Chess Life

Editorial Staff
Chess Life Editor &
Director of Publications Daniel Lucas dlucas@uschess.org
Chess Life Online Editor Jennifer Shahade jshahade@uschess.org
Chess Life for Kids Editor Glenn Petersen gpetersen@uschess.org
Senior Art Director Frankie Butler fbutler@uschess.org
Editorial Assistant/Copy Editor Alan Kantor akantor@uschess.org
Editorial Assistant Jennifer Pearson jenpearson@uschess.org
Technical Editor Ron Burnett
Advertising Supervisor Ray West rwest@uschess.org
TLA Joan DuBois tla@uschess.org
Advertising inquiries: (931) 787-1234, ext. 132. All TLAs should be e-mailed to
tla@uschess.org or sent to P.O Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. Letters to
the editor should be submitted to letters@uschess.org.

USCF Staff Main Office in Crossville, TN (931) 787-1234

Executive Director/EB Secretary Bill Hall bhall@uschess.org ext. 189
Assistant Executive Director
& National Events Director Patricia Knight Smith pknight@uschess.org 931-200-3411
Administrative Assistant Cheryle Bruce cbruce@uschess.org ext. 147
Clubs & Membership Associate Alan Kantor clubs@uschess.org ext. 128
Chief Accountant Peggy Stephens pstephens@uschess.org ext. 131
Chief Financial Officer Joe Nanna jnanna@uschess.org ext. 150
Accounting Associate Susan Houston shouston@uschess.org ext. 136
Director of Business Operations Judy Misner jmisner@uschess.org ext. 126
Membership & Ratings Supervisor Jim Johanson jjohanson@uschess.org ext. 127
Mailing Lists/Membership Assoc. Traci Lee tlee@uschess.org ext. 143
Membership Associate Jay Sabine jsabine@uschess.org ext. 146
Director of Communications
& Affiliate Relations Joan DuBois jdubois@uschess.org ext. 123
Correspondence Chess Alex Dunne cchess@uschess.org
Fundraising/Sponsorship Assoc. Joan DuBois jdubois@uschess.org ext. 123
Scholastic Director & FIDE Jerry Nash jnash@uschess.org ext. 145
FIDE & Scholastic Associate Chuck Lovingood clovingood@uschess.org ext. 148

DONATE
OTB Ratings/FIDE Walter Brown wbrown@uschess.org ext. 142
Computer Consultant Mike Nolan mnolan@uschess.org ext. 188
IT Director, Webmaster &
Tournament Director Certification Phillip R. Smith psmith@uschess.org ext.134

TO U.S. TRUST ONLINE!

USCF Executive Board
Now you can donate online through a secure President Jim Berry jaberrycg@aol.com
website at PO Box 351
Stillwater, OK 74076
www.uschesstrust.org Vice President Ruth Haring ruth@ruthharing.com
PO Box 1993
Chico, CA 95927
Vice President Finance Randy Bauer randybauer2300@yahoo.com
3923 - 153rd Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
Member at Large Michael Atkins matkins2@cox.net
PO Box 6138
Alexandria, VA 22306
Member at Large Bill Goichberg chessoffice@aol.com
PO Box 249
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577

To subscribe to Chess Life, join the USCF or enter a USCF tournament, go to

uschess.org or call 1-800-903-USCF (8723). Change of address should be sent to
addresschange@uschess.org. For other inquiries: feedback@uschess.org, (931) 787-
1234, fax (931) 787-1200.

Simply click on
Donate
and then on the
Make a Donation
button! United States Chess Federation
PO Box 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557
1-800-903-USCF (8723) (931) 787-1234

2 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

September on uschess.org

Back to School
GM Rogers on
with GM Joel
Rising Stars
Send GM Joel your
Dont miss GM Ian
inquiries on anything
Rogers wrap-up of the
from a specific endgame
NH tournament in
position to how to
Amsterdam, which fea-
approach games against
Labor Day Madness tures Rising Stars versus
lower rated players. In a
Experience. Among the
Labor Day is a huge special autumn promo-
five rising stars are U.S.
weekend for chess events tion, the best entries this
Champion Hikaru
with World Chess Live month will win hardcover
Nakamura and Italian-
Grand Prix events in copies of The Art of
American Fabiano
over a dozen states. Learning! Send your
Caruana (pictured
Some of the largest questions to
below).
include the New York askgmjoel@uschess.org
State Championship in Photo Essay
Albany, the Southern
California Open in San FM Mike Klein (above,
Diego and the Southwest kneeling) just completed
Open in Fort Worth, an eight-month around-
Texas. The weekend of the-world adventure,
September 5-7th will traveling to 25 countries
also feature two major along the way. While he
events in Tulsa, Okla- failed to complete the
homathe 1st Womens great American novel, he
Open and the U.S. Senior did play chess along the
Open. The winner of the way. Watch for his photo
Senior gets a ticket into essay this month, where
the 2010 U.S. Champi- he came only 100 meters
onship set for spring from challenging the
2010 in St. Louis. Dalai Lama to a game.

Chess Life now available via pdf viewer

Read Chess Life on the web with our new online pdf viewer. Flip

Cover Story
pages virtually and click on hyperlinks for easy access
T
he 2009 National Open (June 4th- fare and free entry. everyone, but it does make possible The

to e-mail and web addresses! The USCF is pleased to offer

7th) assembled an impressive array But I think that a lot of people come Chess Vacation of the Year!

Freddies
of strong players, including 17 because of the way the National Open has Now maybe youd like to know who
grandmasters and 13 international mas- positioned itself as more than just your reg- won the tournament; despite my silence
ters. Despite its name, the National Open ular chess tournament. In fact, the thus far, its actually not a state secret,

SWANSONG
had a very international feel to it, at least
in terms of the battle for first place; this
year, the top four seeds were all visitors
from abroad: Frenchman Laurent
Fressinet (2715), Armenian Gabriel Sar-
gissian (2773), the Russian Evgeny Bareev
(2556), and Loek Van Wely (2728), from
the Netherlands. At some point in their
careers, Bareev and Van Wely were 2700+
FIDE-rated players and regularly faced off
against the best in the world, so their
tournament is the centerpiece of an entire
chess festival, replete with grandmaster
simuls, lectures, and even an instruc-
tional camp. Theres a popular game/10
rapid championship the eve of the tourna-
ment, and blitz and bughouse events at its
conclusion. Scholastic chess, too, features
prominently, as Susan Polgar runs her
World Open for Girls and Boys parallel to
the National Open, and hosts a myriad
other events during the festival.
and will eventually be revealed. Going
into the final round, there were no less
than twelve players tied at 4-1, so the-
oretically there could have been a long
list of winners to transcribe here. When
the dust cleared, though, only two of
the six pairings saw a decisive result,
and two southern Californians, GM
Varuzhan Akobian and IM Enrico Sevil-
lano, topped the field, collecting $4,641
each. Ironically, Varuzh could be heard

this enhancement to your membership.

participation in the National Open was
something of a treat.
The National Open draws people for a
number of reasons beyond the obvious
one. Fortuitously cushioned between
the big money Chicago and World
Opens, it makes a sensible stop for for-
eign GMs on their summer chess tour of
the U.S. Others are lured by the prox-
imity to the World Series of Poker events
As Fred Gruenberg says goodbye to the tournament he made one of the held nearby at the Rio (Fressinets wife,
most player-friendly ones on the circuit, the initial international flavor of this IM Almira Skripchenko, won $78,664 in
a No-Limit HoldEm event 11 days after
years event ends with a local feel as two southern Californians finish on top. the National Open ended, which, cou-
pled with Laurents winnings at the
tournament, meant the pair left Vegas
By Irina Krush | Photos by Chris Bird with an enviable total of $78,695 in
prize money.) One person is probably
there because they won the previous
years raffle grand prize of round trip air-
Another standout feature of the
National Open has been the presence of
legendary guest stars, who are enticed
with promises of rounds starting on time
and quiet in the playing room. No, wait,
Im mixing up my notes ... Freddie did say
that those are high priorities for the
organization, but what seals the deal is
likely the business-class tickets and gen-
erous appearance fees the players receive.
Over the years, the National Open has
played host to Sammy Reshevsky, Viktor
Korchnoi, Gata Kamsky, and the Polgar
sisters, among others.
I wondered how the National Open
could afford its munificence. The answer
is: its not run for profit. Everything that
the tournament takes in is given back to
the players in some form. Thats not a
business model that would appeal to
grumbling about the small amount of
money hed won; of course, the compe-
tition for this prize had been fierce, and
one could only wish the chess pie were
a bit larger. But we should probably
reserve the bulk of our sympathy for
the people half a point below himthey
took home ten times less.
Varuzhan has been a member of the
U.S. Olympiad team for the last two
Olympiads, and, as one of the top players
in the U.S., his position at the top of the
crosstable was not a big surprise. But
Enrico overcame his underdog status
against a much higher-rated opponent,
with the black pieces to boot. He is such
a friendly and affable person that it was
very pleasing to see him enjoy this success.
Lets take a look at their critical last
round wins:

There is even an advertisers tab that you can click on to

go directly to their ads and a thumbnail option so you can
see all pages at a glance. You can also download the pdf file directly
from within the viewer, as well as adjust the text size.

Go to uschess.org and click on Chess Life Magazine on the left, then Online viewer. You will need your username and password.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 3

September Chess Life
Columns
18 | NATIONAL OPEN
12 LOOKS AT BOOKS Freddies Swansong
1. d4 Pawn Families By IM Irina Krush
By GM Andy Soltis As Fred Gruenberg says goodbye to the tournament
he madeone of the most player-friendly ones on the circuit,
13 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?
the initial international flavor of this years event
The King Hunt
By GM Larry Evans ends with a local feel as two southern
Californians finish on top.
14 CHESS TO ENJOY
The Language of Chess
By GM Andy Soltis

16 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Warfare on all Fronts
By Bruce Pandolfini

38 BACK TO BASICS
An (Adrenaline Pumping)
Ordinary Game
By GM Lev Alburt

40 ENDGAME LAB
2009 U.S. Championship,
Part I
By GM Pal Benko

Departments

3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES
10 USCF AFFAIRS
44 TOURNAMENT LIFE
62 CLASSIFIEDS
63 SOLUTIONS 26 | REMEMBRANCE
Snapshots from a life:
Nigel Eddis (1936-2009)
By Larry Parr

33 | INSTRUCTION
The Purposeful Rook
By Carey Theil
A guide for the class player on how to
activate your rookswith meaning!

On The Cover
36 | INSTRUCTION
With the promotional efforts of
Fred Gruenberg, the National Middlegame Zugzwang
Open has grown into one of the and a Previously Unknown
premier destination chess events Bobby Fischer Game
in the USCF. After 25 years, By GM Larry Kaufman
Freddie has stepped down. Zugzwang is commonly known as an endgame
phenomenon. Middlegame examples are rare,
Cover design Frankie Butler, as are unknown Fischer games ...
photos by Chris Bird

4 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

New Membership Options!
Premium and Regular USCF Memberships Now Available

PREMIUM Membership REGULAR Membership

Printed copy of Chess Life Online-only access to Chess Life
(monthly) or Chess Life for Kids OR or Chess Life for Kids;
(bimonthly) plus all other benefits TLA Newsletter will be mailed to you
of regular membership. (adults: bimonthly, scholastic: 3 per year)

PREMIUM USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES REGULAR USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES

CATEGORY 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR CATEGORY 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR

ADULT (PAID ONLINE) $42 $78 $113 ADULT (PAID ONLINE) $29 $52 $74

ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE) $49 $85 $120 ADULT (PAID MAIL/PHONE) $36 $59 $81

SCHOLASTIC (1) $23 $42 $60 SCHOLASTIC (1) $16 $28 $39

YOUTH (2) (6 ISSUES CL) $27 $49 $70 YOUTH (2) $20 $36 $51

YOUNG ADULT (3) $32 $59 $85 YOUNG ADULT (3) $24 $43 $61

OTHER USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES WHAT YOU GET AS A

REGULAR USCF MEMBER:
CATEGORY 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR
The right to play in USCF-sanctioned
SUSTAINING (STARTED PRIOR TO 2003) (4, 8) $95 $190 $285 $380 tournaments and be assigned an official rating.
SUSTAINING (STARTED AFTER 2002) (4, 8) $120 $240 $360 $480 Access to member-only content on uschess.org,
including our USCF forum discussion group. (9)
SENIOR (PAID ONLINE) (5) $36 $65 $93 N/A
Online access to Chess Life & Chess Life for Kids.
SENIOR (PAID BY MAIL OR PHONE) (5) $43 $72 $100 N/A
FAMILY PLAN 1 (6) $70 N/A N/A N/A
WHAT YOU GET AS A
FAMILY PLAN 2 (7) $44 N/A N/A N/A PREMIUM USCF MEMBER:
SENIOR LIFE (5, 8) $750 (one time charge) All of the above plus a printed copy of Chess Life
LIFE (8) $1,500 (one time charge) or Chess Life for Kids!

BENEFACTOR (8, 10) $3,000 (one time charge)

BENEFACTOR, EXISTING LIFE MEMBER (8, 10) $1,500 (one time charge)

See uschess.org for all of

your membership options.
(1) 13 and under at expiration; bimonthly Chess Life for Kids. (2) 16 and under at expiration; Chess Life. (3) 25 and under at expiration; monthly Chess Life. (4) New sustaining memberships will not be allowed
after 11/30/08. (5) 65 and over. (6) Parents and children younger than 25 at expiration living in one household with one address. (7) All younger than 25 at expiration living in one household. Both Family
Plans include one monthly Chess Life. (8) Life and sustaining members have the option of choosing either Premium or Regular benefits. This selection may be changed at any time. USCF intends to con-
tact these members approximately every three years to ask for confirmation of this choice. (9) Age restricitons apply. (10) Includes Life Membership, a special membership card, and recognition on a Benefactor
page of our website and periodically in Chess Life.
$25 foreign surcharge applies for magazine (not applicable to Canada or Mexico).
Counterplay
Chess Life invited tournament director Tim
Just, a 2009 recipient of the USCF award
for Outstanding Career Achievement, to
give some advice to new or inexperienced
tournament players.
Rulebook Tactics
There are a number of things you can do as
a player that increase your chances of
essaying an enjoyable game by simply being
aware of some basic rulebook strategies.
1. Stop the clock and get a tournament
director (TD). Whatever your concern is
about a rules violation it is best, in most
cases, to first stop your clock. This way
your clock is not running towards a flag
fall while you get help from the TD. Make
sure to let your opponent know why you
are stopping the clock.
2. Make it a habit, even if you lose, to
make sure your score is marked up prop-
erly. Why? Well, if the TDs cant find out
the results of your game they may or may
not end up crediting you with the correct
results for pairing and prize purposes.
3. Make sure you know how the clock is
set, even if it is not your clock. For exam-
ple, assuming the delay is set properly on
a delay clock can lead to some unpleas-
ant situations later in the game.
4. After you arrive at your board, check
to make sure your opponent is the same
one you saw listed on the pairing sheet.
Playing the incorrect opponent (not
uncommon) leads to some challenges for
the TD that may not always be dealt with
in your favor. Playing the wrong opponent
can affect your pairings in future rounds.
5. If you are waiting for an opponent that
has not arrived and the player next to you,
or near you is doing the same thing,
check it out. The two of you just might be
playing each other and one of you acci-
dently is seated at the wrong board.
6. Make sure you are playing the right
color. Double check it. The TD cant
always fix this kind of situation to your
satisfaction.
7. TDs are not cops. Rarely do they inter-
ject themselves into your game, even when
they observe a rules violation. You have to
make the claim that the rule was violated.
8. Ask a TD what your rights are if they
rule against you.
9. Perpetual check is not a rule. Having
the same position three times (it does not
even have to be three times in a row!) is
the rule. To make this claim properly it is
one of the few times you get to write your
move down first. Write the move first then
make the claim and stop the clock.
10. Get a TD if your opponent disputes one
of your claims (remember to stop that clock).
11. If either player makes a claim of a
draw of any kind it is the same as offer-
ing a draw to the opponent.
12. Keep an accurate scoresheet so that
you can offer it as evidence of any claim
you are making. An incomplete score-
sheet (check marks dont count towards
an accurate scoresheet) is usually worth-
less in a disputed claim.
13. Start your clock at the beginning of the
round, even if your opponent is not there!
If your opponent does come late, failing to
start their clock until they arrive may delay
the start of the next round for everyone else.
14. The standard penalty, unless stated
otherwise, is to add two minutes to the
time of the player that makes a valid
rules violation claim.
If Chess Life publishes your letter, you will
be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate and
Improve Your Chess (see ad to the left). This
will begin with the October issue.

Chess Life welcomes letters from its readers. Letters are subject to editing for content and length. Send your letters to
letters@uschess.org, and include your full name and a telephone number.

Contributors
IM Irina Krush Carey Theil
(2009 National Open, p. 18) is a two-time U.S. womens cham- (Instruction, p. 33) is a national master who lives in Somerville,
pion and a frequent contributor to both Chess Life and Chess Life Massachusetts with his wife, Christine, a greyhound, and four cats.
Online. He works for a national non-profit animal protection organization.

Larry Parr GM Larry Kaufman

(Remembrance, p. 26) was Chess Life editor from 1984 to
1988. Parr currently lives with his family in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, where he also works. Along with Dato Tan Chin
Nam, he co-authored the memoir, Never Say I Assume! (MPH,
2006).
(Instruction, p. 35) is the U.S. senior champion, world sen-
ior champion, and member of the Rybka development team. He
is the author of The Chess Advantage in Black and White.

6 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 7
First Moves

SuperNational IVs
S UPERSCHOLARSHIPS
from the University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
awarded three separate full-tuition-and-
fees, four-year scholarships to the top
performers at the SuperNationals IV chess
competition held April 3-5 in Nashville.
Scholarship recipients are GM-elect
Robert Hess of New York City, winner of
the K-12 high school section; Ryan Moon
of Duluth, Georgia, winner of the K-9
junior high school section; and Daniel
Gurevich of Marietta, Georgia, winner of
the elementary section. The Chess Life
SuperNationals IV tournament report
appeared in the June 2009 issue.
Each of the three Academic Distinction
Scholarships has a cash value of about
$80,000 for non-Texas residents. The win-
ners must meet the Universitys rigorous
requirements at matriculation.
As a graduating college senior, I am
pleased to say that this scholarship has
allowed me to fully pursue my academic
goals while also enabling me to con-
tinue playing top-level chess, said IM
John Bartholomew, a senior business
administration major and member of
the universitys chess team. He was
awarded an Academic Distinction Schol-
arship at the 2001 SuperNationals,
where he took first place in the K-9 jun-
ior high section.
This tournament is a valuable contri-
bution to the creation of a better future
for society, said Curt Eley, vice president
for enrollment management, who gave
the opening address at the event. It was
heartwarming to see so many bright,
focused, hard-working young minds
engaged in clean, thoughtful fun.

GM Robert Hess
GM Hess has been well
represented on these pages
these last few months, and
not just for winning the
UTD scholarship. His
spring 2009 streak began
with the SPICE Spring Invi-
tational (March 16-22,
Lubbock, Texas), where he
scored his second grand-
master norm. A week later
in Nashville, Robert swept
the high school nationals
7-0, leading his team,
Stuyvesant to a national
title. A couple days after
that, Robert was off to Fox-
woods where he defeated
GMs Ehlvest and Naka-
mura on his way to norm
number three. He then had
an exciting run at the 2009
U.S. Championship (May
7-17, St. Louis), giving
Nakamura a challenge for
the championship.

8 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 Ryan Joseph Moon
Ryan Joseph Moon, the winner of the K-9 section at Super-
Nationals IV, started playing chess at around the age of eight.
He entered the primary section of a scholastic tournament
and came out with a provisional rating of
867. From there it has been a steady climb
until now where his rating sits just a hand-
ful of points below the master level. He has
now finished first or tied for first in five
national championships.
Joseph (he usually goes by his middle
name) has had several coaches over the
six years or so that he has been active in
tournament competition. His first coach
was his father, Henry, at that time a profes-
sor in Emory Universitys Goizueta Business
School. Henry mentions that Joseph at
an early age had to battle nervousness at
the board, and chess taught him, through
many hard fought wins and losses, to keep
his cool.
It wasnt long before Henry decided that
he needed to find someone stronger than himself to coach his
precocious son, and they connected with Colombian IM Car-
los Perdomo, who was then living in the Atlanta area. After
Carlos they moved on to GM Semion Sam Palatnik, and
Daniel Gurevich
The winner of the K-6 section scholarship was Georgia fifth-
grader Daniel Gurevich.
Daniel learned to play chess before he turned five. When
asked who taught him, Daniel replies No one, I learned on my
own. At his friends house Daniel discovered
a computer program LEGO Chess which
taught him the basics. Soon Daniel started
frequenting the local chess club. By the fall
of his kindergarten year he started to play in
tournaments. At about the same time Daniel
met his first coach, a local FM, Michael
Elkin, who remains Daniels over-the-board
coach.
By age 7 Daniel won two national cham-
pionships: the first grade section at the 2004
MOON AND GUREVICH BY ROMAN GRIGORIEV; HESS BY ETSY DYNAKO
nationals in Orlando, Florida and the K-1
section of SuperNationals III in Nashville,
Tennessee in 2005. An active tournament
player, Daniel reached his goal of raising
his USCF rating to 2100 before his 11th
birthday. In the past year he started to play
in major adult tournaments. He has not yet
been paired with a grandmaster, but three draws against inter-
national masters, including Jay Bonin in July 2009, led me to
believe that the wins are not far away, either.
Daniels win at SuperNationals IV gave Daniel his third national
...A valuable contribution to the creation
of a better future for society
CUR T ELEY
uschess.org
now it is GM John Fedorowicz who is in charge of Josephs
chess instruction. Joseph has not yet beaten any grandmas-
ters in tournament competition, but he does have wins over
international masters Ron Burnett, Emory
Tate, and Oladapo Adu to his credit.
I think that winning the chess scholar-
ship to UTD was a great accom- plishment
for me, Joseph says. I feel like I can always
look back and be proud of myself for win-
ning the SuperNationals. The competition
was brutal, with all the best ninth graders
in that section. I knew I was going to have
to work hard in order to win, and I did. A
man who is prepared has already won half
the battle. During the matches I always
kept my cool, and tried not to get nervous.
What is funny is that I didnt even know
that there was a K-8 section at the Super-
Nationals. I had thought that the only
section I could play in was the K-9. I actu-
ally didnt know about the scholarships
until I think it was the sixth round when I was playing Chris-
tian Tanaka. A friend of mine had said to me that I must be
excited to be so close to that scholarship, and I clearly didnt
know what he was talking about. ~Scott Parker
scholastic title in four appearances; a remarkable achievement.
This win is special: despite the fact that he was only in fifth grade,
Daniel overcame a strong field of experts, including several top-
10 sixth-graders.
Professor Tim Redman, founder of the
UT Dallas chess team, who presented the
scholarship, was impressed with Daniels
SAT score which is already high enough to
be admitted. Having considered early admis-
sion, Daniel decided to wait and concentrate
on his dream of becoming a grandmaster
before college.
Besides FM Elkin, Daniel credits two
other coaches with his recent successes. The
Gurevich family hosted IM Kirill Kuderi-
nov, who coached Daniel from October 2008
until Kirills return to his native Kazakhstan
in May 2009. Since September 2008 Daniel
has also been taking lessons from GM Artur
Jussupow (Yusupov in USCF listings. ~ed).
The last win is the most important,
Daniel says. The reason I played in this
years SuperNationals was the opportunity to win the UTD schol-
arship, and the strong competition in the K-6 section it attracted.
It is still hard to tell which is more important: winning the title
or the scholarship. Each is a big honor. ~Scott Parker
Chess Life September 2009 9
USCF Affairs September
2009 Executive Board Election
The results of the 2009 executive board election were determined on July 23. 11.1% of the eligible voters cast ballots.
The four candidates who were elected to four-year terms on the executive board are Jim Berry, Bill Goichberg, Ruth
Haring and Mike Atkins. Berry and Goichberg were incumbents, Haring and Atkins took office at the conclusion of the 2009
delegates meeting, replacing Randy Hough, who chose not to run for another term, and Joel Channing, who had resigned.

Jim Berry: Bill Goichberg: Ruth Haring: Michael Atkins:

New board president New board member at large New board vice president New board member at large

New board member Michael Atkins tells Chess Life: Totals in Order of Rank

Id like to thank all the people who voted in the recent elections Jim Berry: 3,030
for USCF executive board. No matter who you voted for, you Bill Goichberg: 3,014
took part in the process and expressed your opinions and Ruth Haring: 2,952
desires for how you want your chess federation to proceed in Michael Atkins: 2,672
the future. While 11% sounds small, it tends to be that propor- Mikhail Korenman: 822
tion for NFP [not-for-profit] hobby organization's elections. Lets Mike Nietman: 732
do better than that next time. If we can accomplish all that with Eric Hecht: 717
only 11% involvement, imagine what 22% would look like! Imag- Blas Lugo: 657
ine all the new chess sponsors and new tournaments, programs Sam Sloan: 588
and progress that 22% involvement could mean and imagine Brian Lafferty: 576
what 100,000 members would look like. It wouldn't be that Brian Mottershead: 435
hard, doubling or tripling our retention/renewal rates would be
a way to start. I look forward to moving on from the current There were also 123 write-in ballots.
A total of 4,379 ballots were received.
quagmire and getting back to chess.

The USCF Mission

USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extend-
ing the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study
and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and
enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It
informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (profes-
sional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the
development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the
growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations,
and it promotes chess in American society. To these ends, USCF offers
a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its mem-
bers and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess
Championship, an open tournament held every summer, and other
national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its
members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its mem-
bers. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States
and as a participant in international chess organizations and
projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures
in accord with its bylaws and laws of the state of Illinois.

10 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 2009 NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC
K-12 CHAMPIONSHIP
December 11-13, 2009
HILTON ANATOLE DALLAS
2201 STEMMONS FREEWAY DALLAS, TX 75207
Reservations: 1-800-HILTONS OR 214-748-1200

Opening Ceremony 12/11 Friday: 12:30pm SIDE EVENTS

Rounds Friday: 1pm, 6pm Bughouse: Thursday: 11am
Saturday: 10am, 2pm, 6pm On-site entry only Thursday, 9am until 10 am
Sunday: 9am, 1pm $25 per team.

Awards Ceremonies Sunday: 4:30pm (K-1) & 5pm (Approx.) Blitz: Thursday: 5pm
On-site entry until 4pm Entry in advance $15
Special round times Friday: 1:30pm, 5:30pm by 11/29 $20 after 11/29 or 0n-site Register at
for K- 1 sections Saturday: 9:30am, 2:30pm, 5:30pm https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tourna
ment.php
Sunday: 9:30am, 1:30pm

On-site registration 12/10: 9am-10pm Simul: TBA

12/11: 8am-Noon
Players registering after 10am Friday will Team Rooms are limited!
not be paired for round 1, will receive a contact Cheryle Bruce
1/2 point bye, and will begin play round 2. cbruce@uschess.org 931-787-1234 ext.147

7SS, G/90, 13 sections: Play only in your grade. December Rating Supplement will be used. Team Score = total of top three (minimum two)
finishers from each school per grade. First place individual and team will be National Champion for their grade.
Awards: Trophies to top 10 individuals & top five teams in each grade (minimum). Many other class prizes. Every player receives a
commemorative item!
Blitz: Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections, individual and team.
Bughouse: Trophies to be announced.

Name____________________________________USCF ID #_____________________________Rating____________________________________
Address______________________________________________City________________________________State____________Zip_____________
e-mail Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
School____________________________________________________________________Grade _________________________________________
Bye Requested: Rd. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1/2-pt bye available if requested in advance (except rd. 7)
USCF Membership Dues: Please go to www.uschess.org for appropriate membership category and rates.
Entry Fees: $50/participant postmarked by 11/12, $70/participant postmarked by 11/29, $85 after 11/29 or $90 on site. (Add $5 for phone entry.)
Blitz entry: $15 until 11/29 or $20 after 11/29 or on-site.
Amount Enclosed: Entry Fee $____________ Blitz $____________ USCF Dues $___________ Total Enclosed $______________________________
In advance: Make checks payable to: U.S. Chess Federation (USCF).
On site: Make payments in Cash, by Money Order, or Credit Card.
MASTER CARD DISCOVER AMEX VISA V-Code (last 3 digits on the signature line) _______________________________________________________
Number __________________________________ EXP. ____ /____ SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________________

Registration information: USCF membership is required and must be current. You may pay USCF membership with your entry. Adult: Please check our website (uschess.org) for Adult
and Young Adult options. Advance entries must include players name and all fees to be accepted. Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged according to date
received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even if no team), coachs name, e-mail, birth date, USCF ID #, USCF expiration (enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating.
Players must be eligible to play in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Please bring clocks. Ent: K-12 Champ., c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557-3967. For more
info or to register online: www.uschess.org. Please make all checks payable to USCF.
Looks at Books
1. d4 Pawn Families
Putting the four most important pawn structures arising
from 1. d4 under a microscope
By GM Andy Soltis
I have a theorytotally unscien-
tificthat every new generation of chess
authors aims for a stronger audience.
They imagine their readers to be at
least 100 rating points better than the
previous generation of readers. They write
for players who are assumed to be more
sophisticated than the ones who grew
up reading Ludek Pachman and Max
Euwe, not to mention from Eugene
Znosko-Borovsky and Fred Reinfeld.
That seems to be Ivan Sokolovs audi-
ence in Winning Chess Middlegames. He
takes an idea used by Hans Kmoch two
generations ago, expands on it and
writes for more advanced readers.
Kmochs idea, in the final section of
Pawn Power in Chess, was to analyze a
specific family of pawn structures, the
Benonis. (I pilfered Kmochs idea myself
and applied it to several families in Pawn
Structure Chess.)
Sokolovs puts under a microscope
the four most important families that
arise from 1. d4 openings. These are:
12 Chess Life September 2009
doubled pawns, isolated d-pawns, hang-
ing c- and d-pawns, and pawn majority
in the center. Each of the books four
chapters begins with a short introduction
of what the author calls the essential
pawn structures of the family. This is fol-
lowed by heavily-annotated illustrative
games, which account for more than 90
percent of the book. The games come
almost exclusively from the Nimzo-
Indian, Queens Gambit Accepted,
Declined and Slav Defense.
When Sokolov is teaching, rather than
analyzing 10 moves ahead, he has a lot
of good points to make. For example:
Making a point
GM Alexey Vyzmanavin (FIDE 2490)
GM Alexander Beliavsky (FIDE 2600)
Lvov 1984
r+lq rk+
pp+ +p
 pp
+n
p n +
+ p p +
+P
P + +
P 
 PLP +
+ +NPPP
R 
 LQ+RK
After 9. ... 0-0
Here White played 10. e4!. Sokolov
explains that this temporary sac is a
common idea in this structure. White will
regain the pawn, after 10. ... cxd4 11.
cxd4 exd4 12. Bb2 and eventually Nxd4.
Then the pawn structure favors him.
His queen bishop has become active and
Blacks d6-pawn is weak.
In this game, Black replied 10. ... b6.
What happened next, 11. d5 Na5?!, was
also very instructive. Sokolov calls that
central pawn skeleton, plus the knight
on a5, Structure 1.7, and shows how
bad it can be for Black.
Black must either win the c4-pawn or
force White into gyrations to defend it,
he writes. Otherwise, Black will be badly
outgunned on the kingside, as in this
game which White won by advancing with
Ng3-f5, Qg4 and an elaborate pawn storm.
There are some valuable insights
sprinkled throughout the book. Sokolov
cites the case of a player liquidating an
isolani, such as when White gets rid of
an isolated d-pawn with d4-d5.
The resulting pawn structure is more
or less symmetrical and may seem that
the opponent with the black pieces can
equalize with a few good moves. Well,
more often than not, for the defending
side, those few good moves are nowhere
to be found, Sokolov points out.
But I suspect most readers will have
two problems with this book. The first is
that the move analysis overwhelms the
words. To get from one move of a game
to the next you often have to wade
through half a page of subvariations.
The second problem is that many of
Sokolovs 33 essential structures are
esoteric. For example, consider one with
white pawns at d6, e5, f4, g2 and h2
and black pawns at d7, e6, f5, g7 and h7.
If Black is castled kingside and he has a
knight at e8, this is Structure 1.8.
It occurred in Bronstein-Simagin,
Moscow 1961; one of those spectacular
games from the golden era of Soviet
chess. Im glad to see this virtually
unknown gem being revived and given
the attention it deserves.
But how often does Structure 1.8
actually occur? Maybe once in every
other blue moon.
The bottom line is: If you like heavily-
analyzed games, this is one of the best col-
lections to be published in recent years.
.
But if you get more from the words rather
than from the move analysis in annota-
tions, this is not the book for you.
Winning Chess Middlegames
by Ivan Sokolov, New In Chess
260 pages, $29.95 from uscfsales.com
(catalog number B0071NIC).
uschess.org
Whats The Best Move?

The King Hunt

By GM Larry Evans

Brute Force 1. White moves 2. White moves

Sometimes we forget that the
object of chess is to kill the enemy + + rr+ r+l+  rk+
king. But David Hooper and Bernard pp+n+p
 pk p + +p
 pp
Cafferty, two lions of British chess, + 
p l p p 
 Qp+ +
remind us of this fact in their 1977
book Play For Mate. Their book illus-
+ +N pP+Q + +  P +N
trates 290 positions from actual q+ +P+ + P + + +

master play with numerous mating + P L + + + + +
patterns as well as a wide range of PP 
K P P P+ +q PPP
missed opportunities. Our challenge
is to find the fastest win via brute R + + 
 R + +R+R K
force. (a) Rxg7+ (b) Nxf6+ (c) Rg6 (a) Ng3 (b) Nf6+ (c) Rd4
Solutions to this months quiz
3. Black moves 4. Black moves
positions are on page 63.
k+r+r+ + + + + +
Readers are invited to send their posi-
tions in for possible consideration in pp+ + +p
 + + + +
this column. Send to whatsthebest- q + + +
 p+ + + +
move@uschess.org or mail to Chess + +R+Np +p+L
k p
Life, c/o Whats The Best Move, PO l + + +
 + +Pp p
Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
+P+ +P+ + + 
lP+P
+Q+R+PP P + 
 qPK
+ + + +K +Q+ + +
(a) Qf2 (b) Qa6 (c) Rxc2 (a) Kd6 (b) g4 (c) Qg3+

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 13

Chess to Enjoy
The Language of Chess
By GM Andy Soltis
French was once the language of diplomacy. German was the language of science.
But how did English end up as the language of chess?
Several years ago there was a move-
ment to encourage chess authors to write
in Esperanto. After all, the argument
went, doesnt a universal game deserve a
universal language?
The Esperanto idea died. But we still
ended up with a common language. Its
called English.
Youll find the evidence all over, begin-
ning with the Internet. Sites written
entirely in English include the personal
pages of Russias Vladimir Kramnik, Hun-
garys Peter Leko and the national
federations like Bangladesh and Fiji.
If a chess site is bilingual, the second
language is almost certain to be English.
Thats the case with the sites of Etienne
Bacrot of France and the 2008 Olympiad
in Dresden, Germany, or of the federa-
tions of Turkey, Armenia, Austria, Ukraine
and Estonia.
In the world of print, New In Chess
magazine is written by a United Nations
of masters, edited by Dutchmenand
published in English. The reason is sim-
ple. If you want the largest audience,
there is one language that stands out.
Even former World Womens Champion
Xie Jun of China wrote her chess biogra-
phy in English.
FIDE has five official languages. But at
most international tournaments, the
arbiter and the players on the appeals
committee conduct their business in only
one, English. GMs like Viktor Korchnoi
have been known to resign in English
even when playing a fellow Russian.
And when Sergey Karjakin of Ukraine
was an up-and-coming player he was
invited to training sessions conducted by
leading GMs at an elite club in France in
their common language. If you want to
raise your class of play, study English!
said his father, Alexander Karjakin.
What is also remarkable is that the
14 Chess Life September 2009
language being spoken is not the Queens
English but American English: Grand-
masters say they missed a cheapo. They
played a lemon instead. They say their tournament in America, New York 1889,
position was busted after their opponent
replied with a desperado.
Hungarys Andras Adorjan, who learned
English while watching U.S. movies, has
a mantra based on the most American of
Americanisms, Black is OK. Magnus
Carlsen, who began studying English by
age eight, uses it too.
Im OK, youre not OK
IM Magnus Carlsen (FIDE 2552)
IM Chakkravarthy Deepan (FIDE 2331)
Dubai 2004
r+ +k+  r
pp+ 
 lp
pp
+p+l+ +
+ +  q 
L As late as the 1930s strong players
+ 
pN+ +
+ + + +
PPP+ PPP
R +Q
 R 
K (time pressure).
After 11. ... Be7
After he played 12. f4! Carlsen wrote in
New In Chess, Now White is very much
okay.
Black was decidedly not OK following
12. ... Qd5 13. Bxe7 Kxe7 14. f5! Qxf5 15.
Qxd4 and he resigned soon after 15. ...
Qd5? 16. Qb4+ c5 17. Nxc5.
The shift towards English in general
and the American brand in particular is
quite a change. For much of the last 150
years the language of master chess was
German.
When masters from foreign countries
got together to chat, the conversation
usually started with Sprechen sie
Deutsch? At the first great international
the common language was German
which was spoken by Kentuckys Jackson
Showalter, Russias Mikhail Chigorin and
Britains Amos Burn, among others.
For decades the best magazines, like
the Wiener Schachzeitung and Deutche
Schachzeitung, were written in German.
So were the better books, like Richard
Retis Modern Ideas in Chess, Edward
Laskers Chess Strategy and Emanuel
Laskers book of the St. Petersburg 1909
tournament. Often it took years before a
great book was translated into English.
In contrast, English-language books
didnt seem worthy of appearing in
another language. As Emanuel Lasker
put it, The literature of chess in the Eng-
lish language is enormous in size but
insignificant in value.
like Reuben Fine of the United States
learned German in order to read Sieg-
bert Tarrasch in the original. The rest of
the world adopted words like blitz,
Zugzwang, sitzfleisch and zeitnot
The books that were written in English
used the vocabulary and syntax of British
annotators: Attacks didnt start, they
commenced. Bad moves were rather
inferior and quite contrary to princi-
ple. And if you surprised someone with
a move you caught him out. Wordiness
was the order of the day:
Injudicious
James Mason
Mikhail Chigorin
London 1883
(see diagram top of next column)
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II Problem III
Meet Me in St. Louis GM Jaan Ehlvest GM Boris Gulko Charles Lawton
IM Michael Brooks FM Douglas Eckert GM Melikset Khachiyan

When Hikaru Nakamura won the r


+k+ + r+lr +k+ + +Q+ +
2009 U.S. Championship he raised + + P + pp+ 
 pp+p + 
K + k
his batting average to .678. Thats
his winning percentage in five cham-
+ +P
K + + + +p+ +N+ + +
pionships. He had the tenth best p + + +p
 + Pn+ + + + +r+
averageout of the more than 260 +R+ + + + 
P L + + + + +
players in 53 championship tour- + + + + q + +L+
 + + + +
namentsbefore this year, according
to statistics compiled by Edward
+ + + + + 
Q PPP + + + +
Gonsalves. Now Nakamura is in a tie + + + + + R +RK + + + q
with Yury Shulman for eighth place, White to play White to play Black to play
well below first-place Bobby Fis-
chers .822. In each of the following Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
positions from the St. Louis tour- GM Joel Benjamin GM Alexander Shabalov Charles Lawton
GM Gata Kamsky FM Douglas Eckert GM Boris Gulko
nament you are asked to find the
fastest winning line of play. For solu- + lk+
 R
 rq + 
r k r+ + +k+
tions see page 63.
+ + +  p + + lppp +rq +ppp
+ +p+p+ p+ p +P+ + +p+ +
+ +q
p + +p+Q+L+P +ln 
P +
+r+ + + +n+P+ + N+p+  P +
+ 
p +N+P P + 
 L + +P+ +  P
+ +QPP K PP+ + +
 R+ +Q+  P
+ + + + +K+R+ +R K 
 RL+ +
Black to play White to play Black to play

r+lqn
rk+
pp+ + 
 pp
l +p+n+
 other side of the pond. That revised ver-
+ +p+p+
+ + 
L +
+N+LPN+
PPP+Q
PP P
R + +R
 K
After 14. Nf3
When Black chose 14. ... Nxf4, his
opponent wrote in the tournament book
in a manner no American would:
Injudicious, as it not only renders the
escape of the Kings Pawn from its pres-
ent predicament highly improbable, but
exposes it to immediate attack in opening
the file on which it stands to the opera-
tions of Whites Queen and Rooks.
But in the last half of the 20th century
the American idiom began to take over.
This happened almost undetected
because its often hard to recognize an
Americanism.
For example, when an annotator writes
that Black shifted his pieces back and
forth while White acted right away and
got away with something just before
the showdown he is speaking pure
r+  q 
r k
Bobby Fischer was appalled when a
British edition of My 60 Memorable Games
made him sound like he lived on the pl
 p +p+p
sion had him using words like pn+p
 p +
whilstwhich no one who grew up on + + + +
Union Street in Brooklyn ever employs.
Fischer was even upset that the Brits + P 
L Q
spelled his word jell as gel. He claimed P 
 P + +
it made him sound idiotic.
Yet British English still survives in
P + 
 PLP
chess booksin the translations of Russ- R + 
 K +R
ian authors. Thats where youll find After 17. Bf4
Soviet-era grandmasters strangely
addressing one another as Old Chap. The book has Kasparov calling the rest
Thats where a booked-up player is a of this game nervybut it wasnt praise.
swot. He showed how it was filled with mis-
In his Great Predecessors books, youll takes. Instead of 17. ... f5! which holds
see Garry Kasparov praising certain White to a minor edge, Black played 17.
moves as nervy. Thats a Britishism for ... e5?. After 18. Bg3 f5 19. dxe5 Rg8 it
bold and it carries a positive connota- was Whites turn to err. He played 20.
tion. Bf3?, instead of entering a favorable
But what Kasparov apparently meant endgame with 20. Qxd8!.
when he wrote in Russianwas Black should have equalized after 20.
something quite different. He indicated ... Qd3! 21. Be2 Qc2!. But he went into a
the moves were nervous, meaning the lost endgame with 21. ... Qe4? 22. Qxe4
product of nervousness. fxe4 23. Bh4.
Nervy? No, nervous.
Nervous or nervy? In any case, English is triumphant. If
Alexander Alekhine you need further proof, look at the way the
Max Euwe Russians are adopting phonetic versions
World Championship (7), 1935 of English words. On various chess sites

.
American. Even some chess jargon is youll encounter the Cyrillic versions of
American. For example, a pawn grab (see diagram top of next column) words like nok-aut, tai-brake and plei-
seems to date from 1950s America. off. And, of course, chiter.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 15

Solitaire Chess

Warfare on all Fronts

By Bruce Pandolfini

In the Benoni Defense (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5) Black often winds up surrendering the
center to Whites pawns, hoping for counterplay against the center and on the
queenside. But when it fails, beware the kingside assault ...

The attack against the center and
queenside in the Benoni Defense is often
fueled by a timely advance of the b-pawn,
even leading to sacrificing it for pressure
against e4 and along the b-file toward
b2. This combined effort may at times
be quite effective, but when it fails, the
resulting kingside assault may become
irresistible. We see something like that
happening in the game:
Modern Benoni,
Taimanov Variation (A67)
Reynaldo Vera (FIDE 2547)
Viktor Moskalenko (FIDE 2469)
Badalona 1999
Easily stifling Blacks counteractivity,
Whites double barreled action against
Blacks resulting weaknesses proved too
much to cope with. What would become
an exciting game began:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5.
cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8. Bb5+ Nfd7 9.
Be2 0-0 10. Nf3 Na6 11. 0-0 Nc7 12. Kh1 Re8
13. f5 b5
r+lqr+k+
only after trying to guess it. If you guess 17. Nxb5
correctly, give yourself the par score.
Sometimes points are also rewarded for 18. Bxb5 Par Score: 4
second-best moves, and there may be
bonus pointsor deductionsfor other 18. Rxe4
moves and variations. Note that ** means
The pawn trade (b5 for e4) has at last
that the note to Blacks move is over and
taken place. The position has opened up
Whites move is on the next line.**
and White with his lead in development
14. fxg6 Par Score: 5 has a slight edge.
Blacks last move proposed an exchange 19. Qd2 Par Score: 5
of the b5-pawn for the e4-pawn, which is Deduct 2 points if you overlooked the
the main theme in Blacks scheme. White attack on the bishop. The queen move
is going to grapple with this move, and he guards the bishop and prepares to place
does so by getting in some useful moves. the queen-rook on the open e-file.
The trade at g6 opens the f-file and slightly
19. Bg4
weakens Blacks castled position.
You can also make an argument for
14. hxg6
19. ... f5, but Black didnt want to lock his
c8-bishop in behind the pawns.
15. Bg5 Par Score: 6
20. Bd3 Par Score: 5
Here White develops a new piece with
an attack on the queen, forcing interpo- The bishop no longer serves any func-
tion at b5 and returns to attack the rook,
sition on f6. On 15. ... Bf6 White takes
at the same time lining up against g6.
and Blacks king loses a key defender (1
bonus point). If 15. ... Nf6, White follows 20. Rb4
with 16. e5 dxe5 17. d6, creating havoc
(1 bonus point). A sample line is 17. ... e4
18. dxc7 Qxd1 19. Raxd1 exf3 20. Bxf3
21. Rae1 Par Score: 5

p 
 nn+p
lp Bg4 21. Bxa8 Bxd1 22. Rxd1 Rxa8 23.
As programmed, White brings his last
piece in to play on the open e-file.
+ 
p +p+ Rd8+.
21. Rab8
+ppP+P+ 15. f6
Black doubles on the b-file attacking
+ +P+ + Black attacks the bishop, but White b2.
+ N +N+ has achieved his objective: weakening
e6. 22. b3 Par Score: 5
PP +L+PP 16. Bf4 Par Score: 4 One little pawn move and both black
R 
 LQ+R+K The bishop withdraws and in turn
rooks are neutralized.

Your starting position attacks d6. 22. R4b7

16. Nf8 Figuring theres nothing more to be

Now make sure you have the above
accomplished on the b-file, Black with-
position set up on your chessboard. As So that the queen can guard d6 while draws his rook from the fourth rank to
you play through the remaining moves in the knight keeps watch over e6 and g6. defend the seventh rank.
this game, use a piece of paper to cover
the article, exposing Whites next move 17. Nxb5 Par Score: 5 23. Qe3 Par Score: 6

16 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 Problem I Problem II Problem III
ABCs of Chess Promotion Getting out of check Back row

+ rk+
 r
 + + 
r  k + k
 r
 r

These problems are all related to
key positions in this months game.
+ +
+ + +R+ + +P + +pp
 +
In each case, Black is to move. The + + 
l + + + +p+ + + + +
answers can be found in Solutions + + +  L + + + + + + + +
on page 63. + + +  P + + 
l + + + 
lP q
September Exercise: Get into the
+ + + + + + + q + + +Q+P
habit of trying to summarize what +p+ + + Q + +L+
 + 
R 
RL+
youve experienced and/or learned R + 
 R K + + + K + + + K
from a game, task, or study session,
recording your thought nuggets in a
book or word file. Aim to take away Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
at least three memorable ideas from Unpin Driving off Back row
every example in which youve
invested time, and seldom let a ses- +
k + +
 +
+ +k+ q + +k+

sion go by without noting at least one + +q+ + + +q+ 
l +r+ +pl
thought. Over time the burgeoning + 
R + + + Lp+ + +QL + +
register will show the sweep and + + + + + + +p+ + p + +
reach of your development. It will
map places youve been, and bench- r+ + 
L  P r + + +
 + + + +
marks passed, while, if you stay + + + P + +P+ Q + + + +
focused, point the way to where your + + + + + + +  P + + +P P
great journey is likely to go. + + +K+ + + +R+K + + +R+K

This is a good building move, by which Black goes back to a familiar rank, On 31. ... Qf8 White can return 31.
the queen anticipates activity along the again hoping to save the day. Qg6; or try 32. Qc6 Qb8 33. Qd5 (33.
third rank. Bxd6 Rb1) 33. ... Rb1 34. e7+ Kh8 (34. ...
27. Bc4 Par Score: 5
Kh7 35. Qxf5+) 35. Bc1 Qe8 (to stop 36.
23. Bxf3
White avoids both 27. Rxd6? Rxf4!, as Qf7; but not 35. ... Bb2? 36. Bxb2+) 36.
Black prepares the advance of his f- well as 27. Bxd6? Rg4!. Deduct 2 points Qxf5 and Black can hardly hold out. If 36.
pawn. If he plays 23. ... f5 immediately, if you decided to take on d6. ... Rxc1 37. Qh3+ Kg8 38. Qe6+ Kh7 39.
he has to contend with 24. Ng5 (1 bonus Rxc1.
27. Rxc4
point), so the knight gets removed.
32. Bxd6 Par Score: 5
If 27. ... Rb6 to defend the d-pawn,
24. Qxf3 Par Score: 5
White doubles 28. Rfe1 (1 bonus point),
32. Rb6
With this capture White sets up his looking to invade at e7 or e8.
next move. Receive only 3 points part
28. bxc4 Par Score: 4 33. Qh5+ Par Score: 5
credit for 24. Rxf3.
On 33. ... Qh6, there follows 34. Qxh6+,
24. f5 28. Nxe6
with 35. e7 coming up (1 bonus point). If
Black blocks the diagonal of the d3- 33. ... Bh6, or 33. ... Kg8, then 34. e7
29. dxe6 Par Score: 4

.
bishop and opens the diagonal for the directly. Add 1 bonus point more if you
g7-bishop. saw the decisive advance.
29. Rb7
25. Qg3 Par Score: 5 33. Black resigned
Add 1 bonus point if you saw that 29.
And now White twice attacks d6 and ... Re7 is met by 30. Bg5. View this issue of Chess Life via on our new
pressures g6. Accept 1 bonus point if you online pdf viewer. Go to uschess.org and
30. Qxg6 Par Score: 5
had this in mind when playing Qxf3. click on the Chess Life Magazine link on
Playing to expose the king, although 30. the left side of our home page.
25. Rd7
Bxd6 (full credit) looks simpler: if 30. ...
Rb6, then 31. e7.
26. Re6! Par Score: 6 Total your score to determine your
30. Qf6 approximate rating below:
The pressure against the pressured
points continues. If 26. ... Nxe6, then 27. Total Score Rating
31. Qe8+ Par Score: 5
dxe6 Rdb7 28. Bxd6 Ra8 29. Qxg6! Qxd6 95+ 2400+
30. Bxf5, threatening mainly 31. Be4 and Accept only 4 points part credit for 31. 81-94 2200-2399
32. Qh7 mate (3 bonus points). And if 26. Qxf6 Bxf6 32. Bxd6 Be7 33. Bxe7 Rxe7 66-80 2000-2199
51-65 1800-1999
... Rb6, then 27. Rxg6! Nxg6 28. Qxg6 Rf7 34. Re1, though it should be a technical 36-50 1600-1799
(28. ... Qf6 29. Qe8+) 29. Bxf5 should win. But with queens on the board, White 21-35 1400-1599
06-20 1200-1399
win (2 bonus points). has better. 0-05 under 1200
26. Rb4 31. Kh7

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 17

Cover Story

Freddies
SWANSONG

As Fred Gruenberg says goodbye to the tournament he made one of the

most player-friendly ones on the circuit, the initial international flavor of this
years event ends with a local feel as two southern Californians finish on top.

By IM Irina Krush | Photos by Chris Bird

18 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

T
he 2009 National Open (June 4th-
7th) assembled an impressive array
of strong players, including 17
grandmasters and 13 international mas-
ters. Despite its name, the National Open
had a very international feel to it, at least
in terms of the battle for first place; this
year, the top four seeds were all visitors
from abroad: Frenchman Laurent
Fressinet (2715), Armenian Gabriel Sar-
gissian (2773), the Russian Evgeny Bareev
(2556), and Loek Van Wely (2728), from
the Netherlands. At some point in their
careers, Bareev and Van Wely were 2700+
FIDE-rated players and regularly faced off
against the best in the world, so their
participation in the National Open was
something of a treat.
The National Open draws people for a
number of reasons beyond the obvious
one. Fortuitously cushioned between
the big money Chicago and World
Opens, it makes a sensible stop for for-
eign GMs on their summer chess tour of
the U.S. Others are lured by the prox-
imity to the World Series of Poker events
held nearby at the Rio (Fressinets wife,
IM Almira Skripchenko, won $78,664 in
a No-Limit HoldEm event 11 days after
the National Open ended, which, cou-
pled with Laurents winnings at the
tournament, meant the pair left Vegas
with an enviable total of $78,695 in
prize money.) One person is probably
there because they won the previous
years raffle grand prize of round trip air-
uschess.org
fare and free entry.
But I think that a lot of people come
because of the way the National Open has
positioned itself as more than just your reg-
ular chess tournament. In fact, the
tournament is the centerpiece of an entire
chess festival, replete with grandmaster
simuls, lectures, and even an instruc-
tional camp. Theres a popular game/10
rapid championship the eve of the tourna-
ment, and blitz and bughouse events at its
conclusion. Scholastic chess, too, features
prominently, as Susan Polgar runs her
World Open for Girls and Boys parallel to
the National Open, and hosts a myriad
other events during the festival.
Another standout feature of the
National Open has been the presence of
legendary guest stars, who are enticed
with promises of rounds starting on time
and quiet in the playing room. No, wait,
Im mixing up my notes ... Freddie did say
that those are high priorities for the
organization, but what seals the deal is
likely the business-class tickets and gen-
erous appearance fees the players receive.
Over the years, the National Open has
played host to Sammy Reshevsky, Viktor
Korchnoi, Gata Kamsky, and the Polgar
sisters, among others.
I wondered how the National Open
could afford its munificence. The answer
is: its not run for profit. Everything that
the tournament takes in is given back to
the players in some form. Thats not a
business model that would appeal to
everyone, but it does make possible The
Chess Vacation of the Year!
Now maybe youd like to know who
won the tournament; despite my silence
thus far, its actually not a state secret,
and will eventually be revealed. Going
into the final round, there were no less
than twelve players tied at 4-1, so the-
oretically there could have been a long
list of winners to transcribe here. When
the dust cleared, though, only two of
the six pairings saw a decisive result,
and two southern Californians, GM
Varuzhan Akobian and IM Enrico Sevil-
lano, topped the field, collecting $4,641
each. Ironically, Varuzh could be heard
grumbling about the small amount of
money hed won; of course, the compe-
tition for this prize had been fierce, and
one could only wish the chess pie were
a bit larger. But we should probably
reserve the bulk of our sympathy for
the people half a point below himthey
took home ten times less.
Varuzhan has been a member of the
U.S. Olympiad team for the last two
Olympiads, and, as one of the top players
in the U.S., his position at the top of the
crosstable was not a big surprise. But
Enrico overcame his underdog status
against a much higher-rated opponent,
with the black pieces to boot. He is such
a friendly and affable person that it was
very pleasing to see him enjoy this success.
Lets take a look at their critical last
round wins:
Chess Life September 2009 19
Cover Story
Coveted cup: The Edmondson Cup
is named for the late Ed Edmondson,
a former executive director of the
U.S. Chess Federation.
Modern Benoni,
Taimanov Variation (A67)
GM Evgeny Bareev (2556)
IM Enrico Sevillano (2556)
National Open (6), 06.07.2009
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5
Offering a Benoni. A daring move, it
seemed to me ... the Benoni isn't the
most solid of openings, and is barely seen
at the top level these days, but Enrico
wanted a sharp struggle from the open-
ing and didnt mind the risk.
4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 6. e4 g6 7. f4 Bg7 8.
Bb5+
Bareev plays the Taimanov system, his
pet line against the Benoni and also the
one considered the most dangerous for
Black.
8. ... Nfd7
An awkward retreat, but one that Black
is forced to make unless he wants to deal
with e5 on the next move.
9. a4
Weve reached one of the branches for
Black in this variation. He can proceed
with castling, or throw in a check on h4
which weakens Whites kingside a bit but
also costs Black a tempo.
9. ... Qh4+
9. ... 00 10. Nf3 Na6 11. 00 Nb4 (11.
... Nc7 12. Bd3 a6 13. Re1 Re8 14. Be3
Rb8 15. Bf2 b5 16. axb5 axb5 17. e5
dxe5 18. d6 Ne6 19. fxe5 Krush, I -
Akopian, R/Miami, USA 2007) 12. Re1 a6
13. Bc4?! (Better is 13. Bf1) 13. ... Nb6!
14. Be2 Bg4! 15. h3 Bxf3 16. Bxf3 c4
17. Be2 Rc8 18. Be3 Re8 19. Bf2 Nd7 20.
Rc1 Qa5 21. Bf1 Nf6 22. Qf3 Nd7 23.
Qd1 Krush, I - Nabaty, T/Ashdod,
ISR 2006; 9. ... a6 10. Bd3 Qh4+ 11. g3
Qd8 12. Nf3 0-0 13. 0-0 Nf6 14. Kg2 Bg4
15. h3 Bxf3+ 16. Qxf3 Nbd7 17. Bd2 Re8
18. Rae1 Rc8 19. b3 Nb6 20. e5 and
White stood better in Krush, I - Gole-
tiani, R/Chicago, USA 2006.
10. g3 Qe7 11. Nf3 0-0
Taking the pawn with 11. ... Bxc3+ 12.
bxc3 Qxe4+ 13. Kf2 is considered danger-
ous for Black.
12. 0-0 Na6 13. Re1 Nb4
Its only move 13, but weve reached the
turning point of the game. When I caught
up with Enrico after the round and asked
him where White had lost the game, he
told me that he actually wasn't sure. Well,
that made me curious, since I know the
White side of the Benoni doesn't just lose
by force; plus, Bareev's pet line against the
Benoni happens to be my pet line, too! So
I was extra motivated to figure out where
uschess.org
White had gone wrong.
14. Be3
I think this move is already the begin-
ning of Whites downfall. The one key
thing about this line is that White should
always be on the lookout for Blacks
attempt to disentangle with the ... Nf6, ...
Bg4 maneuver. And in the next few moves,
Black is allowed to carry out that plan
with no hindrance whatsoever. (Id actu-
ally reached this exact position a few
years ago, and opted for the most direct
plan: the e5 breakthrough, based on my
memory of a quick Tal victory against
Velimirovic in 1982. But my opponent
defended better than Velimirovic, and I
was left unconvinced by the whole
approach. Today I'd go for the prophylac-
tic retreat 14. Bf1. The bishop has
exhausted his usefulness on b5, and its
time to bring him back to support the
kingside, particularly the h3-square. The
little pawn move h2-h3 often figures into
Whites plans. Unclear is 14. e5 dxe5 15.
d6 Qe6 16. fxe5 a6 17. Bf1 Nxe5 18. Nxe5
Bxe5 19. Rxe5 Qxe5 20. d7 Bxd7 21.
Qxd7 Krush, I - Smetankin, S/Chicago,
USA 2006.
14. ... Nf6 15. Bd2
This really passive retreat is what truly
hands the initiative over to Black. White
had to cease the maneuvering and allow
for some concrete variations to occur on
the board. I could understand why that
would be difficult psychologicallyrelin-
quishing some control, and getting into
move-by-move combat, rather than White
squeezing Black off the board at his
leisure. Still, it had to be done. The crit-
ical try for White, and really quite
consistent since Black has just given up
control of the e5-square, is 15. e5 Ng4 16.
Ne4!? Nxe3 17. Rxe3 and for example, if
17. ... dxe5 18. d6 Qd8 19. Nxe5 White
has some very impressive ponies in the
center; even 15. Kg2 looks preferable to
15. Bd2, since Black isn't really threaten-
ing the e4-pawn, i.e., 15. ... Nxe4 16.
Bxc5 dxc5 17. Nxe4.
15. ... Bg4
Of course, the first chance he gets,
Black develops the bishop to g4.
16. Kg2 a6 17. Bf1
In light of what follows, the bishop was
probably better off on c4.
17. ... Qd7!
A multifunctional move, threatening
... Bh3+, indirectly targeting the d5-pawn,
thus making it harder for White to push
through e5 in the future, and supporting
a potential ... b5.
18. Qb3 Bh3+ 19. Kh1 Bxf1 20. Rxf1
uschess.org
Black traded off the light-squared bish-
ops, thus leaving White with light-squared
weaknesses all over the board. White can
only dream of pushing e4-e5 now, which
is supposed to be his main plan in these
positions!
20. ... b5 21. axb5 axb5 22. Rad1 Qb7
This is very natural, but Black can also
consider the more ambitious 22. ... Nd3,
since after 23. Nxb5 (23. Qxb5 Qxb5 24.
Nxb5 Nxe4 is good for Black) 23. ... c4! 24.
Qxc4 Nxb2 25. Qc6 Qxc6 26. dxc6 Nxd1
27. Rxd1 Nxe4 and Black should be able
to convert the extra Exchange.
23. Bc1 Rad8
As before, Black puts indirect pressure
on d5 so as to make e4-e5 unplayable.
24. Rfe1 Rfe8
White cant execute e4-e5, and is left
without a plan.
25. Kg2 Nd3!
+ rr+k+
+q+ +p lp
+ p np+
+ppP+ +
+ +P P +
+QNn+NP
P + +K
 P
+ LR
R +
After 25. ... Nd3
26. Rxd3
26. Re2 Nxc1 27. Rxc1 b4 hardly looks
playable for White.
26. ... c4 27. Qd1 cxd3 28. Qxd3 b4 29. Nd1
The rest of the game saw Black convert
his advantage, though not without giving
his opponent some chances.
29. ... Rc8 30. Bd2 Nd7 31. Re3 Nc5 32. Qe2
Re7 33. Nf2 Bxb2 34. e5
White finally implements his only
source of counterplay, and it gets tricky
here. The materialistic computer wants to
push the b-pawn, but it underestimates
the power of Whites threats on the king-
side. Enrico makes some very human
decisions.
34. ... dxe5
34. ... b3 35. Ng4 and now for example,
the computer wants to queen the b-pawn
as quickly as possible: 35. ... Bxe5 36.
fxe5 b2 only to discover that life is not so
simple after 37. exd6 i.e., 37. ... Rxe3
38. Nf6+ Kg7 39. Qxe3 b1=Q 40. Qh6+
Kxf6 41. Bc3+ Kf5 42. Qf4 mate; 34. ...
f5!? might be a worthy try for Black, lim-
iting the danger from the Nf2.
35. fxe5 Qxd5
Black plays very naturally, but White
unexpectedly sneaks back into the game.
36. Bxb4 Bd4 37. Bxc5
White lets slip a good opportunity: 37.
Qd1! (exploiting the pin on the d-file) 37.
... Rd7 38. Bxc5 Bxe3 (38. ... Qxc5 39.
Rd3 Bxf2 40. Rxd7 is not so bad for
White; 38. ... Bxc5 39. Rd3 Qa2 40. Rxd7
Qxf2+ 41. Kh3) 39. Qxd5 Rxd5 40. Bxe3.
The computer slightly prefers this position
for Black, but I have no idea why. It actu-
ally looks easier for White to play.
37. ... Bxc5 38. Ne4 Re6 39. Rc3 Kg7 40.
Neg5 Re7 41. Qc2 Rxe5 42. Rd3 Be7!, White
resigned.
Semi-Slav Defense (D46)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2684)
GM Laurent Fressinet (2715)
National Open (6), 06.07.2009
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Nf3
Nbd7 6. Qc2 Bd6 7. Bd3
Apparently, this is Varuzhs new
weapon against the Meran, which he first
unveiled at the U.S. Championship in
May. Prior to that, he'd been employing
the system with Bg5 (1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3.
Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5). The change has
already paid some dividends, as it gave
him a victory against Julio Becerra-Rivero
in St. Louis, and now this game. Both won
in fine positional style, by the way!
7. ... 0-0 8. 0-0 dxc4 9. Bxc4 b5
The flexible move, 9. ... a6, not commit-
ting to ... b5 yet, seems to be the choice
of the top grandmasters. Its also what
Shulman went for against Varuzh in St.
Louis.
10. Be2 Bb7 11. Rd1
Now Black is forced to determine the
position of his queen, since White threat-
ens e4 to which Black needs to be able to
respond with ... e5. Julio chose 11. ...
Qc7.
11. ... Qb8 12. e4 e5 13. dxe5 Nxe5 14. Nd4
After the game, Varuzh expressed puz-
zlement over Fressinet going into a bad
line. I'm assuming he was happy with his
position by this point.
14. ... Ng6
14. ... Neg4 15. g3 (15. h3 allows a
dangerous piece sac: 15. ... Bh2+ 16. Kf1
Nxf2 17. Kxf2 b4 18. Na4 c5 19. Nxc5 Rc8
20. Bf3 and now for example Black has
20. ... Nd7) 15. ... b4 16. Bxg4 Nxg4 17.
Na4 seems to give White a better game, as
his knights have nice squares.
Chess Life September 2009 21
Cover Story
Freddie
This year marked the 25th anniver-
sary of the National Opens calling Vegas
home, and the final time that Freddie
Gruenberg, the man behind it for all
these years, would be involved in its
organization. Freddie is 75 years old
now and feels that his other businesses
need him more than the National Open
does at this point. Hes confident about
leaving the tournament in the hands of
Al Losoff and Bill Snead, both of whom
have been running it with him almost
from the beginning. I got a chance to
talk to Freddie on the phone one
evening, picking up some National Open
history along the way, and discovered
what sort of ethos shaped the National
Open into what it is.
One of the questions I asked Freddie
was about his experience as a chess
organizer, i.e., did he ever get tired of
the grumblings and complaints of chess
players over the smallest little things?
To which Freddie related the follow-
ing story: in 1984, many time U.S.
Champion Walter Browne asked if they
could switch his room to one that was
closer to the playing hall so that he
could get an additional three minutes
sleep in the morning. They moved him
closer. Then he asked if they could put
a carpet on the stairs leading to the
stage, because the stairs were squeaky.
22 Chess Life September 2009
A carpet appeared. Then it turned
out that Walters table also squeaked,
so a carpet appeared underneath it,
too. Finally, Walter asked if he could
have an extra light by his board; the
reply? Absolutely.
This anecdote conveys a simple
truth: the National Open is a tourna-
ment for the players. The ones at the
top of the chess food chain receive spe-
cial perks, like free entry and hotel
room, but as Freddie says, every sin-
gle player is important to us. One of
my favorite National Open traditions
was born out of this philosophy: years
ago, people who scored 3 to 4
points and didnt win a prize com-
plained about leaving empty-handed,
so the National Open found a way to
reward them, too. For the past decade,
anyone who earns a plus score in any
section receives a $50 gift certificate for
the well-stocked bookstore.
Freddie made it clear that complaints
were viewed as an opportunity to
create a better experience for the
players. In fact, the National Open val-
ues complaints so much that for
next year theyre planning a Walter
Browne prize for Most Outrageous
Complaints. I know; its unfair. Grand-
masters have the edge in this contest,
too. ~Irina Krush
15. g3 Re8 16. Bg5 Be5
Since it becomes clear within a few
moves that Blacks play was a strategic
failure, now is the time to search for
improvements. 16. ... b4!? 17. Bxf6 gxf6
Black often accepts this pawn structure
in this line, so it's not yet the total posi-
tional capitulation it seems: 18. Na4 c5
another thematic move; obviously Black
desperately needs to create counterplay:
19. Nxc5 Rc8 20. Ndb3 a5!? (on 20. ...
Bxc5 21. Nxc5 Qe5, White has the amaz-
ing unpinning resource: 22. Qb3! and
whatever takes on c5, White gets back the
piece with Rd7) 21. Bg4 a4 (21. ... Rc6 22.
Bd7) 22. Bxc8 axb3 23. axb3 Rxa1 24.
Nxb7 Qc7!! 25. Qe2 Rxd1+ 26. Qxd1 Bf8
27. Qd7 Qc2 with counterplay for Black.
OK, Im not claiming that 16. ... b4 is so
amazing for Black. Im just trying to give
Var and Sargissian something to work
on in their next training session.
17. Nf5 Re6
This move strikes me as a little too
defensive. Apparently, the sole idea of it
is to bolster the Nf6, so that the bishop
can retreat without worries after f4. But
in that case, why did the bishop go to e5,
anyway? Perhaps Black should take his
chances with a sharp continuation like
17. ... b4 18. Na4 (18. Bxf6 Bxf6 19. Na4
Bc8 20. Nd6 Rd8) 18. ... Nxe4 19. Qxe4
Bxb2. Objectively, it should be good for
White, but at least it changes the momen-
tum; 17. ... Bxc3 is another attempt to
make things messy: 18. Qxc3 b4 19.
Qxb4 Nxe4.
18. f4 Bc7
18. ... Bxc3 19. Qxc3 b4; 18. ... Nxf4!?
19. gxf4 Bxf4 20. Bxf4 Qxf4.
19. Bf3
At long last the time has come when
White no longer has to worry about the
e4-pawn.
19. ... Bb6+ 20. Kg2 b4 21. Bxf6
I guess Var saw no reason to go for 21.
e5 bxc3 22. exf6 cxb2 23. Qxb2 c5.
21. ... Rxf6 22. Na4 c5 23. Rf1
Preparing e5.
23. ... Qe8
It doesn't look like Black gets enough
for the piece after 23. ... Nxf4+ 24. gxf4
Qxf4 25. Ne7+ Kh8 26. Nd5 Rg6+ 27.
Kh1 Qe5 28. Rad1.
24. Rad1 Bc6 25. b3 Rd8 26. Rxd8 Qxd8 27.
e5
A simple positional moveWhite real-
izes the potential of the four-on-three
majority on the kingside. 27. Nxc5 Bb5
28. Rd1 Qc7 doesnt look like anything
White wants to be involved in.
uschess.org
27. ... Bxf3+ 28. Rxf3 Re6 29. Qe4
Black has a big edge after 29. Nxc5??
Rc6.
29. ... Qe8 30. Qd5 Ne7 31. Nxe7+ Qxe7 32.
Nb2! g6 33. Nc4
+ +k+ + chance to sleep and recover some strength
p + 
 qp+p
l +r+p+
 the cut, and was the last person to be
+  pQ
P +
pN+ 
 P +
+P+ +R P
P+ + +K P to facing. He was a different breed ... he
+ + + +
After 33. Nc4
This is one of those cases when the
knight dominates the bishop. White has
a space advantage, plus he will control the
only open file on the board. All these
positional pluses mean that victory is
very close ...
33. ... Bc7 34. Qa8+ Qe8 35. Qxe8+
35. Qxa7? Qc6 and Black gets counter-
play.
35. ... Rxe8 36. Rd3 Re6
Trading down into the minor piece
endgame was a valid option. White main-
tains his huge advantage there, but he
still needs to play accurately. 36. ... Rd8
37. Rxd8+ Bxd8 38. Kf3 f5 and this move
is forced, to prevent the king going to d5.
Now White faces a big decision about
whether to take on f6 with en passant, or
leave the pawn structure as is, for exam-
ple going Ke3-d3-Ne3-Kc4. I wont go into
long variations here, but this looks like a
good position to play out if you're trying
to improve your endgame technique.
37. Rd7 Rc6 38. Kf3 Kf8 39. Ke4 Ke8 40. Rd2
h5 41. h3 f6, Black resigned.
MonRoi says that the game ended here.
I guess Fressinet got tired of playing his
role in this positional catastrophe. The
game could have continued 42. Kd5 Kd7
43. Re2 Ra6 44. Kxc5.
As for myself, I didnt quite manage to
repeat my successful outing at the 2007
National Open, where I scored 4/6 and
tied for top Under 2500, but I cant com-
plain. I came to this years event riding an
emotional high and a physical low, but
being a little constricted by space here
wont be able to regale you with the tales
that led to this particular combination
(which apparently results in a score of
four from six). I will, however, relate one
anecdote of how providence smiled down
upon me.
uschess.org
Friday, the first day of the tournament,
was a really tough day, as I was at the
nadir of my physical strength. I was hav-
ing a hard time fighting against the
salmon I had ordered for lunch, and I
prayed that I would get paired down for
the evening round, so that Id have a
before facing someone stronger the next
day. Well, it turned out that I just made
paired down, to an unknown unrated
player. Within a minute of meeting my
opponent (who seemed like a nice guy), I
started developing the feeling that he was
not quite like the other guys I was used
was new to chess. It was very likely that
this was his first chess tournament. I
felt this very keenly before he even played
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d5?!, at which point I had
to stop myself from laughing as I saw
Alex Lenderman grinning widely at me
from his board across the table. What
gave it away? It was everything, the way
he moved the pieces, the way he pressed
the clock, the whole demeanor at the
board, and to be honest, he simply did-
nt have the word chess etched onto his
face that I am used to seeing.
I realized its hard to fake being a sea-
soned chess player. Its hard to fake the
latent intensity, the look of a person whos
spent thousands of hours on the mental
and psychological battleground of the 64
squares and is ready to add six more
hours to that, if thats what it takes. Its
hard to emit the sound of a mind calcu-
lating variations when its not. And, yes,
its definitely a low frequency sound, but
chess players are like elephants in this
regard.
My most interesting game from the
tournament was against Alisa Melekhina,
wholl be my teammate at the Womens
World Team Championship in China by
the time youre reading this. Its far from
a perfect game, but there are some beau-
tiful lines lurking in there. Enjoy!
Closed Sicilian (B26)
WIM Alisa Melekhina (2315)
IM Irina Krush (2482)
National Open (5), 06.07.2009
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3
d6 6. Be3 Nf6
I chose this solid setup, instead of ... e7-
e6, ... Nge7 for instance, under the
influence of Kasparovs convincing victory
over Fedorov in Wijk aan Zee 2001. I did-
n't even realize that that game had never
been a proper Closed Sicilian, since
Fedorov dispensed with Nc3 altogether. I
just tried to carry out what I remembered
of Kasparovs ideas, and despite the
altered circumstances, the result was
equally happy for Black.
7. h3 Rb8 8. Nge2 0-0
I wanted to proceed with 8. ... b5 but
changed my mind after noticing 9. d4!
cxd4 10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. Bxd4 b4 12.
Nd5; this wasn't the sort of game I was
looking for.
9. Qd2 b5 10. 0-0 b4 11. Nd1
11. Nd5 e6 12. Nxf6+ Bxf6 and Black
has a comfortable game.
11. ... a5 12. Kh2
I have to say, this move seemed rather
indulgent to me. Its useful if White insists
on carrying out the Bh6 plan, but the
course of the game shows that Bh6 only
led to problems. Instead, 12. f4 looks like
a reasonable try. During the game, I cal-
culated 12. Bh6 Bxh6 13. Qxh6 Nd4!
forcing the retreat of Whites queen to
d2, since the exchange on d4 is very
favorable to Black. 14. Qd2 Bxh3! (thats
what the king came to h2 to prevent) 15.
Nxd4 Bxg2 16. Nc6 Qd7. I got up to here,
and decided it was good for Black, though
its actually pretty balanced after 17.
Nxe7+ Qxe7 18. Kxg2 d5. Were on move
18 of an obscure Closed Sicilian ... but
this entire line had already been men-
tioned in annotations I later stumbled
across in ChessBase!
12. ... Ba6 13. Bh6 Bxh6 14. Qxh6 c4
A replication of Kasparovs play:
advance the queenside pawns, put the
bishop on a6, and break against the piv-
otal point in Whites pawn chain while
their queen is dawdling on the kingside.
15. dxc4 Ne5
There was a big choice between this
move and the bishop recapture, which
would have went 15. ... Bxc4 16. Qd2
Qc7 17. Ne3 Bxe2 18. Qxe2. Basically it
came down to whether Black wanted to
trade his bishop for Whites knight, or
trade a pair of knights. I think I chose
right, but my doubts tormented me at the
time.
16. Ne3
16. b3 Neg4 wins the queen.
16. ... Nxc4
16. ... Bxc4 was again possible.
17. Rfe1!?
(see diagram top of next page)
This move took me by surpriseafter
all, the b2-pawn is hanging. I was expect-
ing 17. Nxc4 Bxc4 18. Qd2 Qb6 (tying
down the rook to f2, so that White cant
unpin immediately) 19. Kg1 and Black
Chess Life September 2009 23
 Cover Story
r
 k+
r q
 r
+ + pp+p
l+ p 
npQ
p + + +
 ing to lose. But I dont think thats the
pn+P+ +
 p + + +
+ + N PP
PPP+N
PLK
R + 
 R +
After 17. Rfe1
has various ways to maintain a better
game, such as: 19. ... Rfc8 20. Rfd1 Bxe2
(20. ... Nh5!? 21. Nf4 Nxf4 22. Qxf4 Rc5
is very good for Black) 21. Qxe2 Qc5 22.
Rd2 a4 or 19. ... Bxe2 20. Qxe2 Qd4 21.
Rab1 Rfc8 22. Rfd1 Qc4. I faced another
difficult decision. Should I call the bluff
with the materialistic ... Nxb2, or make a
less ambitious move that preserves
Blacks advantage with no risk? Also, I
couldnt even evaluate how much of a
bluff Rfe1 was. My intuition told me that
taking the pawn was a valid option, in
objective terms. But one thing was indis-
putible: if I took the pawn, the nature of
the game would change completely, and
Id be on the defensive, entering compli-
cations whose consequences I knew I
wouldnt be able to calculate. I made the
safer move, and with hindsight, I still
dont regret it.
17. ... Qb6
A very simple move that takes control
of the key d4-square, while threatening
White with an exchange on e3 (a posi-
tional catastrophe). 17. ... Nxb2 18. Nd4
the point. With Rfe1, White unpinned
and now the knight can come to a very
powerful position in the center, threaten-
ing not only the Nc6 fork, but also a
knight sacrifice on f5. Black would again
have to make a major decision about how
to deal with Nc6; 18. ... Rc8, 18. ... Rb6,
18. ... Bb7all these moves have their
particularities. I wont shower you with
variations, although its impossible to
make sense of this position without them.
Let me just say that after ... Rc8 or ... Bb7,
White develops their attack with a com-
bination of e5! (opening up lines) and
Nef5, while after ... Rb6 White can go in
another direction, Nd5, which is what I
feared during the game.
18. Ng1
Another big surprise. This move basi-
cally indicates a burning the bridges
attitude towards the position (inciden-
tally, that was the spirit of Fedorovs play,
too). White surrenders the cen-
ter/queenside in hopes of a decisive
attack on the kingside. But such an
approach simply has no justification,
24 Chess Life September 2009
since its Black who's had the better posi-
tion ever since the c5-c4 break. What Im
trying to say is: when you're worse, you
should defend, not attackunless your
position is so hopeless that there is noth-
case here. [I still thought White would
trade knights: 18. Nxc4 Bxc4 19. Kg1
and sure, Black is better, but White can
hang in there.
18. ... Rfc8
Indirectly threatening the c2-pawn.
19. Rac1 Nxe3 20. Rxe3
Objectively, 20. Qxe3 Qxe3 21. Rxe3 is
still the best continuation, but White did-
nt play 18. Ng1 to trade queens and
suffer in a clearly worse endgame.
20. ... Qd4
Blacks queen uses the abandoned cen-
ter to do some pawn shopping.
21. Nf3 Qxb2 22. Rb3 Qxa2 23. Ng5
White brought the knight into posi-
tion, and threatens things like e5 or Rf3,
or a combination of the two. Black can
handle the position in different ways, but
in my subsequent moves, I just opt for the
most direct, principled approach.
23. ... Rxc2 24. Rxc2 Qxc2
24. ... Qxb3 25. Rc7 Re8 26. e5 dxe5
27. Bc6 Rc8 28. Rxe7 Bc4! Because of this
move, 24. ... Qxb3 was a worthy alterna-
tive to what I played.
25. e5!
I only noticed this move on Alisas time,
and reproached myself for not noticing it
when I should have: on my think at move
23. It doesnt change the evaluation of the
position (that Black is winning) but it
does create maximum chances for White.
Instead, I spent my time calculating 25.
Rf3 and was very pleased when I found
the antidote: 25. ... Rb5! with the point
that on 26. Rxf6 Black responds with a
counter sac on g526. ... Rxg5 27. Qxg5
exf6 28. Qxf6 Qc5 giving the edge to
Black.
25. ... dxe5
25. ... Qxb3 is the first step in a forced
line: 26. exf6 exf6 27. Qxh7+ Kf8 28.
Qh8+ Ke7 29. Qxb8 fxg5 30. Qa7+ Ke6
31. Qxa6 but it ends well for White (mean-
ing that she not going to lose).
26. Rf3
(see diagram top of next column)
Here it is, the critical position of (this
part of) the game. So far, Black has con-
sistently taken the material that White
offered, and Whites down to the final
(but powerful!) threat. How should Black
 +k+ +
+ + pp+p
l+ + np Q
p + 
 p N

+ + +R PP
+q+ 
PL K
+ + + +
After 26. Rf3
defend against Rxf6?
26. ... Rb7?
A complete miscalculation. The con-
vincing refutation of Whites play would
have been 26. ... Qc6!, a move that did-
nt even occur to me during the game,
probably because its so unnatural to
place ones pieces in line with a potential
discovered attack. The main point is that
on Rxf6 I can take back with the queen,
and cover the h8 and f7 squares.
27. Rxf6 exf6 28. Qxh7+
I had looked at the immediate Bxb7, and
not appreciated what a different it makes
when White eliminates the h7-pawn first.
Right, pretty pathetic calculation.
28. ... Kf8 29. Bxb7 Qxf2+ 30. Bg2
Now the problem is that on 30. ... fxg5,
White goes 31. Qh8+ Ke7 32. Qxe5+ and
there is no way to escape from the checks.
The only way to continue the game was:
30. ... Bc4 31. Qh8+ Ke7 32. Qc8
We were completely on the same page
about this natural move, but it turns out
to be a mistake. 32. Ne4 Qb6! a nice
square for the queen, guarding the f6-
pawn and the queenside; 32. Nh7! a find
of the computer; the idea is to use the f8
and f6 squares for counterplay, i.e., 32.
... Bd5 33. Qf8+ Kd7 34. Nxf6+ Qxf6 35.
Bxd5 Qf2+ 36. Bg2 b3 37. Qa8 b2 38.
Qd5+ Ke8 39. Qxe5+ which is equal.
32. ... fxg5
Forced if Black hopes to keep an advan-
tage, otherwise the queen and knight
drum up too much counterplay.
33. Qxc4 Qb6
I thought that Black had reasonable
winning chances here.
34. Qd5?!
34. Bd5 was probably a better defensive try.
34. ... Kf6 35. Qf3+ Kg7 36. Qd5 Qd4
36. ... a4! should have won the game:
37. Qxe5+ Qf6 38. Qb5 (38. Qxf6+ Kxf6
is winning for Black.) 38. ... a3! I missed
this move, calculating only 38. ... b3 39.
uschess.org
Qxa4 b2 40. Qc2, when White stops the
pawn from queening. Black is easily win-
ning after 39. Qxb4 a2.
37. Qxa5 b3 38. Qe1 b2
38. ... f5!?.
39. Be4 f5 40. Bb1 e4 41. Kg2
I had a long think after the time con-
trol, and decided to place my king a little
further away from Whites queen.
41. ... Kh6 42. Qa5
An active move, which looked very sus-
pect to me. I thought White should wait
with something like 42. Kf1. Now I started
calculating a win.
42. ... f4
After this, the play is forced for a few
moves. White has to respond to this pawn
advance by creating breathing room for
the king, which is what Alisa does. 42. ...
e3 was a candidate, but White has 43.
Qa3!
43. gxf4 gxf4 44. h4 f3+ 45. Kh3
Here I spent a really huge chunk of
time. Yes, the win exists, but its very
well hidden ...
45. ... Qf6
The first move to check out, of course,
is 45. ... Qg1 but White has 46. Qd2+ Kh5
(46. ... e3 47. Qxb2 is equal; 46. ... g5 47.
Bxe4 Qh1+ 48. Kg3 Qxh4+ 49. Kxf3
Qxe4+ 50. Kxe4 b1=Q+ 51. Kf3 is even)
47. Qd5+ is equal because on 47. ... g5
White has 48. Qf7+; 45. ... Qe3 also came
up for examination, but I didn't see any-
thing after 46. Qd8 f2+ 47. Kg2; White
always has defenses based on perpetual
check. Finally, lets look at Blacks beau-
tiful, study-like path to victory: 45. ...
uschess.org
Qd7+! 46. Kg3 Qd6+ 47. Kh3 f2 48. Qg5+
(48. Kg2 e3) 48. ... Kg7 49. Kg2. I got to
this point, and concluded that it was a
dead end, but ... 49. ... e3!!
+ + + +
+ 
k + + here, and I started calculating a fantas-
+ 
q +p+
+ + + Q
+ + +  P
+ + p +
p + 
 pK+
+L+ + +
Analysis after 49. ... e3
50. Qxe3 Qh2+!! 51. Kxh2 f1=N+ Wow,
how often is it that the best pawn promo-
tion is to a knight? 52. Kg2 Nxe3+ 53. Kf3
Nc4 54. Kg4 Nd2 55. Bd3 Kh6! A final bit
of accuracy, ensuring that White wont be
able to swap the last pair of pawns.
Incredible what beauty lurks in the depths
of a position.
46. Qd2+??
We both missed that White has an
immediate draw with 46. Bxe4! Qe6+ 47.
Kg3 Qxe4. This looks completely losing for
White, but theyre saved by the resource
48. Qc3! which equalizes, winning the
b2-pawn with the threat of mate on h8,
and the f3-pawn isnt going anywhere.
46. ... g5??
I have no idea what sort of mental block
prevented me from playing the winning
46. ... Kh5. After all, 47. Bxe4 Qxh4 is
mate, and 47. Qa5+ g5 (47. ... Qf5+
should win, also) is winning. Instead I cal-
culated 47. Bxe4 Qe6+ 48. Kg3 Qxe4 49.
Qg5 and Im the one thats mated. That
The champs: Varuzhan Akobian
(l) and Enrico Sevillano
scared me off 46. ... Kh5. Another exam-
ple of my calculating prowess here.
47. hxg5+
This simple capture liquidates to an
immediate draw. Alisa spent a long time
tical variation that started with 47. Bxe4
Qe6+ 48. Kg3 (48. Kh2 Qxe4 49. Qxg5+
Kh7 and amazingly, White has no more
checks on an open board.) 48. ... Qxe4 49.
hxg5+ Kh5 50. Qxb2 and here I was won-
dering: is it a win? is it a draw? (50.
Qh2+? forcing the king to g5 isnt a good
idea, since it gives Black the Qf4 check
later: 50. ... Kxg5 51. Qxb2 Qf4+ 52. Kf2
Qh2+) 50. ... Qg4+ 51. Kh2 Qh4+ 52.
Kg1 Qe1+ 53. Kh2.
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + 
Pk
+ + + +
+ + +p+
Q + + 
 K
+ + 
q +
Analysis after 53. Kh2
53. ... Qe2+! Ultimately, Black wins by
forcing a queen trade, with just a single
pair of pawns left! It would have been so
nice to win this way ...
47. ... Qxg5 48. Qxb2
I had forgotten that White could take
.
that pawn.
48. ... Qh5+ 49. Kg3 Qg5+ 50. Kh3 Qh5+ 51.
Kg3, Draw agreed.
2009 National Open
At A Glance
Date: June 5-7, 2009
Location: South Point Hotel,
Casino & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Top Finishers: Open, 1st-2nd:
Varuzhan Akobian, Enrico
Sevillano, 5. Under 2200, 1st: Ilya
Krasik, 5. Under 2000, 1st:
Ariel Gerardo Cisneros, 6. Under
1800, 1st-2nd: Payam Afkham-
Ebrahimi, Michael Taylor, 5.
Under 1600, 1st: Curtis Ian
Liang, 6. Under 1400, 1st: Martez
Hall, 6. Under 1200, 1st: Thomas
Nelson, 6. Unrated, 1st-2nd: Isaac
Drum, Cristina Santos, 5.
Chief Tournament Director: Bill
Snead.
Chess Life September 2009 25
 Remembrance

Snapshots
from a life
NIGEL EDDIS
(1936-2009)

LONG-TIME CHESS LIFE PHOTOGRAPHER NIGEL EDDIS

died in New York City at age 72 on January 11, 2009, from com-
plications involving a heart ailment. He leaves behind his wife,
Anne, a violinist with the New York City Opera Orchestra, and
three children, Timothy, Christine and Tatiana Eddis.
Nigel also leaves behind a fund of fond memories for those
who knew him and an enormous oeuvre of chessic and non-
chessic photographs, which millions of newspaper and magazine
readers enjoyed over several decades.
There are many wonderful stories about Nigel Edward Athel-
stan Eddis, a 6-foot-6 inch Englishman, who was every whit as
imposing as his name suggests. He was born in London on
March 2, 1936, the son of Michael Upton and Marcelle Eddis.
Michael was a brilliant classicist at Eton before World War I inter-
vened. He served on the Western Front as a lieutenant in the
Royal Horse Artillery until being gassed and shell-shocked. Mar-
celle was a cousin of novelist Daphne du Maurier of Rebecca
fame. Nigel attended Westminster, one of the five great public
schools of England, while his brother went to Eton.
In the 1950s, Nigel fought for Her Majestys forces against a
communist insurrection in what was then called Malaya and is
today known as Malaysia, which is where this writer now lives
and works. He was unmolested by the enemy and returned whole
in body and mind. His worst or, more accurately, most amus-
ing moment was having to curl up his long person under a short
bed in circumstances redolent of Anthony Burgess steamy
Beds in the East, a tome in that authors Malayan Trilogy.
Nigel later became involved in a second war. Having retired
in the early 1990s from full-time photography because of the
professions physical demands, he went to work for Tiger Infor-
mation Systems at 130 William Street, a few hundred yards from
the ill-fated Twin Towers, or what became known as Ground
Zero. At 9 a.m., on September 11, 2001, about 15 minutes after
American Airlines Flight 11 plowed into the North Tower, and
about three minutes before United Airlines Flight 175 hit the
South Tower, my friend arrived at his office to find panicked peo-
ple rushing to and fro, grabbing belongings in a rush to
abandon the building. Flashlight in hand, Nigel headed to the
buildings roof to switch off the central air-conditioning unit.
Amid a whirlwind of black soot and white powder that had
turned a bright morning into dark night, he fulfilled the impor-
tant mission. His hair and clothes covered with a white powder,
he began a five-hour trek uptown, along with tens of thousands
of other New Yorkers.
Now seems the moment to explain that Nigel and I met shortly
following my appointment as Chess Life editor in 1984. Thanks
in part to our common background involving the Malay Peninsula,
we we got on well right from the start. As an editor, I wanted the

26 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

we got on well right from the start. As an editor, I
wanted the services of a professional New York pho-
tographer who was a superb craftsman; as a friend,
I enjoyed his company at the many chess events
we covered during the ensuing four years. His loss
is devastating to those of us who admired him. The
many places that knew himfamous chess clubs,
friendly neighborhood restaurants, the great pub-
lic areas of New York City, the venues of celebrated
chess tournamentsshall know him no more.

A PHOTOGRAPHERS MEMORY
Nigel was literate in the older sense of gather-
ing his learning from great books rather than
from television documentaries. His Latin was
formidable (he once managed a short telephone
conversation in that ancient tongue with my
classicist mother, which was more than I could
ever do); his German was totally fluent (he trans-
lated one of Emanuel Laskers non-chess works);
and his memory for poetry nearly eidetic. He
could chatter off entire sections of Milton, and I
will never forget an afternoon when I brought to
his apartment my personal translation of Virgils
Aeneid, done in fourth-year high school Latin. I
expected to impress my dear friend, and he
responded by reciting, without sight of any text,
his own off-the-cuff interlinear translation of the
great epic poem.

Chess Life photographer Nigel Eddis will do anything

for a shot of the action. Chess Life, July 1987.

His April 1977 cover shot of a feral, young

IM Michael Rohde was a candid,
totally uncompromising bit of genius.

PICTURE OF A PHOTOGRAPHER
For those who did not know Nigel, he could appear a very tall, exceedingly arrogant Englishman with an accent so veddy-
veddy-upper-upper that he made Queen Elizabeth sound like Edward G. Robinson in Little Caesar. As former USCF executive
director Al Lawrence wrote recently in a nice snapshot of Nigel, I remember how he would punctuate a sardonic comment with
an oblique glance, backed up with a wide co-conspirators grinand all coming down to you from a great height.
Such was the surface Nigel.
The real Nigel was as kind and generous as they come. As a young man, he was very fond of a lady who was mentally drown-
ing in bipolar schizophrenia. Not yet married, he spent over a year attending constantly to her needs, trying to save her. In the
end, he failed. She committed suicide. It is a measure of my friend that he never breathed a word to me about this horrendous
physical and moral trial. I learned the story from his family. Too, when I had a wrenching affair of the heart a few decades back,
he traveled from New York City to my home in Newburgh, the city being also the location back then of USCF headquarters. His
attitude: Ill hold your hand if necessary, so please buck up, cant be as bad as all that. His warm common senseno, make
that the soul of the man himselfwas wonderful beyond ready reckoning.
Over the years, I ate dinner several dozen times with Nigel at his large apartment on the Upper West Side. These feasts were
collaborations. Since we were both Old Malaya handsmy first stint over here being from 1978 to 1982the menu always fea-

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 27

Remembrance

His portrait of Filipp Frenkel on page 68 of the

January 1987 issue rendered mercilessly the
mans lugubrious mien. I said at the time to Nigel,
Thats not a photograph. Thats a statement.

tured Basmati rice, aromatic Indian pickle, crackling papadam, soothing raita and, to be sure, an extravagant serving of two
curried chickens with the wings, drumsticks and breasts swimming in buttery ghee. All of which we washed down with copi-
ous cuppas of Tiger Beer, a robust Singaporean lager.
Conversations during these dinners will correct one misimpression: all was not, thank heaven, boring sweetness and light
between us. We had terrific rows over uncontroversial issues such as personal religious convictions and war. Voices raised, hands
waved, insults flew. Quoting from Lord Melbourne on Thomas Macaulay, Nigel once shouted, I wish I was as cocksure of any-
thing as you, Parr, are about everything!
An always happy topic during these sybaritic repasts was Edward VII, the son of Victoria Regina, and as history records, her
successor to the British throne. Edward the Eater was the greatest gourmet and sturdiest trencherman not only in the history
of the British monarchy but, arguably, in the long histories of all other European royal houses. From Edward, with his expan-
sive girth, it was the shortest of verbal byways into descriptive discussions of those persons, notably wide of body and head,
who have sat on USCF governing boards over the decades.
Enter the subject of chess politics.

28 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

PHOTOGRAPHIC NEGATIVES
Nigel was a founderalong with GMs
Larry Evans and Lev Alburt, Robert Cohen
and this writerof the famous or, depend-
ing on ones viewpoint, infamous Friends of
the USCF. We published a series of USCF Del-
egates Newsletters that presented what might
be called negative pictures of Federation gov-
ernance, though usually with a humor that
the sad subject warranted. These newsletters
are, I am told, highly valued by chess polit-
ical cognoscenti. To his credit, long-time
policy board member Jerry Hanken cheerfully
concedes, these days, that an article we
wrote on how he lost his pants at an official
meeting ended his career in USCF electoral
politics. We managed to elect a few members
to the board, a fact publicly known, and two
members in our secret capacity as their
campaign managers, the details of which to
this day remain sub rosa.
Flushed with these successes, I talked
Nigel into running for the policy board in 1992
against Donald Schultz, who later served a
term as Federation president. This was one
of the few times that I was able to prevail
upon my friend to do something against his
settled judgment. Our official excuse, shortly
after we got swamped in an electoral tsunami,
was that Nigel spent most of the time in
Brazil during the campaign, arranging to
adopt a baby. That baby is today a splendid
young lady, who is a cherished part of the
Eddis family.
Now is the time to admit that Friends
chairman, GM Larry Evans, and I figured that
Nigel got as many votes as he did precisely
because he was unable to do much cam-
paigning. I was with him while he made a
handful of phone calls to selected delegates
at the beginning of the campaign and, after
his return from Brazil, at the very end. These
calls were disasters because he practiced
conversation sans tergiversation, a practice
that is morally praiseworthy but socially dis-
astrous. One delegate, who began a call
predisposed toward Nigel, announced he
would campaign for Mr. Schultz. The delegate
had requested Nigels views on a certain
Federation political figure, and I heard my
friend answer with over-the-top British
drollery, The blighter wants lynching from
an honest English oak.
Nearly in tears, I begged Nigel to get into
the spirit of a typical, mealy-mouthed Amer-
ican political campaign. His response was
unforgettable, and I can paraphrase it fairly
closely: Larry, strange as it may seem to you,
I think of myself as a British gentleman. No,
reallyI do. And I will not tailor my tongue IM John Donaldson
to the views of a woolly-headed Federation
delegate. described this Eddis
Nigel, alas, was not political candidate
material. Instead, along with Catherine Jaeg effort as Classic Larsen!
of France, he was one of the two best chess
photographers ever to snap a shutter.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 29

Remembrance

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES
Nigel Eddis contributed photographs to
Ivanka: ... a deep study in desir-
Chess Life from the early 1970s until
the first years of the new century. His
able, intelligent, strong femininity.
work was nearly always technically per-
fect, and his compositions, though simple
and mainstream, were subtle. He had a
gift for drawing out the essential charac-
ter or lack thereof of his subjects. People
never said that an Eddis photograph
looked like, say, Mikhail Tal. They said it
was Tal or whoever.
My friend provided Chess Life read-
ers many photographic memories. His
April 1977 cover shot of a feral, young
IM Michael Rohde was a candid, totally
uncompromising bit of genius that IM
Mark Ginsburg in his web blog stated
deserved some kind of journalism
prize. The photo portrait of GM Arnold
Denker in the November 1985 issue
(see page 24) is as elegant and ener-
getic as was the man himself. Nigel
produced an image of Hungarian WGM
Maria Ivanka on page 23 of the Octo-
ber 1986 issue that was a deep study
in desirable, intelligent, strong femi-
ninity. His portrait of Filipp Frenkel on
page 68 of the January 1987 issue
rendered mercilessly the mans
lugubrious mien. I said at the time to
Nigel, Thats not a photograph. Thats
a statement.
The outstanding Eddis achievement
during my time as Chess Life editor was
his photo portrait of Danish GM Bent
Larsen on page 23 of the July 1986
issue. It may be the slickest, yet subtlest
and most bouncingly vibrant study ever
Arnold Denker: ... as elegant and
to appear in a chess publication. IM
John Donaldson described this Eddis
energetic as was the man himself.
effort as Classic Larsen! For true
enough: the photograph did not merely
look like Larsen; it was Larsen.
Any discussion of chess photography
at the peak of the profession must deal
with the styles and merits of both Nigel
Eddis and, as already mentioned,
Catherine Jaeg, whose best efforts were
published in Black & White Passion
(1990). Ms. Jaegs work often shows the
drama of telling moments at a chess
event by employing strikingly original
angles that produce equally novel com-
positions, while Nigels creations sought
to extract, as if by force at times, the
essence of a players person or mood. A
less talented photographer than Jaeg,
which is to say nearly everyone aside
from Nigel who ever contributed photos
to a chess magazine, might render static,
staid clichs of trophy and cash presen-
tations. A less talented photographer
than Nigel would render cardboard
facesall alike, save in their surface
physiognomy.

30 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 ... [would he] consider getting into a single-engine
aircraft, flying over the area, leaning out an
open window of said aircraft, while it tipped
at a suitably alarming angle ...

A P I C T U R E O F L O YA L T Y
How does a chess magazine, the precincts of which make the chill penury of a Dickensian poor house feel like a warm bed-
room in Hugh Hefners Playboy mansion, inveigle highly paid professionals into its service?
To a newspaperman, old-time radio wit Fred Allen once said, a human being is an item with the skin wrapped around it.
Ditto, to magazine editors. We do what we mustto get what we will.
Because of our common interest in Malaysia, Nigel and I, as already noted, quickly became friends as well as business asso-
ciates. Staying friends would not prove difficult; retaining his services was always challenging. He had a family and professional
pride, and the checks from Chess Life did not often balance the pay scale. In the case of the 1985 U.S. Open in Hollywood, Florida,
I prevailed on chief organizer GM Denker to provide my friend with substantial travel money and free accommodations. At sev-
eral World Opens, Nigel provided his services because that premier chess organizer Bill Goichberg footed some of the expenses.
Yet it was the same 1985 Hollywood U.S. Open that prompted an example of Nigels dedication to Chess Life and professional
ethics that was above and beyond the call of the dollar. My friend, you see, had a phobia against flying. He had just spent 25
hours on a train from New York to Florida so as to avoid all opportunities to crash headlong into the ground from 40,000 feet.
Then, one day at the tournament, international arbiter Carol Jarecki announced she was taking up her plane to get a view of
the beautiful beachside hotel where the competition was being held.
I asked Nigel whether he would consider getting into a single-engine aircraft, flying over the area, leaning out an open win-
dow of said aircraft, while it tipped at a suitably alarming angle, and snapping a panoramic shot of hotel and beach. He stared
straight at me, pursed his lips, checked out his camera, paused at length, and said, and I now quote with easy precision, No.
One word. And he walked away.
A few minutes later, Nigel reported for aerial duty, went up into the wild blue yonder with pilot Jarecki, and produced a fine
photograph that was also a picture of loyalty. I wrote this caption, Talk about getting sky high. CL photographer Nigel Eddis
went up in a two-seater ... to snap the Diplomat Hotel, the stunning site of this years U.S. Open.

.
Nigel had one precondition before going up. I was not to quiz him afterward about how he felt during the flight. There was a
duty to perform, he would perform it manfully, but he would not submit himself even to jocular cross-examination by a friend.
That was Nigel Eddis.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 31

 Instruction
rrrrrrrr r The
Purposeful
Rook
A guide for the class player
on activating your rooks
with meaning!
By Carey Theil
If we stop for a moment and think
about rook play, many amateur games go
something like this: we play a few pawn
moves and develop our minor pieces. We
connect our rooks, meaning we develop
until all our pieces are out and our king
has castled. Then we post our rooks on
open files. On these files, however, our
rooks just sit there, watching the mid-
dlegame proceed as spectators. If there
are no decisive mistakes in the mid-
dlegame we proceed to an endgame.
Finally, we think, it is safe for our rooks
to really fight! In the endgame, our rooks
become leading stars, and we battle over
open files, where exchanges often occur.
We shuffle our rooks back and forth,
while we dream of maneuvering our rooks
to the magical seventh rank and winning
all of our opponents pawns.
While this analysis might seem simplis-
tic, its not far from the truth. But it
doesnt have to be this way. Rooks can
and shouldbe used more actively. We
will all benefit from expanding our per-
spective on the role rooks play in our
games. In short, we need to make our
rooks purposeful.
A fun example of the powerful role
rooks can play in the middlegame
occurred earlier this year in a game I
played against GM Eugene Perelsteyn.
Symmetrical English (A36)
Carey Theil (2221)
GM Eugene Perelshteyn (2611)
Boylston Chess Club, March 2009
uschess.org
1. e4 c5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. g3 Bg7 5. Bg2
d6 6. Nge2 h5 7. h3 e5 8. d3 Nge7 9. Nd5
Nxd5 10. cxd5 Ne7?!
After this move, Black will have difficul-
ties finding a useful role for his knight.
Better was 10. ... Nd4 11. Nxd4 exd4
with roughly equal chances.
11. Bg5 f6 12. Be3 h4 13. Qd2 Bd7 14. f4
hxg3 15. fxe5 fxe5?!
The critical moment in the game. After
this recapture, White is better. Neces-
sary was 15. ... dxe5! 16. Bxc5 Rc8 with
interesting play. After the text, White has
a clear plan: he will try to take advantage
of Blacks misplaced knight and infiltrate
with his rooks on the f-file.
16. Bg5 Qb6 17. 0-0-0 Qb4 18. Nc3 Ng8 19.
Rdf1 Rh5 20. Kb1 Bh6 21. Bxh6 Rxh6 22.
Qg5 Qb6 23. Rf3 Qd8 24. Rhf1!
r+qk+n+
pp+l++

+p+pr
+pP
p
Q
++P++
+NP+R
pP
PP++L+
+K++R+
After 24. Rhf1
A fun move to play over the board
against a grandmaster. Note the relative
position of the four rooks. Whites rooks are
Chess Life September 2009 33
 Instruction

doubled on the only open file and create
deadly threats on f8 and f7. Blacks rook
on a8 is a spectator, and his other rook on
h6 is so misplaced its hard not to feel
sorry for him. The power of Whites two
rooks is especially noteworthy. Its hard to
imagine rooks being more purposeful!
24. ... Qe7 25. Qxe7+ Kxe7 26. Rf7+ Kd8 27.
Rf8+ Be8 28. Rxg8
... and White eventually won.
+r+r++
game is that rooks do not only need open
files, they need open files where they will
actually be doing something. In other pp+n+k
 p
l
Pp+
words, they need to have a purpose in
occupying the file. At a minimum, they
need to have the prospect of having a ++ p+
++N+P+
future purpose. In the above position,
Rb1 became useful only after Black could
PP+++

no longer respond with ... b7-b6. After
LR+PK+
11. Rb1 b6 White had lost time and the
b1-rook was going nowhere. Even worse,

So the recipe for purposeful rooks is

simple, right? Open files, place your rooks
on them, penetrate into the enemy posi-
tion and win! Unfortunately, its not
always going to be that easy.
How NOT to activate
GM Colin McNab (FIDE 2427)
GM Jonathan Rowson (FIDE 2558)
2004 Scottish Championship
r+lqr+k+
pp
 p+p pp
+np
n+
++++
+PPp++
+
PPP
P+N
PLP
R
 LQ+R K
After 10. ... Re8
White has a strong center, but at the
moment does not have any good central
breaks. 11. c5 dxc5 12. dxc5 would ruin
Whites pawn structure. 11. d5 is equally
bad, creating outposts for Blacks knights
on c5, e5 and allowing access to the d3-
square. 11. Ba3 suggests itself, but after
b6 the bishop will be poorly placed. So by
process of elimination, we arrive at 11.
Rb1. After all, what can be wrong with
putting our rook on the half-open b-file?
This is the move McNab chose, but unfor-
tunately for him in this case activating
the queen-side rook is a mistake.
11. Rb1 b6 12. f3 exf3 13. Qxf3 Bb7!
In his insightful book, Chess for Zebras,
Rowson writes:
Now that my queenside is organized,
and there are no Rxb7 tricks, I have a clear
advantage. 11. Rb1 was a half-move that
affected the whole position.
So what should White have done instead?
Going back to the initial position, Rowson
suggests 11. f3 immediately, and claims
that the position is unclear after 11. ... exf3
12. Qxf3 Bg4 13. Qf4 Bh5 14. Rb1 Rb8 15.
Rxb7 Rxb7 16. Bxc6 Rb8 17. Bxe8 Qxe8
with compensation for the pawn.
One lesson to be learned from this
... b7-b6 actually helped Black by neu-
tralizing Whites pressure on the long
diagonal. On the other hand if White had
opened the long diagonal immediately
with f2-f3, everything would have been
different. He would have prevented ...
b7-b6 by creating immediate threats
against the weak b7-square. After this
move, and the subsequent development
of Blacks light-squared bishop, the b-
file would have become purposeful and
Rb1 would have made a lot of sense.
So how do we know if a rook will be
purposeful on a given file? There is no
clear cut answer, but there are a few
signs that we can look for. An open file will
likely be purposeful if one of the follow-
ing are true:
1. The file provides an entry square
that will allow your rook to penetrate into
the enemy camp.
2. By playing your rook on the file,
you can prevent the mobilization of your
opponents pieces.
3. The file can be used as a jumping off
point to allow your rook to take part in
an attack on the other side of the board.
4. On the open file, your rook will apply
pressure to your opponents position, or
provoke weaknesses.
Another common mistake chess play-
ers make is to evaluate a position based
on how their rooks look, meaning
they assess the position based on the
cosmetic appearance of their (and their
opponents) rook positions, rather than
through an analysis of which rooks are
actually purposeful and which are not.
An interesting example of cosmetically
deceptive rooks occurred in our next
game:
Rooks at the
world championship level
GM Boris Spassky (FIDE 2650)
GM Anatoly Karpov (FIDE 2700)
1974 World Championship Qualifier
match (Game 6)
(see diagram top of next column)
At first blush, it seems as though White
is doing fine. He has a passed pawn on
d6, a centralized knight on e4, and he has
firm control of the c-file. In reality, how-
ever, White is in big trouble. Even more
incredibly, Blacks path forward involves
+R++
After 31. Rec2
his use of a better rook!
31. ... Rxc2 32. Rxc2 Ke6 33. a4 a5 34. Ba3
We have reached the critical position.
White controls the c-file, and the h-file will
not be useful for Black. How does he acti-
vate his rook?
34. ... Rb8!
r+++
+p+n+ p
l
Pkp+
p+
 p+
P++N+P+
LP+++

+R+ PK+
++++
After 34. ... Rb8
A beautiful move. Black does not have
any purpose files for his rook, so he
intends to create one. Once the bishop
moves and ... b7-b5 is played, the b-file
will become purposeful. By contrast,
Whites c2-rook controls a file that looks
good, but isnt actually very useful.
35. Rc4 Bd4 36. f4 g6 37. Ng3 exf4
Of course, Spassky realizes the power
of Karpovs idea. Therefore, he immedi-
ately begins actions on the other side of
the board. Unfortunately, these moves
only serve to help Black.
38. Rxd4 fxg3 39. Kxg3 Rc8!
The realization of Karpovs strategy.
Now that White has left the c-file, Black
takes control. Ironically, while the c-file
was not useful for White, it is very use-
ful for Black. If White now plays Rc4,
then after the exchange of rooks Blacks
strong king and better minor piece will be
decisive.
40. Rd3 g5 41. Bb2 b6 42. Bd4 Rc6
Now the d-pawn falls and with it the
game.
Finally, the contrast of a purposeful

34 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

rook versus a purposeless rook was
highlighted by a game I lost last year
to the attacking master FM Christo-
pher Chase.
English Opening (A25)
Carey Theil (2007)
FM Chris Chase (2357)
Boylston Chess Club, January 2007
1. e4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. g3 Nc6 5. Bg2
e5 6. Nge2 Bg4 7. h3 Be6 8. d3 Qd7 9. Nd5
Nd8 10. Rb1 c6 11. Ndc3?
This is a loss of time. Because White will
win back Blacks bishop in the event of
cxd5, White should leave his knight where
it is and proceed with a developing move
like 11. Be3.
11. ... Ne7 12. b4 0-0 13. b5 f5 14. bxc6 bxc6
15. exf5 gxf5
Understandably, White wants to activate
his light-squared bishop. However, he must
now deal with the positional threat of ... f5-
Middlegame Zugzwang
and a Previously Unknown
Bobby Fischer Game
Zugzwang is commonly known as an endgame phenomenon.
Middlegame examples are rare, as are unknown Fischer games ...
By GM Larry Kaufman
In 1964 Bobby Fischer, then 21 years
old but already arguably the worlds best
player, went on an exhibition tour around
the U.S. I was in high school in the Wash-
ington, D.C. area then and rated around
2000. Bobby gave a lecture and played
about 70 boards in his D.C. simul, which
I attended. I chose to watch rather than
play, figuring (correctly, I think) that I
would learn more from watching his play
in 70 games than from playing one.
However, a high school chess friend of
mine, Daniel Collins, played a board, and
I kept a close eye on it. Daniel was per-
haps of class C strength then, though
he has maintained a class A rating in
recent years. As a result of a truly horren-
dous positional error on move 9, he soon
had a lost game. I stopped by on move 26
to try to figure out just how Fischer would
win the game, when it gradually dawned
uschess.org
f4 and his pieces are not well coordinated.
16. f4 exf4 17. Bxf4 Ng6 18. Bd2?
White does not want to give up his
valuable bishop. However, this is a con-
cession he was obliged to make due to
earlier missteps. Correct now is either
18. Qd2 or 18. 0-0.
18. ... f4!
r+n
rk+
p+q+
 lp
+ppl+n+
++++
+P+p+
+
NP+ PP
P+LN+L+
+R+QK+R
After 18. ... f4
The contrast between the opposing
rooks is stark. Even though the White
on me (and on Daniel) that Bobby didnt
need a plan at all, because Daniel had
only suicidal moves at his disposal,
despite the board having lots of pieces and
pawns on it. Such examples of Zugzwang
in the middlegame are quite rare, and
after Fischer won he asked Daniel for a
copy of the game score. Perhaps he meant
to publish it someday, but as far as I
know he never did so. Recently I heard
from Daniel, and I asked him if he still had
the moves of that game, and he did! So
here they are (with my comments), pre-
sumably for the first time anywhere. But
first Ill describe three types of Zugzwang
and give some classic examples.
Zugzwang is an important concept in
chess. This German word might be trans-
lated literally as relocation compulsion
or in simple English must move. The
idea is that the right to move in chess is
rook controls the open b-file, it has no real
targets or entry squares. Nor is there any
immediate prospect of using the b-file to
transfer the rook to other parts of the
board. The White rook is shooting blanks.
By contrast, the rook on f8 is providing
critical support to the f-pawn and Blacks
minor pieces. Together, they are tearing
the White kingside apart.
19. Nxf4 Nxf4 20. gxf4 Bf5
After this pawn sacrifice, Black is
already at least equal and his game is eas-
ier to play. Even worse, this is an ideal
position for a tactical player like Chase.
I lasted another 22 moves, but eventually
succumbed to the pressure.
In conclusion, to succeed, our rooks
must be active participants in our games.
They are not only endgame soldiers, but
should also be used actively in the mid-
dlegame. Most importantly, we must strive
to find ways for our rooks to be purpose-
.
ful. Its not good enough to have
nice-looking rooks. They need to actu-
ally be doing something!
also an obligation; passing your turn is
not permitted. There are many positions
in chess, mostly in the endgame, where
any move you make will ruin your posi-
tion; you wish you could pass, but you
cant (except in the Korean version of
chess). The side forced to make a suici-
dal move is said to be in Zugzwang. If not
for Zugzwang, many more endings would
be drawn. In my view, calling stalemate
a draw is totally illogical, since it repre-
sents the ultimate Zugzwang, where any
move would get your king taken. Until
around the year 1500 a stalemated player
lost. Probably the draw rule was added
with the advent of the powerful queen
since draws became rare, but that is obvi-
ously no longer true in top-level play.
The purest form of Zugzwang is mutual
Zugzwang, where both players would like
to pass. The simplest example is:
Chess Life September 2009 35
Instruction

4. Bxe2 Rb8+
This is possible since Nxb8 is stalemate.
5. Bb5+!! Rxb5+
5. ... Kxb5 6. Nxb8 wins for White.
6. Ka2!!
Mutual Zugzwang. White to move
would lose, but Black cannot pass, and
every move loses. Rook moves to b3, b7,
or d5 all allow winning knight forks, while
6. ... Rb4 allows 7. Nc5+ Kb5 8. axb4 fol-
lowed by Ne4 and Nxg5.

Here is another study by the same author:

++++
++++
++K++
++++
+++p+
++++P
++
pN
N
++++k
White to move and win

1. Ne3! g3 2. Nhf1! g2 3. h4!! g1=Q 4. Kf7!

White to move would lose after 4. h5
Qg5 or 4. Kc6 Qg8, but it is Blacks turn
and he has no way to pass. Every legal
move loses the queen and the game. After
4. ... Qxf1 5. Nxf1 Kg2 6. Nd2 White wins.
Bobby considering a move against Edmund Wheeler in an exhibition in Fitchburg, Massa- Much more common are positions
chusetts during his 1964 simul tour. Photo by Glen Wheeler, from the book A Legend on the where one player has moves available
Road: Bobby Fischers 1964 Simultaneous Exhibition Tour by IM John Donaldson.
that do no harm while the other does
not. For example:

+++k+
+++R+
+++K+
++k++ ++r+ ++++
++P+ ++++ ++++
+
K++ R+++ ++++
++++ pp
 k+
p ++++
++++ +N++P+ ++++
++++ P++l+
 To harm or not to harm

++++ K+++ White to move can pass by retreating

++++ +++L+
his rook on the f-file, whereas Black to
move could draw if allowed to pass, but
Mutual Zugzwang White to move and win must play ... Kh8 allowing mate due to
PHOTO: GLEN WHEELER

Zugzwang. A further distinction can be

White to move must stalemate or lose
his pawn, while Black to move must play
... Kf7 allowing the winning Kd7. A much
more interesting example is this study by
Yochanan Afek:
(see diagram top of next column)
1. Rxb5+!! Kxb5 2. Ne5+ Ka4
Other king moves allow a winning fork.
3. Nd7 Be2!
This is the only defense to the three
threats of Nb6 mate, Nc5 mate, and Nxf8.
made between true Zugzwangs, where
the game is lost due to the obligation to
move but would be drawn if one could
pass, and practical Zugzwangs, where
the game might be lost anyway even if one
could pass but having to move makes

36 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

the loss quicker or more obvious. This last
type is the most usual one in positions
with many men on the board, though
even this type of Zugzwang is rare in the
middlegame.
Probably the best known middlegame
Zugzwang is in this game:
Closed Catalan (E06)
Friedrich Smisch
Aaron Nimzowitsch
Copenhagen, 1923
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2
Be7 6. Nc3 0-0 7. 0-0 d5
7. ... Ne4 is now considered better.
8. Ne5 c6 9. cxd5?!
9. e4! keeps some advantage, whereas
the text move leaves White with no clear
plan of action.
9. ... cxd5 10. Bf4 a6 11. Rc1 b5 12. Qb3 Nc6
13. Nxc6 Bxc6 14. h3?!
Better was 14. Ne4 to gain the bishop
pair. The text move is pointless.
14. ... Qd7 15. Kh2?! Nh5 16. Bd2 f5 17. Qd1?!
b4 18. Nb1 Bb5 19. Rg1?! Bd6 20. e4?!
This wins a piece, but the price, two
pawns and a strong attack, is too steep.
20. ... fxe4 21. Qxh5 Rxf2 22. Qg5?! Raf8 23.
Kh1?! R8f5 24. Qe3 Bd3
24. ... Re2! 25. Qb3 Ba4 traps the queen.
25. Rce1 h6, White resigned.
+
+ +k+
+ +q+ p
p+ 
lp+  p
+ +p+r+
p 
 Pp+ +
+ +lQ 
PP
P
P 
L rL+
+N+ R 
RK
After 25. ... h6
White resigned here, because every
move is suicidal, except for delaying pawn
moves. For example, 26. b3 a5 27. g4
R5f3! and if 28. Bxf3 Rh2 mate. How-
ever, since Black is already threatening to
trap the queen by ... R5f3, the position is
only Zugzwang in the sense that White
loses more quickly than he would if he
could pass. If Black wins the queen
directly by 26. ... R5f3 after a pawn move
like 26. b3, he pays a rook and the
Exchange for it, but if he waits for White's
pass moves to run out, hell win at least
a piece with more gains likely.
uschess.org
Like the Nimzowitsch game, the Fischer
Zugzwang game is not a pure one since
the right to pass would not save the game.
Actually I do not know of any pure
Zugzwang in the middlegame in actual
play, though it is certainly possible. Still,
if the game had gone 26. ... Kd8 (instead
of 26. ... Rh6) 27. Nab7+ Kc7 28. Kh2!?
(rather than the objectively faster win 28.
Qf7) it would have been obvious that all
Black moves drop material directly.
Caro-Kann Defense,
Classical Variation (B18)
Robert Fischer
Daniel Collins
Simul, Washington D.C., March 8,1964
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5 5. Nc5
rn 
qklnr
pp+ 
 pp
pp
+p+ + +
+ N +l+
+ 
P + +
+ + + +
PPP+ PPP
R 
 LQKL
NR
After 5. Nc5
This is much less common than 5. Ng3
here, but it scores very well in practice,
was used at every opportunity by Fis-
cher in simul play, and is still played in
high-level encounters.
5. ... Qc7
This was played recently by GM
Vladimir Burmakin. Elite GMs Peter Leko
and Gata Kamsky both chose 5. ... b6 in
recent games. Both Fischer and Rybka
recommend 5. ... e5, which along with 5.
... Nd7, 5. ... Qc7, and 5. ... Qb6 are all
seen in grandmaster play.
6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Nxd3 Nd7 8. Bf4 Qb6
Better is 8. ... Qa5+, though White has
some edge. Now were out of theory.
9. Nf3 f6?
Well, this is awful. Black takes away e5
from the white knights, but he takes away
the best square from his knight, makes
his bishop bad, leaves his e pawn back-
ward, and weakens his king.
10. 0-0
White already has a won game.
10. ... 0-0-0 11. a4 Re8?!
Black prepares a retreat for this queen,
but it's better to play 11. ... g5 here and
move the queen to a6 when hit.
12. a5 Qd8?!
12. ... Qa6.
13. Re1 g5 14. Bg3 h5 15. h4 g4 16. Nd2 Nh6
17. Nc4?
17. Re6! planning 18. a6 and blocking
the e pawn was completely winning.
17. ... Nf5 18. a6 b5 19. Na5 Qb6?
19. ... e5! gives Black some counterplay,
though he is still lost.
20. Nc5 Nxg3 21. Re6!
This clinches the victory.
21. ... Nb8 22. fxg3 Rd8 23. c3 Rd6 24. Qe2
Rxe6 25. Qxe6+ Kc7 26. b4!
n + 
 l r
 
p k 
p +
Pqp+Q p +
Np
 N + +p
P 
 P +p P
+  P + P
+ + +P+
R + + 
 K
After 26. b4
Zugzwang! Although White is obviously
winning, it was not immediately obvious
what he threatened to do if Black
passed, though now I see that 27. Qf7
followed by 28. Ne6+ would suffice. But
passing is illegal, and every move is sui-
cidal. The queen has no safe square, 26.
... Nxa6 allows 27. Qd7+, 26. ... f5 allows
27. Qe5+, bishop moves allow 27. Qxe7+,
and rook moves allow 27. Qg8. If 26. ...
Kd8 27. Nab7+ Kc7 28. Qf7! f5 29. Qe8
with a forced mate in seven.
26. ... Rh6 27. Qg8 Nxa6 28. Qxf8 Rh7 29.
Nxc6! Nxc5 30. bxc5 Qxc6 31. Rxa7+ Qb7 32.
Rxb7+ Kxb7 33. Qg8 Rh6 34. Qg7 Rh8 35.
Qxh8 e5 36. d5 e4 37. Qxf6 e3 38. Qb6+ Ka8
39. c6 e2 40. Qb7 mate.
If you know of an actual game in which
a true middlegame Zugzwang occurred,
please let us know about it at let-
ters@uschess.org. Each side must have at
least a queen and two other pieces, and
the losing side must be able to draw if
allowed to pass at will. It is easy to find
middlegames where one side has no
decent move and must lose, but as in the
above two games there is almost always a
way to win even after an illegal pass move.
.
Thanks to Daniel Collins for supplying
the moves of this unusual and unknown
Fischer game.
Download a .pgn file of this issues
games at uschess.org.
Chess Life September 2009 37
 Back to Basics

An (Adrenaline-Pumping) Ordinary Game

By GM Lev Alburt

A tough-fought, strategic game suddenly erupts with a series of tactical blunders,

leaving a lower-rated player the somewhat surprised winner.

rnl
qkl r
Looking through my older columns, I more accurate.
was surprised that so many of them dealt
+ppp+ppp
10. ... exd5 11. d4? c4! 12. Nc3
with upsets. The reason for this, I guess,
is twofold: a) upsets are unexpected and
thus excitingfor me and (I hope) for p+ +p n + rnl
q rk+
readers; b) most games I receive (I realize +P+ + + +p+ +p pp
now) are upsets, as those are much more
remarkable for the winners than a nor- + + + + + 
l n +
mal, or expected (playing down) victory. + + + + + +p+ +
I predict, however that Mark Norris,
the winner of this months award, will PLP
PPPPP +p
P + +
soon add 400-500 rating points to his RN+Q
 KL
NR + N PN+
current 1074 USCF rating.
Not only did Mark prove himself equal After 3. ... a6 PL +LPPP
to his 1508-rated opponent in all stages Mark clearly does his opening research R +Q+R
 K
of this long struggle, but he also pro- very well. After 12. Nc3
vided quite impressive (albeit laconic)
annotations. 4. ... axb5 5. Bxb5 c6 6. Be2 d5 7. Nf3 Bd6 8.
Writes Mark Norris: 0-0 12. ... Nc6
This was one of the most interesting
rnl
qk+  r
After two dubious (?!) moves and one
games I have had the pleasure of playing bad (?) one, the position remains close to
at my chess club. It was quite the game
and definitely had my adrenaline pump- +p+ +p pp equal. Perhaps Whites transgressions
ing. Look for yourself. (As usual, Levs +p
lpn + were not that bad after all. Black contin-
ued to develop.
future comments are in italics).
+ +p+ + 13. Nb5 Bb4 14. a3 Ba5 15. Nd2
Orangutan Opening (A00) + + + +
George Miller (1508)
+ +  PN+ r+lq rk+
Mark Norris (1074)
Watchusett Chess Club Championship PLP
PLPPP +p+ +p pp
Prelims
RN+Q+R
 K +n+ n +
1. b4 e6 After 8. 0-0 lN+p+ +

I came well-prepared.
+p
P + +
2. Bb2 Nf6 3. b5 a6
8. ... 0-0
P + 
 P +
Both players handle the opening stage
quite well. Even 4. e3 may not deserve the
L 
 NLPPP
(see diagram top of next column)
?! sign. Of course, there were alterna- R +Q+R
 K
Blacks objective is to activate his a8- tives; for example, 8. ... b5 (or even 7. ... After 15. Nd2
rook. b5), to stop Whites c2-c4, or 8. ... Nbd7
preparing ... e6-e5. But the first eight
4. e3?! 15. ... Bxd2!?
moves (and even a few of those following)
An interesting choice. Tkachiev-Kar- could have been played by masters. This may not be best.
pov blitz game continued 4. a4 axb5 5. Indeed, 15. ... Bxd2 is a reasonable
9. c4 c5 10. cxd5?!
axb5 Rxa1 6. Bxa1 c5. Karpov won soon movebut not the best, as Blacks pawn
after. True, an immediate d2-d4 (10. d4) was structure in the center (pawns on c4 and

38 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 + + + +
d5) put an extra premium on the dark- Black grabs the opportunity to create
square bishop. Black has normal, good counterplay. Bravo!
moves like 15. ... Bf5 or 15. ... Re8, but the
27. Qxb4 b5! 28. Rcb1 R + +p
 pp
n 
 k + +
strongest is, perhaps, 15. ... Na7, with
the goal of bringing the b-pawn to b5. I would prefer the solid 28. Rc3.
16. Qxd2 Ne4 17. Qe1 Qb6 18. a4 Bf5 19. 28. ... bxa4 + +p+ +
f3?! +p
PP+ +
This is questionable. However, I did q+ + +k+ +l+ +P+
fear the pawn sac on e4. + +l+p pp + 
K +P
P
19. f3 is a good movewhich has noth-
ing to do with the (highly unlikely) e3-e4 + + n + + + + +
thrust. But trickierand thus stronger r +p+ +
 After 41. ... Kd6
was a transposition, 19. Ba3 and only
after the natural-looking 19. ... Rfe8(?), pQp
P + +
+ +  PP+
Kc7 45. Rf7+.
20. f3 Nf6 21. Nd6, forking Blacks rook
+ + +P P
and bishop. 42. ... dxe4!

RR+L+ 
 K
19. ... Nf6 This move frees d5 for the king and
plays for a funny little tactic.
r+ + rk+ After 28. ... bxa4
43. fxe4??
+p+ +p pp 29. Bxa4??
Terrible. Other options are unpleasant
qn+ 
 n + Playing for a faulty tactic. 29. Ra3
as well. 43. Rxg7 exf3 44. gxf3 Kd5, where

+N+p+l+
Black should be able to draw.
would have been a more viable option. Mark continues to underestimate the
P+pP + + Well, 29. Ra3 allows 29. ... Rb5. Perhaps
an exchange of queens, followed by Ra3,
bishop plus knight duo! After 43. Rxg7

+ + PP+
(indeed, best) 43. ... Nd5, preparing the
the kings march to c3, and possibly e3-e4, pawns queening, I dont see any good
L +L+P
 P offers White the best chances for victory. defense. Even after the unimaginative 43.

R + 
 QRK 29. ... Rxa4
... exf3 44. gxf3 Nd5 its White whos fight-
ing for a draw.
George set up a diabolical trap: if 29. ...

.
After 19. ... Nf6
43. ... c3+ 44. Kxc3 Bxf7 45. e5+ Kd5 46. g4
Bxa4, then 30. Qxa5!, but missed Marks
Nc4 47. h3 Nxe5 48. dxe5 Kxe5 49. Kd3 Kf4,
excellent response.
20. Qc3 White resigned.
30. Qb8+ Qxb8 31. Rxb8+ Ne8 32. Rxa4
As noted above, 20. Ba3! leads to a View this issue on our new pdf viewer! Go
Bxa4
clear advantage. Blacks dark-square to uschess.org and click on the Chess Life
bishop is badly missing!
R

+n+k+ Magazine link in the left margin.
20. ... Ra5 21. Rfc1 Rfa8 22. Bd1 Bd7 23.
Ba3! + + +ppp
A monster! Bc5 is coming and I can do + + + + Send in your games!
little about it. + +p+ + If you are unrated or were rated

r+ + +k+ l+p
P + + 1799 or below on your Chess Life
label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
+p+l+p pp + + PP+ you to send your instructive games

qn+ 
 n + + + +P P with notes to:
Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
rN+p+ +
 + + + K PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557-3967
P+p P + + After 32. ... Bxa4
Or e-mail your material to
L 
 Q 
PP+ 33. Rc8 Kf8 34. Rc5 backtobasics@uschess.org

+ + +P P Unfortunately, White still comes out

R 
 RL+ K
After 23. Ba3
23. ... Qa6?
Perhaps tired of working hard on every
move in a complexand slowly (after 15.
... Bxd2) deteriorating position, Black
finally blunders. Another queens retreat
23. ... Qd8would keep material equal,
and the struggle going on.
24. Nc7 Qa7 25. Nxa8 Qxa8 26. Bb4? Nxb4
on top.
No, Black is better, as even in the end-
ing the bishop and knight are stronger
than rookby at least one pawn.
34. ... Nf6 35. Kf1 Ke7 36. Ke1 Kd6 37. Kd2
Nd7 38. Ra5 Bb3 39. Ra6+ Kc7 40. e4 Nb6
41. Ra7+ Kd6
(see diagram top of next column)
skills are a plus, but instructiveness
42. Rxf7
After 42. e5+ Kc6 43. Rxf7 Na4, White
has (and must force) a draw with 44. Rf8
GM Alburt will select the most
instructive game and Chess Life
will award an autographed copy of
Levs newest book, Chess Training
Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
Lawrence) to the person submitting
the most instructive game and anno-
tations.
Do not send games with only a
few notes, as they are of little instruc-
tive value and cant be used. Writing
is a must! Make sure your game (or
part of it) and your notes will be of
interest to other readers.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 39

 Endgame Lab

2009 U.S. Championship, Part I

By GM Pal Benko

Exemplary endgames were the rule at the 2009 U.S. Championship. In the
first of a two-part column, Benko looks at a selection of the top finishers games,
focusing this month on pawn-up endings.
Connected passed pawns 24. Bf1! 30. ... Ra1+
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2748) White has kept his extra pawn, but he The position was balanced but Black
GM Alexander Shabalov (2638) will be committed to nursing it for awhile. was too optimistic and overestimated his
The champ uses a combination to move 24. ... Kf8 25. Ree1 chances for an adventure. Simplest was
into a superior ending. 30. ... g4 (with the intention of playing ...
If 25. Rae1, then 25. Be6. Re5) and after 31. h6 gxh6 32.Rxh6 c5!
r+ +  rk+ 25. ... Rdb8 26. Ra3 Nf6 27. Rd1 Ra7 a counter-strike might have come.

+l qn
lpp Or 27. ... Be4. 31. Kh2 Rc1 32. Kg3 Rc2

pp p n p 28. Rd2 Be4 29. Rf2 Ng4? Here still 32. ... c5 was a real chance to
equalize.
+ +  pP+ Losing a tempo and letting White grab
33. Rd7 Ra8 34. Rc7 Ra3+ 35. f3 Raa2
P+ +P+P P the initiative. 29. ... Rc7 could have been
played, creating complications. Seemingly Black has achieved his goal
+N N 
LL+ 30. Rf4 Nf6 of winning the g2-pawn but he forgot
PP+ + +
 If 30. Bxc2, then 32. Nd4 Bd1 33.
about his own kings vulnerability.

R +Q+R
 K Rd3 36. Rd8+ Kh7 37. Kg4 Rxg2+ 38. Kf5 Rad2
39. Rf8 g4
Black to play 31. Nc5! Bxc2 32. Rf2 Bd1 33. Nxa6 Rb6 34.
b4! The situation has quickly become hope-
less. The white king is chased ahead but
15. ... d5!? Or 34. a5! The mobilized and connected even it helps in building the mating net
A common response in the center passed pawns decide matters quickly. around the black king. If 39. ... Rd6 then
against a wing-attack. But instead of a 34. ... Rbxa6 35. Bxa6 Rxa6 36. a5 Ne4 37. b5 after 40. e5 and White wins.
pawn sac, safer was the passive 15. ... Rd6 40. Rcc8 g6+ 41. Kf6 Rd6+ 42. Ke7 Kh6 43.
Nh7.
In case of 37. ... Ra8 38. b6 Nc5 39. a6 f4 Re6+ 44. Kxf7, Black resigned.
16. exd5 e4 17. Bg2 Qg3 Nxa6 (39. ... Rxa6 40. b7) 40. Rb2 wins.
Though this looks like an effective 38. a6! Nxf2 39. a7! Nh3+ 40. Rxh3, Black Monarch March
move, it leads to an inferior endgame. resigned. GM Yury Shulman (2716)
Either 17. ... Bb4 or 17. ... Rfd8 could GM Alexander Onischuk (2761)
have yielded more complex play.
18. Qe1 Qxe1 19. Rfxe1 Nxg4 20. Bxb6! Nxb6
Poisoned Pawn
GM-elect Robert L. Hess (2605) + + +k+
21. Rxe4 Nxd5 22. Nxd5 Bxd5 23. Rxe7 Rfd8 GM Julio Becerra Rivero (2669) +R+ +p+p
r+ r +k+ + +r+k+ p +r+p+

+ + Rp
p + + +pp pP+ + +

p+ + +  p r+p
R + + P+ + + +
+ +l+P+ +p+ + pP + + + +
P+ + +n P P 
 RP+ + + + +PP
+N+ + + + + + + + + + K
PP+ +L+
 + + 
PP+
White to play

R + + 
 K + + + K The question is whether the extra pawn
can be realized against the active white
After 23. ... Rfd8 Black to play rook. If all queenside pawns are traded,

40 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 Benkos Bafflers Problem I
Pal Benko and Peter Gyarmati
Problem II
J. Mikotovics and Ervin Janosi,
StrateGems, 2007 StrateGems, 2007

Most of the time these studies ++ + + k+ N + +

resemble positions that could actu-
ally occur over-the-board. You must
P
 +p+k+p P + + +

simply reach a theoretically won +q
P + + K+ + l +
position for White. Solutions can be P + 
 P +K +p+ + +
found on page 63. + + + + P + + +

Please e-mail submissions for
L + + +
 QN+ +n+

Benkos Bafflers to: pbenko@ + 
r + + +p+p+p+
uschess.org + + +  Q + + q +
White to play and win White to play and draw

r+ + rk+
it would be a theoretical draw. Sicilian Defense,
Richter-Rauzer Variation (B65)
pp+ + 
 p
37. Kf2
IM Ray Robson (2538)

+ 
pl
l +
Better would have been 37. h4! and GM Boris Gulko (2631)
after 37. ... h6 (37. ... Re4 38. g3) 38. Kf2
g5 39. h5 could have been given more 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 + + + +
+ +N
R +
practical chances. 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. 0-0-0
0-0 9. f4 h6 10. h4?! Nxd4 11. Qxd4 Qa5 12.
+ + + +
37. ... g5 38. Kf3 h5 39. h3
Kb1 e5 13. Qd2
PPP+ +P+
Now either 39. Kg3 or 39. g3 and 40. h4
were still possible.
r+l+  rk+
39. ... Kg7 40. g3 Kg6 41. g4 f5 42. gxf5+
pp+ 
 lp
p +K+ +L+R
Kxf5 43. Rh7 Kg6 44. Rd7 Rf6+ 45. Kg3
+ 
p n p
Analysis after 19. ... Bxf6

Why not 45. Kg2 and if 45. ... h4 46.

Rd5? q + 
 p 
L
45. ... h4+ 46. Kg2 Kf5 47. Rd8 Ke4 48. Rg8 + +PP P + + + +
Kf4 49. Rd8 Ke3 50. Re8+ Kd3
+ N + + pp+ + 
 p
+
+R+ + PPP
Q +P+ + 
pk
l +
+ + + + +K+R+L+R + + + +
p + 
 r + After 13. Qd2
+ + 
RP+
pP+ + 
 p 13. ... Nxe4 + + + +
P+ + +  p White avoided the complications aris- PPP+r+ +
+ +k+ +P ing from taking the offererd piece sac.
+K+R+ +
+ + +K+ Instead, he rather enters into an endgame
which is slightly worse for him. After 28. Rf4
+ + + + 14. Nxe4 Qxd2 15. Rxd2 hxg5 16. hxg5 exf4
After 50. ... Kd3 28. ... Kd7
17. Rf2 Bf5?
The right bishop move was 17. ... Be6 The black king travels to help his
Black has achieved his goal of his king queenside pawns but he has no compen-
reaching the queenside. After this Black (or 17. ... d5) to close the dangerous c4-
f7 bishop diagonal. After that 18. Rxf4 f5 sation for the lost Exchange.
may allow pawn-trades and even the loss
of a pawn. 19. gxf6 e.p. Bxf6 and Black at least has 29. a4 a5 30. Rd3 b6 31. Rb3 Kc6 32. Rc4+
a playable game. Kb7 33. Rd3 Be5 34. Rf3 Bf6 35. Rf5 Rg2 36.
51. Rg8 Rf4 52. Rxg5 Ka2 Rg1 37. c3 Rg3 38. Kb1 Rg1+ 39. Kc2
(see analysis diagram top of next column) Rg2+ 40. Kd3 Ka6
The winning procedure is similar after
52. ... Rg6 too. If 40. ... Rxb2, then 41. g5 and the
18. Rxf4 Bxe4
52. ... Rxa4 53. Rg6 Rb4 54. Rxb6 Kc4 55. Kf3 rooks break in.
18. ... d5 is too late because 19. Rxf5
a4 56. Rb8 a3 57. b6 a2 58. Ra8 Kb3, White 41. b4 axb4 42. cxb4 Ra2
dxe4 20. g6! is very strong.
resigned.
19. Rfh4! f5 20. Rxe4 Bxg5 21. Bc4+ Rf7 22. This simply allows the end to arrive
Blacks technique was convincing. faster, but the position is untenable in any
Rd4 Rd8 23. Rh5 Bf6 24. Bxf7+ Kxf7 25. Rxf5

.
Re8 26. Rd1 Re2 27. g4 Ke6 28. Rf4 case. The white king can chase away the
Kingside attack rook from the g-file.
Next we can observe the youngest and
(see second diagram next column) 43. g5 Be5 44. b5+, Black resigned.
oldest participants fight.

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 41

 2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY
World Chess Live sponsors over $25,000 at the 2009 Grand Prix!

Welcome,
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family-
friendly service with special benefits for USCF members.
Once again, WCL is pleased to sponsor USCFs 2009 Grand
Prix (GP) and 2009 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Were provid-
ing prize funds of $25,080 and $10,200 (cash, merchandise,
and memberships), and will also be running online grand
prize satellite events throughout the year.
It's been a sizzling summer for reigning Grand Prix
champion Alex Lenderman, as he gained three grandmas-
ter norms in successive tournamentsCopper State
International in Arizona, the Philadelphia International
followed by the World Open in Phillyto become the lat-
est U.S. grandmaster!
Members!
Newly crowned GM-elect Lenderman is still adding to
his lead at the top of the GP standings. He's now 76-
points ahead of second place Sergey Kudrin, who is
only holding on to a slim 4-point lead over Jaan Ehlvest.
Despite Lenderman's lead, there are still five more major
events with enhanced points up for grabs, kicking off this
month with the 31st Annual Southern California Open.
Since this tournament is in his home state, we should
see this months WCL Grand Prix spotlight player GM
Melikset Khachiyan making a late bid for more points
to challenge the leaders. Currently, Khachiyan is in 9th
placeit will take a mighty effort for him to make it to
the top with the other contenders.
Khachiyan was understandably unhappy with his poor
performance at the 2009 U.S. Chess Championship in St.
Louis, where he finished near the bottom of the table.
He has admitted that just ten years ago he would not
have handled the disappointment of such a finish, or
even a lost game in a very gentlemanly manner. But as
he told one reporter, Now, its a loss, I have to see what
I did wrong and learn. And indeed he took his losses in
St. Louis and figured out what went wrong when he fin-
ished a point ahead of the field to win the 14th Annual
Pacific Coast Open at the end of July.
~Betsy Dynako (WCL)

2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of July 27 for the 2009 World Chess Live Grand Prix. All Grand Prix updates are unofficial and subject to
change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS JUNIOR CATEGORIES

NAME STATE PTS. NAME STATE PTS.
1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 255.10 Players born between 1986 and 1988 inclusive:
2 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 178.84 1 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 84.00
3 GM Jaan Ehlvest NY 174.46 2 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 74.50
4 GM Giorgi Kacheishvili NY 151.03 3 GM Hikaru Nakamura NY 54.00
5 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 144.06 Players born between 1989 and 1991 inclusive:
6 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 121.64 1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 255.10
7 GM Varuzhan Akobian CA 112.34 2 IM Samuel Shankland CA 71.25
8 IM Jay Bonin NY 102.04 3 John Daniel Bryant CA 29.66
9 GM Melikset Khachiyan CA 87.00 Players born between 1992 and 1993 inclusive:
10 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 84.00 1 Conrad Holt KS 63.64
11 IM Bryan G. Smith PA 75.60 2 Michael Thaler NY 18.00
12 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 74.50 3 Christian Tanaka CA 16.40
13 GM Alexander Shabalov PA 71.69 Players born between 1994 and 1995 inclusive:
14 IM Samuel Shankland CA 71.25 1 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 32.33
15 GM Yury Shulman IL 67.20 2 Parker Zhao NY 20.50
3 Deepak Aaron NY 12.77
SENIOR CATEGORY
Players born 1996 and after:
Players born 1944 and before:
1 David Adelberg AZ 22.66
1 FM Alex Dunne PA 26.00
GM Melikset Khachiyan at the U.S. 2 Luke Harmon-Vellotti ID 19.14
2 FM Isay Golyak NY 16.80
Championship 3 Yian Liou CA 16.40
3 Klaus Pohl SC 13.00

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$10,000 IN CASH PRIZES! SENIOR CATEGORY: MERCHADISE PRIZES $10,200 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 1944 / before 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 4th: $750 2nd: $500 3rd: $250 4th: $150
JUNIOR CATEGORIES: MERCHANDISE PRIZES
5th: $500 6th: $250 5th: $100 6th: $100
(according to date of birth)
1986-88 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
$4,900 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! 1989-91 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 a trophy from the USCF. 1st-10th place winners will receive 2-year
WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th-20th place
7th: $250 8th: $225 9th: $200 1992-93 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
PHOTO BY BETSY DYNAKO

winners will receive 1-year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
10th: $175 11th: $150 12th: $125 1994-95 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1-year WCL jun-
ior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a special prize
13th: $100 14th: $75 15th: $50 1996/after 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
valued at $60.
16th-25th: $200 26th-50th: $250 For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a
3-year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd-5th places are
Top 40 non-titled players: 1-year WCL membership worth $50. awarded a 2-year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th-10th
(FIDE-titled players are always free on WCL) places awarded 1-year WCL junior memberships ($25 value). Addi-
tionally, all GP/JGP place prize winners will receive a special prize
valued at $60.

www.worldchesslive.com Real chess. Real people. Real fun!

 World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2009 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by August 5, 2009 are unofficial and subject to
change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 4,452 players with JGP points. 281
JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes $1,000 cash, trophy and free entry to the 2009 U.S. Open.
Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.

2009 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings

Name State Pts. Name State Pts.

DOMMALAPATI, ABHINAY VA 165 HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE ID 90
WINTER, CURTIS A MD 160 CAO, MINDI IL 90
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MD 150 VEECH, JOHN WI 90
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM UT 135 KUMAR, ARAVIND NJ 85
PISANI, NICHOLAS WA 135 ZEITLIN, MATTHEW NY 85
PISANI, PAUL WA 125 KOGEN, JONATHAN S IL 85
SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA MI 125 QU, CHEN NY 85
GURCZAK, JOHN AZ 115 TUHRIM, RICHARD J NY 85
RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS VA 115 ROBINSON, DARRIAN NY 85
ZHOU, JASON MO 105 HUGHES, JOHN LODGER OH 85
CHEN, JEREMY NJ 105 HUA, MARGARET M MO 80
RICHMAN, JONATHAN TYLER NY 100 MCVAY, KIERNAN R NJ 80
BRETON, ALEX NJ 95 FU, JASON TN 80
KORLEY, KASSA NY 95 SELDEN, ALEX EVEN NY 80
LATHAM, ANDREW KS 95 WU, CHRISTOPHER NJ 80
SWAN, CHARLES IL 95 KELLY, JACOB PA 75
PILLAI, KADHIR ANDRES NY 90 JOHNSTON, DANIEL F NY 75
DANG, MICHAEL MI 90 KUTIKOFF, ADAM FL 75
DALY, TROY FL 90 CHALLA, RUSHI TX 75
HUANG, WINSTON MA 90 JAMBOR, ALEXANDER WI 75

Prepare to make your best move

since joining the USCF...

Dont miss one of this years top

benefits of USCF membership.

Claim your six-month free trial now at World Chess Live, the only online
chess service offering:
Weekly USCF quick-rated tournaments
Chances to earn both Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix points
Many other tournament prizes
Free videos from top instructors
A welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels

For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 43

 Tournament Life

Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates

Organizing a 2009 Grand Prix Event
To qualify, an event must be USCF-
rated (regular or quick) and meet these
criteria:
All USCF-rated players over 2199 must be
eligible to play in the top (or only) section.
The prize fund for which all masters
are eligible must equal or exceed $300
guaranteed.
Class prizes for Under 2300 or a higher
rating requirement qualify towards GP
points, but if they exceed 25% of the total
qualifying Grand Prix money, they count
as 25% of the total.
Other than entry fees and USCF dues, no
charges over $25 are permitted.
The tournament must be submitted for
the Tournament Life section of Chess
Life and designated by the submitter as
a Grand Prix tournament.
Only players who are USCF members
during the tournament may earn GP
points. Foreign GMs, IMs, WGMs, and
WIMs can play without being members,
but they will not obtain Grand Prix points
unless they join.
Conditions concerning USCF Grand Prix
tournaments are subject to review and
adjustment by the USCF Executive
Director.
Tournament Directors
The tournament director has the right
to shorten the basic time control, in min-
utes, by the time delay used, in seconds.
Example: Clocks for G/60 with 5-second
time delay (t/d5) may be set at 55 min-
utes instead of 60.
There is no requirement to advertise
this option in advance. It may also be
used for games starting later than the
official starting time of any particular
round even when not used otherwise.
Organizers, TDs and Affiliates
To speed up the processing of rating
reports, USCF now asks that wherever
possible these reports have IDs for every
player. If you collect a new membership,
do not submit your rating report until
your disk and paper reports include that
players ID number.
To assist TDs in doing this, we have
made several enhancements to our web
server which will speed up online mem-
bership processing and give TDs a quick
way to obtain USCF IDs for new member-
ships.
We also recommend that TDs use the
Member Services Area to check for mem-
ber IDs. The search capabilities of MSA
have been enhanced to assist TDs in find-
No Tournaments in your area?
Why not organize one?
Its not much work to hold a small
tournament, and there is little risk if you
use a low-cost site and avoid guaranteed
prizes. You might even make a profit!
Either a based-on Swiss with projected
prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a tro-
phy tournament will virtually guarantee
taking in more in fees than you pay out
in prizes.
The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You
will have access to the TD/Affiliate area
of our website.
Remember, you can both run and play
in a small event. Many of them wouldnt
be held if the organizer/TD couldnt play.
Want to know more? Contact Joan Du-
Bois at joandubois@uschess.org.
Well be glad to help you be part of the
promotion of American chess!
Submissions
If at all possible, please e-mail your
TLAs. This will help to reduce errors.
tla@uschess.org
fax: 931-787-1200
TLA Department
U.S. Chess Federation
PO Box 3967
Crossville, TN 38557

.
The top prizes must be unconditionally ing existing member IDs. TLAs received after the 10th of the
guaranteed (or if a Grand Prix events For more details, please check the USCF deadline month will not appear in the
prize fund is based on entries, only the website: www.uschess.org/rtgchange.php. issue currently being processed.
absolutely guaranteed minimum payout
counts for point awards) and announced Professional Players Health and
Benefits Fund
in Chess Life. Many Grand Prix tournament organiz-
Even if prizes are raised at the tourna- USCF Membership Rates
ers will contribute $1 per player to the
ment, no additional points can be Professional Health & Benefits Fund. All
Premium (P) and Regular (R)
awarded because the bonus would be Grand Prix tournaments that participate (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)
unfair to players who may otherwise have in this program are entitled to be pro- Type 1 yr 2yr 3yr
entered. If you have questions about the moted to the next higher Grand Prix Adult P $49 $85 $120
Grand Prix, please contact Chuck Lovin- category for example, a 6-point tourna Adult P ** $42 $78 $113
good at clovingood@uschess.org or ment would become a 10-point tourna- Adult R $36 $59 $81
931-787-1234 ext. 148. ment. Points in the top category are Adult R ** $29 $52 $74
promoted 50%. Senior (65+) ** $36 $65 $93
Young Adult P (U25)* $32 $59 $85
Guaranteed Grand Prix points awarded for: Youth P (U16)* $27 $49 $70
Top Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Tot Chess Life TLA Deadlines Scholastic P (U13)* $23 $42 $60
$300-$499 6 6 Cover TLA must be Tournaments Expected
Young Adult R (U25)* $24 $43 $61
$500-$749 8 2 10 date received by beginning release Youth R (U16)* $20 $36 $51
$750-$999 10 5 15 Jan. Nov. 10 Jan. 15 End Dec. Scholastic R (U13)* $16 $28 $39
$1,000-$1,499 12 8 20
Feb. Dec.10 Feb. 15 End Jan. Premium membership provides a printed copy
March Jan. 10 March 15 End Feb. of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for Kids
$1,500-$1,999 14 10 6 30
April Feb. 10 April 15 End March (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular
$2,000-$2,499 16 12 8 4 40
May March 10 May 15 End April membership. Regular membership provides
$2,500-$2,999 18 14 10 6 2 50 online-only access to Chess Life and Chess
June April 10 June 15 End May
$3,000-$3,999 20 16 12 8 4 60 Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be mailed to
July May 10 July 15 End June adults bimonthly and to scholastic members
$4,000-$4,999 22 18 15 12 8 5 80
Aug. June 10 Aug. 15 End July three times per year. Youth provides
$5,000-$5,999 24 20 17 14 11 8 6 100
Sept. July 10 Sept. 15 End Aug. bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly
$6,000-$9,999 26 22 19 16 13 10 8 6 120 Chess Life for Kids, others listed above
Oct. Aug. 10 Oct. 15 End Sept.
$10,000-$29,999 30 26 23 20 16 13 10 8 4 150 monthly Chess Life. See www.us chess.org
Nov. Sept. 10 Nov. 15 End Oct.
$30,000 & up 36 32 29 26 21 18 14 12 8 4 200 for other membership categories. Dues are not
Dec. Oct. 10 Dec. 15 End Nov. refundable and may be changed without
$ (Enhanced) 54 48 44 39 31 27 21 18 12 6 300
notice.
Points involved divided equally (rounded to two *Ages at expiration **Purchased online only
decimal points) among tied players.

44 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

Tournament Life

TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided

for the convenience of USCF members and for informational pur-
poses only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S.
USCF National Events 2012 National Elementary (K-6)
Championship
Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything
contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested
See TLA in this issue for details: May 11-13 Nashville, Tennessee in additional information about or having questions concerning any
of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed.
1st U.S. Womens Open (NEW) 2012 National Scholastic (K-12) Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate
September 5-7 Tulsa, Oklahoma Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Orlando, Florida typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibil-
2013 SuperNationals V ity for errors made in such work.
2009 U.S. Senior Open
September 5-7 Tulsa, Oklahoma TBA Nashville, Tennessee SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: tla@uschess.org
2013 National Scholastic (K-12) (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
50th Annual U.S. Armed Forces Open Prix information see April 2009 pg. 50-51 or check http://main.
Oct. 10-12 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Dec. 13-15 Lake Buena Vista, Florida uschess.org/go/tlainfo. Payment can be done online through the
2009 National Youth Action 2014 National Elementary (K-6) TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967,
Championship Crossville, TN 38557.
November 20-22 Oak Brook, Illinois
2009 National Scholastic (K-12) May 9-11 Dallas, Texas
December 11-13 Dallas, Texas 2014 National Scholastic (K-12) Nationals
Dec. 12-14 Orlando, Florida All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF
Future Events (Watch for details) rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
Overdue Bids EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en-
2009 U.S. Womens Championship try fee or pay them with entry at site.
October 2-12 St. Louis, Missouri Bids on the following tournaments are Sept. 5-7, Oklahoma
2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate past deadline and will be considered 1st U.S. Womens Open
immediately: $$1600 Gtd. plus class prizes based on entries. G/90(+30). 6-SS. Tulsa Best
December 27-30 South Padre Island, WesternTrade Winds Central, 3141 E. Skelly Dr.,Tulsa, OK 74105. (918)749-5561.
Texas 2009 U.S. Masters Prizes: $1600 (Gtd): 1st- $800 + trophy + probable invitation to 2010 U.S.
2010 U.S. Amateur Team - South 2009 Collegiate Final Four Womens Championship; 2nd - $500, 3rd - $300, class prizes as entries per-
2010 U.S. Masters mit. Eligibility: Open to all female USCF members. EF: $80 if recd by 8/30;
Feb. 12-14 Orlando, Florida $90 at site. Reg.: 9:00-10:15am. Rds.: 10:30-3, 9-2, 9-2.Tiebreaks after round
2010 U.S. Amateur Team
2010 U.S. Amateur Team - West (East, North) 6 if necessary. Byes: One 1/2-point bye available if req. by rd 3. HR: $55, (800)
Feb. 13-15 Woodland Hills, California 685-4564. Free wireless. www.tradewindstulsa.com. Side Events: Sat: Blitz
2010 U.S. Class Championship Fischer-Random Pizza Bash. Sun: River Spirit Casino. Info: FKimBerry@
2010 National Junior High 2010 U.S. Amateur AOL.com. Website: www.geocities.com/okiechessfestival Adv Entry: Cks
Championship (East, North, South) payable to: Frank K. Berry, 402 S. Willis, Stillwater, OK 74074. FIDE rated. NS.
April 9-11 Minneapolis, Minnesota W. WCL JGP.
2010 U.S. Game/60
2010 Senior High Championship 2010 U.S. Game/30 Sept. 5-7, Oklahoma
2009 U.S. Senior Open
April 16-18 Columbus, Ohio 2010 U.S. Game/10 (QC) $$4000 Gtd. G/90(+30). 6-SS. Tulsa Best Western Trade Winds Central, 3141
2010 National Elementary (K-6) 2010 U.S. Game/15 (QC) E. Skelly Dr.,Tulsa, OK 74105. (918)749-5561. Eligibility: Open to all USCF mem-
Championship 2010 U.S. Junior Chess Congress bers born before Sept. 5, 1959. Prizes: $4000 (Gtd): 1st-$1200 (+trophy
+invitation into 2010 U.S. Championship, if eligible.) 2nd-$700, 3rd-$400, 4th-
May 7-9 Atlanta, Georgia 2010 U.S. Junior Closed - TBA $300, 5th-$200. U2100: $200-100, U1900: $200-100, U1700 $200-100,
2010 U.S. Open 2010 U.S. Junior Open - TBA U1500/UNR: $200-100. Trophies:Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and each champion for
July 31-Aug. 8 Irvine, California 2010 National Youth Action ages 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and over 75. World Senior Entrant:
2011 U.S. Open* Top finisher born on or before January 1, 1949 receives: 1) official USCF
2010 U.S. Senior Open entrant in the World Senior Championship, and 2) a $500.00 USCF stipend toward
August 22-27 Boca Raton, Florida Bidding Deadlines expenses there (Condino, Italy from Oct 27 to Nov 8) which includes room and
2010 National Scholastic (K-12) board by host country. EF: $90 if recd by 8/30; $105 at site. Reg.: 9:00-
Please contact the National Office if you 10:15am. Rds.: 10:30-3, 9-2, 9-2. Tiebreaks after round 6 if necessary. Byes:
Dec. 10-12 Lake Buena Vista, Florida are interested in bidding for a National One 1/2-point bye available if req. by rd 3. HR: $55, (800) 685-4564. Free wire-
2011 National Junior High Event. The USCF recommends that bids less. www.tradewindstulsa.com. Side Events: Sat: Blitz Fischer-Random Pizza
Championship Bash. Sun: River Spirit Casino. Info: FKimBerry@aol.com. Website: www.geo
be submitted according to the following cities.com/okiechessfestival. Adv Entry: Cks payable to: Frank K. Berry, 402
April 15-17 Columbus, Ohio schedule. However, bids may be consid- S. Willis, Stillwater, OK 74074. FIDE rated. NS.W.
2011 National Elementary (K-6) ered prior to these dates. A Heritage Event!
Championship *USCF reserves the right to decline all Oct. 10-12, Pennsylvania
May 6-8 Dallas, Texas 50th Annual U.S. Armed Forces Open
bids and organize the event itself. 6SS, Rds 1-2 G/90, Rds 3-4 G/2, Rds 5-6 30/90 SD/1. Site: American Civil War
2011 National Scholastic (K-12) Museum, 297 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg, PA. EF: FREE! Must check in by
Dec. 9-11 Dallas, Texas 0845 on Sat. to be paired. Reg.: Sat. 0800-0845, Rds.: Sat. 0900-1230-1600,
Sun. 0900-1400, Mon. 0900. Two half-point byes available. Open to all Active
Note: Organizers previously awarded options for Duty, Reserve, Military Retirees, Cadets, Midshipmen, and ROTC (with DOD ID)
USCF National Events must still submit proposals who have a USCF Membership. Prizes: Trophies & Plaques to Top Service
Team,Top 3 overall players,Top player of each DoD Service on Active Duty,Top
(including sample budgets) for their events. Reservist, Top Retiree, Top 3 Cadets/Midshipmen/ROTC, Top 2 each Class A-
D and below, Biggest Upset, and other prizes. Awards Ceremony: Monday Oct.
2012 Senior High Championship 12 after Rd 6. HR: 2 choices, must call hotels directly by Sep. 9 and ask for Chess
April 13-15 Minneapolis, Minnesota Tournament Rate. Comfort Inn, 3301 Black Gap Rd, Chambersburg, PA 717-263-
6655, $59.40 per night. Or, Days Inn, 865 York Road, Gettysburg, PA
717-334-0030, $111.60 per night. Use website to enter www.usmilitarychess.org,
or mail to Mike Hoffpauir, ATTN: USAFO, 405 Hounds Chase, Yorktown, VA 23693
Tournament memberships not valid for National events with Rank, Name, USCF ID#, Branch of Service. Send all questions to: Mike
Hoffpauir, mhoffpauir@aol.com, 757-846-4805.
Nov. 20-22, Illinois
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available 2009 National Youth Action
9SS, G/30. DoubleTree hotel, 1909 Spring Road,Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523,Tel:
USCFs Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only 1-630-472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE); $89 single/double/triple/quad. Four Sec-
one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be tions K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $40 by 10/25/09 USPS (or $40 on-line
purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submis- by 10/25, 6 pm); $60 by 11/13/09 USPS (or $60 on-line 10/25/09, after 6 pm
sions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied - 11/13/09, 6 pm); $75 USPS 11/13 11/17 (or $75 on-line 11/13/09, 6:01 pm
to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events. 11/19, 6 pm); $75 by 11/20/09 6 PM on site (on-site entries after 11/20/09
Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF-rated, and the USCF is concerned that the 6 PM can not be guaranteed pairing for round 1, instead they may receive 1/2
reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The point bye round 1). Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Indi-
vidual: 1st 20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards:
availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF-rated, pro- 1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9:
moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th
more USCF-rated tournaments to be held. Place in each section. Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Cer-
More details on uschess.org. emony Sat., Nov 21 at 9:30 am. Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm
& 5 pm. Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bug-
house Tournament Fri, Nov 20, 6:30 pm. EF $20 per team ($10 for individuals
Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each and we help you create a team). On site registration only. Registration closes
monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month, at 5 pm, Fri, Nov 20. One section only, K-12. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place.
unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also Blitz Tournament Sat, Nov 21, K-6 & K-12, 6:30 pm, EF $15 USPS/on-line
frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of by 10/25, 6 pm, $20 USPS from10/26 11/17; $20 on-line 10/26, 6:01 pm -
your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for pairing or prize pur- 11/19, 6pm; $25 on site. Registration closes at 5 pm, Sat, Nov 21. Blitz
poses. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section. Team: 1st-10th in each section.
their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy. Awards Ceremony for Blitz and Bughouse: Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Cer-

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 45

 Tournament Life

emony: Sun, Nov 22, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams allowed! Master simuls and Indian Springs, AL 35124. CHAMPIONSHIP (1500+; $1,275 $$b/40): $400- prize. Reg. ends: 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
analysis scheduled. Hotel Info: DoubleTree hotel, Oakbrook, Il (hotel registra- 300-225, A: 200,U1800: 150. RESERVE (UNR-1499; $1,100 $$b/35): U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14

tion code: NYA) www.doubletreeoakbrook.com, or http://doubletree.hilton.com/ $350-250-200, E: 175, U1000: 125. EF: $40, if mailed by SEP 4th, 2009. scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes:
en/dt/groups/personalized/CHIOADT-NYA-20091120/index.jhtml (630) 472- Onsite Reg: $50. GMs/IMs Free Entry! Rds.: FRI: 7:15; SAT: 9:30-2-6:30; limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing
6020 or 630 472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE), HR single/double/triple/quad $89. SUN: 8:30-2. 2-Day Option: SAT: Rds. 1-2 @ G/75, 8-11and then schedules and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
Enter on line (except Bughouse) at http://nya2009.com. Checks payable merge. Byes: Rds. 1-5; request before Rd 2. SCHOLASTIC (U1200): 5 Sec-
only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF or Mike Zacate): Mail registra- tions, Trophies: Top 4 Individuals; Medals 5th-7th. EF: $20/$10, at Site
Sept. 24, New York
tions with name-contact info-grade-birthday-team/school-uscf ID & $30/$20, Rds.: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45, 3. Checks payable to: Caesar Lawrence.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to Mike Zacate ENT: Caesar Lawrence, 882 McAllister Dr., Calera, AL 35040. Info: Caesar
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10th St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
(Please, no checks payable to Mike or USCF), 9401 Birch, Mokena, IL Chess@yahoo.com. ACF: www.alabamachess.com. WCL JGP.
NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
60448. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: http://nya2009.com. $10 serv-
Sept. 12-13, California Southern ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may
ice charge for on-site section/roster changes, and all refunds. Bookdealers
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105,
scheduled. Eclectic Collections U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA
Dec. 11-13, Texas (Sponsored by: Eclectic Collections www.colognes.com/eclectic_collections) ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game.
2009 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship 6-SS, G/60. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025, Rds 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
7SS, G/90. Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX. 214-748- 2nd fl. (4 blks W 405). $$1,500 Gtd.. In two sections, Open: $400-200-50, U2200:
1200 or 1-800-HILTONS and ask for the chess rate ($120). 13 Sections. Play $125, U2000: $125. Reserve: (U1800) $$200-100, U1600 $125, Under Sept. 26, New York
only in your grade section. December rating supplement will be used. 1/2- point 1400/unrated $100, U1200: $75. EF: $55 if recd by 9/10; $60 at the door ($45 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
bye available any round (except round seven) if requested in advance of rd. 1. LACC members if recd by 9/10; $50 at the door; $30 new LACC members) - New York Indian Summer Game/45!
Team score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per $3 off SCCF members. Up to 3 half-point byes available. Re-entry $25. 1-day 5-SS, G/45. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
grade. First place individual and team, including ties, will be National Cham- option I: Play 3 games- no 1/2 pt byes- Pay 1/2 EF; 1-day option II: Play 3 NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
pion for their grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 pm. Rds.: Fri. games- three 1/2 pt byes- pay full EF. Free coffee & cookies. Reg.: 11:00 - 11:45 ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries,
1 pm-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm-6 pm, Sun. 9 am-1 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun. , am. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Public Parking on the NE corner of Santa Mon- minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100.
Approx. 5 pm. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sat. ica & Butler; or in the building underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds.
9:30 am-1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sun. 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun Mick@LAChessClub.com. URL: www.LAChessClub.com. Ent: LACC - Box 251774, 12-2-3:45-5:30-7:15 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at
Approx. 4:30 pm for K-1. EF: $50/participant (postmarked by 11/12), $70/par- Los Angeles, CA 90025. A State Championship Qualifier. www.chesscenter.cc thru 9/24; $10 extra to enter by phone!
ticipant (postmarked by 11/29), $85 later or $90 at site, $5.00 extra for all phone Sept. 26-27, California Northern
Sept. 15, New York
registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after 11/13 or any World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
onsite changes. Onsite registrationThurs. 9 am-10 pm & Fri. 8 am-10 am. After St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club 1st Annual Exchange Bank Open
10 am players will have a 1/2-point bye rd 1. Awards: Trophies to top 10 indi- 4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open Exchange Bank, 444 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403. 4 round Swiss,
viduals & top five teams (minimum) in each grade. Class prizes: 1st-3rd place to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY G/120. In 3 Sections Open: $$GTD: $250-175. Reserve: Open to 1899 &
K-3: 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr. 4-6: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40, under. $$GTD: $200-125. Booster: Open to 1499 & under. $$GTD: $150-100.
7-9: 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr. 10-12: 1400-1599, 1200- members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, Unr. must play in Open Section. ALL: EF: $35 advance until 9/21, $45 at site.
1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Every player receives a commemorative item! money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen- Reg.: 09/26 8:30am - 9:30am. Rds.: Sat 10, 3; Sun 10, 3. ENT: Paul Stagnoli,
Side Events: Bughouse: Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only Thurs. 8 am-10 am, erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100. Top U2400 and 4233 Kintyre Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 (707) 539-6368. INFO: paulgs@
$25/team. Blitz EF: Advance/online entry: $15; Onsite - $20. Blitz Sections: Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15- sonic.net. No phone or e-mail entries. Bring equipment, none provided. No cell
K-6 and K-12, Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm. Blitz Awards: Trophies in K- 9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration. phones allowed. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
6 and K-12 sections. Individual: Top 10, Team: 1st-5th place. K-6 Class:
1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. K-12 Class: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, Sept. 19, Pennsylvania Sept. 26-27, California Southern
1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Bughouse Awards: Trophies for Bughouse, TBA. Team World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Rooms are limited. Contact Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234 ext.147. Hotel info: Allentown School Days Swiss Bakersfield Fall Classic
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DFWANHH-Hilton-Anatole-Texas/ 4SS, G/90. St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: 5-SS, G/90 (Rounds 1-3), 40/2, SD/1 (Rounds 4-5). East Hills Mall, 3000 Mall
index.do Questions: Cheryle Bruce: 931-787-1234 ext. 147 or Ent: U.S. Chess, $40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per entries. Up View Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. $1700 prize fund b/o 40, 80% GUARAN-
Attn.: K-12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 or online at: to two 1/2 pt byes with advanced notice (if declared before round 3). REG.: TEED: $500 (GTD!!)-300-200 top U2000 $250, U1800 $200, U1600/Unr
https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. Official webpage Ends 10am. RDS.: 10:30-1:30-4:45-7:45. Ent/Info: Checks payable to: Bruce $150-$100. EF: $45 by 9/24, $55 after; $6 discount for BCC members and SCCF
for details: http://main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/k12/. WCL JGP. Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. 610-625-0467 or bdavis@ members. GMs & IMs FREE ($45 from prize). Special K-8 Tournament: Sep-
lehighvalleychess.org or www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Reg by mail by 9/14 tember 26, 5-SS G/30, Rounds: 10-11:30-1pm-2:30-4pm. EF: $20 by 9/24, $30
to enter to win a Saitek Competition Chess Clock. WCL JGP. after; prizes 1st3rd place Overall & 1st 3rd place trophies in scholastic cat-
Grand Prix Sept. 19-20, Maryland
egories. All: 1/2-pt bye available any round with entry. Reg.: 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Saturday. Rds.: Saturday: 10am-1:30pm-5pm, Sunday: 9am-3:30pm. Info:
A Heritage Event! World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 Kenneth J. Poole 661-304-7468, kpchessman@yahoo.com or visit www.bakers
A State Championship Event! UMBC Championship fieldchessclub.com. Ent: Bakersfield Chess Club, P.O. Box 176, 3501 Mall View
Sept. 11-13, Alabama 5SS, 20/1, SD/1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Cir- Rd., Suite 115, Bakersfield, CA 93306. WCL JGP for Fall Classic only.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 cle, Baltimore (in Commons, 3rd floor). Open: (All) $$900: $300-200-100 Gtd.,
56th Annual Alabama State Chess Championship Class prizes $100 ea. to top U2300, U2100, U1900.Top UMBC student awarded Sept. 26-27, Texas
6SS, G/100 (i.e. G/95 with t/d 5). Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Drive, trophy & title of 2009-2010 UMBC Chess Champion. Certificates & UMBC Class World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
titles to top UMBC students U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200, & Unr. DFW FIDE Open VI
All prospective members of any UMBC Chess Team for academic year 2009- 5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr.,
2010 must play in this section. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from any #A, Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G. Open: This section is FIDE
prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$800 b/40: $300-200-100, Class prizes $100 ea. rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. EF: $50, Juniors (U19)/Senior/Hcap
USCF Membership Rates to top U1600, U1400. No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this section. $30, plus $5 non-DCC membership fee if applicable. Registration: 9:45 -10:15
See separateTLA for rated beginners tournament held 9/19. All: EF: $40 if post- am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested
Premium (P) and Regular (R) marked by 9/4, $50 later, $10 less if under age 20. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds.: before rd 2, withdrawals are not eligible for prizes. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see
(U.S., CANADA, MEXICO) 10-3-7:30pm Sat, 10:30-3:30pm Sun. Byes: Up to three 1/2-pt. byes avail. in address above. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com NS. NC. FIDE.
Rds. 1-5 if reqd at least 1 hr. before Rd. (before Rd 2 for any Rd. 4-5 bye), but WCL JGP.
Type 1 yr 2yr 3yr only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds 4-5. HR: La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1734 Sept. 27, California Southern
Adult P $49 $85 $120 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask for UMBC chess World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards BWI Airport. 19th Chess Palace Anniversary
Adult P ** $42 $78 $113 Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bearing right 5-SS, G/30. Chess Palace is located at 12872 Valley View St., Suite 5, Garden
Adult R $36 $59 $81 onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 & follow Grove, CA 92845. $$1,000 Cash Prize Guaranteed. In two sections: Open:
signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent: Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, $300-$100-$75, U2000: $100, Reserve U1800: $100-$50, U1600 $90, U1300
Adult R ** $29 $52 $74 UMBC, Attn: Championship, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. Make out $80.Plus trophy awards for all prize winners. EF: Early Registration (before
Senior (65+) ** $36 $65 $93 check to UMBC. For more information: ChessClub@umbc.edu, (410) 455- 9/13/09): $ 55, Late Reg.: $10 more, Onsite (not guaranteed): $15 more SCCF
8499, www.umbc.edu/chess. NS, W, FIDE. WCL JGP. memb, seniors, and juniors save $2. Reg.: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:15-1PM-
Young Adult P (U25)* $32 $59 $85
Sept. 20, New York 2:15-3:30. Free parking. Inf: chesspalace2000@yahoo.com. Website & Online
Youth P (U16)* $27 $49 $70 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced) entry: www.chesspalace.com/events.htm. Extra: Free t-shirt, snacks, and
Scholastic P (U13)* $23 $42 $60 Grandmaster Challenge (QC) raffle tickets. Ent: (714) 899-3421.
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716, lim- A Heritage Event!
Young Adult R (U25)* $24 $43 $61 ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to A State Championship Event!
Youth R (U16)* $20 $36 $51 Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from Oct. 2-4 or 3-4, Indiana
Scholastic R (U13)* $16 $28 $39 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
68th Indiana State Chess Championship
Premium membership provides a printed 5SS, 40/2 SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Clarion Hotel & Conference
copy of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS Center, 2930 Waterfront Pkwy., West Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46214. $$2800 b/90.
In 2 Sections, Championship: EF: $70 rcvd by 9/29, $80 at site. $$: $500-250.
Kids (bimonthly) plus all other benefits of
regular membership. Regular membership
HEALTH AND BENEFITS FUND U2300 $245, U2200 $240, U2000 $235, Upset $50. $100 State Champion
Award. 1st Place Guaranteed. Reserve: Open to 1799 & under. EF: $55 rcvd
provides online-only access to Chess Life Many Grand Prix tournament organizers by 9/29, $65 at site. $$: $300-215-210. Class C $205, Class D & Under $200,
Upset $50. ALL: Memb. Reqd: ISCA. OSA. Reg.: Ends Fri. 6:30pm (2-day option:
and Chess Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be will contribute $1 per player to the Pro- Regs. ends Sat. 9:30am). Rds.: Fri. 7pm, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 9-3:30 (2-day option:
mailed to adults bimonthly and to scholas- fessional Health & Benefits Fund. All Sat. 10-1:30-5, Sun. 9-3:30). Annual Meeting 2:30pm Sunday. Car load discount,
tic members three times per year. Youth Grand Prix tournaments which partici- sign up in groups of 4 and receive 10% off adv EF, rcvd by 9/8. ENT: Gary J Fox,
provides bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic 134 Wheatland Ave., Logansport, IN 46947. INFO: 574-722-4965,
pate in this program are entitled to be info@donleychess.org. HR: $72, 317-299-8400, www.indiananchess.org. NS
bimonthly Chess Life for Kids, others listed
promoted to the next higher Grand Prix NC W. WCL JGP.
above monthly Chess Life. See www.us
chess.org for other membership categories.
categoryfor example, a six-point tourna- A Heritage Event!
Dues are not refundable and may be ment would become a 10-point Oct. 2-4, 3-4, Maryland
tournament. Points in the top category World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40
changed without notice. 49th Maryland Open
*Ages at expiration **Purchased online only are promoted 50%. 5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (Rnd 1 G/120) (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Rockville Hilton,
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. All prizes guaranteed. 3 sec-

46 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

CL_09-2009_tla_JP_r5:chess life 8/10/2009
tions: Open $1000-500-300-200, top U2100 $200 Amateur Section (U1900)
$700-400-300-100, top U1700 $150, top U1550 $150 Reserve Section (U1400)
$600-350-250-100, top U1200 $100, top U1000 $100. Unrated may not win over
$200 in U1100 or $400 in U1900. EF: $60 by 9/18 mail or online, $65 by 10/1
online, and $70 at the door. Special EFs: GM&IMs free; $60 deducted from
prize. Special HR: $69, may not be avail after 9/18, reserve at
http://tinyurl.com/mdopenrooms. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7pm, rds
Fri 8, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2-6,
9-2:15 Ent: MCA, c/o Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Rd., Towson, MD
21204. Online entry @ http://mdopen.eventbrite.com. Questions: matkins2@
cox.net or mregan@baltimorechess.org FIDE. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Oct. 3, New York
14th Annual Arkport Open
4SS, Rds. 1 & 2 G/60, Rds 3 & 4 G/90. Arkport Village Hall, 6 Park Ave., Ark-
port, NY 14807. $GTD: $200 - 100, $B/25: U1800 and U1600 each $100 50.
EF: $30 cash at site. Reg.: 9 9:45 a.m., 10/3/09, Rds.: 10, 12, 2:15, 5:30.
Director: Ronald Lohrman. Info: 607 295 9858. Ent: F. K. Harris, 1 Northridge
Dr., Arkport, NY 14807. WCL JGP for Rds. 3-4.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Oct. 3, Tennessee
Memphis Fall Cajun Chess Festival
4SS, G/60, $1000 b/50 full-pd. EFs, 50% Gtd. Neshoba Unitarian Universalist
Church, 7350 Raleigh Lagrange Rd., Cordova,TN. 2 Sects. OPEN: $300-200-100;
U1600: $200-100-50; (Top prize for U1000: $50). Byes: 1/2-pt. avail. for any
one Rd. (commit before Rd. 3). On-site Reg.: Sat., 8:30-9am, Rds. 9:30-12 noon-
2:30-5. EF: $35 by 9/30 ($25 for Jrs under 18); $40 at site for all. (Jr. EFs count
for 70% full paid entry). ReEntry: $20 up to Rd. 3. ENT: On-line at www.cajun
chess.com, or mail entry to Cajun Chess, 7230 Chadbourne Dr., New Orleans,
LA 70126. Info or Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971, or cajunchess@
yahoo.com. Major credit cards accepted.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Oct. 3-4 or 4, New York
New York October Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet. 5th-
6th Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each
prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-
100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr.
prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chess
center.cc thru 10/1. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds
1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit
by rd 2. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr.
must enter Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Oct. 4, Pennsylvania
2009 PA State Game/60 Championship
4SS, G/60. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
uschess.org
4:40 PM Page 47
3 Sections, $$ (695G): Championship: EF: $30 by 9/26, $40 later. $200-100,
U2000 $75, U1800 $50. Premier: U1600. EF: $25 by 9/26, $35 later. $90-60,
U1400 $50, U1200 $40, U1000 $30;Trophies toTop 2,Top 2 U1400,Top 2 U1200,
Top 2 U1000. Scholastic: Grades K-12 U900. EF: $15 by 9/26, $25 later. Tro-
phies to Top 7, 1-3 U600. ALL: Teams of 4 to 7 combined from all sections,
Trophies 1st-2nd schools, clubs. PSCF $5, OSA. Reg ends 10am. Rds.: 10:30-
1-3:15-5:45. Ent/Info: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA
15223, 412-908-0286, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com. W.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40
Oct. 9-11, California Southern
Los Angeles Open
5SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds. 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W.
Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each prize guar-
anteed. In 3 sections: Open: 1600-1000-800-400-200, U2400 300-200, U2200
700-500-300. EF: $83 if received by 10/8, $95 door. Premier (U2000): $$ 700-
500-300-100, U1800 400-200-150, U1600 400-200-150. EF: $83 if received by
10/8, $95 door. Amateur (U1400/Unrated): $$400-200-100, U1200 100, Unr
100, unrated may win unrated prize only. EF: $67 if received by 10/8, $80 door.
On-line entry: www.westernchess.com. No credit card entries at door. All: $25
Best Game prize, all sections eligible. One half point bye if requested with entry,
rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. SCCF membership req. of S. Cal. res., $18 reg, $10
junior. Reg.: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fri, 9-10 a.m. Sat. Rds.: 3-day 7 p.m. Fri, 11-5:30
Sat, 10-4:30 Sun. 2-day: 10:30-1:30 Sat. (G/75), then merges. HR: $109,
(310) 410-4000. Use Group Code LOS. Parking $8/day. Info: admin@ west-
ernchess.com. Web site: www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery,
835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS. NC. F. State Championship
Qualifier. WCL JGP for rounds slower than G/60.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
Oct. 9-11 or 10-11, Illinois
18th annual Midwest Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 1000 & Under 700 Sec-
tions: 6SS, G/75, 10/10-11 only. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North
Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45
north; from Milwaukee, I-94 to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south). Free parking.
$20,000 guaranteed prizes and trophies. In 9 sections; no unrated allowed
in Master or Expert, unrated allowed in Under 700 only if age 15 or below. Mas-
ter (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, top
U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1300-700-400-300. Class A
(1800-1999/Unr): $1300-700-400-300. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $1300-700-
400-300. Class C (1400-1599/Unr): $1200-600-400-200. Class D
(1200-1399/Unr): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200/Unr): $1000-
500-300-200. Under 1000: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Under 700:
Trophies to top 7. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated prize limit
$70 U1000, $110 E, $150 D, $250 C, $350 B, $500 A. Top 7 sections EF: 3-day
$103, 2-day $102 mailed by 10/1, all $105 online at chesstour.com by 10/6, $110
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 10/6 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. No
checks at site, credit cards OK. U1000 & U700 EF: $27 mailed by 10/1, $28
online at chesstour.com by 10/6, $30 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 10/6 (entry
only, no questions), $40 at site. All: ICA memb. ($15, scholastic $10) required
for rated Illinois residents. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in Class D or lower if
paid with 1 year USCF dues. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or
more games used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess
Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at
site $40. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. GMs $80 from prize.
3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day
schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. U1000 & U700
schedule: Reg. ends 9:30 am, rds. Sat 10-1:30-5, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Bye: all,
Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $94-94-94-94, 800-
937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 9/25 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis,
800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salis-
bury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com,
845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Oct. 9-11, Texas
Lone Star Open
5SS, G/120, FIDE rated. Free entry for GMs and IMs (EF deducted from win-
nings). SIDE EVENTS: (Schol.Team & Ind., 5SS, G/30, 1-day only, Sat. Oct. 10th);
5-min. Blitz CAJUN KNOCK-OUT (Sat. night after Rd. 3). Separate room for
schol. Players - A trophy or medal will be awarded to each schol. player. Mar-
riott Dallas/Addison Quorum by the Galleria, 14901 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas
(800-228-9290 or 972-661-2800). 5 Sects. PRIZES: $10,000 b/200 paid ent.
$5,000 min. gtd. OPEN: $1400-800-500-300-200; U2200: $700-400; U2000:
$800-400-200-100-50; U1800: $800-400-200-100-50; U1600/Unr*: $800-400-
200-100-50; U1300: $400-300-200-100-50. *Unrated players may only win 50%
of the prize fund except in the Open Sect. where they must pay full EF and are
eligible for full prize fund. Schol. Sects. (Team & Individual): K-2, K-5, K-8, K-
12. Prizes: Trophies to top 5 individuals & top 3 teams in each section (more
ind. trophies depending on attendance). Every non-trophy winner receives a
souvenir chess medal. Teams may have as many players as they wish from the
same school in the same section but must have a minimum of 3 players to be
considered a team; the top 3 scores will count for final team score. Scholas-
tic players may play in both adult and scholastic tournaments by registering
for both tournaments and taking a bye for Rd. 2 in the adult tournament.
USCF-recommended computer tiebreaks will decide trophy and medal place-
ments for winners of all schol. sections. Free chess clock to player who travels
farthest to tourn. in both adult and schol. tournaments. Discounted hotel park-
ing ($5 per day for chess players). CAJUN BOUNTY: Defeat the top ranked
player and win free entry to our next tournament! EF: $79 by 10/7; $89 at site;
Unr. (U1600) and Jrs. (under 19 yrs of age and playing in U1300 or U1600 Sec-
tions) $49 by 10/7; $59 at site. Schol. EF: $20 by 10/7; $25 at site; Re-Entry
Fee: $25 (avail. up to Rd. 4 - no re-entry in OPEN section; 3 re-entries or 2 Jr.
entries count as one additional entry for prize fund). 3-day Sched: Reg. Fri.
5:30-7pm, Rds. Fri. 8pm; Sat. 11-6:30, Sun. 9:30-2:30. 2-day Sched: Reg. Sat.
8:30-10am, (Rds 1 & 2, G/75) Sat. 11-2:30-6:30, Sun. 9:30-2:30. Both sched-
ules merge at Rd. 3. Schol. Sched: (All 5 rds G/30one day only, Sat., Oct.
10). Reg. Sat. 8:30-9:30am, Rd. 1 at 10am; Other rds will follow immediately.
Byes: Avail. all Rds. (commit before Rd. 3). HR: $85 for single, double, triple
or quad (800-228-9290 or 972-661-2800), reserve by Sept. 15 and mention Cajun
Chess tournament to assure group rate. ENT: On-line registration and print-
able entry form at www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry form to Franc Guadalupe,
Chess Life September 2009 47
 Tournament Life
305 Willow Pointe Dr., League City, TX 77573. Info or Phone Ent: 713-530-7820
or 504-905-2971. Major credit cards accepted (no checks at site). FIDE. WCL
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14
JGP.
Oct. 9-Dec. 4, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
2009 Queens Chess Club Championship
8-SS, G/120. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY
11432. EF: $55, $60 at site. $$500-$300-$200 guaranteed to top 3, more per
entries. Up to three 1/2 pt byes ok with advance notice (byes for rounds 6, 7
and/or 8 must be declared before round 5). REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.: 8:15 each
Friday. ENT (mail by 10/2): Ed Frumkin, 445 E. 14th St., #10D, NYC 10009 (212-
677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on Fri). No round on November 13. QCC
membership required (U19 y/o, female, 65 & older $20 for six months, others
$25/6 months). WCL JGP.
Oct. 10, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix
4SS RDS. 1 & 2 G/60, RDS. 3 & 4 G/90 @RCC (GTD) $150-90-60 class $80. Reg.:
8:30-9:15. RDS.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30 EF: $30 Adv Ent/Info: Rochester Chess Cen-
ter, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. (585)442-2430. WCL JGP rds. 3-4.
Oct. 10-11, Virginia
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Kingstowne Fall Festival
Kingstowne Snyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA 22315. 3
sections. Open (FIDE rated): 4SS 40/100 SD/1. EF: $40 if received by 10/7,
$50 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF: $84 if received by 10/7, $94 at
site. Prizes $$1000G: $400-250-125. U1800-U1600-Unr. each $75. Rds.: 11-
5, 10-4. Amateur (U1800-Unr): 5SS G/100. EF: $20 if received by 10/7, $30
at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF: $64 if received by 10/7, $74 at site.
Prizes $$500 b/32: $180-100-70. U1600-U1400-Unr. each $50. No unrated may
win more than $150. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Reserve (U1600-Unr.): 5SS
G/100. EF: $15 if received by 10/7, $25 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time,
USEF: $59 if received by 10/7, $69 at site. Prizes $$400 b/32: $150-80-50.
U1400-U1200-U1000-Unr. each $30. No unrated may win more than $100.
Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. All: one half-point bye in Open, two in other sections.
Reg.: 9:30-10:30. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince
George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only): dm407_92@hotmail.com.
FIDE. W. WCL JGP.
Oct. 15, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may
be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105,
U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA
ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game.
Rds 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
48 Chess Life September 2009
A Heritage Event!
A State Championship Event!
Oct. 16-18 or 17-18, South Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
70th S.C. Championships
5SS, 35/90,SD1(2 day schedule Rd.1 G/90). Days Inn Southeast, 7300 Garners
Ferry Rd.(at I-77), Columbia, SC 29209. $2,700 b/60($1,350 GTD) In 3 sec-
tions (trophy to 1st & 2nd S.C. player in each section): Open/Championship:
$600-300-150 u2200-$150 u2000-$150. Amateur (u1800): $300-150 u1600-
$150. Reserve (u1400): $300-150 u1200-$150 u1000-$150. Special Junior prize
(under 19): no monies; trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. EF: $60 if recd by
10/12; $70 at site; $35; re-entry; $20 for junior prize entry. SCCA memb.
reqd, OSA. Byes: avail. all rds, Rds. 4 or 5 must commit before 2nd rd. (irrev-
ocable;only one bye available on Sunday) 3 day schedule: Reg. ends 7pm, Fri.
Rds. 8, 2-8, 9-2:30. 2 day schedule: Reg. ends 7pm, Fri., 9am Sat. Rd. 1 @10am,
then merge with 3 day. HR: $65 (reserve by 9/30; mention chess tnt) 803-783-
5500. Other info: More $$ per entries. Free entry to masters ($60 deducted
from any winnings.) Unrateds eligibilty for prizes based on perf. rating after
4th rd. Annual meeting held 1-2pm on Sunday. SC Championship title to top SC
player. Info/Reg/Pmt: S.C. Chess Assn., c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr.,
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (causey6@bellsouth.net) (Please indicate whether play-
ing in 2 or 3 day schedule when pre-registering and include payment to receive
early entry fee otherwise $70 at site.) WCL JGP.
Oct. 17, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
New York October Action!
5-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet. 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries,
minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100.
Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 12-
1:30-2:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at
www.chesscenter.cc thru 10/15; $10 extra to enter by phone!
Oct. 17, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
2009 Lehigh Valley LVCA Oct Championship
4SS, G/90. St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102.
EF: $40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid
entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes with advanced notice (if declared before round
3). REG.: Ends 10am. RDS.: 10-1:30-4:45-7:45. Ent/Info: Checks payable to:
Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. 610-625-0467 or
bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org or www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Reg by mail
by 10/12 to enter to win a Saitek Competition Chess Clock. WCL JGP.
Oct. 17, Tennessee
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Heart of Tennessee Open
5-SS, Rd. 1 G/30, Rd. 2 G/60, Rds. 3, 4, 5 G/75. Trinity Presbyterian Church,
1020 N. Rutherford Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN. EF: $20 by 10/15, $25 at site. $$
(1000, top 2 G, class prizes b/6 entries per class, else proportional): $200-104,
X, A, B, C, D, E/below each $102, Unr. $84. Reg.: 8:00-8:45am. Rds.: 9:00-10:00-
12:45-3:15-5:45. Ent: Rutherford County Chess Club, P.O. Box 1593,
Murfreesboro,TN 37133. http://rccc.us/ (with map to site), rccc@rccc.us 615-
895-7989 NS. NC. W. WCL JGP for rounds 3, 4, 5.
Oct. 17, Wisconsin
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Hales Corners Challenge X
4SS, G/60. Two Sections: Open & Reserve (under 1600). Wyndham Milwau-
kee Airport Hotel, 4747 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee (414-481-8000). EF:
$35-Open, $25-Reserve, both $5 more after 10/14. Comp EF for USCF 2200+,
call TD for details. $$ Open: 1st-$325 (guaranteed), 2nd-$175 (guaranteed),
A-$100, B & Below-$75; $$ Reserve: 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, D-$50, E & Below-$40;
plus goddesschess.com sponsored prizes for female players in both sections.
Reg.: 8:30-9:30, Rds.: 10-1-3:30-6. Ent: Payable to Southwest Chess Club, c/o
Allen Becker, 6105 Thorncrest Drive, Greendale, WI 53129. Questions to: TD
Tom Fogec: 414-425-6742 or 414-405-4207.
Oct. 17-18, California Northern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Fremont Open
4-SS, 30/90; SD/60. Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont, CA
94538. $$B 80 paid entries (not counting unrateds).Three Sections: Open $400-
260 U2200 $250-150; A/B A $250-150 B $250-150; Reserve C $250-150 D/E
$250-150 Unr: Trophy First. Reserve players playing in the A/B section com-
pete for the B prizes. All, EF: postmarked by 10/12 $60, $70 at site. Unrateds
$20 in the Reserve section or may play up to the Open section for the regular
fee. USCF memb. reqd. May play up for addl $10 per section. Reg.: Sat 10/17
9:00-9:45am. RDS.: Sat 10:00 & 3:30; Sun 10:00 & 3:30; One 1/2 pt bye avail-
able if requested in advance (bye in rds 3 or 4 must be requested before rd
1). 2009 October Ratings List, CCA minimums and Directors discretion will be
used to place players as accurately as possible. Please bring clocks and equip-
ment. INFO: Ken Zowal (510)-623-9935. Email: kenneth.zowal@sbcglobal.net
or richardkoepcke@yahoo.com. Ent: Ken Zowal, P.O. Box 3211, Fremont, CA
94539. No Phone entries. WCL JGP.
Oct. 20, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday. 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration.
A State Championship Event!
Oct. 23-24, Utah
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Utah Open Championship
5SS. Olpin Student Union, University of Utah, Collegiate Room and Saltaire Room.
uschess.org
$$700 Gtd plus section & class trophies. Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100. Reserve
U1600: 1st $150, 2nd $75. Reserve U800: 1st $100, 2nd $75. UT State Cham-
pion trophies to top male & female finishers in Open from UT. Also, cash class
prizes in addition to trophies based on number of entries. Open: Reg.: Fri 2-
2:45 or 6-6:25 and Sat 8-9:30; 1/2 pt bye avail. for any 2 rds declared prior to
rd 3 to accommodate those unable to play on Fri. Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4-5 G/2,
Fri. 3-6:30, Sat 10-1:15-5:30. (5 sec delay all rounds.) Reserve: Sat. only. (2
sects: U1600 & U800). Reg.: 8-9:30 am. U1600 G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-2:45-5-
7:30. U800 G/45, Rds.: 10-12-1:45-3:30-5:15. EF: $30 Adult, $20 Youth; $5 less
in adv. GM, IM free. UCA mtg: Saturday, 9:30-9:55. Ent/Info: Grant Hodson,
5856 Cilma Dr., West Valley City, UT 84128, 801-968-1724, granthod-
son@comcast.net, and at www.utahchess.com. WCL JGP.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
Oct. 23-25, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
27th Annual Sands Regency Reno-Western States Open
6SS.40/2,20/1,G 1/2. Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave.,
Reno, NV 89501. 1-800-648-3553 or (775) 348-2200. $$43,500 b/425, Gtd.
$$28,750-$3500-2500-2000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500 in Open Sec-
tion plus 1/2 of all other prizes. 7 Sections: OPEN: EF: GMs & IMs free (enter
by 10/1 or pay late fees), Masters $149, (2000-2199)-$175, (1999-below)-$201.
$$ Prizes 1-10 listed above, (2399-below) $1500-500, (2299-below) $1500-500.
If a tie for 1st overall then 2 (G/10) playoff for $100 from prize fund. (Note:
GM/IM w/free entry not eligible for class prizes 2399 and below; may elect
to pay entry fee and become eligible). EXPERT: (2000-2199) EF: $148. $$2000-
1000-500-400-300-200 (under 2100)- $600.A Sec. (1800-1999) EF: $147,
$$1800-900-500-400-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100.B Sec. (1600-1799)
EF: $146, $$1,600-800-500-400-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-100. C Sec.
(1400-1599) EF: $145, $$ 1,400-700-500-400-300-200-100-100-100-100-100-
100. D Sec. (1200-1399) EF: $144, $$1,200-600-500-400-300-200-100-100-100-
100-100-100.E Sec. (1199-below) EF: $75 (E Sect. entries count as ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg
paid player toward prize fund), $$500-400-300-200-100-100-50-50- 50-50.
(Unrated Players) EF: Free + must join USCF or increase membership for 1
additional year thru this tournament($49 adults,$25 juniors) Prizes:Top unrated
in D & E Sections wins 1 yr. USCF membership plus trophy. Note: Adult Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chess-
unrated will be put in D Sect., Junior unrated in E, unless request to play tour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions:
up. Seniors additional prizes (65+) $$300 (Srs not eligible: provisionally rated,
unrated, masters & E Sect); Club Championship $$800-400-200 decided by total
score of 10 (and only 10) players from one club or area (not eligible GMs,
IMs, E Sec., or unrated). Trophies to Top 3 (A-E Sections). ALL: EF $11 more
if postmarked after 10/1 and $22 more if postmarked after 10/16 or at site.
Do not mail after 10/16 or phone or email after 10/20. $20 off EF to Srs (65+)
and Jrs 19/under (E sect. not eligible). Players may play up. Unrated players
not eligible for cash prizes except Open 1-10. Provisionally rated players may
win up to 50% of 1st place money except open Section 1-10. CCA ratings may
be used. Note pairings not changed for color alternation unless 3 in a row or
a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned.
Reg.: (10/22) 5-8 pm, (10/23) 8:30-10 am. Rds.: 12-7, 10-6, 9:30-4. Byes
available any round, if requested before 1st round (Open Section 2 byes max.).
uschess.org
SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (10/21) 7pm Clock Simul, [40/2, G/1] (Including an
analysis of YOUR game. GM Sergey Kudrin $30 (A great value!). Thurs
(10/22) 6-7:30 pm GM Larry Evans lecture -Free, 7:30 Simul TBA (only
$15!), 7:30 Blitz (5 min) Tourney ($20-80% to prize fund). Sat 10/24 (3-
4:30pm)GM Larry Evans Clinic(Game/Position Analysis) Free. Sun. (10/25)
Quick Tourney (G/25) 5 Rd. Swiss ($20) [12 (Noon)-5pm] 80% to prize fund.
ENT: Make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address above) HR:
$34! (Sun-Thurs) & $54! (Fri-Sat) + 13.5% tax. (mention CHESS 1022 & reserve
by 10/5/09 to guarantee room rates.) INFO: Jerry Weikel wackyykl@aol.com,
(775) 747 1405, or website: www.renochess.org/wso (also go here to verify
entry). FIDE .W. WCL JGP.
Oct. 23-25 or 24-25, Ohio
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Cleveland Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option rds 1-2 G/75, U1200 & U1000 are Oct 24-25 only
with all rds G/75). Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, 5300 Riverside Drive (inside
Cleveland Hopkins Airport with free shuttle, near junction of I-71 and I-480),
Cleveland, OH 44135. Free parking. $$G 13,000. In 7 sections: Open: $1200-
600-400-200, top U2300 $700, U2200 $600, U2100/Unr $500. FIDE. Under 2000:
$1000-500-300-200. Under 1800: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1600: $1000-500-
300-200. Under 1400: $800-400-300-200. Under 1200: $300-200-120-80.
Under 1000: $200-100-60-40. Unrated may enter any section, with prize lim-
its: U1000 $80, U1200 $150, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $600.
Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $98, 2-day $97 mailed by 10/15,
all $99 online at chesstour.com by 10/20, $105 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 10/20
(entry only, no questions), $120 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Under
1200 or Under 1000 EF: all $60 less. Special EF: FREE TO UNRATED in
U1000 or U1200 if paid with 1 year USCF dues. Re-entry $60; not available in
Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usu-
ally used if otherwise unrated. Special USCF dues if paid with entry: online
at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. 3-day schedule: Reg
Byes: limit 1, must request with entry. Ent: payable to MACA, mail to Ken Bal-
ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15, U1200 & U1000 Sun 9-12:30.
Byes: OK all; Open must commit by rd 2, others by rd 3. HR: $83-83, 216-267-
1500, request chess rate, reserve by 10/9 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Oct. 25, New York
845-496-9658. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted
at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Oct. 24-25, District of Columbia
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Oscar Shapiro D.C. Open
U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW, Wash. DC 20005. $$G 3000. 5 Sections.
Open, 4-SS, TC: 40/2, SD/1. EF: $48 by 10/15. $$500-300-200, U2200 150 -
100. DC Championship title and trophy to top DC resident. Reg.: 10 - 11. Rds.:
11:30 - 6, 11 - 5. Amateur, open to U2000. 5-SS, TC: 30/90, SD/1. EF: $43 by
10/15. $$ 300 - 200 - 100, U1800 150 - 100. DC Amateur Championship title
and trophy to top DC resident. Reg.: 8 - 9, Rds. 9:30-2:45-8, 11-4:30. Reserve,
open to U1600. 5-SS, TC: 30/90, SD/1. EF: $43 by 10/15. $$ 300-200-100,
U1400 150 - 100. Reg.: 8 - 9, Rds. 9:30-2:45-8, 11-4:30. Booster, open to U1200.
4-SS, TC: G/45. EF: $13 by 10/15. $50 + Trophy for first, trophies and medal-
lions thru 15 places. Reg.: 12 - 1. Rds.: 1:30 - 4 - 6:30 - 8. Beginner, open to
children (age 11 and younger) rated U800 or unrated. 4-SS, TC: G/30. EF:
$13 by 10/15. Trophies and medallions thru 15 places. Reg.: 12 - 1. Rds.: 1:30
- 2:45 - 4:00 - 5:15. All, $7 more after 10/15. Make checks payable to DCCL,
mail to U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St., NW, Washington, DC 20005. Info:
202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org. WCL JGP for rounds slower than G/60.
A Heritage Event!
Oct. 24-25, Virginia
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
25th Emporia Open
5SS, G/120. Greensville Ruritan Club, Ruritan Rd., Emporia. Off of Hwy. 58 West
of Emporia. EF: $35 recd by 10/21, $45 site. Free to Unr., no separate prize.
$$G 500, $400 class prizes b/5: $250-150-100, X (if no X wins top 3), A, B, C
ea. $75. D, E and below ea. $50. Reg.: 9-9:45am, Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 9-1:30.
Refreshments provided w/EF, no addl charge. VCF memb. reqd, $10/yr & avail.
at site. Info: Virginia Chess Fed., Woodrow Harris, 1105 West End Dr., Empo-
ria, VA 23847. harrisfw@comcast.net. W. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Oct. 25, Massachusetts
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
76th Greater Boston Open
4SS, G/60. Kennedy Senior Center, 117 E. Central St., Natick, MA 01760.
$$1700 guaranteed. In four sections: Open: $300-150, under 2150 $125.
Under 2000: $250-$125, under 1850 $100. Under 1700: $200-$100, under 1550
$75. Under 1400: $150-$75, under 1200 $50. Unrated may play in any section
but cant win 1st except in the Open section. EF: $39 postmarked by 10/20 or
online at www.MassChess.org by 10/23; $45 at site. Discounts: $15 off to
unrated, $10 off to seniors (65+) or additional family member (1st pays full
EF). Limit one discount per player. No phone or e-mail entries. Memb. Reqd:
MACA ($12 adult/$6 under 18). OSA. Reg.: 8:30-9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-1-3:15-5:30.
lou, 27 Fenway Drive, Framingham, MA 01701-4012 or online (PayPal) at
www.MassChess.org. Info: George Mirijanian, 978-345-5011, GBOInfo2009@
masschess.org.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5). Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716, lim-
ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes:
limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing
and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
A State Championship Event!
Oct. 30-Nov. 1, or Oct. 31-Nov. 1, North Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Chess Life September 2009 49
 Tournament Life
2009 North Carolina Open Championship
5-SS, 30/90, SD/1. (2-day option Round 1 G/80). Clarion Hotel Greensboro Air-
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14
port, 415 Swing Road (I-40 at Exit 213), Greensboro, North Carolina 27409.
(336)-299-7650. $10,000 b/185 full paid entries, $5,000 GTD. In 6 sections:
Open: $800-600-500; u2300-$400, u2200- $600-400-300; u2100- $200. Under
2000: $600-400-300; u1900- $200. Under 1800: $600-400-300; u1700- $200.
Under 1600: $600-400-300; u1500- $200. Under 1400: $600-400-300; u1200-
$200, u1000- $200. Unrated: Trophies to top 7. (Unrateds must play in the
Unrated or Open section) EF: $83 3-day, $82 2-day if received by 10/27; $90
at site. GMs and IMs are FREE, $70 deducted from any prize. Unrated: $23 3-
day, $22 2-day if received by 10/27; $25 at site. Juniors: $48 if playing for trophy,
$69 if playing for cash if received by 10/27; $10 more at site. 3-day sched-
ule: Reg.: Ends 7 p.m. Rounds: 7:30, 2-7:30, 10:30-4. 2-day schedule: Reg.:
Ends 9:30 a.m. Rounds: 1st at 10 a.m., then merges with 3-day. All: Re-entry:
$45, not in open. NCCA membership required- $5 (adults only); other states
ok. Half-point byes available in 1st 4 rounds, limit 2, must commit before 1st
round. Hotel: $89 Double/King with 2 complimentary breakfast per room
night!! Cut-off date on 10/16 to be guaranteed a room. Mention: Chess Tour-
nament. Info:Thad Rogers (478)-742-5607, Atlanta Chess Center (404)-377-4400.
The tournament is sponsored by American Chess Promotions on the behalf of
the North Carolina Chess Association. Enter: American Chess Promotions, 3055
General Lee Road, Macon, Georgia 31204-1517. Email: atlantachess@
yahoo.com. NS. FIDE. WCL JGP.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Octember Open
4SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45,
Members $25. $$625 Gtd: 250 -100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg.
ends 15 min. before game. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each
day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd
3. Limit 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 play-
ers. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
2009 PA State Championship
5SS, G/120. Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
$$(2510 b/90, 2/3 gtd.) 4 Sections: Open: $500-250, U2200 $140. U2000: $300-
100, U1850 $140. U1700: $300-100, U1550 $140. U1400: $300-100, U1200 $140.
Unr. limited to $125 in U2000, $100 in U1700, $75 in U1400. Trophies to Top PA
&Top PA Junior in each section. EF: $40 by 10/23, $50 later. Re-entry: $20. PSCF
reqd, OSA. Reg.: ends Sat. 9:30am. Rds.: Sat. 10-2:30-7, Sun. 10-2:30. Info:
412-908-0286, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Marti-
nak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. W. WCL JGP.
Nov. 6-8 or 7-8, Vermont
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
14th annual Green Mountain Open & Vermont Championship
5 SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60). Stratton Mountain Inn, Mid-
dle Ridge Rd (take Stratton Mountain Rd from center of Bondville), Stratton
50 Chess Life September 2009
Mountain, VT 05155 (about 2 hours from Albany, NY or Springfield, MA). $$G
1500. In 2 sections. Open, open to all. $$300-150-80, top U2000/Unr $180,
U1800 $160, state championship trophy to top VT resident. Under 1600/Unr:
$$ 200-100-50, U1400 $120, U1200 $100, Unrated $60. EF: 3-day $53, 2-day
$52 mailed by 10/30, all $54 online at chesstour.com by 10/29, $55 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 10/30 (entry only, no questions), $60 at site. No checks at site,
credit cards OK. $30 less to unrated. All: Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess
Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, if mailed, phoned or paid
at site $40. GMs free; $40 deducted from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends
Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 12-6, Sun 9-2:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat
10:30 am, rds. Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-2:15. Half point byes OK all, limit 1; must
commit before rd 2. HR: $79-79, 1-800-787-2886, 802-297-2500, reserve by
10/23 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633,
or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box
249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com/.
$10 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL
JGP.
Nov. 7-8, Virginia
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
14th Annual Northern Virginia Open
5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/2, rds. 4-5 30/90 SD/1. $$2,300 (Top 3 G) B/90. Hotel Sierra,
45520 Dulles Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166. www.hotel-sierra.com luxurious sin-
gle and double suites. 20 Reserved Single Suites available by Oct 28 at $99.
Contact hotel at 703-435-9002 or 1-800.4.SIERRA (Be sure to ask for Virginia
Chess rates) or book it online at http://stay.hotel-sierra.com/?id=VIR Near
Dulles Airport. See tournament website for directions and more information.
Open: $575-325-200 (G); Top X/A-Unr/B/C/D: each $190, Top U1200: $175,
Top Upset Thru Rd 4 - $100. Reg.: Saturday, Nov 7: 8:30am-9:45am. Rounds:
Sat 10-230-7, Sunday 10-3:30p. One 1/2 pt bye allowed, must commit to byes
before Rd 1, and are irrevocable after play starts. EF: $50 if recd by Nov 1,
$60 at site or after 11/1. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria, VA 22306.
Make checks to Virginia Chess. Email: matkins2@cox.net, but NO e-mail
entries, just information. Web: www.vachess.org/nova.htm. W, NS, FIDE. WCL
JGP.
Nov. 13-15, Florida
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
8th Annual Turkey Bowl
5SS, G/120, Sat. (2-day Sch.) Rd. 1 G/60. New Location: El Palacio Hotel & Con-
ference Center, 4900 Powerline Rd, Ft. Lauderdale. $$6,100 b/200 paid entries,
60% min. Gtd. 4 Sections: Open: $1,000/Trophy-600-400-250, U2300 $150-100.
U2000: $600/Trophy-300-200-100. U1600: $600/Trophy-300-200-100. U1200:
$600/Trophy-300-200-100. Unr. may enter Open or U1200 only. EF: $65 by Nov.
10, $14 more later and on-site, GMs & IMs free ($65 deducted from prize). Reg.:
ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10,
Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:15, 6:30, Sun. 9:30, 2:30. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if reqd before rd. 2.
Turkey Bowl Scholastic Tournament, 5SS, G/30, Sat. 11/14. See website
for more info. HR: $69 by Cut-off Date, 954-776-4880. Ent: Boca Raton Chess
Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry &
addl info: www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. FIDE. WCL JGP for G/120 rds.
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, Ohio
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
18th Annual Kings Island Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Kings Island Resort, 5691 Kings
Island Drive (I-71, 6 mi north of I-275), Mason, OH 45040. Free parking. $$
25,000 based on 360 paid entries (re-entries count as 60% entries, U1000 Sec-
tion EF 40% entries, unrated not counted); minimum $20,000 (80% of each prize)
guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bisguier. In 8 sections:
Open: $2500-1200-600-300-200, 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr
$1400-700. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1900: $2000-
1000-500-300-200. Under 1700: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1500:
$1500-700-400-200-100. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200-100. Under
1000/Unr: $300-200-100-60-40. Unrated prize limits: U1000 $80, U1300
$130, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, U1900 $500. Balance goes to next player(s)
in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 11/5, all $105 online at chess-
tour.com by 11/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/10 (entry only, no
questions), $120 at site. Under 1000 Section EF: 3-day $43, 2-day $42 if mailed
by 11/5, $44 online at chesstour.com by 11/10, $46 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 11/10, $50 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry $60; not avail-
able in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. All: FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U1000 or U1300 if paying 1 yr USCF
dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chess-
tour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. 3-day schedule: Reg ends
Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat
10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; Open must commit by rd
2, others by rd 3. HR: $73-73, 800-727-3050, 513-398-0115, reserve by 10/30
WARNING!
THE USE OF A
CELL PHONE
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
PROHIBITED!
AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
TURN IT OFF!
or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633,
or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & cheapest
transportation from Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Sal-
isbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries will be
posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Nov. 27-29, Michigan
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
2009 Motor City Open
6-SS. 3 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400.Top section FIDE-rated. Prize Fund:
$8,500 OVERALL. 70% Guaranteed. Held at New Detroits FABULOUS
MOTOR CITY CASINO HOTEL, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
(Directions and Lodging Info below). 2-Day & 3-Day Schedules available.
EF by Mon., 11/23 (add $10 after), IMs and GMs Free ($100 EF deducted from
prize): 3-DAY: OPEN $103 ($93 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1800: $83 ($73
for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1400: $63 ($53 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR).
2-Day Open: $102 ($92 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1800: $82 ($72 for
Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1400: $62 ($52 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR).
Re-Entries: NO Re-Entries in OPEN Section. U1800, U1400: $40, $30 (Up to
two 1/2-pt. byes allowed from previous RDS). TL: 3-Day Schedule: G-120. 2-
Day Schedule: RDS 1-3, G-50; RDS 4-6, G-120. REG: 3-Day Schedule: Fri,
11/27, 9:00-11:00am. 2-Day Schedule: Sat, 11/28, 8:30-9:45am. RDS: 3-Day
Schedule: Fri, 12, 6; Sat, 12:30, 6; Sun, 10, 2:30. 2-Day Schedule: Sat, 10:30,
12:45, 3, 6; Sun, 10, 2:30. Up to three 1/2-pt. byes available; must be requested
before start of RD 3. All sections merge after RD 3. Unrated eligible only for
UNR and Overall prizes in ALL sections, can play in ANY section. USCF and MCA
memberships required; can be purchased on site. IM Ben Finegold Lecture
on Fri, 11/27, 4:00-5:00pm ($10). Cell phones must be turned off or in silent
mode while in tournament room. INFRACTION: deduct 1/2 the remaining time
or game forfeiture if less than 10 minutes remaining on clock; automatic for-
feiture for 2nd infraction. Spectators will be subjected to expulsion for the
remainder of the event for any offense. Headphones cannot be used if oppo-
nent objects for any reason and cannot be used in the last round by players
with a plus score. Player must be willing to present same to TDs for examina-
tion at any time. Failure to do so will result in removal from tournament
without refund. $$8,500 OVERALL (70% guar.): OPEN: $3,600 (b/48): 1st-2nd-
3rd, $1,200-$600-$400; 1st U2400, $350; 1st U2200, $350; 1st U2000, $350;
1st U1800/UNR, $350. U1800: $2,550 (b/42): 1st-2nd-3rd, $800-$400-$350;
1st-2nd, U1600, $300-$200; 1st-2nd U1400/UNR, $300-$200. U1400: $2,350
(b/50): 1st-2nd-3rd, $500-$350-$300; 1st-2nd U1300, $250-$150; 1st-2nd
U1100, $250-$150; 1st-2nd U900/UNR, $250-$150. Mechanical or Quartz Clock
for Biggest Upset in each section! Chief Sr. TD: IM Ben Finegold; Asst. Sr. TD:
Ed Mandell. Bring boards, pieces, clocks! Directions & Lodging: MOTOR
CITY CASINO HOTEL, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, (313) 237-1589.
Easy access to Grand River Exit from I-94, I-96, I-75 and M-10 (Lodge Free-
way). See www.mapquest.com for directions. Reservations: MCO Chess Rate
$99 (reg. $249!) by Nov. 7th for this great rate! Reserve online at
www.motorcitycasino.com OR call toll-free, 1-866-STAY-MCC (866-782-9622).
Info, Ent: Ed Mandell, (586) 558-4790, All The Kings Men Chess Supplies and
Brain Games, 27170 Dequindre Rd., Warren, MI 48092. Toll-Free, (866) 538-
7890. Fax, (586) 558-2046. Email: allthekingsmench@aol.com, Web: www.allthe
kingsmenchess.com. WCL JGP for 3-day and 2-day rds. 4-6.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, Pennsylvania
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
40th annual National Chess Congress
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Trophy sections play separate
2-day schedule only, 11/29-30, G/50. Sheraton Hotel Philadelphia City Center,
17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $30,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND. Free
analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bisguier. In 11 sections. Premier, open
to all rated 2000/above and juniors under 18 rated 1800/above. $3000-1500-
700-400-200, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, U2400/Unr $1400-700. FIDE.
Under 2200: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 2000: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
Under 1800: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1600: $2000-1000-500-300-200.
Under 1400: $1400-700-400-300-200. Under 1200: $1400-700-400-300-200.
Unrated may not win over $100 in U1200, $200 in U1400, $300 in U1600, $500
in U1800, or $700 in U2000. Top 7 sections entry fee: 3-day $108, 2-day $107
mailed by 11/19, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 11/24, $115 phoned by
11/24 (406-896-2038, no questions), $130 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from
prize. Re-entry $60, not available in Premier. Mailed EF $3 less to PSCF mem-
bers. No checks at site, credit cards OK. 3-day late entry ends Fri 11 am, rounds
Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day late entry ends Sat 9 am, rounds
Sat 10, 12:45, 3:30 and 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Trophy Sections: Under 1000, Under
800, Under 600. Unrateds age 15/over may not enter Under 600. Trophies to
top 8 players in each section. Entry fee: $27 mailed by 11/19, $28 online at
chesstour.com by 11/24, $35 phoned by 11/24 (406-896-2038, no questions),
$40 at tmt. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Late entry ends Sat 9 am, rounds
10 am, 12:45 pm, 3:30 pm each day. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess
Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at
site $40. Student/Alumni trophies to top 5 teams of 4 (regardless of section)
DROPPING OUT?
Have to miss a round?
It is very important that you
NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR
before pairings are made, so no one
is deprived of a game! If you forfeit
without notice, you may be FINED up
to the amount of the entry fee!
uschess.org
representing any U.S. college, HS or pre-HS players attend or have graduated
from. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit 3, Premier must commit before rd
2, others before rd 4. HR: $93-93-93-93, reserve by 11/13 or rate may increase.
Parking at hotel $5/day with guest room, $12 without; garage next to hotel is
about $10. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online
through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, ccaguide.com,
845-496-9658. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (top
7 sections).
Dec. 5-6, North Carolina
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Greater Charlotte Championship A Queen City Chess Association
Sponsored Event!
5-SS, G/120. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), 9201 Univer-
sity City Blvd., Charlotte, NC. 3 sections: Open: $500-250-125; U2000, $100;
Under 1800: $400-200-100, U1600 $100; Under 1400: $300-150-100; U1200
$75. EF: $49 if postmarked by 11/25; $59 later or on site. FREE entry to
2200+ if committed to play by 10/1. (EF deducted from prize). Registration
onsite 8-8:45AM Sat. Schedule: Rounds: Sat 9:30-2:30-7:30; Sun 9-2. One Half-
point bye (any round) must be requested with entry. Top six residents of
Greater Charlotte area in Open Section qualify for round robin to be played in
January to decide Charlotte Champion. HR: Sleep Inn University, 1 1/4 miles
from site, 704-549-4544, $59.95 chess rate if reserved by 11/15 (mention QCCA).
Free b-fast. Entries: Send to Charles Carerros, 2209-I Sumner Green Ave., Char-
lotte, NC 28203. Make checks to QCCA. Info: www.queencitychess.com for
registration and more details. WCL JGP.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, New York
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
5th annual Empire State Open
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/60). Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534
Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Free parking. $$G $5000. In 4 sections. Open: $800-400-300, top U2200/Unr
$300-150. FIDE. Under 2000: $500-250-125, top U1800 $300-150. Under
1600: $400-200-100, top U1400 $250-125. Under 1200: $300-150-75, top
U1000 $125. Unrated may not win over $150 in U1200 or $300 in U1600. EF:
3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed by 12/18, all $84 online at chesstour.com by
12/23, $86 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/23 (entry only, no questions), $90
at site. $50 less to unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid
with entry: online at chesstour.com $30; mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-
entry $50; not available in Open. GMs free, $60 deducted from prize. All: No
checks at site, credit cards OK. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 10:30 am, rds.
Fri 11-6, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 9:30 am, rds
Sat 10-1-3:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Bye: all, limit 2, must commit before rd 3. HR: $107-
107, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 12/12 or rate may increase. Car
rental: 800-331-1600, use AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chess-
tour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Inquiries:
www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.
$15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
uschess.org
An American Classic!
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, Nevada
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
19th annual North American Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-4 G/75). Ballys Casino Resort, 3645 Las
Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89103. $$ 120,000 based on 600 paid entries
(seniors count as 3/4 entries, re-entries & GMs as half entries, U1000/Unr Sec-
tion as 1/5, else in proportion; $90,000 minimum (75% each prize) guaranteed.
No unrateds in U1300, U1500, or U1700 sections. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-
5000-2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak
bonus $200, 2300-2499 $2500-1200, U2300/Unr $2500-1200. FIDE. Under
2100/Unr: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated
may win over $2000. Under 1900/Unr: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-
600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1000. Under 1700:
$8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400. Under 1500: $6000-3000-
1500-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400. Under 1300: $6000-3000-1500-1000-
800-700-600-500-400-400. Under 1000/Unr: $1000-600-500-400-300-200, no
unrated may win over $200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played
as of 12/09 list may not win over $1500 U1300, $2500 U1500 or U1700.
Games rated too late for 12/09 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over
section maximum on any list 12/08-11/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Balance of any
limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day $244, 3-day $243
mailed by 10/15, 4-day $274, 3-day $273 mailed by 12/12. Online EF: $245
online at chesstour.com by 10/15, $275 by 12/19, $300 12/20 until two hours
before round=2 01. Phoned EF: $250 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 10/15 (no
questions), $280 by 12/19. No phone entry after 12/19. EF at site: $300. Spe-
cial EF: Seniors over 65 in Under 1300 or above, $70 less. Re-entry $120; not
available in Open Section. GMs $150 from prize. U1000/Unr Section EF: 4-day
$64, 3-day $63 if mailed by 12/12, $65 online at chesstour.com by 12/19, $70
phoned by 12/19 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $80 at site. $30 less
to unrated. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues
with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned
or paid at site $40. 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, rds 12/26 6 pm, 12/27 11-
6, 12/28 11-6, 12/29 10-4:30. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 4 pm, rds 12/27 5-8:30,
12/28 11-2:30-6, 12/29 10-4:30. Bye: all, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds;
Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $96-96, 800-833-
3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase if not reserved by 11/22, all rooms in
chess block may sell out about 11/1. Free parking (garage at adjacent Paris
Las Vegas Hotel is most convenient). Car rental: for special Avis rate reserve
car through chesstour.com or call 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Foreign
player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to
most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not
accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Play-
ers who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player
ratings: December list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: In round
3 or after, players with scores of 80% or more and their opponents may not
use headphones, earphones, or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel
without Director permission, and must submit to a search for electronic
devices if requested by Director. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries
posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, California Northern
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Golden State Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option rds. 1-2 G/75, 2-day option rds. 1-4 G/35, no
2-day Open Section.) Under 900 Section plays separate 2-day schedule Jan
17-18 only, G/35. At Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord CA
94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART
station. Free parking. $$60,000 based on 450 paid entries (re-entries &
U900 Section count as 1/3 entries), minimum guarantee $40,000 (2/3 each
prize). Open, open to all. $$4000-2200-1300-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400,
clear or tiebreak winner $300, top U2400 $2000-1000. FIDE. Under 2200: $3000-
1500-800-700-600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 2000: $3000-1500-800-
700-600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 1800: $3000-1500-800-700-600-500-400-
300-200-200. Under 1600: $2500-1300-700-600-500-400-300-300-200-200.
Under 1400: $2000-1000-700-500-400- 300-200-200. Under 1200: $2000-1000-
700-500-400-300-200-200. Under 900: $800-400-200-150-100-80-70. Prize
limits: 1) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with max-
imum prize U900 $200, U1200 $400, U1400 $600, U1600 $900, U1800 $1200,
U2000 $1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated may not win over
$400 in U900, $800 in U1200 or $1200 in U1400. 3) If more than 30 points above
section maximum on any list 1/09-12/09, prize limit $1000. 4) Balance of any
limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections EF: 4-day $174, 3-
day $173, 2-day $172 mailed by 1/7, all $175 online at chesstour.com by 1/12,
$180 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $200 at site.
GMs free; $150 deducted from prize. Under 900 Section EF: $52 mailed by
1/7, $55 online at chesstour.com by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $60
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/12, $70 at site. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with
Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30; mailed, phoned or
paid at site $40. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed EF $5 less to rated
CalChess members. 4-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:15 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10:15 am,
rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sun
to 9:15 am, rds Sun 10-12-2-4-6, Sun 10-4:30, not available for Open Section.
Under 900 schedule: Reg. Sun to 9:15 am, rds. Sun. 10-12-2-4, Mon. 10-12-
2. Byes: OK all; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4; limit 3 byes
in Open. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually
used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player ratings: See chesstour.com. HR:
$99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may increase. Car rental:
Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-
9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia, CA 91066.
$15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com.
WCL JGP.
Regional
Alabama
Bham C. C.
Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg.
Ctr.), Bham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns.
SEE
TLA
PAGE 49
Chess Life September 2009 51
 Tournament Life
planned in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; Bham City Cships-
Aug.; Magic City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14
Ellis 205-979-6068, kee@bellsouth.net.
Sept. 11-13, 56th Annual Alabama State Chess Championship
See Grand Prix.
Arizona
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Arkansas
Sept. 25-27, Majeed Nahas Memorial Open
5-SS G/2. Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs, Arkansas
71901. EF: $35 adv, $40 at site. Prizes: b/40 1st 500 +T, 2nd 200, A, B, C.
D/below/Unr 1st in ea 150 +T. Must have 3 in class $50 Upset - $50 for best
Budapest (black) Smith Morra Gambit (white). Reg.: 7-9 am 9/26. Rds.: 9:15
- 2:15 - 7:30, 9 -2. Half point byes rds 1-4 ok. Special Friday night Nahas quick
G/15, e.f. 10, prizes per entries same site. 1st guaranteed $75, more per
entries. Reg.: 6-7 pm 9/25, Rds. 7 then asap all games must start as Smith Morra
or Budapest variations (whites choice) clocks start atTD direction. Entry: Kirk
Petty, 200 Brumley Trail, Lot O, Hot Springs, AR 71901. WCL JGP for Open.
California Northern
Sept. 26-27, 1st Annual Exchange Bank Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 17-18, Fremont Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open
See Grand Prix.
California Southern
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC)
5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks
W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 7:30-8. Rds.: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking
lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310)
795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC LA Masters
4SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 5:30-6. Rds.: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 75% EF. 2 Free
lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or
www.LAChessClub.com.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, LACC Saturday Open
4SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20
($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots
SW of S. Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or
www.LAChessClub.com
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Sunday Open
3SS, G/60. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free
parking on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Sept. 7, 21, LACC September Scholastics I & II
5SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb). 2 Sections: Over 1000 and U1000. Reg.: 1:30-2. Rds.:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes:Trophies, Medals, and special prizes (every player receives
a prize!). Free street parking, refreshments, and class 1-2 pm. Inf: (310) 795-
5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Sept. 12-13, Eclectic Collections
See Grand Prix.
52 Chess Life September 2009
Sept. 27, 19th Chess Palace Anniversary
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 26-27, Bakersfield Fall Classic
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 9-11, Los Angeles Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 11, LAO Hexes
LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player sections
by rating. EF: $20 if received by 10/8, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each section. Reg.:
9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton
Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Oct. 11, LAO Scholastics
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open
to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2
Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000:Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated.
Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 10/8, $20
door. Inf: John Hillery, admin@westernchess.com. On-line ent: www.western
chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA
90038.
Colorado
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Connecticut
Sept. 17, UCONN Chess Club Open House (QC)
G/5, format TBD. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd.,
Storrs, CT 06269. Reg.: 7 - 7:30 PM. Rds.: ASAP. EF: FREE !!! Prizes: Trophy
& Bragging rights. Pizza & refreshments will be served. Used book sale. Info:
Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@charter.net.
Sept. 24, UCONN Quick Chess Swiss (QC)
4-SS, G/15, 5. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd.,
Storrs, CT 06269. EF: $5, students free. Reg.: 7-7:30 PM. Rds.: ASAP. $$ 50%-
30%-20% net proceeds from EFs. Info: Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394,
tomhart3@charter.net
A Heritage Event!
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 29th Willimantic Fall Open
5-SS, G/90. UCONN Castleman Building, Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs,
CT 06269. EF: $20 at site, students free. Reg.: 7-7:30 PM. Rds.: 7:30 PM. $$
35%-30%, Top U-1600 20%-15%. Info: Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394,
tomhart3@charter.net. WCL JGP.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 6th annual New England Scholastic Championships
Note corrected entry deadlines. 7SS, G/45. Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Air-
port (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt
20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all K-12 students; New England
titles and free entry prizes limited to players & teams from schools in CT, MA,
ME, NH, RI, or VT. Team prizes based on top 4 scores from school combined.
Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 4 sections: High
School (K-12), Middle School (K-8), Elementary (K-5), Primary (K-2). Players face
only those in their section. EF for USCF members: HS $38.75, Middle School
$38.50, Elem $38.25, Primary $38 if mailed by 10/23 not 10/31, all $38 online
at chesstour.com by 10/27 not 11/4, $50 at site. EF for non-USCF members
(fees include membership): HS $48.75, Middle School $48.50, Elem $48.25,
Primary $48 if mailed by 10/23 not 10/31, all $48 online at chesstour.com by
10/27 not 11/4, $60 at site. Memberships include magazine for players scor-
ing at least 3 pts. Trophies to top 10 players, top 7 teams, top 3 unrated in each
section, top E, U1000, U800 (HS), U1000, U800, U600 (MS), U800, U600, U400
(Elem), U600, U400, U200 (Primary). Free entry in all Continental Chess Asso-
ciation Swiss tournaments until 5/31/10 to top New England player each
section. Late reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat 10-1-3-5:30 pm, Sun 9-11-1:30. Awards
Sun 3:30 pm. Half point byes allowed rds 1-4 only, with at least 1 hour notice.
HR: $93-93, 860-627-5311, reserve by 10/17 or rate may increase. Car rental:
800-331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. November rat-
ings used. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Include school,
grade, birth date, USCF ID, address of each player. Advance entries will be posted
at chesstour.com.
Nov. 6-8 or 7-8, 14th annual Green Mountain Open & Vermont
Championship (VT)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Delaware
Sept. 26, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
Howard Johnsons Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713. (time con-
trols:40/75, s/d 30). EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45 1:45
5:30. ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-753-
6877. kevinjpytel@aol.com. INFO: Kevin Pytel 302-753-6877. NS W.
District of Columbia
Oct. 10, DC Girls Open
4-SS, Game/30. U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
EF: $15 if by 10/3, $20 at site. Open to any girl in K-12, not only from DC. $100
Savings Bond to first place, trophies to top 5 in each of HS, MS and ES. Reg.:
12 - 12:45. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org.
Oct. 24-25, Oscar Shapiro D.C. Open
See Grand Prix.
Florida
South Florida Chess Club
Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G/90 Tournaments
and skittles. Most tournaments are 4+ rounds to with
a time control slower than G/60, those events would
qualify for WCL JGP. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com.
Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Miami Country Day
Grand Prix, Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections. More info at
www.bocachess.com or call 954-421-8222 or 561-883-2917.
Sept. 12, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1,
$500 Guar. Cash Opens
5rd Swiss, G/30. EF: $25; $30 at door. SPCC mems $5 off. $100-$60-$40;
U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30-$20 each. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Cen-
ter, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Pete. NC, W. prereg at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com.
727-822-1171.
Sept. 12, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1
St. Petersburg Rated Beginners Opens (RBOs)
5rd Swiss, G/30. USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000;
top 12 in each get trophy (all K-2 get trophy) all others medal.Team (2 or more)
- best four scores from all divisions trophy to top 12. EF: $18. SPCC mems $15.
1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. NC, W.
pregister online at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Sept. 19, 6th DBCC G/50 Open
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
32118. 4SS, G/50. EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 10-
11:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul BTomaino, 575 N Williamson Bl #116, Daytona Beach,
FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: pibit@cfl.rr.com. www.daytonabchcc.org. NS
NC W.
Oct. 3, CFCC October Quick Chess (QC)
7SS, G29 (G25 w/5 sec. delay). Orlando Chess & Games Ctr., 8751 Commod-
ity Circle Suite 4, Orlando, 32819. EF: $30 CFCC/OCG mbr: $25. Masters
free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, Class B, Class C, Class
D/Under $75 ea. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10, 11:15, 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6. Info: (407)
629-6946, www.centralflchess.org. W. WCL JGP.
Oct. 10, DBCC Club Championship Open
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
32118. 2 Sections: Open & Scholastic. 5SS, G45. EF: Open $25. Scholastic
$5. Open: $$ ($350/b15): $125-100. U1600: $75-50. Scholastic:Trophy. Rds.:
10-11:35-2-3:35-5:10. Open: Trophy to highest DBCC Club Member. Scholastic:
Trophy & Club Scholastic Champion (all Scholastic eligible). Reg.: 9-9:45. ENT:
Paul B. Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl. #116, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. 386-
239-9485. INFO: pibit@cfl.rr.com www.daytonabchcc.org. NS NC W.
Oct. 10, First Saturday Quads
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30. Palatka Bridge & Chess Center, 521 13th St., Palatka,
FL. Quads open to all. EF: $12. Trophy to 1st. Each Quad. Reg.: 8:30-9:30/am.
Rds.: 10-1-4. Ben Cody (386) 329-1173. www.palatkachessclub.com. NS NC W.
Oct. 31, CFCC Bonus Tornado
4-SS, G/75. Orlando Chess & Games Ctr., 8751 Commodity Cir. Suite 4, Orlando,
32819. EF: $30, CFCC/OCG mbr: $25, Masters free-EF deducted from prize.
$$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400 $75 ea. Prize increased
50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946,
www.centralflchess.org. W. WCL JGP.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl
See Grand Prix.
Georgia
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
Idaho
Sept. 26-27, 2009 Eastern Idaho Open
5SS, G/120. 2 Sections: Open and Reserve (U1400). Site: ISU, Student Un Bldg,
uschess.org
Salmon River Suites, 1065 S. 8th St., Pocatello, Idaho. EF: USCF mem req., $30
(U18 & 60+ $25), ISU Chess Club $10, by 9/19/09. $40 (all) after. Reg & Ck
in: 7:30-8:30 AM 09/26. RNDS.: 9,2,7,9,2. 1/2 pt byes: Max 1, Rd 1-4 only. Com-
mit by end of rd 2. Prizes: $$ b/30 non ISU; Open: $200-100-75; Reserve:
$100-75-50. HR/ENT/INFO: ICA % Jay Simonson, 391 Carol Ave., Idaho Falls,
ID 83401, 208-206-7667, rooknjay@yahoo.com, www.idahochessassociation.org
NC, NS, W. WCL JGP.
Illinois
North American Chess Association
Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength.
Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate. Monthly
FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan A.
Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer.
www.nachess.org | info@nachess.org | 888.80.CHESS.
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation
Illinois Premier Chess Organization - We organize
monthly scholastic & adult tournaments throughout the
Chicago area; sponsor chess activates at community
events, i.e. Taste of Chicago; provide in-school & after-
school programs, workshops & summer camps. Players
of all skill levels, from beginners to Masters, attend our
events. For dates & locations: visit our website
www.rknights.org; Tel: 773-844-0701; Email: ren
knights@aol.com.
Sept. 26, 2009 St. Matthew Chess Tournament
held by the 2008 US Champion, and 2008 Olympiad Bronze medal winner GM
YURY SHULMAN, at 24500 Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047. Tel.
847-438-7709. G/30 5rds, EF: $25 postmarked by 9/1, $30 after, on site $35
before 9:15 REG.: begins at 9:00, Rd 1 begins 10:00am, no elimination. 4 Sec-
tions: Primary K-3, Elementary 4-5, Middle 6-8, HS 9-12 and adults, Nonrated
(all grades and adults). TROPHY awards to top 5 individuals in each section,
top 3 individuals in each grade K-5, top individuals grade 6-12, top 3 team tro-
phies, top 5 in unrated. Trophy awards at 3:00. ENT: checks payable to Yury
Shulman International Chess School, mail w/registration form to 428 Waverly
Rd., Barrington, IL 60010. INFO: email chesswob@gmail.com or www.shul
manchess.com, Kiran Frey 847-382-5410, GM Yury Shulman 312-375-7475.
Oct. 9-11 or 10-11, 18th annual Midwest Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 11, Rated Beginners Open
5SS, G/30, open to under 900 or unrated. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel,
601 North Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north
to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south). Free
parking. EF: $20. Special 1 year USCF dues if paid with EF, including paper mag-
azine: Adult $30, Senior or Young Adult $25, Scholastic $15. Trophies to top 5.
3 year USCF membership extension to 1st, 2 years 2nd, 1 year 3rd. Reg. ends
9:30 am, rds. 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4
or more games used if otherwise unrated. Half point bye available rd 1. Ent:
at site only. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658.
uschess.org
Nov. 20-22, 2009 National Youth Action
See Nationals.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Indiana
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church. Entrance
is in the back, down the stairs by the office. When: Starts Every Friday except
the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30
P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if
received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes:
Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each
quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317)
634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net.
Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
5 Round, G/61, U.S.C.F. rated. 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free
Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office.
Late Ent. 8-9am, Rd 1, 9:30am. Prizes: $465.00 b/o 20 full pd. Ent. 1st $150;
2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow.
EF: $25 if recd one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount
for your birthday month, FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT:
Donald Urquhart, 501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call
Don at 317-634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net. Note: there must be at least
3 entries in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining class
prizes are vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. WCL JGP.
FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the sec-
ond Sat. of the Month
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St.
Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs,
by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets
choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess
merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details.
Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free. Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
6259 or e-mail akakarpov@att.net. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.
Irvington Chess Club 1st Wed. Tournament
3SS, G/15. Irvington Public Library - Community Room, 5625 E Washington St.,
Indianapolis, IN 46219. Held on the first Wednesday of each month. Open to
All. EF: $5. Unr: Free. Reg.: Anytime between 5:30pm and 5:45pm. Rds.: 6p,
6:35p, 7:10p. An outreach of the Our Lady of Lourdes Chess club (www.ollchess
club.org). ENT: http://jotform.com/form/90231349169. INFO: Kieron Mitchell,
317-430-5254 info@ollchessclub.org. Some clocks and boards provided -
bring them if you have them! NS NC W.
A State Championship Event!
Sept. 12, Indiana State Team Tournament
4-SS, G/90, for teams of 4. Holiday Inn, 3300 U.S. 41 South, Terre Haute, IN
47802 (I-70 & U.S. 41). EF: $80 per team if recd by 9/10, $100 at site. Sec-
tions: Open & Reserve (secs. may be combined if less than 5 teams in a
section); all individuals in Reserve must be under 1600. Prizes: each sec. 1st,
2nd team trophy plus 4 plaques/team; cash prizes based on number of teams.
ISCA required for Indiana residents. Reg.: 8-9 a.m., Round 1 at 9:15. Ent: Steve
Steppe, 53 E. Antler Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47802, Ssteppe@aol.com (PayPal
accepted), thacc.org, 812-299-5111. WCL JGP.
Oct. 2-4 or 3-4, 68th Indiana State Chess Championship
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 9-11 or 10-11, 18th annual Midwest Class Championships (IL)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, 18th Annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
Iowa
Nov. 14, 2009 Des Moines Fall Classic-IASCA Mini Qualifier
Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Ray D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316. 3
Sections (1) RBO (2) Reserve (3) Open. In 3 Sections: RBO: 5SS, G/30 T/D 5,
Open to 1199 & under. EF: $10.00 if received by November 12th, $20.00 at site.
Prizes: Trophies: U1200, U1000, U800, U600, U400, U200. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-
12:30-1:45-3:00. Reserve: 4SS, G/75T/D 5, Open to 1599 & under. EF: $20.00
if received by November 12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $40.00-20.00-10.00. U1400
1st $20.00, 2nd $10. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). Open-
IASCA Mini-Qualifier: 4SS, G/75 T/D 5, EF: $20.00 if received by November
12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $75.00-40.00-20.00. U1800 1st, $30.00, 2nd
$15.00. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). ALL: Memb.
Reqd: $15.00. OSA. Reg.: 8:00 to 9:00 am. ENT: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd.,
Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50322. 515-205-8062, broich@yahoo.com. NS NC W.
WCL JGP for Reserve and Open only.
Kentucky
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, 18th Annual Kings Island Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
Maine
A State Championship Event!
Sept. 19-20, Maine Championship (Closed)
RDS. 5SS, TL: 40/90 SD/60. (A Maine Chessplayer of the year event) Location:
Southern Maine Community College, Hildreth Hall & Campus Center, 2 Fort Rd.,
S. Portland, ME 04106. Sections: One, Open to Residents, College Students and
Military Personel Stationed in Maine. EF: $35 if received by 9/16, $40 at site.
Entry Fee includes a Maine Chess Association Membership. Prize Fund: $900
b/30. 1st $250 A,B,C & best U1400 all $150. Registration: 8 - 8:45. RDS.: SAT.
9, 1:30, 6:30. SUN: 9, 2:15. Advance Registration Appreciated: Philip H. Low-
ell, Jr., 143 Lamb St., Apt. 2, Westbrook, ME 04092. Ph. (207) 854-4028. Email:
lowellphilip@yahoo.com.
A State Championship Event!
Sept. 19-20, Maine RBO Championship
Chess Life September 2009 53
 Tournament Life
Rds: 5SS. Time: G/90. (A Maine Chessplayer of the year Event.) Southern
Maine Community College, Hildreth Hall, 2 Fort Rd., S. Portland, ME 04106. Sec-
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14
tions: One, Open to all players rated U1200 and unrated. EF: $25 if received
by 9/16, $30 at site. Entry fee includes a Maine Chess Association Member-
ship. Prize Fund: b/12 1st $100, 2nd $50, Top U1000 $50. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.:
Sat. 10, 1:30, 5, Sun. 10, 1:30. Advance Registration Appreciated: Philip H.
Lowell, Jr., 143 Lamb St., Apt. 2, Westbrook, ME 04092. Ph. (207) 854-4028.
Email: lowellphilip@yahoo.com.
Maryland
Sept. 19, UMBC Rated Beginners Championship (RBO)
5SS, G/30. UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore (in Commons, 3rd floor).
Open to U1200/Unr. USCF membership required. Free USCF memb. to any-
one scoring at least 3.5 pts. Certificate to anyone completing 5 rds. Top UMBC
student awarded trophy & title of 2009-2010 UMBC Amateur Chess Champ. EF:
$15 if postmarked by 9/4, $20 later. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am, Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-
3-4:30 Sat. 1/2 pt. bye avail. in any rd. if reqd before rd. 1. Held concurrently
w/UMBC Champ. 9/19-9/20 (see separate TLA). Ent: Dr. Alan T. Sherman,
Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 ATTN: Begin-
ners Champ. Cks payable to UMBC. Dir: Exit 47B off I95 & follow signs to UMBC.
Park in lot 9 or 16. For more info: 410-455-8499, ChessClub@umbc.edu,
www.umbc.edu/chess. NS, W.
Sept. 19-20, UMBC Championship
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #89, #90 (QC)
5SS, G/15. Catonsville Chess Club, Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Blooms-
bury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. EF: $8, club members $5. Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.:
8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10. Prizes based on entries with 65% returned in prize fund.
Info: Joe Summers, josephas2@verizon.net or 410-788-1009. Website:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q/. Dir: 695 to exit 13 West, left at second
light, 3 blocks on right.
Oct. 2-4, 3-4, 49th Maryland Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 10, Catonsville Second Saturday Action
5SS, G/30. EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 12:00-1:30-2:45-
4:00-5:15. Reg.: 11:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106
Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. $$b/24 $100-$60-$40 U1850 $40 U1550
$40, more per entries. Bye: 1-4. Info: josephas2@verizon.net , http://mysite.
verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave., Balt., MD 21207.
410-788-1009.
Massachusetts
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, Hervey R. Brisson Memorial
5SS, G/110. Wachusett Chess Club, McKay Campus School, Room C199, Fitch-
burg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game
played; free to Wachusett CC members. 50 percent discount to Mass. Chess
Association members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-4, limit two.
Prizes: chess books. Info: George Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA
01420, miriling@aol.com, 978-345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org.
Online ratings as of Sept. 9 will be used. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
Sept. 26, 3rd Eli Bourdon Memorial
3SS, G/90. Holyoke Library, 335 Maple St., Holyoke, MA. EF: $27, rated 2200+
& Unr $5, by 9/21. Unr must play in U-1400 section & are not eligible for prizes.
EF ALL: Add $5 at site late reg. fee. $$650 b/30 (Special Entry Fees not
counted). Sections: Open: 1st $180, 2nd $100. U1800: 1st $130, 2nd $80. U1400:
1st $100, 2nd $60. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 1 & 4:15. Ent: W.M.C.A., 119
Brunswick St., Springfield, MA 01108. Call Ed at 413-967-3242 or e-mail cad-
camsv@bellatlantic.net, NS, NC. www.wmass-chess.us.
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Billerica Friday Swiss
5 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA. EF: $12. Reg.:
7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533.
NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Oct. 17, Fall Scholastic Swiss (QC)
4SS, G/25. Palmer Library, 1455 North Main St., Palmer, MA. EF: $7 by 10/12,
NO TOURNAMENTS IN YOUR AREA?
WHY NOT ORGANIZE ONE?
Do you need to go out of town for tournament play? Would you and others in your area
like the convenience of an occasional event closer to home? Organize one!
Its not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if you use a low-
cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either a based-on
Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a trophy tournament will vir-
tually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out in prizes.
The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating supplement and
have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website.
Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them wouldnt be held
if the organizer/TD couldnt play.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact Joan DuBois at joandubois@uschess.org.
Well be glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess!
54 Chess Life September 2009
or $10 at site. Prizes:Trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd each section. Sections: Grades
K-4, 5-6, 7-8 & 9-12 Reg.: 10am. Rds.: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 & 1:30. Ent: Ed
Kostreba, P.O Box 1372, Ware, MA 01082, 413-967-3242, e-mail: cadcamsv@bell
atlantic.net, www.wmass-chess.us.
Oct. 25, 76th Greater Boston Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 6th annual New England Scholastic Championships
(CT)
See Connecticut.
Nov. 6-8 or 7-8, 14th annual Green Mountain Open & Vermont
Championship (VT)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Michigan
Oct. 23-25 or 24-25, Cleveland Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27-29, 2009 Motor City Open
See Grand Prix.
Missouri
Friday Action Quads - Every Friday Night (QC)
3RR, G/29 QR. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad. Club membership reqd.
available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only.
Info: 314-361-CHESS info@saintlouischessclub.org.
Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Saturday night (QC)
5SS, G/5 QR. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63108. EF: $5. Prize fund 100% payout! First overall will take home 75%
of all entry fees, and the highest scoring player in the bottom half takes 25%.
Club membership reqd. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 7. Rds.: 7, 7:15, 7:30,
7:45, 8. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@saintlouischessclub.org.
A State Championship Event!
Sept. 25-27, Missouri Chess Festival
Best Western Columbia Inn, 3100 I-70 Dr. SE, Columbia, MO 65201 (intersec-
tion of US-63 & I-70). 2009 MISSOURI OPEN: 5SS, G/120. $$b/40: $250-1st
Overall + Plaque, Class Prizes: 120-1st in each M/X, A, B, C, D, E, U1000/Unr.
EF: $42 by 9/19, $50 on site. Site entries cash only. Reg.: 10-10:45am. Rds.:
Sat-11/3:30/8, Sun-10:30/3. Max one 1/2-pt bye. MISSOURI STATE INVITA-
TIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: By invitation only. Concurrent with Missouri Open.
EF: $40. $$b/20: $500-1st, $250-2nd, $125-3rd. See www.mochess.org for info
on eligibility. MO QUICK CHAMPIONSHIP: 4SS, G/29 (QR). $$b/20: $75-1st
Overall + Plaque, $50-1st U1600. Reg.: 6:30-7pm Friday. Rds.: 7/8/9/10pm.
EF: $10 by 9/19, $15 on site. MO BUGHOUSE CHAMPIONSHIP: 5-Dbl Rds, G/5.
$$b/12 teams: $50-1st Team + Plaques, $30-2nd Team. (Both players must
be MO residents to receive title.) Reg.: 8-8:15am Sat. Rds paired ASAP, end-
ing by 10am. EF: $10/team, on site only. MO BLITZ CHAMPIONSHIP: 5SS, G/5
(QR). Prizes: $75-1st + plaque, $50-2nd, $25-3rd. EF: $10. Reg.: 8-8:15am Sun-
day. Rds paired ASAP, ending by 9:30am. MCA SCHOLASTIC: 5SS, G/30.
Prizes: Trophies to top 3 in each section: HS, K-8, K-6, K-3. EF: $10 by 9/19,
$15 on site. Reg.: 9-10am Saturday. Rds.: 10:30/11:45/1:15/2:30/3:45.
Awards: 5:15pm.To receive Championship titles/plaques you must be a MO res-
ident. MCA memb. reqd except for MCA Scholastic & Bughouse, available on
site from $5, OSA. HR: $74.95/night, free Wi-Fi & Hot breakfast, 573-474-6161,
mention CHESS. Entries/Info: Thomas Rehmeier, 5217 Denice St., Jefferson
City, MO 65109. JCChess89@yahoo.com, 573-291-0852. WCL JGP for 2009
Missouri Open.
Oct. 7, October Knights
4SS, G/90. Reg. Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 6:00 - 6:45pm. Rounds (one per week)
7pm 10/7, 14, 21, 28. Check in with TD by 6:45 to be paired each week/round.
No advanced entries. EF: $10. Prize fund is 90% payout, with 1st place getting
1/3 of the total prize fund and first A, B, C, D, E and U1000/unrated each take
1/9 of the prize fund. One 1/2 point bye if declared by round 1. Annual club
memb. reqd. MCA memb. reqd from $5 OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS.
info@saintlouischessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Oct. 17, Alexander Alekhine Open
3SS, G/75. UMC Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia, MO.
Directions: From I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on
Hitt. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 4:00. EF: $1, no prizes just the
satisfaction of playing well. Accel. pairings if 18+ players. Info: Charles Ward,
573-443-6685, czar8196@tranquility.net. W.
Montana
Sept. 26-27, John Barto Memorial Tripleheader
3 events. Sat: 5rd, SS, G/45 and 5rd, RR, speedo; Sun: 5rd, SS, G/29. Open
to all. MCA memb. Reqd. $12, OSA. EF: $10 for g/45 and G/29, $5 for speedo
by 9-24. $5 more at site. Jrs 1/2 price. Reg.: Sat 9:15-9:45, Sun 8:45-9am. Sat
rds: 10, 11:40, 1:30, 3:10, 7pm, speedo at 5:30pm. Sun rds: 9:15, 10:25, 11:10,
12:45, 1:55. GranTree Inn, 1325 N. 7th, Bozeman, MT 59715. 800-624-5865, HR:
$84, mention chess. $$-50% of entries and $10 to biggest upset each event.
Ent: Dan McCourt, 608 West Central, Missoula, MT 59801. Checks payable to
MCA. Info: Dan McCourt 406-721-0254, mccourtdj@msn.com. NC, W, in con-
junction with Montana Closed.
Nevada
Oct. 23-25, 27th Annual Sands Regency Reno-Western States Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th annual North American Open
See Grand Prix.
New Jersey
Geller Quads - First Friday Every Month!
New Jersey Childrens Chess School, 862 DeGraw Ave.,
Forest Hill (Newark), NJ 07104. Open to K-8. 3 RR,
G/35. Reg.: 6PM. Rds.: 6:30-7:40-8:40PM. Chess classes
in NJCCS meet every Friday 6:30-9PM. Chess camp
Geller Kids meets July & August, day & overnight. Web-
site: www.kidschesscamp.com. Email: chesscamp@ hot
mail.com. Phone: 973-483-7927.
The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club
Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave., Newark, New Jer-
sey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF
rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.
Sept. 12, Garden State Scholastic
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS,
G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open
to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to
K-12 G/60 Quads. Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if recd by
September 5th, $20 on site. Reg.: 9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal
Sprechman, 732 259-3881, hsprechman@characterkings.org. Ent: Please
make checks payable to Character Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box
1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please indicate section.
Sept. 13, Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k.. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379,
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Sept. 14, 21, 28, Hackettstown Fall Quads
3RR, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Ctr., 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ
07840. EF: $7. Prize to the winner of each quad is $20. (cash) Reg.: 7-7:30PM.
RDS.: 7:30 each Mon. ENT: Angelo DePalma, 18 Hillside Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.
adp@telluran.net, 973-579-8737.
Sept. 17, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop,
62 S. Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
Sept. 19, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
3RR 40/80 15/30 15/30. Full K. Ray Dwier Recreation Center, Bldg. 392,
uschess.org
Groveville, NJ 08620. Quads open to all EF: $10. $25 per Quad. Reg.: 9-
10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no
dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W
Sept. 19, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 9/12, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00
AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 732-714-1544 or johnpburke@yahoo.com. Ent:
Make checks payable toThe Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF
ID# and section.
Sept. 20, Westfield Fall Scholastic
Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. 4 sections: k-12 full k Open, U1250,
U750, unrated. Open Section: 3 SS game/45. Trophies to top five players in
each section. Entrance fee: $20, $15 members at site $30, $25 members. Reg-
istration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45 - 4:15- 6:00. U 1250: 4 SS game/30.
Trophies to top five players in each section. Entrance fee: $20, $15 members
at site $30, $25 members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15-
6:30p.m. U750: 4 SS game/30. Trophies to top five players in each section.
Entrance fee: $20, $15 members, at site $30, $25 members. Registration: 2-
2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies. Unrated
section: 3 SS, k-2, 3-5, 6-12. $5 registration, 2-2:30 p.m. Gold medal to first,
Silver medal to second, Bronze medal to third. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m.
Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Todd Lunna, 732-946-7379. lunnaco@aol.com,
www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send advance entries to: Todd Lunna, 36
Maple Drive, Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722, by Sept. 17.
Sept. 26, 3rd Annual Greater Pocono Scholastic Championships (PA)
4SS, G/45. Pocono Mountain East HS, 200 Pocono Mountain School Rd., Swift-
water, PA 18370. Sections: K-12 U/1000, K-12 Champ. EF: $20 online by
9/23; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:30-12:30-2:00-3:30. Prizes: trophies to
top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Sept. 27, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss
For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info.
E-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Sept. 27, Garden State Quads
3RR 40/80 G/30. Full K. Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712.
Quads open to all. EF: $20. 1st Place $50. Reg.: 9-10:00/am. Rds.: 10:00/am-
1:00/pm-4:00/pm NS NC W. Info: Hal Sprechman 732 259-3881.
Sept. 27, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Dean of Chess Academy, 1161 Route #202, Branchburg, NJ 08876. In 4 player
Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then ASAP with lunch
break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 orTrophy & EF refund. Current Chess stu-
dents of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: KenThomas, acn@goes.com
/ cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Sept. 27, Westfield Swiss #61 (QC)
5 SS game/15 (QC) full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes:
$500 Guaranteed $125, $85, $50. U2100, U1850, U1600, U1350 $60 each.
Entrance Fee: $35, $25 Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-
3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Oct. 3, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Oct. 4, Wizards of the Mind Chess Tournament
www.wizardsofthemind.com. 15 Center Street, Springfield, NJ 07081. 3 sec-
tions. U1900: - 4SS, G30, 9-9:20am, rounds start 9:30am. U1000: - 4SS, G30,
9-9:20am, U400: - Reg. 2-2:20, Rounds start 2:30pm. Trophies to top 5 in
each section, medals and special trophies to all in U400 section. EF: 25 mailed
by 9/26, $30 on-site. Facility has wireless internet service. Mail entries to 15
Center Street, Springfield, NJ 07081. Make checks payable to: Wizards of
the Mind. Bring chess clocks in U1900 and U1000 sections.
Oct. 5 - Dec. 21, Fall Team Tournament
9-12 rounds, 40/90. Hackettstown Community Center, 293 Main St., (Rte. 46).
EF: $15; Under 18 & Over 65, $10. Small cash prizes, b/entries, to players on
winning team, plus high scorer on each board. Reg.: 7-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Rds.:
7:30 p.m. each Monday. ENT: Michael Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Strouds-
burg, PA 18301 mikelaverty@yahoo.com. WCL JGP.
Oct. 10, Garden State Scholastic
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS,
G/30.Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open
to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to
K-12 G/60 Quads. Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $15 if recd by
October 3rd, $20 on site. Reg.: 9-9:45 am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal
Sprechman, 732 259-3881, hsprechman@characterkings.org. Ent: Please
make checks payable to Character Kings and send to Hal Sprechman, P.O Box
1511, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please indicate section.
Oct. 10, Princeton Day School
650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section.
Medals to all players. Three sections for OVER 1000 begin at 10:15 and must
preregister: NEAR MASTERS (K-12 over 1400) and FUTURE MASTERS (Play-
ers K-12 over 1200) G/60, 3 rds. CLOSED (K-12 1000-1200) G/45 4 rds. ALL
OTHER SECTIONS. G/30 4 rds. beginning at 12:00 noon. (round times will be
accelerated if possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE (K-12 U-
800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE
K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated G/30 3 rounds. Pre-registration
online $30 (On-site 11-12 noon $40). Info and register online: www.pds.org/
chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin Chessteach@gmail.com.
Oct. 15, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop,
62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
Oct. 17, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 10/10, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.:
10:00 AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 732-714-1544 or johnpburke@yahoo.com.
Ent: Make checks payable to The Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indi-
cate USCF ID# and section.
Oct. 17-18, Paul Aaroe Memorial
4-SS, 40/90, SD/60. Community Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ. EF:
$18, Under 18 & Over 65: $15 at site; $15 & $10 if recd by Oct. 15. Prizes: (b/15
entries): $40-$25-$15; U-2000, U-1800, U-1600, U-1400: $20 each, minimum
two players each class. Additional prizes possible if more than 15 entries. Reg.:
10-10:45 a.m., Rds.: 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. each day, earlier by mutual agreement
when possible. Byes:Two half-point byes available, but must score one-half point
OTB to win a prize. Advance entries: Eric Mark, 609Thomas St., Stroudsburg,

GOLD & SILVER GOLD AFFILIATES

Cajun Chess New Jersey State Chess Federation SPICE
AFFILIATES 7230 Chadbourne Drive c/o Roger Inglis Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409
New Orleans, LA 70126 49-A Mara Rd. 806-742-7742, SPICE@ttu.edu
GOLD 504-208-9596 Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 www.SPICE.ttu.edu
cajunchess@yahoo.com 973-263-8696, rwij@njoychess.com
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50 www.cajunchess.com www.njscf.org Tri-State Chess
USCF memberships during the current or 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
previous calendar year, or is the recognized Chess Club and Scholastic North American Chess 1-888-CHESS-35
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold Center of St. Louis Association MKurtzman@TriStateChess.com,
Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a 4657 Maryland Avenue 2516 North Waukegan Road www.TriStateChess.com
St. Louis, MO 63108. 314-361-CHESS Suite 342,Glenview, IL 60025
special list in larger type in Tournament
info@stlouischessclub.org 888-80-CHESS, info@nachess.org Unity Chess Club
Life each month, giving the affiliate name, 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
www.stlouischessclub.org www.nachess.org
address, phone number, e-mail address, Office 136, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per Continental Chess PaperClip Pairings 480-949-5464 (KING)
year, and existing affiliates may substract $3 Association c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari info@unitychess.com, unitychess.com
for each month remaining on their regular PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, 6005 Forest Blvd
affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining NY 12577. 845-496-9658 Brownsville, TX 78526 Western PA Youth Chess Club
on their Silver Affiliation. As of August 6, chesstour@aol.com 956-459-2421 Attn: Jerry Myers
2007, by paying an annual payment of $500 www.chesstour.com jejrhoughtaling@bisd.us 4101 Windsor Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may En Passant Chess Club San Diego Chess Club 412-422-1770
be obtained with no minimum requirement 1301 North Shore Drive 2225 Sixth Avenue catnipper99@yahoo.com
for memberships submitted. San Benito, TX 78586 San Diego, CA 92101 www.youthchess.net
956-399-9724 619-239-7166
edguetzow@sbcglobal.net chucnglo@aol.com
SILVER http://sdchessclub.multiply.com
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25 Jersey Shore High School
USCF memberships during the current or Chess League
PO Box 773, Lincroft, NJ 07738
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
jbart1517@yahoo.com
State Affiliate, 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 SILVER AFFILIATES
choice of either phone number, e-mail
address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs Chess Center of New York (NY) Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) Orange Crush Chess Club (IN)
$150 per year, and existing affiliates may www.chesscenter.cc 516-739-3907 akakarpov1@mw.net
subtract $3 for each month remaining on
Indiana State Chess Association Marshall Chess Club (NY) Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
their regular affiliation. As of August 6,
www.indianachess.org www.marshallchessclub.org www.spartachessclub.org
2007, by paying an annual payment of
$250.00 (instead of $150), Silver Affiliate International Chess Academy (NJ) Michigan Chess Association Renaissance Knights (IL)
status may be obtained with no minimum www.icanj.net www.michess.org www.RKnights.org
requirement for memberships submitted.
Oklahoma Chess Foundation
www.OKchess.org

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 55

 Tournament Life

PA 18360, ericmark4@yahoo.com. Checks payable to Hackettstown Chess Club. payable to NJSCF and send to NJSCF, PO Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08857. Entries tions Sun 2:10. Ent: received by 10/23. Pay to NMCO, Box 4215 ABQ 87196.
NS, NC. WCL JGP. must include name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration, mail- Info, directions & entry form: nmchess.org. WCL JGP.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14

Oct. 24, Kings Chess Club Quads
Morning quads and afternoon quads, G/30, K-12. Bethlehem Church, 758
Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869. EF: None. Reg.: 9-9:20 am., 1st rd. 9:40. Arr.
by noon to reg. only for afternoon quads. Medal to each quad winner. Info: Beth-
lehem Church 973-366-3434 or Bob McAdams 973-694-3988, rwm@fam
bright.com.
Oct. 25, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss
For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info.
E-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Oct. 25, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Take exit
#12 off I-287. In 4 player Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am,
then ASAP with lunch break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 or Trophy & EF
refund. Current Chess students of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info:
Ken Thomas, acn@goes.com / cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Nov. 1, Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379, www.west
fieldchessclub.com.
Nov. 8, Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379, www.west
fieldchessclub.com.
Nov. 14, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 11/7, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00
AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 732-714-1544 or johnpburke@yahoo.com. Ent:
Make checks payable toThe Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF
ID# and section.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 22, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship
5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from Garden State Park-
way exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade! MORE TROPHIES!!!
Grades K-6; Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams - top 3 from each
school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Grades 7-12:Trophies
to top 10 individuals, top 5 teams; Rds.: 10am and ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/15, $55
at site. USCF mem reqd. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd 1. Info:
732 259-3881,hsprechman@characterkings.org. Ent: Please make checks
ing address, phone number & entry fee, please include email address. The 1st
Place player and team from NJ in each grade will be recognized as the NJ Cham-
pion for that grade! Chess sets and boards will be provided! Please bring a chess
clock!
Nov. 29, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Dean of Chess Academy, 1161 Route #202, Branchburg, NJ 08876. In 4 player
Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then ASAP with lunch
break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 orTrophy & EF refund. Current Chess stu-
dents of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: KenThomas, acn@goes.com
/ cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Dec. 27, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Somerset Ramada Inn, 60 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Take exit
#12 off I-287. In 4 player Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am,
then ASAP with lunch break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 or Trophy & EF
refund. Current Chess students of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info:
Ken Thomas, acn@goes.com / cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
New Mexico
A State Championship Event!
Sept. 5, New Mexico Speed Chess State Championship (QC)
Sponsored by the Wired Kings CC and the New Mexico Chess Organization. Main
Library, 501 Copper, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. W. Community Room (lower
level) 7-DSS G/5 $10 Entry Fee - No Onsite Entries. One section. Prizes: $$b/40:
$150-$50-$25; 1st U1500, U1200 all $25. No byes allowed - Entries must be
received by 9/2/09. USCF membership required but not available on site.
N/S - No food or beverage on site. Check In: 10:00. Rds.: 10:30, 11:00,
11:30, 12:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30. Checks payable to Chad Schneider, 12004
Prospect Ave., NE, Albuq., NM 87112. Info: Chad Schneider (505)550-4654.
WiredKingsCC@gmail.com. Website: http://wiredkingscc.blogspot.com.
Sept. 12, Santa Fe Open
4/SS G/60. Santa Fe Womens Club, 1616 Old PecosTrail, Santa Fe. EF: $15.00,
$5 discount each addl family member after one full price entry. Sections: OPEN,
U1700, U1400, U1100. Rds.: 9-11:30-2:30 -5:00. Prize fund: $500 b/60. One
1/2 pt bye request before 1st Rd pairing. Mail Reg. must be received by 9/10,
checks payable to: NMCO, P.O. Box 4215, Albuquerque, NM 87196. On Site reg.
8-8:30, late fee $5. Info & entry form, directions with map: nmchess.org.
A State Championship Event!
Oct. 24-25, New Mexico Open
MCM Elegante Hotel, 2020 Menaul NE, Albuquerque. 5/SS. Sat. G/2 Sun.
30/90 SD/60. Rds.: 9-2-6:30, 8:30-2:30. Bye 1 max 1/2 pt request prior Rd 1.
Best finish by NM resident in Open is 2009 NM Champion. EF: Open: $35,
U1800: $30. U1400: $25. Rated U1100 playing in U1400, $20. PRIZES b/80:
Open $250-$125-$75, U1800 $175-$100-$50. U1400 $120-$60-$30 Best U1100
$30. Unrated 50% of prize except in Open. Reg.: Sat. 88:30. $10 late fee.
$5 Family discount after one full price entry. NMCO Annual meeting & elec-
New York
Sept. 12-Oct. 3, 3rd Farmingdale CC Sept. Swiss
4SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735.
Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $105-85.Top U-1800, U-1500 $55 each. EF:
$20. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP each Saturday.
2 byes 1-4. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. NS, W. WCL JGP rds. 3-4.
Sept. 14-Oct. 5, Nassau Semi-finals
4SS 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. Semi-final: open
to over 1399, or 2+ pts in Nassau Qualifying. EF: $34 by 9/12. $$ (600 b/20)
150-100, U2000, 125-75-50, U1400/UR 100. 2 pts qualifies for top section of
NCC Championship. Novice: under 1400/UR not qualified for Semi-final sec-
tion. EF: $21 by 9/12. $$ (170 b/10) 100, U1200/UR 70. Both: EF non-memb
$10 more, $7 more at site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.: 7:15 each Mon.
Ent: H. Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782 captnhal@optonline.net. WCL
JGP.
Sept. 15, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 17, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Sept. 19, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Sept. 20, Binghamton Monthly Tourney
4 ROUND SS, GAME/60. Reg.: 8:45AM to 9:00AM. ENTRY: $35. Cash only at
site. (Checks payable to Cordiscos Corner Store) Rounds: 9:15, 11:45, 2:15,
4:30. Prizes: 1st -$130, 2nd -$70, 3rd -$30.Trophies 1st - 3rd. Under 1700 1st-
$65 2nd- $30. Trophies 1st - 4th. Guaranteed. Please bring clocks. Cordiscos
Chess Center, 308 Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) 772-8782.
jcordisco@stny.rr.com.
Sept. 20, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 20, Studio Sept. Quad
3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639
Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS

Free 8-Line Tournament Life Announcements!
Adult Dues Options! >>
New Free TLA Categories Added!
RUN AN ADDITIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER!
Each affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8
lines and up to 2 issues of Chess Life, for any tournament
between January and March 2010, if no TLA for such an
event appeared in 2009, and the TLA is e-mailed by the
appropriate deadline. The 8 free lines cannot be applied
to longer TLAs.
SPECIAL CATEGORIES QUALIFY FOR FREE TLAS! Each
affiliate is entitled to one TLA per month of up to 8 lines
for events in the following categories, if submitted by
e-mail. The free lines cannot be applied to longer TLAs:
NEW CATEGORY! SENIOR. For age 50 or above, or a
higher minimum age.
NEW CATEGORY! UNRATEDS FREE. Any tournament
that offers free entry to unrated players. If your prizes
are based on entries, say paid entries.
USCF BOOSTER TOURNAMENT. A tournament that offers
at least two USCF membership renewal prizes, or a quad
that offers at least one per section.
CHESS CLUB SPECIAL. A tournament playing only on
one or more weekday evenings.
RBO. Open to Under 1200/Unr or Under 1000/Unr.Tourna-
ment name must include Rated Beginners Open or RBO.
BLITZ. Time control of Game/5. TLAs such as USCF-
rated Blitz every Friday 7 pm are accepted.
COLLEGIATE. A tournament limited to college students.
JUNIOR. For age 20/below (age 20 must be eligible).
NON-SCHOLASTIC WITH SCHOLASTIC. A tournament
for all ages held concurrent (same location) with a scholas-
tic tournament that in its previous year drew at least 50
players. We encourage organizers of scholastics to hold
open or collegiate events on the side.
SPECIAL RATES FOR CLUB ADS. Up to 5 lines $180 per
year, $100 for 6 months for unchanged club ads in the TLA
section. Announce meeting dates & times, activities, con-
tact info, etc.
USCF DISCUSSION GROUPS. See www.uschess.org/
forums for four groups: Tournament Organization, Chess
Club Organization, Tournament Direction, USCF Issues.
Ages 21-24 dues lower than
Adult dues!
The membership category once called Youth has been
renamed Young Adult, and eligibility has changed from
under 21 to under 25. Annual dues for this category
are only $32 with paper Chess Life or $24 with the
online version!
One-year membership with
Chess Life:
If purchased online at uschess.org, now only $42 for Pre-
mium Membership, which includes a copy of Chess
Life every month. Regular Memberships are available
for $29 and give online-only access to Chess Life and a
mailed TLA Newsletter (bi-monthly). (Note to affiliates: If
you collect a $49 membership, you may submit it online to
USCF for $42, in effect creating a $7 commission. If you
submit it by mail or phone the affiliate commission is $3.)

56 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

Sept. 24, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 26, New York Indian Summer Game/45!
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 26, Syracuse Monthly Open
4SS, Rds 1 & 2 G/60, Rds. 3 & 4 G/90. Courtyard by Marriot, 6415 Yorktown
Circle, E. Syracuse (exit 35 I-90, Carrier Circle, 298 E, left at Holiday Inn).
$(b/14): $100-50, Class: $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:15, Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF: $30.
Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Mineola, NY 13116. WCL JGP rds. 3-4.
Sept. 27, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
3-RR, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St., NYC: 212-477-
3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less
$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!!
No phone entry!
Sept. 27, NY Indian Summer Under 1800!
4-SS, G/50. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $30, $10 less if also entering 9/26
Indian Summer G/45, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free.
Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 9/24. $$ (480 b/32 paid entries):
150-100-50, top U1600 $95, top U1400 $85. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Reg.
ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-2-4-6 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. $10
extra to enter by phone!
Sept. 28-Oct. 26, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes
ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Oct. 1, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Oct. 3, 14th Annual Arkport Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 3, Prove Your Point!
3-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-
3716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
7:30-8:30-9:30.
Oct. 3-4 or 4, New York October Open!
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 4, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads
3-RR, G/30.The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between
Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2
in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Oct. 6, Marshall CC New York Experts
Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.:
7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Oct. 8, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Oct. 9-Dec. 4, 2009 Queens Chess Club Championship
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 10, 2009 Jefferson County Open & Closed Championship
4 Rds-SS, G/75. Ramada Inn, Arsenal St. at Exit 45, I-81, Watertown, NY
(Hotel res 315-788-0700). $$(b/16) $100-50, Class $25. Reg.: 8:30-9:20, Rds.:
9:30, 12:15, 3 and 5:30. EF: mld $25, WCC $20, At door $28 & $23. (Closed Chmp
Title for Jefferson Cnty residents only) Ent: Wtn. Chess Club, % Don Klug, 518
Sherman St., Watertown, NY 13601. Tele #: 315-785-8800. WCL JGP.
Oct. 10, Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 10-11 or 11, Marshall CC October U2300
4SS, 30/90, SD1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45,
Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends
12:15 pm. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds
1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes,
request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP.
Oct. 14-Nov. 11, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Oct. 15, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 17, New York October Action!
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 18, 15th Annual NY October Under 13 Open!
4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 10/18/96. Chess Center at Marshall Chess
Club, 23 West 10th St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. May be limited to 1st
52 entries. 2 Sections. 1. Open, EF: $32 postmarked by 10/9. 2. Novice, for
Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 10/9. Both, EF: $30 online at
www.chesscenter.cc by 10/15, $35 by phone at 845-496-2191 by 10/15,
$40 at site, Club members $10 less ($10 fee for refunds). Trophies to top 10,
top Unr, top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks
free entry to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit
of 2 byes, commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2
pm. Ent: Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF
ID, rating, section, school/grade, DOB.
Oct. 18, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads!
3-RR, G/30,.Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St.., NYC: 212-
477-3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned
less $36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!!
No phone entry!
Oct. 18, Sunday Under 1400 Action!
4-SS, G/30. Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St., between 5-6 Ave., NYC: 212-
477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40, $60
limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.
Oct. 20, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 22, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Oct. 22-Nov. 19, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only.
EF: $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each
Thursday Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Oct. 24, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Oct. 25, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 29, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Octember Open
See Grand Prix.

CHECK OUT USCFS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS

USCFs 62nd ANNUAL USCFs 6th ANNUAL

2009 Open Correspondence Chess 2009 E-mail Correspondence Chess
Golden Knights Championship Electronic Knights Championship
$1,000 First Prize (Seven-player sections, one game with each of six opponents.)
(plus title of USCFs Golden Knights Champion and plaque) $700 First Prize
2nd place $600 3rd place $400 4th place $300 5th place (plus title of USCFs Electronic Knights Champion and plaque)
$200 6th thru 10th place $100 each. Entry fee: $25. 2nd place $400 3rd place $300 4th thru 10th place $100
The entry deadline is November 30, 2009. each. Entry fee: $25.
These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF The entry deadline is November 30, 2009.
members who reside on the North American continent, islands, or Hawaii, These USCF Correspondence Chess events are rated and open to all USCF
as well as those USCF members with an APO or FPO address. USCF members with e-mail access. Your USCF membership must remain
members who reside outside of the North American continent are welcome current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S.
to participate in e-mail events. Your USCF membership must remain dollars.
current for the duration of the event, and entry fees must be paid in U.S. Maximum number of tournament entries allowed for the year for each
dollars. Those new to USCF Correspondence Chess, please estimate your player is ten.
strength: Class A: 1800-1999 (very strong); Class B: 1600-1799 (strong); Note: Prize fund based on 200 entries and may be decreased propor-
Class C: 1400-1599 (intermediate); Class D: 1399 and below (beginner level).
tionately per number of entries assigned.
Note: Prize fund based on 300 entries and may be decreased proportion-
ately per number of entries assigned.

Correspondence Chess Matches (two players)
$5 entry fee per person with two, four or six-
game options.
Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level
pairings. 1st-place winner receives a trophy.
Entry fee: $10.
Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments
Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with
each of six opponents. Players must have a USCF
CC rating to enter. 1st-place winner receives
$130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor
Palciauskas.
Entry fee: $25.
John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level
pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place winner
receives a John W. Collins certificate.
Entry fee: $7.
E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access):
Lightning Match Two players with two, four or To Enter: 800903USCF (8723), Fax 9317871200
six-game option. Entry fee $5 per person. or on-line www.uschess.org
Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin
Name_________________________________________
format. 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30.
Entry fee: $10. USCF ID# ____________________________________
Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) Address ________________ City _________________
Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format
tournament with class-level pairings. 1st-place State ___ ZIP __________Phone _________________
receives a certificate.
Entry fee: $7. E-mail___________________ Est. Rating _________
Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Express Tournament
Seven-player events, one game with each of six __________________________ Exp. date __________
opponents.
Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd If using VISA, need V-code ___________________
place $20 credit.
Entry fee: $15. Check here if you do not wish to have an
Please circle event(s) selected.
opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may
slow down your assignment.
NOTE: Except for Lightning Matches, Swift Quads,
Walter Muir E-Quads, Electronic Knights & Express
Tournaments, players will use post office mail, Make checks payable to U.S. Chess and mail to: Joan
unless opponents agree to use e-mail. DuBois, USCF , PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 57

 Tournament Life

Nov. 1, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads 50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by Nov. 14-15, Marshall November Open
3-RR, G/30.The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15- 4SS, 30/90, SD1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14

Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2
in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Nov. 2-30, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes
ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Nov. 3, Marshall CC New York Experts
Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.:
7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Nov. 5, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Nov. 6-8 or 7-8, 14th annual Green Mountain Open & Vermont
Championship (VT)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 7-8, Fourth Marshall CC Amateur Team Championship!
4SS, G/120. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $30 per player,
Members $25. All, $5 less if played in any of the first three MCC AmateurTeam
Championships. 2 player teams with ratings averaging under 2200. $$ (b/15
teams): 150-75, U1800 team $90, top scores bds. 1 &2 $90 each. Reg. ends
15 min. before game. Rds.: 12-5:00 pm each day; Limit 1 team bye, request
with entry. Replacement player must have same or lower rating, must play same
board. WCL JGP.
Nov. 12, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 14, 2009 New York State Action Chess Championship
Quality Inn and Suites, 611 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (Northway Exit 6).
G/30, 4-SS in two sections: Open and Scholastic in combination with the 2009
New York State Quick Chess Championship. NYSCA membership required.
Open: $23 entry fee if received by 11/9, $30 at site, with one additional $3 dis-
count for entries in the New York State Action Chess Championship, carpools
of three or more, or military ID. Place and class prize based on entries.
Scholastic: $15 entry fee if received by 11/9, $20 at site. Registration by mail
or at site from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Rounds: 11 a.m., 12:30-1:45 and 3 p.m.
Entries/Information: Karl Heck, 5426 Route 67, East Durham, NY 12423, sld-
kth@nyair.net, www.enyca.org, 518-966-8523.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 14, 2009 New York State Quick Chess Championship (QC)
Quality Inn and Suites, 611 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (Northway Exit 6).
G/10, 6-SS in two sections: Open and Scholastic in combination with the 2009
New York State Action Chess Championship. NYSCA membership required. Open:
$23 entry fee if received by 11/9, $30 at site, with one additional $3 discount
for entries in the New York State Action Chess Championship, carpools of three
or more, or military ID. Place and class prize based on entries. Scholastic: $15
entry fee if received by 11/9, $20 at site. Registration by mail or at site from
3-4:30 p.m. Rounds: 5-5:30-6-6:30-7-7:30 p.m. Entries/Information: Karl
Heck, 5426 Route 67, East Durham, NY 12423, sldkth@nyair.net, www.enyca.org,
518-966-8523.
Nov. 14, Utica Four Seasons Fall
4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit
31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway
(2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, IT Building. EF: $30. Prizes (b/20):
$200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15-5:30. Ent: Joe
Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116. WCL JGP rds. 3-4.
Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends
11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds
1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit 2 byes,
request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP
for rounds slower than G/60.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open
See Grand Prix.
North Carolina
Sept. 26-27, Henderson Fall Challenge 09
4SS, G/120. Open, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1000, UNRATED. Rounds: Sat.
2&7 pm, Sun 12&5 pm. For more info, go to www.ncchess.org, click on tour-
nament; then on Sept 26-27, Henderson Fall Challenge 09 to see premium &
info. WCL JGP.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1, or Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2009 North Carolina Open Cham-
pionship
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 5, QCCA Winter Scholastic A Queen City Chess Association
Sponsored Event!
4-SS, G/45. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), 9201 University
City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Two Sections: K-4 and K-12.Trophies to 1st-5th
place and medals 6-10th place in each section. EF: $10 if postmarked by
11/25. $15 later and on site. Registration onsite 8-9AM only! Schedule:
Rounds at 9:30-Noon-2-4. Entries: Send to: Fabio Hurtado, 2269 Elendil Lane,
Charlotte, NC 28269. Make checks to QCCA. Info: www.queencitychess.com
for registration form and more details.
Dec. 5-6, Greater Charlotte Championship A Queen City Chess
Association Sponsored Event!
See Grand Prix.
Ohio
Sept. 19, House of Chess Open
4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC

Membership Appreciation Program (MAP)

Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life. More frequent MAP standings and details will appear at main.uschess.org/go/MAP.

Overall Affiliate Standings Adult Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 519 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 472
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 510 JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 141
BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 232 MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 76
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 207 THE ATLANTA CHESS & GAME CNTR GA 71
SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 204 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 70
DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 156 CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK NY 64
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 152 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 58
RIDERWOOD CHESS CLUB MD 149 MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 57
JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 141 SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 52
CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK NY 138 HAMILTON ELEM SCH CHESS CLUB MI 51

Small State Affiliate Standings Scholastic and Youth Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 152 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 464
METRO CHESS DC 76 BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 196
NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG NM 23 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 195
SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION SD 22 SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 152
AIRLINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ME 21 RIDERWOOD CHESS CLUB MD 135
WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL NH 20 SILVER KNIGHTS PA 124
WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB DE 18 CHESS NUTS FL 124
MESA CHESS CLUB NM 13 LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 122
COASTAL MAINE SCHOLASTIC CHESS ME 12 CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW CA 118
ST MARYS PARISH SCHOOL CC ME 11 CAJUN CHESS LA 114

State Chapter Affiliate Standings Member Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 270 DIXON, MARK A TX 22
PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 165 CHRISMER, GARIE L TX 20
MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 108 NAVARRO, DANIEL A TX 18
MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MA 95 RYAN, BEN J NE 17
NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 70 CLARK, MIKE MO 15
MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MD 57 WILLIS, MARVIN, P CA 15
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN NH 48 DOCKERY, JOHN T FL 14
GEORGIA CHESS ASSOCIATION GA 29 BERRY, FRANK K OK 14
TENNESSEE CHESS ASSOCIATION TN 23 MCDONALD, THOMAS D TX 13
UTAH CHESS ASSOCIATION UT 23 ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER IA 13

PCT Gain Standings

State Dec08 Jul09 Pct State Dec08 Jul09 Pct State Dec08 Jul09 Pct State Dec08 Jul09 Pct
LA 602 651 8.1 MS 278 293 5.4 DE 163 167 2.5 NE 296 294 -0.7
NV 808 869 7.5 TN 1599 1648 3.1 SC 528 539 2.1
MT 76 81 6.6 IN 1610 1651 2.5 MN 1020 1016 -0.4

58 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM. Rds.: 11:30-1:15-3:30-
5:15. Prizes (b/25): Open 1st: $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100;
Reserve(U1600): 1st $100 Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House
of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-
1133. E-mail: info@houseofchess.com. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/.
Sept. 20, Beachwood September Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Oct. 4, Beachwood October Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Oct. 10, Toledo Oct Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 10/8 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A
,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd.,
Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Oct. 23-25 or 24-25, Cleveland Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 24, CWRU Fall Classic
4SS, G/45. Nord Hall, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Located on
south side of Euclid, behind street level buildings. Free parking off westbound
MLK, go upstairs to site. EF: $25 at site. Sections: Open, U1600. Prizes (b/30):
Open, 1st 200, 2nd 100, U1900 100. U1600, 1st 100. Reg.: 9-9:45 AM. Rds.:
10:00, 12:15, 2:15, 4:00. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com, 216-321-
7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, 18th Annual Kings Island Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, Toledo Nov Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 11/12 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class
A,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck
Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Nov. 15, Beachwood November Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms
All tournaments are non-smoking with no computers
allowed unless otherwise advertised by S and/or C
(see below for explanations).
QC: Quick Chess events.
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes.
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries needed
to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the advertised prize
fund of $501 or more must be awarded.
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it incon-
venient to play may take -point byes instead. For
example, Bye 1-3 means -point byes are available in
Rounds 1 through 3.
C: Computers allowed.
CC: Chess club.
EF: Entry fee.
Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous page).
Ent: Where to mail entries.
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rating.
G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has
75 minutes for the entire game.
GPP: Grand Prix Points available.
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60
single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix.
Memb. reqd: Membership required; cost follows.
Usually refers to state affiliate.
Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong
players, but some eligible for lower sections can play
for the learning experience.
uschess.org
Nov. 28, Tryptophan Open, Reynoldsburg
4-SS, G/75. New Song Comm Church, 13873 National Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH
43068. EF: $25 by 11/27, then $30. 3 Sections: Open, Select/U1700,
Reserve/U1400. Prizes: $870 b/40: Open 160-120 U1850 100; Select 120-80
U1550 50; Reserve 100-60 U1250 50; best chess apparel $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:30,
Rds.: 10-1-3:45-6:45. Info: www.neilley.com/chess, grant@neilley.com. WCL
JGP.
Dec. 5, CWRU Winter Open
4SS, G/45. Nord Hall, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Located on
south side of Euclid, behind street level buildings. Free parking off westbound
MLK, go upstairs to site. EF: $25 at site. Sections: Open, U1600. Prizes (b/30):
Open, 1st 200, 2nd 100, U1900 100. U1600, 1st 100. Reg.: 9-9:45 AM. Rds.:
10:00, 12:15, 2:15, 4:00. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com, 216-321-
7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Dec. 20, Beachwood December Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Oklahoma
Sept. 5-7, 1st U.S. Womens Open
See Nationals.
Sept. 5-7, 2009 U.S. Senior Open
See Nationals.
Oct. 10, 2nd Ada Open
4-SS, G/60+15. (dual rated). 1st Presbyterian Church, (580) 332-3073,
WFC Center, 301 E. Kings Road, Ada 74820. $$100 1st, other $$ per entries.
Reg.: 9-9:45am. RDS.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. EF: $20. OCF req $10. Brasket-
Swiss pairings: Top half of the beginning X-table awarded half pt. LS, W. Ent:
Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74074. FKimBerry@AOL.com (Go
east on Main Street to downtown Ada and turn right (South) on Broadway. Con-
tinue South on Broadway - about a mile - until you come to the top of a hill, which
is a four way stop.Turn left (East) on Kings Road. In one block Kings Road dead-
ends at the Presbyterian church. The second church bldg, behind the first, is
the WFC.) WCL JGP.
Oct. 24, Bville Quick Chess Marathon (QC)
8 SS, G/25. Best Western Weston Inn, 222 SW Washington Blvd., Bartlesville,
OK 74006, (918) 335-7755. Reg.: 8:30-9:30am. Rds.: 10, 11, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7. No
cash prizes. EF: $10, OCF $10. Brasket variation in Swiss pairings will be
used.
Oregon
Sept. 19-20, Grants Pass Open XXXV
Site: Rogue Community College, 3345 Redwood Hwy: Student Center. 5 Rd Swiss,
Time Control: Game in 2hrs. Reg.: 8-9AM, 19th. EF: $30.00 if received by Sept.
12th. $900.00 Prizes based on 30. 1st $250.00. 1st $EX/A/B/C/DE $100.00.
1st Unrated: $50.00. Info/Entries: Ritch Duron, P.O. Box 3071, Central Point,
OR 97502. (541) 582-6712. WCL JGP.
OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues.
PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits
Fund.
Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength
players.
RBO: Rated Beginners Open.
Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For exam-
ple, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. on
the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the second day.
Reg: Registration at site.
RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
S: Smoking allowed.
SASE: For more info, send self-addressed stamped
envelope.
SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of game
follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each player
must make 30 moves in 90 minutes, then complete the
rest of the game in an hour.
Section: A division of a tournament, usually excluding
players above a specified rating. Players in a section face
only each other, not those in other sections.
SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of
rounds).
T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
Unr: Unrated.
USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues.
W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.
WEB: Tournaments that will use a players on-line rat-
ing.
Chess Life September 2009 59
 Tournament Life
Pennsylvania
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING SEPTEMBER 1-14
Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads.
3RR, G/40. St. Lukes Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St.,
Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12.
$$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv.
ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!
North Penn Chess Club
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchess
club.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads
3-RR. St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10.
$30 Perfect Score, else $25 1st. Reg.: 12:30-1:15. Rds.: 1:30-3-4:30. Info: 610-
821-4320, bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Every Friday Night Early/Late USCF Rated 5-minute Blitz (QC)
8SS, G/5. StTimothys Church, 140 So. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104. EF: $5 CASH
ONLY AT SITE. Prize: 50% of Paid Entries. 1st-70%, 2nd-30% AND Top U1700-
$7 based on 12 or more players + FREE Coffee For All Entrants. FREE ENTRY
TO UNRATEDS, with paid one year USCF Membership. Event 1-Reg.: 6:30-
7:00pm. Rds.: 7-7:15-7:30-7:45-8-8:15-8:30-8:45pm. Event 2-Reg.: 8:45-9:00pm.
Rds.: 9-9:10-9:25-9:35-9:55-10:15-10:25-10:35pm. Ent/Info: Bruce Davis,
610-821-4320 or bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org or www.lehighvalleychess.org/
Sept. 18, Friday Night Action #9
4SS, G/30. Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
19010. Sections: Open, U/1400. EF: $30 online; $15 for players under 18; $10
more on-site 6:30-6:45. Open to first 40 players who register. Rds.: 7:00,
then ASAP. Prizes: $100 guaranteed 1st, others per entries. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register.
Sept. 19, Allentown School Days Swiss
See Grand Prix.
Sept. 26, 3rd Annual Greater Pocono Scholastic Championships
4SS, G/45. Pocono Mountain East HS, 200 Pocono Mountain School Rd., Swift-
water, PA 18370. Sections: K-12 U/1000, K-12 Champ. EF: $20 online by
9/23; $30 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:30-12:30-2:00-3:30. Prizes: trophies to
top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register.
A Heritage Event!
Sept. 26-27, 52nd Gateway Open
4-SS. G/120. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA
15217. EF: $28 postmarked by 9/21, $38 later, $3 discount to PCC members,
$5 extra to play up a section, half-price to players rated 2100 & above.Two sec-
tions: Championship and Reserve (U1800). $$(655 b/30) Championship:
$150-100, U2000 $70. Reserve: $$100-70, U1600 $60, U1400 $55, U1200/Unr
$50. Reg.: 9-9:45 AM. Requests for half-point byes in Rounds 3 & 4 must be
made by the start of Round 2. Rounds: 10 AM - 3 PM each day. Info: 412-421-
1881, www.pittsburghcc.org. Entries: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde
Kapinos, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Make checks
60 Chess Life September 2009
payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC. W. WCL JGP.
Oct. 3, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St. West
Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win
if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.
Oct. 4, 2009 PA State Game/60 Championship
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 10, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Open Quads
Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, PA, 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads:
3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5.
Scholastic Swiss: EF $15, ASAP $5 recd by Thursday before, $25 at the door.
3 sections: Open 3SS G/60, Rds.: 10-12:30-3; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 1200,
top unrated; U1100 -1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under 800, top unrated & U750K-6 - 1st,
2nd, 3rd, top under 600, top under 400, top unrated 4SS, G/40. Rds: 10, 11:45,
2, 3:45. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All Reg. ends 9:30am. Free parking
on site! Ent: MasterMinds CC 36 E. Hortter St. Philadelphia, PA 19119. Checks
made payable to MasterMinds CC Info: Bradley Crable, 215-844-3881,
info@mastermindschess.org, or www.mastermindschess.org.
Oct. 10, Smithfield Pack 92 Scholastic
5RD SS, G/30. On Site Registration: 9:15-9:45 AM, 1st rd 10:00 AM. EF: $20
if received by 10/7/09, $25 at site. Scholastic k-12 trophy prizes. Smithfield
Twp Municipal building on Red Fox Rd., I-80 2nd Exit (309) 3 mi left onTwin Falls
Rd. Proceeds go to Cub Scout Pack 92. For more info contact: Mike Laverty,
570-421-9802. Email: pack92chess@yahoo.com. Mail Entry Fee to: Michael
Laverty, 151 Lake Valhalla, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Oct. 10-12, 50th Annual U.S. Armed Forces Open
See Nationals.
Oct. 11, PCL October Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA
15213. EF: $10, $7 juniors. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am. Rds.: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com. 412-908-0286. W.
Oct. 17, 2nd Annual David Elliott Memorial
5-SS, G/30. St. Lukes Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102.
$$500 Gtd. $$150 (plus trophy)-80-70, top 1600-1899/unrated $100, top
U1600 $100. EF: $25 No advance entries. Half-point byes: Limit 1 (must be
requested at registration). Reg.: 9-10. Rds.: 10-11-1:30-3-4:30 (note long
lunch break). If tie for first place trophy blitz play-off 6 PM. Info: Eric C. John-
son (610) 433-6518 or www.freewebs.com/allentowncentercitychessclub. No
smoking.
Oct. 17, 2009 Lehigh Valley LVCA Oct Championship
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 23-25 or 24-25, Cleveland Open (OH)
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2009 PA State Championship
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 1, 2009 PA State Championship Scholastics
5SS, G/40. Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pitt., 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
3 Sections: Premier: U1100 & unr. in grades 9-12. Reserve: U900 & unr. in
grades 6-8. Booster: U700 & unr. in grades K-5. All: Trophies to top 7 in each
section.Teams of 4 to 7 players from all scholastic and adult sections:Trophies
to top 3 schools & top 3 clubs. EF: $15 by 10/23, $25 later. PSCF reqd, OSA.
Reg.: ends 9:30 am. Rds.: 10-Noon-1:30-3-5. Info: 412-908-0286, marti-
nak_tom_m@hotmail.com. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15223. W.
Nov. 8, PCL November Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 juniors. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am. Rds.:
11:30am-Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286.
W.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress
See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island
Cranston-Warwick CC Monthly
Every Tuesday. 4SS, 40/75, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF: $3/game
(club mbrs: $2/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.: 1st 4 Tues-
days of the month, 7pm sharp! 5thTuesday extra rated games and events. One
bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.cran
stonchess.org, 401-575-1520. WCL JGP.
South Carolina
Oct. 16-18 or 17-18, 70th S.C. Championships
See Grand Prix.
Tennessee
Oct. 3, Memphis Fall Cajun Chess Festival
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 3, Memphis Fall Scholastic Team & Individual Cajun Chess Fes-
tival
5SS,G/30. Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church, 7350 Raleigh Lagrange
Rd., Cordova, TN. Indiv. Sects. K-2, K-2-Reserve, K-6, K-6 Reserve, K-12,
K-12-Reserve.Team Sects: K-2, K-6, K-12. (Reserve Sects. are not USCF rated
and do not require membership; all other sections are USCF rated; teams may
only play in rated sections). Teams consist of a minimum of 3 players and may
have as many players as they wish, but only the top 3 scores will count toward
the team score. Team members must be from the same school or home school
district and all team members must register in the same USCF-rated section.
Byes: 1/2-pt. avail. for any one Rd. (commit before Rd. 3). Prizes: Trophies to
top 5 in each ind. sect. and top 3 in each team sect. Chess medal to all non-
trophy winners. On-site Reg.: Sat.,9-9:30am, Rd. 1 starts at 10am, other
uschess.org
rounds will immediately follow. EF: $15 by 9/30; $20 at site. ENT: On-line at
www.cajunchess.com, or mail entry to Cajun Chess, 7230 Chadbourne Dr.,
New Orleans, LA 70126. Info or Phone Ent: 504-208-9596 or 504-905-2971, or
cajunchess@yahoo.com. Major credit cards accepted.
Oct. 10, 2009 Cumberland County Fall Open
Cumberland County Community Complex, 1398 Livingston Road, Crossville,TN
38555. In 2 Sections OPEN: 4SS, Game/60, $$GTD: $50. 25 - X, A, B, C, D, E &
BELOW. Amateur: 4SS, Game/60, Open to 999 & under. $$GTD: $50. G, H &
Below, Unr (Unrated eligible for unrated prize only). ALL: EF: $10 till 10/05/2009
then $15 at the door. Memb. Reqd: 10.00. Reg.: Registration from 7:30 am to
8:30 am CDT. Rds.: 9:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm 4:30pm CDT. ENT: Harry D
Sabine, 931-484-9593. INFO: Susan Houston, 931-261-4024. www.tnchess.org.
Oct. 17, Heart of Tennessee Open
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 24, Memphis October Chess Festival
4SS, G/60. EF: $20 (MCC members $15), $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150,
top U1600: $50. Site: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Local 474, 1870 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. Registration (10/24):
8-9:30am. Rounds: 10-1-3-5. Entries: Memphis Chess Club Inc., PO Box
17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, gpylant@gmail.
com.
A Heritage Event!
Nov. 28, 49th Mid-South Open
4SS, G/60. Two Sections: Open and Under 1200, Open: EF: $15 by 11/21, $20
at door, $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150, top U1600: $50. Under 1200: EF:
$10 by 11/21, $15 at door,Trophies to top 6. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady
Grove Rd., Memphis,TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registra-
tion (11/28): 8-9:30am. Rounds: 10-1-3-5. Entries: Memphis Chess Club
Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, gpy
ant@gmail.com.
Texas
Sept. 26-27, DFW FIDE Open VI
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 9-11, Lone Star Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 11-13, 2009 National Scholastic (K-12) Championship
See Nationals.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Utah
Oct. 23-24, Utah Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Vermont
Nov. 6-8 or 7-8, 14th annual Green Mountain Open & Vermont
Championship
See Grand Prix.
PARENTS, TEACHERS
& COACHES!
http://main.uschess.org/content/view/9474/131/
uschess.org
Virginia
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating
Ladder
30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points
March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check
web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchess
club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money
too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info: Chrisney2@gmail.com No advance
entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly
events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.
Sept. 12, Kingstowne Quad#59/Action-Plus #31
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #59: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 9/9, $15 at site.
Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else sil-
ver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #31: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 9/9, $20 at site. Prizes: $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr.
each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg.: 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don
W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rat-
ing Ladder
30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points
March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check
web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchess
club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money
too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info: Chrisney2@gmail.com No advance
entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly
events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.
Oct. 10-11, Kingstowne Fall Festival
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 17, 3rd Annual VA Tech Hokie Memorial
3/4-SS, G60. VATech Univ, locationTBD. $$400 b/20 paid entries.Two sections,
Open & Amateur (U1600). Open $125-75-50, Amateur $75-50-25. Reg.: 8-9:30
Sat Oct 17 on site. One 1/2 pt bye, must declare before reg closes. Rds.: 10,
12:30, 3 & 5:30. EF: $25 if entry info received by Oct 13, then pay on site. Late
Reg is $35 on site. Ent: Email players name, section, USCF ID to Mike Hoff-
pauir (mhoffpauir@aol.com), ATTN: Hokie Memorial. Pay entry fee on site only.
Scholastic tournament (K-8) also being held at same time. Info: mhoff-
pauir@aol.com, 757-846-4805, or www.vachess.org/hokie-09.htm. W, NS,
NC. Event honors the VA Tech students who died in the campus shootings of
April 16, 2007.
Oct. 24-25, 25th Emporia Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 7-8, 14th Annual Northern Virginia Open
See Grand Prix.
West Virginia
Oct. 10, Mountaineer Open
4SS, G/75. Morgantown Chess Club, 100 Cobun Ave., Morgantown, WV. $$500
Check out the
new USCF
Certified Chess Coach Program
at
b/28 2 sections, Open: $120-100, U2000 $80, U1800 $60. Reserve (U1600):
$50-40, U1400 $25 U1200 $25. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10-1-4-7. EF: $25 by 10/3,
$35 at site. Ent: Morgantown CC, c/o J.T. Wassell, 104 Dustin Lane, Morgan-
town, WV 26501. Email: morgantownchess@gmail.com, web: http://morgan
townchess.org. WCL JGP.
Wisconsin
Oct. 17, Hales Corners Challenge X
See Grand Prix.
Oct. 24-25, Greg Knutson Memorial
5SS, G/120. Red Gym 716 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706. EF: $16 if received
by 10/21. $20 at site. Cab drivers may subtract $5. $$GTD: 1st $140, 2nd $120,
A $90. B $80, C $70, D $60, U1200 $50, Unr $40. Rds.: 11, 3, 7:30: 10:15, 3.
Reg.: 10:15-10:45. Entries: Guy Hoffman, PO Box 259822, Madison, WI 53725.
Info: 608-262-0308 (11am-6pm) schachfuhrer@hotmail.com. A WCA Tour
event. NS NC. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 7-8, 2009-2010 Wisconsin Junior Open
Gruenhagen Conference Center, UW-Oshkosh, Corner of High and Osceola St.,
Oshkosh, WI 54901. Open to youth born after 11/7/1988. In 4 Sections, Open
Section: 5SS, G/120, EF: $15 in advance by 11/3; $20 at site. Prizes: Top 5,
Top 3 each 1300, 1200 and 1100,Top 4 Under 1100 andTop 3 Unrated. Reserve
(Under 1100 or Unrated): 5SS, G/120, EF: $14 in advance by 11/3; $19 at site.
Prizes:Top 5,Top 3 each 900, 800, 700, Under 700 and top four Unrated. Non-
Rated Beginners Grade 7-12: 5SS, G/120, Open to Grades 7-12. EF: $11in
advance by 11/3; $16 at site. Prizes:Top 5 places,Top 3 Grade 7-9. Non-Rated
Beginners Grade K-6: 5SS, G/120, Open to Grades K-6. EF: $10 in advance
by 11/3; $15 at site. Prizes: Top 5 places, Top 3 Grade K-3. ALL: Reg.: 11/7,
8:45-9:30 A.M. Rds.: 10:15-2:30-7:15; 10:00-3:00. ENT: Mike Nietman, 2 Boca
Grande Way, Madison, WI 53719. INFO: Mike Nietman, 608-467-8510 (before
11/6) mike.nietman@charter.net. HR: 920-424-1106 $35 double (dorm room)
(Mention Chess). www.wischess.org. NS NC W. WCL JGP except for non-rated
sections.
Nov. 7-8, WCA Veterans Tournament
5SS, G/120. Gruenhagen Conference Center, UW-Oshkosh, Corner of High
and Osceola St., Oshkosh, WI 54901. Open to Age 21 and over. EF: $20 by 11/3;
$25 at site. $$b/40 and 3 per class: $150-100. A - $80; B - $70; C - $60; D -
$50; E/Unr - $40. Reg.: 11/7 8:45-9:30 A.M. Rds.: 10:15-2:30-7:15; 10:00-3:00.
Held in conjunction with the WI Junior Open but in a separate room. ENT: Mike
Nietman, 2 Boca Grande Way, Madison, WI 53719. INFO: Mike Nietman, 608-
467-8510 (evenings before 11/6) mike.nietman@charter.net. HR: 920-424-1106
$35 (dorm room) (Mention Chess). www.wischess.org. NS NC W.
Wyoming
Sept. 26-27, Kendel Crose Memorial 2009 Wyoming Closed
5SS, Rd. 1 = G/60, Rds. 2-5 = 35/90, G/60. Cmon Inn Casper, Teton Room,
201 East Lathrop Road (At Exit 185 on I-25), Evansville, Wyoming. Wyoming chess
players only. Section: Open (All). EF: Open $20. WCA memb. req. $$ b/entries.
Reg.: 8:30-9:30 am, Rds.: 9:45-12-5:30, 9-2:30. Ent: Allan Cunningham, 4019
Golden Court, Cheyenne, WY 82001. (307) 635-3102, e-mail: adcdac@bres
nan.net NS, NC. WCL JGP for rds. 2-5 only.
Chess Life September 2009 61
 Tournament Life

Classifieds
Chess Life accepts classified advertising in these categories: Activities, For Rent, For Sale, Games, Instruc-
tion, Miscellaneous, Services, Tournaments, Wanted. Only typed or e-mailed copy is accepted. Absolutely no
telephone orders. Rates (per word, per insertion): 1-2 insertions $1.50, 3-6 insertions $1.25, 7 + insertions
$1.00. Affiliates pay $1.00 per word regardless of insertion frequency. No other discounts available. Adver-
tisements with less than 15 words will cost a minimum of $15 per issue. Post office boxes count as two words,
telephone numbers as one, ZIP code is free. Full payment must accompany all advertising. All advertising pub-
lished in Chess Life is subject to the applicable rate card, available from the Advertising Department. Chess
Life reserves the right not to accept an advertisers order. Only publication of an advertisement constitutes
final acceptance. For a copy of these complete set of regulations & a schedule of deadlines, send a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to: Chess Life Classifieds, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

Activities I CHECK THEREFORE I AM

THE CHESS EXCHANGE: Chess & Games Club
FULL-TIME CHESS CLUB, Backgammon, Scrabble, etc. Hours: MON-
THURS 12pm-9pm, FRI 12pm-11pm, SAT 12pm-11pm, SUN 12pm-6pm. Club
address: 288 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. 1-888-CHESS-35, (718) 645-
5896. www.TriStateChess.com, MKurtzman@TriStateChess.com.
Correspondence Chess Club:
Candidate Master, 1071 N. Grand Ave., Suite 210, Nogales, AZ 85621. candi-
datem@yahoo.com.
GMs Giorgi Kacheishvili and Zviad Izoria are available for par-
ticipation in your tournaments, for lectures, simuls or other activities. Please
contact frkn81@aol.com or cell 646-239-0783.
FIDE MASTER Seeks NYer with a computer and printer to co-author
chess books. Contact: Rudy Blumenfeld, 155 Beach 19th Street, Apt. 8N, Far
Rockaway, NY 11691.
For Sale
WHOLESALE LIST OF CHESS BOOKS
Three pages. Send SASE. Thinkers' Press, 1101 West 4th, Davenport, IOWA
52802.
24 PAGE CHESS CATALOG FREE
Previously owned books and DVDs, new, old, and really old. Big savings on every-
thing. Souvenirs, photos, autographs and more. Complete catalog of Thinkers
Press books and Chess Reports. PDF brochure on running part time chess retail
business. Send your name and e-mail address to: blong@chessco.com and get
your catalogs pronto. Visit www.chessco.com daily for updated information.
www.stores.ebay.com/4yourdeskinc
Electronic Chess, PurchaseThe Grandmaster, Brand New, 4 Your Desk Inc., 471
North Broadway, Suite 196, NY 11753, (516) 409-8213, NYS Buyers Must
Include Sales Tax.
BOOK COMPARING CHESS960 (FRC) AND CHESS1,
modifies our understanding of chess principles. Search Amazon.com for
chess960. Visit www.CastleLong.com.
For a FREE copy of Confidential Chess Lessons
send name and address to James Schroeder, 3011 E 9th St #15, Vancouver,
WA 98661.
Attractive Chess Art Portraits, done in chalk pastels, prints or orig-
inals available for all world champions, and legends. Very reasonalbly priced.
Free Catolog for your selection. Call (937) 313-8379 or E-mail at dgif-
ford@centralfp.com
Chessvideo.com is now ChessOndvd.com
The Worlds Largest DVD ChessStore. Over 200Titles. Get Private Lessons from
GrandMasters, Polgar Roman, Kasparov, Shirov. Karpov on Fischer, Foxy Open-
ings, Fischer Spassky. Rematch and more. Retain 70% more than reading a book.
ChessOndvd.com, 1-877chessdvd.
Deep Tactics 6.0 combo $49, Chess Life & Reviews 33-75
$39, Much more, 928-246-1580 www.stores.ebay.com/toby-chess
NEW AND ANTIQUE CHESS SETS
The House of Staunton, sole U.S. distributor for Jaques of London, pro-
duces unquestionably the finest Staunton Chess sets currently available and
offers the worlds largest selection of antique chess sets dating from 1780. Pay-
Pal and all Major Credit Cards accepted. For our new products catalog
send $5.00 or for a 70 page plus color-illustrated catalog of our new and antique
items send $15.00 to:The House of Staunton, Inc.; 362 McCutcheon Lane;Toney,
AL 35773. Website: www.houseofstaunton.com; phone: (256) 858-8070;
email: sales@houseofstaunton.com.
LEATHER CHESS BOARDS BY STUMPY:
Squares & designs burned on to suede. Can be customized. Prices range
according to size & design. Phone: 423-364-1117.
Visit WWW.ITALIANGAMBIT.COM
A Comprehensive Book for 1. e4 players by Chess Master Jude Acers.
ANTIQUARIAN AND OUT OF PRINT CHESS BOOKS For sale.
Free catalog. Kramer-books, PO Box 243, Whitehall, PA 18052-0243.
TREASURE CHESS: rare, used and new books bought and sold, bargains.
650-856-2346; chess316@aol.com; members.aol.com/chess316
TWO DEANS OF AMERICAN CHESS AND THE ORIGIN OF
T-Shirt, Hats, Mugs and more! Visit www.iamsportswear.com today.
Worlds largest collection of scanned chess books, magazines, check-
mates (12 million+), tactic puzzles (156,000+), Deep Tactics converts chess
diagram on computer to interactive. New opening traps, solitaire chess, train-
ers & chess books on video. www.tobychess.com
* CHESS BOOKS:* Out of print, used, rare. Large stock online at
www.chessbooks.co.uk <www.chessbooks.co.uk>
Two Knights Defense cooked: Berliner, Ulvestad, Traxler, Fried Liver
+- guaranteed: Refute my analysis, get $10 off purchase price of Magic slm-
rea@aol.com $19.95 + S&H. See Correspondencechess.com for details. New
opening for Black: g6/Bg7/e6/Ne7/d5! (eventually)
Visit www.taoofthechessboard.com
Say yes to chess, to life and to joy.
ANCIENT CHESS.COM
Chess variants through history and around the world. Unique sets, lessons
and tales. http://ancientchess.com
BILGUERS HAND BOOK and addendum.
1,300 pages 1873. Fine and complete. Rebound. Make offer. 702-438-1687.
Selling a chess library (around 700 books).
If interested please call: (212) 801-1480daytime, (718) 409-0035
evenings.
Chess Art Paintings.
www.rogermorinartgallery.com
AUTOGRAPHED Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Book: poor condition. Signature: bold, clean. Offers, questions: Jonathan
Befus/PO Box 150076/Grand Rapids MI/49515.
Instruction
TOP-QUALITY BARGAIN CHESS LESSONS BY PHONE
With more than 40 years of experience teaching chess, the Mid-Atlantic Chess
Instruction Center is the best in the business. We specialize in adult students.
We offer 32 different courses as well as individual game analysis. Center Direc-
tor: Life Master Russell Potter. Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out when you
call, please leave your name & tel. #.
CHESS INSTRUCTION
Andrew Karklins, USCF Life Senior Master. Available for lessons and/or analy-
sis (by mail or in person). $25 per hr. Call or write (773) 327-0862, 432 W.
Wellington #503, Chicago, IL 60657.
LEARN MATERIAL POWER RATIO
The newest and quickest system for evaluating positions. $7.95. Barry Cush-
ner, 138 Stetson Avenue, Swampscott, MA 01907.
CHESS PUZZLES:
Thousands of crucial positions from historic & modern games, indexed by
GM. Solutions displayed if needed. www.wtharvey.com.
LEARN CHESS BY MAIL:
Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs. Alex Dunne, 324 West Lock-
hart Street, Sayre, PA 18840. alex.dunne@cqservices.com.
YOULL SEE REAL PROGRESS by Studying with 3- Time U.S.
Champ GM Lev Alburt!
Private lessons (incl. by mail and phone) from $80/hr. Autographed seven-vol-
ume, self-study Comprehensive Chess Course-only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534,
Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212) 794-8706.
CARIBBEAN CHESS CRUISE
Theory and teaching from Grandmasters * Tournament play with GM/IM
commentary * The balmy Caribbean in January. Join us! www.InSightCruises.com/
Chess * 650-327-3692
CHESS PUZZLES: 10,000 INSTRUCTIVE DIAGRAMS from
Grandmaster Games. Find the Winning Move. www.wtharvey.com
Free Chess Training Videos
Visit www.chess-videos.com! You can even post your own videos or join our dis-
cussion forums for game analysis, playing tips, and general chess discussion.
Watch. Discuss. Learn. Chess-videos.com
LEARN FROM A LIFE MASTER
Play Correspondence Chess Online with a Master
Five years worth of games only $350. Contact George C. Grasser 863-370-4884
or E-Mail Chessmaster42@msn.com for details.
FORMER NEW ENGLAND AMATEUR CHAMP. 40 minute lesson,
$5 per lesson, by phone. 508-753-0424. References.
Working on your game? More than 500 free chess videos at your fin-
gertips. www.ChessVideos.TV
Instructors Needed
CHESS CLUB IN SPRINGFIELD, NJ is looking for an instructor and
counselors for summer 2007 chess camp: full day or half day. Please email
info@wizardsofthemind.com or call 973-262-1395.
Miscellaneous
SAVE IT FOR POSTERITY!
Artist will paint your favorite chess position or best move on canvas for all to
admire your brilliancy! Basic chess painting $600. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sam-
ples, go to: AGPaderArt.com.
CHESS REGINA, invented by Ava Maria, solves all chesswars. The "lady-
in-waiting", who may be called Alice, stands to the left of each Queen, moves
6 spaces in any direction, opening the board to 81 total squares. "Lady-In-Wait-
ing" patterns after actual British Monarchy; all Queens had them. (patent
pending) ivorywoman64@yahoo.com
On the INTERNET, the greatest show in chess: ISOLANIS.COM
Wanted
Earn Big $$$
Looking for experienced chess coaches to teach after-school programs (Grades
K-12) in the Greater New York area. Emphasis on developing Chess Teams! Send
resume: MKurtzman@TriStateChess.com or Tri-State Chess, 288 Third Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Buying Chess Memorabilia,
books, photos, posters, art, letters, autographs. Seeking stamp and postcard
collections. Please contact NM Richard Benjamin (770) 953-6916. E-mail:
richbe@mindspring.com.
CHESS-PLAYER SCHOLARS
in top 10% of high school class with USCF > 2000 and SAT > 1400 for possi-
ble college scholarships to UMBC. Prof. Alan Sherman, Dept. of Computer
Science and Electrical Engineering, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, 21250.
410-455-2666, dralansherman@starpower.net.
Fide Master
Wants to share an apartment with an apartment owner. Rudy Blumenfeld, 431
Beach 20th St., Far Rockaway, NY 11691.
(Southern/Northern California) Professional Photography
of Tournaments and players. Documentary or artistic. USCF rated photographer
that understands positions. 415-205-0564. www.fraserimagery.com/chess.
Rubber stamps
to make chess diagrams. Ames, Box 690025, Quincy, MA 02269
Looking for people to play chess on Friday nights in Andover township
(no time limit). Bernard Norgard (973) 352-9520.
ChessMate Pocket & Travel Sets
Magnetic sets w/ genuine & simulated
leathers, durable boards, 4 extra piece-
disks per side. Handmade in the USA
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE !
WWW.CHESSMATE.COM
PHONE ORDERS: (425) 697- 4513

VIRTUAL CHESS OPENINGS

CHESS send $15 and address to Jerry DeGattis, 3955 Coffee Rd. #76 95355 FM Craig Mar teaches winning strategies on ICC. (510) 836-2645 henryymar
Visit www.thechesslibrary.com @aol.com $25/hour
NEW BOOK: Bronstein: Fifty Great Short GamesIM Minev. Free tourna- SCHOLARSHIPS FOR KOPECS CHESS CAMPS 2008 in NH
www.chessopenings.com
ment crosstable archives. (August 17-22)
CHESS VISUALIZATION COURSE
The most comprehensive chess
Eight merit scholarships (Two Each at $400, $300, $200, $100), for ages 10- opening reference in the world!
A series of books to help you improve your chess visualization skills. Exer- 16, Details: www.kopecchess.com/2008 scholarships Questions: IM Dr. Danny
cises taken from real games. www.chessvisualization.com. Kopec 516-867-4031 (drk2501@aol.com).

62 Chess Life September 2009 uschess.org

 Solutions

Chess to Enjoy B. Instead 1. Nf6+! is fatal: 1. ... gxf6 2. exf6 e5 (or Problem II.
Problem I. 2. ... Qc2 3. Qxf8+! Kxf8 4. Rd8 mate) 3. Qxf8 1. Nd4! Nxd4
1. Rc1! (or 1. Rc2) threatens 2. Rg1 and 3. Rg8 Kxf8 4. Rd8 mate. White stands better after 1. ... Qf1? 2. Qa2! Qa1 3.
mate, e.g. 1. ... Rb4 2. Rc8 mate. C. Black can still offer some resistance after 1. Rd4 Qxa1 g1=Q 4. Qc3 Qa1+ 5. Qxa1 e1=Q 6. Qa2 Qe5
Problem II. Ba6 2. Qe7 Qc2 3. Rg4 Kh8 4. Rxg7 Qf5. 7. Qf7.
1. Bxd5! Rxd5 2. Ra1 Qb3 3. Rfb1 Qc4 4. Rb4 traps 3. A. Teschner-Portisch, Monte Carlo 1969. 2. Ne6 Bd8
the queen. A. Black missed 1. ... Qf2! (inviting 2. Rxf2 Re1+) 2. 2. ... c1=Q 3. Qxc1 Qxc1 4. Nc7+ Qxc7 Stalemate.
Problem III. Ng3 Qe1+! 3. Rxe1 Rxe1+ and mate next. 3. Nxd4
1. ... Rf7+ 2. Kd6 Qg6+ 3. Kc5 Rf5+ and ... Qxe8. No Black is better if 3. Qc3? c1=Q 4. Qxc1 Nc2.
B. The game was drawn after 1. ... Qa6? 2. Ng3.
better is 2. Kc8 Rf8 or 2. Ne7 Qc5+ 3. Kd7 Qd5+ 4. 3. ... Qf2 4. Qa2 Qxd4 5. Qd5+ Qxd5 Stalemate.
C. Black is the one who gets mated after 1. ...
Kc8 Qe6+ 5. Kd8 Qd6+. Rxc2?? 2. Rxe8+. Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess
Problem IV. 4. B. Savon-Bronstein, Petropolis 1973. Problem I.
1. ... c2! and there is no perpetual check after 2. A. It was drawn after 1. ... Kd6? 2. b4 (because if Promotion: The win is straightforward: 1. ... Bxa1,
Rxd5 exd5 3. Qxe5 c1=Q 4. Qxd5+ Kh8. now 2. ... g4 3. e5+ leads to perpetual check). since 2. Bxd8 Rxd8 3. Rxa1 Rd1+ ends it.
Problem V.
B. Bronstein missed 1. ... g4! because if 2. fxg4 f3 Problem II.
1. h6! Nxe3 2. hxg7+ Kxg7 3. Rxh7+ Kf6 4. Qd4+ Getting out of check: White has no answer to
or 2. hxg4 h3! forces mate.
and mates. Or 1. ... fxg6 2. hxg7+ Kxg7 3. Rxh7+! 1. ... Be5, when the queen and mate are menaced.
Kxh7 4. Rh1+ Kg7 5. Bh6+ and mates. C. Its only drawn after 1. ... Qg3+ 2. Kh1 g4 3. Qf1
gxf3 4. gxf3. Problem III.
Problem VI. Back row: Black wins for sure with 1. ... Rxd2 2.
1. ... cxb3 is good enough (2. Rxc5 Bxe2 3. Rxc7 Endgame Lab Benkos Bafflers Rxd2 Qe1+, whereas 1. ... Bh2+ 2. Kxh2 Rxf3 3.
Rxc7 4. Rxe2 Rxa4+). But quicker is 1. ... Qb8 and Problem I. Rxd8+ Qxd8 4. Rxf3 should lead to a draw.
then 2. Nxc5 cxb3!. Or 2. Rxc4 Nxa4! (3. bxa4 Bxc4 1. e6+! Problem IV.
4. Qxc4 Rb1 mate). 1. Kh6?! Rg2! 2. Qf1+ Ke8 3. Qc4! Rg6+ 4. Kxh7 Unpin: Black saves the queen and wins with 1. ...
Qxc4 5. a8=Q+ Kf7 6. Qf3+ Ke6 7. Kxg6 Qe4+! 8. Rxf4+ 2. gxf4 Qxd6.
Whats The Best Move? Qxe4 stalemate Problem V.
1. C. Torre-OKelly, Malaga 1973. 1. ... dxe6 Driving off: After 1. ... Rg4, White has no reason-
A. White can win with 1. Rxg7+ Rxg7 (or 1. ... Bxg7 1. ... Kxe6? 2. Qe3+ Kf5 3. Qg5+ wins able way to save his bishop.
2. Rg1! Re8 3. f6) 2. Bxh6 Rh8 3. Ne7 but theres 2. Kh6! Rg2 3. Qf1+ Kg8 4. Qf8+ Kxf8 5. d7+ Kf7 6.
a simpler way. Problem VI.
d8=N+ Kf6 7. Be7+! Kxe7 8. Nxc6+ Kf6 9. Kxh7 Back row: Black scores with 1. ... Rb1. On 2. Rg1
B. Indecisive is 1. Nxf6+ Nxf6 2. Rxg7+ Rxg7 3. 9. Kh5? Rg8 10. Nb8 Rg5+ there follows 2. ... Bd4. Meanwhile, 2. Qf3 fails to 2.
Qxh6+ Kg8 4. Qxf6 Qxe4. 9. ... Rg7+ 10. Kh8 Rxa7 11. Nxa7 Ke5 ... Rxf1+ 3. Qxf1 Qxd6.
C. The crusher was 1. Rg6! Rh8 (if 1. ... fxg6 2. 11. ... Ke7 12. Kg7 Kd6 13. Kf6
fxg6+ Kh8 3. Bxh6) 2. Rxh6+ gxh6 3. Qxh6+ Kg8 12. Kg7 Kd5
4. Rg1+ with mate next. 12. ... Kd6 13. Kf6 e5 14. Kf5 Kc7!? 15. Nb5+ Kc6 16.
2. B. Levenfish-Riumin, Moscow 1936. Na3 wins
A. White eventually drew after the tame retreat 1. 13. Kf6 e5 14. Kf5 e4 15. Kf4 e3 16. Kxe3 Kc5 17.
Ng3? Ke4 Kb4 18. Nc6+ Kb5 19. Kd5 wins.

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 9. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published 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 2009 by the United 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 submitted
at the sender's risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility for them. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville,
TN 38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those 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 information may be e-mailed to addresschange@ uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice.
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO EXPRESS MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C
6A8

uschess.org Chess Life September 2009 63