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CL_11-2009_clo_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
November on uschess.org
Ten Americans
in Siberia
Ten Americans will participate
in the 128-player World Cup in
Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
(November 20-December 15).
Our squad includes defending
World Cup Champion GM Gata
Kamsky (photo), Olympian GMs
Alexander Onischuk, Varuzhan
Akobian and Yury Shulman,
Continental qualifier GMs
Alexander Shabalov, Jaan
Ehlvest and Alexander Ivanov.
Teenagers will also be repre-
sented by U.S. Champion
runner-up GM Robert Hess and
U.S. Junior Champ IM Ray
Robson. Last but not least, look
for qualifier GM Josh Friedels
impressions of Siberia on CLO.
KAMSKY BY SHIRLEY SZYMANEK; MARSHALL BY ELIZABETH VICARY; KACHEISHVILI BY BETSY DYNAKO
Contributors
Jonathan Hilton
(2009 U.S. Open, p. 20) is a
frequent contributor to Chess Life
and Chess Life Online and served as
chief judge for the Chess Journalist
of America awards.
uschess.org
10/13/09 2:13 PM Page 3
World Youth
Championships
Follow our delegation at the
World Youth Championship
in Kemer-Antalya, Turkey
from November 11-23. CLO
coverage will include blogging
by 2009 Denker Champion
Abby Marshall.
Pete Tamburro
(Looks at Books, p. 12) is a former
president of the Chess Journalists
of America and is a frequent
contributor to Chess Life and
Chess Life for Kids.
Grand Prix Action
As the weather cools down, major
Grand Prixs heat up. CLO coverage
this month will include video
coverage from the Kings Island
Open in Ohio. Over Thanksgiving
weekend, look for reports from the
American Open in Los Angeles and
the National Chess Congress in
Philadelphia.
GMs Take Dallas
WIM Alexey Root reports from two
invitational round robins at the
University of Texas at Dallas,
spanning from November 21-29.
The A-group features four
grandmasters: Zviad Izoria, Giorgi
Kacheishvili, Alejandro Ramirez
and Amon Simutowe.
Al Lawrence
(Cover Story, p. 32) is a former
executive director of both USCF and
the World Chess Hall of Fame. His
latest book, with GM Lev Alburt,
is Chess Training Pocket Book II.
Chess Life November 2009 3
CL_11-2009_TOC_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 2:14 PM Page 4

November Chess Life

Columns

12 LOOKS AT BOOKS

By Pete Tamburro
Steinitzs Elements

14 CHESS TO ENJOY
Empty-Head Syndrome
By GM Andy Soltis

16 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Two Can Be Better Than One
By Bruce Pandolfini

44 BACK TO BASICS
Franklin Tangoes With
Alekhine
By GM Lev Alburt

46 ENDGAME LAB
Ladislav Prokes (1884-1966)
By GM Pal Benko

48 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?

By GM Larry Evans
Hits and Misses

Departments

3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES
10 USCF AFFAIRS
53 TOURNAMENT LIFE
70 CLASSIFIEDS
71 SOLUTIONS
20 | 2009 U.S. OPEN
Turning Back the Clock
By Jonathan Hilton
For the first time since 1994,
GM Dmitry Gurevich is U.S. Open champion.

32 | COVER STORY
From Russia With Lev:
The Books That Came in from the Cold
By Al Lawrence
In 1979, Lev Alburt escaped from communism. Three
On The Cover decades and three U.S. championships later, Alburt
is still teaching Americans how to play chess.
It is a story worthy of Ian Fleming:
Lev Alburt quite literally risked
his life to escape his home
country. Thirty years later,
40 | CJA AWARDS
we recount the story.
CJA Awards 2009
We present a gallery of outstanding chess
Lev Alburt photographed by Jeffrey journalism from the past year.
Weiss; Cover design by Frankie Butler

4 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

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CL_11-2009_counterplay_JP_r5:chess life 10/13/2009 1:08 PM Page 6

Counterplay
Chess-speak I trust that the diagram for the game is Now any retreat by Blacks dark-square
In The Language of Chess, (Chess to accurate, and the following comments bishop along the b8-h2 diagonal allows
Enjoy, September 2009) GM Soltis com- assume it is correct. The notation below the immediate capture of the d-pawn,
pares contemporary (American) English the diagram reads After 11. ... Be7, and while a retreat to f6 allows the exchange
only with the former predominance of Carlsen wrote that after White played 12. of black bishops, followed by the pawn
French as the language of diplomacy and f4!, Now White is very much okay. snatch at d4.
German as the language of science. But Andys puzzles frequently refer to the
an important difference is that many capture of a decisive amount of mate-
Americans know only English.
r+ +k+ r
rial, and this seems to qualify.
Germans can be language show-offs.
Wendell Bollinger
pp+ lppp
When I studied in Germany, I could have
spoken English all the time. If an Amer-
+p+l+ + via e-mail
ican has a trace of an accent, many + + q L
Germans will often reply immediately in
Oops
English. I have traveled in France, but I
+ pN+ +
On page 17 of Chess Life, August 2009,
do not know the French as well as the
Solitaire Chess, problem 1 gives 1. ... e5
+ + + +
Germans. I suspect, however, that many
as winning a piece. However, White can
educated French may have language PPP+ PPP
simply respond with 2. Qe2, pinning the
capacities resembling those described
pawn at e5 and winning the pawn on the
R +QR K
further on in the same issue for the Eng-
lishman Nigel Eddis.
After 11. ... Be7 next move. This error should be corrected
While some Americans find the ten- as quickly as possible; many people are
It seems to me that White had a likely to take the solution at face value.
dency of foreigners to reply in English if stronger 12th move than f4. Instead of f4,
they detect a trace of an American accent it appears that the move Nf6+ forces the
convenient, I frankly find it rude. It loss of Blacks queen and the black d-
+
 k+ +
q
smacks of what a Polish immigrant said: pawn in exchange for the white knight
Aliens are here to do what Americans
+ +lppp
and white rook in a sequence such as:
cant do. English as a lingua franca is not + + n +
necessarily objectionable. But whom does
English only benefit, Americans or for-
12. Nf6+ Bxf6 13. Rxe5 Bxe5 14. f4
+ + + +
eigners? + N L +
r+ +k+ r
James S. Morgan + + +P+
Haddonfield, New Jersey pp+ +ppp
Mr. Morgan is a professional translator. +p+l+ + +P+ + +
+ + l L + +QK +
Black to play
Improving on Carlsen + p P +
I just received my September 2009 Michael Matthias
issue of Chess Life and was reading Andy
+ + + +
via e-mail
Soltis Chess to Enjoy on page 14 where PPP+ +PP
he describes the Magnus Carlsen game
Youre welcome
against Chakkravarthy Deepan. (Dubai
R +Q+ K
2004). After 14. f4 (analysis)
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed
the September cover story on the National
Open by Irina Krush. Thanks to Chess
Life for providing such interesting and
readable articles.
Richard Haggstrom
via e-mail

Chess Life welcomes letters from its

readers. Letters are subject to editing
for content and length. Send your let-
ters to letters@uschess.org, and
include your full name and a tele-
phone number.

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to the left).

6 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

11-2009_USCFHOS_inside1:chess life 10/8/2009 2:24 PM Page 7
CL_11-2009_first_moves_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 7:41 AM
First Moves
24th Annual Samford Fellowship
IM Ray Robson was the 2009 recipient of the Samford fellowship.
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2010 FRANK P.
SAMFORD JR. F E L L O W S H I P. Long considered the most
important chess fellowship offered in the United States, the
Samford fellowship has encouraged and assisted in the devel-
opment of many of todays leading American chess masters.
Applications are now being accepted for next years Samford fel-
low, whose term will begin in July, 2010.
This program was created by the late Frank P. Samford, Jr.
of Birmingham, Alabama and is available to American chess-
players who are under the age of 25 at the start of the fellowship.
The fellowship is guided by Mr. Samford's son, Frank P. Sam-
ford III of Atlanta, Georgia, with the able help of Barbara
DeMaro of the U.S. Chess Trust.
Dr. Ira Lee Riddle, prominent chess official
from Pennsylvania, dies at 62
DR. IRA LEE RIDDLE, ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT CHESS
officials in this country and a resident of Warminster, Pennsyl-
vania, died of a heart attack on Monday, July 6, aboard a
cruise ship touring England. He was 62. Dr. Riddle and his wife
were on a cruise around Great Britain and were at their last port
of call before disembarking and going to Stonehenge, Havre de
Grce, France, when he suffered a heart attack after going on
deck to get some air and could not be revived.
He was born on October 2, 1946 in Oakland, California, the
son of Charles Lee Riddle, a career U.S. Navy man. As a young
boy Dr. Riddle lived in Hawaii, where a neighbor of his, who was
an avid chess player, realized that this 4-year-old lad was able
8 Chess Life November 2009
Page 8
The 2010 Samford fellow will be selected by the Samford
chess fellowship committee, consisting of Frank P. Samford III,
Grandmaster Arthur Bisguier and International Master John Don-
aldson. The winner must be under the age of 25 as of July 1, 2010
and must have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least
one year prior to that date.
The 2010 Samford Chess Fellow will receive a monthly stipend
for living expenses, training by leading chess coaches, chess
books, computer equipment and other study materials as well
as opportunities to travel and compete in tournaments and
matches at the highest levels. The fellowship is given for one year
and can be extended for a second year by mutual consent.
The value of the fellowship, which has been $36,000 per year
for the last few years, will be increased to $42,000 annually
beginning July, 2010.
Each applicant, who can be male or female, must be able to
demonstrate talent, achievement and commitment to chess. He
or she must be willing to make the effort required to become
a leading grandmaster and possible challenger for the world
chess championship. Applicants must have a chess rating
(either USCF, FIDE or both). For further details and an appli-
cation form, write to:
Allen Kaufman, Secretary
Samford Chess Fellowship
108-37 71st Avenue, #8G
Forest Hills, NY 11375-4512
Completed applications for the 2010 fellowship must be received
no later than January 15, 2010. We expect to announce the win-
ner in April, 2010. All decisions by the committee will be final.
The late Mr. Frank P. Samford, Jr. created this program as a way
of making a significant contribution in America to the game he loved.
If qualified applicants can be found a new fellow will be selected
every year. It is expected that the Samford fellowship will continue
to produce very strong players, some of whom will join the elite group
of world super-grandmasters.
This program is made possible by the generosity of Mrs. Vir-
ginia Donovan, widow of the late Frank P. Samford, Jr., and by
Torchmark Corporation.
to quickly grasp the strategy involved in chess. He worked
with Riddle and helped him develop a deeper love for the game.
After moving back to the continental United States at age 5, Dr.
Riddle graduated in 1964 from Christiana High School in
Newark, Delaware. With an interest in mathematics that started
while he was living in Hawaii, he went on to further his edu-
cation and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1968 from the
State University of New York at Plattsburgh, with a dual major
in math and speech drama. In 1969 he received a master of sci-
ence degree in speech education from the State University of
New York at Geneseo. He also received a master of science degree
in mathematics education from Penn State University. He was
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_first_moves_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 2:45 PM Page 9

awarded a doctor of education degree in math education from
Temple University in 1990. Prior to being awarded his doctor-
ate, Dr. Riddle taught math at various schools on the East Coast,
starting with a junior high school in Orange Park, Florida and
later at schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
He retired in 1998 after 29 years of teaching junior high and
high school math. But within six weeks after his retirement, he
found himself teaching againthis time being recruited as a lec-
turer at the Penn State University campus at Abington.
In addition to his math credentials, Dr. Riddle was prominent
in U.S. Chess. He was not only a USCF national tournament
director but he also earned the title of international arbiter,
awarded to him in 1986 by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
He directed many hundreds of tournaments, including the
1987 U.S. Open in Portland, Oregon, and the 1990 U.S. Open
in Jacksonville, Florida. He also assisted at numerous other U.S.
Opens, including the 1988 U.S. Open at the Hotel Lafayette in
Boston. He also directed U.S. Junior Opens, Pan-American
Intercollegiate Team championships, the 2003 U.S. Senior
Open, U.S. Amateur Team South championships, Pennsylva-
nia state championships, Delaware state championships, the
Denker Tournament of High School Champions, and innu-
merable scholastic and adult team tournaments, among others.
He was also employed for many years as a tournament direc-
tor for the Continental Chess Association-sponsored tourna-
ments, including the World Open. He was co-editor of the U.S.
Chess Federations Official Rules of Chess, 4th edition. He
served as president of the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation
(PSCF) from 1978 to 2002 and continued as a PSCF vice pres-
ident for the east region of the state.
He was editor of The Pennswoodpusher from 1980 to 2001 and
also had edited the Delaware Chess Newsletter, starting in
2004. He was president of the Chess Journalists of America
(CJA) from 1989 to 1995 and editor of The Chess Journalist
from 1991 to 1993. At the time of his death, he was the
CJAs vice president. He was chief judge of the CJA awards
program from 1992 to 1995 and continued as a judge right
up to the present. He wrote more than a hundred articles for
various chess publications, including those for Chess Life
and for the TDCC Corner in the former USCF rating supple-
ments.
In addition to chess, Dr. Riddle directed plays and musicals,
officiated wrestling and softball games, and coached soccer and
track. He had a myriad of interests.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Polly J. Riddle. Dona-
tions in his memory may be made to MACAs Living Memorial
Chess Fund, c/o Robert D. Messenger, MACA Treasurer, 4 Ham-
lett Drive #12, Nashua, NH 03062-4641. ~George Mirijanian

A 1988 Interview With Ira Lee Riddle

This interview by Nigel Eddis is from the December 1988 Chess Life:

into it no matter what. When I finish

my doctoral
CHESS LIFE: How long have you been

IRA LEE RIDDLE: I got into my first dissertation, Ill probably run
directing tournaments?

tournament as a player in 1973. The for Member-at-Large, and perhaps go

students at Glasborough High
School, where I teach math, wanted
me to direct tournaments for them,
so I became a Local TD. I became a
National TD in 1980.
for a higher office in another three
years.
At the moment the Federation is
Where do you see the USCF going?

marking time. I dont see any

far-sighted planning; the budget
crunch this year seems to have
You were involved in a controversy at

crimped peoples ability to see five or

the U.S. Open last year, when you

ten years down the road. But the

paired Browne and Alburt together.

In general not too much, but there

How much leeway should a TD have?
has to be some. In that case I felt it
was more important to keep players
ROBSON COURTESY OF MONROI.COM; RIDDLE BY J. FRANKLIN CAMPBELL
financial picture has to stabilize
long-range plans tend to get aborted
if funds are short. In terms of techni-

within the same score group, which
means Alburt and Browne would
have to play. The new rulebook said
under no circumstances may a
player be given the same color three
times in a row. This is very harsh
and restrictive, and I felt it was
wrong. I expected I would be con-
Dr. Ira Lee Riddle
cal services, the USCF does a very
good job. The best feature of the
USCF is its willingness to help and
Here in the U.S.? I have my doubts.
sponsorship from outside?
work with the individual organizer as
much as possible. There are so many things in this
country competing for the leisure
dollar. In Eastern European coun-
tries theres a different phillosophy of
What is your view of USCF election

victed of breaking a rule, and win on I have no problem with the concept of governmentthey care about their
reform?

appeal. Actually my appeal was dis-
missedbut the rule was changed!
Is involvement in chess politics
one man, one vote, though in my
state I appoint the Delegates because
there arent enough people inter-
ested. I see no reason why the
membership should not elect the Pol-
players being successful in interna-
tional competition. The U.S. hasnt
really cared about whether its chess-
players excel or not.
Game/30 might be one way. The

If you dont become involved, you Short-Kasparov match on TV got a

automatic when you become a TD?
have no voice in the things that are
important to youplaying
conditions, prize funds, rules and so
forth. I dont like politics, but unfor-
tunately you end up getting yourself
icy Board. I belong to several
organizations that are bigger than
the USCF they conduct member-
ship ballots.
Do you think that chess can attract
lot of attentionrapid action and no
long waits. Thats what people like to
watch.

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 9

CL_11-2009_uscfaffairs_DLF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 4:07 PM Page 10

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Crossville TN 38557.
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CL_10-2009_K-12_JP_r1:chess life 10/4/2009 11:21 AM Page 1

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December 11-13, 2009
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CL_11-2009_books_AK_r4.qxp:chess life 10/11/09 12:51 PM Page 12
Looks at Books
Steinitzs Elements
How do you write a book to improve chessplayers abilities when the classics
have already been written? It is a formidable task.
By Pete Tamburro
WOULD ANYBODY OUT THERE LIKE TO
rewrite My System by Nimzovich or The
Game of Chess by Tarrasch or even Euwe
and Kramers The Middle Game? That is
the challenge faced by modern writers.
How do you write a book to improve
chessplayers abilities when the clas-
sics have already been written? It is a
formidable task.
Herman Grooten, an international mas-
ter and successful chess teacher, has
taken a shot at it and scored reasonably
well. He has a sense of history in the work
and a fine selection of modern positions.
His theme centers on what he calls the
Steinitzs elements. Its as good a place to
start as any if youre going to teach strat-
egy to the club playerwhatever that is.
Actually, Steinitz never wrote a book
called Steinitzs Chess Elements. Lasker
(Manual of Chess) did some interpreting.
Reinfeld (The Human Side of Chess) had
his version.
Chess Strategy for Club Players Here is Grootens version:
(The Road to Positional Advantage)
New in Chess, 2009
1. Material advantage
Herman Grooten
400 pages, $29.95 (paperback)
2. Bad king position
3. Passed pawns in the middlegame
4. Weak pawns for the opponent
5. Strong and weak squares
6. Pawn island
7. Strong pawn center
8. Control of a diagonal
9. Control of a file
10. Bishop pair
11. Control of a rank
12. Bad piece position
13. Inharmoniously placed pieces
14. Advantage in development
15. Concentration of pieces in the
center (centralization)
16. Space advantage.
12 Chess Life November 2009
Some of you club players might notice
some things missing: gambit play, favor-
able exchanges, closed and open and
semi-open position, minority attack, var-
ious opening formations, overprotection,
attacking castled positions, liquidation,
maintaining the initiative, theory of pawn
phalanx (Lasker on Steinitz), no unneces-
sary pawn moves (Lasker on Steinitz), how
to play defense (Lasker on Steinitz) and the
umbrella Steinitz concept: accumulation of
small advantages. In all fairness, you can
find bits and pieces of these in the chap-
ters in the book, but its an almost random
placement at times. For example, in the
diagonals chapter you have the attacking
pawn chain concept.
Logically, most of the chapters follow the
16 numbered items, but each chapter has
its own strengths and weaknesses. There
were good chapters and bad chapters.
The Passed Pawn chapter was excel-
lent; the Training Experiment chapter
quite good; Strong and Weak Squares,
good; Pawn Center, good; Bishop Pair,
very good; Control of a rank, good and
Space Advantage, good.
The Weak Pawn chapter was weak,
hardly comprehensive; Pawn Islands
very misleading as one might go away
thinking hanging pawns were really cool
to have; The Diagonal chapter had other
themes in it as well; the Open File chap-
ter had a guest appearance by the
minority attack; the Piece Out of Play
section didnt consider a Larsen-like Qa8
and Bb7 formation.
The best part of the book, oddly enough,
is the quiz at the end of each section,
which has an answer key that is excep-
tionally well-explained. Chess coaches
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_books_AK_r4.qxp:chess life 10/11/09
will have a quality supply of superb exam-
ples and explanations, and self-motivated
students will benefit immensely if they
are over, say 1800, in strength.
One thing that is noticeable about these
problems is that they are excellent for
average to strong club players, but some
easier examples for the weaker club play-
ers may have been in order.
It really helps to be motivated to work
your way through this book. There are
times when Grooten explains things so
well (the Fischer and Polgar strong knight
games) and other times he just seems to
be annotating complete games. This part
is a mistake.
An instructional book that tries to do
too much is one that loses focus, specific
chapters or not. The reader needed less
full game annotating and more conceptual
explanation of important positions. C.J.S.
Purdy (His Life, His Games and His Writ-
ings by Hammond and Jamieson) is where
the bar is that Grooten not as frequently
reaches in this regard.
One annoying aspect of this getting off
focus is his insistence on denigrating
other writers, bragging about his stu-
dents and putting little snapshots of them
in, reminiscing about his chess life and
going on about how studying openings
doesnt help you become better. Right
tell that to the club player who just lost
to the Latvian Gambit. You dont have to
lessen the importance of opening study to
build up middlegame study, or endgame
study, for that matter. You have to be
good at all three!
As noted, he is an excellent provider of
interesting positions, both in the chap-
ter presentations and in the quizzes.
Where he needed to spend more time
was in the area often noted in past books
where one old grandmaster in talking
about Alekhine complained that he could
see Alekhines combos, but couldnt fig-
ure out how to get there.
There are times when Grooten will
explain, in a conceptually pleasing way,
just how you do get there. There are even
some funny occurrences along those lines.
For example, he gives this position:
This is original?
Jeroen Piket (age 15)
John Van Baarle
(see diagram top of next column)
About 240 pages later, he gives this
famous position:
A classic
Aaron Nimzowitsch
Akiba Rubenstein
(see second diagram next column)
uschess.org
12:51 PM Page 13
Qxd7 10. c4
rl 
r + +
p +n
 q +k r+ +k+n r
+R+l+p+ +ppq
nplp
+P+p+p+p p+ p +p+
+ 
LpP + + +Pp +
PQ+ 
 P 
N +P+P+ +
+ +L+P P + + +N+
+ R + K PP + PPP
White to play
RN
 LQ+RK
Black to play
Here he makes no mention that Black
r+l+ r  k can play 10. ... h6 11. Nc3 f5. Is that
+pq + pp ever a debatable issue in Steinitzian the-
ory! But our author is on a roll to prove
p+nl + + a point, so the game continues: 10. ... Nf6
+ + +p+ 11. Nc3 0-0 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 and
now White plays 14. b4 and writes as
+Lp 
P + though White is practically winning.
+ +P+Q N Rybka gives 14 other moves better for
White and the uncommented 14th for
P
P LR+P P Black, ... b6, is inferior to 14. ... a5.
+ + +R K Which brings up another point. Steinitz
is not the be-all and end-all of how you
White to play
should look at positions. Steinitz wanted
scientific chesslogical outcomes based
He praises Pikets originality for play-
on logical play, yet, people like Chigorin
ing the same move (1. Nh1!) with the
(who had a really interesting dispute with
same idea (heading for Ng5). It got this
Steinitz in the Two Knights with 1. e4 e5
reviewer to thinking: If Piket was original
2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5
in his concept, then no chess teacher
Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Be2 h6 9.
thought to show him that idea! Tsk. Tsk.
Nh3 where Chigorin explained why he
Whats interesting about the two posi-
didnt take the knight: Steinitz would just
tions is that they should have been
lose time going to g1 and then f3 if he
together as they give an example of
wanted to develop properlygreat debate!),
schematic thinking that Grooten writes
Alekhine, Bronstein, Tal and such proved
about: figure out where you want your
that dynamic play that is not so easily
pieces and then get them there! That is
measurable has its place. This book does
one of the truly useful ideas he empha-
not deal with that in a satisfactory way.
sizes in the book. It would have been
Will this book be a classic, joining the
nice to see more of that.
ranks of the above-mentioned? Only time
There is some of that in the book, but
will tell. Reviewers cant.
putting in early positions to explain how
This reviewer wishes it were as organ-
you should see the opportunities to
ized and as comprehensive as Euwes
gain small advantages and make the tran-
book and as well-explained as Purdy in
sitional series of moves to a position
his magazine articles on position play
where you have accumulated those edges
and thinking methods and, yes, even his
was in need of being done in more areas
explanations of Steinitz.
than piece placement.
It is a good book. There is much that
He also loses Steinitz along the way!
would benefit the club player here. He
The grand old man is present early and
or she will just have to work a bit harder
reappears towards the end, but the big
than usual and maybe a little longer than
theme emphasis of the ex-champ seems to
on how to deal with the Danish or Goring
fade into the background. Too bad. What
Gambit. It wouldnt hurt any of you to
can Steinitz teach us about dealing with
whom this applies to search out the other
gambit play? He had some remarkable
writers mentioned here.
opinions on the matter. When do you sit on
Grooten does warn you not to be one of
a pawn up and when do you give it back?
those young people who just play quickly
Sometimes his examples beg questions.
through your databases or spend all your
Take this Modern Steinitz (transposition)
time memorizing openings. You need not
of one of his students:
ignore those either. Its all about balance.
Even Steinitz had, indeed, a hard time
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. 0-0 Bg7 5. c3
a6 6. Ba4 d6 7. d4 Bd7 8. d5 Nce7 9. Bxd7+ with that! .
Chess Life November 2009 13
CL_11-2009_soltis_JP_r7:chess life 10/12/2009
Chess to Enjoy
Empty-Head Syndrome
Chess players have a reputation for being brainiacs. But we often dont
By GM Andy Soltis
understand what our brains are telling us.
One of the turning points of the last
world championship occurred when, for
the first time in the match, Vladimir
Kramnik was a pawn up and steadily
pressing Vishy Anand. I was very close
to victory, Kramnik said in the post-
game press conference. But I had little
time and I was afraid of making a mis-
take.
Semi-Slav (D43)
GM Viswanthan Anand
GM Vladimir Kramnik
World Championship 2008, ninth game
 l + r k
+Q+ + +
+ +p+ p
p + qp+
+ + + +
+PrL+ P
+ + + P
+ +R+R+K
After 35. Qb7
Whites well-placed queen holds his
position together because it controls the
h1-a8 diagonal and also protects the b-
pawn. Kramnik wanted to drive it away
with 35. ... Rg8 and 36. ... Rg7. But he
didnt trust his ability to calculate the
rook move.
Why would a great calculator like Kram-
nik start having doubts about himself?
The reason is he had spent a minute
thinking about 35. ... f4before he real-
ized it would be a blunder.
A minute is a pretty long time for a
grandmaster to miss 35. ... f4??? 36. Qh7
mate! Kramnik took this as a message
from his brain that he was beginning to
miscalculate and needed to change plans.
14 Chess Life November 2009
9:23 PM Page 14
So instead of playing 35. ... Rg8!, he
bailed out into an endgame, 35. ... Qc7?
36. Qxc7. It was soon drawn, and one of
his last chances to regain the champi-
onship title was gone.
When you find yourself mentally blun-
dering, as Kramnik did in this case, the
message should be clear: Caution! Watch
out for tactical oversights.
On the other hand, there are times
when your brain signals that its working
well, such as when you repeatedly guess
your opponents next move.
This is when it pays to be bold and
ambitious, as Kramnik did earlier in that
match. He saw that Anand was nervous
in the first two games, which were drawn,
and realized he should have been press-
ing him harder.
Feeling he was wasting his opportu-
nity, Kramnik decided to play sharply in
the third game. That seemed to work. He
was able to predict his opponents moves
but Anand couldnt.
Semi-Slav, Meran System (D49)
GM Vladimir Kramnik
GM Viswanathan Anand
World Championship 2008, third game
r+ + k +
+l+R+ +
q +pp +
+L+ + +p
+ + lr+
+ + + P
PP +QP P
R + + K
After 21. ... Kf8
Anand was so surprised by 22. Qd3!
which threatens a killing 23. Qh7that
he couldnt write it down until he recov-
ered, Kramnik recalled.
But Anand calmed down and found
22. ... Rg7!. He soon had a powerful coun-
terattack (23. Rxg7 Kxg7 24. gxf4 Rd8!)
that eventually won.
Kramnik was understandably devas-
tated. Its one thing to lose when you
know you werent thinking well.
But if you lose a game when you were
thinking better than your opponent, it
seems something has gone wrong with the
universe.
In the third game I saw all his moves,
that was what was painful, Kramnik
said in 64 magazine. He scored only one
draw in the next three games.
Clearly, Kramnik misjudged what hap-
pened. Perhaps the pseudo-science of
biorhythms gives us a better explana-
tion:
Anand was nervous in the first three
games because he was at the lowest point
of his 28-day emotional cycle. But he
was at the midpointand on the risein
his intellectual cycle. Kramnik, on the
other hand, hit the nadir of his intellec-
tual cycle just when he thought he was
thinking well. His brain deceived him.
The opposite of this can occur when you
think youre thinking poorly:
French Defense (C10)
GM Peter Svidler
GM Mikhail Gurevich
Gilbraltar 2009
(see diagram top of next page)
After White played 18. fxe6 he second-
guessed himself. He felt he should have
prepared the capture with 18. Rhf1.
Only after lengthy post-game analysis
did he discover he had it right18. fxe6!
was better than 18. Rhf1?.
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_soltis_JP_r7:chess life 10/12/2009 9:23 PM Page 15

Problem I Problem II Problem III

The Codebreaker B.H. Wood Laszlo Szabo Marcos Luckis
C.H.OD. Alexander C.H.OD. Alexander C.H.OD. Alexander

This year marks the 100th r+l+r+k+ + + +k+ + +r+rk

anniversary of the birth of a chess-
playing spy. Conel Hugh ODonel
+ + +pp r +q+ l pp+ + +p
Alexanderknown to his friends as
p+ +q+ p pp+ rRQ +ppnq +
Hugh and to his readers as C.H. + l + + p +p+ + + + +l+
OD. Alexanderwas the best British + +p+ + + Pp+ + +P+LP +
chess player at the same time that he
was a top Cold War codebreaker. He
+P+ NnP + P +n+p +P+NQ +
was so valuable to British intelli-
PPPQP P PP N R P P+ + P P
gence that he was never allowed to RNLR+ +K + + + +K + +RR +K
play in an Iron Curtain country, Black to play Black to play Black to play
even when his national team needed
him. This months quiz is based on Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
Alexanders games. In each position T.D. Van Scheltinga William Winter C.H.OD. Alexander
C.H.OD. Alexander C.H.OD. Alexander P.H. Clarke
you are asked to find the fastest
winning line of play. Usually this + +r+ +
will mean the forced win of a decisive
+ + r + +L+ +k+
amount of material such as a rook or
+l+ +k+ pp+ + pp +ppqN kp
minor piece. Solutions on Page 71. + + +pp + + n + p+nn +p+
+ + + + + + + + + + +p+
Qp+qP + P p + Q + + +P+
+ + +R+ P + q +P + +Q+ +
P + +PP + +P+RK PPL+ P P
+ L + +K + + +r+ + +R+ K
Black to play Black to play White to play

a high temperature during an interzonal

tournament. While his body fought the
Bxa4?! Nb5 21. Kh1? Qb7 22. Bxb5 axb5
r+ r + + Blacks protected passed pawn is nice
infection he managed to get by without
+lq kpp but the main thing is the tactics are run-
losing a single game.
ning in his favor, e.g. 23. Qd2 Ra3,
p+ lpn p That put him in great shape to qualify
threatening 24. ... Rxc3! 25. Qxc3 Nxe4
for the next stage in the world champi-
+pp NP+ with advantage.
onship cycle, the candidates matches.
+PP + + All Beliavsky needed was one point from
his two remaining games. He faced strong
23. Be3 Ng4! 24. Bd4 Ne3! 25. Bxe3 Bxc3 26.
+ +LL + opponentsGMs Lajos Portisch and
Bd4 Bxd4 27. Qxd4 Qa7! 28. Qc3 Qe7 29.

Valery Salovbut had white in both

Ra1 Rxa1 30. Qxa1 Rc8 31. Rc1 Qc7 32. Qc3
PP +Q+PP
games.
Ra8 33. f4 Qa7 34. Qd2? Qa2 35. Qe1 Qb2
+ KR+ +R You need to make two draws!
36. Rb1 c3! 37. h3 Ra2 38. Qf1 c2 39. Rc1

After 17. ... Rhd8

Mikhalchishin told him. You just
Qxb4 40. e5 Rb2 41. Qf2 Qe4 42. Kh2 Qxd5,

emerged from illness, youre feeling good

He also misunderstood his brain when
Black replied to 18. fxe6! with 18. ...
bxc4. Whites intuition told him to keep
his bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal (19.
Bc2).
Thats a good move. But he didnt trust
himself. Instead, he played 19. Bxc4??,
which lost a piece to 19. ... cxd4 20. Bxd4
Be4!, e.g. 21. Nf3 Bf4+ 22. Nd2 Rxd4 or
22. Be3 Bxe3+ 23. Qxe3 Qxc4+.
There was more to come because White
went into a line he believed was dead
lost but he ended up winning.
Why do we misjudge how well our
brains are working? One reason is we
listen to our bodies instead.
Veteran trainer Adrian Mikhalchishin
described it as the Empty-Head Syn-
drome. He recalled a case of it when he
White resigns.
The bottom line is that keeping our
but you have problems with the empty
minds in good working order is still pretty
head.
much a mystery, even for the strongest
Beliavsky looked at me in disbelief, he
players. Viktor Korchnoi has managed
told Sport Express. Play for draws with
to do it longer than any other grandmas-
white? I am Beliavsky! I dont play for a
ter around. And when he was asked his
draw with white!
secret last April by the publication Argu-
You can guess the rest. He lost both
menty i Fakty, he said he figured it out
games, in what turned out to be his last
more than 35 years ago.
shot at the world championship. He never
One day in 1973 while driving in
reached the candidates level again.
Leningrad, I fell to thinking about some
chess game at the wheel and struck a
Modern Benoni Defense (A79) (police) car in front, he said.
GM Alexander Beliavsky As a famous grandmaster he could
GM Lajos Portisch have talked his way out of the mess and
Szirak Interzonal 1987 forgotten about it. But the psychological
shock was so great that I gave up driving,
Korchnoi said. Since then I am forced to
walk a lot on foot, he added, and the aer-
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. d5 exd5 5.

was serving as GM Alexander Beliavskys obic exercise helps maintain his healthy
cxd5 d6 6. Nc3 g6 7. e4 Bg7 8. Be2 0-0 9. 0-0

second:
Beliavsky came down with a cold and
Na6 10. Nd2 Re8 11. f3 Nc7 12. a4 b6 13.
Nc4 Ba6 14. Bg5 Qd7 15. Rb1 Bxc4 16. Bxc4
a6 17. b4 b5 18. Bd3 c4 19. Bc2 bxa4! 20.
bodyand brain. .
uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 15
CL_11-2009_pando_JP_r8:chess life 10/12/2009 9:19 PM Page 16

Solitaire Chess

Two Can Be Better Than One

Beware the fury of the two white bishops should Black allow the center to open in
By Bruce Pandolfini

a Nimzo-Indian Defense.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense (1. d4 Nf6 Sometimes points are also rewarded for gets the position he was aiming for.
2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4) Black relies on quick second-best moves, and there may be
kingside development, and a bishop pin bonus pointsor deductionsfor other
12. Nxe4
on the c3-knight, to fight for control of e4. moves and variations. Note that ** means
This often necessitates exchanging the that the note to Blacks move is over and
13. fxe4 Par Score: 4
bishop for the knight, inflicting White Whites move is on the next line.**
with doubled c-pawns, but at the same
13. Qxe4
time arming White with two bishops.
9. bxc3 Par Score: 4
Such bishops may be ineffective as long Deduct 3 points for any other move (9.
14. Bd3 Par Score: 5
as the center remains closed. But if it dxe5? Bxe5). Having eliminated the e4-pawn, the
ever opens, the forces unleashed might bishop resumes its natural post. This is
prove unstoppable. Thats more or less the better than 14. Bf3 (3 points part credit),
9. e4
story this monthyou be the judge, after This preemptive advance (before White blocking the action of the rook on the f-
the opening moves: himself plays e3-e4) is more or less the file.
point of Blacks setup. But since the e4-
pawn can soon be traded off, other moves
14. Qe7
Nimzo-Indian Defense, are worth considering, such as 9. ... c5 or
Rubinstein Variation (E47) 9. ... Nc6.**
15. e4 Par Score: 5
Svetozar Gligoric
Braslav Rabar
10. Be2 Par Score: 5 15. Kg7
Zagreb, 1939 The alternative retreat was 10. Bc2 (full The try 15. ... Bg4 is answered by 16.
credit), but it seems that Gligoric did not Qd2, with penetration on h6. The basic
want to allow 10. ... Bg4 11. f3 exf3 12. idea is 17. Qh6, followed by 18. Bg5 and
gxf3 Bh3, when his castled position has 19. Bf6. Black may hold off mate, but
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 0-0 5. Bd3

been weakened. his dark squares remain very weak.**

d6 6. Ne2 e5 7. 0-0 Qe7 8. Ng3 Bxc3

The text takes control of the squares g4

and h5 but at the same time relaxes the
rnl+ rk+ 16. Bf4 Par Score: 5
ppp qppp pressure on e4. White develops the bishop and intends
+ p n + to follow up with 17. Qd2 and 18. Bh6+.
10. g6
+ + p + Rabars idea is to push back the white
16. f6
knight by ... h7-h5 and then ... h5-h4.** Thus Black hopes to organize a dark
square defense.**
+PP + +
+ lLP N 11. f3 Par Score: 6
White has to get rid of the enemy e4-
17. Qd2 Par Score: 5
pawn in order to obtain maneuvering The threat of 18. Bh6+ (1 bonus point)
PP + PPP
R LQ+RK room. has almost materialized.
Your starting position 11. h5 17. g5
Now make sure you have the above Black further weakens his castled posi- After 17. ... Rh8 the position is ripe for
position set up on your chessboard. As tion, though at least this is consistent a breakthrough in the center, 18. e5 (1
you play through the remaining moves in with his previous move.** bonus point), especially since Black has
this game, use a piece of paper to cover three sleeping pieces on the queenside. A
the article, exposing Whites next move sample line is 18. e5 dxe5 19. dxe5 fxe5
12. Nxe4 Par Score: 5
only after trying to guess it. If you guess Accept only 2 points part credit for 12. 20. Bg5 Qc5+ 21. Kh1 Nd7 22. Bf6+! Nxf6
correctly, give yourself the par score. fxe4. After 12. ... h4 13. Nh1 Nxe4 Black 23. Qg5 Bf5 24. Rxf5 Raf8 25. Rxe5 Qd6

16 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_pando_JP_r8:chess life 10/13/2009 1:21 PM Page 17

Problem I Problem II Problem III

ABCs of Chess Mating net Trapping Mating attack

These problems are all related to

+ + + + + + + + +l+ +k+
key positions in this months game.
+ k + + + +k r pp+q+pp
In each case, Black is to move. The lp+ + + + + np+ + + + +
answers can be found in Solutions + + +q+ + + +p+p + + p +
on page 71. + + +l+ + + P + + l + +
November Exercise: When review-
+ +p+P+ + + + N + +P+ P
ing chess games its natural to focus + L +P+ + + +P+ PPL+ PK+
on shots and winning moves, for- +L+ QK+ + + +R+K + +Q+N+
getting the significance of the bad
moves that came first and made the
good ones possible. So as an exer- Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
cise, try analyzing from another Mating net Mating net Mating net
perspective, hoping to comprehend
why and how a player goes wrong, + +k+ + +
+ + + + + + +
with special attention to the condi- + +
+ + R +l+ +k + ++k +
tions preceding mistakes and ways l + +q+ + + +p+ + + + r
they might have been averted.
Indeed, we can sometimes gain more
+ + + + + + + +P + + + +Q
by understanding how to avoid a + + + + + + +QK + +q+QK
mistake than how to exploit it. As + + + P l + +r+ l + +r+
Fyodor Dostoyevsky says in Demons, + + P + + + + + + L + +
In every misfortune there is always
something cheery for an onlooker,
+ + +RKR + + + + + + + +
whoever he may be.

26. Qxg6 mate.** On 22. ... Kg8, to unpin the f6-pawn,

Black runs into 23. Rxf6 Rxf6 24. Qxg5+
27. Rf6+ Par Score: 5

(2 bonus points), regaining the rook with

18. Be3 Par Score: 4
check, and mating shortly. In any event,
27. Kh5
If 27. ... Kg7, then 28. Qxg5+ Kh8 29.
Black has to abandon his defense of the
Rh6 (or 29. Rf8), double check and mate
18. h4
Black has to occupy this square, else f6-pawn.**
White plays 19. h4 (1 bonus point), col- (1 bonus point).**
lapsing Blacks pawns.**
23. Bxf6 Par Score: 5
Its time to take things. The bold 23.
28. Be2+ Par Score: 6

Rxf6+ (3 points part credit) loses a tempo, On 28. ... g4, theres 29. Qh6 (or 29.
Rh6) mate (1 bonus point). If 28. ... Bg4,
19. e5 Par Score: 6
With superior development, White compared with the text.
strives to open lines for his pieces. A then 29. Bxg4+ Kxg4 30. Qd1+ Qe2 31.
pawn may go, but this is not the time to Qxe2 mate (2 bonus points). The alterna-
tive, 28. Bg6+ (5 points part credit) is also
23. Qxc5+
count pawns. Blacks move is played to stop 24. Qxg5
mate. If 23. ... Rg8, then 24. Bxg5+ (2 sufficient. Play might continue 28. ... Kh6
19. dxe5
bonus points) 24. ... Rxg5 25. Rf6+ Kh5 (28. ... Kg4 29. Qd1+) 29. Be8+ Kh7 30.
(25. ... Kg7 26. Qxg5+) 26. Be2+ and mate Qxg5 Qe1+ 31. Rf1 and White mates.
very soon.**
20. dxe5 Par Score: 5

20. Qxe5 24. Bd4 Par Score: 5

rnl+L+ +
If 20. ... fxe5, then 21. Bxg5 (1 bonus With this move White blocks the check,
ppp + +k
point).** attacks the queen, and opens the f-file. + + + +
21. Bd4 Par Score: 5 24. Qd6 + + + Q
This attacks the queen and pins the f6- + L + p
pawn.
25. Rxf8 Par Score: 5
White trades off Blacks last defender of
+ P + +
the f-file. Whites king-rook will be
21. Qa5
P+ + +PP
Black essentially plays the only move, replaced by the queen-rook, while Blacks
though the defense is temporary. If 21. ... queen-rook is still stuck on a8.**
+ + qRK
Qd6, or 21. ... Qe7, then 22. Qxg5+ (1 Analysis after 31. Rf1
bonus point).**
22. c5 Par Score: 5
25.

26.

Rf1 Par Score: 5

Qxf8
28. Black resigned .
The advance cuts off the black queen The replacement rook enters. The
from g5 and renews the threat of 23. square f6 is now in Whites hands, and
Qxg5+ (1 bonus point, if you saw it). that pretty much decides the contest.
For scoring box,
see page 71.
22. Kh6 26. Qe7

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 17

11-2009_USCFHOS_inside2:chess life 10/8/2009 2:31 PM Page 7
11-2009_USCFHOS_inside3:chess life 10/8/2009 2:34 PM Page 15
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 9:34 AM Page 20

2009 U.S. Open

Turning Back the Clock

For the first time since 1994, GM Dmitry Gurevich is U.S. Open champion
By Jonathan Hilton

20 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
Tied for first with Gurevich, the winner on tiebreaks: (l-r) GM Jesse Kraai, GM-elect Alex Lenderman,
IM Jacek Stopa, GM Alex Yermolinsky, GM Sergey Kudrin
YERMOLINSKY BY AL LOSOFF; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
t age 53, Dmitry Gurevich has
claimed his third U.S. Open victory.
A With a score of 7/9, Gurevich
tied for first with five others in Indianapo-
lis but was awarded the trophy, $200
bonus, and title of 110th U.S. Open cham-
pion after an Armageddon playoff with
Sergey Kudrin. It has been 15 long years
since the Russian-American grandmaster
last won the event, so his expectations
going in werent inflated. I dont beat so
many grandmasters these days, but I can
draw, he said. As the tournaments num-
ber 14 seed, three back-to-back draws
with higher-rated grandmasters in rounds
five, six, and seven kept Gurevich afloat
during the toughest rounds. I could eas-
ily have played up in the last round, too,
he added. Instead I was lucky to be the
favorite in my last-round game. Even after
I won, I was surprised that my tiebreaks
uschess.org
10/13/09 3:31 PM Page 21
were good enough to get me into the
Armageddon final!
In that final, Kudrinwho had the bet-
ter tiebreakschose the white pieces,
meaning all the lower-rated Gurevich had
to do was hold a draw. He did this with lit-
tle problem: the game was drawn after
just 32 moves. I look very happy in the
photograph, Gurevich noted, reflecting
on his surprise victory. I couldnt look
that happy again if I tried!
Due to the efforts of the U.S. Open com-
mittee, five qualifying spots for the U.S.
Championship were up for grabs this year.
One of the six who tied for first, IM Jacek
Stopa of Poland, was from a foreign feder-
ation. Thus, the five spots were awarded
to Gurevich and his co-winners: GMs
Sergey Kudrin, Alex Yermolinsky, Jesse
Kraai, and GM-elect Alex Lenderman.
Gurevich was thrilled to qualify for the
U.S. Championship. In 2008, he scored
a modest 4/9, but stated that his only
aspirations for 2010 were to be prepared
and be in good form. For Gurevich, a
positional player, chess is more art or
science than competition. Im less
inclined to view chess as a sport than,
say, Fischer, he remarked. Growing up,
I actually wanted to be a mathematician
or scientist. But I fell in love with the
game, and at some point I decided to
become a professional.
Gurevich felt his last-round win over IM
Ron Burnett was one of his nicest games
from the tournament. His solid, logical
style is exemplified by his choices in this
must-win situation: 14. Bc3, 17. Qa1,
and 20. e3 all demonstrate his maturity
as a seasoned grandmaster.
(see game top of next page, third column)
Chess Life November 2009 21
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 9:38 AM Page 22

2009 U.S. Open

Open Catalan (E04)

GM Dmitry Gurevich (2536)
IM Ronald Burnett (2378)
U.S. Open, Round 9
Notes by Gurevich

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 Bb4+ 4. Nd2

I already have played the main line 4.
Bd2 move against Ron once. I dont think
that my choice this time is any better, but
I have a lot of experience with it.
4. ... d5
4. ... c5 is another important move
here.
5. Bg2 0-0
Of course not 5. ... dxc4?? 6. Qa4+.
6. Ngf3 dxc4
6. ... c6 is a solid move here, but the
main line is probably 6. ... b6. Here I got
a queenside initiative with 7. 0-0 Bb7 8.
cxd5 exd5 9. Ne5 Re8 10. Ndc4 c6 11. Ne3
Bd6 12. Nd3 g6 13. b4 Na6 14. Qb3 Nc7
15. a4 and so on in Gurevich-Khalifman,
1992.
7. Qc2
Twenty years ago, I used an idea of
Israeli IM Nathan Birnboim: 7. 0-0 c3 8.
Nc4 with compensation for the pawn.
Now 8. ... Nc6 9. Qb3 cxb2 10. Bxb2 Be7
11. Rfd1 Rb8 12. Nfe5 gave White pres-
sure in Gurevich-Szekely, 1989.
7. ... b5 8. a4
Here my opponent went into a long
think. Perhaps he was considering vari-
ation 8. ... c6?! 9. axb5 cxb5? 10. Ng5! h6,
when both 11. Bxa8 hxg5 and 11. Nxf7
Rxf7 12. Bxa8 Qxd4 give Black some
compensation for the Exchange. But the
brilliant suggestion of Tukmakov 11. h4!!
wins serious material for White. I have
IM Gergely Antal Tops at Tournament of won numerous blitz games on the Inter-
net Chess Club with this!
College Champions
rnlq rk+
[From the Chess Life Online report]IM Gergely Antal of Texas Tech success-
fully navigated a thunderstorm, a ceiling leak, a fire alarm, and four other p + +p
 p
international masters to claim the World Chess Live Tournament of College + +pn  p
Champions at the U.S. Open. In his dramatic last-round game against Marko
Zivanic of the University of Texas at Dallas, he sacrificed a pawn in the early +p+ +  N
middlegame and managed to land a protected pawn on f6, thus cramping Blacks lp
 P +  P
kingside. The queens and minor pieces came off soon after, and Antal was able
to grind Zivanic down in a long rook endgame. + + +  P
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM

I had a fantastic time at this tournament and would like to encourage all chess PQ
 NP
PL+
players attending, or soon to be attending college, to come to this tournament.
There is a large guaranteed prize fund, and as an added bonus, entry to the R 
 L 
K +R
U.S. Open was half price to collegiate players this year. The tournament was Analysis after 11. h4
very well run and the facilities (except perhaps for a small portion of the ceil-
ing!) were also very nice. I would like to thank James Stallings for organizing
the tournament and World Chess Live for their sponsorship. As Mr. Stallings
8. ... bxa4 9. 0-0 Bb7 10. Nxc4 h6 11. Rxa4

put it at the prize ceremony, the tournament is still in a growth curve, so we I also considered 11. Qxa4!? a5 12.
can hope participation continues to increase in upcoming years. ~Erik Patchell Bf4.
11. ... a5 12. Bd2 Be4 13. Qb3 Nc6

22 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09
Here it was my turn to think long. Ron
didnt fall into the opening trap on move
8, and so here, if I dont make the correct
decision, Black might seize the initiative.
14. Bc3!
Strengthening the center. Worse is 14.
Bxb4 axb4 15. Rxa8 Qxa8 and Black is
very comfortable.
14. ... Rb8
Perhaps it was better to play 14. ...
Qd5!?, when 15. Ncd2 Qxb3 16. Nxb3
Bd5 17. Nfd2 leaves White a little better.
15. Ncd2 Be7
Now if 15. ... Qd5, White has 16. Qd1.
16. Qd1 Bh7
If Black preferred to leave this bishop
on the h1-a8 diagonal, White had a good
response: 16. ... Bd5 17. Qb1!, controlling
important squares.
17. Qa1!
This move has two ideas: attack the a5-
pawn and bring the second rook on c1.
Whites position is improving.
17. ... Ne4 18. Rc1
If 18. ... Nxc3, I was planning to recap-
ture with the b-pawn in order to control
the b4-square. Then the maneuver Nd2-
c4xa5 would follow.
18. ... Nxd2 19. Nxd2 Qd7
The participants in the 2009 World Chess Live Tournament of College Champions
uschess.org
3:34 PM Page 23
No better are 26. ... e5 27. Ne4 or 26.
r
+ rk+ ... c5 27. Ne4.
+  pq
lppl
27. Qxc7 Bc2 28. Bf1 Qf5 29. Rc1 Bd3 30.
+n+p+  p Qc5 Nd5 31. Bg2 Qg5 32. Nf3 Qf5 33. Ne5
Rd8 34. Nc6
p + + +
 Solid, but 34. g4! would win instantly:
R+  P + + 34. ... Qh7 35. Qc8!
+  L + P 34. ... Re8 35. Ne5!
P 
 NPPLP I needed to avoid 35. Bxd5 exd5 36.
Q 
 R + K Ne7+? Rxe7 37. Qxe7 Qf3.
After 18. ... Qd7
35. ... Nf6
A critical moment. We both hadnt If Black repeated the position with 35.
much time, and Ron had less than me. I ... Rd8, I would take the bishop with 36.
was considering three possible lines: Nxd3 Qxd3 37. b4. In time trouble its
a) 20. Bxc6 Qxc6 21. Bxa5. White wins often more important to make solid moves
material, but gives up his beautiful rather than spend time trying to find the
bishop. absolutely best decision (for instance, 34.
b) 20. Nc4 with the idea of 20. ... Nxd4 g4!)
21. Ne5. Fortunately, I noticed a hole in
this variation: 21. ... Nxe2+ 22. Kf1 Qb5.
36. Nxd3 Qxd3 37. Qc2 Qa6 38. Qc7 Qa3 39.
c) 20. e3. The most solid move.
Qc3 Rb8 40. Rb1 Rb4 41. h3 Qa5?
This loses instantly, but after 41. ... Rb8
Whites two extra pawns should prevail.
20. e3!
This is best.
42. Ra1 Qb6
Also winning for White is 42. ... Qb5 43.
Ra8+ Kh7 44. Qc2+ Qf5 45. e4 Qg6 46.
20. ... Nb4 21. Rxa5 Nd3 22. Rd1 Bb4 23.
Qc8 Qg5 47. e5.
Bxb4 Rxb4 24. b3! Rb5 25. Rxb5 Qxb5 26.
Qc3
White is winning. Now he has to make
the time control without making a mis-
43. Ra8+ Kh7 44. Qc2+ g6 45. Qc8, Black
take.
resigned.
Black resigns in view of 45. ... g5 46.
Be4+! Nxe4 47. Qg8 mate.
26. ... Nb4
Chess Life November 2009 23
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
2009 U.S. Open
Like coach, like student
Gurevichs victory was not the only
thing he had to be proud of at this event.
One of his students, 15-year-old Eric
Rosen, made master after going 6/9
for a performance rating of 2483. Rosens
tournament highlights included drawing
GM Jesse Kraai in round three, defeating
former U.S. Junior Champion Tyler
Hughes, and beating GM John Fedorow-
icz in round nine. The game against
Fedorowicz lasted a mere 16 moves
though the other two were marathons
lasting over 70 moves apiece. I enjoy
being the underdog, said Rosen, and I
avoided sleep deprivation by taking
strategic naps. Other than that, he did-
nt have any particular tournament
strategy.
Rosen tied with Erik Patchell and
Richard Herbst for the expert class prize
for those rated 2000-2199. Each took
home $1,359. Despite his newfound
wealth, Rosen said he doesnt have any
ambitions to become a chess professional.
I think I want to be a scientist, or go into
mathematics. Then, sounding just like
his coach, he told me how fascinating he
finds chess as an art, science, and sport.
Although he emphasizes the first two
parts, as a tennis player, he does not
neglect the third. Rosen sees his approach
to tennis manifest itself over the chess
board. Im a conservative player: I try to
outplay my opponents over the long haul.
I want to play a smooth, solid game with
few mistakes. His favorite tennis pro-
fessional is the solid Roger Federer.
The kid who beat Lenderman
Because it is a one-section tourna-
ment, the U.S. Open always creates a
tremendous number of one-sided pairings
in the early rounds. With so many grand-
masters playing so many A-players and
experts, the potential for a once-in-a-life-
time upset is created. This year, expert
Matthew Michaelides of Houston, Texas
earned fame in the tournament hall for
his second-round demolition of GM-elect
Alex Lenderman, the top seed. Although
Lenderman got a significant advantage
out of the opening, Michaelidesa sharp
player by naturesuccessfully compli-
cated things.
Queens Indian/
Nimzo-Indian hybrid (E13)
GM-elect Alex Lenderman (2574)
Matthew Michaelides (2092)
U.S. Open, Round 2
Notes by Michaelides
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 5.
Bg5 Bb7 6. Nd2 h6 7. Bh4 Nc6 8. e3 Ne7 9. f3
Nf5 10. Bf2 c5 11. Bd3 0-0 12. d5 Nd6 13. e4
24 Chess Life November 2009
10/12/09 10:03 AM Page 24
Bxc3 14. bxc3 e5 15. g4 Nh7 16. h4 Qf6 17.
Be3 g5 18. Qe2 Kg7 19. Qh2 Rh8 20. Ke2
White has a significant advantage out
of the opening. Black is under pressure
on the kingside and has little active play.
20. ... Ba6
Otherwise, White is free to play Nd2-f1-
g3.
21. a4 Rag8 22. a5 b5!? 23. cxb5 Bxb5 24. c4
Ba6 25. Bxc5 Rc8 26. Qf2
The greedy 26. Bxa7 Nxc4, which I had
expected, is also worth considering, but
the text is strong.
26. ... gxh4
Now that Whites queen has left the h-
file, Black can begin to untangle. The g5-
square is a promising home for Blacks
knight. With this move I hoped to provoke
White by relinquishing control of f4: I got
the vibe that my opponent was confident
in his position, and I was not surprised
by his next move.
27. f4?
White would love to push f4-f5 or open
up the a1-h8 diagonal for his monster
dark-squared bishop, but this move is a
step in the wrong direction, exacerbating
Whites weaknesses and exposing his
king.
27. ... Rxc5!
At the time, I assumed this sacrifice was
refutable. I was just playing to complicate,
a good strategy against a stronger player.
After analysis, it seems that Black actu-
ally has good chances with this move.
Whites position is not easy to play.
28. Qxc5 Rc8
+r+ + +
p +p+p
 kn
l+ n q p
P 
 QPp +
+P+PPPp
+ +L+ +
+ 
NK+ +
R + + +R
 Qxa5+ 41. Kb3 Qb6+ leads to a draw:
After 28. ... Rc8
29. Qxa7?!
White gets greedy and misses a chance
to consolidate with 29. Qb4! exf4 30.
Rac1. Poor was 29. Qf2?! Nxc4 30. fxe5
(or 30. Bxc4 Bxc4+ 31. Kd1 exf4 32. Rc1
Qb2 33. Qxf4 Bb3+ 34. Nxb3 Qxb3+ 35.
Ke1 Rxc1+ 36. Qxc1 Ng5) 30. ... Qxe5
31. Qxh4 Qf4, with advantage to Black in
both cases.
29. ... Bxc4?!
A mistake. 29. ... Nxc4! was stronger:
30. fxe5?! (30. f5! Qg5 31. Nf3 Qf4 32. Rh3
Bb5 is unclear) 30. ... Qf4 31. Nf1 (31.
Bxc4 Bxc4+ 32. Ke1 Ng5 33. Qf2 Qxe5 34.
Rd1 Qc3 wins for Black) 31. ... Ng5 32.
Qxa6 Qf3+ 33. Ke1 Qxd3 leaves Black
winning. The text allows White to partially
consolidate.
30. Nxc4 Nxc4 31. Ra2!
Guarding against infiltrations along
the second rank. My next move now forces
Black to go down an entire rook in
exchange for the initiative.
31. ... exf4!
31. ... Qxf4? 32. Rxh4 Ng5 33. Qf2
Nxe4 34. Qxf4 Nc3+ 35. Kf3 exf4 36. Bxc4
Rxc4 37. Rc2 and White is winning.
32. Rc1 f3+ 33. Kd1 Nb2+! 34. Rxb2 Rxc1+
35. Kxc1 Qc3+ 36. Bc2
+
+ + +
Q +p+p
 kn
+ + +  p
P +P+ +

+ +P+P p
+  q +p+
RL+ + +

+  K + +
After 36. Bc2
In exchange for his rook, Black has
two advanced passed pawns on the king-
side and better king safety. White is
constantly in danger of perpetual checks,
so his rook and bishop are tied down to
his king. This is more difficult to play as
white than as black, exactly the kind of
position one hopes for against a stronger
player. Psychologically, I also had the
edge. It was difficult for White to realize
that a draw is not a bad result from this
position, despite whatever advantage he
had earlier.
36. ... h3 37. Rb3?
Giving Black the upper hand. 37. Qf2
Ng5 38. Kb1 h2 39. Qxh2 Qe1+ 40. Ka2
42. Ka3 Qc5+ 43. Rb4 f2 44. Bd3 Qc3+
45. Ka4 Nxe4 46. Rxe4 Qxd3 47. Qe5+
Kg8 and White should give perpetual
check.
37. ... Qe1+ 38. Bd1 f2?
Both players now overlooked some
interesting possibilities for White. 38. ...
h2! was instead winning for Black. In the
key line, Blacks newly-crowned queen
on h1 will cover the crucial h5-square: 39.
Qd4+ f6 40. Qc5 h1=Q 41. Qe7+ Kg6 42.
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 3:35 PM Page 25

Qe8+ and here Black can play 42. ... Kg5

with a won position.
39. Qd4+ f6? 40. Rf3?
40. Qc5! instead was now strong. Black
must find a way to defend here, since
40. ... f1=Q?? 41. Qe7+ Kg6 42. Qe8+
Kg5 43. Qh5+ Kf4 44. Qf5 is mate. After
the text, Black regains his material and
is soon winning.
40. ... f1=Q
40. ... h2 with the idea of 41. Qa7
Qxd1+ 42. Kxd1 h1=Q+ 43. Kd2 Qe1+!
was also strong. (Worse is 43. ... Qxf3? 44.
Qxd7+ Kg6 45. Qf5+ Qxf5 46. gxf5+ Kf7
47. Ke2.)
41. Rxf1 Qxf1 42. Qa7 Nf8
Blacks king is safe, so White is help-
less to stop the march of Blacks h-pawn.
43. Qb8 Qf2 44. e5 Qf4+ 45. Kb2 fxe5
45. ... h2 immediately is faster.
46. Qb3 h2 47. Qh3 Qd4+ 48. Ka3 Qxd1 49.
Qxh2 Qxd5 50. Kb4 and White resigned.
This type of upset is always a thrill for
the victor, and it is rare that either player
manages a restful nights sleep afterward.
Michaelides was overwhelmed by his win.
I mean, this was the first grandmaster
[GM-elect ~.ed] Ive ever played, he
remarked. I stayed up late analyzing
everything over and over again with
Rybka.
The game was frustrating for Lender-
man. As strong players do, he reflected on
the games psychology. I went from hav-
ing a clear positional advantage to having
to calculate tactics, he said. Switching
from a comfortable mode of thinking to an
unpleasant one is one of the hardest
things to do in chess. I kept thinking my
opponent would miss something, but he
found challenging moves. Although Len-
derman expressed some regret over 27. f4, Hanken
he didnt think he played badly. When
you have a positional advantage, at some The most notable person at the 2009 U.S. Open was the one who wasnt there.
point, you have to try to convert it. Some- Septuagenarian and Life Master Jerry Hanken, who had not missed a U.S. Open
times that means you have to allow since 1972, spent August in the hospital after contracting gangrene. As Chair-
complications. man of the U.S. Open Committee, Hanken handled tournament business by
Michaelides followed this upset by phone from his hospital bed. Members Hal Terrie, Jim Mennella, Walter Buehl,
defeating FM Lester Van Meter the next and Denis Strenzwilk served as his eyes and ears on the ground. Hanken
round, cementing his status as the tour- instructed me to express his gratitude toward these individuals.
naments dark horse. Although some Mr. Hanken spent his final months shuffling from the hospital to a nursing
players remembered his father, retired home and back again. He described his exasperation several times over the
2400-player Evan Michaelides, few out- phone: he dubbed his medical care facility the Bad Samaritan for its nause-
side the Houston Chess Club had heard ating bureaucracy and the nursing home was Dickensian. I returned from a
of him before his second-round game. trip to Central America to learn that a tube had been inserted in his throat and
More often than not, I heard players refer he was unable to speak. The man who had been my best friend and mentor since
to him as the kid who beat Lenderman. I was 15 passed away shortly thereafter.
PHOTO BY CHRIS BIRD

My own introduction to Matthewa thin
adolescent with curly black hair,
whiskers, and heavy eyebrowscame in
2007, when I lost to him in the second
round of that years high school nation-
als. For an A-player, he was unusually
Hanken was part of a generation that has been shrinking over the past few years.
The recent deaths of Boris Baczynskyj, Ira Riddle, and Nigel Eddis weighed on
his mind. In a tribute to Baczynskyj, Hanken wrote that he would miss his friend
until I join him across that big chessboard in the sky. Rest in peace, Jerry, and
know that your friends here on Earth miss you as you did Boris. ~J.H.

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 25

CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
2009 U.S. Open
confident when playing his moves, the
clacking of which could be heard several
boards over. I found his intensity discon-
certing: his eyes, channeling energy, were
bent on destruction.
Away from the board, however, Matthew
is soft-spoken. Having played so few tour-
naments outside Texas, he isnt sure
what his background is as a player or how
far his natural abilities can go. He has
learned a lot from analyzing his games
with his father, but his drive to win is
entirely internal. Chess is in his blood.
Turning down the grandmaster draw
Playing for complications isnt just a
good strategy for achieving upsets, though.
The advice to always play for a win holds
true even in games between grandmasters,
especially at the U.S. Open, where a score
of over 80% is usually required to finish
in the money. In the following five-hour
marathon, GM John Fedorowiczwho
played the tough 4-day schedule faced a
well-rested Alex Lenderman. Fedorowicz,
who had the white pieces, declared his
peaceful intentions early on by offering a
draw. I had a feeling he would be tired,
and I was desperate to make something
happen after my loss in round two, Len-
derman wrote. And I never liked draws
without a fight. Lenderman would like to
thank GM Georgi Kacheishvili for helping
him to annotate this gameand for teach-
ing him that if you play for a draw, you
dont get a draw.
Slav Defense, Exchange Variation
without ... Bf5 (D13)
GM John Fedorowicz (2531)
GM-elect Alex Lenderman (2574)
U.S. Open, Round 7
Notes by Lenderman
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. cxd5
I was not afraid of this line because I
knew it doesnt automatically give White
a draw. There is still much play left in the
position, as GM Sadvakasov proved to
me by beating me with black in this line
at Foxwoods earlier this year.
4. ... cxd5 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bf4 a6!?
I wanted to make the game as imbal-
anced as possible. 6. ... Bf5 is more
common, but ... a7-a6 is useful for gain-
ing space on the queenside. After Whites
next move, my light-square bishop devel-
ops to a comfortable square.
7. e3 Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 9. Be2 e6 10. 0-0 Rc8
The point is to recapture with the rook
when White plays Nf3-e5xc6. If I have to
recapture with ... b7xc6, a draw is not far away.
11. Ne5 Bxe2 12. Qxe2 Be7 13. Rfc1 Nxe5
26 Chess Life November 2009
10/12/09 10:03 AM Page 26
This allows White a way to make a
quick draw. 13. ... 0-0 first was more
accurate, so that next move I can play ...
Nc6xe5 and meet Bf4xe5 with ... Nf6-d7,
avoiding further trades.
14. Bxe5 0-0 15. Bxf6! Bxf6
+r
q rk+
+p+ +p pp
p+ +p l +
+ +p+ +
+ 
P + +
+ N P +P
PP +QPP+
R 
 R + K
After 15. ... Bxf6
16. Na4?!
With this inaccuracy my opponent
offered a draw. The knight is misplaced
on the edge of the board, however. My
next move opens the position, allowing my
bishop to dominate his knight. 16. Qd3
followed by Nc3-e2 and trading off the
rooks down the c-file was the logical way
to play for the draw.
16. ... e5 17. dxe5 Bxe5 18. Nc5 Qb6 19. Nd3
19. Nd7 Qxb2 20. Qd1 was also possi-
ble, when White wins the d5-pawn and
gets a dead even game.
19. ... Bf6 20. Qd2
More accurate was 20. Rc2 followed
by Ra1-c1.
20. ... Qb5 21. Rab1 d4?!
I thought this move gave me an advan-
tage, but it is a significant positional
mistake. I underestimated the strength of
Whites blockading knight on d3. My next
move, ... Bf6-g5, is designed to give me
activity by weakening Whites kingside. In
reality, it only helps White control the
e5-square.
22. e4 Bg5 23. f4 Be7 24. e5 f5 25. Rxc8?!
25. exf6 e.p. Bxf6 26. Re1 followed by
Re1-e2, Rb1-e1, Kg1-h2, and g2-g3 gives
White a comfortable game. My bishop on
f6 is a big pawn.
25. ... Rxc8 26. Rc1 Rxc1+ 27. Nxc1 Qc4 28.
Qd1?!
28. a3 followed by Nc1-d3 gives White
a nice blockade. By maneuvering my
queen to e4, I soon get some initiative.
28. ... b5 29. b3 Qd5 30. Nd3 Qe4 31. Kf1?!
31. g3 to stop ... Be7-h4 was preferable.
The game now heads to a pawn-up
endgame for Black.
31. ... Bh4! 32. Qe2 Bg3 33. Qxe4 fxe4 34.
Nc5 Bxf4 35. Nxe4 Bxe5 36. Ke2 Kf7 37. Kd3
Ke6 38. Ke2
38. Nc5+ Kd5 39. Nxa6 Bd6; 38. Ng5+
Kf5 39. Nxh7 Bd6 both leave Whites
knight stranded.
38. ... h5
Fixing the kingside.
39. Nf2 h4 40. Kf3 Kd5 41. Nd3 Bd6 42. Nb2? a5?
Both sides miss Blacks opportunity.
42. ... d3! 43. Ke3 (43. Nxd3 Kd4) 43. ...
d2 44. Kxd2 Kd4 45. Nd3 b4! is a typical
Zugzwang. Blacks bishop dominates
Whites knight.
+ + + +
+ + + 
p
p+ 
l + +
+ + + +
p 
 k + p
+P+N+ +P
P+ 
K +P+
+ + + +
Analysis after 45. b4
43. Nd3 a4 44. Ke2 Ke4 45. Kd2 a3?!
It was better to play 45. ... axb3 or
simply leave the pawn on a4. White has
chances to make a fortress later on.
46. Ke2 g6 47. Nf2+ Kf4 48. Nd3+ Kg3 49.
Kf1 g5 50. Nf2 Be7 51. Nd3
Black is slowly making progress. The
text is forced since 51. Kg1 Kf4 allows
Black to penetrate, but now Black gets to
break with ... g5-g4.
51. ... g4 52. hxg4 Kxg4 53. Kf2 Bd6 54. Nc1
Bg3+ 55. Ke2 Bf4 56. Nd3 Kg3 57. Kf1 Bd6
58. Nc1 Be5
Not 58. ... h3? 59. Ne2+ Kh2 60. gxh3
d3 61. Nc3.
59. Ne2+ Kg4 60. Nc1 b4?
I could not see how to break Whites
fortress. But 60. ... h3! 61. gxh3+ Kf3
62. b4 Ke3 63. Ke1 d3 64. Kd1 Bc3 65.
Nb3 Bxb4 66. h4 Bd6 67. h5 Bf4 is a win.
Although I still manage to play the ... h4-
h3 break in the game, the text blows the
win entirely by giving White a fortress.
61. Nd3 Bd6 62. Kf2 Bg3+ 63. Ke2 Bd6 64.
Kf2 Be7 65. Ne5+ Kf5 66. Nd3 Ke4 67. Ke2
Bd6 68. Nc1 Bf8 69. Nd3 Be7 70. Nc1 Kf4 71.
Kf2 Kg4 72. Nd3 Bd6 73. Nc1 Bg3+ 74. Ke2
Bf4 75. Nd3 Kg3 76. Kf1 Bd6 77. Ne1
On 77. Nc1, White feared 77. ... h3 78.
Ne2+ Kh2 79. gxh3 d3, but that would
lead to a draw after 80. Nd4 Kg3 81. Ke1.
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77. ... Be7 78. Nd3 h3

Finally I play the breakthrough, but
this time White has a defense.
79. gxh3 Kf3 80. Ke1 Ke3 81. Ne5 d3
I saw the drawing idea, but there was
no other way to make progress.
82. Kd1 Bf8 83. Nc6?!
Not 83. Nc4+? Kd4 84. Kd2 Bh6+, when
Black penetrates to c3. The drawing idea
was simply 83. Nxd3! Kxd3 84. Kc1 fol-
lowed by Kc1-b1. The queenside pawns
are locked, and Black has absolutely no
way to break through. If Black tries to
back White into the corner, there will
always be a stalemate.
83. ... Ke4 84. h4 Kd5

+ + l
 +
+ + + +
+N+ + +
+ +k+ +
p + + 
 P
pP+p+ +

P+ + + +
+ +K+ +
After 84. ... Kd5

85. Na5?
85. Kd2! was the last chance to sacri-
fice the knight for the draw.
85. ... Kd4 86. h5 Bh6 87. Nc6+ Kc3 88. Ne5
Bf4 89. Ng6 Bg5 90. Ne5 Bf4 91. Ng6 Be3 92.
Ne5 Bg5 93. Nf3 Bf4 94. Ne1 d2 95. Nf3 Kb2,
White resigned.
The win helped put Lenderman back on
track to snatch his first-ever qualifying
spot for the U.S. championship. With
6/7, he was once again tied for first place,
and an eighth-round victory over the
author of these lines followed by a fight- A World Champion In Indiana
ing draw with GM Sergey Kudrin (both
players turned down draw offersfirst
Lenderman, then Kudrin) secured him a Womens World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk was a major presence
seat in St. Louis for 2010. during Open week. In the main event, she finished only a half point out of first
despite having taken three half-point byes in the last three rounds due to a pre-
vious commitment. She won five of her six contested games, drawing only Nikola
Fighting for the class prize Mitkov. Her 12 points dominated the blitz event, winning by a half point over
Before the start of round nine, college GM Mesgan Amanov. 11 wins, three draws, zero lossesnot a bad days work.
student and class A player Tim Moroney She also shined at the Chess Journalist of America meeting, where the
stood at 6/8. Over the course of the three results of a members vote revealed she is now Chess Journalist of the Year (see
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONROI.COM

previous rounds, Moroney had scored
2/3 against nearly master strength
competition. Just like Rosens perform-
ance of 1/2 against GMs to win the
expert category, Moroneys magical
streak as a class A player was the stuff
of legend. If you [Moroney] were to win
your last game and go 7/9, few achieve-
ments in chess history could surpass
that, said local chess history buff Chris
story on page 40). At her simul, again, she managed to make the rounds with-
out a single loss. Macauley Peterson, a former Chess Journalist of the Year
himself, wrote on Chess Life Online, ... the first grandmaster simul of the week
began with Womens World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, who took on 17
players. Unlike Kosteniuks SuperNationals exhibition, this field was com-
prised almost entirely of adults, with a few experts including Denker champ Abby
Marshall and me. Kosteniuk still managed to win all but three. Marshall
scored a draw, as did Chuck Unruh of Oklahoma, and Pete Stringer from Indi-
anapolis (by way of London).

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 27

CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
2009 U.S. Open
The U.S. Champs Simul
[From Hikaru Nakamuras blog at hikarunakamura.com] ... the turnout was quite substantial with 26 players in total play-
ing out of a possible 50. This was more than I expected, so I was pleasantly surprised. In terms of the actual competition,
there were several experts who signed up to play which surprised me, and made it a lot more of a challenge. In the end,
I won all 26 of the games despite several games in which my opponents nearly held draws.
Dobbs. Fischers 11-0 score at the 1963
U.S. Championship comes close, but he
wasnt an A-player at the time.
I can attest to the fantastic feeling one
gets after pulling off a string of upsets. A
combination of staying in good form, hav-
ing faith against all odds, and crossing
ones fingers for luck is required to keep
such a streak goingbut once it starts,
it can be hard to stop. As it turned out,
Moroney was paired against his own
roommate in the big-money round. He
needed a draw to take the $2,265 first
prize for those rated 1800-1999 outright.
Queens Gambit Declined:
Systems without Nc3 (D30)
Jonathan Hilton (2287)
Timothy Moroney (1984)
U.S. Open, Round 9
Notes by Hilton
1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. g3 c6 5. Qc2
28 Chess Life November 2009
10/12/09 10:03 AM Page 28
dxc4 6. Qxc4 b5 7. Qc2!?
I had played the late GM Alek
Be7 was better.
Wojtkiewiczs 7. Qd3 against GM Alex
Yermolinsky in round seven and drawn.
I knew Tim studied the daily tournament
bulletins, so I wanted to try something
else.
7. ... Bb7 8. Bg2 Nbd7 9. 0-0 c5 10. Nc3 a6
10. ... b4!? 11. Na4 Rc8 12. Nxc5 Nxc5
13. dxc5 Bxc5 14. Qa4+ Bc6 15. Qa6 0-0
16. Bg5 is the critical line.
11. Bg5 Qb6 12. Rfd1 Rc8 13. Bxf6
Swapping the dark-square bishop for a
knight is thematic in this line. White has
a particular type of endgame in mind.
13. ... Nxf6 14. dxc5 Bxc5 15. e3 0-0 16. Qe2 Ne4?!
16. ... Bb4! 17. Nb1 Rfd8 18. a3 Rxd1+
19. Qxd1 Be7 equalizes.
17. Nxe4 Bxe4 18. Ne5 Bxg2 19. Kxg2 Qb7+
Every trade brings White closer to his
desired endgame. 19. ... Rfd8 20. Rac1
20. Qf3 Qxf3+ 21. Kxf3 Rc7 22. Rd7 Rfc8 23.
Rad1 Be7
Defending f7. Losing is 23. ... f6? 24.
Rxc7 Rxc7 25. Rd8+ Bf8 26. Nd7.
24. Rxc7 Rxc7 25. Rd7 Rxd7 26. Nxd7 Bd6
27. Ke4 f6 28. Kd4
Whites dream endgame position. The
knight is, for the moment, stronger than
the bishop because of Blacks loose pawns
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONROI.COM
on a6 and b5.
28. ... Kf7 29. b3?!
As it turns out, I need the b3-square for
my knight later on. Better is 29. f4 Ke7 30.
Nc5 a5 and only here 31. b3! with the idea
of 31. ... g5 32. fxg5 fxg5 33. a4. Black
should hold by playing for ... h7-h5-h4,
but it is difficult.
29. ... Ke7 30. Nc5 a5!
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
Not 30. ... Be5+? 31. Kd3 a5 32. Nb7 a4
33. bxa4 bxa4 34. Kc4.
31. a4
31. Nb7 Kd7! draws for Black: 32. Nxa5
(or 32. a4 Kc6 33. Nxd6 e5+! 34. Kd3
Kxd6 35. axb5 Kc5) 32. ... Kc7 33. Kc3
Be5+! with a miracle repetition after 34.
Kd3 Bd6! 35. Kc3 Be5+.
31. ... Be5+ 32. Kd3 Kd6 33. Ne4+?!
33. Nb7+ Kc7 34. Nc5 (not 34. Nxa5?
Kb6) 34. ... Kd6 was the best White could
do. Blacks king defends the queenside
pawns, so his bishop is now stronger
than the knight.
33. ... Kc6 34. f4 Bc7 35. g4 h6 36. h3
36. h4 gives Black dangerous coun-
terplay after 36. ... f5! 37. gxf5 exf5 38.
Ng3 bxa4 39. bxa4 g6 40. h5 gxh5 41.
Nxf5 Kc5 42. Nxh6 h4.
36. ... Bb8
Black can play for the win with 36. ...
bxa4 37. bxa4 f5 38. gxf5 exf5 39. Nc3
Kc5 40. Nb5 Bb8 41. Kc3 g5.
37. Nd2 Kc5 38. Kc3 Bc7?!
Better is 38. ... f5 39. axb5 Kxb5 40.
gxf5 exf5 with the idea of 41. Nf3?! Ba7.
Black is still better.
39. Nf3?!
39. h4! bxa4 40. bxa4 f5 is better because
See more about the U.S. Open on the next two pages: Abby Marshall writes about her Denker experience and see the At A Glance
boxes for the U.S. Open, the Denker Tournament of High School Champs, and the Tournament of College Champions.
uschess.org
10/13/09 3:37 PM Page 29
now there is 41. gxf5 exf5 42. h5, fixing Blacks
pawns and giving White the upper hand.
39. ... e5! 40. fxe5
40. f5!? is met by 40. ... bxa4 (worse is
40. ... e4? 41. Nd4 Be5 42. axb5 Bxd4+ 43.
exd4+ Kxb5 44. h4! with Zugzwang pos-
sibilities) 41. bxa4 e4 42. Nd2 Be5+ 43.
Kb3 Kd5 44. Nc4 Bc7 gives Black a
fortress.
40. ... Bxe5+ 41. Nxe5 fxe5 42. h4 bxa4 43.
bxa4 e4 44. h5 Kd5 45. Kb3 Kc5 46. Kc3 Kd5,
Draw agreed.
I couldnt have been happier for Tim. As
my roommate and friend, he was invalu-
able in fueling my own run during the
first seven rounds.
Final thoughts
Many of this years innovations would-
nt have been possible without the efforts
of the U.S. Open committee. The appear-
ances of GMs Hikaru Nakamura and
Alexandra Kosteniuk, the five qualifier
spots (with no qualifier fees), and the
enhanced Grand Prix points all helped to
successfully bring attendance to over 450
playersup from 379 last year. The num-
ber of grandmasters also rose, from just
two last year to an even dozen. Organizer
Pat Knight Smith, back-room computer
whiz Phil Smith, and floor director Wal-
ter Brown are to be commended. .
Celebrating Our Own
The man in the cowboy hat (photo,
left) is Harold Winston, who served
as USCF president from 1987-1990
and who currently serves on multiple
USCF committees. One of these is
the Hall of Fame committee, and dur-
ing the annual USCF awards
luncheon he anounced the induction
of GM John Fedorowicz and former
Chess Life editor Burt Hochberg, who
was represented by his widow Carol
Hochberg (photo, left). Ms. Hochbergs
heartfelt acceptance speech included
comments from former world cham-
pion Boris Spassky:
As editor of Chess Life, he estab-
lished many connections between the
American and international chess
communities ... Burt helped me pur-
chase and send a Ford Mustang from
the USA to the USSRnot an easy
task. He had, as Russians say, a
lucky hand. He was my car's good
luck charm.
Denker Tournament of
High School Champions:
Scholarships & Sponsors
Abby Marshall of Virginia placed
first in the Denker tournament (see
sidebar next page) and was awarded
a four-year scholarship by the Uni-
versity of Texas at Dallas, valued at
$68,000. The U.S. Chess Trust also
awarded her an $800 scholarship.
Marshall further received a beauti-
ful ebony wood set from the Frank
Marshall series presented by Frank
Camaratta.
The Ursula Foster award (a $500
scholarship) for best under age 16
score was awarded to Michael Yang
of Minnesota.
Mitchell Denker, the son of GM
Arnold Denker, provided a $100
stipend to all participants. Ameri-
can Chess Equipment provided a
$100 gift certificate for the biggest
upset to Chris Andrews of Wyoming
to be used in the USCF Sales book-
store. American Chess Equipment
also provided gold medallions to each
participant.
Chess Life November 2009 29
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
2009 U.S. Open
Marshalls Attack
For the first time ever, the Denker Tournament of High School Champions has been won by a young lady
Abby Marshall: Best high school player
in the U.S.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE LIST OF PAST
Denker winners, a few names pop out.
Some have become strong grandmasters.
The more recent winners are promising
junior players. And then, to be current,
you look at the winner from 2009.
Whoa. Isnt that a girls name? Like,
are girls even allowed in the Denker?
You could be forgiven for thinking oth-
erwise. By normal standards, 2009 was
a boon year for girls, as two qualified for
the event: Erica Barkell and I. Erica
was 45th going into the Denker and
ended up tied for 38th place. Yay! Con-
gratulations also goes to Jeffrey Haskel,
who recovered from a first round draw
to finish tied for second with Michael
Yang, who I played in the last round.
Steven Breckenridge finished in sole
fourth with 4 including a win over
master Robert Lau.
Coming into the Denker, I felt no pres-
sure. The strong field had four masters,
eighteen experts, and many class A play-
ers. I was ranked eighth. I figured my
chances of winning were maybe ten per-
cent, and I hadnt particularly prepared,
and I even thought briefly about with-
drawing after round one because I had
earned the one point I needed to make
the master 2200 mark. I became nervous
after I beat master Patrick Tae in round
four with my favorite Kings Gambit.
I think that at any tournament with
a lot of pressure, routines are good for
focus. Every morning before my rounds
I would have an apple, a frosted blue-
berry Pop-Tart, and some coffee. This
is not exactly the breakfast of champi-
ons, but its worked well for me. Then I
would complain about the lack of veg-
30 Chess Life November 2009
10/12/09 10:03 AM Page 30
etarian choices and go to Subway for
lunch, run for a bit, and take a nap
until the round. I also like to go a few
minutes late to the round so the room
is already quiet, and I like to listen to
music. When the game is really boring
or I need a break, normally I would get
up and walk around, but I can instead
plug in earphones and study the board.
It keeps me energized and focused.
After winning the Denker and know-
ing that Womens World Champion
Alexandra Kosteniuk would be compet-
ing for first place in the U.S. Open, I
wrote a blog saying there needs to be an
all-males tournament just so the guys
would be able to play for something. I
was joking, of course. Every tourna-
ment is a guys tournament. Women
reaching equality with men in chess
doesnt refer only to equaling mens
accomplishments, but also closing the
huge gap in the ratio of men to women
players. I support women tournaments
because they get more girls into chess
and give girls extra chances for titles or
trophies that they would not get other-
wise. Im glad that I got the chance to
study with a group of dedicated girls at
the 10th U.S. Chess School in St. Louis,
Missouri, run by IM Greg Shahade and
taught by the superb GM Greg
Kaidanov. As far as I could tell, every-
one agreed that womens tournaments
and titles were good. Over time, though,
the need for such events will decline
and the idea that a girl can win a tour-
nament like the Denker will no longer
strike people as so amazing.
But attitudes and perceptions change
slowly. Just two weeks after the Denker,
while on vacation I played a game on a
giant outdoor chess set. A small audi-
ence watched. After I won several pieces,
my opponent, a guy, resigned. We shook
hands and as I turned to walk away I
overheard a girl say, He won, right? If
anything, the fact that I had many more
pieces on the board would be a clue, but
I guess this girl was too blinded by an
inherent belief in male chess superior-
ity that she concluded he must have
beaten me. This makes womens incen-
tives all the more needed to offset some
of the societal pressure we feel as play-
ers in a male-dominated field. It can go
both ways; its true that women might
lower their goals, but Ive always been
motivated to study harder. Its what you
do with talent and opportunities that
counts. Hopefully, the next girl to win
the Denkerand Im confident I wont
have to wait longwill not have to deal
with similar misperceptions of womens
chess.
I want to thank the organizers, who
always do a super job with the opening
and closing ceremonies and providing
flags for the players and stipends for
travel. Thanks, too, to the House of
Staunton for its gift: a beautiful set of
carved wooden pieces. I cant forget my
coach John Watson for his help over
the last couple of years. Im also indebted
to my coach Mark Morss, whos been giv-
ing me lessons since I was six years old
and taught me the Kings Gambit, how-
ever infamous it has become.
Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation
(Poisoned Pawn) (B97)
WFM Abby Marshall (2199)
Michael Yang (2187)
Denker (6), 08.04.2009
The first sign of danger appeared right
before the game even started. I was half a
point ahead of the field, a situation which
sounds great, but often the player in this
situation ends up playing for a draw but
ends up losing. If you're focusing on the
result, you can't play good moves.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Qb6 8. Qd2 Nc6 9.
Bxf6 gxf6 10. Nb3 Bd7 11. Be2 h5 12. 0-0-0
Rc8 13. Kb1 Qf2
+r+kl r
+p+l+p+
p+npp
p +
+ + + +p
+ +PP +
+NN + +
P
PPQL
qPP
+K+R+ +R
After 13. ... Qf2
14. Bf3?!
This is a bad move. White has a very
good position here. I was feeling very
relieved that he did not play the Poi-
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH VICARY
soned Pawn 8. ... Qxb2 because I only
really know the general ideas and not the
variations; in a system where you're
down a couple pawns this is bad. So I felt
happy and secure at this point, and any
trades bring me closer to a draw. Trou-
ble. 14. f5! Qb6Probably best, but the
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_USOpen_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
following variation shows the dangers for
Black. (14. ... Ne5 15. fxe6; 14. ... Qxg2
15. Nc5) 15. Qf4!? Be7 16. Qg3 Kf8 17.
Rxd6 Bxd6 18. Qxd6+ Ke8 19. fxe6 fxe6
20. Nd5 exd5 21. Qxf6 Rf8.
14. ... Qxd2 15. Rxd2 Kd8 16. Rhd1 Kc7 17.
h4 Rd8 18. Ne2 Ne7 19. Rxd6?
Now Black will get two bishops against
two knights. 19. Ng3 Ng6 20. Nxh5 Nxh4
21. Nxf6 Nxf3 22. gxf3I looked at this
too, but I thought the two bishops eas-
ily compensate for the pawn.
19. ... Ng6 20. R6d3 Nxh4 21. Na5 Nxf3 22.
Rxf3 Be7
22. ... Bb4!This move scared me
the most during the game. 23. Nb3 Bc6
(23. ... Bb5 24. Rxd8 Rxd8 25. Ned4) 24.
Rxd8 Rxd8 25. a3 Bd6 when the bish-
ops will be very strong.
23. a3 Ba4 24. Rxd8 Rxd8 25. Kc1 Bb5 26.
Nc3 Bd7 27. Nc4 Rg8 28. Ne3?
28. g3 Bc5 29. b4 Bd4 30. Ne2
White is at least keeping it together.-
28. ... Bc5 29. g3 Bc6!
29. ... f5 is also strong.
30. f5 Bd4
At around this point we both had
under four minutes.
31. fxe6? fxe6 32. Ng2 Be5 33. Nf4 Rxg3
34. Rf1 Bxf4+?!
Black is still winning, but the bishop is
All Three Tournaments At A Glance...
110th Annual U.S. Open
Date: August 1-9, 2009
Location: Indianapolis Marriott
East, Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Finishers: 1st-6th, Dmitry
Gurevich, Alex Lenderman,
Sergey Kudrin, Alex Yermolinsky,
Jacek Stopa, Jesse Kraai, 7;
7th-8th, Alexander Shabalov,
Julio Becerra, Benjamin Finegold,
Alexandra Kosteniuk, Nikola
Mitkov, Dean Ippolito,
Gergely Antal, Daniel Fernandez,
Mackenzie Molner, Conrad
Holt, Seth Homa, 7.
Chief Tournament Director:
Walter Brown.
uschess.org
10/13/09 4:19 PM Page 31
too strong to give up. 34. ... h4 35. Nxe6+
Kd6The h-pawn will win the game.
35. Rxf4 Rg6 36. Rh4 Be8 37. Rh2 Kd6 38.
Kd2
+ +l+ +
+p+ + +
p+  kp
pr+
+ + + +p
+ +P+ +
P 
 N + +
PP
 K + R
+ + + +
After 38. Kd2
38. ... Ke5?
Even after this mistake, White is still
in a lot of trouble. It's interesting to
think that I played badly at the begin-
ning because I was thinking about the
result, and now maybe the same thing
is happening to him.
39. Rxh5+ Kf4
39. ... f5 40. Rh2 f4 is the best win-
ning chance.
40. Rh2 Bc6 41. Re2 Rg3 42. Rh2 Rg4 43.
Re2 Ke5 44. Kd3 Rh4 45. Re3 Rg4 46. Re2
Be8 47. Re3 Bg6 48. Re2 Rh4 49. b4 Rf4
50. a4 b6 51. Re3 Rg4 52. Re1 Rh4 53. Re3
Rg4 54. Re1 Rg2 55. Re3 Rg1 56. Re2 Bh5
2009 Denker Tournament
of High School Champions
Date: August 1-4, 2009
Location: Indianapolis Marriott
East, Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Finishers: 1st, Abby
Marshall (VA), 5; 2nd-3rd,
Michael Yang (MN), Jeffrey Haskel
(FL), 5; 4th, Steven Breckenridge
(OR), 4; 5th-13th, Robert Lau
(HI), Deepak Aaron (NY), Vincent
Huang (CA), Andrew Ng (NJ),
Trevor Magness (IL), Evan
Sandberg (CA), Michael Vilenchuk
(OH), Kerry Xing (WA), Hongkai
Pan (WI), 4.
Chief Tournament Director:
Walter Brown
57. Re3 Bg4 58. Kc4 Rg2 59. Kd3 Kf4 60.
Re1 Bf3 61. Nb1 Rg7?!
Stronger is 61. ... Rg3 62. Kd4 e5+ 63.
Kd5 Rg2.
62. Nd2 Rd7+ 63. Kc3 Bg4 64. Rf1+ Kg5
65. Rf2 f5 66. exf5 exf5 67. Nc4 b5 68. axb5
axb5 69. Ne5 Rd5 70. Nd3 Kf6 71. Kb3 Rd4
72. Kc3 Rc4+ 73. Kd2 Kg5 74. Rg2?! Re4
75. Rg1 Re2+ 76. Kc3 f4 77. Ra1 Be6 78.
Rg1+ Kf5 79. Rf1 Re4 80. Rf2 Rc4+ 81.
Kd2 Bd5 82. Rh2 Bc6 83. Rh8 Kg5 84.
Rg8+ Kf6 85. Rf8+ Kg5 86. Rg8+ Kh5 87.
Rf8 Kg5 88. Ne5 Rd4+ 89. Kc3 Re4 90.
Nf3+?! Kg4 91. Nd4 Bd7 92. Rg8+ Kh3 93.
Rg7 Bg4 94. Kd3 Re3+ 95. Kd2 Re5 96.
Kd3 f3 97. Nxf3, Draw agreed.
+ + + +
+ + + R

+ + + +
+p+ 
r +
P + +l+

+ +K+N+k
+P+ + +
+ + + +
After 97. Nxf3
I was surprised that he offered a draw
here. After 97. ... Bxf3 98. c4 Be2+ 99.
Kd4 its a draw, but not easy. Still, after
almost five hours of play, a draw offer
is understandable. ~Abby Marshall
2009 World Chess Live
Tournament of College
Champions
Date: August 1-4, 2009
Location: Indianapolis Marriott East,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Finishers: Open, 1st, Gergely
Antal, 5; 2nd-3rd, Jacek Stopa, Salvi-
jus Bercys, 4; 4th, Marko Zivanic, 4;
1st Under 2000, Erik Patchell, 4; 2nd
Under 2000, Corbin Yu, Joe Fogarty,
3. Under 2100, 1st, Arturo Gracia,
3; 2nd, Ethan Peake, 3; 1st Under
1900, Enrique Arce-Larreta, 3; 2nd-
4th Under 1900, AndyApplebaum,
Gerald Roberts, Benjamin Hutter, 2.
Under 1700, 1st-2nd Class D,
Russell Trevino, Aaron Hamlin, 2; 1st
Under 1300, Kenneth Kuo, 1.
Chief Tournament Director:
Walter Brown.
Chess Life November 2009 31
CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09
Cover Story
THE BOOKS THAT CAME IN FROM THE COLD
ts a cold-war spy story complete with
smuggled documents detailing closely
guarded state secrets. But neither
British-intelligence trained agents nor
CIA operatives were at the vortex of this
international espionage, nor was nuclear
armament the subject of the purloined
documents. Not a spymaster but rather
a Soviet chess master brought to the
West the official, secret plans that were
key to what is arguably the Soviet Unions
one true success storyits methodically
constructed supremacy at the chess
board. But the papers waited in a safe
house in Toronto for the only grandmas-
ter ever to plan and execute a defection
from the USSR during the height of the
Cold War. Its the kind of back-story-
premise Ian Fleming might have dreamed
up for his hero James Bond.
Perks and privileges enjoyed by the
old Soviet Unions chess grandmasters
(GMs) during the Cold War helped keep
nearly all of them at home and playing
32 Chess Life November 2009
4:50 PM Page 32
By Al Lawrence
under the red flag. Combine the fame of
an American major leaguer with the cul-
tural status of a symphony conductor.
Throw in apartment upgrades, govern-
ment stipends, and the rare privilege to
travel out of the countryand you get
powerful reasons for GMs to play for the
home team. And then there was the fact
that one could be sent to a gulag, or
even killed for trying to leave.
Indeed, in the entire history of the cold
war, Lev Alburt was the only Soviet chess
grandmaster who planned and then suc-
cessfully executed a defection from the
USSR. Viktor Korchnoi famously decided
to defect in 1976 while already in Amster-
damwhere his reflexive outspokenness
had drawn a threat from a local Soviet
official, who warned Korchnoi about what
would happen when they got him home.
By 1989, when Gata Kamsky chose to
move his pieces under the stars and
stripes, the act amounted more to a relo-
cation than a defection.
S HOU LD I KORC HNOI ,
S HA MKOVIC H, OR S PAS SKY?
When Lev and his trusted chess mas-
ter friends broached the subject of
escaping from Soviet control, they some-
times used a kind of code. One could
Korchnoidefect, certainly a danger-
ous option.
Or one could Shamkovich apply for
an emigration permit, as in the case of the
late U.S. hall-of-famer Leonid Shamkovich.
But there were dangers in this approach
as well. Ask the only man to win both the
USSR and U.S. chess championships,
Boris Gulko. He languished for years in a
Refusenik (one who was refused emigra-
tion papers) no-mans landa Soviet
PHOTO BY JEFFREY WEISS
pariah, with few opportunities for work
while he protested, was beaten and jailed,
and waited for the red-rubberstamp on his
paperwork.
Then there was the platinum-level
upgrade to leave: one could, if he could
arrange it, Spasskywed a woman who
uschess.org
 CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 4:02 PM Page 33

In 1 97 9 , Lev A lb u rt escap ed
f ro m co m m u ni sm ; th re e de ca de s
a nd t hr ee U .S . C ha m pi ons hi p
t it le s la t er , A lb u rt i s st i ll te a chi ng
A m er ic ans how to p lay ch ess.
PHOTO BY JEFFREY WEISS

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 33

CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09
Cover Story
lived outside the country, as Boris had
married his lovely Marina in 1975 and
moved to France. A nice exit strategy,
but not for everyone.
The night before his trip to Solingen and
subsequent defection, Lev walked the
streets of Moscow talking to his trusted
friend Gulko, already a Refusenik, about
such choices. Alburt by now knew he
would Korchnoi, but it would have been
an imposition to tell his friendwho
would know soon enough anyway.
30TH A NNIVERSARY OF A
DA NG EROUS MOVE
A few days later, on a morning in late
June of 1979, Alburt walked out of a hotel
in Solingen, a suburb of Cologne, West
Germany, where he was competing in a
team tournament as part of a Soviet con-
tingency that included his best friend Sam
Palatnik and former world champion Vass-
ily Smyslov. But freedom, not chess, was
on Levs mind that morning. Lev had come
with a plan to escape from the Soviet sys-
tem he had hated since childhood.
Stepping through the lobby and out
the front door, he fought against the rac-
ing of his heart to hold himself to what he
hoped appeared to be a nonchalant stroll.
He left all of his personal items in his
room; he wouldnt have gotten very far
carrying a suitcase. He took with him
only the Soviet Cold War currency of two
tins of Beluga caviar, clutched in a small
plastic bag. The caviar could also serve as
an excuse for his leaving the hotel. In
case he was stopped, Lev planned to say
that he was taking a walk to sell it. After
all, such on-the-road commerce was one
of the benefits of being a grandmaster,
licensed to travel.
Lev walked several blocks, glancing
furtively behind him to spot anyone follow-
ing. Then he hailed a caban extravagance
that would have been a sure tipoff if
observedand directed the driver to the
offices of Deutsche Welle, West Germanys
version of Voice of America. From there
spokesmen for freedom had for years trans-
mitted Levs favoriteand forbiddenradio called him a man driven by a cause.
broadcasts. These distant voices had
become Alburts intimate allies. He thought
they could give him the best advice on
how to keep out of Soviet hands and into
political asylum.
But the taxi arrived at the radio station
you could be captured,
tortured, and made to say
that we had drugged you
34 Chess Life November 2009
1:18 PM Page 34
before 9 a.m., and the buildings doors
were still locked. The location was very
dangerous, possibly under observation
by Soviet KGB or the East German Stasi.
Still, Lev waited an anxious ten more
minutes before hailing another cab to go
to the main Cologne police station. Inside,
he presented himself, requesting political
asylum. An experienced captain, who
seemed to know what to do, quickly
became involved, interviewing Lev and
immediately assigning him a bodyguard.
YOU WOU LD B E
TORTURED ... AND
WE WOULD LOOK BAD.
For the next few days, Lev was pro-
tected around the clock by several armed
German policemen. He stayed in specially
selected hotels, using coded knocks and
passwords to coordinate with his body-
guards. When Lev protested that he felt he
didnt need all this protection, the police
captain told him: Then we need it. With-
out it, you could be captured, tortured,
and made to say that we had drugged
you, beaten you, and made you say you
wanted to defect. We would look bad.
During this time, Egon Evertz, the
wealthy and generous sponsor of the
Solingen team of the German Bun-
desleague, offered to pay Alburt a
handsome salary and an apartment to
stay in Germany and play for Evertz
teaman attractive prospect for someone
without a home or money!
But Lev decided to go to the U.S. I
was not under any misimpression that the
life of a chess player was easy in Amer-
ica, Lev said. I knew that I could not
receive such a great offer in the U.S. But
I wanted, if I could, to be part of a larger
struggle, the struggle against Soviet com-
munism, and I knew I would have the best
chance of that in America. Years later, in
the 1980s, when Alburt opposed appeas-
ing the Soviets in their demands to ban
former Soviet expatriates from a proposed
U.S.-USSR match, Helen Warren, his
USCF policy board colleague, correctly
In those days, Lev often found himself
in Washington, D.C., discussing Soviet
issues with influential columnists like
George Will and Charles Krauthammer, as
well as politicians like Senator Bill Bradley
and Congressman Jack Kemp. He was
invited to think tanks, some of them
formed to estimate the likelihood of a
nuclear response from the Soviets to var-
ious scenarios. And, of course, he lobbied
for the release of Boris Gulko.
CLOAKS AND REAL
DAGGERS
If you doubt the real peril to defectors
in the late 1970s, there is ample evidence
to change your mind. About 10 months
before Alburts escape, Bulgarian defec-
tor Georgi Markov, working in London
for BBCs Bulgarian-language broadcasts,
was assassinated. If you think less polit-
ically involved defectors were immune,
consider the case of Vladas Cesiunas, a
Lithuanian Soviet-team canoeing gold
medalist, who, while in Duisberg, West
Germany, defected the same summer that
Lev took his life-changing stroll in Solin-
gen. Like Lev, he was granted political
asylum. That October, while studying Ger-
man at the Goethe Institute in a suburb
of Dortmund, the canoeist disappeared.
(If Lev had chosen to stay in Germany, he
would have likely attended the same insti-
tute at nearly the same time.)
Some days later, an anonymous caller
informed the West German embassy in
Moscow that Cesiunas, suffering from a
cracked skull and other serious injuries,
was being held in a Soviet prison hospital.
West Germanys chief federal prosecutor
had no doubt that Soviet secret service had
abducted the athlete. Later, Cesiunas
appeared on Soviet TV, saying that West-
ern agents had drugged and beaten
him. It simply didnt matter in those
days whether or not the counter-story
was believable.
There is a well-documented history of
such cases throughout the Cold War. Even
when would-be defectors made it to a U.S.
embassy or, in the famous case of Simonas
Kudirka, to a U.S. ship just off the coast
of Marthas Vineyardthey could be
turned back to certain torture and possi-
ble death. Defecting was indeed dangerous.
MACH KL EIN!
After a few days in Solingen, Lev and his
bodyguards were put in a car and taken
on a red-light-running trip to the U.S.
embassy in Bonn. Along the way, he was
repeatedly urged to mach klein, make
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
himself small, in the back seat, to avoid
being shot along the way. Once at the
American embassy, he was interviewed all
day by a number of interrogators and
eventually accepted for political asylum in
the U.S. He was now assigned an Amer-
ican bodyguard, just one, and Lev couldnt
help but notice that, although armed,
the man was obviously near retirement.
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 4:03 PM Page 35

A l b u r t ( ri g ht ) a t f i ve , pl a yi ng wi t h f a t he r O s h e r
( c e n t e r ) a n d o l d e r b r o t he r Al e x ( l e ft ) .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT

Bor is Sp assky assesses t h e up -and -c om er s: R o m a n Pe l ts r e u n i t e d wi t h L e v i n C h i ca go .

Lev ( lef t ) p lay ing Vic t or K upr eic hik dur ing
U S S R t o u r n a m e n t i n D u bn a .

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 35

CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09
Cover Story
A NEW AMERICAN WA STING
NO TIME
On the final Friday of July, 1979, Lev
landed at New Yorks JFK airport. The
next day, he went to New Yorks famous
Marshall Chess Club to play in a tourna-
ment. He won the first two of four
scheduled rounds, when he met chess
master Joe Lux. Joe wondered why Lev
wasnt playing at the U.S. Open in
Chicago, and offered to guide him there.
They met the next day inside a subway in
Brooklyn, starting a trip to the airport.
Within hours they were at the Palmer
House hotel in Chicago. Lev played in
every available event, both in the day-
time and the evening. It was for him an
amazing opportunity to make some badly
needed money plying his craft as a chess
capitalist. But a much more important
event was to happen in Chicago. Lev
reunited with his old teacher and friend,
Roman Pelts (see sidebar, page 38).
COMPILING A HALL- OF- FA ME
RECORD
During the time Alburt was learning the
ropes of publishing, he played chess.
Within a year of coming to the U.S., he
was USCFs top-rated player. He won two
U.S. Open titles in sole first placein
1987 and 1989. He also captured clear
first in three U.S. championshipsin
1984, 1985, and 1990. Along the road to
his third win, he showed his penchant for
pressing even a brilliant opponent to get
the most from a game:
Pressing hard
GM Yasser Seirawan
GM Lev Alburt
U.S. Championship, Jacksonville,
Florida, 1990
++++
++r+p p
+l+p++
+kp+Pp
pRP+
PP
P++P+
 a story from his childhood. Born August
+NK++
++++
After 36. Ke2
36. ... Rb7 37. Rxb7 Bxb7
The exchange of rooks leaves Black
with a winning advantage. His pawns are
too mobile to leave him with a bad bishop
against the knight.
38. cxd5 exd5
36 Chess Life November 2009
1:18 PM Page 36
Of course, Lev makes a passed pawn.
Now he makes the rest seem easy, going
after Whites a-pawn.
39. Ke3 Bc8 40. Kd3 Bf5+ 41. Ke3 g6
Zugzwang!
42. Nf1 Kc4 43. Ng3 d4+ 44. Kd2 Kb3 45.
Ne2 Kxa3 46. Nxd4 Kb2 47. Nb5 a3
++++
+++p+
+++p+
+N++lPp
++P
P 2300 level, and in another six months
p++P+
 important than it may sound in todays
k
K++
++++
After 47. ... a3
Here, of course, White must sacrifice his
knight for Blacks pawn to stop it from
queening, and the game is over.
48. Nxa3 Kxa3 49. Kc3 Ka2, White resigned.
For all of his achievementsplaying,
writing, and teachingLev Alburt was
inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame
in 2003, along with Walter Browne and
Donald Byrne, in a memorable Miami
ceremony that featured Boris Spassky
who was being inducted into the World
Chess Hall of Fame at the same time.
LEVS EARLY YEA RS
At five years old, Lev suffered from a
childhood illness that kept him indoors for
a month. So his aunt taught him the
chess moves, all she knew of the game. I
was not a prodigy, Alburt said. But he
grew to love the game and was soon play-
ing with his older brother Alex and father
Osher, who was a good player and showed
Lev some ideas. At seven, Lev began com-
peting with other children at the Palace
of the Young Pioneers.
To understand how far back Levs
hatred of the Soviet system went, and
how deep-seated it was, it helps to know
21, 1945, he was a boy in Odessa,
Ukraine, during the 1956 Hungarian
Revolt against Soviet rulea time when
many under the brutal Red thumb
expected the U.S. to intervene on behalf
of the brave Hungarian freedom fighters
and thereby give a beacon-signal to other
nations behind the Iron Curtain. Excited
by the possibility and wanting to be a
part of it, Alburt and his young friends
drew secret maps of important Odessa-
area army installations, planning to
provide their drawings to the rescuing
American paratrooperswho never came.
A NON-PRODIGY MAKES
A BIG LEA P
At 14, Alburt became a Category I
player, approximately equivalent to our
2100 level, but he stayed at that level for
a number of years, seemingly not pro-
gressing. Then during a twelve-month
period in 1964-65, Lev experienced one of
those mysterious leaps in strength that
seem sudden after a period of apparent
stagnancy. The 19-year-old suddenly
broke through to the expert levelin
those days probably equivalent to our
reached master. This milestone was more
terms. In 1965 there were perhaps 50
masters in the Soviet Union. (Nowadays
there are about 150 grandmasters in
Russia alone.) So to enter the master
ranks was notable, putting Alburt in the
top 100 or so players in the world.
Lev got to play in the semifinals of the
Soviet championship of 1965heady
competition for a young man who a year
or so before was stuck in Category I! He
was suddenly playing the eliteagainst
Lev Polugaevsky, then 30 years old and
at the top of his game. Alburt drew as
black after a long defense. But as white,
our Lev rolled out his Veresov Opening,
beating the current Soviet champ with a
brilliant attack.
Veresov Opening
Lev Alburt
GM Lev Polugaevsky
Soviet Championship Semifinals,
Sukhumi, 1965
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 c6 4. Qd3 g6 5.
Bxf6 exf6 6. e4 dxe4 7. Qxe4+ Be7 8. 0-0-0
f5 9. Qe3 0-0 10. Bc4 Nd7 11. h4
r+lq
rk+
pp+n
 lp+p
+p++p+
+++p+
+LP+P
+N
Q+ PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT
PPP+
PP+
+KR+NR
After 11. h4
With the two Levs castled on opposite
sides, Alburt knows that the player whose
attack pierces first will win, so theres
no time to be impressed with his oppo-
nents brilliant reputation. Now 11. ...
Bxh4? loses quickly to 12. Nf3, with the
uschess.org
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Y asser Seiraw an (left) a nd Lev p laying at N ation al

Open Blit z M at c h in L as Ve gas, (ab ov e Y az s h ead)
GM M axim Dlug y , (c ent er ) GM P at r ic k W olf f .

A t t he S o v i e t T e a m C h a m pi o ns h i p i n th e m i d 7 0 s : ( fa r l e f t) E l e n a
A khm i l ov s kay a, l at er t wi c e U.S. W ome n s C ha mp , (c ent er ) B or i s
Gu l ko wi t h Lev A l b u r t t o u c hi n g hi s a rm , (f a r r i g ht ) S a m P a l a t ni k
pe e ks o u t fr o m b e h i nd ( p ro b a b l y) B o r i s Z l o t ni k .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEV ALBURT

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 37

CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life
Cover Story
THE BOOKS
THAT CAME IN
FROM THE COLD
Roman Pelts had, some years
before, attempted a Shamkovich.
As it turned out, Pelts got permission
to leave. As he boarded his plane to
the West, in his luggage was all he
would take from the Soviet Union.
Hidden among his clothes and treas-
ured photographs was Romans own
condensation of 50 years of Soviet
chess training secrets.
Pelts settled in Canada, where he
took up residence first in Montreal
and then in Toronto. In Chicago
Pelts told Lev about the materials
Roman had already adapted for
Canadian students. The two men
began to plan the logical, last step in
the journey of the secret documents,
their publication in English.
The material became the founda-
tion for Lev Alburts now famous
Comprehensive Chess Course, whose
first volume was published in 1986
and whose 14th volume was pub-
lished earlier this year, making it
unarguably the most complete chess
course ever available. The Course,
founded on chess instruction dis-
tilled during nearly the entire period
of Soviet chess development from
the 1920s to the 1970s, is now read
all over the world. Its been translated
into languages as unlikely as Thai,
and, perhaps just as improbably,
has infiltrated nearly all mainstream
bookstores, selling more than
200,000 copies to date. Soviet chess
intelligence had come in from the
cold to a warm Western welcome.
38 Chess Life November 2009
10/13/09 1:18 PM Page 38
idea of Qh6.
25. Nh7!, Black resigns
Losing the Exchange and so the game,
since 25. ... Nxh7 26. Rxh7+ Kxh7 27. Qf6.
11. ... Nf6 12. Nf3 Ng4 13. Qe2 b5 14. Bb3
Bb4 15. Rde1
Lev points out to his students that an
r+lqrk+
important game, in which you show some
p++p+p
 key ability under pressurewhether its
+p++p+ to attack or defend, navigate in a mid-
dlegame or play an endingcan be a
+p++p+ breakthrough that will give you confi-
l
P+nP dence for future contests. You have
shown yourself you can do it. So when the
+LN+N+ time comes to do it again, recall your
PPP+QPP+ great game to remind yourself of what
you are capable of. The above game was
+KR+R such a seminal attack for Lev.
After 15. Rde1
Alburt moves into a pin! But he wants BEARDING THE LION
to control the e-file. I N HI S DE N
Alburt went on to win the Ukrainian
Chess Championship three times, from
15. ... Bxc3 16. bxc3 Qd6 17. h5 a5 18. hxg6
1972 to 1974. In 1976 he earned the
hxg6
international master title, and in 1977 he
r+l+rk+ became a GM. So he was at the top of a
+++p+ pampered (by Soviet standards) profession
when he defected. In fact, the year before
+pq+p+ he had defeated a bastion of Soviet grand-
pp++p+
 master play.
This 1978 game in the Soviet Champi-
+P+n+ onship Semifinals provided Lev with great
+L
P+N+ confidence as an endgame player. As
white, Lev was up against GM Ratmir
P+P+QPP+ Kholmov, one of the premier players in the
+
KR+R world, although not well-known to West-
ern players because he didnt compete
After 18. ... hxg6
outside of the USSR during his prime.
Kholmov was renowned as a resilient
19. a3! defender and as a superb endgame spe-
The young master shows steely nerves cialist, especially in knight endgames.
against the champion, preserving the With all that in mind, lets take a look at
bishop, even though the black queen the position after 48 moves:
wins a pawn with check!
Sisyphean
GM Lev Alburt
19. ... a4 20. Ba2 Qxa3+ 21. Kb1 Ba6 22. Ng5
GM Ratmir Kholmov
Ra7 23. Qf3 Nf6 24. Qxc6 Kg7
++r+ Soviet Championship Semifinals,
Daugavpils, 1978
r++p
 k
l+Q+np+ ++++
+p++pN
++++
p+P++ +n+k+p+
q
 P++
+
K+p+p
L+P+PP+ +N+
PP
+K+R+R
+++P
After 24. ... Kg7
++++
As Alburt and I write about this game in
PHOTO: JEFFREY WEISS
++++
Chess Training Pocket Book II: No combina- After 48. Kc5
tion is born from thin air. White commands
the h- and e-files and controls the long diag-
Lev felt that there were chances for
onal from a2 to f7. His queen has infiltrated Black to go wrong in this drawn-looking
the Black camp, and his knight is posted on ending. Alburt decided not to be overly
a typical kingside-attacking square. impressed with his opponents reputa-
uschess.org
 CL_11-2009_Spy_AKF_r6.qxp:chess life 10/13/09
tion as a specialist in just this kind of
game, but to make challenging moves
and keep improving his position. Of
course, there were onlookers who gave
face to their feelings that Lev was taking
on a Sisyphean task: Lev can try to push
the boulder up the mountain, but the
great Kholmov will surely roll it down
again before it gets to the top.
48. ... Ne7 49. Ne5 Kf6 50. Kd6 Ng8 51. Nd7+
Kf7 52. Ne5+ Kf6 53. Kd7 Kg7 54. Nf3 Nf6+
55. Ke7 Ng8+ 56. Ke6 Nf6 57. Nd4 Ng8 58.
Nb5 Nf6 59. Nc7
++++
+
N+k
++K
np+
+++p+p
++
PP
+++P
++++
++++
After 59. Nc7
Lev has made some progress with his
king, but Kholmov has so far lived up to
his reputation. The position is still defen-
sible. But Levs judgment that the position
is more tricky for Black than it appears
is justified by Blacks next.
59. ... Ng8?
After all, it is difficult for anyone to
keep finding just the right response, move
after move. It seems Kholmovs only option
to hold the game was the active 59. ...
Ne4. Lev shows that Black is lost after this
slip. Alburt forces his king onto f6, after
which Black cant hold g6.
60. Ne8+ Kf8 61. Nf6 Nh6 62. Nd7+ Kg7 63.
Ke7 Ng8+ 64. Ke8 Nh6 65. Nf8 Kf6 66. Nh7+
Kg7 67. Ng5 Ng4 68. Ke7 Nf2 69. Ne6+ Kg8
70. Kf6 Ne4+ 71. Kxg6
+++k+
++++
++N+K+
+++p+p
++n
PP
+++P
++++
++++
After 71. Kxg6
PHOTO: JEFFREY WEISS
Now Alburt finishes the game with
deadly accurate moves.
71. ... Nxg3 72. Nd4 Kf8 73. Nxf5 Ne2 74. Kg5
Kf7 75. Nd6+ Ke6 76. Ne4 Ng1 77. Kg6 Ne2
78. Ng5+ Ke7 79. f5 Kf8 80. Ne6+ Ke7 81.
uschess.org
1:18 PM Page 39
At least two of his students
have developed into
major chess sponsors.
Kg7 Ng3 82. Nd4 Ne4 83. Ne2 Nd6 84. Ng3
Ne8+ 85. Kg6 Kf8 86. Nxh5 Nd6 87. Nf6 Nf7
88. Ng4 Nh8+ 89. Kf6 Nf7 90. Ne5 Nd6 91.
Kg6, Black resigned.
++k+
++++
+
n+K+
++NP+
+++P
++++
++++
++++
After 91. Kg6
PREMIER TEA CHER
Lev Alburt is justly famous for teaching
through his books and his Chess Life
columns, but he is also renowned for his
in-person teaching. His pedagogical pedi-
gree is certainly royal. While still in the
USSR, he often worked with the great
world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Lev
also assisted other top GMsnotably,
Korchnoi prior to his successful world-
championship cycle match with Tigran
Petrosian in 1980. Some of Alburts young
students, like Sam Palatnik, grew into
grandmasters in their own right.
Now Lev is perhaps the only top-tier GM
who specializes in improving the play of
non-master students. He must be instill-
ing a love of the game. At least two of his
students have developed into major chess
sponsors. Dick Katahn, famous for his
books on low-fat nutrition, sponsors the
Nashville club and its resident grand-
master program. Ted Field, well-known
movie and music producer, sponsored
the first half of the 1990 Kasparov-Kar-
pov match in New York City. One of Levs
youngest students, John Viloria, went
on to win both the world-under-10 and
world-under-12 championships.
Alburts teaching is unique in its combi-
nation of hard-nosed practicality and
flexibility. He wants his students to
progress fast, to win more games and
enjoy chess more. Even one lesson with
Alburt can help students see what they
need to do to bring their game to the next
level. He is unique in his ability to explain
what to memorize (not as much as you
might fear), how to organize your knowl-
edge (and to make it accessible when you
need it), how to assess yourself, and how
to plan productive future work. Heres a
sampling of the masters advice:
heartnot for its own sake, but because
Beginners should learn chess notation by
mistakes in notation reveal mistakes in
visualizing the board, which is vital to
making progress.
waste time on the wrong things. Study-
Too many aspiring students of chess
ing the knight-and-bishop matewhich
appears in perhaps one in 5,000 games
is very impractical, unless you have
mastered nearly everything else, which
nobody has, Lev says.
time studying openings. And if you really
Spend no more than 25 percent of your
like and know an opening for Black that
the theory books condemn with a plus
over equal, play it. Most non-GM games
are not decided by a small opening advan-
tage. Dont fall into the trap of rejecting
opening after opening, blaming your losses
on your first few moves. Practice tactics,
middlegame strategies, and endgames.
Thinking Techniques. Both can be learned
Chess Mastery=Knowledge + Effective
and developed. How fast and how well
depend not only on your natural talent,
but on the effectiveness of your program
of study. Follow your teachers advice,
select books that offer more words of
explanation than moves, play in tourna-
ments and analyze your gamesand let
your own good sense guide you.
Like the happy ending of a Bond film,
our man in chess thwarted dangerous
opponentsin this case, on and off the
chessboardand made his way to safety
with the secret documents. Documents
that brought the pleasures of chess to
thousands and raised the level of Amer-
ican play. After 30 years of freedom from
the Soviet system, after collecting three
championship trophies from each of his
two home countries, after publishing 14
volumes of his chess course, and after
nearly 60 years of playing chess, Grand-
master Lev Alburt is still teaching us how
to play the gameand how to enjoy it.
Nobody does it better. .
Chess Life November 2009 39
CL_11-2009_cja_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 4:09 PM Page 40

2008Awards
CJA CJA /Cramer Awards

CJA AWARDS 2009

Chess Life, Chess Life Online, and Chess Life for Kids lead annual Chess
Journalist of America Awards

CHESS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR BEST REGULAR BEST REVIEW

Alexandra Kosteniuk NEWSPAPER COLUMN Alexander Shabalov
David R. Sands Chess Life, September 2008
BEST CHESS COLUMN The Washington Times, Chess Modern Chess Openings, 15th Edition
Andy Soltis
Chess to Enjoy, Chess Life BEST CHESS WEBSITE BEST ANALYSIS
Jennifer Shahade Dan Heisman
BEST STATE MAGAZINE Chess Life Online Novice Nook
Ralph Dubisch www.uschess.org The Endgame Bind
ed., Northwest Chess
BEST HISTORICAL ARTICLE BEST INSTRUCTIVE LESSON
MOST NOTABLE Neil Brennen Dan Heisman
ACHIEVEMENT IN Chess Life, June 2008 Chess Caf, www.chesscafe.com
CORRESPONDENCE CHESS York vs. Philadelphia: The Best Novice Nook Ideas
Alex Dunne The 1858 Telegraph Match
2005 Electronic Knights,
Chess Life, April 2009 BEST HUMOROUS CONTRIBUTION
BEST CHESS WEBSITE Bob Basalla
Jennifer Shahade Ohio Chess Connection,
BEST CHESS ART
Chess Life Online, December 6, 2008 November/December 2008
Rosalyn Katz Interview with an American Medallist: Mate the Beatles
Zaria, Chess Life for Kids IM Sam Shankland
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
BEST PHOTOGRAPH BEST EDITORIAL Mike Klein
Philip Peterson Ralph Dubisch Chess Life, September 2008
Northwest Chess, March 2009 Northwest Chess Where Have You Gone, Rachels, Shaked
Viktors Pupols cover From the Editors Desk and Rao?
Howard Goldowsky
BEST TOURNAMENT REPORT Chess Horizons, EXCELLENCE IN CHESS WRITING,
Jerry Hanken July-September 2008 MAINSTREAM MEDIA
Chess Life, October 2008 In Partial Defense of Chess Josh Lipowsky
Anands Army Book Publishers The Jewish Standard, July 11, 2008
Chessidim

I would like to thank the 27 volunteers who agreed to serve this year for their patience and dedication. The death
of CJA Vice President Dr. Ira Lee Riddlewho was a key organizer for the 2008 Awardswas a major setback.
Dr. Riddle was a longtime volunteer judge, CJA member, and friend of the organization (please see First Moves
on page 8). He will be dearly missed. CJA President Jerry Hankens death after the awards season made this a
truly difficult year for the CJA. ~Jonathan Hilton, Chief Judge

Full standings, including honorable mentions, local awards, and judges scores for the winning entries are available on our website at
www.chessjournalism.org/aw2009.htm. Certificates should have been mailed to the award recipients by the end of October.

40 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_cja_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/13/09 4:12 PM Page 41

CHESS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Alexandra Kosteniuk

Dear Chess Players and Chess Journalists,

I am so pleased and honored to have been named The Chess
Journalist of the Year (CJA) for 2009. Thanks to all of you, dear
chess players, who have supported me in my eternal quest to pro-
mote chess around the world. Nowadays, in the Internet age,
journalism has evolved, its no longer reserved to writers in
newspapers and to distant TV reporters, but to you and me,
using new technologies. Today, we can talk about chess on Twit-
ter and on Facebook, we can create audio and video podcasts,
movies about chess, and we can share our experiences about
chess with all our friends on our personal blogs and websites. That
personal experience you can share about chess is by definition
more personal and has power to attract more people to chess. Most
of you, by being connected, are genuine chess journalists. I there-
fore urge you to share your love of chess with the world, in any
way you can. By becoming members of the CJA (only $10 per year,
its a non-profit organization), you will also be able to submit your
chess-related work in the yearly awards, and so by promoting
chess you may also become winners yourselves!
Best chess wishes to you, dear chess players and chess
journalists,
Sincerely yours,
Alexandra Kosteniuk
Womens World Chess Champion
Chess Journalist of the Year 2009
www.kosteniuk.com
www.chessblog.com
www.chesskillertips.com
www.youtube.com/chessqueen
www.facebook.com/chessqueen
www.twitter.com/chessqueen

BEST CHESS WEBSITE BEST REVIEW BEST CHESS COLUMN

Jennifer Shahade, Chess Life Online Alexander Shabalov, Chess Life Andy Soltis, Chess to Enjoy, Chess Life

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 41

CL_11-2009_cja_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 3:47 AM Page 42

CJA Awards

BEST CHESS ART

Rosalyn B. Katz, Zaria, Chess Life for Kids

BEST CHESS PHOTOGRAPH, HONORABLE MENTION

Philip Peterson, Northwest Chess

42 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_cja_AKF_r7.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 3:47 AM Page 43

$3.95

Northwest Chess
March 2009

BEST STATE MAGAZINE; BEST PHOTOGRAPH BEST CHESS ART, HONORABLE MENTION
Ralph Dubisch, Editor; Philip Peterson, Photographer Frankie Butler, Chess Life

BEST CHESS PHOTOGRAPH, HONORABLE MENTION

Betsy Dynako, Chess Life and Chess Life Online

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 43

CL_11-2009_alburt_JP_r9:chess life 10/12/2009
Back to Basics
Franklin Tangoes With Alekhine
Can a 1437-rated player change opening theory? Lev reports, you decide.
By GM Lev Alburt
Sveshnikovs Variation notwithstand-
ing, most discoveries in openings have
been made by elite grandmasters. Thus,
my first reaction to a statement refuting
the Alekhine Defense using a Queens
Indian approach was to throw the letter
into the nearest wastebasket. Thenafter
looking at the first diagram (thoughtfully
provided by the author)I decided to give
the text a second thought. After all,
Whites edge in this system is persistent,
but very small; besides, it is not at all clear
where the queen knight is best placed
normal d2 or c3-squares, or a novel
one (c2). Also, since the author so com-
pletely (and instructively for others)
misjudged a very topical, and simple,
pawn endgame, this game deserved close
examination (I loved the final diagram). As
youll see, I tried to hold my fire for most
of the game, unloading only on the
authors post-mortem comments.
Writes the author and award winner,
William Franklin:
This submission for your Chess Life
Back to Basics column features a novel
approach to refuting the Alekhine De-
fense using a Queens Indian approach
with a fianchettoed queens bishop and
the two knights doing a tango in tan-
dem. Keeping the two knights together
puts a lock on any counterplay that Black
might have.
(Levs further comments are in italic.
The choice of diagrams is Mr. Franklins
unless the diagram is identified as Levs
diagram.)
Alekhines Defense (B04)
William Franklin (1437)
Robert Feldstein (2000)
Syracuse University Spring Open,
Syracuse, New York, 4.18.2009
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5.
exd6 exd6
My favorite move, an ambitious 5. ...
44 Chess Life November 2009
4:04 PM Page 44
cxd6, was put in question by GM Roman
Dzindzichashvili (see Chess Openings for + + rk+
White, Explained: 1. e4). +pp +ppp
nn p q +
6. b3 Be7 7. Nf3 Bg4 8. Be2 0-0 9. 0-0 Nc6
10. Na3 a5 11. Nc2 a4 12. Bb2 axb3
+ +P+ +
r+ q rk+ +PN + +
+pp lppp +P+ + +
nnp + + +N+QPPP
+ + + + + + +RK
After 18. ... Na6
+PP +l+
+p+ +N+ now controls the open king file. Doubling
on this open file with the rook is immi-
PLN+LPPP nent.
R +Q+RK There is no Rule of Thumb regarding
After 12. ... axb3 how you should handle your two knights:
should they support each other or not?
At this point White leads in space and This depends on a position (Id guess that,
development. Usually White plays a Kings more often than not, knights shouldnt
Indian Attack with a kingside fianchetto support each otherthus controlling more
against the Alekhine Defense but in this squares).
game the queenside fianchetto enables
quicker development.
19. Re1 Nd7 20. Qe7 Qxe7 21. Rxe7 Rd8 22.
The first sentence is true; the second
f3 Kf8 23. Re3 Re8 24. Rxe8 Kxe8 25. h4
makes no sense. What Kings Indian
Ke7
Attack?I doubt White employed a king-
side fianchetto against the Alekhine more + + + +
often than one game in a thousand.
+ppnkppp
n+ p + +
13. axb3 Rxa1 14. Bxa1 Bf6 15. d5 Nb8
This quasi-fianchetto by Black on the
kingside is short-lived as move 15 forces
+ +P+ +
an exchange and passive play by Blacks +PN + P
knights. +P+ +P+
+N+ +P+
16. Bxf6 Qxf6 17. Nfd4 Bxe2 18. Qxe2 Na6
+ + + K
(see diagram top of next column)
After 25. ... Ke7
With the bishops off the board White
has the tempo with the two knights danc- White could have gained a tempo on
ing a tango and forming a lock on Blacks move 24 by playing Kf2 instead of
counterplay. Black has also assisted in exchanging the rook which Black is eager
Whites development as the white queen to do. The h4-pawn advance on move 25
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_alburt_JP_r9:chess life 10/12/2009
diminishes any Black advance on the
kingside with g5 and h6.
26. g4 Ndc5 27. Kf2 h6 28. h5 Nd7 29. Ke3
Ne5 30. Nf5+ Kf6 31. Ncd4 g6
+ + + +
+pp +p+
n+ p kpp
+ +PnN+P
+PN +P+
+P+ KP+
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 31. ... g6
The symmetrical pawn pattern exhib-
ited by Whites pawn structure and the
knights tango dance together have a ma-
thematical beauty about them that Dr.
Lasker would have appreciated.
White played the ending very well and
increased his initial (after the rook
exchange on move 24) small advantage.
32. hxg6 Kxg6 33. Ng3 Nd7 34. Ne4 Nf6 35.
Nxf6 Kxf6 36. f4 Nb4 37. Kf3 c6
Blacks 37. ... c6 loses a pawn. After the
simple 37. ... Kg6 (planningif itll be pos-
sible... h6-h5) Black is worse, but not
lost.
Blacks counterplay now consists of
exchanging the knights and pawns to
offset the space advantage by White.
Unfortunately I could not find a better
move than Nxf6 in move 35. Perhaps 35.
Kf4 keeps the tempo going for White.
White does get a fork with the remaining
knight in the following sequence of moves
and remains at a pawn advantage. By
repetition of moves checking the black
king in moves 42-43 White forces a draw.
Both sides were in serious time trouble
and any win was at least 15 moves away.
38. dxc6 bxc6 39. Nf5 h5 40. Nxd6 hxg4+ 41.
Kxg4 Nd3 42. Ne4+ Ke6 43. Ng5+ Kf6, Draw
agreed.
+
+ + +
+ + +p+
+p+ k +
+ + + N
+P+ PK+
+P+n+ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 43. ... Kf6
Even if White sacrifices the knight to
have three pawns against the knight and
uschess.org
4:04 PM Page 45
pawn it becomes a textbook draw when
Black sacrifices his knight against the
f4-pawn. The black king has plenty of
time to get over to the queenside and
provide opposition to the penetrating
white king. For example, the move order
could go as follows:
44. Nxf7
In the final position, White is up a pawn
and has good winning chances (while
Black has good drawing chances). White
could play, for instance, 44. Ne4+ Ke6 45.
Kg5.
Still, I wouldnt be too critical regarding
Mr. Franklins decision to take a draw (an
Expert for an opponent, seriousalbeit
mutualtime trouble). But his notes on
what might have happened are well below
his analytical level. First, why give a knight
for a pawn (44. Nxf7)? Then, why should
Black give a knight for a pawn (45. ...
Nxf4)?instead, 45. ... c5, followed by
46. ... Nc1, should win for Black.
44. ... Kxf7 45. Kg5 Nxf4 46. Kxf4
++ + + ments thereand, on the other hand, his
+ + +k+
+p+ + +
+ + + +
+P+ K +
+P+ + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 46. Kxf4 (Levs diagram)
46. ... Ke7
46. ... Ke6!, ready to meet 47. Ke4 with
47. ... c5, and 47. b4 with 47. ... Kf6.
47. Ke4
47. Ke5! wins easily.
47. ... Kd7 48. Kd4
48. Ke5!, winning.
48. ... Kd6 49. c5+ Kc7
49. ... Ke6 was Blacks only defense.
50. b4
50. Ke5, winning.
50. ... Kb7
50. ... Kd7 or 50. ... Kd8 should draw.
51. Kc4
51. Ke5!, winning.
51. ... Ka6
(see diagram top of next column)
51. ... Kc7 or ... Kc8, drawing.
This forces the draw since if White
+ + + +
+ + + +
k+p+ + +
+ P + +
PK+ + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
After 51. ... Ka6
plays 52. Kd4 Black can counter 52. ...
Kb5. I would like to point out that this was
a unique combination against the
Alekhine Defense featuring a queenside
fianchetto and pawn structure as well as
the two knights tango. As a result I pro-
pose that this novel approach against
the Alekhine Defense be labeled the
Franklin Tango Variation in future ver-
sions of Modern Chess Openings!
There is a sharp contrast between Mr.
Franklins expert-like play during most of
the game and his generally correct com-
very poor pawn endgame comments. Some
work in the latter area should be very
rewarding.
By the way, the final position is a win
for White. Here is how you should think:
if a straight line (52. Kd4 Kb5 53 Ke5)
doesnt work, ask yourself a question
what if, in a diagrammed position, it was
Black to move? The answer is, White wins:
1. ... Kb7 2. Kd4 Ka6 (or 2. ... Kc7) 3. Ke5.
And how to give Black a move? Easy: 52.
Kd4 Kb5 53. Kc3! And now if 53. ... Ka6
54. Kc4 (same position, Black to move), and
if 53. ... Ka4 also 54. Kc4, winning.
Regarding the Franklin Tango Varia-
tion, Id like to hear from the readers! .
Send in your games!
If you are unrated or were rated
1799 or below on your Chess Life
(CL) label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
you to send your most instructive
game with notes to:
Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557-3967
Or e-mail your material to
backtobasics@uschess.org
GM Alburt will select the most
instructive game and CL will award
an autographed copy of Levs newest
book, Chess Training Pocket Book II
(by Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence) to
the person submitting the most in-
structive game and annotations.
Chess Life November 2009 45
CL_11-2009_benko_JP_r8:chess life 10/12/2009 8:54 PM Page 46

Endgame Lab

Ladislav Prokes (1884-1966)

Despite his endgame artistry, some twin compositions of Prokes are inexact
By GM Pal Benko

this month, Benko offers his improvements.

The well-known player and endgame

composer Ladislav Prokes was born 125
gxh8=Q Rxh8 5. Nf7+ draws.
+ r + +
years ago in Prague. Though he was a +P+P+ P
three-time member of the Czecho-Slovak
(B) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Bxg7 3. Ne7 Rh8 4.

Olympic team, his artistic endgame com-

Ng6+ draws.
Unfortunately, the above also has two
+ + +k+
positions featuring a refreshing simplicity,
changes, so here is a correction. + + + +
are what cemented his fame. He created
more than a thousand endgames, 622 of
L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko)
+ + + +
which are published in the book Kniha + + + +
sachovych studii (Prague 1951). I found 24
twins in the book, about half of which + +rn + + +L+ +
need some changes. My improvements + + + k + K + +
comprise this article.
White to play and winTwin
We can see the first example in + +K+P+
Benkos Bafflers, Problem I. In his orig- + + + +
inal piece, in A there was a Na1 while in
twin B the Na1 move to Na3 and the
(B) 1. d8=Q Rxd8 2. Bd7 Rb8 3. g8=Q+ Rxg8
+ N + p
bishop moved from c1 to e1. So he used
4. Bc8 wins.
+ + + + Next I show the twins in one united
two changes when only one was enough. setup:
No doubt the knight has more freedom on + + + P
a3, but it has even more when placed on + + + + L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko)
d4and it works for both pieces.
White to play and drawTwin
Genuine twins may contain only one
change; otherwise their artistic value is A: diagram
r+ + + +
diminished. B: h8N to h8B +P+P+ P
Lets see another example:
+ + + k
Positional draw
(A) 7. Nf5+ Kf8 8. g7+ Rxg7 9. Nxg7 Kxg7
+ + + +
L. Prokes 1941 Kg5 Kf7 14. Kf5 and Black is not able to
10. Kf5 Kh6 11. Kg4 Ng6 12. h3! Kg7 13.

make any progress. + + + +

+
+rn + + + + +
Ng6+ Ke8 5. Nxh8 Bxh8 and it is also a
(B) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Bxg7 3. Ne7 Rh8 4.
+ + + k + + + +
p+ +K+P+ positional draw because of the wrong + + KL+
color of the bishop.
+ + + + Black to play, but White wins

+ + + N Less is more
The twin problem is only justified when 1. ... Rb8
+ + + + the ideas cannot simply be shown in one 1. ... Rd8 2. Ba6 as in A before.
+ + + + endgameotherwise it is superfluous.

L. Prokes 1947
2. Bh3! Rd8 3. g8=Q Rxg8 4. d8=Q Rxd8 5.
+ + + + Bc8 wins.
White to play and drawTwin Starting with Black is acceptable but it
must be indicated. Black has two equal
(see diagram top of next column)
A: diagram A: diagram options here, just as in the twin.
B: h8N to h8B, remove P from a6 B: Be2 to b5, Rd8 to b8
Solutions: L. Prokes 1942
(A) 1. Ba6 Rb8 2. g8=Q+ Rxg8 3. b8=Q Rxb8
4. Bc8 wins. (see diagram top of next column)
(A) 1. Nf5+ Kf8 2. g7+ Ke8 3. Nd6+ Kd8 4.

46 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_benko_DLF_r8.qxp:chess life 10/15/09 3:36 PM Page 47

Problem I Problem II
L. Prokes 1949 (Correction by P. Benko) L. Prokes 1939
Benkos Bafflers
Most of the time these studies
+ + + + + + + +
resemble positions that could actu-  + + +
p + + + +
ally occur over-the-board. You must k+K+ + + +
+ + +
simply reach a theoretically won
position for White. Solutions can be
+ + + + + + + +K
found on page 71.
+ 
N + + +k+ + +
+ + +P+ + +p
p +
Please e-mail submissions for + 
p + + + + + +
Benkos Bafflers to: pbenko@
uschess.org
+ L + + + + +R+
A: White to play and winTwin White to play but draw
B: B/Bc1 to Be1

1. ... Kh8 2. Rg6 Pal Benko - in memory of L. Prokes

+ + + + 2. Rb8+? Bf8=
+ + + + +
+r+ +
2. ... Be5+ 3. Kd7 Bg3 4. Ke6 g1=Q 5. Kf7
P + +l+
 wins. + P + 
R
+ + + + Here the solution goes one step fur- + + +P k
+ + + + ther, yet even the queen promotion will + +r+ +
not help Black.
+ + 
r + P + + +

Prokes maneuver
L. Prokes 1929-30
K
L + + + + + + +
+ + 
k + +P+ P +
White to play but Black winsTwin +r+ + + + K + +
White to play and win
A: diagram + P 
R 
P
B: add a black P to f7 then White to play + + +  k
and draw 1. Re7 Rc8 2. g7 Rg5 3. b5 Rxb5 4. Rf7 Rc5!?
+ + + r 5. Rf8 Rxc2+ 6. Kb1!
(A) 1. b7 Bf7+ 2. Ka1 Rb3 3. Bc3+ Kd1 4. P + + +
 6. Kd1? Rc1+ 7. Ke2 Rc2+ 8. Kf3 Rc3+
Bb4 Kc2 wins for Black.
+ + + + 9. Ke4 (9. Kg4 R8xc7 10. g8=Q Rg7+ is
even) 9. ... Rc4+ 10. Kd5 R8xc7 11. g8=Q
(B) 1. b7 Bb1+ 2. Ka1 Rb3 3. Bc3+ Kd1 4. + P + + R7c5+ etc. draws by perpetual check.
Bb4 Rxb4 5. b8=Q Rxb8 stalemate.
+ +K+ +
The requirement in A is quite Rc4+ 10. Kb5 Rc5+ 11. Kb6 wins since there
6. ... Rc1+ 7. Kb2 Rc2+ 8. Kb3 Rc3+ 9. Kb4
White to play and winTwin
unusual, as generally White must fight to is no perpetual check.
reach a win or draw. In the next improve- A: diagram
ment, the solution to B becomes a The other main defense is:
thematic deception. Solution according to the author: 2. ... Kg6!? 3. c4 Kf6 and now 4. Re8!!
Rd1+!? and the Prokes-like rook sacri-
L. Prokes - (Version by P. Benko) Rxg8 5. Rxg8 Rd7 6. Rg2!! wins technically fice maneuver is used by Black too, but
1. b5 Rxb5 2. Rf7 Rg5 3. Rf8 Rxc7 4. g8=Q

but 6. Ke2, or even Kc2, would win even is no help. (While after 4. ... Rxe8 5. cxd5
faster. Yet more vulnerable spots can be Ke7 6. f4! Rc8 7. Kd2 wins.) 5. Kxd1 Rxe8
6. b5 Ke6 7. f4! wins.
+ + + + found earlier. Thus 2. ... Rg8! 3. Rf8 Rc5
+ K + 
lk 4. Rxg8 Rxc7 followed by ... Kh7 then ...
Kxg7 draws. Similarly, 2. ... Rb1+ 3. Ke2 Other alternatives instead of 3. ... Kf6:
R +L+ +
 Re8+ 4. Kf2 Rc1 5. Rf8 Kxg7 6. Rxe8
Rxc7 also draws.
a) 3. ... Rd4 4. g8=Q+! Rxg8 5. Re6+ Kf7 6.
+ P + +
b8=Q Kxc6 11. Qb5+ Kd6 12. Qb6+ wins;
Rc6 Rc8 7. b5 Ke7 8. b6 Kd7 9. b7 Rxc7 10.

b) 3. ... Rd6 4. c5 Rd5 5. c6! (but not 5.

+ + + + The B solution is OK, but there are
+ + + + three changes so it is hard to call it a twin.
+ + +p+ B: Kd1 to c1 pawn d2 to c2White to play
+ + + + and draw
White to play and win
Solution: 1. b5 Rxb5 2. Rf7 Rc5 3. Rf8 Rxc2+
1. Bf5+
4. Kxc2 Rxc7+ draws.
1. Bg8+? Kh8! 2. Rg6 Be5+ 3. Kd7 Bg3 But B is not really a match to A so Look for our Holiday Buying Guide which
4. Rxg3 g1=Q 5. Rxg1 stalemate. I have brought them together into one
single piece enriched with more ideas.
g8=Q+? Rxg8 6. Re6+ Kf7 7. Rc6 Rc8 8.
b5 Ke7 9. b6 Kd7 10. b7 Rxc7 11. b8=Q
Kxc6 draw); and then 6. Rd7 wins.
We can see the original Prokes maneu-
ver (named after him) in the Bafflers
(Problem II). .
will be mailed soon to all USCF members
under separate cover.

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 47

CL_11-2009_evans_JP_r7:chess life 10/12/2009 9:04 PM Page 48

Whats The Best Move?

Hits and Misses

By GM Larry Evans

Which is which? 1. White moves 2. White moves

Brilliant sacrifice or horrible gaffe
which is which?sometimes its r+l+ r k n r +n+
hard to tell the difference. Your task +p+ R lp +r+ + +k
is to separate right from wrong in
these four positions from interna-
p+ + +p+ p+ pqpp+
tional tournaments.
+ p + + l pNpNLp
Solutions to this months quiz q + +P+ pP+P+ +
positions are on page 71. +L+ + +P + +R+ +
P+ + P L PP+QPPP
+ +RQ +K + +R+ K
(a) Qe5 (b) Qxb4 (c) Rxg7 (a) Nxf6 (b) Rh3 (c) Bc1

3. Black moves 4. Black moves

+ + + + q +
+k+
+ +
+ + + + +ppp
p+ + + r l + +
p kP+ + L p p +
P+P+ p + Q+ + + +
+P+p+ + +P+ + P
+ + K + + +PP P
+ + + + + +R+ K
(a) Kd6 (b) Kd4 (c) Kb4 (a) Rxb3 (b) Ra6 (c) Rb7

USCF Membership Rates

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(U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)
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48 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

07-2009_USCFHOS_inside4_27:chess life 10/8/2009 2:35 PM Page 19
CL_09-2009_NYAadprovided_JP_r1:Layout 1 10/4/2009 11:23 AM Page 1
CL_11-2009_gp_AKF_r2.qxp:chess life 10/12/09 9:16 AM Page 48

2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY

World Chess Live sponsors over $25,000 at the 2009 Grand Prix!

Welcome,
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family-
friendly service with special benefits for USCF members.
Once again, WCL is pleased to sponsor USCFs 2009 Grand
Prix (GP) and 2009 Junior Grand Prix (JGP). Were provid-
ing prize funds of $25,080 and $10,200 (cash, merchandise,
and memberships), and will also be running online grand
prize satellite events throughout the year.
With only two months left to score points in the 2009
Grand Prix season, only one player, GM Sergey Kudrin,
stands a chance at knocking GM Alex Lenderman out of
first place. Lenderman has held the top slot since the
start of the season back in January. The 108-point gap
between 1st and 2nd will be hard for Kudrin to close but
he does hope to at least hold his 72-point lead over 3rd
place GM Giorgi Kacheishvili.
Members!
Currently resting in 4th place is Estonia-born GM Jaan
Ehlvest, a player who has lived through some interest-
ing times. He was a product of the fabled Soviet chess
machine, where as a youth he was a leading rival to
Garry Kasparov before going on to reach the dizzy
heights of the candidates cycle of 1988, and at one point
was the fifth highest-rated player in the world.
But he only decided to become a professional player after
his first trip out of the Soviet Union. The Parisian
streets made a strong impression, he wrote in his biog-
raphy, The Story of a Chess Player. Seeing this kind of
world gave me more stimulus to improve, to fight for
freedom to play chess where I wanted and experience
the joys of Western lifestyle. And in 2006 Ehlvest saw
his dream come true when he officially switched feder-
ation from Estonia to the United States of America, in
the process allowing him to play in the U.S. Champi-
onship and to represent his newly adopted country in
the Olympiad.
His style of play has been described both as having bru-
tal frontal attacks and slow positional grinds. While he
isnt playing to pick up more GP points before the years
end, he will be busy training for the 2009 FIDE Cup that
takes November/December in Khanty-Mansiysk, where
he will be joined by fellow U.S. qualifiers GM Gata Kam-
sky, GM Robert Hess, GM Yury Shulman, GM Alexander
Shabalov, GM Alexander Ivanov, GM Josh Friedel and IM
~Betsy Dynako (WCL)
Ray Robson.

2009 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of September 24 for the 2009 World Chess Live Grand Prix. All Grand Prix updates are unofficial and subject
to change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete.

OVERALL STANDINGS JUNIOR CATEGORIES

NAME STATE PTS. NAME STATE PTS.
1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 365.10 Players born between 1986 and 1988 inclusive:
2 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 257.68 1 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 104.33
3 GM Giorgi Kacheishvili NY 185.70 2 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 95.00
4 GM Jaan Ehlvest NY 174.46 3 IM Jecek Stopa TX 93.40

5 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 168.97 Players born between 1989 and 1991 inclusive:
6 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 151.86 1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 365.10
7 IM Bryan G. Smith PA 114.26 2 IM Samuel Shankland CA 71.25
8 GM Varuzhan Akobian CA 112.34 3 Tyler Hughes CO 30.00
9 GM Melikset Khachiyan CA 107.33 Players born between 1992 and 1993 inclusive:
10 IM Jay Bonin NY 105.38 1 Conrad Holt KS 78.82
11 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 104.33 2 Michael Thaler NY 30.20
12 GM Jesse Kraai CA 95.58 3 Toby Boas FL 24.03
13 IM Oliver Barbosa NY 95.00 Players born between 1994 and 1995 inclusive:
14 IM Jecek Stopa TX 93.40 1 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 32.33
15 GM Dmitry Gurevich IL 91.66 2 Parker Zhao NY 20.50
3 Deepak Aaron NY 12.77
SENIOR CATEGORY
Players born 1996 and after:
Players born 1944 and before:
1 Yian Liou CA 28.40
1 FM Alex Dunne PA 26.00
A product of the Soviet chess machine, 2 David Adelberg AZ 22.66
GM Jaan Ehlvest is making his move. 2 FM Isay Golyak NY 19.80
3 Luke Harmon-Vellotti ID 19.14
3 Asa Hoffmann SC 15.66

CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$10,000 IN CASH PRIZES! SENIOR CATEGORY: MERCHADISE PRIZES $10,200 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 1944 / before 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 4th: $750 2nd: $500 3rd: $250 4th: $150
JUNIOR CATEGORIES: MERCHANDISE PRIZES
5th: $500 6th: $250 5th: $100 6th: $100
(according to date of birth)
1986-88 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
$4,900 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! 1989-91 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 a trophy from the USCF. 1st-10th place winners will receive 2-year
WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th-20th place
7th: $250 8th: $225 9th: $200 1992-93 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 winners will receive 1-year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
10th: $175 11th: $150 12th: $125 1994-95 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1-year WCL jun-
PHOTO BY CHRIS BIRD

ior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a special prize

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

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

CL_11-2009_jgp_JP_r4:chess life 10/12/2009 9:13 PM Page 52

World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2009 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by September 9, 2009 are unofficial and subject to
change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 4,731 players with JGP points. 361
JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes $1,000 cash, trophy and free entry to the 2009 U.S. Open.
Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.

2009 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings

Name State Pts. Name State Pts.

WINTER, CURTIS A MD 225 PILLAI, KADHIR ANDRES NY 110
DOMMALAPATI, ABHINAY VA 220 DANG, MICHAEL MI 110
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MD 160 FU, JASON TN 110
HUANG, WINSTON MA 155 KARAMSETTY, JEEVAN VA 105
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM UT 155 ZHOU, JASON MO 105
RAJASEKARAN, VIKAS VA 155 GADSON, ISAIAH MO 100
PISANI, NICHOLAS WA 150 MCVAY, KIERNAN R NJ 100
PISANI, PAUL WA 145 JACOBS, CASEY NY 100
CHEN, JEREMY NJ 140 TANENBAUM, ZACHARY CHEN CT 100
MIZUSHIMA, DEREK MD 135 VEECH, JOHN WI 100
RICHMAN, JONATHAN TYLER NY 135 KUMAR, ARAVIND NJ 95
DING, JIALIN MO 125 TUHRIM, RICHARD J NY 95
SHETTY, ATULYA ARYA MI 125 HUA, DAVID A NJ 95
SINGH, REVA SHREE NY 125 FINEGOLD, SPENCER MI 95
QU, CHEN NY 125 MARUPUDI, PRANAV NJ 95
JOHNSTON, DANIEL F NY 125 SWAN, CHARLES IL 95
HUGHES, JOHN LODGER OH 125 KOGEN, JONATHAN S IL 95
HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE ID 120 KORLEY, KASSA NY 95
GURCZAK, JOHN AZ 115 BRETON, ALEX NJ 95
LATHAM, ANDREW KS 110 KUMAR, ADITYA CA-N 95

Prepare to make your best move

since joining the USCF...

Dont miss one of this years top

benefits of USCF membership.

Claim your six-month free trial now at World Chess Live, the only online
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For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf

52 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_tlaOrg&Players_JP_r3:chess life 10/12/2009 9:28 PM Page 53

Tournament Life

Information for Organizers, TDs, and Affiliates

To qualify, an event must be USCF- The tournament director has the right
Organizing a 2009 Grand Prix Event Tournament Directors No Tournaments in your area?

Its not much work to hold a small

rated (regular or quick) and meet these
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All USCF-rated players over 2199 must be
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The prize fund for which all masters
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Class prizes for Under 2300 or a higher
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points, but if they exceed 25% of the total
qualifying Grand Prix money, they count
as 25% of the total.
to shorten the basic time control, in min-
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Example: Clocks for G/60 with 5-second
time delay (t/d5) may be set at 55 min-
utes instead of 60.
There is no requirement to advertise
this option in advance. It may also be
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To speed up the processing of rating
Organizers, TDs and Affiliates
Why not organize one?
tournament, and there is little risk if you
use a low-cost site and avoid guaranteed
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Life and designated by the submitter as
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Only players who are USCF members
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Remember, you can both run and play
reports, USCF now asks that wherever
in a small event. Many of them wouldnt
possible these reports have IDs for every
be held if the organizer/TD couldnt play.
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Want to know more? Contact Joan Du-
do not submit your rating report until
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Tournament Life

Information for Players

rejected or have adjustment points added. TLA ads for entering options. Along with
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entry fee or pay them with entry fee at
site.
U.S. Championship Qualifier. Tournament
in which qualification spots for the U.S.
Championship are awarded.
American Classic. Generally, an event that
has been held by one organizer for the
last three years and has attracted more
than 400 players each year.
Heritage Event. Tournament held for at
least 25 years.
Quick Chess. Tournaments with time con-
trols of G/5 to G/29. There is a separate
quick or overall rating system that
includes these events, and games played
in these tournaments will not affect a
player's regular rating. Games played with
a time control of G/30 through G/60 will
ing to use such ratings should contact
the organizer in advance.
For foreign players with multiple rat-
ings (USCF, FIDE, CFC, FQE, other
foreign), the highest rating is used, with
possible adjustment points added, unless
otherwise announced.
Ratings based on 4-25 games are called
provisional ratings to indicate they are
less reliable than established ratings. How-
ever, such ratings are valid for pairing
and prize purposes at all USCF-rated
events, unless otherwise stated.
A Director may assign an estimated rat- withdraw before Round 1 is paired, unless
ing to any player, and may expel an
improperly rated player from an event.
Rates listed are often special chess
Hotel-Motel Rates
ID number, expiration date, and section
desired (if any). Also, give your last official
USCF rating from your magazine label
(first 4 numbers on top row). If you are
unrated, or have a rating from many years
ago, be sure to indicate this. Your official
USCF rating is on the top line of your
mailing label: Regular, Quick, and Corre-
spondence.
Mailed entries are usually not acknowl-
edged unless you enclose a self-addressed
postcard. If entering online, print confirma-
tion of entry. They are refundable if you
otherwise stated.
For National Events, refund requests
must be submitted in writing no later than
30 days after the tournament ends. Any

be rated in both the quick/overall system requests made after this date may not be
ratesyou must request chess rates or
and the regular system. honored.
you will be charged more. The chess rates
may be unavailable if not reserved sev- If You Must Withdraw
eral weeks in advance, or if the block of If you enter by mail and cannot attend,
In most events, you dont have to win the
Rating Classes

tournament to win a prizeyou can win a
class prize as a top scorer of your rating
group, or a section prize in a section
restricted to your rating group. These rat-
ing groups are:
Senior Master - 2400 & up
chess rooms is used up. Hotel-desk per- or must drop out of a tournament in
sonnel are often poorly informed about progress, it is important you give notice
chess ratesif that is the case, ask for the before pairings are started, so no one is
Sales Office or contact the tournament deprived of a game. Mail entrants should
organizer. send withdrawal notices at least a week
beforehand phone any later than this.
To withdraw by phone on tournament day,
Along with a pen or pencil and your call the site and ask specifically for the
What to Take to a Tournament

USCF ID card (or current Chess Life), take chess tournament. E-mail withdrawals
Master 2200-2399 Class C 1400-1599 Class G 600-799

a chessboard, set, and clock if you have several days in advance are acceptable if
Expert 2000-2199 Class D 1200-1399 Class H 400-599

them.
Class A 1800-1999 Class E 1000-1199 Class I 200-399
the TDs e-mail address is listed. Any later
Some tournaments use different groups For prizes of $600 or more, bring your than this, both e-mail your withdrawal
Class B 1600-1799 Class F 800-999 Class J 199/below

such as 1900-2099, and some have
under prizes or sections including all
below a specified level.
You never lose your rating, no matter
Ratings Information
how long it has been since you last played.
If you return after a long absence, please
tell the director and USCF your approxi-
mate rating and last year of play.
If you have a FIDE rating, or a rating or
category from any other country, no mat-
U.S. Social Security card. If you have no and call the tournament site as the TD
Social Security number, the organizer might not have access to his (her) e-mail
must deduct 30% from your prize for the account. If you forfeit without notice, you
IRS (this includes foreigners). may be fined up to the amount of the
Warning! The use of a cell phone in the entry fee.
tournament room is prohibited at most
tournaments. If your cell phone rings in a Tournament Directors
Tournament Director Certification is an
room with games in progress, you could be
endorsement of professional competence
penalized, or even forfeited.
only. Such certification does not in itself
render any Tournament Director an agent
Entering by mail or online (if available) of the USCF, nor is any Affiliate an agent
How to Enter in Advance

ter how many years ago, you are not

unrated. FIDE or foreign ratings may be
Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms
All tournaments are non-smoking with no comput-
ers allowed unless otherwise advertised by S
and/or C (see below for explanations).
QC: Quick Chess events.
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes.
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries
needed to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the
advertised prize fund of $501 or more must be
awarded.
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it
inconvenient to play may take -point byes instead.
For example, Bye 1-3 means -point byes are avail-
able in Rounds 1 through 3.
C: Computers allowed.
CC: Chess club.
EF: Entry fee.
is easier for both you and the tournament of the USCF.
organizer and often costs less. Check the
Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous
page).
Ent: Where to mail entries.
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rat-
ing.
G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side
has 75 minutes for the entire game.
GPP: Grand Prix Points available.
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means
$60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix
Memb. reqd: Membership required; cost fol-
lows. Usually refers to state affiliate.
Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong
players, but some eligible for lower sections can
play for the learning experience.
OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues.
PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits
Fund.
Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar
strength players.
RBO: Rated Beginners Open.
Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For
example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. &
5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the sec-
ond day.
Reg: Registration at site.
RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
S: Smoking allowed.
SASE: For more info, send self-addressed stamped
envelope.
.
SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of
game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means
each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes,
then complete the rest of the game in an hour.
Section: A division of a tournament, usually exclud-
ing players above a specified rating. Players in a
section face only each other, not those in other
sections.
SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of
rounds).
T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
Unr: Unrated.
USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues.
W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.
WEB: Tournaments that will use a players on-line
rating.

54 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Tournament Life
USCF National Events
See TLA in this issue for details:
November 20-22 Oak Brook, Illinois
2009 National Youth Action
December 11-13 Dallas, Texas
2009 National Scholastic (K-12)
December 27-30 South Padre Island,
2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate
Texas
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14 Orlando, Florida
2010 U.S. Amateur Team - South
Feb. 13-15 Woodland Hills, California
2010 U.S. Amateur Team - West
Future Events (Watch for details)
40th Annual World Amateur Team & U.S.
Feb. 13-15 Parsippany, New Jersey
Amateur Team - East
2010 National Junior High (K-9)
April 9-11 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Championship
2010 National High School (K-12)
April 16-18 Columbus, Ohio
Championship
April 23-May 6 St. Louis, Missouri
2010 U.S. Championship
2010 National Elementary (K-6)
May 7-9 Atlanta, Georgia
Championship
July 31-Aug. 8 Irvine, California
2010 U.S. Open
August 22-27 Boca Raton, Florida
2010 U.S. Senior Open
Dec. 10-12 Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2010 National Scholastic (K-12)
2011 National Junior High
April 15-17 Columbus, Ohio
Championship
2011 National Elementary (K-6)
May 6-8 Dallas, Texas
Championship
Dec. 9-11 Dallas, Texas
2011 National Scholastic (K-12)
2012 National High School (K-12)
April 13-15 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Championship
2012 National Elementary (K-6)
May 11-13 Nashville, Tennessee
Championship
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Orlando, Florida
2012 National Scholastic (K-12)
Tournament memberships not valid for National events
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available
USCFs Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only
one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be
purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submis-
sions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied
to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events.
Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF-rated, and the USCF is concerned that the
reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The
availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF-rated, pro-
moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause
more USCF-rated tournaments to be held.
More details on uschess.org.
Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each
monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month,
unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also
frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of
your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for pairing or prize pur-
poses. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at
their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.
uschess.org
10:17 AM Page 55
TBA Nashville, Tennessee
2013 SuperNationals V
Dec. 13-15 Lake Buena Vista, Florida
2013 National Scholastic (K-12)
2014 National Elementary (K-6)
May 9-11 Dallas, Texas
Championship
Dec. 12-14 Orlando, Florida
2014 National Scholastic (K-12)
2015 National Elementary (K-6)
May 8-10 Nashville, Tennessee
Championship
Dec. 5-7 Orlando, Florida
2015 National Scholastic (K-12)
Note: Organizers previously awarded options for
USCF National Events must still submit proposals
(including sample budgets) for their events.
Overdue Bids
Bids on the following tournaments are
past deadline and will be considered
immediately:
2009 U.S. Masters
2009 Collegiate Final Four
2010 U.S. Masters
2010 U.S. Amateur Team
(East, North)
2010 U.S. Class Championship
2010 U.S. Amateur
(East, North, South)
2010 U.S. Game/60
2010 U.S. Game/30
2010 U.S. Game/10 (QC)
2010 U.S. Game/15 (QC)
2010 U.S. Junior Chess Congress
2010 U.S. Junior Closed - TBA
2010 U.S. Junior Open - TBA
2010 National Youth Action
2011 U.S. Open*
Bidding Deadlines
Please contact the National Office if you
are interested in bidding for a National
Event. The USCF recommends that bids
be submitted according to the following
schedule. However, bids may be consid-
ered prior to these dates.
*USCF reserves the right to decline all
bids and organize the event itself.
ATTENTION AFFILIATES
The United States Chess Federation has
partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates
Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide USCF
affiliates with affordable annual liability
and short term event insurance. The lia-
bility coverage is available for
approximately $265 per year for a
$1,000,000 limit of insurance. Also avail-
able is contents property and bonding
insurance. For more information, please go
to www.rvnuccio.com/chess-federa-
tion.html. For event insurance, please go
to www.rvnuccio.com.
TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided
for the convenience of USCF members and for informational pur-
poses only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S.
Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything
contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested
in additional information about or having questions concerning any
of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed.
Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate
typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibil-
ity for errors made in such work.
SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: tla@uschess.org
(Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
Prix information see April 2009 pg. 50-51 or check http://main.
uschess.org/go/tlainfo. Payment can be done online through the
TD/Affiliate area or sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967,
Crossville, TN 38557.
Nationals
All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF
rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance en-
try fee or pay them with entry at site.
Nov. 20-22, Illinois
2009 National Youth Action
9SS, G/30. DoubleTree hotel, 1909 Spring Road,Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523,Tel:
1-630-472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE); $89 single/double/triple/quad. Four Sec-
tions K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12. Entry Fee: $40 by 10/25/09 USPS (or $40 on-line
by 10/25, 6 pm); $60 by 11/13/09 USPS (or $60 on-line 10/25/09, after 6 pm
- 11/13/09, 6 pm); $75 USPS 11/13 11/17 (or $75 on-line 11/13/09, 6:01 pm
11/19, 6 pm); $75 by 11/20/09 6 PM on site (on-site entries after 11/20/09
6 PM can not be guaranteed pairing for round 1, instead they may receive 1/2
point bye round 1). Checks payable only to Chess Central. Awards: Indi-
vidual: 1st 20th Place in each section (K-3, K-6, K-9, K-12). Class Awards:
1st-3rd Place, K-3: U800, U600, U400, Unr. K-6: U1000, U800, U600, Unr. K-9:
U1200, U1000, U800, Unr. K-12: U1400, U1200, U1000, Unr. Teams: 1st-10th
Place in each section. Special Sportsmanship trophy! Schedule: Opening Cer-
emony Sat., Nov 21 at 9:30 am. Rds. 1-5 Sat., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm
& 5 pm. Rds. 6-9 Sun., 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Side Events: Bug-
house Tournament Fri, Nov 20, 6:30 pm. EF $20 per team ($10 for individuals
and we help you create a team). On site registration only. Registration closes
at 5 pm, Fri, Nov 20. One section only, K-12. Bughouse Awards: 1st-10th Place.
Blitz Tournament Sat, Nov 21, K-6 & K-12, 6:30 pm, EF $15 USPS/on-line
by 10/25, 6 pm, $20 USPS from10/26 11/17; $20 on-line 10/26, 6:01 pm -
11/19, 6pm; $25 on site. Registration closes at 5 pm, Sat, Nov 21. Blitz
Awards: Individual: 1st-20th in each section. Team: 1st-10th in each section.
Awards Ceremony for Blitz and Bughouse: Sun, 9 am. NYA Awards Cer-
emony: Sun, Nov 22, 5:30-7 pm. Club Teams allowed! Master simuls and
analysis scheduled. Hotel Info: DoubleTree hotel, Oakbrook, Il (hotel registra-
tion code: NYA) www.doubletreeoakbrook.com or http://doubletree.hilton.com/
en/dt/groups/personalized/CHIOADT-NYA-20091120/index.jhtml (630) 472-
6020 or 630 472-6000 (1.800.222.TREE), HR single/double/triple/quad $89.
Enter on line (except Bughouse) at http://nya2009.com. Checks payable
only to Chess Central (no checks to USCF or Mike Zacate): Mail registra-
tions with name-contact info-grade-birthday-team/school-uscf ID &
exp.-address-city-zip-e-mail address-coach name & contact info to Mike Zacate
(Please, no checks payable to Mike or USCF), 9401 Birch, Mokena, IL
60448. Updated info/Hotels/On-Line Entries: http://nya2009.com. $10 serv-
ice charge for on-site section/roster changes, and all refunds. Bookdealers
scheduled.
Dec. 11-13, Texas
2009 National Scholastic K-12 Championship
7SS, G/90. Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas,TX. 214-748-1200
or 1-800-HILTONS and ask for the chess rate ($120). 13 Sections. Play only
in your grade section. December rating supplement will be used. 1/2- point bye
available any round (except round seven) if requested in advance of rd. 1.Team
score = total of top three (minimum two) finishers from each school per
grade. First place individual and team, including ties, will be National Cham-
pion for their grade. Schedule: Opening ceremony Fri. 12:30 pm. Rds.: Fri. 1
pm-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm-6 pm, Sun. 9 am-1 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun. ,
Approx. 5 pm. Special round times for K-1 sections: Fri. 1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sat.
9:30 am-1:30 pm-5:30 pm, Sun. 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Awards Ceremony Sun
Approx. 4:30 pm for K-1. EF: $50/participant (postmarked by 11/8, not 11/12),
Chess Life November 2009 55
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009 10:17 AM Page 56

Tournament Life

$70/participant (postmarked by 11/29), $85 later or $90 at site, $5.00 extra Game/60, Team avg<1200. Players need not be from the same school. round 2, withdrawals and last round zero point byes are not eligible for prizes.
for all phone registrations, $20 change fee for roster or section changes after Teams can be formed on-site. ***FCA members in Open are eligible for Highest Finishing Dallas Chess Club member is the Dallas Chess Club Cham-
11/13 or any onsite changes. Onsite registration Thurs. 9 am-10 pm & Fri. 8 FL GP Points. *** Winning Open team competes in national playoff pion. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14

am-10 am. After 10 am players will have a 1/2-point bye rd 1. Awards: Tro-
phies to top 10 individuals & top five teams (minimum) in each grade. Class
prizes: 1st-3rd place K-3: 800-999, 600-799, U600, Unr. 4-6: 1000-1199, 800-
999, 600-799, U600 Unr. 7-9: 1200-1399, 1000-1199, 800-999, U800, Unr.
10-12: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Every player receives
a commemorative item! Side Events: Bughouse:Thurs. 11 am, Reg. onsite only
Thurs. 8 am-10 am, $25/team. Blitz EF: Advance/online entry $15 by 11/29;
Onsite - $20. Blitz Sections: K-6 and K-12, Thurs. 5 pm, Reg. onsite until 4 pm.
Blitz Awards: Trophies in K-6 and K-12 sections. Individual: Top 10, Team: 1st-
5th place. K-6 Class: 1000-1199, 800-999, 600-799, U600 Unr. K-12 Class:
1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, Unr. Bughouse Awards:Trophies for
Bughouse, TBA. Team Rooms are limited. Contact Cheryle Bruce 931-787-1234
ext.147. Hotel info: www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DFWANHH-Hilton-
Anatole-Texas/index.do. Questions: Cheryle Bruce: 931-787-1234 ext. 147 or
Ent: U.S. Chess, Attn.: K-12 Championship, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557
or online at: https://secure.uschess.org/webstore/tournament.php. Offi-
cial webpage for details: http://main.uschess.org/tournaments/2009/k12/.
WCL JGP.
Dec. 27-30, Texas
2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championships
Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, South Padre Island, Texas. Room
rate is $89 for up to four people. For reservations call Teri Murphy 956 761-
6551 or 800-222-4010. Team Format: 4 player Teams, up to 2 Alternates,
Traditional 6 round Fix Roster Swiss Tournament. Open to: College and Uni-
online. EF per player: OPEN $30 by 2/6, $40 later. SCHOLASTIC $20 by 2/6,
$25 later. SPECIAL EF: 5-player team $140 by 2/6, $180 later. PRIZES: OPEN
1st, 2nd teams: plaques and four Excalibur Clocks, 3rd: plaques; SCHOLAS-
TIC 1st, 2nd teams: plaques and four Excalibur Clocks, 3rd: trophies; Board
Prizes: each section: Brds. 1-4, Excalibur Clocks. Class Prizes: OPEN: U2000,
U1800, U1600, U1400; Scholastic: U1000, U800Trophies. Other awardsTBD.
Schedule: OPEN 3-day: rds 8, 1-7, 9-3, 2-day: rds 10-1-7, 9-3; SCHOLAS-
TIC (Sat & Sun): 10-1-4, 9-12, Awards 2:30. HR: $79 (888) 627-8525 or (407)
425-4455; (Mention Chess). Complimentary parking voucher & internet with
sleeping rooms; other parking at $5 per day. Reserve by Jan 29, ALL HOTELS
FILL UP USATS WEEKEND! ENT: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751
or online usats2010.eventbrite.com. See www.centralflchess.org for details
or call (407)629-6946.WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
Feb. 13-15, California Southern
27th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills,
CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four high-
est must be U/2200, diff. between bds. 3 & 4 may not exceed 1000. Dec. list
used. EF: $132 per team if received by 2-12, $36 individual (on line only), $148
at site, under age 18 or HS/below $96 by 2-12, $110 site.Trophies and 4 clocks
to top 3 teams, U2100, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400/unr. Trophies (1 large, 4
small) to top college, industrial, junior (under 18), Senior (over 50), U1200. Clocks
to best score each board, alternate, and any 6-0. Gift certificate prizes for best
info@dallaschess.com, www.dallaschess.com. NS. NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Nov. 8, California Southern
2009 Westwood Fall Open
5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025,
2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize guar-
anteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. Reserve
(U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF:
$47 if received by 11/7, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for
rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: limit
1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. 2
Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the build-
ing basement ($3). Inf: admin@westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John
Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry:
www.westernchess.com. State Championship Qualifier.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Nov. 8, New Jersey
ATKM 1600+ 2nd Sunday Swiss
5SS, G/45, T/D5. ATKM Chess Center, 62 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ, 856-582-
8222. Prizes: 80% Guaranteed $250, $125, $75. U2200, U1900 $50 ea.
Limited to first 30 entries. EF: $35. Reg. ends: 9:45 AM. Rds.: 10 AM, then
ASAP. Lunch after rd 2. One 1/2 pt. bye allowed, rd. 1 or 5 only, if reqstd with
EF. Advance entry at: YourChessSet.com/sunswiss. Bring equipment!

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)

versities teams (at least two players) from North and South America,
including the Caribbean. Teams must supply letter from University stating
that the players meet eligibility requirements. Time Control: Game/90 with
a 30-second increment per move. Tournament is FIDE and USCF rated, but
uses United States Chess Federation Rules. Championships to be awarded
in 4 divisions (according to average team rating). Entry Fees: Priority Reg-
istration by December 1, 2009: $200 per team; After December 1, 2009,
$225 per team. For additional Information, contact Russell Harwood at
(956) 882-5762 or (956) 551-0303, or email russell.harwood@utb.edu.
Opening Reception: 12/27 5pm, Rd.1 12/27 6pm, Rd.2 12/28 10am, Rd.3
12/28 5pm, Rd.4 12/29 10am, Rd.5 12/29 5pm, Rd.6 12/30 9am, Awards
Ceremony: 12/30 2pm.WCL JGP.
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, Florida
2010 U.S. Amateur Team South
5SS, G/120 (2-day option, rd 1 G/60). Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel,
team names (1st/2nd). Reg.: 9-10 a.m. 2-13. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. On-line
entry, help in forming teams, advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR:
$119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 20 or rates may
go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los
Angeles, CA 90038. NS, NC, W. F. WCL JGP.
Grand Prix
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Nov. 7-8, Texas
Dallas Open
5SS, G/90 with 30 second increment. Dallas Chess Club, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr.,
Richardson, TX 75080. One Section $$550G.: Open: This section is FIDE
rated but uses USCF Rules. $400-$100-$50. U2200 and U2000 prize(s) will be
50% of U2200 and U2000entry fees. EF: $50, Juniors(U19)/Senior/Hcap $30,
Nov. 13-15, Florida
8th Annual Turkey Bowl
5SS, G/120, (2-day Option Rd. 1 G/60). New Location: El Palacio Hotel & Con-
ference Center, 4900 Powerline Rd, Ft. Lauderdale. $$6,100 b/200 paid entries,
60% min. Gtd. 4 Sections: Open: $1,000/Trophy-600-400-250, U2300 $150-100.
U2000: $600/Trophy-300-200-100. U1600: $600/Trophy-300-200-100. U1200:
$600/Trophy-300-200-100. Unr. may enter Open or U1200 only. EF: $65 by Nov.
10, $14 more later and on-site, GMs & IMs free ($65 deducted from prize). Reg.:
ends 1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rds.: 3-Day 1st Rd. Fri. 7:30, 2-Day 1st Rd. Sat 10,
Rds. 2-5 Sat. 1:15, 6:30, Sun. 9:30, 2:30. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if reqd before rd. 2.
Turkey Bowl Scholastic Tournament, 5SS, G/30, Sat. 11/14. See website
for more info. HR: $69 by Cut-off Date, 954-776-4880. Ent: Boca Raton Chess
Club, 2385 Executive Ctr. Dr., Ste. 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Online entry &
addl info: www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. FIDE. WCL JGP for G/120 rds.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)

60 South Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. 4-player teams (plus alternate). 2 plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. Registration: 9:45 -10:15 am. Rds.: Sat 10:45 Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, Ohio
Sections (using Yr-end ratings): OPEN, Team Avg rtng<2200. SCHOLASTIC, - 3:10 - 7:16, Sun 10:45-3:10. One Bye allowed if requested before the end of

GOLD AFFILIATES GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

Cajun Chess Jersey Shore High School San Diego Chess Club GOLD
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
7230 Chadbourne Drive Chess League 2225 Sixth Avenue
USCF memberships during the current or
New Orleans, LA 70126 PO Box 773, Lincroft, NJ 07738 San Diego, CA 92101
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
504-208-9596 jbart1517@yahoo.com 619-239-7166
cajunchess@yahoo.com chucnglo@aol.com State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold
Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe-
New Jersey State Chess Federation
www.cajunchess.com http://sdchessclub.multiply.com
cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each
c/o Roger Inglis

month, giving the affiliate name, address,

Chess Club and Scholastic 49-A Mara Rd. Tri-State Chess

phone number, e-mail address, and website.

Center of St. Louis Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist-

4657 Maryland Avenue 973-263-8696, rwij@njoychess.com 1-888-CHESS-35

ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month

St. Louis, MO 63108. 314-361-CHESS www.njscf.org MKurtzman@TriStateChess.com,
info@stlouischessclub.org
remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20
www.TriStateChess.com
www.stlouischessclub.org PaperClip Pairings
for each month remaining on their Silver Affil-
c/o J. Houghtaling Jr & Remy Ferrari Unity Chess Club
iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an
Continental Chess 6005 Forest Blvd 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
Association Brownsville, TX 78526 Office 136, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
956-459-2421 480-949-5464 (KING)
NY 12577. 845-496-9658 Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no
jejrhoughtaling@bisd.us info@unitychess.com, unitychess.com
chesstour@aol.com minimum requirement for memberships sub-
www.chesstour.com Renaissance Knights Western PA Youth Chess Club mitted.
Chess Foundation Attn: Jerry Meyers
En Passant Chess Club PO Box 1074 4101 Windsor Street SILVER
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
1301 North Shore Drive Northbrook, IL 60065 Pittsburgh, PA 15217
USCF memberships during the current or
San Benito, TX 78586 773-844-0701 412-422-1770
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
956-399-9724 renknights@aol.com catnipper99@yahoo.com
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
edguetzow@sbcglobal.net www.renaissanceknights.org www.youthchess.net
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
in a special list in Tournament Life each
month, giving the affiliate name, state, and
SILVER AFFILIATES choice of either phone number, e-mail
address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs
$150 per year, and existing affiliates may
Chess Center of New York (NY) Long Island Chess Nuts (NY) Oklahoma Chess Foundation

subtract $3 for each month remaining on

www.chesscenter.cc 516-739-3907 www.OKchess.org
Indiana State Chess Association Marshall Chess Club (NY) Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,
www.indianachess.org www.marshallchessclub.org akakarpov@att.net by paying an annual payment of $250.00
International Chess Academy (NJ) Michigan Chess Association Sparta Chess Club (NJ) (instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be
www.icanj.net www.michess.org www.spartachessclub.org obtained with no minimum requirement for
memberships submitted.

56 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
18th Annual Kings Island Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Kings Island Resort, 5691 Kings
Island Drive (I-71, 6 mi north of I-275), Mason, OH 45040. Free parking. $$
25,000 based on 360 paid entries (re-entries count as 60% entries, U1000 Sec-
tion EF 40% entries, unrated not counted); minimum $20,000 (80% of each prize)
guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bisguier. In 8 sections:
Open: $2500-1200-600-300-200, 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300/Unr
$1400-700. FIDE. Under 2100: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1900: $2000-
1000-500-300-200. Under 1700: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1500:
$1500-700-400-200-100. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200-100. Under
1000/Unr: $300-200-100-60-40. Unrated prize limits: U1000 $80, U1300
$130, U1500 $300, U1700 $400, U1900 $500. Balance goes to next player(s)
in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 11/5, all $105 online at chess-
tour.com by 11/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 11/10 (entry only, no
questions), $120 at site. Under 1000 Section EF: 3-day $43, 2-day $42 if mailed
by 11/5, $44 online at chesstour.com by 11/10, $46 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 11/10, $50 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry $60; not avail-
able in Open Section. Unofficial uschess.org ratings usually used if otherwise
unrated. All: FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U1000 or U1300 if paying 1 yr USCF
dues. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry- online at chess-
tour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. 3-day schedule: Reg ends
Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat
10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; Open must commit by rd
2, others by rd 3. HR: $73-73, 800-727-3050, 513-398-0115, reserve by 10/30
or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633,
or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Car rental is easiest & cheapest
transportation from Cincinnati Airport. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Sal-
isbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries will be
posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Nov. 17, New York
St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM). EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Nov. 19, 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), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid entries (may
be limited to 1st 36 to enter), top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-110-50, Top U2200/unr $105,
U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000), commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA
ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd. 4. Reg ends 10 min before game.
Rds. 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible!
uschess.org
10:17 AM Page 57
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Nov. 20-22, Georgia
2009 GA Class Championships - Marshall Jaffe/Earl Morrison
Memorial
5-SS, 35/90, SD/30 (2 day schedule rd.1 G/90). Atlanta Chess Center, 3155A
E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Scottdale, GA 30079. $$4,000 b/83, 2/3G. 6 Sections.
Premier (over 1999): $500-300-150-100; U2200: $275-175; A(1800-1999):
$250-150-100; B(1600-1799): $250-150-100; C(1400-1599): $250-150-100;
D(1200-1399): $250-150-100; U1200: $250-150-100. Players may play one sec-
tion above current rating.Trophy to top Georgia resident each section. EF: $50
if received by 11/18, $60 later or at site. Registration: 6-7pm on 11/20 or 8:30-
9:30 am on 11/21. Rounds: 7:30; 2-7; 10-3 (2 day schedule rd. 1 at 10 am, then
merges with 3 day). GCA membership required for Georgia residents. Enter:
GCA, PO Box 91,Tucker, GA. 30085-0091. Info: Scott Parker, 770-939-5030, pres-
ident@georgiachess.org. WCL JPG.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Nov. 21, Pennsylvania
2009 Thanksgiving LVCA Grand Prix
4SS, G/90, St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102.
EF: $40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid
entries. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATEDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two
1/2 pt byes with advanced notice (if declared before round 3). REG.: Ends 10am.
RDS.: 10-1:30-4:45-7:45. Ent/Info: Checks payable to: Bruce Davis, 1208 Lin-
den St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. 610-625-0467 or bdavis@lehighvalley
chess.org or www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Reg by mail by 11/16 to enter to
win a Saitek Competition Chess Clock. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Nov. 21, Virginia
Thanksgiving Grand Prix
3-Round Swiss System Game/90. SITE: St. Johns Lutheran Church, 4608
Brambleton Ave., SW, Roanoke, VA 24018. GUARANTEED PRIZES:Top Section:
$125-$100-$75. Additional Sections: If Octagonals, Each is guaranteed $125-
$100, If Hexagonals, Each is guaranteed $100-$75, If Quads, Each is guaranteed
$100. ENTRY FEE: If received by May 14, $30.00. At site, $40.00. REGISTRA-
TION: 6-9 pm on 11 / 20; 8:30-9:30 am on 11/21. ROUNDS: 10-2-6. BYES: One
only per tournament; must request before 1st round begins. ADVANCE
ENTRIES: Roanoke Valley Chess Club, P.O. Box 14143, Roanoke, VA 24038.
PHONE: (540) 725-9525 or (540) 890-0478. E-MAIL: info@roanokechess.com.
WEB PAGE: roanokechess.com. NO SMOKING. NO COMPUTERS.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Nov. 21-22, California Southern
LACC - Harold Cardinal Valery G/60 Championship
Sponsor: Dr. Harold Valery Cardinal Medical Group Long Beach. 6-SS, G/60
(no time delay). Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, CA 90025,
2nd floor (4 blocks W. of 405). $$1,500 Guaranteed. In two sections: Open: $400-
200-50, U2200: $125, U2000: $125. Reserve: (U1800) $$200-100, U1600
$125, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF: $55 if received by 11/20; $60
at the door ($40 LACC members if received by 11/20; $45 at the door; $30 new
LACC members) $6 off SCCF members. Up to 2 half-point byes available. Re-
entry $25. Reg.: 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. Rds.: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 each day. 1-day
option I: Play 3 games- no 1/2 pt byes- 1/2 EF. 1-day option II: Play 3
games- three 1/2 pt byes- full EF. Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa
Monica & Purdue - 1 block, or in the building basement ($3). Info: (310) 795-
5710 or Mick@LAChessClub.com. URL: www.LAChessClub.com. Ent: LACC - P.O.
Box 251774, Los Angeles, CA 90025. State Championship Qualifier.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Nov. 21-22 or 22, New York
2nd Annual What-A-Turkey Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10 St., bet. 5th-
6th Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each
prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-
100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr.
prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), spec-
ified CCNY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc
thru 11/19. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day (rds 1-2 G/30),
10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, commit by rd 2. Reg.
ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign unr. must enter
Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Nov. 21-22, Oklahoma
Get Your FIDE rating - Open
5-SS, G/60 + 60 seconds each move, $$G 650. Quality Inn- 2515 W. 6th Ave.
(Hwy-51) Stillwater, OK 1-405-372-0800. HR: 70-70-70. Wi-Fi, EF: Open: $20,
FIDE rated players $10; Reserve: $10 (if received before Nov 19th): All $5 more
at site. OCF mem req $10. Two Sections: Open (FIDE): Gtd 1st 200, 100; A:
$75 B: $75 C: $75 Reserve: U-1400 Gtd 1st $75, 50, Reg.: 9-9:45 Rds at 10-
2:30-7, 9-1:15. 2 half pt byes rds 1-5, FIDE (Open), LS, W, Free Parking. Frank
Berry, 402 S. Willis St., Stillwater, OK 74074 FKimBerry@AOL.com. 405 372-
5758. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Nov. 22, Connecticut
Bethel Thanksgiving Open
4-SS, G/60+5 delay. Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street,
Bethel, CT 06801. EF: $30 before 11/18, $35 onsite. GMs free, $30 deducted
from prize. One section: $$ 200-100-50, U2000 $50, U1600 $50. Limit one 1/2
pt bye in advance only. On-site Registration: 8:00-8:50. Rds.: 9-11:15-2:15-
4:30. Entries: Ed Scimia, 20A Durant Ave., Bethel CT 06801. Contact:
erscimia@gmail.com.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Nov. 22, New Jersey
Westfield Grand Prix #500
4 SS game/30 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes: $615
Guaranteed $175, $125, $75 U2100, U1850, U1600, U1350 $60 each. Entrance
Fee: $40, $30 members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15-
6:30. Special prizes to be announced for the Westfield Chess Clubs 500th event,
since the fall of 1990.Todd Lunna, 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Chess Life November 2009 57
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Tournament Life
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 120 (enhanced)
Nov. 26-29, California Southern
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
45th Annual American Open
8SS, 40/2, SD/1. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los Angeles, CA
90045. $$37,500 b/o 400 entries, $19,500 gtd. In 6 sections (Unr. must play
in Unr. or Open). Open: $3600-1800-800-600-500-400, U2450/Unr. $800-400,
U2300/Unr. $600-300. U2200, U2000, U1800: Each $3000-1500-700-300.
U1600 $2400-1200-500-300. U1400/Unr: $2000-1000-500, U1200 $900-450 (not
a separate section; U1200s also eligible for U1400 prizes), Unrated: $300-150
(Unrateds in this section eligible for these prizes only). Special prizes $1000
gtd. in memory of Joyce Jillson: Best tactical games 200-100, best positional
games 150-75, best tactical game non-Master 175, biggest rating gain by
woman 200, biggest rating gain under age 13 100 (established ratings over
1000). Special cumulative upset prizes $500 gtd. donated by Dr. Harold Valery:
Open, Under 2200, Under 2000 Each $100; Under 1800 $75; Under 1600,
Under 1400 Each $50; Under 1200 $25. EF: Open, U2200, U2000, U1800,
U1600, U1400 $120 if recd by 11/24, $50 more for players rated under 2000
playing in Open, Unrated $40. All: $30 more at door. SCCF membership reqd,
$18, $10 jrs under 19 includes Rank & File magazine, OSA. No checks at door
cash, credit card or money order only. 4-day schedule: Reg. closes noon 11/26,
Rds. 12:30-7:30, 12:30-7:30, 10:30-5, 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. closes 11:30
a.m. 11/27, Rds. 12-2:30-5-8 (G/1), schedules merge in Rd 5 and compete for
common prizes. Byes (2 max) with advance notice. CCA minimum ratings and
TD discretion used to protect you from improperly rated players. November Rat-
ing Supplement used. Lectures and videos. HR: $99, (310) 337-2800, mention
chess. Parking only $6. Info: NTD Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, randall-
hough@yahoo.com. Ent: American Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA
91754 or www.americanopen.org. NS, W, F. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, California Northern
CalChess Annual State Championship 2009
6SS 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rounds 1-3 G/60). Hotel: Hyatt Regency Santa
Clara, 5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free parking. Prizes:
$8,010 based on 166 paid entries. 7 sections. Master/Open (FIDE rated): $$
Gtd. 1000-500-300-200 (top 4 guaranteed), (u2300 $201-101) - EXPERT: $500-
200-100-100 (u2100: 201-101) A: $500-200-100-100 (u1900: 201-101)
B: $500-200-100-100 (u1700: 201-101) C: $500-200-100-100 (u1500: 201-
101) D: $300-200-100-100 (u1200: 201-100). Unrated may enter any
section but prize limit of $200 in all u2000 sections; balance goes to next
player(s) in line. EF: $85 3-day, $79 2-day mailed or online by 11/13. Add $15
for 11/14-11/25, add $25 onsite, add $19 for play-up, and subtract $45 for
BayAreaChess Pass. GMs & IMs free before 11/7 (entry feed deducted from
prize). Re-entry $39. TD may assign ratings. 3-day schedule: Reg.: Fri 10-
10:30a, Fri/Sat 11a 5:15p, Sun 10a, 4:15p. 2-day sched: Reg.: Sat 9-9:30a,
Sat 10, 12:15, 2:30, 5:15p. Sun 10am, 3:15pm.Tel 408-786-5515. Byes must com-
mit before rd 3. Max 2 byes. Hotel $99 BayAreaChess rate, 800-233-1234.
reserve by 11/13 or rate may increase. Ent: BayAreaChess, 4423 Fortran Ct.,
58 Chess Life November 2009
10:18 AM Page 58
Ste. 160, San Jose, CA 95134. $20 service charge for refunds. Questions: con-
tact@BayAreaChess.com, Info & Entries: BayAreaChess.com. More info:
BayAreaChess.com/events/ccc09. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, Illinois
1st Annual Martinovsky Memorial
Holiday Inn, 495 Aiport Rd., Elgin, IL 60123 847-488-9000 (Interstate 90 & Hwy
31), 6-SS in 3-Sections: Open G/120+30sec (USCF+FIDE rated), 1500-1799
35/90 SD/60 (USCF rated), U1500+Unrateds 35/90 SD/60 (USCF rated).
Entry Fee for all sections: $70 if postmarked by 11/10/09, $75 if received
until day of tournament, $80 at the door. Prize Fund: $3000 b/60 Open 1st $700
2nd $400 3rd $250Top Expert $200Top A player $200, 1500-1799 1st $300 2nd
$200 3rd $100, U1500+Unrated 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100. Best player u1300
$75. Best Unrated player $75. Schedule: 3-day (FIDE rated for Open only),
registration 9:30-10:30am Friday Nov 27. Rounds Fri 11:00am - 5:00pm, Sat
11:00am - 5:00pm, Sun 9:30am - 3:00pm. 2-day, registration 8:00-9:00am Sat-
urday Nov 28. Rounds: 1-3 G/60 Sat 9:30am - 12:00pm - 2:30pm, then merge
with 3-day schedule. 2 x 1/2 byes available rounds 1-5 if requested at time of
registration. Scholastic Event on Sat Nov 28. G/45. Registration 9-10am. EF:
$30 Trophies+software or books to the top 5 finishers. Book prizes/software
to places 6-10. Rounds: 10:30-1:00pm-3:00pm-5:00pm. Preentries/Info:
Christopher Baumgartner, 9985 Linda Ln., Apt 2E, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Phone: 847-609-2987 Email: mcafide@yahoo.com. Visit our website for upcom-
ing events: mcafidetournaments.blogspot.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Nov. 27-29, Michigan
2009 Motor City Open
6-SS. 3 Sections: OPEN, U1800, U1400.Top section FIDE-rated. Prize Fund:
$8,500 OVERALL. 70% Guaranteed. Held at New Detroits FABULOUS
MOTOR CITY CASINO HOTEL, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
(Directions and Lodging Info below). 2-Day & 3-Day Schedules available.
EF by Mon., 11/23 (add $10 after), IMs and GMs Free ($100 EF deducted from
prize): 3-DAY: OPEN $103 ($93 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1800: $83 ($73
for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1400: $63 ($53 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR).
2-Day Open: $102 ($92 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1800: $82 ($72 for
Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR). U1400: $62 ($52 for Oage 64, Uage 16 or UNR).
Re-Entries: NO Re-Entries in OPEN Section. U1800, U1400: $40, $30 (Up to
two 1/2-pt. byes allowed from previous RDS). TL: 3-Day Schedule: G-120. 2-
Day Schedule: RDS 1-3, G-50; RDS 4-6, G-120. REG: 3-Day Schedule: Fri,
11/27, 9:00-11:00am. 2-Day Schedule: Sat, 11/28, 8:30-9:45am. RDS: 3-Day
Schedule: Fri, 12, 6; Sat, 12:30, 6; Sun, 10, 2:30. 2-Day Schedule: Sat, 10:30,
12:45, 3, 6; Sun, 10, 2:30. Up to three 1/2-pt. byes available; must be requested
before start of RD 3. All sections merge after RD 3. Unrated eligible only for
UNR and Overall prizes in ALL sections, can play in ANY section. USCF and MCA
memberships required; can be purchased on site. IM Ben Finegold Lecture
on Fri, 11/27, 4:00-5:00pm ($10). Cell phones must be turned off or in silent
mode while in tournament room. INFRACTION: deduct 1/2 the remaining time
or game forfeiture if less than 10 minutes remaining on clock; automatic for-
feiture for 2nd infraction. Spectators will be subjected to expulsion for the
remainder of the event for any offense. Headphones cannot be used if oppo-
nent objects for any reason and cannot be used in the last round by players
with a plus score. Player must be willing to present same to TDs for examina-
tion at any time. Failure to do so will result in removal from tournament
without refund. $$8,500 OVERALL (70% guar.): OPEN: $3,600 (b/48): 1st-2nd-
3rd, $1,200-$600-$400; 1st U2400, $350; 1st U2200, $350; 1st U2000, $350;
1st U1800/UNR, $350. U1800: $2,550 (b/42): 1st-2nd-3rd, $800-$400-$350;
1st-2nd, U1600, $300-$200; 1st-2nd U1400/UNR, $300-$200. U1400: $2,350
(b/50): 1st-2nd-3rd, $500-$350-$300; 1st-2nd U1300, $250-$150; 1st-2nd
U1100, $250-$150; 1st-2nd U900/UNR, $250-$150. Mechanical or Quartz Clock
for Biggest Upset in each section! Chief Sr. TD: IM Ben Finegold; Asst. Sr. TD:
Ed Mandell. Bring boards, pieces, clocks! Directions & Lodging: MOTOR
CITY CASINO HOTEL, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, (313) 237-1589.
Easy access to Grand River Exit from I-94, I-96, I-75 and M-10 (Lodge Free-
way). See www.mapquest.com for directions. Reservations: MCO Chess Rate
$99 (reg. $249!) by Nov. 7th for this great rate! Reserve online at
www.motorcitycasino.com OR call toll-free, 1-866-STAY-MCC (866-782-9622).
Info, Ent: Ed Mandell, (586) 558-4790, All The Kings Men Chess Supplies and
Brain Games, 27170 Dequindre Rd, Warren, MI 48092,Toll-Free, (866) 538-7890.
Fax, (586) 558-2046. Email: allthekingsmench@aol.com, Web: www.allthekings
menchess.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Nov. 27-29, Oklahoma
1st Thanksgiving FIDE Open
7-SS, G/90+30 sec. Quality Inn, 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51), Stillwater, OK 1-
405-372-0800. HR: 70-70-70. One section open to all. EF: $40 if postmarked
and paid by cash or ck before Nov 24, $50 at door. Reg.: Fri 11AM-12:45; Rds.:
Fri 1, 5:30, Sat 9-1:15-5:30, Sun 9-1:30. $$G 2,950 will not be lowered. $$G,
$500, 400, 300, 200. $$G $300 each class ($150-100-50) Ex,A,B,C,D & below.
Unr. competes in D & below. $50- upset, 2 half pt byes rds 1-7, $10 OCF
required from all players. Free Parking. Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis, Still-
water, OK 74074. 1-405-372-5758. FKimBerry@aol.com NC, CMV, LS, W, USCF,
FIDE. Brasket-Swiss Pairings used - Top half of the beginning X-table awarded
half pt. WCL JGP.
An American Classic!
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 150 (enhanced)
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, Pennsylvania
40th annual National Chess Congress
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/50). Trophy sections play separate
2-day schedule only, 11/28-29 (note correction), G/50. Sheraton Hotel Philadel-
phia City Center, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. $30,000 GUARANTEED
PRIZE FUND. In 11 sections. Premier, open to all rated 2000/above and jun-
iors under 18 rated 1800/above. $3000-1500-700-400-200, clear win or 1st on
tiebreak $100, U2400/Unr $1400-700. FIDE. Under 2200: $2000-1000-500-300-
200. Under 2000: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1800: $2000-1000-
500-300-200. Under 1600: $2000-1000-500-300-200. Under 1400: $1400-
700-400-300-200. Under 1200: $1400-700-400-300-200. Unrated may not
win over $100 in U1200, $200 in U1400, $300 in U1600, $500 in U1800, or $700
in U2000. Top 7 sections entry fee: 3-day $108, 2-day $107 mailed by 11/19,
all $109 online at chesstour.com by 11/24, $115 phoned by 11/24 (406-896-
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009 10:18 AM Page 59

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10

2038, no questions), $130 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. Re-entry
$60, not available in Premier. Mailed EF $3 less to PSCF members. No checks
at site, credit cards OK. 3-day late entry ends Fri 11 am, rounds Fri 12 & 7,
Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day late entry ends Sat 9 am, rounds Sat 10, 12:45,
3:30 and 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Trophy Sections: Under 1000, Under 800, Under
600. Unrateds age 15/over may not enter Under 600. Trophies to top 8 play-
ers in each section. Entry fee: $27 mailed by 11/19, $28 online at chesstour.com
by 11/24, $35 phoned by 11/24 (406-896-2038, no questions), $40 at tmt. No
checks at site, credit cards OK. Late entry ends Sat 9 am, rounds 10 am, 12:45
pm, 3:30 pm each day. Special 1 year USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with
entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or
paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Student/Alumni trophies to top 5
teams of 4 (regardless of section) representing any U.S. college, HS or pre-HS
players attend or have graduated from. Half point byes OK all rounds; limit
3, Premier must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-
448-2000, reserve by 11/13 or rate may increase. Parking at hotel $5/day with
guest room, $12 without; garage next to hotel is about $10. Car rental: 800-
331-1600, use AWD D657633 or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent:
Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for
refunds. Questions: chesstour.com, ccaguide.com, 845-496-9658. Advance
Nov. 29, Pennsylvania
National Chess Congress Blitz (QC)
5-SS, G/5 (double round,10 games). Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel
(see National Chess Congress). $$G 1000: $250-120-60, top U2300 $140,
U2100 $130, U1900 $120, U1700/Unr $100, U1500 $80. EF: $40, unrated $20,
no checks, enter at site only. Quick-rated, but higher of regular or quick USCF
rating used for pairings, prizes. Reg. ends 9 pm, rds. 9:15-10-10:30-11-11:30.
Bye: 1.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Dec. 5-6, Alabama
8th Annual Dothan Open
2000+Free EF - 1900 and up 1/2 EF (Limit 15). 6 SS. 2 Sections. Rd 1 G/75,
Rds 2-6 G/90. Rd times: Sat 9:30, 1:00, 4:30 Sun 9, 1, 4:30. Limit one bye. EF:
$55 on site. Pre-reg $45. Prizes b/28 70% G $ will increase if more.
Open: $300 (G), $150 U2000 (if 6 2000+) $125, U1800 $75. Reserve (U1600):
$200 $100, U1400 $75, U1200 $45, Unr $40 Site: Holiday Inn Express, HR $80
see dothanchess.com for more details. Qs to slicksloth@centurytel.net. WCL
JGP.
$70 on-site. $300-200-100, top U/1400, U/1200 each $100-75. Scholastic
U/1000: Open to players in PK-12 rated under 1000; EF $35 by 12/6; $45 by
noon 12/11; $55 on-site. Trophies to top players. All sections: House of
Staunton set to top club (see website for rules). On-site registration 9:00-9:30.
Info/online registration at www.silverknightschess.com, or mail entries to
Silver Knights Chess, PO Box 1103, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Dec. 15, New York
St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40,
members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds. 1 or 4 only; declare at registration.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Dec. 19, Pennsylvania

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15

entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP (top 7 sections).
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, Texas
9th Annual Ken Smith Memorial Open
5SS, Open: G/90 with 30 sec increment, Rest: 30/90, SD/1 (Rest 2-day options
rd 1 G/120). DFW Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle, 3300 Cham-
pionship Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177 HR: $94-94-94-94, (888)-236-2427,
reserve by 10/26 or rate may increase, mention Dallas Chess. Open is Fide rated
but uses USCF rules. $$8,400 base on 200 full entries (excludes scholastic),
75% GTD. 7 $$ sections. Note that Unrated section may be merged with
U1600 section, but in that case, unrateds only eligible for unrated prizes and
class pairings possible. EF: $79 mailed by 11/20, $90 thereafter/site; Junior
(U19) $70 mailed by 11/20, else $80, Junior (19) counts 90% toward base; Sen-
iors (over 65), Handicap, additional family member and unrated $48, if mailed
by 11/20 else $60, these count 60% toward base. GMs free if complete tour-
nament & turn in legible score sheets, $80 deducted from prize. GMs must
register at site. Re-entry $55 counts 60% toward base. Re-entry not allowed
in open section. 3-day: Reg.: Fri. 6:15-7:15pm, Rds.: 11/27 7:35pm, 11/28 2pm-
7, 11/29 8:30am-2. 2-day: Reg.: 11/28 8:35-9:05am, Rd 1: 9:30am then
merge with 3 day. Open: $900-500-250, U2400: $550, U2200: $500-125.
U2000: $600-300-125, U1900: $125. U1800: $600-300-125, U1700: $125.
U1600: $550-250-125, U1500 $125. U1400: $500-200-125, U1300 $125.
U1200: $400-200-125, U1100 $125, U900 $125. Unrated: $200-$100. online
reg: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1788966. Note that
Active.com charges a small fee. CCA min. ratings. Up to two 1/2 pt. byes if
requested before end of Rd. 2, but not for BOTH 4th & 5th Rd. K-12 Scholas-
tic on Fri. 11/27 see DFW K-12 Championships ad elsewhere. Ent: Barbara
Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. (Make Checks payable to Dal-
las Chess Club) Ph: 214.632.9000. Info: info@dallaschess.com NS, NC, W. FIDE.
WCL JGP.
Dec. 5-6, North Carolina
Greater Charlotte ChampionshipA Queen City Chess Association
Sponsored Event!
5-SS, G/120. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), 9201 Univer-
sity City Blvd., Charlotte, NC. All prizes gtd. 3 sections: Open: $500-250-125;
U2000, $100; Under 1800: $400-200-100, U1600 $100; Under 1400: $300-150-
100; U1200 $75. EF: $49 if postmarked by 11/25; $59 later or on site. FREE
entry to 2200+ if committed to play by 10/1. (EF deducted from prize). Reg-
istration onsite 8-8:45AM Sat. Schedule: Rounds: Sat 9:30-2:30-7:30; Sun 9-2.
One Half-point bye (any round) must be requested with entry.Top six residents
of Greater Charlotte area in Open Section qualify for round robin to be played
in January to decide Charlotte Champion. HR: Sleep Inn University, 1 1/4
miles from site, 704-549-4544, $59.95 chess rate if reserved by 11/15 (men-
tion QCCA). Free b-fast. Entries: Send to Charles Carerros, 2209-I Sumner Green
Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203. Make checks to QCCA. Info: www.queencitychess.
com for registration and more details. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Dec. 5-6, Virginia
2009 Arlington Chess Club Championship
4-SS, 30/100 SD/1. Henderson Hall/Fort Myer (Arlington), VA (Tournament to
be held at the Smith Gym, Bldg 57, South Gate Rd) *This is a military base, your
car will be searched upon entry, keep that in mind! One Section: Open: FIDE
Rated. $1600 B/50. Top 3 (G) $400-200-150 Top X, A/Unr, B, C, D each $110,
U1200 $100. Top ACC Member Wins plaque and 2007 ACC Championship. Top
ACC Member U 1800 wins plaque/Amateur title and $200. EF: $40 if recd by
11/28, $50 at site. Active Duty Military entry fees will be paid by MCCS, Hen-
derson Hall, contact John Farrell via e-mail at John.F.Farrell1@usmc.mil. $5
discount to ACC Members. Reg.: 9-945AM 12/5. Rds.: 10-4 Saturday, 10-330
Sunday. One 1/2 pt bye avail, must declare before rd 1 and then is irrevoca-
ble. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138, Alexandria, VA 22306, make checks
2009 Christmas LVCA Grand Prix
4SS, G/90. St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF:
$40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid
entries. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATEDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two
1/2 pt byes with advanced notice (if declared before round 3). REG.: Ends 10am.
RDS.: 10-1:30-4:45-7:45. Ent/Info: Check payable: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden
St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. 610-625-0467 or bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org/.
Mail Reg by 12/14 to enter to win a Saitek Competition Chess Clock. WCL
JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6
Dec. 26-27, Texas
2009 DCC Insanity
10-double SS (Play white and black against each opponent). G/30. Dallas
Chess Club, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr, #A, Richardson, TX 75080. EF: $45 ($25
Jr/Sr/Hcap), plus $5 non-DCC membership fee. House players welcome for $1
per game. Reg.: 11:45-12:10 pm. Round 1 at 12:30 pm rest ASAP with hour
breaks at around 6:30 pm, 12:30 am and 7:30 am. 4 points of 1/2 point Byes
allowed. Byes for round 9 and 10 must be requested before round 6. $$ 300
GTD, $200-$100, class prizes based on entries. Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see
address above. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com, www.dallaschess.
com. NS. NC.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40 (enhanced)
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, New York
5th annual Empire State Open
6SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-3 G/60). Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534
Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Free parking. Tournament plays Saturday-Monday or Sunday-Monday, no play
on Friday. $$G $5000. In 4 sections. Open: $800-400-300, top U2200/Unr $300-
150. FIDE. Under 2000: $500-250-125, top U1800 $300-150. Under 1600:
$400-200-100, top U1400 $250-125. Under 1200: $300-150-75, top U1000 $125.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6

Nov. 28, California Southern
American Open Quick Chess Championship (QC)
5-SS (double round), G/10. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los Ange-
les, CA 90045. $$1000: $250-150; U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, Unr.
each $100 (Unrated eligible only for Open and Unr. prize). EF: $30 received by
11/25, $35 at site. Reg closes 8 pm. Rounds: 8:15-9-9:45-10:30-11:15. Dou-
ble bye (1 pt) available for round 1. Enter: www.americanopen.org or American
Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412,
randallhough@yahoo.com.
payable to Michael Atkins -Info-(no e-mail entries!) matkins2@cox.net.
http://members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub/champ09.htm. NS, W, FIDE. WCL
JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10
Dec. 6, New Jersey
ICA Early Winter 2009 Open Championship
Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages
With Rating over 1400. 4SS, G/60. U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required.
Prize Fund ($$ b/40): 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600
each $100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6

Nov. 28, Connecticut
3rd Saturday Open
CH Booth Library, 25 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470, 100 yds. south of Flagpole
on Rte.25. In 2 sections: Open: 3SS, G/60, Prizes: $200-100,Top U1900 $100;
All Gtd. Multiple prizes are possible. Rds.: 10:15, 12:30, 2:45. Under 1600/Unr.:
4SS, G/45, Prizes: $100 Gtd. Unrated may not win more than $50. Trophies to
Top 2 U1200. Rds.: 10:15-11:45-1:30-3:15. EF: Both Sections: $20 if recd by
Will Not Be Reduced Below 70 %. Reg Ends at 9 AM. Late Entrants Will Receive
1/2 Point Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Dec 2nd) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free
Entry. INFO: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: Diana@icanj.net (Web Site
Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make
EF and/or USCF Membership checks payable to: International Chess
Academy. Mail to: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646.
NS, NC, W.
A Heritage Event!

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)

11/25, $30 at door. Reg.: 9:30-10. Ent: Glenn Budzinski, 1 Black Cherry Lane, Dec. 11-13, 19-20, New York
Sandy Hook, CT 06482. Questions only: licensingagent@yahoo.com. May be
limited to first 50 players. NS, NC, W. Edward Lasker Memorial and 93rd Annual Marshall Chess Club
A Heritage Event! Championship

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6

Nov. 29, Massachusetts
Pillsbury Memorial
4SS, G/60. Leominster Veterans Association, 100 West Street, Leominster, MA
(formerly Boys & Girls Club). $$1350 b/45 fully paid entries, 75% guaranteed.
In 3 sections: Open: $300-$150, U2100 $75. Under 1900: $250-$125, U1750
$75. Under 1600: $200-$100, U1300 $75. EF: $39 postmarked by 11/23 or online
(PayPal) at www.MassChess.org by 11/27; $45 on site. Discounts: Seniors
(65+): $10 off; additional family members: $10 off (first family member pays
full entry fee). Limit one discount per player. No credit cards on site (cash or
check OK). No phone or e-mail entries. Reg.: 8:30-9:30. Rds.: 10-1-3:15-5:30.
Bye: limit one, any round, if requested with entry. Memb. reqd: MACA ($12 adult,
$6 junior under 18). WMCA, OSA. Ent: Online at www.MassChess.org or mail
9-SS, 40/120, SD/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716. Open
to members and nonmembers rated 2200+, qualifiers from Marshall Amateur
Championship Dec.4-6, and seeded players. $$4500 Gtd: $2000-$1000-$500-
$350-$100, U 2400/unr $250, U 2300 $200, U 2200 $100. PLUS: Edward
Lasker Memorial Brilliancy Prize $300. Title of 2009 Marshall Chess Club
Champion to highest-scoring Club member. EF: $125, members $100 if received
by 12/10, all $20 more at site. No phone entries. GM EF returned upon com-
pletion of tournament; 2 Schedules: 5-Day, Reg.: 4:30 5:30pm 12/11;
rounds 6pm 12/11, 11:30&6PM 12/12, 11&5:30PM 12/13, 12/19, 12/20. 4-
Day Schedule: Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM 12/12 Rd.1 (G/30) 10 AM, then merge with
5-Day.Two byes available, must request at registration, no byes on 12/20. FIDE.
IM/GM norms may be possible, must play five day schedule with no byes. WCL
JGP.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)

check (payable to MACA) to Ken Ballou, 27 Fenway Drive, Framingham, MA Dec. 12, New York
01701-4012. Info: George Mirijanian, 978-345-5011, or PillsburyInfo2009@
MassChess.org. Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix
4SS RDS. 1 & 2 G/60, RDS. 3 & 4 G/90 @RCC (GTD) $150-90-60 class $80. Reg.:
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Nov. 29, New York
8:30-9:15. RDS.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30 EF: $30 Adv Ent/Info: Rochester Chess Cen-
Grandmaster Challenge (QC) ter, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester, NY 14610. (585)442-2430. WCL JGP.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20

6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5). Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716, lim-
ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes:
limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing
and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
Dec. 12-13, Pennsylvania
Delaware Valley Open Championship
5SS, G/90 (U/1000 section: G/40), Rds.: Sat 10-1:30-5, Sun 10-1:30 (U/1000
section: Rds. Sat 10-11:30-1:30-2:50-4:10). The Philadelphia School, 2501
Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. 3 Sections ($$G 2,700). Championship:
EF $60 by 12/6; $70 by noon 12/11; $80 on-site. $500-300-200, top U/2200,
U/2000, U/1800 each $150-100. U/1600: EF $50 by 12/6; $60 by noon 12/11;

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 59

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Tournament Life

Unrated may not win over $150 in U1200 or $300 in U1600. EF: 3-day $83, 2- 3-day reg. ends 12/27 4 pm, rds 12/27 5-8:30, 12/28 11-2:30-6, 12/29 10- Reg.: Sun. 12/27: 10-12 noon, 12/26: 5-6pm. Rds.: 12/27: 1-7:30, 12/28 &
day $82 mailed by 12/18, all $84 online at chesstour.com by 12/23, $86 4:30. Bye: all, limit 4, limit 2 in last 4 rounds; Open must commit before rd 2, 12/29: 11-6, 12/30: 10-4:30. Byes available any round but rds 6-8 must com-
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 12/23 (entry only, no questions), $90 at site. $50 others before rd 4. HR: $96-96, 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase mit before rd 3. Limit 2 byes for class and improved player prizes. New Side
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14

less to unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry.
Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid
at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $50; not available in Open. GMs
free, $60 deducted from prize. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. 3-day
schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10:30 am, rds. Sat 11-6, Sun 11-6, Mon 9-3:15. 2-day
schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9:30 am, rds Sun 10-1-3-3:30-6, Mon 9-3:15. Bye:
all, limit 2, must commit before rd 3. HR: $105-105, 888-999-4711, 518-584-
4000, reserve by 12/12 or rate may increase. Car rental: 800-331-1600, use
AWD D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continen-
tal Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Inquiries: www.chesstour.com,
845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service charge
if not reserved by 11/22, all rooms in chess block may sell out about 11/1. Free
parking (garage at adjacent Paris Las Vegas Hotel is most convenient). Car
rental: for special Avis rate reserve car through chesstour.com or call 800-331-
1600, use AWD #657633. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added
to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or
Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of mul-
tiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings
may be expelled. US player ratings: December list used; FIDE ratings not used.
Special rules: In round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or more and their
opponents may not use headphones, earphones, or cellphones or go to a dif-
ferent floor of the hotel without Director permission, and must submit to a search
Event: Warm up for the tourney by playing GM Alex Ivanov in a Simul on Dec
26 at 6 pm. Only $20 for registered players, $30 for non-registered players.
You select color and opening. Quads Side Event: 3-RR Quads on 12/27,
12/28, & 12/30. EF: $30 $$ $80 each quad. Quad 12/27: G/60, Reg: 1:30-2:15,
Rds: 2:30-5-8. Quads 12/28 and 12/30: G/75, Reg: 9:30-10:15, Rds: 10:30-
2-5. HR: Only $79! Call 202-429-1700 by 12/4 and ask for this very low rate.
Ent: Make checks or money orders payable to Eastern Open. Mail entries to:
Tom Beckman, PO Box 42225, Washington DC 20015-2225. Please include
Name, USCF# & Exp, Rating, Section, Entry Fee, Email, and Phone. Info only,
tombeckman@rcn.com or http://members.cox.net/tournaments/eo_09.h-
tm. WCL JGP.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10

for refunds. WCL JGP. for electronic devices if requested by Director. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Dec. 29, District of Columbia
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658.
An American Classic!
Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, Nevada Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC)

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)

19th (not 18th) annual North American Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-4 G/75). Ballys Casino Resort, 3645 Las
Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89103. $$ 120,000 based on 600 paid entries
(seniors count as 3/4 entries, re-entries & GMs as half entries, U1000/Unr Sec-
tion as 1/5, else in proportion; $90,000 minimum (75% each prize) guaranteed.
No unrateds in U1300, U1500, or U1700 sections. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-
5000-2500-1200-1000-800-600-500-400-400, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak
bonus $200, 2300-2499 $2500-1200, U2300/Unr $2500-1200. FIDE. Under
2100/Unr: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400, no unrated
may win over $2000. Under 1900/Unr: $8000-4000-2000-1500-1000-800-
600-500-400-400, no unrated may win over $1000. Under 1700: $8000-
4000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-400. Under 1500: $6000-3000-1500-
1000-800-700-600-500-400-400. Under 1300: $6000-3000-1500-1000-800-
700-600-500-400-400. Under 1000/Unr: $1000-600-500-400-300-200, no
unrated may win over $200. Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played
as of 12/09 list may not win over $1500 U1300, $2500 U1500 or U1700.
Games rated too late for 12/09 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over
section maximum on any list 12/08-11/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Balance of any
limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day $244, 3-day $243
mailed by 10/15, 4-day $274, 3-day $273 mailed by 12/12. Online EF: $245
Dec. 27, New York
Grandmaster Challenge
6-SS G/25 (G/20, D/5). Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-3716, lim-
ited to first 64 entries. EF: $35 over 55/under 18, $45 others, $10 less to
Marshall members (free buffet for participants.) GMs free, $25 deducted from
prize. Reg. ends 11:45 am. G$$350-250-150-100-75-50, $100 U2400, $100
U2200, $75 U2000, $50 U1800, top over 55$=age, top under 18 $=3x age, top
scoring female ($=# of players.) Rds.: 12-1:15-2:30-4:00-5:15-6:30. Byes:
limit 2, request before Round 3. Quick rated; regular ratings used for pairing
and prize purposes. Additional class prize $500 2800+, $250 2700+.
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100
Dec. 27-30, District of Columbia
36th Annual Eastern Open
8-SS. $17,000 Unconditionally Guaranteed Prizes. Over 60 prizes! Class
prizes for each 100 points! Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel, Thomas
Circle, 1400 M St. NW, Washington, DC. TC: 40/2, SD/1. 5 Sections: Open Sec-
tion: 2,000-1,250-750, U2400 $500-250, U2300/Unr $500-250. FIDE Rated.
Under 2200 Section: $1,000-500-250, U2100 $300, U2000 $250. Under 1900
Section: $1,000-500-250, U1800 $300, U1700 $250. Under 1600 Section:
Westin Washington DC City Center Hotel, 1400 M St. NW, Washington, DC. 5-
Rd Double Swiss, See Eastern Open TLA for hotel details. TC: G/5 in One
Section: Open $$1200 B/40 (top 3 in Open G) $$: Open: $350-$200-$150 (G)
U2200-$140, U1900 - $125 U1600 - $115, U1300 - $110. EF: $35 if Recd by
12/22, $45 at site, only cash entries. Mail will not be checked after 12/24 so
do not send late entries! At Site Reg: Any time during tournament and 12/29
until 10:15PM. Rds will start 10:30p promptly and successive rounds posted
as soon as they are ready. One bye allowed for two-1/2 points, only for late
entry. Higher of USCF and Quick used for pairings and prizes. Make check
payable and send to: Michael Atkins, send to PO Box 6138, Alexandria, VA
22306, http://members.cox.net/tournaments/eoblitz.htm.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Dec. 29, Nevada
North American Blitz (QC)
5-SS, G/5 (double round,10 games). Ballys Las Vegas (see North American
Open). $$G 2500. In 2 sections: Open: $400-200-150, top U2400/Unr $240-120,
U2200 $220-110. Under 1800: $300-150-100, top U1600 $180-100, U1400 $150,
U1200 $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.
10:45-11:30-12-12:30-1. Bye: 1.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)

online at chesstour.com by 10/15, $275 by 12/19, $300 12/20 until two hours
before round=2 01. Phoned EF: $250 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 10/15 (no
questions), $280 by 12/19. No phone entry after 12/19. EF at site: $300. Spe-
cial EF: Seniors over 65 in Under 1300 or above, $70 less. Re-entry $120; not
available in Open Section. GMs $150 from prize. U1000/Unr Section EF: 4-day
$64, 3-day $63 if mailed by 12/12, $65 online at chesstour.com by 12/19, $70
phoned by 12/19 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $80 at site. $30 less
to unrated. All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 year USCF dues
with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 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.
$1,000-500-250, U1500 $300, U1400 $250. Under 1300 section: $750-400-200,
U1150/Unr $200. Max prize for unrated players is $250. New Special Prizes!
Most Improved Player: $250-150 in each of the top 3 sections, performance
rating versus current rating, and won no other section prize. Play up, play well,
and win $. Upset: $50 per round in each of the top 4 sections, max 2 prizes
per player. Best Played Game: Open: $100 in each of last 2 Rds; U2200: $50
in each of last 2 Rds. Submitted games must be annotated. Entry Fee if
received by Dec 15: Open: $125; U2200: $110; U1900: $100; U1600: $100;
U1300: $80; Unrated: $50. Entries $20 more at site! Reentry $60 and limited
to rounds 2-4. GMs: free entry, but $125 deducted from any prize; IMs: $50
advance entry, but $75 deducted from any prize. No credit cards accepted. Site
Dec. 31, New York
(23rd Annual!) Your Last Blunder Of 2009!
4-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. $25, GMs free ($20 from
prize), specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ 920 b/40 paid
entries, minimum half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $110,
U2000 $100, U1800 $95.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 pm. Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 12/29; phone entry
a Big Blunder!

CHECK OUT USCFS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS

USCFs 62nd ANNUAL USCFs 6th ANNUAL

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

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

60 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

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World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)

Jan. 2, Pennsylvania
2010 New Year LVCA Grand Prix
4SS, G/90. St. James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF:
$40, LVCA Members $30, $$200-100 guaranteed to top 2, more per paid
entries. FREE ENTRY TO UNRATEDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues. Up to two
1/2 pt byes with advanced notice (if declared before round 3). REG.: Ends 10am.
RDS.: 10-1:30-4:45-7:45. Ent/Info: Check payable: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden
St., Fl 1, Bethlehem, PA 18018. 610-625-0467 or bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org/.
Mail Reg by 12/28 to enter to win a Saitek Competition Chess Clock. WCL
JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jan. 2-3 or 3, New York
site, on-line entry: www.westernchess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835
N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS. NC. F. State Championship Qual-
ifier. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jan. 9, New York
New York Winter Game/45!
5-SS, G/45. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10 St., bet. 5-6 Ave., NYC:
845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries, minimum
half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100. Limit
2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 12-2-
3:45-5:30-7:15 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at
www.chesscenter.cc thru 1/7; $10 extra to enter by phone!
$1500-750-250. U2400 $500. Reg.: 1/15: 6:00-7:00 pm. Rds.: 7:20 pm, 12:30
pm - 5:15 pm, 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 1 bye if requested before round 2. Park on
metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass
at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitors parking. Due to con-
truction, check website for parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn
Suites Richardson, 250 Municipal Dr., Richardson,TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR:
$79 for 1 bedroom will pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bed-
room plus pullout couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems
booking your room, please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel
room. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crow-
ley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000. INFO: Barb Swafford, info@dallaschess.com
www.swchess.com. NS, NC. FIDE. WCL JGP.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)

Happy New Year Open!
4-SS, 30/90, SD/1. Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W. 10 St., bet. 5th-
6th Ave., NYC: 845-569-9969. $$ 1,200 b/60 paid entries, minimum half each
prize Gtd. May be limited to 1st 62 entries! 2 sections, Open. $$ 400-200-
100, U2200/unr. $100. FIDE. Under 2000. $$ 200-100, U1800 $100, $100 unr.
prize limit. Both, EF: $45, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), spec-
ified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry at www.chess
center.cc thru 12/31. 2 options: 2-Day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day
(rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun., merge rd 3. 2 byes max, com-
mit by rd 2. Reg. ends 15 min. before game. Re-entry $20, counts half. Foreign
unr. must enter Open. CCA Ratings may be used. EF $10 extra by phone! WCL
JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 10 (enhanced)
Jan. 8-Feb. 5, New York
Queens Winter Open
5-SS, G/120. All Saints Lutheran Church, 164-02 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, NY
11432. EF: $40, $35 at site, $5 less to QCC members. $$200-$100 guaranteed
to top 2, more per entries. Up to two 1/2 pt byes ok with advance notice (byes
for Rounds 4 and/or 5 must be declared before Round 3). REG.: 7:30-8:00. RDS.:
8:15 each Friday. ENT (mail by 1/2): Ed Frumkin, 445 E 14th St #10D, NYC
10009 (212-677-3224 before 10pm and before 5pm on Fri). WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, Florida
Central Florida Class Championships
G/120 (2-day: Rd.1 G/60). Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel, 60 South Ivan-
hoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804. $$7000/ b130, 60% Guaranteed. 6 Sections:
OPEN: $1000-400-200, U2200 $150, U2100 $100. Class A: $600-300, U1900
$150. Class B: $600-300, U1700 $150. Class C: $600-300, U1500 $150. Class
D: $600-300, U1300 $150. U1200: $500-300, U1000 $100, U800 $50. Rated play-
ers may play up one class only. Unrateds limited to $50 unless Place prize in
OPEN. EF: 3-day $69, 2-day $68 by Jan 2, both $80 later and on-site. Re-entry
$40. $15 less to students in grades K-8 in U1200 section. CFCC memb discount:
$15 ($5 for Jr/Sr memb).Trophies to top in each section (& Class X) also Class
F, G, H, I, J & Unr in U1200 having more than one entry. Trophies and titles
limited to Florida residents. FCA membs eligible for FL GP Awards. Reg.: ends
1/2 hr before 1st rd. Rd.1: 8pm Fri (2-day: 10am Sat at G/60). Rds.: 2-5: Sat
1 & 6, Sun 9 & 2. 1/2 pt. byes if reqd before rd. 2 (max 2). HR: $79 (888) 627-
8525 or (407) 425-4455; (Mention Chess). Reserve by Dec 30. Complimentary
parking voucher & internet with sleeping rooms; other parking at $5 per day.
Ent: CFCC, c/o Harvey Lerman, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751; or
online: 2010CFclass.eventbrite.com. Info: 407-629-6946 or www.centralflchess.
org. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, California Northern
Golden State Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option rds. 1-2 G/75, 2-day option rds. 1-4 G/35, no
2-day Open Section.) Under 900 Section plays separate 2-day schedule Jan
17-18 only, G/35. At Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA
94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord BART
station. Free parking. $$60,000 based on 450 paid entries (re-entries &
U900 Section count as 1/3 entries), minimum guarantee $40,000 (2/3 each
prize). Open, open to all. $$4000-2200-1300-1000-800-700-600-500-400-400,
clear or tiebreak winner $300, top U2400 $2000-1000. FIDE. Under 2200: $3000-
1500-800-700-600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 2000: $3000-1500-800-700-
600-500-400-300-200-200. Under 1800: $3000-1500-800-700-600-500-400-300-
200-200. Under 1600: $2500-1300-700-600-500-400-300-300-200-200. Under
1400: $2000-1000-700-500-400- 300-200-200. Under 1200: $2000-1000-700-
500-400-300-200-200. Under 900: $800-400-200-150-100-80-70. Prize limits:
1) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) may enter any section, with maximum
prize U900 $200, U1200 $400, U1400 $600, U1600 $900, U1800 $1200, U2000
$1500. 2) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated may not win over $400
in U900, $800 in U1200 or $1200 in U1400. 3) If more than 30 points above sec-
tion maximum on any list 1/09-12/09, prize limit $1000. 4) Balance of any limited
prize goes to next player(s) in line. Top 7 sections EF: 4-day $174, 3-day $173,

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 40
Jan. 8-10, California Southern
2010 Century West Open
5-SS, 3-day 40/2, SD/1, 2-day rds 1-2 G/60 then merges. LAX Hilton, 5711 W.
Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. $$10,000 b/200, 50% of each prize guar-
anteed. In 3 sections: Open: $$1500-1000-800-400-200, U2400 200, U2300 200,
U2200 750-500-300, U2100 200, U2000 200. EF $83 by 1/8, $95 door. Premier
(U1900: $$750-500-300-100, U1700 500-300-200. EF: $83 by 1/8, $95 door.
Amateur (U1500): $$400-250-100, U1300 100-50, U1100 100, Unr 100. EF: $67
by 1/8, $80 door. Reg.: 5:30-6:30 1-8, 9-10 1/9. Rds.: 3-day: 7, 10:30-5, 10-
4:30. 2-day: 10:30-1 (G/1), then merges with 3-day at 5. All: SCCF membership
req. ($18 re, $10 jr). $25 Best Game prize, all sections eligible. 1 half-point bye
rds 1-4 if requested at least 1 round in advance. HR: $99, (310) 410-4000, use
Group Code CWO. Parking $8/day. Info: admin@westernchess.com. Web
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50 (enhanced)
Jan. 15-17, Texas
JGs Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters
5SS, G/90 with 30 sec increment. Student Union Galaxy Rooms at The Univer-
sity of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080. Open to
1.) players rated 2200 and above or who have been rated 2200 on any
crosstable on MSA or 2.) any Fide rated over 2000/Fide titled player and 3.)
players who do not meet previous criteria can play by paying a hefty entry fee.
FIDE rated. Please do not mail entries after January 6. You may register on
active.com until Jan 12th. EF: USCF +2400 $50, USCF 2200-2400 or fide rated
$90, otherwise $200. Fide GMs Free. Online Registration (note that
Active.com charges fee.): www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=
1796624. TCA Memb. reqd: Regular $11, Jr/Student $8.50, No Magazine $5,
Family $16. OSA. USCF Membership Required. $$b/20:75% Guaranteed.
2-day $172 mailed by 1/7, all $175 online at chesstour.com by 1/12, $180 phoned
to 406-896-2038 by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $200 at site. GMs free; $150
deducted from prize. Under 900 Section EF: $52 mailed by 1/7, $55 online
at chesstour.com by 1/12 (entry only, no questions), $60 phoned to 406-896-
2038 by 1/12, $70 at site. All: Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid
with entry. Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned
or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed
EF $5 less to rated CalChess members. 4-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6:15
pm, rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule:
Reg. Sat to 10:15 am, rds Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day
schedule: Reg Sun to 9:15 am, rds Sun 10-12-2-4-6, Sun 10-4:30, not avail-
able for Open Section. Under 900 schedule: Reg. Sun to 9:15 am, rds. Sun.
10-12-2-4, Mon. 10-12-2. Byes: OK all; Open must commit before rd 2, others
before rd 4; limit 3 byes in Open. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS

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

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 61

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Tournament Life

4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Foreign player ratings: 10-12-2-4, Mon 10-12-2. Bye: all, limit 3, Open must commit before rd 2, oth- Schedule: Reg. Fri. 5-6:30pm, Rds. 7pm; Sat. 10-5:30; Sun. 9-3:30. 2-day: Reg.
See chesstour.com. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may ers before rd 4. HR: $95-95-95-95, 215-448-2000, reserve by 1/1 or rate may Sat. 9-10:30am, Rds. 11-2-5:30; Sun 9-3:30. Ent: FOTK Chess Club, 2720 Air-
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: increase. Parking: $8/day chess rate with guest room at Sheraton, $15/day port Dr., Columbus, OH 43219. Info: grant@neilley.com, www.neilley.com/chess,
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14

chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box
661776, Arcadia, CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance
entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
A Heritage Event!
chess rate without guest room, parking lot 1 block from hotel may be less than 614-314-1102. WCL JGP.
$15. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve through
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Jan. 29-31, Virginia
chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Ques-
tions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. Springfield Open
Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. 5SS, Rd 1 Friday G/120, Rds 2-5 30/90 SD/60 $$ 2,200 (top three G) b/80.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)

Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Pennsylvania
42nd annual Liberty Bell Open
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/40). U900 Sec-
tion plays 1/17-18 only, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts.,
Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section counts 1/3, GMs
1/2), else in proportion, except minimum 60% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006
to 2009, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000
projected prize fund was increased. In 8 sections. Open: $2000-1000-500-300-
200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, 2300-2399 $800-400, U2300/Unr
$800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000-
600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500:
$1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1300: $700-400-200-150-100. Under 1100:
$700-400-200-150-100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40, trophies to top 10.
Unrated may enter any section, but may not win over $100 in U900, $200 in
U1100, $300 U1300, $400 U1500, $500 U1700, or $600 U1900. Top 5 sections
EF: 4 day $99, 3 day $98, 2 day $97 mailed by 1/7, all $100 online at chess-
tour.com by 1/11, $105 phoned by 1/11 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions),
$120 (no checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize.
U1300, U1100 Sections EF: All $20 less. U900 Section EF: $32 mailed by 1/7,
$33 online by 1/11, $35 phoned by 1/11, $40 at site. All: Unofficial uschess.org
ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com,
Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young
Adult $30. Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re-entry (except Open
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 20
Jan. 23-24, California Southern
Orange County Open
5SS, Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4 & 5 40/2, SD/1 (No time delay). Hanley Chess Acad-
emy, 7390 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. 92646. $$5,000 b/120, 50% of
each prize guaranteed. One Section: Open: 1000-500-300-200,Top X: 400-225-
125, U2000: 250-125-75, U1800: 250-125-75, U1600: 250-125-75, U1400:
250-125-75, U1200/UNR: 250-125-75. EF: $55 if received by 10/22, $65 door.
On-line entry: www.hanleychessacademy.org. No checks entries at door. All:
One half point bye if requested with entry, rds 4-5 cannot be revoked. Reg.:
8:30am-9:30am Sat 1/23. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Info:
refchess@gmail.com. Ent: Hanley Chess Academy, c/o Joe Hanley, 7390 Cen-
ter Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646. NS. NC. F. Side Event: Hexes on 1/24;
3SS G/90. EF: $25. Reg.: 9:30am-10:15am. Prizes: $50-$25-$15 in each Hex.
Rds.: 10:30-2-5. WCL JPG.
A Heritage Event!
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 30 (enhanced)
Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, Ohio
33rd Cardinal Open
Concourse Hotel, 4300 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219, free
parking, $79/night chess rate thru 1/8. 5-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day rds 1&2
G/75). Max 2 byes rds 1-4. Sets provided, bring clocks. $$6,800 b/126 pd entries,
re-entries & U1200 students = 1/2. 5 Sections: Open (FIDE) $1000-600-400,
U2300 $500-250 U2200 $300-100, U2000 $700-350-200, U1800 $600-300-150,
Holiday Inn Express, 6401 Brandon Ave., Springfield, VA. 22150. Conveniently
located at the junction of I-95, I-495 and I-395. AMAZING renovations to the
hotel since last tnmt here!! Ph: at 1-877-834-3613 Ask for chess rate and men-
tion NoVa Chess HR: $79 reserve before Jan 15, 2009. One section: Open:
$550-350-200 (G); top X/A/B/C/D and top U1200 each $170, top Unrated $100.
Reg.: Fri, Jan 29: 5pm - 7:45 PM. Rounds: Fri 8pm Sat. 10-4, Sunday 10-3:30
pm. One 1/2 pt bye all, must declare before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. EF: $50
if recd by Jan 22, 2009, $60 later and at site. Ent: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138,
Alexandria VA 22306. Make checks to Michael Atkins. Email Information:
matkins2@cox.net, NO E-MAIL ENTRIES Web: http://members.cox.net/tourna
ments/springfield.htm. W, NS, FIDE. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15 (enhanced)
Feb. 26-28, New York
4th annual Saratoga Open
5SS, 30/90, SD/1. Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles
north on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. $$G 1200. In 2 sections: Open:
$$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$ 150-90-50, U1600
100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/19, $53 online at chesstour.com by 2/23,
$55 phoned by 2/23, $65 at site. Reg. ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-4:30,
Sun 9-2:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-
117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48
hours notice required for room cancellation. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box
249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chess-
tour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 80 (enhanced)

Section) $80. 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun U1500 $500-250, U1200 $400-200 & trophies top 5 students. Unrated prize Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, Massachusetts
11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds.Sat 11-2:30-6, limit $150 any section except Open. EF: $80 if received by 1/28, then $90; stu-
Sun 11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12- dents in U1200 $30 less; re-entry $40 (not in Open). Free to IM/GM, $80 19th annual Eastern Class Championships
2-4-6, Mon 10-4:30. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds Sun deducted from winnings. OCA membership required of OH residents. 3-day 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 Section is 6 rounds

Membership Appreciation Program (MAP)

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

Overall Affiliate Standings Adult Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 589 CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 541
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 576 JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 141
BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 249 DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 88
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 232 THE ATLANTA CHESS & GAME CNTR GA 78
SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 204 MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 76
DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 201 SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 69
CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW CA 167 MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 68
SILVER KNIGHTS PA 159 CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK NY 67
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 152 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 57
CHESS NUTS FL 149 SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 52

Small State Affiliate Standings Scholastic and Youth Memberships Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 152 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 519
METRO CHESS DC 81 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 220
SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS FOUNDATION SD 23 BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 208
NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG NM 23 CHESS CLUB, OAK VIEW CA 167
AIRLINE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ME 21 SCHOLASTIC CHESS OF INDIANA IN 152
WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB DE 20 SILVER KNIGHTS PA 144
WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL NH 20 RIDERWOOD CHESS CLUB MD 135
RELYEA CHESS NH 18 CHESS NUTS FL 135
MESA CHESS CLUB NM 13 LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 122
COASTAL MAINE SCHOLASTIC CHESS ME 12 CAJUN CHESS LA 116

State Chapter Affiliate Standings Member Standings

Name State Count Name State Count
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 283 DOCKERY, JOHN T FL 26
PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 181 DIXON, MARK A TX 22
MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 108 NAVARRO, DANIEL A TX 20
MASSACHUSETTS CHESS ASSOC MA 95 CHRISMER, GARIE L TX 20
MARYLAND CHESS ASSOCIATION MD 77 BERRY, FRANK K OK 19
NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 70 RYAN, BEN J NE 17
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN NH 48 CLARK, MIKE MO 16
GEORGIA CHESS ASSOCIATION GA 29 WILLIS, MARVIN, P CA 15
TENNESSEE CHESS ASSOCIATION TN 25 MCDONALD, THOMAS D TX 13
UTAH CHESS ASSOCIATION UT 24 ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER IA 13

PCT Gain Standings

State Dec08 Sep09 Pct State Dec08 Sep09 Pct State Dec08 Sep09 Pct State Dec08 Sep09 Pct
MT 76 84 10.5 IN 1609 1663 3.4 NE 295 304 3.1 DC 247 248 0.4
NV 809 874 8.0 TN 1598 1650 3.3 AR 278 285 2.5
LA 601 630 4.8 SC 527 544 3.2 MS 278 285 2.5

62 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r8:chess life 10/12/2009 3:49 PM Page 63

playing March 6-7 only, G/75. Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366 Main St., Sturbridge,
MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid
entries (re-entries count half, U900 one-third), minimum $12,000 (60% of each
prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300,
clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert
(2000-2199): $1400-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-300.
Class B: $1400-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-300-200. Class
D (1200-1399): $1200-600-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $800-400-200-
100. Under 900: $200-100-60-40. Rated players may play up one section.
Unrated may enter U900 through A, with prize limits: U900 $100, E $200, D
$300, C $400, B $500, A $600. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day
$108, 2-day $107 mailed by 2/25, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/2, $110
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/2 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs
free, $90 deducted from prize. Class E EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70
less. No checks at site, credit cards OK. All: Unofficial uschess.org ratings based
$70,000 (70% of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-
2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-400, clear first bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449
$3000-1500-700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2
on tiebreak play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100,
Under 1900, Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-
300-300. Under 1500, Under 1300: each $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-
400-300-300. Under 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize lim-
its: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/10 list may not win
over $500 in U1000, $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late
for 4/10 list not counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on
any USCF rating supplement 4/09-3/10, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 life-
time games rated) cannot win over $200 in U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500,
$1200 U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Unofficial uschess.org ratings
based on 4 or more games used if otherwise unrated. 4) Balance of limited prize
goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day $204,
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 mul-
tiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings
may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings used; May FIDE rat-
ings used for Open Section. 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: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 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. WCL JGP (except U1000).
A Heritage Event!
An American Classic!

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)

on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues
with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young
Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry
$60; not available in Open Section. MACA memb. ($12, under 18 $6) required
for MA residents; WMCA accepted for western MA res. 3-day schedule:
Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg
ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends
Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Master
must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 800-582-3232, 508-
347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/19 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. Ques-
tions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service
charge for refunds. WCL JGP.
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, California Southern
17th annual Western Class Championships
Note corrections: 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75), Under 900 Sec-
tion is 6 rounds. G/75 playing Mar 13-14 only. Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel,
30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit).
Adjacent to the Santa Monica 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, U900 count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each
prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections. Master (over 2199): $2000-1000-500-300, clear
or tiebreak winner $100, 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): $1000-500-300-150. Class E (1000-1199): $1000-500-300-
150. Under 900: $300-150-100-50. Rated players may play up one section.
Unrated must play in A or below with maximum prize A $600, B $500, C $400,
D $300, E $200, U900 $100; balance goes line to next player(s) in line. Top 7
sections EF: 3-day $113, 2-day $112 mailed by 3/4, all $115 online at chess-
tour.com by 3/9, $120 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/9 (entry only, no questions),
$130 at site. Under 900 Section EF: 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. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry
(except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated Southern CA
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, Pennsylvania
3-day $203 if mailed by 1/13; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223 mailed by
3/23; all $250 at site. PSCF members may deduct $3 from mailed EF only. No
38th Annual World Open
checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207 by 1/13, $227
9 SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Open
by 3/29, $250 after 3/29 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038
Section plays 5-day July 1-5 or 7-day June 29-July 5 only. Under 900/Unr Sec-
(entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/13, $230 by 3/29. No phone entry after
tion plays separate 3-day schedule July 3-5 only, G/45. Valley Forge
3/29. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US
Convention Plaza (and Scanticon & Radisson Hotels), 1160 1st Ave., King
WGMs $100; $120 deducted from prize. EF $100 less for Under 1000 section.
of Prussia, PA 19406. Free parking. 20 miles west of Philadelphia (PA Turnpike
EF $70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Special 1 yr
to I-76 East to Exit 327, right on N Gulph Rd, right on 1st Ave, or from Philadel-
USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult
phia, I-76 West to Exit 328B-A, right on Mall Blvd, right on N. Gulph Rd., right
$30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult
on 1st Ave.). For shuttle info from Philadelphia Airport or 30th St train station,
$30. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open
call 800-559-2040 or 215-616-5370. All play in same room (brightly lighted exhibit
Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg. ends Wed 6 pm,
hall with capacity 1800 players). Radisson and Scanticon hotels are connected
rds. Wed. 7 pm, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day schedule:
to Convention Plaza. Prizes $250,000 based on 1100 paid entries (seniors, re-
(U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6,
entries, U1200 Section, GMs, WGMs count as 50% entries, rated players in U900
Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 10 am, rds
as 25% entries, Unrated in U900 or U1400 not counted), $175,000 minimum
Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to
(70% of each prize) guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam
U2100): Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds Sat. 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. Under
Palatnik; free GM lectures 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only
1000 schedule: Reg. ends Sat. 9 am, rds. Sat. 10. 12. 2, 3:45, Sun. 10, 12, 2.
for Open, Under 2400, Under 1400 or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-
4-day, 3-day, & 2-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: all; limit 4
2500-1200-1000-800-700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top FIDE U2500
(limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd 2, others before rd 4. Bring
$2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 11:30 pm 7/5
sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-448-
for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms possible. FIDE rated. Under 2400/Unr:
2000, reserve by 3/23 or rate may increase. Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600,
$13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600- 500, top U2300 $2000-1000.
use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. Foreign player
IM norms may be possible. FIDE rated. Under 2200: $13000-7000-3000-
ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other
2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000-1000. Under 2000:
foreign, no points added to CFC, PR or Jamaica. Some foreign ratings not
$13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1900 $2000-1000.
accepted for U1900 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Play-
Under 1800: $13000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1700
ers who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player
$2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-
ratings: April list used; FIDE ratings used in Open Section. Special rules: Play-
500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400/Unr: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-
ers must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In
900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800, top Unrated $200-100, no unrated
round 3 or after, players with scores of 80% or over and their opponents may
may win over $400. Unrateds may be paired against each other in later rounds,
not use headphones, earphones or cellphones or go to a different floor of the
even with different scores. Under 1200: $5000-2500-1200-1000-800-700-
hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury
600-500-400-300, top U1050 $1000-500. Under 900/Unr: $1000-600-400-300-
Mills, NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may
300-300-200-200-200-200, no unrated may win over $200. Prize limits: 1) Play-
request lowest possible section if April rating unknown. $15 service charge
ers with under 26 games played as of 7/10 list may not win over $500 in U900,
for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP
$1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 or U1600. Games rated too late for 7/10 list not
(except U1000).
counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over section max-
An American Classic! imum any month 7/09-6/10 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of any limited

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 300 (enhanced)

residents. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun 10-4:15.
2-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 10-4:15. U900
schedule: Reg Sat to 9:30 am, rds 10-1-4 each day. Byes: OK all rds, limit 2;
Master must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220,
reserve by Mar 3 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use
AWD #D657633. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental
Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. $15 service charge for with-
drawals. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, Illinois
19th annual Chicago Open
Open Section, May 27-31: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1, GM & IM norms possible. Under
1300 to Under 2100, May 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day
option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). Under 1000, May 30-31:
7SS, G/40. Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave.,
Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwau-
prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day $307, 5-day
$305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day $315, 4-day
$314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day $324, 3-day
$323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry at chess-
tour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24 until 2
hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325 by
5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24. GMs
free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; $150 EF deducted from prize.

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 100 (enhanced)

Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, Missouri
14th annual Mid-America Open
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75). Under 900 is 6 rounds playing
March 20-21 only, G/75. 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 Han-
ley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half, U900 Section
one-third), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sections:
Open: $2000-1000-500-300, clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top
U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2200: $1400-700-400-300. Under 2000: $1400-
700-400-300. Under 1800: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1600: $1200-600-300-
200. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200: $800-400-200-100. Under
900: $200-100-60-40. Unrated may enter any section, with prize limits: U900
$100, U1200 $200, U1400 $300, U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $600. Bal-
kee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south.) Free parking. $100,000
guaranteed prize fund. In 7 sections. Open: $10000-5000-2500-1200-1000-
700-600-500-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, FIDE 2300-2449 $3000-1500-
700, FIDE Under 2300/Unr $3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak
play speed game for title & bonus. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, Under
1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under 1500,
Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under 1000:
$1000-600-400-300-300-300-200-200-200-200. Prize limits: 1) Players with
under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/10 list may not win over $500 U1000,
$1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/10 list not counted.
2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/09-4/10, prize
limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $200 in
U1000, $400 U1300, $800 U1500, $1200 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth-
EF $150 less to all in U1200 Section and rated seniors over 65 in Under 1400
& above. Under 900/Unr Section EF: $78 if mailed by 6/17, $80 online at chess-
tour.com by 6/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no
questions), $100 at site. Special EF to unrated in U900 or U1400 Sections:
$28 mailed by 6/17, $30 online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $35 phoned to 406-
896-2038 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions), $40 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 6/30. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid
with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed,
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. 5-day schedule:Thu 7 pm,
Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm, Mon 10 am & 5 pm.
7-day schedule: Tue-Thu each 7 pm, Fri-Sat each 6 pm, Sun 11 am & 6 pm,
Mon 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Fri 11, 2:30 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11 &
6, Mon 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Sat 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sun 11 & 6, Mon

ance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $108.50, 2-day $107.50 mailed
by 3/9, all $109 online at chesstour.com by 3/16, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038
by 3/16 (entry only, no questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $90 deducted from
prize. Under 1200 EF: All $20 less. Under 900 EF: all $70 less. All: No checks
at site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games
usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life
WA RN I N G !
erwise unrated. 4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 900/Unr
Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $200, 4-day $199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 schedule: Sat 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Sun 11, 1:30, 3:30 & 6, Mon 10 & 12:30. Half
mailed by 3/15; 5-day $220, 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day $217 mailed by 5/19;
all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chess-
tour.com: $203 by 3/15, $223 by 5/24, $250 after 5/24 until 2 hours before rd
1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $205 by 3/15, $225

CELL PHONE
if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20. Mailed, by 5/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/24. GMs, foreign

THE USE OF A
phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry $60; not available IMs, foreign WGMs free; $150 deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; $120
in Open Section. MCA memb. ($5) required for MO residents. 3-day sched- deducted from prize. EF $70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above
ule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule:

PROHIBITED!
sections. Under 1000 EF: $82 if mailed by 5/19, $83 online at chesstour.com
Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Under 900 schedule: Reg. by 5/24, $85 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/24 (entry only, no questions), $100

IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS

ends Sat. 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-12:30-3:15. Byes: OK all, limit 2; Open at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. ICA membership ($15, scholastic
must commit before rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314- $10) required for rated Illinois residents. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess
726-5400, request chess rate, reserve by 3/3 or rate may increase. Car Life if paid with entry: Online at chesstour.com, Adult $30, Young Adult $20.
rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through Mailed, phoned or paid at site, Adult $40, Young Adult $30. Re-entry: $100, no

AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. Ques- re-entry from Open Section to Open Section. 5-day schedule (Open only): Reg.
tions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. $15 service endsThu 6 pm, rdsThu 7 pm, Fri 11 & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day sched-
charge for refunds. WCL JGP. ule (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 11

World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced) IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Pennsylvania & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: (U1300 to U2100): Reg. ends Sat 10 am,
Rds. Sat 11, 2:30 & 6, Sun 11 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 to
GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY

Philadelphia Open
Open Section, Mar 31-Apr 4: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible.
U1300 to U2100, Apr 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-
2 G/75, 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/40). U1000, April 3-4: 7SS, G/40. Sheraton
City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Prizes $100,000
based on 650 paid entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-
entries, GMs, WGMs & foreign IMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum
TURN IT OFF!
U2100): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun 10, 12, 2, 3:45 & 6, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!
schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under 1000 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: $98-98-98-98, 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/14 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

uschess.org Chess Life November 2009 63

CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Tournament Life
point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), Open must commit before rd
2, others before rd 5. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game.
Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Scanticon or
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Radisson $99-99, 610-337-1200, ask for chess rate, may sell out about May 25,
two night minimum July 3-4. Backup hotel: Clarion, $99-99, 610-337-1800, ask
for chess rate, is the nearest hotel (0.8 miles) after Scanticon & Radisson sell
out. 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 ratings not
accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Play-
ers who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player
ratings: Official JULY ratings used; FIDE ratings (May list) used for Open Sec-
tion only. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games 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 over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones, 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, 845-496-9658. You may request lowest possible section
if July rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will
be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board, clock if possible- none sup-
plied. WCL JGP (except U900).
Regional
Alabama
Nov. 21, Birmingham Tornado
4SS, TC: G/75. Homewood Community Center 1632 Oxmoor Road, Home-
wood, AL 35209. OPEN ($375 b/15): $200-100-75; RESERVE (U1500; $320
b/15): $180-80-60; Late REG.: NOV 21st, 8-8:40am. Rds.: 9, 11:30, 2:30, 5.
EF: $30, if mailed by NOV 14th; $40 at site. SCHOLASTIC (K-12): 5SS, TC:
G/40. AMATEUR (UNR-999) and NOVICE (Not Rated). EF: $20/$10, If
mailed by NOV14th, $10 more at site. Trophy: Top 3 Individuals in each sec-
tion. Rds.: 9-10:30-12:30-2, 3:30. Checks payable to: Caesar Chess. ENT: Caesar
Chess, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 34-PMB 310, Birmingham, AL 35244. Info:
info@caesarchess.com / www.caesarchess.com. WCL JGP in Open and
Reserve.
Dec. 5-6, 8th Annual Dothan Open
See Grand Prix.
Arizona
Every Friday - Friday Night Action
SS G/30, Every Friday, Rounds 7, 8, 9, 10pm. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd
St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF: $35. 82% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-
4867.
Every Tuesday - Tuesday Night Action
SS 45/2 SD/1, 1 round every Tuesday of the month @ 7pm. Registration first
Tues. of month. Chess Emporium, 10801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85029. EF:
$35. 60% prize fund. ChessEmporium.com. 602-482-4867. WCL JGP.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open
(NV)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships (CA-
S)
See Grand Prix.
California Northern
Nov. 14, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #2
Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Info & Entry
Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads09-GP/Quads
FALL09-GP.html. 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.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, CalChess Annual State Championship 2009
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 5, Fresno County Championship
Dennys Restaurant, 30 E. Herndon Ave. (NE corner Blackstone/Herndon),
Fresno, CA 93720. In 2 Sections Open: 4SS, Game/60, Reserve (Under 1600):
4SS, Game/60, Open to 1599 & under. ALL: EF: $30 if received by 12/02/09;
$40 thereafter. Trophies. Reg.: 12/05 9:00-10:00. Rds.: 10:30 1:00 3:30 6:00.
1/2 pt bye available. ENT: Fresno Chess Club, 4085 N. Peach #166, Fresno,
CA 93727. Vaness French 559-243-6226, frenchchessman@sbcglobal.net.
INFO: TD Cell 559-967-3379. Event in quiet back meeting room; No analy-
sis in playing room. NS W.
Dec. 5, SCS Weibel Fall Scholastic Chess Quads #3
Weibel Elementary School, 45135 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA. Info & Entry
Form at: www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads09-GP/Quads
FALL09-GP.html. 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. 12, Reedley Chess for Kids
Thomas Law Reed School, 1400 N. Frankwood, Reedley, CA 93654. In 3 Sec-
tions, 9-12: 5SS, Game/30, 7-8: 5SS, Game/30, K-6: 5SS, Game/30, ALL: EF:
$13 pre-registered by mail or fax; $20 at the door. Individual andTeamTrophies.
Reg.: 8:30-9:20 AM. Rds.: Games start at 10; Rounds thereafter ASAP. ENT:
Chess for Kids, PO Box 27, Visalia, CA 93279. Fax 559-636-8045 Sequoia
chess@sbcglobal.net. INFO: Allan Fifield 559-734-2784; Cell 559-967-3379.
http://SequoiaChess.Com. Event includes Non Rated K-3 and 4-6 sections.
Food & chess vendor at site. NS, W.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open
(NV)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open
See Grand Prix.
64 Chess Life November 2009
10:18 AM Page 64
California Southern
LA Chess Club
www.LAChessClub.com. Fridays: 8 PM-10 PM (Blitz
Tournament). Saturdays: 10AM-10 PM (Class & 2 Tour-
naments). Sundays: 12 PM-6 PM (Tournament).
Tuesdays: 7:30-9:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced Lec-
ture). 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 795-5710. (4 blocks 405 West, Santa Monica& But-
ler, 2nd Floor). Private (1:1) Lessons, Group Classes,
Tournaments.
Nov. 1, 15, LACC November Scholastics I & II
5SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $25 ($20 LACC memb, Free new LACC memb). Reg.: 1:30-2. Rds.: 2, 3, 4,
5, 6. Prizes: Trophies, Medals, Disney prizes (every player receives a prize!).
Free street and BOA parking, refreshments, and class 1-2 pm. Info: (310) 795-
5710 or www.LAChessClub.com.
Nov. 1, 15, 29, LACC Sunday G/60
3SS, G/60. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 2, 4. Free parking on
streets.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, LACC Friday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC)
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4
blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 7:30-8. Rds.: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Park-
ing lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF.
Nov. 7, 14, 28, LACC LA Masters G/30
4SS, G/30. LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405.
EF: $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg.: 5:30-6. Rds.: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 3/4 EF. 2 Free
lots SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3).
Nov. 7, 14, 28, LACC Saturday G/30
4SS, G/30. 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20
($15 LACC memb). Reg.: 11:30-12. Rds.: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots
SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3).
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, LACC Saturday Nite Double Blitz G/5 (QC)
5DSS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4
blks W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg.: 6:-7 pm. Rds.: 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9 pm. Prizes:
1/2 EF. Free BOA parking; or underground ($3).
Nov. 8, 2009 Westwood Fall Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 21-22, LACC - Harold Cardinal Valery G/60 Championship
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 26-29, 45th Annual American Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, American Open Quick Chess Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, American Open Scholastic
5-SS, G/45. Open to HS/below. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los
Angeles, CA 90045. In 4 sections K-12: trophies top 5, 2 each grades 9-12,
1 each K-8. K-8: trophies top 5, 2 each K-8. K-6: trophies top 5, 2 each K-6.
K-3: trophies top 4, 2 each K-3. EF: $16 received by 11/25, $20 at door. Reg.:
9-9:45 Rounds: 10-11:30-1-3-4:30. Enter: www.americanopen.org or American
Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Info: Randy Hough (626) 282-7412,
randallhough@yahoo.com.
Nov. 29, American Open Action
5-SS, G/30. LAX Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90045.
EF: $20 received by 11/25; $25 at door. 80% of entry fees returned in prizes.
Reg.: 11-11:45 a.m. Rounds: 12-1:15-3-4:15-5:30. Enter: www.american
open.org or American Open, PO Box 205, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Info:
Randy Hough (626) 282-7412, randallhough@yahoo.com.
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open
(NV)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 8-10, 2010 Century West Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 10, CWO Hexes
3-SS, G/90. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Six-player
sections by rating. EF: $20 if received by 1/8, $25 door. $$ 40-20-10 each sec-
tion. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery,
835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038, online at www.westernchess.com.
Jan. 10, CWO Scholastics
5-SS, G/30. LAX Hilton, 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Open
to gr. 12-below. In two sections: Open: Trophies to top 5, top 3 U1200, top 2
Unrated. Grade 6/below U1000:Trophies to top 5, top 3 U700, top 2 Unrated.
Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-11-12:15-1:45-3. EF: $16 if received by 1/8, $20
door. Inf: John Hillery, admin@westernchess.com. On-line ent: www.western
chess.com. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Pl. #1, Los Angeles, CA
90038.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 23-24, Orange County Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 13-15, 27th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
See Nationals.
Feb. 15, 13th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team
4-SS, SD/45. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA
91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, Grade 12/below, average rat-
ing of four highest must be U1200. (Dec. 2009 rating list used, Feb. 2010 used
for previously unrated players.) EF: $75 per team received by 2/12, $85 at site.
Trophies (team & individual) to top 3 teams, top U1000, U800, U400/unr. Reg.:
9:00-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1-2:45-4:30. Info, help in forming teams: schol-
team@westernchess.com. Web site, advance entry list: www.western
chess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by
Jan. 20 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton
Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS, NC, W.
Feb. 15, AT HEXES
3-SS, G/90. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA
91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-12, $25 door. $$40-
20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent: SCCF,
c/o John Hillery, 835 N. Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038, on line at
www.westernchess.com.
Mar. 12-14 or 13-14, 17th annual Western Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Colorado
Dec. 5-6, Manitou Springs: Winter Springs Open
4-SS, 40/2 and G/1. Masonic Lodge, 455 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs. 3 Sec-
tions: June (open to all), July (U1800), August (U1400). Entry fee: $30 if recd
by 12/3, $35 at site. $8 off EF for Juniors, Seniors, Unrated. Cash prizes per
entries. Register: 8:30 - 9:30. Rds. Schedule: 10, 4; 9, 3. Entries to: Richard
Buchanan, 1 Sutherland Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984
or e-mail buckpeace@pcisys.net. CSCA membership required ($15, 10 for jun-
iors/seniors), OSA. Colorado Tour Event. WCL JGP.
Connecticut
Nov. 22, Bethel Thanksgiving Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, 3rd Saturday Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships (out of
state welcome)
See New York.
Delaware
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 2009 Delaware State Open Championship
Ramada Newark/Wilmington (302)-738-3400, 260 Chapman Rd., Newark, DE
19702. Time Control (all sections): Rds. 1-3 G/90, Rds. 4&5, G/120. In 3 Sec-
tions Open: 5SS, EF: $40 before 11/18, $50 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%.
U2000- 10%, U1800- 10%. Trophies to DE champion and DE womens cham-
pion(both from open section). Reserve - Under 1800: 5SS, EF: $35 before
11/18, $45 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. U1600 -10%, U1400- 10%. Tro-
phy for Reserve Champion. Amateur- Under 1200: 5SS, EF: $35 before
11/18, $45 after. $$60% Rtd: 40%-25%-15%. U1000- 10%, Unrated- 10%.Tro-
phy for Amateur Champion. ALL: Memb. Reqd: DCA $10($5 under 18). OSA.
Reg.: Sat 8:45-9:45 am. Rds.: Saturday 10, 2, 5:30 Sunday 10, 3. Byes: Limit
1, byes in rds 4 & 5 are irrevocable & must be declared by start of round 3.
DCA meeting, 9 am Sunday. ENT: Dave Power, 7005 Pleasant Court, Wilming-
ton, DE 19802, 302-762-4695 (home). INFO: bikedavid@aol.com. DIR: Exit 3
off I-95, Take Rt273 east, turn Right at 1st light, hotel on right side.
www.delawarechess.org. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
Nov. 28, 4th Sat. of the Month Quad
Howard Johnsons Hotel, 1119 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713.Time con-
trols: 40/75, s/d 30. EF: $20. $$GTD: $40. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 9:45-1:45-5:30.
ENT: Kevin Pytel, 604 N. Walnut St., Newport, DE 19804-2624. 302-753-6877.
kevinjpytel@aol.com. INFO: Kevin Pytel 302-753-6877. NS W.
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
District of Columbia
Dec. 12, 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: $15 ($12 if by 12/5). 5 sections by
age. Reg.: 12-12:45. Info: 202/857-4922. www.chessctr.org/rbo.php.
Dec. 27-30, 36th Annual Eastern Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 29, Eastern Open Blitz Championship (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Florida
South Florida Chess Club
Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G/90 Tournaments
and skittles. Most tournaments are 4+ rounds to with
a time control slower than G/60, those events would
qualify for WCL JGP. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com.
Boca Raton Chess Club
Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks.
www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP.
Miami Country Day
Grand Prix, Scholastic and Non-Scholastic Sections.
More info at www.bocachess.com or call 954-421-8222 or 561-883-2917.
Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, $500 Guar. Cash
Opens
5rd Swiss, G/30. EF: $25; $30 at door. SPCC mems $5 off. $100-$60-$40;
U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30-$20 each. 1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Cen-
ter, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Pete. NC, W. prereg at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com.
727-822-1171.
Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1 St. Petersburg
Rated Beginners Opens (RBOs)
5rd Swiss, G/30. USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-12U1000;
top 12 in each get trophy (all K-2 get trophy) all others medal.Team (2 or more)
- best four scores from all divisions trophy to top 12. EF: $18. SPCC mems $15.
1st rd 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. NC, W.
pregister online at www.stpetersburgchessclub.com. 727-822-1171.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl
See Grand Prix.
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Dec. 5, First Saturday Quads
3RR, 40/80 15/30 15/30. Palatka Bridge & Chess Center, 521 13th St., Palatka,
FL. Quads open to all. EF: $12. Trophy to 1st. Each Quad. Reg.: 8:30-9:30/am.
Rds.: 10-1-4. Ben Cody (386) 329-1173. www.palatkachessclub.com. NS NC W.
Dec. 12, 8th DBCC G/50 Open
Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. (A1A), Daytona Beach, FL
32118. 4SS, G/50, EF: $25. $$ ($250/b12): $100-75. U1600: $50-25. Rds.: 10-
11:45-2-3:45. ENT: Paul B Tomaino, 575 N. Williamson Bl. #116, Daytona
Beach, FL 32114. 386-239-9485. INFO: pibit@cfl.rr.com. www.daytonabchcc.org.
NS NC W.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, Central Florida Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 12-14 or 13-14, 2010 U.S. Amateur Team South
See Nationals.
Georgia
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 20-22, 2009 GA Class Championships - Marshall Jaffe/Earl
Morrison Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Idaho
Nov. 14-15, 2009 Southern Idaho Open
4SS, G/120. Site: Obenchain Insurance Building Community Room, 260 Main
Ave. South, Twin Falls, ID. Rounds: 9am, 2pm, 9am, 2pm. Byes: Rounds 1 - 3
only. Must notify TD before Round Two pairings. ONE Section: OPEN. Reg.: 8-
8:30am Nov 14. Prizes: $$b/20 $150, $100, $75, $50. EF: $30 by 11/10/2009,
$25 Junior/Senior, $40 at door. USCF membership required. Contact: Barry
Eacker, TD, 963 Delmar Dr., Twin Falls, ID 83301. MOL@q.com. 208-733-6186.
Website: www.idahochessassociation.org. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Illinois
North American Chess Association
Tournaments for kids and adults of all playing strength.
Creators of the electronic scoresheet, eNotate. Monthly
FIDE title tournaments (WIM, WGM, IM). Sevan A.
Muradian, FIDE Arbiter & International Organizer.
www.nachess.org | info@nachess.org | 888.80.CHESS.
Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation
Illinois Premier Chess Organization - We organize
monthly scholastic & adult tournaments throughout the
Chicago area; sponsor chess activates at community
events, i.e. Taste of Chicago; provide in-school & after-
school programs, workshops & summer camps. Players
of all skill levels, from beginners to Masters, attend our
events. For dates & locations: visit our website
www.rknights.org; Tel: 773-844-0701; Email: ren
knights@aol. com.
Nov. 20-22, 2009 National Youth Action
See Nationals.
Nov. 21, Chess Friends
DoubleTree Hotel: 1909 Spring Road, Oakbrook, Illinois 60523. 4SS, G/60, $1000
b/50 $$ 300-250, U2000 $200, U1600 $150, U1400 $100, Un=top prizes only.
Rnds.: 10-12-2-4. USPS $25 by 11/17 ($25 On-Line until 11/20, 6 pm), $30 on
site until 9:30 AM. Entries. (Checks payable only to Chess Central): Tim Just,
37165 Willow, Gurnee, Il 60031. Info: 847-244-7954 (before 6 PM), On Line
Entries/info: http://nya2009.com/friends.html.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 1st Annual Martinovsky Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 6, Knights Quest #48
4ss, Game/30. Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd.,
Northbrook, IL. 4 Sections: Open (Juniors & Adults), Juniors only in U1400,
U1200 & U600. Prizes: Trophies top five each section, medals all others. EF:
$25 by 11/30, $30 after. Reg.: 12:00-12:30 pm. Rds.: 1 at 1:00 pm, rest ASAP.
Ent: Renaissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online Ent/Info:
www.rknights.org, Sheila Heiser 847-526-9025.
Dec. 27, Mayor Daleys Holiday Chess Championship
4ss/ Game/30. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL,
60616. Special parking rate. 4 Sections: Open (adults & Youths), Middle (K-
8), Elementary (K-5) & Primary (K-2). 100+ Team & Individual Trophies &
Awards. EF: $12 by 12/14, $17 after. RDS.: 10, 11:30, 1:30 & 3:00. Ent: Ren-
aissance Knights, PO Box 1074, Northbrook, IL 60065. Online Ent/Info:
www.rknights.org, Sheila Heiser 847-526-9025. No onsite registration. HR: $109,
312-567-1234 Hyatt McCormick Place.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open
See Grand Prix.
Indiana
Chess Club Friday Night Blitz (QC)
2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free Methodist Church. Entrance
is in the back, down the stairs by the office. When: Starts Every Friday except
the Fri before the second Sat doors open at 6:00 P.M. tournament starts at 6:30
P.M. Type: 3 Rounds, Game/5, Round Robin Quad, U.S.C.F. Rated. EF: $7.00 if
received one week before tournament starting date, $8.00 at the door. Prizes:
Based on 4 full Pd. entries per quad, First in each quad: $20.00, Second in each
quad: chess merchandise. Send advance entries to: Donald Urquhart, 501
N. East St. #802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. For more info: call Don at (317)
634-6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net.
Every SECOND Sat. of the Month. OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
5 Round, G/61, U.S.C.F. rated. 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St. Free
Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs, by office.
Late Ent. 8-9am, Rd 1, 9:30am. Prizes: $465.00 b/o 20 full pd. Ent. 1st $150;
2nd $75; Class A, B, C, (D, E, Unr) $60 each. Prizes increased if entries allow.
uschess.org
10:18 AM Page 65
EF: $25 if recd one week before tournament date, $30 at door, $5.00 discount
for your birthday month, $5.00 discount for any state associaton (except
ISCA), FIDE Titled Players Free. + Free Snack Bar Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net. Note: there must be at least 3 entries
in a class for that class prize to be awarded. If two adjoining class prizes are
vacant, a combo prize will be awarded. WCL JGP.
FREE ENTRY: Quad Quick Chess Tournament (QC) Fri. before the sec-
ond Sat. of the Month
G/15, U.S.C.F. rated. Located at 2302 West Morris St. at the West Morris St.
Free Methodist Church in the Ellis Hall Room. Entrance in back, down stairs,
by office. Late Ent. 6-6:25pm. Rd 1, 6:30pm. Prizes: First in each quad gets
choice of 50% off entry fee for Sat. Monthly a $15.00 value certificate, or chess
merchandise. A cash buyback option is available on the certificate, call for details.
Second gets the prize not chosen by First EF: Free. Adv. ENT: Donald Urquhart,
501 N. East St. # 802, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1629. Info: call Don at 317-634-
6259 or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net. A ORANGE CRUSH EVENT.
Dec. 5-6, A-B-C Open
5-SS, G/120. Jameson Inn, 215 Dixie Way S. (Roseland), South Bend, IN
46637. (574) 277-3211. All 1 section, open only to players rated 1400-1999.
EF: $25 if recd by 12/3, $30 at site. $$ 1,500 b/30. (min. $1,000 G): $500, 250,
150, B 200-100, C 200-100. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rds.: 10-2-7, 10-2. ENT & Info: Roger
Blaine, P O Box 353, Osceola, IN 46561. (574) 257-9033, reblaine@hotmail.com.
WCL JGP.
May 27-31, 28-31, 29-31 or 30-31, 19th annual Chicago Open (IL)
See Grand Prix.
Iowa
Nov. 14, 2009 Des Moines Fall Classic-IASCA Mini Qualifier
Des Moines Botanical Center, 909 Ray D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316. 3
Sections (1) RBO (2) Reserve (3) Open. In 3 Sections: RBO: 5SS, G/30 T/D 5,
Open to 1199 & under. EF: $10.00 if received by November 12th, $20.00 at site.
Prizes: Trophies: U1200, U1000, U800, U600, U400, U200. Rds.: 9:30-10:45-
12:30-1:45-3:00. Reserve: 4SS, G/75T/D 5, Open to 1599 & under. EF: $20.00
if received by November 12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $40.00-20.00-10.00. U1400
1st $20.00, 2nd $10. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). Open-
IASCA Mini-Qualifier: 4SS, G/75 T/D 5, EF: $20.00 if received by November
12th, $30.00 at site. $$b/10: $75.00-40.00-20.00. U1800 1st, $30.00, 2nd
$15.00. Rds.: 9:30-1:00-3:45-7:00 (earlier if agreed upon). ALL: Memb.
Reqd: $15.00. OSA. Reg.: 8:00 to 9:00 am. ENT: Bill Broich, 7149 Wilshire Blvd.,
Windsor Heights, Iowa, 50322. 515-205-8062, broich@yahoo.com. NS NC W.
WCL JGP for Reserve and Open only.
Maryland
Dec. 5, Catonsville First Saturday Action
5SS, G/30, EF: $20, club members $17, under 17 $15. Rds.: 12:00-1:45-3:00-
4:15-5:30. Reg.: 11:15am. Bloomsbury Community Center, Room 118, 106
Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, Md. 21228. Two Sections: Open $$b/24 $100-
$60-$42 U1850 $40 U1550 $40, more per entries. U1200 $$b/12 $50-$25 U1000
$25 b/4 U800 $25 b/4. Bye: 1-4. Info: josephas2@verizon.net. Website:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q. Ent: Joe Summers, 1201 Daniels Ave.,
Balt., MD. 21207. Include USCF ID, rating and section. Checks payable to Joe
Summers. PH: 410-788-1009.
Dec. 11, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #92 (QC)
5SS, G/15, EF: $8, club members $5. Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10.
$$b/24 1st=$50, 2nd=$25, U1800 $12. Bloomsbury Community Center, 106
Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD. 21228. Info: Joe Summers 410-788-1009,
josephas2@verizon.net Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze12d59q/.
Dec. 18, Catonsville Blitz Championship (QC)
6SS, G/10, EF: $15, club members $12. Rds.: 8:00, 8:25, 8:50, 9:15, 9:40, 10:05.
Bye: 1-4. Reg.: 7:15pm. $$b/24 $100-$50-$30 U1850 $25 U1550 $25. Blooms-
bury Community Center, 106 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Info: Joe
Summers 410-788-1009. josephas2@verizon.net Website: http://mysite.veri
zon.net/vze12d59q.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4, 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Massachusetts
Nov. 18, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, George Sturgis Memorial
5SS, G/110, T/D5. Wachusett Chess Club, McKay Campus School, Room C199,
Fitchburg State College, 67 Rindge Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. EF: $1 per game
played; free to Wachusett CC and Mass. Chess Assn. members. Reg.: 7-7:10
p.m. Rds.: 7:15 p.m. Byes: 1-4, limit two. Prizes: chess books. Info: George
Mirijanian, 176 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, miriling@aol.com, 978-
345-5011, Website: www.wachusettchess.org. W. WCL JGP.
Nov. 29, Pillsbury Memorial
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Billerica Friday Night Swiss
3 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd., Billerica, MA. EF: $12. Reg.:
7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533.
NS, NC.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships
See Grand Prix.
Michigan
Nov. 27-29, 2009 Motor City Open
See Grand Prix.
Missouri
Friday Action Quads - Every Friday Night (QC)
3RR, G/29 QR. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63108. EF: $10. Prize fund $36 first in each quad. Club membership reqd.
available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 6:45. Rounds begin at 7:00. Site entries only.
Info: 314-361-CHESS info@saintlouischessclub.org.
Saint Louis Blitz Series - Every Saturday night (QC)
5SS, G/5 QR. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63108. EF: $5. Prize fund 100% payout! First overall will take home 75%
of all entry fees, and the highest scoring player in the bottom half takes 25%.
Club membership reqd. available from $1. Reg.: 6:30 - 7. Rds.: 7, 7:15, 7:30,
7:45, 8. Site entries only. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@saintlouischessclub.org.
Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Open
4SS, G/75. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO
63108. EF: $35, $30 for annual members of the club. MCA Membership Reqd
from $5. OSA. PF (b/50): $1500: $200 1st/ $50 2nd in each M/X, A, B, C, D,
U1200. Reg: 9 - 9:50. Rds: 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6. One 1/2 point bye if declared
before round 1. Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS,
info@saintlouischessclub.org.WCL JGP.
Dec. 2, December Knights
5SS, G/90. Reg. Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, 6:00 - 6:45pm. Rounds (one per week)
7pm 12/2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Check in withTD by 6:45 to be paired each week/round.
No advanced entries. EF: $10. Prize fund is 90% payout, with 1st place getting
1/3 of the total prize fund and first A, B, C, D, E and U1000/unrated each take
1/9 of the prize fund. One 1/2 point bye if declared by round 1. Annual club
memb. reqd. MCA memb. reqd from $5 OSA. Info: 314-361-CHESS. info@saint
louischessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Dec. 26, Christmas Open
4SS, G/75. Chess Club & Scholastic Center, 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO
63108. EF: $30, $20 for annual members of the club. MCA Membership Reqd
from $5. OSA. PF (b/45): $900: $150 1st each M/X, A, B, C, D, U1200. Reg: 9
- 9:50. Rds: 10, 12:45, 3:30, 6. One 1/2 point bye if declared before round 1.
Ent: 4657 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 314-361-CHESS, info@saintlouis
chessclub.org. WCL JGP.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open
See Grand Prix.
Nevada
Dec. 26-29 or 27-29, 19th (not 18th) annual North American Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 29, North American Blitz (QC)
See Grand Prix.
New Hampshire
A Heritage Event!
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 14, New Hampshire Amateur Championship
4SS, G/60.Comfort Inn, 298 Queen City Ave. (exit 4 off I-293), Manchester, NH.
3 Sections: Championship, open to U2100 or Unr. EF: $25 in advance, $31 at
site. $$G: $120-60-40; trophies to top 3, top 3 U1850. Intermediate, open to
U1750 or Unr. EF: $25 in advance, $31 at site. $$G: $80-50-35; trophies to top
3, top 3 U1500. Novice, open to U1300 or Unr. EF: $22 ($17 to jrs. U21) in
advance, $29 at site ($23 jrs. U21). Trophies to top 3, top 3 U1100, top Unr. All,
NHCA membership reqd of rated NH residents; dues $8 adult, $6 under 19.
Reg.: 8:30-9:35am. Rds.: 10-12:30-3-5:30. Bye: 1-3 (limit 1). Ent: NHCA, c/o
Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. #23, Manchester, NH 03103. Info: halter-
rie@comcast.net or (603) 668-8368.
New Jersey
International Chess Academy (Fair Lawn, NJ)
Chess Classes: Tuesday 6:30 9:00 PM, Thursday 6:30 9:00 PM, Saturday
10:00 AM 1:00 PM. Add. 14-25 Plaza Rd. N, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Phone 201-
797-0330. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250.
Email: Diana@icanj.net. Fair Lawn facility offers Advance Chess Training for
serious chess players (rating > 1800).
International Chess Academy (Teaneck, NJ)
Chess Classes: Monday 6:30 7:30 PM, Wednesday 6:30 9:00 PM, Sunday
10:00 AM 3:30 PM. Add. 185 Court Street, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Phone 201-
833-1741. Website: www.icanj.net. Contact: Diana Tulman, 201-287-0250.
Email: Diana@icanj.net.Teaneck facility offers a Summer Chess Camp and Mon-
day night tournaments 7:30 PM 9:30 PM.
The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club
Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave., Newark, New Jer-
sey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF
rated tournaments and free chess lessons available.
Nov. 7, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Nov. 7, Garden State Scholastic
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS,
G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open
to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to
K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $20. Reg.: 9-9:45
am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881, hsprech-
man@characterkings.org.
Nov. 8, ATKM 1600+ 2nd Sunday Swiss
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, Jersey Shore K-12 Regionals
The Academy at Grace and Peace, 1563 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River, NJ
08755. All Sections open to K-12. Section A: U500, Section B: 500-1000,
Section C: 1000-1500, Section D: 1500+. Section A, B, C 4SS, G/30. Sec-
tion D: 3 Rounds, G/60. Trophies to Top 5 in each section, Medals to all
others. EF: $25 if recd by 11/7, $30 on site. Reg.: 9:00-9:45 AM. Rds.: 10:00
AM and ASAP. Info: John Burke, 732-714-1544 or johnpburke@yahoo.com. Ent:
Make checks payable toThe Academy at Grace and Peace. Please indicate USCF
ID# and section.
Nov. 15, Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
Chess Life November 2009 65
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Tournament Life
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379, www.west
fieldchessclub.com.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
Nov. 19, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop,
62 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a
clock!
Nov. 21, 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. $25 per Quad. Reg.: 9-
10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no
dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W.
Nov. 22, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss
For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info.
E-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 22, New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship
5SS, G/30, Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 4 miles from Garden State Park-
way exit 109. 13 Sections: Play only in your grade! MORE TROPHIES!!!
Grades K-6; Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams - top 3 from each
school/grade; 50% of players receive trophy or medal! Grades 7-12:Trophies
to top 10 individuals, top 5 teams; Rds.: 10am and ASAP. EF: $35 by 11/15, $55
at site. USCF mem reqd. Reg.: 8-9:00am After 9:00am 1/2 pt bye rd 1. Info:
732 259-3881,hsprechman@characterkings.org. Ent: Please make checks
payable to NJSCF and send to NJSCF, PO Box 1511, Jackson, NJ 08857. Entries
must include name, grade school, date of birth, USCF ID # & expiration, mail-
ing address, phone number & entry fee, please include email address. The 1st
Place player and team from NJ in each grade will be recognized as the NJ Cham-
pion for that grade! Chess sets and boards will be provided! Please bring a chess
clock!
Nov. 22, Westfield Grand Prix #500
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27, ATKMs 4th Friday G/10 Swiss (QC) (6 Rounds)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/g10. For more info e-mail
Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 29, Garden State Quads
3RR, 40/80 G/30. Full K. Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712.
Quads open to all. EF: $20. 1st Place $50. Reg.: 9-10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-
1:30/pm-4:30/pm. NS, NC, W. Info: Hal Sprechman 732 259-3881.
Nov. 29, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Dean of Chess Academy, 3160 Route #22, Branchburg, NJ 08876. In 4 player
Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then ASAP with lunch
break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 orTrophy & EF refund. Current Chess stu-
dents of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: KenThomas, acn@goes.com,
cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Dec. 5, ATKM 1st Saturday Kids G/30 Swiss (K-8)
For info. and registration, go to YourChessSet.com/KidsSwiss. For more info
e-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Dec. 5, THE GREATER PRINCETON CHAMPIONSHIP
Princeton Day School, 650 The Great Road. Trophies to top 3 school teams and
top 6 in each section.Trophies to all players.Three sections for OVER 1000 begin
at 10:15 and must preregister: 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 possible): OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), RESERVE
(K-12 U-800), NOVICE II (K-8 U-600), NOVICE I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated)
NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF PLAYERS rated G/30 3 rounds. Pre-
registration online $40 (On-site 11-12 noon $50). Info and register online:
www.pds.org/chess. Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin Chessteach@gmail.com.
Dec. 6, ICA Early Winter 2009 Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 6, ICA Early Winter 2009 Scholastic Championship in 5 Sec-
tions
4SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE WILL
RECEIVE ATROPHY! US CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR SEC-
TIONS 4 AND 5. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741. E-mail: Diana@icanj.net
(Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) ADV EF (pmk Dec 2nd) $25 At Site $30. Reg
ends 1/2 hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive a 1/2 point bye for rnd.
1. Site Address: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ
07601. In 5 Sections: Section 1 Junior Novice: Open to unrated players K
through 2nd grade. Rds: First Round 10:15 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end
at approximately 1:00 PM). Section 2 Novice: Open to unrated players K
through 4th grade. Rds: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will end
at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 3 Reserve: Open to unrated players K
through 12th grade. Rds: First Round 10:00 AM, then ASAP (tournament will
end at approximately 2:00 PM). Section 4 G/45: Open to players rated below
1200 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 5 G/60:
Open to players rated below 1700 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 12:00,
2:15, 4:30 PM. ENT: Make EF and/or USCF Membership checks payable
to: International Chess Academy Mail To: Diana Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane,
New Milford, NJ 07646. NS, NC, W.
Dec. 6, Westfield Quads
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, NJ. Prizes $50
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379, www.west
fieldchessclub.com.
Dec. 12, Garden State Scholastic
Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712. Primary: open to K-3: 4 SS,
66 Chess Life November 2009
10:18 AM Page 66
G/30. Trophies to 1st-5th place; Medals to all others. Scholastic Swiss: open
to K-12; 4 SS, G/30. Trophies to 1st - 5th place; Scholastic Quads: open to
K-12 G/60 Quads.Trophies to 1st and 2nd each quad. All EF: $20. Reg.: 9-9:45
am. Rds.: 10 and ASAP. Info: Hal Sprechman, 732 259-3881, hsprech-
man@characterkings.org.
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 17, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads
3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop,
62 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot
win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players
with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchessSets.
com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a clock!
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open (NY)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27, ATKM 4th Sunday G/60 Quads/Swiss
For info. and registration, go to www.YourChessSet.com/quads4. For more info.
E-mail Stephen at cs@ATKMchessSets.com or call 856-582-8222.
Dec. 27, Garden State Quads
3RR, 40/80 G/30. Full K. Prevention First, 1405 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712.
Quads open to all. EF: $20. 1st Place $50. Reg.: 9-10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-
1:30/pm-4:30/pm. NS, NC, W. Info: Hal Sprechman 732 259-3881.
Dec. 27, Kens Last Sunday Quads
Note venue change: Dean of Chess Academy, 3160 Route #22, Branchburg, NJ
08876. In 4 player Quads. G/90. Regs.: before 10am. First Round 10am, then
ASAP with lunch break. EF: $20, Prizes: Choice of $40 or Trophy & EF refund.
Current Chess students of Ken may play for half EF & half prize. Info: Ken
Thomas, acn@goes.com, cell 908-763-6468. NS NC W.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships (out of
state welcome)
See New York.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
New York
The Archangel 8 Chess Academy
and Simpson and Simpson LLC, will host a monthly collegiate chess league for
undergraduates and graduates students. The chess league will be every third
Saturday of the month, held at the Main Place Mall, Upper Level, 390 Main Street,
Buffalo, New York. There is FREE Parking under the Mall and the Food Court is
open during tournament play. The Buffalo Collegiate Chess League format will
be Five rounds, Swiss System, Game 30. Cash Prizes based upon 10 entries,
EF$15.00. Games will be USCF rated. Schedule: Games will start at 10am, Reg-
istration will be from 9am until 9:45am. Entry Fee $15 Cash only at the door.
Sign Up: Please reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com with full name, USCF Id
number, College name and telephone number.
Nov. 8, The Right Move #156 Team and Individual Championship
FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by
9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th
St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave., Manhattan, NYC). Open to gr. K-12. Five rated
sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600. (May renew
or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.
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 sec-
tion, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team
in section). To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email -
thechessstop@aol.com or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full
name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGIS-
TRATION.
Nov. 13-15, 8th Annual Turkey Bowl (FL)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 17, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 18-Dec. 16, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
Nov. 19, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight!
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 21, Prove Your Point!
3-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-
3716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
7:30-8:30-9:30.
Nov. 21-22 or 22, 2nd Annual What-A-Turkey Open!
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 22, Binghamton Monthly Tourney
FREE USCF ONLINE MEMBERSHIP ($29 VALUE) WITH ENTRY FEE. 4 ROUND
SS, GAME/60. Reg.: 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. ENTRY: $35 Cash only on site.
Please register in advance if possible. (Checks payable to Cordiscos Corner
Store.) Rounds: 9:15, 11:45, 2:15, 4:30. Prizes: Guaranteed. Open Section.
1st- $130, 2nd - $70, 3rd- $30. Trophies 1st - 3rd. Under 1700. 1st- $65, 2nd-
$30. Trophies 1st - 4th. Please bring clocks. Cordiscos Chess Center. 308
Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901. (607) 772-8782. jcordisco@stny.rr.com.
Nov. 22, Studio November Quad
3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639
Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.
Nov. 23-Dec. 21, 22nd Nassau Amateur
5SS, 40/80. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. 2 sections. Ama-
teur: U2000/UR. EF: $33 by 11/21. $$ (435 b/15) 195, U1800, 1600 each 120.
Booster: U1400/UR. EF: $18 by 11/21. $$ (140 b/10) 80, U1200/UR 60. All:
EF: Non memb $11 more. All $8 more at site. 2 byes 1-5. Reg to 7:15 PM. Rds.:
7:15 each Mon. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Drive, Sayville, NY 11782. WCL JGP.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Nov. 29, Grandmaster Challenge (QC)
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 1, Marshall CC New York Experts
Open to U2200. 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.:
7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Dec. 3, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Dec. 3-17, Marshall CC Thursday Slow Quads
3RR, 30/90, SD/1. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $25, members $15.
$50 1st in each quad. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7pm eachThursday. No byes avail-
able, do not enter unless able to play all three rounds.
Dec. 4-6 or 5-6, Jerry Simon Memorial Marshall CC Amateur Cham-
pionship
5SS, 30/90, SD/60, open to U2200/unr. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-
477-3716. EF: $35, members $20. ($$400 b/24): 150-100-50, U2000 $51,
U1800 $49. Top 10 finishers (plus ties) with plus scores will be eligible to pay
for and enter the Marshall CC Championship on December 11 (otherwise,
2200 rating reqd). Reg.: 6:15-6:45pm. 2 options: 3-day, rds 7pm Fri., 12n,
5:30pm Sat., 12n, 5:30pm Sun; 2-day (rd. 1 G/45), Reg.: 9:15-9:45am, Rd. 1
10am Saturday, merge rd. 2. One bye avail, request by rd. 3. No reentries. WCL
JGP.
Dec. 5, 4th Farmingdale CC G/15 (QC)
7SS, G/15. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, NY
11735. Open to all U-2300/unr. $: 100% of EFs to be returned as prizes!
1st: 30%, 2nd: 25%, Top U-1800, U-1500, U-1300/unr. 15% each. EF: $25.
Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10-10:30-11-11:30-12:15-12:45-1:15.
3 byes 1-7. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. NS. W.
Dec. 5, 12th Annual Greenwich Holiday Open
Greenwich Free Library, Academy & Main St. (NYS Rt. 29), Greenwich, NY. 3SS,
G/90, EF: $20, Reg.: 9:00- 9:45, 1st rd. 10:00 AM. $$b/14 $80-50-25, U1700
$30, U1400 $20. Info: John Hartnett 518-692-9030, truhart2@verizon.net.
Dec. 6, The Chess Exchange Monthly Trophy Quads
3-RR, G/30.The Chess Exchange: Chess & Games Club, 288Third Ave., Between
Carroll and President, Brooklyn, 718-645-5896. EF: $15 $$: Trophies to top 2
in each quad. Reg.: ends 10 minutes before rd. 1. Rds.: 3-4:15-5:30.
Dec. 6, The Right Move #157 Team and Individual Championship
FREE EF. 4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by
9:15 A.M. (Latecomers will not play in round one). Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th
St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave., Manhattan, NYC). Open to gr. K-12. Five rated
sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, Under 800, Under 600. (May renew
or join USCF at tournament). Non-member sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12.
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 sec-
tion, with top 4 scores counting in each section (minimum 3 players on team
in section). To register: use website at www.therightmove.org or email -
thechessstop@aol.com or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00PM on Fri. Give full
name, school, grade, USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGIS-
TRATION.
Dec. 7-Jan. 4, 2010 Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes
ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Dec. 10, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Dec. 11-13, 19-20, Edward Lasker Memorial and 93rd Annual Mar-
shall Chess Club Championship
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 12, Jenifer Woods Memorial Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 15, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 17, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Dec. 23-Jan. 20, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20.
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes-
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP.
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Dec. 26, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24)
$120-70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. Note: Only one bye available, request at entry.
Dec. 26-28 or 27-28, 5th annual Empire State Open
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27, Grandmaster Challenge
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 31, (23rd Annual!) Your Last Blunder Of 2009!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, Prove Your Point!
3-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., NYC: 212-477-
3716. EF $20. 3-0 wins $40, 2.5 wins $20, 2 wins $10. Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds.
7:30-8:30-9:30.
Jan. 2-3 or 3, Happy New Year Open!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 5, Marshall CC New York Experts
Open to U2200 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF:
$40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45.
Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Jan. 7, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Jan. 7-Feb. 11, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss
6SS, 30/90, SD/120. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only.
EF: $30. $$500 b/20: $175-125-100, U2000 $100. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm
each Thursday Byes ok, limit 3, request before round 4. WCL JGP.
Jan. 8-Feb. 5, Queens Winter Open
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9, New York Winter Game/45!
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 10, NY Winter Under 1800!
4-SS, G/50. Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave.,
NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $30, $5 less if also entering 1/9
Winter G/45, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. Online entry
at www.chesscenter.cc thru 1/7. $$ (480 b/32 paid entries): 150-100-50 ($75
limit to Unr.), top U1600 $95, top U1400 $85. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Reg.
ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-2-4-6 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. $10
extra to enter by phone!
Jan. 11-Feb. 8, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss
5SS, G/90. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300
uschess.org
10:18 AM Page 67
b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Monday. Byes
ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. WCL JGP.
Jan. 14, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
4-SS, G/30. Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W. 10th St., bet 5-6 Ave., NYC:
212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual
Greater NY Junior High Championship - USCFs Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/94 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 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1500, top 3 unrated,
top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
8/1/10 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 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top
3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or
unrated. EF: $48.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top
6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you can win both plaque & tro-
phy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to 1st, thru
5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15,
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 scor-
ing 4 or more who dont 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 necessary),
school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center
of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553.To confirm receipt, enclose SASE.
No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25:
845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at
www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line
entries after 1/25. 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 29-30
only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 30, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 31st Annual
Greater NY Primary Championship
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/30/00 in grades 3/below. New Yorker Hotel,
481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $46.60 post-
marked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top rated U900, top 3 unrated, top 6
school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/10
to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated.
EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry
to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru
5/1 to 3rd. K-1, open to grade 1/below. EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/8. Tro-
phies to top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Free entry to
all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru
5/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra per player postmarked 1/9-15, all $65 at site. Mail
entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVE-
LOPE! 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 dont 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 necessary), school, grade, birth-
date, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615,
New Windsor, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail post-
marked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969
(or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only). Online entries at www.chesscenter.
cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No phone or on-line entries after 1/25. 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 29-30 only: 212-971-
0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual
Greater NY Elementary Championship--USCFs Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/31/97 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 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3 unrated,
top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to
Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top
3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or
unrated. EF: $47.40 postmarked by 1/8.Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top
6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/10 to
1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra per player postmarked
1/9-15, 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 dont 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 play-
off 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 12553. To confirm receipt,
Chess Life November 2009 67
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
Tournament Life
enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit
card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only).
Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14
phone or on-line entries after 1/25. 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 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards
NONE SUPPLIED!
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 44th Annual
Greater NY High School Championship - USCFs Longest-Running
Scholastic!
5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 1/31/90. New Yorker
Hotel, 481 8th Ave. & 34th St., NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF:
$49.60 postmarked by 1/08/10. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3 unrated,
top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
8/1/10 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to
Under 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by 1/8. Trophies to top 12, top
U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except
quads thru 7/1/10 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to
Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40 postmarked by 1/8. 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 all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
6/1/10 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra per player
postmarked 1/9-15, 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 dont 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 play-
off 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 12553. To confirm receipt,
enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/15. Phone entries: $59 by credit
card thru 1/25: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, 24 hours, entries only).
Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/15, $53 1/16-1/25. No
phone or on-line entries after 1/25. 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 29-31 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards
NONE SUPPLIED!
Feb. 26-28, 4th annual Saratoga Open
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 27-28, New York State Scholastic Championships
Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each section are
NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north
on US 9), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.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 6 sec-
tions, each is a 6SS, G/60 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Feb 28 only. High
School, grades K-12. EF $38 mailed by 2/5. Top NYS grade 9-12 qualifies for
DenkerTournament of HS Champions. Junior High, grades K-9. EF $37.90 mailed
by 2/5. Elementary, grades K-6. EF $37.60 mailed by 2/5. Elementary Novice,
grades K-6 under 800 or unrated. EF $37.50 mailed by 2/5. Primary, grades
K-3. EF $37.30 mailed by 2/5. K-1, grades K-1. EF $37.10 mailed by 2/5.
Postmarked 2/6-16: All EF $10 more. Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online
at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $40 by 2/6, $50 by 2/22. No online entry
after 2/22. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sections: EF $45 by 2/6, $55 by 2/22.
No phone entry after 2/22. Entry at site: all $60. Trophies to top 20 players,
top 3 Unrated, and top 8 teams each section and top each U1400, U1200, U1000
(HS), U1200, U1000, U800 (JHS), U1000, U800 (Elem), U600, U400 (Elem
Novice). Speed playoff if perfect score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship,
Labor Day weekend 2010 (Albany), to top player each section. Schedule:
Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:30. K-1 schedule: Late
reg. ends Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-1:30-3-4:30. Half point byes OK all, limit
2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $117-117, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000,
reserve by 2/13 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: Con-
tinental 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, board, clock if possible- none supplied.
Mar. 5-7 or 6-7, 19th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
North Carolina
Dec. 5, QCCA Winter Scholastic A Queen City Chess Association
Sponsored Event!
4-SS, G/45. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), 9201 University
City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. Two Sections: K-4 and K-12.Trophies to 1st-5th
place and medals 6-10th place in each section. EF: $10 if postmarked by
11/25. $15 later and on site. Registration onsite 8-9AM only! Schedule:
LAND OF THE SKY XXIII
January 29-31, 2010 (80 GPP)
Asheville, NC
wilderwad@aol.com
68 Chess Life November 2009
10:18 AM Page 68
Rounds at 9:30-Noon-2-4. Entries: Send to: Fabio Hurtado, 2269 Elendil Lane,
Charlotte, NC 28269. Make checks to QCCA. Info: www.queencitychess.com
for registration form and more details.
Dec. 5-6, Greater Charlotte ChampionshipA Queen City Chess
Association Sponsored Event!
See Grand Prix.
Ohio
Nov. 13-15 or 14-15, 18th Annual Kings Island Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 15, Beachwood November Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Nov. 21, 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.thehouseofchess.com/.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21, Ohio Scholastic K-12 Grade Level Championships
5SS in 13 Sections. Student Health & Activities Center (SHAC), Toledo Campus
of Owens Community College. Play only those in your grade. Open to Ohio stu-
dents only. Sections: One for each Grade. Grades K-2, G30 all rounds. Grades
3-6, Rds 1-4 G30, Rd5 G45. Grades 7-12, Rds 1-4 G45, Rd5 G60. Grades 4-12
require USCF memberships. Accelerated pairings may be used. EF: $25 by
11/7/09 and $35 by 11/18/09. Students receiving free or reduced lunch: $10
by 11/7/09 and $15 by 11/18/09. No On-Site Registrations. Doors Open 8AM.
Rd1 to begin at 10AM. Prizes:Trophies to top 3/8 of individuals and 3/8 teams
in each section.Teams consist of 2 or more players in the same grade from the
same school. Only top 3 scores count toward team score. Info: Visit www.ohio
scholasticchess.org. Email: Tournament Organizer Beth.Yingling@road
runner.com.
Nov. 21-22, 4th Annual Early Turkey Open
5SS, Time Controls: Rds. 1 & 2 are G/75, td/5, then Rds. 3, 4, 5 are
Game/2hr30min, td/5. $650 b/32 paid entries, re-entries $15 count as 1/2
entry. Prizes: OPEN: $225-125. U1800: $200-100. USCF Rated. One bye per-
mitted sign up by end of round 1. Reg.: Sat: 9:00-10:30 am. Rds.: Sat
11-2-5:30, Sun 9:30-3:00. Sections: OPEN and U1800. EF: $25/$35 adv/after
11/19. DCC mbr disc. $3. EF refunded to 2200 and up if they complete the sched-
ule. Site/Mail EFs to: Dayton Chess Club, 18 West 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402.
Go to www.daytonchessclubcom or call 937.461.6283 for more information. WCL
JGP.
Nov. 28, Tryptophan Open, Reynoldsburg
4-SS, G/75. New Song Comm Church, 13873 National Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH
43068. EF: $25 by 11/27, then $30. 3 Sections: Open, Select/U1700,
Reserve/U1400. Prizes: $870 b/40: Open 160-120 U1850 100; Select 120-80
U1550 50; Reserve 100-60 U1250 50; best chess apparel $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:30,
Rds.: 10-1-3:45-6:45. Info: www.neilley.com/chess, grant@neilley.com. WCL
JGP.
Dec. 5, CWRU Winter Open
4SS, G/45. Nord Hall, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Located on
south side of Euclid, behind street level buildings. Free parking off westbound
MLK, go upstairs to site. EF: $25 at site. Sections: Open, U1600. Prizes (b/30):
Open, 1st 200, 2nd 100, U1900 100. U1600, 1st 100. Reg.: 9-9:45 AM. Rds.:
10:00, 12:15, 2:15, 4:00. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com, 216-321-
7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Dec. 12, Toledo Dec Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd. 1 G/75, Rnds. 2-4 G/90. The University of Toledo Health Sci-
ence Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave.,Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 12/10 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A
,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd.,
Maumee, OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Dec. 20, Beachwood December Scholastic
4SS, G/30. Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd., Beach-
wood, OH, 44122, 5 minutes west off I-271. EF: Free to Beachwood Chess Club
students, others $20 at site. Sections: Championship, U 1000, U 600. Prizes:
Trophies to all scoring 3 points or higher, participation awards. Reg.: 12:00-
12:45 PM. Rds.: 1:00 & ASAP. Info: Mike Joelson, mdjoelson@aol.com,
216-321-7000, www.progresswithchess.org.
Jan. 9, Toledo Jan Swiss
Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
Campus, Mulford Library Basement Caf, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, Ohio
43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 1/7 $25 at site.
Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50, 1st Class A
,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031 Willowyck Rd.,
Maumee ,OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Jan. 29-31 or 30-31, 33rd Cardinal Open
See Grand Prix.
Oklahoma
Nov. 21-22, Get Your FIDE rating - Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 27-29, 1st Thanksgiving FIDE Open
See Grand Prix.
Oregon
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, Golden State Open (CA-N)
See Grand Prix.
Pennsylvania
Every 2nd Saturday. Allentown 2nd Saturday Quads
3RR, G/40. St. Lukes Ev. Luth. Church, 417 N. 7th St.,
Allentown, PA 18102. Quads open to all. EF: $12.
$$24/quad. Reg.: 12-1, Rds.: 1:15-2:45-4:15. No adv.
ent. Info: 610-433-6518. Other rated events every week!
North Penn Chess Club
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchess
club.org for schedules & info or call 215-699-8418.
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads
3-RR. St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10.
$30 Perfect Score, else $25 1st. Reg.: 12:30-1:15. Rds.: 1:30-3-4:30. Info: 610-
821-4320, bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Nov. 14, 8th Annual Horizons for Youth Scholastic Fall Chess Tour-
nament
5SS, G/30. Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Main Cam-
pus, College Center Building, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Reg.: 7:30-8:45am. Rds.:
9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, 3:30. Rated Section Age 18 and under. Non-Rated Sections
ages 14 and under. EF: $25 postmarked by Nov 11th, $30 later & on site. Prizes:
Rated-Trophies-1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, U600, UNR. Non-
Rated Trophies b/o age. Please bring chess equipment. Random draw prizes
between rounds. Ent: Online reg: forms at www.northampton.edu/Community-
Programs/Horizons-For-Youth/Special-Events-and-Partnerships.htm or call
Holly at 610-861-4120. Please print and mail form with payment (CC or check)
to Horizons for Youth, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Info: Holly
610-861-4120, Scott Zrinski (TD), sazrinski@gmail.com or Bruce Davis (Chief
TD), bdavis@lehighvalleychess.org.
Nov. 21, 2009 Thanksgiving LVCA Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 2009 PA State Junior Championships
5SS. 53 Trophies! (49 Individual, 4 Team). Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh,
5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 7 sections: 2-day (Sat & Sun): Ages 16
to 20 Open, Ages 13 to 15 Open, Ages 9 to 12 Open. EF: $18 by 11/13, $28 later.
TL: G/90. Reg ends 9:30. Rds.: 10-1:30-5, 11-2:30. 1-day (Sun only): Ages 8
& Under Open, Ages 9-20 U900, Ages 9-20 U600, Ages 8 & Under U600. EF:
$15 by 11/13, $25 later.TL: G/40. Reg ends 10:30. Rds.: 11-12:30-2-3:30-5. All:
Trophies 1st-7th, additional medallions, teams of 4 to 7 combined from all sec-
tions, Trophies 1st-2nd schools, clubs. PSCF required $5, OSA. Info:
412-908-0286, martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak,
25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223. W. WCL JGP in 2-Day only.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 2009 Welsh S. White PA State Senior Championship
5SS, G/120. Wm Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA
15213. Open to ages 50 & Up. $$ (420G): 120-80, Ages 65 & Up $70, U1800
$60, U1600 $50, U1400 $40.Trophies to Champion &Top Ages 65 & Up. EF: $30
by 11/13, $40 later, PSCF required $5, OSA. Reg.: 9-9:30. Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 10-
2:30. Info: 412-908-0286. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. W.
Nov. 27, Rated Beginners Open (RBO)
5SS, G/30, open to under 900 or unrated. Sheraton Philadelphia City Center
Hotel (see National Chess Congress). EF: $20. Special 1 year USCF dues if
paid with EF, including paper magazine: Adult $30, Senior $25, Young Adult $20,
Scholastic $15. Prizes $100-50-30-20. Reg. 12:30-1:30 pm, rds. 2:00, 3:30, 5:00,
7:00, 8:30. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games used if
otherwise unrated. Half point bye available rd 1. Ent: at site only, no checks,
credit cards OK. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 40th annual National Chess Congress
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 29, National Chess Congress Blitz (QC)
See Grand Prix.
A Heritage Event!
Dec. 5, 30th Abel Bomberault Memorial
4SS, G/60. Pittsburgh Chess Club, 5604 Solway Street, Suite 209, Pittsburgh,
PA 15217. EF: $20 postmarked by 12/1, $25 later, $4 extra to play up one sec-
tion, $3 discount to PCC members. 2 Sections: Championship, open to
1800-up: Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U2000. Reserve Section, open to U1800:
Trophies to 1st - 2nd - 1st U1600 - 1st U1400 - 1st U1200/Unrated. Reg.: 9-
9:45am. Rds.: 10 - 12:30 - 3 - 5:30. Info: 412-421-1881, www.pittsburghcc.org.
Ent: Pittsburgh Chess Club, Attn: Clyde Kapinos, 5604 Solway St., Suite 209,
Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Checks payable to Pittsburgh Chess Club. NC, W.
Dec. 5, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads
Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St., West
Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$40, $50 for 3-0, $5 for 3rd rd win
if not 3-0. Reg.: 9am; Rds.: 9:30,1,4:30. Info: Jim White 484-678-3164.
Dec. 6, December Crush
4SS, G/30. Wayne Elementary School, 651 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087.
Sections: K-6 U/700, K-12 Champ. EF: $22 online by 12/2; $27 online by
noon 12/4; $35 on-site 9:00-9:30. Rds.: 10:00, then ASAP. Prizes: trophies to
top individuals & schools. Free game analysis by NM Adam Weissbarth. See
www.silverknightschess.com to register, or for information about sections
for unrated players.
Dec. 12-13, Delaware Valley Open Championship
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 13, PCL December Quick Quads (QC)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh,
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg.: 11-11:15am, Rds.: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com, 412-908-0286. W.
Dec. 19, 2009 Christmas LVCA Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 2, 2010 LVCA Scholastic K-12 Championship (9 Trophies)
5-SS, G/30. EF: $30, $35 CASH ONLY after 12/30/09 AT SITE. Trophys to 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th,Top U1400, U1200, U1000, U800, UNR, FREE ENTRY TO UNRAT-
uschess.org
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r6:chess life 10/10/2009
EDS, if paying 1 year USCF Dues, Drawings for $100 in Door Prizes. Rds.: 10-
11:30-12:45-2-3:30. Reg.: Ends 9:30am. Site: St. James Church, 11th &
Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. Ent: Mail to: Bruce Davis, 1208 Linden
St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, Ph. 610-625-0467, E-mail: bdavis@lehighvalley
chess.org. Info: www.lehighvalleychess.org/.
Jan. 2, 2010 New Year LVCA Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 15-18, 16-18 or 17-18, 42nd annual Liberty Bell Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open
See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open
See Grand Prix.
Rhode Island
Cranston-Warwick CC Monthly
Every Tuesday. 4SS, 40/75, SD/30. Garden City Center, Cranston. EF: $3/game
(club mbrs: $2/game). Reg.: 6:30-6:50pm; email preferred. Rds.: 1st 4 Tues-
days of the month, 7pm sharp! 5thTuesday extra rated games and events. One
bye rd 1-3; if notified in advance. Prizes based on entries. Info: www.cranston
chess.org, 401-575-1520. WCL JGP.
Every Thursday Blackstone Chess Thursday Swiss
3SS, G/90-10s. Blackstone Chess Center, 250 Main St., Pawtucket. EF: $15, mem-
bers $12, IM/GM free. Side games $5. Reg: 7-7:30pm. Starts 1st or 2nd
Thursday each month. Side events otherThursdays. One bye rd 1-2. Prizes based
on entries. Info: blackstonechess.com, 1.877.747.6464.
Nov. 21, 2009 Rhode Island Open
4SS, G/75. Blackstone Chess Academy, 250 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
Sections & Prizes: $1000 b/40 Open, U1900, U1500. Trophies each section.
EF: $35 Advance by 11/19, $40 at site. BCA members-$35. Reg.: 9-9:30 Rd 1
at 9:30 prompt. Entries after 9:30 get 1/2 point bye. Ent: RI Chess, P.O. Box
15444, Riverside, RI 02915. NO EMAIL REG. Site tel. (401) 837-1302. Regis-
ter online: www.richess.org. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
Tennessee
A Heritage Event!
Nov. 28, 49th Mid-South Open
4SS, G/60, Two Sections: Open and Under 1200, Open: EF: $15 by 11/21, $20
at door, $200 in prizes guaranteed! 1st $150, top U1600: $50. Under 1200: EF:
$10 by 11/21, $15 at door,Trophies to top 6. Site: Hampton Inn, 962 South Shady
Grove Rd., Memphis,TN 38120. Hotel reservations: (901) 762-0056. Registra-
tion (11/28): 8-9:30am. Rounds: 10-1-3-5. Entries: Memphis Chess Club
Inc., PO Box 17864, Memphis, TN 38187-0864. www.memphischess.com, gpy-
lant@gmail.com.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Texas
Nov. 7-8, Dallas Amateur and Novice
5SS, G/120. Dallas CC, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr. #A, Richardson, TX 75080. EF:
$25 ($20 Jr/Sr/Hcap), plus $5 non-DCC mbr fee. $$ Prizes based on entries.
Amateur: Open to U1800. Novice: Open to U1400 and unrated. Reg.: 9:45-
10:15am. Rds.: 10:45-3:10-7:16, 10:00-3:10. Two half-point Byes if requested
before rd 2 (and if requested before receiving a full point bye). Ent: Dallas Chess
Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000, info@dallaschess.com. NS, NC.
WCL JGP.
Nov. 7-8, Dallas Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 14, Scholastic Turkey Tournament
5SS, G/30 No delay. Sloan Creek Chess Club, Sloan Creek Middle School, 440
Country Club Road, Fairview, TX 75069. EF: $15 if registered by Nov. 4, 2009;
$30 after 11/04/09. On site registration $30 at 8:30-9:00am with 1/2 point bye
for R1. R1 at 9:00am, all others ASAP with short lunch break. ScholasticTurkey
Chess Tournament Grades K-12. Sections: Primary K - 3rd Grades U500
(USCF & JTP); Primary K - 3rd Grades Open (USCF & JTP); USCF Members: 4th
- 12th Grades U500; USCF Members: 4th - 12th Grades 500-U800; USCF Mem-
bers 4th - 12th Grades 800+; and a Not to Be Rated Section 4th - 12th Grade.
(Primary Sections do not require USCF memberships due to USCFs JTP clas-
sification). Individual Trophies in Sections: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place Trophies
awarded in each section and 4th place winners in each section receive a
frozen turkey! All pre-registered participants will receive aTurkeyTournament
Certificate of Participation. Team Trophies: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd PlaceTeamTrophies
based on cumulative scores of all rated sections including Primary Sections.
Email: Sloancreekchess@aol.com or for a registration application: http://scms.
lovejoyisd.net/MP.cfm?P=4358&.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas 9-12 Grade Championships
5SS, Grade 9-10 G/120. Grade 11-12 G/90 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600
Lamar, Houston,TX 77010. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, mentionTexas Grade and
Collegiate Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase.
The 9-12 is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 3 sepa-
rate tournaments, one per grade 9, one per grade 10 and one for grades 11-12
(combined). Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for
team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.) Winner of 11th
- 12th Grade Section wins a 4 year scholarship to The University of Texas
at Dallas, worth up to $43,000. Scholarship winner must meet UTD entrance
requirements and follow team rules. EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at
site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to:
Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX
76036. Entry must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school
and school location. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No
refunds after 11/18. Email: info@dallaschess.com. 214-632-9000. Do not
call after 11/18 as we are traveling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-
9:00 pm. Reg. Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a
1/2 pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds 9, 1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One 1/2 pt bye avail-
uschess.org
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able, any round, if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received
a full point bye. Online registration(active.com charges a fee.):
www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796640. Limited number of
Team rooms available, www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tour-
nament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open,
U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open Tournament
Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team.Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35
pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite
only. NS, NC, W.WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas Collegiate Championships
5SS, G/90, 30 sec inc. Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010. HR:
$103-$103-$103-$103, mention Texas Grade and Collegiate Championships
to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. College section open to
any college player. Only Texas Colleges can be Texas Collegiate Champs.
Plaques to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three players added for team scores,
no more than 2 teams per school.) EF: $42 if postmarked by 11/13. $62 at site.
Do not mail after 11/13 as your entry may not be received. Entries to: Dallas
Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry
must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school loca-
tion. Incomplete entries will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18.
Email: info@dallaschess.com. 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we
are traveling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg.
Sat.11/21 at 7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a 1/2 pt. 1st rd.
bye. Sat. rds 9,1:30-6:00. Sun. rds 9-1:30. One 1/2 pt bye available, any round,
if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye.
Fide rated but uses USCF rules. Online registration (active.com charges a
fee.): www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1796645. Limited num-
ber of Team rooms available, www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30
open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30 pm. This G/30 tournament has three sec-
tions: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15, $$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse Open
Tournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team. Trophy prizes. Registration for side
event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W. FIDE. WCL JGP.
A State Championship Event!
Nov. 21-22, 13th Annual Texas K-8 Grade Championships
6SS, Rds 1-3 G/45, Rds 4-6 G/60. George R Brown Convention Center, 1001
Avenida de las Americas, Houston,TX. HR: $103-$103-$103-$103, Hilton Amer-
icas, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010 mention Texas Grade and Collegiate
Championships to get rate. Reserve By 10/29 or rate may increase. The K-8
is Open to TX residents or players attending Texas schools. 9 separate tour-
naments, one per grade (K-8).Trophies to top 10 ind. & top 5 teams (top three
players added for team scores, no more than 2 teams per school in each grade.)
EF: $37 if postmarked by 11/13. $58 at site. Do not mail after 11/13 as your
entry may not be received. Entries to: Dallas Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swaf-
ford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. Entry must include Name, USCF
ID (or new/pending), grade & school and school location. Incomplete entries
will be charged at site entry fee. No refunds after 11/18. Email:
info@dallaschess.com. 214-632-9000. Do not call after 11/18 as we are trav-
eling. Reg & Rds.: Reg. Fri 11/20 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Reg. Sat. 11/21 at
7:30 am-8:30 am. Sat. registration may require a 1/2 pt. 1st rd. bye. Sat. rds
9:30-12:00-2:05-4:10. Sun. rds 10-1:15. One 1/2 pt bye available, any round,
if requested before end of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye.
Online registration (active.com charges a fee): www.active.com/event_
detail.cfm?event_id=1796640. Limited number of Team rooms available,
www.swchess.com. Side events: 4 rd G/30 open tournament on 11/20 at 7:30
pm.This G/30 tournament has three sections: Open, U1400 and U750. EF: $15,
$$$60% of entry fees. Bughouse OpenTournament Sat. 8:35 pm. EF: $20/team.
Trophy prizes. Parent/Child team tourney Sat. 6:35 pm. EF: $10/team. Trophy
prizes. Registration for side event online or onsite only. NS, NC, W.
Nov. 27, 2009 DFW K-12 Championships
5-SS, G/30. DFW Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle, 3300 Cham-
pionship Parkway, Fort Worth,TX 76177. Opened to K-12.Two Rated Sections:
Champ. and U1000. EF: $22 if received by 11/20, $28 at site. Reg.: 8:00-8:30
am. Rd 1 Pairings at 9:00 am rest ASAP with short lunch break. $$Trophies
Champ. - top 10 ind, top 5 teams, U1000 -Top 10 ind, top 5 teams, top 3 unrated.
One Not Rated Section: K-12 Not rated. This section is not rated but is opened
to both rated and nonrated players. EF: $12 by 11/20 else $17. $$trophies for
not rated section - Top 7 individual, top 3 Teams. HR: $94-94, (888)-236-2427,
reserve by 10/26 or rate may increase, mention Dallas Chess. Make Checks
payable to: Dallas Chess Club. US Chess Federation Membership is required
Except for not rated section. Online Registration: www.active.com/event_
detail.cfm?event_id=1796364. Note that active.com charges a small fee. Ent:
Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. (Make Checks
payable to Dallas Chess Club) Ph: 214.632.9000. E-mail: info@dallaschess.com
NS, NC, W.
Nov. 27-29 or 28-29, 9th Annual Ken Smith Memorial Open
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 28-29, San Antonio Turkey Shoot
Hornbeak Bldg, 2nd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX. 7SS, G/60.
$$1,100 b/40: $250-150; A, B, U1600, U1400/unr. ea. $100-$75. EF: $30 if recd
by 11/25, $35 at site. Junior (18/under) or Senior (65+) entry (count 2/3 toward
based-on): $20 by 11/25, $25 at site. Reg.: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Rds.: 11-1:30-4-
7, 10-12:30-3. Half-pt. bye any 2 rds. (except BOTH 6 & 7), notice before rd.
2. Entries: SACC, POB 501, Helotes,TX 78023. Info: www.sanantoniochess.com,
210-695-2324. NS. NC. W.
Dec. 5, 2009 Dallas Junior Open
5-SS, (rds 1-3 G/35, rds 4-5 G/50). Dallas CC, 212 S. Cottonwood Dr. #A,
Richardson, TX 75080. EF: $15 if received by 12/30, $20 at site. Reg.: 8:30-9
am. 3 sections: Champ (opened to 20 yrs old and under), Cadet (opened to
14 yrs old and under), Youth (opened to 10 yrs old and under). Ages as of
1/1/09. Rd 1 at 9:20 am rest ASAP. $$50% of entry fees. One half-point Bye
if requested before end of rd 2 (and if requested before receiving a full point
bye). Ent: Dallas Chess Club, see address above. Info: 214-632-9000,
info@dallaschess.com. NS, NC.
Dec. 11-13, 2009 National Scholastic K-12 Championship
See Nationals.
Dec. 26-27, 2009 DCC Insanity
See Grand Prix.
Dec. 27-30, 2009 Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Cham-
pionships
See Nationals.
Jan. 15-17 or 16-17, JGs Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Class
Championships
University ofTexas at Dallas, Galaxy Rooms At Student Union, 800 West Camp-
bell Rd., Richardson,TX 75080. 5SS, G/120, Rd 1 of 2 day is G/60. In 7 Sections
Under 2200: Open to 2199 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but are
ineligible for prizes. Under 2000: Open to 1999 & under. Unrateds may play
in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrat-
eds may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds:
Open to 1599 & under. Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win
unrated prizes that are determined by unrated entry fees. The unrated entry
fees do not apply for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds
may not play in this section. Under 1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may
not play in this section. Under 1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not
play in this section. ALL: $$ 60% returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd
and 10% for 3rd.). EF: $49 by 1/6/10, Juniors U19/Seniors Over 65/Handicap
$30 by 1/6/10. Else $65 or Jr/Sr/Hcap $40. Please do not mail after Jan 6th.
Register online until Jan 12th: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_
id=1796626.Two 1/2 pt. byes if requested before rd 2, but byes for both round
4 and round 5 is not allowed. Two schedules: 3 day and 2 day. 3 day Onsite
Registration: 1/15: 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Rounds: Fri 7:20 pm, Sat 12:30 pm - 5:15
pm, Sun 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 2 day Onsite Registration: 1/16: 8:00 - 8:30 am.
Rounds: Sat 9 am then merge with 3 day. Park on metered parking by Student
Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on University
Drive and park on visitors parking. Due to contruction, check website for
parking updates. Recommended Hotel: Hawthorn Suites Richardson, 250
Municipal Dr., Richardson,TX 75080. 972-669-1000. HR: $79 for 1 bedroom will
pullout couch, $99 for 1 bedroom plus another king bedroom plus pullout
couch. Mention UTD rate to get hotel rate. Any problems booking your room,
please ask for Lynn Koutney. Free hot breakfast with hotel room. ENT: Dallas
Chess Club, C/O Barbara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036.
214.632.9000 INFO: Barb Swafford, info@dallaschess.com, www.swchess.com.
NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Jan. 15-17, JGs Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 19-21 or 20-21, 14th annual Mid-America Open (MO)
See Grand Prix.
Virginia
Nov. 6, 13, 20, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating Lad-
der
30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points
March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check
web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchess
club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money
too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info: Chrisney2@gmail.com No advance
entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. Future monthly
events will appear a month in advance here. WCL JGP.
Nov. 14, Kingstowne Quad #60/Action-Plus #32
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #60: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 11/11, $15 at
site. Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else
silver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #32: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 11/11, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-
Unr. each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to):
Don W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info
only): dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Nov. 21, Thanksgiving Grand Prix
See Grand Prix.
Nov. 21-22, 17th David Zofchak Memorial
5SS, 1&2 G/2, 3-5 30/75, SD/1. Holiday Inn, 1815 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton.
EF: $40 if recd. by 11/18, else $50. $900 b/50: $150-$130-$110; 1500-1800
& Unr. $100-$75: 1200-1499 $100-$75, U1200 $75-$50. Reg.: 9-9:30, Rds.: Sat:
9:45-2:00-7, Sun: 9:30-2:45. MBR: VCF $10. HR: 1-4 $79 757-838-0200. Ent:
Ernie Schlich, 1370 S. Braden Cres., Norfolk, VA 23502. (757)853-5296.
www.vachess.org. NS, NC. WCL JGP.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Arlington Chess Club Friday Night USCF Rating
Ladder
30/90 SD/1. Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd.,
Arlington, VA 22203. Player with most monthly points - $50 and most total points
March - December wins $100. Must Join Club to play ($50 Adult, $40 U18) check
web to make sure we are open each week - members.cox.net/arlingtonchess
club/ladder.htm. Ladder has been running for over 45 years, now win money
too! Contact: Adam Chrisney for info: Chrisney2@gmail.com No advance
entries, sign up for ladder weekly by 8pm, games start 8:15pm. WCL JGP.
Dec. 5-6, 2009 Arlington Chess Club Championship
See Grand Prix.
Jan. 9, Kingstowne Quad #61/Action-Plus #33
Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Alexandria, VA
22315. 2 Events. Quad #61: 3RR G/100. EF: $10 if received by 1/6, $15 at site.
Prizes: Medals to 1st and 2nd in each quad: gold to 1st if 3-0 score, else sil-
ver; bronze to 2nd. Rds.: 11-3-7. Action-Plus #33: 5SS G/45. EF: $15 if
received by 1/6, $20 at site. Prizes $$250 b/20: $100-60, U1800-U1400-Unr.
each $30. Rds.: 11-1-3-5-7. Both: Reg. 9:30-10:45. Ent (checks payable to):
Don W. Millican, P.O. Box 2902, Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
dm407_92@hotmail.com. W.
Jan. 29-31, Springfield Open
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 31-Apr. 4, Apr. 1-4 or 2-4 or 3-4, Philadelphia Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
June 29-July 5, July 1-5, 2-5 or 3-5, 38th Annual World Open (PA)
See Grand Prix.
Chess Life November 2009 69
CL_11-2009_tla_JP_r8:chess life 10/12/2009 3:50 PM Page 70

Tournament Life

Wisconsin to masters. Entries to: (WCA), P.O. Box 259822, Madison, WI 53725.
www.wischess.org. Questions: Ask for Guy (608)262-0308 between 11am-6pm,
28 Singleton Ct., Madison, WI 53711. INFO: Dennis Kosterman, (608)770-
3133, dennisk@tds.net. HR: $69 (Block held until 12/7) (608)-244-2481.
A Heritage Event! mailto:Schachfuhrer@hotmail.com. WCL JGP. www.wischess.org. NS NC W. WCL JGP.
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING NOVEMBER 1-14

Nov. 27-29, 51st North Central Open/William Martz Memorial

Radisson Hotel, N14 W24140Tower Place, Pewaukee, WI 53072. (262) 506-6300,
$79/night. EF: $40 if received by 11-25, $45 after 11-25. $3 discount for jun-
iors and new members. TC: 4-SS, 40/120, SD/1. Round 5 G/120. On site
registration: from 9:30am-11am. Rounds: 11/27-28,12pm&6pm. 11/29
10am&3pm. Prizes (B/50): 1st $200, 2nd $150, A $100, B $95, C $90, D$85,
E $80, U1000 $75, upset $45. Half point byes available, two at most.comp entry
Dec. 19-20, The Wisconsin Memorial
5SS, 45/2,25/1,SD/1 (45/2,SD/1 Round 4 only), Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel,
3841 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704. EF: $21 (Juniors $17) by Dec.
15. $3 more later or on site. $$b/50 and 4 per class: $125-85. A - $70; B -
$60; C - $60; D - $50; E - $40; U1000 - $30; Unr - $30; Upset - $50. Reg.: 9-
9:30 A.M. Dec. 19. Rds.: 10:00-2:30-7:30; 10:00-3:30. ENT: Dennis Kosterman,

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number copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 4,189; average number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 513. (h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g) average number copies each issue during preceding 12 months,
45,460; actual number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 36,238. (i) Percent paid. 15c divided by 15f 100), per cent on average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 99.9; per cent on actual no. copies
of single issue published nearest filing date, 99.9. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership. Publication of this statement will be printed in the November 2009 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above
are correct and complete (signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner): Bill Hall (sig.), Publisher. P.S. Form 3526, September 2007.

70 Chess Life November 2009 uschess.org

CL_11-2009_solutions_AKF_r6:chess life 10/12/2009 9:26 PM Page 71

Solutions

A. Anyone might be snookered by 1. Nxf6+?! Nxf6

Chess to Enjoy 1966. Problem II.
Problem I. 1. Kg4 e2
1. ... Qh3 2. Nf1 Re5! and the threat of 3. ... Rh5 (fol- 2. Rxd6 which was refuted by 2. ... Rbd7! Bxf6 1. ... d2 2. Kf3 Kd3 3. Ra1 e2 4. Ra3+ Kc2 5. Ra2+
lowed by 4. ... Nxh2 or 4. ... Qxh2+! 5. Nxh2 Rxh2 Rxd6 4. Bxd8 Rxd8 and White resigned a piece Kc1 6. Ra1+ Kb2 7. Kxe2 Draw.
down.
B. Unsound is 1. Rh3? fxg5 2. Rxh5+ gxh5 3.
mate) wins. 2. Rc1+ Kd4 3. Kf3 d2 4. Rc4+ Kd3 5. Rd4+! Kxd4
Problem II. 6. Kxe2 Kc3 7. Kd1 Kd3 draws.
Qxh5+ Nh6.
C. The modest retreat 1. Bc1! poses real problems.
Black ends the attack with 1. ... Qe8!, threatening 2.
... Qxg6, e.g. 2. Rxf6 Bxh6 or 2. Rxg7+ Rxg7 3. Qxf6
Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess

Mating net: After 1. ... Qxf3+!, its mate next

Rg1 mate. One possible variation is 1. ... Nc6 (curtains is 1. Problem I.
Problem III. ... gxf5? 2. Qxh5+ Kg7 3. Rg3+ Kf8 4. Bh6+
move.
1. ... Qg6!, e.g. 2. Rg1 Bxe4+ or 2. f3 Qg2 mate or 2. Nxh6 5. Qxh6+ Ke8 6. Nxf6+) 2. Rg3! Nd4 (if 2.

Trapping: Whites knight falls to 1. ... h4.

Bf3 Ng7! 3. Qd4 Bxd3 4. Rxe8 Rxe8 5. Rg1 Be4. ... Qe8 3. Nh4 g5 4. Bxg5 fxg5 5. Rxg5 is crush- Problem II.
Problem IV. ing) 3. Rxd4! cxd4 4. Nh4! Qf7 5. Nxg6 Qxg6 6.

Mating attack: White is up the creek after 1. ...

1. ... Rd8! threatens a killing ... Rd1+, e.g. 2. Qa4 Rxg6 Kxg6 7. Qf3 and wins. Problem III.
Qe1+ and mates, or 2. Be3 Rd1+ 3. Bg1 Qxf3! 4. 3. C. Aleksei Litwak-Viacheslav Savchenko,
Qh3+. If 2. Kf3, then 2. ... Bg4+. If 2. Kg1, then 2. ...
A. The players agreed to a draw after 1. ... Kd6 2.
gxf3 Bxf3 mate. Dortmund 2009.
Bg4 followed by 3. ... Bf3.
Problem V.

Mating net: The capture 1. ... Qxg3 is most

Kf3 though Black can still win with 2. ... Kc5. Problem IV.
B. Inaccurate is 1. ... Kd4? 2. d6 d2 3. d7 d1=Q 4.
1. ... Qc1! followed by ... Qxc8, ... Qc7+ or ... Rh1+.
The game ended with 2. Be6+ Kh8 3. Qxd4 Qc7+ 4.
Rg3 Nh5. d8=Q+ Kc3 5. Qxd1. definitely mate.
C. Decisive is 1. ... Kb4! 2. d6 d2 3. Ke2 Kc3 4. d7
Mating net: Black mates by 1. ... Be7+ 2. Qg5
Problem VI. Problem V.
1. Qc3+ Kf7 (not 1. ... Kh6 2. Nxf5+! gxf5 3. Qf6 f3+! 5. Kd1 f2 6. Ke2 f1=Q+! 7. Kxf1 d1=Q+.
mate or 2. ... Kg5 3. h4+ and mates) 2. g5! wins. For Rh3.
4. B. Sergei Volkov-Robert Zelcic, Greece

Mating net: White gets mated: 1. ... Be7+ 2. Bg5

Problem VI.
A. Only one move doesn't lose, but Black perished
example, 2. ... Kxe7 3. Qf6 mate; 2. ... Qxe7 3. Bb3+ 2008.
Kf8 4. Qh8 mate or 2. ... Rd8 3. Nxc6 bxc6 4. Bb3+
Ke8 5. Qh8+ Ke7 6. Qe5+ Kf8 7. Rxd6! cxd6 8. after 1. ... Rxb3? 2. Rxd6 Rb1+ 3. Rd1 c4 4. Qc2. Bxg5 3. Kxg5 Qe7.
Qh8+ Ke7 9. Qg7+ Ke8 10. Qg8+ and mates. B. The only defense is 1. ... Ra6! inviting 2. Bc7!?
Qc8! (but not 2. ... Qa8? 3. Rxd6 Rxa4 4. bxa4) 3.
Total your score to determine your
Whats The Best Move? Qxa6? Qxa6 4. Rxd6 Qa1+ 5. Kg2 h6.
C. Inadequate is 1. ... Rb7? 2. Qc6 Be7 (if 2. ... Bf8 approximate rating below:
A. Black quit too soon after 1. Qe5!? but he could
1. B. Imre Balog-Endre Vegh, Bulgaria 2008.

have soldiered on with 1. ... Qc3! 2. Qxc3 (if 2.

3. Rd8; or 2. ... Bc7 3. Rd7) 3. Rd8+! Qxd8 (if 3. Total Score Rating

95+ 2400+
... Bxd8 4. Qe8 mate) 4. Bxd8 and wins.
81-94 2200-2399
Rxg7 Qf3+ draws) 2. ... Bxc3.
B. Believe it or not, even more deadly (though less Endgame Lab Benkos Bafflers 66-80 2000-2199
51-65 1800-1999
36-50 1600-1799
flashy) is 1. Qxb4 cxb4 2. Rc1 Bf6 3. Rcc7 Bxe7 Problem I.
21-35 1400-1599
4. Rxe7 with Be5+ looming.
C. Unconvincing is 1. Rxg7 Qxe1+ 2. Rxe1 Kxg7 3.
A: 1. Nb3 d1=Q 2. Nc5+ Ka5 3. Bd2+ Qxd2 4. Nb3+
06-20 1200-1399
0-05 under 1200
wins.
Be5+ Kh6 4. f4 b5. B: 1. Nc2 d1=Q 2. Nb4+ Ka5 3. Nd3+ Ka4 4. Nb2+
2. C. Reinhart Fuchs-Boris Spassky, Sochi wins.

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