Chess Life September 2021-TLS
Chess Life September 2021-TLS
Chess Life September 2021-TLS
B0022CH CATASTROPHES & TACTICS IN THE CHESS OPENING WORKBOOK B0543EM PLAY THE BUDAPEST GAMBIT
by Carsten Hansen by Andrew Martin
Everybody wants to win fast, preferably straight out of the chess The Budapest Gambit (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e5) is an aggressive, dynamic
opening. This book is a collection of games played by top players in approach for meeting 1 d4 and is a great line for throwing opponents
which either White or Black wins in 15 moves or less either as a result onto their own resources. It is certainly double-edged as Black moves
of blunders, an accumulation of mistakes or brilliant chess tactics. the same piece twice early on and also sacrifices a pawn. This pawn
Through the study of the games in this volume, you will improve your is often quickly regained but one of the great advantages of the
opening play, opening repertoire, strategies and tactical Budapest is that if White tries to hang on to the pawn (and
ability. This book, volume 1, focuses on the Indian Defenses many players do) Black can quickly whip up a ferocious
and includes such openings as the KID, Grunfeld Indian, attack. A great number of materialistic but unprepared
$20.95 QID, Nimzo-Indian, Bogo-Indian and many more! $29.95 White players have found themselves swiftly demolished by
Black’s tremendously active pieces.
B0248NIC THE FULLY-FLEDGED FRENCH B0041ER THE CREATIVE POWER OF BOGOLJUBOV - VOLUME II
by Viktor Moskalenko by Grigory Bogdanovich
Viktor Moskalenko’s best selling books The Flexible French (2008) In the second part of his two-volume treatise on Bogoljubov’s games,
and The Even More Flexible French (2015) were hailed by reviewers International Master Grigory Bogdanovich provides 191 fully annotated
from all over the world as eye-opening, full of new ideas, easy to read, games and fragments as well as 6 endgame compositions and 23
sparkling, and inspirational. Time has not stood still, and the popular tactical positions for the reader to analyze. As in the first volume, his
French Defence has seen a lot of new developments, not in the analysis of Bogoljubov’s games is split into instructive themes, making
last place thanks to Moskalenko’s books. The Ukrainian his treatise a fantastic textbook for learning a huge range of
grandmaster himself has kept playing and researching his winning techniques. The present volume covers the topics
beloved chess opening and decided to write a new book of attack, defense, planning, Bogoljubov’s contribution to
$32.95 with countless improvements, alternatives, new ideas and $35.95 opening theory, and endgame technique.
fresh weapons that will delight and surprise the reader.
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SEPTEMBER
COLUMNS
8 CHESS TO ENJOY
Entertainment
May I?
BY GM ANDY SOLTIS
10 EVENTS
In the News
BY JOHN HARTMANN
46 SOLITAIRE CHESS
Instruction
The Fifth World Chess
Champion
BY BRUCE PANDOLFINI
50 PUZZLES
Make Your Move! 30 COVER STORY
BY FM CARSTEN HANSEN THE PRIDE OF PRAGUE
Shankland on his victory at the Prague Masters
DEPARTMENTS BY GM SAM SHANKLAND
4 SEPTEMBER PREVIEW
Social Media Guide
for Members
12 INTERVIEW GM Abhimanyu Mishra
5 COUNTERPLAY “All My Work... Had Finally Paid Off”
Readers Respond An Interview with Abhimanyu and Hemant Mishra
BY JOHN HARTMANN
6 FIRST MOVES
Chess News from 22 EVENTS World Open
Around the U.S. Chess With Kids
Two dads square up at the 2021 World Open.
43 US CHESS AFFAIRS BY ALEX KING
News for Our Members
PHOTO: COURTESY PRAGUE CHESS FESTIVAL / VLADIMIR JAGR
51 TOURNAMENT LIFE
34 EVENTS National Open
Viva Las Vegas!
58 CLASSIFIEDS Over-the-board chess beats the odds at the National Open.
BY JJ LANG
59 SOLUTIONS
60 MY BEST MOVE
40 EVENTS National Open
Personalities Two by Yermo
Two annotated games by Yermo and friends.
JAMES H. CANTY III
BY GM ALEX YERMOLINSKY
For up-to-date chess news, and
news about US Chess, check out
44 EVENTS U.S. Open
Chess Life Online at uschess.
Lenderman Wins 121st U.S. Open
org/clo on a regular basis. All the results from Cherry Hill
BY JOHN HARTMANN
G M S A M S H A N K LA N D
(Cover Story) is the 2018 U.S.
Chess Champion. He is a main-
stay on the U.S. Olympic Team, a
two-time Olympiad Gold Medalist
(2014 and 2016, Silver Medal-
ist in 2018), a former World U18
co-champion (2008), and the
winner of dozens of international
tournaments across four conti- E D I TO R I A L
nents, reaching a peak rating of C H E S S L I F E / C LO E D I TO R John Hartmann ([email protected])
2731 FIDE and #21 in the world. In addition to his playing career, A R T D I R E C TO R Kory Kennedy
he has worked as an analyst for the reigning World Champion, GM P U B L I C AT I O N S E D I TO R Melinda Matthews
Magnus Carlsen, training with him to prepare for the 2014 and C R E AT I V E CO N T E N T CO O R D I N ATO R Natasha Roberts
2016 World Championship matches, and he has published two T E C H N I C A L E D I TO R IM Ron Burnett
books as well as five online opening database courses. He is also T L A [email protected]
one of the owners of the online training site Killer Chess Training.
U S C H E S S S TA F F
JOH N H A RT M A N N E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R Carol Meyer
(Interview) is the editor of Chess Life and Chess S E N I O R D I R E C TO R O F ST R AT E G I C CO M M U N I C AT I O N Daniel Lucas
Life Online. He was recently named the 2021 Chess D I R E C TO R O F E V E N TS Boyd Reed
Journalist of the Year by the Chess Journalists of D I R E C TO R O F D E V E LO P M E N T Geoffrey S. Isaak
America, the second consecutive year he has won D I R E C TO R O F A D M I N I ST R AT I O N Judy Misner
that award. He resides in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, daugh- W O M E N ’ S P R O G R A M D I R E C TO R Jennifer Shahade
ter, three cats, and approximately 1,200 chess books. A S S I STA N T D I R E C TO R O F E V E N TS Pete Karagianis
F I D E E V E N TS M A N A G E R / CO R R E S P O N D E N C E C H E S S Christopher Bird
A LE X K IN G
T E C H N I C A L & R AT I N G S M A N A G E R Korey Kormick
(World Open) is a National Master and two-time
S E N I O R A CCO U N TA N T Debra Robison
Tennessee State Champion. He teaches chess in
G O V E R N A N C E CO O R D I N ATO R Jennifer Pearson
Memphis and plays piano in his spare time. For
M E M B E R S H I P A S S O C I AT E Christine Green
more on Alex, check out his appearance (Episode
D I G I TA L A S S I STA N T Brian Jerauld
97) on Ben Johnson’s “Perpetual Chess Podcast.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SLCC/A. FULLER (SHANKLAND), EMILY WOLFE (KING), COURTESY OF SUBJECT (ALL OTHERS)
EXECUTIVE BOARD
JJ LAN G
P R E S I D E N T Mike Hoffpauir ([email protected])
(National Open) is a graduate student in phi-
V I C E P R E S I D E N T Randy Bauer ([email protected])
losophy and a chess teacher based in Lincoln,
V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F F I N A N C E Chuck Unruh ([email protected])
Nebraska. Active on chess Twitter, he streams on
S E C R E TA R Y Fun Fong ([email protected])
Twitch as @chessfeels and tweets under the same
M E M B E R AT L A R G E David Day ([email protected])
moniker. This is his first article for Chess Life.
M E M B E R AT L A R G E John Fernandez ([email protected])
M E M B E R AT L A R G E Kevin Prior ([email protected])
G M ALE X Y E R M O LIN S KY
(National Open) is a native of St. Petersburg,
Russia, and was one of the top players in the U.S. INQUIRIES
For communications and press inquiries, please contact
during the 1990s. Since 2007 Yermolinsky has
Dan Lucas at [email protected] (931) 200-5509
lived in South Dakota and works as analyst and
commentator for various internet and print chess sources. To submit letters to the editor, please email [email protected]
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ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK
we began making plans for the first major federal COVID-19 regulations — were just as The first day of the event, Saturday May
OTB tournament on the west coast since the important as the players. Fortunately, after 22nd, was both exciting and nerve-wrack-
pandemic began. calling many hotels, we decided upon the ing. Round one started at 9:00 a.m., but
The inaugural Silicon Valley Open was Sonesta San Jose as our playing site. Social we — along with Chief TD Reka — arrived
held from May 22-23 at the beautiful Sonesta distancing was not the only safety measure even earlier to make sure everything was
San Jose hotel in San Jose. (Don’t take our that SJCC took: we also sanitized the boards set. All three of us felt our adrenaline kick
word for it — it gets 3.8 stars on Google!) The and pieces after every round and the entire in as more and more people entered the
tournament drew a strong field, including room at the end of each day. Additionally, room. No one had experienced this kind
three international masters, one woman the club mandated that every player over of competitive, but exciting, atmosphere in
grandmaster, five national masters, and 16 years of age be fully vaccinated or show 15 months. Although SJCC had to deal with
other nationally ranked juniors. In all, 100 proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 some challenges, such as managing 100
participants were competing for a total prize hours or less before the start of the event. chess players and their families and mak-
fund of $3,900. The local mother-daughter ing sure all players had their temperatures
team of Fide Arbiter (FA) and Senior Tour- checked, the check-in process was relative-
nament Director (SrTD) Judit Sztaray and But we both felt ly smooth. The rest of the day progressed
FA/SrTD Reka Sztaray served as tournament
directors.
that one component with little difficulty, the only hiccup being
a minor issue with the DGT live streaming.
As a new chess club, SJCC did not have was still missing OTB chess was back in Northern California!
the resources to publicize as heavily as more The next day, round four began at 10:00
established chess clubs do, so we relied on from this new club: a.m. so players had a little extra time to ar-
the many connections we have built over the
past seven years. We reached out to players in-person over-the- rive after a long evening of chess the night
before. Similar to the first day, SJCC careful-
we knew and extended personal invitations.
SJCC also accepted help from well-known
board (OTB) chess. ly checked the temperature of 100 players
before they entered tournament hall. With
chess personalities such as GM Melikset a super-smooth second day unfolding, we
Khachiyan and Michael Aigner, hoping to These were just a few of the logistical and could finally focus all our attention on our
attract more players to the tournament. safety challenges we faced while conducting own games.
Other chess organizations and personalities an event during a pandemic. The tournament was a great experience
stepped up to support the event as well, in- To make the event as professional as pos- for both of us. We learned a lot from orga-
cluding Abel Talamantez from Mechanics’ sible, Chess Sin Fronteras and Juan Cendejas nizing our very first in-person tournament,
Institute, who promoted the event during provided five DGT boards for the tourna- including how to set up an event, manage
their live Twitch broadcast, and other Bay ment. After training from Juan — thank you! finances, and speak professionally. On be-
Area chess clubs such as the UC Berkeley — the tournament was able to broadcast the half of SJCC, we would like to express our
Chess Club and Bay Area Chess. top five boards of the Open section (2000+) gratitude to all the players who came and
Logistics — including choosing the host live. This was important as spectators were supported them for their first tournament.
hotel and complying with local, state, and not allowed in the tournament hall. We We would also like to thank all the people
traveled to the Sonesta San Jose two days who contributed to this effort, including
The TDs deep in discussion before play be- in advance, assisted by our families, to set our families, Judit Sztaray, Reka Sztaray,
gins (left); Pranav Sairam, Reka Sztaray, and up DGT boards and make sure the tables Abel Talamantez, Michael Aigner, and GM
Abhinav Penagalapati (right). maintained the proper distance. Melik Khachiyan.
May I?
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O NE OF MAGNUS CARLSEN’S
moves won widespread praise
earlier this year. Then the crit-
ics tried to figure out the real
Maybe. Or maybe he just made a useful
“pass” to stop his clock from ticking. When
an elite grandmaster plays a surprise move
we can only guess what he is really thinking.
of his brain. The right side is the creative,
intuitive one and the left is the analytical,
calculating one.
The right side would want to sacrifice a
reason he played it. How strong players think has puzzled pawn. But it has to convince the left side
psychologists since Alfred Binet, the origi- that it is sound.
nator of IQ testing, studied them more than It asks: “I want to play 14. Ne4. Can I?”
BRILLIANT OR ... a century ago. Binet suggested that a master “No,” says the left side. “Not until you find
GM Hikaru Nakamura engages in an internal debate when choosing a good answer to 14. ... Nxe5.”
GM Magnus Carlsen a move: he argues with himself. White found one and met 14. ... Nxe5
New In Chess Classic, chess24.com, You can get a hint of this debate when a with 15. Qd4! f6 16. Bxe5 fxe5.
05.02.2021 candid GM explains his thought processes White’s compensation still wasn’t obvious
in annotations. after 17. Rxf8+ Bxf8 18. Qc4 Qb6+ 19. Kh1
Qxb2 20. Rf1 Qb4 21. Qd3.
On-line commentators hailed the world Some online engines, playing the role of the
champion’s 32. ... Kf8!. They said it estab- doubting left-brain, say 21. ... Ra7 would
lished a rare middlegame case of zugzwang. defend easily. After you point out that White
White had no good moves and lost after was threatening 22. Ng5!, they realize Black
33. Rd3 Nfe4 34. Qe1 Qf6 35. Rxd5 Qxh4. is in trouble.
But after explaining 32. ... Kf8! as a su- The game ended with 21. ... Qe7 22. h4
per-subtle waiting move, the commentators h6 23. Ng5! e4 24. Qxe4 hxg5 25. Qg6, Black
realized it also had a tactical point. resigned.
Carlsen wanted to play the forking … When you play over a GM Mikhail Tal
Ng3-e4. But 32. ... Nge4 would allow 33. Bxe4 game you sense the right side of his brain
Nxe4 34 Rxd5!. rarely asked for permission. In one of his
Then on 34. … Nxf2 35. Rxe5 White threat- White felt his position was very good. He forgotten brilliancies Tal quickly played the
ens Re5xe8+ as well as Kg1xf2. chose 14. Ne4. But since Black had played first 14 moves of this very game, including
Therefore, the commentators said, Mag- all his previous moves instantly, he feared 14. Ne4!, and went on to win.
nus chose 32. ... Kf8 because by protecting he had blundered. When Tal liked a move, he didn’t debate
his rook he made 33. ... Nge4! a winning A successor to Binet might describe this with his brain’s left side for long. He would
threat. as a debate between the two hemispheres rather ask forgiveness than permission.
Today, an elite GM engages in a different Not good enough, answers the computer.
kind of dialogue when he prepares an open- It claims equality, even after 14. ... Bd7 15.
ing. He argues with a much better player Qa3 Bc6 16. f3 Nd5.
than any human. Yes, but my moves are easier to find after
17. Bc5 and Rd1-d4/Rh1-d1, you reply.
This goes on until you either give up on
QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED 14. 0-0-0 — or decide you don’t need permis-
(D37) sion to play it.
GM Fabiano Caruana Caruana has won enough of these debates
GM Hikaru Nakamura with his computer to successfully introduce
Sinquefield Cup, St. Louis, 08.04.2018 many innovations. You may remember his
remarkable series of sacrifices against GM
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. A trade of knights (15. Nxd5) is drawish Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the resumed
g3 dxc4 6. Bg2 O-O 7. Ne5 Nc6 because of the bishops of opposite color. Candidates Tournament this year. He tested
When 7. ... Nc6 was introduced in the 1970s Not much better is 14. Rd1 Bb7 and 15. f3 and tested the idea on a computer. “It still
it was shocking. Now it is routine. The six Nd5 16. Bd4 Rfd8. wasn’t clear if it would work out or not”
moves that follow are considered best: If But Fabiano Caruana overturned theory when he played it, he later said. This inno-
Black deviates he is worse. If White deviates when he played the stunning 14. 0-0-0!. vation got him a tiny edge after 14. ... Ng4
he has no chance for an advantage. Of course, you can prepare an innova- 15. Rd2 Nxe3 16. fxe3 Rb8 17. Rhd1 and he
tion like this with a computer. But deciding went on to win.
ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK
8. Bxc6 bxc6 9. Nxc6 Qe8 10. Nxe7+ Qxe7 to actually play it is more difficult than When the left and right sides of your brain
11. Qa4 c5 12. dxc5 Qxc5 13. Be3 Qc7 it seems. As with many modern opening argue, you are always in the middle.
(see diagram top of next column) positions, the machine won’t grant permis-
sion easily. Even after you analyze several You can read archival copies of
Does White have any real hope for an edge moves into the future, it insists White has “Chess to Enjoy” on uschess.org.
now? Hikaru Nakamura had previously no advantage. Click on “Chess Life Magazine,”
shown how the natural 14. 0-0 leads nowhere But I own the d-file, the right side of your and then “Digital Archives.”
after 14. ... Nd5!. brain will say.
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. h4 Qb6 5. g4
Unique Format Suits Bd7 6. h5 c5 7. dxc5 Qxc5 8. c3 Nh6 9. Be2
Nc6 10. Be3 Qa5 11. f4 f6 12. b4 Qc7 13.
Kamsky in Biel
PHOTOS: COURTESY BIEL CHESS FESTIVAL
GM Abhimanyu Mishra,
Cherry Hill, NJ,
August 6, 2021
“All My
Work…Had
Finally
Paid Off”
AN INTERVIEW WITH
ABHIMANYU AND HEMANT MISHRA
CHESS LIFE: Let’s talk about Abhi’s most small advantages, so it was a very interesting you going to be doing things for them in
recent event, the Chessable Masters Rap- game of course. It had a lot of ups and downs the future?
id. It was your first super-GM event, and because we were both very low on time, but ABHIMANYU: Most likely, yes. I may make
it was a very difficult field, but you had finally at the end I managed to win. some new courses. I started doing [work on]
a nice win at the end over your coach, Chessable about nine months back, and, as
Pentala Harikrishna. Not to jump ahead Do you feel like the rapid format suits soon as I saw the quality of the courses, I
of ourselves, but I was curious: you’ve you, or do you feel like you’re a better decided to keep going and it was an amaz-
been working with Harikrishna now for classical [time-control] player? ing process.
some months on positions where you ABHIMANYU: Rapid is a definitely a new
had a small advantage, but you had to challenge for me, since for the last few How many XP points do you have on
convert and it wasn’t easy. And then months I’ve been playing and training [for] Chessable? [XP points are earned for
that’s what you had to do against your classical [controls]. I have to get better at it, studying moves, etc. ~ed.] I saw it was an
PHOTO: IREDIA EKHATO
coach. So can you talk a little bit about but it seems like a very good time control. insane number, right?
what that felt like, to be living out a real ABHIMANYU: It’s like 61 million currently.
life training session in a big tournament? You did a course for Chessable based on
Abhimanyu: Yes, it was amazing! This has some of the games that were important Is there anyone who has more than you?
been my problem [for some time] and he as you got your third norm. How did you ABHIMANYU: Yes, definitely. People have
has helped me with that, how to convert the get hooked up with Chessable, and are like 400 million [points]!
ABHIMANYU: It felt amazing just to go and ABHIMANYU: I took the pandemic as a new that this has happened to me before, so I
be able to watch the top players games opportunity like that we would get extra time always keep thinking that this is only a mat-
in-person, while they were playing them. [to prepare]. Before the pandemic, there ter of time before I reach the next level. So
The match [against Jobava] was also very were a lot of tournaments, but of course I keep on doing the same things and finally
interesting. The first game was a very long there’s a downside. You’re not able to prac- I break through.
What was the first over-the-board tour- in the schedule because you had to go I remember watching the game live, and
nament after lockdown? do the World Cup. Talk about that day: everyone was just astounded that (a) you
ABHIMANYU: There were a few [norm] events what was the psychology of it? How did saw it and (b) that it worked!
still going on at the Charlotte Chess Center, you feel, and how did you deal with all ABHIMANYU: I would like to add that I had
so I played there. that pressure? an amazing start [in the final tournament],
ABHIMANYU: I just decided to go all out be- five points in six games, and in round seven
And after that, you decided to make this cause a draw or a loss was the same thing. I overpressed and lost again. Then I had to
long trip to Hungary, to play in norm [He had to win against GM Luke Leon Men- win two out of two, and unfortunately both
events. This is a very serious thing, both donca to get his third and final norm. See of them were with [the] black [pieces]. Both
for you guys traveling in the midst of a IM John Watson’s analysis of this key game games were very equal for a long time, but
pandemic, but it’s also a very serious in our August 2021 issue. ~ed.] I decided to fortunately everything worked out.
thing for your family because you left surprise him in the opening, and he spent
your mom and sister at home for three a lot of time in the opening. It was a mostly What did it feel like the next day when
months. How did you decide to do this? equal game, but he was down to seconds. I you woke up and you knew that all the
What was the thought process? think I even overpressed and I was losing work was done, that the quest was com-
ABHIMANYU: We knew that there were only at some point, but I mean that’s what I had pleted, how did you feel? Did you have a
six months left and we needed to play as to do if I wanted to try to win. In the last moment of thinking, well, what do I do
many tournaments as possible, and at the few seconds he missed this tactic and he now?
same time, we were ready to take all the crumbled. (see diagram below) ABHIMANYU: I was very, very happy that
necessary precautions. Because most events all my work over the last seven or eight
were in Europe, we decided to go there. years had finally paid off. Nothing could
match this.
How many tournaments did you end up
playing in Hungary? Let’s talk a little bit about coaching,
ABHIMANYU: Eight. because you’ve had some outstand-
ing coaches. Your first coach was WFM
You were playing day after day after day. Anuprita Patel, and she had a very big in-
For most American players, that’s very fluence on you, Abhi. What did she teach
hard to think about. I mean, we’re used you and why was it so important?
to weekend swisses where you play your ABHIMANYU: Yes. She taught me what kind
five games and then you’re done. You of openings to play… openings and mid-
played 70 or 80 games. How did you stay BLACK TO MOVE dlegames, she taught me everything, from
motivated? the start.
ABHIMANYU: Yes. That was also a reason When you found that shot, 48. … Nf3+,
that in the last few tournaments my norms did you see the whole trap or was this Pretty quickly you needed to get some
weren’t coming. In the first three tourna- just “I’m desperate, I need to win, I can higher-level coaching. And that’s where
ments I got two norms and my rating was maybe trick him here?” GM Magesh [Panchanathan] and GM
going up, but the thing was, towards the end ABHIMANYU: It was a bit of both things. I saw Arunprasad [Subramanian] come in. Do
[of the tournament] I would get tired and I most of the variations, but at the same time they divide their labor, so to speak, or do
would mess up my norm. It was definitely I wasn’t fully sure. I did realize that there’s they each have specific things that they
difficult to keep on playing every day, but I still a saving line. work on with you?
felt I was very, very, very close so there was
no reason to stop.
“Glad I shaved.”
John Hartmann
interviews the
Mishras on August 4,
2021 via Zoom.
ABHIMANYU: Sure. Coach Magesh, he’s been or five hours, playing through every move, you. So that all is fine. For me, failure means
my training partner for some time. He’s checking what he was thinking versus what [that] whatever we are capable of, we are
taught me how to convert my advantages. Ganguly was thinking. That helps to build a not able to do that on the chess board. And
We’ve played a lot of training games after thought process. there are multiple reasons for that.
becoming an IM. He focuses mainly on There are many reasons, psychologi-
endgames. So I feel that’s what’s making Are there any books that were really cal reasons. Most of the time it is a lack
me stronger in these all quiet endgames. important to you as you were develop- of understanding. There have been cases
I’ve learned it from him. ing, Abhi? ... I mean, both the players are down to
Coach Arun [has] been working with me ABHIMANYU: Yes, definitely. Dvoretsky’s 10 seconds and then you start blundering.
on openings and middlegames. His opening Endgame Manual was definitely a very im- That is not just sheer luck. I do believe that
understanding is amazing, of course. portant book. [It covers] all the aspects of there is some mental weakness, some un-
endgames: pawn endings to rook endings derstanding problems that are there. That’s
How do you use engines? What are you to queen endings. After I became an IM, I why you are making a mistake. And at the
using? And how much do you think started studying that. It was amazing. end of the game, whoever makes more
they’ve helped your chess? mistakes ends up losing the game. That’s
ABHIMANYU: [With] engines, there’s a good Did you study it on Chessable? Not to the common thing.
side and a downside to it. I mean, the good give them a plug, but I’m curious. I always believe that it’s about fine-tun-
side is that you give any position, it’ll tell you ABHIMANYU: Yeah, I did the course on Chess- ing your thought process, doing the right
whatever you haven’t been able to [under- able. It was very useful to do it that way. things, giving enough attention to the right
stand] for days. But the downside is that it factors. I always tell [Abhi] that losing a
doesn’t exactly explain what its thinking is. I I’m curious about your visualization. is it game is not a problem. That’s fine. The most
definitely use engines for opening prepara- a challenge for you, after having looked important thing is that you played a four-
tion because there it’s more concrete most at a screen for so long, to play a three-di- hour game. You did everything what you
of the time. But I try not to use them as mensional game? Or is your visualization could, and you ended up losing. That kind
much as they don’t explain their thinking. the same at this point? of a game will give you a lot to learn. And
Definitely they’re [showing] the best moves, ABHIMANYU: It’s basically same. I mean, I then you will become a better player. That
but it’s not exactly really clear to me why the don’t feel that many differences. is why we always put the focus on playing
move is [so strong]. So I try to check in with stronger opponents.
the coach on that. Hemant, I was really interested when I
was watching your ChessBase India inter- To an outsider, this might seem like a lot
HEMANT: There was a game where [Abhi] view with the way that you talked about of pressure. It might seem like a lot to
was playing a double bishop ending, a dead failure. And that word must’ve occurred put on a child. Is all of that pressure good
equal game. The engine is saying zero, but at least a dozen times in the interview. for someone who is just growing up? I
the opponent was strong, they kept playing And it’s interesting because to an outsid- mean, did you have any concerns that
and [Abhi lost] the game. And the idea was er, to someone looking at Abhi’s career, might be too much?
not that he missed the move. The bigger they might think, “Well, there were no HEMANT: There is no proven way to know
point was that he ran out of ideas of how failures there. I mean, he’s the youngest [ahead of time] whether it is good or bad.
to press an equal game. Grandmaster in the world. How could My only point was that he should be happy.
So we went through [double bishop end- there be failures?” I’m curious about how So when he said to me, “I want to become
ings] from Megabase. We found one very you think about failures, and how you the youngest IM in the world,” this is how
talked about some of the analysis of the
PHOTO: JOHN HARTMANN
good game with GMs Ganguly and Wang it started. It was my job to plan that well in
Hao. [This is Ganguly - Wang Hao, Bang- errors and their root causes. How did you advance. I mean, it’s not like he tells me
kok Open, 2015. ~ed.] It was a similar kind use those to try to improve? this and I say, “Okay, keep doing things the
of position, and we put everything on the HEMANT: You might lose a game. And that way you want and you will [get] there.” It is
board. I was using the computer on the is very possible because the opponent has not going to happen. Even now, he’s telling
other side, and then [Abhi] was playing from better understanding about the game, or on me that he wants to become a Super-GM. I
Ganguly’s side. And we literally spent four a given day, he’s playing much better than can’t tell him that you just work one or two
HEMANT: It was not a little harsh. It was person cannot play 70 games in 77 days? And at the end of the day, there is no winner
very harsh. If it is not allowed, [get rid of the rule] and or loser — just because your tweet is liked by
I sent a letter to [the New York Times]. I then take away [the possibility]. 5,000 people, that doesn’t make any point at
told them that this is a completely opin- They planned that article really well. I all. We wanted to respond, we responded,
ion-based article. ... First of all, I don’t have learned my lesson to not just talk freely to and we are out.
5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. Nc3 Qa5!? 29. ... Bc7 30. Nd3 f6 31. e4 Kf7 32. h3
A very interesting move, pinning the c3– e5?!
knight and preparing ... Nf6–e4. The main An inaccuracy? 32. ... f5! Is still around
line here is 6. ... Be7. equal, but is better than what he played.
Black wants to open as many diagonals as
7. Bd2 Qb6 8. Qc2!? 21. Bb3! possible since he has the two bishops.
I felt that since Black wasted a tempo with Planning to take on c4 whenever ... Ne5–c4
... Qa5–Qb6, misplacing it, I should preserve occurs, as b2–b3 would be impossible due 33. Kf2 Ke6 34. Ke3 a5 35. a3 Bd6
the queens. The alternative 8. e3 Qxb3 9. to the hanging c3–bishop. White has no problems after 35. ... a4 36. g4
axb3 b6 seems fine for Black after 10. cxd5 as Black does not have a way in.
exd5. 21. ... Rfe8
The second point of 21. Bb3 was seen after 36. b4!
8. ... Be7 9. e3 0–0 10. Bd3 dxc4 11. Bxc4 21. ... Rfd8? 22. Nxe6 fxe6 23. Bxe6+ Kf8 24. Trying to exchange as many pawns as pos-
c5 12. 0–0 Qc7!? Bxc8 Rxc8 25. Bd4 with an edge for White. sible.
This move keeps the tension between the
c5– and d4–pawns, giving me an additional
option that I did not use.
13. Bb3?!
After this slightly imprecise move, it seems
as if Black is already fighting for an advan-
tage. Perhaps 13. d5 was a try but after 13.
... exd5 14. Nxd5 Nxd5 15. Bxd5 Nf6 Black
seems to be fine with ... Bd7–c6 next.
15. Rac1 b5 16. Rfd1 Bb7 was better for Mood #1,
Black. post-game interview
at the World Cup,
15. ... Qxc2 16. Bxc2 b6 17. Nxf6+ Sochi, Russia
I did not like 17. Bc3 due to 17. ... Nd5 18.
36. ... axb4 57. f4!? 84. ... bxa4 85. Nc4+ Kc7 86. Nxe5 Bxe4
Here 36. ... a4 37. g4 leaves the position too Trading off the weak f3–pawn. 87. Ng4 h5 88. Nf6 Bf3 89. Kxa4 Kd6 90.
locked for Black to make serious progress. Nxh5 Bxh5 91. Ka3, draw.
57. ... Kc5 58. fxe5 fxe5 59. Kd3 Bc4+ 60.
37. Bxb4 Ba6 Ke3 Bf1 61. Nb1!
Artemiev might have played 37. ... Bc7 but Preventing … Kc5-c4. KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE
the future of the c7–bishop is not clear. In the (E61)
game he decided to let it get exchanged off. 61. ... Bh3 62. Kd3 Kd6 63. Nd2 Bg2 64. GM Abhimanyu Mishra (2519)
Ke3 GM Pentala Harikrishna (2730)
38. Bxd6 Kxd6 39. Nb4 Chessable Masters Rapid (14.1),
Setting up the blockade directly with 39. 08.02.2021
Nb2! was easier.
1. d4 d6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 g6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5.
39. ... Bf1 40. Kf2 Bc4 41. Ke3 Kc5 d5! Bg7 6. Nd4 Bd7 7. e4 0–0 8. Be2 c5!?
Also possible was 8. ... e6, trying to break
open the White center.
9. Nf3
Now 9. dxc6? e.p. bxc6 is quite comfortable
for Black. But 9. Nc2! was stronger, with the
point being that after 9. ... e6 10. dxe6! Bxe6
11. 0–0 Nc6 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 Black doesn’t
Artemiev tried a bit more, but White’s posi- have the ... g6–g5 and ... Nf6–h5 ideas, so
tion cannot be broken. he stands worse.
64. ... Bh3 65. Kd3 h6 66. Ke3 Bg4 67. Kd3 9. ... e6 10. 0–0
Kc6 68. Kc3 Bh3 69. Nf3 Kd6 70. Kb4 Bg2 I also considered 10. dxe6 Bxe6 11. 0–0 Nc6
42. Nd3+! 71. Nd2 Kc6 72. Kc3 Kc5 73. Kd3 Kb6 74. 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 Qb6 14. Rb1 g5 15. Bg3.
Black’s plan here is to penetrate with his Kc3 Ka5 75. Nb3+ Kb6
king via the a4– or c4–squares. Therefore I It’s also equal after 75. ... Ka4 76. Kb2 b4 10. ... exd5 11. exd5
felt bringing the knight to b2 was the eas- 77. Nc5+! Kb5 78. axb4 Kxb4 79. Nd7 Bxe4 This structure is better for White if Black
iest solution. 80. Nxe5. cannot trade off two minor pieces, as the
black position is cramped.
42. ... Kb5 76. Nd2 Bh1 77. Kb4 Kc6 78. Kc3 Kc5 79.
Exchanging the minor pieces with 42. ... Nb3+ Kd6 80. Nd2 Bg2 81. Kb4 Kc6 82. 11. ... a6?!
Bxd3 43. Kxd3 Kb5 44. Kc3 Ka4 45. Kb2 leads Kc3 Kb7 83. Kb4 Kb6 84. a4! Black should have traded the d7-bishop as
to a draw. The final simplification. quickly as possible. Even though Black is
43. Nb2! g5
Gaining more space and preventing the
direct h3–h4.
45. ... gxh4 46. gxh4 Ba2 47. Kd3 Bf7 48.
Ke3 Bb3 49. Kd3 Kc5 50. Ke3 Bc2 51. Kd2 PHOTO: TKTK CTRL + SHIFT CLICK TO UNLOCK BOX
12. Bf4?! 24. ... Bd4+ 25. Kg2 47. ... Rc3+ 48. Kxh4
Now 12. h3! would have been very strong. Best was 25. Kh2!. Already here I was getting
The black pieces struggle to develop com- low on time.
fortably.
25. ... gxh5 26. Ne4! Ng6 27. Bg3
12. ... Bg4! 13. Qd2 Stronger was 27. Kh2!, preparing Rf1–g1
White has more space and is better. next!
13. ... Re8 14. h3 Bxf3 15. Bxf3 Qc7 16. 27. ... Qg7 28. Qg5 Rf8 29. Kh1 Ne5 30.
Rae1 Qxg7+?
Even stronger was 16. g4! directly as 16. ... 30. Qxh5 was simply winning.
Nbd7 is met by 17. g5 and now the f6–knight
lacks good squares. 30. ... Kxg7 31. Nxd6 Nxf3 32. Re7+ Kg6
33. Re6+ Kg7 34. Kg2 h4 35. Re7+?!
16. ... Nbd7 17. g4 Nf8 18. b3!? Not 35. Rxf3? h3+! and Black is back in the 48. ... Rxc4
Simply defending the c4–pawn against any game. Here 35. Nxb7! was the best as 35. ... Black could have held with the miracle shot
... Nd7–e5 tricks. hxg3 can be met by 36. Rxf3. 48. ... Bf2+!! 49. Nxf2 (forced; if 49. Kh5?? Rh3
mate) 49. ... Rxc4+ 50. Kh3 Rd4 and after the
18. ... N6d7 19. g5? 35. ... Kg6 36. Be1? d-pawn falls, the two remaining pawns are
White is still much better but 19. Ne4! is Again 36. Nxb7! wins. equal to the knight. ~ed.
close to winning as 19. ... Be5? loses to 20.
Bxe5 Rxe5 21. Bg2. White prepares the f4– 36. ... Nxe1+ 37. Rexe1 b5? 49. Kh5!
f5 push and Black does not have an easy Better was 37. ... Rxf1! 38. Rxf1 b5 with a Not 49. d7?? Bf6+.
defense. holdable ending.
49. ... Rc1 50. Nh6+ Kf4 51. Rf8+ Ke4 52.
19. ... f5 20. gxf6! e.p. 38. Re6+ Kh5 39. Nf5? d7 Rh1+ 53. Kg4
This compromises the kingside pawn struc- When I played this, I completely missed The best route to the win was 53. Kg6! Rg1+
ture a bit, but I felt that it was more im- Black’s next move. The correct knight move 54. Ng4!! (not 54. Kf7? Rf1+ 55. Ke8 Rxf8+ 56.
portant to get the g4– and e4– squares for was 39. Nf7! when play continues 39. ... Kxf8 Bf6 with equality) 54. ... Rxg4+ 55. Kh5.
my pieces. Rg8+ 40. Kh2 Rg6 41. Ree1 Rg3 42. d6 with
a winning position for White. 53. ... Rg1+ 54. Kh3?
20. ... Nxf6 21. Bg4 A mistake — the king is too far from the rest
of the action.
39. ... Kg5! 40. Ne3 The last attempt to save the game. White
21. ... Nxg4 The point is that 40. Nxd4? fails to 40. ... wins after 63. ... Rxd8 64. Rxd8 c1=Q (64. ...
In this position we both missed 21. ... Qf7!. h3+! . Kxe5 65. Rc8) 65. Nd3+.
The idea is that after 22. Bxd6 Black has
22. ... Nxg4 23. hxg4 Qf6! 24. Bxf8 (slightly 40. ... bxc4 41. bxc4 Rxf1 42. Nxf1 Rf8 43. 64. Kg2 Rg1+ 65. Kf2 Rf1+ 66. Ke2 Re1+
inferior is 24. Ne4 Rxe4 25. Rxe4 Qxd6) 24. Nh2 Rf2+ 44. Kh3 Kf5 45. Re8 Rxa2?! 67. Kxe1 c1=Q+ 68. Qd1 Qe3+ 69. Qe2
... Rxe1! 25. Rxe1 Qxc3 26. Qxc3 Bxc3 27. Black should have gone for 45. ... Bf6! pre- Qc1+ 70. Kf2, Black resigned.
Rc1 Bb2 28. Rc2 Rxf8 29. Rxb2 Rf4 with a venting Nh2–g4, and with a better ending.
holdable rook ending. Overall, this was a very interesting and ex-
46. Ng4! Rc2?! citing game. We all know how tremendously
22. hxg4 Imprecise. I think 46. ... Ra1 would have strong Harikrishna is. He just got unlucky
Now the d6–pawn is in grave danger as made a draw: 47. d6? fails to 47. ... Rh1+! towards the end with only a few seconds
Nc3–e4 comes next. 48. Nh2 (48. Kg2 Rg1+) 48. ... Be5. on his clock.
CHESS — W I T H
Two dads square up at the 2021 World Open.
K I D S —
BY ALEX KING
T
PHOTO: COURTESY TYRIN PRICE
HE 49TH ANNUAL WORLD OPEN WAS HELD IN rious tournament since I became a father in June 2020.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 1-5, one of I was interested (and a little anxious) to see whether, as many
the first major U.S. tournaments to return over- claim, parenthood decreases one’s chess strength, or if in fact I
the-board after over a year of events were forced might be able to make further progress toward my goal of earn-
to cancel or move online due to the COVID-19 ing the FIDE Master title. I found a sympathetic roommate in
pandemic. More than 1,000 players participated, Todd Bryant, a fellow dad and national master, and side-by-side
including almost 200 players in the Open section, myself among we braved sharp openings, long endgames, and a field of mostly
them. This was an important milestone for me: it was my first se- younger opponents — often significantly so.
Todd Bryant plays the 32. ... Qd3! 33. Bxf6 Rxb3!
Sicilian Dragon even Now everything collapses.
in photo shoots.
34. Qxb3 Qxd2 35. Rd1 Qe2 36. Bc3 Qf3+,
White resigned.
An energetic win by my young opponent,
who also knocked off another 2300 player
in the following round.
SICILIAN DEFENSE,
TAIMANOV VARIATION (B48)
Todd Bryant (2236)
Tanitoluwa Adewumi (2223)
World Open (2), Philadelphia,
07.02.2021
STILL SHARP
My tournament started looking up after a
win in round five against a 14-year-old na-
tional master who is the highest-rated girl
her age and younger in the country:
QUEEN’S GAMBIT,
16. a3 Bxa3! 17. Nd5 b4! 18. Nxf6+ Kh8! 24. ... Qa4 CATALAN OPENING (E04)
Black threatens mate with 19. ... Bxb2+ 20. Black should throw more fuel on the fire Alexander B. King (2279)
Kxb2 Qa3+. with 24. ... Rc3! Ruiyang Yan (2111)
World Open (5), Philadelphia,
19. Qd4 Rfd8 20. Nd5 cxd5 21. e5 Rdc8 25. Re4 Rd8 26. Rh4 Rab8 27. Bxh7 b3 28. 07.03.2021
Better was the immediate 21. ... Bxb2+! 22. c3?
PHOTOS: COURTESY ADEWUMI FAMILY (THIS PAGE), COURTESY SLCC / C. FULLER (FACING)
Qxb2 in order to defend the b-pawn with Forgetting that White’s bishop will end up 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3!?
22. ... Rab8!. hanging on d2 after what follows. White can A change from my normal 3. Nc3, which
simply ignore Black’s threat with 28. Bg5! I had played against Ruiyang in an online
22. Kb1 Bxb2 23. Qxb2 since 28. ... bxc2+ is met with the count- team match last year.
er-check 29. Bxc2+!.
3. ... d5 4. Nf3 dxc4 5. Bg2 a6 6. 0–0 Nc6
28. ... dxc3! 29. Rxa4 cxb2 30. Bg5 Kxh7 I myself play this setup against the Catalan as
31. Bxd8 Rxd8 Black, but had never before faced as White.
White is now up an Exchange, but Black has
plenty of pawns and activity for it, and in 7. e3 Rb8 8. Nfd2
fact White has to proceed carefully. I booked up on this line before the game —
the first round that I had time to prepare
32. g4 Rd2 33. Re1 g6 34. Rae4 Kh6 35. for, thanks to the (in my view oppressively)
R4e2 Rxe2 36. Rxe2 Kg5 37. Kxb2 Kf4 38. long time control. It worked like a charm
Re1 Bd5 39. Ra1 Kg3 40. Rxa6 Kxh3 41. — Ruiyang followed my preparation all the
Ra4 Kh4 42. Kc3 Be6 43. Rb4 g5 44. Kd2 way to move 17!
Kh3 45. Ke1 Kg3 46. Kf1?!
Black is down a piece for two pawns, but it is Playing chicken with Black’s king activity, 8. ... e5 9. Bxc6+ bxc6 10. dxe5 Ng4 11.
not yet clear how much his attack is worth. but fortunately White’s king can return Nxc4 Be6 12. Nbd2 Bb4 13. Qc2 h5 14. b3
just in time. h4 15. Nf3 hxg3 16. fxg3 Qd7 17. h4
23. ... d4 24. Rde1 White is up a pawn, but Black has the bish-
24. Bxb4! was safe: 24. ... Qa4 25. Bd6! cov- 46. ... Kf3 47. Ke1 Ke3 48. Kd1 Kd3 49. Kc1 op pair, and both sides have several pawn
ering the b8–square. Kc3 50. Rb7 Bd5 51. Rb8 Kd4 52. Kd2 Be6 weaknesses and potentially unsafe kings.
17. ... Bc5 18. Kg2 Rd8 Activating my potential passed pawn on 50. ... c6 51. Ke3! Kh7
Black cannot recoup the pawn with 18. ... the kingside. 51. ... Kf7 again allows a runaway pawn
Bxc4 19. Qxc4 Bxe3 due to 20. e6! Qxe6 21. after 52. h7!
Re1 winning a piece. 31. ... Rf8 32. Rh1 Rh8 33. g4 Rf8 34. Rf1
Bc3 35. Be3 Rxf1 36. Kxf1 Nd4? 52. Kf4 Bb4 53. Nd4 c5 54. Nc2 c4!?
19. Ng5 Qd5+? Tempting me with a big decision right be- A last-ditch bid for counterplay, but now
This leads to an endgame where Black is fore the time control, but I judge correctly. White’s pawns stampede up the board.
down a pawn for nothing; a better try was
19. ... Be7!?. 37. Bxd4! cxd4 55. bxc4 Be7 56. e6 a4 57. Ke5! Bxg5 58.
With almost no control of the light squares, c5 Bd8 59. c6, Black resigned.
20. e4 Qd3 21. Qxd3 Rxd3 22. Nxe6 fxe6 Black will be stuck waiting passively while A tense but triumphant game.
White slowly improves his position.
Not to be outdone, Todd’s round seven game
38. Ke2 a5 39. Kd3 Kf8 40. Ke2 Kg8 41. g5 featured even deeper theoretical preparation
Kh7 42. Kd3 g6 43. h6! in his pet Dragon:
Again the right judgment — White is not
worried about ending up losing these pawns,
since Black’s bishop is tied down to the de- SICILIAN DEFENSE,
fense of the queenside. DRAGON VARIATION (B78)
Richard Wagner (2089)
43. ... Kh8 44. Nd2 Todd Bryant (2236)
Here I had an attack of indecision and ended World Open (7), Philadelphia,
up once again draining my clock down to 07.04.2021
the dregs, forcing me to subsist for the
Now all of Black’s pawns are isolated, and if rest of the game solely on the 30–second 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
White can develop and secure his king then increment. 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 0–0 8. Qd2 Nc6
he will have excellent winning chances. 9. Bc4 Bd7 10. 0–0–0 Rc8 11. Bb3 Nxd4 12.
44. ... Bb2 45. Nc4 Bc3 46. Nd6! Bxd4 b5
23. Bf4 Rf8 24. Rfd1 Nf2 25. Rxd3 Nxd3 Finally going for it. 46. ... cxd6? is out of the The “Topalov Variation,” an alternative to
26. Kf3 Nb4 27. Ke2 Bd4 28. Rd1 c5 29. a3 question for Black, since after 47. exd6 the the historical main line 11. ... Ne5.
Nc6 30. Rc1 pawn would be unstoppable.
I had started off the game managing my 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. Bxg7 Kxg7 15. exd5 a5
time better than in round one, but by now 46. ... Bb2 47. Nf7+ Kg8 48. Nd8 Bxa3 49. 16. a3 Kg8 17. h4 b4 18. axb4 axb4 19. h5
was in similar time pressure, with only four Nxe6 Be7 50. Kxd4 Bf5 20. hxg6 Bxg6 21. Qxb4 Rb8!?
minutes left to reach the time control. White has won a second pawn, and Black A novelty examined by GM Parimarjan Negi
now must struggle to hold back multiple in his 2015 1. e4 repertoire book series.
30. ... Rf7 31. h5! passed pawns.
22. Qc3
The only other game to reach this position,
Ruiyang Yan at Banzea-Ileana (Sovata 2018), continued
the 2021 U.S. 22. Qd4? after which 22. ... e5! would have
Girls’ Junior been strong, the idea being 23. dxe6? e.p.
Championship.
Rxb3! 24. cxb3 Qg5+ 25. Rd2 Ra8! with a
winning attack.
24. Bc4?
Leaving the c2-square vulnerable. Instead
Negi’s book gives 24. Rc4 Rxc4 25. Bxc4 Ra8 against local favorite (and father of two) IM
26. Re1!? with an unclear position. Thomas Bartell:
28. Bd3 Qa7 29. Kc1? 13. Bd3 Re8 14. Be3 Be6 15. Qd2 Kh7 16. 28. Rf1 Qe3 29. h4
Collapsing in a difficult position. 29. Ra4! b3 b5 17. Nh2 Kh8 18. f4?! Stronger was 29. Rf4! when Black has no
would avoid immediate disaster, although Too hasty. White should sit on his comfort- good answer to 30. Nf1 trapping Black’s
after 29. ... Rxa4 30. bxa4 Qxa4 White’s king able space advantage with 18. Rad1. queen.
is still dangerously exposed.
18. ... exf4 19. Bxf4 Nxf4 20. Qxf4 b4! 29. ... Nxe4 30. Nxe4 Bg4 31. Rae1 Rxe4
29. ... Ra1+ 30. Kd2 Qf2+ 31. Be2 Rxd1+ 32. Loosening up White’s dark squares. 32. Qxc6 Ree8 33. Ng1!
Kxd1 Ra1+ 33. Kd2 Qe1+, White resigned. A hidden tactical resource.
21. Nf3 bxc3 22. Kh1 a4 23. b4 a3 24. Qc1
WHIZ KIDS Nh7?! 33. ... Qxd3 34. Rxe8+ Rxe8 35. Qxe8+ Kh7
GM Hans Niemann, 18, and GM John Burke, Black should continue to pry open the dark 36. Qxf7 Bxd4 37. h5!
20, tied for first in the Open section with squares with 24. ... Qc8 25. Kh2 c5!. Another important resource, forcing simpli-
7½/9. Round six proved to be pivotal for fication into an ending where White’s extra
both of them; Burke won a messy struggle 25. Qxc3 Ng5 26. Ng1 Qf6 27. N1e2 Exchange will be decisive.
QUEEN’S GAMBIT,
CATALAN OPENING (E01)
GM Jeffery Xiong (2786)
GM Hans Niemann (2669)
World Open (6), Philadelphia, 46. Rb6 Kf6 47. Be3 h4 Niemann for beating Burke in an Armaged-
07.04.2021 don tiebreak game.
30. Rc1 Ne5 31. c7 Bd6 32. Ba5 Kf7 33. Bf1
Nf3+ 34. Kg2 Nd4 35. Bb6 e5 36. f4 exf3+
AT A G L A N C E
e.p. 37. Kf2 Ne6 38. Kxf3 Bxc7 J U LY 1 - 5 , 2 0 2 1 | P H I L A D E L P H I A , P A
Black has won a pawn but it is difficult to OPEN: 1st-2nd: GM Hans Niemann (Armageddon winner) and GM John Burke,
convert it into a win, due to his awkward- 7½/9. U2200: 1st: Nguyen Le, 8/9. U2000: 1st: Alain Oria, 8½/9. U1800: 1st: Valeri
ly-placed pieces and White’s bishop pair. Hakobyan, 8/9. U1600: 1st: Mikhail Kobanenko, 8/9. U1400: 1st: Kole Henry Moses,
8½/9. U1100: Matthew Skarha, 8/9. Blitz: Open: GMs Andrew Tang and Hans
39. b4 g5 40. Kg2 h5 41. Rc6 g4 42. Bc5 Niemann, 9/10. U2000: Dhruv Karthik, Chris Williams, and Andrew H. Zhang, 8½/10.
Rb8 43. Bd3 e4 44. Bc2 Be5 45. Bb3 Re8
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EVENTS Prague Masters
The Pride
Sam Shankland
facing GM Rinat
Jumabayev in
round four of the
2021 World Cup in
Shankland on his
Sochi, Russia.
victory at the
Prague Masters
BY GM SAM SHANKLAND
L
SAM SHANKLAND sent us this piece on OOKING BACK, 2019 WAS BY FAR THE WORST YEAR OF MY LIFE.
July 10th, written as he traveled to Sochi, Lots went wrong. I was excluded from the FIDE Grand Prix Series, I got
Russia, for the 2021 World Cup. After kicked off the U.S. Olympiad team, and I ended up having to play 40 consecutive
a bye to the second round, Shankland games against lower rated opposition — with predictable results for my own
PHOTO: COURTESY FIDE / ERIC ROSEN
defeated GMs Baadur Jobava, Alexander rating. To make matters worse, both of my parents got sick, a relationship fell
Areschenko, Rinat Jumabayev, and Peter apart, and my hand was badly slashed right before the World Cup, leaving me hobbled for
Svidler in rounds two through five before one of the most important events of the year.
falling to GM Sergey Karjakin in a thrilling But as horrible a year as it was, I think it may, in some ways, have been good for me.
quarterfinal matchup. His analysis of his When COVID-19 hit and the world shut down in February 2020, I understood the situation
World Cup will appear in our October was not good, but — and here I’m speaking strictly of its effect on my day-to-day life — it
issue; for now, please enjoy Sam’s paled in comparison to the adversity that I had felt in the preceding months. I was totally
thoughts on Prague and his exclusive content to stay at home, and I managed to keep pretty busy.
annotations to his game against GM I built an entire opening repertoire on Chessable that proved enormously successful — in
Radoslaw Wojtaszek. ~ed. fact, our newest GM, Abhimanyu Mishra, cited it as one of the biggest tools that he used to
18. Raa1?
To be honest, I had barely even considered
this move. It felt super slow to me, and I
thought White should be trying to take the
ically yourself, you will likely miss natural will play ... Nd5–c3 and White will lose an pawn on c2 more directly.
looking moves in your preparation. Exchange. Now 18. Ne1! works. My plan in the game
was to play 18. ... e5 19. dxe5 (after 19. Nxc2
14. Rxa4 15. ... 0–0 16. 0–0 a5 Nxc2 20. Rxc2 Nb4 Black is certainly fine
Radek played this pretty fast as well, so I This was the first really critical moment of here) 19. ... Nb6 and we reach a position
suspect he was still in preparation. Here, I the game for White. Part of his plan is ob- that highlights why it was so important to
understood that the position is very sharp. If vious. He wants to play Nf3-e1 and take my get the rook to c1 before playing Nf3-e1.
White is able to take on c3 and castle safely, c2–pawn, but he has to always take care not
Black is close to lost strategically, so he must to run into ... e6–e5 in response. So, should
look for a more direct fight. This much I he play Nf3-e1 right away? I think not. Black
understood, but I did not find the best way. is not really threatening to play ... e6–e5
until it happens, and White can bring his
14. ... c2?! rook on f1 out of the way first, and even look
This was not best. My plan was that White for e2–e3 at some point. But where should
will have to castle and eventually play Nf3– the rook go?
e1 to scoop up the c2–pawn, and once this
comes, I will be able to break in the center
with ... e6–e5. It takes some accuracy from
White’s end, but he should be able to deal
with this idea. AFTER 19. ... Nb6
I should have played 14. ... a5!. The point
is that after 15. Nxc3 Ba6! White will strug- White has the powerful 20. Rxa5! (note that
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
V I V A
LAS VEGAS! OVER-THE-BOARD CHESS BEATS THE ODDS
AT THE NATIONAL OPEN.
BY JJ LANG
EFORE THE PANDEMIC, whenever a tournament flyer advertised prizes cause Niemann could decline the sacrifice
B
based on 600 entries, I would charitably assume attendance would be 70% and play for a space advantage with 15. Re1.
of that figure and perhaps appreciate the organizers’ optimism.
But if the National Open was any indication, 150% turnout might be a 14. Bb2 exd4 15. Bxd4!?
conservative estimate of post-COVID numbers. A staggering 1,105 chess Now White had chances to create a mate-
players descended on the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas for the largest Na- rial imbalance with 15. Nxd4, but again, it
tional Open (June 16-20) since the Karpov-headlining 1998 edition. is easier to be tempted by such glamour in
IM Arthur Guo, 15, led a five-way tie for first place in the Open section with a score of 7/9, analysis than over-the-board: 15. ... Bxf1
earning him the Edmondson Cup. His round six victory over GM Timur Gareyev showed (again, declining the gift with 15. ... Ne5
remarkable energy and tactical vision against an ambitious player known for similar verve: might have been prudent, but here the
f5-square is a significant gain for White)
16. Qxf1. It is unclear how Black should
27. ... Bb5 28. Qg1 Qxg1+ 29. Kxg1 h5 30. continue, lacking targets and coordination.
RUY LOPEZ (C77) Nf2 Re2 31. Bg5 Rde8 32. Bxd5 Rxb2 33.
IM Arthur Guo (2473) Ne4 Kf8 34. Rac1 Ba4 35. Re1 Bd4+ 36. 15. ... Nc5 16. Nf5 Ne6 17. Bb2 Bc5 18. e5?
GM Timur Gareyev (2692) Kh1 Bc2 37. Nf6 Rxe1+ 38. Rxe1 Kg7 39. Things are unclear after 18. Qe1 Qb6 19.
National Open (6), Las Vegas, Re7 Rb1+ 40. Kh2 Bg1+ 41. Kg3 h4+ 42. Bxf6 gxf6 20. h4 as Black’s damaged king-
06.19.2021 Kxh4 Bf2+ 43. g3, Black resigned. side makes up for White’s less active pieces.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 After this victory, Guo knew a round seven 18. ... Qxd1?
5. d3 d6 6. c3 g6 7. 0–0 Bg7 8. Re1 0–0 9. win with Black over GM Hans Niemann After 18. ... Ng4 19. Nd6 (19. Nfd4 Nxd4 20.
Nbd2 Rb8 10. Nf1 b5 11. Bc2 h6 12. Ng3 would put him in pole position. The result- Nxd4 Bxf1) 19. ... Qb6 it is hard to see how
Re8 13. h3 d5 14. d4 exd4 15. e5 d3 16. ing game was a nervy slugfest where both White can survive the attack.
Qxd3 Ne4 17. Nxe4 Bf5 players were hesitant to sacrifice material
in an incredibly unclear middle game. Even- 19. Rfxd1 Ng4 20. Ned4
tually things liquidated into a position with White’s pieces come to life just in time.
superior pieces for Guo once again:
20. ... Nxe5 21. Nxc6 Nxc6 22. Bxc6 Rac8
23. Bd5 Bxf2+
QUEEN’S GAMBIT, CATALAN
OPENING (E06)
GM Hans Niemann (2648)
IM Arthur Guo (2473)
National Open (7), Las Vegas,
06.19.2021
25. Be5 Bc5 26. Rac1 Rxc1 27. Rxc1 Rd8 While some Super-GMs are calling for a
28. Bg2 f6 29. Bf4 Bd3 30. Ne3 g5, White rule change that would require some IM
resigned. and GM norms to be earned from Open
events, Michigan’s FM Joshua Posthuma
Niemann’s overall result, finishing a point be- experienced firsthand a cruel downside to
hind the leaders, might not have been on par A classy move, temporarily “outposting” the this proposal. Despite a strong 6½/9 score, a
with his recent first place at the World Open, bishop, but with the intention to trade it off tie for sixth place, and playing three players
but he did give himself a nice 18th birth- and switch gears from a positional squeeze from foreign federations, Posthuma’s per-
day present by winning the Walter Browne to a tactical explosion. formance did not qualify for an IM norm
Memorial Blitz. The victory was especially because of the rule stating that a player can
fitting, as Niemann used to take lessons from 16. ... Nb6 17. Bxc8 Nxc8 18. h4! only play five players from their own feder-
Browne. Here’s one of his wins in the Open, A great practical choice! ation. Although this restriction is waived for
showing excellent technique to convert the events with at least 20 foreign players, the
endgame against IM Atulya Shetty. 18. ... Nd6
Perhaps Shetty’s best option was to prevent
Niemann from opening the h-file, grabbing
QUEEN’S GAMBIT, SEMI-SLAV the pawn with 18. ... gxh4 and saying “show
(D43) me,” after which it is not clear what Niemann
GM Hans Niemann (2648) planned. A sample line: after 19. Ne5 Re8 SEEING THEIR IDOLS
IM Atulya Arya Shetty (2551) 20. Qc2 Nd6 Black’s king is weak, but there WAITING IN LINE FOR
National Open (5), Las Vegas, is no imminent breakthrough, and 21. f4
06.18.2021 looks risky due to 21. ... Nc4, when Black
COFFEE, PACING
ANXIOUSLY BETWEEN
PHOTO: TIM HANKS
T W O B
BY
Y
GM ALEX YERMOLINSKY
YERMO
Everyone’s favorite uncle, GM Alex This move doesn’t have a good reputation, 9. ... Nc6 10. Qe3
Yermolinsky, sent two annotated games but wait a bit... White sacrificed a tempo to get his queen
from the National Open. Here they are.~ed. to a better position.
7. ... Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Qa5 9. Qd4!
10. ... Qe5?!
SICILIAN DEFENSE (B41) Now the same treatment does not work here.
GM Alexander Shabalov (2532) Best is 10. ... 0–0 11. Ba3 d6!? (11. ... Rd8 12.
FM Jason Wang (2312) Bd6) but Shabalov planned 12. Bxd6 Rd8 13.
National Open (6), Las Vegas, e5 Ng4 14. Qg3 Ncxe5 15. c5.
PHOTO: COURTESY SLCC / LENNART OOTES
06.19.2021
11. Bd3 Qxc3+
My longtime friend and traveling partner One last chance to make a game out of this
GM Alex Shabalov had a decent tournament, required some very precise calculation.
scoring 6/9. The two byes he committed After 11. ... d6 12. f4 Qxc3+ 13. Bd2 Qb2
to before the tournament prevented Alex 14. 0–0 it seems that Black will lose his
from competing for higher position. Here’s queen, but there’s 14. ... e5! 15. f5 (I think
his best effort. 15. Rab1 exf4 16. Qf2 Qe5 17. Bxf4 Qe7 18.
A great idea Alex worked out in his home Ne3 Ne5 may just be playable for Black,
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. lab. The standard continuation is 9. Qd3 Qe5 who is under huge pressure.) 15. ... Nd4!
c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Nc2!? where Black holds his own after 10. f3 d5. to the rescue.
26. ... Qxd5 27. Bxf6 gxf6 28. Qa3+ Kg8 and I didn’t expect this move. That’s why I AY: I want to reiterate that with his g1-
29. Re8+ Kf7 30. Re7+ Kg6 31. Qg3+ Kh5 had to improvise a little bit and decided to knight out, even if it isn’t optimally placed
32. Rg7 Kh6 33. Rg5!, Black resigned. play 3. ... Nc6. on c2, White has to have a better game here.
The icing on the cake!
3. ... Nc6 4. d5 11. g4 f5
AY: Theoretically speaking, this move rep- AY: Absolutely fascinating.
KING’S INDIAN DEFENSE resents White’s best option. In case of 4. e4,
(E60) Black has 4. ... e5, practically forcing White 12. exf5
GM Illia Nyzhnyk (2679) to agree to a pawn trade in the middle 5. Ne2 AY: Nyzhnyk had to stay away from 12.
FM Alexey Sorokin (2521) (if 5. d5 Nd4 6. Ne2 c5) 5. ... exd4 6. Nxd4 gxh5? fxe4 13. fxe4 Bg4.
National Open (8), Las Vegas, Bg7 and here 7. Be3? is met by 7. ... Nxe4!.
06.20.2021 12. ... Nf6 13. Be2
4. ... Ne5 5. e4 d6 6. Be3 After 13. g5 Nh5 14. f4 Nxf4 15. Bxf4 Rxf5 16.
Seeing my good friend GM Alexander Oni- At this point, the position started to look Bxe5 Rxe5+ Black has excellent compensa-
schuk was one of a few pleasant memo- like the King’s Indian. tion here due to the weakness of the white
ries I can take from my time in Las Vegas. king and the activity of the bishops.
Alexander didn’t play, but he brought two AY: Of course, normally in the Sämisch
of his students from Texas Tech, and one White refrains from pushing his pawn to 13. ... b5
of them, Aleksey Sorokin, achieved a GM d5 until Black plays ... e7–e5 or ... c7–c5. AY: This is “fire on board,” GM Alexey Shi-
norm. Here are Aleksey’s notes to a critical rov-style. And just like his famous name-
round eight encounter with the top seed of 6. ... Bg7 sake, Aleksey Sorokin would not accept a
the tournament. I only added a few general Here 6. ... c6 would be stronger, since it passive position after 13. ... gxf5 14. g5 Ne8
comments under AY. prevents Ne2–d4; for example, 7. Ne2? Nxc4. 15. f4 Ng6 16. Qd2.
to his sacrificial offers, instead preferring a Certainly not 29. Nd2?? Bd3!.
quieter game, if such terms can be applied
to this crazy situation. 29. ... Rh7 30. Rh2 Rxh2 31. Kxh2 Rf8 32.
Qc3 Ba8 33. Nd2 d5 34. Nf3!
I briefly considered 14. fxg6 during the Practically the best decision as we are get-
game, and my plan was to follow up with 14. ting to time trouble. I was really annoyed by
... b4 15. gxh7+ Kh8!. We need to keep the this move as it stops my initiative.
white pawn on h7 to protect our king. Play AY: I fully agree; Nyzhnyk’s piece sacrifice 50. ... Rb3+
might continue 16. Na4 e6, opening up the was great. Another way to draw is 50. ... Kxg5 51. Rg7+
files and diagonals for our pieces. Kh6 52. Rg8 Rb3+ 53. Kf2 Be4 54. a8=Q Bxa8
AY: I suppose the idea was to answer 14. 55. Rxa8 Kg5 56. Ra6 Kf4 57. Rxe6 Re3 with
Nxb5 gxf5 15. g5 with the amazing shot 15. equality.
... Ne4!! 16. fxe4 f4. I wouldn’t feel comfort-
able here as White. 51. Kh4 Rb4+ 52. Rc4 Rb7 53. Ra4
Nyzhnyk could have created more problems
14. ... gxf5 15. g5 Ne8 16. f4 Nd7 17. Na3 with 53. Bh5+, i.e. 53. ... Kg7 54. Ra4 Rb3 55.
Bb7 18. Nc4 Nc7 g6 Kh6 56. g7 Kxg7 57. Ra6 f4 58. Kg5 (AY: or
AY: Now the d5-pawn will fall, albeit at the 58. Rxe6 f3 59. Kg3 Rb2 60. Rg6+ Kh7 61. Rf6
cost of the valuable g7-bishop. Ra2 62. Rf7+ Kh6 63. Bxf3 Ra3 64. Kg4 Bxf3+
65. Rxf3 Rxa7 with equality) 58. ... f3 59.
19. Na5 Bxc3+ 20. bxc3 Bxd5 21. 0–0 Nb6 Rxe6 Rb7 60. Rg6+ Kf8 61. Rf6+ Kg7 62. Rxf3
22. c4 Be4 23. a4 Qd7 Rxa7, but the position is ultimately equal.
I needed to create some counter-play on the 34. ... d4 35. Nxd4 cxd4 36. Qxd4 Rd8 37.
kingside, since White has a pawn majority Kg3 Ne8 38. c5 Nb6 53. ... Rh7+ 54. Kg3 Kxg5 55. Bf3 f4+ 56.
on the queenside. It turns out that 38. ... Ndf6 would have been Kg2 Rh8 57. Bxa8 Rxa8 58. Kf3 Kf5 59.
much stronger, but I missed my 39th move Ra5 Kg5 60. Ke4 Kg4 61. Ra1 f3, draw.
24. Nb3
AY: Interesting was 24. Nc6, although Black
is not forced to capture the knight. 2 0 2 1 N AT I O N A L O P E N
24. ... Qe6 25. Qc1 h6 26. a5 Nd7 27. h4
AT A G L A N C E
hxg5 28. hxg5 Rf7 JUNE 16-20, 2021 | LAS VEGAS, NV
AY: A better way for a rook transfer to the OPEN: 1st-5th: IM Arthur Guo (Edmondson Cup), GMs Lazaro Bruzon Batista, Emilio
h-file. The following notes explain the un- Cordova, and Illia Nyzhnyk, IM Andrew Hong, 7/9. U2300: 1st-3rd: Nelson Wilfredo
derlying tactics. Fernandez, Paul Iinuma, Henry Wang, 6/7. U2100: 1st: Alexander Petrosyan, 6½/7.
U1900: Alexander Feghhi, 6½/7. U1700: Valeri Hakobyan, 6½/7. U1500: 1st-5th:
PHOTO: TIM HANKS
I passed up 28. ... Kg7 due to 29. Nd2, when Patrick Allen, Matthew Billings, Suhas Indukuri, Anthony Lapsley, Eduardo Rivas
White can trade the powerful bishop to en- Posada, 6/7. U1300: 1st: Sebastian Suarez, 6½/7. Women’s OPEN: 1st-2nd: WGM
sure White’s king safety. Carla Heredia (trophy) and Zoey Tang, 4½/5. Blitz: Open: GM Hans Niemann, 11½/12.
U1900: Aurelius Mlynar, 11/12.
29. Rf2
York Masters and three events featuring GM Garry Kasparov, taught and a chess academy founder. He has served as the President of the
chess in prominent city schools, and served on the board of gover- Florida Chess Association since 2018. Prior to joining the Executive
nors of the Marshall Chess Club. He also worked as director of pub- Board, he served on the Clubs, States & Affiliates and Senior commit-
lic relations at the Internet Chess Club before transitioning into an tees for US Chess. He has also worked very closely with the Women’s
ownership role in 2010. John now lives in Hannibal, Missouri with committee at national events. Kevin is a native of Mount Vernon,
his wife and two young sons. New York, but has lived most of his adult life in Northeast Florida.
Lenderman Wins
121st U.S. Open
121st U.S. OPEN
AT A G L A N C E
J U LY 2 1 - A U G U S T 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C H E R R Y H I L L , N J
Lenderman qualifies for the 2022 U.S. Tran. K: Shriyan Vuyyuru. BLITZ: GM Alex Fishbein
Championship on the basis of this result. WEERAMANTRY BLITZ: L: Kanishk Mahesh. and Ryo Wenyu Chen.
2200+: GM Awonder Liang, M: Irene Zhong and Max
Chess Life will have a full report on the 7/8. 1800-2199: Ambica Mesirow. N: Stanley Ren. BUGHOUSE: Anish
Open and the five invitationals in our Yellamraju and Arnav O: Tanya Namboodiri. Lodh and Joseph
November issue. Tamnash Gupta, 7/8. 1400- P: Jack Eggleston. Cheng-Yue Wan.
y Hill, New J
rr er
se
Ch
y
121st U.S. OPEN
Ju
1
y
02
2
l
31 ,
- August 8
8. … dxc4
The Fifth
Black makes the bishop move again, expect-
ing to play at some point a freeing ... e6-e5.**
World Chess
White has lost an inconsequential tempo,
but does have more pawns in the center, at
least temporarily.
Champion
9. … Nd5
With this move and the previous one (8.
... dxc4), Black seeks some simplifying ex-
changes.**
A
11. 0-0 Par Score 5
FTER PAUL MORPHY, FROM Euwe castles before considering the advance
1866 to 1934, four players were of the e-pawn.
considered to be the world’s
best chess player. In sequence, 11. … Nxc3
they were Wilhelm Steinitz, Thomas continues with central exchanges,
Emanuel Lasker, Jose Capablanca, and hoping to follow with his plan of ... e6-e5.**
Alexander Alekhine. The first player to
break into that special quadrivium was the 12. Rxc3 Par Score 5
Dutch mathematician Max Euwe (1901-1981). Taking back with the b-pawn is certainly
Known for his chessic pragmatism and his okay, but taking back with the rook is more
expertise in conducting the opening phase, consistent.
Euwe wrested away Alekhine’s title in 1935.
Commentators on the match tended to fault paper to cover the article, exposing White’s 12. … e5
Alekhine’s inconsistency. But actually, Euwe next move only after trying to guess it. If Naturally, Black continues with his plan to
played well and deserved his triumph. An you guess correctly, give yourself the par clear the c8-bishop’s line of development.**
example of Euwe’s cogent steadiness is his score. Sometimes points are also awarded
game against George Thomas (Black) at for second-best moves, and there may 13. Nxe5 Par Score 5
Hastings in 1934. From a balanced posi- even be bonus points — or deductions — This is slightly better than 13. dxe5, when
tion, the soon-to-be world chess champion for other moves and variations. Note that 13. ... Nb6 becomes a possibility. Accept full
mounted a strong attack, ending in a bril- ** means that White’s move is on the next credit for the steadfast 13. Qc2.
liant denouement. Starting with an English line.**
Opening, the game quickly transposed into 13. … Nxe5**
a Queen’s Gambit Declined. 7. Rc1 Par Score 5
This is a typical placement for the queen- 14. dxe5 Par Score 4
rook. It also avoids having to move the
QUEEN’S GAMBIT king-bishop twice (as it would in the varia- 14. … Qxe5
DECLINED (D69) tion 7. Bd3 dxc4 8. Bxc4). Accept full credit The dust has cleared. It’s an open center,
Max Euwe for either 7. cxd5 or 7. Bd3. with White having the only central pawn.
George Thomas White has a kingside pawn majority and
Hastings, 1934 7. … c6 Black a queenside one.**
Black continues with a strong-point defense,
1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 3. d4 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. solidifying the d5-square. A potential prob- 15. f4 Par Score 5
e3 0-0 6. Nf3 Nbd7 lem here is the c8-bishop, which could end Euwe plays for the attack, while weakening
(sse diagram top of next column) up with limited scope.** the e3-pawn and e4-square.
Now ensure that the right position is set up 8. Bd3 Par Score 5 15. … Qe7
on your chessboard. As you play through the White develops the king-bishop anyway. Probably not the best answer. More in tune
remaining moves in this game, use a piece of Accept full credit for either 7. cxd5 or 7. Be2. with the position would be 15. ... Qe4.**
SEPTEMBER EXERCISE:
There are various ways to read
through a good collection of
games. You could play over
every game and note in careful
detail. This can be rewarding,
especially after completing the
task, but such an effort might be PROBLEM 4 PROBLEM 5 PROBLEM 6
needlessly laborious. You could Mating net Mating net Mating net
try another tack. That is, after
scanning through the collection,
you might be able to focus on
specific areas of chess to great-
er benefit. Perhaps there are
openings to understand better.
Maybe the diagrams will remind
you of themes you need to work
on. It’s hard to do everything. By
sometimes doing less, you can
accomplish more.
16. f5 Par Score 5 19. … Qxe3+ A crushing capture. White had other moves
Now that Black has not stopped this advance, This gets the pawn with check. On 19. ... too — 23. Rxf7 comes to mind — but this has
White forges ahead, preventing the black f5, White’s position is strong after 20. Rf3 be the strongest.
bishop from coming to a decent square. or 20. Qd4.**
23. … Rac8
16. … b5 20. Kh1 Par Score 4 The threat is serious: ... Rc8-c2.**
Black attempts to get counterplay, though Obviously, White doesn’t even want to con-
this does weaken the c6-pawn, making it a sider 20. Rf2, putting the rook in a pin. 24. R6f2 Par Score 5
potential target.** The future world champion doesn’t miss
20. … Bb7 the threat.
17. Bb3 Par Score 5 Black’s bishop momentarily is annoying,
White stays on the a2-f7 diagonal. Deduct 1 but only momentarily.** 24. … Rcd8
point if you missed that 17. Bd3 hangs the Thomas is trying to go down fighting.**
e-pawn with check. 21. Rcxf6 Par Score 5
White has a definite attacking advantage. 25. Qg5 Par Score 5
17. … b4 Black’s kingside has too many holes. Now it’s White’s turn to threaten mate.
Black has his eyes on the e3-pawn, but with
this move he is accepting weaknesses in 21. … Qe4 25. … Rd6
the process.** Don’t look now but mate is threatened on Black stops the queen check at f6, but it
the g2-square. Okay, you can look.** doen’t stop another winning idea.**
18. f6 Par Score 5
Black’s kingside is busted up. 22. Qd2 Par Score 5 26. Bd5 Par Score 8
The mate is dealt with and White’s queen A very nice interference shot. Black is headed
18. … gxf6 prepares to enter the game. toward being mated. For example, if 26. ...
Naturally, this advance gives Black some Rxf2, then 27. Qg8 mate; or if 26. ... Qxg2+
central counterchances.** 22. … Kh8 27. Qxg2 Bxd5, then 28. Rxf8+ mates. Nor
Black gets off the g-file to avoid being are any other variations for Black appealing.
19. Rxc6 Par Score 5 checked and possibly to place a rook on it. ** So instead...
Black now goes up a pawn, but White’s ini-
tiative is mounting. 23. Bxf7 Par Score 5 26. … Black resigned
cd
WINNING
Games/Chess
A S I PREPARED TO WRITE
this review of GM Nigel
Short’s game collection Win-
ning, newly released by Qual-
WINNINORGTplona 1999/2000, Budapest 2003,
Taiyuan 2004, and Anzali 2016. It’s
fun that he includes the latter, played
in Iran, because it’s considerably WINNING
ity Chess, it occurred to me
that Short, a giant figure to my generation, NIGEL SH
more recent than the others and
includes a lesser-known collection
might be relatively unknown to today’s of opponents, while being played
younger players. In fact, there’s not Grandm
nearaster Nigelunder uncommon
Short realised that every tournam and ent win
ge. In this exceptional chess
sometimes
has a unique narrative and challen
enough room to summarize his massively difficult
book, Short discuss es eight of conditions.
his foremo st tournam
ful game annota
ent
tions
wins,
and
describing the drama with insight
successful career, but I’ll mention aenterta
fewining anecdotes. Short
For thoseiswantin
a prolific journalist
g to win in chess, this
who
NIGEL SHORT
Garry Kasparov.
grandmaster. He played in three Candidates since, he says, “I am intending (if the
tournaments, winning the last of them by book sells) that matches and open
defeating both GMs Anatoly Karpov and
Jan Timman decisively in matches in 1992
tournaments €32.99 will be covered$37.95
ly in future editions.” Let’s hope so.
separate- NIGEL SHORT
and 1993. He subsequently lost to GM Garry The book includes every type of
Kasparov in the only World Championship game from tactical slugfest to grand-
match ever to feature a British player. master draw, all thoroughly annotated.
Short was ranked third in the world for a I think most readers will be attracted
time in the late 1980s during the height of the by Short’s instructive comments and
Kasparov/Karpov rivalry. Over the course of advice, along with his characteristic humor. 8. ... Nc6 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. h5 g5
his career, he has won over 70 tournaments, For example, here are a few notes taken “Of course, I had no intention whatsoever
including super-tournaments that included from games: of permitting the opening of the h-file. If
Kasparov, Karpov, and Korchnoi. Among we take stock for a minute, it can be readily
his most impressive accomplishments has deduced that Black is already better, for two
been his ability to maintain his strength and ENGLISH OPENING (A21) reasons: superior development and king
continue to win tournaments into his 50s; IM Shahin Lorparizangeneh (2468) safety. The first is obvious and undeniable,
indeed, he has been the highest-rated truly GM Nigel Short (2652) but the second might be a little confusing.
active player in his age group for many years. Anzali, 2016 ‘Isn’t White attacking?’ you may ask. Well,
With that in mind, Short’s choice of for- yes, for now, but he has not achieved any-
mats for Winning is a bit unusual. Rather 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 d6 3. e3 g6 4. d4 Bg7 5. Nf3 thing significant. But soon, White will have
than display his greatest or flashiest games, Nh6 6. e4?! exd4! 7. Nxd4 0–0 8. h4 to resolve what to do with his own king. It
he examines every game he played, warts “O, the delightful optimism of youth! clearly cannot remain on el with a half-open
and all, in eight of the tournaments that White sees one strangely-placed piece e-file and ... f7-f5 as a potential break. Cas-
he won: Wijk aan Zee 1987, Reykjavik 1987, and he wants to smash me to bits without tling kingside would be inconsistent, with
Amsterdam 1991, Tallinn/Parnu 1998, Pam- even a pause.” the h-pawn already having strayed so far up
11. f4?
“ʻA bad plan is better than no plan at all’
is one of the most oft-quoted and ridiculous
sayings in chess. In real life it is the sort of
imbecility that leads to Brexit. …” the c-file. Here, with his crippled, doubled
Commenting upon a game against GM pawns, it is only a dream.”
Alex Yermolinsky in which Short had equal-
ized but in a position with an isolated pawn, 12. g3 Qe8 13. Rg1 Qg6 14. Ba3 b6 15.
he makes a point we can all relate to: “With 0–0–0 Bg4 16. Rde1 fxg3 17. fxg3 Rf3 18.
just a solitary weakness, there really should Rg2 Raf8 19. Rd2 Nb8
be no worries. But sometimes that is exactly “When searching for the right plan, you
the problem. If you are under a direct attack, can do a lot worse than improving the po-
you are compelled to respond resolutely. But sition of your worst placed piece — particu- How to continue the attack?
when you have several plausible candidate larly when your opponent cannot undertake
moves at your disposal you can easily drift, active operations. Neither of Black’s knights 26. ... Qh4! 27. gxf3 Qxf2 28. Nf4 Bxf3+
feeling that anything and everything is fine. is doing much at moment and so a little 29. Bg2 Rd2 30. Rg1
Barely perceptible inaccuracies can add up regrouping is in order.” What now?
and then suddenly you find that the situation
has become uncomfortable.” 20. Kb1 a5 21. Nc1 Nf6 30. ... Be4!, White resigned.
Short’s remark after the third move of “Black has a plan of ... Nd7, ... Na6 and Wonderful. Black probably saw this way
the following game describes a problem then to place either knight on c5, so as to back on move 23. The f4-knight is attacked,
I frequently encountered in my play, and dislodge the d3-bishop — the glue that holds and it’s over after 31. Qa1 Qxf4 32. Qe1 Rxg2
will doubtless resonate with many players: together the White position.” 33. Rxg2 Qf3 34. Qg1 g5.
22. c5 bxc5 23. Qa4 Nbd7 24. Qc6 Rxd3 Winning is easy to read, with anecdotes
NIMZO-INDIAN DEFENSE (E32) 25. Rxd3 Nxe4 26. Ka1 Nb6 27. Qxc7 Nc4 about the events, players, and the “chess
GM Krunoslav Hulak (2540) 28. Bb2 Nf2 29. Rde3 Nd1 30. Rxd1 Nxe3 life.” Short’s thoughtful annotations empha-
GM Nigel Short (2615) 31. Rd2 Nc2+ 32. Rxc2 Qxc2 33. Qxd6, size conceptual descriptions over analytical
Wijk aan Zee, 1987 White resigned. detail, although there is enough of the latter
Note that mate follows 33. Qxd6 beginning to satisfy the studious reader. This is one
1. d4 e6 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 with 33. … Bf5. of the most enjoyable game collections in
“The Nimzo-Indian has been part of my recent years, and I can recommend it to
repertoire since an early age. It enjoys an Short’s attacking skills are illustrated in players of all strengths.
excellent reputation and leads to unbalanced this classic game:
positions — an important consideration if I should note that I read this book using
you want to win games. The biggest draw- the Forward Chess version on their e-book
back with regularly playing positions with QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED app. Being somewhat old-fashioned, I usu-
which you have had a lot of experience is (D58) ally prefer the readability and comfort of a
the strong tendency to mistakenly believe GM Miguel Illescas Cordoba (2600) physical copy. But the e-book contains all
that you understand them. The consequent GM Nigel Short (2675) the same material and allows one to play
indolence, and lack of studying, inevitably Pamplona, 1999 through the moves of every game on their
leads to a repetition of positions that are app, so it’s a nice option. See www.forward-
familiar — although not necessarily good.” 1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. chess.com to see their extensive selection of
Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 0–0 7. e3 b6 8. Be2 Bb7 9. relatively inexpensive books from 15 chess
4. Qc2 0–0 5. Nf3 d6 6. e4 e5 7. d5 Bxc3+ Bxf6 Bxf6 10. cxd5 exd5 11. 0–0 Qe7 12. publishers including New in Chess, Quality
8. bxc3 Na6 9. Nd2 Nh5 10. Nb3 f5 11. Qb3 Rd8 13. Rfd1 c6 14. Bf1 Na6 15. Rd2 Chess, Everyman Chess, Thinkers Publish-
Bd3 f4 Nc7 16. a4 Ne6 17. a5 b5 18. Qa2 a6 19. ing, Chess Stars, Russell Enterprises, Elk
(see diagram top of next column) Rc1? c5! 20. dxc5 d4! 21. Nxd4 Bxd4 22. and Ruby, and others.
exd4 Nxd4 23. Kh1 Nf3!!
“As Pliester noted in the tournament book, “The reason why White’s position is so Short, Nigel. Winning. Quality Chess, 2021.
when Black obtains this advance in the hopeless is that the queen is on just about ISBN-13 9781784831592, 416 pages. (Available
King’s Indian, White usually already has the worst square on the board; a million from uscfsales.com, product code B0188QT,
activity with the c4-c5 push and play down miles from protecting the king.” $37.95.)
MAKE➠YOUR➠MOVE
BY FM CARSTEN HANSEN Try first to solve the puzzle before reading the text at the bottom
of the page. If unsuccessful, play through the solution, but return
This month’s puzzles are from a mix from the team championships to the puzzle in 1-2 weeks to see if you can now solve it. That way
of France and Russia as well as other top events. you gradually expand your tactical vision, and it will be more likely
The puzzles start from easy and gradually move toward being that you will spot tactics as they occur in your own games. Whatever
difficult. It is worth noting that “easy” is a relative term. If you are you do, do not use an engine to solve the puzzles. You will only cheat
new to the game, the easy ones can also represent a challenge. yourself out of improving your game.
POSITION 1: OVERBURDENED DEFENDER POSITION 4: REMOVE ONE, MAKE ROOM POSITION 7: DISTRACTED ATTACKERS
POSITION 2: NO ROOM TO DEFEND POSITION 5: UNWELCOME VISITOR POSITION 8: SURGICAL PRECISION
POSITION 3: STACKING UP POSITION 6: HAMMERING HOLES POSITION 9: STRIKES FROM ALL ANGLES
NATIONAL EVENTS & BIDS NOW ON USCHESS.ORG Effective with the November 2020 Chess Life, we have removed the National Events and Bids page that has traditionally been
part of our TLA section. This information continues to be available here: new.uschess.org/national-events-calendar
Nationals
Once this coding error was identified in December Memb Rqrd, MCA Memb Rqrd for Michigan residents. com/register?event_key=_douPxlRNgJmTClLNxx-
2020, manual re-calculations for all 2020 Grand Prix 5-2SS. TL: G5;d0. Rds: Starts at 3:30pm. EF: $20 fRg%3D%3D INFO: www.centralflchess.org/events
events were undertaken to ensure the accuracy of online in adv. $25 onsite. Reg: www.onlineregistra- or email: [email protected], Tournament Di-
the standings. As a result of this, some players had tion.cc, Sat 9:00am-3:00pm. $$: 1st Trophy + $150, rector: Steven Vigil call/text (321) 297-7087 or email
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT • GRAND PRIX points added compared to previously published 2nd: $125, 3rd: $100, 4th: $75, 5th: $50; Trophy 1st, at: [email protected] - Please see our
• ENHANCED GRAND PRIX standings, whereas a few players had points re- 2nd U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200, U1000, website at www.centralflchess.org/events for the
moved. We are confident that these final standings U800, U600, U400, Unr Address: 111 N. Grand Ave, latest Covid-19 information for this event.
2021 U.S. Masters Championship reflect the correct allotment of Grand Prix points as Lansing, MI 48933. Organizer: Jeff Aldrich Email:
stated in program regulations. [email protected] Phone: 810-955-7271 Web- GRAND PRIX • JUNIOR GRAND PRIX
NOVEMBER 24-28, NORTH CAROLINA site: https://www.michess.org/
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) Indy FIDE $10,000
2020 AWARDS
Hilton University Place Charlotte Hotel, 8629 JM GRAND PRIX • ENHANCED GRAND PRIX SEPTEMBER 24-26 OR 25-26, INDIANA
Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC. A US Chess national US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30
event. 9 round Swiss, held alongside 2021 North 2021 Las Vegas Open
5SS; 3 or 2 Day Option. Delta Hotels by Marriott,
Carolina Open. USCF and FIDE-rated, GM/IM/WGM/
WIM norms possible, will almost certainly be a FIDE
$12,500 in cash prizes SEPTEMBER 15-19, 16-19, 0R 17-19, NEVADA 5860 Fortune Cir W, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Free
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 300 WIFI, Free Airport Shuttle,Free Parking, Restaurant
“Super Swiss” event. Open to players rated or once First Prize: $5,000 Open Section September 15-19: 9-SS, G/90 +30. on site. $10,000 BASED ON 130 PAID ENTRIES!
rated at least 2200 USCF/FIDE, plus players with the 2nd: $2,500 3rd: $1,000 GM & IM norms possible. Under Sections Septem- Premier (1901+) [FIDE Rated] $1200, $800, $500,
NM, FM, or WFM titles. Also eligible are juniors (U20) ber 16-19 or 17-19: 7-SS, G/90 +30 (3-day round 1 $300 U2300: $600, $400 U2100: $500, $300 Reserve
or foreign FIDE federation players rated or once 4th: $900 5th: $800
G/45 +10). Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, 3700 W (1601-1900) $800, $500, $300; U1750: $200 Novice
rated 2000+ USCF or FIDE, additional fee applies. 6th: $700 7th: $600 Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas $30,000 Guaranteed Prize (1301-1600) $800, $500, $300; U1450: $200 Appren-
$17,000 guaranteed prize fund in 1 section: 8th: $500 9th: $300 Fund. Open: 3000-1500-700-300-200; top under tice (unrated -1300) $800, $500, $300; U1000: $200
$5000-2500-1600-1200-1000-800-600-500, clear or 2300: 1000-500. $300 bonus prize for the first 20 Bonus: Trophies to all prize winners in Reserve,
playoff winner $500, top U2400 FIDE $1200-600, 10th: $200
GMs, WGMs or foreign IMs who enter and play all 9 Novice, and Apprentice! (USCF tiebreaks used for
top U2250 FIDE $1000-500. Free Blitz: Saturday rounds with no byes. Under 2200: 1500-750-350- trophies) Premier Section: FIDE + USCF rated, uses
9:00-10:45pm, $1000 prize fund, free entry to US 250-200. Top under 2050: 500-250. Under 1900: FIDE rules. This tournament will use USCF ratings
Masters players, $30 for others. Time Control: Name State Pts 1500-750-350-250-200. Top under 1750: 500-250. for pairings and prize purposes. Foreign players
G/100, inc/30. Schedule: Registration closes Wed 1. IM ZURABI JAVAKHADZE TX 80.00 must disclose their FIDE ID before the first round.
Under 1600: 1500-750-350-250-200. Top under
4:30pm, rounds Wed 6:30pm, Thu 11am, 5pm, Fri 2. IM JOHN DANIEL BRYANT CA 66.50 USA players without a FIDE ID must agree to rep-
1450: 500-250. Under 1300: 1200-600-250-200-200.
11am, 5pm, Sat 11am, 5pm, Sun 11am, 5pm. Up to 3. FM ROBERT SHLYAKHTENKO CA 58.50 resent USA in international competition in order
4. GM ALEXANDER SHABALOV PA 57.50 Top under 1000: 400-200. Top under 800: 400-200.
3 optional byes available, request at registration, Top unrated 400-200. Mixed Doubles: best male/ to play and must provide necessary information
norms and conditions not possible if taking byes. 5. IM AARON GRABINSKY OR 48.60 to receive a FIDE ID. Default late forfeiture time is 1
6. GM FRANCESCO RAMBALDI MO 44.00 female combined 2-player team score: 1000-500-
Boards, sets, clocks provided for all games, must 200. Average rating below 2200, teammates may hour. TD may extend at TD’s discretion. Players must
use our equipment. November FIDE ratings used 7. GM FIDEL CORRALES JIMENEZ MA 42.00 use provided score sheets and submit copies each
8. GM HANS NIEMANN CT 39.43 play in different sections, only rounds 1-7 count for
for pairings and prizes. Hotel Rate: $101/night, Open Section. Unrated or provisionally rated players round. No electronic notation devices allowed in
1 or 2 beds. Entry Fee: GMs, Foreign IMs free, no 9-10. IM PRAVEEN BALAKRISHNAN VA 38.00 the Premier section.Schedule All Sections: 3-Day:
9-10. GM BRANDON JACOBSON NJ 38.00 may not win more than $400 in any under section,
deduction from prize. U.S. IMs: $199 by 10/20, $219 balance goes to next players in line. EF Open: $199 (G/90, inc/30) Fri: 7PM Sat: 10:30 am 4:30 pm Sun:
by 11/15, $239 after. Regular Entry: $249 by 10/20, by 7/31, $239 by 8/31, $260 later. $100 less for for- 9 am 2:30 pm 2-Day: (Rounds 1 & 2 = G/45, inc/5)
$269 by 11/15, $289 after. Junior/foreign players HERITAGE EVENT • GRAND PRIX • ENHANCED eign FIDE rated players. $100 more for players who (Rounds 3-5 = G/90, inc/30) Sat: 10:30 am, 1 pm, 4:30
with peak ratings under 2200: $100 more than reg- GRAND PRIX • STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT have never been rated 2200 USCF or 2100 FIDE. GM, pm (merge) Sun: 9 am 2:30 pm First two rounds of
ular entry. Conditions: GMs and Foreign IMs are 2-day Premier section not FIDE rated.Byes: Up to
eligible for conditions, which must be arranged 2021 Harvey Lerman Florida WGM and foreign IM free by 8/31. Under sections:
two ½ point byes available if requested before the
$139 by 7/31, $159 by 8/31, $180 later. Re-entry $100
in advance, contact Dr. Walter High, wmhigh@ State Championship cannot re-enter into same schedule and section. end of round 2, cannot be changed. TD reserves the
nc.rr.com early. See official website, https://www. SEPTEMBER 3-6, FLORIDA 5-day schedule (Open Only): Register by 5 Wed right to combine sections based on turnout. Un-
charlottechesscenter.org/usmasters, for more US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 30 (ENHANCED) Rds 6:30, 1-6:30, 10-3:30, 10-3:30. 4-day schedule: rated may play up at TD’s discretion. Bring boards,
information, refund policy, COVID precautions. Register by 5 Thu Rds 6:30, 1-6:30, 1-6:30, 10-3:30, sets and clocks, supplies are limited.Entry Fees:
6SS, G/90+30 sec incr. (3-day option all sections Rd.
Registration & entry list: https://www.chess. 10-3:30 3-day schedule: Register by 9 Fri Rds 10-1- $128 by 9/10, $140 after, $160 on site. Discounts:
1 G/60 d5). b/200 paid entries, 50% min. Gtd. Open
stream/usmasters/Register, Questions: grant@ 6:30, 10-3:30, 10-3:30 Half point byes available in any $10 discount to senior players (55+) Re-entry: $65.
(also FIDE rated): $1100/Trophy-600-400, U2250
charlottechesscenter.org round if requested at least 2 hours before the round; Re-entry is not allowed in the Premier Section. Play-
$300. U2100: $700/Trophy-400-200, U1950 $100.
Sunday byes must be requested before the start of ing Up: Players may play up ONE section for a $25
U1800: $700/Trophy-400-200, U1650 $100. U1500:
Grand Prix
round 4 and may not be cancelled. Chess sets and fee. Minimum USCF rating to play up in the Premier
$700/Trophy-400-200, U1350 $100. U1200: $700/
boards provided for tournament play only, not for Section is 1800, no exceptions.GM IM WGM FREE
Trophy-400-200, U1000 $100. Unr. limited to $100
Entry! No deduction If committed By 9/10- Please
unless place prize in Open section. EF: $99 by Aug. skittles. Please bring digital chess clocks! ENTER
contact TD. Email: [email protected] or
23, $10 more by Aug. 30, $20 more later & on-site, Vegas Chess Festivals, PO Box 90925, Henderson, NV
call / text 317-286-6183 to register. PayPal: PayPal
GMs & IMs free ($99 deducted from prize). Re-entry 89009-0925, online at chess.vegas after 6/21. Info:
The Grand Prix point totals reflect all rated event infor- users please send payment to: bccc.tournaments@
$49. Reg.: Ends 1/2 hr. before 1st rd. Rds.: 4-Day 1st (702) 930-9550. FIDE NS W
mation as of March 23, 2021 for the 2020 Grand Prix. gmail.com. Please Include your USCF and FIDE ID (if
Rd. Fri. 7:30; 3-Day 1st Rd. Sat. 10; all sections 2nd
GRAND PRIX applicable),published regular rating, schedule, and
Rd. Sat. 1:15; 3rd Rd. 6:30, 4th Rd. Sun. 10:00; 5th Rd.
best contact info to send entry confirmation. Add $4
2020 GRAND PRIX STANDINGS 3:15; 6th Rd. Mon. 9:30. 2 1/2 pt. byes, if req’d before
rd. 3. Blitz Championship: G/5 d0, Sun. 8:30 p.m., CFCC Back to the Board In-Person for PayPal fee / per player. Credit Card: by phone
We apologize for any confusion regarding the Grand Prizes based on entries, EF: $25. Quick Champion- Open Tournament ok until 9/23, player pays cc fees. PayPal or cash at
site, no checks. Please join / renew USCF member-
Prix standings. The final standings here have incon- ship: G/15 d3, Mon. 2:30 p.m., Prizes based on en- SEPTEMBER 18-19, FLORIDA
tries, EF: $25. State chess association membership ship at least 24 hours before the tournament. Max-
sistencies when compared to the standings pub- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15 imum player capacity may be limited to 150. Early
lished in the January 2021 Chess Life, which covered req. for all events. Out of state players welcome. FCA
board meeting Sun. 8:30 a.m., FCA annual meeting Central Florida Chess Club, 865 North State Road registration is highly encouraged. (The last few
events through December 1, 2020. What follows is an 434, Altamonte Springs, FL., 32714 (next to Brew- events have sold out!) Sign up early and guaran-
explanation for those inconsistencies. Sun. 9:15 a.m. HR: $139, Includes Internet, refrigera-
tor & free parking for all. Call 800-445-8667 and men- ster’s Ice Cream). $1,175 in Prizes - 100% Guar- tee your spot! Our last FIDE event had 155 players!
tion “BRCC9”. The rate is guaranteed thru August 20. anteed! Open 5SS G/90;d5 - Limited Seating (40 Cross table: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.
The system that has calculated Grand Prix standings Players Only). Prizes - 1st $400 - 2nd $240 - 3rd php?202105168032.0-12787646 On site registration:
for many years failed to credit players from certain Ent: Boca Raton Chess Club, 7050 W. Palmetto Park
Rd., Ste. 15-550, Boca Raton, FL 33433. Online entry $160 Top Under U1800/U1500/U1200 $125/ea. Ear- Friday: 4:30 to 5:45 pm. Saturday: 8 am to 9:30 am.
membership categories with the points they earned ly Entry Fee $60 (by Aug 20th), Late Entry Fee $70 Face coverings may be required depending on In-
in Grand Prix events ending after July 7, 2020. This & addl info: www.bocachess.com, 561-302-4377.
(after Aug 20th) Requested Byes: ½-pt, must com- diana Covid-19 rules. Sanitizer, Scoresheets, pens,
was an unintended consequence of a coding change GRAND PRIX • STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT mit before Round 2 is paired (max 2 byes) Round ibuprofen etc., Water stations available (All Free). No
in our new membership database that launched Times: Sat: 10am/2pm/6pm, Sun: 10am/2pm Free eating at the board, drinks are ok. NO CELL PHONES
on July 10, 2020. As a result of this coding change, 2021 Michigan Speed Parking - Free Chess Lecture 9:00-9:45am with / ELECTRONIC DEVICES! Subject to DQ. Metal De-
points had been incorrectly given to players who Championship FM Alex Zelner - Chess Store: Open during tour- tectors will be used. Blitz Side Event: 7 SS Open
finished lower in the event standings, as the correct nament hours, CFCC Club Membership EF discount double round (14 games); Sat. 9:30 pm, USCF blitz
players had been skipped. Due to the lack of Grand SEPTEMBER 4, MICHIGAN available: $10 ($5 for Jr/Sr) (Must be current, see rated, G3 +2, EF: $25 (GM’s Free) $275, $175, $125,
Prix events after July 7, this error was not immedi- US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10 onsite TD to claim discount.Online Registration U1800 $100, U1500 $75, based on 45 paid entries.
ately identified. Held with the Michigan Open. USCF Blitz rated. USCF Only (No On-site Entry): https://www.chessregister. September Published USCF Blitz ratings used. Ques-
tions: Please email B C Chess Club at: bcchessclub- prize pool: $4000 divided evenly among foreign GMs ment, paid electronically through Zelle or PayPal.. HERITAGE EVENT • AMERICAN CLASSIC •
[email protected] or call / text 317-286-6183 anytime who play all 9 games with no byes. Minimum prize Bring set, board, clock if possible- none supplied. ENHANCED GRAND PRIX • JUNIOR GRAND PRIX
Please go to our Facebook Page: B C Chess Club $300 to US GMs and foreign IMs/WGMs who play all Blitz tmt. Sat 9:30 pm, reg. By 9:15 pm.
for more updates, photos and details. Hotel Rate: 9 games with no byes. Under 2200: $2000-1000-500- 38th Annual Sands Regency Reno-
$105 by 9/18 Call 317-247-9700 or go to link. 20% 300-200, top Under 2000 (no Unr) $1200-600. Under HERITAGE EVENT • ENHANCED GRAND PRIX Western States Open
discount at on-site restaurant, mention the chess 1800: $1700-900-500-300-200, top Under 1600 (no
tournament. Hotel Link: https://www.marriott.com/ Unr) $800-400. Under 1400: $1000-500-300-200- Norman Friedman Memorial & OCTOBER 15-17 AND 16-17, NEVADA
events/start.mi?id=1622041882371&key=GRP. ORGA- 100, top Under 1200 (no Unr) $400-200. Prize lim- National Chess Day Tournament US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 150 (ENHANCED)
NIZER: B C Chess Club Email: bccc.tournaments@ its: Unrated cannot win over $200 in U1400 or $400 OCTOBER 8-10, IDAHO OPEN SECTION FIDE RATED $$27,500 b/275
gmail.com Phone: 13172866183 Website: https:// in U1800. If current Online Regular rating is more GTD$$17,000, 6SS, 6 Sections, OPEN Section 40/2,
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
www.facebook.com/indychessfun/ than 50 points over section or prize maximum, prize G/55 Min-d5, (“X”,“A”, “B”, “C”, “D” Sections 40/2,
limit $300. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/ Round Times: Friday, 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am, 2:00 G/1-d5 - 2-Day Schedule G/1-d5) . Sands Regen-
HERITAGE EVENT • GRAND PRIX • ENHANCED female 2-player team combined score among all pm, Sunday 9:00 am, 2:00 pm Location: Riverside Ho- cy Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave. Reno, NV
GRAND PRIX • JUNIOR GRAND PRIX sections: $1000-500. Only first 7 rounds of Premier tel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, Idaho Format: 89501.1-866-386-7829 or (775) 348-2200. $$27,500
counted. Team must average under 2200; may play 5SS G/90; +30 Sections: Open Section Registration b/275, GTD $$17,000 (1st – 7th OPEN Section) plus
25th annual Eastern Chess in different sections; register (no extra fee) before fee: $60/non-members, $50/ICA members, $40/scho- ½ of all other prizes. OPEN (2200 & above) EF: $179,
Congress both players begin round 2. Ratings: October FIDE lastic. Requirements: US Chess membership, chess (2000-2199) EF: $250, (1999 & below) EF: $300, (GMs
ratings used in Premier, USCF October official in equipment provided but feel free to bring your own.
OCTOBER 1-3 OR 2-3, NEW JERSEY Prizes: Guaranteed prizes! 1st place ($300), 2nd place
& IMs free but must enter by (9/18) or pay late fee).
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) other sections. Unofficial web ratings usually used if $$2,000-1,000-900-800-700-600-500, (2399/below)-
otherwise unrated, Top 3 sections EF: $168 online ($200), 3rd place ($100). Class prizes: 1st place ($50) $1,000-500, (2299/below)- $1,000-500. (If there is a
5SS, 40/80, SD/30+30 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 at chessaction.com by 10/5, 5-day $175, 4-day $174, for each Class B, C, D, E, UNR. 1st - 3rd place scholastic
d10), Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Cen- tie for 1st then a playoff for $100 out of prize fund
3-day $173 if check mailed by 9/23, all $200 at site player trophies. Other Info: Mention chess if staying at
ter, Princeton, NJ 08540. Free parking, wireless & plus trophy). EXPERT Section (2000-2199) EF: $179;
or online until 1 hour before rd 1. U1400 Section: hotel; (208) 343-1871. Side Event: Blitz, Saturday, Oct.
fitness center, 10% discount in hotel restaurant (ex- $$2,000-1,000-500-300-300. Sec. “A”(1800-1999)
all EF $50 less than top 3 sections EF. Premier GMs 9, 7:00 pm, 7 SS, G/5;+3, $10 for ICA Members, $15 for
cept alcohol). $$ 20,000 guaranteed. In 7 sections. EF: $178; $$1,800-900-500-300-300, Sec. “B” (1600-
& foreign IMs/WGMs $50 at chessaction by 9/23, $100 non-members, prizes: $75/1st place, $50/2nd place,
Premier (1900/up, see peakrating.us): $2000-1000- 1799) EF: $177; $$1,700-800-400-300-300, Sec. “C”
after 9/23 or at site; US IMs/WGMs, foreign FIDE rated $25/3rd place. Payment on site only. THIS IS A FIDE and
500-300, clear win or 1st on tiebreak $100, top USCF (1400-1599) EF: $176; $$1,500-700-400-300-300,
$90 at chessaction by 9/23, $140 after 9/23 or at site. US CHESS RATED EVENT - US CHESS MEMBERSHIP IS
U2300 $800-400. FIDE. Under 2100: $1400-700-400- REQUIRED. Sponsored by the Idaho Chess Association. Sec. “D”/under (1399 & below) EF: $165; $$1,000-
Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine if paid with 500-300-200; (1199 & below) - $$300; 2-Day EF: $175
200. FIDE. Under 1900: $1400-700-400-200. Under entry: Online at chessaction.com, Adult $40, Young Details or questions: Adam (208)450-9048 or ida-
1700: $1300-700-400-200. Under 1500: $1200-600- [email protected] (No Open Section). Top Senior (65+) -$200; Club
Adult $25, Youth $18. Mailed or at site, $45, $27 & $20. Champ.-$600-300. ALL: Entries must be postmarked
400-200. Under 1300: $1000-500-300-200. Under No checks at site, credit cards OK. Re-entry: $80, no
1100: $500-300-200-100. Mixed doubles: best male/ HERITAGE EVENT • ENHANCED GRAND PRIX • by 9/18 or pay late fee-$11, do not mail after 10/8 or
Premier to Premier. 5-day schedule (Premier only): JUNIOR GRAND PRIX • STATE CHAMPIONSHIP email after 10/12, $22 at site. Trophies: Open Cham-
female 2-player combined score among all sections: Reg. ends Thu 6 pm, rds. Thu 7 pm, Fri 1 pm & 7 pm,
$800-400-200. Must average under 2200; may play EVENT pion, 1st Senior, 1st Unrated, 1st Expert and 1st – 3rd
Sat 11 am & 5 pm, Sun 10 am & 4 pm, Mon 10 am & (“A” – “D” sections). Unrated players are free entry
in different sections; register (no extra fee) by 2
pm 10/2. Unrated prize limits: $100 U1100, $200
3:30 pm. 4-day schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds Fri 89th Massachusetts Open but not eligible for cash prizes- must join USCF for
7 pm. Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 4, Mon 10 & 3:30. 3-day OCTOBER 9-11, MASSACHUSETTS 1 full year thru this tournament. 1st UNR = Trophy +
U1300, $300 U1500, $400 U1700, $500 U1900. Top schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun
5 sections EF: $118 online at chessaction.com by US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 1 yr USCF Mem. Senior Discount (65+) - $20. Players
10 & 4, Mon 10 & 3:30. Byes: OK all; limit 3 (limit 2 may play up. Provisionally rated players may only
9/29, 3-day $123, 2-day $122 mailed by 9/21, all $140 6SS, 40/120, SD/30, d5 (2-day schedule, G/45, d5 in
in last 4 rds), must commit before rd 3. Electronic win ½ of 1st place money (except Open Section
at site, or online until 2 hrs before round 1. Under rounds 1-3). No 2-day schedule in Championship
device rules: see devicerules.com. Awards: If not 1st-7th). CCA ratings may be used. Note: pairings
1100 EF: all $50 less than above. All: No checks at sect. Boston Marriott Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive,
claimed at tournament, paid electronically by Zelle not changed for color unless 3 in a row or cause a
site, credit cards OK. Unofficial uschess.org ratings Quincy MA 02169. Masks may be required. $$7,500
or Paypal. HR: $99-99-109-119, link at chessevents. plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in
usually used if otherwise unrated. If Online Regu- G. 4 sects. Championship (open to players rated
us or 703-620-9000, reserve by 9/17 or rate may a row may be assigned. SIDE EVENTS: Wed. (10/13)
lar rating is 50 or more points over section or prize 1800 or above): $3,000-1,000-500, top U2300 $500.
increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD 7:00pm GM Sergey Kudrin – Clock Simul with game
maximum, prize limit $300. Special 1 year USCF FIDE. 3-day schedule only. Under 2100: $450-250,
#D657633 or reserve car online at chesstour.com. analysis (ONLY $30!); Thurs. (10/14) 6-7:15pm Lec-
dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online at top U1950 $200. Under 1800: $400-200, top U1650
Ent: Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham NY 10803. ture by IM John Donaldson (FREE); 7:30pm-GM En-
chessaction.com, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, Youth $200. Under 1500: $300-150, top U1350 $150, top
Questions: [email protected] Refunds, $15 service rico Sevillano - Simul ($20); 7:30pm-Blitz (G/5 d0))
$18. Mailed or at site, $45, $27 & $20. Re-entry $50 U1200 $150. State championship title to high scor-
charge. Entries posted at chessaction.com (click Tourney ($25) 80% entries = Prize Fund. Sat. (10/16)
(no Premier to Premier). GMs $100 from prize. 3-day ing Mass. resident or student in each sect. Unrated
“entry list” after entering). Bring set, board, clock (3-4:30pm) Free Game/Position Analysis - IM John
schedule: Reg. ends Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, prize limits: $200 in U2100, $150 in U1800, $100 in
if possible- none supplied. Blitz tournament Sun. Donaldson. REG: (Thurs,10/14) 5-8pm (Friday,10/15)
Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, U1500, can’t win title. EF: $60 for 3-day, $59 for 2-day
9:30 pm, enter by 9:15 pm.
rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; must if mailed by 10/4 or online by 10/7, $75 at site. GMs 9-10am and (Sat,10/16) 9-10 am. RDS: (Fri) 12-7, (Sat)
commit before rd 2. HR: $123-123, 609-987-1234 or HERITAGE EVENT • GRAND PRIX • ENHANCED and IMs free. $25 discount to players in U1500 sect. 10-6, (Sun) 9:30-4:30. 2-Day (10/16) Rd 1 (10:30 am),
use link at chesstour.com, reserve by 9/9. Car rental: GRAND PRIX • JUNIOR GRAND PRIX rated under 1000 or unrated. 3-day Schedule: Reg. Rd 2 (12:45 pm), Rd 3 (3:00 pm), Rd 4 merge with reg-
Avis, 800-331-1600, use AWD #D657633. Ent: chess- Sat. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Rds. Sat. 10:30 & 5, Sun. 10:30 ular schedule – (6:00 pm). Byes available any round
action.com or Continental Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, 29th annual Midwest Class & 5, Mon. 10 & 4. 2-day Schedule (U2100 to U1500 if requested by Rd.1 (Open Section 2 byes max).ENT:
NY 10803. Questions: [email protected]. $15 service Championships only): Reg. Sun. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Rds. Sun. 10:30, make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY
charge for refunds. Entries posted at chessaction. 1, 3 & 5, Mon. 10 & 4. Schedules merge in round 4. (address listed above), postmarked by 9/18. $11 late
com (click “entry list” after entering) Awards: If not OCTOBER 8-10 OR 9-10, ILLINOIS fee if postmarked after 9/18. Do not mail after 10/8
Byes: 1-5 in Championship sect., 1-6 in others, limit
claimed at tournament, paid electronically through US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 120 (ENHANCED) 2, rounds 4-6 must commit before rd. 2. Massachu- or email after 10/12 - $22 late fee at site. HR: (Sun-
Zelle or Paypal. Bring set, board, clock if possible- 5SS, 40/80, SD/30+30 (2-day option, rds 1-2 G/60 setts Blitz Championship: Sun. 10/10, 5SS (dbl), Thurs. $65.30) (Fri. & Sat. $117.51) 1-866-386-7829
none supplied. Blitz tournament Sat. 9:30 pm, en- d10), Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 North G/5 d0. Blitz rated but higher of blitz and regular Reservation Code: CHESS2021 (Reserve by 10/1/21
ter by 9:15 pm. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090 (from Chicago, ratings used for pairings and prizes. EF $10 if playing to get Chess rate. Under 21 years of age must check
I-294 north to US-45 north; from Milwaukee, I-94 to in main tnmt., else $15. 75% of EFs returned as priz- in the hotel with an adult.) ALL prize winners (includ-
GRAND PRIX Lake Cook Rd to US-45 south). Free parking. $20,000 es. Reg. ends 9:15 p.m., 1st rd. at 9:30 p.m., others ing juniors attending with parents) must have pho-
Bennington Fall Open in guaranteed prizes. In 7 sections. Premier (2000/ ASAP. Bye allowed 1st rd. Scholastic Sections: K-12 to id to collect prize money at site. ***Neither the
up): $2000-1000-500-300, clear win or 1st on tie- U1500 and K-12 U700 on Sat. 10/9, K-3 U1200 and tournament director(s) nor the Sands Regency will
southwestern Vermont break $100, top U2300 $800-400. FIDE. 1800-2099: K-3 U400 on Sun. 10/10, K-6 U1400 and K-6 U500 on be held liable for any player/spectator whose health
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021, VERMONT $1400-700-400-200. FIDE. 1600-1899/Unr: $1400- Mon. 10/11. Each is 4SS, G/30 d5. EF: $20 if mailed by may be compromised by attending the tournament.
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 6 700-400-200. 1400-1699/Unr: $1300-700-400-200. 10/4 or online by 10/7, $25 at site. Reg. 9:30 to 10:30 In addition, the tournament may be restricted
SS, G/60 d5. Bennington Free Library, 101 Silver St., 1200-1499/Unr: $1200-600-400-200. Under 1300/ a.m., 1st rd. at 11 a.m., others ASAP. Trophies to top based on current State/Government Covid19 regu-
Bennington, VT 05201. Three sections. Open: $$Gtd: Unr: $1000-500-300-200. Under 1100/Unr: $500- 3 in each sect. Medals to players scoring 3+ points lations.*** INFO: Jerry Weikel, 6578 Valley Wood Dr.,
200-130, U2100 125, U1900 120. Under 1750: $$Gtd: 300-200-100, plaques to top 3, top U900, U700, U500, and not winning a trophy. All: MACA membership Reno, NV 89523, (H) 775-747-1405 or (Cell) 775-354-
150-105, U1550 100. Unrated player may win up to $70. Unrated. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: best male/ required for Mass. residents ($12 adult, $6 jr. U18). 8728 (AFTER 10/14/21 please call cell number ONLY
Under 1350: $$Gtd: 105-70, U1150 60, U950 40. Unrat- female 2-player combined score among all sec- Ent: payable to MACA and mail to Robert Messenger, or the Sands Regency), [email protected] or check
ed player may win up to $40. All, EF: $30 if rec’d by Sept tions: $800-400-200. Must average under 2200; may 4 Hamlett Dr. Apt. 12, Nashua NH 03062, or enter on- out our website at: www.renochess.org. To verify
30 (PayPal OK) or $35 at site, except $20/$25 for unrated play in different sections; register (no extra fee) by line (PayPal) at www.masschess.org. HR: $164. 617- your entry, please check Reno Chess website.
player. Half-point bye OK for any one round if request- 2 pm 10/9. Unrated prize limits: $100 U1100, $200 472-1000. Reserve by 9/18 and mention chess tnmt.
ed by 12:35 p.m. Reg.: 8:45-9:35 a.m., Rds.: 10-1-3:35- U1300, $300 1200-1499, $400 1400-1699, $500 1600- Info: send email to [email protected] or call 603- HERITAGE EVENT • GRAND PRIX • STATE
6:10. Unrated players are ineligible for “U” prizes. Ent: 1899. Top 6 sections EF: $113 online at chessaction. 891-2484. Day of the tournament call 603-557-1732. CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
Andrew Palmer, 1006 Gage St. Apt. 1, Bennington, VT com by 10/6, 3-day $118, 2-day $117 mailed by 9/27, 2021 Peter P. Lahde Tennessee
05201-2059; [email protected]. Info: Parker all $130 at site, or online until 2 hrs before round 53rd Jerry Spann Memorial
Montgomery, [email protected], 802-349- 1. Under 1100 EF: all $50 less than above. All: No OCTOBER 15-17 AND 16-17, OKLAHOMA
Open
7739 (mobile). checks at site, credit cards OK. Online EF $5 less to US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 10
OCTOBER 15-17, TENNESSEE
ICA members; join/renew at il-chess.org. Unofficial US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 15
GRAND PRIX • ENHANCED GRAND PRIX • JUNIOR or Online Regular uschess.org ratings usually used 5-SS, G/90;+30. Site: Tulsa Holiday Inn CITY CEN-
GRAND PRIX TER, 17 W. Seventh Street, Tulsa OK 74119. 918-585- 5SS, G/90; d5. West TN AgResearch & Education Cen-
if otherwise unrated. If Online Regular rating is 50 ter, 605 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN 38301. EF:
5898. HR: $95. Three Sections: Open, Reserve
12th annual Washington Chess or more points over section or prize maximum, prize
limit $300. Special 1 yr USCF dues with magazine
(U1800), Novice (U1200). EF: $45 if mailed by $75 if registered by 9/24 (Early bird entry includes
Congress if paid with entry. Online at chessaction.com, Adult
10/4, $55 thereafter, with these discounts: $10 off 75th TN Open t-shirt and name in program), $75 if
mailed by 10/8, $85 after 10/8 and on-site. IMs and
for Seniors over age 60, FREE for Masters 2200+ (de-
OCTOBER 7-11, 8-11, OR 9-11, VIRGINIA $40, Young Adult $25, Youth $18. Mailed or at site, ducted from winnings). FREE entry for new USChess GMs free entry ($75 entry fee deducted from win-
US CHESS GRAND PRIX POINTS: 200 (ENHANCED) $45, $27 & $20. Re-entry $50; no Premier to Premier. members or those renewing after 18 months off. nings over $200). TCA memb. req’d. for Tennessee
Premier Section, 9SS, Oct 7-11, 40/80, SD/30+30; GMs $100 from prize. 3-day schedule: Reg. ends Registration:page12image10018303209-9:45am residents, OSA. $$ 4,000 prize fund (based on 80 en-
GM & IM norms possible, FIDE rated. Other Sec- Fri 6 pm, rds. Fri 7, Sat 11 & 5, Sun 10 & 3:30. 2-day Sat 10/9. Prizes $$2000 (1st Prize Gtd. each section, tries - 75% guaranteed). 2 Sections: Open, 1st: $600 +
tions, 7SS, Oct 8-11 or 9-11, 40/80, SD/30+30 (3-day schedule: Reg. ends Sat 10 am, rds. Sat 11, 2 & 5, Sun rest b/55 paid entries): Open: $500(G)-200, X: 200, A: plaque-$350-$275; Expert $250 + plaque-$200; Class A
option, rounds 1-2 G/60 d10). Sheraton Reston Ho- 10 & 3:30. Bye: all, limit 2; Premier must commit be- 175. Reserve (U1800): $250(G) C: 175 D: 175, Novice $225 + plaque, $175; Class B & below, $200 + plaque,
tel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston VA 20191 (21 fore rd 2, others before rd 3. HR: $119-119-119-119, (U1200): $200(G), 1000/below: $125. Rounds: 10- $100; top junior champion place prize + plaque + $75
miles from Washington). Free parking, free airport 800-937-8461, 847-777-6500, reserve by 9/24 or rate 2:30-7, 9-1:15. Byes: One 1⁄2-pt bye Rds. 1-5 if com- entry fee returned. Amateur, open to U1601. $300
shuttle, free shuttle to Metro subway & Reston Town may increase. Car rental: Avis, 800-331-1600, use mit before Sat 9pm. Adv. Entries: www.paypal. + plaque-$225-$175; Class D $150 + plaque-$100,
Center. $30,000 guaranteed prizes. In 4 sections: AWD #D657633. Ent: chessaction.com or Continen- me/Braunlich or mail T.Braunlich, 1638 S. Carson Class E $125 + plaque-$100, Class F & below $125 +
Premier: Open to FIDE 2000/over, foreign FIDE 1900/ tal Chess, Box 8482, Pelham, NY 10803. Questions: Ave.#803 Tulsa OK 74119. Info: tom.braunlich@cox. plaque-$100, Unrated $125 + plaque-$100. Unrated
over, or USCF 2100/over. $3000-1500-1000-800-700- [email protected]. $15 service charge for refunds. net. Website: ocfchess.org LS W. *CHECK prior to players only eligible for the top three prizes in the
600-500-400, clear or tiebreak first bonus $100, top Entries posted at chessaction.com (click “entry list” the tournament for possible last-minute COVID virus Open section and Unrated prizes in the Amateur sec-
FIDE Under 2300/Unr $1700-900. FIDE. Foreign GM after entering). Awards: If not claimed at tourna- policy changes. tion. Plaques and titles to Tennessee residents only,
5000-3000-2000-1300-1000-800-700-600-500, clear at chessaction.com, Adult $40, Young Adult $25, lar). $15 service charge for refunds. Ent: Chessaction.
winner or 1st on tiebreak bonus $300, top FIDE Youth $18. Mailed or at site, $45, $27 & $20. 5-day com. Questions: [email protected]. IDAHO
Under 2400/Unr $3000-2000-1000. FIDE rated, GM & reg. ends 12/26 10 am, rds 12/26-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10
IM norms possible. Under 2300: $7000-4000-2000- & 4:30, 12/30 10 am. 4-day reg. ends 12/26 5 pm, Eastern Chess Congress Warmup WEEKLY ON SUNDAY AND SATURDAY, START-
1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. FIDE. Under 2100: rds 12/26 6 pm, 12/27-28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. ING FROM SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 - SUNDAY,
$7000-4000-2000-1200-800-600-500-500-400-400. 3-day reg. ends 12/27 10 am, rds 12/27 11, 2:30 & 6,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 Chandra Alexis Chess Club
FIDE. Under 1900: $7000-4000-2000-1200-800- 12/28 11 & 6, 12/29 10 & 4:30. Bye: all, limit 3, limit 2 The Chandra Alexis Chess Club is open Wed.-Sun., 11
600-500-500-400-400. Under 1700: $6000-3000- in last 4 rounds; must commit before rd 3. HR: $99- 6-SS, G/75+10, at Internet Chess Club. $5000 guar- a.m. – 4 p.m., for lessons, games and tournaments.
1500-1000-800-600-500-500-400-400. Under 1500: 99, 800-833-3308, 702-739-4111, rate may increase anteed prizes. Must be on Zoom (use real name) The club offers weekly 4 RD/SS USCF/FIDE rated and
$5000-2500-1300-1000-700-600-500-400-300-300. or chess block sell out about 11/15. Free parking to be eligible for prizes), see ccazoom.com. $150 scholastic team tournaments. We are located at 7337
Under 1250: $3000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400- if guest room at Ballys. Car rental: Avis, 800-331- prize limit if no Zoom side/rear camera angle. In 4 W. Northview Street, Suite 4, Boise, ID 83704. Suite 4 is
400-300-300, top Under 1000 (no unr) $1000-500. 1600, use AWD #657633. Ratings: December FIDE sections. Major Section: Open to 1900/over. $700- the Blue Pencil White Pawn office. As seating is limited
No separate U1000 section; under 1000 in U1250 used in Open, December official USCF in others. 400-200-150, top U2200 $300-150. Under 2000/Unr to 12 players, all tournaments are invitational. Check
play for both U1250 and U1000 prizes; receive larg- For foreign players in U2300 & below, see foreign- Section: $400-280-150-100, U1800 (no Unr) $240- chandraalexischessclub.org for registration informa-
er if winning both. Prize limits: 1) Unrated limit ratings.com. Players who fail to disclose foreign 120. Under 1700/Unr Section: $340-200-120-80, tion. Contact USCF Senior TD/FIDE National Arbiter for
$500 in U1250, $1000 U1500, $1300 U1700, $1600 or FIDE ratings may be expelled. Special rules: top U1500 (no Unr) $180-90, unrated limit $150. the U.S., George Lundy, 208-375-1211 evenings.
U1900, $2000 U2100. 2) Under 26 OTB regular CCA electronic devices rules used; see devicerules. Under 1400/Unr Section: $280-150-100-60, U1200
games played as of Dec 2021 official may not win com. Prizes not claimed at site sent by Zelle or (no Unr) $140-70; unrated limit $80. Entry fee $83 at
over $1500 U1250, $3000 U1500 or U1700. Games Paypal. Blitz 12/29 10 pm. Ent: chessaction.com chessaction.com by 9/23, $100 by 10 am EDT 9/25. ILLINOIS
rated too late for Dec 2021 list not counted. 3) If or Continental Chess, Box 249, Salisbury Mills, NY New players (1st CCA event on ICC) should register
post-event rating posted 1/1/20-12/20/21 was more 12577 (DirectorAtChess.us, www.chessevents.us). by 9/23. EF discount: $30 less if playing in Eastern SEPTEMBER 24-26 OR 25-26, 2021
than 50 points over section maximum, prize limit $15 service charge for refunds. Entries posted at Chess Congress, 10/1-3 in Princeton, NJ. GMs $80 Indy FIDE $10,000 (IN)
$2000. 4) If USCF Online Regular rating is more than chessaction.com (Click “entry list” after entering). from prize. Log into playcca.com 30 minutes before See Grand Prix.
50 points over section or prize maximum, prize lim- game. Rounds begin each day: EDT 11 am, 2:30 pm
Online
it $500. 5) Balance of any limited prize goes to next & 6 pm. Half point byes: Available all rounds, limit 2 OCTOBER 8-10 OR 9-10, 2021
player(s) in line. Mixed doubles bonus prizes: byes, must be claimed with registration & cannot be
best male/female combined 2-player team score: changed. USCF membership required; may join 29th annual Midwest Class (IL)
$2000-1000-500-300-200. Only rounds 1-7 of Open with registration. Online Regular rated (will not See Grand Prix or chessevents.us.
Section counted. Team must average under 2200; affect OTB ratings), Online Regular ratings used
may play in different sections; register (no exta fee) 2nd annual CCA September Open for pairings & prizes (OTB Regular used if no Online
INDIANA
by 3 pm 12/27; prize limits do not apply to doubles. Regular). $15 service charge for refunds. Ent: Ches-
Top 6 sections EF: Online at chessaction.com: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 saction.com. Questions: [email protected].
5-SS, G/40+10, at Internet Chess Club. $2000 guaran- SEPTEMBER 24-26 OR 25-26, 2021
$245 http://chessaction.com/ by 9/15, $275 by
Indy FIDE $10,000 (IN)
Regional
12/23. Mailed by 12/13: 5-day $280, 4-day $279, teed prizes. Must be on Zoom (use real name) to be
3-day $278. Do not mail entry after 12/13. Online eligible for prizes; see ccazoom.com. $100 prize limit if See Grand Prix.
12/24 to 2 hours before round 1, or at site 12/26 to 1 no Zoom side/rear camera angle. In 3 sections. Open
hour before round 1: http://chessaction.com/$300. Section: Open to all, $400-200-100, top U2200 $140, OCTOBER 8-10 OR 9-10, 2021
Open Section EF $100 more to US players if not U2000 $120. Under 1900/Unr Section: $250-130-70,
USCF or FIDE rated 2200/over. Under 1250 Sec- top U1700 (no Unr) $120. Under 1500/Unr Section:
29th annual Midwest Class (IL)
tion EF: All $100 less than above. Seniors 65/over $200-100-50, U1300 (no Unr) $120; unrated limit $80. CALIFORNIA See Grand Prix or chessevents.us.
in U1500/over: All $100 less than above. Re-entry Entry fee at chessaction.com: $48 by 9/9, $65 by 10
am EDT 9/11. New players (first CCA event on ICC) NOVEMBER 5-7 OR 6-7, 2021 NOVEMBER 12-14 OR 13-14, 2021
$120; no Open to Open. Foreign GM: Free ($200
from prize); minimum prize $500 if playing all enter by 9/9 or risk not being paired for rd 1. GMs $40 16th annual Los Angeles Open (CA) 30th annual Kings Island Open (OH)
games with no byes, no deduction from minimum from prize. Log into playcca.com 30 minutes before See Grand Prix or chessevents.us. See Grand Prix or chessevents.us.
prize. Foreign IM/WGM/WIM in Open Section: game, rounds begin EDT 11 am, 1:15 pm, 3:30 pm.
Free ($200 from prize); minimum prize $300 if play- 5:45 pm, 8 pm. Half point byes: Available all rounds,
ing all 9 games with no byes, no deduction from limit 2 byes, must be claimed with registration & can- CONNECTICUT KENTUCKY
minimum prize. US IM/WGM, foreign FM/WFM not be changed. USCF membership required; may
in Open Section: Entry fees $150 less than above. join with registration. Online Regular rated (will not NOVEMBER 5-7 OR 6-7, 2021 SEPTEMBER 24-26 OR 25-26, 2021
All: No checks at site, credit cards OK. Special 1 yr affect OTB ratings), Online Regular ratings used for 26th annual Northeast Open (CT) Indy FIDE $10,000 (IN)
USCF dues with magazine if paid with entry. Online pairings & prizes (OTB Regular used if no Online Regu- See Grand Prix or chessevents.us. See Grand Prix.
WASHINGTON CHESS CONGRESS, Oct 7-11, NATIONAL CHESS CONGRESS, Nov 26-28 or
8-11 or 9-11, Reston VA, Columbus Day weekend. 27-28, 6 rounds, Loews Philadelphia Hotel.
$30,000 guaranteed prizes including $4000 foreign $43,000 guaranteed prizes.
GM pool, GM & IM norms possible in 9 round
Premier Section, other sections are 7 rounds. EMPIRE STATE OPEN Dec 26-28 or 27-28 at
MIDWEST CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Oct 8- Albany Marriott, $5000 guaranteed prizes.
10 or 9-10, Wheeling, Illinois. $20,000 guaranteed. NEW YORK STATE UNDER 13 ACTION Dec
28 at Albany Marriott.
CENTRAL NEW YORK OPEN. Oct 22-24 or NEW YORK STATE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
23-24, Quality Inn Fairgrounds, Syracuse. $5000 Dec 29-30 at Albany Marriott, In 8 sections, two
guaranteed prizes. each for Under 21, Under 16, Under 13, Under 10.
For details of the Albany events see
LOS ANGELES OPEN, Nov 5-7 or 6-7, see chessevents.us, or TLA in October Chess Life.
chessevents.us for location. $15,000 guaranteed.
NORTHEAST OPEN, Nov 5-7 or 6-7, Stamford, NORTH AMERICAN OPEN at Bally’s Las
Connecticut. $10,000 guaranteed prizes. Vegas, Dec 26-30, 26-29 or 27-29. Open 9 rounds
with GM & IM norms possible, other sections 7
KINGS ISLAND OPEN, Nov 12-14 or 13-14, rounds. $125,000 guaranteed prizes!
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Solutions obviously still is some work to be done. After 23. ... Qd5,
Black threatens both ... Ne4xf2+ and ... Ne4xg3+ followed by
Rh2 Nf5+, White resigned. A possible continuation was
40. ... Nf5+ 41. Kh3 g4+ 42. Kxg4 Qxh2 and Black win easily.
PAGE 9 CHESS TO ENJOY ... Qd5xg2 mate. If White plays 24. f3, then Black wins with Demchenko - Chigaev, Russian ch Higher League 2021.
PROBLEM 1. 37. Qxf6+! Bxf6 38. Bxf6 and Rh1-h8 will be 24. ... Nxg3+ 25. hxg3 Qh5+ 26. Nh3 Bxf3 27. Qd2 Qxh3+ 28. TACTIC 9. 25. Rd6! Threatening Rxh6. 25. ... Kf8 Black
mate. PROBLEM 2. 32. Qe5+!, and Black resigned as 32. Kg1 Qxg3 and it is game over for White. Duda - Ding Liren, cannot capture on d6, for instance, 25. ... Rxd6 26. exd6 Qf8
... Qxe5 33. dxe5 wins the pinned knight. PROBLEM 3. 27. Goldmoney Asian Rapid 2021. TACTIC 4. 24. ... Bxc5! 25. 27. d7 Rd8 28. Qf6 g6 29. h4 threatening h4–h5 and if 29. ...
Bxg7! Nxg7 28. Rxg7+ Kxg7 29. Qg3+ Kf6 30. Qg5 mate. Or dxc5 Bd3! Here White resigned as he loses material. For Kh7 then 30. Rxg6 decides. 26. Rxh6! Anyway! 26. ... gxh6
29. ... Kh8 30. Qh4+ and it’s mate-in-two. PROBLEM 4. 27. e6! The point. Now White threatens Qc3-h8 mate. 27.
instance, 25. ... Bd3 26. Rxe2 (White loses a piece after 26.
35. Qxd6! leads to mate: (a) 35. ... Bxd6 36. fxg7 mate; (b) ... Qc7 Or 27. ... f6 28. Rg6! and White is winning. 28. Qg7+
g3 Rxf2 27. Kxf2 Re2+, while 26. Bc1 allows 26. ... Re1+ with
35. ... Rxd6 36. fxg7+ Bxg7 37. Rf8 mate; (c) 35. ... Rcc8 36. Ke7 29. exf7, Black resigned. A possible continuation was
mate) 26. ... Rxe2 and the bishop is out of good squares
Qxf8+!. PROBLEM 5. 24. 0-0-0! and then Rg1-g3 traps
and will be lost. Kilgus - Asadli, Belgrade 2021. TACTIC 29. exf7 Rf8 30. Re3+ Be4 31. Qxh6 (preventing the black king
the queen. PROBLEM 6. 26. ... Rxa2! 27. Rxa2 Qxa2! and
5. 18. ... Bxh3! 19. gxh3?! It would have been relatively from running away and, according to the engine, forcing
now either 28. Bf1 Bxg2+ 29. Bxg2 Qxa1+ 30. Nxa1 Re1+
best for White to pull the emergency brake with 19. Rxe8+ mate) 31. ... Rd4 32. Qe6+ Kd8 33. Qf6+ Qe7 34. Qb6+ Qc7
(the game continuation) or 28. Qxa2 Re1+.
Rxe8 20. Re1 Rxe1+ 21. Nxe1 Bg4, accepting the loss of a 35. Qxd4+ with mate in a few moves. Sarana - Kobalia,
Russian ch Higher League (Cheboksary) 2021.
PAGE 47 ABCS OF CHESS pawn, hoping to be able to put up a stodgy defense. 19.
PROBLEM 1. Mating net: Black mates immediately, 1. ... Qxh3 20. Bxg6 hxg6 21. Rxe8+ 21. Rd3 runs into 21.
... Qg1 mate.. PROBLEM 2. Mating net: Black mates ... g5! (after 21. ... Bh2+ 22. Kh1, Black will have to retreat BONUS ENDGAME STUDY
in three: 1. ... Rf1+ 2. Qxf1 Rxf1+ 3. Bg1 Rxg1 mate (or with the bishop to make progress, likely transposing into SOLUTION HERE NEXT MONTH!
3. ... Qxg1 mate). PROBLEM 3. Mating net: It is mate in the line after 21. ... g5!) 22. Rde3 Rxe3 23. Rxe3 Bf4 24. Ne1
two: 1. ... Qf3+ 2. Qxf3 Bxf3 mate. PROBLEM 4. Mating Qh2+ 25. Kf1 Bxe3 26. fxe3 Qh1+ 27. Ke2 g6 when Black’s
net: Black mates in three: 1. ... Qg1+ 2. Kxg1 Bd4+ 3. kingside pawn mass combined with the active queen and
Yochanan Afek
Kh1 Rg1 mate. PROBLEM 5. Mating net: Black mates rook gives Black a decisive advantage. 21. ... Rxe8 22. 1st Honorable Mention
in two: 1. ... Qxg2+ 2. Qxg2 Rc1 mate. PROBLEM 6. Re1? An odd blunder by the French grandmaster. A better Vratnica-64, 2016-2018
Mating net: Black mates in three: 1. ... Qxf3+ 2. Qxf3 defense was 22. Qd3 although Black has a relatively simple
Re1+ 3. Qf1 Rxf1 mate. path to a winning position with 22. ... g5 23. d5 g4 24. Ne5
Bxe5 25. Qxh3 gxh3 26. f4 Bc7 27. Kh2 cxd5 28. cxd5 Re2+
29. Kxh3 Kf8 and Black has a won endgame. 22. ... Bh2+!
TOTAL YOUR SCORE Somehow, White must have overlooked this move. 23. Kh1
TO DETERMINE Note that 23. Nxh2 Rxe1+ ends the game promptly. 23. ...
Qxf3+ and White resigned. Apicella - Bluebaum, French
YOUR APPROXIMATE
Team ch 2021. TACTIC 6. 17. ... Bxg3! This is much more
RATING BELOW: effective than the alternatives, for instance, 17. ... Nxe3 18.
Total Score Approx. Rating fxe3 Qxg3+ 19. Kd1 Qxe3 20. a4 Qh3 21. d5 e3 22. Qd3 gives
White excellent chances to survive. 18. fxg3 Nxe3 Forking
95+ 2400+
the rook and queen while still keeping ... Qg6xg3+ in reserve.
81-9 2200-2399 19. Qb3 Qxg3+ 20. Rf2 Ng4 21. Ncxe4! The relatively best
66-80 2000-2199 try to muddy the waters, White gives some material to get
Black’s queen off the board and safety for the king. 21. ... WHITE TO MOVE AND WIN
51-65 1800-1999 Qxb3 22. Bxb3 fxe4 23. Rf7 e3 Black could also play 23.
36-50 1600-1799 ... Nd5 24. Rxg7 0–0–0 when White is busted, the e3–pawn
is a beast and White has holes everywhere while the white CHESS LIFE USPS # 102-840 (ISSN 0197-260X). Volume
21-35 1400-1599 bishop pair is irrelevant. 24. Nf1 Nd5 25. Rxg7 0–0–0 Black
76 No. 9. PRINTED IN THE USA. Chess Life, formerly
Chess Life & Review, is published monthly by the United
06-20 1200-1399 has a decisive advantage and soon won the game. 26. Rc1 States Chess Federation, 137 Obrien Dr., Crossville, TN
Rd7 27. Rxd7 Kxd7 28. Rc5 Nf4 29. Bc2 Bf3 30. Bf5+ 38557-3967. Chess Life & Review and Chess Life remain
0-05 under 1200 Kd8 31. Ng3 Re8 32. Bc3 Ng2+ 33. Kf1 e2+ 34. Nxe2 the property of USCF. Annual subscription (without
membership): $72. Periodical postage paid at Crossville,
Rxe2, White resigned. Paravyan - Ponkratov, Russian TN 38557-3967 and additional mailing offices. POSTMAS-
ch Higher League 2021. TACTIC 7. White is threatening TER: Send address changes to Chess Life (USCF), PO Box
PAGE 50 MAKE YOUR MOVE Qg5-h6-Qg7 mate. To stop this, Black has to take drastic 3967, Crossville, Tennessee 38557-3967. Entire contents
©2020 by the United States Chess Federation. All rights
TACTIC 1. 23. Qxf7+! and Black resigned as he would measures. 28. ... Rdxd2! Black could try 28. ... Kh8 29. Qh6
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
get mated after 23. Qxf7+ Rxf7 24. Rxe8+ Rf8 25. Bd5+ Kh8 Rg8 30. Bd6 Rcc8 31. Be5 Rcd8 32. Ne4 Bxe4 33. Bxe4 when stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
26. Rxf8 mate. Naiditsch – Sochacki, French Team ch 2021. Black should win but there is still work to do. What Gelfand or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
TACTIC 2. 16. ... Nxf2+! Ripping White’s otherwise solid has in mind ends White’s resistance much faster. 29. Bd4 or otherwise without the prior written permission of
USCF. Note: Unsolicited materials are submitted at the
position apart. 17. Rxf2 Qxe3 The point behind Black’s If 29. Qh6 then 29. ... Qxe3+ forces mate: 30. Rxe3 Rc1+ and
sender’s risk and Chess Life accepts no responsibility
previous move, the rook cannot stay on f2 and therefore is it is curtains for White. 29. ... Bxf3! 30. Bxa7 Rxh2 and for them. Materials will not be returned unless accom-
forced to give up defending the bishop on e2. 18. Rf1 Qxe2 White resigned as there is mate in a few moves. Santos panied by appropriate postage and packaging. Address
Latasa - Gelfand, Leon 2021. TACTIC 8. 31. ... f5! Despite all submissions to Chess Life, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN
19. Rxc6? White tries to recover some material, but now
38557-3967. The opinions expressed are strictly those of
it quickly goes downhill. 19. ... Bg4! 20. Qc1 Or 20. Qxe2 being an entire rook down, Black has time to strengthen the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views
Bxe2 21. Rb1 Bd3 22. Rbc1 Bb5 23. Rc7 d4 and, supported his attack. Note that 31. ... Qh1+ 32. Kf1 f5 33. Nxe4 Nh2+ of the United States Chess Federation. Send all address
by the bishops, the d-pawn becomes an unstoppable force. 34. Ke2 Qxe4+ and Black is winning. 32. Nxe4 fxe4 Or 32. changes to: U.S. Chess, Membership Services, PO Box
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20. ... Bh3! Ouch! 21. gxh3 Qe4+ and with mate in the ... Qh1+ 33. Kf1 Nh2+ 34. Ke2 Qxe4+ with transposition to
USCF I.D. number and a recent mailing label if possible.
next move, White resigned. Hevia - Fernandez Hernan- the above-mentioned note. 33. Rcd2 e3 Note that 33. ... This information may be e-mailed to addresschange@
dez, Mexico City 2021. TACTIC 3. 23. ... Qd5! and White Qh1+ 34. Kf1 e3 will lead to the same position as the game uschess.org. Please give us eight weeks advance notice.
resigned! Before we look closer at this move, it should be continuation. 34. fxe3 Qh1+ 35. Kf1 Rf8+ 36. Ke2 If 36. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41473530 RETURN
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MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL P.O. BOX 25058 LONDON
instance, 24. Bxd4 Rxd4 25. Rxe4 Bxe4 26. Qe1 Bxg2+ 27. Kxg2 Rd8+ 40. Kc3 Nb1+ 41. Kb3 Qe5 and Black is winning. 36. BRC, ONTARIO, CANADA N6C 6A8
Qxc2 with a decisive advantage for Black although there ... Rf2+ 37. Qxf2 Nxf2 38. Kxf2 Ng4+ 39. Kg3 Nxe3 40.
I
grandmaster
STARTED PLAYING CHESS EVER.”
when I was eight years old. At
first the game was about bonding
with my father and playing for
fun. Two years later, when I beat my dad,
it all changed!
I became obsessed with chess and earned
my national master title before graduat-
ing high school. In all I have been playing
chess for 21 years, and I am now grinding
for my grandmaster title. This would be the
culmination of a lifelong goal of mine, and
I’m working hard to become the fifth Black
grandmaster EVER.
I made my best move in a game I played
in an international master norm tournament
in Charlotte in 2016. Facing IM Roberto Mar-
tin Del Campo — the highest rated player in
our 10-player round-robin — with the white
pieces, the game began as an Alapin Sicilian.
The Alapin is one of my favorite openings,
and all my Twitch viewers and subscribers but soon, it comes around. It’s crazy how checked my lines dozens of times to make
know I call it the “c3 Sicil For The Kill.” a little check like this can disrupt Black’s sure I didn’t embarrass myself! When I was
whole army! sure, I went for it. This is MY BEST MOVE.
7. ... e6 8. d5! exd5 9. Nxd5 Nxd5 10. Bxd5 18. 0–0 Bxe2 19. Rb1 Qd2 20. Rxb8 Kg7 27. Rf6+ Kh5 28. Bf7+ Kh4 29. g3+ Kh3 30.
PHOTO: COURTESY SUBJECT
Qf6 21. Rxf8 Qxe3+ 22. Kh1 f5 23. Rg8+ Kh6 Be6+ Bg4 31. Bxg4, mate.
We’re at a bit of a crossroads. The f7–square 24. Qf8+ Kh5
is defended, so now I have to come up with Here it looked like I had two options: sacri- You can read archival copies of
something new. fice my rook for checkmate or sacrifice my “My Best Move” on uschess.org,
queen for checkmate. I knew that because click on “Chess Life Magazine,”
11. Qb5+!? we were playing on DGT boards, people and then “Archives.”
Initially the computer doesn’t like this move, around the world might see this game, so I
Strategic Concepts, Typical Plans and Tactical Start Playing an Unsidesteppable & Low Maintenance
Themes Oscar de Prado Response to 1.e4 and Simultaneously Improve Your
De Prado revisits his favourite opening. He avoids long Chess Technique Thomas Willemze
and complicated variations and explains straightforward “This is a real gem! It’s almost as if each annotation
plans, clear-cut strategies and standard manoeuvres. If specifies the key strategic elements that uphold the
you follow his lessons you are unlikely to face surprises assessments and choice of plans. A repertoire apt for
and you will learn to make the right middlegame club players, offering lessons in strategy, plus antidotes
choices. The most efficient way to acquaint yourself with to seemingly troublesome White tries.”
NEW! an opening that is easy to learn and hard to counter. GM Glenn Flear NEW!
Creating a Plan that Works... and Sticking to It! Fresh Strategies and Resources for Dynamic Chess
Davorin Kuljasevic Players Viktor Moskalenko
Stop wasting time and energy! Kuljasevic explains how Viktor Moskalenko presents countless improvements,
to optimize your learning process, how to develop good alternatives, new ideas and fresh weapons that will
study habits and get rid of useless ones, and what study delight and surprise the reader, in his beloved French.
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standard work on studying chess for years.” every main line. A typical Moskalenko book: practical,
Barry Braeken, Schaaksite accessible, original, entertaining and inspiring.
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MARSHALL In this new world of chess and chess heroes, the younger generations
often have no idea who the old greats are. We at American Chess
ISSUE
#22
TRIBUTE Magazine felt obliged to devote this issue to Frank Marshall and the
ISSUE Marshall Chess Club (and, yes, it’s back up and running!).
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