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2 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

December on uschess.org

Holiday Chess Times
See CLO for stories from the
major events over the holiday.
Events span from the North
American Open in Las Vegas
(December 26-29), which
will be covered by Kostya
Kavutskiy. Also see updates
on the premier college event,
the Pan-American Intercolle-
giate Chess Tournament in
Fort Worth, Texas (December
27-30), which will include
updates by Dr. Alexey Root.
A Maximal Christmas
with Minimal Problems
This problem, from Jean
Maurice Paradis, La Presse
1938, shows what Steven
Dowd intends to cover in
CLO with his article Mini-
mals, all of which feature
only a king and one other
piece, often against an
opponents entire army!
Can you see, in this minimal,
how Whites bishop and
king will checkmate Black,
despite Black being up the
Exchange and three pawns?
See CLO for the solution!
National Youth Action
Heads West
Kids and quick chessa
perfect match! This year the
National Youth Action (NYA)
will be split into two sunny
parts: the NYA East in Miami,
Florida and the NYA West in
Irvine, California. Both events
will take place from December
9-11. Look for coverage on
CLO of both, including
thoughts from Randy Hough
of the Chess Journalists of
America on the West.
Greg on Norms Part II
IM Greg Shahade follows
up his CLO editorial on
why our most talented
youngsters should focus
less on norms. This
installment features
Gregs personal feelings
on norms as he re-enters
the chess world.

Contributors Revolutionalize your game!

Jamaal Abdul-Alim (First Moves, p. 8) is a freelance writer
in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Alexey Root, WIM (First Moves, p. 10) teaches chess

online courses, available worldwide, for The University of Texas
at Dallas. Her first book, Children and Chess: A Guide for Edu-
cators (Teacher Ideas Press, 2006) addressed chess with
special-needs individuals.

GM Joel Benjamin (Looks at Books, p. 12) is the youngest

inductee in the World Chess Hall of Fame and was IBMs GM
consultant on the Deep Blue team that defeated Garry Kasparov.
Read your favorite
chess books
IM Irina Krush (Cover Story, p. 18) is a three-time U.S.
womens champion and frequent contributor to Chess Life. interactively on
GM Ian Rogers (Grand Slam Chess, p. 30) is a frequent
your iPhone,
contributor of international event reports to Chess Life. iPad or
Nelly Rosario (Fashion, p. 38) was born in the Domini- iPod touch.
can Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She received
a bachelor of arts in engineering from Massachusetts Insti-
tute of Technology and a master of fine arts from Columbia
University, where she currently is an adjunct professor. She
is the author of Song of the Water Saints: A Novel.

ICCM Bart Gibbons (Instruction, p. 42) lives in Joplin,

Missouri. He is an over-the-board master (since 1979), and an
international correspondence chess master since 1993. Visit www.playsmartchess.com to see moRe scReen shots.

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 3

December Chess Life
Columns

12 LOOKS AT BOOKS
New York 1927
By GM Joel Benjamin

14 CHESS TO ENJOY
Of Oscars and Auctions
By GM Andy Soltis

16 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Castling on Opposite Sides
By Bruce Pandolfini

46 BACK TO BASICS
Four (Pawns) Against
Alekhine
By GM Lev Alburt

48 ENDGAME LAB
Progress with the Seven-
Piece Database
By GM Pal Benko

Departments

3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES
18 COVER STORY
44 USCF AFFAIRS
52 TOURNAMENT LIFE
Kings vs. Queens:
Innovation, Interest, & Intrigue in St. Louis
68 CLASSIFIEDS
By IM Irina Krush and GM Ben Finegold
69 SOLUTIONS The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
70 ANNUAL INDEX brings together some of our top players to play a
battle of the sexes in classical chess and Chess960.

30 GRAND SLAM CHESS

Carlsen Wins 2011 Grand Slam Title
By GM Ian Rogers
Nakamuras chances killed by OJ.

On The Cover
38 FASHION
The Saint Louis Chess Center Dress Like a Grandmaster
continues to lead the way not By Nelly Rosario
just in the U.S. but in the world
with innovative chess ideas. Revenge of the Nerds, meet The Devil Wears Prada
This month we report on their now mate and be fruitful.
Kings versus Queens battle of
the sexes involving both classical
chess and Chess960. See page
42 INSTRUCTION
18 for IM Irina Krush and GM Retreat To The First Rank ... And Win!
Ben Finegolds article, including By ICCM Bart Gibbons
some diagrams that have never Despite the ubiquity of analysis engines, imagination
before been seen on the pages and creativity still plays a role in chess.
of Chess Life.
Cover design by Shirley
Szymanek

4 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

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Counterplay
Norman Peacor
I was very pelased to read the tribute
to Norman Peacor by Stephen Dann
(October Chess Life, USCF Affairs). My
first term on the Policy Board (1976-78)
coincided with Peacors service as treas-
urer. Norman was respected by all who
kenw him and he did a great deal to put
USCF finances on an improved basis.
Afrter his service as treasurer, he was
chairman of the life membership com-
mittee, chairman of the finance
committee, and finally a trustee of the
U.S. Chess Trust. He was active on the
finance committee throughout the 1980s
and 1990s.
One disagreement with the tribute:
Norm did have serious opposition for
treasurer in 1976his opponent was for-
mer USCF President Fred Cramer
Harold J. Winston
Chairman, U.S. Chess Trust
via e-mail
6 Chess Life December 2011
Lou Friscoe
I was rereading the February 2011
Chess Life and noted the article about Lou
Friscoe being named Volunteer of the
Month. The article noted that one of the
projects into which Lou was putting his
efforts was convincing the city to build a
chess pavilion along the river. Nine
months later that pavilion is complete
and Lou has already held three chess
tournaments there.
Martin Hughes
via e-mail
Chess apps
Im writing in response to your cover
story on chess apps (October Chess Life),
and wanted to clarify and add to the
Chess at ICC review. Printed space we
know is premium, but it was surprising
just how little coverage was devoted to our
three mobile apps, and how the precious
space was used in part simply to specu-
late on how people might feel upon buy-
ing our apps. It was also difficult to
compare apps in any way as there didn't
seem to be any methodology in how apps
were tested. The use of a star rating sys-
tem for example, evaluating apps in
different core competencies, would have
been useful.
Given how little was actually mentioned
in terms of features, could you please
note that all our Internet Chess Club
(ICC) apps have engines to play offline; our
Android has an excellent offline database
of chess problems; our iPad app allows
viewing of ChessFM videos; and both of
our iOS apps give you the ability to buy
membership months at reduced prices,
directly from within the app. In short
they aren't just interfaces for online club
access, and werent conceived only for
ICC members.
Brian Pollock
ICC Office Manager
via e-mail
FM Mike Klein responds:
I was reviewing the apps based on how
I perceived their uses (since they don't
come with instructions), and after years of
using ICC, I just didn't see much addi-
tional utility, especially since they are
charging for the app, even if you pay the
$69.99 yearly ICC membership.
I stand by the fact that they are show-
ing some bravado in charging extra, and
if their extras are that great, I would have
found them on my own. I also don't under-
stand their statement that the app was not
conceived just for members, because if
you are not a member, you would not be
able to sign in and play, which is the
largest function of the app. Maybe I am
missing something.
I also tried to play a U.S. Chess League
game a few months ago using the app, and
it failed to work properly. But the respon-
dent had it rightit was not possible to
quantify every single feature.
Send your letters to letters@uschess.org.
If Chess Life publishes your letter, you
will be sent a copy of Test, Evaluate
and Improve Your Chess by IM Danny
Kopec and Hal Terrie. Letters are subject
to editing for content and length.
uschess.org
 nve kta!
Co
From
 First Moves
OMG: Pairings by Text
The jostling that occurs as the pairings are posted
has long been a fact of tournament life. Getting
you pairing via text message is the latest way
technology is improving our ancient game.
By Jamaal Abdul-Alim
When I regIstered onlIne for the
51st Maryland open in rockville, Mary-
land, earlier this year, a prompt appeared
on my computer screen and asked if I
wanted to get my pairings sent via text
message to my cell phone.
this was, of course, a no-brainer.
Any player whos ever had to jostle with
a crowd of competitors all eagerly awaiting
the tournament director to post pairings on
a small sheet of paper in a single spot
knows that the scene can get a little chaotic
rather quickly. this is especially true in
large tournaments where many of the play-
ers are school-age and have all the
decorum that one would expect to find
on, well, a school playground.
given the ubiquitousness of modern-
day technology, its somewhat curious
as to why the option of getting pairings via
text messageor some similar tech-savvy
fashionisnt standard fare at todays
chess tournaments.
But the reality is that while other
aspects of the immortal gamefrom game
notation to game analysishave gone
digital, the pairing-by-text system devel-
oped by astronomer and computer
scientist Michael regan, treasurer of the
Maryland Chess Association, is still in
its infancy.
Indications are its a relative novelty at
tournaments and doesnt appear to be
likely to become available on the market
like other pairings software anytime soon.
this makes its virtual absence from
the chess scene all the more curious,
especially given the fact that regan and
others whove used the system report
that it makes tournamentsparticularly
scholastic tournamentsrun a whole lot
smoother than they would otherwise.
feedback has been mostly, Why does-
8 Chess Life December 2011
nt everybody use this? regan said.
Martin hughes, an organizer of the
Mulligan Chess Clubs Masters & experts
tournaments in Worthington, ohio,
tapped regan to use the system recently
after reading a brief mention I made
about the program in an article I wrote
recently for Chess Life Online (May 2,
2011). he said as soon as he ran the
pairings on swisssys chess tournament
software, with just one click he was able
to send the pairings to the players within
a matter of seconds.
the program came with a users guide
and worked without a hitch, hughes
said. It could not have been easier.
hughes further praised the pairings-
by-text system for its cool factor and
other benefits.
It is a new experience that adds to
the image of the tournament as well run, the origin of regans system actually
hughes said. goes to the Maryland state scholastic
he also said it gives tournament play- Championships in 2008.
ers time to prepare for their next opponent, We had a large turnout and one prob-
particularly if the pairings get sent the lem with getting the rounds started was
night before. that players didnt know that the pairings
the players who had not signed up for had been posted, regan said. so, in
the text service all called me for their 2009 I used an online service where I
pairings when they found out that other could send out a text message for each
players were preparing for their oppo- section saying that the pairings for that
nents, hughes said. section had been posted.
And, finally, hughes noted how the that improved things but I thought
system tended to reduce all the scrum that the best way to get the information
around the pairings board. to the players would be if each person
this could be particularly useful at the received a custom text with their pairing
large scholastic tournaments where not information.
only are hundreds of anxious kids press- so for the 2010 state scholastic Cham-
ing up against the wall, but a like number pionships, regan used a prototype for
of restless parents and coaches are also the customized texts of pairingsand he
in the stampede, hughes said. Michaels says the tournament ran much more
program handles multiple phone num- smoothly as a result.
bers per player, so both the player and a for those concerned with the techno-
coach or parent can receive a text. logical evolution of the program, initially
uschess.org

pairings were exported into an html file
which Regans program then read.
But over the last year, Regan rewrote the
program to directly read SwissSys files.
This allows me to directly read the
phone number for each player that is in
the SwissSys tournament file, Regan
said. That means that all you have to do
is select the section once and then each
time you want to send a text, you just hit
the send text button for that section.
When Regan used the system at this
years Maryland Open, it enabled him to
finish the six one-day sections in record
time despite having over 530 players.
PHOTO BY BETSY DYNAKO
This is because of an accompanying
message that notified players that they
can start their game early if they both
agree, which several did.
By allowing us to start the round up
to 15 minutes sooner, we can reduce the
time that the players are sitting around
waiting for the next round and end the
uschess.org
day earlier, which the parents appreciate,
Regan said.
I still have the text messages I got dur-
ing the Maryland Open. The text messages
let me know what board Im playing on,
whether black or white, the name and rat-
ing of my opponent.
For instance, heres the first text-mes-
sage pairing I got at the Maryland Open:
(Round 1) Abdul-Alim, Jamaal is playing
black on board 36 against Barnakov,
Vadim Y (1330).
For what its worth, this text message
enabled me to learn that my opponent
was the son of the highly-rated Yuri
Barnakov, who also played in the Mary-
land Open.
Regan has started to let other people
use the pairing-by-text as part of a beta
test. He said the cost of texting pairings
is less than $1 per player. But despite the
relative low cost and positive feedback,
Regan said he doesnt plan to take his
A relic of the past?
system to market.
I don't plan to patent it, Regan said.
The cost would be too high.
Ironically, text messaging isnt the only
wayand perhaps not the most feasible
wayto use technology to deliver pairings.
I dont know if texting the pairings is
the answer anymore, said Alan Losoff, a
retired bank technology manager and
organizer of the Las Vegas International
Chess Festival, who says he has looked
into texting pairings in the past. My feel-
ing right now is people are going so much
to the Smartphones, the iPhones.
Consequently, he said, it probably
makes more sense to post the pairings
online, which he said he planned to do at
the International Chess Festival.
We post them and a lot of people get their
pairings right from websites, using Smart-
phones or iPads, Losoff said. So the
demand for us having us text them kind of
went away before it got implemented. .
Chess Life December 2011 9
First Moves

Chess with Special-Needs Adults

Expanding the boundaries for teaching chess students

By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM

When I volunteered to teach similarly introduced. next. toby counted, 1, 2, 3, 4 while

childrens chess classes at the denton I asked each man to pick up the white pointing to white pawns, so four white
Public library, librarian carmen Grant king. Since the king had been the first pawns went into our bags. Juan didnt say
asked if I would also teach chess occasion- chessman taught, not everyone remem- anything, but pointed to a black bishop.
ally to her weekly group of special-needs bered what it looked like. carmen and I We all put a black bishop into our bags.
adults. She said, Some have mental abil- hinted that it was tall with a cross on top. Most of the time, the announced chess-
ities ranging from kindergarten to fourth each of us put a white king into our indi- man or chessmen were correctly put in
grade. to give carmen each bag. I cleared away
an idea of how I teach all but two bags and got
chess, I described two out two chessboards.
challenges (classify and the four men sat across
lines) from my forth- from each other, with
coming book Thinking one board in between
with Chess: Teaching each pair and one rook
Children Ages 5-14 for each man. I showed
(Mongoose Press, 2012). how the rook moved on
carmen thought those the board, supplemented
challenges would help by moving my arms ver-
the adults practice tically and horizontally. I
fine motor skills, mem- asked the men to copy
orizing, strategy, and those arm movements,
pattern recognition. I felt but they did not respond
encouraged, though I much. Within each pair,
had no experience the men took turns mov-
teaching special-needs ing rooks. one moved a
adults. white rook, the other a
September 8 was my black one. Sometimes
first adult class, attended the rooks were moved
by four men. My clas- incorrectly. one check-
sify challenge was for ers-like capture was
each man to sort his pile made, but without the
of 32 chessmen and captured rook being
then explain his sorting removed.
system. everyone sorted. I asked the caregiver
But not everyone talked whether the men played
when explaining. For bingo. they had, he
example, Juan pointed replied. I thought about
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXEY ROOT

to the two groups he cre- Seated: Edith (left) and Matthew (right, S.W.A.T. hat). calling out random
ated. I verbalized, oh, Standing (l-r): Toby, Chinn, Alexey Root, Josh (tall man behind Root). chessmen and squares,
you put the white chess- such as, Put a black
men there and the black pawn on a5. But, just
ones over here. vidual chess bag. then carmen had before I began, Josh said he knew how to
then I taught the names of the chess- everyone pick up the white queen and bag set up the chessmen. he demonstrated by
men. I held up a king and said, the king it. She suggested that Josh select the putting a black king on h8 and black
is tall with a cross on top of its head. I next chessman to put in the bag. Josh queen on g8. his mistake prompted me to
drew a cross on the dry-erase board. I said the black king. We went around the change my bingo plans. two men were
asked everyone to hold up a white king, table having each man decide which equipped with white chessmen, and the
and they did. the other chessmen were chessman or chessmen to put in the bags other two got black chessmen. I said,

10 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

Toby and Chinn, each of you put a white
pawn on a2. On side by side boards,
with my help and Carmens help, the
task was accomplished. Josh and Juan,
each of you put a black pawn on a7.
After we placed the b-, c-, d-, and e-
pawns, Juan placed the rest of his black
pawns on the seventh rank. He
recognized the pattern.
When just f1, g1, and h1 were
left to fill in for White and f8, g8,
and h8 for Black, we counted
how many squares remained
When they learn
until the two chess boards were
set up. Juan pointed to count, parts of chess,
such as recognizing
but the others counted out loud.
After the men finished setting up
the starting positions, class
ended with putting the chess-
men back in the bags.
To prepare for my next adult
the chessmen,
class, I reviewed what I had writ-
ten about chess and special
education in Children and Chess:
there is joy.
A Guide for Educators. Part of
that section (pages 25-26) read:
Michael David Wojcio (1990) has
taught special education students to
remember (a) the set up of the board; (b)
piece names; (c) piece movement; (d) rules;
and (e) the concept of checkmate. Woj-
cio has also taught them to sequence,
that is, to put the pawns and pieces cor-
rectly on the board at the start of the
game. Fine motor skills have also been
demonstrated by his students as they
move the chess pieces and pawns. They
have additionally mastered some basic
chess strategies, such as center control,
developing ones pieces, and thinking
before moving. Some of his students also
mastered the en passant rule.
Like Wojcio, I had taught the chess-
mens names, a pieces movement, and
setting up the starting position.
I also asked for advice from Carmen.
Carmen always keeps in mind that the
men are adults. A week before my chess
instruction, Carmen showed a video clip
about 9/11 (something she would not do
with children). I asked if the men could
read and write. Carmen said that the
men would more likely recognize a word
if it were paired with a picture or photo
of what the word represents. Further-
more, all of them could write their names.
Some preferred drawing to writing. I men-
tioned their reluctance to make vertical
and horizontal arm movements. Their
hesitancy was not a surprise to Carmen.
She works on their large motor skills dur-
ing some classes, for example having
relays where they kick or throw balls.
On September 22, my next class with
the adults, four men and one woman
attended. I drew a stick figure on the
dry-erase board and labeled it person.
I said that the drawing and the word rep-
uschess.org
resent a person, but neither looks like a
real-life person. I said that the same is
true for chess. There are pictures of chess-
men and names for chessmen, but they
will not look like real chessmen.
Then I passed out cards with 12 figures
and words representing the six types and
two colors of chessmen. For example, a
students card might show white
knight. The student then opened his or
her chess bag and located the three-
dimensional white knight chessman
corresponding to the figure () and the
words (white knight). Next, each student
drew his or her own representation of
the chessman or copied the words for it.
I thought the adults might want to do
only one or two of the cards. But Edith,
Josh, Chinn, and Matthew went through
12 cards each, locating an appropriate
chessman and then coloring or writing on
each card. Edith printed carefully but
did not draw. Chinn scribbled a single-
color blotch on each card. Josh finished
his cards first. So I held up a card and,
after looking at the figure and words,
Josh found the corresponding chessman.
Then Josh held up a card and I found a
chessman, and so forth. Tobys coloring
had slowed him down, as he had carefully
filled in the white spaces. He finished
three cards by the time the others had fin-
ished 12.
To prepare for a second activity, I
reviewed how the rooks move and taught
how they capture. White got rooks on a1
and h1 and Black got rooks on b8 and g8.
The photo, taken by Carmen Grant,
shows us gathered around the board
where I demonstrated this activity.
After passing out additional boards, I
had Toby partner with a library practicum
student. The other four adults paired up.
The goal for each pair was to move and
capture correctly with the rooks. Josh
and Chinn moved rooks correctly, but did
not capture even after I pointed out cap-
tures as options. Toby moved the same
rook back and forth to the same squares.
Edith and Matthew, helped by caregivers,
executed both moves and captures.
The third activity was the Lines chal-
lenge from Thinking with Chess. One
adult had the 16 white chessmen, and the
other had the 16 black chessmen. In this
challenge, the chessmen are used like
Xs and Os in tic-tac-toe. Taking
turns, with White going first,
each adult placed one chess-
man on a square. The first to
place four of the same color in
a line won the challenge.
In Lines, one usually
attempts different types of lines
(vertical, horizontal, or diago-
nal). Also, one should block the
opponent from completing his
or her line. The adults rarely
blocked without being advised
to do so. Lines were usually
horizontal or vertical rather
than diagonal.
I concluded the second class
as I had done the first class,
calling out squares bingo-style
for the adults to set up starting posi-
tions. Josh and Chinn (who had also
attended on September 8) seemed some-
what more comfortable this time with
setting up the chessboard. Though, on the
first commands (Put a white pawn on a2;
Put a black pawn on a7), Josh put the
white pawn on a1 and Chinn put the
black pawn on a8. After the ranks num-
bers were pointed out, and the pawns
adjusted to the second and seventh rank.
respectively, the rest of the pawn place-
ments went smoothly.
My next class is scheduled for October
13. During it, I will teach the bishop.
Diagonal moves might be difficult to con-
vey, as shown by this incident during
the Lines challenge. Though Toby could
have completed a diagonal line by plac-
ing a chessman on b4 (since he already
had chessmen on e1, d2, and c3), he did
not. Even when the library practicum
student showed the e1-d2-c3 diagonal,
Toby tried placing his next chessman at
a4, then c2, and then d1. Finally, I
pointed to b4. Toby put the chessman
there and clapped when I said he had
made four in a row.
After my two September classes, I asked
Carmen what she thought the adults had
gained so far from chess. Carmen said, I
think chess is improving the groups
motor, recall, and thinking skills. The
Lines challenge was challenging and fun,
and allowed the group to learn basic
strategy. I also think the group is learn-
ing that chess can be fun.
My chess teaching feels like a success,
despite my belief that these adults will
never play full games of chess. When
nizing the chessmen, there is joy. .
they learn parts of chess, such as recog-
Chess Life December 2011 11
Looks at Books
New York 1927
A deserving book finally gets an English translation
By GM Joel Benjamin
been no full-length translation, but that
omission has finally been corrected in an
edition translated by Mary Lawrence, and
edited by Al Lawrence.
Old games may seem quaint by modern
standards, but they can reveal history in
the making. As GM Andy Soltis points out
in his spot-on foreword (see sidebar, next
page), the first two games in the tourna-
ment introduce the Manhattan Variation,
an opening that is still shown to be rele-
vant by the worlds top grandmasters. The
lure of the book is of course the commen-
tary from Alekhine, not so much for the
quality of his analysis (chess engines can
humble any annotator) but for the joyful,
unmitigated frankness by which Alekhine
attacks the subject matter. Todays play-
ers dont claim they understand chess
better than their rivals; they just try to
come to the game armed with useful spe-
cific ideas. They can tell the world their
thoughts on the games immediately after
the tournament, if not the very same day.
And despite a few oil and water relation-
ships (Kramnik and Topalov comes to
he old tournaments conjure up mind) todays players dont express a lot of
T images in a way that todays events animus towards each other.
do not. Hastings 1895 evokes Pills- In the pre-computer unconnected world
burys surprise emergence, or von of 1927, players were still battling to put
Bardeleben walking away from a ruined their philosophical stamp on the game.
position against Steinitz. New York 1924 Participants relished writing tournament
is a similarly iconic tournament, but the books because it was a rare opportunity to
1927 New York event has never achieved present their theories and versions of events
the same kind of cult status. Perhaps it is to the public. And the elite players often did
because the great Emmanuel Lasker did not get along. Much of the tension was
not play, perhaps because Capablanca caused by the personal domination of the
triumphed easily over his five rivals, two match process that the world champion
and a half points ahead of Alexander often enjoyed in the days before FIDE.
Alekhine. In any case, New York 1927 Capablanca ducked Alekhine for years
might have a different legacy if Alekhines much to the latters consternation.
tournament book, published in German in The tournament victors result is put
1938, had come out in the English lan- under the microscope in the eleven-page
guage. For more than 60 years there has introduction New York 1927 as Prologue
12 Chess Life December 2011
to the World Championship. Alekhine
examined Capablancas mini-matches with
his five competitors and concluded that
they played well below their usual stan-
dard, in awe of the Cubans reputation,
particularly as an endgame genius
(Alekhine was not so impressed with Capa-
blancas prowess in the ending). It seems
petty to make such an assertion about a
player who so thoroughly dominated. Note
that Alekhine was not expressing his frus-
trations from the time of the event; the
book was published after he had van-
quished Capablanca for the title. Maybe
Alekhine felt he could express his thesis
only after achieving his goal. He certainly
wanted the world to know he could see the
vulnerabilities in the play of Capablanca
that were hidden, to most people, in this
obviously successful result.
The man has a point when you consider
the following example:
Inexplicable draw
Rudolf Spielmann
Jos Ral Capablanca
Round 7
-+-+-+k+
zp-vl-+pzpp
-zppsn-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+P+-+L+
vLP+-+-zPP
P+-+KzP-+
+-+-+-+-
Whitetoplay
Here Spielmann inexplicably accepted a
uschess.org
draw. Alekhine was relatively gentle,
remarking that the position was without a
doubt, worth playing out. Spielmann clearly
lacked confidence in his own endgame abil-
ities, but any grandmaster of today would
recognize Whites sizable advantage without
the slightest chance of losing. Spielmann
was renowned as an attacker but similarly
styled players nowadays would possess
much greater versatility!
I enjoyed Alekhines harsh but witty
criticism of Nimzovichs opening play in his
second round meeting with Capablanca:
1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 d5 4. e3
As is well known, the moves 4. Bg5
and 4. Nc3 are more vigorous here, and
at the same time quite credible develop-
mental moves. But that it is the way it
isin New York one played against Capa-
blanca usually in such a way, as if there
was a mot dordre to play only the second-
or third-best moves against him.
Of course Alekhine had to produce
moves and not just words on occasion.
Capas opposition
Jos Ral Capablanca
Milan Vidmar
Round 12
r+lsn-trk+
+-wq-vlpzpp
-+-zp-sn-+
p
z -zpPzp-+-
PzpN+P+-+
+-zP-+N+P
-zPL+-zPP+
R
t -vLQtR-mK-
After15....a5
About Capablancas 16. Nfxe5 Alekhine
comments, This much admired exchange
combination leads to a certainly some-
what favorable endgame, which Black
finally loses with imprecise play. (Alekhine
preferred 16. Be3). The game continued:
16. ... Ba6 17. Bb3 dxe5 18. d6 Bxd6 19. Qxd6
Qxd6 20. Nxd6
... and now Alekhine queried 20. ... Nb7,
recommending 20. ... Rb8 21. Bc4 Bxc4
22. Nxc4 Nc6 with a definitely defensible
game. Nevertheless, after 23. Bd2 Blacks
position still looks pretty depressing.
The book is not all about the softness
of Capablancas opposition. We can expect
that an all-time great would produce gen-
eral chess wisdom. I was particularly
struck by Alekhines comments on the fol-
lowing position:
uschess.org
Alekhine being philosophical
Frank Marshall
Aron Nimzowitsch
Round one
-+ktr-+-tr
p
z pzpqsn-+p
-+n+lzp-+
+-+p+-zp-
-+-zP-+-+
+-zPL+NvLP
P+P+-zPP+
+R+Q+RmK-
After12....O-O-O
Nimzowitschs 12. ... 0-0-0 prompted
Alekhine to wax philosophical: The king
takes on the defense of b7 and c7. The
kings role in defense has been strongly
underestimated (after the desperate
attempt by the aging Steinitz to use this
piece to attack on a full board was a mis-
erable fiasco)and only the years after the
war seemed to bring a gradual about-
face in this respect. One can examine
the games from the Buenos Aires match,
for example, where the kings, already in
the middlegame, were used now and then
to defend key squaresthat is, function-
ing as active pieces even before the
endgame.
Good stuff! And Alekhine actually con-
cluded that Nimzowitsch would have been
better off castling kingside if Marshall
had continued more accurately in the
next few moves.
I was intrigued by Alekhines comments
on the openings. Obviously this part of the
game has changed the most since
Alekhines time. Though his comments
may seem curious by todays standards,
I admire the conviction you see in them.
In round 15 Spielmann-Alekhine began
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2. Here Alekhine
comments: Apparently Spielmann wants
to avoid the dull line 4. Nc3 Bb4! proven
successful in this tournament. But as is
generally known, Black can also easily
obtain equality with the text move (3. ...
c5), with some caution. Alekhine could
label the Winawer dull because every-
one answered with the toothless 4. exd5
instead of the now almost automatic 4. e5.
Reading between the lines, we can
assume that the French was the favored
defense to 1. e4 on the grandmaster level,
with White lacking an effective weapon
against it.
Though Al Lawrence used a chess
engine to check Alekhines analysis (and
for that matter the quality of Capablancas
moves), he wisely left Alekhines prose
unmarked by computer analysis. It would
only serve to mar a classic text, and as
Lawrence points out, readers are free to
check on their own to look for mistakes.
I have just a couple of minor quibbles.
The form of the games index does not
allow you to pinpoint particular matchups
right away. The crosstable on page 12
lists an incorrect total for Capablanca.
For chess history buffs this is an obvi-
ous addition to their collection, but I would
argue its a worthy buy for everyone. It may
not win a game for you in your next tour-
nament, but its a breezy, enjoyable read.
New York 1927 offers an interesting look
into the insights of one of the games most
different time in chess history. .
important figures and a slice of a very
The following is an excerpt from GM
Andy Soltis introduction:
Its about time this book was
published. For decades, Alexander
Alekhines account of New York 1927
was at the top of the list of works
that should have been rendered into
English but unaccountably were not.
There is no shortage of reasons for
why this book was recognized as a
classic when it first appeared. First,
the tournament was one of the
strongest ever held. The only previous
events that came close to it in aver-
age strength were St. Petersburg
1895-96 and the finals of St. Peters-
burg 1914. The New York organizers
further ensured their place in his-
tory by luring Jos Capablanca back
into action.
The tournament also captured a
pivotal moment in the evolution of
chess thinking. New ideas normally
gain acceptance slowly, almost
glacially. But the games played at
the Manhattan Square Hotel in the
final days of the winter of 1927
showed how chess thinking had been
transformed by the Hypermodern
revolution. Even lapsed gambiteers
like Frank Marshall and Rudolf Spiel-
mann were experimenting with Indian
openings at New York 1927. New the-
ory was being written as early as
games 1 and 2, which gave us the
Manhattan Variation of the Queens
Gambit Declined. Put that into per-
spective: Can you recall a modern
tournament that provided the name
for an opening?
New York 1927 by Alexander Alekhine.
Edited by Al Lawrence, translation by
Mary Lawrence. Russell Enterprises,
168 pages, $19.95 from uscfsales.com
(catalog number B0050RE). See Al
Lawrence discuss the book on YouTube;
search Lawrence New York 1927.
Chess Life December 2011 13
Chess to Enjoy
Of Oscars and Auctions
The calendar tells us its time to get trivial.
By GM Andy Soltis
Like Christmas, our Trivia Quiz comes
but once a year and the once comes in
December: Its time to see how much
thoroughly useless information about
chess youve amassed when you should
have been studying rook endings.
Answers on page 69.
1. The Elo chess rating system was
featured in the plot of which movie
that was nominated for the Best
Picture Oscar this year?
(a) Inception
(b) The Social Network
(c) The Kings Speech
(d) Black Swan
2. Last March archaeologists
uncovered what they said was:
(a) The oldest known board with
dark and light colored squares
(b) Pieces from President James
Madisons chess set
(c) An 11th-century book in Arabic
on Chaturanga, the forerunner
of modern chess
(d) Several previously unknown
scoresheets of Andre Philidor
3. Lajos Portisch holds the record for
most career victories (121) in the
Olympiad team tournaments. Who
is number two in the record book?
(a) Miguel Najdorf
(b) Viktor Korchnoi
(c) Anatoly Karpov
(d) Eugenio Torre
(e) Bill Hook
4. Under the old (pre-1500) rules of
chess, a bishop could only move two
squares diagonally at a time. How
many different squares could a
bishop land on in the course of a
game? (Try to do this without
looking at a board.)
5. Who am I? My great-grandfather
was Greek but was shipwrecked
near Odessa and grew up in Russia.
My father met my mother in
Manchuria where she was a war
correspondent. I was the junior
14 Chess Life December 2011
champion of Moscow and the overall
champion of Paris.
(a) Savielly Tartakower
(b) Nicolas Rossolimo
(c) Ossip Bernstein
(d) Aron Nimzowitsch
6. A chess set was auctioned for a
record price of $76,275 in New York
in April. Its distinction was:
(a) It was the only set designed by
Andy Warhol.
(b) It was used by Garry Kasparov
in his first match with Deep
Blue.
(c) It was made of platinum.
(d) It was used only once, in the
third game of the 1972 World
Championship match.
7. Whose website has translations in
English, Russian, Dutch, Spanish,
Japanese and Nepalese?
(a) Viswanathan Anand
(b) Yasser Seirawan
(c) Jan Timman
(d) Anish Giri
8. What is the significance of the posi-
tions that occurs after 1. e4 e5 2. f4
exf4 3. Nf3 Be7 4. Nc3 Bh4+ 5. Ke2
d5 6. Nxd5 Nf6 7. Nxf6+ Qxf6 8. d4
Bg4 9. Qd2 Nc6 ?
r+ +k+ r
ppp +ppp
+n+ q +
+ + + +
+ PPpll
+ + +N+
PPPQK+PP
R L +L+R
White to play
(a) It occurred in the blindfold
game played by the two main
characters in the move Queen
to Play.
(b) An entire 114-page book
devoted to it was published in
2011.
(c) It was the subject of the last
published analysis of Vassily
Smyslov.
(d) The Houdini program recently
found a forced win for White.
9. In April, Vishy Anand celebrated
something that has happened to
only five reigning world champions.
He:
(a) Won the Chess Oscar.
(b) Amassed a plus score against
each of his previous match
opponents.
(c) Became a father.
(d) Was named Athlete of the Year
by his country.
10. The game between WGM Jolanta
Zawadzka and WFM Aleksandra
Lach from this years Polish
Womens Championship was
distinctive because:
(a) It was drawn in 213 moves, the
fifth-longest game on record.
(b) The players are mother and
daughter.
(c) They agreed to play the game
blindfolded.
(d) It ended in a very rare double
forfeit.
11. Whose picture has appeared on the
postage stamps of Armenia,
Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Djibouti,
Mali, Niger, North Korea, St.
Vincent, Surinam and Vietnam,
among others?
(a) Wilhelm Steinitz
(b) Jos Capablanca
(c) Max Euwe
(d) Bobby Fischer
(e) Anatoly Karpov
(f) Garry Kasparov
12. In July this celebrity said, In my
dreams I would start to see chess
games. I said, This is not good for
me, so he switched his hobby to
photography. He is:
13. There have been all sorts of
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II Problem III
World Open GM Alexander Shabalov WGM Anna Sharevich GM Giorgi Kacheishvili
Eric Rosen Luke Harmon-Vellotti FM Dov Gorman

This months quiz features combi- +l+q+nk ++qr + r+ + +k+

nations played at the most recent
World Open, won by Gata Kamsky in
+ +r+r+p + +lnpkp +l+ + pn
a tie-breaking Armageddon game p+ + P + pl +p+ + + + +qp
with Michael Adams of Great Britain. +p+p+P+ +p+ + +P + P + +
Both Kamsky and Adams scored 7-
2 to earn paychecks of more than
+ Lp+ P + +P+ + p+ +P+ P
$14,000 in the 94-player Open sec- + + + QL PP+ + P +pQL+ +
tion of the annual Philadelphia PPP+ + + +Q+ PL+ L + +P+
tournament. In each of the following
six positions from the Open section
+K+R+ R RN+R+ K + + +RK
you are asked to find the fastest White to play White to play White to play
winning line of play. Usually this Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
will mean the forced win of a decisive Liam Henry
IM Salvijus Bercys Parker Zhao
amount of material, such as a rook GM Ilya Smirin GM Mark Bluvshtein IM Darwin Yang
or minor piece. For solutions, see
Page 69. r+ + rk+ r+l+ nk+ + rr+k+
pp+ + lp p + qpl +p+ + l
+p+ + + +pr +p+ p+pql+Qp
+ Pln + + + p Pp + + p +
Q + +q+ + +P+ + + P p +
+ + +N+ +L+ Q +P P P + RP
P LL+PP P+ NNPK+ + + +P+
+ + RRK + R +R+ +L+ R K
Black to play Black to play Black to play

international championships, 18. In July, one of Anatoly Karpovs world

including those limited to women,
the vision impaired and players in
various age groups. Which of these
have not had their own
championship?
(a) Esperanto speakers
(b) Players representing NATO
member nations
(c) European railroad workers
(d) Left-handed people
14. What started, in 1999, as an
attempt to change my luck is now
an essential part of how I see
myself, Peter Svidler said in an
interview this year. He was
speaking of:
(a) His trademark tee-shirt
(b) His adoption of 1. e4
(c) His habit of studying at night
(d) His earring
15. There are different versions of a
famous game that introduced
Lgals Trap. One version is given
as Lgal-St. Brie, Paris 1787: 1. e4
e5 2. Bc4 d6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. Nc3 g6?
(see diagram top of next column)
And now 5. Nxe5! Bxd1 6. Bxf7+
Ke7 7. Nd5 mate. What is
interesting about this version?
(a) It is the oldest recorded queen
sacrifice.
(b) Lgal was a pseudonym for
Andre Philidor.
rn qklnr
ppp +p+p
+ p +p+
+ + p +
+L+P+l+
+ N +N+
PPPP PPP
R LQK +R
After 4. ... g6
(c) Lgal was 85 years old in 1787.
(d) It was the shortest record game
until the 20th century.
16. Next year 42-year-old Vishy Anand
will meet 43-year-old Boris Gelfand
in a world championship match. Has
there ever been a championship
match featuring two players who
were closer in age?
17. There were three ways that our
ideology glorified the advantage of
the Soviet way of life, Mark
Taimanov said in an 85th birthday
interview this year. They are:
(a) Chess, ballet and circus
(b) Chess, Sputnik and the
Olympics
(c) Stalinism, Stalingrad and the
Kings Indian Defense
(d) Vodka, caviar and Mikhail
Botvinnik
records was nearly broken. Which
one?
(a) Most consecutive tournament
games played without a loss
(b) Most books autographed at a
book launch
(c) Largest personal collection of
postage stamps
(d) Most international tournaments
won
19. There were cheating scandals at all
but one of these recent tournaments.
Which one?
(a) The 2011 German
Championship
(b) The 2011 French
Championship
(c) The 2011 Botvinnik Memorial
in Moscow
(d) The 2010 Olympiad in Khanty
Manisysk
20. Which fictional detective was
named after a chess patron?
(a) Philip Marlowe
(b) Inspector Morse
(c) Ellery Queen
(d) Lord Peter Wimsley .
In addition to the Online Viewer of the cur-
rent issue, archival Chess Life .pdfs and
.pgn files are available on uschess.org,
Chess Life Magazine, Downloadable Files.
Issues are archived starting with October
2008.

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 15

Solitaire Chess

Castling on Opposite Sides

An opponent castling on the other wing than you can be like a red flag being
By Bruce Pandolfini

waved in front of a bull.

One way to practice developing ones bonus pointsor deductionsfor other e5, threatening the skewer, 13. Be5 (1
attacking skills is to castle on opposite moves and variations. Note that ** means bonus point).
sides of the board. This action usually that the note to Blacks move is over and
enables both players to advance the Whites move is in the next line.**
12. cxd4
pawns in front of the enemy king with Black momentarily gains a pawn while
abandon, leading to all kinds of exciting meeting the threat. If instead 12. ... Qxd4,
7. Bg5 Par Score 5
play. In such instances, victory typically White pins the knight with the intention then 13. Qxd4 cxd4 14. 0-0-0 (or 14.
hinges on who gets there first. When one of recovering his pawn by 8. Nxe4 (1 Be5) regains the pawn (1 bonus point).**
side doesnt get much of an attack at all, bonus point).
the outcome is likely to favor the oppo-
13. Qe2 Par Score 5
nent. In this months game Black falls White renews the threat of Be5 (1 bonus
7. Nbd7
behind in initiative fairly quickly. Once If 7. ... h6, then 8. Bxf6 is followed by point).
White castles queenside, Blacks castled 9. Nxe4 (1 bonus point).**
kings position on the kingside is ripe for
13. 0-0
being ripped open, and thats what hap- Black castles kingside. This unpins the
8. Nxe4 Par Score 5
pens. The game began: White gets his pawn back. No credit knight so that Be5 now drops a piece.**
for 8. Bxf6? Nxf6, retaining the plus pawn.
14. 0-0-0 Par Score 5
French Defense (C15) White castles queenside and calmly
8. h6
Abramson Moisey Black tries to break the pin. All in all, completes development. Naturally, he
Chichman this was stronger on the previous move.** contemplates an attack on the enemy
Leningrad, 1951 king and for this he needs the participa-
tion of both rooks.
9. Bh4 Par Score 5
This forces Black to weaken his king-
side if he wants to break the pin.
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Ne2 dxe4 5. 14. a6
The white bishop must now declare its
a3 Bxc3+ 6. Nxc3 Nf6

intentions.
9. g5
Black makes the commitment. He
rnlqk+ r
ppp +ppp breaks the pin, threatening to win a
15. Bd3 Par Score 5
piece.** Accept 3 points part credit for 15. Bxd7
Bxd7 16. Be5, picking up the gambited
+ +pn +
+ + + + d4-pawn, but also promoting Blacks
10. Nxf6+ Par Score 4
Deduct 2 points for 10. Bg3? Nxe4, development.
gaining a piece.
+ Pp+ +
P N + + 15. Nc5
Black clears a space for the bishop to
10. Qxf6
Also possible is 10. ... Nxf6 11. Bg3 come out. If instead 15. ... b5?, then 16.
PP+ PPP
R LQKL+R Rg8 **. Qe4 (1 bonus point).**
Your starting position 11. Bg3 Par Score 5 16. Be5 Par Score 5
Now make sure you have the above White saves the bishop and threatens Now both white bishops are pointing in
position set up on your chessboard. As the c7-pawn, gaining time. the direction of the black king.
you play through the remaining moves in
this game, use a piece of paper to cover
11. c5 16. Nxd3+
the article, exposing Whites next move Black saves the pawn and menaces Off goes the light-squared bishop so
only after trying to guess it. If you guess Whites center.** the queen can play to g6. If 16. ... Qe7,
correctly, give yourself the par score. then 17. Qh5 (1 bonus point). Blacks
Sometimes points are also rewarded for kingside is full of holes. Hes moved the
12. Bb5! Par Score 6
second-best moves, and there may be White pins the knight to gain control of pawns on the wrong side.**

16 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

 Problem I Problem II Problem III
ABCs of Chess Pin Removing the guard Unpin

These problems are all related to

+
+ + + +
+ +k+ +
+ + +
key positions in this months game.
+ + + + + + +p+ + +lk p
In each case, Black is to move. The +n+ +k+ +n+ +p+ + + n p
answers can be found in Solutions + + +p+ + + L + + + + +
on page 69. + P +l+ + + +l+ + +L+ L
December Exercise: Its easy to
+ +L+N+ + + +N+P + + + +
make mistakes in setting up posi- + +K+ + PP+ +P+ + + KP+
tions, and easy enough to avoid + + + + + K + + + + + +
making them. From a diagram,
matching white and black units,
separate how many there are on the Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
side or in your mind. Then start set- Skewer Mating net Mating net
ting up, going from pawns to king,
naming the diagrammed square each +k+ + + +
+R+ + + k + +
unit occupies before finding its coun- +pp q +p + +
+ k + + + +
terpart on the actual board or + + +l+ + +Qqp+ + + + +
onscreen backdrop. Practice this
procedure often, and youll surely
+ + + p + + +p+ + + + +
cut down on inaccuracies as you l + +P+ + +l+ + +
+ + +
become more familiar with the + + PQ+P + + + P + +l+ +
boards coordinates. And dont be + N P + + + + K +r+ + +
surprised if this simple method helps
you to order other parts of your game
+ + K +R + + + + + +RKR+
as well.

Apart from 21. Rxg6+, the main threat is

21. Rh8 mate (1 bonus point).
17. Rxd3 Par Score 5 23. Kf7
Deduct 2 points for 17. Qxd3? Qxe5
and take only 2 points part credit for 17.
24. Rh7+ Par Score 5
cxd3. The rook capture is the right way. This carries more punch than 24. Rxf6+
20. Qxg5+
Now White has to figure out how to get
True, Black has eliminated one of the out of check.** (accept only 3 points part credit).
attacking bishops, but at the cost of acti-
vating the rook along the third rank. Add
24. Ke8
1 bonus point if you anticipated this sce-
21. Qd2 Par Score 5
White decides to guard his rook. Full
nario when playing 15. Bd3. credit for 21. f4 Qxh6 22. Rg3+ Kh7 (22.
25. Bd6 Par Score 5

... Qg6 23. Qh5) 23. Qe4+ Qg6 (23. ... f5 The black rook has no safe move. Mean-
24. Qxb7+ leads to mate) 24. Rxg6 fxg6 while the threat is 26. Bxf8 Kxf8 27.
17. Qg6
He cant allow Qh5.** Rh8+, skewering king and the a8-rook (1
25. Qxb7+ Kh6 26. Qg7+ Kh5 27. Qh7+
Kg4 28. Qh3 mate. In fact add 2 bonus bonus point).
points if you worked it all out.
18. h4 Par Score 5
White has made sufficient preparations
25. Rd8
for the attack and now its time to actu- Black places the rook on a square pro-
ally start the attack. The intention is 19. tected by the king. If 25. ... Rf7, then 26.
21. Qxd2+
Theres a strong temptation for the
hxg5, opening the h-file. Rg8+ (1 bonus point).**
defender to get queens off the board. It
should weaken the attack. The alternative
was to give up the queen: 21. ... Qxe5 22.
18. Bd7 26. Re7 mate Par Score 5
Black tries for counterattack since 18. For the record Black gave it up at move
... g4 doesnt quite work. White answers
19. Rxd4 h5 20. f3 g3 21. Rh3 and White
Rg3+ Qxg3 23. fxg3 f6. This may prolong
resistance but all the same we expect
White to win.**
22. Lets give credit where credits due. .
gets a rook to the g-file (1 bonus point).**
Total your score to determine
your approximate rating
22. Kxd2 Par Score 4
Abramson has rightly judged that even
19. hxg5 Par Score 6
Black thinks he has an opportunity.
with queens gone he still has a winning below:
attack. Add 1 bonus point if you so eval-
uated. The text threatens 23. Rg3 mate,
19. Bb5
Black rightly rejects 19. ... Qxg5+ 20.
Total Score Approx. Rating

and if 22. ... Bxd3, then 23. Rh8 mate (1

95+ 2400+
f4, followed by Rg3 (1 bonus point). The
bonus point).
81-94 2200-2399
text skewers rook and queen, or pins the
66-80 2000-2199
rook if you want to look at it that way.**
51-65 1800-1999
22. f6
Or Black could play 22. ... f5, when
36-50 1600-1799
21-35 1400-1599
Whites reply would be the same.**
20. Rxh6! Par Score 6
Add 1 bonus point if you anticipated
06-20 1200-1399

Blacks last and prepared this response.

0-05 under 1200
23. Rg3+ Par Score 5

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 17

Cover Story

18 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

 Innovation, Interest,
& Intrigue in St. Louis

The Chess Club and Scholastic Center

of Saint Louis brings together some of
our top players to play a battle of the
sexes in classical chess and Chess960.

By IM IRINA KRUSH & GM BEN FINEGOLD

Photos courtesy of The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis

K
ings versus Queens, a battle of the genders in a crossbreed format of regular rapid chess
and Fischer Random (FR) (also called Chess960) rapid chess, was staged at everyones
favorite destination, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, from Septem-
ber 9-16th, 2011.
Each team consisted of five competitors, who faced everyone on the opposing team once in
both kinds of chess. The players were selected with an eye towards ultimately creating two teams
of level strength, so that the outcome would be maximally contested. That meant inviting the
best female players in the world as well as anyone the organizers could pull in from the street.
Local stars Hikaru Nakamura and Ben Finegold were natural choices for the mens side. After
that, the mens roster remained up in the air until the entire womens half was confirmed
its much easier to find suitable men players, after all! Anna Zatonskih and I received invitations
as the top American women, and then the organizers scoured the globe for other ladies to
strengthen our team. Former Womens World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk and Ukrainian
GM Kateryna Lahno were signed up, and the crown jewelJudit Polgar.
The men eventually added rapidly improving IM Marc Arnold from New York, whos taking
a year off to pursue the grandmaster title before attending Indiana University, and former Uni-
versity of Texas at Dallas student, IM Jacek Stopa from Poland, as well as a late, but very
welcome, surprisethe twelfth world champion, Anatoly Karpov. Karpov left serious compe-
tition about a decade ago, but he occasionally takes part in special events, and his expected
participation certainly elevated the prestige of Kings versus Queens. Its not every day that you
get to play such a legend!
Alas, man plans, but ... At the last minute, it became clear that neither Karpov nor Judit would
make it to St. Louis. Unforeseen political obligations tied Karpov down in Moscow, while Judit
was still playing in the World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, having advanced to the fifth round! Her
superb performance in the World Cup put the Saint Louis organizers in a bit of a quandary, as
there is simply no one to replace her, and the presence of Hikaru had to be balanced out some-
how. The mens ship would need to throw some rating points overboard. Thus, the organizers

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 19

 Cover Story
offered a golden opportunity to local young-
ster Kevin Cao, a USCF-rated national
master. Ecuadorean IM Martha Fierro filled
the vacant spot on the womens team.
The teams balanced out on paper at
2476 FIDE. The mens team had extremes
on either pole, while the womens team
was more evenly spread. Which arrange-
ment would prove more effective?
From the point of view of the women,
one thing was clear: we had to make sure
that Hikarus heaping of points would be
cancelled out by an appropriately modest
collection by Kevin. Then wed have to
decide the battle on the middle boards.
We failed on both counts, and thats
why we lost the match. Hikaru lived up to
(or maybe exceeded, depending on how
you look at it) expectations, scoring 912/10,
and Kevin definitely exceeded them.
Although he was by far the lowest-rated
player in the field, he finished in a
respectable tie for 8-10th (and as you can
probably guess, he wasnt tied with his
own teammates). That alone would have
decided the match in the mens favor, but
we ceded the middle boards to them as
well: Marc Arnold, Jacek Stopa, and my
co-author Ben all achieved plus scores.
The course of the match forbids a round-
by-round account, which would look
something like: after day one we were
down by four, after day two we were still
down by four, after the disastrous Fischer
Random round of day three we were down
by eight; there was no sudden collapse
by the men, and the suspense ended at
the conclusion of the fourth day of play. We
finally drifted to the score of 3112-1812.
The question asks itself: why such a lop-
sided result? The beginning of the match
was inauspicious for us, of course, but
unfortunately, it was also a foreshadowing
of essentially more of the same to come.
Here is an example of my contribu-
tion to the team in the first round:
A Krush contribution
IM Jacek Stopa (2482)
IM Irina Krush (2472)
Kings versus Queens (1), Saint Louis
Chess Club, 09.10.2011
-+-+r+k+
zp-vl-+-+-
-+p+-snp+
zPpzPp+psN-
-zP-zP-zp-zP
+R+-+N+-
-+-tR-zPr+
+-+K+-+-
Whitetoplay
Black is up a pawn, and has the excel-
20 Chess Life December 2011
lent e4-square for the knight. Its hard to
imagine that one day both the ... Nf6 and
the ... Re8 will be traded, the ... Rg2 sim-
ply trapped (and while Black did lose the
rook it had nothing useful to contribute to
Blacks efforts) with the Rb3 via the h-file.
But with some fine play from Black, thats
what happened and Black resigned.
After this bitter loss, I was naturally out
for revenge in the second game, and it
looked like I was going to get it ...
Rinas revenge?
IM Irina Krush (2472)
IM Jacek Stopa (2482)
Kings versus Queens Rapid (1), Saint
Louis Chess Club, 09.10.2011
-+-+-mk-+
+-tR-+n+-
p+-zp-+-zp
+-+P+Pzp-
-+-+-+P+
+-+-+-+q
P+-+Q+-+
+K+-+-+-
After34....Rxc7
White resigned on move 54.
Once again, I misplayed this utterly
winning position, and then lost all sense
of objectivity, declining a draw offer from
Jacek in a position that was no longer at
all worse for him.
For me personally, these games were
devastating, and for the team, the result
of this mini-match was costly: if I had con-
verted my two winning positions into wins
instead of losses, we would have ended
day one at 5-5 rather than trailing 7-3.
This quality of hapless tragedy accom-
panied me throughout the tournament.
The apex came when I threw away a half
point to Ben from the following position
in the Fischer Random game of round
four:
Battle of the authors
GM Ben Finegold (2489)
IM Irina Krush (2472)
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random (4),
Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.17.2011
(see diagram top of next column)
A few moves ago I could have tried to
extract more, but I let White escape to this
position. I had several minutes left, and
kept looking for a way to avoid the liqui-
dation that, say, 1. ... Qxf5 led to: (2. Qxf5
Rxf5 3. Bxe5 Rxe5 4. Rxg4 is even). Finally,
-mk-+-tr-+
+pzpq+-+-
p+-zp-+-+
+-+-snP+Q
-+PvL-+p+
zP-+P+-tR-
-mKP+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
Blacktoplay
I couldnt see a way to continue to play for
a win, so I acquiesced to a draw:
3. ...Rxf5??
Why did I take like that? In my mind,
both captures on f5 led to a draw, so,
without thinking, I picked up the rook.
4. Qh8+ Qc8 5. Ba7+
Tactics 101 ... (I was expecting 5. Qxc8+
Kxc8 6. Bxe5 Rxe5 7. Rxg4 which is
equal). Eventually, Black resigned.
Anyway, this is all for our selection of
Krushs Tragicomedies. I dont know
exactly what it looked like from outside,
but to me, it wasnt exactly bad form: I
played fine, but when Id get down to 30
seconds or less, my mind would just
switch off, and my hands didnt make as
good decisions as my mind. I should have
worked more on preparing myself for sit-
uations with little time, so at the board I
wouldnt feel like a panicked rabbit faced
with a python.
Unfortunately, all the ladies suffered to
a greater or lesser degree from gross blun-
ders. The men didnt play perfectly, but
they made far fewer unforced errors.
Ben selected a few memorable high-
lights from the event:
c7, not f6!
IM Martha Fierro (2378)
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2753)
Kings versus Queens Rapid (1), Saint
Louis Chess Club, 09.10.2011
Notes by Finegold
-+-+-+-+
+p+r+-vl-
pzP-zp-+p+
zP-zpNtr-zPp
-+PmkPtR-+
tR-+P+K+-
-+-+-zP-+
+-+-+-+-
Whitetoplay
uschess.org
 Hikaru, as usual, tries very hard to Heading into the event, the big mystery
win and now Martha can get a winning was: how would people fare in the Fischer
position with 83. Nc7! Random? Hikaru, Alexandra, and
Kateryna all had relatively extensive expe-
83. Nf6?
rience with it, garnered at the now extinct
(83. Nc7! Rde7 84. Rb3! winning due to Mainz Chess Classic, while the rest of
the threat of 85. Nxa6!) us were newcomers. When I met Marc on
the plane going to St. Louis, he was still
83. ... Bxf6
unsure about the castling rules!
Now Black is slightly better and with Here is what Ben, who scored an amaz-
the little time remaining, White could not ing 5/5 in the Fischer Random and
defend. finished second in the event overall, had
to say about his thoughts going in:
84. gxf6 Rf7 85. Ke2 g5 86. Rf3 g4 87. Rf4
I was quite worried about playing
Rg5 88. Ra1 Ke5 89. Ke3 Rxf6 90. Rxf6 Kxf6
Chess960, since I had no experience. To
91. d4 cxd4+ 92. Kxd4 h4 93. Rh1 g3 94. fxg3
prepare, I played about eight games on
hxg3 95. Rg1 g2 96. Ke3 Ke5 97. Kf3 Rg7 98.
the Internet Chess Club in the week lead-
Ke3 Rg3+ 99. Kf2 Rg7 100. Ke3 Rg8 101. Kf3
ing up to the event. I won them all, but
Kd4, White resigned.
my opposition was rated about 1500, and
the games were not impressive. The best
advice I got was from World Champion
Walk into my trap.... Vishy Anand. When I asked Anand how
GM Kateryna Lahno (2554) to prepare for the games, he simply said,
IM Marc Arnold (2505) You cannot prepare for Chess960. This
Kings versus Queens Rapid (2), Saint gave me some confidence that I could do
Louis Chess Club, 09.11.2011 no wrong in my prep!
Notes by Finegold I spoke to Hikaru briefly about strategy,
since Hikaru is not only a great chess player,
-+-+-+-+ but possibly an even better Chess960 player!
Hikaru said to play in the center and acti-
+Q+-+pmk- vate your pieces (just like regular chess!).
-+-+l+-+ Hikaru also was able to score 5-0 in the
Chess960 games. He played extremely
+-+-zp-+- quickly in the Chess960 games and seemed
-+-vl-+-sn to feel at home, somehow.
My plan in all the games was to play
+-+-+P+p quickly. I did not think I could play great
-+-+-+-zP chess considering it was Game/25, but I
thought if I had a ten minute time advan-
+-+-+-+K tage, that would work in my favor. I was
After44....Bd4 able to put my theory into practice (not
always easy to do) and was ahead on the
45. f4 clock in almost every game.
I really do not know how I did so well,
Black thought everything won here, but this quote from Hikaru when being
but Lahno has set an amazing trap! Black questioned by the commentators, Yasser
needs to play 45. ... Bc4! with the idea of Seirawan and Jennifer Shahade, says it
... Bf1 and ... Bg2+. all: Ben is playing better than he is.
And Bens feelings about Fischer Ran-
45. ... Bg4? 46. fxe5 Bf3+ 47. Qxf3 Nxf3 48. e6
dom after the event?
I guess I felt more under pressure and
-+-+-+-+ nervous during the Fischer Random
+-+-+pmk- games. I was worried I would blunder
really early. I was more confident during
-+-+P+-+ the regular chess, but my results do not
+-+-+-+- show any of that! I liked Fischer Ran-
dom more than I thought I would, and it
-+-vl-+-+ wasnt as scary as I expected.
+-+-+n+p Which did I enjoy more? In hindsight,
the Fischer Random ... not what I
-+-+-+-zP expected to say.
+-+-+-+K
Up until July 2011, Id never played a
After48.e6
Fischer Random game, nor did I know the
White either queens her pawn or gets rules. I got my first taste of it at the 2011
stalemated. Canadian Open, which had a Fischer
Random side event that I eagerly attended
48. ... Bf6 49. e7 Bxe7, Draw agreed. with the aim of getting some practice for
uschess.org
St. Louis. I played two games against
Bulgarian GM Dejan Bojkov, winning
with white and losing with black (pathet-
ically, in 14 moves.) I didnt know if Id like
Fischer Random, but I loved it!
In Fischer Random, the thinking starts
immediately on move one. There are no
well-worn paths to follow; youre the first
to reach the frontier ... and just as life on
the frontier is dangerous and uncertain,
so is the situation on the 64 squares.
That is maybe the best way to capture
what Fischer Random is about, how it dif-
fers from regular chess: uncertainty. One
of the most important aspects of chess is
evaluation, which tells you how you stand
and where you need to go. In Fischer Ran-
dom, until the game crystallizes into a
normal looking chess position, evaluation
is a much harder task; the difficulty stems
from the fact that there are so many more
variables to keep in mind, and theyre in
a less fixed state. For example, in chess,
you can predict rather easily where your
opponent will castle, and its likely to hap-
pen early on, as youve brought out your
forces but havent committed them yet;
in Fischer Random castling often occurs
later, and you have to be careful not to have
gathered pieces on one side of the board
only to find your opponent escaping the
other way! (We will see this idea in my
game against Marc Arnold).
In contrast to Anands advice, I did try
to prepare for the Fischer Random part of
the event, and my preparation consisted
of: practice, followed by analysis. Over
about three weeks preceding the event, I
played rapid training games with several
strong friends of mine, over a dozen of
them, and analyzed them with my coach
Giorgi. I really learned a lot from this
analysis, because it turned out that
Giorgis biggest chess strength was actu-
ally magnified in Fischer Random: in
Fischer Random, the first priority, of
course, is to figure out how to create har-
mony from disharmony, and for that, you
need to have strategic vision, to see the
big picture ... for most players, that is the
big stumbling block.
In my first games of Fischer Random, it
was like walking through a dim forest, on
the lookout for all its possible surprises
(oops, the a2-pawn wasnt protected!), most
of them not too good. In this situation,
youre focused on just not stepping on an
unfriendly animal; who has time to think
about how to get out of the forest? So thats
what I mean ... in Fischer Random, its so
tempting to just play in moves, of course
with some ideas, but not necessarily a
grand construction for the whole position.
So what did I learn about Fischer Ran-
dom that I would put to use in St. Louis?
In Fischer Random, just like in regular
chess, you need to fight for the center.
Thats why as White, for example, youd
Chess Life December 2011 21
Cover Story

QUEENS .

IM aNNa ZatoNSKIh

IM Martha FIErro

CENTER
E THE CHESS
OUTSID
W FROM
THE VIE

22 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

 GM AlexANdrA GM KAteryNA lA
KoSteNIuK HNo
IM IrINA KruSH

KINGS
IM JAceK StopA
GM HIKAru NAKAMurA

IM MArc ArNold

KevIN cAo
GM BeN FINeGold

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 23

Cover Story
THERE IS NOTHING RANDOM ABOUT THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND MARKETING
EFFORTS BY THE CLUBS BRAIN TRUST.
normally examine moves like 1. c4, 1. d4,
1. e4, and 1. f4. In FR, Id say there is an
even bigger focus on pieces than in reg-
ular chess, simply because they usually
need more attention! In the chess we are
used to, the starting point of the pieces
seems so harmonious ... the knights can
come out to the center so easily, as well
as the bishops; the rooks are tucked away
in the corner since there is little for them
to do in the beginning of the game; the
most powerful piece (the queen) is central-
ized; castling is easily accomplishable. In
Fischer Random, we have to fight for
everything we take for granted! So while
in regular chess, it is fairly easy for a
24 Chess Life December 2011
player to avoid bad pieces (Blacks light
squared bishop being an exception in
many openings), in FR it is definitely a
challenge to avoid poorly placed pieces.
So far, it is all pretty obvious ... heres
something more surprising I learned from
Giorgi: Black should generally avoid sym-
metry in Fischer Random (even from move
one; the equivalent would be like saying
that Black should avoid 1. d4 d5 or 1. e4
e5 in regular chess!) There will definitely
be cases where symmetry is fine or even
the best option, but in many positions,
Black can do better by forging his own
path. As Giorgi stressed many times, sym-
metry is basically a passive strategy, and
Fischer Random generally allows Black to
fight for the initiative. In my training
games I tried the copycat strategy a few
times, but in St. Louis, not once.
I learned that bishops in the center of
the board (i.e., d1 or e1) are not actually
undeveloped pieces and I dont have to
give them first priority in development ...
of course, knights in the corners tend to
come out early.
In my initial training games, I found it
hard to find the right balance; I tended to
play either too passively or too aggres-
sively. As White Id often be too focused
on opening up the center, at the expense
of other plans ...
The most clear thing I got from my
training was a sense of how bad I actu-
ally was at Fischer Random. Did this
training pay off?
It actually did. Quite naturally, many
losses in Fischer Random are linked to the
opening stage, as people often reach a
middle game at a serious disadvantage,
but in none of my five games did I expe-
rience any problems in the opening. I got
fine games as Black, and was able to
press with White. The first four games
were strategically interesting. The one
failure was my final FR game against
Hikaru, where as White I walked into a
mine on move ... one!and Black got a
comfortable game.
So based on my experience, yes, there
is a way to improve at Fischer Random,
and thats with the trusty combo of prac-
tice and analysis.
I already feel nostalgic writing about
Fischer Random. I was so eager for the
first afternoon game at the Chess Club (we
always started with Fischer Random),
and playing the rapid game was actually
a letdown ... what, standard positions,
nothing new to figure out in the first few
moves ... argh.
Since Fischer Random was really the
innovative part of the event, Ben and I
decided to focus on it in our games section.
Itll probably be many readers first glimpse
into the world of Fischer Random, and I
hope you guys will give it a trypick up a
chess board and go on the journey.
But before you start, let me tell you
what you need to know ... in Fischer Ran-
dom, the pieces are shuffled on the back
row. They still move the same way as in
chess, and the only difference is in the
castling rules. No matter where the king
and rook start from, kingside castling
means that Whites king and rook will
land on g1 and f1, just like in regular
chess. Queenside castling means that
the king and rook land on c1 and d1.
The king always has to start out between
the two rooks. I will explain this some
more in the games themselves. Annota-
tions by Ben, with my comments listed
with IK:
uschess.org
Scotch (!?) to worry about Nc5, the ... Bh2 getting putting the pawn on e6 leaves the prob-
GM Ben Finegold (2489) trapped and Nxg7. lem of the Be8.)
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2469)
15. Kh1 Bd6 16. Nxg7 Bd7 17. Rfd1 Bf4 18. 2. f4
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random
Qd4 Bc8 19. Nc5
(2), Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.11.2011 The Kings Gambit. In my experience,
Notes by Ben Finegold gambits rarely work in Fischer Random.
rmkl+-+-tr I know that is kind of a big statement to
rmkqvllsnntr zppwq-+psNp make, but I think the reason is that there
is simply not enough harmony to sustain
zppzppzppzpp -+p+-+n+ it. I guess Anna was not familiar with
-+-+-+-+ +-sN-+-+- this idea, or she would have taken the
pawn. As Hikaru explained in his post-
+-+-+-+- -+-wQ-vl-+ game interview, his decision to play 2. f4
-+-+-+-+ +-zP-+L+- was psychological; he thought Anna
would not be comfortable in the struc-
+-+-+-+- P+P+-zPP+ tures arising from accepting the gambit
PzPPzPPzPPzP +R+R+-+K and would decline it, and he guessed
right! However, with 2. ... d6, Black hands
tRKwQLvLNsNR After19.Nc5
the initiative over to White.
Startingposition
IK: Black never solved the problem of 2. ... d6
IK: White castles queenside by remov- her king in this game.
2. ... exf4 3. d4 Ng6 (3. ... d5! Black can
ing the Qc1 and Bd1, then sending the 19. ... b6 20. Qe4 Qe7 always use this idea from the Kings Gam-
king to c1 and Ra1 to d1. For kingside bit. In this position, it gives the queen a
castling, almost the entire back row needs Black had less than two minutes here
and I think I had at least 15. My plan nice square on f5.) 4. h4 h5 5. Nh3 was
to clear out. Then the king jumps to g1, a line that Hikaru mentioned in the press
and the Rh1 to f1. of not getting into time trouble worked
this game. room. If 5. ... Nxh4 then 6. Nxf4 leaves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Ng6 3. d4 White happy, because he will also win
21. Qxc6 Qh4+ 22. Kg1 Bh2+ 23. Kf1 Qc4+ back the pawn on h5, but again 5. ... d5!
A Chess960 Scotch! IK: White takes 24. Rd3 Ba6 6. exd5 Qf5 gives Black a good game; 2.
the chance to open up the center. ... d5!? 3. exd5 exf4.
It actually took me about a minute to
3. ... exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Ng3 d5 6. exd5 see ... 25. Nd7 mate. 3. fxe5 dxe5 4. Nf3 Ng6 5. Bg3 Bc6 6. d3
Nxd5 7. Bf3 Nb6 8. Qe3
6. Nxe5 Nxe5 7. Bxe5 f6 8. Bg3 Bxe4 9.
I was already thinking of long castling Ne3 Ne7 10. d3 Bc6 is probably easier for
here, and wanted to stop Alexandra from Nakagression
White to play, but Hikaru naturally didnt
doing the same. GM Hikaru Nakamura (2753)
want to go for any simplifying lines like this.
IM Anna Zatonskih (2508)
8. ... Bf6 9. Nh5 Be5 10. Bc3 Na4 Kings versus Queens Fischer Random 6. ... f6 7. Ne3 Be7
(2), Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.11.2011
rmkq+l+-tr Notes by Krush rmkq+-+ntr
zppzp-+pzpp rmkqvllsnntr zppzp-vl-zpp
-+-+-+n+ zppzppzppzpp -+l+-zpn+
+-+-vl-+N -+-+-+-+ +-+-zp-+-
n+-sN-+-+ +-+-+-+- -+-+P+-+
+-vL-wQL+- -+-+-+-+ +-+PsNNvL-
PzPP+-zPPzP +-+-+-+- PzPP+-+PzP
tRK+-+-+R PzPPzPPzPPzP tRKwQL+-+R
After10....Na4 After7....Be7
tRKwQLvLNsNR
11. 0-0! Startingposition
8. c3!
The longest possible castling in any This is also from round two, same posi- This little plan wins the game for White.
Chess960 game. tion as Finegold-Kosteniuk. Hikaru With one strike, it prepares to solve the
11. ... Nxc3 12. bxc3 handles it in a very aggressive way ... problem of the Bd1, facilitates castling,
but is it best? and readies an advance in the center.
My safer king and the open b file fully Black has nothing to counter it with,
compensates for the two bishops and 1. e4 e5
because the center is not mobile, and
better pawn structure. In this position, symmetry seems like her pieces lack the harmony of their coun-
12. ... c6 13. Rab1 Qc7 14. Nb3 a good idea (it is never a bad idea, just terparts (compare Whites beautiful
there could be better options around). centralized knights with Blacks).
With the idea of Nc5. (1. ... c5 the Sicilian has a drawback:
8. ... Qd7 9. Bc2 0-0-0 10. d4!
After 2. Ne3, which is a very natural
14. ... Bxh2+
square for that knight, Black would prob- To me, this moment shows an impor-
I think this is too slow. Now Black has ably like to control d5/f5 somehow, but tant way in which Fischer Random differs

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 25

 Cover Story
from regular chess. In regular chess,
youre not supposed to open up the board
with your king not having castled yet,
with your rooks unconnected. But here
White can do that thanks to the excellent
positioning of the minor pieces, and the
safety of the king on b1, who can wind up
on g1 at a moments notice!
10. ... exd4 11. cxd4 Nh6 12. a4!
-+ktr-+-tr
zppzpqvl-zpp
-+l+-zpnsn
+-+-+-+-
P+-zPP+-+
+-+-sNNvL-
-zPL+-+PzP
tRKwQ-+-+R
After12.a4
Preparing to trap the ... Bc6. The cen-
ter is worth something in chess, after all.
Black was forced to shed a pawn with ...
f5, after which White was winning. (Also
strong was 12. d5!? Bb5 13. Nd4), Black
resigned on move 21.
A standard positionalmost
IM Anna Zatonskih (2508)
IM Marc Arnold (2505)
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random
(5), Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.15.2011
Notes by Finegold
ntrlwqkvlrsn
zppzppzppzpp
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
PzPPzPPzPPzP
sNRvLQmKLtRN
Startingposition
1. e4
This was the funniest Chess960 posi-
tion, since the only difference between this
and regular chess was the knights and
rooks switch. One key difference is that
the h and a pawns are not protected.
IK: I liked this position the least out of the
ones we got. (IK: 1. Ng3!?)
1. ... Ng6
IK: 1. ... d5! There is a funny back story
to this: Later I heard that Hikaru had
already played this position at a Mainz
event so it was not difficult for him to
26 Chess Life December 2011
come up with this move. Alexandra also
made this strong move, and soon won a
pawn against Kevin Cao (after 2. exd5 the
a2 or h2 pawn will be lost). 2. Qh5 It feels
like Hikaru is playing White but I just did-
nt know what to do about the attack on
the e4-pawn. Turns out the Scandina-
vian is very good when White cant develop
the knight to c3! 2. ... Ng6 3. Qxd5 (3. exd5
Nb6 4. c4 e6 and it looked like Black was
already on top.) 3. ... Qxd5 4. exd5 Nb6 5.
Bb5+ Bd7 6. Bxd7+ Kxd7 is even. Obvi-
ously this opening was not a success for
White. IM Irina Krush-GM Hikaru Naka-
mura/Saint Louis Chess Club 0-1
2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc7 5. Ng3 cxd4 6.
cxd4 e6 7. Bd3
Looks similar to an advance French.
Whites position looks quite good, since
there is no pressure on the d4-pawn.
7. ... Qh4!?
Did I just say there was no pressure on d4?
8. Nc2 Be7
Not 8. ... Qxh2? 9. Rh1 Qxg2 10. Bf1
trapping the queen.
9. 0-0 f5
-trl+k+r+
zppsn-vl-zpp
-+-+p+n+
+-+pzPp+-
-+-zP-+-wq
+-+L+-sN-
PzPN+-zPPzP
+RvLQ+RmK-
After9....f5
10. Nh1!?
Marc was expecting 10. Nh5. Anna
must like the h1-square for her pieces (see
her game with Kevin Cao).
10. ... Nh8!?
I cannot remember in all my years of
chess seeing Nh1 answered with Nh8!
Chess960 is fun. IK: I think Black wants
to play ... g5?
11. g3 Qh3 12. f4 Nf7 13. Ne1 Bd7 14. Nf3
Qh6 15. Be3 0-0-0
I wonder if the players were ever com-
pletely surprised when their opponent
castled in the 960 games. I must admit I
was thinking about this all the time dur-
ing my games (perhaps I thought about
it too much).
16. a4?
This was Annas last chance to play 16.
h4 after which Black has very little counter-
play. Now Black is probably better after ...
16. ... g5!
-+ktr-+r+
zppsnlvln+p
-+-+p+-wq
+-+pzPpzp-
P+-zP-zP-+
+-+LvLNzP-
-zP-+-+-zP
+R+Q+RmKN
After16....g5
17. fxg5 Nxg5 18. Nxg5 Bxg5 19. Bxg5 Rxg5
20. Rc1 Rg7 21. b3?
Anna was not in her best form, and
simply hangs a center pawn.
21. ... Qe3+ 22. Kg2 Qxd4 23. Qe2 Bc6 24.
Nf2 h5 25. Nh3 Qb4 26. Bb5 Bxb5 27. axb5
Qe4+ 28. Qxe4 dxe4
Black should win the ending with his extra
pawn and Whites numerous weaknesses.
29. Nf4
IK: Marc almost blundered Nxe6 here!
I was watching the game, and he started
reaching for one of the rooks, and not to
defend e6 either ... but he ruefully caught
himself in time.
29. ... Kb8 30. b6 axb6 31. Nxh5 Rd2+ 32.
Kg1 Rh7 33. g4 fxg4 34. Rf8+ Ka7 35. Nf4 b5
36. Rf6 Ra2 37. h3 gxh3 38. Kh1 Nd5 39. Rf8
Nxf4 40. Rxf4 e3 41. Re1 e2 42. Re4 Rd7 43.
R4xe2 Rxe2 44. Rxe2 Rd3 45. b4 Rd4 46.
Rb2 Re4 47. Kh2 Re3 48. Rd2 Rxe5 49. Kxh3
Re4 50. Rb2 Kb6 51. Kg3 Kc6 52. Kf3 Kd5
53. Rb1 e5 54. Rb2 Rd4 55. Ke3 Kc4 56. Rb1
Kc3 57. Rh1 Kxb4 58. Rh5 Rd7 59. Rxe5 Ka4
60. Rh5 b4 61. Rh1 b3 62. Ra1+ Kb4 63. Rb1
b5 64. Ke2 Rd5 65. Ke1 Kc3 66. Rc1+ Kb2
67. Rc7 Kb1, White resigned.
Excitement
IM Irina Krush (2472)
IM Marc Arnold (2505)
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random (3),
Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.12.2011
Notes by Krush
(see diagram top of next column)
The same starting position as Kateryna-
Ben earlier.
1. e4 c5
Marcs choice of the Sicilian looked
good to me.
2. f3
I didnt see any other future for the Bg1,
uschess.org
 qvlntrnmkltr
zppzppzppzpp
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
PzPPzPPzPPzP
wQLsNRsNKvLR
Startingposition
and the e4-pawn will need protection soon.
But I was sad to take away the f3-square
from the knight, especially as Giorgi has
scolded me about doing that before!
2. ... b6 3. d4
This move is fine here, although in FR,
you have to be careful about opening up
the center and unwittingly unleashing
your opponents pieces. I checked to make
sure that no knight could appear on c6 or
e6 when Id recapture on d4.
3. ... cxd4 4. Bxd4 f6 5. 0-0 d5 6. c3 Bc7 7.
Ne2 Qb8 8. f4 dxe4 9. Bxe4 Bc4 10. Bd3
Bxd3 11. Rxd3!
-wqntrnmk-tr
zp-vl-zp-zpp
-zp-+-zp-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-vL-zP-+
+-zPR+-+-
PzP-+N+PzP
wQ-+-sNRmK-
After11.Rxd3
A few moves ago, when I realized Black
would play ... Bc4, I figured out I had this
strong recapture with the rook and I was
happy with my chances in the forthcom-
ing middlegame. The point of the rook
recapture is that in case Black castles
kingside, which seems likely at this point,
White can swing the rook over to h3 and
play Qb1, starting an attack on the king.
11. ... Ncd6 12. a4
A prophylactic move against Blacks pos-
sible castling queenside. I was reluctant to
commit my rook to h3, because Black had-
nt actually committed his king anywhere
yet! (I really wanted to play 12. f5 but was
concerned about 12. ... g6!? 13. Nf4 Ng7!
There is an amazing point behind this
move: 14. fxg6 (13. ... Nxf5 also bothered
me, but White can simply take material: 14.
Ne6+ Kg8 15. Nxd8 Bxd8 and Black does-
nt have enough compensation).
uschess.org
Synerg yinSt.Louis
You have to hand it to Jeanne and
Rex Sinquefield. They sure know how
to give a party. The invitation-only
opening of the newly reincarnated
World Chess Hall of Fame on Thursday,
September 8, attracted more than a
hundred special guests. A block of
Maryland Avenue in St. Louiss fashion-
able Central West End was cordoned off
to traffic. Large-screen television mon-
itors broadcast the inaugural events
with talks by Rex, city officials, and
USCF President Ruth Haring, ably
presided over by Master of Ceremonies
Harold Winston, the chair of the U.S.
Chess Trust, which owns the contents
of the museum. Vera Menchik was
inducted into the World Chess Hall of
Fame and Boris Gulko and Andy Soltis
into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.
Waiters served wine on trays and
more or less potent libations were avail-
able at an open bar. After, all were
invited to supper at a nearby Italian
restaurant. There were so many chess
celebrities present that it would be
futile to name them all. Suffice it to say
that I was happy to see old friends like
Yasser and Yvette Seirawan, and Andy
and Marcy Soltis. The museum is in a
beautifully renovated building directly
across from the Chess Club and
Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. The
event resembled the Oscars for chess,
as well as a neighborhood block party,
and what we used to call back in the
sixties, a happening. And that was sive stomping. The second floor displayed
just the opening.
Over the course of the weekend and
beyond, we could follow the match of
Kings versus Queens: A Battle of the
Sexes at the Center, with ongoing com-
mentary by Yasser and Jennifer Shahade.
Chess Collectors International had its
western hemisphere meeting at the head-
quarters hotel two blocks away, the Boy
Scouts of America launched its new chess
merit badge with a live game, and the
brand new Museum and Hall of Fame
showcased exhibitions on its three floors.
The U.S. Chess Hall of Fame was
the brainchild of Gerry Dullea. I
remember that when I was USCF pres-
ident in the early 80s, Gerry tried to
convince me of the merit of establish-
ing it, even taking me to, as I recall, the
Harness Racing Hall of Fame in upstate
New York. Fortunately, my successor as
USCF president, Steve Doyle, recog-
nized the value of the idea. Lets do it,
he said, and it happened, first in the
basement of our New Windsor head-
quarters, then in the basement of David
JEANNE SINQUEFIELD
Mehlers Chess Center in Washington.
With the active involvement of the late
Sidney Samole and his son Shane, and
the volunteer leadership of Al Lawrence,
we got out of the cellar, so to speak, in
Florida. The current Museum is a dis-
tinct improvement on its predecessors.
In keeping with the Sinquefield insis-
tence on excellence and professionalism
in all things, the noted art curator, Larry
List, was brought in to help. Susan Bar-
rett was tapped to become the director
of the Museum. The first floor of the
museum has a help desk, a gift shop,
and an exhibition devoted currently to
significant works of chess art. I was
most taken by Liliya Lifanovas Anatomy
is Destiny, the Wardrobe: Game in Wait-
ing (2009) and its accompanying
performance video, with chess pieces
dancing to bells and their own percus-
the best of Dr. George and Vivian Deans
collection of chess sets, including both
Faberg sets. The third floor had the
Hall of Fame plaques but also, and I
thought that this was an excellent idea,
an exhibit on chess in St. Louis. The
dynamic idea for the museumrotating
displaysmeans that visitors will always
have new things to visit.
I was pleased to renew my acquain-
tance with Rex Sinquefield, whom I knew
from the Chicago chess scene in the
70s, and to meet his wife (she and I
each pursued Ph.D.s at the University of
Chicago during that same period).
Jeanne, who was active in scouting in
California, was the driving force behind
the new chess merit badge for boy
scouts. Together, the couple makes for
the greatest positive force for chess in this
country since Fischer-Spassky 1972.
And although I enjoy Texas, I could-
nt help thinking throughout a long,
chess-filled weekend, that St. Louis
would be a very good place to live.
~Tim Redman
Chess Life December 2011 27
 Cover Story

17. ... Rxd3! preparing to castle and consolidate and on

-wq-tr-mk-tr I was only looking at the interesting
21. Kh1 there is 21. ... Qb6! What an
zp-vl-zp-snp amazing example of consolidation. Black
queen sac 17. ... Qxh3 18. gxh3 Rxd3 but
gets out of the pin, defends e6, and there
-zp-sn-zpP+ decided White cant be doing badly here.
is simply nothing useful White can do
+-+-+-+- 18. Rxd3 Qa6 before Black castles on the next move.
Once Black takes care of his king, he can
-+-vL-sN-+ This double attack was simply out of
move on to using his material advantage.
my field of vision. I was feeling pretty
+-zPR+-+- despondent here, thinking Am I really 21. b4 axb4 22. cxb4 Qxd4+ 23. Rxd4 Bb6
PzP-+-+PzP going to blunder away every game? when

wQ-+-sNRmK-
I found Whites best chance: -+-+-mk-tr
Analysisafter14.fxg6
19. Rd7! +-+-zpnsnp
(Apparently, White should play 14.
Activity is the only hope. -vl-+-zpp+
Ne6+ Nxe6 15. fxe6 although it doesnt
19. ... Qxa7+ 20. Nd4 +-+-+-+-
look like Black is doing too badly. 15. ... -zP-tR-zP-+
Qc8 [15. ... Nf5 16. Nf3 0-0]) 14. ... 0-0-0!! -+-+-mk-tr
Black sacrificed the g6-pawn, but because wq-vlRzpnsnp +-+-+-+-
of the possibility to castle queenside, he -+-+-+PzP
suddenly has a powerful attack. That is -+-+-zpp+
why in Fischer Random you have to be so zp-+-+-+- +-+-wQRmK-
vigilant about the castling options of your After23....Bb6
opponent! Its rare in chess that the move -+-sN-zP-+
castles changes the evaluation of a posi- +-zP-+-+- Again, it looked like Black had the
tion, but in Fischer Random, its much upper hand ...
more frequent. -zP-+-+PzP 24. Qe4
12. ... Nf7 13. Rh3 g6 14. Nd3
+-+-wQRmK- 24. Qe3 was better: 24. ... Nf5 25. Rd8+
After20.Nd4 Bxd8 26. Qc5 0-0 27. b5 and Blacks
After the game, Marc suggested a strong
regrouping: 14. Be3 Ng7 15. Nd4 Cer- bishop is not as well-positioned as it was
Practically speaking, White is not doing
tainly, the knight is more impressive on in the game.
badly here (due to the fact that Black has-
d4 than the bishop. nt castled yetif he does, Whites in trouble). 24. ... Nf5 25. Rfd1
I even thought that White may be better ...
14. ... Ng7 15. Qe1 Qc8 16. a5 bxa5 17. Bxa7 25. Kh1! Nxd4 (25. ... Bxd4 26. g4 and
20. ... Qc5 one of the pieces is lost.) 26. Qb7 and again,
Carrying out my positional idea of pres-
Black has a problem with the bishop.
suring Blacks queenside, I completely 20. ... e6!! Neither Marc nor I saw this
missed the coming tactical blow ... brilliant defense of the e-pawn. Black is 25. ... e5 26. fxe5 fxe5 27. b5 0-0 28. Kh1
Bxd4 29. Qc6

KINGS VERSUS QUEENS TOURNAMENT -+-+-trk+

September 9-16, 2011, Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis +-+-+n+p
No. Title Name Points Individual Prize Team Prize -+Q+-+p+
1 GM Hikaru Nakamura 912 $5,500 $4,000
+P+-zpn+-
2 GM Ben Finegold 7 2
1
$5,000 $4,000
-+-vl-+-+
3 GM Marc Arnold 6 $4,250 $4,000
+-+-+-+-
4 IM Jacek Stopa 6 $4,250 $4,000
-+-+-+PzP
5 Kevin Cao 2 2
1
$1,500 $4,000
+-+R+-+K
After29.Qc6
1 GM Kateryna Lahno 5 $3,000 $0
With accurate play, Black should even-
2 GM Alexandra Kosteniuk 512 $3,500 $0 tually win this position, but in rapid
3 IM Irina Krush 3 $2,500 $0 chess, its not so easy. Whites task is
easier: put your pieces on decent squares,
9 IM Anna Zatonskih 2 2
1
$1,500 $0 then don't blunder anything; let Black
10 IM Martha Fierro 2 2
1
$1,500 $0 come up with a plan.
29. ... Rb8 30. Rb1 Rb6 31. Qc8+ Kg7 32. g4
The average team rating of both the Queens and Kings was 2476 FIDE. This was a Scheveningen-paired tour- N5d6 33. Qd7 e4 34. Kg2 Bf6 35. Kf2 Bd4+
nament, in which each of the five team members played each of the opposing team members twice: once 36. Ke2
in a Fischer Random (Chess 960) game with a time control of Game/25 plus 10-second increment and once White has made some progress; the
in a rapid game with a time control of Game/25 with a five-second increment. king is well placed on e2, blockading the
Tournament website: http://saintlouischessclub.org/kings-vs-queens-tournament e-pawn. With Marc down to 10 seconds,

28 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

with no plan in sight, he decided to repeat
moves. It seemed like a fair ending to an
exciting game!
36. ... Rb7 37. Qc6 Rb6 38. Qd7 Rb7 39. Qc6
Rb6, Draw agreed.
Castling proficiency
IM Anna Zatonskih (2508)
Kevin Cao (2152)
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random
(4), Saint Louis Chess Club, 09.14.2011
Notes by Finegold
rmknsnltrqvl
zppzppzppzpp
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
PzPPzPPzPPzP
tRKsNNvLRwQL
Startingposition
I hope we are getting proficient at
castling now! But just in case, kingside
castling is with the king going to g1, and
the Rf1 staying where it is; queenside
castling is Kc1 and Ra1 to d1.
1. d4
Anna was having a bad event with only
2 out of six games. This was her first
1
win, and a quite nice one at that. IK:
Giorgi didnt like the move 1. d4. He sug-
gested 1. f4 or 1. g4.
1. ... d5
IK: Black has plenty of good options
rather than copying White. He could go 1.
... f5, like Kateryna did against Hikaru, or
1. ... g5, attacking the d4-pawn.
2. Nc3 Nb6 3. f3
As so often happens in Chess960, White
activates one bishop (Be1) and, um, makes
the other bishop not so good! IK: Its a good
thing that bishop cant talk.
3. ... Nc6 4. Bg3 g6
IK: Giorgi suggested 4. ... f5! with the
idea ... f4, burying the bishop on h1.
5. Nb3 e5
IK: It's still not too late for 5. ... f5!
(see diagram top of next column)
This looks pretty bad for White, no?
6. dxe5 Bxe5
IK: 6. ... Nxe5!?.
7. Bxe5 Nxe5 8. 0-0-0 0-0-0
uschess.org
rmk-+ltrqvl
zppzp-zp-+p
-snn+-+p+
+-+p+p+-
-+-zP-+-+
+NsN-+PvL-
PzPP+P+PzP
tRK+-+RwQL
Analysisafter5....f5
Now it is back to regular chess,
although the Bh1 still looks a bit odd.
9. e4 Nec4?
9. ... dxe4.
10. Nxd5 Nxd5 11. Qxa7!!
-+ktrltrq+
wQpzp-+p+p
-+-+-+p+
+-+n+-+-
-+n+P+-+
+N+-+P+-
PzPP+-+PzP
+-mKR+R+L
After11.Qxa7
I think the idea of Qxa7 or Qxh7 hap-
pened in every round of the 960 games.
Anna sees the ... Qg8 is useless in the
defense of the black king.
11. ... Ndb6 12. Rxd8+ Kxd8 13. Qb8+ Nc8
14. Rd1+ Bd7 15. Nc5
The Bh1 makes a funny impression,
but Whites other pieces are all monsters.
15. ... N4b6 16. Nxb7+ Ke7 17. Qxc7 f6 18.
Qc5+ Ke6 19. f4 Qg7 20. Qc7 Kf7 21. Nc5 Kg8
Blacks king is finally safe, but Whites
extra pawns decide the issue. A brutal attack.
22. Nxd7 Rf7 23. Qd8+, Black resigned.
Mirroring Anna/Kevin
GM Hikaru Nakamura (2753)
GM Kateryna Lahno (2554)
Kings versus Queens Fischer Random,
Saint Louis Chess Club (4), 09.14.2011
Notes by Krush
(see diagram top of next column)
I thought it would be interesting to
show how the course of this game com-
pared to Zatonskih-Cao above.
1. d4
Hikaru chooses the same first move
rmknsnltrqvl
zppzppzppzpp
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
PzPPzPPzPPzP
tRKsNNvLRwQL
Startingposition
as Anna.
1. ... f5!
The Dutch.
2. g4 f4!
Seizing more space.
3. e4
On 3. e3 Black would support the space
with 3. ... g5 [3. ... f3 is probably a bit over
ambitiousBlack will find the f3-pawn a
nuisance to defend after 4. Qg3).
3. ... g5
Of course, opening up the Bh8.
4. f3
The outcome of the opening looks like
a big success for Black, due to the bishop
on h1. Of course, this didn't stop Hikaru
from winningKateryna later blundered
a rook in a good position and lost.
Thank you to the Chess Club and
Scholastic Center for organizing this
unique event, and to its generous bene-
factors, Rex and Jeannie Sinquefield, who
made it possible for a number of partic-
ipants to earn their biggest ever prize
checks from a chess tournament. I hope
this was the start of more Fischer Random
events in America ... lets get on with the
chess of the future!
The format of the event begged the ques-
tion: which part did the players enjoy
more, regular chess or Fischer Random?
I couldve gotten a definite answer to that
question while in St. Louis, but as I was
blundering right and left, it slipped my
mind that eventually I would have to write
about this event. I will, however, make a
conjecture about how the players felt ...
Kateryna and Alexandra had played
Chess960 in Mainz before, even facing
each other in the finals of the 960 Womens
World Championship a few years back
(Alexandra won). I even found a quote of
Alexandras from that event, I enjoy
Chess960 very much. You do not have to
learn theory, you can just play. .
Read more and download a .pgn file of the
games from saintlouischessclub.com.
Chess Life December 2011 29
Grand Slam Chess
Carlsen
Wins 2011
Grand Slam Title
NAkAmURAS CHANCeS kILLeD By OJ
agnus Carlsen is the 2011 Grand
M Slam champion, winning the title
after a tiebreaking match against
Vassily Ivanchuk, with Hikaru Nakamura
just a glass of orange juice away in a tie
for third place.
After the sixth round of the 2011 Grand
Slam finalan elite, six-player, double
round-robin tournament split between
Sao Paulo, Brazil and Bilbao, Spain
neither World Champion Viswanathan
Anand, nor world number one Carlsen,
nor Nakamura, gave themselves a realis-
tic chance of overtaking the runaway
leader Vassily Ivanchuk.
Using the soccer scoring system (Bilbao
Rule: Win 3 points, Draw 1 point, Loss 0
points), Ivanchuk was six points (two
wins) clear of the field and had beaten
every rival except Carlsen.
The transfer of the tournament from
Brazil to Spain at the halfway point was
always expected to favor the younger
players but Ivanchuk, 42, had just out-
played Nakamura, 23, in the first game in
Bilbao and seemed to also have settled
after the distress of being held up at gun-
point in Sao Paulo.
However this was to prove the high
point for Ivanchuk, who proceeded to
lose to tailender Paco Vallejo and then
watch as Carlsen and Nakamura closed
the gap.
Themainthinginchessistoenjoythegameand
playexcitinggames.Youarenotgoingtoliveforever
soeverygameItrytodosomethingnewand
creative.GMHIkaruNakaMura
30 Chess Life December 2011
The amazing penultimate round
decided the tournament. First Anand
collapsed to lose in two hours against
world number three Levon Aronian, after
which the world champions title hopes
were over.
Then Carlsen, who had had to draw on
reserves of determination after his own
upset against Vallejo early in the event,
demolished Ivanchuk to pull level with him.
Nakamura, who had beaten Aronian
in the previous round, could also join
the tie for first if he could beat Vallejo, as
he had done with considerable effort in
the first cycle.
After a shaky start, Nakamura (Black)
won a pawn and then suffered perhaps the
biggest brain explosion of his career ...
-+-tr-+-mk
+-+-+Q+p
-+p+-zpp+
+p+-+-+-
-zP-+-+-zP
+-+-+qzP-
-+-+-zP-+
tR-+r+RmK-
After40.Ra1
By GM IAN ROGERS
Vallejo, who had been severely short of
time, has just retreated his rook to a1,
with five seconds on the clock to spare.
Nakamura now looked up to the
arbiter, Anil Surender of Sweden, and
asked Is it move 40?. The arbiter, not
allowed to inform Nakamura one way or
the other, did nothing, though he made
just enough involuntary body movement
for Nakamura to interpret his response
as a nod in assent.
Satisfied that he had reached the time
control, Nakamura went to pour himself
an orange juice but while he was away,
his 45 seconds ticked down to nothing
and Vallejo was awarded the win.
1-0 time
Nakamura, not surprisingly, became
extremely upset and registered an official
protest, soon rejected by the tournament
technical director, Juan Carlos Fernan-
dez.
Nakamura later tweeted that this was
his most painful loss everhad he con-
verted his extra pawn he would have
PHOTO BY BETSY DYNAKO
uschess.org
been co-leader with one round to play
but he also accepted that he had mostly
himself to blame.
At the moment that Nakamura asked
the arbiter, Vallejos clock had already
ticked over to the second time control,
showing one hour and 15 seconds (indi-
cating that Vallejo had made 40 moves),
while Nakamuras clock was still ticking
Youcouldhearsomenoisewhenyou
haveabadpositioneverythingbothers
you,whenyouareplayingwellnothing
disturbsyou.GMViswanathananand
down seconds with no hour added (indi-
cating that Nakamura had not yet
passed move 40). Had Nakamura looked
at the clocks rather than the arbiter, he
could easily have seen that he had one
more move to make to reach the time
control, and he would have played 40. ...
R(1)d7 followed by 41. ... Kg7 with win-
ning chances.
Ivanchuk finished his round nine press
conference with an Einstein anecdote,
and Nakamura might have found an Ein-
stein quote appropriate as well this day;
Two things are infinite: the universe and
human stupidity; and Im not sure about
the universe.
Thus only Carlsen and Ivanchuk
entered the last round equal on points
and both drew quiet final games to set up
a tiebreaking match.
At the fast playoff time limitfour min-
utes for all moves plus a three second
increment per moveCarlsen was heav-
ily favored and he duly won the match to
take the 2011 Grand Slam title and first
prize outright.
Carlsen deserved his victory; he
defeated Ivanchuk twice during the clas-
sical part of the tournament and also
would have finished half a point clear of
the field had a traditional scoring system
been used.
Carlsen has now moved well clear of
World Champion Anand at the top of the
world ranking list. Since his failure at
What is the Grand Slam?
The Grand Slam is an attempt at cooperation between
some of the strongest annual grandmaster tournaments.
In 2010-11 the tournaments covered by the Grand Slam
were Wijk aan Zee, Linares, Nanjing and Bazna. The win-
ner of each event, plus two wild cards, were meant to
qualify for the Sao Paulo/Bilbao final but for the second
uschess.org
the 2010 Grand Slam final, Carlsen has Bf4 c6 6. e3 Bf5 7. g4!?
won four super-tournaments, whereas
An ambitious move popularized by
Anand is now nearing his fourth year
Mikhail Botvinnik during his (unsuccess-
without a tournament victory.
ful) world title match against Petrosian in
For Nakamura, the tournament will
1963.
have bittersweet memories. The American
secured a plus score against the best 7. ... Be6 8. h4 Nd7
three players in the world and gained
On 8. ... Bxh4?! 9. Qb3 is awkward for
enough rating points to move back into
Black.
9. h5 Nh6 10. Be2 Nb6 11. Nh3 g5! 12. hxg6
e.p. hxg6 13. Bg3?!
r+-wqk+-tr
zpp+-vlp+-
-snp+l+psn
+-+p+-+-
-+-zP-+P+
the worlds top 10 but the loss to Vallejo +-sN-zP-vLN
will long cause nightmares. Overall I am PzP-+LzP-+
very happy with the way I played in most
games, said Nakamura immediately after tR-+QmK-+R
the tournament. However it will take a After13.Bg3
while before I forget yesterdays game.
But you cant do much about what hap- The opening was unclearit wasnt
pened; there is always tomorrow. until move 20 that we started playing
new moves, Nakamura said after the
game, unaware that his careless move
Grand Slam Final order (13. f3 is necessary, not fearing 13.
Sao Paulo/Bilbao ... Bh4+ 14. Kd2 ) actually allowed Aron-
Leading final scores (3 for a win, 1 for a ian a big shot. However ...
draw): 13. ... Qd7?
=1. Carlsen (Nor), Ivanchuk (Ukr) 15; 13. ... Nxg4! 14. Bxg4 Qd7! would have
=3. Nakamura (USA), Anand (Ind), won a pawn and White will struggle to
Aronian (Arm), 12; obtain compensation for it.
6. Vallejo (Spa) 10.
14. Nf4 0-0-0 15. Nxe6 Qxe6 16. Rg1 Bd6 17.
Qc2 Bxg3 18. Rxg3 f5 19. 0-0-0! Nxg4 20.
Games Bxg4 fxg4 21. Rdg1 Rh4 22. Qe2 Rf8 23.
Nakamuras best game was the follow- Nd1! Rf4!
ing marathon endgame win against the
world number three; a piece of endgame -+k+-+-+
technique worthy of Capablanca.
zpp+-+-+-
-snp+q+p+
BILBAO GRAND SLAM FINAL (8) +-+p+-+-
Queens Gambit Declined,
-+-zP-trptr
Semi-Slav (D31) +-+-zP-tR-
GMhikarunakamura(FidE2753,Usa) PzP-+QzP-+
GMLevonaronian(FidE2807,aRM)
+-mKN+-tR-
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. cxd5 exd5 5. After23....Rf4
year in a row Carlsen threw calculations into confusion by
winning more than one Grand Slam tournament. (The
Wimbledon of Chess in Linares being cancelled due to the
Spanish financial crisis compounded the organizers dif-
ficulties.)
Nakamura qualified for the Grand Slam final by winning
in Wijk aan Zee in January, ahead of almost all the best
players in the world.
Chess Life December 2011 31
 Grand Slam Chess

with 27. ... Nd6 when the g-pawn is safe

Its true that I said [after 2007] that I would for the moment.

never play in a cube again but already in 28. Qg3 Rh6 29. b3! Nb6 30. Qg4!
I shouldn't get to this position, admit-
Bilbao last year it was much better and ted Aronian. I missed 30. Qg4 but when
the trend of the game is changing and you
here the cube was even bigger and quite are upset about blundering, it happens.

comfortable. ANAND
24. Kd2!
The opening has turned into a very
strange endgame almost immediately,
and Kd2-e1 is a very unusual maneuver,
but not bad, said Nakamura.
24. ... Nc4+ 25. Ke1 Rf3 26. Rxf3 gxf3 27.
Qxf3 Qf5?!
Until 27. ... Qf5 the position was quite
playable for Black, and computers will
probably say that it is still a draw, but for
a human it is very difficult to play, said
30. ... Nd7 31. Qxf5 gxf5 32. Nc3 Nf6 33. Ne2
Nakamura. The critical question is
whether 27. ... Qe7 is playable or not?
After 28. Rxg6 Qb4+ 29. Nc3 I think White
is better because 29. ... Qxb2 is impossi-
ble because of 30. Rg8+ Kc7 31. Qg3+!
and Black has no escape via 31. ... Kb6
because of 32. Na4+. But instead of 28.
... Qb4+, 28. ... Rxd4 is very interesting.
[Later analysis showed that White wins
here with 29. Qg3!IR]
Given that 27. ... Qe7 is insufficient
Aronian should have contented himself
Ng4 34. Nf4 Rh2 35. Nd3
Almost a perfect endgame position for
White, who can slowly improve his posi-
tion while Black can do nothing. The
pressure against f2 is annoying but even-
tually White will place his king on g3 and
threaten to play f2-f3, thereby forcing
the black rook back.
35. ... Kd8
35. ... a5 was necessary to gain a little
space and/or exchange pawns when
White advances.
36. b4! Ke7 37. a4 b6 38. Ke2 Kd6 39. Kf3

Sao Paulo Grand Slam
Final (9) Queens Gambit
Accepted (D24)
GM Levon Aronian (FIDE
2807, ARM)
GM Viswanathan Anand
(FIDE 2817, IND)
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4.
Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 Bb4
rsnlwqk+-tr
zppzp-+pzpp
-+-+psn-+
+-+-+-+-
-vlpzPP+-+
+-sN-+N+-
PzP-+-zPPzP
tR-vLQmKL+R
After5....Bb4
6. Bxc4!?
A gambit which has been
tried by various top players
but only rarely in serious
games. No doubt Aronian
was trying to avoid any world
championship preparation
in the main line 6. Bg5.
6. ... Nxe4 7. 0-0 Nf6
7. ... Nxc3!? 8. bxc3 Be7 is
the main alternative.
8. Qa4+ Nc6 9. Bg5!?
Another new idea from
Aronian's kitchen. 9. Ne5
Be7 led to nothing for White
in a Gustafsson-Aronian blitz
game, which may have given
Aronian reason to analyze
this line further.
9. ... Be7
r+lwqk+-tr
zppzp-vlpzpp
-+n+psn-+
+-+-+-vL-
Q+LzP-+-+
+-sN-+N+-
PzP-+-zPPzP
tR-+-+RmK-
After9....Be7
10. Bxf6! Bxf6 11. d5! exd5 12.
Rfe1+ Be6
12. ... Be7? is inferior in
view of 13. Nxd5 0-0 (13. ...
Be6 14. Nxe7 Qxe7 15. Nd4
is also ugly) 14. Nxe7+ Nxe7
15. Rad1 and Black loses at
least a piece.
13. Bxd5 0-0 14. Bxe6 fxe6 15.
Rad1
White can win his pawn
back any time, but wants to
do so only when he does not
give up his positional edge.
15. ... Qe8
On 15. ... Qe7 Anand prob-
ably feared 16. Nd5 but then
16. ... Qf7 is a better version
of the game.
16. Ne4 Qe7 17. Qb3 Rab8
The computer analysis pre-
ferred returning the pawn
immediately with 17. ...
Rad8!? 18. Qxb7 Nd4. No
doubt Anand feared finishing
in an endgame with a bad
bishop and wrecked pawns
but it turns out that after 19.
Nxd4 Bxd4 20. b3 Black has
the tactical shot 20. ... Bxf2+!
21. Nxf2 Qc5! with advantage.
18. Nxf6+ Rxf6 19. Ng5 Qb4!?
19. ... Kh8 was safer,
because 20. Nxe6? would lose
material after 20. ... Re8.
Probably White has no way to
increase the pressure because
20. Rc1!? is adequately met
by 20. ... Nd4 21. Qd3 Nf5.
20. Qc2! Rg6?!
Now things become worse
for Black, said Aronian. 20. ...
g6 was necessary, meeting 21.
Re4 Qe7 22. Rde1 with 22. ...
e5 when White can regain the
pawn after 23. f4 but with
only a slight advantage.
21. Re4! Qa5
21. ... Qe7 22. h4! the
threat of 23. Nxh7! enters
the equation.
22. h4! Re8 23. Rd7 h6
-+-+r+k+
zppzpR+-zp-
-+n+p+rzp
wq-+-+-sN-
-+-+R+-zP
+-+-+-+-
PzPQ+-zPP+
+-+-+-mK-
After23....h6
24. b4!
I had various ways to
play," said Aronian[e.g.
24. Re3 IR]but I was very
happy that I managed to
recover and win [well]
today.
24. ... Qf5?!
This loses immediately
but 24. ... Nxb4 also walks
into 25. Rxe6!! and 24. ...
Qb5 25. a4! also leaves
Black helpless, e.g. 25. ...
Nxb4 (25. ... Qb6 26. Re1!
Ne7 27. Rxe6!! leads to
another spectacular finish.)
26. Qxc7! Qxa4 and now
White can finish in style
with 27. Qd8!! Rf8 28. Rf4!!
Rgf6 29. Rxg7+! Kxg7 30.
Nxe6+ Kh8 31. Nxf8 and
Blacks king is doomed.
25. Rxe6!!, Black resigned.

32 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org


-+-+-+-+
zp-+-+-+-
-zppmk-+-+
+-+p+p+-
PzP-zP-+n+
+-+NzPK+-
-+-+-zP-tr
+-+-+-tR-
After39.Kf3
39. ... a5?
Panic in time trouble; now the c5-square
will become very useful for the white pieces.
It should be a draw, admitted Aronian,
but I was feeling embarrassed about play-
ing so many bad moves that I couldn't pull
myself together ... I guess it was just one
of those days.
40. bxa5 bxa5 41. Kg3! Kc7?! 42. Rc1
This spoils nothing, but 42. f3! Rd2
43. fxg4 Rxd3 44. g5!! Rxe3+ 45. Kf4
wins very quickly.
42. ... Rh7 43. Kf4 Re7 44. Rc2
No hurry is Nakamuras motto in this
game. 44. Kxf5? Nxf2! would be the sort
of accident Aronian is hoping for.
44. ... Re4+ 45. Kg5 Re8 46. Rb2
Again very calm. 46. Kxf5 Rxe3!? 47.
Ne5! Nxe5 48. fxe3 Nc4 must be winning
for White but might be slow.
46. ... Rf8 47. Nc5 Kc8 48. Kf4 Rh8 49. f3 Nh2
Desperation, but if 49. ... Nh6 50. Rh2
again ties up the rook and knight, and
otherwise the f-pawn falls for nothing.
50. Rf2! Rh3 51. Nb3 Kc7 52. Nxa5 Kb6 53.
Nb3 Ka6 54. Nc1 Ka5 55. Ne2 Kxa4 56. Ng1
Rh6 57. Kg3 Ng4 58. fxg4 fxg4 59. Rf5
Stay alert!59. Kxg4? Rg6+ would be
another accident.
59. ... Rh1
Many spectators were expecting Aron-
ian to resign here, but, with a rest day
coming, the world number three decides
that there is nothing to lose by looking for
an unlikely swindle.
60. Kg2 Rh4 61. Ne2 Kb5 62. Nf4 Rh8 63.
Kg3 Rg8 64. Re5 Kc4 65. Re6 Kb5 66. Re7
Kb4 67. Nd3+ Kc3 68. Ne5 c5 69. dxc5 d4
Aronians last few moves look like sui-
cide before resigning, but Nakamura, to
his credit, sat down and thought for 10
minutes to make sure he would not fall
for any of the famous Aronian tricks.
70. exd4 Kxd4 71. Nd7!
71. c6? Kd5 72. c7 Rc8! would, incred-
uschess.org
ibly, lead to a drawn rook and knight
versus rook endgame.
71. ... Rd8 72. c6
72. Re6! Rxd7 (72. ... Kd5 73. Rd6+) 73.
Rd6+ was more stylish.
72. ... Rc8
-+r+-+-+
+-+NtR-+-
-+P+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-mk-+p+
+-+-+-mK-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
After72....Rc8
73. Re6!
The only move to win. 73. Ne5? would
be met by 73. ... Kd5! and suddenly 73.
... Kd6 is unstoppable, e.g. 74. Kf4 Rf8+!
75. Kxg4 Kd6.
73. ... Rc7 74. Rd6+ Kc4 75. Kxg4 Kb5 76. Ne5
At last, the rest is easy for White.
76. ... Rh7 77. Rd7 Rh8 78. Kf5 Kb6 79. Ke6,
Black resigned.
Mylifeisastoryofadreamcometrue.Iam
highlysatisfiedwithwhatIhaveachieved
sofar.PeopleintheWestareverybraveto
becomechessprofessionals.Intheformer
SovietUnionIcouldn'tachievemuchina
normaljobsothedecisionwasmucheasier.
GMLevonAronIAn,
onhIS29thbIrthdAydUrInGroUndSIx
Ivanchuks sixth round win over Naka-
mura was the tournaments most amazing
game, for both on and off-board reasons.
If anyone had an excuse to play poorly it
was Ivanchuk. He had just flown in from
South America, delayed after an ordeal where
he and his wife were held up by two gunmen
as they got into a taxi to go to the airport.
Ivanchuk expressed regret at the loss
of a favorite wooden chess set but seemed
otherwise unperturbed, saying At the
end of the day, there wasnt anything
particularly valuable there. (His wife
Oksana, who lost her handbag with pass-
port, might have disagreed.)
Ivanchuks game against Nakamura
started slowlya reliable sign of jet-lag
and soon both players were very short of
time. This was expected to play into the
hands of Nakamura, since the young
American has been noted as the best
player of bullet chess (one minute per
game for all moves) in the world, yet
Nakamura was comprehensively out-
played by Ivanchuk in a flurry of hands.
Ivanchuk played his last 10 moves in 30
seconds and every move was to the point.
The way it finished was very disappoint-
ing, said Nakamura. We reached this
crazy time scramble where we were both
trying not to blunder.
BILBAO GRAND SLAM FINAL (6)
Sicilian Defense, Kan Variation (B43)
GMvassilyIvanchuk(FIde2765,UKr)
GMhikarunakamura(FIde2753,USA)
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5.
Nc3 Qc7 6. Bd3 Nf6 7. f4!?
Whites last three moves, while natural
in themselves form an unusual set-up,
which Nakamura immediately tries to
exploit. 7. 0-0 would be standard.
7. ... Bb4



rsnl+k+-tr
+pwqp+pzpp
p+-+psn-+
+-+-+-+-
-vl-sNPzP-+
+-sNL+-+-
PzPP+-+PzP
tR-vLQmK-+R
After7....Bb4
Chess Life December 2011 33
Grand Slam Chess

Sao Paulo Chronicle

Garry Kasparov has lonG arGued that top chess half-time. yet many came just to watch the big games, and stayed
should be played in the big cities of the world, and few are big- until the final press conference had concluded.
ger than sao paulo (sp); 20 million people in a bustling metropolis the devotion of the Brazilian fans could best be seen on the
full of high rise towers, clogged roads, multiple ethnicities and first three days, when warm days turned into unseasonal chills
contrasts of wealth and poverty. as soon as the sun went down. even so, as the marathon anand-
In the heart of sao paulo lies Ibirapuera parka two square Ivanchuk game reached its dramatic conclusion in round three,
kilometer oasis of calm where the locals escape to walk, jog, eat more than 150 fansmany shivering in shorts and t-shirtswere
or carouse amongst the flowering jacaranda trees, the still lakes on hand to see anand pick up his king on move 70, find that he
and the varied bird life. had nowhere safe to move it and resign.
In mid-september a new edifice in Ibirapuera park was erected; the free day after round three saw a dramatic weather change
an air-conditioned, sound-proofed, glass box which was to play in sao paulo, with temperatures soaring close to 100 degrees for
host to the first half of the 2011 Grand slam final. the final two rounds, and decreasing only slightly in the evening.
We had no idea what to expect, admitted GM and commenta- For round five, the only round played on a non-working day, more
tor Gilberto Milos. sao paulo is the best place in Brazil for chess but than 500 fans braved the heat and watched carlsen take down
the games were in the middle of the the leader Ivanchuk. at the conclu-
working day in the middle of the park sion of the press conference after the
perhaps nobody would come to watch. game, carlsen was mobbed by fans
that fear was replicated when keen to get a picture with their idol,
chief organizer davy dIsrael whose or an autograph. at first carlsen
dream it was to bring a top level seemed disconcerted by being
tournament to sao paulo, went look- grabbed by the shoulder, having his
ing for commercial sponsors. the head moved next to a fans head while
city of sao paulo, in cooperation a friend snapped away on a mobile
with the sp tourism authority has phone. however after a while he real-
agreed to financially back the Grand ized that he was in no physical danger
slam final and to allow the use of Ibi- and he tried to make sure that every
rapuera park for the venue. fan had their chance. dIsrael looked
yet virtually no private company on in wonder as the desperate cries
in booming Brazil was interested in of Magnushere! rang outIt's
co-sponsoring the tournament, mak- like if the Brazilian football team was
ing the budget for the event far tighter here.
than had been hoped. (a second eventually carlsen was whisked
Grand slam final in sao paulo might away to the palatial Melia hotel where
be a different matterafter extensive a modest closing ceremony and lav-
coverage of the tournament in the ish cocktail party took place.
local media, dIsrael reported plenty late in the evening, the players
of firms expressing a wish to be asso- made their excuses and retired to
ciated with a 2012 tournament.) their rooms, the intercontinental trip
In any case, Milos need not have to Bilbao awaiting the next day.
worried that the tournament would last to fly were tournament leader
only be watched by two men and a dog. vassily Ivanchuk and his wife
every day as the elite grandmasters A cathedral in Sao Paulo, Brazil oksana who were held up at gun-
began their battles in the giant fish- point and robbed directly outside
bowl, 300 or more chess fans crowded the hotel as they entered a cab to
the area around the box; snapping the grandmasters on their mobile take them to Guarulhos airport.
phones, hanging out for autographs or just listening to the enter- With bad luck, it could have happened in a big city anywhere
taining commentary provided by Milos and offsiders such as GM and dIsrael insists that, contrary to media reports, Ivanchuk never
Giovanni vescovi or spanish journalist leontxo Garcia. threatened to leave the tournament.
the players admitted that the box was not entirely sound- however for the Ivanchuks and for the tournament supporter,
proofed; they could hear the audience applauding a win. anand the sao paulo tourist authority, it was a severe misfortune.
reported hearing a buzz in the crowd when Ivanchuk played a though the players, Ivanchuk included, heaped praise on the sao
particularly surprising move but I never heard anything useful, paulo organizers and the city, the tournament may struggle to
the world champion said regretfully. shake off the memory of sao paulo as the place where Ivanchuk
at the back of the box was a small refreshment area where play- was held up.
ers could choose from delicacies such as strawberries, chocolate this would do an injustice to a well organized event which made
and of course the fruit juice which proved a game-loser for naka- even ananda known critic of the glass cubeaccept that there
mura in round nine in Bilbao. might be merit in sao paulo/Bilbao style events.
dIsrael had made sure that there were plenty of other reasons as aronian said, It pleases my eye to see so many people com-
for chess fans to come to Ibirapuera park. every day in the tents ing to watch us play and the warmth of the public inspires our
surrounding the main event one could find simultaneous exhibi- play. this is the future to bring many people to our game. as a
tions, rapid tournaments, junior tournamentsand even a pavilion chessplayer we have many homesholland, spainand hope-
extolling the delights of Bilbao, where the players were headed after fully Brazil will become one of them.

34 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org


I thought, if we got to where we each
have two minutes left, anything can
happen, even a miracle!
GM FrancIsco Vallejo-Pons,
aFter hIs wIn aGaInst carlsen
8. Nb3!?
That Ivanchuk was improvising was
shown by his clock, already registering
half an hour used. (Nakamura was soon
to catch up.) The text move (instead of,
say, 8. Bd2) is extraordinary not so much
because of the pawn sacrifice involved
but because White willingly enters a posi-
tion usually reached via the 4. ... Qb6 5.
Nb3 Qc7 Sicilian with the difference that
White is a tempo down.
8. ... Bxc3+ 9. bxc3 d6 10. Ba3! 0-0
10. ... Qxc3+ would be too risky after
11. Qd2! Qc7 (11. ... Qxd2+ 12. Nxd2 d5
13. exd5 exd5 14. 0-0 leaves the bishop
on a3 a dominant piece.) 12. 0-0 with
plenty of compensation for the pawn.
11. Qd2
Exactly why Ivanchuk chose this
moment to save his c-pawn is hard to
fathom, since after 11. 0-0, White can soon
indirectly defend the pawn via Rf3.
Ivanchuk, however, was content; The open-
ing was fine and gave me good chances for
attack, he explained afterwards.
11. ... Rd8 12. 0-0 Nc6
r+ltr-+k+
+pwq-+pzpp
p+nzppsn-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+PzP-+
vLNzPL+-+-
P+PwQ-+PzP
tR-+-+RmK-
After12....Nc6
13. Rf3 b5 14. Rg3 Kh8 15. Rf1 Bb7 16. f5
Rg8 17. Qg5 e5?!
Ivanchuk was not impressed by this
move, which he believed gave his attack
free rein. He considered 17. ... exf5 18.
Rxf5 as playable for Black but was most
worried about 17. ... Ne5! e.g. 18. fxe6
Nxe4! 19. Bxe4 Bxe4 when he could not
see anything for White.
18. Qh4 Ne7
uschess.org
-+-tr-+-mk
+-wq-+ptrn
p+-+-+nwQ
+psNlzp-zP-
-+-+L+-+
vL-zP-+-+R
P+P+-+-zP
+-+-+RmK-
18. ... Nb8!?, heading for d7, looks After26....Rd8
fatally slow after 19. Rh3 Nbd7 20. g4 but
By now Nakamura, starting to blitz out
then Black has the remarkable (com-
his moves, was reasonably pleased that
puter) resource 20. ... g5!! 21. fxg6 e.p.
he had escaped the first wave and had
Rxg6 when 22. g5 can be answered by 22.
reasonable counterchances. However
... Rxg5+ 23. Qxg5 Rg8.
Ivanchuk had his last long think and
19. Rh3 d5 came up with an ingenious plan which
forced Nakamura to slow down.
r+-+-+rmk 27. Bxg6 fxg6 28. Rf6! Qc8 29. Rh4! Bf7 30.
+lwq-snpzpp Nd3 Kg8?
p+-+-sn-+ I was going to play 30. ... Rxd3! 31.
cxd3 Qxc3 32. Bb4 but I thought after 32.
+p+pzpP+- ... Qc1+ White could play 33. Kf2! (33. Rf1
-+-+P+-wQ Qe3+ is only a draw.), but of course I
should have played this, said Nakamura.
vLNzPL+-+R
P+P+-+PzP 31. Bd6! e4
31. ... Re8 was a better chance, hoping
+-+-+RmK- for 32. Bxe5? Rxe5! 33. Nxe5 Qc5+. How-
After19....d5 ever after 32. Nxe5!, White should prevail,
If playing in a box is something we have
to do for the public, I will do it. anand
20. Nc5 e.g. 32. ... Qxc3 33. Qxg7+!, winning too
Ivanchuk is confident that his attack
many pieces for the queen.
must triumph if he can hold his center 32. Be5! Rd5 33. Rc6 Qf8 34. Bxg7
together, though the trappy 20. Rff3!?, There was no time to worry about
hoping for 20. ... dxe4 21. Qxh7+!! Nxh7 finesses like 34. Rc8!, mating quickly.
22. Rxh7+ Kxh7 23. Rh3 mate was more
direct, and intending to meet 20. ... Rgc8 34. ... Qxg7 35. Rxe4
with 21. Bxe7 Qxe7 22. g4, as in the game.
Kevin Spraggetts suggestion of 20. -+-+-+k+
Bc1!? also looks very promising, e.g. 20. ...
dxe4 (On 20. ... Rgc8 21. g4! is very strong +-+-+lwqn
because any ... h7-h6 defense is prevented p+R+-+pwQ
by the bishop on c1.) 21. Bg5 Ned5 22.
Bxe4 and Black will soon be mated. +p+r+-zP-
20. ... dxe4 21. Bxe4 Bd5 22. g4! h6
-+-+R+-+
Nakamura spent almost half of his +-zPN+-+-
remaining time on this move, which gives P+P+-+-zP
up a pawn but holds back the attack.
22. ... Qb6, hoping for 23. g5? Bxe4 24. +-+-+-mK-
gxf6 gxf6+ is well met by 23. Rf2. After35.Rxe4
23. g5 Nh7 24. f6 Ng6 25. fxg7+ Rxg7 26.
Qxh6 Rd8 35. ... Rxg5+!
Chess Life December 2011 35
 Grand Slam Chess
A great try which seemed to shock
Ivanchuk, though not for long enough
to cause him to lose on time while he
calculated that losing his queen was
still winning.
36. Qxg5! Nxg5 37. Rc8+ Be8 38. Rcxe8+
Kh7 39. Rh4+ and Blacks flag fell.
A near-miss for Nakamura against the
world champion.
sao paolo GRaND slaM FINal (2)
Nakamuras near miss
GMHikarunakamura(FIDe2753,usa)
GMViswanathananand(FIDe2817,
InD)
-+-tr-+-+
+Q+nmkp+-
-+-+p+-zp
+pwq-vl-zp-
-+p+-+-+
+-+-+LvL-
-zP-+-zPPzP
+-+R+-mK-
After24....Bxe5
25. Bxe5?
Played very quickly by Nakamura and
soon regretted. I had worked out five
moves before that 25. Bc6! doesnt work
Sao Paulo
The Records
In rounds three and four, Ivanchuk
became the first player to beat
2800+ opponents in consecutive
roundsboth times with black!
In round three, the world num-
ber one and two, Magnus Carlsen
and Viswanathan Anand both lost
on the same day, only the second
time this has happened since the
introduction of the Elo rating sys-
tem in 1970.
After round three, the world one
and two were in clear last place, a
first. (Sofia 2005 had Veselin Topalov
and Anand tied with Judit Polgar in
last place at the halfway mark).
The Grand Slam final was the
strongest tournament ever played
in the Americas, or in the South-
ern Hemisphere.
36 Chess Life December 2011
HowmuchdoIstudyperday?Judging
bytheresultssofarinthistournament,
notenough!GMMaGnusCarlsen
because of 25. ... Bd4 but I completely
missed 26. Bc7!, admitted Nakamura. If
he plays 25. ... Bxg3 I saw that I was
completely winning after 26. hxg3. Anand
was not so certain, though accepting that
26. ... b4 27. Rxd7+ Rxd7 28. Qxd7+ Kf6
29. Ba4! would leave him with a long dif-
ficult defense ahead.
Computer analysis suggested that
Black might just be able to survive with
the decidedly non-human 25. Bc6 Kf6
26. Rxd7 Rxd7 27. Bxd7 Bxb2!!?, allow-
ing 28. Be8 which can be met by 28. ...
Qe7 29. Qxb5 Bd4, ready to answer 30.
Qxc4 with 30. ... Bxf2+ when the result-
ing piece up ending with pawns only on
one flank possibly cannot be won by
White.
25. ... Qxe5 26. Bc6 Kf6 27. Bxd7 Qxb2 28.
Rf1
An ingenious winning try. The back
rank threats and the d-file pin prevent
White from utilising his extra piece and
28. h4 Qe5 is safe enough for Black.
28. ... c3 29. Qc7 Ra8
r+-+-+-+
+-wQL+p+-
-+-+pmk-zp
+p+-+-zp-
-+-+-+-+
+-zp-+-+-
-wq-+-zPPzP
+-+-+RmK-
After29....Ra8
Anand was not interested in investigat-
ing 29. ... Rxd7 30. Qxd7 c2 31. Qd2 b4
32. f4 when 32. ... g4 33. f5 looks dan-
gerous for Black because h6 is hanging,
said Nakamura. However I thought Black
might be OK after 32. ... Kg6!, he added
and this seems to be true.
30. Bxe6!
The slightest look of fear appeared on
Anands face when Nakamura played this
move but he recovered his composure
quickly enough.
30. ... fxe6 31. f4 Ra1!
By now Anands poker face had
returned and he used much of the five
minutes he spent on this move gazing

into space. I think I could also have
played 31. ... g4!?, Anand explained later,
and on 32. Qe5+ Ke7 33. f5 I have 33. ...
Ra1, followed by running my king to the
queenside, but this seemed a safer option
well, not exactly safe but safe enough.
I didnt see a winwith a lone queen I
thought there is no way you can mate,
though I was a bit worried.
32. fxg5+ Kxg5 33. Qg7+ Kh5
Now it was Nakamuras turn to show
his emotions as his clock ticked down; a
mixture of disappointment and disgust
with himself for throwing away such a
great chance.
34. Qf7+ Kg5
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+Q+-
-+-+p+-zp
+p+-+-mk-
-+-+-+-+
+-zp-+-+-
-wq-+-+PzP
tr-+-+RmK-
After34....Kg5
35. Qf6+
I saw some line where you could play
h4+ and get your queen to g6, said
Anand, but even then when you play
Kh2 I have Rxf1 and g3 isn't mate because
the g-pawn is pinned.
35. ... Kh5 36. Qf7+ Kg5 37. Qg7+ Kh5 38.
Qf7+, Draw agreed.
... and the players shook hands on a
draw six seconds before Nakamuras clock
ticked down to zero. It is nice to get such
a great position but in the end it is the
result that matters, said a disappointed
Nakamura after the game. I can do bet-
ter than this.
The key game of the tournament.
BIlBao GRaND slaM FINal (8)
Nimzo-Indian Defense (E21)
GMMagnusCarlsen(FIDe2823,nOr)
GMVassilyIvanchuk(FIDe2765,uKr)
uschess.org
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 5.
Qc2 Bb7 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. Qxc3 Ne4 8. Qc2 f5
9. g3 Nf6?!
rsn-wqk+-tr
zplzpp+-zpp
-zp-+psn-+
+-+-+p+-
-+PzP-+-+
zP-+-+NzP-
-zPQ+PzP-zP
tR-vL-mKL+R
After 9. ... Nf6
He played the opening inaccurately,
said Carlsen. He wanted to get the posi-
tion after 9. ... 0-0 10. Bg2 Nf6 11. 0-0
Be4 but I have [another option].
10. Bh3!?
I don't know if 10. Bh3 is a great
move, said Carlsen, but at least it is
interesting.
10. ... 0-0 11. 0-0 a5?!
The point of 10. Bh3 is that now if he
plays 11. ... Be4 I can move the queen and
drive the bishop away with Nd2,
explained Carlsen. However I didnt
expect 11. ... a5 and I thought that he
should play 11. ... Qe8 immediately.
12. Rd1
Usually when he goes ... a5 in these
type of lines I would go b3 to prevent ...
a4 but I thought I was well enough devel-
oped that he didnt have time for ... a4
here, Carlsen explained.
12. ... Qe8 13. d5 Na6 14. Bf4
After 14. Bf4 I liked my position very
much, said Carlsen. All my pieces are
well developed.
14. ... exd5
He thought for a long time over this
move, said Carlsen. 14. ... exd5 doesnt
look very healthy as it opens the position
16. Ng5! Qh5
Already it is very dangerous for Black,
said Carlsen, for example, 16. ... h6
allows 17. Bxd7! Qe7 18. Qxc4+ Kh8 19.
Qe6 and White wins.
17. Rxd7! Kh8!
I had seen many moves ago that I
could play 17. Rxd7 and I got very excited
and thought I was going to win quickly,
said Carlsen, but [now] I couldnt find
anything concrete.
18. Re7!?
I considered 18. Rad1! but I had calcu-
lated that 18. Re7 would be good, said
Carlsen. Unfortunately I got lost in calcu-
lating variations and missed something.
18. ... Nd5 19. Bg4 Qg6 20. Nf7+
Also possible is 20. Qxg6 hxg6 21. Rf7
however was not consistent with Whites
earlier play, though the endgame must be
good for White.
20. ... Kg8 21. Bf5 Qxf5!
ItwasveryagreeableinBrazil.Ilike
Brazilverymuchandtherewerevery
goodconditions.(Saidaftertherobbery!)
I realized when I played 21. Bxf5 that
I had forgotten something simple, said
Carlsen. I had seen 21. ... Qxf5! earlier
but lost myself in the complications. I
am lucky that my position is still not
bad. Black has plenty of material for the
queen but his bad king is the only reason
White has chances.
22. Qxf5 Nxe7 23. Nh6+! gxh6 24. Qg4+ Ng6
25. Bxh6 Rf7 26. Rd1 Re8 27. h4
I have to act quickly or otherwise I
will be worse, explained Carlsen. Maybe
he could have played 27. ... c3 now [or last
29. ... Ne5
Played after long thought. I was sur-
prised by 29. ... Ne5, said Carlsen, as I
thought the knight would be exposed
there. I thought he had to play 29. ... Nf8
after which maybe I can play 30. Rd5!? but
even here it is not completely clear. [After
my miscalculation] I was happy that I still
had some chances Ivanchuk disagreed
Practically 29. ... Ne7 was the best
chance. However after 29. ... Ne7, White
has the unexpected 30. Qb5! when Black
must lose material.
30. Qh4! Nc6
Played instantly, but it was better to
wait for f4 before moving the knight and
try 30. ... Ne6 instead, but by now he had
used up most of his time, explained
Carlsen.
31. Rd5! Ne6 32. Qc4 Ncd8?
A blunder, said Carlsen. He could still
resist with (32. ... Ne7 33. Re5 Nf5) but he
was under pressure both on position and

GMVaSSIlyIVanchuk
on the clock.
33. Qg4+ Ng7
Blundering a piece, but I saw that
after 33. ... Kh8 he has 34. Bd2! followed
by 35. Bc3+, explained Ivanchuk.
[Another good reason why Black should
have tossed in 26. ... c3. IR]
34. Qxc8, Black resigned.
He was very surprised when I took
Carlsen. .
his bishop, but he was already lost, said

up for my bishops. move]his pieces will be more [stable].

15. Bxf5 dxc4 27. ... Nc5 28. h5 Bc8 29. Qxc4 Grand Slam Chess Masters
Final At A Glance
r+-+qtrk+ -+l+r+k+
+lzpp+-zpp +-zp-+r+p Date/Location: Sao Paulo,
nzp-+-sn-+ -zp-+-+nvL Ibirapuera Park, from September
zp-sn-+-+P 25th-October 1st; Bilbao,
zp-+-+L+- Alhndiga, from October 5th-11th.
-+p+-vL-+ -+Q+-+-+ Top Finishers: 1st, 15 (1):
zP-+-+-zP- Magnus Carlsen; 2nd, 15 ():
zP-+-+NzP- Vassily Ivanchuk; 3rd-5th, 12:
-zPQ+PzP-zP -zP-+PzP-+ Hikaru Nakamura, Levon Aronian,
+-+R+-mK- Viswanathan Anand; 6th, 10:
tR-+R+-mK- Francisco Vallejo.
After 15. ... dxc4 After 29. Qxc4

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 37

Fashion
Dress Like a Grandmaster
Revenge of the Nerds, meet The Devil Wears Pradanow mate and be fruitful.
By NELLY ROSARIO
O
nce upon a time, chess heroes graced the covers of pop-
ular magazines. Books on chess play populated shelves.
Artists like Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray played chess,
drawing creative inspiration from the game. Chess clubs and
hallways were as packed as movie theaters and boxing arenas.
The Cold War between Russia and the United States especially
served to rally up a generation of American chess players dead-
set on checkmating the opponent. This victory came to fruition
in what was coined the Match of the Century. In the 1972
World Chess Championship, Bobby Fischer beat defending
champion Boris Spassky and snatched the 24-year hold that
38 Chess Life December 2011
the Soviets had on the title. Fischer became the first American
world champion since 1888 and, of course, graced the covers
of magazines from Life to Sports Illustrated.
Then the Cold War warmed.
Flag colors ran in the wash, and the allure of chess slowly
faded from visibility in American pop culture. By the end of the
1980s, the games public male image had flattened into two car-
icatures: 1) the fogey in drab tweeds and, 2) the bespectacled
geek in high-water pants, himself a future fogey in drab tweeds.
In the last decade, however, its as if the concerned loved ones
of this homely pair have put in a call to the producers at What
uschess.org
 Left: GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, womens world champion from
2008-2010, in a Moscow chess park. Right: A selection of some
of the offerings from jewelry company rocklove.com.

Not to Wear and requested a head-to-toe makeover. A shopping

trip to New York with $5,000 to spend is just what the sport
needs, especially in the bear-market economy of the last few
years. More and more, chess is looking to poker and golf for clues
on how to revamp its image in order to draw more sponsors and
media attention.
So how can such an intellectual sport, mainly of interest to
those who can play themselves, lure in the dollars and be
more media-friendly? The answer lies in the rising tourna-
ment participation of two traditionally underrepresented types:
1) the female player and, 2) the young player, who in some cases
is also the female player.
Chess, then, stands in a unique position to charter new
waters in a media and fashion culture obsessed with the female
and the youthboth universally considered pinnacles of beauty
and of creativity/fertility/virility. On the other side of the board,
fashion stands to gain some money, of course, but also much-
needed gravitas, some real substance to its form.

Mythbuster Zhigen Lins Secret of Chess Hypothesis

#3: Dress like a grandmaster and you start to play like
one. (Lins Assessment: Plausible)
Players in the top section have a very good dress code, Anneke
Eder, secretary of the Corus tournament in the Netherlands, told
Chess Today. But players in the lower sections of the tourna-
ment can do better with their dress ... but things are improving,
it was worse 2-3 years ago.
Chess players might want to read Dress Like a Grandmaster
by one Alexander Coatoff. Actually, the book cant be found
in stores. It doesnt even existexcept in National Master Mike
Petersens blog list of chess books hed like to see. Who should
pen the tome, then? Unfortunately, the real Alexander Kotov is
no longer with us to expand on his Think/Play/Train Like a
Grandmaster trilogy into realm of fashionnot that Kotov was
much of a grandmaster there, with all due respect.
The writing assignment, even if penned post-mortem, should
be commissioned to the aforementioned, ubiquitous Bobby
Fischer. Early in his career Fischer was as much for playing the
Two Knights variation as for being an unapologetic clotheshorse.
I used to dress badly until I was about sixteen, he once said,
but people just didn't seem to have enough respect for me, you
know (i.e., being banned from the Manhattan Chess Club for
being improperly accoutered).
In Profile of a Prodigy, Frank Brady (founding editor of the mag-
azine version of Chess Life) describes Fischer before: Up until
late 1959 he had dressed atrociously for a champion, appear-
ing at the most august and distinguished national and
international events in sweaters and corduroys. One formal pho-
tograph shows Fischer in a ski sweater among the solemnly
suited contenders at Bled, incongruous as a hippie at the Plaza.
Enter Grandmaster Pal Benko in the role of What Not to
Wears Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. Under Benkos magic
wand, Fischer was soon sporting hand-tailored and made-to-
order suits from all over the world, later bragging that even his
shirts and shoes were also handmade. After all, it was in his
genes: his maternal grandfather had been a dress cutter. He
became quite clothes-crazy for a while, says Brady of Fischer,
but late adolescence is a common age for that.
PHOTO: ANDREI ROZEN

The new Fischer, as the press would name Fischer after, sur-
prised everyone at the 1959 Candidates tournament in Yugoslavia
by showing up in a suit, white shirt, and white tie. Also debut-
ing that year was his book of collected games. He had his mojo
now. Later, when asked what hed do when he won the world
championship, Fischer said: I'll have my own club ... Itll be class.
Tournaments in full dress. No bums in there ... then Ill have some

uschess.org
 Fashion

i would wear in public. so i started making them myself.

his indie company endgame clothing strives to restore

Playersinthetopsection chess to its historically rightful place as one of the greatest gifts
man has ever given itself ... one shirt at a time. no quaint chessy

haveaverygooddress sayings here. many of his t-shirt designs incorporate fractal

graphics, reflecting the kind of fourth-dimensional thinking

code,butplayersinthe involved in the game. the artistic vision outlined in his website
is equally philosophical: endgame believes that intellectual pas-

lowersectionsofthe sions, like chess, are at the very core of what it means to be
human. Passion of the body is nothing without passion of the

tournamentcandobetter mind. it is our body that engages in the act, but it is our mind
that provides us with the lasting joy of it.

withtheirdressbut oBrien tells me that he believes chess players have a respon-

sibility to promote the game. there has always been a clothing

thingsareimproving,it company that helps promote and identify a game or sport.

surfing has Quiksilver. motocross has fox. mixed martial arts

wasworse2-3yearsago. has tapout. now endgame is worn by players all over the world,
from grandmasters to rank beginners. many of americas top
players, such as nakamura, akobian, hess, shankland and liu
Anneke eder, wear our shirts. it was truly a surreal moment when we were
asked to create a campaign shirt for former World champion
secretary of the corus
anatoly Karpovs fide election.
tournament in the netherlands how are his shirts received? one player told oBrien, i hate

more suits made. id like to be one of the ten best-dressed men. GM Robert Hess in an Endgame Clothing t-shirt.
that would really be something. i read that duke snyder made
the list. oh well, Bobby, we cant winem all.

rocking and loving the endgame against Fischer. no women

besides queens allowed in fischers ideal tournament, either.
Well, maybe allison hourcade, who brings her own bling to
the chessboard as the worlds premier jeweler for the game in
the World chess hall of fame.
the game runs in her blood.
shes the daughter of a chess-enthusiast father, a native of
st. louis, missouri.
the city, also home to the World chess hall of fame and the
chess club and scholastic center, has itself received international
attention as the premier chess destination, even named chess
city of the year by the u.s. chess federation in 2009 and 2011.
stuffy old men at the harvard chess club, though, isnt
hourcades style. her handmade silver jewelry fuses the romance
of historical eras with the edge of rock n roll, making hourcades
rocklove chess collection an official partner of the u.s. chess
championship. the collection has also been added to the u.s.
chess federations catalog of merchandise and was among the
prizes for winners of the 2011 u.s. Womens championship.
hourcades fantasy tournament flies in the face of fischers
and takes yoko onos all-white chess-set installation, Play it
By trust, to a whole new level. all women, first of all. the
chessboard would be made of black and white pav diamonds,
she said in a telephone interview from her studio, which is
located in, well, new yorks diamond district.
opponents would wear form-fitting dresses and christian
louboutin heelsthe ones with the fierce-red solesin corre-
sponding colors. clean lines. sharp silhouettes. the overall
tableau, like her handiwork, should respect the austere but
fashionable nature of the game.
no sneakers or t-shirts allowed in fischers ideal tournament,
either, and no men besides kings, bishops, knights, and pawns
allowed in hourcades.
But then theres John oBrien, the man with whom she
often does business and who shares her values of quality,
effort, and craftsmanship when it comes to design. necessity
drove oBrien, a lifelong player, to start designing original
chess apparel over a decado ago. in an interview with entrepre-
neur andreea ayers he says, i never found a chess shirt that

40 Chess Life december 2011

 your shirts, but I wear them all the time ... I really support what
you are doing. Non-chessplayers compliment his designs,
then say, Wait ... is that a chess t-shirt? While its not nec-
essarily adios to blazers and ties, tuxedos and bland logo
emblazoned tees, OBrien offers a bold alternative. I like to think
our fans experience an average increase of 150 rating points
when wearing Endgame shirts ... but Im not sure I can back
that up with any evidence.
Assessment: Plausible.

Sewing Machine Combined with Chessboard. A ready-

made art installation at the Swiss Museum of Games.
Okay, I take back what I said about Alexander Kotovs sense
of fashion. In Play Like a Grandmaster, he unwittingly describes
that other great Alexander, fashion designer Alexander McQueen:
the qualities of an artistic creator, a calculating practitioner,
and a cold calm competitor are what distinguish the grandmas-
ter class player from the ordinary player. Kotov and the
McQueen-alike brought sharp style, breadth of work, and fear-
less provocation to their respective games.
Youve got to know the rules to break them, said the late
McQueen. Thats what Im here for, to demolish the rules but
to keep the tradition. Its in this aptly named grandmaster that
art and fashion and chess mate shamelessly, bearing fruit
that bursts with the kind of raw kinetic energy and fragility of
emotion that got human Queen Eve into big trouble, once
upon a time.
In The Beginning, a short story by Alex Shternshain, God cre-
ates the queen, who begins her life with color coordinating. The
black queen walks up to the white queen and all their regal
minds can think is, Oh no, this woman is wearing the same
dress as me, I hope no one notices.
Oh no, nothing of the sort happens in McQueens
Spring/Summer 2005 ready-to-wear collection, Its Only a
Game. Sarah Mower of Style.com writes that the collection
summed up all his experience in sharp tailoring, spectacular
romantic dresses, couture richness, and downright showman-
ship. And, with every look laid out on a giant chessboard, it
couldnt help but suggest a metaphor for the workings of the
fashion industry.
McQueen explains to Another Magazine what the idea of the
chess game meant to him: [W]e looked at six different types of GM Alexandra Kosteniuk: I consider the fashion modeling
women, women on opposing sides. We had the Americans fac- only like a hobby, and I do it only to promote chess.
ing the Japanese and the redheads facing the tanned Latinos.
His work was celebrated earlier this year in the sold-out retro-
spective Savage Beauty at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
hardcore design philosophy.
HESS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF WEISS; KOSTENIUK BY DIEGO GARCES

Carlsen is photographed with Liv Tyler, in glorious black

Beyond mere representation on the runway:
grandmasters and world champs as fashion models.
Brains and beauty and world champ and writer and chess
ambassador and ...?! Why not? Ask yet another great Alexan-
dra. This time, Kosteniuk, the 27-year-old 14th woman world
champion. Besides selling photos of her God-given self on her
website, shes modeled for Vogue and Marie Claire.
I consider the fashion modeling only like a hobby, and I do it
only to promote chess, she says in a 2008 interview for Lat-
estChess. I always insist that the magazines that invite me to model
for them write an article about chess ... the modeling helps chess
as people find out that beauty and brains can go very well together.
20-year-old Magnus Carlsen of Norway is the youngest
player to ever top the international chess federation ranking
and is the number-two ranked chess player in the world.
Though this Justin Bieber-ish Mozart of chess humbly admits
that hes not a fashion connoisseur nor ever thought of him-
self as a model, the Dutch clothing label G-Star Raw chose him
as their newest face for what they call his uncompromising
approach to the game, an approach that mirrors G-Stars own
and white, wearing leather and denim. I think I look tough,
Carlsen told the Norwegian media, and its impossible not to
imagine the ensemble soon cropping up at tournaments, accom-
panied by visions of slam dunks and hole in ones.
Yes, its inevitable that the media compare young, talented
chess players like Carlsen and Kosteniuk to iconic sports prodi-
gies like Anna Kournikova, LeBron James, Tiger Woods and
Venus and Serena Williamsall of whom have imported into
their respective arenas new fans, a hotter image, and millions
in sponsorship and endorsements.
G-Star even launched the Raw World Chess Challenge last
year in which Carlsen faced off against the world via Internet
from the uber-chic Cooper Square Hotel in New York City.
Similarities between chess and modeling: Just to stand
in the same position for a lot of time, it takes some
concentration (Magnus Carlsen).
Regardless of what the mating of chess and fashion ultimately
.
begets, enthusiasts on both sides of the board would be wise to heed
Yves St. Laurents admonition: Fashions fade, style is eternal.

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 41

Instruction
Retreat To The First Rank ... And Win!
Imagination and creativity can sometimes
be revealed in a backwards way.
By ICCM BART GIBBONS
The games of Paul morPhy demon-
strated to chessplayers the need to develop
your pieces early in the opening, and not
to waste time grabbing material. These
lessons are just as instructive today, and
young players continue to hone their
skills by learning gambit openings, hop-
ing to trap the unwary.
fortunately, there are times in chess
when the best move in a position is one
that seems to go against our chess
instincts. mastery of chess requires ones
imagination to explore freely; to analyze
variations that might at first glance seem
contrary to the demands of the position.
resisting the temptation to play a move
that comes automatically to attention is
one hallmark of a strong player.
With this in mind, this article gives
examples of strong moves that retreat a
developed piece back to the first rank ...
and win! These intriguing positions illus-
trate an open mind to finding the
necessary solution to the problem at
hand. retreating moves also can have a
shocking effect on the opponent. as
grandmaster ray Keene put it, I have
played games where the psychological
impact of a move has caused the opponent
to collapsewhere perhaps the optimal
move according to a computer might have
complicated things and encouraged the
opponent to play on. In playing through
these positions, I get the feeling that the
losing side (which includes ex-world
champion anatoly Karpov, plus other
masters or grandmasters) did not see the
42 Chess Life December 2011
retreating move coming. There just seems
to be something about moving backwards
that chessplayers dont consider as often
as they should.
I selected these positions for their cre-
ativity and dramatic effect, in the hopes
you will find them as fascinating as I
have. Ive also made sure that at least one
move by a queen, rook, knight or bishop
is included, as well as both colors. Ive
arranged the diagrams and comments in
chronological order. lets get started!
A Staunton piece on the first rank
Howard Staunton
Bernhard Horwitz
London, 1851
-+l+-trk+
zp-+-+q+p
n+p+pzPp+
vl-zp-vL-+-
P+-+LzPP+
+-+-+-+Q
-+-+N+-zP
+-+R+-+K
After38....Qf7
from this position howard staunton as
White played 39. Ng1! aiming to control
the g5- and e5-squares with his knight.
The game continued 39. ... Bd8 40. g5 Bb7
41. Nf3 Re8 42. Bd6 Bxf6 (desperation) 43.
gxf6 Qxf6 44. Ng5 Qg7 45. Be5 Qe7 46. Bxg6!,
Black resigned. rarely do you see two bish-
ops and a knight attacking without
resistance from the opponents minor
pieces.
Alekhines brilliance
Alexander Alekhine
Boris Verlinsky
Odessa, 1918
r+-+-tr-mk
zppwq-+-zpp
-+-tR-+-+
+-+-sN-vL-
-+-+P+-+
+Q+-+-+-
PzP-+l+PzP
+-tR-+-mK-
After23....Rf8
former World Champion alexander
alekhine found himself in a wild posi-
tion in this 1918 game. White is a knight
and a pawn up, but the rook on d6 is en
prise, and Black also threatens mate with
24. ... Qxc1+ 25. Bxc1 rf1.
nor can White capture Blacks queen,
due to the mate on f1. White brilliantly
met all these threats with 24. Qd1!!, guard-
ing against the mate, protecting the rook
on d6, and attacking the bishop on e2! If
uschess.org
24. ... Bd1, then White can safely take the Demonstrating that uncanny mastery
queen on c7. The game concluded 24. ... of tactics so rare for one his age, Bobby
Qa5 25. Qxe2 Qxe5 26. Rd5, Black resigned. simply played 36. Qd1, ending Blacks
threats, and keeping the pressure on
Blacks pawn on b6. After 36. ... Qa2 37.
Bronsteins bishop backup Nxb6 Nxb6 38. Rxb6+ Kc8 39. Qxf3 Qxc4 40.
Giorgio Porreca Qf8+ Kd7 41. Qxa3, Black resigned.
GM David Bronstein
Belgrade, 1954
Fischers shocker
r+-+kvl-tr Robert Fischer
zppwqnzppzpl James Sherwin
U.S. Championship, 1957
-+p+-sn-zp
+-+-+-+- -+-+-trk+
-+LzP-sN-zP +-+-+Rzpp
+-+-+-sN- -+-zp-+-+
PzPP+-zPP+ +-+L+-wq-
R+-+P+n+
tR-vLQtR-mK-
After11.Re1 +-+-+-+-
Russian GM David Bronstein, who drew
P+-+Q+PzP
the 1951 World Championship match +-tr-+-+K
with GM Mikhail Botvinnik, was on the After30....Rc1+
black side of our current position. Black
would like to play 11. ... e6 to develop This famous game from the 1957 U.S.
his king bishop, but White is poised to sac- Championship was included by Robert
rifice on that square. Nor can Black castle Fischer in his classic work My 60 Memo-
right away, as the f7-pawn would fall. rable Games.
Bronstein solved both these problems Of all the positions in this article, this
with 11. ... Bg8!. The game proceeded is the one I wish I had been present to see
with 12. Nd3 e6 13. Bf4 Bd6 14. Bxd6 the most. I can only imagine the shock
Qxd6 15. Nf5 Qf8 16. Qf3 0-0-0, and Black must have felt over the next few
Black has a solid game. Bronstein went on moves, as he continued to play on after
to win in 42 moves. losing two rooks and a knight! (Maybe
White was in time pressure). Black had
The next two examples are from Bobby just played 30. ... Rc1+, perhaps only
Fischers first U.S. Championship victory, expecting Bobby to continue with 31.
New York 1957. The 14 year-old (!) Bobby Rf1+, after which 31. ... Kh8 wins quickly
had White against the current Dean of for Black. However, White uncorked 31.
American chess, GM Arthur Bisguier. Qf1!!, a truly stunning move which allows
Black to take Whites queen with check.
The main point is that after 31. ... Rxf1+
Bobbys Bisguier backup 32. Rxf1 discovered check Kh8 33. Rxf8
GM Bobby Fischer is mate. The second point is that if 31. ...
GM Arthur Bisguier Rxf7 32. Ra8+ mates, while if Black tries
U.S. Championship, 1957 to eliminate Whites monster bishop with
31. ... Qxd5, 32. Rxf8 is mate. Sherwin
-+n+-+-+ fought on with 31. ... h5, hoping White
would impulsively play 32. Rxf8+? Kh7,
+ksnN+-+p winning Whites queen. Instead, White
-zpp+p+-+ played 32. Qxc1!, again exploiting the dis-
covered check theme (if 32. ... Qxc1+ 33.
+-+-zP-zp- Rf1+ followed by 34. Rxc1). Black, most
-+P+-+-+ likely dazed at this point, continued with
32. ... Qh4 33. Rxf8+ Kh7 34. h3 Qg3 35. hxg4
trQ+-vLpzP- h4 36. Be6, and Black resigned after this
-+-+-zP-zP dazzling tactical display by Bobby. Theres
a YouTube video excerpt of Fischer ana-
wqR+-+-mK- lyzing this game on a demonstration
board, with Fischer grinning after 31.
After35....Kb7
Black has conjured up threats based on
Whites weak back row, so White cannot
Qf1, and the audience applauding.
safely capture anything yet. (see next position top of next column)
uschess.org
Taimanov tickles the chessic ivories
GM Anatoly Karpov
GM Mark Taimanov
Leningrad, 1977
r+-+-+-+
+-+-+-mk-
-zP-zp-+p+
+-+Pzpn+-
-+-wq-+-+
+R+-+-+-
-+-+-+PzP
+-+-wQL+K
After37.b6
In our next position, then-World Cham-
pion Anatoly Karpov is playing Mark
Taimanov, known for his concert pianist
performances as much as for being a top
Soviet grandmaster. Karpov has been
advancing his passed b-pawn the last
few moves, never stopping to give his
king an escape square by playing g2-g3
or h2-h3. Taimanov alertly forced a win
with 37. ... Ra1 38. Rb1 (38. Qe2 Qd2!) 38.
... Ng3+! 39. hxg3 Ra8!, and Black mates
next move. This example is a lesson for us
all, to give the castled king some air.
Polgars queenly retreat
GM Judit Polgar
GM Alexei Shirov
Amsterdam, 1995
r+-+-+ntr
+-+Lmkpvl-
l+-+-snpzp
zp-+-zp-vL-
-+p+N+-+
zP-+-+-+-
-zP-+-zPPzP
+-+QmK-+R
After21.Qd1
Finally, we have a gem from Judit Pol-
gar who is playing the fiery Alexei Shirov.
Polgar has attacked brilliantly in this
game, though Black could have put up
some resistance with 20. ... Bb7, instead
of 20. ... h6?, as played. White retreated
her queen to d1, with the immediate
threat of 22. Qd6 mate! Black resigned
immediately, as 21. ... Kf8 22. Qd6+ Ne7
23. Bxf6 wins more material.
I hope these positions will encourage
find the best move! .
you to look at all the available squares to
See a Fischer/Fine bonus game from this
article on Chess Life Online.
Chess Life December 2011 43
USCF Affairs December

USCF EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT CODY STEWART

Position: National Events Assistant
Cody Stewart started working for the USCF in January of 2011 as National Events Assistant. His duties
include player registration, team room reservations, editing newsletters and assisting with e-mail blasts
for tournaments. Cody is responsible for contacting local area media where the USCF national
scholastics are being held. At tournaments, he works at Chess Control to assist parents and coaches.
Cody and his wife, Sarah, are in their first year of the masters program at Southern Illinois Univer-
sity in Carbondale, Illinois. The programs focus is teaching English as a second language, particularly
to international students. Cody enjoys music (he plays the drums), cooking, and travel. For his ded-
ication to the USCF and his service to the scholastic community, we are pleased to announce that
Cody is in the Employee Spotlight this month!

USCF SENDS DELEGATION TO KRAKOW, POLAND FOR 82ND FIDE CONGRESS

A full report from Krakow will appear in a future issue of Chess Life. Here are some of the highlights from the various reports posted
on uschess.org from the delegation. See Chess Life Online, October archives, and the press release section for other reports.

The delegation representing the USCF consisted of Ruth Haring Olympiad. Of course, in the U.S., the SuperNationals has far
(USCF president and head of delegation), Michael Khodarkovsky more players than the World Youth and is held successfully and
(FIDE delegate), Francisco managed professionally.
Guadalupe (zonal president), Another reason for this split
IA Sophia Rohde, IA Walter proposal is that it was sug-
Brown (qualifications com- gested that it is desirable to
mission [QC]), Bill Hall (USCF separate young children
executive director), and Tony from young adults for
Rich. Vice President of FIDE social reasons.
and former USCF President New rules are being
Beatriz Marinello also drafted regarding residence
attended as did IA Carol requirements for change of
Jarecki (commission mem- federation regulations by
ber representing BVI) and David Jarrett from the FIDE
IA/IO Sevan Muradian (com- office in Athens.
mission member). The World Amateur will be
defined as Under 2000.
Highlights from Ruth Haring: The age categories for the
IO organizer titles approved World Senior will be changed
for Bill Goichberg, Ankit to age 50 and 65 for both
Gupta, Sophia Rohde and men and women.
Steve Immitt. There was a formal signing
The Constitutional Com- ceremony for the contract for
mission has created a the Tromso Olympiad 2014.
document and will be
inviting comments by the From Francisco Guadalupe:
member Federations. Following some discussions
There is a proposal to (Left to right) IA Walter Brown, IA Sophia Rohde, Zonal President and debate, the QC was in
Francisco Guadalupe, USCF Executive Director Bill Hall, USCF
split the World Youth into President Ruth Haring, FIDE Delegate Michael Khodarkovsky. agreement to submit for
two events which was approval to the executive
heartily discussed and it board all outstanding titles
was decided to vote on this matter in Turkey at the next gen- earned in the U.S. by the American players. This concession was
eral assembly. The reason for this suggestion was that it is felt accompanied by a September 1, 2011 deadline after which all
in other parts of the world that the World Youth has grown so FIDE norm tournaments must use one of the five approved time
big it has become unmanageable, and bigger than the controls, so all organizers must now be aware of these changes.

Reports by Bill Hall, Michael Khodarkovsky, Walter Brown, Tony Rich, and Sophia Rohde are on Chess Life Online, October archives..

44 ChessLifeDecember2011 uschess.org
 Back to Basics

Four (Pawns) Against Alekhine

Does White simply possess more space and therefore stand betteror is he
By GM Lev Alburt

overextended?

In the Alekhine Defense Black provokes More usual is 5. ... dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6.
forward movement of the white pawns, +kr l r
hoping to regain tempos back by attack-
6. Be3
I felt 6. d5 would be premature.
pppqpppp
ing these pawns with his own, and
perhaps to explore Whites somewhat At first I thought that 6. d5 Nb8!? (not 6. nn+ + +
overextended, and thus weakened, posi- ... Na5? 7. Bd2, winning) 7. Nc3 (or 7. + + Pl+
tion. In Four Pawn Attacks (comparable Be3) should favor White, but then began
to the four pawns attack in the Kings to change my mind. Thus Whites deci- +PP + +
Indian and Austrian Attack with d4, e4, sion to steer the game into normal channels P N LN+
and f4 pawns in the Pirc) White allows (as after 5. ... dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6) seems quite
himself to be provoked to the utmost. In reasonable. P + +PP
our game of this month, White, and the + RQKL+R
space, prevailmostly because Black
6. ... Bf5 7. Nc3 dxe5 8. fxe5
After 11. ... Nc6
made a number of opening mistakes, The main theoretical position has been
something both players, but especially reached. albeit Id prefer the direct 13. Bxb6 axb6
Black, can hardly afford in this razor- 14. b4, winning decisive material.
sharp system. r+ qkl r
Writes the winner of this months
12. ... f6
award, Paul Birnbaum:
ppp pppp This move sets serious problems for
nn+ + + White, who wants to hold his center,
I am a seasoned tournament player + + Pl+ complete his development, and make his
who has been much less active in recent king safe.
years. Analysis of this game reveals some +PP + +
serious errors by both sides, around moves
13. Be2
+ N L +
12-16.
(Levs future comments will be in italics). PP + +PP +kr l r
R +QKLNR pppqp pp
Alekhines Defense, After 8. fxe5
Four Pawns Attack (B03)
nn+ p +
Paul Birnbaum (1759) + + Pl+
Romel Lapay (1574) 8. ... Nb4?
Marshall Saturday U1800, 06.25.2011 This seems pointless, encouraging
+PP + +
White to keep developing his pieces. 8. ... P N LN+P
e6, freeing Blacks f8-bishop, seems bet- P +L+P+
ter.
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4

CorrectL.A.
Nc6
+ RQK +R
r+lqkl r 9. Rc1 Qd7 10. Nf3 0-0-0 11. a3 Nc6 After 13. Be2

ppp pppp 13. ... h5?

(see diagram top of next column)
nnp + +
Black should continue with his plan:
+ + P + 13. ... fxe5, and if 14. dxe5, then Qe6! and
12. h3?

+PP P + Let the errors begin! Much stronger is
12. d5!, and if 12. ... Na5, 13. Nb5! fol-
+ + + + lowed by Nfd4 for White.
PP + +PP Here d4-d5 is more than simply strong
its winning! e.g., 12. ... Nb8 13. Nb5,
RNLQKLNR threatening checkmate in one move; if 12.
After 5. ... Nc6 ... Na5, Pauls 13. Nb5 is quite strong,
the White center is shredded.
But after 14. d5 Whitein a sharp posi-
tionis still better.
14. 0-0 g5?
Black should still play 14. ... fxe5.
Not so: now 15. d5 is even stronger

46 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

than on the move before (see my comment
to Pauls suggestion after 13. ... h5).
29. ... Nb8 30. cxb6 axb6 31. Qc4 Qd6 32.
+kq +r+ R1f6 Qd8 33. Rc6!
ppp + + Threatening mate in two, and the black
queen.
15. exf6 exf6 16. d5
n + + +
+kr l r + lPp +p 33. ... Nxc6
pppq+ + +P+ + +
nn+ p + +kq +r+
P N + + + p +R+
+ +P+lpp P +L+ K
+P+ + + pn+ + +
+ RQ+R+ + +Pp Lp
Analysis after 22. ... Qxd8
P N LN+P
P +L+P+ PQl + P
+ RQ+RK +k+ +rr P + + +
After 16. d5 pppq+ + + + +P+
n + + + + + + +K
16. ... Ne5? After 33. ... Nxc6
This loses a pawn. Better might have
+ lPplLp
been 16. ... Ne7. +P+ + P 34. Bxd8 Rxd8 35. Qxc6, Black resigned.
P N + + And Black resigned, as mate is unstop-
pable.
17. Nxe5 fxe5 18. Bxg5 Bc5+ 19. Kh1
P +L+P+
+kr + r + RQ+R+K I felt euphoric after winning this game.
pppq+ + After 20. h4 However, my analysis gives Black an edge
n + + + after 12. ... f6!. I also think, as a 1. e4
This allows Whites knight access to player, I need another line against the
+ lPplLp e4. Black might have considered 20. ... Alekhines defense (other than the Four
+P+ + + Rxg5!? 21. hxg5 h4, pursuing his attack Pawns Attack).
on Whites king. It took me three attempts to give you
P N + +P This attack isnt dangerous., as after something with decent notes!
P +L+P+ ... h4-h3 and Whites g2-g3, the white king As Paul himself mentions earlier (his
hides behind Blacks h-pawn. And, most comment to 12. h3), White was much bet-
+ RQ+R+K importantly, an immediate 21. ... h4 loses ter after 12. d5. Thus, this time he won the
After 19. Kh1 tactically: 22. Rxf5 and, if 22. ... Qxf5, opening duel, and can keep playing the
23. Bg4. Four Pawns Attack. And I wholeheartedly
commend Pauls three attemptstime
spent analyzing your own games in depth
.
19. ... Rdg8 21. Ne4 Bd4
21. ... Be7 seems better. is time very well spent.
Not really: 22 . Rf7!L.A.
+k+ +rr
pppq+ + 22. Nf6 Bxe2 23. Qxe2 Qf7 24. Nxg8 Qxg8
White is now up a pawn and an
n + + +
+ lPplLp Exchange, and his king is safe. The rest Send in your games!
is technique. If you are unrated or were rated
+P+ + +
1799 or below on your Chess Life
P N + +P (CL) label, then GM Lev Alburt
25. Rf5 Nd7 26. Rcf1 Qg6 27. b4! b6 28. Rf7

invites you to send your most

Rg8
P +L+P+
+k+ +r+ instructive game with notes to:
+ RQ+R+K
After 19. ... Rdg8 p pn+R+ Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
Black might also have played 19. ... p + +q+ 38557-3967
Bxh3! And if 20. Bxd8 Bxg2+ 21. Kxg2 + +Pp Lp Or e-mail your material to
Rg8+ 22. Kh2 Qxd8. backtobasics@uschess.org
PPl + P
GM Alburt will select the most
(see diagram top of next column)
P + + +
But 23. Qd3 takes the sting out of instructive game and CL will award
Blacks attack. + +Q+P+ an autographed copy of Levs
+ + +R+K newest book, Chess Training Pocket
After 28. ... Rg8 Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
20. h4!

Lawrence) to the person submit-

ting the most instructive game and
(see second diagram top of next column)
Anchors the white bishop. annotations.
29. c5
Beginning to open lines against Blacks
20. ... Bg4?! king.

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 47

Endgame Lab
Progress with the Seven-Piece Database
The six-piece endgame database, a marvel in its own right, is now in danger of
By GM Pal Benko
being overtaken exponentially by the arrival of a seven-piece database.
This month I am providing a short
review of recent endgame database
progress. The remarkable six-man data-
base, now in the public domain (available
at www.k4it.de), has even shown a record
243-move win. The team of Americans
Mark Bourzutschky and Russian Yakov
Konoval have worked together to aim for
even higher peaks. As early as 2006,
among other interesting records, they
reported an unbelievable 517(!)-move win
in a king, queen, knight versus king,
rook, bishop, and knight seven-man
endgame. But these are positions without
pawnsvery rare in real games.
Their newest article (in EG 2011) pres-
ents piece and pawn endgames too. Much
more challenging for optimal play because
of possible pawn promotions and en pas-
sant moves, these endings are much more
useful for practical players. Bourzutschky
and Konoval gladly answered me and
provided some analysis for Chess Life
readers.
Verdict
GM Garry Kasparov
The World
Internet Challenge, 1999
+ + + Q
+p+ + +
+ p +K+
+ + + P
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+k+q+ +
White to play
Now the final word in a much-debated
game can be decided thanks to the program.
51. Qh7 b5
Level is 51. ... Ka1.
48 Chess Life December 2011
52. Kf6+ Kb2 52. Rd7+ Kf6 53. Rd1 g2 54. Rg1 Rg6 55. a5
Black is not going anywhere after 52.
Ke7 56. a6 Rb6+?
... Kc1. An unnecessary time-control check
that throws away the draw. The natural
56. ... Rxa6! is an easy theoretical draw.
53. Qh2+ Ka1 54. Qf4 b4?
Either 54. ... Qd3 or 54. ... Qd5 is even.
57. Ka5 Rxb3 58. Rxg2 Ra3+ 59. Kb6 Rb3+
55. Qxb4 Qf3+ 56. Kg7 d5 57. Qd4+ Kb1 58. 60. Kc5 Ra3 61. a7 Ke6
g6 Qe4 59. Qg1+ Kb2 60. Qf2+ Kc1 61. Kf6
If 61. ... Kd7, then 62. Rg8 Rxa7 63.
d4 62. g7 Qc6+ 63. Kg5 Qd5+ 64. Qf5 Qd8+
Rg7+ wins.
65. Kh6 Qg8 66. Qc5+ Kb1 67. Qxd4 Qe6+
68. Kg5, Black resigned. 62. Rg7 Ra1 63. Kc6 Ra2 64. Kb7 Rb2+ 65.
It is hard to judge in many queen end-
Kc8 Rc2+ 66. Kb8 Rb2+ 67. Rb7 Rh2 68.
ings if there is a perpetual check or not.
a8=Q Rh8+ 69. Ka7, Black resigned.
Dark horses
Two mistakes
IM Coen Zuidema
GM Robert James Fischer
GM Pal Benko
GM Pal Benko
U.S. Championship, New York, 1972
U.S. Championship, New York, 1959
R+ + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ + +k+
+ + +pr + + +k+
+ +Npp+
+ + + +
+ + + + + n + P
+ + + +K
KP+ + +
P+ + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + +
White to play
White to play
52. Kg3?
This natural move loses. White can
47. Kb4?
The correct move was 47. b4!!, followed draw with 52. Ne3, 52. Ne7+ or 52. Nb6.
by g5 48. Ra7+ Kf8 49. b5! Re6 50. Ra4!
Re3+ 51.Kb2!! Re2+ 52. Kc3 Ke7 53. a3!
52. ... Nc6?
Re3+ 54. Kd4!! Rf3 55. Kc5! Kd8 56. Rg4 Only 52. ... Nb5! wins.
Rf5+ 57. Kb6! Kc8 58. Rc4+ Kd7 59. a4
etc. But who can see so far ahead, includ-
53. Kh3?
ing all the sidelines? The rule of thumb is White draws with 53. Nb6!.
that the passed pawn must be pushed.
53. ... Nd8! 54. Kg3 Nf7! 55. Kh3 Nh6 56. Kg3
47. ... g5 48. Ra7+ Kf6 49. a4 g4 50. Rd7 g3 Ng4 57. Kh3 Kf7 58. h5 Ke6! 59. Nc3 Nh6! 60.
51. Rd6+ Kf7 Kh4 Nf7! 61. Ne2 Kf6! 62. Nc3 Kg7?
51. ... Kf5 was also drawn after 52. Black is better after 62. ... f4 or 62. ...
Rd1 g2 53. Rg1 Rg6 54. a5 Kf4. Ke6.
uschess.org
 Problem I Problem II
Y. Konoval-M. Bourzutschky (2009) Y. Konoval-M. Bourzutschky (2010)
Benkos Bafflers
Most of the time these studies +K+ + + + + q +
resemble positions that could actu- + + + P + + + +
ally occur over the board. You must
simply reach a theoretically won or
+ + + + + + + +
drawn position for White.
+ + + +k +R+R+ Pk
Solutions can be found on page + + Q + + + + +
69. + + + + + + + +
Please e-mail submissions for
Benkos Bafflers to:
+ + + + +K+ + +
pbenko@uschess.org
+ + + +q + + + +
White to play and win White to play and win

The surprise: 4. h5? a4 5. h6 a3 6. h7

63. Nd5!= Kh6 64. Ne7 Nd6 65. Ng8+ Kg7 66.
Ne7! Kf7 67. Nd5 Ke6 68. Nc7+! Kd7 69. Nd5
Nf7 70. Nc3?
A better drawing chance is 70. h6.
70. ... Ke6! 71. Ne2 Kd5?
Still winning is 71. ... Kf6!
72. h6, Draw agreed.
Sometimes it is hard to understand the
a2 7. h8=Q b1=Q and it is only a draw. Yet
+ + + +
the database also shows a similar position
+ + + pp as before in a case of castling long is win-
+ + + + ning for White, apparently because the
+ + + P white king is closer to its adversary.
+ + + + 4. ... Kc2 5. Rxb2+ Kxb2 6. h5 a4 7. h6 a3 8.
h7 a2 9. h8=Q+ Kb1 10. Qb8+ Kc2 11. Qe5
+ + k +
Kb1 12. Qe1+ Kb2 13. Qb4+ Kc2 14. Qa3

computers mysterious moves. Unfortu-

P+ + +p+ Kb1 15. Qb3+ Ka1 16. Qc2 g2 17. Qc1 mate.

nately, that can also apply to our own moves!

P. Benko (Correction)
R + K +
White to play and win
Resign?
GM Sergey Makarichev ++r+ +
IM Ye Rongguang
1. 0-0-0 h5 2. gxh6 e.p. gxh6 3. a4 h5 4. a5
+ + P +
Beograd, 1988
h4 5. a6 h3 6. a7 h2 7. a8=Q wins.
But lets see the end of this work after + p + +
7. ... g1=Q. Here 8. Qa7+ and 9. Qxg1
+
+ + + White mates in 12 moves but after 8. Qh1 + +K+ +R
+ + + + the mate is also possible in 22 moves. + + +p+
Using rules of artistic studies, this strictly
+pL +lP counts as a dual since there should be + + + +
+ + + + only one solution in the main line. + k + +
p + + + Echo + + + +
+k+ + + Pal Benko White to play and win

+ + + + + + + + I have pushed the above position to

K + + + the right from a 1923 composition by V.
p + + + Platov that has now been found to have
White to play a cook. Even after a new critical line:
+ + + +
White resigned, but in a drawn posi- + + + +
tion! For example: 80. Be7 Kc3 81. Ka2!
1. Rh4 g3 2. Rh3 g2 3. Rh2 Kc3 4. Rxg2 Rxg2

b3+ 82. Ka3! Kc2 83. Bf6 c5 84. Bg7 c4

85. Kb4! Bd3 86. h7, Draw.
Ideal!?
J. H. Ulrichsen
EG 2011
(see diagram top of next column)
Studies can also be verified by the new
tablebase; here is an example: the Val-
ladao theme (which consists of three
5. e8=Q
+ + + p In the most difficult line White wins in 43
+ + + k moves since the white king has more space
p + +PP for maneuvering on the left-hand side. So
though the computer refuted the original
+ + K +R study, because of its processing power it
White to play and win helped save the composition.
I asked them about their future plans.
Seeing the above example, I entered We are not sure whether we even want to
into this theme but with minimal material. generate all the seven-man endgames,
because many will not be interesting but
still take up a lot of space. Better analy-
1. 0-0 Kd2! 2. g4 hxg3 e.p.

special elements: castle, en passant and After 2. ... a5 3. g5 a4 4. g6 a3 5. g7 a2

sis of the databases generated so far, and
6. g8=Q b1=Q 7. Qxa2+! Qxa2 8. Rf2+ is
promotion). He did it with only eight men moving to interesting eight-man endgames
the quickest win.
and judged it as unique and maybe may be more relevant. Thanks to the
ideal. 3. h4 a5 4. Rb1! team for their excellent work so far. .
uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 49
 2011 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX SUMMARY
Trophies Plus awards $12,500 in cash prizes in the 2011 Grand Prix!

2011 TROPHIES PLUS GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of October 26 for the 2011 Grand Prix. All Grand
Prix updates are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS
NAME STATE PTS.

1 GM Tamaz Gelashvili NY 271.60

2 GM Timur Gareyev TX 252.66
3 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 246.15
4 GM Mikheil Kekelidze NY 202.73
5 GM Alexander Shabalov PA 182.80
6 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 174.83
7 GM Aleksandr Lenderman NY 169.67
8 GM Melikset Khachiyan CA 150.33
9 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 138.18
10 GM Mesgen Amanov IL 120.76
11 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 108.22
12 IM Yury Lapshun NY 101.50
13 IM Justin Sarkar NY 97.63
14 GM Julio Becerra FL 89.75
15 IM Irina Krush NY 85.92
Four-time U.S. Champion GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV moves up a spot
from last month.

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$ 12 ,500
IN CASH PRIZES!
ITS NOT JUST A TROPHY.
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000!
ITS THE BEGINNING OF A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT.
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4th: $900 | 5th: $800 Proud sponsor of USCF National Scholastic
PHOTO BY BETSY DYNAKO

tournament awards since 1999.

6th: $700 | 7th: $600
8th: $500 | 9th: $300 Proud sponsor of the USCF 2007-2011 All-America Team.

10th: $200
315 W. 1st St., Templeton, Iowa 51463 | 800.397.9993 | www.trophiesplus.com
 ChessMagnetSchool.com is the sponsor of the 2011 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by November 2, 2011
are unofficial and subject to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. 2011 JGP prizes were not available as of press time and
will be announced at a later date. The method for calculating points has been modified; see uschess.org for the most up-to-date information.
Chess Magnet School provides computer-based online chess training for both adults and children, including those who study independently and those
who study under the guidance of a coach or teacher, as well as support for chess coaches and others who teach chess. Chess Magnet School has
been a partner with USCF on a number of projects and activities since 2006, and has provided the free program that teaches the rules of chess to
newcomers in the New to Chess section of USCFs website. USCF members are invited to learn more about Chess Magnet School at
www.ChessMagnetSchool.com.

2011 CHESSMAGNETSCHOOL.COM JUNIOR GRAND PRIX TOP OVERALL STANDINGS

Name State Pts. Name State Pts.

KORBA, NICKY CA-S 10689 CHEN, JASMINE NY 5081
SHUBEN, MATTHEW CA-S 9782 TURE, TANER NY 5002
ROACH, ANDREW UT 7394 YEN, MICHAEL J NJ 4965
KUMAR, ARAVIND NJ 7185 MOORTHY, SRINIVAS RAMANUJA MD 4923
VISWANADHA, KESAV CA-N 6704 CHIANG, SARAH TX 4910
REEDER, CHARLIE PARKER NY 6649 ZHONG, HOWARD OK 4826
MIZUSHIMA, DEREK MD 6594 PETERSON, GIA CA-S 4783
BANERJEE, ABHIMANYU FL 6167 NGUYEN, TRUNG VA 4775
LIANG, ADREAM WI 6116 ZACK, DANIEL NJ 4769
KOENIG, JAKE MD 5907 KULKARNI, SOUMYA MI 4734
YAN, KEVIN NY 5889 CHEN, JUSTIN LU MI 4723
QAZI, RAFEH R IL 5684 SUN, ABE IL 4680
CAO, JONATHAN VA 5623 RIVES, HAL NY 4630
ATTANAGODA, ISURU ADEEPA VA 5437 RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS VA 4623
GORTI, AKSHITA VA 5431 OFFERTALER, BENDEGUZ MD 4594
SCHEIN, AARON O NY 5427 NGUYEN, PHILIP PA 4592
MOTURI, SOUREESH PA 5376 ZHAO, CHENYI CA-N 4578
GAN, ERIC VA 5354 KADAVERU, AJIT VA 4568
WIENER, ALEXANDRA CT 5242 SINHA, SAHIL MD 4564
PETERSON, DANTE CA-S 5156 LUO, MAGGIE VA 4535

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ENTRY FEE: $25.
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uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 51

Tournament Life

USCF National Events

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Bids
Note: Organizers previously awarded
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SEE TLA IN THIS ISSUE FOR DETAILS still submit proposals (including sample
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2011 National Youth Action (East) December 9-11 Miami, Florida NOW PAST DEADLINE OF
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2012 U.S. Game 10 Championship
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Please contact the National Office if
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cording to the following schedule.
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prior to these dates. *USCF reserves
the right to decline all bids and
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52 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org


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Dec. 9-11, California, Southern
2011 National Youth Action (West)
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2011 National Youth Action (East)
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U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th Place
in each section. Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Dec 10 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: Bughouse Tournament
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ment, two sections: K-6 and K-12 - Sat, Dec 10, 7 pm. EF: $15 if p/m
by Nov 30, $20 after or on site. Blitz Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each
section. Team: 1st-10th in each section. GM/IM Simul and Lectures:
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uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
Dec. 27-30, Texas
2011 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament
Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort Worth,
TX 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwam-
dfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&groupCode=paipaia&fro
mDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink or call 800-228-9290 reserve by 12/5
(or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American Chess rate. Free Park-
ing. Tournament Dates: December 27-30, 2011. Intercollegiate
Tournament Format: 4 Player Teams, up to 2 Alternates, traditional 6
round Swiss Tournament, Game/90 with a 30 second increment.
Coach/captain must hand in proposed team roster changes one hour
before the beginning of the round. Rounds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2:
12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6:
12/30 9 am. Open to: College and University teams (at least two Play-
ers) from North and South America including the Caribbean.Teams must
supply letter from University stating that the players meet eligibility
requirements. Entry Fees: Priority Registration by December 1, 2011 -
$240 per team. After December 1, 2011 $295 per team. Prizes: 1st
place team = $1400, 2nd place team = $800, 3rd place team = $600,
4th place team = $400, 5th place team = $250, Top International Team
= $500, Top Division II Team = $400, Top 4 boards = $100 each. Team
Trophies or Plaques: Division I Champion 2200 and above, Division II
Champ 2000-2199, Division III Champion 1800-1999, Division IV Cham-
pion Under 1800,Top 5 teams,Top 3 InternationalTeams,Top four Boars,
and Top Alternate. Tournament is Fide Rated but uses USCF rules. For
Additional information or online registration go to: www.swchess.com
or contact Barbara Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com.
Ent: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail,
Crowley, TX 76036. NS. NC. W. FIDE. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, Florida
2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - South
5SS, G/120 (2-day option, Rd. 1 G/60). Universal Palms Hotel, 4900
Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Only 10 mins. to the Beach.
$69 hotel chess rate until cut-off date, 954-776-4880. 4-player teams
(with one optional alternate). Team average (4 highest ratings - January
rating list) must be under 2200. Winning team qualifies for National
playoff online. EF per player: $40 by 2/10, $49 later. SPECIAL EF: Team
(one entry must be made for all players) $150 by 2/10, $190 later (any
team changes $10). Teams from outside Florida will receive $25 off
team entry fee. PRIZES:Top 1-3rd place teams;Top class teams: U2000,
U1800, U1600, U1400, U1000, U800; Top Senior team (all 50 & above),
Top Female team, Top College team (same school), Top High School
team (same school), Top Middle School team (same school, grades 6-8),
Top Elementary School team (same school); Top Boards 1-4. Schedule:
3-day: 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat. 10; Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:30, 6:45,
Sun. 9:30, 2:45. Free parking and Free Internet. Ent: Boca Raton Chess
Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry
& add'l info: www.bocachess.com, 561-479-0351. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, Illinois
2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship - North
One section: Open. Sets-Boards-Clocks provided for USAT only by North
American Chess Association. Open: 5SS, G/90+30/increment, 2-day:
rd.1-2 G/60. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook,
IL 60062. 847-298-2525. $83.00 chess rate single-double-triple-quad
until 2/3/12, FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET INCLUDED WITH ROOM! Please
reserve early. Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate. Team
average (4 highest ratings - January Rating List) must be under
2200. EF: 3-day $140, per team if received USPS or on-line 6 PM by Feb-
ruary 4th, $160 if received USPS or on-line 6 PM by Feb. 14th, $180 on-line
until Feb. 16th 6 PM and at door. Individuals wishing to play, send $35
and request to be put on a team by USPS (received by 2/14) or on-line
by 2/16 6 PM, $45 thereafter. Team changes on site or after 2/16 6 PM
$20. Check out official website www.chessweekend.com for more
info and complete prize list. Prizes: Awards to top two teams, top teams
with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Award for Best Team
Name. Winning team qualifies for national play-offs. Prizes to best team
composed of juniors (high school and younger-must declare eligibility to
win prize). Prizes to top score on each board. Rounds: 3-day: on-site
registration/check-in 5:30-6:30pm, rds.: 7pm, 10:00am & 4:00pm,
10:00am & 3:30pm. 2-day: on-site registration/check-in from 8:00-
9:30am, rds. 10:00am & 1:00pm then merge with 3-day. Illinois Blitz
Championship on Saturday night, $25 received by 2/14 USPS or on-
line (2/17), $30 at site. Illinois FIDE titled players get free entry-contact
us for more info. First round 8 PM, 2 games with each opponent, 5
rounds, bring sets, clock, & boards for Blitz. See www.chessweekend.com
for details. All: Checks made payable to and sent to: Chess Central, 37165
Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031. Please include Team's name and roster (plus
ID#s), captain's email and phone number, and desired schedule. Info:
www.chessweekend.com, 847-773-7706 before 6 PM. North American
Chess Association will provide Sets-Boards-Clocksfor USAT only. Chess
Magnet School JGP for US Amateur Team North, Open Section.
Feb. 18-20, California, Northern
29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West
(Blitz/Scholastic Feb. 20 only.) Main event: 6SS, 30/90 sd/60. Hyatt
Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Park-
ing! Hotel: Free Parking! $109 call 800-233-1234 for chess rate. Reserve
by Feb. 4 or rates may increase. Four-player teams plus optional alter-
nate, average rating of four highest must be under 2200, difference
between ratings of board 3 & 4 must be less than 1000. January 2012
Supp, CCA min & TD discretion to place players accurately. Main Event
Prizes: Exclusive commemoratively inscribed digital clocks to each
player and trophy to the team for top 3 overall teams, top team u2000,
u1800, u1600, u1400, and u1200; top "industry" team (all players from
the same company), top "family" team (siblings, cousins, parents,
uncle/aunts, grandparents), top junior team, and top school team; top
scorer on each board (1-4). Gift certificates for best 3 team names. Main
Event EF: $188/team or $47/player by 2/14, 2/15-17: $197/team,
$56/player, Onsite: $217/team, $66/player. Main Event Sched: Regis-
tration: Sat 9:30-10:30am. Rounds: Sat 11:30 5, Sun 11:30 5, Mon 10,
3:30. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usatw12. Scholastic Side Event:
5SS G/30. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, may be from same
or different schools. Jan 2012 Supp, CCA min & TD discretion to place
players accurately. Prizes: Trophies to each player in Top 3 teams over-
all,Top team u900, u800, u700, u600, u500, u400, u300, u200,Top scorer
on each board (1-4). EF: $156/team or $39/player by 2/14, 2/15-17:
$175/team, $48/player, Onsite: $185/team, $58/player. Registration: Mon
8-9am. Rounds: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm. Info/flyer:
BayAreaChess.com/usatws12. Blitz Event: Registration Mon 7-8pm,
Rounds 8:30-10:30pm. EF: $12. 75% of entry fees returned as prizes.
Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/usatw12. Help in forming teams: a player
and see bayareachess.com/events/12/usatw or email teamhelp@Bay
AreaChess.com for teams seeking players & players seeking teams.
Contact: For all these events, online entry at BayAreaChess.com/my/
usatw12 and contact Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San
Jose 95131. T: 408-786-5515. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com. NS, NC, W, F.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 18-20, New Jersey
42nd Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East
6SS, 40/2, SD/1. Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany, NJ 07054.
Chess Rate valid until 1/16. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1-800-
HILTONS. Morris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4-
player teams with one optional alternate. Team average (4 highest rat-
ings - 2012 January Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $150 postmarked
by 2/5/12. Scholastic teams College and below $145 per team, ALL-$185
after or at door. - all teams, any changes at site $25 charge. Check out
official website www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4
digital clocks; Top Team (Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900,
1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Dig-
ital Clocks;Top college team (same school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque;
Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school), Top Middle School (grades 5-9
same school), Top Elementary School (grades K-6 same school), Top 2
Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) (Collins Award), Mixed Doubles
(2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all players over age 50), Mil-
itary, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team; CompanyTeam (same
employer) Old Timers Trophy (all players over 65), Family (4 family mem-
bers), State teams - CT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY (Benjamin Award), PA, VA,
NC, RI, OH, Canada, each plaque top team; Special Plaque toTop College
(NJ , NY, Pennsylvania), Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6-0 scores
each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross
pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best Chess related name, Sun-
day night-- Best Chess Related costumes or gimmickgourmet dinner
for four. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/18: Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special
Events!! Surprises and special give-aways each round. Mystery
Guest and special Sunday morning panel on 72 match! Sunday night
- Bughouse $20 per team. Cash prizes. HR: Parsippany Hilton, chess rates
expire 1/16/2012. Rates $119 (up to 4 in room) 2nd hotel now attached
to Hilton also up to 4 in room $126 per night-Hampton Inn---includes
breakfast for 4 each day. Back up hotel - Sheraton Parsippany-about 2
miles. 973-515-2000. $99 per night. For help forming teams and more
information contact: noreen@deanofchess.com or Facebook: ATE-
Team. Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/05 to: E. Steven Doyle, 17
Stonehenge Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name, Cap-
tain, players full names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board
order). No team can include more than two GM's. Include SASE for con-
firmation if wanted, No registered or certified mail accepted. NS, NC, W.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (Enhanced)
Feb. 26, New Mexico
2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC)
6SS, G/15. University of New Mexico Student Union Building, Albu-
querque, NM 87131. USCF Membership required - available onsite. One
section, all players have an opportunity to win a U.S. Championship!
$$400-200-100 (B/50) U2400, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400,
U1200: $100 each, unrated: $50. Higher of regular or quick rating used
for prize eligibility. EF: $39. $10 late fee if after 1/23. Free entry to GMs,
IMs, and WGMs. Rds.: 6:30pm, 7:10pm, 7:50pm, 8:30pm, 9:10pm,
9:50pm. Up to 2 half point byes upon req. before rd 1. NS NC W. ENT: Wired
Kings CC; 12004 Prospect Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87112. HR: $71 505-
944-2599 Hilton Homewood Suites ABQ Airport, available until 2/1/12
or room block full. Online Entry & add'l info: www.SouthernRockyOpen.
com, WiredKingsCC@gmail.com, 505-550-4654. Part of the 2012
Southern Rocky FIDE Open Chess Festival. See 2012 Southern
Rocky FIDE Open in Grand Prix for more information.
Grand Prix
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Dec. 11, New Jersey
Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Open Champi-
onship
Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. Open To
All Ages With Rating >1400. 4SS, G/60 USCF Memb Req'd Prize Fund ($$
b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each $100.
Best U13 Yrs Old $75, Best O65 Yrs Old $75. Prize Fund Not Reduced Below
70 %. Reg Ends at 9 AM. Only one requested 1/2 pt bye allowed if
requested before the start of rd two. EF Adv (pmk. By Dec 7th) $40 AT
Site $45 GMs Free Entry. Info 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741.
www.icanj.net. Email: Diana@icanj.net. Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45, 2:15,
4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Memb cks payable to: International
Chess Academy. Mail to: DianaTulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford,
NJ 07646.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Dec. 17, North Carolina
Tobacco Road Action Chess Tournament
7-SS, G/30. Caraleigh Fellowship Hall, 118 Summit Ave., Raleigh, NC. EF:
$25 (rec'd by 12/16)/$30 at site. Prizes: $$800 b/40, OPEN: (GTD$
1st, 2nd) $200-$100-$50, A,B,C,D,u1200 $90 ea. Unrateds will be assigned
rating for prize purposes after round 6. Up to 3 1/2-pt. byes for players
Chess Life December 2011 53
 February 18-20, 2012 | Parsippany Hilton | Parsippany, New Jersey

Join us as we remember the 40th anniversary

of the Fischer-Spassky match!
By plane, train or...

Just get me to the teams on time!

But Boris, what if he doesnt play 1 P-K4?

'&*"#) )&'&*"#)
,&* )&,,&*#!, %$)! ) )!( #!(( ! !' )$&%
#! %$)! ) )!( #!(( ! !' )$&%
#! !+ !'(!, ) )! #!(( ! !' )$&%
#! !+ !'(!, ) )! #!(( ! !' )$&%

Need help forming a team? Contact noreen@deanofchess.com or Facebook: ATE-Team

January 2012 Rating List will be used.

January 2011 Rating List will be used.


rated over 1800, two for all others. Must request upon entry. Reg.: 900-
950. Rds.: 1000-1110-1220-230-340-450-600. NCCA req'd OSA. Info:
http://chesstract.info. Jeff Jones (919) 270-9948. RaleighChess@yahoo.
com.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Dec. 20, New York
Marshall Masters!
4-SS, G/30. Third Tuesday of every month. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scor-
ing over 50% in any MCC Open or U2300 tournament since the prior
month's Masters). EF: $40, members $30, GMs free. $$G250-150-100.
Prizes to U2400, U2300 and biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7-
8:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available (Rd 1 or 4 only), request at entry.
www.marshallchessclub.org.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Dec. 22, New York
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., bet. 5-6
Ave., NYC: 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from
prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32
paid entries (may be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-
50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000),
commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings
OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone
entry often impossible!
An American Classic!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, Nevada
21st annual North American Open (note reduced hotel rates)
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Bally's Casino Resort, 3645
Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89103. $$ 120,000 based on 600 paid
entries. Seniors, re-entries & GMs count as half entries, Under 900 or
Unrated in U1250 or U1500 as 1/4, else in proportion; $90,000 minimum
(75% each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-
1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak bonus
$200, top Under 2500/Unr $2500-1200. FIDE. Under 2300: $7000-4000-
2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400. Under 2100: $7000-4000-2000-
1200- 900-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $2500. Under
1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated
may win over $1800. Under 1700: $6000-3000-1600-1000-800-700-
600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1200. Under 1500: $5000-
2500-1400-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over
$800. Under 1250: $4000-2000-1300-900-700-600-500-400-300-300,
top Under 1000 $1000, no unrated may win over $400. Prize limits: 1)
Players with under 26 games played as of 12/11 list may not win over
$1500 U1250, $2500 U1500 or U1700. Games rated too late for 12/11
list not counted. 2) If official rating was more than 30 points over sec-
tion maximum any month 12/10-11/11, 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 12/15.
Online EF: $245 at chesstour.com or entry.cc by 10/15, $275 by 12/20,
$300 12/21 until two hours before round 1. Phoned EF: $280 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 12/20 (no questions). No phone entry after 12/20. EF
at site: $300. Special EF: Seniors 65/over except Under 900 or Unrated
in U1250 or U1500, $130 less. Re-entry $120; not available in Open
Section. GMs $150 from prize. EF for Under 900 or unrated (NOTE
CHANGE) in U1250 or U1500: 4-day $54, 3-day $53 if mailed by 12/15,
$55 online at chesstour.com by 12/20, $60 phoned by 12/20 (406-896-
2038, entry only, no questions), $70 at site. All: No checks at site, credit
cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online
at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 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 10 am, rds 12/27 11 am, 2:30 pm &
6 pm, 12/28 11 & 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: Rate low-
ered to 65-65 for Dec. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, $95 Dec. 24, 800-833-3308, 702-
739-4111, rate may increase if not reserved by 11/22, all rooms in
chess block may sell out about 11/7. 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
WARNING!
Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. High-
est of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign
CELL PHONE
THE USE OF A
PROHIBITED!
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
TURN IT OFF!
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
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. Blitz & Quick side events to be announced.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions:
www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. Advance entries
posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Dec. 27, District of Columbia
Eastern Open Warmup Tourney
4-Rd-SS. TC: G/45. $2,500 in Prizes based on 60 entries. 2 Sections
Open Section: $400-200-100, U2200 $200-100, U2000: $200-100.
Under 1800 Section: $400-200-100, U1500 $200-100, U1200 $200.
On-Site Reg:Tues 12/27: 9-10:15am. Rds.: 12/27: 10:30, 1pm, 2:45, 4:30.
Entries: $50 if postmarked by 12/19. Entries $65 at site! $10 service
charge for refunds. Make checks or money orders payable to: East-
ern Open. Mail entries to Tom Beckman, PO Box 42225, Washington, DC
20015-2225. See Eastern Open TLA this issue or easternopenchess.com
for details.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, New York
30th annual Empire City Open
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth
Ave at 34th St, across from Penn Station, New York 10001. $10,000 guar-
anteed prize fund. In 5 sections. Open: $1000-500-300-150, clear or
tiebreak 1st $50, top 2200-2299 $500, top U2200/Unr $500. FIDE. Under
2100: $800-400-200-100, top U1900 $500. Under 1800: $800-400-200-
100, top U1600 $400. Under 1500: $700-400-200-100, top U1300 $300.
Under 1200: $600-300-150-100, top U1000 $250. Unrated may not win
over $200 in U1200, $300 U1500, or $500 U1800. EF: 3-day $98, 2-day
$97 if check mailed by 12/18, $99 online at www.chesstour.com by
12/23, $105 phoned by 12/23 (406-896-2038, no questions), $120 at site.
No mailed credit card entries. GMs free ($90 from prize). EF for Under
1000 or Unrated in U1200 or U1500 (NOTE CHANGE): $50 less. All: Re-
entry $50, not available in Open. No checks at site, credit cards OK.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at chess-
tour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. 3-Day Schedule: Reg.
ends Tue 10:30 am. Rds. Tue 11 & 6, Wed 11 & 6, Thu 10 & 4:30. 2-Day
Schedule: Reg. ends Wed 9:30 am. Rds. Wed 10, 12:45, 3:15 & 6, Thu
10 & 4:30. Half point byes available all rounds, limit 2 byes, Open must
commit before rd. 2, others before rd 4. HR: $229-229, 1-800-764-4680,
212-971-0101, reserve by 5 pm 12/13 or rate will increase, ask for Con-
tinental Chess Association rate. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249,
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-569-9969. Advance entries
posted at www.chesstour.com. Bring set, clock, board-none supplied.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
Dec. 27-30, District of Columbia
38th Annual Eastern Open
7 round-SS. TC: 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-3, G/60). Westin Wash-
ington DC City Center Hotel, 1400 M St. NW, Washington, DC. $16,500
prize fund! Over 60 prizes! Open section prizes guaranteed, others
based on 200 entries. 4 Sections Open Section: $2,000-1,250-650-
350, U2350 $500-250. FIDE Rated. Under 2200 Section: $1,000-750-500-
250, U2100 $500, U2000 $500. Under 1900 Section: $1,000-750-500-
30th annual EMPIRE CITY OPEN
Dec 27-29 or 28-29 at New Yorker Hotel
6 rounds, $10,000 GUARANTEED PRIZE FUND!
8th Ave & 34th St, across from Penn Station. Choice of 3-day or
2-day schedule, Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Thursday. NOTE
CHANGE- ENTRY FEE $50 LESS FOR U1000. In 5 sections:
Open Section: Prizes $1000-500-300-150, clear/tiebreak win $50 bonus,
top 2200-2299 $500, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE rated, 60 GPP (enhanced).
Under 2100 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1900 $500.
Under 1800 Section: $800-400-200-100, top U1600 $400.
Under 1500 Section: $700-400-200-100, top U1300 $300.
Under 1200 Section: $600-300-150-100, top U1000 $250.
Unrated limit $200 in U1200, $300 in U1500, or $500 in U1800.
FULL DETAILS: see Grand Prix in this issue or chesstour.com.
250, U1800 $500, U1700 $500. Under 1600 Section: $1,000-500-250-
150, U1450 $250, U1300 $250, U1150 $250, U1000 $250. For UR prize
limits, see Web site. Special Prizes! Winners selected from any section.
Upset: For each rd: $50-25 & 2 book prizes. Max 2 prizes per player. Best
Played Game: $250-125-75. Brilliancy: $100-75-50. Opening Innova-
tion: $100-75-50. Selected winning games, positions, and openings must
be annotated and will be submitted for publication in Chess Life. 4-Day
Reg: Tues 12/27: 4-6:30pm. Rds.: 12/27: 7pm, 12/28-30: 10-5. Make
Metro connections after evening rds. 3-day Reg: Wed 12/28: 3-5pm. Rds
1-3: Wed 12/28: 5:30pm, 7:45, 10:00. Byes available any rd but rds 4-
7 must commit before rd 3 and are irrevocable. Limit 2 byes for class
prizes. Free Lecture on 12/27 4-6pm. Warmup Tourney: 12/27, 10:30-
6pm, see TLA this issue. Blitz Championship: 12/28 at 10:30pm, see
TLA this issue. HR: Only $79!! To reserve, go to easternopenchess.com
or call 888-627-9035 by 12/15. Entries: If postmarked by Dec 19: Open
$125; U2200 $120; U1900 $110; U1600 $100; U1300/UR $85. Entries $25
more at site! Reentry $100 and limited to rounds 1-3. GMs: free entry,
but $125 deducted from prize; IMs: $65 advance entry, but $60 deducted.
$10 service charge for refunds. No credit cards. Make checks or
money orders payable to: Eastern Open. Mail entries toTom Beckman,
PO Box 42225, Washington, DC 20015-2225. For entry forms and info, east-
ernopenchess.com or tombeckman@rcn.com. Chess Magnet School
JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Dec. 28, District of Columbia
Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC)
5-Rd Double Swiss. TC: G/5. In One Section: $1200 in prizes based
on 40 entries. Open $350-250-100, U2200 $150; U1900 $150; U1600 $100;
U1300 $100. EF: $35 if postmarked by 12/19. $45 at site, only cash entries.
On-Site Reg: At any time during tournament and 12/28 until 10:15pm.
Rds begin at 10:30pm promptly and successive rds posted as soon as
ready. For late entry, one bye allowed for two-1/2 points. Higher of
USCF and Quick used for pairings and prizes. See Eastern Open TLA this
issue or easternopenchess.com for details.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Dec. 29, Nevada
North American Blitz (QC)
5-SS, G/5 (double round, 10 games). Bally's Las Vegas (see North Amer-
ican Open). $$G 2500. In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-150, top U2300/Unr
$240-120, U2100 $220-110. Under 1900: $300-150-100, top U1700
$180-100, U1500 $150, U1300 $80. EF: $40, no checks, enter at site only.
Quick-rated, but higher of regular or quick USCF rating used for pairings,
prizes. Reg. ends 10:15 pm, rds. 10:45-11:30-12:15-12:45-1:15. Bye: 1.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Dec. 31, New York
Your Last Blunder Of 2011! Ring In The New Year With An Annual
NY Tradition - Now In its 25th Year!!
5-SS, G/30. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St., between
5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs. $30, GMs free ($25
from prize). $$1,000 b/50 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$
300-200-100, top U2200/unr. $150, U2000 $130, U1800 $120. Limit 2 byes
(1 bye if U2000), commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used.
Reg. ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-1:30-2:45-4-5:20 pm. Online entry
at www.chesscenter.cc thru 12/29. Phone entry a Big Mistake!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10
Dec. 31-Jan. 1, New York
Chessaholics Anonymous New Year's Eve Insanity Championship!!
10-SS, G/30. Frankie Jay's Speakeasy Center of NY, 23 West 10 Street,
between 5-6th Ave, "just 12 steps from the Street," NYC: 212-477-3716.
EF: $40, Club membs. $30, $5 less to 12/31 "Last Blunder of 2011"
Chess Life December 2011 55
 Tournament Life
entries, free to player rejoining USCF after longest membership lapse (min-
imum 1 year). Top 5 prizes guaranteed, others b/60 paid entries:
$$199-101-48-1-1, top rated 1960-2189, 1776-1958, 1492-1775, Under
1492 each $102. Bonus Prizes: $29 to best score with 1. g4 or 1...g5!
$50 to best combined score in 12/31 Last Blunder + Insanity (15
games), $60 to best combined score in both events rated Under 1960 (limit
of 4 byes total in both events may count towards bonus prizes). Mixed
Doubles Bonus Prizes: Best male/female duo combined score (must
declare by 9 pm): $100-99, $1.99 to TD with stupidest question. Reen-
try $13.95, counts 0.454-entry. Limit 4 byes in rds. 1-7. Reg. ends 19 min.
before game. Rds. 8:01-9:19-10:29 pm-12:09-1:23-2:34-3:45-4:56-6:16-
7:34 am. Phone entry ridiculous. Proper attire appreciated.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Texas
DCC Insanity
10-double SS (Play white and black against each opponent). G/30. Dal-
las Chess Club, 200 S. Cottownwood Dr., #C, Richardson, TX 75080. EF:
$49 ($34 Jr/Sr/Hcap), plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. House players
welcome for $1 per game. Reg.: 11:45-12:10 pm. Round 1 at 12:30 pm
rest ASAP with hour breaks at around 6:30 pm, 12:30 am and 7:30 am.
4 (double) rounds of 1/2 point Byes allowed. Byes for rounds 9 and 10
must be requested before round 6. $$ 350 GTD, $200-$100-$50, class
prizes based on entries. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info:
214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com, www.dallaschess.com. NS. NC.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced)
Dec. 31-Jan. 2 or Jan. 1-2, California, Northern
New Year Open
6SS, 30/90 sd/60 (2-day rds 1-3 G/60 merge in rd 4). Hyatt Regency, 5101
Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA. Hotel $79! free parking. $6,000
b/97 (80% guar). 3 sects. Open (2000+ FIDE rated): $Gtd 1000-500-200,
top u2300 200-100, top u2100 100-100. 1500-1999: 700-300-100, top
u1800 400-200, top u1600 200-100. Under 1500: 700-300-100, top
u1300 300-200, top u1100 100. Unr max $200 except in Open. EF: $99
3-day, $98 2-day mail by 12/27, online by 12/28, Onsite +$25, Play-up
+$20. Re-entry $40. EF Econ Opt: EF-20 & 2/3 of calc prize (not avail in
Open). GMs/IMs free: prize-EF. Dec 2011 Supp, CCA min & TD discr to
place players. Sched: 3-day Reg Sat 10-11, Rds Sa/Su 11:30-5:30, Mo 10
3:30; 2-day Reg Su 9-9:30, Rds Su 10-12:30-2:50-5:30, Mo 10-3:30. Max
two 1/2-pt byes & commit bef rd 3. Ent: BayAreaChess, 1590 Oakland
Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95131. Rfnd fee $20. T:408-786-5515. E:
ask@BayAreaChess.com, Info/Form: BayAreaChess.com/ny12. NS,
NC, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30
Jan. 6-8, Maryland
2012 Chesapeake Open
5SS, 40/100, SD/45 inc/30, (Rnd 1 G/90 inc/30) (2-day schedule: rds 1-
2 G/45 inc/30) U1400 & U1100 G/120 d/5(2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60
d/5). Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. $$Based
on score. 6 sections: (correction) Championship (min. rating of 1800) FIDE
rated: 5.0=$1500, 4.5=$700, 4.0=$350, 3.5=$150 [min $1500 total
payout, top score group raised if less than $1500] top Expert=$145.
U2000 & U1800: 5.0=$1200, 4.5=$600, 4.0=$300, 3.5=$100. U1600:
5.0=$1000, 4.5=$500, 4.0=$250, 3.5=$100. U1400 & U1100: 5.0=
$500, 4.5=$250, 4.0=$125, 3.5=$50. Unrated may not win over $100
in U1100, $200 U1400, or $300 U1600. Sets and board provided.
Clocks provided in the (correction) Championship section. Option-
ally, pairings can be texted to your phone. Free Sunday morning
continental breakfast for players. Free parking for day guests. EF: $90
by 12/21, $100 by 1/3, and $105 online only by 1/5, $110 at the door.
Special EFs: $35 less for U1400 & U1100, GMs free, $50 deducted from
prize, IMs $45 off entrance fee, $20 deducted from prize. HR: $75, lim-
ited number of free rooms Sat. night for GMs. Room rate not avail after
12/30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&6, Sun 9&3.
2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds11, 2:15&6, Sun 9&3. 3-day
38th annual Eastern Open
38th at
December 27-30 annual Eastern Open
Washington Westin Hotel
December 27-30 at Washington Westin Hotel
$16,500 prize
$16,500fund; over 60prizes
prizes awarded
prize fund; over 60 awarded
7-Round Swiss in 4 Sections: Open Section prizes guaranteed. Remaining prizes based on 200 entries.
Open Section: $2,000-1,250-650-350 U2350: $500-250 FIDE Rated
Under 2200 Section: $1,000-750-500-250 U2100: $500 U2000: $500
Under 1900 Section: $1,000-750-500-250 U1800: $500 U1700: $500
Under 1600 Section: $1,000-500-250-150 U1450: $250 U1300: $250 U1150: $250 U1000: $250
Special Prizes: Upset, Best Played Game, Brilliancy, and Best Opening Innovation. $1,600 in prizes.
4- & 3-day Schedules Time Control: 4-day schedule = 40/2, SD/1. 3-day option = G/60 for rds 1-3.
Warmup Tourney: 12/27, 4 rds, $2,500, Open/U1800 sections. Blitz Championship: 12/28, $1,200.
For Full Details: See Grand Prix section of TLA in this issue or easternopenchess.com.
56 Chess Life December 2011
schedule for U1400 & U1100: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&3:30,
Sun 9&1:00. 2-day schedule for 1400 & U1100: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds
11, 1:15 & 3:30, Sun 9&1:00. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge
Rd, Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information and registra-
tion at http://thechesapeakeopen.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Texas
2nd annual Austin Chess Club Championship
5SS, G/90+60sec increment (2-day option, Rd.1 G/90+5sec delay).
Bridge Center of Austin, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin,TX 78752.Total
entries limited to first 130 registrants due to limited playing space.
Prize Fund: $3,350 unconditionally guaranteed! In 3 sections: Cham-
pionship (1800+), Reserve (1500-1799), and Booster (U1500). May play
up one section. EF: $45 in the top 2 sections, $35 for Booster players if
postmarked or online by 12/15, $15 more thereafter/site. Online Reg-
istration preferred. No Credit Cards onsite. PRIZES: Championship:
$600-300-200, U2200 $250-100, U2000 $200-100.Top ACC member is the
Austin Chess Club Champion! Reserve: $400-250-150, U1600 $100.
Booster: $250-150-100, U1300 $100, U1100 $100. Unrateds placed at
TD's discretion, may only win place prizes. 3-day Schedule: Onsite
Registration Friday 01/06 6-7pm, Rounds: 01/06 7:30pm, 01/07 1pm,
7pm, 01/08 9:30am, 3:30pm. 2-day Schedule: Onsite Registration Sat-
urday 01/07 8-8:40am, Rounds: 2-day Rd. 1 01/07 9am, then merges
with 3-day. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before the end of Rd. 2. ENT:
online at www.austinchessclub.com. Mail entries to AustinChessTourna-
ments.com, P.O. Box 1386, Round Rock, TX 78680. INFO: Lori Balkum
Lori.Balkum@AustinChessTournaments.com, tel: 512-417-9008,
www.AustinChessClub.com. NS. NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10
Jan. 7-8, Illinois
Tim Just's Winter Open/Reserve XXVIII
Chicagoland's longest continuously run chess tournament organ-
ized by the same organizer for the past 27 years! 5SS, G/90 inc 30.
DoubleTree Hotel, 1909 Spring Rd., Oakbrook, IL 60523, (630) 472-6020,
(630) 472-6000, $85 room rate for a limited time. $$ ($4,175 b/125 pd
players, Guaranteed $$$ increased to maximum as attendance increases!).
2 Sections Only: Open Section: open to all and FIDE rated (USCF rat-
ings & rules used). Open Prizes: $$ 700-300-200; U2200, 300-150;
U2000 $300-125; Unr. can win top three only. Reserve Section: open to
U1800. Reserve Prizes: $700-300-200; U1600, $225-150; U1400. $200-
100; U1200, 150-75, Unr. qualify for top prizes only. Both EF: $64 (add
$10 if playing up from Reserve into Open section) with name, id, e-
mail/phone, to current/renewing USCF if rec'd by 1/4/12; Both $80 at
site 8-8:30 AM; $85 at site 8:30-8:45 AM; $10 to play up from Reserve
to Open section. Rds: 9-1:30-6; 10-2:30. Re-Entry $40 with 1/2 pt Bye
round 1, Byes Rnds 1-4, unretractable rnd 5 at Registration, Ent:Tim Just,
37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031 Info only 847-773-7706 before 6 PM. e-
mail for info only (sorry, e-mail entries not available): timjust@chessfor
life.com, Checks payable to Chess For Life, LLC, info and PayPal early
entries until 6 PM 1-6-12: http://chessforlife.com NS, NC, W. Sched-
uled Book Dealer: Checkmate Chess Supply: North American Chess
Association will supply clocks-sets-boards! An Illinois Chess Association
ICA TOUR tournament. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jan. 7-8 or 8, New York
Marshall January Grand Prix!
4-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-
3716. EF: $50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105,
U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day,
Rds. 12:30-5:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:30-
5:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-
ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Jan. 9, New York
65th Nassau Action
4-SS, G/25+5 or G/30. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mine-
ola. EF: $31 by 1/3, $38 at site, non-memb + $5. $$ (540 b/20, top 2
G) 200-100, U2100, 1850, 1600, 1350/UR each 60. 2 byes 1-4. Rds.: 7:15-
8:20-9:25-10:30. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782.
captnhal@optonline.net.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20
Jan. 13-15 or 14-15, Florida
Central Florida Class Championships
5SS, G/120 (2-day: Rd.1 G/60). DoubleTree Hilton Orlando Downtown,
60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. $$7,000/b130, 70% Guar-
anteed. 6 Sections: Mast/Exp: $1000-400-200, U2200 $250. Class A:
$600-300, U1900 $150. Class B: $600-300, U1700 $150. Class C: $600-
300, U1500 $150. Class D: $600-300, U1300 $150. U1200: $500-300,
U1000 $100, U800 $50. Rated players may play up one class only. Unrat-
eds limited to $70 unless Place prize in Mast/Exp. EF: 3-day $75, 2-day
$74 by Jan 2, both $80 later and on-site. Re-entry $40. $15 less to stu-
dents in grades K-8 in U1200 section. CFCC memb discount: $10 ($5 for
Jr/Sr memb). Trophies to top in each section (& Class X) also Class F, G,
H, I, J & Unr in U1200 having more than one entry.Trophies and titles lim-
ited to Florida residents. Reg.: ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rd.1: 8pm Fri
(2-day: 10am Sat at G/60). Rds.: 2-5: Sat 1 & 6, Sun 9 & 2. 1/2 pt. byes
if req'd before rd. 2 (max 2). HR: $89 (No Resort Fee) (407) 425-4455;
(Mention "Chess"); or at http://tinyurl.com/Jan2012Hotel. (24-hr Can-
cellation or Checkout penalty.) Reserve by Dec 23. Hot Breakfast
Buffet at $5/person/day with room at checkin. Complimentary park-
ing, Fitness Center, and Internet with sleeping rooms. Other covered Day
parking available at $5 per day. Ent: CFCC, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N.
Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751; or online: 2012CFclass.eventbrite.com
by Jan 11. Info: 407-629-6946 or www.centralflchess.org. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10
Jan. 13-15, Missouri
Waldo Odak Memorial
This will be a three-day chess event to celebrate the life of Waldo Odak
and to benefit ALS research. 100% of the entries will be donated to ALS
research. Schedule: Friday, 1/13/2012. Blitz Tournament featuring
GM Ben Finegold. 5/SS, G/5. $200 Unconditionally Guaranteed!! Blitz
Entry--$15 by 1/12, $20 donation at the door. Reg.: 6:00-6:45 PM. Round
1: 7 PM. 1st Place-$60, 2nd Place $50, 3rd Place--$35. Top U2000--$30.
Top U1700--$25. Grand Master Simul with Ben Finegold. Simul Entry:
$15 by 1/12, $20 donation at door. Reg.: 6:00-7:45 PM. Simul starts at
8 PM. Prizes: Any player that wins or draws will receive a free 1-hour
lesson with GM Finegold and have their game featured on our website.
Saturday, 1/14 - Sunday 1/15 Chess Tournament Entry Fee: $40 by 1/13
for annual members, $50 donation at door. 100% of the entries will be
donated to ALS research. $2,000 UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED!!
5/SS, G/85.Two Sections: Open & U1800. Open: 1st-3rd: $250-$175-$100.
Expert: $200-$150. Class A: $150-$75. U1800 Section: 1st-2nd: $200-$100.
Class C: $125-$75. Class D: $125-$75. U1200/UNR: $125-$75. Registra-
tion: 10:00-10:45 Round Times: Saturday: 11, 2:30, 6. Sunday: 11, 2:30.
Two 1/2 point byes available if declared before round 2. MCA Member-
ship required from $5. OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@saintlouischess
club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, California, Northern
3rd annual Golden State Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40).
No 2-day Open Section. Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Con-
cord, CA 94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel
and Concord BART station, free parking, many restaurants within walk-
ing distance. Prizes $30,000 based on 290 paid entries (re-entries & $70
off entries count as half entries), minimum guarantee $21,000 (70% of
each prize). In 5 sections. Open, open to all. $2000-1200-800-700-600-
500, clear or tiebreak winner $100, top U2300/Unr $1000-500, top
U2200/Unr $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1500-1000-800-600-500-
400, top U1900 $800-400. Under 1800: $1500-1000-800-600-500-400,
top U1600 $800-400. Under 1500: $1200-800-600-500-400-400, top
U1300 $700-400. Under 1200: $1200-800-600-500-400-400, top U1000
$500. Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with
maximum prize U1200 $300, U1500 $500, U1800 $700, EF: 4-day $129,
3-day $128, 2-day $127 mailed by 1/5, all $130 online at chesstour.com
by 1/10, $135 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/10 (entry only, no questions),
$150 at site. GMs free; $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to Under
1000 or Unrated in U1200 or U1500 section, (NOTE CHANGE). All: Spe-
cial 1 yr USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with entry. Online at
chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-
entry (except Open) $60. Mailed EF $5 less to CalChess members. 4-day
schedule: Late reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 &
6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat
11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Late reg. ends
Sun 9:30 am, rds Sun 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:45 pm & 6 pm, Mon 10 am
& 4:30 pm. No 2-day Open Section. Byes: OK all, limit 3, limit 2 in last 4
rounds; Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player
ratings: See chesstour.com. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve
by 12/30 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD
#D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-
9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box 661776, Arcadia, CA
91066. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries posted at chess-
tour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Pennsylvania
44th annual Liberty Bell Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/70; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/35). No 5
minute deduction for delay clocks. U900 Section plays 1/15-16only, G/35,
no 5 minute deduction. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts.,
uschess.org
 See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14

Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section or
unrated count as 1/3, U1100 & U1300 2/3, GMs 1/2), else in proportion,
except minimum 70% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006 to 2011, the tour-
nament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 projected
prize fund was increased in proportion. In 9 sections. Open: $1700-
1000-500-300-200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, top Under 2400
$800. FIDE. Under 2300: $1000-600-400-300-200. FIDE. Under 2100:
$1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under
1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500: $900-500-400-300-200.
Under 1300: $600-300-200-150-100. Under 1100: $600-300-200-150-
100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unrated may
enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $200 in U1100,
$300 U1300, $500 U1500, or $700 U1700. Top 6 sections EF: 4 day $99,
3 day $98, 2 day $97 if check mailed by 1/5, all $100 online at chess-
tour.com by 1/9, $105 phoned by 1/9 (406-896-2038, entry only, no
questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) atsite. GMs free, $80
deducted from prize. U1300, U1100 Sections EF: All $30 less than top
6 sections. EF for U900, or unrated in U1100 or U1300: $32 mailed by
1/5, $33 online by 1/9, $35 phoned by 1/9, $40 at site. All: Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. No mailed credit
card entries. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry:
Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.
Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $15.
Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re entry (except Open Section)
$80. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun
11 & 6, Mon 10 &4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat
11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sun
9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2, 4 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Under 900 schedule: Reg.
ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun 10, 12, 2 & 4, Mon 10, 12 & 2. Bye: all, limit 3,
Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $99-99-99-99,
215-448-2000, reserve by 12/30 or rate may increase. Parking: $10/day
chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest
room, parking lot 1 block from hotel may be much less than $20. Car
rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633 or reserve through
chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service
charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com.
17900 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92614. HR $99. $10,000 b/197, 50% guar-
anteed. 3 sects. Open (2000+ FIDE rated): 2000-1000-500-200, top
U2300 300-100, top U2100 200-100. 1500-1999: 1000-500-300-100-
100, top U1800 400-200, top U1600 200-100. U1500: 1000-500-200-100,
top U1300 400-200, top U1100 200-100. Unr max $200 except in Open.
EF: $85 3-day, $84 2-day by 1/10, onsite +$10, Playup +$10. r/e $30.
EF Econ Opt: $69 & 2/3 of calc prize (not avail in Open). SCCF member-
ship ($18, $10 jrs) required for rated Southern Californians. GMs/IMs
free: prize-EF. Jan 2012 Supp, CCA min & TD discretion to place players.
Sched: 3-day Reg Sat 10-10:30, Rds Sat/Sun 11:15 6, Mon 10 4:40; 2-
day Reg. Sun 9-9:30, Rds. Sun 10-12:30-3-6, Mon 10-4:40. Max two
1/2-pt byes w/ adv notice. Rfnd fee $20. Ent: SCCF, PO Box 205, Mon-
terey Park, CA 91754. Info, online entry: www.scchess.com. NS, NC, W.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Jan. 17, New York
Marshall Masters!
4-SS, G/25d5. Third Tuesday of every month. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scor-
ing over 50% in any MCC Open or U2300 tournament since the prior
month's Masters). EF: $40, members $30, GMs free. $$G250-150-100.
Prizes to U2400, U2300 and biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7-
8:15-9:30-10:45. One bye available (Rd 1 or 4 only), request at entry.
www.marshallchessclub.org.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jan. 19, New York
10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. 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), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewin-
ners 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!
Discounts (pre-reg or on-site, one per player): $10 off for players new
to Land of the Sky, 2nd family member, or under age 18. All Sections:
"No-prize" EF for under age 18 or Unrated EF in Asheville, Buncombe, U12:
$21 (no discounts, unr elig for unr prizes only). All on-site entries $10
more. Rds.: 1st rd either Fri 7pm or Sat 9am (G/90), then Sat 1pm-7pm,
Sun 9am-3pm. ENT: WW, PO Box 1123, Weaverville, NC 28787. INFO:
Wilder Wadford, wwadford48@gmail.com 828-645-4215. HR: $89 for up
to four occupants. 828-254-3211 or 800-733-3211. More details and
special events like chess360, blitz, lectures, and simuls at www.nc
chess.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, Ohio
35th Cardinal Open
Holiday Inn Downtown Columbus (newly renovated), 175 E Town St.,
Columbus, OH 43215, reservations 800-HOLIDAY, direct 614-221-3281,
www.holidayinn.com/cmh-cityctr. $89/night chess rate thru Jan 2, code
FKC. 5-SS, 40/120, SD/60 d/5 (2-day rds 1&2 G/75 d/5). Sets provided,
bring clocks. Max 2 byes rds 1-4 or 1 in rd 5. $8,200 in 5 sections, 1st
4 prizes guaranteed, rest b/150 paid entries (154 entries last year),
re-entries & U1300 students = 1/2. Prizes added if more than 150. Open
(FIDE) $1200-800-500-250, all gtd; U2206 $600-300-200; U2100 $700-
400-200; U1800 $700-400-200; U1500 $500-250-150, U1300
$300-200-100. Upset $50 each section. Unrated prize limit $150 except
in Open. EF: $85 if recd by 1/23, then $95; students in U1300 $25 less;
re-entry $30; no credit cards. Free to IM/GM, $75 deducted from win-
nings (waived if 150 paid entries). OCA membership reqd of OH residents.
3-day Schedule: Reg. Fri 5-6:30pm, Rds. 7pm; Sat 11-5:30; Sun 9:30-
4. 2-day: Reg. Sat 9-10:30, Rds. 11-2 then merge w/ 3-day. Blitz tourney
Sat night. Enter: FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH
43219. Full details & entry form: www.neilley.com/chess or
grant@neilley.com, 614-314-1102. NS, W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Jan. 28-29, Florida
Central Florida Chess Club Championship
5SS, G/120. Wirz Park, 806 Mark David Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707. EF:

Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)

Chess Magnet School JGP (except Under 900).
A State Championship Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Jan. 14-15, Michigan
2012 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships
5-SS. Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave., (517) 482-0188. HR:
$98+tax by 1/2/12, after if space available. www.radisson.com/lansingmi
Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, California, Northern
Bay Area Chess Winter Open
6SS, G/90 (2day rds 1-2 G/40). 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, SanJose.
Park free. Prize $2,400 b/55. 3 secs. 1900+: $300-200-100 u2100:100-
80. 1500-1899: $300-200-70 u1700:100-70-70. U1500: $300-200-70
u1300:100-70-70. Unr max $100 exc Open. EF: $67 (2day $66) by 1/25,
$40. CFCC mem req at $20($10 Jr/Sr). $$GTD 450: 150-90-60, U1800,
U1600, U1400 each 50, plaques (if mem as of Dec 28) to Club Champion,
U1800, U1600, U1400, & top under age 16. Reg.: Sat 9:30am. Rds.: 10-
2:30-7, 9-2. CFCC elections 1pm Sun. Ent: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln.,
Maitland, FL 32751. Info: (407) 629-6946 or www.centralflchess.org.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!

Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)

- Code: CHESS12. 7 Sections: M/X, A, B, C, D, E (U1200), Novice
(U1000/Unr). Most recent USCF rating supplement used for ratings.
Players must play in class of their rating. Unrated players must play in
Novice sect. Players may request to play up in class (or unrated players
may request being seeded into a class) if their recent tournament his-
tory shows achievement into that class.TD must approve all requests and
will assign a rating to the player within the rating window of that class.
EF: M/X, A, B, C: $40 (U18 $10 off); D, E: $30 (U18 $10 off); Novice: $20
(U18 $5 off). Free entry to GM, IM, FM, & 2200+, advanced entry fee
deducted from prize. Advance entries must be received by 1/13/12. E-
mail entries OK, but must pay by end of on-site registration. ALL on-site
entries $10 more. Make checks payable to MCA. MCA memb req'd for
Onsite +15 Playup +20 R/E 33 EconOpt: EF-20, 1/2 of calc prize.
GMs/IMs free: prize-EF. Jan '12 Supp, CCA min & TD discr used. Sched:
Reg Fr 6-6:30p, Rds Fr 7, Sa 9 12:15 3:30, Su 9 12:15 (2day Reg Sa 8-
8:30am Rds Sa 9 10:35 merge in rd 3). Max two 1/2-pt byes bef rd 3. Info:
BayAreaChess.com/winter12. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com, NS, NC, W.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
Jan. 27-29, North Carolina
Land of the Sky XXV
5SS, 40/2, SD/30 (U12 G/90). Crowne Plaza Resort, One Resort Dr.,
Asheville, NC 28806. Weekend before Super Bowl. In 4 Sections. $$20,000
Feb. 4, New York
25th Annual Super Saturday In New York!
6-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. Chess Center at the New Yorker Hotel,
481 8th Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NYC: 845-569-9969.
EF: $40, $35 online at www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/2, GMs free ($25
from prize), free to specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners! $$1,000
b/50 paid entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-100, top
U2200/unr. $150, U2000 $130, U1800 $120. Limit 3 byes (2 byes if
U2000), commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Reg.
ends 15 min before game. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-4-5:15-6:30 pm. Bring sets,
clocks!

Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)

Michigan residents, other states OK. Reg.: Sat, 8-9am. Rds.: Sat 10am-
2:30pm-7pm, G/120; Sun 10am-3:30pm, G/150. $$Gtd: $2555; M/X:
$280-$180, X: $210 U2100: $110; Class A, B, C: $175-$115;
U1900/U1700/U1500: $95; Class D, E: 1st $145 2nd $95; U1300/U1100:
$70; Novice:Trophies toTop 3 Overall,Top U900,Top U800,Top U700,Top
Unr. Top Michigan finisher each class: State Championship title. Tro-
phies for all place-winners. Ent & Info: Jeff Aldrich, 7453 Whippoorwill
Ln., Davison, MI 48423; jeffchess@charter.net; (810) 955-7271. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
b/320, $11,000 gtd. Open (FIDE-rated, 2/3 gtd): $2400-1200-600-500-
400. U2300 $600-300. Asheville (U2200): $1600-800-400. 1999-1900,
1899-1800, U1800 $600-300 each; Unr: $75. Buncombe (U1700): $1600-
800-400. 1599-1500, 1499-1400, 1399-1300, U1300 $600-300 each; Unr:
$75. U12 (U1200): $800-400-200. U1000: $300-150 Unr: $75. Upset: $25.
EF (Open, Asheville, Buncombe): $84 by 1/20. EF (U12): $42 by 1/20.
Feb. 4-5, Maine
SACO OPEN
Hampton Inn Saco/Biddeford, 48 Industrial Park Rd., Saco, ME 04072.
Accelerated pairings may be used. In 2 Sections, Open: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30
+ 30 Sec. Increment, Analog clocks play 40/90, SD/60, FIDE rated.

Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20 (enhanced)

Jan. 14-15, New Hampshire

Portsmouth Open
Holiday Inn Portsmouth, 300 Woodbury Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801. In
2 Sections, Open: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment, Analog
clocks play 40/90, SD/60, FIDE rated. $$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150,
CONTINENTAL AMATEUR in BOSTON
U2000 $150. U1750: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30 + 30 Sec. Increment, Analog
clocks play 40/90, SD/60, Open to 1749 & under. $$GTD: $400-200. U1500
Jan 6-8 or 7-8, Hyatt Harborside Hotel- $79 rooms!
$100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in advance, $55 at site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45.
Advance entries must be postmarked by 1/07/2012. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. $10,000 PROJECTED PRIZES for UNDER 2250
Accelerated pairings may be used. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49 Technology Dr.
#89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, relyea@operamail.com. HR: Luxurious hotel at Bostons Logan Airport (free shuttle), dramatic view
$79 by 13 December, Mention Relyea Chess, (603) 431-8000. www.relyea
chess.com. NS. W. Chess Magnet School JGP. of Boston harbor and downtown, soundproof guestrooms, adjacent to Water
Taxi (7 minutes to downtown). FREE PARKING and GREATLY REDUCED
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10
Jan. 14-15, Tennessee

Tennessee Winter Open ROOM RATES of $79! 5 rounds, prizes $10,000 based on 200 paid entries.
5SS, G/120. Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill,TN. $$Gtd. $2000 Prize Group 1, open to 1900-2249. $1000-500-300-200, top U2100 $400-200.
fund. Sections: Kings (Open) $325-225-125 1st 2000-2199 $125 Top
U2000 $100, Queens (U1800) $225-125-75T1500-1599 $100 Top U1500 Group 2, open to 1600-1949. $1000-500-300-200, top U1800 $400-200.
$75, Rooks (U1400) $150-100-75T1000-1199 $75Top U1000 $50Top UNR
$50, Pawns (U1000)Trophies top 5Top 600-799Top U600. Adult UNR must Group 3, open to 1200-1649 or unrated. $1000-500-200-100, top U1500
play in Rooks* or Open section. EF: $50 by 01/07 ($60 at site), UNR $25
($35) *(UNR eligible for UNR prize in Rooks only), Pawns $15 ($25), youth
$400-200. No unrated may win over $500.
and school members for trophy only $25 ($35) IM and GM Free entry ($50 Group 4, open to under 1350 or unrated. $600-300-200-100, top U1200
taken from prize of 150 or more). On site reg. Sat 8:30-10:00 CST.
USCF andTCA Dues req. OSA. Rds.: Sat. 11:00, 3:30, 8:00, Sun. 9:00, 1:30. $300-150. No unrated may win over $300.
Hotel: Henry Horton State Resort Lodge $65 rate. Info: Enter on-line at
TNCHESS.ORG or mail to: Chris Prosser, 733 Long Hunter Ct., Nashville,
Group 5, open under 1050 or unrated. $300-150-100, trophy to first 5, top
TN 37217 or RegionIII@aol.com. 615-399-8432. NS, NC, W. Chess U900, U700, U500, Unrated. No unrated may win over $100.
Magnet School JGP.
FULL DETAILS: see Massachusetts this issue or chesstour.com.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced)
Jan. 14-16 or 15-16, California, Southern

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

6SS, 40/2 SD/1 (2-day rds 1-3 G/60 merge in rd 4). Hyatt Regency,

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 57

 Tournament Life
$$GTD: $500-250. U2250 $150, U2000 $150. U1750: 4SS, 40/90, SD/30
+ 30 Sec. Increment, Analog clocks play 40/90, SD/60, Open to 1749
& under. $$GTD: $400-200. U1500 $100, U1250 $100. ALL: EF: $50 in
advance, $55 at site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45. Advance entries must be post-
marked by 1/28/2012. Rds.: 10-4, 10-4. One half point bye available
rounds 1-3. Must be requested before round 1. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49Tech-
nology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, relyea@opera
mail.com. HR: $84 Mention Relyea Chess (207) 282-7222.
www.relyeachess.com. NS. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 20
Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, Maryland
2012 Baltimore Open
5SS, 40/100, SD/45 inc/30 (Rnd 1 G/90 inc/30) (2-day option, rds 1-2
G/45 inc/30) U1300 G/120 d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 d/5). Dou-
bleTree BWI, 890 Elkridge Landing Rd., Linthicum, MD 21090. 3 sections
(all prizes guaranteed): Open (FIDE rated) $600-400-200, top U2100
$150, top U1950 $125. Under 1800 $500-250-150, top U1600 $125, top
U1450 $100. Under 1300 $400-200-125, top U1100 $75, top U900 $50,
top unrated $50. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1300 or $300 in
U1800. Sets and board provided. Clocks provided in the Open sec-
tion. Optionally, pairings can be texted to your phone. EF: $55 by 1/27
mail or online, $65 by 2/7 online, and $70 online or at the door (cash or
CC). Special EFs: GM&IMs free; $50 deducted from prize. HR: $92, ($15
EF discount if staying in hotel room block) may not be avail after 1/20,
Limited number of free Sat. night rooms for GMs registering early. Open
& U1800 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat 11&6, Sun
9&3. Open & U1800 2-day schedule: reg ends Sat 10am rds 11-2:15-
6, 9-3. U1300 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8, Sat
11&3:30, Sun 9&1:00. U1300 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10am rds 11,
1:15 & 3:30, Sun 9&1:00. Ent: MCA, c/o Michael Regan, 1827 Thornton
Ridge Rd., Towson, MD 21204. Detailed rules, more information, link for
hotel reservation, & online entry at http://thebaltopen.com. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Feb. 11-12 or 12, New York
Marshall February Grand Prix!
4-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-
3716. EF: $50, members $30. $$625 Gtd: 275-150, U2200/unr. $105,
U2000 $95. Reg. ends 15 min. before round. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day,
Rds. 12:30-5:30PM each day; 1-day, (Rds. 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:30-
5:30PM Sun; both merge rd. 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO
RE-ENTRY. FIDE (G/30 not FIDE ratable). www.marshallchessclub.org.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, New Mexico
Southern Rocky Fide Open
5SS, G/90+30s inc. University of New Mexico - Student Union Building.
Albuquerque, NM 87131. USCF Membership required - available onsite.
Prizes: $5,275 Guaranteed, $6,000 projected in 6 sections. Open
3rd annual GOLDEN STATE OPEN
Jan 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Martin Luther King weekend at Concord Hilton
7 rounds, $30,000 projected prizes, $21,000 minimum - U1000 entry fees lowered!
7 rounds, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day
option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5, 2-day
option except Open Section, rds 1-4
G/40, d/5), Concord Hilton, 1970
Diamond Blvd, Concord CA 94520,
I-680 to Willow Pass Rd. Free BART
shuttle, free parking.
In 5 sections. Prizes $30,000
based on 290 paid entries (reentries
& $70 off entries count half), min.
guarantee $21,000 (70% each prize).
Open: $2000-1200-800-700-
600-500, clear/tiebreak win $100, top
U2300 $1000-500, U2200/Unr
$800-400. FIDE, 120 GPP.
Under 2100: $1500-1000-800-
600-500-400, top U1900 $800-400.
Under 1800: $1500-1000-800-
600-500-400, top U1600 $800-400.
Under 1500: $1200-800-600-
500-400-400, top U1300 $700-400.
Under 1200: $1200-800-600-
500-400-400, top U1000 $500.
Unrated prize limits: U1200 $300,
U1500 $500, U1800 $700.
58 Chess Life December 2011
(FIDE Rated): (G/$) $1,500-800-500, U2400 $200, U2200 $200-100,
U2000 $200-100. Reserve (U1800): (G/$) $600-300-200, U1600 $150-
75. Booster (U1400): $$350, (B/35) $200-100, U1200 $75, U1000 $75.
Unrated: (B/20) $150+Trophy-100-75. 1-Day Scholastics Sat. & Sun-
day (K-9, U1200). Trophies 1st-5th, 1st K-6, K-3, & 1st 2-day score. EF
(if by 1/23): Open $79, Res. $49, Booster $35, Unr. $25. $10 late fee after
1/23, $20 after 2/16 or at site. Free Entry for GM/IM/WGM. Scholas-
tic $15/Day - $25/Both days. 3-Day Schedule: Fri. (Reg: 5-5:30PM) Rds
at 6PM; Sat. 10AM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day: Sat. (Reg: 8:30-9AM)
Rds at 9:30AM, 1:30PM, 6PM. Sun. 9AM, 2PM. 2-Day Rds 1-2, G/90 and
merges into 3-Day G/90+30s at rd. 3. Scholastic: Rounds: 9:30, 10:45,
1, 2:30, 4:00 each day. All games G/30. Up to 2 half point byes upon req.
before rd 1 in all sections. NS NC W. ENT: Wired Kings CC; 12004
Prospect Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87112. HR: $71 505-944-2599 Hilton
Homewood Suites ABQ Airport, available until 2/1/12 or room block
full. GM Khachiyan and GM Yermolinsky Simuls and Lectures - Thu. and
Fri. at 3:30p and 6:30p. Thursday events at rec'd hotel. Online Entry &
add'l info: www.SouthernRockyOpen.com, WiredKingsCC@gmail.com,
505-550-4654. U.S. G/15 Championship held after SRFO on Sunday
2/27, See National Events. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Feb. 24-26, Iowa
Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge
5SS, 30/60, SD/60.The Lodge, 900 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, IA 52722.
Iowa Qualifier $$500 gtd. $150-100-50, U1600, U1400, U1200, U1000
$50 each. EF: $20 by Feb 22 ($5 more if on-site). Rds.: 1st rd either Fri
8pm or Sat 9am, then Sat 2:30pm-8pm, Sun 9am-2:30pm. Info: Kevin Hyde,
hyde@ioa.com, 828-674-6073. HR: $89 www.lodgehotel.com. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 6
Feb. 24-26 or 25-26, Tennessee
Greater Memphis Open 2
6SS, G/120 (Open & U1600). Site: Greater Memphis Chess Center,
5796 Shelby Oaks Drive, Suite 11, Memphis,TN 38134. Round times: Fri
7pm, Sat 9-2-7, Sun 9-2. Optional 2 day with round 1 and 2 as G/60 9-
11:30 and merge. EF: $45 before 2-20-12, $55 after and onsite. GMCC
and MCC members $40 anytime. USCF Youth and Scholastic Players may
enter either Section to compete for no prize money for $25 anytime. Re-
entry after round one: $25. Guaranteed Prize Fund: Open: 1st $250, 2nd
125, 3rd 75,Top U1600: 1st 125, 2nd 75, 3rd 50. Special U1000 Scholas-
tic section. 4 round G/1. Entry fee: $15. Round times: Sat 9-11:30, 2,
4:30. Trophies to top 10. Onsite Registration: Friday 2/24: 5pm-6:30pm,
Saturday 2/25: 7am-8:30am. Tournament Director: Gary M. Pylant, gpy-
lant@gmail.com, 901-359-8616. memphischess.com. Chess Magnet
School JGP for Open & U1600 Sections.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Feb. 26, New Mexico
2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
Entry Fee: 4-day $129, 3-day
$128, 2-day $127 mailed by 1/5, all
$130 online at chesstour.com by
1/10, $135 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 1/10 (entry only, no questions),
$150 at site. GMs free; $100
deducted from prize. No phone entry
after 1/10.
Entry fee $70 less to Under
1000 or Unrated in U1200 or U1500.
No checks at site; credit cards
accepted.
Re-entry: $60 (except Open).
Special 1 year USCF dues with
magazine if paid with entry. Online at
chesstour. com, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed,
phoned or at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
USCF membership required.
Choice of schedules. All merge
& compete for same prizes:
4-day late reg. ends Fri 6 pm,
rounds. Fri 7 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am &
6 pm, Mon 10 am & 4:30 pm.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, Massachusetts
21st annual Eastern Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds1-2 G/75, d/5). Host Hotel at Cedar
Lake, 366 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566 (I-84 Exit3, near I-90). Free park-
ing. $$ 18,000 based on 220 paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries
count half), minimum $12,000 (2/3 of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sec-
tions: Master (2200/up): $1700-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on
tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199):
$1400-700-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200. Class B:
(1600-1799) $1400-700-400-200. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-
200. Class D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200):
$400-200-120-80, trophies to top U1000, U800, U600, Unrated. Rated
players may play up one section. Prize limits: Unrated may not win over
$150 in E, $250 D, $400C, $600 B, or $800 A. If any post-event rating
posted at uschess.org 12/1/11-3/1/12 is more than 30 points over
section maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of any limited prize goes to
next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed
by 2/23, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 2/28, $110 phoned to 406-
896-2038 by 2/28 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90
deducted from prize. EF for all in Class E, and unrated in Class D: all
$60 less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Advance EF $5 less to MACA
members; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial uschess.org
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with
magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section.
3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10
& 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6,
Sun 10 & 4:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master must commit before rd 2,
others before rd 3. HR: $89-89-99, 800-582-3232, 508-347-7393, request
chess rate, reserve by 2/17 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis,
800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through
chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. Questions: DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries
posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 30
Mar. 2-4, Virginia
44th Annual Virginia Open
5SS, Rd. 1 G/120, Rds. 2-5 40/2 SD/1. DoubleTree Hotel Dulles Airport
- Sterling 21611 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA 20166. Tel: 1-703-230-0077.
Fax: 1-703-230-0078. $69(!!)Rooms. Reserve by Friday Feb 17th to ensure
chess rate. Direct link for hotel registration by 12/1 available on tour-
nament website. $$ $3400 in Two Sections, Top 4 G in Open, rest Based
on 140 Open $600-400-300-200 (G)Top X, A each $180. Winner gets plaque
as 2012 Virginia Open Champion Amateur: $400-200-150, Top B, C, D,
U1200 Each $160, Top Unrated $100. Amateur winner gets plaque and
2012 Virginia Open Amateur title. ALL: Reg. Friday 3/2 5:30p-7:45p. Rds.:
3-day late reg. ends Sat 10 am,
rounds Sat 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm,
Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30.
2-day late reg. ends Sun 9:30
am, rounds Sun 10 am, 12 noon, 2
pm, 3:45 pm & 6 pm, Mon 10 am and
4:30 pm. No 2-day Open Section.
Half-pt byes: OK all, limit 3, limit
2 in last 4 rds. Open must commit
before rd 2, others before rd 4.
January official USCF ratings
used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated.
Bring set, board, clock if
possible- none supplied.
Hotel rates: $99-99-109, 925-
827-2000, ask for chess rate,
reserve by Dec 30 or rate may
increase.
Entry: Continental Chess, Box
661776, Arcadia CA 91066. Optional
entry form faces Chess Life inside
back cover, or see entryblank.com.
$15 charge for refunds. Advance
entries posted at chesstour.com.
uschess.org

8pm Friday, Sat 10a-4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: (Reduced!) $50 if
received by Feb 25, $60 later and at site. $30 Re/entry allowed from Rd.
1 into Rd. 2 only. Sat Reg. 9-9:45. One 1/2 point bye allowed with entry,
declared before Rd. 1 and then irrevocable. VCF membership required
for Virginia residents ($10 Adults, $5 U19) Ent: Make checks payable to
"Virginia Chess" and mail to: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria,
VA 22306, website: www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm, matkins2@cox.net
for questions, NO INTERNET or PHONE entries. NS, NC, W. FIDE (Open).
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, California, Southern
19th annual Western Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds.1-2 G/75, d/5). Sheraton Agoura
Hills Hotel (formerly Renaissance), 30100 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA
91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Mon-
ica Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles
from Ventura. Free parking. $$20,000 based on 230 paid entries (re-
entries, Class E count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each
prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-
300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, topU2300 $800-400. FIDE.
Expert (2000-2199): $1500-800-400-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1500-
800-400-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1500-800-400-200. Class C
(1400-1599): $1400-700-400-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-
200. Class E (Under1200): $600-300-200-100, trophies to top U1000,
U800, U600, Unr. Rated players may play up one section. Prize limits:
Unrated may not win over $150 in E, $250 D, $400 C, $600 B, or $800 A.
If any post-event rating posted at uschess.org 12/8/11-3/8/12 is
more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of
any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 3-day
$113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/1, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 3/6,
$120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/6 (entry only, no questions), $130 at
site. EF for all in Class E Section, and unrated in Class D: all $60 less.
All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at
chesstour.com. Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.Mailed, phoned
or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry
(except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated South-
ern CA residents. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11 &
6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30
& 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2; Master must commit before
rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by 3/5 or
rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#D657633.
Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658, DirectorAtChess.us. Ent: Con-
tinental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge
for withdrawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Missouri
16th annual Mid-America Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75,d/5). Crowne Plaza Hotel
St. Louis-Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 (I-64 W/US
40-W Exit 32B, 1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 18,000 based on 220
paid entries (re-entries & $60 off entries count half, U900 Section 1/4),
minimum$12,000 (2/3 each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open:
$2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top
U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100 $700. FIDE. Under 2000: $1400-700-
400-200. Under 1800: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1600: $1200-600-300-
200. Under 1400: $1000-500-250-150. Under 1200: $1000-500-250-150.
Under 900: $200-100, trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, Unrated.
Prize limits: Unrated may not win over $100 in U900, $200 U1200,
$400 U1400, $700 U1600, or $900 U1800. If any post-event rating posted
at uschess.org 12/15/11-3/15/12 is more than 30 points over section
maximum, prize limit $500. Balance of any limited prize goes to next
player(s) in line.Top 6 sections EF: 3-day $109, 2-day $108 mailed by 3/8,
all $110online at chesstour.com by 3/13, $115 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 3/15 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. $60 less to unrated in
U1200 or U1400. U900 Section EF: All $80 less than top 6 sections EF.
No checks at site, credit cards OK. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize.
All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Spe-
cial 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online atchesstour.
com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not avail-
able in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) required for MO residents. 3-day
schedule: Reg ends Fri 6pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15.
2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 &
4:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open must commit before rd 2, others before
rd 3. HR: $89-89, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate,
reserve by 3/2 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD#D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Con-
tinental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: Director
AtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15
service charge for refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, New York
Long Island Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Holiday Inn Long
Island - Islip Airport, 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY
11779. Free parking, free shuttle from LIRR or Islip Airport. Prizes
$12,000 based on 150 paid entries, $8000 minimum (2/3 each prize) guar-
anteed; re-entries & $50 off entries count as half entries. In 4 sections.
Open: $1500-800-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100 bonus, top
U2300/Unr $600, U2200/Unr $500. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-
300, top U1900 $500, U1800 $400. Under 1700: $900-500-300-200, top
U1500 $450, U1400 $350. Under 1300: $800-400-200-100, topU1100
$300. Unrated may not win over $200 in U1300 or $400 in U1700. EF:
3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/8, all $105 online at chesstour.com
by 3/13, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/13 (entry only, no questions),
$120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free; $100 deducted
from prize. EF for Under 1000 or unrated in U1300: (NOTE CHANGE):
$50 less. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry.
Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.
Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
Re-entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule: Reg
ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day sched-
ule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. All:
Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2, others before
rd 3. HR: $75-75, 631-471-0401, reserve by 3/2 or rate may increase.
Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online
through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills,
NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chess
tour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658.Advance entries posted at
chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 60 (enhanced)
Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, Pennsylvania
13th annual Pittsburgh Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1. d/5 (2-day option,rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Doubletree Hotel
Pittsburgh GreenTree (formerly Radisson), 101 Radisson Dr., Pittsburgh,
PA 15205. 3 miles south of downtown, 13 miles from Pittsburgh airport
(free shuttle). Free parking. $$12,000 based on 150 paid entries (re-
entries & $50 off entries count half), $9000 (75% each prize) minimum
guaranteed. In 5 sections. Open: $1500-800-400-200, clear or tiebreak
winner $100 bonus, top Under 2300/Unr $700, Under 2200/Unr $600.
Under 2100: $1000-500-250-150, top Under 1900 $400. Under 1800:
$1000-500-300-200, top Under 1600 $400. Under 1500: $800-400-300-
200, top Under 1300 $300. Under 1200: $400-250-150-100, trophies to
top Under 1000, Under 800, Under 600, Unrated. Unrated may not win
over $150 in U1200, $300 U1500, or $500 U1800. Top 4 sections EF: 3-
day $103.50, 2-day $102.50mailed by 3/15, all $107 online at
chesstour.com by 3/20, $110phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/20 (entry only,
no questions), $120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free; $100
deducted from prize. Under 1200 Section EF: $50 less than above. Spe-
cial 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: online at
chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Re-
entry $60; not available in Open Section. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri
6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 4:15 pm. 2-day
schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm, Sun 10
am & 4:15 pm. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before
rd 2, others before rd3. HR: $91-91-91-91, 1-800-395-7046, 412-922-8400;
reserve by 3/9or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600,
AWDD657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Con-
tinental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge
for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com, Director@Chess.US, 845-
496-9658. Advance entries posted atchesstour.com. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, Florida
10th Annual Southern Class Championships
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5(2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5). Wyndham Orlando
Resort, 8001 International Dr., Orlando 32819. Free parking. $$14,000
based on 200 paid entries (re-entries & $50 off entries count half),
$10,500 (3/4 each prize) minimum guaranteed. In 7 sections. Master
(2200/up): $1200-600-400-300, clear or tiebreak winner$100 bonus. FIDE.
Expert (2000-2199): $1000-500-300-200. Class A (1800-1999): $1000-
500-300-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1000-500-300-200. Class C
(1400-1599): $1000-500-300-200. Class D (1200-1399): $800-400-
300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-300-200. Rated players
may play up one section. Unrated may enter A through E, but may not
win over $200 in E, $350 D, $500 C or $650B. EF: 3-day $98, 2-day $97
mailed by 3/23, all $99 online atchesstour.com by 3/27, $105 phoned to
406-896-2038 by 3/27 (entry only, no questions), $120 (no checks, credit
cards OK) at site. GMs free; $90 deducted from prize. EF for under 1000
or unrated in E: all $50 less. Special 1 year USCF dues with maga-
zine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult
44th annual LIBERTY BELL OPEN
7 rounds, Jan 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, Philadelphia
$20,000 projected prize fund, $14,000 minimum
This traditional Martin Luther King weekend event has paid MORE than
its $20,000 projected prize fund every year since 2006! In 9 sections:
Open Section: $1700-1000-500-300-200, clear/tiebreak win $100 bonus,
top Under 2400/Unr $800. FIDE rated, 80 GPP (enhanced).
Under 2300 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. FIDE rated.
Under 2100 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1900 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200.
Under 1700 Section: $1000-600-400-300-200. Unrated limit $700.
Under 1500 Section: $900-500-400-300-200. Unrated limit $500.
Under 1300 Section: $600-300-200-150-100. Unrated limit $300.
Under 1100 Section: $600-300-200-150-100. Unrated limit $200.
Under 900 Section: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10. Unr limit $100.
FULL DETAILS: see Grand Prix in this issue or chesstour.com.
$20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $60; not available in Master Section. 3-
day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11& 6, Sun 10 & 4:15.
2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 &
4:15. All: Half point byes OK all, limit 2, Open must commit before rd 2,
others before rd 3. HR: $81-81plus resort fee (currently 7.5%), 1-800-
421-8001, 407-351-2420; reserve by 3/16 or rate may increase. Car
rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD D657633, or reserve car online through
chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY
12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: www.chesstour.com,
DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chess-
tour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, Pennsylvania
6th annual Philadelphia Open
In 8 sections. Open Section, Apr 4-8: 9SS, 40/90, SD/30, inc30. GM &
IM norms possible, FIDE rated. U2200 to Under 1200 Sections, Apr
5-8, 6-8 or 7-8: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75, d/5,
2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40, d/5). Under 1000 Section, Apr 7-8: 7SS,
G/40, d/5. At the upscale, luxury Loews Philadelphia Hotel, rated
Four Diamonds by AAA, 1200 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Prizes
$80,000 based on 500 paid entries (seniors, re-entries, GMs, IMs,
WGMs count as half entries, U1200 Section 40%entries, U1000 Section
15% entries), else proportional, minimum $60,000 (75% of each prize)
guaranteed. Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400,
clear or tiebreak first $200 bonus, FIDE Under 2400/Unr $2000-1000.
Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800: each $5000-2500-1200-800-600-
500-400-300-300-300. Under 1600, Under 1400: each $4000-2000-1000-
700-500-400-300-200-200-200. Under 1200: $1500-800-500-300-200-200-
200-100-100-100. Under 1000: $400-200-100, trophies to first 5, top U800,
U600, U400, Unrated. Prize limits: 1) If official rating 4/11-3/12 or unof-
ficial post-event rating posted at uschess.org 4/4/11-4/4/12 is more than
30 points over section maximum, prize limit $1500. 2) Unrated (0-3 life-
time games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1200, $800
U1400, $1200 U1600, $1600U1800, or $2000 U2000. Unofficial uschess.org
ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. 3) Provisional (4-25 lifetime
games rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $800 U1200, $1500U1400,
or $2500 U1600. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s)
in line. Open EF: free to GMs, IMs, WGMs; $150 deducted from prize. US
players with current or former FIDE ratings of 2200/over: $225 mailed
by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $250 at site. Foreign FIDE rated players: $175
mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $200 at site, Others: $375 mailed by 3/27
or online by 4/2, $400 at site. U2200 through U1400 Sections EF: 4-
day $224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 mailed by 3/27, $225 online by 4/2,
$250 at site. U1200 Section EF: 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day $82 mailed
by 3/27, $85 online by 4/2, $100 at site. U1000 Section EF: $32 mailed
by 3/27, $35 online by 4/2, $50 at site. Phone EF: All $5 more than online
EF, 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions), available only through 4/2.
Online late entry after 4/2: available until 2 hours before your first game,
same price as entry at site. EF $100 less to rated seniors 65/over in
U2200 through U1400. Special 1 year USCF membership with maga-
zine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult
$20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30, Scholastic $20. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100,
no re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open
only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri 11 & 6, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Thu
6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day
schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat
11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U2200-U1200): Reg. ends Sat.
9am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day, 3-day, & 2-day
merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat.
Chess Life December 2011 59
 Tournament Life
9 am, rds Sat 10, 12, 2 & 3:45, Sun 10, 12 & 2. Byes: NOTE CHANGE.
Half point byes OK all rounds, limit 4 byes, Open Section must commit
before rd 2, other sections before rd 4. Bring sets, boards, clocks if
possible- none supplied. HR: $98-98-123-123, 215-627-1200, reserve by
3/21 or rate may increase. Parking: Hotel has valet parking only, with
a special chess rate of $30/day. Many parking lots nearby charge much
less, with rates lowest on the weekend. Gateway Garage, 1540 Vine St
(1 block from Sheraton Hotel) is about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other
days. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve
car online at chesstour.com. Ratings: FIDE used for Open, USCF April
list for U2200 & below; note that ratings after the April list (see above)
may result in a $1500 prize limit. Foreign player ratings: For U2200 and
below, usually100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 100/more to most
other foreign, no points added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Some foreign rat-
ings not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually
used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled.
Special rules: Players must submit to a search for electronic devices
if requested by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80%
or over and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones or cell
phones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions:
www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658. You may request
"lowest possible section" if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for
refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
An American Classic!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28, 27-28, or 25-26, Illinois
21st annual Chicago Open
Open Section, May 24-28: 9SS, 40/90, SD/30, inc30, GM & IM norms
possible, all Open entry fees $100 more than below for US players never
rated 2200/over by FIDE. Under 2300 to Under1300, May 25-28, 26-
28 or 27-28: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5; 2-day
option, rds. 1-4 G/40, d/5). Under 1100, May 25-26: 7SS, G/40, d/5.
Under 900, May 27-28: 7SS, G/40, d/5. All: No 5 minute time deduc-
tion. Players in Under 1100 may also enter a May27-28 section with no
schedule conflict. At Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Mil-
waukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north;
from Milwaukee,I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free park-
ing. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 9 sections. Open:
$10000-5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300, clear or tiebreak
winner bonus $200, top FIDE Under 2500/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated,
GM and IM norms possible. Under 2300: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-
500-400-300-300. FIDE rated. Under 2100: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-
600-500-400-300-300. Under 1900: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-
400-300-300. Under 1700: $5000-2500-1200-900-700-600-500-400-300-
300. Under 1500: $4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300.
Under 1300: $4000-2000-1000-800-600-500-400-400-300-300. Under
1100: $1500-700-400-300-200-200-100-100. Under 900: $500-300-200,
trophies to first 5, top U700, U500, U300, Unrated. Prize limits: 1) Play-
CONTINENTAL CHESS SCHEDULE
Visit our website at www. chesstour. com for
late news, results, games, CCA minimum ratings,
advance entries, and more!
Most tournaments have alternate schedules
playing less or more days than listed below.
Asterisk means full details in this issue-
otherwise, see future issues or our website.
12/9-11, 10-11: New England Senior,Amateur &
Scholastics, Windsor Locks CT*
12/9-11: New England Amateur, Windsor Locks CT*
12/10-11: New England Scholastics, Windsor Locks CT*
12/26-29: North American Open, Las Vegas NV*
12/26-29: Empire City Open, New York NY*
1/6-8: Continental Amateur, Boston MA*
1/13-16: Liberty Bell Open, Philadelphia PA*
1/13-16: Golden State Open, Concord CA*
3/2-4: Eastern Class Championshipos, Sturbridge MA*
3/3-4: New York State Scholastics, Saratoga Springs NY*
3/9-11: Western Class Championships, Agoura Hills CA*
3/16-18: Mid-America Open, St Louis MO*
3/16-18: Long Island Open, Ronkonkoma NY*
3/30-4/1: Southern Class, Orlando FL*
4/4-8: Philadelphia Open, Philadelphia PA*
5/4-6: Western Team Championship, Los Angeles CA
5/24-28: Chicago Open, Wheeling IL*
6/28-7/2: Philadelphia International, Philadelphia PA*
7/4-8: World Open, Philadelphia PA*
7/20-22: Chicago Class, Wheeling IL
7/20-22: Pacific Coast Open, Agoura Hills CA
7/27-29: Southern Open, Orlando FL
7/27-29: Bradley Open, Windsor Locks CT
8/3-5: Cleveland Open, Cleveland OH
8/10-12: Continental Open, Sturbridge MA
8/17-19: Central California Open, Fresno CA
8/17-19: Indianapolis Open, Indianapolis IN
8/24-26: Atlantic Open, Washington DC
9/1-3: New York State Championship, Albany NY
For later events, see chesstour.com.
60 Chess Life December 2011
ers with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/12 list may not win over
$800 U1100, $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/12
list not counted. 2) If official rating 5/11-4/12 or unofficial post-event
rating posted 5/24/11-5/24/12 was more than 30 points over section
maximum, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) can-
not win over $200 inU900, $400 U1100, $700 U1300, $1000 U1500,
$1500 U1700, $2000 U1900 or $2500 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org rat-
ings usually used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes
to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections Mailed EF: 5-day Open $205,
4-day $204, 3-day$203, 2-day $202 mailed by 3/29; 5-day $225, 4-day
$224, 3-day $223, 2-day $222 mailed by 5/16; all $250 at site. No checks
at site, credit cards OK. Top 7 sections online EF atchesstour.com:
$207 by 3/29, $227 by 5/21, $250 after 5/21 until 2 hours before rd 1.
Top 7sections phoned EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions):
$230 by 5/21 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/21. GMs,
IMs, WGMs, foreign FMs free in Open; $200 deducted from prize. All
Open Section EF $100 more for US players never rated 2200 or over by
FIDE. EF $100 less to seniors age 65/over in top 7 sections. Under 1100
EF: $85 mailed by 5/16, $87 online at chesstour.com by 5/21, $100 at
site. Under 900 EF: $35 mailed by 5/16, $37 online at chesstour.com by
5/21, $50 at site. Online or mailed EF $5 less to ICA members; join at
il-chess.org. An ICA Tour Event. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine
if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30,
Scholastic $20. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open to Open. 5-day
schedule (Open): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds Thu 7 pm, Fri 12 & 7, Sat 11
& 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule (U2300 to U1300): Reg.
ends Fri 6pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-
day schedule (U2300 to U1300): Reg. ends Sat 10 am, Rds. Sat 11, 2:30
& 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day U2300 toU1300 schedule: Reg.
ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 4-day, 3-
day & 2-day U2300 to U1300 schedules merge & compete for same
prizes. Under 1100 schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds Fri 7 pm & 9 pm,
Sat 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds
Sun 10, 12, 2 & 3:45, Mon 10, 12, 2. Byes: OK all, limit 4(limit 2 in last 4
rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Hotel rates: $103-
103-103-103, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/11 or rate may
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve
car online through chesstour.com. 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. Players who fail to dis-
close foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: May
official ratings used; FIDE ratings used for Open Section. Unofficial
uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules:
1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested
by Director. In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over and
their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones, or go
to a different floor of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Conti-
nental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: DirectorAt
Chess.US, 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request "lowest
possible section" if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds.
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Chess Magnet School
JGP.
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
June 28-July 2, Pennsylvania
9th annual Philadelphia International
9SS, 40/90,SD/30, 30 second increment. Sheraton Philadelphia City
Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Parking $10/day
chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest
room, parking lot next to hotel may be much less than $20. $$G 8000:
$2000-1200-800-700-600-500-400-300, top FIDE under 2300 or unrated
$1000-500. Minimum prize $800 to foreign GMs who complete all games
with no byes (limited to first 5 foreign GMs to enter), $300 to US GMs,
foreign IMs & foreign WGMs (all must complete all games with no byes.)
IM& GM norms possible; FIDE rated. EF: Free to GMs, IMs, WGMs. For-
eign FIDE rated players: $125 mailed by 6/18, $127 online by 6/23, $150
at tmt. USA current or former FIDE 2200/up rated players: $225 mailed
by 6/18, $227 online by 6/23, $250 at tmt. Others: $325 mailed by 6/18,
$327 online by 6/23, $350 at tmt. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK.
Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine: see World Open. Schedule:
Late reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri through Mon 11 & 6, Tue 11. Two half
point byes available (must commit before rd 2); norm not possible if tak-
ing bye. HR: $99-99, 215-448-2000, reserve by 6/5 or rate may increase.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. Ent: Continen-
tal Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for
refunds. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. Advance entries
posted at chesstour.com. Invitations: GoAtChess.us (use @ instead of
at). Chess Magnet School JGP.
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!
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
Trophies Plus Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)
July 1-3, 2-8, 4-5, 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, Pennsylvania
40th Annual World Open
9SS (Senior Amateur, Women's Championship and Under 13 Booster are
6SS). Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Streets,
Philadelphia, PA 19103. For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport, call 800-
559-2040 or 215-616-5370. Parking $10/day chess rate with guest room
at Sheraton, $20/day chess rate without guest room, Gateway lot at 1540
Vine, 1 block from hotel, is about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day other
days. In 13 sections with $250,000 projected prizes, $200,000 mini-
mum. 80% of each prize guaranteed based on 1180 paid entries total in
first 9 listed sections, all prizes guaranteed in Senior Amateur, Womens
Championship, Under 13 Championship, and Under 13 Booster. GMs,
IMs, WGMs, Under 1200, seniors count as 50% entries, Under 900 as
15%entries. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik 7/4-8; free
GM lectures 9 am 7/6 & 7/7. Time controls: Open 40/90, SD/30, 30 sec-
ond increment. U2400, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200
40/2, SD/1, d/5 (4-day option rds 1-2 G/75, d/5, 3-day option rds 1-5
G/45, d/5). U900, Under 13 Championship, Under 13 Booster G/65,
d/5. Senior Amateur, Womens Championship 40/2, SD/1,d/5. Open,
9SS, July 4-8 or 2-8: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-600-
500, clear winner bonus $300, top FIDE U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first,
top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/8 for title & bonus prize.
GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8,
5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top
U2300/Unr $2000-1000. FIDE rated. Under 2200/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8,
5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top
U2100 (no unr) $2000-1000. FIDE rated. Under 2000/Unr, 9SS, July 4-
8, 5-8, 6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500,
top U1900 (no unr) $2000-1000. Under 1800/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8,
6-8 or 2-8: $13000-7000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top
U1700 (no unr) $2000-1000. Under 1600/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8, 6-8
or 2-8: $11000-6000-3000-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top 1500 (no
unr) $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8: $10000-
5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500-400, top U1300 (no unr)
$1600-800. Under 1200/Unr, 9SS, July 4-8, 5-8 or 6-8: $5000-2500-
1200-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300, top U1100 (no Unr) $1200-600.
Under 900/Unr, 9SS, July 6-8: $1000-700-500-400-300-300-300, tro-
phies to first 10, top U700, U500, U300, Unrated. Senior Amateur, 6SS,
July 1-3: Open to Under 2010 or unrated born before 7/4/62. $$ 500-
300-200, topU1810 $280-140, top U1610/Unr $250-130, top U1410 $200.
Women's Championship, 6SS, July 1-3: Open to all females. $$ 500-
300-200, top U1800 $240, U1600 $220, U1400 $200, U1200 $180, U1000
$160, trophy to top U800, U600, Unrated. FIDE rated. Under 13 Cham-
pionship, 9SS, July 1-3: Open to all born after 7/3/99. Trophies to top
10, 1st C, D, E, Unrated. Free entry to all CCA tournaments 7/15/12-
12/31/12 to 1st. Under 13 Booster, 6SS, July 4-5: Open to all born after
7/5/99 rated under 1000 or unrated.Trophies to top 10, 1st U800, U600,
U400, U200; free entry to all CCA tournaments 7/15/12-10/31/12 to1st.
Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/12 official
list may not win over $600 inU900, $1500 in U1200, $3000 in U1400 or
U1600. Games rated too late for 7/12 list not counted. 2) If official rat-
ing 7/11-6/12 or unofficial post-event rating posted 7/3/11-7/3/12
was more than 30 points over section maximum, prize limit $2000. 3)
Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $300 in U900, $800
U1200, $1200 U1400, $1600 U1600, $2000 U1800, or $2500 U2000. 4)
Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Open, U2400,
U2200, U2200, U1800, U1600, U1400 EF: Mailed by 2/15, all 5-day $305,
4-day $304, 3-day $303, 7-day $307. Open has 5-day and 7-day only; no
7-day in U1400 orU1200. Mailed by 5/15 all $10 more, mailed by 6/20
all $20 move. Online at chesstour.com, all $307 by2/15, $317 by 5/15,
$327 by 6/25, $350 6/26 to 2 hours before round 1 or at site. Phoned
to 406-896-2038, all $330 by 6/25. At site, all $350; no checks, credit cards
OK. GMs free in Open; $200 deducted from prize. IMs, WGMs EF $100
less, $100 deducted from prize. All Open Section EF $100 more for US
players never rated 2200 or over by FIDE. Under 1200 Section EF: all
$150 less. EF for U900 Section, or unrated in U1200 Section: $43
mailed by 6/20, $47 online at chesstour.com by 6/25, $60 online to 2 hours
before round 1 or at site. Rated seniors 65/up in U1400 or over: all
$150 less. Senior Amateur or Women's Championship EF: $76 mailed
by 6/20, $78 online by 6/25, $90 at site. Under 13 Championship or
Under 13 Novice EF: $39 mailed by 6/20, $41 online by 6/25, $50 at site.
No checks at site; credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from
Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 7/3. Special 1 year
USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com,
Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site,
Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Open to U1200 5-day
schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thu 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am
& 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. U2400 to U1200 4-day schedule: Thu 11,
2:30 & 6, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. U2400 to U1200 3-day
schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. Open to
U1600 7-day schedule: Mon-Wed 7 pm, Thu-Fri 6 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun
10 & 5. All above schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under
900 schedule: Fri 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Sat & Sun each 10 am, 1 pm, 4
pm. Senior Amateur & Women's Championship schedule: Sun 11 am
& 6 pm, Mon 10 & 5, Tue 10 & 4:30. Under 13 Championship sched-
ule: Sun 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Mon 10, 1 & 4, Tue 10, 1 & 4. Under 13
Booster schedule: Wed 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm, Thu 10, 1 & 4. Half point
byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd
2, others before rd 4. Limit 1 half point bye in 6 round sections. Entries,
re-entries close 1 hour before your first game. Bring sets, boards,
clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $99-99, 215-448-2000, ask for chess
rate, may sell out about May 31, two night minimum July 6-7. Special
car rental rates: Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car
online through chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 pts
added to FIDE (except Open Section), 100 to FQE, 200 or more to most
foreign, no pts added to CFC, Puerto Rico or Jamaica. Some foreign rat-
ings not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually
used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled.
US player ratings: Official July ratings used; FIDE ratings used for Open
Section only. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
uschess.org
 See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14

unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic
devices if requested by Director. In round3 or after, players with scores
of 80% or over and their opponents may not use headphones, ear-
phones, cell phones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director
permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577.
Questions: www.chesstour.com, DirectorAtChess.US, 845-496-9658.
You may request "lowest possible section" if July rating unknown. $15
service charge for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chess-
tour.com. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Regional
Alabama
Dec. 17, Magic City Classic
4SS, TC: G/75. Birmingham Bridge Club, 2112 Columbiana Road,
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Open (PF: $$b/25): $200-125-100-U1700:100;
Reserve (U1500; PF: $$b/25): $175 -100-75-U1000:75; Rds.: 9-11:30-
2:30-5. EF: $30; if mailed by DEC 10th; $40 at site. Scholastic: 5SS, TC:
G/30: Premier (K-12). EF: $20, Trophy: Top 3 Individual, Medals 4th-
6th. Late REG: DEC 17th: 8-8:40am. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess.
ENT: Caesar Chess LLC, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34 - PMB 310,
Birmingham, AL 35244. Info: CaesarChess@yahoo.com; www.Caesar
Chess.com/Blog; www.AlabamaChess.com. Chess Magnet School
Trophies to all players in KG. Sections based on grade. KG-3 Su 12/4,
5SSxG/30: Reg. 8-8:30am. Games 9 10:30-12-1:30-3. Grades 4-12 12/3-
4, 6SSxG/60: Reg Sa 8-8:30am. Games Sa/Su 9-11:30-2. Side events
5:30-8: Blitz (Sat), Bughouse (Sun), in 3 sects (K-3 4-6 7-12). EF by 11/24:
K-3 $37, 4-12 $47, Blitz/Bughse:$12 ea. Add $20 11/25-11/30, $40
11/30-onsite. USCF & CalChess Mem reqd. Dec 2011 Supp & TD disc to
place players. Info: BayAreaChess.com/stategrade11. E: ask@BayArea
Chess.com, T: 408.786.5515. NS, NC, W.
Dec. 10, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #3
Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd, Fremont, CA. Info &
Entry Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads11-
GP/. Open to all scholastic players who are USCF members. Trophies to
winners of each Quad. Chess medals to all who do not win a trophy. Info:
Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D., Alan@CalNorthYouthChess.org, (510) 659-0358.
Dec. 17, San Jose Quads
Trophies: Players w/winning record. Check-in 4p. Games: 4:30-6:30p.
3xG/30. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA 95101.
EF: Pre-reg $25, Onsite $40. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS. NC.
Dec. 17, San Jose Swiss
Trophies: Players w/winning record & teams with 2+ players. Medals
to others. Games: 10a-2p. 3 Sections: u500, u900, 900+. u900: 5xg30,
900+: 4xg45. Chess Center, 1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose, CA
95101. EF: Pre-reg $33, Onsite $48. Info: BayAreaChess.com/kids. NS.
NC.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 22, Alameda County Elementary School Championship
Hilton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Trophies: Top 7 players & Top 5
teams in each section. 7 based on grade KG-6. Sched: Reg 8:30-9am.
KG, Gr 1 2 3: 5xG30 games 9:30, 10:45, 12:30, 1:45, 3:00. 4 5 6: 4xG45
games 9:30, 11:15, 1:15, 3. EF: $37 by 1/18. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.
com/alameda12. NS, NC, W.
Jan. 22, Contra Costa County Elementary School Championship
Hilton, 7050 Johnson Dr., Pleasanton. Trophies: Top 7 players & Top 5
teams in each section. 7 sections based on grade 6. Sched: Reg 8:30-
9am. KG, Gr 1 2 3: 5xG30 games 9:30, 10:45, 12:30, 1:45, 3. Gr 4 5 6:
4xG45 games 9:30, 11:15, 1:15, 3. EF: $37 by 1/18. Info/flyer: BayArea
Chess.com/contracosta12. NS, NC, W.
Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, Bay Area Chess Winter Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 18-20, 29th Annual U.S. Amateur Team Championship West
See Nationals.
Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CA-
S)
See Grand Prix.
California, Southern
Los Angeles CHESS CLUB

The premier chess club in Southern California! (310) 795-

JGP.
Arizona
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CA-
S)
See Grand Prix.
California, Northern
Capital City Chess Club Monthly (Sundays)
LOCATION: Thee Upper Crust Pizza, "13th" & "K", Sacramento. TOURNA-
MENT/ENTRY FEES: Open Swisses, Quick ($3) & Slow (&$15).
GUARANTEED: 100% Return in Cash & Plaques. SCHEDULE: Sundays
11am-4pm. DETAILS: capitalcitychessclub.com. DIRECTOR: John C.
Barnard (209) 450-6133.
A State Championship Event!
Dec. 3 (Gr. 4-12)-4 (KG-3), CalChess State Scholastics
Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA. Free park-
ing. Hotel $89. Main Event: Trophies to top 20 players w/ winning
record & top 10 teams in each section of Grades 1-12. Medals to others.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 31-Jan. 2 or Jan. 1-2, New Year Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, NorCal Team Championship
Prepare for USATW! 5SS, G/30. Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America
Pkwy., Santa Clara. Hotel $79, free parking! Prizes:Trophies to each player
in top 3 teams & top team u1000, u800, u600, u400 (based on top 4 avg
rating), & top player on each board.Team is 4 or 5 players (4 play/round).
EF: $33/player, $132/team mail by 12/27, online by 12/28, Onsite
+$16/player +$32/team. Dec 2011 Supp & TD discretion for rating.
Sched: Reg. 9-9:30, Rds. 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4. Ent: Bay Area Chess, 1590
Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose 95131. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com,
Info/Form: BayAreaChess.com/nyteam12, T: 408-786-5515. NS, NC, W.
Jan. 7, Mar. 10, Bay Area Chess 4 Less Kids Quads
1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose. Trophies for winning record.
Sched: Check-in by 3:15p, 3xG30 Games 3:45-6. EF: $19 by Wed before
tourney. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/chess4less. NS. NC.
Jan. 7, Mar. 10, Bay Area Chess 4 Less Swiss
1590 Oakland Rd., Ste B213, San Jose. Trophies: Players w/winning
record, teams w/2+ players. Sched: Reg.: 8:30-9a. Games: 9:30a-2p.
3 Sections: u500 5xG30, u900 5xG30, 900+ 4xG45. EF: $27 by Wed
before tourney. Info/flyer: BayAreaChess.com/chess4less. NS. NC.
5710 * www.LAChessClub.com. The premier chess club
in Southern California! Saturdays: 10AM-10 pm (Novice
Class & 3 Tournaments) Sundays: 12-6 & 1-5 pm
(Beginner class & 2 Tournaments) Details on our web
site Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 pm (Intermediate/Advance
Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks 405 West, Santa
Monica& Butler * 2nd Floor above Javan Restaurant)
* Group Classes * Tournaments * Private (1:1) Lessons.
Dec. 3&4, 10&11, 17&18, 24&25, LACC - Sat & Sun G/61
6SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA 90025, 2nd fl. EF: $45 ($35 LACC
memb). Reg.: 11-12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm each day. Prizes: 1/2 collec-
tions. Parking: Free at BoA and streets ($3 basement). Info:
310/795-5710 or Mick@LAChessClub.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC - 10 Blitz (G/5) Sat Night (QC)
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4
blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 8-9 pm. Rds.: 9, 9:20, 9:40, 10, 10:20.
Prizes: 1/2 EF. Parking: Free at BoA & streets ($3 basement).
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC - LA Masters G/30
3SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $30 ($20 memb). Reg.: 5-6 pm. Rds.: 6, 7, 8 pm. Prizes: ($180
b/10, 75%); Parking: Free at BoA ($3 basement). Info: 310/795-5710.

21st annual NORTH AMERICAN OPEN

Dec 26-29 or 27-29, Ballys Las Vegas - entry fee reduced for U900
7 rounds, $120,000 projected prizes, $90,000 minimum guaranteed!
7-round Swiss, 40/2, SD/1, d/5 (3-
day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d/5), Bally's
Casino Resort, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd So,
Las Vegas NV 89103. Free parking.
7 sections. Prizes $120,000 based
on 600 entries (seniors, re-entries & GMs
count 50%, Under 900 or Unrated in
Under 1250 or Under 1500 25%), else
proportional; minimum $90,000 (75% of
each prize) guaranteed. December
official ratings used.
Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-
1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear or tie-
break win $200, top U2500/Unr $2500-
1200. FIDE rated, 200 GPP (enhanced).
U2300: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-
800-600-500-400-400. FIDE rated.
U2100: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-
800-600-500-400-400. Unr limit $2500.
U1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-900-
800-600-500-400-400. Unr limit $1800.
U1700: $6000-3000-1600-1000-800-
700-600-500-400-400. Unr limit $1200.
U1500: $5000-2500-1400-1000-800-
700-600-500-400-400. Unr limit $800.
U1250: $4000-2000-1300-900-700-
600-500-400-300-300, top Under 1000
$1000, Unrated limit $400.
Players with under 26 games rated
as of 12/11 list may not win over $1500
in U1250, $2500 in U1500 or U1700.
If rating was more than 30 points
over section maximum on any list Dec
2010 to Nov 2011, prize limit is $1500.
Mailed entry fee: 4-day $274, 3-day
$273 mailed by 12/15.
Online entry fee: $275 at chesstour.
com by 12/20, $300 12/21 until 2 hours
before rd 1.
Phoned entry fee: $280 by 12/20
(406-896-2038, no questions). No phone
entry after 12/20.
Entry fee at site, or online until 2
hours before first round: $300.
Under 900 or Unrated in U1250 or
U1500: 4-day $54, 3-day $53 mailed by
12/15, $55 online by 12/20, $70 at site.
Special entry fee: Senior 65/over
except Under 900 or unrated in U1250 or
U1500, $130 less. Re-entry $120; not
available in Open Section. GMs $150
from prize.
No checks at site; credit cards OK.
Special USCF dues if paid with
entry- see chesstour.com or Tournament
Life. USCF membership required.
Choice of schedules: 4-day 12/26-
29, 3-day 12/27-29. Both merge and
compete for same prizes.
4-day late reg. ends 12/26 5 pm,
Rds. 12/26 6 pm, 12/27 11 am & 6 pm,
12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 am & 4:30 pm.
3-day late reg. ends 12/27 10 am,
Rds.12/27 11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm,
12/28 11 am & 6 pm, 12/29 10 & 4:30.
Half-point byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit
2 in last 4 rds). Open must commit
before rd 2, others before rd 4.
Bring set, board, clock if possible-
none supplied.
Hotel rate at Ballys was reduced to
$65, but rooms at this rate may no longer
be available. If so, see www. chesstour.
com/nao11.htm for alternatives.
Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #657633.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated.
Entry: Continental Chess, Box 249,
Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Optional entry
form faces inside back cover, or see
www.entryblank.com. $15 service charge
for refunds. Advance entries will be
posted at chesstour.com. JGP.

uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 61

 Tournament Life
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC - Saturday G/61
3SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. ($320 b/20),
$100/50/30; U1800-1200:$50/40/30/20. EF: $25 ($20 memb). Reg.: 11-
12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Parking: basement ($3). Info: 310/795-5710.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC - Every Sunday Chess 4 Jrs.
4 separate events 2 Sections: 1000+ & U1000 (latest rtgs used),
4SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd fl. 4 blocks W 405.
EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, $10 off siblings, Free new LACC memb). Reg.:
12-1 pm. Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4 pm. Prizes: Trophies (Top 3) & Medals (rest);
each player receives a prize! Parking: Free at BoA and streets. Free
snacks & free class (12-1). Info: (310) 795-5710 or Mick@LAChess
Club.com.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25, LACC - Sunday G/61
3SS, G/61. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025 2nd fl. ($320 b/20),
$100/50/30; U1800-1200: $50/40/30/20. EF: $25 ($20 memb). Reg.: 11-
12 pm. Rds.: 12, 2, 4 pm. Parking: Free at BoA and streets ($3 basement).
Info: 310/795-5710.
Dec. 9-11, 2011 National Youth Action (West)
See Nationals.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 14-16 or 15-16, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15, Grade Level Championship
Hyatt Regency, 17900 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92614. Trophies: Top 7
players & Top 5 clubs in each section. 8 sections based on grade KG 1
2 3 4 5 6 7-12. Sched: Reg. 9-9:30am. KG-Gr3: 5xG30 games 10, 11:30,
1, 2:15, 3:30. Gr4-12: 4xG45 games 10, 11:45, 1:45, 3:30. EF: $20 by 1/10,
$30 onsite. Info: BayAreaChess.com/scgrade. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Colorado
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (NV)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM)
See Grand Prix.
Connecticut
Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Amateur
5SS, 40/100, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70). Sheraton Hotel, 1
Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-
91Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all under
2200 or unrated. Prizes $2000 based on 40 paid entries ($40 off entries
& re-entries count half), else in proportion except $1000 minimum guar-
anteed: In 2 sections. Under 2200: $400-200-100, Under 1950 $250-150.
Under 1700: $300-200-100, Under 1450 $180-120, no unrated may win
over $150. EF: 3-day $68.50, 2-day $67.50 mailed by 12/1, $70 online at
chesstour.com by 12/7, $75 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/7 (entry
only, no questions), $80 at site. Unrated in U1700 section, $40 less. Re-
entry $40. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with
entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15.
Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
3-day late reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5:30 pm,
Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. 2-day late reg. ends Sat. 10:30 am, rds Sat 11
am, 2:15 pm & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. Half point byes OK all, limit
2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by
11/25 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 (chesstour.com, Director@Chess.US).
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge for
refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Senior Open
5SS, 40/100, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70). Sheraton Hotel, 1
Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance), Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-
91 Exit 40 to Rt 20). Free parking, free airport shuttle. Open to all born
before (not after) 12/12/61; no residence requirements. Prizes $2000
based on 40 paid entries, else in proportion except $1000 minimum
guaranteed: $600-300-200, Under 2010/Unr $300, Under 1810/Unr
$250, Under 1610/Unr $200, Under 1410 $150. EF: 3-day $68, 2-day $67
mailed by 12/1, $70 online at chesstour.com by 12/7, $75 phoned to 406-
896-2038 by 12/7 (entry only, no questions), $80 at site. GMs $60 from
prize. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if paid with
entry- online at chesstour.com, Adult (under 65) $30, Senior (65/up) $20.
Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Senior $30. 3-day late reg.
ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 am & 5:30 pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45
pm. 2-day late reg. ends Sat. 10:30 am, rds Sat 11 am, 2:15 pm & 5:30
pm, Sun 10 am & 3:45 pm. Half point byes OK all, limit 1 bye, must com-
mit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25 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, Sal-
isbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions:
DirectorAtChess.US. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com.
Dec. 10-11, 8th annual New England Scholastic Championships
7SS, G/65. Sheraton Hotel, 1 Bradley Airport (visible at airport entrance),
Windsor Locks, CT 06096 (I-91 Exit 40 to Rt. 20). Free parking, free air-
port shuttle. Open to all K-12 students; New England titles 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 5 sections: High School (K-12),
Middle School (K-8), Elementary (K-5), Primary (K-2), Scholastic Novice
62 Chess Life December 2011
(K-9 under 700 or unrated). Players face only those in their section. EF:
HS $42.50, Middle School $42.40, Elem $42.30, Primary $42.20, Scholas-
tic Novice $42.10 if mailed by 12/1, all $43 online at chesstour.com by
12/5, $60 at site. Special 1 year USCF dues with paper magazine if
paid with entry- online at chesstour.com, Young Adult (age 24/below) $20,
Scholastic (age 12/below) $12. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Young Adult
$25, Scholastic $15. Trophies to top 8 players, top 4 teams, top 3
unrated in each section, top D, E, U1000, U800 (HS), E, U1000, U800 (MS),
U1000, U800, U600 (Elem), U700, U500, U300 (Primary), U500, U300
(Scholastic Novice). Free entry in all Continental Chess Association
Swiss tournaments until 5/15/12 to top New England player each sec-
tion. Late reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat 10, 1, 3:45 & 6:30, Sun 9, 12 & 2:45.
Awards Sun 5:30 pm. Half point byes allowed any round, limit 2 byes,
must commit before rd 2. HR: $87-87, 860-627-5311, reserve by 11/25
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. Questions: chesstour at aol.com,
www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Include school, grade, birth date, USCF
ID, address of each player. Advance entries will be posted at chess-
tour.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
Jan. 14, Louis Paulsen Memorial
CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south
of Flagpole on Rte.25. 3SS or 3RR, depending on number of entries and
ratings. G/45. Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:15, and as available
thereafter. EF: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-12. Info: licensingagent@
yahoo.com. Check website in case of inclement weather: newtownchess-
club.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC, W.
Jan. 28, 2nd Newtown Winter Open
CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., 3rd Fl., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south
of Flagpole on Rte. 25. 3SS, G/45, Prizes: $$ per entries. Rds.: 12:00,
and as available thereafter. EF: $15 at door only. Reg.: 11:30-11:45. Info:
licensingagent@yahoo.com. Check website in case of inclement weather:
newtownchessclub.wetpaint.com. Arrive early, space is limited. NS, NC,
W.
Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Delaware
Newark Chess Club
4-SS, G/75. USCF-rated games every Thursday 7-10 PM. 345 School
Bell Rd., Bear, DE 19701. For a full year of weekly games $22 for in-state
players, $15 out-of-state! www.newarkchessclub.blogspot.com, newark
chess@gmail.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
District of Columbia
Dec. 10, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
4-SS, G/30. US Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Open
to players rated under 1200 or unrated. EF: $30 ($20 if by 12/3). 5 sec-
tions by age. Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/
rbo.php.
Dec. 27, Eastern Open Warmup Tourney
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27-30, 38th Annual Eastern Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 28, Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, Metro Sunday Quads
3-RR, G/90. U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M St. NW. EF: $20 $$ $40 each quad.
Scholastic sections. EF: $10, Trophy prizes. Both: Reg: 9:15-9:45. Rds.
10-1-4. (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org./quads.php.
Jan. 14-15, DC Junior Open
U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW. Washington, DC 20005 Open to
all under age 21. 4-SS. EF: $30 if by 1/8, $20 at door. 6 Sections, Under
Age 21, Under Age 21 and rated Under 1000, Under Age 13, Under Age
13 and rated Under 800, Under Age 13 and rated Under 600, Under Age
13 and rated Under 400. $100 Savings Bond prize forTeen Champion.Tro-
phies in all sections. Reg.: 12-12:45. Top Section: G/90. Rds.: 1-4,
12:30-3:30 This section determines the DC Scholastic male and female
Champions. Other 5 Sections TC: G/30 with all games played on Sat-
urday. Info: (202) 857-4922. www.chessctr.org/DCJunior.php. Chess
Magnet School JGP for Top Section.
Florida
Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-479-0351. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 3, December OCG Open
Orlando Chess and Games Center, 4SS, G/75. EF: $30. PF: $650 b/30
$250-$150-$100 best U-1600, U-1200, $75 each. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 am.
RDS.: 10am-1pm-4pm-7pm, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407-248-
0818 or email alex@orlandochess.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 9-11, 2011 National Youth Action (East)
See Nationals.
Dec. 17, December Scholastic Tournament
Orlando Chess and Games Center, 5SS, G/30. EF: $30. Trophies and
medals to all players, awards at 3:30 pm. Reg.: 9:15-9:55 am. RDS.: 10-
11-12-1:30-2:30, www.orlandochess.com. Info: call 407-248-0818 or
email alex@orlandochess.com.
Dec. 27-29, 13th Annual Jr. Orange Bowl International Scholastic
Chess Championship
7SS, G/60. Embassy Suites Hotel, Miami Int'l Airport, 3974 NW South River
Dr., Miami, FL 33142. In 4 Sections: Ages 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15,
16-20. Players must have a USCF membership. EF: $50 individual, $160
team (4 players in a team). Prizes:Trophies to top 10 individuals and top
5 teams. HR: $129.00, 1-800-EMBASSY or 305-634-5000, reserve by
11/29 or rate may increase. ENT: Make checks payable to JOB. Send
checks and registration forms to Junior Orange Bowl Committee, 1390
S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 2202, Coral Gables, FL 33146. For info and registra-
tion forms go to www.jrorangebowl.com/chess, email to chess@jrorange
bowl.com or call 305-662-1210, fax 305-669-8745.
Jan. 13-15 or 14-15, Central Florida Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 28, The Weiss School Fourth Annual Scholastic
Located at 4176 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. 33410. K-12, 5 Divi-
sions, 5-SS, G/30. Trophies for Top 5 Players and Top 5 Teams in each
Division. COFFEE, DRINKS, BREAKFAST & LUNCH ITEMS AND SNACKS
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FREE CHILD CARE FOR AGES 6 AND UP FOR
SIBLINGS OF PLAYERS. For more info see: www.palmbeachchessclub.info
or call President/TD John Dockery at 561-762-3377.
Jan. 28-29, Central Florida Chess Club Championship
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship -
South
See Nationals.
Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Cham-
pionships
See Grand Prix.
Georgia
Mar. 30-Apr. 1 or Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 10th Annual Southern Class Cham-
pionships (FL)
See Grand Prix.
Idaho
Dec. 10-11, 2011 Western Idaho Open
See TLA in November Chess Life.
Illinois
North Shore Chess Center
5500 W. Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077,
847.423.8626, www.nachess.org/nscc. Multiple monthly
chess events: Quick and Regular rated tournaments,
FIDE amateur tournaments, simuls and lectures by
masters. Private & Group lessons for all ages and
strengths available. Home of the Chicago Blaze US
Chess League team. Contact: Sevan A. Muradian Inter-
national Arbiter & International Organizer - sevan@na
chess.org.
Dec. 10, Members Only Special Event
North Shore Chess Center, 5500 WestTouhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077.
847.423.8626. Open only to members of the North Shore Chess Center.
Free simultaneous exhibition and lecture with a local master. Starts at
4pm. Additional questions: sevan@nachess.org. For a complete list-
ing of events visit www.nachess.org/events.
A State Championship Event!
Dec. 10-11, 2011 IL Class
4SS, G/90 + 30 sec. U1000/U700 sections plays 5SS, G/75 with sepa-
rate schedule. Orland Park Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane, Orland Park,
60090 (from I-355 take IL-171 Archer Rd Exit toward 143rd Street (7.5
mi), take West St toward 147th St and follow the curve. From I-55 take
US-12E/US-20E/US-45E/ S LaGrange Rd (10 mi); take W 144 PL and fol-
low the curve). Free parking. Prizes $2,000 based on 80 paid entries. In
8 sections; no unrated allowed in Master/Expert section. Master/Expert
(2000/up): $250-175-150-100-75. FIDE. Class A (1800-1999/unr): $125-
75-50. FIDE. Class B (1600-1799/Unr): $125-75-50. Class C (1400-1599/
Unr): $125-75-50. Class D (1200-1399/Unr): $125-75-50. Class E (Under
1200/Unr): $125-75-50. Under 1000 (K-12 only):Trophies to top 5. Under
700 (K-12 only): Trophies to top 5. Rated players may play up one sec-
tion (additional $10). Unrated prize limit $50 on each section. Top 6
sections EF: $50 by 11/20, $60 after 11/20; $70 at site. U1000/U700:
$25 by 11/20, $30 after 11/20; $40 at site. No credit cards on site! Online
reservations and payments at www.intecsus.org Official USCF Decem-
ber supplement for ratings will be used if otherwise unrated. Schedule:
Reg. on Dec. 10th at 8:30 9:30 amTop 6 sections: Sat: 10:00 am & 3:00
pm; Sun: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm U1000/U700 sections: Sat: 10:00 am, 1:00
pm, 3:00 pm; Sun: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm Bye: all, must commit before rd 2
or not have plus score. Boards, Sets, and Clocks will be provided by the
North American Chess Association. Organizer supplied equipment must
be used. Hotels: Comfort Inn Suites (8800 W 159TH ST Orland Park, IL
60462); HR: $85; Homewood Suites by Hilton (16245 LaGrange Road
Orland Park, IL 60467); HR: $135 Both hotels are located in 10-15 min-
utes drive from the tournament site. Ent: IntECS, Inc., 63 W 75th St.,
Willowbrook, IL 60527 www.intecsus.org 630-789-2951. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Dec. 11, North Shore Chess Center G/45
4R-SS, G/45 + 10/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 West
Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. EF: $20 for non-mem-
bers of the chess center, $15 for members of the chess center received
by 12/10. All $5 more onsite. Onsite registration - up to 15 minutes prior
to round 1 or round 2. If registering prior to round 2, you will receive a
half-point bye for round 1. Round times: 1pm for round one and then
15 minutes after final game from previous round completed. Half-point
byes available in any round. Prizes: Book prizes for top three finish-
uschess.org

ers. Biggest upset (150+ points): Free entry to following month G/45
+ book prize. Parking: Free self-parking. Mail entries with regis-
tration information to: North American Chess Association (make checks
payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL 60077. Online reg-
istration preferred. Additional questions email to: sevan@nachess.
org. USCF rated. For online registration and list of more events please
visit - www.nachess.org/events.
Dec. 16-18, 9th North American Amateur Open
5R-SS, G/90 + 30/sec increment. North Shore Chess Center, 5500 West
Touhy Ave., Suite A, Skokie, IL 60077. 847.423.8626. Open to players with
any established FIDE rating or an established USCF rating of 1600+. All
participants compete in a single section. EF: $40 for non-members of the
chess center, $30 for members of the chess center received by 12/15.
All $10 more onsite. Onsite registration - up to 15 minutes prior to
D 2, you will receive a half-
round 1 or round 2. If registering prior toEround
LL - 7:00pm, Saturday 12pm and
point bye for round 1. Round times: Friday
E Maryland
NC 2nd - $30 Barnes & Noble Gift Card,
6pm, Sunday 11am and 5pm. Half-point byes available in any round.
Prizes: 1st - $60 Best Buy Gift Card,
CA Parking: Free self-parking. Mail entries
3rd - $15 Starbucks Gift Card.
with registration information to: North American Chess Association
(make checks payable to), 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113, Skokie, IL
60077. Online registration preferred. Additional questions email to:
sevan@nachess.org. USCF and FIDE rated. For online registration and
list of more events please visit - www.nachess.org/events. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
Jan. 7, Winter Open Individual Scholastic Tournament
DoubleTree Hotel, 1909 Spring Rd., Oakbrook, IL 60523, (630) 472-6020,
(630) 472-6000. Early EF: $25, $30 at door by 11:30, $35 after that. Rds.:
12-1-2-3-4, G/25 Delay 0, Open to under 18 years of age, 2 sections:
U1200, U700, 10 individual trophies per section (team trophies not avail-
able). Participation award to each player. Bring sets-boards-clocks,
none provided. Ent:Tim Just, 37165 Willow, Gurnee, IL 60031. Info only
847-773-7706 before 6 PM. E-mail for info only (sorry, e-mail entries not
available): timjust@chessforlife.com. Checks payable to: Chess For
Life, LLC, info and PayPal early entries until 6 PM 1-6-12: http://chess
forlife.com NS, NC, W. Scheduled Book Dealer: Checkmate Chess Sup-
ply.
Jan. 7-8, Tim Just's Winter Open/Reserve XXVIII
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 17-19 or 18-19, 2012 U.S. Amateur Team Championship -
North
See Nationals.
Feb. 24-26, Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge (IA)
Across the river from Moline, IL. See Grand Prix.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28, 27-28, or 25-26, 21st annual Chicago Open
See Grand Prix.
Indiana
Every Second Saturday Of The Month
4SS, G/61d5. Donatos Pizza, 825 W 10th St., Indianapolis. Reg.: 11-
11:30AM, Rd 1, 11:40AM. $$:b/20 1st $200; 2nd $100; Class (A, B,) (C,
D, E, Unr) $70 each. Prizes increased if + 20. EF: $27 - $5.00 BD month,
- $5.00 for any state association (except ISCA), OCCC Memb.req'd Memb.
includes magazine+. FIDETitled Players Free. Ent: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Info: at 317-634-6259 or e-
mail akakarpov@att.net. 3 entries in a class req'd for that class prize
to be awarded. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Orange Crush Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
Burger King, 410 E Morris St (E Morris St and S East St). Show your OCCC
card for free upsize. Reg.: 6-6:25pm, starts at 6:30pm. Type: 3 RR Quad,
G/5d2, QC. EF: $8.00, $$4-Quad 1st $25.00. Ent: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St., #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Info: Don at 317-634-6259 or
email akakarpov@att.net.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28, 27-28 or 25-26, 21st annual Chicago Open
(IL)
See Grand Prix.
Iowa
Feb. 24-26, Quad Cities Chess Championship at The Lodge
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Kansas
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Kentucky
Elizabethtown Chess Club
Rated tournament the 2ndTuesday of each month and we meet everyTues-
day between 7:00 pm-10:30 pm. We meet at the Elizabethtown Community
andTechnical College, in Room 108A of the OccupationalTechnical Build-
ing. For further details visit our website at http://etownchess.blogspot.
com/.
A Heritage Event!
Dec. 3, 28th Pink Floyd Open
Every 1st Saturday Lexington Event. 3 Rounds, G/60. Music played dur-
ing rounds. EF: 1 penny per USCF rating point, minimum $10. Reg.:
11:30am. Rounds: RD 1 starts at Noon, RD 2-3 asap. Prizes: 90% of entry
fees returned, 1st in each class X/above,A,B,C,D/E; Format: Quad or
uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
Open depending on entries, All prizes paid regardless of format. Loca-
tion: Expansive Art, 3320 Nicholasville Rd #161, Lexington, KY 40503,
Directly behindToysRUs. Contact: Matt Gurley, mattCgurley@gmail.com,
Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, Lexchess.com. Side Event: Speed chess
afterwards.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Maine
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
Feb. 4-5, SACO OPEN
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 16, Catonsville Blitz Championship (QC)
5 Dbl SS, T/D 4/2. EF: $18, club members $15. Rds.: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00,
9:30, 10:00. Bye: 1-4 Max 4. Reg.: 7:15pm. $$Gtd: $120-$60-$40 U1900
$30 U1600 $30 U1300 $30. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Blooms-
bury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009.
josephas2@verizon.net. Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q.
Dec. 17, Scholastic Quads (VA)
Our Lady of Good Counsel School, 8601 Wolftrap Rd., Vienna, VA 22182.
See: www.silverknightschess.com for complete information or to regis-
ter.
Jan. 6-8, 2012 Chesapeake Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 4, Kasparov Chess Foundation Presents 4th Annual Greater
Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Chess Championships
Poly High School, 1400 W. Cold Spring Ln., Baltimore, MD 21209. Open
to K-12 players. 8 Sections. 4 sections are 5-SS, G/40, D/5: HS Cham-
pionship (grades K-12, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players
+ 5 teams), MS Championship (grades K-8, any rating or unrated, tro-
phies to top 10 players + 5 teams), ES Championship (grades K-5, any
rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), PS Champi-
onship (grades K-3, any rating or unrated, trophies to top 10 players +
3 teams). 4 sections are 5-SS, G/30, D/5: HS Junior Varsity (grades K-
12, rated Under 1000 or unrated, trophies to top 7 players + 3 teams),
MS Junior Varsity (grades K-8, rated Under 800 or unrated, trophies
to top 10 players + 5 teams), ES Junior Varsity (grades K-5, rated Under
600 or unrated, trophies to top 10 players + 5 teams), PS Junior Var-
sity (grades K-3, rated Under 400 or unrated, trophies to top 10 players
+ 3 teams). Rds.: Rd 1 for all sections: 9:30 AM; subsequent rounds ASAP.
Number of rds, time control, + number of trophies may change, based
on number of players. EF: $30 by 1/31, $40 by 7 PM on 2/2, $50 at the
door (8:30 - 10 AM, mandatory 1/2 point bye in Round 1). Entry: Online
registration at www.mdchess.com/tourneyreg. Mail registration: $30,
if rcv'd by 1/31. Include: player's name, USCF ID #, USCF exp. date, sec-
tion, grade, school, phone #, email address, + check (made payable to
Maryland Chess Association). Mail to: Maryland Chess Association, c/o
Mike Regan, 1827 Thornton Ridge Road, Towson, MD 21204. Sets +
boards provided; bring chess clock. Food available for purchase. Info:
John D. Rockefeller V, JohnDRockefellerV@mac.com, 443-621-4557.
Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open
See Grand Prix.
Massachusetts
Dec. 9-11 or 10-11, New England Amateur (CT)
See Connecticut.
Dec. 17, Harry Lyman Memorial
4SS; G/60. Open & U1800. Boylston C.F., 240B Elm St., Suite B9,
Somerville, MA 02144. Entry fee: $25, $20 to BCF members. Prizes:
$400b/30: 1st $150 2nd $75 Under 1800 1st $100 2nd $75. Reg.: 9:15
to 9:55AM; Rds.: 10:00, 12:40, 3:00, 5:10. NS, NC, W. Tel. 617-629-3933.
Email: biglesia@bu.edu.
Jan. 1, BCF Herb Healy Open House
4SS; G/40 dl5; 2 sections: Rated and Non-Rated; Boylston C.F., 240B Elm
St., Suite B9, Somerville, MA, 02144. Entry fee: $25, $20 BCF members
if received by 12/30, $5 extra on site. $$b/entries. Reg.: 10:45 to 11:40.
Rds.: 11:45, 1:25, 3:00, 4:40. Send advance entries to: above address.
NS, NC, W. Tel. 617-351-7668. Web site: http://boylstonchessclub.org.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, Reggie Boone Memorial
5SS, G/110. Wachusett CC, McKay Campus School, Room C159, Fitchburg
State University, 67 Rindge Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game
played; free to Wachusett CC members. Reg.: 7-7:10 p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m.
Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: Chess books to winner(s). Info: George Mir-
ijanian, 176 Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling@aol.com,
978-345-5011. Website: www.wachusettchess.org. Online ratings as
of Jan. 4 will be used. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur
5SS, 40/2, SD/1, d5 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, d5). Hyatt Harborside
at Logan Airport, 101 Harborside Dr., Boston, MA 02128. Free parking,
free airport shuttle. $$ 10,000 based on 200 paid entries (re-entries count
half, Group 4 2/3, Group 5 1/3), minimum $7000 (70% of each prize) guar-
anteed. In 5 sections: Group 1, open to 1900-2249. $1000-500-300-200,
top U2100 $400-200. Group 2, open to 1600-1949. $1000-500-300-200,
top U1800 $400-200. Group 3, open to 1200-1649 or unrated. $1000-500-
300-200, top U1500 $400-200. Group 4, open to under 1350 or unrated.
$600-300-200-100, top U1200 $300-150. Group 5, open to under 1050
or unrated. $300-150-100, trophy to first 5, top Under 900, Under 700,
Under 500, Unrated. Unrated prize limits: Group 5 $100, Group 4 $300,
Group 3 $500, balance goes to next player(s) in line. Groups 1-3 EF: 3-
day $88, 2-day $87 mailed by 12/29, all $89 online at chesstour.com by
1/3, $95 phoned by 1/3, $100 at site. Group 4 EF: 3-day $58, 2-day $57
mailed by 12/29, all $59 online at chesstour.com by 1/3, $65phoned by
1/3, $70 at site. Group 5 EF: 3-day $28, 2-day $27 mailed by 12/29, all
$29 online at chesstour.com by 1/3, $35 phoned by 1/3, $40 at site. Phone
entry: 406-896-2038, entry only, no questions, no phone entry after 1/3.
All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Advance EF $5 less to MACA mem-
bers; may join/renew at masschess.org. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with mag-
azine if paid with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult
$20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
$30, Scholastic $20. Re-entry $50. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30
pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends
Sat 10:30 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2,
must commit before rd 2. HR: $79-79, 617-568-1234, request chess
rate, reserve by 12/23 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-
1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions:
DirectorAtChess.us, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chess-
tour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Billerica Friday Swiss
4 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA 01821.
EF: $15. Reg.: 7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call
Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533. NS, NC. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Michigan
Dec. 17, Thinkers Challenge #3
4 Rds. G/45.This is a scholastic tournament with an adult section. Wash-
ington-Parks Academy, 11685 Appleton, Redford, MI 48239. Early Online
Registration $15 (weplaychess.webs.com), At the door registration
$20. Unrated players divisions grades K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-12, Rated play-
ers divisions U600, U900, U1200, Open, Adult Section (Unrated and
Rated players combined). 1st-5th place trophies for all scholastic sec-
tions. For more information go to: weplaychess.webs.com or call Tom
Nelson (303) 880-4332.
Jan. 14-15, 2012 Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Missouri
Every Monday Night: Monday Night Cash Prize Quads G/60
The Kansas City Chess Club, 7667 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO
64151. Non-Cash Prize EF: 20/$15 club members. Cash Prize EF: $35/$30.
Prizes: $60 1st place each quad b/4 cash prize EF. Free Quad entry 1st
each quadmust use within 3 months. No cash substitute! EF. USCF &
KC Chess Association memb. required. Reg.: 7:15. Rds.: 7:30PM. ENT:
Onsite. INFO: Ken Fee kcchess@gmail.com. www.kansascitychessclub.
com. Free Coffee. Chess Books and Equipment for Sale onsite.
Jan. 13-15, Waldo Odak Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 14-15, 2012 Lead Bank New Year Open
Lead Bank, 9019 S. 7 Highway, Lee's Summit, MO 64064. 5SS, G/90. Sat.
10-1:30-5:00. Sun 10-1:30. EF: $27 by Jan. 12th. /$35 onsite. Possible
Sections: Open/U1500. Prizes: $400 Guaranteed , Open 1st $100, 2nd
$75, 3rd $25. U1500:1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $25. Ent: Kenneth Fee,
1537 Baker St., Liberty, MO 64068. Questions: 816-399-3703. Req.
Memb: USCF & KC Chess Association. Sold onsite. Register online at:
www.kansascitychessclub.com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
Montana
Jan. 28-29, Joyce's January Thaw
Open. 5 SS, G/90. Holiday Inn, 22 N, Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT
59601. Phone (406) 443-2200. Ask for chess room rate. EF: $25, Jrs-$15.
USCF & MCA membership required, OSA. (Tournament EF waived for new
members.) Reg.: 10-10:40. Rds.: 11, 2:30, 6:00/9AM, 12:30. $$: 1st-$75,
2nd-$50, biggest upset $35 (nonprovisional). Contact: Murray Strong,
406-459-6684. murstrong@aol.com, www.montanachess.org. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Nevada
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 21st annual North American Open (note
reduced hotel rates)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 29, North American Blitz (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 3rd annual Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 9-11 or 10-11, 19th annual Western Class Championships (CA-
S)
See Grand Prix.
New Hampshire
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
Jan. 14-15, Portsmouth Open
See Grand Prix.
New Jersey
Caffeine Swiss G/10 (QC)
G/10. Wednedays 7-9:30 p.m. Located at CoffeeWorks at the Voorhees
Town Center, 8109 Town Center Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. Reg.: 6:30-
Chess Life December 2011 63
 Tournament Life

7:00. EF: $10. $$ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd =50% of registrations. More info: call
Dan at (856) 287-2393, email hermanator3@comcast.net or www.south
jerseychess.com.
Dec. 3, Chess Mates Saturday Open G/15 (QC)
7-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:10, 3:50, 4:30pm. Chess Mates Cor-
poration, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM
Free - $20 deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd &
Class Prizes: based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30.
Re-entry $15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732)-499-0118,
(760)-504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Every Sunday Scholastic Quad G/30
Quad G/30: 3pm-6pm, Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rah-
way, NJ 07065. EF: $15/non-member and $10/member. Prizes Quad: 1st
Place: Trophy or $25. (732) 499-0118/760-504-3604. www.chessmates
nj.com.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, HoHoHo Is Not a Dirty Word Quad/Swiss
Quad or 3-SS, b/o entries. 40/90, SD/60, faster by mutual agreement.
Community Cntr., 293 Main St. (Rte. 46), Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $12.
Prizes (b/16): $75/40/25, U1800 $25, free entry top U1500. Reg.: 7 pm
12/5. Rds.: 7:30 pm each Monday. angelodp@gmail.com.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, Every Monday Open G/5 Blitz and Chess Les-
sons/Simul (QC)
GM Yudasin's "Chess Lessons: 3:15pm-8:00 pm, EF: $15 (3 different
classes). Blitz: 8:00pm-10:15pm, EF: $20 /$15. GM Free - $15 deducted
from prize. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the #
of participants. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ
(732) 499-0118, (760) 504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, Every Tuesday G/90 4SS/Open
Round starts at 7pm every Tuesday (Monthly Tournament). Chess
Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, mem-
bers $20. Prize Fund 70% of EF. Prizes: Based on the # of participants.
(732) 499-0118, www.chessmatesnj.com/. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, Every Wednesday Open G/5 Blitz and Chess Les-
sons (QC)
GM Yudasin "Chess Lessons: 3:15pm-8:00 pm EF: $15 (3 different
classes). Blitz: 8:00pm-10:15pm, EF: $20 /$15. GM Free - $15 deducted
from prize. Prizes: 80% of EF 1st, 2nd, & Class Prizes: based on the #
of participants. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ
(732) 499-0118, (760) 504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 10, Central Jersey Chess Tournament
4SS, G/30. All Saints' Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. Park-
ing, playground, wi-fi & lounge. 3 rated sections (all K-8, G/30): Open
(>900), Reserve (600-900), Experienced (below 600). 3 unrated sec-
tions: K-1, Novice (2nd-8th grade), Parents/Adults.Trophies to 1st, 2nd,
3rd per section, 1st school/club team per section, $20 & Free EF to 1st
in Parents/Adults. EF: $30 online at njchess.com by 12/8, $40 after or
on-site. Check-in/Reg ends 1pm, first round starts 1:30. Late arrivals may
not be paired in first round. Late arrivals may not be paired in first
round. Late arrivals may not be paired in first round. Separate awards
ceremonies 4-5:30pm. Snacks & drinks sold on-site. Questions: newjer-
seychess@gmail.com.
Dec. 10, Chess Mates Saturday U1800 G/45
4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20
deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes:
based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry
$15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118, (760)
504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Open
Championship
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 11, Dr. David Ostfeld Memorial ICA Early Winter 2011 Scholas-
tic Championship in 5 Sections
4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 PTS OR MORE
WILL RECEIVE ATROPHY! USCF Memb Req'd For Sections 3, 4 AND 5. Info:
201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, www.icanj.net. Email: Diana@icanj.net.
ADV EF (pmk by Dec 7th) $25 At Site $30 Reg ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd
Late entrants will receive a 1/2 pt bye for rd 1. BERGEN ACADEMY, 200
HACKENSACK AVE., HACKENSACK, NJ 07601. In 5 Sections, Section 1
Junior Novice (not USCF rated): Open to unr players K thru 2nd grade.
Rds.: First Round 10:15 AM then ASAP. Section 2 Novice: Open to unr
players K thru 4th grade. Rds.: First Round 10:00 AM then ASAP. Sec-
tion 3 G/45 Reserve: Open to players rated below 800 and unr players
K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 4
G/45: Open to players rated below 1200 and unr players K thru 12th grade.
Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60: Open to players
rated below 1700 and unr players K thru 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 12:00,
2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Memb chks payableTo: Inter-
national Chess Academy Mail. To: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New
Milford, NJ 07646.
Dec. 11, ICA RBO Scholastic Championship 2011 (RBO)
4SS, G/45. RNDS.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Players K thru 12 th
grd with pts =/> 2.5 will receive aTrophy. BERGAN ACADEMY, 200 HACK-
ENSACK AVE., HACKENSACK, NJ 07601. USCF MEMB Req'd. INFO: 201 287
0250 OR 201 833 1741. www.icanj.net. EMAIL: Diana@icanj.net. ADV Ent
pmk Dec 7th $25 At Site $30. Make EF and/or Memb, cks payable to: Inter-
national Chess Academy. Mail to: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Ln., New
Milford, NJ 07646. In 2 Sections, NOVICE U800/UNR and RESERVE
U1200/UNR.
Dec. 11, 18, Chess Mates Sunday Camp
Every Other Sunday Camps: 10am-3pm and FREE EF (full-day enrollees)
for Scholastic Tournament G/30 participation (3pm-6pm), Entry Fee:
$90/day (non-club member); $80/day (club member); Other Options:
10am-12:30pm ($40); 12:30pm-3pm ($40); 10am-3pm ($75) OR $20/hour.
$5 OFF for advance entry at least 4 days prior. Includes: FREE Lunch and
Snacks. Instructor/s: GM Leonid Yudasin and NM Arthur Macaspac.
1531 Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065.732-499-0118/760-504-3604.
www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 15, 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR, G/35 t/d5. Quads grouped by rating. All the King's Men Chess &
Games Center (Just 22 mins. from Center City Philadelphia), 62 S. Broad-
way, Pitman, NJ. 856-582-8222. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unr. cannot win
more than $10. EF: $12, members $10. Reg.: 6-6:45 pm. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm.
Info: cs@ATKMchessSets.com. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1surcharge.
Bring a clock!
Dec. 17, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30. Full K. Ray Dwier Recreation Center, Bldg. 392,
Groveville, NJ 08620. Quads open to all. EF: $10. Prizes: $25 per Quad.

GOLD AFFILIATES GOLD & SILVER

Cajun Chess
7230 Chadbourne Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
Shore HS Chess League
PO Box 773
Lincroft, NJ 07738
San Diego Chess Club
2225 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101, 619-239-7166
AFFILIATES
504-208-9596 shorehschessleague@yahoo.com chucnglo@aol.com GOLD
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
cajunchess@yahoo.com http://sdchessclub.multiply.com
www.cajunchess.com New Jersey State
USCF memberships during the current or
Chess Federation Texas Tech University SPICE
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
Chess Club and Scholastic c/o Roger Inglis, 49-A Mara Rd. Box 45080

State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold

Center of St. Louis Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 Lubbock, TX 79409
973-263-8696, rwij@njoychess.com 806-742-7742
Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a
4657 Maryland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108. www.njscf.org SPICE@ttu.edu
special list in larger type in Tournament
314-361-CHESS www.SPICE.ttu.edu

Life each month, giving the affiliate name,

info@stlouischessclub.org New York City Chess Inc
Tri-State Chess
address, phone number, e-mail address,
www.stlouischessclub.org c/o Russell Makofsky
230 Thompson Street The Chess Exchange
and website. Gold Affiliation costs $350 per
New York, NY 10012, 212-475-8130 325 East 88th Street
Continental Chess
year, and existing affiliates may substract $3
info@chessnyc.com New York, NY 10128
Association 212-289-5997
for each month remaining on their regular
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, www.chessnyc.com
info@TriStateChess.com
affiliation, or $20 for each month remaining
NY 12577. www.TriStateChess.com
845-496-9658 North American Chess Association
on their Silver Affiliation. As of August 6,
chesstour@aol.com 4957 Oakton Street, Suite 113
Skokie, IL 60077, 888.80.Chess Village Chess Shop of NYC
www.chesstour.com c/o Michael Propper
sevan@nachess.org 2007, by paying an annual payment of $500
www.nachess.org 230 Thompson Street
Dallas Chess Club New York, NY 10012 (instead of $350), Gold Affiliate status may
200 S. Cottonwood Dr. Suite C PaperClip Pairings 212-475-9580 be obtained with no minimum requirement
Richardson, TX 75080 c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari info@chess-shop.com
972-231-2065 for memberships submitted.
6005 Forest Blvd www.chess-shop.com
info@dallaschess.com Brownsville, TX 78526, 956-459-2421
www.dallaschess.com jejrhoughtaling@bisd.us Western PA Youth Chess Club SILVER
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
Attn: Jerry Meyers
USCF memberships during the current or
International Chess Academy (NJ) 4101 Windsor Street

previous calendar year, or is the recognized

28 Canterbury Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15217
New Milford, NJ 07646 412-422-1770
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
201-287-0250 catnipper99@yahoo.com
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
diana@icanj.net, www.icanj.net www.youthchess.net

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
$150 per year, and existing affiliates may
Bay Area Chess (CA) Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) Oklahoma Chess Foundation

subtract $3 for each month remaining on

www.BayAreaChess.com 516-739-3907 www.OKchess.org

their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,

Beverly Hills Chess Club (CA)
www.bhchessclub.com
En Passant Chess Club (TX)
td_edg@sbcglobal.net
Indiana State Chess Association
www.indianachess.org
Marshall Chess Club (NY)
www.marshallchessclub.org
Michigan Chess Association
www.michess.org
Monmouth Chess School & Club (NJ)
www.monmouthchess.com
Our Lady of Sorrows Academy (AZ)
professor.revesz@gmail.com
by paying an annual payment of $250.00
Silver Knights (PA)
www.silverknightschess.com (instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may
be obtained with no minimum requirement for
Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
www.spartachessclub.org memberships submitted.

64 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org


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.
Dec. 17, Chess Mates Saturday U2200 G/45
4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20
deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes:
based on the # of participants. Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry
$15, counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118, (760)
504-3604. www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 24, Chess Mates Saturday Open G/45
4-SS, Rds.: 12:30, 2:15, 4:00, 5:45 pm. Chess Mates Corporation, 1531
Irving St., Rahway, NJ 07065. EF: $25, members $20. GM Free - $20
deducted from prizes. Prizes: 70% of EF. Prizes: 1st, 2nd & Class Prizes:
based on the # of participants Limit 2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $15,
counts half, no re-entry after 2nd round. (732) 499-0118, (760) 504-
3604. www.chessmatesnj.com.
Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, Freeze 'Em Good 'n' Hard Swiss
4-SS. 40/90, SD/60. Community Cntr., 293 Main St. (Rte. 46), Hack-
ettstown, NJ. EF: $12. Prizes (b/16): $75/40/25, U1800 $25, free entry
top U1500. Reg.: 7 pm 1/2. Rds.: 7:30 pm each Monday. angelodp@gmail.
com. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
Jan. 7, Princeton Day School
650The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each sec-
tion. Medals to all players. Four sections for OVER 1000 begin at 10:15
and must preregister: OVER 1600 (K-12), NEAR MASTERS (K-12 over
1400) and FUTURE MASTERS (Players 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 possi-
ble): 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, pay
at the door $35. Parents play free. On-site 11-12 noon $45. Info and reg-
ister online: www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin Chess
teach@gmail.com.
Jan. 8, Westfield Quads
3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090.
Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:30-
2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15, Westfield Quads
3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090.
Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:30-
2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Jan. 22, Westfield Winter Scholastic
Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090. K-12 3 Sections Open,
Under 1250, Under 750. Open 3 SS, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45 Trophies to top
5 in each section. EF: $20, $15 members, at site $30, $25 Members. Reg.:
2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-4:25-6:05 p.m. Under 1250 4 SS, G/25 T/D 5s,
G/30Trophies to top 5 in each section. EF: $20, $15 members, at site $30,
$25 members. Reg.: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-4:00-5:15-6:30 p.m. Under
750 4 SS, G/25 T/D 5s, G/30 Trophies to top 5 in each section. EF: $20,
$15 members, at site $30, $25 members. Reg.: 2-2:30 p.m. Rds.: 2:45-
4:00, 5:15, 6:30 p.m. Tiebreaks for trophies. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-
7163, lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com. Send advance
entries toTodd Lunna, 36 Maple Dr., Colts Neck, NJ 07722 by January 18,
2012. Make checks payable to Westfield Chess Club.
Jan. 29, Westfield Quads
3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090.
Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:30-
2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Feb. 12, Westfield Quads
3 RR, G/40 T/D 5s, G/45. Westfield Y, 220 Clark St., Westfield, NJ 07090.
Prizes: $50 to first in each section. EF: $20, $15 Members. Reg.: 1:30-
2:15 p.m. Rds.: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-526-7163,
lunnaco@aol.com, www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Feb. 18-20, 42nd Annual World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East
See Nationals.
A State Championship Event!
Feb. 26, New Jersey State Elementary Championships
5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ
07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from
Garden State Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) & Primary
(K-3). All: Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary & Pri-
mary:Top 5 in each grade. Rds.: 10am then ASAP.Top 4 scores constitute
the team score for Elementary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $30 before 2/18,
$45 at site. USCF memb. req'd. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 point
bye for round 1. Info: 732 259-3881, Ent: Hal Sprechman, P.O. Box 1511,
Jackson, NJ 08527 or online at www.characterkings.org. Entries must in-
clude name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID and expiration date,
mailing address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks
made out to NJSCF.
Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 3-4, New Jersey High School Chess Championships
5SS, G/90. Union County Vocational -Technical School, 1776 Raritan Rd.,
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. 3 sections: Varsity Championship (9-12): 5
uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
player teams with one alternate allowed. Coaches set order by player
strength. Order must not be changed. Team avg. based on top 5 highest
ratings.Trophies to top 10 NJ teams.Trophies for top three players, boards
1-5. Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $150-/team before 2/18. $185/team
at site. $5 per change on site. Junior Varsity (9-12): 4 player teams with
one alternate allowed.Team avg. based on top 4 highest ratings.Trophies
to top 10 NJ teams.Trophies for top 3 players, boards 1-4. Rds.: Sat. 10-
2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $120/team before 2/18, $150/team on site. $5 per
change on site. Booster (K-12):Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams,
top 2 JHS teams, & top 2 elementary teams (K-6). Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6,
Sun 10-2. Top 4 scores constitute team score. EF: $30 before 2/25, $37
at site. All: USCF memb. required. Reg.: Sat. 8-9:00am. After 9:00am, 1/2
Point bye for round one. Ent: Hal Sprechman, P.O. Box 1511, Jackson, NJ
08527 or online at www.characterkings.org. Entries must include name,
grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID and expiration date, mailing address,
email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Mar. 4, New Jersey Junior High School Championships
5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ
07738. Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from
Garden State Parkway exit 109. 5SS, G/30. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Tro-
phies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP. Top 4
scores constitute team score. EF: $30 before 2/25, $45 at site. USCF
memb. req'd. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one.
INFO: 732-259-3881, hsprechman@characterkings.org. ENT: Hal Sprech-
man, P.O. Box 1511, Jackson NJ 08527 or online at www.characterkings.
org. Entries must include name, grade, school, date of birth, USCF ID #,
& expiration date, mailing address, phone number & entry fee. Checks
made out to NJSCF.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
New Mexico
Jan. 14-15, The Eliot O'Brien Memorial/New Mexico Centennial Sen-
ior Championship
Open to all ages. 4/SS, G/120 +5/d. Rio Rancho Meadowlark Sr. Cen-
ter, 4330 Meadowlark Ln. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Co-sponsored by
the Meadowlark Chess Group and the New Mexico Chess Organization.
Sections: NM Centennial Open: EF $30. $$b/25 1st $175 Gtd. 2nd 125
U2000 $100. NM Centennial Reserve: U1800 EF $25. $$b/20 1st $125
2nd $75 U1600 $50. New Mexico Centennial Booster: U1400 EF $20.
$$b/15 1st $75 U1200 $25. Unrated only eligible for 50% of prize in
Reserve/Booster. Rds. 9-2, 9-2. Reg. Sat. 8-8:30. No 1/2 pt byes. 0 pt
bye available each rd. $10 late fee if entry not received by 1/12. $5 Fam-
ily discount after one full-price entry. ENT: checks payable to NMCO, P.O.
Box 4215, Albuquerque, NM 87196. Paypal accepted. Recommended
Motel: Super8 (505)-896-8888 ask for chess rate. Entry form w/directions,
& Map: Website nmchess.org. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 26, 2012 U.S. G/15 Championship (QC)
See Nationals.
New York
Dec. 15, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave.,
NEW YORK STATE
SCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 3-4, 2012 - Saratoga Springs, NY
6 rounds, three each day, G/61 (except K-1), 5
second delay, open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS
player & team each section are NY champs).
Team prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; individual
entries welcome. 203 trophies to be awarded, plus free entries for NY
players! Reserve hotel room by Feb 18.
In 8 sections: High School (K-12), High School Reserve (K-12
under 1200/unr), Junior High (K-9), Middle School Reserve (K-8
under 1000/unr), Elementary (K-6), Elementary Reserve (K-6 under
800 or unrated), Primary (K-3), K-1 (K-1; this section is G/30 and plays
Sunday, March 4 only, 5 rounds, G/30, 5 second delay).
See TLA under New York for full details.
NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club
membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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.
Dec. 17, Marshall Saturday U1400!
4-SS, G/45. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300
b/20): $160-80, U1100 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45.
Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry.
www.marshallchessclub.org.
Dec. 17-18 or 18, Marshall December U2100!
NOTE CORRECTIONS: 4SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC.
212 477-3716. EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U1850/unr
$95, U1600 $85. Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds
12:30-5:30 PM each day; 1 day, (Rds 1-2 G/30) 10-11:15-12:30-5:30 Sun;
both merge Rd 3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.mar
shallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 20, Marshall Masters!
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 22, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 24, Marshall Saturday G/60!
4-SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24):
$160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45
am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Dec. 25, Marshall Open & U1500 Christmas Game/45!
4-SS, G/45. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716.Two sections-
you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-80, U2100
$65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55. EF: $40, mem-
bers $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45. One bye avail-
able, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
Dec. 27-29 or 28-29, 30th annual Empire City Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 28-Jan. 25, Marshall Wednesday U2000!
5-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. ($300/20): $160-80, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm.
Rds.: 7 pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshall
chessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 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 $35, Club
membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-50, Top
U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 8:15.
Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering
under 10 min. before game.
Dec. 31, Your Last Blunder Of 2011! Ring In The New Year With An
Annual NY Tradition - Now In its 25th Year!!
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Chessaholics Anonymous New Year's Eve Insan-
ity Championship!!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 5, 1st 4 Rated Games Tonight In 2012!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club
Chess Life December 2011 65
 Tournament Life
membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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.
Jan. 5-Feb. 2, 4th Long Island Chess Club Winter Open
5SS, G/90 (t/d5). United Methodist Church, 470 East Meadow Ave., East
Meadow, NY 11554. Open to all U-2300/unr. $(b/20): $150-100. Top U-
1800, U-1500/unr. $70 ea. EF: $35. Non-LICC members +$10. Reg.:
6:40-7:10 PM, no adv. ent., Rds.: 7:15 PM SHARP ea. Thursday. 2 byes
1-5. Info: www.lichessclub.com. NS. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 5-Feb. 2, Marshall Thursday Members-Only Swiss!
5-SS, G/115d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open
to MCC members only. EF: $20. ($300 b/20): $160-80, U2000 $60. Reg.:
6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7PM each Thursday. Limit 2 byes, request by rd. 3.
www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
Jan. 7, Marshall Saturday U1800!
4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300
b/20): $160-80, U1500 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45.
Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Jan. 7-8 or 8, Marshall January Grand Prix!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 8, The Right Move 175 Team and Individual Championships
Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10031. EF: FREE.
4SS, G/30. Open to grades 2-12. Three USCF rated sections: Open,
Under 1400 & Under 700. Two Beginner Non-member sections by
grades: 2-5 & 6-12. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Player check-in
required by 9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). Prizes:
Trophies to top 3 in each section (except Open: $50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd);
medal to each player with 2.5 or more points.Team plaque to 1st and 2nd
each section, with top 3 scores counting in each section. To register: use
website at www.therightmove.org or email registration@therightmove.
org by Friday 8:00 PM before the tournament. NO ON-SITE REGISTRA-
TION.
Jan. 9, 65th Nassau Action
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9-Feb. 13, FIDE Mondays!!
6-SS, G/120. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to
all players rated 1600 or above. EF: $50, $30 members. $$500 b/20: $175-
125-100, U2000 $100; 2 byes OK, commit before Round 4. Reg.: 6:15-6:45,
Rds.: 7PM each Monday; FIDE rated. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 12, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $35, Club
membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 14, Marshall Open & U1500 Saturday Game/25d5!
5-SS, G/25d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Two sec-
tions-you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-80,
U2100 $65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55. EF:
$40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45.
One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
Jan. 15, Marshall Sunday G/60!
4-SS, G/55d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24):
$160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45
am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Day Madness
6-SS, G/25d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $45,
members $25. ($480/24): $200-100, U2000 $70, U1700 $60, U1400
$50. Reg.: 10:15-10:45. Rds.: 11-12:15-1:30-3:00-4:15-5:30. Two byes
available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
Jan. 16-Feb. 13, Marshall Monday U1600!
PRIZES INCREASED BY 50%! 5-SS, G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St.,
NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1300
$90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds.: 7 pm each Monday. Limit 2 byes, request
by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 17, Marshall Masters!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 21, Marshall Saturday U1600!
4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300
b/20): $160-80, U1300 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45.
Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Jan. 21, Syracuse-Minoa Jan Open
4SS. Rds.: 1&2 G/60, Rds.: 3&4 G/90. Minoa Muncipal Bldg., 240 N. Main
St., Minoa, NY (Exit Kirkville Rd. E. from I 481, R. at second light). EF: $30.
Prizes: b/20) $200, 125, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30, 12:00,
2:15, 5:30. Contact: Joe Ball 315-436-9008. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 21-22 or 22, Marshall CC January U2300!
4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716.
EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U2000/unr $95, U1700
66 Chess Life December 2011
$85. Reg: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds 12:30-5:30 PM
each day; 1 day, (Rds 1-2 G/25d5) 10-11:15AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both
merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.mar
shallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0, 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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 impos-
sible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 33rd Annual
Greater NY Primary Championship!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/28/02 in grades 3/below. New
Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to
all. EF: $46.60 postmarked by 1/06/12.Trophies to top 12, top rated U900,
top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center
tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 8/1 to 2nd, thru 7/1 to 3rd.
Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/6.
Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry to specified Chess Center
tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd.
K-1, open to grade 1/below. EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to
top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to spec-
ified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd,
thru 5/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13, all $65
at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same
school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list
charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each
player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will
receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each sec-
tion, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same
school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 com-
mit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current
USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade,
birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO
Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE.
No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru
1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online
entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/14-1/23. No
phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg.
ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: chess-
centr@aol.com (Jan 27-28 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks,
boards!
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 28, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual
Greater NY Junior High Championship - USCF's Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/28/96 not yet in 10th grade. New
Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to
all. EF: $48.60 postmarked by 1/06/12. Trophies to top 12, top U1500,
top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center
tmts. except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd.
Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1200 or unrated. EF: $48.50 postmarked
by 1/6.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to spec-
ified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd,
thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $48.40 post-
marked by 1/6.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques
to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry
to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st, thru 5/1
to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player postmarked 1/7-13,
all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same
school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list
charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15 charge for each
player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't win a trophy will
receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each sec-
tion, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same
school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 com-
mit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current
USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school, grade,
birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO
Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE.
No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru
1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online
entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/14-1/23. No
phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg.
ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team rooms: chess-
centr@aol.com (Jan 27-28 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks,
boards!
Jan. 28, Marshall Open & U1500 Saturday Game/45!
5-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Two
sections-you play only those in your section: A. Open ($360/24): $160-
80, U2100 $65, U1800 $55. B. U1500 ($240/16): $120-65, U1200 $55.
EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45 pm. Rds.: 12-1:45-4:00-5:45.
One bye available, request at entry. www.marshallchessclub.org.
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 29, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual
Greater NY Elementary Championship - USCF's Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/29/99 not yet in 7th grade. New Yorker
Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF:
$47.60 postmarked by 1/06/12. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3
unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts.
except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Jun-
ior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by
1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to spec-
ified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd,
thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $47.40 post-
marked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free
entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st,
thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player post-
marked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or
more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from
advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15
charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't
win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to
1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4
scores from same school = team score). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2
byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating,
ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if nec-
essary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section):
Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. To con-
firm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone
entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191,
24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46
thru 1/13, $53 1/14-1/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-
site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15.
Questions, team rooms: chesscentr@aol.com (Jan 27-29 only: 212-
971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards!
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 29, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 46th Annual
Greater NY High School Championship - USCF's Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 1/29/92. New Yorker
Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF:
$49.60 postmarked by 1/06/12. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3
unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to specified Chess Center tmts.
except quads thru 8/1/12 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Jun-
ior-Varsity: open to Under 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by
1/6.Trophies to top 12, top U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry
to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/12 to 1st, thru 6/1
to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40
postmarked by 1/6. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools.
Plaques to top 2 each grade: 7-9 (you can win both plaque & trophy). Free
entry to specified Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/12 to 1st,
thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EF's $7 extra per player post-
marked 1/7-13, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or
more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from
advance entry list charged late fee. $15 extra to switch sections, $15
charge for each player refund. All players scoring 4 or more who don't
win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to
1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4
scores from same school = team score; no combined schools, even if
one school "feeds" another). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-
5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of
current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school,
grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of
NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose
SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/13. Phone entries: $59 by credit card
thru 1/23: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only).
Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/13, $53 1/14-
1/23. No phone or on-line entries after 1/23. On-site entry fee: $65.
On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, team
rooms: chesscentr@aol.com (Jan 27-29 only: 212-971-0101). Bring
sets, clocks, boards!
Jan. 29, Marshall Sunday G/60!
4-SS, G/55d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24):
$160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15-11:45
am. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Feb. 1-29, Marshall Wednesday U1400!
A NEW REGULAR MARSHALL CHESS CLUB TOURNAMENT! 5-SS,
G/85d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, mem-
bers $30. ($450/20): $240-120, U1100 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. Rds. 7
pm each Wednesday. Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchess
club.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Feb. 1-29, Marshall Wednesday U2000!
PRIZES INCREASED BY 50%! 5-SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23
W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $50, members $30. ($450/20):
$240-120, U1700 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45 pm. Rds. 7 pm each Wednesday.
Limit 2 byes, request by Rd 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
Feb. 2, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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 impos-
sible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 4, 25th Annual Super Saturday In New York!
See Grand Prix.
ORGANIZER AND DIRECTOR
SEMINARS
If you are a senior level TD or higher and
willing to conduct a free seminar about
organizing/ directing USCF-rated tourna-
ments, please contact Joan Dubois at
tla@uschess.org.
uschess.org

Feb. 4, Marshall Saturday U1400!
4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300
b/20): $160-80, U1100 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45.
Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry.
www.marshallchessclub.org.
Feb. 4-5 or 5, Marshall February U2100!
4SS, 30/85d5, SD/1d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716.
EF: $45, Members $25. ($540 b/36): $240-120, U1850 $95, U1600 $85.
Reg.: ends 12:15PM. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2 day, Rds. 12:30-5:30 PM each
day; 1 day, (Rds 1-2 G/35) 9:40-11:05AM-12:30-5:30 PM Sun; both
merge rd.3. Limit 2 byes, request at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. www.mar
shallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Feb. 5, Super Rated Beginners' Open!
4-SS, G/45 + td/5 or G/50 + td/0. Chess Center at the New Yorker Hotel,
481 8th Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NYC: 845-569-9969,
for Under 1200 or those not rated in any country. EF $25, specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40.
Reg. ends 10:30 am. Rds.: 11-1:15-3:15-5:15 pm. Bring sets, clocks!
Feb. 5, Super Sunday (Pre)Game/60 Quad!
3-RR, G/55 + td/5 or G/60 + td/0. Chess Center at the New Yorker Hotel,
481 8th Ave at 34th St., across from Penn Station, NYC. EF: $30. NO FREE
ENTRIES! $$ (60 to 1st each quad, b/4 per quad). Reg. ends 11:45
am. Rds.: 12-2-4. All players must agree to play ALL 3 games! Bring
sets, clocks!
Feb. 9, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/25 + td/5 or G/30 + td/0. 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 $35, Club membs $25, GMs $20 from prize. $$ (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 impos-
sible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
Feb. 9-Mar. 8, Marshall Thursday Members-Only Swiss!
PRIZES INCREASED BY 50%! 5-SS, G/115d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th
St., NYC. 212 477-3716. Open to MCC members only. EF: $30. ($450 b/20):
$240-120, U2000 $90. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7PM each Thursday. Limit
2 byes, request by rd. 3. www.marshallchessclub.org. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Feb. 11, Marshall Saturday U1800!
4-SS, G/40d5. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212 477-3716. ($300
b/20): $160-80, U1500 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 12:15-12:45.
Rds.: 1-2:45-4:30-6:15PM. One bye available, request at entry. www.mar
shallchessclub.org.
Feb. 11-12 or 12, Marshall February Grand Prix!
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 14, Marshall Valentine's Day Action!
4-SS, G/25d5. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360/24):
$160-80, U2000 $65, U1700 $55. EF: $30, members $20. Reg.: 6:15-6:45
pm. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
www.marshallchessclub.org.
Mar. 2-4 or 3-4, 21st annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
Mar. 3-4, 45th annual New York State Scholastic Championships
Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each sec-
tion are NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N,
4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Free parking. Team
prizes based on top 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams
allowed even if one school "feeds" another. Teams of 2 or 3 players
allowed, but are at a disadvantage. In 8 sections, each is a 6SS, G/61
except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Mar 4 only. No 5 minute time control
deduction. High School, open to all in grades K-12. EF $38.20 mailed by
2/10. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Cham-
pions. High School Reserve, open to K-12 under 1200 or unrated. EF
$38 mailed by 2/10. Junior High, open to all in grades K-9. EF $37.90
mailed by 2/10. The higher rated (post-tournament) of the top NYS K-8
in JHS or top NYS K-8 in HS qualifies for Barber Tournament of K-8
Champions. Middle School Reserve, open to K-8 under 1000 or unrated.
EF $37.80 mailed by 2/10. Elementary, open to all in grades K-6. EF
$37.60 mailed by 2/10. Elementary Reserve, open to grades K-5 under
800 or unrated. EF $37.50 mailed by 2/10. Primary, grades K-3. EF
$37.30 mailed by 2/10. K-1, grades K-1. EF $37.10 mailed by 2/10.
Postmarked 2/11-21: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/21.
Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $40 by 2/10, $50 by 2/27.
No online entry after 2/27. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sections: EF
$55 per player by 2/27. No phone entry after 2/27. Entry at site: all $60.
Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at
chesstour.com, Young Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20. Trophies to top 15 players and
top 7 teams each section, top 3 unrated in Primary, K-1, and each reserve
section, and top U1500, U1300 (HS), U900, U700 (HS Reserve), U1200,
U1000 (JHS), U700, U500 (MS Reserve), U1000, U800 (Elem), U500,
U300 (Elem Reserve). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to
NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2012 (Albany), to top player
each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2, 5, Sun
9, 12, 2:30, awards 5 pm. K-1 schedule: Late reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds
Sun 10, 12, 1:30, 3, 4:30, awards 5:45. Half point byes OK all, limit 2,
must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000,
reserve by 2/18 or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for
room cancellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, 2 blocks away,
518-226-0538. Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD
#657633. Mail entry: Continental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY
12577. Include name, rating, USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members
enclose dues), section, school, grade, birth date, address of each player.
Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 per player service charge for
refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substitutions from advance
list charged $60. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Bring set,
uschess.org
See previous issue for TLAs appearing December 1-14
board, clock if possible- none supplied. Chess Magnet School JGP
(except K-1).
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, Long Island Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
North Carolina
Dec. 17, Tobacco Road Action Chess Tournament
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 27, Land of the Sky Chess960
3SS, G/30. Start 8pm at Land of the Sky XXV (see GP TLA). Free entry,
plaque to first. www.ncchess.org.
Jan. 27-29, Land of the Sky XXV
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 28, Land of the Sky Blitz (QC)
G/5, unrated. Start 10am at Land of the Sky XXV (See GP TLA). EF: $20.
100% of entries paid as prizes. www.ncchess.org.
Ohio
Dec. 3, House of Chess Open
4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W
of JC 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.thehouseof
chess.com/.
Dec. 17, Progress with Chess Monthly Open
4SS, G/30. Fairhill Center, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. EF:
$15. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rds.: 10, 11:30, 1, 2:30. $250 Guaranteed: Open (1st
$100, 2nd $50). Reserve U-1500: (1st $65, 2nd $35). Entries: Progress
with Chess, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44120. Info: www.progress
withchess.org. Contact: Mike Joelson 216-321-7000.
Jan. 14, Toledo Jan Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health
Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave.,
Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by
1/12, $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.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Jan. 27-29 or 28-29, 35th Cardinal Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 11, Toledo Feb Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75, Rnds. 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health
Science Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave.,
Toledo, OH 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by
2/9, $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.
Chess Magnet School JGP.
Mar. 16-17, 11th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament
5SS, G/30. Paul Brown Stadium, Club West, Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
14 School Sections, includes rated and non-rated. Grade K Non-Rated,
1 Non-Rated, 2 Non-rated, 3 Non-rated, K-3 Open, 4 Non-Rated, 5 Non-
Rated, 6 Non-Rated, 4-6 below 700, 4-6 Open, 7-9 Non-Rated, 7-9 Open,
10-12 Non-Rated, K-12 Open. USCF membership is not required for the
non-rated and K-3 rated sections. Prizes: Trophies to all who score 3.5
points or higher, top three team trophies awarded and medals to all oth-
ers. EF: $35 early bird fee and $45 EF after February 17th. EF includes
lunch, t-shirt, program/score book, medal, and simul participation. Reg-
istration closes Wednesday, March 14, 2012. NO ON-SITE REGISTRA-
TIONS. Schedule: Friday, March 16, check in from 5-6 p.m. FREE SIMUL
at 6:30 p.m. for tournament participants, $20 for Non-participants.
SIMUL features International Master Irina Krush, International Grand-
masters Maurice Ashley and Gregory Kaidanov. March 17, check in
7-8:30 a.m., matches begin at 9:00 a.m. Grandmasters will be available
for questions and instructions all day. Entry/Info: 1-866-PS-CHESS (772-
4377) or www.queencityclassic.org.
Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Oklahoma
Dec. 28, 21st Holiday Open
4-SS, G/55+15. (dual rated). Quality Inn, 2515 W 6th Ave. (Hwy-51), Still-
water, OK 1-405-372-0800. HR: $65-65. Free Parking $$100-1st; other $
per entries. Reg.: 9-9:45am. RDS.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. EF: $20. OCF req
$10. One (1) half pt bye rds 1-2-3 CMV, LS, W. Jim Berry, P O Box 351, Still-
water, OK 74076. 405-762-1649. jaberrycg@aol.com.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM)
See Grand Prix.
Pennsylvania
Every Second Saturday of the Month
Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads 3RR, G/40. St. Luke's
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! www.freewebs.com/allentown
centercitychessclub.
Every Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads & G/10 (QC)
(NO QUADS OR BLITZ ON LVCA GRAND PRIX DATES LISTED IN CHESS
LIFE) G/40 Quads, 3-RR. Reg.: 1p. Lehigh County Senior Ctr., 1633 Elm
St., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10, $30 for 3-0 score, else $25 for 1st. G/10
Quick Chess, 5-SS, Reg.: 5-6:15 pm. EF: $5, Prizes: 50% of Paid Entries.
Info: bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org, http://www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Jan. 7, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Our 23rd year! 3RR, 40/75,sd/30,td/5sec. United Methodist Church,
129 S. High St., West Chester, PA. EF: $20; $40, $50 for 3-0. Reg.: 9am;
Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: WCCC1975@gmail.com.
Jan. 12, MasterMinds CC Swiss/Quads
Blair Christian Academy, 220 W Upsal St., Philadelphia, PA. Quads:
40/75 SD/30TD/5. EF: $20 cash, Perfect score winner $50 else $40. Rd.
1 10AM then asap. Scholastic SS, EF $5 rec'd by Thursday before, $15
at the door. 3 sections Rd. 1 10AM then asap: K-12 3SS, G/55 TD/5 1st,
2nd, 3rd, top under 1200, top unrated; K-8 4SS G/35TD/5.1st, 2nd, 3rd,
top under 800, top unrated; K-6 4SS, G/35TD/5.1st, 2nd, 3rd, top under
600, top under 400, top unrated. 1st & 2nd school & club trophies. All
Reg. ends 9:30am. 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.masterminds
chess.org.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open (MD)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 23-25 or 24-25, 13th annual Pittsburgh Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open
See Grand Prix.
June 28-July 2, 9th annual Philadelphia International
See Grand Prix.
July 1-3, 2-8, 4-5, 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 40th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island
Cranston Chess Club Monthly
Every Tuesday. 4SS, 40/70, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF:
$5/game (club mbrs: $3/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.:
1st 4 Tuesdays of the month, 7pm sharp! 5th Tuesday extra rated games
and events. One bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on
entries. Info: www.cranstonchess.org, 401-575-1520. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, Continental Amateur (MA)
See Massachusetts.
South Carolina
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 11-12, 38th Snowstorm Special
5SS, 30/90, SD/1 (Rd. 1 G/90). Best Western Charleston-Downtown, 146
Lockwood Dr., Charleston, SC 29403. EF: $50 if rec'd by 2/08, $60 at site,
$25 re-entry; USCF & SCCA req'd, OSA. Prize Fund: $950 b/40 ($475 Gtd.)
One section, Open to all. Prizes: $300-150, Top A,B,C,D,E & under 1st-
$100 ea. (Unrateds will be based on perf. rating after 4th rd.) Schedule:
Reg.: Sat. 8-9am Rds.: 10am, 2pm, 8pm, Sun. 9am, 2:30pm. Half pt. byes:
avail. all rds., must commit before Rd. 2 for Rds. 4&5 (irrevocable). HR:
$84.99 (mention "Snowstorm Special") reserve by Jan. 27, 2012 (843-722-
4000 or toll free 1-877-721-4545) (www.CharlestonBestWestern.com).
Other info: Free entry to Masters and above ($50 deducted from any win-
nings). Info/Reg/Pmt: Charleston Chess Club, c/o David Y.Causey, 741
Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (email: chessbass@att.net). Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Tennessee
Jan. 7-8, Memphis Candidates 2012
5SS, G/120. EF: $10 for MCC and GMCC members, (non-members: $40
adults, $30 under 18). This event is USCF regular rated. Rounds 9-2-7,
9-2. Registration begins at 7:30pm 1/7. Top 7 finishers meet Chase
Knowles for Memphis City Championship. Site: Greater Memphis Chess
Center, 5796 Shelby Oaks Dr., Suite 11, Memphis,TN 38134. Entries: Mem-
phis Chess Club Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864.
www.memphischess.com, gpylant@gmail.com. Chess Magnet School
JGP.
Jan. 14-15, Tennessee Winter Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 24-26 or 25-26, Greater Memphis Open 2
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 16-18 or 17-18, 16th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Texas
Dec. 10, Steven Grubbs Memorial
5SS, G/30. Student Union Galaxy Rooms atThe University ofTexas at Dal-
las, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080. Three rated sections
Opened to all in grades preK - 12th: HS/MS(K-12), Elem (K-6), Pri-
mary(K-3). One Not Rated section: Elem Not Rated (K-6). This section
is opened to all players in grades K-6 including rated players. $$Trophies:
HS/MS:Top 10 ind., top 3 teams; Elem:Top 10 ind., top 5 teams; Primary:
Top 10 ind., top 3 teams; Elem Not Rated: Top 10 Ind, top 5 teams. EF:
$19 if postmarked by 12/3; $28 thereafter and on site. Add $5 for phone
entries. On site registration may result in 1/2 point first round bye.
Reg.: 8:00-8:45am, Rd 1 pairing posted at 9:20am, all others ASAP with
45-minute lunch break. One 1/2 pt. bye if requested before end of Rd 2.
Tournament is not elimination, play all 5 rounds. Pre-Registration requires
prepayment with complete information. All changes after 12/8/11 to be
made on site only. Make Checks payable to Dallas Chess Club. US Chess
Federation Membership is required for all Rated sections. Not Rated sec-
Chess Life December 2011 67
 Tournament Life
tions do not require US Chess Federation membership. Enter: Dallas
Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX
76036. www.dallaschess.com, www.utdallas.edu/chess. E-mail: info@
dallaschess.com, 214-632-9000. Note that seating is limited and is on a
first come first serve basis. Park on metered parking by Student Union
or get visitors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on vis-
itor's parking. Due to construction, check website for parking updates.
All proceeds from this tournament will go to the Steven M Grubbs Memo-
rial Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas at Dallas. NS. NC. W.
Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament
See Nationals.
Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Class Championships
Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort
Worth,TX 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/
dfwam-dfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&groupCode=
paipaia&fromDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink , or call 800-228-9290
reserve by 12/5 (or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American Inter-
collegiate Chess rate. Free Parking. Tournament Dates: December
27-30, 2011. Tournament Format: 6 round Swiss System, Game/90 with
a 30 second increment. 7 Sections. Open: Open to all, U2000: Open to
1999 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but not be eligible for
prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrateds may play in this section
but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds: Open to 1599 & under.
Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win unrated prizes that
are determined by unrated entry fees.The unrated entry fees do not apply
for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds may not play
in this section. U1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may not play in
this section. U1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not play in this
section. Rounds: Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: 12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm,
Rd 4: 12/29 10 am, Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6: 12/30 9 am. Entry Fees: Pri-
ority Registration by December 14, 2011: $60. After December 14, 2011:
$75. Prizes: Open: 1st= $600, 2nd = $300, 3rd = $200, 1st U2200 =
$400, 2nd U2200 $200. For all other sections (U2000, U1800 etc.) 60%
returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd and 10% for 3rd). Additional
Info: One bye available if requested by end of round 2. However play-
ers in the Pan Am Intercollegiate may have byes any time as long as
requested 45 minutes before round starts AND as long as they are
paired in the Pan American Intercollegiate. Open section is Fide rated
but uses USCF rules. Sections may be combined if there is a low turnout
in one of the sections. More info: www.swchess.com or contact Barbara
Swafford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com. Ent: Dallas Chess Club,
C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. FIDE. NS.
NC. W. Chess Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 27-30, 2011 Pan American Under 20 Scholastic Chess Cham-
pionships
Location: DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas, 76155. HR: $84/84/84/84. www.marriott.com/hotels/
travel/dfwam-dfw-airport-marriott-south/?toDate=12/31/11&group
Code=paipaia&fromDate=12/26/11&app=resvlink or call 800-228-
9290 reserve by 12/5 (or rate could go up) and ask for Pan American
Intercollegiate Chess rate. Free Parking. Tournament Dates: Decem-
ber 27-30, 2011. Under 20 years old Scholastic Tournament Format:
Open to players under 20 years old who are not yet enrolled in college.
This is a 6 round Swiss, Game/90 with a 30 second increment. Rounds:
Rd. 1: 12/27 6 pm, Rd. 2: 12/28 10 am, Rd. 3: 5 pm, Rd 4: 12/29 10 am,
Rd 5: 5 pm, and Rd 6: 12/30 9 am. Entry Fees: Priority Registration by
December 1, 2011: $45. After December 1, 2011: $60. Prizes: Four-year
scholarship toThe University ofTexas at Dallas to winner. UT Dallas Chess
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II Scholarship as the first prize. The Chess II scholarship is worth
approximately $105,000 to an out of state (Texas) student and $45,000
to an In-State student. For some more details about the UTD Chess Schol-
arships please see www.utdallas.edu/chess/scholarships/chess-pro
gram-scholarships.html Winner must meet UTD entrance requirement and
follow team rules. UTD is sole judge as to who wins the scholarship.Top
10 trophies, medal to all participants. For Additional information or
online registration go to: www.swchess.com or contact Barbara Swaf-
ford, 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com. Ent: Dallas Chess Club,
C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Chess
Magnet School JGP.
Dec. 31-Jan. 1, DCC Insanity
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 6-8 or 7-8, 2nd annual Austin Chess Club Championship
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 23-26 or 25-26, Southern Rocky Fide Open (NM)
See Grand Prix.
Utah
A State Championship Event!
Dec. 2-4, Utah State Championship
5SS, G/120. Research Administration Building, University of Utah. See
utahchess.com for map/directions and eligibility details. Eligibility:
1800 and above USCF rating or per webpage. Prizes: $150, $75, plus $50
to 1st U2000 & trophies. Top Utah resident earns 2011 Utah Champion
title and corresponding trophy. EF: $25 if received by 30 Nov, $30 on-site.
Reg.: 5:30-6:15 pm. Rds.: Friday 6:30 pm, Saturday 10-3:30, Sunday 9-
2:30. 2 byes available if requested before 2nd round. Chess Magnet
School JGP.
Virginia
Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Ladder
30/90, SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington
Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203. Ladder has been running for over 45 years,
now win money too! Most monthly game points: $50; most total points
Jan. to Dec.: $100. Must join club to play. Yearly dues: $50 adults, $40
seniors and U18, cash or check. Dates found on our website:
http://members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/. Reg.: weekly sign-up from
7:00-8:00, games start by 8:10, no advance entries. Contact for info only:
Chrisney2@gmail.com. W, NS. Chess Magnet School JGP (if 4
rounds/games played in that one month).
Arlington Chess Club's Monthly Action Tournament
Once each month, the ACC sponsors an action tournament (dates found
on our website: http://members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/.) 3SS,
G/30. Prizes b/entries: 80% returned as prizes. Held concurrently with
club ladder. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington
Blvd., Arlington, VA 22202. Reg.: 7:00-8:15. Rd. 1: 8:20. EF: $15 ($10 for
ACC Members), no advance entries, cash only. Contact for info only: chris-
ney2@gmail.com. W. NS.
Dec. 17, Scholastic Quads
Our Lady of Good Counsel School, 8601 Wolftrap Rd., Vienna, VA 22182.
See: www.silverknightschess.com for complete information or to regis-
ter.
Dec. 31, Sterling Chess December Open and RBO
4SS, G/61. St. Francis Episcopal Church, Harris Hall, 9220 Georgetown
Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Two sections: Open $$125 b/22, 75/35/15.
Tel.: (540) 344-4446. If we are out when you call, please leave your
name & tel. #.
LEARN CHESS BY MAIL:
Any Strength: Inquire about individual programs. Alex Dunne, 324
West Lockhart Street, Sayre, PA 18840. adunne@stny.rr.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-volume, self-study Comprehensive Chess Course-
only $134 postpaid! P.O. Box 534, Gracie Station, NY, NY 10028. (212)
794-8706.
Learn Chess Online
Experienced chess coaches from India, starting at $9/hour. URL:
www.my chessguru.com Phone: (732) 207-6203 e-mail: mychess
guru@gmail.com
$10/hour Chess Lessons, Shogi Lessons. Master Gary
Pickler, 2207. I pay phone costs! (808) 982-7172.
Internet and Telephone Chess Lessons for all ages with N.M.
Peter Aravena Sloan www.TeachesChess.com 347-451-1154.
Services
Free Chess Club Software
https://sites.google.com/site/fredm/
U1200, medal to winner. EF: Open $10, U1200 $7. Unrateds free. Reg-
ister online at www.meetup.com/sterling-chess-tournaments. Pay on
website. Reg.: 11:30-12:00. Rds.: 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:30. Info:
news@serranoassociates.com. Bye: Half-point, any round. Chess Mag-
net School JGP.
Jan. 13-16, 14-16 or 15-16, 44th annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 14, Kingstowne Quad #81
3RR, G/100. Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village
Pkwy., Alexandria, VA 22315. EF: $10 if received by 1/11, $15 at site.
Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else
silver; bronze to 2nd. Reg.: 9-10:30. Rds.: 11-3-7. Ent (checks payable
to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. E-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. W (please give 48-hour notice if needed).
Feb. 10-12 or 11-12, 2012 Baltimore Open (MD)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 11, Kingstowne Action-Plus #53
5SS, G/45. KingstowneThompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy.,
Alexandria, VA 22315. EF: $15 if received by 2/8, $20 at site. Prizes $$250
b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr. each $30. Reg.: 9-10:30. Rds.: 11-1-
3-5-7. Ent (checks payable to): Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield,
VA 22152. E-mail (info only): dm407_92@hotmail.com. W (please give
48-hour notice if needed).
Mar. 2-4, 44th Annual Virginia Open
See Grand Prix.
Apr. 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, 6th annual Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Wisconsin
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 14-15, 47th Northeastern Open
SECTIONS:Three: OPEN, RESERVE (U/1500), and NOVICE (U/1000). All
are USCF-rated. FORMAT: OPEN and RESERVE: 5/SS, T/C: 35/90, G/60,
Rds. at 10-2:30-7:15 and 10-3. One half-point Bye in any Round. Full-point
Bye in Rd 1 to players 2100+ if pre-registered. NOVICE: 6/SS, G/60,
Rounds at 10:15, 1, 3:30, 6:30 and 10:15, 1:00. Two half-point Byes
allowed. PLAYING SITE: Holiday Inn Neenah, 123 E. Wisconsin Ave.,
Neenah, WI 54956. PH: 1-920-725-8441. Site has 24-hour pool, exer-
cise/workout rooms, video game area and sports bar. ROOM RATES: $79
for 1-bed King, or 2-bed double. Must mention chess. REGISTRATION:
8:30 9:30 on 1/14/12. ENTRY FEES: OPEN = $39, RESERVE = $18,
NOVICE = $16. All are $7 more if emailed, phoned-in or mailed after
1/9/12. Checks payable to: Mike Selig TD. PRIZE FUND: OPEN ($ 1400
b/60) $330, $220, best 1900 - 180, 1800 - 170, 1700 - 160, 1600 - 150,
U/1600 - $120, U/1400 - 70. RESERVE: $60 - 40. Trophies to: 1st, 2nd,
3rd, best 1200, 1100, 1000, U/1000, Unrated. NOVICE: $30,Trophies to:
1st, 2nd, best U/800, U/600, Unrated. ADVANCE ENTRIES: 47th NORTH-
EASTERN OPEN, Mike Selig Director, 2895 W. Fourth St. Condo "B"
Appleton, WI 54914-4330. TD Phone: 920-739-7550. Email: mselig@
tds.net. OTHER INFO: Special USCF "Tournament Membership" for play-
ers age 24/Under is only $ 7.00. Fox River Mega-Mall 183 stores is
4 miles from the site! Chess Magnet School JGP.
May 24-28, 25-28, 26-28, 27-28 or 25-26, 21st annual Chicago Open
(IL)
See Grand Prix.
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 Solutions

Unpin: White loses a piece after 1. ... g5.

CHESS TO ENJOY 20. b. Author Colin Dexter named the star of his novels Problem III.
(page 15) (and syndicated TV series) after Sir Jeremy Morse, an
avid problemist and chairman of Lloyds Bank, when it
Skewer: Black wins the rook with 1. ... Be4.
Trivia Quiz Problem IV.
sponsored a major international open in London.
1. b. Early in the film the main character,
Problem I.
Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Qb2+, when 2.
Mark Zuckerberg, uses the Elo algorithm to rate the Problem V.
attractiveness of coeds in a forerunner of Facebook.
1. Qg7+! mates.
Problem II. Kh3 Qg2+ 3. Kh4 Qh2+ (or 3. ... Qh1+) 4. Kg5 Qh6
2. b. On his country estate.
1. Qd2! threatens 2. Qxd7 as well as 2. Qg5+ Kh8 3. is mate.
3. e. 117 wins out of 235 games. Qf6+ Kg8 4. h6 and Qg7 mate.
Mating net: White has just pinned the bishop,
4. Eight. For example, the white bishop that starts on f1 Problem VI.
Problem III.
could go to d3, h3, f5, h7, d7, b1, and b5. 1 Bc4+ Kh8 and now 2. Rf7 wins eventually but 2.
5. b. allowing mate in one, 1. ... Re2 mate.
Bf7! Qg4 3. Bh5! is faster (3. ... Qxh5 4. Qxg7 mate
6. d. This was the game played in a back room, away or 3. ... Qd7 4. Rf7).
from spectators to satisfy Bobby Fischer.
ENDGAME LAB
Problem IV. Benkos Bafflers (page 49)
7. d. His father is Nepalese and his mother is Russian. 1. ... Nxf3+ 2. Bxf3 Bd4+ 3. Kh1 Rxf3! wins (4. gxf3
Bxf3+). Problem I.
8. a.
Problem V. 1. Kc7!
9. c. Aruna Anand gave birth to a son.
1. ... Qd7! threatens 2. ... Rxd2 but also 2. ... Rd3 1. Qe5+? Kh6 2. g8=R Qc6+ leads to perpetual
10. a.
and ... Qxh3+, e.g. 2. Nb1 Rd3 3. Qc5 Qxh3+ 4. Kg1 check or loss of the rook.
11. f. and now 4. ... Bg4, followed by ... Bxe2 or ... Bf3 and 1. ... Qg2
12. Howard Stern. mate. 1. ... Qh3 2. Qe5+! Kh6 3. g8=R!!; 1. ... Qa8 2. Qh2+
13. Only d. Problem VI. Kg6 3. Qg2+!
14. d. I dont really know why but I feel naked without 1. ... fxg3! 2. Rf1 (threat of 3. Qh7 mate) 2. ... e4 3.
2. Qf7+! Kh6 3. g8=N+!! wins.
it, he said on crestbook.com. Bxe4 Bf5! 4. Qxf5 Rxe4 is the easiest way to win.
15. c. Other versions say it was played in 1750, when Problem II.
Lgal was only 48. SOLITAIRE CHESS 1. g6+! Kh6 2. g7! Qf2+ 3. Rd2 Qf1
16. Yes, Emanuel Lasker and David Janowski, born ABCs of Chess (page 17) 3. ... Qf4 4. g8=B (4. g8=R? Qc4+ 5. Kd1 Qf1+; 4.

Pin: Black wins a pawn and a knight with 1. ...

six months apart, played in 1909. Problem I. g8=N+? Kh7! 5. Rb7+ Kh8! 6. Ne7 Qe4+); 3. ... Qf3
17. a. 4. g8=R (4. g8=B? Qc6+!; 4. g8=N+? Kh7 5. Rd7+
18. b. British model Katie Perry came close, her publisher Nxd4+. Kh8 and White can not consolidate the position. 4. ...
Qc6+ 5. Kd1 Qh1+ 6. Ke2! and Black can neither
Removing the guard: Black wins a piece by 1.
said, to Karpovs Guinness Book of Records achievement Problem II.
of signing 1,951 books in one sitting. win a rook nor give perpetual check.
19. b. ... Bxf3. 4. g8=N+ Kh7 5. Rb7+ Kh8 6. Ne7 wins.

The USCF Mission

USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending 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 develop-
ment of players (professional 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 members 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 serv-
ices to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefits of its
members. USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States
and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is struc-
tured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and
laws of the state of Illinois.

CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 66 No. 12. 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-
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uschess.org Chess Life December 2011 69

 Index

2011 Chess Life Index

How To Use Index Month Cover #s

Items are listed by month January (1) Vasily Smyslov 172
(1-12) and page; so 4:16 February (2) Steven Zierk 172
refers to April, page 16. There March (3) Larry Evans 172
are three sections: Index of
April (4) Hikaru Nakamura 172
Games, Index of Openings,
and Index of Features. In May (5) USATE Winning Team 172
Index of Games, (f) refers to June (6) College Chess Collage 172
a game fragment . July (7) Kamsky & Zatonskih 180
August (8) Correspondence Chess 180
September (9) World Chess Hall of Fame 172
October (10) Chess Apps 180
November (11) Samuel Reshevsky 180
December (12) Kings vs. Queens 172

INDEX OF GAMES
Abrahamyan,T
-Karavade,E: 1:33
-Zatonskih,A: 7:32,34
Adamson,R-Steinfl,A: 8:43
Adhiban,B-Chirila,I: 2:26(f)
Akobian,V
-Kacheishvili,G: 9:32
-Kamsky,G: 7:18
-Rensch,D: 9:35(f)
Alekhine,A
-Chajes,O: 2:14
-Verlinsky,B: 12:42(f)
Altrock,R-Kamp,C: 4:39
Alvarez,L-Roldan,JL: 4:39
Amanov,Z
-Kavutskiy,K: 8:42
-Paragua,M: 8:43(f)
-Sevillano,E: 8:43(f)
Amateur-Nezhmetdinov,R: 5:16
Anand,V
-Aronian,L: 12:32
-Carlsen,M: 8:55(f)
-Kramnik,V: 8:14(f)
-Nakamura,H: 4:22(f);
12:36(f)
-Nepomniachtchi,I: 5:44
-Timman,J: 2:13
Anderson,M-Carlson,M: 10:54
Anderssen,A-Wyvill,M: 1:14
Arnold,M
-Krush,I: 12:26
-Lahno,K: 12:22(f)
-Sturt,R: 4:25
-Rosen,E: 8:50
-Zatonskih,A: 12:25
Aronian,L
-Anand,V: 12:32
-Nakamura,H: 4:18(f);
8:54(f),55(f); 12:31
-Topalov,V: 8:55(f)
Averbakh,Y-Spassky,B: 5:14(f)
Bachmann,A-Bercys,S: 6:22(f)
Baginskaite,C-Papadopoulou,V:
1:29
Balasaygun,A-Bashkansky,N:
10:26(f)
Banawa,J
-Troff,K: 8:46
-Yankovsky,R: 8:46(f)
Bardeleben,C-Burn,A: 10:15
Barden,L-Heaton,A: 11:15(f)
Barden,L/Fischer,R-
Penrose,J/Clarke,P: 11:14(f)
Barth,B-Korley,K: 11:54
Bashkansky,N-Balasaygun,A:
10:26(f)
Beliavsky,A-Pukshansky,M:
5:15
Benko,P
-Fischer,R: 12:48(f)
-Reshevsky,S: 6:45
-Zuidema,C: 12:48(f)
Bercys,S-Bachmann,A: 6:22(f)
Berliner,H-Evans,L: 3:12
Birnbaum,P-Lapay,R: 12:46
Bisguier,A
-Evans,L: 3:14
-Fischer,R: 12:43(f)
Bogart,H-Limbos,P: 8:16
Bogoljubow,E-Colle,E: 6:16
Bonsack,L-Hampton,R: 8:29
Botez,A-Regem,J: 6:41
Botvinnik,M
-Bronstein,D: 8:15(f)
-Chistyakov,A: 6:15
-Minev,N: 10:56(f)
-Najdorf,M: 10:56(f)
-Reshevsky,S: 11:45
-Troianescu,O: 10:57(f)
Bronstein,D
-Botvinnik,M: 8:15(f)
-Mikenas,V: 4:14
-Porreca,G: 12:43(f)
Brown,MW-Xu,GY: 11:26
Buff,J-Hendricks: 6:12
Burn,A-Bardeleben,C: 10:15
Bykhovsky,A-Gareyev,T: 6:22(f)
Cao,K-Zatonskih,A: 12:28
Capablanca,JR
-Reshevsky,S: 11:45
-Schroeder,C: 6:13
-Spielmann,R: 12:12(f)
-Vidmar,M: 12:13(f)
Carlsen,M
-Anand,V: 8:55(f)
-Gelfand,B: 8:54
-Ivanchuk,V: 12:36
-Kramnik,V: 3:38(f)
-Leko,P: 1:12(f)
-McShane,L: 3:36(f)
-Nakamura,H: 4:20(f)
-Short,N: 3:38
-Smeets,J: 5:45
-Wang,H: 4:23
Carlson,M-Anderson,M: 10:54
Chajes,O-Alekhine,A: 2:14
Cheparinov,I-Kamsky,G:
1:26,46(f)
Chichman-Moisey,A: 12:16
Chirila,I-Adhiban,B: 2:26(f)
Chistyakov,A-Botvinnik,M: 6:15
Clarke,P/Penrose,J-
Fischer,R/BardenL: 11:14(f)
Cobb,M-Moore,N: 1:44
Colle,E-Bogoljubow,E: 6:16
Commons,K-Evans,L: 3:13(f)
Connelly,T-Jacobs,S: 8:29
Cullum,C-Miller,D: 8:30
Darsey,H-Darsey,R: 6:42
Darsey,R-Darsey,H: 6:42
Deep Fritz-Deep Junior: 9:14(f)
Deep Junior
-Deep Fritz: 9:14(f)
-Shredder: 11:12
de Guzman,R-Kacheishvili,G:
6:32(f)
Dembo,Y-Krush,I: 1:29(f)
DePesquo,J-Platz,J: 11:15(f)
Doda,Z-Fischer,R: 2:12(f)
Donner,J-Portisch,L: 4:41
Dreev,A-Ramirez,A: 4:37
Duggan,JM-McCarver,D: 11:39
Durao,J-Heidenfeld,W: 4:39
Durarbeyli,V-Zierk,S: 2:37
Duz-Khotimirsky,F-Trublenkov:
7:12(f)
Dyson,P-Storch,L: 5:28
Ehlvest,J-Robson,R: 10:21
Esserman,M
-Lenderman,A: 11:22
-van Wely,L: 11:19
Euwe,M
-Fischer,R: 2:22
-Reshevsky,S: 6:44(f)
Evans,L
-Berliner,H: 3:12
-Bisguier,A: 3:14
-Commons,K: 3:13(f)
-Keres,P: 3:25
-Opsahl,H: 3:24,46(f)
-Pilnick,C: 3:24
-Pinkus,A: 3:46(f)
-Reshevsky,S: 3:24(f)
-Rossolimo,N: 3:12(f)
-Taimanov,M: 3:24,47(f)
Everett,M-Franklin,W: 4:42
Evigelsky,A-Malishauskas,V:
11:16
Fichtl,J-Milotai,D: 4:41
Fieberg,S-Xiong,J: 2:41
Fierro,M-Nakamura,H: 12:22(f)
Finegold,B
-Kosteniuk,A: 12:24
-Krush,I: 12:22(f)
Fine,R-O'Kelly de Galway,A:
7:14
Fischer,R
-Benko,P: 12:48(f)
-Bisguier,A: 12:43(f)
-Doda,Z: 2:12(f)
-Euwe,M: 2:22
-Reshevsky,S: 6:44(f); 7:13;
11:49
-Sherwin,J: 12:43(f)
Fischer,R/Barden,L-Pen-
rose,J/Clarke,P: 11:14(f)
Flores,D-Nakamura,H: 1:46(f)
Franklin,W-Everett,M: 4:42
Friedel,J-Kacheishvili,G: 6:36
Fritz 12-Moody,R: 2:44
Gales,W-Rose,B: 8:30
Garbarino,J-Hess,R: 5:22
Garcia,JLF-Polgar,J: 7:11(f)
Gareyev,T
-Bykhovsky,A: 6:22(f)
-van Wely,L: 10:22
Garrett,P-Ranario,D: 2:33
Gelashvili,T-Krush,I: 10:18
Gelfand,B
-Carlsen,M: 8:54
-Grischuk,A: 8:20; 9:47(f)
-Kamsky,G: 8:22(f),23(f);
9:46(f)
Georgiev,K-Sutovsky,E: 9:15(f)
Getz,N-Hushenbeth,N: 11:56(f)
Giri,A-Nakamura,H: 4:19(f)
Giusfolisi,AM-Torrens,O: 9:16
Gologorshy,R-Regam,J: 11:30
Golub,D-Vilenchuk,M: 11:29
Grandelius,N-Zierk,S: 2:46(f)
Greco,G-NN: 4:38
Griffith,RC-Reshevsky,S: 11:42
Grischuk,A
-Gelfand,B: 8:20; 9:47(f)
-Kramnik,V: 9:46(f)
-Nakamura,H: 4:18(f)
Gulamali,K-Nakamura,H: 11:20
Gundavaa,B-Nakamura,H:
1:22(f)
Gurevich,D-Manion,J: 4:30
Hafizulhelmi,M-Pelletier,Y:
4:13(f)
Hakansson,A-Nimzowitsch,A:
5:14
Hampton,R-Bonsack,L: 8:29
Ham,S-Weber,J: 8:38
Hansen,LB-Polgar,J: 7:11(f)
Haring,V-Xiong,J: 2:47(f)
Hasangatin,R-Yakovich,Y:
1:12(f)
Heaton,A-Barden,L: 11:15(f)
Hedjesi,BN-Sadorra,JC: 4:35
Heidenfeld,W-Durao,J: 4:39
Hendricks-Buff,J: 6:12
Hess,R
-Garbarino,J: 5:22
-Onischuk,A: 7:55(f)
-Postny,E: 10:40
-Shulman,Y: 7:24
-Silva,HL: 1:35(f)
Hoang,TT-Krush,I: 1:25(f)
Horwitz,B-Staunton,H: 12:42(f)
Hovhannisyan,R-Robson,R:
11:57(f)
Hunter,PB-Xiaxun,X: 10:35
Huschenbeth,N
-Lopez,IS: 11:56(f)
-Getz,N: 11:56(f)
Ivanchuk,V
-Carlsen,M: 12:36
-Nakamura,H: 12:33
-van Wely,L: 7:12(f)
Jacobs,S-Connelly,T: 8:29
Javakhishvili,L-Zatonskih,A:
1:27
Kacheishvili,G
-Akobian,V: 9:32
-de Guzman,R: 6:32(f)
-Friedel,J: 6:36
-Kosteniuk,A: 6:33(f)
-Smirin,I: 6:35
Kallio,H-Marin,M: 4:41
Kalyoncu,I-Ozkaynak,S: 9:44
Kamp,C-Altrock,R: 4:39
Kamsky,G
-Akobian,V: 7:18
-Cheparinov,I: 1:26,46(f)
-Gelfand,B: 8:22(f),8:22(f),
23(f); 9:46(f)
-Naroditsky,D: 7:21(f),54
-Radjabov,T: 10:31
-Shulman,Y: 7:54(f)
-Sutovsky,E: 1:28
-Topalov,V: 8:23(f)
Karas,N-Vilenchuk,M: 11:28
Karavade,E-Abrahamyan,T:
1:33
Karjakin,S-Kramnik,V: 10:15
Karpov,A-Taimanov,M: 12:43(f)
Karthikeyan,P-Zivanic,M: 2:25
Kasparov,G
-Lautier,J: 10:14
-Nikitin,A/Shakarov,A: 6:14(f)
-Rabinovich,A: 7:40
-The World: 12:48(f)
Katz,B-Radomskyj,P: 5:22(f)
Kaufman,L-Shankland,SL:
9:33(f)
Kaufman,R-Lenderman,A: 3:41
Kaushansky,L-Leighton,GN:
9:28
Kavutskiy,K-Amanov,Z: 8:42
Kekelidze,M-Robson,R: 9:34(f)
Keres,P-Evans,L: 3:25
Kobalia,M-Poluljahov,A: 1:13(f)
Korley,K-Barth,B: 11:54
Kosteniuk,A
-Finegold,B: 12:24
-Kacheishvili,G: 6:33(f)
Kramnik,V
-Anand,V: 8:14(f)
-Carlsen,M: 3:38(f)
-Grischuk,A: 9:46(f)
-Karjakin,S: 10:15
-Morozevich,A: 2:12(f)
-Nakamura,H: 1:22; 3:36;
4:22
Kretchetov,A-Sevillano,E:
8:42(f)
Kritz,L-Kuljasevic,D: 6:22
Krush,I
-Arnold,M: 12:26
-Dembo,Y: 1:29(f)
-Finegold,B: 12:22(f)
-Gelashvili,T: 10:18
-Hoang,TT: 1:25(f)
-Muzychuk,A: 1:47(f)
-Stocek,J: 6:34(f)
-Stopa,J: 12:20(f),22(f)
Kudryavtsev,V-Matikozyan,A:
8:47
Kuljasevic,D-Kritz,L: 6:22(f)
Labone,OH-Unknown: 10:16
La Bourdonnais,L-McDon-
nell,A: 2:12(f); 3:30,32,33
Lahno,K
-Arnold,M: 12:22(f)
-Nakamura,H: 12:28
L'Ami,E-Nakamura,H: 4:19(f);
5:44
Lapay,R-Birnbaum,P: 12:46
Lasker,E-Reshevsky,S: 11:43
Lautier,J-Kasparov,G: 10:14
Leighton,GN
-Kaushansky,L: 9:28
-Palmquist,W: 11:6
Leko,P-Carlsen,M: 1:12(f)
Lenderman,A
-Esserman,M: 11:22
-Kaufman,R: 3:41
Levenfish,G-Rubinstein,A:
5:15(f)
Li,C-Shulman,Y: 1:32
Limbos,P-Bogart,H: 8:16
Lopez,IS-Huschenbeth,N:
11:56(f)
Lyavdansky,V-Volovich,A:
11:14(f)
Lybin,D-Ostriker,J: 2:30
Macieja,B-Onischuk,A: 1:30
Makarichev,S-Rongguang,Y:
12:49(f)
Malishauskas,V-Evigelsky,A:
11:16
Mamedov,R-Shulman,Y: 10:36
Manion,J-Gurevich,D: 4:30
Marin,M-Kallio,H: 4:41
Marshall,F-Nimzowitsch,A:
12:13(f)
Martinson,M-Woodward,D:
8:52
"MasterEd"-Merlock,S: 7:52
Matikozyan,A
-Kudryavtsev,V: 8:47
-Taylor,T: 8:47
-van Wely,L: 9:32
Mazur,S-Zierk,S: 2:37
McCarver,D-Duggan,JM: 11:39
McDonnell,A-La Bourdon-
nais,L: 2:12(f); 3:30,32,33
McShane,L-Carlsen,M: 3:36(f)
Menke,J-Rose,B: 8:28
Merlock,S-"MasterEd": 7:52
Mikenas,V-Bronstein,D: 4:14
Miller,D-Cullum,C: 8:30
Milotai,D-Fichtl,J: 4:41
Minev,N-Botvinnik,M: 10:56(f)
Mkrtchian,L-Zatonskih,A:
1:27(f)
Moisey,A-Chichman: 12:16
Molner,M-van Wely,L: 6:32
Moody,R-Fritz 12: 2:44
Moore,N-Cobb,M: 1:44
Morozevich,A
-Kramnik,V: 2:12(f)
-Papaioannou,I: 10:14
Muzychuk,A-Krush,I: 1:47(f)
Najdorf,M-Botvinnik,M:
10:56(f)
Nakamura,H
-Anand,V: 4:22(f); 12:36(f)
-Aronian,L: 4:18(f);
8:54(f),55(f); 12:31
-Carlsen,M: 4:20(f)
-Fierro,M: 12:22(f)
-Flores,D: 1:46(f)
-Giri,A: 4:19(f)
-Grischuk,A: 4:18(f)
-Gulamali,K: 11:20

70 Chess Life December 2011 uschess.org

 -Gundavaa,B: 1:22(f)
-Ivanchuk,V: 12:33
-Kramnik,V: 1:22; 3:36; 4:22
-Lahno,K: 12:28
-L'Ami,E: 4:19(f); 5:44
-Ponomariov,R: 4:19(f)
-Shirov,A: 4:19(f)
-Smeets,J: 4:20(f)
-Sundararajan,K: 11:22
-Wang,H: 4:22(f)
-Zatonskih,A: 12:24
Naroditsky,D
-Kamsky,G: 7:21(f),54
-Steinfl,A: 8:44
Nepomniachtchi,I-Anand,V:
5:44
Nezhmetdinov,R-Amateur: 5:16
Nguyen,E-Sanchez,A: 10:26(f)
Nikitin,A/Shakarov,A-Kas-
parov,G: 6:14(f)
Nimzowitsch,A
-Hakansson,A: 5:14
-Marshall,F: 12:13(f)
NN-Greco,G: 4:38
O'Kelly de Galway,A-Fine,R:
7:14
Onischuk,A
-Hess,R: 7:55(f)
-Macieja,B: 1:30
-Sasikiran,K: 10:33
-Shankland,S: 7:22
Opsahl,H-Evans,L: 3:24,46(f)
Ostriker,J
-Lybin,D: 2:30
-Rydholm,L: 2:31
Othman,N-Shaughnessy,E:
5:40
Ozkaynak,S-Kalyoncu,I: 9:44
Palmquist,W-Leighton,G: 11:6
Panchanathan,M-Sadorra,JC:
4:34
Papadopoulou,V-Baginskaite,C:
1:29
Papaioannou,I-Morozevich,A:
10:14
Paragua,M
-Amanov,Z: 8:43(f)
-Smith,B: 3:43
Penrose,J/Clarke,P-
Fischer,R/Barden,L: 11:14(f)
Perrypawnpusher-Punisher-
ABD: 3:44
Petrosian,T-Spassky,B: 8:14(f)
Petrov,M-Sevian,S: 2:40
Pilnick,C-Evans,L: 3:24
Pinkus,A-Evans,L: 3:46(f)
Platz,J-DePesquo,J: 11:15(f)
Polgar,J
-Garcia,JLF: 7:11(f)
-Hansen,LB: 7:11(f)
-Seirawan,Y: 10:39
-Shirov,A: 12:43(f)
Poluljahov,A-Kobalia,M: 1:13(f)
Ponomariov,R-Nakamura,H:
4:19(f)
Porreca,G-Bronstein,D: 12:43(f)
Portisch,L-Donner,J: 4:41
Postny,E-Hess,R: 10:40
Prasanna,V-Ramirez,A: 2:26
Pukshansky,M-Beliavsky,A:
5:15
PunisherABD-Perrypawn-
pusher: 3:44
Rabinovich,A-Kasparov,G: 7:40
Radjabov,T
-Kamsky,G: 10:31
-Xiangzhi,B: 9:14(f)
Radomskyj,P-Katz,B: 5:22(f)
Ramirez,A
-Dreev,A: 4:37
-Prasanna,V: 2:26
-Sadorra,J: 11:24
-Yang,D: 4:37
Ranario,D-Garrett,P: 2:33
Regam,J
-Gologorshy,R: 11:30
-Botez,A: 6:41
Rensch,D-Akobian,V: 9:35(f)
Reshevsky,S
-Benko,P: 6:45
-Botvinnik,M: 11:45
uschess.org
-Capablanca,JR: 11:45
-Euwe,M: 6:44(f)
-Evans,L: 3:24(f)
-Fischer,R: 6:44(f); 7:13;
11:49
-Griffith,RC: 11:42
-Lasker,E: 11:43
-Vasconcellos,A: 11:51
Robson,R
-Ehlvest,J: 10:21
-Hovhannisyan,R: 11:57(f)
-Kekelidze,M: 9:34(f)
Roldan,JL-Alvarez,L: 4:39
Rongguang,Y-Makarichev,S:
12:49(f)
Rose,B
-Gales,W: 8:30
-Menke,J: 8:28
Rosen,E-Arnold,MT: 8:50
Rossolimo,N-Evans,L: 3:12(f)
Rubinstein,A-Levenfish,G:
5:15(f)
Rydholm,L-Ostriker,J: 2:31
Sadorra,JC
-Hedjesi,BN: 4:35
-Panchanathan,M: 4:34
-Ramirez,A: 11:24
-Shyam,S: 2:27
Sanal,V-Troff,K: 2:47(f)
Sanchez,A-Nguyen,E: 10:26(f)
Sasikiran,K-Onischuk,A: 10:33
Schroeder,C-Capablanca,J.R.:
6:13
Schultheis,D-Tracz,J: 8:31
Seirawan,Y-Polgar,J: 10:39
Sevian,S-Petrov,M: 2:40
Sevillano,E
-Amanov,Z: 8:43(f)
-Kretchetov,A: 8:42(f)
Shankland,SL
-Kaufman,L: 9:33(f)
-Onischuk,A: 7:22
Shaughnessy,E-Othman,N:
5:40
Shen,A-Williams,J: 10:26;
11:27
Sherwin,J-Fischer,R: 12:43(f)
Shirov,A
-Nakamura,H: 4:19(f)
-Polgar,J: 12:43(f)
Short,N-Carlsen,M: 3:38
Shredder-Deep Junior: 11:12
Shulman,Y
-Hess,R: 7:24
-Kamsky,G: 7:54(f)
-Li,C: 1:32
-Mamedov,R: 10:36
Shyam,S-Sadorra,JC: 2:27
Silva,HL-Hess,R: 1:35(f)
Smeets,J
-Carlsen,M: 5:45
-Nakamura,H: 4:20(f)
Smirin,I-Kacheishvili,G: 6:35
Smith,B-Paragua,M: 3:43
Spassky,B
-Averbakh,Y: 5:14(f)
-Petrosian,T: 8:14(f)
Spielmann,R-Capablanca,JR:
12:12(f)
Staunton,H-Horwitz,B: 12:42(f)
Steinfl,A
-Adamson,R: 8:43
-Naroditsky,D: 8:44
Stocek,J-Krush,I: 6:34(f)
Stopa,J
-Krush,I: 12:20(f),22(f)
-Troff,K: 8:44
Storch,L-Dyson,P: 5:28
Sturt,R-Arnold,M: 4:25
Sundararajan,K-Nakamura,H:
11:22
Sutovsky,E
-Georgiev,K: 9:15(f)
-Kamsky,G: 1:28
Taimanov,M
-Evans,L: 3:24,47(f)
-Karpov,A: 12:43(f)
Taylor,T
-Matikozyan,A: 8:47
-Wang,PX: 8:46(f)
The World-Kasparov,G: 12:48(f)
Timman,J-Anand,V: 2:13
Topalov,V
-Aronian,L: 8:55(f)
-Kamsky,G: 8:23(f)
Torrens,O-Giusfolisi,AM: 9:16
Tracz,J-Schultheis,D: 8:31
Troff,K
-Banawa,J: 8:46
-Sanal,V: 2:47(f)
-Stopa,J: 8:44
-Vetoshko,V: 2:41
Troianescu,O-Botvinnik,M:
10:57(f)
Trublenkov-Duz-Khotimirsky,F:
7:12(f)
Unknown-Labone,OH: 10:16
van Wely,L
-Esserman,M: 11:19
-Gareyev,T: 10:22
-Ivanchuk,V: 7:12(f)
-Matikozyan,A: 9:32
-Molner,M: 6:32
Vasconcellos,A-Reshevsky,S:
11:51
Verlinsky,B-Alekhine,A: 12:42(f)
Vetoshko,V-Troff,K: 2:41
Vidmar,M-Capablanca,JR:
12:13(f)
Vilenchuk,M
-Golub,D: 11:29
-Karas,N: 11:28
Volovich,A-Lyavdansky,V:
11:14(f)
Wang,H
-Carlsen,M: 4:23
-Nakamura,H: 4:22(f)
Wang,PX-Taylor,T: 8:46(f)
Weber,J-Ham,S: 8:38
Weiner,Z-Wheeler,H: 5:22(f)
Wheeler,C-Xiong,J: 2:46(f)
Wheeler,H-Weiner,Z: 5:22(f)
Whitehead,J-Zueger,B: 4:6
Williams,J-Shen,A: 10:26;
11:27
Woodward,D-Martinson,M:
8:52
Wyvill,M-Anderssen,A: 1:14
Xiangzhi,B-Radjabov,T: 9:14(f)
Xiaxun,X-Hunter,PB: 10:35
Xiong,J
-Fieberg,S: 2:41
-Haring,V: 2:47(f)
-Wheeler,C: 2:46(f)
Xu,GY-Brown,MW: 11:26
Yakovich,Y-Hasangatin,R:
1:12(f)
Yang,D-Ramirez,A: 4:37
Yankovsky,R-Banawa,J: 8:46(f)
Zatonskih,A
-Abrahamyan,T: 7:32,34
-Arnold,M: 12:25
-Cao,K: 12:28
-Javakhishvili,L: 1:27
-Mkrtchian,L: 1:27(f)
-Nakamura,H: 12:24
Zierk,S
-Durarbeyli,V: 2:37
-Grandelius,N: 2:46(f)
-Mazur,S: 2:37
Zivanic,M-Karthikeyan,P: 2:25
Zueger,B-Whitehead,J: 4:6
Zuidema,C-Benko,P: 12:48(f)
INDEX OF OPENINGS
Albin Counter Gambit: 5:40
Alekhine's Defense: 12:46
Benko Gambit: 8:54
Birds Opening: 8:29
Bishop's Opening: 3:32
Caro-Kann Defense: 3:43;
4:23; 6:35,36; 7:54; 8:47;
10:40; 11:22
Catalan Opening: 1:29; 3:41;
4:37; 9:44
Closed Catalan: 5:28
Closed Sicilian: 5:22
Dutch Defense: 6:42; 9:16;
11:6,20,22
English Opening: 8:50;
10:14,18
Englund Gambit: 7:52
Exchange Grnfeld: 5:16; 8:38
Fianchetto Gruenfeld: 8:20
French Defense: 2:27; 3:24,38;
4:38,39,39; 5:14; 6:22,41;
7:18,34; 8:16,42; 11:29,51;
12:16
Giuoco Piano: 3:30; 10:14;
11:26
King's Gambit Accepted: 3:33
King's Gambit Declined: 3:12
King's Indian Defense: 1:22;
2:30; 3:24; 5:42; 6:45;
7:13,24,32; 8:39,44; 10:33,54;
11:24,49
Latvian Gambit: 4:14
Nimzo-Indian Defense: 1:30;
3:25,36; 4:35,41; 5:44; 6:16;
7:22; 8:30,46; 10:39; 12:36
Petrov Defense: 3:14
Ponziani Opening: 11:39
Queen's Gambit Accepted:
11:43; 12:32
Queen's Gambit Declined:
1:32,44; 2:26,33; 3:24; 6:15;
7:14,40; 9:32; 10:15; 11:45;
12:31
Queen's Indian Defense: 1:27
Queen's Pawn Opening: 9:28;
10:35; 11:54
Reti Opening: 8:29; 10:36
Ruy Lopez: 2:22,41; 3:44;
4:22,39,42; 5:15,45
Scandinavian Defense:
8:31,43; 10:16
Scotch Game: 10:31
Semi-Slav: 2:25; 8:28,30;
10:22; 11:45
Sicilian Defense: 1:14; 2:14,44;
8:52; 10:21; 11:16,19
Dragon Variation: 11:28
Kan Variation: 1:28; 6:32;
12:33
Maroczy Bind: 8:44
Najdorf Variation: 1:26,33;
2:40; 5:44; 10:26
Nimzowitsch Variation: 6:12
O'Kelly Variation: 2:37
Richter Rauzer Variation:
2:13; 11:30
Rossolimo Variation: 4:6
Scheveningen Variation:
8:47; 11:12
Sozin Attack: 9:32
Velimirovic Attack: 2:37
Slav Defense: 2:31; 4:25,34,37
Symmetrical English: 3:36;
4:30; 11:27
Two Knights Defense: 3:9; 6:13
Vienna Game: 4:41; 5:22
INDEX OF FEATURES
Alex Lenderman is the 2011
Samford Fellow: 6:37
All Rise: A Profile of the Honor-
able George N. Leighton: 9:26
Amadeus of Chess, The: 7:16
An Encouraging Purr: 8:48
Armageddon Has Arrived!: 5:25
Brave New World: Human Intu-
ition and Computer-assisted
Chess: 8:32
Breakthrough!: The 2011 Presi-
dent's Cup: 6:18
Candidate Statements: 5:8;
6:10
Carlsen Wins 2011 Grand Slam
Title: 12:30
A Chess Stimulus Package:
3:40
The Chess Master Portraits of
David Friedmann: 7:48
Chess 1, Poker 0: 8:18
Chess Journalism of America
Awards, 2011: 5:41
Chess Sets Of The World:
11:38
Chess without Money: Stepping
away from North America's
"Big Tournament" Culture: 8:24
CJA Annual Awards, 2011:
10:52
Comparing Apps to Apps:
10:48
Defending the Citadel: 4:38
Dress Like a Grandmaster:
12:38
Enter the Centaur: 2:28
Fighting Chess in London
Town: 3:34
Frank Brady's Masterpiece:
2:16
Chess Life December 2011
A Game with Considerable Ego
Involvement: 11:36
The Grandmaster Who Did It
His Way: 3:18
Great Rivalries: 9:36
Hard Work Pays Off in the
Windy City: 6:40
Hedging Genius: 7:36
"I must tell you...": 7:42
Innovations in the Mikenas
Benoni: 9:40
Involuntary Retirement: 3:26
Kamsky on the Record: 5:30
Kings vs. Queens: 12:18
League of Extraordinary Play-
ers, The: 11:32
Lenderman Is First Among
Equals: 11:18
Love Has Its Borders: 9:30
Manion's Next Move: 4:28
McDonell-La Bourdonnais
Match, The: 3:30
Metropolitan Chess: The Club
of the Year: 8:40
Nakamura Silences the Critics
in Wijk aan Zee: 4:16
National Chess Day: 1:42
Never On the Sabbath, But
Always With Sharp Elbows:
11:40
996 Moves: 7:28
North American Youth Chess
Championship, 2011: 10:24
Panoramic View of the Pan
Ams, A: 6:26
Stephen Ham, ICGM: 8:36
Sturt is K-12 Champ: 4:24
Tale Of Two Knights, Golden, A :
8:28
Thug Life can become Chess
Life: 10:42
Treasured Traditions: 5:38
USAF Master Sgt. Dan Ranario
Takes Off With Interservice
Championship: 2:32
U.S. Chess Federation Year-
book, 2010: 5:34
U.S. Left Out In The Cold: 1:18
UTD GM Invitational 2010: 4:32
UTD versus Chennai Telepres-
ence Match: 2:24
Vasily Smyslov's Opening Con-
tributions: 1:36
West Orange Krush Has the
Juice to Win the USATE: 5:18
World Chess Hall of Fame
Reopens in Saint Louis: 9:18
The Dynamic World Open:
10:18
USA Just Misses Medal In
China: 10:28
Zierk Greases U.S. Team's
Wheels: 2:34
71
 Luxurious site, IM and GM norms possible in Open Section!
PHILADELPHIA OPEN
Easter weekend, April 4-8, 5-8, 6-8 or 7-8, Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Prizes $80,000 projected, $60,000 minimum guaranteed!
Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street,
Philadelphia PA 19107, rated Four Diamonds by AAA.
Chess rate $98-98-123-123, 215-627-1200, reserve by
3/21 or rate may increase. $30 chess rate for valet
parking, or use Gateway Garage, 1540 Vine St (1 block
from Sheraton Hotel), about $5/day Sat & Sun, $18/day
Wed-Fri. Easy walk to restuarants, shops, museums;
one block from Reading Terminal Market.
In 8 sections- you play only those in your section.
Open: 9 rounds, Apr 4-8, 40/90, SD/30, inc/30.
U2200 to U1200: 7 rounds, choice of 4-day
schedule April 5-8 (40/2, SD/1, d/5), 3-day Apr 6-8
(rounds 1-2 G/75, d/5, then merges into 4-day), or 2-
day Apr 7-8 (rds 1-4 G/40, d/5, merges into 4-day).
U1000: 7 rounds, Apr 7-8 only (G/40, d/5).
Prizes based on 500 paid entries with 75% each
prize minimum guarantee. Seniors, re-entries, GMs,
IMs, WGMs count as half entries, U1200 40% entries,
U1000 15% entries. April official USCF ratings used,
except FIDE ratings used in Open.
Open: $7000-4000-2000-1000-800-700-600-500-
400-400, clear or tiebreak win $200 bonus, FIDE Under
2400/Unr $2000-1000. GPP: 200 (enhanced).
Under 2200: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-
400-300-300-300.
Under 2000: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-
400-300-300-300. Unrated limit $2000.
Under 1800: $5000-2500-1200-800-600-500-
400-300-300-300. Unrated limit $1600.
Under 1600: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-
300-200-200-200. Unrated limit $1200.
Under 1400: $4000-2000-1000-700-500-400-
300-200-200-200. Unrated limit $800.
Under 1200: $1500-800-500-300-200-200-200-
100-100-100. Unrated limit $400.
Under 1000: $400-200-100, trophies to first 5, top
U800, U600, U400, Unr. Unrated limit $200.
Prize limit: If official rating 4/11-3/12 or unofficial
post-event rating posted 4/4/11-4/4/12 was more than
30 pts over section maximum, prize limit $1500.
Open Section entry fee: Free to GMs, IMs, &
WGMs; $150 deducted from prize. US players with
current or former FIDE ratings of 2200/over: $225
mailed by 3/27 or online by 4/2, $250 at site. Foreign
FIDE rated players: $175 mailed by 3/27 or online by
4/2, $200 at site. Others: $375 mailed by 3/27 or online
by 4/2, $400 at site.
U2200 through U1400 Sections EF: 4-day $224,
3-day $223, 2-day $222 if mailed by 3/27, all $225
online by 4/2, $250 at site.
U1200 Section EF: 4-day $84, 3-day $83, 2-day
$82 if mailed by 3/27, $85 online by 4/2, $100 at site.
U1000 Section EF: $32 mailed by 3/27, $35
online by 4/2, $50 at site.
Phone EF: All $5 more than online, 406-896-2038
(entry only, no questions), available only through 4/2.
Online late entry after 4/2: available until 2 hours
before rd 1, same price as entry at site.
Entry fee $100 less less to rated seniors 65/over
in U2200 to U1400.
Special 1 year USCF dues with magazine if paid
with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20, Scholastic $15. Mailed, phoned or paid at
site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30, Scholastic $20.
5-day schedule (Open): Late entry ends Wed 6
pm, rds. Wed 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun
10 & 4:30. 4-day (U1200-U2200): Late entry ends Thu
6 pm, rds. Thu 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day
(U1200-U2200): Late reg ends Fri 10 am, rds Fri 11,
2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day (U1200-
U2200): Late reg. ends Sat 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2,
3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under 1000: Reg. ends Sat
9 am, rds Sat 10, 12, 2, 3:45, Sun 10, 12, 2.
Half-point byes available all rounds, limit 4, Open
must commit before rd 2, other sections before rd 4.
Bring set, board, clock if possible- none
supplied. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used
if otherwise unrated. $15 service charge for refunds.
Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD#657633.
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com.
Foreign player ratings: see chesstour.com.