2009 - Chess Life 01 PDF

January 2009 uschess.
org
He won the 1992

World Open and
he didnt get a cover.
He won the 1992

U.S. Open and
he didnt get a cover.
He tied for first at

4 National Opens
and he didnt get a cover.
Finally, we give a cover to ...
GM Gregory
Kaidanov A USCF Publication $3.95
Chess Life
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2 Chess Life January 2009 uschess.org

Editors Note January Contributors:
Platinum. This is the metal associated with 70th anniversaries, the anniversary year Dr. Alexey Root, WIM (Looks at
the USCF is now celebrating. Advertisers link platinum with wealth (think platinum Books) is the author of Science,
credit cards for example) and this serves nicely as a metaphor for the USCFs 70th
Math, Checkmate: 32 Chess Activities
year as we celebrate our greatest wealth: The USCF member.
In an issue later this year we will profile seven USCF members examining how for Inquiry and Problem Solving |
the USCF has been important to them and for this we need your help. Would you Al Lawrence (USCF History) is
like to be profiled? Do you know someone who should be profiled? If you were born a former USCF Executive Director |
in the year 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, or 1999 and you are willing to be
GM Ian Rogers (World Championship)
interviewed and have your photograph published in Chess Life, please contact us at
[email protected]. If you dont have e mail access, please see our address on p. 2. is a frequent contributor of interna
As part of our anniversary celebrations we introduce a new Chess Life department tional chess reports | FM Mike Klein
in this issue, USCF History, penned by former USCF Executive Director Al Lawrence. (Kaidanov) is a frequent contributor
Each month through the July issue we will look at one decade of USCF history. For
to Chess Life | GM John Fedorowicz
this first month, Lawrence looks at the years 1939 1948, a time of Reshevsky and
Steiner and of beginnings: both Chess Life and the Golden Knights correspondence (World Youth) has long been one
chess tournament began this decade. For even more history, see former USCF Pres of Americas top GMs and scholastic
ident John McCrarys write up on p. 8 of the organizations that preceded the USCF. coaches | WGM Jennifer Shahade
If you wish to purchase the USCF a 70th anniversary gift, use your platinum credit
card (or just your run of the mill card!) at uschess.org to join the USCF or to extend (Hip Hop Variation) is the editor of
your membership. You and the USCF will be glad you did. ~Daniel Lucas Chess Life Online at uschess.org
January on uschess.org
Best of CLO Indian Problem-

A year of original solving
articles and interviews Gary Kevin Wares
+ N
+ +
will be ranked in the + ++p + January CLO problem
second annual Best + + + + column deals with
of CLO Awards. Last the Indian theme.
years top articles were
+ +pPL+P
The Double Indian,
written by GMs Jesse
+
prP
p
to the left, a mate
Kraai, Josh Friedel and in 4 composed by
+P+kl +R
Alex Onischuk. This P
p + L Don French, stumped
year's judges will + +K+ + GM Walter Browne.
include a mix of top Mate in 4 Can you solve it?
players, journalists Go to Chess Life
and fans. Online for the answer!
Ask GM Joel Holiday chess weekend

In January, Joel responds Martin Luther King Day
to a reader who wants an weekend sees two major
opinion on his strategy of Grand Prixs on both coasts,
playing drawish openings the Liberty Bell Open in
against higher rated players Philadelphia and the
and sharper openings against Western Class Champi
lower rated players. Send onships in Agoura Hills,
Joel your own inquiries to California. Check out
[email protected]. CLO coverage of both,
by CLO editor Jennifer
Shahade in Philly and
Jerry Hanken in California.
uschess.org Chess Life January 2009 3

January Chess Life
Columns
12 CHESS TO ENJOY
Fischer Secrets
By GM Andy Soltis
14 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Morphy Was Quicker
By Bruce Pandolfini
16 LOOKS AT BOOKS
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM

Poktactics
17 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?

26th Sands Regency
By GM Larry Evans
Western States Open
42 BACK TO BASICS
Tal is Smiling
By GM Lev Alburt
44 ENDGAME LAB
The 2008 Womens
World Championship
By GM Pal Benko
Departments
3 PREVIEW
6 COUNTERPLAY
8 FIRST MOVES
10 USCF HISTORY
26 | COVER STORY
40 USCF AFFAIRS
The Quiet Kentuckian
49 TOURNAMENT LIFE By FM Mike Klein
GM Gregory Kaidanov has built one of the most impressive
resums in American chess.
70 CLASSIFIEDS
71 SOLUTIONS
20 | WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Anand is Matchless
By GM Ian Rogers
GM Viswanathan Anand defeats GM Vladimir Kramnik in the format in which the
Russian had previously shown himself invincible: a head to head match. The
Indian is now the indisputable world champion.
32 | 2008 WORLD YOUTH

Bronze for Shankland and Yang
By GM John Fedorowicz
Is there no stopping our scholastic chess players on the international stage? After
a year that has seen multiple gold medals for the U.S., our team picks up even
more medals in Vietnam.
On The Cover 36 | HERE AND THERE

GM Gregory Kaidanov outside Hip Hop Variation
By WGM Jennifer Shahade
of the U.S. Chess School in
Chess boxing. Scuba chess. Hip Hop artists playing tandem chess with
Lexington, Kentucky.
a former U.S. womens champion. We seem to be in a golden age of aggressive
Cover Photo: Matt Barton chess marketing.

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Counterplay
That mysterious knight move Modern chess typos examples were so badly botched that I
I am surprised that Frank Camarattas Chess Life devoted its front cover and could not recreate the intended sequence
interesting article on the origin of the a feature article to the 15th edition of of moves.
knight move does not raise two issues Modern Chess Openings (September It appears that in the rush to get out the
(The Mysterious Knight Move, October 2008). I turned to my copy MCO 15 to see next hot selling chess book publishers
2008). The first derives from the fact that what it had to say about a variation of the are not spending enough time on proof
in modern chess, the knight is the com 6. ... Bc4 Najdorf. It gave (p. 264): editing for obvious errors. As a result,
plement of the queen. That is, if the knight the chess student gets deprived of what
attacks the queen, the queen does not he or she paid for.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5.
attack the knight, and vice versa. Try Denny Helmuth, life member
Nc3 a6 6. Bc4 e6 7. Bb3 Nbd7 8. f4 Nc5 9. f5
placing seven queens on a chess board so 13. axb3 b5! 14. Nxb5?! d5 (and then in the
via e-mail
Be7 10. Qf3 0-0 11. Be3 e5 12. Nde2 Nxb3
that they do not attack one another. footnote) 15. Qg4 g6 16. Bh6 Nxe5 17. Qf4
Hence, if the original king, queen (adviser), EGOists
bishop and rook moved as Mr. Cama The article written by Michael Jeffreys
b4
ratta reasons, the knight would be a Not only do the moves 15. Qg4 and 17. (Is Your EGO Costing You Your ELO?
complement to their combined motions, Qf4 leave the queen en prise, but the October, 2008) points out pitfalls all chess
now embodied in a single piece, the mod moves 16. Nxe5 and 17. b4 are players have to go through. I have played
ern queen. patently impossible. Because of this edi tournament chess for over 30 years, and
A second issue is one of color. To use torial carelessness, Ill never know what would like to share some of my own expe
Hans Kmochs terminology, most of the Nick de Firmian is referring to when he riences that were beyond my control.
original chess pieces, at least as Mr. concludes a sharp position with chances In 1993, I was up against a grandmas
Camaratta defines them, were color for both sides. ter and was playing well when another
bound or monochromic. Not only were Soon thereafter I bought a copy of player in the room dropped dead at his
bishops confined to squares of one color, Jeremy Silmans Complete Endgame board! The emergency personnel were
but so were the original queens (advi Course. Silman advises us to put aside summoned, and all the games had to be
sors) and the original rooks, if they could all other endgame books and trust your stopped. Upon resumption, I blundered
move only two squares, not one. endgame study to Silmans Complete away a knight, and my game was over.
Kmoch termed the knight rotochromic, Endgame Course (p. xiv). In 1994, I was paired against a grand
changing colors with each move, a prop I was eager to sample this self pro master in the first round, but on the
erty the original king and non capturing claimed greatest of all endgame primers morning I was to leave for this tourna
pawns shared if the pawns could only that I had just purchased, so I sat down ment, I lost my job. I made the trip
advance one square on the first move. in the bookstore and turned to the first anyway, and promptly got slaughtered.
Color complex strategy could have been example in the Bobby Fischer chapter In 1998, I had all kinds of problems
quite different in primordial chess as Mr. (p. 511). I was disappointed when I got to with the playing site as it was a circular
Camaratta has reconstructed it, making the first annotation: room on a hotels roof. That night, severe
winning the knight pair a priority. weather headed in our direction, and I
just simply did not feel safe playing
3. g5 Kd7 4. g5 Kf5 5. Bf6 Kg6, =.
James S. Morgan
Haddonfield, New Jersey
Without even seeing the diagram it is there and promptly lost in 15 moves.
evident that 4. g5 and 4. Kf5 are impos The point is to place more credence in
Frank Camaratta responds: sible. It turns out that 5. Bf6 is also. objective rather than emotional thought
What a disappointment to have plunked because your ego will get to you. Block out
This stems from the very nature of the down $25 for a sloppily edited chess book. the extenuating circumstances, and your
thesis that from a given square, each of If a move or two is misprinted or omit ego will definitely be in check.
ted it is often possible to piece together the
the chessmen would attack a unique David Cole, life member
intended meaning. However, the above via e-mail
square. There would be no overlap in the
span of control of each piece. There can
be no doubt that in the game as originally
posed, the knight was by far the strongest
piece. Unfortunately, this also had the
drawback that the rooks and bishops
could not attack each other and made the
game somewhat laborious. The game
became much more playable once the
powers of the rooks were expanded.
On the question of color, I believe that the
original game was played on the points
not the squares and I also believe that
the squares on the earliest chessboards
were all the same color. The game was, in
effect, played on a grid, much like Chi
nese chess, Shogi or Go. ~Frank Camaratta

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First Moves
dissolved itself after losing a power strug

Participants at the First American Chess Congress gle with the Philadelphia chess club over
control of the Congress.
In 1880, the Chess Association of the
United States of America was established
at the Fifth American Chess Congress.
Despite its longer name, it did not enjoy a
long tenure.
In 1888, the United States Chess Asso
ciation was established in Cincinnati. It
was created at the behest of six estab
lished State Chess Associations, namely
those of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
New Jersey, Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio,
according to Steinitz. This association
thrived briefly but died out by 1897.
In 1897, discussion began for the estab
lishment of another national organization,
and by 1899 The Chess Association of the
United States was functioning. It had the
new feature of emphasizing clubs, rather
than individuals, as members, although it
allowed individual members. That organ
ization also failed to thrive, despite the
efforts of World Champion Emanuel
Lasker, who published its constitution in
his Laskers Chess Magazine, November
1904, in order to bring new life into the
organization.
Before the USCF: Early American In 1921, the United States Chess Asso
ciation was formed, adopting the
Chess Associations constitution of its predecessor of the
late 1890s. Although it was communicat
As we celebrate this 70th anniversary year, a former ing with Jose Capablanca as late as
USCF president answers, What came before? 1922 regarding conditions for future
world championship matches, it does
not seem to have remained active for
much longer.
In 1926 a major step toward a perma
nent national chess organization occurred
By John McCrary when the National Chess Federation of the
s we celebrate 70 years of the time. The likely candidates for the pres USA was established, affiliating with the
USCF, let us look at the various idency were Judge A.B. Meek of Alabama world chess federation (FIDE), which was
A national chess associations in the
U.S. that preceded the USCF. Between
and Charles Mead of New York. Asking
Morphy, a southerner, to nominate the
also newly formed. It survived long
enough to gain control of the U.S. cham
1857 and 1939 Americans tried to feder northern candidate (with Meeks bless pionship, and then in 1939 to merge with
ate themselves on a national level on at ing) was thus a gesture of unity that yet another national organization, the
least nine occasions, but all those organ began the new association on a good American Chess Federation, which had
izations ceased to exist, although the last footing despite the sectional tensions of been formed out of the Western Chess
two merged to create our USCF in 1939. the day. Association. The result of that merger is
It began on October 19, 1857, when the Unfortunately that first American the modern USCF.
American Chess Association was voted Chess Association died quickly, although The USCF began in September 1939,
into existence by participants at the First a rare copy of its brief periodical is exhib the same month that World War II began.
American Chess Congress in New York. ited at the World Chess Hall of Fame in As late as October 1943, the USCF had
Paul Morphy nominated Colonel Charles Miami. Subsequently, there was a long only 299 members, but it grew to its
D. Mead of New York to be its first pres succession of failed attempts to create record membership of around 95,000
ident. That first American Chess new American chess associations. Follow members in early 2003. The USCF owes
Association was among the first of its ing is a brief list of such attempts: many things to all those failed predeces
kind in the world. In 1871, another American Chess sors. The idea of inexpensive dues in
The American Chess Association was Association was created in Cleveland at order to be accessible to all social classes
evidently only the third national organ the Second American Chess Congress. was established as early as 1857. Support
ization started for any sport in the U.S., After its fund raising appeal was apathet of scholastic chess came early, as did
following horse racing and cricket. Base ically received, it died. the sanctioning of national competitions
ball began its national organization in In 1874, yet another American Chess in an effort to regulate disputed title
PHOTO: ARCHIVAL
March 1858. Association (same name again) was claims. In time, the USCF would become
Why did Paul Morphy nominate the started in Chicago at the Third American pioneers in developing ratings for over
first president of that first American Chess Congress. That association tried to the board play worldwide, and in helping
Chess Association? The answer may be organize the Fourth American Chess to bring chess computers into homes
found in the sectional tensions of that Congress in 1876 in Philadelphia, but around the world. .
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U S C F H I S T O RY
On the Shoulders of Chess Giants

USCFS 1ST DECADE: 1939-1948
W
by Al Lawrence
eve come to expect a lot from our bloody invasion of Russia put an end to its 70 million), 10 of our best players took on
USCF: hundreds of school and com national chess championship prelims. the U.S.S.R.s stars in a double round
munity clubs, thousands of tourn Sheltered in the U.S., aging legends took robin played by radio. On boards one
aments each year with timely rating adjust their leave of the Earth: Emanuel Lasker, and two, Botvinnik blanked Denker and
ments, and a professionally prepared, longest reigning chess king; Jos Ral Smyslov shut out Reshevsky. Overall,
monthly Chess Life. Even the sky is no Capablanca, the once dashing idol of the the Soviets won 15 to 4. (An in per
longer the limit; U.S. school children, with gilded age; Frank Marshall, U.S. champ son match the next year in Moscow saw
voting tallied by USCF, are now sending for nearly three decades. A future champ the U.S. lose by an improved but still
moves into space, playing against orbiting was born, Bobby Fischer. lopsided score.) Also in 1945, C.F.
U.S. astronaut Gregory Chamitoff. With In 1942 Mona May Karff, born in czarist Rehberg won the first USCF Golden
that gravity defying feat in mind, it seems Russia, won her second U.S. womens Knights correspondence tournament.
doubly appropriate to recall Sir Isaac New championship title in a row, ending the
EN PASSANT
New Yorker Sammy Reshevsky
dominates the decades U.S.
championships; only exceptions
Arnold Denker wins in 1944, and
Hollywoods Herman Steiner in 1948.
1944: Chess Review flooded with

letters debating the change in notation
from Kt to N.
Chess Life begins as a newspaper

in 1946.
1948: Fine declines to play in the

world championship tournament;
Botvinnik wins, beginning the long
Soviet domination of world chess.
Trivia: Two of the three U.S. champs

who ruled USCFs first decade were
promising young boxersSteiner and
Denker knew their way around the
board and the ring.
Samuel Reshevsky (left) dominated the U.S. championship in USCFs first decade. George Sturgis (top of page) was USCFs first president.
tons humbling reminder that we can see back and forth with Belgian born Adele On September 5, 1946, Chess Life
so far only because we stand on the shoul Rivero. The 1940s ended with the rise of began as a twice monthly newspaper,
ders of giants. Over the next eight issues, the astonishing Gisela Kahn Gresser. edited by picaresque Chicagoan Mont
well briefly recall some of those giants of Discovering the Swiss System was the gomery Major, who wrote some columns
USCF, looking this month at its first decade. invention of the tournament chess wheel. under the inverted pseudonym William
On December 27, 1939, the National Texan J.C. Thompson, at the advice of Rojam. Koltanowski launched a nation
Chess Federation and the American Chess George Koltanowski, ran the 1942 South wide simul exhibition and blindfold tour.
Federation merged to form USCF, with west Open as a Swiss. Before this, large Larry Friedman won the first U.S. junior
yearly dues of one dollar and fewer than events were unwieldy, requiring many chess championship in Chicago.
1,000 members. USCFs first president, games to determine a winner. When In 1948, USCF ended its initial decade
George Sturgis of Boston, set his sights on Thompson organized the 1947 U.S. Open as two promising teenagers, Larry Evans
2,000 a goal not realized for 15 years. In in Corpus Christi, won by Isaac Kashdan and Arthur Bisguier, won the Marshall
1940 Reuben Fine bested 27 others to and directed by Kolty, he made it a Chess Club championship and the U.S.
win USCFs first U.S. Open in Dallas (where Swiss, and ingenuity became tradition. Junior, respectively. Weaver White to
the first USCF business meeting was also In September 1945, three weeks after Move and Win Adams steamrolled his
held). An ominous event in 1941 reminds VJ Day brought peace to a war exhausted last nine opponents 7 1 to win the U.S.
us of the state of their world Hitlers world (lest we forget, the dead numbered Open in Baltimore. .
Chess to Enjoy
Fischer Secrets
Its been a year since the most secretive of world champions was laid to rest. Now
By GM Andy Soltis
some of his secrets can be told.
Bobby Fischer had few acquaintances, Kok to arrange a Fischer Spassky world
fewer friends and one rule: Never talk championship rematch with a $2.5 mil
cxb4 20. Be3 Nxc4 21. dxc4 Ra2 22. f4!?
about my private life. But since his death lion prize fund. Fischer, Kok and the
Bxb2 23. e5 Bc3 24. Qd5 Ra6
As much as Fischer cherished extra
last January, people he allowed to know Spasskys spent a pleasant evening at an
material he rarely played computer
him have been breaking their silence. Italian restaurant. When the name Kas
moves like 24. ... Na5!?.
One was Vassily Smyslov. The former parov inevitably came up, it didnt make
world champion recalled Bobbys behav much of an impression on Bobby. But
ior at an international tournament in when Anatoly Karpovs name was men
25. e6 fxe6 26. Qxe6+ Kh8
April 1970, shortly after he resurfaced tioned he launched into his theory that he
after a mysterious absence from chess. could tell Karpov was Jewish by looking
+
qr+ k
Bobby was in fine form until the eighth p + p +p at his eyes in photographs.
round, when he was crushed in 30 moves The next day the Spasskys returned
by an untitled Yugoslav. It was traumatic. to Paris but Fischer went to another Kok
r+npQ+p+
Fischer hadnt lost a chess game in three + + + + dinner, this time with GM Jan Timman.
years. Worse still, he was White and was Among the evenings highlights: Fischer
beaten by an opening he regarded as told the Hungarian waitress I am Bobby
pP+ P +
simply bad, the French Winawer. + l L PP Fischer. I am the world chess champion.
The next day Smyslov was due to play Of course, my darling, she replied.
Fischer. He came to the board and played You are Bobby Fischer. And I am Sophia
+P+ +L+
1. e4. But minutes went by and there +R+ +RK Loren.
was no sign of Bobby, Smyslov told the After 26. ... Kh8 Fischer left the next day on good terms.
Russian publication Profil. Smyslov and But he flew into a rage two weeks later
his wife, both more than 20 years older Black can neutralize the attack (27. when Sports Illustrated reported on his
than Fischer, felt almost parental concern. Bxc6 Rxc6 28. Rxb4 Qc8! but not 28. ... visit. Someone had broken the rule. He
My wife said, Lets go to his room and Bxb4?? 29. Bd4 mate). never had contact with Kok again.
bring some food. It turned out he was sit Viktor Korchnoi told a similar tale to the
ting in his hotel room, completely aloof Russian magazine 64: The last time I
27. f5 Nd4! 28. Bxd4+ Bxd4+ 29. Kh1 g5! 30.
and hungry. met with Fischer was 1983 when I gave
Rxb4 Bf6 31. Rfb1 Rb6 32. Rxb6 axb6 33.
Fischer refused to leave. The Smyslovs simuls in the States, in California. He
Bd5 Rf8 34. Qe3 Qc8 35. g4 Qc5, Draw.
convinced him to order from room serv Another rare glimpse of Fischer came gave me tens of books about the world
ice. They sent breakfast. Fischer ate a bit from patron Bessel Kok. In 1990 Kok was conspiracy of Jews and about the evils
and came to play an hour late. They again the prime mover in the grandmasters of smoking.
started his clock, he sat down and began association and Bobby was living under At his next simultaneous exhibition
to play, Smyslov said. It was as if noth ground in the U.S. Fischer called Kok Korchnoi made the mistake of talking
ing had happened. out of the blue and said he wanted to talk about meeting Fischer. Word got back to
to him in person about the future of Bobby. The next day I received a letter
Sicilian Defense, chess. from him in which he expressed the sus
Closed Variation (B26) Kok agreed to Bobbys conditions a picion that I worked in the KGB,
GM Vassily Smyslov first class airplane ticket, five star hotel Korchnoi said. I didnt see him further.
GM Robert J. Fischer room and $2,500 in cash on arrival After Fischer died, some Russians rem
Rovinj Zagreb 1970 and Fischer flew to Belgium. He checked inisced about the 15 year old Bobby who
into the Brussels Sheraton for five days visited Moscow in 1958. He came to play
under an assumed name. Kok also five minute games with a world champion
arranged for Boris Spassky and his wife and was disappointed when he could only
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3
Marina to come, he wrote in the new take on mere masters and grandmasters.
Nc6 6. Be3 Rb8 7. Qd2 b5 8. Nf3 b4 9. Nd1
Dutch magazine Matten. When Bobby and his sister Joan

Bg4!? 10. h3 Bxf3 11. Bxf3 Nf6 12. Bg2 0-0
Why Spassky? Because Bobby wanted appeared we presented them with a trans
13. 0-0 Re8 14. Bh6 Bh8 15. Ne3 Nd7 16.
Rab1 Rb6 17. Nc4 Ra6! 18. a3 Nb6 19. axb4

Problem I Problem II Problem III
2008 U.S. GM Eugene Perelshteyn IM Larry Kaufman GM Eugene Perelshteyn
GM Alex Yermolinsky FM Michael Langer FM Michael Langer
Championship
+R+ + + + + +k+ rr+ +k+
When Yury Shulman won the + + + k +p+ + np Q + +Rpp
2008 U.S. Championship he joined + r +p+ q+ p Lp+ + + + +
a rapidly expanding group of players
to hold the national title. There have
pp+ + P + pP+ + + + q +
been 13 different grandmasters who
+ P + R rPR+ + + +p+P+ +
won or tied for first place in the U.S. + +n+L+ + + r +P + +P+ P
championship in the last 13 years. + + + K +Q+ +P+ + +PRKP
That brings the total to 29 champs
in the 73 years since the modern
+ r + + +R+ + K + + + +
championship began in 1936. Last White to play White to play White to play
years tournament in Tulsa provides Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
our six quiz positions. In each of the IM Benjamin Finegold GM Gregory Kaidanov GM Boris Gulko
following positions you are asked to Samuel Shankland IM Joshua Friedel IM Larry Kaufman
find the fastest winning line of play.
Usually this will mean the forced + Q + + + + +k+ + +
r k
win of a decisive amount of material, +r+ + kp +q+l+rpp p +
+Plp
such as a rook or minor piece. For L R p + p + +p+
solutions, see Page 71.
+ + +p+
+ + +pK P + p + n + + +q
+ + + P + nP+ + + + +lL
+ + + P +r+ + P + +LPN+
+ + + + + + QLP P+Q+ PPP
+ + + + + R + K + +R+ K
White to play White to play White to play
lator, room and board at a hotel and surprises to beat Fischer at the 1962 However, Viktor Korchnoi said, This
money for pocket expenses, Lev Abramov, Candidates tournament in Curacao. suits me! When they met in the fifth
a veteran Soviet chess official told 64. One of Vasiukovs ideas arose in a Pirc round at Curacao Fischer went straight
They presented us with a letter of the Defense: into the Vasiukov analysis. After:
mother in which she recommended
which gifts to give to Bobby so it will be
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. f4 Bg7 5. Nf3 11. Nb3 Qb6 12. a4 Nb4
easier for him to carry his baggage. He played:
0-0 6. Be2 c5 7. dxc5 Qa5 8. 0-0 Qxc5+ 9.
Joan went sightseeing but Bobby
Kh1 Nc6
played blitz from morning to night. Sev He figured that Fischer, who devoured
13. g4??
eral days before the planned departure Russian chess literature, would have And was lost soon after:
Bobby and Joan showed up in my room known of the game Vasiukov Bastrikov,
and announced they wanted to extend Kharkov 1956 and would follow it. (White
13. ... Bxg4! 14. Bxg4 Nxg4 15. Qxg4 Nxc2.
their visit in Moscow and play some seri won after 10. Nd2 Nd4 11. Nb3 Nxb3 12. Despite the gift point, Korchnoi fin
ous games, Abramov recalled. axb3 Bd7 13. e5! Ne8? 14. Be3! based on ished fifth at Curacao, just below Bobby.
But a few days later Bobby was at a 14. ... Qxe3? 15 Nd5.) But Vasiukov had The real beneficiary of the game was
restaurant, waiting for his food and nerv found a strong antidote in 10. ... a5!. Vasiukov. He was rewarded by Soviet
ously rocking back and forth in his chair. officials with a rare invitation to a strong
Joan cautioned him but he continued r+l+ rk+ tournament in Berlin. His first prize there
and fell down. When he got up he left the was his greatest achievement in chess.
room, growling something very uncompli +p+ pplp Almost none of the grandmaster broth
mentary about Russian hosts. The +np np+ erhood had contact with Fischer in his
translator went to the Fischers room and later years. But when he was jailed in
relayed instructions that they were to p q + + Japan during 2004 2005 in a strange
leave Moscow. But before he left, Fischer + +PP + passport dispute, Smyslov composed a
told Abramov he was still interested in White to play and draw study and ded
serious games. What honorarium will I + N + + icated it to Bobby. I sent it over the
receive for these games? he asked. PPPNL+PP Internet to the jail in Japan. I dont know
None, Abramov said. You are our guest if it reached him or not, he said.
and we dont pay fees to guests. Fischer R LQ+R+K And at least one grandmaster kept in
left soon after. After 10. ... a5 close contact with Bobby by e mail and
One of Fischers blitz opponents was phone. Pal Benko told 64: Fischer and I
Evgeni Vasiukov, then a 25 year old Vasiukov presented his analysis to Paul talked about a week before his death,
national master. Four years later, after he Keres, one of the four Soviet candidates Evidently he didnt know his health was
became a grandmaster, Soviet authorities headed for Curacao. But Keres said he in such a serious condition. We discussed
remembered his games with Bobby and never played the Pirc. Mikhail Tal and the possibility of organizing a match with
gave him the job of preparing opening Tigran Petrosian also refused. Judith Polgar ... .
Solitaire Chess
Morphy was Quicker
Just because Morphy was the first to truly understand the importance of seizing
By Bruce Pandolfini
the initiative does not mean he did not understand that defense plays a role in
chess too. He just did it in a way that allowed him to then seize the initiative.
Among Paul Morphys contributions to bonus points or deductions for other

chess was his understanding of the moves and variations. Note that ** means
5. Qe5
With this move Black attacks the knight
importance of fighting for the initiative by that the note to Blacks move is over and
once again as well as the d5 pawn. White
building a lead in development. Game Whites move is on the next line.
could retreat 6. Nb3 (accept only 3 points
after game he would find little ways to get
part credit), answering 6. ... Qxd5 with 7.
out all his pieces, often with his opponent
Nc3, attacking the queen and e pawn,
3. exd5 Par Score: 5
still having unmoved pieces in the final Also 3. Nxe5 (4 points part credit) is
but it wasnt Morphys style to move back
position. Nor would having to play defense reasonable. The pawn capture (e4xd5)
ward when he could go forward.**
for a bit deter him. In this game from was approved by the books of the day (it
1859, for instance, Morphy must ward off still is). Morphy also had some previous
Blacks early threat, but somehow winds experience playing it against Paulsen two
6. Nb5 Par Score: 5
Saves the knight and indirectly pro
up turning it around and completing his years earlier.
tects the d5 pawn with the c7 attack.
development, leaving several black pieces
Take 1 bonus point for having seen that
collecting dust. It all began as a Queens
6. ... Qxd5? fails to 7. Nxc7+.
3. e4
Pawn Counter Gambit: After White takes at d5, Black still has
to do something about his attacked e5
pawn. If 3. ... Qxd5 then 4. Nc3 (1 bonus
6. Bd6
Latvian and Elephant Gambits (C40) Black guards c7 and now threatens to
point) loses time with the queen. And
Paul Morphy remove the d5 pawn.**
with 3. ... Bd6, the Elephant Gambit,
Augustus Mongredien Blacks position doesnt stack up too well
Paris, 1859, 6th match game when White reacts vigorously in the cen
7. d4 Par Score: 5
By vigorous play in the center Morphy
ter, 4. d4 e4 5. Ne5 (1 bonus point). That
is able to maintain his advantage. On 7.
leaves pushing the pawn.**
... exd3 e.p. follows 8. Nxd6+ cxd6 9.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5
Qxe5+ dxe5 10. Bxd3 (2 bonus points),
preserving his extra pawn with a fine
4. Qe2 Par Score: 6
rnlqklnr
Black saved his pawn, advancing it to
game. And if 7. ... Qxd5 White has two
ppp +ppp attack the knight. If White then casually
good moves: 8. N1c3 and 8. c4 (1 bonus
moved his knight away, say 4. Nd4 (accept
+ + + + point for either). Both moves lead to the
only 2 points part credit), then Black fol
win of the e4 pawn while gaining ground
+ +pp + lows with 4. ... Qxd5, recovering his pawn
in the center.
+ +P+ + with a fine game. General development
principles frown on early queen moves,
especially those that block in the f1
7. Qe7
+ + +N+
PPPP PPP bishop. However, every position is subject
to its own special rules and the player is
8. c4 Par Score: 5
White aims to trap the bishop by 9. c5
RNLQKL+R expected to make the adjustment. Here
(1 bonus point). This induces Mongredian
Your starting position the queen pins the e pawn and threatens
to trade his bishop before it gets lost.
to take it. If Black guards the pawn by 4.
Now make sure you have the above ... f5 or 4. ... Nf6, White s intention is to
position set up on your chessboard. As attack it again by 5. d3 (1 bonus point).
8. Bb4+
you play through the remaining moves in Black avoids the trap with a gain of
this game, use a piece of paper to cover 4. Qe7 time.**
the article, exposing Whites next move Black guards the pawn and unpins it
only after trying to guess it. If you guess so that the knight is threatened once
9. Bd2 Par Score: 5
correctly, give yourself the par score. With so many points under Whites
again.**
Sometimes points are also rewarded for observation (b4, c7, e4) Black decides to
second best moves, and there may be 5. Nd4 Par Score: 4 reduce some of his responsibilities.

Problem I Problem II Problem III
ABCs of Chess Fork Trapping Removing the guard
These problems are all related to

k + + + +
+k+ + r+ +kl +
key positions in this months game.
+ + + l + +
+p+ p + q +p
In each case, Black is to move. The + + + + + +l+ + + + + +
answers can be found in Solutions + +p+ + + pp+ + + + + +
on page 71. n P + + + +P+ + + + + +
January exercise: In these days
+ + + + + +L+ + + +n+ +
of perfunctory opening study players Q + + + +P+KP + + +Q+ P
often hope to escape the book by K + + + + + + + + LK+ NR
employing black systems for white,
judging the extra move to give the
first player an edge. Thus we see a Problem IV Problem V Problem VI
plethora of Kings Indian Attacks. Discovery Discovery Skewer
Yet that opening has been analyzed
to death and no longer is a revela + +r+k+ k + r + r+ + +k+
tion. To explore less trodden paths +p+ q p +p+ + + + + + pp
try practicing the Caro Kann, +n+ + + + + + + +p+ + +
French, and Modern Defenses in
reverse, say, against chess software.
+ + + + + q + + +ql + +
You may be surprised by how many + +Q+ + + p + + + + + +
doors of rote logic the added tempo + N + + + + + + + P +Q+
closes, but dont be surprised by P + +P+ + +Q+PP + + +PP
how many doors of keen perception
it opens.
+ K R + + + R K +N+ +R+K
9. Bxd2+ 13. 0-0 17. Kh8

A question to keep in mind is which Black decides to step off the diagonal
player winds up gaining time on all this.** and away from discovered check (d5 d6).
14. f3 Par Score: 5
From White s perspective everything is Accept 1 bonus point if you noticed the
going according to plan. The e pawn is still possibility of it.**
10. Nxd2 Par Score: 4
Clearly, Morphy has benefited. Black pinned. If 14. ... exf3? then 15. Qxe7 (1
traded a bishop already developed and bonus point); nor can the e pawn be suf
18. Bd3 Par Score: 5
Morphy was able to develop and exchange ficiently protected. If 14. ... Re8 then 15.
a bishop in the process. At the end, White fxe4 fxe4 16. Ncxe4 (threat 17. Nxf6+)
18. Bb7
also gets his queen knight developed. 16. ... Nxe4 17. Qxe4 Qxe4 18. Rxe4 Rxe4
19. Nxe4, emerging two pawns ahead (2
19. Nxf6 Par Score: 5
bonus points). The reason for 16. Ncxe4, Simply 19. Nc5 wins a piece (1 bonus
10. a6
rather than 16. Ndxe4, is to avoid 16. ... point).

Nxe4 17. Qxe4 Qg5+ by discovering on the
11. Nc3 Par Score: 4
Accept 2 bonus points if you thought queen (1 bonus point).
19. Qxf6
about 11. d6 cxd6 12. Nxe4 axb5 13.
Nxd6+ Kd8 14. Qxe7+ Nxe7 (14. ... Kxe7 14. b5 20. Rhf1 Par Score: 6
15. Nxc8+) 15. Nxf7+. But Black has sev
eral improvements along the way. First 15. fxe4 Par Score: 5 20. Qd8
theres 13. ... Kd7; and later Maroczy If White takes 15. cxb5 (no credit), he
pointed out the possibility of 13. ... Kf8!, plays into Blacks hands. It would lead to
21. Rxf8+ Par Score: 5
to answer 14. Nxc8 with 14. ... Qc7, gath the opening of the a file and a weakening
ering up the knight. of the d5 pawn.
21. Qxf8
Now if White plays 22. Qxc7, Black can
answer with 22. ... Bxd5. Meanwhile,
11. f5
Black needs just one more move to clear
15. fxe4
If Black doesn t take, White will push
his home rank. Hes almost catching up
on to e5 (1 bonus point), driving the knight
12. 0-0-0 Par Score: 5
Here White could consider the under in development.**
from f6. And the insertion of 15. ... b4
mining move, 12. g4 (3 points part credit),
doesnt really change anything. White
but what Morphy comes up with (castling)
will move his attacked knight to a4 and
22. Qb4! Par Score: 6
is even stronger. The idea is to pin the e4 Naturally, 22. ... Qxb4 allows a back
then settle in on c5 (1 bonus point).**
pawn by Re1, then pile up and win it row mate after 23. Re8+. And the attempt
after f2 f3. Accept 1 bonus point if this was to save the bishop, 22. ... Qc8, fails for a
your plan too. similar reason after 23. Qxb7!. Accept 1
16. Ncxe4 Par Score: 5
bonus point for seeing each variation.

12.
13.

Re1 Par Score: 5

Nf6
16.
17.

Qxc4 Par Score: 5

bxc4
Scoring box on page 71.

22. Black resigned. .
Looks at Books
Poktactics
Chess Life columnist GM Lev Alburt
releases his second Chess Training Pocket Book.
By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM
okmon are pocket sized monsters. the game from which the position was
They come in a variety of sizes and taken. Listing the game source of each
P strengths, yet each Pokmon fits
inside the same size Pokball. So when a
Poktactic appeals to me, especially when
I know the players involved. Thus
trainer throws a Pokball at you, it could Youngsworth [sic] Seirawan, 1979
contain any one of 400+ Pokmon. caught my eye.
GM Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence, chess I know Yasser Seirawan, and my hus
trainers, throw 320 Pokballs, metaphor band Doug played against both players.
ically speaking, at readers. And the reader According to Doug, before this particular
does not know, from one Poktactic game Perry Youngworth had been leading
(pocket tactic) to the next, whether the the 1979 U.S. Junior Championship, an
solution will be extremely hard or merely invitational event. After Youngworth lost
difficult. Compounding the challenge, to Seirawan, Seirawan ended up winning
about 10% of the Poktactics are not tac the tournament.
tics but strategic or quiet moves. This Seirawan later reflected, I won the
really confuses the reader, who has 1979 U.S. Junior Championship, which
become used to looking for tactics.
was to propel my career significantly.
Therefore, to be ready for Alburt and
That victory sent me on to win the World
Lawrences Pokball barrage, you should
Junior Championship. Here is Seirawans
first master Reinfelds 1001 Winning
Poktactic, which I would classify as an
Chess Sacrifices and Combinations and
1001 Brilliant Ways to Checkmate. Like
Chess Training Pocket Book II average difficulty Poktactic for Pocket
(2008) by Lev Alburt and Al
Alburt and Lawrence, Reinfeld offers Lawrence. 208 pp., New York: Chess Book II:
Information and Research Center.
chess problems in diagram form. In other List Price: $18.95. Available on
words, board and pieces are not neces USCFsales.com with a members +r+ +k+
sary. Unlike Alburt and Lawrence, discount for $17.95
however, Reinfelds problems are organ + + + +p
ized by themes. Reinfeld has several pages players (especially children) would get dis
couraged by being consistently wrong.
p+ + +p+
in a row of queen sacrifices, several pages
of discovered checks, etc. Thus, less Pocket II is an improvement over +p+P P +
experienced players know what type of Alburts Pocket I (2000). Pocket I repli
cated many positions from other books.
P + n
q+
solution to look for on particular pages.
Alburt and Lawrence mix and match Of the 300 positions in Pocket Book I, + + + P
types of problems and difficulty levels on only nine were from 1980 or later. In con
trast, Pocket II has many positions that
+
R + P
each four diagram page. Although the
cover of Pocket Book II says the book is for are not yet available in other books. 75 of L +Q+ +K

all players, this categorization is unreal the Pocket II positions are from 1980 or Black to play
istic. Alburt and Lawrence write, Under later, including 50 from 2000 2008.
analytic training conditions [of spending Pocket II adds a new chapter, Tactics: the
dirty dozen, which clearly defines the Solution: 1. ... Rc1! (deflection) 2. Qxc1
20 minutes on each problem], the goal for
an expert player is to score at least 50% 12 most important tactics. From this Qf3+ 3. Kg1 Nh3, mate.
correct. Therefore, this book is not suited chapter I learned the difference between As illustrated by Youngworth Seirawan,
for players rated below 1500, who would deflection (diverts an enemy piece from Alburt and Lawrences game citations allow
likely get one or no problems right after a particular square) and decoy (diverts the reader to research the stories behind
spending 80 minutes on a page. Alburt an enemy piece to a certain square). each Poktactic. But the main point of
and Lawrence write that it is fine to get Both Pocket I and Pocket II index posi Pocket Book II is chess improvement. For
problems wrong, or to spend less time on tions by tactical theme (pin, desperado, those rated 1500 and up, studying this
problems, as long as the ideas become part etc.) Opposite from each four diagram Pokbooks 320 Poktactics should help
of ones repertoire. But I think lower rated page are the corresponding answers and you on the road to mastery. .
Whats The Best Move?
26th Sands Regency Western States Open

By GM Larry Evans
252 Compete In Reno 1. White moves 2. White moves

Despite a dismal economy and a
reduced turnout (88 fewer players + +rr k rq+rlk+
than 2007) indomitable organizer p +n+R+ p pl+p+
Jerry Weikel awarded $26,000 in
prizes. GM Sergey Kudrin took clear
p q +p+ p + n p
first at 5 1 in the top section of 43
+ pPp Pp +LpPp +
(including eight grandmasters and +P+P+ P Q+ +P+pn
five international masters). Jaan P +N+Q+ + N L N
Ehlvest, Melik Khachiyan and Enrico
Sevillano trailed by a half point. In
+ + +K+ PP + PPP
keeping with tradition every October, + + +R+ + +RR K
I kicked off the event with a lecture (a) Rxd7 (b) Qh3 (c) Rxf8+ (a) Qxa7 (b) Bxd7 (c) Nh5
on the Anand Kramnik title match.
3. Black moves 4. Black moves
Solutions on page 71.
Readers are invited to send their posi

+r+ +k+ r+ k + r
tions in for possible consideration in + q +ppp +p+ pQ+p
this column. Send to whatsthebest + +p+ + p+np +p+
[email protected] or mail to Chess p +nP + + +N+ q
Life, c/o Whats The Best Move, PO
Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
p Q n + + lP+l+
+Pp + + +L+ +P+
P+ N PPP PPPR +PP
+ RR+K+ + +K+ +R
(a) Qb7 (b) Qc6 (c) c2 (a) Bd7 (b) Bc8 (c) Ne5
Thank You, U.S. Chess Trust!

The World Chess Hall of Fame in Miami thanks the U.S. Chess Trust for funding both
the travel and hotel expenses of all three 2008 U.S. Chess Hall of Fame inductees and their
wives. The U.S. Chess Trusts support made possible the recent public celebration of the
careers of GMs Joel Benjamin, Larry Christiansen, and Nick de Firmian.
The U.S. Chess Trust is an independent 501(c)(3),
non profit organization. Created in 1967, the Trust
was organized to promote, stimulate and encour
age the study and play of the game of chess as a
means of intellectual development. Its trustees act
without compensation, and are dedicated to the
U.S. Chess Trusts mission. Your valuable contri
butions help make a difference!
Joel Benjamin receives his Hall of Fame plaque from U.S. Chess
Trust chairman Harold Winston (r.) and then World Chess Hall of
Fame executive director Al Lawrence (l.)
Go to www.uschesstrust.org to make a donation today!

13755 SW 119th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33186
Phone: 782.242.HALL

In association with
Present
The Sixth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships

April 24 26, 2009 Dallas, Texas
Awards Main Event 6-SS, G/60, Sections
The University of Texas at Dallas, Saturday, April 25 8-years-old and younger
www.utdallas.edu, has established an 9:00 AMOpening Ceremony 10-years-old and younger
Academic Distinction Scholarship to the Rounds 14: 12-years-old and younger
winner of the 18-years-old and younger 9:3011:30 AM; 12:002:00 PM; 14-years-old and younger
section. The scholarship is valued at 3:005:00 PM; 5:307:30 PM 16-years-old and younger
$80,000 for an out-of-state student. 18-years-old and younger
Sunday, April 26
Rounds 56:
Trophies to top 15 individuals and top Entry & Info
9:0011:00 AM;
3 teams in each section. 3 or more Make check payable to:
11:30 AM1:30 PM;
players from the same school to make Dallas Chess Club
2:30 PMClosing Ceremony
a team (top 3 scores added to give Attn: Barbara Swafford
team final standings). Every player Entry Fee 2709 Longhorn Trail
receives a souvenir medal. $45 if postmarked by March 25th, Crowley, TX 76036
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World Championship
Anand is M
world championship title that had so far eluded him. By GM Ian Rogers
n a career lasting more than two Vladimir Kramnik in a 12 game match in

decades, Indias Viswanathan Anand Bonn, Germany.
How I Beat Kramnik
I had won almost every title worth win
ning, including world championships in
Kramnik had held the world match
title since deposing Kasparov in 2000
Even before Viswanathan Anand won
the FIDE world championship in Mexico
City in September 2007 he already knew
lightning, rapid, knock out and tourna and had hung on to the crown in two
that the winner would probably be required
ment formats. The one title missing from nail biting title defenses in 2004 and
to play a world title match against Vladimir
Anands resum was the most presti 2006. As most readers will already know,
ALL PHOTOS BY CATHY ROGERS
Kramnik in Germany in 2008.

gious the match title which has been Anand beat Kramnik 6 4 to become To win such a match would require
recognized as deciding world champions the 15th world champion. However, few more than the help of his trusty lieu
from 1886 until the present day. Anand understand the intense year long prepa tenant Peter Heine Nielsen, Anands
had earned a single title shot in 1995 ration and teamwork that goes into a regular second since 2002; a much larger
but had himself been shot down in flames world title fight. Fortunately, the day team was needed and Anand started
by Garry Kasparov, 7 10. after his victory in the Bonn world cham creating Team Anand long before the con
In October 2008, Anand had a second pionship match, Viswanathan Anand tract for the match against Kramnik was
chance to make history, taking on explained to Ian Rogers: officially signed.

atchless
Surya [Ganguly] I asked pretty early, nately everyone got along splendidly. Anand wasnt too disappointed by his
in November 2007. In December I got Most of our training camps were held awful last place in the Bilbao Grand Slam
Radek [Wojtaszek]s details at a German in Frankfurt, lasting two to three weeks. Final just before the championship match.
Bundesliga match I am not sure if he In April I had a camp with Surya and I was able to put the Bilbao result in
knew why at the time. Rustam [other top Indian players]. perspective. When you lack focus you
[Kasimdzhanov] was added in April; to get I decided to play 1. d4 against Kram need some luck. I think if I had won an
a former world champion on the team nik already last year. You cant early game I might still have done well in
was great. Not since the match against compensate for Vlads years of 1. d4 expe Bilbao but after I lost to Topalov I could
Kasparov in 1995 have I worked with rience with a few months work, but I nt [do anything]. I had been working on
such a large team of seconds. thought that if he had spent, say, 60% of 1. d4 so my 1. e4 was very weak.
At first we had a structure certain his preparation on 1. e4, that would bal After Bilbao I did some work with [Nor
tasks for each person, but it just didnt ance the chances. If he had spent 80% of wegian wonder boy Magnus] Carlsen.
work out that way; everyone was helping his time on 1. e4, even better. Also it was However he couldnt come to Bonn.
each other. The seconds must trust each interesting and new work for me, which is When Team Anand arrived in Bonn they
other and get on with each other. Fortu important when you are working so hard. took up residence in a wing on the third

World Championship
things during the game that you didnt

see before working with computers.
Maybe you are more concentrated.
Team Anand
Chess problems dont break out in an
easy order but when a problem arose, we
solved it. Chess gives its mysteries away
at its own pace.
Anands first scoreboard breakthrough
came in game three, a game watched
nervously by Anands team from the
Hilton to see if their opening work would
hold up in practice it did.
I had my successes in the opening,
choosing 8. ... a6 rather than 8. ... Bb7
[in game 3] was one.
If 1. d4 had ruined 60% of Kramniks
preparation with Black, Anands choice of
variation in the Semi Slav, when he him
self was Black, was another. A yet bigger
shock for Kramnik was to come on move
14 of game 3 with the gambit 14. ... Bb7.
Peter Heine Nielsen, Denmark,
grandmaster, age 35, rating 2662
Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Poland, I found ... Bb7 myself but then I
grandmaster, age 21, rating 2599
discovered that Rustam had worked
on it independently last year; he had
done much more work on it. Before
hand I had decided to play 15. ... Rg8
but just before the third game I
changed my mind.
Even with 15. ... Rg8 ready to go in
game 5, it was nerve wracking for Anand
and his team when Anand played the
Semi Slav line a second time, knowing
that Kramniks team would have sub
jected it to intensive scrutiny over the
previous two days.
I was very nervous in the fifth game,
playing it again. Most variations have a
short shelf life nowadays.
At the Hilton, Team Anand forewent
sleep and there was great relief and hap
piness when Anand obtained a
Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Uzbekistan, Surya Ganguly. India, grandmaster,
satisfactory position and finally tri
grandmaster, age 28, rating 2672 age 25, rating 2603 umphed thanks to a Kramnik blunder.
The next few games went smoothly for
Anand In the Vienna [game eight] I got
my idea in first. but then came a nerv
floor of the Bonn Hilton. Anand and his cuss what I wanted to play the next day ous game 9 and a disastrous loss in
wife/manager Aruna occupied a suite and my seconds would work and in the game 10.
with his seconds having rooms nearby. A morning show me the problems and 18. Re1 was a big hit he got me with
separate war room was set up with their solutions. There were a lot of all 18. Re1. I didnt understand his idea; the
computers and it was here that Anand nighters. Only when I left for the game plan Be3 f4 e3 is pretty impressive.
and his seconds would do their work. did my seconds have time to catch up on I was very concentrated during the
A typical Anand day before the match sleep. games. Before the games I was very tense
would involve time in the gym, work with There seemed to be an informal compe but my mind didnt wander. Well, once;
seconds, lunch, work, dinner, work, fin tition within the seconds as to who would when playing 22. ... Bg4 in game 10 my
ishing at around 11:00 at night. However, go to bed last, with Nielsen and Ganguly mind wandered. Then when he played
once the match started, Anand and his seemingly able to survive on no sleep at 23. Qa6 I woke up.
seconds workloads altered dramatically. all on some occasions. Still needing only a draw in the final
One problem is that you cant work I dont know who worked on what. two games, Anand endured a painful
too hard yourself, especially not working Sometimes they worked together, some rest day wondering what Kramnik would
too much with computers. You have to times individually whatever works. If try with black in game 11.
keep energy for the game and not get too there was a major crisis then they would When your opponent is in kamikaze
used to playing advanced chess dur all come on to it. mode he could go anywhere. I played 1.
ing a game you cant just push the space The Nimzo Indian lines, 4. f3 and 4. e4 partly because his normal openings
bar. (This is a reference to a ChessBase Qc2 we worked out well in advance but the Petroff and the Berlin were not
habit; pressing the space bar causes the there are always last minute problems. possible [given the match situation].
computer engines suggested move to You look at a variation for months but After Kramnik had offered the draw
appear on the board.) five minutes before the game the varia which gave the title to Anand, Anands
The night before a game I would dis tion collapses. And sometimes you see

seconds raced to the playing hall, for the I spent time looking for something the end of this article while in game 5
first time in the match. A bleary eyed direct but in the end could not find any he tried the even more ambitious:
Ganguly gave Anand a giant bear hug thing better than the queen exchange
before watching the final press confer [which follows], said Anand. The
15. ... Rg8!?
ence with his fellow seconds and Aruna. endgame is a little awkward for Black as That game was very tense until Kram
Team Anand celebrated that evening by the c pawn is a bit weak. nik walked into a spectacular
eating at an Indian restaurant in Bonn, combination, starting at the diagrammed
with teetotaller Anand even raising a position ...
11. ... Bb7 12. a3 Bxc3 13. Bxc3 Qd5 14.
glass of champagne.
Qxd5 Nxd5
The next day, while Anand did a never On 14. ... exd5, GM Anatoly Karpovs + + + +
ending round of media interviews, suggestion of 15. Bd2! and 16. Bf4 looks
Ganguly expressed a feeling of empti strong. +l+nkp+p
ness. We worked for Anand for 18 hours + +pq +
a day, said Ganguly. It was a tremen
15. Bd2 Nf6
dous responsibility and a pleasure. We A very calm move which accepts that +L+ + +
havent come to terms with the fact that White will have a small but persistent P
P p p
Q+
we are not working now. advantage. 15. ... f5!? was less healthy
but also more testing for White. + r +N+
16. Rg1 Rac8 17. Bg2 Ne7?! 18. Bb4! c5?
+ + PP P
Anands Opening Surprise: 1. d4
Nimzo-Indian Defense, The passive 18. ... Rfe8 was neces + + R K
Classical Variation (E34) sary. Now after ... White to play
GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2783)

GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772)
19. dxc5 Rfd8 20. Ne5
... Anand was a safe pawn ahead,
29. Nxd4??
Bonn 2008, Game 6 A tricky idea, but there is a sting in the
which he converted into a point 27 moves
later. tail which Kramnik has missed. 29. Nd2!?
1. d4! was playable.
By now, game 6, Kramnik would have
been well aware that Anands move from
29. ... Qxd4! 30. Rd1! Nf6! 31. Rxd4 Nxg4 32.
Anands New Gambit
his life long favorite 1. e4 to the queen Semi-Slav, Meran System (D49)
Rd7+ Kf6 33. Rxb7 Rc1+ 34. Bf1
pawn opening was not just a one off. GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2783) + + + +
What Kramnik could hardly have real GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2772)
ized were the number of surprises Anand Bonn 2008, Games 3 and 5
+R+ +p+p
had in store for Kramniks favorite Nimzo + +pk +
Indian Defense.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 + + + +
1. ... Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 a6!? 9.
P
P + pn+
Varying from 4. f3 which Anand played
e4 c5 10. e5 cxd4 11. Nxb5 axb5 12. exf6
in game 2. + + + +
gxf6 13. 0-0 Qb6 14. Qe2
4. ... d5 5. cxd5 Qxd5 6. Nf3 Qf5 7. Qb3!? Nc6 r+l+k l r + + PPP

8. Bd2 0-0
+ +n+p+p + r +L
K
After 34. Bf1
r+l+ rk+ q +p
p +
The previous four moves had been
played almost instantly but now Anands
pp
p +ppp +p+ + +
+n+pn + + p + + hand reached out to move his knight.
+ + +q+ Just before moving, Anand hesitated
whereupon Kramnik saw, far too late,
+ +L+N+
l
P + + PP +QPPP what was about to befall him and
+Q N +N+
R L +R
K slumped back into his chair.
PP LP
PPP After 14. Qe2 34. ... Ne3!! 35. fxe3 fxe3, White resigned.
R +
KL+R Blacks b5 pawn is under attack and,
After 8. ... 0-0 until this match, in almost all previous
games Black has chosen to protect or
Kramniks Big Hit
So far a fairly normal position where move the pawn. However, Anand and Kramnik reminds Anand why he is
White usually develops quietly with 9. Kasimdzhanov both realized that Black such a tough opponent and that this is,
e3. However Anand and his team have might be able to get away with ... after all, a world championship match:
come up with a completely new way of
Nimzo-Indian (E20)
playing the position.
GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772)
14. ... Bb7! 15. Bxb5
GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2783)

Bonn 2008, Game 10
9. h3!!?
Intending to embarrass the black queen It Gets Worse For Kramnik ...
with 10. g4.
... and now in game 3 Anand tried 15.
... Bd6 and won a spectacular game see
(see diagram next page)
9. ... b6!? 10. g4 Qa5 11. Rc1

World Championship
play so well and not win. The answer is

Tickets Please! that his opponent simply played better.
Paying to see a sporting event is Paying spectators could go from the
hardly a radical concept, but when the playing hall, with the two players play
Bonn organisers released tickets for ing below a giant demonstration screen, Semi-Slav, Meran System (D49)
the Anand vs. Kramnik World Champi to the commentary room, where GMs GM Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE 2772)
onship match at prices ranging Artur Yusupov and Helmut Pfleger GM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2783)
between $50 for the cheap seats to explained the games, while $400 ticket Bonn 2008, Game 3
$400 for VIP tickets, many believed holders also had the option of a VIP
that the prices would be too high for room with free drinks and personal
most fans. commentary from GM Klaus Bischoff.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3
Yet, with 400 500 seats available for Of course the majority of chess fans
Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 a6
each game, the theater in the giant watched the match on the Inter Anand had previously tried 8. ... Bb7
Bonn Exhibition Hall was close to net millions throughout the world on against Kramnik last year.
capacity on most days. 87% of all tick the official site and the many relay
ets were sold and on some days sites which included not just chess
9. e4 c5 10. e5 cxd4 11. Nxb5 axb5 12. exf6
desperate chess fans could be seen sites such as the Internet Chess Club
gxf6 13. 0-0 Qb6 14. Qe2 Bb7!?
holding signs outside the venue asking and ChessVibes but also some of the A novelty at least to me, Kramnik
for tickets. biggest German media outlets. ~I.R. admitted. 14. ... b4 and 14. ... Ba6 have
been standard until now.
15. Bxb5 Bd6 16. Rd1
r+ + rk+ r+r+ +k+ The first tough decision for Kramnik,
one which cost him half an hour. At first
sight 16. Nxd4!? looks attractive but 16.
p + +p
pp p + +
pp
np+p+ +
Qn + p + ... Qxd4 (also playable after 16. ... Rg8 17.
g3) 17. Rd1 can be well met by 17. ...
Bxh2+ (17. ... Qc5 18. Be3 Qc7 19. Rac1
+ + + +q + p
p +q
Ql+P+ +
+ +P+l+ Qb8 20. Bxd7+ Kxd7 21. Qb5+) 18. Kxh2
Qh4+ 19. Kg1 Bxg2! when Black has at
least a draw.
+ P + P + P
L P
P+ L
PL P P+ + PLP 16. ... Rg8 17. g3
R +R+
K R +
R K
After 17. ... Qh5 After 23. f6 r+ +k+r+
Anand is very familiar with this posi +l+n+p+p
tion; not only did he successfully defend
24. a4! Qf7 25. Bf1! Be6 26. Rab1!
q
lp
p +
it against Garry Kasparov in 2000 but his Now all the tactics work in Whites
secret assistant Magnus Carlsen is also favor, e.g. 26. ... Bc4 27. Bxc4 Qxc4 28. +L+ + +
experienced in the line. However Kramnik Rxb6! or 26. ... Rc7 27. Rxb6! or Kram + p + +
is now able to unleash his first big nov niks spectacular line 26. ... Kh8 27. a5
elty of the Championship. Nc4 28. Rb7 Qg8 29. Bh6!! gxh6 30. + + +N P
Bxc4. Depressed Anand races to his PP +QP P
doom.
18. Re1!?
A ridiculously subtle new move. This is R
LR+ K
a novelty; not a crushing one but it offers After 17. g3
26. ... c4 27. a5 Na4 28. Rb7 Qe8 29. Qd6!,
Black a choice. Normally White commits
Black resigned.
his bishop immediately to e3 or f4. There An early resignation but Anand realized
are a lot of nuances in the position one that after 29. Qd6 Bf7 (On 29. ... Nxc3 30.
17. ... Rg4!!
piece here or there completely alters the Re7 wins the bishop.) 30. Qb4 his knight The first new move, obliging serious
position. Even for top players it is difficult is completely trapped and material loss material sacrifices. 17. ... Bc5 18. b4!
to understand, explained Kramnik. cannot be avoided, e.g. 30. ... Qc6 31. Rd1 was disastrous for Black in the only other
Rd8 32. Rxd8+ Rxd8 33. Rxa7 and Blacks game to have reached this position, DIs
18. ... c5 19. Qa5 Rfc8 20. Be3 Be2 21. Bf4 e5
cause is hopeless. rael Gerbelli, Americana 2000, which
22. Be3 White won in 24 moves.
It looks as if I lost a lot of tempi with The 2008 World Championship match
my Be3 f4 e3, said Kramnik, but I have produced one magnificent game, the third,
18. Bf4!!
managed to get Blacks pawn to e5 and his which may in retrospect have decided Another half an hour disappeared on
pieces are not coordinating well. the match psychologically. Anand sacri this inspired move, leaving Kramnik an
fices a pawn, Kramnik ups the ante with hour behind on the clock. All the Internet
22. ... Bg4?!
a multiple piece sacrifice and Anand even kibitzers were crying out for 18. Nd2,
The first of two mistakes which leave tually returns the material and more for their computer masters missing at first
Blacks position in dire straits. Actually, a withering attack. Eventually Kramnik that Black can reply 18. ... Ke7!! 19. Bxd7
I had no idea what he was doing, admit makes an unforced error and Anand (19. Qxg4 Qxb5 gives Black excellent
ted Anand later I thought Id take control scores a key point with the Black pieces. light squared play for the Exchange.) 19.
of c4 and be fine. Kramnik, like Roger Federer after his epic ... Rag8 and a sacrifice on g3 is coming,
loss to Rafael Nadal in Wimbledon in e.g. 20. Bb5 d3 21. Qxd3 (21. Bxd3 Bxg3!)
23. Qa6! f6?
July, must have wondered how he could 21. ... Rxg3+ 22. hxg3 Rxg3+ 23. Kf1

Rxd3 24. Bxd3 Qd4 and Blacks queen this is a better practical chance than the
runs rings around Whites uncoordinated game continuation is a moot point, since
22. ... Rg7!
Anands second long think brought him
pieces. I couldnt find any refutation of 33. ... Bxd3 34. Bxd3 Qxf4 35. Qxe6 Qxf2
level on the clock with Kramnik, both
[Anands novelty] and the way I played will not be simple for White to defend.
players now having just over 40 minutes
looked entertaining, Kramnik said. I
to reach the time control at move 40.
liked my position.
Kramnik considered the text move to be
32. ... Bf5+
almost forced but Anand realized that he

could force a draw if he wished by play
18. ... Bxf4 + + + +
I spent a long time on 18. ... Rxf4 19.
ing 22. ... Bxg3 23. hxg3 h4 when 24.
gxf4 Ke7 but after 20. Nh4! I think I am
+ + + +
Qd6+ Qxd6 25. Rxd6 Rb4 26. Bc6 is dead
better, Kramnik explained.
equal.
+ +p
p k
19. Nxd4! +L+ +l+p
Planning another sacrifice. 19. Rxd4
23. Rxg7
23. Rd1!? was also very interesting
P+ q P
+
Kf8! 20. Bxd7 Rd8 looks bizarre but works
but I couldnt figure out what was going
out well for Black, e.g. 21. Rad1 Rxd7! 22.
R + +P+

on, admitted Kramnik.
Rxd7 Bxg3! 23. hxg3 Rxg3+ 24. Kh2 Bxf3 PK+Q+
P
25. Qc2 Rg2+ 26. Kh3 Bc6 and Black
has nothing to fear because 27. Qxh7?
23. ... Kxg7 24. gxf4 Rd8! 25. Qe2
+ + + r
Played instantly, although 25. Qb3!?
loses immediately to 27. ... Rh2+!!. After 32. Bf5+
was a viable alternative. My intuition
tells me that White is OK with two extra
pawns but of course my king is not so
19. ... h5 33. Bd3?!
With only a couple of minutes left on
r+ +k+ + [safe], Kramnik said. the clock, Kramnik blunders and allows
Black a choice of winning methods. On
33. Kb3!, Kramnik feared 33. ... Rc1 34.
+l+n+p+ 25. ... Kh6 26. Kf1 Rg8 27. a4!
q +p
p + I was intending 27. f5 but I had missed a5 e5!? but Anand believed that after 35.
27. ... Bg2+ 28. Ke1 Bh3 when I couldnt Ra4! White was still well in the game.
+L+ + +p make it work for White, Kramnik 35. ... Qc5 is very difficult for White but
+
N
lr+ explained. Kramniks intuition was right, I am not sure it is a forced win for me.
even if his analysis was not perfect. In the (Anand was right 36. Bc4! should hold.)
+ + + P variation Kramnik gives, White would 34. ... Qd5+ also flashed through my
PP +Q
P P still be alive after 29. Rd1! but in fact head, but it was all getting out of control.
Black can force a win after 27. f5 Bg2+ 28. Anand admitted that he might well have
R +R+
K Ke1 with 28. ... Bc6!! 29. Qd2+ Kh7! 30. played 34. ... Rc2, as in the note to 31. ...
After 19. h5 Bxc6 Qxc6 and the white king is too Bg4, when I can win the queen and [if
exposed to survive, e.g. 31. Ke2 Qb5+ necessary] take an immediate perpetual.
Now it was Anands turn to think, using 32. Kf3 Rg4 33. Re1 Qc6+ 34. Ke2 Qc4+ However with five minutes to reach
up 40 minutes on this move; I considered 35. Kf3 Rd4! 36. Qxd4 Qxd4 37. fxe6 move 40, Anand might just have found
practically every legal move ... Rg5, ... Qg4+ when Black wins the e pawn and the forced win which was available with
Rg6, ... Rg8, but it seemed useful to have the game. the move which flashed through his
the pawn on ... h5.
head 34. ... Qd5+!, when play could
continue 35. Bc4 Qb7+ 36. Bb5 (36. Ka4
27. ... Bg2+ 28. Ke1 Bh3! 29. Ra3?
Maybe the decisive mistake, Rc2!) 36. ... Rc2!! 37. a6 Qb6 38. Qf1
20. Nxe6!
20. Bxd7+ Kxd7 21. Nxe6+ Bd6 leads bemoaned Kramnik. I was looking at 29. Qe3+ 39. Ka2 Qd2! 40. Qa1 (On 40. Rb3
nowhere for White. Rd1 and didnt see anything clearly wrong Rc1! ensnares the white queen.) 40. ...
with it. Qd5+ 41. Rb3 and now, with the time
After 29. Rd1! Anand should probably control reached, Anand would have had
20. ... fxe6 21. Rxd7 Kf8!
Refusing to be tempted by the tricky 21. try 29. ... Rg1+, since the endgame after time to find 41. ... Rc5!! leaving White
... Ba6?! which gives Black a slight mate 29. ... Bg4 30. Qe3 Qxe3+ 31. fxe3 Bxd1 helpless.
rial edge after 22. Rd6+ Qxb5 23. Qxe6+ 32. Kxd1 Rg2 33. Kc1! Rxh2 34. Bc6!
Kf8 24. Rd7 Qxd7 25. Qxd7 but leaves his offers chances mostly for White.
forces disorganized. However even after 30. Kd2 Rg2 White
33. ... Bh3
Crushing, though 33. ... Bxd3+ 34.
can hold, by a whisker, after 31. Qe3 Rxd3 (34. Qxd3 Rg2+) 34. ... Qc4+ 35. Kd2
Rxf2+ 32. Be2 Qa5+ 33. Qc3 Qf5 34. Qc1 mate was simpler.
22. Qd3
Qb4! with 35. Qf8+ to follow.

r+ + k + 34. a5 Rg2 35. a6 Rxe2+ 36. Bxe2 Bf5+ 37.
+l+R+ +
q +p
p +
29. ... Rg1+ 30. Kd2 Qd4+ 31. Kc2 Bg4!?
I couldnt see a forced win after 31. ...
Bf5+ 32. Kb3 Rc1 33. a5! Rc2 34. Qxc2
Kb3 Qe3+ 38. Ka2 Qxe2 39. a7 Qc4+ 40.
Ka1 Qf1+ 41. Ka2 Bb1+, White resigned. .
+L+ + +p Bxc2+ 35. Kxc2 Qc5+ 36. Kb1 Qxb5 37. See another Anand game from 1987
a6! and I certainly looked hard in our profile of GM Gregory Kaidanov
+ +
lr+ enough! so I decided to try 31. ... Bg4 on page 26. More dispatches from the
+ +Q+ P first, Anand explained. World Championship by Ian Rogers
(including more annotated games)
PP +
P P 32. f3 can be found on Chess Life Online,
R + +
K After 32. Rd3!? Bf5 33. Kb3 I keep October archives. The website
good drawing chances the Exchange uschess.org is now running on a
After 22. Qd3
down, Kramnik opined. However whether faster server.

Cover Story
The Quiet Ke
The unassuming Gregory Kaidanov has quietly gone about
building one of the most impressive
By FM Mike Klein
he short list of famous Russians should be completely different. Time trou
living in Lexington, Kentucky, ble is a purely psychological problem.
T begins and ends with Gregory
Zinovyevich Kaidanov. His circuitous path
Depending on the reason you have to cor
rect it differently. It is very hard to separate
to bluegrass pastures landed him half a psychological problems from chess prob
world from his homeland, but he would lems. They are usually linked together. It
not have it any other way. is kind of a difficult process to get into the
The grandmaster, 49, is eternally bearded mind of a student.
with an unassuming smile that hides his I draw on my experience from all my
complexity. Tournament photos of him are previous life. As a player and teacher you
unique in that he is almost never straining travel all over the world and interact with
while at the board. Kaidanovs breadth of hundreds, if not thousands of people.
experience, euphoric and deflating, on the Kaidanovs teaching acumen presents
chess board and off, have endowed him itself best when he combines his experi
with a unique perspective on how to man ences with charming anecdotes, though
age the inner world of competition a skill he will remain honest in his assessments.
he is slowly branding on Americas top (When asked midway through the recent
junior players, and which he hopes will chess olympiad if he was satisfied with the
one day be his lasting legacy. play of the womens team, which was 4
Kaidanov, once ranked as high as a top 1 at the time, he said laconically, No.)
16 world player, has seamlessly A setting seemingly tailored to his gunny
transitioned to Americas premier chess sack of skills is the U.S. Chess School,
trainer. At elite camps or at his home where Kaidanov has instructed since the
chess office, his approach to students is inaugural meeting in 2006.
based on pedagogical techniques usually IM Greg Shahade, the founder of the
reserved for patients, not players. program, has hired Kaidanov for five of
I emphasize the importance of psy the sessions, which last about one week
chology, Kaidanov said of his each and provide intensive chess training
methodology. I hope that is something to Americas burgeoning young talents.
that will be my contribution to chess Gregory is very good at putting him
teaching. self in the students shoes, Shahade
Of course, Kaidanov covers the tradi said. Perhaps his best quality is his
tional areas too, but as he sees it, there is understanding of chess psychology,
a chasm between chess teachers roles which is great, because this is the kind
as providers of the games skillful ele of thing that you dont need to be very
ments and students needs for deeper strong at chess to understand, thus mak
PHOTO: MATT MBARTON
analyses of recurrent mental weaknesses. ing him easily accessible to all levels.
He said his worldly adventures have sub This is not your Eastern European,
stituted for any specific training in dogmatic, sit and listen type oratory.
psychology. Kaidanov does not hold forth from a
Everybody has a different personal lectern. He engages the student with per
ity, Kaidanov explained. The approach sonal stories and innovative approaches,

GM Gregory Kaidanov with students at the U.S. Chess School
in Lexington, Kentucky.
ntuckian
resums in American chess.

Cover Story
while keeping his lessons student cen The path to Kentucky began in tion, but then, Kaidanov did not get his
tered. I always try to keep my classes Berdichev, Ukraine, where Kaidanov was GM title until the age of 29, about 21
interactive, he said. born in 1959, thus making his life jour years after he began his chess studies.
Doreen Tanaka, parent of a U.S. Chess ney similar to that of the towns most Twenty one years at nine hours per week
School attendee, said, He is a facilita famous son, Joseph Conrad (though with equates to 9,828 hours nearly a per
tor encouraging dialog between the out any Heart of Darkness). Like the fect fit. Of course Kaidanov may have
students, letting them drive the discus peripatetic novelist, Kaidanov began trav reached the threshold sooner had he not
sion. At one of the U.S. Chess School eling early, as his family soon moved to gone to college to study railroad engi
neering (he also married wife Valeria and
I hope that [the importance

had a daughter, Anastasia, in 1983), but
the formula likely would not have
of psychology] will be my
changed he may have received the title
sooner, but roughly the same amount of
actual study time would be required.
contribution to chess teaching.

Gladwells model continued: The thing
that distinguishes one performer from
another is how hard he or she works.
~GREGORY KAIDANOV
Thats it. Whats more, the people at the
very top dont just work much harder
than everyone else. They work much,
much harder. Certainly the chess world
meetings, in Lexington in 2007, he clipped Kaliningrad, then Moscow, where he contains exceptions to Gladwells out
an article related to the importance of spent his formative years. His father liers, but his point is clear. Kaidanov,
admitting fault and apologizing, then amaz taught him the game at age six and two like other subjects in the book, including
ingly parlayed it into a chess lesson on the years later he became a regular visitor to Bill Gates and The Beatles, reached his
principle of retreating from a failed plan. the Pioneers Palace, which he said had fields zenith with the typical but exhaust
Sports metaphors, life experiences, pithy less mystique than most Westerners con ing formula of time plus dedication.
aphorisms they are all in play. He suc ceptions would suggest. Kaidanov said his work ethic comes
cessfully teaches life through chess, There is a big myth of the Soviet chess from his parents and from an incident
Tanaka said. school people think of it as very struc when he was 14. One of the masters
Rather than calling them lectures, it tured, Kaidanov said. It was not. The moved into town. He gave me a notebook
probably would be fair to say that we invitation only Botvinnik Chess School with his annotated games. This was a
had discussions, Kaidanov recalled about might fit this mold better, but Kaidanov life changing experience and I saw how
that camp. Everybody contributed stories never attended. He compared Pioneers much work was involved. Thats what I do
about their chess experiences, frankly Palace to a community center, where chil with my students. Unfortunately only a
talking about their strengths and weak dren could come after school to do a few can do this work. He cited all the dis
nesses. I thought it was incredibly variety of different activities, of which tractions of todays children Kids have
instructional for all kids to learn that chess held no more standing than knit too many interests. We didnt have all
many decisions they make over the chess ting. The teacher there, a woman on the this liberal arts education. Accordingly,
board are based not only on their chess short side of expert by todays standards, the privation of Russian youth may have
ability, but also depend on their person was more of an organizer and story teller. been one of the leading catalysts of the
ality traits. Like many GMs, we never had a formal glut of Soviet GMs.
When we flew to the U.S. Chess School coach. You can compare this to the cul The gap between making master in
in San Diego this past summer, I did not ture of basketball in this country. If you 1978 and international master (IM) in
quite know what to expect from a Russ are playing in the school team, you may 1987 involved a lot of frustration. Still,
ian chess trainer, said Daniel Velotti, not necessarily have a coach that is great, he turned professional in 1985, and after
parent of a past camper. Over the course but you are playing with other people all making IM, ascended to GM only one
of the week. ... I found that Kaidanov the time and getting better. year later, which was not exactly a formal
had many wonderful qualities that I would Even so, recent research suggests that ity back then. Consider Kaidanovs
find particularly suited to training juniors. an osmotic approach alone is generally impressive performance at a tournament
He has a great sense of humor and a not enough to achieve Kaidanovs level of in Moscow in 1987.
very affable personality. He is able to success. In Malcolm Gladwells recent This was like a miracle tournament for
maintain a gentle demeanor, even when book, Outliers: The Story of Success, the me, Kaidanov recalled. Though he won
he is critiquing the students and going statistical guru drew on the research of with a +5 score and he beat two young
over their mistakes in their chess games. neurologist Daniel Levitin to postulate IMs named Viswanathan Anand and
Shahade holds his teacher in esteem for that it takes good, old fashioned hard Alexander Khalifman, both of whom went
his determination (Kaidanov has been work to become great in any field. He on to become world champions, his per
selected to teach more U.S. Chess School said the average person takes 10,000 formance was not even good enough for
sessions than anyone else). [Kaidanov] is hours to assimilate the elements to reach a GM norm.
ideal because he wasnt some super tal mastery, whether the activity is music, Considering the competition and the
ent who was a GM at 16 years old, he computer programming or chess (Gladwell stunning coup de grce, his win against
said. He became a GM relatively late in bluntly defines chess success as the the Indian super GM remains his most
life, and clearly had to work very hard to grandmaster [GM] title). Gladwells math famous game ever. Played in a round
do so. This kind of work ethic will hope works out to be three hours per day for robin tournament in Moscow, the lineup
fully rub off on his students, although about ten years. Kaidanovs experience consisted of some prominent grandmas
admittedly I doubt that many young matches he said he attended Pioneers ters such as Evgeny Sveshnikov and a
American players work anywhere close to Palace three hours a day, three times per group of young IMs including Anand and
how hard Gregory worked. week. Thats only half of Gladwells equa Khalifman.

Queens Gambit Declined, f7 and can also be transferred to d7 if the English Opening (A13)
Semi-Tarrasch (D42) white knight leaves e5. GM Mark Taimanov (FIDE 2480)
IM Gregory Kaidanov (FIDE 2420) GM Gregory Kaidanov (FIDE 2535)
IM Viswanathan Anand (FIDE 2500) Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1988
17. Rg3 Re8 18. Bh6 Bf8
Moscow, Russia, 1987 Now we can see the point of 16. ... Rc7. Notes by Kaidanov
Notes by Kaidanov
19. Bg5 Be7 20. Bxf6 This game has an interesting story
Despite being one of the lowest rated Nowadays I would probably prefer 20. behind it. In the mid 1980s Garry Kas
players in this event, I managed to win the h4 but back then I had less patience. parov created the GMA (The Grandmaster
tournament outright with seven wins, This is not always a bad Association). This organization held a
three losses and four draws. thing sometimes a lack of patience is series of very strong Swiss tournaments.
simply the reverse of hesitance. Belgrade was the first one. In a short
period between the second and fifth round
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nc6
Vishy played incredibly quickly in 20. ... Bxf6 21. Bxh7+ Kxh7 22. Qh5+ Kg8 23. I played Mark Taimanov, Samuel
those days, very rarely spending more Ne4 Reshevsky and Efim Geller. One of the
than 20 minutes on the entire game. participants jokingly noted that instead of
Needless to say, it led to a lot of mis +
qr+k+
the popular Informants (major preparation
takes. Its amazing that despite this he still tools back then) I should have brought
was already very strong! As Vishy Bronsteins book Zurich 1953!
p
+p
pr

acknowledged after the game, he intended p +p
l +
to play 4. ... Nf6, but touched the wrong
1. Nf3 d5 2. b3 Nf6 3. Bb2 e6 4. c4 c5 5. e3
knight.
nP+
N +Q Nc6 6. cxd5 exd5 7. Bb5 Bd6 8. Ne5
+l
PN+ + We all know this principle: In the open
ing dont move the same piece twice.
5. cxd5 Qxd5 6. Nf3 e6 7. Nc3 Qd8 8. Bd3
However, It doesnt look so inappropriate
Nf6 9. 0-0 Be7 10. a3 0-0 11. Re1 P + +
R
Now we reach a position which very + + PPP here. After all, White creates an attack on
often arises after different move orders, c6.
such as in the c3 Sicilian.
R + +
K
After 23. Ne4 8. ... 0-0
Black decides to sacrifice a pawn for an
11. ... b6 12. Bc2 Ba6
A new move for me at the time, though advantage in development.
a database search shows that it was
23. ... Bd5
played quite frequently. The immediate 23. ... Kf8 was also pos
sible. 24. Nxf6 gxf6 (White wins after 24.
9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. Be2
Played after some deliberation. GM
... Qxf6 25. Rf3 Be2 26. Ng6+ Qxg6 27. Taimanov would rather attack than
Qxg6 Bxf3 28. Qg3.) 25. Rd1 The position
13. b4 Bc4 14. b5 Na5 15. Ne5 Rc8 16. Re3
defend. Accepting the pawn sac was
+rq rk+ remains unclear. Black should have no indeed dangerous.
problems with Whites attack after 25. After the game we looked at the fol
p +
lppp Qh6+ Ke7 26. Nxf7 Qxd4. lowing variation: 10. Bxc6 Rb8 11. Bxf6
p +p
n + (11. 0 0 Bxh2+ 12. Kxh2 Ng4+ 13. Kg1
Qd6 14. f4 Qh6 [of course, 14. ... Qxc6 is
24. Rh3 Kf8
nP+
N + Played instantly. 24. ... g6 25. Nxg6 good enough, but Black aims for more] 15.
+lP + + fxg6 26. Qxg6+ Bg7 27. Ng5 Kf8 28. Nh7+ Re1 Qh2+ 16. Kf1 Ba6+ 17. d3 Qh1+ 18.
Kg8 29. Ng5 should lead to a draw. Black Ke2 Qxg2 mate). 11. ... Qxf6 12. Nc3 d4
P
N
R + loses if he tries to play for a win. 29. ... 13. Ne4 Qg6 14. Nxd6 Qxd6 15. Bf3 Ba6
+L+ PPP Qc8 30. Rh8+ Kxh8 31. Qh7 mate. 16. Be2 d3 17. Bf3 c4 18. bxc4 Bxc4 19.
R
LQ+ K 0 0 Rb2 and Black is threatening 20. ...
Qb4 to win the d2 pawn.
25. Qxf7+, Black resigned.
After 16. Re3 At this point Vishy looked up at me.
There was so much pain in his eyes that
16. ... Rc7 I remember this look until today. +
+ rk+
Vishy belongs to the group of players
p
+p
pp +
called intuitive. It means that they A brilliancy for the new GM +
q + +
choose the majority of their moves based In 1988, newly crowned GM Kaidanov
on intuition, not calculation. Karpov is
+ + + +
played a game that he said changed his
another example of such a player. life. Against countryman GM Mark +l+ + +
On the other hand, Kasparov was a Taimanov, his queens rook performed a
player who tended to start examining a
+ +p PL+
Prefontaine run from a8 to h2. The bril
position by calculating enormous liant maneuver sparked a spirited attack Pr
P PPP
amounts of variations. It doesnt mean and the game won the brilliancy prize.
that Kasparovs intuition was bad, it just
R +Q+R
K
I received $4,000 and at the time it was
shows a different approach to chess. like a huge amount of money, he cheer
Analysis after 19. ... Rb2
By the way, Vishys calculation is fully reminisced. The Kaidanovs now Despite being down a pawn he is prob
incredibly fast. Anyone who has a chance numbering four as Valeria Kaidanov had ably better. After 10. Be2, White hopes
to discuss variations with him can con recently given birth to one year old after castling to exploit the weakness of
firm that it is very hard to keep up with Boris used the winnings to buy a new the c5 pawn.
his speed. His last move is a pure intu apartment in Moscow. This game really
itive decision. The rook is ready to protect kind of set my whole life on track. 10. ... Re8

Cover Story
One of the reasons I like this game is ment leader, GM Efim Geller, in the last
that all of Blacks moves (up to a certain round.
17. ... Rxe3
At this point my opponent picked up
point) could be explained by classical The celebration was short lived. At din
the b2 bishop and knocked it down on f6.
chess principles. Here, after developing his ner the following evening, the Kaidanovs
minor pieces and castling, Black simply had all of their luggage stolen from the
puts his rooks on open files. trunk of a car. The losses included ten
18. Bf6
+ +k+ q
years of chess analysis and Valerias entire
wardrobe. The most valuable things,
11. 0-0 Rb8
During my lessons I constantly empha p + +p
pp Kaidanov joked when asked whose loss
size the important of open files and +p
l L + was greater. The calm retelling of the
activity of the pieces. Unfortunately, the incident almost embarrasses the grand
majority of club players worry about such + pp+ + master the robbery has superseded the
things as doubled pawns and weak + + +P+ tournament in fame, which is not entirely
squares, but they dont worry about the undeserved when you consider what hap
fact that their pieces are passive. +P+P r
P pened the very next day at the corner of
P+ N + r 42nd Street and Broadway.
We were walking down the street and
12. d3
Whites plan now is to play Nd2, Rc1, R +Q+R
K I am sure we were behaving like typical
Ba3 in a hope to win the pawn on c5. The After 18. Bf6 tourists, stopping all the time, Kaidanov
problem is that he doesnt have time for said. A circle of men formed around them,
that. Then he looked around as though ask and in a pre Giuliani Times Square, that
ing: Did everyone see this move? I was could only mean one thing. It was kind
12. ... Rb4 lucky to calculate one move further. of funny because the robbers took all the
dollars but they left the English pounds
+lqr+k+ because they didnt know what they
18. ... Rh3
As loud of a statement as Whites pre were.
vious move was (a long bishop move,
p + +p
pp
These stories have reached folklore sta
+pl
n + made with a knock), it is answered by a tus. The Russian fish out of water story
quiet and unassuming Black response resembles Robin Williams in Moscow on
(a very gentle one square move). The con
+ pp+ +
the Hudson. The incidents tested the
r + + +
sequences are, however, devastating for resolve of the Kaidanovs, who now had no
White. clean clothes, very little money and no
+P+P P +
plane tickets (they were scheduled to fly
PL +LPP P to Chicago in a few days). So when the
19. Rf3
A main line was 19. Bxd8 Rexg3+ 20. grandmaster tells his students he knows
Kf2 Rh2+ 21. Ke1 Re3+ 22. Qe2 Rexe2+
RN+Q+R
K
adversity, he may not explicitly cite these
After 12. ... Rb4 23. Kd1 Rxd2+ 24. Kc1 (24. Ke1 Rhe2 two days in New York, but he can be
mate) 24. ... c4 (24. ... Rxd3 would win a trusted nonetheless.
The queens rook is the only Black piece
fourth pawn; also not bad!) 25. dxc4 Ba3+ I am still missing those notes,
which is far away from the kingside.
26. Kb1 Rb2+ 27. Kc1 Rbf2+ 28. Kd1 Kaidanov said. Right now it is maybe
Blacks last move poses a dilemma for
Rxf1 mate). not so much practical. It is more emo
White: either to undouble Blacks pawns
with 13. d4 or allow the rook to join the tional attachment. I still have notebooks
attack. with games as a little kid. Holding those
19. ... Rxg3+ 20. Kh1 gxf6 21. Rxg3 Bxg3 22.
notebooks in my hand is very special. He

Nf3 Qd7, White resigned.
White is down three pawns, about to sometimes brings his remaining child
lose the fourth one, so he resigned. This
13. Nd2
A risky decision. 13. d4 cxd4 14. exd4 hood analysis to U.S. Chess Schools,
game was awarded a brilliancy prize of hoping the sight of his earliest annota
(14. Bxd4 c5 with a good game for Black)
$4,000, at the time the largest in chess tions will have the power to inspire his
14. ... Rb7 and the rook finds a new place
history. students like an early Picasso sketch.
of employment.
The real test on that first sojourn to the
U.S. was the days and weeks that fol
A tough transition to the west
13. ... Rh4 14. g3
After both 14. h3 Bxh3 and 14. Nf3 lowed. Others in the same situation have
Even with the extra cash, the economic taken the easy road by packing up and
Rh6 Black would have a strong attack.
climate of the Soviet Union mitigated his going home. Instead, Kaidanov, with GM
Still, it probably would be better than
newfound wealth. There was no food in Dmitry Gurevich and others, took his
the game continuation.
the stores, Kaidanov said. Compared 300 and chess skill and engineered the
to other people we had a pretty good life oft told American success story. He con
in Moscow. Other people suffered more.
14. ... Ng4
Already here I saw my 18th move. vinced the airline to reissue his tickets to
We had money but the problem was you Chicago. Gurevich phoned friend Ken
could not buy anything. It was time to Troutman in Kentucky to arrange a few
explore more of the world and he jumped
15. Bxg4 Bxg4 16. f3
Both the rook on h4 and bishop on g4 exhibitions to make back his stolen
at the chance to take his game to the money and possessions. Kaidanov entered
are under the attack. Which one to save?
West. In 1990, Kaidanov and his wife a tournament in Louisville and then
The answer is: neither one!
traveled to New York City. The grand played a simultaneous in Lexington.
master entered a tough round robin Troutman told the Kaidanovs, perhaps
tournament at the now defunct Manhat
16. ... Rxh2 17. fxg4
If 17. Kxh2, then ... Qh4+ 18. Kg1 you will only be robbed here once.
tan Chess Club, in which he sensationally Visiting Kentucky after Chicago and
Qxg3+ 19. Kh1 Qh2 mate.
shared first place by beating the tourna New York was a completely different expe

rience, he recalled. Both my wife and cially I am probably better off sitting at I am not very optimistic about it, he
I fell in love with this place. At the time home giving chess lessons. I kind of felt said of competing in Siberia. In order to
we lived in a completely broken country I had to honor their request. He spoke do that I am sure I have to give up my
... I didnt want [Kentucky] to remind effusively about the unity of the team teaching. You have to work a lot of hours,
me of Russia. But the Kaidanovs and his pride in his selection, and has and as you get older you have to give
returned to Moscow, hoping to emigrate also said previously that he would con even more hours than when you were
yet resigned to their unlikely chances. tinue teaching even if there were no younger.
That is when Troutman and friends money in it. So the students will continue to call and
really got to work. GM Sam Palatnik, himself a past coach e mail. Kaidanov will cull all the stories
[Kaidanov] referred to Lexington as of U.S. teams, sat in on several of Pioneers Palace, bread lines, dogmatic
heavens front yard, Troutman said. Kaidanovs preparation sessions in Dres research, loss and perseverance. He will
This did not hurt our feelings. I was
The incidents tested the resolve

able to navigate the rules of the INS and
get an H1 visa by explaining that no one
of the Kaidanovs, who now

in Kentucky had his skills in regard to
chess training. This required a significant
had no clean clothes, very little

number of attempts. Explaining that
people actually teach chess was not
money and no plane tickets.

easy.
The following year, the family had a
new home more than 5,000 miles away.
Diplomacy proved the best defense for
domestic chess players; once Kaidanov
moved to the U.S. he wasted no time den. He praised the coachs style, saying tell the story of the day before his tenth
engraving his name on Grand Prix lists Kaidanov is good mannered and trusted birthday, when he would have moved up
and winners trophies. He added to his in his approach, strongly suggesting but one category at the chess club if not for
1990 win in New York with a trifecta in the never forcing information on his charges being checkmated in six moves. But he
summer of 1992 he won both the World (Kaidanov would often stay awake until will come back to the games human ele
Open and the U.S. Open outright (the 3:00 a.m. preparing e mail dossiers for his ment when he speaks of the rain of tears
first player ever to accomplish that in the players). He knows when to motivate and that followed. He will slyly package
same year), after beginning his run with when to give more specific guidance. He humanism in between his mention of
a split of the National Open title. Kaidanov wont crush their fighting spirit, Palatnik outposts and outflanking. The messages
was to American chess what Garry Kas said. will be furtively placed within the context
parov was to international chess in For all of Kaidanovs ease at the board, of algebraic sequences, like a priest sub
1992 unbeatable. he resembled something closer to a nerv tly imparting moral instructions within
ous father in the playing hall of the homiletic allegories. And like the clergy,
Olympiad, pacing slowly, with folded arms Kaidanov wants his students to employ
An American on the world stage and a pensive brow. Shortly before one his teachings in all their decisions.
From there he began to represent the round, his anxiety was evident when one I think the most important thing is to
U.S. in various team competitions. In player came close to forfeiture by nearly be analytical about the events in your
1993, Kaidanov helped the Americans to arriving late. After she hurried in, personal life, Kaidanov said. I think
victory in his first event under the Stars Kaidanov relaxed for a second, gave her this is where chess helps a lot. Many
and Stripes. Their win in the World Team a you almost broke curfew smile, and people do stupid things which may make
Championships remains the only world then resumed his paces. their life experience difficult. Chess
title the U.S. has won as a team in more When Kaidanov returns to Lexington teachers help you to find the best solu
than 30 years. He went on to compete in after Dresden, he will have only one child tions. Unfortunately many chess players
six straight Olympiads for the U.S. From left living at home. Daughter Sonya was do this on the chess board but dont do
1996 2006 he won three team medals born eight years after Boris and is now 13 this outside it.
and an individual silver in Calvia, 2004. (both his son and Anastasia are away at Chess fans will still see him reemerge
Throw in another few medals at succes college; all three children have nominal and play in the occasional tournament.
sive World Mens Team Championships, ratings). Kaidanov thinks chess teachers should
including a personal gold medal in 1997, His students will eagerly phone and e stay active to remain attuned to the
and you have the most decorated Amer mail to catch up on missed lessons. games practical considerations.
ican team player since Isaac Kashdans Kaidanov accepts students of all levels Obviously I achieved some success as
run ended in the 1930s. and says he is nearly booked solid, despite a player but I am hoping that what I am
This year, the Dresden Olympiad the grandmasters Herculean willingness doing as a teacher is kind of unusual for
reduced the number of male players by to sometimes teach for more than ten a grandmaster, he said, as though fully
one. Kaidanov, who scored the highest hours at a stretch. acquiescing to the second stage of his
percentage of any team member at Turin, At the next Olympiad, in Khanty Man chess life. He is now ensconced as a Ken
2006, had his rating dip below 2600. The siysk 2010, Kaidanov likely will be left off tuckian, perfectly content to spend most
rise of young GMs Hikaru Nakamura and the squad again. While he might still be days teaching from home.
Varuzhan Akobian meant missing the
team for the first time in a decade. But his
physically able his peak FIDE rating of
2646 was reached only six years ago after
Professional chess is brutal. .
he beat four score of GMs to win the The Kaidanov coached Womens
presence was still needed. When the Olympiad team won a bronze medal
American women needed a coach, they all Aeroflot Open (and his highest USCF rat in Dresden, finishing behind winner
gravitated toward Kaidanov. ing of 2749 was only four years ago) his Georgia and runner up Ukraine, and
I have to say that it was not an easy love for teaching is beginning to trump beating Russia and Poland for the
decision for me, Kaidanov said. Finan personal ambition. bronze on tiebreaks.

Bronze
2008 World Youth
for
Shankland
and
Yang
Put down your chess books
and pick up a knight, Team
USA is gonna have a whole
lotta fun way down yonder
in Vietnam.
By GM John Fedorowicz
nce again I had the pleasure of made New York at rush hour look tame; At the coaches meeting, we divvy up the
being a coach at the World Youth never have I seen so many motor bikes, players (five per coach) according to rat
O Championship. The 2008 edition
was hosted by Vietnam in the small
most disobeying the traffic laws! Ive never
been one to adjust to the time difference
ing and private students. We also consult
each other on opening problems and game
seaside resort of Vung Tau from October quickly (11 hours from EST) so arriving analysis. My daily routine started with
20 30. Ive been traveling for chess many three days early was a must. Flipping Dan Ludwig at 9 a.m. and ended with
years now, but never this far. I took one the TV remote control I was pleasantly Caroline Zhu at 11:30 a.m. A half hour per
SHANKLAND BY BETSY DYNAKO; YANG COURTESY OF SUBJECT

look at my aisle seat and wondered if surprised to see the baseball playoffs live. player isnt a lot of time for preparation,
Id survive! That provided me with some pre tour but it had to suffice.
My flight on Cathay Pacific Airlines nament entertainment. The players started their games at 3
from New Yorks JFK to Hong Kong was Now onto some chess! I wasnt sure p.m. while the coaches set up headquar
scheduled to take 15 hours, followed by what to expect from our young and rela ters in the lobby at 4:30 p.m. for game
a two hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. tively inexperienced team but I thought analysis. From past world youths, we
Amazingly, the travel came off without a we had good medal chances in several age noticed a trend where other countries
hitch. A lot of boredom for sure, but zero groups. Darwin Yang and last years world would prepare based on our earlier games.
problems. While waiting for my second youth champion Daniel Naroditsky were This made patching up the opening or
flight, I even made two new friends, Glenn two of my favorites, along with Sarah and correcting middlegame problems of great
and Jonah Lee of Canada. Jonathan Chiang, Simone Liao, Daniel importance.
Getting my Vietnam visa took awhile, Ludwig and Sam Shankland. We defi Lets now discuss our top finishers. Of
but I didnt mind. It was good not to be nitely had one of the strongest support our medal winners, Darwin Yang, who
on an airplane. The three of us (Glenn, groups. The six coaches consisted of FIDE was ranked third in the boys under 12,
Jonah and I) were met outside the airport Senior Trainer (FST) Michael Khodark had the highest expectations. Darwin
and immediately driven to our hotel. The ovsky, FM Aviv Friedman, IM Armen raced out to 6/7 including this fine
drive took just over two hours through Ho Ambartsoumian, GM Dmitry Gurevich, fifth round win over eventual gold medal
Chi Minh City. The traffic jams wouldve GM Sam Palatnik, and myself. ist Sayantan Das.

Ruy Lopez, Archangel and d4 Qe4 23. Ne7+ Kg7 24. Bh6+.
Moller Defense (C77) r+ q r
k+
FM Darwin Yang (FIDE 2182)
21. ... Qxg5 22. Bxg5 gxf5
Sayantan Das (FIDE 2112) OK for Black is 22. ... f6 23. Rxe6? (23.
pp+n+p
pp
2008 World Youth, Vung Tau, Vietnam Ne7+ Kf7 24. Rxe6 Kxe6 25. Re1+ Kd7 26. +p+p+ +
Bh6 Rfe8 27. Nd5 when White will start l +n
P +
munching Black's pawns thereby increas
ing his material edge) 23. ... fxg5.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5.
d3
P+LP +l+
This safe move avoids a large body of 23. Bh6 Rfe8 24. gxf5 Bd7 25. Rg1+ Kh8 26. + + +N+
Ruy Lopez theory including the Berlin Bg7+ Kg8 27. Rc5 h5 28. f6 Bg4 29. Rxg4!, NP +Q
PP P
and Archangel. Black resigned.
After Black recaptures with 29. ... hxg4,
R
L +RK
After 12. ... Ba5
30. Rh5 mates.
5. ... b5 6. Bb3 Bc5
The Archangel variation has become
very popular and seriously theoretical in At this point I prefer Black because of
Unfortunately for us and Darwin the his better minor pieces.
the past few years. Since White has last four rounds saw him score only three
already played d2 d3, the normal 6. ... draws and a loss. His final score of 8 3
Be7!? is close to equal. was good enough for the bronze.
13. Bxd5?!
Solving one problem in the short term,
One very pleasant surprise was Sam but opening up another can of worms. 13.
Shanklands tying for first place and win
7. 0-0 0-0 8. c3 d6 9. Nbd2 Bb6
This feels like a waste of time; the Qe4!? puts White near equality.
ning Team USAs second bronze medal.
bishop is fine on c5. Sam is already an experienced player 13. ... exd5!?
despite his young age of 17. He has played The most aggressive reply. Along with
previously in world youths, not to men
10. Re1 Bb7?!
The bishop looks useless here. 10. ... Dmitry and Shankland, I liked 13. ...
tion the U.S. championship. Starting off cxd5. Black would use the open c file
Bg4?! 11. h3 Bh5 12. Nf1 and after White
ranked 17th in the boys under 18 made and bishop pair.
chases down the h5 bishop, White gains
him a long shot, but Sams toughness
control of the light squares. Black's best
is 10. ... Be6!?. showed up in the end. Sams strengths 14. h3 Bh5 15. g4?
are his opening preparation and his White goes hog wild opening up his
11. Nf1 Ne7 12. Ng3 Ng6 13. Nf5 d5!? intense approach to the game. This 10th own king! 15. Qe3 breaking the pin is
Black decides unwisely to sacrifice round rout of his Indian opponent gave more prudent.
material. Keeping an eye on the f5 knight Sam an international master norm and
with 13. ... Bc8!? is an idea this also put him into medal contention.
15. ... Bg6 16. h4 h6!
keeps open a ... Be6 idea. This calm move rebuffs Whites inten
tions.
14. exd5 Nxd5 15. Nxe5 Bxf2+ Slav Defense (D19)
IM Pandian Karthikeyan (FIDE 2402)
17. Bf4 Qe7 18. Nc3 Qe6 19. Nh2 f6 20. Bg3
r+ q rk+ Sam Shankland (FIDE 2436)
fxe5 21. dxe5 d4 22. Ne4 Qd5 23. Nd6 d3 24.
2008 World Youth, Vung Tau, Vietnam

Qe3 Bb6 25. Qe1 Bd4 26. e6 Ne5 27. e7
+lp +ppp Qxd6 28. exf8=Q+ Rxf8 29. Kg2 Qd5+ 30. f3
p+ + +n+ 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4
Nc4 31. Bf2 Re8 32. Qb4 Re2 33. Kg1 Bxf2+
34. Rxf2 Qd4!, White resigned.
The Semi Slav is an extremely solid 35. Rf1 Rxf2 36. Rxf2 d2 ends mat
+p+nNN+
+ + + + system for Black. ters.
Two of our brighter hopes of the future

+LPP+ + 5. a4
PP + lPP Otherwise Black keeps the pawn with are Jonathan Chiang and his sister
... b7 b5. Sarah. Jonathan finished in fifth place
with eight points, while Sarah finished in
R
LQ
R K
After 15. ... Bxf2+ 5. ... Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Nbd7 8. Qe2 Bb4 9.
13th place on tiebreaks with seven points.
Jonathans excellent score propelled the
Entering into a very confusing situation
0-0 0-0 10. e4
White should play more slowly with U.S. to a silver medal in the open under
where Darwin has seen a little further. 15. 8. In this round 10 game Jonathan fin
10. Rd1!?, yielding a slight edge.
... Nxe5 16. Rxe5 and Black has little ished off his opponent with some nice
compensation in a Marshall Attack like fireworks.
position.
10. ... Bg4!? 11. e5!?
Shankland criticized this move, but it's
White's next that caused the problems.
11. h3? Bxf3 12. Qxf3 Nb6 13. Qd3 Bxc3 Pirc Defense (B07)
16. Kxf2 Qf6 17. Bxd5!? Bxd5 18. Qh5 Be6
14. bxc3 Nxc4 15. Qxc4 Nxe4 wins a Jonathan Chiang (FIDE 1535)
19. g4 Nxe5
Good for White is 19. ... Bxf5 20. Qxf5 Dinh Nguyen Anh Le (FIDE Unrated)
pawn.
Qh4+ 21. Kf1 Qxh2 22. Nf3 Qg3 23. Be3. 2008 World Youth, Vung Tau, Vietnam
11. ... Nd5 12. Na2?!
About equal is 12. Nxd5 cxd5 13. Bd3.
20. Rxe5! g6
Not 20. ... Qxe5?? 21. Ne7+.
1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Be3 Nf6 5.
f3!?
This is a very dangerous system vs.
12. ... Ba5
21. Qg5
A faster way to win is 21. Qh4! Qxe5 22. (see diagram top of next column) the Pirc. White sets up a Yugoslav Attack

2008 World Youth
type formation, going for a kingside pawn Black looks to lockdown the entire board
storm. with an equal position.
d4!?
Already Reva is faced with a tricky mix
ture of ideas. 5. 0 0 b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. Re1
is the usual routine, which weve seen mil
5. ... a6?! 10. Bh6 Kf8 11. Bxg7+
Already Black is struggling to find the As Aviv pointed out, this helps Black
lions of times.
proper idea. With 5. ... c6!? Black prepares unravel. 11. h4!? is more accurate fol
... b7 b5 counterplay and gets the queen lowed by h4 h5, putting White in control.
involved.
5. ... b5!?
Black reaches a safe position with 5. ...
Nxd4 6. Nxd4 exd4 7. e5 Ne4 8. Qxd4
11. ... Kxg7 12. h4 h5
Better is 12. ... h6, which makes it
Nc5.
6. Qd2 Nc6 7. 0-0-0 e5 8. d5?!
Jonathan locks the center, which he hard for White to breakthrough. 13. g5
must reopen later. 8. Nge2 keeps things (13. h5 g5 would be a tough nut to crack)
fluid and allows White to start the pawn 13. ... Nh5 when Whites attack has
6. Bb3 exd4 7. 0-0 Bc5?!
storm. stalled. I've warned Reva about keeping gam

bit pawns! 7. ... d6!? looks like a solid
8. ... Ne7 9. g4 b6 13. g5 Nd7 choice. 8. Nxd4?? Nxd4 9. Qxd4 c5 fol
Black is wasting time. With 9. ... h5!? lowed by ... c5 c4 falls for the famous
r+lq + r Noahs Ark trap.
+ pn
np
k 8. Re1?!
Team USA Results p

p p +p+ After sacrificing a pawn, White must be
+ +Pp
Pp more aggressive. Now Black is fine. 8.
e5! is very tough to deal with. 8. ... Ng4
Girls 8: Alisha Chawla 4, + +P+ P (8. ... Ne4 9. Qe2 d5 10. exd6 f5 11. dxc7
Reva Singh 6, Hannah Liu 7, Qxc7 12. Ng5 and Blacks king has no
Sarai Guillen 4.
+ N +P+
safe haven) 9. Bxf7+ Kxf7 10. Ng5+ Kg8
(Team Bronze Medal) P
PPQ + + 11. Qxg4 and Black is in difficulties.
Girls 10: Simone Liao 7,

+ KR+L
NR 8. ... 0-0 9. Bg5 d6 10. Bd5 Bb7 11. Bxc6
Margaret Hua 4. After 13. ... Nd7 Bxc6 12. e5 dxe5 13. Rxe5 Bb6 14. Rf5 Kh8!
Girls 12: Sarah Chiang 7, r+ q r

k
Caroline Zhu 5.
14. Bh3!
Jonathan is preparing f3 f4, his only + p +ppp
break.
Girls 14: Alena Kats 6, pll+ n
+
Anna Matlin 6, Katherine Wu 4. 14. ... Qf8 15. Nce2 f5 16. Qc3!
+p+ +R L
Forcing Black to defend his c7 square.
Girls 16: Karsten McVay 5, +
p + +
Jennie Liu 4. 16. ... Ra7
+ + +N+
With the action on the kingside, its as
Open 8: Jonathan Chiang 8,
if Black is down a rook.
PPP+ P
P P
Tommy He 7, Raymond Sun 6.
(Team Silver Medal) 17. f4
RN+Q+
K
After 14. ... Kh8
Now White is clearly on top.
Open 10: Jeevan Karamsetty 7,
Christopher Wu 6. Anticipating White's Bxf6. Doubled
pawns in front of the king isn't always
17. ... Kh7 18. Rf1 Qg7 19. exf5 gxf5 20. fxe5
Open 12: Darwin Yang 8 bad.

Nxe5 21. Nd4 Nxd5 22. Qb3 Ne7 23. Nxf5
(Bronze Medal), Aleksandr

Nxf5 24. Bxf5+ Bxf5 25. Rxf5 Qg8 26. Qa4 b5
Black's final chance was 26. ... Qc4!?.
Ostrovskiy 5, Alexander
15. Bxf6 gxf6 16. Rf4 Rg8
Velikanov 6, Atulya Shetty 5, Who's attacking now? Reva has turned

Jarod Pamatmat 6, the tables on her opponent. Black's devel
27. Qe4! Qg6 28. Qf4 Kg7 29. Nf3 Nxf3 30.
David Adelberg 6. opment, bishop pair, open g file and extra

Qxf3 Qe8 31. Rf1 c6 32. Qc3+ Kg8 33. Rf8+,
(Team Bronze Medal) pawn spell trouble for White.

Black resigned.
For my student Reva Singh, this was
her first big international tournament,
Open 14: Daniel Naroditsky 7. and she played very well. Her 6 points
17. Rh4
White is struggling to find a plan.
was a main reason for our bronze medal
Open 18: Sam Shankland 8 in the girls under 8. She was very proud
(Bronze Medal), of this game where she exhibits a good feel
17. ... Qe7 18. Qd3 Rg6
Daniel Ludwig 6, Matt Parry 5. Easily sidestepping the mate threat.

for attack.
Coaches
19. Nbd2 Re8 20. b3 Ba5!
FIDE Senior Trainer IM Michael Ruy Lopez (C77) Threatening to eliminate Whites
Khodarkovsky, FM Aviv Friedman, Shiri Binder (FIDE Unrated) defenders on d2 and f3.
IM Armen Ambartsoumian, GM Reva Singh (FIDE Unrated)
Dmitry Gurevich, GM Sam 2008 World Youth, Vung Tau, Vietnam
21. h3 Bxd2
Palatnik, GM John Fedorowicz. Winning.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. 22. Qxd2 Bxf3 23. Qd3 Qe1+!

sensible. 13. ... 0 0 14. Bh6 Ne8 15. Rad1 a tough walk. It was an indoor arena
Rd8 16. Rd3 (16. Bg5) 16. ... Kh8 17. similar to where a small time college bas
( )
+ +r+ k
+ p +p+p Bg5 Bxg5 18. Qxg5 Nf6 19. Qd2 Rd7 was ketball team would play. It easily housed
about equal in Dolmatov Polugaevsky, the large group of players that came for
p+ + pr+ Moscow TV 1987. battle. The pairings were always up on
+p+ + + time. They could be found online or
posted outside the hotel. Games of that
13. ... Rg8 14. Qh6 0-0-0 15. f3
+
p + R Black's king is safe and White will be on days opponent could be found online as
+P+Q+l+P the defensive for a long time. well. This aided our preparation greatly.
Good prep gives our player more confi
P+P+ PP+ dence, and every little thing counts.
15. ... Rg6 16. Qh3 Kb8 17. Be3 Rdg8 18. g3
The beach was right across the street
h5 19. Ne2 Qe8 20. Nf4 Rg5
R +
q
K along with a very large pool. Most of Team
After 23. ... Qe1+ +q+r+
k USA stayed at the Hotel Dic Star, a five
Finishing the game with style! +l+ lp+ star hotel. The food was pretty good with
a lot of choices. I thought the tourna
p+ pp
n + ment was very well organized considering
all the things that could go wrong. Buses
24. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 25. Qf1 Rxg2+ 26. Kh1 Rxf1
+p+ + rp
left before each round from the hotel and
mate.
David Adelberg was a surprise medal
contender for most of the tournament, but
+ +P
N + returned at regular intervals.
tailed off at the end. His round eight vic +L+ LPPQ I have a couple of gripes. My first one
tory showed his attacking skills in an is the tournament halls air condition
extremely sharp Najdorf. Davids fine per
PPP+ + P ing. In countries where the climate is
formance helped Team USA to a team R +
R K very hot, a lack of air conditioning could
bronze in the boys under 12. prove to be unhealthy and dangerous.
After 20. ... Rg5
They tried hard to cool us, but even the
fans and air conditioning were not
Sicilian Defense,
21. Bf2 enough. In the future FIDE needs to
Scheveningen/Najdorf (B87) White should be happy with a repetition address this type of situation and keep it
Mikhail Antipov (FIDE 1887) via 21. Nd3!?. from occurring again. At our team meet
David Adelberg (FIDE Unrated) ing, players were told that they must be
2008 World Youth, Vung Tau, Vietnam
21. ... Bc8 22. Qf1? seated at their board five minutes before
The queen needs to keep an eye on g3. the start of the round. If this rule wasnt
followed, they would forfeit! This rule is
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. 22. ... h4! 23. Qd3 being used in the Dresden Olympiad as
Nc3 a6
Very strong for Black is 23. g4 Nxg4 24. well. Im interested in whether this stu
The Najdorf is considered a very aggres fxg4 Rxg4+ 25. Ng2 h3. pidity will be enforced. Another wonderful
sive response to 1. e4. job by FIDE. Maybe they should think
23. ... hxg3 24. hxg3 Nd7 25. Qe3 Nc5 26. about more important matters.
6. Bc4 Rad1 The most impressive country this year
The Sozin was a favorite of Bobby Fis 26. Kg2 was forced. was India. Dominating the medal count
cher and numerous other grandmasters. with an unbelievable four world champi
26. ... Rxg3+! onships, I guess India is going through an
6. ... e6 7. 0-0
This fine Exchange sacrifice collapses Anand Boom where chess may be sup
By not playing 7. Bb3 White avoids the Whites king position. planting cricket as the top sport. While the
... Nbd7 c5 idea. 7. ... Nbd7 8. f4 Nc5 9. USA is going through no such boom, we
Qf3 b5 gives Black good counterplay. 27. Bxg3 Rxg3+ 28. Kf2 Qg8 29. Rg1 Bh4! still have a very large and strong group of
30. Kf1 e5 youngsters. With players like Darwin
7. ... b5 8. Bb3 Be7 9. Qf3 Qc7 10. Qg3 Nc6
Opening the diagonal for the c8 bishop. Yang and Daniel Naroditsky leading the
11. Nxc6 Qxc6 12. Re1 Bb7 way, we have hope in the future of com
31. Rxd6 exf4 32. Rb6+ Ka7 33. Rg6 Qxg6 peting with countries like India.
r+ +k+ r 34. Qxc5+ Qb6 In closing I would like to thank a num
+l+ lppp Forcing everything off the board makes ber of people. Ill start off with Michael
it easy for David. Khodarkovsky, our FIDE senior trainer,
p+qppn + for dealing with all kinds of problems
+p+ + + 35. Qxb6+ Kxb6 36. Rxg3 fxg3 chess and otherwise. The other coaches
The rest is a simple mop up operation. were a lot of fun to hangout with as were
+ +P+ + Kimberly Doo, Sharon Senkiewicz, and
+LN + Q 37. Kg2 Be6 38. Bxe6 fxe6 39. b4 Be7 40. Diane Parry. My friends Glenn, Jonah,
Kxg3 Bxb4 41. Kf4 Bd6+ 42. e5 Bb8 43. Ke4 Anna, Semen, William and Elizabeth kept
PPP+ PPP Kc5 44. f4 Kc4 45. Kf3 Kd4 46. Kg4 Ke4 47. me busy as well. With some good inter
R
L
R K Kg5 b4 48. Kf6 Kxf4 49. Kxe6 Bxe5 50. Kd5 national chess experience under their
Bc3 51. Kc4 a5 52. a3 Ke3 53. axb4 axb4 54. belts, Team USA should return next year
After 12. ... Bb7 Kb3 Kd2 55. Ka2 Kc1, White resigned. with renewed determination and hope. Till
After getting settled in I did one impor next year in Antalya, Turkey, play well
13. Qxg7?!
Snatching this pawn allows Black an
tant thing. I found the tournament hall.
It was located 1 miles away from the
and study hard! .
See more reporting from Vietnam on
enduring initiative. 13. a3!? is safe and hotel, and with the heat and humidity was Chess Life Online, October archives.

Here and There
Hip Hop Variation

Rap artist RZA is the latest figure to arise in an emerging
trend towards aggressive chess marketing.
By WGM Jennifer Shahade
or over a year, rumors have swirled for myself in a series of events hosted chess or the unusual 12 minute time
in the chess world that RZA, a this summer by a non profit I co founded control, but I also think RZA lacked con
F founder of the rap group Wu Tang
Clan, is serious about chess and wants to
(see note at end of article), 9 Queens and
WuChess, a hip hop chess server. At the
fidence about his obvious natural talent.
Jasmine and I started first and then
earn the master title. In addition to want 9 Queens knockout, a promotional event switched moves. In the opening/ mid
ing to improve and inspire youth, RZA, in Chelsea, New York, RZA started with dlegame, RZA played well, with the
who is interested in Asian culture and the two hours late opening, a variation exception of the purposeless 14. ... b6. 14.
philosophies, sees chess as a way to self that is common for musicians but is ... Na5 or 14. ... Rc8, immediately seizing
improve: 64 squares lined up in eight offensive to chessplayers, who despite the initiative against Whites main weak
columns, we sit and meditate and calcu their propensity for sleeping in, know to ness (the c4 pawn) were preferable.
late on life problems. be punctual when the clock is set. Despite
RZA is not like a stand up comic who the fools mate of a start, RZA was both
cant stand being funny in real life he is charming and charmed when he arrived. Kings Indian Defense (A48)
a word artist on and offstage. Preten He got a chance to meet an idol of his own Jasmine Fermin/Brittanie Uddin
tious terms became simple while plain GM Maurice Ashley, and because it was Jennifer Shahade/Bobby Diggs (aka
language is spiced up: RZA called team RZAs birthday, he received a triple decker the RZA)
chess doubles splash and rejected chess set from thechesspiece.com. He
adjust and Jdoube in favor of, Fix it. explained that his interest in founding
If you havent heard of RZA, youre not WuChess and collaborating with 9
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3
alone, hes not the most famous rapper in Queens was not just as an aspiring chess
0-0 6. Bb2 Nd5 7. c4 Nb4 8. 0-0 Nxd3 9. Qxd3
America but his fans are fervid. Jay Z is player, but also as a spokesperson for
d5 10. Nc3 Bf5 11. Qd2 dxc4 12. bxc4 cxd4
to RZA as Spielberg is to Woody Allen. anti violence and foresight; In our com
13. exd4 Nc6 14. Ne2 b6 15. Rac1 Na5 16. d5
Dont even ask where Kanye and Eminem munity ... if people think before they do
Bxb2 17. Qxb2 Bd3 18. Rfe1 Nxc4 19. Qd4
fall in; my metaphor doesnt stretch that ... they could avoid teenage pregnancy
Bxe2 20. Rxe2 b5 21. Qc5 Rc8 22. Qxe7
far. ... avoid crime, the penal institution; a lot

I wrote a couple of articles for Chess Life of guys are in jail for 25 to life because +r
q rk+
Online about Hip Hop Chess Federation they didnt think before they did it. It
(HHCF) events such as the October 2007 was too spontaneous.
p +
Qp+p
Kings Invitational in San Francisco, RZA and I played a tandem chess game + + +p+
which RZA won. I couldnt find any game (two partners take turns making moves,
scores but was hoping to give CLO read consultation is forbidden) against Brit
+p+P+ +
ers an idea of his strength, so I asked IM tanie Uddin and Jasmine Fermin from I.S. +n+ + +
Josh Waitzkin about RZAs approximate 318, the junior high school championship
ELO [rating]. Josh was promoting his Brooklyn team coached by Elizabeth Vic
+ + +N+
PHOTO: BLAKE EICHENSEER
book The Art of Learning at the HHCF ary. I knew that the girls were probably P+ +R PPP
events, which combine chess, martial underrated at 1400 and 1500. The 318
arts and music. Josh wrote back with girls probably would have beat us if they
+ R + K
an estimate that he admitted might be played more quickly, because RZA seemed After 22. Qxe7
generous but said: I kind of have this to be constantly searching for the perfect
feeling that it kills the vibe to slap a num moves. Some may attribute his unhurried Move 22 was the most interesting of the
ber on them. pace to too much herbal tea. I dont think game. RZA began to think for over 30
I got a chance to see RZAs chess skills any of us were that experienced in team seconds then he passed the one minute

Jennifer Shahade and The RZA playing tandem chess in Camden, New Jersey.

The RZA and Jennifer Shahade playing tandem chess against FM Mike Shahade and rapper the Monk.
9 Queens co-founder Jean Hoffman watches over.
mark. I stared nervously at the clock even more easily than usual with the chose an offbeat but creative line against
just like in bughouse, getting low on time queen vs. rook and knight in quick chess. my fathers trusty English. He kept his
is a strategic disaster in team chess. Instead the game continued ... king in the center and launched an ulti
Besides, it seemed to me the only reason mately unsuccessful attack with h5, h4,
able move was 22. ... Qxd5, regaining Qc8, Bh3 and so on.
22. ... Qxd5 23. Qxa7 Qd3 24. Rce1 Ra8 25. Qe7
our pawn. According to the rules of team ... and the position is balanced, but I think RZA has the talent to become an
games or tandem chess, talking to your we were up almost two minutes at this expert chessplayer but the only way he
opponent is strictly forbidden. But when point and won on time. can do that is to get in the trenches and
To my shock ... I discovered

RZA finally moved his play in real tourna
fingers toward the d ments. His real name
that RZA correctly sensed

pawn, I heaved an is Robert Diggs. You
audible sigh of relief that may find yourself
a critical position.
was as close as I could across the table from
get to cheating. When I him at your next local
came home and began tournament.
to reconstruct the game, RZAs ties with chess
I discovered that RZA go way back. RZA
correctly sensed a critical position. There A few days later, RZA played some learned chess at the age of 11, to a girl
actually is a far superior choice to 22. ... games with my father, FM Michael Sha who became more than just a girlfriend.
Qxd5 Black can play 22. ... Ne5!, win hade at a Learn Chess day in Camden, On Wu Tang Clans 1993 debut album,
ning! The move defines mind boggling, New Jersey. My father started out with Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers), the
PHOTO: BLAKE EICHENSEER
and Im pretty sure that in a quick time two great opening lines: Who should I tell song, Da Mystery of Chessboxin begins:
control, most players would lose in a few people I met today? (repeated about four The game of chess, is like a swordfight;
moves to variations such as 23. Qxd8 times) and Lets play for one of those You must think first, before you move.
Nxf3+ 24. gxf3 Rxc1+ 25. Kg2 Rxd8 or 23. (pointing to the rocks on RZAs fingers The chessboxing title was prescient in
Qa3 Nxf3 24. gxf3 Qg5+. The least losing that looked like they could cover a down more ways than one not only did the
move is the sad 23. Rxc8 Qxe7 24. Rxf8+ payment on a Manhattan loft). leader of the Wu Tang get more and more
Qxf8 25. Rxe5 when Black should win RZA laughed at both questions and into the violent rumble and tumble of

318 students Jasmine Fermin and Brittanie Uddin team up against
the RZA in Chelsea.
chess as a sport, but chessboxing now Zatonskih and T.V. detective Monk are Ella Baron, organized a cave chess match
has a federation based in Berlin (World playing their game on the bottom of the deep in the Belizean jungle. Hikaru Naka
Chess Boxing Organization, WCBO), com ocean while scuba diving. Meanwhile, mura won a 960 tournament in Mainz,
petitions, titles, even a newswire. Maurice Ashley and I comment on the Germany, coming ahead of 44 grandmas
Although the sport has yet to hit the U.S. action in a cave. ters, including Rustam Kasimdzhanov and
big time, Andreas Dilschneider of the Everything alluded to in that para Sergei Movsesian.
WCBO predicts that there will be a more graph actually happened, just not all at All these events offer one good photo
vibrant chessboxing scene here soon. once. While at the Curacao Chess Festi op after another, throwing a knockout
The game of chess is like

David doubleD Depto punch to the typical
is from Los Angeles, chess photos of one vs.
a swordfight; you must

where a future fight is one that show nobodys
planned, and the face. The future of chess
think first before you move.

WCBO met with the is obviously coming, and
Wu Tang in Berlin to its going to become the
discuss a U.S. collabo present at the 2009 U.S.
ration. Wu Tang Clans Championship set for
new album, 8 Dia the new and elegant
grams (2008) includes even more val, Anna played a 30 minute game Saint Louis Chess Club and Scholastic
references to chess including songs such against the Dutch IM Robin Swinkels Center. I hope well get to see Gata, Hikaru
as Windmill and Weak Spot. underwater the whole time and using and Alex O., our 2700+ triad, all vying
The attention that RZA brought to the scuba gear. NASA challenged USCF for the 35K grand prize. Im rooting for a
game this summer is part of what seems scholastic players to a chess game against lot of chess boxing on the board. .
PHOTO: DANIEL MEIROM
to be a movement toward more aggressive astronauts in space, hosted on

promotional chess events. Imagine this: uschess.org. The hit USA detective show 9 Queens (9queens.org) is a non profit
RZA plays a team game with Hikaru Monk featured a chess related murder organization that Jean Hoffman (from
Nakamura in a spaceship where the mystery, Mr. Monk and the Genius. Tucson) and I founded in 2007. The
pieces are shuffled in the back row. Their Belizechess, a non profit organization name refers to the potential of all children
opponents U.S. Womens Champ Anna founded by former New York chess coach and pawns to reach their eighth rank.

USCF Affairs January
Volunteer of the Month:
Dave Gavin
This month his services. Dave always felt his meager 1987-1988Wrote the selection procedure
that is still used today in deciding selection
the USCF is contribution was the best way he could to the U.S. Army championship
pleased to support the troops and kids. Daves inno 1994-1995Secretary of the Masonic Postal
name David P. vation and organizational leadership as a Chess Club
Gavin, Sergeant volunteer organizer helped to double the 2003-2008Assisted in building up the U.S.
First Class, attendance of the Armed Forces Open Armed Forces Open chess championship
tournament
U.S. Army chess championship in the recent years.
retired, our Vol Dave always found directing and organ Unfortunately just this past year, Dave
unteer of the izing enjoyable, especially for the military was diagnosed with cancer, seriously
Month. Dave and the kids. curbing his volunteer organizational activ
Gavin, or known to some as Big Dave Some of Daves accomplishments over ities, among other things. Dave should be
(standing at 6 foot, 7 inches), had started the years have been: remembered for being kind, considerate,
directing USCF events as far back as and always ready to volunteer. Hes
1965-1967High school team captain and
1965 and has been instrumental in the club president always been the U.S. Armed Forces gen
growth of U.S. military chess. 1965Started directing USCF events (before tle giant, believing that chess is more
Something Dave always strived for was certification program) than just a game or an art form, and
Pittsburgh Chess Club director Bill 1968-1969Membership director of the that it is a tool to help people under
Pittsburgh Chess Club
Bylands approach to chess: never make stand each other. Dave believes he owes
1969-1970President, Pittsburgh Chess
a spectacle of himself, always get the job League a lot to the Pittsburgh Chess Club and
done in a quiet, determined manner. This 1973-1976TD at the Tainan Air Base their library of chess books from when he
inspired confidence. As Dave states, even Recreation Center in Taiwan was a kid, so he currently plans on donat
Bobby Fischer couldnt rattle Bill. 1978-1981Vice president of the European ing his extensive chess library to them so
In Daves recent years, he would be
Chess District (USCF affiliate) directing
events all over southern Germany
that someone else may benefit the way he
called upon by a local base to be their 1980Led U.S. military (Army & Air Force)
had. ~John Farrell
tournament director (TD) for a base cham at the NATO team championship
pionship, Armed Forces qualifying event, 1982-1990Located and identified strong The USCF Volunteer of the Month is
named by a different member of the
or a scholastic event, and he would only Army chess players and assisted them in
getting into Army events leading to higher- executive board each month. This
request a Mountain Dew in return for level events month, Jim Berry named our honoree.
Membership Appreciation Program (MAP)

More details and MAP standings will appear more frequently at main.uschess.org/go/MAP. Top standings will appear every two months in Chess Life.
Overall Affiliaate Standings Sc
cholastic
c Prizzes
Name State Count Name State Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 1010 PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 934
PAPERCLIP PAIRINGS TX 998 MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 465
MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION MI 524 WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 371
WESTERN PA YOUTH CHESS CLUB PA 383 EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 308
BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 335 BAYAREACHESSCOM GRANADA GUARD CA 303
EN PASSANT CHESS CLUB TX 325 CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS NY 265
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE MO 320 LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 259
CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS NY 285 GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE MO 238
LONG ISLAND CHESS NUTS NY 271 OPTIMIST COASTAL BEND CHESS TX 230
OPTIMIST COASTAL BEND CHESS TX 260 NATIONAL SCHOL CHESS FOUND INC NY 222
Small State Affiliate Standings Member Standings
Name State Count Name State Count
MAINE ASSOC OF CHESS COACHES ME 157 TORRES, CHRIS CA 63
METRO CHESS DC 102 ELLIOTT, CAROL MAXHEIMER IA 18
NEW MEXICO SCHOL CHESS ORG NM 69 RYAN, BEN J NE 18
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESS ASSN NH 48 CHENEY, WILLIAM G AZ 14
SIOUX EMPIRE CHESS CLUB SD 43 NAVARRO, DANIEL A TX 14
TALES TOLD TALL CHESS NH 30 HODINA, JAMES D IA 12
SOUTH DAKOTA CHESS ASSN SD 29 BARRETT, DAVID CHRISTOPHER TX 11
IDAHO CHESS ASSOCIATION ID 26 ARMSTRONG, ROBERT L KY 10
WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOOL NH 26 BADY, GLENN PA 9
MESA CHESS CLUB NM 24 BERRY, FRANK K OK 8
Regular Prize
es
Name State Count
CONTINENTAL CHESS ASSN NY 880
JERSEY SHORE HS CHESS LEAGUE NJ 170 PC
CT Gain Standing
gs
PENNSYLVANIA ST CHESS FED PA 130
PHOTO: ERNIE SCHLICH
DALLAS CHESS CLUB TX 105 State Dec07 Aug08 Pct State Dec07 Aug08 Pct
NEW JERSEY ST CHESS FED NJ 88 VT 202 282 39.6 GA 1567 1704 8.7
SAN DIEGO CHESS CLUB CA 85 RI 244 295 20.9 WI 1192 1293 8.5
GATEWAY CHESS LEAGUE MO 82 DC 217 246 13.4 SC 474 514 8.4
MINNESOTA ST CHESS ASSN MN 67 UT 494 539 9.1 TX 7767 8314 7.0
CHESS CENTER OF NEW YORK NY 65 IA 644 702 9.0 NJ 3170 3356 5.9
MARSHALL CHESS CLUB NY 64

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Back to Basics
Tal is Smiling
Those who like to attack and who believe that tempo is gold will enjoy, and
By GM Lev Alburt
greatly benefit from, the writings and games of their patron saint: Mikhail Tal.
This months winner already has the spirit.
The winner of this months award, For his pawn, White gets several tem
Michael Coon (the namesake of the 8th pos a knight on c3, open lines for the r+lqkl r
World Champion; Mikhail being the queen and both bishops. pp+ pp+p
Russian spelling of the great Archangels
name) knew little of Smith Morra theory + p np+
4. ... d6 5. Bc4 Nc6 6. Nf3 Nf6
when he employed this gambit on a + + n N
friends advice. But Michaels instincts r+lqkl r
were just fine. pp+ pppp +L+P+ +
Writes Mr. Coon: +np n + +QN + +
I am 54 years old. This tourney was + + + + PP + PPP
held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Septem R L +RK
ber 7, 2008. My ranking was 1418 on +L+P+ +
the label of the September Chess Life + N +N+ After 9. Qb3
magazine. My opponent was Michael Protecting the bishop and bringing
Dang, rated 1588. This was the third PP + PPP another piece to bear on his f7 pawn.
round game. We were each 1 1. R LQK +R
(As usual, Levs comments will be in
After 6. ... Nf6
italics).
9. ... Nxc4
This loses. The only defense was 9. ...
e6.
Sicilian Defense,
Smith-Morra Gambit (B21)
7. 0-0
So far, so good. I castled at this point
Michael Coon (1418)
10. Qxc4
so my attack could not be ruined later on He traded pieces but the threat is still
Michael Dang (1588) by a surprise check that would bail out there.
Ann Arbor, MI, 9/2008 my opponent. Also this would eventually Two threats and there is no way to
enable me to develop my rook to e1 where stop both.
it can be useful in controlling the center.
Blacks sixth move is viewed as inaccu
1. e4 c5
The Sicilian again. My first round oppo
10. ... e6
nent, a 1612, had soundly thrashed me rate, as it allows 7. e5!, with some He shut the door on that threat but ...
when my attack failed. But I was deter advantage for White. Black, of course,
mined to play better this time. shouldnt lose a queen after 7. ... Nxe5? 8. 11. Nb5
Nxe5 dxe5 9. Bxf7+; but even more stub
born 7. ... dxe5 8. Qxd8+! Nxd8! (8. ... r+lqkl r
Kxd8? 9. Ng5!) and 7. ... Ng4 8. exd6
2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3
(opening the position while ahead in devel

pp+ +p+p
rnlqklnr
oping is usually good; 8. e6 also is + ppnp+
pp+ppppp promising) all favor White. Mr. Coon, not +N+ + N
+ + + + knowing the theory, follows opening prin
ciples (early castle) the right strategy +Q+P+ +
+ + + + under such circumstances! + + + +
+ +P+ + 7. ... g6 8. Ng5 PP + PPP
+ N + + Here I jumped on the opportunity to R L +RK
PP + PPP start to attack.
After 7. ... g6 (safer was 7. ... e6, trans After 11. Nb5
R LQKLNR ferring to normalcy) 8. e5 gains even The other knight rides into battle,
After 4. Nxc3 more in strength, compared to 7. e5 (as in threatening the rook and king fork. I did
my earlier comment). not see a way for him to counter this and
I played a gambit suggested by a friend
of mine who said it fit my attacking style. 8. ... Ne5 9. Qb3 was sure I would at least win the

Exchange. best move as hard as you can! Why sur of her hole, is alone against the white
Black could try 11. ... Rb8, but Whites render your brave knight so easily? After queen and two rooks. The black rook and
position will be overwhelming after either the simple 15. Qc5+ and 16. Qxa7, the bishop are still in the starting blocks.
12. Be3 (eyeing the a7 square and thus the game would be practically over. Of course,
rook) or 12. Rd1. 15. Bf4 also wins, but more effort would
21. ... f5
be required.
11. ... d5 + + l r
A queen threat will usually put a tem
15. ... Qxa8
pp+ k +p
porary halt to things while the queen is The temptation was too great. Now I
moved to safety. have his queen virtually out of the game +q+p+p+
Blacks counterattack required White to at a8. This should give me a couple of + + +p+
play accurately, and boldly and White moves to operate before she can return to
did. the action. Tempo is gold. + R Q +
12. Nc7+ 16. Rfe1 Nxf4 + + + +
The knights quest was not going to be Playing Black, Id try here 16. ... b5. PP + PPP
delayed; besides, I wanted his king stuck + +R+ K
in the center where I could easily get at
17. Qxf4
After 21. ... f5
him. The attack has returned to f7, and the
Excellent! kings rook on e1 is sure to come in handy
later. 22. Qg5+
The lights are starting to flicker as the
12. ... Ke7
If 12. ... Kd7, White had many pleasant black king fights for his life.
17. ... Qe8
choices: the simple 13. exd5, the greedy Now the mighty queen is tied down to The final assault is coming.
13. Nxf7, and the strongest 13. Qb5+ a lowly pawn and still is of no use as an
Kxc7 14. Bf4+ (or first 14. Nxf7). offensive threat. 22. ... Kf7 23. Rd7+ Kg8
King to e8 would have been the end.
Yes, after 24. Qd8, checkmate.
13. exd5 18. Rad1
I considered checking the king again, Grabbing the open file, threatening the
but after he moves it, my queen is endan bishop, and cutting off the kings later 24. Qf6
gered again and I lose a tempo. If you are retreat. Now Qf7 is mate.
an attacker like me, sometimes a tempo
is worth more than a minor piece and cer
18. ... Bc6 24. ... Qxd7 25. Rxd7 Be7
tainly more than a pawn. Delaying the inevitable.
The moves 13. Qc5+ Kd7 14. Qb5+ + +ql r
transfer into my comment to Blacks 12th
move (White wins). But 13. exd5 is equally
strong.
pp+ kp+p
+l+p+p+
26. Rxe7 h5 27. Qg7 mate.
The king is dead, long live the king! .
13. ... Nxd5 14. Nxa8 + + + N
Mission accomplished. + + Q + Send in your games!
Well done! + + + + If you are unrated or were rated
1799 or below on your Chess Life
PP + PPP label, then GM Lev Alburt invites
14. ... Bd7
+ +RR K you to send your instructive games

N+ q l r with notes to:
After 18. ... Bc6
pp+lkp+p Back to Basics, c/o Chess Life
Hoping to somehow untangle his pieces. PO Box 3967 Crossville, TN
38557 3967
+ +p+p+
+ +n+ N Or e mail your material to
19. Ne4
Threatening mate with the queen by [email protected]
covering the kings escape route and free
+Q+ + +
GM Alburt will select the most
+ + + + ing the white queen for action. instructive game and Chess Life
Good move but 19. Qd6+ Kf6 20. Qe5+ will award an autographed copy of
Ke7 21. Qxe6+! wins even faster.
PP + PPP
Levs newest book, Chess Training
R L +RK Pocket Book II (by Lev Alburt and Al
After 14. ... Bd7 Lawrence) to the person submitting
19. ... Bxe4 20. Rxe4
Well, there goes another mate threat. the most instructive game and anno
But if I can double my rooks on the d file, tations.
I can still cause some mischief. Do not send games with only a
15. Bf4
I wanted to send the message take White is ahead in material (an Exchange few notes, as they are of little instruc
the knight now or risk losing your chance for a pawn) in addition to the black king tive value and cant be used. Writing
forever. being stuck in the center. Not surprisingly, skills are a plus, but instructiveness
After accomplishing an important mis White is winning. is a must! Make sure your game (or
sion, a natural human tendency is to relax part of it) and your notes will be of
(just a bit) on well deserved laurels. To interest to other readers.
20. ... Qc6 21. Red4
be truly successful, this tendency must The rooks are doubled up and its three
be fought tooth and nail search for the against one. The black queen, finally out

Endgame Lab
The 2008 Womens World Championship
As a conflict took place between Russian and Georgian troops, the womens
By GM Pal Benko
world championship lost competitors to the political fallout. One consequence

is the imprecision of many of the championship-level endgames.
The 2008 Womens World Champi
onship began in controversy as six
Rb6
Kosintseva is not satisfied with a draw,
k + + r
Georgian participants declined to play in
but better here is 42. ... Na4 since after np+l+ pp
Nalchik, Russia due to their nations con
43. Nxe5 Nxe5 44. Bxa4 Nxf3+ may have
flict with Russia. Instead of 64 players, p+ +p+ +
come. However, either 43. Ra1 or 43. c4
only 53 started. The Georgians called on
could have been playable for White. + rpP +P
others to follow their boycott, which two
time U.S. womens champion IM Irina P+ + + +
Krush joined, while our current womens
45. Kf2 Na4? 46. Nxe5! Nxe5 47. Bxa4 Rh6
champion, IM Anna Zatonskih, and WGM

48. Bd1 + PL+N+
Katerina Rohonyan participated. Now White is better because of the con + + PP+
Russian GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, who nected passed pawns, though 48. Bxb5
lives in Miami, Florida part of each year, Rb6 49. c4 was simpler. +R+ K +R
White to play
became the champion with zero losses
over the course of the event. However, it
48. ... Rxh3 49. Ra1
was not a precision effort as she missed More accurate is 49. Be2 since now
some winning opportunities during some 49. ... Rh1 was a possible alternative.
22. Bxa6 Rc7 23. Kd2 Bxa4 24. Rb4 Bd7 25.
of her endgames.
Rhb1 Bc8 26. Nd4
49. ... Rh6?! 50. Be2 Rb6 51. Ke3 Kf7 52. Kd4 The knight dominates, permanently
keeping pressure on the feeble e6 pawn.
Passed pawns This assures a long term advantage for
Nd7 53. e5 Nb8 54. f4 gxf4 55. gxf4
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2510) With three connected passed pawns

arrayed against her, Black is in trouble. White.
IM Tatiana Kosintseva (FIDE 2511)
Nalchik, 2008 26. ... Re8 27. f4 Ree7
There are no better moves. 27. ... Ka8
55. ... b4 56. e6+
Here 56. c4 b3 57. Kc3 was simple but
r
+ + + does no good since taking on a6 is not a
strong.
+ +n+ +k threat due to the simple Rb8 mate.
56. ... Ke7 57. Bxa6 Nxa6
l+ + + + In case of 57. ... Rxa6 58. Rxa6 Nxa6
28. Rb6!
Prevents ... Nc6 and puts further pres
+pnPp p 59. cxb4 Nxb4 60. f5 wins.
sure on e6.
+ +P+N+ 58. cxb4?
Missing the win that comes with further
28. ... h6 29. g3 Re8 30. Rd6 Ree7 31. Bf1!
+ P + +P The target remains e6.
+L+ PP+ centralizing the king: 58. Ke5!. For exam
ple, 58. ... b3 59. Rh1 b2 60. d6+ Rxd6
61. Rh7+ Kf8 62. e7+ wins.
31. ... Bd7
+R+ + K Here 31. ... Re8 would have put up
White to play
more resistance. For example: 32. Bh3
Rce7 33. Rbb6 Bd7 34. Bxe6 Nc8 35.
58. ... Kd6!
Here, White has sacrificed a piece for an This blockade assures the draw since
attack that was repulsed. However, White Rxb7+! Kxb7 36. Rxd7+ Rxd7 37. Bxd7
59. b5 can be answered by 59. ... Nc7 as Rd8 38. Bc6+ Kb6 39. Ne6 Rg8 40. Bxd5
has at least three pawns as compensation. satisfactory defense.
For the time being, these pawns cause and White should win too but it takes
Black no problems, so she takes the time much longer with practical difficulties
along the way.
59. e7 Kxe7 60. Re1+ Kd7 61. f5 Nxb4 62.
to go after the vulnerable c3 pawn. This Rh1 Rd6 63. Rh7+ Kd8 64. Ke4, Draw.
is not an easy task.
Feeble Pawn
32. Bh3 Nc8 33. Bxe6! Nxd6 34. exd6 Bxe6
35. dxe7 Bd7 36. Nf5, Black resigned.
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2510) In this same round the surprise girl of
41. g3
Better is 41. f3 followed by Kf2. GM Pia Cramling (FIDE 2544) the event, the 14(!) year old Chinese Yifan
41. ... Kg7 42. f3 Nb7 43. Bd3 Nbc5 44. Bc2 Nalchik, 2008 Hou, was fighting for much longer against

Problem I Problem II
Colin McRae, Maryland Richard Becker, Oregon
Benkos Bafflers
Most of the time these studies + + + k + + + +
resemble positions that could actu +p+ +ppp + + + +
ally occur over the board. You must + + + + + + + +
simply reach a theoretically won
position for White. Solutions can be
P + + PP + + + +
found on page 71. +pr + + p+ p + +
+pR +L+ + p + +
Please e mail submissions for +P+ n + kN + + +
Benkos Bafflers to: pbenko@
uschess.org
+ K + + +R+K+ +
Black to play, White wins White to play and win
the Indian Koneru Humpy (2622). Hou Once again it is proven true that it is Kxe5 35. Nxc4+ Kd4, winning a pawn,
finally defeated her in the lightning games not the quantity of pawns, but their qual though the black king becomes quite
after two regular and another two rapid ity that is most important. After this active.
games finished tied. In the finals, there greedy capture, Blacks last pawn
were four regular games to play. Hou lost becomes a super power. The position was
30. ... Rb8!
the first and was in trouble in the follow still possible to improve by playing 48. Rf8 After this it is White who must strug
ing two games as well but she succeeded Rd6 49. Re8+ Kf5 50. Rb8 Rh6 51. Kd2 gle to survive.
in saving the draws. Rxh2+ 52. Ke3 Rg2 53. Rb5+ Ke6 54.
Kxe4, with winning chances.
31. b3 cxb3 32. axb3 Rxb3 33. Bd4 Bxg4 34.
Three Pawns Down
f3 Bxd4+ 35. Rxd4 Be6 36. Rd6
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2510) Though a pawn down, White has suc
48. ... Rd8 49. Rg5+ Kf6 50. Rc5 e3 51. Rc2
GM Yifan Hou (FIDE 2557) ceeded in getting rid of the bishop pair.
Kf5 52. a4 Ke4 53. Rc4+ Kd3 54. Rc3+ Ke4
Nalchik, 2008 There was nothing better left for either The rook naturally intends to get behind
party than to repeat moves, holding on for the passed pawn.
+k+ + + a draw. Thus 54. ... Ke2?! 55. Rc7 Kf2 56.
Rf7+ Ke1 57. b4 e2 58. Kc2 could have
36. ... a5 37. Nc5 Rb1+ 38. Kf2 Bf5 39. Ra6
+ + + + been dangerous for Black.
Rb5 40. Ne4 Bxe4 41. fxe4
+lr + + White has managed to escape into a

theoretically drawn rook endgame. The
55. Rc4+ Kd3 56. Rc3+ Ke4 57. Rc4+ Kd3,
+p+ +p+ black king is chained to the f6 pawn and
Draw.
+Pnp+p+ even trading it would not help.

Two Pawns Less
+ + N P GM Yifan Hou (FIDE 2557)
41. ... Rb2+ 42. Kf3 Ra2 43. Kg3 a4 44. Kf3
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (FIDE 2510)
a3 45. Kg3 Ra1 46. Kh2 a2
PP +L+ P
Nalchik, 2008 Liberating the black king, but placing
+K+ R + the rook in the pillory.
White to play +
+r+ + 47. Kg3 Ke7 48. Kh2 Kd7 49. Kg3 Kc7 50.
The queens have just been exchanged + + +k+ Kh2 Kb7 51. Ra3 Kb6 52. Ra8 Kb5 53. Rb8+
and White snags a second extra pawn p+ +lp + Kc4 54. Ra8 Kd4 55. Ra4+ Kd3 56. Kg3 Ke3
and so should win but ... 57. Kh2 Kf4 58. e5+! Kxe5
+ + l p Blacks achievements are but an illu
sion. This is drawn despite the two pawns
38. cxb5 Nxe2 39. bxc6
Not bad but even stronger was the
+p+N+P+
plus.
intermediate move 39. Nxf5!. + + L +
59. g4! Kd5 60. Kg2 Kc5 61. Ra8 Kb4 62. Ra6
39. ... Nd4 40. Rf1 Kc7 41. Nxf5 Nxf5 42. Rxf5 PP + PP+ Kc4 63. Ra3 Kd4 64. Ra6 Ke5 65. Ra4 Ke6
+ + R K Even if Black could trade the f6 pawn
Kxc6 43. Re5
The rook ending can be won in any of After 29. ... bxc4 for the g4 one, the position is a draw.
several ways but White plays inaccu
rately. The best here is 43. Kc1 (if 43. Kc2 Black had sacrificed a pawn but should 66. Ra8 Ke5 67. Ra4 Re1 68. Rxa2 Kf4 69.
Rh6 or 43. Rf4 Kd5; 43. Rg5 Rd2). retrieve it with two white pawns under Rf2+ Kxg4 70. Rxf6 Re2+ 71. Kg1 Kg3 72.
fire. Rf1, Draw.
Kosteniuk ironically commented that
43. ... Rd4 44. Kc1
The right path here was either 44. Rg5 Tarrasch was right in saying that every
30. Rd1?
or 44. Kc2 Kd6 45. Re8 Kd7 46. Rf8 since After 30. Bd4! White could have the rook ending is a draw. She also expressed
after 46. ... e3 47. Rf4! could have come. upper hand (netting a pawn) 30. ... Bxg4 her belief that Hou will be a world cham
44. ... Kd6 45. Re8 Kd7 46. Rf8 Ke6 47. Rf4
31. Bxe5 (31. Nxg5+ fxg5 or even 31. ...
Kg6 does not give much for White) 31. ...
pion one day. .
See p. 5 for all of your USCF membership
Ke5 48. Rxg4? Rxe5 32. Re1 f5 33. Nd6+ Ke6 34. Rxe5+ option.

2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX SUMMARY
World Chess Live sponsors $20,000 at the 2008 Grand Prix!
Welcome, Members!
Welcome to World Chess Live (WCL), a new family- leap-frog spirit, Shabalov did it in a single tournament ahead of a grandmaster-packed Grand Prix field to put him
friendly service with special benefits for USCF members. the 17th Annual Kings Island Open in Cincinnati, Ohio! back in the limelight.
WCL is pleased to sponsor USCFs 2008 Grand Prix (GP) This 120 Grand Prix Point tournament ended in a three- Other major jumpers include the current front-runner, GM
and 2008 Junior Grand Prix. Were providing prize funds way tie, giving Shabalov the points he needed to continue Sergey Kudrinwho let loose and tore through the score-
of $20,000 and $7,500 (in cash, merchandise, and mem- his Grand Prix rampage. board, going from 204.54 to 251.21and GM Jaan Ehlvest,
berships), and will also be running online grand prize Shabalov has earned his Grand Prix points from scoring who moved from a disappointing 11th place last month
satellite events throughout the year. big wins in big-ticket item tournaments. Amazingly, all to a respectable seventh this time around. As these chess
In 1991, American long-jumper Mike Powell leapt an of his 159.91 points came from just four events! He athletes prepare for their final sprint to the finish line, the
incredible distance of 29 feet and 4.4 inches at the world received major prize money early in the year at the East- question is: Who will leap the farthest? You can follow
championship in athletics, held in Tokyo, Japan. Seven- ern Class Championships (100 GPP) and kept rolling the action at www.uschess.org/datapage/GP-standings.
teen years later, in 2008, GM Alexander Shabalov leapt ahead with Foxwoods (200 GPP). He didnt score again, php. For more on Shabalovs win at the Kings Island
~Jonathan Hilton
from tenth place in the World Chess Live Grand Prix to however, until he shared first at the U.S. Open in Dallas, Open, see Tim Moroneys article in the November Chess
fifth place in a single month. And keeping in that same Texas this August. His Kings Island win catapulted him Life Online archives.
2008 WORLD CHESS LIVE GRAND PRIX STANDINGS

The following point totals reflect all rated event information as of November 25 for the 2008 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 GM Sergey Kudrin CT 251.21 Players born between 1985 and 1987 inclusive:
2 GM Alexander Ivanov MA 235.01 1 IM Kirill Kuderinov TX 131.11
3 GM Julio Becerra FL 205.93 2 IM Joshua Friedel NH 83.00
3 GM Hikaru Nakamura NY 66.71
4 IM Alex Lenderman NY 205.76
Players born between 1988 and 1990 inclusive:
1 IM Alex Lenderman NY 205.76
6 GM Sergey Erenburg MD 150.54 2 GM Alejandro Ramirez TX 98.50
7 GM Jaan Ehlvest NY 150.38 3 IM Salvijus Bercys NY 48.58
8 GM Melikset Khachiyan CA 150.25 Players born between 1991 and 1992 inclusive:
9 IM Enrico Sevillano CA 147.08 1 FM Daniel Yeager PA 45.66
10 GM Mark Paragua NY 141.63 2 IM Robert Hess NY 36.80
11 GM Alex Yermolinsky SD 136.96 3 FM Warren Harper TX 36.00
12 IM Kirill Kuderinov TX 131.11 Players born between 1993 and 1994 inclusive:
1 IM Ray Robson FL 88.01
2 Mark Heimann PA 43.50
SENIOR CATEGORY 3 Steven Zierk CA 26.25
GM Alexander Shabalov jumped five Players born 1943 and before: Players born 1995 and after:
places this month in the WCL GP 1 FM John Curdo MA 26.00 1 FM Daniel Naroditsky CA 26.25
standings, largely on the strength of 2 GM Anatoly Lein OH 18.33 2-3 FM Daniel Yang TX 12.00
his performance at the 17th Annual 2-3 Aquino Inigo CAN 12.00
3 FM Isay Golyak NY 14.66
Kings Island Open.
CATEGORIES AND PRIZES

$12,000 IN CASH PRIZES! SENIOR CATEGORY $7,500 IN JUNIOR GRAND PRIX PRIZES!
FIRST PRIZE: $5,000 ! 1943 / before 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 !
2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 4th: $800 2nd: $600 3rd: $300 4th: $200
5th: $700 6th: $600 7th: $500 JUNIOR CATEGORIES 5th: $150 6th: $100 7th: $75
(according to date of birth)
8th : $400 9th: $300 10th: $200 8th : $50 9th: $25
1985-87 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100
1988-90 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 The first place JGP winner will also receive U.S. Open entry and
$4,000 IN MERCHANDISE PRIZES! a plaque from the USCF. 1st 10th place winners will receive 2 year
PHOTO: BETSY DYNAKO
1991-92 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 WCL junior and USCF Young Adult memberships; 11th 20th place
11th: $200 13th: $200 15th: $150 1993-94 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 winners will receive 1 year WCL junior and USCF Young Adult
12th: $200 14th: $150 1995/after 1st: $250 2nd: $150 3rd: $100 memberships. Each state JGP winner will receive 1 year WCL
junior and USCF Young Adult memberships and a $20 WCL store
Top 40 non titled players: 1 year WCL membership worth $50. For all of the above junior categories: 1st place is also awarded a gift certificate.
(FIDE titled players are always free on WCL) 3 year WCL junior membership ($75 value); 2nd 5th places are
awarded a 2 year WCL junior membership ($50 value); 6th 10th
places awarded 1 year WCL junior memberships ($25 value).
www.worldchesslive.com Real chess. Real people. Real fun!

World Chess Live, a new family-friendly online chess service, is sponsor of the 2008 World Chess Live Junior Grand
Prix (JGP). Official standings for events received and processed by December 4, 2008 are unofficial and subject to
change during the year or until year-end tabulation is complete. There are currently 4,678 players with JGP points. 459
JGP events resulted in points earned. Top prize includes free entry and $1,000 in expense money to the 2009 U.S.
Open as well as a plaque. Other prizes awarded to the top 20 finishers and the top individual in each state.
2008 World Chess Live

Junior Grand Prix Top Overall Standings
Name State JGP Pts. Name State JGP Pts.

PENA, JOEL ANTHONY U NJ 225 SHEINWALD, NOWELL R NY 120
HEUNG, CHRISTOPHER FL 210 DANG, MICHAEL MI 115
GIANNATOS, PETER NC 180 KLEINMUNTZ, ROBBIE S IL 110
KUTIKOFF, ADAM FL 175 COGHLAN, TOMMY J NJ 110
PINKERTON, JAMES CARL MD 175 GRAIF, WILLIAM NY 110
HUTTON, JACK NY 150 AGARWAL, ROHAN CA-N 110
SREENIVASAN, RAMANUJA MD 150 CACHAY, JOHN JEFFERSON CA-S 110
BODEK, MICHAEL H NY 150 BAT-AMGALAN, MARAL CA-N 110
ZHAO, SHICHENG VA 150 DELLOMARGIO, ANGELO PA 110
DEJONG, ANDREW NC 145 AMARASINGHE, PRASHANTHA N MI 110
ROSENTHAL, NICHOLAS FL 145 LARSON, ERIC DANIEL MI 110
SINGH, REVA SHREE NY 145 LI, BRIAN S VA 110
PAPALIA, STEVEN A UT 140 GUREVICH, DANIEL GA 110
VIRKUD, APURVA MI 140 FINNEY, STUART S RI 105
TROFF, KAYDEN WILLIAM UT 135 HELLWIG, LUKE AL 105
HARMON-VELLOTTI, LUKE ID 125 GURCZAK, JOHN AZ 105
CHEN, JEREMY NJ 125 MC CLANAHAN, GAVIN JACOB IL 105
POLSKY, RYAN CA-S 125 TALWAR, JAMES V NY 105
CHIANG, MICHAEL NY 120 EDGERLE, IAN MI 105
SCHNEIDER, THOMAS GEORGE WI 120 FISHER, WILLIAM PA 105
A new family-friendly online

chess service from the Internet
Chess Club, is pleased to
welcome our friends from
the U.S. Chess Federation.
To celebrate its launch, this year WCL will be:
Sponsoring the USCFs 2008 Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix
Running weekly and monthly Online Grand Prix tournaments
Giving every USCF member a free six-month subscription to WCL
And more...
For details, go to www.worldchesslive.com/uscf

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

Why not organize one?
rated (regular or quick) and meet these to shorten the basic time control, in min
criteria: utes, by the time delay used, in seconds. tournament, and there is little risk if you
All USCF rated players over 2199 must be Example: Clocks for G/60 with 5 second use a low cost site and avoid guaranteed
eligible to play in the top (or only) section. time delay (t/d5) may be set at 55 min prizes. You might even make a profit!
The prize fund for which all masters utes instead of 60. Either a based on Swiss with projected
are eligible must equal or exceed $300 There is no requirement to advertise prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a tro
guaranteed. this option in advance. It may also be phy tournament will virtually guarantee
Class prizes for Under 2300 or a higher used for games starting later than the taking in more in fees than you pay out
rating requirement qualify towards GP official starting time of any particular in prizes.
points, but if they exceed 25% of the total round even when not used otherwise. The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You
qualifying Grand Prix money, they count will receive the annual rating supplement
as 25% of the total. and have access to the TD/Affiliate area
To speed up the processing of rating
Organizers, TDs and Affiliates
Other than entry fees and USCF dues, no of our website.

reports, USCF now asks that wherever
charges over $25 are permitted. Remember, you can both run and play
possible these reports have IDs for every
The tournament must be submitted for in a small event. Many of them wouldnt
player. If you collect a new membership,
the Tournament Life section of Chess be held if the organizer/TD couldnt play.
do not submit your rating report until
Life and designated by the submitter as Want to know more? Contact Joan Du
your disk and paper reports include that
a Grand Prix tournament. Bois at [email protected].
players ID number.
Only players who are USCF members Well be glad to help you be part of the
To assist TDs in doing this, we have
during the tournament may earn GP promotion of American chess!
made several enhancements to our web
points. Foreign GMs, IMs, WGMs, and server which will speed up online mem
WIMs can play without being members, bership processing and give TDs a quick If at all possible, please e mail your
Submissions
but they will not obtain Grand Prix points way to obtain USCF IDs for new member TLAs. This will help to reduce errors.
unless they join. ships. [email protected]
Conditions concerning USCF Grand Prix We also recommend that TDs use the fax: 931 787 1200
tournaments are subject to review and Member Services Area to check for mem TLA Department
adjustment by the USCF Executive ber IDs. The search capabilities of MSA U.S. Chess Federation
Director. have been enhanced to assist TDs in find PO Box 3967
The top prizes must be unconditionally ing existing member IDs. Crossville, TN 38557
guaranteed (or if a Grand Prix events For more details, please check the USCF TLAs received after the 10th of the
prize fund is based on entries, only the website: www.uschess.org/rtgchange.php. deadline month will not appear in the
absolutely guaranteed minimum payout
counts for point awards) and announced Professional Players Health and issue currently being processed. .
in Chess Life. Many Grand Prix tournament organiz
Benefits Fund
Even if prizes are raised at the tourna ers will contribute $1 per player to the
ment, no additional points can be
USCF Membership Rates
Professional Health & Benefits Fund. All
awarded because the bonus would be (U.S., CANADA, MEXICO)
Premium (P) and Regular (R)
Grand Prix tournaments that participate
unfair to players who may otherwise have in this program are entitled to be pro
entered. If you have questions about the moted to the next higher Grand Prix
Grand Prix, please contact Chuck Lovin
Type 1 yr 2yr 3yr
category for example, a 6 point tourna

good at [email protected] or
Adult P $49 $85 $120
ment would become a 10 point tourna

931 787 1234 ext. 148.
Adult P (online purch) $42 $78 $113
ment. Points in the top category are

Adult R $36 $59 $81
promoted 50%.
Adult R (online purch) $29 $52 $74
Senior (65+) $36 $65 $93
Young Adult P (U25) $32 $59 $85
Guaranteed Grand Prix points awarded for:
Youth P (U16) $27 $49 $70
Top Prizes 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Tot Chess Life TLA Deadlines Scholastic P (U13) $23 $42 $60
$300-$499 6 6 Cover TLA must be Tournaments Expected Young Adult R (U25) $24 $43 $61
$500-$749 8 2 10 date received by beginning release
Youth R (U16) $20 $36 $51
$750-$999 10 5 15 Jan. Nov. 10 Jan. 15 End Dec.
Scholastic R (U13) $16 $28 $39
Premium membership provides a printed copy
$1,000-$1,499 12 8 20
Feb. Dec.10 Feb. 15 End Jan.
of Chess Life (monthly) or Chess Life for Kids

March Jan. 10 March 15 End Feb.
$1,500-$1,999 14 10 6 30
(bimonthly) plus all other benefits of regular
April Feb. 10 April 15 End March
membership. Regular membership provides
$2,000-$2,499 16 12 8 4 40
May March 10 May 15 End April
online only access to Chess Life and Chess
$2,500-$2,999 18 14 10 6 2 50
June April 10 June 15 End May
Life for Kids; TLA Bulletin will be mailed to
$3,000-$3,999 20 16 12 8 4 60
adults bimonthly and to scholastic members

July May 10 July 15 End June
$4,000-$4,999 22 18 15 12 8 5 80
three times per year. Youth provides
Aug. June 10 Aug. 15 End July
bimonthly Chess Life, Scholastic bimonthly

$5,000-$5,999 24 20 17 14 11 8 6 100
Sept. July 10 Sept. 15 End Aug.
Chess Life for Kids, others listed above
$6,000-$9,999 26 22 19 16 13 10 8 6 120
Oct. Aug. 10 Oct. 15 End Sept.
monthly Chess Life. See www.us chess.org
$10,000-$29,999 30 26 23 20 16 13 10 8 4 150
for other membership categories. Dues are not

Nov. Sept. 10 Nov. 15 End Oct.
$30,000 & up 36 32 29 26 21 18 14 12 8 4 200
refundable and may be changed without
Dec. Oct. 10 Dec. 15 End Nov.
notice.
$ (Enhanced) 54 48 44 39 31 27 21 18 12 6 300
Points involved divided equally (rounded to two

decimal points) among tied players.

Tournament Life
Information for Players
rejected or have adjustment points added. TLA ads for entering options. Along with
If not a member, add dues to advance If details are not announced, players wish entry fee, send full name, address, USCF
USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.
entry fee or pay them with entry fee at ing to use such ratings should contact ID number, expiration date, and section
site. the organizer in advance. desired (if any). Also, give your last official
U.S. Championship Qualifier. Tournament For foreign players with multiple rat USCF rating from your magazine label
in which qualification spots for the U.S. ings (USCF, FIDE, CFC, FQE, other (first 4 numbers on top row). If you are
Championship are awarded. foreign), the highest rating is used, with unrated, or have a rating from many years
American Classic. Generally, an event that possible adjustment points added, unless ago, be sure to indicate this. Your official
has been held by one organizer for the otherwise announced. USCF rating is on the top line of your
last three years and has attracted more Ratings based on 4 25 games are called mailing label: Regular, Quick, and Corre
than 400 players each year. provisional ratings to indicate they are spondence.
Heritage Event. Tournament held for at less reliable than established ratings. How Mailed entries are usually not acknowl
least 25 years. ever, such ratings are valid for pairing edged unless you enclose a self addressed
Quick Chess. Tournaments with time con and prize purposes at all USCF rated postcard. If entering online, print confirma
trols of G/5 to G/29. There is a separate events, unless otherwise stated. tion of entry. They are refundable if you
quick or overall rating system that A Director may assign an estimated rat withdraw before Round 1 is paired, unless
includes these events, and games played ing to any player, and may expel an otherwise stated.
in these tournaments will not affect a improperly rated player from an event. For National Events, refund requests
player's regular rating. Games played with must be submitted in writing no later than
a time control of G/30 through G/60 will 30 days after the tournament ends. Any
Rates listed are often special chess
Hotel-Motel Rates
be rated in both the quick/overall system requests made after this date may not be
rates you 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 prize you can win a chess rooms is used up. Hotel desk per or must drop out of a tournament in
class prize as a top scorer of your rating sonnel are often poorly informed about progress, it is important you give notice
group, or a section prize in a section chess rates if that is the case, ask for the before pairings are started, so no one is
restricted to your rating group. These rat Sales Office or contact the tournament deprived of a game. Mail entrants should
organizer. send withdrawal notices at least a week
ing groups are:
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
Senior Master - 2400 & up 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 U.S. Social Security card. If you have no and call the tournament site as the TD
under prizes or sections including all Social Security number, the organizer might not have access to his (her) e mail
below a specified level. 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.
You never lose your rating, no matter
Ratings Information
tournament room is prohibited at most
how long it has been since you last played. tournaments. If your cell phone rings in a Tournament Directors
If you return after a long absence, please Tournament Director Certification is an
room with games in progress, you could be
tell the director and USCF your approxi endorsement of professional competence
penalized, or even forfeited.
mate rating and last year of play. only. Such certification does not in itself
If you have a FIDE rating, or a rating or render any Tournament Director an agent
category from any other country, no mat 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
is easier for both you and the tournament of the USCF.
organizer and often costs less. Check the
.
Tournament Life Abbreviations & Terms
All tournaments are non-smoking with no comput- Enhanced Grand Prix points (see previous OSA: Other states accepted. Refers to state dues. SD/: Sudden-death time control (time for rest of
ers allowed unless otherwise advertised by S page). PPHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means
and/or C (see below for explanations). Ent: Where to mail entries. Fund. each player must make 30 moves in 90 minutes,
QC: Quick Chess events. then complete the rest of the game in an hour.
FIDE: Results submitted to FIDE for possible rat- Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar
$$Gtd: Guaranteed prizes. ing. strength players. Section: A division of a tournament, usually exclud-
ing players above a specified rating. Players in a
$$b/x: Based-on prizes, x = number of entries G/: Game in. For instance, G/75 means each side RBO: Rated Beginners Open. section face only each other, not those in other
needed to pay full prize fund. At least 50% of the has 75 minutes for the entire game. Rds: Rounds; scheduled game times follow. For sections.
advertised prize fund of $501 or more must be GPP: Grand Prix Points available. example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 a.m. &
awarded. SS: Swiss-System pairings (preceded by number of
HR: Hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means 5 p.m. on the first day, 9 a.m. & 3 p.m. on the sec- rounds).
Bye: Indicates which rounds players who find it $60 single, $65 twin, $70/3 in room, $75/4 in room. ond day.
inconvenient to play may take -point byes instead. T/Dx: Time delay, x = number of seconds.
JGP: Junior Grand Prix Reg: Registration at site.
For example, Bye 1-3 means -point byes are avail- Unr: Unrated.
able in Rounds 1 through 3. Memb. reqd: Membership required; cost fol- RR: Round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
USEF: Combined entry fee & USCF dues.
C: Computers allowed. lows. Usually refers to state affiliate. S: Smoking allowed.
W: Site is accessible to wheelchairs.
CC: Chess club. Open: A section open to all. Often has very strong SASE: For more info, send self-addressed stamped
players, but some eligible for lower sections can envelope. WEB: Tournaments that will use a players on-line
EF: Entry fee. play for the learning experience. rating.

Tournament Life
August 1 9 Indianapolis, Indiana

USCF National Events 110th U. S. Open The TLA pages Information
for Organizers, TDs, and Affil-
December 11 13 Dallas, Texas
See TLA in this issue for details: 2009 National Scholastic K-12 iates and Information for
Players can now be found
Feb. 13 15 or 14 15 Orlando,
2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South
2010 National Elementary (K-6) online at main.uschess. org/
Florida
May 7 9 Atlanta, Georgia
Championship go/tlainfo.
Feb. 13 15 or 14 15 Waukesha,
2009 U.S. Amateur Team - North
2010 National Scholastic (K-12)
Wisconsin
Dec. 10 12 Lake Buena Vista,
Championship
Florida
ATTENTION AFFILIATES
Feb. 14 16 Woodland Hills, Califor
2009 U. S. Amateur Team - West
nia 2011 National Elementary (K-6) The United States Chess Federation has
May 6 8 Dallas, Texas

World Amateur Team & U.S. Team - Championship partnered with R.V. Nuccio & Associates
Insurance Brokers, Inc. to provide USCF
February 14 16 Parsippany, New
East - 39th Annual
affiliates with affordable annual liability
Jersey
Noote: Organizers previously awarded options for
USCF National Events must still submit proposals and short term event insurance. The lia-
bility coverage is available for
Feb. 28 Mar. 1 Anderson, Indiana
2009 U.S. Junior Chess Congress (including sample budgets) for their events.
approximately $265 per year for a
Bids on the following tournaments are
Overdue Bids $1,000,000 limit of insurance. Also avail-
April 3 5 Nashville, Tennessee
2009 SuperNationals IV
past deadline and will be considered
able is contents property and bonding
immediately:
insurance. For more information, please
April 24 26 Dallas, Texas
2009 All Girls Open Championships
2009 U.S. Amateur (South, North,
go to www.rvnuccio.com/chessfedera
East)
tion.html. For event insurance, please
May 23 25 Tucson, Arizona
2009 U.S. Amateur - West
2009 U.S. Senior Open
go to www.rvnuccio.com.
2009 U.S. G/15 (QC)
June 4 Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship
2009 U.S. Action G/30
2009 U.S. G/60
TheTournament Announcements on the following pages are provided
June 4 7 Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 National Open Chess Festival
2009 U.S. Masters
for the convenience of USCF members and for informational pur-
poses only. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, neither the U.S.
Future Events (Watch for details) 2009 U.S. Class Championships

Chess Federation nor Chess Life warrants the accuracy of anything
2009 National Youth Action

contained in these Tournament Announcements. Those interested
in additional information about or having questions concerning any
May 2009 St. Louis, Missouri 2009 Pan Am Intercollegiate

2009 U.S. Championship of these tournaments are directed to contact the organizer listed.
2009 Collegiate Final Four

Chess Life will exercise all due diligence in providing accurate
typesetting of non-camera-ready copy but assumes no responsibil-
July 6 10 Crossville, Tennessee 2010 U.S. Open*

2009 U.S. Cadet ity for errors made in such work.
SUBMISSIONS: If possible e-mail your tla to: [email protected]
July 17 19 Waukesha, Wisconsin

2009 U.S. Junior Open Bids due by June 15, 2009: (Joan DuBois). For tla deadline schedule, formatting help and Grand
2011 U.S. Open*

Prix information see October 2008 pg. 52-53 or check
www.uschess.org/tla/grprixstdarc.php and click on a WCL GP Sum-
July 19 23 Waukesha, Wisconsin

2009 U.S. Junior Closed mary. Payment can be done online through the TD/Affiliate area or
sent to: U.S. Chess, TLA Dept., PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.
Please contact the National Office if
Bidding Deadlines
you are interested in bidding for a

2009 GM Susan Polgar National
Nationals
National Event. The USCF recommends All tournaments listed in Tournament Life are USCF
July 26 31 Lubbock, Texas
Invitational Tournament for Girls
rated. USCF MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
that bids be submitted according to EVENTS. If not a member, add dues to advance
the following schedule. However, bids entry fee or pay them with entry at site.
2009 Denker Tournament of State
August 1 4 Indianapolis, Indiana may be considered prior to these dates.

High School Champions
Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, Florida
2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South
*USCF reserves the right to decline all

2009 Tournament of College 5SS, G/120 (2-day option, rd 1 G/60). Orlando International Airport Hotel
bids and organize the event itself.

& Conference Center, 3835 McCoy Road, Orlando, FL 32812. 4-player teams
August 1 4 Indianapolis, Indiana

Champions (plus alternate). 2 Sections (using Yr-end ratings): OPEN, Team Avg rtng
below 2200. SCHOLASTIC, Game/60, Team avg below 1200. 2008 Annual
USCF List. Players need not be from the same school. Teams can be formed
on-site. ***FCA members in Open are eligible for FL GP Points. *** Win-
ning Open team competes in national playoff online. EF: per player:
OPEN $30 by 2/6, $40 later. SCHOLASTIC $20 by 2/6, $25 later. SPECIAL EF:
Tournament memberships not valid for National events 5-player team $140 by 2/6, $180 later. PRIZES: OPEN 1st,2nd teams: plaque
and four Excalibur specials, 3rd: plaques; SCHOLASTIC 1st, 2nd teams:
plaques and four Excalibur specials, 3rdTrophy Board Prizes: each section:
Junior Tournament Memberships (JTMs) Available Brds1-4, Excalibur specials; Class Prizes: OPEN: U2000, U1800, U1600,
USCFs Tournament Membership (TM) program, which allows players the option of joining for only
U1400; Scholastic: U1000, U800Trophies. Other awardsTBD. Schedule: OPEN
one event at a greatly reduced rate, has been modified. Junior TMs for age 24 or below may be
3-day: rds 8, 1-7, 9-3, 2-day: rds 10-1-7, 9-3; SCHOLASTIC (Sat & Sun): 10-
purchased from affiliates and are now available to them for $7 online with rating report submis
1-4, 9-12, Awards 2:30. HR: $85 (Interior) 407-859-2711; $69 (exterior)
sions. They include one issue of Chess Life or Chess Life for Kids, and $5 of this fee may be applied
407-367-4225; (mention Chess) Reserve by Jan 30, ALL HOTELS FILL UP
to a full membership within 60 days. JTMs not valid for National events.
USATS WEEKEND! ENT: CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751 or online
Many scholastic tournaments exist that are not USCF rated, and the USCF is concerned that the
usats2009.eventbrite.com. See www.centralflchess.org for details or call
(407)629-6946. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 USAT Playoff is scheduled
reason is that organizers fear losing players unwilling or unable to pay entry fee plus dues. The
for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon.
availability of a $7 option should cause some of these events to switch to being USCF rated, pro Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, Wisconsin
moting membership. The idea behind the TMs is not to sign up a lot of them, but rather to cause
2009 U.S. Amateur Team Championship North
more USCF rated tournaments to be held.
Two sections: Open and Scholastic (Saturday only) 5SS, 30/90, SD/60
More details on uschess.org.

(rounds 1-2 for 2-day schedule G/60; scholastic section G/60 all four rounds).
Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate CT, Waukesha, WI 53186.
Chess Rate of $85.99 is valid until Feb. 1st. Reserve early (262) 574-0888.
Rating supplements will be updated EACH MONTH on the USCF website, and each
OPEN: Open to 4 player teams with one optional alternate (individuals can enter
monthly rating supplement will be used for all tournaments beginning in that month,
and be assigned teammates). Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual
unless otherwise announced in Chess Life. The USCF website at www.uschess.org also
Rating list) must be under 2200. EF: $140 ($141 if 2-day schedule) postmarked
frequently lists unofficial ratings.The purpose of unofficial ratings is to inform you of

by 2/5/09; $180 after or at door. Prizes: 4 clocks to top two teams, 4 clocks
your progress; however, most tournaments do not use them for pairing or prize pur-
to top teams with average rating u1900, u1600, and u1300. Prizes to best team
poses. If you would otherwise be unrated, organizers may use your unofficial rating at
composed of juniors (high school and younger). Special prizes to top score on
their discretion, even without advance publicity of such a policy.

each board. Best game prize. Schedule: 3-day: Late Registration: 6-7pm on
02/13. Rounds: 7:30pm; 10:00am-4:00pm; 10:00am-4:00pm. 2-day: Late Reg-
istration: 9-10:30am on 02/14. Rounds: 11:00am-1:30pm-4:00pm; 10:00am-

Tournament Life
4:00pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tournament with $$ prizes. Doyle, 17 Stonehenge Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. (Include Team name, April 24-26, Texas
SCHOLASTIC: Open to 4 player team with one optional alternate (all players Captain, players full names, USCF Expiration, ID numbers and ratings in board Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD, DCC and
must be High School age or younger; individuals can enter and be assigned team- order). Include SASE for confirmation if wanted, No registered or certified mail USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships
mates). Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual Rating list) must be accepted. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP. 2009 USAT Playoff will be held March 21, 6SS G/60, Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; Phone:
under 1200. EF: $120 postmarked by 2/5/09; $150 after or at door. Prizes: 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon. (800) 233-1234 or 214-651-1234 Mention All Girls National Chess Tournament
SEE PREVIOUS ISSUE FOR TLAS APPEARING JANUARY 1-14
Prizes to top team overall, top three High SchoolTeams, top three Middle School for special Hotel rate: $109 Reserve By 4/1. 6 sections: 8 years old and
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, Indiana
Teams, top three Elementary SchoolTeams. Special prizes to top score on each 2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and
board. Schedule: Late Registration: 8:30-9:30am on 02/14. Rounds: 10:15am- 6SS, Rds. 1-4 G/60, Rds. 5-6 G/90. East Side Middle School 2300 Lindberg Rd. younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger. Age as of
1:00pm-3:30pm-6pm. Saturday Night Special: dessert + blitz tournament with Anderson, Indiana 46012. 6 Sections based on age! 18 & Under, 16 & Under, 4/1/2009. USCF rated. USCF membership is required. Winner of 18 years old
$$ prizes. Information/Help with Teams: [email protected], 414-234- 14 & Under, 12 & Under, 10 & Under, 8 & Under. CLUBETEAMS are welcome! and younger Section wins an Academic Distinction Scholarship to The Univer-
1005 or [email protected]. Make Checks Payable to and Send Club and school teams are the top 3 scoring team members (minimum 2). sity ofTexas at Dallas, worth up to $80,000 for an out-of-state student. EF: $45
Entries to: VICA, 6822 North Crestwood Dr, Glendale, WI 53209. Please Schedule: Opening Ceremony Sat. 2/28 at 8:30 am, Rds 1-4 at 9am, 11:30am, if postmarked by 3/25. $70 at site. Do not mail after 4/16 as your entry may
include captains email and phone number. WCL JGP (Open Section). 2009 2pm, 4:30pm. Sun 3/1 Rds. at 9am, 12:30pm. Awards at 4pm. Entry Fee: $40 not be received. Trophies to top 15 ind. & top 3 teams (top three players
USAT Playoff is scheduled for March 21, 2009 on ICC. More details will by 2/16/09, $55 by 2/23/09, $75 after and onsite. Register: Make checks added for team scores) Sat., April 25: Opening Ceremony: 9 AM, Rounds: 1
be posted soon. payable to East Side Middle School Chess Club and mail to: c/o 2009 Chess Con- - 4; 9:30-11:30 AM; 12:00-2:00 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; 5:30-7:30 PM. Sun., April
26: Rounds 5 - 6; 9:00-11:00 AM; 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sun., April 26: Awards Cer-
A Heritage Event! gress, East Side Middle School, 2300 Lindberg Rd., Anderson, IN. 46012. Email
Feb. 14-16, California Southern entries to [email protected]. EMAIL ENTRIES are NOT con- emony: 2:30 PM One 1/2 pt bye available, any round, if requested before end
26th Annual 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - West firmed until receipt of entry fees. Entries will be posted at of rd. 2 and if player has not received a full point bye. Entries to: Dallas
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1. Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, www.2009ChessCongress.com as they are received. Onsite entries will be Chess Club, c/o Barbara Swafford, 2709 LonghornTrail, Crowley,TX 76036. Entry
CA 91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, average rating of four high- accepted from 6:30am to 8:00am on Sat. morning. Any player not registered must include Name, USCF ID (or new/pending), date of birth, grade & school
est must be U/2200, diff. between bds. 3 & 4 may not exceed 1000. Dec. list by 8am will receive a half-point bye for round one and begin play in round two. and school location. Email: [email protected], 214-632-9000. Side
used. EF: $118 per team if received by 2-13, $30 individual (on line only), $136 Side event: Bughouse tournament Sat. evening 2/28 at 7:00 pm. Register for events: Blitz tournament G/5 Friday April 24 3 pm, EF: $15 by 3-25, $25 on
at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-13, $100 site. EF: $118 per team if received by bughouse onsite ONLY for $10 per player between 10am and 6pm on 2/28. Bug- site. Simultaneous exhibition by Anna Zatonskih Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. Bug-
2-15, $30 individual (on line only), $136 at site, under age 18 $86 by 2-15, $100 house awards to each team member of at least the top 5 scoring teams in 2 house Tournament Fri April 24 5 pm. EF: $25/team. NS, NC, W.
site. Trophies and 4 clocks to top 3 teams, U2100, U2000, U1800, U1600, sections, 12th grade & Under and 6th grade & Under. Awards: More trophies May 23-25, Arizona
U1400/unr. Trophies (1 large, 4 small) to top college, industrial, junior (under this year!Trophies to at least the top 20 individuals in each section, top 5 teams. 2009 U.S. Amateur - West Championship
18), Senior (over 55), U1200. Clocks to best score each board, alternate, and Numerous additional class prizes for each section. See website for details. Hotel: Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S Palo Verde Rd.,Tucson, AZ 85714, 520-746-1161.
any 6-0. Gift certificate prizes for best team names (1st/2nd). Reg.: 8:30-10 Several close to school, Holiday Inn (765) 644-2581, Comfort Inn (765) 649- SECTIONS: Championship (U2200), Reserve (U1600), Booster (U1200) &
a.m. 2-14. Rds.: 11-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. On-line entry, help in forming teams, 3000, Hampton Inn (765) 622-0700. Additional Info: Limited team rooms Scholastic (must be K-8 and U1000). Scholastic section is 3 separate 1-day
advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR: $119, 800-228-9290, ask for available, contact number below for details. Concessions and chess merchan- tournaments. SCHEDULE: (Championship, Reserve, and Booster) 6/SS, 40/2,
Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 or rates may go up. Parking $6. Ent: dise will be available onsite. All event details at www.2009ChessCongress.com. 25/1. Reg: By mail or 5/23, 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Rds: 10-4, 10-4, 9-3. (Scholas-
SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90038. NS, Questions, call (765) 617-3845 after 3pm. WCL JGP. tic) 4/SS, G/40. Reg: By mail or 8:30 - 9:30 AM each day. Rds: Round 1 at 10
NC, W. F. WCL JGP. 2009 U.S. Amateur Team Playoff will be held March AM then as available for Rounds 2-4. PRIZES: (Championship) Chronos clock
Apr. 3-5, Tennessee
21, 2009 on ICC. More details will be posted soon. + plaque to Top 3; Digital clock + plaque to Top 1900-1999, 1800-1899, 1700-
SuperNationals IV
A Heritage Event! 2009 Elementary, Junior High and High School National Championships in one 1799, 1600-1699, and U1600; Plaque to top Senior 50+, Junior U19 and
Feb. 14-16, New Jersey great event! 7SS, G/120 (K-1 G/90), Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Junior U13. (Reserve) Chronos clock + plaque to 1st; Digital clock + plaque
World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East Center, 2802 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214. (615) 883-2211 HR: $139 sin- to 2nd, 3rd, Top 1300-1399, 1200-1299, and U1200; Plaque to top Senior 50+
39th Annual Celebrate the 60s! gle-quad. All under one roof! $50,000 in Cash Scholarships!! 20 Sections and Junior U13. (Booster) Chronos clock + trophy to 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th,
6SS, 40/2, SD/1. Parsippany Hilton, 1 Hilton Ct., Parsippany,N.J. 07054. Chess (Select only one): High School: K-12 Championship; K-12 U1600; K-12 U1200; Top Unrated and Junior U10. (Scholastic, each day) Digital clock + trophy to
Rate valid until 1/16. Reserve early 973-267-7373 or 1- 800-HILTONS. Mor- K-12 U800; K-12 Unrated. Junior High: K-9 Championship; K-8 Championship; 1st; Trophy to 2nd - 5th, Top U800, U600, and Unrated. 1-yr USCF membership
ris/Essex train to Morris Plains 1.5 miles. Open to 4- player teams with one K-9 U1250; K-8 U1000; K-8 U750; K-9 Unrated. Elementary: K-6 Champi- for perfect scores that dont win the clock. SPECIAL PRIZES:Top 2 Family Pairs
optional alternate.Team average (4 highest ratings2008 Annual Rating list) onship; K-5 Championship; K-6 U1000; K-5 U900; K-3 Championship; K-3 U800; in the non-scholastic sections. Biggest Upset of each round in the non-Scholas-
must be under 2200, no more than 1000 points between 3rd & 4th board if team K-1 Championship; K-6 Unrated; K-3 Unrated. EF: $40 postmarked, faxed or tic sections. Chronos clock to Scholastic player with the highest combined score
average over 2000. EF: $140 postmarked by 2/5/09. $180 after or at door. online by 3/5, $60 postmarked, faxed or online by 3/19, $75 after 3/19, $80 over the three 1-day tournaments. EF: (Championship & Reserve) $55 if by 5/20,
all teams, any changes at site $25 charge. Check out official website on site. DO NOT mail entries after March 19 they may not be received in time. $65 if after 5/20. (Booster) $40 if by 5/20, $50 if after 5/20. (Scholastic) $15
www.njscf.org. Prizes: 1-5th Place teams, plaque and 4 digital clocks;TopTeam $5 extra for all phoned registrations. $20 change fee for roster or section for each tournament or $40 for all three days if by 5/20, additional $5 if after
(Denis Barry Award) U2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, changes after March 19. USCF membership is required (may be paid with entry). 5/20. ALL: Half-point byes allowed for all rounds but must be requested prior
1300, 1200, 1000 each plaque and 4 Digital Clocks; Top college team (same AWARDS: Trophies awarded in accordance with Scholastic Regulations and to start of Round 2. HR: (if by 5/8): $64 (single) or $72 (suite), mention
school) 4 Digital Clocks & plaque; Top HS team (grades 9-12 same school), based on number of participants. Team score = total of top four (min. two) SACA. ENT: Make checks payable to SACA, entry form available at
Top Middle School (grades 5-9 same school), Top Elementary School (grades finishers from each section. March 2009 rating supplement will be used. www.sazchess.org. Info: Karen Pennock, 520-975-3946, e-mail: kpen-
K-6 same school), Top 2 Scholastic Teams (mixed schools okay) (Collins BYES: One 1/2 pt. bye available in rounds 1-6 if requested prior to 10am, Fri [email protected], web: www.sazchess.org. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP.
(4/3). On site entries after 10am, Fri 4/3 will receive a 1/2-point bye for
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 50
Award), Mixed Doubles (2 males, 2 females-no alternates), Seniors (all play- June 4, Nevada
the first round. SCHEDULE: Rounds 1-2: Friday (4/3) 1:00pm & 7:00pm,
ers over age 50), Military, each plaque & 4 Digital Clocks to top team;
Rounds 3-5: Saturday (4/4) 9:00am, 2:00pm, & 7:00pm, Rounds 6-7 (4/5)
CompanyTeam (same employer) Old Timers Trophy (all players over 65), Fam- 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC)
9:00am, & 2:00pm. Main Event Awards Ceremonies, Sunday (4/5); K-1 at
ily (4 family members), State teamsCT, DE, MD, MA, NJ, NY, (Benjamin approximately 5pm, all others approximately 7pm. SIDE EVENTS: Bughouse 6SS, G/10. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las
Award), PA, VA, NC, Canada, Ethel Collins Perseverance (lowest scoring Championships:Thursday, 4/2, 11:00am, Register ON SITE ONLY by 10:00am. Vegas, NV 89183. $$b/100 7,000 ($$Gtd 4,500). 2000-1000-700, U2300 600,
scholastic) each plaque top team; Best Player 1-4 and top alternate, All 6- EF: $20 per team/2. Blitz Championship:Thursday, 4/2, 5:00pm. EF $15 post- U2100 550, U1900 500, U1700 450, U1500 400, U1300 350, U1100 300, unrated
0 scores each Digital clock. Biggest Individual upset each round Engraved Cross marked, faxed or online by 3/19, $20 after 3/19 or on site. On site registration 150. EF: $79 by 5/19, $89 by 6/3, $100 on site. Late Registration 4-6:30 p.m.
pen; Entry fee refunded to team with Best Chess related name, Sunday ends at 4pm. Please refer to the website: www.SuperNationalsIV.com for Rds: 7-7:30-8-8:30-9-9:30. Higher of regular or quick rating used. Bring clocks.
night Best Chess Related costumes or gimmick1960s themegour- updated schedule details, Simuls, lectures, and other activities. Advance 1/2 point bye available in any round (limit 4), must be requested with entry.
met dinner for four. Reg. 9-12 Sat 2/14. Rds. 1-7:30, 11-6, 9-3:30. Special entries must include players name/information and all fees to be accepted. HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or
Events!! Surprises and special give-aways each round. Sunday night Roster changes are considered new entries and will be charged accord- (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925,
Bughouse $20 per team-cash prizes, Sunday Morning 960 Tournament ing to date received. List name, address, phone, section, grade, school (even Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChessFestival.com. NS NC W.
8AM-Two Person team event $20 per teamprizes per entries. HR: Parsip- if no team), coachs name, email, birthdate, USCF ID number, USCF expiration
pany Hilton, chess rates expire 1/16/2009. Rates $117 (up to 4 in room) 2nd
A Heritage Event!
(enclose USCF dues if necessary) and rating. Players must be eligible to play An American Classic!
hotel now attached to Hilton also up to 4 in room $112 per night-Hampton Inn
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 200 (enhanced)
in accordance with USCF Scholastic Regulations. Entries may be faxed to: 931- June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada
-includes breakfast for 4 each day. For help forming teams and more information 787-1238. Mail Entries To: 2009 SuperNationals IV, P. O. Box 3967, Crossville,
contact [email protected]: Chks payable to NJSCF, mail by 2/01 to: E.Steven TN 38557. Enter online at: www.uschess.org. WCL JGP. 2009 National Open
6-SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2 day option rds 1-3 G/60). South Point Hotel, Casino and
Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. $100,000 Prize Fund
based on 850 paid entries ($70,000 guaranteed). Championship. $$: 8000-
4000-2000-1000-600-400-400-400-400-400-200-200-200-200-200, under 2500
NO TOURNAMENTS IN YOUR AREA? 2000, under 2400 1600, under 2300 1200, Unrated 600-400-200. $2,000 EXTRA
for perfect score.The winner of the Championship section also receives a replica
of the Edmondson Cup. Under 2200. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-
WHY NOT ORGANIZE ONE? 250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 2000. $$: 5000-2500-1300-600-350-
250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1800. $$: 5000-2500-
1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100-100-100-100. Under 1600. $$:
Do you need to go out of town for tournament play? Would you and others in your area 5000-2500-1300-600-350-250-250-250-250-250-100-100- 100-100-100. Under
like the convenience of an occasional event closer to home? Organize one! 1400. $$: 2500-1500-1000-500-250-150-150-150-150-150-100-100-100-100-
100. Under 1200. $$: 1500-1000-500-250-150-100- 100-100-100-100-100-
Its not much work to hold a small tournament, and there is little risk if you use a low- 100-100-100-100. Plus score bonus ($16,000) in addition to any other prizes,
every player who finishes with 3-1/2 points or better wins a $50 gift certifi-
cost site and avoid guaranteed prizes. You might even make a profit! Either a based-on cate. Plus score certificates will be given on site only. EF: $159 by 1/19, $179
Swiss with projected prizes up to $500, a Quad format, or a trophy tournament will vir- by 5/19, $199 by 6/3, $220 on site. $41 less for unrated players, $99 more for
tually guarantee taking in more in fees than you pay out in prizes. players rated under 2100 in the Championship Section. This is an open tour-
nament - you may play in any section at or above your rating level; unrated
The affiliation fee is just $40 a year. You will receive the annual rating supplement and players may play only in Championship Section. CCA minimum ratings or other
ratings may be used if higher than USCF June Supplement. Reg: 4-11 p.m.Thurs-
have access to the TD/Affiliate area of our website. day, 8-9:30 a.m. Friday. Rds: 11-6, 11-6, 10-5. 2-day schedule: Reg: 8-9 a.m.
Saturday. Rds: 10-12:30-3-6: merge with 3-day in round 4. Half point byes avail-
Remember, you can both run and play in a small event. Many of them wouldnt be held able in any round, but round 5 or 6 byes must be requested before the start
if the organizer/TD couldnt play. of round 2. Chess sets and boards provided for tournament play only, not for
skittles. Please bring chess clocks! The LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact Joan DuBois at [email protected]. FESTIVAL features the National Open, the U.S Game/10 Championship and the
Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Girls and Boys. Many free extras
Well be glad to help you be part of the promotion of American chess! and surprises! Free parking. Free raffle with great prizes. Free lectures by
GM Susan Polgar and others. Free analysis of your games by GM Arthur Bis-
guier. Susan Polgar International Chess Camp all dayThursday. Grandmaster

World Amateur
Team
A N D
th
39 Annual
U.S. Amateur Team
East
F EBRU ARY 14 -16, 20 09 PARSIPPANY HILTON PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY
Co me ce le br at e th e 60 s wi th th e mo st Need help in forming

a team? Want to
en th us ia st ic pl ay er s in th e wo rl d! be on a team?
m Name awards, Contact Steve Doyle at
Best Team Costume and Best Tea
ays each round, make [email protected].
along with surprises and give-aw
t want to miss.
this a three day experience you won Your hosts are the USCF
and prizes. and the New Jersey State
See our TLA for complete details Chess Federation.
ur.
Clock awards supplied by Excalib
d to bring
Boards are supplied, but youll nee
nds!
a set and a clockand THREE frie
Tournament Life
SimulThursday afternoon. US. Game/10Thursday night. Scholastic Tourna- 1/13, $105 phoned by 1/13 (406-896-2038, entry only, no questions), $120 (no Pennock, 520-975-3946, email: [email protected], web: www.saz
ment Friday. LOW room rates! HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and checks, credit cards OK) at site. GMs free, $80 deducted from prize. U1300, chess.org. Ent: Make checks payable to SACA, mail to SACA, Attn: 2009 Tuc-
Saturday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. Dont be shut out; U1100 Sections EF: All $20 less to rated players. U900 Section EF: $27 son Open, PO Box 42407, Tucson, AZ 85733. NC. NS. W. WCL JGP (top 3
make your reservations early and be sure to ask for the chess rates; South mailed by 1/8, $28 online by 1/13, $30 phoned by 1/13, $40 at site. All: FREE sections).
TO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usu-

Point sells out most weekends. Cutoff for special hotel rate is May 19th. Jan. 23-25, North Carolina
Rates may be as high as $150 a night after May 19th. RESERVE NOW! Credit ally used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid
card or one night room deposit will be required to hold reservation, may be can- with entry: online at chesstour.com $30; mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Land of the Sky XXII
celed 72 hours in advance for nominal fee. Tournament Registration: National Mailed entry $3 less to PSCF members. Re entry (except Open Section) $80.
Note new time controls. 5SS, 30/90, then G/60 (2-day option, Rd 1, 30/90, G/30).
Open, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line at 4-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds 7 pm, 11-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. 3-day
Crown Plaza Resort Asheville, One Resort Dr., Asheville, NC 28806, 828-254-
www.VegasChessFestival.com or by fax at (702) 933-9112. NS. W. FIDE. WCL schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds.11-2:30-6, 11-6, 10-4:30. 2-day sched-
ule: Reg ends Sun 9 am, rds 10-12-2-4-6, 10-4:30. Under 900 schedule: 3211 or 800-733-3211. HR: $84 for up to four occupants, reserve early, mention
JGP. tournament. $$20,000 b/320, $10,000 Gtd. Open - FIDE rated: 1st $2500,
Reg. ends Sun. 9 am, rds 10-12-2-4, 10-12-2. Bye: all, limit 3, must commit before
rd 3 and have under 2 pts. HR: $93-93-93-93, 215-448-2000, reserve by Jan 2 2nd $1000, 3rd $800, 4th $500, 5th $400, 2299-2200, 2199-2100, 2099-under
Grand Prix or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or
reserve through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills
each category $700-400. Amateur: (U2000) 1st $1600, 2nd $800, 3rd $400,
1899-1800, 1799-1700, 1699-under each category $700-400. Booster: (U1600)

Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 17-18, California Southern NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. $15 service charge 1st $1500, 2nd $800, 3rd $400, 1499-1400, 1399-1300, 1299-under ea. cate-
for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. gory $500-300, Unr. $300. Unr. eligible for unr. prize only. EF: $84 postmarked
16th annual Western Class Championships by 1/16, $10 more at site or $44 postmarked by 1/18 and $40 at site. $10 off
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75; Class E & U1000 play 1/17-18 A State Championship Event! pre-entry or at site for players new to Land of the Sky. Family discount: first
only, G/65). Renaissance Agoura Hills Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
Jan. 17-18, Michigan
member full EF, $20 off each additional (immediate family only, d/n apply to tro-
CA 91301 (US-101 to Reyes Adobe Road exit). Adjacent to the Santa Monica phy entries). Players under 18: Trophy only-$20, pre or at site, no discounts,
Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships
Mountains, 26 miles west of Burbank, 12 miles from Malibu, 28 miles from Ven- if playing for money $10 off pre or at site EF. One discount per player. Visa &
Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. Grand Ave. From East: I-496 to Grand Ave (Exit
tura. Free parking. $$20,000 based on 230 paid entries (re-entries, E, U1000 Mastercard Accepted (add $3 to EF). Optional Re-entry: Re-enter for $47 after
7A), Right on Grand Ave. From West: I-496 to Pine/Walnut Streets (Exit 6), Left
count as half entries), minimum $16,000 (80% each prize) guaranteed. In 8 sec- Friday rd, counts as 1/2 entry toward based-on prize fund. Reg.: Fri. 3pm-7:30
on Grand Ave. HR: $92+tax by 1/5/09, (517) 482-0188. $$ 2555 Guaranteed:
tions. Master (over 2199): $1600-900-500-300, clear or tiebreak winner $100, pm for Friday round, anytime until Saturday 1pm (one 1/2 pt bye avail rds 1-
M/X: $280-$180, X $210, U2100 $110. Class A: $175-$115, U1900 $95. Class
top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-200. Class A 3). Rds.: 1st rd-Your Choice-Fri. 8pm or Sat. 9am (will assume Sat. Rd. if no
B: $175-$115, U1700 $95. Class C: $175-$115, U1500 $95. Class D: $145-$95,
(1800-1999): $1400-700-400-200. Class B (1600-1799): $1400-700-400-200. choice made), other 2:15-7:15 on Sat., 9-2:15 on Sun. Blitz Tournament:
U1300 $70. Class E (U1200): $145-$95, U1100 $70. Novice (U1000/Unr):Tro-
Class C (1400-1599): $1300-700-400-200. Class D (1200-1399): $1200-600- Saturday morning. U1200 Section (rated): 5SS, G/60. 70% of EF paid in
phy 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Top U900, Top U800, Top U700, 1st & 2nd Unr. State
300-200. Class E (1000-1199): $600-300-200-100. Under 1000: $600-300-
Title toTop MI finisher(s).Trophies for all place-winners.The most recent USCF prizes. EF: $40 pre (no discounts), $10 more at site. $$ 20% to 1st, 15% to 2nd,
200-100. Rated players may play up one section. Unrated must play in A or
rating supplement will be used for determining ratings. Players must play in 10% to 3rd, U900 10% to 1st, 5% to 2nd, Unr. 10% to 1st. Unrated eligible for
below with maximum prize A $600, B $500, C $400, D $300, E $200, U1000 $100;
the class in which their rating indicates. Unrated players must play in Novice unrated prize only. Reg.: anytime up to one hour before any round (one 1/2
balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sections EF: 4-day $114, 3-day
section. Players may request to play up in class (or unrated players may point bye available rds 1-3). Rds.: Sat. 10:30-1:30-4, Sun. 9-1:30. Ent: Checks
$113 mailed by 1/9, all $115 online at chesstour.com by 1/13, $120 phoned to
request being seeded into a class) if their recent tournament history shows payable to WW, PO Box 1123, Weaverville, NC 28787, 828-645-4215, fax: 828-
406-896-2038 by 1/13 (entry only, no questions), $130 at site. Class E, Under
achievement into that class. The TD must approve all requests. One half-point 645-4216, [email protected]. WCL JGP.
1000 Sections EF: $52 mailed by 1/9, $55 online at chesstour.com by 1/13
bye allowed in rounds 1-4. USCF and MCA memb required, OSA. EF: M/X, A,
(entry only, no questions), $60 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 1/13, $70 at site. A Heritage Event!
B, C $40 (U18 $10 off) by 1/16; D, E $30 (U18 $10 off) by 1/16, Novice $20 (U18
All: FREETO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games Jan. 23-25 or 24-25, Ohio
$5 off) by 1/16. All $10 more on-site. Free entry to GM, IM, FM, & 2200+,
usually used if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if
advanced EF deducted from prize. E-mail entries OK, must pay during reg. Reg.:
paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. 32nd Cardinal Open
Sat 8-9am; 5-SS Rds.: Sat 10-2:30-7, Sun 10-3:30; TL: Sat G/120, Sun G/150.
Re-entry (except Master) $60. SCCF memb. ($18, jr $10) required for rated South- 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), The Doubletree Hotel Columbus
Ent: Jeff Aldrich, 7453 Whippoorwill Ln, Davison, MI 48423, 810-955-7271, jef-
ern CA residents. 4-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6:30 pm, rds Fri 7, Sat 11-6, Sun Worthington, 175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43235. Free parking. $$ 8,000
[email protected]. WCL JGP.
11-6, Mon 10-4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun based on 125 paid entries (re-entries, under 1200 and under 1000 section count

11-6, Mon 10-4:30. Class E & U1000 schedule: Reg Sat to 9:30 am, rds Sat Jan. 17-18, Tennessee as 50% entry). In 7 sections: Open: $1000-600-400, top U2200/Unr $500-250.
10-1-4-7, Sun 9-12-3. All schedules: Byes OK all, limit 3, must commit before FIDE. Under 2000: $800-400-200. Under 1800: $800-400-200. Under 1600:
rd 3 and have under 2 pts. HR: $87-87, 818-707-1220, reserve by Jan 2 or rate Tennessee Class Championships $700-400-200. Under 1400: $500-250. Under 1200: $200-100 trophies to
may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Questions: $3,000 Prize Fund (Guaranteed) 5SS, G/2 hours, Measurement Inc., 3800 top 5. Under 1000: $200-100, trophies to top 5. Unrated prize limits: Under
chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goichberg, Box Ezell Rd., Nashville, TN 37211. EF: Expert, Class A, B, C, D, E $45 if mailed by 1000 $50, Under 1200 $100, Under 1400 $200, Under 1600 $300, Under 1800
661776, Arcadia CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals. Advance 1/12, $55 at site. Class F, G, and UNR $20 by 1/12, $30 at site. IMs and GMs $500. Balance goes to next player(s) in line. EF: (all sections except Under 1200
entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. free entry ($45 deducted from winnings of $200 or more). 9 Sections: (Must and Under 1000) $80 mailed by 1/19, or online at ohiochess.org by 1/22, $90
play in your section) Open (expert and above) $350-$175-$150 U2200 $125-
Jan. 16-18, Texas at site. Under 1200 and Under 1000 Section EF: $40 if mailed by 11/19, or
$100, Class A, B $225-$150-$100, Class C, D $200-$125-$75, Class E online at ohiochess.org by 1/22, $50 at site. Re-entry $40; not available in Open
$175-$100-$75, Class F, G/below, and Unr. Plaques to top 3. All, onlyTennessee Section. OCA membership is required of all Ohio residents. $15 per year, $10
JGs Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Masters
residents eligible for plaques. January Supp Used. USCF andTCA memb. reqd. junior, $2 second family member. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6:30 pm, rds
5SS, G/90 with 30 sec increment, Student Union Galaxy Rooms at The Univer-
($15), Reg.: 7:30-8:30 am CDT 8/30. Rds.: Sat. 9:00 am-1:30 pm-6:00 pm, Sun. Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9:30-3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10:30 am,
sity of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd, Richardson TX 75080. Open to
9:00 am-1:30 pm. Byes: 1/2-point bye available for any one round if requested rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9:30-3:30. Byes: Okay rounds 1-4, limit 2, must com-
1.) players rated 2200 and above or who have been rated 2200 on any
at or before registration. Flyer available atTNCHESS.ORG. Info (questions only): mit by rd 3. HR: $89, reserve online at OhioChess.org or 614-888-3334 mention
crosstable on MSA or 2.) any Fide rated/titled player and 3.) a maximum of 6
(615) 399-8432 or [email protected]. Ent: Chris Prosser, 733 Long Hunter Ct., chess, reserve early, contact organizer if rate not available. Ent: COCA, Box 9830,
who do not meet previous requirements and who sign up online. FIDE rated.
Nashville, TN 37217. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP. Columbus Ohio 43209. Questions: 614-774-2532 or [email protected]. WCL
Please do not mail entries after January 4. You may register on active.com until

Jan 10th. EF: USCF +2400 $50, USCF 2200-2400 or fide rated $90, U2200 $175 Jan. 18, New York JGP.

(limited to only six who register on active.com. 1st come 1st serve). Fide GMs Jan. 24-25, Colorado
Free. Online Registration (note that Active.com charges small fee.): Binghamton Monthly Tourney
www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1646856. TCA Memb. reqd: 4 Round SS, Time control G/60. Reg. 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM. ENTRY: $30/ $35 2009 Boulder Winter Grand Prix
Regular $11, Jr/Student $8.50, No Magazine $5, Family $16. OSA. USCF Mem- at site.Cash only at site. (checks payable to Cordiscos Corner Store). ROUNDS: University Memorial Center, CU Campus, Boulder, CO. Room #415. Open: 5-
bership Required. $$b/20: 75% Guaranteed. $1500-750-250. U2400 $500. 9:45-12:30-3:00-5:30. Prizes: 1st $200 - 2nd $100 - 3rd $50. Guaranteed! Lim- SS G/90, EF: $35, $5 less if recd by 1/21, $8 less for Jr/Sr/Unrated. CSCA
Reg.: 1/16: 6:00-7:00 pm. Rds.: 7:20 pm, 12:30 pm - 5:15 pm, 9:10 am - 2:45 ited to first 24 entries. Please bring clocks. Cordiscos Chess Center 308 required ($15, $10 for Jr/Sr) Prizes: $675 gtd. 1st-2nd: $180, $120
pm. 1 bye if requested before end of round 2. Park on metered parking by Stu- Chenango St., Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 772-8782 [email protected]. U2000,U1800,U1600,U1400, U1200 $75 each. Rds.: Sat: 10, 2, 6, Sun: 11:30,

dent Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visitors pass at guard shack on Jan. 20, New York 3:30. Entries: Klaus Johnson, 3605 Endicott Dr., Boulder, CO 80305. Website:
University Drive and park on visitors parking. ENT: Dallas Chess Club, C/O Bar- www.geocities.com/boulderchessclub Email: [email protected].
bara Swafford, 2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036. 214.632.9000. INFO: St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club CO TOUR event. WCL JGP.
Barb Swafford, [email protected] www.swchess.com. NS NC W FIDE. WCL
4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open Jan. 24-25, New York
JGP. to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY
A Heritage Event! at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40, New York Marshall CC January GP!
Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, Pennsylvania members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event, 4SS, 30/90, SD/1; Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45, Mem-
money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen- bers $25. $$625 Gtd: 250 -100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg. ends
41st annual Liberty Bell Open erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and 15 min. before game. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day;
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3 day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2 day, rds 1-4 G/40). U900 Sec- Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15- 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Limit
tion plays 1/18-19 only, G/40. Sheraton City Center Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., 9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration. 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL
Philadelphia 19103. $$20,000 b/320 paid entries (U900 Section counts 1/3, GMs A Heritage Event! JGP.
), else in proportion, except minimum 60% of each prize guaranteed. In 2006
A State Championship Event! Jan. 25, California Southern
to 2008, the tournament had over 320 paid entries each year and the $20,000 Jan. 23-25 or 24-25, Arizona
projected prize fund was increased. In 8 sections. Open: $2000-1000-500-300-
200, 1st clear or on tiebreak $100 bonus, 2300-2399 $800-400, U2300/Unr 2009 Westwood Winter Open
Tucson Open and Scholastics 5-SS, G/40. Los Angeles Chess Club, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd, LA, CA 90025,
$800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1900: $1000- (Arizona State Championship). Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd.,
600-400-300-200. Under 1700: $1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1500: 2nd floor (4 blocks West of 405 Fwy). $$1500 b/50, 80% of each prize guar-
Tucson, AZ 85714, 520-746-1161. SECTIONS: Open, Reserve (U1800), Booster anteed. In two sections: Open: $400-200-50, U2200 125, U2000 125. Reserve
$1000-600-400-300-200. Under 1300: $700-400-250-150-100. Under 1100: (U1400) & Scholastics (K-8/U1000). Scholastic section is 2 separate 1-day
$700-400-250-150-100. Under 900: $150-100-50, trophies to top 8. Unrated (U1800): $$200-125, U1600 $100, Under 1400/unrated $100, U1200 $75. EF:
tournaments. Open, Reserve, & Booster Schedule: (3-day) 5/SS, 40/2, SD/1; $47 if received by 1/24, $55 at site. SCCF memb. ($18, under 18 $10) req. for
may enter any section, but may not win over $50 in U900, $100 in U1100, $200 Reg: 1/23 5:30-6:30 PM; Rds: 7, 10-5, 9-4. (2-day) 5/SS, Rds: 1-2 G/90; Rds.
U1300, $300 U1500, $400 U1700, or $500 U1900. Top 5 sections EF: 4 day rated S. CA residents. No checks or credit cards at site. Half point byes: limit
3-5 40/2, SD/1; Reg: 1/24 8:30-9:30 AM; Rds: 10-1:30-5, 9-4. (Scholastics) 1, must be req. w/entry. Reg.: 9-9:45 a.m. Rds.: 10-11:30-1:30-3:15-4:45. 2
$99, 3 day $98, 2 day $97 mailed by 1/8, all $100 online at chesstour.com by 4/SS, G/40; Reg: 1/23-25 8:30-9:30 AM; Round 1 at 10am then as available. Free Parking lots on the SW corner of Santa Monica & Purdue, or in the build-
PRIZES: (Open) $$G: $600(plaque)-400-300-200; $$b/4 X, A, B/below $150 ing basement ($3). Inf: [email protected]. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery,
ea. Trophy Top Jr. U20, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+, Top AZ Resident is also 2008 AZ State 835 N. Wilton Place #1, Los Angeles, CA 90038. On-line entry: www.western
Champion; (Reserve) $$b/38: $250(plaque)-150(plaque); $$b/4 C, D/below chess.com. State Championship Qualifier.
For details on $100 ea. Trophy to Top UNR, Jr. U14, Sr. 50+; (Booster) Trophy to Top 1st
5th Place, Top E, U1000/Unr and Jr. U11; (Scholastic each day) Trophy to 1st Jan. 26-Feb. 9, New York
2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS - 5th Place, Top U800, U600, and Unrated. EF: GM/IM are FREE! (Open) $55;
(Reserve) $45; (Booster) $25; (Scholastics) $15 for each tournament or $25 20th Nassau G/60 Championship
East, North, South, West for both days. LATE FEE: Additional $10 ($5 for Scholastic) if entry received 6-SS, G/1. 1st Presbyterian Church, 1st & Main Sts., Mineola. EF: $37 by
after 1/21. DISCOUNT: $10 off EF for Juniors (under age 20) and Seniors (age 1/24, $44 at site, non-memb $9 more. $$ (780 b/24, top 2 G) 180-120, U2100,
50+) in Open and Reserve. ALL: 1/2 pt byes allowed for all rounds but must 1900, 1700, 1500, 1300/UR each 96. 3 byes 1-6 (Last rd bye must be req before
See Nationals Section! rd 4 and is irrevocable). Rds.: 7:15-9:25 each Mon. Rule 14H not used.
be requested prior to start of Round 2 (max 2). No Re-entries. HR: $109 (sin-
gle) 119 (jr. suite) or $139 (suite) if by 1/11, mention SACA. Info: Karen [email protected]. Ent: Harold Stenzel, 80 Amy Dr., Sayville, NY 11782.

A Heritage Event! half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100, U1800 Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$560 b/32 paid, top 2 Gtd: $$ 200-

Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Bermuda $80. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 110-50, Top U2200/unr $105, U2000 $95. Limit 2 byes (1 bye for U2000),
12-2-3:45-5:30-7:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at commit by 8:15. Reentry $15. CCA ratings may be used. Class pairings OK rd.
2009 Bermuda International Open, 25th Anniversary www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/5; $10 extra to enter by phone! 4. Reg ends 10 min before game. Rds 7-8:15-9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often
5SS, 40/2, G/1. Fairmont Southampton Resort.Thurs. Jan. 29. Cocktail recep- A Heritage Event! impossible!
tion 6:30 followed by 8 pm Blitz tournament. Rounds: Fri. 8pm, Sat./Sun. 9am,
World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 6 World Chess Live Grand Prix Points: 15
Feb. 7-8, New Hampshire Feb. 14-15, Virginia
3pm. 1 bye any rd. but 5th. Coffee, tea, cookies served S & S. Closing party:
Sun. 7:30pm Buffet dinner free for all participants and spouses. Prize fund Gtd. 33rd Queen City Open Kingstowne Chess Festival
$5000: Open $1000 (plus air from East Coast and hotel for 10), $800, $600, 4SS, 40/2, SD/1. Comfort Inn, exit 4 (Queen City Bridge) off I-293, Manches- Kingstowne Snyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria, VA 22315. 4
$400, $200. U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600 all $250, $150, $100. Top non-titled ter, NH. 603-668-2600. HR: $79, mention NH Sections. Open (FIDE-rated): 4SS 40/100, SD/1. EF: $40 if received by 2/11,
also wins RT from East Coast and hotel for 2010. EF: $100, payable on site. Free Chess, reserve early. $$2000 b/65, 75% Gtd. 4 sections: Open: EF: $42 by $50 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $84 if received by 2/11, $94 at
to GMs, IMs, EF deducted from prize. Sets provided, bring clock. Fairmont 2/5, GMs/IMs free. $300-200-100, U2100 $125. U1900: $150-100-75, U1750 site. Prizes $$1000G: $400-250-125. U2000, U1800, unr. each $75. Rds.: 11-
Southampton 1-866-540-4497, chess tournament rate ($199+tx). More $100. No Unr. may win over $75. U1600: $150-100-75, U1450 $100. No Unr. may 5, 10-4. Amateur (U1800-unr.): 5SS G/100. EF: $20 if received by 2/11, $30
info contact: Nigel Freeman [email protected] or IA Carol Jarecki car- win over $75. U1300: $150-100-75, U1000 $100. No Unr. may win over $75. All: at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $64 if received by 2/11, $74 at site.
[email protected]. FIDE Ratings available. WCL JGP. EF: $42 by 2/5. Special EF for jrs U21 in U1300 section only, $26 if by 2/5. Sun- Prizes $$500 b/32: $180-100-70. U1600-U1400-unr. each $50. No unrated may

Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Florida day Swiss (2/8 only). 3SS, G/60. EF: $25 if by 2/5. $$80-50-30 (b/8). Sun. win more than $140. Rds.: 11-3-7, 11:30-4. Booster (U1600-unr.): 5SS
Swiss Reg: 9:30-10:30am Sunday, Rds: 11-1:30-4. All EF: $6 more if at site. G/100. EF: $15 if received by 2/11, $25 at site. If joining USCF for 1st time,
Central Florida Chess Club Championship Two-day Reg: 8:30-9:30am Sat., Rds: 10-4:30, 9:30-4.One 1/2 pt. bye OK for USEF $59 if received by 2/11, $69 at site. Prizes $$370 b/32: $150-80-50.
5SS, G/120. Melody Manor, 813 Montana St., Orlando. EF: $39. CFCC mem req Rds.1-3 if recd with ent. Ent: NH Chess Assoc., Hal Terrie, 377 Huse Rd. #23, U1400-U1200-Unr. each $30. No unrated may win more than $100. Rds.: 11-
$25. $$G 600:190-100-70, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400 each 60, plaques (if Manchester, NH 03103. Info: 603-668-8368 or [email protected]. W. 3-7, 11:30-4. Novice (U1400-unr.): 6SS G/75. EF: $10 if received by 2/11, $18
mem as of Dec 31) to Club Champion, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, WCL JGP. at site. If joining USCF for 1st time, USEF $62 if received by 2/11, $70 at site.
& top under age 16. All FCA members earn points towards $2050 Florida Prizes $$285 b/32: $100-70-40. U1200-U1000-Unr. each $25. No unrated
Feb. 7-8, Wisconsin
Gran Prix. Reg.: Sat 9:15am. Rds: 10-2-6, 9-2. CFCC elections 1pm Sun. Ent: may win more than $80. Rds.: 11-2-5-8, 12:30-4. All: One half-point bye
CFCC, 921 N. Thistle Ln., Maitland, FL 32751. Info: (407) 629-6946 or UW Winter Open allowed in Open, two in other sections. Last-round bye must commit by end of
www.centralflchess.org. WCL JGP. 5ss, 45/2, 25/1, SD/1; Rd. 4: 45/2, SD/1. Inn Wisconsin Room, Memorial Union, play Saturday and irrevocable. Reg.: 10-10:45. Ent (checks payable to): Don
800 Langdon St., Madison, WI. EF: $20 if received by 4 Feb, $25 at site. $$GTD W. Millican, 5901B Prince George Dr., Springfield, VA 22152. e-mail (info only):
A Heritage Event!
[email protected]. FIDE. W. WCL JGP.
Feb. 6-8, South Carolina $1000. $200-165-135, A $100, B $90, C $80, D $70, E $60, U1000 $55, Unr $45.

REG.: 9-9:30 am. RDS.: 10, 2:30, 7:30; 10, 3:30. One point bye in rd.1 to Feb. 14-16, Oklahoma
35th Snowstorm Special 2200+ if requested in advance. ENT: Guy Hoffman, PO Box 259822, Madison,
5SS, 35/90, SD/1(2day schedule rd. 1 G/90), Best Western Charleston-Down- WI 53725. INFO: 608-262-0308 (11am-6:30pm M-F) schachfuhrer@ hot- Stillwater Winter FIDE Open
town, 250 Spring St., Charleston, SC 29403. EF: $60 if recd by 2/02, $70 at site, mail.com. NS NC W. A WCA Tour Event. WCL JGP. 7 SS, G/90+30. Quality Inn, 2515 W. 6th Ave (Hwy-51), Stillwater, OK. 1-405-
$35 re-entry USCF and SCCA memberships reqd, OSA. $$1,500 b/40 ($750 Gtd.), 372-0800. HR: $70. Free Parking. Reg.: Sat 11-Noon. One section open to all.
Feb. 8, New Jersey
One section, Open to all. Prizes: $400-200, Top Expert,A,B,C,D,E & under - RDS.: 1-5; 10-2-6:30; 9-1:15. EF: $50 if postmarked before Feb 9, or $60 at door.
1st -$100, 2nd-$50 (Unrateds will be based on performance rating after 4th ICA Winter 2009 Open Championship $10 OCF required from all players (includes 4 issues of OCQ). $$4,500G:
rd.) 3 day schedule: Reg.: Fri. 6-7pm Rds.: 8, 2-8, 9-2:30. 2 day schedule: Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack NJ 07601. OpenTo All Ages $600, $400, $300, $200; $600 each class ($300-200-100) Ex,A,B,C,D & below.
Reg.: Fri. 6-7pm, Sat. 8-9am Rd. 1: 10am, then merge with 3day schedule. Half With Rating >1400 4SS G/60 U. S. Chess Federation Membership Required, Unr. competes in D & below. 2 half pt byes rds 1-7; Ent: Frank Berry, 402 S. Willis,
pt. Byes: avail. all rds., must commit before Rd. 2 for Rds. 4&5 (irrevocable) Prize Fund ($$ b/40) 1st - 3rd $300, $250, $200, U2000, U1800, U1600 each Stillwater, OK 74074. NC, CMV, LS, W, USCF, FIDE. [email protected]. WCL
HR: $79.99 (mention Charleston Chess Club) reserve by Jan. 30 (843-722- $100. Best Under 13 Years Old $75, Best Over 65 Years Old $75. Prize Fund Will JGP.
4000 or toll free 1-888-377-2121) Other info: Free entry to Masters and
Not Be Reduced Below 70%. Reg Ends at 9 Late Entrants Will Receive 1/2 Point Feb. 17, New York
above; $60 deducted from any winnings. More $$ per entries. Info/Reg/Pmt: Bye For Rnd 1. EF: Adv (pmk. By Feb 4th) $40, AT Site $45. GMs Free Entry. Make
Charleston Chess Club, c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC EF: and/or USCF membership checks payable to: International Chess Academy. St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
29464 (email: [email protected]) (Please indicate whether playing in 2 INFO 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741, Email: [email protected] (Web Site 4SS, G/30.ThirdTues. of every month. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open
or 3 day schedule when registering.) WCL JGP. Entries: www.icanj.net). Rds.: 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:15 PM, 4:30 PM. ENT: Diana to players rated over 2100 (plus all players scoring 2.5 or more at any CCNY

Feb. 7, New York Tulman, 28 Canterbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W. at MCCThursday 4 Rated GamesTonight! since the prior months SJM) EF: $40,

Feb. 12, New York members $30, GMs $10 (returned on completion of tournament). For each event,
22nd Annual Super Saturday Game/45 Deferred! money added to prize fund by the sponsors, St. Johns University, and other gen-
5-SS, G/45, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! erous patrons.Top three prizes guaranteed. $$G 300-200-100.Top U2400 and
845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $30, GMs free ($25 from prize), specified 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 West 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: Top U2300 prizes. Special prize for biggest upset. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 920 b/46 paid entries, minimum 212-477-3716. EF: $35, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified 9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, rds 1 and 4 only; declare at registration.

Tournament Life

Feb. 21, New York 6SS, G/65, Saratoga Hilton Hotel, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north 12-3-6, Sun. 9-12:30-3:30. All schedules: Byes OK all, limit 2, must commit
on US 9), Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Free parking. $$G 1200. In 2 sections: before rd 3 and have under 2 pts. HR: $99-99-109, 925-827-2000, reserve by
New York February Action! Open: $$ 300-150-70, U2200 120, U2000 100. Under 1800/Unr: $$ 150-90-50, 2/20 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633.
5-SS, G/30, Chess Center at the Marshall Club, 23 W 10 St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: U1600 100, U1400 70. EF: $52 mailed by 2/20, $53 online at chesstour.com by Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. Ent: Continental Chess, c/o Goich-
2/25, $55 phoned by 2/25, $65 at site. Reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds Sat 12-3-6,
845-569-9969. EF: $40, Club membs $25, GMs free ($20 from prize), specified berg, Box 661776, Arcadia CA 91066. $15 service charge for withdrawals.
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free! $$ 840 b/42 paid entries, minimum Sun 9-12-2:45. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must commit before rd 2. HR: $114- Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
half each prize Gtd: $$ 300-200-115, top U2200/unr. $125, U2000 $100. Limit 114, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/13 or rate may increase. 48
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Massachusetts
2 byes, commit by 1:30. Re-entry $20. CCA ratings may be used. Rds. 12-1:30- hours notice required for room cancellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Mar-
2:45-4-5:20 pm. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Online entry at www.chess riott, 2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. Ent: Continental Chess, PO Box 249,
18th annual Eastern Class Championships
center.cc thru 2/19; $10 extra to enter by phone! Salisbury Mills NY 12577. $15 service charge for refunds. Questions: chess- 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/75), Host Hotel at Cedar Lake, 366
tour.com, 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chesstour.com. March
Feb. 21, Virginia Main St, Sturbridge MA 01566 (I-84 Exit 3, near I-90). Free parking. $$ 20,000
official ratings used; unofficial ratings usually used if otherwise unrated. WCL based on 250 paid entries (re-entries count half), minimum $12,000 (60% of
JGP. each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Master (2200/up): $2000-1000-500-300,
Winter Seasonal Special

3-round Swiss System. Game / 90 with 5 seconds delay. Virginia Heights Bap- Mar. 6, Pennsylvania clear winner or 1st on tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Expert
tist Church. Corner of Grandin Rd. and Memorial Ave. SW, Roanoke, Va. 24038. (2000-2199): $1400-700-400-300. Class A (1800-1999): $1400-700-400-300.
GUARANTEED PRIZES: Top Section: $125-100-75. Additional Sections: If 2009 PA Quick Chess Champ. (QC) Class B: $1400-700-400-300. Class C (1400-1599): $1200-600-400-300. Class
Octagonals, Each is guaranteed $125 - $100. If Hexagonals, Each is guaran- 6SS, G/10, T/D3. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg D (1200-1399): $1000-500-300-200. Class E (Under 1200): $1000-500-300-200.
teed $100-75. If Quads, Each is guaranteed $100 1st. ENTRY FEE: If received Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turn- Rated players may play up one section. Unrated may enter A through E, with
by Feb. 20, $30.00. At site, $40.00. REGISTRATION: 6-9pm 02/20; 8-9:30am pike. 3 sections, EF recd by 2/17: Open: $12. U1500: $10. U1100: $8. $$ (730G): prize limits: E $100, D $200, C $300, B $400, A $600. Balance goes to next
02/21. ROUNDS: 10-2-6. BYES: Only one per tournament; must request before Open: 175-100-50, U1800 $45, U1600 $40. U1500: 125-75-50, U1200 $40, Unr player(s) in line. EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 2/26, all $105 online
1st round begins. ADVANCE ENTRIES: Roanoke Valley Chess Club, P.O. Box $30. U1100: Trophies: 1-5, U800, U600, 1-2 Unr. All: EF: $20 after 2/17, PSCF at chesstour.com by 3/3, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no
14143, Roanoke, Va. 24038. PHONE: (540) 344-4446. E-MAIL: info@roanoke $5 OSA. Reg: 6-6:30pm. Rd 1: 7pm. Feb 2009 Regular ratings used. Bye: limit questions), $120 at site. GMs free, $100 deducted from prize. All: FREE TO
1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention PA States for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used
chess.com WEB PAGE: roanokechess.com.WCL JGP.
PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: mar- if otherwise unrated. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with
A Heritage Event! [email protected] 412-908-0286 W.
entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry

Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Virginia $60; not available in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MACA

Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, California Northern memb. ($12, under 18 $6) required for MA residents; WMCA accepted for west-
41st Annual Virginia Open ern MA res. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun
5SS, Rd1 G/2, Rds 2-5 40/2 SD/1. Crowne Plaza, Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Western Chess Congress 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15.
Bridge Rd., McLean 22102. www.cptysonscorner.com. Chess room rates of $79 5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-2 G/75; U1100 & U900 sections are 6SS, Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. HR: $84-84, 800-
for Single and Double, reserve before Feb 6. Walk-up chess rate possible, but 3/7-8 only, G/65). Concord Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord CA 582-3232, 508-347-7393, request chess rate, reserve by 2/15 or rate may
not guaranteed, reserve early!! No Outside Food allowed in Tournament Play- 94520 (I-680 Willow Pass Rd exit). Free shuttle between hotel and Concord increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633, or reserve car
ing Room! See www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm for online link to register for hotel. BART station. Free parking. In 8 sections. $$G 20,000. Premier, open to all over online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury
$3400 in Two Sections, Open and Amateur (U1900) Top 4 G in Open, rest 1950 and juniors under 18 over 1800: $1600-900-500-300, clear or tiebreak win- Mills NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance entries posted at chess-
based on 140. Open: $600-400-300-250 Top X,A Each $180 Winner also gets ner $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400-300. Under tour.com. $15 service charge for refunds. WCL JGP.

plaque and title 2009 Virginia Open Champ. Amateur: $400-200-150, Top 1900: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1700: $1400-700-400-300. Under 1500: Mar. 7-8, New York
B,C,D, U1200 Each $160, Top Unrated $100. Amateur winner gets plaque and $1200-600-300-200. Under 1300: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1100: $600-
2009 Virginia Open Amateur title. ALL: Reg. Friday 2/27 5:30p-7:45p. Rds. 8pm 300-200-100. Under 900: $600-300-200-100. Unrated must play in U1900 or New York Marshall CC March GP!
Friday, Sat 10a-4:30p, Sunday 9a-3:30p. EF: $60 if received by Feb 21, $70 later below with maximum prize U1900 $600, U1700 $500, U1500 $400, U1300 4SS, 30/90, SD/1; Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $45, Mem-
and at site. $5 discount to active military personnel. $35 Re/entry allowed From $300, U1100 $200, U900 $100; balance goes to next player(s) in line. Top 6 sec- bers $25. $$625 Gtd: 250 -100-75, U2200/Unrated $100, U2000 $100. Reg.
Rd 1 into Rd 2 only Sat Reg. 9-9:45. One 1/2 point bye allowed with entry, tions EF: 4-day $119, 3-day $118 mailed by 2/26, all $120 online at ends 15 min. before game. Rds : 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each
declared before Rd 1 and then irrevokable. VCF membership required for Vir- chesstour.com by 3/3, $125 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/3 (entry only, no ques- day; 1-day, (rds 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3.
ginia residents ($10 Adults, $5 U19) Ent: Make checks payable to Virginia tions), $140 at site. U1100, U900 Sections EF: $57 mailed by 2/26, $60 Limit 2 byes, commit at entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players.
Chess and mail to: Michael Atkins, PO Box 6138 Alexandria VA 22306 web- online at chesstour.com by 3/3 (entry only, no questions), $65 phoned to 406- WCL JGP.
site: www.vachess.org/vaopen.htm. [email protected] for questions, NO 896-2038 by 3/3, $70 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED. Unofficial uschess.org
INTERNET or PHONE entries only by mail, at site or Arlington Chess Club and ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special Mar. 7 & 8, Pennsylvania
Tidewater Chess Club in Norfolk. NS, NC, W. FIDE (Open). WCL JGP. 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30;
mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry (except Master) $60. Mailed EF 2009 Carlisle Open & PA Collegiate Championship
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York 5SS, G/90, T/D5. Hotel Carlisle & Embers Convention Center, 1700 Harrisburg
$7 less to rated CalChess members. 3-day schedule: Reg. Fri to 6:30 pm, rds
Fri 7:30, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg Sat to 10 am, rds Sat 11- Pike, Carlisle, PA 17015, Exit 52A NB/Exit 52 SB off I-81, Exit 226 off PA Turn-
3rd annual Saratoga Open pike. 2 sections: Open & U1500. $$ (1260G): Open: 180-120, U2200 $110,
2:30-6, Sun 9-3:30. U1100 & U900 schedule: Reg. Sat to 11:30 am, rds. Sat.

U2000 $100, U1800 $90, U1600 $80. U1500: 150-100, U1400 $90, U1200 $85, 9:30am Sat., Rds: 10am-3-7:30pm, 10:30am-3:30. Byes: Up to three 1/2-point chesstour.com by 4/6, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 4/6 (entry only, no ques-
U1000 $80, Unr $75. All: College Tr: 1-2 in each section, 1-2 team (top 4 over byes avail. in Rds. 1-5 if reqd at least 1 hr. before Rd (before Rd 2 for any Rd. tions), $120 at site. All: FREE TO UNRATED IN U1000 OR U1300 SECTIONS.
both sections). EF: $29 recd by 2/17, $39 after, PSCF $5 OSA. Reg: 8:45-9:30 4-5 bye), but only at most one 1/2-point bye in Rds 4-5. Hotel: La Quinta Inn Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth-
am. Rds 10-2-5:30, 9-1. Bye: limit 1, ask by rd 2. HR: Mention PA States for and Suites, 1734 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090, 410-859-2333, Ask erwise unrated. Special 1 yr USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online
best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/oTom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pitts- for UMBC chess rate. www.lq.com (From I-95, take Exit 47A onto I-195 towards at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. No checks at site,
burgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: [email protected] 412-908-0286 W. BWI Airport.Take Exit 2A onto 295 north towards Baltimore; take first exit, bear- credit cards OK. Re-entry: $100, no re-entry from Open Section to Open Sec-
Feb. 2009 ratings used. WCL JGP. ing right onto West Nursery Road.) Directions to UMBC: Take Exit 47B off I-95 tion. 5-day Open Section schedule: Reg. ends Wed 6 pm, rds. Wed. 7 pm,
& follow signs to UMBC. Park in Lot 9 or 16. Ent/Info: Cks payable to UMBC, Thu 12 & 7, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 4-day Lower Sections schedule:
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, Missouri
Dr. Alan T. Sherman, Dept. of CSEE, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD Reg. endsThu 6 pm, rds.Thu 7 pm, Fri/Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 4:30. 3-day Lower
21250, Attn: Open. [email protected], 410-455-8499, www.umbc.edu/ Sections schedule: Reg. ends Fri 7 pm, rds Fri 8 pm, Sat 10,12:30, 3, 6, Sun
13th Annual Mid-America Open
chess. W. WCL JGP. 10 & 4:30. 4-day & 3-day merge & compete for same prizes. Byes: OK all; limit
5SS, 40/2, SD/1 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/70), Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis-
4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3, having under 2 pts. Bring sets,
Clayton, 7750 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis MO 63105 (I-64 W/US 40-W Exit 32B, An American Classic!
boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: Grand PequotTower (tournament
1.2 miles north on Hanley Rd). $$ 20,000 based on 250 paid entries (re-entries Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, Connecticut
site, very luxurious) $132-132, Great Cedar Hotel (connected building; very close)
count half, U900 Section one quarter), minimum $16,000 (80% of each prize)
11th annual Foxwoods Open $118-118, Two Trees Inn (15 minute walk; free shuttle) $108-108. 1-800-FOX-
guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $2000-1000-600-400, clear winner or 1st on
Open Section, Apr 8-12: 9SS, 40/2, SD/1. GM & IM norms possible. Lower WOOD, must reserve by 3/26 or you will have to stay at least 3 miles away.
tiebreak $100 bonus, top U2300 $900, U2200 $800, U2100/Unr $700. FIDE.
Sections, Apr 9-12 or 10-12: 7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds. 1-4 G/50). Car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633 or reserve car online
Under 2000: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1800: $1500-700-400-300. Under
Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel, Rt 2, Mashantucket CT 06339 (I-95 to Exit at chesstour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE,
1600: $1500-700-400-300. Under 1400: $1200-600-300-200. Under 1200:
92 to Rt 2 West, or I-395 to Exit 85 to Rt 164 to Rt 2 East). Free parking. 45 miles 100 to FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC, PR or
$1200-600-300-200. Under 900: $100-60-40, trophies to top 7. Unrated may
fromT.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), 14 miles from Groton/New London Air- Jamaica. Most foreign ratings other than CFC, PR, FQE or Jamaica not accepted
enter any section, with prize limits: U900 $50, U1200 $150, U1400 $300,
port; for shuttle from New London Amtrak station call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Bus for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail
U1600 $400, U1800 $500, U2000 $700. Balance goes to next player(s) in line.
transportation: 1-888-BUS2FOX. Free shuttle to Mashantucket Pequot Museum, to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: April
EF: 3-day $103, 2-day $102 mailed by 3/5, all $105 online at chesstour.com by
largest Native American museum in USA. Prizes $100,000 based on 650 paid list used; FIDE ratings not used. Special rules: Players must submit to a search
3/10, $110 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10 (entry only, no questions), $120
entries (Seniors count as 3/4 entries; U1000 Section, re-entries, GMs, WGMs for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or after, players with
at site. Under 900/Unr Section EF: 3-day $23, 2-day $22 if mailed by 3/5, $25
& foreign IMs/WIMs as half entries), else proportional, minimum $70,000 (70% scores of over 80% and their opponents may not use headphones, earphones
online at chesstour.com by 3/10, $27 phoned to 406-896-2038 by 3/10, $30 at
of each prize) guaranteed. In 7 sections: Open: $10000-5000-2500-1500- or cellphones or go to a different floor of the hotel without Director permis-
site. FREETO UNRATED IN U900 OR U1200 SECTIONS. All: Unofficial uschess.org
1000-700-600-500-400-400, 2300-2499 $3000-1500-700, Under 2300/Unr sion. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions:
ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
$3000-1500-700. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game (White 5 845-496-9658, www.chesstour.com. You may request lowest possible section
1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: online at chess-
minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for title & if April rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. Advance entries will
tour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry $60; not available
free room at 2010 Foxwoods Open. FIDE rated. Under 2100, Under 1900, be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP.
in Open Section. No checks at site, credit cards OK. MCA memb. ($5; higher with

printed magazine) required for MO residents. 3-day schedule: Reg ends Fri Under 1700: each $5000-3000-2000-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under Apr. 23-May 21, Pennsylvania
6 pm, rds Fri 7 pm, Sat 11-6, Sun 9-3:15. 2-day schedule: Reg ends Sat 10 1500, Under 1300: $4000-2000-1500-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. Under
am, rds Sat 11-2:30-6, Sun 9-3:15. Byes: OK all; must commit before rd 3, hav- 1000: $1000-600-400-300-250-200-150-100. Prize limits: 1) Players with 2009 Hatboro Open
ing under 2 pts. HR: $87-87, 888-303-1746, 314-726-5400, request chess rate, under 26 lifetime games rated as of 4/09 list may not win over $500 in U1000, 5-SS, 40/90, G/1.Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 151 W. County Line Road
reserve by 2/27 or rate may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD $1500 in U1300, or $2500 in U1500. Games rated too late for 4/09 list not (near Blair Mill Road), Hatboro 19040. $$950 Gtd. In one section: $400-200,
#D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com. Ent: Continental counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any USCF rating U1900 $100, U1700 $100, U1500 $100, Upset Prize $50. EF: $35 at site, $5 less
Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658. Advance supplement 4/08-3/09, prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games to Chaturanga CC members. Write checks to Chaturanga Chess Club. Reg.:
entries posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. rated) cannot win over $300 in U1000, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 6:45-7:20pm. Rds.: 7:30pm each Thursday. Bye: limit 1, any round, must
U1700, $1600 U1900, or $2000 U2100. Initial ratings that will appear after the request before Round 3 starts. Info: Jorge Amador, POB 387, Forest Grove PA
Mar. 14-15, Maryland 4/09 list used at Directors discretion; if used, rule 1 applies. 4) Balance of lim- 18922, (215) 794-8368, [email protected]. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
ited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 5-day (Open only) $205, 4-day
UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament A State Championship Event!
$204, 3-day $203 if mailed by 1/10; 5-day $225, 4-day $224, 3-day $223
5SS, 20/1, SD/1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hill- Apr. 25-26, Connecticut
mailed by 3/31; all $250 at site. CSCA members may deduct $4 from mailed
top Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 (in Commons Bldg, 3rd floor). Held concurrently
EF only. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF at chesstour.com: $207 Connecticut State Chess Association State Championship Grand
with separate Sweet 16 Invitational, which determines MD Scholastic Cham-
by 1/10, $227 by 4/6, $250 after 4/6 until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone EF at Prix
pion who wins 4-year tuition scholarship to UMBC (worth over $35,000).
406-896-2038 (entry only, no questions): $210 by 1/10, $230 by 4/6. No phone Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
Spectators free & welcome. Open: (All) $$650: $350-200-100; $$400 (b/40):
entry after 4/6. GMs, foreign IMs, foreign WGMs, foreign WIMs free; $150 man Building, Room 201, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in
Top U2250, U2150, U2050, U1950 $100 ea. Free ent. to GMs, $40 deducted from
deducted from prize. US WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF North Garage. 4 SS, G/120. 2 sections, Open & Reserve (U-1800). Both EF:
any prizes. U1800: (U1800/Unr.) $$765 b/40: $250-175-100, Top U1600,
$70 less to seniors over 65 in Under 1300 & above sections. Under 1000 Sec- $50 by 4-22, $60 later. Checks payable to UCONN. GMs & IMs free if no prize
U1400, U1200 (b/4) $80 ea. No Unr. player may win more than $200 in this sect.
tion EF: 4-day $104, 3-day $103 if mailed by 3/31, all $107 online at won. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-3, 9-2. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only,
All EF: $40 if postmarked by 2/27, $50 late, $10 less if under 20. Reg: 8:30-

Tournament Life
no last round byes. $$ 700-500-300, Top U-2200 $200, Top U-2000 $200, 10-12:30-2:30-4:30, Mon. 10-12:30-2:30. Byes: OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 600-500, top U1700 $2000-1000. Under 1600: $12000-6000-3000-2000- 1000-
Reserve $250-$100,Top U-1600 $150-$100.Trophy and state title to top CT res- rds), must commit before rd 3 having under 2 pts. Hotel rates: $94-94-94-94, 900-800-700-600-500, top U1500 $2000-1000. Under 1400:
ident in Open. All cash prizes, $2500, unconditionally guaranteed! Lodging 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 5/9 or rate may increase. Car rental: $10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U1300 $1500-800.
available, please ask. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Avis, 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chess- Under 1200: $5000-2500-1500-1000-800-700-600-500-400-300. Under
Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess. tour.com. Foreign player ratings: Usually 100 points added to FIDE, 100 to 900/unrated: $300-200-100, trophies to top 10, no unrated may win over $100.
uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtual FQE, 200/more to most other foreign, no pts added to CFC or Jamaica. Most Prize limits: 1) Players with under 26 games played as of 7/09 list may not
tour/search/. WCL JGP. foreign ratings other than CFC, FQE or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. win over $1500 in U1200, $3000 U1400 to U1800. Games rated too late for 7/09
An American Classic! Highest of multiple ratings usually used. Players who fail to disclose foreign list not counted. 2) Players with official rating more than 30 points over sec-
or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US player ratings: May official ratings
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, Illinois tion maximum any month 7/08-6/09 have a prize limit of $2000. 3) Balance of
used; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. EF, if mailed by 2/17: 7-day
18th annual Chicago Open games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special rules: 1) Players must sub- $307, 5-day $305, 4-day $304, 3-day $303. Mailed by 5/15: 7-day $317, 5-day
7SS, 40/2, SD/1 (3-day option, rds 1-2 G/75; 2-day option, rds. 1-4 G/45). Under mit to a search for electronic devices if requested by Director. In round 4 or $315, 4-day $314, 3-day $313. Mailed by 6/18: 7-day $327, 5-day $325, 4-day
900 section plays separate 2-day schedule only, G/45. Westin Chicago North after, players with scores over 80% in U1300/up and their opponents may not $324, 3-day $323. At site: All $350; no checks, credit cards OK. Online entry
Shore Hotel, 601 North Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling IL 60090 (from Chicago, I- use headphones, earphones, cellphones, or go to a different floor of the hotel at chesstour.com: $310 by 2/17, $320 by 5/15, $330 by 6/24, $350 after 6/24
294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 east to Lake Cook Rd to US-45 without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, until 2 hours before rd 1. Phone entry at 406-896-2038: $315 by 2/17, $325
south.) Free parking. $100,000 guaranteed prize fund. In 8 sections. Open: NY 12577. Questions: 845-496-9658, chesstour.com. You may request low- by 5/15, $335 by 6/24 (entry only, no questions). No phone entries after 6/24.
$8000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-400-400-400, clear winner bonus $200, est possible section if May rating unknown. $15 service charge for refunds. GMs free; $200 EF deducted from prize. WGMs $100; another $100 EF deducted
top Under 2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. WCL JGP. from prize. EF $100 less to all in U1200 Section and seniors over 65 in Under
1400 & above. Under 900/Unrated Section EF: $25 if mailed by 6/17, all $26
(White 5 minutes, Black 3 minutes & gets draw odds, with 5 second delay) for June 4, Nevada
title & bonus prize. Under 2300, Under 2100, Under 1900, Under 1700: each online at chesstour.com by 6/24, $30 phoned by 6/24 (entry only, no questions),
$6000-3000-1500-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. U2300 Section is FIDE 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) $40 at site. FREE ENTRYTO UNRATED in U900/Unr Section. No checks at site;
rated. Under 1500: $5000-2500-1200-1000-700-500-400-300-300-300. Under See Nationals. credit cards OK. Re-entry: $160, no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for
1300: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-300-300-300, top U1100 $800-400. switching section after 6/30. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life
Under 1100 play for both U1300 section prizes & U1100 class prizes; receive
A Heritage Event! if paid with entry: online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site
An American Classic! $40. 5-day schedule: Wed 7 pm, Thur 11 am & 6 pm, Fri 11 am & 6 pm, Sat
larger if winning both. Under 900: $200-120-80, trophies to top 10. Prize lim-
June 5-7 or 6-7, Nevada 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 7-day schedule: Mon-Fri each 7 pm, Sat
its: 1) Players with under 26 lifetime games rated through 5/09 list may not
win over $1500 U1300 or $2500 U1500. Games rated too late for 5/09 list not 11 am & 6 pm, Sun 10 am & 5 pm. 4-day schedule: Thurs 11, 2:30 & 6, Fri 11
2009 National Open & 6, Sat 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. 3-day schedule: Fri 11, 1:30, 3:30, 6 & 8:30, Sat
counted. 2) If more than 30 points over section maximum on any list 5/08-4/09, See Nationals.
prize limit $1500. 3) Unrated (0-3 lifetime games rated) cannot win over $100 11 & 6, Sun 10 & 5. All schedules merge & compete for same prizes. Under
in U900, $600 U1300, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 U1900 or $2000 U2100. A Heritage Event! 900/Unr schedule: Fri 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sat 11, 1:30, 3:45 & 6, Sun 10 & 12:30.
4) Balance of any limited prize goes to next player(s) in line. Mailed EF: 4-day An American Classic! Half point byes OK all, limit 4 (limit 2 in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3

$199, 3-day $198, 2-day $197 mailed by 3/16; 4-day $219, 3-day $218, 2-day July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, Pennsylvania and have under 2 pts. Entries, re-entries close 1 hour before your first game.
$217 mailed by 5/13; all $250 at site. No checks at site, credit cards OK. Online Bring sets, boards, clocks if possible- none supplied. HR: 93-93, 215-448-
EF at chesstour.com: $200 by 3/16, $220 by 5/19, $250 after 5/20 until 2 hours 37th Annual World Open 2000, may sell out about 5/31, two night minimum 7/3-4. Backup hotel:
before rd 1. Phone EF at 406-896-2038: $205 by 3/16, $225 by 5/19 (entry 9SS, 40/2, SD/1 (4-day option, rds 1-2 G/75, 3-day option, rds 1-5 G/45), Under Radisson Plaza Warwick, 215-735-6000, $93-93. Special car rental rates: Avis,
only, no questions). No phone entry after 5/19. GMs free; $150 deducted from 900/Unr Section plays separate 3-day schedule only, G/45. Sheraton City Cen- 800-331-1600, AWD #D657633, or reserve car online through chesstour.com.
prize. WGMs $100; another $100 deducted from prize. EF $70 less to all in Under ter Hotel, 17th & Race Sts., Philadelphia 19103. Parking $5 for hotel guests Foreign player ratings: 100 pts added to FIDE, 100 to FQE, 200 or more to
1300 Section and to seniors over 65 in Under 1500 & above sections. Under playing in tournament. Downtown location, Franklin Institute, many muse- most foreign, no pts added to CFC. Most foreign ratings other than CFC or FQE
900 EF: $24 if mailed by 5/13, $25 online at chesstour.com by 5/19, $30 ums, stores, restaurants within a few blocks. Prizes $250,000 unconditionally or Jamaica not accepted for U2000 or below. Highest of multiple ratings used.
phoned to 406-896-2038 by 5/19 (entry only, no questions), $40 at site. No guaranteed. Free analysis of your games by GM Sam Palatnik; free lectures Players who fail to disclose foreign or FIDE ratings may be expelled. US
checks at site, credit cards OK. All: FREE ENTRY TO UNRATED in U900 or by other GMs 9 am 7/3 & 7/4. In 9 sections (Unrated eligible only for Open, player ratings: JULY LIST USED; FIDE ratings not used. Unofficial uschess.org
U1300 Sections. ICA membership ($15, scholastic $10) required for rated Illi- Under 2400, or Under 900). Open: $20000-10000-5000-2500-1500-1000-800- ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if otherwise unrated. Special
nois residents. Special 1 yr adult USCF dues with Chess Life if paid with entry: 700-600-500, clear winner bonus $200, top U2500 $2000-1000. If tie for first, rules: 1) Players must submit to a search for electronic devices if requested
online at chesstour.com $30, mailed, phoned or paid at site $40. Re-entry: $100, top 2 on tiebreak play speed game 7/5, 11 pm (White 5 minutes, Black 3 min- by Director. In round 4 or after, players with scores over 80% and their oppo-
no re-entry from Open to Open. $20 fee for switching section after 5/19. 4- utes & gets draw odds, 5 second delay) for title & bonus prize. GM & IM norms nents may not use headphones, earphones, cellphones or go to a different floor
day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, Rds. Fri 7 pm, Sat 12 & 7, Sun 12 & 7, Mon possible in 5-day & 7-day schedules. FIDE rated. Under 2400: $14000-7000- of the hotel without Director permission. Ent: Continental Chess, Box 249, Sal-
10 & 4:30. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 11 am, Rds. Sat 12, 3:30 & 7, Sun 3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2300 $2000-1000. FIDE Under isbury Mills, NY 12577. Questions: www.chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. You may
12 & 7, Mon 10 & 4:30. 2-day schedule (U1300 & up): Reg. ends Sun 9 am, 2200: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top U2100 $2000- request lowest possible section if July rating unknown. $15 service charge
Rds. Sun 10-12:30-2:30-4:30-7, Mon 10 & 4:30. Above schedules merge & 1000. Under 2000: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700-600-500, top for refunds. Advance entries will be posted at chesstour.com. Bring set, board,
compete for same prizes. Under 900 schedule: Reg. ends Sun 9 am, Rds. Sun U1900 $2000-1000. Under 1800: $14000-7000-3000-2000-1000-900-800-700- clock if possible- none supplied. WCL JGP.

Regional to 21st-30th Individuals, and to 4-6th Teams, Trophies to top 3 Par-
California Southern
LA CHESS CLUB * www.LaChessClub.com
ent/Child/Sibling Teams. Scholarships toTexasTech University andTexas A&M
Fridays: 8 PM-10 PM (Blitz Tournament) Saturdays:

-Kingsville will be offered. (Must meet entrance requirements and chess tour-
Alabama
10AM-10 PM (Class& 2 Tournaments) Sundays: 12
nament scholarship criteria www.spice.ttu.edu). Adult Section: $300-$200-
PM-6 PM (Tournament) Tuesdays: 7:30 PM-9:30 PM

Bham C. C. $150-$100 in cash prizes, based on 20 paid entries. All sections: EF: $55 by 1/10;
(Intermediate/Advanced Lecture) 11514 Santa Monica

Meets Mon. nites each wk., 2116 Columbiana Rd. (Columbiana Crossing Shopg. $59 by 1/24; $65 by 2/6; $69 after. On Site registration will receive Rd 1 (1/2
Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 * (310) 795-5710 (4 blocks

Ctr.) Bham 35226. All skills & levels welcome! W. N.S. USCF rtd tourns. planned pt) bye. Byes: (1/2 pt) must be scheduled by the start of round 2. Schedule:
West of 405, Santa Monica& Butler * Second Floor)

in 09. Mon. Quads by request. Vulcan Open-May; Bham City Cships-Aug.; Magic Opening Ceremony 2/14 9:00 am; Rounds: 2/14 9:15-11:30-1:30-3:30; 2/15
Private (1:1) Lessons * Group Classes * Tournaments.

City Open-Nov. SS 4rd G/60 2d Sat.ea. mo. Details & flyers: R.W. Ellis 205-979- 9:00-1:00-3:00. Side-Events: Puzzle Solving Championship 2/13 6:00pm.
6068, [email protected]. EF: $15 if by 2/6; $20 after. Registration closes 5:30pm. Susan Polgar 64 Board
Simultaneous Exhibition 2/13 7:15pm. EF: $25 by 2/6; $30 after. Registra-
Feb. 7, QoHs Scholastics Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, LACC Friday Nite Blitz (QC)
tion closes 7:00pm (Limit 1st 64 entries). Bughouse Championship, 2/13: 5
6 Sections 5SS, TC: G/30. AUM Taylor Center 7440 East Drive Montgomery, 5SS, G/5 (10 Games). LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks
Double Rd Swiss, G/5. Prizes: Trophies top 10 teams (2/15 3:30pm - Awards
AL 36117. EF: $20/Rated and $10/Not Rated mail by JAN31st; ($10 more @ W 405. EF: $10. Q-rated. Reg: 7:30-8. Rds: 8-8:30-9-9:30,10. 2 Free Parking
Ceremony). Rounds: 2/13 6:30-7:00-7:30-8:00-8:30. EF (Team): $20 by 2/6;
site).Trophies: (Rated) Top 3 Individuals;Top 2Teams. Medallions: (Not Rated) lots SW of S Monica/ Purdue; or underground ($3). Prizes: 1/2 EF. Inf: (310)
$25 after. Registration closes 6:00pm. Susan Polgar Free Lecture 2/14 12:30-
Top 3 Individuals. Rds: 9:30-10:45-12:30-1:45-3. Late REG.: FEB 7th 8:30-9:10. 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
1:30pm. Blitz Championship, 2/14: 5 Double Rd Swiss, G/5. Sections:
Checks payable to: Montgomery Chess Club. Ent: MCC-QoH 668 Sandhurst Primary (K-2); Elementary (3-5); Middle School (6-8), High School / Adults U1600. Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC LA Masters
Drive Montgomery, AL 36109. Info: www.alabamachess.com or Caesar. Prizes: Primary, Elementary, Middle School Trophies to top 10 in each sec- 4SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
[email protected]. tion, High School / Adult U1600 trophies to top 5 (2/15 3:30pm - Awards $30 ($20 LACC memb). Reg: 5:30-6. Rds: 6, 7, 8, 9. Prizes: 75% EF. 2 Free lots
A Heritage Event! Ceremony). Rounds: 2/14 6:00-6:30-7:00-7:30-8:00. EF: $20 by 2/6; $25 SW of S Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). Inf: (310) 795-5710 or
Feb. 7-8, Queen of Hearts (37th Annual) after. Registration closes 5:30pm. Susan Polgar 64 Board Simultaneous www.LaChessClub.com.
5SS, TC: 30/90;SD: 30. AUM Taylor Center 7440 East Drive, Montgomery, AL Exhibition 2/15 5:30pm. EF: $25 by 2/6; 30 after. Registration closes 5:00pm
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, LACC Saturday Swiss Open
36117. EF: $40 by JAN 31st; ($50 @ Site). Open (All): $$b/25: $300+T, $200, (Limit 1st 64 entries). Susan Polgar Chess Camp (am) Mon 2/16 9:00am-
4SS, G/30 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF: $20
$150, A $150+T, U1800 $100+T. Reserve (U1600): $$b/20: $200+T, $150, 12:30pm. EF: $49 by 2/6; $59 after. Susan Polgar Chess Camp (pm) 2/16
($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 1, 2, 3. Prizes: 1/2 EF. 2 Free lots
D $125+T, E $100+T, U1000 $50. Rds.: 9, 2, 7 & 9-3. Late REG.: FEB 7th 7:45- 1:30pm-5:00. EF: $49 by 2/6; $59 after. ENT: online registration available at
SW of S. Monica/Purdue; or underground ($3). I nf: (310) 795-5710 or
8:30. Checks payable to: Montgomery Chess Club. Ent: MCC-QoH 668 www.chessemporium.com, or mail entry form to Chess Emporium, 10801 N.
www.LaChessClub.com.
Sandhurst Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109. Info: www.alabamachess.com or 32nd St, Suite 6, Phoenix, AZ 85028. Info or Phone Credit Card entries: 602-
[email protected]. WCL JGP. 482-4867. E-mail [email protected]. Cancellations: No later than Jan. 4, 11, 18, LACC Sunday Swiss Open
Feb 11, 7:00pm. 80% refund only. Other Info: Chief TD: Scott Freneaux; Assis- 3SS, G/60 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
Alaska tant Matthew Okunevich; Pairing Director AJ Pheasant. Vendors: Chess
Emporium Books, Chess Equipment, Clocks,T-Shirts. Sponsors: Chess Empo-
$20 ($15 LACC memb). Reg: 11:30-12. Rds: 12, 2, 4. Prizes: 1/2 EF. Free park-
ing on streets. Inf: (310) 795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Feb. 20-22, 2009 Rondezvous Chess Tournament rium, City of Peoria. Accommodation: Hampton Inn, 8408 W. Paradise Lane,
5SS G/120 IBEWTraining Center 5800 B St. Anchorage, AK 99518. EF: $30, $15 Jan. 4, 18, LACC January Scholastics I & II
Peoria, AZ 85382. 623-486-9918 @ $159. Holiday Inn Express, 16771 N. 84th 5SS, G/30 LACC, 11514 Santa Monica Blvd LA, 90025, 2nd Fl. 4 blks W 405. EF:
Age 15 and Under. Reg.: 5 - 6:45P Fri Feb 20th. Rds.: Fri 7PM, Sat/Sun 10A Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382. 623-853-1313 @ $139. Or possible better rates for hotel
and 3P. Info: Mike [email protected]. WCL JGP. $25 ($20 LACC memb). Reg: 1:30-2. Rds: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Prizes:Trophies, Medals,
and air at Diamond Travel at 602-870-9197....ask for Eldon. special prizes (every player wins a prize!). Free parking on streets. Inf: (310)
Arizona May 23-25, 2009 U.S. Amateur - West Championship
See Nationals.
795-5710 or www.LaChessClub.com.
Jan. 23-25 or 24-25, Tucson Open and Scholastics Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 17-18, 16th annual Western Class Champi-
onships
See Grand Prix. California Northern See Grand Prix.
Feb. 13-16, 4th Susan Polgar 2009 Open Challenge for Boys and Girls Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 17-18, 16th annual Western Class Champi-
Over $250,000 in scholarships and chess prizes! Organized and Directed by Jan. 18, Western Class Sunday USCF Booster Quads
onships (CA-S) 3RR, G/45, Renaissance Hotel (see Western Class). EF: $20. 1st prize each sec-
Susan Polgar Foundation and Chess Emporium, LLC. 7SS, G/45, Sunrise See Grand Prix.
Mountain High School, 21200 N 83rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85382. Winners in the tion: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young
Girls sections will qualify for the 2009 SP National Invitational, if meet eligi- Jan. 25, Cupertino G/60 Open Tournament! Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12:30 pm, Rds: 1-
bility requirements. Sections: All-Girls and Open (Boys/Girls): Primary 4SS, G/60. 10675 S. De Anza Blvd., #4, Cupertino, CA 95014. 408-996-1236. 2:30-4. Ent: at site only, no checks.
(K-2); Elementary (3-5); Middle School (6-8), High School. Parents/Adults: All ($500 b/32) 1st overall: $100, u2000 $100, u1800 $100, u1600 $100, u1400 $100. Jan. 19, Western Class Monday USCF Booster Quads
ages. Prizes (All Scholastic Sections): Laptop Computer to 1st, $200 (in Chess EF: $30 by 1/24, $40 same day. Reg.: 10-10:45 Rds.: 11-1:30-3:45-6:15. Site 3RR, G/30, Renaissance Hotel (see Western Class). EF: $20. 1st prize each sec-
Prizes) to 2nd, $150 to 3rd $100 to 4th, $50 to 5th All the above are in kind, capacity: 32. Info: [email protected]. tion: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year USCF Young
chess prizes such as chess books/DVDs etc, and not a cash prize. Digital Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Rds: 12:30-
Clock to 7-0 score,Trophies to top 20 Individuals,Trophies to top 3 teams, Medals See Grand Prix. 1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks.

Tournament Life
Sale, Classes, Lectures, Simuls, Under Age 18 & Begin-

ners Welcome, Handicap Accessible. As location may
Jan. 25, 2009 Westwood Winter Open
The BEST of CHESS INSTRUCTION

change, please check website or call contact phone #.
See Grand Prix.
Feb. 14-16, 26th Annual 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - West
Chess Educator Legend

See Nationals. Feb. 5, UCONN CC Open House (QC)
UCONN Castleman Bldg., Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. #
Feb. 15, 12th Annual Southern California Scholastic Amateur Team
I M Dr. Danny Kopec

of rounds for RR to be determined onsite. G/5. EF: FREE !!! Round 1 at 7:30
4-SS, SD/45, Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA
PM, all others ASAP. Free pizza & refreshments.Used booksale. Info:TomHart-
91367. Four-player teams plus optional alternate, Grade 12/below, aver-
mayer, 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu.
age rating of four highest must be U1200. (Dec. 2008 rating list used, Feb.
covering All Aspects at All Levels

2009 used for previously unrated players.) EF: $69 per team received by Feb. 8, Western Connecticut Open
2/13, $84 at site.Trophies (team & individual) to top 3 teams, top U1000, U800, 4SS, G/45 (G/40 + 5 sec. delay), Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School
U400/unr. Reg.: 9:00-10 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1-2:45-4:30. Info, help in forming St., Bethel, CT 06801. EF: $30 mailed by 2/10, $35 on site. $$b/20: $200-$120.
teams: Info, help in forming teams: Jim Bullock, 714-848-4377, jim.bullock@ U1600 $80. Reg.: 9-9:40 AM. Rounds: 10:00-12:00-2:00-4:00 Entries: Ed
8 DVDs - a total of over 18 hours

boeing.com. Web site, advance entry list: www.westernchess.com. HR: $119, Scimia, 20 A Durant Ave., Bethel, CT 06801. Info: [email protected]. NS NC
800-228-9290, ask for Western Chess. Reserve by Jan. 23 or rates may go up. W.
of first class instruction . . .

Parking $6. Ent: SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles
Feb. 12, 19, 16, 23, UCONN Winter Tune Up
CA 90038. NS, NC, W. See Nationals for 26th Annual U.S. Amateur Team West
The Kopec Master Class DVDs:

UCONN Castleman Bldg., Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. 4 -
details.
SS, G/90. Reg.: 7-7:30pm. Rds.: 7:30pm. EF: At site $10, $5 students. $$ 50%
Feb. 16, AT HEXES - 30% - 20% net EFs. 1/2 point byes available in rounds 1 - 3 only, no last round
Millennium Edition
3-SS, G/90. Marina Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland byes. Info: Tom Hartmayer, 860-989-5394, [email protected],
Hills, CA 91367. Six-player sections by rating. EF: $20 if rec. by 2-13, $25 door. www.uconnchess.uconn.edu. WCL JGP.
$$40-20-10 each section. Reg.: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Rds.: 10:30-1:30-4:30. Ent:
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, NY State Scholastics (out of state welcome)
SCCF, c/o John Hillery, 835 N Wilton Place #1A, Los Angeles CA 90038, on line
Also Available in BLU-RAY HD!

See New York.
at www.westernchess.com. See Nationals for details for 26th Annual U.S.
5 DVDs - Over 10 hrs of Chess Insights!

Amateur Team West. Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N)
(1) How to Visualize Combinations

See Grand Prix. Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
Championship Preliminaries EAST
(2) Pawn Structures

Colorado Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle-
and How to Play Them

man Building Rooms 204 & 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking
Jan. 21, January G/29 Colorado Grand Prix Series (QC) in North Garage. 4 SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K6th Open, (Open to all),
3-SS G/29. Site: University Memorial Center, room 382, Boulder, CO. Entry Fee:
(3) How to Analyze a Position

Reserve K6th U-700, K 3rd, Reserve K3rd U-700, 1st Grade Open,
$3. Prizes: 60% of Entries, remainder after rating fee will go towards grand Kindergarten Open. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60 after. CSCA membership required,
(4) Opening Pawn Structures

prix prize fund. Reg.: 6:30-7:00. Rounds 7, 8, 9. Email: boulderchessclub@ $5, other states OK. Checks payable to UCONN. Reg.: 89:30 AM, Rds.
yahoo.com. Not a USCF Grand Prix event. 101112:301:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes.
Vol 1: King Pawn Openings

Jan. 24-25, 2009 Boulder Winter Grand Prix Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes: Trophies to Top 5, Books to 6th-
See Grand Prix. 8th CT residents in each section. Books donated by USCF Sales/ChessCafe.
(5) Opening Pawn Strucutes

com. Top 5 in each section eligible to play in CSCA Tournament of Scholastic
A Heritage Event!
Vol 2: Queen Pawn Openings

Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs. Trophies to Top 5 teams of top 4 from 1
Feb. 7-8, Loveland Open
school combined from all sections. Free commemorative UCONN chess sets
4SS, 40/2, SD/1. Larimer County Fairgrounds, McKee Community Bldg., 5280
to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd.,
Arena Cir., Loveland, CO, 80538. 2 sections: Open: open to all; Santa Fe:
Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.
and more Chess DVDs . . .

open to U1610 & unr. EF: $30 ($25 if recd by 2/5). Jr., Sr, unr less 25% of early
uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtual
entry. Prizes: based on entries. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM. Rds.: 10-4, 9-3. State memb.
tour/search/.
(6) The Kopec System

reqd, $15, OSA. Adv. ent: Randy Reynolds, 1839Thyme Ct., Ft. Collins, CO 80528.
[email protected]. Colorado Tour Event. NC, NS, W. WCL JGP. Mar. 22, Connecticut State Chess Association K-6 Scholastic State
(7) Essential Endgame Knowledge

Championship Preliminaries - WEST
Mar. 7-8, Manitou Springs: COLORADO SPRINGS OPEN
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Stam-
(8) Middlegame Pawn Play for Mate

5-SS, Rds.: 1-3 40/90 and G/1; Rds.: 4-5 40/2 and G/1. Manitou Springs City
ford Campus, One University Place, Stamford, CT 06901. Parking in Washington
Hall, 606 Manitou Ave. One open section. EF: $30 if recd by March 5, $35 at
Blvd. Garage. 4-SS, G/30. 6 Sections: K 6th Open, (Open to all), Reserve
- A Chessplayers Toolbox (4 hrs!!)

site. $8 EF discount for juniors, seniors, unrated. CSCA required, ($15, jrs &
K6th U-700, K3rd, Reserve K3rd U-700, K1st. All EF: $50 by 3-25, $60
srs 10), OSA. Cash prizes per entries. Registration: 8:30 - 9:30, Rds.: 10, 2:30,
after. CSCA membership required, $5, other states OK. Checks payable to
7:00; 9:00 AM, 3:00. Entries to: Richard Buchanan, 844B Prospect Place,
UCONN. Reg.: 8-9:30 AM, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30. Half point byes available
Chess Books:
Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Phone (719) 685-1984 or e-mail buck-
in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Please bring a board, set & clock. Prizes:
[email protected] . COLORADO TOUR EVENT. WCL JGP.
Trophies & Books toTop 5, Books to 6th-8th, CT residents in each section. Books
(1) Mastering Chess:

Connecticut donated by USCF Sales/ChessCafe.com.Top 5 in each section eligible to play
UCONN Chess Club

a Course in 21 Lessons
in CSCATournament of Scholastic Champions Finals on 3-29 in Storrs.Trophies
Tues. & Thurs 7:30PM. Castleman Building, Room 204,

to Top 5 teams of top 4 from 1 school combined from all sections. Free com-
261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Contact: TOM

(2) World Title Contenders
memorative UCONN chess sets to 1st 100 entrants. Info & Entries to: Tom
HARTMAYER. Contact Phone: 860-989-5394. Email:

Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394,
and Their Styles

[email protected]. Web Site: www.uconnchess.
[email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu,
uconn.edu. No dues required. Casual Play, USCF Rated

UCONN-Stamford Map stamford.uconn.edu/maps.htm.
(3) Mastering The Sicilian

Events, Blitz Events, League Play, Matches, Club Cham-
A State Championship Event!
pionships, Sets & Clocks Available, Chess Items for
(4) Winning the Won Game
Mar. 29, Connecticut State Chess Association Tournament of
Scholastic Champions Finals
(5) Practical Middlegame Techniques

( 6 ) Test, Evaluate & Improve Your Chess:
A Knowledge-Based Approach
(7) Champions of the New Millennium
Chess CDs:
( 1 ) Test, Evaluate & Improve Your Chess:
ChessBase International, 2006
(2) Total Kopec
- 750 games by IM Danny Kopec
Please visit:
www.kopecchess.com
Or contact:
KOPEC CHESS SERVICES
42 Hamilton Road
Merrick, NY 11566
516 - 705 - 4335

Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering and the UCONN CC. UCONN charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map used. 1/2 point bye available any round (except round 6) if requested in
Castleman Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/. advance of round 1. Team score = total of top four (minimum of 2) finishers
in North Garage. 4 SS, G/30. 3 Sections: K6, K3, K1.Trophies to 1st Place from each school. To compete as a team, the FSCL School Membership form
CT residents in each section, medals for all others. Open to top 5 finishers District of Columbia and theTeam Entry form must be in possession of the FSCL commissioner. First
in all sections in both EAST & WEST Scholastic Prelims and any K-6 player place teams and individuals will be State Champions of their sections. Sched-
Jan. 17-18, D.C. Junior Open
over 1000. EF: FREE to qualifying prelim players, $50 by 3-25, $60 later to ule: Opening Ceremony Sat., Feb 7 at 9:00am. Rounds: Sat. 1-4 (G/45)
U.S. Chess Center, 1501 M Street, NW. Washington, DC 20005. Open to all under
eligible over 1000 who did not play in prelims. Checks payable to UCONN. 9:30-12-2:15-4:30, Sun. 5-6 (G/60) 9-12. Awards Ceremony Sun. 3pm. Entry
age 21. 4-SS. EF: $15 if by 1/10, $20 at door. 3 Sections: Teens, Preteens Open
Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds. 10 11 12:30 1:30. Info & Entries to: Tom Hart- Fees: $40/Individual (if postmarked by 1/16/09), $50 thereafter or on site. On
& Preteens U800. $100 Savings Bond prize for Teen Champion. Trophies in all
mayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ site registration Fri. 3pm-8pm. No entries after 8pm 2/6/09. Awards:Trophies
sections. Reg.: 12-12:45. Teen TC: G/90. Rds.: 1 - 4, 12:30 - 3:30 A Denker
charter.net, www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, UCONN Map to top 5 teams and top 10 individuals in all sections, other special awards &
qualifier. Preteens TC: G/30 with all games played on Saturday. Info: (202) 857-
admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/. prizes, commerative medal for all! Side Events: Blitz: Fri., Feb 6 at 7:30pm. Reg-
4922. www.chessctr.org/DCJunior.php. WCL JGP (Teens Section).
istration on site only 5pm-7pm. $10 per player.Trophies to top 5 in K-5 and K-12
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open
Florida Sections. Bughouse: Sat., Feb 7 at 7:30pm. Registration on site only 5pm-7pm.
South Florida Chess Club

See Grand Prix.
$20 per team. Trophies to top 5 in K-5 and K-12 Sections. Team Rooms: Con-
Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm. Rated G90 Tournaments

Apr. 25-26, Connecticut State Chess Association State Champi- tact ElizabethTejada: (786)444-2467. Hotel info: (866)578-4078 Questions: FSCL
and skittles. www.SouthFloridaChessClub.com.

onship Grand Prix Commissioner Elizabeth Tejada: [email protected] or PO Box 22629,
See Grand Prix. Hialeah, FL 33002-2629. More information available at www.fsclchess.org.
A State Championship Event! Boca Raton Chess Club Feb. 7, February Swiss Madness (QC)
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-8 State Open Friday nights, Game 90 Tournament, one game a week for 4 weeks. 7SS G/29, Orlando Chess & Games Center, 8853 Commodity Circle #9, Orlando,
Championship www.bocachess.com, 561-883-2917. WCL JGP. FL 32819 Reg.: 9:15-9:45, Rds.: 10-11-12:30-1:30-2:30- 3:30-4:30. EF: $30,
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle- members: $24. PF-b/30: $175-125-100-75, Lower Half Crosstable: $75-50.
man Building Room 206, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in Jan. 10, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, Florida
St. Petersburg $500 Absolutely Guaranteed Cash Open Info: 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess.com.
North Garage. 4 SS, G/60. EF: $50, by 4-22, $60 later. Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds.:
10-12:30-2:30-4:30. Half point byes available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. 5rd Swiss, G/30. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. EF: $25; $30 Feb. 13-15 or 14-15, 2009 U.S. Amateur Team - South
Prizes: Trophies to Top 5. Trophy to Top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & at door. (SPCC Mems. $5 off) $100-$60-$40; U1600, U1400, & U1200 $50-$30- See Nationals.
Entries to:Tom Hartmayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989- $20 each. Part of the lucrative and prestigious FCA Grand Prix. Preregister
www.stpetersburgchessclub.com with Paypal. Cash or check only onsite 9-
Feb. 21, February OCG Open Tournament
5394, [email protected], www.uconnchess.uconn.edu, www.engr.uconn.edu, 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30. PF-b/30: $175-$110-$75. Best U-
UCONN Map admissions.uconn.edu/virtualtour/search/. 10 AM. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65 each. Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm-
A State Championship Event! Jan. 10, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, St. Petersburg 66 Trophy RBO 7pm. Info: call 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.
Apr. 26, Connecticut State Chess Association K-12 & UCONN School 5rd Swiss G/30 USCF RBO 4 Sect. K-2U400; K-5U500; K-8U700; & K-
12U1000; top 12 in each get trophy; all others get medal. Also Trophies to top
Mar. 7, Orlando Bonus Tornado
of Engineering High School $14,000 Scholarship State Open Cham- 4-SS, G/75, Melody Manor, 813 Montana St. EF: $30, CFCC mbr: $25, Masters
pionship 12 teams.Team (2 or more) - take best four scores from all divisions. Bughouse
free-EF deducted from prize. $$605 b/30: 200-100-80, U1800, U1600, U1400
Sponsored by the UCONN School of Engineering & UCONN CC. UCONN Castle- at lunch. EF: $18. (SPCC members $15) Onsite reg. cash or chck 9-10AM. First
$75 ea. Prize increased 50% for 4-0 score. Reg.: 9:30am. Rds.: 10-12:30-
man Building Room 204, 261 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269. Parking in round 10:15 AM. Sunshine Center, 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. 66 trophies
3-5:30. Info: (407) 629-6946, centralflchess.org. WCL JGP.
North Garage. 4 SS, G/60. EF: $50 by 4-22, $60 after. Checks payable to every event. www.stpetersburgchessclub.com for dirctins and Paypal pre-
UCONN. Reg.: 8 9:30 AM, Rds.: 10 12:30 2:30 4:30. Half point byes rgistration. Chief Organizer: Andrew Scherman. 727 822 1171. NS NC W.
Idaho
available in rds. 1-3 only, no last round byes. Prizes: State Champ title, CSCA Jan. 24, January OCG Open Tournament
Denker/Polgar $300 Award & trophy to highest scoring CT male/female res- 4 round Swiss, game/90 minutes. EF: $30. PF-b/30: $175-$110-$75. Best U-
Feb. 14-16, 2009 Idaho Closed
idents in grades 9-12. UCONN School of Engineering Scholarships to Top 3 in IDAHO RESIDENTS ONLY! Shilo Inn, 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd No., Twin Falls, ID
1600, U-1400, U-1200, $65 each. Reg.: 9:15am-9:45am. Rds.: 10am-1pm-4pm-
grades 9-12, 1st:Trophy plus $2000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 83301. 6SS, 30/120, SD/60. Rounds: 9, 4, 9, 4, 8, 3. One 1/2 Pt Bye, Rounds
7pm. Info: call 407-248-0818, www.orlandochess.com. WCL JGP.
GPA, 2nd: Trophy plus $1000 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 1 - 5, Must notify TD before second round. Reg.: 8am - 8:30am Saturday Feb
3rd: Trophy plus $500 scholarship renewable for 4 years with 3.4 GPA, 4th - Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Central Florida Chess Club Championship 14. One Section: Open. EF: $30 by 2/10/2009, $40 at door. Prizes: 1st, 2nd,
5th:Trophies. Scholarships are available only to tournament winners in grades See Grand Prix. 3rd Overall - 1st, 2nd XThru F, Junior, Senior, Unrated. HR: $79/2-4 People, $15
9-12 who are admitted to and enroll in an engineering program at the UCONN Feb. 6-8, Miami Florida 2009 Superstate VI Championship Each Additional Person. FREE breakfast for each occupant. 866-539-0036,
School of Engineering. Scholarships are not transferable and are renewable 6SS, Rds 1-4 G/45, Rds 5 & 6 G/60. Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Cen- Ask for Darlene or mention chess. Contact: ICA % Jay Simonson, 208-206-7667.
for a maximum of 4 years. Students are limited to 1 scholarship in the School ter, 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126 (305)261-3800 ask for Florida Scholastic Mailto: [email protected]. NS, NC, W.
of Engineering. Prior winners are eligible to upgrade only, prior 1st prize win- chess League rate ($169Double/$179Quad) or go to www.miamimartairport
ners are eligible for trophy & titles only. Other previous winners may upgrade hotel.com and use the group code (clb06a). 11 Sections: K-1 Open, K-3 Open, Illinois
only. Trophy to top 3 teams of 4 from 1 school. Info & Entries to: Tom Hart- K-3 U/600, K-5 Open, K-5 U/750, K-5 Unrated, K-8 Open, K-8 U/850, K-8 Jan. 31, JJC Winter Open
mayer, 963 Mansfield City Rd., Storrs, CT 06268, 860-989-5394, tomhart3@ Unrated, K-12 Open, K-12 U/1000. January 2009 rating supplement will be 4SS, G45, Joliet Jr. College, Bldg J, 1215 Houbolt Road,Joliet, Il. 60431 (Park

Tournament Life
in J lot). $$$250 b/30, $60-30 A,B,C,D,E/F each $35, unrated book prize. EF: - 11:15 - lunch - 1 - 3:15. ENT: Stephen Miller, 859.200.8460, zepper55@ who scores 4 or more points and doesnt win a trophy will receive a medal!The
$15 by 1/19, $25 at site, one half pt bye max. Reg.: 10:00am-10:50am. Rds.: yahoo.com, Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, [email protected]. Lexchess.com. Top individual players in each section also win free entree into Chess Pro week-
11:00-12:45-3:00-4:45. Checks payable to: Dennis Doyle, c/oJJC Chess Club, end chess camps a saving of hundreds of dollars! All entry fees $5 less per
Jan. 24, LTMS Chess Club Scholastic Tournament
536 Springwood Drive, Joliet Il. 60431, no phone or credit card entries, bring player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE!
at P.L. Dunbar High School, Lexington. More Information available at:
chess set and clocks, none provided. Bring USCF id to tournament. E- Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refund. $10 extra to switch sec-
www.ltms.fcps.net/chess.
mail:[email protected]. tions. Current USCF Membership is required to participate. TO REGISTER, list
Feb. 7, Chess is in the Air each players name, USCF ID# and expiration (new players write NEW)
Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO) 4SS, G/45. U1600 or U1400 section depending on entries. UK Student Center address, birth date, school and grade. BE SURETO INDICATETHE CORRECT SEC-
See Grand Prix.
Room #231, Avenue of Champions (Euclid Ave), Lexington KY. 2200+ rated play- TION. Make checks for entry fees + all USCF dues (1 check for total amount
May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open ers get FREE entry. EF: $1 for every 100 rating points. Minimum $10. PRIZES: is best) payable and mail to: CHESSPRO, 14 Hartley Circle, #532, Owings
See Grand Prix. 90% of entry fees returned. RDS: 10:15-lunch-12:30-2:15-3:45. ENT: Stephen Mills, MD 21117. Questions: (443)-660-8025.All entry fees $7 extra per
Miller, 859.200.8460, [email protected], Jerry Baker, 859.806.0637, Lex- player postmarked January 12-16 (no mail accepted postmarked after Jan.16).
Indiana [email protected]. Lexchess.com. On-Site Entry fee: $40 per player at the tournament! On-site registration
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2009 U.S. Jr. Chess Congress ENDS 9:15 AM.
Maryland
Silver Knights Chess Tournaments
See Nationals. Jan. 24, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
We organize USCF-rated tournaments on Saturdays

Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO) Primary Championship!
for adults and kids. Free analysis by a National Mas-

5-SS, G/30, open to all grades K-3/ below. Hilton Pikesville, 1726 Reisterstown
See Grand Prix.
ter at every tournament for the scholastic players.
Road, Baltimore, MD 21208. 2 sections: Primary Varsity, open to all. EF: $30
Trophies to top scholastic finishers; 70% of entries

Iowa postmarked by 1/10/09. Trophies to the 8 top-scoring players and the 4 top-
returned as prizes in open (adult) sections. To see a list

scoring schools, the top rated Under 900, and the top 3 Unrated. Primary
of dates and locations, see our website at www.silver

Jan. 31, Cedar Rapids Leatherjackets Novice rated Under 700 or Unrated. EF: $30 postmarked by 1/10/09.Trophies:
knightschess.com. Phone: 610-446-0818. Email:

4SS, G/60 (IA Mini-Qualifier). Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Hall, Mar- top 8 players; top 3 Unrated, top 4 schools, top Under 500. Trophies to the top
[email protected].
land Room, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 EF: $18 postmarked 4 Kindergartners! Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesnt win a
by 1/24, $22 on-site. REG: 8:30-9:30 RDS: 10-1-3:15, 5:30. G/60T/D5. PRIZES: trophy will receive a medal! The Top individual players in each section also win
1st $40+Trophy, 2nd $20+Trophy, U1900, U1700, U1500, U1300 each $20+Tro- free entree into Chess Pro weekend chess camps a saving of hundreds of
phy. IASCA membership required ($15 Reg, $10 Jr.) or OSA. ENT: James Jan. 9 & 23, Feb. 6, Catonsville Friday Knight Quick #75, #76 & #77
dollars! All entry fees $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed
Hodina, 3411 Blue Pt Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404. INFO: 319-390-6525 or
(QC)
together in SAME ENVELOPE! Refunds: $10 service charge for each player
5SS, G/15, Catonsville Chess Club, Bloomsbury Community Center, 106 Blooms-
[email protected]. Campus Map: www.kirkwood.edu/maincampus. refund. $10 extra to switch sections. Current USCF Membership is required to
bury Ave, Catonsville, MD. 21228. EF: $5.00 Reg.: 7:30pm. Rds.: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30,
participate. TO REGISTER, list each players name, USCF ID# and expiration
Kentucky 10. Prizes based on entries with 65% returned in prize fund. Info: Joe Sum-
mers [email protected] or 410-788-1009. www.geocities.com/catons
(new players write NEW) address, birth date, school and grade. BE SURETO
Elizabethtown Chess Club Special INDICATETHE CORRECT SECTION. Make checks for entry fees + all USCF dues
villechess. Dir: 695 to exit 13 West, left at second light, 3 blocks on right.
Rated tournament the 2nd Tuesday of each month and we meet every Tues- (1 check for total amount is best) payable and mail to: CHESSPRO, 14 Hart-
day between 6:30-10:00. We meet at the Elizabethtown Community and
Jan. 10, Dumbarton Scholastic ley Circle, #532, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Questions: (443)-660-8025. All
Dumbarton Middle Sch., 300 Dumbarton Road,Towson, MD 21212. 5 sections: entry fees $7 extra per player postmarked January 12-16 (no mail accepted
Technical College, in Room 108A of the OccupationalTechnical Building. For fur-
Contenders: K-12 >1200, 4SS, G/65 MD Sweet 16 Rally Section; Future Con- postmarked after Jan.16). On-Site Entry fee: $40 per player at the tournament!
ther details visit our website @ www.geocities.com/elizabethtownchessclub/
tenders: K-12 >800 and U1300, 4SS, G/65; HS/MS Reserve: 6-12 U900, On-site registration ENDS 9:15 AM.
A State Championship Event! 5SS, G/40; Elementary Reserve: K-5 U900, 5SS, G/40. Novice: K-5 U500,
Jan. 17, 2009 Kentucky Class Championship 4SS G/30, EF: $15 by 12/23, $20 by 1/6, and $25 online only by 1/9, no at the
Jan. 25, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
5SS, G/45, $2240 with 50% guaranteed - full prize awarded in any class with High School Championship!
door reg. Trophies top individuals in each section. 1st rnds @9:20, 9:30, 9:40,
at least 10 entries. If less than 4 entries class will be cancelled. St. Matthews 5-SS, G/30, open to all in grades K-12/ below. Hilton Pikesville, 1726 Reister-
9:40, and 10:30 respectively. Ent: Michael Regan, 1827Thornton Ridge Rd,Tow-
United Methodist Church, 319 Browns Lane, Louisville, Ky. Sections: M, X, A, stown Road, Baltimore, MD 21208. 2 sections: High School Varsity, open to
son, MD 21204. Detailed rules, info, & online entry: jandumbar.eventbrite.com/.
B, C, D, E/under. EF: $29 if received by 01/10, $35 on site. KCA membership all. EF: $30 postmarked by 1/10/09. Trophies to the 8 top-scoring players and
WCL JGP.
required for all Ky residents ($8 adult, $4 sr or jr). Prizes: 1st: $200, 2nd: $120 the 4 top-scoring schools, the top rated Under 1500, and the top 3 Unrated.
(each section). Reg.: 9am - 9:45. Rds.: 10, 11:30, 1:30, 3, 4:30. Ent: KCA, PO Jan. 24, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic High School Novice rated Under 1200 or Unrated. EF: $30 postmarked by
Box 8035, Louisville, KY 40257. Info: Allen Priest 502-228-5054. kychess.org.
Elementary Championship! 1/10/09. Trophies: top 8 players; top 3 Unrated, top 4 schools, top Under 900.
5-SS, G/30, open to all grades K-6/ below. Hilton Pikesville, 1726 Reisterstown Any player who scores 4 or more points and doesnt win a trophy will receive
Jan. 24, Begin Anew Road, Baltimore, MD 21208. 2 sections: Elementary Varsity, open to all. EF: a medal! The Top individual players in each section also win free entree into
4SS, Rd1,2-G/30, Rd3,4-G/60. Full open with no lower sections. UK Student Cen- $30 postmarked by 1/10/09. Trophies to the 8 top-scoring players and the 4 Chess Pro weekend chess camps a saving of hundreds of dollars! All entry
ter Room #231, Avenue of Champions (Euclid Ave), Lexington KY. Plenty of easy top-scoring schools, the top rated Under 1000, and the top 3 Unrated. Elemen- fees $5 less per player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME
and free parking. 2200+ rated players get FREE entry. EF: $1 for every 100 tary Novice rated Under 800 or Unrated. EF: $30 postmarked by 1/10/09. ENVELOPE! Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refund. $10 extra to
rating points. Minimum $10. PRIZES: 90% of entry fees returned. RDS: 10:15 Trophies: top 8 players; top 3 Unrated, top 4 schools, top Under 600. Any player switch sections. Current USCF Membership is required to participate. TO REG-

ISTER, list each players name, USCF ID# and expiration (new players write Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 30th Annual Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open (NY)
NEW) address, birth date, school and grade. BE SURETO INDICATETHE COR- Greater NY Primary Championship! See Grand Prix.
RECT SECTION. Make checks for entry fees + all USCF dues (1 check for total See New York.
amount is best) payable and mail to: CHESSPRO, 14 Hartley Circle, #532,
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, NY State Scholastics (out of state welcome)
Owings Mills, MD 21117. Questions: (443)-660-8025. All entry fees $7 extra
Feb. 1, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual See New York.
Greater NY Elementary Championship!
per player postmarked January 12-16 (no mail accepted postmarked after
See New York.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships
Jan.16). On-Site Entry fee: $40 per player at the tournament! On-site registra- See Grand Prix.
tion ENDS 9:15 AM. Feb. 1, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual
Greater NY High School Championship! Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
Jan. 25, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic See New York. See Grand Prix.
Junior High Championship!
5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 9/ below. Hilton Pikesville, 1726 Reisterstown Mar. 14-15, UMBC Open - Alvin S. Mintzes Chess Tournament Michigan
Road, Baltimore, MD 21208. 2 sections: Junior High Varsity, open to all. EF: See Grand Prix.
Jan. 17-18, Michigan Master/Expert & Class Championships
$30 postmarked by 1/10/09. Trophies to the 8 top-scoring players and the 4
top-scoring schools, the top rated Under 1200, and the top 3 Unrated. Junior Massachusetts See Grand Prix.
High Novice rated Under 1000 or Unrated. EF: $30 postmarked by 1/10/09.
Trophies: top 8 players; top 3 Unrated, top 4 schools, top Under 700. Any player
Jan. 17, 18th Annual Mid-Winter Classic Minnesota
3SS, G/90, Florence Congregational Church, 130 Pine Street, Florence, MA
who scores 4 or more points and doesnt win a trophy will receive a medal!The 01063. $725 Prize fund (based on 30 adv. entries) EF: $28, by 1/12/09; $35 May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
Top individual players in each section also win free entree into Chess Pro week- at site. Titled Masters, FREE ENTRY!! (Adv. EF deducted from any prizes won). See Grand Prix.
end chess camps a saving of hundreds of dollars! All entry fees $5 less per New/UNR players, $15 by 1/12/09 (New/UNR must play in U1400 Sec).
player if 4 or more from same school mailed together in SAME ENVELOPE! W.M.C.A. MEMBER DISCOUNTS: $2 off. SEC./PRIZES: OPEN/1st $200, 2nd Missouri
Refunds: $10 service charge for each player refund. $10 extra to switch sec- $150 U1800/1st $125, U1400/1st $100, 2nd $50. Byes: Limit of one 1/2-point Jan. 17, Kansas City New Year Open
tions. Current USCF Membership is required to participate. TO REGISTER, list bye, available for any round, specified w/entry. Reg: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM. Rds.: 3SS, G/90. The Kansas City Chess Club. 2512 NW Vivion Rd., Riverside, MO
each players name, USCF ID# and expiration (new players write NEW) 9:30, 1:00, 4:15. Ent: Frank Kolasinski, 119 Brunswick St., Springfield MA 64150. 2 Sections: Open & U1600. Prizes: $300 b/30. EF: $5 online kansasc-
01108 Questions? Call Frank @ 413-209-9450/e-mail: horseyman5000@ itychessclub.com, $10 onsite. Reg.: 10AM. Rds.: Sat. 10:30/2/5:30. Byes.
address, birth date, school and grade. BE SURETO INDICATETHE CORRECT SEC-
aol.com. WMCA website: www.WesternMassachusettsChessAssociation.org. USCF & KCCA mem.req. 816-835-7529 INFO e-mail [email protected].
TION. Make checks for entry fees + all USCF dues (1 check for total amount
is best) payable and mail to: CHESSPRO, 14 Hartley Circle, #532, Owings Feb. 1, BCF 2nd Superbowl Quads Jan. 24, Wilhelm Steinitz Open
Mills, MD 21117. Questions: (443)-660-8025.All entry fees $7 extra per 3RR, G/60. Boylston C.C., 240B Elm St. Suite B9, Somerville, MA 02144. EF: $27, 3SS, G/75. UMC Memorial Union room N208, 518 Hitt St., Columbia MO. Direc-
player postmarked January 12-16 (no mail accepted postmarked after Jan.16). $17; BCC members; $$50 1st per Quad. Reg.: 11:00-11:25AM. Rounds: 11:30, tions: From I-70 exit 126, south on Providence, east on Rollins, north on Hitt.
On-Site Entry fee: $40 per player at the tournament! On-site registration 1:45, 4:00. NS, NC, W.Tel. 617-629-3933 Website: www.boylstonchessclub.org. Reg.: 9:30-10:15. Rds.: 10:30, 1:15, 4:00. EF: $1, no prizes just the satis-
ENDS 9:15 AM. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Thursday Night Swiss faction of playing well. Info: Charles Ward, 573-443-6685, czar8196@
A State Championship Event! 4SS; 40/90, G/20. Two sections: Open & Under 1800; Minimun 5 players to tranquility.net. W.
Jan. 31, 5th Annual Maryland State Girls Chess Championship have an Open section or these players will roll over the Under 1800 section. Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open
Roland Park Country School; 5204 Roland Ave; Baltimore, MD 21210. Come out Boylston C.F., 240B Elm St. Suite B9, Somerville, MA 02144. EF: $27, $17 BCC; See Grand Prix.
and play in an all-girl environment - limited to Maryland girl residents in Prizes: b/20 1st $100, 2nd $20 in each section. Reg.: 6:30- 6:50 PM. Rd at 7PM.
grades K-12. Winner of Championship section will be MD Qualifier to the NS, NC, W. Tel. 617-629-3933. WCL JGP. Nebraska
Susan Polgar National Invitational tournament for Girls. In 3 sections: Cham- Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Billerica Friday Swiss A Heritage Event!
pionship (Polgar Qualifier): 4-SS, G/60. Reserve (U800): 5-SS, G/30. Novice 4 Rds. 40/90, SD/30. Billerica COA, 25 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. EF: $12. Reg.: Jan. 17, 30th Merrick County Open
(U500): 5-SS, G/30. Number of rounds and time control may change based on 7:30pm. Cash prizes minimal b/entries. For info, call Brad Ryan, (978) 369-8533.
number of players. Sets and boards provided, please bring chess clock. Check- NS, NC. WCL JGP.
in: 9:10-9:50am. Rds: Round 1 @ 10am. EF: $20 by 1/24; $25 by 1/29; $30 Feb. 7, BCF Quads 9-2
at door. Ent: Online registration at mdgirls09.eventbrite.com. Mail registration: 3RR, G/60. Boylston C.C., 240B Elm St. Suite B9, Somerville, MA 02144. EF: $27, For details on
if postmarked by 1/27, mail name, section, USCF number, grade, school, $17; BCC members; $$50 1st per Quad. Reg.: 9:15-9:55AM. Rounds: 10:00,
phone, and email plus check to Maryland Chess Association; c/o Chris Kim; 3903 12:40, 3:00. NS, NC, W.Tel. 617-629-3933. Website: www.boylstonchessclub.org. 2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS
N Charles St; Baltimore, MD 21218. Info: Chris Kim, [email protected], 410-
794-6312. Feb. 22, BCC Sunday Scholastic East, North, South, West
4SS, G/40. Boylston C.C., 240B Elm St. Suite B9, Somerville, MA 02144. Three
Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual sections: Under 8, 11, 14 years old. EF: $20; $10 BCC members. Prizes:Tro-
Greater NY Junior High Championship! phies to top two in each section. Reg.: 9:15 9:55 AM. Rounds: 10 rest asap.
See Nationals Section!
See New York. NS, NC, W. Tel. 617-629-3933.

Tournament Life
4SS, G/65. Open. Nebraska Christian School Dining Room, one mile west, tions: K-5 U800; K-8 U1000; and K-12 Open. EF: $5 if info recd by 1/22, Jan. 17, Somerset County K-8 Scholastic Championship
then north of Central City, NE 68826. Reg.: 8-8:30am. EF: $10.30 before 1/14, $9 at site. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rd 1: 10:00, Rds 2-4 ASAP. Trophies and medals (In 4 sections) Clarence Dillon Public Library 2336 Lamington Rd (off Rt# 206)
$15 at site. 1st Rd.: 9:10am. Trophies to: 1st, 1st U1700, 1st U1500, 1st awarded. Entries should include name, section, USCF ID. Checks payable to: Bedminster, NJ. 5SS, Game/30. Top in each grade will be County Champ. Tro-
U1300. K-12 Section: 5SS, G/65. 1st Rd.: 9:20am. Trophies to: 1st, 1st High Chess Club, More info: 603-827-3272. [email protected]. NS, W. phies to top 10 in each section, others get Medallions. First Round at 10am,
School, 1st K-6, 1st U900/unr. ENT: Richard Olson, 409 E. Amity St., Clarks, NE
Feb. 7-8, 33rd Queen City Open then ASAP with lunch break after round #2. U1200: Open to 1199 & under.
68628. (308) 548-2634. NS, NC, W. WCL JGP.
See Grand Prix. U900: Open to 899 & under. Open to Unrated Grades 5 - 8. U500: Open to 499
Nevada Feb. 14, February Freeze Scholastic
& under. Open to Unrated Grades K-4. All in rated sections must be USCF mem-
ber. Beginner/unrated K-8 Section. USCF membership not required. Early
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, Western Chess Congress (CA-N) 4SS, G/30. Wells Memorial School, 235 Chesham Rd., Harrisville, NH 03450.
3 Sections: K-5 U800; K-8 U1000; and Open K-12. EF: $5 if info recd by EF: $10 if mail by Jan 12, Late EF: $15 Jan 17 at site before 10am. Enter online
See Grand Prix. at entryfeesrus.com. Ent: Ken Thomas, 115 West Moore St. Hackettstown, NJ
5/19, $9 at site. Reg.: 9-9:45. Rd 1: 10:00, Rds 2-4 ASAP. Trophies and medals
June 4, 2009 U.S. Game/10 Championship (QC) awarded. Entries should include name, section, USCF ID. Refreshments & hot 07840. Info: Ken Thomas, (908) 763-6468. [email protected]. NS, NC, W.
See Nationals. food will be sold by PTA. Checks payable to: Chess Club, More info: 603-827- Jan. 18, 2009 Westfield Winter Scholastic
June 5, National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament 3272. [email protected]. NS, W. 3 SS game/30 Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, N.J. Trophies to top 3
5-SS Game/30. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, in each section (tiebreaks). Sections: k-2,3-5,6-12. Entrance fee: $20, $15
New Jersey
Las Vegas, NV 89183. Open to players Uage 20. In 3 sections. U1800, U1200, Members. Registration: 2-2:30 Rounds: 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Unrated Section
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCF-

and U800. Unrateds in the U1200 section and all players in the U800 section 3 SS Game/30 gold medal to first, silver medal to second, bronze medal to third
rated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.

must be under age 12.Trophies to top 4 in each section, top 1 in each 200 point Registration 2-2:30 p.m. Rounds 2:45-4:00-5:15 p.m. Entrance Fee $10. Info:
Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel

rating group and unrated. EF $29 by 5/19, $35 by 6/3, $40 on site. REG 9-9:45 Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.westfieldchessclub.com.
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.

a.m. RDS 10-11:15-12:30-1:45-3. HR: $75 single or double ($95 Friday and Sat-
Jan. 24, Hamilton Chess Club Quads
Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analy-
urday nights). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. ENT: Las Vegas International
3RR 40/80 15/30 15/30. Full K. Ray Dwier Recreation Center, Bldg. 392,
sis by a National or International Master at each
Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0925 or www.VegasChess
Groveville, NJ 08620. Quads open to all EF: $10. $25 per Quad. Reg.: 9-
tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete
Festival.com. NS NC W.
10:30/am. Rds.: 10:30/am-1:30/pm-4:30/pm NJ State Chess Federation, no
in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up
June 5-7 or 6-7, 2009 National Open dues magazine Subscription per year, OSA NS NC W.
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
See Nationals.
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
Jan. 25, 2009 Westfield Swiss #56 (QC)
site at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-446-
June 6-7, Susan Polgar World Open Championship for Girls and for 5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500
0818. Email: [email protected].

Boys Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350
5-SS, G/45. South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South,
Wizards of the Mind Chess School
$60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m.
Las Vegas, NV 89183. In 8 sections separate for girls and boys: under19, under
15 Center Street, Springfield, NJ - Lessons on Wednes-
Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379
15, under 11, and under 8 (as of June 7). In each section 1st place receives
days and Saturdays for beginners, intermediate and
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
a MonRoi Personal Chess Manager. $$ 200-150-100-50 in chess prizes for 2nd
advanced students. Scholastic USCF-rated tourna-
thru 5th.Trophies for top 10 individuals, top 3 (3-player) school/club teams each Feb. 7, Princeton Day School
ments. For schedule and information visit our website
section, special medals for next 10 individuals and next 3 school/club teams. 650 The Great Road. Plaques to top 3 school teams and top 6 in each section.
at www.wizardsofthemind.com, email info@wizardsofthe
Every player receives a special hand-signed certificate from Susan Polgar. Per- Medals to all players. Sections: FUTURE MASTERS and CLOSED begin 10:30
mind.com or call 973-262-1395.
fect score also wins a digital chess clock. Scholarships to Texas Tech will (must preregister). FUTURE MASTERS G/60 3 rounds (Players K-12 over
be awarded based in part on performance in this event. EF $45 by 1/19, 1200), CLOSED G/45 (K-12 1000-1200) 4 rds, ALL OTHER SECTIONS On Site
$55 by 5/19, $65 by 6/3, $75 on site. Reg 4-8 p.m. Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sat- The Newark Sleepless Knights Chess Club Reg.: 11:30-12:30. 4 Rds.: 1, 2, 3, 4pm. (times will be accelerated if possible)
urday. Rds 11-1:30-4, 11-1:30. Breakfast with Susan 9 a.m. Sunday. Opening Boylan Recreation Center of Newark, 916 So. Orange Ave. Newark, New Jer- G/30: OPEN (Players K-12 U-1000), Reserve (K-12 U-800), Novice II (K-8 U-600),
Ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, Awards Ceremony 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Blitz Cham- sey 07103. Meets 1st and 2nd Saturdays of every months from 2-6pm. USCF
pionship 7 p.m. Saturday. Susan Polgar lecture 3:30 p.m. Friday, Puzzle Solving Novice I (unrated K-6), K-1 (unrated) NO SCORE K-1 (unrated). PARENTS OF
rated tournaments and free chess lessons available. PLAYERS G/30 rated, 3 rounds. Info and Register online: www.pds.org/chess.
Competition 5 p.m. Friday, Simul 6:15 p.m. Friday. Chess Camp 9:00 a.m.Thurs-
day. Part of the LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL; see the Jan. 15, ATKM 3rd Thursday Quads Inquires to Bonnie Waitzkin. [email protected]. Pre-registration $30 (On-
National Open TLA for other Thursday and Friday side events. HR $75 single 3 RR G/30 t/d5, Quads are grouped by rating. All the Kings Men Chess Shop, site $40).
or double ($95 Fri/Sat). 1-866-791-7626 or (702) 796-7111. REG: Las Vegas 62 S Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071. Prizes: $25 1st per quad. Unrated cannot Feb. 8, ICA Winter 2009 Open Championship
International Chess Festival, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV 89009-0125, on line win more than $10. EF: $12, $10 ATKMCC members. Unrated (i.e. players See Grand Prix.
at www.VegasChessFestival.com, or by fax at (702) 933-9112. No telephone with NO rating whatsoever, provisional or otherwise) $7, $5 ATKMCC members.
entries. NS. W. NC. Reg.: 6:15 - 6:45 PM. Rds.: 7-8-9 pm. INFO: Stephen Dick, cs@ATKMchess Feb. 8, 2009 Westfield Quads
Sets.com, 856-582-8222. All: Visa/MC/Disc OK w/$1 paid surcharge. Bring a 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
New Hampshire clock! 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.
Jan. 24, Amherst Scholastic Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, 41st annual Liberty Bell Open (PA)
See Grand Prix. www.westfieldchessclub.com.
4SS, G/30. Amherst Middle School, 14 Cross Rd., Amherst, NH 03031. 3 Sec-
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Reno-Far West Open IX
April 10-12, 2009
The Sands Regency Casino Hotel
Reno, Nevada
$22,500 (b/250) - $15,000 Gtd.
6 Rd Swiss - 5 Sections
150 GP Pts (enhanced)
Average entry $135!
Rooms $27! mid-week / $54! Fri & Sat.
Sands Regency Reservations
1-866-FUN STAY Code CHESS09
Simul $15!
GM Khachiyan
ENTRY FORM/MORE INFO:
www.renochess.org/fwo
TD NTD Jerome V Jerry Weikel
[email protected]
775.747.1405
SEE TLA IN MARCH ISSUE

Feb. 8, ICA Winter 2009 Scholastic Championship Mar. 8, 2009 Westfield Quads $20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-
4 SS, EVERYONE PLAYS 4 GAMES, ALL PLAYERS WITH 2.5 POINTS OR MORE 3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50 4-5:20pm. One bye available, request with entry.
WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY!!! Bergen Academy, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hacken- to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15 Jan. 20, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
sack, NJ 07601. U.S. CHESS FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED FOR p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. www.west See Grand Prix.
SECTIONS 1 AND 2. Info: 201 287 0250 or 201 833 1741 E-mail: fieldchessclub.com.
[email protected]. (Web Site Entries: www.icanj.net) EF Adv (pmk by Feb 4th) Jan. 22, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
A State Championship Event! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
$25 AT Site $30 Reg ends hr before 1st rnd. Late entrants will receive 1/2 Mar. 8, New Jersey Junior High School Championships
point bye for rnd 1. In 4 Sections Section 1: G/45 Open to players rated below 477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
5SS, G/30. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd., specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
1200 K through 12th grade. Rds.: 9:45 AM, 11:30, 1:15, 3:00 PM. Section 2: Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Section: JHS (K-9). ALL: Trophies to top 15 indi-
G/60 Open to players rated below 1600 K through 12th grade. Rds: 9:45 AM, 50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
viduals, top 5 teams. Rds.: 10am then ASAP.Top 4 scores constitute team score. 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
12:00, 2:15, 4:30 PM. Section 3: Open to unrated players K through 2nd EF: $25 before 2/28, $45 at site. $5 for changes at site. USCF memb. reqd. EF
grade. Rds.: 10:15 AM (tournament will end at approximately 1:00 PM). Sec- 9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. After 10 min. before game.
tion 4: Open to unrated players K through 12th grade. Rds.: 10:00 AM 9:00 am, half-point bye for round one. INFO: 732-259-3881, hsprechman@
(tournament will end at approximately 2:00 PM). ENT: Diana Tulman, 28 Can- aol.com. ENT: New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCF), PO Box 1511, Jan. 22-Feb. 19, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss
terbury Lane, New Milford, NJ 07646. NS NC W. Jackson, New Jersey 08527. Entries must include name, grade & school, date 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only.
Feb. 9 - May 18, Spring Round Robin of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing address, email address, phone EF: $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each
9-15-RR. 40/90, Additional 40/60 or SD 60 - Players Choice. Hackettstown Com- number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF. Thursday. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3.
munity Center, 293 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ. EF: $16, JRS - SRS $12. Winner Jan. 24, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
gets double prize, trophy or chess books ordered from the USCF catalog. New Mexico Elementary Championship!
Remaining top 40% trophy or chess books to each. Reg.: 7-7:30PM. RDS.: Jan. 17-18, 2009 Memorial/Senior Championship See Maryland.
7:30PM Mondays. ENT: Harold J Darst, 111 W. Moore St., Hackettstown, NJ 4SS, G/2, Days Inn, 2120 Menaul NE, Albuquerque. 505-884-0250. Prize fund
07840. (908) 852-5925. WCL JGP. Jan. 24, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
$1000 $$b/80. Sections: Tom Keffer 1600 and above. EF: $35. Randy Primary Championship!
Feb. 14-16, World Amateur Team & U.S. Team East Greenup U1800. EF: $30. Robert Zing U1400. EF: $25. Reg.: 8-8:30 A.M. Jan See Maryland.
See Nationals. 17 Rds.: 9-2-, 9-2. Byes: 1/2 pt. max. request. before Rd 1. NM Senior Cham-
pion: highest scoring senior (over age 50) inTom Keffer sect. Free entry to oldest Jan. 24-25, New York Marshall CC January GP!
Feb. 22, 2009 Westfield Quads See Grand Prix.
senior. All: Advance Ent. must be recd. by Jan.16. ($10 more at site). USCF
3 RR game/45 full k. Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield N.J. Prizes: $50
Memb. Reqd. After one full-price entry, additional immediate family mem- Jan. 25, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
to first in each section. Entry Fee: $20, $15 Members. Registration: 2-2:15
bers $10 discount. Ent: checks payable to NMCO, PO Box 4215, Albuquerque, High School Championship!
p.m. Rounds: 2:30-4:20-6:10 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379.
NM 87196. Info: nmchess.org. WCL JGP. See Maryland.
www.westfieldchessclub.com.
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, NY State Scholastics (out of state welcome) New York Jan. 25, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents Greater Mid-Atlantic
Junior High Championship!
See New York.
The Chess Exchange: Chess and Games Club See Maryland.
Mar. 1, 2009 Westfield Swiss #57 (QC) G/30 Rated Quads 1st Sunday of every Month. G/5 BlitzTournaments Last Sun-
5 Rd. game/15 full k (QC) Westfield Y, 220 Clark Street, Westfield,N.J. $500 day of every Month. 288 Third Ave., Brooklyn (718) 645-5896. Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Jan. 25, Studio January Quad
Guaranteed $125,$85,$50 under 2100,under 1850, under 1600, under 1350 Sun 12-6pm. www.TheChessExchange.com www.TriStateChess.com Email: 3RR Game in 2. Reg.: 9:00 am Rds.: 10-2-6. Studio of Bridge and Games, 1639
$60 each Entrance fee: $35, $25. Members. Registration: 2-2:30 p.m. [email protected]. Eastern Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12309-6011.
Rounds: 2:45-3:25-4:05-4:45-5:30 p.m. Info: Todd Lunna 732-946-7379. Jan. 26-Feb. 9, 20th Nassau G/60 Championship
www.westfieldchessclub.com. Jan. 10-Feb. 7, 2nd Farmingdale CC Winter Swiss. Slowest club time
control! See Grand Prix.
A State Championship Event! 5SS, G/140. Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Rd. Farmingdale, NY Jan. 27, Marshall CC Victory U-1800
Mar. 1, New Jersey State Elementary Championships 11735. Open to all U-2300/unr.: $(b/20): $200-100,Top U-1800 $80, U-1500/U- 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
5SS, G/30. Brookdale College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738. 1300 $60 each. EF: $30. Reg.: 9:15-9:45 AM. No adv. ent. Rds.: 10:00 AM SHARP $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1400 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
Student Life Center, use Parking Lot #7 or #6; 5 minutes from Garden State each Saturday. 2 byes 1-5. Info: www.farmcc.webs.com. Please do not call the 10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
Parkway exit 109. 2 Sections: Elementary (K-6) & Primary (K-3). All: Tro- library. NS. W. WCL JGP.
phies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams. Elementary & Primary: Top 5 in each Jan. 29, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
grade. Rds.: 10 am then ASAP. Top 4 scores constitute the team score for Ele- Jan. 15, 4 Rated Games Tonight! 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
mentary; top 3 for Primary. EF: $25 before 2/23, $45 at site. USCF memb. reqd. 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212- 477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
EF includes 1 year memb. to NJSCF for NJ state residents. Reg.: 8-9:00 am. 477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
After 9:00 am, 1/2 point bye for round 1. INFO: 973-228-7039, ENT: Mike 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
Somers, 29 Oakland Ave., West Caldwell, NJ 07006. Entries must include 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-
name, grade & school, date of birth, USCF ID # & Expiration date, mailing 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
address, email address, phone number and entry fee. Checks made out to NJSCF. 9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 10 min. before game.
10 min. before game. A Heritage Event!
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA)
See Grand Prix. Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, 41st annual Liberty Bell Open (PA) Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual
See Grand Prix. Greater NY Junior High Championship USCFs Longest-Run-
A State Championship Event! ning Scholastic
Mar. 7-8, New Jersey High School Championships Jan. 17, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/31/93 not yet in 10th grade, February 2009
5SS, G/90. Rutgers University - Busch Campus Center 604 Bartholomew Rd., 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120- ratings used. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Var-
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8002. Call (732) 445-6127 for directions. 3 sections: Var- 70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: sity, open to all. EF: $48.60 postmarked by 1/09/09. Trophies to top 12, top
sity Championship (9-12): 5 player teams with one alternate allowed. 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. U1200, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center
Coaches set order by player strength. Order must not be changed. Team avg. Jan. 18, Binghamton Monthly Tourney tmts. except quads thru 8/1/09 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Jun-
based on top 5 highest ratings. Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top See Grand Prix. ior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $48.50 postmarked by 1/9.
three players, boards 1-5. Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $125/team before Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Cen-
2/28. $175/team at site. $5 per change on site. Junior Varsity (9-12): 4 player Jan. 18, Marshall CC Sunday Action ter tmts. except quads thru 7/1/09 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd.
teams with one alternate allowed. Team avg. based on top 4 highest ratings. 5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members Novice, open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $48.40 postmarked by 1/9.Trophies
Trophies to top 10 NJ teams. Trophies for top 3 players, boards 1-4. Rds.: Sat.
10-2-6, Sun. 10-2. EF: $100/team before 2/28, $150 team on site. $5 per change
on site. Booster (K-12): Trophies to top 15 individuals, top 5 teams, top 2 JHS,
& top 2 elementary (K-6). Rds.: Sat. 10-2-6, Sun 10-2. Top 4 scores constitute
team score. EF: $25 before 2/28, $35 at site. All: USCF memb. required. EF
includes 1 year membership to NJSCF for NJ residents. Reg.: Sat. 8-9:00am.
After 9:00am, 1/2 Point bye for round one. Info: 973-794-4601. ENT: Make
checks payable to NJSCF and send to Roger Inglis, 49A Mara Rd., Lake
Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Entries must include, name, grade & school, date of
WA RN I N G !
birth, USCF ID# & exp. date, mailing address, email address, phone number
and entry fee. WCL JGP.
CELL PHONE
THE USE OF A
PROHIBITED!
IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM IS
AT MOST TOURNAMENTS!
IF YOUR CELL PHONE RINGS IN A ROOM WITH

GAMES IN PROGRESS, YOU COULD BE SEVERELY
TURN IT OFF!
PENALIZED, MAYBE EVEN FORFEITED!

Tournament Life
to top 12, top 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 4-6 (you site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. A Heritage Event!
can win both plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads Questions, credit card entries, team rooms: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191, Feb. 1, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual
thru 6/1/09 to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra post- 24 hours, entries only) or [email protected] (Jan 30-31 only: 212-971- Greater NY High School ChampionshipUSCFs Longest-Run-
marked 1/10-16, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more 0101). Bring sets, clocks, boards NONE SUPPLIED! ning Scholastic!
from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry 5-SS, G/30, open to all grades 12/below born after 2/1/89, New Yorker
Jan. 31, Syracuse Monthly Open
list charged late fee; $15 extra to switch sections. $15 charge for each Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF:
4SS, Rds 1 & 2 G/60, Rds. 3 & 4 G/90. Courtyard by Marriot, 6415 Yorktown
refund. All players scoring 4 or more who dont win a trophy will receive a $49.60 postmarked by 1/09/09. Trophies to top 12, top U1700, top 3 unrated,
Circle, E. Syracuse (exit 35 I-90, Carrier Circle, 298 E, left at Holiday Inn).
medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
$(b/14): $100-50, Class: $30. Reg.: 8:30-9:15, Rds.: 9:30-12-2:15-5:30. EF:
free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team). Speed 8/1/09 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under
$30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Mineola, NY 13116.
playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list 1600 or unrated. EF: $49.50 postmarked by 1/9. Trophies to top 12, top
name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose Jan. 31-Feb. 1, February Marshall CC JanuFeb Open U1400, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except
dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify sec- 4-SS, 30/90, SD/60. Marshall CC, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477-3716.; EF: $45, quads thru 7/1/09 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to
tion): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. To Members $25. ($360 b/24) $120-70-50, U2000/unr $65, U1700 $55. Reg.: ends Under 1000 or unrated. EF: $49.40 postmarked by 1/9.Trophies to top 12, top
confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/16. Phone entries: 11:50am. Rds.: 2 schedules: 2-day, rds 12:30-5:30 pm each day; 1-day, (rds 3 unrateds, top 6 schools. Plaques to top 2 each grade: 7-9 (you can win both
$59 by credit card thru 1/26. Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 1-2 G/30), 10-11:15 am-12:30-5:30 pm Sun; both merge rd 3. Byes: limit two, plaque & trophy). Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/09
thru 1/16, $53 1/17-1/26. No phone or on-line entries after 1/26. On-site entry with entry. NO RE-ENTRY. May be limited to first 60 players. WCL JGP. to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra postmarked 1/10-
fee: $65. On-site reg. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, A Heritage Event! 16, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same
credit card entries, team rooms: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191: 24 hours, Feb. 1, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 43rd Annual school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged
entries only) or [email protected] (Jan 30-31 only: 212-971-0101).Bring Greater NY Elementary ChampionshipUSCFs Longest-Running late fee; $15 extra to switch sections. $15 charge for each refund. All play-
sets, clocks, boards NONE SUPPLIED! Scholastic! ers scoring 4 or more who dont win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 2/1/96 not yet in 7th grade, New Yorker Hotel, free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads,
A Heritage Event!
Jan. 31, Kasparov Chess Foundation presents the 30th Annual 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Varsity, open to all. EF: $47.60 post- to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score; no combined
Greater NY Primary Championship! marked by 1/09/09. Trophies to top 12, top U1200, top 3 unrated, top 6 schools, even if one school feeds another). Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2
5-SS, G/30, open to all born after 1/31/99 in grades 3/below, February 2009 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 8/1/09 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof
ratings used. New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave & 34th St, NYC. 3 sections: Var- to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. Junior-Varsity: open to Under 1000 of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), school,
sity, open to all. EF: $46.60 postmarked by 1/09/09. Trophies to top 12, top or unrated. EF: $47.50 postmarked by 1/9. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrated, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO
rated U900, top 3 unrated, top 6 school teams. Free entry to all Chess Cen- top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 7/1/09 Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No
ter tmts. except quads thru 8/1/09 to 1st, thru 7/1 to 2nd, thru 6/1 to 3rd. to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. Novice, open to Under 700 or mail postmarked after 1/16. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/26.
Novice: open to Under 700 or unrated. EF: $46.50 postmarked by 1/9. Tro- unrated. EF: $47.40 postmarked by 1/9. Trophies to top 12, top 3 unrateds, Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/16, $53 1/17-1/26. No
phies to top 12, top 3 unrated. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru 6/1/09 phone or on-line entries after 1/26. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. ends
thru 7/1/09 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. K-1, open to grade 1/below. to 1st, thru 5/1 to 2nd, thru 4/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra postmarked 1/10- 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, credit card entries, team rooms:
EF: $46.40 postmarked by 1/9.Trophies to top 12, top rated U500, top 3 unrat- 16, all $65 at site. Mail entries $5 less per player if 4 or more from same 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191: 24 hours, entries only) or chess-
school in SAME ENVELOPE! All substitutions from advance entry list charged [email protected] (Jan 30-Feb 1 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks,
eds, top 6 schools. Free entry to all Chess Center tmts. except quads thru
late fee; $15 extra to switch sections. $15 charge for each refund. All play- boards NONE SUPPLIED!
7/1/09 to 1st, thru 6/1 to 2nd, thru 5/1 to 3rd. All: EFs $7 extra postmarked
ers scoring 4 or more who dont win a trophy will receive a medal! 8 weeks
1/10-16, all $65 at site; $15 extra to switch sections. Mail entries $5 less Feb. 3, Marshall CC New York Experts
free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks free, except quads,
per player if 4 or more from same school in SAME ENVELOPE! All sub- to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team). Speed playoff for 5-0. 4SS, G/30. Open to U2200/unrated only. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-
stitutions from advance entry list charged late fee. $15 charge for each Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail entries: list name, rating, 477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.:
refund. All players scoring 4 or more who dont win a trophy will receive a ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, enclose dues if necessary), 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry.
medal! 8 weeks free entry, except quads, to 1st team each section, 4 weeks school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to (specify section): Chess Center
free, except quads, to 2nd team (top 4 scores from same school = team score). Feb. 5, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. To confirm receipt, enclose 4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC:
Speed playoff for 5-0. Limit 2 byes (rds. 4-5 commit before rd. 3). Mail SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/16. Phone entries: $59 by credit card thru
entries: list name, rating, ID# (proof of current USCF membership required, 212-477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
1/26. Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: $46 thru 1/16, $53 1/17-1/26.
enclose dues if necessary), school, grade, birthdate, address. Checks to No phone or on-line entries after 1/26. On-site entry fee: $65. On-site reg. specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-
(specify section): Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY, NY 12553. ends 9:15 am. Rds. 10-12-2-3:30-5:15. Questions, credit card entries, 100-50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit
To confirm receipt, enclose SASE. No mail postmarked after 1/16. Phone team rooms: 845-569-9969 (or 406-896-2191: 24 hours, entries only) or by 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
entries: $59 by credit card thru 1/26. Online entries at www.chesscenter.cc: [email protected] (Jan 30-Feb 1 only: 212-971-0101). Bring sets, clocks, 9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
$46 thru 1/16, $53 1/17-1/26. No phone or on-line entries after 1/26. On- boards NONE SUPPLIED! 10 min. before game.
GOLD AFFILIATES GOLD & SILVER AFFILIATES

Cajun Chess New Jersey State Chess Federation SPICE GOLD
7230 Chadb30ourne Drive c/o Roger Inglis Box 45080, Lubbock, TX 79409 Any affiliate that has submitted at least 50
New Orleans, LA 70126 49-A Mara Rd., 806-742-7742 USCF memberships during the current or
504-208-9596 Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 [email protected] previous calendar year, or is the recognized
[email protected] 973-263-8696 www.SPICE.ttu.edu State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Gold
www.cajunchess.com [email protected] Affiliate. Gold Affiliates are honored in a spe
cial list in larger type in Tournament Life each
www.njscf.org Susan Polgar Foundation
month, giving the affiliate name, address,

Chess Club and Scholastic 6923 Indiana Avenue, Suite 154,
phone number, e mail address, and website.

Center of St. Louis New York State Chess Lubbock, TX 79413
Gold Affiliation costs $350 per year, and exist

4657 Maryland Avenue Association 212-748-9584
ing affiliates may substract $3 for each month

St. Louis, MO 63108 c/o Karl Heck [email protected]
remaining on their regular affiliation, or $20

314-361-CHESS 5426 Wright Street www.SusanPolgarFoundation.org
for each month remaining on their Silver Affil

[email protected] County Route 67,
Tri-State Chess
iation. As of August 6, 2007, by paying an
www.stlouischessclub.org East Durham, NY 12423,
518-966-8523 288 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Continental Chess [email protected] 1-888-CHESS-35
Association annual payment of $500 (instead of $350),
www.nysca.net [email protected], Gold Affiliate status may be obtained with no
PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills, www.TriStateChess.com
NY 12577 845-496-9658 minimum requirement for memberships sub-
North American Chess
[email protected] Association Unity Chess Club mitted.
www.chesstour.com 2516 North Waukegan Road 9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
SILVER
Any affiliate that has submitted at least 25
Suite 342,Glenview Office 136,
USCF memberships during the current or

DC Chess Association IL 60025 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
2520 Tenth St. NE, Suite 28,
previous calendar year, or is the recognized
888-80-CHESS 480-949-5464 (KING)
Washington, DC 20018
State Affiliate, is eligible to become a Silver
[email protected] [email protected]
202-506-2927
Affiliate. These affiliates will be recognized
www.nachess.org unitychess.com
[email protected]
www.dcchess.com in a special list in Tournament Life each
month, giving the affiliate name, state, and
choice of either phone number, e mail
address, or website. Silver Affiliation costs
SILVER AFFILIATES $150 per year, and existing affiliates may
subtract $3 for each month remaining on
their regular affiliation. As of August 6, 2007,
Indiana State Chess Association Oklahoma Chess Foundation Sparta Chess Club (NJ)
www.indianachess.org www.OKchess.org www.spartachessclub.org by paying an annual payment of $250.00
(instead of $150), Silver Affiliate status may be
Michigan Chess Association Orange Crush Chess Club (IN) Renaissance Knights (IL) obtained with no minimum requirement for
www.michess.org [email protected] www.RKnights.org memberships submitted.

Feb. 7, 22nd Annual Super Saturday Game/45 Deferred! $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1300 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Mon- 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
See Grand Prix. day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by rd. 3. 9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
10 min. before game.
Feb. 8, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads! Feb. 17, St. Johns Masters at the Marshall Chess Club
3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477- See Grand Prix. Feb. 26-Mar. 26, Marshall CC Thursday Members-Only Swiss
3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less 5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. Open to members only.
Feb. 19, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
$36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! EF: $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U2000 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45, Rds : 7pm
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
No phone entry! each Thursday; Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3.
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
Feb. 8, NY February Under 1800! specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100- Feb. 28, Marshall CC Saturday G/60
4-SS, G/50, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, 50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by 4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120-
NYC: 845-569-9969. EF $40, Club members $30, $10 less if also entering 2/7 8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15- 70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.:
Super Saturday G/45, specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. 9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request
Online entry at www.chesscenter.cc thru 2/5. $$ (480 b/32 paid entries): 10 min. before game. at entry.
150-100-50, top U1600 $95, top U1400 $85. Limit 2 byes, commit by 2 pm. Reg. Feb. 21, New York February Action! Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 3rd annual Saratoga Open
ends 15 min before game. Rds. 12-2-4-6 pm. CCA Ratings may be used. $10 See Grand Prix. See Grand Prix.
extra to enter by phone!
Feb. 22, 10th Annual Greater NY February Under 13 Open! A State Championship Event!
Feb. 8, The Right Move #150 Team and Individual Championship 4-SS, G/30, open to all born after 2/22/96, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Feb. 28-Mar. 1, New York State Scholastic Championships
FREE EF. Club, 23 West 10th St, bet. 5-6 Ave, NYC: 845-569-9969. May be limited to 1st Open to grades K-12 in any state (top NYS player & team in each section are
4SS, G/30. Play starts promptly at 10:00. Players must check in by 9:30A.M. 52 entries. 2 Sections. 1. Open, EF: $32 postmarked by 2/14. 2. Novice, for NY champions). Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway (I-87 Exit 13-N, 4 miles north
Brandeis H.S., 145 W. 84th St., 10024 (near Columbus Ave, Manhattan, NYC). Under 1000 or Unrated, EF: $31 mailed by 2/14. Both, EF: $30 online at on US 9), Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Free parking. Team prizes based on top
Open to gr. K-12. Five rated sections: Open, Under 1700, Under 1200, www.chesscenter.cc by 2/20, $35 by phone at 845-569-9969 by 2/20, $40 4 scores from same school; no combined school teams allowed even if one
Under 800, Under 600. (May renew or join USCF at tournament). Non-mem- at site, Club members $10 less ($5 fee for refunds).Trophies to top 10, top Unr, school feeds another. Teams of 2 or 3 players allowed, but are at a disad-
ber sections by grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-12. Trophies to top 3 in each section except top 3 teams (top 3 scorers from same school) each section. 8 weeks free entry vantage. In 6 sections, each is a 6SS, G/65 except K-1 is 5SS, G/30 playing Mar
Open ($50, $30, $20 for 1st-3rd); medal to each player with 2.5 or more to 1st, 4 weeks free to 2nd each section. Speed playoff for 4-0. Limit of 2 byes, 1 only. High School, grades K-12. EF $42 mailed by 2/6. Top NYS grade 9-12
points. Team plaque to 1st and 2nd each section, with top 4 scores counting commit by 11:30. On-site reg. ends 9:30 am. Rds 10-11:30-12:45-2 EDT! Ent: qualifies for Denker Tournament of HS Champions (Indianapolis, 8/1-4). Jun-
in each section (minimum 3 players on team in section). Non-member sections Chess Center of NY, PO Box 4615, New Windsor, NY 12553. List USCF ID, rat- ior High, grades K-9. EF $41.90 mailed by 2/6. Elementary, grades K-6. EF
offer additional prize of USCF membership to players scoring 4 points. To reg- ing, section, school/grade, DOB. $41.60 mailed by 2/6. Elementary Novice, grades K-6 under 800 or unrated.
ister: use website at www.therightmove.org or email - thechessstop @aol.com EF $41.50 mailed by 2/6. Primary, grades K-3. EF $41.30 mailed by 2/6. K-1,
or Fax to 718-455-2863 before 6:00 P.M. on Fri. Give full name, school, grade, Feb. 22, NEW Sunday Sliding Scale Quads! grades K-1. EF $41.10 mailed by 2/6. Postmarked 2/7-17: All EF $10 more.
USCF ID#, exp. date, and section. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION. 3-RR, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Chess Club, 23 W 10th St, NYC: 212-477- Do not mail entry after 2/17. Online at chesstour.com, all sections: EF $43 by
3716. EF: Master $35, Expert $30, A $25, U1800 $20. $$ (all EFs returned less 2/6, $53 by 2/23. No online entry after 2/23. Phoned to 406-896-2038, all sec-
Feb. 11-Mar. 11, Marshall CC Under-2000 Wednesday Swiss $36 per quad). Reg ends 7:20 pm. Rds. 7:30-8:30-9:30. NO FREE ENTRIES!! tions: EF $55 by 2/23. Credit cards only, no questions. No phone entry after
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. No phone entry! 2/23. Entry at site: all $60. 1 year NYSCA membership to all NY residents who
$$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1700 $60. Reg : 6:15-6:45, Rds.: 7pm each Wednes- are not members. Trophies to top 20 players, top 3 Unrated, and top 8 teams
day. Byes ok, limit 2, request by round 3. WCL JGP. Feb. 22, Sunday Under 1400 Action! each section and top each U1400, U1200, U1000 (HS), U1200, U1000, U800
4-SS, G/30, Marshall Chess Club, 23 West 10 St, between 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212- (JHS), U1000, U800 (Elem), U600, U400 (Elem Novice). Speed playoff if perfect
Feb. 12, 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight! 477-3716, for Under 1400 or unrated. EF $30, Club Members $20, specified
See Grand Prix. score tie. Free entry to NY State Championship, Labor Day weekend 2009
Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$200 b/20 paid: $100-60-40, $60
Feb. 14, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 limit to unr. Reg. ends 3:45 pm. Rds. 4-5:15-6:45-8 pm. No advance entries.
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120- Feb. 24, Marshall CC Victory U-1800
70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members For details on
11:15-11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. One bye available, request at entry. $20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1400 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-
Feb. 15, Marshall CC Sunday Action 9:30-10:45pm. One bye available, request at entry. 2009 U.S. AMATEUR TEAM EVENTS
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members Feb. 26, 4 Rated Games Tonight!
$20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45- East, North, South, West
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212-
4-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry. 477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20,
Feb. 16-Mar. 16, Marshall CC Under-1600 Monday Swiss specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100- See Nationals Section!
5SS, 30/90, SD/60. 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members $20. 50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by
CHECK OUT USCFS CORRESPONDENCE CHESS RATED EVENTS
USCFs 62st 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) E-mail Rated Events (need e-mail access):
$5 entry fee per person with two, four or six- Lightning Match Two players with two, four or
game options.
To Enter: 800903USCF (8723), Fax 9317871200
six-game option. Entry fee $5 per person.
Win A Correspondence Chess Trophy Swift Quads Four-player, double round-robin Name
or on-line www.uschess.org
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level format. 1st-place prize merchandise credit of $30.
pairings. 1st-place winner receives a trophy. Entry fee: $10. USCF ID#
Entry fee: $10.
Victor Palciauskas Prize Tournaments
Walter Muir E-Quads (webserver chess) Address City
Four-player, double round-robin e-mail format
Seven-player class-level pairings, one game with tournament with class-level pairings. 1st-place State ZIP Phone
each of six opponents. Players must have a USCF receives a certificate.
CC rating to enter. 1st-place winner receives Entry fee: $7. E mail Est. Rating
$130 cash prize and a certificate signed by Victor
Express Tournament Credit card # (VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX)
Palciauskas.
Entry fee: $25. Seven-player events, one game with each of six Exp. date
opponents.
John W. Collins Memorial Class Tournaments Prizes: 1st place $30 merchandise credit, 2nd If using VISA, need V code
Four-player, double round-robin with class-level place $20 credit.
pairings (unrateds welcome). 1st-place winner Entry fee: $15. Check here if you do not wish to have an
receives a John W. Collins certificate. Please circle event(s) selected.
opponent who is incarcerated. *Note: This may
Entry fee: $7. 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

Tournament Life
(Albany), to top player each section. Schedule: Late reg. ends Sat 11 am, rds 70-50, 1700-1999/unr $60, U1700 $60. EF: $40, members $20. Reg.: 11:15- [email protected]. HR: 85.00 single or double 216-252-5333. Mention
Sat 12-3-6, Sun 9-12-2:45. Awards 5:30-6 pm. K-1 schedule: Late reg. ends 11:45. Rds.: 12-2:30-4:45-7. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry. Westside Christian Academy to secure rate. NS.
Sun 9 am, rds Sun 10-12-1:30-3-4:30. Half point byes OK all, limit 2, must com-
mit before rd 2. HR: $114-114, 888-999-4711, 518-584-4000, reserve by 2/14 Mar. 14, Utica Four Seasons Winter Mar. 14, Toledo Mar Swiss
(note correction) or rate may increase. 48 hours notice required for room can- 4SS Rds. 1-2: G/60, Rds. 3-4: G/90. Mohawk Valley Community College, Exit Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science
cellation. Backup hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, 2 blocks away, 518-226-0538. 31, I-90, bear left, South on E. Genesee, (2.6 miles), left on Memorial Highway Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave.
Special car rentals: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #657633. Mail entry: Con- (2.3 miles), left Sherman, right into MVCC, Cafeteria - Room 116. EF: $30. Prizes Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 3/12
tinental Chess, PO Box 249, Salisbury Mills NY 12577. Include name, rating, (b/20): $200, 125, 75, Class 100. Reg.: 8:30-9:15. Rds.: 9:30-12:00-2:15- $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50,
USCF ID, USCF expiration (non-members enclose dues), section, school, grade, 5:30. Ent: Joe Ball, 310 Helfer Lane, Minoa, NY 13116. 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031
birth date, address of each player. Checks payable to Continental Chess. $15 Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
per player service charge for refunds. $10 extra to switch sections, all substi- See Grand Prix. May 22-25, 23-25 or 24-25, 18th annual Chicago Open (IL)
tutions from advance list charged $60. Questions: chesstour.com, 845-496-9658. See Grand Prix.
Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. March official ratings used.
Unofficial uschess.org ratings based on 4 or more games usually used if oth-
North Carolina July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
erwise unrated.WCL JGP (top 5 sections, K-1 not WCL JGP). Jan. 23-25, Land of the Sky XXII See Grand Prix.
See Grand Prix.
Mar. 1, Marshall CC Sunday Action Oklahoma
5SS, G/30, Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members
$20. ($$ 360 b/24): 120-70-50, U2200/unr $65, U2000 $55. Rds.: 12-1:30-2:45-
Ohio Jan. 24-25, OKC Winter Open
4-5:20pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request with entry. Jan. 23-25 or 24-25, 32nd Cardinal Open 5SS, G/2, Quality Inn, I-240 & S Western, Oklahoma City. EF: $30 if recd by
See Grand Prix. 1/21, $35 at site, OCA membership included. $$/entries, plaques. Reg.: 9-
Mar. 3, Marshall CC New York Experts 9:45am, Rds.: 10-2:30-7, 10-2:30. One 1/2-point bye Rds 1-4. HR: $54.99
4SS, G/30. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10 St., NYC, 212-477-3716. EF: $40, members Jan. 31, House of Chess Open
4SS, G/45. House of Chess, Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH (W of JC plus tax, 800-843-4241 or 405-632-6666. Ent: Jim Gray, 720 S. Husband #5,
$20. $$300 b/20: $120-70-50, U1800 $60. Reg.: 6:15-6:45. Rds.: 7-8:15-9:30-
Penny). Sections: Open, U1600. Reg.: 11-11:25 AM. Rds.: 11:30-1:15-3:30- Stillwater, OK 74074, 405-624-1777, [email protected]. More info:
10:45pm. NOTE CHANGE: One bye available, request at entry.
5:15. Prizes (b/25): Open: 1st $200, 2nd $100; U1900 1st $100; Reserve www.ochess.org. WCL JGP.
Mar. 5, 4 Rated Games Tonight! (U1600): 1st $100. Ent: $25, Club members $20. Info & entries: House of Chess, Feb. 7, Tulsa Chess Series #1
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212- Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Phone: (440) 979-1133. E-mail: First of 10 one-day events the first Saturday each month. 3-SS. G/60 (+5).
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, [email protected]. Web www.thehouseofchess.com/. Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. (just east of Memorial on 93rd),Tulsa.
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100-
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by Feb. 7, 2009 Cleveland Scholastic Open EF: $20, cash or check, at site only. Reg: 9-9:30. OCF mem. required ($10). Rds:
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15- 4SS, G/30, Hampton Inn Downtown, 1460 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 9:45, 12:15, 2:30 Prizes: 1st $100 (G), plus class prizes per entries, plus
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under 44114. Open to all students in grades K-12. Reg.: 8:45am - 9:30am. Round 1 Series Prizes $6 from each EF goes to a series prize fund to be distributed
10 min. before game. at 10:00am. Four sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. EF: $25 if postmarked by at end of series. (See www.okchess.org for details). Info: tom.braunlich@
1/24, $30 thereafter. Prizes:Trophies to top five in each section. ENT: Dan Pat- cox.net. NS. W.
Mar. 6-8 or 7-8, 18th annual Eastern Class Championships (MA) terson 11313 Lake Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Tel. 216-281-1313. INFO:
See Grand Prix. Feb. 14-16, Stillwater Winter FIDE Open
[email protected]. HR: 89.00 single or double 216-241-6600. NS. See Grand Prix.
Feb. 14, Toledo Feb Swiss
Mar. 7-8, New York Marshall CC March GP! Open, 4SS, Rnd 1 G/75, Rnds 2-4 G/90.The University ofToledo Health Science Pennsylvania
See Grand Prix. Campus, Center for Creative Education - Room CE0111, 3000 Arlington Ave.
2-3 Saturdays per month we run scholastic USCF-
Mar. 12, 4 Rated Games Tonight! Toledo, Ohio 43614. Can split into 2 sections if enough players. EF: $20 by 2/12
rated tournaments throughout the Philadelphia area.
4-SS, G/30, Chess Center at Marshall Club, 23 W 10th St, bet 5-6 Ave, NYC: 212- $25 at site. Reg.: 9-10 a.m., Rds.: 10, 1, 4, & 7. Prizes: $360 b/20, $100-50,
Tournament locations include Philadelphia, Mt. Laurel
477-3716. May be limited to 1st 36 entries. EF $30, Club membs $20, 1st Class A ,B,C,D/Under $40, 1st U1600 $50. Ent: James Jagodzinski, 7031
(NJ), Bryn Mawr, Horsham, Collegeville, and more.
specified Greater NY Scholastic prizewinners free. $$ (480 b/32 paid): 150-100- Willowyck Rd., Maumee OH 43537. 419-367-9450. WCL JGP.
50, Top U2200/unr $95, U2000 $85. Limit 2 byes (1 bye if U2000), commit by Tournaments are open to grades K-12. Free game analy-
sis by a National or International Master at each
Feb. 28, 2009 North Coast Scholastic
8:15. Re-entry $15, counts half. Reg. ends 10 min. before game. Rds. 7-8:15-
tournament. We have players of all skill levels compete
4SS, G/30, Cleveland Airport Marriott, 4277 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH
9:30-10:45 pm. Phone entry often impossible! $5 extra if entering under
in our tournaments, from brand-new kindergarteners up
44135. Open to all students in grades K-12. Reg. 8:45am - 9:30am Round 1 at
10 min. before game.
through some of the highest-rated scholastic players in
10:00am. Four sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. EF: $25 if postmarked by 2/14,
the state. To see a list of dates and locations, see our web-
Mar. 14, Marshall CC Saturday G/60 $30 thereafter. Prizes: Trophies to top five in each section. ENT: Dan Patter-
4SS, G/60. Marshall CC, 23 W. 10th St., NYC. 212-477-3716. ($360 b/24) $120- son 11313 Lake Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Tel. 216-281-1313. INFO:
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED TO THE U.S. CHESS TRUST! (June 2007 through March 2008)
Legacy Donors: Deborah Doll, Nearing, GM Arnold Denker. Future Legacy Donors: Harold B. Dondis, Wil Wakely. Corporate Donors: Aetna, Exxon, IBM,
Microsoft, WalMart, X3D, Mobil, WaMu, Nugent & Haussler, PC Partners. Chess Philanthropists ($50,000 or more): Harold B. Dondis, Frank P. Samford
III. King Supporters ($10,000 or more): Frank Berry, Mark Fins. Friends of Chess ($5,000 or more): Anonymous, Mitchell Denker, Gerald Hoag, Adam
Sufrin, JDG Management, Shane Samole, Nearing Trust. Ben Franklin Donors ($1,000 or more): Anonymous NJ, Joel & Susan Channing, Gary Cooper,
John Dozier, Leroy Dubeck, Jim Eade, Leonard Helman, Roger Spero, Sunil Weeramantry (National Scholastic Foundation), Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Graves,
Dr. William Henkin, Karl Irons, Victor Laurie, Harvey Schein, Mark Schein, Adam J. Semler, Randy Slifka, Mariko Zeitlin. Heritage Donors ($500 or more):
Richard Allen, Norman Forsythe, Clifford Lester, Rick Lester (Ursula Foster Scholarship), Henry Odell, Harold Winston, Steve Doyle, Ann Marks, Drs. Luann
Mostello & Art Milholland, Bill & Vesna Kelleher, Eric Lester, Robert Messenger, Henry Terrie, Selden Trimble, Mosh & Arianne Weinberger, Yuriko Young,
Randall & Leilani Sears, Dave Sutherland, Erland Millikan, J. William Cowart, Paul Albert. Associate Donors ($100 or more): Harvey Susswein, John M.
Bartkiw, Randy Bauer/Deborah OLeary, Walter Brown, Bernie Letner, David Kuhns, Jim Berry, Alan/Judy Cohen, Gary Fine, Martin/Joy Goldberg, Roger
Gotschall, Jim Gray, Randy Hough, Christopher Lerbs, Myron/Rachel Lieberman, Luke Neyndorff, Glenn Petersen, Larry Weston, Charles/Debrah Unruh,
Edward Zatorski, Joe Feagin, Marc Levine, Michael Goodall, Walter Buehl, Jr, GM Susan Polgar/Paul Truong, Dr. Jon E. Quinn, Burton Carpenter, Michael
Clark, James Kelley, Jeffrey Davidson, Paul Tomaino, Phyllis Narveson, Brian Bezenek, Robert Emke, Scott Kenyon, Kenneth Rogoff, Hans Morrow, Robert
Miller, George Berry, Dr. Ed Epp, Peter Dyson, Harold Blajwas, Denis Strenzwilk, Dr. Benton Wheeler, Donald Stetzer, Fred Gruenberg, Barbara Forbes, Lawrence
Goch, James Wheeler, Carol McCloud, Arthur Montgomery, Andrew Marshall, Barbara Falcner, Alexander Blum, Helen Kittsley, Kent Bach, Peter Knopf, Zevi
Miller, Dr. Rebecca Meyer, Bruce McMaster, Tim Redman, Robert Goodman, Rick Armagost, John Crawford, David Kerkhove, John Fitch, Jeffrey Quirke,
Herbert Drechsler, Neil Levy, Richard Shuford, Roy Eikerenkoetter, Lewis Henry, Robert Pociask, Gail Maury, Dr. R.A. Letourneau, Gilbert Saulter, Roger
Hale, Albert Epostein, John Elder, Dr. Joe Wagner, Peter Stasz, Community Health Charities, Dayton Foundation (Ken/Peg Champney), Peter Tamburro, Don
Schultz, John/Eleanor Schweinsberg, Todd Luna, Jorge Calderon, L.J. Lyell, Katherine Gasser, Richard Cheshire, Sheila Donoghue. Contributors ($50 or
more): Alexander Reis, Anonymous WI, Frank Brady, Harvey Drutowski, Woodrow Harris, Michael James, Michael Nietman, Arlen Overvig, Robert Rasmussen,
Thomas Richardson, Joseph Roster, Garret Sauber, Stephen Smith, Hal Sprechman, T. Torricellas, Donald Twombly, Douglas Southon, Robert Strickler, Charles
Behler, Peter Scott, Thomas Bagby, Matthew Grinberg, Chess Now Ltd, Peter Spizzirri, Dan Mayers, Joseph Slawinski, Robert Werdan, Robert Rasmussen,
Steve Krevinko, Karl Filzer, William McClain, Andrew Nowak, James Lorentz, Robert Carey, Richard Nepolitan, John Brendel, Edmund Breider, Peter Lahde,
George Hermes, Ricard Vincent, Arhur Lewis, Allen Kaufman, Imgre Toth, Edward Dowdy, Gordon Gray, Baron Powell, Tony Newhall, Gerald Larson, Don-
ald Farrelly, Kenneth John, David Sachs, Tom Beckman, Captn Gary Black, Peter Hanen, Richard Adams, Michael/Laurie Stein, Thomas/Nancy Simpson,
John/Emily Summy, Ken Ballou, Ken Marks, Larry Reifurth. In Memory Of George Krauss: Blaine/Carol Asbrock, Edwary/Loretta Sytnik, Gabriel/Joann
Trotta, Wayne Rahe, Robert Lardon, Richard Cheshire, Carberry, Mary Alice Burke, Carol Wirtz, James/Jennifer Roth.

site at www.silverknightschess.com. Phone: 610-446-
0818. Email: [email protected].
HR: Mention PA States for best rate; 800-692-7315 $75. Ent: PSCF, c/o Tom versity of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080.
Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223-2245. Info: Steve: 215-784-5938 Use University Drive entrance. Six rated sections: Opened to all but only play-
[email protected] Dan: 610-649-0750 [email protected] ers who live in or attend school in Region 3 may be Region 3 champions. High
Every 1st Saturday Lehigh Valley Super Quads www.pscfchess.org/pascholasticchamp/ W. Feb. 2009 ratings used.WCL JGP School (grades 9-12), Middle School (grades 6-8/9), Elementary (grades K-
3-RR, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. EF: $10. 5/6), Elementary U800 (grades K-5/6 rated under 800), Primary (grades
(2-day sections).
$30 Perfect Score, else $25 1st. Reg.: 12:30-1:15. Rds.: 1:30-3-4:30. Info: 610- preK-3), and K-1 (grades pre-k-1). $$Trophies for rated sections: HS section:
821-4320, [email protected], www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Apr. 8-12, 9-12 or 10-12, 11th annual Foxwoods Open (CT)
Top 10 ind., top 3 teams; MS Top 10 ind., top 3 team. Elem: Top 10 ind., top 5
See Grand Prix.
Every Friday Lehigh Valley Doubleheader 5-Minute Blitz Chess teams; Elem U800: Top 10 ind., top 5 teams; Primary: Top 10 ind., top 5 teams;
(QC) Apr. 23-May 21, 2009 Hatboro Open K-1 Top 7 ind., top team. EF for Rated Section: $25 if postmarked by 1/17;
8SS each, G/5, St James Church, 11th & Tilghman Sts., Allentown, PA 18102. See Grand Prix. $39 thereafter and on site. Add $5 for phone entries. On site registration may
EF: $5 each, Prizes: 50% of Entries, 1st -70%, 2nd -30%, if 12 or more play- July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open result in 1/2 point first round bye. US Chess Federation Membership required.
ers,$7 to top U1600, (If 24 or more players then 2 sections/ 2 prize funds See Grand Prix. One Not rated sections: K-6 not rated Open. This section is opened to all play-
each event), One 1/2 bye only. Early Event Reg.: 6:30-6:50p. Rds.:7-7:15-7:30- ers in Grades k-6. $$Trophies for K-6 not rated sections:Top 10 ind,Top 5 teams.
7:42-7:55-8:10-8:25-8:40p. Late Event Reg.: 8:45-8:55p. Rds.:9-9:15-9:30-
9:42-9:55-10:10-10:25-10:40p. Info: Bruce Davis, 610-821-4320, bdavis@
Rhode Island EF for not rated section is $15 if postmarked by 1/17, $25 thereafter and on
site. On site registration may result in 1/2 point 1st round bye. ALL: Reg.: 7:30-
lehighvalleychess.org, www.lehighvalleychess.org/. Jan. 17, 2009 Winter Team Challenge 8:30am, Rd 1 at 9:15am, all others ASAP with 35-minute lunch break. One 1/2
4SS G/45, Held at R.I. College. Gr. K-5, Gr. 6-8, Gr. 9-12. Trophies top 3 teams pt. bye if requested before end of Rd 2. Medals to all the participants. Tourna-
North Penn Chess Club in each section. EF: $48 per team of four by 1/14, $68 at site. Players can be ment is not elimination, play all 5 rounds. Pre-Registration requires prepayment
Main & Richardson, Lansdale, PA. See www.npchessclub.org for schedules & from different schools. See full schedule, register online: www.rhodeisland with complete information. All changes after 1/22/08 to be made on site only,
info or call 215-699-8418. chess.org email: [email protected]. phone: (401) 359-1602. $10 for changes made after 1/22/08. No credit cards accepted onsite. Spe-
Jan. 16-19, 17-19 or 18-19, 41st annual Liberty Bell Open Jan. 31 & Feb. 28, BK Tournaments for Kids cial TCA rules on which section a player can play in Rated Sections. See
See Grand Prix. Reg. online: www.rhodeislandchess.org email: [email protected] www.swchess.com/sce/tourney/tsc2006/tsc06.htm for some guidelines.
Jan. 19, Liberty Bell USCF Booster Quads phone: (401) 359-1602. See CL4K. Online Registration: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1646858
3RR, G/30, Sheraton Philadelphia (see Liberty Bell Open). EF: $20. 1st prize each Make Checks payable to: Dallas Chess Club. US Chess Federation Member-
section: choice of 2 year USCF Adult membership with Chess Life, 3 year South Carolina ship is required for all Rated sections. Not Rated sections do not require US
Chess Federation membership. Entry Form Enter: Barbara Swafford, 2709
USCF Young Adult Membership with Chess Life, or $40. Reg: 10 am-12 noon, Jan. 17, 4th Patrick D. Hart Memorial Scholastic
Rds: 12:30-1:30-2:30. Ent: at site only, no checks. Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX 76036. Ph: 214.632.9000. E-mail: info@ dal-
4SS, G30 (Rds 1-3), G45 (Rd 4) Best Western Charleston - Downtown 250 Spring laschess.com. Note that seating is limited and is on a first come first serve basis.
Jan. 23, Friday Night Action #1 St., Charleston, SC 29403. EF: $20 if recd by 1/12;$25 at site USCF and SCCA Park on metered parking by Student Union or by UTD bookstore. Or get visi-
4SS, G/30. Bryn Mawr Community Center, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA memberships reqd, OSA, Trophies to 1st, 2nd & 3rd plus free 1 yr USCF mem- tors pass at guard shack on University Drive and park on visitors parking.
19010. EF: $30 online; $15 online for players under age 18; $5 more on-site berships each. Reg.: 8-9:30am. Rds.: 10am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm. In 3 sections:
6:30-6:45. Rds: 7:00, then ASAP. Prizes: $100 guaranteed 1st, others per entries. HS (9-12), MS (6-8), Elem/K (K-5). HR: $69.99 plus 12.5% tax (mention Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Texas Team Championship
See www.silverknightschess.com to register or for more information. Charleston Chess Club) reserve by 12/31/08. Adv Ent: Charleston Chess Club, 4-SS, 30/90. SD/60. John E. Hornbeak Bldg., 3rd floor, 4450 Medical Dr., San
c/o David Y. Causey, 741 Dragoon Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Email: Antonio, TX. Open to four-player teams avg. U2200 based on Dec. 2008 rating
Jan. 24, ASAP Chess Challenge Tournament [email protected]. list. One alternate allowed, must be lowest rated. EF: $100/team if recd by
Great Hall, Moore College of Art and Design, 20th St. and the Parkway, Philadel- 1/29, $125 site. TCA memb. required ($10 reg., $7.50 jr. U19, $1 jr. tmt.), o.s.a.
phia, PA 19103. 5 Sections. ALL SECTIONS FREE. Scholastic Rated Sections: Feb. 6-8, 35th Snowstorm Special $$($1,000 b/12 teams): $450 + T, $250; U1900 team $200 + T, $100. Reg.:
K-5, K-8, K-12: 3SS, G/60.Trophies for top 5. Scholastic Non-Rated Sections: See Grand Prix. 11 a.m.-noon, Rds.: 12:30-6, 9:30-3. Ent: SACC, POB 501, Helotes, TX 78023;
K-6, 6-12: 4SS, G/40. Not USCF-rated. Medallions to winners. All: Depending 210-695-2324; [email protected]. NS. NC. W. WCL JGP.
upon entries, an additional round may be added or sections divided. Reg.: Tennessee April 24-26, Kasparov Chess Foundation in Association with UTD,
8:30am-9:30am. 1st Rd at 10am. Ent/Info: Justin Ennis, 1520 Locust St., Suite Jan. 17-18, Tennessee Class Championships
1104, Phila., PA 19102, [email protected], 215-545-2727 ext. 17. DCC and USCF, Presents All Girls Open National Championships
See Grand Prix. See Nationals.
Jan. 25, PCL January Quick Quads (QC) Mar. 13-15 or 14-15, 13th Annual Mid-America Open (MO)
3RR, G/15. Wm. Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th Ave. & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, See Grand Prix. Vermont
PA 15213. EF: $10, $7 Jrs. $20 to 1st/quad. Reg: 11-11:15am, Rds: 11:30am-
Noon-12:30pm. Info: [email protected], 412-908-0286. W. Apr. 3-5, SuperNationals IV Jan. 31, Lake Champlain Plus-Score
See Nationals. 4SS, GAME/65, Comfort Suites, 1712 Shelburne Rd. South Burlington VT.
A State Championship Event! 05403. EF: $20. $$b/score: $$Based on score. 4.0 = $100, 3.5 =$50, 3.0 =
Jan. 31, 2009 PA State Amateur Team Championship
William Pitt Union, Univ. of Pittsburgh, 5th & Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 4-
Texas $25, 2.5 = $10. Reg.: 9- 9:45. Rds.: 10-1-3:25-5:45. ENT: Alex Relyea, 49Tech-
nology Dr. #89, Bedford, NH 03110. INFO: Alex Relyea, [email protected].
player teams, average rating U2200, alternates allowed. 4SS, G/75. EF: Jan. 16-18 or 17-18, JGs Old-Fashioned Hamburgers Texas Class [email protected]. www.relyeachescom. NS W. WCL JGP.
$60/team by 1/23, $80 later. $$ (700 b/16 teams): $250-100, U2000 $95, U1800 Championships
$90, U1600 $85, U1400 $80. Reg: 9-9:30 Rds: 10-1-4-7. PSCF $5, OSA. Ent/Info: University ofTexas at Dallas, Galaxy Rooms At Student Union, 800 West Camp-
bell Rd, Richardson TX 75080. 5SS, G/120, Rd 1 of 2day is G/60. In 7 Sections:
Virginia
PSCF, c/o Tom Martinak, 25 Freeport St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223, 412-908-0286,
[email protected] W. WCL JGP. Under 2200: Open to 2199 & under. Unrateds may play in this section but are Feb. 14-15, Kingstowne Chess Festival
ineligible for prizes. U2000: Open to 1999 & under. Unrateds may play in this See Grand Prix.
Feb. 7, Scranton Winter Open section but not be eligible for prizes. U1800: Open to 1799 & under. Unrateds
4R SS, Gm/60, Embury United Methodist Church, 942 S. Main Ave., Scranton, Feb. 21, Winter Seasonal Special
may play in this section but not be eligible for prizes. U1600/Unrateds: Open See Grand Prix.
PA. EF: $20 by Feb.6, $25 at site. Reg.: 9 -10am, Rds.: 10, 12:30, 3 & 5. to 1599 & under. Unrateds play in this section. Unrated may only win unrated
Prizes: (b/20), $125, $75, U1800, U1500, U1200/unr: $50 ea. Upset prize, & prizes that are determined by unrated entry fees. The unrated entry fees do Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 41st Annual Virginia Open
door prize. Entries/Info: Bernie Sporko, 127 S. Main St., Carbondale, PA not apply for U1600 prizes. U1400: Open to 1399 & under. Unrateds may not See Grand Prix.
18407. 570-282-2793, cell: 570-604-2461, e-mail: [email protected]. play in this section. U1200: Open to 1199 & under. Unrateds may not play in
Online entries acc. thru PayPal, include entry info in message.
July 1-5, 2-5, 3-5 or June 29-July 5, 37th Annual World Open (PA)
this section. U1000: Open to 999 & under. Unrateds may not play in this sec- See Grand Prix.
Feb. 7, W.Chester 1st Sat. Quads tion. ALL: $$ 60% returned as prizes (30% for 1st, 20% for 2nd and 10% for
Our 20th Year! 3RR, 40/80,sd/30. United Methodist Church, 129 S. High St. West 3rd.). EF: $49 by 1/4/09, Juniors U19/Seniors Over 65/Handicap $30 by
1/4/09. Else $65 or Jr/Sr/Hcap $40. Please do not mail after Jan 4th. You may
Wisconsin
Chester, PA. EF: $20; every tenth quad free $$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. register online until Jan 10th. No Credit Cards onsite. www.active.com/ A Heritage Event!
event_detail.cfm?event_id=1646857. Two 1/2 pt. byes if requested before rd Jan. 24-25, 45th Northeastern Open
Feb. 8, MasterMinds CC 2nd Sunday Swiss/Open Quads 2, but byes for both round 4 and round 5 is not allowed. Two schedules: 3 day 5/SS. Two Sections: OPEN and RESERVE (U/1500). Holiday Inn Neenah,
Blair Christian Academy, Philadelphia, Pa., 220 W. Upsal St. 2 events. Quads: and 2 day. 3 day Onsite Registration: 1/16: 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Rounds: Fri 7:20 123 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI 54956. Hotel phone: 1-800-725-6348.
3RR, 40/80, SD/30. EF: $20, Perfect score winner $60 else $50. Rds.: 10-2-5. pm, Sat 12:30 pm - 5:15 pm, Sun 9:10 am - 2:45 pm. 2 day Onsite Registra- ROOM RATES: $79 sgl/dbl. Mention chess! REG.: 9-9:30 on 1/24/09. ROUNDS
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Tournament Life
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Solutions
Chess to Enjoy C. Exploiting the overburdened knight eventually Solitaire Chess ABCs of Chess
won after 1. Nh5! Nxh5 2. Bxd7 b5 3. Bxb5 Rd8
Fork: White loses all hope after 1. ... Bxd4, since 2.
Problem I. Problem I.
1. Rch8! threatens 2. R4h7 mate (1. ... Kf7 2. d5). 4. Ba6 regaining the pawn while shattering
Problem II.
Blacks pawn structure. Qxd4 meets up with the fork 2. ... Nc2+.
Trapping: With 1. ... c4 Whites bishop has

1. Bxg7 Kxg7 2. b5! threatens both the queen and 3. A. Michael Langer (2315) - Cornelius Rub- Problem II.
A. Crushing was 1. ... Qb7! 2. Nc4 (if 2. Nf3 Qa6+)

rook. On 2. ... Rxc4 White has 3. Qb2+! and 4. bxa6. samen (2273)
Problem III. nowhere to go; and if 2. exd5, then 2. ... cxd3+ is
1. R2f5! Qb2 2. d4! cuts the defense against Rxg7+ 2. ... Rxc4! 3. Qxc4 Ne3+! 4. fxe3 Qxg2+ 5. Ke1 more than good enough.
Qg1+ 6. Qf1 Qxe3+.
B. The plausible 1. ... Qc6 does not threaten 2. ... Removing the guard: The simple exchange 1.
and mates. Black resigned after 2. ... Qxe2+ 3. Kh3. Problem III.
Problem IV.
cxd2. White can hang on with 2. f3. ... Qxe2+ leaves White with two poor choices: He
C. Okay is 1. ... c2 2. Re1 Qc3 but its still a fight.
1. Qd4+! Kg8 2. Qd5+ Rf7 3. Kh6! is Zugzwang (3.
... Kf8 4. Qd8 mate). Or 1. ... Kf7 2. Qd5+ and 3. could take back with the knight, 2. Nxe2, and fall to
Qxb7 or 1. ... Kf8 2. Qh8+ and Qxh7+/Qxb7. 4. C. Andrew Karklins (2256) - Michael Langer
2. ... Nf2+; or he could take back with the king, 2.
Kxe2, and lose the bishop, 2. ... Nxc1+. Some
A. Black remains a piece ahead on 1. ... Bd7 2. c3
Problem V. (2315)
1. Bxd4 exd4 2. e5 threatens 3. Bxb7, 3. Bd5 or 3. choice.
Discovery: The check 1. ... Qg5+ exposes a dis-

e6 (2. ... Qb4 3. Bd5). Bc5. Problem IV.
Problem VI. B. Also adequate is 1. ... Bc8.
C. The quietus was 1. ... Ne5! 2. Qf4 (if 2. Qxe7+
1. Be7! Rxf7 2. Bc4! Nxc4 (2. ... Rxe7 3. Rd8+ Bf8 4. covery to Whites queen. However White replies he
Qc3+ and mates) 3. Rd8+ Bf8 4. Bxf8! Rxf8 5. must lose material.
Qxe7 3. Nxe7 Nxf3! 4. Nd5 Nxd2+; or 2. Qg7
Discovery: After 1. ... d3+ 2. Qe3 d2, White can
Rxf8+ wins. If 1. ... Rc8 then 2. Be4! threatens 3. Problem V.
Nxf3 3. Rxd4 Nxd4+ wins) 2. ... Qxf4 3. Nxf4 Be3
Qxc8+! Bxc8 4. Rd8+ and leads to 2. ... Rb8 3. Qc7!
White resigns. resign, since 3. Qxc5 allows 3. ... dxe1=Q mate.
or 2. ... h6 3. Bxg6 and wins. Similarly 1. ... Ra8 2.
Skewer: The direct attack 1. ... Rf8, backed up by

Be4 Rb8 3. Qc7!. Endgame Lab Benkos Bafflers Problem VI.
Whats The Best Move? Problem I.

1. ... Nd1!? 2. Bxd1 Rxd1+ 3. Kxd1 b2 4. Rxc4 b1=Q+ the bishop, skewers queen and rook. The rest is bad
1. B. Jaan Ehlvest (2637) - Cornelius Rub- for White.
5. Kd2 h6 6. g6 fxg6 7. hxg6 Qa2 8. Rc8+ Qg8 9.
A. Indecisive is 1. Rxd7 Qxd7 2. Qxf8+ Rxf8 3.
samen (2273)
Rxg8+ Kxg8 10. c4 Kf8 11. c5 Ke7 12. c6 wins.
Rxf8+ Kg7 4. Nxe5 Qa4. Problem II.
B. White won by Zugzwang after 1. Qh3! Rxf7 2. Solitaire Chess scores:
1. Kc2
Total your score to determine

Rxf7 Re7 3. Rxe7 Qxe7 4. Qe6! Qg7 5. a4 a5 6. 1. Kc1? c2! 2. Kxc2 a3 3. Kc1 d3 4. Na4 d2+ 5. Kc2
your approximate rating

Kf2 Kh7 7. Ke2 Kh8 8. Kd2 Kh7 9. Kc3 Kh8 10. d1=Q+ 6. Rxd1 stalemate
below:
Kb3. 1. ... a3 2. Ra1+!
C. Good enough but less elegant is 1. Rxf8+ Rxf8 2.
2. Nc4? d3+ 3. Kc1 d2+ 4. Nxd2 cxd2+ 5. Kc2
d1=Q+ 6. Rxd1 stalemate; 2. Nd3 stalemate Total Score Approx. Rating
Qh3 Rxf1 3. Kxf1 Nf8 4. Qc8 Kg8 5. Qe8. 95+ 2400+
2. ... Kxa1 3. Nd3 Ka2
2. C. Dereque Kelley (2108) - Ruth Haring 81-94 2200-2399
3. ... a2 4. Kc1 c2 5. Nc5 d3 6. Nb3 mate 66-80 2000-2199
A. The queen gets trapped after 1. Qxa7?? Ra8 2.
(1954) 4. Nb4+ Ka1 5. Kc1 c2 51-65 1800-1999
5. ... d3 6. Nxd3 Ka2 7. Kc2 Ka1 8. Nc1 a2 9. Nb3 36-50 1600-1799
Bxd7 Nxd7.
B. White regains the pawn with 1. Bxd7 Qxd7 2.
mate 21-35 1400-1599
6. Nxc2+ Ka2 7. Nxd4 Ka1 8. Kc2 Ka2 9. Ne2 Ka1 06-20 1200-1399
Qxa7 Ra8 3. Qb7 Rab8 4. Qa6 but its still 10. Nc1 a2 11. Nb3 mate. 0-05 under 1200
unclear.
CHESS LIFE USPS# 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume 64 No. 1. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN
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January 2009 uschess.

He won the 1992

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USCF Executive Board

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

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By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM

17 WHATS THE BEST MOVE?

32 | 2008 WORLD YOUTH

On The Cover 36 | HERE AND THERE

4 Chess Life January 2009 uschess.org

PREMIUM Membership REGULAR Membership

PREMIUM USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES REGULAR USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES

OTHER USCF MEMBERSHIP RATES WHAT YOU GET AS A

FAMILY PLAN 1 (6) $70 N/A N/A N/A

6 Chess Life January 2009 uschess.org

$50,000 in cash scholarships to be awarded!

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

ENT R IES TO:

dissolved itself after losing a power strug

ACTIVITY MEANS MEMBERS

uschess.org Chess Life January 2009 9

On the Shoulders of Chess Giants

1944: Chess Review flooded with

Chess Life begins as a newspaper

1948: Fine declines to play in the

Trivia: Two of the three U.S. champs

some of his secrets can be told.

Dutch magazine Matten. When Bobby and his sister Joan

12 Chess Life January 2009 uschess.org

Morphy was Quicker

Among Paul Morphys contributions to bonus points or deductions for other

14 Chess Life January 2009 uschess.org

These problems are all related to

9. Bxd2+ 13. 0-0 17. Kh8

rather than 16. Ndxe4, is to avoid 16. ... point).

bonus point for seeing each variation.

Re1 Par Score: 5

Qxc4 Par Score: 5

Scoring box on page 71.

By Dr. Alexey Root, WIM

26th Sands Regency Western States Open

252 Compete In Reno 1. White moves 2. White moves

Readers are invited to send their posi

Thank You, U.S. Chess Trust!

Go to www.uschesstrust.org to make a donation today!

uschess.org Chess Life January 2009 17

The Sixth Annual All-Girls Open National Championships

Kasparov Chess Foundations

Highlights of the Foundations

* KCF developed blueprint chess educational

Kasparov Chess Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) educational organization

4. ... d5 5. cxd5 Qxd5 6. Nf3 Qf5 7. Qb3!? Nc6 r+l+k l r + + PPP

Team USA Results p

+ +RR K you to send your instructive games