent toplaychessand think originally.Ialwaysthoughtthathelpedme,”saidLewis. titled playerswhoknewofhisoriginality. He wasconsideredadangerousplayerbymany Lewis wasaverystrongplayerduringthe1970s... He wasconsideredadangerousplayerbymanytitledplayerswho knewofhisoriginality. several thousanddollars,whichincludedhisrecentprizewinnings.WhenLewisheardof the prestigiousLonePinetournamentinCalifornia.Unfortunately,hewasrobbedof often pro-bono. appreciation byactuallygivingupadrawtooneofthe20players inattendance. Westfield ChessClub.TheeventwasanoverwhelmingsuccessandPetrosianshowedhis humanly possibleinpre-internetdaysandorganizedasimultaneous exhibitionatthe Petrosian’s misfortune,heimmediatelysprangintoaction.Hecontacted asmanypeople Lewis, whoalsotaughtintheUnionCountyprisonforayearaswellmanyotherschools, Yaacov Norowitz. Center (JEC)ofElizabeth,NewJersey,wherehisbeststudentwasInternationalMaster losing thelastgame. a nurse.Theboytoldherabouthowhehadwontheawardbutwasdisappointed That nighttheboyfellillandwoundupininfirmarywhereLewis’wifeMarjoriewas the extraset.Hedeviseda“MostEnthusiastic”awardandpresentedsettoplayer. position inthefinalroundtolose.Sensinghisdespair,Lewisthoughtofawaygethim recalled Lewis. saving forayeartobuyhimchesssetandshehadonlysaved$2ofthe$4needed,” enthusiasm. getting oneofthesets.OnestudentinparticularcaughtLewis’attentionwithhisskilland the setsbackhome,Lewisdecidedtoholdtournamentsineachclasswithwinner so hebroughtsixsetsandboardsforfiveclassesof30studentseach.Notwantingtolug or affectedbyAIDS.Inadditiontoteachingthemlifeskills,Lewiswasaskedteachchess, Soweto, SouthAfricatoworkatacampforhundredsofyoungsterswhohadbeenorphaned is whatkeepshismindsharpandhasgivenhimopportunitiestosharegifts. dentistry, Lewisisalsoadotinggrandfatherofsix,butplayingchessregularlyon years, Ihavealwaysaddressedhim—thewaymostpeopledo—as“Doc.”Inadditiontohis Lewis continuestopracticedentistryseveraldaysaweek.Havingknownhimforover40 of manyoldfriends,competitors,andformerstudents. rounds inthreedays.Likemanylong-timeplayers,LewisconsiderstheUSATEareunion second straightyear,Lewisonlyplayedthefirstthreeroundsbecauseofrigorsix its inceptioninthe1970s,whenitwasstartedbyhisfriend,lateDenisBarry.For Among hisesteemedteachersare GMNicolasRossolimo,IMMikeValvo,LarryD. It mighthavemeant betterteethforchessplayers. “Dzinzi taughtmealot.Isometimes wonderhowgoodIwouldhavebecomehad “Les Ault,Sr.wasahighschoolguidancecounselorwhoeachweek wouldsendforme. Lewis haslearnedfromsomeofthebestincludingLesAult,Sr., his firstteacher. “Almost everyonesaystheyhatetostudytheopenings.Iwasmore interestedintaking Lewis wasaverystrongplayerduringthe1970s,whenhenearlyreached masterstrength. In 1976formerworldchampionTigranPetrosianoftheSovietUnionfinishedfirstin “I quicklyrealizedhehadaspecialtalentandwouldnotbelongformyteaching,”said One ofthemanydiverseplaceswhereLewishastaughtchessisJewishEducation “He toldmywifethathadhewonthefinalgamewouldhavetwochessboards!” “He toldmehowmuchhewantedtowinthetournamentbecausehismotherhadbeen In December2012,LewiswasinvitedbyGlobalCampsAfricatospend10daysin A long-timeWestfield, NewJersey,fixturewhonowcallsScarsdale,York, home, “It’s nicetoseeoldfriends,butitalsoremindsyouofthosewehavelost,”saidLewis. As fatewouldhaveit,thestudentwassettowinfirstplace,butblunderedinawinning chess.com First Moves/ By Whoever hewas,nevergottosay amusing.” worked hardateverygame.Once,whenIwas challenger,wanted tobeviewedasaworthy soI she wastheonlygirlinherfirstchessclub.“Ireally My entirefamilyplayschess.”Whenshestarted, he hadneverlosttoagirlbefore, which Ifound ahead abitinmaterial,anopponent toldmethat “My fathertaughtmewhenIwasinthirdgrade. together, andmake manynewfriends. scholastic playersinthecountry, analyzegames tocompeteagainstsomeofthebest opportunity “The Barberwasagreatexperience.Ihadthe by finishing first in D.C.’s qualifying tournament. qualifying by finishingfirstinD.C.’s intheBarberTournamentdistrict of K-8Champions This year, shewonthehonorofrepresentingher in theNationalGirls’Tournament ofChampions. the eighthgradeatAliceDealMiddleSchool,played Last year, Amanda,who’snow14yearsoldandin the gamesoclearly!” was abletoplay22otherpeopleandstillremember AMANDA LOSSEF the gamewithAwonder. “Iwasimpressed thathe endgame.” Sheevenhadthechancetodiscuss said. “Ieventuallymadeamiscalculationinthe material andasolidpositionuntiltheend,”she “I’m happythatIwasabletomaintainequal Amanda becamenumber22. opponents, givinguponlyonegame.Finally, U.S. Open.Lianghadalreadymoweddown21 Liang’s 23-boardsimultaneousexhibitionatthe defended thelastgamegoinginGMAwonder 60movesandnearlyfourhours,Amanda After “He nevergottosay WASHINGTON, D.C. AL LAWRENCE T F A H Chess newsfromaroundtheU.S. A C E C R Write to

B O E O S [email protected] that S A www.uschess.org S again!”

R

that OPEN! At the D U.S. again. . 9 WITH THE EYES OF THE CHESS WORLD TURNED TO LONDON THIS NOVEMBER, HOW DO THE CONTENDERS FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH UP? MAGNUS VS FABIANO CARLSEN CARUANA

CURRENTLY PEAK FIDE PEAK FIDE CURRENTLY #1 2882RATING 2844RATING #2 WORLD MAY 2014 OCTOBER 2014 WORLD RANKING CURRENT: 2839 CURRENT: 2827 RANKING

BIRTHDATE: BIRTHDATE: 11/30/1990 7/30/1992 CURRENT CURRENT AGE: 27 AGE: 26 COUNTRY: COUNTRY: USA 13 14 YEARS YEARS 4 MONTHS 11 MONTHS 27 DAYS 20 DAYS AGE WHEN HE BECAME AGE WHEN HE BECAME A GRANDMASTER A GRANDMASTER SOME MAJOR TITLES SOME MAJOR TITLES London : 2009, Sinquefield Cup: 2014, 2018* 2010, 2012, 2015 FIDE Grand Prix: 2014-15 Candidates: 2013 U.S. Champion: 2016 Sinquefield Cup: 2013, 2018* : 2017 : 2016 Norway Chess: 2018 World Champion: 2013, 2014, Candidates: 2018 2016 *THREE WAY TIE WITH @MAGNUSCARLSEN @FABIANOCARUANA TWITTER: TWITTER: followers: 194,672 tweets: 595 followers: 55,900 tweets: 392 INSTAGRAM: INSTAGRAM: followers: 136,025 posts: 159 followers: 19,768 posts: 107 PHOTOS: CARLSEN, LENNART OOTES, COURTESY OF GRAND CHESS TOUR; CARUANA, COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS LOUIS OF SAINT COURTESY CARUANA, PHOTOS: TOUR; OF GRAND CHESS COURTESY OOTES, CARLSEN, LENNART

10 November 2018 | Chess Life Chess Life Readers: Save 10% on regular price merchandise with code CHESSLIFE18, Nov. 1-Dec. 31

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By GM ANDY SOLTIS

IF YOU’RE GOING TO WATCH THIS 32. ... Qxd5 33. Bxd5 Rxd5 34. Rb6!. Or 32. ... 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 month’s world championship games in real Nxb4 33. Qxc4 with a threat of 34. e7+. Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 7. Bc4 0-0 8. time, try to find a website that shows the players’ But Aronian recovered his composure when 0-0 Bb6 9. Nc2 d6 10. Bxb6 axb6 11. f4 g5 faces as well as the current position. he found 30. ... Nc6!. He drew after 31. Ra4 12. f5 Ne5 13. Be2 Bd7 14. c4 g4 15. Nc3 h5 16. Qd2 Kh8 17. Qf4 Bc6 18. Ne3 That way you can see if they reveal what Qxa3 32. Rxa3 a5. they’re thinking. This happens more than you Chess players have revealing “tells” the same might think. way that poker players do. A good poker player conceals his thought with, well, a poker face. NOT-SO-CALM DEMEANOR But few great chess players can do that. GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2843, NOR) Carlsen doesn’t. He lets everyone in the playing GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2794, ARM) hall—and everyone watching online—know 2018 (6), Karlsruhe when he has made a bad move. & Baden-Baden, Germany, 04.06.2018 Carlsen’s trainer, GM Peter Heine Nielsen, noted that GM couldn’t conceal his emotions either. Hearing Nielsen’s comment, Kasparov tweeted, “Why I never play poker!” Kasparov made up for it with what is known AFTER 18. Ne3 in competitive sports as a “game face.” It’s a look of confidence and determination that tells GM , standing a bit worse, played opponents, “I’m ready for you. Are you ready 18. ... Nd7??. “Kasparov not only laughed out for me?” loud at my move, he also stared at me for some When Deep Blue first took on Kasparov, seconds,” Short recalled in Inside Chess. “I was one of the program’s designers, Feng-hsiung really annoyed and wanted to say something Hsu, sat at the board to make its moves. but decided he wasn’t worth it.” Directly in front of him, of course, was After 19. Bxg4! hxg4 20. Nxg4 Black was AFTER 30. Qxa3 Kasparov. To Hsu’s right was the computer lost. He struggled on with 20. ... Qh4 21. Rf3! screen. He said he deliberately spent most of Ng6 22. Qe3 Qxg4 23. Qh6+ Kg8 24. Rh3 “I could see you were upset,” GM Magnus the time shifting his glance from the board Qxh3 25. gxh3 Nge5 and resigned at move 48. Carlsen told his opponent after the game. to the screen—and not to his opponent. “It’s Kasparov denied he tried to intimidate oppo - What he meant was that GM Levon Aronian hard to look at Kasparov,” he told Popular nents. Nevertheless, his great rival GM Vladimir had dropped his usual calm demeanor. His Science, with a laugh. Kramnik said his favorite actors were Robert frown tipped off Carlsen that he had miscal- When an opponent erred, Kasparov rarely De Niro ... and Garry Kasparov. culated. held anything back. Great players come in all sizes—and in a Aronian had counted on forcing a trade of variety of faces. GM had one queens and equalizing with 30. ... a5 because of the great “game face” looks. Opponents knew 31. Qxa5 could be met by 31. ... Nc6, forking (C45) when they sat down to play that Korchnoi and rook. GM Garry Kasparov viewed them as a bitter enemy. But he had overlooked 32. Qxd5!. It’s GM Nigel Short On the other hand, GM complicated, but White comes out ahead after Linares (8), Linares, Spain, 03.05.1992 tried for poker face. But his body language

12 November 2018 | Chess Life Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment

PROBLEM I PROBLEM II PROBLEM III 2018 U.S. FM Annie Wang WGM Tatev Abrahamyan IM Nazi Paikidze FM Maggie Feng FM Maggie Feng WGM Anna Sharevich Women’s Championship

The U.S. Championship gets the lion’s share of attention when America’s best players assemble each year in St. Louis, but this month we’ll look at the finish of games from the U.S. Women’s Championship. IM Nazi Paikidze WHITE TO PLAY BLACK TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY won her second national title, this PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI time in a dramatic playoff. In each FM Akshita Gorti FM Jennifer Yu WGM Anna Sharevich of the six positions from the GM Irina Krush IM Nazi Paikidze GM Irina Krush tournament you are asked to find the fastest winning line of play. This will usually mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material, such as a rook or minor piece. But there is at least one forced mate. For solutions, see page 74.

BLACK TO PLAY BLACK TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY often gave him away: Fans knew he was in Championship match. But he couldn’t tell trouble when he adjusted his necktie. whether Anand was trembling with excitement GM ’s blank expression at the or just nervous. board was one of his greatest assets but even Anand said he studies his opponent’s he couldn’t maintain it for long. GM Bent breathing and body language. One player may Larsen recalled how during their game at “go quiet” and another will “go fidgety” when Montreal 1979, “Spassky sat quietly at the board” they spot something very sharp. “After a while for 10 minutes “but then he suddenly stood you pick these things up and become alert to up.” Larsen wondered why and then realized them,” he told the Guardian newspaper in 2011. that Spassky’s last move was a . What can we look for in this month’s champi- GM Efim Geller, a world-class rival of GM onship match? Perhaps incidents like this: , couldn’t conceal his feelings. When they played at Bled 1961, the brief-lived CLOSED (C84) said after the game. “And I was trying to figure American Chess Quarterly gave this account: GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2807, USA) out what it was.” “Geller seemed very sure of his position and GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2822, NOR) Carlsen must have looked at 24. Be7. He was moved rather quickly, then suddenly he stopped 2017 Sinquefield Cup (1), St. Louis, Missouri, probably smiling because of 24. ... d3! 25. Qxd3 and gasped. Something must have gone very, 02.08.2017 Bxf2+. very wrong. Geller was no longer the amiable, In the end, Caruana chose 24. axb6 and smiling Geller ...” He resigned on move 22. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 steered the position to safety after 24. ... Rxf6 Even before a game, an opponent’s face can 5. 0-0 Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 b4 9. 25. Rxa6. A draw was agreed at move 43. be revealing. When Fischer returned to chess a5 0-0 10. Nbd2 Rb8 11. Re1 Be6 12. Bxe6 If your thoughts are as plain as the nose on after a 16-month hiatus in 1970, he faced GM fxe6 13. Nb3 Qc8 14. Qe2 Nd8 15. d4 exd4 your face, there is a remedy: in a USSR versus Rest-of- 16. Nbxd4 c5 17. Nb3 e5 18. Nbd2 Ne6 19. Early in his 1992 “world championship the-World match. Fischer wrote that he wasn’t Nc4 Nd4 20. Nxd4 cxd4 21. Nb6 Qc6 22. rematch” with Spassky, Fischer began wearing “too sure of myself” because he felt rusty. “But Bg5 Bd8 a black visor. Some fans felt he was trying to shield his eyes from the bright stage light. But somehow just looking at Petrosian’s face was (see diagram top of next column) reassuring. He looked scared!” more likely it was to shield his face from Among today’s elite players, GM Fabiano Caruana played 23. Bxf6. Instead of recap - Spassky. Caruana and GM Vishy Anand are known for turing on f6, Carlsen replied 23. ... Bxb6—and Spassky countered by wearing his own visor. their poker faces. Trying to figure out their body smiled. That set Caruana to thinking. But he made sure fans knew this was a joke: language is also hard. Carlsen noticed Anand “It was the kind of smile where you could He wore a white visor when he had White and “shaking” at one point during their first World tell he saw something beautiful or funny,” he a black one when he was Black.

www.uschess.org 13 Back to Basics / Reader annotations Dutch and Anti-Dutch The opening trap that keeps on giving

By GM LEV ALBURT

A FEW WORDS ON OPENINGS. White’s 1. d4 takes a stake in the center, develops the and queen, and prepares for possibly long. While Black’s 1. ... f5, the Dutch Defense, doesn’t help castling and doesn’t develop any pieces except for the king, whose “development” should be rather called “exposure.” But taking the e4-square under control seems to balance all negatives! In a way, the Dutch is a mirror image of the Sicilian—not that strong, perhaps, but still irrepressible. The great Mikhail Botvinnik regularly used the Dutch (The Stonewall), a 2. e4 fxe4 still lost because she wasn’t enough. To trust true seal of approval. myself against 4. ... d5, a little more experience Most players long ago gave up all hope of was needed, say, 15 years’ worth. “refuting” the Dutch. Many look for, and Besides 4. ... e6!, Black is fine after 4. ... c6, 4. ... regularly use, the sidelines—the directions that g6, 4. ... Nc6. promise White nothing more than an equality 5. Bxf6 in a familiar position: moves like 2. Bg5, 2. Nc3, 2. g4, and 2. e4 (the “main” line goes 2. White’s blow isn’t self-evident, as first an in- Nf3 and 3. g3). between is required. The winner of our Most Instructive Game & 5. ... exf6 6. Qh5+ Annotations Award, Roy Jackson, mastered the Remember “king’s exposure” on move 1? last of those detours very well! Writes Roy (my further notes are in italics): 6. ... g6 7. Qxd5 Thanks for your years-long effort on behalf of us wannabes. “Back to Basics” continues to 3. Nc3 teach me chess, a bite at a time. Another try here: 3. f3. 3. ... Nf6 4. Bg5 d5? DUTCH DEFENSE, STAUNTON (A83) (see diagram top of next column) Roy Jackson (1728) Online I usually meet 4. ... e6! “Incidentally,” cibelio (1762) wrote Raymond Keene and David Levy in How chess.com, June 2018. To Play the Opening in Chess, “4. ... d5 fails to 5. : 10 min per game. Bxf6 followed by Qh5+ and Qxd5.” That’s it? I understood how White would go up a , 1. d4 f5 but I don’t win pawn-up games every time. I (see diagram top of next page) would never admit which piece I’ve won and 7. ... Qxd5

14 November 2018 | Chess Life Back to Basics / Reader annotations

Not 7. ... f5?? 8. Qe5+. Opponent, vladimer After 8. ... Kd8 9. Nxf6, (1979 Informant), (chess.com, March 2015) sidestepped an immedi - one of my opponents continued 9. ... Bg7 10. ate queen exchange: 7. ... Qe7!? takes some sting Nxe4 Re8 [Here Black is down TWO pawns, as out of a possible Bc4 while preventing 8. Nxe4. the d4-pawn is untouchable. Thus, 9. ... Bf5 was I maintained the upper hand with 8. Qxe4 Nc6 relatively best.—L.A.] 11. f3 Nc6 12. 0-0-0 Bd7 9. 0-0-0 Bh6+ 10. Kb1 Qxe4 11. Nxe4 (see 13. Bb5 a6 14. Bxc6 Bxc6 15. Nc5 Bh6+ 16. analysis diagram 1) 11. ... 0-0 12. Bc4+ Kh8 13. Kb1 b6 17. d5! Bb5 18. Ne6+ Kc8 19. b3. 1-0 Ne2 Bf5 14. N2g3 Bxe4 15. Nxe4 Rae8 16. Rhe1 in 30, R. Jackson-mcgaughp, Internet Chess (see analysis diagram 2). White has Nc5, e6 is Club (ICC), April 2003. weak, the move d4-d5 is available, and ... b6 Indeed, 8. ... Kd8 was a must. Now Black loses (to stop c5) weakens c6. the second pawn and the game. 9. Nxf6+ Black must decide which rook stays and which goes. Black resigned in 35 moves. One pawn usually means winning chances (say, 30 percent to 70 percent), but not a win, certainly not an easy win. In positions after 4. ... d5, White emerges with an extra pawn but nothing more; in fact Black may have some small (quarter pawn?) for the pawn, perhaps due to his bishop pair. But Roy was well-prepared, experienced in these positions, determined. His opponents—predictably ANALYSIS DIAGRAM 1 in shock after such a blunder (4. ... d5)—were no match for him, and, like in the game above, soon 9. … Kf7 10. Nxe4 Re8 11. f3 Bf5 12. Bc4+ gave up something else (another pawn, for instance) and collapsed. Perhaps they should study games of that super- defender, GM .

Send in your games!

If you are unrated or rated 1799 or be - low, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to ANALYSIS DIAGRAM 2 send your most instructive game with notes to: Too general, as Black can play 16. ... Nxd4, reaching a pawn-down rook plus bishop versus Against Erawin, ICC, June 2007, I castled Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life rook plus bishop (of opposite color) ending, with right away (12. 0-0-0) after which Erawin PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN good drawing chances. Both sides, however, could might have defended a2-g8 with 12. ... Be6. 38557-3967 have played stronger earlier; for example, Black My game move improves on that game since on move 11—see the first analysis diagram—11. 12. ... Be6?? would lose to 13. Or e-mail your material to ... Bf5!?. Ng5+. [email protected] Also deserving attention after 7. Qxd5 was 7. ... 12. ... Kg7 13. 0-0-0 Bxe4 14. fxe4 Nc6 or 7. ... Bb4. GM Alburt will select the “most in struc - 8. Nxd5 tive” game and Chess Life will award an autographed copy of Lev’s newest book, Carlsen vs. Karjakin (by Lev Alburt and Jon Crumiller) to the person submitting the most in structive game and notes.

Make sure your game (or part of it) and your notes will be of interest to other readers. Writing skills are a plus, but instructiveness is a must! Do not send games with only a few notes, as they are of little instructive value and can’t be used. 14. ... Rxe4?? 15. Bd5 Bf4+ 16. Kb1 www.ChessWithLev.com 8. … Bd6 (see diagram top of next column)

www.uschess.org 15 In The Arena / Player of the Month Caruana Does His Homework A critical victory over GM helped GM Fabiano Caruana top the field at the Sinquefield Cup.

By GM ROBERT HESS

HARDLY A MONTH GOES BY WHERE GM superior, but Black lacks true weaknesses and Fabiano Caruana does not impress. At the 2018 can launch a queenside . Sinquefield Cup he topped the field along with 15. Rd2 Nxe3 GMs Levon Aronian and Magnus Carlsen. On top of his success in the classical format, Caruana The try 15. ... a5 16. Rhd1 changes nothing defeated compatriot GM in a playoff since the best Nakamura would love is to match to earn the Grand Chess Tour’s final transpose back to the game continuation, as qualification spot. A critical game was this victory capturing on h2 would be a terrible decision. over GM Hikaru Nakamura. 16. ... Nxh2 17. Qb5 Ng4 (17. ... f5 18. Qc5 Qf7 19. f3 traps the .) 18. Bb6 Qb7 19. Rd8 with a decisive attack, since Black’s rooks are OPEN CATALAN (E05) not connected. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2822, USA) GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2777, USA) 14. 0 -0-0 16. fxe3 Rb8 17. Rhd1 2018 Sinquefield Cup (4), St. Louis, Missouri, Caruana clearly has done his homework. He 08.21.2018 said he found this novelty several months prior to the game, and it leads to similar positions as 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. g3 dxc4 6. Bg2 0-0 7. Ne5 Nc6 8. Bxc6 castling kingside except with the king on c1, giving White attacking chances if Black does It goes against standard chess principles to not go for the bishop. He actually referred to exchange your fianchettoed bishop for a knight, this as a “throwaway novelty” and that Black but capturing the other way scores very poorly. should be able to equalize with proper play, so 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Bxc6 Rb8 10. 0-0 Bb7 is com - he figured he’d get to use this in a rapid game. pletely fine for Black, who has completed his Little did he know he’d play it in an important development and can apply some queenside classical event! pressure. Nakamura was able to hold a pawn-down A hard position to understand without 8. ... bxc6 9. Nxc6 Qe8 10. Nxe7+ Qxe7 11. (theoretical) draw against GM at Qa4 c5 12. dxc5 the 2017 Palma Grand Prix: 14. 0-0 Nd5 15. having seen it before. Caruana felt that Bd4 Bd7 16. Qa3 a5 17. Rad1 Nb4 18. Bc5 Qxc5 Nakamura handled the position quite well In his 1978 World Championship match 19. Rxd7 Rab8 20. Rfd1 h6 21. Qa4 Nd5 22. having walked into a novel idea. against GM Viktor Korchnoi, GM Anatoly Nxd5 exd5 23. R7xd5 Qb4 24. Qc2 Qxb2 25. 17. ... a5 18. Kb1 Karpov easily held the black side of the “old Qxc4 Rb4 26. Qc5 Qxa2 27. Qxa5 Rb2 28. Qxa2 The move 18. Rd4 invites 18. ... e5 (18. ... main line” 12. Qxc4 cxd4 13. Qxd4 e5. White Rxa2. has a nearly impossible task of retaining the Rb4 keeps the pawn defended.) 19. Qxc4 (19. extra pawn, and Black’s activity is sufficient for 14. ... Ng4 Rxc4 Qb6 with a double attack.) 19. ... Qb7 20. full compensation. Extremely logical, shattering White’s pawn R4d2 Be6 21. Qd3 Qg2 and Black has the better and can play on both sides of 12. ... Qxc5 13. Be3 Qc7 structure. Double-edged is 14. ... Bb7 15. f3 Nd5 16. the board. (see diagram top of next column) Bd4 White’s pawn structure and bishop are 18. ... h6 19. Ka1

16 November 2018 | Chess Life In The Arena / Player of the Month

Caruana runs his king to the corner, out of After 36. ... hxg5 37. Rh1 Bc6 (37. ... Bf7 the way of any potential checks. A big issue for leaves Black completely stuck.) 38. Rbh7 fxe4 Nakamura is that he can’t develop his bishop 39. Ke3 Kf5 40. g4+! Kxg4 41. R7h6. Black without allowing Caruana’s rooks to infiltrate currently sits two pawns up, but with the the d-file. Of utmost importance to this position king so vulnerable several pawns will have is that the knight can’t be dislodged from c3, to be returned. Black’s pieces are not well whereas the bishop does not have a particularly coordinated. His best try may have been 36. stable square to operate from. ... Bc6 37. Re7 Rd8+! to push the king back. The rook can move forward, but it is in some (37. ... hxg5? 38. exf5+ is decisive as White danger of venturing too far. A sample line is goes up no less than a pawn.) 38. Ke3 (It is 19. Rd6 Bb7 20. Ka1 Bd5! 21. Qa3 Rfd8 22. hard to advocate for the king’s retreat. 38. Nxd5 exd5 (Just plain bad is 22. ... Qxd6? 23. Kc1?! does give White the benefit of Nf6+ and 22. ... Rxd6 23. Qxd6 Qxd6 24. Nf6+ square. The knight, on the other hand, need preventing the black pawn from reaching g5. gxf6 25. Rxd6 is about level.) 23. R6xd5 Rxd5 not move from its great spot on c3. 38. ... Kxg5 39. exf5 Rxf5 40. Rg7+ Kf6 41. 24. Rxd5 Qb7 25. Rd1 a4 when White has an 27. Rd6 Rxf5+ Kxf5. It’s unclear if in practice this is “extra pawn”, but actually stands worse. There closer to a win or draw.) 38. ... hxg5 39. Rxf5 Swapping a pair of rooks here is imprecise. is no luft for the king and Black can start going Rxe4+ 40. Nxe4 Kxf5 41. Nc3 is better for Black’s rooks are limited, whereas White’s have after the kingside pawns. White because the bishop lacks stability. control over the board’s lone . For White needs to be careful to avoid dropping 19. ... Rb4 20. Qc2 Rb8 example 27. Rd8 Rcc8 28. Rxc8 Rxc8 29. Rd6 the g3-pawn, but even then the g5-pawn Problematic is 20. ... Bb7 21. Rd7 Qb6 22. Bc6 cuts the rook off from an attack on the a- would be slow to advance. pawn. Black will rush ... Kf8-e7 and it’s unclear Qd2 Bc6 23. Rd8. Black can’t afford to swap 37. Ke3 queens with the weaker queenside pawns. The how White makes any progress. knight outclasses the bishop in such an 27. ... Kf8 28. Ra6 Caruana knows that an additional pawn is endgame, since White does not have pawns not as important as centralizing his king. After Black is forever tied down to the pawn on a5. fixed on light squares. 37. gxh6 e3+ pushes his king back. White of 28. ... Rc5 29. Ra7 Rbc8 course is better, but after say 38. Kc1 Kxh6 39. 21. Qe4 Bb7 22. Qd4 Ba8 Rf8 Rf5 Black is still very much in the game. Black wants to expand on the kingside with Even if the f7-pawn didn’t immediately fall, 29. ... g5. The idea is to play ... g5-g4 and then 37. ... Bc6 the rooks are more powerful than the queen swing the rook to h5. However, White can in the following position 22. ... Rfd8? 23. Qxd8+ A mating net ensues after 37. ... hxg5 38. g4 immediately prevent this with 30. g4 himself. Rxd8 24. Rxd8+. Black’s king is completely paralyzed, while 30. Kb1 Rh5 White has many possible continuations in - 23. e4 Rfc8 24. Qf2 volving Re7 and Rf8. Nakamura absolutely had to force Caruana’s Caruana mentioned 24. e3 as a possible h-pawn forward or else be left with no coun - 38. Re7 Rxg5 39. Rxe6+ Kg7 40. Re7+ continuation, aiming to the terplay. Kg6 41. Rd1 Kf6 kingside. In response Black can force a queen trade with 24. ... e5 and look to hold the ending, 31. h4 Re5 32. Kc2 g5 33. Rf1 Kg7 34. Rb7 There’s no chance to survive by snagging or play 24. ... a4 or 24. ... Bc6, with aggressive Kg6 35. Kd2 f5 the pawn: 41. ... Rxg3+ 42. Kf4 Rg5 43. Rd6+ Kh5 44. Ree6 Rf8+ 45. Ke3 Ba8 46. Rxh6+ Kg4 intentions on the queenside. A risky move by Caruana.The possibility of when Black is even in material, but the trade 35. ... Kh5 was mentioned in the post-mortem, 24. ... Bc6 of pawns has removed all of his counterplay. but after 36. Rf6 the king might not be able to Nakamura could have competed for the d- safely continue its journey. (36. Ke3 also looks 42. Ra7 Ke6 file now that Caruana removed his queen from good.) d4 with 24. ... Rd8 25. Qf4 Qb6 and Black keeps The pawn is poisoned here, since 42. ... up the fight on the open file. And 26. Na4 does 36. hxg5 Rxg3+ 43. Kf4 loses Black a rook since Rd6 not work out, since the queen is not actually mate threatened. en prise after 26. ... Rxd2. 43. Rh1 h5 25. Qc5 Be8 Possible now was 43. ... Rxg3+ though White The continuation 25. ... Qb7 26. Qxc4 was is still well ahead after 44. Kd4 Rg6 when White referred to as “real compensation, but not 100 can choose between the equally pleasant options percent compensation for the pawn by Caruana. of 45. e3, 45. Rh5, or 45. Rxa5. Black’s bishop is limited in scope and no useful 44. g4! diagonal exists. However, White is tied down The h1-rook gets into the action, leaving so the advantage is hard to consol idate. Black lost. 26. Qxc7 Rxc7 44. ... Be8 (see diagram top of next column) 36. ... fxe4 A better try, but hardly more hopeful, is 44. The queenless ending is clearly better for Of course Black would prefer to recapture ... Rh8 45. gxh5 Rgxh5 46. Rxh5 Rxh5 47. a4. Caruana. By no means was Nakamura lost at on g5, but the open h-file can only help White’s 45. gxh5 Bxh5 46. Nxe4 Rf5 47. Ra6+ Ke7 this stage, but the bishop never finds a stable chances. 48. Nd6 Re5+ 49. Kd4, Black resigned.

www.uschess.org 17 Look at Books / Should I Buy It?

Publishers Catch World Championship Fever A quartet of new books about the World Champion contenders—including one from a Big Five publisher— are being released around the start of the match.

By JOHN HARTMANN

BY THE TIME YOU READ THESE WORDS, Pete Sampras. Two: What was the secret to his Grandmaster for two reasons. First, it gives a and barring some unforeseen event, the 2018 greatness? How exactly had he managed to be so sense of Butler’s prose, which is taut and World Championship match between Magnus much better than everyone else for so long? At provocative. This is a book that will, I suspect, Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana will just about least Federer had a true rival in Rafael Nadal, sell relatively well, and from the outside, it be upon us. If you’re anything like me, the whereas nobody had come close to challenging appears that Simon and Schuster is going to coming days will be long ones indeed. Carlsen for supremacy. And, finally, three: How put some muscle behind its publicity. The publishing world appears to have taken It also shows that Butler wrote the book that note of this match as well, with four books his editor wanted. It presupposes the validity about Carlsen or Caruana being released right of the third question; in point of fact, I’d go around the start of the match. This month we’ll further and say that the assumed link between take a look at all of them, but much of our focus genius and madness in chess defines The will be on a real novelty— a trade book from a Grandmaster. What’s worse, I don’t think that Big Five publisher about our beloved game. Butler begins to answer the second question, Brin-Jonathan Butler is a writer known and he makes very little effort to even attempt mainly for his work on boxing and Cuba. His the first. 2015 The Domino Diaries is a critically lauded Writing a serious book about chess or genius memoir of his time studying the sweet science requires research. Optimally the author would in Havana, and his encounter with Mike Tyson talk to recognized experts, both in the chess is memorably described in a 2012 article for world and beyond it. There is very little salon.com. Here, in The Grandmaster: Magnus evidence in The Grandmaster that Butler did Carlsen and the Match that Made Chess Great much pre-match research on Carlsen beyond Again, he investigates a subtler, if no less violent, reading the D.T. Max New Yorker piece from form of combat. 2011 and watching the 2012 60 Minutes segment. This was not a book that Butler was looking He seems to have spent most of his time at the to write. He received a cold-call from a Simon match talking to random people in the VIP & Schuster editor one week before the 2016 area, and much of the book involves him World Championship opening ceremonies chasing down whatever leads they gave him. asking if he’d write about Magnus Carlsen, and This might not have been a problem were answer three questions in the process: the leads useful. Interviews with the likes of One: Why wasn’t the dude more of a household Harry Benson, Frank Brady, Dick Cavett, and name? Here was a guy who had been the top- friends of the late Peter Winston might help ranked chess player in the world for the past six long could he continue to do it? More specifically, us understand Fischer and his aftermath, but years and had the highest rating of any chess given the fierce pressures, how long could he they shed precious little light on Carlsen or the player in history—higher than Kasparov and continue to do it without cracking the way Fischer 2016 World Championship in broader context. Bobby Fischer. Yet Kasparov and Fischer—not and a surprising number of other chess champions Nor does the recounting of tales of mental Carlsen—were still the names that most non-chess had? How did the pressures and stress of staying illness among chess masters (131-5) help us to people thought of when they thought about chess. on top affect Carlsen with all the top players in understand Carlsen’s psyche during the match. It was like Carlsen was Roger Federer and the world gunning for his crown? (7) Carlsen is not Fischer, and the comparisons everyone was still talking about Andre Agassi and I include this long passage from The are, frankly, insulting.

18 November 2018 | Chess Life Look at Books / Should I Buy It? are, frankly, insulting. The try 38. ... f5! should be enough to draw. six broad sections—the Attack, Defense and The result is that The Grandmaster is salacious 39. b4 Rb2 40. b5 Rb1+ 41. Kf2 Rb2+ 42. Counterattack, the Dynamic Element, Exploit - and “sexy,” but terribly uninformed. It trades Kg3 e5 43. b6 g6 44. Rb8 Kg7 45. Kh2 ing Imbalances, Accumulating Advantages, and in tired clichés about players and fans. The Kf6 the Endgame—dividing his 60 analyzed games. general admission audience in New York is said Lakdawala’s style, which is on full display in to be old, crumpled, and hygienically-chal - After 45. ... Rb1 46. b7 Kh7 47. g3 Kg7 48. Caruana: Move by Move, is another issue. If you lenged. (52-3) The grandmasters in attendance Kg2 White wins, but the computer suggests have read any of his dozens of other titles, you are largely grifters. (58-60) While Butler gets that Black might be able to draw after 47. ... know just what I’m talking about: lack of the highly monied, oily feel of New York right, Rb2+. authorial self-control, metaphors that stretch there’s little else in his recollections of the match 46. Kg1 Ke6 on and reveal little, strange nicknames. (Caruana that match up to my own. becomes “Caru” here. No one calls him Caru.) Here 46. ... Rb1+ (C.D. Meyer) may draw as George Plimpton strapped on a pair of Some readers absolutely love Lakdawala for well. shoulder pads while writing Paper Lion, and this, while others—including me—are less David Foster Wallace played a lifetime of tennis 47. b7! Kf6 48. g3 g5 49. Kf1 Rb1+ enamored. before coming to worship at the altar of Roger 49. ... Ke7 50. f4! and “White clears the Kalinin’s Fabiano Caruana: His Amazing Story Federer. It’s clear, despite his description of a seventh rank in a few moves.” But what about and His Most Instructive Chess Games is a more youthful dalliance with chess, one soaked with 49. ... Kg7? traditional games collection, and is organized machismo and street hustling, that Butler is in two parts. Part I, “The Rise of an American not a student of our game. The Grandmaster 50. Ke2 Rb2+ 51. Kd3 Rb3+ 52. Kc4 Rb1 chess star,” sketches the trajectory of Caruana’s 53. Kc5 Rc1+ 54. Kd6 Rd1+ 55. Kc6 Rc1+ suffers for that lack of intimate knowledge. career with 25 games, archival interview 56. Kd7 Rb1 57. Ke8 Kg7 What could have been a bridge to a public material, etc. Part II, “Learn from Fabiano’s looking to understand the world of chess is, After 57. ... Rb2 58. Kf8 Rb3 59. Rc8!! best games,” contains 37 games largely focused alas, an opportunity missed. threatens mate! on the middlegame. Those looking for a more successful book 58. Ke7 Rb2 59. Kd6 Kf6 60. f4!! exf4 61. The analysis in both books is of a good about Carlsen would do well to check out IM gxf4 gxf4 62. Rg8!! standard, and both are surprisingly current in Tibor Karolyi’s Endgame Virtuoso Magnus their coverage. I took a serious look at Carlsen: His Extraordinary Skills Uncovered and “It is hard to find words to describe this! It Lakdawala and Kalinin’s coverage of Carlsen- Explained. Karolyi is one of the most serious would be a great thing if Magnus had found Caruana from the third round of the Sinquefield writers and analysts in , and here this tremendous idea somewhere around here, Cup in 2014—an exciting Caruana victory ably he turns his attention to Carlsen’s legendary but I think he likely spotted it at move 47 (if covered by Ian Rogers here in November 2014— endgame prowess. The following example, “the not earlier at move 38). It would have been and found both treatments entirely serviceable. first game in the book that Carlsen played at fabulous for him to find this in an adjourned The choice between these two titles might the level of an all-time great player,” (88) is game, but he did it over the board. It is simply come down to a decision between Lakdawala’s both typical and delightful, and the uncited a pleasure for the author to show you ideas like polarizing prose and Kalinin’s restraint and analysis is based on Karolyi’s. this.” (88) sobriety. If you like Lakdawala in general, you’ll 62. ... Rb6+ like Caruana: Move by Move too. If not, Kalinin’s book would be a fine choice. For the record, I No better is 62. ... Rxb7?? 63. e5 mate. preferred the latter, but found the former SIMPLY A PLEASURE 63. Kc7 Rxb7+ 64. Kxb7 f3 65. Kc6 Ke5 pleasant as well. GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2690, NOR) 66. Re8+ Kf4 67. Kd5 f6 68. Rf8, Black GM Zbynek Hracek (FIDE 2619, CZE) resigned. Bundesliga 2006-7 (14), Baden-Baden, Some attention to biography is paid in Butler, Brin-Jonathan. The Grandmaster: Magnus Germany, 03.31.2007 Endgame Virtuoso Magnus Carlsen; Karolyi makes Carlsen and the Match That Made Chess Great a particular effort to describe Carlsen’s early Again. Simon & Schuster, 2018. ISBN Paperback: 9789056918132. 224 pages. (Available from uscfsales.com, style and opening choices. Still, this is a book catalog number B0021SS, $25.95) about endgames, so if they’re not your cup of tea, it might not be the book for you. That, however, would be a shame. Endgame Virtuoso Karolyi, Tibor. Endgame Virtuoso: His is another excellent effort from Tibor Karolyi, Extraordinary Skills Uncovered and Explained. New in Chess, 2018. FAN. ISBN Paperback: 9789056917760. 267 and I enjoyed it immensely. pages. (Available from uscfsales.com, catalog number Until very recently, there were no books that B0204NIC, $24.95) featured Carlsen’s challenger. Now there are two: Caruana: Move by Move, by Cyrus Lakdawala, Lakdawala, Cyrus. Caruana: Move by Move. and Alexander Kalinin’s Fabiano Caruana: His Everyman Chess, 2018. ISBN Paperback: 9781781944790. AFTER 32. ... Rd7 Amazing Story and His Most Instructive Chess 368 pages. (Available from uscfsales.com, catalog Games. The books are similar, as I’ll explain, but number B0494EM, $26.95) 33. Ra6! Bb7 there are reasons one might choose between them for pre-match reading. Kalinin, Alexander. Fabiano Caruana: His Amazing Heading for a pawn down endgame with an Caruana: Move by Move is a typical offering active rook. Story and His Most Instructive Chess Games. New in from Lakdawala, and I mean this in two Chess, 2018. ISBN Paperback: 978-1-5011-7260-1. FAN. 208 34. Rxa7 Rxd6 35. Rxb7 Rd1+ 36. Kf2 respects. First, the book follows his usual schema pages. (Available from uscfsales.com, catalog number Rd2+ 37. Kf1 Kg6 38. g4! Kf6 for a player-focused Move by Move title, with B0206NIC, $19.95)

www.uschess.org 19 Preview / World Championship Caruana versus Carlsen A preview of the World Championship showdown in London

By GM IAN ROGERS

GMS FABIANO CARUANA (LEFT) AND MAGNUS CARLSEN

n November 9th at 3:00 p.m. London time (November 9th at 8:00 a.m. EST), GM Fabiano Caruana will begin the first game of his world championship challenge at The College in Holborn, London, against title holder GM Magnus Carlsen. O For U.S. chess fans, this will be the first time a home representative has qualified for a FIDE World Championship match since in 1996 and a chance for Caruana to become the first U.S. world champion since Bobby Fischer in 1972. When Caruana first qualified for the title match by winning the in in March, Carlsen was a heavy favorite. However, since then Caruana has finished ahead of the Norwegian in two elite tournaments (Grenke Classic and Norway Chess) and tied with him in a third (Sinquefield Cup) to move the odds much closer to even. Caruana, 26, and Carlsen, 27, are scheduled to play 12 classical games, with the winner being the first to reach 6½ points. Should the match be tied at 6-6 then pairs of tiebreak games will be played at faster and faster time limits. Should all these games be tied, an Armageddon blitz game will follow with White having extra time but Black knowing that a draw would leave him as world champion. Given his career score against Carlsen—five wins, 10 losses and 18 draws—Miami-born Caruana is still the underdog, yet only one elite player, Levon Aronian, has beaten Carlsen more often. Caruana will also be heartened by recalling that the last U.S. world champion, Fischer, had a terrible score against Boris Spassky before crushing him in their title match.

20 November 2018 | Chess Life Preview / World Championship

MAGNUS CARLSEN: Over the past decade Carlsen has been amaz - THE IMMOVABLE OBJECT ingly consistent, finishing first or second in all The man standing between Caruana and the but a handful of tournaments. His patient but world title has already been described as one alert style can turn even the slightest of edges of the greatest players in history. Carlsen has into a defensive examination for his opponent, held the world championship title for five years, an exam that takes high-grade nerves to pass. winning three title matches. A typical example came at the Gashimov Sven Magnus Øen Carlsen was born in Memorial tournament in Shamkir 2015, when Tønsberg, Norway in 1990 and by the age of Caruana was ground down by Carlsen after 10 had already joined the Norges Toppidretts- being set challenge after challenge. gymnas, the national sports institute that had recently added a chess course run by Norway’s GROUND DOWN first grandmaster, Simen Agdestein. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2802, ITA) 30. Ra1?! By 2003 Carlsen was already an international GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2863, NOR) “I started to see ghosts,” admitted Caruana. master and was traveling around Europe with ShamkirChess 2015 (3), Shamkir, “It’s a bit hard to explain why I was so worried his family. A year later he was a grandmaster, Azerbaijan, 04.19.2015 the youngest to earn all his grandmaster norms in this endgame. It’s a fairly elementary draw.” outside his home country, and he drew a rapid 30. Ra5 again leads to a drawable rook endgame game in Iceland with then-World Champion after 30. ... Rd1 31. Kg2 Nd2 32. Ra8+ Kf7 33. Garry Kasparov. Rd8 Ke7 34. Rd6 Rxf1 35. Rxd2 Rc1 36. Rb2! Invitations to elite tournaments soon followed by multiple checks. followed, as did success for Carlsen: second at 30. ... Nd2 31. Be2?! Linares—the Wimbledon of chess—in 2007, “[Now I get a rook] ending which I knew first at Wijk aan Zee in 2008, and by 2010 he would offer me chances,” said Carlsen. 31. Ra6! had won the chess Oscar and was world number Nf3+ 32. Kg2 looks scary, but again the weak one, the only teen to earn those two honors. e- and c-pawns should give White enough (Carlsen also played Caruana for the first time counterplay to hold. in Wijk aan Zee in January 2010—a draw.) Carlsen’s world was expanding. He became a AFTER 24. ... Nxc3 31. ... Nf3+ 32. Bxf3 exf3 33. h3 model for clothing firm G-Star Raw and was awarded the Peer Gynt prize, one of Norway’s After a series of exchanges the players have highest cultural honors. (The chess world was reached an equal endgame and one might have also adapting to fit a celebrity like Carlsen—the expected a draw to result soon. Certainly 2010 Grand Slam Final adjusted its format so Caruana thought so: “I was thinking the position that Carlsen needed only to play the second half, was a draw no matter what I do and I just to avoid a clash with New York Fashion Week.) drifted.” By now the world championship title was 25. Re7 Rfe8 26. Rxe8+ the one thing Carlsen lacked, yet he voluntarily “He could just repeat with 26. Rc7 Rec8 27. withdrew from the 2012 World Championship Re7 and there is nothing I can do,” admitted cycle just months before the Candidates Carlsen. matches. Carlsen argued that a Candidates tournament was better than matches—FIDE 26. ... Rxe8 27. Ra1 33. ... h5! 34. g4 fxg4 35. hxg4 h4! agreed—and that the world champion should “Here 27. f3 is a draw immediately,” said have few or no privileges—few agreed—and Keeping White’s king in a box. Carlsen. the topic has rarely arisen since Carlsen won 36. Kh2 the title. 27. ... Rd8 28. Bf1 c5 29. Ra3?! The try 36. g5 is too slow, e.g. 36. ... Kh7 In 2013, with a Candidates tournament “I should just go after the c5-pawn,” said 37. Kh2 Kg6 38. Kh3 Kh5, with 39. ... Rd2 to replacing Candidates matches, Carlsen narrowly Caruana. “I was worried about ... Nd1 and ... follow. qualified to challenge World Champion GM Rd2 but it should still be a draw.” The players for the title, edging out 36. ... Rd2 37. Kh3 g5 38. e4! analyzed 29. Ra5! Nd1 (“I was intending 29. ... GM on tiebreak after both Rd1 30. Rxc5 Nb1,” said Carlsen, “but of course players had lost in a crazy final round. after 31. Rc6 Nd2 32. Rd6 Rxf1+ 33. Kg2 Rd1 Carlsen, by now the highest rated player of 34. c5 Rc1 35. Rxd2 Rxc5, this rook ending is all time (disregarding rating inflation), beat still a dead draw.”) 30. Rxc5 Rd2 31. Rc8+ Kf7 Anand on his home territory of Chennai and 32. Rc7+ Kf8 33. Rc8+ Ke7 34. Rc7+ Kd8 35. again in Sochi after Anand earned a rematch Rxg7 Nxf2 36. c5 Ng4 37. Bb5 “and I can’t in 2014. believe this can be anything for Black,” said Carlsen defended his title in New York in Carlsen. 2016 against Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, though only after being one down with three to play 29. ... Nb1! and then needing rapid tiebreaks to finally (see diagram top of next column) PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS decide the contest.

www.uschess.org 21 Preview / World Championship

38. ... Rd4! Levon Aronian, Hikaru Nakamura, Veselin “I thought this was too early,” said Caruana. Avoiding 38. ... Rxf2 39. Ra8+ Kf7 40. Ra7+ Topolov and Carlsen, who finished in second 7. ... dxe4 8. dxe4 h6 9. Bh4 Qe7 10. Kg6 41. Rg7+! with . “It is amazing place three points behind Caruana. Caruana’s Nbd2 Nbd7 11. Bg3 that I even had this idea,” admitted Caruana. final score of 8½/10 was one of the greatest results ever in a super-tournament. “This looks a little strange, but he didn’t want 39. Ra8+ Kf7 40. Ra3 At the closing press conference, Rex me to play ... Nf8-g6,” explained Caruana. “I would have had more chances with 40. Sinquefield, President & Chairman of the Board 11. ... Bc7 12. 0-0 Nh5! 13. h3!? of the Saint Louis Chess Club, stood up to ask Ra7+ Ke8 41. Ra8+ Kd7 42. Ra7+,” said “Magnus probably thought that he could play a question, saying, “This is addressed to all the Caruana, but Carlsen showed 42. ... Kc8! 43. 13. Nxe5? Nxe5 14. Qxh5 and missed 14. ... players except Hikaru Nakamura. When will Re7 Rd1! 44. Kh2 Rf1 45. Rxe6 Rxf2+ 46. Kh3 Bg4!,” said Caruana. “Now if he loses the g3- you move to St. Louis and start playing for the Rf1 47. Kh2 Re1 “and it should still be winning,” bishop it will just be a symmetrical structure USA?” said the Norwegian. with no prospects for White. So I expected No doubt, given the emergence of elite events 40. ... Rxc4 something like 13. Nh4 Nxg3 14. fxg3!?, but at the Saint Louis Chess Club, Caruana had not the idea he played.” “Now it is just over,” said Carlsen. already been considering a change back to the 13. ... Nxg3 14. fxg3 Nc5 41. Rxf3+ Ke7 42. Re3 Rd4 43. f3 c4 44. U.S. However, he was now rated above 2800 Ra3 Rd3 45. Ra7+ Kd8 46. Kg2 c3 47. and was world number two. A bidding war Ra4 c2 48. Rc4 Rd2+ 49. Kh3 Kd7 50. began between the Italian Chess Federation, Rc5 Rf2 51. f4 who had begun supporting Caruana’s consid- erable training costs, and U.S. interests. Ulti - There are not even any Rxc2 stalemate tricks mately, the U.S. proved to have the resources because of this pawn. to regain their man. 51. ... Rf3+ 52. Kh2 Rxf4, White resigned. In 2015 Caruana officially moved to St. Louis and only a year later he was helping the U.S. CARUANA: THE UNSTOPPABLE team take their first Olympic team gold in 40 FORCE years. In some ways Caruana’s early career approx- Though he won many top-level tournaments imates that of his title opponent. between 2015 and 2017, Caruana could not Caruana enjoyed an excellent early chess recapture the incredible standard he had set at “14. ... Nf6 is much safer,” said Caruana. the 2014 Sinquefield Cup. education in New York (where his family had 15. Bxf7+! moved from Caruana’s birthplace Miami when However, from March 2018 onward Caruana he was a pre-schooler) and began competing has played at an extraordinary level, with four “I played 14. ... Nc5 very quickly, which was in tournaments around Europe, also becoming elite tournament wins and a second at the U.S. a bit careless,” said Caruana, “because after this a grandmaster at 14. Championship behind GM . I soon realized that things weren’t so Yet by then Caruana’s family had made even Caruana seems to have added a seemingly simple.” bigger life changes than Carlsen’s in order to indestructible opening repertoire to his hard- 15. ... Kxf7! help their son’s rise up the chess ladder. working, calculation-heavy, fearless style. His Caruana and his parents moved to Europe sense of danger can occasionally desert him, The alternative 15. ... Qxf7? loses to 16. Nxe5 in 2004 and the 12-year-old rising star became but when Caruana goes all-in few can hold him followed by 17. Qh5+. a chess professional. A year later Caruana back, as the following game against Carlsen 16. Nxe5+ Kg8 17. Ng6 changed allegiance from the USA to Italy, the from the memorable 2014 Sinquefield Cup land of all eight of his great-grandparents. shows. However, while in Europe, Caruana did not reside in Italy, moving from Spain to Hungary BISHOP’S OPENING (C24) to (the city of Lugano, very close GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2877, NOR) to the Italian border) and back to Spain again GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2801, ITA) over an eight-year period. 2014 Sinquefield Cup (3), St. Louis, Missouri, Caruana’s breakthrough year came in 2012, 08.29.2014 although by then he had already won the Italian championship so often there was no point 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 competing in the event any more. In 2012, by now a regular invitee to the The move 3. Nc3 is not a viable option for world’s strongest tournaments, Caruana fin - White nowadays at the highest levels because ished second in Wijk aan Zee and first in 3. ... Nxe4 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Bb3 Be7 is too close 17. ... Qg5! Dortmund, Reykjavik, and the Grand Slam to dead equal. The line 17. ... Qd6 18. Rf8+ Qxf8 19. Nxf8 Chess Final shared between São Paulo and 3. ... c6 4. Nf3 d5 5. Bb3 Bb4+ Kxf8 gives Black plenty of material for the Bilbao. (In the latter event Caruana was beaten queen but after 20. Qh5 the black king remains This takes the c3-square away from the white in a rapid playoff by Carlsen.) exposed. Two years later came the performance that knight. The continuation 5. ... Bd6 6. Nc3 dxe4 18. Rf8+ Kh7 19. Nxh8 stunned the world: a seven game winning streak 7. Ng5 0-0 is not bad for Black but offers few at the Sinquefield Cup with Caruana’s victims winning chances. “This was a big shock for me—he abandons including GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, 6. c3 Bd6 7. Bg5 his king to take my rook,” explained Caruana.

22 November 2018 | Chess Life Preview / World Championship

“I was sure some idea like ... Bg4 or ... Bxh3 after 24. ... Rxf7 25. e5+ Kh8 26. e6 he gains a would lead to mate, but it turns out it was the on the rook. I was worried that the e- best move. I was expecting 19. Rxh8+ Kxg6 2018 WORLD pawn would then be too strong so I was going 20. Nf3, which at first seemed unclear, but the CHAMPIONSHIP to play 25. ... Qg6, but I am fairly sure he would more I looked at the position, the better it was have held the endgame.” MATCH SCHEDULE for Black, with ideas like 20. ... Qxg3 21. Qc2 24. ... Kxh8 25. e6?! Bg4!” At first sight 25. Rf1 loses immediately to 19. ... Bg4! GAME 1 25. ... Rf4 but then 26. Qd7! hangs on, so Black Friday, November 9 Played after 28 minutes’ thought, and it was would be forced to proceed with 25. ... Bb6+ (All games begin at 3 p.m. local time.) time well spent. 19. ... Qxg3 is well-met by 20. 26. Kh1 Qg4, as in the game, though here White Nf1, while the other idea Caruana had expected GAME 2 has more defensive options. to crash though 19. ... Bxh3!? 20. Rxa8 Qe3+ Saturday, November 10 25. ... Bb6+ 26. Kh1 Qg4! 27. Qd6 Rd8! only leads to a draw after 21. Kh1 Bxg2+ 22. Kxg2 Qxg3+ 23. Kf1 “I even looked at 23. ... GAME 3 Black’s last big decision of the game cost 12 Qh3+ 24. Ke2 Bf4,” said Caruana, “but it is a Monday, November 12 minutes and leads by force to the win of the e- bit too much—I might just finish two rooks pawn. down!” GAME 4 28. Qe5 Rd5! 29. Qb8+ Kh7 30. e7 Qh5+ Tuesday, November 13 20. Qf1! The line 20. Qxg4 Qxg4 21. hxg4 Rxf8 will GAME 5 leave Black a piece ahead. Thursday, November 15 20. ... Nd3! GAME 6 Friday, November 16 GAME 7 Sunday, November 18 GAME 8 Monday, November 19

GAME 9 31. Nh2? Wednesday, November 21 “Of course this is a terrible blunder, but I GAME 10 can understand how it happened,” said Caruana. Thursday, November 22 “He probably saw 31. ... Rd1+ when he analyzed the position earlier but when he got there [he 21. Qxd3! GAME 11 looked at 31. Qh2 and didn’t like it because of Forced, as Carlsen realized during a 13- Saturday, November 24 31. ... Qe8! 32. Re1 Bf2!~IR] he decided he minute think. 21. hxg4 loses beautifully to a ‘must’ play 31. Nh2. Then he forgot about 31. long, long, line which looks like a composed GAME 12 ... Rd1+ and believed that Black had to reply puzzle; 21. ... Qe3+ 22. Kh1 Rxf8 23. Qxf8 Nf2+ Monday, November 26 31. ... Re5, after which he saw 32. g4! which 24. Kg1 (24. Kh2 loses to 24. ... Qxg3+! 25. Kg1 looked good for White—though actually I have RAPID AND a draw after 32. ... Qg5! 33. Nf3 and only ... Nh3+ 26. Kf1 Nf4! and now, as soon as the BLITZ PLAYOFFS checks run out, Whites loses, i.e. 27. Qf5+ Qxg4 draws and Black will get a . (if needed) When he played 31. Nh2 I was shocked—I Kxh8 28. Qf8+ Kh7 29. Qf5+ Kg8 30. Qc8+ Wednesday, November 28 Bd8!! 31. Qxd8+ Kh7 and mate follows.) and thought ‘Did I miss some thing?’ but luckily it now comes a remarkable series of discovered was hard to miss something here since he only checks that ultimately result in the loss of the has one legal move each time!” queen on f8! 24. ... Nxg4+ 25. Kh1 Nf2+ 26. 31. ... Rd1+ 32. Rxd1 Qxd1+ 33. Nf1 Qxf1+ Kg1 Nxe4+ 27. Kh1 Nxg3+ 28. Kh2 Nf5+! 29. 34. Kh2 Qg1+, White resigned. Kh1 Qf4! with mate or win of the queen; White “I thought about checking whether there was is also much worse after 21. Rxa8 Qe3+ 22. a mate with 34. ... Bg1+ [There is.~IR] but Kh1 Nf2+ 23. Qxf2 Qxf2 24. hxg4 Qxd2. then thought he would just resign after 34. ... 21. ... Rxf8 22. hxg4 Qxg4 23. Nf3 Qxg3?! Qg1+,” said Caruana.

(see diagram to the right) The match can be watched live at the official After 23. ... Kxh8 Caruana was concerned website worldchess.com. by 24. Nh4 Bxg3 25. Nf5 but after 25. ... Bc7 he admitted, “Black is still well on top.” See uschess.org for regular reporting updates On 24. e5+? “I thought what I had played I realized I probably should have taken on and the February Chess Life for our full match was the most accurate but when I saw 24. Nf7! h8 earlier,” said Caruana. “The problem is that report by GM Ian Rogers.

www.uschess.org 23 Gareyev Soars to Victory Blindfold King GM Timur Gareyev plays ambitious, take-it-all chess to win the U.S. Open.

By AL LAWRENCE

24 November 2018 | Chess Life Cover Story / U.S. Open

M Timur Gareyev is the one accustomed to a blindfold. He and every comprehensive book on U.S. chess history. Second place holds the official Guinness world record for giving a 48-board rarely receives even a footnote. With the title come more invitations Gsimultaneous exhibition in Las Vegas without sight of the and more stories like this. And more students. games. But at the 2018 U.S. Open, held from July 28-August 5, his There’s even more for the winner, who gets a coveted berth in the opponents were the ones tempted to cover their eyes. With his eyes following year’s elite invitational event, the U.S. Chess Championship: wide open, Gareyev played ambitious, take-it-all chess. And at the end, pomp and circumstance and posh accommodations in St. Louis, plus he did just that, topping nearly 400, including 19 fellow grandmasters. multilingual broadcasts streaming the player’s games and likeness on Game faces hid nerves in the ninth round, played Sunday afternoon at screens around the world. the stylish Madison Marriott West, actually in the suburb of Middleton, Liang had already earned a spot in the 2019 invitationals based on Wisconsin. Four players were tied with seven points. GM Alexander his winning the recent U.S. Championship, his second in a row. Fishbein faced teenage-GM Ruifeng Li on board one. They drew quickly But neither he nor Gareyev had collected a clear-first U.S. Open title, in 18 moves. The game to watch became GM versus and Gareyev was hungry to return to the invitational, where he had Gareyev. Would one of these two pull off a win to take sole first? Or tied for third in 2013. By the final round at this year’s open, he’d lost a would a draw make some room for a tie at the top? A group of eight game in round five to GM Jorge Cori (from Missouri by way of Webster grandmasters and one international master, all at 6½, had a special interest. University) and won six. Liang, one of this year’s US Chess Trust Going into the last round of a long U.S. Open, a lot is at stake for the Samford Fellows, was undefeated, winning five games, including a chess professionals who are leading the pack. Win, and the cash prize victory over GM Alex Shimanov (Missouri, also by way of Webster can pay for the trip and a few months’ rent. Lose, and next month’s University), and drawing GM Alexander Ipatov (Missouri, by way of AmEx bill is a sadistic rebuke. First place puts the winner in Wikipedia Saint Louis University) in round five and Li in round seven.

took my time to decide on the continuation, Last round push which eventually brought the clocks to about “I had to push deeper and harder,” Gareyev even. said. “My position was strategically dangerous. 15. ... e6 16. Bxc4 Na5 17. Qd1 Liang played excellent chess throughout the tournament.”

ALEKHINE’S DEFENSE (B04) GM Awonder Liang (2666) GM Timur Gareyev (2662) 119th U.S. Open Championship (9), Middleton, Wisconsin, 08.05.2018 heard the sad news of the man’s passing away. Notes by Gareyev. Comments in italics by If 14. b3, then 14. ... bxc5! 15. bxc4 cxd4 16. Lawrence. cxd5 dxc3 17. dxc6 Qxd1 18. Rxd1 (18. Bxd1 c2) 18. ... c2 19. Rd4 Rab8. Black, a knight down, 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 g6 5. is easily winning by virtue of the threat of ... Rb1 exd6 and of his c-pawn. Another way is 5. Bc4 Nb6. 17. ... Nxc4 14. ... axb6 5. ... cxd6 6. c4 Nb6 7. Be2 Bg7 8. h3 0-0 I went with positional considerations to 9. 0-0 Bf5 I considered another option: 14. ... Nb4!?. improve the location of my knight, as it might However, the sudden attack does not reap be transferred to e4 via d6. Alternatively, 17. The move 9. ... Nc6 and 9. ... Be6 are other substantial rewards: 15. b7 Rb8 16. b3 Bc2 17. ... dxc4 18. Bg5 Qd7 19. Re1 h6 20. Be3 Rfd8 popular tries. Qe1 Nd6 18. Ba3 a5 19. Bxb4 axb4 20. Nxd5 21. Ne5 Qb7 22. Qe2 b5 23. Rad1 g5 is a little 10. Nc3 Nc6 11. Be3 d5 12. c5 Nc4 13. Bc1 Rxb7 21. Nxb4 Be4; 14. ... e5 15. dxe5 N4xe5 better for White. b6 14. cxb6 16. Be3. 18. Qe2 h5 19. Bg5 15. Qb3 (See diagram top of next column) This helped me gain space as I covered the Not the move I expected (15. b3). Upon essential squares and expanded. This is the moment when emergency services resuming the game, I had a substantial lead on 19. ... f6 20. Bf4 were called as one of the participants fell from the clock, with 90 minutes versus one hour for his seat and passed out on the floor after my opponent. Despite liking my position a lot, I 20. Bc1 may be the right backward-bishop move suffering a heart attack. All the clocks were stopped. Nobody was sure how critical the situation would be, and we spent several hours GM TIMUR GAREYEV PREPARES TO JUMP FROM THE PLANE, CHESS BOARD IN HAND. CLEARLY, HIS ADVENTUROUS STREAK DOESN’T END OVER THE BOARD.

PHOTO: JOE JENNINGS waiting to resume. The round continued as we

www.uschess.org 25 Cover Story / U.S. Open here, not allowing the tempo-gain after 20. ... g5, (Although White has an acceptable alternative with Bxe6 28. Ne2 d3 29. Nxd3 Bf5 30. Rxc8+ Rxc8 and setting up 21. Nd2, uncovering on h5 and 27. Rc7 Qe8) 27. ... d2 28. Rc7 Rfe8 29. Nef3 Nb1 31. Rd1 Rc2 32. Qe3 Bg6 33. Nd4 Rc3 34. Ne5 challenging c4, when the game looks equal. 30. Rxb1 Bxb1 31. Nxd2 Re1+ 32. Nf1 Bd3 33. Qc8 35. Ndc6 Rxe3 36. Ne7+ Kh7 37. Nxc8 20. ... g5 Be5 Rxf1+ 34. Kh2 Qe8. Rxe5 38. Bxe5 fxe5. 25. ... Rfc8 26. dxe5 Also good for Black is 20. ... e5 21. Bh2 Re8 27. ... fxe5 28. Qxg5 Qe6 29. Nf3 Nc2 30. 22. dxe5 Nxe5. Bxe5 Qg6 31. Qxg6 Bxg6 32. Bxg7 Kxg7 33. Rab1 Rxa2 34. Rb2 Raa8 21. Bh2 Qd7 22. b3 Na3 Black is also better after 34. ... Rxb2 35. Nxb2 I ended up deciding in favor of the adventurous Rc3! 36. Ne5 Nb4 37. Ra1 Rxb3. route. 35. Ne5 Bh7 23. Rfc1 An interesting continuation was 23. Na4 Also strong is 35. ... d3 36. Nxg6 Kxg6 37. Rxa4 24. bxa4 Nc2 25. Rac1 (25. Rab1 g4) 25. ... f4 Nb4 38. Rxc8 Rxc8 39. Kf2 Rc2+ 40. Ke3 Qxa4. h4. 23. ... b5 36. f4 d3 37. Nf2 d2 38. Rd1 Ne3 39. Rbxd2 Better was 23. ... Bh6! White loses even more material than the 26. ... d4 Or 23. ... Rfc8!, disputing the open file could lead game continuation after 39. Rdxd2 Rc1+ 40. to an interesting trade: 24. Ne1 Nb1! 25. Rcxb1 Rxc3. Going forward no matter what! Kh2 Nf1. 24. Ne1 e5!? 25. Qd2 27. Nd1 39. ... Nxd1 Bad is 25. Qxh5 exd4 26. Ne2 d3 27. Nd4 Black emerges with a small edge after 27. e6 (See diagram top of next page)

GM AWONDER LIANG TOOK ON 23 PLAYERS FROM THE SCHOLASTIC INVITATIONALS IN A . HE FINISHED 22-1.

26 November 2018 | Chess Life Cover Story / U.S. Open More precise is 44. ... Rd4! 45. Ra7+ (45. g3 Rc7!) 45. ... Kg8 46. g3 Rd2!.

45. g4 Rcc2 After 45. ... hxg4 46. hxg4 Rcc2 47. Ra7+ Kf8 48. Nd7+ Ke8 49. Nf6+ Kd8, and Black’s king gets away from checks. The pair of rooks dominate White’s home ranks. 46. Rf1 A better way for White to fight back was 46. Ra7+ Kh8 47. Ra8+ Bg8 48. Ned3 Rc3 49. A classic may be White’s best here: Rd8 Rxb3 50. f5. White gave up because Black wins more 40. Rd7+ Kg8 (40. ... Kh6? 41. g4 and White is now 46. ... Re2 material after 58. Ne3 Rxe3 59. Rxe3 Bd5+ 60. better) 41. Nxd1 Rd8 42. Nc3 b4 43. Nd5 Rxd7, and Ne4 Rb4. White is paralyzed after 46. ... hxg4 47. hxg4 if 44. Nxd7 Rd8 45. N7b6. Be4 48. f5 Re2. Gareyev took home an impressive trophy and 40. Rxd1 Rd8 a $6,600 check, and he’s reserved that seat at the 47. gxh5 Rb2 48. h6+ Kxh6 49. Nfg4+ Kg7 2019 U.S. Chess Championship. Five GMs Up to now, we battled with seconds left on 50. f5 Kf8! 51. Nd3 Rxb3 52. Nf4 Reb2 followed Gareyev a half-point behind at 7½: the clock to complete the time control. Also winning was 52. ... Rg3+ 53. Kh1 Rb2. Ruifeng Li (Texas), (Missouri), 41. Rc1 Rac8 42. Ra1 Ra8 43. Rc1 Rac8 44. 53. Ne6+ Ke8 54. Ng5 Bg8 55. Re1+ Kf8 56. Andrew Tang (Minnesota), Alexander Fishbein, Ra1 Rd2 Re5 Rg3+ 57. Kh1 Rd3, White resigned. and Mackenzie Molner (both of New Jersey).

Awonder opens invitational events with a simul As a local NBC camera crew filmed on the first Saturday afternoon, Madison resident GM Awonder Liang, 15 and coming off his second consecutive U.S. Junior win in St. Louis, took on 23 players, all of whom would in a few hours play in one of the junior invitationals—the GM Arnold Denker Tournament of High School Champions, the Dewain Barber Tournament of K-8 Champs, or the National Girls Tournament of Champions. States select one represen- tative for each event. One young champ, Tinh Son Nguyen, the Denker represen- LEFT TO RIGHT: HAROLD WINSTON, US CHESS TRUST CHAIR; PRAVEEN BALAKRISHAN, DENKER tative from Utah, plunked down a CHAMPION; AND DYLAN DENKER, SON OF THE LATE MITCHELL DENKER AND GRANDSON OF knight- to score the only win in THE LATE ARTHUR DENKER. Awonder’s 22-1 display. Then it was on to the “Parade of Champions,” as nearly 150 young players Invitational champs and their families were celebrated in a ceremony emceed by US Chess Scholastic In an exciting show of fighting chess, all three of the junior Champion of Champions had to win Council member Stephen Shutt. This year, despite playing black in the last round to clinch their titles. Each won $800 and a $5,000 scholarship in another innovation, the Tournament of to a college of their choice. Praveen Balakrishnan (Virginia) repeated as winner of the Denker Senior Champions was added, creating four Tournament of High School Champions, pocketing his second $5,000 scholarship sponsored by separate invitationals. By design, all four the US Chess Trust. FM Carissa Yip, 2018 U.S. Girls’ Champion (Massachusetts), finished 2nd-3rd, six-round invitationals finished on Tuesday, along with Joshua Sheng (southern California). Andy Huang (Virginia) justifiably pressed on—and before the third round of the U.S. Open, on and on—in the last game going in any of the sections, a 127-move queen-and-pawn ending, to allowing the players to join the main event win the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions and another US Chess Trust-sponsored $5,000

PHOTOS, BOTH PAGES: HENK PRINSLOO in the six-day option. scholarship, through the generosity of Dewain Barber (southern California).

www.uschess.org 27 Cover Story / U.S. Open

Untitled Veronika Zilajeva, an expert from Oklahoma, had to run the gauntlet of four of her titled competitors to win the 2018 National Girls Tournament of Champions and the $5,000 scholarship funded by Richard and Barbara Schiffrin of Pennsylvania. Zilajeva staved off an all-or-nothing charge from top-seeded WIM Thanh Tien Nguyen (Arizona) in the sixth and final game. Here’s Zilajeva’s favorite game from the event.

GRÜNFELD DEFENSE (D70) Veronika Zilajeva (2013) WCM Marissa Li (2066) National Girls Tournament of Champions (5), Middleton, Wisconsin, 07.30.2018 Notes by Zilajeva. Comments in italics by Lawrence.

LEFT TO RIGHT: CHUCK UNRUH, US CHESS EXECUTIVE BOARD-V.P. OF FINANCE; VERONIKA 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. f3 d5 ZILAJEVA, NATIONAL GIRLS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS WINNER; HAROLD WINSTON, US This is a line that is not extremely well known CHESS TRUST CHAIR; AND MAUREEN GRIMAUD, WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR. or often played, so I picked it to create a position that I hoped she might not be so familiar with. should not be wasting a move, but rather start 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nb6 6. Nc3 Bg7 7. Be3 attacking right away. The main event 0-0 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. 0-0-0 Black has played great chess and has a better The U.S. Open is the Mitochondrial Eve of It was my first time playing this opening, so game. Finding the right follow-up isn’t easy, American open tournaments, a story of success - I was a little nervous about castling queenside however—18. ... Rd7 seems natural, building pressure ful innovation and adaptation. US Chess or its and unbalancing the position, when both of us on d4 and waiting to see how White reacts. If 19. organizational predecessors have held the annual have a potential for an aggressive game. Be2, then 19. ... Qa2 20. Qb1 Qxb1+ 21. Kxb1 Bb3 tournament without fail since 1900. At first a 9. ... f5 looks promising (22. Rd3 Bc4, and the d4-pawn round-robin in which everyone played everyone falls). After the text move, Black still has some else, it grew, and pairings became ponderous. The two main tries for Black are 9. ... f5 and advantage. 9. ... e5. The slightly anti-intuitive 9. ... Qd6 is The monolith-touching moment of evolution another good move, the most often played in the 19. Qc5! Qa2? took place at the 1947 U.S. Open when its chief ChessBase database. If anything else is played, tournament director, later-grandmaster and US White gets some advantage. Black rushes into a lethal queen trap and White Chess president, George Koltanowski—and like snaps it shut. If Black exchanges queens, the Gareyev, a blindfold record-holder—used the 10. e5 Nb4 11. Nh3 Be6 12. Kb1 Qd7 13. a3 position is pretty even. Swiss pairing system for the first time in any 20. d5 Bd7 21. Bc4 Qa1+ 22. Kc2 Ba4+ 23. U.S. event, still the basis today. This selection Bb3 c6 24. d6+ Bxb3+ 25. Kxb3 exd6 26. showed the way for open chess tournaments Qxd6, Black resigned. throughout the USA to flourish, and thus for tournament chess to grow. Successful events never stop innovating. At the turn of the last century, as American leisure time shrank and disposable income for most families dwindled, the number of rounds likewise decreased from 12 to nine, two weekends sandwiching five weekdays for the “traditional” schedule of one thoughtful game every evening—our only major offering us such This was a mistake. I thought that the knight on b4 was a threat. While it is uncomfortable, European leisure. US Chess later added a six- I should have kept attacking on the kingside. day and a four-day option, allowing the very Through 12 moves, both players follow theory. busy and the frankly frenetic to play multiple Instead of 13. a3, however, 13. Nf4 keeps White’s GM Alexander Fishbein, who won the very first rounds a day until, in a perfect mutation, all natural advantage. After 13. a3, Black has an junior invitational, the 1985 Denker Tournament the elements come together as a single, sentient opportunity to attack with 13. ... a5!, when 14. axb4 of Champions, is one of 14 Denker “graduates” body of chess players in round seven. is suicide. Black would recapture, and the open a- who went on to make grandmaster. Thirty-three Round seven on Friday night at the U.S. file, with the threat of ... Qa4, is crushing. years later, it was a father-son event for the Fishbeins: Open sees the “big merge.” To the relief of Alex’s son Mitch played in the Denker while Alex directors, everyone finally sits down together 13. ... N4d5 14. Nf4 Nxf4 15. Bxf4 Rad8 16. played in the senior. In the end, Alex tied for first in the same room, punching their clocks to Qc2 Nd5 17. Nxd5 Qxd5 18. Kc1 Rc8 with GM Alonso Zapata (Georgia), as they topped start play at the same moment. Like spectators

I think here Black has an advantage and 42 competitors in the Senior. watching track runners in an 800-meter race PHOTO: HENK PRINSLOO

28 November 2018 | Chess Life Cover Story / U.S. Open

3. ... c5 4. Bg2 Nc6 5. h3 d4 6. e3 e5 7. After 18. ... exd4 19. Rxe6 Nc3 20. Qe1 Blindsiding the exd4 cxd4 8. 0-0 Bd6 The extra Exchange doesn’t make Black’s life Old Guard on John picked a solid plan. Now I use a typical easier. My pieces come together with a lot Benoni idea to create counterplay on the of force. (20. Qc2) 20. ... Be5 21. Ne4. Move Three queenside as well as pressure along the e-file. 19. Ne2 Nc6 20. Ne4 Ndb4 21. d4!? By David Lazarus and Al Lawrence 9. b4!? Nge7 I am playing all out, even though a subtler way was available: 21. Rb2! Nxd3? (21. ... 9. ... h5! It was essential to fight back! Qxd3 22. Rd2 Qc4 23. Rd7) 22. Rd2 Ncb4 He may not like the appellation “Old After 10. Re1 hxg4 11. hxg4 Nf6 (11. ... 23. Ba3. Guard,” since he just turned a youthful 60. Bxg4 12. c5 Bc7 13. b5 Nce7 14. Qa4 Kf8) But it’s not hyperbole to say that in his 45- 12. b5 Ne7 13. c5 Bb8 14. Nxe5 Bxe5 15. 21. ... Bc4 year chess career, Hall of Fame Grandmaster Rxe5 Qc7 16. Qe1 Nxg4, my attacking ideas My game plan is certainly working. John John Fedorowicz, brought up in an analog backfire. I would end up lagging in is trying to stay solid, allowing me to build world, has seen just about everything there development and have to sacrifice material up. If 21. ... exd4 22. Nxd4 Qxd4 23. Qxd4 is to see over the board. An international to get out of danger: 17. Rxe7+ Qxe7 18. Nxd4 24. Rxb4 Nc2 25. Bd2 Nxe1 26. Bxe1 master at 19 and grandmaster at 27, “Fed” Qxe7+ Kxe7 19. Ba3. After 9. ... h5 and the Be5 27. f4!, with an attack. has collected two U.S. Junior titles, five World relatively best 10. g5! Nxb4, the g5-pawn Open titles, a U.S. Open title, 21 U.S. Champi- is weak and reduces some of my attacking 22. Be3 a5 23. dxe5 Bxe5 24. Nd6 Bxd6 25. cxd6 Qd7 26. Nd4 Ne5 27. Nb3 onship appearances—and served on four U.S. opportunities: 11. c5 Bc7 12. g6 fxg6 13. d3 Olympiad teams. Along the way, he’s crossed Qxa4 28. Bxb7 Rad8 29. Nc5 Qb5 30. with some compensation; Ba6, Black resigned. pawns with six former world champions. 9. ... e4, countering the wing push with a thrust So nothing should faze him. in the center is also very promising for Black, But after winning his first three games at but complicated: 10. Re1 Nge7 11. Rxe4 f5 12. Re1 the 2018 U.S. Open, Fedorowicz sat down fxg4 13. hxg4 (13. c5 Bf4 14. hxg4 0-0) 13. ... Bxg4. with the black pieces against the computer- 10. c5 Bc7 11. b5 Na5 12. Re1 f6 13. d3 age GM Timur Gareyev, also 3-0. Their game 0-0 14. Nbd2 a6 15. a4 Be6 16. Rb1 started normally enough with 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 e6. Then Gareyev picked up his g-pawn, and Fedorowicz started to write g3, but the pawn didn’t stop until it reached g4. “I looked up at my scoresheet several times to make sure the pawn was really on g4. I did a triple- take,” Fedorowicz laughed. You might think it impossible to come up If 30. ... Qxb6, then 31. Bxc4+ Nxc4 32. with a new try on move three. Yet the Qb3, winning a piece. ChessBase online database of eight-million games ferrets out no previous contest with Gareyev went on to win the U.S. Open in 3. g4. “I know John is a very solid player and clear first place and Fedorowicz went on to very strong in the openings, so I wanted to a respectable finish. Playing in the U.S. Open try something a little crazy,” Gareyev said. At this point we are likely equal. My activi - has become a yearly pilgrimage for Fedorowicz responded logically, building ty on the queenside is certainly compensated Fedorowicz and longtime friend FM Mark a powerful center. Then on move nine, by Black’s solid set up and ability to strike Pinto. “I don’t play as much as I used to, but Gareyev played the mirror-image and mirror- back against the weaknesses I created with I still enjoy tournaments like the U.S. Amateur crazy of his third move—9. b4?!. Here’s the my “ambitious” play. Team East and the U.S. Open, where I get whole fracas, blow by blow. 16. ... Nd5?! to see many old friends and socialize,” Now I get a pawn. Also problematic is 16. Fedorowicz said. (A13) ... Qd7 17. Ne4 axb5 18. axb5 Ng6 19. c6!, when I have an attack. GM Timur Gareyev (2662) At the US Chess awards luncheon on Best for Fed may have been 16. ... axb5! 17. GM John Fedorowicz (2467) Saturday, August 4, 2018, Fedorowicz accept - axb5 b6 18. c6 (It is unclear after 18. cxb6 Bxb6 119th U.S. Open Championship (4), ed the award for Outstanding Team Perfor - 19. Nxe5 fxe5 20. Bxa8 Qxa8 21. Rxe5 Bc7 22. Middleton, Wisconsin, 08.02.2018 mance for the 2017 World Cadet, which he Re4 Nd5 23. b6 Nc3), 18. ... Ng6 19. Ne4 Qe7, when Notes by Gareyev. Comments in italics by coached. He’s become a sought-after trainer it looks as if Black has tamped down the queenside Lawrence. for national teams and talented juniors. “It’s ruckus with a successful blockade. But the line is a lot of fun helping the kids represent the 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 e6 3. g4!? complicated, vexing to calculate under pressure United States. It keeps me on my toes keeping and hard to assess at the mercy of a relentless Having entered the quick schedule, this is up with these talented kids.” clock ticking. the fourth game we were playing that day. Fed’s toes may have needed a rest after I am trying to complicate. 17. b6 Bb8 18. Nxd4 Bf7 game three.

www.uschess.org 29 Cover Story / U.S. Open

A mercifully accurate coup de grace. IN MEMORIAM The U.S. Open awarded 76 cash awards in the The collapse at the board during the final round of Bradley Scott Cornelius, main event, totaling nearly $42,000. Five tied for only 44 and doing well in the event, stunned the players. He received immediate top master with 6½ points: Josh Bloomer aid, first from medical personnel playing in the tournament, then from local EMS (Colorado), Andrew Titus (Minnesota), Mark (emergency medical service), but could not be revived. Cornelius was one of us, Robledo (Illinois), Isaac Martinez (Arizona), and a long-time US Chess member from nearby Janesville, Wisconsin. Local officials Joshua Grabinsky (Oregon). Five tied for top directed the complete emptying of the tournament hall, ultimately requiring a expert with 6½: Jack Curcio (Illinois), Josiah Stein mid-game delay of three and a half hours. US Chess officials reacted quickly, (Wisconsin), Vikram Srivastava (Ohio), John Miller (Ohio), and Tony Davis (Arkansas). Notably, giving all players the option of agreeing to a draw during the delay. Dylan Denker (Florida), who gave a touching talk Everyone showed respect for the tragedy befalling one of our own. about his grandfather GM Arnold Denker, was best unrated. Complete results are available online at www. uschess. org/results/2018/ usopen. finally converge after a staggered start, the chess 15. Rxd6 Qa5 16. Qd4 f6 17. Ba4 crowd could see who’s in the lead. With 17. f3, White could keep up the theme Five grandmasters at 5½ out of 6 led the of mutually hanging pieces. pack of the 400-player marathon. None of these merge-leaders could hold on. As we’ve seen, 17. ... 0-0 18. f3 Bc8 19. Rd1 Kh7 20. Bb3 Side events someone else in the race, just a bit behind the Qc7 21. Qf2 Qe7 22. Kb1 Re8 23. Qg3 Nf7 24. R6d2 f5 GMs Vladimir Belous (Texas), Andrey vanguard, ultimately produced a bigger “kick.” Stukopin (Texas), and Fidel Corrales Jimenez In the final round, 18-year-old Andrew Tang (Missouri) tied for first place among 96 players (Minnesota), who was awarded his grandmaster in the 2018 U.S. Open Blitz Championship. title earlier this year, went in undefeated but Bob Holliman (Missouri) won the annual with three draws. He quickly declared all-out, Weekend Swiss, topping a field of 50. Daniel on-board war against GM Alexander Ipatov in Brashaw and Gokul Thangavel, both of Iowa, their final round contest, handing the 2012 won the annual Bughouse championship. More World Junior champ and former Turkish than 100 played in the daily quads. champion his only loss. For many years, Hal Terrie (New Hampshire) honors those with long attendance at the U.S. QUEEN’S PAWN GAME (A40) Open at the start of each U.S. Open round. GM Andrew Tang (2566) This year, James Mennella (California) marked GM Alexander Ipatov (2708) his 40th (in a row!) U.S. Open. His 40 uninter- The move 24. ... Ne5 appears to make a 119th U.S. Open Championship (9), rupted years sets a record. breakthrough harder for White, but Black is Middleton, Wisconsin, 08.05.2018 still worse.

1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 e6 4. Nf3 Ne7 5. h4 25. Rd6! Nxd6 26. Rxd6 Tang, a half point behind the leaders and Unfortunately for Black, White’s d6-rook hoping to join the winners, goes to battle has a clone. stations on move five. But the move also has positional chops. 26. ... Bf6 27. e5 5. ... h6 6. Bf4 d6 7. Qd2 Nd7 8. 0-0-0 Tang goes medieval. White’s b3-bishop is Nc6 9. e4 e5 10. dxe5 Ndxe5 11. c5 Bg4 the long-range trebuchet, and his e5-pawn is 12. Qe3 h5 13. Nxe5 Nxe5 the battering ram. The invading hordes are soon over the moat and crashing through the gate. 27. ... Rf8 28. exf6 Rxf6 29. Qg5, Black resigned. DEWAIN BARBER Dean of American Scholastic Chess Dewain Barber’s leadership and philanthropy, centered on youngsters in chess from the very beginnings of the scholastic movement in the 14. Bb5+ c6 early 1980s, has helped to transform junior The move 14. ... Kf8 is better, when White chess throughout the United States. In its

has a less overwhelming winning advantage. governance meetings on the last weekend of PHOTO: HENK PRINSLOO

30 November 2018 | Chess Life Cover Story / U.S. Open the U.S. Open, delegates recognized his trans - college chess, FIDE matters, rules, ratings, Karagianis rose to every challenge. Chief TD forming contributions by naming him Dean publications, chess journalism, and many other Wayne Clark (Illinois) deftly managed a staff of American Scholastic Chess. topics. During the final weekend, before game of 14, including efficient Floor Chief Bill Snead times, delegates from all over the U.S. met to (New York). Executive Board Secretary Mike debate and vote on legislative matters. Executive Nietman, a Wisconsin native, was everywhere Workshops and Director Carol Meyer was omnipresent at these pitching in. events, discussing plans and ideas. Make plans to be part of the 120th U.S. Open governance The 119th iteration of our most historic in Orlando, Florida, August 3-11, 2019. At the national chess championship was, as usual, Open, you’re always in the same room with US Chess hosts dozens of informative held under the auspices of US Chess. Its some of the world’s best, you always have a workshops during the U.S. Open Champi- National Events Manager Boyd Reed and shot at a substantial prize, and you’re always a onship—on scholastic chess, women’s chess, Assistant National Events Manager Pete part of chess history.

At A Glance 119th U.S. Open Championship

Date: July 28-August 5, 2018 | Location: Madison Marriott West, Middleton, Wisconsin | 384 players | Top Finishers:

1 1st, 8: Timur Gareyev; 2nd-6th, 7 2⁄ : Ruifeng Li, Illia Nyzhnyk, Alexander Fishbein, Mackenzie Molner, Andrew Tang; 7th- 8th, 7: Alex Shimanov, Andrey Stukopin, Awonder Liang, Alexander Shabalov, Elshan Moradiabadi, James Edward

1 Tarjan, Michael A. Mulyar; 1st-4th Master, 6 2⁄ : Josh S. Bloomer, Andrew Lewis Titus, Isaac Martinez, Mark Robledo, Jr.,

1 Joshua Grabinsky; 1st-4th Expert, 6 2⁄ : Jack Thomas Curcio, Josiah Stein, Vikram Srivastava, John Miller, Tony Davis; 1st-4th Class A, 6: John Alan Ritz, Jason G. Luchan, Jake Wang, Saif Shawkat, Nathan Chen, Allen Merlin Stern; 1st-4th Class B, 5: David Rockwell, Benjamin Liu, Robin Li-Yang Tu, Angel Alberto Collins, John W. Hegelmeyer, Alexander Hogg, William Wijaya, Luke Finley Triplett, Alan Hung, Shaunak Bhattacharyya, Ethan Anthony Gagliano, Ekansh

1 Mehrotra; 1st Class C, 4 2⁄ : David Lucas Roshu; 2nd-4th Class C, 4: Thad E. Swiggum, Anshul P. Shetty, James W. Nickell, Brian Duffy, Gopal Singh Hayer, Anjali Lodh, Omkar Kendale, Cassandra Roshu, Rita Joseph, Steve E. Elkins;

1 1st-4th Class D, 4: Neil Hogg, Barry Vigil, Christopher Bjork, Michael W. Chen, Daniel Phipps; 1st Class E & Below, 4 2⁄ : Ryan Jacob Wandsnider; 2nd Class E & Below, 4: Sreekar Gangavarapu; 3rd Class E & Below, 4: Oscar Kane Stewart;

1 4th Class E & Below, 4: Thadyn Conner; 1st Unrated, 1 2⁄ : Dylan Denker. | Chief Tournament Director: Wayne D. Clark. For more information and complete standings see: http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2018/usopen/.

Denker Tournament of High School Champions

1 Date: July 28-31, 2018 | Location: Madison Marriott West, Middleton, Wisconsin | 48 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 5 2⁄ : 1 Praveen Balakrishnan; 2nd-3rd, 5: Joshua Sheng, Carissa Shiwen Yip; 4th, 4 2⁄ : Forest Chen; 5th-16th, 4: Maggie Feng, Yoon-Young Kim, Ben Li, David Tianjian Peng, Joshua Lynch, Sahil Sinha, Andrew Lewis Titus, Siddharth G. Banik, Emmanuel Carter, Jack Easton, Arshaq Saleem, Roland G. Feng. | Chief Tournament Director: Jon Haskel.

National Girls Tournament of Champions

Date: July 28-31, 2018 | Location: Madison Marriott West, Middleton, Wisconsin | 44 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 1 1 5 2⁄ : Veronika Zilajeva; 2nd, 5: Martha Samadashvili; 3rd-6th, 4 ⁄2: Naomi Bashkansky, Anupama Rajendra, Arya Kumar, Angelica Chin; 7th-11th, 4: Thanh Thuy Tien Nguyen, Sasha Konovalenko, Sheena Zeng, Yue Huang, Nigina Aripova. | Chief Tournament Director: Jon Haskel.

Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions

1 Date: July 28-31, 2018 | Location: Madison Marriott West, Middleton, Wisconsin | 50 players | Top Finishers: 1st, 5 2⁄ : 1 Andy Huang; 2nd, 5: Anthony Bi He; 3rd-5th, 4 2⁄ : Arthur Guo, Alexander Costello, Vincent Tsay; 6th-13th, 4: Elton Cao, Shunkai Peng, Danila Poliannikov, Nastassja Matus, Dimitar Mardov, Madhavan Narkeeran, Michael Zheng, Kenneth Su. | Chief Tournament Director: Jon Haskel.

www.uschess.org 31 Cover Story / U.S. Open

Miracles Start to Happen GM Alexander Ipatov annotates a U.S. that changed course in . GM ALEXANDER IPATOV ON THE ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. By GM ALEXANDER IPATOV

QUEEN’S INDIAN had been played just one day before. 10. Nxd7. However, the game is Bd2 a5 15. Rad1 I think that DEFENSE (E16) The Chinese grandmaster chose 8. likely to be drawn if Black plays a White’s position is more pleasant GM Alexander Ipatov (2708) b3 and obtained a slight advantage couple of precise moves in a row. due to the bishop pair and unstable GM James Tarjan (2475) out of the opening 8. ... Nbd7 9. Bb2 10. ... Qxd7 11. Qxd7 Nxd7 12. cxd5 position of the c5-knight (Yilmaz, 119th U.S. Open Championship c5 10. a3 Bxd2 11. Nxd2 Rc8 12. b4 Bxd5 (12. ... exd5 13. Nc4 Be7 14. M [2603]-Nikcevic, N [2416], (6), Middleton, Wisconsin, cxd4 13. Bxd4 e5 14. Bb2 White has Bf4 c6 [14. ... Rfe8!? might have Sarajevo 2016). 08.02.2018 the bishop pair. Wei, Y (2729)-Le, offered more chances to achieve 13. Qg4 Qe7 Q (2728) Danzhou 2018. equality. 15. Ne3 c6 16. Nf5 Bf8 17. 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Rfe1 Re6 18. e4 dxe4 19. Rxe4 Rxe4 The move 13. ... Ne7!? had been g3 Bb4+ 5. Nbd2 8. ... Nbd7 9. Qa4 20. Bxe4 Nf6 21. Bg2 Nd5=] 15. played just one month earlier in This is an interesting alternative Nd6 Bxd6 16. Bxd6 Rfe8 17. Rfe1 Spain. I think, it is better than the to 5. Bd2. If Black accepts the pawn Nf8 18. Rac1 White is better thanks continuation in the game. 14. Rd1 sacrifice on c4, it may lead to fairly to the bishop pair. Vallejo Pons, F (14. Bg5 Qe8 15. Bxe7 Qxe7 16. imbalanced positions. (2717)-Karthikeyan, M (2579), Rfd1 Rfd8 followed by ... Nd7-f8- g6.) 14. ... Qc7 15. Bf4 Ng6 16. Qh5 Tbilisi 2017) 13. e4 Bb7 14. Rd1 5. ... 0-0 6. Bg2 b6 Rfd8„ Akash Pc, I (2435)-Peralta, Be7 15. Nc4 Nf6 16. f3 c5 17. Be3 F (2567), Montcada 2018. Perhaps the most solid variation (17. dxc5 Bxc5+ 18. Be3 Bxe3+ 19. against 5. Nbd2. Black aims to Nxe3 Rfd8 Bluebaum, M [2632]- 14. Bg5 f6 15. exf6 N7xf6 simply complete his development. Yu, Y [2738], 2017) 17. From the human standpoint, GM Darwin Yang opted for 6. ... cxd4 18. Bxd4 Rfd8 19. Be3 Ne8 ... dxc4 against me in December White should be better thanks to I had played this move at the 20. a4 Nd6 21. Bf1 Nxc4 22. Bxc4 the bishop pair and better pawn 2017 7. 0-0 b5 8. a4 c6 9. Ne1!? Turkish Championship a couple Rxd1+ 23. Rxd1 Rd8 24. Rxd8+ Nd5 (9. ... Ba6 10. Nc2 Be7 11. axb5 structure. of years ago. Bxd8 Lenderman, A (2565)-Anand, Bxb5 12. Nb1! Nbd7 13. Bd2 a5 16. Qh4 h6 V (2794) Douglas 2017. 14. Qe1 a4 15. Bb4 Nd5 16. Bxe7 9. ... Bd6!? Qxe7 17. Nc3 N7f6 18. e4 Dubov, Worse is 9. ... Bxd2 10. Bxd2 10. ... Bxe5 D [2666]-Yu, Y [2737] Moscow Nxe5 11. dxe5 Nd7 12. Bc3 Nc5 The alternative line 10. ... exd5 11. 2016) 10. Nc2 Be7 11. e4 Ipatov, 13. Qc2 dxc4 14. Bxb7 Nxb7 15. Ndc4 (11. Nxd7 would likely transpose A (2659)-Yang, D (2495) Colum - Rfd1 Qe7 16. Qe4 c5 17. Qxc4 into 10. Nxd7 examined above.) 11. bus 2017 when Black’s main problem is his ... Bxe5 12. Nxe5 Nxe5 13. dxe5 Nd7 7. 0-0 Bb7 8. Ne5 b7–knight (Ipatov, A [2624]- Yelken, M [2107], Adana 2015). 14. f4 with mutual chances. Following my analyses. 10. cxd5 11. dxe5 Nxd5 12. Nf3 c5 As a side note, I was aware of the

Wei Yi - Le Quang Liem game that An interesting alternative was After 12. ... Nc5 13. Qc2 h6 14. PHOTO: NIGARHAN GURPINAR

32 November 2018 | Chess Life Cover Story / U.S. Open

17. e4!? c3 43. Ke3 Kxg4 44. Kd3 Kf5 45. the black king. If White wants to fight for an Kxc3 Kxe5 46. Kb4 Kd4 47. Kxb5 43. ... Kf5 44. Ke3 Ke5 advantage, this move has to be e5 48. a4. No better is 44. ... e5 45. Kf3 played. 36. ... Kf7 The try 17.Bd2 was inferior as e4+ 46. Ke3 Ke5 47. h4 Kf5 48. Black pushes his e-pawn 17. ... e5! Suddenly, Black is winning. h5!! The ! 48. ... Kg4 49. Kxe4 followed by ... e5-e4 when White’s 37. a3 Kxg3 (49. ... Kxh5 50. Kf5 g5 [50. bishop pair is not doing much. ... Kh6 51. g4 Kh7 52. g5 Kg8 53. g6 Kf8 54. Ke6 Ke8 55. Kd6) 51. 17. ... Nb4 18. e5 hxg5 19. Nxg5 Kf6! Kg4 52. Kg6 Kxg3 53. Kxg5 Bxg2 20. Kxg2 Nc2 21. Rad1 Kf3 54. Kf5 Ke3 55. Ke5 Kd3 56. Nd4 22. Rfe1 Qb7+ 23. f3 Nxf3 to give the Exchange back. Kd5 Kc3 57. Kc5) 50. Kf5 Kh4 51. It is not clear what White can I didn’t see what to do after 31. Kg6 Kg4 52. Kxg7 Kxh5 53. Kf6. do if Black just brings in the rook Kh1 Rf2 where Black does have 45. h4 Kf5 46. Kf3 e5 with 23. ... Rad8 24. exf6 gxf6 25. some human counterplay, although Ne4 Qg7. the computer claims that White is Also losing is 46. ... Ke5 47. g4 Kd4 48. h5 Kd3 (48. ... Ke5 49. g5 24. Nxf3 Nd5? winning. Kf5 50. h6 gxh6 51. gxh6 Kg6 52. Making Black’s life more diffi - 31. ... Rxf1+ 32. Kxf1 Ne3+ 33. Kf4 Kxh6 53. Ke5 Kg7 54. Kxe6 cult. The b7-queen no longer Ke2 Nxd1 34. Qxb6 axb6 35. 37. ... c3+?? Kf8 55. Kd7 It would have been a Kxd1 points at the f3-knight. My experienced opponent re - draw if the pawns were on a4 and Best was 24. ... Nh7! forcing The objective evaluation of this turns the favor in time trouble. a5, respectively.) 49. Kf4 Kd4 50. multiple exchanges that could have endgame is a draw. However, by The move 37. ... bxa3 was g5 e5+ 51. Kg3. likely led to a draw. For example this time we were both in time trou - winning fairly easily for Black. 38. 47. g4+ Kf6 25. Qe4 Qxe4 26. Rxe4 Rxf3 27. ble so miracles started to happen. bxa3 b5! and it takes White too Kxf3 Ng5+ 28. Ke3 Nxe4 29. Kxe4 35. ... b4! long to break up the black pawn Rf8 30. Rd2 Rf1. chain on the queenside. 39. Kc3 The move 35. ... Kf7?? would 25. Qg4? (39. h4 g5! the only move to win have given White time to set up and not to lose at the same time. Stronger was 25. Qe4! Rf5 26. his kingside pawns on g4 and h4 40. h5 g4!) 39. ... Kg6 40. a4 bxa4 Nh4 Rf7 27. Ng6. or invade on the queenside via the 41. Kxc4 Kf5 42. Kb4 Kxe5 43. b4-square. 36. h4 g5 (36. ... Ke7 25. ... Rf5 26. Kg1 Raf8?? Kxa4 Kd4. 37. g4 b4 is too late as White has Equal is 26. ... Qf7. achieved his objective on the 38. Kc2! 27. Nh4 kingside and can now slowly break through on the queenside. 38. h5 The margin of error is very high White wins the Exchange. in pawn endgames. Now White is Kf7 39. g5 Ke7 40. a3 bxa3 41. bxa3 48. Kg2! 27. ... b5! b5 42. Kd2 Kf7 43. Kc3 Ke7 44. a4 winning. Of course, not 38. bxc3?? bxa3 The . The corre - Having accepted the fact that the bxa4 45. Kxc4.) 37. h5 g4 38. a3! (38. Kd2?? pawn endgames are 39. Kc2 Kg6 40. Kb3 Kf5 41. Kxa3 sponding squares are f3/f6 and blunder has taken place, my oppo - Kxe5. g3/g6. nent begins to play very well from tricky as one wrong move can now on. Black’s idea is to create change an evaluation by 180 38. ... cxb2 39. axb4 Kg6 40. 48. ... Kf7 49. Kf2 Ke7 degrees. 38. ... b4 39. a3 bxa3 40. Kxb2 Kf5 41. Kc3 Kxe5 42. Kd3 counterplay on the queen side. The continuation 49. ... Kg6 50. bxa3 b5 41. Kc3 Kg7 42. a4 bxa4 The continuation 27. ... R5f7 28. Kg3 Kf7 (50. ... Kf6 51. Kf3 see 43. Kxc4 Kh6 44. Kb4 Kxh5 45. Qxe6 was even less resistant. . below; 50. ... Kh6 51. Kf3 Kg6 52. Kxa4 Kg5 46. Kb5 Kf5) 38. ... Kg7 Ke4) 51. h5 Kf6 52. Kh4 wins as 28. Nxf5 Rxf5 29. Qe4 39. Kd2 Kh6 40. Kc3 Kxh5 41. Kb4 in the game. White could have fallen into a Kg5 42. Kxb5 Kf5 43. Kxb6 Kxe5 very nice trap: 29. Qg6 Qb6 30. 44. a4. 50. Kg3 Rxd5?? c4+ 31. Kh1 Qc6! 32. Rd1 36. Kd2?? The black king should have been Rxe5; The black rook had to be on g6 to prevent White’s idea. traded off right away with 29. Rf1! I had about two minutes left at Rxe5 30. Qg6 Qe7 31. Rde1 Rxe1 this point and didn’t see any other 50. ... Ke6 32. Rxe1. plan except breaking Black’s pawn chain on the queenside with a2– This endgame is winning for The mission is complete after 29. ... c4 30. Rf1 a3 followed by Kd2-c3 and a3-a4. White thanks to 1) an outside 50. ... Kf6 51. Kf3! We have arrived Best was 36. a3 bxa3 37. bxa3 on the kingside, and at the same position as on move (see diagram top of next b5 38. h4 g5! not allowing g3-g4. 2) that the queenside pawns are 47 but with Black to move. 51. ... page) (38. ... Kf7?? 39. g4.) 39. hxg5 (39. on the b-file and not on the a-file. Kf7 (51. ... Ke6 52. Ke4 g6 53. h5) h5?? g4 and the black king picks 52. g5! g6 53. Kg4 Ke6 54. h5. 30. ... Qb6+ 31. Qd4? 42. ... b5 43. h3 up the h5-pawn first and then goes 51. h5 Kf6 52. Kh4 e4 53. g5+ Being in heavy time trouble at towards the e5-pawn.) 39. ... Kg7 White’s plan is to use his king- Kf5 54. h6 e3 55. Kg3, Black this point, I got afraid and decided 40. Ke2 Kg6 41. g4 Kxg5 42. Kf3 side pawns as a decoy to deflect resigned.

www.uschess.org 33 In Memoriam / Ken Clayton

Remembering Kenneth Clayton

Jeffrey R. Thompson reminisces about his friendship with Kenneth Clayton and a memorable victory.

By JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM

JEFF THOMPSON STANDS NEAR AN OLD WATCHTOWER AT THE FORMER LORTON REFORMATORY, WHERE HE LEARNED TO PLAY CHESS AS AN INMATE IN THE 1970S. THE PRISON HAS SINCE BEEN SHUT DOWN AND REOPENED AS AN ARTS CENTER.

34 November 2018 | Chess Life PHOTO: NATASHA MC GRATH brag orgloat.Infact,Thompson—a longtimechesscompatriotand take time.” about,” Jefftold me afterIaskedifheknewClayton, whopassedaway and move,”Thompsonrecalls.“Butwhenhegottome,alldid was confidant whomIwillreferto simplyas“Jeff,”Idoinreallife— occasions—knew hehadabattleonhishands. assignment towriteanarticleabout Clayton’slegacy. wouldn’t havebroughtClaytonup atallhadInottoldhimthatan has acertainego,”saysthereservedThompson,whoisnow62. “But I Luther KingMemorialLibraryinWashington. event, whichfeaturedabouttwodozenplayers,tookplaceattheMartin exhibition andnotaone-on-onegameisoflittlesignificance. The years tothedateafterClaytonsimultaneousexhibition[simul]). Thompson tookplaceontheeveningofMarch12,2018,almost36 Clayton SIMUL...3/13/82.”(Ironically,myimpromptuinterviewwith “trophy hunt”tournamentbackinDecemberof1981. that wasinscribedwith“J.Thompson”afterhewonthirdplaceina to-head match.Thetitleofthe inmate. says hewonfiveprisonchesschampionships,morethananyother rating conditions,andwhereThompson known foritsovercrowdedanddeterio- Correctional Complex,aninfamousprison he saysofhistimeattheoldLorton says. “IknewwhatIcoulddointhejoint,” against thesecatsouthere,”Thompson because Ididn’tknowhowwouldfare magazine called was theonlyonetowinoutofallthesepeople,”henotes. trying totesthisskillsseewherehestood. he firstlearnedtoplaychess—andwasstill when hewasstraightoutofprison—where which hehadbeatenahigher-ratedplayer Thompson saysofannotatingagamein beaten Clayton. game wasoneinwhichThompsonhad annotated gamepublished.Thefeatured King’s File to earnthetitleofnationalmaster(inJune1967). from prison,firstmetKennethClayton,thefourthAfrican-American O the famedchesshubofnation’scapital. The greencoverfeaturestheiconicwaterfountainatDuPontCircle, To beclear,Thompsondidn’tbring uphisvictoryagainstClaytonto “Everybody thathewentinfrontof,wouldlookattheposition “It’s someoldstuff thatIrarelyeventalkabout, Imean He saysClayton—whomhehadplayedbeforeonanumber of For Thompson,thefactthathebeatClaytonduringasimultaneous “Everybody hasacertainamountofprideintheirself.Everybody In fairness,Thompson’svictoryagainstClaytonwasn’taregularhead- The otheritemisVol.12,No.2ofapamphlet-sized,quarterlychess The firstitemisametalcup—onethathasseenmorelustrousdays— “What I’msayingisthatmeantalot “It meantsomething.Itmeansalot,” And itwasinthisparticulareditionof It wasatDuPontCirclein1981thatThompson,thennewlyreleased he cherishestwoitemsthemost. keeps inhissmallapartmentnorthwestWashington,D.C., f allthebooksandchessmemorabiliathatJeffreyR.Thompson that Thompsongothisfirst King’s File that waspublishedinthesummerof1982. King’s File article statesasmuch:“Ken draw—he wasstillfar that youplayagainst aside fromthegames shoulders, anyofus.” and above,head “He wasamentor... him—win, loseor rarely talk used togoatitovertheboard. scoresheets—as wellastheannotatedgame—fromwhenheandClayton his apartmentthatwoulddothejob. any oftheobituariesaboutClayton,Jefftoldmehehadsomethingat used toplaywith.” in December2017.“Everybody’sdeadorgonesomewhere,theguysI have beenifhewasn’tnoddingforwhateverreasonnods. if theywerenotcompletelythere. Stenzel lookedupJeff’soldrecordsanddeterminedthatJeffhadto play the tournamentasan“unrated”player.ChiefdirectorHarold officials—seemingly awareofhishistory—weren’tabouttoletJeff enter rating didnotshowupontheonlineplayerdatabase.Buttournament Atlantic Open. and paidhisUSChessmembershipsothathecouldenterthe2012 told mehowunnervingitwastobebeatenbysomeonewhoseemedas Clayton usedtopickhimupplay chesstwoorthreetimesaweek. rating droppedsteeplyto1584,whereitstandstoday. He scored2outof5points.Threethosepointsweredueto half- in theUnder2100section. used torunachess program. Georgia AvenueinWashington,D.C., whereoneoftheirchessassociates me adviceandthings,likewhatI might studytohelpimprovemygame.” outof4pointsinaseriesextragames.Hisofficialtournament 1½ point byes.Healsodrewagameagainst1900-ratedplayer.scored “Kenneth andIwereveryclose,”Jeffsays. He saidthetwoofthemweregoodfriendsoffboardaswell. One ofmymostvividmemoriesJeffiswhenthechesscoachat I feltlikehadstruckgold. “This isgonnashock‘emall,”Jefftoldmeofthefactthathehad When ItoldJeffneededanewanglethathadn’tbeenmentionedin I oncetriedtoseeifJeffhadwhatittakesdowellinatournament I sometimeswonderhowmuchstrongerachessplayerJeffcould Jeff hadbeeninactiveonthetournamentsceneforsolongthat his Clayton sawgreatpotentialinJeff longbeforeIdid.Jeffrecallshow It endedupbeingadisaster.Jefffinished38thinfieldof56players. The twosometimesplayedatthe BannekerRecreationCenteron “He wasverysupportiveofmychess development,”Jeffsays.“He’dgive who isnowaclassBplayer.Chodaklater Chodak, astrongclassCplayeratthetime that dayagainstmydaughter’scoach,David in ajam. move thatputmydaughter’schesscoach was evenplaying,hewouldmakeastrong off completelyandseeminglyforgothe just whenitseemedlikehehadnodded coach, Jeffnoddedtheentiretime.And to replacetheiraddictionsotherthings. and fondnessfortheroyalgamewasmeant building toplaychess.Theirfellowship to gatheronthesidewalkoutsideavacant and NarcoticsAnonymousmembersused D.C., wherealotofAlcoholicsAnonymous ago at14thandVstreetsinWashing ton, daughter’s schoolplayedhimseveralyears Jeff ultimatelywonaseriesofgames In hisgameagainstmydaughter’schess nMmra / In Memoriam www.uschess.org Ken Clayton 35 In Memoriam / Ken Clayton

Just as I and—I imagine—a lot of chess players, Jeff keeps much of his chess books and memorabilia in plastic storage bins in his living room. “I’m talking about classic stuff,” Jeff says of his chess materials, adding that I am welcome to peruse the materials at any time. The materials are slowly dwindling. Jeff says he has been selling some of his vintage chess stuff as of late to various interested parties. His bins are filled with things that range from old instructional books and scorebooks to a Radio Shack “Chess Companion” computer from the 1990s. When Jeff went to get the old King’s File magazine that contains his annotated game against Clayton, he went to his bedroom. He emerged with a worn copy of the magazine, its pages faded. Unlike the games of today, his game from the Clayton simultaneous exhibition is recorded in . I spent a few hours recently translating the game into the algebraic notation that is used today. I used an online .pgn viewer to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes. The game, reformatted for purposes of style, is here:

ENGLISH OPENING Kenneth Clayton JEFF DISPLAYS THE KING’S FILE ISSUE FROM 1982 THAT FEATURES HIS ANNOTATED WIN OVER KEN CLAYTON. Jeffrey Thompson Kenneth Clayton Simultaneous Exhibition Washington, D.C., 03.13.1982 Clayton at times expressed disappointment with Jeff’s tendency to Notes by Thompson. move too quickly. “He would get a little upset with me a lot of times because I couldn’t 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 Bc5 5. Bg2 d6 6. 0-0 0-0 7. see as far in the position as I can now if I take my time,” Jeff says. “In e3 Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 9. g4 Bg6 10. d4 exd4 11. exd4 Bb6 12. Be3 terms of where he was at, I wasn’t there.” Re8 13. a3 a6 14. b4 Ne7 15. Re1? Jeff is critical of certain aspects of Clayton’s game as well. The move 15. c5 would cause Black more difficulties as after the pawn “Kenneth didn’t play combinations very well in my opinion,” Jeff exchanges the black bishop is hemmed in, thereby nullifying its effectiveness. says. “He played more solid and, the truth is, you have to play that way in order to get to master strength or to go above.” 15. … c6 16. Nh4? I asked Jeff to elaborate on what he meant by “solid.” This is clearly a mistake. He should have played 16. d5 with the Here I will quote his response at length: following sequence: 16. ... Bxe3. 17. Rxe3 cxd5. 18. cxd5 and Black’s “Solid” means playing in a way that promotes your agenda without falling game is cramped. The move played allows Black to free his game. I into a trap or being at a disadvantage. If you play solid that’s what happens. believe that at this juncture the attraction of the bishop pair had a And not everybody plays solid. A lot of people’s temperament is such that they hypnotic effect on my opponent. want to be flamboyant. They want to be aggressive without thinking it completely 16. … d5 17. c5 Bc7 18. f4 Be4 19. Nxe4 Nxe4 20. Qc2 Ng6 21. through and then they wind up having the tables turned on them. Happens all Nxg6 hxg6 22. Rad1 Qf6 23. Qc1 Qh4 24. Qc2 f5 the time. So playing solid means just exactly what I said and you find that the stronger you get, or the stronger the players are that you play, the more solid This move is designed to restrict White’s dark-square bishop. Of they play, especially on the GM level. They play speculative sometimes when course, White cannot play 25. g5 because 25. ... Bxf4 and he loses a the position calls for it but other than that they play solid chess. pawn. But his actual move (25. gxf5) allows Black to visualize an attack Jeff said Clayton was a fan of the King’s Pawn opening. based on the half open knight and rook files. That Black can mobilize “He was always talking about ‘best by test,’” Jeff says. “That’s what his pieces for the decisive assault is due entirely to White’s 25th move, (Bobby) Fischer used to say. He was a Fischer adherent.” although it is hard to find a better move for White in this position. Clayton took an interest in developing black chess talent wherever 25. gxf5 gxf5 26. Rf1 Re6 27. Rde1 Rg6 28. Kh2 Qg3+ 29. Kh1 Kf7 he could find it—a fact perhaps best illustrated by an “ABC News” 30. Qe2 Rh8 31. Rf3 Qh4 32. Kh2 Re8 33. Rg1 Ng5 segment about Baraka Shabazz, a young up-and-coming female player White cannot play 34. Rg3 Qxg3+ 35. Kxg3 Nxh3+! because he’ll at the time who started to attract attention after she beat some of the lose the rook. But the knight maneuver is designed to take advantage regulars at DuPont Circle. Clayton is shown mentoring Shabazz in the of the bishop and to mobilize an attack against White’s position as news clip, which can be found here: www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2017/ the remainder of the game illustrates. 12/25/revisiting-baraka-shabazz/ “He was a mentor,” Jeff says of Clayton. “Aside from the games that 34. Rff1 Rh6 35. Qf2 Qh5 36. Qg3 Reh8 37. Rh1 Nxh3 38. Bxh3 Qe2+ 39. Kg1 Rg6 40. Qxg6+ Kxg6 41. Bc1 Rh6 42. Rf2 Qc4 43. you play against him—win, lose or draw—he was still far and above, Be3 Kf6 44. Rhh2 Qd3 45. Rf3 Rg6+ 46. Bg2 Qe2 head and shoulders, any of us.” Clayton also sought to connect young players to the tournament world. It should be noted that Black’s king-bishop had not moved since the “He would facilitate things like rides to tournaments for young people 17th move but it exerted the most influential pressure on White’s position. or people that he liked,” Jeff recalls. “For instance, like me, he paid my The article ends: This was Clayton’s only loss out of 25 boards. Jeffrey way to go to the D.C. Open. He paid my fare. And he felt like I would Thompson adds “…. my thanks to Mr. Clayton for the wonderful job he’s been

do well. I did all right. He wasn’t wrong.” doing with youngsters in the D.C. area to promote chess activity.” PHOTO: JAMAAL ABDUL-ALIM

36 November 2018 | Chess Life

Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

Novelties & Negotiations at the 2018 Sinquefield Cup With qualifications for the Grand Chess Tour finals at stake, the three players tied at the top opted against a playoff.

By FM MIKE KLEIN

ow do you win a top-flight international record amongst each other, most wins, and the Norwegian’s motion. tournament? The 2018 Sinquefield Cup, most wins as black. There were so few victories But Caruana demurred. He has already been Hheld from August 17-28, showed that in the 2018 edition, an all-time low in percent - phoned and asked his preference, but he it’s not enough to learn your openings and age terms, that the three were all still dead - declined to agree to expand the playoff. The master your tactics. You should also sharpen locked. The Sonneborn-Berger tiebreak system reason was a good one—in addition to the three- up your negotiation skills. wasn’t listed in the rules, so it became a drawing way Sinquefield Cup tie, an unlikely scenario If you tuned into the three weeks of elite of lots to determine the unlucky bench-warmer. unfolded whereby he also tied with GM Wesley chess in St. Louis, chances are you wanted to That didn’t sit well with Carlsen. Not wanting So for the fourth and final qualification spot see three winners: who would win the Saint to potentially have his prodigious blitz skills for the GCT Finals in London. The improbable Louis Rapid & Blitz, the Sinquefield Cup, and double-tie was so unexpected that Aronian the featured encounter between GM Magnus didn’t even know about it when he voiced his Carlsen and GM Fabiano Caruana—their last support for the expanded playoff. When he before the World Championship. Up until the final found out, he laughed and called it “pretty Three winners came forth all right, but not hilarious.” in the way you would expect. You might need round, no one “The tiebreak system is clearly flawed,” to break out your legal pad to chronicle the Caruana said later, mentioning other tourna - final events. who had won ments with similar problems. “A coin flip is Caruana’s tenuous lead over the field finally obviously not really just. ... Playing two playoffs gave out in the ninth and final round, as both a game had also in one day is a bit excessive.” Carlsen and GM Levon Aronian won to equal That four-player GCT-ending tournament, him. All three had won a previous edition of lost a game. which takes place shortly after the world cham - the Sinquefield Cup, and whoever took this pionship, has a minimum prize of $40,000 and year’s title would become the first two-time first place of a whopping $120,000. Top-10 winner in its history. flounder in a rapid playoff match, he consulted chess players are doing well these days, but not “Great!” you’re thinking. After the world with Tony Rich, the director of the Saint Louis so well that six-figures is not still a nice chunk champion failed to convert his middlegame Chess Club and the on-site GCT represen- of change. Playing an additional extended advantage against Caruana a few rounds previ - tative. playoff for the Sinquefield Cup would put ously, now there would be yet one more “I think it’s insane,” Carlsen told Rich. Then Caruana at a disadvantage compared to the London preview in the playoff! But the devil he offered an idea—could there be a vote rested So. was in the details. amongst the three tied players to amend the Additionally, Rich said that the original plan The Grand Chess Tour’s (GCT’s) rules dic- rules and have an all-play-all format? The was for the Sinquefield Cup playoff to take tated that not all three players would enter the consensus amongst pundits was that a longer place before the GCT playoff, which would playoff, which was only for posterity and a format could only benefit the world’s number- really injure Caruana’s chances. The next day, trophy—the money and Grand Chess Tour one rated blitz player. Caruana told Chess Life that the idea was points would be split evenly regardless. Instead, Rich agreed that since only these three players proffered to switch the order, but that still only the top two by tiebreak would engage in a were affected, that if they voted in unison, the didn’t sit well with him. (He also said the idea playoff, with the third player left out completely. playoff could be expanded. Carlsen had just to play the Sinquefield Cup playoff the night Amazingly (or perhaps not so amazingly, played the longest game of the trio, so he was before the GCT playoff didn’t even arise.) when you consider that this nearly happened still at the club schilling for his idea. Aronian’s So what to do? The negotiations weren’t in a GCT event last year, too), the trio was still game had ended a while back but he returned over. Carlsen was so incensed at the one-third

knotted after all three tiebreaks were deployed: to the club in shorts and a t-shirt, and supported chance of having his tournament summarily ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB

38 November 2018 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

LEFT TO RIGHT: GMS FABIANO CARUANA, LEVON ARONIAN, AND MAGNUS CARLSEN VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO HAVE THE 2018 SINQUEFIELD CUP END IN A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST PLACE.

www.uschess.org 39 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup end that he proposed instead that no playoff positions, you have to fight with them in the some angst for even longer. Despite narrowly be played at all. (GCT rules specified a nebulous opposite color,” he said. defeating Karjakin in the 2016 world champi- “determined by lot” so relevant parties were Long after the opening phase, Aronian onship match, he never quite got to showcase having some fun devising such techniques, chastised himself for nearly botching the the type of game he’s known for. from the serious—like flipping coins or choosing endgame: Those lingering feelings bubbled to the cards, to the silly—like hurling chess pieces or surface after his irrepressible push to win a 6½- playing rock-paper-scissors.) SLOW PACE hour campaign against Karjakin in round two. Rich first conferred with Chief GCT Arbiter GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2767, ARM) The Russian, low on time, finally folded. David Sedgwick to see if a shared title would GM Sergey Karjakin (FIDE 2773, RUS) “It was a throwback game,” Carlsen said. “I be acceptable. Once that was green-lighted, all 2018 Sinquefield Cup (1), St. Louis, Missouri, haven’t won many of these types of games. I three players voted unanimously to have the 08.18.2018 didn’t really have the opportunity at the world Cup end in a simple tie. There would be no championship. It’s massive for me.” additional Carlsen-Caruana prequel. In the years of this reporter observing the “I cannot say that I echo Levon’s comment champ, the result of his game often doesn’t that it’s nice to share the victory,” Carlsen said directly translate to his mood. But as the sun a day later at the closing ceremony. “It’s much set on this day, he descended the stairs and nicer to win on your own I think. I think Levon clearly was pleased at his effort. would also agree with that.” “I feel like I did everything I could. Sometimes We’re now one thousand words in to a chess it’s enough, sometimes it’s not,” he said with a article and not a single move has been men - buoyancy in his demeanor. tioned. If you’re frustrated, you aren’t the only one. Fans wanted more chess, too. Despite TYPICAL CARLSEN commentator GM Maurice Ashley constantly GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2842, NOR) referring to the field of super-grandmasters as AFTER 47. ... Ng6 GM Sergey Karjakin (FIDE 2773, RUS) “assassins,” they voted to disarm themselves. 2018 Sinquefield Cup (2), St. Louis, Missouri, For the next few days discussion centered 48. Nxg6?! 08.19.2018 around whether rules should be amended by This still wins, but Aronian would be chas - acclamation, or whether GCT officials should tising himself later for the extra effort. In fact, be blamed for not envisioning this contingency. his pace slowed so much that some of that Backing up to the critical over-the-board inward tongue-lashing likely took place at the moments from the Cup’s sixth edition, the first board. round began promisingly. The move 48. Nf5 and running with the h- “I think it might raise the level of the classical,” pawn was likely easier, as you don’t have to Caruana said about the quality of play he worry about any -type positions. expected after the “warmup” rapid and blitz event (unlike in 2017, when it followed the 48. ... fxg6 49. Be5 b5 50. Bxc7 a4 51. Bb6 axb3 52. cxb3 g5! classical). “Players get some practice before - hand.” This drops a pawn, but it’s all about making That wasn’t the case for GM Wesley So. a fortress, not total number of pawns. White’s AFTER 36. ... Rb7 Despite going into St. Louis in first place in kingside pawns are now on the “wrong” color the GCT Standings, his underperformance in and must be babysat. 37. Rfxd5! those 27 rapid and blitz games in the first week 53. Bxc5 Also possible was 37. Rd1 with the idea of a continued into the classical event. Played after 40 minutes of thought. Rg1 and g5 breakthrough, eyeing the g7- pawn In round one, GM when play might continue with 37. ... Rbe7 took advantage of So’s strange knight toggling. The continuation 53. f7 Ke7 54. Bd8+! Kxf7 55. Bxg5 also wins though. 38. Re1 and White can attempt to creep with The seesaw battle with Caruana for world small moves like e2-e3, Bd4, etc. This time number two went Mamedyarov’s way when 53. ... Ke6 54. Bd4 Bg2 55. h4! Black might need to offer the Exchange, on b2. he scored the point, while Caruana missed a Keeping connected passers is of the utmost few wins in his 6+ hour game. 37. ... Bxd5 38. Rxd5 Kg6?! priority. Aronian was the other winner of the day, Giving up one more pawn to centralize the despite making his life a little trickier than he 55. ... gxh4 56. Kf4 Kf7 57. g5 h3 58. Kg3 king. Kg6 59. Be3 Kf7 60. Bd2 Kg6 61. a4 bxa4 needed to against GM Sergey Karjakin, another Another way is 38. ... Rc7 with the idea of 62. bxa4 Kf7 63. a5 Bf1 64. Bf4 Kg6 65. player who struggled in both events. Just like heading to c6 keeps Black’s queenside solid (39. in the rapid and blitz, Aronian did an about- Kg4 Kf7 66. Kf5 Bd3+ 67. Ke5 Be2 68. Kd6 Bd3 69. Kc5, Black resigned. Rd6 Rce7 40. e4 Re6 41. Rd5 Rc6 and if White face and became an exclusive 1. e4 player. does not play g4-g5, Black will do so.). However, “My year so far is pretty dreadful,” he said Black resigned since White’s king will shep - it also leaves Black stymied, which Karjakin’s about the switch. “It can’t get much worse.” He herd the a-pawn, then come all the way back experi ence might tell him not to do against was mostly referring to his dream deferred— to help out the other pawns. Carlsen. the last-place finish at the Candidates’ Tour na - ment still loomed large in his psyche. But there If Aronian had a long memory of his 39. Rc5 Rh8 40. Kg3 Rb6 41. Rxc4 Rh1 42. Rc7 Rc1 was also a practical reason for trying out the tournament in Berlin from earlier this year, king’s pawn. “If you want to understand certain then, in a way, Carlsen has been harboring Threatening ... Rxb2.

40 November 2018 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

THE SATURDAY “PREVIEW” OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH WAS A MEDIA FEEDING FRENZY. REPRESENTATIVES FROM MAINSTREAM OUTLETS SUCH AS SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AND HBO, PLUS LEGENDARY BOBBY FISCHER PHOTOGRAPHER HARRY BENSON, ALL CROWDED AROUND THE PLAYERS TO DOCUMENT THE MATCH.

43. Rd7 Rc6 47. Kg3 Rac4 48. Ra7 Re6 49. e4 Rc8 50. Rxd1 69. g6 Re1 likely holds the draw, though Rd7 Rec6 51. f4 R8c7 52. f5+ Kh7 53. Rd8 a misstep would give White a win.) 67. e5 g6! Can the “Minister of Defense” hold this? Rc8 54. Rd3 Re8 55. Rd4 66. ... Re8 67. Re1 g5+! 68. fxg6 e.p. Kg7 44. a4 Typical Carlsen. Minute improvements, You could say this move has three purposes. while also milking the clock. He can make First, having it further down the board makes moves without thinking but Black is on pins it more of a concern for Black. Also, White and needles every move. may engineer either a trade on b6 one day, or 55. ... Rc7 56. Kf4 Rce7 57. Rc4 Kh6 58. may plant his bishop there to make a6 helpless. Kf3 Rd7 59. Bd4 Kh7 60. b4 Rd6 61. Ke3 The move 44. Rb7? would have ended Kh6 62. Rc1 Kh7 63. Bb6 Rd7 64. Bc5 winning chances since Black is looking for a Red8 way to give back the material to break the bind. The move 64. ... Rd5 is fancy—if White’s 44. ... R1xc3 45. bxc3 Rxc3 and the point is that rook or king move, Black gains an important the a-pawn is gong down 46. a4 Rc4 47. a5 Rc5. entry square on the d-file. In response 65. Ba7 is best. 44. ... Rg1+ 45. Kf2 Ra1 46. a5 Ra4 65. Rh1+ Kg8 66. Kf4 46. ... Rxc3 isn’t as good now. 47. bxc3 Rxa5 68. ... Re5 would be a nice way to cut off because White’s king runs to secure the c-pawn. The computer says it is close to equal after White’s progress, except that now 69. Rh1! 48. Ke3. 66. g5 fxg5 (66. ... Rd3+ 67. Kf4 Rd1 68. Rxd1 prevents Black from playing ... Kg8-g7xg6.

www.uschess.org 41 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

69. g5 Kxg6 70. gxf6 Kxf6 71. Rh1 Rf7 lauded for a style of play that matched many of Black is still pressing for a win, but it’s not clear if just one extra pawn will do the trick. (Not Shielding Black’s king’s run to the queenside. his press conferences—engaging, unexpected, and worth the price of admission. Aronian had 65. Bxe5 Qxc5 66. Bxg7 Qg5 when Black wins 72. Ke3 quoted a Russian expression that translates to: at least one of the remaining two pawns after Less effective is 72. e5+ Rxe5 73. Rh6+ Kg7+ “He who doesn’t risk, doesn’t drink champagne.” ... Qg3+). 74. Kxe5 Kxh6 when, despite the black king’s If that’s the case, then Grischuk always brings 64. ... Qg6 65. Qe2 Be6 66. Qf1 Bf5 67. wayward positioning, White needs more pawns his flute. Qe2 Qh5 to win. His bishop is also the “wrong color” of Like the world champion a round before, The continuation 67. ... Bxe4? 68. Qxe4 Qxe4 the rook pawn. Black has a clear path to taking Grischuk also needed 6½ hours and every one 69. fxe4 is very similar to the position reached both pawns or a perpetual after 75. Kd6 Kg6 of his extra pawns to beat GM Hikaru later, but with a pawn on h3 for White. This 76. Kc6 Rf6+ 77. Kb7 Re6 78. Bb6 Re4. Nakamura in a bishop ending. “Even after he blundered this h3-pawn, there was some fight,” is vital, since White can rush the king to f3 72. ... Ke6 73. Rh4 Rf6 74. Rh7 Rf7 75. Grischuk said. and set up a fortress. Grischuk said afterward Rh5 Kd7 76. e5 Rf1 After being left off the Russian Olympiad he’s simply not winning until he collects the The continuation 76. ... Kc6 77. Ke4 (77. team for the first time since his initial appearance third pawn. Rh6+ Kd5) 77. ... Re6 78. Rh8 Rg6 79. Rc8+ in 2000, Grischuk may have made some captains 68. Nf2 Qh4 Kb7 80. Re8 Kc6 holds. The white king has wonder if that was the right choice. The try 68. ... e4? is well-intended but wrong: nowhere to run after 81. e6 Rg4+ with 69. Bxg7 Kxg7 70. Qb2+ and here come the continuous checks. If White tries to with checks. the bishop 82. Kd3 Rg3+ 83. Kc4 Rf4+ 84. Bd4 THREE PAWNS Rgg4 85. Rd8 Re4 and the e6-pawn falls. GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2777, USA) 69. Ne4 Qxh3+ GM (FIDE 2766, RUS) 77. Ke4 Kc6? 2018 Sinquefield Cup (3), St. Louis, Missouri, If “three pieces is mate” then “three pawns” is a promotion; it just takes a little while: A fatal mistake in time trouble. Karjakin had 08.20.2018 defended precisely for many moves, but this 70. Kg1 Qh5 71. Be1 Bxe4 72. Qxe4+ one did him in. Qg6+ 73. Kh2 Qxe4 74. fxe4 Kg6 75. Kh3 Kh5 76. Bh4 f3 77. Bf2 The line 77. ... Re1+ 78. Kd5 Rd1+ 79. Kc4 Rc1+ 80. Kb3 Re6 holds. Keeping the opposing After 77. Be7 f2 78. Kg2 Kg4 79. Bxc5 Kf4 rook off the sixth rank should do the trick to is an easy win. obtain a draw. 77. ... Bf6 78. Be1 Bg5 79. Bf2 Be7 80. Be1 Bd8 81. Bg3 Kg5 82. Bxe5 Bf6 83. Bd6 f2 78. Rh6+ Kb5 79. Rb6+ Kc4 80. e6! 84. Kg2 Bd4 85. Kf1 Kg4 86. Ke2 h5 87. Karjakin might have not had time to see this Kf1 h4 88. Bh2 h3 89. Ke2 Be3, White idea. Everything else appears to be a draw. For resigned. example, 80. Rxa6 Re1+ 81. Be3 (81. Kf4 R1xe5) There are many problems in White’s 81. ... Kxb4 82. Ra7 Rxe3+ 83. Kxe3 Rxe5+ 84. AFTER 53. ... Re8 position, but ... Bf4 is the most critical, so it Kd4 Rxa5. was time to resign. 80. ... Re1+ 81. Kf5 Rf1+ 82. Ke5 Re1+ 83. 54. h4 Kf6 Rf1+ 84. Kg7 With four leaders after three rounds (the four It’s always tough to decide when to sit tight men who had won a game), could they be joined The checks are officially over as Carlsen’s and when to play with activity, and here by anyone else? Enter Caruana. Again, the final pieces masterfully control the board. Nakamura goes for the wrong choice. game produced the only win, with the world 54. ... gxh4 55. Nf1 f4 56. Nd2 Re7 84. ... Ra8 85. e7 Re1 86. Kf7 Re4 87. Rd6 championship chal lenger using an opening novelty he thought he’d be saving for rapid, but Rh8 88. Rxa6, Black resigned. 56. ... h3 57. Ne4 hxg2+ 58. Kxg2 makes it which nonetheless worked perfectly to hand three extra pawns, but still not a clear win just (For more on this endgame, see The Practical Nakamura his second loss in a row (for more yet since they aren’t going anywhere. Endgame in the October 2018 issue.) on this game, see In The Arena on page 16). 57. Rxe7 Qxe7 58. Ne4 Bf7 59. Kh2 h3 60. Exactly half the field now sat in first place, So now there were three leaders, and after gxh3 all of them on a plus-one score. Coincidentally, round three, there would be a fourth—GM Taking with the king would have kept none of the five players at 2½/4 played each Alexander Grischuk. In fact, the tourna ment White’s pawns more solid. 60. Kxh3 Qe6+ 61. other in round five, meaning mathematics got would become very easy to follow. Up until Kh2 Qxc4 62. Qb2 Qb3 63. Qa1 (63. Qxb3 Bxb3 in the way of any chance of extra leaders joining the final round, no one who had won a game 64. Nxc5 Bc2 and again Black has to figure out them. Instead, the field played their first of had also lost a game. So just grabbing at least how to free his pawns, although of course he what would be several all-draws rounds. one win put you on a plus score, and within is for choice.) 63. ... Qa2 64. Qe1 and Black still Caruana became the player who broke out striking distance of a congested lead. There has some work left. of the pack in round six, handing the slumping was even a quirk whereby defending champion Karjakin his third loss in six games. 60. ... Qe6 61. Qg2 Kh7 62. Qc2 Kh8 63. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who began with “Every player can empathize for a player who Qb2 Kh7 64. Qc2? eight draws, could have won the entire has nothing going right in the tournament,” tournament with a last-round win. Alas, he The move 64. Nxc5 was necessary. Nakamura Caruana said. ended with a ninth truce. needed to snag the pawn, since after 64. ... Qxc4 Arguably more surprising was the position The uncompromising Grischuk was generally (64. ... Qe7 65. Ne4) 65. Nd7 the e5-pawn falls. Carlsen found himself in against Grischuk, who

42 November 2018 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup could have joined Caruana at plus-two. This resource saves the day. the two repeated the position. “Somehow I wanted to win without allowing 30. Qxb3 Qxc1+ 31. Bf1 Qg5+ 32. Bg2 Qc1+ “That kind of backfired!” Carlsen said afterward, any counterplay,” Grischuk said. “When you 33. Bf1 Qg5+ 34. Bg2 Qc1+, Draw agreed. the only lighthearted moment in his on-camera start to have this attitude too early, a lot of interview. “At that point I was pretty sure I was times it leads to you losing your advantage.” A close shave for the champ against the man winning and I just wanted to have some fun.” he also lost a game to at the Sinquefield Cup a few years previously. Was that position holdable PETROFF DEFENSE (C42) KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE (E60) in the 20. Nb6 line? “No,” Carlsen said flatly. GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2842, NOR) GM Alexander Grischuk (FIDE 2766, RUS) Had the Norwegian not found his way out GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2822, USA) GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2842, NOR) of the positional straightjacket and lost, he 2018 Sinquefield Cup (7), St. Louis, Missouri, 2018 Sinquefield Cup (6), St. Louis, Missouri, would have been a mere two rating points 08.25.2018 08.24.2018 ahead of Caruana going into their round seven Notes by GM Robert Hess. clash that dominated the schedule. Even so, his 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. c4 0-0 lead was still tenuous, and their head-to-head 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 5. d4 d6 6. 0-0 c5 7. d5 b5 8. cxb5 a6 9. battle could still have inverted the top of the Caruana’s most reliable black opening, the bxa6 Bf5 10. Nfd2 Nxa6 11. Nc3 Nb4 12. world rating list. A possible win for Caruana Petroff. It will be interesting to see if he switches Nc4 Nc2 as black would have been enough to overtake it up during the World Championship. Carlsen for world number one in the live The continuation 12. ... Bc2 13. Qd2 Bb3 standings, a spot he’s held since 2011. 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. wins back the gambit-pawn. dxc3 Be7 7. Be3 Nc6 13. g4 Nxg4 14. e4 Nxa1 That the world championship preview fell The players have followed theory thus far. on a Saturday was just random luck. A crowd The move commentator GM Maurice Ashley Carlsen opts to stray first. of fans had to wait in several queues to gain was surprised Carlsen didn’t labor over was 14. access to the playing hall, which became a media 8. Bc4 ... Bxe4, and Grischuk also thought this was takeover for the first 15 minutes. The continuation 8. Qd2 Be6 9. 0-0-0 Qd7 the best way for Black. The line 15. Nxe4 Nxa1 Sports Illustrated, HBO, and legendary Bobby 10. Kb1 Bf6 is standard. 16. Qxg4 f5 is unclear (Grischuk). Fischer photographer Harry Benson all came 8. ... 0-0 9. Qd2 Bf5 15. exf5 Bxc3 16. bxc3 Nf6 17. Qe2 Re8 for this one, with Caruana uncharacteristically commenting on the distraction. The line 9. ... Ne5 10. Nxe5 dxe5 11. 0-0-0 That move “shocked” Grischuk, as he was “That was the most I’ve ever noticed cameras Qxd2+ 12. Rxd2 is a slightly better ending for expecting: 17. ... Ra4 18. Bh6 Nc2 19. Bxf8 and media before a game,” Caruana said. White, though this rare position needs more Kxf8; according to Grischuk, what Carlsen But it wasn’t any of their lenses that captured practical testing. missed in his calculations was 20. Nb2. the most memorable moment of the round. 10. 0-0-0 Qd7 11. Kb1 Rfe8 18. Bg5 Qd7 19. fxg6 hxg6 20. Rxa1? With Carlsen pressing an advantage against Caruana’s trusty Petroff, Black’s pieces began An extremely natural move, planning to Best was 20. Nb6 Qf5 21. Nxa8 Qxg5 22. retreat the dark-square bishop and use the open Nc7 Rc8 23. Nb5 and completely winning, but balling up in a fetal position in the corner. The Norwegian felt confident enough in his space e-file. Grischuk was fearful of ... Nxd5 and ... Nf4. The try 11. ... Rae8 has the same idea, except advantage and attacking chances on the king to put the bishop on d8. This move runs more 20. ... Qf5 21. Bxf6 that he allowed himself a rare visit to the confes- of a risk of abandoning the queenside, though A bit better was 21. h4. sional booth. His “confession” was a novelty. it’s difficult to see how White can actually make Carlsen is known as an avid follower of 21. ... Qxf6 22. Qf3 Qh4 23. Qe4 Qf6 24. any dents on that side of the board. professional sports, especially basketball. He Qf3 Qh4 25. Qe4 Qf6 26. Qd3 Reb8 27. 12. h4 Bf8 a3 Rb3 28. Rc1 Ra4 stayed up deep into the night in the 2014 World Championship match in Sochi to watch NBA The idea 12. ... Bf6 13. Bg5 doesn’t work for In many variations, this is the problem: Black games. He’s rumored to have given some chess Black. Taking on g5 opens up the h-file, whereas keeps getting in the way of the a-pawn. lessons to Golden State Warriors star Klay there is no good means of protecting the bishop 29. Qc2 Thompson. He more than held his own with and leaving it on f6 isn’t an option. this reporter once when discussing the 1980s 13. h5 h6 14. Be2 Grischuk thought he was winning, which is Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” team. why he went for this line, except. ... Despite his own celebrity status, Carlsen is The move 14. Rdg1 deserves attention, as it 29. ... Qf4! also prone to sometimes mimic the stars he prepares the kingside assault. follows. After his first successful title defense 14. ... Bg4 15. Nh2 Bxe2 16. Qxe2 Ne5 17. in Russia, this reporter asked him about NFL Bc1 Qc6 18. f4 Nc4 running back Marshawn Lynch answering a Caruana considered 18. ... Nd7 19. Qf1 a dozen questions with the shutdown response, possible improvement for him over the game “Yeah.” Carlsen’s response to me? “Yeah.” continuation, but White still just plays for g2- But Carlsen found an even more laconic way g4. 19. ... Nf6 20. g4 Ne4 21. Rg1 or 21. Qf3 to express satisfaction with his position. He with a straightforward attack. (21. g5? Ng3). entered the booth, closed the door, and simply 19. Qd3 Qe4 held his index finger over his closed lips— something athletes often do after a dramatic Considering how poor his position became play to silence the crowd. There was only one in the game, it might have been preferable to problem. Caruana diffused the initiative and sacrifice a pawn here and enter an ending (if

www.uschess.org 43 Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup

Carlsen accepts it). 19. ... d5!? 20. Qxd5 (20. g4 24. g5 Ne7 The move 31. Bd2 with the idea of c3-c4, ignoring all else and pushing forward on the “I blundered. ... I thought that after this move Bc3 likely gave White additional chances. 31. kingside is definitely an option, though Black he can’t play f5.” ~Caruana ... Kh7 (The continuation 31. ... f5 32. Ne3 counters quickly 20. ... Qb5 21. Ka1 [21. g5 Re3 The continuation 24. ... hxg5 25. fxg5 Rae8 Rxg1+ 33. Rxg1 Ne7 34. Re1 followed by 22. Qxd5 Na3+ 23. Ka1 Nxc2+ 24. Kb1 Na3+ 26. Ng4 keeps Black stymied. “To defend this, Ng2-f4 is really awful for Black.) 32. Nf2 heading 25. Ka1 Nc2+ is a perpetual.] 21. ... Re6 with you have to play perfectly until the end of the to g5 with the knight would have caused coun terplay.) 20. ... Qxd5 21. Rxd5 Ne3 Black’s game. “ ~Caruana Caruana a bit of a headache. 32. ... Rxg1+ 33. defensive task will be difficult, but there is evident Rxg1 d5 34. Nh3 Bh6 35. Ng5+ Bxg5 36. Rxg5 activity as compensation for the lost pawn. 25. gxh6 Rxh6 with a very pleasant endgame for White. 20. g4 Ne3 21. Rde1 Qxd3 22. cxd3 Nd5 Also difficult is 25. ... Kh7 26. hxg7 Bxg7 31. ... Re8 32. Ne3 Rxg1+ 33. Rxg1 Re6 34. 27. Nf3. Nd5 Nf6 35. Nc7 Re2 36. Nb5 Re6 37. Rf1 An absolutely ridiculous sequence was 22. Kg8 38. Nc7 Re2 39. Nb5 Re6 40. Nc7 ... Ng2 23. Reg1 Re2 24. Nf1 (24. g5 hxg5 25. 26. f5 Rh7 fxg5 Rae8 would help Black coordinate.) 24. ... The move 26. ... Rxh5 was why Caruana The line 40. Nxa7 Nxh5 caused Caruana no Ne1 25. Ng3 Rg2 26. Rxg2 (26. Rxe1 Rxg3) 26. thought Carlsen could not play like this, but concerns. He even said “the benefit of having ... Nxg2 27. Rg1 Nh4 and somehow that knight 27. Ng4 Rxh1 (27. ... Rxf5 28. Nh6+) 28. Nf6+ had a dead lost position is that you don’t see is not getting trapped, though White is still Kh8 29. Rxh1 is mate. ghosts in dead drawn positions.” better after 28. g5. 27. Ng4 40. ... Re2 41. Nb5 Re6, Draw agreed. 23. Reg1 Re6 The followup 27. f6 was what Magnus’ “The problem is, in all my games, I’m not The move is so logical in conjunction with intuition told him to play. Carlsen stated that being practical,” Carlsen said of this and other ... Ne7 next, but Caruana overlooked a tactic. he’s having some trouble making up his mind missed chances in St. Louis. “I just can’t make Instead, he should have banked on activity as and being practical. Thinking can sometimes up my mind, can’t follow my intuition, and the best form of defense: be bad for us, appar ently! 27. ... Nd5 (no better make decisions.” 23. ... Re2 24. g5 Kh7 25. Ng4 Rae8 26. gxh6 is 27. ... Nf5 28. Rg5 [28. Nf3 heading to g5, Caruana wasn’t aware of the silent gesture (26. f5 is scary to meet over the board, but capitalizing on the awkward placement of the until after the game. Despite some brief Black looks to escape with 26. ... hxg5 27. h6 h7-rook.] 28. ... g6 29. Rhg1 Nh4 30. R1g4 bantering about the World Championship that [27. Bxg5 Be7] 27. ... f6) 26. ... f5!. Bh6) 28. Ng4 Kh8 29. Bg5 is crushing. Black took place at the tournament’s opening press loses material, since he can’t capture on f6 conference (and which was built mostly on a without getting mated. For example 29. ... gxf6 misunderstanding), Caruana seemed reluctant (29. ... b5 30. c4 bxc4 31. dxc4 Nb6 32. fxg7+ to heighten the tension from what could have Rxg7 33. Bf6 nets an Exchange.) 30. Nxf6 Nb6 been viewed as a taunt. 31. h6 ignoring the rook (for now) with Be3 “I guess he thought it was already over, but next is decisive. it wasn’t,” Caruana said. 27. ... Kh8 28. f6 Ng8 29. fxg7+ Rxg7 30. Carlsen’s gesture didn’t vanquish Caruana Be3 but it did silence the wins. None came in round seven or eight, setting up the dramatic and Unfortunately for Carlsen, 30. b3 is too slow. eventful final round, both on and off the board. 30. ... f5 31. Ne3 Rxg1 32. Rxg1 Ne7 and the worst is behind Black. Caruana, still one-half point clear of the field, ANALYSIS AFTER 26. ... f5 30. ... c5 31. Bf4 drew quickly with So. That allowed several

2018 SINQUEFIELD CUP August 17-28, 2018 | Hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club

Fed. Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score 1. GM Magnus Carlsen NOR 2842 x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 1 5½ 2. GM Fabiano Caruana USA 2822 ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 1 5½ 3. GM Levon Aronian ARM 2767 ½ ½ x ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 5½ 4. GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov AZE 2801 ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ 5 5. GM Alexander Grischuk RUS 2766 ½ ½ 0 ½ x ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ 4½ 6. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2779 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ ½ 4½ 7. GM Viswanathan Anand IND 2768 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ ½ 4½ 8. GM Wesley So USA 2780 ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ x ½ ½ 4 9. GM Hikaru Nakamura USA 2777 0 0 ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ x ½ 3 10. GM Sergey Karjakin RUS 2773 0 0 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ x 3 For more games and information, see the official website: grandchesstour.org/2018-grand-chess-tour/sinquefield_cup

44 November 2018 | Chess Life Grand Chess Tour / Sinquefield Cup others the chance to erase the gap, and Aronian Awful is 19. ... Kg8? when 20. Bxe4 is the “Levon’s Rxf7 was one of the most gangster did just that, with a speculative Exchange idea, with mate on f8 preventing Black from moves I’ve ever seen,” Caruana said. sacrifice against Grischuk. capturing on e4. 20. ... Qh5 21. Rf4 with the Does the move of the tournament have to initiative. From there it seemed the next day’s playoff be 100 percent sound? That’s a personal deci- 20. g4 g6 21. Qc1 Kg7 would be a simple, even quaint, affair. Caruana sion, but what’s clear from Aronian’s vantage and Aronian would play a short rapid match point is that the riskiness of 18. Rxf7 could be Better was 21. ... Re6! a useful defensive with no money at stake. The winner would emblazoned on a champagne bottle. move. The rook patrols the sixth rank and can become the first two-time champion of the event. “When you take risks you will lose or you more easily allow Black to double rooks on the Enter Carlsen, chaos, calamity, and confusion. will win but you will only remember the wins,” g-file. The champ created the mess by somehow Aronian said. Unlike in the final round of the 22. gxf5 gxf5 23. Bxe4 fxe4 24. Qf4 h6 winning an “unwinnable” ending against inaugural Sinquefield Cup, this time his last- 25. Qc7+ Nakamura in a rook-and-four-pawns each round memories should last longer: ending. Some solace for Nakamura: Vachier- Lagrave, who was still playing his game on the MOVE OF THE TOURNAMENT other side of the room, had lost the exact same GM Levon Aronian (FIDE 2767, ARM) ending a few years ago to GM Grzegorz GM Alexander Grischuk (FIDE 2766, RUS) Gajewski, who was also in St. Louis, as GM 2018 Sinquefield Cup (9), St. Louis, Missouri, Viswanathan Anand’s second. If only you could 08.27.2018 phone a friend in chess! Notes by GM Robert Hess. “You start to see dangers, and then eventually you panic,” Carlsen said. “I think that’s what happened to him.” “It makes the whole difference from a mediocre tournament to a good one,” Carlsen The try 25. Kf2!! is one of the last moves to said about converting the endgame. come to mind, but it makes sense to evade the Now three players stood on 5½/9. impending attack. On the g-file the king is in That produced a series of cascading effects. harm’s way. Black can transition to a position Not only did the “drawing of lots” scenario kick like in the game, but the king on e1 is in a in, but the added person for first place also worse location than on e3 as is shown by 25. reduced Caruana’s GCT points slightly, landing ... e3+ 26. Ke1 Rg8 27. Qc7+ Kh8 28. Bd6 Rg6 him in an unlikely exact tie with So for the last 29. Be5+ Kg8 30. Qe7. qualification spot for the season-ending finals. AFTER 17. ... Qd5 In the weirdest domino effect, it also took 25. ... Kh8? away just enough points from Aronian to move 18. Rxf7!? Best was 25. ... Kg6 26. Rf4 (26. Bd6 no him below Nakamura in the standings, from longer is effective without a check for the first to second. Unbelievably, Nakamura actually Going for it all! A really great practical bishop. 26. ... Rac8 27. Qd7 Rcd8 28. Qg4+ will be seeded atop the finals bracket precisely decision considering the alternatives were Qg5 is an Exchange-up ending for Black.) 26. because he lost his final-round game! unattractive and Grischuk was approaching ... Rg8 and Grischuk’s king has the h5-square His opponent would be decided the next day. time trouble. Aronian didn’t think he had an to run to. With the Sinquefield Cup playoff now nixed, advantage, but he knew it would not be easy there was still the GCT playoff to see if Caruana 26. Bd6 Rg8+ 27. Kf2 Rg6 28. Be5+ Kg8 for Grischuk to wriggle free from his powerful or So would sneak into the London event and 29. Ke3 bishop with an open king and mere minutes be matched with Nakamura in the opening on the clock. White may not be better, but Grischuk’s round (the other semifinal will be Aronian- After 18. Rf4 Bf5 19. Raf1 Bg6 Black’s pieces are stuck. It didn’t help that he had such Vachier-Lagrave). stranglehold over the center can hardly be little time left. After a draw in the opening game, Caruana challenged. White’s dark-square bishop has no 29. ... Rd8 completed the unlikely qualification quest by future and the on e2 is a winning game two. He had come home to St. potential target. The move 29. ... Re8 was necessary so Black Louis in early August in last place in the GCT 18. ... Kxf7 could eventually retreat to e7 with the queen. standings, while So had arrived in first, but 30. h4 Qe6 (threatening ... Qh3+) 31. Kd2 (31. Caruana did just enough over the two events The continuation 18. ... Qxf7 19. Bxe4 is h5 Qh3+ 32. Kd2 e3+ wins.) 31. ... Qe7 32. to overtake his countryman and earn the final what Aronian was looking for. The bishop and Qxc4+ Qe6 and Black is still kicking, though GTC berth. pawn are worth the rook, since Black is behind the endgame looks extremely tough. One final lingering question that permeated in development and there is pressure on the 30. Qe7 the Sinquefield Cup: With Carlsen and Caruana kingside. Black would consider giving up both tying for first, who had the better momen - another pawn in order to secure counterplay. Now Aronian is winning. tum and form heading into their World Cham - 19. ... Bh3. If White gets greedy, the punishment 30. ... b5 pionship match? Caruana said it was a push will be swift: 20. Bxh7+ Kh8 21. Bg6 Qe6 22. since they had “pretty much an identical result.” After 30. ... Qd7, 31. Rf8+ wins the queen. Bxe8 Qe3+ 23. Kh1 Rxe8 24. Rg1 Qf2 leads to “I don’t mean to sound petty,” Carlsen mate. 31. h4 a5 32. h5 Rg5 33. Rf6 Rxe5 34. responded. “Actually, I kind of do, but I had an 19. Rf1+ Bf5 Rg6+, Black resigned. extra black game!”

www.uschess.org 45 Solitaire Chess / Instruction The Great Botvinnik Mikhail Botvinnik’s battle-ready style kept him in championship matches for 15 years.

By BRUCE PANDOLFINI

WHEN DIED IN remaining moves in this game, use a piece of 8. … d6 1946, chess was without an official champion. paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next Keres plays it solidly, but he’s being a little So FIDE invited six top players to compete in a move only after trying to guess it. If you guess out of character here. More in his active mode special match/tourna ment to designate anew correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes would be something like 8. ... d7-d5, opening champ. Reuben Fine declined to play, so Mikhail points are also awarded for second-best moves, the center. Keres always seemed to be somewhat Botvinnik, , Paul Keres, Sammy and there may be bonus points—or deductions— gun-shy when playing Botvinnik.** Reshevsky, and fought it out for other moves and variations. Note that ** for the title. After 20 grueling rounds, Botvinnik means that White’s move is on the next line.** 9. Be2 Par Score 5 won the tournament, distancing himself by 5. a3 Par Score 5 Botvinnik opts to keep the e-file more secure three points over his nearest rivals. In this with this move. Besides, 9. Bf1-d3 could have month’s presentation, his 10th round victory Botvinnik liked forcing the exchange of been met by 9. ... e5-e4. Accept 1 bonus point over Paul Keres (Black), we see the great knight for bishop, which is essentially compelled for considering this. Botvinnik’s excellence. His battle-ready style by a2-a3. Accept full credit for either 5. Bf1-d3 would keep him in championship matches for or 5. Ng1-f3. 9. … Nbd7 the next 15 years. Our present contest began 5. … Bxc3+ Black’s move is fine, but once again Keres as a Nimzo-Indian Defense (E28): could have selected a more ambitious move in Retreating the bishop to e7 would imply a the central counterstroke, 9. ... c7-c5.** huge concession in time and position, so Black NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE, 10. 0-0 Par Score 5 SÄMISCH VARIATION (E28) keeps the tempo by trading minor pieces.** Mikhail Botvinnik 6. bxc3 Par Score 4 Now that Botvinnik is castled and no Paul Keres longer concerned about the possible opening FIDE World Championship Tournament 6. … Re8 of the center, he’s ready for some aggressive (10), The Hague, Netherlands, 03.25.1948 Just as reasonably, Black could also play 6. action. … 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 0-0 ... d7-d6, 6. ... d7-d5, or 6. ... Nb8-c6.** 10. c5 7. Ne2 Par Score 5 Keres felt this was the proper time for an Botvinnik tips his plans early. Clearly, he aggressive strike. Another idea might have been does not intend to leave his knight at e2. It’s preparing to develop his queen-bishop by 10. headed to g3. Accept full credit for either 7. ... b7-b6.** Bf1-d3 or 7. Ng1-f3, both of which are more 11. f3 Par Score 5 usual than the Botvinnikian move. Botvinnik gets a grip on e4, stopping any 7. … e5 possible cramping action on Black’s part. Keres is completely fine. It is Botvinnik who 11. … cxd4 must still complete his kingside development.** This exchange is possibly too soon. Black 8. Ng3 Par Score 5 might have tried 11. ... Qd8-c7, hoping to induce Now ensure that the above position is set up This is the second part of Botvinnik’s knight a tension-killing 12. d4-d5.** on your . As you play through the maneuver plan. Keres is still okay. 12. cxd4 Par Score 5

46 November 2018 | Chess Life Solitaire 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 74.

November Exercise: This exercise demonstrates the general importance of centralization. Start with 20 or so blank diagrams. Proceeding around the board with each piece, calculate how many places each type can move to from every PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI square. Fill in the entire chessboard with Mating net Mating net Mating net those numbers, doing the same for all five types of pieces (king, queen, rook, bishop, and knight). The emerging pattern will show greater mobility as any piece approaches the center—except for one type. Remarkably, the rook attacks 14 squares no matter where it sits on an empty chessboard. So rooks don’t need the center so much. More importantly, they need open files.

This way to take back is better than 12. exd4, 15. ... Ra8-c8, pressuring the c-pawn, though at 19. … Qb8 leaving White with doubled c-pawns. this point the advantage is clearly with White.** Is this an ignominious retreat? It’s definitely 12. … Nb6 16. Qxd4 Par Score 5 not a good one. But what else is Black to do?** Also consistent would be 12. ... Qd8-c7.** Botvinnik centralizes his queen with this 20. Rg5 Par Score 6 13. Bb2 Par Score 5 recapture. White’s advantage is increasing. It’s really nice the way this queen-rook has 16. … Qc7 shifted into the game from a1-c1-c5-g5. The With this move we can see White’s dark- threat is now the direct 21. Qd4xf6. square bishop starting to become a real weapon. This move was asking for trouble. Better 20. … Nbd7 The threat is to win a pawn on e5. was 16. ... Ra8-c8, or even 16. ... Nb6-a4, trying 13. … exd4 to gain control of c5.** Black defends his f6-knight. But there’s much 17. c5 Par Score 6 more to it.** Keres avoids the loss of a pawn. He could also 21. Rxg7+ Par Score 7 have done so by developing the bishop to e6.** Here it comes! The position is about to explode open in White’s two-bishop favor. The right move. Black now has little in the 14. e4 Par Score 6 way of choice. 17. … dxc5 A Botvinnikian surprise! Rather than play 21. … Kxg7 14. e3xd4, keeping his pawns together, Black has to take. If 17. ... Nb6-c8, give The rook has to be taken. On 21. ... Kg8-h8, Botvinnik decides to lock the enemy d6-pawn yourself 1 bonus point for finding 18. cxd6 White has 22. Bc1-g5 Kh8xg7 23. Ng3-h5+ (1 in place. Besides, the black d4-pawn can always Qc7xd6 19. Rc1xc8+.** bonus point). Award yourself 1 bonus point more be recaptured later. Now we can also see the 18. Rxc5 Par Score 5 if you saw that 21. ... Kg8-f8 could be answered earlier value of White’s 11th move, f2-f3. Suddenly, White’s pieces are getting very by 22. Rg7xh7 Nf6xh7 23. Qd4-h8 mate.** 14. … Be6 active. Black is in trouble, and it seems to come 22. Nh5+ Par Score 5 Black finally gets the bishop out, and with a out of nowhere. 22. … Kg6 threat, but it’s one that White can easily handle.** 18. … Qf4 Retreating the king, say 22. ... Kg7-f8 fails 15. Rc1 Par Score 5 To be sure, Keres doesn’t like the ending to 23. Nh5xf6 Nd7xf6 24. Qd4xf6, with various Not just a defensive move. Botvinnik has that results from 18. ... Qc7-d8 19. Qd4xd8+ winning possibilities afloat. But this move also aggressive plans for the c1-rook. Ra8xd8 20. Bxf6.** loses, and quite nicely.** 15. … Re7 19. Bc1 Par Score 5 23. Qe3 Par Score 6 This move, preparing to defend d6 This defensive move has a deadly attacking side To stop mate, Black has to throw away a additionally, does not turn out as well as Black to it. Add 1 bonus point if you now see that 19. ... batch of material. So, accordingly ... had hoped for. Possibly better was the consistent Qf4-h4 would be bad news after 20. Bc1-g5. 23. … Black resigned.

www.uschess.org 47 The Practical Endgame / Instruction False Narratives It’s easy to lose track of your objectives when you get caught up in self-narration.

By GM DANIEL NARODITSKY

WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME TO NAME MY minted queen and leads to an immediate draw. favorite chess book, I almost invariably respond But Hort saw one step further: with Chess for Zebras, written by the Scottish 4. Kg3!, Black resigned. GM and originally published in 2005. The reason I harbor such a fondness The bishop proves its worth, preparing to for this work is that Rowson offers an analysis meet 4. ... Rf1 with 5. Bf2. of chess psychology and chess thinking that, This presents excellent material, in both depth and practical value, is unequalled as the conscientious student must not only see in all of chess literature. It is hardly a surprise the first move, but also spot 4. Kg3 at a distance, that Rowson holds a degree in philosophy from which is no trivial matter. I presented this game Oxford University and is the founder of as a warmup exercise to one of the high-rated Perspectiva, a cutting-edge and multidisciplinary BLACK TO PLAY groups at the Castle Chess Camp in Atlanta this research institute. past June. Five minutes after I had set up the One of the themes Rowson introduces is the In this unassuming endgame, Deuker has position, no one had uttered a word. That is notion of storytelling. Rowson defines story - just connected his pawns with ... f7-f5. It may when something terrifying occurred to me. No, telling, or chess narratives, “as the background seem that Black’s tremendous piece activity the position was not set up incorrectly. Rather, ‘noise’ that permeate our thoughts during play. hand somely compensates for White’s extra all the parties involved had seemingly overlooked Narratives,” he continues, “are the guiding pawn— and it does. The problem is that Black’s a trivial defensive resource. After 2. Bc5+, Black stories that give us as a sense of what we are last move allows an unexpected—and rather can simply respond with 2. ... Kd7! trying to do and why. ( ... ) Many players get brilliant—tactical refutation: lost in these stories, trapped by their own 1. exf6+!! e.p. Kxd6 narrative, and completely lose track of the objective state of affairs on the board” (Rowson, Black has little choice but to accept the Chess for Zebras, 46). sacrifice, as 1. ... Kxf6 fails straightforwardly Endgames constitute a particularly fertile to 2. Rxc6 followed by Bd4+ (in either order). milieu for storytelling. To understand what 2. Bc5+! these narratives look like, and why they are so By now, the point of the combination should insidious, I will present a recent episode from be clear. After 2. ... Kxc5 3. f7, Black’s entire my coaching experience. It started rather innoc - army must play spectator to the pawn’s coro - uously, as I flipped open my copy of Ger van nation. Moreover, the pawn promotes with Perlo’s magisterial work Endgame Tactics in check, so 3. ... Bb5, intending ... Rf1+, leads ANALYSIS DIAGRAM AFTER 2. ... Kd7 search of new training material, and found a nowhere. rather elegant combination: Seeing this, Deuker came up with an inge- This resource, unmentioned by Van Perlo, nious improvement: solves all of Black’s problems. After 3. f7 Bb5, UNEXPECTED the proximity of Black’s king to the pawn 2. ... Ke5 3. f7 Bb5! GM Vlastimil Hort renders 4. Kg3 futile: 4. ... Rf1 5. Bf2 Ke7 Hans-Joachim Deuker Now, the pawn no longer promotes with picks up the pawn and wins the game. White Simultaneous Exhibition, 1986 check, so 4. f8=Q Rf1+ picks up the newly- there fore has no choice but to acquiesce to

48 November 2018 | Chess Life The Practical Endgame / Instruction

PROBLEM I: 1500 LEVEL PROBLEM II: 2000 LEVEL Practicum GM Oscar de la Riva Aguado FM Dagur Ragnarsson GM Rafael Leitao Gauti Pall Jonsson Each month GM Naroditsky will present 43rd , Batumi Reykjavik Championship 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 74.

WHITE TO MOVE BLACK TO MOVE the ostensibly drawn opposite-color bishop 1. Push the h-pawn as far as it will go, is bound to succeed. I took the farce one step endgame with 5. f8=Q (or 4. f8=Q Rf1+ 5. preferably to h6. The goal is to tie further, persuading myself—and, in the process, Kg3, transposing) 5. ... Rxf8 6. Bxf8. A down Black’s king. White’s bishop is my students that it was not possible that such classroom poll confirmed my worst fear: ideally stationed on e3, supporting a banal resource had slipped through the cracks. everyone spotted the idea in a millisecond, the pawn and blockading Black’s own And, perhaps, I even persuaded you. The and was trying all sorts of extravagant passer. five-step plan outlined above is not wrong; resources, from a5-a6 to h2-h4, in order to 2. Maneuver the king to b6 or c7, where it indeed, it offers a striking instance of the prevent this devilish resource. will assist in the creation of a second passed potency of long-term thinking. But its success “Keep thinking,” I responded. “Keep your pawn. hinges on Black’s unquestioning cooperation, mind churning.” 3. If Black’s bishop stays on the long diagonal, which he by no means has to provide. Let us, Meanwhile, I was turning red with embar - create a passed pawn with a5-a6. If the for the last time, revisit the endgame after the rassment. This can’t be, I thought to myself. bishop moves to a6, push the c-pawn to g-pawns have been captured, and the h-pawn There must be something I’m missing. I had com - c6. has made its first menacing step toward puter-checked all of the material. To admit coronation: such an error after subjecting students to over 4. Push the new passer until Black is forced 15 minutes of useless thought would constitute to give up his bishop. Recall that Black’s pedagogical disaster. It was at that point, as I king is firmly tied down to the h-pawn. pondered the best way to exonerate myself 5. Finally, maneuver the king to the other from this gaffe, that something occurred to me. flank and finish Black off. Crucially, the Let’s take another look at the bishop endgame h-pawn is of the right color! that occurs after Black captures White’s newly I was overjoyed when I discovered this plan, promoted queen: and so was the first student who arrived at a similar revelation. To combat the somewhat skeptical expressions on everyone else’s face, I asked that student to play this position out with a nonbeliever. The game, roughly reconstructed ANALYSIS DIAGRAM AFTER 8. h4 below, proceeded along predictably one-sided lines: 8. h4 Ke8 9. Bc5 Kf7 10. h5 Kg8 11. h6 It seems a bygone conclusion that Black’s Kh7 12. Kg5 Bd5 13. Be3 (stage 1 accomplished) king must station himself on the kingside, but 13. ... e5 14. Kf6 e4 15. Ke5 Bc6 16. Kd6 Bb5 that is an illusion. Black achieves the draw by 17. Kc7 (stage 2) 17. ... Ba6 (17. ... Bc6 18. a6) running his monarch to the opposite flank: 8. 18. c4, and Black threw in the towel. ... Be4 9. c3 (9. c4 Bd3 leads to an even quicker The demonstration worked. Everyone now resolution) 9. ... Kc6!! 10. h5 Kd5! (10. ... Kb5? ANALYSIS DIAGRAM AFTER 6. Bxf8. seemed convinced, and I patted myself on the allows 11. Kf4 followed by Ke5) 11. h6 Kc4 12. back for my quick thinking. As a matter of fact, Bb4 e5 13. Kg5 Bh7. That is all she wrote. As White is still a pawn up, and Black can reduce I thought to myself, this would be a terrific soon as White’s king reaches f6, Black marches further material losses by tying his bishop to training position for titled players. the e-pawn down the board, forcing White’s the g2-pawn with, for instance, 6. ... Bc6. Given As you might guess, the dramatis personae of bishop to abandon its post and give up the c3- the presence of opposite-color bishops, an extra this charade, save Hort—the unwitting instigator pawn. That leaves him with a pawn of the pawn seems to have no bearing on the evalu - of the whole business—all committed the vice wrong color. Even if he manages to pick up ation. But what if we consider this position a of storytelling. Deuker, as well as Van Perlo, the e-pawn, the resultant endgame is a classical bit more concretely? After 7. Kxg4 Bxg2, a may have simply overlooked 2. ... Kd7, but it theoretical draw, in which White has no way deadly—and rather straightforward—plan of is equally plausible that his opponent’s title, to “un-a-file” his pawn without stalemate. action announces its presence. It consists of coupled with the shock value of the And that, my friends, is the perils of five steps: itself, convinced him that such a combination storytelling.

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2018 US CHESS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS NAME STATE PTS. 2018 AWARDS 1 GM FIDEL CORRALES JIMENEZ MO 242.31 2 GM ILLIA NYZHNYK MO 220.80 $ 3 GM NY 211.01 12,500 4 GM TIMUR GAREYEV KS 202.32 IN CASH PRIZES! 5 GM ALEX SHIMANOV MO 181.75 6 GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV PA 176.14 FIRST PRIZE: $5,000! 7 GM SERGEY ERENBURG PA 153.75 2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000 8 GM MA 143.97 4th: $900 | 5th: $800 9 GM ALEXANDER FISHBEIN NJ 131.09 6th: $700 | 7th: $600 10 GM ANDREY STUKOPIN TX 124.12 8th: $500 | 9th: $300 11 IM JOHN DANIEL BRYANT CA 120.15 10th: $200 12 GM RUIFENG LI TX 111.38 13 GM ANTON KOVALYOV TX 102.70

14 IM JAY RICHARD BONIN NY 100.36 The Grand Prix point totals reflect all 15 GM TX 94.75 rated event information as of October 2, 2018 for the 2018 Grand Prix.

2018 US CHESS JUNIOR GRAND PRIX STANDINGS The top prize for 2018 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 2019 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!

Name State Pts. State Leaders State Pts. State Leaders State Pts. GANGAVARAPU, SREEKAR IL 10597 KACZANOWSKI, AIDAN P IN 4916 NARKEERAN, MADHAVAN PA 6380 KUNAMNENI, MEGHANA MA 10057 MOERLIEN, PUWIT SKY KS 3768 VAIJAEEPAY, VAISHNAVI RI 3281 PHAM, LINDA IL 8707 SHAWKAT, SAIF KY 5128 HELFERICH, LUCAS TYLER SC 1830 FAN, JERRY NY 8626 MAYEUX, BENJAMIN THOMAS LA 3744 TAO, ARTHUR SD 1366 SHANKAR, PRANAV NJ 8004 HAN, HENRY YU-FENG MA 5062 VAZQUEZ MACCARINI, DANI TERR 972 GUO, ANDREW MD 5621 ZHAO, ERIC TN 4477 State Leaders State Pts. KALLOR, DENNIS ME 3842 OBEROI, SHELEV TX 7433 BRUNI, XAVIER AL 3114 SONG, JUSTIN MI 6937 RAY, UJAN UT 4007 BJORK, LUKE D AR 1997 KONEZNY, STUART MN 3024 TAY, BRIAN VA 6640 REMPE, JONAS JAKOB RAZA AZ 5542 ZHOU, CELINA MO 6720 COLLINS, ALEXANDER VT 2943 KOLAY, ALEX CA-N 5267 GRIFFIN, GABRIEL MS 4401 CHANG, EDDIE WA 4739 ANDRANIGIAN, RAFI CA-S 5471 WALTHALL, THOMAS KASEY MT 2800 PHIPPS, DANIEL WI 5582 BHAVIKATTI, NEIL CO 2517 DURBHA, ANTARA NC 6628 ELLIS, ANYA WV 2182 SU, JASMINE ZHIXIN CT 4918 KOLLI, SAI NE 3158 MARES, ISAIAH WY 501 STEINER, ADAMSON DC 6095 TIRUVEEDHULA, SUHAVI NH 2899 LUO, TERRY DE 6504 SURALIK, DIANA SOPHIA NJ 6511 WU, DERRICK K FL 4448 LUO, DANIEL NM 2190 MYDUKUR, AMIT GA 6444 BAO, CHRIS NV 2559 CHEN, MARK Y A HI 4669 YU, SICHENG NY 7678 LODH, ANJALI IA 4522 SONI, ARJUN OH 6558 SHEPARD, RIVER CHARLES ID 2975 BARNES, MAXWELL OK 3278 BAMMIDI, RAHUL IL 7640 SOIFFER, DUNCAN SMITH OR 4126 Official standings for events received and processed by October 10, 2018.

51 JulyAugust 2018 2017 | Chess | Chess Life Life www.uschess.org 51 Tournament Life / November Bids Note: Organizers previously awarded options for US Chess National Events must still submit proposals (including sample budgets) for their National Events events. Note: Tournament memberships not valid for National events OVERDUE BIDS Please contact the National Office if you are See TLA in this issue for details interested in bidding for a National Event. US Chess recommends that bids be submitted 2018 U.S. Class Championships November 9-11 or 10-11 • Plymouth, Minnesota according to the following schedule. 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The US Chess website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details) unofficial ratings. The purpose of unofficial rat- 2019 National High School (K-12) Championship March 15-17 • Schaumburg, Illinois ings is to inform you of your progress; however, 2019 All-Girls National Championships April 12-14 • Chicago, Illinois most tournaments do not use them for pairing or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be 2019 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 26-28 • Grapevine, Texas unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating 2019 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 10-12 • Nashville, Tennessee at their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy. 2019 U.S. Cadet (Invitational) Championship June 20-23 • Milpitas, California 2019 U.S. Senior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois NOTE The TLA pages “Information for Organizers, 2019 U.S. Junior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Play- 2019 U.S. Game/10 Championship July 26 • Charlotte, North Carolina ers” can now be found online at main.uschess.org/ 2019 U.S. Game/30 Championship July 27 • Charlotte, North Carolina go/tlainfo. 2019 U.S. Game/60 Championship July 28 • Charlotte, North Carolina PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS HEALTH AND 120th annual (2019) U.S. Open August 3-11 • Orlando, Florida BENEFITS FUND Many Grand Prix tournament organizers will 2019 U.S. Class Championships September 27-29 • Santa Clara, California contribute $1 per player to the Professional 2019 K-12 Grade Championships December 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida Health & Benefits Fund. All Grand Prix tour- 2020 National High School (K-12) Championship April 3-5 • Memphis, Tennessee naments which participate in this program are entitled to be promoted to the next higher 2020 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 24-26 • Jacksonville, Florida Grand Prix category—for example, a six-point 2020 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee tournament would become a 10-point (Enhanced) 121st annual (2020) U.S. Open August 8-16 • Saint Charles, Missouri tournament. Points in the top category are pro- moted 50%. 2020 K-12 Grade Championships December 11-13 • Orlando, Florida ATTENTION AFFILIATES 2021 SuperNationals VII May 7-9 • Nashville, Tennessee US Chess has partnered with R.V. Nuccio & 122nd annual (2021) U.S. Open July 31-August 8 • Cherry Hill, New Jersey Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide 2021 K-12 Grade Championships December 3-5 • Orlando, Florida US Chess affiliates with affordable annual lia- bility and short term event insurance. The 2022 National High School (K-12) Championship April 8-10 • Memphis, Tennessee liability coverage is available for approximately 2022 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 29-May 1 • Grapevine, Texas $265 per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insur- 2022 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 13-15 • Columbus, Ohio ance. Also available is contents property and bonding insurance. For more information, please 123rd annual (2022) U.S. Open July 29-August 7 • Rancho Mirage, California go to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federation.html. For 2022 K-12 Grade Championships December 9-11 • National Harbor, Maryland event insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com. 2023 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 12-14 • Baltimore, Maryland

52 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

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Classes D, E, & Unr: Entry $65 by 10/20/18, San Jose, CA 95131, make check payable to BayAreaChess. Prizes: $75 by 11/8/18, $90 thereafter and at site. Advanced Reg: Online at Plaques to Top 5 teams, Top Division II, III, IV, V, International, Community Nationals www.onlineregistration.cc or mail checks to: MSCA (Minnesota State College, All-Female Teams, Top Individual Boards and other special prizes. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Chess Association), Suite 134, 1121 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, Details on webpage. Schedule: Onsite reg: 12/27 10a-3p; Coach meeting NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, MINNESOTA MN 55413. Checks payable: MSCA. TWO SIDE EVENTS: Saturday Night 4-4:30p; Opening ceremony: 4:30-6p; Rounds: 12/27 6p; 12/28 10a, 5p; US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 Blitz Tournament (USCF-Rated, 7SS, G/5 d0); Sunday Tornado Tournament 12/29 10a,.5p; 12/30: 9a; Award ceremony: 3p; College Chess Committee 2018 U.S. CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS (USCF-Rated, 4SS, G/35 d5). 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Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Dr., Orlando, FL. $150. 1st $800 + plaque - 2nd $400 - 3rd $250 Guest rooms can be booked, NLT 11/19/2018, by calling (866) 996-6338 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Class C (1400-1599): or (407) 996-6338, mention “US Chess”. $125 Single/Quad (fees and - 4th $150. Class D (1200-1399): 1st $300 + plaque - 2nd $200 - 3rd HR: FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, FLORIDA applicable taxes not included). 13 Sections. Play only in your grade $150 - 4th $100. Class E (Under 1200): 1st $300 + plaque - 2nd $200 2019 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - SOUTH section – No “playing up” allowed. December Rating Supplement will be 5SS, G/120 d5 (2-day Option Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Ramada Gateway, 7470 - 3rd $150 - 4th $100; U1000 Trophy; U800 Trophy; U600 Trophy. Unrated used. Only one 1/2-point bye available, any round except Round 7, if Section: 1st $200 + plaque - 2nd $125 - 3rd $75. All Sections: 5SS, W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL 34747. 4-player teams requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of top three (with one optional alternate). Minutes away from Disney, Universal, FORMATs & ROUND TIMES: 3-Day Schedule: On-site Registration: (minimum two) finishers from each school per grade. First place individual Friday (Nov. 9th) from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Time Control: G/90 + 30 second etc. February temperature mid-70’s. Two sections (each paired and team, including ties, will be the National Champion for their grade. separately & with their own prizes). Team average (4 highest ratings - increment. Master/ Expert section FIDE-RATED Round Times: Friday, Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 PM. Rds.: Fri. 1 PM – 6 PM, Sat. Nov. 9: 8pm. Saturday, Nov. 10: 12pm – 5:00pm. Sunday, Nov. 11: 10am January Supplement) must be under 2200 for Open section & under 10 AM - 2 PM - 6 PM, Sun. 9 AM - 1 PM. Awards Ceremony: Sun., approx. 1500 for U1500 section. Winning team in Open section qualifies for - 3pm. 2-Day Schedule: On-site Registration: Saturday (Nov. 10th) from 5 PM. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sat. 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Time Control: Rounds 1-2 G/60 delay 5 seconds. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sun. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM. K-1 Awards Cere- National playoff online. EF: Per player: $54 by 2/3, $64 later. SPECIAL Team (one entry must be made for all players) $190 by 2/3, $220 Master/Expert section Rounds 1-2 NOT FIDE-RATED! Round Times: Sat- mony: Sun. approx. 4:30 PM. EF: $60/participant postmarked or online EF: urday, Nov. 10: 10am - 1pm - 5pm. Sunday, Nov. 11: 10am - 3pm. NOTE: by 11/26, $80 postmarked or online by 12/3, $95 by 12/13, $100 on site; later (any team changes $10). Teams from outside Florida will receive Both Schedules merge at Round 3. USCF membership required. BYES: $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $30 fee for roster or section $25 off team entry fee. Scholastic teams (same school) receive $10 off Two 1/2-point byes allowed for any Round [except the last round in changes after 12/6 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 team entry fee. PRIZES: Top 1st-3rd place teams & Top Boards 1-4 in the Master/Expert section. However, you must advise the tournament AM to 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM to 11 AM. Players who register or change sections each section; Top teams: Open section: U2000 & U1800; U1500 section: director and commit to the bye(s) prior to the start of Round 3. ENTRY after 11 AM on Friday will receive a 1/2-point bye for Rd. 1. Awards: Top U1300 & U1000. Also in Open section: Top Senior team (all 50 & FEES: Classes M/EX, A, B, & C: Entry $95 by 10/20/18, $105 by 11/8/18, Trophies to top individuals & top teams in each grade. Every player above as of 2/8), Top College team (same school). Also in U1500 section: Top Female team, Top High School team (same school), Top Middle School team (same school, grades 6-8), Top Elementary School team (same school). Schedule: 3-day: 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat. 10; Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:30, 6:45, Sun. 9:30, 2:45. HR: Inn rooms: $57 until cut-off date, Tower rooms: $72 until cut-off date, Reservations TOURNAMENT LIFE: ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS can be made by calling 800-327-9170 (mention “chess tournament” All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised. for these special group rates). Free parking, Internet, refrigerator (Tower rooms also include a microwave), and transportation to Disney, Blitz rated. Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers Universal and other attractions. Group guests also receive 10% off at BLZ: Memb. Hotel food facilities. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 NW Executive QC: Quick Chess events. req’d: to state affiliate. Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry & addl info: www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. $$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong players, but some eligible for lower sections can Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed to US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $$b/x: play for the learning experience. FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, ILLINOIS payfull prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised 4-player round robin sections; similar strength 2019 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - NORTH prize fund of $501 or more must be awarded. Quad: Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2-day: rd.1-2 G/60 d5. Hyatt Regency players. Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. 847-605-1234, RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. $100.00 chess rate single-double-triple-quad until 2/4/19, Free WiFI inconvenient to play may take 1⁄2-point byes included with Room! Please reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means 1⁄2-point Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings - January byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3. example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & Rating List) must be under 2200. EF: 3-day $160, per team if received USPS or online 6 PM by February 1st, $180 if received USPS or on-line 6 CC: Chess club. 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day. PM by Feb. 9, $200 on-line until Feb. 15 6 PM and at door. Individuals dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. wishing to play (note: we can guarantee you will play, but won’t guarantee Reg: Registration at site. which schedule or the ratings of your team), send $50 and request to be +xx: Time increment, xx = number of seconds added Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). put on a team by USPS and on-line by 2/10 6 PM, $60 thereafter. Team after each move. RR: changes on site or after 2/15 6 PM $20. Check out official website EF: Entry fee. SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game www.chessweekend.com for more info and complete prize list. follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each Prizes:Awards to top 3 teams, topff teams with average rating u1900, Ent: Where to mail entries. player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then u1600, u1300, and U1000. Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. Awards for Best Team Name, best team composed of juniors (high school FIDE: complete the rest of the game in an hour. and younger), Top College team, Top HS team, Top Senior team (50 and G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of over), Top Mixed doubles team, Best costume or theme. Prizes to top 75 minutes for the entire game. rounds). score on each board. Prizes are Amazon gift cards. Rounds: 3-day: onsite registration/check-in 5:30-6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 10:00am & 4:00pm, 10:00am GPP: Grand Prix Points available. Unr: Unrated. & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site registration/check-in from 8:00-9:30am, rds. HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Midwest Blitz Championship single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. on Saturday night, $550 b/30 entries, $25 by 2/13 USPS or on-line, $30 WEB: Tournaments that will use a player’s online rating. at site. First round 8 PM, 2 games with each opponent, 5 rounds, see JGP: Junior Grand Prix. www.chessweekend.com for details. All: Register at www.kingregis- tration.com after 11/15/18. Checks made payable to and sent to: ChessWeekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423. Please include team’s name and roster (plus ID#), captain’s email and phone number, and

www.uschess.org 53 Tournament Life / November

desired schedule. Info: www.chessweekend.com, glenn@chessweekend Scholastic on Feb. 16 only, Blitz on Feb 18 only. Santa Clara Convention Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffles with great .com no phone calls please. Boards and Sets will be provided, please bring Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Free Parking! Teams: Four-player prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Free Daily clocks. teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest must be Bulletins. Grandmaster Simuls and Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. under 2200, difference between ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than U.S. Women’s Open Tuesday and Wednesday. Memorial A Heritage Event! 1000. January 2018 Supplement, CCA min, & TD discretion used to place Saturday 10:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Blitz Youth Tournaments players accurately. Main Event Prizes: Special 4 commemorative clocks Blitz Sectionals Friday & Sunday. Poker Tournament Monday Morning. FEB. 16-18, NEW JERSEY and team trophy to the team for Top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, Don’t be shut out - make your reservations early and be sure to ask for WORLD AMATEUR TEAM & 2019 U.S. TEAM EAST u1800, u1600, u1400, and u1200. Trophies to all players of the top “Female” the CHESS group (SVCF9-R) rates — $69 single or double ($95 Friday and CHAMPIONSHIP team, top “College” team, top “High School” team, top “Elementary School” Saturday nights) guarantees a premium room with new furniture, refrig- 6SS, 40/2, SD/30 delay 5. Parsippany Hilton 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany,NJ team, top “Club” team, and top “Family” team. Clocks to top scorer on erator, flat screen TV and more. The resort fee including access to the 07054. Chess Rate valid until 1/17. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or each board (1-4), trophy to top reserve as well as second and third scorers Fitness Center, free WI-FI, and more is substantially discounted for our 1- 800-HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to on each board (1-4). Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main Event group. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 23; after that rates will 4- player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest EF: $299/team or $79/player by 2/10. 2/11-15: $20 extra per player or increase significantly and there may not be any rooms available. ratings—2019 January Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $199 post- $80 per team & Onsite. A change fee equal to the late fee will apply for (800) 732-7117 or www.VegasChessFestival.com/hotel. ENT: Vegas marked by 2/5/19. ALL-$240 after or at door.—all teams, any changes any changes, other than bye requests within 3 days of the tournament. 3- Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925, online at at site $25 charge. ENTRY MAXIMUM IS 325 TEAMS. Enter early! Onsite Registration @ Sat 9-10a, Round Times @ Sat & Sun www.VegasChessFestival.com. Info: (702) 930-9550 and leave a mes- Check out official website . 1-5th Place teams, day Sched: www.njscf.org Prizes: 11a 4:30p, Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: 40/120 SD/30 d5. 2-day Sched: sage. FIDE. W. plaque and 4 digital clocks; Top Team (Denis Barry Award) U2100, Onsite Registration @ Sun 8-8:30a, Round Times @ Sun 9a 11:30a 2p 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, , 1200, 1000 each plaque 1300 4:30p; Mon 10a 3:30p. Time Control: G/61 d5 in Rounds 1-3, 40/120 SD/30 and ; Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks 4 Digital Clocks d5 in Rounds 4-6 (merge in Round 4 with 3-day schedule). ; Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School Info/flyer: & plaque www.BayAreaChess.com/usatw. Trophies to Grand Prix (grades 5-9 same school), Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same Scholastic Event Prizes: each player in Top 3 teams overall, Top u1200 team, u900 team, u600 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) ( ), Collins Award NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, FLORIDA Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all players team, u300 team. Trophies to top “Girls” team, top “School” team, and top “Club” team. Trophies to top two scorers on each board (1-4). Com- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team; Company Team (same employer), Family (4 family members), State memorative medals to all others. Scholastic Event EF: $179/team or 17TH ANNUAL TURKEY BOWL $49/player by 2/11. 2/12-17: $15 extra per player or $60 per team & 5SS, G/90+30 sec. incr., teams—CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY (Benjamin Award), PA, VA, each plaque Open section (FIDE-rated) All other sections Onsite. Onsite Registration: Sat 8-9a | Games @ Sat 10a 11:30a G/120 d5, G/90 d5 (2-day Option all sections top team ; Special Plaque: Top Future team, (all players under age 10), Sched: but U1100 U1100 section 1p 2:20p 3:40p. www.BayAreaChess.com/usatws. Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Embassy Suites, 4350 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Top Military College, Top Parent/Child (2 pairs, one parent, one child), Info/flyer: Blitz Event: Registration Mon 6-7pm, Rounds 7:30-9:30pm. EF: $14, $16 onsite. 75% of FL 33410. b/200 paid entries, 65% min. Gtd. $1000/Turkey Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0 scores each Digital clock. $$10,000 Open: Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross pen; Entry fee entry fees returned as prizes. Contact: Organized by Judit Sztaray. Directed Bowl-700-500, U2300/Unr. $400-300. U2100: $800/Trophy-500-400, refunded to team with Best “Chess related” name, Sunday night— Best by Tom Langland, John McCumiskey, and others. Sponsored by Bay Area U1950 $300-250, U1850 $150. U1750: $800/Trophy-500-400, U1650 $300- “Chess Related costumes or gimmick”—1st-gourmet dinner for four. Chess. Online entry at www.BayAreaChess.com/my/usatw or mail to Bay 250. U1450:$800/Trophy-500-400, U1350/Unr. $300-250. U1100: Trophies for 1st to 3rd, 1st U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. 2nd—Gourmet dinner for 4. Area Chess, 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. For questions Top Senior Prize Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/16: Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, (among all cash prize sections, must be at least 55 on November 9) $200. Sunday or help in forming teams email [email protected]. W. 9-3:30. Surprises and special give-aways each round. Unr. may enter Open, U1450 or U1100 only. Unr. only eligible for Unr. night—Bughouse $20 per team. Cash prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Prizes in Open & U1450. All but U1100 $89 by November 6, $10 more ! NEW LIGHTS! HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING! EF: NEWLY RENOVATED JUNE 11-12, NEVADA later, $15 more on-site, GMs & IMs free ($89 deducted from prize). U1100 Chess rates expire 1/17/2019. Rates $123(Single, Double) $125 (Triple, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) section $44 by November 6, $10 more later, $15 more on-site. Re-entry Quad) 2nd hotel attached to Hilton $130 per night (Single-Double) $132 2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN cash prize sections $45. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day (Triple, Quad)-Hampton Inn—-includes breakfast each day. For help 5SS, G/90, +30. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30; 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. forming teams and more information contact: . 2-Day all sec- [email protected] Road, Las Vegas 89109. $$3,500 Guaranteed Prize Fund. $1000-600- tions but U1100 6:30, 3rd Rd. U1100 5:45; 4th Rd. Sun. all sections Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/05/19 to: NJSCF, 17 Stonehenge 400, U2000 $350-200, U1800 $250-150, U1600 $200-100, U1400 $150-100. 9:30, 4th Rd. 10:00; 5th Rd. 2:30. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if , . (Include Team name, Captain, players but U1100 U1100 Road, Morristown NJ 07960 EF: $99 by 5/23, $125 later. REG.: 8:30-9 a.m. RDS.: 9:30-2:30-7, 9:30- req’d before rd. 2. HR: $139 by cut-off date, includes complimentary full names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board order). No 2:00. Half point bye available in any round (limit 1). HR: $69 ($95 Friday cooked-to-order breakfast, two-hour beverage reception nightly, Internet, team can include more than two GM’s. Include SASE for confirmation if and Saturday nights) (800) 732-7117 ask for the CHESS rates. This refrigerator & microwave, free parking. Call 561-622-1000 and mention wanted, No registered or certified mail accepted. W. event kicks off the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL on group code “ATB”. Each suite also comes with a sleeper sofa. Ent: Boca US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Tuesday before the National Open. ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Raton Chess Club, 2385 NW Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or online at www.VegasChess- 33431. $10 service charge for refunds. Online entry & add’l info: 2019 (35TH ANNUAL) U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Festival.com. FIDE. W. www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. - WEST An American Classic! A Heritage Event! A Heritage Event! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, OHIO JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) 27TH ANNUAL KINGS ISLAND OPEN CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE 2019 NATIONAL OPEN 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Embassy Suites Open Section June 12-16: 9-SS, 40/90, SD/30, +30. GM & IM norms More details at chesstour.com. For late Cincinnati NE, 4554 Lake Forest Dr., Blue Ash, OH 45242 (I-71 to Exit 15 or possible. Under Sections June 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16: 7-SS, 40/90, I-275N to Exit 47). Free parking. $$ 30,000 based on 350 paid entries news, hotel availability, lectures, results, SD/30, +30 (3-day rounds 1-2 G/60, +10, 2-day rounds 1-4 G/30, +5). (GMs, re-entries & U1000 Section count as half entries); minimum $24,000 games, etc, sign up for free CCA Newsletter at Beginners Section June 14, 15, and 16: 6-SS G/30, +5. Westgate (80% each prize) guaranteed. 7 sections: Major (1800/up): $3000-1500- chesscalendar.com or chesstour.com. Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas 89109. $$100,000 Guar- 700-500-300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, top U2300 $1600-800. FIDE. Most tournaments have alternate schedules anteed Prize Fund will not be reduced! In 8 sections, top 2 FIDE rated. Under 2100:$2000-1000-500-400-300. Under 1900: $2000-1000-500-400- with less or more days than below. Open: $8,000-4,000-2,000-1,000-600-500-400-300-300-300, top under 300. Under 1700: $1800-900-500-300-200. Under 1500: $1500-800-400- Asterisk means full details in this issue- 2500 $2,500, top under 2400 $2,400, Extra $2,500 divided among GMs, 300-200. Under 1250: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1000: $800-400- WGMs and foreign IMs winning less than $250 and playing 9 rounds. The otherwise, see future issues or chesstour.com. 250-150-100. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined winner of the Open section also receives a replica of the Edmondson Cup. score among all sections: $1000-500-300. Must average under 2200; may Events in red offer FIDE chances. Under 2300: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-300-250-250-250. Under play in different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 11/10; prize 11/9-11: Kings Island Open, Blue Ash OH* 2100: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-300-250-250-250. Under 1900: limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Unrated prize limits: U1000 $100, 11/23-25: National Chess Congress, Philadelphia* $5,000-2500-1250-600-350-300-250-250-250-250. Under 1700: $4,000- U1250 $200, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, U1900 $600. Balance goes to next 12/26-30: North American Open, Las Vegas NV* 2,000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under 1500: 3000-1500-700- player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: $118 online at chessaction.com by 12/27-29: Empire City Open, New York NY* 350-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under 1300: $2000-1,000-500-300-250- 11/7, 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed by 10/31, $140 at site or online until 1/4-6: Boston Chess Congress, Boston MA* 250-250, top under 1000 (no provisional) $900. Provisionally rated players 2 hrs before rd. 1. GMs, $100 from prize. Under 1000 Section EF: all $40 may not win an amount greater than 40% of top prize in any under section; less than above. online EF $5 less.. No checks at site, 1/18-21: Golden State Open, Concird CA* OCA members: All: balance goes to next player(s) in line. Beginners (unrated or provisionally credit cards OK. Re-entry $60; not available in Major. Unofficial uschess.org 1/18-21: Liberty Bell Open, Philadelphia PA* rated under 1300): 3 schedules with 6 rounds per day $200-125-75 each ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with 2/14-18: Southwest Class, Fort Worth TX* day plus $300 overall (best 2 results). Unrated players may play only in magazine if paid with entry- online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young 2/22-24: Geo Washington Open, Falls Church VA* Beginners or Open Section. Plus-Score Bonus: ($12,000 guaranteed) in Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, 3/1-3: Western Class, Van Nuys CA* addition to any other prizes, every player with a plus score wins a $50 gift Scholastic $17. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 certificate. Plus score certificates will be awarded on site only. & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 3/9-10: NY State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs* Mixed Doubles: best male/female combined 2-player team score: $1,500-750- & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all; limit 2, Major must commit by rd. 2, 3/15-17: Southern Class, Orlando FL 350-250-150. Average rating below 2200, teammates may play in different others by rd. 3. HR: Suite with king bed & queen couch/bed $107, suite 3/22-24: Mid-America Open, Saint Louis MO sections, only rounds 1-7 count for Open Section or best day for Beginners. with 2 beds & queen couch/bed $117, more than 2 in room $10 more 4/5-7: Eastern Class Champs, Sturbridge MA The Freddie: Players age 14 and under are eligible for best game prizes each additional. Free hot breakfast for all room occupants, free wifi. Up to 4/17-21: Foxwoods Open, Mashantucket CT* including the Freddie Award and $400 in cash prizes (donated by Fred 4 allowed in king suite, to 6 in larger suite. 513-733-8900, reserve by 11/1 5/17-19: , Lake George NY Gruenberg). CCA minimum ratings or other ratings may be used if higher or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve through chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & cheapest trans- 5/23-27: , Wheeling IL than US Chess June Supplement. EF: Open: $239 by 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later. $125 more for players rated below 2200. GM, WGM & foreign portation from Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Chessaction.com or Continental 6/9-11: Northeast Open, Stamford CT IM free. $80 less for IM, WIM, foreign FM/WFM. Under sections: $239 by Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Chesstour.com, [email protected], 6/14-16: Continental Class, Falls Church VA 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later. Beginners: $125 1 day, $189 2 days, $229 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at 6/21-23: Pittsburgh Open, Pittsburgh PA 3 days. $30 more after 6/11. All: Early Bird Loyalty discount $40 less for chessaction.com (click on “entry list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sat 6/27-7/1: Philadelphia International, Phila PA players who have played in 2 of the last 10 National Opens and enter 9:30 pm, reg. by 9:15 pm. 6/28-30: Philadelphia Open, Philadelphia PA before 1/31. Senior over 65 $40 less by 6/11. Open Reg: 5-6 p.m. Wednes- NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, MINNESOTA 7/3-7: World Open, Philadelphia PA day. Rds.: 7:30, 1-7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 4-day schedule: Reg.: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 2-6 p.m. Thursday. Rds.: 7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: 7/19-21: Chicago Class, Wheeling IL 2018 U.S. CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds. 10:30-1:30 then merge with 4-day in See Nationals. 7/19-21: Pacific Coast Open, Van Nuys CA round 3 at 5:30. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 9:30- 7/19-21: , Orlando FL 11-1-2:30 then merge with 4-day in round 5 at 4:30. Half point byes available US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 8/14-18: Continental Open, Sturbridge MA in rounds 1-7; Sunday byes must be requested before the start of round 2 NOV. 10, NEW YORK and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) For later events, see chesstour.com. play only, not for skittles. Please bring digital chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS 4TH ANNUAL SENECA LAKE OPEN INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S. Presbyterian Church, 24 Park Place, Geneva, NY 14456. 4 Round Swiss, Women’s Open, Youth Championship, and other events. G/65 d5 all rds. 2 Sections: Open, U1600, EF: $40 all sections, $25 youth

54 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

under 18, Add $10 at door. Guaranteed Prize Fund Over $2000. $$ Open: ditions must play all rounds. Schedule: Onsite registration if not full, 11/16 than rating for additional fee. SCHEDULE: 5/SS. Rds 1-2 G/90 d5, Rds. 3- 500, 300, 200, 100; U1600: 250, 175, 100, 50; Upset Prize in each section at 1pm-1:30 pm. Opening Ceremony at 5:30 pm. Rds.: Rd on 11/16 at 6 5 40/2, SD/1 d5; Rds: 10-1:30-5, 9-4. 1/2 pt byes allowed for all rounds 50. Additional Section Prizes based on entries: totaling 275 minimum. pm; 11/17 at 10 am and 5 pm; 11/18 at 10 am and 5 pm; 11/19 at 5 pm; but must be requested prior to start of Round 2 (max 2). PRIZES: (Cham- Rds.: 10, 12:15, 3:00, 5:15. Free bottled water & snacks. $150 in door 11/20 at 10 am and 5 pm; 11/21 at 10 am. HR: $113-$113-$113-$113 pionship) $$G: $600-400-200, Top U2200/Unr $200; (Class A/B) $$b/40: prizes. Entries to:Jonathan Porschet, 191 White Springs Rd., Geneva, NY includes free breakfast, 972-234-3300 mention UTD to get $113 rate. $300-200, Top U1800/Unr $125; (Class C/D) $$b/30: $200-100, Top 14456. Checks to Jonathan Porschet. Questions: [email protected]. Reserve by 10/29 or rate may go up. Hotel will provide guests free rides U1400/Unr $75 (U1200/Unr) $$b/30 $125-100-75. EF: (Championship) (base on availability) to anywhere within 3 miles. Make checks payable to FREE for GM/IM/WGM/WIM, $65 if rec’d by 11/12, $75 if after 11/12; US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Dallas Chess Club. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, (Class A/B and Class C/D) $50 if rec’d by 11/12, $60 if after 11/12; NOV. 10-11, VIRGINIA TX 76036. 214.632.9000. INFO: Barb Swafford or Luis Salinas, info@dal- (U1200/Unrated) $40 if rec’d by 11/12, $50 if after 11/12; “Playing Up” US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 laschess.com or [email protected]. www.utdallas.edu/chess. FIDE. Additional $20 for each section you wish to play above your rating class. 22ND ANNUAL NORTHERN ! ENTER: http://events4chess.com/events/?event_ID=915 or mail to (make 5SS. US Chess and FIDE-rated, FIDE Rules, 30-minute default period for A Heritage Event! checks payable to “Rookery Chess”): 2018 Rookery Open, PMB 215, 4729 late arrivals. Hotel and Tournament Site: Washington Dulles Airport US Chess Junior Grand Prix! E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ 85718 or at site Reg: 11/17 8:30-9:30 AM. HR: Marriott, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166, 703-471-9500. Chess Rate: NOV. 17-18, TENNESSEE $85 (includes breakfast) by 11/2 for chess rate, mention group code “ROOK- $109 plus 13% tax, identify yourself as “Northern Virginia Open Chess US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 ERY CHESS”; Call 520-795-0330. INFO: Karen Pennock, 520-261-3176, Tournament”, reserve by Fri. Oct 12. PRIZE: $$4000-GUARANTEED, $900, 59TH MID-SOUTH OPEN email: [email protected], web: www.events4chess.com. W. $600, $400, $290, $235, Top X/A/B/C/D/ $225 each, Top U1200-UNR 5SS, G/120 d5. Site: IBEW Local 474, 1870 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN $200, Top Upset Sat & Sun $125 each. Reg.: www.vachess.org, Onsite Fri 38104. Three Sections: Open, U1700, and U1000. $1700 Prizes are A State Championship Event! 11/9 7-10PM, Sat 11/10 7:30-8:45AM. Rds.: Sat. 9:30-2:30-7, Sun. 09:30- based on 35 paid entries in top 2 sections. Open: $550, $300, $200. NOV. 18, ILLINOIS 3:30; TC: Sat G/90 inc/30, Sun. 40/90, SD/30 inc/30. EF: $80 thru 11/3, U1700: $350, $200, $100. Entry Fee: $50 early by Nov 10, $60 late. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 $95 starting 11/4 and on site. VCF membership required for VA residents. MCC Members $50 anytime; Masters: free (EF deducted from winnings). 2018 ILLINOIS CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP Entries: Online www.vachess.org or Postal Mail to Anand Dommalapati, Use PayPal to pay early EF up to registration time on Saturday! www.mem- An Illinois Chess Tour Event. 4/SS. Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago/ ATTN: NoVA Open, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151. Checks payable phischess.com/midsouth59.html Rounds: 9-2-7; 9-2. U1000 Trophy Naperville, 1823 Arbiter Court, Naperville, IL 60563, 630-799-5900. Sections to “VCF” or “Virginia Chess.” Byes: See website. Info: www.vachess.org Section: 4SS, G/45 d5; Saturday only; Entry Fee: $15. Trophies for top G/60 d5: M/X, A, B, C, D, E. Sections G/45 d5: U1000, U800. Nov. supple- or [email protected], 703-627-5314. No email or phone entries. 3 overall, top U800 and top U600. Round 1 at 9am, next rounds ASAP ment determines eligibility. Schedules: M/X through Class E (G/60 d5): (as soon as possible). On-site Registration: November 17, 2018 - 10, 12:30, 3, 5:30. U1000 and U800 (G/45 d5): 10, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30. One US Chess Junior Grand Prix! half-point bye OK any round, must commit by end of round 2. Prizes (fully NOV. 16-21, TEXAS 7:30am-8:45am. Send mail entries to: MCC, P.O. Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187. Email: [email protected]. guaranteed):M/X $500-200-50; A thru D: $150-75-50; E, U1000, U800: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) Trophies to 1-2-3, medals to 4-5. Entry Fee: $50 M/X and Class A-D; $30 2018 UT DALLAS FALL FIDE OPEN US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Class E, U1000, U800 at kingregistration.com or USPS postmarked by 9SS. G/90 +30sec from move 1. Embassy Suites Dallas – Park Central, NOV. 17-18, VIRGINIA 11/9. $10 increase on all EFs after 11/9. Class A, B, C, D, E (1000-1199) 13131 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75243. GM & IM norms pos- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 players may play up ONE class for $20 play-up fee. 800-999 players may sible! Min. 2000 FIDE or 2200 USCF required. Prizes $7,500 G: 26TH ANNUAL DAVID ZOFCHAK MEMORIAL play up to Class E at no add. charge. U800 players rated 600 and up may $$3000-1500-1000, U2500 $$1000, U2300 $$1000. EF: GMs, foreign IMs, 5SS, G/120 d5. Site: Sleep Inn Lake Wright, 1521 Premium Outlets Blvd., play up to U1000 at no add. charge. $5 discount for ICA members (annual 2500+: Free; 2450-2499: $100; 2400-2449 $150; 2350-2399: $200; 2300- Norfolk, VA 23502, 757-461-6251. EF: $55 if rec’d. by 11/15 else $65. dues $15 regular, $10 scholastic), join at www.il-chess.org. Mail checks 2349 $250; 2250-2299: $300; 2200-2249 $350; 2100-2199: $400; 2000-2099 Prizes: $2000 b/o 45. Sections: OPEN Section $$350-$$225-$$160 All postmarked by 11/13/18 to Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, $450; U2000: $500; Unr: $700; $75 discount to all non-US Federation place prizes guaranteed - Top Expert $150 - Top A $125. U1800 Section IL 60423. No phone entries. Free entry if requested by 10/9 to Illinois players. FIDE ratings used for EF/pairings/prizes. Note that entry fees $$270 -$170 - $130 Top C/Unr $120 - Top D $110 – Top E $100 - U1000 GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, WFMs; email [email protected] based on FIDE ratings when a player registers. The entry fee will not go up $90. Reg.: 8:30-9:10. Rds.: Sat: 9:30-2:00-7:00, Sun: 9:30-2:00. Mbr: to request. On-site registration: 8:30-9:30am. Entries after cutoff receive or down if a player’s rating changes., Tournament will be run using FIDE VCF $15/Jr $8. req. for VA residents HR: $59 w/free breakfast. Please 1/2-point byes for round 1. Boards, sets, and clocks will be provided by Rules. Non-US Federation players must have/provide a FIDE ID number or reserve by 10/13. Entry & checks: Virginia Chess, 1370 S. Braden Cres., The Illinois Chess Association. All special rules, details, and tournament they cannot play. (New players can get a FIDE ID number from their Norfolk, VA 23502. Info only: [email protected] (757) 853-5296. conditions subject to change without notice; changes will be posted ASAP Country’s Federation.) This tournament is open to players with FIDE Ratings On-line entry and details www.vachess.org. at the site & online. INFO: [email protected]. above 2000 (a few special exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Organizers.) Note that anyone rated USCF 2200 is also eligible to play but US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A State Championship Event! must pay Entry Fees according to their FIDE Ratings. To improve chances NOV. 17-18, ARIZONA NOV. 18, PENNSYLVANIA to make GM Norms, a maximum of one-third of the total field will be US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 permitted to be U2200 FIDE. May use accelerated pairings if in the opinion 2018 ROOKERY OPEN 2018 PA STATE GAME/15 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC) of the Chief Arbiter, IA Francisco Guadalupe, that would improve norm La Quinta Inn and Suites, 102 N. Alvernon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85711, 520-795- 7SS, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow chances. Tournament is limited to a total of around 50 players. Limited 0330. SECTIONS: Championship (2000+), Class A/B (1600-1999), Class Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 2 Sections: Champ: EF: $25 by 11/10, conditions to the first 3 GMs or IM that apply. Foreign players that get con- C/D (1200-1599), U1200/Unrated. Players may play in a higher section $35 later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

GOLD Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 US Chess memberships during the Bay Area Chess Continental Chess Association current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to become 2050 Concourse Drive #42 San Jose, CA 95131 P.O. Box 8482 a Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a special list in larger type in Tournament Life 408-409-6596 Pelham, NY 10803 each month, giving the affiliate name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and website. [email protected] [email protected] Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month www.bayareachess.com www.chesstour.com remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver Af- filiation. By paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for memberships submitted. Cajun Chess Marshall Chess Club 12405 Hillary Step Drive 23 West 10th Street Olive Branch, MS 38654 New York, NY 10011 SILVER Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 US Chess memberships during 504-208-9596 212-477-3716 the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to [email protected] [email protected] www.cajunchess.com www.marshallchessclub.org become a Silver Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized in a special list in Tourna- ment Life each month, giving the affiliate name, state, and choice of either phone num- ber, e-mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs $150 per year, and existing Chess Club and PaperClip Pairings affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation. Alter- Scholastic Center c/o Remy Ferrari natively, for an annual payment of $250.00 (instead of $150), the requirement for a of Saint Louis 4 Jalapa Court minimum number of US Chess members will be waived. 4657 Maryland Avenue Brownsville, TX 78526 St. Louis, MO 63108 956-621-0377 Berkeley Chess School (CA) Jersey Shore HS Chess League Oklahoma Chess Foundation 314-361-CHESS [email protected] (NJ) (OK) www.berkeleychessschool.org [email protected] [email protected] www.OCFchess.org Dallas Chess Club (TX) www.saintlouischessclub.org www.dallaschess.com Little House of Chess, Inc. (NY) San Diego Chess Club Rochester Chess Center (NY) 2225 Sixth Avenue littlehouseofchess.com http://www.chessset.com En Passant Chess Club (TX) ChessNYC.com San Diego, CA 92101 [email protected] Los Angeles Chess Club (CA) Michael Propper 619-752-4377 Sparta Chess Club (NJ) [email protected] Evangel Chess Club (AL) www.LAChessClub.com P.O. Box 189, 1710 1st Avenue www.spartachessclub.org www.sandiegochessclub.org www.evangelchurch.me New York, NY 10128 Michigan Chess Association 212-475-8130 Foot Hill Chess Club (CA) (MI) Success Chess School (CA) [email protected] [email protected] www.michess.org www.successchess.com www.chessnyc.com UPDATED 10-01-2018

www.uschess.org 55 Tournament Life / November

U1400 $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: Top 3 U1400, Top 3 U1200, Rating Supplement used. CCA minimum ratings and TD discretion are 6 Round Swiss at the Unity Chess Club, 1660 S. Alma School Rd. #207, Top 3 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by used to protect you from improperly rated players. Info:organizing club - Mesa, AZ 85210. 6 Round Swiss. 3-day schedule: 40/90;+30, SD/30;+30. 11/10, $25 later. Trophies to Top 7, Top 3 U600. ALL: Trophies: Top 2 Chess Palace 714-899-3421, [email protected]. Mail Entry: Amer- 2-day schedule: Rnds 1-3: G/45;+5, Rnds 4-6: 40/90;+30, SD/30;+30. Schools, Top 2 Clubs. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 11-11:30am. Rds.: 12-12:45- ican Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 or Online Entry: 1660 S. Alma School Rd. #207, Mesa, AZ 85210. Round Times: 3-day 1:30-2:15-3-3:45-4:30. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport www.AmericanOpen.org. W. FIDE. schedule: Fri 11 am - 6 pm, Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 10 am - 5 pm; 2-day St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245, 412-908-0286. W. schedule: Sat 10 am - 12 pm - 2 pm - 5 pm (join 3-day in round 4); EF: $89 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! by Oct 20th, $99 by Nov 10th, $109 Nov 22nd, $129 GM/WGM/ IM/WIM: NOV. 18, NEW JERSEY NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, TEXAS Free Entry, $70 deducted from prizes. Prizes: $5,050 In 5 sections: Open: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) $1,500-750-375-250 Reserve: $700-350-200-100 Booster: $400-200-150- WESTFIELD GRAND PRIX 2018 DCC FIDE OPEN XI 75 Bishop & Pawn: 1st-Laptop, 2nd-Tablet, 3rd-Kindle (If two players are 4-SS. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 3 Sections: 7SS, G/90 with 30 sec inc. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, tied for 1st, a playoff will be held to determine the first and second place Open, U1800, U1200. Open Section: EF: $40, $30 members, GM free (- Richardson, TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Two Schedules, winners.) (Pawn: Best U-600: 1st-4 chess books ($100 value), 2nd-2 chess $30 from prize). Prize Fund: $900 b/30 paid section entries. 70% 4 day or 3 day. Open Section $$875G. FIDE and USCF rated but uses FIDE books ($50 value), 3rd-1 chess book ($25 value). Check In and Registration: guaranteed. Prizes: $240-200-160. U2400 $120, U2200 $100, U2000 $80. rules. Will use USCF ratings and rules for pairings and awarding prizes. 8:30am - 9:30 am. Byes: Half point byes must commit before round 2 (Max U1800 Section: EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1600 $50, Default late forfeiture time is one hour. TD may extend this time at TD’s two byes). Zero point byes are available in any round if requested at least U1400 $40. U1200 Section: EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, discretion. Note that Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number one hour before the start of the desired round. Limit of one half point bye U1000 $50, U800 $40. Register: 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon. Rounds: 12:15, before 1st round in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID in the last two rounds. Players registering the day of the tournament will 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. Byes: 1 per player allowed. Must declare before must disclose their DOB and email address. $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ receive a half point bye for round 1. Boards and sets provided, please round 3. Info: [email protected]. Note: Club Championship $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, Senior/ Birthday during bring your own clock. November USCF Rating Supplement will be used. 11/25 & 12/2. Visit www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html for details. tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas Chess Club membership USCF membership required. Re-entry is available in the first two rounds required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Minimum prize to the First An American Classic! for $49. Playing Up: $35 additional fee, players in the Reserve, Booster, three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all rounds to get minimum Bishop and Pawn sections must be within 100 points of the higher section A Heritage Event! prize. Reserve: Open to USCF U2000. This section is not Fide Rated but is US Chess Junior Grand Prix! to play up (official rating or your tournament history rating). Prizes are USCF rated and uses USCF rules. EF: $40. The Reserve gives back 10% in 100% guaranteed. $5,050 guaranteed! Open (2000 and up): GM/WGM/IM/ NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN prizes and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) WIM: Free Entry, $70 deducted from prizes. Reentry fee: $49. $$: $1500- winner receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, 750-375-250. Reserve (1700-1999): Open to 1999 & under. Playing Up: 54TH ANNUAL AMERICAN OPEN Tournament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and Costa Mesa. 8 rounds, 40/120, SD/55 d5. (3-day option, rounds 1-4, G/60 $35, any players in the Reserve section (1700-1999) can play up into the on starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Open section. Reentry fee: $49. $700-350-200-100. d5). Hilton Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. $$: Booster (1400- Site: Prizes: Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’.Both: Registration:4 day 5:00 - 5:45 Open to 1699 & under. Playing Up: $35, players in the Booster $25,000 guaranteed. In 6 sections: Open section: $2500-1250-600-400- 1699): on Thurs 11/22. Rds.: Thurs 6 pm, Friday 2:30 pm, 7:00 pm, Sat 11am - section must be within 100 points of the higher section to play up (official 300-150, U2450/Unr. $750-350-250, top U2300/Unr. $400-200. FIDE 4:30pm, Sun 9:00am-2pm. Reg 3 day on Friday 9 am - 9:45 am, Rd 1 at 10 rating or your tournament history rating). Reentry fee: $49. $400-200- Rated. Under 2200 section: $1500-750-500-250-200-150. FIDE Rated. am then merge with 4 day. Two half point Bye allowed if requested before $$: 150-75. Bishop (1000-1399): Open to 1399 & under. Playing Up: $35, Under 2000 section: $1500-750-500-250-200-150. Under 1800 section: end of round rd 2 and before getting full point bye, but half point byes for players in the Bishop section must be within 100 points of the higher $1500-750-500-250-200-150. Under 1600 section: $1500-750-350-250- both rounds 6 AND 7 is not allowed. Withdrawals and zero point last round section to play up (official rating or your tournament history rating). Prizes: 200-150. Under 1400/Unr: $1000-500-250-150-100-50, U1200 $500-250-150 byes are not eligible for prizes. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas 1st-Laptop, 2nd-Tablet, 3rdKindle (If two players are tied for 1st, a playoff (not a separate section; U1200s also eligible for U1400 prizes), Unrated: Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX, 76036- will be held to determine the first and second place winners.). Pawn $150-100-50 (Unrated players in this section are eligible for these prizes 4719. 214.632.9000. Info: 214-632-9000, [email protected]. FIDE. (Under 1000): Open to 999 & under. Playing Up: $35, players in the Pawn only). Mixed Doubles: Top 3 best male and female team $500-250-125. NOV. 23, NEW YORK section must be within 100 points of the higher section to play up (official Plus-score bonus for every player who finishes with 4-1/2 points or better US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 rating or your tournament history rating). Prizes: 1st-Laptop, 2nd-Tablet, who didn’t place in the money prize wins a $25 gift certificate towards 3rd-Kindle (If two players are tied for 1st, a playoff will be held to determine chess store - redeemable onsite only. $185 by Nov. 10, $15 more MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) EF: 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF regular rating used for pairings & the first and second place winners.) (Pawn: Best U-600: 1st-4 chess books after. Onsite $220. Re-entry $100. Membership required USCF and SCCF. prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. ($100 value), 2nd-2 chess books ($50 value), 3rd-1 chess book ($25 value). No checks at door – cash or credit card only. Schedule: 4-day schedule $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person All Sides: ENT: (602) 326-2727 www.unitychess.com. INFO: Pedram Atoufi, Reg. closes 9:30 am on 11/22, (Rounds 11-6, 10:30-5:30, 10-5, 9:30- EF: reg hour before Rd 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue [email protected]. www.unitychess.com. 4:00). Reg. closes 9:30am on 11/23, Rounds. 3-day schedule: ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- 11-2:30-5-8pm (G/60 min d5), schedules merge in Rd. 5 and compete for shallchessclub.org/register. An American Classic! common prizes. Bye: Two half-point byes may be requested in advance. A Heritage Event! Lectures and videos playing throughout the weekend. HR: Reduced rate US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! of $127/day single or double for our group. Group Code “CHESSP”. Call NOV. 23-25, ARIZONA NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, PENNSYLVANIA Hilton (714) 540-7000. Cutoff is Nov. 1st. Best to reserve through online US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 60 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) link in our website. Parking: >$10 $5 per day. Ratings: November USCF 7TH ANNUAL (2018) PHOENIX OPEN 49TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS

49th annual NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS 6 rounds, Nov 23-25 or 24-25, Philadelphia 201 Hotel (formerly Sheraton) $35,000 prize fund guaranteed, 30 trophies! 6 rounds, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (2-day Mixed doubles prizes: Best male- 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 11 am, option, rds 1-3 G/40, d10). Trophy female 2-player combined score rds Fri/Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. sections play separate 2-day schedule among all sections, averaging under 2-day U1200/up: Reg. Sat to 9 am, only, 11/24-25 (G/40, d10). 2200: $2000-1000-600-400. May rds Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30 & 6; Sun 10 & Philadelphia 201 Hotel, 201 N 17th enter different sections, register (no 3:30. St, Philadelphia PA 19103. Hotel rates extra fee) before both begin round 2-day trophy sections: Reg Sat to $108-108-128, 215-448-2000 or use link 2.Teams including an unrated limited 9 am, rds 10, 12:45 & 3:30 each day. at chesstour.com,, reserve by 11/9 to $400. Half point byes OK all rds, limit 3, Premier must commit before rd 3, In 10 sections: Top 7 sections entry fee: $120 others before rd 4. Premier Section: Open to online at chessaction.com by 11/21, 1900/over. Prizes $3000-1500-700-400- 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by Bring set, board, clock if possible- 200, clear or tiebreak win $200, U2400 11/14, $150 at site, or online until 2 none supplied. Nov. ratings used $1600-800. FIDE rated, 150 GPP. hours before rd 1. (unofficial usually used if otherwise U2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Trophy sections entry fee: $42 unrated). U2000: $2000-1000-500-300-200. online by 11/21, $47 mailed by Cellphones: No possession during U1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. 11/14, $60 at site or online to 8 am play; in bag near your table OK. U1600: $2000-1000-500-300-200. 11/24. Parking: about $20/day U1400: $1600-800-400-300-200. All: No checks at site, credit cards (201/Sheraton), $7/day Sat & Sun, $20 U1200: $1600-800-400-300-200. OK. Re-entry (except Premier) $60. weekdays (Gateway Garage, 1540 U1000: Trophies to top 10. Special USCF membership with Spring St, one block from hotel). U800: Trophies to top 10. magazine if paid online with entry Entry: chessaction.com or U600: trophies to top 10. fee: Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham Unrated prize limits: U1200 $200, Scholastic $15. By mail or at site, NY 10803. $15 charge for refunds. U1400 $400, U1600 $600, U1800 $800, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Entries posted at chessaction.com U2000 $1000. Balance goes to next Scholastic $17. USCF membership (online entries posted instantly). player(s) in line. required. Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm.

56 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

6SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/40 d10). Trophy sections registration.cc. USCF rating used for pairing and prizes (FIDE+50 used if US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 play separate 2-day schedule only, 11/24-25, G/40 d10. Philadelphia 201 there is no established USCF rating). Clocks provided for OPEN Section WASHINGTON CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Hotel (formerly Sheraton), 201 N. 17th S., Philadelphia, PA 19103. $35,000 only—all DGT North American. All Sections except Novice have 2-Day and 6SS, 40/120, SD/30 d10, 2-Day Option, Rds. 1-3, G/60 d10. Embassy Suites GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. In 10 sections. Premier, open to 1900/above. 3-Day Schedules. NO RE-ENTRIES ALLOWED. 2-Day and 3-Day Sections Seattle North/Lynnwood, 20610 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036. $3000-1500-700-400-200, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $200, U2400 $1600- MERGE after RD. 3. Unrated eligible ONLY for Overall and UNRated prizes 425-775-2500. HR: $144 Double until 11/9. $$10,000 Gtd. 7 Sections, 800. FIDE. Under 2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 2000: $2000- in all sections; can play in any section. Cell Phone and Headset rules in MASTER (2200/up), FIDE Rated, $700-500-400 (U2300: $250-150), Top 1000-500-300-200. Under 1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1600: effect. Rules posted on site. BYES: OPEN, U1800/U1400: Up to THREE Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50, EXPERT (2000-2199), FIDE Rated, $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1600-800-400-300-200. Under 1/2-pt. byes allowed. NOVICE: Up to TW/2-pt. byes allowed. Must be $600-375-300 (U2100: $200-125), Top Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50, 1200: $1600-800-400-300-200. Under 1000: Trophies to top 10. Under requested before start of Rd. 3 in all sections. EF: By Mon, 11/19 (add O CLASS A (1800-1999), FIDE Rated, $450-300-200 (U1900: $150-100), 800: Trophies to top 10. Under 600: Trophies to top 10. Unrated may not 1 $10 after; add additional $10 on site): OPEN: 3-DAY: $132. 2-DAY: $133. Top Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50, CLASS B (1600-1799), FIDE win over $200 in U1200, $400 U1400, $600 U1600, $800 U1800, or $1000 IM’s and GM’s Free! ($130 EF deducted from prize). U1800: 3-DAY: $102. Rated, $450-300-200 (U1700: $150-100), Top Female: $50, Top Senior U2000. Mixed doubles prizes: best male-female 2-player team combined 2-DAY: $103. U1400: 3-DAY: $82. 2-DAY: $83. NOVICE (1-Day): $25. TL 50+: $50, CLASS C (1400-1599), $450-300-200 (U1500: $150-100), Top score among all sections: $2000-1000-600-400. Must average under 2200; (*See Novice below): 3-DAY: OPEN: G/90, inc. 30 sects/move. U1800/U1400: Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50, CLASS D (1200-1399), $450-300- may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before both players G/90 d5. 2-DAY: OPEN: Rds. 1-3: G/45 d5. Rds. 4-G/90 d5. U1800/U1400: 200 (U1300: $150-100), Top Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50, CLASS E begin round 2, teams including an unrated limited to $400. Top 7 sections G/30 d5. RDS.: 3-DAY: OPEN: FRI: 12, 6. SAT: 12, 7. SUN: 10, 3:30. (1199 & Under), $350-200-150, (U1000: $100, U800/Unr: $100), Top entry fee: $120 online at chessaction.com by 11/21, 3-day $128, 2-day U1800/U1400: FRI: 12, 6. SAT: 11:30, 3, 7. SUN: 10, 2:30. 2-DAY: OPEN: Female: $50, Top Senior 50+: $50. Unrated players may only win 1st-3rd $127 mailed by 11/14, $150 at site, or online until 2 hours before rd. 1. SAT: 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 7. SUN: 10, 3:30. U1800/U1400: SAT: 11, 1, 2:45, in MASTER or Unrated prize in CLASS E. Foreign ratings used for players GMs $100 from prize. Re-entry $60, not available in Premier. Under 1000, 4:30, 7. SUN: 10, 2:30. REG.: Register online (preferred) at.: www.onlinereg- with no USCF rating. MASTER $170, EXPERT $160, CLASS A to D $150, Under 800, Under 600 entry fee: $42 online at chessaction.com by istration.cc 3-DAY: OPEN/U1800/U1400: FRI: 9-11am. 2-DAY: OPEN: SAT: EF: Class E $140. Deduct $10 if postmarked or online by 11/14. Deduct $20 if 11/21, $47 mailed by 11/14, $60 at site. All: No checks at site, credit 9-10:30am. U1800/U1400: SAT: 9-10am. 4-SS. 1-Day (SAT.): *NOVICE: postmarked or online by 10/28. Rated players may play up one class only, cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. TL: G/25 d5. RDS.:1, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45. REG.: SAT, 9am-12noon . NOVICE add $65 to EF. Special Medal Only EF (Juniors U21): $80 by 10/28, $90 by Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. ORIENTATION: 12:45pm. Register online (preferred) at: www.onlinereg- Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-day istration.cc. $$: $11,000 Overall. 60% Guar. per section (b/46 paid entries 11/14, $100 at site. Free entry for GMs, IMs, WGMs. 3-Day Schedule: schedule: Reg. ends Fri 11 am, rds. Fri 12 & 6, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. per section; min. 6 per prize section): OPEN: $4,800: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th: Registration Fri (11/23) 9-10 am. Rds.: Fri 11 am & 5:30 pm, Sat 11 am & 2-day top 7 sections schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat 10, 12:45, $1,200, $750, $600, $450. TOP 2200-2399: $300; 2nd 2200-2399: $150; 5:30 pm, Sun 9:30 am & 3:30 pm. 2-Day Schedule: Registration Sat 3:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600 TOP X: $300, 2nd X: $150; TOP A: $300, 2nd A: $150; TOP U1800/UNR: (11/24) 8-8:30 am. Rds.: Sat 9:00 am, 11:45 am, 2:30 pm then merges schedule: Reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds. 10, 12:45 & 3:30 each day. Half point $300, 2nd U1800/UNR: $150. U1800: $3,400: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th: $900, with 3-Day Schedule. Bye: limit 2, request before end of Rd. 2. ENT: Checks byes OK all rounds; limit 3, Premier must commit before rd. 3, others $700, $500, $400, $300. TOP 1400-1699: $175; 2nd 1400-1699: $125. TOP payable to Washington Chess Federation. Mail to: Jacob Mayer, 9502 44th before rd. 4. HR: $108-108-128, 215-448-2000, reserve by 11/9 or rate U1400/UNR: $175; 2nd U1400/UNR: $125. U1400: $2,800: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115-2610. Info: [email protected], 206- may increase. Parking: Hotel parking chess rate 50% off regular rate 4th, 5th: $700, $550, $450, $350, $250. TOP 1100-1299: $150; 2nd 1100- 697-5625. Enter online: www.nwchess.com/onlineregistration. W. (about $20). Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St/1540 Vine St (1 block from 1299: $100. TOP U1100/UNR: $150; 2nd U1100/UNR: $100. NOVICE: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! site), about $7/day Sat & Sun, $20/day other days. Car rental: 800-331- LARGE TROPHIES for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Trophies also for TOP U600, U400, NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, ILLINOIS 1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. U200, UNR. Medals to all non-Trophy players scoring 2.5 pts or more! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. TDs: Chief Sr. TD/FA: Bradley Rogers; Assistant TD: Jack Kahn. Bring Refunds, $15 service charge. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 3RD ANNUAL SEVAN MURADIAN MEMORIAL boards, pieces, clocks. None supplied except for Novice section. Com- Come help us celebrate the memory of one of the truly unique personalities 347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com (click “entry list” memorative Chess Boards with Pieces for sale on site of chess! Proceeds benefit Sevan’s family. Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, after entering). Blitz tournament Sat 10 pm; enter by 9:45 pm. US Chess at $10 per set. BOOK VENDOR on site will have pencils/pens, scorebooks, Junior Grand Prix for Top 7 sections only. 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. 5SS. G/90+30 inc. 2-day G/60 clocks, boards, pieces, keychains, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and other supplies! d5 for rounds 1-2. $12,000 b/220 paid. 3 Sections: Premier: $1500- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! LODG/DIRS: EDWARD HOTEL,600 Town Center Dr., Dearborn, MI 700-400-250, U2400: $500 U2200: $700-400-200; U2000: 700-400-200; NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, MICHIGAN 48126. Rooms: $105. Ask for the Motor City Open rate. Reserve ReserveU1800: $1000-500-250; U1600: $700-400-200; Unrated $200; https://edwardhotel.us/en-us online at: OR CALL the Hotel to reserve U1400: $700-400-200; Booster U1200: $400-200-100. U1000 $200 Special US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) . Located North of Michigan Ave., South of Hubbard at (313) 592-3622 Prizes: Mixed Doubles 500-300. Board/sets provided. Entry Fee: $95 MOTOR CITY OPEN (THANKSGIVING WEEKEND) St., East of Evergreen Rd., West of Southfield Rd. For Maps, go online to: 4 SECTIONS: OPEN (6-SS), U1800, U1400, (7-SS) NOVICE (U800) (4- early mail-in or online by 11/10. $110 entry available online only till 9pm www.mapquest.com or www.yahoo.com and click on Maps. INFO/ENTRIES: Wednesday, 11/21. . $30 additional to play up a section. $60 SS). PRIZE FUND: $11,000. 60% Guar. Top Section Fide-Rated. Co- Mrs. Marcie Kahn (586) 558-4790; Jack Kahn at [email protected]; $120 onsite Sponsored by Michigan Chess Festival, LLC. Site: Edward Hotel, Dearborn, U1200 section (counts as 1/2 entry towards based-on number). GM and or Dr. Ed Mandell (248) 635-2375 (Cell). All The King’s Men, 26640 Gratiot IM free if registered by 11/20. Reentries $50 available. www.kingregis- MI (see Lodg/Dirs below). GM or IM Lecture, Sat, 6-7 PM, $10. FREE for Ave., Roseville, MI 48066. Email: [email protected]. This NOTE: tration. com 3-day schedule , Friday 6pm, Saturday 10am and tournament participants). FORMAT: 4 Sects: OPEN (6-SS), U1800, U1400, version supercedes what appeared in Oct. 2018 Chess Life. Rounds: (7-SS) NOVICE (U800) (4-SS). Top Sect. also FIDE-Rated (2-Day OPEN will 4pm, Sunday 10 am and 3:30 pm, 2-day Saturday 10am, 1pm, 4pm, Sunday be FIDE-Rated after the merge). USCF and MCA or any STATE memberships US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 10am and 3:30 pm. Side Event: Sevan’s Blitz Chess Championship required; can be purchased on site or at online registration at www.online NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, WASHINGTON (USCF and FIDE Blitz rated). 5SS (2 games per round), G/3+ 2. Prizes: CHECK OUT US CHESS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS!

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) 2018 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 Four-player, double round-robinwith rating-level (0000-1499; 71 ANNUAL (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 2018 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 15th ANNUAL $800 FIRST PRIZE 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.

www.uschess.org 57 Tournament Life / November

$1000 based on 75 paid entries, EF: $25 (enter online by 11/23) $30 at Rd. 4 - Sun 9:30am, Rd. 5 - 2:30pm. Free re-entry from Friday night round Cajun Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or the door. Saturday 8pm start. Mail in Entries to: Chess Weekend, 21694 into Sat morning Rd. 1, continue with best score into round 2. Byes: 2 Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423. Please no phone or email entries. Credit available, any round, declare by round 3. ENT: Wayne H. Spon (Remark (no checks at site). FIDE. Card entries available online only. General Info: Glenn Panner (815) 955- NC Sr), 112 Glenbrook Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28739-4070. INFO: Wayne 4793, [email protected] H. Spon, 301-787-6479, [email protected]. www.ncchess.org. Hotel: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 336-567-5600 $90 single, $95 double, reserve by Nov 2. NOV. 30, DEC. 1-2, 7-9, NEW YORK US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 NOV. 23-25, MISSOURI US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 102ND EDWARD LASKER MEMORIAL/MCC CHAMPIONSHIP US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, TEXAS 9-SS, 40/90 SD30 +30. Open to all players rated 2100+ USCF or FIDE & THANKSGIVING OPEN (FIDE RATED) 10K PRIZE FUND US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 Qualifiers scoring 4/5 or better in the Marshall Amateur Championship 6SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of HOUSTON OPEN Nov 16-18. NO Exceptions! FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes. Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for 5SS, 2-day or 3-day Schedules Avail. (Open & U2000 Sections are G/90, FIDE rated. $7,500 GTD: $3000-1500-1000, U2400 FIDE: $1000-500, GMs and IMs. EF: $100, $80 if registered by 11/20. Two Sections: Open i30, and FIDE rated using FIDE rules; All other Sections are G/120 d5). U2300 FIDE: $500. Title of “2018 Marshall Chess Club Champion” goes (FIDE Rated) & U2000. Prize Fund: $10,000 UNCONDITIONALLY GUAR- Free entry for GMs, IMs, WGMs & WIMs (EF deducted from winnings). to highest- scoring MCC Member. Tie break for the title and 1st prize will ANTEED!! Open: $1,500-$1,000-$800-$650-$300 Under 2250: $600-$400- Houston Marriott North, 255 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston be decided by blitz playoffs (G/3 +2) and an Armageddon game (bidding $250 Under 2150: $350-$200 Under 2000 Section: $1,000-$600-$350- 77060, (281-875-4000). To maintain the integrity of our players games, for time) if necessary. EF: $175. ($25 more on-site 11/30); GMs/Foreign $200 U1800: $500-$250 U1600: $400-$200 U1400: $300-$150. Reg.: 11:00 the tournament hall will be closed to spectators per FIDE regulations. IMs: Free; Local IMs: $100. (Foreign players who play all 9 rounds receive am-12:30pm Friday 11/23. Rounds: Fri: 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm Sat: 1:00 pm, SIDE EVENTS: Sat. (12/1) Indiv. & Team Schol. Tournament at 10am, $75.); Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg 6:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am, 4:00 pm. Two 1/2 point byes available in any (4SS, G/30 d5, 1-day only); 5-min. Blitz “CAJUN KNOCK-OUT” (Sat. night hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Fri 11/30: 7pm, Sat 12/1: 11am & round if declared before round 2. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, after Rd. 3). Separate for schol. players. PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 full-paid 6pm, Sun 12/2: 11am & 6pm, Fri 12/7: 7pm, Sat 12/8: 11am & 6pm, Sun MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org Info: 314-361-CHESS, ent. 5 Sects. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; U2200: $700-400; U2000: 12/9: 11am, Blitz Playoff (if necessary) 6pm. Max two byes; request at [email protected]. $800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-100-50; U1600/Unr*: $800- entry (limit one bye in rounds 8-9). FIDE GM/IM Norms possible; must play all rounds. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. NOV. 24, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN 400-200-100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50. *Unrated players may US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 only win 50% of the prize fund except in the Open Sect. where they must DEC. 1, MISSOURI AMERICAN OPEN BLITZ (BLZ) pay full EF and are eligible for full prize fund. Byes: Avail. all Rds. (commit US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 before Rd. 3). Schol. Sects. (Indiv. & Team): K-2, K-5, K-8, K-12. Must Costa Mesa. 5 rounds, double swiss, G/5 d0. Site: Hilton Hotel, 3050 SPF DECEMBER BLITZ (BLZ) have 3 members from same school in same section to make a team; top Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prizes: Guaranteed $1500 in all! $400 Guaranteed Prize Fund. 9SS, G/3 +2. Webster University SPICE, 4 scores count for final team standings. Prizes: Trophies to top 5 individuals Section 1: Open $400-200-100; Top U2200 and U2000, $100 each. 475 Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. Prizes: $200-$100 Top and top 2 teams in each section. Every non-trophy winner receives a sou- Section 2: U1900 $250-150; Top U1600, $100; U1400[OC1] , $100. U2500 $50- Top U-2300: $50. EF: $15 by 11/26, $20 on site. GMs free venir chess medal. Scholastic players may play in both main tourn. and Reg.: ends 9 pm. EF: $35 by November 22nd, $50 after. Rounds: 9:30 entry. Reg.: 1-2pm. Rounds: starting at 2:15pm. Entries: scholastic tourn. by registering for both (3-day schedule in main event pm -10 - 10:30-11-11:30 pm. Contact Info: 714-899-3421. Mail Entry: Foundation, 11939 Manchester Road #129, Des Peres, MO 63131. Info: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845; or Online with a 1/2-pt. bye for Rd. 2 in the main event and then registering for the Clare Brown, 314-246-8075 or [email protected]. Entry: http://americanopen.org/ [OC1]What’s the prize here? scholastic tournament – discounted entry fee offered for those playing in both). USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy and US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A State Championship Event! medal placements for winners of all schol. sections. Free gift to oldest DEC. 1-2, OKLAHOMA NOV. 30-DEC. 2, NORTH CAROLINA player and to player who travels farthest to main event. CAJUN BOUNTY: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Defeat the top ranked player and win free entry to our next tournament! 2ND STEVE WHARRY CLASSIC NORTH CAROLINA SENIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EF: $95 by 11/15; $105 by 11/25; $120 at site. Unr. (U1600) and Jrs. 5-SS; G/90+30; Wyndham Hotel Oklahoma City, 2945 Northwest Express- The Country Inn & Suites Burlington, 3211 Wilson Dr., Burlington, NC (under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sections) $69 by way, OKC 73112, (405)848-4811. Three Sections: Open, Reserve (U1600), 27215. Open to all players age 50 and over by the end of the year from 11/15; $79 by 11/25; $95 at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 11/15; $25 by 11/25; Novice (U1200). EF: Novice: $30. Open & Reserve: $45 if mailed by 11/26, any state. 5SS, G/120 d5, $825 b/30. Two Sections. Senior Open: $250- $40 at site; Re-Entry Fee: $35 (avail. up to Rd. 3 - no re-entry in OPEN or $50 at site. FREE entry for Masters 2200+ (deducted from prizes) Prizes 100. U1800: $75. NC Winner of the Open Section will represent NC at the U2000 sects due to FIDE; 3 re-entries or 2 Jr. entries count as one $$2100 (based on 55 paid entries, 1st place guaranteed). Open: $500(G)- National Senior Tournament of Champions at the 2019 U.S. Open in additional entry for prize fund). 3-day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. 200 X: 200 A: 200-100, U1800: 200-100 Reserve (U1600): C: $200-100, Orlando and will also receive a partial travel stipend if this senior state Fri. 8pm; Sat. 2-7, Sun. 10-3. 2-day Sched: Reg. Sat. 8-8:30am, (Rds. U1400: 200-100, Novice: $$ per entries. Byes: One half-point bye Rds 1- 5 if commit before Sat 9PM. : 9-9:45 Sat AM. : 10-2:30-7, championship exceeds 30 players. Top 2 prizes 86% gtd. Senior Under Sat. 9-2-7, Sun. 10-3. Both schedules merge at Rd. 2. Schol. Sched: (All 4 REG. Rounds 9-1:15. Tom Braunlich, 7500 S. Birch, Broken Arrow, OK 74011. 1600: Open to 1600 & under. $200-100. U1400 $50; U1200 $50. ALL: EF: rds. G/30 d5—one day only, Sat., Dec. 1). Reg. Sat. 8:30-9:30am, Rds. at Entries to: $55 by Nov 28; $60 at the site. Free entry for NC GMs, WGMs, IMs, 10am – 11:30am – 1:15pm & 2:30pm. HR: $89 (281-875-4000), reserve Inquiries: [email protected] Web: www.ocfchess.org WIMs, FMs, WFMs ($55 will be deducted from prize). NCCA Memb. Req’d: by Nov. 14th and mention Cajun Chess tournament to assure group rate. DEC. 2, MASSACHUSETTS $8. OSA. Plaque and NC Wine to top NC resident. Dec supp used. Rds.: ENT: On-line registration, on-line hotel reservation, printable entry form, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Rd. 1 - Fri 5:30pm or Sat 9am (G/90 d5), Rd. 2 - 12:30pm, Rd. 3 - 5:30pm, and more detailed info at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to WN 2018 WINTER QUICK (QC)

58 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

6SS, G/25 d3. West Newbury Old Town Hall, 491 Main Street, West $1000/Trophy-600-500, U1950 $400. U1800: $1000/Trophy-600-500, U1650 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED) Newbury, MA 01985. EF: $40 postmarked by 24 Nov. $45 at site. Free $400. U1500:$1000/Trophy-600-500, U1350/Unr. $400. U1100: Trophies HARRY NELSON PILLSBURY MEMORIAL entry to players rated 2200 or above. $$75% Rtd: $200-100. Other for 1st to 5th & 1st U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. Top Senior Prize 4SS, G/60 d5. Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Rd., Burlington, MA. 781-272- prizes are based on 75% of entries. Reg.: Registration 9:15-9:45. Rds.: (among all cash prize sections, must be at least 55 on Dec. 7) $200. Unr. 8800. $$ 1,500 b/80 paid entries ($20 off entries count half), 60% G. 4 10-11:15-1:15-2:30-3:45-5:00. 1 ½ point bye rounds 1-5, must request may enter U1500 or U1100 only. In U1500, Unr. only eligible for Unr. prize. sects. Open: $350-150, top U2210 $150. Under 2010: $225-100. Under by round 3. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH Min. USCF or FIDE rating of 1900 required for premier section. EF: $99 by 1810: $200-100. Under 1510: $150-75, trophies to top U1300, U1100, 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. Dec. 4, $10 more later, $15 more on-site, GMs & IMs free ($99 deducted U900, Unrated. All: Unrated can play in any sect. but can’t win more than US Chess Junior Grand Prix! from prize). U1100 section$44 by Dec. 4, $10 more later, $15 more onsite. $50 in U1510, $75 in U1810, or $100 in U2010. Unofficial uschess.org DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, MARYLAND Re-entry cash prize sections $49. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3- ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. MACA memb. required for Mass. residents ($12 adult, $6 junior U18). $45 if mailed by 12/4 or online by US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 Day 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30; 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. all EF: 6:30, 3rd Rd. 5:45; 4th Rd. Sun. 9:30; 5th Rd. 12/7, $55 at site. $20 discount to players in U1510 sect. rated under 1300 1ST ANNUAL OLD LINE OPEN sections but U1100 U1100 all sections but U1100 2:30, 5th Rd. U1100 1:45. With incr. Premier or unrated. GMs and IMs free. Reg.: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. 5SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30” incr, (Rnd. 1 G/90 +30” incr) (2-day schedule: O.K. all, limit 1, must commit before rd. 2, no half point byes for rds. 1-2 G/45+30”incr) U1300 2-day & U1000 G/90 d5 (rds. 1-2 G/45 section start times could be delayed. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req’d before rd. 2. Bye: HR: $139 includes Internet & refrigerator, free day self-parking, discounted players receiving full point byes. Ent: payable to MACA and mail to Robert d5), U1300 3-day option rds. 1&2 G/90 d5. Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Messenger, 4 Hamlett Dr., Apt. 12, Nashua, NH 03062 or enter online at Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. $$Based on score. 7 sections: Championship overnight parking, 973-647-1234. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 NW Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. $10 service charge for www.MassChess.org. Info: email to [email protected] or phone 603- (min. rating of 2000) FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1600, 4.5 =$800, 4.0=$450, 891-2484. Day of the tournament phone 603-557-1732. 3.5=$175, 3.0=$50 [min $1500 payout, top score group raised if less refunds. Online entry & addl info: www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. W. than $1500]. U2200 (min. rating of 1800)FIDE rated: 5.0 =$1500, 4.5 A State Championship Event! DEC. 15-16, SOUTH CAROLINA =$700, 4.0=$350, 3.5=$150, 3.0=$40. U2000: 5.0 =$1200, 4.5 =$650, DEC. 8, MICHIGAN US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 4.0=$325, 3.5=$125. U1800: 5.0= $1200, 4.5 = $600, 4.0= $300, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 10TH ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA SENIOR OPEN 2018 3.5= $100. U1600: 5.0= $1000, 4.5= $500, 4.0= $250, 3.5= $100. 2018 MICHIGAN ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP Ages 50+, born before 01/01/1969. 4SS, G/90, +30. Accelerated pair- U1300: 5.0= $500, 4.5= $250, 4.0= $125, 3.5= $50. U1000 (no adult 6-SS. Pierpont Commons, University of Michigan North Campus, 2101 ings possible. Hampton Inn, 255 Congaree Rd., Greenville, SC 29607, UNR): 5.0= $250, 4.5= $125, 4.0= $50, 3.5= $20. Trophies to top 10 & Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109. 2 Sections: Open, Booster (U1200). 864-516-2400; http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com. HR: $110 by 24Nov18; U800 in U1000. If no 5-0 in section, then sole 1st @ 4.5 or shared 1st EF: Open $35, Booster $25 (U18 $5 off), Free entry to GM, IM, FM, & block may fill sooner. EF: $50 if rec’d by 12/13; $60 at site. Re-entry at lower score receive bonus (added to score prize) - Championship: 2200+, advanced entry fee deducted from prize; All Adv entries must $25 Bye: Once per player, any round, must commit before round 2. $300; U2200 $200, U2000 $150, U1800 & U1600: $100; U1300 & U1000: be received by 12/6, after $10 more. Make checks payable to MCA. USCF, SCCA membership required. Other states OK. 1 Open section. $50. Unrated limited to $100 in U1000, $200 in U1300, and $400 in U1600. MCA memb req’d for Michigan residents, other states OK. TL: G/30 d5. Prizes: $250-150-100; U1600: $100-75. Trophy to top SC player & top Sets, boards and clocks provided in all sections. Optionally, pairings Reg.: Online: https://onlineregistration.cc/. Onsite: 9:30-10:15am. SC U1600. Schedule: Reg ends 10:30am on 12/15. Rds. Sat 11 & 5; can be texted/emailed to your phone. Free Sunday morning conti- Rds.: 10:30am-12pm-2pm-3:30pm-5pm-6:30pm. $$Gtd: $950; Open: Sun 9 & 3. Info: Greenville Chess Club, c/o Gene Nix, 119 Northcliff nental breakfast for players. Free parking for day guests. EF: $109 by $300+trophy-$180-$120, Top A, B, C, U1400 $100 each; Booster: Way, Greenville, SC 29617 (eenixjr@yahoo .com); 864-905-2406. Checks 11/23, $114 by 12/4, and $119 online only by 12/6, $130 later. Special Trophies to Top 5 Overall, Top 2 each U1000, U800, U600, U400, plus to Greenville Chess Club. EFs: $55 less for U1000, $35 less for U1300, GMs free, IMs $45 off EF. Top Unr. Ent & Info: Jeff Aldrich, P.O. Box 40, Flint, MI 48501; jef- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! HR: $99, ($5 EF discount, if staying at hotel using the group rate). Rooms [email protected]; (810) 955-7271; https://www.michess.org/ may not be avail after 11/23. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds Fri DEC. 15-16, MISSOURI 8, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. DEC. 8, MISSOURI US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 11, 2:15 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3:30. U1300 & U1000 schedule Reg. ends Sat US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 2018 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (FIDE RATED) 10am rds. 11, 12:45 & 3:00, Sun 9:30 & 12:45. U1300 3-day schedule CHRISTMAS CASH 4SS, G/90 + 30 second increment. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds. Fri 8, Sat 11 & 3:00, Sun 9:30 & 12:45. Ent: MCA, 3SS, G/70 d5. Chess Club & Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 4657 Mary- Saint Louis, 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more infor- land Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108. Free entries for GMs and IMs. EF: for GMs and IMs. EF: $60, $50 if registered by 12/11 and annual mation and registration at http://odlineopen.com. $25, $20 for annual members of the club if registered by 12/7. Three member of CCSCSL. Two Sections: Championship (FIDE Rated) & Class Sections: Open, U1800, U1400. Prize Fund: $800 UNCONDITIONALLY Player Championship (U2000): Prize Fund: $3,500 UNCONDITIONALLY US Chess Junior Grand Prix! GUARANTEED!! Championship: $1,000-$500-$300 Under 2250: $200- DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, NEW JERSEY GUARANTEED!! Open Section: $150-$100-$75 Top U2000 $50. U1800 Section: $100-$60-$40 Top U1600 $25. U1400 Section: $100-$50-$30 $100 Biggest Upset: $50. Class Player Championship: $500-$250-$200 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) U1600: $150-$100-$75-$50 Biggest Upset: $25. 10:00-11:30. Top U1000 $20. Reg.: 10:00-10:45. Rds.: 11:00, 2:00, 5:00. One 1/2 Reg.: 2018 GARDEN STATE OPEN Rounds: Sat: 12:00, 5:00. Sun: 12:00, 5:00. One 1/2 point bye available (Sponsored by ChessRegister.com) point bye available in any round if declared before round 1. Ent: 4657 5SS, Premier section (FIDE-rated) Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, or online at saintlouischessclub.org in any round if declared before round 2. Winner of both sections will G/90+30 sec incr., All other sections but U1100 G/120 d5, U1100 have name engraved on Club Championship Trophy that is displayed Info: 314-361-CHESS, [email protected]. section G/90 d5 (2-day Option all sections Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Hyatt Regency, in Club year round. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63108, 3 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. $$11,100 b/200 paid entries, A Heritage Event! or online at saintlouischessclub.org Info: 314-361-CHESS, info@saint- 60% min. Gtd. Premier: $1200/Trophy-700-600-500, U2300 $400. U2100: DEC. 9, MASSACHUSETTS louischessclub.org.

ONE YEAR Categories Added Membership with Chess Life RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER! Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of Premium Adult Membership is $49, up to 8 lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament between January and March 2019, if no TLA for such an event which includes a print copy of Chess Life appeared in 2018, 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 Memberships are $40 and allow online- up 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 “paid entries.” NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. 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 / November

US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! (no unr) $1000-500. No separate U1000 section; under 1000 in U1250 DEC. 16, NEW JERSEY DEC. 22-23, TEXAS play for both U1250 and U1000 prizes; receive larger if winning both. Prize US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) limits: 1) Unrated limit $500 in U1250, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 DR. DAVID OSTFELD MEMORIAL ICA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP DCC FIDE OPEN XII U1900, $2000 U2100. 2) Under 26 games played as of Dec 2018 list may 4SS, G/61 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 5SS, G/90 inc 30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, not win over $1500 U1250, $3000 U1500 or U1700. Games rated too late 07601. Open to All Ages With Rating above 1400. Prize Fund ($$b/40): TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US for Dec 2018 list not counted. 3) If post-event rating posted 12/20/17- 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100 Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for 12/20/18 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 55 Years Old $75. Reg ends at pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. $2000. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mixed 9 AM. Only one 1/2-point bye allowed, if requested before the start of TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must doubles bonus prizes: best male/female combined 2-player team score: round two. EF: Adv (pmk. By Dec. 11th) $45, AT Site $50. GMs Free disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that $2000-1000-500-300-200. Only rounds 1-7 of Open Section counted. Team Entry. For info, call 201 797-0330, email [email protected] or USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their DOB and email address. must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no exta visit icanj.net. Prize Fund Will Not Be Reduced Below 70%. Rds.: 9:30 $$ $500-$250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, fee) by 3 pm 12/27; prize limits do not apply to doubles. Top 6 sections AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. Enter online at https://ica.jumbula.com/ U1600 $125, Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member EF: Online at chessaction.com: $245 by 9/15, $275 by 12/23. Mailed by #/ica_tournaments or mail information to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury $55. Dallas Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. 12/15: 5-day $280, 4-day $279, 3-day $278. Do not mail entry after 12/15. Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. Make checks payable to International Small Minimum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must Online 12/24 to 2 hours before round 1, or at site 12/26 to 1 hour before Chess Academy. W. play all rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from round 1: $300. Open Section EF $100 more to US players if not USCF or prize). Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is FIDE rated 2200/over. Under 1250 Section EF: All $120 less than above. DEC. 18, NEW YORK not Fide Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. Seniors 65/over in U1500/over: All $120 less than above. Re-entry US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 10$ non Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% $120; not available in Open Section. GM, foreign IM/WGM/WIM in Open MARSHALL MASTERS in prizes and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then Section: Free; minimum prize $250 if playing all 9 games with no byes; 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $1,100 that winner receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve $200 EF deducted from prize (cannot lower prize to under $250). US GTD: $400-200; top U2400, U2300, U2200: $150; Biggest upset: $50. section, Tournament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic IM/WGM, foreign FM/WFM in Open Section: Entry fees $100 less than EF: $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person devices and on starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE above. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 yr USCF dues with reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one pairing rules. Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- from 9:45–10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, shallchessclub.org/register. 2:10pm. One half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 Scholastic $17. 5-day reg. ends 12/26 10 am, rds. 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! and before getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round 10 & 4:30, 12/30 10 am. 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds. 12/26 6 pm, DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, NORTH CAROLINA byes are not eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must 12/27-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rd.s US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) pay $5 per round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks 12/27 11, 2:30 & 6, 12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. Bye: all, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4. 2018 payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, 7SS, G/120 d5 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75 d5). Hilton University Place Crowley, TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. HR: $99-99, 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase or chess block sell out about 11/15. Free parking if guest room at Ballys. Car rental: Charlotte, 8629 JM Keynes Dr., Charlotte, NC. $17,500 guaranteed An American Classic! in 5 sections. (1900+) $2400-1200-800, Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Ratings: December FIDE used prize fund Championship : A Heritage Event! in Open, December official USCF in others. For foreign players in U2300 & top U2300 $500-300, top U2150 $500. FIDE. $1600-800- Under 2000 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! below, see www.chesstour.com/foreignratings.htm; highest of multiple 400-200. $1600-800-400-200. $1600-800-400- Under 1800 Under 1600 DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, NEVADA ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings 200. $1200-600-300-200, top U1200 $300, top U1000 $200. Under 1400 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) may be expelled. CCA electronic devices rules used; see Unrateds must enter U1400 and are eligible for place prizes. Must be Special rules: 28TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN OPEN www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. 12/29 10 pm. chessaction.com 1900+ to play Championship. $145 online at www.charlottechess- Blitz Ent: EF: Open Section, Dec 26-30: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. GM & IM norms possible. or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577 (DirectorAtChess.us, center.org or mailed to CCCSA, 1800 Camden Rd, Ste 108, Charlotte, Other sections, Dec 26-29 or 27-29: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, www.chesstour.com, 347-201-2269). $15 service charge for refunds. NC 28203 by 12/13, $165 after or on-site. GM/IM free, $120 from prize. rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Bally’s Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Entries posted at chessaction.com (Click on “entry list” after entry). Re-entry $50, no Champ to Champ. $10 EF discount if staying at Hilton Vegas, NV 89103. $120,000 guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections. Open: until room block expires, up to 2 discounts per room. Hotel: $101, free $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st US Chess Junior Grand Prix! parking, free wifi, reserve early! 4-day schedule: Reg Thurs 5-6:15pm, on tiebreak bonus $200, top FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2400-1200. FIDE DEC. 26-30, LOUISIANA rds. Thu 7pm, Fri 12 & 6, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 10 & 3. 3-day: rds. 1-2 G/75 rated, GM & IM norms possible. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000-1200- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) d5, Reg Fri 8am-9am, rds. Fri 10am, 2pm, then merge. Byes: Up to 3 800-600-500-500-400-400. Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600- NEW ORLEANS OPEN half points byes available, commit before round 3. Chess sets provided, 500-500-400-400. Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-500- 7SS, (Open Sect: G/90 i30 with 4-day schedule only; Other Sects.: G/120 bring clocks. Co-organized by the Charlotte Chess Center and Carolinas 400-400. Under 1700: $6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400. d5 with 3 or 4-day schedule available. Open Sect is FIDE rated using Chess Initiative. Info/reg: www.charlottechesscenter.org, grant@char- Under 1500: $5000-2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under FIDE rules. No Entry Fee for GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs (EF will NOT be lottechesscenter.org. 1250: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top Under 1000 deducted from winnings). SIDE EVENTS: Wed., 12/26: Scholastic (K-12)

60 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

Tourn.; Bughouse Tourn.; and Blitz Tourn. (Bughouse & Blitz open to all). Rated. Open section prizes guaranteed. Other section prizes based on 40 rating” for competition will be the same as the month in which the tour- Hilton New Orleans Airport, 901 Airline Dr., Kenner, LA 70062 (504-469- paid entries for each section. Under 2200: $1,000-500-250-125; U2050: nament begins. Entry Fee: $74 (3-Day), $73 (2-Day) — if rec’d by Dec. 5000, ext. 2); Complimentary parking for all tournament attendees; Free $450-225. Under 1900: $1,000-500-250-125; U1750: $450-225. Under 27; $79 at site. (W)IGMs, (W)IMs Free ($60 deducted from any cash Airport Shuttle; Free In-Room Internet; Hot breakfast buffet tickets dis- 1600: $800-450-250-125; U1450: $400-200. Under 1300: $700-350-200- prizes won). Unrated: $35. Re-Entry: $40 (not available in Master/Expert counted to $15 including tax and tip (usually $19.95 without tax and tip). 125; U1150: $250-125; U1000: $200-100. UR max: $300 in U1900; $150 Section). 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7:00. Rds. Fri 7:30; Sat 2:30 Main Event Thurs./Fri./Sat./Sun., Dec. 27-30: 3 Sects. with Class PRIZES: in U1600, U1300. Special Prizes! Best Fighting Spirit/Best Played Game: & 7:30; Sun 10:00 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10:00. Rds. $6,000 b/140 full-pd. ent. OPEN: $1000+plaque-800-500; top U2000: $200-100. Brilliancy: $100-50. Opening Innovation: $100-50. Selected Sat 10:30, then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Time controls: $400-200; U1800: $600+plaque-400-250; top U1600: $200-100; winning games, positions, and openings must be annotated and will be Master/Expert: 40/90, SD/30, d10. Other sections: G/120 d5. All sections: U1400/Unr*: $600+plaque-400-250; top U1200: $200-100. *Unrated submitted for publication in Chess Life. Upset: For U1600 & U1300: $25 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 G/90 d5. ½-Pt. Byes: Available any round (limit players may only win 50% of the prize fund unless playing in the Open book credit prize for rds. 1-6, 4-day schedule only; max 2 prizes per two) — must request 1/2-Pt. Byes before Round One commences (no Sect. where they must pay full EF and are eligible for full prize fund. player. Byes: 1/2-pt byes available for any round, but Rds. 5-7 must changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards, and Clocks Plaque winners determined by USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks. commit before Rd 4. Limit 2 byes for prizes. Reentry: $75 and limited to – None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. Entries and Infor- 1/2-pt. Byes: U1800 and U1400/Unr Sects. may take up to three 1/2-pt, rounds 1-4. Equipment: Please bring. Open Section Rules: FIDE Rules mation: americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 – 9389. PHONE byes for any round; Open Sect. may take up to three 1/2-pt. byes in any used, with US Chess 1-hr lateness/default rule in effect. 4-day schedule CALLS ONLY AFTER DEC. 27 – no e-mails or TEXT messages, please. round except the last round due to FIDE restrictions – if you need a bye only & no re-entries. If no US or FIDE rating, contact TD at gv07@ in the last round it will be a 0-pt. bye; must commit to or rescind Byes yahoo.com. 4-day Schedule (7 rds. 12/27-12/30) for Open, U2200, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! before the start of Rd. 4 in all Sects. Reg. for 4-day Schedule: Wed. 5- U1900, U1600, & U1300: Rd. 1: 12/27 at 6 pm; Rds. 2-3, 4-5: 12/28 - DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, OHIO 9pm or Thurs. 8:30- 9:30am; Rds. Thurs. 10-6; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12/29 at 11 am & 5:30 pm. Rds. 6-7: 12/30 at 10 am & 4:30 pm. On-Site US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 10. Reg. for 3-day Schedule: Thurs. 5-9pm or Fri. 8-8:30am; (Rds. 1-3 Reg: 12/27 at 4-5:30. TC: 40/120, SD/30 d10. 3-day Schedule (7 rds. 2018 CLEVELAND HOLIDAY OPEN are G/60 d5): Rds.: Fri. 9-12-3-6; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10. Schedules merge at 12/28-12/30) for U2200, U1900, U1600, & U1300: Rds. 1-3: 12/28 at 5 Rounds, 40/100 SD 30 d10, 2-day Rounds 1&2 G/60 d10. At Hilton Rd. 4 when all games (Rds. 4-7 in the U1800 and U1400/Unr) become 5, 7, 9 pm. Join 4-day in Rd. 4. On-Site Reg: 12/28: 4-4:45 pm. TC: G/45 Garden Inn, 700 Beta Dr., Mayfield, OH 44143. Hotel rate $119 night, up G/120 d5. EF: $75 by 12/15, $85 by 12/20, $100 thereafter and at site. d10. Location: Westin Hotel, Tyson’s Corner, VA (at I-495 and Rte. 7 E. to 4 per room, 440-646-1777, Free parking. Prize fund $8,000 b/120 Unr. (in U1400/Unr) and Jrs. (in U1400): $55 by 12/15, $65 by 12/20, Shuttle to Metro & Tysons) HR: Amazing, only $89!! To reserve online, go paid. Open Section (FIDE RATED): $1200-$800-$400 (TOP 3 GUARAN- $80 thereafter and at site. Re-Entry Fee: $35, avail. up to start of Rd. 4 to easternopenchess.com or call (800) 937-8461 or (703) 893-1340 by TEED), top U2300/Unrated $360-$180. U-2100, U1800, U1500: Each: in U1800 and U1400 only (no Re-Entry in Open Section). 3 Re-entries or 2 12/20 request Eastern Open chess rate. Pkg: Free parking! Shuttle bus $800-$400-$160. U-1200: $500-$320-$160. Unrated may win no more Jr. entries count as one additional entry for prize fund. CAJUN BOUNTY: to Tyson’s Corner and Metro. Entries: If postmarked or ONLINE by Dec than half of any prize except in Open Section. EF: $99 by 12/25, $110 Defeat the top ranked player in the Open Sect. and win free entry to our 19: Open: $130; U2200: $120; U1900: $115; U1600: $110; U1300: $100, after or at site. Free to GMs, IMs & WGMs, no prize deduction. Re-entry: next tournament! FREE GIFT to oldest player and to player who travels if U1000 or UR: $75. Entries after 12/19: $25 more. Online entries $5 $40, not available in Open Section. Register online at www.progresswith- farthest to Main Event! Scholastic Event: NEW ORLEANS OPEN more. $10 service charge for refunds. December 2018 Rating List used. chess.org 3-day Schedule: Registration Ends Fri 7:00pm. Rounds: Friday SCHOLASTIC INDIVIDUAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Wed. 12/26, Please make checks or money orders payable to Eastern Open. Mail 7:30pm, Saturday 10-4:30 Sunday 9-3. 2-day Schedule: Registration 9am;(one day only - not a team event) Reg. 12/26, 7:45-8:30am: Open to entries to Tom Beckman, 3731 Kanawha St. NW, Washington, DC 20015- ends 9:30am. Rounds: Saturday 10-1:30, then merge with 3-day. All: Half all K-12 individual players; 4SS, G/30 d5. Sects: OPEN, U900, U500/Unr. 1809. For entry, easternopenchess.com or for questions, tombeckman@ point byes OK limit 1, must commit before Rd. 2. Contact: Michael Joelson, Rd. 1 at 9am – other rds. will immed. follow. Prizes: Trophies to top 5 rcn.com. Open section: GMs: free entry, but $130 deducted from prize; 216-321-7000, [email protected] individuals in each section (no team awards). All non-trophy winners IMs: $65 advance entry, but $65 deducted; FMs: $90 advance entry, but DEC. 29, NEVADA receive a souvenir chess medal. USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks $40 deducted. Side Events: EO Scholastic Tourney (12/27, 10 am-6 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) will decide trophy and medal placements for winners of all schol. sections. pm): 4 rd, 3 sections: K-12 Open, K-8 U1000, K-5 U700. Schedule: 10 am, NORTH AMERICAN OPEN BLITZ (BLZ) EF for Schol. Tourn: $20 by 12/15, $25 by 12/20, $30 thereafter and at 12, 2, 4 pm. On-Site Reg: 9-9:45 pm. TC: G/45 d10. Prizes: $100-50, 5SS, G/5 d0. double round, 10 games, Ballys Casino Resort (see North site. NEW ORLEANS OPEN BUGHOUSE CHAMPIONSHIP, Wed. 12/26, many trophies, medals, certs, & book prizes. EF: Advance: $35; late/on- American Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections. Open: $500- 4pm: 5SS, G/5 d0, Reg. 2:30-3:30pm, EF for Bughouse: $20 per team. site: $45. EO Blitz Championship: (12/27, 1-4 pm): 5-rd Dbl Swiss, 1 300-200, U2300/Unr $230-120, U2100/Unr $220-110. Under 1900/Unr: Trophies to top 3 teams. NEW ORLEANS OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP, section. On-Site Reg: 12-12:45 pm. TC: G/5 d0. Prizes: $800 based on $400-200-100, U1700 $220-110, U1500 $140-70, U1300 $80. EF (at site Wed. 12/26, 8pm, (USCF-rated using Regular ratings for pairing). Open 40 paid entries: 1st/2nd: $250-125-50; U2100: $150-75; U1800: $100-50. only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 12/29, $50 after 7 pm 12/29. GMs free; to All. 9SS, G/5 d0; sections determined by number of players. Reg. Wed. EF: Advance: $35; late/on-site: $45. Free Lecture: 12/27 at 4-5:30 pm. $40 deducted from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rds. 10 pm, 10:45, 11:15, until 7:45pm. Prizes: 70% of EFs returned as cash prizes. EF for Blitz: Partay On Open: (12/29, 10 am-8 pm) 4 rd, 1 section. On-Site Reg: 9- 11:45, 12:15. Bye: 1. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for $20. Hotel Rate: $99, Hilton New Orleans Airport, 504-469-5000, ext. 2, 9:45 am. Schedule: 10 am, 12:30, 3, 6 pm. TC: G/60 d10. Prizes: $1,400 pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. mention New Orleans Open tourn. and reserve by Dec. 10th to receive in cash prizes based on 40 paid entries: 1st/2nd/3rd: $300-200-100, chess rate, which is available 2 days pre-tournament and 1-day post tour- U2100: $250-125; U1800: $200-100; U1600: $100-50. EF: Advance $50; US Chess Junior Grand Prix! nament. Free Airport Shuttle - Free Hotel Parking – Free in-room Internet! late/on-site $65. EO Team Tourney: (12/30, 10 am-8 pm): 4 rd, 1 section, DEC. 29-30, NEW JERSEY ENT: More detailed info, Online registration and printable entry form at 3-person teams. On-Site Reg: 9-9:45 am. Schedule: 10 am, 12:30, 3, 6 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 www.cajunchess.com click on “Tournaments” or mail entry form to pm. TC: G/60 d10. Prizes: Based on match points. $1,950 in cash prizes SOUTH JERSEY OPEN - DR. LEROY DUBECK CUP Cajun Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or based on 21 paid team entries. Premier (max avg rating 2199): $500- $5,000 guaranteed! 5 rounds, Time control G/90 d5. Crowne Plaza Philadel- Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971. Email: cajunchess@ $250; U1900(max avg rating): $350-$175; U1600(max avg rating): $250-$125, phia Cherry Hill, 2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, across yahoo.com. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at site). FIDE. and Scholastic: $200-$100. EF: Advance: $125; late/on site: $150. from Garden State Park – 5 miles from Philadelphia City Center. In 3 section: Open Section: $1000-500-300, top Under 2100 $300-100. Under A Heritage Event! DEC. 28, NEW YORK 1900 Section: $550-400-200, top Under 1700 $250. Under 1500 Section: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 $500-300-200, top Under 1200 $200. Special prizes $100 each for best DEC. 27-29 OR 28-29, NEW YORK MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) parent/child and siblings scores. Entry Fee: Online $85 by 12/15 $95 by US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF regular rating used for pairings & 12/27, $105 at site. 10% “siblings” cashback, 20% “parent/child” cashback. 37TH ANNUAL EMPIRE CITY OPEN prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. GMs, IMs free; $100 deducted from prize. Re-entry - $50. Registration: 6SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-3 G/40 d10). Hotel Penn- EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person www.snjchess.com/register. Schedule: Reg ends Saturday 9:45 pm, rds. sylvania, 401 Seventh Ave. (32nd-33rd St., across from Penn Station), reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue Sat 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, Sun 10 am, 2 pm. All: Half point byes OK all, limit New York 10001. FOOD NOT PURCHASED FROM THE HOTEL IS NOT ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- 2, must commit before rd. 2. Hotel rates: $109 – “Chess Rate”, 1-856- ALLOWED IN THE HOTEL. $15,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 6 sections. shallchessclub.org/register. 382-6120; reserve by 12/15. Ratings: November official USCF rating list. Major (1800/up): $1500-800-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Contact: [email protected], (703) 989-6867. top U2300 $600-300. Under 2100: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1900: DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, GEORGIA DEC. 29-30, NEW JERSEY $1000-500-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1500: $900- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 500-300-200. Under 1200: $800-500-300-200. Unrated limits:U1200 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 $200, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, U1900 $600. Mixed doubles: best 48TH ANNUAL ATLANTA OPEN 2018 NJ SENIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - OFFICIAL NJSCF male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $600- 5-SS, Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Cham- TOURNAMENT $1,000 GUARANTEED 400-200. Must average under 2200; may play different sections; register blee, GA 30341. $5,000 b/100, $3000 guaranteed. 6 sections. 5 rounds, Time control G/90 d5. Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Cherry Hill, before both begin rd 2. Top 6 sections EF: $118 online at www.chess- Master/Expert (FIDE-rated): Open to USCF or FIDE-rated 2000 and 2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, across from Garden action.com by 12/24, 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed by 12/17, all $140 above. $500-300-200; Under 2000, $400-200-100. Class “A”: Open to State Park – 5 miles from Philadelphia City Center. NJ resident with at site, or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. GMs $100 from prize. All: Re- 1800 thru 1999. $400-200-100. Class “B”: Open to 1600 thru 1799. highest score in the Open section represents New Jersey at the National entry $50 (no Major to Major). Online EF $5 less to NYSCA members; $12 $400-200-100. Class “C”: Open to 1400 thru 1599. $400-200-100. Class Senior Tournament during the U.S. Open. Eligibility: Must be 50 or NYSCA dues may be paid with EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. “D”: Open to 1200 thru 1399 or Unrated. $350-150-100. Class “E”: older on December 1, 2018. In 2 sections: Open Section and Reserve Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special Open to Under 1200 or Unrated. $350-150-100. Class “E” thru “A” rated (Under 1750 or unrated). Schedule: Reg ends Saturday 9:45 pm, rds. 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at players may elect to “play up” in the next higher section — The “USCF Sat 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm Sun 10 am, 2 pm. Prizes: $1,000 guaranteed. chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or Ratings Supplement” used to determine a player’s “official published Open Section: $400 - 200. Reserve (Under 1800) Section: $300 - at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Thu 10 am. Rds. Thu 11 & 5, Fri 11 & 5, Sat 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 9 am. Rds. Fri 10, 12:15, 2:30 & 5, Sat 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR: Upgraded Penn 5000 rooms $189-199, regular rooms $169-179, plus required $20/night facility fee for both, reserve at chesstour.com or call 1-800-223-8585 or 212-736- 7th annual 5000, reserve by 12/5 or rate may increase. Facility fee includes breakfast, wireless, use of Ballys Total Fitness next door to hotel. Ent: chessaction.com BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS or Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after January 4-6 or 5-6, Hyatt Boston Harbor entering). Blitz tournament 12/28 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. A Heritage Event! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $109 room rates, free parking, free airport shuttle DEC. 27-30, 28-30, 27, 29, OR 30, VIRGINIA US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 140 (ENHANCED) 45TH ANNUAL EASTERN OPEN $12,000 projected prizes, $8,000 minimum guaranteed 5 Sections: Open, U2200, U1900, U1600, & U1300 Sections (7-Rd SS in 4- or 3-days); Over $15,000 prize fund! Over 50 cash prizes awarded! Class prizes for section! Side Events: Scholastic Tourney For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. (4-Rd SS on 12/27), Blitz Tourney (5-Rd Dbl Swiss on 12/27), New! Partay On Open (4-Rd SS on 12/29), New! Team Tourney (4-Rd SS on 12/30). Open: $2,000-1,000-500-250; U2350: $750-350-200. FIDE

www.uschess.org 61 Tournament Life / November

100. Entry Fee: Online $65 by 12/15, $75 by 12/27, $85 at site $10 dis- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! sections but U1100 2:30, 5th Rd. U1100 1:45. With incr. Premier section count for SNJCC members Free entry to GMs, WGMs, IMs, WIMs, FMs, JAN. 1-7, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN start times could be delayed. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req’d before rd. 2. HR: WFMs. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) $159 with complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, two-hour beverage Hotel rates: $109 – “Chess Rate”, 1-856-382-6120; reserve by 12/15. BAY AREA INTERNATIONAL & AMATEUR reception nightly, Internet, refrigerator & microwave, free airport shuttle, Ratings: November official USCF rating list. Contact: dgorman@darse- Hyatt Regency SFO, 1333 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010. Inter- free parking for all, 239-949-4222. Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 2385 NW mail.com, (703) 989-6867. Registration: www.njscf.org/register national Section (minimum 2000 FIDE or 2200 USCF to play, FIDE Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. $10 service charge for refunds. www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. DEC. 30-31, TEXAS Ratings used for pairings and prizes): 9SS, 40/90, SD/30 +30inc. Online entry & addl info: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 (ENHANCED) Prizes: $5000-$3000-$2000-$1000, U2450 $1000, U2250 $1000. All prizes US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 2018, YEAR END INSANITY guaranteed with GM and IM norms possible! Entry Fees (Based on JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, MASSACHUSETTS 10 Rd. G/30 d5. 2-SS (Play white and black against each opponent), FIDE Ratings): Free to GMs, foreign IMs, and 2500+; 2450-2499: $75; US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr, #C, Richardson, TX 75080. 2400- 2449 $125; 2350-2399: $175; 2300-2349 $225; 2250-2299: $275; 7TH ANNUAL BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS EF: $40. $25 Junior/Senior/Hcapp/Birthday during tournament. Limited 2200- 2249 $325; 2100-2199: $375; 2000-2099 $425; U2000: $500; 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Hyatt Boston number of House players welcome for $2 per game. Dallas Chess Club Unrated: $700; All $50 more after 9/15, $100 more after 11/15. Non-US Harbor, 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA 02128. Free parking, free airport membership required or pay $10 non member fee. $$GTD: $200-100. Federation players who complete all nine rounds are guaranteed a $100 shuttle. Prizes $12,000 based on 220 entries (U1250 & re-entries count Class prizes (if any) depends on entries. Note that if few entries, two 5 minimum prize. Schedule: Rds. 1/1, 1/3, 1/5: 6p; 1/3, 1/5: 10a, 1/2, 60%), min. guarantee $8000 (2/3 each prize). 6 sections. Premier round 2-SS may be substituted for the 10 Rd 2-SS. If so, the prizes will 1/4, 1/6: 2p, 1/7: 10a. For more information, including advance entries, (1900/over): $1200-600-400, clear/ tiebreak 1st $100 bonus, top U2300 be determined by adding up bot 5 RD 2-SS. Reg.: 12/31 at 5pm – 5:45 visit http://sfinternationalchess. com Amateur Sections: Jan 4-6 or $500-250. Under 2100: $1000-500-300. Under 1900: $1000-500-300. pm. Rds.: Round 1 at 6:05 pm rest ASAP with hour breaks at around Jan 5-6; 6SS, 40/120, SD/30 d5, 2-Day option: Rds. 1-3 G/61 d5. USCF Under 1700: $900-500-300. Under 1500: $800-400-300. Under 1250: 12:30 am, 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. 4 points of 1/2 point Byes allowed. Ratings used. Four Sections, Total Prizes $8,000 b/120, 60% guaranteed! $400- 200-150. Unrated limit $100 in U1250, $200 U1500, $300 U1700. Byes for round 9 and 10 must be requested before round 6. ENT: Dallas XA (1900-2199 USCF & U2000 FIDE): $1400-$800-$400-$200. AB (1600- Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score among Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 1899): $1100-$600-$300-$100. C (1400-1599): $800-$500-$300-$100. all sections: $800-400-200. Must average under 2200; may play different 76036. INFO: Barbara Swafford, 214-632-9000, [email protected]. DE (U1400): $700-$400-$200-$100. Top two sections FIDE Rated. Entry sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 1/5. Top 5 sections EF: www.dallaschess.com. Fee: $119 by 1/1, $149 onsite, $30 Playup Fee. Reg.: Fri 10-11, Sat 8:30- $87 at chessaction.com by 1/2, 3-day $93, 2-day $92 if check mailed by 9. Schedule: Rds. Fri/Sat: 11a, 5p; Sun: 10a, 3:30p; 2-Day: Sat: 9a, 12/24, $100 at site, or online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs $80 from DEC. 30-JAN. 1, NEW YORK 11:30a, 2p, 5p; Sun: 10a, 3:30p. 3 & 2-day schedule compete for the same prize. U1250 Section EF: All $40 less than above. All: OnlineEF $5 less US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 prizes. For more information visit http://bayareachess.com/ny HR: $109, to MACA members; join/renew at masschess.org. Re-entry $50 (no NEW YEAR’S RIDICULOUSNESS INSANE PERSON cutoff 12/10/18. For entry contact Arun Sharma [email protected] Premier to Premier). No checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial CHAMPIONSHIP! and Dr. Judit Sztaray [email protected] uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unr. Special 1 year USCF 15-SS, G/25 d5. GMs Free, $39 reduced from prizes. $1,540 GTD: $443- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! dues if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult 241-111-54-3, U2221: $139, U1948: $137, U1628: $117. Idiocy Prize: $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, FLORIDA $132 to player scoring best in tournament with 1. g4 and/or 1. ... g5. $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 (ENHANCED) Mixed Double Prize: Best male/female 2-player team combined score 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & (register at entry; ave. U2200): $129-34. EF: $45; Non-MCC Mbr: Addi- 5TH ANNUAL GULF COAST NEW YEAR’S OPEN 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, Premier must tional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs (Sponsored by ChessRegister.com) 5SS, Premier section (FIDE-rated) commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. HR: $109-109, link at chesstour.com Free. Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:15-5:30pm each day. Max 5 byes, request G/90+30 sec incr., All other sections but U1100 G/120 d5, U1100 or 617-568-1234, request chess rate, reserve by 12/21 or rate may at entry. Proper attire appreciated. Register Online: www.marshallchess- section G/90 d5 (2-day Option all sections Rd. 1 G/60 d5). Embassy increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Ent: ches- club.org/register. Suites Fort Myers-Estero, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr., Estero, FL saction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. 33928. $$11,000 b/180 paid entries, 50% min. Gtd. Premier: $1100/Tro- $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc- JAN. 1, NORTH CAROLINA phy-700-600-500, U2300 $400. U2100: $1000/Trophy-600-500, U1950 torAtChess.US, 347-201- 2269. Entries posted at www.chesstour.com US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 $400. U1800: $1000/Trophy-600-500, U1650 $400. U1500: $1000/Tro- (Click “entry list” after entering). Blitz Sat. 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15. 2019 TICKS phy-600-500, U1350/Unr. $400. U1100: Trophies for 1st to 3rd & 1st Triangle Chess Center, 5920 S. Miami Blvd. Ste. 203, Morrisville, NC U900, 1st U700, Medals to all others. Top Senior Prize (among all cash US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 27560. 6-SS Game in 2019 seconds (33:39) d/5. Prizes: $1,000 b/54 paid prize sections, must be at least 55 on Jan. 4) $200. Unr. may enter U1500 JAN. 4-6, TENNESSEE entries. $600 GTD. $250 ($200 GTD) - $150 ($100 GTD) - $100 - $50 / or U1100 only. In U1500, Unr. only eligible for Unr. prize. Min. USCF or US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) 2ndQ, 3rdQ, and 4thQ $100-$50 ea. Unrateds will be assigned a rating FIDE rating of 1800 required for premier section. EF: $99 by Jan. 1, $10 4TH ANNUAL SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHESS TOURNAMENT based on perf. rating after five rounds. Reg.: 10-10:45. Rds.: 11-12:15- more later, $15 more on-site, GMs & IMs free ($99 deducted from prize). Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, 2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon 2:15-3:30-5:30-6:45. Up to 2 1/2-point byes allowed. Byes must be U1100 section $39 by Jan. 1, $10 more later, $15 more onsite. Re-entry Forge, TN 37863. $$GTD $3500. Hotel: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort requested by 2PM. EF: $25 if paid by 12/30 or $30 afterward. TD/Organizer: cash prize sections $49. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day and Spa, 2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge, TX 800-365-5996 $79.00 Sr. TD Jeff Jones, 5529 Fantasy Moth Dr., Garner, NC 27529, coach- 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30; 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10; 2nd Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. all sec- + tax per room. (Use PROMO CODE - SMCT) or book online at dolly- [email protected]. (919) 270-9948. Website: http://2019ticks.info. tions but U1100 6:30, 3rd Rd. U1100 5:45; 4th Rd. Sun. 9:30; 5th Rd. all woodsdreammoreresort.com (Under Special Codes enter Group Code

10th annual GOLDEN STATE OPEN Jan 18-21, 19-21 or 20-21, Martin Luther King weekend, Concord, CA 7 ROUNDS, $25,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES! 7 rounds, 40/100, SD/30 d10 Top 4 sections entry fee: 4-day reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10; $138 online at chessaction.com Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 noon & 6 pm, 2-day option except Major by 1/16, 4-day $144, 3-day $143, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. Section, rds 1-4 G/30, d10). 2-day $142 if mailed by 1/9, all 3-day reg ends Sat 11 am, rds Crowne Plaza, 45 John Glenn $160 at site, or online until 2 Sat 12 noon, 3 pm & 6 pm, Sun 12 Dr, Concord CA 94520 (I-680 to hours before round 1. noon & 6 pm, Mon 10 & 3:30. Exit 52). Free parking. Free Under 1200 Section entry 2-day reg ends Sun 9 am, rds BART shuttle often available. fee: $30 less than top 4 sections Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 entry fee. & 3:30. No 2-day Major Section. In 7 sections. All: Online entry $5 less to Byes: OK all, limit 2, Major Major (1800/up): $3000- CalChess members. No checks at must commit before rd 3, other 1500-700-500-300, clear/tiebreak site; credit cards OK. Re-entry before rd 4. win $100, top U2300 $1000-500. $60 (no Major to Major). FIDE rated, 150 GPP. Special 1 year USCF dues Bring set, board, clock if Under 2100: $1700-900-500- with paper magazine if paid with possible- none supplied. 300-200, top U1900 $800-400. entry: online at chessaction.com, Hotel rates: $117-117-127, Under 1800: $1700-900-500- Adult $35, Young Adult $22, 877-286-8389, 925-825-7700, 300-200, top U1600 $600-300. Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, reserve by 1/4 or may increase. Under 1500: $1400-700-400- Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Entry: chessaction.com or 300-200, top U1300 $400-200. Scholastic $17. US Chess Continental Chess, Box 249, Under 1200: $1000-500-400- membership required. Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Entries 300-200, top U1000 $200-100. posted at chessaction.com (click Mixed doubles: $1000-500- January official USCF “entry list” after entering). $15 300. See TLA or chesstour.com. ratings used; unofficial charge for refunds. Unrated prize limits: U1200 uschess.org ratings usually used Blitz tournament Sun 10 pm, $200, U1500 $350, U1800 $500. if otherwise unrated. enter by 9:45 pm, entry fee $20.

62 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

190103CHES) Valid Until 12/4/2018. (Room rate good for Thursday - window of that class. EF: M/X $45 (U18 $5 off), Free entry to GM, IM, FM, An American Classic! Sunday only). In 3 Sections, Open: 5SS, G/120 d5, $$GTD: $600-200. & 2200+, advanced entry fee deducted from prize. A, B, C, D, E: $42 (U18 A Heritage Event! Expert, A and Below - $300, $100. Amateur: 5SS, G/90 d5, Open to $5 off); Novice: $25. Advance entries must be received by 1/10/19, after US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1800. $$GTD: $300-100. C, D and Below - $300, $100. Novice: 5SS, $10 more. Make checks payable to MCA. MCA memb req’d for Michigan JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, PENNSYLVANIA G/90 d5, Open to U1200. $$GTD: $150-100. F, G and Below - $150, $50 residents, other states OK. TL: M/X & Class: G/115 d5, Novice: G/30 d5. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) Unrated - $100 $50 (unrated eligible for unrated prize only). ALL: EF: Reg.: Online: https://onlineregistration.cc/. Sat, 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: Sat 51ST ANNUAL LIBERTY BELL OPEN $30.00 if mailed by December 24, 2018 $40.00 later and at site. Memb. 10am-2:30pm-7pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm. $$Gtd: $2850; M/X: $300-$200, 7SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (3 day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option Req’d: TCA $10.00, Tennessee residents only. One 1/2 point bye available X: $230 U2100: $120; Class A, B, C, D, E: $180-$120; U1900/U1700/U1500: in U2100 to U1250, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market for any round if requested before registration ends. ENT: Harry Sabine, $100; Novice: Trophies to Top 5 Overall, Top U800, Top U700, Top U600, St., Philadelphia 19103. Prizes $20,000 based on 320 paid entries (re- PO Box 381, Crossville, TN 38557, www. cumberlandcountychess.org/ Top U500, Top U400, Top Unr. State Champions (Top Michigan Resident): entries, GMs/IMs & U1250 section count 70%), else in proportion, tournament. INFO: Harry Sabine (931) 484- 9593 or (931) 261-8440, Master/Expert, Expert, and Each Class plus Novice. Trophies for all place- except minimum 75% of each prize guaranteed. From 2006 to 2018, [email protected]. www.tnchess.us. Other Prizes - over $2000 in winners listed above. Ent & Info: Jeff Aldrich, P.O. Box 40, Flint, MI 48501; there were over 320 paid entries each year and the prizes were increased door prizes furnished by Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa [email protected]; (810) 955-7271. to over $20,000, in proportion. In 6 sections. Major (1800/up): $2000- that include Dollywood Tickets, Dixie Stampede Tickets and 1200-600-400-300, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2300 DreamMore Resort and Spa Gift Certificates! W. JAN. 15, NEW YORK US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 $1000-500. FIDE. Under 2100: $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MARSHALL MASTERS $1200-600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-500-400-300-200. Under JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, TEXAS 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $1,100 1500: $1000-500-400- 300-200. Under 1250: $700-400-300-200-100. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 GTD: $400-200; top U2400, U2300, U2200: $150; Biggest upset: $50. Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U1250, 9TH ANNUAL AUSTIN CHESS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP EF: $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person $200 U1500, or $300 U1700. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2- 100% GUARANTEED Prize Fund! Bridge Center of Austin, 6700 Middle reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one player team combined score among all sections: $1000-600-400. Team Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752. Entries are limited to the first 160 par- bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no ticipants to register. No limit on players rated 2200+. In 3 Sections shallchessclub.org/register. extra fee) before both begin round 2. Top 5 sections EF: $108 online Championship: 5SS, G/90;+60, Open to players 1800 and above. EF: at chessaction.com by 1/16, 4-day $114, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if check $55 received or online by 12/1, $65 thereafter/site. $$GTD: $800-400- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! mailed by 1/9, $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or online until 200. U2200 - $300-150, U2000 - $250-100. Reserve: 5SS, G/90;+60, JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs & IMs free, $80 deducted from prize. U1250 open to Ratings 1400-1799. EF: $50 received or online by 12/1, $60 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) Section EF: All $30 less than top 5 sections EF. All:Unofficial uschess.org thereafter/site. $$: $450-250-100. U1600 - $200-100. Novice: 5SS, 10TH ANNUAL GOLDEN STATE OPEN ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues G/90;+60, Open to Ratings under 1400. EF: $45 received or online by 7SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10, 2-day option with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, 12/1, $55 thereafter/site. $$: $250-125-75. U1200 - $125-75, U1000 - except in Major Section, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10). Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young $75. ALL: Online Registration preferred. Please see website for refund John Glenn Dr., Concord, CA 94520 (free BART shuttle often available). Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry (no Major to Major) $70. 4-day policy. Unrateds may only win place prizes. No”playing up”. Unrateds Prizes $25,000 unconditionally guaranteed. In 5 sections. Major, schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, placed at TD’s discretion. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before end of open to 1800/up. $3000-1500-700-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 11 am, rds. Sat 12, 3 & Rd. 2. Schedule:3-day: Reg Fri 01/04 (space permitting): Fri. 6:00- $100, top U2300 $1000-500. FIDE. Under 2100: $1700-900-500-300- 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule (no Major Section): 7:00pm Rds.: 01/04 7:30pm, 01/05 1pm & 7pm, 01/06 9:30am & 3:30pm; 200, top U1900 $800-400. Under 1800:$1700-900-500-300-200, top Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds. Sun 10-12-2-3:45-6, Mon 10-3:30. Bye: all, 2-day: Reg Sat 01/05 (space permitting): 8:00-8:40am. Rd. 1 (G/90 U1600 $600-300. Under 1500: $1400-700-400-300-200, top U1300 limit 3, Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 4. HR: $107- d5): 9:00am, then merge with 3 day schedule. ENT: AustinChessTour- $400-200. Under 1200: $1000-500-400-300-200, top U1000 $200-100. 107-107-107, 1-800-SONESTA, 215-561-7500, request Continental Chess naments.com, P.O. Box 1386, Round Rock, TX 78680, 512-417-9008, Unrated prize limits: U1200 $200, U1500 $350, U1800 $500. Mixed rate, reserve by 1/4 or rate may increase. Parking: Chess rate at www.AustinChessTournaments.com. INFO: Lori Balkum, Lori.Balkum@ doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score among all Sonesta approx. $20/day (half of normal rate). 1540 Spring St., 12 AustinChessTournaments.com. DIR: 6700 Middle Fiskville Road (in the sections: $1000-500-300. Must average under 2200; may play in different minutes walk, is about $7/day Sat & Sun, $20 other days. Car rental: Bridge Center of Austin), Austin, TX, next to Taj Palace Restaurant. Online sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2. Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633 or reserve through entries preferred: www.AustinChessClub.com. January 2019 Supplement. Top 4 sections EF: $138 online at chessaction.com by 1/16, 4-day chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction .com or Continental Chess, Box 249, Bring your own board and clock. $144, 3-day $143, 2-day $142 mailed by 1/9, all $160 (no checks, credit Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, www.chess- Entries are limited to the first 160 cards OK) at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs $120 participants (exceptions granted for ratings 2200+). W. tour.com, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted from prize. U1200 Section EF: $30 less than top 4 sections entry fee. at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament A Heritage Event! All: Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry. Online at ches- Sun. 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! saction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at JAN. 5-6, ILLINOIS site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry (no Major to US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 Major) $60. Online EF $5 less to CalChess members. 4-day schedule: JAN. 19-21 OR 20-21, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN TIM JUST WINTER OPEN XXXVI Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 6, Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) 5SS. G/90 inc 30. Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 East Golf Rd., & 3:30. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds. Sat 12, 3 & 6, 5TH ANNUAL DREAMING KING OPEN Schaumburg, IL 60173, (847) 605-1234. $98 if reserved by 12/21 at Sun 12 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, 6-SS, 5 Sections, G/100, +30 (2-day schedule rds. 1 - 3 are G/45 d5). https://aws.passkey.com/go/TimJustWinterOpen2019. $4,600 in rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 3:30. No 2-day Major Section. Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, prizes. Two Sections plus Winter Scholastic on Jan 5. Open Section: Byes: OK all, limit 2; Major must commit before rd. 3, others before CA 92106 (www.marriott.com/sanal). $$13,000 Guaranteed prize fund. open to all (FIDE rated!). Open Prizes: $750-350-250-150; U2200: rd. 4. Unofficial uschess.orgratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Prizes: Open Section: $1,800-1,300-900-600-400-200, U2300 $800-500. $300-150; U2000: $300-125. Reserve Section (Under 1800). Reserve Foreign player ratings: See chesstour.com/foreignratings.htm. HR: U2100, U1900, U1700 Sections, all $800-500-300-200, U1500 Section: Prizes: $700-300-200-125; U1600: $225-150; U1400: $200-100; U1200: $117-117-127, 877-286-8389, 925-825-7700, reserve by 1/4 or rate $300-200, BU1300 $300-150, BU1100 $100, Book Prize for Best Unr in $150-75. Unrated qualify for top prizes only. EF: $75 on-line by may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. each section. Plus Best Game Prize: $50. Jan. official rating list will be 12/29/2018. $80 by 1/4. $90 after that or onsite. Add $15 if playing Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: used. Fines: $5 for cell phone violations and possible $25 for forfeits at up from Reserve into Open section. Schedule: Sat. 9am, 2pm, 7pm; chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge TD discretion. Reg.: 3-day: 8:30 - 9:30 AM on Sat, 2-day: 8 - 9 AM on Sun. 10am, 3pm. Re-entry: $45 with 1/2pt bye. Byes OK all rounds for refunds. Bring set, board, clock if possible; none supplied. Advance Sunday. Rds.: 3 day: 10 AM & 4 PM all 3 days. 2- day: 9:30 AM, 11:30, must commit by end of round 2. Register online at https://www. entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM (merged) on Sunday, then 10 AM & 4 PM on Monday kingregistration.com/event/winteropen19. Winter scholastic on Blitz tournament Sun 10 pm, enter by 9:45 pm. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday). EF: $90 if received by 11/30/18 (Early Bird Special), or $100 between 12/01/18 and 1/10/19, $120 after 1/10/19 Jan 6. G/25 d5. Two sections: Under 1200 and Under 700. Trophies US Chess Junior Grand Prix! to top 10 in each section. Schedule: 12pm, then ASAP. EF: $25 by and $140 late registration at door on 1/19/19. No credit cards at door, JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, MARYLAND checks or cash only. Special rate of only $75 if U1500 or unrated. GMs, 12/29/2018. $30 after that or onsite. Register online at US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 https://www.kingregistration.com/event/winterschol19. WGMs, IMs and WIMs all play for free, but $100 deducted from any prize CHESAPEAKE OPEN winnings. Re-entry from 3-day to 2-day: $75, for players rated U2300 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 7SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30” incr, (Rnd. 1 G/90 +30” incr) (3-day schedule: only. This event will NOT be FIDE rated, sorry. SCCF membership req’d JAN. 5-6, MASSACHUSETTS rds. 1-2 G/45+30”incr); U1250 & U1000 G/90 d5 (rds. 1&2 G/45 d5) ($18 Adult, $13 Jr, or $3 for Jr w/o mag) for all So Cal residents. Two US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) (U1250 4-day schedule all rds. G/90 d5) (U1000 2-day schedule, rds. 1-4 byes allowed, but must be requested at least 1 hour before rd. and last WESTFORD JANUARY OPEN G/30 d5) Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. round byes must be requested before Rd. 3 & are irrevocable. Jan. rating Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Road, Westford, $$Based on score. 7 sections: Championship (min. rating of 2000) FIDE: list used. Ent: SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego, CA 92112 or enter online MA 01886. In 4 Sections, Championship: 4SS, G/90;+60 Clocks unable 7.0 =$2200, 6.5 =$1600, 6.0=$1100, 5.5=$700, 5.0=$350, 4.5=$125, at www.scchess.com. For more info call Chuck Ensey at (858) 432-8006, to use increment play G/120 (no delay). Open to players rated 1800/above. 4.0=$50 [min $1500 payout, top score group raised if less than $1500]. or email me at [email protected]. Hotel Rates: book online or call 619- FIDE rated. $$GTD: $600-300-250. U2400 $250 U2200 $250. U2000: 4SS, U2100 (FIDE: min rating 1700)= 7.0 =$2100, 6.5 =$1400, 6.0=$1000, 221-1900, Special rate of $135 if booked by 12/15, but rates will rise and G/90;+60 Clocks unable to use increment play G/ 120 (no delay). Open 5.5=$600, 5.0=$300, 4.5=$100, 4.0=$30. U1900: 7.0 =$2000, 6.5 rooms will sell out at this small hotel so please book early. to 1999 & under. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $400-200- 150. U1800: 4SS, G/90; =$1300, 6.0=$800, 5.5=$500, 5.0=$275, 4.5=$100. U1700: 7.0= +60 Clocks unable to use increment play G/ 120 (no delay). Open to $2000, 6.5 = $1200, 6.0= $750, 5.5= $450, 5.0=$225, 4.5=$100. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! JAN. 25-27 OR 26-27, OHIO 1799 & under. $$GTD: $400-200-150. U1600: 4SS, G/90;+60 Clocks U1500: 7.0= $1800, 6.5= $1000, 6.0= $600, 5.5= $400, 5.0=$200, unable to use increment play G/120 (no delay). Open to 1599 & under. 4.5=$80. U1250: 7.0= $1200, 6.5= $700, 6.0= $350, 5.5= $225, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 Adult unrated not allowed in section. $$GTD: $300-150-100. U1400 $150 5.0=$120, 4.5=$50. U1000 (no adult UNR): 7.0=$500, 6.5=$325, 2019 CARDINAL OPEN (OPEN SECTION FIDE RATED) U1200 $150. ALL: EF: $70 postmarked 29 December, $80 at site. $30 6.0=$175, 5.5=$100, 5.0=$55, 4.5=$30. Trophies to top 10 & top U800 5SS, 40/110 SD 30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75 d10 schedules merge discount to players in U1600 sect. rated U1000 or unrated. Reg.: 8:30- in U1000. Additional prizes to clear 1st place, if no 7.0 in section starting round 3 for all sections). Embassy Suites Columbus Airport, 2886 9:30 on Saturday. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. 1 ½ point byes rounds 1-3. ENT: Alex (added to score prize) - Championship: $400; U2100 $300, U1900 $250, Airport Dr., Columbus. Hotel Rate: $109 per night Reservations at: Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea U1700 & U1500: $200; U1250 $150, U1000 $50. Unrated may not win http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/C/CMHATES [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. HR $99 by 6 December. over $100 in U1000, $200 U1250, or $400 in U1500. Sets and clocks -CHS-20190125/index.jhtml Prizes $15,000 based on 200 paid entries (978) 692-8200 mention Westford January Open. provided in all sections. Optionally, pairings can be texted to your in 5 sections: Open $2000 - $1500 - $750 - $500 Top U2300 $500 - $350 phone. Free Monday morning continental breakfast for players. U2100 $1400 - $700 - $300 - $200 Top U1800 $1400 - $700 - $300 - $200 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Free parking for day guests. EF: $119 by 1/4, $124 by 1/15, and $129 U1500 $1000 - $600 - $300 - $200 U1200 $1000 - $600 - $300 - $200 A State Championship Event! online only by 1/17, $140 later. Special EFs: $40 less for U1250, $60 less Unrated players and provisional rated players only qualify for 25% of any JAN. 12-13, MICHIGAN for U1000; GMs free, $50 deducted from prize; IMs $45 less, $20 deducted prize in all sections except Open, balance goes to next player in line. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 from prize. HR: $99, ($5 EF discount if staying at hotel @ group rate). Entry Fee: Online - $100 by January 20 after that EF is $110 (OCA Mem- 2019 MICHIGAN MASTER/EXPERT & CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Rooms may not be avail after 1/4. 4-day schedule (Champ-U1500): Reg. bership Required for Ohio Players), Mail - $105 by January 20, 2018 after 5-SS. Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave., (517) 482-0188. HR: ends Fri 7pm, rds. Fri 8, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 9:30 & 3:30. 3-day that EF is $110, On-site EF $110. All: No checks at site credit cards are ok $110.95+tax by 1/2/19, after if space available. www.radisson.com/lans- schedule (Champ-U1500): Reg. ends Sat 10am rds. 11, 2:15 & 6, Sun 11 (CC Fees will be paid by registrant). Re-Entry all sections - $40. GM & ingmi - Code: CHES19. 8 Sections: M/X, A, B, C, D, E (U1200), Novice (Sat & 6, Mon 9:30 & 3:30. U1250 4-day schedule Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds. Fri IM free entry if you preregister before early registration deadline. 3-day only): U1000/Unr. M/X Section will be FIDE rated. Most recent USCF rating 8, Sat 11 & 3:00, Sun 11 & 3, Mon 9:30 & 12:45 U1250 & U1000 3-day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:30pm, rds. Fri 7pm, Sat 10am & 5pm, Sun supplement used for ratings. Players must play in class of their rating. schedule Reg. ends Sat 9am rds. 11, 1, & 3:00, Sun 11&3:00, Mon 9:30 & 9am & 3pm. 2-day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 9:30am, rds. Sat 10am, Unrated players must play in Novice sect. Players may request to play up 12:45. U1000 2-day schedule: reg ends Sun 9am rds. Sun 10, 11:15, 12:30, 1:30pm, & 5pm, Sun 9am & 3pm. Byes: all sections, limit 1 - ½ point bye, in class (or unrated players may request being seeded into a class) if their 1:45, 3:00, Mon 9:30 & 12:45. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge no last round bye, all byes must commit before round 2. Side Event: Sat recent tournament history shows achievement into that class. TD must Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information and registration 10pm Blitz (G/3 inc2) (USCF Rated) 9 rounds entry fee $20, 80% entries= approve all requests and will assign a rating to the player within the rating at http://thechesapeakeopen.com. prize fund. Entry or more information: http://buckeyechess.com or

www.uschess.org 63 Tournament Life / November

mail to: Buckeye Chess Club, 3180 Wild Dunes Court, Pickerington, OH A Heritage Event! $4.95 resort fee, includes high speed wired internet, fitness center, pool, 43147. Questions: Mr. Kelly M. Bloomfield – [email protected] US Chess Junior Grand Prix! spa, in room coffee & tea, etc. 1-800-FOXWOOD or use link at chesstour.com, or 614-668-5588. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN reserve by 4/4 or rate may increase. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player US Chess Junior Grand Prix! ratings: see www.chess tour.com/foreignratings.htm. Electronic devices FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, TEXAS 26TH ANNUAL WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Airtel Plaza rules: See www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Please leave your phone in US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) your hotel room, your car, home, or in a bag near your table. Ratings: FIDE 10TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406. Parking $8/day, $12 including overnight. Flyaway bus from LAX to Van Nuys about $10 each way; free ratings used in Open, April USCF official in other sections. Ent: chessaction.com 9SS (Master Section), 7SS (other sections), DFW Airport Marriott South, or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76155. Free parking, free airport shuttle to bus and train station. Free wireless, indoor pool, gym, hot tubs; restaurants within walking distance. 7 sections. [email protected], chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 shuttle. 5-day schedule, Feb 14-18: Master Section only, GM & IM $20,000 guaranteed prizes. (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry norms possible, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 4-day schedule, Feb 15-18: Expert Master bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. (2000-2199): $1500-700-400- list” after entering). Blitz tournament Sat. 10:30 pm, reg. By 10 pm. through Class E, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 3-day schedule: Expert through Expert 200. (1800-1999): $1500-700-400-200. (1600-1799/Unr): Class E, Feb 16-18, rds 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges with 4-day. 2-day Class A Class B APR. 20, CONNECTICUT $1500-700-400-200. (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-300-200. schedule: Class B through E, Feb 17-18, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10, then merges Class C Class US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) (1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. (Under 1200/Unr): $600- with others. $33,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. FIDE D Class E FOXWOODS BLITZ (BLZ) 300-200-100. may play up one section. ratings used in Master Section, USCF February official in others. In 7 Rated players Unofficial uschess.org 5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel usually used if otherwise unrated. Unrated may not sections; rated players may play up one section. Master (2200/up): ratings Prize limits: (see Foxwoods Open). $2000 guaranteed prizes: $400-250-150, 2000- $3000-2000-1200-800-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner $200, win over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $400 B. Mixed doubles bonus 2199 $200-100, U2000/Unr $200-100, U1800 $180-90, U1600 $150-80, best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: top FIDE U2300/Unr $1800-900. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $2000- prizes: U1300 $100. EF: $40 by 7 pm 4/20, $50 by 10 pm 4/20. GMs free; $40 $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200; may play in different 1000-500-300-200. Class A (1800-1999/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. from prize. Enter at site only, no checks. Reg.: ends 10 pm, rds. 10:30, sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 3/2, prize limits do not Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class C (1400- 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed (1 point out of 2), must give notice apply to mixed doubles. $123 online at chessaction.com 1599/Unr): $1700-900-500-300-200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $800- Top 6 sections EF: before rd. 2. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings by 2/27, 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 2/20, $140 online until 2 hours 400-300-200-100. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. before rd. 1 or at site. all $50 less than top 6 sections EF. Unrated may enter A through E, with maximum prize E $100, D $200, C Class E EF: to SCCF members; join/renew at scchess.com. $300, B $400, A $600. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team Online EF $5 less GMs US Chess Junior Grand Prix! combined score among all sections: $1000-600-400. Team must average free; $120 deducted from prize. No checks at site; credit cards OK. All: MAY 4, MAINE under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chess- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 both players begin round 2; only rounds 1-7 in Master Section count action.com. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, DOWNEAST OPEN Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry (except Master) $60. towards doubles; prize limits do not apply to doubles. Master Section Bonny Eagle Middle School, 92 Sokokis Trail, Buxton, ME. A Maine Chess Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. EF: $228 online at chessaction.com by 2/13, $250 at site by 2/14 6 pm 3-day schedule: 2- Player of the Year Event! Maine Chess Association membership required. or online by 2/14 5 pm. GMs & foreign IMs/WGMs $200 less ($200 day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: 4SS in three sections: OPEN and U1500 G/60 d10; U1000 G/45 d5. deducted from prize), US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign players $100 OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. EF: EF Open $50 by 5/3, $55 at door; U1550 $35/$40; U1000 $15/$20. See www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Please less ($100 deducted from prize). Minimum prizes::$600 to first 8 Electronic devices rules: Prizes based on 25 entries: OPEN $350/$250/$150/U1700 $75; U1550 foreign GMs who enter online by 1/14 and play all 9 games with no leave your phone in your hotel room, your car, home, or in a bag near your $245/$175/$105/U1300 $50; U1000 trophies for top 3. Reg.: 8-9 AM, byes; $300 to other GMs (including US) who enter online by 1/14 and table. HR: $119-119, 818-997-7676, reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase. OPEN and U1550 rounds at 9:10, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00; U1000 rounds at play all 9 games with no byes. EF deduction cannot lower prize to below Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: 9:10, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Contact: Michael Dudley at mainechesspresi- chesstour.com, 347-201-2269, DirectorAtChess.US. chessaction.com the minimum. Expert, A, B, C sections EF: $158 online at Ent: [email protected] to preregister! chessaction.com by 2/13, $180 at site, or online until 2 hours before or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” JUNE 11-12, NEVADA round 1. Class D or E Section EF: All $80 less than Expert to Class C after entering). Blitz tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) EF. Re-entry (no Master to Master) $60. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues 2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, An American Classic! See Nationals. Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, Adult $40, Young US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 5-day schedule: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, CONNECTICUT JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA rds Thu 7, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 4-day US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 13TH ANNUAL FOXWOODS OPEN 2019 NATIONAL OPEN 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat Open Section, Apr 17-21: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. FIDE rated, GM & IM See Nationals. 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Late reg. norms possible. Other Sections, Apr 18-21 or 19-21: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30, ends Sun 9 am, rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Byes: OK d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-4 G/60 d10). Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, Rt all including last rd, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. 3, others 2, Mashantucket, CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit 92 to Rt 2 West, or I-395 to Exit 85 before rd. 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise to Rt 164 to Rt 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles from T.F. Green Airport (Prov- Regional unrated. Foreign player ratings (Expert & below): See www.chess idence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Airport; for shuttle from tour.com/foreignratings.htm. Electronic devices rules: See www.chess- New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus transportation: 1- ALABAMA tour.com/devices.htm. Leave your phone in your hotel room, your car, 888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum, largest Native home, or in a bag near your table. HR: $103-103, 817-358-1700, reserve NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 entries (seniors, See Grand Prix. by 1/29 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FIDE & U1100 Section count as half #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. entries), else proportional, minimum $75,000 (75% of each prize) guaranteed. DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-400, See Grand Prix. service charge for refunds. Bring set, board, clock if possible; none clear/tiebreak winner $200 bonus, FIDE 2250-2399 $3000-1500, FIDE Under supplied. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 48th Annual Atlanta Open (GA) 2250/Unr $3000-1500. Under 2200/Unr, Under 2000/Unr, Under 1800: See Grand Prix. after entering). Blitz tournament Sun 10:30 pm, enter by 10:15 pm. each $5000-3000-1600-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Unrated prize limit in U2000, $2000. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1300-900-600-500-400-400-300- FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - US Chess Junior Grand Prix! South (FL) FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, VIRGINIA 300. Under 1400: $3000-1800-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300. Under See Nationals. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) 1100/Unr: $1500-800-600-500-400-300-300-200-200-200; unrated limit 4TH ANNUAL GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN $400. Mixed Doubles: best male/female combined 2-player team score: 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Tysons $1200-800-600-400-200. In Open Section, only first 7 rounds counted toward ALASKA Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike (VA-7), Falls Church, VA 22043 (from the mixed doubles. Team must average under 2200; may play in different east, take, I-66W to VA-7, from other directions, take I-495 to VA-7). sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2. Prize DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of April 2019 official Free parking, free shuttle to Tysons Corner Center and Metro. 25 minutes limits: Open (NV) rating may not win over $800 in U1100, $1500 U1400, $2500 U1600 or drive from Washington. In 5 sections. See Grand Prix. $15,000 guaranteed prizes. U1800. Games rated too late for April 2019 list not counted. 2) Unrated Major: Open to 1800/above. $1800-900-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 prize limit $2000 in U2000, $400 in U1100. 3) If any post-event rating posted bonus, top Under 2300 $600-300. Under 2100: $1200-600-300-200, top 4/15/18-4/15/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize ARIZONA U1900 (no unr) $600-300. $1200-600-300-200, top U1600 Under 1800: limit $1500. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF: (no unr) $500-250. Under 1500: $1000-500-250-150, top U1300 (no unr) $208 online at chessaction.com by 2/11, $228 online by 4/16, all $250 at US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $400-200. Under 1200: $600-300-150-100. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: site. Mailed EF $215 by 2/11, $225 by 4/8, do not mail after 4/8. Open Tuesday Night Open best male/female 2-player “team” combined score among all sections: Section EF $100 more to US players not USCF or FIDE rated 2200/over. 4 or 5 round, USCF rated tournament; ROUND TIMES: 7:00pm One game $400-200. Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; GMs, foreign IMs/WGMs in Open: $180 less ($200 deducted from prize), every Tuesday of the month: Time Control: 40/120, SD/60 d5. PRIZES: register (no extra fee) by 2 pm 2/23. Unrated may enter any section, US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign players $100 less ($100 deducted from 1st Place and Class Prizes based on number of entries; ENTRY FEE: with prize limit U1800 $400, U1500 $200, U1200 $100; balance goes to prize). EF deduction cannot lower prize to below the minimum. Minimum $45; TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE: 7000 next player(s) in line. Top 4 sections EF: $108 at chessaction.com by prize guarantees in Open to players who enter online by 4/3 and play all 9 E. Shea Blvd., Suite H-1910 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. 2/20, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if check mailed by 2/13, all $120 (no checks, games with no byes: US GM $300, foreign GM $700 (limited to first 8 to NOV. 17-18, 2018 Rookery Open credit cards OK) at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs, IMs enter, others $400), foreign IM/WGM $400 (limited to first 8 to enter), See Grand Prix. & WGMs free in Major; $100 from prize. Under 1200 Section EF: all $40 foreign FM/WIM $300. Under 1100 Section EF: all $100 less. Seniors less than top 4 sections EF. Re-entry $50, not available in Major. No NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) 65/over in U1400 to U2200: All EF $100 less. CSCA members: online EF $4 See Grand Prix. checks at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually less. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if magazine if paid with entry: online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young NOV. 23-25, 7th Annual (2018) Phoenix Open paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, See Grand Prix. Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic Scholastic $17. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 Section. 5-day schedule (Open Section): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun Open (NV) 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule (no See Grand Prix. 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, Major must Open): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. Electronic devices rules: See 4:15. 3-day schedule (no Open): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri 11, 2:30 & DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV) www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Leave your phone in your hotel room, 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day & 3-day merge & compete for same See Grand Prix. your car, home, or in a bag near your table. $109-109, 1-866-716- HR: prizes. Byes: all including rd. 9; limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21 8108, reserve by 2/8 or rate may increase, chess block may sell out , 10th annual Golden State Open commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if pos- (CA-N) before 2/8. chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, Ent: sible- none supplied. HR: Grand Pequot Tower (tournament site, very See Grand Prix. NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, luxurious): Friday & Saturday $205, other days $149. Fox Tower (formerly chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Entries posted at ches- MGM Grand, 5-7 minute walk from tournament in connected building): Friday FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest saction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 & Saturday $175, other days $119. Two Trees Inn (15-20 minute walk from Class Championships (TX) pm, enter by 9:15 pm. tournament, free shuttle), Friday & Saturday $145, other days $99. For all, See Grand Prix.

64 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) DEC. 2, Fremont Duper$wiss (3SS, G/75 d5) (CA-S) See Grand Prix. Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Prizes: See Grand Prix. NOV. 23, California Kids Class Championship (PK-12) $1,300 b/50. 60% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500- 1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Dec 18 JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) 5SS, G/30 d5. San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St., San See Nationals. Jose, CA 95113. Prizes: Top 10 players in each section & Top 5 teams & Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 Top 5 clubs all sections combined. 4 Sections b/rating: 900-1199, 600- prz. after 11/26 +20, playup +20, GMs/IMs-$0 by 11/16. Info: JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. See Nationals. 899, 300-599, under300. Sched: Reg. 9-9:30. Games: 10-11:30-1-2:20-3:40. EF: 49 by 11/15, Onsite +15, Playup +10. Nov 18 Supp & TD disc to US Chess Junior Grand Prix! place players. Ent: Online or mail. Change/Rfnd fee 15. T:408.409.6596. DEC. 2, Palo Alto SuperSwiss61 (4SS, G/61 d5) ARKANSAS Info:http://BayAreaChess.com/tgs. E: [email protected]. W. Crowne Plaza Palo Alto, 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306. DEC. 1, Weibel Fall Youth Quads #3 Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 60% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Dec See Grand Prix. UNDER 900 G/30 d0, OVER 900 G/45 d5. Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer, Fremont, CA 94539. AWARDS: Trophy for first place 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-11:30-2-4:30. EF: 49, Econ DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) in each Quad including ties, medals to all others. SCHED: Check-in by 39 w 1/2 prz. after 11/26+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 11/16. See Grand Prix. 9:30 AM, Under 900 RDS: 10:15, 11:30, 1:00, Over 900 RDS: 10:15, 12:15, Info: BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W. FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest 2:15. INFO/REG: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads18- A State Championship Event! Class Championships (TX) GP/ CONTACT: Alan Kirshner, [email protected] (510) 659-0358. DEC. 8-9, 2018 CalChess State Grade Level Championship See Grand Prix. DEC. 1, Sacramento Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) Alameda Fairground, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, CA 94566. Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: players w Park free Trophies: Top 15 players w + score (all in K, 3 in Gr9-12) + score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. EF: 29, 44 & Top 5 teams and Top 5 clubs in each section K-8 (Top 3 in Gr 9-12). CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN after 11/25. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. Medals to others.13 sect based on grade (K-12). Reg.: Sa 8-8:30a. NOV. 17, Bay Area Foster City Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) DEC. 1, Foster City Luper$wiss90 (3SS, G/90 d5) K-3: 5SS, G/30 d5, Sa 9a 11a 1p 2:30p 4:15p. 4-12: 6SS, G/60 d5 **New Offering Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Prizes: $1,300 Sa/Su 9a 12p 3p. Blitz: 8xG/5 d0 Sa 6:30-8:30p, 3 sects (K-3, 4-6, 7- Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Trophies: players b/50. 60% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-1899: $200- 12). EF: by 11/30 K-3 $49, 4-12 $62, 12/1-12/6 +$20, 12/7&onsite w + score. Sched: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 34, 42 after 100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Dec 18 Supp & TD +$40. Blitz $14. USCF & CalChess Mem reqd. Dec 18 Supp. Info: 11/12. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4:30. EF: 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 prz. after www.bayareachess.com/grades. W. 11/25 +20, playup +20, GMs/IMs- $0 by 11/15. Info: http://BayArea DEC. 15, Bay Area Foster City Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) NOV. 17, Bay Area Foster City Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) **New Chess.com/grandprix. W. Offering **New Offering Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Trophies: Players DEC. 1, Sacramento Luper$wiss90 (3SS, G/90 d5) Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Trophies: players w + score. Sched: Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prizes: $600 b/36. w + score. Sched: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 34, 42 after 44 after 11/12. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. 1700+: $150-100, u1900 50. u1700: $150-100, u1600 50. Dec 18 Supp 12/10. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4:30. EF: 43, Econ 33 w 1/2 prz. DEC. 15, Bay Area Foster City Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) **New NOV. 18, San Jose Kids Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) after 11/25+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 11/15. http://Bay 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131 players w Info: Offering . Trophies: AreaChess.com/grandprix. W. + score. Sched: Reg. 9-9:30a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 34, 49 after Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., 94404. Trophies: Players 11/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. DEC. 2, Bay Area Fremont Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) w + score. Sched: Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. 44 after 12/10 Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. NOV. 18 Trophies: , San Jose Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) players w + score. 9-9:15a. 9:30a - 1:30p. 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. Trophies: players w Sched: Reg. Games: EF: DEC. 16, Bay Area San Ramon Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) 34, 49 after 11/25. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. + score. Sched: Required Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, Courtyard Marriott, 18090 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA 44 after 11/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. DEC. 2, Bay Area Fremont Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) 94583. Trophies: players w + score. Sched: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. 34, 42 after 12/11. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/ NOV. 18, Cupertino Duper$wiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5) Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Trophies: EF: signature. W. Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 60% Players w + score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 EF: 29, 44 after 11/25. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. DEC. 16, Bay Area San Ramon Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Nov 18 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: DEC. 2, San Jose Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) Courtyard Marriott, 18090 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 49, Econ 39 w 1/2 prz. after 11/13+20, 2050 Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. Trophies: players w 94583. Trophies: Players w + score. Sched: Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. playup +20, GMs/IMs- $0 by 11/4. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/ + score. Sched: Required Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, 44 after 12/11 Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/ grandprix. W. 44 after 11/25. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. signature. W.

28th 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 2018 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 12/20/17- 12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm. Las Vegas Blvd So, Las Vegas NV 12/20/18 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: possible- none supplied. USCF mem. 400, clear/tiebreak win $200 bonus, $275 by 12/23, $300 until 2 hours required. top FIDE U2400/Unr $2400-1200. before rd 1 or at site until 1 hour Unofficial uschess.org ratings FIDE rated, 200 GPP. before. Open $100 more if not FIDE usually used if otherwise unrated. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000- or USCF 2200/over or foreign. See Special room rate at Bally’s 1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. Chess Life or chesstour.com fir $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 65 Tournament Life / November

DEC. 22, Bay Area Cupertino Swiss (PK-12; 4SS, G/30 d5) DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV) Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: players w + score. See Grand Prix. FLORIDA Sched: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 34, 42 after 12/17. Info: Boca Raton Chess Club http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 10th annual Golden State Open (CA-N) Friday night tournament games, one game a week for 4 weeks. DEC. 22, Bay Area Cupertino Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) See Grand Prix. www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. Courtyard Marriott, Cupertino, CA 95014. Trophies: Players w + score. The Stormont Kings Chess Center in Miami, FL Sched: Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 29, 44 after 12/17 JAN. 19-21 OR 20-21, 5th Annual Dreaming King Open See Grand Prix. We have a beautiful office with multiple rooms located in the Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. Kendall/Falls/Pinecrest Area. We offer Private and Group Lessons, DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest Homeschool Activities, Tournaments, Camps, Family Game Nights, Open (NV) Class Championships (TX) Parents Night Out, Casual Chess Play TSK Rated and more! Chess Sets See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. and equipment for sale. Complimentary Bottled Water, Ample Parking, MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships Comfortable Waiting Room with legos, and other activities for siblings DEC. 27-30, 2018 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess See Grand Prix. while waiting. Located at 8353 SW 124 St, Suite 201-A, Miami, FL 33156. Championship Contact Chris Stormont, Phone: 786-303-2437, E-mail: chris@stormon- See Nationals. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) tkingschess.com, Web: www.StormontKingsChess.com See Nationals. DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) (NV) NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 17th Annual Turkey Bowl See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. JAN. 1-7, Bay Area International & Amateur NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 10th annual Golden State Open COLORADO DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, 2019 (35th Annual) U.S. Amateur Team DEC. 1-2, Winter Springs Open DEC. 14-16, 2018 National K-12 Grade Championships Championship - West 4-SS. Time Control G/90 with 30 seconds increment. Manitou Springs See Nationals. See Nationals. City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs. Sections: June (open), DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships July (U 1800 & Unrated), August (U1400 and Unrated). EF: $45 if rec’d See Grand Prix. by 11/29, $50 at site. $5 discount members of Colorado State Chess (CA-S) DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) See Grand Prix. Assn, OSA. Additional $5 discount for Supporting Members of Colorado Springs Chess Club. Cash prizes per entries. Second day Byes must be See Grand Prix. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) requested before Round 1. Register:8:30 – 9:30 AM. Rounds: 10 AM, DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 48th Annual Atlanta Open (GA) See Nationals. 3 PM Saturday; 9 AM, 2PM Sunday. Entries to Richard Buchanan, 1 See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) Sutherland Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Information: (719) 685- JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 5th Annual Gulf Coast New Year’s Open See Nationals. 1984 or [email protected] See Grand Prix. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN Open (NV) South See Grand Prix. See Nationals. THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. * Class Championships (TX) LACC: www.LAChessClub.com; VCC: www.ValleyChess See Grand Prix. GEORGIA Club.com; Contact: [email protected]; Saturday & Sun- JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 17th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) days: 10 am-9 pm (Beginner/Novice & Intermediate classes + 3 See Grand Prix. Tournaments each day – Details on our web site. Tuesdays: See Nationals. 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) Los Angeles, CA 90025. (4 blocks W of 405, SW corner of See Nationals. See Grand Prix. Santa Monica & Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. Note See Grand Prix. CONNECTICUT our monthly major tournaments. Also, we have the best Weekly DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) BLITZ tournament on Saturday nights at 6:30 pm!! NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. NOV. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Saturday G/60 See Grand Prix. DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica , 48th Annual Atlanta Open 4 separate events- DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) See Grand Prix. Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF). See Grand Prix. Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 5th Annual Gulf Coast New Year’s Open (FL) Parking: Free at BoA, streets, & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or DEC. 27-29 OR 28-29, 37th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney. FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - NOV. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC - Sat Nite Blitzathon G/5 (BLZ) JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) South (FL) 4 separate events- 7DSS, G/5 d0 (Blitz,14 Games). 11514 Santa Monica See Grand Prix. See Nationals. Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blks W of 405. $20 ($15 LACC memb). No EF: JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6, Foundation presents the prizes 1/2 EF. Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Register at LAChessClub.com and receive 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, HAWAII a free gift. Rds.: 6:30, 6:55, 7:20, 7:45, 8:10, 8:35, 9 pm. Prizes: 1/2 USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY) collections. Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Info: 310/795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney. See New York. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American Open (NV) MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic NOV. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, Every Saturday & Sunday See Grand Prix. Chess 4 Juniors Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) 8 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler See New York. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships (CA-S) LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open prize 1/2 EF, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 1pm & asap; done by 4. FREE BUGHOUSE afterwards. Rds.: Prizes: APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) Trophies & medals; All players receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets See Grand Prix. See Nationals. & BoA. Free healthy refreshments. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChess- Club.com [email protected]. IDAHO NOV. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC Sunday G/60 DELAWARE 4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF). NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) Open (NV) See Grand Prix. Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. See Grand Prix. Parking: Free at BoA, streets, & basement. Info: 310/795-5710 or DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed (NJ) See Nationals. NOV. 24, American Open Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the NOV. 25, American Open Action 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, ILLINOIS Costa Mesa. 5 rounds, G/30 d5. Site: Hilton Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY) NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prizes: $500, 80% Guaranteed! EF: $35 by See New York. See Grand Prix. November 22nd. $50 after. Onsite registration between 10:30 to 11 am. 12 pm - 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 51st annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) NOV. 18, 2018 Illinois Class Championship Rounds: Contact Info: See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 714-899-3421, Mail Entry: American Open, 5246 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92845 or Online Entry: http://americanopen.org/ FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving NOV. 27, DEC. 4, 11, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club See Grand Prix. Weekend) (MI) TUESDAY EVENINGS; (3-SS, G/1:55 d5) Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church, See Grand Prix. 11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $10 - Club members, $20 - non- NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 3rd Annual Sevan Muradian Memorial members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA See Grand Prix. parking. Free coffee. INFO: (310) 827-2789. DEC. 27-30, 28-30, 27, 29, OR 30, 45th Annual Eastern Open (VA) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American NOV. 24, 2018 Midwest All-Girls & Women’s Championships Open (NV) FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) presented by Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, All Ameri- See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. cas Chess & USCF - Free Pizza Buffet Lunch. Free Raffle Prizes.

66 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

Chicago O’Hare Holiday Inn, 5615 N Cumberland Ave., Chicago. WOMEN’S OPEN: 4-SS. G/80 d5. EF: $49 by 10/30, $57 by 11/13, $65 after 11/13. MARYLAND MICHIGAN Onsite Reg: 8:45 - 9:15, Rounds: 9:30, 12:45, 4:00, & 7:30. Prizes: $450 MARYLAND CHESS TOURNAMENTS NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) b/20; $200-125, U1800 $75, U1500/Unrated $50. ALL GIRLS TOUR- MD Chess runs scholastic tournaments 2 Saturdays per See Grand Prix. NAMENT: 4-SS. G/60 d5. 6 Sections: U18, U16, U14, U12, U10, U8. EF: $32 by 10/30, $40 by 11/13, $50 after 11/13. Onsite Reg: 8:45 - 9:15, month from September through June & open tournaments NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving Weekend) Rounds: 9:30, 12:30, 2:45, & 5:00, Awards: 7:00. Trophies: top 2 in U18, 2 Saturdays or weekends per month throughout the year. See Grand Prix. U16, & U14 sections & top 3 in U12, U10, U8 sections. Saturday Night Visit www.MD Chess.org to find tournament announce- DEC. 8, 2018 Michigan Action Championship Side Event: DOUBLES BLITZ [Not Bughouse!] 2 player teams [team ments, tutors, coaches, & camps; register online for See Grand Prix. rating is player rating average] paired against other teams. 5-SS. G/5 tournaments; & subscribe to scholastic and/or open e- newsletters. MD scholastic players who compete in the DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open (OH) d0. EF: $5 per player. Trophies: 1st, 2nd, Top U1400/Unrated [2 per See Grand Prix. team] Onsite Reg: until 8pm. [Single players will be given a Doubles Varsity section (exclusively for players rated 1600+) of a partner] Rounds: Round 1 at 8:15pm, rest ASAP. HR:$99/nite til 10/30. MD-Sweet-16 Qualifier can qualify for the $45,000 schol- JAN. 12-13, 2019 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Reservations: (773) 693-5500. Entry/More Info: www.rknights.org. arship to UMBC awarded annually. The University of Championships Maryland, Baltimore County’s chess team is a perennial top- See Grand Prix. JAN. 5-6, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVI 10 contender for the national championship. See Grand Prix. NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest See Grand Prix. MINNESOTA Class Championships (TX) NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 2018 U.S. Class Championships See Grand Prix. DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 1st Annual Old Line Open See Grand Prix. See Nationals. FEB 15-17 OR 16-17 , 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) - North See Grand Prix. See Nationals. MISSISSIPPI DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. See Grand Prix. DEC. 27-30, 28-30, 27, 29, OR 30, 45th Annual Eastern Open (VA) DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. See Grand Prix. DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) See Grand Prix. FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - INDIANA South (FL) DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official See Nationals. NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed (NJ) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest Class Championships (TX) NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, Chesapeake Open See Grand Prix. Weekend) (MI) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) MISSOURI US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. DEC. 1, 2018 ISCA Memorial - Indianapolis Wednesday Monthly Marathon 4/SS, G/60 d10. Church of the Nativity, 7300 N. Lantern Rd., Indianapolis, MASSACHUSETTS The Kansas City Chess Club, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068. 2 Games IN 46256. In 2 Sections: OPEN and U1800 , EF: by 11/27, $45, $65 Per Week (8-10 Games Per Month) G/30 d5 7PM Free Parking! Free Coffee cash/credit onsite (ISCA. memb $5 less for both). Prize fund: $1400 NOV. 17, 43rd New Hampshire Amateur Championship (NH) and Snacks! EF: $5 per week. Flyer at: www.kansascitychess club.com. b/50. OPEN: 1st $300, 2nd $200, Top U2000 $100. U1800: 1st $250, See New Hampshire. NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) 2nd $150, Top U1600 U1400 each $100. Special prizes: Top Senior (60+) NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) See Grand Prix. and Scholastic in each section $50. Registration: 8:15-9:00. Rounds: See Grand Prix. 9:30AM, 12:30PM, 3:00, 6:00. Entries: Advance at Indianachess.org NOV. 23-25, Thanksgiving Open (FIDE Rated) 10K Prize Fund or mail to: Craig Hines, 613 North Park Dr., Evansville, IN., 47710, 812- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. 618- 8700(cell), email: [email protected] 1 bye if requested NOV. 28, DEC. 5, 12, 19, 26, George Sturgis Memorial NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) before Rd.2, NO LAST RD. BYES. 5SS. G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Room C159, Fitchburg See Grand Prix. DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open (OH) State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20 annual club dues or $1 per game. 6:30-7 p.m. 7:15 p.m. each Wed. DEC. 1, SPF December Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix. Reg.: Rds.: Byes: See Grand Prix. 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books to 1st-2nd, top U1850, U1700, U1550, JAN. 5-6, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVI (IL) U1400. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, DEC. 8, Christmas Cash See Grand Prix. [email protected], 978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. See Grand Prix. WEB: 11/28. Free parking, many skittles rooms. W. DEC. 15-16, 2018 Club Championship (FIDE Rated) IOWA DEC. 1, 9th St. Nick Quick See Grand Prix. 4SS, G/60 d5. Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St., Holyoke, MA JAN. 5-6, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVI (IL) FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest 01040. EF: $30 at site; $2 WMCA discount; Unrated FREE; $25 if Class Championships (TX) See Grand Prix. postmarked by 11/ 26/2018. USCF membership required. $$500b/30 See Grand Prix. paying entries: Open 1st: $100; Top A: $100; Top B: $90; Top C: KANSAS $80; Top Under 1400: $70; Top Unrated: $60. Reg.: 8:30-9:15am Saturday 12/1/2018. RDS.: 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00, 5:30. ENT: MONTANA FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest WMCA, c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Class Championships (TX) Gist (413) 695-7689, [email protected]. Please bring set and DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American See Grand Prix. clock. W. Open (NV) DEC. 2, WN 2018 Winter Quick (QC) See Grand Prix. KENTUCKY See Grand Prix. DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) See Grand Prix. NEVADA See Grand Prix. DEC. 9, Harry Nelson Pillsbury Memorial NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open (OH) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American Open See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. LOUISIANA JAN. 5, 28th Mid-Winter Classic DEC. 29, North American Open Blitz (BLZ) See Grand Prix. NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) 3SS, G/90 d5. Florence Congregational Church, 130 Pine St., Florence, See Grand Prix. MA 01063. EF: $30 on-site; $25 if postmarked by 12/31/2018; WMCA JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 10th annual Golden State Open $2 discount; UNR: FREE. USCF membership required. $$500b/30 paying DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (CA-N) entries: Open: 1st-$150, 2nd-$75; U1800: 1st $100, 2nd $50; U1400: See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 1st $50, 2nd $25; Top Unrated $50. Please bring set and clock. Reg.: FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - 8:30-9:15 Saturday 1/5/2019. Rds.: 9:30am, 1:15pm, 4:30. Limit of one MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships South (FL) 1/2 point bye, specify round with entry. ENT: WMCA c/o Ed Kostreba, (CA-S) See Nationals. 45 Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413)695-7689, See Grand Prix. [email protected]. W. FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open Class Championships (TX) JAN. 5-6, Westford January Open See Nationals. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the See Nationals. MAINE 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY) NEW HAMPSHIRE NOV. 17, 43rd New Hampshire Amateur Championship (NH) See New York. See New Hampshire. MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic A Heritage Event! JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) NOV. 17, 43rd New Hampshire Amateur Championship See Grand Prix. See New York. 4SS, G/60 d5. Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern Blvd. near exit 4 of Everett Turnpike (Rte. 3), Nashua, NH 03062. 3 sections: Championship: open APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) to U2100 or Unr. EF: $37 if rec’d by 11/15, $42 at site. $$G: $180-120- See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 60; trophies to top 2, top 2 U1900. Intermediate: open to U1750 or MAY 4, Downeast Open APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) Unr. EF: $37 if rec’d by 11/15, $42 at site. $$G: $130-80-50; trophies to See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. top 2, top 2 U1500. Novice: open to U1350 or Unr. EF: $29, $34 at site.

www.uschess.org 67 Tournament Life / November

Trophies to top 3, top 2 U1100. All sections: NHCA membership required A State Championship Event! tournaments On-site 11-12 noon $50. Inquiries to Bonnie Waitzkin at of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult, $6 under 19. Reg.: 8:30-9:35 a.m. NOV. 18, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship [email protected]. Sat. 11/17, Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Half-point bye okay in any one Rd except 5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 1st Annual Old Line Open (MD) Rd. 4 of Champ section, must commit before Rd 2. No half-point byes NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles See Grand Prix. for players receiving full-point byes. Online advance entry available at from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your www.nhchess.org until 11/16 at 6 p.m. Ent: NHCA, c/o Hal Terrie, 377 grade! Grades K- 12: Trophies to top 10 individuals, top 3 teams - DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open Huse Rd. #23, Manchester, NH 03103. Info: [email protected]; top 3 from each school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or See Grand Prix. no phone calls. medal!; Rds.: 10am and ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/11, $55 at site. USCF DEC. 9, Westfield G/50 Quads JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) mem req’d. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd. 1. Info: 732 New 12:15 start time! 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., West- See Grand Prix. 259-3881 [email protected] Ent: Please make checks payable field, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each to NJSCF and send to Hal Sprechman, 66 Cromwell Lane, Jackson, section. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) NJ 08527. Entries must include name, grade school, date of birth, p.m. Info: [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/ See Grand Prix. USCF ID # & expiration, mailing address, phone number & entry fee, Events.html please include email address. Register online at: www.njscf.org until midnight 11/16. DEC. 16, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championship in 5 NEW JERSEY sections NOV. 18, Westfield Grand Prix 4SS. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. NOV. 3, ICA Super Saturday Quads See Grand Prix. 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). All players with 2.5 points or more will receive a trophy! USCF Memb 3SS, G/45 d5. On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the NOV. 19, Viking G/30 Quads Req’d For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. For info, call 201-797-0330, email Registration: (Monday evening) Bea McNally’s Pub, 109 Grand Ave., Hackettstown, tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: chessdirector@ icanj.net or visit icanj.net. ADV EF (pmk by Dec. 11th) NJ 07840. Separate Quad Sections. 3-RR, G/30 d5. Winner gets $40 or $35 At Site $40 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ Trophy. $15 cash at site. 5:30 to 6:30pm. Games start 7 PM, icanj.net for more information. EF: Reg.: receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice then asap. Info: Ken Thomas (908) 651-0705. (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 2nd grade. Rds.: First NOV. 10, ICA Super Saturday Quads NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section 2 Novice (not USCF rated): 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). See Grand Prix. Open to unr players K thru 4th grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the then ASAP. Section 3 G/45 d5 U800: Open to players rated below tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: NOV. 24, ICA Super Saturday Quads 800 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45 d5 U1200: Open to players rated icanj.net for more information. 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the below 1200 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: NOV. 17, Hamilton Chess Club Quads 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60 d5 U1400: Open to All Ages $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ rated below 1400 or unrated. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 PM. 3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave., icanj.net for more information. Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per Enter online at https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments or mail Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. More DEC. 1, ICA Super Saturday Quads checks to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford, NJ 07646. information: hamiltonchessclub.com or 609-758-2326 leave message 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). Make checks payable to International Chess Academy. W. or text 609-351-2437. W. 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the DEC. 16, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA U1600 Championship tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: NOV. 17, ICA Super Saturday Quads 4SS, G/60 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ 07601. Open to all ages with rating below 1600. 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). icanj.net for more information. Prize Fund ($$ b/25): 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the 1st - 3rd $200, $150, $100, TU1400 $50, TU1200 $50, Call 201 797-0330, tournament. $25 all sections. 1:30 and ASAP. DEC. 1, The Greater Princeton Championship, Princeton Day School email [email protected] or visit icanj.net for more info. ADV EF Entry Fee: Rounds: Prize: 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams under 1000, Trophies $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ (pmk by Dec. 11th) $40. At Site $45 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late to top 8 in each section under 1000, and Trophies to top 3 in each icanj.net for more information. entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, section over 1000. Trophies to all players. MORNING SECTIONS: 3 rds. 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM. Enter online at https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tour- NOV. 17, 98th Central Jersey Chess Tournament G/55 d5, Sections for OVER 1000 rated players begin at 10:15 and must naments or mail to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Road, Princeton. 3 rated sections – preregister: NEAR MASTERS (players K-12 OVER 1400), FUTURE MASTERS 07646. Make checks payable to International Chess Academy. W. Open, U1000, U600 – each K-12, 4 rounds, G/25 d5. 2 unrated sec- (players K-12 1200-1400), CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). AFTERNOON SEC- tions – (K-8), (K-2): 4 rounds. Trophies to DEC. 16, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Open Championship Intermediate Beginners TIONS: 4 rds. G/25 d5, Beginning at 12 noon (round times will be See Grand Prix. 1st-3rd & top team per section, medals to all! $35 pre-reg online by accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 11/15. $45 on-site 1:15-1:45. Round 1 begins at 2:00pm. Register U- 800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated), DEC. 16, Westfield G/50 Quads online: www.njchess.com, Info: Grant Oen, newjerseychess@ NO SCORE K-1 (novice). Pre-registration online, $40 pay at the door. New 12:15 start time! 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., West- gmail.com Info and online registration at https://www.pds.org/school-life/chess- field, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/ Events.html Note: No tournament on 12/23. DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) See Grand Prix. DEC. 27-29 OR 28-29, 37th annual Empire City Open (NY) NO TOURNAMENTS See Grand Prix. DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup IN YOUR AREA? See Grand Prix. DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed WHY NOT ORGANIZE ONE? See Grand Prix. DEC. 30, Westfield G/50 Octos New 12:15 start time! 3-SS. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., West- field, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 members. Prizes per 8-player section: Do you need to go out of town for tournament play? Would you and $60-40-20. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 others in your area like the convenience of an occasional event closer p.m. Byes: 1 allowed. Any round. Info: [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html to home? Organize one! DEC. 31, New Year’s Eve Blitz (BLZ) 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). It’s not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if Rounds start at 1:00pm, registration ends at 12:30pm. In three sec- you use a low-cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even tions. Open: 9SS, G/5 d0. Entry fee: $25 ($30 onsite). Prizes (b/o 90 - all entries): $200-$100-$50, Top U2000 $50, Top U1800, $50. make a profit! Either a based-on Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, Under 1600: 9SS, G/5 d0. Entry fee: $25 ($30 onsite), Prizes (b/o 90 - all entries): $200-$100-$50, $50 each to top U1400, U1200, a Quad format, or a trophy tournament will virtually guarantee taking in U1000, U800. Unrated: 9SS, G/5 d0. Entry fee: $15 ($20 onsite). Sur- more in fees than you pay out in prizes. prise prizes to winners! JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating See Grand Prix. supplement and have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY) Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them See New York. wouldn’t be held if the organizer/TD couldn’t play. JAN. 6, Westfield G/50 Quads New 12:15 start time! 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., West- field, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/ Want to know more? Events.html Contact Joan Du Bois at [email protected]. We’ll be JAN. 13, Westfield G/50 Quads New 12:15 start time! 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., West- glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess! field, NJ 07090. EF: $25, $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/ Events.html JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, Chesapeake Open (MD) See Grand Prix.

68 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 51st annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! DEC. 1, TRM131 See Grand Prix. NOV. 15, 29, DEC. 6, 13, 20, 10th Long Island CC Winter Open at Giffen Memorial ES, 274 S. Pearl St., Albany 12202. Free. Pre-register 5SS, G/90 d5. United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East early www.chesstrm.org (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5. Rd. 1 at 10:00. FEB. 16-18, World Amateur Team & 2019 U.S. Team East Meadow, NY 11554. $110-90. Top U- Championship Open to all. $(b/20 pd. ent.): DEC. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2000, U-1500/unr. $60 ea. $35. Non-LICC members , Rochester Chess Center Saturday EF(cash only): Tournaments! See Nationals. +$10. UNRATED FREE! 6:45 - 7:15 PM, no adv. ent., 7:30 Reg.: Rds.: 3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585- FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) PM ea. Thursday. 2 byes 1-5. No game 11/22. Info: www. See Grand Prix. club.com. 442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available, MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic NOV. 16, Marshall Quick Chess (QC) request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5, Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) 6-SS, G/10 +3. ($250 b/25): $125-75; U1700: $50. EF: $15; Non-MCC every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5. See New York. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-7:30-8:00-8:45-9:15-9:45pm. Max two byes; request DEC. 2, “Tough & Tight” APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. at Roberto Clemente State Park, 301 W. Tremont Ave., Bx, 10453. Free. See Grand Prix. Register Online: Pre-register early www.chesstrm.org/NYC/ (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5. APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Check-in by 9:30 to play round 1. See Grand Prix. NOV. 16-18, Marshall Amateur Championship/Jerry Simon Memorial US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5-SS, 40/90 SD30 +30. Open to all players U2100 and unrated. No DEC. 4-6, Marshall PREMIER NEW MEXICO FIDE ratings over 2100. USCF ratings used for pairings and prizes. FIDE 5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players Rated. Players scoring 4/5 or better qualify for free entry into the 102nd with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions. NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) MCC Championship! $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. Limited to 34 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: EF: $100; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 late fee: See Grand Prix. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American Sun. 11am & 6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. to 40 players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. Open (NV) EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest NOV. 19, 26, DEC. 3, 10, 17, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 - 5 Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess Class Championships (TX) Rounds club.org/register. See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/90 +30. (This is a 5 round cycle!) Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: DEC. 5, 12, 19, 26, Community Chess Club of Rochester Wed Night Chess! MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships $100- 50. U1800: ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $35; (CA-S) Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Note: 1 game rated per night, G/80 d5. Rochester Chess Center, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-442-2430. $5, CCCR members See Grand Prix. before Rd 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request EF: $3. Reg.: 6:30-7:20 pm. Rd.: 7:30pm. www.rochesterchessclub.org. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) by Rd. 3. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Nationals. DEC. 6, Marshall Guaranteed Action! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; Non- JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) NOV. 19, 26, DEC. 3, 10, 17, 31st Nassau Amateur MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour 5SS, 45/90, SD/30 d5. 1st Presbyterian Church, 182 Main St., Mineola. See Nationals. before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for 2 sections. Amateur: U2000/UR. EF: $35 by 11/16. $$ (310 b/10) 190, Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. www.marshallchess- U1800 120. U1600/UR. EF: $19 by 11/16. $$ (210 b/15) 90, Register Online: Booster: club.org/register. NEW YORK U1400, 1200/UR each 60. All: EF: Non memb $11 more. All $8 more at site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 1st Annual Old Line Open (MD) OCT. 21, NOV. 18, DEC. 9, JAN. 27, MAR. 3, MAY 5, 6th Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782. See Grand Prix. Annual Magnus High School and Junior High Chess League! Columbia Grammar and Prep. High School Cafeteria, 36 W. 93rd NOV. 23, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) St. (bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave., near 96th St. subways), See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. NYC. 12-SS, G/60 d10, open to grades 7-12 born after 5/5/99. 3 NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) DEC. 13, Marshall Thursday Action sections: 1. Premier (over 1799), 2. Under 1800, 3. Under 1200. See Grand Prix. 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: $25. $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Plaques to top 3 each section. May be limited to 60 players each NOV. 24 EF: , Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. date. Individual free entry prizes: free entry to 2 specified Conti- 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: Rds.: Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. nental Chess tmts. thru 12/31/19 to 1st each section. Team $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Register Online: prizes:free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/19 to the 4-top-scoring Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before www.marshallchessclub.org/register. players from same school across all 3 sections, plaques to top 3 Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. DEC. 14, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) overall team scores, limit 2 teams per school. Mixed Doubles (2- Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF regular rating used for pairings & prizes. ($500 player male/female team, avg. rating U2200, may be in different b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non- sections and from different schools, must sign-up by 1/27) Bonus NOV. 25, Marshall Rated Beginner 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Prize: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/19 to 1st Mixed Doubles before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue ASAP. Max team, chess sets to top 3 overall Mixed Doubles. Free entries courtesy ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub of Continental Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% guaranteed .org/register. prizes; see www.magnusleague.org, www.chesscenter.cc or continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ www.chesstour.com for details and restrictions. Rds.: 10 am-12:45 register. DEC. 15, Marshall U1900 Morning Action pm (earlier if feasible) each date. Ent: www.magnusleague.org. All: NOV. 25, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Each date’s games submitted for rating prior to next date’s games. 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Players must re-confirm before each date; official USCF rating list $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at in effect on each date used for that date (unofficial ratings usually Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. used if otherwise unrated or if requesting to play in Premier). Unr. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. DEC. 15, Marshall G/50 Open may enter section 2 or 3 (or Premier by TD permission). Limit 6 byes Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC (2 byes max. rds. 9-12), commit by Jan. 27 (by May 3 for players NOV. 29, Marshall Thursday Action Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before with minus scores). Teammate pairings avoided but possible. Ties 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. for free entries decided by tiebreak except playoff May 5 between $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. top 2 on tiebreak (may be fast game). See www.magnusleague.org person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. DEC. 16 for rules and special situations. Special Bonus Points and/or prizes Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. , Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) Register Online: 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. may be awarded each date! Bring clocks! Info: director@mag- www.marshallchessclub.org/register. nusleague.org, [email protected], online entry thru 6 pm ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. the day before each date at: www.magnusleague.org. Reg. on- NOV. 30, DEC. 1-2, 7-9, 102nd Edward Lasker Memorial/MCC ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & site by 9:30 am. School purchase orders: Chess Center of NY, PO Championship continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. W. See Grand Prix. register. NOV. 3, 2018 Vermont Amateur Championship in Middlebury (VT) See Vermont. NOV. 4, 11, 25, Sunday Brunch Blitz Quads (BLZ) Shelly Studio Bridge and Games, 6 British American Blvd., Suite 103, Latham, NY 12110. FREE ENTRY FOR ALL. Game/10 d0, Rated, Double Round-Robin Quad. Six games total. First round begins at 11 a.m. Can begin rounds 2 and 3 as soon as previous round concludes. 37th annual Trophy to Quad winner (no trophy given if tied for first). Affects Blitz Ratings Only. (No Food Is Being Served - Bring Your Own Lunch). EMPIRE CITY OPEN - 6 rounds MUST BE CURRENT USCF MEMBER TO PLAY RATED TOURNAMENT. ENT: Register at site: 10 a.m. - 10:45 or by email finnchessclub@ gmail.com. Join FINN CHESS CLUB on Facebook. www. enyca.org/ December 27-29 or 28-29, Hotel Pennsylvania, NYC home/blog/. NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 17th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) See Grand Prix. NOV. 10, 4th Annual Seneca Lake Open $15,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES See Grand Prix. NOV. 15, Marshall Thursday Action 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.

www.uschess.org 69 Tournament Life / November

DEC. 16, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) DEC. 29, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) non-Championship sections are each 1-day, 5-SS, G/30 d5. Playing 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: on Saturday are: High School Under 1900, High School Under 1200, $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Elementary Under 1500, Elementary Under 1100, Elementary Under 700: Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before 10 am-12-1:30-3-4:30 pm, Awards about 6 pm. Playing on Sunday with 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. earlier starting times are: Junior High Under 1300, Primary Under Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 1000, Primary Under 600 and K1 Under 400: 9-11 am-12:30-2-3:30 DEC. 18, Marshall Masters DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) pm Sun. Awards about 5 pm. Both K-1 sections open to grade 1/below See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. born after 1/6/11. All 3 Primary sections open to grades 3/below born after 1/6/09. All 4 Elementary sections open to grades 6/below DEC. 20, Marshall Thursday Action DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official born after 1/6/06. Both Junior High sections open to grades 9/below 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed (NJ) born after 1/6/03. All 3 High School sections open to grades 12/below $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- See Grand Prix. born after 1/6/99. Trophies to top 15 in each Championship and all person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. DEC. 30-JAN. 1, New Year’s Ridiculousness Insane Person Elementary, Primary and K1 sections; top 10 in other sections, top 3 Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: U1500 in High School U1900, Top 3 U900/Unr in High School U1200 and www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Championship! See Grand Prix. Junior High U1300; Top 3 U1300 in Elementary U1500; top 3 U900 in DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) Elementary U1100; top 3 U800 in Primary U1000; top 3 Unr. in Elementary See Grand Prix. JAN. 3, Marshall Guaranteed Action! U700, Primary U600 and K1 U400. Trophies also to top 6 teams each 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; Non- section (top 4 scores from same school = team, all on team must attend US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour same school: no combined teams, even if one school “feeds” another). DEC. 20, 27, JAN. 3, 10, 17, 24, Marshall Thursday Open before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Grade plaques: top 3 Kindergartners in each K1 section, top 3 scorers 6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-75; U1900: $125. EF: $40; Non- Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess- below 7th Grade in Junior High U1300, Top 3 below 9th grade in High MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour club.org/register. School U1200 (you can win both plaque + trophy). All players scoring 4 before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request Rds.: JAN. 4 or more (5 or more in Championship) who don’t win a trophy receive a by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. , 5th Annual Greater NY Scholastics Friday Night Blitz! (BLZ) 4SS, G/5 d0, double-round, 8 games. NY Marriott At Brooklyn Bridge, medal! Speed playoff for 5-0 or 6-0. Individual free entry prizes (each DEC. 21, Marshall Quick Chess (QC) 333 Adams St., Brooklyn (see Greater NY Scholastics: 1/5-6). EF: $30, Championship section): Free entry to specified Continental Chess tour- 6-SS, G/10 +3. ($250 b/25): $125-75; U1700: $50. EF: $15; Non-MCC parents, alumni & those with Greater NY Scholastics $20. Trophies: top naments thru 12/31/19 to 1st, thru 9/30 to 2nd, thru 8/20 to 3rd, thru Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 3, Top U1800, U1500/Unr. Reg. on-site 6-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7-7:30-8-8:30 6/20 to 4th. Individual free entry prizes (each non-Championship sec- 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-7:30-8:00-8:45-9:15-9:45pm. Max two byes; request pm. Bye OK rd. 1. Blitz-rated, but higher of regular or blitz rating used tion): Free entry to specified Continental Chess tmts. thru 11/15/19 to at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. for pairings, prizes. W. 1st, thru 8/20 to 2nd, thru 6/20 to 3rd, thru 4/25 to 4th. Team free US Chess Junior Grand Prix! JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6 entry prizes: free entry to specified CCA tmts. thru 8/20/19 to 1st , 5th Annual Gulf Coast New Year’s Open (FL) team, thru 6/20 to 2nd team each section! Free entries courtesy of Kas- DEC. 21-23, Marshall Monthly U2400 See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. parov Chess Foundation and are valid for Continental Chess tmts. with $1,000 GTD: JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6 $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional , 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) 100% unconditionally guaranteed prize funds. Free entries do not include $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. See Grand Prix. NYS Scholastics in Saratoga. See www.chesscenter.cc or www.gnyscc.com 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! or www.chesstour.com for complete details and restrictions. High School Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes (best male/female 2-player “team” com- ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the bined score among all 3 High School sections after 5 rounds): chess DEC. 22, Marshall G/50 (U1700) 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! sets to 1st 5 Mixed Doubles teams; free entry to specified CCA tmts. 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC thru 8/20/19 to 1st team, thru 6/20 to 2nd, thru 4/15 to 3rd. Team Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Beautiful hotel site: NY Marriott Hotel At Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street (near Borough Hall), Brooklyn, NY. Nearby subway sta- average must be U2200; Mixed Doubles teammates may play in different Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register sections and may attend different schools; teams must register on-site Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. tions: Jay Street Metrotech (A, C, F & R trains), Borough Hall (2, 3, 4 & 5 trains). Hotel policy prohibits food not purchased from hotel in (no extra charge!) before rd. 3; teammate pairings avoided but possible. DEC. 23, Marshall Rated Beginner meeting areas! Online entries at www.gnyscc.com: 1-Day Sections: All: January 2019 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings at 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 $65 thru 12/21/18, $75 12/22-28, $85 12/29/18-1/3/19; Championship uschess.org usually used if otherwise unrated. TD reserves right to b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late Sections, $75 thru 12/21/18, $85 12/22-12/28, $95 12/29/18-1/3/19. assign estimated ratings to players with non-USCF ratings or unrateds. fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue Help available for group entries of 5/more: [email protected]; All substitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. Section switches ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ register. online fees are only valid using our website. For mail entries see subject to $10 extra charge per player thru 12/28, $20 extra later. $15 www.gnyscc.com or www.chesscenter.cc. On-site entry fee: $110 service charge for each player refund. TD reserves right to reassign DEC. 27, Marshall Thursday Action sections for advance entries with incorrect or unclear registrations. 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: the day before your game (starting 8 pm 1/4), $120 on day of event until 1 hour before game. May be limited to 1,500 players (also limited Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 3. Important: Code Of Conduct at $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- www.gnyscc.com and www.chesscenter.cc applies to players, person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. to smaller number of players on each day)! Entries may be subject to waiting list. In 14 sections! Each section has its own age, grade and parents, coaches and spectators. HR $174, call 877-303-0104 or 718- Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: 246-7000 by 12/17 (rooms may sell out early), mention chess. Help with www.marshallchessclub.org/register. rating requirements (Championship sections open to all who are under grade and age limits; unrated allowed all sections). The 5 Championship entries, parking, etc: www.gnyscc.com Questions: [email protected] DEC. 27-29 OR 28-29, 37th annual Empire City Open sections are each 2 days (High School Championship, Junior High or 347-201-2269 (leave message but email is better; on Jan 5-6 also See Grand Prix. Championship, Elementary Championship, Primary Championship and call 718-246-7000.). Team rooms: [email protected]. Sets DEC. 28, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) K1 Championship): 6-SS, G/60 d10. Rounds: 10 am-1-4 pm Sat; 9 am- provided by Little House of Chess— bring clocks! W. Info: See Grand Prix. 12-2:45 pm Sun. Awards ceremonies about 5:30 pm Sun. The 9 www.gnyscc.com. School purchase orders: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. JAN. 6, Marshall Rated Beginner 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. US Chess Membership ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & ADVERTISE Rates: Premium (P) continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ register. WITH US CHESS and Regular (R) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) JAN. 7, 14, 21, 28, FEB. 4, 11, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25) US Chess accepts advertising in Chess Type 1 yr 2 yr $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Life, Chess Life Kids, and in our Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Adult P $49 $95 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: tournament programs. Adult R $40 $75 www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Senior (65+) $40 $75 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! The US Chess Federation has 94,000 JAN. 9, 16, 23, 30, FEB. 6, Marshall Weekly Wednesday members, of whom 44,000 are adults Young Adult P (U25)* $35 $65 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1100: $100. EF: $40; and 50,000 are youth or scholastic Young Adult R (U25)* $26 $48 Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour Youth P (U16)* $30 $55 before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. members. The population is Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. predominantly male. Adult members are Youth R (U16)* $22 $40 JAN. 10, Marshall Thursday Action generally college-educated and affluent. Scholastic P (U13)* $25 $45 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Scholastic R (U13)* $17 $30 person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: Want to know more? Premium membership provides a printed copy of www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life Kids JAN. 11, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) For more information and (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular mem- 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF regular rating used for pairings & prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non- rates, see new.uschess.org/ bership. Regular membership provides online-only MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour about/advertise/ access to Chess Life and Chess Life Kids. Youth before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue ASAP. Max provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess Chess Life Kids, others listed above monthly Chess club.org/register. Life. See www.uschess.org for other membership JAN. 12, Marshall U1900 Morning Action 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC categories. Dues are not refundable and may be Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before changed without notice. *Ages at expiration Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register.

70 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

JAN. 12, Marshall G/50 Open 9:30-10:15 am, rds. 10:30-12-1:30-3. Bring set, board, clock if possi- NOV. 24, Solon Organic Turkey Shoot 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC ble- none supplied. 4SS, G/45 d5. Mustard Seed Market, 6025 Kruse Dr., Solon, OH 44139. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) EF: $30, IMs, GMs free. Free Healthy box lunch included for all players. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. See Grand Prix. 5 Sections: Open, U1900, U1500, U1000, U500. Registration: Online at Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. progresswithchess.org or 9-9:45am at site. Rds.: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) 4:00. U1000 & U500 G/30 d5 paired ASAP. Prizes: $850 Guaranteed. JAN. 13, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) See Grand Prix. 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. Open: $150, $55, U2100 $45. U1900: $100, $55, U1700 $45. U1500: ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) $100, $55, U1250 $45. U1000 $60, $30, U750 $30. U500 $50. $30. Info: ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & See Nationals. Contact Mike Joelson, 216-321-7000. continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/ US Chess Junior Grand Prix! register. NORTH CAROLINA DEC. 8, Toledo December Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75 d5, Rnds. 2-4 G/85 d5. University of Toledo JAN. 13, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) Marion Monthly (1st, 2nd) Tuesday Free Rated Game Nights Open 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington 2-SS, G/60 d0. Marion Senior Center (next to YMCA), 100 Spaulding Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Rd., Marion, NC 28752. EF: $0, Reg.: 5:15. Rnds: 5:30. Prizes: $0. USCF Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before EF: $20 by 12/6, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: membership required. Section/s based on number of entries. Side Event: $450 b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hot- Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Match play is welcome. Info: email [email protected] Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. mail.com. 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. NOV. 30-DEC. 2, North Carolina Senior State Championship DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open JAN. 15, Marshall Masters See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 51st annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) See Grand Prix. JAN. 25-27 OR 26-27, 2019 Cardinal Open (Open Section FIDE See Grand Prix. Rated) DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 48th Annual Atlanta Open (GA) See Grand Prix. JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, Chesapeake Open (MD) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JAN. 1, 2019 Ticks FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) See Grand Prix. OKLAHOMA See Grand Prix. FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) An American Classic! South (FL) See Grand Prix. A Heritage Event! See Nationals. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! DEC. 1-2, 2nd Steve Wharry Classic A State Championship Event! FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) See Grand Prix. MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic See Grand Prix. DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) Championships (out of state welcome) See Grand Prix. 6SS, G/60 d10, open to grades K-12; top NYS player & team each section FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18 are NY champions. In 14 sections. at Courtyard OHIO , 10th annual Southwest High School Sections Class Championships (TX) by Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (2/5 mile from NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11 , 27th annual Kings Island Open See Grand Prix. Saratoga Hilton). Other 11 sections at Saratoga Hilton and adjacent See Grand Prix. Saratoga City Center (connected by indoor walkway), 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Sections US Chess Junior Grand Prix! at Hilton/City Center are limited to a total of 1100 players, sections at NOV. 10, Toledo November Swiss , 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75 d5, Rnds. 2-4 G/85 d5. University of Toledo Marriott 300 players. Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same NOV. 18, Portland Chess Club Sunday Quads school; no combined school teams allowed even if one school “feeds” Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. PCC, 8205 SW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. The live regular ratings another. Teams of 2 or 3 allowed, but are at a disadvantage. Online entry $20 by 11/8, $25 at site. 9-10 a.m., 10, 1, 4, & 7. are usually used. G/50;inc15. EF: 15, 5 discount for PCC members and $69 by 2/14, $79 2/15-3/1, $90 EF: Reg.: Rds.: Prizes: fee at chessaction.com, all sections: $450 b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: jagz47@hot- each extra family member in the same household, free entry if it’s your 3/2 to 3/8. EF at site, all sections $100. HS Championship (all K-12 mail.com. 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. first US Chess rated tournament (must pay for US Chess membership). born after 9/1/99): EF $75.30 mailed by 2/14. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies US Chess membership required. Prizes: discounted entries, books, and for Denker Tournament of HS Champions. K-12 Under 1800/Unr: EF NOV. 10, House of Chess Challenge #11 bonus trophy or medal for scholastics. Reg.: 9-9:45am. Rd.: 10am, 12: $75.20 mailed by 2/14. K-12 Under 1200/Unr: EF $75.10 mailed by 2/14. 4SS, G/30 d5. House Of Chess, 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, 30pm, 3pm. See more info. and rule variations used at pdxchess.org. JHS Championship (all K-9): EF $75 mailed by 2/14. Top NYS grade K- OH 44070. EF: $30, Sections: Open, U2000, U1600, U1200. Registration: 8 born after 9/1/03 qualifies for Barber tournament of K-8 Champions. Online at thehouseofchess.com or 12-1:pm at site. Rds.: 1:30,3:00, 4:30 NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) See Grand Prix. K-8 Under 1600/Unr: EF $74.90 mailed by 2/14. K-8 Under 900/Unr: EF 6:00. Prizes: $975 b/50. Open: $250, $125. U2000: $150, $75. U1600: $74.80 mailed by 2/14. Elementary Championship (all K-6): EF $74.70 $150, $75. U1200 $100, U1000 $50, Sections may be merged if low DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under 1400/Unr: EF $74.60 mailed by 2/14. K-6 number in sections. Info: Contact Lary Rust, 216-926-9502 or info@the- Open (NV) Under 1000/Unr: EF $74.50 mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under 600/Unr: EF houseofchess.com. See Grand Prix. $74.40 mailed by 2/14. Primary Championship (all K-3): EF $74 mailed A State Championship Event! JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 10th annual Golden State Open by 2/14. K-3 Under 800/Unr: EF: $73.90 mailed by 2/14. K-1 Champi- NOV. 17, 2018 Ohio Grade Level Championships onship (all K-1): EF $73.80 mailed by 2/14. K-1 Under 400/Unr: EF $73.70 (CA-N) 5SS, 13 separate Sections. K-6 sections G/30 d5, 7-12 sections G/45 See Grand Prix. mailed by 2/14. Postmarked 2/15-26: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry d5. Open to students enrolled in Ohio schools in grades K-12 or home after 2/26. Special 1 year USCF dueswith magazine if paid with entry. schooled in Ohio, age 19 and under. Rocky River High School, 20951 MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships Online at chessaction.com, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or Detroit Ave., Rocky River, OH 44116. EF: $35 if received by Nov 13th, (CA-S) paid at site, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Trophies to top 10 players $40 after. No on-site registrations. Awards: Trophies to all scoring See Grand Prix. & top 7 teams each section, top 2 unrated in U1200, U900, U800, U600 & 3.5 or more, top three teams each section. Medals to all in sections K- JUNE 11-12 U400, and top 2 each U1900, U1700 (HS), U1600, U1400 (HS U1800), 8. See website for full details: www.progresswithchess.org Contact: , 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) U1000, U800, U600 (HS U1200), U1800, U1600, U1400 (JHS), U1400, Mike Joelson, 216-321-7000, [email protected] See Nationals. U1200, U1000 (MS U1600), U700, U500, U300 (MS U900), U1700, U1500 NOV. 17 JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) (Elem), U1200, U1000 (K-6 U1400), U800, U700 (K-6 U1000), U500, U400, , House of Chess Challenge #12 See Nationals. U300 (Elem U600), U1400, U1200, U1000 (Primary), U600, U500, U400, 4SS, G/30 d5. House Of Chess, 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. $30, Open, U2000, U1600, U1200. U300 (Primary U800), U800, U600, U400 (K-1), U300, U200 (K-1 U400). EF: Sections: Registration: Online at thehouseofchess.com or 12-1:pm at site. Rds.: 1:30,3:00, 4:30 Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, 6:00. $975 b/50. $250, $125. $150, $75. PENNSYLVANIA Labor Day weekend 2019 (Albany), to top player each section, if not already Prizes: Open: U2000: U1600: $150, $75. U1200 $100, U1000 $50, Sections may be merged if low qualified for free entry from another event. Mixed doubles prizes(chess Chaturanga Chess Club number in sections. Info: Contact Lary Rust, 216-926-9502 or info@the- Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Hatboro, PA. Visit www.chatu- sets) for three HS sections combined; no extra fee; enter at Marriott by houseofchess.com. Sat 2 pm. Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 3. rangachessclub.org/ or email [email protected]. Awards 5:30 pm. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving North Penn Chess Club 2. HR: $143-143 at Hilton, two nights minimum, 888-999-4711, 518-584- Weekend) (MI) Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.northpennchessclub.org 4000, or use link at chesstour.com. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, See Grand Prix. for schedules & info or 215-699-8418. two nights minimum, $135-135, 866-210-9325 or use link at chesstour.com. 7 days notice required to cancel room reservations at Hilton; first night at Courtyard is nonrefundable, 48 hours notice required to cancel other nights. free parking at both. Each is likely to sell out about 3 months before the tournament, but may again have availability in the final week before the event due to late cancellations. For backup hotels see 51st annual chesstour.com. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Online entry: www.chessaction.com. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF LIBERTY BELL OPEN ID, USCF expiration (non-members include dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, 7 rounds, Jan 18-21, 19-21 or 20-21, 2019 all substitutions from advance list charged $90. Questions: [email protected], 347-201-2269 (leave message, email is better). Bring Martin Luther King weekend, Philadelphia Sonesta Hotel clock if possible- none supplied. Bring set & board for HS sections; set & board supplied for other sections, but not for skittles. March official ratings used (except unofficial web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated). TD reserves right to assign estimated rating to players with non-USCF ratings. Electronic devices rules: see http://chesstour.com/ $20,000 PROJECTED PRIZES devices.htm; players are not allowed to possess cellphones during play. MAR. 10, NY State Scholastics Parents & Friends Tournament 4SS, G/30 d5. Saratoga Hilton & adjacent Saratoga City Center, 534 Projected prizes have been RAISED every year since 2006! Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. EF: $30; $10 less to NY Scholas- tics parents, friends, coaches, alumni. Trophies to top 3. Reg.: Sun

www.uschess.org 71 Tournament Life / November

NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 17th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL) Philadelphia, PA 19119. Info: mastermindschess.org or brad@master- MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic See Grand Prix. mindschess.org. Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) NOV. 18, 2018 PA State Game/15 Championship (QC) DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) See New York. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress DEC. 27-29 OR 28-29, 37th annual Empire City Open (NY) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open (OH) RHODE ISLAND See Grand Prix. Weekend) (MI) JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) See Grand Prix. DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. DEC. 1, W. Chester 1st Sat Quads APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) Our 29th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. 2nd Presbyterian Church, 114 S. DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official See Grand Prix. Walnut St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am. NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed (NJ) Rds.: 9:40, 1:00, 4:00. Info: [email protected] See Grand Prix. APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) See Grand Prix. DEC. 2, PCL December Quick Quads (QC) JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 5th Annual Gulf Coast New Year’s Open (FL) 3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow See Grand Prix. Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11- SOUTH CAROLINA 11:15am. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. JAN. 5, LVCA K-12 Chess Championships 5-SS, G/30 d5. EF: $35, $45 CASH ONLY after 12/29/18 AT SITE. DEC. 15-16, 10th Annual South Carolina Senior Open 2018 DEC. 2, Chess @ the Moose Trophy’s to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Top U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, See Grand Prix. 3 round Swiss, G/60 d5. Moose Lodge 1336, 705 Stokes Mill Rd., East U600, U400, UNR, $15-$20 in Random Prizes to every player. Rds.: DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9035. Registration: 10:00-10:30. Rounds: start 11:00am then ASAP. Reg.: Ends 10:45am. Site: College Hill Moravian See Grand Prix. 10:30 then ASAP. Entry Fee: $15 at site cash only. Prize: 1st $35, addi- Church,72 W. Laurel St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Ent: Bruce Davis, tional prizes based on attendances. Beverage and cookies provided. 1208 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, 484-866-3045. DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 48th Annual Atlanta Open (GA) Email: See Grand Prix. Free parking. A replica moose head hanging on the wall! Contact: [email protected]. Info: www.lehighvalleychess Michael Laverty, 908-339-7105, [email protected], web: chess at club.org/. FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - the moose. South (FL) JAN. 5 OR 6 OR 5-6 , Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the See Nationals. DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 1st Annual Old Line Open (MD) 53rd Annual Greater NY Scholastic Championships - Since 1966, See Grand Prix. USCF’s Longest-Running Scholastic! (NY) DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 2018 Garden State Open (NJ) See New York. TENNESSEE See Grand Prix. JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 51st annual Liberty Bell Open NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) DEC. 8, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Esperanza Academy, 421 W. Bristol St., Phila., PA 19140. Quads: 3RR, G/85 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4. JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, Chesapeake Open (MD) NOV. 17-18, 59th Mid-South Open See Grand Prix. Scholastic: 4SS K-12 Open, K-8 U1100, K-6 U800, K-3 U500 G/40 d5, See Grand Prix. EF $10 rec’d by Thurs. before, $25 on site. Reg. ends 9AM. Rd. 1 10AM FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open (TX) then asap. Mail Ent: payable to MasterMinds CC, 36 E. Hortter St., See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

Membership Appreciation Program (MAP) The MAP program continues in 2018. 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 1104 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 862 BAY AREA CHESS CA 755 CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CTR MO 140 THE BERKELEY CHESS SCHOOL CA 289 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 111 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 249 MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 100 PARKWAY CHESS TX 221 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 77 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 176 BAY AREA CHESS CA 74 NEW YORK CITY CHESS INC NY 169 ROCHESTER CHESS CENTER NY 66 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 158 LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB CA 64 CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CTR MO 148 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 60 BEYOND CHESS CA 139 LAS VEGAS CHESS CENTER NV 56 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 139 Scholastic and Youth Membership Standings Small State Affiliate Standings Name State Count Name State Count BAY AREA CHESS CA 681 ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL CC ME 77 THE BERKELEY CHESS SCHOOL CA 256 MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 73 JOHN BAPST MHS CHESS CLUB ME 55 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 242 NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG NM 32 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 210 TOURNAMENT IN A BOX NH 23 PARKWAY CHESS TX 199 ENDGAME CHESS NM 21 NEW YORK CITY CHESS INC NY 152 WVSCA WV 16 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 152 METRO AREA CHESS DC 14 BEYOND CHESS CA 135 KNIGHTS CHESS CLUB NH 11 EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 117 RELYEA CHESS NH 9 BOCA RATON CHESS CLUB FL 116 State Chapter Affiliate Standings Member Standings Name State Count Name State Count MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MD 279 NAVARRO, DANIEL A TX 74 MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 174 TUSING, TIMOTHY A FL 44 WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION WA 138 BRACKENRIDGE, KEITH OH 34 MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 121 AGHAJANYAN, ARTUR CA 26 PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 98 CAMPBELL, TIM V MO 25 NEVADA CHESS INC NV 65 STALLINGS, JAY CA 24 NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 46 LUNA, GILBERTO, II FL 21 MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MA 39 WOLF, TODD W ND 21 SOUTH DAKOTA CHESS ASSN SD 30 MAXWELL, JONATHAN VA 18 IOWA STATE CHESS ASSOCIATION IA 19 BRAUNLICH, THOMAS D OK 14 PCT Gain Standings State Dec17 Sep18 PCT State Dec17 Sep18 PCT State Dec17 Sep18 PCT State Dec17 Sep18 PCT AR 280 332 18.6 MS 382 416 8.9 MA 1975 2050 3.8 HI 157 161 2.5 MT 89 100 12.4 MIL 15 16 6.7 ME 476 491 3.2 DC 335 370 10.4 OK 328 342 4.3 IA 721 741 2.8

72 November 2018 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing November 1-14

DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th Annual Foxwoods Open (CT) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Man- DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 48th Annual Atlanta Open (GA) agement, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. See Grand Prix. 3685). (1) Title of publication: Chess Life. (1) Publi- VIRGINIA cation number: 102-840. (3) Date of filing: September JAN. 4-6, 4th Annual Smoky Mountain Chess Tournament 25, 2018 (4) Frequency of issue: Monthly. (5) No. of See Grand Prix. NOV. 10-11, 22nd Annual Northern Virginia Open! issues published annually: 12. (6) Annual subscription See Grand Prix. price: $50. (7) Complete mailing address of known NOV. 17-18, 26th Annual David Zofchak Memorial office of publication (street, city, county, state, and TEXAS See Grand Prix. ZIP code) (Not printers): P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38555 (8) NOV. 16-21, 2018 UT Dallas Fall FIDE Open NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, 49th annual National Chess Congress (PA) Complete mailing address of the headquarters of See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. general business office of the publisher (Not printers): NOV. 17, Scholastic Winter Open DEC. 7-9 OR 8-9, 1st Annual Old Line Open (MD) PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557, 137 Obrien Dr., 5 Round Tournament. G/30 d5. North Texas Chess Academy, 3730 N. Josey See Grand Prix. Crossville, TN 38555. (9) Full names/complete mailing Ln. #124 Carrollton, TX 75007. A Winter Tradition! Great prizes, giveaways, addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor puzzle contest and more! One section with class prize. One day only – Nov. DEC. 20-23 OR 21-23, 2018 Charlotte Open (NC) (this item must not be blank). Publisher (name/com- 17. November monthly Rating Supplement used. Open to all K-12th tourna- See Grand Prix. plete mailing address): Carol Meyer, US Chess, PO ments players rated 1399 and below. One prize per player. U1400 Section: DEC. 27-30, 28-30, 27, 29, OR 30, 45th Annual Eastern Open Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557, 137 Obrien Dr., Trophies to TOP THREE finishers. U800 Class Prizes: Trophies to TOP See Grand Prix. Crossville, TN 38555. Editor (name/complete mailing THREE finishers. Round 1 – 9:30am, Rest asap. EF: $30 by 11/10. $40 address): Daniel Lucas, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, DEC. 29-30, South Jersey Open - Dr. Leroy Dubeck Cup (NJ) TN 38557, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38555. Man- after. Registration ends 30 minutes before round 1. Two half point byes See Grand Prix. allowed if requested before start of round 2. USCF Regular and Quick rated. aging Editor (name and complete mailing address): same as above. (10) Owner. (If owned by a corpo- All USCF rules apply. SAVE with early registration at https://www.north- DEC. 29-30, 2018 NJ Senior State Championship - Official ration, its name and address must be stated and texaschessacademy.com/book-online/2018-scholastic-winter-open NJSCF Tournament $1,000 guaranteed (NJ) also immediately there under the names and NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) See Grand Prix. addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent See Grand Prix. JAN. 18-21 OR 19-21, Chesapeake Open (MD) or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a See Grand Prix. corporation, the names and addresses of the individual NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 2018 DCC FIDE Open XI owners must be given. If owned by a partnership or See Grand Prix. FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open other incorporated firm, its name and address, as NOV. 30-DEC. 2 OR 1-2, Houston Open See Grand Prix. well as that of each individual must be given. If the See Grand Prix. publication is published by a nonprofit organization, its name and address must be stated.) (Do not leave DEC. 8, 2018 Dallas Junior Open WASHINGTON blank.): United States Chess Federation, PO Box 5-SS, (rds. 1-3 G/30 d5, rds. 4-5 G/45 d5). Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cot- 3967, Crossville, TN 38557, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, tonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, TX 75080. EF: $24. Reg. 8:15-8:45 am. 3 NOV. 22-25 OR 23-25, 54th Annual American Open (CA-S) TN 38555. (11) Known bondholders, mortgagees, and sections: Championship (opened to 20 yrs old and under), Cadet (opened See Grand Prix. other security holders owning or holding 1 percent to 14 yrs old and under), Youth (opened to 10 yrs old and under). Ages as NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Washington Class Championships or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or of 1/1/18. Rd. 1 at 9 am rest ASAP. $$65% of entry fees given back in See Grand Prix. other securities (if there are none, so state): none. prizes. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara (12) For completion by nonprofit organizations author- Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX, 76036-4719. INFO: Barb Swaf- DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American ized to mail at special rates section 423.12, DMM ford, 214-632-9000, [email protected], www.dallaschess.com Open (NV) only). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status See Grand Prix. of this organization and tax exempt status for Federal DEC. 22-23, DCC FIDE Open XII income tax purposes (check one): þ has not changed See Grand Prix. JAN. 18-21, 19-21 OR 20-21, 10th annual Golden State Open during preceding 12 months; ¨ has changed during (CA-N) preceding 12 months. (If changed, publisher must DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American See Grand Prix. Open (NV) submit explanation of change with this statement.) See Grand Prix. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships (13) Publication Name: Chess Life. (14) Issue Date (CA-S) for Circulation Data Below: September 2018. (15) DEC. 26-30, New Orleans Open (LA) Extent and nature of circulation. (a) Total number See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. copies printed (net press run): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 24,353; DEC. 30-31, 2018, Year End Insanity JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Nationals. actual number copies of single issue published nearest See Grand Prix. to filing date, 22,842(b) Paid and/or requested cir- JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 9th Annual Austin Chess Club Championship JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) culation: (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail See Grand Prix. See Nationals. subscriptions: average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 22,952; actual number FEB. 8-10 OR 9-10, 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - copies of single issue published nearest to filing South (FL) WEST VIRGINIA date, 21,906. (2) Paid in-county subscriptions (include See Nationals. NOV. 9-11 OR 10-11, 27th annual Kings Island Open (OH) advertiser’s proof copies/exchange copies): average See Grand Prix. number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest 0; actual number copies of single issue published Class Championships DEC. 28-30 OR 29-30, 2018 Cleveland Holiday Open (OH) nearest to filing date, 0. (3) Sales through dealers See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales (not JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) mailed): average number copies each issue during See Nationals. See Grand Prix. preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. (4) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through See Nationals. WISCONSIN the USPS (e.g. First Class Mail): average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 356; NOV. 17, Francis Finnegan Open! actual number copies of single issue published nearest UTAH A charitable event!! St. James Catholic Church, W220 N6588 Town Line to filing date, 355. (C) Total paid distribution (sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4); average number copies DEC. 26-30, 26-29 OR 27-29, 28th annual North American Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI. $$Prizes: Non-monetary; Books, DVD’s. 2 Rated Sections, G/30 and G/24. 2 Unrated Sections, K-12 & Open. TC: each issue during preceding 12 months, 23,308; actual Open (NV) number copies of single issue published nearest to See Grand Prix. G/30 d5 for K-12, Open and G/30 section. G/24 d5 for G/24 section EF: (All) $20 by 11/15 ($25 at site). Reg.: 8:30-9:30; 1/2 point bye if filing date, 22,261. Free or nominal rate distribution; MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships registered after 9:30; Food: Complimentary Breakfast with entry, Lunch (15d (1), (2), (3); average number copies each issue (CA-S) available after Rd. 1. Rds.: 10:00; 11:30; 1:00; 2:30. Check payable to during preceding 12 months, 0; actual number copies See Grand Prix. of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. Knights of Columbus. 2711 N. University Dr. #64, Waukesha, WI 53188. 15d (4); average number of copies each issue during JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) Q&A’s: (262)506-4203 and ask for Ben or [email protected] Info: preceding 12 months, 200; actual number of copies See Nationals. benzochess.com of single published nearest to filing date, 200. (e) NOV. 23-25 OR 24-25, Motor City Open (Thanksgiving Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) (1), (2), (3), and (4): 200; actual number copies of See Nationals. Weekend) (MI) See Grand Prix. single issue published nearest to filing date, 200. (f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): average num- VERMONT US Chess Junior Grand Prix! ber copies each issue during preceding 12 months, DEC. 8-9, The Wisconsin Memorial 23,508; actual number copies of single issue published US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/120 d5. Rds. 4-5 40/120, SD/60 d5. Madison Marriott nearest to filing date, 22,461. (g) Copies not distrib- NOV. 3, 2018 Vermont Amateur Championship in Middlebury West, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton, WI 53562. HR: $110 + uted: average number copies each issue during 4SS, G/65 d5. Recreation Center, 154 Creek Rd., Middlebury, VT 05753. $4 Parking. Rate gtd until 11/6. 888-745-2032. 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(i) Percent paid. 15c divided by rec’d by Nov 1 or $29 at site, except $16/$20 for unrated player. $$b/14: mike.nietman@ charter.net. www.wischess.org. WI Chess Tour Event. 15f × 100), per cent on average no. copies each issue 100-65, U1210 60, U1010 40. No unrated player may win more than W. Online registration at https://onlineregistration.cc/. during preceding 12 months, 99.1; per cent on actual $40. All sections: Reg.: 8:45-9:35 a.m., Rds.: 10-1-4-6:50. H-bye okay no. copies of single issue published nearest filing except for Rd 4 of Under 2110. Parker Montgomery, PO Box 831, JAN. 5-6, Tim Just Winter Open XXXVI (IL) Ent: See Grand Prix. date, 99.1. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership. Middlebury, VT 05753-0831; [email protected], 802-349-7739. Publication of this statement will be printed in the JAN. 4-6 OR 5-6, 7th annual Boston Chess Congress (MA) November 2018 issue of this publication. 18. I certify See Grand Prix. 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www.uschess.org 73 Classifieds / Solutions / November Classifieds Solutions

Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories: PAGE 13 / 2018 U.S. WOMEN’S PAGE 49 / PRACTICUM Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Miscellaneous, CHAMPIONSHIP Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or e-mailed PROBLEM I. White attains a huge advantage with copy is accepted. Absolutely no telephone orders. Rates PROBLEM I. 67. Rh7! threatens Rh8 mate, e.g. a sober transition to the endgame: 27. f4! Nd3 28. (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions $1.00. Affiliates pay $1.00 per word 67. ... Kg8 68. f7+ Kf8 69. Rh8+ and wins. PROB- Rxe6 Nxc1 29. Re5 d3 30. Nc4, when Black is in regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. LEM II. 36. ... Qd5! threatens both ... Qxg2 mate deep trouble due to his weak pawns and uncoor- Advertisements with less than 15 words will cost a minimum and ... Qxb3, e.g. 37. Rg3 Rxg3 38. fxg3 Rc2. dinated pieces (approximately 1.3 in White’s favor, of $15 per issue. Post office boxes count as two words, tele- according to Stockfish). Did you see past the illusory phone numbers as one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must PROBLEM III. 27. Qa4+! mates, e.g. 27. ... Kf8 28. accompany all advertising. All advertising published in Chess Rxd8+ or 27. ... b5 28. Qxb5+! Rxb5 29. Rdxd8 power of Black’s passer? If so, you did better than Life is subject to the applicable rate card, available from the mate. PROBLEM IV. 35. ... Nd3! should have won de la Riva, who uncharacteristically blundered with Advertising Department. Chess Life reserves the right not (36. Qxd3 c4+ or 36. Rb1 Rxe5) but Black only 27. Nc6?? and had to resign after 27. ... Nf3+. to accept an advertiser’s order. Only publication of an adver- tisement constitutes final acceptance. For a copy of these drew after 35. ... Ng4. PROBLEM V. 19. ... g5! PROBLEM II. In this highly charged position, Jonsson complete set of regulations & a schedule of deadlines, send (20. Bxg5 Qxd6 or 20. Nxg5 Be5) In the game ruled out 42. ... Kxg6 for obvious reasons and settled a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, Black played 20. ... Ng3+ which was also sufficient on 42. ... Rb3, which loses to 43. Ne5+. The key is, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Ads are due two months as always, to second-guess your instincts: 42. ... prior (by the 10th) of the issue cover date you want your ad to win. PROBLEM VI. 38. Re5! (38. ... fxe5 39. to appear in. (For example: October CL ads MUST be sub- Rf1+). White won after 38. ... Qc6 39. Rh5 but Kxg6!! 43. f7 Rg2+ 44. Kh4 Rh2+, and the king mitted no later than August 10th). You can e-mail your 39. Rg5! is even faster. cannot escape the perpetual. This is not hard to classified ad to Joan DuBois, [email protected]. calculate, but seeing 42. ... Kxg6 certainly requires For Sale PAGE 47 / ABCs OF CHESS putting storytelling aside! * WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS * PROBLEM I. Mating net: It’s mate by 1. ... Qxc3+ *The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably the 2. Kxa4 Bc6 mate. PROBLEM II. Mating net: The finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.; 1021 Pro- immediate 1. ... Qg4 is mate. PROBLEM III. Mating duction Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758. *Website: net: Mate in two is fashioned by 1. ... Be3+ 2. Nd2 www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070; Rb1 mate. PROBLEM IV. Mating net: Whoever ADVERTISE email: [email protected] moves mates, but it’s Black’s move: 1. ... Qg5 mate. WITH US CHESS HIGH QUALITY HANDCRAFTED CHESS SETS PROBLEM V. Mating net: It’s mate in 3: 1. ... Qh3+ including board available. Only for serious collectors. 2. Kg1 Rg4+ 3. Kh1 Qg2 mate. PROBLEM VI. Mating Phone: 724-789-7290. net: Black mates by 1. ... Qh2+ 2. Kg5 Qh6 mate. 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www.uschess.org 75   Alex King National Master and Pianist

AN ENTERPRISING SACRIFICE Alexander B. King (2327) GM Victor Mikhalevski (2637) 12th Annual Philadelphia Int’l (1), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 06.28.2018

AFTER 21. ... gxf6 ...when I play the piano I am taking 22. Qd3!! I didn’t even realize that this was completely a break from chess, and when I play winning—although I saw the game continuation, I assumed Black had some way to bail out chess I am taking a break from instead. But after about 15 minutes of my opponent frowning at the board, I realized that the piano. there was no escape! 22. ... fxe5 hiladelphia has always been a special place to me, not least because I was born I was expecting 22. ... Rcc8, but this also gets there. Although I have lived in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York City, and now mated after 23. Rh3 f5 24. Qg3+ Kh8 25. Qh4. PMemphis, every visit to Philadelphia feels magical—the accents, the history, the Relatively best was 22. ... Kh8!? although hoagies. I first played chess there as a high-schooler in the 2004 World Open, where I after 23. Re2! Black’s queen is trapped. became a US Chess expert, and next in the 2012 World Open, by which point I was a US 23. Rg3+ Kh8 24. Qd8! and Black resigned, Chess master in the Open section. Since then my rating has plateaued in the mid-2300s, since 25. Qxf8 mate and 25. Qf6 mate are and sometimes I wonder whether I will ever make it to FIDE Master, which I’ve been threatened, and if 24. ... Rxd8 25. Rxd8 mate. tantalizingly close to for several years. It was in this mingled spirit of existential uncertainty and reverent pilgrimage that I arrived this past June for the Philadelphia International, my first nine-rounder since the 2016 Philadelphia Open. I was staying with family friends uptown and looking forward to My first-ever standard win against a 2600—what running in nearby Fairmount Park, eating at the Reading Terminal Market, and noodling a way to start the tournament! I ended up finishing on the hotel piano. (Alas, that piano had gone the way of the sealed move and the analog with 5/9 and for a while was even in contention for clock.) But I didn’t know what to expect from my games: Was I badly out of shape, or an international master norm. better than ever? As Mark Taimanov said, when I play the piano I The answer would come in the first round, where I found myself on board four against GM am taking a break from chess, and when I play chess Victor Mikhalevski of . I didn’t have time to prepare for the game, but fortunately he I am taking a break from the piano—life is one big played a variation of the Nimzo-Indian that was familiar to me. On move 15 I ventured a vacation. I’m not sure when my next opportunity to novelty that I recalled from the analysis of one of my online blitz games, and a few moves later take a break from the piano and play in another major I played an enterprising pawn sacrifice that was confidently accepted, although, in fact, this tournament will be, but don’t be surprised if it ends was his decisive mistake. We reached the diagrammed position, where I played    : up being in Philadelphia! PHOTO: CAROLINE KING

76 November 2018 | Chess Life The United States’ Largest Chess Specialty Retailer

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