Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News 550I think it was Mikhail Botvinnik who once said that, while it was hard to learn to play chess well, it was then impossible to forget that skill. The recent return to tournament practice of Yasser Seirawan and Matthew Sadler certainly confirms this point. The latter won the first prize of 2,500 euro in a big open tournament, which finished today in Barcelona. Alexander Baburin writing in his online daily Chess Today in late August 2011. 1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News 2) San Francisco draws Dallas in US Chess League 3) Timur Gareev wins Metropolitan Chess Club GM Tournament 4) Western States Open 5) Upcoming Events 1) Mechanics' Institute Chess Club News FM Andy Lee defeated Igor Traub last Tuesday to increase his lead in the Dan Litowsky Tuesday Marathon. Standings after 6 of 9 rounds are: 1. Lee 5.5; = 2-6. NM Russell Wong, Experts Hayk Manvelyan, Todd Rumph, Demitrius Goins and Steve Gaffagan 4.5. Manvelyan, who just dipped under 2200 at the Labor Day event in San Francisco (won by IM Ricardo DeGuzman) is well-placed to regain his Master's rating while Rumph, who entered the event at 2178, can cross 2200 for the first time in his career with a strong finish. Book and equipment donations to the Mechanics' are always welcome. All donations to the Mechanics' are tax deductible due to the M.I.'s 501(c) (3) nonprofit status. If you have any chess books or equipment that have been lying around unused for some time consider donating to the Mechanics'. You will not only get a tax write off but also the satisfaction of seeing things put to good use. 2) San Francisco draws Dallas in US Chess League The San Francisco Mechanics' entry in the US Chess League drew Dallas 2-2 last night. The teams, which figure to among the contenders for the Western Division crown, were evenly matched by rating and the match was a nail biter the entire evening. San Francisco vs Dallas 1. GM Patrick Wolff (SF) vs IM Salvijus Bercys (DAL) 1/2-1/2 The star for the Mechanics' was 15-year-old IM Daniel Naroditsky who defeated FM Keaton Kiewra who has two GM norms. This puts Daniel at 2-0 in the USCL this season and among the top performers. Naroditsky,Daniel - Kiewra,Keaton 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.0-0 Nc6 8.Nb3 0-0 9.Bg5 Karpov's old favorite which he used to win several nice game back in the 1970s. It's not that popular these days. 9...Be6 The flexible 9...a6 is a popular alternative. 10.Kh1 A necessary prophylactic as the immediate 10.f4 is strongly met by 10...b5! 11.Bxb5 Nxe4. 10...a5 11.a4 Rc8 12.f4 Nb4 13.f5 A controversial move as the ensuing exchange sacrifice by Black has always been considered to give good play, but Daniel's, 17.Bh6, which appears to be a new move, suggests that matters may need to be reconsidered. Black has a good answer to 13.Bh4 in 13...Nd7 but the most popular move here has always been ; 13.Nd4 with the aim of maneuvering the knight to b5 from the vulnerable b3 square. After 13...Bc4 14.Ndb5 Black can choose between 14...Qb6, 14...Bxb5 and 14...d5. 13...Bxb3 13...Bc4 is also possible but the text is more thematic. 14.cxb3 Rxc3 15.bxc3 15.Bxf6 Rc5 Bangiev-Kupreichik, USSR 1975 or even 15...Rc2 gives Black an easy game 15...Nxe4 16.cxb4 Bxa1 17.Bh6 17.Qxa1 Nxg5 18.Bd3 e6 19.h4? (19.fxg6 hxg6 20.bxa5 Qxa5 21.Qd4 offers White some but probably not enough play for the pawn.)19...Ne4 is an old example of bad play by White. 17...Be5 Black has a tough decision to make as White's queenside pawns might be dangerous after 17...Bg7 18.Bxg7 Kxg7 19.Qd5 Nf6 20.Qxb7. 18.fxg6 hxg6 19.Bd3 This move maintains more control of the position as White takes time out to remove Black's knight from the center. 19.Bxf8 Qxf8 20.Qd5 (20.bxa5? Qh6!) 20...Nc3 21.Qf3 Nxe2 22.Qxe2 axb4 23.Qf3 e6 (23...b6 24.Qf2) 24.Qxb7 Bxh2 25.Kxh2 Qh6+ 26.Kg1 Qe3+ drawing is one example of the tricks Black has up his sleeve. 19...e6 This tricky move prepares ...Qh4 and mobilizing the center pawns with ...d5 but it also loosens Black's position. Maybe 19...Nf6 was stronger, meeting 20.Bxf8 Qxf8 21.bxa5 with 21...Qh6 22.h3 Nh5. 20.Qg4 20.Bxe4 Qh4 20...Nf6 21.Qh3 Qb6 21...Re8 22.Bg5 is a most uncomfortable pin. 22.Bxf8 Kxf8 23.bxa5 Daniel decides to head to a complicated but advantageous endgame but 23.Qh8+ Ke7 (23...Ng8 24.Bxg6!) 24.Qg7 also looks promising. 23...Qxb3 24.Bb5 Qxh3 25.gxh3 Daniel's pawns won't win any beauty prizes but they will eventually produce some dangerous passers. 25...Ke7 26.Rb1 Kd8 Transferring the king to the queenside to deal with the passed a-pawns seems logical but 26...Ne4, preparing to bring the knight to c5 to keep White's rook off the 7th rank, might well be better. The opposite colored-bishop ending reached after 27.Be2 Nc5 28.Rxb7+ Nxb7 29.a6 Bd4 30.axb7 Ba7 is drawn. It's difficult to suggest improvements for Keaton after 26...Kd8 as Daniel plays very convincingly keeping Black's d-pawn under close observation while using his a-pawn as a diversion to set up the winning coronation of the h-pawn. 27.Be2 Kc7 28.a6 bxa6 28...b6?? 29.a5 29.Bxa6 d5 30.Rb7+ Kc6 31.Rxf7 d4 32.a5 Ne8 33.Bb7+ Kc5 34.a6 Kb6 35.Be4 Kxa6 36.Bxg6 Kb5 37.Rf3 Nc7 38.h4 Kc4 39.h5 Nd5 40.Bd3+ Kc5 41.h6 Nb4 42.Be4 Kc4 43.h7 d3 44.Rf8 Kd4 45.Bf3 Ke3 46.Kg2 d2 47.h8Q Bxh8 48.Rxh8 Nd3 49.Bd1 Nf2 50.Bc2 d1Q 51.Bxd1 Nxd1 52.Re8 Kf4 53.Rxe6 Ne3+ 54.Rxe3 Kxe3 55.Kg3 1-0
IM David Pruess wrote extensively about his first round win the USCL . The article can be found at: http://blog.chess.com/dpruess/first-time-openings3) Timur Gareev wins Metropolitan Chess Club GM Tournament Metroplitain Chess President Ankit Gupta writes: Metropolitan Chess, Inc. hosted an International Grand Master norm round robin tournament on August 23 to 27 of 2011. The tournament was sponsored by California Market Center, Fashion Business, Inc, Chess.com, MonRoi, LawyerFy, and Betty Bottom Showroom.
Final Standings:
Keep updated with events by Metropolitan Chess, Inc, by visiting www.metrochessla.com and by visiting the standings page http://metrochessla.com/schedule.php6.5 out of 9.0 was necessary for the GM norm. Going into the last round, IM Zhanibek Amanov needed a win to achieve a norm, however he was unable to beat the venerable IM Mark Ginsburg. The 1st Metropolitan International was held from August 17th to August 21, 2011 in Los Angeles, California, USA. 86 players competed in the 9-round Swiss open which is valid for FIDE title norms. Top seeded were reigning British champion GM Michael Adams (ENG), GM Loek van Wely of Netherlands and winner of the Chicago Open GM Timur Gareev. A prize fund of 14,100 USD with additional best game prizes in the single section swiss tournament was announced. Michael Adams won the 1st Metropolitan International chess tournament on Sunday, finishing clear first with 7.5 points and a full point ahead of the rest of the field. Adams claims 5000 USD prize and Swarovski trophy. You can find four videos on the event at the Metropolitain Chess Club homepage at: http://metrochessla.com/GM Loek Van Wely (NED 2683), GM Timur Gareev (UZB 2613), GM Robert Ruck (HUN 2569), GM Dejan Bojkov (BUL 2544), GM Mesgen Amanov (TKM 2544) and IM Conrad Holt (USA 2438) share the second place with 6.5 points each. The tournament was organized by NM Ankit Gupta for Metropolitan Chess. 86 players competed. 4) Western States Open Oct. 21-23, 2011 GPP: 200 (Enhanced) NEVADA [American Classic & Heritage Event!!] 29th Annual SANDS REGENCY RENO-WESTERN STATES OPEN.6SS.40/2,20/1,G �. Sands Regency Hotel/Casino, 345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno, NV 89501. 1-800-648-3553 or (775) 348-2200. $$33,200 b/350, Gtd. $$21,750-$3000-2000-1500-1000-800-600-500-400-300-200 in Open Section plus � of all other prizes. 6 Sections: OPEN: EF:GMs & IMs free (enter by 10/1 or pay late fee), Masters $147, (2199/below)-$175. $$ Prizes 1-10 listed above, (2399-below) $1000, (2299-below) $1000. If a tie for 1st overall then 2 (G/10) playoff for $100 from prize fund. (Note: GM/IM w/free entry not eligible for class prizes 2399 and below; may elect to pay entry fee and become eligible). EXPERT: (2000-2199) EF: $146. $$2000-1000-500-400-300."A" Sec.(1800-1999) EF: $145, $$2000-1000-500-400-300."B" Sec.(1600-1799) EF: $144, $$1,800-900-500-400-300. "C" Sec.(1400-1599) EF: $143, $$1,600-800-500-400-300."D"/under Sec. (1399/below) EF:$142, $$1,400-700-400-300-200, (under 1200) - $600. (Unrated Players) EF: Free + must join USCF or increase membership for 1 additional year thru this tournament ($49 adults,$25 juniors) Prizes: Top unrated wins 1 yr. USCF membership plus trophy. Note: Unrated will be put in "D" Sect. unless requests to play up. Seniors (65+) additional prizes $$200; (Seniors not eligible: provisionally rated, unrated, masters); Club Championship $$800-400 decided by total score of 10 (and only 10) players from one club or area (not eligible - GMs, IMs, or unrated). Trophies to Top 3 (A-D Sections). ALL:EF $11 more if postmarked after 10/1 and $22 more if postmarked after 10/14 or at site. Do not mail after 10/14 or phone or email after 10/18. $20 off EF to Srs (65+). Players may play up. Unrated players not eligible for cash prizes except Open 1-10. Provisionally rated players may win up to 50% of 1st place money except open Section 1-10. CCA ratings may be used. Note pairings not changed for color alternation unless 3 in a row or a plus 3 and if the unlikely situation occurs 3 colors in a row may be assigned. Reg: (10/20) 5-8 pm, (10/21) 9:00-10 am. Rds 12-7, 10-6, 9:30-4:30. Byes available any round, if requested before 1st round (Open Section - 2 byes max.). SIDE EVENTS: Wed.(10/19) 7pm Clock Simul [40/2, G/1] (Including an analysis of YOUR game.GM Sergey Kudrin $30 (A great value!). Thurs (10/20) 5-7:30 pm "A Celebration of Life, GM Larry Evans" and lecture by IM John Donaldson -Free, 7:30 Simul GM Lubosh Kavalek (only $15!), 7:30 Blitz (5 min)Tourney ($20-80% to prize fund). Sat 10/22 (3-4:30pm)IM John Donaldson Clinic(Game/Position Analysis) - Free. Sun. (10/23) Quick Tourney (G/25) 5 Rd. Swiss ($20) [12 (Noon)-5pm] 80% to prize fund. ENT: Make checks payable and send to: SANDS REGENCY (address above) HR: $29! (Sun-Thurs) & $59! (Fri-Sat) + 13.5% tax. (mention CHESSOCT & reserve by 10/5/10 to guarantee room rates.) INFO: Jerry Weikel wackyykl@aol.com , (775) 747 1405, or website: www.renochess.org/wso (also go here to verify entry). FIDE .W.5) Upcoming Events
September 3-5 2011 Labor Day Chess Festival 6-SS, 30/90, SD/1 (2-day option rds 1-3 G/60). Golden Geteway Holiday Inn. Van Ness at October 1st - 2011 U.S. Game/60 Championship - Santa Clara 4SS, G/60 - $4,000 b/117 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $500-201-105, u2300 $200-110, u2100 $150, u2000 $130, u1900 $100. 1400-1799 Section: $500-201-100, u1700 $200, u1600 $150, u1500 $100. Under 1400 Section: $500-201-100, u1300 $200, u1200 $150, u1100 $100. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee: Mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each event if also registering for G/30 on Oct 2. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel under chess rate. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 4SSxG/60 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Prizes: Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose 95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com, Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W. October 2nd - 2011 U.S. Game/30 Championship - Santa Clara 4SS, G/30 - $3,006 b/88 fully paid entries - 75% guaranteed. Hotel rate $99 by 9/16: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Free Parking. In 3 sections, Open Section: $400-200-102, u2300 $101, u2100 $101, u2000 $100, u1900 $99. 1400-1799 Section: $400-200-102, u1700 $101, u1600 $100, u1500 $99. Under 1400 Section: $400-200-102, u1300 $101, u1200 $100, u1100 $99. Unrated may play in any section but maximum prize is $100 except no limit in the Open Section. Trophies for top 3 places in each section. Entry Fee mailed by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $60. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $75. Add $20 to play-up in a higher section. DISCOUNTS: $10 off each if also registering for G/60 on Oct 1. $10 cash rebate onsite if staying at the hotel. Byes: One 1/2 pt bye allowed must commit by start of Rd 2. Reenter with 1/2pt bye in Rd 1 for $39. September 2011 Supp, CCA min, TD discretion used to place players accurately. SIDE KIDS EVENT for K-12 students rated under 1000: 5SSxG/30 in 2 sections, 600-999 and under 600. Trophies to Top 10 players and Top 5 teams in each section. Best 4 players count for team score. Also trophies to top u800, top u700 in 600-999 section and top u400, top u300, and top u200 in u600 section. EF by Mon 9/26 or online by Tue 9/27: $39. Online 9/28-29 or onsite: $54. Add $10 to play-up in a higher section. Schedule: Onsite Registration 8:30-9:30am; Round Times: 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30pm. Mail payments to: Bay Area Chess, 1590 Oakland Rd., Suite B213, San Jose 95131. $20 for refunds. T: 408-786-5515. E: ask@BayAreaChess.com, Info/Form/Entries: BayAreaChess.com/usg60g30. NS, NC, W. 2012 Northern California International Presented by NorCal House of Chess Dates: January 2nd - January 8th http://dotq.org/chess/ |