WORLD YOUTH & WORLD CADET TEAMS SHOW THEIR FIGHTING SPIRITS

FACE OFF MAGNUS VS. FABI First American world championship contender in decades loses a heartbreaker to Carlsen.

February 2019 | USChess.org

13th annual OPEN at FOXWOODS April 17-21 (Open), 18-21 or 19-21 (other sections) EASTER WEEKEND - RETURNING AFTER 5 YEARS!

Open: 9 rounds, GM & IM norms possible! Lower sections: 7 rounds At the elegant, ultra modern FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO In the Connecticut woods, 1½ hours from Boston, 2½ hours from

Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid entries, $75,000 minimum guaranteed!

A SPECTACULAR SITE! Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Prize limits: 1) Under 26 games rated as of April 2019 the woods of Southeastern Connecticut near the Mystic official, $800 in U1100, $1500 U1400, $2500 U1600 or coast. 35 restaurants, 250 gaming tables, 5500 slot U1800. 2) If post-event rating posted 4/15/18-4/15/19 was machines, non-smoking casino, entertainment, shopping, more than 30 pts over section maximum, limit $1500. world’s largest Native American museum. Mixed doubles: $1200-800-600-400-200 projected. Open Section, April 17-21: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. FIDE Male/female teams, must average under 2200, only rounds rated, GM & IM norms possible. 1-7 of Open count, register before both begin round 2. Other Sections, April 18-21 or 19-21: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30 Schedules: 5-DAY (Open only): Late reg. ends Wed. d10 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10). 6 pm, rds Wed 7, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-DAY: Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, In 7 sections. Prizes based on 650 entries, else Sun 10 & 4:15. 3-DAY: Late reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri proportional; minimum guarantee 75% each prize. Seniors, 11 & 2:30, merges with 4-day Fri at 6 pm. re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FIDE rated, & U1100 Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 Section count as half entries toward prize fund. rds.). Open must commit before rd 3, others before rd 4. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-700-600-500-400- Hotel rates: Grand Pequot Tower (closest, very 400, clear/tiebreak 1st $200 bonus, FIDE 2250-2399 $3000- luxurious): Fri/Sat $205, others $149. Fox Tower (5-7 1500, FIDE U2250/Unr $3000-1500. 200 GPP. FIDE rated, minute walk in connected building): Fri/ Sat $175, others FIDE ratings used in this section. $119. Two Trees Inn (15-20 minute walk, free shuttle): U2200/Unr, U2000/Unr, U1800: Each $5000-3000-1600- Fri/Sat, $145, others $99. All: $4.95 resort fee. Includes 1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Unr limit in U2000, $2000. wired internet, fitness center, pool, spa, in room coffee, etc. U1600: $4000-2000-1300-900-600-500-400-400-300-300. Reservations: link at chesstour.com or 1-800- U1400: $3000-1800-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300. FOXWOOD; must reserve by April 4 or rate will increase. U1100/Unr: $1500-800-600-500-400-300-300-200-200- Entry fees, titled player minimum prizes, other 200; unrated limit $400. details: See TLA or www.chesstour.com. www.uschess.org 1 LIFE STAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD

!-#(*+,!+%%"-& ##-*,)(-&% Publications Editor President [email protected] PO Box 436787 Louisville, KY 40253 )+*(-, $%#-) [email protected] ##+ +"")(*+)'+ )'*+ +&*+ #+##+   Senior Art Director [email protected] +*, +$-) Vice President ")(+!)*$+Crossville, TN (931) 787-1234 +%+&"+, '-)%& 10990 NW 115th Avenue %*''+"(+! ()"&)!('+ ( )%)*'[email protected] (931) 200-5509 Creative Content Granger, IA 50109 Coordinator [email protected]  *%&)')(+)( )%)*'$+(931) 787-1234, ext. 123 [email protected] "$,*)$" *&&*%'+&!+&*+*)&!%$+Please submit to [email protected] #+*,+*%') VP Finance Editorial Assistant/ P.O. Box 340 ! %("*(&+)*+((! (**(&'+'$++All TLAs should be emailed Copy Editor Collinsville, OK 74021 to [email protected] or sent to P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967 [email protected] [email protected] **) )(+Chess Life$+To receive as a Premium Member, '*, $)*-%% !(-,(-%+* join US Chess, or enter a US , go to uschess.org or call Technical Editor Secretary 1-800-903-USCF (8723) 2 Boca Grande Way '+*,$ '(& Madison, WI 53719 "(*+!+"%*''$+Please send to [email protected] TLA/Advertising [email protected] [email protected] &*%+)( )%)*'[email protected], (931) 787-1234, fax (931) 787-1200 !("+-#, ' +$() Member at Large PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN 38557 [email protected]

US CHESS STAFF CHESS LIFE +#, )-"+* ONLINE STAFF Member at Large +)'#,!--) '+*,$ '(& 66 Cromwell Lane Executive Director Affiliate Relations Associate -**(-),"+"+- Jackson, NJ 08527 [email protected] [email protected] ext. 123 Senior Digital Editor [email protected] ext. 189 [email protected] +*(-#,$+& -)+, '(&'* +*,-#- Senior Director of Senior Accountant Member at Large Strategic Communication [email protected] PO Box 3967 [email protected] ext. 130 Crossville, TN 38557 931-200-5509 [email protected] -**(-),-+)&'* ', -- Governance Coordinator Director of Events [email protected] [email protected] ext. 131 931-787-2244 )+(,--, -')-, ,&++, Mailing Lists/Membership ~US CHESS  ## ~ Director of Development Associate [email protected] [email protected] 931-787-3429 ext. 143 Empowering people through chess -%-,+)+(+*(& "+)'*,!#$)-, Assistant Director of Events Membership Associate one move at a time. [email protected] [email protected] 931-200-9477 ext. 127 )+*%,-* ")(&%(*-,)--*, FIDE Events Manager Membership Associate Q [email protected] [email protected] ext. 138 $&+*,+*%') Scholastic Associate #-,$**- ~US CHESS  # ~ & Clubs, FIDE Associate Correspondence Chess and OTB Ratings [email protected] [email protected] Tournament Director Certification Our vision is to enrich the lives ext. 136 [email protected] $,!(&*-) of all persons and communities through Director of Administration [email protected] increasing the play, study, and ext. 126 appreciation of the game of chess.

2 February 2019 | Chess Life <&

 SUHVHQWV .&)·VWK$QQXDO$OO*LUOV 1DWLRQDO&KDPSLRQVKLSV $SULO+<$770&&250,&.3/$&(&+,&$*2,/ )LUVWSODFHZLQQHUVRIHDFKVHFWLRQZLOOTXDOLI\WRSOD\DWWKH:RUOG

0$,1(9(17 ϲͲ^^͕'ͬϵϬ͕Ěϱ

&ƌŝĚĂLJƉƌŝůϭϮ Ϯ͗ϯϬWDKƉĞŶŝŶŐĞƌĞŵŽŶLJ ϯ͗ϬϬWDZŽƵŶĚϭ

^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJƉƌŝůϭϯ ϭϬ͗ϬϬDZŽƵŶĚϮ Ϯ͗ϯϬWDZŽƵŶĚϯ ϲ͗ϯϬWDZŽƵŶĚϰ

^ƵŶĚĂLJƉƌŝůϭϰ ϵ͗ϬϬDZŽƵŶĚϱ ϭ͗ϬϬWDZŽƵŶĚϲ ϱ͗ϬϬWDǁĂƌĚƐĞƌĞŵŽŶLJ 6(&7,21$:$5'6 +<$770&&250,&.3/$&( ŐĞĂƐŽĨϭͬϭͬϮϬϭϵ ϮϮϯϯ^DĂƌƚŝŶ>ƵƚŚĞƌ<ŝŶŐƌ (175<)(( hŶĚĞƌϴƚŽƉϭϱŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ŚŝĐĂŐŽ͕/>ϲϬϲϭϲ ΨϲϱƉŽƐƚŵĂƌŬĞĚďLJϯͬϭϭ͕Ψϴϱ ƚŽƉϱϬϬʹϳϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϱϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϲƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ďLJϰͬϭ͕ΨϵϱĂĨƚĞƌͬŽŶͲƐŝƚĞ͘ +27(/5(6(59$7,216 hŶĚĞƌϭϬƚŽƉϭϱŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ƐŝŶŐůĞͲƋƵĂĚΨϭϲϱ ƚŽƉϳϬϬʹϵϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϳϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϲƐĐŚŽŽůƐ 6,'((9(176 ;ϴϴϴͿϰϮϭͲϭϰϰϮ͕ŽŶůŝŶĞĂƚ hŶĚĞƌϭϮƚŽƉϭϱŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ƵŐŚŽƵƐĞdŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ ǁǁǁ͘ƌŬŶŝŐŚƚƐ͘ŽƌŐͬĂůůŐŝƌůƐ ƚŽƉϵϬϬʹϭϭϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϵϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϲƐĐŚŽŽůƐ &ƌŝ͘ƉƌŝůϭϮϭϭ͗ϬϬD ZĞƐĞƌǀĞĞĂƌůLJŚŽƚĞůŵĂLJƐĞůů ŶƚƌLJĨĞĞ͗ΨϯϱƉĞƌƚĞĂŵ hŶĚĞƌϭϰƚŽƉϭϱŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ŽƵƚͬƌĂŝƐĞƌĂƚĞƐ ƚŽƉϭϭϬϬʹϭϯϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϭϭϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϰƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ůŝƚnjdŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ;'ͬϱ͕ĚϬͿ hŶĚĞƌϭϲƚŽƉϴŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ,1)2 &ƌŝ͘ƉƌŝůϭϮϳ͗ϬϬWD ƚŽƉϭϯϬϬʹϭϱϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϭϯϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϯƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ǁǁǁ͘ƌŬŶŝŐŚƚƐ͘ŽƌŐͬĂůůŐŝƌůƐ ŶƚƌLJĨĞĞ͗ΨϮϱϰͬϭ͕ΨϯϬ hŶĚĞƌϭϴƚŽƉϴŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ͕ ;ϳϳϯͿϴϰϰͲϬϳϬϭ/ŝŶĨŽΛ ĂĨƚĞƌͬŽŶͲƐŝƚĞ͘ ƚŽƉϭϱϬϬʹϭϳϵϵ͕ƚŽƉhϭϱϬϬ͕ƚŽƉϯƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ƌĞŶĂŝƐƐĂŶĐĞŬŶŝŐŚƚƐ͘ŽƌŐ

KŶůŝŶĞZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ͗ǁǁǁ͘ƌŬŶŝŐŚƚƐ͘ŽƌŐͬĂůůŐŝƌůƐ DĂŝůĞĚZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ͗ŵĂŬĞĐŚĞĐŬƐƉĂLJĂďůĞƚŽ͗ZŬŶŝŐŚƚƐ͕ƚƚŶ͗ůůͲ'ŝƌůƐ͕WKŽdžϭϬϳϰEŽƌƚŚďƌŽŽŬ͕/>ϲϬϬϲϱ

ǁǁǁ͘ŬĂƐƉĂƌŽǀĐŚĞƐƐĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ͘ŽƌŐ www.uschess.org 3 Chess Life

FEBRUARY PHOTO: IM ERIC ROSEN

COLUMNS

FEATURED: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

14 CHESS TO ENJOY / ENTERTAINMENT Evolve By GM Andy Soltis

16 BACK TO BASICS / READER ANNOTATIONS Beyond Their Years By GM Lev Alburt COVER STORY / WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 18 IN THE ARENA / 22 PLAYER OF THE MONTH 2018 World Championship, Variation Anything but Dull BY GM IAN ROGERS By GM Robert Hess GM Retains World Championship after a bruising battle with GM . 20 BOOKS AND BEYOND / SHOULD I BUY IT? IN MEMORIAM / RUTH HARING Instant Gratification 38 By John Hartmann Remembering Ruth BY FRANCISCO GUADALUPE 46 SOLITAIRE CHESS / INSTRUCTION Former US Chess Executive Board president devoted her time, America’s Rising Star energy, and talent to all aspects of chess. By Bruce Pandolfini 40 INTERNATIONAL / WORLD YOUTH AND WORLD CADET 48 THE PRACTICAL ENDGAME / INSTRUCTION Procrastinate at Your Own Risk The Next Generation By GM BY IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY (WORLD CADET) AND FM AVIV FRIEDMAN (WORLD YOUTH) The United States was well-represented at the World Youth DEPARTMENTS and World Cadet tournaments. 6 FEBRUARY PREVIEW / THIS MONTH IN CHESS LIFE AND CHESS LIFE ONLINE 8 COUNTERPLAY / READERS RESPOND US CHESS TURNS 80 THIS DECEMBER! Chess Life is turning this milestone birthday into a 9 US CHESS AFFAIRS / NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS year-long celebration. Throughout the year, look for fun facts on our infographics page as well as 10 FIRST MOVES / features and tidbits that revisit our organization’s CHESS NEWS FROM AROUND THE U.S. rich history. Want to join in the fun? Send your best 11 FACES ACROSS THE BOARD / memories, stories, and photos to [email protected]. BY AL LAWRENCE Your story may appear in our December issue! 52 TOURNAMENT LIFE / FEBRUARY CLASSIFIEDS / FEBRUARY 71 ON THE COVER 71 SOLUTIONS / FEBRUARY Contenders for the unified World Championship, GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Fabiano Caruana, display the determination and focus that MY BEST MOVE / PERSONALITIES 72 resulted in 12 drawn games. COVER PHOTOS: ERIC ROSEN THIS MONTH: POLLY WRIGHT

4 February 2019 | Chess Life The United States’ Largest Chess Specialty Retailer

888.51.CHESS (512.4377) www.USCFSales.com

It took AlphaZero only a few hours of self-learning to become the chess player that shocked the world

dŚĞĂƌƟĮĐŝĂůŝŶƚĞůůŝŐĞŶĐĞƐLJƐƚĞŵůƉŚĂĞƌŽŚĂĚ ďĞĞŶĨĞĚŶŽƚŚŝŶŐďƵƚƚŚĞƌƵůĞƐŽĨƚŚĞZŽLJĂů 'ĂŵĞǁŚĞŶŝƚĐƌƵƐŚĞĚƚŚĞǁŽƌůĚ͛ƐƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƐƚ ĐŚĞƐƐĞŶŐŝŶĞ͘dŚĞŐĂŵĞƐĐƌĞĂƚĞĚĂǁŽƌůĚǁŝĚĞ ƐĞŶƐĂƟŽŶ͗ŚŽǁǁĂƐŝƚƉŽƐƐŝďůĞƚŽƉůĂLJŝŶƐƵĐŚĂ ďƌŝůůŝĂŶƚĂŶĚƌŝƐŬLJƐƚLJůĞĂŶĚŶŽƚůŽƐĞĂƐŝŶŐůĞŐĂŵĞ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚĂŶŽƉƉŽŶĞŶƚŽĨƐƵƉĞƌŚƵŵĂŶƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ͍

DĂƩŚĞǁ^ĂĚůĞƌĂŶĚEĂƚĂƐŚĂZĞŐĂŶŝŶǀĞƐƟŐĂƚĞĚ ŵŽƌĞƚŚĂŶƚǁŽƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJƵŶƉƵďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŐĂŵĞƐďLJůƉŚĂĞƌŽ͘dŚĞLJĂůƐŽŚĂĚƵŶƉĂƌĂůůĞůĞĚ ĂĐĐĞƐƐƚŽŝƚƐƚĞĂŵŽĨĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞƌƐĂŶĚǁĞƌĞ ŽīĞƌĞĚĂƵŶŝƋƵĞůŽŽŬ͚ƵŶĚĞƌƚŚĞďŽŶŶĞƚ͛͘^ĂĚůĞƌ ĂŶĚZĞŐĂŶƚĞůůƚŚĞƐƚŽƌLJŽĨƚŚĞŚƵŵĂŶŵŽƟǀĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚƚŚĞƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐƚŚĂƚĐƌĞĂƚĞĚůƉŚĂĞƌŽ͘

Game ChangerĂůƐŽƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƐĂĐŽůůĞĐƟŽŶŽĨ ůƵĐŝĚůLJĞdžƉůĂŝŶĞĚĐŚĞƐƐŐĂŵĞƐŽĨĂƐƚŽŶŝƐŚŝŶŐ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ͘ŽƚŚƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůƐĂŶĚĐůƵďƉůĂLJĞƌƐǁŝůů NEW! ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞƚŚĞŝƌŐĂŵĞďLJƐƚƵĚLJŝŶŐůƉŚĂĞƌŽ͛Ɛ ƐƚƵŶŶŝŶŐĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌŝĞƐŝŶĞǀĞƌLJĮĞůĚƚŚĂƚŵĂƩĞƌƐ͗ ŽƉĞŶŝŶŐƉůĂLJ͕ƉŝĞĐĞŵŽďŝůŝƚLJ͕ŝŶŝƟĂƟǀĞ͕ĂƩĂĐŬŝŶŐ ƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐ͕ůŽŶŐͲƚĞƌŵƐĂĐƌŝĮĐĞƐĂŶĚŵƵĐŚŵŽƌĞ͘

͞ŚĞƐƐŚĂƐďĞĞŶƐŚĂŬĞŶƚŽŝƚƐƌŽŽƚƐďLJ ƉĂƉĞƌďĂĐŬͮ416ƉĂŐĞƐͮ$Ϯϰ͘ϵϱ ůƉŚĂĞƌŽ͕ďƵƚƚŚŝƐŝƐŽŶůLJĂƟŶLJĞdžĂŵƉůĞŽĨǁŚĂƚ ĨƌŽŵƚŚĞƉƵďůŝƐŚĞƌƐŽĨADĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ ŝƐƚŽĐŽŵĞ͘͟ʹ

Free Ground Shipping On All Books, Software and DVDS at US Chess Sales $25.00 Minimum - Excludes Clearance, Shopworn and Items Otherwise Markedwww.uschess.org 5 CHESS LIFE ONLINE FEBRUARY PREVIEW

CAIRNS CUP LISTEN TO OUR MONTHLY PODCAST LINEUP! A brand new event, the Cairns Cup, heads to St. Louis from Cover Stories with Chess Life: For the February edition of Cover Stories, February 5-16. This prestigious women’s event, named after Saint available on the first Tuesday of each month, Senior Director of Strategic Louis Chess Club co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield (nee Cairns) Communication Dan Lucas will feature the World Championship. In the will feature 10 of the top women chessplayers in the world. Look regular “Checking in with Jen” segment, Senior Digital Editor Jennifer for updates from Jennifer Shahade, who will be commenting live Shahade discusses what is coming up on Chess Life Online at uschess.org and on the event, and who also will be recording an episode of her new on our social media networks. And don’t miss the “Best Question” contest podcast, “Ladies Knight,” from the scene. sponsored by USCFSales.com and your chance to win a $50 gift certificate! Send your questions to [email protected] and put “Cover Stories with Chess Life” in the subject line.

CHESS PARTY WEEKEND One Move at a Time: In February, our podcast that highlights people who Follow our coverage of the U.S. Amateur Team are advancing our mission statement of “Empowering people through Championships—from the East in Parsippany, New Jersey, to the chess, one move at a time” will feature coach, author, and teacher David West in Santa Clara, California, and the North in Schaumburg, MacEnulty. One Move is available the second Tuesday of every month. Illinois—all held over President’s Day weekend. The U.S. And listen for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to USCFSales.com! Amateur Team South will be held in Boca Raton, Florida, a week prior from February 8-10. Use #USATChess to join the Ladies Knight: The latest entry to our growing podcast family drops on the conversation and tweet about or from the events. third Tuesday of each month. Hosted by Women’s Program Director Jennifer Shahade, Ladies Knight features people who are helping to promote women in chess. PRO CHESS LEAGUE Find all of our podcasts on our website at new.uschess.org/category/podcast/. This year’s PRO Chess League (January 8-March 14) features World Champion GM Magnus Carlsen and all five members of our 2018 Olympic team: GMs Fabiano Caruana and of the Saint Louis Archbishops; U.S. Champion GM SOCIALIZE of the San Francisco Mechanics; Champion Join us on Instagram @US_Chess, Twitter @USChess as well as our GM of the Seattle Sluggers; and GM Ray accounts at @USChess Women. Also be sure to bookmark and visit Robson of the Webster Windmills. Look for updates and key uschess.org/clo to ensure you catch all the latest news, podcasts, and tactical moments from the star-studded league on CLO at blogs on the US Chess digital presence. uschess.org/clo.

CONTRIBUTORS FM ALISA MELEKHINA and international organizer. He was the zonal (First Moves, NYCCL) is a long-time president for USA from October 2010 until GM IAN ROGERS competitor in U.S. open tournaments and in August 2016. Franc also performed duties as (World Championship) of Australia covers women’s national and world team invitational interim US Chess Executive Director from June- international events for Chess Life. events. She graduated from the University of October 2013, and was the US Chess Director of Pennsylvania Law School in May 2014 and is Events from June 2014 until his retirement on December 31, 2017. AVIV FRIEDMAN currently practicing as a corporate attorney in New York City. She is the author of Reality (World Youth) is based in New Jersey and is a Check: What the Ancient Game of Chess Can Teach IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY globe-trotting chess coach/consultant/lecturer, You About Success in Modern Competitive Settings. and an occasional writer. For more than two (World Cadet) is a professional chess player, decades, he has been leading/coaching for the writer, and coach currently living in U.S. youth teams in world events. He is a huge FRANCISCO GUADALUPE Mountain View, California, with aims of soccer fan, and a of food— (Ruth Haring) is a US Chess national earning the grandmaster title. especially carbohydrates! tournament director, FIDE ,

6 February 2019 | Chess Life DONATE TO THE US CHESS TRUST SEND SETS AND BOARDS TO AT-RISK SCHOOLKIDS ACROSS THE USA!

USCT also supports: Denker Tournament of High School Champions National Girls Tournament of Champions  Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions -8*$ 8=:HHHDC8K>9:DH Chess Sets for Vets  Chess for Older Americans DC ?J<6BJH>86$8DB World Chess Hall of Fame Armed Forces Championship Tournament of Senior Champions Rochelle Wu, 2017 National Girls Tournament of Oral Chess History of USA Project Champions winner

Please make checks to "US Chess Trust" Mail to: PO Box 838, Wallkill, NY 12589 Or donate securely at www.uschesstrust.org Email: [email protected] DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

www.uschess.org 7 Counterplay / Readers Respond

LETTERS: READERS PAST AND PRESENT

the magazine arrived, all else stopped while he devoured it. But the time has come to remove his name from your subscription list. On behalf of Igor, I thank you for all of the joy you brought to him via the magazine over so many years. Sue Speck via email Thank you for sharing Igor’s love of chess and Chess Life magazine with us. On behalf of US Chess, our condolences to you and your family. ~ed.

REMEMBERING ALLEN HINSHAW Sadly, on November 25, 2018, Allen Hinshaw of Virginia, died. He was 77. Allen was a past president of the Virginia Chess Federation and a frequent delegate to US Chess in delegate meetings in the 1970s through the 2000s. He frequently organized and directed chess events in Virginia during much of that time and was a primary organizer of the successful U.S. Open tournaments in 1976 in Fairfax and in 1996 in Alexandria. He was presented an award at the U.S. Open in Norfolk in 2017 for career achievement in chess. Allen was a great friend to chess and to many of us whom he taught to organize and direct. He could find solutions to most any challenge, always with a pithy comment to go with it. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Helen, and their daughter Melissa. He will be missed, but fondly remembered by many of us in Virginia and throughout US Chess. HOLIDAY CHEER Woodrow Harris I am on a mad search for a Christmas present for my son, Sho, and via email thought you might be able to offer assistance. US Chess appreciates all that Allen did to promote chess, and we offer our He used to be taught by Timur Gareyev, and we both loved the condolences to Allen’s friends and family. ~ed. skydiving photo on the cover of the November Chess Life. My idea was to make Sho a little poster from that photo. Is there any way a high resolution of the photo might be available, so that I could print an KEN CLAYTON MEMORIES enlargement? Thanks for any help you might be able to offer. My friend told me back in 1981 that Banneker Recreation has a chess Alex Glashausser club there on Mondays. I went there to find people to play chess and via email saw Mr. Clayton playing some of the club members. He told me his Although we couldn’t provide the actual image, we were happy to send a high name and I played him a couple of times myself. I found out that he was resolution photo of the cover to Alex. We were pleased to receive this post-holiday one of the first black masters. I heard about Frank Street also. He photo of Sho holding his poster-sized version of one of our most popular covers. [Clayton] told me my play was erratic and advised me to study some ~ed. solid opening books. Over the years, I studied some openings and played speed chess to memorize them. I got better; my rating peaked at 1808 and settled down to around the mid 1700. I am sorry to hear of his A DEDICATED MEMBER passing and when I pass by the recreation center, I think of him playing [In late June], my beloved chess-playing 87-year-old husband of 25 the young people there. He was one of the best in our area, and he will years, Igor Jaworowsky, took his final breath. He struggled for five be sorely missed. months with various health challenges and although his world shrunk Larry Steele to a very small area, he was always able to muster enough strength and via email presence of mind to enjoy the latest issue of Chess Life. Dementia began to intrude several years ago, but he had remained a demon player and won nearly all of his games. CORRECTION: Sandeep Sethuram was omitted from the One of the things he was most grateful for in his life was his monthly All America Team list, Age 10, published in the January gratis issue of Chess Life, which he read from cover to cover. He fully 2019 issue of Chess Life. Congratulations to Sandeep! appreciated being on the receiving end of your generosity and when

Send your letters to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for style, length, and content.

8 February 2019 | Chess Life US Chess Affairs / News for our Members

USCHESS AFFAIRS

GM LEINIER DOMINGUEZ JOINS US and will now play under the United States flag. Domínguez says, “I am very excited about this new stage in my career and I am really looking CHESS FEDERATION forward to joining US Chess. It is great to see the tremendous level that the game has acquired in the U.S. and I definitely want to be a part of it.” The 35-year-old was born in Havana, Cuba and became a grandmaster in 2001, going on to win the Cuban national championship five times between 2002 and 2016. He currently carries a rating of 2739, ranking him 20th in a world that includes well over 1,000 grandmasters. He instantly becomes one of the top players for the United States, joining recent world-championship competitor GM Fabiano Caruana (2828) and the rest of the “super” grandmasters from the U.S.: Wesley So (2765), Hikaru Nakamura (2749), and Sam Shankland (2725). Grant Oen, the FIDE Events Manager at US Chess, boils the complicated process of transferring federations down to, “It requires a player and the new federation to file an application, submit documentation demonstrating residency, notify the former federation, and pay transfer fees.” US Chess Executive Board Vice President Randy Bauer enthuses, “Grandmaster Domínguez is a strong addition to the US Chess roster of world-class players. Leinier has achieved notable successes as a chess player, trainer, and author. But perhaps most importantly for our organi- US Chess is pleased to announce that Grandmaster (GM) Leinier zation’s goals, he is an outstanding ambassador for chess worldwide, Domínguez, originally from Cuba and currently living in Miami, Florida, and we look forward to his adding to the already rich and diverse U.S. has successfully switched federations from the Cuban Chess Federation chess culture.”

CHAPTERS FROM THE 7TH EDITION RULE BOOK 89TH FIDE CONGRESS AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY DOWNLOAD At the 89th FIDE Congress General Assembly, held October 3-5, 2018, in At the 2018 Delegates Meeting in Middleton, , Georgia, the following US Chess Wisconsin, a motion passed to make portions of the 7th representatives were elected to serve: Edition of the US Chess Federation’s Official Rules of Chess &* #)' * ! )$!%*"*FIDE Vice (edited by Tim Just) available online in a free, President and Presidential Board member downloadable format. The most utilized chapters in past rulebooks were: Chapter 1 (Official Rules of Chess), &*)$*) '$%*"*FIDE Constitutional TIM JUST, RULEBOOK EDITOR committee Chapter 2 (Tournament Section), and Chapter 11 (Blitz Chess). Those three 7th edition chapters are now available, &* '(*$#'%*"*FIDE Verification individually or packaged together, for viewing and downloading at no cost. To access the committee three chapters, visit uschess.org, click on “Play,” and select “Official Rules” from the drop- &**)$#(* '')%' *%''* **"* down menu. FIDE Ethics committee With a simple point and click within the Table of Contents and on cross-referenced items, the rules become easily accessible. You can also do a text search within the PDF. Easy The following titles also were awarded at the access to these online chapters makes excellent reference material for both the tournament General Assembly: director (TD) and player alike. TDs are encouraged to compare the online material to any printed material presented to them by players before making any rulings. &*$)( !(* )!%!(*– international master The full, unabridged paperback and e-book versions of the 7th edition is scheduled for &*)(%*#')((*– international master release in the first quarter of 2019. These versions will contain pairing rules, prize fund &*)$!(*$)#(%*"*international master, distribution rules, equipment standards, code of ethics, rating information, correspondence conditional on rating rules, round robin tables, tournament director certification regulations, an index, and much &*'(* #*"*international master, conditional more. All chapters will cross reference rules for the entire book. All TDs should have a complete on rating copy of the 7th edition of the rulebook either as an e-version copy or paperback copy. &*#)(#*)(*"*international master, The initial uploaded files are labeled 7.0. Should it become necessary to update the document conditional on rating for any reason, they will be renamed as 7.1, 7.2, etc. If you note any typos or other mistakes, please send them to [email protected] and put “Rulebook” in the subject line. PHOTOS: TOP, LENNART OOTES, COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB; BOTTOM, SUBJECT

www.uschess.org 9 First Moves / Chess news from around the U.S. The NYC Corporate Chess League FM Alisa Melekhina shares insights in her capacity as an organizer and board one player in the inaugural season of the NYCCL.

By FM ALISA MELEKHINA

he idea of a New York City Corporate of the league was not so simple. It took over six The inaugural season concluded on November Chess League (NYCCL) seemed obvious. months to stage the format for its September 15, 2018. The season, consisting of six matches TChess players are hidden at investment 13th kick-off and was a concerted effort among spanning two months, was hosted at the offices banks, tech companies, hedge funds, and even the three organizers—WIM Yuanling Yuan of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in midtown law firms. Chess undoubtedly got us here—the (analyst at Blackstone), Alex Wiener (analyst Manhattan, where I currently practice as a fifth- critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention- at Goldman Sachs), and me. year litigation associate. I played as board one to-detail lessons from chess breed the type-A For its inaugural format, the league was for the Debevoise home team. The other three- personalities inclined to the corporate world. comprised of three-player teams. The games player teams hailed from Blackstone, Goldman But the path that led us here reaches a termina - were unrated and there were no monetary prizes Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, Bank tion point once the prospect of a non-chess at stake. The players participated due to an of America Merrill Lynch, Jefferies, RBC Capital career becomes the foremost priority. almost-forgotten motivation: the love of the Markets, AlixPartners, Google, Two Sigma Yet we can’t ever truly escape chess. Com - game! (And occasionally, for pride.) (sponsors of the U.S. World Youth & Cadet panies are full of casual chess players and enthu - The matches were played on a bi-weekly teams), and Bloomberg. siasts at all levels. Chess forms an instant bond Thursday evening schedule in a double-rapid The Deutsche Bank team had been a power - that shatters the embedded hierarchy within (Game/10 minutes + three seconds delay) time house throughout the season, stacked with inter - corporations. Subordinates and supervisors control, with each of the team’s three boards nationally ranked masters and national team become equal when sitting across the chessboard. playing white and black against their respective veterans. FM Igor Schneider led the charge on Enter the NYCCL. The intent of the NYCCL opponent. The facilitated the busy board one, while boards two and three fielded is to bring together chess players employed at schedules of the players, making the games former U.S. women’s champions: IM Rusudan various firms and corporations with offices in engaging yet competitive enough, without unduly (“Rusa”) Goletiani on board two, and WIM Elina New York City. Perhaps surprisingly, the fruition encroaching on an already busy day. Cotler (née Groberman) on board three.

10 February 2019 | Chess Life PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NYCCL SEASON 1, HOSTED AT THE OFFICES OF DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON LLP team captainAlexWiener,finishedinthird the finalmatch. with 4½/6 afterdrawingwithTwoSigmain FM KyronGriffith,finishedinsecondplace for afirst-placefinish. team Debevoise,securingaperfect6/6score place aftercomingoutaheadontiebreaks based ontotalgamepointsscoredthroughout the season. Romanenko. GMIrinaKrush, who arrived of thechesscake. ceremony festivitieskickedoffwith thecutting led byGMsMarcArnoldand Vladimir master tandemexhibitionmatch, withteams the Women’sWorld ChampionshipinKhanty back inNYCjust afewdaysafterplayingin Goldman Sachs,ledbyco-organizerand RBC CapitalMarkets,ledbyteamcaptain In thefinalmatch,DeutscheBankbeathome The closingceremonyfeatured agrand - After thefinalmatchconcluded,closing departments—it wasatrueteam effort. ensure eachmatchransmoothly.Theevent looped inmultiplemembersfromvarious event withoutthededicatedDebevoise& Plimpton staffworkingbehindthescenesto and AnatolyBykhovsky. master guestswhoparticipatedthroughout and MarcArnold,otherguesttournament the season.InadditiontoGMsRobertHess along withco-organizerWIMYuanlingYuan. Mansiysk, Russia,servedasacommentator directors includedGMsPascalCharbonneau FOR BLINDFOLDED GMROBERTHESS. BOTTOM, WIMYUANLING YANGCALLSMOVES PAGE: TOP,CAKEATCLOSINGCEREMONIES; ALEX WIENER,WIMYUANLINGYUAN. THIS CO-FOUNDERS (L-R):FMALISAMELEKHINA, SACHS TEAM;CHESS-THEMEDSNACKS; NYCCL LEFT PAGE,L-R:THETHIRDPLACE GOLDMAN It wouldhavebeenimpossibletohostthe We alsooweabigthankyoutothegrand - is oe / First Moves By journey forUlysses. teacher andwriterheadmiresmost isBruce Magnus Carlsen,andFabianoCaruana. Butthe momentous 1954 Supreme Court caseBrownv.momentous 1954SupremeCourt Dawkinssaid.Butoncethe transportation!” in St.Louisbackthen,andwehadtopayourown only threepublicschoolsforAfrican-Americans Ashe.“Thereand tennischampionArthur were Alumni includerock-and-rolllegendChuckBerry American studentswestoftheMississippiRiver. school hadbeenthefirsthighforAfrican- legally segregatedpublicschoolinSt.Louis.The Ulysses learnedtoplaychessatSumner, thelast crouched insideaTrojan Horselike hisancient DAWKINS Ulysses Dawkinshasn’tblindedaCyclopsor “Chess Odyssey” ST. LOUIS, ULYSSES MISSOURI his autograph,”hesays.There’s always anew Pandolfini. “SomedayI’llgotoNewYork andget he’s metattheclub,like GMsGarryKasparov, board, signedonbothsidesbythefamouschamps to thegame.Hetotesaprizedfoldingwooden retirement,Ulyssesreturned for chess.Butafter School, wherehesawwithhisowneyesthatsuch walktoSoldanHigh Ulysses hadonlyashort Board ofEducationproclaimedsegregationillegal, brings alongtheoldstreet-sidetrashtalk. games attheposhnewchessdigs—butstill “Fast Eddie,”oneofhisoldgang,meetshimfor sidewalk tablesatrestaurantsonlyblocksaway. “Central WestChess Association,”playingon yearsago,heorganizedthere first.Forty thefirst anniversary thisyear. ButUlysseshadjourneyed Louis ChessClubthat’scelebratingits10th memberandaregularattheSaint He’s acharter own adventures. Greek namesake, buthe’shadaboatloadofhis African-American artists—didn’t leave muchtime African-American artists—didn’t at atimewhentherewereveryfewsuch A familyanda40-yearcareerasfine-jeweler— chess club. became presidentofthenewbi-racialschool muchbetterequipment!”Ulyssessoon offered schools hadn’tbeen“separatebutequal.”“Soldan AL LAWRENCE T F A H Chess newsfromaroundtheU.S. A C E C R Write to

B O E O S [email protected] S www.uschess.org A S

R

D 11 . FROM PRODIGY TO CHALLENGER YOUTH CHAMPIONS WHO CONTENDED FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP started officially in 1951 and has had 57 champions since, five of whom participated in a . A. SHIROV* (WC) U-16, 1988 V. B. SPASSKY** (WC) V. TOPALOV (FIDE) AKOPIAN* 1955 U-14, 1989 V. KRAMNIK (PCA/WC) is the only World A. KARPOV** (WC/FIDE) Champion contender U-18, 1991 1969 to win both a World Junior LEKO* (WC) championship (1991) and a U-16, 1994 World Youth championship, G. KASPAROV (WC/PCA) as well as the only one to 1980 R. PONOMARIOV (FIDE) win in two World Youth U-18, 1997 sections: U-16 in 1986 and U-18 in 1989. V. ANAND (FIDE & WC) S. KARJAKIN* (WC) 1987 U-12, 2001

WORLD YOUTH AND CADET CHAMPIONSHIPS *Challenged for the championship The Cadet Championship started unofficially **Not eligible (by age) to play in in 1974 and underwent many changes over the World Youth events the years. The current format—World Youth Chess Championship (U8, U10, and U12) and World Cadet Chess Championship (U14, U16, HISTORY OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and U18)—started in 2015. Seven World Youth From 1886-1993, there was one unified World Championship (WC) champions have participated in a World event. From 1993-2005 the title was split as two organizations— Chess Championship. FIDE and the Professional Chess Association (PCA)—held their own events. In 2006, the World Championship (WC) reunified and remains one event today. U.S. CHAMPIONS By the numbers: Gold medals won by the U.S. Check this page WORLD YOUTH U-10 Open: 5 WORLD JUNIOR throughout 2019 for fun facts U-18 Open: 1 U-8 Open: 4 U-20: 7 about US Chess U-16 Open: 1 U-16 Girls: 1 as we celebrate U-14 Open: 2 U-12 Girls: 2 our 80th U-12 Open: 4 U-10 Girls: 2 anniversary.

12 February 2019 | Chess Life Donate to US Chess Your Tax-Deductible Contribution Will Help US Chess Grow the Game

US CHESS counts on donors to support initiatives that further our mission of empowering people through chess, one move at a time.

Membership dues cover the basic operating costs for US Chess.

Our goals are to grow the game by funding initiatives to improve diversity in chess, sending top players to compete in international events, and growing and retaining women chess players in the game.

With your support, we can elevate chess to be a game for life.

Every dollar counts. Make your contribution today. uschess.org/donate

2019 National High School (K-12) March 15 - 17 Renaissance Schaumburg 2019 Hotel & Convention Center 1551 N. Thoreau Drive SPRING Schaumburg, IL 60173 2019 National Junior High (K-9) April 26 - 28 NATIONALSNATIO Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051 2019 National Elementary (K-6) May 10 - 12 New this year! All events will feature a Twitch Gaylord Opryland Resort livestream with analysis of top games in progress. For complete information, see and Convention Center www.uschess.org/content/view/10015/95 for hotel details 2800 Opryland Drive and links to all of our national events. Nashville, TN 37214

www.uschess.org 13 Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment Evolve It could be the Match of the Century—but which century?

By GM ANDY SOLTIS

ALL RIGHT, LET’S POSE A QUESTION THAT stood out: his ability to come up with disori- many fans, even Fabianistas, are asking in the enting ideas in the opening. His mentor titled wake of the World Championship match: the first major Bronstein game collection Magnus Carlsen versus Garry Kasparov (in “Chess Improviser.” He improvised as early his prime). Who would win a match between as move six. the two greatest champions alive? You can make a good case for either player. CARO-KANN DEFENSE, But before we play a hypothetical match, we MODERN LINE (B17) have to agree on the key condition. David Bronstein Is it played in 2019—or in the past? There’s Alexander Kotov a big difference. Here’s why: Championship (3), Moscow, Russia A world champion has the best set of chess AFTER 40. ... Nc4 01.1946 skills for his era. But the optimum skills tend to change from era to era. could count on 41. ... Kf6 since 41. ... Rd7 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7 Folks who follow pro sports know this. The allows 42. f6+! gxf6 43. Rxd7+ Kxd7 44. h6 5. Nf3 Ngf6 6. Nc3! NBA players who are deadly three-point (touchdown). shooters are superstars today. But 30 years ago The vastly more popular book moves are 6. His opponent must have looked in his they weren’t appreciated nearly as much. You Nxf6+, 6. Ng3 and 6. Bd3. Black, a world-class overnight analysis at 42. Rxb7 Ra6 and con - might argue the same for the best Major League player, proceeds as if 6. Ng3 had been played. cluded the game would end soon after ... a3. Baseball relief pitchers and the finest NFL He probably concentrated on 42. Be2 and 43. 6. ... e6 7. Bd3 Be7 8. 0-0 c5 9. Qe2 cxd4 defensive backs of today. 10. Nxd4 0-0 11. Bg5 Nc5 12. Rad1 Nxd3? What about chess? We have our own shifting Bxc4 instead. set of best skills. Consider the case of Mikhail But when play resumed it went 42. Rxb7!? Not 12. ... Qxd4?? 13. Bxh7+. Unlike the Botvinnik. Ra6? (42. ... Rb6 should win) 43. Kd3! Nb6 comparable position with 6. Ng3, White’s rook A major reason he was world champion off 44. Rc7!. can shift to g3 now, while his knights harass and on for 13 years was his superiority in Suddenly Black realized that he might even the black queen. lose, after 44. ... a3 45. Rc6+ Kxf5 46. Bxd5! analyzing an adjourned game. He saved his title 13. Rxd3 Qc7 14. Ndb5! Qc6 15. Rfd1 in a 1951 match when he won three adjourned and 46. ... a2 47. Bxa2 Rxa2 48. Rxb6. endgames that should have been drawn. Here’s He found 44. ... Na8! but his win was gone Even better was 15. Ne4! and 15. ... Nxe4 an example of why he stood out. after 45. Rd7! a3 46. Bxd5 a2 47 Rxf7+. 16. Bxe7 Re8 17. Nd4. Of course, chess was not just about adjourn - 15. ... b6! 16. Nd4 Qc7 17. Rg3 Kh8 18. OVERNIGHT ANALYSIS ments in Botvinnik’s day. If we put him in a Ncb5! Qb7 19. Qe5 time machine and transported him to 2019 he A sneakier tactical trick was 19. Rc3 so that Efim Geller would certainly be one of the world’s elite 19. ... Ne8 20. Rc7! Nxc7 21. Bxe7 wins after Training Match Tournament, USSR, 1952 players. Top ten? Probably. But number one? No way. 21. ... Rg8? (although 21. ... Nxb5 may offer (see diagram top of next column) Another example of changing skill sets some drawing chances) 22. Nd6!. Black’s extra pawn gives him excellent win- concerns Botvinnik’s bitter rival, David 19. ... a6 20. Nc3 Nd7? 21. Bh6!!, Black ning chances. Botvinnik sealed 41. Rc7+ and Bronstein. He also had many talents. But one resigned.

14 February 2019 | Chess Life Chess to Enjoy / Entertainment

PROBLEM I PROBLEM II PROBLEM III 2018 World GM GM Etienne Bacrot GM Ferenc Berkes GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili IM Basheer Al Qudaimi FM Franc Ashiku

The defending champion United States team tied once again for first place in the Olympiad but this time the Americans’ tie breaking points were worth only second place. China was awarded the gold medals in the 2018 tournament in

Batumi, while the U.S. squad had WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY to settle for silver. This month’s quiz features six positions from PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI the Olympiad. In each diagram you Luis Barros FM Viresh Giasi GM Alexandr Fier are asked to find the fastest FM Daniel Pinto GM Milos Roganovic IM Robert Aloma Vidal winning line of play. This will usually mean the forced win of a decisive amount of material, such as a minor piece. For solutions, see page 71.

BLACK TO PLAY BLACK TO PLAY WHITE TO PLAY

by finding 30 absolutely best moves, as Kasparov did. If he can play 60 merely good moves, he will probably win. Better yet, 80. Some statistics, based on the Chessgames.com database: Since 2007, Carlsen has played a staggering 101 games that lasted 80 or more moves. Of those he won 32 and lost 16. That helps explain why world-class chess is a stamina-driven game today. In contrast, Kasparov played only 26 games of that length in his entire career. And it’s not a matter of Carlsen just winning AFTER 79. ... Ne5 a pawn in the middlegame and grinding away. It is mate in one after 21. ... Nxe5 22. Bxg7+ Bxf1 84. Nc6+ Kb6 85. Ne7 Nd3 86. Nxg6 No one in chess history has won as many games Kg8 23. Bxe5+. Kc7 87. Ne7 Bh3 88. Nd5+ Kd6 89. Nf6 Bg4. that were roughly even for the first 50 moves. But improvising in the opening is a dinosaur So, here’s the problem with our hypothetical policy today. A new opening move occurs more match: If our time machine sent Magnus back often at move 16 than at move six in a game of BASELINE CHESS to, say 1992, he wouldn’t be able to maximize world class players. GM Teimor Radjabov (FIDE 2793, AZE) the skills that are most rewarded today. Could a Bronstein-in-his-prime be great GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2872, NOR) Why? “It’s a brand new game,” Kasparov today? Great, yes. World championship caliber? World Championship Candidates (13), said in 2005, when asked how chess had Not a chance. London, , 03.31.2013 changed. For one thing, during Kasparov’s That brings us to Magnus Carlsen. He—and (see diagram top of next column) reign, world championship matches were played Fabiano Caruana—are the best in the business at a much more leisurely pace. Plus time- today because their skills work superbly in today’s Black has been better for some time but didn’t machine Magnus couldn’t rely on today’s playing formats, like the 12-game Championship win a pawn until move 73. Careful defense, anti-computer openings. match, with time increments, and often six-hour 80. Kd4 Nc6+ 81. Kc5, should . Bottom line: If Kasparov played time- playing sessions, plus speed tiebreakers. Instead, he tried to force matters with 80. machine Carlsen in 1992, the smart money Carlsen plays a kind of baseline chess, like a Nc4? and was surprised by 80. ... Nd3+! 81. would be on Kasparov. tennis player who hits the ball across the net Kd4 Nc1! 82. Bf1 Bb5! But if the time machine went into reverse 500 times and waits for an unforced error. White’s pieces are tied up and the a-pawn is and sent the 1992 edition of Kasparov to play Carlsen doesn’t try to overwhelm his opponent ready to march. He resigned after 83. Nxa5 today, Carlsen would likely win.

www.uschess.org 15 Back to Basics / Reader annotations Beyond Their Years Young players prove that solid play has nothing to do with age.

By GM LEV ALBURT

TWO LAST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SICILIAN DEFENSE, 14. Bh3 0-0? have been contested by players both well under NAJDORF VARIATION (B99) 30, a record. The game below was played by Thadyn Conner (1032) players even much younger! The winner of Rachael Li (1801) this month’s award is Thadyn Conner, 14, rated 119th U.S. Open Championship (4), “only” 1032 when this game was played. His Middleton, Wisconsin, 08.02.2018 opponent, a full eight-years-old, was already 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 an A-player. 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 Nbd7 7. f4 Thadyn lost that game and still submitted it to me, accompanied by excellent comments— Another common move is 7. Bc4, trying to double kudos to him! take advantage of the somewhat awkward I expect Thadyn to become an A-player development of the queen’s knight. himself, and soon. As far as Rachael is con - 7. ... Qc7 8. Qf3 e6 cerned: I learned chess at five, loved and Castling into the attack is a mistake. The practiced the game, but I doubt that at eight I pawn mass is headed towards Black’s king. was even close to 1800 (1600, more likely). True. Better 14. ... Nc5 or 14. ... g6. This game looks as if it was played by two tough, mature players. No, beginner-like, he 15. Bxe6! who blunders next-to-last, wins. No, classical: Stronger here is 15. g6 hxg6 16. Nxe6. small edge for White, pressure, White wins a 15. ... fxe6 16. Nxe6 Qb6 pawn, better endgame—always clear who’s in charge. In Conner-Li, the game remains, most After the best reply, 16. ... Qc4, Black is a bit of the time, “unclear,” or with favoring (a bit) better. After all, two bishops are stronger than a now White, then Black, then White again— rook and two pawns, even in the endgame, and quite typical for positions with unusual material much stronger—in the middlegame. More concretely, balance. 9. 0-0-0 Be7 10. g4 b5 11. Bxf6 Nxf6 after 16. ... Qc4 17. Nxf8 Bxf8 and then ... Re8, the A tough test for both players that they both e4-pawn is a serious problem for White. If 11. ... Bxf6 then 12. Bxb5! axb5 13. Ndxb5 passed. (In the end, the higher-rated prevailed). 17. Nxf8 Rxf8 18. Qg3 Quoting Thadyn, the game is quite instructive. Qa5 14. Nxd6+ with an initiative for White. Writes Thadyn (my further notes are in italics): 12. g5 Nd7 13. a3?! Too passive. 18. h4! and the pawns are unstoppable: 18. ... Ne5 19. Qg3 Nc4 20. f5! Hi! My name is Thadyn Conner and I am The move 13. f5! is much sharper and stronger. with the threat of 21. f6!! 14 years old. I enjoy playing and studying chess After 13. ... Bxg5+ (13. ... b4 is met by the simple Perhaps, but after the straightforward 18. ... b4! in my free time. The game I am sending in is 14. fxe6!) 14. Kb1 Ne5 15. Qh5 Qe7 16. fxe6! Black’s attack has more bite. from the 2018 U.S. Open against the eight- and White wins back the pawn with attack. year-old Rachael Li. I had no Still, after 16. ... g6 17. exf7+ Kxf7, Black equalizes. 18. ... Nc5 idea who Rachael Li was at the time, so it was quite a surprise to me when I learned of my 13. ... Bb7 Again, 18. ... b4 is Black’s best, and gives him opponent’s fame. I hope you find my game A more popular line is 13. ... Rb8, with a sharp, here a serious edge. interesting and instructive. and more or less equal, game. (I would prefer Black.) 19. Rhe1!

16 February 2019 | Chess Life Back to Basics / Reader annotations

This just makes defending more complicated. Again, 26. h4! was the way to go, answering 26. ... bxa3 with 27. Qxa3 and 26. ... b3 with 27. c3. True. White’s 26. axb4 allows Black to open the a-file and to use it for attack. 26. ... axb4 27. Qd2 The best defense was to open the center: 27. e5! 27. ... b3!! A strong move, but 27. ... Qa7 seems even stronger. 19. ... Qc7 28. cxb3?? 38. ... Bd8 39. b4 Bb6+ 40. Kc4 Be3 41. b5 Bxf4 42. b6 Ke5 Black misses one more chance to play ... b5-b4, The losing . I had calculated 28. ... here with only a small edge. Nxb3 29. Qb4 Qxb4 30. Rxb4 Nc5 with a 20. Nd5!? better endgame for me. However, if Black plays 30. ... Nxd2+!! it’s mate after 31. Ka1 Trading off one of Black’s two bishops. Still, Ra8+. The move 28. Rc4!! was the only way 20. h4! was stronger. to avoid a loss. White is better in both cases. I’d prefer 20. Nd5. I agree with Thadyn’s analysis above, but prefer 20. ... Bxd5 21. Rxd5 to defend with 28. Qc3 (rather than 28. Rc4). Or 21. exd5. 28. ... Nxb3 29. Qb4?? 21. ... Rc8! Creating dangerous 22. ... Nxe4 threats. Stronger was 21. ... Ne6, forcing 22. Rf5. At first I thought this was a losing blunder, but then I saw that 43. b7 is answered by 43. ... 22. Qc3 Kxe4!! when 44. b8=Q is met by 44. ... d5+ Threatening 23. b4! and simplification into after which the bishop captures the queen. a better endgame. 43. Kd3 d5 44. exd5 Kxd5 45. b7 Bb8 46. Ke3 Ke5 47. Kf3 Kf5, and Black won on 22. ... Qb7 move 57. Better was 22. ... Ne6! I found this game quite instructive. White 23. Rd4?! achieved an opening advantage, but played passively, and Black seized the initiative. The Planning to answer 23. ... Nxe4 with 24. Qf3! 29. ... Qa7?! moral of this game is to avoid passivity. As they 23. ... Kh8 Still winning, but 29. ... Qxb4!! was much say, attack is the best defense. better. I think this summary, while overall correct, is a How true. Both sides overlooked that simple bit over-simplified. As you saw, the initiative, and theme. indeed the advantage, did change hands several 30. Qxb3 Qxd4 31. Qe3 times—many times—during this game. But in most cases avoiding passivity is good, and often (counter) White is clearly lost, but I thought I might attack is the best defense, as Thadyn stated. have drawing chances after a queen exchange. 31. ... Qc4 If Black doesn’t want to trade, 31. ... Qa4 is the Send in your games! answer. Most grandmasters would prefer here 31. If you are unrated or rated 1799 or be - ... Qxe3 32. Rxe3 Rf8, winning a pawn and [easily] low, then GM Lev Alburt invites you to A great prophylactic move taking the sting the game. send your most instructive game with out of Qb3. 32. Rc1 Qxc1+ 33. Qxc1 Rxc1+ 34. Kxc1 notes to: 24. Qe3 (see diagram top of next column) Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life Better was 24. Qh3, controlling the e6- and c8- PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN squares. 34. ... Kg8 35. Kc2 38557-3967 24. ... a5 25. Kb1?! Or 35. h4 Kf7 36. f5 h6!, and Black wins. Or e-mail your material to [email protected] Much better was 25. h4!, finally starting my 35. ... Kf7 36. Kd3 Ke6 37. Kd4 g6 38. h4 kingside attack. If White, to stop the following bishop’s maneuver, www.ChessWithLev.com 25. ... b4 26. axb4?? plays 38. Kc4 Bd8 39. Kb5, then 39. ... d5! is decisive.

www.uschess.org 17 In The Arena / Player of the Month Anything But Dull Both contenders for the World Championship show grit, creativity, and resourcefulness.

By GM ROBERT HESS

NOT MUCH NEEDS TO BE SAID ABOUT 8. ... Re8 the World Championship match between GMs Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. On the surface, 12 draws in 12 classical games sounds like a dull match. Yet it was anything but, with both players jockeying for the upper hand, defending tough positions, and squandering winning chances. Game nine is likely to have escaped the attention of many, but it was a good demonstration of creative opening play and impressive defensive resourcefulness.

ENGLISH OPENING, 12. ... Bb6 FOUR KNIGHTS VARIATION (A29) 9. Bg5! Retreating along the other diagonal with 12. GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) ... Bf8 makes sense, considering this is a standard GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, NOR) This move earns an exclamation point, not for its objective value, but because it altered setup with a rook on e8. Yet here the b7-pawn World Championship Match 2018 (9), feels a touch more vulnerable and Black has less London, England, 11.21.2018 the course of the game. Carlsen makes Caruana improve White’s pawn structure and stronghold control over the center, so Caruana’s choice seems more in the spirit of the position. The 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. over the center. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Bc5 7. 0-0 The continuation 9. Bd2 Nxc3 10. Bxc3 Nd4 continuation 12. ... Qe7 13. d4 Rad8 also is 11. b4 Bd6 12. Rb1 Nxf3+ 13. Bxf3 is how game natural, but Black’s rooks are staring into a The pawn isn’t worth the pressure that ensues four proceeded. protected pawn chain. Black will aim to play ... after 7. Nxe5 Nxc3 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. bxc3 (Black Na5 and ... c5 to chisel at the center, but until is extremely happy with 9. dxc3 Qxd1+ 10. Kxd1 9. ... Nxc3 then the position feels uncomfortable. Bxf2 11. Rf1 Bc5 12. Rxf7 Bd6 13. Rf3 Bxe5 14. The knight trade was a must, since the 13. d4 Bd5 Re3 0-0 15. Rxe5 Rf1+) 9. ... Qd5 10. Nf3 Bh3. immediate 9. ... f6 lost a pawn to 10. Qb3 Be6 The light squares are perma nently weak and 11. Qxb7 Ndb4 the queen is one move away Carlsen welcomed 13. ... e4 14. Nd2 f5 since White’s king will never find safety. from being trapped, but it escapes with tempo this releases the tension. In most lines White 7. ... 0-0 8. d3 after 12. Qb5. controls the eventual pawn mobility, for 10. bxc3 f6 11. Bc1 instance: 15. Qc2 Na5 16. Rfd1 Nc4 17. Nxc4 Apparently there is an engine-approved se - Bxc4 18. e3 Qd5 19. Bf1 Bxf1 20. Rxf1 with a quence that results in a double-edged position: While undeveloping one’s piece is generally minimal advantage, but it’s the type of flexible 8. Nxd5 Qxd5 9. Ng5 Qd8 10. Nxh7 Re8 (10. ... frowned upon, here it allows the bishop to position in which Magnus has thrived his entire Kxh7? 11. Qc2+ Kg8 12. Qxc5 is a clean pawn switch diagonals and support the vital d3-d4 career. Heading straight to the c4-square with up for White.) 11. Ng5 Qxg5 12. d4 (12. Bxc6?! push. 13. ... Na5 is far from clear even with the aid bxc6 13. d4 Qh5 14. dxc5 Bg4 with ample 11. ... Be6 12. Bb2 of an engine, and would have been a risky compensation for just a pawn.) 12. ... Qh5 13. choice against the well-prepared world champi - dxc5 Rd8 14. Bd2 Nd4 15. f3 e4 is scary for White. (see diagram top of next column) on. 14. dxe5 (14. Qc2 is the restrained move,

18 February 2019 | Chess Life In The Arena / Player of the Month putting the burden back on Black to deal with Less committal was 17. ... Qd7 18. e3 Na5 be to place the pawn on h5 and form a battery the captures.) 14. ... Qxd1 15. Rfxd1 Nc4 16. 19. Bc3 Nc4 20. a4 Ba5 (The instinctive response on the b1-h7 diagonal, but it’s asking for a lot. Bc1 Rad8 17. Rxd8 Rxd8 18. Nd4 Bxd4 19. cxd4 might be 20. ... a5 which cements a4 as a target. 24. ... g6 25. h5 Rxd4 20. Bxb7 Rd1+ 21. Kg2 Nxe5 is equal, White remains for choice because the semi- but who is on the better side of that equality is open files on the queenside are more navigable On the Chess.com broadcast, Hikaru Nakamura up for debate. When visualizing this endgame, than those in the center; White’s rooks control discussed how Black actually wants to put his the two bishops would seem to offset Black’s more space.) 21. Rc1 is approximately level, pawns on light squares. This sounds somewhat activity. but the asymmetry can be confusing. Black counterintuitive given that Black’s bishop would 14. Qc2 exd4 wants to play ... c7-c5 and exchange pawns, not be able to defend the pawns, but it is a kind though that is hard to accomplish. If Black is of fortress with the base pawn being hard to Black again could have clogged the center unable to push forward he will be slightly worse attack: 25. Kg2 h5 26. Bc6 Rf8 27. Qc2 f5. with 14. ... e4 but it would have been difficult because his base pawns are easier to target. 25. ... gxh5 to evaluate this position. Considering Caruana 18. Qb3+ had spent 30 minutes to make his prior two This capture completely shatters Black’s pawn moves, choosing such a complex variation would The intermezzo forces the king into the structure. If White can take h5 with a piece, have been impractical. A likely continuation is corner. In this particular position the move Black’s position is in shambles. 15. Nh4 (15. Nd2 e3 is appealing for Black, who order is not of great consequence, but it’s a 26. Qc4 f5! has a new target along the e-file. 16. Bxd5+ good lesson to keep in mind. Qxd5 17. Qb3 Qxb3 18. Nxb3 exf2+ 19. Rxf2 The immediate recapture 18. Bxf3 Nxd4 19. Caruana finds an extremely important idea and the big center is immobilized.) 15. ... Na5 Bxd4 Qxd4 20. Qb3+ allowed 20. ... Kf8?! A that renews the possibility of Black playing ... 16. Nf5 c5 (16. ... Nc4 17. Ne3 Nxe3 18. fxe3 more centralized king is easier to attack but h5-h4. If not for this move, Carlsen’s advantage looks like it ruins White’s pawn structure, but also can come in handy in the endgame. would surely have increased. in reality it strengthens his center. Now that 18. ... Kh8 19. Bxf3 Nxd4 20. Bxd4 Qxd4 If Black became worried about a piece d4 is overprotected, c3-c4 is on the agenda. 21. e3 Qe5 capturing on h5 (say, after Kg2, Rh1), then Meanwhile, the pawn on e4 is a target.) 17. Ne3 sacrificing the toothless bishop to open White’s but, is very double-edged. Ideally Black’s queen could have stayed off king would have been a consideration. Yet the e-file, so that the discovery ... Bxe3 could 15. cxd4 Be4 White is totally safe after 26. ... Rxd1 27. Rxd1 be unleashed. Bxe3 28. fxe3 Qxe3+ when Black faces a tough Immediately capturing on f3 gives White However, in the following line 21. ... Qd6 22. task to secure a draw. alternatives unavailable in the game. For Bxb7 (Moving the rook first would have been instance 15. ... Bxf3 16. Bxf3 Nxd4 17. Qc4+ imprecise since 22. Rad1 Qe6 offers an exchange 27. Bf3 h4 (17. Bxd4 Qxd4 18. e3 Qe5 19. Bxb7 Rab8 of , which can’t be avoided if White is to After this, the result was never in doubt. White can throw in a check or save it for later.) recoup his pawn.) 22. ... Rab8 23. Rad1 Qf8 24. Caruana has neutralized Carlsen’s plan and 17. ... Kh8 18. Bxb7 deserves attention. White Bc6 Bxe3 isn’t a free pawn since 25. Qc4 wins liquidation is forced. already is better and, given his time advantage, material with the rook hanging on e8. 28. Rxd8 Rxd8 29. gxh4 Rg8+ 30. Kh1 Qf6 Carlsen would have been thrilled here. 22. Bxb7 Rad8 23. Rad1 31. Qf4 Bc5 32. Rg1 Rxg1+ 33. Kxg1 Bd6 16. Qb3+ Bd5 17. Qd1 34. Qa4 f4 35. Qxa7 fxe3 36. Qxe3 Qxh4 It wasn’t too late to blunder with 36. ... Qa1+ 37. Kg2 Qxa2 38. Qd4+ Kg8 39. Bd5+. 37. a4 It looks a bit scary but 37. Qc3+ Kg8 38. Bd5+ Kf8 39. Qh8+ Ke7 40. Qg7+ Kd8 is simply equal. 37. ... Qf6 38. Bd1 Qe5 39. Qxe5+ Bxe5 40. a5 Kg7 41. a6 Bd4 42. Kg2 Kf6 43. f4 Bb6 44. Kf3 h6 45. Ke4 Ba7 46. Bg4 Bg1 47. Kd5 Bb6 48. Kc6 Be3 49. Kb7 White is better in this risk-free ending thanks Offering a trade of pawns, since f4 falls with 17. ... Bxf3!? to a superior bishop and an intact pawn struc - check after 49. Kxc7 Bxf4+. ture. The light squares offer several diagonals 49. ... Bb6 One of the more important moments in the to operate from whereas White’s pawn chain entire match, but one that will be forgotten in blunts the bishop on the dark squares. King Proving the draw with ease, as White does the annals of world championship history. In safety is paramount in positions with bishops not have enough pawns remaining. the post-mortem, Caruana stressed his discom - of opposite color. A second weakness needed 50. Bh3 fort in the position. His choice was criticized to be created for him to play for a win. by some—including me—who believed this The line 50. a7 Bxa7 51. Kxa7 c5 forces White 23. ... Qe7 24. h4 handed Carlsen the type of one-sided game to stop the c-pawn with the bishop, when that he is accustomed to converting into a win. Carlsen criticized his move, suggesting that Black’s king takes the lone remaining pawn. On the other hand, many grand masters praised either 24. Bf3 or 24. Kg2 were more precise. 50. ... Be3 51. Kc6 Bb6 52. Kd5 Ba7 53. Caruana for making a practical decision that The move itself is strong, intending to put a Ke4 Bb6 54. Bf1 Ke6 55. Bc4+ Kf6 56. gave him a clear path to survival. dent in Black’s kingside. An ideal setup would Bd3 Ke6, Draw agreed.

www.uschess.org 19 Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It?

Instant Gratification With the arrival of chess as an e-sport, “hot takes” are a quick and easy way to disseminate information, but real perspective requires time and critical distance.

By JOHN HARTMANN

WHAT WILL CHESS HISTORIANS REMEMBER MOST ABOUT early reports of website instability and login problems spooked me. So the 2018 World Championship match? The smart money would appear I ended up flipping between the chess.com, chess24.com, and Saint Louis to be on “the draws.” streams on my Roku player. But perhaps the real story of the 2018 match will be the full arrival of With competition comes choice, and I felt that the three free streams chess as an e-sport. Today an ever-increasing number of major were aimed at somewhat different audiences. Chess.com pitched its tournaments are streamed on YouTube and Twitch, including the U.S. coverage towards gamers and enthusiasts. Chess24.com tried to capture Open; some competitions (like the PRO Chess League) are now contested more serious players and students of the game. Saint Louis was the entirely online. natural destination for American fans and a broadly pro-Caruana At least four major chess media outlets—chess.com, chess24.com, the audience. Saint Louis Chess Club, and Agon/Worldchess—offered real-time Most of my time was spent with chess24.com, and in no small part English language streaming commentary on the GM Magnus Carlsen- because of their general no-engine policy. Watching vastly strong players GM Fabiano Caruana match. Others, including chessbase.com, chessclub. analyze, and seeing how Giri, Grischuk, and Svidler worked through com, and uschess.org, offered post-game wrap-ups and analysis. It’s worth difficult positions together was a most welcome treat. spending a bit of time discussing the four competing live video streams, If the various streams had a common weakness, it was a certain both to under stand the novelty of their coverage as well as their modicum of perspective due to the real-time nature of the medium. limitations. “Hot takes” are quick and easy, but perspective requires time and critical IM Danny Rensch and fellow Chess Life columnist GM Robert Hess distance, as no less than Garry Kasparov learned when he tapped out hosted the chess.com coverage. Multiple guests appeared on the livestream, this ill-fated Tweet after game 12. Full disclosure: I may have enthusi- including GMs , Hikaru Nakamura, Sam Shankland, astically retweeted this. Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and . Shankland provided the majority of the post-game annotations for chess.com viewers, and everyone’s favorite GM Alex “Uncle Yermo” Yermolinsky recorded the post-game video wrap-ups. Chess fans were treated to a veritable Murderer’s Row of chess commentators at chess24.com. GMs and were joined by IM (Games 1-8) and GM (Games 9-12 and tiebreaks) for the live analysis, and Svidler recorded the post-game summary videos. The Saint Louis Chess Club’s “A-Team” of GM Maurice Ashley, GM Yasser Seirawan, and US Chess Senior Digital Editor WGM Jennifer Shahade returned to helm the Saint Louis coverage. Here, too, guests added spice to the proceedings, including GMs , , and Garry Kasparov. Frequent STLCC broadcaster and Caruana second GM Cristian Chirila also checked in from London. All three of these streaming platforms provided their video to viewers on YouTube or twitch.tv free of charge. None were permitted to use live footage from London. Another option—worldchess.com, the paid broadcast It’s vitally important, today more than ever, to resist the equation of arm of match organizers Agon—offered exclusive video of the players instant analysis with veritable truth. There’s a reason that good writing along with commentary from GM Judit Polgar, IM , and and commentary take time, particularly in chess. Engines provide the on-site guests like Demis Hassabis, one of the creators of Alpha Zero. illusion of accuracy and understanding, but authors can only begin to While the cost to view the Worldchess stream was a reasonable $20, peel back the surface of events by standing back from them.

20 February 2019 | Chess Life Books and Beyond / Should I Buy It?

Here is where match books have traditionally been important. The Chess24.com viewers were surprised when GM , the problem, as I noted in December 2017, is that such efforts are increasingly public face of the website, was absent from the game one coverage. rare, and the titles that do appear are often slapped together to make a While Svidler gamely tried to maintain operational security, we learned fast buck. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with such books, but only after the match concluded that Gustafsson was holed up in Thailand, the results are usually unsatisfying. working remotely for Team Carlsen. Everyman’s Carlsen v Caruana: FIDE World Chess Championship London Over the course of nearly eleven hours of video, Gustafsson and fellow 2018, released two weeks after the match closing ceremonies, is the Carlsen seconds GMs and walk definition of an “instabook.” Everyman editor Byron Jacobs teamed up viewers through the highs and lows of the match in Inside the 2018 World with GM , well known for his proclivity for borrowing Championship Match. The result is an embarrassment of riches, and the texts both from his previous works and from those of others, to produce series stands as one of the most intimate accounts of a world championship a thoroughly forgettable work. match ever produced. Only From London to Elista: Game annotations make up the bulk of Carlsen The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship v Caruana, and while there are some oddities— by GM and Ilya Levitov can playing an unforced Bxc6 in the Rossolimo, for compare to it. example, was Chebanenko’s idea and not a Impatient viewers—count me among them— Fischer invention, and ’s might want to start with the final “Wrap-up” “accidental” king tip before game one was a video, where they’ll find Team Carlsen discussing prearranged joke — they are serviceable, if hardly the opening battles, Nakamura’s claim that groundbreaking. The book’s front matter, Caruana dominated the Classical games, the however, is another story entirely. question of whether Carlsen’s title was Large chunks of text in Carlsen v Caruana are diminished by winning in tiebreaks, and how recycled from previous Keene writings. The different team members worked during the Introduction, “World Chess Comes to London,” match. Still, fascinating as the reflections on the is a verbatim reprint of his preface to the Summer match metagame were, the individual game 2018 issue of Synapsia, the house magazine for analyses were better. Keene’s Brain Trust Charity, and one of the final Take the coverage of game 10. Gustafsson, paragraphs reappears in his September 15th Fressinet and Nielsen describe quite frankly how newspaper column. The “History of the World they missed 12. b4 in their preparation, discussing Championship” section is similarly self- typical plans for both sides and citing Alpha Zero referential, with many multiple paragraphs taken analysis. They speculate on the psychology of the directly or closely paraphrased from previous moves leading up to the critical position after Keene books, with The Brain Games World move 23, and Nielsen borrows a line from an Championship 2000 being just one example. Anand video to help us understand Caruana’s all- Reusing one’s own text is not illegal or immoral, but the fact that the too-human 24. g3. The positions after 24. Bxb5, he says, are the sort where reuse is so blatant, and that Keene has made such a career of it, leaves if the computer told you either white or black were +1.5, you’d believe it. something of a bad taste here. Couple this with the editing and spelling This is an important insight, and the emphasis on the human factor in the problems—“Kieseritsky,” “Vesselin Topalov,” and World Championship match is a key theme in the series. “Finallist” are but a small sample—and Carlsen v Caruana Comparing books and videos is a bit of an apples and oranges endeavor. must be seen as something of a disappointment, failing to add anything Books take longer to write—in most cases, anyway!—and there are new to the literature. production and distribution costs for print materials that do not exist World Chess Championship 2018: Fabiano Caruana vs. Magnus Carlsen, for video platforms. Those considerations aside, it’s clear that Inside the written by Jerzy Konikowski and Uwe Bekemann for the German 2018 World Championship Match is the best treatment of the Carlsen- publisher Joachim Beyer Verlag, proves that a rapid-response title can Caruana match, and by some distance. At $14.99 it’s also cheaper than be done competently. The translation is a bit wonky—for some reason the Keene / Jacobs and Konikowski / Bekemann books. The series is a “World Championship” becomes “World Cup,” “and” is occasionally real coup for chess24.com, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. “und,” etc.—but the authors generally succeed in creating an original, 1. twitter.com/kasparov63/status/1067125702712004609?lang=en accessible account of the match. 2. It’s worth noting once more, as I did in my December 2017 review, what a Konikowski and Bekemann aim to offer readers a “complete picture” welcome departure from this practice Alburt and Crumiller’s outstanding (8) of the players by sketching Carlsen’s and Caruana’s careers and book was. analyzing a selection of their pre-match encounters. Artur Jussupow 3. www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbN3r71tfPw and Karsten Müller provide useful insight into the players, and Müller’s 4. www.spectator.co.uk/2018/09/caruana-chronicles/ contribution of 15 annotated games meets his usual standard of analytical excellence. Only the section, featuring 24 positions from Keene, Raymond & Jacobs, Byron. Carlsen v Caruana: FIDE World Carlsen’s and Caruana’s practices, seems extraneous. Chess Championship London 2018. Everyman Chess, 2019. ISBN Notes to the match games make up more than half of World Chess Paperback: 9781781945131. 204 pages. (Available from uscfsales.com late February 2019, catalog number B0498EM, $24.95) Championship 2018. There is less “color” here than in Carlsen v Caruana, and the notes (save the excessive opening citations) tend to be terser. Gustafsson, Jan; Fressinet, Laurent; & Nielsen, Peter Heine. Inside the 2018 World Konikowski and Bekemann’s book is certainly preferable to Jacobs and Championship Match. 17 videos, 10:50:16 hours. (Available from www.chess24.com for the series, $14.99) Keene’s, although it, too, left me wanting more. So it is perhaps a sign of the times that, with no other match books on the horizon, the most Konikowski, Jerzy & Bekemann, Uwe. World Chess Championship 2018: Fabiano insightful treatment of the Carlsen-Caruana match is—you guessed it— Caruana vs. Magnus Carlsen. Beyer Verlag, 2018. Paperback: 180 pages. (Available an online video series. from , $24.95)

www.uschess.org 21 Cover Story / World Championship

2018 World Championship, London Variation GM Magnus Carlsen Retains World Championship After Bruising Battle with GM Fabiano Caruana.

By GM IAN ROGERS | Photos by IM ERIC ROSEN

Magnus Carlsen has retained his world title after an epic GM battle in London on November 9-28 against challenger GM Fabiano Caruana, which was decided only by tiebreakers. Spectators paying up to 600 pounds (approx- imately $760) for a ticket filled The College in Holborn for the final day of drama, which saw Carlsen, having been held 6-6 in the 12 regular games, show his rapid chess skills and win the four-game playoff 3-0. The playoff hung on a single moment in the first game when Caruana, with a draw in his grasp after being on the ropes earlier, played a careless capture in a rook endgame and fell to defeat. As soon as he rose from the board, Carlsen reacted by punching the air, a sign of just how important the first win of the match was to him. Caruana appeared crushed by that defeat and the rest of the playoff was one-way traffic. Caruana, the great calculator, was beaten tactically in the second game and was unable to generate anything in the third with black in his final desperate try. Carlsen was congratulated on Twitter immediately after his victory by the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who has been in power for all four of Carlsen’s world champi- onship victories. (Given that more than half of ’s population of five million watched the match on television at some point and 15 percent of Norway watched the final games, supporting chess is obviously a good move for any Norwegian politician.)

22 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship

www.uschess.org 23 Cover Story / World Championship

DESPITE CONSTANT MEDIA ATTENTION, BOTH CONTENDERS KEPT THEIR FOCUS ON THE GAME.

The 12 classical games had all been draws, that he would prefer to be anywhere but at the in the , Carlsen showed with both players seemingly lacking the finishing press conference and treated questions as nothing to indicate that he was even trying to touch when holding the advantage. Carlsen was inconveniences to be dealt with as quickly as beat Caruana’s main lines. Carlsen’s choices the only player to miss a relatively trivial win— possible. (In games 11 and 12 he also made it against Caruana’s main lines ranged from insipid 34. ... Qe5 in game one, which turned into a clear through his moves that he just wanted to to pathetic, notably 4. Nd3 against the Petroff 115-move draw—though under different draw and reach the tiebreakers as soon as in game six—the first of two consecutive wasted circumstances one would have ex pected him to possible, even when he had excellent chances whites in games six and seven. convert his advantage in game 12. (Notably, to win game 12.) Carlsen may have felt he was generating both of these games saw Carlsen as black.) enough chances with black in any case. Caruana Caruana could consider himself unlucky to stuck to 1. e4 throughout the match and Carlsen have not won game six, a game in which he “The American was ready with the Pelikan Sicilian variation comprehensively outplayed Carlsen with black that had served GM so well in but was stymied by an amazing piece-down also created his 2012 title match against GM Viswanathan fortress. The American also created great Anand. chances in game eight but failed to find the great chances in Caruana avoided taking on the main line in knockout blow. the first half of the match, using 3. Bb5—as Indeed, in some ways game eight could be game eight but Anand had done in the last part of his match seen as a turning point in the match. Whether against Gelfand—but he only began generating it was Carlsen’s brush with disaster or his failed to find the chances for himself when he took on the Pelikan football injury on the following rest day (which main line. resulted in a black eye and stitching above his knockout blow.” Unfortunately for Caruana, those lines also eye), the Norwegian seemed to be a different offer chances for Black, and in the second rapid person during the final four classical games. game Carlsen managed to break free and end During the first two thirds of the match, Some attributed Carlsen’s lack of fight as a Caruana’s title hopes. Carlsen was in good humor, often providing crisis of self-confidence, but, given the timing So, for his second consecutive title defense, great one-liners at the press conferences. (The of his change in demeanor, it is also possible Carlsen has held on to his world champion title press conferences after games four and five, that the eye injury inconvenienced him much through his skills in rapid chess. Carlsen remains which may be viewed on YouTube, are classics: more than he admitted. world champion for the next two years but it zany and funny, and not just because of Carlsen.) One notable feature of the classical games is clear that the pack—Caruana, GM Shakhriyar However, in the final phase of the match, was Carlsen’s mediocre opening preparation Mamedyarov, GM Liren Ding—are closing in Carlsen returned to the surly persona that the with white. With the exception of game nine, on him. (Carlsen himself admitted that Caruana chess world knows so well. He made it clear where he secured a small edge with a new idea was currently his equal at classical chess.)

24 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship

Whether Carlsen can ever return to the stratos- I’ve always gone my own way and that’s what [After game 12’s] draw offer from Magnus, pheric levels he reached in his early 20s is an I did this time as well. I did what I thought was I was relieved, though I thought the worst was open question; in 2020 it may not be so easy the best both practical and sporting decisions over. When you feel like you are on the brink for the Norwegian to scramble to 6-6 and then and it’s brought me this trophy. then of course tiebreaks are good. demonstrate his sublime rapid skills. The match went the distance because of very Nothing really went well for me [in the For Caruana, the disappointment in coming tough defense by both players in tough playoff]—I didn’t even put up a fight. I was so close is amplified by the knowledge that, positions, and it just shows how difficult it is hoping to play my best chess, but I didn’t even had he taken his chances at a few critical to win games at this level. It was not for the come close to that. I had a very bad start, moments, it would be he celebrating and not want of trying— except in the 12th game, when especially the second game. I wasn’t playing Carlsen. A second title challenge in two years it was exactly for lack of trying! my best chess and Magnus played very well. is far from out of the question, although the As for the [critical] opinion of GMs Garry He deserves to be world champion. We both arduous path through the Candidates tourna - Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, then they’re had weak moments, but on the final day, the ment offers few guarantees, even for the top entitled to their stupid opinion! I suppose if I tensest day, he showed good chess and I didn’t. ranked contender (as Levon Aronian has shown had lost part of me would have regretted my So of course, he deserved to win. in the past). approach to the 12th game. Results show that he is the strongest player After game 12 I played some training games, in the world and he is also the world champion, CARLSEN ON THE MATCH some blitz games, because the thing about rapid so it’s fitting. It was a privilege to play Magnus I did feel as if I missed a big chance in game is the need for speed. and a great learning experience; I hope I can one and might not get such a chance again— I feel that game one of the tiebreakers was look back at the match and learn a lot from it. and I didn’t. If I’d won the first game the match critical for the match. It was very tense and it would have been very different. But given the was the breakthrough for me. In the second safe way he [Caruana] played the first half of game playoff I wasn’t so sure about my position, SICILIAN DEFENSE (B31) the match I knew that I wouldn’t have too many but after I’d won the first one I felt very calm. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) [other] opportunities. So for me the first game was the key. I felt like GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) After game one, I really didn’t feel as if I was I had a really good day at work; everything World Championship Match 2018 (1), close to winning a game or therefore the match went perfectly. London, England, 11.09.2018 and game six was tough. Fabiano was the strongest opponent I’ve played so far in a world championship match. In classical 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. Bxc6 I didn’t realize just how bad my position was dxc6 5. d3 Bg7 6. h3 Nf6 7. Nc3 Nd7 in game eight—if I had, maybe I would have chess Fabiano has just as much right as I do to been more worried. I just thought it was very call himself the best in the world. I’m very happy Both Carlsen and Caruana have played the dangerous and that I had to hold on for dear to have overcome this great chal lenge. standard 7. ... 0-0 this year—and Carlsen beat life, but I didn’t [realize] I was just lost. The match shows that my classical game isn’t Caruana with 7. ... b6 in 2015— but the possible There were some games that were kind of too great at the moment—at least it is not better benefits of delaying castling in this way are also boring but also a lot of games [that] could have than Fabiano’s—so clearly I have things to work well known. gone either way. Game 10 was huge. I didn’t on. In general, I felt like I had a very decent 8. Be3 e5 9. 0-0 necessarily feel that I was losing at any point, performance in the classical games considering but it was just so complicated and I could barely how I’ve played for a couple of years and I’ll This is not considered as flexible as 9. Qd2 hold my nerves during that game. continue to work to get better. Fabiano is just and Carlsen takes advantage by continuing to I felt like playing [hard] in game 11 but I a very strong player; I don’t think we’ve seen keep his king’s final destination a mystery. was surprised in the opening and didn’t want the last from Fabiano in this particular context. 9. ... b6 10. Nh2 to [invite] a complicated position when I was I don’t have any great regrets. I’ll celebrate for A standard plan, but this and Caruana’s next not in my preparation. So I decided to play it the next two years! move cost half an hour on the clock. very safe and try to hold the 12th game. I decided that if I had a slightly favorable CARUANA ON THE MATCH 10. ... Nf8 11. f4 exf4 12. Rxf4 Be6 13. Rf2 position then I was indeed going to offer a I have some regrets about the classical draw. I understand that’s not the mindset that portion, but I can’t be too disappointed because everybody wants but I felt that’s what gave me I missed two big chances while Magnus also the best chance to win the match. had two: one completely winning position and During the 12th game I was happy with the one close to winning. So I can’t really say that way the game was developing, but I just wanted I missed more chances than Magnus overall. to be safe and reach [the tiebreakers]. There Of course, I’m very disappointed. I felt a lot are some things that I had missed during the of pressure—the match comes with a lot of game, which made me underestimate my pressure. I’ve always considered the main goal position. At the point [when I offered the draw], was not to play a world championship match I made a sporting decision that I felt very but to become world champion. comfortable with at the time, and I would have (Yet when asked if at the start of the match believed to be the right one, regardless of the he would have accepted one game with white 13. ... h6! [final match] result. for the world title, Caruana showed that I’ve been a chess professional now for many winning was not everything to him, saying, “I was familiar with the line,” said Caruana, years and my chess career even dates further “It’s not a bad situation at all but I would feel “but I couldn’t quite remember exactly how I back than that. One of the things I have never kind of bad missing the first 11 games of the should play this position. I was trying to find done very well is listen to other people’s advice. match. I want to enjoy the process.”) some sort of idea after 13. ... h6, unsuccessfully.”

www.uschess.org 25 Cover Story / World Championship

14. Qd2 g5 15. Raf1 34. ... h5 starting with 39. ... a5 was sensible and also very strong. White is drifting into a position which looks Best was 34. ... Qe5! with the threats of 35. good but which offers White nothing construc - ... Rg3 and 35. ... Qb2 would have been 40. Nh2! tive to do. Here or last move 15. a4 would have impossible to meet. “After 40. Nh2 I thought I [might no longer] been useful, making Black’s king a little less 35. Rf2 be losing,” said Caruana. safe when it lands on the queenside. Again running it close—four seconds 40. ... Bxc3? 15. ... Qd6 16. Ng4 remaining when Caruana moved. Played with 12 seconds to spare. From his “I played a bit too directly with 16. Ng4,” 35. ... Qg1 36. Nf1 countenance over the past four moves, Carlsen admitted Caruana. “After I played it, I immedi - clearly believed that, with the white knight ately started to regret it. The knight does Eight seconds to spare this time, but after this move and Carlsen’s long think, Caruana coming to g4, he had blown his advantage and nothing on f6, whereas 16. Nf3 was still roughly now he knew he was also not going to win on equal. began to look rather less downcast. Here a mobile phone went off in the VIP section of time. Black could still play for a significant 16. ... 0-0-0 17. Nf6 Nd7! 18. Nh5 Be5 19. the audience but the players did not stir; a good advantage with 40. ... Qg3 with the idea 41. g4 indication that the glass box is well sound- Ng4 Rxg4! 42. hxg4 h3; Retracting his last move Necessary to keep the kingside closed but proofed. with 40. ... Qg1 was even stronger, returning Carlsen simply works around White’s control to the winnng path after 41. Nf1 b5. 36. ... h4 37. Kd2 of the f5-square. 41. Qxf4 Bd4 42. Qf7+ Ka6 43. Qxg7 Here the computer suggests 37. e5, but from Rxg7 44. Re2 Rg3 45. Ng4 Rxh3 46. e5 19. ... f6! Caruana’s point of view it would be crazy to “[Now] it seems like it objectively should be A strange position where White’s hold over lose the e-pawn and open up his king, e.g. 37. a draw,” said Caruana, “[though] there were the light squares is not as secure as it seems. ... Kb7 38. Qxf4 Re8 when the engines claim a many more hours of suffering.” Black does not mind White’s knight reposi- draw for White after 39. Qxh4 but to a human tioning to f5 via g7 as this would allow Black in time trouble White is asking for trouble. 46. ... Rf3 47. e6 Rf8 48. e7 Re8 49. Nh6 to open the h-file with ... h6-h5 later. h3 50. Nf5 Bf6 51. a3 b5 52. b4 cxb4 53. 37. ... Kb7 38. c3 axb4 Bxe7 54. Nxe7 h2 55. Rxh2 Rxe7 56. 20. b3 Bf7 21. Nd1 Nf8!? Rh6 Kb6 Now Carlsen briefly started biting his nails Hardly a necessary pawn sacrifice, but with before returning to a less revealing thinking The rest of the game was well summarized Caruana well behind on the clock, Carlsen pose. “At this point I felt that I had lost track,” by Carlsen, who said, “I just moved around decides to step up the pressure, with little risk. confessed Carlsen. hoping to force a blunder, but I didn’t succeed. Obviously, I’m going to try even though I felt 22. Nxf6 38. ... Be5 that the chance had passed. I’m going to try Caruana took half of his remaining 15 Having played 36. ... h4, Kasparov believed and squeeze every little drop of water out of minutes on this (necessary) pawn grab—as that Black should feel obligated to follow with the stone. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, Carlsen had hoped—while the defending cham - 38. ... Rg3!. After 39. Nxg3 hxg3 40. Re2 Qa1! but that’s the way you have to play!” pion remained with 35 minutes. 41. e5! might look a bit scary for Black but, as 57. Kc3 Rd7 58. Rg6 Kc7 59. Rh6 Rd6 60. 22. ... Ne6 23. Nh5 the engines show, Black can take the White Rh8 Rg6 61. Ra8 Kb7 62. Rh8 Rg5 63. queenside pawns and finish the attack just Rh7+ Kb6 64. Rh6 Rg1 65. Kc2 Rf1 66. The computers found 23. Nd7! Bf4 24. Nf6 before the e-pawn queens. Rg6 Rh1 67. Rf6 Rh8 68. Kc3 Ra8 69. d4 with (so they say) equality but a human with 10 minutes left was never likely to investigate 39. Kc2 Caruana had been refraining from this ad - such a path deeply. vance, now confident that Black’s rook will never reach the c4-square. 23. ... Bxh5 24. gxh5 Nf4 25. Bxf4 gxf4 26. Rg2?! 69. ... Rd8 70. Rh6 Rd7 71. Rg6 Kc7 72. Rg5 Rd6 73. Rg8 Rh6 74. Ra8 Rh3+ 75. Played quickly, but sacrifice Kc2 Ra3 76. Kb2 Ra4 77. Kc3 a6 26. Rxf4! Bxf4 27. Qxf4 offers excellent holding Carlsen’s best chance lay in 77. ... Ra1 78. chances, as the white knight can, sooner or Kb2 Kb7 79. Rd8 Rd1 80. Kc2? (80. Kc3! was later, reach f5 or g4. “I didn’t see how Black necessary, with the point that 80. ... Rc1+ 81. could then make real progress,” said commen - Kb3 Rc4 allows 82. d5! c5 83. bxc5 Rxc5 84. ta tor Kasparov. Kb4 with an immediate draw.) 80. ... Kc7! and 26. ... Rhg8 27. Qe2 Rxg2+ 28. Qxg2 Qe6 Black wins. 29. Nf2 Rg8 30. Ng4 Qe8 31. Qf3 Qxh5 32. Kf2 Bc7 33. Ke2 78. Rh8 Ra3+ 79. Kb2 Rg3 80. Kc2 Rg5 39. ... Qg7?! 81. Rh6 Rd5 82. Kc3 Rd6 83. Rh8 Rg6 84. Kasparov believed it was already time for “Only when Magnus played [this did] I feel Kc2 Kb7 85. Kc3 Rg3+ 86. Kc2 Rg1 87. Caruana to become desperate and try 33. e5!? like I might escape,” admitted Caruana. The Rh5 Rg2+ 88. Kc3 Rg3+ 89. Kc2 Rg4 90. Kc3 Kb6 91. Rh6 Rg5 92. Rf6 Rh5 93. Rg6 because “if White allows a black queen move queen on g1 was like a nail in Caruana’s knee. and ... h6-h5, his knight will be dead.” Rh3+ 94. Kc2 Rh5 95. Kc3 Rd5 96. Rh6 After more patient play, e.g. 39. ... b5!, White Kc7 97. Rh7+ Rd7 98. Rh5 Rd6 99. Rh8 33. ... Qg5 34. Nh2 is suffering badly. Carlsen was nervous about Rg6 100. Rf8 Rg3+ 101. Kc2 Ra3 102. Rf7+ A desperate decision, with six seconds left 39. ... b5 40. b4!?—“I’m sure it’s not that good,” Kd6 103. Ra7 Kd5 104. Kb2 Rd3 105. Rxa6 on the clock. he admitted—but if that was a concern then Rxd4 106. Kb3 Re4 107. Kc3 Rc4+ 108.

26 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship

Kb3 Kd4 109. Rb6 Kd3 110. Ra6 Rc2 111. brilliant line seems to be fine for Black, i.e. 12. but 37. ... Ke8! hangs on to the extra pawn. Rb6 Rc3+ 112. Kb2 Rc4 113. Kb3 Kd4 114. Nb3 Qb6 13. Na4 Bb4+! 14. axb4 Qxb4+ 15. 37. ... Ke6 38. Rb6+ Kf7 39. Rb5 Ra6 Kd5 115. Ra8, Draw agreed. Nd2 Qa5! 16. b3 Nb4 17. Qb1 e5 18. Bg5 and “This was not the most pleasant experience now 18. ... Bf5!! with the point that 19. Qxf5 This endgame is a standard draw because to defend this extremely long game with (19. e4 Nxe4! 20. Bxd8 Rxd8 21. Nxe4 Nc2+ the doubled pawns work well as a shield to White,” said Caruana. “I am relieved to have 22. Ke2 Bxe4 is also difficult for White.) is met stop the black pawns advancing. escaped.” by 19. ... e4!! 20. Qxa5 Nc2+ 21. Ke2 d3 mate! 39. ... Kf6 40. Rb6+ Kg5 41. Rb5 Kf4 11. ... Ne4! 12. 0-0 Nxc3 13. bxc3 h6 14. a4 The line 41. ... Re7 42. Ra5 offers Black no QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED “I was quite happy with what I had found chance to make progress. (D37) instead of 11. Nd2, which is obviously the GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) 42. Rb4+ e4 43. fxe4 fxe4 44. h3 Ra5 45. critical continuation, but I had underestimated Rb7 Rg5+ 46. Kf1 Rg6 47. Rb4 Rg5 48. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) [his next move],” said Carlsen. Rb7 Rg6 49. Rb4, Draw agreed. World Championship Match 2018 (2), London, England, 11.10.2018 14. ... Ne7! 15. Ne5 Unlike Carlsen, Caruana is not interested in The only other way to prevent 15. ... Bd7 is playing on in the hope of a blunder and so ends 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. his winning tries. Bf4 15. Rb1, but after 15. ... Bd7 16. Rxb7 Qxa4 17. Qxa4 Bxa4 18. Nd4 Rd7 White has nothing. The move of choice against the Queen’s SICILIAN DEFENSE (B31) 15. ... Bd6! 16. cxd5 Gambit at top level nowadays; both Carlsen GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) and Caruana have used the move this year. Another 15 minutes gone on this move and GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) World Championship Match 2018 (5), 5. ... 0–0 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6 Carlsen was already 40 minutes behind his 9. a3 Qa5 10. Rd1 opponent. London, England, 11.15.2018 16. ... Nxd5! 17. Bf3 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. 0-0 Heading straight for a slightly worse Returning to an older line in place of 4. Bxc6, endgame, which Carlsen was confident he could which Caruana had tried twice. draw. “15. Ne5 was just a miscalculation,” said Carlsen. “I missed that after 16. ... Nxd5 17. 4. ... Bg7 5. Re1 e5 Nc4 Black has 17. ... Qxc3! I considered 17. Nxf7!?—I have some instinct for attack, [even though] I don’t always show it! However at this point I thought there was way better equity in playing to secure the draw.” Caruana added, “I didn’t remember all my notes but I knew that this position was okay 10. ... Rd8!? for Black after 17. ... Kxf7 [whether or not] he takes on d6 or checks on h5 first.” “I chose a rare move which was played by some very strong players (e.g. Lutikov, Matanovic 17. ... Nxf4 18. exf4 Bxe5 19. Rxd8+ Qxd8 ~IR) 40 years ago,” explained Caruana. “What 20. fxe5 Qc7 was I thinking after this move?” asked Carlsen. Should Black be able to develop quietly, “Well, mainly, there are two main moves for White’s weak pawns might be a concern, but 6. b4!? Black, 10. ... Re8 and 10. ... Be7, so it is Carlsen makes sure that does not happen. “This line is very interesting and if Black is unpleasant to face [another] move that is clearly 21. Rb1! Rb8 22. Qd3! Bd7 cooperative it can get very exciting,” said based on some complicated variations and to Caruana. “If we both insist on the same opening, be unprepared. There is a clear parallel between After 22. ... Qxe5 23. Qd8+ Kh7 24. Qe7!, White is out of danger. there are bound to be surprises,” said Carlsen. one of the games between Korchnoi and Karpov The deputy arbiter Nana Alexandria was very at the World Championship in [Baguio] 1978 23. a5 Bc6 24. Qd6 pleased to see this gambit, saying, “I played this where 10. ... Re8 was [unveiled]. There A well-calculated liquidation that guarantees a long time ago [in the Soviet Women’s Champi- Korchnoi thought for a long time and almost a drawn rook endgame. onship in Gori 1969 ~IR] and it was nice when refuted the move over the board. The difference men of this level also like my move. Actually it [today] is that I am facing not only the analytical 24. ... Qxd6 25. exd6 Bxf3 26. gxf3 Kf8 27. c4 Ke8 28. a6 was the idea of my trainer Gurgenidze, after team of Fabiano and Fabiano himself but also [whom] I believe 3. Bb5 should be named.” his computer help and that makes the situation The continuation 28. c5 Kd7 29. Kg2 should 6. ... Nxb4 quite a bit different.” also lead to a four versus three rook endgame, 11. Be2 but Carlsen prefers to give his opponent fewer Played after five minutes. “Let’s just say that options. 6. b4 was not new to me,” said Carlsen. Played after 17 minutes’ thought. “If White wants to refute this variation then 11. Nd2 is 28. ... b6 29. c5 Kd7 30. cxb6 axb6 31. a7 7. Bb2 a6! 8. a3! axb5 9. axb4 Rxa1 10. the way to do it,” said Caruana, “but it is still Ra8 32. Rxb6 Rxa7 33. Kg2 e5 34. Rb4 f5 Bxa1 d6 35. Rb6 Ke6 36. d7+ Kxd7 37. Rb5 massively complicated.” It is likely that Caruana The original Alexandria game had continued 10. had intended 11. ... d4 because the following The move 37. Rg6 looks good at first sight, ... cxb4?! 11. Bxe5 when White had a small edge.

www.uschess.org 27 Cover Story / World Championship

11. bxc5 Ne7 12. Qe2 b4 “I was happy to get this position out of the revived—GM winning a opening since it’s safer for Black—clearly it was game against GM Evgenij Miroshnichenko a success,” said Carlsen who evidently had shortly before the match began—and will reached this position in home analysis. “At least probably now be buried. That Carlsen’s team superficially there might be options [for Black] had not found anything better than this is to play for more [than equality].” remarkable in itself. 19. Bc3! 4. ... Nxe4 5. Qe2 Qe7 6. Nf4 Nc6! A move that cost Caruana 32 minutes. “I There is nothing wrong with 6. ... c6 but the have a feeling that there was a misjudgment in text move, ignoring White’s threat, is more the preparation somewhere,” said commentator desirable—and, more importantly, playable, as Judit Polgar. “I think the endgame is about computers have shown ... equal but this is the moment where I felt I had 7. Nd5 Nd4! to figure out how to play the position,” said 13. Qc4!? Caruana. “So I came up with this idea of putting This trick, though not previously played, was already well known by many top players, The first new move, yet it seemed not to my bishop on d2 and [then] activating my so it is inconceivable that Carlsen and his team come as much of a surprise to Carlsen. knight. I thought about 19. Nc3, but I couldn’t make it work after 19. ... Nxb4 when I can play were not aware of the idea. More likely he 13. ... Qa5! 20. Rc1 or 20. Rb1 but his knight comes to d3 fancied his chances in the very slightly superior “A very direct way to play,” said Caruana, and nothing ever seems to work out.” endgame which ensues. “though he does have options such as 13. ... 19. ... Kxc7 20. d3 Kb6 8. Nxe7 Qc7 and 13. ... Nc6.” White has nothing else since the more The try 13. ... Qc7 was expected by many, “I couldn’t find a way to push him,” said obvious 8. Qc4? loses brilliantly to 8. ... Nc3+!! although White keeps some initiative after 14. Carlsen. “I could close the position with 20. ... 9. Nxe7 Nxc2 mate! Qxb4 dxc5 15. Qa4+ Bd7 16. Qa8+ Nc8 17. b5!? and if 21. Nbd2 Black is very comfortable Nc3. However, Carlsen’s choice, played after [ 21. ... Rd8 22. Rc1 Kb6 23. Ne1 Nd4 is strong ~IR] 8. ... Nxe2 9. Nd5 Nd4 10. Na3 but he would play 21. Bd2 and if there is a way only seven minutes, was met with approval by The line 10. Bd3 Nc5! is the point behind to play for an advantage, the path is very the watching supercomputers and indicated Black’s play, after which 11. Nxc7+ Kd8 12. narrow.” that Carlsen was still in his opening preparation Nxa8 Nxd3+ 13. cxd3 Nc2+ 14. Kd1 Nxa1 is and not yet needing to think for himself. 21. Bd2 Rd8 22. Be3+ Kb5! roughly equal since both knights will be lost. “Magnus knew the line quite well and played in a very logical way,” admitted Caruana after The point behind Carlsen’s play, but Caruana 10. ... Ne6 11. f3 the game. does not need to defend the b-pawn anymore. Finally ending a run of 10 knight moves in 14. cxd6 23. Nc3+! Kxb4 24. Nd5+! Bxd5 25. exd5 a row! Rxd5 26. Rb1+ Kc3 27. Rxb7 Nd8 28. Rc7+ “I was briefly thinking about 14. d4!? but it 11. ... N4c5 12. d4 Nd7 13. c3 c6 14. Nf4 Kxd3 29. Kf1! Nb6 15. Bd3 d5 is ridiculous and probably losing,” said Caruana. “But I still spent some time thinking about it “This was all forced,” said Carlsen, whose “[The opening is] very funny looking, but because it was fun!” White’s idea is that 14. ... pieces are so uncoordinated that, despite Black’s unfortunately it leads to a very dull position, Qxa1?! 15. cxd6 is quite dangerous for Black; extra pawn, he decides to head for a draw so the excitement is only for one move or so,” e.g., 15. ... Nc6 16. d5 Na7 17. Qxb4 leaves the immediately. said Caruana. This position strongly resembles black queen in a cage and after 17. ... Qa6 18. 29. ... h5 30. h3 Ke4! an Exchange French or one of the boring 5. c4 White’s pawn chain may well be worth a Re1 lines of the Spanish, all lines having piece. Unfortunately, 14. d4 dxc5!, is simply Allowing 31. g4 would be asking for trouble a drawish tendency. for the king on d3. good for Black. 16. Nc2 Bd6 17. Nxe6 Bxe6 18. Kf2 h5 19. 14. ... Be6! 15. Qc7 31. Ng5+ Kf5 32. Nxf7 Nxf7 33. Rxf7+ Bf6 h4 Nc8 20. Ne3 Ne7 21. g3 c5! 22. Bc2 34. g4+, Draw agreed. Necessary, since 15. Qd3 Nc6 16. Bb2 0-0 is “21. ... c5 was an attempt to break out, ugly for White, with 17. ... Qa2 coming. otherwise Black is very slightly worse,” ex - plained Carlsen. “Then I just got way too casual 15. ... Qxc7 16. dxc7 Nc6 PETROFF DEFENSE (C42) with 22. Bc2 and 23. Rd1. I was just thinking “I felt that only Black should have chances GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) in terms of the positional concept that I [should] in this endgame,” said Carlsen. GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) put my bishop on b3, as we are taught with a World Championship Match 2018 (6), 17. c3 double isolani. [However], I wasn’t even close London, England, 11.16.2018 to being in time and just a few moves later I The continuation 17. d4 exd4 18. Rd1 would was fighting for equality. I think that maybe offer White a slight edge were it not for 18. ... 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 it’s easier to be a bit careless with white, as you d3! 19. Bxg7 dxc2 with a crazy position that Already a big statement of intent—Caruana always feel like you have more room for error. will soon fizzle out to a draw after 20. Rc1 is not to be scared away from his reliable Petroff Today I was a bit influenced by the fact that I thanks to the bishops running on opposite Defense. had the white pieces; with black I probably colors. Nonetheless, this was safer for Caruana would have played more carefully in the early 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nd3!? than the game. middlegame.” 17. ... Kd7 18. cxb4 Ra8! A weird move which has only recently been The continuation 22. dxc5 Bxc5 23. Kg2 d4

28 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship also offers White nothing at all. “I thought this move will give him a very “I think when I get Kh7 and h5 it’s an iron- 22. ... 0-0 23. Rd1 Rfd8 24. Ng2 cxd4 25. tough decision,” said Caruana, “whether to play clad fortress, unless I’m just hallucinating,” said cxd4 Rac8 26. Bb3 Nc6 something like 43. Nc2, and my d-pawn Carlsen. becomes dangerous, or to go for [the piece “The position was so sterile, I really shouldn’t 64. ... Bd2 65. Ba2 Nf3 66. Bd5 Nd4 67. sacrifice].” Kg6?! Bg5 68. Bc4 have got anything,” said Caruana. 43. Bf3 Nd2 27. Bf4 Na5 28. Rdc1 Bb4

68. ... Nf3?! 44. Bxd5!? 29. Bd1?! The computers claim a forced mate after 68. Sacrificing a piece. “I didn’t feel great about ... Bh4!, by forcing White’s bishop to choose A move heavily criticized by Carlsen, who it,” said Carlsen, “but I don’t know what I should between covering g8 and e2. However, even later felt that he should grovel for a draw with have done.” when presented with the possibility, both 29. Bc7! Nxb3 30. axb3 Re8 31. Bf4 when “I 44. Nd1 might hold but in practice Black’s players had trouble understanding why, am very slightly worse, but I should hold that bishops and d-pawn will provide plenty of suggesting 69. Bd5 as the correct reply. (If 69. any day of the week,” said Carlsen. The Ex - chances. Bd3 Kg8! and once the black king is in the change sacrifice 31. Rxa7!? Re7 32. Rxb7 Ba5 corner the white king can be pushed out; while 33. Bxa5 was also a reasonable, though risky, 44. ... Bxe3 45. Bxc6 Bxf4 46. Bxb7 Bd6 47. Bxa6 Ne4 48. g4 Ba3! 69. h6 fails to 69. ... Nf3 70. h7 Ne5+ 71. Kh5 way to reach equality. Kg7 72. Kxh4 Nxc4.) 69. ... Ne2! 70. Bf3! Black 29. ... Nc4 30. b3 Na3 31. Rxc8 Rxc8 32. Winning back one of the pawns. “that was has the less than obvious 70. ... Ng1!, which Rc1 Nb5 33. Rxc8+ Bxc8 34. Ne3 Nc3 35. the second time in the game I’d missed a ... Ba3 Kasparov joked would offer cause for electronic Bc2 Ba3! idea,” admitted Carlsen. “I thought I’d actually scanning of Black for computer assistance! Once have three pawns, not two pawns, so I thought seen, the idea 70. ... Ng1 71. Bg4 Kg8 is easy The move Carlsen had missed. Now White it would be a fairly straightforward draw. When enough to work out—White eventually runs needs to be very careful to avoid simply losing it turned out I only had two pawns I was quite out of moves and has to free the knight, which a pawn. worried.” can then head to e5, freeing the black king. 36. Bb8 a6 49. Bc4 Nc3 50. g5 Kf8 51. b4 Bxb4 52. However, the many humans analyzing the Kf3 Na4 position at the venue, including GM Judit Polgar, could not work out why 71. Bd5! did The supercomputer Leela claimed a +3 not keep the fortress intact. The winning idea advantage after 52. ... f6 53. Ke3 Bc5+ 54. Kf4 turns out to be amazing— 71. ... Bg5! 72. Kh7! Ke7 55. Kg4 Bf2 but as usual it is difficult to (72. h6 Ne2! 73. h7 Nf4! mate is one pretty understand why this should be so much better variation spotted by Polgar during her analysis.) than the game, with similar fortress possibilities. 72. ... Ne2! 73. Bf3 Ng3 74. Bg4 Kf7 75. Kh8! 53. Bb5 Nc5 54. a4 f6 55. Kg4 Ne4 56. Now it seems as if Black cannot prevent Kh5 Be1 57. Bd3 Nd6 58. a5! White’s king from shuffling between h7 and Heading straight for a position which Carlsen h8, but once again the computers have a surprise in store: 75. ... Bd2! 76. Kh7 Bb4!! 77. Kh8. (As believed to be a fortress— “It’s a good thing in most lines, pushing the h-pawn will they exist, right?” he said after the game when eventually lead to its loss.) 77. ... Bf8! 78. Kh7 37. f4? asked about his previous skepticism about Ne4! and suddenly White’s king is in a mating Now White’s position becomes critical. After genuinely unbreakable fortresses. net! Having been shown the outline of the 37. Bd3! Be6 38. Nc2 Bb2 39. a4 Na2 40. Bf4!, 58. ... Bxa5 59. gxf6 gxf6 60. Kg6! Bd8 61. winning idea, Caruana commented, “At the Black can secure the bishop pair but the draw Kh7! end it still seems a bit accidental. To find some should still be within reach for White. This is the position Carlsen had played for. accidental chance you have to be thinking very 37. ... Bd7 38. f5 Bc6 39. Bd1 Bb2 40. Black has many ways to try to break it down hard about each move, and I had pretty much Bxh5 Ne4+ but English endgame experts GMs given up [hope] near the end—I thought it was a fortress.” A tough decision with little time on the clock. and , who, analyzing in the The line 40. ... Nxa2 41. Ba7 Nc3! was also very press room, had foreseen this idea many moves 69. Kh7! Ne5 70. Bb3 Ng4 71. Bc4 Ne3 72. prom ising for Black. ahead, believed that White could hold. Bd3 Ng4 73. Bc4 Nh6 74. Kg6 Ke7 41. Kg2 Bxd4 42. Bf4 Bc5! 61. ... Nf7 62. Bc4 Ne5 63. Bd5 Ba5 64. h5 A last try, but Carlsen has nothing to fear,

www.uschess.org 29 Cover Story / World Championship even once the black king reaches the back of 21. c5! the white pawns. “21. c5 was the only move I considered,” said 75. Bb3 Kd6 76. Bc2 Ke5 77. Bd3 Kf4 78. Caruana, which makes it hard to explain why Bc2 Ng4 he spent 33 minutes on the move—but easier The continuation 78. ... Kg4 79. Bd1+ Kh4 to explain why things went wrong later. 80. Bb3 Ng4 81. Bd1 offers nothing, so Caruana 21. ... Nxf3+ 22. Qxf3 dxc5 agrees to end the struggle. The only practical option; 22. ... Bf6 23. c6 79. Bb3 Ne3 80. h6 Bxh6, Draw agreed. is horrible for Black. 23. Rad1! SICILIAN DEFENSE, Caruana admitted to tossing up between 23. PELIKAN VARIATION (B33) 12. Bd2!? Rad1 and 23. Rae1!—the computers marginally GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) prefer the latter because after 23. ... Bf6 24. h4 A move that only began to gain popularity GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) h6 25. g4! forces the bishop to a bad square. in 2017 after computers indicated it and corre - World Championship Match 2018 (8), Caruana also explained where his time went spondence players began using the move with London, England, 11.20.2018 on move 21: “I really wanted to make 23. d6?! success. Over-the-board players then began to work, but it doesn’t,” said Caruana, indicating understand the point, in that 12. Bd2 allows 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 the correct defense 23. ... Qxd6 24. Rad1 Qc6. 13. a5 after which a retreat of the b5-knight to Finally Caruana decides to find out Carlsen’s a3 does not lose the a-pawn. 23. ... Bd6 choice of Sicilian line, since 3. Bb5 had not been a success in its three tries earlier in the 12. ... f5 13. a5 a6 match. Strongly criticized by GM Jon Speelman, 3. ... cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 who proposed 13. ... f4, preventing 14. Be3 and refusing to weaken the b6-square for as long The Pelikan (aka Lasker, Sveshnikov) as possible, as a more logical option. However, Variation, the line with which GM Boris Carlsen, despite starting to burn time, was Gelfand had stymied GM Viswanathan Anand almost certainly still following his preparation in their 2012 title match. or, more accurately, trying to remember it. 6. Ndb5 d6 14. Na3 e4 15. Nc4 Ne5 16. Nb6 Rb8 The continuation 16. ... f4 17. Nxa8 f3! looks like fun for Black, but 17. Bxf4! before taking 24. h3? the rook kills the attack and wins material. Caruana used only six minutes on this calm 17. f4! move but “You don’t have time for such a thing!” The line 17. Bc3 Bf6 18. Qd2 worked well for declared commentator Judit Polgar. After the White in a 2017 correspondence game Gil- game the players discussed 24. Qh5! Bg6 (24. Fleetwood, but does not look dangerous for Black. ... Qe8 25. Qxg5+ Qg6 may be Black’s best chance objectively.) 25. Qh6 Rf7 26. Nc4 Bf8 17. ... exf3 e.p. 18. Bxf3 g5?! 27. Qh3, concluding that White had nothing GM Anish Giri attributed this move to a decisive, though “it felt like White is having memory lapse and he may be right—Black plays all the fun,” said Carlsen. Both players missed 7. Nd5!? ... g5 in many lines but not here. Both 18. ... f4 25. Qh3! Bf5 (25. ... Rf7 26. Rfe1) 26. g4! Bg6 19. Ra4 g5 and 18. ... Bf6 19. c3 g5 make sense 27. Rfe1 and the entry of a rook on e6 spells A sensible practical choice, given that Team for Black, but Carlsen’s move order allows big trouble for Black; 24. Nc4!? g4 “should be Carlsen will have spent most of their time on White’s queenside attack to progress too working” but after Speelman’s suggestion 25. the main lines beginning 7. Bg5 while he can quickly. Qf2 g3 26. Qd2 gxh2+ 27. Kh1, the danger for concentrate on the less popular text move (albeit Black along the long dark diagonal cannot be recently revived by Kramnik). 19. c4 f4 20. Bc3! Bf5 underestimated. Immediately after Caruana 7. ... Nxd5 8. exd5 Nb8 Probably only now, after a 20-minute think played 24. h3, the players looked up, apparently that left him an hour behind Caruana, did hearing words coming from where the broad- The line 8. ... Ne7 9. c4 is considered slightly Carlsen realize that his kingside attack was cast cameras were sited. It seems that even the better for White, much more so if Black going nowhere and he was in serious trouble. camera operators could not help letting out an carelessly plays 9. ... a6? 10. Qa4! when the ugly “I thought my position was dangerous, obvi - exclamation of disappointment after Caruana 10. ... Kd7 is forced. ously,” said Carlsen, “and the time situation missed his chance. wasn’t great either, but I couldn’t see a good 9. a4 24. ... Qe8! way to deviate, so I just had to go for the sharp The modern method of playing this position line and hope for the best.” “24. h3 was a relief for me, since then I knew is to avoid 9. c4 so that the b5-knight has access Consistent is 20. ... g4 21. Be4 but it only 24. ... Qe8 was going to be good and very likely to this square after it retreats to a3. helps White, with the f4-pawn now weakened save me the game,” said Carlsen. Carlsen was 9. ... Be7 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0 Nd7 and 21. ... f3 simply loses a pawn. right—once the queen reaches g6, Black’s

30 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship troubles are over. “I underestimated 24. ... Qe8,” computers. “I was not so unhappy to see it since 22. Nb6! admitted Caruana. “Just because you put I felt I’ll just get a complicated game,” said The line 22. axb6 e.p. Rxa3 23. Nxa3 f3! 24. pressure on Magnus doesn’t mean he collapses Carlsen. In game eight, Caruana did well with gxf3 Ne5! gives Black a huge, probably winning, or anything.” 12. Bd2, but in the three days since then antidotes initiative. “I felt it was very close to mate, but 25. Nc4 had already been found to Caruana’s plan—most the problem is that if I don’t mate, I’m losing,” notably 18. ... Bf6 instead of 18. ... g5. By now Caruana had almost caught Carlsen admitted Carlsen. 12. ... a6 13. Na3 a5 14. bxa5 on the clock so almost all hopes of victory were 22. ... Nxb6 23. Bxb6 Qg5?! gone. The continuation 14. c3 b6 is rock solid for Black. “Black has a lot of potential for attack, but it 25. ... Qg6 26. Nxd6 Qxd6 27. h4 gxh4 is still a bit slow,” said Caruana. 14. ... Rxa5 15. Nc4 Ra8 16. Be3 f5 17. a5 f4 Some observers expected Carlsen to start trying The continuation 23. ... b4! 24. Rb3 Bf6! was to play for a win with 27. ... Rbe8!? 28. hxg5 Be4, “It’s very double-edged; the type of game I a better way to sacrifice the b-pawn, with ... but after 29. Qg4 only White can be better. expected from this line,” said Caruana. “Both f4-f3 and ... Be5 in the air. 28. Qxf4 Qxf4 29. Rxf4 h5! 30. Re1 sides are going all-in and I am getting attacked 24. g3 so I could potentially get mated.” Worse is 30. Rxh4?! Bg4 which would give “This was such a difficult moment,” said 18. Bb6 Qe8 19. Ra3!? unnecessary chances to Black. Caruana. “After I played 24. g3 I started to wish 30. ... Bg4 A typical idea to cover the kingside but here that I had played 24. f3 when 24. ... e3 is forced a little slow. The subtle way to increase the and then 25. g3, when I am potentially picking Heading straight for a pure opposite-color pressure was 19. Bc7 Qg6 20. Re1! since now up the e-pawn but it looked messy to me.” bishop ending, which must inevitably be a draw. 20. ... e4? 21. Bh5! wins a pawn. Certainly after 25. ... fxg3 26. Rg1 Qh6 27. Rxg3 Bg5, White still has plenty of pressure to absorb 31. Rf6 Rxf6 32. Bxf6 Kf7 33. Bxh4 Re8 19. ... Qg6 20. Kh1 e4 34. Rf1+ Kg8 35. Rf6 Re2 36. Rg6+ Kf8 on the kingside. When presented with the Since being surprised by 12. b4, Carlsen had computer-preferred 24. Bxb5 at the press The line 36. ... Kf7? 37. Rb6 would be rather used an hour on the clock and still nothing has conference, Caruana responded, “I really didn’t careless. clarified. want to take on b5! It feels kind of greedy and 37. d6 Rd2 after 24. ... Rf6 I didn’t see how to defend against 21. Bc7 Carlsen does not fall for Caruana’s final cheap this attack.” trap: 37. ... Rxb2 38. Rxg4! hxg4 39. d7 and “I thought you could play 25. f3 e3 26. Qe2,” White wins. responded Carlsen, meeting Caruana’s suggested 26. ... Rh6 with 27. g4! “Though I don’t know,” 38. Rg5, Draw agreed. added Carlsen. “I can go 27. ... Bd8 and the game goes on.” However 26. ... Qh4!? prevents Carlsen’s See In The Arena on page 18 for Game 9. ~ed. proposed defense and keeps the attack going— enough to scare a human, if not a computer. SICILIAN DEFENSE, 24. ... b4 25. Rb3 Bh3 26. Rg1 f3 27. Bf1 PELIKAN VARIATION (B33) Bxf1 28. Qxf1 Qxd5 29. Rxb4 GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) When playing 24. g3, Caruana judged this World Championship Match 2018 (10), position to be satisfactory for White, but in London, England, 11.22.2018 21. ... b5!! practical terms Black’s central pawns and safer king makes Black’s position much easier to play. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 A shot from nowhere, which cost Carlsen 29. ... Qe6 30. Rb5 Bd8?! Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. another 15 minutes. “I missed this concept with exd5 Nb8 9. a4 Be7 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0 19. Ra3 and 20. Kh1; if my attack is not getting A decision made in fear of something going Nd7 started then [I am in trouble],” said Carlsen. wrong during the time scramble. This takes “It feels like I should be doing well and I thought most of the pressure off White, whereas 30. ... about [21. ... b5] for so long, I thought just go Rfc8! 31. Qb1 d5 32. Qb3 Rc4 33. Rd1 Kh8! for it and up the stakes even more.” (with the point that 34. Rbxd5? loses to 34. ... “I saw 21. ... b5 when I played 19. Ra3 and I Qh3 35. Rg1 Rb4! 36. Qe3 Rb1!) gives White just thought that 22. Nb6 would be bad for many problems to solve. “I cannot say that I Black,” added Caruana. “Actually I was expecting kept my cool one bit,” admitted Carlsen. 21. ... Kh8 because then many of my useful moves have problems, e.g. 22. Re1 Nf6 and f2 31. Qe1! hangs in some positions. I was going to play Carlsen was likely hoping for 31. Qb1 Bxb6 22. f3 e3 23. g3—maybe my only idea in this 32. axb6 e3! when White has serious problems. game!—which I thought was strong.” Indeed, 31. ... Bxb6 32. axb6 Rab8 33. Qe3 Qc4 after 23. ... fxg3 (Carlsen suggested 23. ... b5!? 34. Rb2 Rb7 35. Rd1?! even here.) 24. Rg1 Qh6 25. Rxg3 White can 12. b4!? claim a small edge. “I did consider playing 21. (see diagram top of next column) An out-of-the-box novelty, perfect for a ... Kh8,” said Carlsen, “but then I’d have to spend world title match since it is ranked low by the another 20 minutes to find my next move!” 35. ... Qe2! 36. Re1!

www.uschess.org 31 Cover Story / World Championship

The line 46. ... Kc3? 47. Rc5+ is ugly for “Maybe now I can play a little bit after 17. Rxe6 Black. Nxf2 18. Rde1 Nxd3 19. cxd3 Bf6 20. Rxd6 Bd4 47. Rab4 Ke6! 48. c4 dxc4 49. Rxc4 21. Rde6 and then put the rook on e2 and play Rdxb6 50. Rxe4+ Kf7 51. Rf5+ Rf6! Kc2 and Bc3. Maybe there’s a forced draw [even here]—I don’t know.” Exchanging a pair of rooks makes Black’s task simple. 16. Ng6 Ng4 17. Nxe7+ Rxe7 18. Re2 Ne5! 52. Rxf6+ Kxf6 53. Kxf3 Kf7 54. Kg3, Forcing a position with bishops of opposite Draw agreed. colors. “Fabiano has been very well prepared and I haven’t got much with White,” said Caruana does not waste energy in an Carlsen. “Those are the cold, hard facts.” endgame which is trivially easy to defend for Black. 19. Bf4 Nxd3 20. Rxd3 Rd7 21. Rxd6 Rxd6 “I didn’t think 35. ... Qe2 was possible,” said 22. Bxd6 Rd8 23. Rd2 Bxc4 24. Kc1 b6 25. Caruana, “but after [my intended] 36. Qb3+ Bf4 Rxd2 26. Kxd2 a6 Kh8 37. c4 there is 37. ... Rxb6! and if 38. Rxe2 PETROFF DEFENSE (C42) 26. ... Bxa2? allows 27. b3 c4 28. Kc3 cxb3 fxe2!” Carlsen then chimed in. “If 36. Qd4 e3! GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) 29. Kb2! winning the bishop. and now if 37. c3 the rook hangs and if 37. c4 GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) exf2! and there is no check on c4.” World Championship Match 2018 (11), 27. a3 “Still, the drawing margin is so high [even London, England, 11.24.2018 Now Black must lose a pawn, but Caruana after 35. Rd1], I don’t see how I can ruin my finds the best way to give it up. position,” added Caruana. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3 27. ... Kf8! 36. ... Qxe3 37. Rxe3 d5 38. h4 Rc8 39. Ra3! Kf7 40. Kh2 The modern main line against the Petroff If 27. ... Bd5 28. g3 b5 29. Bd6 c4 30. Ke3 The final move of the time control, made Defense, often resulting in attacks on opposite and White’s king will reach b6 and win the a- with eight seconds to spare. With a little more flanks, but in this case, regrettably, not played pawn, which is marginally more dangerous for time Caruana would probably have found the with aggressive intent. Black than the game but still a likely draw. direct path to a draw: 40. Ra7 Rb8 41. c4! dxc4 5. ... Nxc3 6. dxc3 Be7 7. Be3 0-0 8. Qd2 28. Bc7 b5 29. Bd6+ Ke8 30. Bxc5 (41. ... d4 42. c5 is risky only for Black.) 42. Nd7 9. 0-0-0 Nf6 10. Bd3 c5 11. Rhe1 Be6 12. Kb1 “Every chessplayer knows the game Rc2! and mass liquidation follows. Ljubojevic-Karpov which Karpov won [in an 40. ... Ke6 41. g4 Rc6 42. Ra6 Ke5 43. , who won a brilliant game ending] something like this,” said Carlsen. “But Kg3 h6 44. h5 against GM after 12. Bg5 obviously the drawing margin is very high.” h6? 13. Bxh6! c4 14. Bxg7! commented, “I looked 30. ... h5! 31. Ke3 Kd7 32. Kd4 g6 at 12. Kb1 and I decided it was not very much— in fact I think it is very, very drawish. Maybe Black has already achieved the perfect set- Black can also draw after 12. Bg5 but there we up. His king will block whatever passed pawn have much more of a fight.” appears on the queenside, while the bishop can defend the kingside without assistance. 12. ... Qa5 13. c4 Qxd2 14. Bxd2 33. g3 Be2 34. Bf8 Kc6 35. b3 Bd1 36. Kd3 “I was hoping to be able to press a little,” said Bg4 37. c4 Be6 38. Kd4 bxc4 39. bxc4 Carlsen, “but I don’t think there is anything real.” Bg4 40. c5 Be6 41. Bh6 Bd5 42. Be3 Be6 43. Ke5 Bd5 44. Kf4 Be6 45. Kg5 14. ... h6 White’s only other winning play lies in 45. h4 Kd7 46. f3 Kc6 47. g4 but after 47. ... Bd5!, White is prevented from playing 48. Kg5 and 44. ... Kd4!? can make no progress. Since 44. ... g5 45. hxg6 e.p. Rxg6 46. Rb5! 45. ... Bd5 46. g4 Rbg7 47. Raa5 Rxg4+ 48. Kh3 was only a draw, Carlsen keeps pushing another way, but after The start of a one-trick plan. Caruana’s reply realizes that it is time to put 46. ... hxg4 47. Kxg4 Ba2 48. Kg5 Bb3 49. the brakes on and grovel for a draw. “Only after Kf6 Ba2 50. h4 Bb3 51. f4 Ba2 52. Ke7 I’d played 45. ... Kd4 did I see that 44. ... Rb8!? Bb3 53. Kf6 Ba2 54. f5 Bb1 55. Bf2 Bc2!, was a way to pass the move on [to White] and Draw agreed. then would not have been so easy for him,” Trick seen and avoided. It was still possible said Carlsen. “I thought that 45. Ra5 was a way to lose with 55. ... Bxf5? 56. h5!, etc. to simplify,” responded Caruana—calculating 15. Nh4!? Rfe8! 45. ... Rbxb6 46. Rxb6 Rxb6 47. c4 Rd6 48. “I was a bit surprised by 15. Nh4,” said SICILIAN DEFENSE, cxd5 Rxd5 49. Ra7 Kf6 50. Ra4 Ke5 51. Ra7 Caruana, “and I was trying to work out the PELIKAN VARIATION (B33) with a repetition— “and 45. Rb5 was a more difference between 15. ... Ng4 and 15. ... Rfe8, GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) interesting move.” Carlsen agreed on both which I didn’t really manage.” GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) points. “I was kind of hoping for 15. ... Ng4 16. Ng6 World Championship Match 2018 (12), 45. Rb5! Rd6 46. Ra4+ Ke5 and now 16. ... fxg6 (16. ... Rfe8!),” said Carlsen. London, England, 11.26.2018

32 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship

1. e4 c5 24. ... Nc5 25. f4 a5?! Those who feared that Carlsen would try to Carlsen spent only four minutes on this move Italian or American? shut down Caruana with 1. ... e5 and a Berlin when some serious calculation might have Defense were relieved that Carlsen had come uncovered the strategically winning plan 25. Asked at the opening press out ready to fight. ... exf4 26. Bxf4 b5! 27. Kb1 a5! when Black conference about his double “exchange of nationalities” and 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 takes over the queenside because 28. Qxb5 loses e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 Ne7 the queen after 28. ... Be8! whether he felt more Italian or American, GM Fabiano Caruana A small surprise for Caruana, since this line 26. Qd2 e4 27. Be2 Be8! 28. Kb1 Bf6 29. Re1 replied, with perfect diplomacy: had been harshly dealt with by Kramnik at the recent Batumi Olympiad. “I never changed nationalities. The alternative 8. ... Nb8 was his choice in games eight and 10. I had dual nationality from birth and I changed federations when 9. c4 Ng6 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Qb4 Bf5 12. h4 I was 13. I was a kid and I was living h5 in Europe, and this was mainly A move previously only played in a computer to get back to my roots—my game. mother is Italian. The continuation 12. ... a6 13. h5! Nf4 14. Nc3 worked out well for Kramnik, White “When I changed back to the against GM Milos Roganovic, in the aforemen- United States in my 20s, this was tioned Batumi Olympiad game. a personal decision. I do feel 13. Qa4 Bd7 14. Qb4 Bf5 15. Be3!? 29. ... a4?! connected to both countries. The exclamation mark is for fighting spirit, This does not throw away Black’s advantage, I would like to represent both, the question mark because 15. Bg5 is supposed but “I was very worried about 29. ... Ba4!,” said but only one is possible. I live in to be the only testing move for Black. Caruana. “I suppose I should play 30. Rcc1 (If the United States and represent 15. ... a6 16. Nc3 Qc7! 30. b3 I was very worried about the sac. [For the U.S. now. I feel very close, good reason 30. ... Bxb3! 31. axb3 Nxb3 32. Qd1 a4 is very much an American, but I The continuation 16. ... Be7 17. Qxb7 0-0 is huge for Black. ~IR]) but then 30. ... b5! 31. cxb5 do also cherish my Italian roots.” not at all bad for Black, but the new text move (31. Bd4 Bxd4 32. Qxd4 bxc4 I didn’t like at all, achieves all Black’s aims without sacrificing e.g. 33. Rxc4 Bb5 34. Rc3 Bxe2 35. Rxe2 Qb6 anything. when I have a very passive position and my king Rxa5 35. Nd1 b5 36. cxb5 Bxb5 37. Bxb5 Rxb5 17. g3 is weak.) 31. ... Qb6!” Caruana correctly suspected 38. Nc3 to the press conference, failing to notice he was in serious trouble here. Yet Carlsen barely “The opening didn’t work out the way I that 32. Bd4? is disastrous in view of 32. ... bothered to look at variations such as this, saying, Nd3! when even the bail-out line 33. Qb6 allows wanted,” admitted Caruana. “I was down a lot “At this point I was probably not in the right of time and I had a position I didn’t really feel 33. ... Qxb6 34. Bxb6 Nb4 35. Rcc1 a3! with a mind-set to go for it. I was just hoping to play huge advantage for Black. comfortable with. I thought about putting my natural moves, not going for the maximum, knight on b6; it’s ambitious but it could also putting on pressure and playing safe.” ENGLISH OPENING (A22) turn out very badly.” GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) 30. Qb4 g6 31. Rd1 Ra8, Draw agreed. 17. ... Be7 18. f3!? GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) To the astonishment of all present at The World Championship Match 2018, Rapid A strange move—“Very risky,” said Kasparov— College—and half the nation of Norway— Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (1), 11.28.2018 and one that left Caruana more than 40 minutes Carlsen offered a draw. To his credit, Caruana’s behind on the clock. Caruana may have been hand did not leap across the table in case Carlsen 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 concerned about 18. Be2 e4!?, with the black retracted the offer, but a few minutes later a knight headed to e5—though 18. ... Nf8 followed A clever concept. Carlsen had done well relieved Caruana, with eight minutes left on by ... Nd7 as played in the game is solid for Black against the Rossolimo Sicilian earlier in the the clock, did sign for peace. “Everybody could as well. match, so why not play the same line with an see that I wasn’t necessarily going for the extra tempo? 18. ... Nf8 19. Ne4 Nd7 20. Bd3 0-0 21. maximum,” confessed Carlsen, “I just wanted 3. ... Bb4 4. e4 0-0 Rh2?! a position that was completely safe where I The idea of bringing the rook to c2 looks could put some pressure. If a draw hadn’t been The move 4. ... Bxc3 is considered Black’s fine, but is simply too slow. After 21. 0-0-0 b5 a satisfactory result, obviously I would have safest option. 22. Kb1 White has little to fear since 22. ... a5 approached it differently.” 5. Nge2 c6 6. Bg2 a6!? 7. 0-0 b5 23. Qxb5 is not as risky as it looks. “I was a bit surprised by the draw offer,” admitted Caruana. “I was planning Nh3-g5 but An original plan, but far less effective than 21. ... Rac8 22. 0-0-0 Bg6! 23. Rc2 f5 24. I can never be better here. [However] I thought in the equivalent Rossolimo lines where White Nf2?! I was over the worst of it. ” The extent to which is playing against doubled pawns. Caruana has a plan to close the position but Carlsen had given up working at the board was 8. d4 d6 9. a3 Bxc3 10. Nxc3 bxc4 11. it should fail tactically. Objectively stronger evident when he showed his expected variation dxe5 dxe5 12. Na4 Be6 13. Qxd8 Rxd8 14. was 24. Ng5. 31. ... Ra8 32. Bd4 Bxd4 33. Rxd4 Qa5 34. Qxa5 Be3

www.uschess.org 33 Cover Story / World Championship

would be very strong—it’s a pity that I didn’t find that,” said Carlsen. Both Carlsen and Caruana What is your “Magnus Metric”? saw 25. Red1?! Ne5! 26. Rxd8 Nxf3+ 27. Kf1 By Nithin Kavi Nxh2+ 28. Ke1 Nf3+ with a . 24. ... Kf8 25. Rxd4 Ke7 Magnus Carlsen, now victorious in four consecutive world championships and “On 25. ... Ne5!? I was going to play 26. renowned for achieving the highest ever FIDE and US Chess ratings in chess history, Rxd8+ Ke7 27. Re3 Kxd8 28. f4 Ke7 29. Bh3 is an all-time chess great. In honor of his most recent world championship where he or 29. Bc8 and hope for the best,” explained defeated world number two Fabiano Caruana, I am introducing the Magnus Metric, Carlsen. which measures the degree of separation between you and Magnus Carlsen. Use it for bragging rights in the skittles room about how close you are to the World Champion. 26. Rxd7+ Rxd7 27. Bxd7 Kxd7 28. Rd1+ Ke6 29. f4 c5 A metric of 1 is reserved for those who have directly played Carlsen, while a metric of 2 implies that a person has played someone who has played Carlsen, and “Now I felt that the position should be drawn, so on. This metric is similar to the Erdὅs number in mathematics, which measures but that I would have practical chances,” said the degree of separation between mathematicians and the famous mathematician Carlsen. Paul Erdὅs by authorship of research papers. For actors, the equivalent is Six 30. Rd5 Rc2 31. h4 c4 32. f5+ Kf6 33. Rc5 Degrees of Kevin Bacon. My personal Magnus Metric is 2 since I have played GM h5 34. Kf1 Rc3 35. Kg2 Rxa3 36. Rxc4 Ke5 , who in turn has played Magnus Carlsen. Since I drew GM Krush, who 37. Rc7 drew Magnus Carlsen, the logical conclusion is that Carlsen and I are equally good at chess. He might be 802 FIDE points higher than me, but, well, anyway... To get this a bit closer to reality, the Mating Magnus Metric (MMM) considers the game results between every pair of players linking you to Magnus. This metric rewards players who win often against their opponents on the way to Magnus. To calculate it, take each player’s number of games against the next person in the chain, divide by the number of points, and then sum them. For example, since I played GM Krush only once and drew, this is 1/0.5 = 2. She in turn has played Magnus once, and she also drew, so that is also 2. This means my MMM is 2 + 2 = 4. For bragging rights, you want to choose your lowest possible number. I chose the GM Krush path because it is lower than my path through another strong opponent whom I have played: GM . Since I drew my one game against 37. ... Kxe4? GM Zherebukh, this gives me 1/0.5 = 2. Similarly, his one win and one loss against Caruana give him 2/1 = 2. Caruana’s 20 points in his 48 games against Carlsen give Missing a key finesse. Caruana probably him 48/20 = 2.4. From this route, my Mating Magnus Metric would be calculated as dismissed 37. ... Ra2+! on the grounds of 38. 1/0.5 + 1/0.5 + 48/20 = 2 + 2 + 2.4 = 6.4. Since my MMM through GM Krush is smaller, Kh3 Kxe4 39. Re7 Kxf5 40. Rxg7 winning the my MMM is 4. For these calculations, only official, rated tournament games count. h5-pawn and the game. However he had missed No, your victory on the Play Magnus App or his losses in large simultaneous exhibitions 39. Re7+ Kf3!! with a weird repetition after do not count. The MM and MMM are serious and require standards! 40. Rxg7 Ra1 41. Kh2 Ra2+ 42. Kh3 Ra1. The Magnus Metric and Mating Magnus Metric show how small the chess world 38. Re7+! Kxf5 39. Rxg7 is. Ordinary chess players will likely find that their metrics are much lower than Now the h-pawn is lost and, as readers of they would have expected. Next time you’re facing a challenging opponent and Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual would know, two you want to psych them out or confuse them, say, “My Mating Magnus Metric is 4. connected passed pawns almost always beat a What’s yours?” single passed pawn. Nithin Kavi is a junior in high school and a national life master in chess. He also 39. ... Kf6 40. Rg5 a5 41. Rxh5 a4 42. Ra5 has a deep interest in mathematics and hopes to one day earn an Erdὅs number. He Ra1 43. Kf3 a3 44. Ra6+ Kg7 45. Kg2 has heard of Kevin Bacon but hasn’t seen any of his movies. Ra2+ 46. Kh3 Ra1 47. h5 Kh7 48. g4 Kg7 49. Kh4 a2 50. Kg5 Kf7 51. h6 Rb1 52. Ra7+ Kg8 53. Rxa2 Rb5+ 54. Kg6 Rb6+ 55. Kh5, Black resigned. The try 14. f4 would be more testing for 20. Nc5! Rxb2 21. Nxe6 fxe6 22. Bxc4 Black. Nd4 23. Bxd4 exd4 SICILIAN DEFENSE, 14. ... Nbd7 15. f3 Rab8 16. Rac1 Rb3 17. Here Carlsen thought for nine minutes: “I PELIKAN VARIATION (B33) Rfe1 Ne8 wasn’t thinking about the result,” he said. “I GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) Better was 17. ... Rdb8! which would equalize was just trying to figure out which of them GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) immediately because 18. ... c3! becomes an idea. would give the better winning chances. In the World Championship Match 2018, Rapid end I decided that neither of them would give Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (2), 11.28.2018 18. Bf1 Nd6 19. Rcd1 Nb5?! good winning chances!” 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 A tricky move, played after almost six min - 24. Bxe6+ utes thought, but the more passive 19. ... Nb7 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 Ne7 was less risky. “I was told later that 24. Rxd4 Kf7 25. Kh1!!

34 February 2019 | Chess Life Cover Story / World Championship

Carlsen is happy to repeat the theoretical battle from game 12. London 9. c4 Ng6 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Qb4 Qb8! While London has been a site for top-level matches since the days of Paul Morphy Psychologically this could have had a strong and , it was not until the late 20th century that an official World effect on Caruana, as it shows that Carlsen is Championship match was hosted by the English capital. not even willing to consider the repetition he The first world title contest to be held in London was the first half of the 1986 allowed in game 12 after 11. ... Bf5 12. Qa4 Bd7. match between GMs and Garry Kasparov, the third of their epic 12. h4 h5 13. Be3 a6 14. Nc3 a5 15. Qb3 a4 battles held at a time when the British newspapers were still happy to put chess on 16. Qd1 Be7 17. g3 Qc8 18. Be2 Bg4 19. the front page. Rc1 Bxe2 20. Qxe2 Qf5 The venue, the Park Lane Hotel, could hold 1,000 people in the playing hall and Quite comfortable. commentary rooms but demand was so high that the organizers set up commentary 21. c5?! in Greek Park, across the street from the hotel, for those who had missed out on tickets (then priced at 5 pounds, or approximately $7). Pseudo-aggressive but easy to meet. 21. 0-0 was a better way to create complications, not Seven years later, when English GM Nigel Short qualified to challenge Kasparov fearing sacrifices on h4, e.g. 21. ... Bxh4?! 22. and the two broke away from FIDE, the event was held in the Savoy Hotel in a gxh4 Nxh4 23. f3! and White is fine. theater that could hold more than 1,000 people. At first tickets were priced at 45 pounds (approximately $68). However, half a dozen weeks out from the match, very 21. ... 0-0 22. c6 few tickets had been sold. The sponsor, The Times, on behalf of News Corporation, Played after six minutes, but the wonderful threatened to pull the plug on the event. The budget for the 1993 match was then d5-square created turns out to be less important cut and tickets slashed to 10 pounds (approximately $15), which saved the day and than it seems. 22. cxd6 Bxd6 23. 0-0 e4 was ensured decent crowds (which on one day included Princess Diana). Television not particularly good for White, but by now coverage of the event was extensive, including full games shown on Channel 4 and Caruana should have been tempering his daily round-ups by the BBC. ambitions and worrying about his king. Another seven years later, GM Vladimir Kramnik took on Kasparov at Riverside 22. ... bxc6! 23. dxc6 Rfc8! 24. Qc4 Bd8 25. Studios, with the players competing in a 200-seat television studio (without the Nd5 e4 26. c7 Bxc7 27. Nxc7 Ne5 28. Nd5?! cameras) and with a similar-sized commentary room. In 2000 tickets were priced at The continuation 28. Qd5 Rab8! would also 20 pounds (approximately $32) and were generally sold out, even after Kasparov leave White in desperate trouble, e.g. 29. 0-0 showed that he was not himself by taking very short draws with white. Rxc7! 30. Qxd6 Rxc1 31. Qxb8+ Rc8 32. Qd6 The 2018 world title match between Carlsen and Caruana was the fourth to be held Rc2 when White has problems on both flanks. in London and had the lowest profile, according to past organizers who visited the 28. ... Kh7, White resigned. match. It also used the smallest venue of the lot, as the organizers, World Chess, judged that in the internet age most people would rather watch the match from home. However, the number of unhappy fans unable to secure a ticket (other than a VIP entry for 400 SICILIAN DEFENSE, pounds—approximately $500—or more) would indicate that the lure of a night out at TAIMANOV VARIATION (B44) a live world title contest in a central London venue, remains strong. GM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2835, NOR) GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2832, USA) World Championship Match 2018, Rapid Tiebreaks G/25 + 10 seconds (3), 11.28.2018 Red8 23. Bg2 Nc6 24. g4! Qa5 25. Na4 34. Qe8+ Kh7 35. Qxa8 Qd1+ 36. Kh2 Qc7 26. e5! Qd6+ 37. Kh1 Nd4 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 Nc6 4. d4 cxd4 5. The clearest way to simplification and a Black’s only hope is for the knight to reach Nxd4 Bc5!? 6. Nc2 likely draw. e2 but Carlsen makes sure that never happens. Safe and secure. 26. ... dxe5 27. Nxc5 Rxd2 28. Rxd2 Rxd2 38. Qe4+ f5 39. gxf5 exf5 40. Qe3 Ne6 The followup 6. Be3? Qb6! is a little too basic 29. Qxd2 Ba8 41. b4! a trap for Carlsen to fall into. The continuation 29. ... exf4 30. Nxb7 Qxb7 Black is threatening nothing on the kingside 6. ... Nf6 7. Nc3 0-0 8. Be3 b6 9. Be2 Bb7 31. Qxf4 is too easy for White to play. so Carlsen takes the opportunity to queen his 10. 0-0 Qe7 11. Qd2 Rfd8 12. Rfd1 Ne5 13. Bxc5 bxc5 14. f4 Ng6 15. Qe3 d6 30. fxe5 Qxe5 c-pawn. 41. ... Ng5 In other circumstances Black could consider The alternative 30. ... Nxe5 allows 31. Nxe6! the ... d7-d5 break, here or later, but the fxe6 32. Bxa8 and if 32. ... Qa7+ 33. Qd4 trades Rather random, but 41. ... Nf4 42. c5 offers potential mass exchanges make it necessary for the bishop for the knight. nothing but a hope for perpetual check for Black to sit and wait. Black. 31. Nd7! 42. c5 Qf6 43. c6 Ne6 44. a4 Nc7 45. Qf4 16. Rd2 a6 17. Rad1 Qc7 18. b3 h6 19. g3 The move 31. Nxa6 is objectively best, but Ne6 46. Qd6 Qa1+ 47. Kh2 Nd4 48. c7 Carlsen is happy just keeping Black from Carlsen’s choice ensures more exchanges and Qc3 49. Qc5 Qe3 50. c8=Q f4 51. Qg4, breaking out. “I tried to create something but brings him within touching distance of the Black resigned. never had a chance,” admitted Caruana. world title. ... and Caruana extended his hand to concede 19. ... Rd7 20. Bf3 Re8 21. Qf2 Ne7 22. h3 31. ... Qb2 32. Qd6 Nxd7 33. Qxd7 Qxc2 the world title to the defending champion.

www.uschess.org 35 Cup’s premier writers and commentators, this coffee table book is lavishly s tographers.Each chapter opens by setting the stage, giving the participants’ tes, interesting game moments, and one fully-annotated game ss Clubb celebrates its ten-year anniverrsary, this book xceptional yearsof its flagship event.

Available Exclusivelyy at QBOOUTIQUESTL.COM

36 January 2019 | Chess Life Sign your child up now for a week of chess knowledge and fun!

Enrollment is open to all students, ages 6-14.

Register for our off site camps: June 17-21 at Saint Louis University July 7-12 at Little Flower Elementary

Chess Summer Camp and Girls’ Chess Summer Camp at the Saint Louis Chess Club are also available. For more information, visit saintlouischessclub.org. Camp Times: All Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $400 Morning-only: 9 a.m.-Noon $225 Afternoon-only: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $225

Building Champions: In the Classroom and the Community | 4657 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108 | 314.361.CHESS (2437) saintlouischessclub.org | [email protected] | @STLChessClub #STLChessClub DC XT The Saint Louis Chess Club and World Chess Hall of Fame admit students and guests of any gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. They do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. www.uschess.org 37 In Memoriam / Ruth Haring Remembering Ruth Former US Chess Executive Board president devoted her time, energy, and talent to all aspects of chess.

By FRANCISCO GUADALUPE

Ruth played in eight of the 12 rounds. She won three games, drew four, and lost only one, earning the bronze medal for the reserve board! Ruth went on to represent the U.S. as a regular player at the 1978, 1980, and 1982 Olympiads. At the 1980 event held in , Malta, Ruth was the team’s top scorer with 7½ points in 12 games. In her five World Olympiads, Ruth’s combined record was 16 wins, 13 draws and 16 losses. According to an article written by Dylan Loeb McClain and published in on December 3, 2018, during Ruth’s early years while living in San Francisco, she and her former husband, GM Peter Biyiasas, wel - comed a frequent guest, former World Cham - pion , who would play against her giving pawn odds. Ruth took a long hiatus from playing chess and, according to US Chess records, did not compete in any rated event after 1991, or perhaps sooner. She returned to competitive chess at the 2008 National Open, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and from that point on, Ruth participated in over 100 events, including the U.S. Open every single year—11 years in a row! Her last regular event was the Western States Open held in Reno, Nevada, which ended on October 21, 2018, although she did play two rated games after that date as part of the one- game-a-week Sacramento Chess Club Champi - on ship, coincidently won by her son, expert Theodore Biyiasas. Once Ruth returned to chess, she did so with RUTH INEZ HARING, JANUARY 23, 1955-NOVEMBER 29, 2018 tremendous passion, adding chess governance to her already impressive resume. In 2009, a year after her return to competitive chess, Ruth oman International Master Ruth second place at the 1974 U.S. Women’s was elected to the US Chess Executive Board Inez Haring led a life devoted to Championship behind Mona May Karff. That and selected as its vice president. In 2011, two Wchess. There is not enough space same year, she represented the U.S. at the 6th years after Ruth joined the Board, she was in this entire issue of Chess Life to detail all her Women’s Chess Olympiad in Medellin, elected as its president, a position she held until contributions to US Chess and to the game in Columbia. The 19-year old Ruth was the reserve 2015. She then continued serving on the Board general. It is with great honor and tremendous player along with teammates Mona Karff and for one more year. sadness that I add to the many tributes to Ruth Ruth Herstein. In her first Olympiad experience, Recently, I asked Gary Walters, who worked with some of my personal experiences. Ruth had one win and three losses. At the next with her very closely on the Board, for his Ruth, who lived in Chico, California, was Olympiad, in 1976, Ruth was, once again, our thoughts about Ruth. Here is his reply: an accomplished chess player. She finished in reserve as part of a four-player team. This time, “What can I say about Ruth? She loved

38 February 2019 | Chess Life PHOTOS: LEFT PAGE, US CHESS ARCHIVES; THIS PAGE, DAVID LLADA where weoftenmetduringCommis sion work - four years,webothtraveledFIDECon gresses, start ofmyfriendshipwithRuth.Overthenext the ExecutiveBoard.Thisappointmentwas approved byRuthandtheothermembersof USA. Iaccepted,andhisrecommendationwas over thepositionofFIDEZonalPresidentfor Executive DirectorBillHallaskedmetotake Executive Board.InOctober2010,then- taken fromustoosoon.” friendship. Itgoeswithoutsayingthatshewas passion. Thepeopleinourworldwillmissher will missherhumor,attention,andunrivaled no hidingthat. perform thejobaswellshe.Therewouldbe wasnowayIwould she steppedaside. There be. Ididnotwanttobethepersonforwhom she couldbepresidentofUSChess,should selfish. Itseemedcleartomethatsolongas I wouldwait.Myreasonwasatleastpartly she justwantedtocheckinwithme.Itoldher for fouryears,notjusttwo.Sheknewthat— internal rulesshewasentitledtobepresident sure, butremindedherthatunderthepresent if IwantedtobeUSChesspresident.said end ofhersecondyear,shecalledme.Sheasked other person’sorgroup’sdignity.Towardthe required, butshewasalwaysmindfulofthe gracious, andpolitic.Shecouldbefirmwhen She wassmart,diligent,organized,prepared, knew ofherservicetoUSChessbetterthanI. years ofRuth’spresidency.Idon’tthinkanyone In aword,Ruthwaspassionateaboutchess. ever postingaboutanythingotherthanchess. don’trememberher couple ofhundredtimes. I Her Facebookpostsprobablyhitmyfeeda beyond thetimeyoushouldhavebeenasleep. limits. Shewouldsitandplaytirelesslyfar wanted toplayblitzwithRuth,youhadset chess, shetalkedwrotechess.Ifyou their experienceswiththegame.Sheplayed but moreoften,shespokeaboutothersand talked aboutherowngamesortournaments, livedchesseveryday.Shesometimes chess. She shops, eveningbrainstormingses sions, social events, andwhilesightseeing.WhenIbegan my position,RuthwasalreadyaFIDECongress Congress inChalkidiki,Greece,andthe2010 took thelead,not onlyatCommissionmeetings, veteran, asshehadattendedthe2009FIDE FIDE CongressinKhanty-Mansiysk,Russia. leadership andmembersofCommissions. She of ourFIDEDelegateMichaelKhodarkovsky, words andinactions.Ifoundher to betotallyat ease andconfidentinherdealings with theFIDE served asourUSChessdelegation leader,in Poland, wasmyinitiationintointernationalchess politics. Ruth,withtheassistance andguidance I gottoknowRuthduringheryearsonthe “The chessworldwillmissRuthHaring.It “I servedasV.P.toUSChessduringallfour The 2011FIDECongress,heldinKrakow, offering metheposition ofDeputyChiefArbiter Ruth’s initiativecontributedtoMr. Makropoulos and acknowledgedaccordingly. I suspectthat whatever relationshipdeveloped asaresultof Congresses—particularly Makro—I wasgreeted one ofthoseFIDEofficialssaw meatFIDE officials. Followingthatgathering, whenever his DeputyPresidentGeorgios“Makro” to havedinnerwiththeFIDEleadership, Congress inIstanbulorthe2013 without beingpolitical.” organized, andwasabletogetthingsdone a greatperson,trulydedicatedtochess,waswell had averyhighopinionofher,saying,“Shewas to methatfromthedayhemetRuth,always untimely andshockingdeath,Jorgementioned other less-than-officialmatters.AfterRuth’s I stilltalktoJorgeaboutchessingeneraland capacity withUSChessorFIDE,everysooften years. AlthoughIamnolongerinanyofficial with Jorge,onethathascontinuedthroughthe Thanks toRuth,thatdinnerstartedmyfriendship to furtherdevelopourrelationshipswithFIDE Makropoulos, andothermembersofthe Estonia—Ruth arrangedfortheU.S.delegation Americas president,JorgeVega,andhiswife. 2011 Congress,wehaddinnerwithFIDE- social gatheringswithFIDEofficials.Atthat but alsowhilecoordinatingextremelyproductive including then-PresidentKirsanIlyumzhinov, presidential board.LedbyRuth,westeeredaway over dinnerwhile,atthesametime,takingsteps from politicsandenjoyedanicesocialgathering 2018 DURINGTHE43RDCHESSOLYMPIADINBATUMI,GEORGIA. RUTH ANDGMNIGELSHORTSHAREAMOMENTATTHE89THFIDECONGRESS,HELDINOCTOBER During oneCongress—eitherthe2012FIDE up—so attheExecutiveBoardmeetingthat and hertimewiththeExecutiveBoardwas time wasright—Icontemplatingretirement to USChessinanywayshecould.Ifeltthatthe year, Iresignedfromthepositionandendorsed most ofall,shewasagreathumanbeing.She very littleaboutanythingelse.Shelovedthe sands ofpostingsaboutchess(Isuspect)and every singleday.HerFacebookpagehasthou - have evermet.AsGarysaid,shelivedchess take overthejob. there wasnoonemorequalifiedthanherto Ruth’s appointmentasZonalPresident.Ifelt basically wantedtocontinuehercontributions whenever Inolongerwantedtheposition.She me herdesiretobecometheZonalPresident Executive Boardin2016,Ruthdiscussedwith as USChessDirectorofEventsayearlater. then-Executive DirectorJeanHoffmanhireme And Iamcertainthatshealsoapprovedhaving Hall departedtheorganizationinMay2013. interim ExecutiveDirectorpositionwhenBill at the2016WorldChampionshipmatch. her family. will alwaysbeindeepgratitude to herand personally deeplyindebtedtoher, andUS Chess because ofheruntimelydeparture. Iam describe thesadnessandemptiness wefeel will bemissedtremendously,andwordscannot game, theplayers,andorganization.But Ruth didmoreforchessthananyoneelseI Before herdeparturefromtheUSChess As USChessPresident,Ruthofferedmethe May sherestinpeace. In Memoriam/ www.uschess.org Ruth Haring 39 International / World Youth and World Cadet

The Next Generation The United States was well-represented at the World Cadet and World Youth tournaments.

coaching for the event. Raj Chennareddy’s path to the gold started Our team for the event worked well together. smoothly with two wins, but in round three Raj    As the Head of Delegation, FST/FM Aviv would face one of his tougher tests early on, as By IM KOSTYA KAVUTSKIY Friedman—whose role I would compare to that he managed to outfox and win against the eventual of the director of a movie—oversaw every detail silver medalist, Jahandar Azadaliyev (). to ensure a smooth tournament for all while also raving heavy rain, poor logistics, advocating for the U.S. team should any OUTFOXED stressed-out adults, and the pressure of (inevitable) issues arise. The coaches (besides Yuvraj Chennareddy (FIDE 1497, USA) Bplaying on the world stage, Team USA me) included veterans IM Armen Ambart- Jahandar Azadaliyev (FIDE 1674, AZE) posted some great results in the 2018 World soumian and IM Andranik Matikozyan, as well World Cadet Chess Championship U-08 Cadet Chess Championships, held November as GM Robert Hungaski and GM Alex Open 2018 (3), Santiago de Compostela, 3-15 in the historic city of Santiago de Lenderman. Spain, 11.07.2018 Compostela, Spain. Our biggest star was Yuvraj We also had US Chess staff to assist on- and “Raj” Chennareddy, who clinched gold in the off-site. Grant Oen took many photos during Under 8 Open with a fantastic 9/9 start, ending the tournament and reported online for US with 10½/11. Erick Zhao took silver in the Chess during the event, while also being available Under 10 Open, narrowly missing gold, while to resolve issues that came up during the event. Evelyn Qiao (Under 8 Girls) and Nico Chasin Pete Karagianis organized and coordinated a (Under 12 Open) both finished strong to snag number of important parts of the trip for the the bronze medal in their sections. U.S. team from back home. And finally, Noah I was quite excited when I received the invi - Chasin played a crucial role by serving as the tation to coach a U.S. team at an international parent coordinator, acting to consolidate the event for the second time this year. I experi- interests of the many chess parents involved so enced coaching for the first time earlier this they could communicate as a unified voice. AFTER 27. Qc2 year at the Pan American Youth Champi- But the most important part of the team was onships, which took place in a different Santiago the kids—the actual players in the World Champi- In this middlegame Black has remained a (Chile). For Spain, the U.S. delegation was onship for U-08, U-10, and U-12 age categories. pawn down for some time, but it is a doubled much bigger—about 75 players in total—each These were the stars of our U.S. delegation, as pawn that White cannot really make use of. accompanied by a parent or two. Of these 75 they often had much to deal with besides chess However, the loose d4-pawn is an issue Black players, 30 were to receive official on-site and they came through like troopers. needs to deal with.

40 February 2019 | Chess Life PHOTOS: GRANT OEN FOR US CHESS Ke3 Ke866.Kd4 Kd867.Kc3Kc868. Kxh5 Kh763.Kg5 Kg764.Kf4Kf765. Nc5 51.Rc8Nd752.Bd8Kg753.Rc7! Kxg4 Kh660.Bd6Kg761.h5 gxh5+ 62. Bd8 Kh757.Bc7Kg758.g4hxg4 59. Rd6 Kf748.Bf6Nc549.Kf4Nd750.Rc6 opponent anychances. 53. ...Rxc754.Bxc7Kf755.Kg5 Kg756. 44. ...Kg745.Be7!Rc746.Bd8Rb747. Kf4 Kf743.Kg5a444.a3! 39. Bxe6fxe640.Kg2Kf741.Kf3Ke842. 36. ...Kg837.Kh2g638.Bh3Kg7 h4 33. Qd1Kh734.Qf1!Qxf1+35.Bxf1h536. 30. ...Qg531.Qd2Qh432.g3Qh3?! 29. Rd1Nd730.Rxd4 28. ...Qd8 28. Bd6! 27. ...Qd7? endgame, afterwhichWhitedoesn’t givehis a seeminglybalancedposition. material balance.)29....Qxe430.Rc3Qxe5with Nxe5 andBlackwillwinthec4-pawnrestoring White’s piecesintodisarray.29.Rxd3(29.Bxd3 28. Rd1bestwouldbe...d3!whichthrows to gettheknightintoplaywith...Nxe5.After but thismovemeetsapowerfulrefutation. bxc5 41.Ra4withaneasywin. could immediatelybreakthroughwith40.c5! first byimprovingtheking. allows formorepotentialcounterplay. slightly moredifficult,asthepresenceofqueens 32. ...Qd8wouldhavemadeWhite’stask simplifying theconversiontask.Thealternative a lotofmaterial. without amove. can play29.Bxb8!andBlackwouldbeleft knight onb8andpinthepawnc4.SoWhite rook isnowoverloaded,needingtodefendthe tactical means. Moreover, Whitedefendstheb5-pawnthrough White’s armyisreadytoregroupbehind. will allowWhitethechancetomakeprogress. the position,butitisBlacktomove,which this endgame. Raj showstremendouspatienceinconverting The move27....Nd7!wasneeded,threatening Now 28....Qxb5??wouldn’tworkasBlack’s The bishopdominatesBlack’scampas Supporting thepawnandthreateningQxb5, Trading intoawinningbishopversus knight It seemslikeWhitehasnowayofimproving In caseof38....Bxh339.Kxh3Nf8,White Now Whitecanimprovehispositionfreely, This allowsWhitetoforceatradeofqueens, Despite Black’sblockade,twopawnsarequite Nxd6+ 78.cxd6Kb879.d7Kb7 Nb6 75.c5Nc876.b6Ka877.Kb5 Kc8 72.Kb4Kb773.a5bxa5+74.Kxa5 Kb4 Kb769.Kxa4Ka770.Kb371.a4 Black resigned. 80. Kc5!Ka681.d8=QKb782.Qc7+, Also playingacrucialrolewasPrathima, Raj’s throughout thedayandtookanimportant nap mother, whowouldmakesure heatewell “RAJ” CHENNAREDDY,ERICKZHAO,NICOCHASIN,ANDEVELYNQIAO. BRINGING HOMETHEBLING!OURMEDALWINNERS,CLOCKWISE,FROMUPPERLEFT:YUVRAJ there, takinghimselfto8/8.Itseemslikea and analyzesomecriticallinesover theboard. 30 minutes,wherewewouldreview hisprep before eachround. ReadersmaythinkI’mbeing prepare viaSkypewithhismaincoach,GM meet withme(hisassignedcoach) forabout p.m. daily,Rajwasabletogetintoanicegroove. dominant performance,buteverygamehadits Mesgen Amanov.Afterprep,hewouldcome facetious, butI’m not!Properrestandnutrition own struggles.Witheachroundstartingat4 On themorningofeachround,hewouldfirst Raj earnedfivemorehard-foughtwinsfrom A finalstalematetrap,justincase. nentoa / International (see diagramtop ofnextpage) Spain, 11.15.2018 Open 2018(11),SantiagodeCompostela, World CadetChessChampionship U-10 Erick Zhao(FIDE1957,USA) Maksim Volkov(FIDE1971,RUS) A SURPRISINGBLUNDER including animportantlastroundwinwhen second ontiebreaks).Ericklostagameinround he tookadvantageofhisopponent’sblunder: outofhislast6, five butroaredbackwith5½ section totakesilver(tyingforfirstbuttaking who finishedwith9/11intheUnder10Open 10½/11. confidently, takinghisscoretoanastronomic having clinchedthetitleandwonhislastgame (Russia), Rajwentintohisfinalroundgame get intoacomfortablerhythm. almost surelyleadtobetterperformanceover the board,andIbelievethesethingshelpedRaj Our nextbestperformerwasErickZhao, With hisroundtendrawagainstLevZverev World YouthandCadet www.uschess.org 41 International / World Youth and World Cadet

It turns out this natural move can be punished FRENCH DEFENSE, with active play. Better is 6. ... Bd7 which leads TARRASCH VARIATION (C03) to more solid play. Shiyan Shen (FIDE 2187, CHN) FM Nico Chasin (FIDE 2189, USA) 7. c4! World Cadet Chess Championship U-12 A strong idea, opening up White’s queen to Open 2018 (11), Santiago de Compostela, join the attack with Qa4. Spain, 11.15.2018 7. ... Bf5?! 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Be7 4. e5 c5 5. c3 Another slip, as this bishop is needed to cxd4 6. cxd4 Qb6 7. Ndf3 Bd7 8. Bd3 Bb5 defend against the pin with ... Bd7. The move 9. Ne2 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Qa6 11. Qxa6 Nxa6 7. ... dxc4 should have been played, even though 12. a3 Bd8 13. Nc3 Nc7 14. 0-0 Ne7 15. AFTER 17. ... Rad8 after 8. Nc3 e6 9. Qa4ƒ White would get a nice Be3 Nc6 16. Nd2 18. Qd2?? initiative. A surprising blunder, taking away the only 8. Nc3 e6 9. c5! potential escape square for White’s knight on Seizing the initiative. In some cases, it would e4. be better to castle first, but here White is fully 18. ... f5! justified to start creating threats and here Evelyn is able to create a threat with every next move. Great alertness from Erick, catching White’s knight in the center of the board. 9. ... Qc7 10. Bf4 19. exd4 exd4 Developing with tempo (threatening a dis - covery against the queen). Calmly recapturing as 19. ... fxe4? would quickly lose his extra piece back after 20. d5. 10. ... Qc8 11. Qa4 20. Rfe1 fxe4 21. Rxe4 Qd7 22. b4 Now White is winning material by force, as 16. ... f5! Black isn’t able to defend the knight on c6 with White tried, but ultimately couldn’t find any A useful move, taking space while giving ... Bd7. real compensation for the piece. White the option to give up his advanced e- 11. ... Ne4?! 22. ... axb4 23. axb4 Bf5 24. Rxe8+ Rxe8 pawn. 25. Qf4 Nxb4 26. Bf1 b6 27. Ba3 Nc2 28. A final error after which White wins by 17. exf6 e.p. Bb2 Re1 29. Qd2 Rxd1 30. Qxd1 Nb4 31. force. Relatively best was 11. ... a6 in order to The continuation 17. f4 Kd7 would be equal Qb3 Nc6 32. Qa4 Ne5 33. Qa8+ Kh7 34. force White to give up the light-squared bishop. but more comfortable for Black in the long Ba3 Bxd3 35. Bg2 Bxc4 36. h5 d3, White 12. Bxc6+ bxc6 13. Nxc6 Nd7. White has won resigned. run, as White is stuck with a bad bishop. a pawn and should win anyway, but would still With this win taking him to nine points, it have some work to do. 17. ... Bxf6 seemed like Erick would also take gold in his 12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Bxc6+ Kd8 14. Bxa8 The drawback of White’s choice is that now section. Unfortunately, a late endgame blunder Qxa8 15. Qa5+ Ke8 16. Nb5 Qd8 17. Qxa7 the d4-pawn needs protection. allowed Jin Yueheng (China) to win and also Be7 18. f3 Nf6 19. Bd6 reach nine points, with Jin taking gold on 18. Nb3?! tiebreaks. Black has forfeited her castling rights, so the The wrong way. The move 18. Nf3 was more king on e8 is basically a sitting duck for White’s flexible, after which White is not worse. Evelyn Qiao was not one of the favorites to pieces. Evelyn is able to finish off the attack in win the Under 8 Girls section; in fact, she didn’t style, ending with a nice forced mate. 18. ... b6! even have a FIDE rating going into the event. 19. ... Qd7 20. Qb8+ Qd8 21. Nc7+ Kd7 22. Restricting the newly placed knight, which But after starting with just 1½/3, she found Qb5+ Kc8 23. Qa6+ Kd7 24. c6+! Kxd6 is now really passive. her form and scored 7/8 in the rest of the 25. Nb5 mate. 19. Rac1 Kd7! 20. f4 g6 tournament to finish with 8½/11, good for clear third place and the bronze medal. Evelyn’s Black’s last few moves have been all about Our final medal winner was FM Nico Chasin, final game is worth showing, as she quickly restriction, but the position has greatly im - who also was not one of the favorites in his grabbed the initiative in the opening and won proved. Next is a transfer of the knight from section, the Under 12 Open. However, Nico the game swiftly to earn the bronze: c7 to the much better square d6. was ambitious from the start and succeeded when he faced his first real challenge in round 21. Ne2 Nb5 22. Bf2 Rac8 23. Rc2 Nd6 CARO-KANN DEFENSE (B10) five against fellow American FM Christopher WCM Evelyn Qiao (FIDE UNR., USA) points out a cute tactical idea: 23. Yoo, the second overall seed. A clutch final CM Wiktoria Smietanska (FIDE 1506, POL) ... Na5! 24. Rxc8 Rxc8 25. Nxa5 Rc2!, winning round win allowed Nico to reach 8½/11 and World Cadet Chess Championship U-08 back the piece and more. take bronze thanks to good tiebreaks over Girls 2018 (11), Santiago de Compostela, Arthur Guo (USA), who also finished with 24. Nd2?! Spain, 11.15.2018 8½/11 but had to settle for fourth place. Here’s Blundering, though White was already in a 1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Ne5 Nf6 the final round game that got Nico to 8½: tough position. 5. d4 Nc6 6. Bb5 Qb6?! (see game top of next column) 24. ... Nxd4!

42 February 2019 | Chess Life International / World Youth and World Cadet

A well-calculated combination based on a Not trading is a good decision, as Black’s Kd1 h5 59. Ra8 Nc4 60. Rd8+ Ke4 61. Bc5 couple of important in-between checks. rook can be used to target White’s weaknesses. Nxb2+ 62. Ke2 d3+ 63. Ke1 Rc6 64. Re8+ Kd5 65. Bf2 Re6+ 66. Rxe6 Kxe6 67. Kd2 25. Nxd4 29. Rc2 Nc4 30. Kf2 b5 31. Ke2 Re3+ 32. Kd5 68. Kc3 Nd1+, White resigned. Kf2 Rb3 33. Ke2 a5 34. Bc3 b4 35. axb4 Even worse is 25. Rxc8? which allows Black axb4 36. Bd4 Kd6 37. Rc1 e5 to snag a piece: 25. ... Nxe2+ 26. Kh1 before The greedy 37. ... Nxb2 would allow some All in all, it was a long and tough event. In recapturing the rook: 26. ... Rxc8; 25. Bxd4 the “Best Team” competition, awarded to the would be similar to the game after 25. ... Rxc2 unnecessary counterplay after 38. Be5+ Ke7 39. Rc7+ Kd8 40. Rxh7. nation that scores the most gold medals (fol - 26. Bxf6 Rxd2 27. Bxh8 Rxe2. lowed by counting silver and bronze medals in 38. fxe5+ Nxe5 39. Rf1 Nc6 40. Bg7 d4 41. 25. ... Bxd4 26. Bxd4 case of a tie), the USA placed third behind China Rb1 Kd5 (first) and India (second), who each scored two The try 26. Rxc8 shows the second point: It took Nico some time, but with methodical gold medals. 26. ... Bxf2+! 27. Rxf2 Rxc8 and Black has a technique he was eventually able to collect the While we had some successes, quite a few clean extra pawn. full point: players, as usual, didn’t meet their own expecta - 26. ... Rxc2 27. Bxh8 Rxd2 42. Kd2 Na5 43. Kc2 Re3 44. Rd1 b3+ 45. tions. But the best part of this tournament, in my opinion, was making memories and having Black has emerged a pawn up with a decisive Kc1 Nc6 46. Kd2 Nd8 47. Ra1 Nc6 48. Ra3 Re7 49. Bf6 Rf7 50. Bh4 Rb7 51. Bg3 Rb5 the chance to compete against the best players advantage, as Black’s pieces are also quite active. 52. Bc7 Ke4 53. Bd6 Na5 54. Ra4 Kd5 55. from over 100 countries, all under one roof, 28. Rf2 Rd3! Ba3 Nc4+ 56. Kd3 Ne5+ 57. Ke2 Rb6 58. representing your flag.

many of our leading players. The main culprit everyone as soon as the day started. One oddity for that, not counting the costs associated with worth mentioning: In accordance with the    going to such a tournament, was the time of relatively new FIDE anti-cheating measures, By FM AVIV FRIEDMAN year—the second half of October, when schools players were inspected daily for electronics of are in full force. any kind, which were forbidden from the If I asked you to guess how many of our 29 playing hall. As Ambica Yellamraju, who played n annual ritual among the players, players were male or female, what would your in the Girls under 14, told me, even her shoes parents, and coaches who regularly answer be? Certainly, in our male-dominated were wanded when she was selected for a Aattend World Youth events is to check game, many would assume that I am hinting random check! Of course, nothing was found, the FIDE calendar for upcoming venues. at some unevenness in my question, and so the and she was quickly cleared. Recently, when we saw that Greece was to host the World Youth Chess Championships—the flagship competition for youngsters ages 14- If I asked you to guess how many of our 29 18—for the sixth time since the start of the millennium, we sighed with relief. players were male or female, what would For the third time in a decade, the organ - izers—headed by IO Nikos Kalesis—chose Porto your answer be? Carras, a resort complex on the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, to host the 2018 event. response might be lopsided in favor of the While our players didn’t win any medals this Organizers smartly stuck to the rule that you males, but it was quite the opposite! Our team’s year, I was extremely proud of them. Not only need not change a winning team by appointing composition was 23 girls, and only six boys! did they lead by example of good sportsmanship, IA Panagiotis Nikolopoulous (who was the chief No less incredible was the fact that 14 of our but their fighting spirit was commendable. arbiter in the 2016 GM Magnus Carlsen-GM girls, nearly half the team, were playing in the Especially worthy of note are Cindy Zhang, Sergey Karjakin World Championship match), Girls under 14. who in 11 games had 11 decisive games(!), tournament director IA Sotirios Logothetis, and A special treat awaited those who arrived a Albert Liang, Ashley Xing, Yassi Ehsani, Simona an able team of arbiters to once again be in bit earlier to overcome jet lag and acclimate. Nayberg, Ari Hoesly, and Arya Kumar, with charge of officiating for the tournament. The same venue hosted the European Chess only one draw in the entire competition. Armed with this encouraging information— Club Cup—a team competition that sported Two players finished in the top 10: and after many months of planning—the U.S. many elite players, including World Champion Missourian Thalia Cervantes, in the Girls under team of 29 players, their families, four team Magnus Carlsen, who played for the Norwegian 16 girls section, with 7½/11, and New Yorker coaches, and yours truly as head of delegation club. Some of our youngsters (and parents!) Evelyn Zhu, with a similar score in the Girls crossed the pond to partake in this year’s event, were elated to see Carlsen in action; some even under 14 girls. This was Thalia’s debut in a held from October 19-31, 2018. While our took photos with him. World Youth event, and her fine score was in delegation was the third largest—after Russia The event was well run, as expected. Even line with her recent significant improvement. and the host federation of Greece—it wasn’t as the gloomy weather favored us, with rain See the following example of her aggressive large as I had anticipated, and it did not include falling at night, and a warm sun welcoming style of play:

www.uschess.org 43 International / World Youth and World Cadet

IN HER ELEMENT 22. Rac1 Rac8 23. Bc3 Qb8 WFM Thalia Cervantes Landeiro (FIDE 2129, This knee jerk reaction of moving the queen USA) away from the same file as the opponent’s rook WFM Aashna Makhija (FIDE 2197, IND) is the final mistake. Watch Thalia as she goes FIDE World Youth Chess Championships - into high gear: girls 16 (4), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.22.2018 24. d5! exd5 25. Ne5! The superiority of the white pieces is evident. It’s easy to optically appreciate how the board is split in half from Black’s point of view: most of her pieces are far deep on the queenside, while her king is feeling lonely (and soon AFTER 24. ... Bxd4 drafty!) on the other side. It only takes one look at the unmatched black 25. ... Kg8 bishop on d4, to know that Black is for choice here. White quickly moved his attacked rook from g1, but perhaps he should have at least tempted his opponent with a pseudo-sacrifice AFTER 9. ... Nxd5 of the Exchange: Black just captured on d5 with his knight 25. Re1 instead of the much more natural e-pawn. In the continuation 25. exf5 Bxg1 26. fxe6 Perhaps she naively expected Thalia to sheep - Rf2 27. Be2 Rxg2 28. e7 with ideas like Nd5 ishly defend c3. Thalia reacts correctly: and Rf1, White has some fighting chances, but 10. a3 Bxc3 of course, Black may just recapture calmly on f5 instead. In the game Black simply pushes the Now White gets a fluid center, along with a white army off the board. bishop pair for no compensation. 25. ... f4 Maybe she was planning to play 10. ... Nxc3 No better is 25. ... Rf8 26. Nxd7. 11. axb4 Nxd1 12. bxa5 Nxb2, not realizing Now Black adds a mobile pawn majority on that after 13. Bc3 her knight is toast; saving 26. Nxf7! the kingside to his list of advantages. the bishop for defensive purposes was the best Thalia in her element. 26. Qe2 route 10. ... Be7!?. 26. ... Kxf7 The line 26. Nd5 Bxd5 27. cxd5 Be3 28. Rxe3 11. bxc3 Qc7 12. c4 Nf6 13. Bd3 b6 14. 0-0 fxe3 29. Qxe3 Rf1 wasn’t much fun either. Nbd7 After 26. ... Re8 27. Nxh6+ gxh6 28. Qxh6 26. ... g4 27. Nd5? Black doesn’t have any apparent weaknesses, is just overwhelming. but it is clear that it is White who’s having all 27. Qe6+ Kf8 28. Bg6, Black resigned. This impatient move simply hastens the end. the fun. She has a lot of useful moves to choose White should have suffered patiently with 27. from and enjoys a pleasant space advantage. Good job, Thalia! Rc2. What’s more, Black needs to calculate potential 27. ... Bxd5 28. cxd5 pawn advances, especially d4-d5. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention nine- The other capture, 28. exd5 would have been 15. a4 Bb7 16. Re1 Rfd8 year old Abhimanyu Mishra, our youngest team answered the same way. member, who qualified to play in the World 16. ... Rfe8 makes more sense; whenever Cadet, but chose to challenge himself by playing 28. ... f3 29. gxf3 gxf3 30. Qc2 White might play d4-d5, Black would at least in the under 14 open, with much older and The continuation 30. Qd2 Rhg8 is also have a say on the e-file. higher rated kids. Abhi, who recently became curtains. the youngest chess master (and currently holds 17. Qe2 h6?! 30. ... f2 31. Rf1 Be3 the record for youngest chess expert), in the This weakening of the kingside pawn struc - history of US Chess, is a name to remember. Abhi is cashing in on his fine work. ture is a testimony that Black is playing from Super talented and always eager to improve, 32. Bg4 Bxc1 33. Kxc1 c4 move to move, without a concrete plan. his level and style of play are admirable! Enjoy The prettiest of the available moves. The 18. a5 Bc6 19. h3 Qb7 20. a6 his second-round tour de force against an unsuspect ing opponent: black queen is coming to visit. Not bad, but the challenging 20. Kh1 would 34. dxc4 Qe3+ 35. Kd1 Rf4 36. Qe2 have proven Black’s shortcomings. After 20. ... Bxf3 21. gxf3 White will use the g-file to TOUR DE FORCE The line 36. Bf5 Rxf5 37. exf5 Re8 would increase the pressure against the vulnerable Elbion Redenica (FIDE Unr., KOS) have been a cute finish. For example: 38. Qxf2 black king. CM Abhimanyu Mishra (FIDE 2149, USA) (38. Qd2 Qe4 39. Rxf2 Qb1+ 40. Qc1 Re1+) FIDE World Youth Chess Championships - 38. ... Qd3+ 39. Kc1 Qxc4+ 40. Kb1 Re2. 20. ... Qc7 21. Qe3 Kh8?! open 14 (2), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.21.2018 36. ... Qd4+ 37. Kc2 Rxe4 At least Black could have played the more useful 21. ... Re8. (see diagram top of next column) After 37. ... Rxg4 38. Qxg4 Qxc4+ and the

44 February 2019 | Chess Life International / World Youth and World Cadet f1-rook is lost as well. This is a serious mistake. Now the e3-pawn 38. Qxf2 Qxf2+ 39. Rxf2 Rxc4+ 40. Kb3 falls, and the black pawn structure is very Rxg4 41. Rf6 Rg5 42. Rxd6 Kc7 43. Re6     unstable. Rxd5 44. Re2 Rh5, White resigned.     18. Rxc3 Rd8 19. Qc1 Na6 20. 0-0 Nc7 21. Rxe3 Nd5 22. Re5 Bd7 23. Nd4 Very forceful play by young Abhi! Once again, Two Sigma Investments graciously sponsored our world Many players would have folded quickly in These games (and many more!) were youth delegations. Their generous this discouraging position as Black. Aydin puts reviewed by our great group of team coaches donation made possible the team up a strong fight. in our own private team room, where coached uniforms as well as other items, such 23. ... Rac8 24. Rfe1 players went to have their games analyzed. Our as the team dinners, which enhanced dedicated coaches this year were GM John the experiences for our teams. Stronger was 24. Bh3! Fedorowicz, GM Nick de Firmian, GM Robert Hungaski, and IM Andranik Matikozyan, who Two Sigma Investments was 24. ... Qf8 25. f5 Rxc5 26. Qb2 Nc7 indefatigably prepared our players in the founded in 2001 on the belief that morning as well. Halfway through the event, innovative technology and data on the evening of the free day, our entire science could help discover value in delegation enjoyed a delicious team dinner at the world’s data. Today, Two Sigma a popular seafood restaurant called Ta Kymata drives transformations in many (“The Waves” in Greek), located in Neos industries including investment Marmaras, a small, picturesque village adjacent management and insurance. to the resort. This wonderful experience, which helped bond the team and raised our spirits and morale, was sponsored by a generous first one a human would look at, is wrong as donation from Two Sigma, one of the world’s well. Black should go for 9. ... Qf6! 10. Bg5 leading hedge funds. For the past four years, Qxg5 11. cxd5 0-0. Black has a significant lead Two Sigma also has provided our team with in development for his pawn. Practically lovely uniforms that are worn proudly by our The critical moment in the game, but White speaking, it is also a very testing position to team members and coaches. loses his head, and misses a simple equalizing play as White if you’re not a computer. One of our team’s pre-tournament favorites tactic. was Aydin Turgut, who in the past two years 10. g3 Qxc4 11. e4 Qc3+ 12. Bd2 Qe5 27. fxe6? played on top boards and was a candidate for a After 27. Nxe6 Rxe5 28. Qxe5 Bxe6 29. fxe6 medal. This year, he started strongly with 4½/5, Black’s position is hopeless. but a mid-tournament slump put an end to his medal hopes. His third-round win against a 27. ... Rxe5 28. Rxe5 Bxe6! Romanian master, was a very interesting one, The weakness of White’s first rank saves where after a good opening, Aydin drifted into Black. a bad position, but tenaciously held, and even managed to turn the tables after a hard fight: 29. h4 Bc8 30. Qc3 White’s play from now on must have been NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE, influenced by his realization of his previous SÄMISCH VARIATION (E25) missed chance. Quickly matters go from bad to FM Mihnea-Ionut Ognean (FIDE 2291, ROU) worse, and he even manages to blunder and lose. Aydin Turgut (FIDE 2156, USA) The last several moves were forced, and now 30. ... Qd6 31. Nf3?! Nd5 32. Qc4 Be6 33. FIDE World Youth Chess Championships - White is at a crossroads. At our team room in Kh2 h6 open 14 (3), Chalkidiki, Greece, 10.21.2018 real time, some coaches were looking at this game, and the feeling was that Black is doing Black is up a pawn, but there is still a long 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 d5 5. well. The engine disagrees! fight ahead. Instead of the logical 34. Qd4, a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. dxc5 White overlooks a simple trick. f5 13. Rc1?! 34. Qe4?? Nf6 35. Qf4 Ng4+ 36. Kg1 A contemporary line in the Nimzo-Indian. The continuation 13. Bg2 fxe4 14. fxe4 0-0 Nxe5 37. Nxe5 Qd4+ 38. Qxd4 Rxd4 39. White compromised his pawn structure, hoping is what was expected, and after 15. Ne2 Ne7, Bxb7 Ra4, White resigned. to open lines, and quickly develop his pieces. White is slightly better after the simple: 16. Kudos to Aydin for keeping his composure Black stops the center advance of e2-e4, giving Rc1 Nbc6 17. Rf1!. throughout! up the e5-square forever. Now what? 13. ... fxe4 14. f4 Qf6 9. c4?! Best here was 14. ... Qf5! stubbornly holding Warm thanks for everyone in the delegation This natural alternative to 9. e4 is maybe the on to the e4- pawn. for being part of this event: US Chess Director first move one might look at, but it is not the 15. Ne2 0-0 16. Bg2 e3?! of Events Boyd Reed; Grant Oen and Pete best here. The modest 9. Nh3 is better. Karagianis, also from US Chess, who worked Black goes for a brave, but faulty, plan. Better on the logistics of the team; all the coaches; the 9. ... Qh4+ was 16. ... Qf5 or 16. ... Qg6. aforementioned organizers; and once more to But this tempting move—again, maybe the 17. Bc3 Nxc3? Two Sigma, for their continuous support!

www.uschess.org 45 Solitaire Chess / Instruction America’s Rising Star A teenaged Fabiano Caruana shows enormous talent in this 2010 game.

By BRUCE PANDOLFINI

EVER SINCE HE FIRST CAME ON THE move only after trying to guess it. If you guess 10. … Bf6 scene, Fabiano Caruana has been breaking records correctly, give yourself the par score. Sometimes Black begins to fight back in the center, and making news. When he was a child, for points are also awarded for second-best moves, hoping to gain some space.** several years I had the pleasure of seeing his and there may even be bonus points—or deduc- progress in weekly chess lessons. His enormous tions—for other moves and variations. Note that 11. h4 Par Score 5 talent was immediately obvious and so was his ** means that White’s move is on the next line.** The kingside assault begins, just in case Black real passion for chess. This month’s game was 7. Be3 Par Score 5 castles there. played in Fabiano’s late teenage years at the 2010 11. … h6 Reggio Emilia tournament. His oppo nent was With this move, White begins the plan of Konstantin Landa (Black). The game seemed to castling queenside. Accept full credit for 7. Bd3 This advance keeps the white pieces out of be going fairly evenly, when Fabiano began a or 7. Bc4. g5, but the h6-pawn now becomes a potential plan of attack that soon became irresistible, thanks 7. … Nc6 weakness.** to the American phenom’s precise execution. Black also could have reasonably castled.** 12. Nd4 Par Score 5 8. Qd2 Par Score 5 Fabiano is very good at finding little moves PETROFF DEFENSE (C42) to improve his position. Now on 12. ... 0-0-0, GM Fabiano Caruana (FIDE 2652, ITA) Fabiano continues his queenside develop - White has the annoying 13. Bb5 (1 bonus point). GM Konstantin Landa (FIDE 2664, RUS) ment, with the idea of castling on that wing. 12. … Nxd4 Torneo di Capodanno (9), Reggio Emilia, 8. … Be6 , 01.06.2010 Black decides to reduce the central tension Black, too, builds his game. The position is by exchanging a few pieces. With correct play, 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 about even. White has doubled c-pawns, but a the game is still roughly balanced.** Nxe4 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3 Be7 benefit is that he is able to use the center lines for attack.** 13. Bxd4 Par Score 5 9. 0-0-0 Par Score 5 Fabiano rejects straightening out his pawn structure in favor of keeping open the center. As per plan, White castles. Add 1 bonus point if This is consistent with the way he’s played the you realized that 9. ... Bxa2 would be answered opening. by 10. b3, walling in the bishop. 13. … Bxd4 9. … Qd7 Black is hoping that with fewer pieces on With this move, Black also has the option the board the position will be easier to hold.** of castling queenside. The game is still fairly 14. Qxd4 Par Score 5 level.** 10. Kb1 Par Score 5 Again, Fabiano uses the center for active piece play. Black’s g7-pawn is now threatened. Now ensure that the above position is set up A move often seen in similar positions and 14. … 0-0 on your chessboard. As you play through the indicative of Fabiano’s solid style. Before remaining moves in this game, use a piece of proceeding he makes sure his king and a-pawn Black defends the pawn by castling. White paper to cover the article, exposing White’s next are more secure. has the more aggressive position and the better

46 February 2019 | 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 71.

February Exercise: One way to study chess is to find a player you like and to try assimilating his or her style. That typically means employing the same openings and defenses, along with the player’s main strategies, setups and PROBLEM IV PROBLEM V PROBLEM VI ma neu vers. But how can you go about Mating net Mating net Mating net finding a suitable player to use as a paradigm? You can get a sense for compet itive nature by determining the usual number of moves players need to win, lose, and draw. Surprisingly, this average will provide an inkling of a player’s fighting qualities, and that’s a good thing to know about before committing yourself any further.

chances, but Black can probably still hold it Black unveils the e-file for the rook. He also 22. … c5 ** together with accurate play. is thinking about repositioning the bishop at This drives away the white queen, but it has 15. Rg1 Par Score 6 c6. But does he have the time?** a good place to retreat to.** 19. g5 Par Score 5 A nice attacking move. White positions the 23. Qd1 Par Score 5 king-rook to support the advance of the g-pawn. White threatens 20. gxh6, when taking back Now the h-pawn is menacingly menaced. 15. … Rae8 results in a devastating discovery along the g- file (1 bonus point if you saw this). 23. … Rfe8 Black eyes possible play along the open e- … Black is scrambling for defense and space. file. But maybe a better idea was getting his 19. h5 But it’s all about to fall apart.** queen into action, say 15. ... Qc6.** Black decides he must keep the g-file closed.** 24. Qxh5 Par Score 5 16. g4 Par Score 5 20. g6 Par Score 6 Once again, mate is threatened. The kingside pawn storm proceeds. Notice, Don’t prepare to do later what you can do at Fabiano doesn’t need to bring out his bishop, once! The g-pawn does not need direct support. 24. … fxg6 and now it has two diagonals to play with, f1- Give yourself 2 bonus points if you analyzed the Black stops the check at h7. White has several a6 and f1-h3. line 20. ... fxg6 21. Bd5+ Kh7 22. Rxg6 Kxg6 23. ways to win.** … Rg1+ Bg4 24. Rxg4+ hxg4 25. Qxg4+ Kh6 (25. 16. Qc6 25. Rxe6 Par Score 7 ... Kf6 26. Qg5 mate) 26. Qg5+ Kh7 27. Qh5 mate. Black aims to make his queen more meaning - 20. … Re7 A very nice finish! If 25. ... gxh5, then 26. ful on the queenside. But it may be a little late.** Rxe7+. If 26. ... Kf8, then 27. Rf7+ Kg8 28. 17. Bg2 Par Score 5 This defends f7, but a better try was 20. ... Rf5+ Re6 29. Bxe6+ Kh7 30. Rxh5 mate (1 Bc6. Nonetheless, White would still have the Black needs to get some counterplay and fast. bonus point); if 26. ... Kh8, then 27. Rxe8+ Kh7 attack.** 28. Bg8+ Kh8 29. Bf7+ Kh7 30. Bg6+ Kh6 31. 17. … Qa6 21. Bd5 Par Score 5 Rh8 mate (1 bonus point); if 26. ... Kh7, then 27. Black doubles down on his attack against the Rgxg7+ Kh6 28. Rh7+ Kg6 29. Be4+ Kf6 30. The threat is now to capture on f7, 22. gxf7+, a-pawn. This time, however, his threat seems Rhf7 mate (1 bonus point). White could have with mate to follow on g7 (1 bonus point). more serious.** played 25. Rxg6 (5 points partial credit), when 21. … Be6 25. ... Bxd5 is answered by 26. Qxd5+, but that 18. b3 Par Score 5 would have been prosaic compared to Fabiano’s Black tries to bolster f7 and end the pin. But Fabiano stops the invasion, once and for all. ingenious finish. Accordingly ... the attempt doesn’t quite succeed.** Now he continues with his own kingside 25. … Black resigned. campaign. 22. Rde1 Par Score 6 18. … Bd7 Fabiano pins the black bishop. See scoring box on page 71. PHOTO CREDIT:

www.uschess.org 47 The Practical Endgame / Instruction Procrastinate at Your Own Risk When you sense that the result of the game is hanging in the balance, do not put off important decisions.

By GM DANIEL NARODITSKY

CHESS PLAYERS OFTEN ASSUME THAT Believe it or not, this natural-looking move blitz games, entertaining as they are, carry little is the source of all of Black’s subsequent difficulties. instructional value. It seems to me that this But, as a matter of fact, it does not give away the assumption is motivated by two considerations. draw. Rather, it makes the draw harder to find. The first one is self-evident: the quality of the From a conceptual standpoint, the problem with game is necessarily circumscribed by the time this move is that the knight will have an extremely control, which affords virtually no possibility for difficult time reentering the game, saddling the deep calculation. The second reason is that top rook with a herculean defensive task. To this players are unlikely to reveal their main opening end, the most convincing path to a draw was 24. preparation in a blitz game, and they are also ... Nd3, a move that Wesley almost certainly unlikely to treat the game with quite the same rejected on account of 25. Rd1 (The line 25. Rc7 level of intensity as they would a classical game. AFTER 21. ... Rd8 a6 26. Na7!? is an interesting try, but after 26. ... But there are games that defy both of these Nb4! 27. Rxe7 Rd1+ 28. Kg2 Rd2 it is once again considerations. In today’s column, we examine 22. Qf3! White who must tread carefully), creating a just such an exception: a tremendously instruc - deeply unpleasant pin along the d-file. To Black’s tive endgame that featured objectively powerful That’s right, take the queens off the board rescue, however, comes a pretty tactical resource: chess and supreme fighting spirit from both and we have ourselves a ballgame! 25. ... Rd5! 26. Nxa7 (26. Nc3 Rd7 with ... Nc5 players. Make no mistake (no pun intended): 22. ... Qxf3 23. gxf3 to follow is an immediate draw) 26. ... Nxf4!, mistakes were made, in non-trivial quantities. The queen trade has not altered the objective restoring material equality and unpinning the But as we have previously discussed, learning evaluation, but it has confronted Black with rook. Following 27. Rxd5 Nxd5, White can try from others’ mistakes while reclining in a a concrete problem: once he moves the knight, to create an outside passed pawn with 28. Nc8!?, comfortable armchair can be equally effective— his queenside pawns will find themselves in a but after 28. ... b5 29. a4 bxa4 30. bxa4 Kf6 31. and certainly more fun—than drawing lessons rather uncomfortable position. Not only does Kg2 Ke6 Black’s active pieces more than from our own failings at the board. Nxa7 become possible, but also a rook infiltra- compensate for the passed a-pawn. If anybody tion to the seventh rank can lead to even must exercise caution, it is White. FIGHTING SPIRIT greater material losses. Sensing the danger, 25. Kg2 Nh4+ 26. Kf1 GM Hikaru Nakamura (FIDE 2893, USA) Wesley decides to move the knight with GM Wesley So (FIDE 2771, USA) tempo: India Chess International Blitz open, 23. ... Ne5! , India, 11.13.2018 Now, 24. Nxa7 leads exactly nowhere due (see diagram top of next column) to 24. ... Rd2, when it is White who must worry We join the battle in a position that looks about maintaining the balance. about as interesting as, uh, one of the chapters 24. f4 in Moby Dick on the art of whaling. However, Hikaru chases away the knight and renews a quick draw is not in Hikaru’s vocabulary, and the aforementioned threats. he finds the only way to inject a modicum of life into the position: 24. ... Nf3+?!

48 February 2019 | Chess Life The Practical Endgame / Instruction

PROBLEM I: 1500 LEVEL PROBLEM II: 2000 LEVEL Practicum GM Wesley So (2808) GM Hikaru Nakamura (2893) GM Santosh Gujrathi Vidit (2660) GM Wesley So (2771) Each month GM Naroditsky will present India Chess International, 2018 India Chess International, 2018 two problems taken from actual games that illustrate the theme of this month’s column. Your task is to find the best line of play. Problem I should be solveable by a player at roughly a 1500 rating and Problem II by a player roughly at a 2000 rating.

See the solutions on page 71.

WHITE TO MOVE BLACK TO MOVE

Black has succeeded in disentangling his 27. ... Rxc7 28. Nxc7 Nf3 from a human perspective, with seconds remain - ing on the clock, it is virtually impossible to knight, but now he needs to make a pivotal The move 28. ... Nf5 was slightly more unearth the correct move. Doing so requires decision between the measured 26. ... Rd7 and circumspect, but Wesley has the right idea. the more active, but potentially more dangerous, following a complex logical process that will 26. ... Rd2. The correct move keeps objective 29. Ke2 Ng1+ 30. Kf1 Nf3 take even a top grandmaster several minutes. equality, but that is beside the point. By taking Not falling for the prosaic trap 30. ... Nxh3?? In fact, you, dear reader, will have the opportu - the most precise route two moves earlier, 31. Kg2. nity to find this move in the second exercise. Wesley could have avoided this decision in the Suffice it to say that all of the preceding draws— first place. This leads me to an important 31. Nb5 a5 32. Ke2 Ng1+ 33. Kf1 Nf3 whether 24. ... Nd3 or 26. ... Rd2—were observation, which I have shared before in this He doesn’t fall for it again! in com parably more straightforward. column and which I originally heard from my 34. Nc7 e6 42. ... Nd2+? coach GM Lev Psakhis: When you are fight- ing to make a draw, it is important to dem - Stopping Nd5. White’s problem is that the Wesley maneuvers his knight to c3, from onstrate precision from the get-go. By knight, as a general rule, is not particularly good where it will pick off the a2-pawn and keep b4 procrastinating, you will make the draw at hunting down pawns. Hikaru can—and does— defended. However, the b4-pawn will become harder and harder to attain, and risk totally force the pawns onto more vulnerable positions, easy pickings for the king and knight. losing control over the position. but the possibility of ... Nd2+ means that White’s 43. Ke2 Nb1 44. Nc4 Nc3+ 45. Kd3 Nxa2 pawns are not safe either. 26. ... Rd7? 46. Nxa5 Ke7 47. Kc4 35. Ke2 Ng1+ 36. Kf1 Nf3 37. Na8 b5 38. In a blitz game, it is incredibly difficult to Ke2 Ng1+ 39. Kf1 Nf3 40. Nc7 b4 41. Ne8+ resist this move. However, with the knight Kf8 42. Nd6 offsides, White is afforded a golden opportunity. After 26. ... Rd2!, White simply does not have enough firepower to keep his own queenside together, and he has nothing better than to settle for 27. a4 Rb2! 28. Nxa7 (28. Rc3 Rb1+ 29. Ke2 Rb2+ and White should not avoid the perpetual) 28. ... Rxb3 29. Nc8 Nf5! 30. Rc6 Rb1+ 31. Kg2 Rb2 and Black musters up just enough activity to keep things together. 27. Rc7? The game is effectively over. Black is Hikaru responds with an instructive mistake completely tied up, so White can slowly maneu - in his own right. The logic behind this move is ver his knight around to d3. After the booty ironclad: White eliminates the piece that keeps It is in this position that GM Psakhis’ maxim has been secured, the extra passed pawn decides Black’s position together, leaving him with a truly shines through. Hikaru has finally in straightforward fashion. succeeded in forcing Black’s pawns onto terribly awkward knight and a wide-open 47. ... Kd7 48. Nb7 Nc3 49. Nc5+ queenside. However, this move fails concretely, extremely vulnerable squares, and he threatens as Black has just enough time to bring his knight to pick one of them off with Nc4 or Nb7. If The immediate 49. Kxb4 also did the trick, back into the game. The cold-blooded 27. Ke2!, the a5-pawn falls, it will only be a matter of but Hikaru prefers to err on the side of caution. defending the d2-square and preparing Rc8, time until White creates a passed pawn on the 49. ... Kc6 50. Nd3 Nd1 51. Nxb4+ Kd6 52. would have essentially compelled Black to enter queenside, effectively deciding the game. From Nd3 f6 53. b4 g5 54. fxg5 fxg5 55. Kb3! an extremely unpleasant rook ending with 27. the computer’s perspective, nothing special has ... Nf5 28. Rc8 Nd6 29. Nxd6 exd6. His drawing occurred: yes, Wesley played imprecisely here The last finesse. chances here are excellent, but defending this and there, but the correct move in this position 55. ... h5 56. Kc2 g4 57. Kxd1 gxh3 and position in a blitz game is no trivial task. keeps the balance. And therein lies the rub: Black resigned.

www.uschess.org 49 2019 World Amateur Team U.S. Amateur Team Championship East

February 16-18, 2019 Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054

See TLA section of this issue for complete details. Please bring your set and clock (and teammates!). 50 January 2019 | Chess Life Grand Prix / Junior Grand Prix

2018 US CHESS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS NAME STATE PTS. 2018 AWARDS 1 GM FIDEL CORRALES JIMENEZ MO 352.98 2 GM NY 271.68 $12,500 3 GM PA 235.97 IN CASH PRIZES! 4 GM SERGEY ERENBURG PA 229.41 5 GM ILLIA NYZHNYK MO 226.80 FIRST PRIZE: $5,000! 6 GM TIMUR GAREYEV KS 212.46 2nd: $2,500 | 3rd: $1,000 7 GM ALEX SHIMANOV MO 193.41 8 GM MA 179.97 4th: $900 | 5th: $800 9 IM JOHN DANIEL BRYANT CA 169.15 6th: $700 | 7th: $600 10 GM ALEXANDER FISHBEIN NJ 161.59 8th: $500 | 9th: $300 11 GM JOHN MICHAEL BURKE NJ 156.11 10th: $200 12 GM ANDREY STUKOPIN TX 154.12 13 MIKA BRATTAIN MA 131.17

14 IM JAY RICHARD BONIN NY 127.53 The Grand Prix point totals reflect all 15 GM RUIFENG LI TX 127.12 rated event information as of January 8, 2019 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 12858 MU, GRANT IN 5357 HENDERSON, JORDAN OR 4269 KUNAMNENI, MEGHANA MA 12082 ZENG, SHEENA KS 5705 LIU, ENMON PA 6734 SHANKAR, PRANAV NJ 11868 SHAWKAT, SAIF KY 6254 VAIJAEEPAY, VAISHNAVI RI 5038 FAN, JERRY NY 10297 MAYEUX, BENJAMIN THOMAS LA 4682 WEBB, NIKOLAI SC 1943 PHAM, LINDA IL 10224 KUNAMNENI, SUJAY MA 6732 TAO, ARTHUR SD 1366 GUO, ANDREW MD 6759 LI, ADAM TERR 2913 State Leaders State Pts. KALLOOR, DENNIS ME 3842 ZHAO, ERIC TN 4600 BRUNI, XAVIER AL 3119 SONG, JUSTIN MI 7781 OBEROI, SHELEV TX 7475 ORTIZ, PAULO AR 3518 KONEZNY, STUART MN 3936 RAY, UJAN UT 5581 REMPE, LENNIK AZ 5914 ZHOU, CELINA MO 8633 TAY, BRIAN VA 8400 RAJARAM, ANIKA CA-N 6660 GRIFFIN, GABRIEL MS 4693 COLLINS, ALEXANDER VT 3238 ANDRANIGIAN, ARMEN CA-S 7678 WALTHALL, THOMAS KASEY MT 4450 VEMPARALA, NIKASH WA 6239 AL-ADSANI, SAMI W CO 2543 DURBHA, ANTARA NC 6931 PHIPPS, DANIEL WI 6911 SU, JASMINE ZHIXIN CT 5524 WICKLUND, JOHN ND 852 ELLIS, ANYA WV 2182 STEINER, ADAMSON DC 7205 KOLLI, SAI NE 4009 MARES, ISAIAH WY 501 LUO, TERRY DE 8081 TIRUVEEDHULA, SUHAVI NH 2899 WU, DERRICK K FL 8566 SURALIK, DIANA SOPHIA NJ 9272 MYDUKUR, AMIT GA 8053 LUO, DANIEL NM 2190 CHEN, MARK Y A HI 4669 BAO, CHRIS NV 2559 LODH, ANJALI IA 5458 CHEUNG, RYAN NY 9936 SHEPARD, RIVER CHARLES ID 3278 SONI, ARJUN GORAKH OH 7664 CHIFLIKYAN, MICHAEL IL 9236 BARNES, MAXWELL OK 3276 Official standings for events received and processed by January 8, 2019.

51 OctoberJulyAugust 2018 2017 2018 | Chess | | Chess Chess Life Life Life www.uschess.org 51 Tournament Life / February 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 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North February 15-17 or 16-17 • according to the following schedule. However, Schaumburg, Illinois bids may be considered prior to these dates. 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - East February 16-18 • Parsippany, New Jersey US Chess reserves the right to decline all bids 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - West February 16-18 or 17-18 • Santa Clara, and organize the event itself. California For our expanded list of national events 2019 U.S. Junior Chess Congress February 23-24 • Cypress, California available for bid, see: www.uschess.org/con tent/view/12116/705/. 2019 National High School (K-12) Championship March 15-17 • Schaumburg, Illinois 2019 All-Girls National Championships April 12-14 • Chicago, Illinois RATING SUPPLEMENTS Rating supplements will be updated EACH 2019 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 26-28 • Grapevine, Texas MONTH on the US Chess website, and each 2019 U.S. Women’s Open June 11-12 • Las Vegas, Nevada monthly rating supplement will be used for all 2019 National Open June 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16 • Las Vegas, Nevada tournaments beginning in that month, unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The US Chess 2019 U.S. Senior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois website at www.uschess.org also frequently lists 2019 U.S. Junior Open June 28-30 • Naperville, Illinois unofficial ratings. The purpose of unofficial rat- ings is to inform you of your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for pairing FUTURE EVENTS (Watch for details) or prize purposes. If you would otherwise be 2019 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 10-12 • Nashville, Tennessee unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating 2019 U.S. Cadet (Invitational) Championship June 20-23 • Milpitas, California at their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy. 2019 U.S. Game/10 Championship July 26 • Charlotte, North Carolina 2019 U.S. Game/30 Championship July 27 • Charlotte, North Carolina NOTE The TLA pages “Information for Organizers, 2019 U.S. Game/60 Championship July 28 • Charlotte, North Carolina TDs, and Affiliates” and “Information for Play- 120th annual (2019) U.S. Open August 3-11 • Orlando, Florida ers” can now be found online at main.uschess.org/ 2019 U.S. Class Championships September 27-29 • Santa Clara, California go/tlainfo. 2019 K-12 Grade Championships December 13-15 • Lake Buena Vista, Florida PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS HEALTH AND 2020 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship December 27-30 • Char- BENEFITS FUND lotte, North Carolina Many Grand Prix tournament organizers will contribute $1 per player to the Professional 2020 National High School (K-12) Championship April 3-5 • Memphis, Tennessee Health & Benefits Fund. All Grand Prix tour- 2020 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 24-26 • Jacksonville, Florida naments which participate in this program are 2020 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 8-10 • Nashville, Tennessee entitled to be promoted to the next higher Grand Prix category—for example, a six-point 121st annual (2020) U.S. Open August 8-16 • Saint Charles, Missouri tournament would become a 10-point (Enhanced) 2020 K-12 Grade Championships December 11-13 • Orlando, Florida tournament. Points in the top category are pro- 2021 SuperNationals VII May 7-9 • Nashville, Tennessee moted 50%. 122nd annual (2021) U.S. Open July 31-August 8 • Cherry Hill, New Jersey ATTENTION AFFILIATES 2021 K-12 Grade Championships December 3-5 • Orlando, Florida US Chess has partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide 2022 National High School (K-12) Championship April 8-10 • Memphis, Tennessee US Chess affiliates with affordable annual lia- 2022 National Junior High School (K-9) Championships April 29-May 1 • Grapevine, Texas bility and short term event insurance. The liability coverage is available for approximately 2022 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 13-15 • Columbus, Ohio $265 per year for a $1,000,000 limit of insur- 123rd annual (2022) U.S. Open July 29-August 7 • Rancho Mirage, California ance. Also available is contents property and 2022 K-12 Grade Championships December 9-11 • National Harbor, Maryland bonding insurance. For more information, please go to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federation.html. For 2023 National Elementary School (K-6) Championships May 12-14 • Baltimore, Maryland event insurance, please go to www.rvnuccio.com. 2023 K-12 Grade Championships December 15-17 • Washington, District of Columbia

52 February 2019 | Chess Life See previous issue for TLAs appearing February 1-14

Nationals The Tournament Announcements on the following pages are provided for the convenience of US Chess members and for informational purposes only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither US Chess nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of US Chess Junior Grand Prix! FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, ILLINOIS anything contained in these tournament announcements. Those interested in additional information about or having questions 2019 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - NORTH con cerning any of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed. Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2-day: rd.1-2 G/60 d5. Hyatt Regency providing accurate typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibility for errors made in such work. Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. 847-605-1234, $100.00 chess rate single-double-triple-quad until 2/4/19, Free WiFI included with Effective with TLAs submitted after November 10, 2010, the following additional rules apply to Grand Prix Room! Please reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with one optional tournaments: 1) The guaranteed first prize must be at least $150. 2) No more than one prize under $100 may count alternate. Team average (4 highest ratings - January Rating List) towards the Grand Prix point total. 3) Prizes below the maximum entry fee do not count towards the Grand Prix point 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 PM by Feb. 9, total. Also include full time control noting increment or time delay even if delay is zero (d0). $200 on-line until Feb. 15 6 PM and at door. Individuals wishing to play (note: we can guarantee you will play, but won’t guarantee which schedule US Chess Junior Grand Prix: A Junior Grand Prix event must have four or more rounds with a time control or the ratings of your team), send $50 and request to be put on a team by greater than 65 min. Please see: www.uschess.org/data page/JGP-Rules.php for complete Rules. USPS and on-line by 2/10 6 PM, $60 thereafter. Team changes on site or after 2/15 6 PM $20. Check out official website www.chessweekend SUBMISSIONS: E-mail your TLA to: [email protected] (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand .com for more info and complete prize list. Prizes: Awards to top 3 Prix information check www.uschess.org/go/tlainfo and “Advertising” at uschess.org. Payment can be done online through teams, top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, u1300, and U1000. the TD/Affiliate area or sent to: US Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Awards for Best Team Name, best team composed of juniors (high school and younger), Top College Note: US Chess Junior Grand Prix events do not have to necessarily be Scholastic or Youth tournaments. They do, team, Top HS team, Top Senior team (50 and over), Top Mixed doubles however, have to have the required number of rounds and time control in order for scholastic and youth players to team, Best costume or theme. Prizes to top score on each board. Prizes are Amazon gift cards. Rounds: 3-day: onsite registration/check-in 5:30- gain JGP points for prizes. For more information, please see the JGP rules at http://www.uschess.org/ datapage/JGP- 6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 10:00am & 4:00pm, 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site Rules.php. registration/check-in from 8:00-9:30am, rds. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Midwest Blitz Championship on Saturday night, $550 b/30 entries, $25 by 2/13 USPS or on-line, $30 at site. First round 8 PM, 2 games Chess.com/usatw. Scholastic Event Prizes: Trophies to each player in a commemorative medal! Full list of trophies on tournament info page. with each opponent, 5 rounds, see www.chessweekend.com for details. Top 3 teams overall, Top u1200 team, u900 team, u600 team, u300 team. Side Events: 1. Blitz Tournament: 18 & Under, 12 & Under, G/5 d0, Sat- All: Register at www.kingregistration.com after 11/15/18. Checks Trophies to top “Girls” team, top “School” team, and top “Club” team. urday 8pm, Reg. onsite until 7:30pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 2/9/19, $25 on made payable to and sent to: ChessWeekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, Trophies to top two scorers on each board (1-4). Commemorative medals 2/10/19 or after. Trophies: Top 5 in each section. 2. Calculation Exercises IL 60423. Please include team’s name and roster (plus ID#), captain’s to all others. Scholastic Event EF: $179/team or $49/player by 2/11. Tournament: Saturday 8pm, Sections: Open and Under 1200. Reg. onsite email and phone number, and desired schedule. Info: www.chessweekend 2/12-17: $15 extra per player or $60 per team & Onsite. Sched: Onsite until 7:30pm. EF: $25 by 2/9/19, $30 on 2/10/19 or after. Puzzle Solving .com, [email protected] no phone calls please. Boards and Sets Registration: Sat 8-9a | Games @ Sat 10a 11:30a 1p 2:20p 3:40p. Info/flyer: Awards: Trophies to top 5 in each section. 3. Saturday K/8 Non-Rated will be provided, please bring clocks. www.BayAreaChess.com/usatws. Blitz Event: Registration Mon 6-7pm, Capture The King Tournament (For Beginning Players): For players Rounds 7:30-9:30pm. EF: $14, $16 onsite. 75% of entry fees returned as never playing in a tournament, or maybe 1 tournament but not sure they A Heritage Event! prizes. Contact: Organized by Judit Sztaray. Directed by Tom Langland, are ready to compete in Main Event. No USCF membership req’d. 5 Rd- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! John McCumiskey, and others. Sponsored by Bay Area Chess. Online entry DSS (Play each opponent twice). Rounds: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:45pm, FEB. 16-18, NEW JERSEY at www.BayAreaChess.com/my/usatw or mail to Bay Area Chess, 2050 2pm, 3:15pm.. Trophies: Top 5 Individual + 1st Place Club (2 players WORLD AMATEUR TEAM & 2019 U.S. TEAM EAST Concourse Drive #42, San Jose, CA 95131. For questions or help in forming needed, top 2 scores count). EF: $30 by 2/9/19, $40 on 2/10/19 or after. CHAMPIONSHIP teams email [email protected]. W. 4. Sunday Under 800 USCF Rated Tournament: Grades K/12, USCF 6SS, 40/2, SD/30 delay 5. Parsippany Hilton 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany,NJ membership req’d. Ratings on 2/20/19 will be official ratings used for 07054. Chess Rate valid until 1/17. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! this tournament. G/30 d5. 5 Rounds: 9:30am, 10:45am, 12:45pm, 2pm, 800-HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4- FEB. 23-24, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN 3:15pm. Trophies: Top 5 Individual, 1st and 2nd Place Under 400, + 1st player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest rat- 2019 U.S. JUNIOR CHESS CONGRESS Place Club (2 players needed, top 2 scores count). EF: $35 by 2/9, $45 on ings—2019 January Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $199 postmarked 5SS, G/90 d5. Cypress Community Center; 5700 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 2/10/19 or after. General Questions: Joe Hanley at 714-925-3195. by 2/5/19. ALL-$240 after or at door.—all teams, any changes at site $25 90630 6 Sections. 6 & Under, 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under. 14 & Registration: https://www.hanleychessacademy.com/2019NJCC.html. charge. ENTRY MAXIMUM IS 325 TEAMS. Enter early! Check out official Under, 16/18 & Under (merged but with separate awards). February 2019 See website for all information, rules & notes about the event, advance website www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4 digital Rating Supplement will be used. Only one 1/2-point bye available, any entries, awards, tournament rules/notes, and flyer. https://www.hanley- clocks; Top Team (Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, round except Round 5, if requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score chessacademy.com/2019NJCC.html 1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Digital Clocks; = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each club. First place Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque ; Top HS team individual and team, including ties, will be the National Champion for their US Chess Junior Grand Prix! (grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School (grades 5-9 same school), grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Saturday 9am. Rds.: Saturday 9:30am, MAR. 15-17, ILLINOIS Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams 1pm, 4:30pm, Sunday 9:30am, 1:30pm. Awards Ceremony: Approximately 2019 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (K-12) CHAMPIONSHIP (mixed schools okay) (Collins Award), Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females- 5 minutes after completion of final game in that section. EF: $60/participant 7SS, G/120 d5. Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 no alternates), Seniors (all players over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 postmarked or online by 12/20/19, $75 postmarked or online from 12/21/18 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173. Hotel Chess Rate $139 single/double, Digital Clocks to top team; Company Team (same employer), Family (4 – 2/9/19, $90 on 2/10/19 or after; $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $159 triple/quad. Guest rooms may be booked, NLT 2/19/2019 by calling family members), State teams—CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY (Benjamin $20 fee for roster or section changes after 2/22/19 or any onsite changes. (847) 303-4100 or (800) 468-3571, mention “US Chess”, or online at: Award), PA, VA, each plaque top team ; Special Plaque: Top Future team, Onsite registration Saturday 2/23/19 from 8am – 8:45am. Awards: https://book.passkey.com/go/USChess2019. 6 Sections: K-12 Championship, (all players under age 10), Top Military College, Top Parent/Child (2 Trophies to top individuals & top clubs in each grade. Every player receives K-12 U1900, K-12 U1600, K-12 U1200, K-12 U800 and K-12 Unrated. March pairs, one parent, one child), Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0 scores each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best “Chess related” name, Sunday night— Best “Chess Related costumes or gimmick”—1st-gourmet dinner for four. 2nd—Gourmet dinner for 4. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/16: Rds. 1- TOURNAMENT LIFE: ABBREVIATIONS & TERMS 7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Surprises and special give-aways each round. Sunday night—Bughouse $20 per team. Cash prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers allowed unless otherwise advertised. NEWLY RENOVATED! NEW LIGHTS! HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING! Chess rates expire 1/17/2019. Rates $123(Single, Double) $125 (Triple, BLZ: Blitz rated. Memb. Membership required; cost follows. Usually refers Quad) 2nd hotel attached to Hilton $130 per night (Single-Double) $132 QC: Quick Chess events. req’d: to state affiliate. (Triple, Quad)-Hampton Inn—-includes breakfast each day. For help A section open to all. Often has very strong forming teams and more information contact: [email protected]. $$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. Open: players, but some eligible for lower sections can Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/05/19 to: NJSCF, 17 Stonehenge Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed to Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name, Captain, players full $$b/x: play for the learning experience. payfull prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board order). No team 4-player round robin sections; similar strength can include more than two GM’s. Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, prize fund of $501 or more must be awarded. Quad: players. No registered or certified mail accepted. W. Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it US Chess Junior Grand Prix! inconvenient to play may take 1⁄2-point byes RBO: Rated Beginner’s Open. FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means 1⁄2-point Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For 2019 (35TH ANNUAL) U.S. AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP byes are available in Rounds 1 through 3. example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & - WEST 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the Scholastic on Feb. 16 only, Blitz on Feb 18 only. Santa Clara Convention CC: Chess club. second day. Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Free Parking! Teams: Four-player teams dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds. plus optional alternate, average rating of four highest must be under 2200, Reg: Registration at site. difference between ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than 1000. January +xx: Time increment, xx = number of seconds added 2018 Supplement, CCA min, & TD discretion used to place players accurately. after each move. RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds). Main Event Prizes: Special 4 commemorative clocks and team trophy to Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game the team for Top 3 overall teams, top team u2000, u1800, u1600, u1400, EF: Entry fee. SD/: follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each and u1200. Trophies to all players of the top “Female” team, top “College” Ent: Where to mail entries. team, top “High School” team, top “Elementary School” team, top “Club” player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then team, and top “Family” team. Clocks to top scorer on each board (1-4), FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating. complete the rest of the game in an hour. trophy to top reserve as well as second and third scorers on each board Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of (1-4). Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main Event EF: $299/team G/: SS: or $79/player by 2/10. 2/11-15: $20 extra per player or $80 per team & 75 minutes for the entire game. rounds). Onsite. A change fee equal to the late fee will apply for any changes, other GPP: Grand Prix Points available. Unr: Unrated. than bye requests within 3 days of the tournament. 3-day Sched: Onsite Registration @ Sat 9-10a, Round Times @ Sat & Sun 11a 4:30p, Mon 10a HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. 3:30p. Time Control: 40/120 SD/30 d5. 2-day Sched: Onsite Registration WEB: Tournaments that will use a player’s online rating. @ Sun 8-8:30a, Round Times @ Sun 9a 11:30a 2p 4:30p; Mon 10a 3:30p. Junior Grand Prix. Time Control: G/61 d5 in Rounds 1-3, 40/120 SD/30 d5 in Rounds 4-6 JGP: (merge in Round 4 with 3-day schedule). Info/flyer: www.BayArea

www.uschess.org 53 Tournament Life / February

Rating Supplement will be used. One 1/2-point bye available (limit one) – Fri. 11:00 am, EF $35/team. Blitz Tournament – Fri. 7pm, G5,d0, EF bye available in any round (limit 1). HR: $69 ($95 Friday and Saturday nights) any round if requested prior to the start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of $25 by 4/5, $30 after or on site. HR: single - quad $165 Reservations: (800) 732-7117 ask for the CHESS rates. This event kicks off the LAS VEGAS top four (minimum two) finishers from each school per section. K-12 Cham- (888) 421-1442. Reserve early rate may increase / sell out. Entries: INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL on Tuesday before the National Open. pionship first place individual and team, including ties, will be the National online/info at: www.rknights.org/allgirls or mail to RKnights, attn: All- ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or High School Champion. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 pm. Rds.: Girls, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065, include name, section, rating, online at www.VegasChessFestival.com. FIDE. W. Fri. 1 pm and 7 pm, Sat. 9 am, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun. 9 am-2 pm. Awards USCF ID#, date of birth, grade, school name city & state. Ceremony Sun., approx. 7 pm. EF: $60/participant postmarked or online An American Classic! by 2/25, $80 postmarked or online by 3/4, $95 online by 3/13, $100 on US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A Heritage Event! site; $10.00 extra for all phone registrations; $30 fee for roster or section APR. 26-28, TEXAS US Chess Junior Grand Prix! changes after 3/3 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 AM 2019 NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (K-9) CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA - 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM -11 AM. Players who register or change sections after 7SS, G/120 d5. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) 11 am on Friday will receive a 1/2-point bye for Rd.1. Players must disclose Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051. Hotel Chess Rate $155. Guest rooms may be 2019 NATIONAL OPEN any other, non-US Chess over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Awards: Trophies booked, NLT 4/4/2019 by calling (877) 382-7299 or (817) 778-2000, mention Open Section June 12-16: 9-SS, 40/90, SD/30, +30. GM & IM norms to top individuals & top teams in each section. Every player receives a “US Chess” or see www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/jhs/ to book possible. Under Sections June 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16: 7-SS, 40/90, commemorative item! Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. Side now! 6 Sections: K-9 Championship, K-9 U1250, K-9 Unrated, K-8 Cham- SD/30, +30 (3-day rounds 1-2 G/60, +10, 2-day rounds 1-4 G/30, Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9 -10 am, $25/team. pionship, K-8 U1000 and K-8 U750. April Rating Supplement will be used. +5). Beginners Section June 14, 15, and 16: 6-SS G/30, +5. West- K-12 Blitz: Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 3/26, $25 Maximum one 1/2-point bye available any round if requested prior to the gate Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas 89109. $$100,000 after or at site. Class trophies will be awarded in main event and in Blitz. start of Rd. 1. Team score = total of top four (minimum two) finishers Guaranteed Prize Fund will not be reduced! In 8 sections, top 2 FIDE Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. General questions: Contact from each school per section. K-9 Championship first place individual and rated. Open: $8,000-4,000-2,000-1,000-600-500-400-300-300-300, top Susan Kantor at 931.787.1234 ext. 136 or by email: [email protected]. team, including ties, will be the National Junior High School Champion. under 2500 $2,500, top under 2400 $2,400, Extra $2,500 divided among Team Room questions: Contact Pete Karagianis at 931.200.9477 or by Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:45 pm. Rds.: Fri. 1 pm and 7 pm, GMs, WGMs and foreign IMs winning less than $250 and playing 9 email: [email protected]. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: Sat. 9 am, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun. 9 am-2 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun., approx. rounds. The winner of the Open section also receives a replica of the 2019 HS Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at 7 pm. EF: $60/participant postmarked or online by 3/25, $80 postmarked Edmondson Cup. Under 2300: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350-300- www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/hs. See web site for additional infor- or online by 4/15, $95 online by 4/24, $100 on site; $10.00 extra for all 250-250-250. Under 2100: $6,000-3,000-1,500-750-400-350- 300-250- mation about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings, team rooms, phone registrations; $30 fee for roster or section changes after 4/12 or 250-250. Under 1900: $5,000-2500-1250-600-350-300-250-250-250- updates, corrections, and registration forms. any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 AM - 9 PM & Fri. 8 AM - 250. Under 1700: $4,000-2,000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250-250-250. 11 AM. Players who register or change sections after 11 am on Friday will Under 1500: 3000-1500-700- 350-300-250-250-250-250-250. Under US Chess Junior Grand Prix! receive a 1/2-point bye for Rd. 1. Players must disclose any other, non-US 1300: $2000-1,000-500-300-250-250-250, top under 1000 (no provi- APR. 12-14, ILLINOIS Chess, over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Awards: Trophies to top individuals sional) $900. Provisionally rated players may not win an amount greater 2019 ALL-GIRLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY & top teams in each section. Every player receives a commemorative item! than 40% of top prize in any under section; balance goes to next THE KASPAROV CHESS FOUNDATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH Full list of trophies on tournament Info Page. Side Events: Bughouse: player(s) in line. Beginners (unrated or provisionally rated under THE RENAISSANCE KNIGHTS CHESS FOUNDATION & US CHESS Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 9 -10 am, $25/team. K-9 Blitz: Thurs. 1300): 3 schedules with 6 rounds per day $200-125-75 each day plus Any player that achieves a perfect 6-0 score or wins the first place 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz EF: $20 by 4/4, $25 after or at site. $300 overall (best 2 results). Unrated players may play only in Beginners trophy, in each age category, qualifies to represent the USA at the Class trophies will be awarded in main event and in Blitz. Full list of trophies or Open Section. Plus-Score Bonus: ($12,000 guaranteed) in addition 2019 World Cadets (U/8, U10, U/12) / World Youth (U/14, U/16, U/18) on tournament Info Page. General questions: Contact Susan Kantor at to any other prizes, every player with a plus score wins a $50 gift cer- Championships 6SS, G/90 d5. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S. 931.787.1234 ext. 136 or by email: [email protected]. Team Room tificate. Plus score certificates will be awarded on site only. Mixed Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL 60616, (free Wi-Fi). 6 Sections/Trophies: questions: Contact Pete Karagianis at 931.200.9477 or by email: pkara- Doubles: best male/female combined 2-player team score: $1,500- Age as of 1/1/2019 Under 8 top 15 individuals, top 500 – 799, top U500, [email protected]. Entries: U.S. Chess Federation, Attn.: 2019Gay JHS 750-350-250-150. Average rating below 2200, teammates may play in top 6 schools, Under 10 top 16 individuals, top 700 – 999, top U700, top 6 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at www.us different sections, only rounds 1-7 count for Open Section or best day schools, Under 12 top 16 individuals, top 900 – 1199, top U900, top 6 chess.org/tournaments/2019/jhs/. See web site for additional information for Beginners. The Freddie: Players age 14 and under are eligible for schools, Under 14 top 12 individuals, top 1100 – 1399, top U1100, top 4 about the event, advance entries, awards, meetings, team rooms, updates, best game prizes including the Freddie Award and $400 in cash prizes schools, Under 16 top 8 individuals, Top 1300 – 1599, top U1300, top 3 corrections, and registration forms. (donated by Fred Gruenberg). CCA minimum ratings or other ratings schools, Under 18 top 8 individuals, Top 1500 – 1799, top U1500, top 3 may be used if higher than US Chess June Supplement. EF: Open: schools, (top 3 players added for team scores). EF: $65 mail/online by US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $239 by 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later. $125 more for players rated 3/11 $85 by 4/1, $95 after. Do not mail after 4/5. $20 fee for roster or JUNE 11-12, NEVADA below 2200. GM, WGM & foreign IM free. $80 less for IM, WIM, foreign section changes after 4/5. $10 fee for refunds. Onsite Registration Fri US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) FM/WFM. Under sections: $239 by 4/30, $259 by 6/11, $280 later. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Sat 7:30 - 8:30 AM. Opening Ceremony: Fri 2:30pm. 2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN Beginners: $125 1 day, $189 2 days, $229 3 days. $30 more after Rounds: Rd. 1 – Fri 3:00pm Rounds 2-4 – Sat 10:00am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm; 5SS, G/90, +30. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, 6/11. Senior over 65 $40 less by 6/11. Open Reg: 5-6 p.m. Wednesday. Rounds 5-6 – Sun 9:00am & 1:00pm. Awards: 5:00pm. Bye: One 1/2 Las Vegas 89109. $$3,500 Guaranteed Prize Fund. $1000-600-400, U2000 Rds.: 7:30, 1-7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 4-day schedule: Reg.: point bye available for any round, except round 6, if requested at least 2 $350-200, U1800 $250-150, U1600 $200-100, U1400 $150-100. EF: $99 by 2-6 p.m. Thursday. Rds.: 7:30, 11-5:30, 10-4:30, 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: hours before the start of the round 1. Side Events: Bughouse Tournament 5/23, $125 later. REG.: 8:30-9 a.m. RDS.: 9:30-2:30-7, 9:30-2:00. Half point Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds. 10:30-1:30 then merge with 4-day in CHECK OUT US CHESS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS!

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players) 2019 Open Correspondence Chess Golden Knights Championship TWO OR SIX-GAME OPTIONS. ENTRY FEE: $5. US CHESS $800 FIRST PRIZE ❑ WIN A CORRESPONDENCE CHESS TROPHY st Four-player, double round-robinwith rating-level (0000-1499; 72 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 2019 E-mail Correspondence Chess Electronic Knights Championship winner receives a John W. Collins certificate. (SEVEN-PLAYER SECTIONS, ONE GAME WITH EACH OF SIX OPPONENTS.) ENTRY FEE: $7. US CHESS 16th 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.

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

round 3 at 5:30. 2-day schedule: Reg.: 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday. Rds.: 9:30- Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 11-1-2:30 then merge with 4-day in round 5 at 4:30. Half point byes available Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min- FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, GEORGIA in rounds 1-7; Sunday byes must be requested before the start of round 2 imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize). 2019 ATLANTA WINTER CONGRESS play only, not for skittles. Please bring digital chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide 5-SS, Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S. Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non GA 30341. $3500 b/85, $2100 guaranteed. 6 sections. “Expert (FIDE- Women’s Open, the International Youth Championship, and other events. Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes rated):” Open to USCF or FIDE-rated 1800 thru 2199. $500-300. Class Many free extras and surprises! Free parking. Free raffles with great and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner “A:” Open to USCF-rated 1600 thru 1999. $475-275. Class “B:” Open to prizes. Free GM Lectures. Free GM analysis of your games. Free Daily receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour- USCF-rated 1400 thru 1799. $450-250. Class “C:” Open to USCF-rated Bulletins. Grandmaster Simuls and Chess Camp for all ages on Thursday. nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on 1200 thru 1599. $425-225. Class “D:” Open to USCF-rated below 1400 U.S. Women’s Open Tuesday and Wednesday. Walter Browne Memorial starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. and Unrated. $400-200. Class “E:” Open to USCF-rated below 1200 and Blitz Saturday 10:30 p.m. Youth TournamentsFriday, Saturday & Sunday. Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45– Unrated. Trophies, 1st thru 7thplaces; Under 900, 1st and 2nd places. Blitz Sectionals Friday & Sunday. Poker Tournament Monday Morning. 10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One (Classes “D” thru “Expert” entries only count towards the 85-player prize Don’t be shut out - make your reservations early and be sure to ask for half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before base). Class “D” thru “A” rated players may elect to enter the next higher the CHESS group (SVCF9-R) rates — $69 single or double ($95 Friday and getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not section. The “USCF Ratings Supplement” used to determine a player’s Saturday nights) guarantees a premium room with new furniture, refrig- eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per “official published rating” for competition will be the same as the month in erator, flat screen TV and more. The resort fee including access to the round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to which the tournament begins. Entry Fee: $56 (3-Day), $55 (2-Day) — if Fitness Center, free WI-FI, and more is substantially discounted for our Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, rec’d by 14-FEB; $60 at site. Unrated: $35. Class “E:” $30. Re-Entry: $40 group. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 23; after that rates will TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. (not available in “Expert” section). 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7:00pm. increase significantly and there may not be any rooms available. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Rds. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-Day (800) 732-7117 or www.VegasChessFestival.com/hotel. ENT: Vegas Schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10:00am. Rds. Sat 10:30am, then merges with 3- Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925, online at FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, TEXAS US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) Day Schedule. Time controls: “Expert” Section: 40/90, SD/30 d10. Other www.VegasChessFestival.com. Info: (702) 930-9550 and leave a mes- sections: G/120 d5. All sections: 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 G/90 d5. (SAT sage. FIDE. W. 10TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS 9SS (Master Section), 7SS (other sections), DFW Airport Marriott South, 10:30am round is not “FIDE-rated”). FIDE-Only: Rule 6.7a. “A player who JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76155. Free parking, free airport arrives at the board more than 30 min. late shall lose the game.” 1/2-Pt. Available any round (limit two) — must request 1/2-Pt. Byes before US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 shuttle. 5-day schedule, Feb 14-18: Master Section only, GM & IM norms Byes: 2019 U.S. SENIOR OPEN possible, 40/2, SD/30 d10. Feb 15-18: Expert through Round One (no changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards, 4-day schedule, – None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. 6SS, G/90+30, must be 50 years old by June 28. North Central College, Class E, 40/2, SD/30 d10. 3-day schedule: Expert through Class E, Feb and Clocks Entries Harold and Eva White Activities Center (“WAC”), 325 E. Benton Ave., 16-18, rds 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges with 4-day. Class and Information: americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 – 9389. PHONE 2-day schedule: CALLS ONLY AFTER 14-FEB – no e-mails or TEXT messages, please. Naperville, IL 60540. $55 chess rate dorm single, $100 double; $145 triple B through E, Feb 17-18, rds. 1-4 G/30 d10, then merges with others. by 5/31, $10 more per person thereafter, (No taxes/tips for dorm rooms) $33,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed. FIDE ratings used in FEB. 16, ARIZONA see www.cavemanchess.com/events for info on nearby hotels (23 within Master Section, USCF February official in others. In 7 sections; rated US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) 2.5 miles). Reserve early! June supplement. EF: $100 rec’d by USPS or players may play up one section. Master (2200/up): $3000-2000-1200- UNITY GRAND PRIX FEBRUARY 2019 online by 12/31 7:00 p.m. CT; $110 rec’d by USPS or online by May 31, 800-600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner $200, top FIDE U2300/Unr 5 round Swiss at Unity Chess Club, 1660 S. Alma School Rd. #207, Mesa, 7:00 p.m. CT; $120 rec’d by USPS or online until June 14, 7:00 p.m. CT; $1800-900. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class A AZ 85210. Time Control: G/55;+5 Round Times: 9am, 11:10am, 1:40pm, $130 rec’d by USPS or online until June 27, 7:00 p.m. CT & at door. (1800-1999/Unr): $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): 3:50pm, 6pm; EF: $50 by February 6th, $60 by February 15th, $70 onsite. www.cavemanchess.com for more info & complete details. Prizes: $8,000 $2000-1000-500-300-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1700-900-500-300- GM/WGM/IM/WIM/FM/WFM: Free Entry. Sections: Open (1900 and up), b/100 paid entries: $1,500; $1,000; $700; $500; U2400: $500-$300; U2200: 200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. Class E (Under Reserve (1500-1899), Booster (1000-1499), Bishop (under 1000); Prizes: $400-$200; U2000: $400-$200; U1800: $400-$200; U1600: $300-$150; 1200/Unr): $800-400-300-200-100. Unrated may enter A through E, with Open: $800-400-200. Reserve, Booster, and Bishop: 1st-Laptop, 2nd-Tablet, U1400: $300-$150; U1200: $300-$150; U1000: $200-$150; Unrated eligible maximum prize E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $600. Mixed doubles: 3rd-Kindle (If two players are tied for 1st, a playoff will be held to determine for overall or U1200 prizes only. Plaque to top in each age group: 50-54, best male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $1000- the first and second place winners.) Check in and registration: 8:15am- 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. Players may win both cash & age awards. 600-400. Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; 8:45am. Byes: Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2, must commit before One Bye 1-6, must commit by end of rd. 2. Reg.: 11-12:30, Rds.: Fri 1:00pm register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; only rounds 1-7 round 2. Zero point byes are available in any round if requested at least & 6:00pm; Sat 9:30am & 3:00pm; Sun 8:30am & 2:00pm. Side events: in Master Section count towards doubles; prize limits do not apply to one hour before the start of the desired round. Boards and sets provided, Thu eve, GM Simul, GM Lecture, Saturday Blitz after R4. See website for doubles. Master Section EF: $228 online at chessaction.com by 2/13, please bring your own clock. February USCF rating Supplement will be details & more possible events. (Possible spouse events, possible awards $250 at site by 2/14 6 pm or online by 2/14 5 pm. GMs & foreign IMs/WGMs used. USCF membership required. Prizes are 100% guaranteed. $1400 dinner after Rd. 6, possible meal plan) Free WiFi on campus. Caveman $200 less ($200 deducted from prize), US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign guaranteed! ENT: (602)326-2727 www.unitychess.com. INFO: Pedram Chess Camp 6/23-28; adult-only camp sections available, see website for players $100 less ($100 deducted from prize). Minimum prizes::$600 to Atoufi, [email protected], www.unitychess.com details. Ent: Caveman Chess, LLC, 27 Morris St., Park Ridge, IL 60068, see first 8 foreign GMs who enter online by 1/14 and play all 9 games with no online form, or send name, address, phone, email and birthdate, or online byes; $300 to other GMs (including US) who enter online by 1/14 and play US Chess Junior Grand Prix! FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), ALABAMA at www.cavemanchess.com; Checks payable to: Caveman Chess, LLC. all 9 games with no byes. EF deduction cannot lower prize to below the US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 Info: www.cavemanchess.com. No checks after 6/14. 847-430-6798. Cave- minimum. Expert, A, B, C sections EF: $158 online at chessaction.com by man Chess provides sets, boards; please bring clocks. See website for 2/13, $180 at site, or online until 2 hours before round 1. QUEEN OF HEARTS - 47TH ANNUAL (NOTE DATE CHANGE) Class D or E 5SS, TC: G/120 d5. . 7401 East Dr., Montgomery, AL terms & conditions. Section EF: All $80 less than Expert to Class C EF. Re-entry (no Master to AUM Taylor Center 36117. PREMIERE (PF: $950 - $$GTD): $350-225-A:200-U1800:175; US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Master) $60. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. RESERVE (PF: $650 - $$GTD): $250-150-125-U1200: $125. EF: $50; if JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS mailed by FEB 9th: $60 at site. FEB 16th, 8-8:30am. 9-2- Mailed or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Late REG.: Rds.: 2019 U.S. JUNIOR OPEN 5-day 7; 9-2. Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun SCHOLASTIC (K-12): NOVICE (6SS. TC: G/20 d5; Not Rated): 6SS, G/90+30. North Central College, Wentz Science Center–Ratio Hall, schedule: $20; if mailed by FEB 9th; $30 at site. Top 3; : 4th-6th. 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri EF: Trophy: Medal 125 S. Loomis St., Naperville, IL 60540. $55 chess rate dorm single, $100 4-day schedule: 9-10-11-12:30-1:30, 2:30. Checks payable to: 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Late reg. Rds.: Caesar Chess. ENT: double; $145 triple by 5/31, $10 more per person thereafter, (No taxes/tips 3-day schedule: Caesar Chess LLC, 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 204 - 202, Birmingham, for dorm rooms) see www.cavemanchess.com/events for info on nearby ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2-day AL 35244 or email your entry form information before and pay Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & FEB 13th hotels (23 within 2.5 miles). Reserve early! June supplement. EF: $60 rec’d schedule: at site. Info: [email protected]; www.AlabamaChess.org. by USPS or online by 12/31 7:00 p.m. CT; $70 rec’d by USPS or online by 4:15. Byes: OK all including last rd, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. May 31, 7:00 p.m. CT; $80 rec’d by USPS or online until June 14, 7:00 p.m. 3, others before rd. 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if oth- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! CT; $95 rec’d by USPS or online until June 27, 7:00 p.m. CT & at door. erwise unrated. Foreign player ratings (Expert & below): See FEB. 16-17, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN www.chesstour.com/foreignratings.htm. See Sections (based on age as of 1/1/19): U21, U15, U11, U8. www.cave- Electronic devices rules: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Leave your phone in your hotel room, manchess.com/events for more info and complete details. Prizes: U21 2019 MARCEL DUCHAMP MEMORIAL FIDE $300 plus, for firstmost only, if eligible, entry in the 2020 U.S. Jr. Closed your car, home, or in a bag near your table. HR: $103-103, 817-358-1700, (A sponsored event) 5SS, G/90’ inc 30. Two sections. OPEN & U2000. Championship including $200 cash; plaques to top 5 overall; & to top age reserve by 1/29 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use FIDE & USCF rated - FIDE rules. USCF rating & pairing rules. EF (Open): 18, 17, 16, 15, U15; U15 plaques to top 10 overall, top age 14, 13, 12, 11, AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY $75 (extra $25 non-LACC mbrs). Siblings, new members, no prizes 1/2. U11; U11 plaques to top 10 overall, & to top age 10, 9, 8, U8; U8 plaques 12577. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 EF (U2000): $55 (extra $20 non-LACC mbrs). Reg.: Fri 6-7 pm. Rds.: service charge for refunds. none to top 10 overall, plaques to top age 7, 6, U6. Team prizes: Plaques to top Bring set, board, clock if possible; Fri. 7pm, Sat & Sun 11 & 4 pm. Max two byes; request by Rd. 3. Prizes: 3 school teams in each section, top 3 scores count as team score. One supplied. Advance entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” $$1,800 (b/40) $1,000 Gtd. OPEN: 1st-3rd $500 (Grtd.)-250-150. U2250: after entering). Sun 10:30 pm, enter by 10:15 pm. $150; $250-125. U1800: $150-75; U1600: $100; U1400/U: $50 Bye 1-6, must commit by end of rd. 2. Reg.: 11-12:30, Rds.: Fri 1:00pm & Blitz tournament U2000: 6:00pm; Sat 9:30am & 3:00pm; Sun 8:30am & 2:00pm. Side events: Thu eve, GM Simul, GM Lecture, Saturday Blitz after R4. See website for details & more possible events. (Possible adult events, possible meal plan.) Free WiFi on campus. Caveman Chess Camp 6/23-28; premier camp see website for details. Ent: Caveman Chess, LLC, 27 Morris St., Park Ridge, IL 60068, see online form, or send name, address, phone, email and birthdate, or online at www.cavemanchess.com; Checks payable to: Caveman Chess, 17th annual LLC. No checks after 6/14. Info: www.cavemanchess.com. 847-430-6798. Caveman Chess provides sets, boards; please bring clocks. See website for terms and conditions. SOUTHERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Grand Prix March 15-17 or 16-17, Wyndham Orlando Resort US Chess Junior Grand Prix! FEB. 9-10, TEXAS $130 room rates, includes free parking and wireless US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) DCC FIDE OPEN II 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, $17,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500- $250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125,

www.uschess.org 55 Tournament Life / February

Book prizes; 3 door raffles to players playing all 5 games. Free for GMs, 125-100. 1600-1999 (FIDE): $700-300-100, u1800: 200-100, u1600: winner $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500- WGMs, IMs; unless win prizes. Info: (310) 795-5710; Mick@LAChess- $700-300-100 u1400: 125-100, u1200: 100. Unr max $100 exc Open. 700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1500-700-400-200. Class B (1600- Club.com or www.LAChessClub.com. Parking: Free on streets or BoA. Feb 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: F 6:30-6:45p & Sa 9:30-9:45a. Rds.: F 7p, 1799/Unr): $1500-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600- Register Online: www.LAChessClub.com and receive a free book! Sa 10a, 3p Su 10a 2:30p. (2-day Sa 10a 12:30 & merge). EF: 99, Econ 300-200. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $600-300-200-100. may play up one section. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! EF: 89 w 50% prz, after 2/16 +20. Playup +20. GMs/IMs- $0 by 2/9 Rated players (prize - EF). Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/champs. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Prize FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN Unrated may not win over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $400 B. FEB. 23, ALABAMA limits: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2-player team combined SAN DIEGO OPEN US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 score among all sections: $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200; 6-SS, 6 Sections, 40/120, SD/30 d10; 2-day schedule rounds 1 - 3 are TOM NARD MEMORIAL V may play in different sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 3/2, 4SS, Game/45 + 10 second increment per move. Round times: 9:30, G/40 d10), then merges with 3 day for round 4 at 4:30 PM Sunday. Crowne prize limits do not apply to mixed doubles. Top 6 sections EF: $123 online Plaza Hotel San Diego Mission Valley, 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, 11:30, 2:30, 4:30 Location: Evangel Church, 3975 Vaughn Rd., Mont- at chessaction.com by 2/27, 3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 2/20, $140 gomery, AL. Three sections: (prizes b/20, 70%GTD): 1st $400 + CA 92108. Open Section slow games are FIDE rated. $$12,000 Guaranteed OPEN online until 2 hours before rd. 1 or at site. Class E EF: all $50 less than T, 2nd $200, U2000/unrated $100; (prizes b/20, 70%GTD): 1st prize fund. Prizes: Open Section: $1,600-1,200-700-500-300, plus U2300 U1800 top 6 sections EF. Online EF $5 less to SCCF members; join/renew at $350 + T, 2nd $175, U1500/unrated $100; (prizes b/20, 70%GTD): $600-400. U2200, U2000, U1800 Sections, all: $700-500-200-100; U1600 U1200 scchess.com. GMs free; $120 deducted from prize. No checks at site; 1st $320 + T, 2nd $160, U1000/unrated $100. EF: $40 by February 16, Section: $600-400-200; U1400 Section: $500-200, plus BU1200 $300- credit cards OK. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with 100, Book Prize for Best Unrated in each section, but no cash prize for $45 thereafter. Registration: Send name, USCF ID, section, and EF entry: Online at chessaction.com. Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic unrated. Provisionally rated players can only win 50% of stated prizes. (payable to “Evangel Church”) to Doug Strout, 6000 Camelot Ct., Mont- $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re- gomery, AL 36117 (email: [email protected]). Feb official rating list will be used. Cell phone violations: $5 fine, and entry (except Master) $60. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, possible loss of game! Reg.: 3-day: 9-10:30 AM on Sat, 2-day: 8 - 9 AM FEB. 23, NEW HAMPSHIRE Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat on Sunday. 11 AM & 5 PM on Sat, 10 AM & 4:30 PM on Rds.: 3 day: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit Sunday and 9 AM & 3 PM on Monday. 2- day: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2 PM & before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. Electronic devices rules: See www.chess- then 4:30 PM on Sunday, 9 AM & 3 PM on Monday (Presidents’ Day). 6TH QUEEN CITY TORNADO EF: 4SS, G/60 d5. DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly the Radisson), 700 Elm tour.com/devices.htm. Please leave your phone in your hotel room, your $90 if received by 12/31/18 (Early Bird Special), or $100 1/01/19 - 1/30/19, St. (Granite St. exit off I-293), Manchester, NH. $$G 1,360. Three sections. car, home, or in a bag near your table. HR: $119-119, 818-997-7676, $120 2/01/19 - 2/15/19 and $140 late registration at door on 2/16/19. EF: $37 if rec’d by 2/21, free to GM/IM. $$G: $200-130-100, reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, No credit cards at door, checks or cash only. Special rate of only $75 if Open, U2100 $110, U1950 $100. EF: $37 if rec’d by 2/21. $$G: use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 347-201-2269, Direc- U1400 or unrated. GMs, WGMs, IMs and WIMs all play for free, but $100 Under 1800, $150-100-70, U1600 $90. No Unr. may win over $100. EF: torAtChess.US. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, deducted from any prize winnings. Re-entry fee from 3-day to 2-day is Under 1400, $31 if rec’d by 2/21. $$G: $100-70-40, U1200 $60, U1000 $40. No Unr. Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted $75, for players rated U2300 only. SCCF membership req’d ($18 Adult, may win over $55. EF $5 more if paid at site. Online advance entry at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament $13 Jr, or $3 for Jr w/o mag) for all So Calif. residents. Two byes allowed, All, available at www.nhchess.org until 6 p.m. on 2/22. NHCA membership Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. but must be requested at least 1 hour before the round; last round byes required of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult, $6 age U19. 8:30- must be requested before Rd. 3. SDCC, PO Box 120162, San Diego, Reg.: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Ent: 9:35 a.m. Sat. 2/23. 10-1-3:30-6. Half-point bye OK for any one CA 92112 or enter online at www.scchess.com. For more info call Chuck Rds.: MAR. 2-3, MARYLAND rd, must commit before rd. 2; no half-point byes for players receiving Ensey at (858) 432-8006, or email me at [email protected] US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 Hotel Rates: full-point byes. NHCA, c/o Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. Unit 23, Man- book online or call 619-297-1101, Special rate of $140 if booked by 12/15/18, Ent: chester, NH 03103. Info: [email protected]. UMBC OPEN - ALVIN S. MINTZES CHESS TOURNAMENT but rates may rise and rooms sell out after this so please book early. 5SS, G/90, +30incr. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore (in Commons, 3rd floor). Held concurrently with Maryland FEB. 19, NEW YORK US Chess Junior Grand Prix! “Sweet 16” (Invitational)—winner to receive in-state fixed-dollar tuition US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 A State Championship Event! FEB. 23, PENNSYLVANIA scholarship to UMBC. Open: (All) $$1260: $400-300-200 Gtd., Class prizes MARSHALL MASTERS $120 ea. to top U2300, U2100, U1900. Free ent. to GMs, $50 deducted 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 $750 from any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$1080 b/40: $350-250-150, Class GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25. 2019 PA STATE GAME/75 CHAMPIONSHIP 4SS, G/75 d5. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow prizes $110 ea. to top U1600, U1400, U1200 (b/4). No Unr. player may win EF: $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person more than $250 in this section. All: EF: $50 if postmarked by 2/15, $60 reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 3 Sections, $$ (695G): Championship: EF: $30 by 2/15, $40 later. $200-100, U2000 $75, U1800 $50. Premier: later, $10 less if under age 20. Reg: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds: 10-3-7:30pm bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- Sat, 10:30-3:30pm Sun. Byes: Up to three 1/2-pt. byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if shallchessclub.org/register. U1600. EF: $25 by 2/15, $35 later. $90-60, U1400 $50, U1200 $40, U1000 $30; Trophies to Top 2, Top 2 U1400, Top 2 U1200, Top 2 U1000. req’d at least 1 hr. before Rd. (before Rd. 2 for any Rd. 4-5 bye), but only FEB. 22, NEW YORK Scholastic: Grades K-12 U900. EF: $15 by 2/15, $25 later. Trophies to at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds. 4-5. HR: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1734 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Teams of 4 to 7 combined from all sections, West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, www.lq.com MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) Trophies 1st-2nd clubs, schools. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg ends 9:30am. Rds.: (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards BWI Airport. Take Exit 2A 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used 10-1-4-7. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right onto West for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, PA 15223, 412-908-0286, [email protected]. Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 & follow signs U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late to UMBC. Park in Commons Drive garage. Ent: Register online at fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm US Chess Junior Grand Prix! http://mdchess.com (email questions to [email protected]), or mail to and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: FEB. 23-24, WASHINGTON Joel DeWyer, UMBC, Attn: Open, 1000 Hilltop Circle, The Commons, Rm. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 335, Baltimore, MD 21250. Make out check to Maryland Chess Association. 27TH DAVE COLLYER MEMORIAL For more information: www.umbc.edu/chess. W. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5SS, Rd. 1: G/90 d5; Rds. 2-5: G/115 d5. Millwood Presbyterian Church FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, VIRGINIA Community Center, 3223 N. Marguerite, Spokane, WA 99212. $28 by US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) 2/22; $35 at door; Under 18 $5 less. Cash, checks only. $$GTD: $350- A State Championship Event! 4TH ANNUAL GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN 225-125. Expert: $100; A;B;C;D;E/unr: $100, $70; Biggest upsets MAR. 2-3, PENNSYLVANIA 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Westin Tysons (non-prov): $100; 50. Reg.: 9:30-10:30a.m. 2/23. Rds.: 11-2:30-7; 10- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike (VA-7), Falls Church, VA 22043 (from the east, 2:30. One 1/2 bye available; request by 2/23. ENT: Spokane Chess 2019 IRA LEE RIDDLE MEMORIAL PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP take, I-66W to VA-7, from other directions, take I-495 to VA-7). Free day Club, 9923 N. Moore St., Spokane, WA 99208. Kevin Korsmo (509) 270- & PA COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP parking for all; free overnight parking for chess rate hotel guests. Free 1772. DIR: I-90 exit 287. North on Argonne Road one mile. Left at light 5SS, G/90 d5. Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, 2634 Emmitsburg shuttle to Tysons Corner Center and Metro. 25 minutes drive from Wash- on Euclid, two blocks to site. http://spokanechessclub. org. W. Rd., Gettysburg PA 17235. 3 sections: $$ (1875G): Open: 350-150, ington. $15,000 guaranteed prizes. In 5 sections. Major: Open to U2200 $125, U2000 $100. U1800: 200-150, U1650 $125, U1500 $100. 1800/above. $1800-900-500-300, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus, top Under US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1400: 200-150, U1200 $90, U1000 $75, Unr $60. All: College Tr: 1-2 2300 $600-300. Under 2100: $1200-600-300-200, top U1900 (no unr) $600- FEB. 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, NEW YORK in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over all sections). EF: $40 rec’d by 300. Under 1800: $1200-600-300-200, top U1600 (no unr) $500-250. Under US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 2/16, $50 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 am. Rds.: 10-2-5:30, 9- 1500: $1000-500-250-150, top U1300 (no unr) $400-200. Under 1200: 113TH NASSAU GRAND PRIX 1. Feb 2019 ratings used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2. HR: Mention “Chess $600-300-150-100. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/female 2- 5-SS, 45/90, SD/30 d5. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. Tourney”: 717-334-8121 $89 by 1/31. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 player “team” combined score among all sections: $400-200. Team must 2 sections: Open: EF: $39 by 2/22, $$ (770 b/22, top 3 G) 250-150-100, Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: martinak_tom_m@hot- average under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) U2100/UR, U1900 each 135. Booster: open to U1700/UR, EF $25 by mail.com, 412-908-0286, pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/. by 2 pm 2/23. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limit U1800 $400, 2/22. $$ (420 b/20) 150, U1500, U1300, U1100/UR each 90. Both: non- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1500 $200, U1200 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 4 memb EF $11 more. EF at site $7 more. 2 byes 1-5. Reg ends 7:15 PM. MAR. 2-3, TEXAS sections EF: $108 at chessaction.com by 2/20, 3-day $113, 2-day $112 if Rds.: 7:15 each Mon. March supl used. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) check mailed by 2/13, all $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or Sayville, NY 11782. [email protected] online until 2 hours before round 1. GMs, IMs & WGMs free in Major; $100 DCC FIDE OPEN III 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, from prize. Under 1200 Section EF: all $40 less than top 4 sections EF. A State Championship Event! TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US Re-entry $50, not available in Major. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MAR. 1, PENNSYLVANIA usually used if otherwise unrated. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for Unofficial uschess.org ratings Special pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chess 2019 PA QUICK CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (QC) action.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, 6SS, G/8 d3. Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, 2634 Emmitsburg TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17235. 3 sections, EF rec’d by 2/16: Open: $12. U1500: USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500- Fri 6 pm. Rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends $11. U1100: $10. $$ (750G): Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. $250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, Sat 10 am. Rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Half point byes available all U1500: 125-75-50, U1300 $40, U1200 $30, Unr $20. U1100: Trophies: 1- rounds, limit 2 byes, Major must commit before rd. 2, others before rd. 3. 12, U800, U700, U600, 1-3 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/16, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg: Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas Electronic devices rules: See www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. Leave 5:30-6:15pm. Rd. 1: 7pm. Feb 2019 Reg rating. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2. Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min- your phone in your hotel room, your car, home, or in a bag near your table. HR:Mention “Chess Tourney”: 717-334-8121 $89 by 1/31. Ent: PSCF, c/o imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all HR: $109-109, 1-866-716-8108, reserve by 2/8 or rate may increase, chess Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: 412-908- rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize). block may sell out before 2/8. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, 0286, [email protected], pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/. Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Entries A Heritage Event! Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz tournament US Chess Junior Grand Prix! and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 26TH ANNUAL WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Airtel Plaza Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45– US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406. Parking $8/day, $12 including 10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One WIM RUTH HARING MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP overnight. Flyaway bus from LAX to Van Nuys about $10 each way; free half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Park Free! shuttle to bus and train station. Free wireless, indoor pool, gym, hot tubs; getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not 5SS, G/90 +30 2-day rds. 1-2 G/61 d5. Park free. Prizes: $5,000 b/120, restaurants within walking distance. $20,000 guaranteed prizes. 7 eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per $3,000 guaranteed. 3 sects: 2000+ (FIDE) $1,000-500-200, u2300: 250- sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-300, clear or tiebreak round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to

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

Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, B. Mixed doubles: best male/female 2-player team combined score 4-SS. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. 3 Sections: TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. among all sections: $500-300-200. Team must average under 2200; may Open, U1800, U1200. Open Section: EF: $40, $30 members, GM free (- play in different sections; register at site (no extra fee) by 2 pm 3/16. Top $30 from prize). Prize Fund: $900 b/30 paid section entries. 70% guaranteed. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $118 online at chessaction.com by 3/13, 3-day $123, 2- Prizes: $240-200-160. U2400 $120, U2200 $100, U2000 $80. A State Championship Event! 6 sections EF: U1800 Section: day $122 mailed by 3/6, $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40. U1200 MAR. 9-10, DELAWARE online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs, IMs & WGMs free; $100 deducted Section: EF $25, $20 members. Prizes, b/14: $80-60, U1000 $50, U800 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 from prize. Class E EF: all $30 less than above. Unofficial uschess.org $40. Register: 11:15 a.m. - 12 noon. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30 p.m. DELAWARE STATE OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues Byes: 1 per player allowed. Must declare before round 3. Info: westfield- Hilton, Christiana Hotel, 100 Continental Dr., Newark, DE 19713 (off I- with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html. 95). Ask for the special price to reserve room for the chess tournament. Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult 302-454-1500. TC: G/90 d5. Open: $600, $300, $150, U2200 $150, U2000 $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-day MAR. 19, NEW YORK $150, U1800 $150, U1600 $400, $250, $150, U1400 $140, U1200 $140, schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 U1000 $140. Special DE Resident Prizes: Delaware State Champion: day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. All: MARSHALL MASTERS Crystal Trophy + Free entry in next year’s event, Delaware State Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Master must commit before rd. 2, others 4-SS, G/25 d5. Open to players rated 2000+. FIDE Rapid rated. $750 Woman’s Champion: Trophy + Free entry in next year’s event (may be before rd. 3. HR: $130-130-130-130 (no resort fee), includes resort fee GTD: $250-150-100; U2400: $125; U2300: $100; Biggest upset: $25 EF: in U1600 or open section based on performance), Top DE U1600 Trophy. benefits (free wireless & entertainment in room, use of fitness center, $30; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg Top DE Junior under age 19 Trophy. Reg.: Advanced reg: Delaware etc). 1-800-421-8001, 407-351-2420; reserve by 3/1 or rate may increase. hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, Chess Association, 2400 N Broom St., Apt. 203, Wilmington, DE 19802. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshall 302-893-9519. TD: William Trueman. On-site Reg.: 8am - 9am. EF: Free through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box chessclub.org/register. entry to GM’s and IM’s ($50 deducted from prizes), $70 by 3/04, $75 at 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: MAR. 22, NEW YORK the site. Rds: Sat.10, 2, 6, Sun. 9, 1, Half point Byes: 2 available. $ DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. Entries prizes b/40 in each section. Email: [email protected] US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz tour- MARSHALL $500 FIDE BLITZ (BLZ) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! nament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. 9-SS, G/3 +2. FIDE Blitz rated. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used MAR. 10, NEW JERSEY A Heritage Event! for pairings & prizes. $500 GTD: $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! U1800: $50. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late DR. DAVID OSTFELD MEMORIAL ICA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP MAR. 16-17, NEW YORK fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm 4SS, G/61 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED) and continue ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: 07601. Open to All Ages With Rating above 1400. Prize Fund ($$b/40) 1st 41ST ANNUAL MARCHAND OPEN www.marshallchessclub.org/register. - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100 Best Dr. Erich Marchand “requested that his friends play chess in his memory.” US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 55 Years Old $75. Reg ends at 9 AM. 5SS, G/115 d5. Location: The Strong’s National Museum of Play, One MAR. 22-24, TEXAS Only one 1/2-point bye allowed, if requested before the start of round Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. $16,440 Gtd. Open Section: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 two. EF: Adv (pmk. By Mar 5th) $45, AT Site $50. GMs Free Entry. For info, $3000-2000-1300-800-500-300. Under 2200 & U2000 each $800-475. FIDE call 201-797-0330, email [email protected] or visit icanj.net. Prize LONE STAR OPEN Rated EF: $85. U1800 Section: $1050-700-400. Under 1600 $700- 400. 5SS, (Open and U2000 Sections are G/90 i30, and FIDE rated; All other Fund Will Not Be Reduced Below 70%. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, EF: $70. U1400 Section: $580-360-240. Under 1200 $340-220. EF $60. 4:30 PM. Enter online at: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments Sections are G/120 d5). Free entry for GMs,IMs,WGMs and WIMs (EF U1000 Section: $350-220-140. Under 800 $175-115. EF: $50. Unrated deducted from winnings). SIDE EVENTS: (Schol. Team & Ind., 4SS, G/30 or mail information to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, players in the U1800 section can only win $330, in U1400 $195 & U1000 NJ 07646. Make checks payable to International Chess Academy. W. d5, 1-day only, Sat. Mar.23); 5-min. Blitz “CAJUN KNOCK-OUT” (Sat. night $100. No limit in Open. Balance to next prize winners. Free EF (deducted after Rd. 3). Separate room for schol. players - A trophy or medal will be US Chess Junior Grand Prix! from prizes) and $100 appearance award to all GM and IM if paid by awarded to each schol. player. DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Intercontinental MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, FLORIDA 3/4/2019. All EF add $20 after 3/4/2019. NYSCA members deduct $3. All Airport, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032, Ph: 281-848- sections USCF rated. Ratings as in March Supplement. Bring sets, boards, 4000, $89 chess rate for King or Double (reserve by 3/7 and mention Cajun US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED) and clocks – none provided. Food court and chess books & equipment 17TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Chess Tournament). Free Parking! Free airport shuttle service! Free wireless sales available on-site. No smoking allowed on The Strong campus. Reg.: internet in all guestrooms! Discounted Hotel Breakfast Coupons for Hotel 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Wyndham 8:30-9:15am. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:15-6:30, Sun. 10-2:15. One 1/2 point bye Orlando Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando 32819. Free parking. available in rds. 1, 2, 3, or 4 if requested at entry. Optional first round Guests ($5 off of the $17 Hot Breakfast Buffet – Guests are responsible for Prizes $17,000 guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master (2200/up): $1600- Friday, 3/15/2019 at 7pm played at Rochester Chess Center (register by $12 breakfast cost, tax & gratuities). Hotel check-in time is 3pm; check-out time is 12 noon. NOTE: Main tournament room will be closed to outside 800-400-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): 6:30pm). Info: 585-442-2430. Mail entry to: Rochester Chess Center, 221 $1200-700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1200-700-400-200. Class B Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. Web: nychess.org. Store: chessset.com. non-playing spectators, but players who have finished their games and (1600-1799): $1200-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1000-500-300- have not left the tournament room yet will be allowed to stay to see 200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): MAR. 17, NEW JERSEY remaining games still in progress. 5 Sects. PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 full- $600-400-200-100. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 paid ent. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; (U2200): $700-400; U2000: enter A through E, but may not win over $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $500 WESTFIELD GRAND PRIX $800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-100-50; U1600/Unr*: $800-

23rd annual MID-AMERICA OPEN March 22-24 or 23-24, 2019 - Clayton (Saint Louis), Missouri $20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND! CLAYTON PLAZA HOTEL in the upscale suburb of Clayton, near Saint Louis

5 rounds, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2- Mixed doubles: best male/female 2- 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10). player combined score among all sections: rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Clayton Plaza Hotel, 7750 $800-400-200. Must average under 2200; 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat. to 10 am, Carondelet Ave, Clayton MO 63105 (I-64 different sections OK; register at site (no rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles N on extra fee) by 2 pm 3/23. Half point byes OK all, limit 2; Major Hanley Rd). must commit before round 2, others Prizes $20,000 unconditionally Top 5 sections entry fee: $113 before round 3. guaranteed. online at chessaction.com by 3/20, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/13, $130 at All: Bring set, board, clock if possible- In 6 sections- you face only those in site or online until 2 hours before round 1. none supplied. Unofficial web ratings your section. Unrated will obtain ratings. No check at site, credit card OK. usually used if otherwise unrated. Major: Open to 1800/up. $2000-1000- Under 1250 Section entry fee: All Hotel rates: $105-108, includes free 600-400, clear/tiebreak win $100, top $20 less than above. full hot buffet breakfast & free parking, U2300 $800-400. FIDE rated, 120 GPP. Online entry fee $3 less to Missouri 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request Under 2100: $1500-700-500-300. Chess Association members. chess rate, reserve by 3/8. Under 1900: $1500-700-500-300. Re-entry (except Major) $60. Entry: chessaction.com or Continental Under 1700: $1400-700-500-300. Chess, Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803. $15 Under 1500: $1200-600-400-300. Special 1 year USCF membership service charge for refunds. Questions: Under 1250: $900-500-300-200. with magazine if paid with entry. Online at [email protected], chesstour.com, 347- chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult 201-2269. Unrated prize limits: U1250 $150, $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult Entries posted at chessaction.com U1500 $300, U1700 $500. Balance goes to $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. (click “entry list” after entering). next player(s) in line. USCF membership required. Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm.

www.uschess.org 57 Tournament Life / February

400-200- 100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50. *Unrated players may only W/US 40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). Free parking. $$ 20,000 round (limit two) — must request ½-Pt. Byes before Round One (no win 50% of the prize fund except in the Open Sect. where they must pay full GUARANTEED PRIZES. In 6 sections: Major: Open to 1800/over. $2000- changes afterwards). Players Must Bring Sets, Boards, and Clocks – EF and are eligible for full prize fund. All other players are allowed to “play- 1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 None Are Supplied By The Tournament Promoters. Entries and Information: up” one sect. only above their published rating. A player who has previously $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-700-500-300. Under 1900: $1500-700- americanchesspromotions.com, (478) 973 – 9389. PHONE CALLS ONLY won 1st place in a rating-based sect. within the last 3 years is no longer 500-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-500-300. Under 1500: $1200-600- 400-300. AFTER 21-MAR – no e-mails or TEXT messages, please. eligible to play in that section. Schol.Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5, Under 1250: $900-500-300-200. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over A Heritage Event! K-8, K-12. Prizes: Trophies to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each $150 in U1250, $300 U1500, or $500 U1700. Mixed doubles: best male/female section (more ind. trophies depending on pre-entries). Every non-trophy 2-player team combined score among all sections: $800-400-200. Must US Chess Junior Grand Prix! winner receives a souvenir chess medal. Teams may have as many players average under 2200, may play in different sections, register (no extra fee) MAR. 22-24, VIRGINIA as they wish from the same school in the same section but must have a by 2 pm 3/23. Top 6 sections EF: $113 at chessaction.com by 3/20, 3-day US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 minimum of 3 players to be considered a team; the top 4 scores will count $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/13, $130 online until 2 hours before round 1 52ND ANNUAL VIRGINIA OPEN 5SS, a VCF Cup Event, $$4000 Guaranteed! Washington Dulles Airport for final team score. Scholastic Players may play in both Scholastic or at site. GMs $100 from prize. U1250 Section EF: all $20 less than above. SITE: Marriott Hotel, 45020 Aviation Dr., Dulles, VA 20166; www.marriott.com, and Main Tournament (U1300 sec. only) if desired by registering for Online EF $3 less to MCA members. No checks at site, credit cards OK. usually used if otherwise unrated. 703-471-9500, rooms $109 Chess Rate plus taxes, res. by Fri. 3/1 at 703- the Scholastic Tournament AND the U1300 section in the 3-day Unofficial uschess.org ratings Special 471-9500. Two Sections. $750-475-325-230; Top X with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, OPEN (FIDE-rated): Schedule of the Main Tournament with a 1/2-point Bye in the 2nd 1 yr USCF dues and A (based on USCF ratings) ea $200. FIDE Rules, 30-minute default for Round of the 3-Day Schedule – there is a discounted Entry Fee ($79) Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, late arrivals. AMATEUR (U1900, USCF Rated): $500-300-200; Top B, C, for Scholastic players playing in both Scholastic Tournament and Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in D, ea $175, Top U1200 $165, Top Unr $130 (limited to $200 place award). the U1300 section only of the Main Event. USCF-recommended computer Major Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & Plaques to 1st Place in Open and Amateur. Trophies to Top U1000, U800, tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal placements for winners of all schol. 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, U600 and Unrated. 5 Rds.: Rd. 1 Fri 3/22, 7:30pm (G/90 inc/30); Rds. 2 & sections. Free chess gift to oldest player and to player who travels farthest Sun 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Major must commit before rd. 2, others 3 Sat 3/23 10am (G/90 Inc/30) & 3pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30), Rds. 4 & 5 to OPEN tourn (Main Event). CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat the top ranked player before rd. 3. HR: $105-108-113-118, includes free full hot buffet breakfast. Sun 3/24 10am & 4pm (40/90, SD/30 inc/30). EF: $85 if rec’d by Sat. in the OPEN sect. and win free entry to our next tournament! EF: $95 by 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/8 or rate 3/16, $100 starting Sun. 3/17 and on site; $5 retained if you withdraw 3/10; $105 by 3/17, $120 thereafter and at site; Unr. (U1600) and Jrs. may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or before the tournament. VCF Mem req. for VA Residents ($15 Adults, $8 (under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sections) $69 by 3/10; reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Junior under 18 yo). Byes: One half-point Bye allowed any round, must $79 by 3/17; $95 thereafter and at site. Jrs. (under 19 yrs of age) playing Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: DirectorAtChess.US, chess- commit by Sat 9:30am. Re-entry $40, start Rd2 with 1/2 pt. Checks payable in the U1300 Sect of the Main Event and in the Schol. Tourn: $79 by 3/10; tour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. to VCF. REG.: On-line at www.vachess.org; postal mail to Anand Domma- $95 by 3/17; $125 thereafter and at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 3/10; $25 by Entries posted at chessaction.com (online entries posted instantly). Blitz lapati, ATTN: VA Open, PO Box 223582, Chantilly, VA 20151; On-Site Fri 3/17; $40 thereafter and at site; Re-Entry Fee: $35 (no Re-Entry in OPEN tournament Saturday 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. 3/22 4:30-6:45pm. Info: www.vachess.org, or [email protected]. and U2000 Sects due to FIDE). Re-entry avail. up to Rd. 3 in all other sects; 3 re-entries or 2 Jr. entries count as one additional entry for prize fund). 3- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US Chess Junior Grand Prix! day Sched: Reg. Fri. 5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; Sat. 2-7, Sun. 10-3. 2-day MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, GEORGIA MAR. 23-24, NEW YORK Sched: Reg. Sat. 7:45-8:30am, (Rds. Sat. 9-2-7, Sun. 10-3. Both schedules US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) merge at Rd. 2. Schol. Sched: (All 4 rds. G/30 d5 - one day only, Sat., Mar. 23RD ANNUAL BORIS KOGAN MEMORIAL - NEW DATE 3RD ANNUAL BILL LITTLE MEMORIAL 23). Reg. Sat. 8:30am-9:30am, Rd. one at 10am; Other Rds. will immediately 5-SS, Interactive College of Technology, 5227 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, 5SS, rds. 1-3 G/90 d10, rds. 4-5 40/100, SD/30 d10,.Proctors Theatre, follow. Byes for OPEN Tourn: Avail. all Rds. and must commit before Rd. 3 GA 30341. $5000 b/100, $3000 guaranteed. 3 sections. Championship 432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305 (park free in Broadway Garage). EXCEPT in the OPEN/U2000 Sect. where a last round bye may not be taken (FIDE-rated): Open to USCF or FIDE-rated 1900 and above. $1000-500- $1700 guaranteed prizes. 3 sections. Open: $300-150-70, U2050/Unr due to FIDE rules. Byes for SCHOL. Tourn: Only one 1/2-point bye allowed 300; Under 2100: $275-125. Amateur: Open to USCF-rated 1400 thru $140-70. Under 1850: $200-100-50, U1650 (no unr) $120-60. Under 1450: and must commit before Rd. 1. HR: $89 (281-848-4000), reserve by 3/7 1899 and Unrated. $600-400-250; Under 1700: $225. Reserve: Open to $120-80-40, U1250 (no unr) $70-30, unrated limit $60. Mixed doubles: and mention Cajun Chess Tournament to assure group rate. ENT: On-line USCF-rated Under 1400 and Unrated. $500-350-250; Under 1200, $225. top male/female combined score $100, averaging under 2200, any sections, registration for tournament and hotel rooms, printable entry form, and The “USCF Ratings Supplement” used to determine a player’s “official reg. by 3 pm 3/23. Open, U1850 EF: $65 at chessaction.com by 3/20 or more detailed info at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to Cajun published rating” for competition will be the same as the month in which mailed by 3/15, $80 online or at site to 10 am 3/23. Online entry $5 less to Chess, 12405 Hillary Step Dr., Olive Branch, MS 38654. Info or Phone Ent: the tournament begins. Entry Fee: $74 (3-Day), $73 (2-Day) — if rec’d by NYSCA mem. (may join with entry). U1450 Section EF: $20 less. No check 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at 21-MAR; $79 at site. (W)IGMs, (W)IMs Free ($60 deducted from any cash at site, credit card OK. GM/IM/WGM $50 from prize. Re-entry (except site). FIDE. prizes won). Unrated: $35. Re-Entry: $40 (not available in Championship Open) $40. Unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special section). 3-Day Schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7:00pm. Rds. Fri 7:30pm; Sat 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry: At chessaction.com, Adult US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun 10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-Day Schedule: Reg. ends $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, MISSOURI Sat 10:00am. Rds. Sat 10:30am, then merges with 3-Day Schedule. Time Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds. Sat 11- 3-7, Sun 10-3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; must US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) controls: Championship: 40/90, SD/30 d10. Other sections: G/120 d5. commit before rd. 2. Hotels nearby: see travel sites. Ent: chessaction.com 23RD ANNUAL MID-AMERICA OPEN All sections: 2-day Schedule, Rd. 1 G/90 d5 (SAT 10:30am round is not or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Refunds, $15 service 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Clayton Plaza “FIDE-rated”). FIDE-Only: Rule 6.7a. “A player who arrives at the board charge. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. Hotel St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis. MO 63105 (I-64 more than 30 min. late shall lose the game.” ½-Pt. Byes: Available any Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering).

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

A Heritage Event! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) Open Section, Apr 17-21: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10. FIDE rated, GM & IM US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 28TH ANNUAL EASTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS norms possible. Other Sections, Apr 18-21 or 19-21: 7SS, 40/2, SD/30, MAR. 29-31 OR 30-31, OHIO 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Host Hotel at d10 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Rt. 2, Mashantucket, CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit 92 to Rt. 2 West, or I-395 to 56TH CINCINNATI OPEN Free parking. $$20,000 guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections: Master (2200/up): Exit 85 to Rt. 164 to Rt. 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles from T.F. Green Hilton Garden Inn, 5300 Cornell Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242. 5SS; Sections: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Airport; for Championship (FIDE rated), U2100, U1700, U1300. Players may choose to $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1500-700-400-300. Class A (1800- shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus trans- play up, but only one section. Time Control: Championship section 40/90, 1999/Unr): $1500-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $1500-700-400- portation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum, SD/30, +30 except 2-day rds. 1&2 G/75 d5. Other sections G/120 d5. 300. Class C(1400-1599/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 Prizes: Championship: $800-550-400-300, top under 2200 $250-200; U2100: $700-400-200-100. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $600-300-200-100. Rated entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs, WGMs, foreign FIDE & U1100 Section $550-400-300-200, top under 1900 $200-150; U1700: $400-300-200-150, players may play up one section. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over count as half entries), else proportional, minimum $75,000 (75% of each top under 1500 $175-125; U1300: $300-200-150-125, top under 1100 $150- $100 in E, $200 D, $300 C or $400 B. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-700- 125; prizes based on 120 paid entries, else proportional. No unrated may male/female 2-player team combined score among all sections: $600-300. 600-500-400-400, clear/tiebreak winner $200 bonus, FIDE 2250-2399 win more than the third-place prize amount. Entry fee: Advance $109, Team must average under 2200; may play in different sections; register $3000-1500, FIDE Under 2250/Unr $3000-1500. Under 2200/Unr, Under must be received by 9:00 am, March 29; onsite $120; re-entry $50. $10 (no extra fee) by 2 pm 4/6. Top 5 sections EF: $115 online at chessaction.com 2000/Unr, Under 1800: each $5000-3000-1600-1000-700-600-500-400- discount for all who played in 2018 Cincinnati Open, $5 discount for all by 4/3, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 3/26, $130 at site, or online until 300-300. Unrated prize limit in U2000, $2000. Under 1600: $4000-2000-1300- others who played in any Cincinnati Open 2012-2017. Free entry to 2 hours before round 1. GMs $100 from prize. Class D or E EF: All $50 less 900-600-500-400-400-300-300. Under 1400: $3000-1800-1000-800-600- GMs/IMs/WGMs/WIMs; $109 less applicable discount deducted from than top 5 sections EF. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5 500-400-400-300-300. Under 1100/Unr: $1500-800-600-500-400-300-300- prize. Advance registration: Go to www.chesscincinnati.com to enter less to MACA members; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial 200-200-200; unrated limit $400. Mixed Doubles: best male/female com- online or download entry form; mail entries to Cincinnati Open, 9180 uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF bined 2-player team score: $1200-800-600-400-200. In Open Section, only Pinewood Dr, Loveland, OH 45140. Onsite registration: Friday, Mar 29 dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult first 7 rounds counted toward mixed doubles. Team must average under 5:30-6:30 pm; Saturday, Mar 30 8:00-10:00 am. Championship 3-day $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before both schedule: Fri 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3. Championship 2-day schedule: Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. players begin round 2. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games Sat 11, 2 & 6, Sun 9:30 & 3. U2100, U1700 and U1300 sections: Fri 7, 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & rated as of April 2019 official rating may not win over $800 in U1100, $1500 Sat 9:30, 2 & 7, Sun 9:30 & 2. Six rounds are scheduled; every player must 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & U1400, $2500 U1600 or U1800. Games rated too late for April 2019 list not select one zero-point bye round so that all players play a five-round schedule. 3:30. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd. 2, others before counted. 2) Unrated prize limit $2000 in U2000, $400 in U1100. 3) If any Half-point byes: Up to two optional half-point byes, additional to zero- rd. 3. HR: $99-99-109, 800-582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, post-event rating posted 4/15/18-4/15/19 was more than 30 points over point bye, must commit before 5:00 pm Sat. HR: $99/king bed, $110/two reserve by 3/22 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use section maximum, prize limit $1500. 4) Balance of limited prize goes to queen beds, rate includes breakfast for two. Reserve by Thursday, Feb 28 AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: ches- next player(s) in line. EF: $208 online at chessaction.com by 2/11, $228 to ensure rate and room. For reservations, call 513-469-6900, or use link saction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: online by 4/16, all $250 at site. Mailed EF $215 by 2/11, $225 by 4/8, do on our website to book online. Bring sets and clock. Complete information, DirectorAtChess.us, chesstour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 not mail after 4/8. Open Section EF $100 more to US players not USCF including online and mail-in entry forms, at www.chesscincinnati.com. service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry or FIDE rated 2200/over. GMs, foreign IMs/WGMs in Open: $180 less Questions: [email protected] or call/text Alan at 513-600-9915. list” after entry). Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. ($200 deducted from prize), US IMs/WGMs & FIDE rated foreign players $100 less ($100 deducted from prize). EF deduction cannot lower prize to MAR. 30, PENNSYLVANIA A State Championship Event! below the minimum. Minimum prize guarantees in Open to players who US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 APR. 13, PENNSYLVANIA enter online by 4/3 and play all 9 games with no byes: US GM $300, foreign 18TH HORIZONS FOR YOUTH SPRING SCHOLASTIC RBO US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 GM $700 (limited to first 8 to enter, others $400), foreign IM/WGM $400 $375 GTD. 5SS, G/30 d5. Northampton Com.College, 3835 Green Pond 2019 PA STATE GAME/29 CHAMPIONSHIP (QC) (limited to first 8 to enter), foreign FM/WIM $300. Under 1100 Section Rd., Main Campus, Coll. Ctr. Bldg., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 8:30am, 5SS, G/29 d0. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St., EF: all $100 less. Seniors 65/over in U1400 to U2200: All EF $100 less. Rds: 9:30, ASAP. 2 Events: 1) Open and U1200,18yrs & under 2) Age- Pittsburgh PA 15213. 2 Sections: Championship: EF: $25 by 4/5, $35 CSCA members: online EF $4 less. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Based, Non-Rated,14 yrs & under. EF: $34 by 11pm, 3/28, $39 after. later. $$ (690G): $200-100, U2000 $90, U1800 $80, U1600 $70, U1400 Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: online at Prizes: OPEN $200-1st +, $100-2nd+Trophys-1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th, U14; $60, U1200 $50, U1000 $40. Trophies: 1-3 U1400, 1-3 U1200, 1-3 U1000. chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at U1200 $75-1st+Trophys 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U10, U8, U6,UNR. OpenTie (Blit- Scholastic: Grades K-12 unrated or U900. EF: $15 by 4/5, $25 later. site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry: $100, no re- zoff); Non-USCF Rated b/0 age. Ent: http://northampton.edu/noncredit/ Trophies to Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Trophies: 1-2 Schools, 1-2 Clubs, entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open Section): horizons-for-youth/bethlehem-school-year-programs.htm Online only. Info: Teams of 4-7 players from both sections. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg.: 10- Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, 610-861-4120; [email protected]. 10:30am. Rds.: 11-12:30-1:45-3-4:15. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day schedule (no Open): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223, [email protected] US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule (no Open): MAR. 30-31, CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds. Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 4-day US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 APR. 13-14, MASSACHUSETTS & 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all including rd. 9; limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 4. 2019 NORTH BAY CHESS FESTIVAL BY NOVATO US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) if possible- none supplied. Grand Pequot Novato Downtown Recreation Center, 950 7th St., Novato, CA 94945. FREE WESTFORD APRIL OPEN Bring sets, boards, clocks HR: Tower (tournament site, very luxurious): Friday & Saturday $205, other parking! Novato Checkmates club members - discounted entry fees! Sat, Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Rd., Westford, days $149. Fox Tower (formerly MGM Grand, 5-7 minute walk from tourna- PK-12; 3xG/30 d5 - non rated, Onsite Reg.: 9- MA 01886. In 4 Sections, Championship: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open Mar 30 only: Rising Star ment in connected building): Friday & Saturday $175, other days $119. Two 9:30a, Rounds 10a-1p; EF: $10/$5(memb) PK-12; 3xG/30 to players rated 1800/above. FIDE rated. $$GTD: $600-300-250. U2400 Kids Quads: Trees Inn (15-20 minute walk from tournament, free shuttle), Friday & Sat- d5, Trophies: players w + score. Sched: Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: $250 U2200 $250. U2000: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open to 1999 & under. urday $145, other days $99. For all, $4.95 resort fee, includes high speed 2:30-5p. EF: $20/$15(memb) 20-boards simul, FIDE rated. $$GTD: $400-200-150. U1800: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, Open : wired internet, fitness center, pool, spa, in room coffee & tea, etc. 1-800- Onsite reg: 5-5:30p, Simul starts 6p, EF $15/10(memb). March 30-31 to 1799 & under. $$GTD: $400-200-150. U1600: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30;+30, (2- FOXWOOD or use link at chesstour.com, reserve by 4/4 or rate may : Prize: $3500/b100. : Open to 1599 & under. Adult unrated not allowed in section. $$GTD: $300- day): 1st Novato Open Prizes Open (2000+, FIDE) increase. Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve $1000-500-200 u2200: $200-100-50; AB (1600-1999): $500-200-100 150-100. U1400 $150 U1200 $150. ALL: EF: $70 postmarked 6 April, $80 Car rentals: u1800: $100-50, $300-100-50 u1400: $50. March 2019 at site. $30 discount to players in U1600 sect. rated U1000 or unrated. car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: see www.chess CDEu (u1600): tour.com/foreignratings.htm. See www.chess- Suppl, CCCmin & TD disc. 4SS G/90+30inc Reg.: 9:30- Reg.: 8:30-9:30 on Saturday. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. 1 ½ point byes rounds 1-3. Electronic devices rules: Open/FIDE-2-day: tour.com/devices.htm. Please leave your phone in your hotel room, your 9:45a. Sat 10a, 2p. Sun 11a, 3p. G/61 d5: 8:30-8:45a. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Rds.: AB/CDEu Reg.: car, home, or in a bag near your table. : FIDE ratings used in Open, Sun: 9a, 11:30a, 2p, 4:30p. $45/$35(memb). After 3/26 +15, Relyea [email protected]. www.relyeachess.com. HR $125 by 14 Ratings Rds.: EF: April USCF official in other sections. chessaction.com or Continental playup +15, re-entry: $20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 3/23. March. (978) 692-8200 mention Westford April Open. Ent: Info: www.nova- Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: [email protected], chess- tocheckmates.org. Special disc rooms at Novato Courtyard Marriott, to reserve call 415-883-8950. W. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! tour.com, chesstour.info, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. APR. 13-14, TEXAS Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) tournament Sat. 10:30 pm, reg. By 10 pm. MAR. 30-31, TEXAS DCC FIDE OPEN V US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) APR. 19-21 OR 20-21, NEVADA TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. $$875G. FIDE and US DCC FIDE OPEN IV Open: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for 8TH ANNUAL RENO LARRY EVANS MEMORAL - FIDE - $$26,500 TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must B/275 ($16,000 GTD.) pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that 6SS, OPEN Section 40/2, G/55 Min-d5, (“X ”,“A”, “B”, “C”, “D” Sections TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500- 40/2, G/1-d5 - 2-Day Schedule G/1-d5) . Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that $250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500- Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas $$26,500 b/275. $$16,000 Gtd. (Prizes 1-7 in Open Section Gtd. plus 1/2 of $250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min- all other prizes). 6 Sections. Open (2200 & above) EF: $164, (2000-2199) Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all EF: $200 (1999 & below) EF: $300. (GMs & IMs free but must enter by Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min- rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize). (3/22) or pay late fee). $$2,000-1,000-800-600-500-300-300, (2399/below)- imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide $1,000-500, (2299/below)- $1,000-500. (If there is a tie for 1st then a rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize). Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non playoff for $100 out of prize fund plus trophy). Expert Section (2000-2199) EF: $164; $$2,000-1,000-500-300-300. Sec. ”A” (1800-1999) EF: $163; Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner $$1,800-900-500-300-300, Sec. ”B” (1600-1799) EF: $162; $$1,700-800- Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour- 400-300-300, Sec. ”C” (1400-1599) EF: $161; $$1,500-700-400-300-300, and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on Sec. ”D”/under (1399 & below) EF: $155; $$1,000-500-300-200; (1199 & below) - $$300; 2-Day EF: $160 (No Open Section). Top Senior (65+) - receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour- starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. $200; Club Champ.-$600-300. Entries must be postmarked by 3/22 or nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45– ALL: pay late fee-$11, do not mail after 4/12 or email after 4/16, $22 at site. starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. 10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One Trophies 1st – 3rd (“A” – “D” sections). Unrated players are free entry Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45– half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before but must join USCF for 1 full year thru this tournament – Unrated not eligible 10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not for cash prizes. 1st Unrated = trophy + 1 yr. USCF Mem. Senior discount half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per (65+ yrs.) $10. Players may play up. Provisionally rated players may only getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to win 1/2 of 1st place money (except Open Section 1 – 7). CCA ratings may eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, be used. Note: pairings not changed for color unless 3 in a row or cause a round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, An American Classic! SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (4/17) 7:00pm GM Sergey Kudrin – Clock Simul with TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! game analysis ($30); Thurs. (4/18) 6-7:15pm Lecture by IM John Donaldson A Heritage Event! APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, CONNECTICUT (FREE); 7:30pm- GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez - Simul ($20); 7:30pm-Blitz US Chess Junior Grand Prix! US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) (G/5 d0)) Tourney ($25) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (4/20) (3-4:30pm) APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, MASSACHUSETTS 13TH ANNUAL OPEN AT FOXWOODS Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John Donaldson. REG.: (4/18) 5-8pm

www.uschess.org 59 Tournament Life / February

(4/19) 9-10am and (4/20) 9-10 am. RDS.: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 9:30- $25 online by 4/21, $10 more later & onsite (counts as 1/4 entry for based Also clocks will be set to ‘halt at end’. Both: Reg.: Saturday from 9:45– 4:30. 2-Day (4/20) Rd 1 (10:30 am), Rd. 2 (12:45 pm), Rd. 3 (3:00 pm), Rd. on prize fund). Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr. before 1st rd. Rds.: Rd. 1 7:30 pm Fri. (2- 10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 am-3:10pm-7:16pm, Sun 9:45 am- 2:10pm. One 4 merge with regular schedule – (6:00 pm). Byes available any round if day 10 am Sat. at G/60 d5); Rd. 2 Sat. 1:15; Rd. 3 all sections but Class half point Bye allowed if requested before end of round 2 and before requested by Rd.1 (Open Section 2 byes max). ENT: make checks payable E/U1200 6:30, Class E/U1200 5:45; Rd. 4 Sun. 9:30; Rd. 5 all sections but getting full point bye. Withdrawals and zero point last round byes are not and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address listed above), postmarked by 3/22. Class E/U1200 2:30, Class E/U1200 1:45. Up to 2 half point byes if req’d eligible for prizes. Note that house players (if required) must pay $5 per $11 late fee if postmarked after 3/22. Do not mail after 4/12 or email after before rd. 2. Side events: Space Coast Open Blitz. G/5 d0. Prizes: Cash round and be US Chess members. ENT: Make/mail Checks payable to 4/16. $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-Thurs. $52.95!) (Fri. & Sat. $82.46!) 1- prizes based on entries. EF: $20. Blitz starts at 10:15 pm Sat. Other events: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, 866-386-7829 Reservation Code: CHESS419 -Reserve by 4/1/19 to get see www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org. HR: $109, Oceanside $129, Loft TX 76036-4719. Info: 214-632-9000. FIDE. Chess rate. INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr., Reno, NV 89523, $149. Resort fee waived. 800-206-2747 or 321-392-1647, reserve by 4/5. (H) 775-747-1405 or (Cell) 775-354-8728 (AFTER 4/18/19 please call cell Group code SCCF19. Ent: Payable to: Space Coast Chess Foundation, c/o A Heritage Event! number ONLY) [email protected] or check out our website at: Jon Haskel, 2385 NW Executive Center Dr., #100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! www.renochess.org. To verify entry check website. Online entry and add’l info: www.spacecoastchessfoundation.org, MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, NEW YORK [email protected], 561-302-4377. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) APR. 20, CONNECTICUT 27TH ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE OPEN AND SENIOR US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Tiki Resort, 2 FOXWOODS BLITZ (BLZ) MAY 4, MAINE Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845. $$3300 guaranteed. 4 sections. 5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 Open: $$ 400-200-150, U2010/Unr $240-120, U1810 $200-100. Senior: (see Foxwoods Open). $2000 guaranteed prizes: $400-250-150, 2000- DOWNEAST OPEN for under 1910/Unr born before 5/19/69. $300-150-100, U1710/Unr $140- 2199 $200-100, U2000/Unr $200-100, U1800 $180-90, U1600 $150-80, Bonny Eagle Middle School, 92 Sokokis Trail, Buxton, ME. A Maine Chess 70. Under 1610: $240-120-70, U1410 $120-60, unr limit $150. Under 1210: U1300 $100. EF: $40 by 7 pm 4/20, $50 by 10 pm 4/20. GMs free; $40 Player of the Year Event! Maine Chess Association membership required. $120-60-40, unrated limit $80, plaques to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, Unr. from prize. Enter at site only, no checks. Reg.: ends 10 pm, rds. 10:30, 4SS in three sections: OPEN and U1500 G/60 d10; U1000 G/45 d5. Mixed doubles: top male/female combined score $200-100, must average 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed (1 point out of 2), must give notice EF: EF Open $50 by 5/3, $55 at door; U1550 $35/$40; U1000 $15/$20. under 2200, any sections, reg. by 2 pm 5/18. Top 3 sections EF: $79 at before rd. 2. Blitz rated, but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings Prizes based on 25 entries: OPEN $350/$250/$150/U1700 $75; U1550 chessaction.com by 5/15, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by 5/9, $90 online & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. $245/$175/$105/U1300 $50; U1000 trophies for top 3. Reg.: 8-9 AM, or at site until 1 hr before rd 1. Under 1210 Section EF: $30 less than top OPEN and U1550 rounds at 9:10, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00; U1000 rounds at 3 sections EF. All: Online EF $7 less to NYSCA mem. (dues $12/yr with 2 A Heritage Event! 9:10, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Contact: Michael Dudley at mainechesspresi- Empire Chess, $20/yr with 4 issues, may join with EF). No check at site, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! [email protected] to preregister! credit card OK. Special 1 yr USCF with magazine if paid with entry: At APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, FLORIDA chesstour.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 100 (ENHANCED) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! site, $40, $25 or $17. Re-entry (no Open to Open) $40. GM/IM/WGM, $60 26TH SPACE COAST OPEN MAY 11-12, TEXAS from prize. 3-day schedule: Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day 5SS, Top section FIDE rated (USCF ratings used for pairings & prizes) at US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, G/90+30 sec. incr., All other sections but Class E/U1200 G/120 d5, Class DCC FIDE OPEN VI must commit before rd. 2; limit 2 byes (1 bye if under 1810/unr in Open). E/U1200 G/90 d5 (2-day Rd. 1 for all sections G/60 d5). International Palms 5SS, G/90 inc/30. Dallas Chess Club, 200 S. Cottonwood Dr. #C, Richardson, HR: $88-88-98, 518-668-5744 Mon-Fri 9-5, reserve by 5/3. Unofficial ratings Resort, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. (Hwy A1A), Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. $$20,000 TX 75080. Two sections: Open and Reserve. Open: $$875G. FIDE and US usually used if otherwise unrated. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental b/240 pd., $15,000 Gtd. 6 Sections: Master/Expert: Open to 2000/over. Chess rated but uses FIDE rules. Use US Chess ratings and rules for Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, Direc- $2000+trophy-1000-500-400, U2400 $1500+trophy-750, U2200 $1400+tro- pairings and for awarding prizes. Default late forfeiture time is one hour. torAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries phy-700-400. Draw offers not permitted before move 30 (Master/Expert TD may extend this time at TD’s discretion. Note that Foreign players must posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Blitz Sat 9:30 section only). Class A: Open to 1600-1999. $1200+trophy-600-300-200. disclose their FIDE ID number before 1st round in order to play. Note that pm, reg. ends 9:15 pm. Class B: Open to 1400-1799. $1100+trophy-500-300-200. Class C: Open USA Players with no FIDE ID must disclose their email address. $$ $500- to 1200-1599. $1000+trophy-500-300-200. Class D: Open to 800-1399. $250-$125. EF: 2400+ $125, 2000-2399 $90, 1600 -1999 $99, U1600 $125, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $900+trophy-450-200-100. Class E/U1200: Open to U1200. $800+tro- Senior/Birthday during tournament/Additional Family Member $55. Dallas MAY 22, MAINE phy-400-200, U1000 $500+trophy-300, U800 $400+trophy-200, trophies Chess Club membership required or pay $20 non-member fee. Small Min- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 to top scholastics players in K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12. Top Senior Prizes: Among imum prize to the First three GM/IM’s who apply. GM/IM must play all CHESSMAINE.NET CHAMPIONSHIP all sections, must be at least 60 on April 26. Seniors qualifying for both a rounds to get minimum prize (entry fee may be deducted from prize). John Bapst MHS, 100 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. A Maine Chess Player section prize and the senior prize will be awarded only one prize (larger of Reserve: Open to players rated below 2000 USCF. This section is not Fide of the Year Event! ME Chess Assn membership required. 4SS in 3 sections: the two). $250+trophy-150-100. All: Unr. may enter any section. Unr. may Rated but is US Chess rated and uses US Chess rules. EF: $40. 10$ non OPEN and U1550 G/60 d10; U1000 G/45 d5. EF: Open $40 by 6/21, $45 at not win over $300 or trophy unless place prize in Master/Expert section. Dallas Chess Club membership fee. The Reserve give back 10% in prizes door; U1550 $30/$35; U1000 $15/$20. Prizes based on 25 entries: Prizes for 1st-3rd brilliancy & biggest upset rds. 1-4. EF: $114 by 4/21, $20 and if at least 8 paid entries and if there is a clear winner, then that winner OPEN: $300/$200/$100/U1700 $75; U1550: $200/$125/$75/U1300 $50; more later & onsite; $20 less if Unr. or under age 18. Re-entry $60 by rd. 3 receives free entry to next DCC Fide Open. In the reserve section, Tour- U1000: trophies for top 3. Reg.: 8-9 AM, OPEN and U1550 rounds at 9:10, (1/2 pt. byes for earlier rds.). GM/IM free entry available online until 3/31, nament reserves the right to use Fide rules on electronic devices and on 1:00, 3:30, 6:00; U1000 rounds at 9:10, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00. Contact: Michael else $114 from prize. Special EF for Brevard County students in any section: starting White’s clock at start of a round and to use FIDE pairing rules. Dudley at [email protected] to preregister!

28th annual CHICAGO OPEN May 23-27 (GM/IM norms possible), 24-27, 25-27 or 26-27, Memorial Day weekend 8 sections, prizes $100,000 unconditionally guaranteed! Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, Wheeling IL - free parking, free lectures by GM John Fedorowicz Open section, 5/23-27: 9 rounds, 40/2, SD/30 d10. Entry fee: $207 at chessaction.com by 3/19, $227 by 5/22, U2300 to U1000 section: 7 rounds, 5/24-27, 40/2, SD/30 $250 until 2 hrs before rd 1 or at site 1 hr before. Open Sect d10 (3-day option 5/25-27, rds 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option $100 more if not rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE. Senior 5/26-27, rds 1-4 G/30 d10). All merge & play for same prizes. 65/up $100 less, except U1000. Online $5 less to ICA memb. Mail or titled entry: see chesstour.com or TLA. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-600-500-400- Under 1000 Section: $67 at chessaction.com by 5/22, 400, clear or tiebreak first $300 bonus, top FIDE U2400/unr $90 online by 2 hours before rd 1 or at site until 1 hour before. $2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: Each 5-day schedule (Open only): enter Thu to 6 pm, rds Thu $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. 7 pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Under 1500, Under 1300: Each $4000-2000-1000-700- 4-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Fri to 6, rds Fri 500-400-300-300-300-300. 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Under 1000: $1000-500-300-200-200-150-150-100-100- 3-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Sat to 10 am, 100, unr max $200, trophy 1st 10, top u800, u600, Unrated. rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Unrateds allowed only in Open, Under 2300, Under 2100 2-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): enter Sun to 9 am, rds or Under 1000 sections. Unrated prize limit $1000 in U2100. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. U1300, U1000 sections: same as U2300 to U1500 (4- FIDE ratings used for Open, May official USCF for others. day, 3-day, 2-day options), except last round Mon is 3:15 pm. Unofficial web ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (2 last 4 rds). Open must If any post-event rating posted 5/21/18-5/21/19 was commit before rd 3, others rd 4. more than 30 pts over section maximum, prize limit $1500. Under 26 games prize limit as of May list: U1000 $500, Hotel rates: 1-4/rm $113, 800-937-8461, reserve by 5/9. U1300 $1000, U1500 $1500, U1700 $2000, U1900 $2500. Full details: see TLA or chesstour.com. USCF memb. Mixed Doubles: Best male/female 2-player team required, see TLA or chesstour.com for special rates. combined score among all sections:$2000-1000-500-400-300. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. No Must average under 2200. Only rds 1-7 of Open Section cellphone possession during play (in bag near table OK) counted. Enter before both players begin round 2. $2500 guaranteed blitz tournament, Sunday 10:30 pm.

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

An American Classic! USCF with magazine if paid with entry. At chessaction.com, Adult $35, mailed by 6/15, $100 at site, or online until 8 am 7/1. GMs, IMs, WGMs, A Heritage Event! Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, $40, $25 & $17. 3-day WIMs free; $80 from prize. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2 & 6, Tue US Chess Junior Grand Prix! schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day 10 & 2. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes (limit 1 bye if under MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, ILLINOIS schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, 1400), must commit before rd. 3. Special USCF dues: see World Open. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) limit 2; must commit before rd. 2. HR: $105-105, 800-408-7640, 203-358- Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 28TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN 8400; reserve by 6/3. Ent:chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com Open Section, May 23-27: 9SS, 40/2, SD/30 d10, GM & IM norms Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: Chesstour.com, (click “entry list” after entering). DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click possible, FIDE rated. Other Sections, May 24-27, 25-27 or 26-27: 7SS, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! “entry list” after entering). Blitz Sat 9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm. 40/2, SD/30 d10 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d10; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 JULY 1-2, PENNSYLVANIA G/30 d10). Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee JUNE 11-12, NEVADA US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 50 (ENHANCED) WORLD OPEN WARMUP Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. Free 2019 U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN 5SS, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). Open lectures and analysis of your games by GM John Fedorowicz. $100,000 See Nationals. to all. Prizes $1200 guaranteed: $250-150-100, U2100 $140-70, U1850 guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections (unrated allowed only in Open, JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, NEVADA $120-60, U1600/Unr $110-60, U1300 $90-50.EF:$42 online by 6/29, $47 U2300, U2100 or U1000). Open: Open to players who are rated 2200/over mailed by 6/15, $60 7/1 at site by 9 am or online by 8 am. No checks at by USCF or FIDE or pay $100 extra. $10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) 2019 NATIONAL OPEN site. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2, 6, Tue 10, 2. One half point bye 600-500-400-400, clear or tiebreak winner bonus $300, top FIDE Under allowed if under 1600, otherwise two byes allowed; must commit before 2400/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM and IM norms possible. See Nationals. Under rd. 2. Special USCF dues: see World Open. chessaction.com or Continental $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Ent: 2300: Under 2100: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300; unrated limit $1000. JUNE 27-JULY 1, PENNSYLVANIA Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1900: Under US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) 1700: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1500: JULY 2, PENNSYLVANIA 13TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. Under 1300: $4000- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) 2000-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300-300. $1000-500-300-200- 9SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Under 1000: Open for location, rates, parking). In 2 7TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN ACTION CHAMPIONSHIP 200-150-150-100-100-100, unrated limit $200, trophies to first 10, top $30,000 guaranteed prizes. sections. Both are FIDE rated; Premier uses June FIDE ratings for pairings 5SS, G/25 d5. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia U800, U600, Unrated. 1) If any post-event rating posted Prize limits: & prizes, Expert section uses July USCF ratings. open to FIDE 19107 (see World Open for rates & parking info). Prizes $2000 based on 5/21/18-5/21/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize Premier: 2000/over, USCF 2100/over or invitees. GM & IM norms possible. Prizes 55 entries, $1400 minimum (70% each prize) guaranteed. In 2 sections. limit $1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of May 2019 $6000-4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400, clear or tiebreak bonus $100, Open, open to all: $400-200-150, U2200/Unr $180-90, U2000/Unr $160- official list cannot win over $500 in U1000, $1000 U1300, $1500 U1500, top FIDE under 2300/unr $2000-1000. Open to players who are 80. Under 1800/Unr: $250-120-60, U1600 (no Unr) $140-70, U1400 (no $2000 U1700, or $2500 U1900. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to Expert: both Under 2200 USCF and Under 2100 FIDE. Prizes $4000-2000-1000- Unr) $100. EF: $53 online at chessaction.com by 6/30, $70 online by 11 next player(s) in line. best male/female Mixed Doubles Bonus Prizes: 700-500-400-300-300, top USCF under 2000/unr $1600-800. am 7/2 or at site. GMs $50 from prize. Reg. ends 12 noon 7/2, rounds combined 2-player team score: $2000-1000-500-400-300. For Open Section, Premier $600 to foreign GMs, $300 to foreign 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes only rounds 1-7 counted towards mixed doubles. Team must average minimum prize guarantees: IMs/WGMs (must complete all 9 games with no byes; limited to first 8 (limit 1 bye if U2000 in Open or U1400 in U1800), must commit before rd. under 2200; may play in different sections; register (no extra fee) before foreign GMs & first 8 foreign IMs/WGMs to enter by 5/24 at 2. Special USCF dues: see World Open. $15 service charge for refunds. both players begin round 2; teams including an unrated limited to $500. chessaction.com). Minimum prize $300 to other GMs (including US) who Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Open through U1300 entry fee: $207 online at chessaction.com by 3/19, enter at chessaction.com by 5/24 and complete all 9 games with no byes. $227 by 5/22. 5-day $215, 4-day $214, 3-day $213, 2-day $212 mailed by An American Classic! Nonresident aliens: see US tax laws at chessaction.org. Premier EF: A Heritage Event! 3/19, all $20 more mailed by 5/11. All $250 online until 2 hours before $50 online at chessaction.com by 5/24, $75 by 6/24, round 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. No checks at site, credit GMs, IMs, WGMs: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $100 6/25-26 or at site; $100 deducted from prize (no deduction from JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, PENNSYLVANIA cards OK. Do not mail entry after 5/11. Open EF for titled players: GMs minimum prize). $100 online at chessaction.com free; $200 deducted from prize. IMs/WGMs $100, also $100 deducted Foreign FIDE rated players: US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 (ENHANCED) by 5/24, $125 by 6/24, $150 6/25-26 or at site. US FIDE Masters: $200 47TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN from prize. EF $100 less to seniors age 65/over, except U1000 Section. online by 5/24, $225 by 6/24, $250 6/25-26 or at site. $67 online at chessaction.com by 5/22, 4-day US players USCF 9SS, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia, PA Under 1000 Section EF: or FIDE rated 2100/up: $300 online by 5/24, $325 by 6/24, $350 6/25- $74, 3-day $73, 2-day $72 mailed by 5/11, all $90 online until 2 hours 19107, directly across the street from the world famous Reading Terminal 26 or at site. US players USCF or FIDE rated 2000-2099: $400 online by before round 1 or at site until 1 hour before round 1. at site, Market with over 80 food vendors. In 9 sections. $225,000 guaranteed No checks 5/24, $425 by 6/24, $450 6/25-26 or at site. Expert Section EF: $250 credit cards OK. Online EF $5 less to ICA members; join at il-chess.org. prizes. Unrated may enter only Open, U2200, U2000, or Unrated Sections. online by 5/24, $275 by 6/24, $300 6/25-26 or at site. All: Mailed entry all Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik 7/3-7, free GM lectures 9 An ICA Tour Event. Special 1 yr US Chess dues with magazine if paid $10 more; do not mail entry after 6/15. No checks at site, credit cards OK. with entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic am 7/5 & 7/6. Open Section, July 3-7 only: Open to all rated 2200/over Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine: see World Open. Schedule: $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re- USCF or FIDE, or must pay $100 more. 40/2, SD/30 d10. Under 2200 to Late reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 1 & 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun/Mon 10 Under 1200 Sections, July 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 or 5-7: 40/2, SD/30 d10 (4-day entry: $100, no Open to Open. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends & 4. Two half point byes available; must commit before rd. 3; FIDE Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. in Premier not possible if taking bye. HR: see World Open. Bring set, (U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 4-day schedule board, clock if possible- none supplied. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 3-day schedule (U2300 to U1500): Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Ques- Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. 2- tions:DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201-2269. Advance entries posted at day schedule (U2300 to U1500): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Invitations: [email protected]. 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:15. Under 1300 & Under 1000 schedules: Same CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE as U2300 to U1500 (4-day, 3-day, 2-day options), except last round Mon is JUNE 28-30, ILLINOIS More details at chesstour.com. For late 3:15. 4-day, 3-day & 2-day schedules merge & compete for same prizes. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 40 news, hotel availability, lectures, results, Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3, 2019 U.S. SENIOR OPEN games, etc, sign up for free CCA Newsletter at others before rd. 4. Hotel rates: $113-113-113-113, 800-937-8461, 847- See Nationals. 777-6500, reserve by 5/9 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, chesscalendar.com or chesstour.com. 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chess US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Most tournaments have alternate schedules JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, PENNSYLVANIA tour.com. Foreign player ratings: See www.chesstour.com/foreign rat- with less or more days than below. ings.htm. US player ratings: May official ratings used; FIDE ratings used US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED) Asterisk means full details in this issue- for Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise 13TH ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA OPEN otherwise, see future issues or chesstour.com. unrated. Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Philadelphia Events in red offer FIDE norm chances. devices if requested by Director. See also chesstour.com/ devices.htm. Marriott Downtown (see World Open for location, rates, parking). $15,000 Ent: Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: guaranteed prize fund. In 6 sections. Major: Open to 1800/up. Prizes $1600-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top Under 2200 2/14-18: Southwest Class, Fort Worth TX* chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 347-201-2269. $15 2/22-24: Geo Washington Open, Falls Church VA* service charge for refunds. posted at chessaction.com (click “entry $600-300. Under 2000: $1200-600-400-200. Under 1800: $1200-600- 400- Entries 3/1-3: Western Class, Van Nuys CA* list” after entry). Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. 200. Under 1600: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1000-500-300- 200. Under 1100: $700-400-200-100. Unrated may not win over $100 in U1100, 3/9-10: NY State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs* MAY 26, ILLINOIS $200 U1400, $300 U1600, $400 U1800, or $600 U2000. Mixed doubles 3/15-17: Southern Class, Orlando FL* US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) best male/female 2-player team combined score among all bonus prizes: 3/22-24: Mid-America Open, Saint Louis MO* 8TH ANNUAL CHICAGO OPEN BLITZ (BLZ) sections: $400-200. Team must average under 2200; may play in different 5SS, G/5 d0, double round, 10 games. Westin North Shore Hotel (see sections; must register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2. 3/23-24: Bill Little Memorial, Schenectady NY* Chicago Open). In 2 sections with $2500 guaranteed. Open: $400-250- Top 5 sections EF: $118 online at chessaction.com by 6/26, 3-day $123, 4/5-7: Eastern Class Champs, Sturbridge MA* 150, U2300/Unr $220-110, U2100/Unr $200-100. Under 1900/Unr: , 2-day $122 mailed by 6/15, all $130 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site, or 4/17-21: Foxwoods Open, Mashantucket CT* $300-150-90, U1700/Unr $180-90, U1500 $120-60, U1300 $80. EF: $40 online until 2 hours before rd. 1. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. 5/17-19: New York State Open, Lake George NY* by 7 pm 5/26, $50 by 10 pm 5/26. GMs $40 from prize. Enter at site, no Under 1100 Section EF: all $30 less than above. Unofficial uschess.org 5/23-27: Chicago Open, Wheeling IL* checks. Reg. ends 10 pm, rds. 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, 12:30. 1 bye allowed ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues 6/7-9: Northeast Open, Stamford CT* (1 point out of 2), must give notice before rd 2. Blitz rated, but higher of with paper magazine if paid with entry. Online at chessaction. com, Adult 6/14-16: Continental Class, Falls Church VA regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Re-entry $60; not available in Major 6/21-23: Pittsburgh Open, Pittsburgh PA A Heritage Event! Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 6/27-7/1: Philadelphia International, Phila PA* US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 10 & 4. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 6/28-30: Philadelphia Open, Philadelphia PA* JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, CONNECTICUT 4. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Major must commit before rd. 2, others 7/3-7: World Open, Philadelphia PA* US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 80 (ENHANCED) before rd. 3. HR: $115-115, 215-625-2900; reserve early, chess block may 7/19-21: Chicago Class, Wheeling IL 25TH ANNUAL NORTHEAST OPEN sell out by early June. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, Box 5SS, 40/100, SD/30 d10 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10). Sheraton Hotel, 7/19-21: Manhattan Open, New York NY 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: 7/19-21: Southern Open, Orlando FL 700 Main St., Stamford 06901. Parking $12. $10,000 guaranteed prizes. www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.us, 347-201- 2269. Advance entries 5 sections. Major (1800/over): $1200-700-400, top U2300 $500-250. Under posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). 7/26-28: Pacific Coast Open, Van Nuys CA 2100: $900-500-250, top U1900 $400-200. Under 1800: $800-400-200, top 7/26-28: Bradley Open, Windsor Locks CT U1600 $300-150. Under 1500: $700-400-200, top U1300 $200-100. Under US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 8/9-11: Cleveland Open, Cleveland OH 1200: $400-200-100, plaque to top 3, 1st U1000, U800, U600, Unr. Unrated JULY 1-2, PENNSYLVANIA 8/14-18: Continental Open, Sturbridge MA limit $100 in U1200, $200 U1500. Mixed doubles: top male/female combined US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) 8/23-25: Atlantic Open, Falls Church VA score $300-150-100, must average under 2200, any sections, reg. by 2 pm 8TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 6/8. Top 4 sections EF: $95 at chessaction.com by 6/5, 3-day $98, 2-day 5SS, G/90 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for 8/23-25: Indianapolis Open, Indianapolis IN $97 mailed by 5/30, $110 at site or online until 2 hrs before rd 1. U1200 location, rates, parking). Open to all females. Prizes $2000 based on For later events, see chesstour.com. Section EF: $30 less than above. No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs 24 entries, $1200 (60% each prize) minimum guarantee. $800-400-200, $90 from prize. CSCA members, online EF $3 less. Re-entry $50, no Major top U2000 $250, U1700/Unr $200, U1400 $150, plaques to 1st, top to Major. Unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr U1200/Unr, U1000. EF: $88 online at chessaction.com by 6/29, $92

www.uschess.org 61 Tournament Life / February option, rds. 1-2 G/60 d10; 3-day option, rds. 1-5 G/35 d10). Under 900 5-SS, double round (10 games), G/7 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown FEB. 16, Unity Grand Prix February 2019 Section & Unrated Section, July 5-7 only: G/60 d10, play separate (see World Open). Prizes $1000 guaranteed: $250-150-100, U2100 $140- See Grand Prix. schedule. Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1300-1000-800-700-600-500, 70, U1800 $130-60, U1500/Unr $100. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. clear winner bonus $500, top FIDE 2300-2449 $5000-2500-1500, top FIDE GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 10:30 am, rds. 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. One pair MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships 2200-2299 $5000-2500-1500. Top FIDE U2200/Unr $5000-2500-1500. If tie of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd 2. Blitz rated (will not (CA-S) for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 10 pm 7/7 for title & bonus affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for pairings & See Grand Prix. prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200/Unr: $12000- prizes. $15 service charge for refunds. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) 6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U2100 (no unr) $2000-1000, See Nationals. unrated limit $2000. Under 2000/Unr: $12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800- JULY 6, PENNSYLVANIA 600-500-400-400, top U1900 (no unr) $2000-1000, unrated limit $1000. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 20 (ENHANCED) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Nationals. Under 1800: $12000-6000-3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, top U1700 WORLD OPEN G/10 CHAMPIONSHIP $2000-1000. Under 1600: $10000-5000-2500-1300-900-700-600-500-400- 5SS, G/10 d2. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open). $1500 JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) 400, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400: $8000-4000-2000-1300-900-700- guaranteed prizes. $400-200-150, top U2200 $220, U1950/Unr $200, See Nevada. 600-500-400-400, top U1300 $1600-800. Under 1200: $4000-2000-1000- U1700 $180, U1450 $150. EF: $40, at site only, no checks. GMs $40 800-600-500-400-400-300-300, top U1000 $1000-500. Under 900: $600- from prize. Reg: 6-9 pm, rounds 9:30, 10:10, 10:50, 11:30, 12:10. 1 half 400-300-200-100, plaques to top 10. Unrated: $600-400-300-200-100, point bye available, must commit before rd. 2. Quick-rated (will not ARKANSAS plaques to top 10. Prize limits: 1) If any post-event rating posted 6/29/18- affect regular ratings); higher of regular or quick used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) 6/29/19 was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $2000. See Grand Prix. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of July 2019 official list JULY 7, PENNSYLVANIA MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) cannot win over $1000 in U1200, $2000 U1400, $3000 U1600 through U2000. US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) Games rated too late for July official list not counted toward 26 game total. See Grand Prix. 3) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. WORLD OPEN BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP (BLZ) Mixed Doubles 5SS, G/5 d0 (double round, 10 games). Marriott Philadelphia Downtown Bonus Prizes: best male/female combined 2-player team score: $3000- 1500-700-500-300. Team must average under 2200; may play in different (see World Open). $3000 guaranteed prizes. In 2 sections: Open Section: CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN sections; register (no extra fee) before both players begin round 2; teams $500-300-200, top U2400 $220-110, U2200/Unr $200-100. Under 2000 Section: $400-200-100, top U1800/Unr $220-110, U1600 $160-80, U1400 FEB. 9, Foster City G/90 (3SS, G/90 d5) including an unrated limited to $500. Entry fee for Open through U1400 Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA, 94404. sections: Online at chessaction.com: $308 by 4/15, $318 by 5/15, $328 $100, unrated limit $200. EF (at site only, no checks): $40 by 7 pm 7/7, $50 after 7 pm 7/7. GMs $40 from prize. Reg. ends 9:30 pm, rounds 10, Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. by 6/29, $350 at site until 1 1/2 hours before round 1, or online until 2 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Feb hours before. Mailed by 5/15: 6-day $326, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day 10:45, 11:20, 11:55, 12:30. Half point bye available (1 point out of 2); must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not affect regular ratings); higher of 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4:30. EF: 50, Econ 40 w $323. Mailed by 6/15: all $10 more. All $100 more for Open Section if not 1/2 prz. after 2/3 +20, playup +20, GMs/IMs-$0 by 1/28. rated 2200/over by USCF or FIDE. entry after 6/15. No checks regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $20 service charge for refunds. Info: Do not mail http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. at site, credit cards OK. GMs in Open: free; $200 deducted from prize. IMs, WGMs in Open: EF $100 less. Under 1200 Section EF: all $100 less FEB. 9, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) than above. Seniors 65/up: all EF $100 less in U1400 or above sections. NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA U900 Section or Unrated Section EF: $68 online at chessaction. com by Regional 95014. Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, 6/30, $73 mailed by 6/15, $80 at site until 9:30 am 7/5 or online until 9 am G/30 d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/3. 7/5. No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from ALABAMA Quads (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15- Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 7/1. Special 1 year 5p. EF: 31, 46 after 2/3. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chessaction. com, FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) Adult $35, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed or at site, Adult $40, See Grand Prix. FEB. 9, Sacramento Duper$wiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5) Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Tue/Wed 7 pm, Thu 6 Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prizes: $600 b/36. 6-day schedule: FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual 1700+: $150-100, u1900 50. u1700: $150-100, u1600 50. Feb 19 Supp pm, Fri/Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:30 pm. 5-day schedule: Wed 7 (NOTE DATE CHANGE) & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 43, Econ 33 w 1/2 prz. pm, Thu-Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:30 pm. 4-day schedule: Thu 11, See Grand Prix. 2:30 & 6, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, after 2/3+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 1/28. Info: http://BayArea 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. U900 Section, Unrated Section FEB. 23, Tom Nard Memorial V Chess.com/grandprix. W. schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10, 1:30 & 4:30. All sched- See Grand Prix. FEB. 9, Sacramento Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) ules merge & compete for same prizes. Half point byes OK all, limit 4 MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: players w + (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd. 3, others before rd. 5. Championships (FL) score, medals to others. Reg & Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. close 90 minutes before round 1. $118-118-138, Entries, re-entries HR: See Grand Prix. EF: 29, 44 after 2/3. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. 215-625-2900, reserve early, chess block may sell out by early June. Parking: Marriott valet parking, about $20/day (60% off regular rate) for first 100 MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) FEB. 10, Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. valet parking spaces sold. Gateway Garage, 1540 Spring St. (3/5 mile from See Grand Prix. Trophies: Marriott, 1 block from Philadelphia 201 Hotel (formerly Sheraton)), about players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): Reg.: 9- MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd 9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. 36, 51 after 2/4. $7/day Sat & Sun, $22/day other days. Special car rental rates: Avis, EF: Quads (3RR, G/30 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after 2/4. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. Foreign player ratings: See www.chesstour.com/foreignratings. htm. US See Grand Prix. player ratings: Official July USCF ratings used; July FIDE ratings used for MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) FEB. 10, Fremont G/75 (3SS, G/75 d5) Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise See Grand Prix. Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Prizes: unrated. Special rules: Players may not possess cellphones during play; $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 50-50. 1500- see chesstour.com/devices.htm. Ent: www.chessaction.com or Continental 1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50-50. Feb 19 Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour. ARIZONA Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-3. EF: 50, Econ 40 w 1/2 info, DirectorAtChess.US. $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted US Chess Junior Grand Prix! prz. after 2/4+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 1/28. Info: http:// at chessaction.com (click “entry list” after entering). Awards: Open through Tuesday Night Open BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W. U1800 prizes awarded 7/7, others mailed by 7/22. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. [email protected]. 4 or 5 round, USCF rated tournament; ROUND TIMES: 7:00pm. One FEB. 10, Cupertino G/45 (4SS, G/45 d5) Invitations: game every Tuesday of the month: Time Control: 40/120, SD/60 d5. NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA JULY 3, PENNSYLVANIA PRIZES: 1st Place and Class Prizes based on number of entries; ENTRY 95014. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 (ENHANCED) FEE: $45; TO REGISTER: chessemporium.com, call 602-482-4867. SITE: 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50- 8TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN GAME/7 CHAMPIONSHIP 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite H-1910, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. 50. Feb 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-11-12:45-2:30. EF:

WORLD OPEN IN PHILADELPHIA!

9 rounds, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - $225,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES Open Section: July 3-7, GM & IM norms possible Under 2200 to Under 1200: 7/2-7, 3-7. 4-7 or 5-7 Under 900 Section, Unrated Section: July 5-7 5-DAY OR 6-DAY SCHEDULE: all 40/2, SD/30 d10. 4-DAY SCHEDULE: rounds 1-2 G/60 d10, then merges. 3-DAY SCHEDULE: rounds 1-5 G/35 d10, then merges. U900 SCHEDULE, UNRATED SCHEDULE: all G/60 d10.

All schedules merge and compete for same prizes. Also International June 27-July 1, Philadelphia Open June 28-30, Warmup, Senior Amateur, Women, Under 13 July 1-2, many other events. See Tournament Life or chesstour.com.

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

50, Econ 40 w 1/2 prz. after 2/4+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 50-50. 1500-1899: $200-100, u1600 50-50. u1500: $200-100, u1200 50- Onsite 7:30-8am! No on-site registration after 8AM. CalChess & USCF 1/28. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W. 50. Mar 19 Supp & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-1-4. EF: 50, Econ membership reqrd except KG. Mar 19 Supp & TD disc to place players. FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, 2019 (35th Annual) U.S. Amateur Team 40 w 1/2 prz. after 2/26+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 2/21. Info: Info/reg: bayareachess.com/states. Quest: [email protected]. W. http://BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W. Championship - West MAR. 30-31, 2019 North Bay Chess Festival by Novato Checkmates See Nationals. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. FEB. 18, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) MAR. 2-3, Mechanics’ Institute 19th Annual A. J. Fink Amateur JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. Championship See Nationals. Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): Mechanics Institute Chess Club, 57 Post Street (4th floor), San Francisco, Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. 36, 51 after 2/13. CA 94104. 6SS, Rounds 1-4, G/55 d5, Rounds 5-6, G/115 d5. Prizes: $1080 JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) EF: Quads (3RR, See Nationals. G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after b/40 1st: $250, 2nd: $180, top u/2000: $140, top u/1800: $135, top u/1600: 2/13. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. $130, top u/1400: $125 top u/1200 and unrated: $120 Entry: $45 for MI JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) members, $50 for non-members. Late fee: $10 after 2/27. Reg.: 9-9:45am. See Nevada. FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, WIM Ruth Haring Memorial Championship Rounds: Saturday 10am, 12:15am, 2:15pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm, Sunday See Grand Prix. 10am, 2pm. All bye requests must be made before the start of round 2. FEB. 24, Pleasanton Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) Contact: [email protected] to register, chessclub.org. CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEW Venue: Larkspur Landing, 5535 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, CA 95336. MAR. 3, Fremont Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 THE LOS ANGELES CHESS CLUB Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. 36, 51 after 2/18. Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, CA 94538. Trophies: The Most Active Club on the West Coast! (310) 795-5710. * d5): EF: Quads players w + score, medals to others. Reg.: 9- (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): LACC: www.LAChessClub.com; VCC: www.ValleyChess- 31, 46 after 2/18. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. 9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/27. Quads (3RR, G/30 Club.com; Contact: [email protected]; Saturday & Sun- d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after days: 10 am-10 pm (Novice & Interm. classes + 3 Tournaments). FEB. 24, Cupertino Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) 2/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. Sundays: 11 am - 7 pm (Novice & Interm. classes class + 2 Tour- NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. naments. FIDE & USCF tournaments. Details on our web site. Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 d5): MAR. 3, Pleasanton Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) NEW Venue: Larkspur Landing, 5535 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton, CA 95336. Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Advance lecture). 11514 Santa Monica Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/18. Quads (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: 31, 46 after Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (4 blocks W of 405, SW corner 2/18. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/27. Quads of Santa Monica & Butler * 2nd Floor – above Javan Restaurant) (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons. Note our MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships 31, 46 after 2/27. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. monthly major tournaments. Also, we have the best Weekly (CA-S) BLITZ tournament on Saturday nights at 6:30 pm!! See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A State Championship Event! FEB. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, Every Saturday & Sunday MAR. 2, Foster City Kids Swiss & Quads (PK-12) MAR. 8-10, 45th CalChess State Scholastics Championship Chess 4 Juniors Foster City Courtyard Marriott, 550 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA, 94404. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., CA 95054. 8 separate events- 5SS, G/30 d0, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd. & Butler, Trophies: players w + score, medals to others. Swiss (4SS, G/30 Park free. Prizes: Trophies to Top 20 players & Top 5 School Team and LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks West of 405. EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb, No d5): Reg.: 9-9:15a. Games: 9:30a - 1:30p. EF: 36, 51 after 2/26. Quads Top 5 Club Teams in each section. Super Performance to all with winning prize 1/2 EF, siblings 1/2, Free new LACC members). Reg.: 12-1 pm. (3RR, G/30 d5): Reg & Reqrd Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:15-5p. EF: record. Medals to all others. In case of ties, tiebreaks will determine Rds.: 1pm & asap; done by 4. FREE BUGHOUSE afterwards; Prizes: 31, 46 after 2/26. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. trophies. Sections based on grades AND rating. Sched: 1-day event for Trophies & medals; All players receive prizes! Parking: Free on streets& MAR. 2, Sacramento Duper$wiss75 (3SS, G/75 d5) all u800 sections: KG, K-Gr3 Rookie(unr), K-Gr3 Beginner(u500), K-Gr3 BoA. Free healthy refreshments. Info: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChess- Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Prizes: $600 b/36. JV(500-799): Saturday only 5SSxG/30 d5: Rounds: 9am, 11am, 1pm, Club.com [email protected]. 1700+: $150-100, u1900 50. u1700: $150-100, u1600 50. Mar 19 Supp 2:30pm, 4:15pm. K-Gr6 Rookie(unr), K-Gr6 Beginner(u500), K-Gr6 JV(500- 799), K-Gr8 Beginner(u800), K-Gr12 Beginner(u800): Sunday only 5SSxG/30 FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23, LACC Saturday G/60 & TD disc. Reg.: 8:30-8:45. Rds.: 9-12-3. EF: 43, Econ 33 w 1/2 prz. 4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica d5: Rounds: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm. 2-day event for sections: after 2/26+20, playup +20, GMs/IMs - $0 by 2/22. Info: http:// Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF). BayAreaChess.com/grandprix. W. K-Gr3 Champ (800+), K-Gr5 Champ (800+), K-Gr6 Champ (800+), K-Gr8 JV (800-1199), K-Gr8 Champ (1200+), K-Gr12 JV (800-1599): Sat+Sun Reg.: 11-12 noon. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. MAR. 2, Sacramento Kids Quads (PK-12; 3xG/30 d5) 6SSxG/75 d5. Rounds: Sat 9:30am, 12:30n, 3:30pm Sun 9am, 12n, 3:15pm. Parking: Free on streets. Info: 310/795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com. Courtyard Marriott, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Trophies: players w + 3-day event for K-Gr12 Champ (1600+) FIDE rated: 5SSxG/90+30: Fri Use Pirq app for a free tourney. score, medals to others. Reg & Reqrd. Check-in 1:30-2p. Games: 2:30-5p. 6pm, Sat 11am, 3pm, Sun 10am, 2pm. Side-event: Blitz: KG-Gr3, Gr4-6, FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23, Saturday Blitz $300 FIDE (BLZ) EF: 29, 44 after 2/26. Info: http://BayAreaChess.com/signature. W. Gr 6-8, Gr 9-12: G/5 d0; Sat 6-8p. Bughouse (G/5 d0) Fri 6-8p. EF by 4 separate events- 9SS, G/3’+2’’ FIDE & USCF rated (Blitz,14 games). MAR. 2, Cupertino G/90 (4SS, G/90 d5) 2/25: 1-day $53, 2-day $67. Playup: +20, Late Fee: +10 after 2/22, +20 FIDE & USCF rated. EF: $20 (extra $10 non-LACC mbrs). No prizes, NEW Venue: Aloft Cupertino, 10165 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA after 3/1, 3/4 & Onsite +$40. Change Fee: $10 after 3/1, $20 after 3/4, Siblings 1/2 EF. Reg.: 6-6:30 pm. Rds.: 6:30 and ASAP thereafter. 95014. Prizes: $1,300 b/50. 50% guar. 1900+: $200-100-100, u2000 $30 onsite. Blitz/Bughouse: $14. Register: Online: until Friday 3/8 noon! Prizes: $$300 Gtd. $100-50; U1800, U1600, U1400 $50 cash & books.

26th annual WESTERN CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS March 1-3 or 2-3, 2019 - Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California Airtel Plaza Hotel- $8 day parking, $12 overnight, $20,000 guaranteed prizes! 5 rounds, 40/100, SD/30, d10 (2-day Rated players may play up one Online entry fee $5 less to SCCF option, rds 1-2 G/60, d10). Both section. Unrated must play in A or below members (join/renew at scchess.com). schedules merge & play for same prizes. with prize limit E $100, D $200, C $300. B 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean $400. Balance goes to next player(s) in rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5 pm, Sun 10 Ave, Van Nuys CA 91406. Free wireless, line. am & 3:30 pm. indoor pool, hot tubs, shuttle from Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best 2 day schedule: Reg Sat to 10 am, bus/train; restaurants within walking male/female 2-player team combined rds Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. distance. LAX/Van Nuys bus about $10. score among all sections: $500-300-200. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit Team must average under 2200; may play 2, Master must commit before round 2, $20,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES. In in different sections; register by 2 pm others before round 3. 7 sections: March 2. Master Section (over 2199): $2000- Bring set, board, clock if possible- 1000-500-300, clear/tiebreak 1st $100, Top 6 sections entry fee: $123 online none supplied (for sale at site). top U2300 $800-400. FIDE, 120 GPP. at chessaction.com by 2/27, 3-day $128, Hotel rates: $119-119, 818-997- Expert Section (2000-2199): 2-day $127 if check mailed by 2/20, all 7676 or use link at chesstour.com, $1500-700-400-200. $140 online until 2 hours before round 1 reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase. Class A Section (1800-1999): or at site until 1 hour before. No checks at March official ratings used (web $1500-700-400-200. site, credit cards OK. unofficial ratings usually used if Class B Section (1600-1799/Unr): Class E Section entry fee: all fees otherwise unrated). $1500-700-400-200. $50 less than top 6 sections. Entry: chessaction.com or Class C Section (1400-1599/Unr): All: Special USCF dues with magazine Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham $1200-600-300-200. if paid with online entry fee: Adult $35, NY 10803. $15 charge for refunds. Class D Section (1200-1399/Unr): Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. By mail Entries posted at chessaction.com (click $1000-500-300-200. or at site: $40, $25 and $17. “entry list” after entering). Class E Section (Under 1200/Unr): Re-entry $60 (not available to go from Blitz tournament Sat 9:30 pm, reg. $600-300-200-100. Master Section to Master Section). by 9:15 pm, entry fee $20.

www.uschess.org 63 Tournament Life / February

GMs free. Parking: Free on streets & BoA. Info: 310/795-5710 or and equipment for sale. Complimentary Bottled Water, Ample Parking, APR. 12-14, 2019 All-Girls National Championships presented www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney. Comfortable Waiting Room with legos, and other activities for siblings by the Kasparov Chess Foundation in association with the while waiting. Located at 8353 SW 124 St, Suite 201-A, Miami, FL 33156. FEB. 3, 10, 17, 24, LACC Sunday G/60 Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation & US Chess 4 separate events- 1 open section, 6SS, G/60 d5. 11514 Santa Monica Contact Chris Stormont, Phone: 786-303-2437, E-mail: chris@stormon- See Nationals. Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $30/ ($20 LACC memb; No prizes 1/2 EF). tkingschess.com, Web: www.StormontKingsChess.com MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago Open Reg.: 11-12 noon, Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collections. FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) See Grand Prix. Free at BoA, streets, & basement. 310/795-5710 or Parking: Info: See Grand Prix. MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) www.LAChessClub.com. Use Pirq app for a free tourney. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. FEB. 12, 19, 26, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 The Villages Open JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) TUESDAY EVENINGS; (3-SS, G/1:55 d5) Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church, (3 or 2 day schedule) Laurel Manor Rec. Center, 1985 Laurel Manor See Nationals. 11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $10 - Club members, $20 - non- Drive ,The Villages, Fl 32162. 5-Round SS; G/90 d5 (3 day) Round 1 members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free G/60 d5 (2 day) Rds. 2-5 G/90; d5 Entry limited to first 100 registrants. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) parking. Free coffee. INFO: (310) 827-2789. EF: $35 in advance. Prizes based on 60 entries, 1st $400, 2nd $200; See Nationals. FEB. 16-17, 2019 Marcel Duchamp Memorial FIDE U1800 $150; U1600 $100; U1400 $75 Registration: deadline 2/14/19 JUNE 28-30, 2019 U.S. Senior Open See Grand Prix. at noon via ChessRegister.com; Mail-in deadline 2/11/19 Outstanding See Nationals. facilities, accomodations ( hotels/motels/restaurants) close by. Tour- FEB. 16-18 OR 17-18, San Diego Open JUNE 28-30, 2019 U.S. Junior Open See Grand Prix. nament open to all, no age or residence restruictions. See 2019 The See Nationals. Villages Open Web Listing for further details. FEB. 23-24, 2019 U.S. Junior Chess Congress See Nationals. FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) INDIANA MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Championships MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago MAR. 5, 12, 19, 26, Santa Monica Bay Chess Club - 2019 Club See Grand Prix. Open (IL) Championship See Grand Prix. TUESDAY EVENINGS; (4-SS, G/1:55 d5) Cash prizes. St. Andrew’s Church, MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd 11555 National Blvd., WLA, 90064. EF: $20 - Club members, $35 - non- Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL) members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:10-11:00 p.m., USCF rated. Free See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. . Free coffee. INFO: (310) 827-2789. parking MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Grand Prix. IOWA See Nationals. APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Nationals. MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) GEORGIA Open (IL) See Nevada. See Grand Prix. FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress See Grand Prix. COLORADO KANSAS FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Nationals. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago See Nationals. MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class Championships (FL) Open (IL) JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Nevada. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE KENTUCKY CONNECTICUT See Grand Prix. FEB. 23, Black History Month : 2nd Annual Battle MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) of the Kings & Queens Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) See Grand Prix. 1228 East Breckinridge St., Louisville, KY 40204. Entry fee: $15.00 Reg- See New York. APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open (FL) istration time starts at 10 a.m. Ends at 10:45 a.m. This is a fundraising MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY) See Grand Prix. tournament for the Kuumba Academy chess program. Affordable con- See Grand Prix. cessions. Free parking. Cash prize raffles. Conditions: K/12 open rated. Everyone must be a United States Chess Federation member, G/30. No APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) HAWAII time delay. Quads, round robin, 3 rounds. First place winner receives a See Grand Prix. medal. Trophies available for the top 4 performing teams. www.thewest- JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) louisvillechessclub.com for more information. Or contact urbanlouisville APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods See Nationals. See Grand Prix. [email protected]. APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) MAR. 2, The John Coltrane Spring Classic See Grand Prix. IDAHO Location: 500 East Caldwell, Louisville, KY 40204. Registration: 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Entry fee: $10. Cash prize tournament, rated, 3 in a section, MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and US Chess Junior Grand Prix! round robin, 2 rounds, full point bye, G/30 d0. 1st place in each section Senior (NY) FEB. 16-18, 2019 Idaho Closed State Chess Championship wins $20 based on 3 paid in full entries in a section. Others win Chess See Grand Prix. 6SS, Time Control: 30/120, d5 SD/60 d5; Section: Open. Site: Hampton, Dollars. Sections: under 500, under 800, under 1200, under 1600. Must 1658 Fillmore St., Twin Falls, ID. Call for Chess Rate, 208-734-2233. JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open be a United States Chess Federation member. Affordable concessions. See Grand Prix. Idaho Residency req’d, US Chess and ICA membership req’d EF: www.thewestlouisvillechessclub.com for more information.com. $30 per player, Register online for discount. Rd Times: 2/16 9 am, 4 JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) pm, 2/17 10 am, 5 pm, 2/18 8 am, 3 pm. Business meeting 9 am 2/17. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 1/2 pt bye Rds. 1-5 only. Maximum 1-half point bye, Rounds 1-5, commit before round is paired. 0-point bye round 6. Prizes: 1, 2, 3 Overall; MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago DELAWARE Classes B - E, Top Expert, Class A, Junior, Senior, Unrated, Woman. Open (IL) Details: [email protected], Online registration at: See Grand Prix. FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual www.idahochessassociation.com, (208) 450-9048. Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD) JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) LOUISIANA See Maryland. See Nationals. MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) Class Championships (TX) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. See Grand Prix. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual ILLINOIS (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) FEB. 16 , Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17 See Grand Prix. Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD) , 2019 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North See Maryland. MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class See Nationals. Championships (FL) FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. MAR. 9, 17th Annual Mark Oestriech Memorial Chess Tournament Salem Community Activities Center, 416 East Oglesby St., Salem, IL 62881. MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) Swiss System – 3 rounds USCF Rated, Sponsored by the Southern Illinois See Grand Prix. FLORIDA Chess League Time Controls 30/70, then 40/60 No sudden death – Entry $15.00 – Registration from 8:00-9:15a.m. 9:30a.m., 1:00p.m., Boca Raton Chess Club fee: Rounds: MAINE Friday night tournament games, one game a week for 4 weeks. 5:00p.m. – Prize fund: $360.00, based on 30 players 1st-$80, 2nd-$40, www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377. A,B,C,D/E/ Unr $60.00 each – Entries: Carl Purcell 618-267-8145, 2749 FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH) S. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881 or purcellelectric@sbcglobalnet. See Grand Prix. The Stormont Kings Chess Center in Miami, FL We have a beautiful office with multiple rooms located in the MAR. 15-17, 2019 National High School (K-12) Championship APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) Kendall/Falls/Pinecrest Area. We offer Private and Group Lessons, See Nationals. See Grand Prix. Homeschool Activities, Tournaments, Camps, Family Game Nights, MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) Parents Night Out, Casual Chess Play TSK Rated and more! Chess Sets See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

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

MAY 4, Downeast Open JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic See Grand Prix. See Pennsylvania. Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) MAY 22, ChessMaine.net Championship JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA) See New York. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY) JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA) See Grand Prix. MARYLAND See Pennsylvania. APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA) See Grand Prix. MARYLAND CHESS TOURNAMENTS See Grand Prix. APR. 13-14, Westford April Open MD Chess runs scholastic tournaments 2 Saturdays per month See Grand Prix. from September through June & open tournaments 2 Saturdays JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA) or weekends per month throughout the year. Visit www.MD See Grand Prix. APR. 14, Chess Fool’s Day Open Chess.org to find tournament announcements, tutors, coaches, JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) 4SS, G/60 d5. The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., & camps; register online for tournaments; & subscribe to See Grand Prix. Amherst, MA 01002. REG.: 8:30-9:15 Sunday 4/14/2019. EF: $30 on- scholastic and/or open e-newsletters. MD scholastic players site; WMCA $2 discount; advance entry $25 if postmarked by 4/8/2019; JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA) unrated FREE. USCF membership required. $$450 b/30 paying entries: who compete in the Varsity section (exclusively for players See Grand Prix. rated 1600+) of a MD-Sweet-16 Qualifier can qualify for the Open 1st: $100; Top A: $90; Top B: $80; Top C: $70; Top U1400: $60; $45,000 scholarship to UMBC awarded annually. The Uni- JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA) Top Unrated; $50. RDS.: 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00, 5: 30. Limit of one 1/2 versity of Maryland, Baltimore County’s chess team is a See Grand Prix. point bye, specify round with entry. ENT: WMCA, c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 perennial top-10 contender for the national championship. JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) Fairview, Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413) 695-7689 RonGist@ See Grand Prix. ComCast.net. Please bring set and clock. W. FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) See Grand Prix. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute & Western High School, 1400 W. MASSACHUSETTS Cold Spring Ln., Baltimore, MD 21209. Open to all K-12 players from APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) anywhere. 5 Sections. Championship: 1500+, K-12, 4SS, G/45 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. d5, Rds.: 9:30-11:30-1:30-3:30. 1000-1499: 1000-1499, K-12, 5SS, FEB. 6, 13, 20, 27, MAR. 6, George E. O’Rourke Memorial MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and G/35 d5, Rds.: 9:30-11-12:30-2-3:30. U1000 HS & MS: under 1000 5SS, G/100 d5. Wachusett CC, McKay Complex, Room C159, Fitchburg Senior (NY) or unr, 6-12, 5SS, G/30 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12-1:15-2:30. 500-999 State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $20 annual See Grand Prix. K-5: 500-999, K-5, 5SS, G/30 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12-1:15-2:30. club dues or $1 per game. Reg.: 6:30-7 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. each Wed. U500 K-5: under 500 or unr, K-5, 5SS, G/25 d5, Rds.: 9:30-10:30- Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books to 1st-2nd, top U1850, U1650, JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT) 11:30-12:30-1:30. Trophies per section: top 25% of individuals; top U1450. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, See Grand Prix. 40% of teams. EF: $30 through 02.12; $45 through 02.14; $60 by 8 [email protected], 978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) AM, 02.16 (half-point bye possible in Rd. 1); $80, 8-9 AM, 02.16 (on WEB: 2/6. Free parking, “Chess Chat” DVD shown at 6:40 p.m. W. See Grand Prix. site; if space available; half-point bye likely in Rd. 1). Provided: sets, FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH) boards, scoresheets, & pencils. Bring chess clock. Food available See Grand Prix. for purchase. Register: www.mdchess.com. Contact Email: tour- MICHIGAN [email protected]. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAR. 2-3, 94th Western Massachusetts/Connecticut Valley MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) Open (IL) See Grand Prix. Chess Championship The Alumni House - Amherst College, 75 Churchill St., Amherst, MA See Grand Prix. MAR. 2-3, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament 01002. In 2 Sections. Two-Day: 5SS, G/90 d5, EF: $30 on-site; $25 See Grand Prix. if postmarked by 2/25/2019; One-Day: 5SS, 1-3 G/45 d5, 4 & 5 MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE) G/90 d5, EF: $25 on-site. $2 discount for WMCA members; $20 if MINNESOTA postmarked by 2/25/2019. Unr: FREE; USCF Membership required. See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) 1st overall: revolving trophy and keeper; trophy to top X, A, B, C, D, See Grand Prix. JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA) E, UNR. Please bring set and clock. Limit of two 1/2 point byes; See Grand Prix. specify round(s) with entry. ENT: WMCA c/o Ed Kostreba, 45 Fairview MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) St., Palmer, MA 01069. INFO: Ron Gist (413) 695-7689, RonGist@ Open (IL) See Grand Prix. ComCast.net. W. See Grand Prix. GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

GOLD Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 US Chess memberships during Bay Area Chess Continental Chess Association the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, is eligible to 2050 Concourse Drive #42 San Jose, CA 95131 P.O. Box 8482 become a Gold Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a special list in larger type in 408-409-6596 Pelham, NY 10803 Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, address, phone number, e-mail [email protected] [email protected] address, and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and existing affiliates may www.bayareachess.com www.chesstour.com subtract $3 for each month remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining on their Silver Affiliation. By paying an annual payment of $500 (instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no minimum requirement for Cajun Chess memberships submitted. 12405 Hillary Step Drive 23 West 10th Street Olive Branch, MS 38654 New York, NY 10011 504-208-9596 212-477-3716 SILVER Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 US Chess memberships [email protected] [email protected] during the current or previous calendar year, or is the recognized State Affiliate, www.cajunchess.com www.marshallchessclub.org is eligible to become a Silver Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized in a special list in Tournament Life each month, giving the affiliate name, state, and Chess Club and PaperClip Pairings choice of either phone number, e-mail address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs Scholastic Center c/o Remy Ferrari $150 per year, and existing affiliates may subtract $3 for each month remaining of Saint Louis 4 Jalapa Court on their regular affiliation. Alternatively, for an annual payment of $250.00 4657 Maryland Avenue Brownsville, TX 78526 (instead of $150), the requirement for a minimum number of US Chess members St. Louis, MO 63108 956-621-0377 will be waived. 314-361-CHESS [email protected] [email protected] Berkeley Chess School (CA) Little House of Chess, Inc. (NY) Rochester Chess Center (NY) www.saintlouischessclub.org www.berkeleychessschool.org littlehouseofchess.com http://www.chessset.com San Diego Chess Club 2225 Sixth Avenue En Passant Chess Club (TX) ChessNYC.com San Diego, CA 92101 [email protected] Michigan Chess Association (MI) Sparta Chess Club (NJ) Michael Propper 619-752-4377 www.michess.org www.spartachessclub.org [email protected] Evangel Chess Club (AL) P.O. Box 189, 1710 1st Avenue www.evangelchurch.me New York, NY 10128 www.sandiegochessclub.org 212-475-8130 Jersey Shore HS Chess League (NJ) Oklahoma Chess Foundation (OK) Success Chess School (CA) [email protected] [email protected] www.OCFchess.org www.successchess.com www.chessnyc.com UPDATED 11-01-2018

www.uschess.org 65 Tournament Life / February

APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) alternate allowed, coaches set order by strength, order must not be changed. MISSISSIPPI See Grand Prix. Team average based on 5 highest ratings. Trophies to: top 10 Teams, top three players on boards 1-5. EF: $150/team before 2/27/19. $165 on site. FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual JUNIOR VARSITY (9-12): 4 player team with one alternate allowed. Team (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) NEW JERSEY average based on 4 highest ratings. Trophies to: top 10 teams, top 3 players See Grand Prix. FEB. 9, ICA Super Saturday Quads boards 1-4. EF: $120/team before 2/27/19, $130 on site. BOOSTER: (K- Top 4 individual players from each school constitute a team. Trophies MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). 12): to: top 10 players. Top 3 schools. $30 before 2/27/19, $35 on site. Championships (FL) 3SS, G/45 d5. On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the EF: All Registration: USCF memb. required. RDS. Sat 10, 12:45, 3:15; Sun 10, See Grand Prix. tournament. $25 all sections. 1:30 and ASAP. ABOVE SECTIONS : Entry Fee: Rounds: Prize: 12:45. REG.: on site 8-9:30am after 9:30 – 1/2 point bye for round 1. Please $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) bring clocks and sets. JIM MULLANAPHY, 98 Baird Rd., Millstone Twp., icanj.net for more information. REG.: See Grand Prix. NJ 08535. Entrees must include: name, grade, school, USCF ID# and FEB. 16-18, World Amateur Team & 2019 U.S. Team East expiration date for players; coaches need to supply: mailing address, email MISSOURI Championship address, phone #. Checks made out to: NJSCF. SIDE EVENT: MAR 3, SUN- See Nationals. DAY, Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Non-Rated Section (K-12): 5SS, G/15 d5. Knights of the Chess Table Chess Club USCF Membership Not required for this section only! EF: $20, registration Edward Jones YMCA, St. Louis, MO - All skill levels welcome. Play casual FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) 9:00 to 9:45. First Round 10am, other rounds ASAP. Limited number of Clocks See Grand Prix. chess or blitz chess. For club info, address and hours, go to https://knight- and Sets available, if you have equipment please bring it. REG.: Same as softhechesstable.com FEB. 23, Hamilton Chess Club Quads above. Entries must include: name, age, address, phone # and Troop/Pack Wednesday Monthly Marathon 3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30 d0. Full K. McManimon Hall, 320 Scully Ave., affiliation if any. Online entrees accepted at: WWW. NJSCF.org until The Kansas City Chess Club, 2 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068. 2 Games Hamilton Twp., NJ 08610. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per 10pm, 2/28/19. QUESTIONS?? Contact: [email protected], 732-610-1357. Per Week (8-10 Games Per Month) G/30 d5 7PM Free Parking! Free Coffee Quad. Reg.: 9-10:30am. Rds.: 10:30am-1:30pm-4:30pm. OSA. More information: hamiltonchessclub.com or 609-758-2326 leave message MAR. 3, Westfield G/45 Quads and Snacks! EF: $5 per week. Flyer at: www.kansascitychessclub.com. 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. $25, or text 609-351-2437. W. EF: FEB. 27, Knights of the Chess Table Chess Club $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 Wednesday Night Game 30 d0, 3 Rounds SS. EF: $5.00. Reg.: 5:45, FEB. 23, ICA Super Saturday Quads a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- Rds: 6:15, 7:15, 8:15. Prize Fund b/10. 1st - $20 2nd - $10 - 3rd - $5 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html 3SS, G/45 d5. On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the Edward Jones YMCA, 12521 Marine Ave., St. Louis, MO 63146. For more Registration: MAR. 9, ICA Super Saturday Quads info: 314 966 4985 or https://knightsofthechesstable.com. Players tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). should bring clock. USCF Membership Required. $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the icanj.net for more information. MAR. 9, Four States Winter Open tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: 4-SS, G/60 d5. Hilton Garden Inn, 2644 E. 32nd St., Joplin, MO 64804. 2 FEB. 23, 101st Central Jersey Chess Tournament $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ Sections, Open: $120-80, U1600 60, U1400: $60-40. 4.0 Bonus: $20. Princeton Academy, 1128 Great Rd., Princeton. 4 rated sections, each icanj.net for more information. K-12, 4 rds, G/25 d5: . 2 unrated Sections may be combined for pairing purposes. Prizes: b/30 full-paid Open (1100+), U1100, U800, U500 MAR. 9-10 sections, 4 rds. (K-8), (K-2). Trophies to 1st- , 52nd annual New York State Scholastic entries. EF: $30 by 3/8, $40 at door. Scholastic (rating only) $15 by 3/8, Intermediate Beginners Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) 3rd and top school/club team per section, medals to all! $40 pre-reg $25 at door. Email entry accepted for lower rate. MCA membership required, See New York. OSA. Reg.: 8-9. Rounds: 9:30-11:45-2:30-4:45. Byes: One 1/2 point bye if online by 2/21, $50 on-site 1:15-1:45. Rd. 1 at 2pm. newjerseychess@ requested before round 2 Ent: [email protected] with cash gmail.com, www.njchess.com. MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE) See Grand Prix. onsite, paypal.me/joplinchess or mailed to Joplin Chess Club, 2609 New A State Championship Event! Hampshire, Joplin, MO 64804. Checks payable to Martin Stahl. Info: FEB. 24, New Jersey State Elementary Championship MAR. 10, Westfield G/50 Quads joplinchess.org, [email protected], 417-483-1554. 5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, MAR. 9, March Madness NJ 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 Format: Open to students enrolled in elementary, middle or high school from Garden State Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) & a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- in Fall 2018. 4 SS, G/30 d0. Five sections: K-12 Open, K-12 U1000, K-6 Primary (K-3). All: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html Open, K-6 U500, K-3 Open. Rds.: 11am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 3pm. Locations & Primary: Top 5 in each grade. Rds.: 10 am then ASAP. Top 4 scores MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Championship in 5 vary every month, all the info and registration is on our website at: constitute the team score for Elementary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $35 Sections https://saintlouischessclub.org/education/scholastic-tournaments before 2/17, $50 at site. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 4SS. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. All 9:00am 1/2 point bye for round 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Ent: Hal Sprech- players with 2.5 points or more will receive a trophy! USCF Memb Req’d MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open man, 66 Cromwell Ln., Jackson, NJ 08527 or online by Feb 23 at See Grand Prix. For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. For info, call 201-797-0330, email chessdirector@ www.NJSCF.org. Entries must include name, grade, school, section, icanj.net or visit icanj.net. ADV EF (pmk by Mar 5th) $35 At Site $40 Reg MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) date of birth, USCF ID and expiration date, mailing address, email ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. See Grand Prix. address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago A State Championship Event! players K thru 2nd grade. Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section Open (IL) FEB. 24, New Jersey Junior High School Championship 2 Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 4th grade. Rds.: See Grand Prix. 5SS, G/30 d5. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ First Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Section 3 G/45 d5 U800: Open to 07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from players rated below 800 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 Garden State Parkway exit 109. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Trophies to top AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4 G/45 d5 U1200: Open to players NEBRASKA 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute rated below 1200 and unrated players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Open to All Ages rated MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) team score. EF: $35 before 2/17, $50 at site. USCF memb. req’d. Reg.: 8- Section 5 G/60 d5 U1400: See Grand Prix. 9:00 am. After 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259 3881 below 1400 or unrated. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:00, 4:30 PM. Enter online [email protected]. ENT: Hal Sprechman, 66 Cromwell Ln., Jackson, at: https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments or mail checks to Diana MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago NJ 08527 or online by Feb 23 at www.NJSCF.org. Entries must include Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New Milford. NJ 07646. Make checks payable Open (IL) name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID #, & expiration date, mailing to International Chess Academy. W. See Grand Prix. address, phone number & entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF. MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA U1600 Championship FEB. 24, Westfield G/60 Quads 4SS, G/60 d5. Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack. NJ NEVADA 3-RR. G/55 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, 07601. Open to all ages with rating below 1600. Prize Fund ($$ b/25) 1st $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 - 3rd $200, $150, $100, TU1400 $50, TU1200 $50, Call 201 797-0330, email MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- [email protected] or visit icanj.net for more info. ADV EF (pmk by (CA-S) [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html Mar 5th) $40. At Site $45 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd. 1. 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 See Grand Prix. MAR. 2, King’s Chess Club Quads Rds.: PM. Enter online at:https://ica.jumbula.com/#/ica_tournaments or mail APR. 19-21 OR 20-21, 8th Annual Reno Larry Evans Memoral - Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30 d5, Kindergarten-undergraduate (scholastic, youth, and young adult memberships). Bethlehem Church, 758 to Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. Make checks FIDE - $$26,500 b/275 ($16,000 Gtd.) payable to International Chess Academy. W. See Grand Prix. Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr. by 12:30 pm to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. MAR. 10, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Open Championship JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open Info: Bethlehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988. See Grand Prix. See Nationals. MAR. 2, ICA Super Saturday Quads MAR. 17, Westfield Grand Prix JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open 354 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 (Education building, 2nd floor). See Grand Prix. See Nationals. 3SS, G/45 d5. Registration: On site before 1:20 PM at the day of the MAR. 24, Westfield G/60 Quads JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship tournament. Entry Fee: $25 all sections. Rounds: 1:30 and ASAP. Prize: 3-RR. G/55 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, 6-SS, G/60 d5. Westgate Las Vegas Resort, 3000 Paradise Rd., 89109. In 4 $60 1st place (each quad). Call 201-797-0330 or email chessdirector@ $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 Sections by age: 14 & Under Open, 14 & Under Reserve (under 1000), 9 icanj.net for more information. a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- & Under Open, 9 & Under Reserve (under 800). Trophies to top 10 in each MAR. 2, Princeton Day School [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html section plus class and team trophies. 1st Place in each section wins a 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams under 1000, top 8 in MAR. 31, Westfield G/45 Quads Computer loaded with valuable Chess Software and hundreds of Videos, each section under 1000, and to top 3 in each section over 1000. Medals 2nd-4th win chess prizes valued at 250-150-100. Unrated players may not 3-RR. G/40 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, to all players. MORNING SECTIONS: 3 rds. G/55 d5, Sections for OVER $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 win 1st in Reserve sections. EF: $89 by 5/31, $99 by 6/20, $120 later. Half 1000 rated players begin at 10:15 and must preregister: NEAR MASTERS point bye in any round (limit 2) if requested in advance. 8:30-9 a.m. a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- Reg.: (players K-12 OVER 1400), FUTURE MASTERS (players K-12 1200- 1400), [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html Rds.: 10-1-3:30, 10-1-3:30. Youth Blitz: 6/22 6:30 p.m. ($25 by 5/31 $35 CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200). AFTERNOON SECTIONS: 4 rds. G/25 d5, Begin- later). HR: $69, $92 Friday and Saturday (800) 732-7117 Cutoff for special ning at 12 noon (round times will be accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) hotel rate is May 23; after that rates will increase significantly and K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I See Grand Prix. there may not be any rooms available. ENT: Vegas Chess Festivals, PO (unrated K-8), K-1 (unrated), NO SCORE K-1 (novice). Pre-registration APR. 7, Westfield G/50 Quads Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. online, $35 pay at the door. Info and online registration at https:// 3-RR. G/45 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. EF: $25, www.pds.org/school-life/chess-tournaments On-site 11-12 noon $45. $20 members. Prizes: $60 to first in each section. Register: 11:30 NEW HAMPSHIRE Inquiries to Bonnie Waitzkin at [email protected]. a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: 12:15, 2:10, 4:05 p.m. Info: westfieldchess- US Chess Junior Grand Prix! [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado A State Championship Event! APR. 14, Westfield Spring Scholastic See Grand Prix. MAR. 2-3, New Jersey High School Championship Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. K-12. 3 Sections: Open, APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) 5SS, G/60 d10. Union County Vocational - Technical High School, 1776 Raritan U1250, U750. Open: 3-SS. G/40 d5. Rounds: 12:15, 2:00, 3:45 p.m. See Grand Prix. Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. VARSITY (9-12): 5 player team with one U1250 & U750: 4-SS. G/25 d5. Rounds: 12:15, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00 p.m. EF:

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

$25, $20 members. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5 in each section. Tiebreaks Prize: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 12/31/19 to 1st Mixed Doubles team, FEB. 24, Marshall Rated Beginner used. See USCF Rule 34E. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Info: west- chess sets to top 3 overall Mixed Doubles. Free entries courtesy of Continental 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 [email protected], www.westfieldchessclub.org/Events.html Chess and are valid for CCA tmts. with 100% guaranteed prizes; see b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late APR. 14, Westfield G/75 www.magnusleague.org, www.chesscenter.cc or www.chesstour.com for fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. 2-SS, accelerated. G/70 d5. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ details and restrictions. Rds.: 10 am-12:45 pm (earlier if feasible) each No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. date. www.magnusleague.org. Each date’s games submitted for 07090. EF: $5. Prizes: None. Register: 11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Rounds: Ent: All: FEB. 24, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) rating prior to next date’s games. Players must re-confirm before each 12:15, 3:00 p.m. Info: [email protected], www.westfield- 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: date; official USCF rating list in effect on each date used for that date chessclub.org/Events.html. Note: Participation limited to adults (any $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC rating) & 1750+. (unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated or if requesting to play Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before in Premier). Unr. may enter section 2 or 3 (or Premier by TD permission). Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) Limit 6 byes (2 byes max. rds. 9-12), commit by Jan. 27 (by May 3 for players Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Grand Prix. with minus scores). Teammate pairings avoided but possible. Ties for free APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) entries decided by tiebreak except playoff May 5 between top 2 on tiebreak FEB. 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, 113th Nassau Grand Prix See Grand Prix. (may be fast game). See www.magnusleague.org for rules and special sit- See Grand Prix. uations. Special Bonus Points and/or prizes may be awarded each date! MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Bring clocks! Info: [email protected], [email protected], FEB. 28, MARCH 1-4, Marshall FIDE Norm Round Robins! Senior (NY) online entry thru 6 pm the day before each date at: www.magnus See Grand Prix. 9-RR, G/90 +30. FIDE Rated. Three Sections: 1) GM Norm & 2) league.org. Reg. on-site by 9:30 am. School purchase orders: Chess Center IM/WGM Norm: FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes. FIDE norms JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT) of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. W. possible. Registration by invitation only; to request a spot please See Grand Prix. FEB. 15, Marshall 3rd Friday Quads - NEW email [email protected]. Prizes: $1,500 GTD: $1,000-500. JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA) 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each EF: $550. (MCC Membership required.) Conditions available for foreign See Grand Prix. winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- GM & IM players. 3) Qualifier: FIDE ratings used for pairings and prizes. person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes A 2000+ FIDE rating is required to register (no exceptions will be JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of made). Prizes: 1st Place: $500 and eligible for paid entry into next IM See Grand Prix. the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Norm RR. 2nd Place: Eligible for paid entry into the next IM Norm RR. JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ) (PA) EF: $175. (MCC Membership required.) Schedule (for all sections): See Pennsylvania. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Thurs 2/28: 12 & 6pm, Fri 3/1: 12 & 6pm, Sat 3/2: 12 & 6pm, Sun 3/3: FEB. 15-17, Marshall Monthly U2400 12 & 6pm, Mon 3/4: 12pm. No byes available: players who fail to com- JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: See Pennsylvania. plete all 9 rounds will be barred from future MCC round robins and be $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional subject to a $250 fine before participating in another MCC event. Website: JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA) $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. www.marshallchessclub.org/. See Grand Prix. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA) MAR. 1-3, Marshall U2200 Premier See Pennsylvania. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 5-SS, G/90 +30. Limited to 40 players. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1900: FEB. 15-17 JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA) , Marshall Monthly U2400 $150, U1600: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Register Online: JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA) $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. See Grand Prix. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MAR. 2, TRM134 JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) at Albany Community CS, 65 Krank St., Albany 12202. Free. Pre-register See Grand Prix. FEB. 16, Marshall G/50 (U1700) early www.chesstrm.org (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5. Rd. 1 at 10:00. JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA) 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC See Grand Prix. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before MAR. 2, 9, 23, 30, Rochester Chess Center Saturday Tournaments! Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register 3-SS, G/60 d5. Rochester CC, 221 Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585- JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA) Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 442-2430. Prizes based on entries. EF: $15, RCC members $13. $2 less See Grand Prix. for HS and Pre-HS. Reg.: 1-1:45 pm. Rds.: 2-4-6. One bye available, FEB. 16, Marshall G/50 (U1700) JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) request at entry. www.nychess.org. Also, Youth tournament, G/30 d5, 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC every Saturday morning 10am-1pm, trophies and prizes. EF: $5. See Grand Prix. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register MAR. 3, Safe & Simple Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. at Riverbank State Park, 145th St. & Riverside Dr., NYC 10025. Free. NEW MEXICO Pre-register early www.chesstrm.org/NYC/ (required) 4/SS, G/30 d5. FEB. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner Check-in by 9:30 to play round 1. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 FEB. 9-10, Memorial Open & Senior Championship Open b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late MAR. 6, 13, 20, 27, Community Chess Club of Rochester Wed 4-SS, G/120 d10 (except Scholastic: 4-SS G/30 d5). The Meadowlark fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue Night Chess! Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Ln. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. In 4 ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Note: 1 game rated per night, G/80 d5. Rochester Chess Center, 221 sections, EF: $40 (except Scholastic, $15.) For Open, Reserve and Novice Norris Dr., Rochester, NY 14610. 585-442-2430. EF: $5, CCCR members sections - $10 EF discount if received by 2/6/19. $$: Open: b/30 1st FEB. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner $3. Reg.: 6:30-7:20 pm. Rd.: 7:30pm. www.rochesterchessclub.org. $300, 2nd $200, 1st U1900 $100. Top finishing NM Resident (over 50) is 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late MAR. 7, Marshall Guaranteed Action! 2019 NM Senior Champion, co-champions if a tie; Prize money will be 4-SS, G/25 d5. $350 GTD: $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. EF: $15; Non- awarded based on finish regardless of residency. Reserve: b/30 1st fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour $275, 2nd $175, 1st U1400 $100. Novice: b/30 1st $250, 2nd $150, 1st before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for U1000 $100. Scholastic: (2/9/2019 only) Medals for: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, FEB. 17, Sunday Quick Chess in Middlebury (QC) (VT) Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess- 6th-8th and 9th-12th grades. Plaques will be awarded to 1st place See Vermont. club.org/register. finisher in open section and to the Senior Champion. Unrated players are eligible for half of the sections cash prizes, except in the open, US Chess Junior Grand Prix! MAR. 8, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) where unrated players are eligible for the entire prize fund. Reg.: Online FEB. 18, 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used for pairings & open until 8:00pm on 2/8/19; Onsite, Saturday (2/9/19), Scholastic: 8 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. – 8:30AM; other Sections: Sat. 8:15 – 9:00AM. Rds.: Open, Reserve & Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25) EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person Novice: Sat. & Sun 9:30AM, 2:30PM; Scholastic: Sat. 9:00AM, 10:10AM, $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue 1PM, 2:10PM. W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs. Bye: Up to two, 1/2 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- pt. byes can be requested prior to start of 1st rnd. Ent: Online entries 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: shallchessclub.org/register. via website www.nmchess.org or mail entry to: NMCO, P.O. Box 4215, www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MAR. 8, Marshall Friday Quads Albuquerque, NM 87196-4215. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each winner. $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships FEB. 18, 25, MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 EF: 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes (CA-S) allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of See Grand Prix. Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. U1800: ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: MAR. 9, Marshall U1900 Morning Action See Nationals. 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before See Nationals. FEB. 19, Marshall Masters Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) See Grand Prix. Register Online: See Nevada. FEB. 21, Marshall Thursday Action MAR. 9, Marshall G/50 Open 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC NEW YORK $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. OCT. 21, NOV. 18, DEC. 9, JAN. 27, MAR. 3, MAY 5, 6th Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: Register Online: Annual Magnus High School and Junior High Chess League! www.marshallchessclub.org/register. An American Classic! Columbia Grammar and Prep. High School Cafeteria, 36 W. 93rd St. FEB. 22, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) A Heritage Event! (bet. Central Park West & Columbus Ave., near 96th St. subways), NYC. 12- See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! SS, G/60 d10, open to grades 7-12 born after 5/5/99. 3 sections: 1. Premier A State Championship Event! (over 1799 and special invitees), 2. Under 1800, 3. Under 1200. Plaques FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic to top 3 each section. May be limited to 60 players each date. Individual See Grand Prix. Championships (out of state welcome) free entry prizes: free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tmts. thru FEB. 23, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) 6SS, G/60 d10, open to grades K-12; top NYS player & team each section 12/31/19 to 1st each section. Team prizes: free entry to 1 CCA tmt. thru 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: are NY champions. In 14 sections. High School Sections at Courtyard by 12/31/19 to the 4-top-scoring players from same school across all 3 $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (2/5 mile from sections, plaques to top 3 overall team scores, limit 2 teams per school. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Saratoga Hilton). Other 11 sections at Saratoga Hilton and adjacent Saratoga Mixed Doubles (2-player male/female team, avg. rating U2200, may be in Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. City Center (connected by indoor walkway), 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 different sections and from different schools, must sign-up by 1/27) Bonus Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Sections at Hilton/City

www.uschess.org 67 Tournament Life / February

Center are limited to a total of 1100 players, sections at Marriott 300 players. MAR. 17, Marshall Rated Beginner at least 1 hour before game). For details on mail entries see www.chess- Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 girls.win or www.chesscenter.cc. In 7 sections. Each section has its teams allowed even if one school “feeds” another. Teams of 2 or 3 allowed, b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late own age, (grade) and rating requirements (Championship sections open but are at a disadvantage. Online entry fee at chessaction.com, all fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. to all who are under age (and grade) limits; unrated allowed all sections). sections: $69 by 2/14, $79 2/15-3/1, $90 3/2 to 3/8. EF at site, all sections No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Open Championship, open to all girls born after 4/7/99 (top NYS K-12 $100. (all K-12 born after 9/1/99): EF $75.30 mailed by girl qualifies for National Girls Tournament of Champions in Florida), HS Championship MAR. 19, Marshall Masters K-6 2/14. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions. See Grand Prix. Championship and K-3 Championship are each 2-days: 6-SS, G/60 K-12 Under 1800/Unr: EF $75.20 mailed by 2/14. K-12 Under 1200/Unr: d10. Rounds: 10 am-1-4 pm each day. K-12 Under 1200, K-6 Under EF $75.10 mailed by 2/14. JHS Championship (all K-9): EF $75 mailed by MAR. 20, Marshall Thursday Action 900, K-3 Under 600 and K-1 Championship are each 5-SS, G/30 d5. 2/14. Top NYS grade K-8 born after 9/1/03 qualifies for Barber tournament 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: Rounds: 10 am-12-1:30-3-4:45 pm Sunday. K-1 open to grades 1/below of K-8 Champions. K-8 Under 1600/Unr: EF $74.90 mailed by 2/14. K-8 $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- born after 4/7/11. Both K-3 sections open to grades 3/below born after Under 900/Unr: EF $74.80 mailed by 2/14. Elementary Championship person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. 4/7/09. Both K-6 sections open to grades 6/below born after 4/7/06. (all K-6): EF $74.70 mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under 1400/Unr: EF $74.60 mailed Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: K-12 Under 1200 section open to grades 12/below born after 4/7/99. by 2/14. K-6 Under 1000/Unr: EF $74.50 mailed by 2/14. K-6 Under www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Trophies to top 12 each section and top 3 Unr. in each 1-Day section. 600/Unr: EF $74.40 mailed by 2/14. Primary Championship (all K-3): EF MAR. 21, Marshall Thursday Action Grade plaques: top 3 K/below in K-1 section, top 3 scorers below 9th $74 mailed by 2/14. K-3 Under 800/Unr: EF: $73.90 mailed by 2/14. K-1 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: Grade in K-12 U1200, top 3 below 4th grade in K-6 U900, and top 3 below Championship (all K-1): EF $73.80 mailed by 2/14. K-1 Under 400/Unr: $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- 2nd grade in K-3 U600 (you can win both plaque + trophy). All players EF $73.70 mailed by 2/14. Postmarked 2/15-26: All EF $10 more. Do not person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. scoring 4 or more (5 or more in 2-Day sections) who don’t win a trophy mail entry after 2/26. Special 1 year USCF dueswith magazine if paid with Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: receive a medal! Speed playoff for 5-0 or 6-0. Plaques also to top 4 teams entry. Online at chessaction.com, Young Adult $22, Scholastic $15. Mailed www.marshallchessclub.org/register each section (top 3 scorers from same school = team, all on team must or paid at site, Young Adult $25, Scholastic $17. Trophies to top 10 players attend same school: no combined teams, even if one school “feeds” & top 7 teams each section, top 2 unrated in U1200, U900, U800, U600 & MAR. 22, Marshall $500 FIDE Blitz (BLZ) another). Individual free entry prizes (in each 2-Day Championship U400, and top 2 each U1900, U1700 (HS), U1600, U1400 (HS U1800), U1000, See Grand Prix. section and in K-1): Free entry to 2 specified Continental Chess tournaments U800, U600 (HS U1200), U1800, U1600, U1400 (JHS), U1400, U1200, U1000 MAR. 23, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1800) thru 12/31/19 to 1st! Free entries courtesy of Continental Chess and are (MS U1600), U700, U500, U300 (MS U900), U1700, U1500 (Elem), U1200, 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2200: valid for CCA tmts. with 100% unconditionally guaranteed prize funds. See U1000 (K-6 U1400), U800, U700 (K-6 U1000), U500, U400, U300 (Elem U600), $75. U1800: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1600: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC www.chesstour.com for complete details and restrictions. All: Out-of-state U1400, U1200, U1000 (Primary), U600, U500, U400, U300 (Primary U800), Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before eligible for prizes but top NYS player and team each section are NY Cham- U800, U600, U400 (K-1), U300, U200 (K-1 U400). Speed playoff if perfect Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. pions. April 2019 official ratings used, except unofficial ratings at uschess.org score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2019 Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. usually used if otherwise unrated. TD reserves right to assign estimated ratings to players with non-USCF ratings. All substitutions from advance (Albany), to top player each section, if not already qualified for free entry MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial from another event. Mixed doubles prizes(chess sets) for three HS sections See Grand Prix. entry list charged late fee. Section switches subject to $10 extra charge combined; no extra fee; enter at Marriott by Sat 2 pm. Schedule: Reg. ends per player after 4/4. $15 service charge for each player refund. TD reserves Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun 9, 12, 3. Awards 5:30 pm. Half point byes MAR. 24, Marshall Rated Beginner right to reassign sections for advance entries with incorrect or unclear OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd. 2. HR: $143-143 at Hilton, two nights 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 registrations. Limit 2 byes, commit before rd. 3. HR: see travel websites minimum, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, or use link at chesstour.com. Backup b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late for nearby hotels in NYC. Info, help with entries, parking, etc: www.chess- hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, two nights minimum, $135-135, 866-210-9325 fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. girls.win. Questions: [email protected], [email protected] or use link at chesstour.com. 7 days notice required to cancel room reservations No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. (or 347-201-2269: leave message, email is much better). Team rooms: at Hilton; first night at Courtyard is nonrefundable, 48 hours notice required MAR. 24, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1500) [email protected]. Sets provided by Little House of Chess— to cancel other nights. Free parking at both. Each is likely to sell out about 3 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1900: bring clocks! School purchase orders payable to: Chess Center of NY, months before the tournament, but may again have availability in the final $75. U1500: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1300: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. W. NOTE: US Chess Junior week before the event due to late cancellations. For backup hotels see Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Grand Prix (Top 3 Championship Sections Only). chesstour.com. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. APR. 11, Marshall Thursday Action Online entry: www.chessaction.com. Mail entry:Continental Chess, PO Box Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration US Chess Junior Grand Prix! $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- (non-members include dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service MAR. 27, APR. 3, 10, 17, 24, MAY 1, Marshall Weekly Wednesday Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from www.marshallchessclub.org/register. advance list charged $90. Questions: [email protected], 347-201-2269 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: U2000: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; (leave message, email is better). Bring clock if possible- none supplied. U1700: $100. U1400: ($600 b/25) $250-150-100; U1100: $100. EF: $40; APR. 12, Marshall Friday Night Blitz (BLZ) Bring set & board for HS sections; set & board supplied for other sections, Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour 9-SS, G/3 +2. USCF Blitz ratings (when possible) used for pairings & but not for skittles. March official ratings used (except unofficial web before Rd. 1.) Rds.: 7pm each Wed. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. prizes. ($500 b/35): $200-100; U2400/unr, U2200, U2000, U1800: $50. ratings usually used if otherwise unrated). TD reserves right to assign esti- Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person mated rating to players with non-USCF ratings. Electronic devices rules: MAR. 28, Marshall Thursday Action reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: Begin at 7pm and continue see http://chesstour.com/devices.htm; players are not allowed to possess 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($400 b/25): $150-75; U2200, U1900: $75; Biggest upset: ASAP. Max three byes; request at entry. Register Online: www.mar- cellphones during play. $25. EF: $25; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- shallchessclub.org/register. person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. APR. 12, Marshall Friday Quads MAR. 10, NY State Scholastics Parents & Friends Tournament Max one bye, for Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. 4SS, G/30 d5. Saratoga Hilton & adjacent Saratoga City Center, 534 Register Online: 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. EF: $30; $10 less to NY Scholas- winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- tics parents, friends, coaches, alumni. Trophies to top 3. Reg.: Sun US Chess Junior Grand Prix! person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes 9:30-10:15 am, rds. 10:30-12-1:30-3. Bring set, board, clock if possi- MAR. 29-31, Marshall Premier allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of ble- none supplied. 5-SS, G/90 +30.Two Sections: FIDE: FIDE Rated. Only open to players the tournament. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. MAR. 10, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) with a current published rating 2000+ (USCF or FIDE); NO exceptions. APR. 13, Marshall U1900 Morning Action 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 Limited to 34 players. $1,750 GTD: $1,000-500. U2300: $250. EF: $100; 4-SS, G/25 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1700: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC b/25): $150-75. EF: $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $50 Mbr + service fee. ($5 late fee: in-person Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue reg hour before Rd. 1.) First 5 GMs Free. U2000: Limited to 40 players. Rd. 1.) Rds.: Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. Max one bye; request at ASAP. No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. ($1,000 b/40): $500-200; U1750: $150, U1500: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. APR. 13, Marshall G/50 Open MAR. 10, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) 1.) Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2100: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC 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 MAR. 31, Marshall Rated Beginner Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. b/25): $150-75. $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. EF: fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. APR. 14, Marshall Rated Beginner (3 Rounds) Rds.: 3-SS, G/25 d5. Only open to players without a rating or rated U1200. ($225 US Chess Junior Grand Prix! No byes. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Register Online: b/25): $150-75. $15; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late MAR. 14, 21, 28, APR. 4, 11, 18, Marshall Thursday Open EF: fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Begin at 9am & continue ASAP. 6-SS, G/90 +30. ($600 b/25): $250-150-$75; U1900: $125. EF: $40; US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Rds.: Non- MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour APR. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, MAY 6, Marshall FIDE Monday/U1800 No byes. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. 6-SS, G/90 +30. Two Sections: Open to all players 1600+. FIDE before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7pm each Thurs. Max two byes; request Open: APR. 14, Marshall G/50 (Open & U1600) Rated. ($600 b/25) $200-150-100; U2000: $100-50. ($600 b/25) by Rd. 4. Register Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. U1800: 4-SS, G/45 d5. Two Sections: Open: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U2000: $200-150-100; U1500: $100-50. EF: $40; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 $75. U1600: ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1400: $75. EF: $20; Non-MCC MAR. 15, Marshall Friday Quads Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 3-RR, G/25 d5. Registration ends at 6:30pm sharp. $50 prize to each Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before 7pm each Mon. Max two byes; request by Rd. 4. Register Online: Rd. 1.) GMs Free. 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. winner. EF: $20; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in- Rds.: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. person reg hour before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30pm. No byes Register Online: allowed; $25 Forfeit fee charged for dropping out before the completion of APR. 4, Marshall Guaranteed Action! APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) 4-SS, G/25 d5. $125-75; U2200, U1900: $75. $15; Non- the tournament. www.marshallchessclub.org/register. $350 GTD: EF: See Grand Prix. Register Online: MCC Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour US Chess Junior Grand Prix! before Rd. 1.) GMs Free. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. Max one bye, for APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) MAR. 15-17, Marshall Monthly U2400 Rd. 1 or 4 only; request at entry. Register Online: www.marshallchess- See Grand Prix. 5-SS, G/90 +30. Open to players rated below 2400 USCF. $1,000 GTD: club.org/register. APR. 26-28 OR 27-28, 26th Space Coast Open (FL) $500-200; U2100: $150; U1800: $150. EF: $50; Non-MCC Mbr: Additional APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) See Grand Prix. $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before Rd. 1.) Rds.: Fri. See Grand Prix. 7pm, Sat. & Sun. 12:30 & 5:30pm. Max two byes; request at entry. Reg- MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and ister Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Senior A State Championship Event! See Grand Prix. MAR. 16 , Marshall G/50 (U1700) APR. 6-7 OR 7, 3rd Annual NY State Girls Championship! 4-SS, G/45 d5. ($325 b/25): $150-100; U1500: $75. $20; Non-MCC JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT) EF: Open to all girls, out of state welcome, Columbia Grammar and Prepara- Mbr: Additional $25 Mbr fee. ($5 late fee: in-person reg hour before See Grand Prix. tory School, 36 West 93rd St. (the 1-Day sections will probably be across Rd. 1.) Rds.: 12-2-4-6pm. Max one bye; request at entry. Register the street, at 5 West 93rd St.), both are between Central Park West & JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) Online: www.marshallchessclub.org/register. Columbus Ave., NYC. Subways: Broadway & 96th Street (1,2,3 trains), See Nationals. MAR. 16-17, 41st Annual Marchand Open Central Park West & 96th Street (B, C trains). Online entries at JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix. www.chessgirls.win: $60 thru 4/1/19, $70 4/2-4, $80 later or at site, See Grand Prix.

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

JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) are usually used. G/50;inc15. EF: 15, 5 discount for PCC members and MAR. 30, 18th Horizons for Youth Spring Scholastic RBO See Grand Prix. each extra family member in the same household, free entry if it’s your See Grand Prix. first US Chess rated tournament (must pay for US Chess membership). JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ) (PA) MAR. 31, PCL March Quick Quads (QC) See Pennsylvania. US Chess membership required. Prizes: discounted entries, books, and 3RR, G/15 d3. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow bonus trophy or medal for scholastics. 9-9:45am. 10am, Reg.: Rd.: Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11- JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) 12:30pm, 3pm. See more info. and rule variations used at pdxchess.org. See Pennsylvania. 11:15am. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA) APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) (CA-S) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA) APR. 13, 2019 PA State Game/29 Championship (QC) JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Pennsylvania. See Nationals. APR. 14, PCL April Quick Quads (QC) JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Grand Prix. 3RR, G/15 d3. O’Hara Student Center, Univ. of Pitt., 4024 O’Hara St., See Nationals. Pittsburgh, PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11- JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA) JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) 11:15am. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. See Grand Prix. See Nevada. APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. PENNSYLVANIA JUNE 7-9 OR 8-9, 25th Annual Northeast Open (CT) JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Chaturanga Chess Club Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Hatboro, PA. Visit www.chat JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA) urangachessclub.org/ or email [email protected]. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Maryland. JUNE 29, Philadelphia Open Blitz (BLZ) FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open (VA) 4SS, double round (8 games), G/5 d0. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown NORTH CAROLINA See Grand Prix. (see World Open). Prizes $300 b/20: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: $20, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 9:15 pm, FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) FEB. 23, 2019 PA State Game/75 Championship rds. 9:30, 10, 10:30, 11. One pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. before rd. 2. Blitz rated (will not affect regular ratings), but higher of MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class MAR. 1, 2019 PA Quick Chess Championship (QC) regular or blitz used for pairings & prizes. $10 service charge for refunds. Championships (FL) See Grand Prix. US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. MAR. 2, W. Chester 1st Sat Quads JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd Our 30th year! 3RR, Game/80 d5. 2nd Presbyterian Church, 114 S. 6SS, G/60 d10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (see World Open for Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) Walnut St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am. location, rates). Open to all born after 7/2/06. In 4 sections. Open Section: See Grand Prix. Rds.: 9:40, 1:00, 4:00. Info: [email protected] Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 1600/Unr; free entry in all CCA tournaments 7/19/19-12/31/19 to 1st. Under 1400 Section: Plaques to top 7, top 2 MAR. 2-3, 2019 Ira Lee Riddle Memorial PA State Under 1200/Unr, free entry in all CCA tournaments 7/19/19-10/31/19 to Championship & PA Collegiate Championship OHIO 1st. Under 1000 Section: Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 800/Unr, free See Grand Prix. entry in all CCA tournaments 7/19/19-9/30/19 to 1st. Under 600 Section: US Chess Junior Grand Prix! Plaques to top 7, top 2 Under 400, top 2 Unrated; free entry in all CCA FEB. 9, Toledo February Swiss A Heritage Event! Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science US Chess Junior Grand Prix! tournaments 7/19/19-9/30/19 to 1st. EF: $48 online at chessaction.com Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, A State Championship Event! by 6/30, $52 mailed by 6/15, $60 at site. Late reg. 7/1 to 10 am, rds. Mon 11-2-5, Tue 10-1-4. Up to 2 half point byes allowed, must commit before OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by MAR. 2-3, 2019 PA State Scholastic Championship 2/7, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 b/25, 5SS. 261 Trophies!! (191 Individual & 70 Team). Eisenhower Hotel and Con- rd. 3. Ent: chessaction.com or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: [email protected]. ference Ctr., 2634 Emmitsburg Rd., Gettysburg PA 17235. 11 sections (Sat NY 10803. Questions: chesstour.com, chesstour.info, DirectorAtChess.US, 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. & Sun 3/2 & 3 unless indicated): EF: K-3 Open: (Sat 3/2 only) $30. K-6 347-201-2269. $15 service charge for refunds. U500: (Sat 3/2 only) $26. K-6 U800: (Sat 3/2 only) $27. K-9 U600: (Sun 3/3 JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship US Chess Junior Grand Prix! only) $26.50. K-9 U1100: (Sun 3/3 only) $27.50. K-6 Open: $31. K-8 Open: See Grand Prix. FEB. 23-24, 2019 Ohio State Girls Championship $32. 7-12 U1000 & 7-12 Unrated: $28. 7-12 U1300: $29. K-12 Open: $33. 4SS, 4 Sections: Championship, G/90 +30, rds. Sat 11 & 4, Sun 9 & 2; Cash Scholarships: K-12 Open: 1st $2500, Girl $150, School $1000. K-8 JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur limited to female scholastic players who reside or attend school in Ohio. Open: 1st $1500, Girl $150, School $1000. K-6 Open: 1st $1000, Girl $150, 5SS, G/90 d10. Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Open for U1000, U600, K-3 U300, G/30 d5, all rds Sat at 11, 12:30, then ASAP; open School $1000. K-3 Open: 1st $500, Girl $150, School $1000. All: EFs if rec’d location, rates, parking).Open to all born before 7/2/69 and rated under to female scholastic players from all states. Entry fee: $35 through Feb. by 2/16, $10 more rec’d 2/17-2/23, $20 more after 2/23. Feb 2019 ratings 2210 or unrated. Prizes $3000 based on 45 entries, $2000 (2/3 each 17, then $40. No onsite entry. Prizes: Trophies to all scoring 3.0+. Medals used. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd. 2. Reg.: Fri 3/1 6-10 pm, Sat 3/2 10-11 am, prize) min. guarantee. In 2 sections. Under 2210/Unr: $600-300-200, to all. Trophies to top 3 teams in each section. Venue: Sat Princeton High Saturday entries get 1/2-bye. $5 charge for changes/refunds after 2/16. top U2010/Unr $320-160. Under 1810/Unr: $500-250-130, top U1610 School, 100 Viking Way (Chester Road), Cincinnati, OH 45246; Sun (Cham- Rds.: (Sat 3/2 1-day sections): G/40d5; 10-Noon-2-4-6; (Sun 3/3 1-day (no unr) $280-140, top U1410 (no unr) $120, unr limit $200. EF: $88 pionship only) Hyatt Place, 11345 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246, HR sections): G/40d5; 9-10:45-12:30-2:15-4; (2-day sections): G/90 d5; 10- online at chessaction.com by 6/29, $93 mailed by 6/15, $100 at site, or $105. Complete information and entry form at www.chesscincinnati.com. 2-5:30, 9-1. Bughouse: Reg on-site only until Sat 3/2 8:30pm. Rds begin online until 2 hours before rd. 1. Reg. ends 9 am 7/1, rds. Mon 10, 2 & Sat 3/2 8:45pm. EF: $20/team. HR: Mention “Chess Tourney”: 717-334- 6, Tue 10 & 2. Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 2 byes, must commit US Chess Junior Grand Prix! before rd. 3. Special USCF dues: see World Open. Ent: chessaction.com MAR. 9, Toledo March Swiss 8121 $89 by 1/31. Info: 412-908-0286 [email protected], pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 or Continental Chess, PO Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. $15 service Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. after entering). OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by MAR. 9, MasterMinds CC Quads 3/7, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 b/25, Esperanza Academy, 421 W. Bristol St., Phila., PA 19140. Quads: 3RR, JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: [email protected]. G/85 d5. EF: $30 cash; winner $100. Reg. ends 9AM. Rds.: 9:30, 1, 4. See Grand Prix. 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. Info: mastermindschess.org or [email protected]. JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open MAR. 29-31 OR 30-31, 56th Cincinnati Open See New York. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. MAR. 9-10, Delaware State Open Chess Championship (DE) JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. APR. 13, Toledo April Swiss Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1-4 G/75 d5. University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Cafe, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into multiple sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 4/11, $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $450 b/25, $100-50, Class prizes TBD based on split. Ent: [email protected]. 7031 Willowyck Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. 4th annual MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago Open (IL) GEORGE WASHINGTON OPEN See Grand Prix. OKLAHOMA February 22-24 or 23-24, Westin Tysons Corner FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest Class Championships (TX) See Grand Prix. Falls Church, VA, 25 minutes from Washington MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) $15,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES See Grand Prix. OREGON For full details see “Grand Prix” in this issue. FEB. 24, Portland Chess Club Sunday Quads PCC, 8205 SW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97219. The live regular ratings

www.uschess.org 69 Tournament Life / February

JULY 4, 5, 6, 7, World Open Daily 2 pm Blitz (BLZ) to the winner of the High School Championship ($1000), Middle School 4 separate tournaments at Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (see World Championship ($500) and Elementary Championship ($100). The certificate VIRGINIA Open). Each is a 4-SS, double round (8 games), G/5 d0, with prizes is to be used for secondary education at an accredited institution at some FEB. 16, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 10th Annual $300 guaranteed: $100-50, U2100 $60, U1800 $50, U1500/Unr $40. EF: point in the future. We will redeem the certificate and pay directly to the Greater Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championship (MD) $20, at site only, no checks. Reg. ends 1:45 pm, rds. 2, 2:45, 3:15, 3:45. institution. It is the sponsor’s expectation to make this scholarship a yearly See Maryland. One pair of 1/2 pt byes available, must commit before rd. 2. Blitz rated annual award in which a player may win more than once. Trophies for top (will not affect regular ratings), but higher of regular or blitz used for 20 individuals and top 15 teams in each section plus participation medals FEB. 22-24 OR 23-24, 4th annual George Washington Open pairings & prizes. $10 service charge for refunds. for all, and plus Score Awards for players scoring 4 or more points that do See Grand Prix. JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship not win an individual trophy. Top 5 Grand Champion trophies. The 3 Primary US Chess Junior Grand Prix! See Grand Prix. sections will be merged and using the top 15 players, a grand champion A State Championship Event! will be crowned. This will also be done for the 3 Elementary sections and MAR. 9-10, Virginia Scholastic & College Championships JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) the 3 Middle School Sections. For the High School the two sections will be See Grand Prix. 5SS, Rds. 1-2 G/60 d5; Rds. 3-5 G/90 d5. Organized by the VA Chess merged and the top 10 players will be used to determine the grand champions. Federation at Monticello HS in Charlottesville, VA. Blitz Championships Note that trophies will not be given out in advance and must be picked up Friday Mar. 8 at 6PM. Main tournament Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 9- RHODE ISLAND at awards ceremony. Please make arrangements for picking up trophies at 10. NEW SECTIONS being introduced this year! Players must be in award ceremony or to get trophy shipped. Schedule: Round times vary grades pre-K, K through 12, or College full time in Virginia as of Jan. APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) depending on the Section. For round times check website. Time controls: 2019. Open to Virginia residents only, including children of Military sta- See Grand Prix. All High School and Middle School Championship Sections: Rds. 1 G/45 d5; tioned in VA. VA residency NOT REQUIRED for Friday Night Blitz. Parents APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) Rounds 2-4 G/60 d5, Rds. 5-7 G/75 d5. All Elementary and Primary and K- & Friends tournament on Sat. and Sun. Simultaneous Exhbition on Sat. See Grand Prix. 1 sections as well as MS JV and MS Novice: rds. 1-4 G/45 d5, rds. 5-7 9 Mar. by 3-Time VA State Champion FM Macon Shibut. Tournament G/60 d5. For round times see: www.dallaschess.com/2019%20Texas%20 schedule, Details about new Sections, Prizes, Registration, Player APR. 20, Foxwoods Blitz (BLZ) (CT) Scholastic/index.htm. Side Events: See website for side events. Side event Eligibility, Hotel Info and other information at: www.vachess.org. See Grand Prix. registration on site only. All registrations (except Side events) available on Questions to: NTD Anand Dommalapati, [email protected]. line: see www.dallaschess.com/2019%20Texas%20Scholastic/index.htm MAR. 22-24, 52nd Annual Virginia Open SOUTH CAROLINA and you can download flyers and entry forms. Checks payable to Dallas See Grand Prix. Chess Club. Mail entries to Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036-47195. For tournament info, visit our JUNE 27-JULY 1, 13th annual Philadelphia International (PA) See Grand Prix. website or contact Barbara Swafford, [email protected] or 214-632- See Grand Prix. MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class 9000. Refunds will be given only up to 3/1 with a $10 surcharge for JUNE 28-30 OR 29-30, 13th annual Philadelphia Open (PA) Championships (FL) withdrawing, after 3/6 there will be no refunds. There will be no substitution See Grand Prix. of team members. There will be a $10 change fee for changes after 3/1. See Grand Prix. There will be a $5 surcharge per player for phone registrations USCF mem- JULY 1-2, 11th annual World Open Under 13 Championship (PA) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd bership is required. Proof of membership is required or player must See Pennsylvania. Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) join/renew their memberships. No registration/changes/or withdrawals JULY 1-2, 8th annual World Open Women’s Championship (PA) See Grand Prix. by phone or email after 3/6/19 as we are driving to the site; after that See Grand Prix. date you must make changes at site (Houston WestChase). W. JULY 1-2, 9th annual World Open Senior Amateur (PA) SOUTH DAKOTA MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open See Pennsylvania. See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) JULY 1-2, World Open Warmup (PA) See Grand Prix. MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JULY 2, 7th annual World Open Action Championship (PA) TENNESSEE MAR. 30-31, DCC FIDE Open IV See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JULY 2-7, 3-7, 4-7 OR 5-7, 47th Annual World Open (PA) FEB. 15-17 OR 16-17, 2019 Atlanta Winter Congress (GA) APR. 13-14, DCC FIDE Open V See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JULY 3, 8th annual World Open Game/7 Championship (PA) FEB. 16-17 (NOT FEB. 9-10), Queen of Hearts - 47th Annual APR. 26-28, 2019 National Junior High School (K-9) See Grand Prix. (NOTE DATE CHANGE) (AL) Championship JULY 6, World Open G/10 Championship (PA) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. See Grand Prix. MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 17th annual Southern Class MAY 11-12, DCC FIDE Open VI JULY 7, World Open Blitz Championship (BLZ) (PA) Championships (FL) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) MAR. 22-24, Lone Star Open (TX) See Nationals. WASHINGTON See Grand Prix. JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) See Nationals. FEB. 23-24, 27th Dave Collyer Memorial See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24 NOT MAR. 15-17 OR 16-17, 23rd See Nevada. MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships Annual Boris Kogan Memorial - NEW DATE (GA) (CA-S) See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. UTAH JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) TEXAS MAR. 1-3 OR 2-3, 26th annual Western Class Championships See Nationals. (CA-S) JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) FEB. 9-10, DCC FIDE Open II See Grand Prix. See Nationals. See Grand Prix. JUNE 11-12, 2019 U.S. Women’s Open (NV) JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) FEB. 14-18, 15-18, 16-18 OR 17-18, 10th annual Southwest See Nationals. See Nevada. Class Championships JUNE 12-16, 13-16, 14-16 OR 15-16, 2019 National Open (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nationals. WISCONSIN MAR. 2-3, DCC FIDE Open III JUNE 15-16, International Youth Championship (NV) See Grand Prix. See Nevada. A Heritage Event! MAR. 9, Waukesha Memorial (38th Annual) US Chess Junior Grand Prix! A Wisconsin Tour Event! 4SS. G/60 d5. USCF rated (Dual rated). To obtain A State Championship Event! VERMONT USCF membership, see uschess.org. Country Inn & Suites, 1250 S. Moorland MAR. 8-10, 2019 Texas State Scholastic Chess Championships RD., Brookfield, WI (1-262-782-1400) Exit 301(AB) from I-94. $$Non-monetary; (Super States) FEB. 17, Sunday Quick Chess in Middlebury (QC) traveling trophy to First, books for class winners. Open to all. EF: $15 by 7SS, Houston Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark Dr., Houston, TX 5SS, G/25 d3. Recreation Center, 154 Creek Rd., Middlebury, VT 05753. 3/08 ($20 at site). Reg.: 8:00-9:15; 1/2 point bye if registered after 9:15; 77042. $99, $99, $99, $99 rate includes American Breakfast Buffet, Call 1- Two sections. Open: $$ based on 20 paid entries: 210-140, U2050 130, groups of 4 or more must pre-register; pre-registrants check in by 9:30 to 800-452-5110 to make reservations mention group code DCC or register U1800 120. Under 1550: $$ based on 16 paid entries: 120-80, U1300 assure pairing. Rds.: 10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. No state memb. req’d. OSA. online thru link on web page. Reserve by 2/27/2019 or rate may not be 75, U1050 50, U800 25. Both: EF $25 if rec’d by Feb 15 or $32 later; Mail entries to Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust DR., Waukesha, WI 53186. honored. Note that the rate can sell out, so make reservations early. Tour- free to Unr. Reg. 9:15-10:05 a.m., Rds. 10:30-11:50-1:40-3-4:20. H- Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: [email protected] nament is open to any Kindergarten-12th grade student living in Texas or bye OK. Parker “Monty” Montgomery, PO Box 831, Middlebury, VT Ent: MAR. 9, Rated Beginners Open (RBO) going to school in Texas. Note that if a student has played in another state’s 05753–0831; [email protected], 802-349-7739. closed championship, they may not play in this tournament. Four champi- 4SS, G/60 d5. Dual rated. USCF rated; for USCF membership see onships: TX Primary Scholastic Championships; TX Elementary Scholastic FEB. 23, 6th Queen City Tornado (NH) uschess.org. Country Inn & Suites, 1250 S. Moorland RD., Brookfield, Championships; TX Middle School Scholastic Championships; TX High School See Grand Prix. WI (1-262-782-1400); Exit 301 (AB) from I-94. Open to players rated under 1200 or unrated. Prizes: Trophies to top 3, book prizes for class Scholastic Championships. EF: $44 by 2/4; $55 by 2/28; $73 after 3/1 or MAR. 9-10, 52nd annual New York State Scholastic on site. On Site Registration: Friday, 5:30-6:15pm, Saturday, 8-8:30am. Sat- winners. EF: $15 by 3/08 ($20 at site). Reg.: 8:00-9:15, 1/2 point bye if Championships (out of state welcome) (NY) registered after 9:15; groups of 4 or more must pre-register; pre-reg- urday registrants will receive a 1st Rd. 1/2-pt. bye. Two 1/2-pt. byes allowed See New York. as long as one of the byes is for round 1, if requested by the end of Rd. 2. istrants check in by 9:30 to assure pairing. Rds.:10:00; 1:00; 3:30; 6:00. Sections: K-1 Championship, Primary (K-3) Championship, Primary JV (K-3 MAR. 23-24, 3rd annual Bill Little Memorial (NY) Mail entries to Waukesha CC, 1911 Stardust DR., Waukesha, WI 53186. w/Ratings Under 600), Elementary (K-5/6) Championship, Elementary JV See Grand Prix. Phone Info: Jim Nickell (262) 544-6266. Online info: [email protected]. (K-5/6 Under 800), Elementary Novice (K-5/6 Under 500), Middle School APR. 5-7 OR 6-7, 28th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) MAR. 22-24 OR 23-24, 23rd annual Mid-America Open (MO) (6-8/9) Championship, MS JV (6-8/9 Under 900), MS Novice (6-8/9 Under See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix. 600), High School (9-12) Championship, HS JV (9-12 Under 1000). See APR. 17-21, 18-21 OR 19-21, 13th annual Open at Foxwoods (CT) Article IX, Section 1E, TCA Bylaws for each section’s eligibility requirement, MAY 23-27, 24-27, 25-27 OR 26-27, 28th annual Chicago See Grand Prix. Open (IL) https://texaschess.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TCA- Bylaws-30-Aug-2015.pdf. Note that 2019 February Supplement will be used. MAY 17-19 OR 18-19, 27th annual New York State Open and See Grand Prix. Note new for this year: John W. Griffin Memorial Chess Scholarship award Senior (NY) MAY 26, 8th annual Chicago Open Blitz (BLZ) (IL) sponsored by Belleville Capital Management. They will present certificates See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.

70 February 2019 | Chess Life Classifieds / Solutions / February Classifieds Solutions

Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories: PAGE 15 / 2018 WORLD CHESS PAGE 49 / PRACTICUM Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruction, Miscel- OLYMPIAD laneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or PROBLEM I. It appears that Black has chances e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no telephone PROBLEM I. 25. Nd4! and 26. Nxc6 (Immediately connected with his passed pawn, but Wesley orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions fatal is 25. ... Nxd4? 26. Nxe7 mate), however, uncorks a pretty sequence to end Vidit’s hopes: $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions $1.00. Affiliates there are no good alternatives so Black gave up. 46. g5+! Kh7 A sad necessity, since 46. ... Bxg5 pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. Advertisements with less PROBLEM II. 38. Qxg6+! fxg6 39. Nh6+ Kh8 40. met with 47. Qh8 mate. 47. Qe7+ Kg8 48. Qe6+ than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per issue. Post Rxf8 mate or 38. ... Kh8 39. Nh6. PROBLEM III. Kg7 49. Qf6+ Kh7 50. Qf7+ Kh8 51. Qxg6. Also office boxes count as two words, telephone numbers as 29. Qh5! threatens 30. Ng5 and Nxf7+ (or multiple quite effective was 51. Qf8+ Kh7 52. Qf6+ Kg8 one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must accompany all captures on f6 and then Qxh7 mate). PROBLEM 53. Qxg6+ Kf8 54. Qf6+ Ke8 55. g6. Black’s posi- advertising. All advertising published in Chess Life is subject to the applicable rate card, available from the IV. 23. ... Bf3+! mates, e.g. 24. Kxf3 Rdf8+ (Also tion falls apart. 51. ... Qxf3 52. Qe8+ Kg7 53. Advertising Department. Chess Life reserves the right sufficient is 24. ... Qf4+ 25. Ke2 Rhe8+.) 25. Kg4 Qe7+ Kg8 54. g6 Qd5 55. Qh7+, Black resigned. not to accept an advertiser’s order. Only publication of h5+ 26. Kh4 g5 mate. PROBLEM V. 19. ... Bg4!, PROBLEM II. The proper way to untangle the an advertisement constitutes final acceptance. For a copy e.g. 20. Qxg4 Rxf1+; 20. hxg4 Qh4 mate or 20. knight is through the brilliant move 42. ... e5!! of these complete set of regulations & a schedule of Nf3 Rxf3! 21. gxf3 Qh4. PROBLEM VI. 26. Bxe6! The point is that 43. Ke2 meets with 43. ... Ng1+, deadlines, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. threatens 27. Bxf7 mate but also 27. Rh8+! Kxh8 while 43. Nb7 allows a positional draw after 43. Ads are due two months prior (by the 10th) of the issue 28. Rh1+ Kg8 29. Rh8+! Kxh8 30. Qh1+ and mate ... exf4 44. exf4 Ke7! 45. Nxa5 Kd6 and White’s cover date you want your ad to appear in. (For example: (and a twist on the old theme as after 26. ... Rxe6 king is locked in. A very deep idea! October CL ads MUST be submitted no later than August is 27. Rh8+ Kxh8 28. Rh1+ Kg8 29. Rh8+ Kxh8 10th). You can e-mail your classified ad to Joan DuBois, [email protected]. 30. Qh1+ Rh6 31. Qxh6+ because of the bishop on b2). ADVERTISE For Sale PAGE 47 / ABCS OF CHESS * WORLD’S FINEST CHESS SETS * WITH US CHESS *The House of Staunton, produces unquestionably the PROBLEM I. Mating net: It is mate in three: 1. ... finest Staunton Chess sets. *Pay-Pal and all Major Credit Rh2+ 2. Kg3 Be5+ 3. Kf3 Rhf2 mate. PROBLEM Cards accepted. The House of Staunton, Inc.; 1021 Pro- US Chess accepts advertising in Chess duction Court; Suite 100; Madison, AL 35758. *Website: II. Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Bc2+ 2. Ka2 Life, Chess Life Kids, and in our www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070; Bb3+ 3. Ka3 Ra1 mate. PROBLEM III. Mating net: email: [email protected] It’s a two-mover: 1. ... Rf4+ 2. Kh2 (or 2. Kh1) 2. tournament programs. ... Rh4 mate. PROBLEM IV. Mating net: Black The US Chess Federation has 94,000 Free mates by 1. ... Qb4+ 2. Ka2 Qa4 mate. PROBLEM members, of whom 44,000 are adults and V. Mating net: Mate comes about by 1. ... Qxb5+ THINKERS’ CHESS BOX 50,000 are youth or scholastic members. Get FREE Chess Books Gazette. Write: [email protected]. 2. Kc3 Qb4 mate. PROBLEM VI. Mating net: Mate is forced by 1. ... Bxg2+ 2. Rxg2 Rh1+ 3. The population is predominantly male. Instruction Rg1 Rxg1 mate. Adult members are generally college- TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE educated and affluent. With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, TOTAL YOUR SCORE TO the Mid-Atlantic Chess Instruction Center is the best in Want to know more? the business. We specialize in adult students. We offer 35 DETERMINE YOUR different courses as well as individual game analysis. Center APPROXIMATE RATING BELOW: For more information and Director: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. rates, see new.uschess.org/ If we are out when you call, please leave your name & tel. Total Score Approx. Rating #. Our Webpage is at: chessinstructor.org. NEW: FREE about/advertise/ powerful analysis engines + FREE screen-sharing! 95+ 2400+

YOU’LL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 81-94 2200-2399 3-Time U.S. Champ GM Lev Alburt! 66-80 2000-2199 Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-volume, self-study Comprehensive 51-65 1800-1999 Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534, Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706. 36-50 1600-1799 21-35 1400-1599 FOR CHESS TEACHING AND INSTRUCTION: CHESSMATE® POCKET & TRAVEL SETS Satisfaction Guaranteed. www.chessteaching.net 06-20 1200-1399 Perfect chess gifts for the chess lover in your life: 0-05 under 1200 Wanted The finest magnetic chess sets available. HANDMADE IN THE USA * CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS * 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and WWW.CHESSMATE.COM Phone: 425.697.4513 SAT (math + critical reading + writing) > 2150 for possible college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. CHESS LIFE USPS # 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 74 No. 2. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published of Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250. [email protected] monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without membership): $50. Periodical postage paid at Crossville, TN 38557-3967 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents ©2019 by the United WANTED CHESS: BUY AND SELL States Chess Federation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written permission of USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are 1. Craftsman Chess Sets (Golden Castle) submitted at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate 2. Bound Years (Chess Review) postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those 3. Pre-1920s magazines (English) of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Chess Federation. Send all address changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Include your USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible. This 4. Pre-1950s clocks, (working condition.) information may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please give us eight weeks advance notice. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 5. Souvenirs, photos, and signed letters. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, Chess Butler, 1524 LeClaire St., Davenport, IA 52803 CANADA N6C 6A8

www.uschess.org 71  

Polly Wright Qualifier, Aquabike World Championship and Class A player PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF SUBJECT

love the challenge of competition, whether it be physical (such as multisport) or mental I(like chess). Recently I’ve been concentrating on the multisport discipline of aquabike. Aquabike, as the name implies, is swimming and biking only (no running). At nationals, aquabike involves 1.2 miles of swimming followed by 56 miles of biking. Multisport training has a carryover benefit when playing in the typical weekend Swiss chess tournament. Having good endurance helps one to stay focused and not lose concentration due to being tired, especially when playing several rounds each day with games sometimes lasting longer than four hours. I apply general training principles to both chess and triathlon. In preparing for competi tion it’s important to identify and work on weaknesses. In chess I’m weak on tactics, so I spend time doing tactics problems even though I’d rather just play. Biking is my strength and what I enjoy The most important trait for both most, but swimming is where I need work. I’m currently focusing on stroke mechanics so that I chess and multisport is perseverance. can be more efficient in the water and save energy for the bike. The most important trait for both chess and multisport is perseverance. It’s so clichéd to say, NOTHING TO LOSE my last shot. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” Michael Brooks (1646) 45. ... Nf3+ 46. Kg2 Ne1+ 47. Kh3 Qg4+ but it really applies when one is fighting inner Polly Wright (1701) 48. Kh2 Nf3+ 49. Kg2 Nxh4+ 50. Kf1 demons who tempt you to walk away when things 2nd Annual Saratoga Open! (6), Saratoga Qd1+ 51. Qe1 Qf3+ 52. Qf2 Springs, New York, 03.16.2008 aren’t going as well as one hoped. I’ve had lousy      52. ... Qd1+! tournaments and races where I’ve just wanted to call it quits. Instead of quitting, though, I’ve tried Forcing the three-fold repetition: The to learn something that I can apply later. alternative variation 52. ... Qxb7 53. Qd4+ In the following game it was what I didn’t do Kg8 54. gxh4 just loses. that may have been my best move. I went into 53. Qe1 Qf3+, Draw agreed. the final round with a 5-0 score. Win, lose or draw, I had already won my section. I could have What got me through this game is what offered a quick draw or dropped out, collected helped me through the last 15 miles of the bike my first-place check, and gone home. But I wanted portion in the Aquabike National Champi- to try for the perfect 6-0 score. It was not onships. Physically and emotionally I was spent. happening when, within the first 17 moves, I My back and legs hurt. My personal goals were managed to drop the Exchange, followed by losing AFTER 43. Kh2 shot. None of that mattered. If I wanted to a piece. I was down a rook for a pawn. I could qualify for Team USA again, I needed to finish have resigned at that point; however, I didn’t Looking bad for me, but I have one last shot. in the top 18 in my age group. I finished sixth and once again, on May 4th I will represent want to end my great weekend on such a note. I 43. ... Nd4! 44. Rg7+ Kh8 45. Rxb7?? had nothing to lose by playing on. One never the United States in the multisport world wins or draws by resigning. Pawn grabbing doesn’t pay! 45. Kg2 stops championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

72 February 2019 | Chess Life The United States’ Largest Chess Specialty Retailer

888.51.CHESS (512.4377) www.USCFSales.com

PLAAYY THE QUEEN’S PLAAYY THE DUTCH ‒ PPAARRTT 1 by Evgeniy Solozhenkin by Tibor Karolyi B0144EU – $31.95 B0050EV – $27.50

The Queen’’ss Indian Defence has the reputation of a very reliable The Dutch defense is a highly popular opening nowa system for Black. Although his chances of obtaining sharp with the idea to get a sharp and asymmetrical pos double-edged positions are restricted, good knowledge of against 1.d4. In this book, the author provides you with a piece set-ups and different plans should offer Black chances of foundation for including the Dutch in your repertoire, de seizingi ig ththe iinitiativ iti ti e even iiln calm varitiiations. How shldBlkhould Black with altlmost all th e sideli nes you couldld possiblypy ibly meet t aft ft ddleploy hish pieces and what should he aim for in the middlegame? d4 f5. Reading bothhPl Play the h Dutch D hP Part 1 anddP Part 2 will The book of the grandmaster from and you acquire a lifetime weapon, which is especially effi chess-coach Evgeniy Solozhenkin answers these questions! against solid players.

LASKER ‒ MOVE BY MOVE PLAAYY THE DUTCH ‒ PPAARRTT 2 ‒ SYSTEMS WITH g3 by Zenon Franco by Tibor Karolyi B0497EM – $29.95 B0051EV – $27.50

Emanuel Lasker was world champion for a remarkable 27 The Dutch defense is a highly popular opening nowadays years (1894-1921) and is generally regarded as having been the idea to get a sharp and asymmetrical position against way ahead of his time in his understanding of chess. He In this book, the author provides you with a solid found primarily regarded chess as a fight and considered that for including the Dutch in your repertoire, dealing with al theh strongest move in a position was thehh one that created dallll the h mainline l systems withhdbhPlhD g3. eading both Play the D greatest problems for the opponent and not necessarily the Part 1 and Part 2 will help you acquire a lifetime weapon, w one that was objectively best. is especially efficient against solid players.

A COMPLETE REPERRTTOIRE FOR BLACK AN AGGRESSIVE COUNTERAATTTACKING REPERRTTOIRE FORS TRAATTEGICALLLYY MINDED PLAAYYERS BASED ON ...c6 by YYeelena Dembo & Johan Hellsten by Andrew Martin & Joe Gallagher B0496EM – $27.95 B0495EM – $27.95

Two Great Books Brought Together In One Volume! This book Two Great Books Brought Together In One Volume! This contains Play the Grunfeld by YYeelena Dembo and Play the contains Starting Out: The King’s Indian by Joe Gallaghe Sicilian Kan by Johan Hellsten. Starting Out: The Sicilian Dragon by Andrew Martin.

A PPAAAWWN’’SS JOURNEY UNDER THE SURFACE by Elliott Neff by Jan Markos B0130OB – $16.95 B0149QT – $29.95

From her first day in high school April knows she doesn’t have The most significant difference between a grandmaste what it takes to earn a college scholarship. She encounters a a club player is not simply that the grandmaster calcu wise school counselor who turns her world upside down and more accuratelyy,, but rather that he sees more deeplyy.. begins to teach April invaluable life skills through a series of book invites you beneath the surface, where you can lea encounters...thenh everythingh begins to changeh for AAlpril. InI thish navigate thehd depths of chess. It shoh wsh how a strong p moving tale based on true stories, you will learn how the game perceives chess, which features of a position he focuse of chess can develop a strategic mind-set and produces the and how he thinks at the board. rare ability to graciously handle set-backs.

CHESS COACHING FOR KIDS ‒ THE U10 PROJECT THE CHIGORIN BIBLE by Thomas Luther by Ivan Sokolov & Salgado Lopez B0035TH – $34.95 B0034TH – $33.95

In the last twenty or so years, the age of education for chess The Chigorin VVaariation is one of the oldest variations o has dropped drasticallyy.. There are more and more young . It is rich in ideas which can be used in a rang chess ppylayers who compete in childhood at tournaments of all middlegamegp positions arisingg from different variat levels, ffrom regionalll national and even World Championships. UdUnderstan ding th e strategic ideasdfh of this complex vari Unfortunately, the current chess literature still provides is also a middlegame improvement ‘tool’ and a mus virtuallyyg nothing which could help pp parents and coaches anyone wanting to take his or her chess to the next level to prepare and support their children / students for such books aims to be the ultimate improvement ‘tool’ for challenges. To fill this gap, the author has assembled a and tournament players in the variation. collection of examples and test assignments to give parents and players a strong understandingddfhb of what is to be expected. Free Ground Shipping On All Books, Software and DVDS at US Chess Sales $25.00 Minimum - Excludees Clearance, Shopworn and Items Otherwise Marked                          

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